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Continuous-time filters with low-frequency cutoff are crucial building blocks in analog signal processing circuits for speech processing and biomedical applications. The design of an integrated continuous-time filter with a cutoff frequency spanning from sub-Hz to a few kHz is constrained by the ultra-low power and area minimization requirement. In this brief, we have experimentally demonstrated a low pass filter response using only a single partially depleted (PD) silicon on insulator (SOI) transistor. The proposed novel filter is based on band to band tunnelling (BTBT). This low pass filter is on-chip tunable to provide a wide cutoff frequency ranging from 2 Hz to 20 kHz, with a silicon footprint of $9 \mathbf {\mu m^{2}}$ and the maximum power consumption of 0.6 nW in Global Foundries’ (GF) 45 nm RFSOI technology. The proposed tunneling-based filter is less prone to process variations and mismatches as compared to traditional integrated analog filters. The proposed BTBT-based passive RC filter with spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 29 dbc, outperforms previously reported filters in the literature in terms of power consumption and area. The ultra-low power consumption and area efficiency make this proposed low pass filter suitable for the multichannel analog front-end low-frequency filters for noise-tolerant neural network-based applications such as speech recognition and electrophysiological signal recognition.

This study examined the impact of climate change on yield, production and cropped areas of rice, wheat, gram and maize in Himachal Pradesh (Province), India, from 1970 to 2019 using the Cobb–Douglas production function approach (CDPFA). Euler’s theorem and marginal impact analytical technique (MIAT) were applied to determine the nature and degree of homogeneity and projected values of the selected crop yields, production and cropped areas. The results revealed that climate change significantly affects the yield, production and cropped areas of Himachal Pradesh. However, the impact of climatic factors significantly varied according to the crops. Based on Euler’s theorem, the findings revealed a decreasing return to scale for these crops’ yield, production and cropped area function. The projected estimates showed that rice, wheat and gram production and yields are expected to decline significantly by the 2040s, 2060s, 2080s and 2100s. The projected cropped area of rice and wheat may increase by the 2040s, 2060s and 2080s due to climate change, but after that, the state may experience a declining trend in both crops. On the other hand, the projected cropped areas of maize have shown an upward trend over the years. In conclusion, agricultural production in the state is at an alarming stage due to climate change and requires significant policy intervention. Farmers should use appropriate agricultural technologies, mixed cropping patterns, advanced irrigation facilities and crop insurance policies to reduce the negative consequences of climate change in the agricultural sector of Himachal Pradesh.

IMPORTANCE: Daprodustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, is being evaluated as an oral alternative to conventional erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy. Few studies of anemia treatment in an incident dialysis (ID) population have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daprodustat vs darbepoetin alfa in treating anemia of chronic kidney disease in ID patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective, randomized, open-label clinical trial was conducted from May 11, 2017, through September 24, 2020, in 90 centers across 14 countries. Patients with advanced CKD were eligible if they planned to start dialysis within 6 weeks from screening or had started and received hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) within 90 days before randomization, had a screening hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of 8.0 to 10.5 g/dL (to convert to grams per liter, multiply by 10) and a randomization Hb of 8.0 to 11.0 g/dL, were ESA-naive or had received limited ESA treatment, and were iron-replete. INTERVENTIONS: Randomized 1:1 to daprodustat or darbepoetin alfa. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary analysis in the intent-to-treat population evaluated the mean change in Hb concentration from baseline to evaluation period (weeks 28-52) to assess noninferiority of daprodustat vs darbepoetin alfa (noninferiority margin, −0.75 g/dL). The mean monthly intravenous (IV) iron dose from baseline to week 52 was the principal secondary end point. Rates of treatment-emergent and serious adverse events (AEs) were also compared between treatment groups to assess safety and tolerability. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (median [IQR] age, 55 [45-65] years; 194 [62%] male) were randomized to either daprodustat (157 patients; median [IQR] age, 52.0 [45-63] years; 96 [61%] male) or darbepoetin alfa (155 patients; median [IQR] age, 56.0 [45-67] years; 98 [63%] male); 306 patients (98%) completed the trial. The mean (SD) Hb concentration during the evaluation period was 10.5 (1.0) g/dL for the daprodustat and 10.6 (0.9) g/dL for the darbepoetin alfa group, with an adjusted mean treatment difference of −0.10 g/dL (95% CI, −0.34 to 0.14 g/dL), indicating noninferiority. There was a reduction in mean monthly IV iron use from baseline to week 52 in both treatment groups; however, daprodustat was not superior compared with darbepoetin alfa in reducing monthly IV iron use (adjusted mean treatment difference, 19.4 mg [95% CI, –11.0 to 49.9 mg]). Adverse event rates were 76% for daprodustat vs 72% for darbepoetin alfa. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This randomized clinical trial found that daprodustat was noninferior to darbepoetin alfa in treating anemia of CKD and may represent a potential oral alternative to a conventional ESA in the ID population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03029208

