Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by synaptic failure and the excessive accumulation of misfolded proteins especially Aβ and tau, and associated with memory loss and cognitive impairment. Treatment of AD mainly con...Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by synaptic failure and the excessive accumulation of misfolded proteins especially Aβ and tau, and associated with memory loss and cognitive impairment. Treatment of AD mainly consists of symptomatic therapy and disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Several monotherapies including small molecules or antibodies have been evaluated through multiple clinical trials, but a very few have been approved by the USFDA to intervene the disease’s pathogenesis. Past research has shown multifactorial nature of AD, therefore, multi-target drugs were proposed to target different pathways at the same time, however, currently no rationally designed multi-target directed ligand (MTDL) has been clinically approved. Different combinations and bispecific antibodies are also under development. Novel approaches like stem cell-based therapies, microRNAs, peptides, ADCs and vaccines cast a new hope for AD treatment, however, a number of questions remained to be answered prior to their safe and effective clinical translation. This review explores the small molecules, MTDL, and antibodies (monospecific and bispecific) for the treatment of AD. Finally, future perspectives (stem cell therapy, PROTAC approaches, microRNAs, ADC, peptides and vaccines) are also discussed with regard to their clinical applications and feasibility.展开更多
Indigenous peoples are the custodians of traditional knowledge,encompassing their ideas,innovations,and methods.Throughout history,both plants and animals have served as valuable sources for medicinal remedies,capable...Indigenous peoples are the custodians of traditional knowledge,encompassing their ideas,innovations,and methods.Throughout history,both plants and animals have served as valuable sources for medicinal remedies,capable of treating or preventing illnesses.This article aims to offer a concise overview of the traditional medical uses of vertebrates and the derived products in both human and veterinary medicine.Animal species are utilized as raw materials,and the resulting products are employed to cure a wide array of ailments.In different regions of India,indigenous peoples have diverse traditional applications for vertebrates and their by-products,which are utilized to treat human and animal illnesses.In various parts of India,medical practices involve the use of forty percent mammals,seven percent birds,eleven percent reptiles,eight percent fish,and two percent amphibians.Kerala employs around 69 different animal species and their by-products for the treatment of human and veterinary ailments.Similarly,the Theni district of Tamil Nadu utilizes 69 animals,the state of Madhya Pradesh employs 18 animals,the state of Tripura utilizes 25 animals,and the state of Assam employs 44 animals for the treatment of human and veterinary illnesses.Consequently,the main objective of this review is to provide a summary of the traditional therapeutic applications of animals and the resulting products.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Significant bile leak as an uncommon complication after biliary tract surgery may constitute a serious and difficult management problem. Surgical management of biliary fistulae is associated with high morb...BACKGROUND: Significant bile leak as an uncommon complication after biliary tract surgery may constitute a serious and difficult management problem. Surgical management of biliary fistulae is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Biliary endoscopic procedures have become the treatment of choice for management of biliary Gstulae. METHODS: Ninety patients presented with bile leaks after cholecystectomy ( open cholecystectomy in 45 patients, cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration in 20 and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 25). The presence of bile leaks was confirmed by ERCP and the appearance of bile in percutaneous drainage of abdominal collections. Of the 90 patients with postoperative bile leaks, 18 patients had complete transaction of the common bile duct by ERCP and were subjected to bilioenteric anastomosis. In the remaining patients after cholangiography and localization of the site of bile leaks. therapeutic procedures like sphinctero-tomy, biliary stenting and nasobiliary drainage ( NBD ) were performed. If residual stones were seen in the common bile duct, sphincterotomy was followed by stone extraction using dormia basket. Nasobiliary drain or stents of 7F size were placed according to the standard techniques. The NBD was removed when bile leak stopped and closure of the fistula confirmed cholangiographically. The stents were removed after an interval of 6-8 weeks. RESULTS: Bile leaks in 72 patients occurred in the cystic duct (38 patients), the common bile duct (30 ), and the right hepatic duct (4). Of the 72 patients with post-operative bile leak, 24 had associated retained common bile duct stones and 1 had ascaris in common bile duct. All the 72 patients were subjected to therapeutic procedures including sphincterotomy with stone extraction followed by biliary stenting (24 patients), removal of ascaris and biliary stenting (1), sphincterotomy with biliary stenting (18), sphincterotomy with NBD (12), biliary stenting alone (12), and NBD alone (5). Bile leaks stopped in all patients at a median interval of 3 days (range 3-16 days) after endoscopic in- terventions. No difference was observed in efficacy and in time for the treatment of bile leak by sphincterotomy with endoprosthesis or endoprosthesis alone in patients with bile leak after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Post-cholecystectomy bile leaks occur most commonly in the cystic duct and associated common bile duct stones are found in one-third of cases. Endoscopic therapy is safe and effective in the management of bile leaks and fistulae after surgery. Sphincterotomy with endoprosthesis or endoprosthesis alone is equally effective in the management of postoperative bile leak.展开更多
Aim： To determine if Yq microdeletion frequency and loci of deletion are similar in two tissues （blood and sperm） of different embryological origin. Methods： The present study included 52 infertile oligozoospermic...Aim： To determine if Yq microdeletion frequency and loci of deletion are similar in two tissues （blood and sperm） of different embryological origin. Methods： The present study included 52 infertile oligozoospermic cases. In each case, DNA was isolated from blood and sperms and polymerase chain reaction （PCR） microdeletion analysis was done from genomic DNA isolated from both the tissues. The PCR products were analyzed on a 1.8% agarose gel. PCR amplifications found to be negative were repeated at least three times to confirm the deletion of a given marker. Results： Only 1 case harbored microdeletion in blood DNA, whereas 4 cases harbored microdeletion in sperm DNA. Conclusion： The frequency of Yq microdeletions is higher in germ cells as compared to blood. As the majority of infertile couples opt for assisted reproduction procreation techniques （ART）, Yq microdeletion screening from germ cells is important to understand the genetic basis of infertility, to provide comprehensive counseling and most adapted therapeutics to the infertile couple.展开更多
