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Introduction: Children are more vulnerable to anaemia due to their rapid growth, which requires an expanding erythroid mass and a high tissue iron demand. Anaemia can negatively impact psychomotor and cognitive development and can lead to a decline in immunity. Reticulocytes are precursors to erythrocytes and make up about 1% (ranging from 0.5% to 2.5%) of circulating erythrocytes. The reticulocyte content serves as a measurement of haemoglobin within the reticulocyte and correlates directly with the functional availability of iron in the bone marrow. Consequently, it is considered one of the strongest predictors of Iron Deficiency (ID). The Reticulocyte Haemoglobin Content (RET-Hb) level is useful for diagnosing anaemia before it clinically manifests in a patient. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of RET-Hb content as a predictor for early response to oral iron therapy in comparison to haemoglobin levels. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics at a tertiary care Hospital in Thrissur, Central Kerala, India, over a period of 18 months, from December 2019 to June 2021. A total of 44 samples were included in the study, and socio-demographic details were collected using a semistructured proforma from patients with haemoglobin levels below the mean reference value. Baseline haemogram parameters {Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), Haemtocrit (HCT)}, reticulocyte indices, and ferritin levels were measured before administering oral iron therapy (T0). These parameters were reassessed after seven days (T1) and 30 days (T2) following the initiation of therapy. The Chi-square test was used to assess the association between various factors, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilised to find the correlation. Results: The mean age of the participants was 3.46±2.2 years, with 24 males and 20 females included in the study. The mean RET-Hb was 21.15±1.71 pg before the initiation of treatment, which significantly increased to 23.37±1.95 pg and 25.77±1.56 pg at days 7 and 30, respectively. The haemoglobin level increased from 8.37±1.25 g/L to 8.55±1.19 g/L and 9.72±0.98 g/L at T1 and T2, respectively, which was statistically significant. The Absolute Reticulocyte Count (RET#) also showed a significant early increase after initiating treatment. Conclusion: These findings indicate that RET-Hb and RET# are reliable early predictors of response to iron therapy, alongside haemoglobin levels, and can be used as effective alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iyyappan, T.; Santhakumar, R.; Oli, G.A; Padmavathy, P.; Athithan, S.; Subash, P., and Ramkumar, S., 2024. Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and constraints among ornamental fish entrepreneurs along the Tamil Nadu coast: A market-oriented approach. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(6), 1189–1200. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This study assessed the current level of knowledge, attitudes, and constraints towards market-oriented approaches among the ornamental fish entrepreneurs (OFEs) in Tamil Nadu, India. A validated questionnaire was given to 290 OFEs, and SPSS was performed for data analysis after pilot-testing. The results revealed a strong understanding of social media for marketing among OFEs, but with a moderate level of attitude toward market-oriented approaches. Respondents (4.33 mean) agreed on avoiding similar fish species production to prevent price crashes and demand slumps, which depicts their focus on consumer-oriented markets (4.31). Entrepreneurs (4.19) agreed that a successful producer prioritizes quality, attractive, and unique fish varieties in the market. They also agreed that social media is a prominent tool for business (4.3). The industry lacks quality brooders and seeds and struggles with a poor marketing system. A significant (P < 0.05) moderate correlation (r = 0.33) existed between knowledge and attitudes, but not with constraints. This study indicates the current state of market approaches and the access patterns of the OFEs in Tamil Nadu, and the results offer clarity for policymakers, planners, and stakeholders to further consider and develop market-oriented strategies for achieving successful business production and marketing in the ornamental fish industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were synthesized using a green method involving Pterolobium hexapetalum flower extract as the reducing agent. Synthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were thoroughly characterized using X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The XRD analysis confirmed the pure formation of NiO NPs. TEM and SEM images revealed the size, shape, and surface morphology of the nanoparticles. BET analysis indicated a high surface area, making these nanoparticles suitable for various applications. The NiO NPs were further investigated for their potential in supercapacitor applications, demonstrating excellent electrochemical performance. NiO@rGO electrode with graphene proportion showed a maximum specific capacity of 1266 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1. Moreover, following the 3000‐cycle assessment, the specific retention of 98.2% confirmed that the electrode had high cyclic stability. Additionally, their effectiveness in dye degradation was evaluated, showing promising results in removing organic dyes from wastewater. The antibacterial activity of the NiO nanoparticles was also assessed, indicating significant inhibition against various bacterial strains. These multifaceted studies suggest that NiO NPs synthesized from plant extract hold great promise for applications in energy storage, environmental remediation, and antimicrobial treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of the right tool path trajectory and the corresponding machining parameters for end milling is a challenge in mold and die industries. Subsequently, the selection of appropriate tool path parameters can reduce overall machining time, improve the surface finish of the workpiece, extend tool life, reduce overall cost, and improve productivity. This work aims to establish the performance of end milling process parameters and the impact of trochoidal toolpath parameters on the surface finish of AISI D3 steel. It especially focuses on the effect of the tool tip nose radius deviation on the surface quality using precision measurement techniques. The experimental design was carried out in a systematic manner using a face-centered central composite design (FCCD) within the framework of response surface methodology (RSM). Twenty different experiment trials were