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This systematic review is aimed to evaluate the effect of yoga therapy on lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse (LIVDP) also known as lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Databases such as PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and search engine Google Scholar were searched from 2007 to 2024. Randomized control trials (RCTs), case studies, and quasi-experimental studies involving yoga therapy and LIVDP/LDH were included in the study. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to extract the 10 articles for the study. The primary outcomes included disability scores, pain intensity, nerve conduction, and structural changes. 10 studies involving 546 patients were included in the study. The average sample size of the studies was 54.6 patients. The length of intervention varied from 3 weeks to 4 months with an average of 2 sessions/week. This study demonstrated that yoga therapy is an effective, affordable, and preventive treatment for LIVDP and low back pain. However, additional high-quality, large-scale RCTs and studies are needed for clinically significant results.

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, especially those undergoing hemodialysis. PH is a strong independent predictor of mortality in dialysis patients. Kidney transplantation (KT) is the best treatment modality for reversing adverse cardiac effects of CKD. Methods: A prospective cohort study was done in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on hemodialysis with PH (defined as pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP] of 35 mmHg or above) who subsequently underwent KT. Follow-up echocardiogram was done at an average of 15 months post KT. Results: A total of 277 patients underwent KT, out of which 95 had PH (prevalence 34.3%). Our study included 65 patients with PH who consented for the study. There was a significant improvement in PH as evidenced by a reduction in PASP (PASP pre KT 44.8 [±9.91] post KT 32.77 [±6.33], P = 0.001). 72.3% of patients achieved normal pulmonary pressures. There was also a significant improvement in ejection fraction (63.01 [±7.4] vs. 65.06 [±5.61], P = 0.04) and left atrial diameter (3.9 [±0.45] vs. 3.52 [±0.51], P = 0.001) post KT. There was an improvement in mean hemoglobin level (10.4 [±2.17] vs. 13.5 [±2.13], P = 0.001), serum calcium levels (serum Ca 8.76 [±0.72] vs. 9.19 [±0.82], P = 0.001) and improvement in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Conclusions: KT significantly improves PH in ESKD patients on hemodialysis and can potentially normalize it. There is also improvement in overall cardiac functions, serum hemoglobin, and calcium levels. This translates to better physical endurance as evidenced by improvement in NYHA class post KT.

Microvascular complications of diabetic retinopathy (DR) may require surgical intervention in the form of vitrectomy. Since its inception, diabetic vitrectomy has evolved with introduction of better instruments, newer techniques, and smaller port sizes. Common indications for diabetic vitrectomy include nonresolving vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, progression of fibrovascular membranes despite laser therapy, recalcitrant diabetic macular edema, and neovascular glaucoma. Preoperative systemic stabilization is essential prior to planning surgery. Surgical techniques commonly used in diabetic vitrectomy are segmentation, delamination, and rarely en-bloc dissection. Modification in surgical techniques such as chandelier-assisted bimanual dissection and pharmacological adjuvants improve surgical outcomes in these patients. Prognosis in these patients could be improved with early intervention. Studies evaluating the outcome of vitrectomy in patients with early proliferative DR are required to understand the appropriate time of intervention in patients. Treatment aimed at arresting the progression of DR and gene therapy are avenues that need further evaluation. The following review will focus on covering the epidemiology of DR, indications of vitrectomy, preoperative considerations, surgical procedures of diabetic vitrectomy, methods of membrane dissection, pharmacological adjuvants to vitrectomy, outcomes of diabetic vitrectomy, and future directions of diabetic vitrectomy.

