Large-scale Danian-age(post-K/Pg boundary)Deccan magmatism is well known from the Mumbai metropolitan area,located in the structurally complex Panvel flexure zone along the western Indian rifted continental margin.Thi...Large-scale Danian-age(post-K/Pg boundary)Deccan magmatism is well known from the Mumbai metropolitan area,located in the structurally complex Panvel flexure zone along the western Indian rifted continental margin.This compositionally diverse late-Deccan magmatic suite contains subaerial tholeiitic lavas and dykes typical of the main Deccan province,with many features atypical of the Deccan,such as spilitic pillow lavas,“intertrappean”sediments(often containing considerable volcanic ash),rhyolitic lavas and tuffs,gabbro-granophyre intrusions,and trachyte intrusions containing alkali basalt enclaves.Most of these units,previously dated at 62.5 Ma to 61 Ma,are contemporaneous with or slightly postdate the 62.5 Ma India-Seychelles continental breakup and Panvel flexure formation.In the Dongri-Uttan area,two samples of a>50-m-thick,columnar-jointed rhyolite from the Darkhan Quarry and from a section behind the current Uttan Sagari Police Station have previously been dated at 62.6±0.6 Ma and 62.9±0.2 Ma(^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar,2r errors).New exposures reveal that these two statistically indistinguishable 40 Ar/39 Ar ages correspond to two distinct rhyolite units,separated by well-bedded silicic ash.The columnar rhyolites are microcrystalline,composed of quartz and alkali feldspar,with rare small(1–2 mm),altered feldspar phenocrysts,and no recognisable relict vitroclasts.Given the westerly structural dip,most of their lateral extent is submerged under the Arabian Sea,and we consider them to be possible flood rhyolite lavas.We interpret the ash beds,composed of pumice clasts and glass shards,as a low-grade(nonwelded)vitric ash,derived from a possibly distal Plinian eruption and deposited by fallout.The lavas and ash are peraluminous rhyolites.The lavas are Sr-Ba-poor and Rb-Zr-Nb-rich,and show“seagull-shaped”rare earth element patterns with deep negative europium anomalies.These crystal-poor lavas are“hot-dry-reduced”rhyolites typical of intraplate,continental rift and rifted margin settings.The very different high-field strength element contents of the lavas and the ash indicate compositionally distinct magma batches.The 62.5 Ma Dongri-Uttan sequence provides clear evidence for rapid silicic eruptions of effusive and explosive nature,alternating with each other and sourced from distinct magma chambers and eruptive vents.A newly identified,highly feldspar-phyric trachyte intrusion marks the last phase of magmatic activity in the area,corresponding with late-stage trachyte-syenite intrusions exposed in coastal western India and the Seychelles,and shows that the Mumbai rhyolites and trachytes form a compositional continuum.展开更多
The change in rainfall pattern and intensity is becoming a great concern for hydrologic engineers and planners. Many parts of the world are experiencing extreme rainfall events such as experienced on 26<sup>th&l...The change in rainfall pattern and intensity is becoming a great concern for hydrologic engineers and planners. Many parts of the world are experiencing extreme rainfall events such as experienced on 26<sup>th</sup> July 2005 in Mumbai, India. For the appropriate design and planning of urban drainage system in an area, Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curves for given rainfall conditions are required. The aim of the present study is to derive the IDF curves for the rainfall in the Mumbai city, Maharashtra, India. Observed rainfall data from 1901 pertaining to Colaba and from 1951 of the Santacruz rain gauge stations in Mumbai are used in the present study to derive the IDF curves. Initially, the proposed IDF curves are derived using an empirical equation (Kothyari and Garde), by using probability distribution for annual maximum rainfall and then IDF curves are derived by modifying the equation. IDF curves developed by the modified equation gives good results in the changing hydrologic conditions and are compatible even with the extreme rainfall of 26<sup>th</sup> July 2005 in Mumbai.展开更多
Although otitis media poses a serious health risk in developing countries,being a frequent occurrence in children below five years of age,parental awareness and practices about otitis media have not been adequately re...Although otitis media poses a serious health risk in developing countries,being a frequent occurrence in children below five years of age,parental awareness and practices about otitis media have not been adequately researched.Present cross-sectional study was undertaken in Navi Mumbai schools,from October 2019 to December 2019,wherein parents with children<5 years of age answered a questionnaire which gathered data on their knowledge,attitude and practices about otitis media in their wards.Chi-square tests,Cramer’s V were used to study association between gender,age-group and education of parents with their knowledge,practice and attitude about otitis media.Out of 425 valid responses,overall most parents displayed adequate knowledge(77%),positive attitude(61%)and good care-seeking practices(70%).There was a positive correlation of knowledge and practice with level of education.This study shows acceptable levels of knowledge,attitude and practices in parents about otitis media.Parents who did not seek treatment from health centre attributed the behaviour to poverty,ignorance and lack of health insurance.The positive correlation of knowledge and practices with level of education highlights the importance of role of education in modifying parental awareness and care seeking behaviour.Our findings call for a need to further strengthen community-based healthcare and improve parental confidence in healthcare services for early detection and adequate treatment of otitis media.展开更多
Background: There is a dearth of information regarding trends of malnutrition and weight status in children from rapidly developing economies like India. Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of...Background: There is a dearth of information regarding trends of malnutrition and weight status in children from rapidly developing economies like India. Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of malnutrition in a group of school children from India, and then provide interventions for the children that have severe acute malnutrition. Methods: Children that were found to lie between −3 to −4 SD of parameters of BMI, height for age and weight for age were labeled as SAM. Children that were screened for wasting and fell between −2 to −4 SD were also included under the label of SAM. All participants were also given a prototype 1500-calorie diet to follow for the entire duration and 6 weekly sessions were taken for the parents on various topics on nutrition. Results: Quantitative analysis showed a great improvement in weights and heights of severely malnourished children. The average increase in weight of all children that participated in the study was 9.09% and the average increase in height was 1.39%. The weekly sessions given to the parents on various nutrition topics could be the cause of high compliance to the diet given to the children. Conclusion: Malnutrition is still a very big problem in developing countries like India. Basic interventions like an improvement in diet, education about micronutrients and balanced diet, and food-based interventions in severe malnutrition can lead to a great improvement in the health and development status of children.展开更多
Background: To demonstrate that customized demand generation leads to increased voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among Sex Workers (SWs). Methods: FHI 360 Aastha implemented Vivek intervention among SWs in M...Background: To demonstrate that customized demand generation leads to increased voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among Sex Workers (SWs). Methods: FHI 360 Aastha implemented Vivek intervention among SWs in Mumbai and Thane, India using customized demand generation through outreach services for VCT. Program monitoring data and integrated counseling and testing center tracking sheets were used to assess the intervention effect. Results: Higher proportion of registered SWs tested during: 1) Vivek months than other months (17% vs. 5%, p < 0.001);2) Post-initiation non-Vivek months than pre-Vivek months (4.7%, vs. 1.5% p < 0.001). Conclusions: Customized demand generation approach is successful in increasing HIV testing.展开更多
