Acetone Gas Sensors for Noninvasive Diabetes Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Review.

The development of sensors for monitoring breath acetone, a key biomarker for ketosis in diabetes mellitus, represents a critical frontier in medical diagnostics, promising a painless alternative to invasive blood tests. This review provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the state-of-the-art in acetone gas sensing technologies, including chemiresistive, optical, electrochemical, conductometric, and microwave platforms. We focus specifically on recent breakthroughs driven by advanced materials, analyzing how novel nanostructures from two-dimensional (2D) materials such as MXenes to porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are engineered to push performance to clinically relevant parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity.

Lipid metabolism-related genes in gastric cancer: Exploring oncogenic pathways.

Lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in gastric cancer (GC) progression, characterized by complex metabolic reprogramming that supports tumor growth and survival. This narrative review comprehensively examines the dysregulation of lipid metabolism-associated genes, including fatty acid synthase (FASN), ATP-citrate lyase, acetyl-CoA carboxylases, FA binding proteins, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins, and other key enzymes. These genes facilitate critical oncogenic processes by enhancing FA synthesis, modifying cellular signaling, and supporting cancer cell proliferation, migration, and therapy resistance.

A Comparative Study of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Versus Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) in Small-Sized Prostate Glands With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Introduction And Aim: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition in aging males, often leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). While transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard for surgical management, transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) is a less invasive alternative for small prostate volumes. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of TURP and TUIP in patients with small prostate glands (<30 mL) suffering from BPH.

Dual-Mode Integration of a Composite Nanoparticle in PES Membranes: Enhanced Performance and Photocatalytic Potential.

Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes are essential in separation processes; however, their inherent hydrophobicity can limit their effectiveness in water-intensive applications. This study aims to enhance PES membranes by modifying them with a NiFeO-nanoclay composite nanoparticle to improve both their hydrophilicity and photocatalytic potential as a photocatalytic membrane. The nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel auto-combustion method and incorporated into PES membranes through mixed-matrix embedding (1 wt% and 3 wt%) and surface coating.

Assessing quality of life before and after transurethral resection of the prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

Objective: To compare quality of life scores before and after transurethral resection of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods: The prospective, observational study was conducted at the Urology Department of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from September 24, 2021, to March 30, 2022, and comprised consecutive patients who were eligible to undergo transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prior to undergoing definitive surgical therapy, all the patients were evaluated using standardised questionnaires, specifically the International Prostate Symptom Score and a disease-specific quality of life score.

Optimizing lateralization and distalization shoulder angles in shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review of functional outcomes and complication.

Background: The lateralization shoulder angle (LSA) and distalization shoulder angle (DSA) are critical factors in predicting postoperative complications in shoulder surgeries. This study investigates the impact of LSA and DSA variations on functional outcomes and complications in shoulder surgery.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2024.

Cytokine Gene Expression and Treatment Impact on MRI Outcomes in Jordanian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Central nervous system autoimmune disorders, like multiple sclerosis (MS), are chronic conditions where cytokines contribute significantly to the regulation of inflammation. The diagnosis, progression, and treatment effectiveness of MS are assessed through laboratory tests and clinical evaluation, as well as imaging.

Method: This study included 40 healthy individuals as a control group and 75 MS patients, divided into two groups: 45 MS patients receiving fingolimod treatment (MSW) and 30 patients taking other medications (MSOs).

Evaluation of the effect of biochar on the metabolic status, oxidative stress, and immune response of Sprague Dawley rats.

Livestock health is seriously endangered by environmental pollutants in feed, water, and soil, affecting organ health, productivity, and immune system performance. Biochar, a material rich in carbon produced via pyrolysis, attracts interest as an additive to foods for its ability to adsorb toxins, influence gut microbiota, and enhance immune responses. The study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar supplementation (2.

Addressing the challenge of rheumatic heart disease in Pakistan: A call to action.

Despite its high prevalence, Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is underrepresented in Pakistan's national and federal health plans. To address this gap, we gathered multi-geographic and specialty perspectives from frontline clinicians in Pakistan'. Major challenges in RHD diagnosis and care include regional healthcare disparities, diagnostic limitations, scarcity of Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG) for prophylaxis, and lack of multidisciplinary RHD teams.

Integrating AI in Healthcare Education: Attitudes of Pharmacy Students at King Khalid University Towards Using ChatGPT in Clinical Decision-Making.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare education, offering innovative tools to enhance learning and clinical decision-making. AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT are increasingly integrated into pharmacy education, enabling students to access vast medical knowledge, refine decision-making skills, and simulate clinical scenarios. This study examines pharmacy students' attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding ChatGPT's use in clinical decision-making, evaluates its perceived benefits and limitations, and identifies factors influencing AI integration in pharmacy education.

Evaluating the risks and benefits of continuing withholding renin-angiotensin system inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

Background: The best perioperative management of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery has been an ongoing debate as a result of inconclusive previous studies and insufficient data for robust guidelines. Although continuation of RASi may lead to intraoperative hypotension, withholding might also cause postoperative complications. Our meta-analysis aims to explore the postoperative outcomes of strategies of RASi management before surgery by evaluating randomised clinical trials, to provide more definitive conclusions for clinical practice.

Rhoifolin as a potential anxiolytic drug for the effects of nicotine withdrawal: beneficial effects on behavior, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.

