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Background: Malaria poses a burden in the healthcare system worldwide. India is marching toward a vision of malaria-free country by 2027 and elimination by 2023. The National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017--2022) was formulated based on this. Pregnant population is highly susceptible to the infection because of the changes in their immune system. These high-risk groups are of much concern because it contributes to the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Intrauterine growth restrictions, miscarriages, preterm births, low birth weight, congenital infections, and perinatal deaths have been reported in pregnancies infected with malaria. The ongoing pandemic situation of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has created a challenge in identifying the spectrum of diseases with similar presentation like malaria especially in endemic areas. Case description: We present a series of 10 cases affected with malaria during pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. The study was conducted for a period of 10 months from September 2020 to July 2021 during the COVID pandemic. Out of these 10 patients, 3 patients were infected with COVID-19. Discussion: Clinical manifestations, management, and the maternal and fetal outcome of malaria-infected patients and difficulty in identifying and managing the cases in ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. Conclusion: The purpose of this study is to throw knowledge about identifying the infection during pandemic and the need for effective management as malaria is a preventable and curable infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the correlation of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) data in surgery for tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children to the neurological outcome at 1-year follow-up. 208 consecutive patients operated on for TCS, between January 2011 to February 2020, under electrophysiological monitoring in the Division of Paediatric Neurosurgery, AIMS, Kochi, India, were included. Their preoperative neurological, urological and orthopaedic status were compared with the postoperative status at 1 year follow-up. Our study prospectively collected the IONM data and retrospectively correlated it to the children's neurological outcome on follow-up. Out of 208 children, 28% (n = 59/208) had motor, 35% (n = 73/208) had bladder and 26% (n = 54/208) had bowel disturbances. Postsurgery, at one-year follow-up, 91% (n = 52/57) of the patients who had motor deficits had improvement, 82.3% (n = 51/62) of patients who had bladder deficits showed an improvement, and 88.8% (n = 48/54) with bowel deficits showed improvement. The monitorability for motor and sphincter potentials were 99.4% and 89.3%, respectively. Except for four patients (3 with bladder and 1 with motor worsening), all the patients who were monitorable with no deficits remained intact except for four patients, all the patients who had deficits and were monitorable improved after detethering (at 1 year). Clinical worsening corresponded to those who had a drop in amplitude of baseline TcMEP (n = 4). 18 events showed an increase in amplitude compared to the baseline TcMEP. These patients improved clinically on follow-up (at 1 year). IONM complements the preoperative clinical details in predicting immediate and long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodegradability of polycaprolactone (PCL) and the anti-fouling property of TiO2 are utilized for the preparation of membranes for water treatment. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is added to the polymeric solution to increase the pore formation in the membranes. The composition of PEG and TiO2 nanoparticles was optimized using the central composite design and response surface methodology. Quadratic models were developed for the responses porosity and contact angle, and the optimum compositions obtained for PEG and TiO2 were 6.24 and 1 wt%, respectively. The competency of the membrane for water treatment is studied using different characterization techniques such as TG analysis, FTIR to determine the chemical interactions, UTM to examine the mechanical strength, AFM for membrane roughness determination and morphological analysis using FESEM. A twofold increase in the overall porosity and a twentyfold reduction (approx.) in pore size were observed for the composite membrane from FESEM images. The anti-fouling ability of TiO2 resulted in a flux recovery of about 90% for the composite membrane compared to the PCL–PEG membrane after bovine serum albumin filtration. Also, the presence of TiO2 increased the reversible fouling component, which can be easily removed by cleaning/backwashing. Thus, the PCL–TiO2 combination would be a better alternative for the membranes used in water treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase diagrams for H2O-DMF-PCL ternary system and with the presence of inorganic additives, H2O-DMF-PCL–(TiO2/MMT) quaternary system are studied using Flory–Huggins theory, which explains the thermodynamic behavior of polymeric membranes formed out of phase inversion process. The experimental binodal curves were plotted using cloud points obtained from the titration method. Also, the experimental spinodal curve was drawn using the compositions at the onset of phase separation in the titration method and found matching with the theoretical spinodal curve. The effect of variations in