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Characterization of industrial effluent i.e. sugar, dye, paper and pulp; and combined effluent is performed using the standard method, which indicates higher amount of pollutants exist in all the effluents. Adsorptive batch treatment is conducted using activated neem leaf powder (a-NLP), in which adsorbent dose, temperature and contact duration are the factors selected for this study to reduction of COD, BOD and color from individual and combined wastewater. Maximum elimination of COD, BOD and color is attained upto 93.4-82.4, 82.6-75.9 and 93.4-86.1 % respectively from sugar, dye, paper-pulp and combined effluent respectively at dosage of 23 gm/L a-NLP, temperature of 300 K and contact duration of 60 min. Adsorption isotherms such as Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Raduskevich, Flory-Huggins and Temkin Isotherm are examined in order to explore the adsorption mechanism. The reaction rate is estimated by different kinetic models (Pseudo First-, Pseudo Second-order, Intra-particle and Elovic equation). From correction coefficient value, Freundlich isotherm and Pseudo First-order govern adsorption process. Different thermodynamic parameters such as free energy of adsorption (∆G°), enthalpy change (∆H°) and entropy change (∆S°) are also accessed, which indicates that adsorption is thermodynamically feasible. Solvent desorption is carried out to regenerate this adsorbent for three consecutive cycles.

We report a case of a 46-year-old female – a postrenal transplant patient, having developed rhabdomyolysis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), after 2.5 months of desidustat initiation – for anemia. Post renal transplant anemia (PTA) is common among renal transplant recipients. Apart from treating it with iron supplements, folic acid, andrecombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), novel agents like hypoxia-inducible factor–prolyl hydroxylase domain (HIF–PHI) are also used, with a very few studies available on its efficacy and safety in PTA patients. Anemia occurring in the first 6 months is called early PTA – occurring most commonly due to iron deficiency, while anemia occurring after 6 months is called late PTA – associated with impaired graft function. The optimal target of hemoglobin in transplant recipients is 12.5–13 gm/dl, which is higher than targets in chronic kidney disease patients. NMS is a life-threatening emergency – mainly seen in patients on antipsychotic medications. It needs to be differentiated from other closely related conditions such as central nervous system infections (meningitis and encephalitis), tetanus, heatstroke, serotonin syndrome, and thyrotoxicosis. Desidustat is an oral HIF–PHI that stimulates erythropoiesis by preventing EPO degradation. Its adverse effects include high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, heart failure, high potassium, and dizziness; however, there is only one case report of rhabdomyolysis associated with desidustat, and none of NMS. It is, therefore, important to be aware of this potential severe side effect of the drug that was not known earlier so that practicing physicians can be vigilant of the same.

Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the midterm outcome of thoracic endovascular aortic repair compared with open repair in patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Methods: From August 1993 to February 2023, 499 patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysms underwent open repair (n = 221) or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (n = 278). Of these, 120 matched pairs were identified using propensity score matching based on age, sex, chronic lung disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, diabetes, ejection fraction, dialysis, peripheral vascular disease, prior cardiac surgery, connective tissue disease, and chronic dissection. Primary outcomes were postoperative paralysis, operative mortality, reoperation, and midterm survival. Results: After matching, the preoperative demographics and comorbidities were balanced in both groups. Intraoperatively, open repair had a lower temperature (18 °C vs 36 °C) and more patients required blood products (66% vs 8%), P

The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has been increasing and is soon to reach a threatening level for life on the planet. Porous carbons made from biobased materials including from waste resources can be applied to selectively adsorb CO2 from large industrial sites and then lower atmospheric CO2 emissions. In this work, we synthesized highly porous carbons from lemon-peel wastes using two-step activation process involving hydrothermal carbonization followed by chemical activation with KOH, and KOH + alum at 800 °C. The sample activated with KOH + alum has the highest BET surface area (2143 m2/g) and total pore volume of 1.3 cc/g. Although the KOH activated sample has a lower surface area (1113 m2/g), it has better CO2 adsorption capacity ranging up to 4.5 mmol/g because of its well-developed pore structures and a high proportion (90 %) of micropore distributions. The isosteric heat of adsorption lower than 40 kJ/mol indicated that adsorption is mainly driven by physisorption. Better CO2/N2 selectivity suggested a high affinity of the activated carbons towards CO2. Particularly, the sample activated with KOH had selectivity in the range of 20 at the highest adsorption temperature (40 °C), making it a potentially viable option for direct CO2 adsorption applications from large industrial sources.

Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the progression of dissected distal aorta in patients with acute type A aortic dissection with malperfusion syndrome treated with endovascular fenestration/stenting and delayed open aortic repair. Methods: From 1996 to 2021, 927 patients presented with acute type A aortic dissection. Of these, 534 had DeBakey I dissection with no malperfusion syndrome and underwent emergency open aortic repair (no malperfusion syndrome group), whereas 97 patients with malperfusion syndrome underwent fenestration/stenting and delayed open aortic repair (malperfusion syndrome group). Sixty-three patients with malperfusion syndrome treated with fenestration/stenting were excluded due to no open aortic repair, including death from organ failure (n = 31), death from aortic rupture (n = 16), and discharged alive (n = 16). Results: Compared with the no malperfusion syndrome group, the malperfusion syndrome group had more patients with acute renal failure (60% vs 4.3%, P

Abstract Introduction Limited data exist on skin cancer risk in patients with psoriasis using biologics. Here, we report treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of skin cancer in patients treated with ixekizumab from psoriasis clinical trials. Methods Integrated safety databases from 17 clinical trials of adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with ≥ 1 dose of ixekizumab for ≤ 5 years were used to analyze exposure-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years of exposure (PYE) and clinically characterize dermatologist-adjudicated skin cancer TEAEs. Results Of 6892 patients, 58 presented with ≥ 1 skin cancer TEAE (IR 0.3) with IRs remaining stable with longer ixekizumab exposure. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was the most common event (IR 0.3) affecting 55 patients; of those, 44 had basal cell carcinoma (IR 0.2) and 16 had squamous cell carcinoma (IR 0.1). Two treatment-emergent melanoma events were identified; neither were classified as serious AEs. Conclusions Incidence of skin neoplasms in patients with psoriasis treated with ixekizumab for ≤ 5 years was low, and among those events, NMSC was most common. Limitations included that longer exposure may be required to confirm risk of skin cancer and that the study exclusion criteria of several studies, which excluded patients with skin cancer events within 5 years prior to baseline, might limit interpretation of skin cancer risk in this cohort. These findings support the safety profile of ixekizumab for patients requiring long-term psoriasis control.

The study reports on cost-effective and novel method for synthesis of activated porous carbon (APC) suitable for post-combustion CO2 capture. Inexpensive and abundant pine sawdust was utilized as a precursor. A hybrid synthesis protocol of physicochemical activation utilizing KOH + CO2 as activating agents was proposed. Effectiveness of APC derived via physicochemical activation was compared with that derived via chemical (only KOH) and physical (only CO2) activation. Also, the effect of carbonization condition on APC performance was investigated. Yield of APC (from precursor to final product) ranged within 20–24 wt.%. The maximum BET surface area of 2216 m2/g and the maximum CO2 adsorption capacity of 6.35 mmol/g at 0 °C/1 bar, 3.82 mmol/g at 25 °C/1 bar and 2.81 mmol/g at 40 °C/1 bar was obtained. Following the ideal adsorbed solution theory, CO2/N2 selectivity was computed at 0 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C and found to be within 10–19. For all the APCs, the isosteric heat of adsorption < 40 kJ/mol indicated physisorption as dominating mechanism for CO2 adsorption. Even after five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, multi-cyclic recyclability > 99.5% was observed.

Outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) compared with matched cohort are certainly lacking for different pandemic waves and geographic regions. In this single-center retrospective study of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases admitted during March 26, 2021 to June 7, 2021, a propensity-matched analysis in a 1:1 ratio was performed to compare the clinical profile and outcomes between KTR and non-KTR. A Cox proportional hazard model from the whole study population to analyze risk factors for severe disease and mortality was calculated. We identified 1052 COVID-19 cases, of which 107 (10.1%) were KTR. In propensity-matched analysis, KTR had higher fever (81.6 % vs. 60%; P = 0.01), lymphopenia (30% vs. 11.7%; P = 0.02), higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (43.3% vs. 25%; P = 0.05), and acute kidney injury (66.6% vs. 36.7%; P = 0.001). In Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, there was no difference in mortality or severity of COVID-19. In Cox hazard proportional analysis, the European cooperative oncology group (ECOG) score of 1 to 2 [Hazard ratio (HR) 95% lower confidence interval (CI), upper CI = 4.9 (1.8–13.5); P 2 [HR = 20 (7.5, 54.7); P

