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Introduction:Oral anticoagulants (OAC) (e.g., warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) and salicylates (e.g., aspirin) can trigger the occurrence of bleeding events when used alone or in combination.Objective:The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the risk of bleeding in individuals exposed to a combination of OAC and aspirin, compared to those taking OAC monotherapy.Methods:PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried in January 2021. Studies that described combined exposure to OAC and salicylates, had a control arm of monotherapy of OAC and reported the number of bleeding events in each arm were included. After studies were identified for potential inclusion, first, the title and abstract were screened, followed by a review of the full text. The following information was extracted from the included studies: citation, drug and dose of medication, the average age of participants, number of patients and bleeding events in each group, and population of interest. Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated with Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics.Results:A total of 509 studies were identified, of which 35 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Studies were further categorized into two groups based on the design of the study (randomized control trial or observational studies). Out of 35 studies, 16 randomized control trials compared combined OAC and salicylates vs warfarin monotherapy and combination therapy was associated with an increased odds [OR: 1.37, (95% CI 1.17 to 1.61)] of bleeding compared to warfarin monotherapy. The second group consisted of 19 observational studies comparing combined OAC and salicylates vs warfarin monotherapy. The results suggested that combination therapy was associated with an increased odds [OR: 1.42, (95% CI 1.09 to 1.87)] of bleeding compared to aspirin monotherapy.Conclusion:Risk of bleeding is significantly increased among patients taking salicylates and OAC together as compared with those taking warfarin alone.

This work describes a new route to thermally stable energetic materials by connecting different types of energetic moieties (nitropyrazole and polynitrobenzene) with C−C bonds, where the first step involves a Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction between 4‐bromo‐3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazole and 4‐chlorophenylboronic acid. Further nitration, amination, oxidation, and salt formation reactions on the resulting C−C coupled framework resulted in various thermally stable energetic materials. All the compounds were fully characterized using IR, NMR [1H, 13C{1H}], differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analysis, and HRMS studies. Compounds 7and 9were further characterized by 15N NMR, and compounds 3and 6were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Theoretical heats of formation and energetic performance for all the energetic compounds were calculated using Gaussian 09 and EXPLO5 v6.06 programs, respectively. This research introduces a novel method for synthesizing C−C coupled energetic materials that are not accessible by any other routes. This work demonstrates the synthesis and characterization of heat‐resistant explosives using Suzuki Cross‐Coupling reactions.

Fuel cells are emerging as a clean and non-pollutant alternative for the applications involving stationary and mobile energy demand. They are generally used with hybrid combinations when load behavior is not steady, as the operating life of the fuel cell is affected due to the transients. Generally battery or ultracapacitors are used along with Fuel Cell source to respond to such load transients. This paper presents passivity based frame work for modeling and control of fuel cell-ultracapacitor based hybrid energy system. Brayton Moser (BM) formulation has been used the modeling of the resulting hybrid dynamics. Mixed potential functions are then derived for passivity based control strategy. The choice of this controller is governed by the inherent nonlinear dynamics of the system. Simulations are performed in MATLAB/SIMULINK to validate the proposed control laws.

Superhydrophobic coatings are growing in demand in textile, wearable electronics, and healthcare devices due to their nonwetting, antibacterial, anti‐icing, and self‐cleaning properties. With potential applications of superhydrophobic surfaces in consumer electronic devices, there is a huge demand to develop new materials and fabrication techniques that can help make high‐performance, scalable electronic devices directly onto the conductive and flexible substrates for a wide range of applications. Superhydrophobic materials which are highly stretchable and exhibit good electrical conductivity find applications in wearable electronics sensors, energy storage devices, anticorrosion circuits, etc. Superhydrophobicity can be achieved by creating micro/nanostructures using materials with low surface energy. In general, most of the superhydrophobic coatings are developed by making the materials’ surfaces rough by multistep procedures. However, due to the lack of excellent natural templates as well as simple and cost‐effective manufacturing procedures, a coating approach that is simple, cost‐effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly is in high demand. Finding appropriate materials, simple fabrication techniques, and cost‐effective, durable, and eco‐friendly superhydrophobic coatings for real‐life applications is still challenging. This article reviews the materials used, fabrication techniques, the theoretical background of hydrophobicity in surfaces, and the limitations of existing methods. It also reviews the superhydrophobic responses of different materials. A superhydrophobic surface has water contact angle more than 150°; if the surface is slightly tilted, the droplet will roll off. These materials are demanded in textile, wearable electronics, and healthcare devices due to their nonwetting, antibacterial, anti‐icing, and self‐cleaning properties. The new search and innovative exploration of fabrication techniques for cost‐effectiveness in large‐scale production, durable, and environment‐friendly superhydrophobic coatings for a variety of applications are presented.

In this work, 110 energetic salts were designed and studied for their applications in energetic materials. Density functional theory methods were used to predict the heats of formation (HOFs), electronic structure, and energetic properties of a series of triazine-based ionic and nonionic compounds. It is observed that the −N3group, triazole, tetrazole, triazine, and tetrazine are effective structural units for increasing the HOFs in the designed compounds. The HOFs of cations and anions and the lattice energies of the salts were calculated separately to obtain the HOFs of the salts based on the Born–Haber cycle. The combination of three cations within the same framework is very useful for improving the HOFs of energetic salts. Similarly, the presence of the −NO2and −NHNO2groups in the same structure were found to be helpful in improving densities through strong inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The detonation velocities and detonation pressures of the salts were predicted by the Kamlet–Jacobs equations using calculated densities and HOFs. The calculated energetic properties indicate that the combination of suitable anion and cation species is useful for modifying detonation properties and oxygen balances (OB). The predicted results reveal that most of the compounds outperform hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine and 2,4,6-trinitro-1,3,5-triaminobenzene and may be considered as potential candidates for high-energy materials. These results provide basic information for molecular design of novel high- energy salts.

To evaluate the protective effect of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin of standardized aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarusin acetic acid induced colitis model of inflammatory bowel disease in Wistar rats.

A systematic computational study on the structural, electronic, bonding, and optical properties of orthorhombic ammonium azide (NH4N3) has been performed using planewave pseudopotential (PW-PP) method based on density functional theory (DFT). Semiempirical dispersion correction schemes have been used to account for nonbonded interactions in molecular crystalline NH4N3. The ground state lattice parameters, and fractional coordinates obtained using the dispersion correction schemes are in excellent agreement with experimental results. We calculated the single crystal elastic constants of NH4N3, and its sensitivity is interpreted through the observed ordering of the elastic constants (C33> C11> C22). The electronic structure and optical properties were calculated using full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) approach with recently developed functional of Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential. The TB-mBJ electronic structure shows that NH4N3is a direct band gap insulator with a band gap of 5.08 eV, while the calculated band gap with standard generalized gradient approximation is found to be 4.10 eV. The optical anisotropy is analyzed through the calculated optical constants, namely, dielectric function and refractive index along three different crystallographic axes. The absorption spectra reveal that NH4N3is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. Further, we also analyzed the detonation characteristics of the NH4N3using the reported heat of formation and calculated density. NH4N3is found to have a detonation velocity of 6.45 km/s and a detonation pressure about 15.16 GPa computed by Kamlet–Jacobs empirical equations.

Two striking features of human embryonic stem cells that support biological activity are an abbreviated cell cycle and reduced complexity to nuclear organization. The potential implications for rapid proliferation of human embryonic stem cells within the context of sustaining pluripotency, suppressing phenotypic gene expression and linkage to simplicity in the architectural compartmentalization of regulatory machinery in nuclear microenvironments is explored. Characterization of the molecular and architectural commitment steps that license human embryonic stem cells to initiate histone gene expression is providing understanding of the principal regulatory mechanisms that control the G1/S phase transition in primitive pluripotent cells. From both fundamental regulatory and clinical perspectives, further understanding of the pluripotent cell cycle in relation to compartmentalization of regulatory machinery in nuclear microenvironments is relevant to applications of stem cells for regenerative medicine and new dimensions to therapy where traditional drug discovery strategies have been minimally effective.

A simple, efficient and ecofriendly one pot synthesis protocol has been developed for the synthesis of N-substituted decahydroacridine-1,8-diones by using an efficient and recyclable solid acidic silica supported MoO3/SiO2 catalyst from a condensation of aldehyde, amine and cyclic 1,3-diketone in THF. The reaction using MoO3/SiO2 catalyst was carried out under mild condition with very high yields up to 92%. The present approach of this methodology offers several advantages such as shorter reaction times, good yields, low cost, environmentally benign, milder reaction conditions, easy recovery of catalyst and reusability.

In situ chemical polymerization is used to prepare composites of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) that are either wrapped with polyaniline (PANI) (MWP), or with perpendicular aligned PANI (MAP). Systematic study of morphology, composition, structure, thermal stability, and electrical properties is performed as a function of temperature to understand the composite formation. Orientation of PANI chains and the direction of electron transport in MWCNTs and PANI play an important role in conductivity. At room temperature (RT), MWP, wherein PANI and MWCNTs are aligned parallel, exhibits high conductivity, which decreases gradually above RT. Contrary in MAP, the conductivity at RT is lower because of the perpendicular alignment of PANI on the MWCNTs. However, it increases with the increase in temperature, as short chains of PANI switchover and get adsorbed onto the MWCNTs forming a near parallel orientation, in which, aromatic amines of PANI graft to the MWCNTs. Eventually, morphology becomes a dominating factor which influences the conductivity and thermoelectric properties of the composites, above 150 °C. The results show that the morphology, interfacial contact, and the dopant concentration are the key factors in governing the conductivity of MWP and MAP composites at RT and above. These observations are supported by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time of flight-secondary ionization mass spectrometry study.

The objective of the current investigation is to reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance by designing and systematically evaluating sustained release microspheres of Glipizide. An anti-diabetic drug, Glipizide, is delivered through the microparticulate system using ethyl cellulose as the controlled release polymer. Microspheres were developed by the emulsion solvent diffusion-evaporation technique by using the modified ethanol,-dichloromethane co-solvent system. The polymer mixture of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit® S100 was used in different ratios (1:0, 1:1, 2:3, 1:4 and 0:1) to formulate batches F1 to F5. The resulting microspheres were evaluated for particle size, densities, flow properties, morphology, recovery yield, drug content, and in vitrodrug release behavior. The formulated microspheres were discrete, spherical with relatively smooth surface, and with good flow properties. Among different formulations, the fabricated microspheres of batch F3 had shown the optimum percent drug encapsulation of microspheres and the sustained release of the Glipizide for about 12h. Release pattern of Glipizide from microspheres of batch F3 followed Korsmeyers-peppas model and zero-order release kinetic model. The value of ‘n’ was found to be 0.960, which indicates that the drug release was followed by anomalous (non-fickian) diffusion. The data obtained thus suggest that a microparticulate system can be successfully designed for sustained delivery of Glipizide and to improve dosage form characteristics for easy formulation.

An epidemiologic survey has indicated a comparatively high prevalence of retinoblastoma (Rb) in Asian countries. Recently, the development of preventive strategies in nonfamilial Rb has become a major goal. The present studies were designed for identification and characterization of constitutional and somatic RB1 gene mutations by conventional cytogenetics, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP)-DNA sequencing. Of 34 patients 32 were nonfamilial and 2 were familial Rb. Maternal inheritance of del (13q14) was common. FISH was sensitive in detecting monoallelic RB1 deletion/deletion mosaicism as a first genetic hit in 20% of cases. Somatic and germline RB1 point mutations affected exons 3, 17, 20, and 21 and these were identified as novel mutations. Involvement of exon 20 as a predisposing mutation in sporadic unilateral retinoblastoma (URB) probably suggests the susceptibility of exon 20 to unknown etiologic factors in our population. A de novo RB1 deletion along with transmitted RB1 point mutation from an asymptomatic parent was identified as a unique predisposing RB1 mutation chimerism in a URB case that later evolved to bilateral retinoblastoma (BRB). The predisposing mutations such as del (13q), RB1 mono-allelic deletion and RB1 point mutation in sporadic Rb were de novo as well as transmitted mutations from asymptomatic/symptomatic parents. The RB1 mutation incidence was comparatively higher (25%) in nonfamilial Rb with emphasis on high prevalence in sporadic URB (18% versus 0%–9% in the literature series). The present studies demonstrated the efficacy of a multitechnique approach to detect various types of constitutional RB1 mutations such as RB1 deletion, deletion mosaicism, point mutation, mutation chimerism in patients of symptomatic/asymptomatic parents.

The analytical potential of furan as a chemical ionization (CI) reagent was evaluated for selectivity with nine monosubstituted naphthalene compounds. The ion–molecule reactions of furan and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were compared with those of methane, methanol and acetonitrile (prominently producing [M + H]⁺ ion base peaks) with naphthalene compounds in chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CI-MS). Reactions with furan predominantly show M⁺ and [M + 39]⁺ ions. Based on this phenomenon, investigations were carried out for some of the molecular factors such as proton affinity, substituent effects and the preferred site of [C3H3]⁺ ion attachment that influence reactivity in furan CI. High selectivity with different substituents is observed in the formation of [M + 39]⁺ adduct ion, suggesting its usefulness as selective ionization reagent liquid. The selectivity and sensitivity are illustrated in the analysis of mixture of amino acids. Furthermore, the structure determination and reaction mechanism study is characterized by collision-activated dissociation experiments in CI-MS/MS and CI-MS/MS/MS. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pd-catalyzed furan ring formation processes involving acyclic units are reviewed. A number of methods, which allow the construction of wide variety of functionalised furan rings from acetylenic building blocks such asalkynones, alkynols, epoxyalkynes, and o-alkynyl phenols have been described. Alkynes containing proximate oxygen nucleophile in the presence of palladium complexes undergo cyclization to form furans via formation of new oxygen-carbon bond. Tandem cyclization reactions have been utilized for the construction of a wide variety of functionalised furans rings and providing important new dimensions in the design of synthetic strategies.

In this work, dehydration of Na3PO4·12H2O has been studied dynamically in detail by thermo-Raman spectroscopy. The dehydration was observed in the temperature range from 30 to 200°C. Spectral variation could distinguish six characteristic spectra of different hydrated species. The thermo-Raman intensity for the stretching bands of H2O showed four distinct steps of dehydration with Na3PO4·12H2O, Na3PO4·8H2O, Na3PO4·7H2O, Na3PO4·6H2O and Na3PO4·0.5H2O as the compositional species. The differential thermo-Raman intensity thermogram indicated the possibility of the existence of a new hydrated intermediate species Na3PO4·4H2O during the dehydration. The first four steps of dehydration occurred below 84°C and the last step of loosing 0.5 H2O could not be detected. The results of TG measurement showed only two stages of dehydration.

Thermally induced structural transformations in hydrated MoO₃ prepared by acidification of Na₂MoO₄ solution have been investigated dynamically by thermo-Raman spectroscopic techniques. The thermo-Raman spectra reveal that the structural evolution of as-synthesized hydrated MoO₃ in air proceeds through an amorphous phase after dehydration processes, formation of sub-microcrystals, the MoO₃-II phase (possible) and the α-MoO₃ phase in a dynamic thermal process. The thermo-Raman results are supported by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction results. The structural evolution of as-synthesized hydrated MoO₃ under nitrogen gas flow was also investigated by thermo-Raman studies.

