Novel acyl hydrazide derivatives of polyhydroquinoline as potent anti-diabetic and anti-glycating agents: Synthesis, in vitro α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibition and anti-glycating activity with molecular docking insights.

In this study, eleven novel acyl hydrazides derivative of polyhydroquinoline were synthesized, characterized and screened for their in vitro anti-diabetic and anti-glycating activities. Seven compounds 2a, 2d, 2i, 2 h, 2j, 2f, and 2 g exhibited notable α-amylase inhibitory activity having IC50 values from 3.51 ± 2.13 to 11.92 ± 2.30 µM. Similarly, six compounds 2d, 2f, 2 h, 2i, 2j, and 2 g displayed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to the standard acarbose. Moreover, eight derivatives 2d, 2 g, 2f, 2j, 2a, 2i, 2 g, and 2e showed excellent anti-glycating activity with IC50 values from 6.91 ± 2.66 to 15.80 ± 1.87 µM when compared them with the standard rutin (IC50 = 22.5 ± 0.90 µM). Molecular docking was carried out to predict the binding modes of all the compounds with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The docking analysis revealed that most of the compounds established strong interactions with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. All compounds fitted well into the binding pockets of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among all compounds 2a and 2f were most potent based on docking score -8.2515 and -7.3949 against α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. These results hold promise for the development of novel candidates targeted at controlling postprandial glucose levels in individuals with diabetes.

Coping strategies of internally displaced persons and the host community in a region of armed conflict: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Conflict leads to the displacement of people, making it more difficult for them to cope with increasing stress. In war-affected regions, people use different strategies to cope with their stress. This study examines the coping strategies of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those in host communities in war zones. METHODS: People living in the IDP camp and host communities in Maiduguri, Nigeria were recruited using a convenient sampling strategy. A 28-item Hausa version of the Brief COPE Scale wasused for data collection. Data were analyzed using linear regression and presented as unstandardized beta (B) and standard error (SE). RESULTS: A total of 562 participants were recruited (IDPs, n = 281; and the host communities, n = 281). Problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies were identified as the most common approaches used in host communities; however, dysfunctional strategies were morecommon among the IDPs. Age (younger or older adulthood) was identified as a predictor forthe use of emotion-, problem-, and dysfunctional-focused coping strategies. CONCLUSION: Host communities were more likely to use a problem-and emotion-focused approach to coping, while IDPs were more likely to use dysfunctional strategies. Location and demographic factors (being single, aged 18-29years, >50 years and older) also influenced coping.

Therapeutic Potential of Combined Herbal Medicine and Electroacupuncture in Mild Cognitive Impairment Through Cytokine Modulation: An Observational Study.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a combined herbal formula and electroacupuncture (EA) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia, and its underlying mechanisms of action. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective open-label observational pilot study at Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University in South Korea from March 2022 to March 2023. We included six Korean patients (50% male) aged ≥ 45 years and < 85 years with MCI, a clinical dementia rating score of 0.5, and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korea (MoCA-K) score ≤ 22. The exclusion criterion was impaired cognitive function. Patients received combined therapy, including a herbal formula and EA, for 12-24 weeks. We prescribed the herbal formulas Gamiguibi-tang, Yukmijihwang-tang, and Banhasasim-tang to the patients for at least 70% of the treatment period, in combination with EA. Moreover, we investigated changes in cognitive and cognition-related symptoms and cytokine expression in the blood following combined traditional medicine therapy. At baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks, we administered the MoCA-K and cognitive-related questionnaires. We analyzed network pharmacology to reflect the herbal formula intervention mechanism comprehensively. Results: The median score [interquartile range] of MoCA-K at baseline was 19.5 [16.0, 22.0], which improved significantly (24.5 [24.0, 26.0], p < 0.01) over 24 weeks following combined therapy. We obtained no significant conclusion regarding cytokine changes due to the small sample size. In network pharmacology, we analyzed the brain, head, heart, peripheral nerves, peripheral nervous system, and pancreas as the enriched organs from the common targets of the three herbal formulas. Conclusion: Combined herbal medicine and EA improved cognitive function in patients with MCI. We assume the underlying mechanism of herbal formulas to be antioxidative and anti-inflammatory changes in cytokine expression. Combined traditional medicine has potential therapeutic application in preventing MCI progression to dementia.

