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Abstract Background Dengue infection poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Among its severe complications, Acute kidney injury (AKI) stands out due to its association with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burdens. This Meta-analysis aim to identify and evaluate the predictors of AKI among dengue patients, facilitating early detection and management strategies to mitigate AKI’s impact. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, covering literature up to February 2024. We included human observational studies reporting on AKI predictors in confirmed dengue cases. Nested-Knowledge software was used for screening and data extraction. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. R software (V 4.3) was utilized to compute pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each predictor. Results Our search yielded nine studies involving diverse geographic locations and patient demographics. A total of 9,198 patients were included in the studies, with 542 diagnosed with AKI. in which key predictors of AKI identified include severe forms of dengue (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.02–3.42), male gender (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.82–4.44), comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (OR: 3.298, 95% CI: 0.274–6.322), and chronic kidney disease (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 0.42–11.24), as well as co-infections and clinical manifestations like rhabdomyolysis and major bleeding. Conclusion Our study identifies several predictors of AKI in dengue patients. These findings indicate the importance of early identification and intervention for high-risk individuals. Future research should focus on standardizing AKI diagnostic criteria within the dengue context and exploring the mechanisms underlying these associations to improve patient care and outcomes.

Abstract Background Fruit crops, including tropical and subtropical fruits like Avocado (Persea americana), Fig (Ficus carica), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Mango (Mangifera indica), Guava (Psidium guajava), Papaya (Carica papaya), Pineapple (Ananas comosus), and Banana (Musa acuminata) are economically vital, contributing significantly to global agricultural output, as classified by the FAO’s World Programme for the Census of Agriculture. Advancements in next-generation sequencing, have transformed fruit crop breeding by providing in-depth genomic and transcriptomic data. RNA sequencing enables high-throughput analysis of gene expression, and functional genomics, crucial for addressing horticultural challenges and enhancing fruit production. The genomic and expression data for key tropical and sub-tropical fruit crops is currently lacking a comprehensive expression atlas, revealing a significant gap in resources for horticulturists who require a unified platform with diverse datasets across various conditions and cultivars. Results The Fruit Expression Atlas (FEAtl), available at http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/FEAtl/ , is a first-ever extensive and unified expression atlas for tropical and subtropical fruit crops developed using 3-tier architecture. The expressivity of coding and non-coding genes, encompassing 2,060 RNA-Seq samples across 91 tissue types and 177 BioProjects, it provides a comprehensive view of gene expression patterns for different tissues under various conditions. FEAtl features multiple tabs that cater to different aspects of the dataset, namely, Home, About, Analyze, Statistics, and Team and contains seven central functional modules: Transcript Information,Sample Information, Expression Profiles in FPKM and TPM, Functional Analysis, Genes Based on Tau Score, and Search for Specific Gene. The expression of a transcript of interest can be easily queried by searching by tissue ID and transcript type. Expression data can be displayed as a heat map, along with functional descriptions as well as Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Conclusions This atlas represents a groundbreaking compilation of a wide array of information pertaining to eight distinct fruit crops and serves as a fundamental resource for comparative analysis among different fruit species and is a catalyst for functional genomic studies. Database availability: http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/FEAtl/ .

Abstract Background The proliferation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has presented new challenges in public health, particularly among adolescents and young adults. While marketed as safer than tobacco and as cessation aids, e-cigarettes have raised concerns about their long-term health and psychosocial impacts, including potential links to increased suicidal behaviors. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between e-cigarette use and suicidal behaviors by conducting a systematic review of the current literature. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for studies up to March 10, 2024, examining the relationship between e-cigarette use and suicidal behaviors. Eligible studies included cross-sectional, longitudinal, retrospective, prospective, and case–control designs. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs). Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of studies. R software (V 4.3) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results Our analysis included fourteen studies, predominantly from the US and Korea, with participants ranging from 1,151 to 255,887. The meta-analysis identified a significant association between e-cigarette use and an increased risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 1.489, 95% CI: 1.357 to 1.621), suicide attempts (OR = 2.497, 95% CI: 1.999 to 3.996), and suicidal planning (OR = 2.310, 95% CI: 1.810 to 2.810). Heterogeneity was noted among the studies. Conclusion E-cigarette use is significantly associated with the risk of suicidal behaviors, particularly among adolescents. The findings underscore the necessity for caution in endorsing e-cigarettes as a safer smoking alternative and call for more extensive research to understand the underlying mechanisms. Public health strategies should be developed to address and mitigate the risks of suicidal behaviors among e-cigarette users.

