D.Y. Patil Education Society

Skin diseases are a significant healthcare concern, and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Traditional methods, where dermatologists visually assess skin conditions, can be inconsistent. Considering the challenges in skin disease diagnosis, there is a need for automated and objective approaches. Predictions of skin diseases can be made more accurate by using techniques based on machine learning (ML), including support vector machines, decision trees, neural networks, random forests, and deep learning. To improve these models, proper data preparation and feature selection are essential. Using imaging technologies such as dermoscopy and digital photography alongside ML may improve the diagnoses. However, there are limitations, including the need for diverse, curated datasets, potential biases in training data, interpretability of complex models, and challenges in clinical practice. By addressing these limitations, one can use ML more effectively and to its full potential to improve skin disease diagnosis. This chapter summarizes the current situation, challenges, and prospects, encouraging further research and collaboration.

Traditional brain tumor detection methods suffer from subjectivity and unpredictability and have paved the way for a paradigm shift to artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Utilizing computer vision, deep learning, and machine learning, AI algorithms enhance the precision of tumor identification through advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. AI demonstrates unprecedented effectiveness and efficiency by deciphering diverse tumor types, detecting minute anomalies, and predicting patient outcomes. However, challenges persist, including the demand for high-quality annotated datasets, potential biases in training data, interpretability issues, and integration complexities within clinical workflows. This abstract underscores the transformative potential of AI, emphasizing the urgent need to surmount these challenges. It serves as a beacon, guiding the exploration of innovative approaches crucial for the seamless integration of AI into brain tumor diagnosis. In navigating the present landscape, addressing challenges, and envisioning future applications, this chapter provides a concise yet comprehensive roadmap for the future of brain tumor detection.

Device fabrication is increasing with the importance of functional materials for industrial applications. To fulfil increasing demands, rare earth element-based materials have become important. In particular, lanthanum (La) and La-based materials have garnered attention in recent years due to their versatile properties and wide range of potential applications. This critical review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in the utilization of La and its compounds across various fields. In the realm of sensing and biosensing, La-based materials exhibit better sensitivity and selectivity, indicating their suitability for detecting environmental pollutants and biomolecules. The review also explores their role in supercapacitors, where their unique electrochemical properties contribute to enhanced performance and stability. Furthermore, the catalytic properties of La compounds are highlighted in water-splitting applications, emphasizing their efficiency in oxygen and hydrogen production. The biomedical applications of La-based materials are also examined, focusing on their biocompatibility and potential in drug delivery and medical imaging. This review aims to provide a critical analysis of the current state of research, identify challenges, and suggest future directions for the development and application of La and La-based materials in these diverse fields. Graphical abstract

The advancement in the arena of bone tissue engineering persuades us to develop novel nanocomposite scaffolds in order to improve antibacterial, osteogenic, and angiogenic properties that show resemblance to natural bone extracellular matrix. Here, we focused on the development of novel zinc-doped hydroxyapatite (ZnHAP) nanoparticles (1, 2 and 3 wt%; size: 50–60 nm) incorporated chitosan–gelatin (CG) nanocomposite scaffold, with an interconnected porous structure. The addition of ZnHAP nanoparticles decreases the pore size (∼30 µm) of the CG scaffolds. It was observed that with the increase in the concentration of ZnHAP nanoparticles (3 wt%) in CG scaffolds, the swelling ratio (1760% ± 2.0%), porosity (71% ± 0.98%) and degradation rate (35%) decreased, whereas mechanical property (1 MPa) increased, which was better as compared to control (CG) samples. Similarly, the high deposition of apatite crystals especially CG-ZnHAP3 nanocomposite scaffold revealed the excellent osteoconductive potential among all other scaffolds. MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells seeded with CG-ZnHAP nanocomposite scaffolds depicted better cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation to osteogenic lineages. Finally, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay revealed better angiogenesis of ZnHAP nanoparticles (3 wt%) loaded CG scaffolds supporting vascularization after 7th day incubation in the CAM area. Overall, the results showed that the CG-ZnHAP3 nanocomposite scaffold could be a potential candidate for bone defect repair.

Mn-ferrite and chitosan (CTS)-coated Mn-ferrite nanomaterials were synthesized using the polyol method with ethylene glycol as a reducing and stabilizing agent.