factors viz., soil moisture and light in- tensity are important factors that affect natural regeneration in forests. These factors vary spatially depending on the overhead canopy density of the forest. The present stu...factors viz., soil moisture and light in- tensity are important factors that affect natural regeneration in forests. These factors vary spatially depending on the overhead canopy density of the forest. The present study focused on studying the effect of variation of soil moisture and light intensity on natural regeneration of sal species （Shorea robusta） under different micro-environments due to overhead canopy of varying forest density. Experimental plots of 40m× 40m size were laid under different overhead canopy densities in a small sal forested watershed in the foot hills of Himalayas in Nainital District of Uttarakhand State, India. The plots were monitored on a long term basis for soil moisture at multi depths, light intensity and natural regeneration of sal. The results of the study revealed that the natural regeneration was highest under C1 （up to-0.30） canopy followed by C2 （0.30-0.50）, and C3 （0.50-0.70） canopies. The C3 canopy showed the dying back of sal shoots over 4 years of study. The highest R2 value of linear regression between incremental score of plot regeneration and average soil moisture content was obtained as 0.156 for average soil moisture content during months at 100 cm depth. The R2 value between incremental score of plot regeneration and annual average light intensity was obtained as 0.688 which indicated that the regeneration is largely dependent on the light intensity conditions during the year. The multiple linear regression analysis between the incremental score of regeneration and the average light intensity and average soil moisture content revealed that that about 80% of variation in regeneration is explained by both the factors.展开更多
In the present work, for the first time on the basis ofpoly （vinyl alcohol） （PVA）, 2- （4-dimethylaminostyryl）-l-ethylquinolinium iodide （quinaldine red （QR）） and trisodium （4E）-5-oxo- 1-（4-sulfonatophenyl...In the present work, for the first time on the basis ofpoly （vinyl alcohol） （PVA）, 2- （4-dimethylaminostyryl）-l-ethylquinolinium iodide （quinaldine red （QR）） and trisodium （4E）-5-oxo- 1-（4-sulfonatophenyl）-4-[（4-sulfonatophenyl）hydrazono]-3 pyrazolecarboxylate （tartrazine （T））, thermostable polarizing film in a wide range of spectra （λmax=394-511 nm） with polarization efficiency （PE） = 98% in absorption maximum and stretching degree （Rs） = 3.5 was developed. The basic spectral-polarization parameters （polarization efficiency and transmittance） of oriented colored PVA-films were measured and discussed. During the work it was found that oriented PVA-films are the phenomenon of anisotropy of thermal conductivity （λ｜/λ⊥）. It is a very important parameter for the development of thermostable PVA-polarizing films. For the first time quantum-chemical calculations using density functional theory （DFT） approach for structural analysis and electronic spectrum of the QR were carried out via the B3LYP/dgdzvp and TDB3LYP/dgdzvp methods. Interpretation of absorption strips in visible region of spectrum was also reported. The excitation energies, electronic transitions and oscillator strengths for the studied structures have also been calculated （B3LYP/dgdzvp）. The NBO analysis and Mulliken atomic charges of the QR were carried out.展开更多
Soy protein isolate(SPI)biopolymeric films were prepared by adding different contents of mandelic acid(1 to 5%wrt SPI)to glycerol plasticized SPI by solution casting method.Also,SPI was fermented by Bacillus subtilis ...Soy protein isolate(SPI)biopolymeric films were prepared by adding different contents of mandelic acid(1 to 5%wrt SPI)to glycerol plasticized SPI by solution casting method.Also,SPI was fermented by Bacillus subtilis to get fermented SPI films by solution casting.Molecular mass determination of mandelic acid incorporated and fermented SPI films was carried out by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE).Mandelic acid incorporated and fermented SPI films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA),tensile strength,water uptake and optical transmittance studies.Results indicated that incorporation of mandelic acid in SPI resulted in high tensile strength(8.03 MPa)and highα-relaxation(Tα)as well as low water uptake.On the other hand,films cannot be prepared from fermented SPI with SPI contents of 8%and 12%.However,film from fermented SPI with 16%SPI content could be prepared but it exhibited low tensile strength(3.18 MPa)and low Tαas well as high water uptake.The resulting mandelic acid incorporated SPI films were also subjected to antimicrobial studies.At all the concentration of mandelic acid,we can easily observe the antimicrobial effect in mandelic acid incorporated SPI films unlike fermented SPI films.This work will be helpful in fabricating antimicrobial SPI film from renewable resources.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology of candidiasis and the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species isolated from the intensive care unit(ICU) patients.Methods: The study used a qualitative descriptive...Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology of candidiasis and the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species isolated from the intensive care unit(ICU) patients.Methods: The study used a qualitative descriptive design. Relevant samples depending on organ system involvement from 100 ICU patients were collected and processed.Identification and speciation of the isolates was conducted by the biochemical tests.Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out as per CLSI-M27-A3 document.Results: Ninety Candida isolates were isolated from the different clinical samples: urine(43.3%), tracheal aspirate(31.1%), urinary catheter(12.2%), endotracheal tube(7.8%),abdominal drains(3.3%), sputum(2.2%). The incidence of candidiasis caused by nonalbicans Candida(NAC) species(63.3%) was higher than Candida albicans(36.7%).The various NAC species were isolated as: Candida tropicalis(41.1%), Candida glabrata(10%), Candida parapsilosis(6.7%), Candida krusei(3.3%) and Candida kefyr(2.2%). The overall isolation rate of Candida species from samples was 53.3%. Antifungal susceptibility indicated that 37.8% and 7.8% of the Candida isolates were resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, respectively.Conclusions: Predominance of NAC species in ICU patients along with the increasing resistance being recorded to fluconazole which has a major bearing on the morbidity and management of these patients and needs to be further worked upon.展开更多
