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Alginate, a naturally occurring biopolymer extracted from brown algae, presents a promising avenue for developing sustainable and efficient membranes for wastewater treatment. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in the fabrication, modification, and application of alginate-based membranes for effective water purification. The paper delves into various fabrication techniques, including casting, electrospinning, and 3D printing, which influence the structural and functional properties of the resulting alginate membranes. To enhance performance, strategies such as crosslinking, incorporation of porogens, and surface functionalization are employed. These modifications optimize crucial properties like mechanical strength, porosity, selectivity, and antifouling resistance. Furthermore, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has emerged as a valuable tool for systematically optimizing fabrication parameters, enabling researchers to identify optimal conditions for achieving desired membrane characteristics. The integration of alginate membranes with biological treatment processes, such as phycoremediation (utilizing microalgae) and mycoremediation (employing fungi), offers a synergistic approach to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency. By immobilizing these microorganisms within the alginate matrix, their bioremediation capabilities are amplified, leading to improved pollutant degradation and nutrient removal. In conclusion, alginate-based membranes demonstrate significant potential as a sustainable and effective technology for wastewater treatment. Continued research and development, focusing on optimizing fabrication processes and exploring innovative integration strategies with biological systems, will further advance the application of alginate membranes in addressing the pressing global challenge of water pollution.

Anaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma is a very rare tumor of the Central Nervous System (CNS). BRAFV600E mutation is a common mutation in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. We present a 52-year-old male patient who underwent total resection due to a temporal lobe mass. The primary tumor in the temporal lobe was given postoperative radiotherapy. During follow-up, genetically and histologically proven metastasis was detected in the paraspinal region. The adjuvant RT was given to metastasis after surgery. The patient, who used the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib after recurrence, is being monitored in remission.

Retracing the evolution of Mineralocorticoid Receptors (MR) obliges us to take an instructive as well as fascinating leap back in time. This journey teaches us that the relationship between MRs and what we consider their natural ligand, aldosterone, has not always been an exclusive one. MRs operated for a very long time in the oceans and, in any case, in an aquatic environment, stimulated by ligands other than aldosterone, and exercising functions that we still do not know well but which were certainly different from those they currently perform in terrestrial vertebrates, where they maintain normal sodium and body fluids. The history of MRs was initially intertwined with that of female sexual hormones, in particular with progesterone, which was one of the first agonists for MRs, before becoming, with the transition to the terrestrial environment, an important antagonist. This initial intertwining could be the cause of the sexual dimorphism that can be glimpsed when these receptors are overstimulated, as emerges from many experimental studies and some clinical data and/or when antagonistic drugs for these receptors are studied. This must be taken into account in the planning of clinical studies, especially randomized controlled trials, in which the presence of the two sexes must always be well balanced and in the interpretation of the results which must always be performed being well aware of the gender of participants. This does not always happen, however.

Introduction: Behçet’s disease is a rare, systemic, inflammatory condition that primarily affects young adults. It is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations. However, neurological and cardiac presentations remain uncommon and often delayed in diagnosis. This disease can lead to severe complications, such as ischemic strokes and myocarditis, highlighting the systemic and complex nature of the condition.Case presentation: A 27-year-old patient was hospitalized after experiencing an ischemic stroke and myocarditis, which revealed Behçet’s disease. He had a history of oral and cutaneous ulcers, without a prior diagnosis of Behçet. Upon admission, brain imaging confirmed an ischemic stroke, and echocardiography and cardiac MRI showed acute myocarditis. Biological tests confirmed elevated systemic inflammation, which guided the treatment plan. The initial treatment included corticosteroids, immunosuppressors (azathioprine), and cardioprotective therapy. The patient showed significant clinical improvements, although mild deficits persist.Discussion: Myocarditis in Behçet’s disease is a rare but severe manifestation resulting from inflammation of the heart walls, often associated with other systemic vascular involvement. Although less common than oral or cutaneous ulcers, myocarditis can lead to acute heart dysfunction and even heart failure if not treated promptly. It is generally caused by an excessive inflammatory response, often associated with immune system activation, which affects the coronary circulation and damages the cardiac muscle. Treatment for myocarditis in this context relies on high-dose corticosteroids to control inflammation, followed by long-term immunosuppressive medications like azathioprine. While the initial treatment often leads to a rapid improvement in cardiac function, the risk of long-term complications, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or heart failure, remains high. Close follow-up is therefore essential to prevent these complications and optimize the long-term cardiac prognosis of patients with this rare disease.Conclusion: The progression of myocarditis in Behçet’s disease can be favorable if diagnosed and treated early, with significant improvement in cardiac function achieved through the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. However, the long-term prognosis remains uncertain due to the risk of chronic cardiac complications, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or heart failure.