A BSTRACT A toddler with Angelman syndrome was the subject of the study to find out the effect of oromotor and sensory therapy on fundamental eating and swallowing as well as prolonged thumb sucking. Pre- and post-test assessments were used as part of the procedure using the Ability for Basic Feeding and Swallowing Scale for Children. We timed using a stopwatch how long the toddler sucked her thumb and how long she cried after taking her thumb out. The oromotor rehabilitation consisted of two phases: preparation of the oral cavity and oral treatment. With a difference of 7 h, the findings indicated a considerable decrease in the amount of time spent persistently sucking one’s thumb. After the thumb was removed, the cry response was also gone. The Ability for Basic Feeding and Swallowing scale value showed a significant difference in the study, demonstrating improvement in fundamental feeding and swallowing abilities. Based on these results, it can be said that oromotor and sensory therapy helped the toddler with Angelman syndrome with fundamental eating and swallowing as well as persistent thumb sucking. Contribution of Research: The study contributes to our understanding of the effects of oromotor and sensory therapy on a toddler with Angelman syndrome. It demonstrates that this therapy can lead to improvements in fundamental eating and swallowing abilities, as well as a decrease in persistent thumb sucking. This research aids in our understanding of the function of oromotor impairment and treatment of genetic diseases like Angelman syndrome.

Zinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs) are promising next‐generation energy storage systems (ESS) owing to high safety, material abundance, environmental friendliness, and low cost; however, the energy density of ZICs must be improved to compete with lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Here, the study implements three strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance and manage dendritic growth on Zn anodes, including crafting a highly efficient redox electroactive niobium pyrophosphate (NbP2O7)/Ti3C2TX‐MXene binder‐free cathode, incorporating a NaClO4 additive electrolyte, and applying a protective Ti3C2TX‐MXene layer on Zn anode. The cathode facilitates rapid Zn²⁺ ion diffusion and a stable host structure. An electrostatic protection layer formed in additive electrolyte and MXene layers regulates the uniform distribution of the electric fields and supports the equalization of nucleation sites. These results are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The ZICs display an excellent specific capacitance (113.3 F g⁻¹ at 1.5 A g⁻¹) in aqueous additive electrolytes. The flexible solid‐state ZICs exhibits a volumetric capacitance of 865.05 mF cm⁻³, and an energy density of 0.347 mWh cm⁻³ at 2.29 mW cm⁻³ along with capacitance retention of >100% over 38 000 charge‐discharge cycles.

The present study reveals the synthesis of Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) by varying the molar ratio of ferric (Fe³⁺) to ferrous (Fe²⁺) ions via chemical coprecipitation method for the study of cationic distribution of Fe‐ions and its potential application for magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used to characterize the physicochemical properties. Several structural parameters were estimated using the Rietveld refinement, resulting in structural modelling verified by magnetic characteristics. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) assessed the magnetic hysteresis loop at room temperature in a field range of ±15 kOe, revealing superparamagnetic behavior for the ratio Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ 1:2. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of IONPs increased with the increasing Fe²⁺ concentration and attained a maximum value of 60.21 emu g⁻¹ at a molar ratio of 2:1. The potential of the inductive heating capability of IONPs in an alternating current magnetic field (AMF) was studied to treat localized MHT. The changes in magnetic properties and inductive heating properties of IONPs are associated with the cationic distribution of Fe²⁺ at the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites of crystal structure. The variation in cationic properties at the A and B sites may result in varying/tuneable magnetic properties, affecting the overall heating profiles of hyperthermia.

The human endometrium, the innermost lining of the uterus, is the anatomic prerequisite for pregnancy. It is the only dynamic tissue that undergoes more than 400 cycles of regeneration throughout the reproductive life of women. Key to this function are endometrial stem cells as well as cell adhesion molecules. Melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM/CD146/MUC18) is a membrane glycoprotein of the mucin family and a key cell adhesion protein, highly expressed by endometrial cells. CD146 is a significant molecule pivotal in endometrial physiology, assisting tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. Endometrium also acts as a culprit in causing several endometrial dysfunctions, such as endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma, due to interrupted molecular and functional mechanisms. Though most of the endometrial dysfunctions arise as a result of endocrine disturbance, it has a major pathological role associated with angiogenesis. It has already been proven that CD146 is a potential marker for the diagnosis of angiogenic dysfunctions and malignancy, including endometrial cancer. However, its mechanistic role in causing the pathology is a mystery. This chapter explores the role of CD146 in normal and pathological endometrial conditions and the therapeutic implications of CD146.

Adenomatoid tumors of the testis are rare, benign neoplasms that arise from mesothelial cells. These tumors are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally during procedures or evaluations for other conditions. We present a case of 86 year male, in whom adenomatoid tumor was incidentally identified in the testis removed during an orchiectomy performed as part of the management for prostatic carcinoma.

