Radiation Shielding efficiency of lead-tungsten-boron glasses with Sb, Al, and Bi against gamma, neutron and charge particles

We report on newly developed nuclear shielding glass system based on lead-tungsten-boron (PWB) for radiation applications against photon, neutron and charge particles. This newly developed system contains also different additions, in low concentrations, such as Sb, Al and Bi. The gamma/photon shielding performance was tested by using FLUKA Monte Carlo. Moreover, the shielding efficiency of the present system is examined against charged particles (light and heavy ones) and neutrons. The highest gamma/photons attenuation is observed in the lowest incident energy and this is at the region of the photoelectric absorption. We also observe that the values of effective atomic number (Zeff) show a peak at 100 keV incident energy. The reduction of these values is higher for photon energy range 0.1-1 MeV than below 80 keV energies. The lowest half value layer (d1/2), reflecting the best shielding efficiency, is recorded for the PWB-Bi system. The PWB-Bi system demonstrates promising performance better than many of commercial and standard systems and heavy concretes.

An experimental approach to determine the gamma radiation interaction mean free path and exposure buildup factor for biomolecules

This experimental approach was designed to understand the gamma interaction parameters for the essential biomolecules, including starch soluble, cholesterol, myristic acid, glucose, oxalic acid, dextrose, salicylic acid, ethyl cellulose and sucrose. The empirical determination of gamma interaction parameters, such as interaction mean-free-path (MFP), buildup factor, and effective atomic number (Zeff) was performed by measuring mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) at energies of 356 keV, 511 keV, 662 keV, 1173 keV, 1275 keV and 1332 keV. This was achieved using weak radioactive sources and a NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer with collimated and non-collimated transmission geometry. The experimentally determined values of gamma-ray interaction parameters were obtained non-destructively and precisely agreeing with the expected values from simulations and codes. In addition, the research findings also revealed a novel trend in gamma interaction mean free path as a function of energy and variable buildup factors for the selected biomolecules. These research findings provide valuable insight into the process of gamma radiation interaction. This approach may fulfil the increasing demand of medical, technical and academic research laboratories for a cost-effective and reliable empirical methodology to understand gamma radiation interaction with matter.

Non-covalent interactions in the self-assembly of dihydropyridone supermolecules and in vitro anti-cancer assessment in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549)

The synthesis of dihydropyridone derivatives has been reported by ring rearrangement of pyrans using iodine and formic acid as a catalyst separately. Dihydropyridones were crystallized subjected for single-crystal X-ray crystallography to acquire their structural parameters. The different non-covalent interactions involved within the supermolecular systems were studied and validated using Hirshfeld surface plot analysis. N-H···O interactions between the lactam group dominate. Still, other non-covalent interactions such as C-H···N, C-H···O, C-H···C, N-H···N, C-H···π, and lone pair···π systems act as the driving force in facilitating the self-assembly of the dihydropyridone supermolecules. The synthesized compounds were analyzed by in vitro techniques using human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) to evaluate their cytotoxic activities. Ethyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyano-2-methyl-6-oxo-1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylate has shown the highest cytotoxicity among all the synthesized compounds. Molecular recognition properties of the dihydropyridone compounds were also studied, employing molecular docking tools to gain insight into the binding mode inside the allosteric binding pocket of the Eg5 protein through non-covalent interactions.

Phytochemical analysis, in silico study and toxicity profile of Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham seed in mice

Fruit of Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham has been used as medicine by the local community in some parts of the north eastern state of India. Despite its uses for different purposes, the safety assessment study has not been conducted. Therefore, we have evaluated the acute and the sub-acute toxicity of methanolic extract of C. pectinata fruit (CPFE) in a mice model via oral route of administration. Phytochemicals analysis was carried out by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The acute toxicity study was performed at a single dose of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg and the sub-acute toxicity study at a dose of 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg was administered daily for 28 days. The calculated Lethal dose 50 (LD50) of CPFE was found to be 4000 mg/kg. Both acute and sub-acute studies showed that 5000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg dose was toxic to the mice. The results of acute toxicity showed CPFE could have a mild toxic effect on the kidney at a dose of 3000 and 5000 mg/kg, as some deteriorated changes in the kidney along with increase creatinine levels were observed. Acute toxicity also showed an increase in white blood cells (WBC) at a dose of 3000 mg/kg.However, sub-acute toxicity studies do not show any detrimental effects on liver, kidney and hematological parameters. Thus, it can be suggested that CPFE at a dose of 100 and 300 mg/kg would be safe for consumption. The phytochemicals analysis by LC-MS, NMR and FTIR showed the presence of 32 major chemical compounds with certain biological activity like anti-neoplastic, antioxidant, and possible modulator of steroid metabolism (cholesterol antagonist and agonist of testosterone 17β-dehydrogenase) as predicted by PASS analysis.