Abstract Background Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to severe cardiovascular complications. Anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, is proposed to benefit the hyperinflammatory state of MIS-C, potentially improving cardiac function. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of early Anakinra administration on cardiac outcomes in children with MIS-C. Methods A comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until March 2024 identified studies using Anakinra to treat MIS-C with reported cardiac outcomes. Observational cohorts and clinical trials were included, with data extraction focusing on cardiac function metrics and inflammatory markers. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results Six studies met the inclusion criteria, ranging from retrospective cohorts to prospective clinical studies, predominantly from the USA. Anakinra dosages ranged from 2.3 to 10 mg/kg based on disease severity. Several studies showed significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction and reductions in inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, suggesting Anakinra’s role in enhancing cardiac function and mitigating inflammation. However, findings on vasoactive support needs were mixed, and some studies did not report significant changes in acute cardiac support requirements. Conclusion Early Anakinra administration shows potential for improving cardiac function and reducing inflammation in children with MIS-C, particularly those with severe manifestations. However, the existing evidence is limited by the observational nature of most studies and lacks randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Further high-quality RCTs are necessary to conclusively determine Anakinra’s effectiveness and optimize its use in MIS-C management for better long-term cardiac outcomes and standardized treatment protocols.

This work presents a small-area 2nd-order continuous-time $\Delta \Sigma $ Modulator (CT $\Delta \Sigma \text{M}$ ) with a single low dropout regulator (LDO) serving as both the power supply for the CT $\Delta \Sigma \text{M}$ and reference voltage buffer. The CT $\Delta \Sigma \text{M}$ is used for digitising very low amplitude signals in applications such as magnetic tracking for image-guided and robotic surgery. A cascade of integrators in a feed-forward architecture implemented with an adder-less architecture has been proposed to minimise the silicon area. In addition, a novel continuous-time pulse-shaped digital-to-analog converter (CT-PS DAC) is proposed for excess loop delay (ELD) compensation to simplify the current drive requirements of the reference voltage buffer. This enables a single low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator to generate both power supply and $\text{V}_{ref}$ for the DAC. The circuit has been designed in 65-nm CMOS technology, achieving a peak 82-dB SNDR and 91-dB DR within a signal bandwidth of 20 kHz and the CT $\Delta \Sigma \text{M}$ consumes $300 ~\mu \text{W}$ of power when clocked at 10.24 MHz. The CT $\Delta \Sigma \text{M}$ achieves a state-of-the-art area of 0.07 mm2.

Multi-Terminal-High Voltage Direct Current (MT-HVDC) transmission lines are used to transmit electricity over long distances with lower losses compared to traditional Alternating Current (AC) transmission lines. However, HVDC transmission lines have limitations in terms of their ability to handle AC system faults and the need for expensive AC/DC converters at each end of the line. To address these limitations, a hybrid AC/MT-HVDC transmission line can be used. This type of transmission line combines the benefits of both AC and DC transmission, allowing for more efficient and reliable operation. In this article, an Enhanced-Fish Swarm Optimizer (E-FSO) is presented for the efficient maintenance of hybrid AC/MT-HVDC transmission lines. An external repository is included in the proposed E-FSO to preserve that is not dominant. Additionally, fuzzy decision-making is used to choose the hybrid AC/HVDC transmission lines' optimal compromise operating point. In these systems, in addition to the complete control of AC line through parameters for the dedicated generators and transformers connections, and Volt-Ampere Reactive (VAR) compensations, the Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) action and response controllable voltage is engaged. The outcomes of the experiment show the efficacy and dominance of the suggested algorithm, which has high stability indices compared to several competitive algorithms. Nevertheless, the suggested E-FSO is effective in producing a compromise operating point that satisfies the operator's needs while also obtaining well-diversified solutions.

