Abstract The effective inhibition of MS corrosion in H2SO4 by CP and CP + KI was assessed by EIS. SM of MS was studied using SEM and AFM. The rise in Rct and decrease in Cdl, with higher C of CP only and CP + KI, confirmed MS CI. IE (%) increased with higher C of CP only and CP + KI (from 10-3 to 10-1 M). CP’s maximum IE (%) was 93.9%, at 10-1 M. CP + KI, due to I- ions synergistic effect, showed an IE (%) of about 98.8% at 10-1 M. CP only and CP + KI adsorption mechanism followed Langmuir’s isotherm. SM studies suggested that a barrier film of CP only and CP + KI, mitigated MS surface corrosion. CP + KI is an efficient inhibitor in H2SO4.

Resumo O presente trabalho é fundamentado na análise da atividade inibitória do inibidor da alfa-amilase em cultivares selecionadas de Phaseolus vulgaris, de Uttarakhand. Quinze amostras foram avaliadas quanto à atividade inibitória do inibidor da alfa-amilase. Variações significativas foram encontradas em diferentes cultivares. O extrato bruto do inibidor da alfa-amilase da amostra PUR (Purola) apresentou atividade inibitória máxima (70,2 ± 0,84). O extrato bruto de todas as cultivares apresentou variações consideráveis na atividade inibitória na temperatura de 20ºC a 100ºC. Com base na atividade inibitória e no perfil de estabilidade ao calor, o inibidor da alfa-amilase foi purificado do cultivar PUR. O inibidor purificado mostrou-se estável mesmo a 90ºC, com uma atividade inibitória de 97,20 ± 0,09. O peso molecular do inibidor purificado em Native PAGE (eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida) foi de 31kd, consistindo em duas subunidades de 17kd e 14kd em SDS-PAGE.

Abstract The present work is based on analysis of inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase inhibitor in selected cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris of Uttarakhand. Fifteen samples were assessed for inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase inhibitor. Significant variations were found in different cultivars. Crude extract of alpha-amylase inhibitor from sample PUR (Purola) have shown maximum inhibitory activity (70.2 ± 0.84). Crude extract of all the cultivars have shown considerable variations in inhibitory activity in the temperature ranging from 20ºC to 100ºC. Based on inhibitory activity and heat stability profile, the alpha amylase inhibitor was purified from PUR cultivar. The purified inhibitor was found to be stable even at 90ºC with an inhibitory activity of 97.20 ±0.09. The molecular weight of purified inhibitor on Native PAGE (Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was found to be 31kd, consisting of two subunits of 17kd and 14kd on SDS-PAGE.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trans-nasal Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) block over other treatments for Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) management. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on databases for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing trans-nasal SPG blockade for the management of PDPH over other treatment modalities. All outcomes were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method and random effect model. Analyses of all outcomes were performed as a subgroup based on the type of control interventions (conservative, intranasal lignocaine puffs, sham, and Greater Occipital Nerve [GON] block). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: After screening 1748 relevant articles, 9 RCTs comparing SPG block with other interventions (6 conservative treatments, 1 sham, 1 GON and 1 intranasal lidocaine puff) were included in this meta-analysis. SPG block demonstrated superiority over conservative treatment in pain reduction at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h after interventions and treatment failures with “very low” to “moderate” quality of evidence. The SPG block failed to demonstrate superiority over conservative treatment in pain reduction beyond 6 h, need for rescue treatment, and adverse events. SPG block demonstrated superiority over intranasal lignocaine puff in pain reduction at 30 min, 1 h, 6 h, and 24 h after interventions. SPG block did not show superiority or equivalence in all efficacy and safety outcomes as compared to sham and GON block. Conclusion: Very Low to moderate quality evidence suggests the superiority of SPG block over conservative treatment and lignocaine puff for short-term pain relief from PDPH. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021291707.