Adaptation of microbial communities to anthropogenic stress has often been shown to involve reduction in diversity and in selective enrichment of species capable of survival. The gut bacterial community of pollution-s...Adaptation of microbial communities to anthropogenic stress has often been shown to involve reduction in diversity and in selective enrichment of species capable of survival. The gut bacterial community of pollution-stressed polychaete Neanthes chilkaensis was studied using cultivation dependent and independent approaches. The possible role of the gut bacteria in remediation of pollutants was also studied. The analysis of clones covering about 90% of the 16S rRNA clone library indicated that the majority of the taxa in the library resemble GenBank entries of aromatic- hydrocarbon pollutant degraders. Among them Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were dominant. About 84% of the gut isolates were capable of utilizing PAHs as sole carbon sources while 20% of isolates were found to produce biosurfactants. Production of surfactant along with capability to utilize PAH and other pollutants indicate the role of the gut community in alleviating the pollution stress. The results also show the potential source of microorganisms with industrial and environmental application.展开更多
Condition indices study like RNA content,DNA content,RNA:DNA,RNA:protein,RNA:lipid was carried out in goby,Parachaeturichthys ocellatus from the creeks of Mumbai to assess its nutritional status in different mon...Condition indices study like RNA content,DNA content,RNA:DNA,RNA:protein,RNA:lipid was carried out in goby,Parachaeturichthys ocellatus from the creeks of Mumbai to assess its nutritional status in different months.The study was carried out from June 2010 to September 2011.The range of RNA content in male was 72-185.6μg/100 mg while in female was 82-145.46μg/100 mg.RNA content was high during spawning months.The DNA content showed slight variations with range of 22.56-39.31μg/100 mg in males and 25.20-32.52μg/100 mg in females.The range of ratio of RNA:DNA in males was 2.08-5.13 with an average of 3.74 while in female was 2.92-5.07 with an average of 3.99.The ratio above 2 indicates good condition.The RNA:protein showed an average of 0.0015 in males and 0.0017 in females while the average of RNA:lipid was 0.0176 in males and 0.0127 in females.RNA:protein and RNA:lipid showed the lowest values in post reproductive stages while it increased with the onset of reproductive cycles.The condition indices study showed that P.ocellatus was in good condition throughout the year and the creeks of Mumbai were suitable habitat for feeding and reproduction.展开更多
Background: Hand injuries are very common and responsible for a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits, most of which are not to hand specialists [1]. The functionality and outcome of hand injuries can...Background: Hand injuries are very common and responsible for a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits, most of which are not to hand specialists [1]. The functionality and outcome of hand injuries can vary significantly depending on the mechanism and pattern of injuries, which is why it is imperative for emergency physicians to recognize the complexities, and the potential repercussion of missed injuries in such cases. Objective: The aim of this study is to provide epidemiological information on hand injuries and their patterns. The objective is 1) to assess whether most hand injuries are superficial (simple), or involve underlying deeper structures (complex) and 2) to assess whether most hand injuries presented to the emergency department were managed by the emergency physician or plastic/orthopaedic surgeon. Methods: This retrospective single-centre observational study conducted at an emergency department in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India collected data from hand trauma patients using a standardized documentation form. Demographic data, trauma-related data, and disposition plans were analysed. Results: A total of 489 cases sustained hand injuries over a period of one year. The patients were predominantly males in the 20 - 30 year age group and injuries were mainly sustained over the right hand. Most of the injuries were sustained at home (42%). The most common mechanism (34%) was sharp object injury (including needle-stick and other sharps in hospital), followed by blunt injury (30%). Among grievous hand injuries, door jamb was a mechanism noted in 11% of patients, accounting for 50% of all crush injuries. Lacerations were the most common pattern (24.7%) noticed, followed closely by fractures (23.3%). Digits II - IV were injured most commonly (54%), followed by carpals (14%) and the thumb (10%). Nearly 80% of the hand injuries were managed by emergency physicians alone, with 61% of cases involving superficial structures. Though 14% of the cases required plastic surgery intervention, the initial evaluation of all these patients was performed by the emergency physician. Conclusions: Our study highlights the burden of hand injuries on the emergency physician, as well as the odds of missed injuries, directly indicating the necessity of a thorough anatomical knowledge of the structures of the hand, and in turn, a proper physical examination. A dedicated registry for hand trauma would help quantify the mechanism and pattern of injuries, and formulate preventive strategies.展开更多
BACKGROUND The optimal surgical approach for patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis(GHOA)and an intact rotator cuff remains debated.While anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA)has traditionally been favo...BACKGROUND The optimal surgical approach for patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis(GHOA)and an intact rotator cuff remains debated.While anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA)has traditionally been favoured,reverse TSA(RTSA)is increasingly utilized.AIM To systematically compare the outcomes of RTSA and TSA in this specific patient population.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.Retrospective comparative studies evaluating RTSA and TSA in patients with GHOA and intact rotator cuff were included.Key outcomes assessed included complication and reoperation rates,patient-reported outcome measures(PROMs),and range of motion.Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool.RESULTS Twelve studies encompassing 1608 patients(580 RTSA,1028 TSA)met inclusion criteria.RTSA was associated with a lower reoperation rate compared to TSA[odds ratio=0.37;95%confidence interval(CI):0.14-0.94;P value=0.04],while no significant difference in overall complication rates was observed(odds ratio=0.47;95%CI:0.19-1.16;P value=0.10).RTSA patients showed superior outcomes in University of California Los Angeles,Simple Shoulder Test,and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores;however,the differences did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference.TSA patients had significantly better external rotation(mean difference=-9.0°;95%CI:-13.21 to-5.02;P value<0.0001).No significant differences were found in other range of motion measures or satisfaction scores.The overall methodological quality of included studies was moderate to serious.CONCLUSION In patients with GHOA and an intact rotator cuff,RTSA may offer comparable or improved outcomes to TSA with lower reoperation rates and similar complication profiles.Functional outcomes favour RTSA in certain patientreported outcome measures,while TSA retains an advantage in external rotation.Surgical decision-making should remain individualized based on patient characteristics and functional demands.展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains a major global health challenge,with high recurrence and mortality despite advances in surgery,chemotherapy,and immunotherapy.The study by He et al identifies a novel mechanism by which p...Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains a major global health challenge,with high recurrence and mortality despite advances in surgery,chemotherapy,and immunotherapy.The study by He et al identifies a novel mechanism by which peroxiredoxin 1(Prdx1)inhibits CRC progression through induction of pyroptosis,a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death.Traditionally viewed as an intracellular antioxidant that protects tumors from oxidative stress,Prdx1 assu-mes a paradoxical immunogenic role when released extracellularly as a damageassociated molecular pattern.Using patient samples,recombinant protein assays,and murine xenograft models,the authors demonstrate that Prdx1 activates the NOD-,LRR-and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome/caspase-1/gasdermin D pathway,triggering membrane pore formation,tumor cell lysis,and release of interleukin-1β/interleukin-18.This cascade not only halts tumor proliferation,invasion,and migration but may also enhance anti-tumor immune surveillance.The study’s strengths include rigorous mechanistic validation,clinical cohort data,inhibitor-based causal proof,and in vivo confirmation.However,questions remain regarding the upstream receptor for Prdx1,heterogeneity across CRC subtypes,and the balance between therapeutic benefit and inflammatory toxicity.By establishing Prdx1-induced pyroptosis as a driver of tumor suppression,this work advances a promising paradigm in CRC therapy,linking cell death to immune activation and pointing toward future biomarker-driven,pyroptosis-based interventions.展开更多
