A multimodal cancer rehabilitation programme promoting sense of coherence for women treated for female reproductive cancers: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a theory-driven multimodal cancer rehabilitation intervention (MCRI) programme among Hong Kong Chinese women treated for female reproductive cancers (FRC). METHODS: A single-blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted in two regional hospitals in Hong Kong involving 35 women treated for FRC. The intervention group (n = 18) received a 12-week MCRI which included 30 modules of app-based health education and three nurse-led individual counselling sessions. The control group (n = 17) received attention from the research nurse through telephone calls. Sense of coherence, health-related quality of life, and cancer-specific distress were measured at baseline (T0), immediately after completion of the intervention (T1) and 12 weeks post-intervention (T2). Twelve intervention completers were interviewed to explore the acceptability of the programme. RESULTS: Recruitment, consent, and retention rates, counselling session attendance rate, and app usage were satisfactory. The intervention participants reported to have significant improvement in physical well-being at T1 (Cohen's d effect size (d) = 1.04, 95% CI 0.24, 1.83), sense of coherence (d = 0.76, 95% CI - 0.03, 1.54), and cancer-specific distress (d = 1.03, 95% CI - 1.83, - 0.21) at T2. Interviewed participants acknowledged the benefits of the programme and provided comments for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The MCRI is found to be feasible and acceptable and may improve their sense of coherence, distress, and physical health. A full-scale trial using a larger and more representative sample is warranted to confirm the effects of the programme. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Women treated for FRC may be benefited from the MCRI in improving sense of coherence, physical well-being, and distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on ISRCTN registry with ID ISRCTN73177277.

Mycoplasma genitalium infections among participants in a HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program in Hanoi, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium causes a sexually transmitted infection and is also emerging as an important antimicrobial resistant pathogen. Data on M. genitalium infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in low-resource settings are sparse. METHODS: From January to December 2022, participants in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program in Hanoi, Vietnam were enrolled into the study. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics were collected. Self-collected urine, rectal, and pharyngeal specimens were tested for M. genitalium using the Alinity m STI Assay (Abbott Molecular, USA). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess for factors associated with infections. RESULTS: Among 477 participants, the median age was 25.3 years (21.7-29.6) and 92.2% (n = 440) identified as MSM; 48.6% had ≥2 sex partners and 38.1% reported condomless anal sex in the prior month. The overall prevalence of M. genitalium infection was 10.9% (52/477); 7.3% (34/464) rectal, 3.2% (15/476) urethral, and 1.9% (9/476) pharyngeal. Infections were asymptomatic in 71.2% (37/52). Among those with M. genitalium, 30.7% (16/52) were co-infected with either N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis. Among those reporting rectal (n = 51) or urethral (n = 35) symptoms, but without C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae co-infections, five (9.8%) had rectal infections and one (2.9%) had urethral infection. Participants with M. genitalium were more likely to be asymptomatic than participants without M. genitalium (aOR 1.93; 95% CI 1.01-3.71). CONCLUSIONS: M. genitalium infections were common among primarily MSM engaged in an HIV PrEP program in Vietnam. The prevalence was highest in rectal specimens and nearly three quarters of M. genitalium infections were asymptomatic. Testing for M. genitalium infections among those with symptoms is important to enable pathogen-directed therapy. Additional research on antimicrobial resistance and treatment strategies for M. genitalium in low-resource settings is needed.

Antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory potential in flowers and seeds of Ochna integerrima (Lour.) Merr.

This study explored, for the first time, the antioxidant (total antioxidant content, reducing power, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating assays), anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammatory properties, and hepatoprotective effect in HepG2 cell lines of Ochna integerrima (Loureiro) Merrill flowers and seeds. All extracts except n-hexane exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with high levels of tannin and proanthocyanidins. Luteolin (1), 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylkaempferol7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (2), 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylquercetin7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (3), and 6-γ,γ-dimethylallyldihydrokaempferol 7-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated using semi-preparative HPLC. Compounds 1-3 demonstrated good anti-tyrosinase activity. The most active hepatoprotective extracts were found to be aqueous extracts. The flower extracts exhibited greater anti-inflammatory properties by the decrease of NO in RAW 264.7 cells and bovine serum albumin protein. Among them, the n-hexane and EtOAc extracts from flowers displayed promising anti-inflammatory activity. This was predicted by in silico analysis of 1-4. In summary, O. integerrima appears to be a promising natural source for antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory applications.

