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Malnutrition, a significant problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), is linked to lower health-related quality of life, longer and more frequent hospital admissions, worse functional capacity, and higher levels of morbidity. However, the extent of its impact on mortality is poorly elucidated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of malnutrition on mortality among CKD patients on dialysis. This meta-analysis was designed and performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines (CRD42023394584). A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Embase to identify relevant cohort studies. The studies that reported nutritional status and its impact on mortality in patients were considered for analysis. The generic inverse variance method was used to pool the hazard ratio effect estimates by employing a random effects model. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used for the quality assessment. The statistical analysis was performed by utilizing RevMan and CMA 2.0. A total of 29 studies that comprised 11,063 patients on dialysis whose nutritional status was evaluated were eligible for quantitative analysis. Based on a comparison between the "malnutrition" category and the reference "normal nutrition status" category, the results showed that the overall pooled hazard risk (HR) for mortality was (HR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.36–1.64, p < 0.0001). According to the subgroup analysis, the hemodialysis subgroup had greater mortality hazards (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.38–1.70, p < 0.0001), compared to the peritoneal dialysis subgroup (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.15–1.37, p < 0.00001). Additionally, the overall incidence of mortality was explored but the authors were unable to combine the results due to limitations with the data. The findings conclude that malnutrition is a strong predictor of mortality among patients on dialysis, with the hemodialysis subgroup having a higher mortality hazard compared to the peritoneal dialysis subgroup. The results of this study will advocate for early nutritional evaluation and timely dietary interventions to halt the progression of CKD and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

[Display omitted] • Emphasizing the importance of isomeric energetic materials for tuning energy content and stability. • Reducing trade-off between performance-stability by combining nitrogen-rich framework with nitro groups. • Designed trinitro-diazinotriazines exhibit superior detonation properties (D > 8.7 km/s, P > 34 GPa). • Revealing the significant role of aromatic, planar, conjugated and nitrogen-rich backbone in explosive design. The exploration of isomeric energetic molecules with high nitrogen content and the examination of their structure–property relationships remains compelling areas of interest within the field of energetic materials. Energetic isomers comprising the same molecular composition but distinct molecular structures potentially lead to notable variations in performance and properties. This study focused on designing and evaluating different forms of diazinotriazine using two molecular compositions: C 5 H 3 N 5 and C 5 N 8 O 6 , aiming to generate various isomeric structures and to guide the rational design of new molecules. The electronic configurations, energetic properties, and sensitivity prediction of the optimized structures were investigated using the M06-2X/def2-TZVPP level of theory. The trinitro-diazinotriazine isomers exhibit high heat of formation (>486 kJ/mol), high detonation properties (D > 8.7 km/s, P > 34 GPa), high density (>1.81 g/cm3), and better thermal stability (BDE > 230 kJ/mol) making them promising explosive contenders. Among the designed diazinotriazine backbones, the pyridazine-1,2,3-triazine framework is favourable for the heat of formation and detonation properties. The heats of formation, detonation velocity, pressure, and heats of detonation of A4 and B4 outperform the other trinitro-diazinotriazine isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Undoped and palladium-doped perovskite bismuth ferrite nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) gas sensors (BiFeO 3 i.e. BFO and Pd-BiFeO 3 i.e. Pd-BFO) are successfully synthesized via an easy and low-cost sol–gel process. The Pd-doping in BFO is confirmed through an X-ray diffraction data, field emission scanning electron microscopy images, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and its influence on the structure, morphology, surface area, and the NO 2 gas sensor performance of the BFO sensor has been examined and explored. Moreover, the plausible gas sensing response mechanism of Pd-BFO film sensor has also been proposed. The nanocubes embedded into a uniformly distributed upright standing nanoplates facilitate better gas adsorption and diffusion behavior on providing an excellent NO 2 -sensing performance with good sensitivity, excellent selectivity, better response (90 s)/recovery (110 s), and noticeable repeatability under a fixed 100 ppm NO 2 gas concentration level at an optimized low operating temperature i.e. 