Traffic noise is one of the major sources of noise pollution in metropolitan regions causing various health hazards （e.g., long-term sleep disturbance, increase in blood pressure, physical tension, etc.）. In this re...Traffic noise is one of the major sources of noise pollution in metropolitan regions causing various health hazards （e.g., long-term sleep disturbance, increase in blood pressure, physical tension, etc.）. In this research, noise prediction models, which can measure the noise level experienced by the commuters while driving or traveling by motorized vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India, were developed. These models were developed by conducting a comprehensive study of various factors （e.g., vehicle speed, traffic volume and road characteristics, etc.） affecting the levels of concentration of noise. A widespread data collection was done by conducting road trips of total length of 403.80 km via different modes of transport, such as air-conditioned （A/C） car, non A/G car, bus and intermediate public transport （i.e., traditional 3-wheeler autos）. Multiple regression analyses were per- formed to develop a functional relation between equivalent noise levels experienced by passengers while traveling （which was considered as a dependent variable） and explana- tory variables such as traffic characteristics, vehicle class, vehicle speed, various other location characteristics, etc. Noise levels are generally higher in the vicinity of intersections and signalized junctions. Independent data sets （for each mode of transport） were used to validate the developed models. It was noted that maximum differences between observed and estimated values from the model were within the range of ±7.8% of the observed value.展开更多
PM2.5 and PM2.5 lo concentrations, elemental constituents, and sources in a densely populated coastal industrial area （Trombay, Mumbai） were investigated in 2010 and 2011.The PM2.s and PM2.s lo concentra- tions were...PM2.5 and PM2.5 lo concentrations, elemental constituents, and sources in a densely populated coastal industrial area （Trombay, Mumbai） were investigated in 2010 and 2011.The PM2.s and PM2.s lo concentra- tions were 13.50-71.60 and 22.40-127.78 p^g/m3, respectively. The daily PM25 concentrations exceeded the Indian Central Pollution Control Board limit （60 μg/m3） several days in winter. Of the elements analyzed, Si then Al had the highest concentrations in PM2.5- 10, but black carbon then Si had the highest concentrations in PM2.s. The element concentrations varied widely by season. Al, Ca, Fe, Si, and Ti con- centrations were highest in summer, Cl, Mg, and Na concentrations were highest in the monsoon season, and the other trace metal concentrations in both PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 were highest in winter. The PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 sources were apportioned by positive matrix factorization. PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 had six dominant sources, crustal material （8.7% and 25.3%, respectively）, sea salt spray （6.1% and 15.0%, respectively）, coal/biomass combustion （25.5% and 13.8%, respectively）, fuel oil combustion （19.0% and 11.2%, respectively）, road traffic （ 17.7% and 12.6%, respectively）, and the metal industry （ 10.6% and 7.0%, respectively）. Anthropogenic sources clearly contributed most to PM2.5 but natural sources contributed most to PM2.5-10.展开更多
Background:This study aimed to investigate the demographic profiles of human immunodifficiency virus(HIV)infected anti-retroviral therapy(ART)naïve children in our hospital and their relations to the clinical,imm...Background:This study aimed to investigate the demographic profiles of human immunodifficiency virus(HIV)infected anti-retroviral therapy(ART)naïve children in our hospital and their relations to the clinical,immunological and nutritional status.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in an Integrated Counselling and Testing Center(ICTC)at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai.ART naïve HIV positive children were enrolled in the study.The demographic profiles,clinical features,immunological(CD4%/CD4 count)and nutritional status of these children were recorded.The agreement between clinical,immunological and nutritional staging was determined using Cohen’s kappa test.Results:In 192 HIV-infected ART naive children enrolled with a median age of 9 years(range 3 months-14 years),97.4%acquired infection through vertical transmission.The most common clinical presentation was fever(39.6%),followed by generalized lymphadenopathy(32.3%),cough(22.4%)and diarrhoea(9.9%).Tuberculosis was seen in 22.9%of the children.The agreement was fair between clinical and immunological staging,and slight between nutritional,immunological and clinical staging.Conclusion:Perinatal transmission is the most common mode of acquiring HIV infection in children.The Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission(PPTCT)program should be strengthened for lowering the transmission rate by providing extended ART to mothers during pregnancy and breast-feeding.Tuberculosis remains a major concern in HIV-infected children.The poor correlation between WHO clinical and immunological staging emphasizes the importance of making CD4 facilities available in HIV prevalent areas.Malnutrition cannot be used as a surrogate marker for predicting stage or severity as it is common at all stages of HIV disease.展开更多
This study optimized the ventilator and furniture location of a tenement unit in a low-income urban habitat to obtain maximum experiential indoor environmental quality(e-IEQ)over the breathing zone.Hypothetical interi...This study optimized the ventilator and furniture location of a tenement unit in a low-income urban habitat to obtain maximum experiential indoor environmental quality(e-IEQ)over the breathing zone.Hypothetical interior layouts using a combination of the two design parameters of ventilator location and bed position were generated for optimizing the design layout.This layout could promote maximum indoor airflow and minimum indoor air temperature and contaminant concentration.In this study,an improved indoor environment is hypothesized to be attainable through improved natural ventilation and thermal performance in the occupied zones.A sequential methodology involving“parametric design modeling ecomputational simulationemultiobjective optimizationemulticriteria decision making”-based framework was selected.Results exhibited that the currently designed tenement unit had a poor indoor environment,whereas the hypothesized iterated layout“optimized design layout,scenario 3(ODL 3)”derived from the optimization and decision-making algorithm performed effectively in providing e-IEQ.An increase in experiential indoor air velocity by 0.2 m/s and a decrease in temperature by 2C were observed over the monitoring point in the ODL 3 considering the existing scenario.Therefore,this study can find a way toward the development of sustainable habitat design guidelines under upcoming slum redevelopment policies across the nation.展开更多
One of the pathways to attain NET ZERO is CO_(2)injection into deep saline aquifers(DSAs),which alters the saturation and pore pressure of the reservoir rocks,hence the effective stress,sʹ.This,in turn,would change th...One of the pathways to attain NET ZERO is CO_(2)injection into deep saline aquifers(DSAs),which alters the saturation and pore pressure of the reservoir rocks,hence the effective stress,sʹ.This,in turn,would change their geomechanical(i.e.peak deviatoric stress,elastic modulus,Poisson's ratio)and petrophysical(porosity and permeability)properties.Such a situation might trigger geo-hazards,like induced seismicity,ground deformation,caprock failure.Hence,reducing the risk of such hazards necessitates quantifying the spatial and temporal changes in sʹ,under specific CO_(2)and/or brine saturation,designated as S_(CO2)and S_(b),respectively,and resultant pore pressure.With this in view,a conceptual model depicting the reservoir,demarcated by five zones based on variations in saturation,pore-pressure,temperature,etc.,and the corresponding effective stress equations have been proposed based on the available literature.Furthermore,a critical review of literature has been carried out to decipher the limitations and contradictions associated with the findings from(i)laboratory studies to estimate S_(CO2)employing pwave velocity and electrical resistivity,(ii)analytical and numerical approaches for estimating the variation of pore-pressure in the reservoir rocks,and(iii)laboratory studies on variation in geomechanical and petrophysical properties under the conditions representative of the above-mentioned zones of the conceptual model.The authors consider that extensive experiments should be conducted on the rocks from different sources and tested under various conditions of the CO_(2)injection to validate the proposed model for the execution of risk-free CO_(2)storage in DSAs.展开更多
