Search Results (125)

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 420,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Methods: This study comprised patients with endometrial cancer (EC) (n = 17), hyperplasia (HY) (n = 17), and controls (CO) (n = 20). Tissue was collected from the endometrium of all 54 patients, including patients with HY, EC, and CO, who underwent total hysterectomy. EC and HY diagnoses were confirmed based on histological examination. Untargeted metabolomics profiling was conducted using LC-HRMS. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were used for univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. The fitness of the model (R2Y) and predictive ability (Q2) were used to create OPLS-DA models. ROC analysis was carried out, followed by network analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Results: The top metabolites that can discriminate EC and HY from CO were identified. This revealed a decrease in the levels of the lipid species, specifically phosphatidic acid (PA) (PA (14:1/14:0), PA(10:0/17:0), PA(18:1-O(12,13)/12:0)), PG(a-13:0/a-13:0), ganglioside GA1 (d18:1/18:1), PS(14:1/14:0), TG(20:0/18:4/14:1), and CDP-DG(PGF2alpha/18:2), while the levels of 3-Dehydro-L-gulonate, Uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine, ganglioside GT2 (d18:1/14:0), gamma-glutamyl glutamic acid and oxidized glutathione were increased in cases of EC and HY as compared to CO. Bioinformatics analysis, specifically using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), revealed distinct pathway enrichments for EC and HY. For EC, the most highly scored pathways were associated with cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, skeletal and muscular system development and function, and small-molecule biochemistry. In contrast, HY cases showed the highest scoring pathways related to inflammatory disease, inflammatory response, and organismal injury and abnormalities. Conclusions: Developing sensitive biomarkers could improve diagnosis and guide treatment decisions, particularly in identifying which patients with HY may safely avoid hysterectomy and be managed with hormonal therapy. Full article

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming how organisations and individuals connect and interact with digital ecosystems, especially in sectors like healthcare and banking. While technological benefits have been widely discussed, the societal and organisational impacts of IoT adoption remain underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of 110 peer-reviewed publications from 2012 to 2024 across four major academic databases. The review identifies and categorises the key applications of IoT, its social and organisational drivers, and the challenges of its implementation within the healthcare and banking sectors. The analysis reveals that critical barriers to IoT adoption include security, privacy, interoperability, and legal compliance, alongside concerns around workforce displacement and trust. This study also introduces the 5Cs framework—connectivity, continuity, compliance, coexistence, and cybersecurity—as a practical lens for addressing these challenges. The findings highlight the need for responsible IoT integration that balances innovation with ethical, social, and organisational accountability. Implications of this research inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on how to design human-centric and socially sustainable IoT strategies in sensitive sectors. Full article

In this paper, we explore the uses of Obata’s differential equation in relation to the Ricci curvature of an odd-dimensional sphere that possesses a semi-symmetric metric connection. Specifically, we establish that, given certain conditions, the underlying submanifold can be identified as an isometric sphere. Additionally, we investigate the impact of specific differential equations on these submanifolds and demonstrate that, when certain geometric conditions are met, the base submanifold can be characterized as a special type of warped product. Full article

In the local building industry of Pakistan, pre-engineered steel building manufacturers mainly employ their own self-developed software and Excel sheets. These systems are based on empirical formulas mentioned in the AISI manual. Under this scenario, a need was found to validate AISI flow charts using commercial software like CUFSM 5.04 and ABAQUS R2019x. This study presents a validation of the CUFSM software and the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Direct Strength Method (DSM) results of channel section flexural members using the non-linear finite element method employing ABAQUS. In this study, eight standard cold-formed channel-section (C-section) steel members were modeled and analyzed using ABAQUS to simulate realistic behavior under four-point loading conditions. The non-linear finite element models incorporated material and geometric non-linearities to capture the actual response of the steel elements. The results obtained from ABAQUS were compared with those predicted by the CUFSM and DSM, focusing on critical parameters such as nominal strength, buckling modes, and deformation patterns. During this study, it was observed that out of the selected sections, the AISI charts predict conservative and even unsafe flexural capacities in some of the cases concerning other methods, with a maximum difference of 14.03%. The differences obtained using DSM and ABAQUS when compared with the results of the AISI charts varies on both the plus and minus sides. This study will not only affect the industry in terms of innovative designs for efficient structures but also the community in regards to low-budget construction. Full article

