Prediction of Axial Capacity of Concrete Filled Steel Tubes Using Gene Expression Programming.

The safety and economy of an infrastructure project depends on the material and design equations used to simulate the performance of a particular member. A variety of materials can be used in conjunction to achieve a composite action, such as a hollow steel section filled with concrete, which can be successfully utilized in the form of an axially loaded member. This study aims to model the ultimate compressive strength (Pu) of concrete-filled hollow steel sections (CFSS) by formulating a mathematical expression using gene expression programming (GEP). A total of 149 datapoints were obtained from the literature, considering ten input parameters, including the outer diameter of steel tube (D), wall thickness of steel tube, compressive strength of concrete (fc'), elastic modulus of concrete (Ec), yield strength of steel (fv), elastic modulus of steel (Es), length of the column (L), confinement factor (ζ), ratio of D to thickness of column, and the ratio of length to D of column. The performance of the developed models was assessed using coefficient of regression R2, root mean squared error RMSE, mean absolute error MAE and comparison of regression slopes. It was found that the optimal GEP Model T3, having number of chromosomes Nc = 100, head size Hs = 8 and number of genes Ng = 3, outperformed all the other models. For this particular model, R2overall equaled 0.99, RMSE values were 133.4 and 162.2, and MAE = 92.4 and 108.7, for training (TR) and testing (TS) phases, respectively. Similarly, the comparison of regression slopes analysis revealed that the Model T3 exhibited the highest R2 of 0.99 with m = 1, in both the TR and TS stages, respectively. Finally, parametric analysis showed that the Pu of composite steel columns increased linearly with the value of D, t and fy.

Estimating Radiation Shielding of Fired Clay Bricks Using ANN and GEP Approaches.

This study aimed to determine how radiation attenuation would change when the thickness, density, and compressive strength of clay bricks, modified with partial replacement of clay by fly ash, iron slag, and wood ash. To conduct this investigation, four distinct types of bricks-normal, fly ash-, iron slag-, and wood ash-incorporated bricks were prepared by replacing clay content with their variable percentages. Additionally, models for predicting the radiation-shielding ability of bricks were created using gene expression programming (GEP) and artificial neural networks (ANN). The addition of iron slag improved the density and compressive strength of bricks, thus increasing shielding capability against gamma radiation. In contrast, fly ash and wood ash decreased the density and compressive strength of burnt clay bricks, leading to low radiation shielding capability. Concerning the performance of the Artificial Intelligence models, the root mean square error (RMSE) was determined as 0.1166 and 0.1876 nC for the training and validation data of ANN, respectively. The training set values for the GEP model manifested an RMSE equal to 0.2949 nC, whereas the validation data produced RMSE = 0.3507 nC. According to the statistical analysis, the generated models showed strong concordance between experimental and projected findings. The ANN model, in contrast, outperformed the GEP model in terms of accuracy, producing the lowest values of RMSE. Moreover, the variables contributing towards shielding characteristics of bricks were studied using parametric and sensitivity analyses, which showed that the thickness and density of bricks are the most influential parameters. In addition, the mathematical equation generated from the GEP model denotes its significance such that it can be used to estimate the radiation shielding of burnt clay bricks in the future with ease.

PCA-Based Hybrid Intelligence Models for Estimating the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Axially Loaded Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes.

In order to forecast the axial load-carrying capacity of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns using principal component analysis (PCA), this work compares hybrid models of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and meta-heuristic optimization algorithms (MOAs). In order to create hybrid ANN models, a dataset of 149 experimental tests was initially gathered from the accessible literature. Eight PCA-based hybrid ANNs were created using eight MOAs, including artificial bee colony, ant lion optimization, biogeography-based optimization, differential evolution, genetic algorithm, grey wolf optimizer, moth flame optimization and particle swarm optimization. The created ANNs' performance was then assessed. With R2 ranges between 0.7094 and 0.9667 in the training phase and between 0.6883 and 0.9634 in the testing phase, we discovered that the accuracy of the built hybrid models was good. Based on the outcomes of the experiments, the generated ANN-GWO (hybrid model of ANN and grey wolf optimizer) produced the most accurate predictions in the training and testing phases, respectively, with R2 = 0.9667 and 0.9634. The created ANN-GWO may be utilised as a substitute tool to estimate the load-carrying capacity of CFST columns in civil engineering projects according to the experimental findings.

Computational AI Models for Investigating the Radiation Shielding Potential of High-Density Concrete.

