BACKGROUND A complex anal fistula is a challenging disease to manage.AIM To review the experience and insights gained in treating a large cohort of patients at an exclusive fistula center.METHODS Anal fistulas operate...BACKGROUND A complex anal fistula is a challenging disease to manage.AIM To review the experience and insights gained in treating a large cohort of patients at an exclusive fistula center.METHODS Anal fistulas operated on by a single surgeon over 14 years were analyzed.Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was done in all patients.Four procedures were performed:fistulotomy;two novel sphincter-saving procedures,proximal superficial cauterization of the internal opening and regular emptying and curettage of fistula tracts(PERFACT)and transanal opening of intersphincteric space(TROPIS),and anal fistula plug.PERFACT was initiated before TROPIS.As per the institutional GFRI algorithm,fistulotomy was done in simple fistulas,and TROPIS was done in complex fistulas.Fistulas with associated abscesses were treated by definitive surgery.Incontinence was evaluated objectively by Vaizey incontinence scores.RESULTS A total of 1351 anal fistula operations were performed in 1250 patients.The overall fistula healing rate was 19.4%in anal fistula plug(n=56),50.3%in PERFACT(n=175),86%in TROPIS(n=408),and 98.6%in fistulotomy(n=611)patients.Continence did not change significantly after surgery in any group.As per the new algorithm,1019 patients were operated with either the fistulotomy or TROPIS procedure.The overall success rate was 93.5%in those patients.In a subgroup analysis,the overall healing rate in supralevator,horseshoe,and fistulas with an associated abscess was 82%,85.8%,and 90.6%,respectively.The 90.6%healing rate in fistulas with an associated abscess was comparable to that of fistulas with no abscess(94.5%,P=0.057,not significant).CONCLUSION Fistulotomy had a high 98.6%healing rate in simple fistulas without deterioration of continence if the patient selection was done judiciously.The sphincter-sparing procedure,TROPIS,was safe,with a satisfactory 86%healing rate for complex fistulas.This is the largest anal fistula series to date.展开更多
Monolayer and bilayer coatings of TiAlN, AlCrN, and AlCrN/TiAlN were deposited onto tungsten carbide inserts using the plasma enhanced physical vapor deposition process. The microstructures of the coatings were charac...Monolayer and bilayer coatings of TiAlN, AlCrN, and AlCrN/TiAlN were deposited onto tungsten carbide inserts using the plasma enhanced physical vapor deposition process. The microstructures of the coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The SEM micrographs revealed that the AlrN and AlCrN/TiAlN coatings were uniform and highly dense and contained only a limited number of microvoids. The TiAIN coating was non-uniform and highly porous and contained more micro droplets. The hardness and scratch resistance of the specimens were measured using a nanoindentation tester and scratch tester, respectively. Different phases formed in the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The AlCrN/TiAlN coating exhibited a higher hardness (32.75 GPa), a higher Young's modulus (561.97 GPa), and superior scratch resistance (LcN = 46 N) compared to conventional coatings such as TiAlN, A1CrN, and TiN.展开更多
Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of anal fistulas.There is sufficient literature available outlining the interpretation of fistula MRI before performing surgery.However...Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of anal fistulas.There is sufficient literature available outlining the interpretation of fistula MRI before performing surgery.However,the interpretation of MRI becomes quite challenging in the postoperative period after the surgery of fistula has been undertaken.Incidentally,there are scarce data and no set guidelines regarding analysis of fistula MRI in the postoperative period.In this article,we discuss the challenges faced while interpreting the postoperative MRI,the timing of the postoperative MRI,the utility of MRI in the postoperative period for the management of anal fistulas,the importance of the active involvement and experience of the treating clinician in interpreting MRI scans,and the latest advancements in the field.展开更多
In this work, a drilling fluid recipe has been developed by using nanoparticles, to increase the efficiency of drilling operations for maximum accessibility to new & matured oil reserves and suited to various dril...In this work, a drilling fluid recipe has been developed by using nanoparticles, to increase the efficiency of drilling operations for maximum accessibility to new & matured oil reserves and suited to various drilling conditions. The solution to severe drilling problems like pipe sticking, lost circulation, formation damage, erosion of borehole, thermal instability of drilling fluids and insufficient gel properties of the drilling fluids, lies in controlling and optimizing the rheology of the drilling fluid. The inefficiency of the drilling fluid in performing certain functions is mainly due to a lack in a particular rheological property. The performance of the clay composites water-based bentonite drilling mud in terms of its rheological behavior in drilling systems was investigated at various pressures and temperatures. It was found that temperature had a detrimental effect on the rheological properties. The behavior was investigated using synthesized nano bentonite water based drilling fluid. The fluid retained all the desired rheological properties at elevated temperatures and pressures, thus enhanced the possibility of its application in deep wells, where elevated temperatures and pressures were quite common.展开更多
Information systems are one of the most rapidly changing and vulnerable systems, where security is a major issue. The number of security-breaking attempts originating inside organizations is increasing steadily. Attac...Information systems are one of the most rapidly changing and vulnerable systems, where security is a major issue. The number of security-breaking attempts originating inside organizations is increasing steadily. Attacks made in this way, usually done by "authorized" users of the system, cannot be immediately traced. Because the idea of filtering the traffic at the entrance door, by using firewalls and the like, is not completely successful, the use of intrusion detection systems should be considered to increase the defense capacity of an information system. An intrusion detection system (IDS) is usually working in a dynamically changing environment, which forces continuous tuning of the intrusion detection model, in order to maintain sufficient performance. The manual tuning process required by current IDS depends on the system operators in working out the tuning solution and in integrating it into the detection model. Furthermore, an extensive effort is required to tackle the newly evolving attacks and a deep study is necessary to categorize it into the respective classes. To reduce this dependence, an automatically evolving anomaly IDS using neuro-genetic algorithm is presented. The proposed system automatically tunes the detection model on the fly according to the feedback provided by the system operator when false predictions are encountered. The system has been evaluated using the Knowledge Discovery in Databases Conference (KDD 2009) intrusion detection dataset. Genetic paradigm is employed to choose the predominant features, which reveal the occurrence of intrusions. The neuro-genetic IDS (NGIDS) involves calculation of weightage value for each of the categorical attributes so that data of uniform representation can be processed by the neuro-genetic algorithm. In this system unauthorized invasion of a user are identified and newer types of attacks are sensed and classified respectively by the neuro-genetic algorithm. The experimental results obtained in this work show that the system achiev展开更多
