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The use of halogen bonding interactions as an alternative to acid and metal catalysts for substrate activation has gained popularity in recent years. In this work we demonstrate a halogen bond assisted activation of chalcones under visible light irradiation for the Friedel‐Crafts reaction with indole to yield β‐indolylketones. The simple and scalable protocol uses the readily available CBr4 as halogen bond catalyst. The targets are produced in 31–94% of yield with excellent functional group tolerance. The proposed mechanism of the reaction is supported by UV‐vis, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopic studies. Further it is demonstrated that the β‐indolylketones can be oxidised to indole substituted α, β‐unsaturated ketones by DDQ or cyclized to thieno[2,3‐b]indoles in the presence of elemental sulfur and base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoinduced aryl radical generation is a powerful strategy in organic synthesis that facilitates the formation of diverse carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bonds. The synthetic applications of photoinduced aryl radical formation in the synthesis of complex organic compounds, including natural products, physiologically significant molecules, and functional materials, have received immense attention. An overview of current developments in photoinduced aryl radical production methods and their uses in organic synthesis is given in this article. A generalized idea of how to choose the reagents and approach for the generation of aryl radicals is described, along with photoinduced techniques and associated mechanistic insights. Overall, this article offers a critical assessment of the mechanistic results as well as the selection of reaction parameters for specific reagents in the context of radical cascades, cross‐coupling reactions, aryl radical functionalization, and selective C−H functionalization of aryl substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil enzyme activities are closely associated with soil organic carbon (SOC) or microbial biomass carbon (MBC). High correlation between SOC and MBC masks their individual effects on enzyme activities. Expressing soil enzymes activity relative to soil organic carbon (SOC) or Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) would normalize the differences in SOC/MBC. A long term subtropical rice-wheat system was selected to study the variation in soil-specific enzyme activity (per unit SOC and MBC) in soil aggregates under integrated nutrient management. Soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and the enzyme activities like acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), dehydrogenase (DHA), fluorescien diacetate hydrolysing capacity (FDA) and urease were measured in three aggregate size fractions viz., >2000, 2000–250 and <250 µm. Integrated nutrient management practices significantly increased the specific enzyme activities expressed in relation to SOC and MBC. Aggregate size fractions of 2000–250 µm size exhibited higher specific enzyme activities, when expressed in terms of SOC. Enzyme activity (per unit MBC) in aggregates also followed the same pattern with an exception to dehydrogenase activity which was almost uniform across all the aggregates size fractions. Aggregates of larger size do not always possess higher enzymes activity; even smaller macroaggregates were able to retain stable extracellular enzyme activity per unit of SOC or MBC. This study opens an alley to express soil enzymatic activities relative to SOC or MBC level in the soils, rather than expressing absolute activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the dynamics of a submerged compound pendulum (SCP). The considered pendulum consists of a horizontal cylindrical element at its lowermost portion and a plate between the cylindrical element and the pivot. An approximate analytical expression for the natural frequency of the submerged compound pendulum is proposed. Further, a two-dimensional (2D) numerical model of the pendulum is developed using ANSYS (FLUENT). The natural periods of the SCP are determined for different geometric configurations. The analytically estimated natural periods of the pendulum match well with those obtained from numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkenes and alkynes are among the most fundamental and valuable synthons utilized to create atom- and step-efficient heterocyclic compounds, which are crucial components of many drugs, natural products, and essential intermediates in contemporary synthetic organic chemistry. Furthermore, because of their many physical, chemical, and biological properties, nitrogen-based motifs have become crucial building blocks in materials and pharmaceutical chemistry. Consequently, nitrogen heterocycles have been decorated with numerous chromophores and fine chemicals via novel synthetic techniques and procedures to enhance their functional properties. Traditional reactions require predetermined reagents and appropriate interacting catalysts. Alternatively, photoinduced techniques do not require these conditions as light may directly interact with molecules and increase their reactivity. Since nitrogen scaffolds are present in >50% of all medicinal and functional materials, creating an effective synthetic process employing a photo-induced approach has become a valuable tool in recent years. This study summarizes and presents photocatalytic processes for the synthesis of nitrogen-enriched heterocycles from saturated and unsaturated alkynes and alkenes. Alternative methods involving the activation of nitrogen precursors are also discussed and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery is the primary modality for the treatment of early oral cancer. The present study aims to evaluate the oncological outcomes, patterns of failure, and prognostic predictors of recurrence in patients of early oral cancer (Stage I and II) treated by surgery alone. It is a single institutional, observational retrospective cohort study conducted from 2012 to 2017.The study was approved by institutional ethics committee. All consecutive patients who underwent upfront curative surgery alone (wide excision of tumour + neck dissection) for pathologically proven early oral cavity SCC(Squamous Cell Carcinoma) pT1-2N0 were included in the study. 113 patients were included in the study after a median follow-up of 58.2 months. The median age was 58.5 years. 