Patient Satisfaction with Nonopioid Postoperative Analgesia in Head and Neck Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients' satisfaction with opioid versus opioid-sparing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 analgesic regimens. First- and second-line medications were the following by group (1) Hydrocodone-acetaminophen with ibuprofen, (2) ibuprofen with hydrocodone-acetaminophen, and (3) ibuprofen with acetaminophen. Preoperative counseling was provided to patients regarding expected pain and proper medication use. Postoperative questionnaires were administered to assess satisfaction. RESULTS: One hundred three patients were enrolled in the study (mean age, 56.5 years; women, 75 [73%]). The mean satisfaction score with the pain regimen assigned was similar between the 3 groups (scale 0-10, [7.7, 8.3, 8.5, P = .46]). A similar percentage of patients in each group reported that surgery was more painful than anticipated (25%, 32%, 26%, P = .978), and a similar percentage of patients reported willingness to utilize the same analgesic regimen following future surgeries (75%, 83%, 76%, P = .682). Additional questions evaluating the side effect profile, maximum and minimum pain scores, and difficulty of recovery were not statistically different between the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: In the postoperative population for outpatient head and neck surgeries, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction and pain control between the opioid and nonopioid arms. Providers should discuss opioid-sparing regimens preoperatively with patients and describe them as effective in providing adequate pain control without a significant impact on patient's perception of care.

Artificial intelligence-based epigenomic, transcriptomic and histologic signatures of tobacco use in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) biomarker studies rarely employ multi-omic biomarker strategies and pertinent clinicopathologic characteristics to predict mortality. In this study we determine for the first time a combined epigenetic, gene expression, and histology signature that differentiates between patients with different tobacco use history (heavy tobacco use with ≥10 pack years vs. no tobacco use). Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 257) and an internal cohort (n = 40), we identify 3 epigenetic markers (GPR15, GNG12, GDNF) and 13 expression markers (IGHA2, SCG5, RPL3L, NTRK1, CD96, BMP6, TFPI2, EFEMP2, RYR3, DMTN, GPD2, BAALC, and FMO3), which are dysregulated in OSCC patients who were never smokers vs. those who have a ≥ 10 pack year history. While mortality risk prediction based on smoking status and clinicopathologic covariates alone is inaccurate (c-statistic = 0.57), the combined epigenetic/expression and histologic signature has a c-statistic = 0.9409 in predicting 5-year mortality in OSCC patients.

Management of a severe skeletal open bite case using temporary anchorage devices and multiloop edgewise arch wire technique.

The primary cause of complex AOB malocclusion is typically a combination of dental, skeletal, functional, and habitual factors. Open bite correction is a challenging treatment due to its complexity and the requirement for long-term stability, therefore, multidisciplinary treatment is often the best option for achieving stable esthetic outcomes.

Atlantoaxial dislocation due to Os odontoideum in down syndrome: Literature review and case reports.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Os odontoideum is a rare condition commonly associated with atlantoaxial instability (AAI) and leading to atlantoaxial dislocation. The incidence of Os odontoideum is higher in patients with Down syndrome. Similar to odontoid fractures, atlantoaxial dislocation in patients with Os odontoideum can result in neurological deficits, disability, and even mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of Os odontoideum accompanied by Down syndrome. Both patients were hospitalized due to progressive tetraparesis after falls several months prior. Upon examination, the patients exhibited myelopathy and were unable to walk or stand. MRI revealed spinal stenosis at the C1-C2 level due to atlantoaxial dislocation. C1-C2 fixation using Harms' technique was performed in both cases. One case experienced a complication involving instrument failure, necessitating revision surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Due to the characteristics of transverse ligament laxity, low muscle tone, excessive joint flexibility, and cognitive impairment, children with both Down syndrome and Os odontoideum are at a high risk of disability and even mortality from spinal cord injury. Most authors recommend surgical management when patients exhibit atlantoaxial instability. Additional factors such as low bone density, cognitive impairment, and a high head-to-body ratio may increase the risk of surgical instrument failure and nonunion postoperatively in patients with Down syndrome. CONCLUSION: Os odontoideum is a cause of AAI in patients with DS. Indication of surgery in the presence of AAI helps to resolve neurological injury and prevent further deterioration. The use of a cervical collar is considered to prevent instrument failure postoperatively.