Land use and land cover changes (LULCCs) are vital indicators for assessing the dynamic relationship between humans and nature, particularly in diverse and evolving landscapes. This study employs remote sensing (RS) data and machine learning algorithms (MLAs) to investigate LULCC dynamics within the Indus River Delta region of Sindh, Pakistan. The focus is on tracking the trajectories of land use changes within mangrove forests and associated ecosystem services over twenty years. Our findings reveal a modest improvement in mangrove forest cover in specific areas, with an increase from 0.28% to 0.4%, alongside a slight expansion of wetland areas from 2.95% to 3.19%. However, significant increases in cropland, increasing from 22.76% to 28.14%, and built-up areas, increasing from 0.71% to 1.66%, pose risks such as altered sedimentation and runoff patterns as well as habitat degradation. Additionally, decreases in barren land from 57.10% to 52.7% and a reduction in rangeland from 16.16% to 13.92% indicate intensified land use conversion and logging activities. This study highlights the vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems in the Indus Delta to agricultural expansion, urbanization, resource exploitation, and land mismanagement. Recommendations include harmonizing developmental ambitions with ecological conservation, prioritizing integrated coastal area management, reinforcing mangrove protection measures, and implementing sustainable land use planning practices. These actions are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s ecosystems and human communities. Full article

Blue heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule Vahl) is an extremely drought-hardy perennial weed that is often problematic within agricultural production systems and natural environments in some parts of the world. It has the capacity to outcompete and displace desirable plant species and it contains various biochemical compounds that are toxic to grazing livestock and humans. Heliotropium amplexicaule plants can grow within a range of climatic and environmental conditions and produce seeds that remain dormant for several years within the soil which exhibit staggered emergence long after the original parent plants have expired. While control options, including biological, chemical, cultural, and physical methods, are available, many are not suitable as a single-use approach for the long-term management of this species. Therefore, an integrated weed management (IWM) program is necessary for the confident and long-term management of H. amplexicaule, particularly within dryland ecosystems. This review explores the biology, ecology, distribution, and suitable management options currently available for H. amplexicaule, while identifying research gaps that can be addressed to assist in its future management. While particular emphasis is placed on the Australian experience, information from a global perspective is included, providing valuable insights for the long-term management of H. amplexicaule worldwide. Full article

This article explores the Ricci tensor of slant submanifolds within locally metallic product space forms equipped with a semi-symmetric metric connection (SSMC). Our investigation includes the derivation of the Chen–Ricci inequality and an in-depth analysis of its equality case. More precisely, if the mean curvature vector at a point vanishes, then the equality case of this inequality is achieved by a unit tangent vector at the point if and only if the vector belongs to the normal space. Finally, we have shown that when a point is a totally geodesic point or is totally umbilical with $n=2$, the equality case of this inequality holds true for all unit tangent vectors at the point, and conversely. Full article

Celiac disease (CD) is a complicated autoimmune disease that is caused by gluten sensitivity. It was commonly believed that CD only affected white Europeans, but recent findings show that it is also prevailing in some other racial groups, like South Asians, Caucasians, Africans, and Arabs. Genetics plays a profound role in increasing the risk of developing CD. Genetic Variations in non-HLA genes such as LPP, ZMIZ1, CCR3, and many more influence the risk of CD in various populations. This study aimed to explore the association between LPP rs1464510 and ZMIZ1 rs1250552 and CD in the Punjabi Pakistani population. For this, a total of 70 human subjects were selected and divided into healthy controls and patients. Genotyping was performed using an in-house-developed tetra-amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between LPP rs1464510 (χ² = 4.421, p = 0.035) and ZMIZ1 rs1250552 (χ2 = 3.867, p = 0.049) and CD. Multinomial regression analysis showed that LPP rs1464510 A allele reduces the risk of CD by ~52% (OR 0.48, CI: 0.24–0.96, 0.037), while C allele-carrying subjects are at ~2.6 fold increased risk of CD (OR 3.65, CI: 1.25–10.63, 0.017). Similarly, the ZMIZ1 rs1250552 AG genotype significantly reduces the risk of CD by 73% (OR 0.26, CI: 0.077–0.867, p = 0.028). In summary, Genetic Variations in the LPP and ZMIZ1 genes influence the risk of CD in Punjabi Pakistani subjects. LPP rs1464510 A allele and ZMIZ1 AG genotype play a protective role and reduce the risk of CD. Full article