Heavy metal contamination in water resources is a major issue worldwide. Metals released into the environment endanger human health, owing to their persistence and absorption into the food chain. Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal, which causes severe health hazards in human beings as well as in animals. To overcome the issue, current research focused on cadmium ion removal from the polluted water by using porous magnetic chitosan composite produced from Kaphal (Myrica esculenta) leaves. The synthesized composite was characterized by BET, XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM with EDX, and VSM to understand the structural, textural, surface functional, morphological-compositional, and magnetic properties, respectively, that contributed to the adsorption of Cd. The maximum Cd adsorption capacities observed for the Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs) and porous magnetic chitosan (MCS) composite were 290 mg/g and 426 mg/g, respectively. Both the adsorption processes followed second-order kinetics. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to understand the optimum conditions for the fast adsorption process. Both the adsorbents could be regenerated for up to seven cycles without appreciable loss in adsorption capacity. The porous magnetic chitosan composite showed improved adsorption compared to MNPs. The mechanism for cadmium ion adsorption by MNPs and MCS has been postulated. Magnetic-modified chitosan-based composites that exhibit high adsorption efficiency, regeneration, and easy separation from a solution have broad development prospects in various industrial sewage and wastewater treatment fields.

Abstract Synthesis of nanomaterials following green routes have drawn much attention in recent years due to the low cost, easy and eco-friendly approaches involved therein. Therefore, the current study is focused towards the synthesis of Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite using waste pulp of Jamun (Syzygium cumini) and iron nitrate as the precursor of iron in an eco-friendly way. The synthesized Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite has been extensively characterized through numerous techniques to explore the physicochemical properties, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, high resolution transmission electron microscope and vibrating sample magnetometer. Further, efficiency of the Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite has been evaluated to improve the incubation temperature, thermal/pH stability of the crude cellulase enzymes obtained from the lab isolate fungal strain Cladosporium cladosporioides NS2 via solid state fermentation. It is found that the presence of 0.5% Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite showed optimum incubation temperature and thermal stability in the long temperature range of 50–60 °C for 15 h along with improved pH stability in the range of pH 3.5–6.0. The presented study may have potential application in bioconversion of waste biomass at high temperature and broad pH range.

In the recent decade, carbon dots have drawn immense attention and prompted intense investigation. The latest form of nanocarbon, the carbon nanodot, is attracting intensive research efforts, similar to its earlier analogues, namely, fullerene, carbon nanotube, and graphene. One outstanding feature that distinguishes carbon nanodots from other known forms of carbon materials is its water solubility owing to extensive surface functionalization (the presence of polar surface functional groups). These carbonaceous quantum dots, or carbon nanodots, have several advantages over traditional semiconductor-based quantum dots. They possess outstanding photoluminescence, fluorescence, biocompatibility, biosensing and bioimaging, photostability, feedstock sustainability, extensive surface functionalization and bio-conjugation, excellent colloidal stability, eco-friendly synthesis (from organic matter such as glucose, coffee, tea, and grass to biomass waste-derived sources), low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. Recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of carbon dots have been received and new insight is provided. Presently known applications of carbon dots in the fields of bioimaging, drug delivery, sensing, and diagnosis were highlighted and future applications of these astounding materials are speculated.