To evaluate the response to lime on cultivars of ricebean(Vigna umbellata), a field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive rabi seasons of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 in the Nagaland foothills, India. The e...To evaluate the response to lime on cultivars of ricebean(Vigna umbellata), a field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive rabi seasons of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 in the Nagaland foothills, India. The experiment used a split-plot design with four levels of lime(control, 0.2, 0.4and 0.6 t ha-1) in main plots and four ricebean cultivars(RBS-16, RBS-53, PRR-2, and RCRB-4) in sub-plots with three replicates. The results revealed that increasing levels of lime(in the furrow)from 0 to 0.6 t ha-1significantly increased growth, yield attributes and yield. The quality parameters of ricebean were also influenced significantly by the application of lime. Maximum gross return(INR 39,098 ha-1), net return(INR 27,281 ha-1), benefit:cost(B:C) ratio(2.29),production efficiency, and economic efficiency were also realized with the application of lime at 0.6 t ha-1. Among the ricebean cultivars, RBS-53 produced significantly higher growth, yield attributes, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Similarly, yield and protein content were higher in RBS-53. Maximum gross return, net return, B:C ratio, production efficiency, and economic efficiency were observed for RBS-53.展开更多
In this paper,we proposed an innovation diffusion model with three compartments to investigate the diffusion of an innovation(product)in a particular region.The model exhibits two equilibria,namely,the adopter-free an...In this paper,we proposed an innovation diffusion model with three compartments to investigate the diffusion of an innovation(product)in a particular region.The model exhibits two equilibria,namely,the adopter-free and an interior equilibrium.The existence and local stability of the adopter-free and interior equilibria are explored in terms of the effective Basic Influence Number(BIN)R_(A).It is investigated that the adopter free steady-state is stable if R_(A)<1.By consideringτ(the adoption experience of the adopters)as the bifurcation parameter,we have been able to obtain the critical value ofτresponsible for the periodic solutions due to Hopf bifurcation.The direction and stability analysis of bifurcating periodic solutions has been performed by using the arguments of normal form theory and the center manifold theorem.Exhaustive numerical simulations in the support of analytical results have been presented.展开更多
In this article, a nonlinear mathematical model for innovation diffusion with stage structure which incorporates the evaluation stage （time delay） is proposed. The model is analyzed by considering the effects of ext...In this article, a nonlinear mathematical model for innovation diffusion with stage structure which incorporates the evaluation stage （time delay） is proposed. The model is analyzed by considering the effects of external as well as internal influences and other demographic processes such as emigration, intrinsic growth rate, death rate, etc. The asymptotical stability of the various equilibria is investigated. By analyzing the exponential characteristic equation with delay-dependent coefficients obtained through the variational matrix, it is found that Hopf bifurcation occurs when the evaluation period （time delay, T） passes through a critical value. Applying the normal form theory and the center manifold argument, we de- rive the explicit formulas determining the properties of the bifurcating periodic solutions. To illustrate our theoretical analysis, some numerical simulations are also included.展开更多
Objective:To understand the level of progesterone (P4) in different quality of buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and further to evaluate the effect of exogenous P4 supplementation on maturation and subsequent de...Objective:To understand the level of progesterone (P4) in different quality of buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and further to evaluate the effect of exogenous P4 supplementation on maturation and subsequent developmental ability of poor quality brilliant cresyl blue (BCB-)COCs.Methods: Progesterone secreted by different quality of buffalo oocytes was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the concentration differences were translated into P4 doses to be incorporated in the maturation medium of BCB-ve COCs followed by expression analysis of genes involved in the cumulus expansion, extracellular matrix disintegration and progesterone receptor signalling. In addition, the study also evaluated the effect of exogenous P4 on sperm-cumulus interaction. Results: More than 10-fold up-regulated expression of progesterone receptor in P4 supplemented oocytes signified that P4 might be acting predominantly through this receptor. Also, exogenous P4 supplementation had significant effect on transcatheter arterial chemoembolization protease regulated by P4-progesterone receptor pathway which in turn had an important role in extracellular matrix disintegration. On the contrary, cumulus expansion genesHAS2,TNFAIP6,AREG were not altered upon P4 supplementation. Also, it was observed that P4 addition did facilitate passage of significantly more number of spermatozoa through P4 treated cumulus cells. Further, incorporation of different doses of P4 did not improve significantly the cleavage and blastocyst rates of BCB-ve COCs.Conclusions: Different qualities of buffalo COCs secrete substantially diverse levels of P4, and its supplementation has a role in oocyte maturation via modulation of cumulus characteristics but perhaps not fertilization.展开更多
ZnSe nanoparticles have been synthesized by microwave assisted method by using zinc chloride,selenium powder and ethylene diamine.The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized structurally by FT-IR and XRD as ...ZnSe nanoparticles have been synthesized by microwave assisted method by using zinc chloride,selenium powder and ethylene diamine.The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized structurally by FT-IR and XRD as well as morphological characterization was done by scanning electron microscope(SEM).The crystallite size after synthesis was obtained around 30 nm for pure ZnSe nanocrystallites.However,from SEM micrograph,agglomerated ZnSe nanoparticles of irregular shapes were observed.The as-synthesized ZnSe nanoparticles at different contents(1 to 5%w/w w.r.t SPI)were incorporated into soy protein isolate(SPI)to produce reinforced SPI films by solution casting method.The ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI suspensions were subjected to molecular mass and specific conductivity studies.Neat and ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI films were structurally and mechanically characterized by FT-IR and tensile properties,respectively.Transmittance and water uptake studies were also carried out for ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI films.The tensile strength and modulus increased from 5.80 MPa to 10.06 MPa and 18.84 MPa to 94.70 MPa with the increase in the contents of ZnSe nanoparticles from 0 to 5%.Moreover,the results also revealed a good antibacterial effect in ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI film.The main application of nanoparticles incorporated SPI film will be in the area of biodegradable packaging.展开更多