This was a single-centered study focusing on the therapeutic effect of combined herbal medicine and electroacupuncture in patients with mild cognitive impairment, including a small number of participants, a relatively long treatment intervention of 12 weeks, and a follow-up assessment of 24 weeks. The intervention was a combination of a herbal formula and electroacupuncture treatment customized for each participant. The blood cytokine analyses of the participants were compared with the network analysis of the predicted target organs and pathways for the herbal formulas administered. Because each participant was not given the exact same intervention, we were unable to identify the specific treatment that produced the predicted effect. The observational study design of the study limited the ability to accurately assess causation between intervention and outcome. However, combined traditional medicine has potential therapeutic application in preventing mild cognitive impairment progression to dementia.

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Hand Rehabilitation Games for Improving Hand Motor Functions in Subacute Stroke Patients.

Stroke rehabilitation faces challenges in attaining enduring improvements in hand motor function and is frequently constrained by interventional limitations. This research aims to present an innovative approach to the integration of cognitive engagement within visual feedback incorporated into fully immersive virtual reality (VR) based games to achieve enduring improvements. These innovative aspects of interaction provide more functional advantages beyond motivation to efficiently execute repeatedly hand motor tasks. The effectiveness of virtual reality games incorporated with innovative aspects has been investigated for improvements in hand motor functions. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, a total of (n=56) subacute stroke patients were assessed for eligibility and (n=52) patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (n=26) patients were assigned to the experimental group and (n=26) patients were assigned to the control group. VR intervention involves four VR based games, developed based on hand movements including flexion/extension, close/open, supination/pronation and pinch. All patients got therapy of 24 sessions, lasting 4 days/week for a total of 6 weeks. Five clinical outcome measures were Fugl- Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, Action Research Arm Test, Box and Block Test, Modified Barthel Index, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life were assessed to evaluate patients' performance. Results revealed that after therapy there was significant improvement between the groups (p<0.05) and within groups (p<0.05) in all assessment weeks in all clinical outcome measures however, improvement was observed significantly greater in the experimental group due to fully immersive VR-based games. Results indicated that cognitive engagement within visual feedback incorporated in VR-based hand games effectively improved hand motor functions.

A novel variant in the FLNB gene associated with spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Genetic disorders involved in skeleton system arise due to the disturbance in skeletal development, growth and homeostasis. Filamin B is an actin binding protein which is large dimeric protein which cross link actin cytoskeleton filaments into dynamic structure. A single nucleotide changes in the FLNB gene causes spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome, a rare bone disorder due to which the fusion of carpels and tarsals synostosis occurred along with fused vertebrae. In the current study we investigated a family residing in north-western areas of Pakistan. METHODS: The whole exome sequencing of proband was performed followed by Sanger sequencing of all family members of the subject to validate the variant segregation within the family. Bioinformatics tools were utilized to assess the pathogenicity of the variant. RESULTS: Whole Exome Sequencing revealed a novel variant (NM_001457: c.209C>T and p.Pro70Leu) in the FLNB gene which was homozygous missense mutation in the FLNB gene. The variant was further validated and visualized by Sanger sequencing and protein structure studies respectively as mentioned before. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have highlighted the importance of the molecular diagnosis in SCT (spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome) for genetic risk counselling in consanguineous families.

Synthesis, molecular docking evaluation for LOX and COX-2 inhibition and determination of in-vivo analgesic potentials of aurone derivatives.