A clinicoepidemiological and management profile of metastatic carcinoma gallbladder in the northeast part of Indian patients in a tertiary care center

Introduction

Metastatic gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly fatal malignancy and it is difficult to treat the advanced stage of GBC. In India, northern and northeastern states are the worst affected by this disease. We, hereby, report the clinicoepidemiological and management profile of 242 patients of metastatic carcinoma of GB.

Materials and Methods

In this study, a total of 242 cases of metastatic GBC (detected either on the first presentation or during follow-up) were managed at the Department of Medical Oncology tertiary care oncology center in the northeast part of India from May 2018 to September 2019. On presentation, all patients were subjected to detailed history and clinical examination, followed by requisite investigations and were treated as per the existent guidelines.

Results

One-hundred and forty-two patients were female, while 100 patients were male out of 242 patients. Female patients with metastatic GBC presented with the mean age of 54, while for males, 51.4 years. The most common presentation was pain abdomen (81.8%), while the second most common was anorexia (77.2%), followed by weight loss (62.8%) and mass per abdomen (60.7%). The most common site of metastasis recorded in our study was the liver (79.7%), followed by nonregional abdominal lymph node (69.4%) and ascites (64.4%). Out of the 242 patients, 24 patients had presented in poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (≥3) hence were deemed unfit for any oncological interventions. About 136 (56.1%) patients had presented with features of obstructive jaundice, however only 108 patients were subjected to biliary drainage procedure. After the biliary drainage procedures, only one-third (38 out of 136; 35.1%) of patients were finally able to receive chemotherapy.

Conclusion

In India, unfortunately, many patients present very late during the course of their illness. There is a need for the development of effective chemotherapy or targeted therapy and also there is an unmet need for patients' education. There has been an increase in the incidence of this malignancy, especially in the Northeast part of India; hence, it is the need of the hour to study various epidemiological and causative factors of the disease. Furthermore, the development of therapies for the effective management of this malignancy is really required.

Forecasting groundwater level of karst aquifer in a large mining area using partial mutual information and NARX hybrid model

Predicting the groundwater level of karst aquifers in North China Coalfield is essential for early warning of mine water hazards and regional water resources management. However, the dynamic changes of strata structure and hydrogeological parameters driven by coal mining activity cause challenges to the process-oriented groundwater model. In order to achieve accurate prediction of groundwater level in large mining areas, this study was the first to use the data-driven Nonlinear Autoregressive with External Input (NARX) model to predict the groundwater level of six karst aquifer observation wells in Pingshuo Mining Area. Three variable input scenarios were set up, solely considering meteorological factors, anthropogenic disturbance factors, and considering both meteorological and anthropogenic disturbance factors. The novel partial mutual information (PMI) screening algorithm was adopted to determine optimized input variables in each scenario. The input and feedback delay coefficients of NARX model were determined by using Seasonal-trend Decomposition Procedure Based on Loess (STL) algorithm and auto- and cross-correlation functions. The results showed that PMI algorithm can effectively screen out the optimal input variables for predicting groundwater level, the NSE coefficients of the PMI-NARX models under the three scenarios were 38.81%, 4.26% and 41.46% higher than those of the corresponding control experiments, respectively. In addition, the prediction performance of the PMI-NARX built on the basis of meteorological factors is poor (NSE <0.63). However, in scenarios which solely use anthropogenic disturbance factors and both use meteorological and anthropogenic disturbance factors, the PMI-NARX coupling models exhibit good prediction performance (NSE and R² are all greater than 0.8). Especially under solely considering anthropogenic disturbance factors scenario, the model still exhibited good prediction accuracy with a negligible number of input variables. The results can provide technical and theoretical support for the prediction of groundwater level in other mining areas.

Synthesis of a Pyridone-Based Phthalimide Fleximer and Its Characterization and Supramolecular Property Evaluation

In this study, a novel pyridone-based phthalimide fleximer, that is, ethyl 5-cyano-6-(3-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)propoxy)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylnicotinate, was synthesized, and its structure was established by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The supramolecular self-assembly of the titled compound through noncovalent interactions was then investigated thoroughly. The titled compound crystallized with two symmetry-independent molecules (A and B, Z' = 2). In agreement with experimental observations, our density functional theory calculations also showed that the titled compound has a flexible motif and can occur in various conformations, including molecules A and B. The investigation of the supramolecular framework revealed that the molecules are notably bound by the nonclassical C-H···O and C-H···N hydrogen bonds and C-H···π interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out to quantify the various intermolecular interactions. The dual anti-inflammatory activity of the tilted compound was also explored by molecular docking in the active sites of 5-LOX and COX-2 receptors, which revealed good binding affinities of -9.0 and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively.