Assessment of water and energy footprint for eight bottled water industries was carried out. The investigation showed that one litre of bottled water has a water footprint of 17.41 litres and energy footprint of 7.08 ...Assessment of water and energy footprint for eight bottled water industries was carried out. The investigation showed that one litre of bottled water has a water footprint of 17.41 litres and energy footprint of 7.08 MJ. Water consumption by the industry comprises 61% during material production, 17% in processes, 16% in energy and only 6% in the actual product. Hence, maximum consumption of water is in material production, while the processes required a smaller fraction of the total water and energy consumed. Therefore, water footprint can be reduced through optimization of water consumption in material production.展开更多
Bamboo based biocomposites were made with woven bamboo mats and epoxy/unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. The effects of pre-impregnation on the mechanical and water resistant properties of composites were studied. An...Bamboo based biocomposites were made with woven bamboo mats and epoxy/unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. The effects of pre-impregnation on the mechanical and water resistant properties of composites were studied. An alkaline treatment was used to enhance the fiber wetting so as to achieve complete pre-impregnation with epoxy and unsaturated polyester resins. A combined treatment of alkali and dilute epoxy/polyester gives the best result. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, water absorption were evaluated and compared for all composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the composites tensile fracture surface also indicated that there is an improved adhesion between fiber and matrix. The mechanical as well as water resistant properties of the biocomposites improved after pre-impregnation treatment.展开更多
Common effluent treatment plants(CETPs) have been installed and are in operation at numerous industrial clusters throughout India. They serve to reduce effluent treatment cost, provide better collective treatment, and...Common effluent treatment plants(CETPs) have been installed and are in operation at numerous industrial clusters throughout India. They serve to reduce effluent treatment cost, provide better collective treatment, and reduce land cost for small-scale industrial facilities that cannot afford individual treatment plants. Optimum working conditions for treatment of effluent to be at par with discharge standards is a major mandate for any CETP. In this study, the reliability and removal efficiencies(REs) of a CETP in the industrial area of Maharashtra State in India were examined. An established methodology was adopted to determine the effectiveness of the CETP in terms of biochemical oxygen demand(BOD), chemical oxygen demand(COD), total suspended solids(TSS), and oil and grease(O&G) concentrations. The CETP's compliance with respect to design standards and its operation were studied in detail. This paper highlights the results of RE and the coefficient of determination(R2) values obtained from the CETP data, estimates the pollutants removed at the highest and lowest rates over a period of time, and highlights the reasons for problem areas along with remedial measures. It was observed that, except O&G, all the parameters(BOD, COD, and TSS)showed fluctuations in removal efficiencies and their reliabilities. This situation can be improved by releasing effluent containing hydraulic and organic loading to the CETP as per standards and optimizing treatment processes, especially primary clari-flocculators and aeration tanks, both of which are important units of any CETP.展开更多
Hepatitis B and C viruses(HBV and HCV), both cause serious chronic infections leading to fatal liver diseases. The prototype therapy for both HBV and HCV was based on IFN-α with or without ribavirin. The advent of di...Hepatitis B and C viruses(HBV and HCV), both cause serious chronic infections leading to fatal liver diseases. The prototype therapy for both HBV and HCV was based on IFN-α with or without ribavirin. The advent of direct-acting antivirals(DAA) for both HBV and HCV has remarkably improved the standard of treatment for both infections. While HCV can be eliminated following combination DAA therapy, HBV persists even after treatment, requiring life-long therapy with DAAs. Treatment with DAAs is also associated with high cost, the development of resistance and side effects. There is ample published evidence that both HBV and HCV can be eliminated from infected host cells through noncytolytic immune mechanisms. We need to identify the mechanisms behind this successful elimination of replicating viruses and develop them into novel immunotherapeutic regimens. Moreover, a synergy of, chemo- and immuno-therapeutic strategies will be necessary to eradicate HBV or HCV from a host.展开更多
Wireless Sensor Network(WSN)has witnessed an unpredictable growth for the last few decades.It has many applications in various critical sectors such as real-time monitoring of nuclear power plant,disaster management,e...Wireless Sensor Network(WSN)has witnessed an unpredictable growth for the last few decades.It has many applications in various critical sectors such as real-time monitoring of nuclear power plant,disaster management,environment,military area etc.However,due to the distributed and remote deployment of sensor nodes in such networks,they are highly vulnerable to different security threats.The sensor network always needs a proficient key management scheme to secure data because of resourceconstrained nodes.Existing polynomial based key management schemes are simple,but the computational complexity is a big issue.Lucas polynomials,Fibonacci polynomials,Chebychev polynomials are used in Engineering,Physics,Combinatory and Numerical analysis etc.In this paper,we propose a key management scheme using(p,q)-Lucas polynomial to improve the security of WSN.In(p,q)-Lucas polynomial,p represents a random base number while q represents a substitute value of x in the polynomial.The value of p is unique,and q is different according to communication between nodes.Analysis of the proposed method on several parameters such as computational overhead,efficiency and storage cost have been performed and compared with existing related schemes.The analysis demonstrates that the proposed(p,q)-Lucas polynomial based key management scheme outperforms over other polynomials in terms of the number of keys used and efficiency.展开更多
