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The major pestiferous insects during both crop seasons included aphids and diamond back moth; while, flea beetles and painted bug attained pest status during 2015-16; besides, tobacco caterpillar was noticed during 2016-17. Maximum reduction in aphid population (45.81 and 54.07%, respectively, at 1 and 3 DAS) was recorded for A. indica oil followed by Spinosad 45%SC; same schedule had maximum reduction of flea beetle population 1-DAS (50.03%); while, 3 and 7 days after spray Spinosad 45%SC followed by Spinosad 45%SC gave significantly higher reduction (75.21 and 64.62%, respectively). Maximum reduction of painted bug population (68.37% at 3DAS) was due to A. incida oil followed by Sl-NPV. Treatment schedule of Spinosad 45%SC followed by Spinosad 45%SC was most effective against DBM during both crop seasons with significantly lowest pooled larval population per plant being 0.82 and 1.0, 3 and 7 days after first spray; likewise, 1.62, 0.92, and 0.90, 1, 3 and 7 days after second spray. Similarly, against tobacco caterpillar, treatment schedule Spinosad 45%SC followed by Spinosad 45%SC was most effective at 3 DAS (0.71 larvae/plant); while, schedules A. indica oil followed by Spinosad 45%SC and A. indica oil followed by Sl-NPV were equally effective 7 DAS during crop season 2016-17 (0.90 larvae/plant). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Laryngeal cancer is the second most prevalent head and neck malignancy in the USA. With recent advances in technology, this procedure is increasingly performed under local anaesthesia. This study aimed to identify the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of laryngeal biopsy in out-patients by conducting a systematic review. Method: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Embase over a 20-year period. Inclusion criteria were: studies performed on out-patient diagnostic biopsy procedures of the larynx. Exclusion criteria included all therapeutic procedures. The outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity, complication rate and cost-savings. Results: Thirty-five studies were included in the analysis. The sensitivity and specificity varied from 60 to 100 per cent with a low complication rate and cost savings. Conclusion: Office-based laryngeal biopsies are increasingly used in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancers, resulting in earlier diagnosis and commencement of treatment. The barrier to undertaking this procedure is low sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now a days, dengue is a very serious communal and economic public health crisis which impose continuous search of natural bioactive compounds to manage its control. The main focus of the present study is to explore L-Fucose from marine algae as phytotherapeutics for dengue treatment. Dengue is a major mosquito-borne disease andtill date no efficient antiviral drug or vaccine is available on the market for control of it. The L-Fucose is reported to exhibit antiviral properties but its mechanism on inhibition of dengue virus DENV1-4 was not studied in detail. In this study, the nontoxic concentration of the drug to the normal cell was calculated and its potential antiviral activity against dengue virus DENV1-4 was evaluated using Vero cell line. Experiments were conducted in vitro to determine the potency of polysaccharide against dengue virus by propagating them in Vero cell lines. Viral titer was determined and cytotoxicity assay were performed by CC50. The antiviral potential of the medicine was detected by using MTT assay and Plaque Assay. The co-treatment technique used in antiviral assay with concentration 40|ag/ml showed better antiviral activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial pathogens are considered as predominant cause of human diseases throughout the world. Until recently, antibiotics were considered as promising agents against most bacterial pathogens but recent reports suggest that there is growing resistance to commonly used antibiotics creating a global healthcare problem. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the synergistic antibacterial potential of three different antibiotics including Vancomycin, Clindamycin and Cefotaxime with three popular Indian spices namely Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Dalchini), Trachysparmum ammi (Ova) and Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) against human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Material and Methods: Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis was performed to detect molecular changes occurring while synergistic exposure of antibiotics and spices on pathogenic microbes. The addition of spices extracts showed enhanced activity of antibiotics against the pathogens however degree of antibiosis was varied according to bacterial species. Inhibition Zones (IZ) ranged from 0.0- 34 mm. The highest IZ of 34.33 mm was found against S. aureus where a combination of Cefotaxime and C. zeylanicum were applied. The synergy of spice extracts with antibiotics revealed an increase in the bactericidal activity of standard antibiotics against pathogens. FTIR spectral analysis showed that, microorganisms showing resistance to antibiotics (Vancomycin and Clindamycin), alters important functional groups of antibiotics might be resulting in decreased antimicrobial performance. FTIR spectra's revealed common bands in antibiotics and spices such as nitroamines, aromatic phosphorus, benzene, bromide, carboxylic group, aliphatic esters, sulphonamides, primary alcohols, aliphatic ether, acid anhydride conjugate ring with ketone and azo compounds, aromatic ethers, sulphonil chloride, sulphoamide etc. Interestingly, there was increased antimicrobial response for synergism when decreased concentration of antibiotics and increased concentration of spice extracts were used. Conclusion: This investigation suggests that, spice extract could be used independently and in combination to elevate the performance of antibiotics which addresses the issue of drug resistance in human pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulse crops are known as an important dietary source of proteins for a major part of the vegetarian population across the globe; especially in India. Legume crops help restoration of soil fertility through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Spatial distribution is an important aspect as it interprets the interaction between individuals of the species and their habitat. The biological reason of aggregation is highly unpredictable and it depends on behavioural pattern of the insect; therefore, spatial distribution accounts for informative description of organisms. Methods: In order to study the spatial distribution of sucking pests of cowpea, a field trial was laid out during Zaid and Kharif separately at the Instructional Farm of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur in 2019 and 2020. Cowpea variety Pusa Komal was cultivated in 6 plots each of 3 m x 3 m with the row to row and plant to plant spacing of 50 cm and 10 cm, respectively. Different distribution pattern were used to determine spatial distribution pattern of species of insect fauna associated with cowpea during the summer and monsoon season. Result: The spatial distribution for most the insect pest complex was contagious during both the respective seasons. All positive IDM (index of clumping) values confirmed the clumping of the pest during the season. The mean crowding index was more than unity, indicated clumped interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tested biopesticides were significantly superior over untreated check on 1 and 3-days after spray, but did not show any significant effect on the sap sucking pest population 7-days after spray. Of the biopesticides tested, A. indica seed kernel extract (5%) was most effective against whiteflies and jassids 1 and 3 days after the first and second sprays; however, after the third spray, the treatment schedule comprising A. indica oil followed by SL-NPV and later by A. indica seed kernel extract caused maximum reduction of jassids population. The treatment comprising A. indica leaf extract (10%) proved to be least effective against jassids and whiteflies. A. indica seed kernel extract (5%) was significantly more effective in causing the maximum population reduction of whiteflies and jassids after the three sprayings and A. indica oil (1%) application was the next in order of efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Static and dynamic magnetic properties of cuboctahedrally truncated polydisperse, rf plasma torch synthesized NiZn ferrite nanoparticles have been studied. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) determined nanoparticle size distribution was log-normal (mean=11.7 nm, σ=10.9 nm). Magnetic properties are interpreted using a polyhedral surface structure model, for the observed s111d and (100) nanoparticle surfaces. To determine the magnetic anisotropy fields and isolate anisotropy contributions of the (100) and (111) surfaces, rf transverse susceptibility (TS) measurements were performed. The TS data showed broad peaks observed at characteristic anisotropy fields, consistent with the large particle size distribution. A surfactant-mediated size selection technique was used to obtain monodisperse nanoparticles with a log-normal size distribution (mean=6 nm, σ=2.9 nm). TS measurements on the monodisperse samples showed absence of anisotropy peaks, with the smaller particles being dominated by (111) surfaces with isotropic canted triangular spin structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma synthesis has previously been shown to be a viable route to producing nanocrystalline magnetite and Ni ferrite nanoparticles. In this work nanocrystalline powders of Mn and Mn-Zn ferrites have been synthesized using a 50 kW-3 MHz rf (radio frequency) induction plasma torch. We investigate these materials for soft magnetic applications. High-energy ball milled Mn + Fe powders and (Mn+Zn) + Fe powders (<10 μm) in the stoichiometric ratio of 1:2 were used as precursors for the ferrite synthesis. Compressed air was used in the oxygen source for oxidation of metal species in the plasma. X-ray diffraction patterns for the plasma-torched Mn ferrite and MnZn ferrite powders were indexed to the spinel ferrite crystal structure. An average grain size of ∼20 nm was determined from Scherrer analysis confirmed by transmission electron microscopy studies. The particles also exhibited faceted polygonal growth forms with the associated truncated cuboctahedral shapes. Room-temperature vibrating sample magnetometer measurements of the hysteretic response revealed saturation magnetization M[SUBs] and coercivity H[SUBc] of Mn ferrite are 23.65 emu/g and 20 Oe, respectively. The N&eacut;el temperatures of Mn ferrite powders before and after annealing (500 °C, 30 min) were determined to be 200 and 360 °C, respectively. Inductively coupled plasma chemical analysis and energy dispersive x-ray analysis data on the plasma-torched powders indicated deviations in the Mn or Zn contents than the ideal stoichiometry. MnZn ferrite was observed to have a Néel temperature increased by almost 400 °C as compared with as-synthesized Mn ferrite but with a larger coercivity of ∼35 Oe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Hieroglyphus, Hieroglyphus kolhapurensis sp. nov. (Orthoptera: Hemiacridinae; Acrididae) from India is been described. The holotype (♂) was collected from the south-western part of India: Kolhapur (Maharashtra). The key morphological characters of the head, pronotum, cerci, tegmina, hind femora, phallic complex and the epiphallus have been illustrated with suitable line drawings to distinguish the reported new species from the other species of Hieroglyphus complex. A key to separate the subgenera and species is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Channel encoder, which includes a forward error correcting (FEC) code followed by an interleaver, plays a vital role in improving the error performance of digital storage and communication systems. In most of the applications, the FEC code and interleaver parameters are known at the receiver to decode and de-interleave the information bits, respectively. But the blind/semi-blind estimation of code and interleaver parameters at the receiver will provide additional advantages in applications, such as adaptive modulation and coding, cognitive radio, non-cooperative systems, etc. The algorithms for the blind estimation of code parameters at the receiver had previously been proposed and investigated for known FEC codes. In this paper, we propose algorithms for the joint recognition of the type of FEC codes and interleaver parameters without knowing any information about the channel encoder. The proposed algorithm classify the incoming data symbols among block coded, convolutional coded, and uncoded symbols. Further, we suggest analytical and histogram approaches for setting the threshold value to perform code classification and parameter estimation. It is observed from the simulation results that the code classification and interleaver parameter estimation are performed successfully over erroneous channel conditions. The proposed histogram approach is more robust against the analytical approach for noisy transmission environment and system latency is one of the important challenges for the histogram approach to achieve better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Social media and the Internet are seen as Siamese twins. The discursive architecture of social media is so tightly coupled with the various imaginaries of the Internet that the distinct spatiality, territoriality, and relational power dynamics of each is often simplistically blurred and merged. This paper makes the case that the sociality and spatiality of social media is not only different from that of the Internet but is increasingly becoming part of our contemporary built environment in a manner that confers social media a high degree of relative autonomy in its relationship with the Internet. The paper further argues that such autonomy is fundamentally mutating social media from a site of articulation into a set of digitally mediated spaces with their own scripted and connected logic of inclusion and exclusion. The paper establishes that the integration with the built environment is foundationally linked to a suite of six inter-related technologies of wireless transmission: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), interactive and emotive display systems, electronic payment gateways, digital cartography systems, and geo-locational mapping systems and services. The paper also raises questions about our understanding of these emergent digitally mediated spaces, arguing that a limited approach of reducing social media to sites of articulation marginalizes the underlying socio-technical politics of such spaces. In conclusion, the paper makes the case that the digital augmentation of public and private spaces is creating a hybridized sociotechnoscape that bridges the gap between "the epistemological realm and the practical one, between mental and social, between the space of the philosophers and the space of people who deal with material things, "2 in the process transforming the fundamental principles of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent increase in high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)- associated oral and oropharyngeal cancers has gained considerable importance due to their distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. However, the natural history of oral HPV from acquisition to persistence and malignant transformation is still unclear. The global prevalence of oral HPV infection in healthy individuals ranges from 0.67% to 35%, while 31%-38.5% in head and neck cancer (HNC). The persistence rate of oral HR-HPV infection is 5.5% -12.8% globally. India has the highest HNC burden due to apparent differences in predisposing factors compared with the West. The prevalence of oral HPV in healthy individuals and its contribution to HNC is less evident in Indian studies. HR-HPV-associated HNC in this region accounts for 26%, with an active infection in 8%-15% of these tumors. There is a lack of concordance in the expression of p16 as a surrogate marker for HPV detection in HNC because of differences in behavioral risk factors. Due to a lack of evidence, treatment de-escalation cannot be implemented despite the improved outcome of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. This review critically analyzes the existing literature on the dynamics of oral HPV infection and HPV-associated HNC, identifying potential avenues for future research. A better understanding of the oncogenic role of HR-HPV in HNC will help to formulate novel therapeutic approaches and is expected to have a significant public health impact as preventive strategies can be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a prediction of forced expiratory volume in pulmonary function testing, using spirometry and neural networks. The pulmonary function data were recorded (n = 110) from volunteers using flow-volume spirometer with a standard acquisition protocol. From the recorded flow-volume curves, the acquired data are then used to predict forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) using a self-organizing map (SOM) and radial basis function neural networks. The SOM is used to determine the cluster centres of the hidden layer of radial basis function neural networks. The optimal widths of the Gaussian function of radial basis function neural networks were obtained from these centres and this network is then used to predict FEV1. The performance of the neural network model was evaluated by computing their prediction error statistics of average value, standard deviation, root mean square and their correlation with the true data for normal and abnormal cases. The correlation between measured and predicted values of FEV1 for normal subjects was found to be 0.9. The prediction error for normal subjects is lower than that of restrictive subjects. Results show that the adopted neural networks are capable of predicting FEV1 in both normal and abnormal cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of circulating nucleic acids in plasma and serum (CNAPS) was first described almost six decades ago. However, the prognostic and diagnostic utility of this circulating DNA/RNA has only really begun to be appreciated in the last decade. Earlier studies concentrated mainly on investigations concerned with fetal medicine and oncology, and significant progress was made in both specialities. More recently the field of enquiry has extended further, and attention has turned to other pathologic states, including trauma, sepsis, myocardial infarction, stroke, transplantation, diabetes mellitus, and hematologic disorders. In some of these studies, mitochondrial as well as genomic DNA and tissue-specific mRNA have been analyzed, either quantitatively or qualitatively or both, and have been shown to be modified in the presence of disease. While there is tremendous potential for CNAPS as a clinical modality, many of the emerging studies seem to be confined to a few dedicated labs. Therefore, additional independent studies are necessary in some cases in order to show reproducibility, which will further consolidate the field. Despite this shortcoming, and with the evidently increasing number of applications for CNAPS, it is highly likely that routine testing, as described, will become reality within the next 5 to 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA and RNA fractions have been isolated from the whole blood, serum, plasma, the surface of blood cells, and urine of both healthy individuals and patients. The ability to isolate, quantify, and analyze these molecules has led to the identification of specific nucleic acid fragments related to particular disorders such as diabetes, cancer, myocardial infarction, and stroke, threby permitting their early diagnosis. Currently, a number of methods for isolating the nucleic acids are employed and although a start has been made to compare the efficiencies of these methods, there is still a way to go before there are precise protocols for nucleic acid extraction. The older chemical methods of extraction still outperform some of the available kits. Some progress is being made to determine the origin of the circulating nucleic acids, although there are still many questions to be answered, including whether the source is through the spontaneous release of newly synthesized nucleic acid or whether it just derived from necrotic and apoptotic cells. In addition, it can be demonstrated that the nucleic acids can enter cells and exhibit a biological activity in the recipient cells. Hence, the question remains: Are the circulating nucleic acids freely entering tissues and cells from the blood and inducing changes in those tissues and cells? Further work is needed to elucidate these areas, and the various protocols must be standardized if the new methodology is to be widely and accurately applied in the diagnosis of disease and the monitoring of therapy. This chapter summarizes the work reported in this volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To measure the bias in absolute cancer survival estimates in the absence of active follow-up of cancer patients in developing countries. METHODS: Included in the study were all incident cases of the 10 most common cancers and corresponding subtypes plus all tobacco-related cancers not ranked among the top 10 that were registered in the population-based cancer registry in Chennai, India, during 1990-1999 and followed through 2001. Registered incident cases were first matched with those in the all-cause mortality database from the vital statistics division of the Corporation of Chennai. Unmatched incident cancer cases were then actively followed up to determine their survival status. Absolute survival was estimated by using an actuarial method and applying different assumptions regarding the survival status (alive/dead) of cases under passive and active follow-up. FINDINGS: Before active follow-up, matches between cases ranged from 20% to 66%, depending on the site of the primary tumour. Active follow-up of unmatched incident cases revealed that 15% to 43% had died by the end of the follow-up period, while the survival status of 4% to 38% remained unknown. Before active follow-up of cancer patients, 5-year absolute survival was estimated to be between 22% and 47% higher, than when conventional actuarial assumption methods were applied to cases that were lost to follow-up. The smallest survival estimates were obtained when cases lost to follow-up were excluded from the analysis. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions that prevail in India and other developing countries, active follow-up of cancer patients yields the most reliable estimates of cancer survival rates. Passive case follow-up alone or applying standard methods to estimate survival is likely to result in an upward bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This was a retrospective observational study to elicit the outcome of the therapeutic strategy of concurrent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy protocol for locally advanced breast cancer. Methods and Materials: A large series of 1,117 consecutive cases of locally advanced breast cancer treated at the Cancer Institute (WIA), in Chennai, South India, between 1990 and 1999 and followed through 2004 formed the basis for this study. Disease-free survival was the main outcome, and nodal and tumor downstaging were the intermediate outcome measures studied. Results: Primary tumor downstaging was observed in 45% and nodal downstaging in 57.5%. The disease-free survival rate of nodal downstaged patients at 5, 10, and 15 years was 75%, 65%, and 58%, respectively. The corresponding rates for pre- and postoperative node-negative patients were 70%, 60%, and 59%. The best survival was seen among those who were tumor and node negative postoperatively. Nodal downstaging halved the risk of disease recurrence and death compared with node positivity, irrespective of tumor sterility. Conclusions: A randomized trial using cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil vs. an anthracycline-based regimen in the setting of concurrent chemoradiotherapy appears indicated. Additional preoperative chemotherapy to maximize nodal and tumor downstaging should be investigated. A change in postoperative chemotherapy according to nodal status could also be explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polyfunctionalized pyrazolo3,4-cpyridines were readily prepared by the annulation of alkynes with tert-butyl 4-iodopyrazolocarboximines. The reaction was found to be catalyzed by both NiBr2(PPh3)2/Zn or PdCl2(PhCN)2to yield complex heterocycles in good to moderate yields. Annulation using nickel catalysis was found to be regio-random, implying that steric control in nickel-catalyzed alkyne insertion has limitations based on the character of the Ni−C bond in the pre-insertion complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A poor comparison was seen between the Bayer Advia Centaur and the Roche Elecsys cortisol methods using samples sent to the laboratory for cortisol analysis. They were predominantly from patients attending the Endocrine outpatients clinic or patients in the intensive therapy unit. We investigated the effect of albumin concentration on the performance of both assays. Methods: For the samples used in the patient comparison, the laboratory database was searched for any concomitant albumin concentrations (Beckman LX20 BCP method). A series of recovery experiments were performed combining samples with normal albumin and undetectable cortisol concentrations with samples with detectable cortisol but low albumin concentrations. Results: Albumin concentration accounts for almost 50% of the variation in the difference between the two methods. The Bayer Advia Centaur method shows significant under-recovery at albumin concentrations lower than 24 g/L. Conclusion: This under-recovery will significantly affect the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in critically ill patients with low albumin concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: p38 inhibitors based on 3,4-dihydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidazin-2-one template were synthesized and their SAR explored. Benchmark compounds 30, 35, and 36 were found to be potent against the enzyme. Crystal structure of p38 in complex with 30 indicated a key π-stacking interaction with the pendant tyrosine residue-35 in the glycine-rich loop. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new sub-class of p38 inhibitors represented by 7-amino-naphthyridone have been discovered. Benchmark compound 16 potently inhibited p38 in vitro, was functionally active, and displayed excellent pharmacokinetic profiles in two animal species. Compound 16 reduced inflammation in animal disease models at EC50 doses as low as 0.2mpk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) have been detected in plasma, serum, urine, and other body fluids from healthy subjects as well as in patients. The ability to detect and quantitate specific DNA and RNA sequences has opened up the possibility of diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. With the recent developments in the field of circulating nucleic acids the application in the diagnostic field has increased. The recent discovery of epigenetic changes in placental/fetal DNA and the detection of fetal/placental-specific RNAs have made it possible to use this technology in all pregnancies irrespective of the gender of the fetus. With the application of mass spectrometry and other techniques to this field, it is now possible to detect very small amounts of specific DNA in the presence of excess of other nonspecific nucleic acids (e.g., detection of mutations in fetal DNA in the presence of excess of maternal DNA). Circulating nucleic acids have now been shown to be useful in other conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, trauma, stroke, and myocardial infarction. In oncology, detection and monitoring of tumors is now possible by the detection of tumor-derived nucleic acids. In spite of these advances questions regarding the origin and biologic significance of circulating nucleic acids remain to be answered. Furthermore preanalytical and analytical aspects of this field remain to be standardized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: p38 inhibitors based on 3,4-dihydropyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-one and 3,4-dihydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-2-one platforms were synthesized and preliminary SAR explored. Among the pyrimido-pyrimidones the emergence of two sub-types of analogs—C7-amino-pyrimidines such as 24 and C7-amino-piperidines such as 42—characterized with good p38 inhibition and better off-target profiles in terms of ion channel activities was significant. Representative compound 54 in the pyrido-pyrimidone class was found to be equipotent with corresponding analog in the quinazolinone series. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A rapid entry into the 2H-quinolizin-2-one starting from 2-alkyl pyridine has been developed. Initial deprotonation of a 2-alkyl pyridine followed by acylation with a β-TMS-propyonate derivative provides acyclic precursors that after deprotection undergoes a 6-endo-trig cyclization to yield the desired 2H-quinolizin-2-one derivative. This synthetic strategy was found to be generally applicable as evidenced from the various examples in this letter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe the morphologies of ferrite nanoparticles synthesized using a radio frequency plasma torch. These nanoparticles were faceted, having cuboctahedral polygonal growth forms with exclusively the {111} and {100} type faces. A model for the critical nucleus shapes and the growth forms of small cuboctahedral particles is proposed considering the Helmholtz free energies for nucleation and growth. The critical nucleus shape is predicted to be either a perfect cube or a perfect octahedron, while the equilibrium growth forms are the truncated shapes. High-resolution TEM observations of individual nanoparticles reveal that the smallest nanoparticles exhibit perfect octahedral shapes, while larger particles have truncated octahedral shapes. These observations are consistent with the model predictions. The morphology observations are also consistent with , where γ 100 and γ 111 are the surface energies of the (100) and (111) surfaces, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this Letter, an attempt has been made to segment the brainstem structure from structural magnetic resonance (sMR) images and differentiate early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) from normal and Alzheimer’s condition using multifractal texture measures. The images considered from public domain database are preprocessed and brainstem is segmented using fuzzy ‘C’ means-based connected component labelling method. Multifractal spectrum (MS) is evaluated for the segmented brainstem structure using the multifractal detrended moving average technique. Seven MS-based texture measures are extracted and statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Classification algorithms namely, naïve Bayes, decision tree and random forest (RF) are employed to distinguish the EMCI condition. Ten-fold cross-validation approach is executed and its performance is evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall and area under the curve. The results indicate that the segmented brainstem structures possess multifractal characteristics. Of the extracted MS-based texture measures, αmax, α0, αR, B and Δα are found to be statistically significant. RF gives the highest accuracy of 92.3% in distinguishing EMCI from other subject groups. Hence, the proposed approach with brainstem MS-based texture measures in combination with RF can be used as an imaging biomarker for the diagnosis of EMCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, an attempt has been made to segment the brainstem structure from structural magnetic resonance (sMR) images and differentiate early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) from normal and Alzheimer's condition using multifractal texture measures. The images considered from public domain database are preprocessed and brainstem is segmented using fuzzy 'C' means‐based connected component labelling method. Multifractal spectrum (MS) is evaluated for the segmented brainstem structure using the multifractal detrended moving average technique. Seven MS‐based texture measures are extracted and statistically analysed using one‐way analysis of variance. Classification algorithms namely, naïve Bayes, decision tree and random