Wealth and regional disparities in child undernutrition: insights from national demographic and health survey.

Introduction: In developing countries like Pakistan, the prevalence of malnutrition embodies a multifaceted development challenge, intricately linked to structural inequalities, with disproportionate burdens among socioeconomically and geographically disadvantaged populations.

Methods: Drawing on the most recent Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2017-18), this study examines the magnitude of child undernutrition disparities across wealth quintiles and geographic regions. This study employs the Concentration Index (CI) with decomposition analysis, alongside Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition as robust.

Oryza rufipogon and nanoparticles mitigate nanoplastic toxicity by modulating lignin, cell wall thickening, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly harmful to plants. Oryza rufipogon (wild rice) possesses multi-faceted resilience characteristics. This study examined wild rice huaye3 (HY) tolerance to NPs and the impact of nano selenium (n-Se) on NP stress using the Oryza sativa cultivar meixiangzhan (MX) as a control.

Effect of Ranibizumab in Patients with Treatment-Naïve Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Objectives: To determine the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) in patients with treatment-naïve retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in terms of disease regression and need for rescue therapy.

Materials And Methods: This study evaluated disease regression and rescue therapy requirement in treatment-naïve ROP cases treated with IVR. Among 188 screened patients, 80 had ROP.

Alkyl-chain-wrenched lipophilic binuclear organoselenium compounds: Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of enhanced cytotoxicity.

NHC-containing compounds are well known for their diverse and promising bioactivities. Incorporation of a metal center into a heterocyclic framework can significantly enhance the bioactivity, leading to improved efficiency. In this scenario, three new bi-imidazolium salts (ZS1-ZS3) and their respective organoselenium compounds (ZC4-ZC6) were synthesized and characterized using various techniques, including UV-visible, FTIR and FT-NMR (H and C) spectroscopy.

Neuroprotective Agents With Reperfusion Therapies in Ischemic Stroke: Evidence From Recent Randomized Trials.

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of adjunctive neuroprotective therapies administered in combination with reperfusion treatments, either intravenous (IV) thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, or both, in adult patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of four major databases was conducted with filters applied to include English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published within the last five years. From an initial 622 records, 10 eligible RCTs were identified and analyzed.

Identification of a Novel Rice Chromosomal Translocation Line that Could Cause the Heterozygote Semi-Sterility and be Overcome by Genomic Duplication.

Interspecific and intersubspecific hybrid rice have demonstrated substantial heterosis and increased yield potential, yet they are frequently restricted by complex hybrid sterility (HS). Gene regulation has primarily been used to explain the genetic mechanism of HS; however, it is still unclear how cryptic chromosomal structural hybridity results in heterozygote semi-sterility at the molecular level. This study identified a T-DNA-mediated heterozygous mutant mfss (male and female semi-sterility) in rice, of which the self-pollinated progeny would produce heterozygous semi-sterile mutant plants and homozygous fertile mutant plants, mm, with homozygous in inserted T-DNA.

Association of Temperament with Growth Performance in Nili Ravi Buffalo Heifers.

This study investigated the association between temperament and retrospective growth rates in 84 Nili Ravi buffalo heifers aged 18 to 24 months. Temperament was assessed using chute score and exit velocity, measured twice at a seven-day interval, and classified as calm (≤3) or nervous (>3). Retrospective average daily weight gain data were retrieved from farm records, and blood samples were collected to measure cortisol levels.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase facilitates Mycoplasma synoviae colonisation in the lower respiratory system.

Mycoplasma synoviae is a significant pathogen in commercial poultry, causing respiratory disease, synovitis, and reduced egg production. The live attenuated vaccine MS-H, derived from the virulent strain 86079/7NS (7NS) via random mutagenesis, is widely used for disease control. Comparative genomics of MS-H and 7NS revealed mutations in the genes encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a key glycolysis pathway enzyme, as well as the essential GTPase ObgE and the peptide transporter OppF.

Efficacy of cationic polymer-coated magnesium oxide nanoparticles as anti-cancer candidates.

Conventional cancer therapies are frequently limited by systemic toxicity and inadequate selectivity, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising platform for achieving targeted and drug-free cancer treatments. In this study, we report a drug-free anti-cancer strategy based on cationic polymer-coated magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs).

Circular RNAs MTO1 and ZNF292 as potential diagnostic biomarkers in HIV patients treated with antiretroviral therapy.

Introduction: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are unique, abundant, and stable non-coding RNAs having regulatory roles and potential clinical significance. This study investigates the expression profiles and diagnostic efficacy of specific circRNAs in HIV-infected patients.

Methodology: Blood samples from 195 HIV-infected patients (156 were viremic, 39 were non-viremic (antiretroviral therapy (ART)-suppressed) and 40 healthy controls were collected.

Phytochemical Investigations and Pharmacological Potential of Organic Extracts of L. Leaves.

holds significant therapeutic value in Indian traditional medicine, since it is utilized for the treatment of several diseases. The current study was performed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant radical scavenging (DPPH), and hemolytic and antimicrobial activities of organic fractions of leaves. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidant components, phenolics, and flavonoids were conducted using organic solvents, including methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous solutions.

Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting as a Large Abdominal Mass and Secondary Varicocele in a Hepatitis B Patient: A Case Report.

We report a rare and aggressive presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma in a 50-year-old man with a brief history of hepatitis B infection. The patient presented with a rapidly enlarging epigastric mass, recurrent hematemesis, and a newly developed left-sided varicocele. Imaging revealed a large exophytic hepatic mass with evidence of vascular displacement and intrahepatic metastases.

Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon versus Drug-Eluting Stent for Patients with De Novo Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty with drug-eluting stent (DES) for the treatment of de novo coronary artery disease.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of major databases, including Cochrane, Medline, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov, to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DCB and DES.

Differential interactions of ToLCNDV with different betasatellites reveal complex viral dynamics in N. benthamiana.

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a bipartite begomovirus prevalent in Old World and major cotton-growing regions of Pakistan, has increasingly been found associated with diverse betasatellites. Although betasatellites, small circular DNA satellites, are typically associated with monopartite begomoviruses, they are known to enhance disease severity (pathogenicity), increase viral DNA accumulation, and expand virus host ranges. This study investigated the interaction between ToLCNDV and three widely distributed betasatellites - cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite strain Multan (Mβ), cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite strain Burewala (Bβ) and tobacco leaf curl betasatellite (Tbβ) - in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, focusing on the potential emergence of novel viral combinations in cotton-growing regions.

Factor XIa Inhibitors Versus Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the standard treatment for reducing thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, bleeding remains a major concern. Factor XIa inhibitors have emerged as a potential alternative, but evidence about their therapeutic potential remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of Factor XIa inhibitors versus DOACs for AF.

Development of cookies from wheat-yellow/white maize composite blends and their physical and sensory evaluation.

Wheat is a staple food in many countries globally, but it alone cannot meet the dietary demands of the growing population. To address this, there is an increasingly critical need to integrate alternative cereals into diets, enhancing nutritional diversity and reducing reliance on imports. In present study, various composite blends of wheat and maize were developed by taking different proportions of maize flour (10, 20, 30 and 40%) into the wheat flour and analyzed for proximate composition, phytates, minerals and pasting properties.

Alleviation of Nanoplastic Stress in Rice: Evidence from Biochemical, Cytological, Physiological, and Transcriptome Analysis.

Nanoplastic (NP) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is an emerging global concern, but little is known about its effects on crops and how to manage it. Here, we used two rice cultivars, S18 (from ) and MeiXiangZhan (MXZ) (cultivated rice), to study their tolerance against NP and the alleviation of NP through MoO nanoparticles (nMo). nMo was found to be capable of heteroaggregating with NP through SEM observation.

Development of a Novel Biomarker Platform for Profiling Key Protein-Protein Interactions to Predict the Efficacy of BH3-Mimetic Drugs.

One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is their failure to respond to the cellular mechanism of apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family of proteins regulate apoptosis. Their ability to do so can be measured using several methods that in turn anticipate the fate of the cancer cell in response to apoptosis-inducing treatment.

Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin in Predicting Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While conventional risk assessment tools often lack precision in diabetic populations, high-sensitivity cardiac troponins (hs-cTn), particularly high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and high-sensitivity troponin T I (hs-TnI), have emerged as promising biomarkers capable of detecting subclinical myocardial injury and predicting adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prognostic effectiveness of hs-cTn in predicting long-term cardiovascular events in individuals with T2DM.

Hemochromatosis and Hepatic Complications: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Diagnostics, and Emerging Therapeutics.

Hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive iron overload disorder. It occurs due to a failure in the hepcidin response, leading to systemic iron overload. The high iron levels in the plasma stored in various organs cause injury and permanent damage.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 alleviates Escherichia coli-triggered bovine endometrial epithelial cells damage via the reactive oxygen species-mitochondrial pathway.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the function of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mitochondrial pathway in attenuating Escherichia coli (E. coli) induced apoptosis in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BENDs) by Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) GR-1.

Thalidomide confers therapeutic benefit in beta thalassemia patients by enhancing hemoglobin and hematopoietic gene expression: A non-randomized clinical trial.

Bacground: Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) requires regular transfusions, often causing iron overload and organ damage. Thalidomide, a fetal hemoglobin (HbF) inducer, may reduce transfusion needs, but scientific data are limited.

Methods: This two-arm, non-randomized clinical trial followed a total of 164 TDT patients over 30 months: 72 received thalidomide and 92 underwent standard transfusions.

Delayed Presentation of Metastatic Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm in a Pregnant Woman: A Case Report.

Solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) is a rare, low-grade malignant pancreatic tumor usually found incidentally on imaging, most commonly in young women. Its association with women suggests that hormones may play a significant role in tumor pathogenesis. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment in all stages of disease, and few other treatment options have been thoroughly explored.

Exploring the Gender Preferences for Healthcare Providers and Their Influence on Patient Satisfaction.

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator for improving healthcare delivery, yet the influence of gender preferences on healthcare providers remains underexplored. Cultural norms and gender perceptions often shape the patient preferences, affecting access to care, patient-provider relationships, and overall satisfaction. Thus, this study investigates the patients' gender preferences and their impact on satisfaction in Tanzania.