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Fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks are projected to bring a major transformation to the current fourth-generation network to support the billions of devices that will be connected to the Internet. 5G networks will enable new and powerful capabilities to support high-speed data rates, better connectivity and system capacity that are critical in designing applications in virtual reality, augmented reality and mobile online gaming. The infrastructure of a network that can support stringent application requirements needs to be highly dynamic and flexible. Network slicing can provide these dynamic and flexible characteristics to a network architecture. Implementing network slicing in 5G requires domain modification of the preexisting network architecture. A network slicing architecture is proposed for an existing 5G network with the aim of enhancing network dynamics and flexibility to support modern network applications. To enable network slicing in a 5G network, we established the virtualisation of the underlying physical 5G infrastructure by utilising technological advancements, such as software-defined networking and network function virtualisation. These virtual networks can fulfil the requirement of multiple use cases as required by creating slices of these virtual networks. Thus, abstracting from the physical resources to create virtual networks and then applying network slicing on these virtual networks enable the 5G network to address the increased demands for high-speed communication.

Introduction Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) frequently develop colon cancer. Previous studies have identified the association between IBD and colon cancer. In this study, we explored the characteristics and outcomes of IBD patients with colon cancer admitted to the hospitals of the United States. Methods Patients who were hospitalized patients with diagnoses of IBD and colon cancer were compared with patients with IBD without colon cancer. The data were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from January 2016 to December 2017. Comparisons were made with regards to mortality, complications, in-hospital stay, and cost of treatment between the two groups. Results We identified 1,82,025 hospitalizations from January 2016 to December 2017 admitted with a diagnosis of IBD. Of these, 181,560 patients had IBD without colon cancer, and 465 patients had IBD with colon cancer. No statistically significant difference was observed with regards to the in-hospital mortality between the two groups. There were higher odds of acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR 1.54, 95% CI 6.6-9.8; p=0.00), colectomy (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.3-2.5; p=0.0) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.8-3.7; p=0.04) in patients with IBD and colon cancer. A longer length of stay (7.1±6.9 vs.5.0±5.6, p=0.00) and higher mean total charge ($20,283 vs. $12,166, p=0.00) were observed in patients with IBD with colon cancer. Conclusions Patients with IBD-associated colon cancer appear to have higher complication rates, higher costs, and more extended hospital stays. Therefore, early identification and management of complications related to IBD among patients with colon cancer are particularly crucial to reduce morbidity as well as the cost of hospitalization and treatment.

To prepare a topical formulation of bimatoprost (BIM) with high skin permeability, we designed a solvent mixture system composed of ethanol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, cyclomethicone, and butylated hydroxyanisole, serving as a volatile solvent, nonvolatile co-solvent, spreading agent, and antioxidant, respectively. The ideal topical BIM formulation (BIM-TF#5) exhibited 4.60-fold higher human skin flux and a 529% increase in dermal drug deposition compared to BIM in ethanol. In addition, compared to the other formulations, BIM-TF#5 maximally activated human dermal papilla cell proliferation at a concentration of 5 μM BIM, equivalent to 10 μM minoxidil. Moreover, BIM-TF#5 (0.3% [w/w] BIM) significantly promoted hair regrowth in the androgenic alopecia mouse model and increased the area covered by hair at 10 days by 585% compared to the vehicle-treated mice, indicating that entire telogen area transitioned into the anagen phase. Furthermore, at day 14, the hair weight of mice treated with BIM-TF#5 (5% [w/w] BIM) was 8.45- and 1.30-fold greater than in the 5% (w/w) BIM in ethanol and 5% (w/v) minoxidil treated groups, respectively. In the histological examination, the number and diameter of hair follicles in the deep subcutis were significantly increased in the BIM-TF#5 (0.3 or 5% [w/w] BIM)-treated mice compared to the mice treated with vehicle or 5% (w/w) BIM in ethanol. Thus, our findings suggest that BIM-TF#5 is an effective formulation to treat scalp alopecia, as part of a novel therapeutic approach involving direct prostamide F2α receptor-mediated stimulation of dermal papilla cells within hair follicles.

