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The present study explores sustainable solutions for providing safe drinking water in an area currently served only by groundwater. Groundwater development here has reached criticality and is contaminated with fluoride and uranium. As there are only a few small seasonal streams in the area, roof-water harvesting and utilization of tank/lake water are tested as alternative approaches for drinking water supply. The study area is in the Chikkaballapura district of eastern Karnataka, India, where the average annual rainfall is 700 mm. The quantity of roof water that can be harvested from the built structures in the study area can adequately meet the drinking water requirements, although not the entire domestic water needs. A nearly perennial lake located in the upper reaches of the micro-watershed stores 301 million litres of water that needs only routine filtration and chlorination. This study shows that sustainable water management practices such as roof-water harvesting and lake water utilization can replace the contaminated groundwater for drinking purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very high uranium concentrations of ⁓3000 μgL−1 or more have been found in groundwater held in the granitic aquifers of four villages in eastern Karnataka, India. The highest uranium concentration was 8649 μgL−1 (calculated 218.7 BqL−1) and a maximum radon activity of 101.4 BqL−1. The ingestion doses of uranium for males and females of all age groups are very much higher compared to the corresponding dose calculated for World Health Organization and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board recommended concentrations of 30 and 60 μgL−1for drinking water. It is therefore recommended that alternative sources for drinking water need to be made to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6 to ensure good health from safe drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequacy, eco-friendliness and desirability of continuation of reverse osmosis (RO) purification of groundwater for providing safe drinking water to villages in the groundwater resource-deficient eastern Karnataka, India, have been studied in 15 villages in 4 districts of the state, where high fluoride and uranium contamination has been observed. The results indicate that: (i) except in Chitra-durga district, there are an inadequate number of RO facilities; (ii) RO water consumption is far less than the minimum amount recommended for drinking by WHO; (iii) while the benchmark of the best performance for RO membranes is >99%, the RO units in use show an average fluoride and uranium rejection percentage of 92.6 and 95.1 respectively; and (iv) similar to almost all RO units, the installed ones are also wasting water in the water-deficient eastern Karnataka and discharging concentrate with a higher percentage of contaminants into the environment. Better management of RO units and RO concentrate is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bio-fortification, the process of integrating nutrients into food crops, provides a sustainable and economic way of increasing the density of micronutrients in important staple crops. Agronomic bio-fortification is the easiest, practicable and fastest way for bio-fortification of pulse grains with Fe, Zn, or other desirable micronutrients. Increasing micronutrient rich foods and improving dietary diversity will substantially reduce micronutrient disorders.Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the post rainy seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) to know the effect of soil and foliar fertilization of Zn and Fe on chickpea genotypes. Two genotypes (Annigeri 1 and JG 11) and six fertilization treatments (Control, 0.5% Zn, 0.1% Fe, Zn + Fe, seed treatment with 2 g Zn kg-1 seeds and soil application of Zn) were tested in medium black soils in split plot design with three replications.Result: The pooled data of three seasons indicated that the genotype JG 11, performed better than Annigeri 1 in terms of seed yield (1309 kgha-1), net returns (₹ 31634ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.52). On biofortification of Zn and Fe, foliar fertilization of Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.1% at flowering stage recorded significantly higher grain yield (1321 kgha-1), net returns (₹ 31179ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.44) over rest of the treatments. Further, foliar fertilization of Zn + Fe had significant influence on nutrient concentration (Zn and Fe) in chickpea grains. Thus, it could be concluded that combined biofortification of Zn + Fe to chickpea crop could be the viable agronomic intervention for getting higher productivity and nutritional security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limits recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) of India for uranium concentration in drinking water are 30 µg/l and 60 µg/l respectively. The present study on uranium concentration in groundwater used for drinking purposes in 73 villages of Karnataka, India, shows that in 57 villages uranium concentration is more than 30 µg/l, including 48 villages where it exceeds 60 µg/l. Thus in 78% and 66% of the villages studied, uranium concentration exceeds permissible limits given by WHO and AERB respectively. It is alarming to note that in one village each in Tumkur and Chitradurga districts, five in Kolar and seven in Chikkaballapura districts, uranium concentration is in thousands of micrograms per litre. None of the borewells from which water has been sampled is anywhere in the vicinity of nuclear facilities or urban waste disposal channels. Thus, the observed uranium contamination is considered to be geogenic. Previous geological studies have shown that the eastern portion of Karnataka is a part of the Neoarchean Eastern Dharwar Craton dominated by large ion lithophile element-rich K-feldspar granites and gneisses with higher abundance of radioactive elements (uranium and thorium) compared to the Mesoarchean tonalite-trondhjemite-gneisses and granitoids widely distributed in the Western