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A study has been carried out to assess the exposure levels due to radon, thoron, and progeny, for inhabitants of the Kapurthala district of Punjab, India. In the present investigation, the average values of radon concentration in winter, summer, and rainy seasons were found to be 27.4 ± 10.3 Bqm−3, 15.9 ± 8.0 Bqm3, and 21.1 ± 8.6 Bqm−3, respectively, while the corresponding values for thoron were 43.9 ± 20.6 Bqm−3, 28.1 ± 20.1 Bqm−3, and 34.5 ± 20.4 Bqm−3, respectively, in the Kapurthala district of Punjab. Similarly, the values of annual inhalation dose have been found to be 0.68 ± 0.23 mSvy−1, 0.42 ± 0.18 mSvy−1, and 0.54 ± 0.20 mSvy−1 in winter, summer, and rainy seasons, respectively. The results of our survey indicate that radon, thoron, and their progeny concentrations and inhalation dose are within the safe limits as prescribed by health agencies.

Abstract The current study focuses on examining the characteristics of biofuel obtained from the pyrolysis of Madhuca longifolia residues, since the selected forest residue was primarily motivated by its greater volatile matter content. The study used several analytical techniques to describe pyrolysis oil, char, and gas obtained from slow pyrolysis process conducted between 350 and 600 °C in a fixed-bed reactor. Initially, the effect of process temperature on product distribution was assessed to motivate maximum pyrolysis oil yield and found to be 44.2 wt% at pyrolysis temperature of 475 °C, while the yields of char and gas were 22.1 wt% and 33.7 wt%, respectively. In order to determine the suitability of the feedstock, the Madhuca longifolia residues were analyzed by TGA and FT-IR, which revealed that the feedstock could be a feasible option as an energy source. The characterization of pyrolysis oil, char, and gas has been done through various analytical methods like FT-IR, GC-MS, and gas chromatography. The physicochemical characteristics of the pyrolysis oil sample were examined, and the results showed that the oil is a viscous liquid with a lower heating value than conventional diesel. The FT-IR and GC-MS analysis of pyrolysis oil revealed the presence of increased levels of oxygenated chemicals, acids, and phenol derivatives. The findings of the FT-IR analysis of char indicated the existence of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The increased carbon content in the char indicated the possibility of using solid fuel. Gas chromatography was used to examine the chemical structure of the pyrolysis gas, and the results showed the existence of combustible elements.

Abstract Background Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a neurosurgical procedure, frequently used in lowering the refractory intracranial pressure (ICP) following traumatic brain injuries. Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH), a debilitating complication in the patients with traumatic brain injuries, occurs in 11.9–36% patients undergoing DCs. Sunken flap syndrome (SFS) is a rare entity, following DCs or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures for PTH after DCs and leads to neurological deterioration of the patients. Literature regarding risk factors associated with SFS in the patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures for hydrocephalus following DCs is scarce. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of SFS and to establish a relationship between several clinico-radiological features and SFS in patients undergoing shunt procedures for PTH. Results This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care trauma centre upon 60 patients who underwent shunt procedures for PTH. Intraventricular haemorrhage (P 43 was a significant risk factor in development of SFS. Conclusions SFS is the common complication following shunt procedures for PTH after DCs. MFHI is significant risk predictor for SFS. MFHI > 43 is associated with higher chances of developing SFS following shunt insertion in PTH. Early cranioplasty following DCs might prevent development of SFS.

Abstract Tandem nucleotide repeat (TNR) expansions, particularly the CNG nucleotide configuration, are associated with a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we aimed to identify novel unstable CNG repeat loci associated with the neurogenetic disorder spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Using a computational approach, 15,069 CNG repeat loci in the coding and noncoding regions of the human genome were identified. Based on the feature selection criteria (repeat length >10 and functional location of repeats), we selected 52 repeats for further analysis and evaluated the repeat length variability in 100 control subjects. A subset of 19 CNG loci observed to be highly variable in control subjects was selected for subsequent analysis in 100 individuals with SCA. The genes with these highly variable repeats also exhibited higher gene expression levels in the brain according to the tissue expression dataset (GTEx). No pathogenic expansion events were identified in patient samples, which is a limitation given the size of the patient group examined; however, these loci contain potential risk alleles for expandability. Recent studies have implicated GLS, RAI1, GIPC1, MED15, EP400, MEF2A, and CNKSR2 in neurological diseases, with GLS, GIPC1, MED15, RAI1, and MEF2A sharing the same repeat loci reported in this study. This finding validates the approach of evaluating repeat loci in different populations and their possible implications for human pathologies.

