Proton pump inhibitors and Gastric cancer correlation; Time to take it seriously?”

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the most prescribed drugs globally, which are highly potent gastric acid suppressors, known for the management of numerous diseases. There is a notable correlation between Gastric cancer and PPI. It is highlighted that the underlying mechanism is in close association with a study conducted 30 years ago, which showed excessive inhibition of gastric acid secretion in rodents, with secondary hypergastrinemia, that led to enterochromaffin-like-cell (ECL) hyperplasia. In conclusion, based on the scarce literature, it is evident that the safety of PPI is under a dilemma. Developing countries like Pakistan, where there is an excessive prescription of PPI, often without justification, are a significant burden on the economy as well as a threat to life, keeping in view of the significant correlation between PPI and gastric cancer

Revolutionizing Food Processing: A Comprehensive Review of Microwave Applications

The review explores the extensive applications of microwaves, covering the non-ionizing radiation spectrum from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. It emphasizes the growing role of microwaves in modern food technology, delving into their evolution, principles, advantages, and drawbacks, the analysis delves into the unique dynamics of microwave heating, considering factors like frequency, permittivity, and thermal properties. Microwaves offer benefits such as fast and even cooking, nutrient preservation, and improved thermodynamic output, the use of radiation in sterilization, drying, pasteurization, and blanching, showcasing their efficiency in achieving product sterility while minimizing nutrient damage. Microwaves are important for modern food processing to meet dietary needs.&nbsp

Role of Microbial Communities in Compost and Plant Growth: Structure and Function

The review explores the microbial communities within composite composts, focusing on their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling, using advanced molecular techniques and traditional microbiological assays, the researchers examine the diverse bacteria, fungi, and archaea in compost matrices, they highlight the richness and complexity of these ecosystems, their adaptability to various environmental conditions, and their substrate compositions. Certain important groups of microorganisms are essential for breaking down organic material, releasing nutrients, and creating humic substances that are vital for soil health and plant development. The research also shows how the makeup of the microbial community and the conditions of composting work together, which has a big impact on how well the compost matures and how good the final product is.&nbsp

The Fundamental Underpinning of Biological Theory of Spontaneous Generation in Biology

The concept of spontaneous generation, originating from ancient philosophical and theological debates, has persisted through scientific inquiry and paradigm shifts. This article explores the historical trajectory of spontaneous generation theory from its roots in Aristotelian philosophy to its refutation by pivotal experiments in the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Through an examination of key figures such as Louis Pasteur and Francesco Redi, the evolution of scientific understanding regarding the origin of life is elucidated. Pasteur's contributions to germ theory and experimental microbiology, including his famous swan-neck flask experiment, played a decisive role in discrediting the notion of spontaneous generation. Moreover, Redi's controlled experiments with meat and flies provided empirical evidence against the spontaneous generation of maggots. The article also delves into the broader socio-political context surrounding these scientific debates, highlighting the influence of societal authorities and shifting scientific paradigms on the acceptance of new ideas. Additionally, it discusses the role of advancements in microbiology and biochemistry in shaping contemporary perspectives on the origin of life, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry in this field. Ultimately, the narrative underscores the pivotal role of empirical evidence and scientific rigor in overturning long-standing beliefs, illuminating the complex interplay between social context, scientific progress, and the quest for understanding life's fundamental processes. Investigations into the spontaneous production of hydrogen peroxide from pure water micro droplets highlight the complexity of spontaneous chemical reactions. Historical perspectives on spontaneous generation, offer valuable insights into the evolution of scientific thought. Synthesizing recent findings with historical context provides a comprehensive understanding of spontaneous generation's implications across diverse research fields.&nbsp

Efficiency of Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Osteoporosis

Estrogen therapy has been taken as a settled approach for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women as well as for the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause. Recent studies suggest that nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B/osteoprotegerin system plays a signi cant role in osteoclastic activity regulation, with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand signaling in the presence of macrophage colony stimulating factor leading to increase in osteoclastic differentiation and functioning while osteoprotegerin neutralizing receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand. Estrogen acts by increasing osteoprotegerin levels, and decreasing macrophage colony stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B, thereby reducing bone resorption. Furthermore, estrogen is also known to be causing increased calcium absorption through gut and kidneys. The use of estrogen therapy in patients of osteoporosis is also considered to be highly cost effective. On the negative side, studies have shown that oral estrogen therapy can lead to complications like cholelithiasis, thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism, the most detrimental being endometrial cancer. But studies have shown that it can be virtually eliminated with the addition of progesterone in the cyclic combined regimen. Majority of bene cial effects occur with long term use of estrogen therapy, but the compliance by most of women appears to be poor and is usually due to lack of awareness, misconceptions, advice of physician and phobia of side effects. Additional studies should therefore be conducted to evaluate in detail the causes of non-compliance and strategies to improve compliance. The bene t of quality of life improvement with estrogen therapy should be taken into account and further evaluated via studies