Cigarette smoke exposure induces oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, contributing to nicotine dependence and withdrawal-related anxiety. Rhoifolin (ROF), a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside, possesses notable oxidative stress and inflammation reducing properties. This study investigated the potential ameliorative effects of ROF against cigarette smoke-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior in rats.

Monitoring of bacterial and potentially toxic elements contamination in the Rawal Lake tributaries and filtration plant.

This study examines bacterial and potentially toxic elements pollution in Jinnah Stream, Nurpur Stream, and Rawal Lake filtration plant during dry and wet seasons; Rawal Lake serves as a key source of water supply for the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Three growth media (Salmonella-Shigella agar, Brilliant Green agar, and Chromo-select agar) were used for microbial plating targeting Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp.

Translation and Validation of the Arabic International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire Among Patients with Physical Illness and Their Families in Iraq.

Background: The populations of middle- and low-income countries are exposed to many stressors, and these are associated with worse mental health. The ICD-11 includes a section "Disorders specifically associated with stress" and there are many validated measures for the assessment of stress-related disorders. However, there is no self-reported measure of ICD-11 adjustment disorder available for use in Arabic-speaking populations.

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Nanoclay Composites' Mixed-Matrix Membranes: Exploring Structure, Properties, and Performance Relationships.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes have become a favored choice for membrane filtration because of their outstanding mechanical characteristics, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and ease of handling. Nevertheless, the hydrophobic nature of PVDF membranes can result in fouling, which diminishes their efficiency over time. This study explores the impact of ZnO-Nanoclay on the properties and performance of mixed matrix membranes made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at different loading percentages (0, 1, and 3 wt%).

Frequency of complications in ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy: An analysis using the modified clavien classification system.

Objective: To determine the frequency of complications following percutaneous nephrostomy using the Modified Clavien Classification System in patients with urinary tract obstruction in a tertiary care setting.

Methods: The observational study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, from August 18, 2022, to February 17, 2023, and comprised individuals of either gender aged 16- 70 years who were experiencing different types of urinary tract obstructions. The patients were subjected to percutaneous nephrostomy, and they were monitored for 15 days after the surgery.

Enhancing mechanical properties of low plasticity soil through coal and silica fume stabilization.

Low-plasticity soils, characterized by low plasticity and high sand content, present challenges in engineering projects due to their inadequate strength and stability. This study evaluates the comparative effects of coal waste and silica fume as stabilizers to improve the mechanical properties of silty soils. Key parameters such as liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), plasticity index (PI), maximum dry density (MDD), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and shear strength were assessed through laboratory experiments with varying stabilizer proportions (3-12%).

Unveiling the relationship between heat-resistant structure characteristics and inhibitory activity in colored highland barley proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors.

Natural α-amylase inhibitors (α-AIs) serve as food processing additives, capable of mitigating postprandial blood glucose levels, but heat resistance limits their application in high-temperature processing. This study delved into the correlation between protein structural characteristics and heat-resistance of colored highland barley (CHB) α-AIs and evaluated the inhibitory activity during chemical modification and in vitro digestion. Results demonstrated that CHB α-AIs were glycoproteins, the inhibitory activity retention rate of black highland barley α-AI salted-out with 0-60 % (NH)SO (BK1 α-AI) was 56.

Amoxicillin-Induced Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Kidney Injury: A Case Report.

Amoxicillin (AMX) is a commonly used antibiotic for treating infections and as a prophylactic antimicrobial agent, appreciated for its efficacy and favorable pharmacokinetics. Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is classified under thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), which are characterized by hemolysis, low platelet counts, thrombus formation in small vessels, and end-organ damage.

Land use dynamics and their impact on hydrology and water quality of a river catchment: a comprehensive analysis and future scenario.

Land use changes profoundly affect hydrological processes and water quality at various scales, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water resource management. This paper investigates the implications of land use alterations in the Gap-Cheon watershed, analyzing data from 2012 and 2022 and predicting changes up to 2052 using the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The study employs the Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) model to assess water quantity and quality dynamics.

A comprehensive review on advanced trends in treatment technologies for removal of Bisphenol A from aquatic media.

Toxic environmental pollutants are considered to be posed a major threat to human and aquatic systems. The fast advancement of the petrochemical and chemical industries has woken up rising worries concerning the pollution of water by contaminants including phenolic Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). The intermediate BPA used in synthesis of certain plastics, polycarbonate polymers, polysulfone, and epoxy resins of various polyesters.

Dengue Fever Complicated by Pneumonia in Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, was the most prevalent arthropod-borne illness globally and posed a significant public health challenge due to its increasing incidence and potential complications. While most patients recovered within one to two weeks, some cases progressed to severe dengue, requiring hospitalization. This case report described a 39-year-old pregnant woman at 27 weeks gestation who developed severe dengue fever complicated by bacterial pneumonia, leading to ICU admission.

Diagnostic delays of periodontitis and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate total diagnostic delay (TDD) in periodontitis and identify the factors associated with it.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 145 newly examined and diagnosed periodontitis patients were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on demographics, symptom onset, duration of diagnostic delay(s), and potential associated factors.

Scientific Insights into the Quantum Dots (QDs)-Based Electrochemical Sensors for State-of-the-Art Applications.

Size-dependent optical and electronic properties are unique characteristics of quantum dots (QDs). A significant advantage is the quantum confinement effect that allows their precise tuning to achieve required characteristics and behavior for the targeted applications. Regarding the aforementioned factors, QDs-based sensors have exhibited dramatic potential for the diverse and advanced applications.