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To describe visual field outcomes in the Primary Tube Versus Trabeculectomy (PTVT) Study. Cohort analysis. A total of 155 eyes (155 subjects) randomly assigned to treatment with tube shunt surgery (n = 84) or trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (n = 71). The PTVT Study was a multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgery in eyes without previous intraocular surgery. Subjects underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP) at baseline and annually for 5 years. Standard automated perimetry tests were deemed reliable if the false-positive rate was ≤ 15%. Tests were excluded if visual acuity was ≤ 20/400 or loss of ≥ 2 Snellen lines from baseline because of a nonglaucomatous etiology. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare rates of change in SAP mean deviation (MD) between the 2 groups. Intraocular pressure (IOP) control was assessed by percentage of visits with IOP < 18 mmHg and mean IOP. Rate of change in SAP MD during follow-up. A total of 730 SAP tests were evaluated (average of 4.7 tests per eye). The average SAP MD at baseline was –12.8 ± 8.3 decibels (dB) in the tube group and –12.0 ± 8.4 dB in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.57). The mean rate of change in SAP MD was –0.32 ± 0.39 dB/year in the trabeculectomy group and –0.47 ± 0.43 dB/year in the tube group (P = 0.23). Eyes with mean IOP 14 to 17.5 mmHg had significantly faster rates of SAP MD loss compared with eyes with mean IOP < 14 mmHg (–0.59 ± 0.13 vs. –0.27 ± 0.08 dB/year; P = 0.012), and eyes with only 50% to 75% of visits with IOP < 18 mmHg had faster rates than those with 100% of visits with IOP < 18 mmHg (–0.90 ± 0.16 vs. –0.29 ± 0.08 dB/year; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified older age and worse IOP control as risk factors for faster progression in both treatment groups. No statistically significant difference in mean rates of visual field change was observed between trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgery in the PTVT Study. Worse IOP control was significantly associated with faster rates of SAP MD loss during follow-up. Older patients were also at risk for faster progression. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot embossing (HE) is a micro-manufacturing technique used to develop micro and nano-scaled patterns over a polymer workpiece. The traditional-HE process is only partially implemented in micro-manufacturing industries owing to limitations like low productivity due to batch-wise manufacturing and high processing time. But presently, the demand for large-area patterned polymer substrate is rising due to its applications in diverse areas like displays, micro-lenses, anti-reflection films, micro-fluidic devices, self-cleaning surfaces, etc. Therefore, the traditional hot embossing (HE) process has been modified to the roller hot embossing (RHE) process to meet the increased demand. The RHE process is categorized into the roll-to-plate (R2P) and roll-to-roll (R2R) process. The present paper comprehensively reviews the different advancements in setups of the roll-to-plate (R2P) and roll-to-roll (R2R) hot embossing for large-scale fabrication of micro and nano-sized patterns over the polymer substrate. The graphical, numerical and statistical analysis shows that majorly ultraviolet (UV) lithography/X-ray lithography/electron beam lithography followed by Ni-electroplating/reactive ion etching/wet etching are the most commonly utilized techniques for mold manufacturing. But due to its complexity, researchers have slowly moved towards non-conventional machining processes for mold fabrication i.e., micro-EDM, micro-milling etc. According to a graph showing the percentage distribution of work associated with recent advancements in roller hot embossing, the thermal assisted R2R-HE is the most popular, followed by UV aided R2R-HE, and inductive aided R2R-HE, respectively. The thermal assisted R2R-HE contributes 36% of total innovations in RHE followed by UV aided R2R-HE (14%), and inductive aided R2R-HE (10%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe visual field (VF) outcomes in the Tube Versus Trabeculectomy (TVT) Study. Cohort analysis of patients in a multicenter randomized clinical trial. A total of 122 eyes of 122 patients, with 61 eyes in both the tube shunt and trabeculectomy groups. The TVT Study is a multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of tube shunt surgery (350-mm2 Baerveldt implant) and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) (0.4 mg/ml for 4 minutes) in patients with previous cataract or glaucoma surgery. Enrolled patients underwent perimetry at baseline and annual follow-up visits. The VFs were included if the false-positive rate was ≤20% and false-negative rate was ≤35%. The VFs were excluded if visual acuity <20/400 or loss of ≥2 Snellen lines from baseline was attributed to an etiology other than glaucoma. Longitudinal linear mixed-effects models with best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) were applied to estimate rates of change in mean deviation (MD) for each treatment group. Rate of MD change during follow-up period. A total of 436 reliable VFs were analyzed, with an average of 3.6 VFs per eye. Baseline MD was −13.07 ± 8.4 decibels (dB) in the tube shunt group and −13.18 ± 8.2 dB in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.99). The