Impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has a multifactorial etiology, with a majority of cases remaining unexplained. To account for these unexplained cases, possible male factors are being explored. Conventional semen analysis lacks a qualitative assessment of sperms and information regarding sperm DNA integrity. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has diagnostic value in unexplained RPL, and it may account for a number of unexplained cases. Hence, we planned a study to explore and evaluate the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses. STUDY DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary-level referral facility in India between August 2021 and July 2023. Participants (n = 70) were divided into two groups-male partners of couples with unexplained RPL (following spontaneous conceptions) (n = 35) and men with at least one previous live birth (spontaneous or following fertility treatments for female factor infertility such as ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination) as controls (n = 35). Neither of the two groups of couples recruited for this study had undergone ART as fertility treatment. Primary outcome assessed was mean DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Secondary outcomes included differences in semen parameters such as sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and morphology, proportion of men with high (≥30%) and low DFI in the two groups, and the association between various semen parameters and DFI. RESULTS: Univariate logistic regression revealed that sperm DNA fragmentation was higher in men with unexplained RPL (30.0; IQR (interquartile range) 19.0, 46.0) as compared to controls (22.0; IQR 14.0, 30.0) although it was not statistically significant (OR, odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p = 0.08). A higher proportion of men with unexplained RPL had DFI ≥30% compared to controls (54.2% vs. 25.7%; OR 3.43 (95% CI 1.2-9.4); p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were observed in semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology between the two groups. Sperm DNA fragmentation index also showed a weak but significant inverse relationship with sperm morphology (r = -0.336, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The current study did not show any significant difference in the mean sperm DNA fragmentation levels in male partners of couples with unexplained RPL compared to controls. However, a higher proportion of men with DFI ≥30% were observed in unexplained RPL population when compared to controls.

Minimizing and managing needle and instrument loss during pediatric robotic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Lost objects and equipment malfunctions during robotic and laparoscopic cases can lead to an increase in operating time and potential risk to the patient. The literature on the management of foreign bodies during pediatric robotic-assisted surgery is limited. The purpose of the video is to review proper instrument handling to prevent loss of an object and to propose our technique for retrieving lost objects through two pediatric case examples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The first case is a robotic-assisted laparoscopic left pyeloplasty in a 6-week-old male with congenital uteropelvic junction obstruction during which a needle was lost. In the video, we describe our techniques for safe needle passage, proper suturing technique, and recovering a lost needle. The second case is a robotic-assisted right upper pole heminephrectomy in a 14-month-old female with a duplicated renal collecting system and hydroureteronephrosis. We present the management of a rare case during which a harmonic scalpel jaw malfunctioned leading to a lost foreign body. We describe our technique for retrieving the lost fragment. RESULTS: All objects were safely removed, and patients were discharged post-op day one without complication. CONCLUSION: Our video presents two case examples of foreign bodies lost during pediatric robotic surgeries and approaches to manage each of these incidents.

Evaluating the efficiency of functionalized zinc oxide based curing system for polychloroprene composites and analyzing its effect on curing, physical, and morphological properties for the application in specialty power transmission belts.

Polychloroprene rubber (CR) is one of the most abundantly used elastomer in power transmission belt section due to its excellent oil resistance, weather resistance, antistatic and dynamic properties. However, due to the negative impact of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) used with CR rubber towards marine environment, it is necessary to minimize the use of ZnO in CR based rubber compounds. Functionalized-ZnO(F-ZnO) being emerged as a suitable replacement for regular ZnO in rubber compounding, the effect of F-ZnO on the curing, mechanical and morphological properties of polychloroprene (CR) based composites to use in power transmission belt applications are evaluated in this work. The curing properties of F-ZnO based composites were characterized using various techniques and results were reported as a comparison with the properties of conventional ZnO (C- ZnO) based CR composites. Properties of various ZnO were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) studies. The replacement of C-ZnO with F-ZnO help to reduce 80 % of Zn content from the end products without effecting the cure time and cross-link density of the same. 5 PHR of C- ZnO from regular compound is replaced with 1 and 3 Phr of F-ZnO and its effect on power transmission belt properties were analyzed thoroughly.