Aims/Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the utilization patterns of anticancer agents in patients with breast cancer and to provide practice recommendations/educational interventions to optimize medication use in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This was an ambispective study conducted for a period of 3 years at a private, specialty oncology care hospital in South India. In the initial phase, the selection of anticancer agents, dosage of anticancer agents, and management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) were reviewed retrospectively (using paper medical records) with respect to the National Cancer Comprehensive Network guidelines. The administration of anticancer agents and anti-emetics were reviewed with respect to the hospital drug administration policies. The deviations from the standards were reported, and practice recommendations/educational interventions were developed. Treatment patterns were reevaluated prospectively after providing educational interventions. Descriptive statistics were used to report and compare the results from both phases. Results: During retrospective phase, we observed 80% compliance in the selection of anticancer drugs, 74% compliance in drug dosing, and 63.5% compliance in the administration of anti-cancer agents. After the implementation of educational interventions, we observed 85% compliance in the selection of anticancer agents, 82.3% in their dosing, and 86.9% compliance in the administration of anticancer agents. For the management of CINV, we observed 75% compliance in the selection of drugs (vs. 53% during preintervention), 92% compliance in their dosing (vs. 90% during preintervention), 85.1% compliance in the administration of anti-emetics (vs. 50% during preintervention), and 80% compliance in the management of delayed CINV (vs. 60% during preintervention). Conclusions: Treatment patterns of breast cancer were improved with respect to treatment standards after educational interventions to oncology care team.

Abstract Present invention involves to study the elution profile of anionic and cationic compounds from exhausted adsorbents using various eluents. Batch elution studies of anionic components like Congo Red dye and Carbonate ion; and cationic compounds such as Methylene blue dye and Cadmium metal from previously used naturally prepared adsorbents i.e. Gulmohar (Delonix regia) leaf powder—GLP; and Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder—NLP and their derivatives were conducted. Different eluents used for batch study were various acids and alkaline solution having various concentration and solvents having different functional groups in seven sorption–desorption cycles. The batch data were accessed by kinetic models (Pseudo First-, Pseudo Second-order, Intra-particle and Elovic equation). Column elution experiments of Congo red and Cadmium from NLP and activated charcoal from NLP (AC-NLP) respectively was performed using selected eluent. Sorption and elution process plots and parameters and life cycle plots for seven sorption–desorption cycles were evaluated and discussed. From desorption efficiencies, it revealed that desorption exploration is predominately depends upon pH factor.

Unique heat exchanging ability of nanofluids make them suitable for various industrial applications, ranging from heat transfer intensification to nuclear cooling and energy storage to friction reduction including electronics and biomedical applications. In recent years, the research on nanofluids is being focused on three facets: influencing factors, prediction models and applications. The effect of external magnetic field and nanoparticle concentrations on heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids are gaining the interest of many researchers.The work presented in this paper is aimed to highlight the influence of alternating magnetic field on heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid with distilled water as the base fluid having Fe3O4 nanoparticles. An experimental setup is presented which consists of cylindrical test container, temperature sensors, Helmholtz coil and a heater is prepared for thermal analysis of nanofluid in presence and absence of alternating magnetic field. Tests are performed with different concentrations (0.1%, 1% wt.) of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Outcome in the form of important observations showing the enhancement of heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid in presence of alternating magnetic field are discussed. It is demonstrated with the help of experimental results that the applied magnetic field enhances heat transfer by convection which can be interpreted as increase in Nusselt number of the magnetic nanofluid. The results and conclusive remarks offered in this paper are not only beneficial for various industrial applications wherein change in heat transfer rate plays a vital role, but also provide directions for the peers and beginners for the relevant research for nanofluids.

Background. There are many variations in valve-sparing aortic root replacement techniques. Our aim is to determine the impact of the graft on mid-term outcomes: Valsalva graft vs. two straight tubular grafts. Methods. From 2004 to 2020, 332 patients underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement with either a Valsalva graft (Valsalva group: n = 270) or two straight tubular grafts (two-graft group: n = 62). Data were obtained through chart review and the National Death Index. Primary outcomes were mid-term survival and freedom from reoperation. Results. The preoperative characteristics of the groups were similar, but the two-graft group had more type A dissections (32% vs. 19%) and emergent operations (26% vs. 15%) and was younger (45 vs. 50 years). Intraoperatively, the groups were similar, but the two-graft group had longer cross-clamp (245 vs. 215 minutes) and cardiopulmonary bypass times (284 vs. 255 minutes). Postoperative complications including reoperation for bleeding, stroke, pacemaker implantation, and renal failure were slightly more frequent in the Valsalva group, but the differences were not significant. Operative mortality was similar between the Valsalva and two-graft groups (0.7% vs. 0%). Five-year survival in the two-graft group was 100% compared to 96% in the Valsalva group (p=0.56). Five-year freedom from reoperation in the two-graft group was 100% compared to 93% in the Valsalva group (p=0.29). Conclusions. The Valsalva and two-graft techniques both have excellent short- and mid-term outcomes. The two-graft technique might have slightly better survival and freedom from reoperation, but a larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to determine if these advantages are significant.