Background: This study aimed to investigate changes in Calcitonin Cells (C cells) and Parathyroid Glands (PTG) induced by cypermethrin exposure in rats and evaluate the protective effects of Jamun Seeds (Syzygium cumini; JSE) and orange peels (Citrus sinensis; OPE) extracts. Methods: Wistar rats (N=120) were treated in groups of 20 each as: A. Controls; B. Cypermethrin (CY); C. Cypermethrin and JSE; D. Cypermethrin and OPE; E. OPE; F. JSE. Thyro-parathyroid tissue samples were fixed on days 15 or 30 following each treatment. Results: Cypermethrin treatment in rats either alone or combined with JSE or OPE caused degranulation of calcitonin cells and mitochondrial enlargement on day 15 of exposure. Nuclear volume of C cells in groups B, C and D remained unchanged. On day 30, we found increased nuclear volumes, accumulation of secretory granules and degeneration of C cells. In groups E and F no changes in the morphology of C cells were observed. The PTG cells treated with cypermethrin or CY+JSE or CY+OPE over 15 days exhibited hyperchromatic, elongated and increased in volume of the nuclei. The nuclei of PTG cells treated with cypermethrin, CY+JSE or CY+OPE were hyperchromatic and elongated on day 30. Degenerate nuclei were detected after cypermethrin treatment, and the nuclear volumes were increased on day 30. In groups E and F there were no changes in PTG cells on days 15 and 30 post treatment. Conclusion: Cypermethrin provoked alterations in the calcitonin and PTG cells, with microscopic evidence of protection after treatment with JSE and OPE.

Wistar rats were treated as Group A: Control; Group B: microcystin LR (MCLR); Group C: microcystin LR and jamun seed extract (MCLR+JSE); Group D: microcystin LR and orange peel extract (MCLR+OPE); Group E: orange peel extract (OPE); Group F: jamun seed extract (JSE). MCLR dose was 10 µg/kg body wt/day whereas OPE and JSE dose was 200 mg/kg body wt/day. Serum calcium and phosphate were analyzed on 15 and 30 day. Serum calcium of rat exposed for 15 day to MCLR; MCLR+JSE and MCLR+OPE decreased. Although there is little increase in levels of group C and group D but treatment with OPE and JSE is not able to completely restore decreased calcium levels caused by MCLR. After 30 day calcium decreased after MCLR; MCLR+JSE and MCLR+OPE treatment. Levels in group E and F remain unaltered. Levels in group C and D exhibit elevation as compared to group B which indicates that treatment with OPE and JSE recovered calcium. Serum phosphate decreased after 15 day in MCLR; MCLR+JSE and MCLR+OPE treated rats. Phosphate levels of group C (compared with group F) and group D (compared with group E) show decrease. After 30 day exposure to MCLR; MCLR+JSE and MCLR+OPE phosphate levels decreased. Levels of group C and D when compared with group B are increased. Phosphate levels of group C (compared with group F) and D (compared with group E) are decreased. This indicates that OPE and JSE treatment provoked some recovery of phosphate levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3940650

Background: We evaluated ameliorative effects of Jamun seed and orange peel extracts on liver toxicity in cypermethrin exposed rat. Methods: Rats were given following treatments daily for 30 d: Group A: Control Group B: Rats received cypermethrin Group C: These rats received cypermethrin and Jamun seed extract simultaneously Group D: These rats received cypermethrin and orange peel extract simultaneously Group E: Rats received orange peel extract Group F: Rats received Jamun seed extract In respective groups dose of cypermethrin, Jamun seed and orange peel extract were 25 mg/ kg body wt, 200 mg/kg body wt and 200 mg/kg body wt, respectively. Liver was fixed for light and electron microscopic studies. Results: After 15 d cypermethrin or cypermethrin+JSE or cypermethrin+OPE treatment hepatocytes exhibited increased cell size, nuclei became more hyperchromatic and hypertrophied. Degeneration of nuclei and dilatation of sinusoids have been noticed. After 30 d cypermethrin treatment hepatocytes exhibit more pronounced hypertrophy with hyperchromatic nuclei. Few hepatocytes exhibit nuclei with irregular boundaries. Hepatocytes show foamy cytoplasm and few vacuoles. Focal necrosis visible at certain places. Binucleated cells are also encountered. In cypermethrin+JSE and cypermethrin+OPE treated rats, hepatocytes exhibit hypertrophy, hyperchromatic nuclei and dilatation of sinusoids. Degeneration of hepatocytes are seen at some places, however, focal necrosis is not seen in these groups. No noticeable histological alterations are seen in orange peel extract (group E) and jamun seed extract (group F) treated rats. Conclusion: Cypermethrin induced hepatic toxicity can be protected by treatment with Jamun seed and orange peel extract.

