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Background: Surgical treatment is often needed for Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of foot. Even though good outcomes were reported with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) in CN patients, the choice of implant is still an issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of TTCA with retrograde intramedullary nail, in patients with CN. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was done with 41 consecutive patients treated with TTCA with hindfoot retrograde IM nail. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was used for the outcome evaluation, one year after surgery. Results: The mean age was 67.4(±8.7) years, with 63.5% females. Most common cause was diabetes mellitus (75.6%), followed by post-traumatic CN (19.5%) and chronic alcoholism (4.9%). Eleven (26.8%) had good score at the end of 1 year compared to five (12.2%) pre-op and twenty (48.8%) had fair score compared to fifteen (36.6%). The AOFAS score increased one year after surgery (p value 0.001). In twenty (48.8%) patients, the time taken for union was more than 6 months; and in 15 (36.6%) union occurred within 6 months of surgery. Six (14.6%) patients had non-union. Two (4.9%) had deep infection along with non-union. Hardware failure was seen in 3 (7.3%) patients. Hardware failure with non-union was reported in one (2.4%). Four (9.8%) patients had superficial wound infection and amputation done in one (2.4%) patient. Conclusion: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail is an acceptable and safe procedure with good clinical outcomes in patients with Charcot arthropathy which obviates the need for amputation.

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are often complex fractures that are difficult to stabilize. Subchondral raft technique is used to prevent depression and reduction loss using Kirschner wires, lag screws or locking screws with or without plates. The study aimed to assess the functional outcome of lateral tibial plateau fractures fixed with raft plate and the associated complications. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study of 45 consecutive patients with depressed lateral tibial plateau fractures treated with raft plate were studied at a tertiary care centre for a period of one year. Patients were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months. The Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS) was used to assess the functional outcomes. Results: The mean age of the patients was 43.8 ± 10.54 years (range 18-60 years). Male- Female ratio was 2.75:1 (M=33, F=12). Proportion of type II Schatzker fractures was 44.4%. 35 patients (77.8%) sustained injury due to road traffic accident and the rest due to fall. Bone grafting was done in 18 patients (40%). Knee stiffness and flexion less than 95⁰ were noted in 5 patients (11.1%). Superficial wound infection was noted in 2 patients (4.4%). Knee pain was observed in 7 patients (15.6%). Conclusion: Laterally placed raft plate with periarticular locking screws through it offers an excellent method of fixation of tibial plateau fractures, which preserves the anatomical joint line and the normal mechanical axis with minimal complications. Raft plating may obviate the need for dual plating in most of the tibial plateau fractures.

The intent of this research is to have discussions about the transient behavior of a multi-server redundant machining system with a generalized Triadic control policy. Furthermore, the system facilitates a multiple working vacation policy for servers. The relevant rates of the associated birth-death process are chosen in order to frame the differential-difference equations for the system. Using the fourth order Runge-Kutta technique, time-dependent probabilities of the states are derived. Some performance metrics of system such as the average number of failed machines, average waiting time of failed machines, and reliability function are established using the states probabilities. Graphical and tabular representations demonstrate the behavior of these metrics with respect to a variety of system characteristics. Statistical hypothesis testing has been employed to compare the outcomes presented in tabular format. Beside these, numerical findings of the Runge-Kutta method are compared to those delivered by an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) technique.

This article explores the development and applications of a Cu3N/GCE-based sensor using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for selective uric acid (UA) detection in clinical analysis. The sensor achieves a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.57 × 10−8 M and a quantification limit (QL) of 8.102 × 10−8 M, demonstrating its capability to precisely quantify minute UA concentrations. With rapid responsiveness and reusability over 25 days, it offers cost-effective monitoring of UA levels, even in complex sample matrices. Cu3N also exhibits high efficiency in degrading methylene blue (MB), achieving 87.7% degradation under optimized conditions, suggesting its potential as a photocatalyst for environmental remediation, particularly in dye degradation processes. Overall, Cu3N-based technologies show promise in sensitive UA detection for clinical diagnostics, environmental remediation, and industrial catalysis, highlighting its versatility and broad applicability across scientific and practical domains.