The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach has been successfully used in many hydrological studies especially the rainfall-runoff modeling using continuous data. The present study examines its applicability to model...The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach has been successfully used in many hydrological studies especially the rainfall-runoff modeling using continuous data. The present study examines its applicability to model the event-based rainfall-runoff process. A case study has been done for Ajay river basin to develop event-based rainfall-runoff model for the basin to simulate the hourly runoff at Sarath gauging site. The results demonstrate that ANN models are able to provide a good representation of an event-based rainfall-runoff process. The two important parameters, when predicting a flood hydrograph, are the magnitude of the peak discharge and the time to peak discharge. The developed ANN models have been able to predict this information with great accuracy. This shows that ANNs can be very efficient in modeling an event-based rainfall-runoff process for determining the peak discharge and time to the peak discharge very accurately. This is important in water resources design and management applications, where peak discharge and time to peak discharge are important input展开更多
文摘Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused by synaptic failure and the excessive accumulation of misfolded proteins especially Aβ and tau, and associated with memory loss and cognitive impairment. Treatment of AD mainly consists of symptomatic therapy and disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Several monotherapies including small molecules or antibodies have been evaluated through multiple clinical trials, but a very few have been approved by the USFDA to intervene the disease’s pathogenesis. Past research has shown multifactorial nature of AD, therefore, multi-target drugs were proposed to target different pathways at the same time, however, currently no rationally designed multi-target directed ligand (MTDL) has been clinically approved. Different combinations and bispecific antibodies are also under development. Novel approaches like stem cell-based therapies, microRNAs, peptides, ADCs and vaccines cast a new hope for AD treatment, however, a number of questions remained to be answered prior to their safe and effective clinical translation. This review explores the small molecules, MTDL, and antibodies (monospecific and bispecific) for the treatment of AD. Finally, future perspectives (stem cell therapy, PROTAC approaches, microRNAs, ADC, peptides and vaccines) are also discussed with regard to their clinical applications and feasibility.
文摘Indigenous peoples are the custodians of traditional knowledge,encompassing their ideas,innovations,and methods.Throughout history,both plants and animals have served as valuable sources for medicinal remedies,capable of treating or preventing illnesses.This article aims to offer a concise overview of the traditional medical uses of vertebrates and the derived products in both human and veterinary medicine.Animal species are utilized as raw materials,and the resulting products are employed to cure a wide array of ailments.In different regions of India,indigenous peoples have diverse traditional applications for vertebrates and their by-products,which are utilized to treat human and animal illnesses.In various parts of India,medical practices involve the use of forty percent mammals,seven percent birds,eleven percent reptiles,eight percent fish,and two percent amphibians.Kerala employs around 69 different animal species and their by-products for the treatment of human and veterinary ailments.Similarly,the Theni district of Tamil Nadu utilizes 69 animals,the state of Madhya Pradesh employs 18 animals,the state of Tripura utilizes 25 animals,and the state of Assam employs 44 animals for the treatment of human and veterinary illnesses.Consequently,the main objective of this review is to provide a summary of the traditional therapeutic applications of animals and the resulting products.
文摘BACKGROUND: Significant bile leak as an uncommon complication after biliary tract surgery may constitute a serious and difficult management problem. Surgical management of biliary fistulae is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Biliary endoscopic procedures have become the treatment of choice for management of biliary Gstulae. METHODS: Ninety patients presented with bile leaks after cholecystectomy ( open cholecystectomy in 45 patients, cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration in 20 and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 25). The presence of bile leaks was confirmed by ERCP and the appearance of bile in percutaneous drainage of abdominal collections. Of the 90 patients with postoperative bile leaks, 18 patients had complete transaction of the common bile duct by ERCP and were subjected to bilioenteric anastomosis. In the remaining patients after cholangiography and localization of the site of bile leaks. therapeutic procedures like sphinctero-tomy, biliary stenting and nasobiliary drainage ( NBD ) were performed. If residual stones were seen in the common bile duct, sphincterotomy was followed by stone extraction using dormia basket. Nasobiliary drain or stents of 7F size were placed according to the standard techniques. The NBD was removed when bile leak stopped and closure of the fistula confirmed cholangiographically. The stents were removed after an interval of 6-8 weeks. RESULTS: Bile leaks in 72 patients occurred in the cystic duct (38 patients), the common bile duct (30 ), and the right hepatic duct (4). Of the 72 patients with post-operative bile leak, 24 had associated retained common bile duct stones and 1 had ascaris in common bile duct. All the 72 patients were subjected to therapeutic procedures including sphincterotomy with stone extraction followed by biliary stenting (24 patients), removal of ascaris and biliary stenting (1), sphincterotomy with biliary stenting (18), sphincterotomy with NBD (12), biliary stenting alone (12), and NBD alone (5). Bile leaks stopped in all patients at a median interval of 3 days (range 3-16 days) after endoscopic in- terventions. No difference was observed in efficacy and in time for the treatment of bile leak by sphincterotomy with endoprosthesis or endoprosthesis alone in patients with bile leak after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Post-cholecystectomy bile leaks occur most commonly in the cystic duct and associated common bile duct stones are found in one-third of cases. Endoscopic therapy is safe and effective in the management of bile leaks and fistulae after surgery. Sphincterotomy with endoprosthesis or endoprosthesis alone is equally effective in the management of postoperative bile leak.
