190 research outputs found
Morphology controlled synthesis of 2-D Ni-Ni3S2 and Ni3S2 nanostructures on Ni foam towards oxygen evolution reaction
Catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) are at the heart of key renewable energy technologies, and development of non-precious metal catalysts with high activity and stability remain a great challenge in this field. Among various material candidates, metal sulfides are receiving increasing attention. While morphology-dependent catalytic performances are well established in noble metal-based catalysts, relatively little is known for the morphology‒catalytic performance relationship in metal sulfide catalysts. In this study, uniform spider web-like Ni nanosheets-Ni3S2 and honeycomb-like Ni3S2 structures are deposited on nickel foam (Ni3S2/NF) by a facile one-step hydrothermal synthetic route. When used as an oxygen evolution electrode, the spider web-like Ni-Ni3S2/NF with the large exposed surface area shown excellent catalytic activity and stability with an overpotential of ~310 mV to achieve at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope of 63 mV/dec in alkaline media, which is superior to the honeycomb-like structure without Ni nanosheet. The low Tafel slope of the spider web-like Ni-Ni3S2/NF represents one of the best OER kinetics among nickel sulfide-based OER catalysts. The results point to the fact that performance of the metal sulfide electrocatalysts might be fine-tuned and optimized with morphological controls
A Prospective interventional study on the therapeutic potential of human placental extract in dermatological conditions.
Background
Placental extract is known for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is increasingly used in dermatology for conditions such as melasma, alopecia, and chronic ulcers.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of topical and intradermal human placental extract (HPE) in selected dermatological conditions.
Methods
A prospective interventional study was conducted at a tertiary care dermatology outpatient clinic over 6 months (August 2023 to February 2024). Fifty patients were enrolled and grouped according to diagnosis: melasma (n=20), chronic non-healing ulcers (n=15), and alopecia areata (n=15). Topical application or intradermal injection of placental extract was administered over 6 weeks. Clinical improvement was assessed using the MASI (score melasma), ulcer area measurement, and SALT score (alopecia) at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks.
Results
In the present study, age (mean±SD): B 47.3±8.4 > A 34.1±6.2 > C 29.8±5.6; females: A 90%, B 60%, C 40%. Significant improvement was observed in all groups. In melasma, the mean MASI score decreased from 12.6 ± 2.3 to 6.4 ± 1.9 (p < 0.01); in chronic ulcers, the mean area reduced by 68.2% (p < 0.01); and in alopecia areata, the SALT score improved from 35.2 ± 8.1 to 22.5 ± 6.7 (p < 0.05). No major adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion
Human placental extract is effective and safe in the management of melasma, chronic ulcers, and alopecia areata. Further large-scale trials are recommended.
Recommendations
Use HPE adjunctively (melasma: weekly intradermal ×6; ulcers: daily topical; alopecia: intralesional q2w ×3 with standard co-therapies), standardize monitoring (photos, MASI/SALT/ulcer area at 0/3/6 weeks), enforce safety/asepsis with AE logs, implement SOPs/registry, and conduct ≥6–12-month RCTs (dose–response, subgroups/biomarkers, cost-effectiveness, PROs)
A clinical study of postdated pregnancy
Background: Objective of the study was to find out the incidence of maternal complications, perinatal mortality and morbidity in postdated pregnancies. Design of the study was prospective observational study.Methods: Patients who have completed 40 weeks of gestational age, patients who were sure of the date of last menstrual period (LMP) along with 1st trimester obstetrics scan were included. Patients not sure of LMP were excluded.Results: There is high fetal and maternal risk associated with postdated pregnancy. Total 100 cases were selected from antenatal clinic and Labour Room and were divided into two groups. Study group and control group, 50 cases in each. Induction rate is more in postdated pregnancies. Incidence of operative deliveries is 54% in study group. Postpartum haemorrhage and septicaemia are the most common maternal complication in the study group. Perinatal mortality is higher and more NICU admissions were required.Conclusions: Considering this, policy of early intervention should be undertaken in postdated pregnancy to avoid maternal and perinatal complications
A study on Instinctive Feelings, Perceived Stressors and Factors that helped in reducing Stress during COVID 19 pandemic among Health Care Workers
Background: Healthcare workers at the forefront of the battle against COVID 19 are not only putting their own health and lives at risk but are also fighting to keep their own worries and emotional stress at bay. Aim & Objective: To evaluate emotions, perceived stressors, and factors that helped in reducing stress of healthcare workers who worked during a COVID19 pandemic. Settings and Design: This cross sectional study was conducted among Health Care staff involved in COVID 19 duty in tertiary care hospital of Gujarat. Methods and Material: Google form link was shared though what’s up and mail. The questionnaire was completed online. Consent for voluntarily participation was also obtained through online Google form. Statistical analysis used: Data was entered and analysed through Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Total 106 participants responded to the questionnaire. It was extremely stressful for health care workers to see their colleagues getting infection, as well as the fear that they could transmit the disease to their families or friends. Main factors that helped to reduce the stress were positive attitude from colleagues, improvement of patients conditions and availability of protective equipment. Conclusions: Personal safety, the protection of family members and unpredictability of pandemic were the main concerns. Hospitals should prioritise stress monitoring for health care workers and provide targeted psychological guidance for HCWs during the pandemic
Risk factors for septic arthritis of hip in neonates and infants