Abstract MS effective corrosion inhibition by SVLE has been investigated using electrochemical methods. Tafel polarization measurements suggested that the reaction at the anode occurred with MS dissolution, due to the strong medium aggressiveness, but SVLE addition led to a corrosion IE(%) of 93.6%, at 298 K. SVLE IE(%) still was 86% at an elevated T of 328 K, which was also confirmed by SEM observations that revealed a protective adsorbed film formed by the inhibitor onto the MS surface.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Idiopathic steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) has variable outcomes in children. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the cumulative remission rate and the secondary objectives were to assess factors affecting the remission status, kidney function survival, and adverse effects of medications. Methods: One hundred fourteen patients with SRNS were included. Calcineurin inhibitor-based treatment protocol along with prednisolone and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor were used, and patients were followed over 5 years. Results: Median age was 4.5 years; 53.5% of cases were between 1 to 5 years of age. Sixty-two patients (54.4%) were at initial stage and 52 (45.6%) were at a late SRNS stage. Median eGFRcr was 83.5 mL/min/1.73m2 at presentation. Of the 110 patients, 63 (57.3%) achieved remission [complete remission 30 (27.3%), partial remission 33 (30%)], and 47 (42.7%) had no remission. Kidney function survival was 87.3% and 14 cases (12.7%) had progression to CKD (G3-8, G4-3, G5-1, and G5D-2). Median duration of follow up was 36 months (IQR 24, 60). Age of onset, cyclosporine/tacrolimus, eGFRcr, and histopathology (MCD/FSGS) did not affect remission. Similarly, remission status in addition to age of onset, drug protocol, and histopathology did not significantly affect kidney function during a period of 5 years. Hypertension, cushingoid facies, short stature, cataract, and obesity were observed in 37.7, 29.8, 25.5, 17.5, and 0.7% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: About half of the cases achieved remission. Age of onset of disease, cyclosporine/tacrolimus use, and histopathological lesion neither affected remission status nor short-term kidney function survival in SRNS.

RESUMO Introdução: A síndrome nefrótica idiopática córtico-resistente (SNICR) apresenta desfechos variáveis em crianças. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar a taxa de remissão cumulativa. Os objetivos secundários foram avaliar fatores que afetam status de remissão, sobrevida da função renal e efeitos adversos de medicamentos. Métodos: Foram incluídos 114 pacientes com SNCR. Utilizou-se protocolo de tratamento baseado em inibidores de calcineurina juntamente com prednisolona e inibidor da enzima conversora de angiotensina. Os pacientes foram acompanhados durante 5 anos. Resultados: A idade mediana foi 4,5 anos; 53,5% dos casos tinham entre 1 e 5 anos. 62 pacientes (54,4%) estavam em estágio inicial; 52 (45,6%) em estágio tardio da SNCR. A TFGecr mediana foi 83,5 mL/min/1,73 m2 na apresentação. Dos 110 pacientes, 63 (57,3%) alcançaram remissão [remissão completa 30 (27,3%), remissão parcial 33 (30%)], e 47 (42,7%) não apresentaram remissão. A sobrevida da função renal foi 87,3%; 14 casos (12,7%) progrediram para DRC (G3-8, G4-3, G5-1, G5D-2). A duração mediana do acompanhamento foi 36 meses (IIQ 24, 60). Idade no início, ciclosporina/tacrolimus, TFGecr e histopatologia (DLM/GESF) não afetaram a remissão. Igualmente, status de remissão, além da idade no início, protocolo de medicamentos e histopatologia não afetaram significativamente a função renal por 5 anos. Observou-se hipertensão, fácies cushingoide, baixa estatura, catarata e obesidade em 37,7; 29,8; 25,5; 17,5; e 0,7% dos casos, respectivamente. Conclusão: Aproximadamente metade dos casos alcançou remissão. Idade no início, uso de ciclosporina/tacrolimus e lesão histopatológica não afetaram o status de remissão nem a sobrevida da função renal a curto prazo na SNICR.

Abstract Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and Clonidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in BPBs. Methods: Two investigators independently searched databases to identify all RCTs comparing the efficacy and/or safety of dexmedetomidine and Clonidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in BPBs. All outcomes were pooled using the inverse variance method with a random-effect model. An I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity. The source of heterogeneity was explored through meta-regression. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Out of 123 full texts assessed, 24 studies (1448 patients) were included in the analysis. As compared to Clonidine, dexmedetomidine groups showed significantly longer sensory block duration (MD = 173.31; 95% CI 138.02–208.59; I2 = 99%; GRADE approach evidence: high); motor block duration (MD = 158.35; 95% CI 131.55–185.16; I2 = 98%; GRADE approach evidence: high), duration of analgesia (MD = 203.92; 95% CI 169.25–238.58; I2 = 99%; GRADE approach evidence-high), and provided higher grade quality of block (RR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.60–2.41 ; I2 = 0%; GRADE approach evidence: moderate). The block positioning technique (regression coefficient: 51.45, p = 0.005) was observed as a significant predictor of the heterogeneity in the case of sensory block duration. No significant difference was observed for the risk of hypotension (RR = 2.59; 95% CI 0.63–10.66; I2 = %). Conclusion: Moderate to high-quality evidence suggests dexmedetomidine is a more efficacious adjuvant to local anesthetic in BPBs than Clonidine.

Abstract Introduction Inactive squamosal disease is unique for having a conflicting treatment protocol, with an age-old debate between early surgical intervention or keeping patients in a long-term follow-up. The shifting paradigm is early intervention to prevent further progress into active disease and improve hearing outcome in its nascent stage. Objective To evaluate recurrence and hearing outcome in cases of inactive squamosal disease after cartilage strengthening tympanoplasty. Methods The study was conducted on 50 patients with inactive squamosal disease. Detailed examination was done to grade the retraction. All patients underwent autologous conchal cartilage tympanomastoidectomy with temporalis fascia grafting. Recurrence and hearing evaluations were done by pure tone audiogram at regular intervals for one year. Results Hearing loss was the most common presenting symptom. Isolated pars tensa retractions were more common (54%) than pars flaccida (12%), or those involving both (34%). Ossicular status was normal in only 14% of the cases, and the most common ossicular damage was to the lenticular process of the incus (52%). Three of the patients (6%) had residual perforation at the 3rd month of follow-up. Subjective improvement in hearing was reported by 42% patients. Hearing improvement greater than 10 dB was found in 24 patients (48%). Air–bone gap reduced from 25.16 ± 8.15 dB preoperatively to 12.90 ± 6.20 at 1 year of follow-up. Recurrence was seen in three patients (6%). Conclusion Early intervention by cartilage strengthening of weakened tympanic membrane and ossicular reconstruction not only offers better hearing results, but also prevents progress to active disease.

Abstract The state of Uttarakhand in India lies in a highly seismically active zone, therefore earthquake resistant design criteria have been followed for major construction practice in this region. One of the major inputs for earthquake-resistant design is average shear wave velocity (V S ) at 30 m depth. In the present work, at twenty-six different sites, the Horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique and multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) is used for joint analysis to obtain a one-dimensional velocity model that supports both the HV spectrum and dispersion curve obtained from HVSR and MASW methods, respectively. Shear wave profiles obtained at various sites are compared with the bore log data obtained from drilling and it clearly shows that the (V S ) for the same formation have a strong dependence on the depth at which it occurred. Data from twenty-four shear wave profiles have been used to prepare a linear regression relation of (V S ) for different lithological formations with respect to their depth of occurrence. Root mean square error obtained from the developed relationship for various lithologies clearly shows that the results are fairly well within the range of acceptance. The developed relations have been further validated by calculating Vs profile from bore log data obtained at two new location sites that are not included in the data set used for the preparation of regression relations. A comparison of two velocity sections clearly shows that the velocity profile computed from regression relation matches closely with that obtained from the seismic survey and thereby establishing the efficacy of developed regression relationship for its practical implementation. This developed relation allows soil type classification for zoning purposes.

Resumen El estado de Uttarakhand en la India se encuentra en una zona de alta actividad sísmica, por lo que se han seguido criterios de diseño resistentes a los terremotos para las principales prácticas de construcción en esta región. Una de las principales entradas para el diseño resistente a los terremotos es la velocidad media de la onda de corte (V S ) a 30 m de profundidad. En el presente trabajo, en veintiséis sitios diferentes, la técnica de la relación espectral horizontal a vertical (HVSR) y el análisis multicanal de onda de superficie (MASW) se utiliza para el análisis conjunto para obtener un modelo de velocidad unidimensional que soporta tanto la curva de espectro de HV como la curva de dispersión obtenida de los métodos HVSR y MASW, respectivamente. Los perfiles de onda de corte obtenidos en varios sitios se comparan con los datos de registro de perforación obtenidos de la perforación y muestra claramente que los Vs para la misma formación tienen una fuerte dependencia de la profundidad en la que ocurrió. Se han utilizado datos de veinticuatro perfiles de onda de corte para preparar una relación de regresión lineal de Vs para diferentes formaciones litológicas con respecto a su profundidad de ocurrencia. El error cuadrático medio obtenido a partir de la relación desarrollada para varias litologías muestra claramente que los resultados están bastante bien dentro del rango de aceptación. Las relaciones desarrolladas han sido validadas adicionalmente por el cálculo de perfil Vs de los datos de registro de perforación obtenidos en dos nuevos sitios de ubicación que no están incluidos en el conjunto de datos utilizado para la preparación de relaciones de regresión. Una comparación de dos secciones de velocidad muestra claramente que el perfil de velocidad calculado a partir de la relación de regresión coincide estrechamente con el obtenido de la encuesta sísmica y por lo tanto se establece la eficacia de la relación de regresión desarrollada para su implementación práctica. Esta relación desarrollada permite la clasificación del tipo de suelo para fines de zonificación.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The diabetic foot is one of the most feared complications of diabetes mellitus; It is the cause of 80 % of non-traumatic amputations worldwide. For decades, different treatments have been used to heal diabetic foot; growth factors have revolutionized this therapy. The participation of a multidisciplinary team with compliance with the action protocols and the use of Heberprot-P decrease the rate of amputations in patients with this condition. Objective: To present the evolution of patients with diabetic foot ulcers, in different clinical stages, treated with Heberprot-P. Development: Three clinical cases are presented; The first is a male patient, 56 years old, diabetic, with open transmetatarsal amputation in which 16 applications of Heberprot-P were performed and a skin graft was placed, the lesion closed in 45 days. The second is a 58-year-old patient, diabetic and hypertensive, with a right foot injury, with previous vascular surgery; 19 applications of Heberprot-P were performed and the lesion healed in 49 days. The third case is a 55-year-old patient, who was admitted due to an extensive injury to his right foot, 22 applications of Heberprot-P were performed, closure of the injury was achieved in 85 days and amputation was avoided. Conclusions: The presented cases evolved favorably with Heberprot-P treatment.

RESUMEN Introducción: El pie diabético es una de las complicaciones más temible de la diabetes mellitus; es el causante del 80 % de las amputaciones no traumáticas a nivel mundial. Durante décadas se han utilizados diferentes tratamientos para la cicatrización del pie diabético; los factores de crecimiento han revolucionado esta terapéutica. La participación de un equipo multidisciplinario con el cumplimiento de los protocolos de actuación y el empleo del Heberprot-P disminuyen el índice de amputaciones en pacientes con esta afección. Objetivo: Presentar la evolución de pacientes con úlceras del pie diabético, en diferentes estadios clínicos, tratados con Heberprot-P. Desarrollo: Se presentan 3 casos clínicos; el primero es un paciente masculino, de 56 años, diabético, con amputación transmetatarsiana abierta en la cual se realizaron 16 aplicaciones del Heberprot-P y se colocó un injerto de piel, la lesión cerró en 45 días. El segundo es un paciente de 58 años, diabético e hipertenso, con lesión en el pie derecho, con una cirugía vascular previa; se realizaron 19 aplicaciones del Heberprot-P y la lesión cicatrizó en 49 días. El tercer caso es un paciente de 55 años, que ingresa por la una lesión extensa en el pie derecho, se le realizaron 22 aplicaciones de Heberprot-P, se logró el cierre de la lesión en 85 días y se evitó la amputación. Conclusiones: Los casos presentados evolucionaron de forma favorable con el tratamiento de Heberprot-P.

Abstract In this paper, we define the space Sα θ (∆m v, f) of all (∆m v, f)-lacunary statistical convergent sequences of order α with the help of unbounded modulus function f, lacunary sequence (θ), generalized difference operator ∆ m v and real number α ∈ (0, 1]. We also introduce the space ωα θ (∆m v, f) of all strong (∆m v, f)-lacunary summable sequences of order α. Properties related to these spaces are studied. Inclusion relations between spaces Sα θ (∆m v, f) and ωα θ (∆m v, f) are established under certain conditions.

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid functions in the sick newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Transient hypothyroxinemia has been reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or to acute illness. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hypothyroxinemia and determine its risk factors in sick term newborns. Materials and methods: We analyzed free T4 (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in sick term neonates (≤7 days of life) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FT4 and TSH levels were estimated in the first week of life in all the enrolled neonates (N = 98) and then repeated at 14-21 days of life in 46 babies. Risk analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results: Hypothyroxinemia was seen in 10 (10.2%) of the admitted term babies. Male gender, vaginal delivery, presence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and need for mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) were identified as risk factors. There was a significant negative linear correlation between FT4 level in the first week of life and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Hypothyroxinemia is common in sick term neonates.

Resumo Introdução: O tratamento da síndrome nefrótica com corticosteroide pode causar vários efeitos colaterais, incluindo anormalidades comportamentais. Os objetivos do estudo foram observar a proporção de não-recidivos com persistência de anormalidades comportamentais após conclusão do tratamento do episódio inicial, comparar as anormalidades com os recidivos, e determinar fatores de risco para persistência. Métodos: 75 crianças com primeiro episódio de síndrome nefrótica idiopática e 60 crianças normais foram avaliadas pelos pais por problemas comportamentais usando o Checklist de Comportamento Infantil. O Índice de Estresse Parental também foi avaliado. As crianças foram avaliadas antes do tratamento, 12 e 36 semanas após. Resultados: Tanto recidivos quanto não recidivos mostraram anormalidades nos domínios de internalização e externalização às 12 semanas de terapia com esteroides. Não-recidivos apresentaram pontuações anormais no domínio de internalização em 63,5%, e no domínio de externalização, em 48,1% dos casos em 36 semanas. Recidivos tiveram pontuações anormais em todos os três domínios de comportamento, mas uma proporção significativamente maior de recidivos apresentou pontuações anormais em relação ao comportamento total (65,2% vs 28,8%, p<0,01) e domínios infantis (100% vs 57,7%, p<0,001) do Índice de Estresse Parental em comparação com não recidivos às 36 semanas. A ocorrência de recidiva aumentou o risco (odds ratio 5,76, 95% IC 1,35-10,76, p< 0,001) de persistência de comportamento total anormal em 36 semanas de acompanhamento. Conclusão: A persistência de anormalidades foi observada não apenas em recidivos, mas também em não recidivos. A recidiva foi um fator de risco significativo para a persistência de comportamentos anormais nesses pacientes.

Abstract Introduction: Treatment of nephrotic syndrome with corticosteroid can cause several side- effects including behavioral abnormalities. The objectives of the study were to observe the proportion of non-relapsers having persistence of behavioral abnormalities after completion of treatment of initial episode and compare the abnormalities with relapsers, and to determine risk factors for persistence. Methods: Seventy-five children with a first episode of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and 60 normal children were rated by parents for behavioral problems using the Child Behavior Checklist. The Parenting Stress Index was also evaluated. The children were rated before treatment and 12 and 36 weeks after. Results: Both relapsers and non-relapsers showed abnormalities in internalizing and externalizing domains at 12 weeks of steroid therapy. Non-relapsers had abnormal scores in the internalizing domain in 63.5 % and externalizing domain in 48.1% of cases at 36 weeks. Relapsers had abnormal scores in all the three behavior domains, but a significantly higher proportion of relapsers had abnormal scores regarding total behavior (65.2% vs 28.8%, p<0.01) and child domains (100% vs 57.7%, p<0.001) of Parenting Stress Index in comparison to non-relapsers at 36 weeks. Occurrence of relapse increased the risk (odds ratio 5.76, 95% CI 1.35-10.76, p< 0.001) for persistence of abnormal total behavior at 36 weeks follow-up. Conclusion: Persistence of abnormalities was observed not only in relapsers but also in non-relapsers. Relapse was found to be a significant risk factor for persistence of abnormal behaviors in these patients.

Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to optimize the significant parameters (filler type, filler size, and content) for improving the performance of starch-based biocomposite films. The mathematical and statistical tools such as response surface methodology (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for modeling and optimization. To verify the different developed models, validation tests were also performed. The results showed that the RSM based central composite design (CCD) is an effective tool to predict the relationship between various input parameters and desired responses. Most of the desirable properties [tensile strength, Young’s modulus, impact strength, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and opacity] of starch-based films were improved with the increase of filler content. The optimum values of input and response parameters are: filler content: 8.11 wt.%, filler size: 27.07 µm, filler type: walnut shell, tensile strength: 32.43 MPa, Young’s modulus: 333.338 MPa, elongation at break: 9.90 %, impact strength: 34.12 J/mm, WVTR: 1040.40 g m-2 24 h-1, rate of degradation (ROD): 31.6918 weight loss%/day, transparency 58.60 %transmittance/mm, and solubility 27.06%.

Abstract This study was aimed to develop the haloperidol (HPL) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for brain targeting through the intranasal route. SLNs were fabricated by the emulsification diffusion technique using glyceryl behenate as lipid and tween 80 as a surfactant. SLNs were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, structure, entrapment efficiency, solid state characterization by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and in-vitro release. In-vivo biological evaluation was performed on albino Wistar rats for the determination of pharmacokinetic as well as brain targeting parameters. Particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of optimized formulation (HPL-SLNs 6) were found to be 103±09 nm, 0.190±0.029, -23.5±1.07 mV, and 79.46±1.97% respectively. In-vitro drug release studies exhibited that 87.21± 3.63% of the entrapped drug was released from the SLNs within 24 h. DSC curves confirmed that during entrapment in SLNs, the drug was solubilized in the lipid matrix and converted into the amorphous form. Enhanced HPL targeting to the brain was observed from HPL-SLNs as compared to HPL-Sol when administered intranasally. The value of AUC 0-∞ in the brain for HPL-SLNs i.n. was found to be nearly 2.7 times higher than that of HPL-Sol i.v., whereas 3.66 times superior to HPL-Sol administered i.n. Stability studies revealed that the formulation remains unchanged when stored at 4±2 °C (refrigerator) and 25±2 °C /60 ±5% RH up to six months. Finally, it could be concluded that SLN is a suitable carrier for HPL with enhanced brain targeting through i.n administration, as compared to the HPL-Sol, administered i.n. and i.v.