Evaluation of Faecal Microbiota Following Probiotics in Infants of Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Trial: Protocol for Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial.

(1) Background: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is rising globally. The current evidence indicates that GDM, especially in conjunction with maternal overweight, can alter the composition of infants' gut microbiota, potentially increasing the risk of inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodevelopmental issues later in life. Probiotic supplantation early in life might establish eubiosis and mitigate future complications.

In Situ Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles/Organophilic-Clay/Polyethylene Glycol Nanocomposites for the Reduction of Organic Pollutants.

This work focuses on the preparation and application of silver nanoparticles/organophilic clay/polyethylene glycol for the catalytic reduction of the contaminants methylene blue (MB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in a simple and binary system. Algerian clay was subjected to a series of treatments including acid treatment, ion exchange with the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTABr), immobilization of polyethylene glycol polymer, and finally dispersion of AgNPs. The molecular weight of polyethylene glycol was varied (100, 200, and 4000) to study its effect on the stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the catalytic activity of the resulting samples.

Carbon dot-based fluorescent sensors for pharmaceutical detection: Current innovations, challenges, and future prospects.

Environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals has become a matter of concern as they are released in sewage systems at trace levels, thus impacting biological systems. Increasing concerns about the low-level occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the environment demands sensitive and selective monitoring. Owing to their high sensitivity and specificity carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as suitable fluorescent sensors.

Use of Probiotics for Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Survey of Current Practices Among Indian Neonatologists.

Objective: Probiotics are known to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC≥ Stage II) significantly, as well as all-cause mortality, late-onset sepsis (LOS), and feeding intolerance in preterm infants. Probiotics have been reported to have comparable benefits in high- and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to assess the current practices of neonatologists in India for using probiotics in preterm infants.

Role of pentoxifylline in neonatal hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy: a systematic review of animal studies.

We systematically reviewed the evidence from animal studies assessing the effects of pentoxifylline on neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The PubMed, EMBASE, EMCARE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized and quasi randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in December 2023 to determine the effects of pentoxifylline in animal models of HIE. The quality of the included studies was assessed via the SYRCLE risk of bias (ROB) tool.

Nanocarbon eco-hydrogel kit: on-site visual metal ion sensing and dye cleanup, advancing the circular economy in environmental remediation.

The naked-eye detection of hazardous pollutants through simple and cost-effective techniques is of great interest to the scientific community and related stakeholders in analytical science. The present study emphases the development of a stimuli-responsive probe by encountering sophisticated techniques for the detection of environmental pollutants. Herein, highly swellable and fluorescent-WTR-CDs-loaded HB-Alg/Gel@WTR-CDs was fabricated through a simple extrusion dripping method.

Self-powered γ-InSe/p-Si heterojunction for photodetection: exploring humidity and light intensity dependent photoresponse.

In this study, high-quality γ-InSe thin films were successfully deposited on p-Si substrates via the RF sputtering technique. Structural characterization using XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the hexagonal γ-phase of InSe film. FESEM analysis revealed the presence of small, homogeneous, and well-defined grains in the prepared γ-InSe film.

Microplastic contamination in Indian rice: A comprehensive characterization and health risk assessment.

In this study, we investigate, for the first time, the abundance, distribution, chemical composition, and exposure of microplastics (MPs) in Indian rice and their impact on human health. The physical and chemical characteristics of MPs were measured using a stereomicroscope, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and μ-Raman spectroscopy. MPs were identified in all samples, with an average abundance of 30.

2D porous hexaniobate-bismuth vanadate hybrid photocatalyst for photodegradation of aquatic refractory pollutants.

Metal oxide semiconductors are highly promising due to their excellent photocatalytic performance in the photodegradation of industrial waste containing refractory chemical compounds. A hybrid structure with other semiconductors provides improved photocatalytic performance. In this work, porous and two-dimensional (2D) hexaniobate-bismuth vanadate (Nb-BiVO) Z-scheme hybrid photocatalysts are synthesized by chemical solution growth (CSG) of BiVO over electrophoretically deposited Nb thin films.

Impact of Dance or Music and Meditation on the Progression of Parkinson Disease With Mild or Moderate Severity: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunctions and nonmotor symptoms. Current treatments do not alter disease progression, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Music, dance, and mindfulness meditation have shown the potential to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with PD.

2D Materials for Potable Water Application: Basic Nanoarchitectonics and Recent Progresses.

Water polluted by toxic chemicals due to waste from chemical/pharmaceuticals and harmful microbes such as E. Coli bacteria causes several fatal diseases; and therefore, water filtration is crucial for accessing clean and safe water necessary for good health. Conventional water filtration technologies include activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration.

