bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive Osteocalcin Expressions in Periodontium Regenerated by Nano Bioceramics after Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Wang Lan Lei , Zhang Jian Xin , Li Yuan , Zhao Sai Nan
Published: January 2022

The research is to analyse the immunohistochemical reaction of orthodontic force on the periodontium reformed by nanobiphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (nBCP). Two third incisors were selected randomly and operated as experimental groups in 2 Beagle dogs. In the labial aspects of the third incisors, alveolar bone defects were surgically made and implanted with NBCP. The contralateral teeth in the same jaw did not receive any treatment as control. After 24 weeks, all the third incisors were moved labially. The dogs were euthanized 4 weeks later. The expression levels of osteocalcin were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Positive osteocalcin expressions in regenerated periodontium were observed and compared with the normal periodontium in the control groups. There were no significant differences within and between them. It means the periodontium regenerated by nBCP can bear orthodontic forces with a normal function. Based on these findings, we concluded that nBCP may offer a new bone graft choice for periodontic disease patients who have demands for orthodontic treatment.
The Transformation of Green Rusts on the Surface of Portland Cement Hydration Materials
Authors: Jiang Bo
Published: January 2022

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is widely used building material, and its hydration products can be recycling as low-cost absorbents. The loading of iron oxide is helpful to further improve their adsorption performance. In view of the fact that green rusts are frequently occurrence intermediate products in the co-precipitation of iron salt and prone to be oxidized into stable iron minerals. This study simulated co-precipitation to carry out iron-modification on hydration OPC. The results demonstrate that as the carrier materials, hydration OPC behaves excellent affinity with green rusts. Under the conditions of high temperature (70 oC) and high alklinity (pH=11), green rusts mainly transformed into feroxydrate, and a minor part are into magnetite. The enrichment and transformation of green rust can be regarded as an efficient approach for immobilization of iron oxide (oxyhydroxide).
Effects of Phosphorus on Growth and Development of Soybean Seedlings
Authors: Liao Zi Xin , Li Xiao Hao , Xue Ying Bin , Yang Nai De , Wu Zheng Wei , Liu Ying
Published: January 2022

Soybean seedlings were treated with different phosphorus (P) concentrations for 20 days to investigate their growth and development. The root growth and development of soybean seedlings was the best when the concentration of phosphorus was 250 μmol/L. After 20 days of cultivation at this concentration, the roots of soybean seedlings were developed, indicating that the main root length, lateral root length, and the number of lateral root was the best among all treatments, and the number of lateral roots was quite a few. In addition, when the concentration of P was at 250 μmol/L, it had a better promotion effect on the plant height of soybean seedlings, and could significantly enhance the development of soybean seedlings. Moreover, the growth of soybean seedlings would be inhibited at the condition of phosphorus deficiency or excessive phosphorus. In this experiment, the growth indexes of soybean seedlings were compared between four treatments of phosphorus concentration, so as to make a basic study on the physiological effect of soybean on phosphorus in early stage.
Study on Production Process, Microstructure, Properties of 15MnNbR Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Feng Lu Lu , Qiao Wei Wen , Song Zeng Qiang , Cao Zhi Mei , Yang Yan Jun , Liu Song
Published: January 2022

The production process, microstructure, and mechanical properties of 15MnNbR pressure vessel steel were studied by optical microscopy, universal tensile testing, and low-temperature impact toughness testing. It was found that the microstructure obtained after controlled rolling and cooling (known as thermo-mechanical control processing) consisted of ferrite and pearlite with non-uniform grain size. The banded microstructure was prominent, the strength was high, and the toughness was poor. After normalizing, the grain size was refined, both the microstructural uniformity and the banded microstructure were improved, and the strength and toughness of the steel were enhanced. After normalizing and water cooling, the grain was further refined, the microstructure was homogenized, the banded microstructure disappeared, and the strength and toughness of the test steel were improved simultaneously, resulting in excellent comprehensive mechanical properties.
Improved Optical and Electronic Properties of Single-Layer MoS2 by Co Doping for Promising Intermediate - Band Materials
Authors: Li Ai Yu , Shen Han Xin , Wang Xiao Chun
Published: January 2022

Owing to its unique optical and electronic characteristics, two-dimensional MoS2 has been widely explored in the past few years. Using first-principle calculations, we shed light on that the substitutional doping of Co can induce the half-filled intermediate states in the band gap of monolayer MoS2. The calculated absorption spectrum presents an enhancement of the low-energy photons (0.8 eV–1.5 eV), which is desired for intermediate-band solar cells. When the doping concentration increases, the reflectivity of the infrared and visible light (0.8 eV-4.0 eV) reduces, resulting in an improved photovoltaic efficiency of the material. Our results shed light on the application of heavily Co-doped MoS2 as intermediate band solar cell material.
Microstructural Analysis of Copper Foil Etched and Annealed in ECR Plasma Reactor
Authors: Karmakar Samit , Kundu Soumik Kumar , Mukherjee Aditya , Bandyopadhyay Sujit Kumar , Bhattacharyya Satyaranjan , Taki Gouranga Sundar
Published: January 2022

