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Cyphos nitrate (Trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium nitrate: [P66614][NO3]) is a well-known ionic liquid which is strongly hydrophobic and sustainable for the recovery of metal ions from waste matrix. In the present study, the ionic liquid was explored for the selectively separation of plutonium(IV) from uranium(VI), zirconium(IV), americium(III) and europium(III) present in the nitric acid medium in conjunction with 1,3-diisopropyl benzene (DIPB) as the diluent. The extraction factors of Pu(IV) were evaluated as a function of various experimental parameters such as the concentration of feed acidity, the concentration of ionic liquid, equilibration time, temperature, type of ionic liquid ions, etc. Facile formation of the anionic nitrato complex of Pu(IV) in the ionic liquid phase was found to be the driving force for the preferential extraction of Pu(IV) over other metal ions. Effect of radiation dose suggested the stability of the proposed ionic liquid by acquiring the similar extraction factors like that in the unirradiated ionic liquid phase. Remarkable separation factors of Pu(IV) over the aforementioned metal ions were computed and presented in the paper. Various thermodynamic parameters accompanied by the extraction as well as the back extraction processes of Pu(IV) from the loaded ionic liquid phase have been presented in detail.

Abstract The incorporation of Industry 4.0 technologies into the seafood processing sector presents a transformative potential for improving efficiency, sustainability, and transparency throughout the supply chain. This study aims to examine the impact of such technological advancements, including automation, robotics, blockchain, computer vision, AI, and IoT, on the seafood industry's operations, ranging from sorting, cleaning, and packing to quality assessment and product preservation. Conducted through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of Web of Science-indexed papers, this research assesses the synergy between innovation and business 4.0 technologies in seafood processing. Our findings suggest that these technologies not only promise enhanced operational efficiency and product quality but also offer sustainable practices through energy-efficient methods, waste management techniques, and innovative packaging solutions. Additionally, the study addresses the workforce implications, underscoring the shift in job roles towards more specialized and value-added positions rather than outright displacement. The primary data collected and analyzed herein underscores the critical role of Industry 4.0 in promoting sustainable resource management, optimizing processes, and ensuring ecological responsibility within the seafood sector, thereby contributing to the broader goals of food security and environmental sustainability.

Seafood preservation techniques have evolved from ancient methods to modern innovations like canning, freezing, and surimi production. Canning in the 19th century introduced airtight containers, while commercial freezing technologies like flash freezing extended shelf life. Surimi pastes in the 20th century led to affordable imitation seafood products. Emerging technologies continue to enhance seafood preservation methods. Moreover, the integration of digital technology, automation, and data sharing, known as Industry 4.0, is transforming various industries. This integration encompasses blockchain technology, automation, robotics, and big data analytics, aiming to enhance production, sustainability, traceability, and efficiency in fish processing. With a focus on the seafood market dynamics affecting these advances, this research was conducted with the aim to understand how technical breakthroughs in the seafood business are dispersed and implemented across different nations. We aim to determine the correspondence between the technological sophistication of machinery in seafood processing companies and map it across different countries across the globe to obtain an understanding of the generation of technology used in prominence. Variations in adoption rates and technological trends reflect regional market dynamics. The Seafood Expo ASIA 2023 study looked at the use of Industry 4.0 technologies, operational procedures, and technology adoption in the global seafood processing industry. Notably, countries like Norway, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands have rapidly embraced Industry 4.0 technologies. The market factors driving these technological advancements across different countries include rising consumer demand for sustainable seafood, economic incentives, and global competition. A correspondence analysis was employed to analyze the correspondence between countries and the level of technological sophistication in the machinery used. We successfully mapped the level of technology utilized in machinery across global seafood processing companies, providing insights into the technological advancements shaping the industry.

Insects possess cellulolytic system capable of producing variegate enzymes with multifarious specificities to break down complex lignocellulosic products. Astonishingly, endoglucanases, exoglucanases and β-glycosidases act sequentially in a synergistic system to facilitate the breakdown of cellulose to utilisable energy source glucose. In silico docking studies of endo-β-1,4-glucanase from 19 different insects belonging to six different orders identified that it possesses high affinity for all the six substrates, including CMC, cellulose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, cellopentose and cellohexaose. Additionally, β-glucosidase from nearly all the reported insect sources also showed considerable affinity towards cellobiose. Van der Waals, conventional hydrogen bonds and carbon-hydrogen bonds stabilise the interaction between the enzyme and different substrates. Molecular dynamics simulations also held up the stability of various complexes. Efficient breakdown of lignocelluloses-based substrates becoming a major focus of industrial and academic communities worldwide, this study can perhaps complement the propensity of insect cellulases for prospected applications.