文摘Aim： To determine if Yq microdeletion frequency and loci of deletion are similar in two tissues （blood and sperm） of different embryological origin. Methods： The present study included 52 infertile oligozoospermic cases. In each case, DNA was isolated from blood and sperms and polymerase chain reaction （PCR） microdeletion analysis was done from genomic DNA isolated from both the tissues. The PCR products were analyzed on a 1.8% agarose gel. PCR amplifications found to be negative were repeated at least three times to confirm the deletion of a given marker. Results： Only 1 case harbored microdeletion in blood DNA, whereas 4 cases harbored microdeletion in sperm DNA. Conclusion： The frequency of Yq microdeletions is higher in germ cells as compared to blood. As the majority of infertile couples opt for assisted reproduction procreation techniques （ART）, Yq microdeletion screening from germ cells is important to understand the genetic basis of infertility, to provide comprehensive counseling and most adapted therapeutics to the infertile couple.
文摘factors viz., soil moisture and light in- tensity are important factors that affect natural regeneration in forests. These factors vary spatially depending on the overhead canopy density of the forest. The present study focused on studying the effect of variation of soil moisture and light intensity on natural regeneration of sal species （Shorea robusta） under different micro-environments due to overhead canopy of varying forest density. Experimental plots of 40m× 40m size were laid under different overhead canopy densities in a small sal forested watershed in the foot hills of Himalayas in Nainital District of Uttarakhand State, India. The plots were monitored on a long term basis for soil moisture at multi depths, light intensity and natural regeneration of sal. The results of the study revealed that the natural regeneration was highest under C1 （up to-0.30） canopy followed by C2 （0.30-0.50）, and C3 （0.50-0.70） canopies. The C3 canopy showed the dying back of sal shoots over 4 years of study. The highest R2 value of linear regression between incremental score of plot regeneration and average soil moisture content was obtained as 0.156 for average soil moisture content during months at 100 cm depth. The R2 value between incremental score of plot regeneration and annual average light intensity was obtained as 0.688 which indicated that the regeneration is largely dependent on the light intensity conditions during the year. The multiple linear regression analysis between the incremental score of regeneration and the average light intensity and average soil moisture content revealed that that about 80% of variation in regeneration is explained by both the factors.
基金supported by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
文摘In the present work, for the first time on the basis ofpoly （vinyl alcohol） （PVA）, 2- （4-dimethylaminostyryl）-l-ethylquinolinium iodide （quinaldine red （QR）） and trisodium （4E）-5-oxo- 1-（4-sulfonatophenyl）-4-[（4-sulfonatophenyl）hydrazono]-3 pyrazolecarboxylate （tartrazine （T））, thermostable polarizing film in a wide range of spectra （λmax=394-511 nm） with polarization efficiency （PE） = 98% in absorption maximum and stretching degree （Rs） = 3.5 was developed. The basic spectral-polarization parameters （polarization efficiency and transmittance） of oriented colored PVA-films were measured and discussed. During the work it was found that oriented PVA-films are the phenomenon of anisotropy of thermal conductivity （λ｜/λ⊥）. It is a very important parameter for the development of thermostable PVA-polarizing films. For the first time quantum-chemical calculations using density functional theory （DFT） approach for structural analysis and electronic spectrum of the QR were carried out via the B3LYP/dgdzvp and TDB3LYP/dgdzvp methods. Interpretation of absorption strips in visible region of spectrum was also reported. The excitation energies, electronic transitions and oscillator strengths for the studied structures have also been calculated （B3LYP/dgdzvp）. The NBO analysis and Mulliken atomic charges of the QR were carried out.
文摘Soy protein isolate(SPI)biopolymeric films were prepared by adding different contents of mandelic acid(1 to 5%wrt SPI)to glycerol plasticized SPI by solution casting method.Also,SPI was fermented by Bacillus subtilis to get fermented SPI films by solution casting.Molecular mass determination of mandelic acid incorporated and fermented SPI films was carried out by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE).Mandelic acid incorporated and fermented SPI films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA),tensile strength,water uptake and optical transmittance studies.Results indicated that incorporation of mandelic acid in SPI resulted in high tensile strength(8.03 MPa)and highα-relaxation(Tα)as well as low water uptake.On the other hand,films cannot be prepared from fermented SPI with SPI contents of 8%and 12%.However,film from fermented SPI with 16%SPI content could be prepared but it exhibited low tensile strength(3.18 MPa)and low Tαas well as high water uptake.The resulting mandelic acid incorporated SPI films were also subjected to antimicrobial studies.At all the concentration of mandelic acid,we can easily observe the antimicrobial effect in mandelic acid incorporated SPI films unlike fermented SPI films.This work will be helpful in fabricating antimicrobial SPI film from renewable resources.