This paper presents a real-time method to detect and track multiple mobile ground robots using event cameras. The method uses density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) to detect the robots and a single k-dimensional ( $k - d$ ) tree to accurately keep track of them as they move in an indoor arena. Robust detections and tracks are maintained in the face of event camera noise and lack of events (due to robots moving slowly or stopping). An off-the-shelf RGB camera-based tracking system was used to provide ground truth. Experiments including up to 4 robots are performed to study the effect of i) varying DBSCAN parameters, ii) the event accumulation time, iii) the number of robots in the arena, iv) the speed of the robots, v) variation in ambient light conditions on the detection and tracking performance, and vi) the effect of alternative clustering algorithms on detection performance. The experimental results showed 100% detection and tracking fidelity in the face of event camera noise and robots stopping for tests involving up to 3 robots (and upwards of 93% for 4 robots). When the lighting conditions were varied, a graceful degradation in detection and tracking fidelity was observed.

Transplant in COVID era is a challenging task given a paucity of data and limited experience worldwide. A 35-year-old male patient with chronic kidney disease on dialysis for the past 9 months underwent successful living-related donor transplant with his father (aged 64 years) as donor at our center. In this case, donor was diagnosed with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 during evaluation, and he was managed with supportive care and comprehensive social distancing at home. Donor was asymptomatic throughout this period. Interval from positive to negative RT-PCR for nasopharyngeal swab test was 37 days. Interval from negative RT-PCR to kidney transplant was 33 days. Later, recipient and donor were discharged with negative RT-PCR posttransplant. At 71 days of follow-up, both recipient and donor have stable kidney function with normal urinalysis. Hence, prospective donor with a history of COVID-19 infection can be taken for transplant after thorough pretransplant evaluation and having two negative RT-PCR reports after infection, normal imaging, and additional preprocedural negative RT-PCR testing.

There is a scarcity of data regarding the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection complicating the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) course. The objective of the study was to explore the clinical profile and outcome of CMV co-infection with COVID-19. This is a single-center retrospective study of COVID-19 cases with concomitant CMV infection. A total of 18 cases were diagnosed with CMV infection during the study period May 2020 to December 2020. The median age (Interquartile range) of the study was 45 (53–38) years with predominant male sex (n = 14, 77%). The baseline donor–recipient status for CMV included D+/R+ (10, 55%), D-/R+(6, 33%), and D+/R- (2, 12%). COVID-19 severity in the study included mild (1, 7%), moderate (5, 28%), severe (8, 44%), and critical (4, 22%) cases. Criteria for hyperinflammatory state was met by 77% (n = 14) of cases. The most common therapeutic modality for COVID-19 given was remdesivir (n = 13), tocilizumab (n = 4), and convalescent plasma (n = 4). The median CMV titer at diagnosis was 1200 (1800–1000) copies/mL. The median duration of hospital stay was 12.5 (14–11). Mortality observed in the study was four (22%). The management of CMV co-infection with COVID-19 is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and we suggest screening for CMV infection in all posttransplant COVID-19 cases.

Summary: Background: There is an enormous knowledge gap on management strategies, clinical outcomes, and follow-up after kidney transplantation (KT) in recipients that have recovered from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: We conducted a multi-center, retrospective analysis in 23 Indian transplant centres between June 26, 2020 to December 1, 2021 on KT recipients who recovered after COVID-19 infections. We analyzed clinical and biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (AR) incidence and used cox-proportional modeling to estimate multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for predictors of AR. We also performed competing risk analysis. Additional outcome measures included graft loss, all-cause mortality, waiting time from a positive real-time polymerase test (RT-PCR) to KT, laboratory parameters, and quality of life in follow-up. Findings: Among 372 KT which included 38(10·21%) ABO-incompatible, 12(3·22%) sensitized, 64(17·20%) coexisting donors with COVID-19 history and 20 (5·37%) recipients with residual radiographic abnormalities, the incidence of AR was 34 (9·1%) with 1(0·26%) death censored graft loss, and 4(1·07%) all-cause mortality over a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 241 (106–350) days. In our cox hazard proportional analysis, absence of oxygen requirement during COVID-19 compared to oxygen need [HR = 0·14(0·03–0·59); p-value = 0·0071], and use of thymoglobulin use compared to other induction strategies [HR = 0·17(0·03–0.95); p-value = 0·044] had a lower risk for AR. Degree of Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR mismatch had the highest risk of AR [HR = 10.2(1·74–65·83); p-value = 0·011]. With competing risk analysis, with death as a competing event, HLA DR mismatch, and oxygen requirement continued to be associated with AR. Age, gender, obesity, inflammatory markers, dialysis vintage, steroid use, sensitization and ABO-incompatibility have not been associated with a higher risk of AR. The median duration between COVID-19 real time polymerase test negativity to transplant was 88(40–145) days (overall), and ranged from 88(40–137), 65(42–120), 110(49–190), and 127(64–161) days in World Health Organization ordinal scale ≤ 3, 4, 5, and 6–7, respectively. There was no difference in quality of life, tacrolimus levels, blood counts, and mean serum creatinine assessed in patients with a past COVID-19 infection independent of severity. Interpretation: Our findings support that the outcomes of KT after COVID-19 recovery are excellent with absence of COVID-19 sequelae during follow-up. Additionally, there does not seem to be a need for changes in the induction/immunosuppression regimen based on the severity of COVID-19. Funding: Sanofi

