Enhanced photocatalytic activity of electrochemically synthesized aluminum oxide nanoparticles

In this study, aluminum oxide （Al2O3） nanoparticles （NPs） were synthesized via an electrochemical method. The effects of reac- tion parameters such as supporting electrolytes, solvent, current and electrolysis time on the shape and size of the resulting NPs were investi- gated. The Al2O3 NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Moreover, the Al2O3 NPs were explored for photocatalytic degradation of malachite green （MG） dye under sunlight irradiation via two processes： ad- sorption followed by photocatalysis; coupled adsorption and photocatalysis. The coupled process exhibited a higher photodegradation effi- ciency （45%） compared to adsorption followed by photocatalysis （32%）. The obtained kinetic data was well fitted using a pseudo-first-order model for MG degradation.

Effect of Jasmonic Acid on Photosynthetic Pigments and Stress Markers in <i>Cajanus cajan</i>(L.) Millsp. Seedlings under Copper Stress

Jasmonates are class of plant growth regulators act as signal molecule that intercede various components in physiological and metabolic regulation, stress responses and possibly communication through signal transduction. Oxidative stress due to heavy metal exposure stimulates synthesis and activity of antioxidant metabolites and enhances antioxidant enzyme activities that could protect plant tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the exogenous effect of JA at seed level which can transduce throughout seedling growth and regulate antioxidant activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD;EC 1.15.1.1) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD;EC 1.11.1.7) in 12 days old seedlings of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in presence and/or absence of copper. The activity of SOD and POD increased significantly in presence of Cu2+ after seed priming with JA. JA also helps in chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation and neutralizes the toxic effect of Cu2+ on seedlings. This is the first report of JA effect on photosynthetic pigment accumulation and H2O2 mitigating enzymes i.e. SOD and POD and it could be recommended that seed priming with JA help in ameliorating toxic effect of Cu2+.

Interconversion of two commonly used performance tools: An analysis of 5844 paired assessments in 1501 lung cancer patients

AIM To establish the Karnofsky performance status(KPS) categories which would facilitate the interconversion of the KPS scale to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG) performance status(PS) scale.METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of all patients attending the lung cancer clinic at a tertiary care center over a 5-year period(September 2009 to August 2014). All patients were assessed with both KPS and ECOG PS scales at each visit. Correlation between KPS and ECOG PS was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. KPS categories equivalent to ECOG PS scores were compared using hit rate and weighted kappa(κw).RESULTS A total of 1501 patients were assessed over the study period, providing 5844 paired KPS and ECOG PS assessments. The study cohort had a mean(standard deviation; SD) age of 58.4(10.8) years, with the majority being current or ex-smokers(76.9%) and males(82.3%). Non-small cell lung cancer was the most common histological type(n = 1196, 79.7%) with the majority having advanced(stage ⅢB/Ⅳ) disease(83.4%). Mean baseline KPS and ECOG PS scores were 77.6(SD = 14.4) and 1.5(SD = 1) respectively. The most frequent KPS score was 80(29%), and the most frequent ECOG PS score was 1(43%). The overall correlation between KPS and ECOG PS was good(Spearman r =-0.84, P < 0.0001) but ranged from-0.727 to-0.972 between visits. KPS categories derived from our cohort [10-40(ECOG 4), 50-60(ECOG 3), 70(ECOG 2), 80-90(ECOG 1), 100(ECOG 0)] performed better [hit rate 78.1%, κw = 0.749(0.736-0.762) P < 0.0001] than those suggested in the past literature.CONCLUSION The current study provides the largest set of paired KPS-ECOG assessments to date. We suggest that the KPS categories 10-40, 50-60, 70, 80-90, and 100 are equivalent to ECOG PS categories of 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0 respectively.