Microstructural analysis of commercially available cold-rolled polycrystalline copper foil, etched and annealed in an in-house developed Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PE-CVD) reactor, have been carried out using x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The annealing experiments were carried out under a vacuum environment, keeping the working pressure of the reactor at 50×10-3 mbar, for three different time spans of 30 mins, 45 mins and 1 hour at 823 K (550 °C) and 923 K (650 °C) respectively in presence of hydrogen plasma. The XRD studies reveal the significance of annealing time at two different temperatures for the determination of physical and microstructural parameters such as the average grain size and micro-strain in copper lattice by Williamson-Hall (W-H) method.
Studies on Copper Nanometric-Film Deposited by an In-House Developed DC Magnetron Sputtering System
Authors: Kundu Soumik Kumar , Karmakar Samit , Bandyopadhyay Sujit Kumar , Bhattacharyya Satyaranjan , Taki Gouranga Sundar
Published: January 2022

Copper nanofilms are extensively used in the field of material science research. Nanoparticles and nanostructures of copper have various utilities in the field of photocatalytic and sensor applications. The transition metal nanoparticles and nanostructures supply plenty free electrons which drastically enhances the optical and electrical properties compared to bulk material. Here, copper thin films have been deposited on glass slides and silicon substrates using an indigenously developed DC magnetron sputtering system. These depositions have been carried out at three different time spans keeping the magnetron discharge current, working vacuum and target to substrate distance unaltered. The objective of this work is to study the crystalline structure and measure the thickness of the copper nanofilm deposited at three different times. The synthesized films were characterized by using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS). Characteristic peaks of copper (111) along with Cu2O (110), (220) and (111) were obtained from the XRD pattern. The average grain size of the deposited films has been calculated using Debye-Scherrer equation. The film thickness ranging from 80-160 nm for various time spans were measured from depth profile analysis using SIMS data.
Numerical Investigation into Photovoltaic Performance of Organolead Trihalide Perovskite Quantum Dot Intermediate Band Solar Cell
Authors: Roy Sourav , Rahman Md. Shohanur , Kundu Diponkar , Piata Farhana Akter , Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: January 2022

In this work, an intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) model consisting of MAPbI3 quantum dots (QD) and MAPbCl3 barrier material is explored analytically with MATLAB. Titanium di-oxide (TiO2) is used as transport layer for electron and Spiro-OMeTAD (2,2',7,7'-tet-rakis (N,N'-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)–9,9' spirobifluorene) is used as transport layer for hole. Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and Silver (Ag) is used as top and bottom contact. The impact of QD size and dot spacing on the key parameters of MAPbI3 QD-IBSC is illustrated throughout this paper. In order to identify the number of IB in a single regime, Schrödinger equation is solved as a function of host energy gap using Kronig–Penney model. The detailed balance limit assumptions with unity fill factor are applied to extract highest efficiency from the system. For any case, face centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure is assumed. The (100) crystal orientation is considered as charge carriers from n–region to p–region transport in this orientation. Major performance indicators of the device such as photocurrent intensity Jsc, open circuit voltage Voc and power conversion efficiency η have been delineated. Highest efficiency of 63% is attained for dot size of 4 nm and dot spacing of 1.5 nm.
Influence of Substrate Temperature on Structural and Optical Properties of Co-Evaporated Cu2SnS3/ITO Thin Films
Authors: Reddy Tippasani Srinivasa , Kumar M.C. Santhosh
Published: January 2022

In this study report the structural and optical properties of Copper Tin Sulfide (Cu2SnS3) thin films on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate using co-evaporation technique. High purity of copper, tin and sulfur were taken as source materials to deposit Cu2SnS3 (CTS) thin films at different substrate temperatures (200-350 °C). Further, the effect of different substrate temperature on the crystallographic, morphological and optical properties of CTS thin films was investigated. The deposited CTS thin films shows tetragonal phase with preferential orientation along (112) plane confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Micro-Raman studies reveled the formation of CTS thin films. The surface morphology, average grain size and rms values of the deposited films are examined by Scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) shows the presence of copper, tin and sulfur with a nearly stoichiometric ratio. The optical band gap (1.76-1.63 eV) and absorption coefficient (~105 cm-1) of the films was calculated by using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The values of refractive index, extinction coefficient and permittivity of the deposited films were calculated from the optical transmittance data.
Sol-Gel Processed ZrO2 Based Forming-Free Resistive Switching Memory Devices
Authors: Shafi K.M. , Shibu K. Muhammed , Sulfikarali N.K. , Biju K.P.
Published: January 2022