Observation of the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless Transition in a Two-Dimensional Bose Gas via Matter-Wave Interferometry

We probe local phase fluctuations of trapped two-dimensional Bose gases using matter-wave interferometry. This enables us to measure the phase correlation function, which changes from an algebraic to an exponential decay when the system crosses the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition. We determine the temperature dependence of the BKT exponent η and find the critical value η_{c}=0.17(3) for our trapped system. Furthermore, we measure the local vortex density as a function of the local phase-space density, which shows a scale-invariant behavior across the transition. Our experimental investigation is supported by Monte Carlo simulations and provides a comprehensive understanding of the BKT transition in a trapped system.

Hydrogen sulphide ameliorates hexavalent chromium toxicity in two cereal crops: Role of antioxidant enzymes and proline metabolism

Chromium pollution in soils is a major threat as it reduces crop yields. Hence, researchers seek methods/strategies which could curtail such losses. We report the role of H₂ S in alleviating hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] stress in two cereals crops, i.e. wheat and rice seedlings, by estimating various physiological attributes. Cr(VI) reduced shoot and root length in both cereals through increased accumulation of Cr(VI) in root tips and increased in oxidative stress markers, i.e. superoxide radicals (SOR), H₂ O₂ and lipid peroxidation (as MDA equivalent). Supplementation with H₂ S alleviated Cr(VI) toxicity in both cereal crops. Application of H₂ S increased tolerance to Cr(VI) stress by protecting photosynthesis and enhancing activity of antioxidant enzymes, particularly glutathione-S-transferase and content of proline. Rice was more resistant to Cr(VI) than wheat seedlings.

Ethylene and hydrogen sulphide are essential for mitigating hexavalent chromium stress in two pulse crops

Chromium toxicity to crops is a major scientific problem of the present time. Thus, scientific attempts have been made for reducing chromium toxicity to crop plants. In this study, we examined the potential of ethylene (ET, 25 µM) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S, 10 µM) to alleviate hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI), 50 µM] stress in two pulse crops, black bean and mung bean, by assessing physiological and biochemical attributes. Cr(VI) reduced shoot and root length in black bean and mung bean in comparison to the control. Plants had increased accumulation of oxidative stress markers, i.e. superoxide radicals (SOR), hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) and lipid peroxidation (as malondialdehyde, MDA). The addition of AVG (an inhibitor of ET biosynthesis) and PAG (an inhibitor of H₂ S biosynthesis) to Cr(VI)-treated plants further increased Cr(VI) toxicity, suggesting their endogenous levels are important for tolerating Cr(VI) toxicity. However, supplementation with either ET or H₂ S alleviated Cr(VI) toxicity. Interestingly, ET did not rescue negative effects of PAG under Cr(VI) stress but NaHS rescued negative effect of AVG. Overall, results indicate that, although both ET and H₂ S alleviate Cr(VI) stress, endogenous H₂ S is better. Furthermore, H₂ S appears to be a downstream signal for ET in alleviating Cr(VI) stress in these two pulse crops.

A comparative study of three stomatal conductance models for estimating evapotranspiration in a dune ecosystem in a semi-arid region

The accurate simulation of stomatal conductance is crucial for not only revealing the carbon and water cycle processes of an ecosystem, but also to improve the accuracy of simulations of evapotranspiration (ET). This study coupled three stomatal conductance models, i.e. the Stannard (ST), Jarvis-Stewart (JS), and Ball-Berry (BB) models, with the Shuttleworth-Wallace (SW) model to estimate ET for a mobile dune ecosystem in the Horqin Sandy Land, North China. These models were calibrated and validated using eddy covariance (EC) measurements taken during the growing season between 2013 and 2018. The results indicated that the SW-BB model showed better performance in comparison to the SW-JS and SW-ST models at half-hourly and daily timescales. The stomatal conductance models incorporating soil moisture (SM) content generally showed better performance during the extreme drought period, with the rank of the three models according to performance being: SW-BB > SW-JS > SW-ST. The models showed the highest sensitivity to SM when incorporating the effect of SM on stomatal conductance, indicating that SM has an important effect on stomatal conductance and ET. The results of this study indicate that of the models assessed, the Ball-Berry stomatal conductance model coupled with the SW model is optimal for estimating ET in dune ecosystems with sparse vegetation.

Comparison of an improved Penman-Monteith model and SWH model for estimating evapotranspiration in a meadow wetland in a semiarid region

Accurately estimating evapotranspiration (ET) for meadow wetland ecosystems is of great significance for water management in semiarid regions. Taking a meadow wetland ecosystem in the Horqin Sandy Land as an example, this study coupled the Ball-Berry canopy stomatal conductance model to Penman-Monteith (P-M) model and Shuttleworth-Wallace (S-W) model, and the improved P-M model and SWH model were calibrated and validated by long-term (2013-2018 growing seasons) eddy covariance (EC) measurements. The results indicated that the improved P-M model and SWH model performed well either at half-hourly or daily timescales, with high coefficient of determination (R²) and index of agreement (IA) and low root mean square error (RMSE). Generally, the SWH model performed better than the improved P-M model, especially under the low leaf area index (LAI) conditions. In addition, in the growing seasons from 2013 to 2018, the mean ET measured by the EC system was 2.78 mm/d, which was approximately equal to the mean modeled ET from the SWH model (2.75 mm/d) and slightly higher than the mean modeled ET from the improved P-M model (2.34 mm/d). The improved P-M model and SWH model were highly sensitive to the parameter in estimating canopy surface resistance and to vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in meteorological variables.

Green synthesis, structural analysis and anticancer activity of dihydropyrimidinone derivatives

In this study, for the first time, we have used Citrus macroptera juice to synthesize dihydropyrimidine (DHPM) derivatives via the Biginelli reaction, which showed better yield, shorter reaction time, and did not require an organic solvent for the reaction. A series of DHPM derivatives were synthesized, and characterized, and structural analysis was achieved through SCXRD & Hirshfeld surface analysis. We observed that these synthesized dihydropyrimidine (DHPM) derivatives showed C–H⋯π, C–H⋯O, C–H⋯N, C–H⋯C, lone pair⋯π, π⋯π, etc. interactions. We also performed in silico studies for their inhibitory activities against human kinesin Eg5 enzyme, and the cytotoxic activity of the synthesized compounds was carried out against A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. In silico analysis demonstrated that compounds with a chloro-group at the 3- or 4-position in the substituted ring of DHPM showed higher binding affinity for the human kinesin Eg5 enzyme (−7.9 kcal mol⁻¹) than the standard drug monastrol (−7.8 kcal mol⁻¹). Furthermore, in vitro cellular studies revealed that compounds with a chloro-group at the 3- or 4-position in the substituted ring of DHPM induced significant cell death in human A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. This result indicates that a deactivating group (chlorine) at the 3- or 4-position in the substituted ring of DHPM might be a promising anticancer drug candidate for treating different types of cancers, particularly cancer of the lung.

Green synthesis, study and development of new potent dihydropyrimidinone analogues as anti-cancer drugs.

Potential drug development and therapeutic approaches for clinical intervention in COVID-19

While the vaccination is now available to many countries and will slowly dissipate to others, effective therapeutics for COVID-19 is still illusive. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to researchers, scientists, and clinicians and affected the wellbeing of millions of people worldwide. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a multitude of existing anti-viral, antibiotic, antimalarial, and anticancer drugs have been tested, and some have shown potency in the treatment and management of COVID-19, albeit others failed to leave any positive impact and a few also became controversial as they showed mixed clinical outcomes. In the present article, we have brought together some of the candidate therapeutic drugs being repurposed or used in the clinical trials and discussed their clinical efficacy and safety for COVID-19.

Nitric oxide (NO) and salicylic acid (SA): A framework for their relationship in plant development under abiotic stress

The free radical nitric oxide (NO) and the phenolic phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) are signal molecules which exert key functions at biochemical and physiological levels. Abiotic stresses, especially in early plant development, impose the biggest threats to agricultural systems and crop yield. These stresses impair plant growth and subsequently cause a reduction in root development, affecting nutrient uptake and crop productivity. The molecules NO and SA have been identified as robust tools for efficiently mitigating the negative effects of abiotic stress in plants. SA is engaged in an array of tasks under adverse environmental situations. The function of NO depends on its cellular concentration; at a low level, it acts as a signal molecule, while at a high level, it triggers nitro-oxidative stress. The crosstalk between NO and SA involving different signalling molecules and regulatory factors modulate plant function during stressful situations. Crosstalk between these two signalling molecules induces plant tolerance to abiotic stress and needs further investigation. This review aims to highlight signalling aspects of NO and SA in higher plants and critically discusses the roles of these two molecules in alleviating abiotic stress.

Low-dose ACTH test for evaluation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis preoperatively and 3-month follow-up in non-functioning pituitary adenomas

BACKGROUND

Peri-operative glucocorticoids are routinely administered to patients undergoing trans-sphenoidal surgery for non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPA) irrespective of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis status.

PURPOSE

Evaluation of HPA axis before and 12 weeks after endoscopic trans-sphenoidal adenomectomy (E-TSA) utilizing low-dose (1 μg) ACTH stimulation test (LDACTH) to determine the need for glucocorticoid administration in patients with NFPA. We also determined the factors that can predict occurrence of hypocortisolism at 12 weeks after surgery.

