We present a generative framework for generalized zero-shot learning where the training and test classes are not necessarily disjoint. Built upon a variational autoencoder based architecture, ...consisting of a probabilistic encoder and a probabilistic conditional decoder, our model can generate novel exemplars from seen/unseen classes, given their respective class attributes. These exemplars can subsequently be used to train any off-the-shelf classification model. One of the key aspects of our encoder-decoder architecture is a feedback-driven mechanism in which a discriminator (a multivariate regressor) learns to map the generated exemplars to the corresponding class attribute vectors, leading to an improved generator. Our model's ability to generate and leverage examples from unseen classes to train the classification model naturally helps to mitigate the bias towards predicting seen classes in generalized zero-shot learning settings. Through a comprehensive set of experiments, we show that our model outperforms several state-of-the-art methods, on several benchmark datasets, for both standard as well as generalized zero-shot learning.
The study was undertaken to look into the clinicodemographic profile, management, and clinical outcomes of advanced retinoblastoma at a tertiary care center.
A prospective cohort study was conducted ...from Jan 2019 to Dec 2022. Forty-two patients of intraocular advanced retinoblastoma were assessed. The treatment protocol was formulated based on size, extension of tumor, and laterality. Primary outcome measure was response to the treatment in terms of regression of tumor and seeds and no evidence of recurrence after 12 month in enucleated eyes. Secondary outcome measures were complications like implant exposure, metastasis, and death associated with each treatment modality.
The mean age of the study group was 13 months. The most common presentation was leukocoria with diminished vision. Most of the patients had group E retinoblastoma ( n = 40, 95%) as per the International Classification of Retinoblastoma. In 12 patients with group E retinoblastoma, primary enucleation was performed and in six patients, secondary enucleation was done, in which initially, globe salvage treatment was tried. In 30 patients, globe salvage treatment was attempted and we could manage to save 23 eyes. The most common treatment modality was intra-arterial chemotherapy using a triple-drug regimen. One patient developed intracranial spread and died due to systemic metastasis during the follow-up period.
The current study showed that globe salvage is possible in advanced retinoblastoma if appropriate therapy is instituted depending upon the extent of the tumor and availability of latest treatment modalities. Intra-arterial chemotherapy using triple drugs can be offered as a first-line therapy in advanced unilateral retinoblastoma as it has been found to be very effective in the present study.
This investigation reported a one-step green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using aloe vera leaves extract solution for their application in a supercapacitor. This method used aloe ...vera leaves as a reducing agent, which is very simple and cost-effective. The synthesized NPs were thoroughly characterized using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction analysis unequivocally confirmed the crystalline nature; field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed different shapes and forms of an agglomerated cluster of synthesized NPs. The absorption spectra were recorded from UV visible spectroscopy, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided insights into the functional groups present. Electrochemical assessments were carried out via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charging-discharging and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These experiments were performed using a 2 M KOH electrolyte within a 1.0 V potential window. Impressively, the single electrode displayed a remarkable specific capacitance of 462 F g
at a scan rate of 1 mV s
and 336 F g
at a current density of 0.76 A g
. Further, a symmetric two-electrode device (NiO||NiO) has been successfully fabricated by employing a separator between the electrodes. The device exhibited an exceptional specific capacitance of approximately 239 F g
, along with an energy density of 47.8 Wh kg
and a power density of 545 W kg
at 1 A g
current density within a 1.2 V potential window. The fabricated device also shows a retention capacity of 89% at 10 A g
after 2000 cycles with 114% of columbic efficiency. The present study underscores the effectiveness of the green synthesis approach in producing NiO NPs and establishes their potential as highly promising candidates for supercapacitor applications, showcasing both excellent electrochemical performance in a three-electrode system and remarkable stability in a practical two-electrode device. The results collectively highlight the efficacy of the green approach in producing NiO NPs, establishing its potential as a highly promising candidate for supercapacitor application.
Reclamation of alkali soils to harness their productivity potential is more complex due to the presence of excess sodium ions, poor hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate, resulting in poor ...plant growth and crop productivity. Sodic soil reclamation using inorganic ameliorants like mineral gypsum or phosphogypsum is beyond the reach of small and marginal farmers having alkali soils because of their higher market prices and shortage of availability. Conjoint use of inorganic and organic amendments can be a pragmatic solution for improving soil physico-chemical and biological properties and sustaining crop productivity. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) available in abundant quantity if enriched with the efficient halophilic microbial consortium and used in conjunction with a reduced dose of gypsum can be a cost-effective approach for sustainable reclamation of alkali soils and harnessing their productivity potential. Hence, a field experiment was conducted on a high alkali soil (pH
9.2 ± 0.10), electrical conductivity (EC) 1.14 ± 0.12 dS m
, exchangeable sodium percentage 48 ± 2.50 and organic carbon (0.30%) was conducted during 2018-19 to 2020-21 to study the combined effect inorganic and organic (enriched municipal solid waste compost (EMSWC)) amendments on amelioration of alkali soils and sustaining productivity of rice-wheat cropping system. Application of gypsum @ 25% GR + enriched MSW compost @ 10 t ha
(T
) showed significant improvement in soil physico-chemical and biological properties over the sole application of organic (T
and T
), inorganic (T
) and control (T
). A significant improvement in soil fertility status in terms of available nitrogen and micronutrients as well as CO
HCO
, Cl, Ca and Mg content were recorded with the combined application of organic and inorganic soil amendments (T
and T
) over the sole application of mineral gypsum. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN) and phosphorus (MBP) improved significantly due to the application of EMSWC with gypsum over the application of gypsum only. Grain yield of rice and wheat increased significantly (P < 0.05) owing to the application of a reduced dose of gypsum (25% GR) and EMSWC @ 10 t ha
(T
) with values of 5.55 and 3.83 t ha
, respectively over rest of the treatments. Three years economic analysis of the study revealed that treatments T
and T
gave the highest positive net return whereas it was lowest in treatment T
and negative in treatment T
. The highest benefit-to-cost ratio (B:C) was obtained in treatments T
and T
which were significantly higher compared to the rest of the treatments.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a complete shut-down of the entire world and almost all the countries are presently in a "lockdown" mode. While the lockdown strategy is an essential step ...to curb the exponential rise of COVID-19 cases, the impact of the same on mental health is not well known.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the psychological impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on the general public with an objective to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, well-being, and other psychological issues.
Materials and Methods: It was an online survey conducted under the aegis of the Indian Psychiatry Society. Using the Survey Monkey platform, a survey link was circulated using the Whatsapp. The survey questionnaire included perceived stress scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale to assess perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and mental well-being, respectively. The survey link was circulated starting from April 6, 2020 and was closed on April 24, 2020.
Results: During the survey, a total of 1871 responses were collected, of which 1685 (90.05%) responses were analyzed. About two-fifth (38.2%) had anxiety and 10.5% of the participants had depression. Overall, 40.5% of the participants had either anxiety or depression. Moderate level of stress was reported by about three-fourth (74.1%) of the participants and 71.7% reported poor well-being.
Conclusions: The present survey suggests that more than two-fifths of the people are experiencing common mental disorders, due to lockdown and the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. This finding suggests that there is a need for expanding mental health services to everyone in the society during this pandemic situation.
Hybrid molecules maintain their stronghold in the drug market, with over 60% of drug candidates in pharmaceutical industries. The substantial expenses for developing and producing biologically ...privileged drugs are expected to create opportunities for producing hybrid molecule-based drugs. Therefore, we have developed a simple and efficient copper-catalyzed approach for synthesizing a wide range of triazole-linked glycohybrids derived from pyrazolo1,5-apyrimidines. Employing a microwave-assisted copper-catalyzed approach, we developed a concise route using various 7-O-propargylated pyrazolo1,5-apyrimidines and 1-azidoglycosides. This strategy afforded a series of twenty-seven glycohybrids up to 98% yield with diverse stereochemistry. All were achieved within a remarkably shortened time frame. Our investigation extends to evaluating the anticancer potential of these synthesized triazole-linked pyrazolo1,5-a pyrimidine-based glycohybrids. In-vitro assays against MCF-7, MDA-MB231, and MDA-MB453 cell lines reveal intriguing findings. (2R,3S,4S,5R,6R)-2-(acetoxymethyl)-6-(4-(((5-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazolo1,5-apyrimidin-7-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triyl triacetate emerges as a standout with better anticancer activity against MDA-MB231 cells (IC
= 29.1 µM), while (2R,3R,4S,5R,6R)-2-(acetoxymethyl)-6-(4-(((5-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazolo1,5-apyrimidin-7-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triyl triacetate demonstrates the best inhibitory effects against MCF-7 cells (IC
= 15.3 µM) in all derived compounds. These results align with our docking analysis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations, further validating the in-vitro outcomes. This work not only underscores the synthetic utility of our devised protocol but also highlights the promising potential of these glycohybrids as candidates for further anticancer therapeutic exploration.
BackgroundThe treatment of epiphora has undergone tremendous change in the past, and minimally invasive techniques are being preferred over traditional surgical options. One of them is the use of Inj ...Botulinum toxin, but there are very few studies that have explored its role in treating post-traumatic epiphora. This study was undertaken to find out the safety and efficacy of injection Botulinum toxin in treating epiphora due to canalicular obstruction following trauma.MethodsA longitudinal interventional study was done, and a total of 50 patients were recruited. All patients were subjected to Inj Botulinum toxin in the lacrimal gland (10 units). The study was done for a period of 6 months, and patients were followed up for a period of another 6 months. Changes in Munk score, Schirmer test, and tear meniscus height were considered the main outcome measures.ResultsIn our study, there were 38 males and 12 females. The age of the patients varied from 24 yrs to 67 yrs. Inj Botulinum toxin was found to be effective in 80% (n = 40/50) of cases as they reported a reduction in watering from eyes after administration of this injection. The complication associated with this treatment was minimal in our study as four patients reported diplopia, whereas two patients developed Ptosis that resolved spontaneously within two months.ConclusionInj Botulinum toxin was found to be effective in epiphora caused by canalicular obstruction due to trauma. This treatment should be considered as an alternative treatment modality as it often leads to satisfactory reduction in epiphora in patients with less complications compared to surgical intervention.
•ILs as reaction media and as product constituent in polymeric reactions.•Use of ILs in radical, ionic, and condensation polymerization as solvent.•The potential applications of of PILs in ...diversified areas.
Ionic liquids (ILs) have created their niche as a solvent of choice in the realm of synthetic chemistry. More specifically, in polymer chemistry, these designer solvents are utilized as the potential media for carrying out the polymeric reactions and sometimes as reactive constituents of polymeric materials. None of the polymeric reactions is left to explore the ability of ILs as a solvent for homogeneous/ heterogeneous polymerization systems to develop specialty polymers making use of their versatile properties viz. non-toxicity, high thermal stability, negligible vapor pressure, and large electrochemical window. Interestingly, over some time, another aspect of these ILs has been explored i.e. their ability of getting polymerized, and their inherent properties are further enhanced in this form. Such polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) exhibit particular properties and find many newer applications such as in electrochemical devices as polyelectrolyte, development of nanocomposites, optoelectronics, gas membranes, smart materials, building blocks in materials science, and also in other areas such as environment, energy, analytical chemistry, and catalysis. A comprehensive review of both the aspects of ILs i.e. solvent of choice in the polymeric reactions and various aspects of its polymeric form i.e. poly(ionic liquids) is presented in this article.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), the second most thoroughly investigated two-dimensional material after graphene, has attracted considerable interest in energy storage applications owing to its ...exceptional qualities, including its unique crystal structure, low electronegativity, and high specific capacity. In this study, we showed that a simple ball-milling procedure causes significant improvement in the capacitive properties of the bulk MoS2 (BL-MoS2). We characterized the material before and after the milling process using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a BET surface area analyzer to find the material’s structural, crystalline features, and surface area, respectively. We prepared electrodes of BL-MoS2 and ball-milled MoS2 (BM-MoS2) for electrochemical investigation. The charge storage characteristics were examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The BM-MoS2 and BL-MoS2 have a specific capacitance of 114 F/g and 96 F/g, respectively.
Fluoride in the Environment and Its Metabolism in Humans Jha, Sunil Kumar; Mishra, Vinay Kumar; Sharma, Dinesh Kumar ...
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Volume 211,
01/2011, Letnik:
211
Book Chapter, Journal Article
Recenzirano
Fluorine is widely dispersed in nature and is estimated to be the 13th most abundant element on our planet (Mason and Moore 1982). It is the most electronegative of all chemical elements, and as a ...result, it never exists in elemental form, but rather combines with other elements; fluoride compounds represent about 0.06–0.09% of the content of the earth’s crust (Wedephol 1974). Fluoride is distributed universally throughout soils, plants, and animals, and is assumed to be an essential element in animals, including humans. Fluoride has an important role in bone mineralization and formation of dental enamels. Fluoride, when consumed in inadequate quantities (less than 0.5 ppm), causes health problems such as dental caries, lack of formation of dental enamel, and reduced bone mineralization, especially among children (WHO 1996). In contrast, when fluoride is consumed in excess (more than 1 ppm), health problems may result, which equally affect the young and old (WHO 1996). At higher fluoride concentrations, metabolic processes are affected in humans, and overexposed individuals may suffer from skeletal or dental fluorosis, non-skeletal manifestations, or combinations of these maladies (Susheela et al. 1993). The incidence and severity of fluorosis depends upon the fluoride concentration in air, soil or water, and the degree of exposure to these levels.
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