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This article represents a novel study of the design and analysis of a wind turbine system that includes a line-side permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) with an ultra-step-up DC-DC converter for voltage regulation. Integrating renewable energy sources such as wind power into the grid requires efficient and reliable power conversion systems to handle fluctuating power and ensure a stable power supply. The wind turbine system utilizes a PMSG, which offers several advantages over traditional induction generators, including higher efficiency, reduced maintenance, and better power quality. The line-side configuration allows for increased control and flexibility, allowing the system to respond dynamically to grid conditions. This wind turbine system involves the integration of a grid-side PMSG-fed DC-DC converter between the PMSG and the grid. The converter enables a seamless flow of electricity between the wind turbine and the grid. By actively controlling the intermediate circuit voltage, the converter efficiently regulates the output voltage of the wind turbine and thus enables constant power generation regardless of fluctuating wind speeds. The simulation outcomes illustrate the efficacy of the proposed system in achieving voltage regulation and seamless integration with the grid. Performance is evaluated under various operating conditions and compared to conventional wind turbines., Competing Interests: no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Reddy et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The development of DC microgrids is reliant on multi-input converters, which offer several advantages, including enhanced DC power generation and consumption efficiency, simplified quality, and stability. This paper describes the development of a multiple input supply based modified SEPIC DC-DC Converter for efficient management of DC microgrid that is powered by two DC sources. Here Multi-Input SEPIC converter offers both versatility in handling output voltage ranges and efficiency in power flow, even under challenging operating conditions like lower duty cycle values. These features contribute to the converter's effectiveness in managing power within a DC microgrid. In this configuration, the DC sources can supply energy to the load together or separately, depending on how the power switches operate. The detailed working states with equivalent circuit diagrams and theoretical waveforms, under steady-state conditions, are shown along with the current direction equations. This paper also demonstrates the typical analysis of large-signal, small-signal, steady-state modeling techniques and detailed design equations. The proposed configuration is validated through the conceptual examination using theoretical and comprehensive MATLAB simulation results. Detailed performance analysis has been done for different cases with various duty ratios. Finally, to show the competitiveness, the multi-input SEPIC topology is compared with similar recent converters., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Penile shortening is a recognized but neglected side effect of prostate cancer treatment. In this study we explore the effect of maximal urethral length preservation (MULP) technique on penile length preservation after robot assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). In an IRB approved study, we prospectively evaluated the stretched flaccid penile length (SFPL) pre and post RALP in subjects with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The multiparametric MRI (MP-MRI) was utilized for surgical planning if available preoperatively. Repeated measures t-test, linear regression and 2-way ANOVA analyses were performed. A total of 35 subjects underwent RALP. Mean age was 65.8 yr (SD: 5.9), preoperative SFPL was 15.57 cm (SD: 1.66) and postoperative SFPL was 15.41 cm (SD: 1.61) p = 0.68. No change in the postoperative SFPL was recorded among 27 subjects (77.1%) while 5 subjects (14.3%) had 0.5 cm shortening, and 3 subjects (8.6%) had 1 cm shortening. Pathologic stage, preoperative MP-MRI and body mass index (BMI) were significant predictors of postoperative SFPL on linear regression analysis, p = 0.001. Among 26 subjects with pathologic stage 2 disease, no statistical difference was seen in repeated measures t-test between pre and postoperative SFPL, 15.36 vs 15.3 cm, p = 0.08. All subjects were continent by 6 months postoperatively, with no complications. We demonstrate that incorporating MULP technique and preoperative MP-MRI preserves SFPL in subjects undergoing a RALP., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Surgical staplers and clip appliers are commonly used and have a potential to malfunction, which may result in serious injury or death. These events are self-reported to the Food and Drug Administration and compiled in the Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database. This study characterizes mortality related to surgical stapler and clip applier failure reported in the Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database., Methods: The Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was reviewed between 1992 and 2016 for medical device reports related to surgical staplers and clip appliers filed under the following product codes: GAG, FZP, GDO, GDW, KOG, and GCJ. Adverse events including death and the type of device failure were reviewed. Temporal trends in reported deaths related to device failure were analyzed and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database was used to adjust for annual surgical case volume using linear regression analysis., Results: A total of 75,415 malfunctions, 21,115 injuries, and 676 deaths were associated with the use of surgical stapler and clip applier devices. Most deaths occurred postoperatively (N = 516, 76.3%) and were due to infection/sepsis (N = 89, 17.2%) or vascular injuries (N = 110, 21.3%). Intraoperative mortality (N = 79, 11.7%) was primarily due to vascular injuries (N = 73, 92.4%). Device failures resulting in death were noted both intraoperatively (N = 268, 39.6%) and postoperatively (N = 325, 48.1%). In post hoc root cause analysis, a surgical stapler and clip applier device problem was the most common attributed cause of death (N = 238, 65.4%). In the linear regression analysis, there was a significant increase in the mortality from device failure in the study period after adjusting for annual surgical volume (P < .01)., Conclusion: Mortality related to the use of surgical staplers and clip appliers is increasing. Most deaths occurred postoperatively, and an increased awareness of potential life-threatening complications is warranted when these devices are used., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of two commercially available probiotics (BIFILAC and VSL 3) as intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis in endodontic therapy., Materials and Methods: Microorganisms from commercially available probiotics (BIFILAC and VSL 3) were extracted via the manufacturer's recommendations and mixed by weight. About 30 microliters were then placed on sterile discs. The pathogenic test organism was E. faecalis set to a 1 McFarland standard challenge. A two-probiotic disc template on blood agar plates was inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours and 1 week respectively. Phase-1 of the study was conducted by a disc diffusion assay test to evaluate zones of inhibition (ZOI) in millimeters (mm). Phase-2 was conducted by mixing 9 mL of 30% poloxamer 407 and MRS broth in a test tube, together with the two probiotic mixtures and E. faecalis , set at a 2 McFarland standard. Serial dilutions up to 108 were done and the mixture was placed inside root canals and incubated at 37ºC for 36 hours and evaluated for colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL counts., Results: The results of phase-1 showed that probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium species are effective in fighting against E. faecalis with the acceptable zone of inhibition. The results of phase-2 showed that both the probiotics are effective against E. faecalis with a reduction in the number of CFU after probiotic usage., Conclusion: Commercially available probiotics can be used effectively as an intracanal medicament to fight against E. faecalis , Poloxamer 407 is a promising vehicle for delivering probiotics inside the root canal system. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to determine the full potential of "Bacteriotherapy" with an application of probiotics., Clinical Significance: If probiotics are proved to be an effective intracanal medicament against E.faecalis they can be used as an alternative to calcium hydroxide as intracanal medicament with no side effects to the host.