METHODS

Sixty-three consecutive patients with NFPA requiring surgical excision were enrolled in this study. Glucocorticoids were administered to patients with demonstrable hypocortisolism [preoperative peak cortisol < 16 μg/dL during LDACTH test, postoperative day 3 (POD-3) 0800 hrs Cortisol < 8 μg/dL or stimulated cortisol (LDACTH) < 16 μg/dL at 12 weeks].

RESULTS

Hypocortisolism was present in 43 patients (68.2%) pre-operatively and persisted in 33 patients (52.4%) on POD-3. Thirty-three patients (52.4%) had hypocortisolism at 12 weeks after surgery. Eleven patients (17.4%) did not require glucocorticoids during the entire study period and 30 patients (47.6%) did not require glucocorticoids after 3 months. None of the patients developed adrenal crisis during the study. Hypocortisolism on the third post-operative day was the single significant predictor of hypocortisolism at 12 weeks after the surgery. There was a significant correlation between POD-3 0800 hrs cortisol ≥ 8μg/dL and stimulated cortisol (LDACTH) ≥16μg/dL at 12 weeks (r = 0.62, p < 0.0001). POD-3 0800 hrs cortisol ≥ 8 μg/dL had 73% sensitivity and 79% specificity in predicting eucortisolism at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

HPA function is preserved in significant proportion of NFPA patients undergoing E-TSA. Perioperative glucocorticoids should be given only in patients with demonstrable preoperative hypocortisolism on 1 μg ACTH test. Postoperative day 3 0800 hrs cortisol is a reasonable predictor of HPA axis status at 12 weeks after surgery.

Step toward repurposing drug discovery for COVID-19 therapeutics through in silico approach

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has become a threat to global health and has led to a global economic crisis. Although the researchers worldwide are putting tremendous effort toward gaining more insights into this zoonotic virus and developing vaccines and therapeutic drugs, no vaccine or drug is yet available to combat COVID-19 effectively. Drug discovery is often a laborious, time-consuming, and expensive task. In this time of crisis, employing computational methods could provide a feasible alternative approach that can potentially be used for drug discovery. Therefore, a library of several antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs was virtually screened against SARS-CoV-2 proteases to identify potential inhibitors. The identified inhibitory drugs were further analyzed to confirm their activities against SARS-CoV-2. Our results could prove to be helpful in repurposing the drug discovery approach, which could substantially reduce the expenses, time, and resources required.

Tradeoff for water resources allocation based on updated probabilistic assessment of matching degree between water demand and water availability

Water resources allocation is very important for water resources management. However, it is subject to the uncertainty in water availability (WA) or water demand (WD), as well as the pressure exerted by multi-stakeholders. Therefore, we propose a general framework as following: (i) applying Bayes theorem to develop a forecasting model for WA and WD probability distributions; (ii) constructing the matching matrix showing matching degree between WA and WD and assessing the probabilistic behavior of water resources allocation solutions based on the matching matrices; and (iii) performing the trade-off analysis among the solutions under different stakeholders' objectives to meet requirements of multi-stakeholders. Longgang River basin is selected as a case study area to demonstrate the proposed framework. Results show that, the forecast probability distributions of WA and WD may be updated timely with newly introduced data, and reflect their statistical characters well. Furthermore, the matching matrices illustrate the probabilities of the possible outcomes of each allocation solution clearly. From the probabilistic assessment; the results suggest: 21160×10⁴ m³ diverted water are required to surely satisfy the current water demands, which is exactly the amount currently diverted for the study area. The proposed framework provides the updated probabilistic assessment for the possible outcomes, contributing to stakeholders to perform the tradeoff with each other. It makes significant contributions to address water allocation issues under uncertainty and is worthy to be applied broadly.

Gamma-ray attenuation properties of some NLO materials: potential use in dosimetry

Mass attenuation coefficients ([Formula: see text]) for some nonlinear optical materials such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, zinc tris-thiourea sulphate, and zinc thiourea chloride were measured using a [Formula: see text] NaI(Tl) scintillation detector at gamma energies of 122 keV, 356 keV, 511 keV, 662 keV, 840 keV, 1170 keV, 1270 keV, and 1330 keV. In addition, GEANT4 simulations were carried out to mimic the experiment at these energies. As a result, good agreement between the experimental and GEANT4 results was observed. The measured [Formula: see text] values were used to compute effective atomic numbers ([Formula: see text]) for the selected materials. It was found that the [Formula: see text] values were in the range typical for dosimetric materials.

