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Nighttime oxidation of monoterpenes (MT) via the nitrate radical (NO3) and ozone (O3) contributes to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). This study uses observations in Atlanta, Georgia from 2011 to 2022 to quantify trends in nighttime production of NO3 (PNO3) and O3 concentrations and compare to model outputs from the EPA's Air QUAlity TimE Series Project (EQUATES). We present urban‐suburban gradients in nighttime NO3 and O3 concentrations and quantify their fractional importance (F) for MT oxidation. Both observations and EQUATES show a decline in PNO3, with modeled PNO3 declining faster than observations. Despite decreasing PNO3, we find that NO3 continues to dominate nocturnal boundary layer (NBL) MT oxidation (FNO3 = 60%) in 2017, 2021, and 2022, which is consistent with EQUATES (FNO3 = 80%) from 2013 to 2019. This contrasts an anticipated decline in FNO3 based on prior observations in the nighttime residual layer, where O3 is the dominant oxidant. Using two case studies of heatwaves in summer 2022, we show that extreme heat events can increase NO3 concentrations and FNO3, leading to short MT lifetimes (<1 hr) and high gas‐phase organic nitrate production. Regardless of the presence of heatwaves, our findings suggest sustained organic nitrate aerosol formation in the urban SE US under declining NOx emissions, and highlight the need for improved representation of extreme heat events in chemistry‐transport models and additional observations along urban to rural gradients. Plain Language Summary: Monoterpenes are important precursors of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), which influence air quality and climate. At night, they react with the nitrate radical (NO3) and ozone (O3). Trends in these two oxidants and their role on air quality in the southeastern United Sates (SE US) is partially dictated by changes in nitrogen oxide (NOx = NO + NO2) emissions which have declined in recent years. We find that NO3 dominates present‐day monoterpene loss in the summer, and may continue to do so even as NOx concentrations decrease in the future. We show that heatwaves in the SE US further elevate both O3 and NO3 concentrations at night, with a larger relative importance for NO3. We compare observations to a regional air quality model, and find the model overpredicts both oxidant concentrations. This overprediction may impact model‐based studies of future nighttime chemistry. Key Points: Nitrate radical (NO3) continues to control nocturnal boundary layer monoterpene oxidation in the urban SE USRegional model overpredicts oxidant concentrations and fractional NO3 contribution to monoterpene lossExtreme heat events increase nighttime NO3 concentrations, monoterpene oxidation rates, and gas‐phase organic nitrate production [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usual procedure for indentifying the block design to be connected is rank of C matrix (information matrix) should be (v - 1), if this violates then design becomes disconnected. Several authors obtained robustness criteria against the loss of one block or more than one blocks based on connected property. Because connectedness is one of the important criteria to find the robustness of the residual design. Tsai and Liao (2013) discussed the minimum break down criteria and connectedness criteria of block design to obtain the robust design against the lost of whole block. In this investigation, we have developed other criteria, which is alternate method of Tsai and Liao (2013) to find connectedness of the block design based on block information matrix, Fd of the block design of size two. Further, we have also observed as numbers of blocks are being deleted, the overall A-efficiency of the residual design decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slope instability due to tectonic, hydrological and anthropogenic activities cause severe landslides in Himalaya. Joshimath, a densely populated Himalayan town witnessed a catastrophic landslide event during December 2022 and January 2023 causing damages to ∼700 buildings. We use Interferometric synthetic aperture radar, Global Positioning System and rainfall measurements to probe the kinematics of the Joshimath landslide. We separate the seasonal and episodic deformation components using singular spectrum analysis. While the low amplitude annual landslide motions are modulated by seasonal precipitation, acceleration phases are triggered by extreme rain events. Our analysis revealed episodes of cascading motions triggered by extreme rain events resulting an overall increase in landslide velocity from −22 mm/yr during 2004–2010 to −325 mm/yr during 2022–2023. We estimate the landslide depth (∼30 m) and hydraulic diffusivity (∼3 × 10−5 m2/s) using a 1‐D pore‐water pressure diffusion model. Our study reveals the importance of systematic monitoring of ground deformation and weather parameters for landslide hazard mitigation. Plain Language Summary: The Himalayas, world's largest and youngest mountain range formed as a result of the India‐Eurasia continental collision hosts thousands of landslides each year related to tectonic and anthropogenic activities. It is important to characterize the landslide kinematics, especially the slow moving landslides at the fast‐developing Himalayan urban centers for hazard assessment. A recent catastrophic landslide event in the Joshimath town in NW Himalaya occurred between December 2022 and January 2023 caused damages to ∼700 buildings leading to mass evacuation. We map the spatio‐temporal evolution of land deformation at Joshimath using about two decades of geodetic measurements and singular spectrum analysis technique. While the decadal‐scale landslide motions match well with the overall increase in rainfall intensity, the episodic accelerations are triggered by extreme rain events. The extreme rainfall event on 19 October 2021, triggered the latest episode of