Abstract Introduction Ixekizumab, a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, is approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Our objective was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis through 5 years. Methods Data were integrated from the UNCOVER-1 and UNCOVER-2, randomized, double-blinded, phase-3 trials. Patients who continuously received the labeled ixekizumab dose, were static Physician’s Global Assessment (sPGA) (0,1) responders at Week 12 and completed 60 weeks of treatment could enter the long-term extension (LTE) period. Patients could escalate to every-2-week dosing per investigator opinion. Efficacy and health outcomes included proportion of patients achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75/90/100, sPGA (0,1) and (0), absolute PASI ≤ 5/ ≤ 3/ ≤ 2/ ≤ 1 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (0,1). Results exclude patients who escalated to every-2-week dosing. A modified non-responder imputation method was used to account for missing data. Supplemental analyses include patients who escalated to every-2-week dosing and observed and multiple imputation results. Exposure-adjusted safety outcomes are also reported. Results Of 206 patients who entered the LTE periods, 172 completed treatment. At Week 60, PASI 75/90/100 responses were 94.7%, 85.0% and 62.1%, respectively, and at year 5 were 90.3%, 71.3% and 46.3%, respectively. Similarly, meaningful responses were achieved for the other efficacy and health measures. Among patients with PASI 100 through 5 years, 92% achieved DLQI (0,1), indicating no impact of skin disease on quality of life. During the LTE period, exposure-adjusted incidence rates were 31.4 per 100 patient-years for treatment-emergent adverse events and 6.8 per 100 patient-years for serious adverse events. No deaths were reported. No new or unexpected safety findings were noted. Conclusions The results demonstrate 80 mg ixekizumab maintains long-term efficacy and a safety profile consistent with previous data in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis through 5 years of treatment. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, UNCOVER-1: NCT01474512, UNCOVER-2: NCT01597245.

Background. COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is a recently emerging entity. There is a lack of reports of CAM in organ transplant recipients. Methods. We conducted a multicenter (n = 18) retrospective research in India during November 2020 to July 2021. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical spectrum, outcome and risk factors for mortality of CAM in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Results. The incidence of CAM was 4.4% (61/1382 COVID-19-positive KTRs) with 26.2% mortality. The median age of the cohort was 45 (38–54) y. Twenty (32%) were not hospitalized and 14 (22.9%) were on room air during COVID-19. The proportion of postdischarge CAM was 59.1%, while concurrent CAM was reported in 40.9%. The presentation of CAM was 91.8% rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis and 8.2% pulmonary with 19.6% and 100% mortality, respectively. In the univariable analysis, older age, obesity, difficulty of breathing, high-flow oxygen requirement, and delay in starting therapy were significantly associated with mortality. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients requiring high-flow oxygen therapy [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 9.3 (1.6-51); P = 0.01] and obesity [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 5.2 (1-28); P = 0.05] was associated with mortality. The median follow-up of the study was 60 (35–60) d. Conclusions. We describe the largest case series of CAM in KTRs. Morality in pulmonary CAM is extremely high. Severe COVID-19 pose extra risk for the development of CAM and associated mortality. Our report will help in better understanding the conundrum and management of CAM.

Hazardous solid waste is one of the most serious problem faced by all over the World, which comprises spent solid adsorbents. Spent solid adsorbents are generally regenerated by different methods including solvent desorption, owning its merits and demerits. Basic information of desorption and eluent like desorption efficiency, desorption cycle, desorption breakthrough curve and eluent parameters are elucidated. Main objective of this review paper is explored batch and column desorption of metal, dye and other hazardous compounds using ion exchange compounds (such as acid and alkaline solution), organic solvent and mixture of these as an eluent in desorption study; and revealed that desorption is mostly depends upon ion exchange process. Desorption of positively charged metals is conducted using acid eluent, while alkaline solution is used to elute negatively charged dyes and other contaminations due to electrostatic attraction. Acidic eluent hydrochloric acid and alkaline eluent sodium hydroxide solution are most utilized for desorption study to elute copper(II) and anionic dye. Feasibility of these eluents using desorption cycles and its efficiency is also discussed in this paper.

Abstract Present paper involved the review of fixed-bed column studies for removal of various contaminants from synthetic wastewater. Basic concept of adsorption, its types (i.e., chemisorption and physisorption) and its mechanism, adsorbents and adsorbates were included. Comparison of batch and column adsorption study is mentioned. Complete study of breakthrough curve for designing adsorptive column is interpreted. This paper explicates the detailed explanation of various process parameters and isotherm models for column study. Fixed-bed adsorption studies using various adsorbates, i.e., metal, ion, dye and other hazardous materials, are reviewed, in which adsorption of chromium metal is most exploitable. Conclusion and some challenges for utilization in real world are also exposed.

Malware is a growing threat to all mobile platforms and hundreds of new malicious applications are being detected every day. At the same time, the development of automated software obfuscation techniques allows for the easy production of new malware variants even by attackers with entry-level programming skills. Such obfuscation techniques can evade the signature-based mechanism implemented in current antimalware technology. This paper presents the results of a study that examined how automated obfuscation techniques affect malicious and benign applications by two widely used malware detection approaches, namely static and dynamic analyses. The research explored 5000 samples of malware and benign programs and evaluated the impact of automated obfuscation on Android applications. The experimental results indicated that (1) up to 73% of the reviewed applications “survived” the automated obfuscation; (2) automated obfuscation reduced the detection ratio to 65–85% depending on the obfuscation method used. These findings call for a more active use of advanced malware detection methods in commonly used antivirus platforms.

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Through conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis, we will elucidate which factors influence thoracic aortic aneurysm growth, which will further help clinicians to properly stratify and manage their patients with TAAs. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are an indolent but fatal disease, and the patient characteristics that predict both overall growth and growth rate are still not well characterized. Our goal is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in other to better describe different patient characteristics that predict TAA growth. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: M.M. conducted a search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus to identify articles. Inclusion criteria were any longitudinal study reporting asymptomatic TAA growth, growth rates, or clinical proxies for growth such as dissection, rupture, emergency surgery, and death. M.H and P.B. independently applied the criteria to the results of the search. Conflicts were resolved by N.B. Data was extracted and risk of bias assessed independently by M.H. and P.B. Summary estimates of the outcome variables are combined across studies using standard meta-analysis methods. Heterogeneity is assessed via forest plots, chi2 test (Q test), and I2 statistic. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess robustness of the findings. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The literature search resulted in 3,419 abstracts, of which 176 were included and thus require a full text review. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was 0.64, indicating substantial agreement and high inter-rater reliability. We describe four categories of patient characteristics influencing the growth of asymptomatic TAAs: demographics, genetic or inheritable conditions, hemodynamic or biomechanical factors, and serum biomarkers. We describe the measure of effect for all variables. We anticipate there is a significant level of heterogeneity between studies, and potentially moderate risk of bias for many of the included studies as they are retrospective and observational in nature. Furthermore, we anticipate publication bias and evaluate it with funnel plots. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Understanding the factors that influence the growth of asymptomatic thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) is paramount, as the size and growth rate of TAAs dictates the clinical course. Little is understood about the degree to which different characteristics influence growth. This meta-analysis will help elucidate factors that promote TAA growth.

Aims: We aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of serum cystatin C (sCyC) for contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in Western Indians undergoing cardiac catheterization. We also aimed to propose a clinically applicable cut-off of sCyC for early identification of CIN in this ethnic group. Methods: In this prospective study, 253 patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. The demographic and risk factor details, levels of sCr at baseline, 24 and 48 h after the procedure, whereas baseline and 24 h levels of sCyC were noted. Increase of 0.5 mg/dl or ≥25% from baseline sCr was used to define CIN. Optimum cut off of sCyC for CIN diagnosis was obtained using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: After 48 h of contrast media (CM) exposure, the incidence of CIN was 12.25% (31 patients) according to sCr definition, where only 3.9% (10 patients) had sCr rise in 24 h. Overall significant (p