Azoospermia is characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate and is categorized into obstructive azoospermia(OA)and nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).For men with NOA,testicular sperm extraction(TESE)is the onl...Azoospermia is characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate and is categorized into obstructive azoospermia(OA)and nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).For men with NOA,testicular sperm extraction(TESE)is the only method to obtain sperm for assisted reproductive technology(ART).Given the rarity of these sperm and the unpredictable success of subsequent retrieval attempts,cryopreservation of microdissection-TESE-obtained sperm is essential.Effective cryopreservation prevents the need for repeated surgical procedures and supports future ART attempts.After first delving into the physiological and molecular aspects of sperm cryopreservation,this review aims to examine the current methods and devices for preserving small numbers of sperm.It presents conventional freezing and vitrification techniques,evaluating their respective strengths and limitations in effectively preserving rare sperm,and compares the efficacy of using fresh versus cryopreserved testicular sperm.展开更多
Azoospermia,defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate,is a well-documented consequence of exogenous testosterone(ET)and anabolic–androgenic steroid(AAS)use.These agents suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–go...Azoospermia,defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate,is a well-documented consequence of exogenous testosterone(ET)and anabolic–androgenic steroid(AAS)use.These agents suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal(HPG)axis,leading to reduced intratesticular testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis.This review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying azoospermia and outlines therapeutic strategies for recovery.Azoospermia is categorized into pretesticular,testicular,and post-testicular types,with a focus on personalized treatment approaches based on the degree of HPG axis suppression and baseline testicular function.Key strategies include discontinuing ET and monitoring for spontaneous recovery,particularly in patients with shorter durations of ET use.For cases of persistent azoospermia,gonadotropins(human chorionic gonadotropin[hCG]and follicle-stimulating hormone[FSH])and selective estrogen receptor modulators(SERMs),such as clomiphene citrate,are recommended,either alone or in combination.The global increase in exogenous testosterone use,including testosterone replacement therapy and AAS,underscores the need for improved management of associated azoospermia,which can be temporary or permanent depending on individual factors and the type of testosterone used.Additionally,the manuscript discusses preventive strategies,such as transitioning to short-acting testosterone formulations or incorporating low-dose hCG to preserve fertility during ET therapy.While guidelines for managing testosterone-related azoospermia remain limited,emerging research indicates the potential efficacy of hormonal stimulation therapies.However,there is a notable lack of well-structured,controlled,and long-term studies addressing the management of azoospermia related to exogenous testosterone use,highlighting the need for such studies to inform evidence-based recommendations.展开更多
This study investigates the determinants that drive the volatility of the credit default swaps(CDS)of BRICIT(Brazil,Russia,India,China,Indonesia,and Turkey)nations as a proxy measure for sovereign risk.On the existenc...This study investigates the determinants that drive the volatility of the credit default swaps(CDS)of BRICIT(Brazil,Russia,India,China,Indonesia,and Turkey)nations as a proxy measure for sovereign risk.On the existence of cointegration,an unrestricted error correction model integrated with the autoregressive distributed lag(ARDL)model is applied to measure the short-run and long-run dynamics empirically.The study utilizes the Bayesian global vector autoregression methodology for cross-border spillover estimation.The study also suggests a strategy for policymakers for quadrant categorization to mitigate risk arising from cross-border spillover.The result of ARDL indicates that the global macroeconomic variables affect the BRICIT CDS more than domestic macroeconomic determinants,with Indian CDS being the most sensitive to Fed tapering.Notably,China’s CDS is the most sensitive to shocks,with the CDS volatility primarily driven by China’s geopolitical risk.Russian CDS is more sensitive to real effective exchange rates due to severe ruble depreciation than crude oil,despite Russia being a major oil exporter.The quadrant categorization indicates that the Indonesian stock market index is most interconnected with BRICIT CDS,while the Turkish long-term interest rates send the highest intensity spillover across BRICIT nations.展开更多
Low–angle submarine landslides pose a greater threat to offshore infrastructure compared to those with steep sliding angles.Understanding the preparation and triggering mechanism of these low–angle submarine landsli...Low–angle submarine landslides pose a greater threat to offshore infrastructure compared to those with steep sliding angles.Understanding the preparation and triggering mechanism of these low–angle submarine landslides remains a significant challenge.This study focuses on a deformed low–angle submarine landslide in the shelf–slope break of the Pearl River Mouth Basin,South China Sea,integrating sedimentology,geophysics,and geotechnology to investigate potential failure mechanisms.The architecture and deformation characteristics of the submarine landslide were elucidated by analyzing multibeam and seismic data.Within the context of the regional geological history and tectonic framework,this study focuses on the factors(e.g.,rapid sedimentation,fluid activity,and earthquakes)that potentially contributed to the submarine slope failure.Furthermore,a series of stability evaluations considering the effects of rapid sedimentation and earthquakes was conducted.Our findings indicate that the most probable triggering mechanism involves the combined effects of sedimentation controlled by sea–level fluctuations,high–pressure gas activity,and seismic events.The high–pressure gas,which acts as a long–term preconditioning factor by elevating pore pressures and reducing shear resistance within the sediment,accumulated beneath the upper and middle sections of the low–permeability stratum that was formed during sea–level rise and ultimately evolved into the sliding mass.The overpressure generated by gas accumulation predisposed the submarine slope to instability,and a frequent or moderate earthquake ultimately initiated local failure.This study enhances the mechanistic understanding of low–angle slope failures in the shelf–slope break zone and provides critical insights for assessing marine hazard risks.展开更多
Posaconazole(PCZ)is a broad-spectrum anti-fungal drug approved by FDA and currently used off-label for the treatment of fungal keratitis(FK).Although ocular route serves as the most bioavailable route for treating FK,...Posaconazole(PCZ)is a broad-spectrum anti-fungal drug approved by FDA and currently used off-label for the treatment of fungal keratitis(FK).Although ocular route serves as the most bioavailable route for treating FK,delivery of PCZ to the eye remains a challenge due to poor permeation though the cornea and rapid elimination from the eye.Here we outline a comprehensive formulation development process,beginning with in silico studies,progressing through in vitro evaluations,and ultimately achieving therapeutic benefits in vivo.We report modified niosome-like surfactant vesicles,hereafter termed as NioTherms,formulated using a novel and simple heat-mix method,encapsulating PCZ for ocular administration in the form of an in situ gel.Excipient screening performed using in silico simulations highly correlate with in vitro studies(R^(2)=0.77),guiding optimization by Quality by Design(QbD)approach for encapsulating PCZ in NioTherms resulting in particles with an average size of 180.7±2.3 nm,zeta potential of +27.5±2.2 mV and entrapment efficiency of 87.6%±1.7%.A 2-fold increase in both mucin binding and cellular uptake indicates a functional role of positive surface charge in enhancingmucoadhesive properties of PCZ-NioTherms.In an in vivo murine ocular keratitis model,we demonstrate a 2-fold enhancement in trans-corneal permeability of PCZ-NioTherms and a 3-fold reduction in fungal burden compared to the control standard of care,the PCZ solution.Owing to a facile formulation process,we anticipate that PCZ-NioTherms would serve as a clinically translatable and patient compliant therapeutic intervention for treating FK.展开更多
基金supported by the research award project RI/0220-10000618-001 to Sheth from the Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre(IRCC)IIT Bombay.Shekhar and Astha were supported by Prime Minister’s Research Fellowships(PMRF,File Nos.1303100 and 1303103,respectively)+4 种基金Naik was initially supported by an IIT Bombay Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship(File No.HR-1(HRM-1)/Rect/33/2022/20003002)subsequently by a Goa State Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship(File No.PDF2024003)We express our sincere gratitude to Prof.N.Prabhakar for kindly granting us access to the WD-XRF spectrometry facility(SIP ProjectWBS Code:IN/22-1111039E-01)the ICP-MS facility,and the SERB-funded EPMA National Facility(IRPHA Grant No.IR/S4/ESF-16/2009(G))in the Department of Earth Sciences,IIT Bombay.
文摘Large-scale Danian-age(post-K/Pg boundary)Deccan magmatism is well known from the Mumbai metropolitan area,located in the structurally complex Panvel flexure zone along the western Indian rifted continental margin.This compositionally diverse late-Deccan magmatic suite contains subaerial tholeiitic lavas and dykes typical of the main Deccan province,with many features atypical of the Deccan,such as spilitic pillow lavas,“intertrappean”sediments(often containing considerable volcanic ash),rhyolitic lavas and tuffs,gabbro-granophyre intrusions,and trachyte intrusions containing alkali basalt enclaves.Most of these units,previously dated at 62.5 Ma to 61 Ma,are contemporaneous with or slightly postdate the 62.5 Ma India-Seychelles continental breakup and Panvel flexure formation.In the Dongri-Uttan area,two samples of a>50-m-thick,columnar-jointed rhyolite from the Darkhan Quarry and from a section behind the current Uttan Sagari Police Station have previously been dated at 62.6±0.6 Ma and 62.9±0.2 Ma(^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar,2r errors).New exposures reveal that these two statistically indistinguishable 40 Ar/39 Ar ages correspond to two distinct rhyolite units,separated by well-bedded silicic ash.The columnar rhyolites are microcrystalline,composed of quartz and alkali feldspar,with rare small(1–2 mm),altered feldspar phenocrysts,and no recognisable relict vitroclasts.Given the westerly structural dip,most of their lateral extent is submerged under the Arabian Sea,and we consider them to be possible flood rhyolite lavas.We interpret the ash beds,composed of pumice clasts and glass shards,as a low-grade(nonwelded)vitric ash,derived from a possibly distal Plinian eruption and deposited by fallout.The lavas and ash are peraluminous rhyolites.The lavas are Sr-Ba-poor and Rb-Zr-Nb-rich,and show“seagull-shaped”rare earth element patterns with deep negative europium anomalies.These crystal-poor lavas are“hot-dry-reduced”rhyolites typical of intraplate,continental rift and rifted margin settings.The very different high-field strength element contents of the lavas and the ash indicate compositionally distinct magma batches.The 62.5 Ma Dongri-Uttan sequence provides clear evidence for rapid silicic eruptions of effusive and explosive nature,alternating with each other and sourced from distinct magma chambers and eruptive vents.A newly identified,highly feldspar-phyric trachyte intrusion marks the last phase of magmatic activity in the area,corresponding with late-stage trachyte-syenite intrusions exposed in coastal western India and the Seychelles,and shows that the Mumbai rhyolites and trachytes form a compositional continuum.
文摘The change in rainfall pattern and intensity is becoming a great concern for hydrologic engineers and planners. Many parts of the world are experiencing extreme rainfall events such as experienced on 26<sup>th</sup> July 2005 in Mumbai, India. For the appropriate design and planning of urban drainage system in an area, Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curves for given rainfall conditions are required. The aim of the present study is to derive the IDF curves for the rainfall in the Mumbai city, Maharashtra, India. Observed rainfall data from 1901 pertaining to Colaba and from 1951 of the Santacruz rain gauge stations in Mumbai are used in the present study to derive the IDF curves. Initially, the proposed IDF curves are derived using an empirical equation (Kothyari and Garde), by using probability distribution for annual maximum rainfall and then IDF curves are derived by modifying the equation. IDF curves developed by the modified equation gives good results in the changing hydrologic conditions and are compatible even with the extreme rainfall of 26<sup>th</sup> July 2005 in Mumbai.
文摘Although otitis media poses a serious health risk in developing countries,being a frequent occurrence in children below five years of age,parental awareness and practices about otitis media have not been adequately researched.Present cross-sectional study was undertaken in Navi Mumbai schools,from October 2019 to December 2019,wherein parents with children<5 years of age answered a questionnaire which gathered data on their knowledge,attitude and practices about otitis media in their wards.Chi-square tests,Cramer’s V were used to study association between gender,age-group and education of parents with their knowledge,practice and attitude about otitis media.Out of 425 valid responses,overall most parents displayed adequate knowledge(77%),positive attitude(61%)and good care-seeking practices(70%).There was a positive correlation of knowledge and practice with level of education.This study shows acceptable levels of knowledge,attitude and practices in parents about otitis media.Parents who did not seek treatment from health centre attributed the behaviour to poverty,ignorance and lack of health insurance.The positive correlation of knowledge and practices with level of education highlights the importance of role of education in modifying parental awareness and care seeking behaviour.Our findings call for a need to further strengthen community-based healthcare and improve parental confidence in healthcare services for early detection and adequate treatment of otitis media.
文摘Background: There is a dearth of information regarding trends of malnutrition and weight status in children from rapidly developing economies like India. Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the dynamics of malnutrition in a group of school children from India, and then provide interventions for the children that have severe acute malnutrition. Methods: Children that were found to lie between −3 to −4 SD of parameters of BMI, height for age and weight for age were labeled as SAM. Children that were screened for wasting and fell between −2 to −4 SD were also included under the label of SAM. All participants were also given a prototype 1500-calorie diet to follow for the entire duration and 6 weekly sessions were taken for the parents on various topics on nutrition. Results: Quantitative analysis showed a great improvement in weights and heights of severely malnourished children. The average increase in weight of all children that participated in the study was 9.09% and the average increase in height was 1.39%. The weekly sessions given to the parents on various nutrition topics could be the cause of high compliance to the diet given to the children. Conclusion: Malnutrition is still a very big problem in developing countries like India. Basic interventions like an improvement in diet, education about micronutrients and balanced diet, and food-based interventions in severe malnutrition can lead to a great improvement in the health and development status of children.
文摘Background: To demonstrate that customized demand generation leads to increased voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among Sex Workers (SWs). Methods: FHI 360 Aastha implemented Vivek intervention among SWs in Mumbai and Thane, India using customized demand generation through outreach services for VCT. Program monitoring data and integrated counseling and testing center tracking sheets were used to assess the intervention effect. Results: Higher proportion of registered SWs tested during: 1) Vivek months than other months (17% vs. 5%, p < 0.001);2) Post-initiation non-Vivek months than pre-Vivek months (4.7%, vs. 1.5% p < 0.001). Conclusions: Customized demand generation approach is successful in increasing HIV testing.
文摘Adaptation of microbial communities to anthropogenic stress has often been shown to involve reduction in diversity and in selective enrichment of species capable of survival. The gut bacterial community of pollution-stressed polychaete Neanthes chilkaensis was studied using cultivation dependent and independent approaches. The possible role of the gut bacteria in remediation of pollutants was also studied. The analysis of clones covering about 90% of the 16S rRNA clone library indicated that the majority of the taxa in the library resemble GenBank entries of aromatic- hydrocarbon pollutant degraders. Among them Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were dominant. About 84% of the gut isolates were capable of utilizing PAHs as sole carbon sources while 20% of isolates were found to produce biosurfactants. Production of surfactant along with capability to utilize PAH and other pollutants indicate the role of the gut community in alleviating the pollution stress. The results also show the potential source of microorganisms with industrial and environmental application.
文摘Condition indices study like RNA content,DNA content,RNA:DNA,RNA:protein,RNA:lipid was carried out in goby,Parachaeturichthys ocellatus from the creeks of Mumbai to assess its nutritional status in different months.The study was carried out from June 2010 to September 2011.The range of RNA content in male was 72-185.6μg/100 mg while in female was 82-145.46μg/100 mg.RNA content was high during spawning months.The DNA content showed slight variations with range of 22.56-39.31μg/100 mg in males and 25.20-32.52μg/100 mg in females.The range of ratio of RNA:DNA in males was 2.08-5.13 with an average of 3.74 while in female was 2.92-5.07 with an average of 3.99.The ratio above 2 indicates good condition.The RNA:protein showed an average of 0.0015 in males and 0.0017 in females while the average of RNA:lipid was 0.0176 in males and 0.0127 in females.RNA:protein and RNA:lipid showed the lowest values in post reproductive stages while it increased with the onset of reproductive cycles.The condition indices study showed that P.ocellatus was in good condition throughout the year and the creeks of Mumbai were suitable habitat for feeding and reproduction.
文摘Background: Hand injuries are very common and responsible for a significant number of emergency department (ED) visits, most of which are not to hand specialists [1]. The functionality and outcome of hand injuries can vary significantly depending on the mechanism and pattern of injuries, which is why it is imperative for emergency physicians to recognize the complexities, and the potential repercussion of missed injuries in such cases. Objective: The aim of this study is to provide epidemiological information on hand injuries and their patterns. The objective is 1) to assess whether most hand injuries are superficial (simple), or involve underlying deeper structures (complex) and 2) to assess whether most hand injuries presented to the emergency department were managed by the emergency physician or plastic/orthopaedic surgeon. Methods: This retrospective single-centre observational study conducted at an emergency department in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India collected data from hand trauma patients using a standardized documentation form. Demographic data, trauma-related data, and disposition plans were analysed. Results: A total of 489 cases sustained hand injuries over a period of one year. The patients were predominantly males in the 20 - 30 year age group and injuries were mainly sustained over the right hand. Most of the injuries were sustained at home (42%). The most common mechanism (34%) was sharp object injury (including needle-stick and other sharps in hospital), followed by blunt injury (30%). Among grievous hand injuries, door jamb was a mechanism noted in 11% of patients, accounting for 50% of all crush injuries. Lacerations were the most common pattern (24.7%) noticed, followed closely by fractures (23.3%). Digits II - IV were injured most commonly (54%), followed by carpals (14%) and the thumb (10%). Nearly 80% of the hand injuries were managed by emergency physicians alone, with 61% of cases involving superficial structures. Though 14% of the cases required plastic surgery intervention, the initial evaluation of all these patients was performed by the emergency physician. Conclusions: Our study highlights the burden of hand injuries on the emergency physician, as well as the odds of missed injuries, directly indicating the necessity of a thorough anatomical knowledge of the structures of the hand, and in turn, a proper physical examination. A dedicated registry for hand trauma would help quantify the mechanism and pattern of injuries, and formulate preventive strategies.
文摘BACKGROUND The optimal surgical approach for patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis(GHOA)and an intact rotator cuff remains debated.While anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA)has traditionally been favoured,reverse TSA(RTSA)is increasingly utilized.AIM To systematically compare the outcomes of RTSA and TSA in this specific patient population.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.Retrospective comparative studies evaluating RTSA and TSA in patients with GHOA and intact rotator cuff were included.Key outcomes assessed included complication and reoperation rates,patient-reported outcome measures(PROMs),and range of motion.Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool.RESULTS Twelve studies encompassing 1608 patients(580 RTSA,1028 TSA)met inclusion criteria.RTSA was associated with a lower reoperation rate compared to TSA[odds ratio=0.37;95%confidence interval(CI):0.14-0.94;P value=0.04],while no significant difference in overall complication rates was observed(odds ratio=0.47;95%CI:0.19-1.16;P value=0.10).RTSA patients showed superior outcomes in University of California Los Angeles,Simple Shoulder Test,and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores;however,the differences did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference.TSA patients had significantly better external rotation(mean difference=-9.0°;95%CI:-13.21 to-5.02;P value<0.0001).No significant differences were found in other range of motion measures or satisfaction scores.The overall methodological quality of included studies was moderate to serious.CONCLUSION In patients with GHOA and an intact rotator cuff,RTSA may offer comparable or improved outcomes to TSA with lower reoperation rates and similar complication profiles.Functional outcomes favour RTSA in certain patientreported outcome measures,while TSA retains an advantage in external rotation.Surgical decision-making should remain individualized based on patient characteristics and functional demands.
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains a major global health challenge,with high recurrence and mortality despite advances in surgery,chemotherapy,and immunotherapy.The study by He et al identifies a novel mechanism by which peroxiredoxin 1(Prdx1)inhibits CRC progression through induction of pyroptosis,a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death.Traditionally viewed as an intracellular antioxidant that protects tumors from oxidative stress,Prdx1 assu-mes a paradoxical immunogenic role when released extracellularly as a damageassociated molecular pattern.Using patient samples,recombinant protein assays,and murine xenograft models,the authors demonstrate that Prdx1 activates the NOD-,LRR-and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome/caspase-1/gasdermin D pathway,triggering membrane pore formation,tumor cell lysis,and release of interleukin-1β/interleukin-18.This cascade not only halts tumor proliferation,invasion,and migration but may also enhance anti-tumor immune surveillance.The study’s strengths include rigorous mechanistic validation,clinical cohort data,inhibitor-based causal proof,and in vivo confirmation.However,questions remain regarding the upstream receptor for Prdx1,heterogeneity across CRC subtypes,and the balance between therapeutic benefit and inflammatory toxicity.By establishing Prdx1-induced pyroptosis as a driver of tumor suppression,this work advances a promising paradigm in CRC therapy,linking cell death to immune activation and pointing toward future biomarker-driven,pyroptosis-based interventions.