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly become a hot area of research in the photovoltaic field due to their (e.g., 26.2%), ease of fabrication, and low cost. Over the last decade the electron transport layer (ETL) has been one of the most critical elements in achieving high-performing solar cells, necessitating a higher electron mobility and superior charge extraction ability. Consequently, there is a significant demand for an improved ETL that is not only cost-effective but also exhibits high charge extraction and mobility, particularly in the context of planar solar cell architecture. Tin Oxide (SnO₂) has emerged as one of the most promising high-performance inorganic ETLs suitable for PSCs. In this work, we synthesize solution-processed SnO₂. The spin-coated SnO₂ thin films undergo annealing at relatively low temperatures ranging from 130 °C to 180 °C and various characterization tools are employed for the evaluation of thin films. Full article

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin, ranging from 30 to 150 nm in diameter, that mediate intercellular transfer of various biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites. They modulate the functions of recipient cells and participate in diverse physiological and pathological processes, such as immune responses, cell–cell communication, carcinogenesis, and viral infection. Stem cells (SCs) are pluripotent or multipotent cells that can differentiate into various cell types. SCs can also secrete exosomes, which exhibit remarkable therapeutic potential for various diseases, especially in the field of regenerative medicine. For example, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contain proteins, lipids, and miRNAs that can ameliorate endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and cancer. Exosomes from SCs (sc-exos) may offer similar advantages as SCs, but with reduced risks and challenges. Sc-exos have lower tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and infectivity. They can also deliver drugs more efficiently and penetrate deeper into tissues. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advances in sc-exos and their therapeutic applications in various diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. We also elucidate how the biological effects of sc-exos depend on their molecular composition. We also address the current challenges and future directions of using sc-exos. Full article

The role of antennas in wireless communication is critical for enabling efficient signal transmission and reception across various frequency bands, including those associated with IoT (Internet of Things), X-band, S-band, and RFID (radio-frequency identification) systems. This paper presents a small quadruple-band antenna with 25 × 40 × 1.5 mm³ dimensions designed for diverse wireless applications. It is adept at operating in the S-band (2.2 GHz), wireless local area network (WLAN) (5.7 GHz), microwave RFID frequency band (5.8 GHz), and X-band (7.7 GHz and 8.3 GHz). While the majority of existing research focuses on antennas covering two or three bands, our work stands out by achieving quad-band operation in the proposed antenna design. This antenna is constructed on a semiflexible Rogers RT5880 substrate, making it well-suited for wearable applications. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave studio (2019) simulation package software is chosen for design and analysis. The antenna design features a comb-shaped radiating structure, where each “tooth” is responsible for resonating at a distinct frequency with an appropriate bandwidth. The antenna retains stability in both free space and on-body wearability scenarios. It achieves a low specific absorption rate (SAR), meeting wearable criteria with SAR values below 1.6 W/Kg for all resonating frequencies. The proposed antenna demonstrates suitable radiation efficiency, reaching a maximum of 82.6% and a peak gain of 6.3 dBi. It exhibits a bidirectional pattern in the elevation plane and omnidirectional behavior in the azimuth plane. The antenna finds applications across multiple frequencies and shows close agreement between simulated and measured results, validating its effectiveness. Full article

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by an absolute decline in insulin secretion and peripheral resistance and is the most prevalent metabolic and endocrine disorder. However, the pathogenesis of DM also includes adipocyte insulin resistance, increased glucagon secretion, increased renal glomerular glucose absorption, and neurotransmitter dysfunction. Although there is a wide spectrum of therapeutics available for glycemic control, owing to the identification of various pathogenic determinants of DM, management of DM remains challenging and complex. Current therapeutic interventions against DM focus mostly on glycemic control without considering the other pathological determinants that eventually lead to treatment failure and the progression of DM. Furthermore, long-term use of these conventionally available anti-diabetic drugs leads to various side effects, henceforth development of novel drugs against DM remains an unending search strategy for researchers. Various studies conducted in various parts of the world have proposed that these novel therapeutic interventions target multiple and alternate pathogenic hotspots involved in DM. The current review article discusses novel therapeutic options that hold particular promise to support their safety and discuss the side effects resulting from their use so that these novel candidate drugs can be effectively fabricated into potential drugs for the treatment of DM. Full article

Pakistan is vulnerable to a range of climate hazards, including sea-level rise. The Indus Delta region, situated in the coastal Sindh province, is particularly at risk of sea-level rise due to low-lying land and fragile ecosystems. In this article, expertise is drawn together from the newly established Pakistan Sea-Level Working Group, consisting of policy experts, scientists, and practitioners, to provide recommendations for future research, investment, and coastal risk management. An assessment of the current scientific understanding of sea-level change and coastal climate risks in Pakistan highlights an urgent need to improve the availability and access to sea-level data and other coastal measurements. In addition, reflecting on the policy environment and the enablers needed to facilitate effective responses to future sea-level change, recommendations are made to integrate coastal climate services into the National Adaptation Plan and develop a National Framework for Climate Services. Such a framework, alongside collaboration, co-production, and capacity development, could help support required improvements in coastal observations and monitoring and continuously deliver useful, usable, and accessible sea-level information for use by practitioners and decision-makers. Full article

Microbial compost plays a crucial role in improving soil health, soil fertility, and plant biomass. These biofertilizers, based on microorganisms, offer numerous benefits such as enhanced nutrient acquisition (N, P, and K), production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and control of pathogens through induced systematic resistance. Additionally, they promote the production of phytohormones, siderophore, vitamins, protective enzymes, and antibiotics, further contributing to soil sustainability and optimal agricultural productivity. The escalating generation of organic waste from farm operations poses significant threats to the environment and soil fertility. Simultaneously, the excessive utilization of chemical fertilizers to achieve high crop yields results in detrimental impacts on soil structure and fertility. To address these challenges, a sustainable agriculture system that ensures enhanced soil fertility and minimal ecological impact is imperative. Microbial composts, developed by incorporating characterized plant-growth-promoting bacteria or fungal strains into compost derived from agricultural waste, offer a promising solution. These biofertilizers, with selected microbial strains capable of thriving in compost, offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for agricultural practices. In this review article, we explore the potential of microbial composts as a viable strategy for improving plant growth and environmental safety. By harnessing the benefits of microorganisms in compost, we can pave the way for sustainable agriculture and foster a healthier relationship between soil, plants, and the environment. Full article

Vitamin D is one significant prohormone substance in human organ systems. It is a steroidal hormone produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays. This paper presents a systematic review of the utilization of topical vitamin D, specifically cholecalciferol, calcipotriol, and tacalcitol, in the treatment of vitiligo. It considers the role of vitamin D in stimulating the synthesis of melanin and melanogenesis, which can help with the process of repigmentation. The inclusion of calcipotriol or tacalcitol in Narrowband Ultraviolet Phototherapy (NB-UVB) has shown the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes for vitiligo. However, their effectiveness in combination with Psoralens Long Wave Ultraviolet Radiation (PUVA) and Monochromatic Excimer Light (MEL) treatment for vitiligo is limited. In contrast, combining topical corticosteroids with vitamin D analogues has demonstrated superior efficacy in treating vitiligo compared to using vitamin D analogues alone, while also providing the added benefit of reducing corticosteroid-related adverse effects. In addition, treating stable vitiligo with topical cholecalciferol and microneedling has shown success. Future studies are needed to ascertain an efficient method of administering vitamin D topically as an anti-vitiligo agent. Full article