OBJECTIVE: Deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus scaber, showed inhibition of the growth of various tumor cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-in...OBJECTIVE: Deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus scaber, showed inhibition of the growth of various tumor cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing capacity of deoxyelephantopin on lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of deoxyelephantopin on A549 cells and normal lymphocytes was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was determined. The self-renewal and proliferating potential of A549 cells after treatment with deoxyelephantopin were examined by colony formation assay. Cellular morphology of deoxyelephantopin-treated cells was observed using phase- contrast microscopy. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated using acddine orange and ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation analysis and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases was detected using fluorogenic substrate specific to caspases 2, 3, 8 and 9 and flow cytometric analysis. The total cellular DNA content and expression of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase was also analyzed. RESULTS: Deoxyelephantopin exhibited cytotoxicity to A549 cells (IC50 = 12.287 μg/mL), however, there was no toxicity towards normal human lymphocytes. Deoxyelephantopin suppressed the colony-forming ability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Acridine orange, ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342 staining showed cell shrinkage, chromosomal condensation and nuclear fragmentation, indicating induction of apoptosis. Deoxyelephantopin increased apoptosis of A549 cells, as evidenced by more TUNEL-positive cells. DNA fragmentation and Annexin V staining revealed late-stage apoptotic cell population. Deoxyelephantopin inhibited A549 cell growth by cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced apo展开更多
Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)offers a potential treatment avenue for hepatic encephalopathy(HE)by leveraging beneficial bacterial displacement to restore a balanced gut microbiome.The prevalence of HE varies w...Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)offers a potential treatment avenue for hepatic encephalopathy(HE)by leveraging beneficial bacterial displacement to restore a balanced gut microbiome.The prevalence of HE varies with liver disease severity and comorbidities.HE pathogenesis involves ammonia toxicity,gut-brain communication disruption,and inflammation.FMT aims to restore gut microbiota balance,addressing these factors.FMT's efficacy has been explored in various conditions,including HE.Studies suggest that FMT can modulate gut microbiota,reduce ammonia levels,and alleviate inflammation.FMT has shown promise in alcohol-associated,hepatitis B and C-associated,and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Benefits include improved liver function,cognitive function,and the slowing of disease progression.However,larger,controlled studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in these contexts.Studies have shown cognitive improvements through FMT,with potential benefits in cirrhotic patients.Notably,trials have demonstrated reduced serious adverse events and cognitive enhancements in FMT arms compared to the standard of care.Although evidence is promising,challenges remain:Limited patient numbers,varied dosages,administration routes,and donor profiles.Further large-scale,controlled trials are essential to establish standardized guidelines and ensure FMT's clinical applications and efficacy.While FMT holds potential for HE management,ongoing research is needed to address these challenges,optimize protocols,and expand its availability as a therapeutic option for diverse hepatic conditions.展开更多
BACKGROUND The transanal opening of intersphincteric space(TROPIS)procedure,performed to treat complex anal fistulas,preserves the external anal sphincter(EAS)but involves partial incision of the internal anal sphinct...BACKGROUND The transanal opening of intersphincteric space(TROPIS)procedure,performed to treat complex anal fistulas,preserves the external anal sphincter(EAS)but involves partial incision of the internal anal sphincter(IAS).AIM To ascertain the incidence of incontinence after the division of the IAS as is done in TROPIS and to evaluate whether regular Kegel exercises(KE)in the postoperative period can prevent incontinence due to IAS division.METHODS Patients operated on for high complex fistulas and having no preoperative continence problem(score=0)were included in the study.All patients were operated on by the TROPIS procedure and were recommended KE(pelvic contraction exercises)50 times/day.KE were commenced on the 10^(th)postoperative day and continued for 1 year.Incontinence was evaluated objectively(by modified Vaizey’s scores)in the immediate postoperative period(Pre-KE group)and on long-term follow-up(Post-KE group).The incontinence scores in both groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy of KE.RESULTS Of 102 anal fistula patients operated on between July 2018 and July 2020 were included in this study.There were 90 males,the mean age was 42.3±12.8,and the median follow-up was 30 mo(18-42 mo).Three patients were lost to follow-up.There were 65 recurrent fistulas,92 had multiple tracts,42 had associated abscess,46 had horseshoe fistula and 34 were supralevator fistulas.All were magnetic resonance imaging-documented high fistulas(>1/3 EAS involved).Overall incontinence occurred in 31%patients(Pre-KE group)with urge and gas incontinence accounting for the majority of cases(28.3%).The mean incontinence scores in the Pre-KE group were 1.19±1.96(in 31 patients,solid=0,liquid=7,gas=8,urge=24)and in the Post-KE group were 0.26±0.77(in 13 patients,solid=0,liquid=2,gas=3,urge=10)(P=0.00001,t-test).CONCLUSION Division of the IAS led to incontinence,mainly urge incontinence,and also to a mild degree of gas and liquid incontinence.However,regular KE led to a significant reduction in incontinence(both in the nu展开更多
BACKGROUND The association of tuberculosis(TB)with anal fistulas can make its treatment quite difficult.The main challenge is timely detection of TB in anal fistulas and its proper management.There is little data avai...BACKGROUND The association of tuberculosis(TB)with anal fistulas can make its treatment quite difficult.The main challenge is timely detection of TB in anal fistulas and its proper management.There is little data available on diagnosis and management of TB in anal fistulas.AIM To detect TB in fistula-in-ano patients were analyzed in different methods utilized.METHODS A retrospective analysis of different methods,polymerase chain-reaction(PCR),GeneXpert and histopathology(HPE),utilized to detect tuberculosis in fistula-inano patients,treated between 2014-2020,was performed.The sampling was done for tissue(fistula tract lining)and pus(when available).The detection rate of various tests to detect TB and prevalence rate of TB in simple vs complex fistulae were studied.RESULTS In 1336 samples(776 patients)tested,TB was detected in 133 samples(122 patients).TB was detected in 52/703(7.4%)samples tested by PCR-tissue,in 77/331(23.2%)samples tested by PCR-pus,3/197(1.5%)samples tested with HPE-tissue and 1/105(0.9%)samples tested by GeneXpert.To detect TB,PCRtissue was significantly better than HPE-tissue(52/703 vs 3/197 respectively)(P=0.0012,significant,Fisher’s exact test)and PCR-pus was significantly better than PCR-tissue(77/331 vs 52/703 respectively)(P<0.00001,significant,Fisher’s exact test).TB fistulas were more complex than non-tuberculous fistulas[78/113(69%)vs 278/727(44.3%)respectively](P<0.00001,significant,Fisher’s exact test)but the overall healing rate was similar in tuberculous and non-tuberculous fistula groups[90/102(88.2%)vs 518/556(93.2%)respectively](P=0.10,not significant,Fisher’s exact test).CONCLUSION This is the largest study of anorectal TB to be published.The detection of TB by polymerase chain-reaction was significantly higher than by histopathology and GeneXpert.Amongst polymerase chain-reaction,pus had a higher detection rate than tissue.TB fistulas were more complex than non-tuberculous fistulas but aggressive diagnosis and meticulous treatment led to comparable overall success ra展开更多