rate of change in MD was −0.60 dB/year in the tube group and −0.38 dB/year in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.34). The 95% confidence intervals for the rates of MD change were −0.77 to −0.44 dB/year in the tube group and −0.56 to −0.20 dB/year in the trabeculectomy group. No significant difference in MD slope was seen when patients were categorized by percentage of visits with intraocular pressure (IOP) <18 mmHg or by average IOP. Univariable and multivariable risk factor analyses identified history of diabetes, elevated IOP, and worse MD as baseline factors associated with more rapid VF loss. Slow rates of VF loss were observed after randomized surgical treatment in the TVT Study, but no significant difference in the rate of VF loss was seen after tube shunt implantation and trabeculectomy with MMC. Patients with diabetes, higher IOP, and more severe VF loss at baseline were at higher risk for VF progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the association of automated visual field (VF) reliability indices (false positive [FP], false negative [FN], and fixation loss [FL]) and sleep quality, VF experience, and age. Methods. Prospective, cross-sectional study. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) completing automated VF testing were invited to participate. Baseline participant characteristics were obtained, and all participants were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Nonparametric Spearman correlations and logistical regression models were performed. Results. 63 patients were enrolled. Lower PSQI score was correlated with higher percentage (%) FL in the right eye (p=0.03). Fewer prior VF was significantly correlated with higher %FP in the right eye (p=0.008). Older age was significantly correlated with higher %FN in the left eye (p=0.01). Greater mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) were strongly correlated with higher %FN in the right (p=0.02 and 0.002, resp.) and left eyes (p=0.01 and 0.02, resp.). Conclusion. In this prospective, cross-sectional study, worse MD and PSD are strongly correlated with increased FN in both eyes. Increased FN in the left eye associated with older age might be attributable to test fatigue. Worse sleep quality is associated with decreased FL in the right eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both qualitative and quantitative methods for the analysis of microcystin variants have been established. The qualitative method involves a unique fragment approach, specific for each variant in identifying microcystins, while the quantitative method involves the quantification of microcystins in cellular matrices of cyanobacteria and reservoir water samples. For the identification of fragments associated with their respective microcystin (MC) variants, theoretically obtained fragments of microcystins were compared with tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragments obtained from an ESI-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Here, we present the first report of MC variants produced by the model algal strain M. aeruginosa NIES-843. A robust comparative study between the unique fragments and the conventional product ions for quantitative measurements of microcystin has also been carried out. The method with high robustness was further validated by determining the MC level changes in the intracellular matrices of M. aeruginosa samples, grown under high and low nitrogen conditions, and by testing the amount of MC in environmental water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most organisms rely on olfaction for survival and reproduction. The olfactory system of Drosophila melanogaster is one of the best characterized chemosensory systems and serves as a prototype for understanding insect olfaction. Olfaction in Drosophila is mediated by multigene families of odorant receptors and odorant binding proteins (OBPs). Although molecular response profiles of odorant receptors have been well documented, the contributions of OBPs to olfactory behavior remain largely unknown. Here, we used RNAi-mediated suppression of Obp gene expression and measurements of behavioral responses to 16 ecologically relevant odorants to systematically dissect the functions of 17 OBPs. We quantified the effectiveness of RNAi-mediated suppression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and used a proteomic liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry procedure to show target-specific suppression of OBPs expressed in the antennae. Flies in which expression of a specific OBP is suppressed often show altered behavioral responses to more than one, but not all, odorants, in a sex-dependent manner. Similarly, responses to a specific odorant are frequently affected by suppression of expression of multiple, but not all, OBPs. These results show that OBPs are essential for mediating olfactory behavioral responses and suggest that OBP-dependent odorant recognition is combinatorial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques have afforded baseball players up to a reported 90% return to prior or higher level of play. A subpopulation exists with less impressive clinical outcomes potentially related to the presence of a concomitant flexor-pronator mass injury. Hypothesis/Purpose: Combined flexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injuries occur in older players, and results in this group are inferior to those reported for