基金Supported by the University Grants Commission(UGC),Government of India,New Delhi-110002,India[Grant:Rs.908100/-and Grant number:F.31-260/2005(SR)]
文摘Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology of candidiasis and the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species isolated from the intensive care unit(ICU) patients.Methods: The study used a qualitative descriptive design. Relevant samples depending on organ system involvement from 100 ICU patients were collected and processed.Identification and speciation of the isolates was conducted by the biochemical tests.Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out as per CLSI-M27-A3 document.Results: Ninety Candida isolates were isolated from the different clinical samples: urine(43.3%), tracheal aspirate(31.1%), urinary catheter(12.2%), endotracheal tube(7.8%),abdominal drains(3.3%), sputum(2.2%). The incidence of candidiasis caused by nonalbicans Candida(NAC) species(63.3%) was higher than Candida albicans(36.7%).The various NAC species were isolated as: Candida tropicalis(41.1%), Candida glabrata(10%), Candida parapsilosis(6.7%), Candida krusei(3.3%) and Candida kefyr(2.2%). The overall isolation rate of Candida species from samples was 53.3%. Antifungal susceptibility indicated that 37.8% and 7.8% of the Candida isolates were resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, respectively.Conclusions: Predominance of NAC species in ICU patients along with the increasing resistance being recorded to fluconazole which has a major bearing on the morbidity and management of these patients and needs to be further worked upon.
文摘To evaluate the response to lime on cultivars of ricebean(Vigna umbellata), a field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive rabi seasons of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 in the Nagaland foothills, India. The experiment used a split-plot design with four levels of lime(control, 0.2, 0.4and 0.6 t ha-1) in main plots and four ricebean cultivars(RBS-16, RBS-53, PRR-2, and RCRB-4) in sub-plots with three replicates. The results revealed that increasing levels of lime(in the furrow)from 0 to 0.6 t ha-1significantly increased growth, yield attributes and yield. The quality parameters of ricebean were also influenced significantly by the application of lime. Maximum gross return(INR 39,098 ha-1), net return(INR 27,281 ha-1), benefit:cost(B:C) ratio(2.29),production efficiency, and economic efficiency were also realized with the application of lime at 0.6 t ha-1. Among the ricebean cultivars, RBS-53 produced significantly higher growth, yield attributes, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Similarly, yield and protein content were higher in RBS-53. Maximum gross return, net return, B:C ratio, production efficiency, and economic efficiency were observed for RBS-53.
文摘In this paper,we proposed an innovation diffusion model with three compartments to investigate the diffusion of an innovation(product)in a particular region.The model exhibits two equilibria,namely,the adopter-free and an interior equilibrium.The existence and local stability of the adopter-free and interior equilibria are explored in terms of the effective Basic Influence Number(BIN)R_(A).It is investigated that the adopter free steady-state is stable if R_(A)<1.By consideringτ(the adoption experience of the adopters)as the bifurcation parameter,we have been able to obtain the critical value ofτresponsible for the periodic solutions due to Hopf bifurcation.The direction and stability analysis of bifurcating periodic solutions has been performed by using the arguments of normal form theory and the center manifold theorem.Exhaustive numerical simulations in the support of analytical results have been presented.
基金the Support Provided by the I.K.G. Punjab Technical University,Kapurthala,Punjab,India,where one of us(RK) is a Research Scholar
文摘In this article, a nonlinear mathematical model for innovation diffusion with stage structure which incorporates the evaluation stage （time delay） is proposed. The model is analyzed by considering the effects of external as well as internal influences and other demographic processes such as emigration, intrinsic growth rate, death rate, etc. The asymptotical stability of the various equilibria is investigated. By analyzing the exponential characteristic equation with delay-dependent coefficients obtained through the variational matrix, it is found that Hopf bifurcation occurs when the evaluation period （time delay, T） passes through a critical value. Applying the normal form theory and the center manifold argument, we de- rive the explicit formulas determining the properties of the bifurcating periodic solutions. To illustrate our theoretical analysis, some numerical simulations are also included.
文摘Objective:To understand the level of progesterone (P4) in different quality of buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and further to evaluate the effect of exogenous P4 supplementation on maturation and subsequent developmental ability of poor quality brilliant cresyl blue (BCB-)COCs.Methods: Progesterone secreted by different quality of buffalo oocytes was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the concentration differences were translated into P4 doses to be incorporated in the maturation medium of BCB-ve COCs followed by expression analysis of genes involved in the cumulus expansion, extracellular matrix disintegration and progesterone receptor signalling. In addition, the study also evaluated the effect of exogenous P4 on sperm-cumulus interaction. Results: More than 10-fold up-regulated expression of progesterone receptor in P4 supplemented oocytes signified that P4 might be acting predominantly through this receptor. Also, exogenous P4 supplementation had significant effect on transcatheter arterial chemoembolization protease regulated by P4-progesterone receptor pathway which in turn had an important role in extracellular matrix disintegration. On the contrary, cumulus expansion genesHAS2,TNFAIP6,AREG were not altered upon P4 supplementation. Also, it was observed that P4 addition did facilitate passage of significantly more number of spermatozoa through P4 treated cumulus cells. Further, incorporation of different doses of P4 did not improve significantly the cleavage and blastocyst rates of BCB-ve COCs.Conclusions: Different qualities of buffalo COCs secrete substantially diverse levels of P4, and its supplementation has a role in oocyte maturation via modulation of cumulus characteristics but perhaps not fertilization.
文摘ZnSe nanoparticles have been synthesized by microwave assisted method by using zinc chloride,selenium powder and ethylene diamine.The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized structurally by FT-IR and XRD as well as morphological characterization was done by scanning electron microscope(SEM).The crystallite size after synthesis was obtained around 30 nm for pure ZnSe nanocrystallites.However,from SEM micrograph,agglomerated ZnSe nanoparticles of irregular shapes were observed.The as-synthesized ZnSe nanoparticles at different contents(1 to 5%w/w w.r.t SPI)were incorporated into soy protein isolate(SPI)to produce reinforced SPI films by solution casting method.The ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI suspensions were subjected to molecular mass and specific conductivity studies.Neat and ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI films were structurally and mechanically characterized by FT-IR and tensile properties,respectively.Transmittance and water uptake studies were also carried out for ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI films.The tensile strength and modulus increased from 5.80 MPa to 10.06 MPa and 18.84 MPa to 94.70 MPa with the increase in the contents of ZnSe nanoparticles from 0 to 5%.Moreover,the results also revealed a good antibacterial effect in ZnSe nanoparticles incorporated SPI film.The main application of nanoparticles incorporated SPI film will be in the area of biodegradable packaging.