Image Aesthetic Assessment: A Comparative Study of Hand-Crafted & Deep Learning Models

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Frequency and Associated Factors for Care Giving among Elderly Patients Visiting a Teaching Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: To study frequency and associated factors for care giving among elderly Patients visiting a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi, Pakistan from September to November 2009. All individuals, visiting the CHC and aged 65 years or above were interviewed after taking written informed consent. Results: A total of 400 elderly completed the interview. Majority were females, 65-69 years age, More than half of the individuals ie: 227 (85%) had received Care Giver experience for assistance and among these 195(72%) had care provided by an immediate family member. A large proportion of them stated that their Care Givers managed to provide less than four hours in a day for care giving. Around 37% showed substantial improvement in their relationship with the care givers. About 70% of the respondents stated that the care provided by the Care Giver improved their quality of life. Conclusion: Elderly care is provided by majority of the family members resulting in increased satisfaction level, however small number still not satisfied due to unfulfilled need of these older people. This demands that efforts should be made to strengthen the family support by increasing awareness regarding elderly care and arranging support system by the government

The Importance of Hyaluronic Acid in Biological Systems

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix, found abundantly in connective tissues, skin, and synovial fluid. Its unique properties, including hydration capacity and viscoelasticity, play pivotal roles in tissue hydration, lubrication, and wound healing. Despite its ubiquitous presence, the specific mechanisms underlying its diverse biological functions remain the subject of ongoing research. Studies have elucidated HA's involvement in various physiological processes, such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Its interaction with cell surface receptors modulates signaling pathways implicated in tissue repair and inflammation regulation. Moreover, HA's rheological properties contribute to joint lubrication, facilitating smooth movement and preventing cartilage degradation. Understanding the multifaceted roles of HA holds significant implications for biomedical applications. Its therapeutic potential spans from skincare formulations to regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems. Targeting HA metabolism presents novel strategies for treating conditions like osteoarthritis, dry eye syndrome, and dermal aging. Continued exploration of HA biology promises exciting avenues for scientific advancement and clinical innovation. Emerging technologies, such as biomaterial engineering and nanomedicine, offer opportunities to tailor HA-based interventions for enhanced efficacy and targeted delivery. Additionally, investigating HA's interplay with the immune system could uncover new immunomodulatory therapies. In conclusion, the importance of hyaluronic acid in biological systems is indisputable, given its indispensable roles in tissue homeostasis and repair. By deciphering its intricate mechanisms of action, researchers pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in medicine and biotechnology. Harnessing the therapeutic potential of HA stands poised to revolutionize healthcare, offering solutions to a myriad of pathological conditions and enhancing quality of life.&nbsp

An assessment of heavy metals in Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède, 1801) snubnose pompano fish from northern Arabian Sea

A total 48 individual samples of Trachinotus blochii were collected from Karachi fish harbor during January, 2009 to December, 2009. Six heavy metals including Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cr were determined in fish samples using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The metal contents ranges were Zn= 8.23-16.495 mg/kg, Cu=6.33- 8.17 mg/kg, Cd= 0.705-0.84 mg/kg, Ni= 0.575-0.61 mg/kg, Pb= 0.39-0.8 mg/kg, Cr =0.1-0.49 mg/kg. The present study indicated that the concentration of two heavy metals Zn and Cr were significant however; they were in the permissible limits of FAO/WHO

Cytotoxic and antioxidant potentials of ellagic acid derivatives from Conocarpus lancifolius (Combretaceae)

Purpose: Isolation, characterisation and structure elucidation of compounds obtained from Conocarpus lancifolius and screening of their pharmacological effects in vitro.Methods: After collection, authentication and extraction from whole C. lancifolius plants, screening for secondary metabolites, thin-layer  chromatography and subsequent open column chromatography were performed for phytochemical analysis and subsequent purification of the compounds. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic (UV-visible, infrared and mass) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR including BB, DEPT-135, 90 and two-dimensional correlation techniques, including HMBC and HSQC). The cytotoxic and antioxidant potentials of extracts and compounds obtained from C. lancifolius were evaluated using in vitro models.Results: Two ellagic acid derivatives, 2,3,8-tri-o-methylellagic acid (A) and 3-O-methylellagic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (B), were isolated. Both compounds (A and B) were cytotoxic in a variety of cancer cell lines, including murine lymphocytic leukaemia (P-388, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) =3.60 and 2.40 μg/mL, respectively), human colon cancer (Col-2, IC50 = 0.76 and 0.92 μg/mL, respectively) and human breast cancer (MCF-7, IC50 = 0.65 and 0.54 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, both compounds showed significant antioxidant potential in vitro.Conclusion: C. lancifolius extract and isolated ellagic acid derivatives (compounds A and B) possess cytotoxic and antioxidant properties. These findings suggest that C. lancifolius contains bioactive compounds that can be potentially developed as natural cytotoxic and antioxidant compounds. Keywords: Conocarpus lancifolius, Ellagic acid, Combretaceae, Cytotoxic activity, Antioxidan