isolated ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions. Study Design: Case Series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All baseball players who had ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions by 1 surgeon over a 6-year period were identified, and the authors studied those treated for a combined flexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injury. The ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction was accomplished using the docking technique, and the flexor-pronator injury was treated with debridement if tendinotic or reattachment if torn. A 2-sample t test was conducted to evaluate the likelihood of developing the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament compared with ulnar collateral ligament injury based on age, while a Pearson χ2 test was used to evaluate the likelihood of a patient being ⩾30 years of age in the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament versus ulnar collateral ligament groups. Outcome was assessed using a modified Conway classification. Results: A total of 187 male baseball players between 14 and 42 years of age (mean, 20.7 years) had an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by 1 surgeon. Eight (4%) of 187 baseball players were treated for the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury. There was a statistically significant difference in age between the ulnar collateral ligament group (20.1 years) and the flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament group (33.4 years) (P < .001). Age ⩾30 years was a statistically significant age limit to predict the presence of a combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury (88%) compared with an isolated ulnar collateral ligament injury (1%) (P<.001). Outcomes were 1 excellent (12.5%), 2 fair (25%), and 5 poor (62.5%). Conclusion: Combined fflexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injuries in baseball players may portend a worse prognosis, with a 12.5% return to prior level of play. Older age (⩾30 years) is a risk factor in the development of this combined injury. When combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury is suspected preoperatively, patients should be counseled on expected outcomes appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) controls the transition between motile and sessile growth in eubacteria, but little is known about the proteins that sense its concentration. Bioinformatics analyses suggested that PilZ domains bind c-di-GMP and allosterically modulate effector pathways. We have determined a 1.9 Å crystal structure of c-di-GMP bound to VCA0042/PlzD, a PilZ domain-containing protein from Vibrio cholerae. Either this protein or another specific PilZ domain-containing protein is required for V. cholerae to efficiently infect mice. VCA0042/PlzD comprises a C-terminal PilZ domain plus an N-terminal domain with a similar β-barrel fold. C-di-GMP contacts seven of the nine strongly conserved residues in the PilZ domain, including three in a seven-residue long N-terminal loop that undergoes a conformational switch as it wraps around c-di-GMP. This switch brings the PilZ domain into close apposition with the N-terminal domain, forming a new allosteric interaction surface that spans these domains and the c-di-GMP at their interface. The very small size of the N-terminal conformational switch is likely to explain the facile evolutionary diversification of the PilZ domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze corneal sensitivity with a new noncontact and handheld esthesiometer (Brill Engines, Spain) in patients with dry eye disease (DED) and patients on hypotensive drops, and to compare it with healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 31 patients (57 eyes) with DED, 23 patients (46 eyes) with glaucoma, and 21 healthy patients (33 eyes) were recruited. In all patients, corneal sensitivity was measured. Subsequently, a keratography test (Keratograph 5M, Oculus) was carried out to measure tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT), bulbar redness (Jenvis scale), and corneal staining (CS, Oxford scale). Both corneal sensitivity and ocular surface parameters were compared between DED, glaucoma, and healthy subjects. Linear mixed models were constructed to utilize data from both eyes of patients. An alpha level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 56.1 ± 16.1 years in the DED group, 69.5 ± 11.7 years in the glaucoma group, and 37.190 ± 11.677 years in the control group. After adjustment for age and sex, corneal sensitivity was significantly reduced in DED and glaucoma vs control group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.009, respectively). NIBUT was lower in DED and glaucoma groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Redness and CS values were higher in the DED group (P = 0.04 and P = 0.001, respectively). TMH was lower in the glaucoma group (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Corneal sensitivity measured with a novel noncontact esthesiometer was reduced in DED and glaucoma groups compared to controls. In clinical practice, this esthesiometer could be an easy-to-use device to screen for patients with subclinical neurotrophic keratopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many experiments have been carried out to study the absorption and scattering properties of forest vegetation on radiowaves but very little has been reported on the measurements of relative permittivity (ε[sub r]) and conductivity (σ) of forest slab. Due to various constraints, the in-situ measurements of ∈[sub r] and σ were limited to 75 MHz. Inverse methods have reportedly been employed to evaluate ∈[sub r] and σ for forest slab from the experimental data on the measurements of antenna pattern, reflection coefficient, wave impedance, and path loss, etc. These studies were restricted to 400 MHz. In this paper the values of ε[sub r] and σ for the forest slab have been estimated by fitting the theoretical model to the measured data on lateral wave attenuation constant derived from the height-gain measurements conducted in forest, in the frequency range of 50-800 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the performance of an intensive, clustered testing approach in identifying eyes with rapid glaucoma progression over 6 months in the Fast Progression Assessment through Clustered Evaluation (Fast-PACE) Study. Prospective cohort study. A total of 125 eyes from 65 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) subjects. Subjects underwent 2 sets of 5 weekly visits (clusters) separated by an average of 6 months and then were followed with single visits every 6 months for an overall mean follow-up of 25 months (mean of 17 tests). Each visit consisted of testing with standard automated perimetry (SAP) 24-2 and 10-2, and spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT). Progression was assessed using trend analyses of SAP mean deviation (MD) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Generalized estimating equations were applied to adjust for correlations between eyes for confidence interval (CI) estimation and hypothesis testing. Diagnostic accuracy of the 6-month clustering period to identify progression detected during the overall follow-up. A total of 19 of 125 eyes (15%, CI, 9%–24%) progressed based on SAP 24-2 MD over the 6-month clustering period. A total of 14 eyes (11%, CI, 6%–20%) progressed on SAP 10-2 MD, and 16 eyes (13%, CI, 8%–21%) progressed by RNFL thickness, with 30 of 125 eyes (24%, CI, 16%–34%) progressing by function, structure, or both. Of the 35 eyes progressing during the overall follow-up, 25 had progressed during the 6-month clustering period, for a sensitivity of 71% (CI, 53%–85%). Of the 90 eyes that did not progress during the overall follow-up, 85 also did not progress during the 6-month period, for a specificity of 94% (CI, 88%–98%). Of the 14 eyes considered fast progressors by SAP 24-2, SAP 10-2, or SD-OCT during the overall follow-up, 13 were identified as progressing during the 6-month cluster period, for a sensitivity of 93% (CI, 66%–100%) for identifying fast progression with a specificity of 85% (CI, 77%–90%). Clustered testing in the Fast-PACE Study detected fast-progressing glaucoma eyes over 6 months. The methodology could be applied in clinical trials investigating interventions to slow glaucoma progression and may be of value for short-term assessment of high-risk subjects. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drainage and deforestation of tropical peat swamp forests (PSF) in Southeast Asia cause carbon emissions and biodiversity loss of global concern. Restoration efforts to mitigate these impacts usually involve peatland rewetting by blocking canals. However, there have been no studies to date of the optimal rewetting approach that will reduce carbon emission whilst also promoting PSF regeneration. Here we present results of a large-scale restoration trial in Sumatra (Indonesia), monitored for 7.5 years. Water levels in a former plantation were raised over an area of 4800 ha by constructing 257 compacted peat dams in canals. We find peat surface subsidence rates in the rewetted restoration area and adjoining PSF to be halved where water tables were raised from ~ − 0.6 m to ~ − 0.3 m, demonstrating the success of rewetting in reducing carbon emission. A total of 57 native PSF tree species were found to spontaneously grow in the most rewetted conditions and in high densities, indicating that forest regrowth is underway. Based on our findings we propose that an effective PSF restoration strategy should follow stepwise rewetting to achieve substantial carbon emission reduction alongside unassisted regrowth of PSF, thereby enabling the peat, forest and canal vegetation to establish a new nature-based ecosystem balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim ofthis systematic review and meta-analysis wasto evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) compared with delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS). MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched. Outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity, postoperative spherical equivalent (refractive outcome), endophthalmitis, corneal edema, pseudophakic macular edema, and posterior capsule rupture (PCR). 13 articles met criteria for final inclusion. A total of 11 068 622 participants (18 802 043 eyes) were included. No statistically significant differences between ISBCS and DSBCS were identified in all the postoperative outcomes evaluated. However, a higher risk for PCR was identified in the ISBCS group from the pooled analysis of nonrandomized studies (risk ratio, 1.34, 95% CI, 1.08-1.67, P = .0081). In our view, the ISBCS approach has an acceptable safety-efficacy profile, comparable with DSBCS. Future investigations are warranted, with a focus on the analysis of risk factors for surgical complications, patientreported outcome-measures, and cost effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) is steadily increasing due in large part to an aging world population and rise in rates of obesity. Patients with obesity and advancing age can be seen as vulnerable populations, as they are both often subject to physician bias regarding surgical choices and assumptions regarding long-term outcomes. As we operate on an older and/or obese patient population, it is increasingly important that we adopt peri-operative management strategies and surgical techniques to best serve this complex patient population. Careful orchestration pre-, intra- and postoperatively is key to successful outcomes in robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Here, we review existing literature regarding EC in women with older age and/or obesity, outline recommendations for peri-operative management and common intra-operative issues—specifically common anesthetic issues surrounding cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems—that are of heightened importance in women with older age and/or obesity. The goal of this review is to help define and mitigate common complications for these vulnerable patients with an EC diagnosis who, in accordance with carefully assessed health risks, can and should be offered standard of care surgery and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B infection caused by the hepatitis B virus is a life-threatening cause of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers have produced multiple in vivo models for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and, currently, there are no specific laboratory animal models available to study HBV pathogenesis or immune response; nonetheless, their limitations prevent them from being used to study HBV pathogenesis, immune response, or therapeutic methods because HBV can only infect humans and chimpanzees. The current study is the first of its kind to identify a suitable chemically induced liver cirrhosis/HCC model that parallels HBV pathophysiology. Initially, data from the peer-reviewed literature and the GeneCards database were compiled to identify the genes that HBV and seven drugs (acetaminophen, isoniazid, alcohol, D-galactosamine, lipopolysaccharide, thioacetamide, and rifampicin) regulate. Functional enrichment analysis was performed in the STRING server. The network HBV/Chemical, genes, and pathways were constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.1. About 1546 genes were modulated by HBV, of which 25.2% and 17.6% of the genes were common for alcohol and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis. In accordance with the enrichment analysis, HBV activates the signaling pathways for apoptosis, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt, TNF, JAK-STAT, MAPK, chemokines, NF-kappa B, and TGF-beta. In addition, alcohol and lipopolysaccharide significantly activated these pathways more than other chemicals, with higher gene counts and lower FDR scores. In conclusion, alcohol-induced hepatitis could be a suitable model to study chronic HBV infection and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis for an acute inflammatory response to HBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study investigated the effect of interview format changes (in-person to virtual, one-to-one to multiple-to-one) necessitated by the COVID-19 travel restrictions on preliminary fellowship candidate ranking variabilities. Design. Cross-sectional observational study. Method. In 2018 and 2019, the glaucoma fellowship interviews were conducted in-person in a one-to-one format, whereas in 2020, interviews were virtual and in a multiple (interviewers)-to-one (candidate) format. We compared ranking ranges of interviewers within the same virtual room (WSR) and not within the same virtual room (NWSR) to assess the effect of WSR versus NWSR on ranking variabilities. We also compared ranking categories ("accept," "alternate," and "pass") agreements between 2018, 2019, and 2020 to assess the effect of virtual versus in-person interviews on ranking variabilities. Results. NWSR and WSR mean rankings differed by 1.33 (95% confidence interval difference 0.61 to 2.04, p = 0.0003), with WSR interviewers having less variability than NWSR pairs. The variability between 2018/2019 (in-person interviews) and 2020 (virtual interviews) showed no differences between in-person and virtual interviews (weighted Kappa statistic 0.086 for 2018, 0.158 for 2019, and 0.101 for 2020; p < 0.05 for all years). The overall least attractive candidate has the lowest variability; the most attractive candidate has the second lowest variability. Conclusion. Grouping interviewers WSR during the interview decreased ranking variabilities compared to NWSR, while a change from in-person to virtual interview format did not increase the ranking variabilities. This suggests that the decreased nonverbal interactions in virtual interviews do not decrease interviewers' perceptions as applied to preliminary rankings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti-swarming potential of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil against the Proteus isolate. Materials and methods: The effect of sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil and aroma-chemicals was studied on swarming differentiation of urinary Proteus