Pollution caused by dyes is a major environmental threat, posing adverse impacts on humans, animals, and plants. Therefore, the remediation of such pollutants is essential to protect the environment. This study aimed to conduct physicochemical and bacteriological analyses of textile wastewater to isolate and identify potential native bacterial strains for the decolorization of Congo red dye. Physical and nutritional process parameters were optimized to achieve maximum decolorization. The biological and chemical oxygen demands of the analyzed textile waste water were found to be above the recommended limits. In this study, 19 Congo red -decolorizing bacteria were isolated, with one bacterial culture capable of growing at a higher dye concentration of 300 mg/L. This bacterium was characterized biochemically and genetically (using 16S rRNA sequencing) and identified as the Pseudomonas aeruginosa MT-2 strain. A maximum decolorization of 94.0% was achieved at an initial dye concentration of 150 mg/L, 35°C, and pH 8.0 under static conditions. The bacterial culture also showed resistance to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and chromium. The biodegradation of Congo red dye was confirmed through UV-vis spectral analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. The findings of this study demonstrate the high remediation potential of the MT-2 strain, making it suitable for possible use in dye biodecolorization at contaminated sites.

Activity concentrations of gamma-emitting naturally occurring radionuclides (NORM’s) of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K along with anthropogenic radionuclides of 137Cs in soil samples collected around the new upcoming nuclear power plant site at Banswara district, of Rajasthan, India were estimated. The mean radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in surface soil samples of Banswara region were 17.6, 36.4, 309.7, and 1.4 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The mean activity of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K is lower when compared to the world average values. Average radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed gamma dose rates in air (DR), and annual effective dose (AED) for the soil of the study area are calculated as 94.0 Bq.kg−1, 43.0 nGy.h−1, and 0.26 mSv.y−1, respectively. Estimated AED to the general public is 0.24 mSv.y−1, which is comparable to the global values due to terrestrial radiation. These radiological index parameters were compared with internationally approved values and the recommended safety limits. The study and analysis of collected soil samples from the Banswara region of Rajasthan indicate that the soil of this area does not pose any significant radiological health hazard to the people residing in adjacent areas. Multivariate Statistical analysis of Pearson correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been carried out. The result of ANOVA test indicated that there is no remarkable difference in the total variance of radioactivity of NORMs with respect to distance and it also indicated that the soil of the area belongs to a similar lithologic origin. The Pearson correlation of 226Ra with 232Th (r = 0.53) and 40K (r = 0.68) showed a fairly positive correlation, suggesting that their content in soil samples were mostly influenced and controlled by sources of similar origin. Spatial distribution maps using the kriging interpolation algorithm have been generated for the 30 km × 30 km area.

Extreme meteorological parameters plays an important role, for the selection of any civil structure at nuclear site or to design important nuclear structures to withstand design basis values of meteorological extremes that are likely to occur during the lifetime of these structures. An attempt was made to study the extreme value analysis of meteorological parameters observed during the period 1994 to 2022 at Kakrapar Gujarat Site. Meteorological parameters such as extreme rainfall (mm) (yearly, monthly and daily), extreme surface ambient temperature (°C), minimum relative humidity (%), extreme atmospheric pressure (mbar) and extreme hourly wind speed (km.h-1) for two levels of measurement (10m and 30m height) are evaluated and described in this paper. The maximum and the minimum rainfall in a year was found to be 2278 mm and 772 mm, respectively. The maximum and minimum ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure was 44.6 °C, 2.2 °C and 1023 mbar and 987 mbar, respectively. The maximum hourly wind speed at 10 m and 30 m height was found to be 42.5 km.h-1 and 58.3 km.h-1, respectively. The extreme value analysis reveals that the variables for maximum annual rainfall, maximum ambient temperature, maximum atmospheric pressure, maximum hourly wind speed at 10m and at 30m height obey Fisher-Tippette type I distribution, whereas minimum annual rainfall, maximum monthly rainfall, maximum daily rainfall, minimum ambient temperature, minimum relative humidity, and minimum atmospheric pressure obey Fisher-Tippette type II distribution. The design basis values corresponding to return periods of 50, 100, 200 and 500 years are derived and also reported in this paper.

Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) for Tarapur, a coastal industrial area, has been assessed by developing intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves using Atomic Energy Regulatory Board recommended probabilistic methods. The analysis identified Fréchet distribution as the best fit according to goodness of fit tests; however, its heavy-tailed nature led to implausible PMP estimates when compared with similar studies. Consequently, the Gumbel distribution, with parameters estimated using the least squares method, was selected as a more appropriate model for extreme rainfall events. The study also identified the most optimal plotting position formulations (PPFs) for the considered meterorological parameter. The Hazen PPF was identified to be better, for the considered rainfall data and was used to determine the PMP estimates for different storm durations. The distribution parameters were applied to yield the PMP estimates for 100, 1000, and 10000-year return period across all durations. The PMP presented as IDF charts prepared for this site, will be useful for modeling runoff characteristics and determining maximum water levels.

The present study explores the structural, mechanical, wear, and high temperature oxidation behavior of CrFeNiTiX(X = Si) high entropy alloys (HEAs) processed by powder metallurgy. The results revealed the formation of single-phase body centered cubic (BCC) structure in both alloys after 30 h of milling. After sintering, the Si added HEA exhibited an increased fraction of the BCC phase and promotes the formation of Cr3Si phases. The addition of Si enhances the microhardness (1200–1330 HV), ultimate compressive strength (1400 ± 80 MPa to 1700 ± 50 MPa), nanohardness (12–15.7 GPa) and elastic modulus (12–15.7 GPa) attributed to the solid solution strengthening resulting from the lattice distortion. The Si added HEA showed reduced specific wear rates under all the applied loads, attributed to increased hardness and surface oxidation, which resists plastic deformation. Moreover, the oxidation resistance was enhanced by the addition of Si up to 800 °C, attributed to the formation of a protective oxide layer on the surface. However, at 900 °C, the resistance decreased due to spallation of the oxide layer. Therefore, the present study demonstrates the addition of Si improves the hardness, wear resistance, and oxidation resistance, making HEAs are suitable for high-temperature and wear-resistant applications.

Purpose: Undernutrition in children is a critical worldwide concern that hampers both their physical and cognitive growth. The nutritional status of school-going children and adolescents remains insufficiently addressed with no comprehensive data. This is the first study from the Himalayan foothills that aims to assess the clinical and laboratory aspects of anemia with micronutrient status in undernourished children above the age of five along with association of clinical features with anemia severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving children aged 5-18 years with undernutrition in a tertiary hospital in North India over eighteen months. We observed the prevalence of anemia, its morphological type, micronutrient status, clinical features, and demographic parameters of these children. The association of various clinical features and anthropometric parameters with the severity of anemia was determined. Results: Of the 200 children who were enrolled in the study, 77% were found anemic, with the proportion of mild, moderate, and severe anemia being 18.2%, 46.8%, and 35%, respectively. Iron (67%) was the most common micronutrient deficient in these children with a significant number suffering from vitamin B12 (53.9%) deficiency. Folic acid deficiency was relatively low (10.4%). Body mass index (P = 0.009), fatigability (P = 0.001), pallor (P ≤ 0.001), poor academic performance (P = 0.023), and knuckle hyperpigmentation (P = 0.018) were significantly associated with the severity of anemia. Conclusion: Despite the significant tread in various aspects of human development, undernutrition and anemia remain a formidable challenge, especially in developing countries. A high proportion of anemia in undernutrition indicates the gravity of the issue, yet not received the deserved attention.