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma of lymph node: Pooled analysis of all reported cases

AIM: To study clinical outcomes and management of lymph nodes extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma(LNEPSCC). METHODS: Herein, we perform a systematic search of published literature in the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies describing LNEPSCC. For uniformity of reporting, LNEPSCC was staged as limited if it involved either single lymph node station or if surgery with curative intent had been undertaken. The disease was staged extensive if it involved two or more lymph node regions.RESULTS: The systematic literature review yielded eight descriptions(n = 14) involving cervical, submandibular and inguinal lymph nodes. Eleven(64.7%) patients had limited disease(LD) and six(35.3%) had extensive disease(ED) at presentation. Chemotherapy(n = 6, 35.3%) or surgery(n = 4, 23.5%) were the most common form of treatment given to these patients. Complete response was achieved in 12(70.6%) of the patients. Median(interquartile range) progression free survival and overall survival was 15(7-42) mo and 22(12.75-42) mo respectively. Of the three illustrative cases, two patients each had ED at presentation and achieved complete remission with platinum based combination chemotherapy.CONCLUSION: LNEPSCC is a rare disease with less than 15 reported cases in world literature. Surgical resection with curative intent is feasible in those with LD while platinum based combination chemoradiation is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with ED. Prognosis of LNEPSCC is better than that of small cell lung cancer in general.

Surveillance of Chikungunya virus activity in some North-eastern states of India

Objective: To detect the prevalence pattern of Chikungunya virus in three states of Northeast India. Methods: A total of 1 510 samples were collected from different private and government hospitals of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Serum was tested for the presence of IgM antibodies against Chikungunya virus followed by RT-PCR for amplification of Chikungunya E1 gene region using specific primers. Results: Overall, 11.83%(172/1 454) clinical samples were positive by MAC-ELISA and/or RT-PCR assay. Asymptomatic infection was seen in 17.86%. Males were more affected than females and age group 16-30 years was mostly affected. Fever(100.00%) was the primary symptom followed by headache(72.03%) and arthralgia(41.53%). Only 118 Chikungunya positive cases could be traced, of which 25.42% complained about sequelae of infection. In entomological investigation, Aedes aegypti was more predominant(92.10%) than Aedes albopictus(7.90%). No mosquito pools could be incriminated for Chikungunya virus. Conclusions: In this study, Chikungunya was observed to be prevalent in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Though Chikungunya is a selflimiting infection, increasing morbidity by CHIKV infection is affecting social and economic status of individual. Thus, a community empowerment to effectively control mosquito population by employing different mosquito control measures along with personal protection is mandatory to tackle future outbreak of the disease.

Telemonitoring in heart failure patients:Systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND Home telemonitoring has been used as a modality to prevent readmission and improve outcomes for patients with heart failure.However,studies have produced conflicting outcomes over the years.AIM To determine the aggregate effect of telemonitoring on all-cause mortality,heart failure-related mortality,all-cause hospitalization,and heart failure-related hospitalization in heart failure patients.METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 home telemonitoring randomized controlled trials involving 14993 patients.We also conducted a sensitivity analysis to examine the effect of telemonitoring duration,recent heart failure hospitalization,and age on telemonitoring outcomes.RESULTS Our study demonstrated that home telemonitoring in heart failure patients was associated with reduced all-cause[relative risk(RR)=0.83,95% confidence interval(CI):0.75-0.92,P=0.001]and cardiovascular mortality(RR=0.66,95%CI:0.54-0.81,P<0.001).Additionally,telemonitoring decreased the all-cause hospitalization(RR=0.87,95%CI:0.80-0.94,P=0.002)but did not decrease heart failurerelated hospitalization(RR=0.88,95%CI:0.77-1.01,P=0.066).However,prolonged home telemonitoring(12 mo or more)was associated with both decreased all-cause and heart failure hospitalization,unlike shorter duration(6 mo or less)telemonitoring.CONCLUSION Home telemonitoring using digital/broadband/satellite/wireless or blue-tooth transmission of physiological data reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients.In addition,prolonged telemonitoring(≥12 mo)reduces all-cause and heart failure-related hospitalization.The implication for practice is that hospitals considering telemonitoring to reduce heart failure readmission rates may need to plan for prolonged telemonitoring to see the effect they are looking for.