Background Carotid wall abnormalities are significant predictors of cardiovascular events, including ischemic stroke. Identifying the clinical and biochemical risk factors associated with these abnormalities can aid in early intervention and prevention strategies. This study aimed to assess the association between lipid profiles, age, gender, smoking habits, hypertension, and carotid wall abnormalities in patients. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients, evaluating their clinical and biochemical profiles, including lipid levels, age, gender, smoking status, and the presence of hypertension. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured using ultrasound to identify carotid wall abnormalities. The data were analyzed to determine the associations between these factors and the presence of carotid wall abnormalities. Results Carotid wall abnormalities were present in 78.3% (n = 47) of the patients. Individuals with carotid wall irregularities exhibited markedly elevated total cholesterol concentrations (175 ± 35.0 mg/dl) compared to those without abnormalities (150 ± 31.0 mg/dl) (p = 0.007). The mean age was 64.0 ± 8.0 years in the abnormality group versus 56.0 ± 5.0 years in the non-abnormality group (p = 0.008). Males constituted 80.0% of the abnormality group, compared to 46.7% in the non-abnormality group (p = 0.03). This higher prevalence of carotid wall abnormalities in males could be related to gender-specific risk factors, such as higher rates of smoking and hypertension, both of which were more common in the abnormality group and are known contributors to vascular changes. Smoking (70% vs. 20%, p = 0.0005) and hypertension (85% vs. 40%, p = 0.0005) were significantly more prevalent in individuals with carotid wall abnormalities. Conclusions This study highlights the significant association between elevated total cholesterol, older age, male gender, smoking, and hypertension with carotid wall abnormalities. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection and management of these risk factors to prevent the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke and other cardiovascular events., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of Madha Medical College and Research Institute issued approval MMCRI/IEC/2023/032. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Nair et al.)

Background This investigation addresses the major effects of early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) on community health, noting its association with elevated incidences of recurrent ischemic events and mortality. The study specifically explores the contributing factors, clinical symptoms, angiographic findings, and management strategies for individuals aged 45 or younger who experience their initial ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methodology This observational study took place over a six-month period within the cardiology unit, involving 100 sequential patients diagnosed with STEMI. Results With a mean age of 42.5 years, the research had 100 patients, of which nine (9%) were under 25, 24 (24%) were between 26 and 35, and 67 (67%) were over 36. Of these, 89 (89%) were male. The following risk variables were found: obstructive CAD, smoking, being overweight, diabetes, hypertension, chest discomfort, and syncope. In 99 patients (99%), the most prevalent symptom was chest discomfort. Most often impacted was the left anterior descending (LAD) artery in 24 patients (24%), then the right coronary artery in 14 patients (14%). A total of 50 patients (50%) had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with 15 patients (15%) undergoing elective PCI, 10 patients (10%) with pharmaco-invasive PCI, and 20 patients (20%) receiving primary PCI. In eight cases (8%), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was required. Furthermore, 40 patients (40%) were under medical care, and 32 patients (32%) had recanalized and normal coronaries. No mortality was recorded in this study. Conclusions Acute myocardial infarction is most frequently seen in very young adult males, and the most common risk factor is smoking. The most common clinical manifestation, anterior wall myocardial infarction, was caused by the main source of involvement, the LAD artery., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Academy of Higher Education and Research issued approval IEC/JSSMC/2023/123. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Ramanathan et al.)