Potential applications of antofine and its synthetic derivatives in cancer therapy: structural and molecular insights.

Cancer is a major global health challenge, being the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiovascular disease. The growing economic burden and profound psychosocial impact on patients and their families make it urgent to find innovative and effective anticancer solutions. For this reason, interest in using natural compounds to develop new cancer treatments has grown. In this respect, antofine, an alkaloid class found in Apocynaceae, Lauraceae, and Moraceae family plants, exhibits promising biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Several molecular mechanisms have been identified underlying antofine anti-cancerous effects, including the inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, epigenetic inhibition of protein synthesis, ribosomal targeting, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of DNA synthesis, and cell cycle arrest. This study discusses the molecular structure, sources, photochemistry, and anticancer properties of antofine in relation to its structure-activity relationship and molecular targets. Then, examine in vitro and in vivo studies and analyze the mechanisms of action underpinning antofine efficacy against cancer cells. This review also discusses multidrug resistance in human cancer and the potential of antofine in this context. Safety and toxicity concerns are also addressed as well as current challenges in antofine research, including the need for clinical trials and bioavailability optimization. This review aims to provide comprehensive information for more effective natural compound-based cancer treatments.

Fear in general populations: A cross-sectional study on perceived fear of common diseases, COVID-19, life events, and environmental threats in 30 countries.

Background: In this study, we assessed the general population's fears towards various diseases and events, aiming to inform public health strategies that balance health-seeking behaviours. Methods: We surveyed adults from 30 countries across all World Health Organization (WHO) regions between July 2020 and August 2021. Participants rated their fear of 11 factors on an 11-point Likert scale. We stratified the data by age and gender and examined variations across countries and regions through multidimensional preference analysis. Results: Of the 16 512 adult participants, 62.7% (n = 10 351) were women. The most feared factor was the loss of family members, reported by 4232 participants (25.9%), followed by cancer (n = 2248, 13.7%) and stroke (n = 1416, 8.7%). The highest weighted fear scores were for loss of family members (mean (x̄) = 7.46, standard deviation (SD) = 3.04), cancer (x̄ = 7.00, SD = 3.09), and stroke (x̄ = 6.61, SD = 3.24). The least feared factors included animals/insects (x̄ = 3.72, SD = 2.96), loss of a mobile phone (x̄ = 4.27, SD = 2.98), and social isolation (x̄ = 4.83, SD = 3.13). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was the sixth most feared factor (x̄ = 6.23, SD = 2.92). Multidimensional preference analyses showed distinct fears of COVID-19 and job loss in Australia and Burundi. The other countries primarily feared loss of family members, cancer, stroke, and heart attacks; this ranking was consistent across WHO regions, economic levels, and COVID-19 severity levels. Conclusions: Fear of family loss can improve public health messaging, highlighting the need for bereavement support and the prevention of early death-causing diseases. Addressing cancer fears is crucial to encouraging the use of preventive services. Fear of non-communicable diseases remains high during health emergencies. Top fears require more resources and countries with similar concerns should collaborate internationally for effective fear management.

Neuronal activity-driven O-GlcNAcylation promotes mitochondrial plasticity.

Neuronal activity is an energy-intensive process that is largely sustained by instantaneous fuel utilization and ATP synthesis. However, how neurons couple ATP synthesis rate to fuel availability is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the metabolic sensor enzyme O-linked N-acetyl glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase regulates neuronal activity-driven mitochondrial bioenergetics in hippocampal and cortical neurons. We show that neuronal activity upregulates O-GlcNAcylation in mitochondria. Mitochondrial O-GlcNAcylation is promoted by activity-driven glucose consumption, which allows neurons to compensate for high energy expenditure based on fuel availability. To determine the proteins that are responsible for these adjustments, we mapped the mitochondrial O-GlcNAcome of neurons. Finally, we determine that neurons fail to meet activity-driven metabolic demand when O-GlcNAcylation dynamics are prevented. Our findings suggest that O-GlcNAcylation provides a fuel-dependent feedforward control mechanism in neurons to optimize mitochondrial performance based on neuronal activity. This mechanism thereby couples neuronal metabolism to mitochondrial bioenergetics and plays a key role in sustaining energy homeostasis.

