June 2025

Gene therapy and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) represent two pivotal therapeutic approaches for treating genetic disorders characterized by enzyme deficiencies. While ERT provides symptomatic relief through direct enzyme supplementation, gene therapy aims to address the underlying genetic cause by introducing functional genes into target cells. This review examines the mechanisms, clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and future prospects of both therapeutic modalities, with particular emphasis on their comparative efficacy in treating lysosomal storage disorders, primary immunodeficiencies, and other genetic conditions. As of 2024, 3,900 gene therapy clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide, while 36 gene therapies are approved by the FDA, with an additional 500 in the pipeline and the expectation that 10–20 will be approved annually by 2025.

Objective: The main aim of this study was to assess the reliability and tester competency in measuring selected skinfold thickness among female non-sportsperson, with a specific focus on bilateral (left and right side) comparisons. Methods: A total of 200 female non-sportsperson, aged 18 to 25 years not having a proper sports background, were randomly selected from the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India. Skinfold thickness was measured for the landmarks including chin, cheek, biceps, triceps, mid-axillary, forearm, subscapular, 10th rib, abdomen, suprailiac, supraspinale, medial thigh, and medial calf, on both the left and right sides of the body. The selected measurement was recorded three times using a Harpenden skinfold caliper by following the standard procedures prescribed by ISAK. The reliability and internal consistency of the measurements were analysed using the Pearson’s coefficient of correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The findings revealed excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency across all measured sites on both sides of the body. Pearson’s correlation coefficients exhibitedexcellent correlation between repeated measurements of each skinfold. Cronbach’s alpha values were consistently excellent, indicating strong internal consistency. ANOVA results further supported the statistical reliability of the measurements across three trials. Conclusion: The study concludes excellent reliability and tester competency in regards to bilateral skinfold measurements using standardized procedures. This research contributes a novel approach by applying Pearson’s correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, and ANOVA altogether to assess the reliability of measurement, along with a comprehensive bilateral analysis.

The interrelation between perception and reality has long intrigued philosophers and psychologists alike. This discourse, titled “I looked at the rose and said, ‘Beautiful’, and it became beautiful”, explores the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of how human cognition and language co-construct meaning and beauty. Drawing on phenomenology, constructivism, and positive psychology, this paper examines how subjective perception influences aesthetic experience. Philosophically rooted in the works of Merleau-Ponty and Heidegger, and psychologically supported by the theories of cognitive appraisal (Lazarus, 1991) and self-fulfilling prophecy (Merton, 1948), the study argues that beauty is not a fixed property but a relational construct that emerges from cognitive interpretation and emotional engagement. The role of intentionality in perception is highlighted, underscoring the transformative power of language and awareness in defining and experiencing the world. By bridging philosophical contemplation with psychological empiricism, the paper provides a nuanced understanding of how thought, speech, and consciousness participate in shaping aesthetic reality.

Background: To enhance the reach and quality of primary healthcare in India, the Government has transformed existing Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), offering twelve comprehensive healthcare service packages. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding public awareness and utilization of these services, particularly in underserved regions like Varanasi. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and the extent of utilization of expanded healthcare services under AAMs among PM-JAY beneficiaries in the Kashi Vidyapeeth Block of Varanasi district. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using multistage random sampling. Data were collected from 607 respondents through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to examine awareness and utilization patterns across the twelve service packages. Results: Findings revealed that 72.8% of respondents were aware of AAMs, but only 48.0% were aware of the full range of services provided. Overall service utilization stood at 58.1%, with particularly low uptake in mental health, palliative care, and dental services. No statistically significant association was found between awareness and utilization across all service category. Conclusion: The study highlights a critical gap between awareness and actual utilization of AAM services. To bridge this gap and achieve the goals of Universal Health Coverage, there is an urgent need for targeted community awareness initiatives, enhanced training of frontline health workers, and infrastructural improvements at AAMs.

Limb amputation is a life-changing event that signifies long-term physical, social, psychological, and environmental changes. Various studies have described different indications as the leading cause of amputation in different parts of this country but there is paucity of literature revealing the incidence and pattern of limb amputation in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife especially in the last thirteen years, hence the impetus for this study. Case notes of patients who had undergone limb amputation and hospitalized at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals’ Complex between January 2002 and December 2014 were reviewed and relevant data such as age, sex, occupation, type of amputation, level of amputation, indication for amputation, date of admission, date of discharge, status at the time of discharge, referral for physiotherapy on the ward and physiotherapy treatment on ward were retrieved. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and summarized using descriptive statistics. A total of 132 patients had limb amputation. The prevalence of amputation among all orthopaedic surgeries within the period was 6.4%. The age range of patients who underwent amputation was between 1 month to 90 years with a mean of 39.87 ± 20.82years and a mean duration of hospitalization of 54.12 ± 38.41 days while the mortality rate was 14.4%. The male to female ratio was 2.3:1. Road traffic accident was the most common indication for amputation with 50 (37.9%) cases followed by diabetes with 31.1% cases. Below knee amputation was the most common level of amputation (41.7%). Fifty-nine (44.7%) patients were referred for physiotherapy on the ward although, they were all lower limb amputees. In conclusion, there was a low prevalence of limb amputation in this study with road traffic accident/trauma being a leading cause.

Successful root canal therapy requires a thorough knowledge of root and root canal morphology. Indeed, the major causes of endodontic treatment failure are incorrect canal instrumentation, incomplete canal obturation, and untreated major canals. Although the occurrence of three root canals in maxillary and mandibular premolars is very rare, the clinician must be able to identify it clinically and radiographically to make the necessary changes in his shaping and obturation techniques. We present the endodontic management of a maxillary second premolar with two roots and three seperate canals, which was diagnosed with the aberrant anatomy only after the access preparation. Teeth with extra roots and/or canals pose a challenge in clinical management. Identifying them early is necessary to facilitate appropriate modifications in treatment protocol, armamentarium to be used and plan optimal number of treatment sittings.

Raman spectroscopy has become a pivotal tool in pharmaceutical analysis due to its precision, versatility, and non-destructive capabilities. It provides critical insights into the structural, polymorphic, and electronic properties of pharmaceutical compounds, essential for all stages of drug development, from raw material testing to quality control. Advancements like Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) and hyper spectral imaging have overcome challenges such as low sensitivity and fluorescence interference, expanding its use in complex analyses. Once underutilized in drug characterization, Raman spectroscopy is now a key technique in the pharmaceutical industry, offering non-invasive, quantitative analysis of drug content, polymorph identification, and formulation assessment. When combined with other methods like infrared spectroscopy, Raman enhances analytical power, offering faster data acquisition and higher specificity. This review explores the principles, recent innovations, and diverse applications of Raman spectroscopy in pharmaceutical sciences, highlighting its role in revolutionizing drug development and quality control to create safer, more effective therapeutic solutions.

Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma (COF) is a non-cancerous fibro-osseous growth that arises from the periodontal ligament and most commonly involves the jawbones, especially the mandible, in younger women. Although COF is typically seen in individuals between their second and third decades of life, this case report presents an uncommon occurrence in a 57-year-old female. The patient noticed a gradual increase in the size of a painless, non-swelling mass in the left posterior mandible molar region over six months. The patient had a smoking history, with approximately five cigarettes per day for the past decade. Clinical findings revealed a firm, reddish lesion on the buccal mucosa, measuring approximately 7 mm × 5 mm, which bled slightly upon palpation but caused no discomfort. Radiographic imaging showed no evidence of bone loss. Provisional diagnosis of, a pyogenic granuloma and cemento- ossifying fibroma was suspected. The lesion was surgically excised under local anesthesia, and histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma. The patient was followed up for 12 months post-surgery, showing no recurrence or complications, highlighting the importance of early detection and thorough surgical removal, especially in older patients and those with smoking history.

Introduction: Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is widely prescribed in cases of gout and hyperuricosuria. Notably, allopurinol is not recommended in the case of asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Despite its efficacy, it carries the risk of rare but severe hypersensitivity reactions such as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome which is characterised by fever, rash, facial oedema, eosinophilia, and multiorgan involvement, typically emerging 2–8 weeks after drug initiation. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old female with a history of hypertension and chronic kidney disease presented to Dermatology OPD with a 10-day history of generalised morbilliform rash, pruritus, and facial oedema. These symptoms developed 1 month after initiating allopurinol for asymptomatic hyperuricemia. On examination, skin lesions were present on the trunk and extremities as morbilliform eruptions along with desquamation of skin over face and back, and systemic manifestations. Laboratory results revealed leukocytosis, marked eosinophilia, elevated pancreatic enzymes impaired hepatic and renal function tests. A diagnosis of allopurinol-induced DRESS syndrome was made. Allopurinol was discontinued, and the patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and supportive care. Clinical and biochemical parameters improved over 21 days, and corticosteroids were tapered over 2 months. The causality assessment using the WHO scale classified the reaction as “Probable/Likely.” Conclusion: This case highlights the development of DRESS syndrome following allopurinol ingestion in a 63-year-old female with renal insufficiency. Our case underscores the need for heightened awareness of drug toxicity reactions in geriatric patients receiving allopurinol. Allopurinol-induced DRESS syndrome carries a high risk of mortality, so caution is essential while prescribing this drug as well as careful consideration of the co-morbidities and associated risk factors.

Higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) schemes such as1024-QAM are expected to increase data rates within a limited bandwidth in 5G mobile systems. Higher-order QAM also improves bandwidth efficiency. In this paper, a complete 1024-QAM transceiver is designed and implemented using model-based development in Matlab/Simulink using Matched Filter Demodulation/Detection. This paper also uses forward error correction (FEC) as (15,8) Reed-Solomon Coding-Decoding. The complete transceiver is implemented onto a Kintex-7 FPGA. The reconfigurability and speed of the FPGAs is the driving force for this approach. Model-based design development saves much time as far as the design is concerned. The results are in the form of a comparison between input and output bit streams.

An "electronic based curriculum" or e-curriculum refers to the use of electronic technologies to deliver and facilitate learning, often in a non-traditional classroom setting. This includes online courses, digital textbooks, and other educational materials accessible through electronic devices. E-curricula aim to enhance learning flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Networks and cloud computing is increasingly being used in libraries in Kerala, offering benefits like improved accessibility, resource-sharing, and cost-effectiveness. Libraries are adopting cloud-based solutions for tasks like managing digital resources, online catalogs, and document delivery services.

The industrial revolution has profoundly changed the habits and life of the human race in West Africa. It is characterised by the use of more efficient equipment in various areas of activity such as agriculture, livestock farming, industry and trade. This has contributed to the overall metamorphosis of agriculture, which is the main primary sector activity of rural populations. The aim of this article is to assess the sustainability of the cropping systems developed in the hydro-agricultural perimeter of the rural commune of Korsimoro on the scale of agro-ecological sustainability. The Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles (IDEA, 2008) method forms the backbone of this study. The hypothesis of this research is that the cropping systems practised in the Korsimoro hydro-agricultural perimeter are not in line with development standards.The target sample consisted of one hundred and four (104) people, 33.53% of whom were farmers, 66.47% of whom were women farmers and two (02) people from the agricultural department. The research results showed that 56.73% of producers have a sustainability score that does not exceed 25% of the maximum potential. The cropping systems practised in Korsimoro achieved a total score of 45/100 points. This represents an average of 15% of the maximum potential. Its coefficient of variation is 0.25. This is relatively low. The minimum observation offers a negative score (-4) with regard to the descriptive characteristics of the components.

Introduction: The umbilical cord is a vital structure in the development of a fetus, serving as the lifeline between the mother and the developing baby during pregnancy. It is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. The umbilical cord typically develops by the fifth week of pregnancy and continues to grow throughout gestation, reaching an average length of about 50-60 centimeters at full term. It is usually clamped and cut after birth, leaving a small stump that eventually falls off, leaving the belly button as a permanent reminder. Statement of Problem: A descriptive study to assess the knowledge regarding the importance of Umbilical Cord Care among antenatal women’s of selected community area of Sahaspur, Dehradun. Objectives of the study: 1. To assess the knowledge of antenatal women in selected community area regarding umbilical cord care. 2. To determine the association between the level of knowledge and umbilical cord care among the antenatal women with selected demographic variables. Methodology: Quantitative research approach with descriptive research design was used in the study. The study was conducted in the community areas of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Total enumeration sampling was to collect data from 60 subjects by using Demographic profile, Self-structured questionnaire. Result: The demographic analysis of the study participants (N=60) revealed that the majority of mothers (41.7%) were in the 26–35 years age group, followed by 33.3% in the 18–25 years category, and 25.0% in the 36–45 years group. This indicates that most participants were of reproductive age, with a predominance in the young adult category. Regarding education levels, 33.3% of the participants had completed secondary education, 25.0% had attained higher education, another 25.0% had only primary school education, and 16.7% had no formal education. The variation in educational background suggests a need for tailored maternalhealth education programs, particularly for mothers with lower literacy levels. Conclusion: The study concluded that education level and source of knowledge significantly impact maternal knowledge of umbilical cord care. While general awareness was present, gaps in knowledge still exist, particularly concerning infection signs and proper care practices. The findings emphasize the importance of healthcare professionals in educating mothers and the necessity of structured health education interventions.