Primary Angiitis of the CNS: Differences in the Profile Between Subtypes and Outcomes From an Indian Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary angiitis of the CNS (PACNS) is a rare disease that has significant morbidity and mortality. Subtypes of PACNS can have different presentations that could be missed with certain diagnostic modalities, further increasing diagnostic complexity. We sought to distinguish the subtypes of PACNS and describe their outcomes in an Indian cohort. METHODS: Adult patients in this retrospective single-center cohort study were reviewed from the PACNS database between 2000 and 2019. Diagnosis was made as per Calabrese and Malleck criteria. Small and medium vessel vasculitis was defined, and their clinical and radiologic profile, treatment, and outcomes were compared. Functional outcomes were noted at 6-month, 1-year, and at last follow-up, while relapses were noted at last follow-up. A poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale >2. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of whom 50 (69.4%) were male. The small vessel vasculitis subtype had a younger age at onset (30.5 vs 40.5 years, p = 0.014), presented less often as a stroke (22% vs 62%, p = 0.001), and had greater delay in diagnosis and treatment initiation (median of 620 days vs 118 days, p = 0.001) compared with medium vessel vasculitis subtype. Although no difference was noted at 6 months, the small vessel vasculitis group had poor outcomes at 1-year and last follow-up (57% vs 20%, p = 0.011 and 72% vs 34%, p = 0.005, respectively) and had more relapses at last follow-up (89% vs 30%, p < 0.001) when compared with the medium vessel vasculitis group. On analyzing the entire cohort, 50 of 72 (69%) and 37 of 53 (69.8%) patients had a good outcome at 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Relapse was noted in 35 of 72 (49%) at final follow-up. The choice of the treatment regimen did not predict outcomes or relapses. DISCUSSION: The small vessel vasculitis subtype of PACNS is a distinct entity that has diagnostic and treatment delays with poor long-term outcomes and more relapses. Recognizing the different subtypes of PACNS may help to expedite diagnosis and plan treatment.

Digital health interventions for improving access to primary care in India: A scoping review.

Access to quality healthcare remains a challenge in low-and middle-income countries. Vulnerable populations with unmet needs face the greatest challenge in accessing primary care for appropriate and timely healthcare. The use of digital technologies can not only strengthen health systems but also improve access to health care, particularly for the vulnerable. This scoping review aims to assess the various digital health technologies and interventions available for improving access to primary care for the vulnerable in India. This scoping review employed the Joanna Brigg Institute's (JBI) guidelines and Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. The literature search was conducted in Medline/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science-Core Collection, Scopus, AgeLine, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Specialised Register databases, using the keywords, such as 'Access', 'Healthcare', 'Assistive technology', 'Digital health' 'Vulnerable', 'India' and 'Healthcare technology'. A two-staged screening of titles and abstracts, followed by full-text was conducted independently by two reviewers, using the Rayyan software. Subsequently, the data was extracted from selected studies using a pre-designed and approved extraction form. The data was then synthesised and analysed narratively. The protocol for this review has been registered with open science forum (OSF) registries (https://osf.io/63pjw/). The search yielded about 3840 records, 3544 records were eligible for screening of titles and abstracts. We included seven studies after a two-round screening and identified seven different technological innovations developed to bridge gaps in access to primary care. The commonly used digital health interventions for improving access to primary care were virtual tele-health systems and mHealth applications in-built within an android smartphone or a tablet. Digital health interventions was either used as a standalone tele-health aid or a collaborative system for community workers, primary care physicians as well as the health service users. The purpose of these innovations was to increase awareness and knowledge to access support for specific aspects of healthcare. Virtual primary health care with the specialist in the hub supporting general physicians at the primary health centres in blocks and districts was another such model used for improving access to primary care. Digital health interventions was also used for mass community screening of disabilities, such as persons with hearing disability. To re-imagine a digitally empowered health systems in India, also inclusive of the vulnerable, it is important to inclusively conceptualise, systematically develop and rigorously evaluate any public health interventions including those that are enabled by digital health interventions to bridge the gaps in access to primary care in India. Such a strategy could address the paucity of evidence in public health interventions and provide sustainable strategies to strengthen health systems in India. Trial registration: Open Science Framework-Registration Link: https://osf.io/63pjw/.