In the current study, seven (7) aurone derivatives (ADs) were synthesized and employed to in-vitro LOX and COX-2 assays, in-vivo models of acetic acid-induced mice writhing, formalin-induced mice paw licking and tail immersion test to evaluate their analgesic potential at the doses of 10 mg and 20 mg/kg body weight. Molecular docking was performed to know the active binding site at both LOX and COX-2 as compared to standard drugs. Among the ADs, 2-(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)benzofuran-3(2H)-one (WE-4)possessed optimal LOX and COX-2 inhibitory strength (IC50=0.30 µM and 0.22 µM) as compared to standard (ZileutonIC50 = 0.08 µM, CelecoxibIC50 = 0.05 µM). Similarly in various pain models compound WE-4 showed significantly (p < 0.05) highest percent analgesic potency as compared to control at a dose of 20 mg/kg i.e. 77.60 % analgesic effect in acetic acid model, 49.97 % (in Phase-1) and 70.93 % (inPhase-2) analgesic effect in formalin pain model and 74.71 % analgesic response in tail immersion model. By the administration of Naloxone, the tail flicking latencies were reversed (antagonized) in all treatments. The WE-4 (at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) was antagonized after 90 min from 11.23 ± 0.93 and 13.41 ± 1.21 to 5.30 ± 0.48 and 4.80 ± 0.61 respectively as compared to standard Tramadol (from 17.74 ± 1.33 to 3.70 ± 0.48), showing the opiodergic receptor involvement. The molecular docking study of ADs revealed that WE-4 had a higher affinity for LOX and COX-2 with docking scores of -4.324 and -5.843 respectively. As a whole, among the tested ADs, compound WE-4 demonstrated excellent analgesic effects that may have been caused by inhibiting the LOX and COX-2 pathways.

Evaluation of irrigation, drinking, and risk indices for water quality parameters of alpine lakes.

Alpine lakes are aquatic ecosystems that maintain and regulate water supply for the downstream streams, rivers, and other reservoirs. This study examined the water characteristics of various alpine lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. For this purpose, water was sampled and investigated for basic parameters, anions, and cations using the multi-parameter analyzers and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Physicochemical parameters of alpine lakes were noted under the World Health Organization water guidelines, except for fluoride (F-) and turbidity in 4.3% and 36% of samples, respectively. Water quality index (WQI) classified samples (93%) as excellent and good quality (7%). Results showed maximum chronic daily intake values (0.14 ± 0.01 mg/kg-day) for nitrate (NO3-) and hazard quotient (0.80 ± 0.24) for F- in children via water intake from Upper Kachura and Shausar Lakes, respectively. Statistical analyses of Piper and Gibbs's plots revealed that the water quality is mainly characterized by bedrock geology.

Safety of Clopidogrel vs. Ticagrelor in Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Regimens for High-Bleeding Risk Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis of Adverse Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Patients of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at a high-bleeding risk (HBR) often require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Clopidogrel and ticagrelor are the most commonly used antiplatelet agents in DAPT regimens. However, the safety profiles of these drugs in ACS patients at HBR remain a subject of ongoing debate. AIM: To investigate any difference between the safety of clopidogrel and ticagrelor used as a part of DAPT regimen in ACS patients at HBR. METHODS: A systematic search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify experimental and observational studies published up to the knowledge cutoff date in September 2023. Studies comparing the safety of clopidogrel and ticagrelor in ACS patients at HBR were included for analysis. The primary outcomes assessed were major bleeding events, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI), while secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and net adverse clinical and cerebral events (NACCE). RESULTS: We included a total of 8 observational studies in our meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the risk of MI (pooled RR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.12-1.83; P = 0.005) in the patients using clopidogrel. There were no statistically significant differences in major bleeding events (pooled RR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.82-1.09; P = 0.44), stroke (pooled RR = 1.36; 95% CI 0.86-2.14; P = 0.18), all-cause mortality (pooled RR = 1.17; 95% CI 0.97-1.41; P = 0.10), MACCE (pooled RR = 1.07; 95% CI 0.76-1.50; P = 0.69) and NACCE (pooled RR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.66-1.37; P = 0.78) between the two groups. Subgroup analyses based on region were performed. CONCLUSION: Both drugs are generally safe for treating ACS patients with HBR at baseline, although a higher risk of MI was observed with the use of clopidogrel. Nevertheless, drug choice should factor in regional variations, patient-specific characteristics, cost, accessibility, and potential drug interactions.

Comparative efficacy and safety of mitral valve repair versus mitral valve replacement in Rheumatic heart disease: A high-value care systematic review and meta-analysis.