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to chronic kidney disease/end-stage renal disease. Wide spectrum of nondiabetic renal diseases (NDRD) is reported in type-2 diabetes (type-2 DM). We carried out this single-center study to find clinical, laboratory, and histological features of NDRD in type-2 DM patients and to assess the prevalence of NDRD in India. A single-center retrospective study which included analysis of renal biopsies from patients with type-2 DM, performed between January 2008 and September 2016. Biopsy findings were categorized into three groups, Group-I (isolated NDRD); Group-II (NDRD superimposed on underlying DN); and Group-III (isolated DN). Out of 152 diabetic patients (111 males and 41 females), 35 (23.03%) patients were of Group-I (isolated NDRD), 35 (23.03%) of Group-II (NDRD superimposed on underlying DN), and 82 (53.95%) of Group-III (isolated DN). The mean age (in years) was 55.08 ± 10.71, 55.65 ± 8.71, and 54.45 ± 9.01 respectively in Group-I, II, and III. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) was the most common clinical presentation in all groups. Duration of DM was significantly shorter in Group-I than in Group-II. Diabetic retinopathy was absent in Group-I. Proteinuria was more in Group-III than Group-I. Low serum C3 and/or C4 levels was observed in five (14.29%) cases of Group-I and Group-II each and two (2.43%) cases of Group-III. Nearly, 70 (46.05%) patients were found to have NDRD either in isolated form or as combined lesions. The most common histological types of NDRD were acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (38.57%) followed by benign nephrosclerosis (15.72%), membranous nephropathy (10%), IgA nephropathy (7.14%), and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (7.14%). The incidence of NDRD (with/without DN) in type-2 DM is very high. Shorter duration of diabetes, hematuria, absence of retinopathy, low serum complement levels, and nephrotic range proteinuria are predictors of NDRD.

Worldwide, organ transplantation has saved and enhanced the lives of thousands of recipients over the past five decades. Organ transplantation rates are still lower in developing countries including India. The cause of this low rate is attributable to many factors including unawareness about procedure and concerned laws, low education levels, inadequate trained workforce, low socioeconomic status, and costly immunosuppressive drugs. In the last few years, the government has tried positively to increase the organ transplantation by forming the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization. Now, the government needs to push for affordable transplantation by strengthening the public sector hospitals and by making the transplant medications more affordable. Moreover, the transplant community should strive to increase the organ donation awareness, improve the infrastructure for organ retrieval, storage, and allocation in an equitable way.

Introduction: Renal transplantation is ideal modality of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) as it is cost effective and associated with quality of life. Induction immunosuppression is an immunosuppressive therapy given at the time of transplantation to reduce risk of acute rejection. Induction agents include lymphocyte depleting antibodies and Interleukin-2 (IL2) receptor antagonists. Commonly used lymphocyte depleting antibodies are ‘Thymoglobulin’ and ‘Grafalon’. There is no study with Grafalon as induction agent in renal transplantation from India, as until recently it was unavailable in India. Current study is the first report from India, of Grafalon use as an induction agent in renal transplantation. Aim: The aim of the present study was, to study safety and efficacy of ‘Grafalon’ as induction agent in kidney transplantation. Materials and Methods: This was a single center study of 11 patients who have received Grafalon as induction agent for renal transplantation. All received steroid pulse and Grafalon 4 mg/ kg as induction. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of prednisolone, tacrolimus and mycophenolate sodium. Results: Four patients (36.3%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 8 to 65%) developed biopsy proven acute rejection. Three patients had combined acute T-cell and acute antibody mediated rejection and one had acute T-cell mediated rejection. One patient died due to rhinocerebral mucormycosis and one graft was lost due to graft thrombosis. Two patients got urinary tract infection, one with wound infection and another one developed cytomegalovirus syndrome. Cost of Grafalon induction (4 mg/ kg) was higher compared to Thymoglobulin (1.5 mg/kg). Conclusion: Induction with Grafalon was associated with high rate of acute rejection, at the dosage used in the present study. So, cannot be recommended in clinical practice at this dose.

The textile wastewater samples before treatment processes has been collected and characterized using standard methods, in which COD, color and other contaminations are high and prior to remove before discharge. Feasibility of column adsorption of components contributing COD and color onto activated Neem Leaf Powder using sulphuric acid (a-NLP) from textile wastewater has been studied in this investigation. The effect of process parameters like different flow rate, bed-height and pH for COD and color removal has been analyzed, in which adsorption reached saturation faster with increasing the flow rate and pH; while it was the advantage of column adsorption with the increase in the a-NLP bed. The data were applied to Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) and Adams and Bohart Model to evaluation of efficacy of the column. The maximum adsorption capacity related to Adams and Bohart model was found to be 725.7 and 380.4 mg/g for COD and color respectively at flow rate of 5 ml/min and bed height of 15 cm when a-NLP was used.