the interaction parameters on the location of the binodal curve is studied. The ternary interaction parameter was determined by fitting the binodal curve with the cloud point data for the ternary and quaternary system. The interaction of PCL-DMF-H2O is found to be consistent even in the presence of TiO2 or MMT. Also, the ternary and quaternary interaction parameters involving these additives were found to be negligible within the system. On the other hand, the presence of additives shifted the binodal curve toward the solvent-polymer axis manifesting the less requirement of non-solvent for phase separation. The critical point for the ternary system obtained in both experiment and theoretical calculation was at the polymer concentration of around 6 wt%. Membranes having composition above the critical point were synthesized using phase inversion technique, and their morphology was examined using SEM images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzylic trichloroacetimidates are readily displaced by trimethylaluminum under Lewis acid promoted conditions to provide the corresponding methyl substitution product. This method is a convenient way to access 1,1'-diarylethanes and related systems, which play a significant role in medicinal chemistry, with a number of systems owing their biological activity to this functionality. Most benzylic substrates undergo ready displacement, with electron deficient systems being the exception. The use of an enantiopure imidate showed significant racemization, implicating the formation of a cationic intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aim of the Study: This study aims to determine the effect of individualized home-based exercise on the quality of life post-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge. Subjects: Adult patients invasively mechanically ventilated for more than 48 h in medical ICU. Methodology: Thirty-five patients were enrolled prospectively in this study. They were interviewed to complete short form 36 (SF-36) version 2 questionnaire and were randomly allocated to control and experimental group by block randomization. The experimental group received individualized exercise information sheet and control group was asked to continue routine exercises done during their hospital stay. The experimental group also received a log book and weekly telephonic reminders. Patients were interviewed to complete the SF-36 through the telephone 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Results: Physical and mental components of the quality of life as measured by the SF-36 at the end of 4 weeks after hospital discharge showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the experimental group. Conclusion: A well-structured individualized exercise program improves the quality of life of critically ill patients after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vapor phase nitration of toluene by using CuFe0.8Al1.2O4 as a catalyst was studied by varying strength of nitric acid (10–69%) as a nitrating agent. Water vapor generated during the reaction acts as a diluent for the exothermic process. Varying the reaction temperature in the range of 100–200°C revealed that below 125°C lower conversion of toluene to mono-nitro toluene was obtained while above 125°C dinitro and oxidation byproducts were obtained. The maximum conversion of toluene to mono nitro toluene was 58% with 77% selectivity towards para nitro toluene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Glycosylation reactions are most commonly encountered in nature. Synthetically, glycosylation is carried out with Lewis acid catalyst, HF, AlCl3 or mineral acids. However environmental threat associated with such catalysts has encouraged process modification and the development of solid catalyzed glycosylation reactions, which are commercially viable as well. In this contribution comparative study of glycosidic bond formation of simple d-glucose with several fatty alcohols (C8–C14) over variety of mixed metal oxidic spinels (CuFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, CoFe2O4 and NiFe2O4, 10% (w/w) ZnFe2O4 supported on SiO2 and ZrO2) is taken up to evaluate the performance of this potential catalysts system. Effect of catalyst preparation was evaluated. This replacement of homogeneous acid catalyst by oxidic spinels shows alkyl poly β-d-glucopyranoside as major product at comparatively low temperature range. The effects of variety of parameters were studied in a batch reactor. The mechanism of the reaction over mixed metal oxidic spinels at 363K is put forth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The catalysts NiCo2O4 were prepared by co-precipitation and surfactant approach. These catalysts were characterized by crystal size, BET surface area, pore volume, average pore size, XRD and SEM. The catalytic activity of co-precipitated NiO, CoO, NiCo2O4 and surfactant-assisted NiCo2O4 was tested for the reduction of 4-Chloro-nitrobenzene using variety of hydrogen donor and basic promoters. The reaction was carried out at different temperatures and catalysts concentrations. Reusability, recyclability of the catalyst and reductions of variety of nitro arenes was also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper explores global time frequency approaches to EEG data analysis with the Wigner Distribution Function and the Symmetric Ambiguity Function. The task chosen was to characterize the activity profile of EEG signals in sample Frontal, Central and Occipital electrodes from