Extractive Titrimetric Determination of Hg(II), Cu(II) & Ag(I) Using Lead Diethyldithiocarbamate

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How Algorithmic Confounding in Recommendation Systems Increases Homogeneity and Decreases Utility

Recommendation systems are ubiquitous and impact many domains; they have the potential to influence product consumption, individuals' perceptions of the world, and life-altering decisions. These systems are often evaluated or trained with data from users already exposed to algorithmic recommendations; this creates a pernicious feedback loop. Using simulations, we demonstrate how using data confounded in this way homogenizes user behavior without increasing utility

RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals a Six-Gene SoxR Regulon in Streptomyces coelicolor

The redox-regulated transcription factor SoxR is conserved in diverse bacteria, but emerging studies suggest that this protein plays distinct physiological roles in different bacteria. SoxR regulates a global oxidative stress response (involving \u3e100 genes) against exogenous redox-cycling drugs in Escherichia coli and related enterics. In the antibiotic producers Streptomyces coelicolor and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, however, SoxR regulates a smaller number of genes that encode membrane transporters and proteins with homology to antibiotic-tailoring enzymes. In both S. coelicolor and P. aeruginosa, SoxR-regulated genes are expressed in stationary phase during the production of endogenously-produced redox-active antibiotics. These observations suggest that SoxR evolved to sense endogenous secondary metabolites and activate machinery to process and transport them in antibiotic-producing bacteria. Previous bioinformatics analysis that searched the genome for SoxR-binding sites in putative promoters defined a five-gene SoxR regulon in S. coelicolor including an ABC transporter, two oxidoreductases, a monooxygenase and an epimerase/dehydratase. Since this in silico screen may have missed potential SoxR-targets, we conducted a whole genome transcriptome comparison of wild type S. coelicolor and a soxR-deficient mutant in stationary phase using RNA-Seq. Our analysis revealed a sixth SoxR-regulated gene in S. coelicolor that encodes a putative quinone oxidoreductase. Knowledge of the full complement of genes regulated by SoxR will facilitate studies to elucidate the function of this regulatory molecule in antibiotic producers

A case report on Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome with macroglossia

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by the overgrowth of various body parts and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. One of the physical features of BWS is macroglossia or an enlarged tongue. In some cases, macroglossia can cause difficulty with speaking, eating, and breathing. A case report on BWS with macroglossia and reduction glossectomy would describe the patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the condition. The patient, a 6 -year-old female, presented with symptoms of macroglossia, which was confirmed by physical examination. The patient also had a history of BWS, which had been diagnosed at birth. The patient's macroglossia was causing difficulty with speaking and eating regurgitation of food through the nose and was also putting her at risk for sleep apnoea. After a thorough evaluation, the decision was made to perform a reduction glossectomy, which is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the tongue in order to reduce its size. The surgery was performed under general anaesthesia and was successful in reducing the size of the patient's tongue and improving his ability to speak and eat. The patient recovered well from the surgery and was discharged from the hospital after 3 days of admission. At the 3 months follow-up appointment, the patient had no difficulty with speech, or eating and did not have sleep apnoea. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of BWS, as well as the potential benefits of reduction glossectomy in managing the symptoms of macroglossia in this condition

Sandifer syndrome: the mis-interpretable disorder

Sandifer syndrome (SS), a movement disorder which is characterised by spasmodic torsional dystonia with back arching and rigid opisthotonic posturing, negatively impacting predominantly the neck, back, and upper extremities. Symptomatic gastro-esophageal reflux disease, esophagitis, or the presence of a hiatal hernia are all associated with Sandifer syndrome. The cause of Sandifer syndrome being uncertain, lifestyle adjustments and modifications highlights as the appropriate mode of treatment. To treat the condition and help relax the baby after feeding, dietary changes or medications can be administered. The case report of a patient with Sandifer Syndrome is considered for observation. Upon arrival, the child was stable, and an Electro-encephalogram (EEG) test revealed nothing abnormal. The child was taking several Anti-epileptic drugs (AED’s), which were stopped in favour of Sodium valproate and Pyridoxine.  An opinion from a Gastro-enterologist was sought in light of the epilepsy and possible Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and they suggested a milk scan. Rantac was then started, and breastfeeds were thickened. Milk can indicate mild GERD and a reduction in episode frequency. So, sodium valproate was discontinued. Haemodynamically stable child was discharged from the hospital with Pyridoxine and Carnisure. Studies shows most cases of SS improve over time, within the first 24 months in general.

A case report on usage of rituximab on complicated steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the common yet challenging childhood disease. Treating NS with immunosuppressants like corticosteroids is typically effective. However, there are significant evidences which displayed resistance patterns to the former drugs. Here in this case, a male patient came to the nephrology department with the history of steroid dependant nephrotic syndrome with complaint of its infrequent relapse. The condition was complicated since, the patient was on multiple steroids even after which there were recurrent episodes of syndrome. Considering the status, Mycophenolate mofetil was added as a supportive treatment for the management of the disease along with steroids, still the outcome was unremarkable. Hence, rituximab was ordered (four cycles). The outcome this time was appreciable, rituximab administration produced a positive result. No events were recorded during the treatment duration.

Fulminant Guillain Barre syndrome with recurrent lung collapse

Fulminant Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rapidly progressive form of polyneuropathy in which patients demonstrate eventual flaccid quadriplegia and an absence of brainstem function. Most patients present initially with a mild upper respiratory or gastrointestinal illness and have non-diagnostic cerebral imaging studies. Here we report the case of child aged 7 who was admitted initially with complaints of weakness of lower limbs lasting for 4-5 hours. He had difficulty in standing and walking, associated with pain in both lower limbs. Flaccid weakness rapidly progressed over 12 hours to involve both upper limbs along with difficulty in swallowing and nasal regurgitation of feeds. He was intubated and mechanically ventilated for respiratory failure. Over the period of time, after confirmation with all the test reports and symptoms, other differential diagnoses were ruled out and fulminant GBS was considered and hence plasmapheresis was started. Over the period of 3 months his muscle power slowly improved. During discharge, he was able to lift limbs against minimal resistance, turn sideways on bed, sit up with minimal support and likewise stand with support

Reliability Based Priority Allocation of Contingencies in a Complex Power System Network

Power system network consists ofsynchronous generators, transmission lines, shunt capacitors, transformers and loads. The reliability of a complete system depends on individual components reliability performance. Reliability study of a network deals with the interruptions of network. The failure of components depends on whether conditions, ageing effects, other components failure and parameter limit violation. The effect of failure on reliability performance of a system is different for every contingency. The only probability of a failure of a component does not decide the severity of failure on the power system but also depends on the rating of component. In this paper, the state probability and severity index due to the failure of each component of a thirty bus interconnected power system network is calculated and then the reliability performance based priority of contingency is investigated

Community Capacity Building for Energy Sovereignty: A First Nation Case Study

Ontario’s 2017 Long-Term Energy Plan has identified the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission line as a priority project. The line will connect seventeen remote, off-grid, diesel-dependent First Nation communitiesin northwestern Ontario, Canada to the provincial grid. The province’s current energy mandates and policies commit program dollars to build the human capacities of the seventeen Wataynikaneyap Power communities through the Remote Electrification Readiness Program (RERP). This effort is part of growing interests, changing perspectives, and focus in the continuum of provincial strategies to encourage First Nations to meet their emerging energy transitional needs and to partake in the energy sector.Capacity-building challenges are unique in the Wataynikaneyap Power communities because they experience higher levels of poverty and socio economic inequities, are subjected to antiquated and unjust institutional structures, are following a legal and self-governance status, and are maintaining distinct cultures and ways of life.Capacity building as a concept is wide-ranging and offers a multitude of expressions and interpretations. For the Wataynikaneyap Power communities, capacity building has offered the opportunity to exert their inherent rights and to increase their participation in local and regional energy planning and development.This community-based research is derived from grassroots ethnographic community observation. Through a case study of one of the Wataynikaneyap Power communities, Poplar Hill First Nation, the paper will: a) elucidate a working example of an Indigenous capacity-building process through the RERP; b) demonstrate that capacity development is a key building block for self-determination and to achieve energy sovereignty; and c) illustrate the broader scope of learnings and pathways to effective capacity building for Indigenous communities that will drive energy development initiatives and actions in Canada’s expansive energy sector

Outcome of accelerated ponseti technique in the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot

INTRODUCTION: The standard Ponseti method described for the treatment of idiopathic CTEV requires a serial manipulations and castings at weekly intervals. Few published results stated that correction can be achieved in a shorter period of time with multiple manipulations and castings per week. OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate the outcome of accelerated ponseti technique for idiopathic clubfoot by manipulations and casting done twice a week. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study included the modified group 21 patients with 25 idiopathic clubfeet treated with the accelerated Ponseti method twice a week. RESULTS: The average age of the patients at the time of treatment was 21days.All aspects of the deformity with the exception of the equinus were corrected in average of 14 days and average of 4.71 casts with one case of relapse, 7 cases only required tenotomy for correcting equinus. CONCLUSION: The accelerated Ponseti method of treatment program with twice a week manipulation and casting is safe and effective. It significantly shortens the timeframe for the treatment and compliance of parents towards the treatment. The results obtained in our study showed good correction of deformity in very shorter period of treatment when compared to standard method, which helps reducing economic concerns, cast complications and improving patients compliance