Electrification is a path towards decarbonization. Identification of novel nanocarbon materials such as graphene or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offers great potential as a reinforcement material in metal matrix composites (MMCs) due to their superior strength and electrical properties. However, challenges exist in achieving uniform dispersion of graphene during manufacturing. Traditional methods and advanced techniques like chemical vapor deposition or spark plasma sintering have limitations in terms of cost and scale of production. In this research, a friction-stir based novel SolidStir® Extrusion (SSE) technique was used for the in situ synthesis of Al-graphene MMC cables. Key factors and phenomena driving the exfoliation process that leads to graphite → graphene conversion during SSE were studied by comprehensive characterization techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A constitutive Raman analysis revealed that SSE led to the exfoliation of graphite into multilayered graphene. Furthermore, mechanical property characterization and electrical conductivity (EC) tests conducted on SSE-processed Al-graphene MMC cables demonstrated a favorable synergy between strength and EC. The findings of this study provide a benchmark to understand the SSE capabilities to produce next-generation conductive cables for energy and power sectors.

The Brassicaceae family, commonly referred to as cruciferous plants, is globally cultivated and consumed, with the Brassica genus being particularly renowned for its functional components. These vegetables are rich sources of nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals, garnering increased attention in recent years. This study presents a comprehensive microscopic, chromatographic, and spectroscopic characterization of Brassica napus L. seeds from Kazakhstan aimed at elucidating their morphological features and chemical composition. Microscopic analysis revealed distinct localization of flavonoids, total lipids, and alkaloids. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of seed extracts demonstrated a complex chemical profile with significant quantities of non-polar compounds in the hexane extracts. Additionally, methanolic extracts revealed the presence of diverse chemical compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and glucosinolates. The chemical composition exhibited varietal differences across different Brassica species, with B. napus L. seeds showing higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) analysis provided insights into the chemical composition, with sinapine isomers, feruloyl, and sinapoyl choline derivatives as major compounds in the seeds. This study contributes to a better understanding of the chemical diversity and quality control methods’ approximations of B. napus L. seeds, highlighting their importance in functional food and nutraceutical applications.

Abstract The members of the genus Phyllanthus have long been used in the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. They exhibited antiproliferative activity against various human cancer cell lines. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer death among women. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer agent used to treat breast cancer despite its significant cardiotoxicity along with resistance development. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the potential cytotoxicity of P. niruri extracts (and fractions) alone and in combination with DOX against naïve (MCF-7) and doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7ADR). The methylene chloride fraction (CH2Cl2) showed the most cytotoxic activity among all tested fractions. Interestingly, the CH2Cl2-fraction was more cytotoxic against MCF-7ADR than MCF-7 at 100 µg/mL. At sub-cytotoxic concentrations, this fraction enhanced the cytotoxic effect of DOX against the both cell lines under investigation (IC50 values of 0.054 µg/mL and 0.14 µg/mL vs. 0.2 µg/mL for DOX alone against MCF-7) and (1.2 µg/mL and 0.23 µg/mL vs. 9.9 µg/mL for DOX alone against MCF-7ADR), respectively. Further, TLC fractionation showed that B2 subfraction in equitoxic combination with DOX exerted a powerful synergism (IC50 values of 0.03 µg/mL vs. 9.9 µg/mL for DOX alone) within MCF-7ADR. Untargeted metabolite profiling of the crude methanolic extract (MeOH) and CH2Cl2 fraction exhibiting potential cytotoxicity was conducted using liquid chromatography diode array detector-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-QTOF). Further studies are needed to separate the active compounds from the CH2Cl2 fraction and elucidate their mechanism(s) of action.