An attractive synthetic route was devaluped for making N‐(4‐(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)‐1,2,5‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl) formamide (4) and di(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl) methanone O‐(nitrodi(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)methyl) oxime (6) from commercially available inexpensive malononitrile starting material with easy purification, short experimental time and high yields at room temperature. The chemical structures of 4and 6were identified by NMR, IR, EA and verified by single‐crystal X‐ray studies. A plausible mechanism is proposed for the conversion of 4to 6. Furthermore, both compounds have been evaluated for energetic applications. Based on their insensitive nature and good detonation performance, they are potential energetic materials. The unexpected synthesisof N‐(4‐(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)‐1,2,5‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl) formamide (4) and di(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)methanone O‐(nitrodi(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)methyl) oxime (6) in a simple and straightforward manner is reported. Compound 6exhibits high positive heat of formation, high nitrogen content, and good density, and may find use in energetic material applications.

Achyranthes asperaLinn. (A. aspera) (family: Amaranthaceae) is highly recognized in ethnomedicine and traditional systems of Indian medicine as a nervine restorative for several psychiatric disorders. Study presented here was designed to appraise the antidepressant-like effects of A. asperain murine model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression.

1,2,3-Triazole and 1,2,4-triazole have been vigorously used in energetic materials research. Among these two, 1,2,4-triazole has been a widely used backbone in designing new energetic materials with improved performance. This study showed the synthesis of nitrogen-enriched dianionic energetic salts (3–6) based on methylene bridged 3,4-diamino-1,2,4-triazole combined with nitrate, perchlorate, picrate, and azide anions. Structures of 5,5′-methylenedi(4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,4-diamine) and its salts 4and 5were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, showing a strong hydrogen-bonding network owing to the presence of –NH2groups, numerous oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the structure. The DSC results indicate acceptable thermal stabilities with the observed decomposition temperatures over 180 °C. All the compounds are dense (1.70–1.86 g/cm3) and exhibit reasonable detonation velocities (7.49–8.99 km/s) and pressures (21.9–28.2 GPa). Interestingly, salt 6possess detonation velocity comparable to that of RDX. These properties illustrate that incorporating a methylene bridge in a 3,4-diamino-1,2,4-triazole ring can effectively support the progress of mechanically insensitive and thermally stable energetic compounds in future research.

The use of chitosan as an alternative for fungicides has received more attention worldwide. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of chitosan against Fusarium solanicausing root rot in fenugreek. Chitosan treatments ranged from 0.1 to 2gL−1were tested against F. solanion to potato dextrose agar and in potato dextrose broth. The results revealed that increase in concentrations of chitosan significantly reduced growth, dried biomass, sporulation and spore germination of F. solani. The hyphal swellings and distortion of F. solanimycelia were induced by chitosan. Fenugreek seeds treated with chitosan at 2 gL−1and 0.5 gL−1showed reduced F. solaniinfection and increased seed germination, respectively. In pot and field studies, fenugreek seeds treated with chitosan at 2.0 gL−1greatly reduced root rot disease severity and also enhanced yield parameters. The activity of defence enzymes, such as chitinase, β-1, 3-glucanase and total phenol were increased in chitosan treated in fenugreek plants. This increased activity offered protection to fenugreek plants against F. solanito a greater extent. The results showed that chitosan could be used as inducer of defense response and has the potential of controlling fenugreek root rot disease.

•Patent Landscape for composite of Poly-4-methyl-1-pentene with dielectric reinforcement.•Trends analysis of patents in different countries.•Inventor and applicant statistics in patent publication.•Citation analysis and key-patent in the respective field.

