Sri Balaji University

Background Urolithiasis is a worldwide problem traversing all topographical areas with a projected annual incidence of 1%, prevalence of 3%–5%, and a lifetime risk of 15%–25%. Once affected, urolithiasis inclines to be recurring in the majority of cases. Inflammatory responses from urethral stone obstruction may upsurge serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and incidental identification of the degree of inflammation may be used to forecast the spontaneous passage rate and thus may be supportive in treatment selection. We aimed for a predictive factor for early surgical intervention to avoid a waiting period for spontaneous stone passage in patients with high CRP. Methods All patients presenting with <10 mm ureteric stone attending/diagnosed general surgery department in a tertiary care institute. When a categorical variable is associated with a quantitative variable, the variables are represented in both tables and bar diagrams. For the test of significance, an unpaired t -test is used. P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results In the spontaneous stone-passed (SSP) group, the mean size of the stone was 6.00 + 0.63 and in the non-SSP group was 7.63 + 0.78. The range of stone size was 5–7 mm in the SSP group and 6–9 in the non-SSP group. In the SSP group, 57.1% of stones were on the right side, and in the non-SSP group, 51.5% of stones were on the right side. Receiver operating characteristic analysis resulted in an area under the curve of 0.986 ( P < 0.001) for serum CRP level. The cutoff value for serum CRP level provided by Youden’s index analysis was 10 mg/l for CRP yielded appeared optimal for the prediction of spontaneous ureteric stone expulsion with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 95.2%. Conclusions We conclude that the determination of CRP in patients with renal colic due to the ureteral stone has proven to be more useful than other conventional markers in the decision for the need for urgent surgical intervention.

This study looks into a cutting-edge deep learning system to sort chest X-ray (CXR) pictures into four groups: Normal, Pneumonia, COVID-19, and Other Lung Diseases. The research team boosted VGG19 and Mobile Net designs with Multi-Head Attention tricks to get better at pulling out features and zeroing in on areas that matter for spotting diseases. They worked with a dataset of 15,000 tagged images, which they cleaned up using standardization and tweaking methods to make the models work better across the board. Tests showed that Mobile Net beat VGG19 hitting 98.1% accuracy, 0.97 precision, and 0.96 recall. Adding attention tricks made the diagnosis more precise for tricky cases like COVID-19. Plus, Mobile Net got up to speed faster and didn't need as much computing power making it a better fit for on-the-spot use. This work highlights how attention-boosted lightweight models could streamline how doctors diagnose issues, take some pressure off radiologists, and bring better care to places without a lot of resources. The next steps include fine-tuning the model, growing the dataset, and putting it to work in the real world to help with automated diagnosis support.

Remote work involves performing duties that go beyond the traditional office setting. Remote practices have been growing recently due to several factors (Singh et al., 2022). Technological advancements are vital enablers that offer the tools to perform job duties beyond the organizational setting (Singh et al., 2022; Greer et al., 2023). The technology gradually enabled organizations to transition to remote work settings; however, COVID-19 was an unexpected shock that compelled organizations to adopt remote work settings beyond their functional areas (Marcus, 2023). An organization has experienced several benefits of remote work settings, such as flexible work schedules, increased labour participation, reduced commuting time, and a potential reduction in the gender gap (Sengupta & Al-Khalifa, 2022). Furthermore, the remote work environment is favoured by workers due to its ability to effectively provide them with the flexibility to perform their organizational responsibilities (Yur’evna, 2023). One of the primary advantages of remote work is the reduced energy and time spent commuting (Simon, 2022).