It is important for nephrology nurses to understand the relationship that exists between renal disease, cardiac disease, and anemia. Even mild cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been associated with an increase in adverse cardiovascular outcomes. And anemia, which can result from both CKD and congestive heart failure, has been shown to exacerbate the adverse consequences of these conditions. An early, aggressive correction of anemia in patients with CKD can be implemented to break this cycle and stop disease progression. Studies have shown that anemia correction improves both cardiac and renal function and can result in increased hemoglobin levels, decreased number of hospital days, and improved quality of life. An effective strategy for managing anemia in patients with renal disease and comorbid cardiovascular disease includes the administration of both recombinant human erythropoietin and intravenous iron. In addition, the nephrology nurse plays an integral role in managing anemia and improving outcomes in these patients. Therefore, the nephrology nurse should have an increased awareness of the link between anemia and renal/cardiac disease as well as available treatment options., Goal To understand the association among anemia, renal disease, and cardiac disease and the benefits of IV iron therapy in managing patients with anemia of renal/cardiac disease Learning Objectives 1. [...]

The effect of trade on employment growth in India is a less-discussed issue in the international economics literature. Trade has increased the employment growth in India or not is still a debatable issue for many researchers. This study explores the impact of trade on India’s employment elasticity of growth using World development Indicator data of the World Bank and KLEMS database of India from 1982 to 2016. For this purpose, it has used the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model of cointegration. The result indicates that although the share of trade in the national gross domestic product (GDP) has grown, it has failed to increase employment elasticity in the country. It may occur primarily because of the high volume of Indian imports. The share of the service sector in GDP, inflation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) are other vital factors influencing the employment intensity. Therefore, based on the empirical findings, it is suggested that policymakers should focus more on export, specifically on labor-intensive export. It will undoubtedly help to improve the employment level in the country.

Background: Prussian Blue (PB) is available as conventional release dosage form “Radiogardase” with effective daily dose of 3-10 g (very high). The target site is the duodenum, where it inhibits the enterohepatic circulation of Cs & Tl ions, enhancing their fecal excretion. Objective: To enhance efficacy, target release, reduce the dose and side effects, oral pH-dependent matrix formulation of PB based on in-situ gelation of sodium alginate along with calcium salts was formulated and evaluated. Methods: Different combinations of matrix granules were formulated and optimized. The optimized one was compressed using Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (Pvp K30) in different batches and optimized. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was used to assess in-vitro binding efficacy of formulation to thallium using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The proof of concept i.e., drug release in the duodenum was studied through pharmacoscintigraphy using radiolabeled formulation in rabbits. Results: The optimized granules showed no drug release in an acidic medium for 2 h whereas complete empty of the basket in a basic medium within 30-60 minutes. The matrix tablet formulation with Pvp K30 (10% w/w) was optimized with desired hardness and optimum in-vitro release profile. The release data fitted to various linear kinetic models, Hixson-Crowell r2 (0.9906) best fit, confirmed the erosion-based release mechanism. The maximum binding capacity (MBC) was found significantly higher (89.60 mg Tl/g formulation) than that of PB API (65.90 mg Tl /g PB API). Pharmacoscintigraphic images confirmed intact formulation in the stomach up to 2h and burst release in intestine thereafter. Conclusion: The results exemplify oral pH-dependent PB matrix formulation which achieved desirable target release at the duodenum and in-vitro binding efficacy towards Tl ion was appreciable.

Aim In the present study, we aimed to characterise changes in functional brain networks in individuals who had sustained uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We assessed the progression of these changes into the chronic phase. We also attempted to explore how these changes influenced the severity of post-concussion symptoms as well as the cognitive profile of the patients.Methods A total of 65 patients were prospectively recruited for an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan within 7 days of sustaining mTBI. Of these, 25 were reassessed at 6 months post injury. Differences in functional brain networks were analysed between cases and age- and sex-matched healthy controls using independent component analysis of resting-state functional MRI.Results Our study revealed reduced functional connectivity in multiple networks, including the anterior default mode network, central executive network, somato-motor and auditory network in patients who had sustained mTBI. A negative correlation between network connectivity and severity of post-concussive symptoms was observed. Follow-up studies performed 6 months after injury revealed an increase in network connectivity, along with an improvement in the severity of post-concussion symptoms. Neurocognitive tests performed at this time point revealed a positive correlation between the functional connectivity and the test scores, along with a persistence of negative correlation between network connectivity and post-concussive symptom severity.Conclusion Our results suggest that uncomplicated mTBI is associated with specific abnormalities in functional brain networks that evolve over time and may contribute to the severity of post-concussive symptoms and cognitive deficits.

Integrated continuous manufacturing has emerged as a promising device for the rapid manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). We herein report a newly designed continuous flow micro-total process system platform for the rapid manufacturing of celecoxib, a selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This approach has been proven generally for the synthesis of several alkyl and aryl substituted pyrazoles. In order to minimize the tedious work-up process of potential reaction intermediates/products, we have developed a continuous flow extraction and separation platform to carry out the entire reaction sequence resulting in a short residence time with good yield. The present process was further extended to gram-scale synthesis of the COX-2-related API, viz. celecoxib, in the continuous flow process.

Evidence from clinical trials to guide patient preparation for maintenance dialysis therapy is limited. Although anemia is associated with mortality and cardiovascular (CV) disease in individuals initiating maintenance dialysis therapy, it is not known if treatment of anemia before dialysis therapy initiation with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents alters outcomes.

Background: Peroxisomal proliferator receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a class of nuclear hormone receptor family involved in insulin sensitization. In addition, PPARγ has a key role in the protection against oxidative stress and inflammation through regulation of NFkappaB levels and crosstalk with the Nrf2 pathway. Also, its role in the modulation of immune response is substantial. Objective: Radiation-induced oxidative stress is the sole determinant of damage to hematopoietic, gastrointestinal system and immune system suppression. Uncontrolled exposure to normal cells during radiotherapy raises the demand for novel and efficient radioprotectors. In this review, we will present an overview of the involvement of PPARγ in radiation-induced damage and inflammation with major emphasis on whether PPARγ can serve as a suitable radiomodification target. Conclusion: Through this review, we have justified that PPARγ having both radioprotective as wells as radiotherapeutic potential, may serve as an attractive target for the development of novel and more effective therapies.

How cardiovascular (CV) events affect progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), particularly in the setting of type 2 diabetes, remains uncertain.

CKD IS ARGUABLY emerging as a major threat to the developing world. The word 'arguably' is used deliberately because while we know that CKD in the United States affects approximately [...]

Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with a high burden of morbidity and adverse clinical outcomes. In 2012, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) published a guideline for the diagnosis and management of anemia in CKD. Since then, new data from studies assessing established and emerging therapies for the treatment of anemia and iron deficiency have become available. Beginning in 2019, KDIGO planned two Controversies Conferences to review the new evidence and its potential impact on the management of anemia in clinical practice. Here we report on the second of these conferences held virtually in December 2021 which focused on a new class of agents, the hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs). This report provides a review of the consensus points and controversies from this second conference and highlights areas that warrant prioritization for future research.

The ASCEND-NHQ trial evaluated the effects of daprodustat on hemoglobin and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) Vitality score (fatigue) in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 3–5, hemoglobin 8.5–10.0 g/dl, transferrin saturation 15% or more, and ferritin 50 ng/ml or more without recent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use were randomized (1:1) to oral daprodustat or placebo to achieve and maintain target hemoglobin 11–12 g/dl over 28 weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean change in hemoglobin between baseline and the evaluation period (Weeks 24–28). Principal secondary endpoints were proportion of participants with 1 g/dl or more increase in hemoglobin and mean change in the vitality score between baseline and Week 28. Outcome superiority was tested (one-sided alpha level of 0.025) among 614 randomized participants. The adjusted mean change in hemoglobin from baseline to the evaluation period was greater with daprodustat (1.58 vs 0.19 g/dl). The adjusted mean treatment difference (AMD) was significant at 1.40 g/dl (95% confidence interval 1.23, 1.56). A greater proportion of participants receiving daprodustat showed a significant 1 g/dl or more increase in hemoglobin from baseline (77% vs 18%). The mean SF-36 Vitality score increased by 7.3 and 1.9 points with daprodustat and placebo, respectively; a significant 5.4 point Week 28 ADM increase. Adverse event rates were similar (69% vs 71%); relative risk 0.98, (95% confidence interval 0.88, 1.09). Thus, in participants with CKD Stage 3–5, daprodustat resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin and improvement in fatigue without an increase in the overall frequency of adverse events.

To better understand a potential association of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level with progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), we examined the relationship of CRP level with the development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events With Aranesp Therapy (TREAT).

Proteins are built of amino acid residues that differ from each other only by their side chain. The pH-dependent response of these side chains on protein surface is vital for various biological processes. Here we have investigated the aqueous interface in the presence of different amino acid side chains at varying pH (bulk) using heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation (HD-VSFG) spectroscopy. It is observed that amine/imidazolic (e.g., lysine/histidine) and alcoholic (e.g., serine and threonine) side chains preferentially orient the interfacial water as “H-down” (i.e., the water hydrogens are pointed toward the aqueous bulk) in acidic solution (pH ∼2). At physiological pH (7.4), the interfacial water takes “H-up” orientation (i.e., the water hydrogens are pointed away from the aqueous bulk) for the alcoholic/imidazolic side chains but remains “H-down” for the amine containing side chain. On further increasing the pH (up to 12.0), the interfacial water becomes increasingly H-up oriented, revealing the charging of the interface for all side chains investigated. Because the side chains are uncharged at high pH (12.0), the charging of the aqueous interface implies the adsorption of OH–anion at the interface. Moreover, in the case of imidazolic side chain (i.e., histidine), the flip-flop of interfacial water within a narrow range of pH 6.0–7.5 shows the reversal of interfacial electric field within a little variation of [H+] (or [OH–]) near the physiological pH. This observation provides direct experimental evidence in support of the hypothesis that the pH-dependent oxygen affinity of hemoglobin (Bohr effect) is due to changing electrostatics of histidine at the surface of hemoglobin.

We present a critical analysis of the observations and interpretation of VLF subionospheric measurements related to the main Nepal Gorkha earthquake which occurred on 25 April 2015 (Mw7.8) and its major aftershock on 12 May 2015 (Mw7.3). The VLF narrowband signal used is from North West Cape (NWC) (19.8 kHz) VLF transmitter located in Australia and recorded at Allahabad (latitude 25.41°N, longitude 81.93°E). Allahabad is located very close (~360 km) to these earthquake epicenters. Two widely used analysis, viz., (1) terminator time and (2) nighttime fluctuation techniques, are applied to extract seismic related effects in the NWC narrowband VLF data. The terminator time analysis yields statistically significant shifts of ~45 and ~26 min, respectively, in evening terminator time in the NWC VLF amplitude signal, 1 day before both the earthquakes. The nighttime fluctuation method shows a consistent, statistically significant, increase in three parameters 1 day before the earthquake. The observed terminator time and nighttime fluctuation shifts were associated with these earthquakes only after scrutinizing possible contributions from other potential sources such as solar activity; other earthquakes on the signal path; and meteorological disturbances such as lightning activity, wind speed, and temperature along the transmitter‐receiver great circle path. The VLF subionospheric signal analysis results unambiguously point toward the presence of seismically excited atmospheric gravity waves during these major earthquakes and their important role in providing the coupling between the seismic source region and overlying ionosphere. VLF data showed precursory signature in terminator time (TT) shift and nighttime fluctuations (NF) 1 day prior to EQ of M7.8 and M7.3The TT analysis yields significant shifts of 45 and 26 min in evening TT in the NWC VLF amplitude signal 1 day before both EQsThe nighttime fluctuation analysis also showed consistent statistically significant increase in three parameters 1 day before both EQs