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular death (CVD) globally. Mitral Valve repair (MVP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) are the two most commonly and successfully used techniques to treat the disease. MVP is associated with reduced post-operative complications compared to MVR; however, it carries the risk of valvular fibrosis and scarring. Given the lack of recommendations, inconsistent findings, and paucity of pathophysiological evidence at present, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis and systematically review the available literature to determine the efficacy and safety of MVP compared to MVR in improving clinical outcomes among patients with RHD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central and Scopus from inception till September 2023. The primary objective was early mortality defined as any cause-related death occurring 30 days following surgery. Secondary outcomes included long-term survival defined as the time duration between hospital discharge and all-cause death. Infectious endocarditis, thromboembolic events (including stroke, brain infarction, peripheral embolism, valve thrombosis, and transient ischemic attack), and haemorrhagic events (any serious bleeding event that required hospitalisation, resulted in death, resulted in permanent injury, or required blood transfusion) were all considered as post- operative complications. Additionally aggregated Kaplan-Meier curves were reconstructed for long term survival, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from valve-related adverse events by merging the reconstructed individual patient data (IPD) from each individual study. A significant decrease in early mortality with MV repair strategy versus MV replacement [RR 0.63; P = 0.003) irrespective of mechanical or bioprosthetic valves was noted. The results reported significantly higher long-term survival in patients undergoing MVP versus MVR (HR 0.53; P = 0.0009). Reconstructed Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the long term survival rates at 4, 8, and 12 years were 88.6, 82.0, 74.6 %, in the MVR group and 91.7, 86.8, 81.0 %, in the MVP group, respectively. MVP showed statistically significant reduction in early mortality, adverse vascular events, and better long-term survival outcomes compared to the MVR strategy in this analysis.

Comparison of Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) Hernioplasty With Laparoscopic IPOM-Plus: Our Initial Experience in Pakistan.

Objectives Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh hernioplasty (IPOM) for ventral hernias has been used for a long time. However, there have been some issues associated with it, thereby leading to the introduction of a new technique that involves laparoscopic closure of the fascial defect with suture followed by intraperitoneal onlay mesh placement (IPOM-Plus). We carried out this study to compare the outcome of laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure versus without defect closure in midline ventral hernia repair in terms of recurrence. Methodology This comparative study was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, from October 16, 2020, to April 15, 2022. A total of 84 patients of both genders, aged between 18 and 70 years, presenting with midline ventral hernia were included in the study. Patients with recurrent hernia, unstable cardiopulmonary conditions, neurological or psychiatric diseases, chronic renal disease, congestive cardiac failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were excluded from the study. Patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1 underwent IPOM with the closure of the defect, and Group 2 underwent IPOM without the closure of the defect. Patients were observed for immediate postoperative complications. Patients were monitored for one year to assess recurrence through clinical evaluation and ultrasonography. Results In this study, seroma formation was found in 3 (7.14%) patients for laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure and 10 (23.81%) in those undergoing laparoscopic IPOM without defect closure (P-value = 0.035). Recurrence was identified in 2 (4.76%) patients undergoing laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure and 9 (21.43%) in those undergoing laparoscopic IPOM without defect closure (P-value = 0.024). Conclusions This study concluded that the frequency of recurrence is less after laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure in midline ventral hernia repair than after laparoscopic IPOM without fascial defect closure.

PVDF-Based Piezo-Catalytic Membranes-A Net-Zero Emission Approach towards Textile Wastewater Purification.

Among the various water purification techniques, advancements in membrane technology, with better fabrication and analysis, are receiving the most research attention. The piezo-catalytic degradation of water pollutants is an emerging area of research in water purification technology. This review article focuses on piezoelectric polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer-based membranes and their nanocomposites for textile wastewater remediation. At the beginning of this article, the classification of piezoelectric materials is discussed. Among the various membrane-forming polymers, PVDF is a piezoelectric polymer discussed in detail due to its exceptional piezoelectric properties. Polyvinylidene difluoride can show excellent piezoelectric properties in the beta phase. Therefore, various methods of ß-phase enhancement within the PVDF polymer and various factors that have a critical impact on its piezo-catalytic activity are briefly explained. This review article also highlights the major aspects of piezoelectric membranes in the context of dye degradation and a net-zero approach. The ß-phase of the PVDF piezoelectric material generates an electron-hole pair through external vibrations. The possibility of piezo-catalytic dye degradation via mechanical vibrations and the subsequent capture of the resulting CO2 and H2 gases open up the possibility of achieving the net-zero goal.

Malaria vaccine efficacy, safety, and community perception in Africa: a scoping review of recent empirical studies.