Background: Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular condition, is linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, often evidenced by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga, particularly Uddiyana Bandha, may influence autonomic control and improve HRV, thus offering potential benefits for hypertension management. Background: Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular condition, is linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, often evidenced by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga, particularly Uddiyana Bandha, may influence autonomic control and improve HRV, thus offering potential benefits for hypertension management. Methods: This randomized controlled study included 60 hypertensive patients aged 40-60 years. Participants were randomized into an intervention group practicing Uddiyana Bandha (n=30) and a control group with no intervention (n=30). The outcome parameters were time and frequency domain HRV variables including standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN), and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) components in normalized units (n.u), and LF/HF ratio, measured before and immediately after the intervention. The intervention group performed three rounds of Uddiyana Bandha under supervision, while the control group rested quietly for an equivalent duration. Results: The Uddiyana Bandha group demonstrated significant (p<0.05) improvements in HRV parameters post-intervention compared to the control group. Mean RR interval, SDNN and RMSSD increased immediately after Uddiyana Bandha practice. The HF component (n.u) increased, while the LF component (n.u) and LF/HF ratio decreased (p<0.05), indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Uddiyana Bandha practice results in immediate notable effects on HRV in hypertensive patients, showing better autonomic balance and cardiovascular performance. These results suggest Uddiyana Bandha as a possible non-pharmacological strategy for hypertension management. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to support these results and explore long-term effects.

This article investigates the escalating occurrence of zoonotic diseases in Africa, attributing their spread to climate change and human activities. Africa's unique combination of biodiversity , reliance on animal husbandry, and swift urbanization heightens its susceptibility. Climate change disrupts ecosystems and animal habitats, intensifying human-wildlife interactions. Urbanization, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure further facilitate disease spread. Climate-induced displacement adds another layer of complexity. Mitigation strategies include improving surveillance systems, fostering early detection via point-of-care diagnostics and digital contact tracing, and investing in vaccines and therapeu-tics. Our purpose of this is to advocate for sustainable land use, robust community-level public health systems, international cooperation, and resource-sharing. We also emphasize the need for effective vector-control policies, dedicated research funding, and annual awareness , vaccination, and early detection campaigns in endemic regions. ARTICLE HISTORY

Blockchain has attracted lots of attention due to the capabilities it holds in disrupting several business industries such as the financial and the sustainability. This chapter aims to investigate the relationship between Blockchain and Green finance, as well as how this relationship can support sustainable development. Based on the literature review and cases, as well as effective literature and practice analysis of green finance and blockchain technology development trend, this paper attempts to explore the dividend, challenge, and prospect of applying the blockchain in green finance. Moreover, it explores how blockchain can improve data quality and governance, increase trust, drive cost efficiency along with overcoming information asymmetry issues thus help to create a sustainable finance system for earth to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Transformative social entrepreneurship seeks novel solutions to social and environmental problems to achieve long-term change. This paper investigates transformative entrepreneurship at Barefoot College in Tilonia, India. This study focuses on the locally led model of rural women as change agents in search of innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges to achieve profound and systemic change. This concept is investigated for its distinct characteristics, strategies, and significant impact. The study uses case study methodology to achieve its objectives. The authors conducted an open-ended semi-structured interview with the women entrepreneur and executive director of Barefoot College in Tilonia. The findings contribute to the social entrepreneurship research, discussing implications, limitations, and future research directions. The study advances understanding of transformative entrepreneurships dynamics and impact, specifically within the context of Barefoot College, enriching insights into socially driven systemic change.

Background Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) integrate computing, control, and communication technologies, bridging cyberspace and the physical world to enhance critical infrastructure and safety-critical systems. Existing surveys often address CPS security from a single perspective, necessitating a more comprehensive approach. Methods This paper presents a thorough review of CPS security from three perspectives: the physical domain, the cyber domain, and the cyber-physical domain. We examine attacks on physical components like sensors, cyber-attacks targeting CPSs, and integrated cyber-physical attacks. For each domain, we analyse corresponding detection and defence mechanisms. Results Our review reveals that CPSs face significant security threats across all domains. In the physical domain, attacks on sensors can disrupt system operations, but various defences are available. In the cyber domain, CPSs are vulnerable to malware, hacking, and denial-of-service attacks, with several detection and defence strategies in place. The cyber-physical domain highlights complex threats where cyber-attacks cause physical damage, requiring comprehensive security approaches. Conclusion By examining CPS security from multiple perspectives, this review provides a holistic understanding of current threats and defence mechanisms. It identifies future research directions to enhance CPS security, aiming to better protect critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

