Search

Hydrogen has gained tremendous momentum worldwide as an energy carrier to transit to a net zero-emission energy sector. It has been widely adopted as a promising large-scale renewable energy (RE) storage solution to overcome RE resources’ variability and intermittency nature. The fuel cell (FC) technology became in focus within the hydrogen energy landscape as a cost-effective pathway to utilize hydrogen for power generation. Therefore, FC technologies’ research and development (R&D) expanded into many pathways such as cost reduction, efficiency improvement, fixed and mobile applications, lifetime, safety and regulations, etc. Many publications and industrial reports about FC technologies and applications are available. This raised the necessity for a holistic review study to summarize the state-of-the-art range of FC stacks, such as manufacturing, the balance of plant, types, technologies, applications and R&D opportunities. At the beginning the principal technologies to compare the well-known types, followed by the FC operating parameters, are presented. Then the FC balance of the plant, i.e., building components and materials with its functionality and purpose, types and applications, are critically reviewed with their limitations and improvement opportunities. Subsequently, the electrical properties of FCs with their key features, including advantages and disadvantages, were investigated. Applications of FCs in different sectors are elaborated with their key characteristics, current status and future R&D opportunities. Economic attributes of fuel cells with a pathway towards low cost are also presented. Finally, this study identifies the research gaps and future avenues to guide researchers and the hydrogen industry.

Abstract Background First implemented in the 1950s, telemedicine is a rapidly evolving tool for healthcare systems around the world. Technological advancement and increasing access to information technology have made the implementation of telemedicine more feasible. Recent provisions by healthcare governing bodies have increased reimbursement for and the use of telemedicine globally. We have done a literature review to find out the pros and cons of adopting telemedicine. Main body Telemedicine is found to offer many benefits to conventional, in-person healthcare encounters for both patients and providers: decreased travel cost and time, decreased time spent in waiting rooms, decreased risk of transmission of communicable diseases, decreased overall encounter time consumption, increased convenience, and more. Telemedicine also facilitates seamless transitions of care between healthcare teams, connects isolated people groups with healthcare providers, and helps address regional healthcare infrastructure and provider shortages by connecting patients with healthcare teams from any location. Drawbacks specific to telemedicine include the lack of accessibility and advancement of imaging technology required to replace in-person physical examinations, nonuniversal access to the required devices and networks across the general patient population, and the risk of technical difficulties such as network connection disruptions. Conclusion Telemedicine helps bridging the gap of distance by connecting patients in remote locations with the physicians. This has also become vital in the time pandemic.

Background and Aims: Health care workers (HCWs) are caught in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic storm and are exposed to a large degree of physical and emotional stress. This study was planned to describe the stressors, stress levels, emotional responses, and coping strategies adopted by HCWs amidst this pandemic. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted after ethics approval, using a structured performa incorporating standardized stress (PSS-10 C), emotional responses (PANAS-10), and coping strategy (Brief COPE) scales. The snowball sampling technique was used to conduct the study and collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 version (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) statistical software. A P value of

Summary: Coordinated temporal control of gene expression is essential for physiological homeostasis, especially during metabolic transitions. However, the interplay between chromatin architectural proteins and metabolism in regulating transcription is less understood. Here, we demonstrate a conserved bidirectional interplay between CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) expression/function and metabolic inputs during feed-fast cycles. Our results indicate that its loci-specific functional diversity is associated with physiological plasticity in mouse hepatocytes. CTCF differential expression and long non-coding RNA-Jpx mediated changes in chromatin occupancy, unraveled its paradoxical yet tuneable functions, which are governed by metabolic inputs. We illustrate the key role of CTCF in controlling temporal cascade of transcriptional response, with effects on hepatic mitochondrial energetics and lipidome. Underscoring the evolutionary conservation of CTCF-dependent metabolic homeostasis, CTCF knockdown in flies abrogated starvation resistance. In summary, we demonstrate the interplay between CTCF and metabolic inputs that highlights the coupled plasticity of physiological responses and chromatin function.