25 patients were stage I, and 88 patients were stage II. The most common subsite was buccal mucosa. There were 31 recurrences and 24 deaths. Using Kaplan Meier method, 3 and 5 year overall survival was 92% and 71.8%, respectively, while 3 year and 5 year recurrence-free survival was 77.9% and 69.4%, respectively. Perineural invasion and poor differentiation affected recurrence-free survival significantly (p value < 0.05). More than one-fourth of surgically treated early oral SCC patients developed recurrence. Presence of poorly differentiated histology and the perineural invasion were the high risk factors which hampered the recurrence free survival. High consumption of betel quid consumption in this part of the world leads to differences in the involved subsite from the Western literature. Adding adjuvant treatment in the presence of these adverse histopathological features may improve prognosis. Randomised studies are warranted to answer this dilemma. Level of Evidence IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the Development of a Process Monitoring Strategy for a multi-stage manufacturing facility laden with non-normal data. A multi-block variant of the modified independent component analysis (MICA)-based technique has been proposed for building of the said monitoring strategy. For validation of the monitoring strategy thus developed, a case study pertaining to a Copper Cathode Manufacturing Unit (CCMU) has been taking into account. The multi-block MICA (MBMICA)-based monitoring strategy provided a means for hierarchical monitoring and effectively negotiating with non-normal data for the chosen multi-stage CCMU. The detection of faults were achieved by employment of MBMICA score-based Hotelling T2 control chart whose control limit was estimated via application of bootstrap procedure. The fault detection was succeeded by fault diagnosis which was performed via application of appropriate fault diagnosis statistic. The said process monitoring strategy thus developed was able to detect and diagnose the detected fault(s) with appreciable accuracy for a multi-stage CCMU laden with non-normal data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a laterally excited, partially liquid-filled U-shaped container, oscillation is the predominant motion of the liquid. However, there would be some sloshing in the liquid free surface at the vertical limbs of the container. Due to the presence of high-energy velocity pulses, near-fault ground motions can cause significant sloshing in the vertical limbs of the container. Thus, it is necessary to examine the effect of near-fault earthquake excitations on the sloshing liquid height, sloshing-induced hydrodynamic pressure, and shear stress at the walls of the U-shaped containers. The same is attempted in this paper. The standard "k-epsilon" turbulence model with enhanced wall function is considered in this study. The outcome of this study reveals that the time-wise frequency variation of the near-fault ground motions significantly affects the sloshing response of the liquid stored in the U-shaped containers. It is observed that the sloshing-induced hydrodynamic pressure is severely influenced by the frequency content of the ground motion records rather than their peak ground acceleration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article proposes the development of a layered process monitoring strategy based on multi-block kernel principal component analysis (MBKPCA). MBKPCA aids in the development of a distributed process monitoring strategy by taking into account the nonlinear relationships existing amongst the measured characteristics. A distributed process monitoring strategy stratifies the proposed process into a multi-layered structure comprising of blocks, sub-blocks etc. In this article, an MBKPCA-based monitoring strategy was devised for a wire rod manufacturing facility (WRMF) of an integrated steel plant (ISP). The proposed monitoring strategy stratified the entire process into 3 layers, with the first layer comprising the manufacturing stages, the next layer comprising the sub-stages and the third layer comprising the characteristics to be monitored within the respective sub-stages. The detection of the fault was carried out with the aid of kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) score–based Hotelling T2 chart. Fault detection was followed by fault diagnosis, for which new fault diagnostic statistics were proposed which took into account the contribution of the main and the auxiliary characteristics. The study also proposed the concept of cumulative percent contribution ratio (CPCR) to limit the number of parameters (stages/sub-stages/characteristics) that needs to be retained in fault diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craniofacial osteosarcoma is a relatively rare disease entity. In the craniofacial region, mandible is the commonest site followed by maxilla and skull bone. Due to its rare occurrence standard treatment guidelines are not formulated as in long bone or extremity sarcoma. Here we have reported a locally advanced case of a maxillary osteosarcoma of chondroblastic variant who was initially considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However there was radiological evience of disease progression. Then the patient was considered for surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. A literature review of the published cases of maxillary chondroblastic osteosarcoma has also been done here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbital exenteration is a mutilating surgery which involves the removal of the entire contents of the bony orbit, including the globe, extraocular muscles and periorbital fat, and many times includes the eyelids. Since it leads to severe disfigurement, it is an infrequent procedure largely indicated in malignant conditions. The current study aims to report the clinicodemographic profile and treatment outcome of orbital exenteration patients done in a cancer care center in Northeast India. This is a hospital-based retrospective study between January 2017 and December 2021, including patients undergoing orbital exenteration. All patient and treatment-related data were retrieved from the record of hospital files. A total of 18 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51 ± 18 years and male: female ratio was 1:1. Most patients had primary in orbit (55.6%). The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma, (8/18, 44.4%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (two patients, 11.1%). After a median follow-up was 25 months (range 3–92), the median DFS of the study