Supralevator,suprasphincteric,extrasphincteric,and high intrarectal fistulas(high fistulas in muscle layers of the rectal wall)are well-known high anal fistulas which are considered the most complex and extremely chal...Supralevator,suprasphincteric,extrasphincteric,and high intrarectal fistulas(high fistulas in muscle layers of the rectal wall)are well-known high anal fistulas which are considered the most complex and extremely challenging fistulas to manage.Magnetic resonance imaging has brought more clarity to the pathophysiology of these fistulas.Along with these fistulas,a new type of complex fistula in high outersphincteric space,a fistula at the roof of ischiorectal fossa inside the levator ani muscle(RIFIL),has been described.The diagnosis,management,and prognosis of RIFIL fistulas is reported to be even worse than supralevator and suprasphincteric fistulas.There is a lot of confusion regarding the anatomy,diagnosis,and management of these five types of fistulas.The main reason for this is the paucity of literature about these fistulas.The common feature of all these fistulas is their complete involvement of the external anal sphincter.Therefore,fistulotomy,the simplest and most commonly performed procedure,is practically ruled out in these fistulas and a sphincter-saving procedure needs to be performed.Recent advances have provided new insights into the anatomy,radiological modalities,diagnosis,and management of these five types of high fistulas.These have been discussed and guidelines formulated for the diagnosis and treatment of these fistulas for the first time in this paper.展开更多
Amidst a concerning surge in urban losses attributed to disasters,this research paper explores the intricate relationship between urban development,disaster mitigation,and resilience emphasizing the significance of ad...Amidst a concerning surge in urban losses attributed to disasters,this research paper explores the intricate relationship between urban development,disaster mitigation,and resilience emphasizing the significance of addressing disaster vulnerability in urban settings,where a substantial portion of the population faces risks stemming from high population density,limited resilience,and inadequate coping capabilities.The study advocates for the integration of disaster resilience principles into the Smart Cities Mission of India,placing particular emphasis on the necessity of developing infrastructure,establishing early warning systems,and fostering community engagement to bolster urban resilience.Furthermore,the paper draws comparisons and parallels between the components of smart cities,mitigation strategies,and disaster resilience,illuminating their interconnectedness and potential synergies.In conclusion,the study recommends the incorporation of essential network elements to establish a Smart Cities Mission that is resilient to disasters,ultimately aiming to safeguard urban communities from the adverse impacts of future calamities.展开更多
The present paper summarises the synthesis of La3+doped zinc oxide nanoparticles using Aloe vera gel by solution combustion method and the characterization using a powder X-ray diffractometer(PXRD),a transmission elec...The present paper summarises the synthesis of La3+doped zinc oxide nanoparticles using Aloe vera gel by solution combustion method and the characterization using a powder X-ray diffractometer(PXRD),a transmission electron microscope(TEM),an X-ray photometric spectrometer(XPS),a Raman spectrometer and their applications in optical devices and latent fingerprinting.PXRD pattern confirms the crystallite size of La3+doped ZnO varies from 13 to 20 nm.Crystallite size varies inversely with doping concentration.Photoluminescence properties are found to be the maximum for 2 mol% doping concentration.PL spectra extends the use of ZnO:La3+nanoparticles in blue green LED.These nanoparticles also have superior property as a fluorescent labels in fingerprints.展开更多
Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)and anode-free LMBs(AFLMBs)present a solution to the need for batteries with a significantly superior theoretical energy density.However,their adoption is hindered by low Coulombic efficie...Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)and anode-free LMBs(AFLMBs)present a solution to the need for batteries with a significantly superior theoretical energy density.However,their adoption is hindered by low Coulombic efficiency(CE)and rapid capacity fading,primarily due to the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)layer and Li dendrite growth as a result of uneven Li plating.Here,we report on the use of a stoichiometric Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)(S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x))MXene coating on the copper current collector to enhance the cyclic stability of an anode-free lithium metal battery.The S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)coating provides abundant nucleation sites,thereby lowering the overpotential for Li nucleation,and promoting uniform Li plating.Additionally,the fluorine(-F)termination of S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)participates in the SEI formation,producing a LiF-rich SEI layer,vital for stabilizing the SEI and improving cycle life.Batteries equipped with S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)@Cu current collectors displayed reduced Li consumption during stable SEI formation,resulting in a significant decrease in capacity loss.AFLMBs with S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)@Cu current collectors achieved a high initial capacity density of 4.2 mAh cm^(-2),70.9%capacity retention after 50 cycles,and an average CE of 98.19%in 100 cycles.This innovative application of MXenes in the energy field offers a promising strategy to enhance the performance of AFLMBs and could potentially accelerate their commercial adoption.展开更多
