University of Hyderabad

Purpose of Review This review evaluates current research on grape-based interventions and their impact on cognitive and mental health. It also explores the putative mechanisms by which the grape-derived compounds might modulate cognitive function. The growing prevalence of cognitive decline and mental health disorders necessitates exploring novel dietary approaches. Grapes, rich in polyphenols, have demonstrated potential benefits in preclinical studies. However, translating these findings to humans remains an ongoing endeavor. Recent Findings Recent clinical trials complement existing observational data, suggesting a positive influence of grape consumption on cognition, particularly in areas of memory, learning, and overall cognitive function and emotional well-being. The potential mechanisms involve the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of grapes, which may mitigate neuroinflammation and protect brain cells from free radical damage. Summary Evidence from existing research suggests that grape based interventions may improve cognitive performance through several neuroprotective mechanisms; however, further investigation is needed to understand the protective effects of grape-based interventions on brain function and mental health. Large-scale trials to assess the long-term effects and safety profile of grape interventions are required. Additionally, extensive epidemiological research is needed to confirm the effect of grape interventions on cognitive health and to determine the best beneficial dosage and duration of supplementations to maximise cognitive benefits.

The amorphous/crystalline (A/C) assembly in molecular solids has a direct bearing on their attributes and applications, including mechanical, pharmaceutical, electronic and photophysical. A systematic analysis of the molecular features and interactions that determine the predilection towards the A, C or bi‐stable A‐C states is critical. This fundamental problem is addressed through an exhaustive investigation of a large family of alkoxyalkyl diaminodicyanoquinodimethanes (ROR′‐DADQs); enhancement of their fluorescence from the solution, to the A, to the C state serves as an excellent signature of the phase preference and temporal stability. Their thermal characteristics and single crystal structure investigations coupled with Hirshfeld surface analysis of the intermolecular interactions, not only confirm the spectroscopic observations, but also reveal the significant impact of the molecular structural features, key interactions like H‐bonds, and molecular orientations in the lattice, on the phase stability. These explorations lead to a basic structure‐phase correlation; its predictive power is demonstrated by identifying the borderline systems as functional phase change materials, and the subsequent verification through the reversible cycles of fluorescence switching between the A/C states. The factors promoting the A or C forms of molecular solids can guide the design of novel materials exploiting such supramolecular structures and their interconversions.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retina screening coverage among people with diabetes in the catchment area of a high-volume eye care organisation in north India. Design A population-based cross-sectional study using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness survey, including the DR module. Setting A customised rural district in the catchment of Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital in Uttar Pradesh in north India. Participants 4095 people of age 50 years and above were enrolled using a two-staged cluster sampling, 3867 (94.4%) participated; 2167 (52.9%) were women. 3803 of 4095 (92.9%) participants were assessed for diabetes. People with already diagnosed diabetes and anyone with a random blood glucose ≥200 mg/dL were offered dilated fundus examination. Primary and secondary outcomes Primary and secondary outcomes were the prevalence of DR and screening coverage for DR, respectively. Results The prevalence of diabetes was 7.0% (95% CI 5.9% to 8.0%). 50.2% of all people with diabetes were newly detected. The prevalence of any DR among people with diabetes who consented to dilated pupillary examination was 22.8% (51 of 224), (95% CI 18.2% to 27.3%). 5.8% (13/224) of people with diabetes were found to have sight-threatening DR and only 15.4% (2/13) had received treatment. 84.8% of people with previously diagnosed diabetes had never had their eyes tested for DR; this was significantly higher in women (90.2% vs 76.0%, respectively, p<0.001). 76% of people with previously diagnosed diabetes had poorly controlled diabetes; this was significantly higher for those on non-allopathic treatment (p<0.01). The odds of DR were higher with duration of diabetes >10 years and poor glycaemic control (OR of 1.8 and 1.6, respectively), but this was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion The prevalence of DR in this predominantly rural setting was found to be higher than the national average. Coverage of retinal screening and treatment was found to be very low. Working with general health providers to increase detection of people with diabetes and leveraging vision centres to improve DR screening coverage is needed in this region.