Purification of Waste-Generated Biogas Mixtures Using Covalent Organic Framework's High CO2 Selectivity.

Development of crystalline porous materials for selective CO2 adsorption and storage is in high demand to boost the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. In this regard, we have developed a ß-keto enamine-based covalent organic framework (VM-COF) via the Schiff base polycondensation technique. The as-synthesized VM-COF exhibited excellent thermal and chemical stability along with a very high surface area (1258 m2 g-1) and a high CO2 adsorption capacity (3.58 mmol g-1) at room temperature (298 K). The CO2/CH4 and CO2/H2 selectivities by the IAST method were calculated to be 10.9 and 881.7, respectively, which were further experimentally supported by breakthrough analysis. Moreover, theoretical investigations revealed that the carbonyl-rich sites in a polymeric backbone have higher CO2 binding affinity along with very high binding energy (-39.44 KJ mol-1) compared to other aromatic carbon-rich sites. Intrigued by the best CO2 adsorption capacity and high CO2 selectivity, we have utilized the VM-COF for biogas purification produced by the biofermentation of municipal waste. Compared with the commercially available activated carbon, VM-COF exhibited much better purification ability. This opens up a new opportunity for the creation of functionalized nanoporous materials for the large-scale purification of waste-generated biogases to address the challenges associated with energy and the environment.

Rationally construction of 2D & 3D material on h-BN @ SnO2/TiO2 micro-sphere enables for photocatalytic debasement of textile cloth dyes in waste water treatment.

Affordable and swiftly available h-BN@SnO2/TiO2 photocatalysts are being developed through an easy hydrothermally approach was used urea as boric acid precursors. With their constructed photo catalysts, the effect of h-BN@SnO2/TiO2 has been investigated under the assessment of Adsorption agents utilizing X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis (SEM/EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Burner Emit Teller (BET) isotherm testing methods, which also indicated that SnO2/TiO2 and h-BN have been tightly bound together. Because turquoise blue (TB) and Methyl orange (MO) fabric dyes can be found in the industrial wastewater being processed, the photo catalytic degradation process happens to be applied. According to the advantageous linkages of h-BN@SnO2/TiO2 photocatalysts, fantastic efficacy in breakdown towards hazardous compounds has been found. For the decomposition of Turquoise blue (TB) and Methyl orange (MO), the h-BN@SnO2/TiO2 catalysts proved the best performance stability (0.0386 min-1 and 1.524min-1) but were significantly 22 times quicker. Optical catalysis has additionally demonstrated extraordinary resilience and durability throughout five reprocessed efforts. On top of that, an approach enabling photocatalytic breakdown of harmful substances upon h-BN@SnO2/TiO2 has been presented.

Modulating cultivation regimes of Messastrum gracile SVMIICT7 for biomass productivity integrated with resource recovery via hydrothermal liquefaction.

