Early childhood growth and nutritional status in India: trends in five National Family Health Surveys spanning 1992 and 2021.

Background/objective: To evaluate the weight and height status of under-five children between 1992 and 2021 in relation to nutritional context.

Subjects/methods: The study is based on the lengths/heights and weights of children <5 years in five national surveys (n = 505,026). After evaluating normality of the distributions, heights, and weights were expressed as z-scores relative to the WHO reference.

The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in PCOS Management: A Systematic Review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders among reproductive-aged women. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle changes are suggested as first-line interventions in managing PCOS.

Outbreak of Rotavirus Diarrheal Infection among Adults in King County, Washington, January-June 2023.

Rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhea among children but less known as a cause among adults. We describe clinical, epidemiologic, and genotype characteristics of a rotavirus outbreak among adults in King County, Washington occurring January-June 2023. Adult rotavirus incidence in 2023 was ten times higher than the same period in 2022 (5% versus 0.

Advances in Natural-Product-Based Fluorescent Agents and Synthetic Analogues for Analytical and Biomedical Applications.

Fluorescence is a remarkable property exhibited by many chemical compounds and biomolecules. Fluorescence has revolutionized analytical and biomedical sciences due to its wide-ranging applications in analytical and diagnostic tools of biological and environmental importance. Fluorescent molecules are frequently employed in drug delivery, optical sensing, cellular imaging, and biomarker discovery.

Determinants of body composition among peri-menopausal women of Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, India.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the peri-menopausal women to find out determinants of body composition. A total of 200 peri-menopusal women were recruited (≥ 40 years) from rural and urban areas of the district Bilaspur (CG). Among the studied respondents the mean age for peri-menopausal women was 42.

Emeriti professors' perceptions: qualitative research exploring involvement in university activities.

In 2020, the UMass Lowell (UML) Age-Friendly University (AFU) campus administered the Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) in partnership with UMass Boston. The results identified a need for campus improvement related to "involving retired faculty in university activities" (AFU Principle 9). In response to this finding, an IRB-approved follow-up survey was distributed to UML retired faculty and emeriti professors, the end of which invited respondents to participate in one-hour virtual qualitative interviews to explore the research question: What are the perceptions of retired faculty and emeriti professors regarding AFU Principle 9? Emeriti professor interviews ( = 19) were held in 2021.

Epidemiological investigation of a cholera outbreak in Nepal-India border communities: Public health implications.

Objectives: On October 4, 2021, a cholera outbreak was reported in Kapilvastu District, one of Nepal's 26 districts bordering India. This study examined the outbreak's characteristics, response efforts, and the challenges faced.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was applied for the outbreak investigation.

Effects of advanced oxidation process on biological treatment of spent fermentation broth.

The present study aimed to establish the feasibility of the wastewater treatment process generated from an oleaginous fermentation plant. Treatment of spent fermentation broth (SFB) poses significant environmental challenges due to its high organic load, recalcitrant compounds, and potential toxicity. The synergistic effects of combining ozone-based advanced oxidation process (O-AOP) with biological treatment for the efficient degradation of pollutants in spent fermentation broth.

Risk of Transmission of Vaccine-Strain Rotavirus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit That Routinely Vaccinates.

Background And Objectives: Many neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) do not give rotavirus vaccines to inpatients due to a theoretical risk of horizontal transmission of vaccine strains. We aimed to determine incidence and clinical significance of vaccine-strain transmission to unvaccinated infants in a NICU that routinely administers pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5).

Methods: This prospective cohort study included all patients admitted to a 100-bed NICU for 1 year.

Effect of Size-Controlled Nanofluid on Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, and Rheological Behavior of Cement Slurry for Oil Well Cementing.

The optimal design of cement slurry by balancing various cement additives and cement is critical for effective oil well cementation job. However, given adverse circumstances of application, existing additives may not be sufficient to perform suitably in challenging conditions, leading to premature cement hydration, formation of microcracks, and gas channeling pathways. Thus, this study explores the use of a single-step silica nanofluid (NP size: 5-10, 90-100, and 250-300 nm and concentration: 1, 3, and 5 wt %) as an additive and explores its effect on thickening time, fluid loss, and rheological behavior of class G cement slurry at high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) conditions (135 °C and 3625 psi).

Proceedings of the Conference "CMV Vaccine Development-How Close Are We?" (27-28 September 2023).

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of disability in children, including sensorineural hearing loss. There is interest in developing a pre-conception vaccine that could confer protective immunity on a woman of child-bearing age, hence resulting in a reduced cCMV disease burden. Other populations, including solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, could also benefit from CMV vaccination.