human subjects, coincident with the perception of a reversal in the orientation of a bistable Necker cube figure. The result of this analysis has implications for blind signal processing as the goal was to identify an unknown input source eliciting the observed EEG signals. The methods demonstrate an internally initiated EEG signal source not tied to a regularly anticipated external source. The results demonstrate the general applicability of the methods for a wide variety of neural and biological signals and systems. The findings can be summarized as the observation of high energy activity patterns in terms of significant dissimilarities in the wave-form, both in time and frequency, in the Frontal and Occipital electrodes, approximately 200–609 ms prior to the appearance of the premotor potentials in the medial electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Permeability of a polymer plays an important role in conferring the protective ability of organic coating to the steel surface against atmospheric corrosion. Although the relationship between structure of polymers and their permeability has been extensively studied in various applications like membranes, packaging, etc., such detailed study is lacking in the area of coatings. The systematic study of structure–permeability relationship of polymers in clear coatings can give guidelines in selecting the binder for the required application. This article deals with the effect of introduction of structural defects into a straight chain aliphatic polyesters on the protective ability of their clear coatings against corrosion. The mild steel panels coated with clear coatings based on the polyesters were exposed to humidity in humidity chamber. A novel technique of detecting the onset of corrosion was used instead of conventional methods that detect the failure of the coating due to corrosion. It was observed that even at 1–10% mole defect introduced by replacement of straight chain diols with branched diols, the protective ability of clear coatings was affected drastically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aluminium stabilized mixed metal oxide of copper and iron serve as an active catalyst for the nitration of benzene in solid–liquid phase reaction, using 69% nitric acid as a nitrating agent. The reaction was carried out with 100% selectivity towards nitro benzene. Various solvents such as, n-hexane, n-heptane, DMC and DCE were employed, DCE was the most effective in removal of water azeotropically in acidic medium, which is the only byproduct formed in the reaction. The activity of the catalyst decreases in the repeated use due to partial leaching. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fluorinated polymers find applications in various speciality coatings due to their low surface tension, non-wettability by water and oil, non-adhesive nature and antifouling properties. However, synthesis and composition of such fluorinated polymers remains a proprietary of few manufacturers and also requires expensive fluoro-intermediates. In this study we have adopted a simple method of synthesizing fluorinated acrylic copolymers. Acrylic copolymers based on methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), and functional monomer, 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were synthesized. The pendant onality were partially esterified with tetrafluoro propanoic acid to varying extent and cured with butylated melamine–formaldehyde resin. The fluorine content of the resins was in the range of 4–10%. The clear coatings were studied for their optical, mechanical and protective properties. Incorporation of fluorine was found to extend the protective ability of coatings against atmospheric corrosion. The properties were compared with their non-fluorinated analogs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Metals like steel undergo corrosion over a period when exposed to atmosphere. Because of their low cost, versatility and aesthetic attributes, organic coatings are the natural choice for corrosion protection. The exact mechanism by which these coatings retard the corrosion reaction is not yet fully understood. However, it is the barrier nature of polymer to the passage of oxygen and water, which is responsible for corrosion protection. Barrier nature of a polymer and its relation to the structure of polymer is extensively studied and successfully exploited in other areas like membranes, packaging. However, such a systematic study in the area of coating is not yet reported. This article reviews the relationship between structure of polymer and its permeability to oxygen and water. Detailed study of such correlation will enable selection of the polymer for required protective action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To evaluate the perinatal outcome with the abnormal umbilical cord coiling index. Study Design: This prospective study was carried out in the department of OBG at Adichunchangiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G.Nagara, Mandya, Karnataka, India from January 2008 to August 2010. 