文摘Assessment of water and energy footprint for eight bottled water industries was carried out. The investigation showed that one litre of bottled water has a water footprint of 17.41 litres and energy footprint of 7.08 MJ. Water consumption by the industry comprises 61% during material production, 17% in processes, 16% in energy and only 6% in the actual product. Hence, maximum consumption of water is in material production, while the processes required a smaller fraction of the total water and energy consumed. Therefore, water footprint can be reduced through optimization of water consumption in material production.
文摘Bamboo based biocomposites were made with woven bamboo mats and epoxy/unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. The effects of pre-impregnation on the mechanical and water resistant properties of composites were studied. An alkaline treatment was used to enhance the fiber wetting so as to achieve complete pre-impregnation with epoxy and unsaturated polyester resins. A combined treatment of alkali and dilute epoxy/polyester gives the best result. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, water absorption were evaluated and compared for all composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the composites tensile fracture surface also indicated that there is an improved adhesion between fiber and matrix. The mechanical as well as water resistant properties of the biocomposites improved after pre-impregnation treatment.
文摘Common effluent treatment plants(CETPs) have been installed and are in operation at numerous industrial clusters throughout India. They serve to reduce effluent treatment cost, provide better collective treatment, and reduce land cost for small-scale industrial facilities that cannot afford individual treatment plants. Optimum working conditions for treatment of effluent to be at par with discharge standards is a major mandate for any CETP. In this study, the reliability and removal efficiencies(REs) of a CETP in the industrial area of Maharashtra State in India were examined. An established methodology was adopted to determine the effectiveness of the CETP in terms of biochemical oxygen demand(BOD), chemical oxygen demand(COD), total suspended solids(TSS), and oil and grease(O&G) concentrations. The CETP's compliance with respect to design standards and its operation were studied in detail. This paper highlights the results of RE and the coefficient of determination(R2) values obtained from the CETP data, estimates the pollutants removed at the highest and lowest rates over a period of time, and highlights the reasons for problem areas along with remedial measures. It was observed that, except O&G, all the parameters(BOD, COD, and TSS)showed fluctuations in removal efficiencies and their reliabilities. This situation can be improved by releasing effluent containing hydraulic and organic loading to the CETP as per standards and optimizing treatment processes, especially primary clari-flocculators and aeration tanks, both of which are important units of any CETP.
文摘Hepatitis B and C viruses(HBV and HCV), both cause serious chronic infections leading to fatal liver diseases. The prototype therapy for both HBV and HCV was based on IFN-α with or without ribavirin. The advent of direct-acting antivirals(DAA) for both HBV and HCV has remarkably improved the standard of treatment for both infections. While HCV can be eliminated following combination DAA therapy, HBV persists even after treatment, requiring life-long therapy with DAAs. Treatment with DAAs is also associated with high cost, the development of resistance and side effects. There is ample published evidence that both HBV and HCV can be eliminated from infected host cells through noncytolytic immune mechanisms. We need to identify the mechanisms behind this successful elimination of replicating viruses and develop them into novel immunotherapeutic regimens. Moreover, a synergy of, chemo- and immuno-therapeutic strategies will be necessary to eradicate HBV or HCV from a host.
文摘Wireless Sensor Network(WSN)has witnessed an unpredictable growth for the last few decades.It has many applications in various critical sectors such as real-time monitoring of nuclear power plant,disaster management,environment,military area etc.However,due to the distributed and remote deployment of sensor nodes in such networks,they are highly vulnerable to different security threats.The sensor network always needs a proficient key management scheme to secure data because of resourceconstrained nodes.Existing polynomial based key management schemes are simple,but the computational complexity is a big issue.Lucas polynomials,Fibonacci polynomials,Chebychev polynomials are used in Engineering,Physics,Combinatory and Numerical analysis etc.In this paper,we propose a key management scheme using(p,q)-Lucas polynomial to improve the security of WSN.In(p,q)-Lucas polynomial,p represents a random base number while q represents a substitute value of x in the polynomial.The value of p is unique,and q is different according to communication between nodes.Analysis of the proposed method on several parameters such as computational overhead,efficiency and storage cost have been performed and compared with existing related schemes.The analysis demonstrates that the proposed(p,q)-Lucas polynomial based key management scheme outperforms over other polynomials in terms of the number of keys used and efficiency.
文摘The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach has been successfully used in many hydrological studies especially the rainfall-runoff modeling using continuous data. The present study examines its applicability to model the event-based rainfall-runoff process. A case study has been done for Ajay river basin to develop event-based rainfall-runoff model for the basin to simulate the hourly runoff at Sarath gauging site. The results demonstrate that ANN models are able to provide a good representation of an event-based rainfall-runoff process. The two important parameters, when predicting a flood hydrograph, are the magnitude of the peak discharge and the time to peak discharge. The developed ANN models have been able to predict this information with great accuracy. This shows that ANNs can be very efficient in modeling an event-based rainfall-runoff process for determining the peak discharge and time to the peak discharge very accurately. This is important in water resources design and management applications, where peak discharge and time to peak discharge are important input