文摘Traffic noise is one of the major sources of noise pollution in metropolitan regions causing various health hazards （e.g., long-term sleep disturbance, increase in blood pressure, physical tension, etc.）. In this research, noise prediction models, which can measure the noise level experienced by the commuters while driving or traveling by motorized vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India, were developed. These models were developed by conducting a comprehensive study of various factors （e.g., vehicle speed, traffic volume and road characteristics, etc.） affecting the levels of concentration of noise. A widespread data collection was done by conducting road trips of total length of 403.80 km via different modes of transport, such as air-conditioned （A/C） car, non A/G car, bus and intermediate public transport （i.e., traditional 3-wheeler autos）. Multiple regression analyses were per- formed to develop a functional relation between equivalent noise levels experienced by passengers while traveling （which was considered as a dependent variable） and explana- tory variables such as traffic characteristics, vehicle class, vehicle speed, various other location characteristics, etc. Noise levels are generally higher in the vicinity of intersections and signalized junctions. Independent data sets （for each mode of transport） were used to validate the developed models. It was noted that maximum differences between observed and estimated values from the model were within the range of ±7.8% of the observed value.
文摘PM2.5 and PM2.5 lo concentrations, elemental constituents, and sources in a densely populated coastal industrial area （Trombay, Mumbai） were investigated in 2010 and 2011.The PM2.s and PM2.s lo concentra- tions were 13.50-71.60 and 22.40-127.78 p^g/m3, respectively. The daily PM25 concentrations exceeded the Indian Central Pollution Control Board limit （60 μg/m3） several days in winter. Of the elements analyzed, Si then Al had the highest concentrations in PM2.5- 10, but black carbon then Si had the highest concentrations in PM2.s. The element concentrations varied widely by season. Al, Ca, Fe, Si, and Ti con- centrations were highest in summer, Cl, Mg, and Na concentrations were highest in the monsoon season, and the other trace metal concentrations in both PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 were highest in winter. The PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 sources were apportioned by positive matrix factorization. PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 had six dominant sources, crustal material （8.7% and 25.3%, respectively）, sea salt spray （6.1% and 15.0%, respectively）, coal/biomass combustion （25.5% and 13.8%, respectively）, fuel oil combustion （19.0% and 11.2%, respectively）, road traffic （ 17.7% and 12.6%, respectively）, and the metal industry （ 10.6% and 7.0%, respectively）. Anthropogenic sources clearly contributed most to PM2.5 but natural sources contributed most to PM2.5-10.
文摘Background:This study aimed to investigate the demographic profiles of human immunodifficiency virus(HIV)infected anti-retroviral therapy(ART)naïve children in our hospital and their relations to the clinical,immunological and nutritional status.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in an Integrated Counselling and Testing Center(ICTC)at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai.ART naïve HIV positive children were enrolled in the study.The demographic profiles,clinical features,immunological(CD4%/CD4 count)and nutritional status of these children were recorded.The agreement between clinical,immunological and nutritional staging was determined using Cohen’s kappa test.Results:In 192 HIV-infected ART naive children enrolled with a median age of 9 years(range 3 months-14 years),97.4%acquired infection through vertical transmission.The most common clinical presentation was fever(39.6%),followed by generalized lymphadenopathy(32.3%),cough(22.4%)and diarrhoea(9.9%).Tuberculosis was seen in 22.9%of the children.The agreement was fair between clinical and immunological staging,and slight between nutritional,immunological and clinical staging.Conclusion:Perinatal transmission is the most common mode of acquiring HIV infection in children.The Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission(PPTCT)program should be strengthened for lowering the transmission rate by providing extended ART to mothers during pregnancy and breast-feeding.Tuberculosis remains a major concern in HIV-infected children.The poor correlation between WHO clinical and immunological staging emphasizes the importance of making CD4 facilities available in HIV prevalent areas.Malnutrition cannot be used as a surrogate marker for predicting stage or severity as it is common at all stages of HIV disease.
基金Part of this study is funded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development(MHRD)the Government of India(GoI)project titled CoE-FAST,Grant No.14MHRD005 and IRCC-IIT Bombay Fund,Grant No.16IRCC561015.Any opinions,findings,and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the MHRD,GoI and/or IRCC-IIT Bombay.
文摘This study optimized the ventilator and furniture location of a tenement unit in a low-income urban habitat to obtain maximum experiential indoor environmental quality(e-IEQ)over the breathing zone.Hypothetical interior layouts using a combination of the two design parameters of ventilator location and bed position were generated for optimizing the design layout.This layout could promote maximum indoor airflow and minimum indoor air temperature and contaminant concentration.In this study,an improved indoor environment is hypothesized to be attainable through improved natural ventilation and thermal performance in the occupied zones.A sequential methodology involving“parametric design modeling ecomputational simulationemultiobjective optimizationemulticriteria decision making”-based framework was selected.Results exhibited that the currently designed tenement unit had a poor indoor environment,whereas the hypothesized iterated layout“optimized design layout,scenario 3(ODL 3)”derived from the optimization and decision-making algorithm performed effectively in providing e-IEQ.An increase in experiential indoor air velocity by 0.2 m/s and a decrease in temperature by 2C were observed over the monitoring point in the ODL 3 considering the existing scenario.Therefore,this study can find a way toward the development of sustainable habitat design guidelines under upcoming slum redevelopment policies across the nation.
基金The authors would like to acknowledge the grant of fellowship(DST/TMD/EWO/2K21/ACT/2021/02(G))under Project SHARP,received from the Department of Science and Technology,Government of India.
文摘One of the pathways to attain NET ZERO is CO_(2)injection into deep saline aquifers(DSAs),which alters the saturation and pore pressure of the reservoir rocks,hence the effective stress,sʹ.This,in turn,would change their geomechanical(i.e.peak deviatoric stress,elastic modulus,Poisson's ratio)and petrophysical(porosity and permeability)properties.Such a situation might trigger geo-hazards,like induced seismicity,ground deformation,caprock failure.Hence,reducing the risk of such hazards necessitates quantifying the spatial and temporal changes in sʹ,under specific CO_(2)and/or brine saturation,designated as S_(CO2)and S_(b),respectively,and resultant pore pressure.With this in view,a conceptual model depicting the reservoir,demarcated by five zones based on variations in saturation,pore-pressure,temperature,etc.,and the corresponding effective stress equations have been proposed based on the available literature.Furthermore,a critical review of literature has been carried out to decipher the limitations and contradictions associated with the findings from(i)laboratory studies to estimate S_(CO2)employing pwave velocity and electrical resistivity,(ii)analytical and numerical approaches for estimating the variation of pore-pressure in the reservoir rocks,and(iii)laboratory studies on variation in geomechanical and petrophysical properties under the conditions representative of the above-mentioned zones of the conceptual model.The authors consider that extensive experiments should be conducted on the rocks from different sources and tested under various conditions of the CO_(2)injection to validate the proposed model for the execution of risk-free CO_(2)storage in DSAs.