Preservation of Topological Surface States in Millimeter-Scale Transferred Membranes.

Ultrathin topological insulator membranes are building blocks of exotic quantum matter. However, traditional epitaxy of these materials does not facilitate stacking in arbitrary orders, while mechanical exfoliation from bulk crystals is also challenging due to the non-negligible interlayer coupling therein. Here we liberate millimeter-scale films of the topological insulator Bi2Se3, grown by molecular beam epitaxy, down to 3 quintuple layers. We characterize the preservation of the topological surface states and quantum well states in transferred Bi2Se3 films using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Leveraging the photon-energy-dependent surface sensitivity, the photoemission spectra taken with 6 and 21.2 eV photons reveal a transfer-induced migration of the topological surface states from the top to the inner layers. By establishing clear electronic structures of the transferred films and unveiling the wave function relocation of the topological surface states, our work lays the physics foundation crucial for the future fabrication of artificially stacked topological materials with single-layer precision.

Identification and quantification of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) migrating from food contact materials (FCM).

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) can be added to food contact materials (FCM) to increase their water and/or grease repellent properties. Some well-known PFAS are perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA), perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSA), and polyfluorinated telomer alcohols (FTOH). Due to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, PFAS are chemically very stable and highly resistant to biological degradation, posing a risk to human health and the environment. To examine the presence of PFAS in paper-based FCM, various samples were collected, including popcorn bags, muffin cups, and pizza boxes with high total organic fluorine (TOF) content from the Danish and Spanish markets. The FCM composition was characterised by FTIR. Quantification of some well-known PFAS such as PFCA, PFSA, and FTOH was performed in food simulants using LC-MS/MS, and in addition a non-targeted screening approach was performed by LC-Orbitrap-HRMS. Among analysed samples, the highest concentrations of PFAS were found in a muffin cup made of cellulose (PFCA âˆ¼ 1.41 µg kg-1 food, FTOH âˆ¼ 11.5 µg kg-1 food), and the results were used to estimate dietary exposures to PFAS migrated from this FCM. Compared to measured TOF value in this sample, the fluorine from all quantified PFAS accounted for only 0.6%. Thus, a more powerful analytical approach was used to further investigate PFAS occurrence in this sample. Using non-targeted screening, an additional twenty compounds were identified, among them five with confidence level 1 and ten with confidence level 2. Many of them were either fluorotelomer carboxylic acids or sulfonic acids or ether-containing compounds.

Euonymus hamiltonianus Extract Improves Amnesia in APPswe/Tau Transgenic and Scopolamine-Induced Dementia Models.

Dementia is a syndrome exhibiting progressive impairments on cognition and behavior beyond the normal course of aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases known to cause dementia. We investigated the effect of KGC07EH, the 30% ethanol extract of Euonymus hamiltonianus, against amyloid-ß (Aß) production and cognitive dysfunction in dementia models. KGC07EH was treated on Hela cells expressing the Swedish mutant form of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and the AD triple transgenic (3× TG) mice were given KGC07EH orally during 11-14 months of age (100 and 300 mg/kg/day). SH-SY5Y cell line was used to test KGC07EH on scopolamine-induced elevation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected with scopolamine, and KGC07EH was administered orally (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. KGC07EH treatment decreased Aß, sAPPß-sw, and sAPPß-wt levels and APP protein expressions while sAPPα was increased in Swedish mutant-transfected HeLa cells. KGC07EH treatment also significantly reduced the accumulation of Aß plaques and tau tangles in the brain of 3× TG mice as well as improving the cognitive function. In SH-SY5Y cells cultured with scopolamine, KGC07EH dose-dependently attenuated the increase of AChE activity. KGC07EH also improved scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in scopolamine-injected mice, and in their cerebral cortex and hippocampus, the expression levels of p-ERK, p-CREB, p-Akt, and BDNF were attenuated. KGC07EH inhibits APP processing and Aß production both in vitro and in vivo, while enhancing acetylcholine signaling and cognitive dysfunction which are the major symptoms of dementia.