Although, menstrual hygiene is a topic as ancient as mankind, it has recently garnered attention because society is more willing to face its difficulties. Adolescents seldom talk about issues related to menstruation, menstruation disorders, menstrual cleanliness, and customs of their culture. There is little data on the hardships that teenage females bear from menstruation and their social norms. Adolescent health education must include information about menstruation. Menstrual behaviors are often greatly influenced by culture, awareness, and social condition. However, periods, behaviors, and problems are seldom included in health education programs for the younger girls in impoverished nations. International health organizations such as WHO and UNICEF have advised developing culturally responsive menstrual health management (MHM) as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs for the adolescent girls. Without an awareness of the preconceived notions and prejudices that teenage girls in poor nations currently have about menstruation, these programs cannot be implemented. The goal of this review from India was to record the myths that are currently in circulation concerning menstruation, menarche, and other understudied menstrual constraints. Our goal in conducting this review was to characterize and assess the effectiveness of menstruation education programs designed to provide early teenage girls the information and abilities they need to support menstrual health.

This research aims to examine the connection between physical activity, mental health, and quality of life through a systematic review of scholarly literature. The approach used is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), leveraging the Scopus database, employing a keyword search strategy relevant to the topic, and following PRISMA guidelines. Articles published from 2020 to 2024 that focus on physical activity and mental health within Q1-Q2 percentile indices were screened. Out of the 89 articles identified, 28 met the inclusion criteria and were relevant to the topic. The analysis of these studies reveals that increased physical activity is associated with a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and an improvement in mental well-being and quality of life. Additionally, the study notes variations in measurement methods, such as the use of accelerometers and different mental health questionnaires. These findings support the development of evidence-based interventions to enhance mental well-being through physical activity, especially among children, adolescents, and the elderly. However, the study identifies challenges related to measurement methods and intervention duration, indicating a need for further research to develop more comprehensive and practical recommendations.

Background Qurom quenching enzyme have an impact on treatment efficacy and prevent the recurrence of Helicobacter pylori biofilm-related infections, although it has not been thoroughly investigated in vitro and in silico. The current study aims to characterize the N-acyl homoserine lactonase, the quorum quenching AiiA protein of Bacillus licheniformis against H. pylori biofilm. Methods and results In this study, AiiA protein were screened for their anti-biofilm activity, was found to effectively control biofilm formation of H. pylori with concentrations ranging from 2 to 10 µg/mL. According to CLSM and COMSTAT analysis, the untreated substratum had the robust biofilm biomass of 25–18 µM and biovolume of 3–4 mm³ /mm². The total biofilm biovolume and average biofilm thickness were considerably reduced by 40% with a single application of 10 µg/mL of AiiA protein. The biofilm treated with AiiA exhibited a lower urease and polysaccharides than to the untreated biofilm. Further, in silico analysis, exhibited a greater interaction of AiiA against the outer membrane proteins of H. pylori compared to virulence factors. The conserved domains in the binding pockets of AiiA proteins showed a highest binding affinity proving the catalytic activity of the protein. Conclusion In this study, the H. pylori biofilm architecture, exopolysaccharide and urease were significantly controlled by our purified N-acyl homoserine lactonase from B. licheniformis. Furthermore, the molecular docking showed the significant interaction between AiiA and key biofilm forming and virulence proteins proved an excellent antibiofilm activity controlling the infections of H. pylori human pathogen.