Preferential orientation and expulsion/accumulation of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO; a protecting osmolyte) and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA; a denaturant) have been investigated at the hydrophobic air–water interface by phase-sensitive heterodyne-detected vibrational sum frequency generation (HD-VSFG) spectroscopy. The imaginary χ(2)spectrum (Imχ(2); χ(2)is the second order electric susceptibility), which is directly obtainable from the HD-VSFG measurement, provides the accurate absorption characteristics of interfacial molecules, and the sign of Imχ(2)reveals the net orientation of these molecules at the interface. For the aqueous TMAO and TBA solutions, the Imχ(2)spectra in the CH-stretch region show a negative sign, which demonstrates that both TMAO and TBA orient in the same manner at the air–water interface, by pointing their methyls away from the aqueous phase (“methyl-up” orientation). Nevertheless, they affect the interfacial water quite differently: TMAO increases the H-bond strength and preferential H-down orientation of interfacial water, while the dangling OH remains almost unperturbed. TBA, on the other hand, does not affect the H-bond strength and preferential orientation of interfacial water, but reduces the propensity of the dangling OH at the air–water interface. The preferential orientation of TMAO and TBA and their distinct effect on the interfacial water have been correlated with their hydration characteristics in bulk water by retrieving the vibrational spectrum of water in their respective hydration shells, using Raman multivariate curve resolution (Raman-MCR) spectroscopy. The MCR-retrieved hydration water spectra clearly show that the water around TBA has strong water–water interaction (hydrophobic hydration) and that around TMAO has a hydrophobic hydration around the N-methyl ((CH3)3N+−) group and a hydrophilic hydration around the N-oxide group (strong H-bonding of water with the N-oxide group). The different hydration characteristic of the N-methyl and N-oxide groups orients the TMAO molecules as “methyl-up” at the air–water interface. Moreover, the strong hydration of the N-oxide group leads to a depletion of TMAO from the hydrophobic water surface, such that the preferentially oriented TMAO molecules are located beneath the topmost water layer at the air–water interface. As a result, the topmost water molecules are largely unaware of the presence of TMAO at the interface, even at very high bulk concentration of TMAO (5.0 mol dm–3). In the case of TBA, the hydrophobic hydration leads to an accumulation of TBA at the water surface, mainly affecting the topmost water molecules.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is gaining increased acceptance in the emergency setting despite the continued dominance of computed tomography. MR has the advantages of more precise tissue characterization, superior soft tissue contrast, and a lack of ionizing radiation. Traditional barriers to emergent MR are being overcome by streamlined imaging protocols and newer rapid-acquisition sequences. As the utilization of MR imaging in the emergency department increases, a strong working knowledge of the MR appearance of the most commonly encountered abdominopelvic pathologies is essential. In this article, MR imaging protocols and findings of acute pelvic, scrotal, and gastrointestinal pathologies are discussed.

Liver transplantation requires thorough preoperative imaging. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and MR imaging are the main modalities utilized for this purpose. Radiation-reducing protocols, advanced imaging techniques for evaluation of parenchymal fat and iron content, and 3-dimenionsal and volumetric reformations are routinely used. The helpful diagnostic radiologist has a complete understanding of indications for transplant, the indications for bridging and/or down-staging therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma, and the components of the transplant operation. With this information at hand, the radiologist can craft a thorough, yet succinct report that will help the surgeon plan and execute successful donor and recipient transplant operations.

Before the introduction of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in 1989, repeated transfusions given to patients with end-stage renal disease caused iron overload, and the need for supplemental iron was rare. However, with the widespread introduction of ESAs, it was recognized that supplemental iron was necessary to optimize hemoglobin response and allow reduction of the ESA dose for economic reasons and recent concerns about ESA safety. Iron supplementation was also found to be more efficacious via intravenous compared to oral administration, and the use of intravenous iron has escalated in recent years. The safety of various iron compounds has been of theoretical concern due to their potential to induce iron overload, oxidative stress, hypersensitivity reactions, and a permissive environment for infectious processes. Therefore, an expert group was convened to assess the benefits and risks of parenteral iron, and to provide strategies for its optimal use while mitigating the risk for acute reactions and other adverse effects.