The influence of attributes on community preferences regarding antibiotic treatment: evidence from a discrete choice model.

Antibiotic resistance (AR) rates in Vietnam are among the highest in Asia, and recent infections due to multi-drug resistance in the country have caused thousands of deaths each year. This study investigated a Vietnamese community's preferences for antibiotic treatment and its knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotics. A discrete choice experiment-based survey was developed and administered to the population of interest. The respondents were given sociodemographic-, knowledge- and attitude-related items and 17 pairs of choice tasks. Two hypothetical options were included in each choice task. Latent class analysis was conducted to determine the differences among the respondents' preferences. Among 1,014 respondents, 805 (79.4%) gave valid questionnaires. A three-latent-class model with four covariates (age, healthcare-related education or career, occupation, and attitude classifications) was used in the analysis. All five attributes significantly influenced the respondents' decisions. The majority, including young employed respondents with non-healthcare-related work or education, found treatment failure more important. Older respondents who had healthcare-related education/careers and/or appropriate antibiotic use- and antibiotics resistance-related attitudes, regarded contribution to antibiotic resistance as an important attribute in selecting antibiotic treatments. Unemployed individuals with correct knowledge identified the cost of antibiotic treatment as the most essential decision-making factor. Findings suggest minimal antibiotic impact on resistance; only 7.83% view it as amajor concern. The respondents exhibited substantial preference heterogeneity, and the general Vietnamese public had poor knowledge of and attitudes toward antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. This study emphasizes the need for individual responsibility for antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use.

Technique for Harvest of Superficial Quadriceps Tendon Autograft.

The idea of using quadriceps tendon autograft (QT) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction first came into being in the 1990s; it was, however, not widely recognized and has resurfaced only in recent times. Because sufficient technological supports have not been developed to enable an optimal artificial graft, autologous grafts are still the most dependable option. The major reason for choosing QT instead of hamstring or patellar tendon to get autologous grafts is that it seems to cause the fewest donor site problems. Two commonly applied ways of using the quadriceps are partial and full thickness; another option is superficial. Our technique for harvesting the superficial part of the QT, which starts proximal to the fused point of the 3 layers, is aimed at circumventing premature cutting of the graft.

Real-world insights on nutritional awareness and behaviors among preconception and pregnant women in three Asia Pacific countries.

Introduction: In many parts of Asia Pacific (APAC), insufficient intake of micronutrients that are important for conception and pregnancy remains a prevalent issue among women of reproductive age. It is crucial to gain insights into women's nutritional awareness and nutrition-related behaviors, as well as how these relate to their health literacy (HL). This understanding can help identify gaps and guide the development of appropriate intervention strategies. However, there appears to be limited relevant data available for the APAC region. We therefore examined nutritional awareness and behaviors among preconception and pregnant women in three APAC countries, and explored how these were related to women's HL. Methods: Cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among preconception (i.e., planning to conceive within the next 12 months or currently trying to conceive) and pregnant women in Australia (N = 624), China (N = 600), and Vietnam (N = 300). The survey questionnaire included a validated tool for HL (Newest Vital Sign) and questions to examine awareness and behaviors relating to healthy eating and prenatal supplementation during preconception and pregnancy. Results: Despite recommendations for a quality diet complemented by appropriate supplementation during preconception and pregnancy, many respondents in each country were not aware of the specific impact of adequate nutrition during these stages. While many respondents reported changes in their diet to eat more healthily during preconception and pregnancy, a substantial proportion were not taking prenatal supplements. Higher HL was related to greater nutritional awareness and higher use of prenatal supplements. Discussion: Our findings suggest that there are gaps in nutritional awareness and practices of many preconception or pregnant women in the three countries. Interventions to improve HL would be valuable to complement conventional knowledge-centric nutrition education, and enhance understanding and empower women to adopt appropriate nutritional practices throughout their preconception/pregnancy journey.

Key lifestyles and health outcomes across 16 prevalent chronic diseases: A network analysis of an international observational study.