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 (Nb6-BiVO4) Z-scheme hybrid photocatalysts are synthesized by chemical solution growth (CSG) of BiVO4 over electrophoretically deposited Nb6 thin films. The structural and morphological analysis of Nb6-BiVO4 hybrid thin films evidenced the well-crystalline uniform growth of monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 over lamellar Nb6 nanosheets. The Nb6-BiVO4 hybrid thin films exhibit a highly porous randomly aggregated nanosheet network, creating the house-of-cards type morphology. The Nb6-BiVO4 hybrid thin films display a strong visible light absorption with band gap energy of 2.29 eV and highly quenched photoluminescence signal, indicating their visible light harvesting nature and intimate electronic coupling between hybridized species beneficial for photocatalytic applications. The visible-light-driven photodegradation performance of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine-B (Rh-B) dyes, and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) antibiotic over Nb6-BiVO4 hybrid are studied. The best optimized Nb6-BiVO4 thin film shows superior photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of MB, Rh-B dyes, and TC antibiotic with photodegradation rates of 87.3, 92.8, and 64.7 %, respectively, exceptionally higher than that of pristine BiVO4. Furthermore, the mineralization study of Nb6-BiVO4 thin film is conducted using chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis. The optimized Nb6-BiVO4 thin film shows superior percentage COD removal of 83.33, 85.42, and 61.36 % for MB, Rh-B dyes and TC antibiotic, respectively. The present results highlight the expediency of hybridization in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of pristine BiVO4 by minimizing its charge recombination rate and improving chemical stability.

Introduction This study aims to systematically assess the anticancer potential of distinct Lactobacillus strains on Human Colorectal Tumor (HCT) 115 cancer cells, with a primary focus on the apoptotic mechanisms involved. Lactobacillus strains were isolated from sheep milk and underwent a meticulous microbial isolation process. Previous research indicates that certain probiotic bacteria, including Lactobacillus species, may exhibit anticancer properties through mechanisms such as apoptosis induction. However, there is limited understanding of how different Lactobacillus strains exert these effects on cancer cells and the underlying molecular pathways involved. Methods Cytotoxicity was evaluated through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays and exposure durations of Lactobacillus cell-free lyophilized filtrates. Additional apoptotic features were characterized using 4.6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) analysis for nuclear fragmentation and Annexin V/PI analysis for apoptosis quantification. Genetic analysis explored the modulation of apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl2) in response to Lactobacillus treatment. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to understand the genetic makeup of the Lactobacillus strains used in the study. Results The study demonstrated a significant reduction in HCT 115 cell viability, particularly with L. plantarum, as evidenced by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and MTT assays. DAPI analysis revealed nuclear fragmentation, emphasizing an apoptotic cell death mechanism. Annexin V/PI analysis supported this, showing a higher percentage of early and late apoptosis in L. plantarum-treated cells. Genetic analysis uncovered up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 in response to Lactobacillus treatment. WGS study revealed a strain reported to NCBI PRJNA439183. Discussion L. plantarum emerged as a potent antiproliferative agent against HCT 115 cancer cells, inducing apoptosis through intricate molecular mechanisms. This study underscores the scientific basis for L. plantarum’s potential role in cancer therapeutics, highlighting its impact on antiproliferation, adhesion, and gene-protein regulation. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific molecular pathways involved and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of L. plantarum in preclinical and clinical settings.

Growing environmental problems and population growth have made it harder to find a sustainable alternative energy source to fossil fuels. The only accessible source of hydrogen that isn't derived from fossil fuels is water. Despite being one of the most widely used methods, electrochemical water splitting only generates 4% of the hydrogen used worldwide. The costly and insufficiently effective catalysts facilitating the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are among the causes. Among various efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting, metal oxides are typically promising candidates due to their extraordinary alloying effect towards OER and HER. Here, the historical development of electrocatalytic materials for overall water splitting is overviewed based on single, binary, ternary, mixed, high entropy, doped, and heterostructure metal oxides in terms of development for some possible avenues, structural arrangement, chemical composition, morphology, electrocatalytic activity, and robust long-term durability. Finally, concludes with perspectives relating to the challenges and opportunities of metal oxide-based electrocatalytic materials for overall water splitting.

An era of clean, sustainable “hydrogen energy economy” is on the horizon now. In light of this, the production route for hydrogen (H2) is indispensable. Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is potential alternative to current water splitting system with more favourable operating conditions, cost-effectiveness and urea-rich wastewater mitigation. Metal oxides are promising electrocatalyst because of its high catalytic activity and long- term stability. The wide range of metal oxides tested as the anode material for the UOR are broadly categorized as (i) nobel metal based oxide electrocatalyst (ii) Ni- based oxide catalyst and (iii) earth abundant metal oxide catalysts. This review begins with basic reaction mechanism and key evaluation parameters involved in urea electrocatalysts. Then reported noble, Ni-based and earth-abundant metal oxides are critically reviewed. Several strategies to improve the catalytic performance which includes compositional variations, choice of synthetic routes and supporting materials are discussed in detail. The associated challenges and future opportunities are finally reviewed to understand the practical exploitation of MO based materials for the UOR.

