Hexagonal Mo Bronze: Single Crystal Structures, Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution, and Proton Conductivity.

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) is a well-known transition metal oxide that has drawn much attention as a functional material having numerous applications. However, a vast majority of studies have primarily focused on α-MoO3, the thermodynamically stable polymorph of MoO3. This present work encompasses the synthesis of single crystals of two metastable hexagonal MoO3 described by the formulas {Mn0.03Na0.01}@[Mo0.93VIMo0.07VO3] (1) and {Cu0.01Na0.01}@[Mo0.97VIMo0.03VO3] (2), their comprehensive structural characterization by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and routine spectral and microscopic studies. Interestingly, compound 1 acts as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as well as an effective proton conductor in comparison to the performance of compound 2. The HER activity of compound 1 is characterized by an overpotential of 340 mV@1 mA cm-2 and a low Tafel slope of 75 mV/decade. The catalyst (compound 1) displays a Faradaic efficiency of 88% with a turnover frequency of 2.9 s-1. The proton conductivity value of this compound (1) is determined to be 4.9 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 55 °C under 98% relative humidity; the relevant proton conduction is operated by the Grotthuss mechanism with an activation energy of 0.17 eV.

Ayurveda management of cystocele, uterine prolapse and weak pelvic floor strength-A case report.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the downward displacement of pelvic organs. The condition is very common in women and negatively affects their quality of life. The aging process reflects in the form of structural and functional weakness of the pelvic floor which leads to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The strength and endurance of the Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) decrease significantly by these dysfunctions. In the present study, Pelvic floor strength (PFS) and endurance were assessed with the help of a perineometer. The patient was diagnosed with cystocele, uterine prolapse and weak PFS was assessed with the Perineometer. Patient was treated with Ayurvedicsthanika chikitsa (local treatment)- Yoni abhyanga (vaginal massage) and improvement in PFS was assessed after treatment. The present article aims to assess the pre and post-outcome results of PFM by using the objective tool perineometer. Seven days of yoni abhyanga along with oral medication were given and on follow-up after three months, the patient showed increased strength and endurance on the perineometer. Early diagnosis and management of the PFD will help to improve the QoL (Quality of Life) and prevent further deterioration of PFS.

Carboranethiol-Protected Propeller-Shaped Photoresponsive Silver Nanomolecule.

We report the synthesis, structural characterization, and photophysical properties of a propeller-shaped Ag21 nanomolecule with six rotary arms, protected with m-carborane-9-thiol (MCT) and triphenylphosphine (TPP) ligands. Structural analysis reveals that the nanomolecule has an Ag13 central icosahedral core with six directly connected silver atoms and two more silver atoms connected through three Ag-S-Ag bridging motifs. While 12 MCT ligands protect the core through metal-thiolate bonds in a 3-6-3-layered fashion, two TPP ligands solely protect the two bridging silver atoms. Interestingly, the rotational orientation of a silver sulfide staple motif is opposite to the orientation of carborane ligands, resembling the existence of a bidirectional rotational orientation in the nanomolecule. Careful analysis reveals that the orientation of carborane ligands on the cluster's surface resembles an assembly of double rotors. The zero circular dichroism signal indicates its achiral nature in solution. There are multiple absorption peaks in its UV-vis absorption spectrum, characteristic of a quantized electronic structure. The spectrum appears as a fingerprint for the cluster. High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry proves the structure and composition of the nanocluster in solution, and systematic fragmentation of the molecular ion starts with the loss of surface-bound ligands with increasing collision energy. Its multiple optical absorption features are in good agreement with the theoretically calculated spectrum. The cluster shows a narrow near-IR emission at 814 nm. The Ag21 nanomolecule is thermally stable at ambient conditions up to 100 °C. However, white-light illumination (lamp power = 120-160 W) shows photosensitivity, and this induces structural distortion, as confirmed by changes in the Raman and electronic absorption spectra. Femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption studies reveal an exceptionally stable excited state having a lifetime of 3.26 ± 0.02 µs for the carriers, spread over a broad wavelength region of 520-650 nm. The formation of core-centered long-lived carriers in the excited state is responsible for the observed light-activated structural distortion.

Ayurvedic Management of Hyperprolactinemia Secondary to Pituitary Microadenoma: A Case Report.

Hyperprolactinemia is a relatively common diagnosis to be expected in an adolescent age group with chronic menstrual disturbances. The present case report documents the efficacy of Ayurvedic management in a 21-year-old female with secretory pituitary microadenoma, which was found to be responsible for menstrual disturbances. The patient, with high prolactin levels with pituitary microadenoma, was subjected to an Ayurvedic management protocol, including Shamana nasya for 7 days followed by Shamana Cikitsa for 3 months. Patient follow-up was 6 months in duration. The clinical presentation of this case points towards the diagnosis of Asrgdara in Ayurveda. This is the first such case documented where Ayurveda was used as the intervention in a case of pituitary microadenoma with hyperprolactinemia, resulting in the complete absence of microadenoma and normalization of the prolactin level.

A comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment along with counseling in oligoasthenozoospermia with previous intrauterine insemination failure-A case report.

Male infertility contributes for 50% of infertility globally, and several etiological factors contribute to it. Oligoasthenozoospermia and anxiety, forms a vicious cycle, resulting in male infertility. A man advised for assisted reproductive techniques, even after correcting seminal parameters has poor success rate if the symptoms of anxiety is left untreated. The signs and symptoms of oligoasthenozoospermia can be compared with Kshina shukra of Ayurvedic classics. The present case report presents, the role of an indigenous combination of drugs in improving the quantity and quality of semen, along with the reduction in anxiety levels through counseling. The patient with low sperm motility and volume was subjected to Ayurvedic management protocol of initially Counseling, followed by Shodhana treatment and then administration of Mashadi choornam for 90 days. A marked improvement was observed in seminal parameters and anxiety levels and patient could undergo natural conception, a few months after the treatment, thus focusing on an integrative approach.

Effect of electron beam irradiation on the biochemical, microbiological and sensory quality of Litopenaeus vannamei during chilled storage.

The effects of electron beam irradiation (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 kGy) on the quality characteristics of vacuum packed headless vannamei stored under chilled condition (2 °C) was assessed. The total volatile base nitrogen, non protein nitrogen content, peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances showed an increasing trend during storage. Texture analysis indicated that shrimp irradiated at above 2.5 kGy dose had a lower hardness than control. L* value showed a decreased trend during storage (51.87-13.89). Moreover, b* and a* value showed a gradual increase during storage. The total viable count was lower in the irradiated sample than control. A similar trend also observed for psychrophilic, pseudomonas and H2S former count. There is a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in Brochothrix thermosphacta and lactobacillus count in the irradiated sample. Based on the microbial and sensory analysis control had a shelf life up to 12th day. However, electron beam irradiated sample had extended shelf life of 15-23 days with respect to dose level.

Protein hydrolysate from yellowfin tuna red meat as fortifying and stabilizing agent in mayonnaise.

Present study addresses the fortification of mayonnaise with fish protein hydrolysate by partial replacement of egg yolk in the product. Red meat of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), a by-product from tuna canning industry was used as the source of protein hydrolysate (TPH). Substitution of egg yolk with hydrolysate imparted noticeable fish flavor to the product only at higher levels of replacement (50% and above). Emulsion stability of mayonnaise samples was not significantly affected at the given range of substitution. The preliminary product acceptability parameters indicated higher desirability with a sensory score of 7.6 ± 0.7 for a replacement ratio of 1:2::TPH:egg yolk. Hence, the same combination was further subjected to morphological, rheological characterization, and opted for storage stability studies. Fortified mayonnaise exhibited lower particle size, indicative of higher emulsion quality which was also evident in the rheological properties of the sample. Results indicated better oxidative and physicochemical stability for fortified samples compared to control under chilled conditions, suggesting the applicability of fish protein hydrolysate as fortifying and stabilizing agent in mayonnaise preparations.

Tuna red meat hydrolysate as core and wall polymer for fish oil encapsulation: a comparative analysis.

Microencapsulation by spray drying is a well-accepted technique for fish oil stabilization. However, severe operational conditions during atomisation destabilise the emulsion, leading to capsule collapse and induction of auto-oxidation. Hence, use of food grade cross-linkers to strengthen the wall material and antioxidants to prevent lipid oxidation has been suggested. A promising option in this line is the use of bioactive peptides, which ensure oxidative stability through structural and chemical stabilisation. Present study attempted to compare the efficacy of yellowfin tuna red meat hydrolysate in protecting the core sardine oil, when used as wall and core polymer during encapsulation. Encapsulates were characterised based on morphological and physical parameters, as well as by in vitro digestibility studies. Their storage stability was also compared under accelerated (60 °C), chilled (4 °C) and ambient conditions (28 °C). Tuna protein hydrolysate exhibited significantly higher protective efficacy when used as core polymer rather than in the wall matrix of encapsulates.

An Ayurvedic treatment protocol to improve anti-mullerian hormone: A prerequisite for assisted reproductive technique- A case report.

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) produced by granulosa cells of preantral and antral follicles acts as a potential marker for ovarian reserve useful in predicting ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation. A woman undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with low AMH has poor success rate and ultimately the couple is left with the only option of IVF with a donor egg. The signs and symptoms of a patient with low AMH level can be compared to Dhatukshayajanya Vandhyata. The present case report documents the efficacy of an Ayurvedic treatment protocol in improving the AMH value, which is a prerequisite for assisted reproductive technique (ART) without a donor egg. The patient with low AMH level was subjected to Ayurvedic management protocol including Shamana for 3 months and Shodhana procedure for 21 days. The follow-up was done for 3 months. A marked improvement in the AMH level was noted in the first 3 months and also after the follow-up period, thus making her eligible for ART with her own egg.