In this study, we formulate an eight-compartment mathematical model with vaccination as one of the compartments to analyze the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission. We examine the model’s qualitative properties, such as positivity and boundedness of solutions, and stability analysis of the illness-free equilibrium with respect to the basic reproduction number. We estimate ten significant parameters and also compute the magnitude of the basic reproduction number for India by fitting the proposed model to daily confirmed and cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases in India. Sensitivity analysis with respect to basic reproduction number is conducted, and the main parameters that impact the widespread of disease are determined. We further extend this model to an optimal control problem by including four non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical intervention measures as control functions. Our numerical results show that the four control strategy has greater impact than the three control strategies, two control strategies, and single control strategies on reducing the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are very popular among the biomaterials for biodegradable bone implants due to their suitable properties matching with that of human cortical bone. However, their poor corrosion resistance in biological fluid is a major constraint to become an ideal choice for bioimplants. The corrosion resistance of Mg-alloys is further retarded with microstructural impurities such as micro-pores, micro cracks, heterogeneous distribution of alloying element etc., which is commonly present in as-cast Mg-alloys. In present study, Friction stir processing (FSP) has been performed on Mg-2Zn alloy to refine the microstructures as well as to develop Mg-Zn-HA composites by using HA powder reinforcement. HA powder reinforcement was added using micro-grooves and multiple FSP passes on as-cast Mg-2Zn alloy having average grain size of 63.86 µm. Filling HA powder in 2-grooves and using 3-pass FSP, a refined microstructure having an average grain size of 7.15 µm and homogeneous distribution of HA powder was obtained for the developed Mg-Zn-HA composite. The Mg-Zn-HA composite developed with 3-pass FSP treatment has shown significant improvement in tensile strength and corrosion resistance as compared with as-cast Mg-alloy.

Renewable energy sources are emerging to replace conventional energy sources in the energy mix as a result of the growing demand for power and the constraints of existing energy sources. With technological advancements, wind energy has become a promising secondary energy source, resulting in the proliferation of wind farms around the globe to bolster traditional energy systems. This has led to a rapid increase in the incorporation of wind power into the power grid, emphasizing the need to understand its effects on the system's parameters. A range of generators, including DFIG, SG, and SCIG, are used to generate wind power. Due to benefits of separate control over true and wattless power, variable speed operation and maximum power tracking, a DFIG based wind turbine became a favourite choice for power utilities.

To address the worldwide issue of water scarcity, prompt action is required. Solar desalination is one potential sustainable solution that could be considered for this problem. A nano-structure solar still that does not require touch is the subject of this investigation. As a result of the non-contact structure, the solar still structure does not meet water, which not only extends its lifespan but also prevents salt from accumulating when it is doing continuous operation. One side of the non-contact structure is made to be a high absorber of sun’s light, while the other side is made to be a high emitter of the infrared wavelength. A total of three and four centimeters of saline water were used in the experiments that were conducted. The information was gathered over the course of three months to evaluate the performance of the construction in a variety of specific environmental conditions. Several characteristics, such as glass, basin, vapor, water, absorber, ambient temperature, time, and solar intensity, were measured over the course of the experiment. In proportion to the increasing water depth, the NCNS system generates a greater quantity of distillate than the CSS system. When compared to the CSS approach, it generates 15% and 8% more distillate for depths of 3 cm and 4 cm, respectively. Hence, non-contact structure is sustainable solution for solar desalination.

The elevated water tank comprises important structural elements which includes slabs, beams, columns, and footings, facilitating the transfer of loads amongst these contributors and subsequently to the subgrade of the soil. This paper goals is to comprehensively analyze the structural behaviours exhibited by elevated water tanks underneath various loading conditions. The behaviours of multiplied water tanks variety underneath various styles of loadings, inclusive of dead, live, and seismic loads, that are comprehensively analyzed. This paper primarily aims to conduct a hydrostatic evaluation of circular water tanks and emphasizes the necessity of a parametric study. To obtain this goal, 2, 2.5, and 3 lakh litters of tanks are being considered for the analysis which are all examined underneath area III seismic situations whilst keeping a normal height and varying diameters during the simulation. The examination focuses on carrying out a comparative evaluation of critical structural parameters, such as moment, maximum displacement, and maximum base shear. By means of analysing those parameters across various tank capacities, precious insights into the structural reaction of circular elevated water tanks under seismic loading conditions are gained. Those findings contribute to enhancing the design and overall performance of such structures, enhancing their resilience and protection in earthquake-susceptible regions.