Accurate estimation of evapotranspiration (ETo) is a key factor in weather-based irrigation scheduling methods. To estimate ETo using the Hargreaves equation, just the data on the minimum and maximum temperature and solar radiation are required. However, this procedure cannot offer consistent accuracy for different climate conditions. To attain the accuracy, calibration of the equation constants (CHand EH) for different climate conditions have successfully been attempted by many researchers. Because these calibration procedures are lengthy and location-specific, there is a need of a generalized calibration method to make the Hargreaves equation more pertinent and effective. In this paper, fuzzy logic based calibration method for the Hargreaves equation is proposed and validated. The fuzzy inference system is developed to compute appropriate values of the constants CHand EH on the basis of past data on humidity and wind velocity of a selected location. The underlying relationship between weather conditions and the best values of the constants CHand EH are used to establish a fuzzy rule base. The performance of the method is checked at eight geographically different locations of India with diverse climate conditions. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) in ETovalues estimated by the calibrated modified Hargreaves equation and the Penman-Monteith (PM) equation is in the range of 0.3220-1.0325. It is far more lower than if the error is calculated using the original Hargreaves equation. It confirms the correctness of the calibration method for different climate conditions.

In a woman with severe Asherman′s syndrome, curettage followed by placement of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) (IUCD with cyclical hormonal therapy) was tried for 6 months, for development of the endometrium. When this failed, autologous stem cells were tried as an alternative therapy. From adult autologous stem cells isolated from patient′s own bone marrow, endometrial angiogenic stem cells were separated using immunomagnetic isolation. These cells were placed in the endometrial cavity under ultrasound guidance after curettage. Patient was then given cyclical hormonal therapy. Endometrium was assessed intermittently on ultrasound. On development of endometrium with a thickness of 8 mm and good vascularity, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer was done. This resulted in positive biochemical pregnancy followed by confirmation of gestational sac, yolk sac, and embryonic pole with cardiac activity on ultrasound. Endometrial angiogenic stem cells isolated from autologous adult stem cells could regenerate injured endometrium not responding to conventional treatment for Asherman′s syndrome.

The present investigation describes adsorption of crystal violet dye from its aqueous solution onto tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit shell powder. Initial concentration, agitation speed and pH with various temperature have been studied, in which pH was found to be most effective. The adsorption data were mathematically analyzed using adsorption isotherm like Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm to study adsorption mechanism of crystal violet onto this seed powder. Freundlich isotherm was found to be most applicable. The equilibrium data were applied to intra-particle diffusion and adsorption kinetics. The reaction was found to be pseudo second order.

The composite of wastewater treatment was carried out using activated charcoal as adsorbent to remove COD, BOD, color in which various parameters like adsorbent dose, contact duration, temperature and agitator speed were considered. The adsorbent behavior can be explained on the basis of Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Maximum removal (87.6, 81.0 and 90.0%) of COD, BOD and color respectively was found at adsorbent dosage of 11 g/L. Also, the textile mill wastewater was treated with different doses of coagulants like alum, ferric sulphate and ferrous sulphate at constant contact duration (4 hours) and room temperature (300 K). Percentage reduction (maximum) corresponds to 80.2, 74.0 and 84.9% was obtained for removal of COD, BOD and color respectively.

The adsorption of basic dye, Methylene Blue Dye (MBD) onto neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder (NLP) and activated NLP with sulphuric acid was compared in this investigation. The surface analyses of NLP and activated NLP (particle size distribution, porosity, pore volume, pore diameter and BET surface area) were conducted using sophisticated instrument. The process parameters like adsorbent dose, pH, temperature and contact duration have been studied. The experimental data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm, in which adsorption capacities and intensities were evaluated. Three kinetic models, pseudo first-, second-order and Elovic equations were applied to describe the adsorption process, in which correlation coefficient for each kinetic equation were calculated and evaluated. First published online: 11 Oct 2012

The novel ligand HL6 was synthesized using anthranilic acid and it was undergo the chelating reaction with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II) to prepare transition metal chelates. These chelates were characterized by physicochemical methods such as elemental analysis, conductometric studies, magnetic susceptibility, FT-IR, NMR and electronic spectra. The stoichiometry of the complexes has been found to be 1: 2 (Metal: ligand). An octahedral geometry around Co(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II), distorted octahedral geometry around Cu(II) and tetrahedral geometry around Zn(II) have been proposed. The antifungal activity of ligand and its metal chelates were conducted against various fungi.