Solvent extraction of Zr(IV) in ionic liquid (IL) medium is less known and Zr(IV) - IL chemistry indeed needs exploration to realize the coordination approach of Zr(IV) in IL phase. In view of this, in the present work, a strongly hydrophobic imidazolium based IL: 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C 8 mim][NTf 2 ]) as the medium containing a diglycolamide (DGA) extractant: N,N,N',N'-tetra-n-octyldiglycolamide (TODGA) was opted to understand the extraction behavior of Zr(IV) from nitric acid medium. Different experimental parameters such as the concentration of initial nitric acid, initial feed metal concentration, equilibration time and ligand concentration were tuned to unravel the extraction efficiency of the proposed IL phase towards Zr(IV). The extraction scenario was completely dependent on the hydrophobicity of IL diluent and increasing extraction trend with an increase in feed acidity along with the coordination of two TODGA molecules ensured Zr(IV) - complex formation in a neutral solvation mechanistic pathway. The extraction trend of Zr(IV) was compared with molecular diluent (n-dodecane (n-DD)) containing TODGA and a phase modifier: N,N-dihexyloctanamide (DHOA). The coordination aspect of Zr(IV) with ligand in IL phase was ascertained spectroscopically to validate Zr(IV) loading in IL phase. Thermodynamics of Zr(IV) extraction revealed the nature of the extraction process and the complex formation., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background The term "cardiomyopathy" encompasses a wide range of diseases with various underlying causes. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by ventricular dilation and impaired cardiac function in the absence of congenital, valvular, hypertensive, or ischemic heart disease (IHD). This study was motivated by the high prevalence of underlying DCM and chronic heart failure, coupled with a lack of comprehensive information on DCM. The primary objective of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and contributing factors associated with individuals diagnosed with DCM. Methods A total of 120 patients with DCM were enrolled in a two-year, hospital-based observational cross-sectional study conducted within the Medicine Department of a tertiary care center. The study assessed risk factors, including IHD, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Results DCM was observed across all age groups, though it was notably more prevalent among middle-aged individuals (n = 50, or 41.7%) and the elderly (n = 35, or 37.5%). The condition was more commonly seen in men. IHD emerged as the predominant risk factor, affecting 75% of patients (n = 90), followed by diabetes mellitus (n = 85, or 70.8%), alcohol use (n = 75, or 62.5%), and smoking (n = 50, or 41.7%). Common symptoms included pedal edema, palpitations, easy fatigability, and exertional dyspnea. Conclusion In conclusion, DCM is a critical condition that necessitates vigilant monitoring. Consistent observation of symptoms, recognition of potential triggers, and prompt identification of adverse drug reactions, electrolyte disturbances, and echocardiographic changes are essential. This awareness and early detection were responsible for the lower mortality and early symptom improvement observed in the present study group., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee of MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences issued approval IEC-MIMS-2024-001. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Iyer Murali et al.)

N 2 O is a classic prototype, in which central nitrogen is sufficiently electropositive with a positive potential of 20 kcal mol -1 in magnitude to qualify it as a possible pnicogen. This was applied to a test with N 2 O clusters using ab initio calculations in association with various molecular topographic tools. The structure of the energetically dominant and N 2 O dimer was in favor of a perpendicular geometry, where the central nitrogen atom of the N 2 O submolecule assumed a near 90° angle with the adjacent N═O and/or N═N moiety, which provides the affirmation of central nitrogen as a possible π-hole-driven pnicogen. The terminal nitrogen and oxygen atoms of N 2 O continue to act as conventional electron donors (Lewis bases) with a negative potential. Overall, predominant π-hole-driven N···O and N···N pnicogen bonding interactions were observed to stabilize N 2 O clusters. Furthermore, N 2 O clusters (dimers and trimers) were synthesized at low temperatures in an Ar matrix using molecular beam (effusive and supersonic expansion) experiments. The geometries of these clusters were characterized by probing infrared spectroscopy with corroboration from ab initio computational methods. In addition to our previously investigated nitromethane and nitrobenzene systems, N 2 O also makes it to a pnicogen bonder's club with the central nitrogen as a π-hole-driven pnicogen.