Aim: To assess the push-out bond strength and tubular penetration of resin-based and bioceramic sealers after employing two collagen cross-linking agents, namely, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on sodium hypochlorite treated root canal dentin., Materials and Methods: Fifty human permanent mandibular premolars selected were decoronated at CEJ, this was followed by cleaning and shaping protocols, root canals were enlarged up to 20 sizes with 6% taper and were randomly divided into the following 5 groups with 10 samples each based on the cross-linking agent and the sealer: • Group I: Irrigation with saline (control). • Group II: Irrigation with cashew nut shell liquid followed by bioceramic sealer obturation. • Group III: Irrigation with cashew nut shell liquid followed by resin-based sealer obturation. • Group IV: Irrigation with EGCG followed by bioceramic sealer obturation. • Group V: Irrigation with EGCG followed by resin-based sealer obturation. Five specimens in each group were evaluated for push-out bond strength with the universal testing machine while the remaining five specimens in each group were evaluated for depth of sealer penetration by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data was recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed., Results: The push-out bond strength was found to be maximum in the apical region in all the five groups followed by the middle third and coronal region. The maximum push-out bond strength was seen in group II followed by groups III and IV, and least in group V. The mean depth of tubular penetration of sealers was found to be effective in the coronal portion followed by the middle third while the apical third region showed the least depth penetration of sealers into the tubules. The maximum penetration of sealers was revealed in group V followed by groups III and IV, and least in group II., Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that push-out bond strength was found to the maximum in specimens irrigated with cashew nut shell liquid and obturated with bioceramic sealer. The maximum push-out bond strength was seen in the apical third of all root canals followed by the middle and coronal region. The scanning microscopic analysis revealed maximum mean tubular penetration in the coronal portion followed by the middle third and apical third. A greater penetration was seen in specimens irrigated with EGCG and obturated with hybrid sealer., Clinical Significance: Selection of sealers plays a pivotal role in the success of endodontic therapy. Leakage-related issues can compromise the bond strength enhancing the bond strength can be achieved through the addition of cross-linking agents.

Background: We performed a retrospective comparison of surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between patients who have undergone prior transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to TURP-naive patients. Methods: Past robotic prostatectomy hospital data were scrutinized to form two matched groups of patients: those who have undergone prior TURP and TURP-naive patients. The perioperative and pathologic data along with functional and oncologic outcomes for a period of 3 years were compared between groups. Results: Compared with TURP-naive patients, prior TURP patients experienced longer robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy times ( p  < 0.001), increased incidence of bladder neck reconstruction ( p  = 0.03), greater blood loss ( p  = 0.0001), and lesser nerve sparing ( p  < 0.01). Complication rates ( p  = 0.3), positive surgical margin ( p  = 0.4), extracapsular disease ( p  = 0.3), or seminal vesicle invasion ( p  = 0.1) were comparable between groups. Continence ( p  = 0.5) and potency ( p  = 0.1) at 1 year were not different between groups. Biochemical recurrence rates were not different at 3 years ( p  = 0.9). Diabetes slowed recovery of continence in patients with prior TURP compared with TURP-naive patients until 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Although prior TURP makes subsequent robotic prostatectomy more technically demanding, it can be safely performed by experienced surgeons without compromising long-term functional or oncologic outcomes.

Background: Cardiac remodeling in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) is complex and incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate cardiac structural and functional changes in a cohort of patients with rheumatic MS using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)., Methods: This retrospective study included 40 patients with rheumatic MS, consisting of 19 patients from India, 15 patients from China, and 6 patients from Mexico (median (interquartile range (IQR)) age: 45 years (34-55); 75% women). Twenty patients were included in the control group. CMR variables pertaining to morphology and function were collected. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences were acquired for tissue characterization. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the chi-square test., Results: Compared to the control group, patients with MS had lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (51% (42%-55%) vs 60% (57%-65%), p < 0.001), lower right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (44% (40%-52%) vs 64% (59%-67%), p < 0.001), higher RV end-diastolic volume (72 (58-87) mL/m 2 vs 59 (49-69) mL/m 2 , p = 0.003), larger left atrial volume (87 (67-108) mL/m 2 vs 29 (22-34) mL/m 2 , p < 0.001), and right atrial areas (20 (16-23) cm 2 vs 13 (12-16) cm 2 , p < 0.001). LGE was prevalent in patients with rheumatic MS (82%), and was commonly located at the RV insertion sites. Furthermore, the patient cohorts from India, China, and Mexico were heterogeneous in terms of baseline characteristics and cardiac remodeling., Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that biventricular dysfunction, right and left atrial remodeling, and LGE at the RV insertion sites are underappreciated in contemporary rheumatic MS. Further studies are needed to elucidate the prognostic implications of these findings., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Aim: Assess role of ADC in differentiating benign and malignant skull lesions and to evaluate the added value of ADC over conventional MRI in facilitating the differentiation., Materials and Methods: 53 patients (24 males, 29 females; age 3-75 years) were subjected to both conventional and Diffusion weighted (DWI) MR imaging. DWI was performed using a single-shot SE EPI sequence with b-values of 0& 1000 s/mm 2 on 1.5 T MR scanner. Margins of the lesion, number, soft-tissue component, local extension, periosteal reaction and enhancement pattern were the parameters used for differentiating benign & malignant lesions by conventional MRI. ADC values (mean of 3 ROIs over solid component) were calculated. Conventional MRI characteristics and ADC value of lesions were evaluated & compared using statistical analysis. These findings were compared and correlated with histopathology of the skull lesions., Results: 24 malignant and 29 benign lesions were identified on HPE (Histopathological examination) in 53 patients. ADC cut-off value of 0.96 × 10 -3  mm 2 /s obtained from ROC curve was found to have 75.47% accuracy, 87.5% sensitivity, 65.52% specificity, 67.74% PPV and 86.36% NPV for differentiating malignant from benign lesions. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were seen in the mean ADC values of malignant (0.64 ± 0.42 × 10 -3  mm 2 /s) and benign lesions (1.14 ± 0.56 × 10 -3  mm 2 /s). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV in differentiating benign & malignant skull lesions were found to be 58.33%, 62.07%, 56% and 64.29% respectively, with diagnostic accuracy of 60.38% on using conventional MRI alone and 75%, 72.41%, 69.23% and 77.78% respectively, with diagnostic accuracy of 73.58% on using conventional MRI with ADC., Conclusion: ADC is a promising non-invasive parameter that facilitates differentiation between benign and malignant skull lesions. It is a robust biomarker to narrow differentials when conventional imaging features are indeterminate., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim of this current study was to compare and evaluate the reversal efficacy of Qmix and chitosan-based irrigation materials quantitatively through the assessment of the push-out bond strength of bioceramic sealer employing universal testing machine and to qualitatively analyze the sealer/dentin interface by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the teeth subjected to fractioned radiation., Materials and Methods: Ninety single-rooted straight human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into six groups ( n = 15) where in three groups comprise Chitosan, Qmix, and EDTA/sodium hypochlorite which were not exposed to irradiation while other three groups were challenged with irradiation protocols. Root canals were prepared with ProTaper universal system and all the samples were irrigated according to the final irrigation protocols and obturated with bioceramic sealers. Dentin slices were prepared with 1 mm thickness from each root third for the estimation of bond strength of sealers to dentin. Qualitative assessment of the sealer-dentin interface was done by scanning electron microscopy. Bond strength data were scrutinized by independent t -test and failure modes using the Chi-square test., Results: Significantly lower bond strength ( p <0.05) was recorded after irradiation compared with nonirradiated group. To quantify the results irrigation protocols, Qmix had highest bond strength followed by chitosan and EDTA/sodium hypochlorite group irrespective of irradiation status. Bond strength values reduced after irradiation in all root thirds irrespective of the irrigation materials. Scanning electron microscope images revealed traces of repair process for Qmix-based irrigation materials than the chitosan-based materials for both irradiated and nonirradiated specimens., Conclusion: All the irrigation materials employed in this study had good bond strength. The specimen irrigated with Qmix had comparatively higher bond strength than the chitosan-based materials. The teeth subjected to irradiation challenge were associated with a decrease in the push-out bond strength of sealers to intraradicular dentin with formation of more gaps and fewer tags at the sealer/dentin interface., Clinical Significance: Selection of ideal irrigation protocols still remains a challenge for the clinical practitioners, and this study explored the utilization of novel materials used for irrigation, especially in the teeth subjected to radiation.