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Highlights • Green synthesis of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles using a combination of urea (U) and gram bean extract (GBE, Cicer arietinum L.). • Uniform particle size distribution and highly stable (more than 6 months under ambient conditions). • Particle size ∼13 nm (Sample C) shows optimum SAR value, which is near to the therapeutic temperature (43 °C) with least variance. • A multiple linear regression model (MLRM) is used to correlate experimental parameters on the SAR values. • A positive correlation of SAR with R m and AMF values and negative correlation with M s and W t values. Abstract A green synthesis of biocompatible magnetite (Fe 3 O 4) nanoparticles (MNPs) using a combination of urea (U) and gram-bean extract (GBE, Cicer arietinum L.) is reported. The particle size of ∼13 nm and highly stable magnetite phase is observed for GBE-U mediated MNPs. On the other hand, the MNPs synthesized using either U or GBE shows larger particle size and uneven size distribution. Interestingly, the sample with particle size ∼13 nm shows optimum heat generation capacity (measured in specific absorption rate, i.e., SAR) near to the therapeutic temperature (43 °C) with least-variance. To investigate the influence of various factors such as variation in MNPs weight concentration (W t), applied alternating magnetic field (AMF), saturation magnetization (M s), magnetization rate (R m), etc. on SAR, a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) is used. The study reveals a positive correlation of SAR with R m and AMF values while the negative correlation with M s and W t. Ultimately, the present green synthesis is the affordable approach for preparing stable and tiny MNPs. Moreover, MLRM is found to be a useful theoretical tool for understanding the influence of MNPs on hyperthermia performance. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract Size distribution of synthesized magnetite particles (left Y -axis) and box plot (right Y -axis) to display variation in temperature gain. Accordingly, the variation in temperature gain with the size distribution of MNPs is shown, which depicts superiority of sample C regarding hyperthermia treatment as it contains relatively smaller sized MNPs (∼13 nm) and provides temperature with least variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

[Display omitted] • Emphasizing the importance of fused heterocycles for tuning energy content and stability in energetic materials. • Environmentally friendly CHNO based energetic materials. • Energetic materials based on [5+5] fused imidazole-oxadiazole, triazole-oxadiazole, and tetrazole-oxadiazole backbones. • Tailored energetic properties with –NH 2 , –N 3 , –NO 2 , –NHNO 2 , –ONO 2 , –CH(NO 2) 2 , and –C(NO 2) 3 functional groups. • Target compounds with nitro substituents show detonation properties better than RDX. In this study, 21 energetic molecules were designed based on imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]oxadiazole, [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]oxadiazole, and [1,3,4]oxadiazolo[3,2- d ]tetrazole fused heterocyclic backbones by inserting NH 2 , N 3 , NO 2 , NHNO 2 , ONO 2 , CH(NO 2) 2 , and C(NO 2) 3 functional groups. These compounds have high densities and excellent detonation performance. Among them, compounds with NO 2 , NHNO 2 , ONO 2 , CH(NO 2) 2 , and C(NO 2) 3 substituents showed satisfactory detonation velocities (D > 8.70 km/s) and pressures (P > 35.2 GPa), which are equivalent to the performance of RDX and HMX. The analysis of energy gap (ΔE) in frontier molecular orbitals, free volume (ΔV) in a crystalline unit cell, maximum heat of detonation (Q), and percentage positive electrostatic potential reveal their moderate sensitivity. Combined with high nitrogen content, good density, energy content, and stability, imidazole-oxadiazole, triazole-oxadiazole, and tetrazole-oxadiazole [5 + 5] fused heterocyclic backbones will facilitate the preparation and development of new energetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Among the various heat transfer enhancement techniques employed in micro channels, the use of wavy micro channels has been gaining popularity. In this study, numerical heat transfer analysis of wavy micro channels of different cross sections has been conducted by varying the Reynolds number and the amplitude of waviness. Four different cross sections, namely rectangular, circular, notched rectangular and notched circular have been considered in this study. The Reynolds number has been varied from 100 to 800. A three dimensional, steady state numerical heat transfer analysis has been conducted on these channels using the finite volume method. The results indicate that the heat transfer coefficient increases by increasing the amplitude of waviness due to enhancement in fluid mixing. It has been concluded that the notched circular cross section with wave amplitude of 200 μm offers the largest heat transfer coefficient and would be effective for use in compact refrigeration and electronic cooling systems. The relationship between the HTC, Reynolds number and amplitude of waviness has been presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Herein, we synthesized an S, N, and Gd tri-element doped magnetofluorescent carbon quantum dots (GdNS@CQDs) within 10 min by using a one-pot microwave method. Our results showed that these magnetofluorescent GdNS@CQDs have excellent fluorescent and magnetic properties. Moreover, GdNS@CQDs exhibited high stability at