forest (RF) are employed to distinguish the EMCI condition. Ten‐fold cross‐validation approach is executed and its performance is evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall and area under the curve. The results indicate that the segmented brainstem structures possess multifractal characteristics. Of the extracted MS‐based texture measures, αmax, α0, αR, B and Δα are found to be statistically significant. RF gives the highest accuracy of 92.3% in distinguishing EMCI from other subject groups. Hence, the proposed approach with brainstem MS‐based texture measures in combination with RF can be used as an imaging biomarker for the diagnosis of EMCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The transcondylar approach is being increasingly used to access lesions ventral to the brainstem and cervicomedullary junction. Understanding the bony anatomy of this region is important for this approach. The purpose of this study was to conduct a morphometric analysis of the hypoglossal canal (HC), occipital condyle (OC) and the foramen magnum (FM) as it pertains to the transcondylar approach. Methods. 50 dry skulls provided 100 hypoglossal canals, 100 occipital condyles and 50 foramina magna. Twenty one parameters were analyzed. They were: length of the HC, diameter of the intra- and extracranial ends of the HC, angle of the HC to the sagittal plane, distance of the HC from the posterior, anterior and inferior margins of the OC, antero-posterior and transverse diameter of the OC, presence of condylar foramen, distance of HC from the jugular foramen intra- and extracranially, distance of HC from basion, opisthion, carotid canal and jugular tubercle. The anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the FM were measured and a FM index was calculated by dividing the AP diameter of the FM by the transverse diameter. The angle of the long axis of the occipital condyles to the sagittal plane was measured. Protrusion of the occipital condyle into the foramen magnum was noted. Where applicable, the measurements were made separately for the right and left side. Findings. The average length of the hypoglossal canal in this study was 12.6 mms. The hypoglossal canal makes an angle of 49° to the sagittal plane. In 30% of the dry skulls studied, the HC was divided into two by a bony septum. The distance of the intracranial end of the HC from the posterior margin of the OC was 12.2 mms. The average anteroposterior length of the occipital condyle was 23.6 mms and the transverse diameter was 14.72 mms. The occipital condyle made an angle of 60° to the sagittal plane. In 20% of the skulls studied the occipital condyle protruded into the foramen magnum. The condylar foramen was absent on the right side in 4 skulls and on the left side in 16 skulls. The average anteroposterior length of the foramen magnum was 33.3 mms and the width was 27.9 mms. When the foramen magnum index was > 1.2, the foramen was found to be ovoid. Forty six percent of the skulls studied exhibited an ovoid foramen magnum. Conclusions. The occipital condyle is frequently being drilled to expose lesions ventral to the brainstem. From our study, it is evident that the occipital condyle can be safely drilled for a distance of 12 mms from the posterior margin before encountering the hypoglossal canal. In 20% of the skulls the occipital condyle protrudes significantly into the foramen magnum. Wide and sagittally inclined occipital condyles, medially protruberant occipital condyles along with a foramen magnum index of more than 1.2 will require much more extensive bony resection than otherwise. With the availability of recent imaging techniques, it is possible to anticipate the extent of bony resection required in an individual case by using the above mentioned morphometric features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the effects of a 400?mg acute oral calcium dose on PTH and bone resorption markers in a young, healthy population. DESIGN:: Fasting serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-telopeptides (CTX), total calcium (Ca), albumin and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio (uCa/Cr) were measured on two separate days: one before and the other 10?h after oral administration of 400?mg calcium. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) status was assessed at baseline. Dietary calcium intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). SUBJECTS:: A total of 32 healthy, young adults (17 female, 15 male; mean±s.e.m. age: 21±1?y) took part in this study. Their mean (s.e.m.) calcium intake was 1125 (±56) mg/day. INTERVENTION:: Effervescent Sandocal® 400 tablets dissolved in water. RESULTS:: After the calcium challenge, mean Ca and uCa/Cr ratio increased significantly, and both PTH and CTX concentrations were significantly lower. Multiple regression analysis showed no relationship between the response to the 400?mg load and previous dietary calcium intake (as assessed by FFQ) or serum 25-OHD. CONCLUSION:: We have shown that in a young, healthy population, 400?mg oral calcium can inhibit bone resorption (as measured by serum CTX) and PTH, and this appears to be independent of previous dietary calcium intake and vitamin D status. SPONSORSHIP:: None.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 1661-1665. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602026 Published online 11 August 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For incident cancers of the cervix uteri (601 cases) registered in the population-based cancer registry of Khon Kaen province, Northeast Thailand, in 1985-1990 loss-adjusted survival probabilities were estimated by a logistic regression model with four prognostic factors (age at diagnosis, stage of disease, place of residence and treatment), and compared with observed survival, estimated by the actuarial method. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years, using both passive and active methods. In all, 27.6% of patients were lost to follow-up within 5 years of the index date. The overall observed survival at 5 years was 56.8% and loss-adjusted survival was 54.7%. The difference between the loss-adjusted and observed survival at 5 years was small: 2.1% overall, varying between 0.8 and 3.5 percent units for any prognostic group. The assumption of independence of loss to follow-up and death in the calculation of survival by the actuarial method in this, and probably in other, population-based series, is reasonable and leads to no material bias in the estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For incident cancers of the cervix uteri (601 cases) registered in the population-based cancer registry of Khon Kaen province, Northeast Thailand, in 1985-1990 loss-adjusted survival probabilities were estimated by a logistic regression model with four prognostic factors (age at diagnosis, stage of disease, place of residence and treatment), and compared with observed survival, estimated by the actuarial method. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years, using both passive and active methods. In all, 27.6% of patients were lost to follow-up within 5 years of the index date. The overall observed survival at 5 years was 56.8% and loss-adjusted survival was 54.7%. The difference between the loss-adjusted and observed survival at 5 years was small: 2.1% overall, varying between 0.8 and 3.5 percent units for any prognostic group. The assumption of independence of loss to follow-up and death in the calculation of survival by the actuarial method in this, and probably in other, population-based series, is reasonable and leads to no material bias in the estimates.British Journal of Cancer (2004) 91, 106-110. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6601959 www.bjcancer.com Published online 15 June 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of p38 antagonists based on 3,4-dihydropyrido[3,2,-d]pyrimidine scaffold has been developed. These inhibitors exhibit unprecedented selectivity towards p38 over other very closely related kinases. Compounds 25, 33, and 34 were identified as benchmark analogues for follow-up studies. They show good potency for enzyme inhibition and excellent functional activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study addresses the issues related to decontamination of marine beach sand accidentally contaminated by petroleum products. Sorption and desorption of BTEX (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) onto the sand from Uran Beach, located near the city of Mumbai, India, were studied, and isotherms were determined using the bottle point method to estimate sorption coefficients. Alternatively, QSARs (i.e., quantitative structure activity relationships) were developed and used to estimate the sorption coefficients. Experiments for kinetics of volatilization as well as for kinetics of sorption and desorption in the presence of volatilization were conducted in a fabricated laboratory batch reactor. A mathematical model describing the fate of volatile hydrophobic organic pollutants like BTEX (via sorption and desorption in presence of volatilization) in a batch sediment-washing reactor was proposed. The experimental kinetic data were compared with the values predicted using the proposed models for sorption and desorption, and the optimum values of overall mass transfer coefficients for sorption (K[sub s]a[sub s]) and desorption (K[sub d]a[sub d]) were estimated. This was achieved by minimization of errors while using the sorption coefficients (K[sub p]) obtained from either laboratory isotherm studies or the QSARs developed in the present study. Independent experimental data were also collected and used for calibration of the model for volatilization, and the values of the overall mass transfer coefficient for volatilization (K[sub g]a[sub g]) were estimated for BTEX. In these exercises of minimization of errors, comparable cumulative errors were obtained from the use of K[sub p] values derived from experimental isotherms and QSARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sensitivity and resistance of amperometric biosensors in substrate inhibition is obtained. • The thickness of the membrane is reported at which the steady-state current gains the maximum value. • The effect of various parameters on sensitivity and resistance are discussed. A theoretical model of a sensitivity and resistance of amperometry biosensors with substrate inhibition kinetics is discussed. This model is based on the system of non-stationary diffusion equations containing a non-linear term related to non-Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the enzymatic reaction. This paper presents the approximate analytical expression of sensitivity and resistance of biosensor for small values of reaction diffusion parameters. The effect various parameters such as thickness of enzyme layer, bulk substrate concentration, Michaelis-Menten and saturation constant on sensitivity and resistance of biosensor are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]