AIM: The review summarizes the recent empirical evidence on the efficacy, safety, and community perception of malaria vaccines in Africa. METHODS: Academic Search Complete, African Journals Online, CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and two gray literature sources were searched in January 2023, and updated in June 2023. Relevant studies published from 2012 were included. Studies were screened, appraised, and synthesized in line with the review aim. Statistical results are presented as 95% Confidence Intervals and proportions/percentages. RESULTS: Sixty-six (N = 66) studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the vaccines identified, overall efficacy at 12 months was highest for the R21 vaccine (N = 3) at 77.0%, compared to the RTS,S vaccine (N = 15) at 55%. The efficacy of other vaccines was BK-SE36 (11.0-50.0%, N = 1), ChAd63/MVA ME-TRAP (- 4.7-19.4%, N = 2), FMP2.1/AS02A (7.6-9.9%, N = 1), GMZ2 (0.6-60.0%, N = 5), PfPZ (20.0-100.0%, N = 5), and PfSPZ-CVac (24.8-33.6%, N = 1). Injection site pain and fever were the most common adverse events (N = 26), while febrile convulsion (N = 8) was the most reported, vaccine-related Serious Adverse Event. Mixed perceptions of malaria vaccines were found in African communities (N = 17); awareness was generally low, ranging from 11% in Tanzania to 60% in Nigeria (N = 9), compared to willingness to accept the vaccines, which varied from 32.3% in Ethiopia to 96% in Sierra Leone (N = 15). Other issues include availability, logistics, and misconceptions. CONCLUSION: Malaria vaccines protect against malaria infection in varying degrees, with severe side effects rarely occurring. Further research is required to improve vaccine efficacy and community involvement is needed to ensure successful widespread use in African communities.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous Watchman 2.5 device versus Amplatzer Amulet for left atrial appendage closure in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and study-level meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), mechanical occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using a permanently implanted device may be an effective alternative to oral anti-coagulants (OAC). To facilitate left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), multiple percutaneous devices have been proposed. Watchman Generation 2.5 and Amplatzer Amulet are the two most popular used devices for preventing stroke in patients with NVAF. We sought to compare safety and efficacy outcomes between Watchman 2.5 and Amplatzer Amulet in patients undergoing LAAC procedure. METHODS: We carried out a comprehensive and systematic search of the databases PubMed and Scopus, for all studies that compared the safety and efficacy of Watchman 2.5 and Amplatzer Amulet devices, from inception, till June 2023. We performed the statistical analysis using Review Manager (V.5.4.1 Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom). The safety outcomes of interest included device success, device-related thrombus, device embolization perioperatively and at follow-up, perioperative pericardial perfusion events, and perioperative cardiac tamponade events. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality perioperatively and at follow-up, cardiovascular (CV) mortality at follow-up, stroke, major and minor bleeding events at follow-up, transient ischemic attack (TIA) in follow-up period, thromboembolic events in follow-up period, and peri-device leakage in perioperative period. All data was analysed using a random-effects model, and presented as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). RESULTS: Regarding safety outcomes, device success was non-significantly reduced in Watchman group when compared with Amulet (RR 0.99, p = 0.57; I2 = 34%). In contrast, device-related thrombus was non-significantly increased in Watchman 2.5 group in comparison to Amulet (RR 1.44, p = 0.11; I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference between the devices in terms of device embolization in the perioperative (RR 0.36, p = 0.38; I2 = 22%) and follow-up (RR 2.24, p = 0.13; I2 = 0%) periods. Likewise, there was no significant difference in the risks of pericardial effusion (RR 0.98, p = 0.98; I2 = 0%), and cardiac tamponade (RR 0.65, p = 0.76; I2 = 62%) perioperatively. Regarding efficacy outcomes, no significant difference was observed in all-cause mortality between devices perioperatively (RR 0.51, p = 0.32; I2 = 0%) and at follow-up (RR 1.08, p = 0.56; I2 = 0%). CV-mortality was non-significantly reduced in Watchman group when compared with Amulet (RR 0.57, p = 0.20; I2 = 0%). The Amulet device was not superior to the Watchman device in terms of stroke at follow-up (RR 1.13, p = 0.63; I2 = 0%). Sub-group analysis showed comparable ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke events between two devices. Furthermore, at follow-up, there was no significant difference in major (RR 1.06, p = 0.63; I2 = 0%) and minor bleeding events (RR 1.81, p = 0.17; I2 = 0%) between the two devices. No difference was observed for trans-ischemic attack (RR 1.89, p = 0.24; I2 = 0%) and thromboembolic events (RR 0.96, p = 0.96; I2 = 0%) at follow-up. No significant difference was observed between devices for peri-device leakage in perioperative period (RR 2.16, p = 0.05; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: The data suggested that LAAC is safe and efficacious procedure irrespective of device used, with generally low complication rates. Watchman generation 2.5 remains non-superior to Amplatzer Amulet in terms of safety and efficacy outcomes.

Synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticle-based hydrogel and its applications in catalytic reduction and adsorption of basic blue 3.

Most of the dyes used in various industries are non-biodegradable and carcinogenic in nature. Therefore, elimination of dyes from textile wastes is mandatory to safeguard the life of human, aquatic animals and aquatic plants. In this connection an effective and eco-friendly hydrogel was synthesized from acrylamide, cellulose, clay, and copper salt abbreviated as AMPS(PHE-Ce)/MC-Cu. The fabricated hydrogel was used as sorbent and catalyst for the adsorption and catalytic reduction of basic blue 3. SEM analysis showed granular texture with small holes or cracks which is basic criteria for an adsorbent surface. The results showed that the BET surface area and the Langmuir surface area were, respectively, 27.87 and 40.32 m2/g. The FTIR analysis confirmed the synthesis of hydrogel, as is evident from peaks at 3500, 3439, 2996, 2414, and 1650 cm-1, which indicated the presence of OH or NH, -C-O-C-, CH3, (C[bond, double bond]O), C-N bonds correspondingly. Thermal stability was confirmed by TGA analysis where weight loss in three stages has been observed. The presence of copper was confirmed through EDX (5.02%) indicating the incorporation of cupper nanoparticles in hydrogel surface. The high adsorption capability of 1590 mg/g as recorded for basic blue-3 dye indicates it to be an efficient adsorbent. The swelling behavior characterized by Fickian diffusion up to 7898% clearly indicated significant swelling. Pseudo 2nd-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm models were more fit in unfolding kinetics and isothermal data indicating chemisorption with monolayer sorption as evident from the high R2 values (0.999) of each model. Thermodynamics considerations indicated that the adsorption process is endothermic with a positive enthalpy value of 1371.32 Jmol-1. The positive entropy value of 19.70 J/mol.K signifies a higher degree of disorder at the solid-liquid interface. The findings provided a valuable insights into the hydrogel's capacity to adsorb cationic dyes and reduce them catalytically, pointing towards its potential applications in addressing environmental challenges.

Synthesis of Poly(GG-co-AAm-co-MAA), a Terpolymer Hydrogel for the Removal of Methyl Violet and Fuchsin Basic Dyes from Aqueous Solution.

A novel adsorbent designated as terpolymer hydrogel (gellan gum-co-acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) was prepared by free radical polymerization of gellan gum (GG), methacrylic acid (MAA), and acrylamide (AAm) using N,N-methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA) as cross-linker and ammonium per sulfate (APS) as the initiator of the reaction. The synthesized gel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and was used for the adsorptive removal of methyl violet (MV) and Fuchsin Basic (FB) dyes from aqueous solution. The effect of temperature, contact time, pH, and concentration on them under the study adsorption process was evaluated. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were found to be best in fitting the isothermal and kinetics data. The water diffusion and % swelling of hydrogel were studied at various pH in distilled water and at neutral pH in tap water. The diffusion was found to be of Fickian type with a maximum swelling of 5132%. The maximum adsorption capacity was 233 mg/g against MV and 200 mg/g against FB dyes. The swelling and adsorption were pH dependent and increased with increase in pH. The enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy changes of adsorption for both the dyes indicated the adsorption process to be exothermic, feasible, and spontaneous. The hydrogel was successfully regenerated using acetone and distilled water for five cycles and still, its dye removal efficiency was 80% of its original value. The poly(GG-co-AAm-co-MAA) hydrogel successfully removed the selected dyes from water and could thus be used as an efficient alternative sorbent for cationic dye removal from aqueous solutions.