Anti-diabetic drugs recent approaches and advancements

Diabetes is one of the major diseases worldwide and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Anti-diabetic drugs are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus to control glucose levels in the blood. Most of the drugs are administered orally, except for a few of them, such as insulin, exenatide, and pramlintide. In this review, we are going to discuss seven major types of anti-diabetic drugs: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors, aldose reductase inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitors. Here, we are also discussing some of the recently reported anti-diabetic agents with its multi-target pharmacological actions. This review summarises recent approaches and advancement in anti-diabetes treatment concerning characteristics, structure-activity relationships, functional mechanisms, expression regulation, and applications in medicine.

Management of Unstable Middle Turbinate in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

To propose a simple technique for preservation, medialization and stabilization of the middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using suction electrocautery between middle turbinate and nasal septum. Study design is Case series. 150 cases of chronic rhino sinusitis who underwent ESS were selected and stabilization of the middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using suction electrocautery was done as last step and results studied. Adequate medialization was achieved in 141 cases with 94% success rate. This technique of medialization of middle turbinate through a planned medial synechiae formation using cautery between middle turbinate and nasal septum is simple, quick to perform, do not require any special or costly instrument, do not require any special training and thus can be easily done by beginners also and most importantly with good success rate and surgery outcome.

Pathogenic characterization of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus of Indian origin in experimentally infected piglets

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an economically important transboundary viral disease of pigs confronting the swine industry worldwide. This study was aimed to assess the pathogenic potential of PRRS virus belonging to genotype 2 that emerged in India in 2013. Nine 6-week-old piglets were inoculated intranasally with 2 × 10^5.75  TCID₅₀ /ml of PRRSV (Ind-297221/2013). Three piglets were kept as uninfected controls. Blood and nasal swabs were collected daily up to 7 days post-infection (dpi) and on alternate days subsequently. Piglets were necropsied for tissue sample collection either on death or after euthanasia on 7, 14 or 21 dpi (one uninfected control and three PRRSV-infected piglets per interval). The virus caused high fever, typical blue ear, weight loss, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and leucopenia between 2 and 8 dpi. Two infected piglets died (on 3 and 17 dpi) during the course of study. The presence of virus in serum and nasal secretion was observed up to 19 and 17 dpi, respectively, with the maximum load between 4 and 7 dpi. Seroconversion started 6 dpi and the mean PRRSV antibody titre reached up to 640 by 21 dpi. Virus load was highest in tonsils at all the intervals, whereas in spleen and lymph nodes load was higher in later intervals. Major microscopic lesions in PRRSV-infected piglets included moderate to severe interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid depletion in tonsils and lymph nodes (cystic), thymic atrophy, reactive hyperplasia followed by lymphoid depletion in spleen. PRRSV antigen was consistently demonstrated by immunoperoxidase test in the lungs, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes. Antigen distribution was more widespread on 7 and 14 dpi than on 21 dpi. The findings establish that the Indian PRRSV is highly pathogenic to piglets.

Sinonasal Mucormycosis: A to Z

Mucormycosis caused by one of the members of Mucoraceae family, is one of the most rapidly spreading and fatal fungal infection occurring mostly in Diabetic or Immunocompromised patients especially in developing countries. 26 patients suffering from sinonasal mucormycosis admitted in SGRRIM&HS, Dehradun from January 2013 to January 2017 are discussed. Diagnosis of mucormycosis was established on strong clinical suspicion with presence of grayish black crusting on nasal endoscopy which is confirmed by histopathology examination. Immediate correction of underlying immunocompromised status with debridement with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B was done in all the 26 cases out of which 10 patients were cured. Early detection and aggressive multidisciplinary management is must for the successful treatment of mucormycosis.

Efficacy and evaluation of environmental management system to control sandfly vector of Kala-azar

The established vector for visceral leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) breeds inside the human dwellings and cattle shed under crevices at the base of the wall. P. argentipes was controlled by plastering the base of wall (9″height × 9″base). The study was conducted in two phases: (i) Screening of plastering materials (ii) validation of the most suitable material. During the first phase (2014); four intervention materials were evaluated in four different arms: (i) cement (ii) brick chimney fly ash (BCFA i.e. waste material from an oven for backing raw earthen brick in charcoal) mixed with lime (95:5) (iii) wire mesh (25 holes/cm²) and (iv) glazed tiles. Ten houses were selected as test and same as control in four different villages for each arm having similar ecotype and similar density of sandflies. The pre and post intervention density of sandflies were evaluated. Significant reduction in sandfly density was found with cement (46.2%) and BCFA (29.6%) plastering (P < 0.05). In the second phase of the study (2015); the two most effective interventions were validated at village level with one control. A significant reduction in the density of P. argentipes was found with cement; 60.2% (Mean ± S.D. = 2.48 ± 2.78, 95% CI = 1.93-3.02) and BCFA; 48.2% (Mean ± S.D. = 1.98 ± 2.20, 95% CI = 1.55-2.41) (P < 0.05). BCFA was found easily accessible, acceptable and cost effective that can be used in any type of wall materials at own cost. This can be implemented as one of the integrated vector control approach in the programme.