Aim and Objective: To compare and analyze the cyclic fatigue resistance of novel TruNatomy files against the conventionally used rotary files and reciprocating files in a simulated canal system with curvatures in the middle, apical portions root, and S-shaped canal employing scanning electron microscopy., Materials and Methods: Endodontic files tested in the study include ProTaper, HyFlex EDM, Reciproc blue, and TruNatomy files operated in a simulated root canal system. A total of 96 files were employed in this study. They were categorized into four groups. Group 1 employed 24 TruNatomy files, group 2 employed 24 ProTaper gold files, group 3 employed 24 HyFlex EDM files, and group 4 employed 24 Reciproc blue files. All the groups employed eight files each under three subgroups namely A, B, and C representing middle, apical, and double curvatures, respectively. Artificial grooves were incorporated in the stainless steel blocks having three different curvatures. All the file systems were operated with a torque-controlled electric motor. The files were engaged in the artificial canal until the occurrence of fracture. The time required for the fracture was noted. Length of fractured tip was measured using the digital Vernier caliper. The number of cycles of failure (NCF) was calculated. The fractured parts were subjected to scanning electron microscope to analyze the mode of fracture., Results: TruNatomy files had the highest mean NCF values of 588.01 in middle curvature, 1,321 in apical curvature, and 642.5 in S-shaped curvature HyFlex EDM and Reciproc blue file system exhibited comparable cyclic fatigue resistance among them. ProTaper gold file system exhibited least mean NCF values of 158.13 in the middle, 196.5 in the apical curvature, and 116.88 in the S-shaped canal system. Middle portion fractured first than the apical curvature. The mean length of fractured segments was found to be insignificant among the experimental study groups tested., Conclusion: All the file systems employed in the study had good cyclic fatigue resistance while TruNatomy files had the highest cyclic fatigue resistance while HyFlex EDM and Reciproc blue had comparable fatigue resistance. ProTaper gold file system had the least fatigue resistance at different radius of curvature in the simulated canal system in the apical and middle portions and S-shaped root canal., Clinical Significance: The selection of file systems in cleaning and shaping protocols is an enigma to the endodontics. This in vitro study explored the selection protocols for the execution of root canal preparation. Heat treatment of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic files had improved the cyclic fatigue résistance significantly enhancing the clinical life of file systems.

Aim: The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the efficacy of novel propolis-based varnish against the two conventional varnishes on quantitative and qualitative assessments of occlusion of dentin tubules and resistance to erosive and abrasive wears employing scanning electron microscope (SEM)., Methods: Thirty human premolars free from caries extracted due to orthodontic reasons were included in the study. Experimental group was done based on treatment received and divided into three groups. Group A: ClinProXT Varnish ( n = 10), Group B: MI Varnish ( n = 10), and Group C: Propolis Varnish ( n = 10) were applied. Teeth were cleaned and decoronation of crown was done with dentin disks. Dentin specimens of dimension 4 × 4 × 2 mm were prepared and subjected to finishing and polishing. The sample specimens were submersed in EDTA solution for a period of five minutes to open up the dentinal tubules. This was followed by treatment with varnishes and subjection to acidic-abrasive challenge. The specimens were analyzed with an image analyzer connected to SEM for the verification of the number of opened dentin tubules. The parameter assessed in SEM includes size, topography and surface characteristics of dentinal tubule were assessed. The obliteration potential of dentinal tubules was assessed with SEM images. Additionally, the dentin surface loss and resistance to acidic and abrasive wear were also evaluated with SEM. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey's test., Results: MI Varnish caused higher obliteration of dentin tubules followed by ClinproXT Varnish. Propolis Varnish showed the least obliteration of dentinal tubules among tested experimental groups. After acidic-abrasive challenge, Propolis Varnish was found to be more efficient with less material loss among the experimental groups tested. There was an insignificant difference among the MI Varnish and ClinProXT Varnish groups., Conclusion: Simulation of hypersensitive lesions mimicking the clinical scenario was a challenging task in this in vitro study. All varnishes tested in the study had good efficacy in the management of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Propolis-based varnish had good resistance to material loss after subjection to acidic-abrasive challenge among the tested materials. The casein phosphopeptide (CPP)-amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-based MI Varnish had good efficacy to obliterate the dentinal tubules among the tested materials. It was prudent to select the varnishes with good long-term efficacy to survive in the clinical scenario which still remains a challenging task for the clinicians., Clinical Significance: The stability of the varnish plays a vital role in maintenance of its long-term efficacy. The chemical nature along with the ability of the material to interact with the substrate plays a major role in management of DH.

The primary purpose of the study is to evaluate the implementation of Helical TomoTherapy (HT) for eligible stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic body radiotherapy/stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SRS/SBRT/SABR) cases using TomoEDGE option. The study focuses on reduction of treatment time without compromise in plan quality using TomoEDGE. It is a mode in HT that uses a dynamic opening of the jaws during treatment delivery to reduce the dose penumbra which otherwise is not possible with fixed jaws option. Eligible SRS/SBRT/SABR cases of lung, liver, and spine were used in this study. All planning parameters such as dose prescription to target and critical organs, pitch, and modulation factor were same in all the plans of the same patient with modifications in the field width and jaw mode. First set of plans with 2.5 cm width and second set of plans with 5 cm width were done in dynamic TomoEDGE mode. Third set of plans created with 5 cm width fixed jaw mode and fourth set of plans with 2.5 cm fixed jaw mode for comparison purpose were done. Our observations achieved that a significant milestone with reduction of up to 34.3% in treatment time of liver cases, 35.2% in lung cases, and 28.7% in spine cases was observed using dynamic TomoEDGE mode with 5 cm width, while no significant variation in the planning results compared with plans using 2.5 cm dynamic TomoEDGE option. TomoEDGE is an efficient and useful mode in TomoTherapy to reduce the treatment time with bigger field width in SRS/SBRT/SABR cases without significant changes in the plan quality., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Medical Physics.)