As intricate global trade demands new solutions, traditional supply chains struggle with opacity, traceability, and security concerns. In response to the present apprehensions, Blockchain technology (BT) offers an appealing solution through its decentralised and transparent ledger. This paper critically examines the transformative impact of BT on supply chain efficiency, exploring its potential to revolutionise traditional, often opaque, and error-prone systems. This study utilises a systematic literature review of 75 selected papers to provide insights into how blockchain technology is integrated into supply chain management, showcasing its potential. The paper aims to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective on the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain efficiency. It highlights the transformative potential of this technology while emphasising the need for careful consideration of its challenges and limitations before wide-scale adoption.

This study examines the dynamics between the cultivation of biotech plants and food protection on a global scale from 2012 to 2018 which will ensure sustainability in food. The use of facts from the worldwide food security Index (GFSI) and biotech crop cultivation regions, we analyze modifications in food security metrics alongside developments in biotech crop adoption across various international locations. Our findings reveal intriguing patterns, including extensive increases in biotech crop cultivation in Brazil and the United States, coinciding with terrific enhancements in GFSI scores in nations like Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. Conversely, a few countries, such as Burkina Faso and Myanmar, exhibited high-quality shifts in GFSI despite stagnant biotech crop cultivation. Furthermore, simultaneous will increase or decreases in each biotech crop cultivation and GFSI rankings were observed in positive international locations, underscoring the complicated interaction between biotech crop adoption and food security effects. Moreover, we discuss the importance of considering food security at each national and household stages, highlighting the need for nuanced analyses of biotech crop contributions to general food security.

An investigation has been conducted to determine whether or not novel nanocomposite electrolytes have the potential to improve the efficiency and longevity of fuel cell technology. In this investigation, nanocomposite electrolytes were manufactured by using a methodical methodology. The nanoparticles were included into polymer matrices in order to enhance the ion conductivity and mechanical strength of the electrolytes developed. The composition of nanocomposite electrolytes was improved by altering the amount of nanoparticles and polymers that were present. When compared to traditional electrolytes, the introduction of nanoparticles resulted in considerable improvements in the characteristics of the material. These enhancements included a 15% increase in ion conductivity and a 10% increase in mechanical strength. Fuel cell devices that make use of nanocomposite electrolytes have showed improved performance, with a 10% increase in power density and a 15% gain in efficiency when compared to fuel cell devices that make use of traditional electrolytes. In addition, the environmental impact assessment found that the use of nanocomposite electrolytes resulted in a two percent drop in the amount of energy used, a fifteen percent reduction in the amount of waste generated, and a twenty-five percent reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. As a result of these discoveries, the potential ofnanocomposite electrolytes to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of fuel cell technology has been brought to light. This opens the door for the creation of next-generation fuel cells that have increased performance and decreased their effect on the environment.

A worldwide issue affecting the world is waste disposal; hence, the need to construct a waste detection system that is based on deep learning. Ten wastes are evaluated in this article with a view of providing an integrated framework for measurement and evaluation. It also offers a comprehensive account of the wastes studied further by looking at its detail finding and the challenges they pose as well as views associated with waste detection. Recycling both has economical and ecological benefits which help to eliminate pollution. Technology can now be used to turn waste into resource materials thus recycling more than before especially through the use of deep learning among other technologies.

This empirical research offers important insights from simulated industrial situations as it examines security and privacy in AI-driven Industry 5.0. When responding to security problems, participants' remarkable average reaction time of 14 minutes demonstrated their preparedness. On a 5-point rating scale, the clarity and openness of privacy rules were scored 3.8 overall; however, differences between 3.5 and 4.2 indicated the range of privacy issues. These results highlight the need of well-defined security procedures, thorough training, and easily available, transparent privacy regulations in order to manage the ethical integration of AI into Industry 5.0 and promote stakeholder confidence and data protection.

In the study of "Effective Emergency Communication through Public Displays," our research indicates major advancements and problems in using public displays to disseminate essential information during crises. According to data research, there has been a 33% rise in the deployment of high-resolution 4K TVs, showing a technical change toward improved message visibility and clarity. Geographic distribution has improved, with a 10% increase in ideal placements in high-risk regions due to population density and vulnerability evaluations. Message design and content adherence to plain language standards, as well as the usage of visual aids and standardized symbols, have all increased by 5%. The psychological components of message reception highlight the necessity of simple language and high-resolution panels, as LED screens result in a 15% higher message understanding rate than LCD screens, while jargon-laden messages raise audience anxiety levels by 25%. Although resilience evaluations have shown a 15% increase in the existence of backup power supplies and a 10% rise in remote monitoring capabilities, 20% of installations still have physical vulnerabilities. These results suggest a complete strategy to improving the efficacy of public displays for emergency communication, highlighting the need of continual technological improvements and best practices to protect the safety and well-being of different groups during disasters.

In this paper, "AI-Powered Super-Workers," the revolutionary power of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce is empirically shown. Based on real data, the conclusions show significant shifts in work satisfaction and productivity. For example, up to 52% productivity benefits were seen in a variety of professions; one such function was that of a Sales Executive (John Smith, for example), whose productivity rose by 50% after AI integration. Job satisfaction soared, with a significant 46% improvement noted by Employee 1 (John Smith). The 20% boost in skill that Employee 2 (Sarah Johnson) demonstrated highlights the efficacy of AI-driven training. AI use patterns that highlight individual differences in AI adoption include Employee 4 (Emily Brown) using AI for 21 hours. This research may be summarized by the following keywords: AI use, workforce productivity, job satisfaction, skills advancement, and AI integration.

This research carried out a thorough data-driven examination of user behaviour, adoption rates, satisfaction, and energy efficiency in the context of IoT in home automation, within the quickly changing environment of smart homes and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The study found that users interacted with various kinds of IoT devices in diverse ways. Smart security systems and thermostats, for example, were quickly adopted and received high levels of satisfaction. The potential for significant energy savings demonstrated the contribution of IoT devices to sustainability. These results highlight the significance of making well-informed decisions when using IoT technology to create smarter, more efficient, and greener living environments. They also provide useful insights for manufacturers, legislators, and homeowners.

With a mean age of 32.4 years and a balanced gender distribution (55% male, 45% female), we present findings based on a diverse participant sample in this data-intensive study evaluating the "Impact of Online Communities on Civic Engagement: An Inclusivity Assessment Using the Civic Engagement Test," demonstrating the inclusivity of these digital spaces. In online communities, users demonstrated active participation, with an average of 45 posts, 60 likes, and 18 comments. Furthermore, a solid grasp of civic concerns was demonstrated by the civic engagement test results (average score of 82), with 40% exhibiting advanced civic knowledge. The results of inclusiveness evaluations showed that various kinds of communities exhibited variable degrees of inclusivity, highlighting the significance of community design in fostering diversity. These observations highlight the transformational power of online networks in promoting knowledgeable civic involvement and stress the significance of inclusion for the advancement of digital civic engagement.

H-bridge multilevel converter is the most challenging topology from nominal to high power applications. However, when the energy is exchanged between AC side and DC side or vice versa, the fluctuation in the capacitor used in deputize unit is unavoidable. The fluctuation in the deputize unit is due to the increase in the total harmonic distortion by the capacitor in the output voltages. This total harmonic distortion is evaded by exploring the deputize unit capacitor voltage mathematically. This paper proposes the enhanced frequency shift carrier modulation in H-bridge multilevel converter to suppress the influence of fluctuation in deputize unit capacitor voltages. Enhanced frequency shift carrier modulation is considered for nonlinear compensation. The principal results of using this enhanced frequency shift carrier modulation improvise the total harmonic distortion in the output voltage of H-bridge multilevel converter. Simulation and experimental results are done using MATLAB/SIMULINK to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power generated from the optoelectric source in the conversion system and the connected system should satisfy several factors such as high efficiency, less total harmonic distortion, reduced cost, less complexity, better boosting capability, etc. The boosting capability can be achieved by means of single juncture or two juncture architecture in DC–DC boost converter. Among different architecture, the Z-source riven bias inverter controls the parameter on the AC and DC sections. The steady state quantity and the time-varying parameter are regulated by controlling the intonation index. The modulation indexes are framed by digital to look at its supervision theme in grid coupled structure that has certainly not been studied so far. Hence, in this paper, the Z-source riven bias electrical converter modeling has been studied in conjunction with the decoupled space vector modulation as a control technique. The deliberate theme is studied and simulated by using a MATLAB/Simulink model to approve the analysis and simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limonium (L.) gmelinii is a valuable pharmacopoeial Kazakhstani plant. Several studies have reported on the various biological activities of the plant. The purpose of our research was to study and compare the extraction yields, immunomodulatory activities, and chemical compositions of extracts from the above-ground parts of L. gmelinii obtained via conventional extraction (CE; Extract 1) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE; Extract 2). The extracts were characterized by a considerable number of polyphenols and flavonoids: 378.1 ± 4.5 and 382.2 ± 3.3 GAE mg/g, and 90.22 ± 2.8 and 94.61 ± 1.9 QE mg/g in Extract 1 and Extract 2, respectively. Extract 2 had a slightly higher extraction yield (33.5 ± 2.4%) than Extract 1 (30.2 ± 1.6%). Liquid Chromatography–Diode-Array Detection–Electrospray Ionization–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) revealed the presence of 54 biologically active compounds in both extracts. It was shown that the studied extracts stimulate the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by intact mouse peritoneal macrophages and splenic lymphocytes, whilst they have an inhibitory effect on the secretion of these cytokines by activated immune cells. Both extracts demonstrated similar patterns of stimulation and inhibition in a splenocyte proliferation assay. Altogether, the L. gmelinii extracts obtained via CE and UAE might be suggested as effective immunomodulatory agents. The application of UAE for this purpose seems to be more efficient with a view of obtaining of a highly potent extract in a much shorter time.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a commonly used antioxidant added to animal/fish feed to limit lipid autoxidation and peroxidation. Although there have been reviews and reports of BHT toxicity in animals, limited information is available with respect to the toxic effects and accumulation of BHT due to oral exposure in aquaculture species. Therefore, 120 days of feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary BHT on the marine fish olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Graded levels of BHT were added to the basal diet in increments of 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg BHT/kg, corresponding to 0 (BHT0), 11 (BHT11), 19 (BHT19), 35 (BHT35), 85 (BHT85), and 121 (BHT121) mg BHT/kg diets, respectively. Fish with an average weight of 77.5±0.3 g (mean±SD) were fed one of the six experimental diets in triplicate groups. Growth performance, feed utilization, and survival rate were not significantly affected by the dietary BHT levels among all experimental groups, whereas BHT concentration in the muscle tissue was found to increase in a dose-dependent manner up to 60 days of the experimental period. Thereafter, BHT accumulation in muscle tissue showed a declining trend among all treatment groups. Furthermore, the whole-body proximate composition, nonspecific immune responses, and hematological parameters (except triglycerides) were not significantly influenced by the dietary levels of BHT. Blood triglyceride content was significantly higher in fish fed the BHT-free diet compared to all other treatment groups. Thus, this study demonstrates that dietary BHT (up to 121 mg/kg) is a safe and effective antioxidant without exhibiting any adverse effects on the growth performance, body composition, and immune responses in the marine fish olive flounder, P. olivaceus.

