bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mg alloy surface immobilised with caerin peptides acquires enhanced antibacterial ability and improved corrosion resistance
Authors: Wang Tianfang , Ni Guoying , Furushima Tsuyoshi , Diao Hui , Zhang Pingping , Chen Shu , Fogarty Conor E. , Jiang Zhengyi , Liu Xiaosong , Li Hejie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) has mechanical properties similar to human bones and Mg alloy is considered ideal medical implant material. However, the high velocity of degradation inside the human inner environment severely hampers the usage of Mg alloys. In this study, caerin peptide 1.9 (F3) and a modified sequence of caerin 1.1 (F1) with anti-bacterial activity, were covalently immobilised on the surface of Mg alloys by plasma chemical click reaction. The in vitro antibacterial activity and corrosion resistance of these caerin peptide-immobilised Mg alloys were investigated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) solution. Un-immobilised Mg alloy sample, blank drug-sensitive tablet (BASD) and a commonly used antibiotics Tazocin were used for comparison. Results showed that peptide immobilised Mg samples showed significant improved corrosion resistance and prolonged antibacterial effect compared to non-immobilised Mg alloy and free caerin peptides. Furthermore, annealing or extruding treatment of Mg alloys improved the behaviours of corrosion resistance and antibacterial property. These results indicate that coating Mg alloy with caerin peptides improves the corrosion resistance in vitro and increases the alloy’s antibacterial ability. The mechanism underlying the prolonged antibacterial effect for annealed Mg alloys immobilised with the peptides (especially F3) remains unclear, which worth further experimental and theoretical investigation.
Comparison of Pethidine and Dexmedetomidine for the Control of Intraoperative Shivering Under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Viral Prakashkumar Patel  , Shital Hardik Halvadia  
Published: October 2020

Background: Spinal anesthesia significantly impairs the thermoregulation system by inhibiting tonic vasoconstriction, which plays a significant role in temperature regulation. Various non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods are available for the control of shivering during anesthesia. The present study was done with an aim to compare the two drugs Pethidine and Dexmedetomidine for the control of intraoperative shivering under spinal anesthesia.Subjects and Methods:A prospective randomized study was carried out in the Department of Anaesthesiology, on 100 patients who developed intra-operative shivering following spinal anesthesia for numerous surgical procedures. When patients developed shivering of higher than mentioned grades, they were randomly assigned to one of the 2 study groups: Group D- Dexmedetomidine group receiving single intravenous bolus dose of 0.5mcg/kg over 5 min. Group P: Pethidine group patients receiving 0.5mg/kg Pethidine IV over 5 min. Patients were intently monitored for the failure of the drug, Recurrence of shivering and side effects like nausea, vomiting, bradycardia (< 50/min), hypotension (>20% of baseline), giddiness and sedation score were recorded.Results:We found the Pethidine group had 62.5% and Dexmedetomidine had 67.5% of grade 3 shivering. The grades of shivering were comparable between the two groups with no statistical difference. We found the dexmedetomidine group had a significant reduction in time required to control shivering and vanishing of shivering after drug.Conclusion:Both dexmedetomidine (0.5mcg/kg) and Pethidine (0.5mg/kg) are effective in treating patients with post-spinal anesthesia shivering but the time taken for control of shivering was shorter with Dexmedetomidine as compared to Pethidine.
Comparison of Intra-Articular Bupivacaine and Neostigmine with Bupivacaine and Fentanyl for Post-Operative Analgesia in Arthroscopic Knee Surgeries
Authors: Prachi Singh  , Sandeep Kumar Yadav  , Sumit Kumar  , Manoj Tripathi  , Deepak Malviya  
Published: October 2020