Virtual digital assets including cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens and decentralized financial asset have been initially used as an alternative currency but are currently being purchased as an asset and hedging instruments. Exponentially growing trading volume witnesses the growing inclination of investors towards these assets, and this calls for volatility analysis of these assets. In this reference, the present study assessed and compared the volatility of returns from investment in virtual digital assets, equity and commodity market. Daily closing prices of selected cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens and decentralized financial assets, stock indices and commodities have been analysed for the post-covid period. Since returns were observed to be heteroscedastic, autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic models have been used to assess the volatility. The results indicate a low correlation of commodity investment with all other investment opportunities. Also, Tether and Dai have been observed to be negatively correlated with stock market. This indicates the possibility of minimizing risk through portfolio diversification. In terms of average returns, virtual digital assets are discerned to be better options than equity stock or commodity yet the variance scenario of these investment avenues is not very rosy. The volatility parameters reveal that unlike commodity market, virtual digital assets have got a significant impact of external shocks in the short-run. Further, the long run persistency of shocks is observed to be higher for the UK stock market, followed by Ethereum, Tether and Dai. The present analysis is crucial as the decision about its acceptance as legal tender money is still sub-judice in some countries. The results are expected to provide insight to regulatory bodies about these assets.

The tumor suppressor BRCA1-BARD1 complex regulates many cellular processes; of critical importance to its tumor suppressor function is its role in genome integrity. Although RING E3 ubiquitin ligase activity is the only known enzymatic activity of the complex, the in vivo requirement for BRCA1-BARD1 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity has been controversial. Here we probe the role of BRCA1-BARD1 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vivo using C. elegans. Genetic, cell biological, and biochemical analyses of mutants defective for E3 ligase activity suggest there is both E3 ligase-dependent and independent functions of the complex in the context of DNA damage repair and meiosis. We show that E3 ligase activity is important for nuclear accumulation of the complex and specifically to concentrate at meiotic recombination sites but not at DNA damage sites in proliferating germ cells. While BRCA1 alone is capable of monoubiquitylation, BARD1 is required with BRCA1 to promote polyubiquitylation. We find that the requirement for E3 ligase activity and BARD1 in DNA damage signaling and repair can be partially alleviated by driving the nuclear accumulation and self-association of BRCA1. Our data suggest that in addition to E3 ligase activity, BRCA1 may serve a structural role for DNA damage signaling and repair while BARD1 plays an accessory role to enhance BRCA1 function.

Introduction: Benign and malignant pelvic masses can occur in different age groups, primary diagnosis and choosing the appropriate surgical procedure is very important. Ultrasound (USG) is the diagnostic test of choice in evaluating pelvic masses, while Computed Tomography (CT) scan is most helpful as a second-line study, for in-depth evaluation of the abdomen and pelvis. Aim: To compare the findings of ultrasound and CT scans of pelvic masses with definitive histopathological or laboratory findings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India, from December 2014 to September 2015. Sixty patients from Outpatient and Inpatient Department, with clinical suspicion of pelvic pathology, were evaluated sonographically and then by CT scan. Ultrasound characterisation of mass as high or low risk was done based on septae and solid part echogenicity. CT findings used to diagnose malignancy were cystic solid mass, necrosis in a solid lesion, cystic lesion with thick, irregular walls or septa, and/or papillary projections. The presence of ascites, lymphadenopathy, omental cake, peritoneal deposits, mesenteric deposits was noted to diagnose metastasis. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. A p-value was calculated using Chi-square test. For finding, the level of agreement between USG/CT scan and histopathology, Kappa statistic was applied. Results: Ultrasound had sensitivity of 73.7%, specificity of 80.3%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 53.8% and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 90.7%. Computed tomography scan had a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 95.08%, PPV of 83.3%, and NPV of 93.5%. Kappa statistics showed moderate level of agreement between USG and histopathological findings (k=0.47, p-value=0.017) and good level of agreement between CT scan and histopathological findings (k=0.68, p-value=0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasound with its good sensitivity can be used as an effective screening modality for pelvic masses. Computed tomography scan has better specificity than USG and should be used as a confirmatory investigation.