landslide acceleration, which eventually led to the tragic disaster. The present study, for the first time, provides constraints on the landslide depth and hydraulic diffusivity. Our study also emphasis on the systematic monitoring of ground deformation and weather parameters at the Himalayas for an effective landslide hazard preparedness and mitigation. Key Points: Joshimath landslide displays episodic and seasonal kinematic changes; episodic accelerations are triggered by extreme rain eventsThe 19 October 2021 extreme rain event triggered the latest episode of landslide acceleration culminating to the 2022 disasterDepth and hydraulic diffusivity of the landslide is constrained using 1‐D pore‐water pressure diffusion model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document explores the impact of organic manures and bioenhancers on the growth and yield of kharif groundnut in India. The study found that the application of vermicompost at 2 t/ha during sowing resulted in higher pod yield and shelling percentage. Additionally, the use of Panchgavya at specific intervals gave the highest yield. The findings suggest that the use of organic manures and bioenhancers can improve the growth and yield of kharif groundnut in organic farming, with vermicompost and Panchgavya showing promising results in terms of economics as well. [Extracted from the article]

This paper discusses the problem of fingero-imbibition phenomenon with magnetic field effect. The problem arises in two-phase flow through homogeneous porous medium during secondary oil recovery process. The mathematical formulation gives us one-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equation. Homotopy analysis method is adopted to solve the governing equation. The solution is discussed numerically and graphically with the help of Mathematica BVPh package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of previously unknown [5-(substituted phenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]thiazolidin-4-ones have been successfully synthesized, and their structure has been confirmed by IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The synthesized compounds have been tested for in vitro activity against bacterial and fungal strains. Compounds containing 4-OCH3, 4-NO2 and 2,3-(OCH3)2 groups in the phenyl ring of the arylidene substituent demonstrated moderate to excellent antibacterial activity, while compounds containing 2-Br, 4-Cl, 4-F, 4-OCH3, 4-CH3, 2,4-(CH3)2, and 4-NO2 groups exhibited excellent to good antifungal activity. The MIC values for the 2,3-(OCH3)2 derivatives against various bacterial strains varied from 12.5 to 50 µg/mL. In terms of the antifungal activity, the 2-Br derivative showed the significant activity against C. albicans (MIC 200 µg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Clinical emergencies can be defined as unpredictable events that necessitate immediate intervention. Safety critical industries have acknowledged the difficulties of responding to such crises. Strategies to improve human performance and mitigate its limitations include the provision and use of cognitive aids, a family of tools that includes algorithms, checklists and decision aids. This systematic review evaluates the usefulness of cognitive aids in clinical emergencies. Following a systematic search of the electronic databases, we included 13 randomised controlled trials, reported in 16 publications. Each compared cognitive aids with usual care in the context of an anaesthetic, medical, surgical or trauma emergency involving adults. Most trials used only clinicians in the development and testing of the cognitive aids, and only some trials provided familiarisation with the cognitive aids before they were deployed. The primary outcome was the completeness of care delivered to the patient. Cognitive aids were associated with a reduction in the incidence of missed care steps from 43.3% to 11% (RR (95%CI) 0.29 (0.15–0.16); p < 0.001), and the quality of evidence was rated as moderate. The use of cognitive aids was related to decreases in the incidence of errors, increases in the rate of correctly performed steps and improvement in the clinical teamwork skills scores, non‐technical skills scores, subjective conflict resolution scores and the global assessment of team performance. Cognitive aids had an inconsistent influence on the time to first intervention and time to complete care of the patient's condition. It is possible that this was a reflection of how common or rare the crisis in question was as well as the experience and expertise of the clinicians and team. Sufficient thought should be applied to the development of the content and design of cognitive aids, with consideration of the pre‐existing guideline ecosystem. Cognitive aids should be tested before their deployment with adequate clinician and team training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider an axion-like particle (ALP) coupled to Standard Model (SM) fermions as a mediator between the SM and a fermionic dark matter (DM) particle. We explore the case where the ALP-SM and/or the ALP-DM couplings are too small to allow for DM generation via standard freeze-out. DM is therefore thermally decoupled from the visible sector and must be generated through either freeze-in or decoupled freeze-out (DFO). In the DFO regime, we present an improved approach to obtain the relic density by solving a set of three stiff coupled Boltzmann equations, one of which describes the energy transfer from the SM to the dark sector. Having determined the region of parameter space where the correct relic density is obtained, we revisit experimental constraints from electron beam dump experiments, rare B and K decays, exotic Higgs decays at the LHC, astrophysics, dark matter searches and cosmology. In particular, for our specific ALP scenario we (re) calculate and improve beam dump, flavour and supernova constraints. Throughout our calculation we implement state-of-the-art chiral perturbation theory results for the ALP partial decay width to hadrons. We find that while the DFO region, which predicts extremely small ALP-fermion couplings, can probably only be constrained by cosmological observables, the freeze-in region covers a wide area of parameter space that may be accessible to other more direct probes. Some of this parameter space is already excluded, but a significant part should be accessible to future collider experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate questions asked during the informed consent process by adult participants in a COVID-19 vaccine regulatory study conducted at our center in 2020. Methods: After approval by the IEC, informed consent documents and consent narratives were evaluated. We collated the total number and nature of questions. We then looked at the association between education, gender, socio-economic status, employment status, the language of consent, and number of questions. Between-group comparison (female vs male, unemployed vs employed, primary school vs secondary school vs graduate vs post-graduates, upper vs upper-middle vs middle vs lower middle vs lower) for the number of questions asked was done using univariate analysis followed by multivariate regression analysis with post hoc Tukey's test. Independent variables were gender, employment status, education and socioeconomic status and the dependent variable was the number of questions asked by the participant. All analyses were done at 5% significance. Content analysis was done in addition by creating categories after evaluation and coding them. Results: A total of N = 129 consents from the same number of participants were evaluated. A total of N = 127/129 participants asked at least one question. Sixty-seven percent of participants asked questions related to the study procedure, followed by 44.9% of participants who asked questions related to the safety of vaccine or placebo. A total of N = 295 questions were asked by the 127 participants. In content analysis, 149/295 (50.5%) questions were on study-related procedures followed by one quarter 76/295 (25.8%) based on safety associated with Investigational Product. Very few participants [2.4%] asked about post-trial access as the regulatory trial was a placebo-controlled trial. None of the independent variables were found to be associated with the number of questions. Conclusion: The majority of the questions asked by the participants were about study-related procedures and vaccine safety. No association was found between any of the independent variables and the number of questions asked. However, there were differences in the demographics of the trial participants between the pandemic and pre-pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] is a toxic/carcinogenic heavy metal posing severe ecological and health hazard. Unchecked disposal of wastes from tanneries, electroplating and other such industries is the major cause of Cr(VI) release into the environment. Development of sustainable technology for Cr(VI) remediation using an efficient, abundantly available, economical and bio-compatible substrate is the need of time. This study focused on determining the Cr(VI) remediation potential of untreated rice husk. At optimal parameters, the Cr(VI) ions are adsorbed on the rice-husk as monolayer (following Langmuir isotherm) and are reduced to a less toxic lower oxidation state, i.e., Cr(III)(as determined by Total-Cr analysis). The safety assessment using zebrafish embryos confirmed the low toxicity of the treated sample as a significant difference was noted in terms of mortality, tail-detachment and hatching time as compared to the untreated samples. This study reveals that Cr(VI) remediation by rice-husk is a three step process involving biosorption, bioreduction and desorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 6-aryl-2-(6-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles were synthesized through a two-step procedure. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and mass spectra and elemental analyses. All compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against two gram-positive and two gram-negative bacterial strains and one fungal strain. Fluoro-substituted compounds showed comparable biological activity against the tested microorganisms than the -Cl, -Br, and electron-donating groups concerning standard used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is a regional satellite navigation system called Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The NavIC is presently composed of seven operational satellite configuration geometry. We present indigenously designed and developed RAFS for NavIC, named IRAFS—Indian Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard. The IRAFS Physics Package (PP) and electronics have novel design features, as explained in this article. We present the IRAFS performances tested in thermo-vacuum conditions demonstrating < 2 × 10–12τ−1/2 stability, reaching a flicker floor of 3 × 10–14 with a drift of < 5 × 10–13/day. The IRAFS has a mass of 7.6 kg, a volume of 16 L, and consumes power of 75 W at warm-up and < 40 W in normal operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to find a new pharmacologically dynamic molecule, we report here the synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial activity of N-phenyl-2-(4-{[(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)oxy]methyl}-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-acetamides. These compounds were synthesized through copper(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cyclo-addition reaction of 3-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)-3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridine and different 2-azido-N-(substi-tuted phenyl)acetamide derivatives according to the click chemistry approach. Traditional spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and MS were employed for structural confirmation. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities on a group of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi strains by the disc diffusion method. Some of the compounds showed significant potency and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pristine and Co-doped ZnO (CZ) nanocapsules (NCs) have been successfully prepared using a simple and cost-effective co-precipitation method. The effect of 1–4 at.% Co-doped ZnO (C1Z–C4Z) samples on physicochemical and hazardous NO2 sensing performance were investigated and reported. The structural, morphological, spectral and compositional properties studied by XRD, FESEM and EDX, TEM, BET, FTIR, UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and XPS techniques specify the phase formation of ZnO and doping of Co atoms into ZnO lattice. The NO2 gas sensing properties of CZ samples were studied at 120–280 °C operating temperature and 5–100 ppm concentration. The sensing results showed that the 3 at.% Co-doped ZnO (C3Z) sensor exhibited highest (286%) gas response with fast response/recovery time (3/319), stable, selective and reproducible towards 100 ppm NO2 gas at 200 °C operating temperature. Such types of materials are very promising for the fabrication of NO2 gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was conducted in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka as a project on integrated farming systems was implemented in this district by University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during the year 2013-15. It was considered for study in master’s research. Methods: Under the study three taluks viz., Sirsi, Mundagod and Bhatkala were selected with an overall objective of identifying and analyzing and the economics of integrated farming systems. The relevant data collected from primary sources through personal interview method were analyzed by tabular and production function techniques. Four main integrated farming systems followed by majority of the farmers in the study area are selected for study, viz., Integrated Farming System-I,II,III,IV. Result: The study revealed that the total cost under Integrated Farming Systems-III was highest with Rs. 129023, while it was Rs. 115388, Rs.115266 and Rs. 97434 respectively in Integrated Farming Systems-I,II and IV. net farm returns was highest under Integrated Farming Systems-I which was Rs. 86351. In all the different integrated farming systems, the labour and seed cost had significant influence on gross returns. The seed and feed were underutilized, fertilizer, FYM and land were over utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple synthetic protocol have been developed for the preparation of novel N-(4-benzylidene-5-oxo-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N′-phenylthiourea derivatives by the reaction of 4-benzylidene-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-5-ones with N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)- and N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamides. The synthesized imidazolones have been characterized by using different spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against some bacterial and fungal strains. Imidazolone derivatives containing 2-nitrobenzylidene and 4-methoxybenzylidene substituents were found to be potent against fungal strains Candida albicans and Aspergillus clavatus.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the efficacy, time taken and the safety of neuraxial blockade performed for obstetric patients with the assistance of preprocedural ultrasound, in comparison with the landmark palpation method. The bibliographic databases Central, CINAHL, EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to 13 February 2020 for randomised controlled trials that included pregnant women having neuraxial procedures with preprocedural ultrasound as the intervention and conventional landmark palpation as the comparator. For continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively, we calculated the mean difference using the inverse‐variance method and the risk ratio with the Mantel–Haenszel method. In all, 22 trials with 2462 patients were included. Confirmed by trial sequential analysis, preprocedural ultrasound increased the first‐pass success rate by a risk ratio (95%CI) of 1.46 (1.16–1.82), p = 0.001 in 13 trials with 1253 patients. No evidence of a difference was found in the total time taken between preprocedural ultrasound and landmark palpation, with a mean difference (95%CI) of 50.1 (−13.7 to 113.94) s, p = 0.12 in eight trials with 709 patients. The quality of evidence was graded as low and very low, respectively, for these co‐primary outcomes. Sub‐group analysis underlined the increased benefit of preprocedural ultrasound for those in whom the neuraxial procedure was predicted to be difficult. Complications, including postpartum back pain and headache, were decreased with preprocedural ultrasound. The adoption of preprocedural ultrasound for neuraxial procedures in obstetrics is recommended and, in the opinion of the authors, should be considered as a standard of care, in view of its potential to increase efficacy and reduce complications without significant prolongation of the total time required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Caesarean delivery is the most commonly performed inpatient surgical procedure globally. Pain after caesarean delivery is moderate to severe if not adequately treated, and is a primary anaesthetic concern for patients. Transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks are fascial plane blocks that have the potential to improve analgesia following caesarean delivery. Although proponents of the quadratus lumborum block suggest that this technique may provide better analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, there are limited data directly comparing these two techniques. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and network meta‐analysis to compare transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block approaches, seeking randomised controlled trials comparing both techniques to each other, or to control, with or without intrathecal morphine. In all, 31 trials with 2188 patients were included and our primary outcome, the cumulative intravenous morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h, was reported in 12 trials. In the absence of intrathecal morphine, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks were equivalent, and both were superior to control (moderate‐quality evidence). In the presence of intrathecal morphine, no differences were found between control, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks (moderate‐quality evidence). Similar results were found for resting and active pain scores at 4–6 h, 8–12 h, 24 h and 36 h, although quadratus lumborum block was associated with lower pain scores at 36 h when compared with transversus abdominis plane block (very low‐quality evidence). However, transversus abdominis plane block was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (moderate‐quality evidence) and sedation when compared with inactive control following intrathecal morphine administration (low‐quality evidence). There are insufficient data to draw definitive conclusions, but transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block appear to be superior to control in the absence of intrathecal morphine, but provide limited additional benefit over inactive control when intrathecal morphine is also used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxycitric acid made the genus Garcinia economically important. Genetic and chemical diversity has been studied in Garcinia species using molecular markers, HCA and antioxidant activity. Nine species were collected and screened for molecular diversity and six were subjected to analyse antioxidant and HCA content and its interspecies variability. A total of 129, 125 and 89 bands with polymorphism of 78.74%, 78.4% and 93.36% were obtained using ISSR, RAPD and EST-SSR, respectively. The average PIC value obtained with ISSR, RAPD and EST-SSR markers was 0.9161, 0.9440 and 0.8903, respectively. Determined HCA content by HILIC-HPLC system using 0.1% orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile (30:70) as mobile phase in fruit powder of various Garcinia species was found to be significantly different. G. gummi-gutta, G. indica and G. xanthochymus are rich of HCA containing 12.44±1.04%, 7.92±0.83% and 6.3±0.286%, respectively. G. morella, G. talbotii and G. celebica contained very negligible amount of HCA, 0.023±0.012%, 0.083±0.034% and 0.34±0.013%, correspondingly. G. talbotii showed high antioxidant capacity (95.40±0.720). Below that G. indica and G. xanthochymus were showing significant amount of total phenols (1.23±0.015 and 1.07±0.008), flavonoids (11.17±0.075 and 12.35±0.219) and antioxidant activity (90.73±0.976 and 91.37±0.854). Correlation analysis found significant association between molecular and chemical variation indicating influence of genetic background on the observed HCA and antioxidant profiles. The conducted analysis showed the most distinct species at the genetic and chemical levels were G. gummi-gutta, G. indica and G. xanthochymus. This study signifies the utility of molecular and chemical fingerprints for commercial exploitation of HCA from Garcinia species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient synthetic strategy for the synthesis of 6-amino-1-(((2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)methylene)amino)-2-oxo-4-(aryl)- 1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles is well described in this paper. Structures of synthesized compounds have been identified by standard spectroscopic techniques like ¹H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. Results of the biological activity reveals that electron withdrawing groups and presence of -OH group on meta position play a significant role for the increment in the antibacterial and antifungal activities respectively of 3a-j. In the present study, it has been observed that compounds 3i and 3e are the most active antimicrobials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure and 1–4 at.% Ni-doped ZnO (N0Z-N4Z) nanostructures have been successfully prepared by simple and cost-effective co-precipitation method. The prepared nanostructures were studied using XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–Visible absorption and XPS techniques. The XRD study revealed that the hexagonal wurtzite structure of pure and Ni doped ZnO nanostructures, and their preferred peak growth orientation is along (101) plane without inferior phases in Ni-doped ZnO samples. The morphological investigation of Ni doped ZnO samples by FESEM and HRTEM techniques exhibited nanorods. The average diameter and length of nanorods are 25–80 nm and 140–410 nm. The results of UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy of Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures indicate red shift with varying amounts of Ni concentration. The estimated band gaps were obtained 3.11, 3.06, 3.02, 2.99 and 2.97 eV of N0Z, N1Z, N2Z, N3Z and N4Z nanostructures respectively. The NO2 gas sensing performance of fabricated N0Z-N4Z sensors were tested at different working temperatures (120–280 °C) and concentrations (5–100 ppm). Among them, the N2Z sensor showed stable, reproducible and the highest response (356%) when exposed to 100 ppm NO2 gas at 200 °C working temperature. The probable sensing mechanism of NO2 gas by Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures is investigated and discussed. Sensing response of N2Z gas sensor was also studied for 100 ppm Cl2, SO2 and H2S gases at 200 °C operating temperature and it appeared for most selective towards NO2 gas. The present study reveals that N2Z nanostructure can be attractive material as a sensor for recognition of hazardous NO2 gas at low concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Traditionally, pain relief for abdominal surgery has centred on epidural analgesia, but transversus abdominis plane block is increasingly being used. Our aim was to compare the analgesic efficacy and the side‐effect profile of transversus abdominis plane block with epidural analgesia in a systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis. After a systematic search of the electronic databases, we identified 18 randomised controlled trials with 1220 patients. Confirmed by trial sequential analysis, our first co‐primary outcome, postoperative pain score at rest at 12 h, was decreased by a mean difference (95%CI) of 0.69 (0.12–1.27; p = 0.02) with epidural analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, with the quality of evidence graded as low. No difference was found for the second co‐primary outcome, postoperative pain score at rest at 24 h, with the quality of evidence rated as very low. Relative to transversus abdominis plane block, epidural analgesia further reduced the need for intravenous morphine‐equivalent consumption during the 0–24 h interval by a mean difference (95%CI) of 5.91 mg (2.34–9.49; p = 0.001) at the expense of an increased incidence of hypotension at 72 h, with a risk ratio (95%CI) of 5.88 (2.08–16.67; p < 0.001). Our meta‐analysis was limited by detection and performance bias, significant statistical heterogeneity and publication bias. In view of the minimal clinically important difference in postoperative pain scores, epidural analgesia was interpreted to not be clinically different to transversus abdominis plane block after abdominal surgery. With transversus abdominis plane block, the increase in intravenous morphine‐equivalent consumption at 24 h should be balanced against the decreased risk of hypotension at 72 h. In choosing between epidural analgesia and transversus abdominis plane block, potential benefits should be balanced against the reported risk of harm, although the confidence in the evidence varied, underlining the uncertainty in our estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moderate-to-severe postoperative pain persists for longer than the duration of single-shot peripheral nerve blocks and hence continues to be a problem even with the routine use of regional anaesthesia techniques. The administration of local anaesthetic adjuncts, defined as the concomitant intravenous or perineural injection of one or more pharmacological agents, is an attractive and technically simple strategy to potentially extend the benefits of peripheral nerve blockade beyond the conventional maximum of 8-14 hours. Historical local anaesthetic adjuncts include perineural adrenaline that has been demonstrated to increase the mean duration of analgesia by as little as just over 1 hour. Of the novel local anaesthetic adjuncts, dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone have best demonstrated the capacity to considerably improve the duration of blocks. Perineural dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone increase the mean duration of analgesia by up to 6 hour and 8 hour, respectively, when combined with long-acting local anaesthetics. The evidence for the safety of these local anaesthetic adjuncts continues to accumulate, although the findings of a neurotoxic effect with perineural dexmedetomidine during in-vitro studies are conflicting. Neither perineural dexmedetomidine nor dexamethasone fulfils all the criteria of the ideal local anaesthetic adjunct. Dexmedetomidine is limited by side-effects such as bradycardia, hypotension and sedation, and dexamethasone slightly increases glycaemia. In view of the concerns related to localised nerve and muscle injury and the lack of consistent evidence for the superiority of the perineural vs. systemic route of administration, we recommend the off-label use of systemic dexamethasone as a local anaesthetic adjunct in a dose of 0.1-0.2 mg.kg-1 for all patients undergoing surgery associated with significant postoperative pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, pain relief for abdominal surgery has centred on epidural analgesia, but transversus abdominis plane block is increasingly being used. Our aim was to compare the analgesic efficacy and the side-effect profile of transversus abdominis plane block with epidural analgesia in a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. After a systematic search of the electronic databases, we identified 18 randomised controlled trials with 1220 patients. Confirmed by trial sequential analysis, our first co-primary outcome, postoperative pain score at rest at 12 h, was decreased by a mean difference (95%CI) of 0.69 (0.12-1.27; p = 0.02) with epidural analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, with the quality of evidence graded as low. No difference was found for the second co-primary outcome, postoperative pain score at rest at 24 h, with the quality of evidence rated as very low. Relative to transversus abdominis plane block, epidural analgesia further reduced the need for intravenous morphine-equivalent consumption during the 0-24 h interval by a mean difference (95%CI) of 5.91 mg (2.34-9.49; p = 0.001) at the expense of an increased incidence of hypotension at 72 h, with a risk ratio (95%CI) of 5.88 (2.08-16.67; p < 0.001). Our meta-analysis was limited by detection and performance bias, significant statistical heterogeneity and publication bias. In view of the minimal clinically important difference in postoperative pain scores, epidural analgesia was interpreted to not be clinically different to transversus abdominis plane block after abdominal surgery. With transversus abdominis plane block, the increase in intravenous morphine-equivalent consumption at 24 h should be balanced against the decreased risk of hypotension at 72 h. In choosing between epidural analgesia and transversus abdominis plane block, potential benefits should be balanced against the reported risk of harm, although the confidence in the evidence varied, underlining the uncertainty in our estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported an efficient route for the synthesis of pyrazole clubbed imidazolone compounds. The products were characterized by standard techniques like IR,1H and 13C NMR, and LC-MS. They were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against several strains of bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and S. pyogenes) and fungi (C. albicans, A. niger, and A. clavatus) using broth dilution method. Compounds3j (-2-NO2),3r (-4-Br), and 3i (-2-OCH3) showed significant antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Radiation therapy is becoming increasingly more available and in demand for small animal veterinary cases. Although there is a demand for radiation therapy in large animal cases, there are certain limitations of external beam radiation therapy for horses that restrict treatment options. Currently, there are only five veterinary teaching hospitals in the United States where external beam radiation therapy can be performed on horses and other large animals. This is in contrast to the roughly 80 facilities, both academic and private, available for small animals. The goal of this commentary is to give a brief overview of external beam radiation therapy and highlight the steps involved, and the technical difficulties faced, while treating horses with external beam radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some new hybrid 2-aryl-4-(1-phenyl-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[b][1,4]diazepines have been synthesised which possessed the pyrazole and benzodiazepine heterocycles 2a-t. Antimicrobial evaluation of the synthesized compounds have been carried out against different strains of bacteria like E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and S. pyogenes and fungal strains like C. albicans, A. niger and A. clavatus using serial dilution method. The newly synthesized compounds 2i, 2j, 2k, 2l, 2m, 2q and 2t have shown significant activity against the above mentioned strains. The reported compounds in the present paper are supported by IR, ¹H and 13C NMR, and LC-MS spectral analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, the synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and in silico molecular docking study of 6-((arylidene)amino)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxo-1-((1-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethylidene)amino)-1,2-dihydropyridine- 3,5-dicarbonitriles 4a-o have been reported. Compounds 4d, 4g, 4j, 4k, 4m and 4o show significant activity. Structure determination of the synthesized compounds has been done by the standard spectroscopic techniques. It is observed that biological activity is influenced by electronic environment of the molecules. Electron withdrawing group at para position plays a major role for enhancing the biological activity for antibacterial activity and the electron donating group at para position for antifungal activity. Compounds 4a-o have been further evaluated for cytotoxicity on HeLa cells. From the cytotoxicity results, compounds have been found to possess low cytotoxicity with potent antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial pathogens are considered as predominant cause of human diseases throughout the world. Until recently, antibiotics were considered as promising agents against most bacterial pathogens but recent reports suggest that there is growing resistance to commonly used antibiotics creating a global healthcare problem. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the synergistic antibacterial potential of three different antibiotics including Vancomycin, Clindamycin and Cefotaxime with three popular Indian spices namely Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Dalchini), Trachysparmum ammi (Ova) and Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) against human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Material and Methods: Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis was performed to detect molecular changes occurring while synergistic exposure of antibiotics and spices on pathogenic microbes. The addition of spices extracts showed enhanced activity of antibiotics against the pathogens however degree of antibiosis was varied according to bacterial species. Inhibition Zones (IZ) ranged from 0.0- 34 mm. The highest IZ of 34.33 mm was found against S. aureus where a combination of Cefotaxime and C. zeylanicum were applied. The synergy of spice extracts with antibiotics revealed an increase in the bactericidal activity of standard antibiotics against pathogens. FTIR spectral analysis showed that, microorganisms showing resistance to antibiotics (Vancomycin and Clindamycin), alters important functional groups of antibiotics might be resulting in decreased antimicrobial performance. FTIR spectra's revealed common bands in antibiotics and spices such as nitroamines, aromatic phosphorus, benzene, bromide, carboxylic group, aliphatic esters, sulphonamides, primary alcohols, aliphatic ether, acid anhydride conjugate ring with ketone and azo compounds, aromatic ethers, sulphonil chloride, sulphoamide etc. Interestingly, there was increased antimicrobial response for synergism when decreased concentration of antibiotics and increased concentration of spice extracts were used. Conclusion: This investigation suggests that, spice extract could be used independently and in combination to elevate the performance of antibiotics which addresses the issue of drug resistance in human pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper discusses the problem of one dimensional groundwater recharge in the vertical direction. The groundwater is recharged by spreading of water in vertical direction and the moisture content of soil increases. On the basis of linear and nonlinear conductivity and diffusivity functions, three cases are considered for Brooks- Corey model. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations has been solved by homotopy analysis method. The proper value of convergence control parameter for con- vergent solution has been chosen from c0-curve. The numerical and graphical solutions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Current implant systems with screw-retained abutments permit direct laboratory fabrication of castings. Computer aided drafting systems further enhance the fabrication of computer-milled abutments (CMAs) and castings. The purpose of this study was to compare marginal accuracy, as measured by gap size, of castings made directly on CMAs with those made indirectly on epoxy and stone dies. Materials and Methods: Castings were made directly for 10 CMAs. Marginal gap measurements were made with the castings seated on the abutments (group A). Castings were also made indirectly on stone and epoxy dies obtained from impressions of the abutments. Marginal gap measurements were made with these indirectly made castings seated on their CMAs (groups B and E). In addition, the directly made castings were transferred between CMAs and marginal gap measurements made (group D). Marginal gap measurements of the groups were compared with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pair-wise comparisons (Scheffé test). Results: Groups A and D had marginal gaps of less than 100 µm. These marginal gaps were significantly smaller (P < .05) than the gaps of groups B and E, made on dies, which were approximately 200 to 500 microm. Discussion and Conclusions: With CMAs, it is possible to make an exact duplicate of the abutment. This permits the laboratory to make castings on duplicate abutments with greater precision than can be obtained using the indirect technique. Direct fabrication of castings resulted in smaller marginal gaps, which in turn allows a better marginal seal and improved retention of castings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Introduction: b In patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) treated with CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), the large majority (~70%) ultimately fail. PHASE I TRIAL OF "RE-PRIMING" RADIATION THERAPY FOR RELAPSED/REFRACTORY DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA PATIENTS IN INCOMPLETE RESPONSE AFTER CAR-T THERAPY B Conclusion: b Early hypofractionated salvage focal "definitive" dose RT to sites of incomplete response on day 30 post-CAR-T for R/R/ DLBCL patients was safe without any dose de-escalation required. [Extracted from the article]

The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a nanolipid transdermal emulgel of Nimesulide. The nanolipid particles of Nimesulide were developed using Compritol 888 ATO and Labrafil M1944 as lipids, polysorbate 80 as surfactant with poloxamer 188 and polyethylene Glycol 400 as stabilizer and cosolvent respectively. The nanoparticles were developed by Hot Nanoemulsification Low temperature Solidification method and showed drug entrapment efficiency of 67 ± 2.316 % with particle size of 500 - 600 nm. TEM studies indicated presence of spherical particles in the nanometric range. The nanolipidic dispersions were suitably gelled to form emulgel. The in vitro release of the developed emulgel showed sustained drug release for 8 hours with no evidence of toxicity during histopathological testing after ex vivo permeation studies. The nanolipid emulgel of Nimesulide can thus provide sustained release action due to enhanced skin deposition for effective treatment of chronic arthritic conditions, thereby improving patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What concentration of ice‐nucleating particles is required to completely glaciate a typical atmospheric supercooled liquid cloud? This seemingly esoteric question has far reaching implications, as the ratio of liquid to ice in these clouds governs, for example, their influence on Earth's radiation budget and their precipitation efficiency. Microphysical properties of steady‐state mixed‐phase clouds formed in a laboratory convection chamber are observed using digital holography. It is observed that the ratio of ice to total water content of steady‐state mixed‐phase clouds is determined by the concentration of ice‐nucleating aerosol particles. Existing theory is adapted to show such clouds result from a balance between the thermodynamic forcing (i.e., the source of excess water vapor that is condensing to liquid and ice) and the number and size of particles that become ice (i.e., the ice integral radius). The measurements quantitatively support the Korolev‐Mazin conditions for existence of mixed‐phase clouds. Key Points: Holographic measurements of steady‐state mixed‐phase clouds are made in a laboratory cloud‐convection chamberThe ice fraction in the cloud is determined by varying the ice‐nucleating particle concentration while holding CCN concentration constantMeasurements are in agreement with an extension of Korolev‐Mazin theory for critical forcing needed for mixed‐phase conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked Comment: Jemec. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:975. Plain language summary available online [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient method for the synthesis of 1-((1-(4-(2H-benzo[e][1,3]oxazin-3(4H)-yl)phenyl)ethylidene)amino)-6- ((arylidene)amino)-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles is described. The structures have been confirmed by IR, ¹H and 13C NMR, and mass spectral techniques. The synthesized compounds have been tested for antimicrobial activity. The title compounds 4a-o have been studied against strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus clavatus) by serial dilution method. Compounds 4b (-2-OH), 4f (-4-NO2), 4h (-3-Cl), 4j (-4-OCH3), 4l (-4-OH-3-OCH3) and 4m (-N,N’-(CH3)2) exhibit good in vitro antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]