In this work, we fabricated ZrO2 based resistive random access memory by sol-gel spin coating technique and investigated its structural, optical and resistive switching properties. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that 400 °C annealed ZrO2 thin film has tetragonal structure. The optical band gap value of ZrO2 thin film obtained was 5.51 eV. The resistive switching behaviour of W/ZrO2/ITO capacitor like structure was studied. It was found that no initial electroforming process required for the device. The fabricated devices show a self-compliance bipolar resistive switching behaviour and have high on off ratio (>102). Our result suggests that solution processed ZrO2 has great potential to develop transparent and flexible resistive random access memory devices.
Synthesis, Characterization and DFT Calculations of a Novel Pyrazole Derivative 4-(1-Phenyl-5-(p-Tolyl)-2,5-Dihydro-1H-Pyrazol-3-Yl)Benzo[c][1,2,5]Oxadiazole
Authors: Priyanka P. , Sivapriya S. , Gopalakrishnan M. , Pazhamalai S. , Seenivasan M. , Manikandan H.
Published: January 2022

s Heterocyclic compounds like pyrazoline was synthesized along to the reaction of phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride with 3-(benzo [c][1,2,5] oxadiazol-4-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one undergoing in reflux condition. This compound going to begood yields.A thoroughly fresh compound wasindicating by IR, 1H, and 13C elemental analysis. Stimulate the calculated HOMO/LUMO, MEP and mulliken population analysis and NLO was compare to the experimental analysis of this data. The optimized theoretical structure parameters betide collate to the satisfied assent with the experimental structure. Keywords: Pyrazoline, Heterocycles, NLO, HOMO/LUMO, Optimized structure, Mulliken charges. Graphical Abstract
Characterization of HVOF Sprayed Al2O3 - CeO2 Coatings Deposited on Mg Az 91 Alloy
Authors: Prasad Kaushik V. , Adarsha H.
Published: January 2022

Al2O3, Al2O3-10%CeO2 and Al2O3 – 20% CeO2 coatings were deposited on Mg AZ91 alloy by High Velocity Oxy Fuel (HVOF) process. The microstructure of deposited coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Nano-indentation tests were performed on deposited coatings to determine its load bearing capacity and elastic recovery. Al2O3 coatings exhibited coarse grain structure with porous sites. While addition of CeO2 promoted grain refinement in the coatings. A load of 100mN was applied on all the samples for nano-indentation test. Coating with 20%CeO2 exhibited maximum load bearing capacity of 98.7mN with elastic recovery displacement of 1000 nm.
Modelling the Yield Stress of Fly-Ash Added Superplasticized Cement Paste at Different Temperatures Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Chandrasekar Pavan , Nourin Anjala , Aravind Gupta Addepalli Sri Naga Bhushana , Jyoshna Bavineni Venkata , Sathyan Dhanya
Published: January 2022

Abstract: Rheology is the science that concerns the flow of liquids, and the distortion of solids under an applied force. The study of the rheology of concrete determines the properties of fresh concrete. The rheological parameters are affected by temperature, stress conditions and several other factors. The main intention of this research is to model the rheological parameters of the fly ash incorporated cement with various types of superplasticizers exposed under different temperatures using an Artificial Neural Network. Test data were generated by performing rheological tests on cement paste at three distinct temperatures (15, 27, 35°C). Mixes were prepared using OPC, fly ash (15, 25, 35%) and superplasticizers of four different families. By conducting experiments, 252 data have been generated by modifying the combination of fly-ash, superplasticizer, and test temperature. Among the 252 data, 80% has been utilized for training and 20% is utilized for predicting the model’s accuracy. The input layer of the model consists of test temperature, the amount of fly ash replaced, cement and water content, and four different groups of superplasticizers. The cement paste’s yield stress was the output parameter of the model. The model generated data has been compared with the experimentally generated data to determine the accuracy of the model.Keywords: Rheology, Fly Ash, Superplasticizer, Temperature, ANN
Modelling of Liquid-Liquid Equilibria Using NRTL and UNIFAC Equations in the Extraction of Bio-Oil-Based Phenolics Produced from the Pyrolysis of Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Fardhyanti Dewi Selvia , Kadarwati Sri , Dewajani Heni , Rosadi Achmad , Alfriansyah Wengki Muhammad
Published: January 2022

An exploration on renewable energy resources has been paid more attention due to the depletion of the fossil-based energy resource. In addition, their safe and environmentally friendly properties have attracted experts’ interest. One of the renewable energy resources is the bio-oil produced from sugarcane bagasse. The bio-oil was produced through a pyrolysis at 500°C. However, the produced bio-oil showed a high content of phenolics, c.a. 40-60%. A liquid-liquid extraction to remove the phenolics using methanol-chloroform solvents would be beneficial to improve the stability of the bio-oil as well as to obtain high purity phenolics. Modelling of the liquid-liquid equilibria in the extraction was then developed using NRTL and UNIFAC equations. The empirical quantitative data of phase equilibrium system were calculated on both the extract and raffinate phases. The lowest RMSD value of 0.043160 was obtained from the calculations using NRTL equation at an extraction temperature of 50°C. Thus, the most suitable model was achieved using NRTL equation.
Adsorptive Removal of Copper from Waste Water Using Biomass & Biochar Based Materials
Authors: Sireesha Sadamanti , Upadhyay Utkarsh , Sreedhar Inkollu , Anitha K.L.
Published: January 2022