Bone tissue engineering aims to address bone-related problems that arise from trauma, infection, tumors, and surgery. Polymer and calcium silicate bioactive material (BM) based composites are commonly preferred as potential materials for bone treatment. However, the polymer has low bioactivity, thus, the current work aims to prepare a composite scaffold based on BM–sodium alginate (Alg) by varying the Alg percentage to optimize the porous nature of the composite. Primarily, the BM was synthesized by a simple precipitation method using rice husk and eggshell as the precursors of silica and calcium, while the BM–Alg composite was prepared by a facile cross-linking approach. The BM–Alg composite was studied using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET techniques. Further, an in vitro bioactivity study was performed in simulated body fluid (SBF) which shows hydroxyapatite formation. The in vitro haemolysis study displayed less than 5% haemolysis. Subsequently, the angiogenesis study was carried out using the ex ovo CAM model which reveals enhanced neovascularization. The MG-63 cells were used to study the biocompatibility, and they displayed a non-toxic nature at a concentration of 10 mg mL⁻¹. Further, the in vivo biocompatibility results also reveal its non-toxic nature. Thus, the BM–Alg composite acts as a potential biocompatible material for bone tissue engineering applications.

This study aimed to investigate the potential of poly-δ-decalactone (PDL) and block copolymer (methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly-δ-decalactone (mPEG-b-PDL) in the topical delivery of ketoconazole (KTZ) and eugenol (EUG) against Candida albicans....

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation method and analyzed through XRD, SEM, EDS, and FTIR. The XRD pattern revealed the presence of Fe3O4 structural nanocrystals in the iron oxide nanoparticles. SEM images displayed spherical-shaped particles on the surface. EDS spectra indicated the presence of iron and oxygen peaks without impurities. The purity of Fe3O4-NPs was confirmed by distinct peaks in the FTIR spectrum. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of Fe3O4-NPs was tested against pathogenic bacteria, showing moderate effectiveness against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, suggesting potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors. The MTT assay indicated strong anticancer properties of the nanoparticles on colon cancer cell lines (HT29) and normal cell lines (L929). Apoptosis was observed through DAPI staining. The nanoparticles demonstrated a 63.78% scavenging ability through DPPH activity. Moreover, the particles showed the ability to degrade carcinogenic dyes, with a reduction in toxicity observed in the brine shrimp lethality assay, indicating promising biomedical applications. Graphical Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrid) is a vital cash crop, and the sugar industry plays a crucial role in many economies worldwide. Effective supply chain management is crucial to ensure the smooth flow of sugarcane from farms to sugar mills and ultimately to consumers. This review paper explores key challenges of sugarcane supply chain management in the field of seasonal variability, quality control, procurement and pricing, logistics and transportation, sustainability and environmental concerns, supply chain coordination, and price fluctuations faced by the sugarcane supply chain management, highlighting the complexities and obstacles that impact its efficiency and sustainability. The analysis encompasses comprehensive understanding of the issues related to procurement, transportation, processing, and distribution within the sugarcane supply chain management. Additionally, potential solutions and strategic interventions to address these challenges are described to improve and enhance the performance, efficiency, sustainability, profitability, and overall sugarcane supply chain management.

In this work, vertically aligned interlocked tungsten oxide (WO3) nanosheets are deposited on non-conducting substrates using the modified chemical solution deposition (MCSD) method. The number of deposition cycles is varied to tune the physicochemical properties of WO3 thin films. The WO3 thin films exhibit an orthorhombic crystal structure with a preferred orientation along the (111) plane. The WO3 thin film shows the vertically aligned interlocked nanosheet morphology with a change in the lateral dimensions upon varying the number of deposition cycles. All the WO3 thin films exhibited strong visible light harvesting characteristics in the 510–530 nm wavelength range. The WO3 thin films are used for the visible-light-active photocatalytic degradation of organic molecules such as methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (Rh B) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). The optimized WO3 thin film shows maximum photocatalytic degradation performance of 92, 89 and 87% in 210 min for MB, Rh B and TC, respectively. The present study illustrates the usefulness of the MCSD approach for depositing vertically aligned interlocked WO3 nanosheet thin films and enhancing photocatalytic performance.