文摘Azoospermia is characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate and is categorized into obstructive azoospermia(OA)and nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).For men with NOA,testicular sperm extraction(TESE)is the only method to obtain sperm for assisted reproductive technology(ART).Given the rarity of these sperm and the unpredictable success of subsequent retrieval attempts,cryopreservation of microdissection-TESE-obtained sperm is essential.Effective cryopreservation prevents the need for repeated surgical procedures and supports future ART attempts.After first delving into the physiological and molecular aspects of sperm cryopreservation,this review aims to examine the current methods and devices for preserving small numbers of sperm.It presents conventional freezing and vitrification techniques,evaluating their respective strengths and limitations in effectively preserving rare sperm,and compares the efficacy of using fresh versus cryopreserved testicular sperm.
文摘Azoospermia,defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate,is a well-documented consequence of exogenous testosterone(ET)and anabolic–androgenic steroid(AAS)use.These agents suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal(HPG)axis,leading to reduced intratesticular testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis.This review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying azoospermia and outlines therapeutic strategies for recovery.Azoospermia is categorized into pretesticular,testicular,and post-testicular types,with a focus on personalized treatment approaches based on the degree of HPG axis suppression and baseline testicular function.Key strategies include discontinuing ET and monitoring for spontaneous recovery,particularly in patients with shorter durations of ET use.For cases of persistent azoospermia,gonadotropins(human chorionic gonadotropin[hCG]and follicle-stimulating hormone[FSH])and selective estrogen receptor modulators(SERMs),such as clomiphene citrate,are recommended,either alone or in combination.The global increase in exogenous testosterone use,including testosterone replacement therapy and AAS,underscores the need for improved management of associated azoospermia,which can be temporary or permanent depending on individual factors and the type of testosterone used.Additionally,the manuscript discusses preventive strategies,such as transitioning to short-acting testosterone formulations or incorporating low-dose hCG to preserve fertility during ET therapy.While guidelines for managing testosterone-related azoospermia remain limited,emerging research indicates the potential efficacy of hormonal stimulation therapies.However,there is a notable lack of well-structured,controlled,and long-term studies addressing the management of azoospermia related to exogenous testosterone use,highlighting the need for such studies to inform evidence-based recommendations.
文摘This study investigates the determinants that drive the volatility of the credit default swaps(CDS)of BRICIT(Brazil,Russia,India,China,Indonesia,and Turkey)nations as a proxy measure for sovereign risk.On the existence of cointegration,an unrestricted error correction model integrated with the autoregressive distributed lag(ARDL)model is applied to measure the short-run and long-run dynamics empirically.The study utilizes the Bayesian global vector autoregression methodology for cross-border spillover estimation.The study also suggests a strategy for policymakers for quadrant categorization to mitigate risk arising from cross-border spillover.The result of ARDL indicates that the global macroeconomic variables affect the BRICIT CDS more than domestic macroeconomic determinants,with Indian CDS being the most sensitive to Fed tapering.Notably,China’s CDS is the most sensitive to shocks,with the CDS volatility primarily driven by China’s geopolitical risk.Russian CDS is more sensitive to real effective exchange rates due to severe ruble depreciation than crude oil,despite Russia being a major oil exporter.The quadrant categorization indicates that the Indonesian stock market index is most interconnected with BRICIT CDS,while the Turkish long-term interest rates send the highest intensity spillover across BRICIT nations.
基金supported by NSFC Shiptime Sharing Project(Nos.42349302,and 42149905)the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.2024AFB515)+4 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42207173,41831280,and 42176071)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2024YFC3082500)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.ZR2022QD002)the Shandong Provincial Taishan Scholar Construction Project(No.tsqn202507091)the Shandong Provincial Young Innovators Team(No.2024KJH183).
文摘Low–angle submarine landslides pose a greater threat to offshore infrastructure compared to those with steep sliding angles.Understanding the preparation and triggering mechanism of these low–angle submarine landslides remains a significant challenge.This study focuses on a deformed low–angle submarine landslide in the shelf–slope break of the Pearl River Mouth Basin,South China Sea,integrating sedimentology,geophysics,and geotechnology to investigate potential failure mechanisms.The architecture and deformation characteristics of the submarine landslide were elucidated by analyzing multibeam and seismic data.Within the context of the regional geological history and tectonic framework,this study focuses on the factors(e.g.,rapid sedimentation,fluid activity,and earthquakes)that potentially contributed to the submarine slope failure.Furthermore,a series of stability evaluations considering the effects of rapid sedimentation and earthquakes was conducted.Our findings indicate that the most probable triggering mechanism involves the combined effects of sedimentation controlled by sea–level fluctuations,high–pressure gas activity,and seismic events.The high–pressure gas,which acts as a long–term preconditioning factor by elevating pore pressures and reducing shear resistance within the sediment,accumulated beneath the upper and middle sections of the low–permeability stratum that was formed during sea–level rise and ultimately evolved into the sliding mass.The overpressure generated by gas accumulation predisposed the submarine slope to instability,and a frequent or moderate earthquake ultimately initiated local failure.This study enhances the mechanistic understanding of low–angle slope failures in the shelf–slope break zone and provides critical insights for assessing marine hazard risks.
文摘Posaconazole(PCZ)is a broad-spectrum anti-fungal drug approved by FDA and currently used off-label for the treatment of fungal keratitis(FK).Although ocular route serves as the most bioavailable route for treating FK,delivery of PCZ to the eye remains a challenge due to poor permeation though the cornea and rapid elimination from the eye.Here we outline a comprehensive formulation development process,beginning with in silico studies,progressing through in vitro evaluations,and ultimately achieving therapeutic benefits in vivo.We report modified niosome-like surfactant vesicles,hereafter termed as NioTherms,formulated using a novel and simple heat-mix method,encapsulating PCZ for ocular administration in the form of an in situ gel.Excipient screening performed using in silico simulations highly correlate with in vitro studies(R^(2)=0.77),guiding optimization by Quality by Design(QbD)approach for encapsulating PCZ in NioTherms resulting in particles with an average size of 180.7±2.3 nm,zeta potential of +27.5±2.2 mV and entrapment efficiency of 87.6%±1.7%.A 2-fold increase in both mucin binding and cellular uptake indicates a functional role of positive surface charge in enhancingmucoadhesive properties of PCZ-NioTherms.In an in vivo murine ocular keratitis model,we demonstrate a 2-fold enhancement in trans-corneal permeability of PCZ-NioTherms and a 3-fold reduction in fungal burden compared to the control standard of care,the PCZ solution.Owing to a facile formulation process,we anticipate that PCZ-NioTherms would serve as a clinically translatable and patient compliant therapeutic intervention for treating FK.