Nearly one quarter (600,000) of all neonatal deaths worldwide per year occur in India. To reduce neonatal mortality, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established neonatal care units, including neonatal intensive care units and specialized neonatal care units to provide immediate care at birth, resuscitation for asphyxiation, postnatal care, follow up for high-risk newborns, immunization, and referral for additional or complex healthcare services. Despite these efforts, neonatal mortality remains high, and measures taken to reduce mortality have been severely challenged by multiple problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this qualitative study, we conducted seven focus group discussions with newborn care unit nurses and pediatric residents and 35 key informant interviews with pediatricians, residents, nurses, annual equipment maintenance contractors, equipment manufacturers, and Ministry personnel in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra between December 2019 and November 2020. The goal of the study was to understand barriers and facilitators to providing optimal care to neonates, including the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 exacerbated existing barriers to providing optimal care to neonates in these newborn care units. As a result of Covid-19, we found the units were even more short-staffed than usual, with trained pediatric nurses and essential equipment diverted from newborn care to attend to patients with Covid-19. Regular training of neonatal nursing staff was also disrupted due to Covid-19, leaving many staff without the skills to provide optimate care to neonates. Infection control was also exacerbated by Covid-19. This study highlights the barriers to providing optimal care for neonates were made even more challenging during Covid-19 because of the diversion of critically important neonatal equipment and staff trained to use that equipment to Covid-19 wards. The barriers at the individual, facility, and systems levels will remain challenging as the Covid-19 pandemic continues., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Messersmith et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Solvent extraction of Zr(IV) in an undiluted phosphonium based ionic liquid (IL) and its selective separation from Ln(III) and An(III) has been investigated in the present study. Eu(III)/Am(III) were chosen as the representative Ln(III)/An(III). Tri(hexyl)tetradecylphosphonium nitrate ([P 66614 ][NO 3 ]) was chosen as IL phase and the feed phase was nitric acid containing the target metal ions. The extraction process was accomplished at different experimental parameters such as the concentration of initial nitric acid, initial feed metal concentration and equilibration time to explore the extractability of the proposed IL towards Zr(IV). The efficient extraction of Zr(IV) without any external ligand in IL phase and negligible extraction of Eu(III)/Am(III) were distinctly discerned leading to noteworthy separation factors for Zr(IV). The loading experiment revealed a noticeable growth of equilibrium concentrations of Zr(IV) in IL phase while that of Eu(III) was very less irrespective of the initial feed concentration. The association of two IL moieties in the complex formation process has been inferred. Nitrate ion was found to be superior as IL anion in terms of metal loading in comparison to other anions. Thermodynamics of extraction and the stripping of the loaded Zr(IV) from IL phase using a suitable stripping solution have also been investigated., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Introduction: Multiple laparotomies, immunosuppressive therapy, wound infection, and malnutrition are risk factors for incisional hernia development, which places inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients at high risk. With advances in minimally invasive techniques, this study assesses incisional hernia repair techniques and complications in the IBD population., Methods: A single-center, retrospective review of adults with IBD who underwent incisional hernia repair from 2008 to 2022. Complications relative to operative approach and mesh placement location were assessed using descriptive and univariate statistics., Results: Eighty-eight IBD patients underwent incisional hernia repair. Fifty-two (59.1%) were on immunomodulators and 30 (34.1%) were repaired primarily. Thirty-five (39.7%) hernias recurred, of whom 19 (33%) had mesh placed. Three (30%) occurred in onlay repairs and 16 (33%) occurred in underlay repairs. Subdivision of underlay repairs into intraperitoneal, preperitoneal and retrorectus mesh placement revealed recurrence rates of 35.1%, 50%, and 14.3%, respectively. Patients with open repair were more likely to have intraoperative bowel injury (28.6% vs 9.7%, p = 0.041) and develop postoperative seromas/abscesses (12.5% vs 0%, p = 0.001) and wound complications (17.9% vs 0%, p = 0.012) compared to laparoscopic. Seromas/abscesses developed more frequently in onlay repairs compared to underlay (40% vs 2.13%, p = 0.001). Twelve (13.6%) patients presented with postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO), 7 (58.3%) of whom had mesh placed, and 6 (85.7%) were underlay. All SBO after underlay repair had intraperitoneally placed mesh. When comparing surgeons, hernias were more likely to recur performed by colorectal surgeons compared to hernia surgeons (63.3% vs 21.3%, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: In IBD patients, minimally invasive approaches lead to fewer perioperative complications compared to open. Underlay mesh placement demonstrated decreased incidence of seroma/abscess formation compared to onlay. When sub-grouped, underlay placements were similar in terms of complications. Retrorectus placement, however, had fewer recurrences and no readmissions for SBO. This suggests a minimally invasive approach or placement of retrorectus mesh may provide the optimal repair in this patient population., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The existence of unique ON⋯π pnicogen bonding in combination with C-H⋯π/C-H⋯O hydrogen bonding interactions has been experimentally affirmed in the heterodimers of nitromethane with aliphatic (acetylene; NMAc) and aromatic (benzene; NMBz) π-electron donors at low temperatures under isolated conditions. The potential energy surfaces of NMAc and NMBz dimers have been probed for stationary points using ab initio and DFT computational methods. Three unique geometries for NMAc dimers were optimized, which were stabilized through mixed ON⋯π pnicogen bonding and C-H⋯π/C-H⋯O hydrogen bonding interactions with varying strength. Within the Ar matrix at 12 K, only the C-H⋯π and C-H⋯O bound NMAc dimer was generated, while in N 2 , two geometries, one stabilized by pnicogen bonded ON⋯π and C-H⋯π interactions and the other by C-H⋯π and C-H⋯O interactions, were produced. The NMBz dimer has only one structure stabilized by both ON⋯π pnicogen and C-H⋯π hydrogen bonding interactions that appears to be generated preferentially. The binding energies of both the dimers have the greatest contribution from electrostatics in both classes of NMAc and NMBz dimers, which is closely followed by dispersion forces in the case of NMBz. The increased proton affinity of benzene over acetylene appears to enhance the strength of C-H⋯π hydrogen bonds in NMBz while the ON⋯π pnicogen bonds remain quite similar in strength in both NMBz and NMAc dimers.

Both tetrel and pnicogen bonds are known to be induced through σ-/π-holes. This work reports computational and experimental evidence of the carbonyl carbon of acetone hosting a tetrel bond by dispersion rather electrostatic forces, for the first time, while phosphorus of POCl 3 sustains pnicogen bonding via the σ-hole. Heterodimers of POCl 3 with acetone (CH 3 COCH 3 ) have been isolated within inert gas matrixes of Ar and N 2 at 12 K. Characteristic vibrational bands at P═O stretching of POCl 3 and C═O stretching of CH 3 COCH 3 have been obtained in support of the computations. The potential energy surface has been traced computationally using ab initio and density functional methods. CH 3 COCH 3 harboring such a tetrel bond, in itself, is quite intriguing. The interplay of these interactions has been comprehended by the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, natural bond orbital, energy decomposition, electrostatic potential mapping, and noncovalent interaction analyses.

Geometries of nitromethane homodimers have been revisited using ab initio and density functional methodologies, following their formation within cryogenic matrices, confirmed using infrared spectroscopy. In contrast to the claim that the intermolecular interactions are due to dispersion forces or very weak hydrogen bonds, in the present work, concrete evidence for the prevalence of O═N...O pnicogen bonding has been presented. The pnicogen bonds have been found to be primarily responsible for the characteristic geometry of a homodimer. The formation of a nitromethane dimer with pnicogen bonding stabilization is evidenced using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy with Ne and Ar matrices and computations. The interactions within homodimers have been characterized using quantum theory of atoms in molecules, natural bond orbital, energy decomposition, electrostatic potential mapping, and noncovalent interaction analyses. The larger intermolecular separations in liquid nitromethane indicated by previous molecular dynamics-based studies alongside the supposed invariance of infrared spectra in the gas phase and liquid phase could have led to the assumption of a lack of intermolecular interactions. However, the prevalence of hydrogen and pnicogen bonds across these larger than usual separations is affirmed by the geometries presented here.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the leading cereal crop and staple food in many parts of the world. This study aims to develop nutrient-rich maize genotypes by incorporating crtRB1 and o2 genes associated with increased β-carotene, lysine, and tryptophan levels. UMI1200 and UMI1230, high quality maize inbreds, are well-adapted to tropical and semi-arid regions in India. However, they are deficient in β-carotene, lysine, and tryptophan. We used the concurrent stepwise transfer of genes by marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) scheme to introgress crtRB1 and o2 genes. In each generation (from F 1 , BC 1 F 1 -BC 3 F 1 , and ICF 1 -ICF 3 ), foreground and background selections were carried out using gene-linked (crtRB1 3'TE and umc1066) and genome-wide simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Four independent BC 3 F 1 lines of UMI1200 × CE477 (Cross-1), UMI1200 × VQL1 (Cross-2), UMI1230 × CE477 (Cross-3), and UMI1230 × VQL1 (Cross-4) having crtRB1 and o2 genes and 87.45-88.41% of recurrent parent genome recovery (RPGR) were intercrossed to generate the ICF 1 -ICF 3 generations. Further, these gene pyramided lines were examined for agronomic performance and the β-carotene, lysine, and tryptophan contents. Six ICF 3 lines (DBT-IC-β 1 σ 4 -4-8-8, DBT-IC-β 1 σ 4 -9-21-21, DBT-IC-β 1 σ 4 -10-1-1, DBT-IC-β 2 σ 5 -9-51-51, DBT-IC-β 2 σ 5 -9-52-52 and DBT-IC-β 2 σ 5 -9-53-53) possessing crtRB1 and o2 genes showed better agronomic performance (77.78-99.31% for DBT-IC-β 1 σ 4 population and 85.71-99.51% for DBT-IC-β 2 σ 5 population) like the recurrent parents and β-carotene (14.21-14.35 μg/g for DBT-IC-β 1 σ 4 and 13.28-13.62 μg/g for DBT-IC-β 2 σ 5 ), lysine (0.31-0.33% for DBT-IC-β 1 σ 4 and 0.31-0.34% for DBT-IC-β 2 σ 5 ), and tryptophan (0.079-0.082% for DBT-IC-β 1 σ 4 and 0.078-0.083% for DBT-IC-β 2 σ 5 ) levels on par with that of the donor parents. In the future, these improved lines could be developed as a cultivar for various agro-climatic zones and also as good genetic materials for maize nutritional breeding programs., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background:  Approximately 25% of all neonatal deaths worldwide occur in India. The Indian Government has established Special Neonatal Care Units (SNCUs) in district and sub-district level hospitals to reduce neonatal mortality, but mortality rates have stagnated. Reasons include lack of personnel and training and sub-optimal quality of care. The role of medical equipment is critical for the care of babies, but its role in improving neonatal outcomes has not been well studied.  Methods:  In a qualitative study, we conducted seven focus group discussions with SNCU nurses and pediatric residents and thirty-five key informant interviews and with pediatricians, residents, nurses, annual equipment maintenance contractors, equipment manufacturers, and Ministry of Health personnel in Maharashtra between December 2019 and November 2020. The goal of the study was to understand challenges to SNCU care. In this paper, we focus on current gaps and future needs for SNCU equipment, quality of the power supply, and use of SNCU equipment. Results:  Respondents described a range of issues but highlighted poor power quality as an important cause of equipment malfunction. Other concerns were lack of timely repair that resulted in needed equipment being unavailable for neonatal care. Participants recommended procuring uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to protect equipment, improving quality/durability of equipment to withstand constant use, ensuring regular proactive maintenance for SNCU equipment, and conducting local power audits to discern and address the causes of power fluctuations. Conclusions:  Poor power quality and its negative impact on equipment function are major unaddressed concerns of those responsible for the care and safety of babies in SNCUs in Central India. Further research on the power supply and protection of neonatal equipment is needed to determine a cost-effective way to improve access to supportive care in SNCUs and desired improvements in neonatal mortality rates., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2022 Messersmith LJ et al.)

In consideration of the mounting attention drawn by the ionic liquid cyphos 101 (trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride: [P 66614 ][Cl]) in the recovery of rare earth metals and other valuable species from their waste matrices, an effort was made using luminescence spectroscopy to study the detailed liquid-liquid extraction and coordination behavior of Eu(III) using the nitrate form of cyphos 101 (cyphos nitrate: [P 66614 ][NO 3 ]) in its undiluted form. Eu(III) complexation with [P 66614 ][NO 3 ] at each stage of the extraction process was investigated using the luminescence spectroscopy technique. Various extraction parameters such as aqueous phase acidity, concentrations of ionic liquid extractant and initial Eu(III) ion, extraction time, experimental temperature, etc. were tuned to discover their impact on the complexation process. The uniqueness of the nitrate ion in ionic liquid was explored by comparing the emission patterns of Eu(III) with [P 66614 ]-based ionic liquids containing different anions. In addition, the affirmative effect of increasing the initial aqueous phase nitrate ion concentration in the coordination process was underscored by comparing the emission patterns in the chloride medium. The luminescence results of the Eu(III)- [P 66614 ][NO 3 ] complex were compared both in unirradiated and irradiated ionic liquid phases. Asymmetry ratio (AR) and lifetime data under each experimental condition were ascertained, thereby revealing the precise nature of complex formation and strength of the metal-solvate species (metal-ligand complex formation) formed. The stripping of the loaded Eu(III) from the [P 66614 ][NO 3 ] phase was established and the results were presented in the form of the emission patterns of Eu(III) in both phases.