Objectives: Cor Triatriatum is a rare anomaly that can either involves the left atrium (Cor Triatriatum Sinister-CTS) or the right atrium (Cor Triatriatum Dexter- CTD). Preoperative identification of this anomaly is important in determining patient treatment course. The objective of this paper is to understand imaging findings, classification and to familiarise the reader with other associated congenital cardiac anomalies that influence patient management., Methods: From the hospital electronic health records (EHR) database, we identified 10 patients of Cor Triatriatum out of 974 patients who underwent cardiac CT between 15 July 2014 and 20 March 2020 for congenital heart disease. Medical records and imaging findings were reviewed retrospectively., Results: Out of 10 patients, nine patients had CTS (90%) and only one patient had CTD (10%). Five out of nine patients (55.5%) had CTS type II and four (44.4%) had CTS type III. The mean of the membrane orifices in CTS type III was 18.5 mm and was 5.78 mm in CTS type II. Pulmonary veins were dilated in all patients of CTS type II (62.5%), two patient of CTS type III (25%) and in only patient with CTD (12.5%). Ostium secundum atrial septal defect was the most common (66%) associated cardiac anomaly, followed by ventricular septal defect (44%)., Conclusions: CT allows excellent pre-operative evaluation of Cor Triatriatum and associated cardiac anomalies., Advances in Knowledge: CT is excellent in making a diagnosis and classifying Cor Triatriatum and for identification of cardiac anomalies and complications associated with it.

Aim and Objective: To compare the effectiveness of three irrigation systems, namely, Endovac system, Max I probe, and Navitip FX, in reduction of Enterococcus faecalis population from the root canal using agar diffusion method., Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted intact human permanent maxillary anterior teeth were selected for this study. In group I, root canals were irrigated using brush covered 30-gauge NaviTipFX. Ultradent in group II root canals was irrigated using brush covered 30-gauge Max-I-Probe Dentsply. In group III, root canals were irrigated using Endoactivator, Dentsply. In group IV, root canal was irrigated by using the Endovac system Sybronendo. The steps followed in the study include preparation of specimen, contamination of the samples followed by conduction of testing procedures with implementation of appropriate irrigation protocols, and sampling procedures., Results: Data were subjected to statistical analysis to interpret the significant differences among various irrigation systems. One-way analysis of variance, Post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis in the present study. Among the experimental groups, group IV showed statistically significant difference in reduction of E. faecalis . There were no statistical differences between them in reduction of E. faecalis in group I and group II compared and represented in Tables 1 and 2., Conclusion: All four irrigation delivery systems have been found to be effective in the reduction of E. faecalis . Endovac showed comparable efficacy in reduction of colony-forming units to that of other delivery systems used in the study. The result has to be validated with in vivo studies and clinical trials of larger sample size., Clinical Significance: Selection of appropriate irrigation system capable of disinfection of canal complexities in apical third with less adverse effects is essential for good clinical success of endodontic treatment.

Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of novel antioxidant oregano against conventional antioxidants sodium ascorbate and green tea through comparison of the baseline weight percentage (wt%) of minerals prior to bleaching with values after bleaching protocols and antioxidant application by employing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDAX)., Materials and Methods: Thirty noncarious, freshly extracted human permanent maxillary incisors without any visible defects were selected as samples. They were divided into three groups ( n = 10) based on the antioxidant treatment received as follows: group I-10% sodium ascorbate solution, group II-10% green tea solution, and group III-5% oregano solution. 35% hydrogen peroxide was employed for bleaching. The wt% of teeth was calculated at three time intervals. The initial wt% was calculated prior to the bleaching procedure. The second one was calculated after subjecting to bleaching protocols, and final one was calculated after antioxidant treatment using EDAX., Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the calcium/phosphorus ratio for the bleached samples in comparison with the sound enamel. There was a comparable and significant increase in the calcium/phosphorus ratio values after application of the antioxidant with insignificant difference among the antioxidants evaluated in the study., Conclusion: Treatment with antioxidants helped in the reversal of mineral loss, which occurred due to the bleaching procedure while the efficacy of 10% oregano on reversal of the calcium and phosphorus ratio was found to comparable to that of 10% sodium ascorbate and green tea., Clinical Significance: Application of antioxidants after bleaching reduced the time delay in performing the adhesive procedures without compromising their clinical efficacy.

Although MRI has a spectrum of findings which help in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) spine, a broad spectrum of spine pathologies resemble Pott's spine on MRI and are often missed due to inadequate clinical details. As a result, patients are often subject to unnecessary biopsy. A blinded radiologist may misdiagnose such mimic cases as TB. Our aim is to enable the reader to learn the main criteria that differentiate spine TB from other spine etiologies that mimic TB. A retrospective search was done and authors collected only MRI spine reports that showed a differential diagnosis or diagnosis of TB spine from the computer-based data records of the institution over a four-year period. This revealed 306 cases of TB spine out of which 78 cases with an alternate diagnosis that resembled TB spine were included. We describe a single institute review of 78 such cases that resemble and mimic Pott's spine on MRI. The cases being: (n = 15) pyogenic spondylitis, (n = 1) brucellar spondylodiscitis, (n = 12) rheumatoid arthritis, (n = 12) metastases, (n = 8) lymphoma, (n = 5) post-trauma fractures, (n = 10) degenerative disc disease, (n = 2) Baastrup's disease, (n = 9) osteoporotic fracture, (n = 3) spinal neuropathic arthritis, and (n = 1) case of Rosai-Dorfman disease. The clinical and radiological findings of all these cases were correlated with lab findings and histopathology wherever necessary. Appropriate recognition of these entities that resemble and mimic TB spine on MRI is important for optimal patient care. This paper exposes radiologists to a variety of spine pathologies for which biopsy is not indicated, and highlights key imaging findings of these entities to facilitate greater diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice., Competing Interests: None