Effective Treatment of Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome by Using Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Case Report.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for the treatment of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). Background: SRUS is a benign disease, diagnosed by symptoms, clinical, and histological findings. PBMT has been reported for the treatment of various inflammation-based diseases including aphthous ulcer, but still no such study on the treatment of SRUS is published. Materials and methods: A 29-year Asian women, diagnosed for SRUS of 0.57 cm diameter, was treated by a laser at 635 nm through seven sessions. Laser fluence of 85 J/cm2 was delivered to ulcer lesion during each session for 10 min. Clinical results were valued by physician with sigmoid probe throughout PBMT sessions and no medicines were prescribed to the patient. Results: After seven sessions, the lesion was completely healed with 100% clinical response. In follow-up, patient did not respond to any additional/recurring abnormality, and no side effects were observed. Conclusions: In conclusion, PBMT by using laser at 635 nm is an effective treatment for SRUS without any side effects and patient remained comfortable throughout treatment sessions. Patient registration No. H-744/23.

The nexus between green intellectual capital, blockchain technology, green manufacturing, and sustainable performance.

Enterprises across the globe are facing increasing pressure to effectively utilize resources and reduce costs through green supply chain practices. Emerging technology, such as blockchain technology which enables green practices, has become a contemporary industrial paradigm. However, enterprises need to build green intellectual capital to implement blockchain technology, which can be key to realizing green supply chain practices. This research examines the impact of green intellectual capital (GIC) on blockchain technology and its role in implementing green manufacturing to achieve sustainability. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was utilized for assessing the proposed hypotheses, and cross-sectional data was accumulated from manufacturing firms. As per the results, GIC, which includes green human capital, green structural capital, and green relational capital has a crucial role in the implementation of blockchain technology. The outcomes also indicated that the adoption of blockchain technology significantly influences green manufacturing. Moreover, green manufacturing (GM) has a substantial role in improving business sustainability. This empirical research provides a deeper understanding of how GIC and blockchain technology contribute to the implementation of GM. This research also provides guidelines that managers, policymakers, and producers can use to facilitate the incorporation of GM practice into business activities.

Integrating DFT and machine learning for the design and optimization of sodium alginate-based hydrogel adsorbents: Efficient removal of pollutants from wastewater.

This study presents a novel approach to design and optimize a sodium alginate-based hydrogel (SAH) for efficient adsorption of the model water pollutant methylene blue (MB) dye. Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, sodium alginate-g-poly (acrylamide-co-itaconic acid) was identified with the lowest adsorption energy (Eads) for MB dye among 14 different clusters. SAHs were prepared using selected monomers and sodium alginate combinations through graft co-polymerization, and swelling studies were conducted to optimize grafting conditions. Advanced characterization techniques, including FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, EDS, and TGA, were employed, and the process was optimized using statistical and machine learning tools. Screening tests demonstrated that Eads serves as an effective predicting indicator for adsorption capacity (qe) and MB removal efficiency (RRMB,%), with reasonable agreement between Eads and both responses under given conditions. Process modeling and optimization revealed that 5 mg of selected SAH achieves a maximum qe of 3244 mg g-1 at 84.4% RRMB under pH 8.05, 98.8 min, and MB concentration of 383.3 mg L-1, as identified by the desirability function approach. Moreover, SAH effectively eliminated various contaminants from aqueous solutions, including sulfasalazine (SFZ) and dibenzothiophene (DBT). MB adsorption onto selected SAH was exothermic, spontaneous, and followed the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm models. The remarkable ability of SAH to adsorb MB is attributed to its well-designed structure predicted through DFT and optimal operational conditions achieved by AI-based parametric optimization. By integrating DFT-based computations and machine-learning tools, this study contributes to the efficient design of adsorbent materials and optimization of adsorption processes, also showcasing the potential of SAH as an efficient adsorbent for the abatement of aqueous pollution.

Holes can be perilous: A rare presentation of intestinal obstruction - Herniation through the broad ligament.

A 57-year-old lady presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction preceded by a 2-day history of lower abdomen pain. Clinically, she had a distended abdomen with tenderness in her lower abdomen. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable. An abdominal radiograph showed a dilated small bowel with no extensive bowel gas. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed suspected intestinal obstruction secondary to herniation into the right broad ligament. The decision was made to proceed with surgery, and the intraoperative results confirmed the CT results. The literature review is outlined here, and this instance illustrates a surprising discovery.