The present study was designed to assess Messastrum gracile SVMIICT7 potential in treating dairy wastewater (autoclaved (ADWW) and raw (DWW)) with relation to nutrient removal, in-vivo Chl-a-based biomass, and bio-oil synthesis. Chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics revealed improved photochemical efficiency (0.639, Fv/Fm) in M. gracile when grown with DWW. This may be owing to enhanced electron transport being mediated by an effective water-splitting complex at photosystem (PSII) of thylakoids. The increase in ABS/RC observed in DWW can be attributed to the elevated chlorophyll content and reduced light dissipation, as evident by higher values of ETo/RC and a decrease in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). M. gracile inoculated in DWW had the highest Chl-a-biomass yield (1.8 g L-1) and biomolecules while maximum nutrient removal efficiency was observed in ADWW (83.7% TN and 60.07% TP). M. gracile exhibited substantial bio-oil yield of 29.6% and high calorific value of 37.19 MJ kg-1, predominantly composed of hydrocarbons along with nitrogen and oxygen cyclic compounds. This research offers a thorough investigation into wastewater treatment, illustrating the conversion of algal biomass into valuable energy sources and chemical intermediates within the framework of a biorefinery.

Use of modern technologies for promoting health at the population level in India.

India, with a population of 1.4 billion, faces health equity challenges due to inaccessible public health systems, particularly in rural areas. Modern technologies like the internet and mobile phones are being used to bridge this gap, enhancing health equity by disseminating vital health information. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) evaluates these technologies, influencing healthcare policy and improving health outcomes. Key strategies include digital health hubs, mobile health units, public-private partnerships, and digital tools for community health workers. To scale these interventions, capacity building, infrastructure development, community engagement, and monitoring are required. Policymakers are urged to prioritize investments in health technologies based on evidence, considering cost-effectiveness, health outcomes, and health equity. Addressing data privacy and security is crucial. Future research should focus on technology-based interventions for maternal and child health.

Techno-economic feasibility of a recycling plant for the extraction of metals and boehmite from hazardous petroleum spent catalysts.

Petroleum spent hydroprocessing catalysts are hazardous solid waste, the efficient recycling of which is a serious challenge to refineries. However, information on the economic feasibility of spent catalysts recycling plants is scarce, which is critical for environmental authorities and decision-makers. In this work, an innovative recycling scheme targeting hydrometallurgical recovery of base metals (Ni, Mo, and V) and transforming low-value Al residue into a high-value boehmite (γ-AlOOH) as the key product was considered an efficient way to beneficiate the hazardous spent hydroprocessing catalysts. A preliminary techno-economic evaluation of such a recycling scheme was performed to assess the feasibility of the proposed recycling scheme. The recovery cost (valuable metals and boehmite) and potential revenue were estimated to study the economics of the process. The preliminary results have suggested that the recycling scheme is economically feasible with a high internal rate of return (IRR) of 12.3%, a net present value of 38.6 million USD, and a short payback period of 8.7 years. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis (± 10%) conducted on key parameters showed that the selling prices of the finished products and the cost of chemicals were the most important factors affecting plant economics. Overall, the recycling scheme was sustainable and avoided landfilling of spent catalysts as the residue can be beneficiated into a high-value product. The results from the economic feasibility study are likely to assist the stakeholders and decision-makers in making investment and policy decisions for the valorization of spent hydroprocessing catalysts.

Technologies that empower women for better access to healthcare in India - A scoping review.

Women from low- and middle-income countries face challenges in accessing and utilising quality healthcare. Technologies can aid in overcoming these challenges and the present scoping review is aimed at summarising the range of technologies used by women and assessing their role in enabling Indian women to learn about and access healthcare services. We conducted a comprehensive search from the date of inception of database till 2022 in PubMed and Google Scholar. Data was extracted from 43 studies and were thematically analysed. The range of technologies used by Indian women included integrated voice response system, short message services, audio-visual aids, telephone calls and mobile applications operated by health workers. Majority of the studies were community-based (79.1%), from five states (60.5%), done in rural settings (58.1%) and with interventional design (48.8%). Maternal and child health has been the major focus of studies, with lesser representation in domains of non-communicable and communicable diseases. The review also summarised barriers related to using technology - from health system and participant perspective. Technology-based interventions are enabling women to improve awareness about and accessibility to healthcare in India. Imparting digital literacy and scaling up technology use are potential solutions to scale-up healthcare access among women in India.