Rhizoctonia bataticolais an anamorphic phytopathogenic fungus which acts as facultative plant pathogens causing diseases to commercially important crops. The fungal metabolite analysis for pharmaceutical importance, mycotoxin characterization and taxonomy of industrially and medically important fungi is in need. Therefore, in the present work isolation and characterization of metabolites from Rhizoctonia bataticolaand their biological activities were evaluated. The extract of Rhizoctonia bataticolashowed strong antibacterial activity against gram-positive S. aureusand gram-negative E. colibacteria. The increased in concentration of fungal extract reports increased in antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The extract of solid biomass was analyzed by LC-MS and first time reported 33 compounds including Dadezin, Genkwanin, Pentoxifylline alcohol, Dihydrodeoxystreptomycin, 8-Cyclopentyltheophyllin, Protorifamycin 1, Leukotriene D4, Protoveratrine A, Phedimetrazine as important ones. Among the reported compounds most of the compounds shows pharmacological properties like antileukemic activity, cardioprotective, anticancer, antifungal activity, antimicrobial activity, antihypertensive, anti-hypogonadal, and radical scavenging activities. Therefore, reported metabolite from fungal extract supports the biological activities. However further isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from Rhizoctonia bataticolaemerge as a potent source of bioactive compounds with potent bioactivities and can be help in solving bacterial multi-drug resistance in human pathogenic bacteria.

In this work, we report an approach for designing a series of energetic compounds derived from nitrogen-rich tris(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)amine backbone. Based on available synthetic method, nitrogen content (70.8%), heat of formation (1371 ​kJ·mol-1), density (1.67 ​g·cm-3), detonation parameters (7.75 ​km·s-1, 24.30 ​GPa), and experimentally reported high decomposition temperature (231 ​°C), less sensitivity to accidental impact (42 ​J) and friction (360 ​N) data, tris(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)amine found to be an efficient building block for designing energetic materials. The explosophoric functional groups –NO2, –NH2, –ONO2, –NHNO2, and N3were introduced in the tris(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)amine framework to further improve energetic properties. All tris(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)amine derivatives have a much higher heat of formation than TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) and RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane). Crucially, higher detonation velocities (>9.10 ​km·s-1) and detonation pressures (>35.20 ​GPa) were calculated for –NO2, –ONO2, and –NHNO2substituted compounds compared to RDX. Considering the experimental and computed stability of tris(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)amine towards high temperatures and mechanical stimuli, the entire designed molecules are expected to be less sensitive and stable for energetic applications. These advantages make tris(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)amine an effective building block. There is no denying that the insertion of energetic functional groups will undoubtedly benefit the development of secondary explosives and propellants.

Unforeseen changes in surface properties because of particle size have made nanoparticles very popular in the field of material science. Decrease in particle size to nano-size demonstrates peculiar and improved properties such as particle size distribution and morphology. This distinctive change in specific surface area is responsible for its high value and affects imperative parameters like surface reactivity. Application of nanoparticles in various fields like energy, medicines and nutrition has tremendously increased nowadays. In pharmaceutical and medicinal sciences, nanoparticles are playing imperative role. Several approaches are employed for the metallic nanoparticles preparation, which is categorized into two main types on as bottom up methods and top down methods depending on starting material of nanoparticle preparation. Certain metals have distinctive properties like antimicrobial property of gold and silver. Metal particles such as gold are widely used from ancient time for the medicines and Ayurvedic preparations in India and China. The use of metal nanoparticles is continuously increasing worldwide in biomedicine and allied disciplines. Nowadays researchers are focusing on metal nanoparticles, nanostructures and nanomaterial synthesis because of their conspicuous properties. Present review selectively focuses on different methods of nanoparticle preparations and its advantages, disadvantages, and applications.

ABSTRACTBackground: Community-based active case finding (ACF) for tuberculosis (TB) implemented among marginalised and vulnerable populations in 285 districts of India resulted in reduction of diagnosis delay and prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis. We were interested to know whether this translated into improved treatment outcomes. Globally, there is limited published literature from marginalised and vulnerable populations on the independent effect of community-based ACF on treatment outcomes when compared to passive case finding (PCF).Objectives: To determine the relative differences in unfavourable treatment outcomes (death, loss-to-follow-up, failure, not evaluated) of ACF and PCF-diagnosed people.Methods: Cohort study involving record reviews and interviews in 18 randomly selected districts. We enrolled all ACF-diagnosed people with new smear-positive pulmonary TB, registered under the national TB programme between March 2016 and February 2017, and an equal number of randomly selected PCF-diagnosed people in the same settings. We used log binomial models to adjust for confounders.Results: Of 572 enrolled, 275 belonged to the ACF and 297 to the PCF group. The proportion of unfavourable outcomes were 10.2% (95% CI: 7.1%, 14.3%) in the ACF and 12.5% (95% CI: 9.2%, 16.7%) in the PCF group (p = 0.468). The association between ACF and unfavourable outcomes remained non-significant after adjusting for confounders available from records [aRR: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.56, 1.21)]. Due to patient non-availability at their residence, interviews were conducted for 465 (81.3%). In the 465 cohort too, there was no association after adjusting for confounders from records and interviews [aRR: 1.05 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.77)].Conclusion: We did not find significant differences in the treatment outcomes. Due to the wide CIs, studies with larger sample sizes are urgently required. Studies are required to understand how to translate the benefits of ACF to improved treatment outcomes.