A generalization of supervised single-label learning based on the assumption that each sample in a dataset may belong to more than one class simultaneously is called multi-label learning.The main objective of this wor...A generalization of supervised single-label learning based on the assumption that each sample in a dataset may belong to more than one class simultaneously is called multi-label learning.The main objective of this work is to create a novel framework for learning and classifying imbalancedmulti-label data.This work proposes a framework of two phases.The imbalanced distribution of themulti-label dataset is addressed through the proposed Borderline MLSMOTE resampling method in phase 1.Later,an adaptive weighted l21 norm regularized(Elastic-net)multilabel logistic regression is used to predict unseen samples in phase 2.The proposed Borderline MLSMOTE resampling method focuses on samples with concurrent high labels in contrast to conventional MLSMOTE.The minority labels in these samples are called difficult minority labels and are more prone to penalize classification performance.The concurrentmeasure is considered borderline,and labels associated with samples are regarded as borderline labels in the decision boundary.In phase II,a novel adaptive l21 norm regularized weighted multi-label logistic regression is used to handle balanced data with different weighted synthetic samples.Experimentation on various benchmark datasets shows the outperformance of the proposed method and its powerful predictive performances over existing conventional state-of-the-art multi-label methods.展开更多
Designing a multi-constrained QoS (Quality of service) communication protocol for mission-critical applications that seeks a path connecting source node and destination node that satisfies multiple QoS constrains such...Designing a multi-constrained QoS (Quality of service) communication protocol for mission-critical applications that seeks a path connecting source node and destination node that satisfies multiple QoS constrains such as energy cost, delay, and reliability imposes a great challenge in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In such challenging dynamic environment, traditional routing and layered infrastructure are inefficient and sometimes even infeasible. In recent research works, the opportunistic routing paradigm which delays the forwarding decision until reception of packets in forwarders by utilizing the broadcast nature of the wireless medium has been exploited to overcome the limitations of traditional routing. However, to guarantee the balance between the energy, delay and reliability requires the refinement of opportunistic routing through interaction between underlying layers known as cross-layer opportunistic routing. Indeed, these schemes fail to achieve optimal performance and hence require a new method to facilitate the adoption of the routing protocol to the dynamic challenging environments. In this paper, we propose a universal cross-layered opportunistic based communication protocol for WSNs for guaranteeing the user set constraints on multi-constrained QoS in low-duty-cycle WSN. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed work, Multi-Constrained QoS Opportunistic routing by optimal Power Tuning (MOR-PT) effectively achieves the feasible QoS trade-off constraints set by user by jointly considering the power control and selection diversity over established algorithms like DSF [1] and DTPC [2].展开更多
Aim: To determine whether there was any regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia, oligozoospermia and mean sperm counts in male partners of infertile couples from different parts of India. Methods: Data o...Aim: To determine whether there was any regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia, oligozoospermia and mean sperm counts in male partners of infertile couples from different parts of India. Methods: Data on 16 714 semen samples analyzed over the past five years from six different laboratories located in five cities of India were collated and evaluated. Results: There was a regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia. The prevalence of azoospermia was extremely high in Kurnool and Jodhpur (38.3% and 37.4%, respectively). There was also a regional variation in the prevalence of oligozoospermia (51%) in Kurnool. There was no significant difference in the mean sperm counts in normospermic men. Conclusion: There is a regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia and oligozoospermia in the male partners of infertile couples from different regions of India. The prevalence of azoospermia in Kumool and Jodhpur is higher than any other worldwide reported literature, Further studies need to be carded out to determine the cause of this. (Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8: 89-93)展开更多
The aim of this editorial is to evaluate the evidence for using pimavanserin for the treatment of Parkinson's disease psychosis(PDP)from randomized controlled trials(RCTs).We only identified two published trials t...The aim of this editorial is to evaluate the evidence for using pimavanserin for the treatment of Parkinson's disease psychosis(PDP)from randomized controlled trials(RCTs).We only identified two published trials that evaluated the use of pimavanserin among individuals with PDP.Both studies found that pimavanserin improved psychotic symptoms among individuals with PDP when compared to placebo.Pimavanserin was fairly well tolerated in both studies and did not appear to cause significant sedation or worsen motor symptoms among individuals with PDP.However,given the limited data,additional confirmatory studies are required before pimavanserin can be considered as a first line agent for the treatment of psychotic symptoms among individuals with PD.展开更多
A comparison of the cDNA sequences (1 056 bp) of Bombyx mori DnaJ 5 homolog with B. mori genome revealed that unlike in other Hsps, it has an intron of 234 bp. The DnaJ 5 homolog contains 351 amino acids, of which 7...A comparison of the cDNA sequences (1 056 bp) of Bombyx mori DnaJ 5 homolog with B. mori genome revealed that unlike in other Hsps, it has an intron of 234 bp. The DnaJ 5 homolog contains 351 amino acids, of which 70 contain the conserved DnaJ domain at the N-terminal end. This homolog orB. mori has all desirable functional domains similar to other insects, and the 13 different DnaJ homologs identified in B. mori genome were distributed on different chromosomes. The expressed sequence tag database analysis of Hsp40 gene expression revealed higher expression in wing disc followed by diapause-induced eggs. Microarray analysis revealed higher expression of DnaJ 5 homolog at 18th h after oviposition in diapause-induced eggs. Further validation of DnaJ 5 expression through qPCR in diapause-induced and nondiapause eggs at different time intervals revealed higher expression in diapause eggs at 18 and 24 h after oviposition, which coincided with the expression of Hsp70 as the Hsp 40 is its co-chaperone. This study thus provides an outline of the genome organization of lisp40 gene, and its role in egg diapause induction in B. mori.展开更多
BACKGROUND Studies have shown elevated C-reactive protein(CRP)to predict mechanical ventilation(MV)in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Its utility is unknown in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD...BACKGROUND Studies have shown elevated C-reactive protein(CRP)to predict mechanical ventilation(MV)in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Its utility is unknown in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD),who have elevated baseline CRP levels due to chronic inflammation and reduced renal clearance.AIM To assess whether an association exists between elevated inflammatory markers and MV rate in patients with stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD and COVID-19.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients with COVID-19 and stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD.The primary outcome was the rate of invasive MV,the rate of noninvasive MV,and the rate of no MV.Statistical analyses used unpaired t-test for continuous variables and chi-square analysis for categorical variables.Cutoffs for variables were CRP:100 mg/L,ferritin:530 ng/mL,D-dimer:0.5 mg/L,and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH):590 U/L.RESULTS 290 were screened,and 118 met the inclusion criteria.CRP,D-dimer,and ferritin were significantly different among the three groups.On univariate analysis for invasive MV(IMV),CRP had an odds ratio(OR)-5.44;ferritin,OR-2.8;LDH,OR-7.7;D-dimer,OR-3.9,(P<0.05).The admission CRP level had an area under curve-receiver operator characteristic(AUROC):0.747 for the IMV group(sensitivity-80.8%,specificity-50%)and 0.663 for the non-IMV(NIMV)group(area under the curve,sensitivity-69.2%,specificity-53%).CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between CRP,ferritin,and D-dimer levels and MV and NIMV rates in CKD patients.The AUROC demonstrates a good sensitivity for CRP levels in detecting the need for MV in patients with stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD.This may be because of the greater magnitude of increased inflammation due to COVID-19 itself compared with increased inflammation and reduced clearance due to CKD alone.展开更多