Body Composition, Dietary Intake and Physical Activity Level of Sedentary Adult Indian Women

Age related changes in body composition are associated with long term dietary intake profiles. Age related increase in body fat is primarily attributed to decline in physical activity and basal metabolic rate as well as dietary intake. The study was designed to assess the body composition, dietary intake and physical activity level of sedentary adult women of different age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 sedentary adult women comprised of students and faculty from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The relationship of body composition with dietary factors and physical activity level of women in four age groups i.e. 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50 and 51 - 60 years was determined. A gradual increase (p ≤ 0.05) in anthropometric and body composition parameters such as weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index, fat mass and visceral fat rating was observed with the advancement of age. The lean body mass was decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) as the age progressed, the values for four age groups being 74.9, 68.9, 62.8 and 60.9%, respectively. Contrary to this fat mass increased with age, the corresponding values for four age groups being 15.7, 21.4, 26.6 and 29.2 kg, respectively. The percent adequacy of protein by four age groups was 69.6, 78.2, 80.0 and 66.3, respectively when compared to RDA while fat intake was much higher i.e. 245.5, 271.8, 288.4 and 250.8%, respectively. The energy intake was inadequate among all age groups, however, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) differ- ence was observed in daily energy consumption between the age groups. The mean physical activity level (PAL) of the subjects ranged between 1.49 - 1.60. The physical activity level values showed that majority of the subjects (87% - 94%) were having sedentary life style. Age is a crucial factor associated with body composition. A high fat mass and low lean body mass of the subjects was observed. Their diets were low in protein but high in fat. Majority of the subjects from different age groups had sedentary life style. A diet with higher protein and lesser fat combined with exercise can help in sustaining optimum body composition.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in gynae-outpatients: Experience from a tertiary health centre

Background: Prospective analysis of 500 cases of vaginal discharge in tertiary health centre of Punjab. Objective: To study the prevalence of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 500 outpatient of 15 - 49 years age group with vaginal discharge and to evaluate the various factors influencing pattern of STIs. Method: All cases were subjected to cervical cytology, HIV ELISA, rapid plasma reagen (RPR) test for syphilis and Gram’s staining, Giemsa staining and wet mount study of vaginal discharge. Results: Prevalence of STIs was found to be 58% and majority of infection was caused by G. vaginalis, Candida and Trichomonas. Pap smear showed koilocytosis in 5.6%, mild dysplasia in 1.8% and carcinoma cervix in 1.2% cases. Conclusion: Vaginal discharge is a common gynaecological complaint and STIs are significant cause of vaginal discharge.

Haar Wavelet Quasilinearization Approach for Solving Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems

Objective of our paper is to present the Haar wavelet based solutions of boundary value problems by Haar collocation method and utilizing Quasilinearization technique to resolve quadratic nonlinearity in y. More accurate solutions are obtained by wavelet decomposition in the form of a multiresolution analysis of the function which represents solution of boundary value problems. Through this analysis, solutions are found on the coarse grid points and refined towards higher accuracy by increasing the level of the Haar wavelets. A distinctive feature of the proposed method is its simplicity and applicability for a variety of boundary conditions. Numerical tests are performed to check the applicability and efficiency. C++ program is developed to find the wavelet solution.

Clinical Validation of Global Coagulation Tests to Guide Blood Component Transfusions in Cirrhosis and ACLF

Background and Aims:Patients with cirrhosis and acuteon-chronic liver failure(ACLF)may have bleeding complications and need for invasive procedures.Point-of-care(POC)coagulation tests like thromboelastography(TEG)and Sonoclot may be better for guiding patient management than the standard coagulation tests(SCTs),like prothrombin time,platelet count and international normalized ratio.Methods:We prospectively compared and validated the POC tests and SCTs in 70 persons with ACLF and 72 persons with decompensated cirrhosis who had clinical bleeding and checked for episodes of re-bleeding and transfusion requirements.We assessed pre-procedure requirement of blood components when correction was done based on an SCT or POC strategy.Results:Episodes of bleeding were seen in 45%and 28%of ACLF and cirrhosis patient,respectively(p=0.036),with the major site of bleeding being gastrointestinal(31%and 16%,respectively).Platelet counts correlated with TEG-maximum amplitude in cirrhosis(p=0.045)and prothrombin time correlated positively with TEG-reaction(R)time(p=0.032),TEG-Clot kinetics(K)time(p=0.042),Son-activated clotting time(p=0.038)and negatively with clot rate(p=0.043)in ACLF,making these correctable target variables in POC transfusion algorithms.Of 223 procedures,transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and platelet concentrate was reduced by 25%(p=0.035)and 20.8%(p=0.045)by using a POC strategy in 76 patients.Correction of deranged Son-activated clotting time and TEG-reaction time was noted in 68%and 72%after 24 h of fresh frozen plasma transfusion in ACLF and 85%and 80%in cirrhosis,respectively.Conclusions:Our study clinically validates that POC tests can better detect coagulation defects and transfusion thresholds in ACLF and cirrhosis,whereas use of conventional tests appear to be less suitable in patients with clinical bleeding.Trial Registration:NCT04332484.