population was 31.4 months. The five-year overall survival of the patients was 54%. Orbital exenteration is an infrequent surgery due to the associated disfigurement and hence reserved for conditions where eye preservation is impossible. We tried to report the experience of orbital exenteration from a single cancer center for five years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a generalization of Darbo's fixed point theorem using a new contraction operator is obtained to solve our proposed hybrid differential and fractional hybrid differential equations in a Banach space. The applicability of our results with the help of a suitable example has also been shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a significant increase in the incidence of recurrent, resistant, and extensive dermatophyte infections worldwide recently. This menace has spurred the need for more well-designed randomized controlled trials to optimize the treatment of dermatophyte skin infections. One of the limitations in designing such studies is the limited availability of standard and validated score, to measure the severity of dermatophyte infections. Aims: To create a severity score for the evaluation of dermatophyte infections. Materials and Methods: A Delphi consensus model was used to frame a severity scoring tool for superficial dermatophyte skin infections. Fourteen experts participated in the first round and twelve experts participated in the second round. Results: Based on the expert consensus, a final scoring system proposed was: Final Severity Score (FSS) = Sum total of Body Surface Area (BSA) in hand units for each patch multiplied by the sum of the scores for pruritis (P), lichenification (L), and actively raised borders (A) for each patch (FSS = BSA in hand units x (P + E + L + A) of patch 1 + BSA in hand units x (P + E + A) of patch 2 ...etc.). For measuring hand units more accurately fractional values of 0.25 can be used (0.25 corresponding to an approximate 1/4th of a hand unit). A score of +1 will be added in case of the following - 1) Close contact/family member affected, 2) History of at least one recurrence in the previous 6 months after a course of oral antifungals, 3) History of immunosuppression (on immunosuppressive medication or having underlying immunosuppressive disease). The scores will be valid only if the patient has not used any treatment topical or systemic, for at least 2 weeks before enrolment. Conclusion: The proposed Dermatophytosis Area and Severity Index (DeASI) score will help the physicians and researchers standardize the treatment protocol for dermatophytosis, henceforth, assessing the response to therapy. This will also help to standardize the parameters of effectiveness while designing any clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer patients affected with COVID-19 are at high risk of severe infection and death which depends upon their functional status, cancer type and treatment modality. In this study, we measured outcome by mortality and length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit, need of oxygen and respiratory assist devices and performance status after discharge. Methodology: This retrospective observational study was carried out in active cancer patients with confirmed positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 between April 2021 and August 2021. Patients with cancer treated more than 6 months back, those in remission and home isolation were excluded. Demographic profile, cancer type, staging and treatment, severity of COVID, treatment, oxygen supplementation, as well as ICU and hospital stay were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential analysis. Significance was assessed at 5% level of significance. Chi-square/Fisher Exact test was used to find the significance of the study parameters on categorical scale between two or more groups, non-parametric setting for qualitative data analysis. Fisher Exact test was used when cell samples were very small. P = 0.01 was considered as strongly significant. Results: Out of 92 patients, there were 17 deaths (mortality 18.4%). Mortality was associated with cancer stage, comorbidities, severity of COVID symptoms, use of oxygen, high flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation and decreased Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score on discharge (P = 0.001). Age, raised C-reactive protein and D dimer levels were associated with increased severity of COVID-19. Conclusion: Cancer patients with COVID-19 have increased morbidity and mortality affected by various factors related either to pre-existent cancer or the newly acquired COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic has been immense. An innocent casualty of this disaster is medical education and training. Dermatology, which primarily deals with out-patient services, medical and surgical interventions, and in-patient services, was one of the worst hit. The National Medical Commission of India has implemented competency-based medical education (CBME) in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy since 2019. The new curriculum relies on acquiring practical and procedural skills, training skills in research methodology, professionalism, attitude, and communication. Objectives: The study was undertaken to understand the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on postgraduate dermatology CBME training in India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out on postgraduate dermatology teachers and residents in India after obtaining ethics committee approval. An online semi-structured English questionnaire was administered by Google Forms. The calculated sample size was 366 dermatology faculty and 341 postgraduate students. Validity (Content validity ratio (CVR) ≥0.56) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.7249) of the questionnaire were determined. Results: Among the 764 responses received, 51.4% reported that their institutes were converted to exclusive COVID hospitals. Domains of dermatology education affected were procedural training (n = 655), bedside clinical teaching (n = 613), outpatient department-based clinical teaching (n = 487), bedside laboratory procedures (n = 463), research activities (n = 453), histopathology (n = 412), and theory classes (n = 302). To keep up with the teaching-learning process, online platforms were mostly utilized: Zoom Meeting (n = 379), Google Meet (n = 287), and WhatsApp Interaction (n = 224). Teaching during ward rounds was significantly more affected in exclusively COVID institutes