Concrete is an economical and efficient material for attenuating radiation. The potential of concrete in attenuating radiation is attributed to its density, which in turn depends on the mix design of concrete. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to evaluate the radiation attenuation with varying water-cement ratio (w/c), thickness, density, and compressive strength of concrete. Three different types of concrete, i.e., normal concrete, barite, and magnetite containing concrete, were prepared to investigate this study. The radiation attenuation was calculated by studying the dose absorbed by the concrete and the linear attenuation coefficient. Additionally, artificial neural network (ANN) and gene expression programming (GEP) models were developed for predicting the radiation shielding capacity of concrete. A correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated as 0.999, 1.474 mGy, 2.154 mGy and 0.994, 5.07 mGy, 5.772 mGy for the training and validation sets of the ANN model, respectively. Similarly, for the GEP model, these values were recorded as 0.981, 13.17 mGy, and 20.20 mGy for the training set, whereas the validation data yielded R = 0.985, MAE = 12.2 mGy, and RMSE = 14.96 mGy. The statistical evaluation reflects that the developed models manifested close agreement between experimental and predicted results. In comparison, the ANN model surpassed the accuracy of the GEP models, yielding the highest R and the lowest MAE and RMSE. The parametric and sensitivity analysis revealed the thickness and density of concrete as the most influential parameters in contributing towards radiation shielding. The mathematical equation derived from the GEP models signifies its importance such that the equation can be easily used for future prediction of radiation shielding of high-density concrete.

Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy As A Predictor Of Worse Outcome In Severe Covid-19 Cases.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study is aimed at evaluating the association of mediastinal lymphadenopathy with COVID-19 prognosis in severe cases. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Pakistan, from June to July 2020. METHODS: One hundred and fifty (150) laboratory-confirmed SARS CoV-2 infected, severe cases in Intensive Care Unit/ High Dependency Unit were included. These cases were divided into two categories, i.e., with and without mediastinal lymphadenopathy on High Resolution Computed Tomography chest. The two categories were compared on the basis of data obtained including age, gender, comorbid, White Blood Cell count, lymphocyte count, median days of hospitalization, need for invasive ventilation, Intensive Care Unit admission, clinical outcome and High-Resolution Computed Tomography chest findings. The data was compiled on a questionnaire and analysed on SPSS 24. RESULTS: Total 155 severe COVID-19 patients were reviewed, out of which 36 (23.2%) had mediastinal lymphadenopathy (category 1) and 119 (76.8%) had no mediastinal lymphadenopathy (category 2). Laboratory findings including median of white blood cells and lymphocyte percentage had no significant change in both categories. Intensive care unit admissions were 12 (33.3%) and 56 (47.1%) in category 1 and 2 respectively. Median days of hospitalization (8 days) and mortality rate (16%) were almost the same in both categories. CONCLUSIONS: Our study concludes that presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in severe COVID-19 cases is not associated with worse outcome. However, overall prevalence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in severe cases is high (23.2%).

Synthesis, Characterization, Biological Evaluation and DNA Interaction Studies of 4-Aminophenol Derivatives: Theoretical and Experimental Approach.

In the present study, five 4-aminophenol derivatives (4-chloro-2-(((4-hydroxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol(S-1), 4-((4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)amino)phenol(S-2), 4-((3-nitrobenzylidene)amino)phenol(S-3), 4-((thiophen-2-ylmethylene)amino)phenol(S-4) and 4-(((E)-3-phenylallylidene)amino)phenol(S-5)) were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analyses. The synthesized compounds were tested for their antimicrobial (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Saccharomyces cervesea fungus) and antidiabetic (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory) activities. All the compounds showed broad-spectrum activities against the Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 4698), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Bacillus subtilis sub. sp spizizenii (ATCC 6633), Bordetella bronchiseptica (ATCC 4617) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 9763) strains. The newly synthesized compounds showed a significant inhibition of amylase (93.2%) and glucosidase (73.7%) in a concentration-dependent manner. Interaction studies of Human DNA with the synthesized Schiff bases were also performed. The spectral bands of S-1, S-2, S-3 and S-5 all showed hyperchromism, whereas the spectral band of S-4 showed a hypochromic effect. Moreover, the spectral bands of the S-2, S-3 and S-4 compounds were also found to exhibit a bathochromic shift (red shift). The present studies delineate broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antidiabetic activities of the synthesized compounds. Additionally, DNA interaction studies highlight the potential of synthetic compounds as anticancer agents. The DNA interaction studies, as well as the antidiabetic activities articulated by the molecular docking methods, showed the promising aspects of synthetic compounds.