Heavy metal contamination has been one of the primary environmental concerns for many years in most developing countries. As the industries continue to search for low-cost and efficient adsorbents to treat their effluents contaminated with these toxic metal ions, biomass-based adsorbents have gained much attention. This work exploits such ten different biomass-based adsorbents (namely, Karanja de-oiled cake, Neem de-oiled cake, Neem leaves, Moringa Leaves, Bagasse, Mango Kernel, Wheat Bran, Eucalyptus, Fly ash, and Corn cob) for adsorption of copper ions in particular. Further, selected adsorbents (namely Karanja de-oiled cake, Neem de-oiled cake, Bagasse, Wheat Bran and Mango Kernel) were taken to the next stage and modified to biochar and tested again for copper removal. Among the biomass-based adsorbents, the highest adsorption capacity was observed for Neem de-oiled cake (equal to 9.6 mg/g). While for biochar-based adsorbents, Bagasse showed the highest adsorption capacity for copper (equivalent to 13.0 mg/g).
Extraction of Essential Oil Form Sweet Lime Orange Peel: A Comparison Study
Authors: Kadapure Santosh A. , Kadapure Poonam , Anjali C. , Akansha Bhat , Sabera B. , Sanket Mangavi , Shet Anil
Published: January 2022

This research work was designed to extract essential oil from sweet lime peel (solid waste). The feed material selected for study is sweet lime peel. The disposal of waste product such as peels often has a legal restriction problem and treatment process involved requires higher costs. Transformation of this waste in to useful products could cut global treatment costs. Hence the objective of our experimental work was to convert sweet lime peel in to essential oil which is in huge demand in food, pharma and cosmetic industry. In our experimental work eextraction of essential oil was evaluated and comparison study was made between steam distillation, hydro-distillation, solvent extraction and hydro-steam distillation. Maximum extraction yield of 2.4 % was achieved at 90 min of contact by hydro-distillation. Hydro-distillation method offers advantages in comparison with other three methods in terms of energy saving, cleanliness and reduced waste water. Chemical constituents of essential oil samples were evaluated in terms of qualitative and quantitative analyses by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and physical techniques. The chemical profile includes thirty two components which were identified in the extracts by Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. The dominant component identified was limonene (65 .2 to 72.8%).
Production Process of a Nutritional Drink from Mango (Mangifera indica)
Authors: Vu Quang Minh , Pham Van Thinh , Do Vinh Long , Long Tran Bach , Trang Nguyen Thi Thu , Duy Nguyen Quoc , Nhan Nguyen Phu Thuong
Published: January 2022

The aim of study was to determine optimal formulation and microwave parameter to pasteurize mango juice products to maintain the most nutrients and organoleptic level. Raw material and drinking product were assessed for properties including vitamin C content (mg/100ml), total polyphenol content (mgGAE/100ml) and antioxidant activity (% free radical scavenging ability). Besides, factors influencing the quality of mango juice including material to water ratio (w/w), material to syrup ratio (w/w), citric acid content (w/w), microware power (watt) and microware time (minutes) was examined. As a results, the mango:water dilution ratio as 1:2 (w/w); rate of mango:syrup as 1:2 (w/w); citric acid content as 0.3% (w/w); microwave power as 400 watt and microwave time of 3 minutes were suitable for achieving product with good nutritional and sensory quality. At these conditions, vitamin C content was 8.42 mg/100ml, total polyphenol content was 47.543 mgGAE/100ml, and DPPH free radical activity was 11.191%. The results also justified the role of mango as a new ingredient in beverage industry and suggested using microwave to pasteurize as an appropriate method for manufacturing drinking products from fruit.
Corrosion Resistance of Electroless Ni-P-W/ZrO2 Nanocomposite Coatings in Peracid Solutions
Authors: Hassan Suriaya , Ansari Abdul , Kumar Arvind , Ram Munna , Sharma Sulaxna , Sharma Awanish
Published: January 2022

In current investigation, the Ni-P-W/ZrO2 electroless nanocomposite coatings are deposited upon mild steel substrate (AISI 1040 grade). The W/ZrO2 nanoparticles (50 to 130 nm range) were incorporated separately into acidic electroless Ni-P matrix as a second phase materials. The as-plated EL Ni-P-W/ZrO2 depositions were also heated at 400 οC in Argon atmosphere for one hour duration and analyzed by SEM/EDAX and XRD physical methods. The Ni-P-W/ZrO2 as-plated coupons revealed nebulous type structures while heated coupons showed crystalline structures in both cases. Furthermore Ni-P-ZrO2 coatings have very less cracks and gaps as compared to Ni-P-W coatings. The corrosion tests result in peracid (0.30 ± 0.02 % active oxygen) solutions point up that corrosivity of peracid ( 500 ppm Cl) is more than peracid (0 ppm Cl) and corrosion resistance of tested coupons varies as Ni-P-ZrO2 (as-plated) > Ni-P-ZrO2 (heated) > Ni-P-W (as-plated) > Ni-P-W (heated) > MS. The utilization of Ni-P-ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings in peracid solutions can be considered a cost effective option on the basis of its better cost/strength ratio in addition to its fair corrosion resistance.
Study of haemocytes of the rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Mannakkara Amani
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is one of the most serious insect pests of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in South and South East Asia and also parts of the Pacific and Australia. The BPH, like other insects, is able to build up powerful innate immune responses against invading pathogens and cellular immunity mediated by haemocytes. Hence, an attempt was made to investigate the detailed microscopic analysis of the haemocytes of BPH. Research Method: The study was primarily concerned with the haemocyte profile of BPH with emphasis on the changes in the total and differential haemocyte population with three different life stages; 5th nympal stadium, newly emerged adults (post-moulting adult of 1-3 days old) and matured adults (15 days old) for an insight of the physiological events during the morphogenesis Findings: According to light microscopic examinations, the haemogram of the BPH comprised six types of haemocytes viz. prohaemocytes (PRs), plasmatocytes (PLs), granulocytes (GRs), adipohaemocyte (ADs) oenocytoids (OEs) and spherulocytes (SPs). It was estimated that the mean numbers of total haemocyte count are varied from 6096.4 to 7393.6 cells per mm3 of haemolymph with the different physiological stages of the insects and it was statistically increased in the mature adults. PLs, GRs and PRs are the most abundant cells in the haemolymph in all development stages of BPH while SPs is the scarcest type. Originality/value: To our knowledge, this is the first report that has detected the haemogram of BPH and these data are valuable for future avenues of immunological research of BPH.
Plastics alternative materials used in agriculture: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Serna-Abascal C. , Pérez-López A. , Villaseñor-Perea C. A. , Mancera-Rico A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To identify, analyze, and synthesize the published research about the developments to replace synthetic plastics used in agriculture; to guide researchers and practitioners from various knowledge areas to identify gaps of information, the most prolific authors, and the influential scientific papers that have been published. Research method: This paper presents a systematic review with a bibliometric analysis; the search was made on the SCOPUS® database up to November 2020. Subsequently, a selection of articles according to the criteria of inclusion and exclusion was carried out and, using bibliometric indicators, VOSviewer v. 1.6.15 and bibliometrix v. 3.0 software, information were obtained to answer the research questions. Findings: Results indicate low scientific production worldwide, only six articles per year as of 2005. Contributions concentrate on a few researchers and developments such as plastic film, mulching, and controlled release materials, and for raw materials polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polylactic acid (PLA), and Chitosan. The most prolific country is China, with only 13 articles. Siwek P. is the researcher with the most outstanding contribution and permanence with four documents. Dharmalingam S.; Hayes D.G. and, Wadsworth L.C. are the most prolific authors in the field in terms of the H index. Research limitations: The analysis was done only employing the SCOPUS database, moreover the worldwide production of articles is changing every day. Originality/value: This type of review gives an overview of the knowledge and the development of a topic; this evidence can be helpful to establish a groundbreaking for future investigations.
Effectiveness of locally available plant materials in the dry zone of Sri Lanka as natural coagulants in treating turbid water
Authors: Serasinghe B. A. P. , Abeysingha N. S. , Dissanyake D. M. S. H. , Vithanage N. V. H. S. K.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Polyaluminium chloride (PAC) is used to treat the turbid water at water treatment plants. As an alternative, natural coagulants are being tested as those are biodegradable and safe for human health. The study focused to test the locally available five different plant species as natural coagulants. Research method: Turbid water samples were treated separately by 50ppm to 100ppm of PAC as a control, and powdered Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Clearing nut (Strychnos potatorum L.) seeds and Aloe (Aloe vera) as treatments. Turbidity, pH, and EC were measured before and after the treatments. The experiments were conducted as a full nested design to test the effect of coagulant variety and concentration on the turbidity removal with a mean comparison using Turkey’s Studentized Range Test at 0.05 significant level. Finding: Moringa showed the highest turbidity removal efficiency of 84.8 (± 8.9) %. Arjun and Aloe demonstrated turbidity removal efficiency of 42.6 (± 6.71) %, and 34.9 (± 6.03) % respectively and it was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of Jack fruit 18.2 (± 9.3) % and Clearing nut 30.4 (± 23.7) %. This study concludes that among natural coagulants tested, Moringa has the highest capability of removing the turbidity of water. Research limitation: Clearing nut seed powder was taken from a shop which may be of inferior quality compared to the fresh seed powder. Originality/ Value: There is a higher potential to use Moringa seed collected from the dry zone as a natural coagulant.
Bioactivity studies of different solvent extracts of partially defatted coconut testa obtained from selected coconut cultivars
Authors: Gunarathne K. M. R. U. , Marikkar J. M. N. , Mendis E. , Yalegama C. , Jayasinghe U. L. B. , Liyanage R. , Jayaweera S.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Coconut testa is a byproduct of coconut industry and is currently used for oil extraction. The partially defatted residue of testa is underutilized despite being able to convert into coconut testa flour (CTF). The objective of the present study was to compare the bioactivity of different solvent extracts of CTF obtained from selected Sri Lankan coconut cultivars namely, Gon Thambili (GT), Ran Thambili (RT), San Raman (SR), Tall×Tall (TT) and commercial hybrid (COM). Research Method: CTF of individual cultivars was sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH). The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), DPPH radical scavenging activity, alpha amylase (Alpha-amy) and alpha-glucosidase (Alpha-glu) inhibitory activities were established in vitro using relevant assays. The phytochemical profiling of CTF was done using ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Findings: Among solvent extracts, MeOH extracts of all cultivars displayed significantly higher TPC, TFC, antioxidant and Alpha-amy inhibitory activities. GT exhibited the highest TPC (102.48 ± 3.46 GAE/g of crude extract), TFC (63.49 ± 4.47 CE/g of crude extract), FRAP value (1097.23 ± 1.24 µmol FeSO4/g of crude extract), DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50, 45.37 ± 1.94 ppm) while TT resulted in the highest Alpha-amy inhibitory activity (IC50, 80.09 ± 4.67 ppm). The EtOAc extract of TT showed the highest Alpha-glu inhibitory activity (IC50, 7.82 ± 0.40 ppm). The distribution of phenolic constituents was found to vary among the different cultivars. Value: This study concludes that the extracts of CTF is a potent source of bioactive compounds that claim various bioactivities which can be used in developing functional foods.
Role of leaf fibro-vascular bundle configuration on feeding of Deltocephalus menoni (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the transmission of White Leaf Disease in sugarcane varieties
Authors: Chanchala K. M. G. , Hemachandra K. S. , Nugaliyadde L. , Witharama W. R. G. , Wanasinghe V. K. A. S. M. , Kiriella S. H.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Deltocephalus menoni is the vector of Sugarcane White Leaf Disease (WLD) and the causative agent of White Leaf Disease Phytoplasma (WLDP). WLDP is restricted to the phloem tissues facilitating its dispersal via sap containing phytoplasma during the vector feeding. Here, the configuration of the vascular bundle would be an important characteristic in plant’s resistance to vector feeding and thereby the disease spread. A study was conducted to determine the relationship between feeding of D. menoni and the configuration of leaf fibro-vascular bundles. Research Method: Feeding amount of D. menoni on sugarcane varieties, the configuration of leaf fibro-vascular bundle of leaf blade in gross cross-section and the WLD infection in the natural environment were measured. Variations and correlations between configuration of leaf fibro-vascular bundles between varieties, vector feeding and WLD infection were studied. Major anatomical characteristics of vascular bundles that contribute to feeding were also determined. Findings: The structure of the leaf fibro-vascular bundles varied with the sugarcane variety/ accession and the volume of feeding by D. menoni of sugarcane was correlated with the configuration of the leaf fibro vascular bundle. Distance from the epidermis to vascular parenchyma, distance from epidermis to vascular bundle and thickness of phloem fiber layer were negatively correlated with the feeding amount of D. menoni. The size of phloem tubes, the width of the vascular bundle and the total number of vascular bundles, were positively correlated. The level of WLD infection in natural environment was also correlated with the structure of leaf fibro vascular bundle. Originality/value: Configuration of leaf fibro vascular bundles could be used to predict feeding of D. menoni, level of WLD infection, which could be incorporated into selection and directional breeding of sugarcane against the vector.
The magnitude of perinatal mortality rate and associated risk factors among deliveries at Dilla University Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: A case-control study
Authors: Lelamo Legu Kefale , Tamiso Debiso Alemu , Mayisso Rodamo Kaleb
Published: January 2022