ABSTRACTBackground: There is limited evidence on whether active case finding (ACF) among marginalised and vulnerable populations mitigates the financial burden during tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.Objectives: To determine the effect of ACF among marginalised and vulnerable populations on prevalence and inequity of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis among TB-affected households when compared with passive case finding (PCF).Methods: In 18 randomly sampled ACF districts in India, during March 2016 to February 2017, we enrolled all new sputum-smear-positive TB patients detected through ACF and an equal number of randomly selected patients detected through PCF. Direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs due to TB diagnosis were collected through patient interviews at their residence. We defined costs due to TB diagnosis as ‘catastrophic’ if the total costs (direct and indirect) due to TB diagnosis exceeded 20% of annual pre-TB household income. We used concentration curves and indices to assess the extent of inequity.Results: When compared with patients detected through PCF (n = 231), ACF patients (n = 234) incurred lower median total costs (US$ 4.6 and 20.4, p < 0.001). The prevalence of catastrophic costs in ACF and PCF was 10.3 and 11.5% respectively. Adjusted analysis showed that patients detected through ACF had a 32% lower prevalence of catastrophic costs relative to PCF [adjusted prevalence ratio (95% CI): 0.68 (0.69, 0.97)]. The concentration indices (95% CI) for total costs in both ACF [−0.15 (−0.32, 0.11)] and PCF [−0.06 (−0.20, 0.08)] were not significantly different from the line of equality and each other. The concentration indices (95% CI) for catastrophic costs in both ACF [−0.60 (−0.81, –0.39)] and PCF [−0.58 (−0.78, –0.38)] were not significantly different from each other: however, both the curves had a significant distribution among the poorest quintiles.Conclusion: ACF among marginalised and vulnerable populations reduced total costs and prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis, but could not address inequity.

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Supercritical water SCW as a highly destructive environment has been utilized to open multiwall carbon nanotubes MWNTs and to break silver aggregates into nanoparticles diameter 2–20 nm. Water was drawn into open-ended MWNTs by capillary suction, pulling Ag nanoparticles into the MWNTs. The Ag nanoparticles solid, presumably transported in the nanochannels of MWNTs by the fluidity of SCW, stacked, and fused to form nanorods, suggesting SCW associated with MWNTs hollow interior might be exploited as a nanoreactor.

s-Triazine is the essential candidate of many energetic compounds due to its high nitrogen content, enthalpy of formation and thermal stability. The present study explores s-triazine derivatives in which different -NO2, -NH2 and -N3 substituted azoles are attached to the triazine ring via C-N linkage. The density functional theory is used to predict geometries, heats of formation and other energetic properties. Among the designed compounds, -N3 derivatives show very high heats of formation. The densities for designed compounds were predicted by using the crystal packing calculations. Introduction of -NO2 group improves density as compared to -NH2 and -N3, their order of increasing density can be given as NO2>N3>NH2. Analysis of the bond dissociation energies for C-NO2, C-NH2 and C-N3 bonds indicates that substitutions of the -N3 and -NH2 group are favorable for enhancing the thermal stability of s-triazine derivatives. The nitro and azido derivatives of triazine are found to be promising candidates for the synthetic studies.

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