Retraction notice to: Validity of existing CD 4+ classification in North Indians, in predicting immune status [J Infect 51 (2005) 41-46]

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). It was brought to the attention of the Editor-in-Chief that large sections of the abstract, methods and results and discussion of the paper are identical to a paper published in The National Medical Journal of India, Volume 14, Issue 6, November/December 2001, Pages 335-339. http://archive.nmji.in/archives/Volume-14/issue-6/original-articles-2.pdf We apologise to the readers of the journal that this plagiarism was not detected during the submission process. To verify originality, all articles submitted to the Journal of Infection are now checked by the originality detection service CrossCheck.

Traffic noise mapping of Indian roads through smartphone user community participation

Road traffic noise pollution is a global hazard, and rapid urbanization has aggravated the problem. This paper explores a novel approach which involves a smartphone user community to monitor the prevalent noise. The system involves a client application on smartphones that records noise, processes the information and communicates to a server and shares the information as visual noise levels on Google® Maps. A fuzzy logic-based classification of noise is proposed. Results from residential, commercial, and industrial areas of the northern region of India are demonstrated. The noise levels are generally found to be higher than the prescribed standards. The experiment demonstrates the huge potential of user community participation in monitoring noise pollution.

Obturator Nerve Block in Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor: A Comparative Study by two Techniques

CONTEXT

Sparing of obturator nerve is a common problem encountered during transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) under spinal anesthesia.

AIMS

To evaluate and compare obturator nerve block (ONB) by two different techniques during TURBT.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This is prospective observational study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Forty adult male patients from the American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I-IV planned to undergo TURBT under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups of twenty each. In one group, ONB was performed with nerve locator. In other group, transvesical nerve block was performed with a cystoscope. The primary endpoints of this study were the occurrence of adductor reflex, ability to resect the tumor, and number of surgical interruptions. A number of transfusions required and bladder perforation were the secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

There was statistically significant difference between the groups for resection without adductor jerk, resection with a minimal jerk, and unresectable with high-intensity adductor jerk. Bleeding was observed in both groups and one bladder perforation was encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that ONB, when administered along with spinal anesthesia for TURBT, is extremely safe and effective method of anesthesia to overcome adductor contraction. ONB with nerve locator appears to be more effective method compared to the transvesical nerve block.

Flexible anodized aluminum oxide membranes with customizable back contact materials

Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes were fabricated using flexible substrate/carrier material. This method facilitates the use of AAO templates with many different materials as substrates that are otherwise incompatible with most anodization techniques. Thin titanium (Ti) and tungsten (W) layers were employed as interlayer materials. Titanium enhances adhesion. Tungsten not only helps eliminate the barrier layer but also plays a critical role in enabling the use of flexible substrates. The resulting flexible templates provide new, exciting opportunities in photovoltaic and other device applications. CuInSe₂ nanowires were electrochemically deposited into porous AAO templates with molybdenum (Mo) as the back contact material. The feasibility of using any material to form a contact with semiconductor nanowires has been demonstrated for the first time enabling new avenues in photovoltaic applications.

A review of atmospheric and land surface processes with emphasis on flood generation in the Southern Himalayan rivers

Floods in the southern rim of the Indian Himalayas are a major cause of loss of life, property, crops, infrastructure, etc. They have long term socio-economic impacts on the habitat living along/across the Himalayas. In the recent decade extreme precipitation events have led to numerous flash floods in and around the Himalayan region. Sporadic case-based studies have tried to explain the mechanisms causing the floods. However, in some of the cases, the causative mechanisms have been elusive. Various types of flood events have been debated at different spatial and temporal scales. The present study provides an overview of mechanisms that lead to floods in and around the southern rim of the Indian Himalayas. Atmospheric processes, landuse interaction, and glacier-related outbreaks are considered in the overview.

Koch's postulates, microbial dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel disease

Over the past 20 years, a growing amount of evidence supports the role of microbes and an imbalanced microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While many reviews have been written on the microbiota in IBD, few have considered how they fulfil the Koch's postulates. In this review, we consider how the Koch's postulates might be modified so that they can be fulfilled for polymicrobial diseases, and we discuss the progress made to date in fulfilling them.