Psychomotor Vigilance Testing on Neonatal Transport: A Western Australian Experience.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether undertaking retrieval was associated with fatigue independent of sleep and circadian disruption. It also aimed to assess the feasibility of routinely measuring the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) on neonatal transport. Fatigue is associated with impaired clinician performance and safety.

Artificial intelligence in human resource development: An umbrella review protocol.

The recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed work dynamics, particularly in human resource development (HRD) and related domains. Scholars, recognizing the significant potential of AI in HRD functions and processes, have contributed to the growing body of literature reviews on AI in HRD and related domains. Despite the valuable insights provided by these individual reviews, the challenge of collectively interpreting them within the HRD domain remains unresolved.

Effects of a live versus heat-inactivated probiotic spp in preterm infants: a randomised clinical trial.

Background: Heat-inactivated probiotics (HPs) may provide an effective alternative to live probiotics (P) by avoiding their risks (eg, probiotic sepsis) while retaining the benefits. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a HP in very preterm (VP: gestation <32 weeks) infants.

Methods: VP infants were randomly allocated to receive a HP or P mixture ( M-16V, subsp.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as a probiotic for preterm infants: a strain specific systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a widely used and extensively researched probiotic. Probiotic effects are considered to be strain specific. We aimed to comprehensively assess the strain-specific effects of LGG in preterm infants.

Antibiotic pharmacokinetics in infected pleural effusions.

Pleural infection is usually treated with empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics, but limited data exist on their penetrance into the infected pleural space. We performed a pharmacokinetic study analysing the concentration of five intravenous antibiotics across 146 separate time points in 35 patients (amoxicillin, metronidazole, piperacillin-tazobactam, clindamycin and cotrimoxazole). All antibiotics tested, apart from co-trimoxazole, reach pleural fluid levels equivalent to levels within the blood and well above the relevant minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Prevalence of hearing impairment in neonatal encephalopathy due to hypoxia-ischemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review was undertaken to estimate the overall prevalence of hearing impairment in survivors of neonatal HIE.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, EMCARE and Cochrane databases, mednar (gray literature) were searched till January 2023. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included.

Early versus late parenteral nutrition in term and late preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: There is limited evidence regarding the optimal time to commence parenteral nutrition (PN) in term and late preterm infants.

Design: Single-centre, non-blinded, exploratory randomised controlled trial.

Setting: A level-3 neonatal unit in a stand-alone paediatric hospital.

Modification of WSthin film properties using high dose gamma irradiation.

The tunability of the transition metal dichalcogenide properties has gained attention from numerous researchers due to their wide application in various fields including quantum technology. In the present work, WShas been deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide substrate and its properties have been studied systematically. These samples were irradiated using gamma radiation for various doses, and the effect on structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties has been reported.

Topical glyceryl trinitrate to increase radial artery diameter in neonates: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit require arterial cannulation for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling. Arterial access is achieved through catheterization of umbilical or peripheral arteries. Peripheral artery cannulation is performed in critically ill newborns, but artery localization and cannulation is often challenging and unsuccessful.

Probing impact on magnetic behavior of cobalt layer grown on thick MoS layer.

Understanding the metal-semiconductor heterostructure interface is crucial for the development of spintronic devices. One of the prospective candidates and extensively studied semiconductors is molybdenum disulfide (MoS ). Herein, utilizing Kerr microscopy, we investigated the impact of thick MoS on the magnetic properties of the 10 nm Co layer.

Pioneering method for the synthesis of lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles using a surfactant-free microemulsion scheme.

In this study, we report the synthesis of PbS particles having dimensions in the quantum-dot regime (13.17 to 26.91 nm) using a cyclohexane:isopropanol:dimethyl-sulfoxide surfactant-free microemulsion (CID-SFME) scheme without a capping agent.

Interventions for Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare Providers-A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Background: Compassion fatigue is a significant issue considering its consequences including negative feelings, impaired cognition, and increased risk of long-term morbidities. We aimed to assess current evidence on the effects of interventions for compassion fatigue in healthcare providers (HCP).

Methods: We used the Cochrane methodology for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for conducting and reporting this review.

Reflecting real-world patients with mesothelioma in research: an interim report of baseline characteristics from the ASSESS-meso cohort.

Objective: Mesothelioma varies in clinical phenotype and survival. Clinical trials are unavoidably affected by selection bias, reducing generalisability. ASSESS-meso is a UK, multicentre, prospective, mesothelioma cohort study (ISRCTN61861764).