Review of MR spectroscopy analysis and artificial intelligence applications for the detection of cerebral inflammation and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has an emerging role as a neuroimaging tool for the detection of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, MRS has been established as one of the diagnostic tools for various diseases such as breast cancer and fatty liver, as well as brain tumours. However, its utility in neurodegenerative diseases is still in the experimental stages. The potential role of the modality has not been fully explored, as there is diverse information regarding the aberrations in the brain metabolites caused by normal ageing versus neurodegenerative disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was carried out to gather eligible studies from the following widely sourced electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar using the combination of the following keywords: AD, MRS, brain metabolites, deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI); having the aim of taking the readers through the advancements in the usage of MRS analysis and related AI applications for the detection of AD. RESULTS: We elaborate on the MRS data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Recommendation is made for MRS parameters that can obtain the best quality spectrum for fingerprinting the brain metabolomics composition in AD. Furthermore, we summarise ML and DL techniques that have been utilised to estimate the uncertainty in the machine-predicted metabolite content, as well as streamline the process of displaying results of metabolites derangement that occurs as part of ageing. CONCLUSION: MRS has a role as a non-invasive tool for the detection of brain metabolite biomarkers that indicate brain metabolic health, which can be integral in the management of AD.

Green waste immobilized Ag/Cu feather like Bi-matrix on garment dye decomposes and their bio-efficacy.

This paper describes a simple phyto-remediation of feather-like silver/copper bi-matrix (BMs) was constructed by employing pommagrant waste peel (PWP) extract as crucial role of reducing agent and chelating agents. Numerous strategies, including UV-Visible, XRD, SEM-EDX, and TEM and BET isotherm were used to analysis the optical, structural, surface area and functional properties. Ag/Cu BPNMs of TEM characterization shows feather-like architectural features with constrained size and shape. The Ag/Cu co-catalytic nanoparticles have a particle size of 34-64 nm. The photocatalytic efficiency of Ag/Cu BMs was investigated using a garment dye, Congo red (CR), at successive time intervals under halogen lamp exposure. For Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles, the photocatalytic degradation rate was recorded to be 100% after 40 min which is caused by adsorption of Congo red dye molecules on Ag/Cu and their degradation by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are free hydroxyl radicals such as •OH and O2• ions that have high oxidizing capacity. The developed Ag/Cu BMs shown effective bacteriostatic action against many infections.

Pyto-Architechture of Ag, Au and Ag-Au bi-metallic nanoparticles using waste orange peel extract for enable carcinogenic Congo red dye degradation.

Ecologically inspired to develop silver, gold and silver/gold bimetallic nanoparticles from discarded orange peel extract. The plant-derived compounds included in discarded orange peel extract have been accountable for the development of Ag, Au and Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles, that might be used in the biosynthetic process. The qualitative assessment of developed silver, gold and silver/gold bimetallic nanoparticles has been performed by UV-visible, XRD pattern, FT IR analysis, TEM/HRTEM, EDX and BET isotherm analysis. In this investigation, the photocatalytic effect of developed silver, gold and silver/gold bimetallic nanoparticles on Congo red dye breakdown efficiency was achieved at 96%, 94%, and 99.2%, respectively. Due to prolonged electron-hole recombination process was investigated using UV irradiation and reused for up to 5 consecutive runs without significant loss of photocatalytic activity. Moreover, silver, gold, and silver/gold bimetallic nanoparticles manufactured in an environmentally benign manner could potentially contribute to the ecological cleanup.

Biorefinery-centric ethanol and oleochemical production employing Yarrowia lipolytica and Pichia farinosa.