Abstract Background Migrant communities are often underserved by mainstream mental health services resulting in high rates of untreated psychological distress. This collaborative study built on evidence that mindfulness-based interventions delivered in-language and culturally tailored were acceptable and clinically effective for Arabic speakers in Australia. It aimed to establish whether a group mindfulness program produced expected outcomes under normal operational conditions, and to test its scalability and its transferability to Bangla speakers. Methods A 5-week mindfulness program was delivered to 15 Arabic-speaking and 8 Bangla-speaking groups in community settings. The mixed-methods evaluation incorporated a pre-post study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the socio-demographic data, group attendance and home practice. Differences in DASS 21 and K10 scores from pre to post-intervention were tested using the nonparametric sign test for paired samples (two-sided). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of selected sociodemographic variables, group attendance and home practice on clinical outcomes, based on intention to treat. Content analysis was used to examine the qualitative data. Results The program attracted 168 Arabic speakers and 103 Bangla speakers aged 16 years and over, mostly women. Cultural acceptability was evident in the overall 80% completion rate, with 78% of Arabic speakers and 84% of Bangla speakers retained. Both language groups showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in mental health outcomes on the DASS21 and K10. Thirty new referrals were made to mental health services. Participant feedback emphasised the benefits for their everyday lives. All but one participant reported sharing the mindfulness skills with others. Conclusions Across multiple and diverse groups of Arabic and Bangla speakers in Sydney, the community-based group mindfulness program was shown to have high levels of cultural acceptability and relevance. It resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in mental health outcomes, facilitated access to mental health care and boosted mental health literacy. This innovative, low-intensity, in-language mental health intervention that was originally developed for Arabic speakers is scalable. It is also transferable—with cultural tailoring—to Bangla speakers.

Conventional fuels for vehicular applications generate hazardous pollutants which have an adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, there is a high demand to shift towards environment-friendly vehicles for the present mobility sector. This paper highlights sustainable mobility and specifically sustainable transportation as a solution to reduce GHG emissions. Thus, hydrogen fuel-based vehicular technologies have started blooming and have gained significance following the zero-emission policy, focusing on various types of sustainable motilities and their limitations. Serving an incredible deliverance of energy by hydrogen fuel combustion engines, hydrogen can revolution various transportation sectors. In this study, the aspects of hydrogen as a fuel for sustainable mobility sectors have been investigated. In order to reduce the GHG (Green House Gas) emission from fossil fuel vehicles, researchers have paid their focus for research and development on hydrogen fuel vehicles and proton exchange fuel cells. Also, its development and progress in all mobility sectors in various countries have been scrutinized to measure the feasibility of sustainable mobility as a future. This, paper is an inclusive review of hydrogen-based mobility in various sectors of transportation, in particular fuel cell cars, that provides information on various technologies adapted with time to add more towards perfection. When compared to electric vehicles with a 200-mile range, fuel cell cars have a lower driving cost in all of the 2035 and 2050 scenarios. To stimulate the use of hydrogen as a passenger automobile fuel, the cost of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) must be brought down to at least the same level as an electric vehicle. Compared to gasoline cars, fuel cell vehicles use 43% less energy and generate 40% less CO2.

AbstractBiological sex affects numerous aspects of biology, yet how sex influences different biological processes have not been extensively studied at the molecular level. Caenorhabditis elegansC. elegans

Background: Menopause is a natural process, but it causes hormonal and biological changes in the body, which can result in drastic effects on quality of life (QOL) of women. Objective: The study was conducted to assess the menopause-specific QOL (MENQOL) of rural women. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess MENQOL of rural women of the selected villages of Punjab. A total of 150 menopausal women were selected using simple random sampling technique. The MENQOL questionnaire was administered to assess the QOL in relation to menopausal symptoms. Results: The mean score of overall QOL was 3.4274 ± 0.99, which revealed a moderate impact of menopausal symptoms on the QOL. Stepwise linear regression revealed the significant impact of 16 out of 29 menopausal symptoms on QOL. Furthermore, MENQOL was found to be significantly associated with education, marital status, and sleep pattern of women. Conclusions: There is a significant effect of menopausal symptoms on QOL of women which emphasizes the need to create awareness among menopausal women regarding menopausal symptoms and management to improve their QOL.