This review underscores the transformative impact of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) on modern engineering, emphasizing its role in advancing sustainable and efficient technological solutions. The CAE industry is further analyzed, focusing on market trends and future directions. The CAE market is projected to grow significantly in the next five years in industries like automotive, aerospace, and energy, especially with the rapid advancements in High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twin technologies that enhance real-time optimization and predictive capabilities, thus fostering innovation in sustainable product design and performance. Lastly, this review presents KYAMOS Software and its state-of-the-art CAE solutions for tackling high-demand engineering problems, mainly concerning green technologies.

The results of the study of the texture of thin films of aluminum nitride obtained by magnetron sputtering are presented. The dependence of the sizes and degree of preferential orientation of crystallites on the conditions of formation of thin films (pressure, discharge power, composition of the plasma-forming gas) is investigated.

Introduction: Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a significant cause of glomerulopathy and chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. The deposition of circulating immune complexes in the glomerulus and abnormal activation of the alternative complement pathway is believed to trigger the disease. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the optimal treatment and prognosis for children with immune complex-associated MPGN (IC-MPGN) and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G).Case report: We report the case of a 14-year-old child admitted for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with anuria managed on haemodialysis. The kidney biopsy showed an appearance compatible with MPGN on light microscopy, with immunoglobulin and complement C3 deposits on direct immunofluorescence. The prognosis was poor, with rapid progression to ESRD despite treatment combining corticosteroid therapy and immunosuppressants.Discussion and conclusion: Evaluating the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches for MPGN in children is challenging due to the small sample sizes and the short duration of the published controlled studies. As a result, it is crucial to conduct more comprehensive trials that focus on both prognosis and treatment options.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is caused by a virus that induces acute infections. Despite its expansion beyond China, where it first appeared in 2009, no specific drug exists to treat the disease. The discovery that antibodies targeting the SFTS virus surface glycoprotein (Glycoprotein N, GN) significantly enhance patient survival has driven the development of antibodies, particularly nanobodies. Nanobodies targeting the GN protein are a promising therapeutic approach. This paper presents a systematic study of the purification process for a recombinant nanobody-Fc fusion designed to treat the SFTS virus HB29. The study evaluated a sequential purification approach using affinity (AFF), ion exchange (IEC), and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) techniques to gradually remove impurities. The results demonstrate that this approach achieves an overall yield of more than 50% and a total purity of 95%. Efficient nanobody purification methods, as outlined here, can pave the way for novel treatments to manage this disease.

Verrucous carcinoma is a rare, slow-growing squamous cell carcinoma that can occur in acral regions, including the plantar surface, being named carcinoma cuniculatum. The tumor presents as a well-demarcated, exudative lesion, resembling benign conditions like warts or infections. In this case, a verrucous lesion on the left plantar surface initially appeared to be non-malignant, with multiple incisional biopsies showing only inflammation. A final excisional biopsy of a large part of it confirmed the initial suspicion of malignancy, prompting complete excision and appropriate management. This case underscores the importance of performing wide and deep biopsies for early diagnosis and timely treatment of a suspected verrucous carcinoma.

Antioxidants are groups of compounds that neutralize free radicals and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the cell [1]. Antioxidant activity in food and beverages has become one of the most interesting features in the science community. These antioxidants provide protection against damage caused by free radicals played important roles in the development of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, aging, heart disease, anemia, cancer, and inflammation [2].

Stroke and acute myocardial infarction are primary global causes of mortality. Statistical studies have shown that acute myocardial infarction is responsible for around 9 million deaths each year. Ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction have a significant role in global adult physical disabilities. While reperfusion is vital for tissue recovery, it may paradoxically, inadvertently increase damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. Early reperfusion procedures are currently the sole therapy to reduce infarct size. There are many mysteries about heart biology. It is not known the source of energy for myocardial tissues. The heart-beating force (120 mm Hg) cannot explain how erythrocytes are impelled through almost 95,000 km of capillaries in less than 5 minutes. A better knowledge of how the heart is oxygenated should allow the development of new therapies.

Mitochondria are essential intracellular organelles that significantly influence various cellular processes, including metabolism, stress response, and cell fate. Their precise regulation is crucial for maintaining both organelle and cellular homeostasis. Wound healing is a complex, multifactorial process that relies on the coordinated actions of multiple cell types and numerous cellular mechanisms. Dysregulation in this process can lead to chronic wounds, which pose substantial challenges for healthcare systems and present limited treatment options due to their intricate pathogenesis. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of mitochondria in wound healing, revealing their involvement in critical processes such as metabolism, apoptosis, and redox signaling. Mitochondrial dynamics play a vital role in wound healing by adapting to cellular demands and environmental cues. Moreover, mitophagy, the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria, is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function during the healing process. Mitochondria are not only pivotal in energy production but also in calcium homeostasis and the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which are essential for signaling during wound repair. As wound healing progresses through distinct yet overlapping stages mitochondria facilitate the energy demands of repair and contribute to cytoskeletal remodeling necessary for wound closure. Understanding the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in wound healing could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for chronic wounds. Future research should prioritize investigating mitochondrial dynamics and functions in human tissues to develop targeted strategies for enhancing wound healing outcomes.

A 27-year-old pregnant woman presented with acute pyelonephritis for the first time in her pregnancy. We admitted the patient for treatment. On the second day, her fetus had bradycardia as a result of maternal hypothermia. Infusion of warmed fluid and providing a warm blanket were the definite treatment in this case. However, the fetal heart rate gradually returned to normal after rewarming the patient. We discharged the patient in a good state after one week. No complications were noticed.

Blood cell production through hematopoiesis within the bone marrow serves both to maintain blood equilibrium and to respond to tissue injury and infectious demands. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) therapy developments have revolutionized medical treatment approaches for anemia leukemia and bone marrow failure caused by chemotherapy or radiation exposure. The therapeutic compounds present in medicinal plants have traditionally supported blood health and researchers now understand these plants could help regenerate bone marrow tissue. The analysis investigates how phytochemicals affect HSC proliferation and differentiation while supporting HSC survival. The medicinal plants Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, and Curcuma longa receive special attention for their documented ability to enhance hematopoiesis in preclinical and clinical settings. This review examines the challenges that include standardization issues, toxicity concerns, and regulatory barriers alongside future perspectives about combining plant-based therapies with traditional treatments to improve bone marrow recovery and health results. 

The article conducted a study of computer acoustic analysis of Jitter and Shimmer voice parameters in children with dysphonia after laryngeal surgery. The study found that children with dysphonia had significantly lower preoperative Jitter and Shimmer scores (574359, 587, and 2.3) compared to healthy children (1316743.376 and 4.84). At 1 month after surgery, affected children showed a decrease in Jitter and Shimmer indices compared with these acoustic indices before surgery. However, at 2 months, there was a significant increase in Jitter and Shimmer scores, and at 3 months, Jitter and Shimmer scores were comparable to Jitter and Shimmer scores in healthy children without dysphonia. The results of the study show that the method of analyzing the acoustic parameters of the voice Jitter and Shimmer allows a phoniatrist to objectively assess the occurrence of a voice disease in patients with dysphonia, and this method is the most accurate criterion for determining the pathologies of dysphonia and determining the treatment program for the disease.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) road projects are being promoted worldwide to encourage road investments; however, research on the appropriate rate of return for these projects is insufficient. This is likely because the return on investment for PPP road projects is determined through negotiations between the government and the private sector, a process that remains confidential. The rate of return for PPP road projects is not only a key indicator for evaluating project performance but also a potential driver for future government financial subsidies. Therefore, research on the appropriate rate of return for PPP road projects is necessary for the sustainability of these projects.This study, based on the concept that both the government and the private sector share the anticipated risks of the project, quantifies six types of risks and proposes a model for predicting the appropriate rate of return. The model is able to explain approximately 68% of the cases in South Korea’s PPP road projects. The risk with the greatest influence on the rate of return was found to be an economic risk, while the least influential was regulation change risk.Due to the confidentiality of data related to PPP road projects, this study only utilized 54 cases from South Korea. It is hoped that a wider range of data will be collected and further research on the appropriate rate of return will continue to enhance the sustainability of PPP road projects.