Dharwar Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An appropriate threshold selection scheme is one of the main components to adjudicate the performance of energy detection spectrum sensing (EDSS) technique for cognitive radio network. In this paper, we have employed two different threshold selection approaches namely, the constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) and minimized error probability (MEP) and analyzed the threshold selection effects on the performance of cognitive user (CU) communication systems particularly, the total spectrum sensing error probability and throughput. We have derived the expressions and analyzed these performance parameters by considering an imperfect spectrum sensing and reporting channels in the cooperative spectrum sensing scenarios for additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN), Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading environments. In addition, the censoring concept has been applied to the proposed system and compared its effect with that of the non-censoring based cognitive radio network (CRN) system under the perfect reporting (PR) and imperfect reporting (IR) channel. With the help of simulation, we have illustrated that the role of threshold selection approach is crucial to maximize the throughput and minimize the spectrum sensing error while considering the amount of error in the reporting channel. Further, from the results, the existence of trade-off between the spectrum sensing error probability and throughput is presented with threshold selection approaches. Moreover, it is also shown that there is need to switch among CFAR and MEP threshold selection approaches in the censoring scenario, to enhance the throughput and decrease the spectrum sensing error probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment conducted during kharif, 2019-20 (July 2019-February 2020) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India on the management of pod fly with recommended chemicals (Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 0.20 ml+jaggary 10 g l-1 as first spray at 10 days after pod formation and second spray with Thiamethoxam 25 WG 0.2 g+jaggary 10 g l-1 at 15 days after first spray) in pigeonpea varieties sown under different dates revealed, minimum pod damage (21.07%), seed damage (14.51%) and yield (1062.66 kg ha-1) in variety TS 3R. However, significantly higher pod damage, seed damage and yield of 31.47%, 24.89% and 1251.13 kg ha-1, respectively was found in variety BSMR 736. Among different sowing dates, the crop sown on 20th July recorded significantly least pod damage (21.07%) and seed damage (14.06%) compared to 20th August sown crop which recorded significantly higher pod damage of 32.13% and seed damage of 25.86%. Yield was significantly higher in 20th July sown crop (1295.89 kg ha-1) and it was lower in the crop sown on 20th August (1032.90 kg ha-1). With respect to management, minimum pod damage (17.07%) and seed damage (11.52%) was noticed in protected plots while it was maximum in unprotected plots with 35.02 and 26.62% pod and seed damage, respectively. The yield was significantly higher in protected plots (1242.37 kg ha-1) when compared to unprotected plots (1080.65 kg ha-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the post rainy (rabi) seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Agricultural Research Station, Gulbarga (Karnataka) to evaluate the time and dosage of imazethapyr in chickpea. The experiment was laid out with 12 weed-control treatments, viz. imazethapyr at 3 application rates (15, 20 and 30 g/ha) sprayed at 10 and 20 and 30 days after germination (DAG), pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 25-30 DAS, weed free check and weedy check. Among the treatments, weed free check recorded significantly higher seed yield (1287 kg/ha), net returns (Rs. 29080/ha) and B:C ratio (2.30) and minimum weed dry weight and higher WCE (100%) followed by pre emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 25-30 DAS. Among the different doses and time of application of imazethapyr, application of imazethapyr 30 g/ha at 10 DAG resulted in 57.9% higher grain yield (1098 kg/ha), lower weed dry matter (6.88 g/0.5 m2) and higher WCE (75.33%) over unweeded control and other treatments. Imazethapyr 30 g/ha at 10 DAS also recorded the highest net returns (Rs.22780/ha) and B: C ratio (2.08), which was closely followed by imazethapyr 20 g/ha sprayed at 10 DAG, 20 DAG and imazethapyr 30 g/ha at 30 DAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field investigation was carried out during winter seasons of 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 at Agricultural Research Station, Gulbarga (Karnataka) to evaluate the effect of pre and post emergence herbicides on weeds and productivity of chickpea cv. JG-11. Ten treatments were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Among the herbicidal treatments, pendimethalin 38% CS 0.75 kg a.i ha-1PE + hand weeding (HW) at 30-35 days after sowing (DAS) and pendimethalin 30% EC 0.75 kg a.i ha-1+ imazethapyr 2% 1.0 kg a.i ha-1 PE + one hoeing at 30-35 DAS recorded significantly higher seed yield (1198 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs. 25107 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.10) and lower weed dry weight (11.3 g m-2) and higher weed control efficiency (83%) than all other herbicidal treatments except two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS. It may be inferred from the present investigation that these herbicidal treatments could be used effectively as an alternative for controlling weeds and obtaining optimum seed yield of chickpea under rainfed conditions of Karnataka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purified Shilajit, an Ayurvedic rasayana, was evaluated in healthy volunteers of age between 45 and 55 years for its effect on male androgenic hormone viz. testosterone in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study at a dose of 250 mg twice a day. Treatment with Shilajit for consecutive 90 days revealed that it has significantly ( P < 0.05) increased total