Towards quantification of vibronic coupling in photosynthetic antenna complexes

Photosynthetic antenna complexes harvest sunlight and efficiently transport energy to the reaction center where charge separation powers biochemical energy storage. The discovery of existence of long lived quantum coherence during energy transfer has sparked the discussion on the role of quantum coherence on the energy transfer efficiency. Early works assigned observed coherences to electronic states, and theoretical studies showed that electronic coherences could affect energy transfer efficiency--by either enhancing or suppressing transfer. However, the nature of coherences has been fiercely debated as coherences only report the energy gap between the states that generate coherence signals. Recent works have suggested that either the coherences observed in photosynthetic antenna complexes arise from vibrational wave packets on the ground state or, alternatively, coherences arise from mixed electronic and vibrational states. Understanding origin of coherences is important for designing molecules for efficient light harvesting. Here, we give a direct experimental observation from a mutant of LH2, which does not have B800 chromophores, to distinguish between electronic, vibrational, and vibronic coherence. We also present a minimal theoretical model to characterize the coherences both in the two limiting cases of purely vibrational and purely electronic coherence as well as in the intermediate, vibronic regime.

Acute Subperiosteal Hematoma of the Orbit with Visual Impairment: An Unconventional Presentation

Acute subperiosteal hematoma of orbit is a rare condition and its presentation with rapid severe diminution of vision is even rarest. Urgent intervention is required for these patients presenting with visual compromise. Needle aspiration is safe and simple procedure for management of such hematoma provided the patient presents early and does not have any associated complications. We present one such rare case highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and urgent management to overcome functional complications in acute subperiosteal hematoma. To best of our knowledge this is the first pediatric case presenting with acute subperiosteal hematoma accompanied by severely diminished vision within few hours of trauma.

Identification and Stratification of Diabetic Kidney Disease Using Serum Cystatin C and Serum Creatinine Based Estimating Equations in Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cystatin C is a low molecular weight protein produced by all nucleated human cells, with a stable production rate. Its levels are not influenced by inflammation, infections, hepatic or renal diseases, or by dietary or constitutional factors. We compared serum cystatin C and serum creatinine based predicting equations to estimate glomerular filteration rate (GFR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus, using the staging of chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined by the National Kidney Foundation. We also explored the relationship of urine albumin, GFR, serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations.

METHODS

: A cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus above the age of 35 years were enrolled. Fasting and 2-hour-postprandial blood glucose, fasting lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), haemoglobin, microalbuminuria, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), liver and renal function tests were assessed. Serum levels of Cystatin C were measured using immune-turbidometric method (Dade Behring analyzer BN2). Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using Cockcroft-Gault formula, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) Cys C formula. The three sets of eGFR were compared using repeated measure ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was performed to find the factor that affects the albumin excretion rate (AER) and e-GFR levels using all three equations.

RESULTS

We assessed 172 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mean age of the patients was 61.4 ± 9.6 years with mean duration of diabetes of 11.40 ± 7.5 years. Approximately 70% of patients had hypertension. A family history of diabetes was present in 53.4% of subjects and a history of CAD in first degree relatives in 20.9%. The prevalence of coronary artery disease was 17.4%. Albumin excretion correlated with e-GFR estimated using each of the three equations. The best correlation was seen with the CKD-EPI equation derived e-GFR. The CKD-EPI equation also identified the maximum number of patients in the normo-albuminuria group as having CKD. Albuminuria correlated with blood urea levels (p = 0.014) and serum cystatin C levels (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The new cystatin C based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology equation identifies more patients in early CKD and also patients with normo-albuminuric CKD compared to the creatinine based Cockcroft-Gault equation or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulae.

Control of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, the vectors of dengue and chikungunya, by using pheromone C21 with an insect growth regulator: Results of multicentric trials from 2007-12 in India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Aedes mosquito control has gained much importance nowadays in view of rise in number of reported cases of dengue and chikungunya in India and other countries. In the present study, C21 attracticide (containing a pheromone and an insect growth regulator—IGR, developed by Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, India was tested for its feasibility for surveillance and control of Aedes mosquito in a multicentric mode from October 2007 to June 2012 in urban (Delhi, and Bengaluru district, Karnataka) and suburban (Alappuzha district, Kerala) settings of the country in three phases.

METHODS

Across the randomly selected households in each study area, two to four containers treated with attracticide (experimental) and untreated (control) were placed and monitored by trained surveillance workers on weekly/ fortnightly basis for determining the presence of eggs, larvae and pupae. Container positivity, percent larvae, egg and pupae collected were determined during different phases and analyzed statistically using SPSS 18.0.

RESULTS

Container positivity was found statistically significant at Bengaluru and Alappuzha, Kerala while in Delhi, it was found non-significant. Eggs collected from experimental containers were significantly higher in comparison to control at all the locations except Delhi. Also larvae collected from control containers were significantly higher at all the locations except Bengaluru. Pupae collected from control containers remained significantly higher at all the locations as no pupal formation was recorded from experimental containers.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The use of C21 attracticide hampered pupal formation, thus inhibiting adult population in the study areas. The study established that C21 attracticide was efficacious in the field conditions and has potential for use in surveillance and management of dengue and chikungunya mosquitoes.