Introduction: Several studies show that variations in the length of the menstrual cycle significantly affect lipid and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) parameters. There is an acute paucity of literature comparing lipid profiles and CRP in women with short and prolonged menstrual cycle length in the absence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other gynaecological conditions. Aim: To determine the lipid profile and CRP levels in women with short and prolonged menstrual cycle length and compare them with women with a normal menstrual cycle length to identify women at cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: The association of lipid and CRP parameters with menstrual cycle length was evaluated in the present cross-sectional study involving 226 women aged 15-45 years selected from GSMCH, Patiala, Punjab, India, from May 2014 to December 2018. Based on a questionnaire about menstrual bleeding, healthy females were divided into three groups: women with short, normal, and long menstrual cycles. A menstrual cycle length of 24-38 days was considered normal. Lipid profile and CRP were analysed during the menstrual phase of the female monthly cycle in women with short, normal, and prolonged cycles, and the results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA. A p-value of

Background: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a group of hematological disorders where there is autoantibody mediated destruction of red blood cells. It can be life threatening if not appropriately treated. Early diagnosis and work up and timely multipronged management is the key to success. Case report: We report four cases of diverse etiology - one each of post SARS-CoV-2 AIHA, idiopathic AIHA, drug-induced AIHA and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) associated Evans syndrome. All were treated with steroids as the first line agent while the child with CVID required additional immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion: This case series re-emphasizes the need to look for diverse etiologies in AIHA. The role of whole exome sequencing is discussed for a definitive diagnosis if accessible in selected cases.

Objective To determine whether a chemokine receptor type 2 antagonist, DMX-200 (repagermanium), in combination with an angiotensin receptor blocker, candesartan, improves clinical outcomes in people with COVID-19.Design Prospective, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Setting Ten acute care hospitals in India.Participants Adults

The increasing threat of antibiotic resistance has created an urgent need for new antibacterial agents, particularly plant-based natural compounds and their derivatives. Thymol, a natural monoterpenoid phenolic compound derived from Monarda citriodora, is known for its aromatic and therapeutic properties, including antibacterial activity. This study focuses on synthesizing dihydropyrimidinone and dihydropyridine derivatives of thymol and exploring their antibacterial properties. The synthesized compounds were tested for their in vitro antibacterial potential against pathogenic microorganisms, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (Gram-positive). Among the synthesized derivatives, compound 3i (ethyl 4-(4-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyl)-2-imino-6-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate) exhibited the most promising antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 12.5 µM against P. aeruginosa and 50.0 µM against MRSA. Additionally, compound 3i demonstrated a synergistic effect when combined with vancomycin, enhancing its antibacterial efficacy. The optimum fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) observed was 0.10 and 0.5 for MRSA and P. aeruginosa, respectively, in combination with vancomycin. In silico analysis of the physiochemical properties of 3i indicated compliance with all drug-likeness rules. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that compound 3i has a stronger binding affinity to the target protein than thymol, providing valuable insights into its potential mechanism of action.

The experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to study the impact of precision planting (using pelleted seeds) and sowing dates on the numerous attributes of the onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Palam Lohit. The study was carried out with the objective to determine whether direct seed sowing would lead to successful seed production in onion under mid-hill conditions (which is not the conventional practice). Also, the staggered sowing dates would help to determine the best sowing time for higher seed production. The experiment was laid in randomized block design (Factorial) (F-RBD) with 3 replications having 19 treatments, including 3 pelleting treatments, viz. P1 (wood ash); P2 (ZnSO4 + wood ash); and P3 (H3BO3 + wood ash); 6 sowing dates, viz. D1 (15th September); D2 (1st October); D3 (15th October); D4 (1st November); D5 (15th November); and D6 (1st December); and Da (traditional bulb planting as control). The study revealed that seed pelleting with ZnSO4 + wood ash and early sowing (15th September) gave best results in terms of emergence (%), plant height, number of seeds/umbel and number of seeds/plant, seed yield and 1000-seed weight. The direct sowing treatments produced seeds in one year as opposed to two years using the conventional bulb planting method, which is traditionally being used in the Asian mid-hills.

Background: The presence of frailty or delirium among patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with increased mortality and prolonged hospital stay. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the combined effect of frailty and delirium on in-hospital mortality and disposition at discharge among older adults hospitalized with ADHF. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality from 2016 to 2018. Patients aged 65 years or older with a diagnosis of ADHF (both with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction) were included. For analysis, we conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine OR for in-hospital mortality or nonhome discharge from delirium and frailty. Results: A total of 3,577,433 weighted number of hospitalizations with ADHF were included. Delirium, moderate frailty risk, and high frailty risk increased the OR for in-hospital mortality (3.74; 95% CI: 3.70-3.78, 4.02; 95% CI: 3.96-4.09, and 8.63; 95% CI: 8.47-8.78, respectively) and nonhome discharge (4.21; 95% CI: 4.18-4.25, 2.95; 95% CI: 2.94-2.97, and 8.86; 95% CI: 8.78-8.94, respectively). When the combination of delirium and frailty was assessed, compared to those without delirium and with low frailty risk, the OR of mortality among those with delirium and high frailty risk was the highest at 12.18 (95% CI: 11.89-12.48). For nonhome discharge, the OR was the highest among those with delirium and high frailty risk at 14.01 (95% CI: 13.77-14.26). Conclusions: Frailty and delirium, independently and in combination, led to higher odds of in-hospital mortality and nonhome disposition at discharge among patients hospitalized with ADHF.