Stability of the DNA molecule is essential for the proper functioning and sustainability of all living organisms. In this study, we investigate the effect of gamma radiation (γ-radiation) on spin-selective electron transfer through double strand (ds)DNA molecules. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 21-base long DNA are prepared on Au-coated Ni thin film. We measure the spin polarization (%) of the SAMs of ds-DNA using the spin-dependent electrochemical technique. We use a Cs-based γ-radiation source to expose the SAMs of ds-DNA immobilized on thin films for various time intervals ranging from 0–30 min. The susceptibility of DNA to γ-radiation is measured by spin-dependent electrochemistry. We observe that the efficiency of spin filtering by ds-DNA gradually decreases when exposure (to γ-radiation) time increases, and drops below 1% after 30 min of exposure. The change in spin polarization value is related either to the conformational perturbation in DNA or to structural damage in DNA molecules caused by ionizing radiation.

The biomass to biofuels production process is green, sustainable, and an advanced technique to resolve the current environmental issues generated from fossil fuels. The production of biofuels from biomass is an enzyme mediated process, wherein β-glucosidase (BGL) enzymes play a key role in biomass hydrolysis by producing monomeric sugars from cellulose-based oligosaccharides. However, the production and availability of these enzymes realize their major role to increase the overall production cost of biomass to biofuels production technology. Therefore, the present review is focused on evaluating the production and efficiency of β-glucosidase enzymes in the bioconversion of cellulosic biomass for biofuel production at an industrial scale, providing its mechanism and classification. The application of BGL enzymes in the biomass conversion process has been discussed along with the recent developments and existing issues. Moreover, the production and development of microbial BGL enzymes have been explained in detail, along with the recent advancements made in the field. Finally, current hurdles and future suggestions have been provided for the future developments. This review is likely to set a benchmark in the area of cost effective BGL enzyme production, specifically in the biorefinery area.

In the present study, monodispersed CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) of size 8.5 ± 1.0, 11.4 ± 1.0 and 15.4 ± 1.0 nm were synthesized using the sol-gel method. Size-dependent structural, optical and magnetic properties of as-prepared samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), ultra-violet visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements. The value of optical band gap is calculated for each particle size. The decrease in the value of optical band gap with increase of particle size may be attributed to the quantum confinement, which causes to produce localized states created by the oxygen vacancies due to the conversion of Ce4+ into Ce3+ at higher calcination temperature. The Raman spectra showed a peak at ∼461 cm-1 for the particle size 8.5 nm, which is attributed to the 1LO phonon mode. The shift in the Raman peak could be due to lattice strain developed due to variation in particle size. Weak ferromagnetism at room temperature is observed for each particle size. The values of saturation magnetization (Ms), coercivity (Hc) and retentivity (Mr) are increased with increase of particle size. The increase of Ms and Mr for larger particle size may be explained by increase of density of oxygen vacancies at higher calcination temperature. The latter causes high concentrations of Ce3+ ions activate more coupling between the individual magnetic moments of the Ce ions, leading to an increase of Ms value with the particle size. Moreover, the oxygen vacancies may also produce magnetic moment by polarizing spins of f electrons of cerium (Ce) ions located around oxygen vacancies, which causes ferromagnetism in pure CeO2 samples.