than non-exclusive COVID institutes (P < 0.001). Psychomotor skill development suffered a major jolt with 26.7% of respondents reporting a standstill (P < 0.001). Communication skills among students suffered due to social distancing, mask, and poor attendance of patients. According to 23.84% of respondents, formative assessment was discontinued. Conclusion: Online seminars, journal clubs, and assessments have been incorporated during the pandemic. Online modalities should be used as a supplementary method as psychomotor skills, communication skills, research work, and bedside clinics may not be replaced by the e-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue light has garnered attention because of its ability to penetrate more deeply into the skin layers, and induce cellular dysfunction and DNA damage. Photoageing, hyperpigmentation and melasma are some of the cutaneous changes that develop on exposure to blue light. To date, the therapeutic roles of blue light have been evaluated in dermatological conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, actinic keratosis and cutaneous malignancies, among others. In this review, we have attempted to present an evidence-based compilation of the effects of blue light on the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between labour movements and the environment has been the subject of considerable debate but little empirical research. Using panel data for Canadian provinces between 2001 and 2019, this article investigates the relationship between unionization rates and two measures of environmental quality: greenhouse gas emissions and total particulate matter pollution. We find that higher unionization rates are associated with lower emissions for both these measures. This finding suggests that stronger labour organizations do not lead to detrimental environmental outcomes. La relation entre les mouvements syndicaux et l'environnement a fait l'objet de débats considérables, mais de peu de recherches empiriques. À l'aide de données de panel pour les provinces canadiennes entre 2001 et 2019, cet article étudie la relation entre les taux de syndicalisation et deux mesures de la qualité de l'environnement : les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et la pollution totale par les particules. Nous constatons que des taux de syndicalisation plus élevés sont associés à des émissions plus faibles pour ces deux mesures. Cette constatation suggère que des organisations syndicales plus fortes ne conduisent pas à des résultats environnementaux préjudiciables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytosis has acquired an epidemic-like proportion, fuelling a wide gamut of irrational, unethical and unscientific prescriptions. The menace can be attributed to poorly regulated legislative laws controlling the approval of molecules, unscientific marketing gimmicks by the pharmaceutical industry, over-the-counter availability of drugs and lack of awareness and knowledge among the prescribing physicians. In this review, we have attempted to enlist the irrational and unethical prescription patterns for dermatophytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of newer drugs and formulations, the armamentarium to combat dermatophytosis is ever-expanding. However, we must be rational and scientific when choosing the drugs. This review is an attempt to summarise the recently approved and upcoming therapeutic options for dermatophytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated nutrient management (INM) practice with farmyard manure (FYM), wheat straw (WS) and green leaf manuring (GLM) augments aggregate formation in soils. However, soil aggregation regulating several soils biological activities has been proven to be intricate with both positive and negative interactions across studies. We studied the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil enzymes across three aggregate classes (>2000 µm, 2000–250 µm and <250 µm) from a long-term rice-wheat cropping system. Integrated nutrient management practices significantly influence the fraction of soil macro-aggregates; whereas suboptimal level of fertilization was dominated by micro-aggregates. Application of inorganic fertilizer with FYM over long-term improves SOC to the tune of 12.78% when compared with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF); whereas WS as an amendment improves MBC to the tune of 51.80% over RDF. Activities of the studied soil enzymes (Acid phosphatase, Alkaline phosphatase, Dehydrogenase, Fluorescein Diacetate Hydrolysing Capacity and Urease) were found to be higher when associated with large macro-aggregates fraction of size >2000 µm as compared to micro-aggregates. In conclusion, large macro-aggregates improve and regulate all the soil biological indicators after a long-term integration of organic amendments with inorganic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) target the signal transduction pathways of protein kinases by several modes of inhibition. Adverse effects are generally dose dependent, with certain side-effects unique to each drug. However, due to similarities in target sites, different classes of TKIs may have identical or overlapping side-effect profiles. This narrative review is an attempt to summarize the common and uncommon adverse effects of different classes of TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is rare, generally slow growing tumor, originating from dermal stem cell or undifferentiated mesenchymal cell. DFSP primarily occurs on the trunk and proximal extremities, with reported only 10–15% occurring in the head and neck region. There can be varied presentations of DFSP in atypical sites mimicking a benign appearance and history due to which diagnostic dilemmas can occur. The underlying malignancy needs to be unveiled by histopathology and immunohistochemistry which reveals bland spindle cells in sub epithelium arranged in whorled storiform pattern which was CD34+, suggestive of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, wherever possible. We herein report two intriguing cases of DFSP in uncommon sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate crops are prone to wilt complex disease, which is known to severely hamper the crop yield. There have been limited studies that have explored bacteria–plant–host associations in wilt complex disease affecting pomegranate crops. In the present study, wilt infected rhizosphere soil samples (ISI, ASI) in pomegranate were studied in comparison to a healthy control (HSC). The 16S metagenomics sequencing approach using the MinION platform was employed for screening of bacterial communities and predictive functional pathways. Altered physicochemical properties in the soil samples were recorded showing a comparatively acidic pH in the ISI (6.35) and ASI (6.63) soil samples to the HSC soil (7.66), along with higher electrical conductivity in the ISI (139.5 µS/cm), ASI soil (180 µS/cm), HSC soil sample (123.33 µS/cm). While concentration of micronutrients such as Cl and B were significantly higher in the ISI and ASI soil as compared to the HSC, Cu and Zn were significantly higher in the ASI soil. The effectiveness and accuracy of 16S metagenomics studies in identifying beneficial and pathogenic bacterial communities in multi-pathogen–host systems depend on the completeness and consistency of the available 16S rRNA sequence repositories. Enhancing these repositories could significantly improve the exploratory potential of such studies. Thus, multiple 16S rRNA data repositories (RDP, GTDB, EzBioCloud, SILVA, and GreenGenes) were benchmarked, and the findings indicated that SILVA yields the most reliable matches. Consequently, SILVA was chosen for further analysis at the species level. Relative abundance estimates of bacterial species showed variations of growth promoting bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megatarium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas stutzeri and Micrococcus luteus. Functional profiling predictions employing PICRUSt2 revealed a number of enriched pathways such as transporter protein families involved in signalling and cellular processes, iron complex transport system substrate binding protein, peptidoglycan biosynthesis II (staphylococci) and TCA cycle VII (acetate-producers). In line with past reports, results suggest that an acidic pH along with the bioavailability of micronutrients such as Fe and Mn could be facilitating the prevalence and virulence of Fusarium oxysporum, a known causative pathogen, against the host and beneficial bacterial communities. This study identifies bacterial communities taking into account the physicochemical and other abiotic soil parameters in wilt-affected pomegranate crops. The insights obtained could be instrumental in developing effective management strategies to enhance crop yield and mitigate the impact of wilt complex disease on pomegranate crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deconstruction of alkenes to their carbonyl derivatives is a widely used protocol in synthetic organic chemistry and several reaction conditions have been demonstrated for electron-rich and unconjugated alkenes. However, such reactions of electron-deficient and conjugated alkenes are highly challenging. In this report, we have demonstrated a light-promoted water-mediated NBS photoinitiated cleavage of electron-deficient conjugated alkenes under mild and greener conditions via the hydrogen atom transfer mechanism. Additionally, this methodology is demonstrated as a deprotection step for carbonyl groups. This protocol works at room temperature in an aqueous medium with a wide range of functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial stewardship refers to a well-coordinated program which promotes the scientific and rational use of antimicrobials, reduces the chances of drug resistance and improves patient outcomes. A comprehensive English language literature search was done across multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane) for the period 1990–2022, revealing a large volume of reports of growing resistance to established antifungal therapies, against a backdrop of irrational and unscientific prescriptions. As a result of this, antifungal stewardship, a new kid on the block, has recently garnered attention. This review article is an attempt to summarise the basic concept of stewardship programs, highlighting the dire need to implement the same in the present situation of antifungal resistance and treatment failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoric acid (PA) leaching, low proton conductivity and weak mechanical strength of the polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane need to be improved considerably for the development of proton exchange membrane (PEM). We have addressed these issues by preparing a mixed matrix composite (MMC) membrane comprising of oxy-polybenzimidazole (OPBI) and imidazole ionic liquid modified silica (ImILSi). Imidazolium based ionic liquid was synthesized and grafted to the surface of the silica nanoparticles (SiNP) to obtain ImILSi which further blended with OPBI to obtain OPBI@ImILSi. The uniform dispersion nature of the ImILSi in the OPBI matrix and the strong H-bonded interfacial interactions between nanofillers and polymers are found to be primary reason for significant improvement of various physical properties of the MMC. TGA, DMA and stress-strain studies exhibited significant enhancement in the thermal and mechanical properties of the MMC membranes. Most importantly, due to the loading of hydrophilic ImILSi, the MMC membranes resulted higher PA loading (∼3-fold increase) which enabled the formation of facial proton transport nanochannels for their superior proton conduction under anhydrous environment and elevated temperature. For example, the OPBI@ImILSi-3% membrane showed proton conductivity value of 0.219 S cm−1 at 160 °C which is a ∼4-fold increase compared to OPBI membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a study on a deep, liquid‐containing tank, such as an overhead water tank on a building, with a vertically submerged stretched membrane (SSM). Here, instead of the sloshing mode, which can become detuned and also affords a low damper mass ratio, the impulsive liquid–membrane interacting system is designed to serve as a dynamic vibration absorber. The requirement of tuning the frequency of the impulsive liquid–membrane interacting system to the structural frequency can be achieved without any imposition on the tank dimensions, which are generally fixed from the tank's functional requirements. The system frequency would remain unchanged so long the membrane would remain submerged below a minimum liquid depth, thereby allowing fluctuation of liquid level within a prescribed range of the tank depth. The formulation for obtaining the frequency of the impulsive liquid–membrane interacting system is derived, using the sub‐domain partition approach. It is seen that through suitable adjustment of the design parameters of the membrane, the proposed tank damper can be tuned to both short‐period and to long‐period structures. Further, the impulsive liquid mass, which otherwise has no role to play in the damping mechanism of a tuned liquid damper (TLD), is here utilized to absorb and dissipate the vibrational energy. Through a time‐domain study considering recorded seismic accelerograms, the significant control effectiveness of the proposed damper system is illustrated. Further, the results obtained from the equivalent mechanical model of the structure–damper system are compared with those from a finite element analysis of the fluid–structure system in the ANSYS Workbench environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this article is to discuss and prove fixed point results using the operator type condensing map, and to obtain the existence of solution of Erdélyi-Kober bivariate fractional integral equation in a Banach space. An instance is given to explain the results obtained, and we construct an iterative algorithm by sinc interpolation to find an approximate solution of the problem with acceptable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, India holds the unenviable position of the origin of leprosy. The disease is thought to have spread, via trade and war, to China, Egypt, and the Middle East, and later to Europe and the Americas. From antiquity to modernity, Indian society treated leprosy singularly for custom and law, a response shaped by both scientific knowledge and cultural attitudes. Over the past centuries, tireless research by eminent physicians and scientists working in India have helped establish a better understanding of clinical, bacteriologic, pathologic, and immunologic aspects of leprosy. Therapeutic modalities that were initially restricted to chaulmoogra expanded to include newer anti-leprotic medications and even surgical reconstruction of deformities. India's future challenges in leprosy control include stigmata, educational knowledge gaps, and multiple systems of medicine. This contribution is an attempt to comprehensively discuss the historic aspect of this exclusive disease focusing on the varied scientific contributions from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toroidal tuned liquid column damper (TTLCD) has been known so far only for its multidirectional vibration control capabilities. The details of its liquid motion characteristics and energy dissipation capacity have been missing. To cover this gap, in this paper, experimental studies are carried out by shaking table tests and an effective three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model of the TTLCD is developed. All parametric effects and the characteristics of the liquid motion in the TTLCD are addressed. The findings of the paper now clearly reveal that the TTLCD encompasses both an oscillatory liquid deflection as the first mode and a sloshing motion as the second mode vibration response. Accordingly, the results prove that the TTLCD operates not only multidirectionally but also as a unique multimodal device, which unites the properties of tuned liquid dampers (TLDs)/tuned sloshing dampers (TSDs) with tuned liquid column dampers (TLCDs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS‐A) is an inflammatory condition that affects multiple extrapulmonary organ systems (cardiac, gastrointestinal tract, dermatological and/or neurological), attributed to a postinfectious and atypical complication occurring weeks to months after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The diagnosis is primarily based on findings encompassing persistent fever, elevated inflammatory markers, multiorgan involvement and a temporal relationship with COVID‐19 infection. The existing literature on MIS‐A, although growing, is limited to case reports and small case series. It is imperative that dermatologists be aware of this entity and aid the critical care team to ensure timely diagnosis and early therapeutic intervention. In this review, we concisely highlight the varied presentations, pathogenesis and treatment options in MIS‐A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unions can increase the power of workers through both collective bargaining and political avenues, potentially creating less income inequality and poverty. However, this potential may not be realized. Drawing on power resource theory, this study uses panel data to investigate the connection between unionization and two measures of after-tax inequality – the income share of the top 1% and the Gini coefficient – and three measures of poverty – the percentage of the population below the low-income cut-off, the average income of the bottom decile, and the percent of the population below the low-income measure – between Canadian provinces from 2000 to 2020. We find that unionization is negatively associated with income inequality in Canada. This relationship is statistically significant. However, we do not find evidence of any statistical association between unionization and poverty in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skull base chordomas are a rare entity that requires multidisciplinary decision-making for management. We report a case wherein the patient was initially mismanaged at a peripheral centre, and was then redeemed by a multidisciplinary tumor board decision-making and specialized surgical procedures. We also present a brief review of the therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various types of steroid preparations seen in our patient cohort were administered by unqualified medical professionals primarily for the patient's cutaneous disease, rather than for any suggestion of an underlying medical condition for which the steroid use could be justified. Clinical examination and biochemical derangement in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis were suggestive of iatrogenic hypercorticolism in 4 of 17 patients (23.5%); we referred these cases (Patients 12, 13, 15 and 17) to an endocrinologist for specialized management. A pilot study to evaluate the patient adherence to antifungal therapy in dermatophytosis: a possible contributory factor to the current epidemic-like situation in India. [Extracted from the article]