testosterone, free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEAS) compared with placebo. Gonadotropic hormones ( LH and FSH) levels were well maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to identify components of the Withania somnifera that could show anti-virulence activity against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. Methods and Results The anti-acidogenic activity of fractions separated from W. somnifera was compared, and then the most active anti-acidogenic fraction was chemically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The effect of the identified components on the acidogenicity, aciduricity and extracellular polymeric substances ( EPS) formation of S. mutans UA159 biofilms was evaluated. The change in accumulation and acidogenicity of S. mutans UA159 biofilms by periodic treatments (10 min per treatment) with the identified components was also investigated. Of the fractions, n-hexane fraction showed the strongest anti-acidogenic activity and was mainly composed of palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids. Of the identified components, linoleic and oleic acids strongly affected the acid production rate, F- ATPase activity and EPS formation of the biofilms. Periodic treatment with linoleic and oleic acids during biofilm formation also inhibited the biofilm accumulation and acid production rate of the biofilms without killing the biofilm bacteria. Conclusions These results suggest that linoleic and oleic acids may be effective agents for restraining virulence of S. mutans biofilms. Significance and Impact of the Study Linoleic and oleic acids may be promising agents for controlling virulence of cariogenic biofilms and subsequent dental caries formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiofilm activity of brief cetylpyridinium chloride ( CPC) treatments during early and mature Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. Methods Streptococcus mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disks. The biofilms were treated with CPC twice daily (1 min/treatment) from 0 to 50 h or from 48 to 98 h. Acidogenicity, dry weight, viability, and water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharides of the biofilms were analyzed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy ( CLSM) images were obtained to confirm the antibiofilm activity during mature biofilm formation and to evaluate the relationship between treatment time and the antibiofilm activity. Results CPC showed complete antibiofilm activity during early biofilm formation at 0.025% to 0.1%. During mature biofilm formation, CPC inhibited dry weight, viability, and acidogenicity at 0.075% and 0.1%. CLSM images showed an increase in dead cells at 0.075% and 0.1% CPC. The antibiofilm activity during mature biofilm formation increased as the concentration of CPC increased. Images from the CLSM study also showed that antibiofilm activity increased as treatment time increased. Conclusion Our findings suggest that brief CPC treatments have strong anti- S. mutans biofilm activity. The antibiofilm activity was dependent on the stage of biofilm formation, CPC concentration, and treatment time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For identification, stature can be estimated from body parameters using regression equation or multiplication factor. However, regression equations and multiplication factors are specific for the region only and same formulae cannot be used in all population. Aim: To formulate regression equation and multiplication factor for estimation of stature from hand length (HL) and hand breadth (HB) for a region in Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study and 400 students of three Government Medical Colleges of Maharashtra, aged 18-24 years were enrolled for the study during 2011-2013. Stature, HL, and HB were measured and subjected to statistical analysis. Unpaired t-test and simple linear regression were used. Results: Stature, HL, and HB of 400 medical students (219 males and 181 females) were measured. Subjects were divided into six groups depending upon age. Simple regression equation and multiplication factor for male and female, and for each age group were derived for estimation of stature. We found correlation coefficient (R) of 0.74 for right HL (RHL), 0.75 for left HL (LHL), 0.45 for right HB and 0.46 for left HB in male, and 0.75 for RHL, 0.74 for LHL, 0.56 for right HB and 0.55 for left HB in female by using simple regression, which showed strong correlation between stature and HL, and HB. Conclusion: Stature can be accurately estimated from HL and HB by using simple regression equation or multiplication factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In supraoptic nucleus (SON) magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs), γ-GABA, via activation of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), mediates persistent tonic inhibitory currents (Itonic), as well as conventional inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs, Iphasic). In the present study, we examined the functional significance of Itonic in SON MNCs challenged by 24-h water deprivation (24WD). Although the main characteristics of spontaneous IPSCs were similar in 24WD compared to euhydrated (EU) rats, Itonic, measured by bicuculline (BIC)-induced Iholding shifts, was significantly smaller in 24WD compared to EU rats (P < 0.05). Propofol and diazepam prolonged IPSC decay time to a similar extent in both groups but induced less Itonic in 24WD compared to EU rats, suggesting a selective decrease in GABAA receptors mediating Itonic over Iphasic in 24WD rats. THIP (4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol), a preferential δ subunit agonist, and L-655,708, a GABAA receptor α5 subunit selective imidazobenzodiazepine, caused a significantly smaller inward and outward shift in Iholding, respectively, in 24WD compared to EU rats (P < 0.05 in both cases), suggesting an overall decrease in the a5 subunit-containing GABAARs and the δ subunit-containing receptors mediating Itonic in 24WD animals. Consistent with a decrease in 24WD Itonic, bath application of GABA induced