bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Some Ripening Parameters (Antioxidant and Enzymes) during Storage of Banana (Musa acuminata) after Treatment with Calcium Chloride
Authors: Tafre-Phounzong Eugene , Aghofack-Nguemezi Jean
Published: February 2022

The valorisation of the large scale production of bananas in the producing countries depends on the safeguarding of the quality during exports throughout the world. The objective of the present study was to extend the shelf life of bananas by elucidating some physical and physiological phenomena that accompany the ripening process. To achieve this, bananas were treated by soaking in solutions of tween 20 for 10 minutes and calcium chloride at 2, 4, 6 and 8% for 30 minutes. The following parameters were evaluated generally in the peel and pulp as a function of time during ripening: green life, firmness of bananas, water content, Brix index, pigments, antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid and flavonoids, activity of two enzymes, chlorophyllase and pectin-methylesterase. The green life was 25 days for bananas treated with tween 20 at 4% calcium chloride and almost 15 days for controls. Firmness was lower in bananas treated with tween 20 at 6 and 8% calcium chloride as well as in control bananas. While the Brix index was higher in the latter, photosynthetic pigment contents such as chlorophylls a and b were lower over time. Lycopene, β-carotene and ascorbic acid contents increased significantly during ripening. Flavonoid content in the skin varied less during the sampling period. However, a regression of the latter was noted in the pulp. The enzymatic activity of both chlorophyllase and pectin-methylesterase was increasing during the whole experiment. The effect of the treatments on the majority of the evaluated parameters was elucidated. Although it was not always statistically significant. The treatments with tween 20 at 2 and 4% calcium chloride were the best, certainly because of an adequate integration of calcium chloride in the tissues. On the other hand, the 6 and 8% treatments showed an unexpected result, similar to the control. The integration of a high calcium content would lead to a tearing of the tissues and consequently to a disorganisation of the membrane, resulting in a faster ripening.
Noninvasive Predictors of Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon in Patients Presenting with Chronic Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Mahfouz Hamed Mahfouz , Yassen Ibrahim Abd El Fattah , Mahgoub Kamal Ahmed Marghany
Published: February 2022

Background: Patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) exhibit the following characteristics: Predominantly middle-aged males, the majority have mixed pattern angina, persistent chest pain sensations after therapy, and many have had repeated invasive and non-invasive examinations.

Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the base of non-invasive predictors of coronary slow flow phenomenon in patients presenting with chronic coronary syndrome.

Patients and Methods: This a case-control study included 100 participants of suspected coronary artery disease were divided into two groups matched in age and sex group I: 50 patients with primary CSFP and group II: 50 patients with normal coronary angiography. Each patient was undergoing to demographic data taking, physical investigation, good hydration, restrict fasting hours requested for coronary angiography, 12 lead-Electrocardiogram (ECG)s were obtained for each patient at rest, laboratory parameters, coronary angiography, treadmill exercise ECG, transthoracic echocardiography to assess the thickness of the left ventricle’s (LV) wall, its interior dimensions, as well as the LV’s ejection fraction (EF) using M-mood method and the aortic propagation velocity.

Results: male sex and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina grade’s (CCSA) class 3 were significantly decreased in group I compared to group II and male sex, Diabetes mellitus (DM), smoker and CCSA class 4 were substantially increase in group I compared to group II (P <0.05). P wave max, P Wave dispersion (PWd), corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) at resting ECG, T wave inversion and ST Waves segment depression at stress ECG were significantly increase in group I compared to group II. QTc min was significantly lower in group I compared to group II (P <0.05). LA diameter was significantly increased in group I than group II. Aortic propagation velocity was significantly decreased in group I than group II (P <0.05). Hematocrit, total leucocytic count, mean platelet volume and High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were significantly increase group I compared to group II (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Patients suspected of having a coronary artery disease who are diagnosed with coronary slow flow, male sex, dilated LA, CCSA class 3 or 4, elevated hematocrit value, elevated total leucocytic count, increased mean platelet volume, increased HsCRP, P max, PWd, QTcd, T wave inversion, ST segment depression, and decreased aortic propagation were statistically higher in CSFP patient compared to controls.
Optimization of Fibre and Protein Rich Extruded Soybean-Rice Based Ready to Eat Snacks
Authors: Choudhary Kanupriya , Alam M. S. , Sidhu Gagandeep Kaur , Gupta S. K.
Published: February 2022

Ready to eat, nutritious and low-cost snack was developed by composite flour containing defatted soya, rice, salt, radish leaves and pea pods powder. The best possible combination of process parameter was obtained with response surface methodology (RSM) using Box Behnken design. The different process variables viz., screw speed, die temperature, feed moisture and composition of base and supplement materials were optimized to obtain good quality soybean-rice based snack food. The designed experimental runs were conducted to obtain the optimal conditions as 360.42 rpm speed of screw (SS), 152.29°C die temperature (DT), 13.17% feed moisture (FM), 35% vegetable waste-soy powder (VW-SP) proportion and 65% of base flour. The results revealed that the addition of vegetable waste (radish leaves and pea pods powder) and soy powder had the most significant impact on all process variables followed by the feed moisture content. The blend proportion under optimum extrusion conditions had improved the nutritional quality of snack food with 1.55g/ 100g of fiber and 20.61g/100g of protein content and overall acceptability of 78.41%.
Landslide Disasters’ Causal/Trigger Factors as Understood by the Indigenous People in Murang’a County, Kenya
Authors: Maina Njiraini, John , Okaka Fredrick , Omondi Paul
Published: February 2022

Landslides constitute a considerable number of natural disasters globally. Landslides are not new in Kenya yet a dearth of information about the disasters has been reported. Murang’a County presents a unique case of geographical interest because of all the counties traversed by the Aberdare Ranges, it is the only one with the most serious, deadliest and recurrent landslides, especially in the recent past. Most studies on landslide disasters are limited to the scientific assessment and understanding neglecting the indigenous knowledge albeit the fact that indigenous people are affected in one way or another by the disasters. This research aims at highlighting the residents’ indigenous knowledge of landslide causal and trigger factors. Primary data are analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics in IBM-SPSS package. A total of 336 household questionnaires were administered, with an average response rate of 86%, complemented with, 8 Key Informants Interviews and 7 Focus Group Discussion. The key research findings were that indigenous people understood the landslide causal/trigger factors and their contribution landslides occurrences. The identified factors were rainfall, elevation, slope, soils and land-use land-cover. In conclusion, the study recommends the application and integrated of indigenous knowledge with existing scientific knowledge in the understanding of landslide disasters formulation of a policy framework at the county or national government levels. Also, landslides being highly localized, the study recommends further localized research targeting only the households affected by the landslides to gain closer understanding according to their knowledge and experiences through interaction with landslide disasters.
A Cross-sectional Study on the Development of Diabetic Cardiovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a South Indian Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Pingili Ravindra Babu , Nalluri Lavanya , Mannam Madhavi , Kodali Thanvija , Kilaru Naveen Babu
Published: February 2022

Background: Diabetic cardiovascular complication is a familiar macrovascular complication of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality for people with diabetes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters related to diabetic cardiovascular complication in patients with T2DM.

Methodology: This study was conducted on 530 subjects (171 with or 359 without diabetic cardiovascular complication). Prevalence of diabetic cardiovascular complication was measured, risk factors for diabetic cardiovascular complications, and drug utilization pattern was assessed.

Results: Cardiovascular complication was significantly higher in the subjects who are poorly educated, nature of work (house wives) and risk factors were pre-existing conditions (Hypertension, Cardiac, endocrine and other diseases), habit of smoking (past smoker), tea/coffee (twice without sugar), poor glycemic control, elevated triglyceride levels, elevated creatinine levels, duration of diabetes (5-10 years; >10 years).

Conclusion: Combination of Glimepiride and Metformin (35.10%), Metformin (34.04%), combination of insulin isophane and insulin regular (23.40%), Insulin Regular (11.70%) were the anti-diabetic drugs widely prescribed to the T2DM patients with cardiovascular complications. Significant risk factors for development of diabetic cardiovascular complication were multiple.
Comparative Contact Angle Analysis of 1% Chlorhexidine and 2% Metronidazole Mouthgel - An In Vitro Study
Authors: Choudhary Apurva , Ganesh S. Balaji
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Chlorhexidine is considered to be gold standard drug in treating various oral infections. Metronidazole is effective for treating various anaerobic infections, including dental abscess and periodontal abscess. In current technical applications and material sciences, contact angle is a thermodynamic characteristic that describes the wettability of solid surfaces. The aim of this study is to compare the contact angle of chlorhexidine and metronidazole mouth gel.

Materials and Methods: Total 10 samples of gel was used, involving 5 samples of 1% chlorhexidine gel and 5 samples of 2 % metronidazole gel. The contact angles were measured with the Ossila Goniometer after each sample was dispensed from a microsyringe on the facial surface of the microtomed tooth. The obtained values from the samples were determined, and the data was statistically analysed using SPSS software version 20.0. The paired t test was used to analyse the data.

Results: From the data collected it was found that the average contact angle of the mouth gels that is chlorhexidine and metronidazole gel were 51.58 & 67.04 respectively. T test showed p value of 0.157, (p value < 0.05). Hence, it is statistically not significant. Chlorhexidine gel had a lower average mean of contact angle than metronidazole gel, which means chlorhexidine gel had got better wettability when compared to metronidazole gel.

Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that chlorhexidine gel has a better tendency to wet the tooth or oral cavity surfaces when compared to metronidazole gel, thereby it can have better action in treating various oral conditions.
Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Studies of the Essential Oil and Ethanol Extract of Aerial Parts of Artemisia rutifolia Steph.ex. Spreng
Authors: Ayurzana Amarjargal , Jambal Irekhbayar , Boldkhuu Nandintsetseg , Batbayar Bayarhuu , Romanenk Elena P. , Shatar Altantsetseg
Published: February 2022

Mongolia is rich in medicinal plants. In recent years, interest in plant-derived food additives has grown. This study was aimed to evaluate antioxidant, cytotoxic activities of aerial parts ethanol extracts from Artemisia rutifolia Steph.ex Spreng grown in Mongolia. The essential oil composition variability of A.rutifolia Steph.ex Spreng aerial parts collected from three different slopes of Kharkhiraa mountain was assessed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Chromatographic analysis of A.rutifolia Steph.ex Spreng essential oils showed the predominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons represented mainly by santolina triene, β-myrcene. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil and ethanol crude extracts were determined by using DPPH and MTT assays. The antioxidant activity of A.rutifolia Steph.ex Spreng ethanol extract is 2.12 times higher than the antioxidant activity of the essential oil. The essential oil of A.rutifolia Steph.ex Spreng with a concentration of 150 mg/ml or 3μg/disk inhibits the growth of S.enterica 9.3 ± 0.76 mm, B.subtillus 10.3 ± 0.58 mm, S.aureus 9.6 ± 1.5 mm and has a moderate bacterial activity. The results clearly showed that the essential oil presented satisfactory cytotoxic activity against two human tumor cell lines HepG2 (human liver cancer cell line); AGS (human stomach cancer cell line). Our work revealed that the ethanol extracts and essential oil of Artemisia ritifolia Steph.ex Spreng grown in Mongolia has potential as sources of new antioxidant, and cytotoxic compounds, respectively. Essential oil of A.rutifolia Steph.ex Spreng contains caryophylline-7.19% and caryophylline oxide-5.82%, so the essential oil at a dose of 25 mg/ ml inhibits the growth of human stomach cancer cell (AGS). The results of the study were certified by the utility model certificate of “Soap Fragrance Elixir” with the registration number 20-003068.
A Study of Stability Indicating Development and Validation of a Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Brigatinib and Alectinib Using Reverse Phase Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Form
Authors: Raviteja Gunturu , Rambabu Kantipudi
Published: February 2022

Aims: New validated method for the simultaneous estimation of Brigatinib and Alectinib using UPLC and study of its degradation.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, RVR & JC College of Engineering, Chowdavaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, between March 2021 and April 2021.

Methodology: Using Luna C18 100 x 2.6 mm, 1.6 µm column, acetonitrile, and 0.1 percent Tri ethyl amine (TEA) (80:20 v/v) as a mobile phase, the proposed method successfully achieved effective chromatographic separation with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and a wave length of 260 nm. The Braginib and Alectinib peaks were resolved within 5 minutes of elution time, with the Brigatinib peak eluting at 3.208 minutes and the Alectinib peak eluting at 1.757 minutes.

Results: The proposed method displays excellent linearity in the concentration ranges of 1.0 µg/ml to 15 µg/ml for Brigatinib and 5.0 µg/ml to 75 µg/ml for Alectinib. The RSD of robustness levels has a maximum of just 2 percent.

Conclusion: The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of the method were all found to be in line with ICH guidelines, when the procedure was developed and tested.
Solutions for Improving Rich Media Streaming Quality in Heterogeneous Network Environments
Authors: Trestian Ramona , Muntean Gabriel‐Miro
Published: February 2022

Growing amounts of data are exchanged globally, especially with the latest increase in the number and types of smart devices, from smartphones to smart TVs, which enable both generation and consumption of rich media content. In a global context, in which the internet traffic is expected to exceed several zettabytes per year and the video traffic is estimated to exceed 82% of the total data traffic by 2022, respectively, there is a significant pressure on the underlying network infrastructure to support high quality of these rich media services. The improved wired and guided network infrastructure and emerging 5G networks, and evolving LTE and Wi‐Fi networks, are providing increasing bandwidth support and improved Quality of Service for these applications. However, the pressure the rich media content, including omnidirectional, 4K, 3D, HD video, and VR/AR applications, place on these networks is also increasing with a high rate, mostly due to the number and range of services as well as the increasing number of users. As a consequence, the increased latency and loss affects the users' Quality of Experience when consuming these rich media services. However, a simple increase in system capacity will not be enough, and alternative solutions are required to fix the provisioning of QoE for rich media streaming applications. This article describes such solutions, including adaptive multimedia and multisensorial media delivery schemes, which were proposed to improve the overall user‐perceived quality, energy efficiency, and/or network utilization.
Sounding Methods in HF Sky Wave Communications
Authors: Orga Ferran , Alsina‐Pagès Rosa M. , Bergadà Pau , Hervás Marcos
Published: February 2022

The existence of the ionosphere as an electrically charged region in the atmosphere was suggested way back in 1839 by Friedrich Gauss. However, it was not until the 1920s that Edward Appleton proved that signals could be received without line of sight anywhere on the planet when emitting in high‐frequency ranges and by means of the ionosphere. The study of the ionosphere has widely attracted the interest of communication researchers due to its complexity regarding time and frequency dispersion. In this chapter, the techniques to characterize the ionospheric HF channel are reviewed. Also, the outcomes of the most relevant research projects working on that issue are provided. This chapter also gives the calculations required to conduct the study of channel availability, signal‐to‐noise ratio, multipath delay spread, and Doppler spread. Finally, the outcomes of these calculations are provided for a real case study involving a 12 760‐km long‐haul link from Antarctica to Europe.
ISG20: an enigmatic antiviral RNase targeting multiple viruses
Authors: Deymier Séverine , Louvat Camille , Fiorini Francesca , Cimarelli Andrea
Published: February 2022

Interferon‐stimulated gene 20 kDa protein (ISG20) is a relatively understudied antiviral protein capable of inhibiting a broad spectrum of viruses. ISG20 exhibits strong RNase properties, and it belongs to the large family of DEDD exonucleases, present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. ISG20 was initially characterized as having strong RNase activity in vitro, suggesting that its inhibitory effects are mediated via direct degradation of viral RNAs. This mechanism of action has since been further elucidated and additional antiviral activities of ISG20 highlighted, including direct degradation of deaminated viral DNA and translational inhibition of viral RNA and nonself RNAs. This review focuses on the current understanding of the main molecular mechanisms of viral inhibition by ISG20 and discusses the latest developments on the features that govern specificity or resistance to its action.
Low‐Temperature and Water‐Based Biotemplating of Nanostructured Foam‐Like Titania Films Using ß‐Lactoglobulin
Authors: Heger Julian E. , Chen Wei , Yin Shanshan , Li Nian , Körstgens Volker , Brett Calvin J. , Ohm Wiebke , Roth Stephan V. , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter
Published: February 2022

Given the broad use of nanostructured crystalline titania films, an environmentally friendly and more sustainable synthesis route is highly desirable. Here, a water‐based, low‐temperature route is presented to synthesize nanostructured foam‐like crystalline titania films. A pearl necklace‐like nanostructure is introduced as tailored titania morphology via biotemplating with the use of the major bovine whey protein ß‐lactoglobulin (ß‐lg). It is shown that titania crystallization in a brookite‐anatase mixed phase is promoted via spray deposition at a comparatively low temperature of 120 °C. The obtained crystallites have an average grain size of (4.2 ± 0.3) nm. In situ grazing incidence small‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS/GIWAXS) are simultaneously performed to understand the kinetics of film formation and the templating role of ß‐lg during spray coating. In the ß‐lg:titania biohybrid composites, the crystal growth in semicrystalline titania clusters is sterically directed by the condensing ß‐lg biomatrix. Due to using spray coating, the green chemistry approach to titania‐based functional films can be scaled up on a large scale, which can potentially be used in photocatalytic processes or systems related to energy application.
Chemical Structure of Conductive Filaments in Tantalum Oxide Memristive Devices and Its Implications for the Formation Mechanism
Authors: Heisig Thomas , Lange Kristof , Gutsche Alexander , Goß Kalle Thorben , Hambsch Sebastian , Locatelli Andrea , Menteş Tevfik Onur , Genuzio Francesca , Menzel Stephan , Dittmann Regina
Published: February 2022

Resistive switching in metal oxides is believed to be caused by a temperature and electric field driven redistribution of oxygen vacancies within a nanometer sized conductive filament. Accordingly, gaining detailed information about the chemical composition of conductive filaments is of key importance for a comprehensive understanding of the switching process. In this work, spectromicroscopy is used to probe the electronic structure of conductive filaments in Ta2O5‐based memristive devices. It is found that resistive switching leads to the formation of a conductive filament with an oxygen vacancy concentration of ≈20%. Spectroscopic insights provide detailed information about the chemical state of the tantalum cations and show that the filament is not composed of a metallic Ta0 phase. As an extreme case, devices after an irreversible dielectric breakdown are investigated. These devices feature larger conductive channels with higher oxygen vacancy concentrations. Using the experimental data as input for finite element simulations, the role of thermodiffusion for the formation process of conductive filaments is revealed. It is demonstrated that thermodiffusion is not the dominating effect for the filament formation here but might play a role in accelerating the forming process, as well as in the stabilization of the filament.
Precision conservation: Linking set‐aside and working lands policy
Authors: Swinton Scott M.
Published: February 2022

Innovations in precision agriculture now enable the identification of crop field patches whose retirement offers high environmental benefits and the low opportunity cost of crop yield loss. Precision conservation can lower costs to farmers and payment costs for government agencies. Precision conservation incentive policy should unite elements of land retirement (set‐aside) and working lands policies that pay for environmental services. Key decisions surround how to bundle land fragments in a contract, keep contract design simple, evaluate environmental benefits, monitor compliance, and measure the additionality of those benefits.
Polymorphism analysis of Valsa mali isolated from Xinjiang Province using ISSR markers
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Wang Yanxia , Tang Ling , Hao Yalun , Deng Huifang , Zhao Sifeng , Jin Chenzhong , Guo Kaifa
Published: February 2022

Apple quality and quantity is reduced by valsa canker (caused by Valsa mali Miyabe et Yamada) in Xinjiang, China. To develop treatment options, we need to understand its genetic diversity, which was assessed at the molecular level. Eight primers were selected for ISSR‐PCR analysis of 44 strains of apple valsa canker in Xinjiang. The results showed that eight primers amplified a total of 80 clear and reproducible bands including 80 polymorphic loci; the polymorphic loci rate was 100%. Nei's gene diversity index and Shannon's information index were both higher than 0.2 and 0.4 in different geographical regions, which indicated that the genetic diversity of V. mali in Xinjiang was very abundant. The cluster analysis indicated that there was no significant correlation between the genetic relationships and their geographical originals.
Response to salinity in black calla lily plant under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Shahba Mohamed , Abbas Mohamed , Samak Magdy
Published: February 2022

High soil salinity in arid and semiarid regions results in a reduction in plant growth and productivity. Also, low precipitation is insufficient to cope with high salinity. Black calla lily (Arum palaestinum Boiss.) belongs to Araceae and is used as an ornamental, for food, and in folk medicine. Salinity reduces water and nutrient uptake and causes the accumulation of toxic levels of ions (K and NA) in black calla lily plants. This study was established to evaluate black calla lily salinity tolerance and to determine its tolerance mechanisms. Seedlings of A. palaestinum were transplanted into lysimeter columns. Irrigation treatments included tap water (control) and water with electrical conductivities of 5, 15, and 25 dS m−1. Treatments were continued for 3 mo. Leaf color, leaf area, and plant height were estimated or measured weekly. Samples were collected for total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), proline, reducing sugars content (RSC), and tissue K+ and Na+ content analyses. Increasing salinity led to a decrease in leaf characters, TNC, chlorophyll content, plant height, and K+/Na+ ratio, and an increase in proline content and shoot total RSC. The significant positive association between proline content and salinity suggested that proline can enhance osmotic adjustment and act as a N or C source that helps the processes of stress recovery. Dynamics of TNC and RSC indicated that salinity tolerance is an energy‐dependent process. Results indicated that A. palaestinum collected from the Mediterranean area can tolerate irrigation water with a salinity level up to 15 dS m−1.
Analyzing fecal loading and retention patterns by abdominal X‐rays of hospitalized older adults: A retrospective study
Authors: Gau Jen‐Tzer , Patel Parth , Pan Jen‐Jung , Kao Tzu‐Cheg
Published: February 2022

Background

Aging may affect ascending colon (AC) differently from descending colon (DC) and increase the risk of fecal loading (FL) in AC.

Methods

Patients aged ≥65 years admitted to a community hospital were analyzed by abdominal x‐ray for fecal loads and stool retention patterns. FL was scored between 0 and 5 (severe) on each segment of colon with a possible total score 20. Mean segment scores ≥3.5 were designated as high scores for both AC and DC. Logistic regression was performed between groups to identify factors associated with FL patterns.

Results

Groups identified were high FL in both AC and DC (N = 21, 17.2%), FL predominantly in AC (N = 38, 31.1%), low FL in both AC and DC (N=60, 49.2%), and FL low in AC and high in DC (N = 3, 2.5%). Among 71 patients with total FL scores ≥13 (indicating significant stool retention), 37 (52.1%) had the FL predominantly in AC. Patients prescribed antibiotic(s) prior to hospitalization had lower odds of FL predominantly in AC (adjusted odds ratio = 0.18, 95% confidence interval = 0.04–0.84) compared to the group of low FL in both AC and DC with the adjustment of confounders.

Conclusion

This study found that 52.1% of those with significant stool retention on x‐ray had the FL predominantly in AC. Antibiotic use was associated with lower odds of having FL predominately in AC. This study provided insights of FL distribution in colon and AC could be an area for significant stool burden in older adults with stool retention.
Evaluation of long‐term chronic pain and outcomes for unilateral vs bilateral circular incision transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Hayakawa Shunsuke , Hayakawa Tetsushi , Watanabe Kaori , Saito Kenta , Miyai Hirotaka , Ogawa Ryo , Yamamoto Minoru , Kobayashi Kenji , Takiguchi Shuji , Tanaka Moritsugu
Published: February 2022

Aim

This study has two aims: to evaluate long‐term chronic pain and complications after circular incision transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (C‐TAPP) and compare outcomes of unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernia cases.

Methods

A postoperative patient questionnaire was used to evaluate pain and complications in 1546 patients who underwent C‐TAPP for simple inguinal hernia. Questions concerned satisfaction with surgery, pain at rest, pain at movement, mesh discomfort on a 10‐point scale, and complications, such as recurrence. Patients were classified into unilateral (U Group) and bilateral (B Group) groups, and propensity score matching was performed to compare long‐term chronic pain and complications.

Results

The questionnaire return rates were 77.5% (1034 cases) and 79.9% (135 cases) in unilateral and bilateral cases. The frequency of moderate‐to‐severe (≥4 points) pain at rest, pain at movement, and mesh discomfort were 3.2%, 3.6%, and 4.5%, respectively. After propensity score matching, no significant differences in pain at rest (P = .726), at movement (P = .712), or mesh discomfort (P = .981) were detected between the U and B groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 2.1% of all patients, and the recurrence rate was 0.3%. In the post‐match comparison, no differences in complications with Clavian‐Dindo classification ≥III (U Group 0.7%, B Group 2.1%, P = .622) were detected.

Conclusion

C‐TAPP, which focuses on the layered structure, showed acceptable results for long‐term chronic pain. Bilateral cases did not have worse pain or complications compared to unilateral cases.
Polyphenylsulfone/zinc ion‐exchanged zeolite Y nanofiltration mixed matrix membrane for water desalination
Authors: Ahmadi Reyhane , Sedighian Reyhane , Sanaeepur Hamidreza , Ebadi Amooghin Abtin , Lak Shima
Published: February 2022

In the present study, zinc ion‐exchanged zeolite Y (ZnY) was incorporated as a dispersed phase into polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) polymer matrix to prepare PPSU/ZnY porous mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with enhanced separation properties. Various MMMs with different ZnY contents (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 3 wt.%) were fabricated using phase inversion method. The morphologies of prepared membranes were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the chemical structures and microstructural properties, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and tensile test were done to investigate thermomechanical properties of the membranes. Density and dynamic viscosity of membrane casting solutions as well as porosity, mean pore size, contact angle and water content of the prepared membranes were determined to investigate how these parameters affect the morphology of the membranes. Finally, separation performance of the membrane samples was investigated by determining water flux, salt (CuSO4) rejection, and anti‐fouling properties. SEM results showed an increase in top layer pore volumes with the incorporation of ZnY nanoparticles, which offer a higher water flux. AFM images indicated the higher surface roughness for an MMM compared to the pure PPSU membrane. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of all PPSU and ZnY functional groups in the MMM and showed no existence of chemical bonds at the polymer‐particle interface. XRD patterns exhibited a decrease in the degree of crystallinity by addition ZnY nanoparticles into PPSU matrix. DSC and tensile tests confirmed the XRD analysis and show lower Tg and tensile stress for an MMM compared to the pure PPSU membrane. Porosity measurements showed that the membrane porosity improved by decreasing the polymer concentration in the casting solutions and by incorporation of ZnY nanoparticles. The contact angle measurement indicated that the values decrease upon loading of ZnY nanoparticles. Finally, an enhanced pure water flux of 4.315 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and a salt rejection of 75%, respectively as compared to 3.591 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and 81% for pure PPSU membrane, were observed for the MMM with 1 wt.% of ZnY filler.
Optimising protein detection with fixable custom oligo‐labelled antibodies for single‐cell multi‐omics approaches
Authors: Kleino Iivari , Nowlan Kirsten , Kotimaa Juha , Kekäläinen Eliisa
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is a powerful method utilising transcriptomic data for detailed characterisation of heterogeneous cell populations. The use of oligonucleotide‐labelled antibodies for targeted proteomics addresses the shortcomings of the scRNA‐seq‐only based approach by improving detection of low expressing targets. However, optimisation of large antibody panels is challenging and depends on the availability of co‐functioning oligonucleotide‐labelled antibodies.

Main Methods and Results

We present here a simple adjustable oligonucleotide‐antibody conjugation method which enables a desired level of oligo‐conjugation per antibody. The mean labelling in the produced antibody batches varied from 1 to 6 oligos per antibody. In the scRNA‐seq multimodal experiment, the highest sensitivity was seen with moderate antibody labelling as the high activation and/or labelling was detrimental to antibody performance. The conjugates were also tested for compatibility with the fixation and freeze storage protocols. The oligo‐antibody signal was stable in fixed cells indicating the feasibility of a stain, fix, store, and analyse later type of workflow for multimodal scRNA‐seq.

Conclusions and Implications

Optimised oligo‐labelling will improve detection of weak protein targets in scRNA‐seq multimodal experiments and reduce sequencing costs due to a more balanced amplification of different antibody signals in CITE‐seq libraries. Furthermore, the use of a pre‐stain, fix, run later protocol will allow for flexibility, facilitate sample pooling, and ease logistics in scRNA‐seq multimodal experiments.
Progress in the Electrochemical Reactions of Sulfonyl Compounds
Authors: Liu Wangsheng , Hao Lin , Zhang Junmin , Zhu Tingshun
Published: February 2022

Electrosynthesis has recently attracted more and more attention due to its great potential to replace chemical oxidants or reductants in molecule‐electrode electron transfer. Sulfonyl compounds such as sulfonyl hydrazides, sulfinic acids (and their salts), sulfonyl halides have been discovered as practical precursors of several radicals. As electrochemical redox reactions can provide green and efficient pathways for the activation of sulfonyl compounds, studies for electrosynthesis have rapidly increased. Several types of radicals can be generated from anodic oxidation or cathodic reduction of sulfonyl compounds and can initiate fluoroalkylation, benzenesulfonylation, cyclization or rearrangement. In this Review, we summarize the electrosynthesis developments involving sulfonyl compounds mainly in the last decade.
SR‐GDI CNTFET‐based magnitude comparator for new generation of programmable integrated circuits
Authors: Shiri Nabiollah , Sadeghi Ayoub , Rafiee Mahmood , Bigonah Maryam
Published: February 2022

The performance of the programmable integrated circuits (ICs) like digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), and microcontrollers is highly dependent on the magnitude comparators. This article presents a new reliable and efficient 1‐bit comparator based on carbon nanotube field‐effect transistors (CNTFETs) technology. The gate diffusion input (GDI) technique is used to reduce the number of transistors. Also, single swing restoration (SR) transistors and transmission gate (TG) techniques are combined to attain full‐swing outputs with high driving capability. The low internal capacitances and the fewer number of internal nodes of the proposed comparator make it low‐power both in single‐bit and multibit (2‐bit, 4‐bit, 8‐bit, and 16‐bit) implementations. Variations analyses of the circuit and technology parameters are performed that show the cell efficiency. From the layout results, the 1‐bit and 16‐bit comparators occupy 0.1944 μm2 and 37.485 μm2 as the total die area, respectively. The proposed circuit is implemented in image processing in which the best performance compared with state‐of‐the‐art designs regarding hardware complexity, circuitry performance, and image quality assessments are confirmed, by at least 50% improvements of different critical parameters. The resulted figure of merits nominates the cell for future ICs.
Ionic transport modeling for liquid electrolytes ‐ Experimental evaluation by concentration gradients and limited currents
Authors: Schalenbach Maximilian , Hecker Burkhard , Schmid Bernhard , Durmus Yasin Emre , Tempel Hermann , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: February 2022

A direct current in an electrochemical cell with a diluted liquid electrolyte leads to the displacement of ions within the solvent, while diffusion works against the resulting concentration differences. This study aims to experimentally evaluate a physicochemical ion transport model (source code provided) that describes current‐driven concentration gradients in diluted electrolytes. Hereto, an aqueous 0.1 M CuSO4 electrolyte between metallic copper electrodes serves as an experimental test system. Spatially resolved optical measurements are used to monitor the evolution of the ion concentration gradient in the electrolyte. Moreover, measured limited currents are related to computationally modeled concentration gradients. A constant parameterization of the diffusion coefficient, molar conductivity and ion transport number lead to a slight overestimation of the cathodic ion depletion and cell resistance, whereas a literature data based concentration dependent parameterization matches better to the measured data. The limited current is considered under a computational parameter variation and thereby related to the physicochemical impact of different electrolyte properties on the ion transport. This approach highlights the differences between purely diffusion limited currents and the limited current resulting from the combined electric field and diffusion driven ion motion. A qualitative schematic sketch of the physical mechanisms of the ion movement is presented to illustrate the current driven ion displacement in liquid electrolytes.
Photovoltaic distributed generation integrated electrical distribution system for development of sustainable energy using reliability assessment indices and levelized cost of electricity
Authors: Tamoor Muhammad , Abu Bakar Tahir Muhammad , Zaka Muhammad Ans , Iqtidar Eizad
Published: February 2022

Reliability assessment index is one of the main performance indicator for analyzing the impact of distributed energy generation system in the utility distribution system and minimize the costs associated with energy interruptions. In this study, sustainable energy development by using integrated photovoltaic distributed generation (DG) system considering reliability assessment indices and levelized cost of energy are presented. Electrical transient and analysis program simulation software are used for evaluation and assessment of the reliability indices based on the failure rate, average annual power interruption/outage time and repair time. The analytical method are used to evaluate the expected interruption cost (ECOST) of the system. HelioScope software is a photovoltaic simulation tool are used to design and calculate the energy generation (kWh) as well as global horizontal irradiation (kWh/m2) of the photovoltaic system. Experimental test system is a radial distribution network consisting of an 11.0 kV feeder emanating from 132.0 kV distribution grid station Satiana. According to the reliability evaluation and assessment of experimental test system before integration of photovoltaic distributed energy generation, the average service availability index (ASAI) is 0.9648 per unit. Then, the expected energy not supplied (EENS) is 772.0308 MWh per year and ECOST is 386,652,468.18 PKR per year. After integration of Photovoltaic DG, ASAI is 0.9741 per unit, then the EENS is 563.8584 MWh per year and integration ECOST is 227,087,143.39 PKR per year. The results showed that integrated PV DG system improve the reliability of conventional energy distribution systems.
Theoretical models of key parameters for performance‐based seismic design of new partially connected steel plate shear wall with vertical square tube stiffeners
Authors: An Yonghui , Liu Kang , Cui Ranting , Zhou Guojie , Ou Jinping
Published: February 2022

The main problems of steel plate shear walls in current studies can be grouped into two categories: the unexpected bulky column or column failure in fully connected steel plate shear walls (FCSPSWs), and the low shear capacity in steel plate shear walls attached to the beam only (BOSPSW). Therefore, a partially connected steel plate shear wall with vertical square tube stiffeners (PCSPSW‐VSTS) is proposed in this work. There are three contribution points. Firstly, flexural stiffness thresholds of beams for BOSPSW and PCSPSW‐VSTS are proposed to ensure the uniform partial tension fields in the infill plates. Secondly, theoretical models of tension field inclination angles in BOSPSW and PCSPSW‐VSTS are proposed. Comparison results using proposed theoretical models, experiments, and simulations indicate that the proposed equations for the inclination angle can accurately predict the direction of principal tension stress for BOSPSW and PCSPSW‐VSTS. Thirdly, the shear capacity theoretical model of PCSPSW‐VSTS is proposed, which agrees well with experimental and numerical results. Besides, parametric studies of PCSPSW‐VSTS are conducted to investigate energy dissipation behavior and the effect of various stiffeners, which show that the square tube stiffener is efficient and economical, and the behavior of PCSPSW‐VSTS is better than that of FCSPSW in terms of shear capacity and energy dissipation. The proposed theoretical models can be adopted to develop the performance‐based seismic design of BOSPSW and PCSPSW‐VSTS. The proposed theoretical models avoid the simulation, the experiment, and the complicated solution of governing equations, which are suitable for designing buildings with SPSW in high‐intensity areas.
Ergebnisse aus dem EU‐H2020‐Projekt ThermoDrill – Ein Beitrag der Felsmechanik zur effizienteren Gewinnung geothermischer Energie
Authors: Stoxreiter Thomas , Galler Robert
Published: February 2022

The urgent need to speed up the process of reducing CO2 emissions, as well as to stimulate the production and use of renewable energy demands sophisticated technologies to reach these goals. By developing an advanced drilling technology, the EU H2020 project ThermoDrill set itself the target to make the utilization of geothermal energy more economical. The new drilling technology is based on the combination of rotary drilling and high‐pressure fluid jetting. Rock mechanics largely contributes to the achievement of the common purpose of the project. Especially the investigation of the rock destruction process due to the combined hydraulic and mechanical impact plays a major role. The results are based on extensive experimental research concerning rock fracture under varying conditions. Additionally, various methods of crack detection are applied to identify the underlying mechanisms of the drilling technology. As a result, the specifications of the developed prototypes are to a considerable amount based on the rock mechanical findings. The huge potential of the advanced drilling technology is supported by the results of laboratory tests and field tests.
Discharge improvement of a phase change material‐air‐based thermal energy storage unit for space heating applications using metal foams in the air sides
Authors: Mohammed Hayder I.
Published: February 2022

This study examines the energy discharge of a phase‐changing material (PCM)‐based air heat exchanger using a metal foam inside the heat transfer fluid (HTF) channel. Such systems have various potential applications in the heating space and building ecosystem. Thermal energy storage (TES) often utilizes air as the HTF, which limits the heat transfer performance due to the low thermal conductivity. This paper aims to address this drawback via incorporating a metal foam into the HTF channel to enhance the thermal performance between the heat transfer fluid (air) and the PCM, which is considered as the novel side of this study. The combined system is mathematically modeled with an symmetrical, three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics method for various flow rates and inlet temperatures of the HTF with different geometric parameters of the metal foam. This study indicates the advantage of utilizing the porous medium in the air channel. The results show the HTF flow rate has a great influence on the discharging rate. The presence of the porous medium in the system improves the discharging process by 116% compared with a non‐porous medium system at the same flow rate. The discharging time decreases by increasing the porosity, and the value of 90% is found as the best porosity value at the flow rate of 0.005 kg/s in this system. The solidification rate is proportional to the pore density because of the surface area impacts of the porous medium, also the pressure‐drop and the pumping required are highly affected by the mentioned dependent parameters.
N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine
Authors: James Edward , Keppler Joachim , L Robertshaw Thomas , Sessa Ben
Published: February 2022

Objective

Reports have indicated possible uses of ayahuasca for the treatment of conditions including depression, addictions, post‐traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and specific psychoneuroendocrine immune system pathologies. The article assesses potential ayahuasca and N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT) integration with contemporary healthcare. The review also seeks to provide a summary of selected literature regarding the mechanisms of action of DMT and ayahuasca; and assess to what extent the state of research can explain reports of unusual phenomenology.

Design

A narrative review.

Results

Compounds in ayahuasca have been found to bind to serotonergic receptors, glutaminergic receptors, sigma‐1 receptors, trace amine‐associated receptors, and modulate BDNF expression and the dopaminergic system. Subjective effects are associated with increased delta and theta oscillations in amygdala and hippocampal regions, decreased alpha wave activity in the default mode network, and stimulations of vision‐related brain regions particularly in the visual association cortex. Both biological processes and field of consciousness models have been proposed to explain subjective effects of DMT and ayahuasca, however, the evidence supporting the proposed models is not sufficient to make confident conclusions. Ayahuasca plant medicine and DMT represent potentially novel treatment modalities.

Conclusions

Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms of action and develop treatments which can be made available to the general public. Integration between healthcare research institutions and reputable practitioners in the Amazon is recommended.