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that impairs memory and cognitive function. Dysregulation of the amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathway and amyloid plaque accumulation in the brain are hallmarks of AD. Aducanumab is a human, immunoglobulin gamma 1 monoclonal antibody targeting aggregated forms of Aβ. In phase Ib and phase III studies, aducanumab reduced Aβ plaques in a dose dependent manner, as measured by standard uptake value ratio of amyloid positron emission tomography imaging. The goal of this work was to develop a quantitative systems pharmacology model describing the production, aggregation, clearance, and transport of Aβ as well as the mechanism of action for the drug to understand the relationship between aducanumab dosing regimens and changes of different Aβ species, particularly plaques in the brain. The model was used to better understand the pharmacodynamic effects observed in the clinical trials of aducanumab and assist in the clinical development of future Aβ therapies.

Nickel chromite nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel auto combustion method followed by calcination at different temperatures, 700, 900, 1100 and 1300oC for 8h. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. From the XRD patterns, the Miller indices (hkl) were identified for all the prominent peaks for all the samples, it was clear that the compound crystallized according to spinel structure with a space group of Fd3m. SEM images showed non-uniform agglomerated fragments having a lot of voids and pores. UsingScherrer method, the crystallite size was calculated and found gradually increasing trend with the calcination temperature from 13.73 to 22.33 nm, where as the average grain size was increased from 140.00 to 163.46 nm with calcination temperature. FTIR spectra showed six fundamental absorption bands in the range 500 to 3470 cm-1, whereas the two absorption bands in the range 500-625 cm-1 confirmed the bonding vibrations of metal-oxygen bonds situated at octahedral and tetrahedral sites. UV-Vis spectroscopy was carried out in the wavelength range 200-800 nm and the optical band gap (Eg) was observed in the range 4.2129-4.3115 eV.

Insertion is one of the basic operations in DNA computing. Based on this operation, an evolutionary computation model, the insertion system, was defined. For the above defined evolutionary computation model, varying levels of ambiguity and basic descriptional complexity measures were defined. In this paper, we define twelve new (descriptional) complexity measures based on the integral parts of the derivation, such as axioms, strings to be inserted, and contexts used in the insertion rules. Later, we analyze the trade-off among the (newly defined) complexity measures and the existing ambiguity levels. Finally, we examine the application of the analyzed trade-off in natural languages and modelling of bio-molecular structures.

Abstract Aducanumab is a human immunoglobulin G1 anti‐amyloid beta (Aβ) antibody currently being evaluated for potential treatment of patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. This paper describes the relationship between the population pharmacokinetics (PopPKs) and pharmacokinetics‐pharmacodynamics (PKs‐PDs) of aducanumab using data from phase I to III clinical studies, with standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) used as a PD marker. Across clinical studies, aducanumab was administered intravenously either as a single dose ranging from 0.3 to 60 mg/kg or as multiple doses of 1, 3, 6, or 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks. A titration regimen with maintenance doses of 3, 6, or 10 mg/kg was also evaluated. Aducanumab PK was characterized with a two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. No nonlinearities in PKs were observed. The PopPK‐PD model was developed using a sequential estimation approach. The time course of amyloid plaques, as expressed by composite SUVR measured using positron emission tomography, was described using an indirect response model with drug effect stimulating the elimination of SUVR. None of the identified covariates on PK and the PopPK‐PD model were clinically relevant. The PopPK‐PD model showed that magnitude, duration, and consistency of dosing are important factors determining the degree of Aβ removal. The intrinsic pharmacology of aducanumab remained consistent across studies.