The perinatal mortality rate is the sum of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths divided by the number of pregnancies of seven or more months’ duration. In Ethiopia, the death rate was 33 deaths/1000 total births in 2016. We aimed to identify the perinatal mortality rate and associated risk factors among deliveries in Dilla University Referral Hospital; January, 2016 - December, 2018. A hospital based retrospective case-control study was conducted using subgroup binary logistic regression analysis including 138 cases and 296 control group. The proportion of hospital perinatal deaths was 30% with 90% of the deaths were occurred as a result of stillbirths and antepartum hemorrhage. Adjusted odds ratios revealed that history of still birth, very low birth weight, short interval and nonuse of partograph found to be independent predictors of both stillbirths and early neonatal deaths besides to pregnancy induced hypertension and antepartum hemorrhage. The risk of perinatal mortality may be increased by not treating chronic illnesses, obstetrics complications and risk factors causing low birth weight as well as short birth intervals and not using partograph during labour.
VEGF and IL-6 correlation in POEMS: a potential upcoming marker of active disease and early autologous BMT response.
Authors: Laurenti Luca , Innocenti Idanna , Benintende Giulia , Tomasso Annamaria , Autore Francesco , Fresa Alberto , Vuono Florenzia , Baroni Silvia , Giannotta Claudia , Chiusolo Patrizia , Sorà Federica , Sica Simona
Published: January 2022

Introduction: VEGF function may be responsible for most POEMS manifestations, and it is considered a reliable marker of disease. COVID-19 era arose increasing interest for other inflammatory cytokines, with particular focus on Interleukin-6; VEGF production is stimulated by IL-6 and IL1β, whose concentrations appear to be elevated in clonal plasma cells.
Objectives: This study aims to simultaneously evaluate VEGF and IL-6 values in patients (pts) with POEMS at different stages of the disease to find a correlation between them.
Methods: We performed a monocentric study, measuring serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 in 8 POEMS pts at different time points of the disease.
Results: We observed elevated serum levels of both VEGF and IL-6 in three pts before transplant, while the day after the infusion of autologous stem cells, we observed a steep decrease of both serum markers. Among the four-pts tested only after transplant, two presented with a consensual level of VEGF and IL-6, while the others did not correlate. One patient observed at POEMS diagnosis, during active disease, presented with strikingly high levels of both serum markers.
Conclusions: So far, to the best of our knowledge, IL-6 could be considered as a marker of active disease and reliable up to the very first months after BMT, after which its accuracy appears to be lost due to unknown factors, still to be investigated.
The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on healthcare provision in Italy to non-COVID patients: a systematic review
Authors: Botta Annarita , Lugli Gianmarco , Ottaviani Matteo Maria , Ascione Guido , Bruschi Alessandro , Cagnazzo Federico , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Romagnani Paola , Portaluri Tommaso
Published: January 2022

Background Italy has been one of the countries most affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the regional healthcare system has had to quickly adapt its organization to meet the needs of infected patients. This has led to a drastic change in the routine management of non-communicable diseases with a potential long-term impact on patient health care. We investigated the management of non-COVID-19 patients across all medical specialties in Italy.
Methods A PRISMA guideline-based systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, restricting the search to the main outbreak period in Italy (from 20 February to 22 June, 2020). We selected articles in English or Italian that detailed changes in the Italian hospital care for non-COVID-19 patients due to the pandemic. Our keywords included all medical specialties in combination with our geographical focus (Italy) and COVID-19.
Results Of the 4643 potentially eligible studies identified by the search, 247 studies were included. A decrease in the management of emergencies in non-COVID patients was found together with an increase in mortality. Similarly, non-deferrable conditions met a tendency toward decreased diagnosis. All specialties have been affected by the reorganization of healthcare provision in the hub-and-spoke system and have benefited from telemedicine.
 
Conclusions Our work highlights the changes taking place in the Italian public healthcare system to tackle the developing health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of our review may be useful to analyze future directions for the healthcare system in the case of new pandemic scenarios.
Obituary of Prof. Eligio Pizzigallo
Authors: Leone Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Obituary fo Prof. Eligio Pizzigallo
Relationship between the volume rate of Ed coil (Ed Ratio) and packing density in endosaccular embolization of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Sadato Akiyo , Hayakawa Motoharu , Adachi Kazuhide , Hirose Yuichi
Published: January 2022

Purpose: A high packing density (PD) (i.e., coil volume per aneurysm volume) helps prevent recanalization after endosaccular embolization of cerebral aneurysms. We hypothesized that the use of soft coils may be useful to raise PD and retrospectively investigated the correlation between the ED coil volume rate (i.e., volume ratio of all placed coils) and PD in patients treated with endosaccular embolization using this coil. Methods: Excluding aneurysms treated with a stent, 292 aneurysms treated using ED coils were included in this study. The 292 aneurysms and aneurysms with ≥30%, ≥40%, and ≥50% ED coil volume rates (202, 168, and 129 aneurysms, respectively) underwent linear regression analysis of the following seven factors' influence on PD:ED ratio, aneurysm volume, neck width, height, maximum diameter, dome-to-neck ratio, and aspect ratio. Results: Independent factors of a high PD were high ED ratio and small neck width on analyses of aneurysms with an ED ratio of ≥40% and ≥50%. Only neck width was an independent factor on analyses of all 292 aneurysms and aneurysms with ED ratio of ≥30%. Conclusion: The use of ED coils in high volume rate correlated with a high PD and may contribute to prevent recanalization in small aneurysms.
Primary intracranial manifestation of a carcinosarcoma
Authors: Akhavan-Sigari Reza , Abdolhoseinpour Hesam , Meyer Werner , Rohde Veit , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter
Published: January 2022

Carcinosarcomas are tumors comprising part adenocarcinoma and part sarcoma; the presence of carcinosarcoma in the head-and-neck region is very rare. These tumors are typically highly aggressive (G3) and arise most frequently from the salivary gland. Here, we present a case report on a brain metastasis as the primary manifestation of a carcinosarcoma. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor of the pineal region with infiltration of the brainstem and the corpus. The staging following the histopathological diagnosis revealed the origin of the tumor in the left parotid gland. We present an overview of the significance of published treatment strategies in carcinosarcoma.
Establishing a training model for side-to-side anastomosis using rat femoral vessels: Immediate and delayed patency
Authors: Pruthi Nupur , Sarma Pragyan , Pandey Paritosh
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Side-to-side anastomoses are a relatively newer and more difficult technique used in neurovascular surgery for complex aneurysms/lesions. In view of the complex surgical technique and the infrequent clinical opportunities to acquire skills relevant to this surgery, laboratory training assumes great importance. The authors studied the feasibility of establishing a training model for performing side-to-side anastomosis using rat femoral vessels and compared the immediate and delayed patency rates in this animal model. Materials and Methods: After Institutional Animal Ethics Committee clearance, 16 Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this prospective study between August 2013 and March 2015. Using the standard groin incision, the femoral vessels were dissected. After applying temporary clamps, opening of approximately 3–4 mm (at least double the diameter of the wider vessel) of length was made on the facing surfaces of both vessels. 10-0 nylon was used for anastomosis. The clamps were released, and the anastomoses patency confirmed. Leg movements following the anastomoses were studied. The animals were subsequently sacrificed to assess delayed patency. Results: The immediate patency rate was 87.5% (14/16). The delayed patency rate (mean follow-up 209 days) was 53.8% (7/13). Three rats died during the follow-up period. The mean clamp duration and suturing time was 57.25 and 41.50 min in the first eight cases and 57.50 and 36.75 min in the last eight experiments, respectively. Conclusion: This animal model was found to be extremely useful for training in the difficult art of side-to-side anastomoses. The need of the hour is to establish well-planned training programs in centers with animal research facilities and use such models. This will promote younger colleagues and trainees to take up and perfect this difficult art. The present work could be used as a baseline study in this direction.
Endoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus with minimal resources: Resource utilization and indigenous innovation in developing countries like India
Authors: Jha Deepak , Jain Mukul , Pant Ishita , Kumari Rima , Goyal Renu , Arya Arvind , Kushwaha Suman
Published: January 2022

Context: Neuroendoscopic surgeries need specialized equipments, unavailable in neurosurgical departments of majority of public healthcare institutions of India. Aims: Neuroendoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus in the setting of minimal resources using utilization of available resources, inter-departmental co-ordination and indigenous innovations. Methods: Study was carried out at a public sector institute of India with scarce resources. Senior author (DKJ) used indigenously designed stainless steel working sheath along with equipments of 'awake endoscopic intubation system' of department of neuroanesthesia and 18 cm, 4 mm, 0° rigid telescope for neuroendoscopic surgeries for various intraventricular pathologies. Results: Thirty-four neuroendoscopic surgeries in 32 patients were done over last 3 years. There were 18 males and 14 females with average age of 23 years. It included hydrocephalus due to tubercular meningitis (n = 19), neurocysticercosis (NCC) (n = 4), intra-ventricular (n = 2) and para-ventricular (n = 2) space occupying lesions, aqueduct stenosis with (n = 2) or without (n = 1) shunt malfunction and one case each of pyogenic meningitis and right cerebellar infarction. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) (n = 28), septostomy (n = 6), removals of cystic lesions (n = 3) and biopsies of intraventricular lesions (n = 2) were done in a total of 34 neuroendoscopic surgeries. Overall there were four failures of ETVs, which were managed by ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. Two mortalities in the study group were unrelated to the surgical procedures. Conclusion: Indigenous innovations and interdisciplinary co-ordination are the way ahead to tackle resource scarcity in public sector healthcare institutions of India in the scenario of plenty of neuroendoscopic trainings opportunities for young neurosurgeons and paucity of equipments required.
Evaluation of role of electrophysiological studies in patients with lumbar disc disease
Authors: Sarmast Arif , Kirmani Altaf , Bhat Abdul
Published: January 2022

Background: The role of the electrophysiologic studies in peripheral nerves and muscles of lower limbs (including paraspinal muscles) in prolapsed lumbar intervertebral discs has been studied with equivocal results. Pre- and post-operative electrodiagnostic studies have not been compared much. Aims and Objectives: To study the role of the electrophysiologic studies in prolapsed lumbar/lumbosacral intervertebral discs for finding the association between clinical findings and electrophysiological changes and to compare the electrophysiologic studies pre- and post-operatively. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from July 2014 to June 2016 on fifty patients who were admitted in the department of neurological surgery with lumbar disc prolapse and all these patients were subjected to surgery. Both pre- and post-operative (from 1 to 6 months after surgery) electrophysiological studies were conducted and compared. Results: As per the electromyographic (EMG) abnormalities, the most common levels of intervertebral disc prolapse were L4–L5 and L5–S1 accounting for 32% of cases each followed by L5–S1 level which was seen in 28% of patients with L2–L3, L3–L4, and L4–L5 prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) and L3–L4 and L4–L5 PIVD were seen in 4% of cases each. Of the 50 patients, EMG findings correlated with operative findings in 37 (74%) patients, however operative findings did not correlate with EMG findings in 13 (26%) patients. Conclusion: In compressive lesions of nerve roots (due to disc prolapsed), the EMG method has a high degree of accuracy in determining not only the presence of such lesions but also their exact location. EMG is accurate when correlated with the operative findings.
Pituitary adenoma apoplexy: Review of personal series
Authors: Ricciuti Riccardo , Nocchi Niccolò , Arnaldi Giorgio , Polonara Gabriele , Luzi Michele
Published: January 2022

Background: Pituitary apoplexy is a life-threatening event with unspecific clinical background and no standardized treatment. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed seventeen patients affected by pituitary adenoma apoplexy and treated in a 10-year period. Thirteen patients underwent surgery through transsphenoidal route while four patients have been treated conservatively. Results: The endoscopic surgical procedure showed a better result in term of complete removal of the tumor while in the “conservative” group less frequent evidence of hormones' deficiency has been registered. Once a residual lesions was observed a strict radiological follow-up is mandatory. Conclusions: According to dedicated literature and pre- and post-operative evidence of personal series, the authors try to provide an algorithm that could help in the standardization of the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in patients with pituitary adenoma apoplexy.