Background: Suppurative arthritis of hip is pyogenic inflammation of synovial membrane of the hip, usually due to bacterial infection. The main aim of early diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis of hip is to prevent damage to articular cartilage and growth plate, give stable and painless hip and to resume normal development and prevent sequelae.Methods: Prospective interventional study consisted of 34 patients with 36 Hips septic arthritis of hip less than one year of age carried out at Department of Orthopedics of a tertiary care centre during August 2011 to December 2013. Risk factors and related laboratory investigations were carried out. Data entry and analysis was done by MS Excel 3.0.Results: In our study more than 70% patients presented after one week. Left sided hip involvement (59%) was more common followed by right hip (35%). Sex ratio of the study population was M: F-4:6. NICU admission was present in 94% cases. In many of our patients there were more than one risk factors like septicemia, low birth weight, jaundice and ventilator support. Conclusions: All NICU neonates should be handled with strict aseptic precaution
Hybrid Perovskite-Based Memristor Devices
Modern electronic devices are being developed for cutting-edge applications, as a result of recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The demand for “universal memory” devices with exceptional qualities, such as high data transmission speed, storage capacity, non-volatility, and low operation voltage has increased as a result of the industry’s ability to sustain such a high growth rate. In this chapter, we elaborate on the history of the evaluation of novel memristor structures, various switching mechanisms, and materials for developing memristor devices. The current state of the art of the memristor for various applications, such as data storage, artificial synapse, light-induced resistive switching, logic gates, and mimicking human behavior is also systematically summarized
Development of Internet of Things (IoT) Based Monitoring of Hazardous Exhaust Compounds in Air - A Review
Presence of pollutants in Air is the most prominent problem globally confronted now a day. The extreme use of fueled vehicles and rapid urbanization has deteriorated the air quality. This deteriorated air contains hazardous compounds like Mono-oxides & Di-oxides of carbon, Sulphur, Nitrogen, Atmospheric Particulate Matter. Exposure to such hazardous compounds in the air for a long time can cause damage to the human health. Traditional air monitoring systems consists of monitoring stations. As far as traditional air quality monitoring methods are concerned, they are highly expensive and requires a regular maintenance. Due to these limitations, these stations are deployed in small numbers and also it provides indicative values of the sensed data. This monitored data has low resolution and precision. This paper proposes framework for the development of smart and portable system using Internet of Things (IoT) for monitoring of hazardous exhaust compounds in the air using real time. This framework consists of different types of sensors and a controller that are used for monitoring and assessment of the air quality. Also it is used to check the presence of hazardous compounds emitted by different industries and share this data through IOT. The outcome of the proposed research work can be utilized by industries as well as by other agencies to carry out an audit of hazardous exhaust components present in air, so as to take necessary precautions and to save human
A prospective observational study on management approaches for non-healing ulcers in dermatology: From conventional to advanced modalities.
Background:
Non-healing ulcers are a major dermatological challenge, leading to prolonged morbidity, infection, and impaired quality of life. Conventional care often fails to achieve complete healing, prompting the need for advanced modalities such as Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), growth factors, and skin substitutes.
Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from February 2024 to February 2025, enrolling 105 patients with ulcers persisting beyond six weeks. Participants were randomized into three groups (n=35 each): (i) Conventional care (saline dressings, antibiotics, compression/off-loading), (ii) Advanced A (NPWT with topical growth factor), and (iii) Advanced B (PRF with bioengineered skin substitute). Baseline evaluation included demographics, comorbidities, ulcer type, size, and duration. Patients were followed weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the percentage reduction in ulcer area; secondary outcomes included time to granulation, complete healing rate, and infection control. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0 with ANOVA and Chi-square tests, considering p<0.05 as significant.
Results:
Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups (p>0.05). At 12 weeks, mean ulcer area reduction was 40% in the Conventional group, 80% in Advanced A, and 78% in Advanced B (p<0.001). Mean time to granulation was significantly shorter with advanced modalities (12.5 ± 4.8 days in Advanced A; 13.1 ± 5.2 days in Advanced B) versus Conventional care (24.2 ± 6.1 days). Complete healing occurred in 75%, 90%, and 87.5% of patients, respectively.
Conclusion:
Advanced wound therapies, particularly NPWT with growth factors and PRF with skin substitutes, markedly accelerate granulation, enhance ulcer area reduction, and improve healing outcomes compared to conventional care.
Recommendations:
Incorporation of advanced modalities into standard dermatological wound management is advised, with future multicentric trials warranted to evaluate cost-effectiveness and establish standardized treatment protocols
Preparation and characterization of ceramic microfiltration membranes for removal of Cr (VI) and Pb from electroplating effluent
294-302Present work deals the removal of Cr (VI) and Pb from electroplating effluent (EPE) using ceramic membrane MD-1 (ceramic membrane without coating) and MD-2 (ceramic membrane with chitosan coating). Uniaxial compaction followed by sintering process has been applied to prepare the membrane from locally available clay. Results indicate that maximum removal of 65% Cr (VI) and 68% Pb has been achieved by use of MD-1 membrane, while, MD-2 removed 81% Cr (VI) and 93% Pb, from the initial feed concentration of 55.3 mg/dm3 Cr(VI) and 3.5 mg/dm3 Pb at optimum operating condition pH 3.5 and applied pressure 300 kPa
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