Background Peripheral nerve blocks can be used alone as the sole “surgical” anesthetic technique as the initial step in providing prolonged postoperative analgesia. There are studies, where accurate deposition of local anesthetic perineurally has the potential to improve the success rate and reduce the incidence of complications of the infraclavicular block. We hypothesized whether a combined block of the infraclavicular brachial plexus and distal median, radial, and ulnar nerves would accelerate upper extremity anesthesia compared with an infraclavicular block alone. Materials and Methods This study was a prospective randomized control study conducted among 60 patients undergoing elective and emergency wrist and hand surgeries. A group of 30 patients received an infraclavicular block with 30 mL of a local anesthetic mixture containing 1% lignocaine with adrenaline and 0.25% bupivacaine from Group A. Group B received an infraclavicular block with 15 mL of local anesthetic mixture containing 1% lignocaine with adrenaline and 0.25% bupivacaine along with distal median, radial, and ulnar nerve blockade with 5 mL each of local anesthetic mixture containing 1% lignocaine with adrenaline and 0.25% bupivacaine. Pain score, assessment of sensory and motor functions, block performance time, and surgical anesthesia were observed. Results The mean block performance time of Group A was 10.9 ± 1.1 min and Group B was 14.7 ± 0.5 min. The difference between the two groups’ block performance minutes was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The difference in the onset of the sensory block between the two groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The mean onset of motor blockade between the two groups was statistically very highly significant ( P < 0.001). The mean of Group A was 5.0 ± 0.2 and Group B was 2.1 ± 0.4. Conclusion From this study, we conclude that using an approximately equivalent dose of local anesthetics, combining ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block with distal median, radial, and ulnar nerve blockade shortens the onset time of sensory and motor block with improved block consistency compared to infraclavicular block alone.

Background Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is crucial in controlling cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Its strong link to the development of cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, and colorectal has positioned the IGF-1 signalling pathway as a promising target for novel cancer therapies. When activated, the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) binds to IGF-I, playing a central role in promoting tumour cell growth and survival. Methods In this study, we combined evolutionary sequences with structural and functional data of IGF-1 to reconstruct ancestral sequences and design novel IGF-1 peptide variants. Results The insulin-like growth factor system exhibits a vast sequence diversity, yet it shares a similar structural topology with conserved three pairs of disulfide linkages. Our study reveals that IGF-1 is associated with the IGF system of cell surface receptors through protein-protein interactions. Reconstructed IGF-1 variants show similar structure fold to reported viral IGF-1 competitive antagonists. Conclusion This new insight guides the design of novel natural IGF-1 mimic peptides. It enhances our understanding of IGF-1's functionality and opens new avenues for the development of therapeutic peptides and small molecules as anticancer agents.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges across the globe. With the rise of advanced technologies, NGOs have an unprecedented opportunity to enhance their impact through the adoption of innovative tools. Among these, remote sensing technology has emerged as a cornerstone in environmental monitoring, offering real-time data on land, water, and atmospheric conditions. The integration of remote sensing with CNN-LSTM models offers a transformative approach for NGOs to tackle environmental and social challenges. This study explores the efficacy of these technologies in monitoring deforestation and habitat loss. By leveraging high-resolution satellite imagery and ground truth data, our proposed CNN-LSTM model successfully identifies and tracks changes in land cover. Throughout various tests, the model demonstrated a high accuracy of 0.97, showcasing its potential in providing reliable, real-time data for environmental conservation efforts. The findings suggest that combining CNNs and LSTMs enhances the ability to interpret complex spatiotemporal data, thus supporting NGOs in their decision-making processes.

Bacterial biofilm plays a vital role in influencing several diseases, infections, metabolic pathways and communication channels. Biofilm influence over colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a booming area of research interest. The virulence factors of bacterial pathogen have a high tendency to induce metabolic pathway to accelerate CRC. The bacterial species biofilm may induce cancer through regulating the major signalling pathways responsible for cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and growth. Activation of cancer signals may get initiated from the chronic infections through bacterial biofilm species. Integrin mediates in the activation of major pathway promoting cancer. Integrin‐mediated signals are expected to be greatly influenced by biofilm. Integrins are identified as an important dimer, whose dysfunction may alter the signalling cascade specially focusing on TGF‐β, PI3K/Akt/mToR, MAPK and Wnt pathway. Along with biofilm shield, the tumour gains greater resistance from radiation, chemotherapy and also from other antibiotics. The biofilm barrier is known to cause challenges for CRC patients undergoing treatment.