Sunlight-mediated removal of endocrine disruptors from wastewater using trimetallic core-shell Ag-TeO2@ZnO nanocomposites.

The current work emphasizes the preparation of trimetallic core-shell Ag-TeO2@ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) by thermo-mechanical method for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenol and ß-naphthol pollutants. FE-SEM shows that Ag and TeO2nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of ZnO nanotubes. The band gap of pristine ZnO NPs and 5 wt% Ag-TeO2@ZnO nanocomposites are found to be 3.16 and 2.96 eV, respectively. The calculated specific surface area (SBET) of pristine ZnO NPs and 5 wt% Ag-TeO2@ZnO nanocomposites are 40.47 and 45.66 m2g-1respectively, confirming that Ag and TeO2nanoparticles contribute to increasing in surface area of pure ZnO. The synthesised nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic performance for the degradation of ß -naphthol (95.6%) in 40 min at the concentration of (0.6 mg ml-1) and 2,4-DCP (99.6%) in 180 min (0.4 mg ml-1) under natural sunlight. Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy were carried out to study the electrochemical properties. The determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) confirmed that the degradation of the pollutants by 5 wt% Ag-TeO2@ZnO NCs was due to the formation of superoxide radicals. Electron paramagnetic resonance revealed the presence of sharp signals in pure ZnO nanoparticles at g ∼1.95 and oxygen vacancy peak at g ∼2.01 in 5 wt% Ag-TeO2@ZnO NCs. To study the mechanism behind the degradation of pollutants, Scavenger test using histidine and ascorbic acid (ROS scavengers) was performed. The synthesised nanocomposites are highly stable and showed enhanced efficiency up to three cycles, confirming their reusability as a photocatalyst.

Smokeless Tobacco Use and Quit Behaviour Assessment in a Middle Aged to Elderly Population in a Rural Setting - An Evaluative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Expanding knowledge on tobacco use and quitting outcomes in Chhattisgarh, India, is crucial. Limited data hinder the assessment of tobacco use prevalence and quitting outcomes in the region. This household-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and quit behaviour among village dwellers aged 35-44 and 65-74 years in Jamul, Chhattisgarh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among 450 participants, utilising a pretested questionnaire and data analysis using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v23. RESULTS: The study revealed that among the survey participants, 61.1% were males and 38.9% were females. The prevalence of SLT use was found to be 67.8%, with 59.1% of current SLT users reporting daily use. Middle-aged individuals predominantly chose gutkha, while khaini was more common among the elderly. Tobacco and paan with tobacco were also commonly used forms. Gudakhu, a popular SLT product for oral hygiene and easy defecation, was reported by 71.34% of participants. Television warnings and SLT packages proved to be successful methods for disseminating information about the dangers of SLT use. However, SLT users who attempted to quit independently reported encountering one or more withdrawal symptoms, which posed significant obstacles to quitting SLT. CONCLUSION: Community-based awareness programmes are implemented via regional television (TV) channels, coupled with cessation initiatives, including professional counselling, pharmaceutical interventions and support of peer. Changing attitudes against SLT use and promoting tobacco-free environments are prioritized. These strategies will effectively address SLT use and improve quitting outcomes in Jamul, Chhattisgarh, fostering a healthier community.

Connecting the Dots: Gender, Sexuality, and Societal Influences on Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has many etiologies and the impact of gender on AD changes throughout time. As a consequence of advancements in precision medical procedures and methodology, Alzheimer's disease is now better understood and treated. Several risk factors may be addressed to lower one's chances of developing Alzheimer's disease or associated dementia (ADRD). The presence of amyloid-α protein senile plaques, intracellular tau protein neurofibrillary tangles (NfTs), neurodegeneration, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) characterizes Alzheimer's disease. NPS is common in persons with Alzheimer's disease dementia, although its presentation varies widely. Gender differences might explain this clinical variability. The fundamental goal of this review research is to 1) emphasize the function of old age, sex, and gender in the development of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and ADRD, and 2) explain the importance of sexual hormones, education, and APOE (Apolipoprotein E) status. This is a narrative summary of new ideas and concepts on the differences in the chance of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease between men and women. A more thorough examination of risk and protective variables in both men and women might hasten research into the epidemiology of neurological illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, future preventive efforts should target men and women separately.