A versatile Pd/Fe3O4supported on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) catalyst was developed to carry out the synthesis of quinazolinones and phenanthridines under extremely mild conditions through isocyanide insertion cascades. The supported Pd/Fe3O4nanoparticles could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused several times without any loss in catalytic activity.

Blast injuries are most often caused by shrapnel traveling at high velocity, impacting human tissue and resulting in penetrating trauma.

The cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) varies with CKD severity, but variation has not been quantified.

Cognitive impairment is common in hemodialysis patients and is associated with significant morbidity. Limited information exists about whether cognitive impairment is associated with survival and whether the type of cognitive impairment is important.

Identification of disease-related genes is a critical step in understanding the molecular basis of disease and developing targeted therapies. The genetic study of diseases occurring in the offspring of consanguineous unions is a powerful way to discover new disease genes. Pediatric nephrology provides an excellent example because ∼70% of cases of kidney disease in childhood are congenital with a likely genetic basis. This percentage is likely to be even higher in countries with a high consanguinity rate, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, there are a number of challenges, such as cultural, legal, and religious restrictions, that should be appreciated before carrying out genetic research in a tradition-bound country. In this article, we discuss the background, opportunities, and challenges involved with this unique opportunity to conduct studies of such genetic disorders. Keys to success include collaboration and an understanding of local traditions and laws.

The association of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cardiovascular risk, mortality, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, nonfatty liver disease and gout is well known. However, the association of the MetS with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now emerging. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathology and potential mechanisms for the relationship of MetS with CKD.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging non-communicable disease worldwide. The Arab countries have a high prevalence of CKD risk factors, e.g. diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Unfortunately, the magnitude of CKD in the Arab world has not been studied well. This review presents the current data on CKD in the Arab world and proposes a call for action to address this rising epidemic.

Sparse data are available about the natural history of hemoglobin (Hb) level trends in contemporary patients with anemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We intended to describe Hb level trends over time with no or minimal administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Present paper presents study on microbial induced corrosion (MIC) on stainless steels due to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans in different host media e.g. inoculated modified Baar’s media, sodium chloride solution and artificial sea water in anaerobic conditions. Electrochemical polarization and immersion tests were performed for estimating corrosion attack. Corrosion was observed maximum in case of exposure to sea water followed by NaCl solution, both having sulfide and chloride whereas stainless steel exposed to Baar’s media, having sulfide, showed minimum attack. Tendency of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to bind metal ions is found to be responsible for governing the extent of corrosion attack.

There are few detailed data on cognition in patients undergoing dialysis. We evaluated the frequency of and risk factors for poor cognitive performance using detailed neurocognitive testing.

Conflicting relationships have been described between anemia correction using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study was undertaken to examine the impact of target hemoglobin level on progression of kidney disease in the CHOIR (Correction of Hemoglobin and Outcomes in Renal Insufficiency) trial.

A new siloxane monomer, 3-(3-(diethoxy(2-(5-(4-(10-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-11-oxa-2-ammonio-6-aza-10-silatridecan-10-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadi azol-2-ylthio)ethyl)silyl)propylamino)-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylpropan-1-aminium chloride (OA), was synthesized by reported 3-((4-(5-(2-((3-aminopropyl) diethoxysilyl)ethylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl) diethoxysilyl)propan-1-amine (APDSMO) and glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GDTMAC) by epoxide ring-opening reaction. OA-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hybrid antibiofouling nanofilter (NF) membranes were prepared by acid-catalyzed sol–gel followed by formal cross-linking. Membranes showed wormlike arrangement and self-assembled layered morphology with varying OA content. Hybrid NF membrane, especially OA-6, showed low surface roughness, high hydrophilic nature, low biofouling, high cross-linking density, thermal and mechanical stablility, solvent- and chlorine-tolerant nature, along with good permeability and salt rejection. Prepared OA-6 hybrid NF membrane can be used efficiently for desalting and purification of water with about 2.0 g/L salt content (groundwater in major part of India). The described method provides novel route for producing antibiofouling membranes of diversified applications.