The research examined the capabilities of Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) and Pichia farinosa (PF) in converting sugars to ethanol and oleochemicals. Lipid, ethanol, protein yield and gene-expressions were analysed at different substrate concentrations (3 to 30 g/L) with glucose, food waste, and fermentation-effluent. Optimal results were obtained at 20 g/L using both synthetic carbon with 4.6 % of total lipid yield. Lauric and Caprylic acid dominance was noted in total lipid fractions. Protein accumulation (6 g/L) was observed in glucose system (20 g/L) indicating yeast strains potential as single-cell proteins (SCP). Fatty-acid desaturase (FAD12) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) expressions were higher at optimum condition of YL (1.15 × 10-1, 3.8 × 10-2) and PF (5.8 × 10-2, 3.8 × 10-2) respectively. Maximum carbon reduction of 87 % depicted at best condition, aligning with metabolic yield. These findings highlights promising role of yeast as biorefinery biocatalyst.

Pilot study of machine learning in the task of distinguishing high and low-grade pediatric hydronephrosis on ultrasound.

PURPOSE: Hydronephrosis is a common pediatric urological condition, characterized by dilation of the renal collecting system. Accurate identification of the severity of hydronephrosis is crucial in clinical management, as high-grade hydronephrosis can cause significant damage to the kidney. In this pilot study, we demonstrate the feasibility of machine learning in differentiating between high and low-grade hydronephrosis in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 592 images from 90 unique patients ages 0-8 years diagnosed with hydronephrosis at the University of Chicago's Pediatric Urology Clinic. The study included 74 high-grade hydronephrosis (145 images) and 227 low-grade hydronephrosis (447 images). Patients were excluded if they had less than 2 studies prior to surgical intervention or had structural abnormalities. We developed a radiomic-based artificial intelligence algorithm incorporating computerized texture analysis and machine learning (support-vector machine) to yield a predictor of hydronephrosis grade. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the classifier output yielded an area under the curve value of 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.92) in the task of distinguishing between low and high-grade hydronephrosis using a five-fold cross-validation by kidney. In addition, a Mann-Kendall trend test between computer output and clinical hydronephrosis grade yielded a statistically significant upward trend (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the potential of machine learning in the differentiation between low and high-grade hydronephrosis. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings and their generalizability for use in clinical practice as a means to predict clinical outcomes and the resolution of hydronephrosis.

In vitro and in silico analysis proving DPP4 inhibition and diabetes-associated gene network modulation by a polyherbal formulation: Nisakathakadi Kashaya.

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP4) inhibitors are an important class of anti-diabetic drugs recognised for their systemic biological actions. Polyherbal preparations like Ayurveda formulations are considered to be ideal sources for discovering novel DPP4 inhibitors owing to their rich phytochemical composition. The current study reports the DPP4 inhibitory potential of a clinically established Ayurvedic anti-diabetic formulation Nisakathakadi Kashaya (NK) using in vitro assay and substantiates it by identifying potential bioactives responsible for DPP4 inhibition using computational biology tools. NK showed a dose-dependent DPP4 inhibition with an IC50 of 2.06 µg GAE/mL, and the molecular docking and simulation studies showed three compounds, namely Terchebin, Locaracemoside B and 1,2,4,6 Tetra o Galloyl Beta D Glucose having stable interactions with DPP4 similar to the standard drug Vildagliptin. Further, for the reason that polyherbal formulations exert a network pharmacology mode of action, in silico analysis was carried out to identify the other putative phytochemical-protein networks modulated by NK. The complex pharmacological network of the formulation was explored further using a subnetwork of diabetes proteins and their relationship with diabetes-associated comorbidities. A number of key targets like TNFα, TGFß1, SOD1, SOD2, AKT1, DPP4 and GLP1R were identified in the protein-protein interaction network that is vital to diabetic progression and complications. A combination of in vitro and in silico methods allowed us to prove the DPP4 inhibition potential of NK as well as provided insights into the possible pharmacological networking through which NK potentially exerts its systemic effect in diabetes management.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.