Silk-fibroin hydrogels have gained considerable attention in recent years for their versatile biomedical applications. The physical properties of a complex hydrogel, comprising silk fibroin and riboflavin, surpass those of the silk fibroin-hydrogel without additives. This study investigates silk fibroin–riboflavin (silk–RIB) hydrogel at the atomistic level to uncover molecular structures and chemical characteristics specific to silk fibroin and riboflavin molecules in an aqueous medium. The interplay between hydrophilic riboflavin and hydrophobic silk fibroin polymers facilitates the formation of solubilized silk fiber, which subsequently evolves into a nano-scale hydrogel over time. Eventually, the interlinked RIB stacks form a scaffold that not only accommodates silk fibroin aggregates but also encloses water pockets, preserving the moisture level and enhancing the thermal conductivity of the hydrogel. To explore water retention properties and the role of ions, two sets of simulations of semi-hydrated hydrogel in the presence and absence of ions are conducted. The presence of ions significantly influences the dynamics of RIB and silk fibroin. Favorable interactions with the ions impede the unrestricted diffusion of these larger molecules, potentially leading to a stable structure capable of retaining water for a prolonged duration. The complete removal of water results in further shrinkage of the anhydrous silk–RIB hydrogel or xerogel (XG), yet its porosity and structural integrity remain intact. These findings offer valuable insights into the behavior of silk fibroin hydrogel and XG, paving the way for materials engineering in aqueous environments to develop biomedical devices with customized functional properties.

Polyphenols, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, have garnered significant attention for their potential therapeutic properties in treating neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The Wnt/β‐catenin (WβC) signaling pathway, a crucial player in neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity, is involved in several cellular mechanisms related to NDs. Dysregulation of this pathway is a hallmark in the development of various NDs. This study explores multiple polyphenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans, and phenolic acids, and their potential to protect the nervous system. It provides a comprehensive analysis of their effects on the WβC pathway, elucidating their modes of action. The study highlights the dual function of polyphenols in regulating and protecting the nervous system, providing reassurance about the research benefits. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the results obtained from both in vitro studies and in vivo research, shedding light on how these substances influence the various components of the pathway. The focus is mainly on the molecular mechanisms that allow polyphenols to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic processes, ultimately improving the function and survival of neurons. This study aims to offer a thorough understanding of the potential of polyphenols in targeting the WβC signaling pathway, which could lead to the development of innovative therapeutic options for NDs.

Porous organic polymers (POPs) are novel emergent materials for heterogeneous organocatalysis owing to their remarkable physicochemical stabilities. Through a bottom‐up approach entailing diligent design of twisted biaryl building blocks with in‐built o‐iodobenzoic acid (IA) moieties, a series of POP precatalysts, p‐OMeIA‐POP, DiMeIA‐POP, and m‐OMeIA‐POP, were synthesized by employing Friedel‐Crafts alkylation. These IA‐POP precatalysts can undergo in situ oxidation in the presence of Oxone® to generate hypervalent iodine(V) species (λ⁵‐iodanes), in particular, modified o‐iodoxybenzoic acid, popularly termed IBX, which mediates diverse oxidative transformations. The applications of m‐OMeIA‐POP as a heterogeneous precatalyst in the presence of Oxone® are demonstrated for facile oxidation of i) primary and secondary alcohols to carbonyl compounds, ii) cleavage of olefins, vicinal diols, and acyloins into carboxylic acids and iii) oxidation of diols to lactones; the in situ formation of the λ⁵‐iodane species in catalytic amounts precludes potential explosive attributes of IBX. It is shown that the IA‐precatalyst (m‐OMeIA‐POP) can be easily recycled without any loss of catalytic activity. The results constitute the first demonstration of the development of IA‐bearing POP precatalysts for in situ generation of hypervalent iodine(V) species and various heterogeneous oxidations mediated therefrom.

This chapter explores the innovative use of waste-derived carbon nanomaterials in solar cells, addressing both environmental and energy challenges. It discusses the potential of these materials to improve solar cell efficiency and reduce costs while utilizing waste sources like biomass, plastics, and industrial by-products. The synthesis methods for these nanomaterials, including pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, are examined. The chapter details how waste-derived carbon nanomaterials can enhance various solar cell components, such as electron and hole transport layers, in perovskite, organic, and dye-sensitized cells. Specific examples are presented, like graphene quantum dots from coal and carbon nanotubes from plastic waste, along with their performance improvements. The chapter also addresses challenges in using these materials, including purity and scalability issues. Environmental and economic impacts are evaluated, highlighting the potential for waste reduction and creating a circular economy in the solar energy sector. Future trends, such as integration with quantum dots and applications in flexible solar cells, are explored. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of waste-derived carbon nanomaterials in advancing sustainable solar technology, calling for continued research and development in this promising field.

The advent of Industry 5.0 heralds a new era characterized by heightened connectivity, automation, and symbiotic interaction between humans and machines. Within this transformative landscape, the application of soft computing methodologies emerges as a critical driver of innovation, offering a flexible and adaptive framework to address the intricate challenges posed by Industry 5.0 dynamics. Soft computing, encompassing diverse techniques such as fuzzy logic, neural networks, and genetic algorithms, presents a promising avenue for optimizing processes, enhancing decision-making capabilities, and fostering creativity across various industrial domains. This research endeavors to explore the multifaceted role of soft computing within the context of Industry 5.0, aiming to unravel its transformative potential and delineate practical implications for industry stakeholders. By synthesizing insights from a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of pertinent case studies, this paper aims to elucidate the diverse applications, inherent benefits, and prevalent challenges associated with the integration of soft computing methodologies in Industry 5.0 settings. Through an in-depth examination, the study seeks to provide nuanced insights into the mechanisms through which soft computing techniques can contribute to the optimization of industrial processes, the enhancement of decision-making processes, and the facilitation of innovation across diverse sectors. Furthermore, this research endeavors to offer forward-looking perspectives on the future trajectories of soft computing in Industry 5.0, identifying emerging trends, potential areas for further exploration, and pragmatic recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike. By synthesizing empirical evidence with theoretical insights, this paper seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of soft computing in driving sustainable growth and fostering resilience in the era of Industry 5.0. Through this holistic examination, the study aims to provide a comprehensive framework for leveraging soft computing methodologies as a catalyst for navigating the complexities of Industry 5.0 and unlocking new frontiers of industrial innovation and progress.

Heterostructures comprise two or more different semiconducting materials stacked either as co‐assemblies or self‐sorted based on their dynamics of aggregates. However, self‐sorting in heterostructures is rather significant in improving the short exciton diffusion length and charge separation. Despite small organic molecules being known for their self‐sorting nature, macrocyclic are hitherto unknown owing to unrestrained assemblies from extended π‐conjugated systems. Herein, two near infrared region (NIR) active molecules comprised of porphyrin appended D‐π‐D (1) and A‐π‐A (2) have been reported to show the self‐assembled 0D and 2D nanostructures via J‐aggregates. Interestingly, the mixture of 1 and 2 reveals self‐sorting at the molecular level promoting nanosphere and sheet structures which further rolled over to spheres through π–π stacking leading to core–shell type heterostructure. Consequently, electrical conductivity is 10 times higher than the individual assemblies due to excited state electron transfer from 1 to 2 in a mixture, confirmed by femto second‐transient absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These results suggest that controlling the self‐sorted heterostructures fosters refining the electronic properties which pave the way for designing novel NIR‐absorbed molecules for organic solar cells (OSCs).

Hearing loss usually slopes towards the high-frequency regions of hearing in the elderly population. We assessed the speech perception performance in an elderly patient with high-frequency sloping hearing loss under different aided conditions as a function of speech stimuli and listening conditions. The participant was a 69-year-old male with symmetrical and post-lingually acquired bilateral high-frequency sloping sensorineural hearing loss. Speech recognition score testing was conducted under conventional and nonlinear frequency compression (NFC) settings of the hearing aids using conventional and high-frequency wordlists in quiet and + 5 dB SNR listening conditions. The participant outperformed speech perception for conventional wordlists compared to high-frequency wordlists in the conventional setting. Similarly, the participant outperformed speech perception for high-frequency wordlists in the NFC setting compared to the conventional setting. Finally, the participant underperformed speech perception in the noisy compared to quiet listening conditions, irrespective of hearing aid settings and wordlists. The conventional wordlists overestimated the performance of the conventional setting for speech perception. Other than evaluating the actual performance of the conventional setting, the high-frequency wordlists estimated some of the benefits of the NFC setting over the conventional setting for speech perception.

The construction of large dams in India has faced criticism for its neo-colonial and capitalist practices. This highlights the importance of accountability, the consequences of development discourse, and the tangible impacts on the lives of those affected by dams, development initiatives, displacement, and denial of compensation. The pursuit of large-scale construction projects frequently promotes a conspicuous consumerist perspective, disregarding both marginalised groups and the ethics of sustainable development. The absence of ethical considerations such as empathy, inclusion, and egalitarian ideology in the development narrative often leads to the devaluation of certain lives while prioritising the safety and security of others. Within this particular setting, it is important to recognise the trajectories of those whose lives are considered disposable. In this context, the article scrutinizes Na. D’souza’s novella Dweepa, delving into the experiences of individuals who have faced eco-anxiety, precariousness, and vulnerability, ultimately culminating in their tragic demise due to the construction of the Linganamakki dam over the Sharavathi river.