Introduction/Objective Neonatal sepsis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates. Neonates are at risk of sepsis due to several immaturities that they possess inherently. Sepsis is classified as early-onset or late-onset neonatal sepsis. Pathogenesis is different in both types. This study aims to determine the pattern of microorganisms causing sepsis and the clinical presentation of neonates admitted with suspicion of sepsis to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, a tertiary medical care centre. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study performed in Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, India. Results Out of 207 neonates admitted with suspected sepsis, 112 were male and 97 were female. Male to female ratio was 54.1% : 45.9 % (1.2 : 1). On categorizing the newborns based on birth weight, 11 newborns were of very low birth weight, 107 were of low birth weight, 88 had normal birth weight, and one baby weighed more than 4,000 grams. Blood culture was positive in 88 out of the 207 cases (42.51%). Klebsiella was the commonest microorganism causing sepsis (45%) in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Other Gram-negative isolates included Escherichia Coli (31%), Pseudomonas (6%), Enterobacter (1%) and Acinetobacter (2%). The Gram-positive organisms grown were coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (8%), Group B Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus (5%) and Enterococcus (2%). Late-onset sepsis cases were found to be 1.5 times more common than early-onset sepsis. The best overall sensitivity among Gram-negative isolates was to Imipenem (92%), followed by Amikacin (82.66%) and the best sensitivity among Gram-positive isolates was to Vancomycin (84.61%), followed by Cloxacillin and Ampicillin (61.53%). Out of 88 positive cultures, 6 were multi-drug resistant (6.8%). Conclusion Acquiring knowledge about the microorganisms causing sepsis in neonates helps prevent morbidity, mortality and the development of antibiotic resistance.

Introduction Knowledge, attitude and precautionary measures regarding COVID-19 among mothers play an important role in reducing the spread of the infection and helping control the pandemic. It also provides insight into the role of the media in controlling the pandemic. Objective To assess knowledge, attitude and precaution measures (KAP) regarding COVID-19 among mothers in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study regarding COVID-19 which was conducted at a tertiary care obstetric facility in India among 100 consenting mothers. The consenting mothers were assessed for demographic data and KAP scores (Knowledge - 8 questions, Attitude - 7 questions, Precautionary measures - 5 questions). Results A total of 100 mothers participated in the study. 21% of the mothers were less than 25 years of age, 67% of them were between the ages of 25 and 29 and the remaining 12% were between the ages of 30 and 35. The participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire on COVID-19 from which their knowledge was assessed. Common questions were about the type of disease, the mode of transmission and the symptoms. Concerning the current stage of distribution of COVID-19, the majority of the mothers stated that it was a pandemic (81%). Regarding the type of disease, the majority of the mothers stated that it was a communicable disease (79%). When enquired about the symptoms of the disease, the majority of the mothers stated fever (97%), cough (98%), and breathlessness (97%). All of the mothers (100%) agreed that the delivery of the baby should be performed at a hospital if they contracted COVID-19. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the majority of the mothers had satisfactory knowledge, a positive attitude and were applying appropriate precautionary measures to protect themselves from COVID-19.

Identifying novel phytochemical secondary metabolites following classical pharmacognostic investigations is tedious and often involves repetitive chromatographic efforts. During the past decade, Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QToF-MS/MS), in combination with molecular networking, has been successfully demonstrated for the rapid dereplication of novel natural products in complex mixtures. As a logical application of such innovative tools in botanical research, more than 40 unique 3-oxy-, 3, 6-dioxy-, and 3, 6, 27-trioxy-steroidal saponins were identified in aerial parts and rhizomes of botanically verified Smilax sieboldii. Tandem mass diagnostic fragmentation patterns of aglycones, diosgenin, sarsasapogenin/tigogenin, or laxogenin were critical to establishing the unique nodes belonging to six groups of nineteen unknown steroidal saponins identified in S. sieboldii. Mass fragmentation analysis resulted in the identification of 6-hydroxy sapogenins, believed to be key precursors in the biogenesis of characteristic smilaxins and sieboldins, along with other saponins identified within S. sieboldii. These analytes’ relative biodistribution and characteristic molecular networking profiles were established by analyzing the leaf, stem, and root/rhizome of S. sieboldii. Deducing such profiles is anticipated to aid the overall product integrity of botanical dietary supplements while avoiding tedious pharmacognostic investigations and helping identify exogenous components within the finished products.