Agricultural productivity of pomegranate can be enhanced by identifying the crop-associated microbial diversity in the rhizosphere region with respect to plant growth promoters and other beneficial organisms. Traditional culture methods have limitations in microbial screening as only 1–2% of these organisms can be cultured. In the present study, 16S rRNA amplicon-based metagenomics approach using MinION Oxford Nanopore platform was employed to explore the microbial diversity in the rhizosphere of pomegranate Bhagwa variety, across variable soil depths from 0 to 5 cms (R2), 5–10 cms (R4) and 10–15 cms (R6), using bulk soil as the control. Across all the three layers, significant variations in pH, nitrogen content and total fungal count were observed. 16S rRNA analysis showed the abundance of planctomycetes, Pirellula staleyi, followed by bacteroidetes, Flavisolibacter LC59 and Niastella koreensis across the various soil depths in the rhizospheric soil samples. Pathway prediction analysis indicated arginine and proline metabolism (gamma-glutamyl putrescine oxidase) and hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis as the most abundant pathway hits. Comparative abundance analysis across layers showed the R6 layer with the maximum microbial diversity in terms of highest dimension of variation (79.2%) followed by R4 and R2 layers (p < 0.01). Our analysis shows the significant influence of root zone in shaping microbial diversity. This study has reported the presence of Planctomycetes, Pirellula staleyi for the first time in the pomegranate field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obese and overweight individuals may have a wide spectrum of cutaneous features and can have more severe manifestations of multiple dermatological conditions. There have been multiple expert opinions on the role of weight loss, in the improvement of skin conditions. There have been few studies over the past decade evaluating the effects of exercise and other modes of weight reduction on various dermatoses such as psoriasis, acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa and acanthosis nigricans. In this review, we have attempted to provide a summary of the beneficial effects of weight loss on various dermatological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis is adversely effecting the psychosocial well‐being of patients. Aims: To assess the impact of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis on quality of life and psychological well‐being of patients. Methods: We performed a cross‐sectional study on patients of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis aged >12 years. Clinical diagnosis was done, followed by appropriate investigations when required. The patients were made to fill up the questionnaires on Dermatology Life Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale in English and local languages. The responses were coded with 4‐point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was done using MedCal®V.125.0. Results: Data of 123 patients were analyzed. Mean DLQI score was 21.4 ± 5.6 and main domain affected was "symptoms and feelings." CRD had an "extremely large effect" on QoL (DLQI score 21–30) in 55.3% patients. Mean HADS‐A(anxiety) score was 10.1 ± 3.6, and mean HADS‐D(depression) score of participants was 7.8 ± 3.2. Mean perceived stress scale (PSS) score was 18.8 ± 4.3. Involvement of >1 site was a risk factor for higher DLQI score suggestive of "extremely large impact" on QoL (OR 34.02,95% CI 5.7–203.2,p = 0.0001), higher/worsened HADS‐A score (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.2–22.9, p = 0.02), and higher/worsened PSS score (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.1–34.1, p = 0.04). Persistent disease >1 year (OR 11.5, 95% CI 1.9–67.8, p = 0.007) and male gender (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, p = 0.01) were significant risk factors for anxiety while BSA involvement >10% was a significant risk factor for moderate to severe perceived stress(OR 13.9, 95% CI 1.5–130.7, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis requires a multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatrists, to reduce the psychological burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common medical condition that results from venous hypertension of the limbs, leading to significant morbidity. The diagnosis is quite straightforward from patient history and obvious clinical manifestations. In the recent past, the availability of various invasive and noninvasive treatments has assisted in evaluation of such cases. Although compression therapy is the mainstay of management, newer surgical and other interventional techniques are now being considered for patients who do not respond to conventional medical management. The second part of this two‐part review article will outline a diagnostic approach in cases of CVD and discuss the management principles encompassing conservative, pharmacological and interventional options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a multisystem disorder with a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of the patient. QoL in psoriasis is influenced by epidemiological factors, the type and extent of the disease, and underlying comorbidities. Various tools have been developed to assess the QoL in patients with psoriasis, namely psoriasis specific, skin specific, generic QoL, and mixed measures. In this review, we present a concise overview of the different indices and the pros and cons of various tools to assess the impact of psoriasis on patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rising number of the nonresponding dermatophytic infections raises deep concerns among the dermatologists across the nation. Variations in the quality of itraconazole may be a contributing factor to nonresponse in certain dermatophytic infections. This article will address this issue in a simple way of analyzing things in an OPD and may help us in being aware and taking the right foot forward. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of itraconazole brands by observing the morphological properties of pellets/beads in different brands. Methods: In this study, 10 brands of itraconazole that are commonly used in clinical practice were randomly selected. Pellet counts and qualitative morphological analysis of pellets as size (small, large, or mixed), shape (uniform or nonuniform), and presence of amorphous material was performed by three independent observers. Also, dissolution profile of some brands was assessed by adding the pellets in equal quantity of water. Results: The pellet counts of brands varied from 856 pellets per capsule in brand 1 to 109 pellets per capsule in brand 8. Brand 1, brand 2, and brand 7 pellets were small and uniform in morphology. Brand 3, brand 4, and brand 10 pellets were mixed in size but uniform in morphology. Brand 9 pellets were mixed and nonuniform whereas brand 5, brand 6, and brand 8 pellets were mixed in size, nonuniform in shape, and had presence of amorphous material. Dissolution test revealed that brand 5 dissolved rapidly and turned clear water color to milky white. Conclusion: A simple dermoscopy examination of itraconazole pellets may provide thoughtful insights about the quality of itraconazole brand. It may be considered as routine practice for all dermatophytic infection planned for treatment with itraconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knoevenagel condensation is widely used in organic synthetic chemistry and several reaction conditions have been demonstrated. These reactions in neutral medium are challenging. In this report, we present a sustainable and greener method for Knoevenagel condensation reaction between carbonyl compounds (both aldehydes and ketones) and active methylene compounds using rose bengal as a photosensitizer in an aqueous medium. This protocol works smoothly for aromatic aldehydes and ketones containing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model to assess the asymmetric relationship between the Chicago Board Options Exchange's volatility index (VIX) and volatility-of-volatility index (VVIX) over the period January 2007 to March 2020. To control for potentially confounding factors, we include measures for economic policy uncertainty and the volatility risk premium. There are three key findings. First, we find that there is an asymmetric long run cointegrating positive relationship running from VVIX to VIX. In this long run relationship, VIX is more responsive to deceases in VVIX than increases in VVIX. Second, we also find an asymmetric short run relationship between VIX and VVIX. However, in contrast to the long run results, for the short run VIX is more responsive to increases in VVIX than decreases in VVIX. Third, consistent with other studies, we find that in the long run VIX rises with greater economic policy uncertainty but falls with increases in the volatility risk premium. We discuss the implications of our findings for practitioners in risk and portfolio management, derivative pricing, and trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the relationship between financial development and remittance inflows (remittances), measured as a share of GDP, within a non‐linear framework in Jamaica over the period 1980 to 2017. By applying the autoregressive distributed lag bound testing approach to cointegration, we arrive at two key results. First, there is a long‐run cointegrating relationship running from remittances to financial development. Second, remittances and financial development are non‐linearly related. Financial development is a U‐shaped function of remittances. As remittances increase, they first have a negative impact on financial development. However, after remittances reach a threshold point, their impact on financial development is positive. Taken together, the results indicate that remittances first substitute for and then complement financial development. We provide important policy suggestions such as those that would increase remittances and those that would incentivize remittance receiving households to use these inflows in the formal financial sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two concepts—one of Darbo-type theorem and the other of Banach sequence spaces—play a very important and active role in ongoing research on existence problems. We first demonstrate the generalized Darbo-type fixed point theorems involving the concept of continuous functions. Keeping one of these theorems into our account, we study the existence of solutions of system of nonlinear integral equations in the setting of tempered sequence space. Moreover, a very interesting and illustrative example is designed to visualize our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porokeratosis is a keratinization disorder with unclear etiopathogenesis, varied clinical presentation and characteristic histopathology, and is usually unresponsive to current therapeutic options. Until now, it was considered to be a clonal disorder with immunity, ultra violet radiation and other factors playing important roles in etiopathogenesis. It is now known that abnormalities in the mevalonate pathway are responsible for this clonal keratinization abnormality. New variants of porokeratosis like eruptive bullous, pruriginous, lichen planus like, follicular variants and porokeratoma have been described. While the cornoid lamella is the classical histopathologic feature, dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy make the diagnosis clearer. Development of malignancy in a few variants is a concern. Linear, disseminated superficial actinic and giant lesions are most prone to developing malignancies. Bowen's disease, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and even melanoma have been reported in cases of long-standing porokeratosis. Newer modalities of therapy such as photodynamic therapy, ingenol mebutate and HMGCoA inhibitors may play a role in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of remittance inflows (remittances) on electricity consumption and electric power losses in Jamaica. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use annual data from 1976 to 2014 and apply vector error correction modelling, Granger causality testing and impulse response analysis. Findings: First, the authors find that there is co-integration between remittances and the energy variables, namely electricity consumption and electric power losses. Second, short-run Granger causality exists between the energy variables and remittances. This causality is bidirectional between the energy variables and positive changes in remittances, but it is unidirectional running from the energy variables to negative movements in remittances. Third, the authors find that in the long-run remittances have a negative relationship with electric power losses and a positive relationship with the consumption of electricity. Practical implications: Findings from this paper will help to elucidate the relationship between electricity consumption, and electric power losses, and remittances. Social implications: The problem of electric power losses is acute in Jamaica and it is mostly due to theft. At the same time, Jamaica receives significant remittances. Social policy could have a role to encourage the use of remittances to help stem the theft of electricity. Originality/value: This is the first study that examines the relationships between remittances, electricity consumption and electric power losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]