mirabilis isolate. The parameters under study were number of concentric rings and diameter of swarm fronts. Results and Discussion: The concentrations of P. graveolens essential oil ranging from 1.12-8.96 mg/ml showed a pronounced reduction in the diameter of the colony as a function of time. Evident reduction in the number of concentric rings was also observed due to the incorporation of P. graveolens essential oil at 8.96 mg/ml and 4.48 mg/ml concentrations. Conclusion: Hence, the inhibition of swarming by P. graveolens essential oil suggests its potential to be developed as a product for preventing P. mirabilis infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, selective, precise and accurate Reverse Phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of eperisone hydrochloride and diclofenac sodium in marketed sustained release (SR) capsules. The method was validated for accuracy, specificity, linearity and robustness as per the ICH guidelines. The results of the developed method were found to be reproducible and within official limits of USP. Isocratic elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL per min was employed on symmetry C18 column at temperature of 10° C. The method was successfully applied to estimate eperisone hydrochloride and diclofenac sodium in marketed SR capsules since there was no interference from the excipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial loads in freshwater systems have important implications in biogeochemical cycling in urban environments. Immersed surfaces in freshwaters provide surfaces for bacterial attachment and growth. Microorganisms that adhere initially to these surfaces play a critical role in biofilm formation and sustenance. Currently, there is little understanding on the type of organisms that initially adhere to different surfaces in urban canals. In this study, water from an urban stormwater canal was employed to allow bacteria to attach to different surfaces in a flowcell apparatus and understand the differences and changes in bacterial community structure. Bacterial communities were highly diverse on different surfaces as indicated by Jaccard's indices of 0.14-0.56. Bacteria on aluminium were the most diverse and on Plexiglas the least. Bacterial communities were highly dynamic in the early attachment phase and it changed by 59% between 3 and 6 h on aluminium. Specificity of attachment to surfaces was observed for some bacteria. Judicious use of materials in urban aquatic environment would help mitigate microbial load in urban waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystallization is the most serious bottleneck in high-throughput protein-structure determination by diffraction methods. We have used data mining of the large-scale experimental results of the Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium and experimental folding studies to characterize the biophysical properties that control protein crystallization. This analysis leads to the conclusion that crystallization propensity depends primarily on the prevalence of well-ordered surface epitopes capable of mediating interprotein interactions and is not strongly influenced by overall thermodynamic stability. We identify specific sequence features that correlate with crystallization propensity and that can be used to estimate the crystallization probability of a given construct. Analyses of entire predicted proteomes demonstrate substantial differences in the amino acid–sequence properties of human versus eubacterial proteins, which likely reflect differences in biophysical properties, including crystallization propensity. Our thermodynamic measurements do not generally support previous claims regarding correlations between sequence properties and protein stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the economic impact of vaccine-based interventions in response to an influenza pandemic, for the city of Chicago, and compare the costbenefit metrics between a dynamic agent-based network model and a static Markov model. Efficient allocation of clinical resources, including vaccination, minimizes the costs of deaths, hospitalizations, and outpatient visits during an influenza pandemic. Methods & Materials: The social contact network is a colocation based synthetic network, generated for the city of Chicago. The transmission dynamics of the influenza-like-illness in the population is simulated using the susceptible-exposed-infectiousrecovered epidemiological model. We compare the costs and benefits of different vaccine-based interventions in control and prevention of an influenza pandemic. Results: We simulated a base case scenario of no vaccine intervention for the city of Chicago with a basic reproductive number of 1.5 for a resultant attack rate of 58.1% and health care cost per capita of $1,124. Applying the vaccine intervention with efficacy of 40% and compliance rate of 40% was a cost saving intervention for both the dynamic agent-based network model and the static Markov model. The net return per capita at 21$ per vaccine is $363 and $261 for the dynamic and static models respectively. Conclusion: We infer that higher number of cases of Influenza are averted in the dynamic agent-based network model in comparison to the static Markov model, as well as the vaccine-based interventions are comparatively more cost effective for all age and risk groups in the dynamic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]