significantly less inhibition of the neuronal firing activity in 24WD compared to EU SON MNCs (P < 0.05). Taken together, the results of the present study indicate a selective decrease in GABAARs functions mediating Itonic as opposed to those mediating Iphasic in SON MNCs, demonstrating the functional significance of Itonic with respect to increasing neuronal excitability and hormone secretion in 24WD rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite widespread use of various concentrations of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries, the relationship between fluoride concentration and activity against cariogenic biofilms has not been much studied. Herein we investigated the relationship between fluoride concentration and activity against virulence factors and viability of Streptococcus mutans biofilms. S. mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs. The 70-hour-old biofilms were exposed to 0, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1,000 or 2,000 ppm F-. The changes of virulence factors and viability of the biofilms were analyzed using biochemical methods and laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy. At 1-2,000 ppm F-, the activity of fluoride against acid production, acid tolerance, and extracellular polysaccharide formation of S. mutans biofilms accurately followed a sigmoidal pattern of concentration dependence (R2 = 0.94-0.99), with EC50 values ranging from 3.07 to 24.7 ppm F-. Generally, the activity of fluoride against the virulence factors was concentration-dependently augmented in 10-100 ppm F- and did not increase further at concentrations higher than 100 ppm F-. However, fluoride did not alter glucosyltransferase activity and viability of S. mutans biofilm cells in all concentrations tested. These results can provide a basis for the selection of appropriate fluoride concentrations that reduce the physiological ability of cariogenic biofilms. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cluster structure of 9Be has been investigated through high precision elastic scattering cross-section measurements of a 9Be + 208Pb system at below barrier energies, E = 24-34 MeV. The observed deviation from the Rutherford scattering can only be explained by an n + 8Be cluster description of 9Be, whereas the α + 5He cluster picture fails to explain the measured data, indicating the dominance of the n + 8Be cluster structure of 9Be. In addition to sequential and direct breakup, the coupling effect of one neutron stripping on elastic scattering is significant even at 10 MeV below the barrier. The sensitivity of the high precision elastic scattering data to the cluster structure of 9Be has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: ‘Triphala’ is one of the age-old, most commonly used polyherbal preparation from Ayurveda as Rasayana drug. Aim of the study: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of ‘Triphala’ on drug modulating enzymes to assess its safety through its potential to interact with co-administered drugs. Materials and methods: The cytochrome P450 inhibitory effect of ‘triphala’ formulation was investigated on rat liver microsomes using CYP450–CO complex assay and on individual isoform such as CYP3A4 and 2D6 using fluorescence screening. RP-HPLC method was developed to standardize ‘triphala’ and its individual components using gallic acid as analytical marker compound. Results: RP-HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of gallic acid (4.30±2.09mg/g) in the formulation. The formulation showed 23% inhibition of the rat liver microsomes through CYP450–CO complex assay which is comparatively less when compared with the individual components. Further, the effect of standardized formulation dissolved in ethanol showed CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitory activity at the IC50 values of 119.65±1.91μg/ml and 105.03±0.98μg/ml respectively. Gallic acid was also found to inhibit both the isoforms at the IC50 values of 87.24±1.11μg/ml and 92.03±0.38μg/ml respectively. Conclusions: Various concentrations of the formulation and its individual components showed significantly less inhibitory activity (p <0.001) on individual isoforms when compared with the positive control. Assessment on the in vitro effect of ‘triphala’ on drug modulating enzymes has important implications for predicting the likelihood of herb–drug interactions if these are administered concomitantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ambient respirable particles (PM≤10μm, denoted by PM10) were characterized with respect to 20 elements, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), elemental and organic carbon (EC and OC) during a major firework event—the “Diwali” festival in Delhi, India. The event recorded extremely high 24-h PM10 levels (317.2–616.8μgm−3, 6–12 times the WHO standard) and massive loadings of Ba (16.8μgm−3, mean value), K (46.8μgm−3), Mg (21.3μgm−3), Al (38.4μgm−3) and EC (40.5μgm−3). Elemental concentrations as high as these have not been reported previously for any firework episode. Concentrations of Ba, K, Sr, Mg, Na, S, Al, Cl, Mn, Ca and EC were higher by factors of 264, 18, 15, 5.8, 5, 4, 3.2, 3, 2.7, 1.6 and 4.3, respectively, on Diwali as compared to background values. It was estimated that firework aerosol contributed 23–33% to ambient PM10 on Diwali. OC levels peaked in the post-Diwali samples, perhaps owing to secondary transformation processes. Atmospheric PAHs were not sourced from fireworks; instead, they correlated well with changes in traffic patterns indicating their primary source in vehicular emissions. Overall, the pollutant cocktail generated by the Diwali fireworks could be best represented with Ba, K and Sr as tracers. It was also found that chronic exposure to Diwali pollution is likely to cause at least a 2% increase in non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) associated with Al, Mn and Ba in the exposed population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The successful development of particulate vaccines depends on the understanding of their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to develop and characterise stable surface modified poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles, using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alginate (ALG) and glycolchitosan (GCS) containing a Streptococcus equi enzymatic extract adsorbed onto the surface. The characterisation of the preparations and a physicochemical study of the adsorption process were performed. The adsorption of S. equi proteins is a rapid process reaching, within 1h, maximum adsorption efficiency values of 75.2±1.9% (w/w) for PLA–PVA, 84.9±0.2% (w/w) for PLA–GCS and 78.1±0.4% (w/w) for PLA–ALG nanoparticles. No protein degradation was detected throughout the formulation procedures. As expected from a complex mixture of proteins, adsorption data suggest a Freundlich-type of equilibrium with regression coefficients (r 2) of 0.9958, 0.9839 and 0.9940 for PLA–PVA, PLA–GCS and PLA–ALG, respectively. Desorption studies revealed a burst release within the first 6h, for all formulations, followed by a sustained release profile. Nanoparticle surface modification with GCS improved the sustained release profile, as 20% of protein remained attached to the particle surface after 30 days. The results show that adsorption is an alternative method for the production of S. equi antigen carriers for vaccination purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) were evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially, 60 infertile male patients were assessed and those having total sperm counts below 20 million ml−1 semen were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study ( n = 35). PS capsule (100 mg) was administered twice daily after major meals for 90 days. Total semenogram and serum testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were estimated before and at the end of the treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. Twenty-eight patients who completed the treatment showed significant ( P < 0.001) improvement in spermia (+37.6%), total sperm count (+61.4%), motility (12.4–17.4% after different time intervals), normal sperm count (+18.9%) with concomitant decrease in pus and epithelial cell count compared with baseline value. Significant decrease of semen MDA content (−18.7%) was observed. Moreover, serum testosterone (+23.5%; P < 0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; P < 0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profiles of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective:Ossicular chain damage from chronic ear disease is a significant problem in the Australian population. The ideal ossicular chain reconstruction prosthesis has yet to be defined. This paper examines, for the first time, the use of a titanium prosthesis for ossicular chain reconstruction in Australian patients.Study design:Retrospective chart review.Subjects and methods:All patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction with a titanium prosthesis between 1 February 2002 and 31 March 2007.Results:Results showed a low complication rate, with only one extrusion out of 55 cases (1.8 per cent). Successful rehabilitation of conductive hearing loss (i.e. to ?20?dB air?bone gap) was obtained in 85 per cent of the partial ossicular chain reconstruction group and 77 per cent of the total ossicular chain reconstruction group. Pure tone thresholds improved by an average 18?dB in the partial reconstruction group and 25?dB in the total reconstruction group.Conclusion:Titanium is an ideal material for ossicular chain reconstruction due to its ease of insertion, low rate of extrusion and good functional results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Streptococcus equi subspecies equi affects animals of Equidae family and is the causative agent of strangles, an acute, extremely contagious and deadly disease. Prolonged periods of protection associated to absence of serious adverse reactions were not yet achieved. Thus, this experimental work is focused on the study of mucosal, humoral and cellular immune responses developed in a mouse model, after the intranasal administration of S. equi antigens associated by adsorption or encapsulation to poly(lactic acid) nanospheres, modified by mucoadhesive polymers and absorption enhancers. Particles fitted the nanometer range and proteins integrity and antigenicity were not affected. PLA nanospheres induced a mixed Th1 and Th2 response, being therefore potential carriers for the delivery of S. equi antigens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Strangles is a bacterial infection of the Equidae family that affects the nasopharynx and draining lymph nodes, caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. This agent is responsible for 30% of all worldwide equine infections and is quite sensitive to penicillin and other antibiotics. However, prevention is still the best option because the current antibiotic therapy and vaccination is often ineffective. As S. equi induces very strong systemic and mucosal responses in convalescent horses, an effective and economic strangles vaccine is still a priority. In this study the humoral, cellular and mucosal immune responses to S. equi antigens encapsulated or adsorbed onto poly-ɛ-caprolactone nanospheres were evaluated in mice. Particles were produced by a double (w/o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation technique and contained mucoadhesive polymers (alginate or chitosan) and absorption enhancers (spermine, oleic acid). Their intranasal administration, particularly those constituted by the mucoadhesive polymers, increased the immunogenicity and mucosal immune responses (SIgA) to the antigen. The inclusion of cholera toxin B subunit in the formulations successfully further activated the paths leading to Th1 and Th2 cells. Therefore, those PCL nanospheres are potential carriers for the delivery of S.equi antigens to protect animals against strangles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is the causative agent of Strangles, which is one of the most costly and widespread infectious diseases, affecting the respiratory tract of Equidae. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol, alginate and chitosan were used in formulations of surface modified poly-ɛ-caprolactone microspheres which were evaluated after adsorption of S.equi enzymatic extract for physicochemical characteristics and in vivo immune responses in mice. After subcutaneous immunisation, the formulations induced higher lymphokines levels, in accordance with cellular and humoral immune responses, as compared to the free antigen, successfully activating the paths leading to Th1 and Th2 cells. The obtained results highlight the role of these microspheres as an adjuvant and their use to protect animals against strangles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An emulsion liquid membranes (ELMs) containing 2‐ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexyl ester (H 2 A 2 ) was tested for the extraction of plutonium(IV) from aqueous nitrate solutions of different compositions. Span 80 was used as the surface‐active agent and a mixture of 0.05 mol dm -3 HNO 3 +0.3 mol dm -3 H 2 C 2 O 4 was used as the internal phase. Influence of some important experimental parameters such as exterior phase nitric acid concentration, ionic impurities in the exterior phase, concentration of H 2 A 2 in ELM phase, and organic solvents on the ELM permeation process were systematically studied. The maximum efficiency of Pu extraction among group of experiments was 98% with permeability coefficient=0.508 min -1 , and the corresponding concentration factor of Pu in the receiving phase was ca. 10. The stability of the emulsions was tested in the presence of different organic solvents and at different concentrations of Span 80 in LM phase. The extractions of Pu by ELM from actual and simulated waste solutions as well as in presence of some added ionic impurities were investigated. Rate of Pu extraction by ELM was studied at different treatment ratios and under repeat extractions by the same emulsion. The repeat extraction experiments showed that a concentration factor of more than 80 for Pu could be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nasal mucosa has many advantages as a potential site for drug and vaccine delivery. The present study has sought to exploit this route of delivery using microparticles composed of d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as a matrix material blended with poly(caprolactone) for nasal immunisation with diphtheria toxoid. Particles were prepared by a double emulsion method, followed by spray drying and the effect of TPGS on size, zeta potential, loading and release of antigen was assessed. Particles composed of TPGS–PCL blends were spherical, smooth and monodisperse, displaying increasing yields after spray drying with increasing concentrations of TPGS. The immune response to diphtheria toxoid loaded PCL-TPGS microspheres after nasal administration was shown to be higher than that achieved using PCL microspheres alone. We conclude that TPGS shows significant potential as a novel adjuvant either alone or in combination with an appropriate delivery system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple, practical method has been developed for the direct synthesis of thiosulfonic S-esters from sulfonic acids and thiols using cyanuric chloride. Good product yields obtained under mild reaction conditions are an important feature of this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct synthesis of thiolester from carboxylic acids and thiols under mild conditions using cyanuric chloride as an inexpensive and readily available reagent is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of experiments carried out to develop a liquid membrane (LM) technique for the extractive permeation of cerium from nitric acid solutions are described. In-situ electrooxidation of Ce3+ to extractable Ce4+ and its transport across bulk LM (BLM) composed of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP)/dodecane mixtures was systematically studied under varied hydrodynamical and chemical conditions. The permeability of metal ions across the BLM was dependent on the efficiency of extraction, ionic activity of feed solutions, stirring rate, composition of the receiving phase, etc. The transport rates were found to vary linearly (a log-log correlation) with the cation concentration in feed solutions and concentration of TBP in BLM. A permeation velocity equation for cerium ion through the membrane has been proposed. More than 90% permeation of Ce with a maximum flux of 8.63 × 10-5 mol/m2/s could be accomplished under the experimental conditions: stirring rates at feed and strip solutions were 380 and 300 rpm, respectively; feed was 1 mol·dm-3 of HNO3 containing 0.005 mol·dm-3 Ce(NO3)3; LM contained 30% TBP/dodecane; and the receiving phase was distilled water. Radiochemically pure Ce-144 was partitioned from the Ce–Am mixture obtained by extraction chromatographic fractioning of high level radioactive waste. This also resulted in the purification of Am-241 in the feed solution with a decontamination factor of ∼ 12 from Ce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: DFT (B3LYP6-31G(d)) calculations of Li+ affinities on a series of substituted crotonaldehyde (aliphatic unsaturated conjugated system) and their O–Li+ counterparts were performed with complete geometry optimisations. The gas phase O–Li+ complexation turns out to be the exothermic case and the local stereochemical disposition of the Li+ is found to be almost the same in each case. The presence of substituent is seen to cause very little change of the Li+ affinity (ΔE) relative to the unsubstituted crotonaldehyde. Electron releasing or electron withdrawing substituents change it by 0.002–0.01hartree. Computed Li+ affinities are sought to be correlated with a number of computed system parameters such as the net charge on the Li+ and the carbonyl oxygen of the Li+ complexes and the net charge on the carbonyl oxygen of the free bases. The energetics, structural and electronic properties of the complexes indicate that the interaction between the Li+ ion and a carbonyl base is predominantly an ion–dipole attraction and the ion-induced dipole interaction as well rather than a covalent interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gas phase proton affinities and transition energies of a series of substituted crotonaldehyde and their O-protonated counterparts have been theoretically studied by DFT (B3LYP 6-31G(d)) calculations with complete geometry optimizations of the relevant excited state. As in the case of ground states, the gas phase O-protonation turns out to be exothermic case and the local stereochemical disposition of the proton is found to be almost the same in each case. The presence of substituent is seen to cause very little change of the proton affinities (PA) relative to the unsubstituted crotonaldehyde. Electron releasing substituents increase PA by 0.005–0.05hartree and the electron withdrawing substituents decrease it by 0.013–0.027hartree with the exception of the nitro compound where it is increased by 0.1hartree. Computed proton affinities are sought to be correlated with a number of computed system parameters such as the net charge on the carbonyl oxygen, charge on the proton of the unprotonated and the protonated species and the computed hardness of the unprotonated species in their relevant excited states. The proton induced shifts are in general red shifts for the lowest excited triplet state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Ticks are of great importance in transmission of various canine tick borne diseases. Several characteristics of ticks make them outstanding vectors of pathogenic agents, the wide host range and slow feeding habit along with tendency to feed on several hosts during life cycle ensures ample opportunity to acquire and transmit pathogens. Methods: This study focuses on status of canine tick vectors and molecular detection of haemoparasites in these ticks and their host, in and around Kolkata. The blood and tick samples were collected from Dog Ward, Department of Teaching Veterinary and Clinical Complex; Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, WBUAFS at Belgachia; Veterinary Clinic of Kolkata Police Dog Squad at Alipore; Veterinary Clinic of Barrackpore Police dog Squad and samples from stray dogs were also collected from inside the University campus through a period of one year (August, 2016 to July, 2017). Result: The tick infestation was recorded at 41% with Rhipicephalus sanguineus, being the only tick. Nine primer sets were used for detection of Babesia spp, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffensis, Babesia gibsoni, Hepatozoon canis, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Anaplasma platys and Theileria annae from the respective tick samples and blood sample of hosts. Tick samples were found positive for Babesia spp, Ehrlichia spp. and H. canis where as the corresponding blood samples were found positive for Babesia spp, Ehrlichia spp., Mycoplasma spp. and H. canis. This study conclusively provides evidence of high rates of incidence of haemoparasitic infection or canine tick borne diseases infection and tick infestation, with at least four haemoparasites infecting the dog population and at least one tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) infesting the dogs in and around Kolkata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the shell structure of the target nuclei (89Y and 93Nb) on reaction mechanisms involving the weakly bound 7Li projectile has been investigated via a comparative study of different processes. Measurements of direct breakup, nucleon transfer leading to the ejectile in bound as well as unbound states, and elastic scattering have been carried out for the 7Li+89Y system at three different energies near the Coulomb barrier. An extensive analysis of this comprehensive data set was carried out using coupled channel calculations and compared with a previous similar study for the 7Li+93Nb system. The observed cross sections at low target excitations for nucleon transfer reactions correlate with the vacancies in the valance orbitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pythium-induced damping-off is a disease that causes the decay of germinating seeds and young seedlings of tomato, and it is one of the most significant yield constraints for farmers in both nurseries and fields. Conventional fungicides are widely used to manage this disease, leading to two major consequences. Excessive fungicide use not only endangers human health and raises environmental concerns but also promotes the emergence of pesticide-resistant microorganisms in the environment. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing long-term damping-off management strategies that minimize reliance on conventional pesticides. To facilitate decision-making, a better understanding of pathogen biology and disease epidemiology is required. The major findings of this review works are as follows: i) Pythium-induced damping-off is an emerging disease that affects tomatoes in nurseries and fields and causes economic loss; ii) Epidemiological factors identified as most favorable for disease development include high soil moisture (70% or higher), low light, and moderate soil temperatures around 25°C.; and iii) Considerable research efforts in recent years have focused on developing bio-control solutions for damping-off, showing promising future prospects. To ensure higher tomato production, researchers and growers should manage Pythium-induced damping off in their fields. This review serves as a useful guide for the management of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minocycline-induced dark pigmentation has been described affecting the oral cavity (teeth, mucosa, alveolar bone), skin, nails, eyes and thyroid. To date, there is no report of other bones being affected. We report a case of black pigmentation of the acromian in a patient who had used minocycline on a long-term basis for acne rosecea. Biopsy of the iliac crest revealed that the pelvis was also affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Prof. B. Krishna Rao (1941¿2023)" is an obituary published in the Journal of the Geological Society of India. It announces the passing of Prof. B. Krishna Rao, a retired Professor of Geology at Mysore University. Krishna Rao was born in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, and had a distinguished career in the field of economic geology. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the genesis of gold, copper, manganese, and magnesite deposits in Karnataka. Krishna Rao was also involved in collaborative research programs with international scientists and had a deep interest in the geochemistry of groundwater and seawater intrusion. He is remembered as a highly respected teacher and researcher in the geological community. [Extracted from the article]

The complete and incomplete fusion along with one neutron stripping and pickup cross sections for the 6Li+124Sn system are measured using online and offline characteristic γ-ray detection techniques. The complete fusion (CF) cross sections at energies above the Coulomb barrier are found to be suppressed by ~34% compared to the coupled channel calculations. This suppression observed in complete fusion cross sections is found to be commensurate with the measured total incomplete fusion (ICF) cross sections. There is a distinct feature observed in the ICF cross sections, i.e., d capture is found to be dominant than capture at all the measured energies, contrary to the data available for 6Li+209Bi,197Au systems. The total fusion cross section ratio between 6Li and 7Li induced reactions shows an increasing trend as the energy decreases below the barrier while it remains unity at above-barrier energies. A simultaneous explanation of complete, incomplete, and total fusion (TF) data is also obtained from the calculations based on the continuum discretized coupled channel method with short-range imaginary potentials. The cross section ratios of CF/TF and ICF/TF obtained from the data as well as the calculations shows the dominance of ICF at below-barrier energies and CF at above-barrier energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of the large α-particle production cross sections in systems involving weakly bound 7Li projectiles has been investigated by measuring the cross sections of all possible fragment-capture as well as complete fusion using the particle-γ coincidence, in-beam, and off-beam γ-ray counting techniques for the 7Li+93Nb system at near Coulomb barrier energies. Almost all of the inclusive α-particle yield has been accounted for. While the t-capture mechanism is found to be dominant (∼70%), compound nuclear evaporation and breakup processes contribute ∼15% each to the inclusive α-particle production in the measured energy range. Systematic behavior of the t capture and inclusive α cross sections for reactions involving 7Li over a wide mass range is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-step process of transfer followed by breakup is explored by measuring a rather complete set of exclusive data for reaction channels populating states in the ejectile continua of the 7Li+93Nb system at energies close to the Coulomb barrier. The cross sections for α+α events from one proton pickup were found to be smaller than those for α+d events from one neutron stripping and α+t events from direct breakup of 7Li. Coupled-channels Born approximation and continuum-discretized coupled-channels calculations describe the data well and support the conclusion that the α+d and α+α events are produced by direct transfer to unbound states of the ejectile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: DFT (B3LYP 6-31G(d)) calculations with complete geometry optimizations are carried out on a series of substituted crotonaldehyde and their O-protonated counterparts. The gas phase O-protonation turns out to be exothermic case and the local stereochemical disposition of the proton is found to be almost the same in each case. The presence of substituent is seen to cause very little change of the protonation energies (PE) relative to the unsubstituted crotonaldehyde. Electron releasing substituents increase PE by 0.002–0.004hartree and the electron withdrawing substituents decrease it by 0.01hartree. Computed protonation energies are sought to be correlated with a number of computed system parameters such as the net charge on the carbonyl oxygen, charge on the proton of the unprotonated and the protonated species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Minocycline-induced dark pigmentation has been described affecting the oral cavity (teeth, mucosa, alveolar bone), skin, nails, eyes and thyroid. To date, there is no report of other bones being affected. We report a case of black pigmentation of the acromian in a patient who had used minocycline on a long-term basis for acne rosecea. Biopsy of the iliac crest revealed that the pelvis was also affected) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mild, efficient and general method for the preparation of acyl azides from carboxylic acids and sodium azide using cyanuric chloride is described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 2-year-old male with a perineal swelling, covered with normal skin without any rugosities, was diagnosed as having an accessory scrotum on histopathology. There was no other congenital anomaly. The case is reported due to its rarity and unique clinical picture.Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the hybrid spectrum access and prediction techniques are exploited simultaneously in the high-traffic cognitive radio communication system, in order to enhance the throughput and overcome the problem of waiting states. The hybrid spectrum access is responsible for throughput enhancement by escaping the waiting states whereas the spectrum prediction alleviates the sensing errors in the high-traffic communication environment. The closed-form expression for the throughput of cognitive user (CU) communication is derived and validated the proposed approach with the reported literature. Moreover, a new framework is proposed to conquer the sharing issues of conventional and proposed approaches. In addition to this, the performance metrics of proposed framework such as the data-loss, energy-loss of the CU and interference at the PU have been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]