Atorvastatin (ATV) has attracted considerable attention as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer because it inhibits cancer cell proliferation by suppressing the mevalonate pathway. However, because of its low oral absorption, high doses of ATV are required for chemotherapeutic applications. In this study, we constructed ATV-loaded nanoemulsions (ATV-NEs) containing multivalent intestinal transporter-targeting lipids to improve the oral bioavailability of ATV. ATV-NEs were prepared via oil-in-water emulsification for transporter-targeted delivery, and contained the following anchors: an ionic complex of deoxycholic acid (DOCA) with the cationic lipid 1,2-dioleyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) (DOCA-DOTAP), a biotin-conjugated lipid (Biotinyl PE), and d-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) to allow bile acid- and multivitamin transporter-mediated permeation of ATV without P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux. The optimized formulation (ATV-NE#6) had 1,091% higher oral bioavailability than free ATV. Finally, treatment of 4T1 cell-bearing mice with oral ATV-NE#6 (equivalent to 40 mg/kg ATV) significantly suppressed tumor growth; the maximum tumor growth reduction was 2.44-fold that of the control group. The results thus suggest that ATV-NEs allow for effective oral chemotherapy by enhancing the oral bioavailability of ATV.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda , is a highly destructive pest recently reported in various Asian countries and originated in the subtropical regions of America. It was first recorded in Nepal on May 9, 2019. This invasive species poses a significant threat to maize production because it can undergo multiple generations, migrate, and feed on a wide range of host plants. A laboratory study was conducted with 3 categories of pesticides: conventional, newer, and bio‐rational. The study focused on evaluating the efficacy of these pesticides on the third‐instar larvae of S. frugiperda . The treatments included (1) newer chemical pesticides: spinosad 45% suspension concentrate (SC) (Tracer 1 ml/3 L of water), spinetoram 11.7% SC (Delegate 0.5 ml/L of water), chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (Allcora 1 ml/2.5 L of water), emamectin benzoate 5.7% water dispersible granules (WDG) (top killer 1 g/2.5 L), (2) conventional pesticide: chlorpyrifos 50% EC (Predator 2 ml/L), and (3) bio‐rational pesticides : Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki 0.5% wettable powder (WP) (Maharashtra 2gm/L), Metarhizium anisopliae 1.0% WP (Kalichakra 5 ml/L), Beauveria bassiana 2% AS (DamanL 5 ml/L), Azadirachta indica 4.5% (Neemix 5 ml/L), Syzygium aromaticum 100% v/v (Kanti herbal Clove oil 3 ml/L), and spinosad 45% SC (Tracer 0.3 ml/L). Fresh maize leaves were treated using the leaf dip method and then fed to 3rd instar larvae of FAW. The results revealed that spinetoram and spinosad caused 100% larval mortality within the first 24 hours after treatment. Similarly, spinosad (99.99%) and clove oil (76.64%) were the most effective bio‐rational pesticides followed by B. bassiana and B. thuringiensis . The newer and bio‐rational pesticides that showed high efficacy could be suggested for further study in farmers’ fields. They could be recommended for testing as a component of integrated pest management for effective management of FAW in Nepal.

Background Previous meta‐analyses have shown mixed results regarding the association between eating disorders (EDs) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our paper aimed to analyse different EDs and disordered eating behaviours that may be practiced by patients with T1DM. Methods A literature search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted on 17 January 2023, using the key terms “T1DM,” “Eating Disorders” and “Bulimia.” Only observational controlled studies were included. The Revman software (version 5.4) was used for the analysis. Results T1DM was associated with increased risk of ED compared with nondiabetic individuals (RR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.84–3.32, p‐value < 0.00001), especially bulimia nervosa (RR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.18–6.65, p‐value = 0.02) and binge eating (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.18–1.98, p‐value = 0.001). Our analysis has shown that increased risk of ED among T1DM persisted regardless of the questionnaire used to diagnose ED; DM‐validated questionnaires (RR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.91–4.12, p‐value < 0.00001) and generic questionnaires (RR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.27–3.23, p‐value = 0.003). Prevalence of insulin omission/misuse was 10.3%; diabetic females demonstrated a significantly higher risk of insulin omission and insulin misuse than diabetic males. Conclusion Our study establishes a significant and clear connection between EDs and T1DM, particularly bulimia and binge eating, with T1DM. Moreover, female diabetics are at higher risk of insulin misuse/omission. Early proactive screening is essential and tailored; comprehensive interventions combining diabetes and ED components are recommended for this population, with referral to a specialised psychiatrist. Patients with T1DM had a higher risk of eating disorders than the control group. Specifically, bulimia nervosa and binge eating exhibited statistically significant associations with T1DM, while anorexia nervosa did not. The risk of disordered eating behaviours did not differ significantly between patients with T1DM and the control group. However, diabetic patients did exhibit a significantly elevated risk of insulin omission/misuse.