Unlocking genetic insights: Evaluating wheat RILs for physiobiochemical traits under terminal heat stress conditions.

BACKGROUND: The increasing impacts of heat stress on wheat production due to climate change has entailed the development of heat-resilient crop varieties. To address this, two hundred recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between WH711/WH1021 were evaluated in a randomized block design (RBD) with two replications at CCSHAU, Hisar, during 2018-19 under heat stress and non-stress conditions. Heat stress was induced by altering the date of sowing so that the grain filling stage coincide with heat stress. RESULTS: Heat stress adversely affects RILs performance, as illustrated by alterations in phenotypic traits. Highest coefficients of variations were recorded for TAA, CTD 1, WUE, CTD 2, Cc and A under non-stress and heat stress conditions whereas gs, WUEi and GY under non-stress and SPAD 1, SPAD 2, GY and NDVI 2 under heat-stress conditions recorded moderate estimates of coefficient of variations. CTD 2, TAA, E, WUE and A displayed a significant occurrence of both high heritability and substantial genetic advance under non-stress. Similarly, CTD 2, NDVI 2, A, WUEi, SPAD 2, gs, E, Ci, MDA and WUE exhibited high heritability with high genetic advance under heat-stress conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Complementary and duplicate types of interactions with number of controlling genes were observed for different parameters depending on the traits and environments. RILs 41, 42, 59, 74, 75, 180 and 194 were categorized as heat tolerant RILs. Selection preferably for NDVI 1, RWC, TAA, A, E and WUEi to accumulate heat tolerance favorable alleles in the selected RILs is suggested for development of heat resilient genotypes for sustainable crop improvement. The results showed that traits such as such as NDVI, RWC, TAA, A, E, and WUEi, can be effective for developing heat-resilient wheat genotypes and ensuring sustainable crop improvement.

The effects of metal-oxide content in MnO2-activated carbon composites on reactive adsorption and catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde and toluene in air.

The deterioration in air quality caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has become an important environmental issue. Here, activated carbon (AC) composites with manganese oxide (MnO2: 1 % to 50 %) are synthesized as MAC for the removal of formaldehyde (FA) and toluene in air through a combination of reactive adsorption and catalytic oxidation (RACO) at room temperature (RT). The best-performing composite (MAC-20: 20 % of MnO2) exhibits a 10 % breakthrough volume (BTV10%) of FA and toluene at 41.2 and 377 L g-1, respectively while realizing complete oxidation of FA and toluene into carbon dioxide (CO2) at 100 °C and 275 °C, respectively. The reaction kinetic rates (r) for 10 % removal efficiency of FA and toluene (XFA or T) at RT are estimated as 9.82E-02 and 3.20E-02 mmol g-1 h-1, respectively. The high performance of MAC-20 can be attributed to its enriched adsorption capacity of oxygen vacancy (OV) and the presence of adsorbed oxygen (OA), as shown by an Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio of 0.729 and an OA/lattice­oxygen (OL) ratio of 1.50. The results of this study highlight the interactive roles of oxygen abundance and temperature in the generation of distinctive oxidation patterns for FA in reference to toluene. This study is expected to offer practical guidance for the implementation of RACO against diverse VOCs for efficient management of air quality.

Anti-competitive adsorption of gaseous benzene on hydrophilic microporous carbon in humid conditions.

The adsorption capture of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is of practical importance for air quality management. Herein, unique anti-competitive adsorption behavior of benzene on a hydrophilic activated carbon (Procarb-900 (P900)) is evidenced in the presence of competing components (e.g., formaldehyde (FA) and/or moisture). Contrary to general expectations, the adsorption capacity of 10 Pa benzene (QB) onto P900 (30 mg) at the 99 % breakthrough level improves from 144.8 to 187 mg g-1 as the relative humidity (RH) increases from 0 to 25 %. Such pattern is maintained at 183.9 mg g-1 even at the relatively high RH of 50 %. Furthermore, QB exhibits a remarkable increase of 56.1 % (to 226.0 mg g-1) in the binary phase (100 ppm benzene plus 50 ppm FA) relative to its single phase (144.8 mg g-1). The kinetic studies confirm the occurrence of anti-competitive adsorption of benzene under humid conditions with the unusual decrease in rate constants at the elevated RHs (i.e., 25 and 50 %). The thermodynamic studies suggest the exothermic nature of benzene adsorption onto P900. The hydrophilicity of P900's outer surface promotes the preferential adsorption of polar FA and water vapor over non-polar benzene, which deforms the activated carbon texture and lowers the pore size distribution (PSD). The narrow PSD enhances benzene uptake in the complex systems due to the confinement effect. Overall, this study offers insights into the unique anti-competitive adsorption of non-polar VOCs (e.g., benzene) on hydrophilic microporous adsorbents in the presence of potential interferences such as polar water vapor and FA. These findings offer a guideline for the practical implementation of adsorption techniques for gaseous VOCs in humid conditions.

Recent Developments and Applications of Biocatalytic and Chemoenzymatic Synthesis for the Generation of Diverse Classes of Drugs.

Biocatalytic and chemoenzymatic biosynthesis are powerful methods of organic chemistry that use enzymes to execute selective reactions and allow the efficient production of organic compounds. The advantages of these approaches include high selectivity, mild reaction conditions, and the ability to work with complex substrates. The utilization of chemoenzymatic techniques for the synthesis of complicated compounds has lately increased dramatically in the area of organic chemistry. Biocatalytic technologies and modern synthetic methods are utilized synergistically in a multi-step approach to a target molecule under this paradigm. Chemoenzymatic techniques are promising for simplifying access to essential bioactive compounds because of the remarkable regio- and stereoselectivity of enzymatic transformations and the reaction diversity of modern organic chemistry. Enzyme kits may include ready-to-use, reproducible biocatalysts. Its use opens up new avenues for the synthesis of active therapeutic compounds and aids in drug development by synthesizing active components to construct scaffolds in a targeted and preparative manner. This study summarizes current breakthroughs as well as notable instances of biocatalytic and chemoenzymatic synthesis. To assist organic chemists in the use of enzymes for synthetic applications, it also provides some basic guidelines for selecting the most appropriate enzyme for a targeted reaction while keeping aspects like cofactor requirement, solvent tolerance, use of whole cell or isolated enzymes, and commercial availability in mind.

Applications of some advanced sequencing, analytical, and computational approaches in medicinal plant research: a review.

The potential active chemicals found in medicinal plants, which have long been employed as natural medicines, are abundant. Exploring the genes responsible for producing these compounds has given new insights into medicinal plant research. Previously, the authentication of medicinal plants was done via DNA marker sequencing. With the advancement of sequencing technology, several new techniques like next-generation sequencing, single molecule sequencing, and fourth-generation sequencing have emerged. These techniques enshrined the role of molecular approaches for medicinal plants because all the genes involved in the biosynthesis of medicinal compound(s) could be identified through RNA-seq analysis. In several research insights, transcriptome data have also been used for the identification of biosynthesis pathways. miRNAs in several medicinal plants and their role in the biosynthesis pathway as well as regulation of the disease-causing genes were also identified. In several research articles, an in silico study was also found to be effective in identifying the inhibitory effect of medicinal plant-based compounds against virus' gene(s). The use of advanced analytical methods like spectroscopy and chromatography in metabolite proofing of secondary metabolites has also been reported in several recent research findings. Furthermore, advancement in molecular and analytic methods will give new insight into studying the traditionally important medicinal plants that are still unexplored.

Utilization of crop wild relatives for biotic and abiotic stress management in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.].

Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss. (Indian mustard) is an economically important edible oil crop. Over the years, plant breeders have developed many elite varieties of B. juncea with better yield traits, but research work on the introgression of stress resilience traits has largely been lagging due to scarcity of resistant donors. Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are the weedy relatives of domesticated plant species which are left unutilized in their natural habitat due to the presence of certain undesirable alleles which hamper their yield potential, and thus, their further domestication. CWRs of B. juncea namely include Sinapis alba L. (White mustard), B. tournefortii Gouan. (African mustard), B. fruticulosa Cirillo (Twiggy turnip), Camelina sativa L. (Gold-of-pleasure), Diplotaxis tenuisiliqua Delile (Wall rocket), D. erucoides L. (White wall rocket), D. muralis L. (Annual wall rocket), Crambe abyssinica R.E.Fr. (Abyssinian mustard), Erucastrum gallicum Willd. (Common dogmustard), E. cardaminoides Webb ex Christ (Dogmustard), Capsella bursa-pastoris L. (Shepherds purse), Lepidium sativum L. (Garden Cress) etc. These CWRs have withstood several regimes of biotic and abiotic stresses over the past thousands of years which led them to accumulate many useful alleles contributing in resistance against various environmental stresses. Thus, CWRs could serve as resourceful gene pools for introgression of stress resilience traits into Indian mustard. This review summarizes research work on the introgression of resistance against Sclerotinia stem rot (caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), Alternaria blight (caused by Alternaria brassicae), white rust (caused by Albugo candida), aphid attack, drought and high temperature from CWRs into B. juncea. However, various pre- and post-fertilization barriers due to different ploidy levels are major stumbling blocks in the success of such programmes, therefore, we also insightfully discuss how the advances made in -omics technology could be helpful in assisting various breeding programmes aiming at improvisation of stress resilience traits in B. juncea.

Convenient One-Pot Synthesis of Kynurenic Acid Ethyl Ester and Exploration to Direct Synthesis of Neuroprotective Kynurenic Acid and Amide Derivatives.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous molecule, which is a non-selective antagonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors and has been found to have neuroprotective activity. A supplement of KYNA may be applicable for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, but it does not cross the blood-brain barrier due to its polar nature. Therefore, its different esters and amide derivatives were explored as a prodrug, which can cross blood-brain barrier and transform into KYNA in situ. However, many esters and amide derivatives of KYNA are synthesized via coupling reaction or multi-step synthesis using different organic or metallic catalysts. Herein, we developed a novel one-pot, catalyst-free, convenient synthesis of KYNA ethyl esters using aniline and diethyl acetylene dicarboxylate in DMF under heating. We also explored the synthesis of KYNA and KYNA amide derivative in a simple manner with overall good yields via hydrolysis and condensation, respectively.

Effects of gas phase composition on competitive adsorption properties of formaldehyde on titanium dioxide-supported platinum in single and mixture compositions.

Titanium dioxide-supported platinum (Pt@TiO2) is regarded as a highly efficient photothermal catalyst to degrade various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To learn more about the hybrid adsorption/catalysis process of VOCs on Pt@TiO2, their dynamic adsorption behavior on the catalyst surface was studied using the single and multicomponent gas phase of FA (i.e., the latter with four aromatic compounds of benzene, toluene, m-xylene, and styrene (BTXS)) through the control of key operating variables (e.g., VOCs concentration, relative humidity (RH) levels, and dosage). According to the performance evaluation, the doping of TiO2 with Pt metal ions significantly enhanced the FA adsorption capacity (e.g., by 50 % higher than the pristine TiO2) with increased OH (OII) surface active sites (reactivity) and surface porosity. However, in the co-presence of BTXS and water vapor, the adsorption affinity for FA vapor declined by 2 to 3 folds of magnitude with a competitive inhibition of the adsorption interaction on the Pt@TiO2 surface. According to the kinetic and isotherms analysis, a complex, multilayered physicochemical process appears to govern the adsorption of FA molecules onto Pt@TiO2 surface. Overall, the outcomes of this work are helpful to verify the enhanced removal potential of Pt@TiO2 against FA through sequential adsorption and catalytic reaction mechanisms.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and CT scan-based delineation of target volumes and organs at risk in the radiation treatment planning of head and neck malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Accuracy of target definition is paramount in radiation treatment planning. The optimal choice of imaging modality to define the tumor volume in head and neck tumors is debatable. The study compared MRI and CT scan-based delineation of target volume and Organs At Risk in head and neck cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 54 head and neck carcinoma patients underwent rigid image registration of planning CT images with MRI images. The gross tumor volume of the primary tumor, node, and organs at risk were delineated on both CT and MRI images. A volumetric evaluation was done for gross tumors, nodes, and organs at risk. Dice Similarity coefficient (DSC), Conformity index(CI), Sensitivity index(SI), and Inclusion index(II) were calculated for gross tumor, node, brainstem, and bilateral parotids. RESULTS: The mean volume of the tumor in CT and MRI obtained were 41 .94 cc and 34.76 ccs, mean DSC, CI, SI, and II of the tumor were 0.71, 0.56, 67.37, and 79.80. The mean volume of the node in CT and MRI were 12.16 cc and 10.24 cc, mean DSC, CI, SI, and II of the node were 0.61, 0.45, 62.47, and 64. The mean volume of the brainstem in CT and MRI was 24.13 cc and 21.21 cc. The mean volume of the right parotid in CT and MRI was 24.39 cc, 26.04 ccs. The mean volume of left parotid in CT and MRI, respectively, were 23.95 ccs and 25.04 ccs. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that MRI may be used in combination with CT for better delineation of target volume and organs at risk for head and neck malignancies.

Zinc-doped titanium oxynitride as a high-performance adsorbent for formaldehyde in air.

The potential utility of titanium oxynitride doped with 5% zinc (ZnTON) has been investigated as an adsorbent for the treatment of gaseous formaldehyde (FA) using a fixed-bed adsorption system. The adsorption capacity of ZnTON, when estimated at 10%/100% breakthrough (BT) levels from a dry feed gas consisting of 10 Pa FA, was far superior to two reference materials (i.e., commercial P25-TiO2 and activated carbon (AC)) by factors of 1.7/1.3 and 10/2.5, respectively. The adsorption capacity of ZnTON increased with the increase in the initial feeding concentration of FA (5-12.5 Pa), while decreasing with the rising temperature (25-100 oC). An increase in moisture level (0-100% relative humidity) also led to 5.4- and 2.5-fold reductions in adsorption capacity of ZnTON at 10% and 100% BT levels, respectively. Thermodynamically, the adsorption of FA onto ZnTON is an exothermic (ΔHo = - 9.69 kJ.mol-1) to be feasible in nature based on physisorption mechanism. Further, the adsorption of FA onto ZnTON was governed by surface interactions and monolayer surface coverage (Van der Waal's force/electrostatic attraction), as it obeyed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Regeneration tests indicated a positive effect of moisture on FA desorption and durability of ZnTON (i.e., over three adsorption-desorption cycles). This study offers valuable mechanistic insights into the synthesis of an advanced adsorbent for the efficient removal of hazardous volatile organic compounds under near-ambient conditions.

Craniofacial characteristics in Crouzon's syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to strengthen the credibility of primary research results by combining open-source scientific material, namely a comparison of craniofacial features (Cfc) between Crouzon's syndrome (CS) patients and non-CS populations. All articles published up to October 7, 2021, were included in the search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct this study. PECO framework was applied in the following ways: Those who have CS are denoted by the letter P, those who have been diagnosed with CS via clinical or genetic means by the letter E, those who do not have CS by the letter C, and those who have a Cfc of CS by the letter O. Independent reviewers collected the data and ranked the publications based on their adherence to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. A total of six case-control studies were reviewed for this meta-analysis. Due to the large variation in cephalometric measures, only those published in at least two previous studies were included. This analysis found that CS patients had a smaller skull and mandible volumes than those without CS.in terms of SNA° (MD = -2.33, p = <0.001, I2 = 83.6%) and ANB°(MD = -1.89, p = <0.005, I2 = 93.1%)), as well as ANS (MD = -1.87, p = 0.001, I2 = 96.5%)) and SN/PP (MD = -1.99, p = 0.036, I2 = 77.3%)). In comparison to the general population, people with CS tend to have shorter and flatter cranial bases, smaller orbital volumes, and cleft palates. They differ from the general population in having a shorter skull base and more V-shaped maxillary arches.

Arsenic enriched groundwater discharge to a tropical ocean: Understanding controls and processes.

The role of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in transporting terrestrial-sourced arsenic (As) to the global oceans is not well documented. In the present study, executed on a coast adjoining the extensive groundwater As-contaminated Ganges river delta, we hypothesize that As-enriched groundwater discharges to the adjoining Bay of Bengal (BoB) through SGD flow paths. We conducted high-resolution, field-based investigations and thermodynamic modeling to understand the SGD-sourced As discharge and geochemical cycling of As and other redox-sensitive solutes along the discharge path under varying redox conditions and water sediment interactions. The As distribution and other solutes were measured in a series of multi-depth observation wells and sediment cores, extending from the high tide line (HTL) to 100 m toward the sea, for pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Results reveal the presence of a plume carrying up to 30 µg/L dissolved load of As toward the sea. Arsenic is associated with a plume of Fe and exhibits similar shore-perpendicular variability. Arsenic distribution and transport is controlled by the Fe-Mn redox cycle and influenced by terrestrial groundwater discharge. Field-observations and geochemical modeling demonstrate that Fe-hydroxide precipitates in the subterranean estuary and acts as an interim sink for As , which is eventually mobilized on alteration of geochemical conditions with the season. Fluctuating plume size can be attributed to seasonal variation in fresh groundwater input to the site. Estimates indicate up to 55mg/m2/d As is released to BoB from the site. Based on physicochemical observations this study demonstrates the yet to be studied SGD derived As cycles and the role of SGD dynamics in controlling the fate of redox-sensitive contaminants and their discharge into global oceans.

Personalized Medicine: Advanced Treatment Strategies to Revolutionize Healthcare.

Personalized medicine (PM) is about developing an individualized approach to each patient's illness. Understanding how a patient's genomic portfolio renders them prone to various diseases may be enhanced by discovering genetic, epigenetic, and medical evidence. Medical therapy that is safe and effective for specific individuals may be predicted using the PM approach, which is a complete expansion of an older methodology (One-Size-Fits-All). Patient's well-being and longevity may improve and costs are reduced if PM is used. Using existing biomarkers and early genome and epigenomic processes to better understand PM may lead to earlier diagnosis of the disease, including carcinogenesis. A key focus of the PM technique is preventative medicine, which emphasizes proactive actions rather than depending only on reactive ones. More intrusive procedures may be avoided or postponed using this technique, resulting in a higher quality of life and lower financial burdens for patients. End-of-life care costs are putting a strain on governmentfunded healthcare systems across the globe, notably in the United States. When used in conjunction with present treatments, PM may help them work better and lessen the disadvantages of just non-PM methods. Using genetic profiling, doctors may choose a drug based on a participant's genetic profile that minimizes unwanted side effects and ensures a better result while also being less costly than a 'trial-and-error' approach to sickness treatment. The less effective non- PM ('trial-and-error') strategy leads to drug toxicity, severe adverse effects, reactive treatment, and misdiagnosis. PM and proactive therapeutic regimens should be used more often to save costs and enhance overall well-being.

Patient Care and Treatment Strategies for Skin Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: Role of Traditional and Western Medicines.