Feasibility and efficacy of gentamicin for treating neonatal sepsis in community-based settings:a systematic review

Background:Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal deaths in developing countries.The current recommended in-hospital treatment is parenteral ampicillin(or penicillin)and gentamicin in young infants for 10-14 days;however,very few could access and afford.The current review is to evaluate the feasibility of gentamicin in community based settings.Methods:Both observational and randomized controlled trials were included.Medline,Embase,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Central Trial Register of India were searched until September 2013.We assessed the risk of bias by Cochrane Collaboration’s"risk of bias"tool.Results:Two observational studies indicated feasibility ensuring coverage of population,decrease in case fatality rate in the group treated by community health workers.In an RCT,no significant difference was observed in the treatment failure rates[odds ratio(OR)=0.88],and the mortality in the first and second week(OR=1.53;OR=2.24)between gentamicin and ceftriaxone groups.Within the gentamicin group,the combination of penicillin and gentamicin showed a lower rate of treatment failure(OR=0.44)and mortality at second week of life(OR=0.17)as compared to the combination of gentamicin and oral cotrimoxazole.Conclusion:Gentamicin for the treatment of neonatal sepsis is both feasible and effective in community-based settings and can be used as an alternative to the hospitalbased care in resource compromised settings.But there was less evidence in the management of neonatal sepsis in hospitals as was seen in this review in which we included only one RCT and three observational studies.

Improved offline multi-objective routing and wavelength assignment in optical networks

Optical networks act as a backbone for coming generation high speed applications.These applications demand a very high bandwidth which can be exploited with the use of wavelength division multiplexing(WDM)technology.The issue of setting light paths for the traffic demands is routing and wavelength assignment(RWA)problem.Based on the type of traffic patterns,it can be categorized as offline or online RWA.In this paper,an effective solution to offline(static)routing and wavelength assignment is presented considering multiple objectives simultaneously.Initially,the flower pollination(FP)technique is utilized.Then the problem is extended with the parallel hybrid technique with flower pollination and intelligent water drop algorithm(FPIWDA).Further,FPIWD is hybrid in parallel with simulated annealing(SA)algorithm to propose a parallel hybrid algorithm FPIWDSA.The results obtained through extensive simulation show the superiority of FPIWD as compared to FP.Moreover,the results in terms of blocking probability with respect to wavelengths and load of FPIWDSA are more propitious than FP and FPIWD.

Entropically favoured through space charge transfer‘lighted’photosensitizing assemblies for‘metal free’regulated photooxidation of alcohols and aldehydes

Strong acceptor-weak acceptor system FN-TPy has been designed and synthesized,which undergoes solvent dependent self-assembly in mixed aqueous media to generate through space intermolecular charge transfer assemblies.The as-prepared entropically favoured assemblies of FN-TPy exhibit excellent photostability and photosensitizing properties in the assembled state to activate aerial oxygen for efficient generation of reactive oxygen species through Type-I and Type-II pathways.The FN-TPy exhibits excellent potential for regulated oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes under mild reaction conditions(visible light irradiation,aqueous media,room temperature)using aerial oxygen as the‘oxidant’.The present study demonstrates the potential of FN-TPy assemblies to catalyse controlled oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid.