Abstract Pharmaceutical product development is a challenging, time-consuming, and cost-intensive process. Computational methods could be used for assistance and speed up the industrial process. Artificial neural networks (ANN) and neuro-fuzzy models are tools of artificial intelligence that can be used to develop pharmaceutical products to enhance productivity, quality, and consistency. In the present review, the working principle of ANN and neuro-fuzzy models has been discussed, elaborating on their different types, advantages, and disadvantages. Furthermore, the application of these computational techniques in developing pharmaceutical products like suspension, emulsion, microemulsion, nanocarriers, tablets, transdermal preparations, etc., has been discussed in detail.

Abstract Freshwater crabs of the family Potamidae Ortmann, 1896, have so far not been recorded in the state of Odisha in India. We report for the first time a potamid crab, Acanthopotamon martensi (Wood-Mason, 1875), from Odisha. With this record, in addition to the ‘Ganges Delta and Plain’ and the ‘Lower and Middle Indus’ freshwater ecoregions, A. martensi is now known to occur also in the ‘Northern Deccan Plateau’ ecoregion. The present record of A. martensi from Odisha represents the southernmost record of the family Potamidae in the Indian subcontinent. In fact, A. martensi is one of two potamid species that is known from south of the Ganges. Five species of freshwater crabs, including A. martensi, are now known from Odisha.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The knowledge of the intervertebral disc morphology and its relation with the vertebrae is vital for managing degenerative spine disease. It is imperative to study the role of preventable and treatable causes, such as Vitamin D deficiency, so that standard guidelines can be framed for apt management. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and MRI morphometry of lumbar intervertebral discs. Methods: A total of 100 subjects (20-40 years) underwent an MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Intervertebral disc and vertebral body heights were measured, and disc degenerative changes were noted. Serum vitamin D levels were correlated with disc changes using the Pearson/Spearman rank correlation coefficient. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Vitamin D deficiency showed a high prevalence in patients with disc degenerative diseases, even in young adults and females with more severe vitamin D deficiency than males (p-value < 0.001). However, a significant relationship between vitamin D levels and disc or vertebral body heights could not be established. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in patients with disc degenerative changes; however, its effect on disc and vertebral body heights needs to be extrapolated further in larger studies. Level of Evidence I; Cross-Sectional, Observational Study.

RESUMEN Introducción: El conocimiento de la morfología del disco intervertebral y su relación con las vértebras es vital para el tratamiento de las enfermedades degenerativas de la columna vertebral. Es imprescindible estudiar el papel de las causas prevenibles y tratables, como la deficiencia de vitamina D, para poder elaborar directrices estándar para un tratamiento adecuado. Objetivo: Evaluar la morfometría por resonancia magnética de los discos intervertebrales lumbares en correlación con los niveles séricos de vitamina D. Métodos: Un total de 100 individuos (20-40 años) se sometieron a una resonancia magnética de la columna lumbosacra. Se midieron las alturas del disco intervertebral y del cuerpo vertebral y se observaron cambios degenerativos en el disco. Los niveles séricos de vitamina D se correlacionaron con los cambios discales mediante el coeficiente de correlación Pearson/Spearman. Se consideró significativo un valor p <0,05. Resultados: La deficiencia de vitamina D mostró una elevada prevalencia en pacientes con enfermedad degenerativa discal, incluso en adultos jóvenes y mujeres que presentaban una deficiencia de vitamina D más grave que los hombres (valor p < 0,001). Sin embargo, no fue posible establecer una relación significativa entre los niveles de vitamina D y la altura del disco o del cuerpo vertebral. Conclusión: La deficiencia de vitamina D es más prevalente en pacientes con cambios degenerativos del disco; sin embargo, su efecto sobre la altura del disco y del cuerpo vertebral debe extrapolarse en estudios mayores. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudio Observacional Transversal.

RESUMO Introdução: O conhecimento da morfologia do disco intervertebral e sua relação com as vértebras é vital para o manejo da doença degenerativa da coluna. É imperativo estudar o papel das causas evitáveis e tratáveis, como a deficiência de vitamina D, para que possam ser elaboradas diretrizes padrão para um manejo adequado. Objetivo: Avaliar a morfometria da ressonância magnética dos discos intervertebrais lombares em correlação com os níveis séricos de vitamina D. Métodos: Um total de 100 indivíduos (20-40 anos) foram submetidos a ressonância magnética da coluna lombossacra. As alturas do disco intervertebral e do corpo vertebral foram medidas e alterações degenerativas do disco foram anotadas. Os níveis séricos de vitamina D foram correlacionados com alterações discais usando o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson/Spearman. Um valor de p <0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: A deficiência de vitamina D apresentou alta prevalência em pacientes com doenças degenerativas do disco, mesmo em adultos jovens e mulheres que apresentavam deficiência de vitamina D mais grave que os homens (valor p < 0,001). No entanto, não foi possível estabelecer uma relação significativa entre os níveis de vitamina D e a altura do disco ou do corpo vertebral. Conclusão: A deficiência de vitamina D é mais prevalente em pacientes com alterações degenerativas do disco, no entanto, seu efeito na altura do disco e do corpo vertebral precisa ser extrapolado em estudos maiores. Nível de Evidência I; Estudio Observacional Transversal.

Single-use plastics emanating from the food and beverage industry are polluting the environment, and there is increasing public pressure to find 'green' solutions to plastic pollution. The introduction of more bio-based and biodegradable plastics (possibly manufactured by disruptive technologies), increased plastic recycling, and enhanced degradation of plastics (micro, meso, and macro) in the environment can holistically contribute to solving the problem for future generations. In order to inform future research, it is imperative that robust background data and information are available. This review provides details about the volumes and categories of food and beverage packaging manufactured and recycled, and available data (qualitative and quantitative) on environmental plastic pollution in South Africa, and to a lesser extent, in Europe and globally. In addition, current and future trends and technologies for recycling, enhanced degradation, and manufacturing of plastics are discussed, with an emphasis on the manufacture of bioplastics. SIGNIFICANCE: Plastic pollution needs to be tackled through a holistic combination of reduced use, enhanced recycling efforts, public education about littering, replacement of selected conventional plastics by degradable alternatives, and enhanced degradation of plastics in the environment.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a eficácia dos protocolos de reabilitação acelerada precoce e de reabilitação conservadora retardada após reconstrução artroscópica do ligamento cruzado anterior, em termos da escala do International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), da dor (segundo a Escala Visual Analógica), da frouxidão e da rigidez no pós-operatório de um ano para determinar o melhor desfecho. Materiais e Métodos Um total de 80 participantes foram divididos em dois grupos (grupo da acelerada precoce e grupo da conservadora retardada), que foram analisados pelos testes do Qui-quadrado de Pearson e da soma dos postos de Wilcoxon. Resultados A frouxidão do joelho no pós-operatório de 1 ano foi significativamente mais alta (p = 0,039) no grupo da acelerada precoce do que no grupo da conservadora retardada. Em termos de dor pós-operatória (pela Escala Visual Analógica) e pontuações no IKDC, ambos os grupos apresentaram resultados similares. A amplitude de movimento pós-operatória foi melhor no grupo da acelerada precoce, mas isso não foi estatisticamente significativo (p = 0,36). Conclusão O protocolo de reabilitação acelerada precoce foi associado com uma frouxidão significativa do joelho em um ano de pós-operatório em comparação com o protocolo de reabilitação conservadora retardada.

Abstract Objective To compare the effectiveness of the early accelerated rehabilitation and delayed conservative rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, in terms of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, pain (according to the Visual Analog Scale), laxity, and stiffness one year postoperatively to determine the best outcome. Materials and Methods A total of 80 subjects were divided into 2e groups (early accelerated group and delayed conservative group), which were analyzed by the Pearson Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results One year postoperatively, knee laxity was significantly higher (p = 0.039) in the early accelerated group compared with the delayed conservative group. Regarding postoperative pain (according to the Visual Analogue Scale) and IKDC scores, both groups presented similar results. The postoperative range of motion was better in the early accelerated group, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.36). Conclusion One year postoperatively, the early accelerated rehabilitation protocol was associated with significant knee laxity compared to the delayed conservative rehabilitation protocol.

Abstract Background and objectives: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation lead to a sympathoadrenal response. We compared the efficacy of dexmedetomidine with fentanyl bolus to attenuate this response. Methods: One hundred patients admitted for routine surgical procedures under general anesthesia were enrolled in this double blind, randomized, controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group F received injection of fentanyl 2 μg.kg-1 and Group D received injection of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg.kg-1 diluted up to 5 mL by adding normal saline intravenously over 60 seconds. Five minutes thereafter, following induction with propofol and vecuronium, tracheal intubation was performed after 3 minutes of mask ventilation. Hemodynamic parameters were observed at an interval of 2 minutes before tracheal intubation and at an interval of 1 minute for 5 minutes after tracheal tube cuff inflation. Continuous variables are presented as mean with 95% confidence interval, and t-test was applied for comparing the difference of means between two groups after checking the normality condition. Chi-square test was applied to test the independence of attributes of categorical variables. Repeated measures two-way ANOVA was performed to compare the outcome variables between the two groups. Results: The difference in heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in two groups after laryngoscopy and intubation was not statistically significant at any point of time. The hemodynamic changes did not require any intervention in the form of administration of rescue medication. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg.kg-1 is as effective as fentanyl 2 μg.kg-1 in attenuating the hemodynamic response accompanying laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Clinical trial number & registry URL: CTRI/2017/09/009857 [ctri.nic.in]

ABSTRACT Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is uncommon among oocyte donors during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure and is rarely associated with death. We report a case of a 23-year-old oocyte donor who suddenly died on the operation table during oocyte retrieval. She had no risk factors in her menstrual history, laboratory, or clinical parameters. The antagonist cycle, triggered with the GnRH agonist protocol, was carried out. The cause of death at autopsy was attributed to respiratory failure due to acute massive pulmonary edema, which developed due to the complication of OHSS. Only a few autopsy cases associated with OHSS have been published, but, as far as we know, no clinical or autopsy cases of sudden death caused by OHSS have been reported.

Abstract Nanotechnology has been used in the field of medicine and pharmacology for its greater efficacy of drug delivery than crude molecules of drugs. In the present study medicinal mushroom Ganoderma applanatum extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized, characterized by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Furior transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Maximum absorbance was recorded at 435nm by UV-Vis. The synthesized nanoparticles of 13.54nm-255nm in size with an average particle size of 58.77nm were analyzed by DLS. FTIR-Spectroscopy provided high transmission at 3606cm-1 corresponds for phenolic capping biochemical. Thus G. applanatum extract can be used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the synthesized nanoparticles may be used for development of future therapeutic agent for treatment of diseases.

Abstract Background Fistula-in-ano is one of the most common clinical condition encountered in a surgical outpatient department. Many treatment modalities have been described with variable outcomes but gold standard surgical treatment is yet to be agreed upon. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes of ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique in the treatment of simple and complex fistula-in-ano with the primary objective of recurrence rate and broad objective of other postoperative complications during the period of study and after long-term follow-up. Methods It is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from the patients who havebeen operated for fistula-in-ano using the LIFT technique at our institute from February 2018 to March 2020 and followed-up until September 2020. Results A total of 56 patients with fistula-in-ano were treated with the LIFT procedure during the study period, of which 20 patients had simple fistula and 36 had complex fistula. A success rate of 83% was obtained with completely healed fistulas in 46 patients. No patient developed postoperative incontinence. Conclusion Ligature of intersphincteric fistula tract is an effective treatmentmodality for fistula-in-ano with less procedure-related morbidity, but it is associated with a higher recurrence rate in simple fistula than in complex fistula.

This study was aimed at employing response surface methodology (RSM) for optimization of process variables and identifying optimal conditions for the adsorption of bromate (BrO3-) from contaminated water using multi-walled carbon nanotubes, based on iron hydr(oxide), Fe-CNTs nanocomposite. Fifteen experimental runs were conducted in batch mode to study the effect of individual as well as interactive process variables, i.e., pH, BrO3- initial concentration, and adsorbent dose, on the removal of BrO3- using Box-Behnken design (BBD) of RSM. The coefficient of determination (R²) at 98.34% indicated a good agreement between actual and predicted values. The main effect and contour plot were drawn to obtain the independent and interactive effect of operational variables on BrO3- uptake. A process optimization curve was drawn to determine the optimum operating conditions that lead to a desirable response. The optimum conditions for BrO3- adsorption using Fe-CNTs nanocomposite were found to be pH 2.0, initial BrO3- concentration of 10.0 mg/L, and adsorbent dose of 0.010 g per 50 mL solution.

Abstract: The mental illness or abnormal brain is recorded with EEG, and it records corollary discharge, which helps to identify the schizophrenia spontaneous situation of a patient. The recordings are in a time interval that shows the brain’s different nodes normal and abnormal activities. The spiking neural network procedure can be applied here to detect the abnormalities of patients. The abnormal spikes are detected using the temporal contrast method, and Poisson probability has been used to find the probability of abnormality discharge of each channel. Then recurrent neural network advance version long short-term memory trained with nine channels of probability values to generate the probability of spontaneous EEG activity during schizophrenia. On learning of a long short-term memory trainer, Adam gradient optimization technique is implemented. Finally, using decoded temporal contrast method schizophrenia patients predicted by the above procedure accuracy using cross-validation method predicted as 97% whereas actual positive rate showing computes the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve as 100% area. Again, after a threshold implement of the temporal contrast method, it is predicted 100% accuracy with the testing dataset. The novelty and robotic of a spiking neural network model called probabilistic spiking neuron model are shown after the mathematical formulation of input data set to generate the spikes carefully and intelligently like Hz value of EEG should be fixed accurately for the schizophrenia patients and selection of suitable recurrent supervised classifier.

Abstract The paper proposes a high gain, metamaterial based super wideband (SWB) antenna. The SWB antenna has two inverted U slots which are responsible for two notches at 3.5 GHz and 5.5 GHz frequencies. A flower-shaped slot is etched from the radiator to obtain the SWB characteristics. The super wideband antenna has dimensions of 30×35 ×1.5 mm3 with FR4 substrate. The antenna has a frequency bandwidth of 3.1 GHz - 15 GHz for S11 < -10dB. A metamaterial unit cell is designed and simulated for permittivity and permeability characteristics. This shows a negative refractive index in the band of 2.4 GHz to 8 GHz and 8.2 GHz to 9 GHz. A 3×3 array of metamaterial cells is used as a superstrate for the improvement of the gain characteristics. The fabricated prototype SWB antenna with superstrate has measured frequency bandwidth 3.1-15 GHz with notched bands at 3.5 GHz and 5.5 GHz. The experimental and simulated results are in line with each other.

Abstract Background: Publication speed is one of the critical factors affecting authors’ preference to a journal for manuscript submission. The publication time of submitted manuscripts varies across journals and specialty. Objectives: Several bibliometric studies in various fields of medicine, except in anesthesiology, have addressed the issue of publication speed and factors that influence the publication speed. We aimed to identify factors affecting the publication speed of indexed anesthesiology journals. Method: Overall, 25 anesthesiology journals indexed in MEDLINE database were retrospectively analyzed for the time required during different stages of publication process. A total of 12 original articles published in the year 2018 were randomly selected from each journal based on the number of issues. Time periods from submission to acceptance and from submission to publication were noted, and their association with impact factor (IF), advanced online publication (AOP), and article processing charges (APCs) were evaluated. Results: The median time from submission to acceptance and from submission to publication for the selected journals were 120 (IQR [83-167]) days and 186 (IQR [126-246]) days, respectively. Publication speed was not found to have any correlation with IF and APC. However, journals with AOP required significantly lesser time for publication than those without AOP 138.5 and 240 days, respectively, (p= 0.011). Moreover, the IF of journals with AOP was significantly higher than that of journals without AOP (p= 0.002). Conclusion: The study provides an overview of total time required for peer review, acceptance, and publication in indexed anesthesiology journals. Researchers should focus on journals with AOP for expediting the publication process and avoiding publication delays.

Visceral larva migrans (VLM) occurs because of a host inflammatory response to the migrating larvae of a nematode. Patients usually present with fever, hepatomegaly and abdominal pain; vascular arterial complications are uncommon. A 19-year female presented with fever, jaundice, abdominal discomfort and melena. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple discrete, clustered, complex hepatic cystic lesions consistent with VLM, along with an arterial pseudoaneurysm from the right hepatic artery which was managed with endovascular coil embolisation.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma (UES) is an uncommon paediatric hepatic tumour that clinically simulates a liver abscess when present with fever. This report describes a case of UES in a 12-year-old boy, who presented with abdominal pain, swelling and fever, all simulating a liver abscess. The possibility of UES was considered at imaging, based on the solid appearance on ultrasound and cystic appearance with serpiginous peripheral vessels on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. The diagnosis was confirmed at histopathology.