Forming limit diagram (FLD) is an important performance index to describe the maximum limit of principal strains that can be sustained by sheet metals till to the onset of localized necking. It offers a convenient and...Forming limit diagram (FLD) is an important performance index to describe the maximum limit of principal strains that can be sustained by sheet metals till to the onset of localized necking. It offers a convenient and useful tool to predict the forming limit in the sheet metal forming processes. In the present study, FLD has been determined experimentally for Ti?6Al?4V alloy at 400 °C by conducting a Nakazima test with specimens of different widths. Additionally, for theoretical FLD prediction, various anisotropic yield criteria (Barlat 1989, Barlat 1996, Hill 1993) and different hardening models viz., Hollomon power law (HPL), Johnson?Cook (JC), modified Zerilli–Armstrong (m-ZA), modified Arrhenius (m-Arr) models have been developed. Theoretical FLDs have been determined using Marciniak and Kuczynski (M?K) theory incorporating the developed yield criteria and constitutive models. It has been observed that the effect of yield model is more pronounced than the effect of constitutive model for theoretical FLDs prediction. However, the value of thickness imperfection factor (f0) is solely dependent on hardening model. Hill (1993) yield criterion is best suited for FLD prediction in the right hand side region. Moreover, Barlat (1989) yield criterion is best suited for FLD prediction in left hand side region. Therefore, the proposed hybrid FLD in combination with Barlat (1989) and Hill (1993) yield models with m-Arr hardening model is in the best agreement with experimental FLD.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND A complex anal fistula is a challenging disease to manage.AIM To review the experience and insights gained in treating a large cohort of patients at an exclusive fistula center.METHODS Anal fistulas operated on by a single surgeon over 14 years were analyzed.Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was done in all patients.Four procedures were performed:fistulotomy;two novel sphincter-saving procedures,proximal superficial cauterization of the internal opening and regular emptying and curettage of fistula tracts(PERFACT)and transanal opening of intersphincteric space(TROPIS),and anal fistula plug.PERFACT was initiated before TROPIS.As per the institutional GFRI algorithm,fistulotomy was done in simple fistulas,and TROPIS was done in complex fistulas.Fistulas with associated abscesses were treated by definitive surgery.Incontinence was evaluated objectively by Vaizey incontinence scores.RESULTS A total of 1351 anal fistula operations were performed in 1250 patients.The overall fistula healing rate was 19.4%in anal fistula plug(n=56),50.3%in PERFACT(n=175),86%in TROPIS(n=408),and 98.6%in fistulotomy(n=611)patients.Continence did not change significantly after surgery in any group.As per the new algorithm,1019 patients were operated with either the fistulotomy or TROPIS procedure.The overall success rate was 93.5%in those patients.In a subgroup analysis,the overall healing rate in supralevator,horseshoe,and fistulas with an associated abscess was 82%,85.8%,and 90.6%,respectively.The 90.6%healing rate in fistulas with an associated abscess was comparable to that of fistulas with no abscess(94.5%,P=0.057,not significant).CONCLUSION Fistulotomy had a high 98.6%healing rate in simple fistulas without deterioration of continence if the patient selection was done judiciously.The sphincter-sparing procedure,TROPIS,was safe,with a satisfactory 86%healing rate for complex fistulas.This is the largest anal fistula series to date.
文摘Monolayer and bilayer coatings of TiAlN, AlCrN, and AlCrN/TiAlN were deposited onto tungsten carbide inserts using the plasma enhanced physical vapor deposition process. The microstructures of the coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The SEM micrographs revealed that the AlrN and AlCrN/TiAlN coatings were uniform and highly dense and contained only a limited number of microvoids. The TiAIN coating was non-uniform and highly porous and contained more micro droplets. The hardness and scratch resistance of the specimens were measured using a nanoindentation tester and scratch tester, respectively. Different phases formed in the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The AlCrN/TiAlN coating exhibited a higher hardness (32.75 GPa), a higher Young's modulus (561.97 GPa), and superior scratch resistance (LcN = 46 N) compared to conventional coatings such as TiAlN, A1CrN, and TiN.
文摘Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of anal fistulas.There is sufficient literature available outlining the interpretation of fistula MRI before performing surgery.However,the interpretation of MRI becomes quite challenging in the postoperative period after the surgery of fistula has been undertaken.Incidentally,there are scarce data and no set guidelines regarding analysis of fistula MRI in the postoperative period.In this article,we discuss the challenges faced while interpreting the postoperative MRI,the timing of the postoperative MRI,the utility of MRI in the postoperative period for the management of anal fistulas,the importance of the active involvement and experience of the treating clinician in interpreting MRI scans,and the latest advancements in the field.
文摘In this work, a drilling fluid recipe has been developed by using nanoparticles, to increase the efficiency of drilling operations for maximum accessibility to new & matured oil reserves and suited to various drilling conditions. The solution to severe drilling problems like pipe sticking, lost circulation, formation damage, erosion of borehole, thermal instability of drilling fluids and insufficient gel properties of the drilling fluids, lies in controlling and optimizing the rheology of the drilling fluid. The inefficiency of the drilling fluid in performing certain functions is mainly due to a lack in a particular rheological property. The performance of the clay composites water-based bentonite drilling mud in terms of its rheological behavior in drilling systems was investigated at various pressures and temperatures. It was found that temperature had a detrimental effect on the rheological properties. The behavior was investigated using synthesized nano bentonite water based drilling fluid. The fluid retained all the desired rheological properties at elevated temperatures and pressures, thus enhanced the possibility of its application in deep wells, where elevated temperatures and pressures were quite common.