Synthesis, anticancer evaluation and molecular docking studies of methotrexate's novel Schiff base derivatives against malignant glioma cell lines.

Recent years have witnessed advancement in cancer research that has led to the development of improved cytotoxic therapies with reduced side effects. Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used anticancer drug having robust activity, but with serious side effects. Several derivatives of MTX have been reported by modification at different sites to reduce its side effects and enhance efficacy. The current work describes the development of active MTX Schiff base derivatives by treating MTX with several aldehydes viz 2-chlorobenzaldehyde, 3-nitrobenzaldehyde, 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenz-aldehyde, 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde, 2-thiocarboxyaldehyde, trans-2-pentenal and glutaraldehyde. Newly synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their anticancer potential against human malignant glioma U87 (MG-U87) cell lines at different concentrations of 200 µM, 100 µM, 50 µM, 25 µM, 12.5 µm, 6.25 µm and 0 µM. MTX derivatives with 2-Chlorobenzaldehyde (IC50 ∼100 µM), 2-Thiocarboxyaldehyde (IC50 <200 µM) and 2- Pentenal (IC50 ∼250 µM) showed much better activity at 100 µM compared to 400 µM concentration of MTX. Molecular docking studies were performed that showed a good correlation with the results obtained from in vitro experiments. The excellent agreement between molecular modeling and growth inhibition assay shows that the binding mode hypothesis is justly close to the experimentally biological values, therefore, may prove helpful for further lead optimization and clinical trials.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Therapeutic potential and bioactive phenolics of locally grown Pakistani and Chinese varieties of ginger in relation to extraction solvents

Abstract Current study compares the Therapeutic/nutra-pharmaceuticals potential and phenolics profile of Pakistani grown Pakistani and Chinese varieties of ginger. Crude yield of bioactive components from the varieties tested, using different extraction solvents including chloroform, ethyl acetate, ether, methanol, ethanol and distilled water. The crude bioactives varied from 14.1-82.5%. The highest extraction yield was noted for Pakistani species. The HPLC analysis revalued significant amounts of phenolics including vanillin, protocatechuic, vanillic, ferulic, sinapinic and cinnamic acids. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was shown by ethanolic extract of Pakistani variety (IC50: 26.5±1.8) whereas Chinese variety exhibited potent anticancer potential against MCF-7 cell line (Inhibition: 91.38 %). The Chinese variety in general showed higher phenolics and anticancer, while the Pakistani exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity. Pakistani grown ginger and ethanolic extract of Chinese ginger showed highest antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18.0±0.02 & 15.00±0.02 mm respectively. Minimum results obtained with water for both varieties of ginger with range of 7.2±0.22 and 6±0.07 respectively. Moreover, the phenolics composition, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer activities of both tested varieties of ginger were notably affected as a function of extraction solvents. Our findings advocate selection of appropriate solvent for recovery of effective phenolic bioactive compounds from ginger verities to support the Nutra-pharmaceutical formulation.

Phytochemical investigation and effective therapeutic potential of plants extracts against breast and ovarian cancer cell lines: compounds from zizyphus mauritiana and triticum aestivum.

ancer is the leading cause of death, accounting for approximately one out of six people dying with this disease worldwide. Among all, the breast and ovarian cancers are top-ranked causes of women mortalities compared to other disorders. Although, there is advancement in technologies, but still, there are unresolved concerns to overcome the global disease burden. Currently, plants are being explored as a natural remedy to cure disorders. This research was planned to explore phytochemicals in methanolic extracts of Zizyphus mauritiana and Triticum aestivum, and their pharmacological activities were studied through Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacteria, in vitro breast cancer cell line and ovarian cancer cell line to find out novel candidates in disease control and prevention. Eleven different types of bioactive compounds were analysed in the tested extracts. The highest crude extracts percentage (75±0.02) was observed with Z. mauritiana. The extracts showed promising cell growth inhibition and tumor initiation inhibition in potato disc assay. MTT assay and Incucytes imaging analysis revealed that Z. mauritiana extract had a higher anticancer potential with 40 ± 0.92 cell viability against breast cancer cells (SKBR3) and 45 ±0.29 against ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3). In conclusion, these extracts could be used as chemotherapeutics owing to their cheapness, and easy availability. While detailed study is required for further purification and characterization of bioactives/target compounds and in-vivo activity confirmations.