conducted by changing the independent variables, such as cutting speed, feed rate, and trochoidal pitch distance. The main effects and the interactions of these parameters were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal conditions were identified using a multiple objective optimization method based on desirability function analysis (DFA). The developed empirical models showed statistical significance with the best process parameters, which include a feed rate of 0.05 m/tooth, a trochoidal pitch distance of 1.8 mm, and a cutting speed of 78 m/min. Further, as the trochoidal pitch distance increased, variations in the tool tip cutting edge were observed on the machined surface due to peeling off of the coating layer. The flaws on the tool tip, which alter the edge micro-geometry after machining, resulted in up to 33.83% variation in the initial nose radius. Deviations of 4.25% and 5.31% were noted between actual and predicted values of surface roughness and the nose radius, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Use of DPP4 inhibitors in cystic fibrosis related diabetes mellitus. • Improved continuous glucose clinical parameters with use of oral hypoglycaemic agents in cystic fibrosis related diabetes. • Good tolerability of DPP4 inhibitors in patients with cystic fibrosis related diabetes. Insulin remains the only recommended medical treatment for cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) Whilst there is an established role for orally bioavailable incretin mimetic agents such as the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-I) in Type 2 diabetes mellitus, there exists little data on their utility in CFRD. To examine the use of DPP4-I therapy in patients with CFRD at a single large adult cystic fibrosis center. People with CFRD prescribed a DPP4-I were identified from our specialist CFRD clinic and records were retrospectively examined for indication for therapy, tolerability and effectiveness. Analysis of continuous glucose monitoring data Libre 2 was done for these patients (CGM) pre and at least 3 months post therapy was performed. 23 people with CF (PwCF) with a mean (SD) age of 35.0 ± 2.4 years were included in this analysis. In 21 patients DPP4-I was prescribed as a monotherapy and it was given in combination with insulin in 2 others. Indications for therapy included reactive hypoglycaemia (n = 10) post prandial hyperglycaemia (8), insulin avoidance (3), metformin intolerance (1) and unclear (1). Therapy was well tolerated with no discontinuations due to adverse effects. Significant improvements were noted in Time in Range- Pre vs Post: 78.0 [67.5 – 84.0] vs 89.0 [79.8 – 96.0]%, p = 0.005, Time above Range -Pre vs Post: 19.5 [12.5 – 30.8] vs 6.0 [2.5 – 16.5]%, p = 0.006 and glucose variability Pre versus Post: 28.3 [25.4 – 31.1] vs 26.9 [23.1 – 31.3], p = 0.021, Of the 10 subjects who initiated therapy for hypoglycaemia, 7 reported an improvement in symptoms. No significant difference was found in weight pre and post: 61.5 ± 15.0 kg vs 62.5 ± 15.3 kg, p = 0.326 or Hba1c pre vs post: 41.0 [36.0 – 53.3] mmol/mol versus 40.5 [36.8 – 47.3], p = 0.727. DPP4-I is well tolerated in CFRD and can lead to an improved glycaemic control in these patients with significant improvement in validated CGM metrics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the bloodstream, erythrocytes stand as vital carriers of oxygen and carbon dioxide, facilitated by the presence of hemoglobin within their structures. However, deviations in erythrocyte size can lead to the formation of Poikilocyte cells, a characteristic feature of conditions like Iron Deficiency Anemia. Variants of Poikilocytoses, such as Degmacyte, Dacrocyte, Schistocyte, and Elliptocyte, denote distinct alterations in erythrocyte morphology, often associated with diminished iron levels crucial for haemoglobin synthesis. In a recent study, the differentiation between normal RBCs and Poikilocyte cells has been addressed through the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms, leveraging extracted features from digital images of blood smears. This approach offers a more precise means of identifying blood disorders compared to traditional visual inspection, utilizing image analysis techniques to detect deviations in color, size, and statistical parameters. The methodology involves a series of computational steps including preprocessing, segmentation, morphological operations, feature extraction, and classification, all executed within the Matlab environment. Furthermore, to enhance diagnostic capabilities, the system integrates glucose level measurement alongside erythrocyte analysis, transmitting data to a controller which relays results via GSM signal as SMS and LCD display. This comprehensive approach not only automates cell identification and classification but also ensures efficient and accurate analysis, including the automated separation of overlapped cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathophysiology of developmental traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unique due to intrinsic differences in the developing brain. Energy metabolic studies of the brain during early development (P13 to P30) have indicated acute oxidative energy metabolic decreases below 24 h after TBI, which generally recovered by 48 h. However, marked neurodegeneration and altered neural functional connectivity have been observed at later stages into adolescence. As secondary neurodegeneration is most prominent during the first week after TBI in the rat model, we hypothesized that the subacute TBI-metabolome may contain predictive markers of neurodegeneration. Sham and TBI metabolomes were examined at 72 h after a mild to moderate intensity TBI in male Sprague-Dawley rats aged P31. Sensorimotor behavior was assessed at 24, 48 and 72 h after injury, followed by 72-hour postmortem brain removal for metabolomics using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) measurement. Broad TBI-induced metabolomic shifts occurred with relatively higher intensity in the injury-lateralized (ipsilateral) hemisphere. Intensity of metabolomic perturbation correlated with the extent of sensorimotor behavioral deficit. N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) levels at 72 h after TBI, predicted the extent of neurodegeneration assessed histochemically 7-days post TBI. Results from the multivariate untargeted approach clearly distinguished metabolomic shifts induced by TBI. Several pathways including amino acid, fatty acid and energy metabolism continued to be affected at 72 h after TBI, whose collective effects may determine the overall pathological response after TBI in early development including neurodegeneration.