文摘Information systems are one of the most rapidly changing and vulnerable systems, where security is a major issue. The number of security-breaking attempts originating inside organizations is increasing steadily. Attacks made in this way, usually done by "authorized" users of the system, cannot be immediately traced. Because the idea of filtering the traffic at the entrance door, by using firewalls and the like, is not completely successful, the use of intrusion detection systems should be considered to increase the defense capacity of an information system. An intrusion detection system (IDS) is usually working in a dynamically changing environment, which forces continuous tuning of the intrusion detection model, in order to maintain sufficient performance. The manual tuning process required by current IDS depends on the system operators in working out the tuning solution and in integrating it into the detection model. Furthermore, an extensive effort is required to tackle the newly evolving attacks and a deep study is necessary to categorize it into the respective classes. To reduce this dependence, an automatically evolving anomaly IDS using neuro-genetic algorithm is presented. The proposed system automatically tunes the detection model on the fly according to the feedback provided by the system operator when false predictions are encountered. The system has been evaluated using the Knowledge Discovery in Databases Conference (KDD 2009) intrusion detection dataset. Genetic paradigm is employed to choose the predominant features, which reveal the occurrence of intrusions. The neuro-genetic IDS (NGIDS) involves calculation of weightage value for each of the categorical attributes so that data of uniform representation can be processed by the neuro-genetic algorithm. In this system unauthorized invasion of a user are identified and newer types of attacks are sensed and classified respectively by the neuro-genetic algorithm. The experimental results obtained in this work show that the system achiev
基金Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and University Grant Commission for financial support
文摘OBJECTIVE: Deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus scaber, showed inhibition of the growth of various tumor cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing capacity of deoxyelephantopin on lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of deoxyelephantopin on A549 cells and normal lymphocytes was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was determined. The self-renewal and proliferating potential of A549 cells after treatment with deoxyelephantopin were examined by colony formation assay. Cellular morphology of deoxyelephantopin-treated cells was observed using phase- contrast microscopy. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated using acddine orange and ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation analysis and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases was detected using fluorogenic substrate specific to caspases 2, 3, 8 and 9 and flow cytometric analysis. The total cellular DNA content and expression of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase was also analyzed. RESULTS: Deoxyelephantopin exhibited cytotoxicity to A549 cells (IC50 = 12.287 μg/mL), however, there was no toxicity towards normal human lymphocytes. Deoxyelephantopin suppressed the colony-forming ability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Acridine orange, ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342 staining showed cell shrinkage, chromosomal condensation and nuclear fragmentation, indicating induction of apoptosis. Deoxyelephantopin increased apoptosis of A549 cells, as evidenced by more TUNEL-positive cells. DNA fragmentation and Annexin V staining revealed late-stage apoptotic cell population. Deoxyelephantopin inhibited A549 cell growth by cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced apo
文摘Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)offers a potential treatment avenue for hepatic encephalopathy(HE)by leveraging beneficial bacterial displacement to restore a balanced gut microbiome.The prevalence of HE varies with liver disease severity and comorbidities.HE pathogenesis involves ammonia toxicity,gut-brain communication disruption,and inflammation.FMT aims to restore gut microbiota balance,addressing these factors.FMT's efficacy has been explored in various conditions,including HE.Studies suggest that FMT can modulate gut microbiota,reduce ammonia levels,and alleviate inflammation.FMT has shown promise in alcohol-associated,hepatitis B and C-associated,and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.Benefits include improved liver function,cognitive function,and the slowing of disease progression.However,larger,controlled studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in these contexts.Studies have shown cognitive improvements through FMT,with potential benefits in cirrhotic patients.Notably,trials have demonstrated reduced serious adverse events and cognitive enhancements in FMT arms compared to the standard of care.Although evidence is promising,challenges remain:Limited patient numbers,varied dosages,administration routes,and donor profiles.Further large-scale,controlled trials are essential to establish standardized guidelines and ensure FMT's clinical applications and efficacy.While FMT holds potential for HE management,ongoing research is needed to address these challenges,optimize protocols,and expand its availability as a therapeutic option for diverse hepatic conditions.
文摘BACKGROUND The transanal opening of intersphincteric space(TROPIS)procedure,performed to treat complex anal fistulas,preserves the external anal sphincter(EAS)but involves partial incision of the internal anal sphincter(IAS).AIM To ascertain the incidence of incontinence after the division of the IAS as is done in TROPIS and to evaluate whether regular Kegel exercises(KE)in the postoperative period can prevent incontinence due to IAS division.METHODS Patients operated on for high complex fistulas and having no preoperative continence problem(score=0)were included in the study.All patients were operated on by the TROPIS procedure and were recommended KE(pelvic contraction exercises)50 times/day.KE were commenced on the 10^(th)postoperative day and continued for 1 year.Incontinence was evaluated objectively(by modified Vaizey’s scores)in the immediate postoperative period(Pre-KE group)and on long-term follow-up(Post-KE group).The incontinence scores in both groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy of KE.RESULTS Of 102 anal fistula patients operated on between July 2018 and July 2020 were included in this study.There were 90 males,the mean age was 42.3±12.8,and the median follow-up was 30 mo(18-42 mo).Three patients were lost to follow-up.There were 65 recurrent fistulas,92 had multiple tracts,42 had associated abscess,46 had horseshoe fistula and 34 were supralevator fistulas.All were magnetic resonance imaging-documented high fistulas(>1/3 EAS involved).Overall incontinence occurred in 31%patients(Pre-KE group)with urge and gas incontinence accounting for the majority of cases(28.3%).The mean incontinence scores in the Pre-KE group were 1.19±1.96(in 31 patients,solid=0,liquid=7,gas=8,urge=24)and in the Post-KE group were 0.26±0.77(in 13 patients,solid=0,liquid=2,gas=3,urge=10)(P=0.00001,t-test).CONCLUSION Division of the IAS led to incontinence,mainly urge incontinence,and also to a mild degree of gas and liquid incontinence.However,regular KE led to a significant reduction in incontinence(both in the nu
文摘BACKGROUND The association of tuberculosis(TB)with anal fistulas can make its treatment quite difficult.The main challenge is timely detection of TB in anal fistulas and its proper management.There is little data available on diagnosis and management of TB in anal fistulas.AIM To detect TB in fistula-in-ano patients were analyzed in different methods utilized.METHODS A retrospective analysis of different methods,polymerase chain-reaction(PCR),GeneXpert and histopathology(HPE),utilized to detect tuberculosis in fistula-inano patients,treated between 2014-2020,was performed.The sampling was done for tissue(fistula tract lining)and pus(when available).The detection rate of various tests to detect TB and prevalence rate of TB in simple vs complex fistulae were studied.RESULTS In 1336 samples(776 patients)tested,TB was detected in 133 samples(122 patients).TB was detected in 52/703(7.4%)samples tested by PCR-tissue,in 77/331(23.2%)samples tested by PCR-pus,3/197(1.5%)samples tested with HPE-tissue and 1/105(0.9%)samples tested by GeneXpert.To detect TB,PCRtissue was significantly better than HPE-tissue(52/703 vs 3/197 respectively)(P=0.0012,significant,Fisher’s exact test)and PCR-pus was significantly better than PCR-tissue(77/331 vs 52/703 respectively)(P<0.00001,significant,Fisher’s exact test).TB fistulas were more complex than non-tuberculous fistulas[78/113(69%)vs 278/727(44.3%)respectively](P<0.00001,significant,Fisher’s exact test)but the overall healing rate was similar in tuberculous and non-tuberculous fistula groups[90/102(88.2%)vs 518/556(93.2%)respectively](P=0.10,not significant,Fisher’s exact test).CONCLUSION This is the largest study of anorectal TB to be published.The detection of TB by polymerase chain-reaction was significantly higher than by histopathology and GeneXpert.Amongst polymerase chain-reaction,pus had a higher detection rate than tissue.TB fistulas were more complex than non-tuberculous fistulas but aggressive diagnosis and meticulous treatment led to comparable overall success ra
文摘Supralevator,suprasphincteric,extrasphincteric,and high intrarectal fistulas(high fistulas in muscle layers of the rectal wall)are well-known high anal fistulas which are considered the most complex and extremely challenging fistulas to manage.Magnetic resonance imaging has brought more clarity to the pathophysiology of these fistulas.Along with these fistulas,a new type of complex fistula in high outersphincteric space,a fistula at the roof of ischiorectal fossa inside the levator ani muscle(RIFIL),has been described.The diagnosis,management,and prognosis of RIFIL fistulas is reported to be even worse than supralevator and suprasphincteric fistulas.There is a lot of confusion regarding the anatomy,diagnosis,and management of these five types of fistulas.The main reason for this is the paucity of literature about these fistulas.The common feature of all these fistulas is their complete involvement of the external anal sphincter.Therefore,fistulotomy,the simplest and most commonly performed procedure,is practically ruled out in these fistulas and a sphincter-saving procedure needs to be performed.Recent advances have provided new insights into the anatomy,radiological modalities,diagnosis,and management of these five types of high fistulas.These have been discussed and guidelines formulated for the diagnosis and treatment of these fistulas for the first time in this paper.