Beyond Awareness: Hope for a CMV Vaccine! An Introduction to the Conference, "CMV Vaccine Development-How Close Are We?" (27-28 September 2023).

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of disability in children. The major theme of this National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) workshop, "CMV Vaccine Development-How Close Are We?", was to report progress on the development of a pre-conception vaccine that could confer protective immunity for women of child-bearing age. Such a vaccine could result in a reduced cCMV disease burden, although other populations, including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients, could benefit as well.

Insights on therapeutic approaches of natural anti-Alzheimer's agents in the management of Alzheimer's disease: A future perspective.

In the current scenario, Alzheimer's disease is a complex, challenging, and arduous health issue, and its prevalence, together with comorbidities, is accelerating around the universe. Alzheimer's disease is becoming a primary concern that significantly impacts an individual's status in life. The traditional treatment of Alzheimer's disease includes some synthetic drugs, which have numerous dangerous side effects, a high risk of recurrence, lower bioavailability, and limited treatment.

Flowable organic slurry battery with 1000 cycles.

We herein report a newly developed organic slurry flow battery. The strategically designed highly insoluble viologens (C8-V, C12-V, and C18-V) with two electron-activity were utilized to demonstrate a high energy density slurry battery with a stable capacity of 97%, power density of 123 mW cm, and Coulombic efficiency over 99%.

Unveiling the complex interplay between gut microbiota and polycystic ovary syndrome: A narrative review.

Background & Aim: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women throughout their reproductive age and characterised via polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism, and irregular menstruation. There is rising evidence that the pathophysiology of PCOS is significantly affected via the gut microbiota and its metabolic products.

Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current literature exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and PCOS.

Bacterial Binding to Polydopamine-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles.

In medical infections such as blood sepsis and in food quality control, fast and accurate bacteria analysis is required. Using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for bacterial capture and concentration is very promising for rapid analysis. When MNPs are functionalized with the proper surface chemistry, they have the ability to bind to bacteria and aid in the removal and concentration of bacteria from a sample for further analysis.

Hydrogeochemical evaluation and characterization of water quality in the Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal.

The study was carried out in the Phewa Lake of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Province, Nepal, for geochemical assessment and characterization of the lake water quality. A total of 28 water samples were collected in each season from the different zones of the lake in March 2022 (pre-monsoon) and November 2022 (post-monsoon). The lake exhibited elevated levels of PO, NO, and NH, indicating that anthropogenic activities are interfering the lake water.

Air-Stable Membrane-Free Magnesium Redox Flow Batteries.

Membrane-free biphasic self-stratified batteries (MBSBs) utilizing aqueous/nonaqueous electrolyte systems have garnered significant attention owing to their flexible manufacturing and cost-effectiveness. In this study, we present an ultrastable high-voltage Mg MBSB based on an aqueous/nonaqueous electrolyte system. The engineered aqueous electrolyte had a wide electrochemical stability window of 3.

A novel pathogenic germline chromosome 3 inversion in von Hippel-Lindau disease.

von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is an autosomal-dominant hereditary tumour susceptibility disease associated with pathogenic germline variants in the tumour suppressor gene. VHL patients are at increased risk of developing multiple benign and malignant tumours. Current CLIA-based genetic tests demonstrate a very high detection rate of germline variants in patients with clinical manifestations of VHL.

An interventional study to assess the impact of behavior modification therapy on motivation level for tobacco cessation among adult tobacco users in a resettlement colony of South Delhi.

Background: Tobacco use remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to 8 million annual deaths and potentially reaching 1 billion deaths in the 21 century. Despite taking efforts like India's National Tobacco Control Program, the country faces a persistent 39% tobacco use prevalence, particularly in low-income communities like those from Madanpur Khadar, Delhi. This study explores the effectiveness of behavior modification therapy in addressing this challenge.

Proton pump inhibitors modulate esophageal epithelial barrier function and crosstalk with eosinophils.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic disease characterized by esophageal dysfunction, type-2 inflammation, and esophageal eosinophilic infiltrate. While proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is commonly used for EoE management, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear.

Methods: Air-liquid interface culture of esophageal epithelial cells was employed to investigate the impact of the PPI omeprazole on barrier integrity in IL-13-treated cultures.

Deep learning for detecting and characterizing oil and gas well pads in satellite imagery.

Methane emissions from the oil and gas sector are a large contributor to climate change. Robust emission quantification and source attribution are needed for mitigating methane emissions, requiring a transparent, comprehensive, and accurate geospatial database of oil and gas infrastructure. Realizing such a database is hindered by data gaps nationally and globally.