Early onset severe preeclampsia and eclampsia is a direct cause in the deadly triad of maternal mortality along with haemorrhage and sepsis with high perinatal mortality. Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) may also result in early onset severe preeclampsia, eclampsia and its catastrophic complications. Present report is a rarest case of a 33-year-old, unbooked G6A5 at 21+4 weeks gestation with eclampsia, HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated liver Enzymes, Low Platelet count) syndrome, Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), Intrauterine foetal demise (IUFD) with RPL due to APS with Hepatitis B positive status. Patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team of Obstetricians, Intensivists, Cardiologists and Neurologists. Eclampsia was managed with magnesium sulphate (Pritchard’s regime), intravenous labetalol and delivery of stillborn male foetus weighing 645 gm achieved within 24 hours of eclamptic seizure. Lupus anticoagulant and beta-2 glycoprotein IgM (Immnoglobulin M) antibodies were positive in high titres confirming APS. Postdelivery patient had persistent headache with blurring of vision. A diagnosis of PRES was confirmed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain. Patient was put on Levetiracetam and low molecular weight heparin and was discharged in satisfactory condition on seventh postpartum day with an advice to follow-up at two weeks, six weeks and 12 weeks. Early onset preeclampsia is encountered in Obstetrics but very early onset severe preeclampsia (

Raj Yoga is one of the tested spiritual, holistic healing approaches nowadays used for every field for promoting self-esteem in healthy and unwell patients at mental and psychological levels. Cancer is one of the end-stage diseases that give not only physical pain but also causes psychological threats to the patient. The patient may experience grief, fear of death, loneliness, low self-esteem and other emotional changes resulting in depression and anxiety disorders. During this stage, some spiritual or holistic healing approaches are must for the enhanced wellbeing status of cancer patients, so the current study is focused on evaluating the effectiveness of Raj Yoga Meditation in cancer patients in selected hospital of Punjab In this study, the Raj Yoga Meditation programme was introduced for 15-20 minutes per day for six consecutive days to the experimental group. Although the study period was concise, however, the results showed that there was a significant difference between pre-test (141.64±18.9624) and post-test (167.400±23.0922) wellbeing scores at the 0.05 level of significance.

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare, highly aggressive neoplasm representing about 1%–3% of all malignant salivary gland tumors. Approximately, 85% of the cases occur in the parotid gland followed by the submandibular gland and minor salivary gland. Pathomorphologically, these tumors showed great similarities to ductal carcinoma of the female breast, which is why they described this tumor as “SDC.” This article highlights a case of rapidly growing swelling in the left mandibular region in a 60-year-old female. As this entity is rare and highly aggressive, an early detection followed by appropriate treatment is very important to improve the survival rate of the patient.

Abstract Background The microscopic examination of fired cartridge cases and fired bullets helps the expert to determine if a suspect firearm/firearms were, or were not, discharged in a shooting incident. This is achieved by using a combination of class and individual characteristics. But in case of malfunctioning of firearm, experts have to adopt different methods to link fired cartridge cases and fired bullets with the suspected firearm. Case presentation In this paper, a new method for the reproduction of the firing pin and breech face impression on two different surfaces are reported. Two chosen surfaces are plasticine and lead metal. Conclusions The surface of the lead being soft and brittle reproduced the impression with maximum detail. Five match points were seen on the lead surface with clear demarcation whereas only three points of individual characteristics marks were observed on plasticine surface.

Histoplasma capsulatum is no longer confined to certain geographic areas and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and organomegaly in HIV-positive patients. We present an unusual case of a 20-year-old immunocompromised male of African origin presenting with fever, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, and retroperitoneal and cervical lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears from the cervical lymph node revealed numerous yeast forms of histoplasma in macrophages. The patient succumbed to the fulminant infection. Postmortem liver biopsy also revealed infiltration by histoplasma, confirming the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis. This case highlights the variable nature of the clinical presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis which can mimic tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, or lymphoma. FNA cytology is a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable diagnostic tool for early detection and prompt management of histoplasmosis.

Substance abuse has been defined as the use of chemical substances for non medical purposes in order to achieve alterations in psychological functioning. The substances commonly abused in India include nicotine, alcohol, cannabis and opioids. However, the use of solvents and propellants is also on the rise as these are inexpensive, legally available household, industrial, office and automobile products; which are more commonly available to children and adolescents. We hereby describe a 16-year-old boy with combined volatile and alcohol abuse; who presented with increasing ataxia, visual and hearing disturbances.