Background: The post-operative pain in knee arthroscopy procedures can be attributed to irritation of free nerve endings of synovial tissue, anterior fat pad, and joint capsule during surgical excision and resection1. In the recent years, new interest has focused on the cholinergic system that modulates pain perception and transmission. The present study is designed to compare the efficacy of intra- articular Bupivacaine and Neostigmine with Bupivacaine and Fentanyl for pain relief following arthroscopic surgeries.Subjects and Methods:Prospective, Interventional, Randomised study was conducted over 90 patients scheduled for elective arthroscopic knee surgery, who were randomly allocated into three equal groups of 30 patients each. Group I-Bupivacaine with Neostigmine, Group II-Bupivacaine with Fentanyl and Group III-Bupivacaine alone. The study drug combinations were administered Intra-articularly at the conclusion of surgery. Hemodynamic variables and Pain were observed immediately after completion of surgery (Baseline) and thereafter at fixed intervals. The duration of effective analgesia was measured from the “baseline” until the first use of rescue analgesic. The number of rescue analgesics given in 24 hours were also recorded. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 15.0 statistical Analysis Software.Results:Requirement for first analgesia was significantly earlier in Group III (146.00±71.66 minutes) as compared to Group II (236.00±111.34 minutes) and Group I (648.00±228.55 minutes). Majority of patients of Group I (90.0%) required rescue analgesia only once while in was twice in Group II (90.00%) and thrice in Group III (86.67%).Conclusion:Intra-articular administration of Neostigmine in combination with Bupivacaine provided a better post-operative analgesic effect with a lower incidence of side effects and lesser requirement of rescue analgesia.
Comparison of 0.5% Levobupivacaine Versus 0.5% Isobaric Levobupivacaine with 3mcg Dexmedetomidine in Spinal Anaesthesia- A Comparative Study
Authors: Rajeev Tiwari  , Saurabh Misra  , Shivendu Shekhar Ojha  
Published: October 2020

Background: Effective postoperative pain control is an essential component of the care of the surgical patient. The present study was conducted to compare levobupivacaine 0.5% versus isobaric levobupivacaine 0.5% with 3mcg dexmedetomidine in spinal anaesthesia.Subjects and Methods:The present study was conducted on 80 patients of ASA Grade-I and Grade-II of both genders. They were divided into 2 groups of 40 each. Group I were those who received 3 ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine with 0.3 ml of normal saline and group II patients received 3 ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine with 3µg of dexmedetomidine. Parameters such as onset of sensory blockade at T10 dermatome and onset of motor blockade motor blockade, maximum level of sensory and motor blockade attained and the time taken for the same, total duration of sensory blockade and motor blockade were recorded.Results:Group I, ASA grade I was seen in 25 and II in 15, in group II, ASA grade I was seen in 22 and II in 18 patients. Group I comprised of 18 males and 22 females, group II had 20 males and 20 females. Mean duration of surgery in group I was 58.2 minutes in group I and 56.4 minutes in group II. Mean heart rate was 82.3 per minute in group I and 81.6 per minute in group II. The mean time required to obtained sensory block in group I was 10.4 minutes and in group II was 7.4 minutes. The mean time for motor block in group I was 8.2 minutes and in group II was 5.4 minutes. The mean time required to obtain motor block in group I was 16.5 minutes and in group II was 16.1 minutes.Conclusion:Authors found that addition of intrathecal dexmedetomidine to 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine shortens sensory and motor block onset time and prolongs block duration.
Isolated Oropharyngeal Muscle Spasm in a Young Child post Extubation: A Case Report
Authors: Singla Deepak , Abullais Raheeq Gowda  , Krishna Vamshi , Tandon Shipra 
Published: October 2020

Agitation during emergence from anaesthesia is a documented phenomenon reported in children especially during immediate postoperative period; also Voluntary breath holding1and laryngospasm. This can lead to complications like postoperative distress, excessive crying, and anxiety. Here we report a case of postoperative respiratory distress in an 8 years old child of cerebral palsy developing severe oropharyngial spasm in the immediate postoperative period. Patient had no preoperative predisposing factors or intaraoperative events that could cause bronchospasm, laryngospasm, inadequate neuromuscular reversal or voluntary holding in the immediate postoperative period. Timely recognition and management of the condition prevented catastrophic complications like severe desaturation, hypoxic injury, negative pressure pulmonary edema or cardiac arrest.
A Comparative Study of Intravenous Clonidine and Dexmedetomidine on Characteristics of Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Bamel Shailender , Kad Nandita , Vinit  , Popli Shilpa , Chahal Devender 
Published: October 2020