Background: Performing partial nephrectomy (PN) on a cT1 tumor, which postoperatively is upgraded to pT3a can possibly lead to compromise of cancer specific mortality. We therefore aimed to identify risk factors for pathologic T3a upstaging of cT1 tumors and to analyze the association between upstaging, positive surgical margins (PSM) and overall survival (OS)., Methods: The present study included patients who underwent PN for a clinically localized T1 renal mass from two datasets: 1) 1298 patients from a prospectively maintained multi-center database (MCDB); and 2) 7940 patients from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Multivariable logistic regression models within each cohort were used to identify predictors of cT1 to pT3a upstaging and its association with PSM. Cox proportion hazards regression models were used to compare overall survival in the NCDB cohort., Results: The rate of pT3a upstaging was 5.7% (N.=74) in the MCDB and 1.9% (N.=156) in the NCDB cohort. Older age (MCDB OR=1.04, P=0.001; NCDB OR=1.04, P=0.001) and larger tumor size (MCDB OR=1.89, P<0.001; NCDB OR=1.38, P<0.001) increased the likelihood of upstaging. PSM was found to be more likely for pT3a upstaged patients in both cohorts (MCDB 14.9% vs. 3.5%, P<0.001; NCDB 14.8% vs. 8.3%, P=0.006), even when adjusting for tumor size. At short term follow-up (NCDB median follow-up 27.3 months), pT3a upstaging was associated with worse OS in univariable (HR=1.89; 95% CI=1.00, 3.55; P=0.049) but not multivariable analysis (HR=1.63; 95% CI=0.86, 3.08; P=0.131). OS was 93.0% vs. 95.8% at 3 years for those with and without pT3a upstaging, respectively., Conclusions: Larger tumor size and increased age are associated with pathological upstaging to T3a for clinical T1 tumors treated with partial nephrectomy. Steps to improve identification of occult pT3a disease are necessary as its occurrence significantly increased the likelihood of a PSM, both in a high-volume multicenter cohort, as well as, a national data registry.

4-Propylcatechol carbonate is a shelf-stable, renewable C 1 reactant. It is easily prepared from renewable 4-propylcatechol (derived from wood) and dimethyl carbonate (derived from CO 2 ) using a reactive distillation system. In this work, the 4-propylcatechol carbonate is used for the two-step synthesis of carbamates under mild reaction conditions. In the first step, 4-propylcatechol carbonate is treated with an alcohol at 50-80 °C in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as Zn(OAc) 2 ⋅2 H 2 O. With liquid alcohols, no solvent is used and with solid alcohols 2-methyltetrahydrofuran is used as solvent. In the second step, the alkyl 2-hydroxy-propylphenyl carbonate intermediates obtained react with amines at room temperature in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, forming the target carbamates and the byproduct 4-propylcatechol, which can be recycled into a carbonate reactant., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

TomoTherapy ® is a modern radiation treatment technique in which intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is delivered in helical fashion. A two-dimensional (2D) array which has been existing for IMRT patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) verifications for many years is I'MatriXX. Our objectives were to validate this I'MatriXX and to evaluate it for different patient sites and fractionation schedules of TomoTherapy treatment. Twenty-five plans were created with virtual target for different possible pitch values and field widths for validation. Gamma index criteria of 3%/2% dose differences and 3/2 mm distance to agreement were used. QA plans of 26 different treatment sites and different fractionation schedules were used. Results indicated that the matrix response is independent of field width, pitch, and modulation factor of TomoTherapy with 3%, 3 mm criteria. High passing rate ranging from 99.7% to 90.7% was observed for selected patient plans. We found that I'MatriXX 2D array can be utilized for easy and quick TomoTherapy PSQA., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Journal of Medical Physics.)

Objective: To analyze the association of hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus on renal function after partial nephrectomy in patients with normal baseline kidney function., Methods: We identified 453 patients with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 that underwent robotic partial nephrectomy for a cT1 renal mass from 2008 to 2014 using a multi-institutional database. The association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and time (pre-partial nephrectomy to 24 months post-partial nephrectomy) was compared between 269 (59.4%) patients with preoperative hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus and 184 (40.6%) patients with neither hypertension nor diabetes mellitus using a multivariable model adjusting for confounders., Results: The estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly decreased over time for both groups compared with baseline (average units/month: 1.8974 hypertension/diabetes mellitus, 1.2163 no hypertension/diabetes mellitus; P < 0.0001), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease per month reduced over time (P < 0.0001). The estimated glomerular filtration rate began to increase at approximately 12 months for the hypertension/diabetes mellitus group, and at approximately 18 months for the no hypertension/diabetes mellitus group. Although a greater initial decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate after partial nephrectomy was observed for the hypertension/diabetes mellitus group (0.68 units/month), this was not statistically significant (P = 0.0842); and while the rate of recovery from this decline was faster for the hypertension/diabetes mellitus group, this also was not statistically significant (P = 0.0653). The predicted estimated glomerular filtration rate was similar (83 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) for both groups 24 months after partial nephrectomy., Conclusions: There seems to be no significant association between hypertension, diabetes mellitus and renal functional outcome after partial nephrectomy in patients with normal baseline glomerular filtration rate. Renal function declines after partial nephrectomy, but then it recovers, irrespective of the presence of hypertension or diabetes mellitus., (© 2018 The Japanese Urological Association.)