The α-Asarone-loaded on NH2-MIL-125 (AS@AMIL) was demonstrated to be exceptional potential as a chemo dynamic therapeutic agent (CDT) for lung cancer cells (A549), showing superior efficiency as compared to α-Asarone as well as pristine NH2-MIL-125. The loading of α-Asarone was achieved through cation-π interactions between –NH3+ groups of NH2-MIL-125 and the aromatic ring of α-Asarone. This interaction enriches the framework of AS@AMIL with electrons enhancing the basicity of the framework (O-atoms), which substantially accelerates the decomposition of endogenous H2O2 into reactive oxygen species (ROS) to exhibit enhanced CDT activity. The AS@AMIL exhibited ∼a 1.36-fold increase in ROS production (CDT activity) compared to pristine NH2-MIL-125. The study suggests that the loading of aromatic compounds in amine-functionalized MOFs through cation-π interactions (with –NH3+ groups) can enhance the basicity of MOFs for improved chemodynamic therapeutic activity, and such materials can also be promising as catalysts and CO2 adsorbents.

The stock market’s volatility, noise, and information overload necessitate efficient prediction methods. Forecasting index prices in this environment is complex due to the non-linear and non-stationary nature of time series data generated from the stock market. Machine learning and deep learning have emerged as powerful tools for identifying financial data patterns and generating predictions based on historical trends. However, updating these models in real-time is crucial for accurate predictions. Deep learning models require extensive computational resources and careful hyperparameter optimization, while incremental learning models struggle to balance stability and adaptability. This paper proposes a novel hybrid bidirectional-LSTM (H.BLSTM) model that combines incremental learning and deep learning techniques for real-time index price prediction, addressing these scalability and memory challenges. The method utilizes both univariate time series derived from historical index prices and multivariate time series incorporating technical indicators. Implementation within a real-time trading system demonstrates the method’s effectiveness in achieving more accurate price forecasts for major stock indices globally through extensive experimentation. The proposed model achieved an average mean absolute percentage error of 0.001 across nine stock indices, significantly outperforming traditional models. It has an average forecasting delay of 2 s, making it suitable for real-time trading applications.

Various environmental signals, such as temperature, pH, nutrient levels, salt content and the presence of other microorganisms, can influence biofilm’s development and dynamics. However, the innate mechanisms that govern at the molecular and cellular levels remain elusive. Here, we report the impact of physiologically relevant concentrations of NaCl on biofilm formation and the associated differences in an undomesticated natural isolate of Bacillus subtilis. NaCl exposure and its uptake by bacterial cells induced substantial changes in the architecture of pellicle biofilm and an upsurge in the expansion of biofilm colonies on agar surfaces. We have observed the upregulation of genes involved in motility and the downregulation of genes involved in the biosynthesis of extracellular matrix components through the transcription factor sigD, suggesting the possible underlying mechanisms. To further support these observations, we have used ΔsigD and ΔsrfAC null mutants, which showed compromised NaCl-induced effects. Our results indicate that NaCl induces a lifestyle shift in B. subtilis from a sessile biofilm state to an independent unicellular motile state. Overall, we present evidence that NaCl can reprogramme gene expression and alter cellular morphology and the state of cells to adapt to motility, which facilitates the expansion of bacterial colonies.

Background/objectives: Caesarean delivery (CD), though considered a life-saving surgical procedure, poses a public health problem and puts mothers and babies at higher risk of post-delivery complications. The present study aims to explore the post-delivery maternal complications among CD and normal vaginal delivery (NVD) mothers in India. Methods: The present study is a PAN-India study conducted across various Indian states, considering a significant increase in CD rates. Data was collected from face-to-face interviews of 1407 recently delivered mothers during January–March 2023. Results: The findings indicate that 22 % of CD mothers reported post-delivery complications compared to 15 % of NVD mothers. Notable complications among CD mothers include body/abdominal pain (12.9 %), infection/pain in the suture area (6.2 %), and high blood pressure (1.1 %). Conversely, higher proportion of NVD mothers reported pelvic pain (3.3 %). Further, a greater proportion of NVD (22 %) and CD (28 %) mothers reported pain in the pelvic area and infection/pain in the suture area, respectively. Socio-economic and demographic factors such as age, education, and residence significantly influenced the incidence of self-reported maternal complications. Mothers aged 25 and above, with at least ten years of education, and those residing in urban areas reported higher complications. Additionally, CD mothers also experienced longer hospital stays, higher costs, and delays in breastfeeding initiation. Conclusion: The study underscores the necessity for targeted healthcare interventions to mitigate the specific risks associated with CDs and improve maternal outcomes through appropriate policy formation to address the rising trend of CDs and their implications on maternal health.