Background: Central and bridge nodes can drive significant overall improvements within their respective networks. We aimed to identify them in 16 prevalent chronic diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to guide effective intervention strategies and appropriate resource allocation for most significant holistic lifestyle and health improvements. Methods: We surveyed 16 512 adults from July 2020 to August 2021 in 30 territories. Participants self-reported their medical histories and the perceived impact of COVID-19 on 18 lifestyle factors and 13 health outcomes. For each disease subgroup, we generated lifestyle, health outcome, and bridge networks. Variables with the highest centrality indices in each were identified central or bridge. We validated these networks using nonparametric and case-dropping subset bootstrapping and confirmed central and bridge variables' significantly higher indices through a centrality difference test. Findings: Among the 48 networks, 44 were validated (all correlation-stability coefficients >0.25). Six central lifestyle factors were identified: less consumption of snacks (for the chronic disease: anxiety), less sugary drinks (cancer, gastric ulcer, hypertension, insomnia, and pre-diabetes), less smoking tobacco (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), frequency of exercise (depression and fatty liver disease), duration of exercise (irritable bowel syndrome), and overall amount of exercise (autoimmune disease, diabetes, eczema, heart attack, and high cholesterol). Two central health outcomes emerged: less emotional distress (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eczema, fatty liver disease, gastric ulcer, heart attack, high cholesterol, hypertension, insomnia, and pre-diabetes) and quality of life (anxiety, autoimmune disease, cancer, depression, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome). Four bridge lifestyles were identified: consumption of fruits and vegetables (diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and insomnia), less duration of sitting (eczema, fatty liver disease, and heart attack), frequency of exercise (autoimmune disease, depression, and heart attack), and overall amount of exercise (anxiety, gastric ulcer, and insomnia). The centrality difference test showed the central and bridge variables had significantly higher centrality indices than others in their networks (P < 0.05). Conclusion: To effectively manage chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhanced interventions and optimised resource allocation toward central lifestyle factors, health outcomes, and bridge lifestyles are paramount. The key variables shared across chronic diseases emphasise the importance of coordinated intervention strategies.

Neuroprotective Effects of Chemical Constituents of Leaves of Euonymus hamiltonianus Wall.

Euonymus hamiltonianus Wall. is considered a medicinal plant and is used to treat pain, cough, dysuria, and cancer, but a clear phytochemical investigation of its biological activities has yet to be performed. Investigation of chemical constituents of the leaves of Euonymus hamiltonianus Wall. led to the isolation of three new compounds by chromatography techniques, euonymusins A-C (1, 10, and 11), and the acquisition of new spectroscopic data for euonymusin D (2), along with the identification of ten known compounds. The chemical structures of the compounds were established using extensive spectroscopic techniques, including NMR, MS, and hydrolysis, and compared with the published data. These compounds were tested in vitro for their inhibitory effects on beta amyloid production (Aß42). Compounds 13 and 14 displayed weak inhibition, with IC50 values ranging from 53.15 to 65.43 µM. Moreover, these compounds were also assessed for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production. Of these compounds, 3, 4, and 14 displayed inhibitory effects on NO production, with IC50 values ranging from 14.38 to 17.44 µM. Compounds 3, 4, and 14 also suppressed LPS-induced expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein.

Dynamic beam steering for wireless optical power transfer in IoT applications.

The alignment of a receiver with a pencil beam in a wireless optical power transfer (WOPT) system employing a resonance beam charging (RBC) technology limits the establishment of a resonance cavity. Accurate tracking necessitates precise and dependable monitoring, which requires the exact placement of transmitting and receiving devices. Herein, we present a concept of a two-dimensional (2D) beam steering mechanism for RBC-based WOPT systems utilizing dispersed laser beams. The proposed approach allows a significant improvement, including reduction of scanning times and minimization of errors, in relation to conventional pencil-beam-based systems. Experimental results reveal 14% faster acquisition time efficiency, an 18% improvement in pointing accuracy, and a 24% enhancement in tracking accuracy. These results establish the prerequisites for the implementation of dispersed beam steering in the RBC-based WOPT system. This capability empowers the system to charge movable devices and Internet of Things devices consistently in smart factories.