physiological conditions and ionic strength. These magnetofluorescent GdNS@CQDs were conjugated with a folic acid, denoted as FA-GdNS@CQDs, for targeting dual modal fluorescence/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the high biocompatibility and low toxicity of FA-GdNS@CQDs. FA-GdNS@CQDs enhanced the MR response as compared to that for commercial Gd-DTPA. The targeting capabilities of FA-GdNS@CQDs were confirmed in HeLa and HepG2 cells using in vitro fluorescence and MR dual modality imaging. Additionally, an anticancer drug, doxorubicin, was incorporated into the FA-GdNS@CQDs forming FA-GdNS@CQDs-DOX, which enables targeted drug delivery. Importantly, the prepared FA-GdNS@CQDs-DOX showed a high quantity of doxorubicin loading capacity (about 80%) and pH-sensitive drug release. The uptake into cancer cells and the intracellular location of the FA-GdNS@CQDs were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. We also successfully demonstrated in vivo fluorescence bio imaging of the FA-GdNS@CQDs, using zebrafish as an animal model. Statement of Significance In this manuscript, we reported a facial, rapid, and environmental friendly method to fabricate hetero atoms including gadolinium, nitrogen, and sulfur doped multi-functional magnetofluorescent carbon quantum dots (GdNS@CQDs) nanocomposite. These multifunctional GdNS@CQDs were conjugated with a folic acid for targeting dual modal fluorescence/magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, an anticancer drug, doxorubicin, was incorporated into the nanocomposite forming FA-GdNS@CQDs-DOX, which enables targeted drug delivery. We have developed GdNS@CQDs with integrated functions for simultaneous in vitro cell imaging, targeting, and pH-sensitive controlled drug release in HeLa cells. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the use of this material for in vivo fluorescence imaging, using zebrafish as an animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The molecular structures of azole substituted tetrazolo[1,5- b ][1,2,4,5]tetrazine (AsTT) derivatives were designed and fully optimized at the B3PW91/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Isodesmic reaction was constructed to predict gas phase heat of formation (HOF) and heat of sublimation derived from Politzer approach was used to calculate HOF at condensed phase. The presence of nitrogen-rich AsTT backbone is found promising in increasing the HOF values. Politzer approach also extended to predict the densities of these derivatives from the calculated surface electrostatic properties. Kamlet–Jacobs equations were used to calculate detonation performances based on predicted solid phase heats of formation, densities and gaseous detonation products. The charge distribution on molecular surface and free space per molecule in the unit cell were used to analyze the sensitivity. The explosive power and power index were calculated to assess the potential of designed compounds. According to our calculations, the designed AsTT derivatives possess interesting explosive properties and could be the potential addition in high energy materials (HEMs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Aim: To study the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Tabernaemontana divaricata leaf extract on male albino mice. Methods: Aqueous decoction and methanol leaf extracts were tested for their ability to reduce croton oil-induced edema in the mouse ear after topical application. The methanol leaf extract dose-dependently inhibited the croton oil-induced ear edema in mice (ID50 <500 μg·cm−2). A bioassay-guided liquid–liquid fractionation of this methanol extract gave four active fractions: water insoluble (F1), hexane (F2), ethyl acetate (F3) and water (F4). Results: The hexane fraction showed a very high activity (42.1% inhibition at 0.7 μg·cm−2) as compared to the control. The other fractions were less active (F1: 56.1% at 506.2 μg·cm−2; F3: 57.3% at 289.3 μg·cm−2; and F4: 31.9% for 203.8 μg·cm−2) while indomethacin gave 48.8% of inhibition at 90 μg·cm−2. The activity of F1 and F3 may be at least in part explained by the presence of anti-inflammatory flavonoids, while the activity was not correlated to the tannin contents. No compounds were detected in the most active F2 fraction. Conclusions: The results give a rational support to the traditional use of T. divaricata in tropical India as anti-inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: In this work, the properties of the dinitro-triazole-based high nitrogen compounds were studied theoretically to facilitate further developments. The gas-phase heats of formation were predicted based on the isodesmic reactions by using the DFT-B3PW91/6-31G(d,p) method. The solid-phase heats of formation and heats of sublimation were estimated in the framework of the Politzer approach. The designed molecules show solid-phase heats of formation above 180.0kcal/mol. The crystal density has been computed using molecular packing calculations with CVFF force field. Detonation properties of the designed compounds were evaluated by using the Kamlet–Jacobs equation based on predicted densities and heats of formation. Designed triazole-based derivatives show detonation velocity (D) over 8.3km/s and detonation pressure (P) above 30GPa. Thermal stability was evaluated via bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of the weakest C–NO2 bond at B3PW91/6-31G(d,p) level. Bond dissociation energy analysis revealed that designed molecules are better candidates considering stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