This paper presents travel time prediction models for both congested and non-congested conditions on urban arterial using only limited basic traffic data. The state-space notion of traffic processes and State-Space Neural Network (SSSNNet) models are used on simulation generated traffic data. Conditional Independence (CI) graphs are used to identify independence and interaction between observable traffic parameters thus only relevant ones can be used to predict travel time. Even with limited data, the predictive performance and computational efficiency of Conditional Independence Graphs coupled with State-Space Neural Networks are practically accurate. They also outperformed a traditional Artificial Neural Network model.

This article examines the potential mechanisms underlying adverse risk observed in four randomized controlled trials of anemia correction in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

AbstractSorry, there is no abstract. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Abstract: This paper presents a novel concept of pulse-shaping in an ultra-wide band radio system. Instead of attempting to design an antenna with flat group delay, the emphasis has been shifted to the signal processing aspect of pulse shaping. The received pulse which has broadened due to non-linear phase response of the propagating channel is shaped back closer to the ideal pulse using a linearizer. The block schematic of the linearizer is presented along with simulated results. Though only a Rayleigh first order pulse has been used for simulation purpose, the method can easily be generalized to incorporate other pulse shapes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Decline in renal function is related directly to cardiovascular mortality. However, traditional risk factors do not fully account for the high mortality in these patients. Activated vitamin D, a hormone produced by the proximal convoluted tubule of the kidney, appears to have beneficial effects beyond suppressing parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, activated vitamin D also can cause hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease. Newer agents such as vitamin D receptor activators (eg, paricalcitol) suppress PTH with reduced risk of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Recent evidence from animal and preliminary human studies supports an association between vitamin D receptor activators and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease deaths, irrespective of PTH levels. New pathways of vitamin D regulation also have been discovered, involving fibroblast growth factor-23 and klotho. Although considerable work has been performed to advance our understanding of the effects of vitamin D in health and chronic kidney disease, more investigations and randomized trials need to be performed to elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of these effects.

Since their initial publication in 2003, the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative clinical practice guidelines for bone and mineral metabolism have transformed the clinical approach to the management of metabolic bone disease in both dialysis and nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients. These guidelines largely were based on expert opinion rather than evidence. In the past 5 years, with the publication of several randomized controlled trials, large observational studies, and smaller clinical series, significant progress has been made in our understanding of mineral metabolism, calcium and phosphorus management, and the use of activated vitamin D irrespective of parathyroid hormone level in chronic kidney disease. More recently, fibroblast growth factor-23 and serum alkaline phosphatase have been shown to predict mortality in dialysis patients, making these attractive markers to monitor. In the wake of this progress, the bone Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines will need to be revised. Here, we review some of the issues and controversies that likely will form the basis of these revised guidelines.

To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of indigenously developed single vial kit preparation of 99mTc-ciprofloxacin (Diagnobact) for the detection of orthopedic infections.

AbstractBackground/Aims:Anemia in chronic kidney disease is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We explored the relationship between anemia and markers of inflammation and endothelial activation in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) patients to understand this mechanism. Methods:Cross-sectional analysis was performed on 30 adult ND-CKD patients for markers of inflammation and endothelial activation using a multiplexed immunoassay. Data were analyzed according to the anemic status defined by the modified World Health Organization criteria. Results:Seventeen patients were classified as anemic. Baseline characteristics by anemic status were similar except that anemic patients were older (p = 0.006), had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; p = 0.01) and higher prevalence of CVD (p = 0.02). Compared to non-anemic patients, log-transformed values of fibrinogen (p = 0.012); von Willebrand factor (vWF, p = 0.008), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1, p = 0.025) and C-reactive protein (p = 0.043) were elevated in anemic patients. Serum ferritin (p = 0.93) and serum albumin (p = 0.06) were not different. Age and eGFR-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that anemic patients had increased odds for a composite of higher median values of fibrinogen, vWF and VCAM-1 (p = 0.01, odds ratio 8.1, 95 CI 1.08–111.0). Conclusion:We report the association of anemia with elevated markers of endothelial activation in ND-CKD patients. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings.Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel