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Background: Studies explored the therapeutic role of agents inhibiting RAS in epilepsy. Fewer studies addressed the electrophysiological changes associated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in terms of sustained seizures (status epilepticus). Sodium valproate (SVPA), a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant, has been associated with adverse cardiac events upon long-term use, in contrast to the beneficial role of ACEIs in cardiovascular disorders.  This work explored the potential effects of ramipril, an ACEI, compared to SVPA, on the behavior, and electrophysiology of the brain and heart in a rat model of status epilepticus. The dose dependent pattern of the presumed ramipril activities was investigated. Methods: Adult male rats were assigned into seven groups, controls, IP pyridostigmine (36 mg/kg)-induced status epilepticus (PISE), oral SVPA (5 mg/kg), and three groups receiving oral ramipril at respective doses of 5 (R5), 10 (R10), and 20 mg/kg (R20). Rat behavior was assessed using Racine’s motor convulsion scoring for 10 minutes.  Blood pressure was recorded, and electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) were performed on the sedated rats 24 hours after recovery. Results: Despite the partial behavioral improvement of motor convulsions with R5 and R10 exhibited epileptogenic activity, as indicated by the increased relative power of fast and slow gamma waves and total EEG power. R10 triggered arrhythmia and cardiac ischemia as indicated by absence of P wave, along with ST elevation and tall T wave, slowed heart rate and prolonged QRS, QTc, and RR intervals. Conclusion: PISE was resistant to sodium valproate and ramipril. Ramipril at low and moderate doses induced epileptogenic activity and, especially at moderate dose, precipitated cardiac ischemia and arrhythmia. SummaryThe debatable role of ramipril in epilepsy was studied in a rat model of pyridostigmine-induced status epilepticus, compared to sodium valproate. Increasing ramipril doses did not resolve status epilepticus in rats. Instead, low and moderate doses exhibited epileptogenic activity, opposite to high dose ramipril and sodium valproate. Blood pressure was dose-dependently reduced with ramipril. Electrocardiography showed evidence of cardiac arrythmia and ischemia, especially with the moderate ramipril dose. The behavioral and EEG indices correlated with systolic blood pressure and ECG changes.

Introduction: Cervical spinal cord injuries (CSIs) account for 2% - 3% of trauma cases and 8.2% of trauma- related fatalities, making them a significant cause of disability and mortality. Effective management and timely interventions are essential to improve neurological and functional outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with CSIs and identify key predictors of neurological and functional improvement.Materials and methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, involving 100 patients with CSIs from C1 to C7 vertebrae. Patients presenting within one week of injury were included. Clinical evaluation was conducted using the ASIA scoring system, and functional outcomes were assessed with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale. MRI findings were analyzed to classify injuries and identify critical predictors, including the presence and extent of edema and listhesis grading.Results: Significant predictors of neurological improvement included injury type, management approach, MRI findings, extent of edema (≤ 2 vs. >2 segments), and listhesis grading. Operative management and incomplete injuries showed better outcomes. The median Barthel Index improved from 4.0 preoperatively to 7.0 at four months (p < 0.001). The mean FIM score also significantly increased from 43.25 ± 26.5 to 56.8 ± 40.75 (p < 0.05). ASIA Grades C and D demonstrated significant neurological recovery, with no grade deterioration observed.Conclusion: Age, injury type, management strategy, MRI findings, extent of edema, and listhesis grading are key predictors of outcomes in CSIs. These findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention, and comprehensive management in improving neurological and functional recovery. Multicentric studies with larger cohorts are recommended for broader generalizability.

Background: Full-field Digital Mammography (FFDM) is essential for the early detection of breast cancer. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) has improved cancer diagnosis and reduced false positives in mammography . This study evaluated DRLs for FFDM and DBT at various ranges of Compressed Breast Thickness (CBT).Material and methods: We evaluated the parameters like Average Glandular Dose (AGD), kVp, mAs, Entrance Surface Dose (ESD), and CBT in a retrospective analysis of FFDM and DBT. We computed the mean, median, range, and 75th percentile for Craniocaudal (CC) and Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) views at various breast thicknesses.Results: The DRLs were 0.70 mGy to 2.55 mGy for FFDM and 0.94 mGy to 3.67 mGy for DBT for breast thickness in the range from 20 mm to 89 mm.Conclusion: This analysis revealed that DRLs were significantly lower than international benchmarks . Mammography radiation dose optimisation enhances diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

Citrus sinensis is a rich source of bioactive compounds  and has attracted attention due to its medicinal benefits. Historically regarded as agricultural waste, orange peel is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and essential oils with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. The phytochemicals in Citrus sinensis peel were used as natural reducing and stabilizing agents in the green synthesis method used in this work to create silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This method is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional nanoparticle production, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals. Based on the study’s results, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles derived from Citrus sinensis peel extract offer a sustainable and biocompatible substitute for biomedical applications. The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries may find therapeutic uses for them due to their exceptional antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

Background: Obesity is a significant health risk linked to hypertension and heart-related disorders in adolescents, impacting their future well-being . Since, the present work is to determine the body constitute including percentage of body fat correlates with cholesterol level which associate with Body Mass Index. Methods: This cross-sectional work was held in 120 college girls aged 19-23 years of Bhavan’s Tripura College of Science and Technology, Anandanagar at West Tripura. Anthropometric measurements such as standing height, body weight, sub scapular and triceps skinfolds, waist &hip circumference were collected. These records were used to calculate Body Fat Percentage (%BF) and Fat Mass (FM). Waist and Hip ratio (WHR) and Body Mass Index (BMI). FM, %BF and biochemical studies such as serum cholesterol level were also used to measures the body fat composition. Results: According to the present study, 53.33% of girls have a normal BMI, 8.83% are underweight, 31.67% are overweight, and 6.67% are obese. WHR results indicate that 54.17% of participants are classified as obese and 45.83% as non-obese. Out of 114 (95%) girls with normal cholesterol levels of 16 (13.33%) students are pre-hypertensive and 10 (8.33%) students are hypertensive. Out of 38 overweight and 8 obese students 13.34% are in pre or hypertensive. Based on WHR, 65 (54.17%) female students are obese; out of 65 obese students, 12 (10%) and 7 (5.83%) female students are pre-hypertensive and hypertensive, respectively and this value is statistically significant (p value < 0.05). Out of 55 (45.83%) no-obese students 8 (6.67%) girls are pre-hypertensive and 5 (6.67%) girls are hypertensive. According to BMI female students who are overweight or obese (5%) also have excessive blood cholesterol.Conclusion: This study expressed clear evidence of correlation in BMI, serum cholesterol level and Hypertension. These results are important for epidemiological studies to identify the cardiovascular risk in obese adults and help to solve a health problem of present Youngers in their future life. This study serves as an early health warning for female college students.

Background: Nutritional awareness among caregivers plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal pediatric health and development. This study assesses the level of nutritional awareness among caregivers and examines its association with demographic factors.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of caregivers regarding dietary advice and complementary feeding for children under five years at Wad-Albasheir Family Health Center, Um-Bada locality.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers in selected healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to evaluate associations between variables.Results: The majority of caregivers demonstrated moderate awareness (60%), while 22.5% had low awareness and 17.5% had high awareness. A significant association was observed between education level and awareness (p < 0.05). Employment status also influenced awareness levels, with employed caregivers showing higher knowledge scores.Conclusion: Nutritional awareness is a key determinant of pediatric health. Strengthening educational programs targeting caregivers can improve child nutrition outcomes.

This paper shows the developments and directions in feature processing. We begin by revisiting conventional feature processing methods, then focus on deep feature extraction techniques and the application of feature processing. The article also analyzes the current research challenges and outlines future development directions, providing valuable insights in related fields.

Background: Human trafficking is a significant global issue that affects millions of individuals, where victim identification remains a major challenge. Traditional methods such as DNA or fingerprint analysis are not always viable, necessitating alternative forensic approaches.Methods: This article reviews the role of dental identification  in human trafficking cases through an extensive analysis of existing literature. The study incorporates forensic odontology techniques, including dental charting, radiographic analysis, bite mark analysis, age estimation, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).Results: Findings indicate that dental identification methods are essential for victim identification, especially when conventional methods prove ineffective. AI integration enhances the accuracy and efficiency of dental forensic investigations, addressing challenges such as record access and cross-border complexities.Conclusion: Dental identification, augmented by AI advancements, is an indispensable tool in forensic investigations related to human trafficking. The study underscores the necessity of international collaboration and technological innovation to enhance forensic practices.

Background: In addition to being used to keep babies clean and comfortable, baby care products may also include hazardous substances that are harmful to the baby’s health. To safeguard the health of new-borns, it is crucial to understand the potential toxins included in baby care products.Objective: This paper focuses on the very bothering aspect of baby care products. The objective of this study is to identify and summarise the effect of toxicants present in baby care products including their source, exposure, toxicity, and adverse effects on infants.Methods: Utilizing several internet databases including various open source, including PubMed, Scopus, and research gate, a thorough literature search was carried out. The review covered articles that were written in English and published in last fifteen years. Studies reporting on the sources, effects, and potential exposure pathways of toxicants found in infant care products have been included.Result: The study deals with a list of harmful toxicants like phthalates, asbestos, parabens, heavy metals, sodium laurel sulphates, etc., and their sources and modes of exposure. Exposure to toxicants such as phthalates, asbestos, parabens, heavy metals, and sodium laurel sulphates can lead to cancer, developmental disorders, and endocrine disruption.Conclusion: It can be concluded that baby care products are having adverse effects on infants, on their skin or health, or in other ways. To avoid the same, the root cause of it should be avoided, which is the inclusion of toxicant chemicals in such baby care products. Parents and caretakers should be aware of the dangers of toxicant chemicals in baby care products and use non-toxic products to protect their babies' health, while manufacturers should use safer components. Government and authorized agencies should enforce restrictions.

Melanoma is a highly malignant neoplasm arising from melanocytes, which are melanin-producing neural crest cells primarily located in the basal layer of the epidermis, making cutaneous melanoma the most common subtype. However, melanocytes are also found in other anatomical locations, and primary non-cutaneous melanomas, though rare, have been documented. Due to the aggressive nature of this malignancy, it carries a poor prognosis, particularly because it tends to metastasize to various, often atypical, sites. Recognizing these variable presentations is essential for timely diagnosis. Here, we report a rare case of metastatic brain melanoma in a young female and review the relevant literature, highlighting the importance of imaging in identification.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) is a well accepted surgical treatment for patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Previously, external dacryocystorhino-stomy was considered as the gold standard treatment for NLDO, however, EDCR has gained momentum due to its several advantages. The EDCR has been sounding more aesthetic and as functional compared to the traditional external dacryocystorhinostomy in the surgical treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction with comparable outcomes. Purpose: to determine the success rate and complications of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without stenting.Materials and methods: it was a retrospective study performed in the department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS), Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH) from June 2019 to September 2024. A total of 19 patients charts were reviewed. All the cases were performed under general anesthesia. All the cases had undergone without silicon stenting and were regularly followed up for a period of 3 months. Post operative stomal patency and complications were noted based on subjective and endoscopic evaluation.Results: Out of 19 patients, 12 were female and 7 were male with the age range of 12 to 70 years. Transnasal synechiae was seen in 2 female and 1 male patients. Stomal patency was 100% with no recurrence of epiphora in 17 patients (89.4%) during 3 months of follow up. 2 female patients with released synechiae didn’t come for 3 months follow up.Conclusion: It is a safe and minimally invasive procedure and has a comparable success rate to external DCR with an additional advantage of more aesthetic value.

Background: Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is bleeding from the genital tract after 12 months of amenorrhea in a woman over the age of 50, or 24 months if below the age of 50 years, in 10% of women presented with PMB, the cause is endometrial cancer.Purpose: To assess the clinical presentation types and outcomes of diagnostic measures provided for women presenting with PMB at Saad Abu-Alela Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan.Methodology: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at Saad Abu-Alela Teaching Hospital in the period from January to December 2022.An interview questionnaire was used for data collection. Fifty-nine (59) postmenopausal women were included in this study, age, parity, risk factors, duration of bleeding, duration of menopause, ultrasound findings, and hysteroscopy findings were recorded.Results: The majority of study participants were aged between 50-54 years, menopause duration was most 1-4 years, most of the participants were educated and medically free, DM and HTN, and most of the participants were multiparous. Duration of PMB ranged between weeks in a third of cases and up to more than a year in some cases, amount of bleeding was mild in more than half. Ultrasound is used to assess the endometrial thickness and other findings, also hysteroscopy and biopsy or Dilation and curettage and hysterectomy.Conclusion: The ultrasound and endometrial biopsy via inpatient hysteroscopy and dilatation and curettage were the best tools for evaluation of (PMB), benign conditions were the most frequent outcome and endometrial cancer.

Dentistry has much to offer in the detection and solution of crime or civil proceedings. Forensic dentistry requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of dental science, and it is the role of the Forensic Odontologist to establish a person's identity. Teeth, with their physiologic variations, pathosis record information that remains throughout life and beyond. Forensic Odontology has an important role in the recognition of abuse among children. Teeth may also be used as a weapon against children, and physical evidence such as DNA, bite marks, fingerprints may objectively link suspects to a crime and develop important investigative leads. Gender identification and sex determination by analyzing the pulp tissue in primary teeth can be regarded as an effective tool in providing valuable forensic information. The rights of children and their aspirations are of paramount importance, and the Pediatric dentist can contribute immensely to the field of Forensic Odontology in providing justice to these unfortunate children.

Magnusiomyces capitatus is a rare cause of invasive fungal infection in immuno-compromised patients. We report the case of magnusiomyces infection of the central nervous system, the lungs and sinus with a palatal lesion, in a patient treated for acute myeloid leukemia. While Magnusiomyces infections pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, a comprehensive understanding of their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and microbiological aspects is essential to guide effective management. The patient improved under antifungal treatments despite a reduced sensitivity of the different antifungals to the antifungogram. The important delays between chemotherapy cycles and its reduced intensity due to the Magnusiomyces infection has made managing the anticancer treatment more challenging.

Pachydermoperiostosis, also known as Primary Hypertrophic Osteoarthropathy (PHO), is a rare genetic disorder. The three main features are: enlarged fingertips (clubbing), thickened facial skin (pachydermia), and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). PHO is characterized by problems with skin and bone growth. Patients with PHO usually have coarse facial features with oily, thick, grooved skin on the face, joint pain, enlarged fingertips and toes, and hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet. Symptoms vary individually; however, men generally present with more severe manifestations. X-rays can help check for features that are not noticeable to the naked eye. There are two genes that are associated with PHO: the HPGD gene, located on the long arm of chromosome 4 at 4q34.1, and the SLCO2A1 gene, located on the long arm of chromosome 3 at 3q22.1 - q22.2. Mutations in the HPGD gene are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and the condition is sometimes abbreviated as PHOAR1 or Touraine-Solente-Gole syndrome.

Touch DNA, the minute quantities of DNA deposited through skin contact, has become a valuable tool in forensic investigations. However, the recovery of touch DNA from non-porous surfaces remains a challenging task, requiring optimized collection and extraction techniques to maximize DNA yield, because non-porous surfaces have smooth, non-absorbing material properties. This review explores various non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, and metal, analyzing their impact on DNA recovery efficiency. Different collection methods, including swabbing, tape lifting, scrubbing, and vacuum collection methods, are evaluated to determine their effectiveness in retrieving minute amounts of DNA from these surfaces. Through a comparative analysis of existing studies, this paper identifies which collection methods work best for different non-porous surfaces and why choosing the right technique matters. Factors such as surface type, environmental conditions, and collection technique performed, time duration, and so on can affect DNA recovery, making it crucial to use the most effective approach. This review also emphasizes the need for standardized protocols to ensure consistent and reliable results in forensic investigations. Having clear guidelines can reduce errors, improve DNA analysis, and make touch DNA analysis more reliable in forensic investigations. By focusing on these aspects, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts in refining touch DNA recovery strategies.

Introduction: Bronchoscopy could lead to local spread of pre-existing infection, spread of infection from one patient to another if the bronchoscope is disinfected inadequately, or, isolation of microorganisms from bronchoscopic specimens in a patient who is clinically not infected, i.e., pseudo-infection. This study is one such investigation of an outbreak of bronchoscopic pseudo-infections in a tertiary care hospital.Materials and methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were inoculated onto MacConkey Agar and 5% Sheep Blood Agar and incubated at 37 °C overnight. The growths obtained on culture media were processed for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility on Vitek 2 Compact as per manufacturer’s instructions. To investigate the outbreak, 5 mL - 10 mL of sterile water was flushed through the channels of disinfected bronchoscope and collected in a sterile container. The samples were centrifuged and inoculated onto MacConkey Agar and 5% Sheep Blood Agar. The growths obtained were further processed similarly as the BAL samples were processed. Environmental swabs collected from the bronchoscopy unit were also processed as the procedure mentioned above.Results: Bronchoalveolar lavage of 3 patients in a period of 1 week were contaminated with multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Two out of five bronchoscope fluid samples were also contaminated with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the swabs collected from bronchoscope unit, Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from the detergent box of the endowasher. Conclusion: The risk of propagation of infection via a bronchoscope can be evaded by proper reprocessing and improving the sterilization practices. 

Rationale: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular remodeling disease with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance that is lethal. While therapeutic progress was recently made with endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin pathway-based therapy for the treatment of PAH, the disease is currently incurable with a high cost of morbidity and mortality. Sotatercept, a new activin receptor IIA-Fc fusion protein, may prove to be a game-changer as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of PAH by regulating the growth factor signaling aberration of PAH.Methods: It is a narrative review of evidence for the drug Sotatercept for Group 1 PAH from a systematic literature search for clinical trials, mechanism studies, and regulatory data up to 2024. Pivotal clinical trials such as PULSAR, SPECTRA, STELLAR, and ZENITH were evaluated for efficacy, safety, and comparative results.Results: Sotatercept is a TGF-β family member ligand trap that rebalances activin/BMP signaling to target vascular remodeling. Clinically, striking effects were shown with exercise (40.8 m improvement in STELLAR 6MWD), pulmonary hemodynamics (PVR reduction of 146-240 dyn·s·cm-5 in PULSAR), as well as clinical measures (76% reduction of composite morbidity/mortality through ZENITH). On the background with an acceptable drug safety profile of predominantly hematologic effects, as well as injection site reaction, benefits were achieved. Comparison with analyses implies at least similar, if superior in some dimensions, efficacy of current PAH therapies.Conclusion: Sotatercept is a new therapeutic option for PAH as the first drug to act on the activin/BMP pathway. With its strong effect on several clinically relevant end points, it is a “fourth pillar” of PAH therapy. Clinical trials will determine its place in the algorithm, ascertain other combinations, and potentially identify its utility for other types of pulmonary hypertension.

Objective: Comparison of visual field progression in patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma (POAG) and Pseudo Exfoliative Glaucoma (PEXG).Methods and materials: This is a 2-year longitudinal prospective study including 60 glaucomatous eyes with VA CF ≥ 3 m, IOP ≥ 20 mmHg, CDR ≥ 0.6 and those with Shaffer’s grade 3 or above were categorized as POAG along with signs of Pseudo exfoliative material as PEXG.Patients on anti-glaucoma medications and those who have undergone cataract and glaucoma surgeries are also included in this study. 24-2 visual field test was performed using Humphrey Field Analyzer & the progression was assessed based on 3 parameters- Mean Deviation (MD), Visual Field Index (VFI) & Guided Progression Analysis (GPA).Results: The difference in MD & VFI was higher in PEXG (-5.77 dB) (10.88%) than in POAG (-1.56 dB) (7.17%) respectively & was significant statistically (t - test, p = < 0.001). The GPA showed fast progression in 53.30% of cases in PEXG, 13.30% in POAG (Chi-square, p = < 0.001) about 63.30% of POAG & 46.70% of PEXG showed slow- moderate progression, but 23.30% of POAG subjects had no progression.Conclusion: Compared to POAG, the study showed that PEXG had frequent & faster visual field worsening. Therefore, PEXG patients require more stringent management & treatment than those with POAG.

Background & objectives: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contains valuable genetic information and plays a crucial role in missing person investigations, mass disasters, and forensic cases involving limited or degraded biological material. mtDNA is maternally inherited, with a highly variable control region divided into three hypervariable regions are generally used for forensic investigation. This study aimed to evaluate maternal inheritance patterns of mtDNA using PCR-RFLP techniques to confirm maternal relatedness. Method: The study was designed after prior permission from the institute’s ethical committee in which subjects were enrolled. This pilot study analyzed 50 voluntary participants (mother-child pairs). DNA was extracted from blood or saliva, and the mtDNA hypervariable region (HV region) was amplified by PCR using specific primers for the HV1 region. The amplified fragments (1024 bp) were subjected to RFLP analysis using seven restriction endonucleases (Alu I, BsuR I (Hae III), Hinf I, HsYF31 (Dde I), Mbo I, Rsa I, and SsPI) to reveal morphotypes. Results: The study identified five morphotypes for Alu I, three for BsuR I (Hae III) and Rsa I, two for Hinf I, and one each for HsYF31 (Dde I), Mbo I, and SsPI. There was minimal genetic polymorphism in the hypervariable region among unrelated individuals, but consistent restriction patterns were observed between mothers and their children in same pair. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the low genetic polymorphism in the hypervariable region among unrelated individuals and consistent restriction patterns within maternal pairs, underscoring mtDNA's utility in forensic and genealogical applications.