Using least angular regression to model the antibacterial potential of metronidazole complexes.

Imidazole has anti-inflammatory, antituberculotic, antimicrobial, antimycotic, antiviral, and antitumor properties in the human body, to name a few. Metronidazole [1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole] is a widely used antiprotozoan and antibacterial medication. Using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the current study models the antibacterial activity of already synthesised Metronidazole (MTZ) complexes ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) against E. coli, B. bronceptica, S. epidermidis, B. pumilus and S. aureus. To characterise the Metronidazole complexes for antibacterial activity against 05 microbes, the least angular regression and least absolute shrinkage selection operators were used. Asymmetric Least Squares was used to correct the spectrum baseline. Least angular regression outperforms cross-validated root mean square error in the fitted models. Using Least angular regression, influential wavelengths that explain the variation in antibacterial activity of Metronidazole complexes were identified and mapped against functional groups.

Soft threshold partial least squares predicts the survival fraction of malignant glioma cells against different concentrations of methotrexate's derivatives.

Chemotherapy appeared to be a significant advancement in cancer research, with fewer side effects. Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used anticancer drug with strong activity but serious side effects. Several MTX derivatives have been reported, with modifications at various sites to reduce side effects and increase efficacy. The current study uses FTIR spectroscopy to predict the survival fraction of human malignant glioma U87 (MG-U87) cell lines against MTX derivatives. Together with Parent MTX several aldehydes viz. Benzaldehyde, Chlorobenzaldehyde, 2-Chlorobenzaldehyde, 3-Nitrobenzaldehyde, 5-Chloro-2-hydroxybenz-aldehyde, 2-Hydroxy-5-Nitrobenzaldehyde, 2-Thiocarboxyaldehyde, Trans-2-pentenal, and Glutaraldehyde are treated with MTX to obtain MTX derivatives. The prediction of survival fraction of malignant glioma cells is carried out by Lasso, Elastic net and Soft PLS at different concentration levels of synthesized derivatives, including 400 µM, 200 µM, 100 µM, 50 µM, 25 µM and 12.5 µM. The cross-validated prediction error is minimised to optimise spectral wavelength selection and model parameters. It appears that the RMSE computed from test data is significantly varying with the change of models (p = 0.012), with the change of concentrations levels (p [Formula: see text]) and with the change of combination of models and concentration level (p [Formula: see text]). StPLS outperforms in predicting survival fraction of glioma cells at the concentration level 50 µM, 100 µM and 400 µM respectively with relative RMSE = 0.1,0.14 and 0.55. Lasso outperforms at the concentration level 12.5 µM, and 200 µM respectively with relative RMSE = 0.4 and 0.14. Elastic net outperforms at the concentration level 25 µM with relative RMSE = 0.8. Consistently appeared influential wavelength identifies the influential functional compounds which best predicts the survival fraction. Hence FTIR appears potential candidate for estimating survival fraction of MTX derivatives.

Synthesis and Therapeutic Potential of Nanoceria against Cancer: An Update.

Applications of nanoceria in the biomedical field are quite promising, as previous data has shown potential use of nanoceria as therapeutics via radical scavenging and oxidative stress mitigating properties. But, still, there are contradicting reports regarding nanoceria activity, mode of action, and in vitro toxicity in the cell. There are different nanoceria synthesis methods and Ligands for functionalization and loading of nanoceria into drugs for targeted drug delivery. Redox chemistry of nanoceria exerts their anticancer properties through apoptosis and oxidative stress as it can switch between Ce3+ and Ce4+ and act as free radical scavengers. For breast cancer treatment, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) can act as protectant for healthy cells against on-going radiotherapy. Similarly, CeONPs were used to make pancreatic cancer cells more sensitive to radiation damage setting them on the apoptotic pathway. Herein, the study reflects the use of nanoceria as a drug delivery system in chemotherapy due to its efficiency in acidic pH and oxidase activity in the microenvironment. A controlled drug delivery system was adapted using a nano-complexes of AMD-GCCNP-DOX, which were then employed against the retinoblastoma cells from the human eye to target the overexpressing chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). In radiotherapy, nanoceria acts as radioprotectants due to their free radical scavenging property and inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer. This paper summarizes the synthesis methods and application of nanoceria in cancer.

Selective uptake of thorium(IV) from nitric acid medium using two extraction chromatographic resins based on diglycolamide-calix[4]arenes: Application to thorium-uranyl separation in an actual sample.

Two novel extraction chromatography resins (ECRs) containing two diglycolamide (DGA) -functionalized calix[4]arenes with n-propyl and isopentyl substituents at the amide nitrogen atom, termed as ECR-1 and ECR-2, respectively, were evaluated for the uptake of Th(IV) from nitric acid feed solutions. While both the resins were having a quite high Th(IV) uptake ability (Kd >3000 at 3 M HNO3), the uptake was relatively lower with the resin containing the isopentyl DGA, which appeared magnified at lower nitric acid concentrations. Kinetic modeling of the sorption data suggested fitting to the pseudo-second order model pointing to a chemical reaction during the uptake of the metal ion. Sorption isotherm studies were carried out showing a good fitting to the Langmuir and D-R isotherm models, suggesting the uptake conforming to monolayer sorption and a chemisorption model. Glass columns with a bed volume of ca. 2.5 mL containing ca. 0.5 g lots of the ECRs were used for studies to assess the possibility of actual applications of the ECRs. Breakthrough profiles obtained with feed containing 0.7 g/L Th(NO3)3 solution resulted in breakthrough volumes of 8 and 5 mL, respectively, for the ECR-1 and ECR-2 resins. Near quantitative elution of the loaded metal ion was possible using a solution of oxalic acid and nitric acid. A method for the separation of Th-234 from natural uranium was demonstrated for the possible application of ECR-1.

An Overview of Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Applications of the Transition Metal Carbide Nanomaterials.

Good stability and reproducibility are important factors in determining the place of any material in their respective field and these two factors also enable them to use in various applications. At present, transition metal carbides (TMCs) have high demand either in the two-dimensional (2D) form (MXene) or as nanocomposites, nanoparticles, carbide films, carbide nano-powder, and carbide nanofibers. They have shown good stability at high temperatures in different environments and also have the ability to show adequate reproducibility. Metal carbides have shown a broad spectrum of properties enabling them to engage the modern approach of multifacet material. Several ways have been routed to synthesize metal carbides in their various forms but few of those gain more attention due to their easy approach and better properties. TMCs find applications in various fields, such as catalysts, absorbents, bio-sensors, pesticides, electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL), anti-pollution and anti-bacterial agents, and in tumor detection. This article highlights some recent developments in the synthesis methods and applications of TMCs in various fields.

Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxicity Studies of Aminated Microcrystalline Cellulose Derivatives against Melanoma and Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Cellulose based materials are emerging in the commercial fields and high-end applications, especially in biomedicines. Aminated cellulose derivatives have been extensively used for various applications but limited data are available regarding its cytotoxicity studies for biomedical application. The aim of this study is to synthesize different 6-deoxy-amino-cellulose derivatives from Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) via tosylation and explore their cytotoxic potential against normal fibroblasts, melanoma and breast cancer. 6-deoxy-6-hydrazide Cellulose (Cell Hyd) 6-deoxy-6-diethylamide Cellulose (Cell DEA) and 6-deoxy-6-diethyltriamine Cellulose (Cell DETA) were prepared and characterized by various technologies like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), X-ray diffractogram (XRD), Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM), Elemental Analysis and Zeta potential measurements. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against normal fibroblasts (NIH3T3), mouse skin melanoma (B16F10), human epithelial adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. IC50 values obtained from cytotoxicity assay and live/dead assay images analysis showed MCC was non cytotoxic while Cell Hyd, Cell DEA and Cell DETA exhibited noncytotoxic activity up to 200 µg/mL to normal fibroblast cells NIH3T3, suggesting its safe use in medical fields. The mouse skin melanoma (B16F10) are the most sensitive cells to the cytotoxic effects of Cell Hyd, Cell DEA and Cell DETA, followed by human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7). Based on our study, it is suggested that aminated cellulose derivatives could be promising candidates for tissue engineering applications and in cancer inhibiting studies in future.

Natural variation of root lesion nematode antagonism in the biocontrol fungus Clonostachys rosea and identification of biocontrol factors through genome-wide association mapping.