The perspective of the people of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) toward both traditional and western healthcare systems varies. The goal of the current study is to examine the SSA's unique skin disease health care system. This study comprises numerous research that sought to examine how the general public feels about the SSA's current healthcare system. In this review, common skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, buruli ulcers, dermatophytosis, and scabies, are addressed. According to this report, government agencies must pay particular attention to skin illnesses in SSA and raise public awareness. Availability of medical care, socioeconomic factors, degree of education, and other factors influence patients' attitudes toward traditional and western health care differently in different geographic areas. Facts suggest that self-medication is the preference of the majority of patients before seeking dermatological care. The present study concludes that the magnitude of skin diseases is neglected or underestimated in many regions of SSA. Also, western healthcare facilities of many regions of SSA are not up to the mark. The present study recommends that proper access to the health care system and awareness about skin diseases through various government programs can be helpful in the regulation of skin disorders among people of SSA.

A comparison of dosimetric parameters in high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy using tandem and ring applicators: is the combination of a rectal retractor and radio-opaque vaginal packing better than rectal retractor alone for rectum sparing in cervical cancer?

Purpose: To describe a novel packing technique of combining radio-opaque vaginal packing (VP) with rectal retractor (RR) blade to displace rectum and to compare the standard International Commission on Radiation Units & Measurements-38 (ICRU-38) rectal, bladder point doses and volume parameters with the conventional technique of using RR alone with tandem and ring (T&R) applicators in high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy (ICB) for cervical cancer. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of the treatment plans of a cohort of 24 consecutively treated patients with locally advanced cervical cancer was performed. All patients received external beam radiotherapy with a dose of 45-50.4 Gy, in fractions of 1.8-2 Gy, to the whole pelvis with concurrent weekly chemotherapy, followed by HDR-ICB. The treatment plans for each brachytherapy session using T&R applicators that these patients received were included for analysis. A total of 17 treatment plans in which the combination of RR and radio-opaque VP was used for rectum separation were included in the combination (RR+VP) group, and 21 treatment plans in which a RR alone was used were included in the conventional (RR) group. Results: The mean dose to the ICRU rectal point was 39.7% of the point A dose (range, 28.8%-50.4%; median 38.6%) in the RR+VP group and 52.7% (range, 46.9%-63.6%; median 51.7%) in the RR group. This 13% reduction in the mean dose to the ICRU rectal point was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The mean dose to the ICRU bladder point was 55.4% of the point A dose (range, 26.3%-73.6%; median 57.4%) in the RR+VP group and 45.3% (range, 23.7%-72.7%; median 46.9%) in the RR group. This 10.1% increase in the mean dose to the ICRU bladder point was also significant (p = 0.024). The other point dose and volume parameters were similar between groups. Conclusion: Compared to the conventional use of a RR blade alone for rectum separation, combining a RR blade with radio-opaque VP significantly reduced the ICRU rectal point dose.

Archaeal lipolytic enzymes: Current developments and further prospects.

Lipolytic enzymes include triacylglycerol lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) and esterases (EC 3.1.1.1) that catalyze the cleavage and formation of ester bonds. They are potential industrial biocatalysts because of their broad range of activities on natural and synthetic substrates, high stability in organic solvents, thermal stability, stability in highly acidic and alkaline pH conditions and enantio-, regio- and chemo-selectivity. They also have varied applications in different sectors, among which industrial biotechnology, the production of cleaning agents, and pharmaceuticals are the most important ones. Identifying extremophilic lipolytic enzymes is of paramount interest and is a growing field in academic and industrial research. This review is focused on the current knowledge and future avenues of investigation on lipolytic enzymes sourced from the underexploited archaeal domain. Archaea is a potential source for novel extremophilic enzymes, which have high demand in the industries. The archaeal lipases and esterases are clustered into different families based on their similarity/dissimilarity at the genetic level and protein structures. The updated information on characterized and putative lipase sequences has also been presented in this paper. Common structural scaffolds of archaeal lipases have been deduced and discussed in this review. However, huge diversity at the level of their genetic sequences has yet to be correlated with the structure-function relationship. Based on their biochemical properties, possible applications and future prospective of archaeal lipolytic enzymes have also been proposed.