基金funding agency in the public,commercial,or not-for-profit sectors.
文摘Amidst a concerning surge in urban losses attributed to disasters,this research paper explores the intricate relationship between urban development,disaster mitigation,and resilience emphasizing the significance of addressing disaster vulnerability in urban settings,where a substantial portion of the population faces risks stemming from high population density,limited resilience,and inadequate coping capabilities.The study advocates for the integration of disaster resilience principles into the Smart Cities Mission of India,placing particular emphasis on the necessity of developing infrastructure,establishing early warning systems,and fostering community engagement to bolster urban resilience.Furthermore,the paper draws comparisons and parallels between the components of smart cities,mitigation strategies,and disaster resilience,illuminating their interconnectedness and potential synergies.In conclusion,the study recommends the incorporation of essential network elements to establish a Smart Cities Mission that is resilient to disasters,ultimately aiming to safeguard urban communities from the adverse impacts of future calamities.
文摘The present paper summarises the synthesis of La3+doped zinc oxide nanoparticles using Aloe vera gel by solution combustion method and the characterization using a powder X-ray diffractometer(PXRD),a transmission electron microscope(TEM),an X-ray photometric spectrometer(XPS),a Raman spectrometer and their applications in optical devices and latent fingerprinting.PXRD pattern confirms the crystallite size of La3+doped ZnO varies from 13 to 20 nm.Crystallite size varies inversely with doping concentration.Photoluminescence properties are found to be the maximum for 2 mol% doping concentration.PL spectra extends the use of ZnO:La3+nanoparticles in blue green LED.These nanoparticles also have superior property as a fluorescent labels in fingerprints.
基金supported by the Creative Research Initiative Program(2015R1A3A2028975)funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)+2 种基金supported by LG energy solution-KAIST Frontier Research Laboratory(2022)the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grants(MSIT,NRF-2021M3H4A1A03047333)supported(funded)by the Semiconductor-Secondary Battery Interfacing Platform Technology Development Project of NNFC
文摘Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)and anode-free LMBs(AFLMBs)present a solution to the need for batteries with a significantly superior theoretical energy density.However,their adoption is hindered by low Coulombic efficiency(CE)and rapid capacity fading,primarily due to the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)layer and Li dendrite growth as a result of uneven Li plating.Here,we report on the use of a stoichiometric Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)(S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x))MXene coating on the copper current collector to enhance the cyclic stability of an anode-free lithium metal battery.The S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)coating provides abundant nucleation sites,thereby lowering the overpotential for Li nucleation,and promoting uniform Li plating.Additionally,the fluorine(-F)termination of S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)participates in the SEI formation,producing a LiF-rich SEI layer,vital for stabilizing the SEI and improving cycle life.Batteries equipped with S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)@Cu current collectors displayed reduced Li consumption during stable SEI formation,resulting in a significant decrease in capacity loss.AFLMBs with S-Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)@Cu current collectors achieved a high initial capacity density of 4.2 mAh cm^(-2),70.9%capacity retention after 50 cycles,and an average CE of 98.19%in 100 cycles.This innovative application of MXenes in the energy field offers a promising strategy to enhance the performance of AFLMBs and could potentially accelerate their commercial adoption.
基金partly supported by the Technology Development Program of MSS(No.S3033853)by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MSIT)(No.2021R1A4A1031509).
文摘A generalization of supervised single-label learning based on the assumption that each sample in a dataset may belong to more than one class simultaneously is called multi-label learning.The main objective of this work is to create a novel framework for learning and classifying imbalancedmulti-label data.This work proposes a framework of two phases.The imbalanced distribution of themulti-label dataset is addressed through the proposed Borderline MLSMOTE resampling method in phase 1.Later,an adaptive weighted l21 norm regularized(Elastic-net)multilabel logistic regression is used to predict unseen samples in phase 2.The proposed Borderline MLSMOTE resampling method focuses on samples with concurrent high labels in contrast to conventional MLSMOTE.The minority labels in these samples are called difficult minority labels and are more prone to penalize classification performance.The concurrentmeasure is considered borderline,and labels associated with samples are regarded as borderline labels in the decision boundary.In phase II,a novel adaptive l21 norm regularized weighted multi-label logistic regression is used to handle balanced data with different weighted synthetic samples.Experimentation on various benchmark datasets shows the outperformance of the proposed method and its powerful predictive performances over existing conventional state-of-the-art multi-label methods.
文摘Designing a multi-constrained QoS (Quality of service) communication protocol for mission-critical applications that seeks a path connecting source node and destination node that satisfies multiple QoS constrains such as energy cost, delay, and reliability imposes a great challenge in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In such challenging dynamic environment, traditional routing and layered infrastructure are inefficient and sometimes even infeasible. In recent research works, the opportunistic routing paradigm which delays the forwarding decision until reception of packets in forwarders by utilizing the broadcast nature of the wireless medium has been exploited to overcome the limitations of traditional routing. However, to guarantee the balance between the energy, delay and reliability requires the refinement of opportunistic routing through interaction between underlying layers known as cross-layer opportunistic routing. Indeed, these schemes fail to achieve optimal performance and hence require a new method to facilitate the adoption of the routing protocol to the dynamic challenging environments. In this paper, we propose a universal cross-layered opportunistic based communication protocol for WSNs for guaranteeing the user set constraints on multi-constrained QoS in low-duty-cycle WSN. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed work, Multi-Constrained QoS Opportunistic routing by optimal Power Tuning (MOR-PT) effectively achieves the feasible QoS trade-off constraints set by user by jointly considering the power control and selection diversity over established algorithms like DSF [1] and DTPC [2].
文摘Aim: To determine whether there was any regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia, oligozoospermia and mean sperm counts in male partners of infertile couples from different parts of India. Methods: Data on 16 714 semen samples analyzed over the past five years from six different laboratories located in five cities of India were collated and evaluated. Results: There was a regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia. The prevalence of azoospermia was extremely high in Kurnool and Jodhpur (38.3% and 37.4%, respectively). There was also a regional variation in the prevalence of oligozoospermia (51%) in Kurnool. There was no significant difference in the mean sperm counts in normospermic men. Conclusion: There is a regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia and oligozoospermia in the male partners of infertile couples from different regions of India. The prevalence of azoospermia in Kumool and Jodhpur is higher than any other worldwide reported literature, Further studies need to be carded out to determine the cause of this. (Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8: 89-93)
文摘The aim of this editorial is to evaluate the evidence for using pimavanserin for the treatment of Parkinson's disease psychosis(PDP)from randomized controlled trials(RCTs).We only identified two published trials that evaluated the use of pimavanserin among individuals with PDP.Both studies found that pimavanserin improved psychotic symptoms among individuals with PDP when compared to placebo.Pimavanserin was fairly well tolerated in both studies and did not appear to cause significant sedation or worsen motor symptoms among individuals with PDP.However,given the limited data,additional confirmatory studies are required before pimavanserin can be considered as a first line agent for the treatment of psychotic symptoms among individuals with PD.
文摘A comparison of the cDNA sequences (1 056 bp) of Bombyx mori DnaJ 5 homolog with B. mori genome revealed that unlike in other Hsps, it has an intron of 234 bp. The DnaJ 5 homolog contains 351 amino acids, of which 70 contain the conserved DnaJ domain at the N-terminal end. This homolog orB. mori has all desirable functional domains similar to other insects, and the 13 different DnaJ homologs identified in B. mori genome were distributed on different chromosomes. The expressed sequence tag database analysis of Hsp40 gene expression revealed higher expression in wing disc followed by diapause-induced eggs. Microarray analysis revealed higher expression of DnaJ 5 homolog at 18th h after oviposition in diapause-induced eggs. Further validation of DnaJ 5 expression through qPCR in diapause-induced and nondiapause eggs at different time intervals revealed higher expression in diapause eggs at 18 and 24 h after oviposition, which coincided with the expression of Hsp70 as the Hsp 40 is its co-chaperone. This study thus provides an outline of the genome organization of lisp40 gene, and its role in egg diapause induction in B. mori.
文摘BACKGROUND Studies have shown elevated C-reactive protein(CRP)to predict mechanical ventilation(MV)in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Its utility is unknown in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD),who have elevated baseline CRP levels due to chronic inflammation and reduced renal clearance.AIM To assess whether an association exists between elevated inflammatory markers and MV rate in patients with stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD and COVID-19.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients with COVID-19 and stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD.The primary outcome was the rate of invasive MV,the rate of noninvasive MV,and the rate of no MV.Statistical analyses used unpaired t-test for continuous variables and chi-square analysis for categorical variables.Cutoffs for variables were CRP:100 mg/L,ferritin:530 ng/mL,D-dimer:0.5 mg/L,and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH):590 U/L.RESULTS 290 were screened,and 118 met the inclusion criteria.CRP,D-dimer,and ferritin were significantly different among the three groups.On univariate analysis for invasive MV(IMV),CRP had an odds ratio(OR)-5.44;ferritin,OR-2.8;LDH,OR-7.7;D-dimer,OR-3.9,(P<0.05).The admission CRP level had an area under curve-receiver operator characteristic(AUROC):0.747 for the IMV group(sensitivity-80.8%,specificity-50%)and 0.663 for the non-IMV(NIMV)group(area under the curve,sensitivity-69.2%,specificity-53%).CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between CRP,ferritin,and D-dimer levels and MV and NIMV rates in CKD patients.The AUROC demonstrates a good sensitivity for CRP levels in detecting the need for MV in patients with stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD.This may be because of the greater magnitude of increased inflammation due to COVID-19 itself compared with increased inflammation and reduced clearance due to CKD alone.
基金The financial support received for this research work from Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, SERB-DST, SR/FTP/ETA0056/2011
文摘Forming limit diagram (FLD) is an important performance index to describe the maximum limit of principal strains that can be sustained by sheet metals till to the onset of localized necking. It offers a convenient and useful tool to predict the forming limit in the sheet metal forming processes. In the present study, FLD has been determined experimentally for Ti?6Al?4V alloy at 400 °C by conducting a Nakazima test with specimens of different widths. Additionally, for theoretical FLD prediction, various anisotropic yield criteria (Barlat 1989, Barlat 1996, Hill 1993) and different hardening models viz., Hollomon power law (HPL), Johnson?Cook (JC), modified Zerilli–Armstrong (m-ZA), modified Arrhenius (m-Arr) models have been developed. Theoretical FLDs have been determined using Marciniak and Kuczynski (M?K) theory incorporating the developed yield criteria and constitutive models. It has been observed that the effect of yield model is more pronounced than the effect of constitutive model for theoretical FLDs prediction. However, the value of thickness imperfection factor (f0) is solely dependent on hardening model. Hill (1993) yield criterion is best suited for FLD prediction in the right hand side region. Moreover, Barlat (1989) yield criterion is best suited for FLD prediction in left hand side region. Therefore, the proposed hybrid FLD in combination with Barlat (1989) and Hill (1993) yield models with m-Arr hardening model is in the best agreement with experimental FLD.