Objectives: Seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) is a risk factor for poor oncologic outcome in patients with prostate cancer. Modifications to the pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy (RP) have been reported to have a therapeutic benefit. The present study is the first to determine if lymph node yield (LNY) is associated with a lower risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) for men with SVI., Methods: A total of 220 patients from 2 high-volume institutions who underwent RP without adjuvant treatment between 1990 and 2015 and had prostate cancer with SVI (i.e., pT3b) were identified, and 21 patients did not undergo lymph node dissection. BCR was defined as a postoperative PSA>0.2ng/mL, or use of salvage androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or radiation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine whether LNY was predictive of BCR, controlling for PSA, pathologic Gleason Score, pathologic lymph node status, NCCN risk category, etc. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine 3-year freedom from BCR., Results: Median number of lymph nodes sampled were 7 (IQR: 3-12; range: 0-35) and 90.5% underwent PLND. The estimated 3-year BCR rate was 43.9%. Results from multivariable analysis demonstrated that LNY was not significantly associated with risk of BCR overall (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98-1.03; P = 0.848) for pN0 (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.03; P = 0.916) or pN1 patients (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.88-1.06; P = 0.468). Overall, PSA (HR = 1.02, P<0.001) and biopsy Gleason sum ≥ 8 (HR = 1.81, P = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of BCR, and increasing LNY increased the likelihood of detecting>2 positive lymph nodes (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.65, P = 0.023)., Conclusion: Seminal vesicle invasion is associated with an increased risk of BCR at 3 years, primarily due to pathologic Gleason score and PSA. Although greater lymph node yield is diagnostic and facilitates more accurate pathologic staging, our data do not show a therapeutic benefit in reducing BCR., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An efficient metal-free cascade reaction between 1-dibromovinyl-2-nitro-substituted arenes and secondary amines results in the formation of polycyclic pseudoindoxyls in a single step. The reaction mechanism leading to these fused ring systems was investigated, and is believed to involve the initial formation of nitroarylated ynamines/ynamides. These intermediates cycloisomerize towards N-alkenyl-tethered 2-aminoisatogens via a carbene intermediate as demonstrated by QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and ELF (electron localization function) analysis. A subsequent intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition afforded the title compounds., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease are under increased risk for renal cell carcinoma development, and radical nephrectomy is the preferred treatment in this setting. Owing to the increased surgical morbidity and mortality, active surveillance (AS) may be a valid option for treatment of small renal masses (SRM). As there is a lack of high-level evidence for treatment recommendations, we performed a survey analysis to analyze the treatment patterns of transplant surgeons., Material and Methods: A 21-question online survey designed to analyze the practice patterns to treat SRM in renal transplant recipient candidates was sent to active transplant centers in the United States. The list of recipients to whom the survey was distributed was obtained with permission from the American Society of Transplant Surgeons., Results: We received 62 responses. All regions of United Network of Organ Sharing were represented. Radical nephrectomy was the preferred treatment (59%, n = 61), followed by AS (21.3%, n = 13), partial nephrectomy (14.8%, n = 9), and focal ablative therapy (4.9%, n = 3). Among the responders whose institutions did not allow AS, 77.4% indicated that if presented with long-term data showing safety of AS, they would perform immediate transplantation and monitor SRM. Responders were more likely to allow immediate transplantation after radical nephrectomy (77.4%), as opposed to partial nephrectomy (58.1%) and focal ablation (45.2%)., Conclusion: Though radical nephrectomy is the preferred treatment, most transplant surgeons would consider AS if long-term safety data were available., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Histological stains are dyes that bind to various tissues. Special stains form an integral part of routine histopathology as an adjunct to Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), and give meaningful diagnostic information of the tissues available. By using routine histological procedure like H&E alone, it is difficult to differentiate the various hard tissues present in the oral pathological lesions. Modified Gallego's stain can be used as one of the differential stain for these hard tissues., Aim: To differentiate various hard tissues of teeth and to identify the presence of hard tissue components in different oral pathological lesions using Modified Gallego's stain under light microscope., Materials and Methods: A total sample of 20 cases, amongst which 10 were human extracted teeth and 10 oral pathological lesions were included. From 10 human extracted teeth, five ground sections and five decalcified sections were prepared. From pathological lesions, two slides of each lesion were prepared. All the sections were stained with Modified Gallego's stain and viewed under light microscopy., Results: In properly stained slides, cementum stained red, dentin and bone stained green and enamel stained pink in colour., Conclusion: Modified Gallego's stain can be used as a differential stain for various hard tissues in oral pathological lesions and also for ground sections for which histochemical stains are very rare.

Introduction: Previous robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) studies have identified various predictors of overall and major postoperative complications, but few have evaluated the specific role of these factors in the development of medical and surgical complications. In this study, we present an analysis of the modifiable and nonmodifiable variables influencing medical and surgical complications in a contemporary series of patients who underwent RAPN and were followed in a prospectively maintained, multi-institutional kidney cancer database., Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent RAPN at four institutions between 2008 and 2015 was performed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of medical and surgical postoperative complications., Results: Data from 1139 patients were available for analysis. Sixty-seven patients (5.8%) experienced a medical postoperative complication, and 82 (7.1%) experienced a surgical complication. Decreasing baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98, p = 0.003), greater estimated blood loss (EBL) (OR = 1.002, p = 0.001), and operating surgeon (OR = 8.01, p < 0.001) were associated with an increased likelihood of surgical complications, while decreasing baseline eGFR (OR = 0.99, p = 0.054) and operating surgeon (OR = 1.96, p = 0.054) were associated with an increased likelihood of medical complications., Conclusion: We present complication risks in a large contemporary cohort of patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) with only 11.3% of patients experiencing a medical or surgical postoperative complication. Prospective candidates for robotic PN with poor baseline renal function and/or risk factors for greater EBL, including a high body mass index, or a complex renal mass should be counseled appropriately on their increased risk for a medical or surgical postoperative complication.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from a urinary stoma is exceedingly rare, and none so far is reported from a cutaneous ureterovesical stoma. Squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs as a late complication of urinary diversion, and we report the first such case in a cutaneous ureterovesical stoma with a review of published literature., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An apparent intramolecular cross-dehydrogenative coupling of N-(3-hydroxy)monoanilide of maleic esters comprising base promoted phenoxide cyclization and subsequent base-mediated aerobic oxidation was developed to synthesize a variety of 2-(6-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetate derivatives. The isolation of intermediate cyclized products during the large scale reactions and their ready dehydrogenation with 1 equiv of base support this proposed two-step path.

Despite advances in the diagnosis of prostate cancer over the past century, it remains a leading cause of cancer related death. A recent recommendation against screening has further complicated the diagnosis and management of this condition. It remains to be demonstrated if newer diagnostic modalities will have an impact on mortality rates. Most certainly, not all prostate cancers need to be diagnosed, and methods of accurately diagnosing those cancers that lead to death needs more work. In this review article, we describe the different techniques, approaches and diagnostic accuracies of the currently used biopsy methods.

Background: Men with pathologic evidence of seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) at radical prostatectomy (RP) have higher rates of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and mortality. Adjuvant radiotherapy (XRT) has been shown to increase freedom from BCR, but its impact on overall survival is controversial and it may represent overtreatment for some. The present study, therefore, sought to identify men with SVI at higher risk for BCR after RP in the absence of adjuvant XRT., Methods: We identified 180 patients in our institutional database who underwent RP from 1990 to 2011 who had pT3bN0-1 disease. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate freedom from BCR for the overall cohort and substratified by Gleason score, PSA, surgical margin status, and lymph node positivity. Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to determine demographic and histopathological factors predictive of BCR. Time-dependent ROC curve analysis was conducted to assess the ability of the UCSF-CAPRA score to predict BCR., Results: Median age was 64 years, and 52.8% of patients were preoperative D'Amico high risk. At RP, 41.4% had a positive surgical margin (PSM), and 12.2% had positive lymph nodes (LN). The most common sites of PSM were the peripheral zone (56.8%) and the apex (32.4%). Positive bladder neck margin (HR = 7.01, P = 0.035) and PSA 10-20 versus ≤10 (HR = 1.63, P = 0.047) predicted higher BCR in multivariable analyses. Median follow-up was 26 months, and 2-, 3-, and 5-year BCR-free rates were 56.1%, 49.0%, and 39.5%. Log rank tests showed that freedom from BCR was significantly less for Gleason 9-10, PSA >20, PSM, and N1 patients. The area under curve (AUC) for CAPRA in predicting BCR was 0.713 at 2 years, 0.692 at 3 years, and 0.641 at 5 years. Increasing CAPRA score was associated with an increased risk of BCR (HR = 1.33, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: pT3b prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease commonly associated with several high-risk features. Stratifying men with SVI by prognostic features (i.e., Gleason, PSA, node status, surgical margin status) and using these features to augment the CAPRA score will improve identification of those at higher risk for BCR that should be strongly considered for adjuvant XRT., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

A poly(3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole)-gold nanoparticle (Au)-tungsten oxide (PEDOP-Au@WO3 ) electrochromic supercapacitor electrode capable of optically modulating solar energy while simultaneously storing/releasing energy (in the form of charge) was fabricated for the first time. WO3 fibers, 50 to 200 nm long and 20 to 60 nm wide, were synthesized by a hydrothermal route and were electrophoretically deposited on a conducting substrate. Au nanoparticles and PEDOP were coated over WO3 to yield the PEDOP-Au@WO3 hybrid electrode. The inclusion of Au in the hybrid was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. The nanoscale electronic conductivity, coloration efficiency, and transmission contrast of the hybrid were found to be significantly greater than those of pristine WO3 and PEDOP. The hybrid showed a high specific discharge capacitance of 130 F g(-1) during coloration, which was four and ten times greater than the capacitance achieved in WO3 or PEDOP, respectively. We also demonstrate the ability of the PEDOP-Au@WO3 hybrid, relative to pristine PEDOP, to perform as a superior counter electrode in a solar cell, which is attributed to a higher work function. The capacitance and redox switching capability of the hybrid decreases insignificantly with cycling, thus establishing the viability of this multifunction hybrid for next-generation sustainable devices such as electrochromic psuedocapacitors because it can concurrently conserve and store energy., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

With more than 60% of radical prostatectomies being performed robotically, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has largely replaced the open and laparoscopic approaches and has become the standard of care surgical treatment option for localized prostate cancer in the United States. Accomplishing negative surgical margins while preserving functional outcomes of sexual function and continence play a significant role in determining the success of surgical intervention, particularly since the advent of nerve-sparing (NS) robotic prostatectomy. Recent evidence suggests that NS surgery improves continence in addition to sexual function. In this review, we describe the neuroanatomical concepts and recent developments in the NS technique of RALP with a view to improving the "trifecta" outcomes.

An efficient and novel synthesis of (R)-rugulactone has been achieved employing Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation of allyl alcohols followed by selective hydride reduction of epoxy alcohols and olefin cross metathesis reactions.

Composites of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole) or PEDOP and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT enwrapped Sb2S3 nanorods have been synthesized for the first time for use as supercapacitor electrodes. Hydrothermally synthesized Sb2S3 nanorods, several microns in length and 50-150 nm wide, offer high surface area and serve as a scaffold for coating conducting polymers, and are a viable alternative to carbon nanostructures. Fibrillar morphologies are achieved for the PEDOP-Sb2S3 and PEDOT-Sb2S3 films in contrast to the regular granular topologies attained for the neat polymers. The remarkably high nanoscale (∼5 S cm(-1)) conductivity of the Sb2S3 nanorods enables facile electron transport in the composites. We constructed asymmetric supercapacitors using the neat polymer or composite and graphite as electrodes. High specific capacitances of 1008 F g(-1) and 830 F g(-1) (at 1 A g(-1)), enhanced power densities (504 and 415 W kg(-1)) and excellent cycling stability (88 and 85% capacitance retention at the end of 1000 cycles) are delivered by the PEDOP-Sb2S3 and PEDOT-Sb2S3 cells relative to the neat polymer cells. A demonstration of a light emitting diode illumination using a light-weight, flexible, supercapacitor fabricated with PEDOP-Sb2S3 and carbon-fiber cloth shows the applicability of Sb2S3 enwrapped conducting polymers as sustainable electrodes for ultra-thin supercapacitors.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in breast cancer tumor invasion and progression. MMP-9 is a member of the MMP family and is also known as Gelatinase B or type IV collagenases (92 kDa) and possesses proteolytic activity against type IV collagen, a major component of the basement membrane. Our study aims to examine the association of Gelatinase B (-1562C > T) promoter polymorphism with breast cancer invasion and progression. The study involves 200 breast cancer patients and age-matched 191 healthy controls. The SNP-1562C > T (rs3918242) in MMP-9 promoter region was examined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis. The genotypes were determined and compared between patients and controls, and the influence of the polymorphism on clinicopathological data was analyzed. The T allele of the -1562C > T MMP-9 polymorphism was detected more frequently in breast cancer patients than controls (p < 0.001). Our results suggest the clinical importance of MMP-9 gene polymorphism (-1562C > T) in breast cancer patients. The study may also help in identifying individuals at risk of developing breast cancer.

Molecular characterization of the insecticide resistance has become a hot research topic ever since the first disease transmitting arthropod (Anopheles gambiae) genome sequence has unveiled in 2002. A recent publication of the Culex quinquefasciatus genome sequence has opened up new opportunities for molecular and comparative genomic analysis of multiple mosquito genomes to characterize the insecticide resistance. Here, we utilized a whole genome sequence of Cx. quinquefasciatus to identify putatively active members of the detoxification supergene families, namely cytochrome P450s (P450s), glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), and choline/carboxylesterases (CCEs). The Culex genome analysis revealed 166 P450s, 40 GSTs, and 62 CCEs. Further, the comparative genomic analysis shows that these numbers are considerably higher than the other dipteran mosquitoes. These observed speciesspecific expansions of the detoxification super gene family members endorse the popular understanding of the involvement of these gene families in protecting the organism against multitudinous classes of toxic substances during its complex (aquatic and terrestrial) life cycle. Thus, the generated data set may provide an initial point to start with to characterize the insecticide resistance at a molecular level which could then lead the development of an easy to use molecular marker to monitor the incipient insecticide resistance in field environs.

Two new degradation products for Anastrozole active pharmaceutical ingredient (ANZ) have been identified and reported in this paper. The ANZ was subjected to thermal, photolytic, oxidative and base stress conditions prescribed by ICH guidelines. Separation of ANZ from its existing impurities and the two new impurities was achieved by using on Oyster ODS-3 (100 mm×4.6 mm×3.0 μm) column with an isocratic mixture of 10 mM ammonium formate and acetonitrile in the ratio 60:40 (v/v). The flow rate was 0.5 ml min(-1). The elution was monitored at 215 nm. An isocratic stability indicating reverse phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) and LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of purity and assay of ANZ through forced degradation studies. The two new impurities detected were further subjected to spectroscopic studies. Based on the results obtained from the different spectroscopic studies, these impurities have been characterized as 2,2'-(5-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-1,3-phenylene)bis(2-methylpropanoicacid) (Diacid) and 2-(3-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-5-(2-cyanopropan-2-yl)phenyl)-2-methylpropanoicacid (Monoacid). ANZ was found to degrade in base, slightly in oxidative degradation conditions. The degradation products were well resolved from main peak and its impurities thus proved the stability, indicating power of the method. The developed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines with respect to specificity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, precision, linearity, accuracy, robustness and system suitability., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

High sensitive rapid gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of four carcinogenic alkyl methanesulfonates viz. methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, isopropyl methanesulfonate and n-butyl methanesulfonate in doxazosin mesylate has been presented by using selective ion monitoring mode. The optimum separation was achieved between methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, isopropyl methanesulfonate and n-butyl methanesulfonate on a DB-5 (30 m×0.32 mm×1.0 μm) capillary column under programming temperature. Acetonitrile, water and ammonia (90:9:1 v/v/v) mixture was used as diluent. Various factors involved in the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method development are also presented. This method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The limit of quantitation of methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, isopropyl methanesulfonate and n-butyl methanesulfonate is 6 ppm with respect to 30 mg/ml of doxazosin mesylate.

Aflatoxin contamination in five varieties of pearl millet (ICMH-451, ICMP-50I, ICTP-8203, WCC-75 and ICMV-155) was studied from field and storage conditions in three districts of Andhra Pradesh State, India and the inter-relationships between various parameters such as stage of grain maturation in the field and insect pest infestation in storage in relation to aflatoxin production were evaluated. Aflatoxin contamination was more frequent in the seed samples collected from the fields during rainy season than winter season. All major aflatoxins were isolated from one or the other varieties of pearl millet, whereas aflatoxin G2 was not commonly observed in the seed samples collected during winter. Among all the varieties tested, ICMH-451 was vulnerable to aflatoxin contamination whereas ICMV-155 was the least susceptible variety. The higher amount of aflatoxins was observed in the matured seed samples followed by pre-matured and milky stage. Among all the toxins reported in the field, aflatoxin B1 was found in higher concentration (185 (μg/kg) followed by B2 (105 μg/kg). The four major types of aflatoxins with higher levels (35, 40, 140, 190 μg/kg of G1, G2, B2, B1 were reported in the rainy season seed samples after six months of storage, whereas aflatoxin G1 was not observed in any variety of stored seed sample from winter. Statistical analysis revealed that the aflatoxin incidence in relation to different parameters studied was significantly different for each factor. The relationship between aflatoxin contamination and insect damaged-grain clearly indicated that the seed samples with 16-40% of insect damage contained higher amounts of aflatoxins (758 μg/kg).

The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HSV-2 infection among sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic attenders of Delhi in India. Out of 128 patients included, 76 were males and 52 were females. Antibodies to HSV 1 and 2 and HIV infection were determined by ELISA. Syphilis seropositivity was determined by VDRL test and confirm by TPHA test. Ulcer scrapping were stained by Giemsa for Herpes progenitalis and Donovan bodies and Grams for Haemophilus decreyi infection. The HSV-2 and HSV-I seroprevalence was found to be 85.2% and 77.3% respectively. 87.3% of HSV-2 seropositive patients were asymptomic. 10.7% of patients had coinfection of HSV-2 and HIV. STDs like syphilis, chancroid, gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis were significantly associated in HSV-2 infection. Thus the study demonstrates high prevalence of HSV-2 infection in Delhi city. Significant association of HSV-2 infection with previous history of STD (p < 0.02) and multiple sexual partners in males was found (p < 0.002).

Studies on one of the protein rich pulses, horsegram (Dolichos biflorus L.) were carried out to know how far these low risk pulses are free from aflatoxin contamination under severe insect infestation in storage. A total of 150 stored seed samples of horsegram were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins by collecting 25 samples each of undamaged and insect damaged seeds of all the three varieties (PDM-1, PHG-1 and HG-96). More than 33% of insect damaged seed samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and B2, whereas less than 8% of the undamaged seed samples contain only low levels of aflatoxin B2. Higher levels of aflatoxin B1 (up to 130 μg/kg) were reported in insect damaged seed samples of all the three varieties under study. The levels of aflatoxin B2 were always lower than aflatoxin B1 of the corresponding seed samples with insect damage. Aflatoxin B1 was reported in both the undamaged and insect damaged seed samples of all the three varieties of horsegram. It is evident from the varietal response studies that PDM-1 and HG-96 varieties of horsegram are highly vulnerable to aflatoxin contamination whereas, PHG-1 variety is relatively less susceptible to it. In general, insect infestation leads to increase in fungal invasion (including aflatoxigenic fungi) and this further enhances the levels of aflatoxin contamination in horsegram seeds.

A biological experiment was conducted to evaluate the ability of glucomannan to adsorb aflatoxin B1(AFB1 and T-2 toxin in gut conditions of broiler chickens. Glucomannan (GM) was tested at 0.1 percent (1kg / ton) on a total of two hundred uniformly weighing five-week-old commercial broiler birds, which were randomly assigned to one of the ten dietary treatments with four replicates each. Four birds were sacrificed at 30 minutes intervals i.e., 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes from each treatment, and the gut contents were collected. The toxin concentrations in the dried gut samples were estimated and percent of AFB1 and T-2 toxin recovered was measured. Thein vivo results revealed that glucomannan had the ability to adsorb Aflatoxin upto 75-90% and T-2 toxin upto 30-35% in gastrointestinal tract of broilers.

The nature and extent of relationship between socioeconomic and behavioral variables and body mass index [BMI = weight (kg)/height (m)2] is studied in a sample of 1119 individuals (456 males and 663 females), aged 18 to 75 years, drawn from socioeconomically diverse populations from southern Andhra Pradesh, India. These populations are categorized into four groups, with graded lifestyles toward urbanization. The BMI of the participants ranged from 12.6 to 35.1 in males and from 12.3 to 34.2 in females. There is an increasing trend in mean BMI until about 50 years, followed by a decline, indicating nonlinear nature of age effects. Mean BMI also increases with better socioeconomic status of the constituent groups and with decreased physical activity level. A trend of a decrease in the proportion of individuals with chronic energy deficiency and an increase in the proportion of obese individuals is also seen from the traditional Yerukala tribe (group 1) to the urbanized group 4, from the lower to the higher income categories, and from heavy to light physical activity types. Smokers show a greater proportion of obese cases compared with nonsmokers. The prevalence of obesity (BMI > or = 25) is 6.6% in males and 10% in females. The results of the analysis of variance suggest that three of the four socioeconomic and behavioral variables (except smoking) show significant effects on age-adjusted BMI, and the R2 suggests that these variables explain 27.4% of variation in males and 17% in females. Although income explains the largest amount of variation (24%) in males, followed by physical activity and group affiliation, in females group affiliation (12.5%), followed closely by income, accounted for most of the variation. Inclusion of age in the model improved explanatory power by 5-7%. The positive association between socioeconomic status and BMI observed in the present study is qualitatively different from the negative association that characterizes contemporary Western populations.