Objective: To promote healthy sexual behaviour among rural college youth. Methods: The intervention study consisted a sample of 1 500 (800 male and 700 female) in baseline and 1 953 (1 022 male and 931 female) college going students in post intervention, in the age groups 15–24 years from 8 colleges in Thane district of Maharashtra. The interventions included dissemination of IEC (Information, Education and Communication), counselling in colleges and provision of health care services at rural health centers in the experimental area. Male and female teachers and peer leaders were trained to provide IEC. Chi-square test was carried out to find out the association between contributing factors and sexual behaviour. Results: Post intervention results showed that overall any sexual experience (coital/ non-coital) increased by 2.6% and 1.0% among male students and 4.6% and 0.8% among female students in control and experimental groups respectively which suggests that in the control area physical closeness and sexual relationship has increased between sexes. A significant improvement was noted in the usage of condom during their sexual intercourse in experimental group. The provision of IEC in college settings, peer leader training and orientation to teachers helped students and teachers to initiate a dialogue on reproductive health issues. Intervention programs helped college youth to develop the skills, make informed decisions about engaging in sexual intercourse and using contraceptives in a social context that sometimes encourages risky sexual behaviour. The study found that peer interaction was exposure to erotic material; habits and working status among boys and peer interaction and place of study among girls were closely associated with their coital and non-coital sex experience. Conclusion: A scientifically developed, need based and demand driven reproductive health service package for male and female students in colleges can help them to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes for critical thinking and responsible decision making and for achieving healthy sexual life. Therefore, programs aimed at promotion of safer sex practice should be promoted at such vulnerable group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

Although retinoblastoma (Rb) is initiated as a result of biallelic inactivation of the RB1 gene, additional genetic events (M3) in tumor cells are indicative of their role in the full transformation of retinal cells. We investigated the constitutional genetic instability by fragile site (FS) expression studies and checked its relationship with loci of tumor cytogenetics in a series of 36 retinoblastoma patients (34 nonfamilial and 2 familial cases). Tumor cytogenetics revealed −13/+13, del/t(13)(q14) (50%), +1/del/t(1p/q) (65%), +6/i(6p) (60%), and del(16)(q13)/(q22∼q23) (60%). Conventional cytogenetics in leukocytes revealed constitutional del(13q14) in five unilateral Rb (URB) and one trilateral Rb (TRB). Constitutional del(16)(q22) and t(6;12) were also identified in two cases. Constitutional FS analysis showed a significant increase in the cellular fragility, with high prevalence at 13q14, 3p14, 6p23, 16q22∼q23, and 13q22 loci in retinoblastoma patients (P<0.05). Patients with constitutional del(13)(q14) demonstrated higher fragility than those with normal constitution. A strong correlation between loci of constitutional FSs and loci of recurrent chromosomal abnormalities in tumors strengthen and support the proposal that FS loci present as inherent genomic instability in retinoblastoma. The chromosomal changes and resultant genetic mutations, along with RB1 mutation events, probably contribute synergistically to the development and progression of Rb malignancy. Implementation of fluorescence in situ hybridization to nonfamilial Rb on a large scale (113 cases) could detect constitutional RB1 deletion in 12.3% of cases, with equally higher incidence in URB (14.7%) and bilateral Rb (13.6%), demonstrating that the true prevalence of patients with predisposition to RB1 mutation in sporadic URB is definitely higher in our populations. Also, higher incidence of constitutional RB1 deletion mosaicism in unilateral than in bilateral Rb indicates that the constitutional genetic mosaicism in URB should be given serious consideration during genetic counseling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

This study examines associations between tribal status and spacing contraception use (SCU) in rural Maharashtra, India. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on baseline survey data from non-sterilized married couples (n = 867) participating in the CHARM family planning evaluation study. Participants were aged 18–30 years and 67.6% were tribal; 27.7% reported current SCU. Crude regression analyses indicated that tribals were less likely to use contraception (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.54); this association was lost after adjusting for education, higher parity and desire for pregnancy, factors associated with tribal status. Findings suggest that lower SCU among tribals is driven by social vulnerabilities and higher fertility preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...