Atraric acid (AA) is a phenolic compound isolated from Stereocaulon japonicum that has demonstrated anti-androgen properties and was used to design an alternative formulation for the treatment of alopecia. This new topical formulation was designed using a solvent mixture system composed of ethanol as a volatile vehicle, oleic acid as a permeation enhancer, and water for skin hydration. The ideal topical AA formulation (AA–TF#15) exhibited an 8.77-fold higher human skin flux and a 570% increase in dermal drug deposition, compared to 1% (w/w) AA in ethanol. In addition, compared to other formulations, AA–TF#15 (1% [w/w] AA) activated keratinocytes and human dermal papilla cell proliferation at a concentration of 50 µM AA, which is equivalent to 50 µM minoxidil. Moreover, AA–TF#15 treatment produced a significant increase in hair regrowth by 58.0% and 41.9% compared to the 1% (w/w) minoxidil and oral finasteride (1 mg/kg)-treated mice. In addition, AA–TF#15 showed a higher expression level of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, β-catenin, cyclin D1, and pyruvate kinase M2 proteins in the skin of AA–TF#15-treated mice compared to that of those treated with minoxidil and oral finasteride. These findings suggest AA–TF#15 is an effective formulation for the treatment of scalp androgenic alopecia.

Key Clinical Message Dermatomyositis is an uncommon autoimmune disease with only few cases reported from Nepal. Presence of anti TIF‐1 gamma antibodies in DM are the strongest predictor of malignancy. Timely screening of malignancies for early detection and management remains the mainstay of this report. Clinical features suggestive of dermatomyositis.

Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease, though rare, should be considered in the clinical picture of rapidly progressive dementia and absence of verbal response as evident in our case despite the absence of typical radiological picture. Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease, though rare, should be considered in the clinical picture of rapidly progressive dementia and absence of verbal response as evident in our case despite the absence of typical radiological picture.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the common complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Timely treatment will decrease progression to chronic kidney disease. Treatment varies with different stages for which biopsy is needed. Controversies still exist regarding its requirement in management. This is a retrospective study from September 2014 to August 2016 in B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal among all patients with SLE and undergone renal biopsy. Of 92 patients, most were female 85 (92.4%) with a median age of 32 years. In this study, 80.4% had some clinical symptomatology. Of the clinical manifestations, 41.3% had polyarthritis, edema (20.7%), and malar rash (17.4%). Anti-nuclear antibody was positive in 80.4% and ds DNA in 70.7%. Renal biopsy showed more number of patients 27 (35%) had Stage IV LN, followed by Stage I, 19 (24%), and Stage II, 16 (20%) LN. Median urinary protein in Class I was 1.05 g, Class II (0.63 g), Class III (1.5 g), Class IV (2.44 g), Class V (3.99 g), and Class VI (4.7 g). Only Stage IV had Kappa of 0.269 (P = 0.003) showing agreement between proteinuria and histological staging which was statistically significant (P <0.005). However, overall Kappa analysis showed none to fair strength of agreement for different stages of LN (−0.014–0.269) with proteinuria. Kappa (k) analysis showed none to fair strength of agreement for different stages of LN and proteinuria. Hence, only proteinuria is not sufficient to replace the need of renal biopsy in LN.