The present study investigates the significance of the utilization of biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil in diesel engines and its impact on engine output and environmental pollution after blending with diesel and 1-pentanol. The higher values of the ignition index and comprehensive performance index of 4.34 × 10−4mass/min°C2 and 13.71× 10−6 mass2/min2 °C3, respectively, for D70B20P10 (70 % diesel, 20 % biodiesel & 10 % 1-pentanol by volume) indicate superior combustion performance. At full load, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon emissions from 1-pentanol blended fuels decrease significantly, ranging from 40 % to 52 % and 30.76–46.15 % compared to diesel. The D70B20P10 also showed an improved thermal efficiency of 28.68 % among all tested fuels at full load but slightly lower than diesel (29.56 %). Diesel demonstrated superior in-cylinder pressure (ICP) of 77 bar and heat release rate (HRR) of 41.1 J/ºCA owing to its excellent combustion characteristics. Introducing 5–10 % 1-pentanol in blend improved combustion, elevating ICP and HRR, attributed to enhanced fuel atomization and oxygen content. The sustainable process index value obtained for a global index per person is 0.002×10−4cap Litre-1, which lies between 0 and 1, indicates sustainability and compatibility of biodiesel production demonstration by universal biofuels (Andhra Pradesh).

Abstract This study presents nanostructured composite Bi2MoO6/MXene heterostructure by using hydrothermal method for photodegradation of the congo-red dye and also for energy storage devices. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) were performed to examine the structural properties along with surface area and porosity of the material. Due to addition of MXene the larger surface area and improved pore size help to quickly break down additional organic pollutants by adsorbing them. The band gap of Bi2MoO6/MXene nanostructured composite reduced to 2.4 eV suggesting transfer of electrons from VB to CB. Bi2MoO6/MXene exhibits a high (92.3%) photocatalytic degradation rate for a duration of 16 min which was verified using UV-visible spectroscopy, also scavenger test was conducted to ascertain the reactive agent along with the degradation pathway was confirmed by LCMS. Elemental content was also established by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For estimating energy storage capacity cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed. It was observed Bi2MoO6/MXene nanostructured composite electrodes had specific capacitance of 642.91Fg− 1, power density of 1.24 kWkg− 1, and energy density of 22.32 Whkg− 1 at a current density of 5Ag− 1 also it exhibited 64.42% capacity retention having current density 20 Ag− 1 throughout 10,000 Galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) cycles. High electrical conductivity of Bi2MoO6/MXene electrode was again examined by Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). These findings demonstrate the potential of Bi2MoO6/MXene nanostructured composites in both photodegradation and energy storage applications.

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to calculate, tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) in cervical cancer patients and to clinically correlate the outcomes with a follow-up period of 24 months. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty patients were included in the present study who received 46 Gy/23 fractions/4½ weeks of external beam radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy, followed by intracavitary brachytherapy of 3 different fractionations regimens, i.e., 9.5 Gy per fraction of two fractions (50 patients in Arm1), 7.5 Gy per fraction of three fractions (50 patients in Arm2), and 6.0 Gy per fraction of four fractions (50 patients in Arm3). Results: The median TCP value for Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3 was 99.6%, 94%, and 98.1%, respectively, (P < 0.01). The median NTCP value for bladder in Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3 was 0.17%, 0.04%, and 0.07%, respectively, (P = 0.05). The median NTCP value for rectum in Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3 was 4.73%, 4.35%, and 3.17%, respectively, (P = 0.052). The overall survival (OS) of 90%, 86%, and 84% was found for Arm1, Arm2, and Arm3, respectively, at 24 months of follow-up. Conclusion: TCP, NTCP, and OS rates were found higher in Arm1 as compared to the other two arms. The complications found in all arms were less, low grade, and manageable. Hence, Arm1, i.e., 9.5 Gy per fraction of two fractions can be concluded as the optimum fractionation regime in terms of radiobiological parameters as well as overall patient comfort. Keywords: Brachytherapy, carcinoma uterine cervix, normal tissue complication probability, radiotherapy, tumor control probability, Author(s): Gurpreet Kaur [1]; Pardeep Garg [1]; Vinod Kumar Dangwal (corresponding author) [2]; Baltej Singh [3]; Garima Gaur [1]; Romikant Grover [1]; Simrandeep Singh [1]; Rachana Sharma [4] INTRODUCTION In [...]