200 patients who were in active labour with term gestations, irrespective of their parities, who had singleton pregnancies with live babies who were either delivered by vaginal or LSCS were included in the study. Umbilical cord coiling index was calculated and it was correlated with various perinatal parameters like birth weight, meconium stained liquor, Apgar score, ponderal index and foetal growth restriction. Chi square and Fisher exact tests were used to find the significance of study parameters. Results: There was a significant correlation between the hypercoiled cords (UCI >90th percentile) and IUGR of the babies (p value of < 0.001) and low ponderal indices (a p value of 0.022) Hypocoiled cords ( UCI which was < 10th percentile) were significantly associated with meconium staining (p < 0.001), Apgar score at 1 min of <4 and at 5 min of <7 (p value 0.065), LSCS rates (p value of 0.008) and NICU admissions (p <0.001). Conclusion: Hypercoiled cords or UCI which was > 90th percentile was associated with IUGR and low ponderal indices. Hypocoiled cords or UCI which was <10th percentile was associated with meconium staining, Apgar score at 1 min of <4 and at 5 min of <7, more LSCS rates and more NICU admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back ground: There are many diagnostic modalities are developed or under development to improve the diagnostic ability and to prognosticate in patients with cervical carcinoma. Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (CFTDNA) is one among them. In this study we are aiming to know the diagnostic ability at diagnosis and at early recurrence of Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (CFTDNA). Also to know its utilization in prognostication and to guide for genomically matched therapy. Methods and Material: A total of 25 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of cervical cancer (Stage IB-IIIB) were tested prospectively with 50 gene tumor panel in a NABL accredited laboratory. 4 ml serum was collected, CFTDNA was isolated and they were checked for single nucleotide variants (SNVs) genes/ copy number variants (CNVs) by using NGS and tumor ffpe blocks were again rechecked by NGS or PCR for the same genetic alterations. Results: Average patient age was 51.57yrs(range 30-83yrs) and all patients were squamous cell carcinoma. In 21/25(84%) patients, CFTDNA was detected and sufficient to carry under NGS. Out of 50 genes, around 32 genetic alteration were detected. Mean genetic alteration was 4.08(2-14). In 3/25 (12%) patients are more than 8 genomic alteration detected, 5/25(20%) patients had 5-8 genetic alteration, remaining 13/25(52%) patients had less than 4 genetic alteration. Most common SNVs detected included were, TP53 -11/21 (52.3%) patients, CDKN2A- 10/21(47.6%)patients, PTEN and STK11 -7/21 (33.3%)patients, BRAF and VHL -6/21 (28.5%)patients, EGFR and SMAD4 -4/21(19%), CTNNB1, GNAS, KIT, APC, PIK3CA- 3/21 (14.28%)patients, SMARCB1, SMO, RET, FBXW7, ERBB2, CSF1R, CDH1, AKT1, ATM, EBB4, FGFR3, FLT3, HRAS, JAK3, MET, NOTCH1, NPM1, KRAS, PTPN11- 1 or 2/21(4.7 to 9.5%) patients. On combination of these genetic alterations - EGFR, KIT, PTEN, PIK3CA, TP 53, VHL are the main alterations and combination of these gene (Diagnostic GENETIC MODULE), at least one genetic alteration among combination was found in 100% patients at any point of time. Further follow up data regarding correlation of these genetic alteration with prognosis will follows. Conclusions: CfTDNA can be easily demonstrable and can be used as non- invasive diagnostic tool in cervical carcinoma. Further, to create proper genetic module as diagnostic and prognostic marker- continuation of the study in large scale with different race, ethnicity and country required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Coronary revascularization procedures often cause lowered exercise capacity and declining physical activity levels. These outcomes are paramount in predicting morbidity and mortality after these procedures. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) focuses on incrementing cardiovascular endurance, exercise capacity, muscle strength, levels of physical activity, and quality of life through health education and lifestyle modification in post-coronary revascularization patients. Objective. To review the impact of cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity, levels of physical activity, and health related quality of life in patients following coronary revascularization. Methods. A structured literature search in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and ProQuest for studies focused on CR and its effects on functional capacity, physical activity, and quality of life after coronary revascularization. Results. A total of 2,010 studies were retrieved. Deduplication and eligibility screening included 190 studies after the application of filters. A sum of 21 studies were considered for this review. Most studies reported that exercise and physical activity programs were centre-based and home-based and via telerehabilitation. Treadmill and cycle ergometry training with callisthenics and flexibility exercises in phase 2 CR exhibited significant improvement in functional capacity and physical activity levels in patients after coronary revascularization procedures. Conclusion. Although centre-based supervised CR programs do improve functional capacity after coronary revascularization, home-based or telerehabilitation-based CR programs are feasible, improve patient compliance in improving physical activity, and thereby increase functional capacity. Patient education improves levels of physical activity, health related quality of life, and adherence to home- and centre-based CR programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in biodiesel production has resulted in the oversupply of glycerol into the market. Purified and processed glycerol has found many direct applications in pharmaceuticals, food, etc. However, the cost of processing and market value of processed glycerol has driven the research of direct utilization of crude glycerol to industrially essential chemicals. Various methods and research have been devoted to using glycerol to produce value-added products separately. Glycerol can undergo several transformation reactions like hydrogenation, oxidation, alcoholysis, and etherification. Etherification of glycerol can be divided into three main reactions: self-etherification, using alcohol, and olefins and these products have vast applications such as fuel additives, plasticizer, etc. The current review presents a comprehensive summary of glycerol etherification to value-added products and their applications. The catalytic system developed along with reaction conditions and the factors responsible for the better activity is also discussed. Overall, the review presents a detailed discussion on the catalytic system developed, the utilization of different alcohols and olefins, and the application of products. Moreover, the environmental and economic aspects of the etherification of glycerol via various conversion routes while assessing the process parameters needs to be tackled to attain wider adoption of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The range of pipe roughness values in both cases (triangular and trapezoidal) at the 0 HT ht level is the same, i.e., 110 to 130. For example, the minimum and maximum values obtained by the authors for HT ht are 8.88 and HT ht , while Sivakumar et al. ([5]) reported 5.81 and HT ht . Because the range of pipe roughness values at the 0 HT ht level in both triangular and trapezoidal cases is the same, MFs of pipe discharges and nodal heads at the 0 HT ht level should be identical. However, for other HT ht levels, these are different. [Extracted from the article]

A similar analysis is not applicable for Case Study 2 because the settings of the HT ht values are 0 for both PSVs and emitters. Hence, the discussers used PSV settings of zero instead of the HT ht values given in Table 2 of the original paper. The probable reason behind the authors' incorrect results for HT ht and 1.5 is that the default value of 0.5 might have been used for the global emitter exponent. [Extracted from the article]

OBJECTIVES: To increase the number of essential consult elements (ECEs) included in initial inpatient consultation requests between pediatric residents and fellows through implementation of a novel consult communication tool. METHODS: Literature review and previous needs assessment of pediatric residents and fellows were used to identify 4 specific ECEs. From February to June 2018, fellows audited verbal consult requests at a medium-sized, quaternary care children's hospital to determine the baseline percentage of ECE components within consults. A novel consult communication tool containing all ECEs was then developed by using a modified situation-background-assessment-recommendation (SBAR) format. The SBAR tool was implemented over 3 plan-do-study-act cycles. Adherence to SBAR, inclusion of ECEs, and consult question clarity were tracked via audits of consult requests. A pre- and postintervention survey of residents and fellows was used to examine perceived miscommunication and patient care errors and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: The median percentage of consults containing ≥3 ECEs increased from 50% preintervention to 100% postintervention with consult question clarity increasing from 52% to 92% (P < .001). Overall perception of consult miscommunication frequency decreased (52% vs 18%; P < .01), although there was no significant change in resident- or fellow-reported patient errors. SBAR maintained residents' already high consult satisfaction (96% vs 92%; P = .39) and increased fellows' consult satisfaction (51% vs 91%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a standardized consult communication tool resulted in increased inclusion of ECEs. Use of the tool led to greater consult question clarity, decreased perceived miscommunication, and improved overall consult satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing interest in precise and sensitive diagnosis for criminal investigations, nanoparticles (NPs) have intrigued scientific minds working in the field of forensic science due to their exceptional properties. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a powerful tool for improving forensic analysis due to their super magnetic behavior combined with smaller dimensions. MNP-based applications can benefit criminologists to solve criminal mysteries with greater precision and pace. This review highlights the different types of MNP-based applications and their developmental and implicational aspects of forensic science. It also renders insight into the future prospects of a splendid blend of nanotechnology and forensic science, leading to a better scientific analysis. The magnetic nanoparticles have been employed as a versatile tool in various forensic applications and investigation. [Display omitted] • The applications of magnetic nanoparticle in forensic investigation have been reviewed. • The MNPs based detection and isolation of cellular components in forensic sciences have been explored. • MNPs can be employed as a powerful tool in latent fingerprinting and defense and security purpose. • The challenges and possible future prospects of MNPs in forensic research have been critiqued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]