Biological control is a promising approach to reduce plant diseases caused by nematodes to ensure high productivity in agricultural production. Large-scale analyses of genetic variation in fungal species used for biocontrol can generate knowledge regarding interaction mechanisms that can improve efficacy of biocontrol applications. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for in vitro antagonism against the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans in 53 previously genome re-sequenced strains of the biocontrol fungus Clonostachys rosea. Nematode mortality in C. rosea potato dextrose broth (PDB) culture filtrates was highly variable and showed continuous variation (p < .001) between strains, indicating a polygenic inheritance. Twenty-one strains produced culture filtrates with higher (p ≤ .05) nematode mortality compared with the PDB control treatment, while ten strains lowered (p ≤ .05) the mortality. The difference in in vitro antagonism against P. penetrans correlated with antagonism against the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines, indicating lack of host specificity in C. rosea. An empirical Bayesian multiple hypothesis testing approach identified 279 single nucleotide polymorphism markers significantly (local false sign rate < 10-10) associated with the trait. Genes present in the genomic regions associated with nematicidal activity included several membrane transporters, a chitinase and genes encoding proteins predicted to biosynthesize secondary metabolites. Gene deletion strains of the predicted nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes nps4 and nps5 were generated and showed increased (p ≤ .001) fungal growth and conidiation rates compared to the wild type. Deletion strains also exhibited reduced (p < .001) nematicidal activity and reduced (p ≤ .05) biocontrol efficacy against nematode root disease and against fusarium foot rot on wheat. In summary, we show that the GWAS approach can be used to identify biocontrol factors in C. rosea, specifically the putative nonribosomal peptide synthetases NPS4 and NPS5.

Plutonium(IV) complexation by diglycolamide ligands--coordination chemistry insight into TODGA-based actinide separations.

Complexation of Pu(IV) with TMDGA, TEDGA, and TODGA diglycolamide ligands was followed by vis-NIR spectroscopy. A crystal structure determination reveals that TMDGA forms a 1 : 3 homoleptic Pu(IV) complex with the nitrate anions forced into the outer coordination sphere.

Comparative study of efficacy, tolerability and compliance of oral iron preparations (iron edetae, iron polymatose complex) and intramuscular iron sorbitol in iron deficiency anaemia in children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, tolerability and compliance of oral iron preparations (iron edetate and iron polymaltose complex) with each other and with intramuscular iron sorbitol in iron deficiency anaemia in children. METHODS: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was carried out at the Paediatric Department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) from January 2006 to December 2007. In total 146 children, up to 12 years age having haemoglobin (Hb%) less than 8 gm% were included. They were randomly distributed into three groups. Group A (64 cases) received oral sodium iron edetate (SIE), Group B (40 cases) received oral iron polymaltose complex (IPC) and group C (42cases) received intramuscular iron sorbitol (IS) in recommended dosages. Rise in Hb% > 10gm% was kept as desired target. Maximum duration of treatment planned was 2 weeks for parenteral iron (group C) and 12 weeks for oral iron (groups A and B). Haematological parameters- Hb%, mean corpuscular volum (MCV), mean corpuscuar haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were measured at induction followed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after start of treatment. Compliance and drop out rates were determined on each visit. Data was analyzed using SPSS version10.ANOVA was used to analyze difference in rise in Hb% at various intervals. RESULTS: Statistically significant increase in mean Hb%, MCV, MCHC after 02 weeks was observed in group C (IS). Rise in these parametes became significant in group A (SIE) and B (IPC) after 04 weeks. Peristent rise was observed in oral groups at 08 and 12 weeks. Rise in Hb% was much faster in group C (IS). It took 2 weeks to achieve mean Hb% > 10gm% and compliance rate was 40.5%, while to achieve same target, duration required was 8 weeks in group A (SIE) and 12 weeks in group B (IPC) and compliance rate was 39% and 30% respectively. Adverse effects were much more common with group A (SIE) as compared to other two groups. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular iron sorbitol is a reliable and faster alternative modality for treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in children. Short duration of treatment, sure rise in Hb% and minimal adverse effects improve compliance as compared to oral preparations. Among oral preparations, rise in Hb% is more rapid with iron edetae. While IPC gives relatively slower rise in Hb% but side effects are much less as compared to SIE.

Cerebellar tuberculoma mimicking posterior cranial fossa tumour.

A young girl presented with history of prolonged fever, vomiting and headache. CT scan of brain revealed a space occupying lesion in posterior cranial fossa with moderate hydrocephalus. Surgery was performed and histopathology report confirmed the lesion as tuberculous. Patient showed smooth postoperative recovery and complete remission of complaints on antituberculous treatment for one year and regular follow-up.