Bifurcation analysis and Multiobjective Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (MNLMPC) calculations were performed on a model of circadian oscillations of the Period (PER) and Timeless (TIM) proteins in Drosophila. The MATLAB program MATCONT was used to perform the bifurcation analysis. The optimization language PYOMO was used along with the state-of-the-art global optimization solvers IPOPT and BARON for the MNLMPC calculations. The bifurcation analysis revealed oscillation causing Hopf bifurcations while the MNLMPC calculations revealed the existence of spikes in the control profiles. Both Hopf bifurcation points and the control profile spikes were eliminated using an activation factor involving the hyperbolic tangent function.

Amyloidosis-associated kidney disease commonly manifests with chronic glomerular symptoms including heavy proteinuria predominantly albuminuria. Clinical presentation ranges from full-blown nephrotic syndrome, hematuria, and hypertension to renal failure. In India patients with chronic kidney disease are mainly attributed to hypertension and diabetes but an underlying etiology such as amyloidosis needs to be unearthed and shouldn’t be ignored as an etiology. We report a case of a 60-year-old man with hypertension and hypothyroidism who presented with frothy urine for several years, b/l pedal edema for 15 days. Over the past 3 months, there was a serial increase in creatinine. As per CKD-EPI equation, the patient was CKD-4. As the patient was suspected to be rapidly progressive renal failure; a renal biopsy was planned. Biopsy reports were suggestive of Amyloidosis. Glomerular, vascular, and tubulointerstitial deposition of amyloid was seen. Based on renal biopsy and IHC staining; the patient’s diagnosis was AA-associated secondary renal amyloidosis. Thus in this case renal amyloidosis was an unearthed etiology.

The prevalence of gallbladder stones is higher in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients and it has been shown to increase with the advancement of the disease stage, from 7.7% in stage 1% to 21.3% in stage 5. Gallstone ileus is a rare complication which presents in just 0.3% - 0.5% of patients with cholelithiasis. A 61-year-old female patient, with a known case of CKD on maintenance hemodialysis, (thrice a week) with primary disease of hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy; presented with multiple episodes of loose stool, vomiting, and diffuse abdominal pain for 2 days. Abdomen Ultrasonography (USG) was suggestive of intestinal obstruction. CT abdomen with oral contrast revealed grossly dilated jejuna loops with air-fluid levels and transition zone in the pelvis, in distal jejunal loops/proximal ileum with ovoid intraluminal filling defect cystic polyp and collapsed bowel loops. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy in view of persistent small bowel obstruction. Resection and anastomosis of the mass-bearing small bowel segment were performed. On cutting and opening the specimen, a large stone was revealed. This gallstone was causing bowel obstruction-gall stone ileus. A gallstone 2.6 cm x 2.1 cm has traversed through a cholecysto-duodenal fistula and got stuck in the proximal ileum, causing small bowel obstruction. The lesson learned is uraemia can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, and ileus and hence mimic serious differentials of the acute abdomen like gallstone ileus. Thus no stone should be left unturned especially when the prevalance of gallstones is high in chronic kidney disease patients.

Quantum fluctuations, usually arising from the inherent uncertainty in the quantum fields, are pivotal in understanding the universe at both the small and large scales. Even though fluctuations are usually unobservable and rather small, they give significant observable effects during specific epochs under specific conditions. During the early epochs of the universe, the fluctuations were scaled, resulting in the primordial density perturbations that gave rise to the large-scale structure of the universe and the observed inhomogenities. In this paper, we study the basic origin, structure, evolution, and imprints of fluctuations during the inflationary period resulting in large-scale structure formation. We use the Mukhanov-sasaki formalism to model scalar perturbations, embedding the theoretical results into observations. Theoretical predictions show an almost scale-invariant power spectrum with stringent constraints on the inflationary parameters. It further states that in the very early universe, the inflatons that are quanta of the primordial field were highly filled in the degenerate quantum state. This carries large potential energy that results in an exponential expansion of the universe. During post post-inflationary period the inflaton dominated the Universe’s energy density; they interact among themselves and due to non-linear effects, these inhomogeneities grow which amalgamate into spatially distinguishable patches in our observable universe. Our understanding projects us towards the fact that fluctuations play a pivotal role in understanding the structure formation at micro, macro, and far-macro scales. This study also addresses the significance of quantum fluctuations in cosmic evolution and manifests the enduring relevance in addressing some of the profound mysteries of our universe.