Background: Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine is administered routinely for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. The ensuing nerve block is sufficient to ensure patient’s well being, while motor block facilitates the surgeon’s work. In patients receiving spinal anaesthesia, with local anesthetic agents like bupivacaine, the addition of another drug as adjuvant prolongs the analgesia. The present study is designed to study the effect of dexmedetomidine (D) and Clonidine (C) on the duration of motor and sensory block as well as postoperative analgesia by intrathecal bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 90 patients in the age group of 18 to 50 years, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) physical status I and II presenting for lower limb orthopedic surgery were included in the study. Patients were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group D received 1μg kg-1of dexmedetomidine, group C received 2 μg kg-1 of clonidine and group NS Control group received an equivalent amount of normal saline. Results: From the current study we observed that single dose of 1 μg kg-1 dexmedetomidine over 20 minutes started 20 minutes after spinal block and a single dose of 2 μg kg-1 Clonidine resulted in a significant prolongation of time to two-segment regression, postoperative analgesia, sensory block and motor block with the maintenance of hemodynamic parameters. Intravenous dexmedetomidine was more effective than Clonidine at the prolongation of time to two-segment regression, postoperative analgesia, sensory block and motor block of spinal anesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (1μg kg-1) in comparison to Clonidine (2 μg kg-1) and placebo is far more effective in the motor blockade, sensory blockade and duration of postoperative analgesia.
Morphometry of the Human Placenta in Mining and Non-Mining Areas in Northwestern Tanzania; A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mary Ndibalema  , Erisa Mwaka  , Peter Rambau  , Ian Munabi  , William Buwembo  
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Placenta morphometry varies with increased heavy metal concentrations among other factors. There is limited knowledge on the effect of perceived heavy metal exposure due to mining activities on placenta morphometry specific to the Tanzanian population. The study thus aimed to determine the morphometric characteristics of the human placenta and the association between placental weight with maternal factors in mining and non-mining areas in Northwestern Tanzania. Subjects and Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted in Mwanza and Geita regions of Northwestern Tanzania representing the mining and non-mining areas, respectively. Included in the study were placentas from 490 mothers, residing in the respective areas throughout pregnancy. Comparison of the placenta morphometric variables between the two groups was made using the independent sample t-test, and association between the maternal factors and placenta weight was done using multi-level linear analysis. Results: The mean placenta weight in the non-mining and mining areas was 465.9±101.2 g and 443.6±82.7g, and the mean thickness was 1.52±0.32cm and 1.61±0.38cm respectively. The mean diameter in the non-mining and mining areas was 19.0±1.9cm, the mean cotyledon number was 20±5 and 19±4, and the mean cord length was 49.0±12.7cm and 50.1 ±10.4cm respectively. With the exception of cord length, the differences in the morphometric parameters in the non-mining and mining areas were significant p<0.5. Increase in maternal weight on booking and maternal age were associated with corresponding increase in placenta weight. Conclusion: The findings of this study seem to suggest that heavy metal exposure due to mining activities does affect placenta growth.
Design Heat Exchanger: Optimization and Efficiency
Authors: El-Sadi Haifa , Aitken Joe , Ganley Jason , Ruyffelaert David , Sweeney Cam 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Modern commercial and residential buildings procure HVAC systems, to provide heating and cooling for designed open and enclosed spaces to dissipate throughout the accustomed zones. HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems have become a required industry standard for the construction of new buildings. The objective is the optimization of a heat exchanger model by resolving common system concerns; efficiency, fouling, leakage, dead zones, and vibration. These issues are prevalent in the HVAC industry, which are critical to the under-performing heat exchangers. The heat exchanger was tested at only three different wind speeds (20, 40%, 60%) to take the temperature readings every 5 minutes to allow for maximal heat transfer. The efficiency of heat exchanger at the specified speeds was determined to be .7413 at 20%, .6463 at 40% and .6351 at 60%.
Germinación y bioestimulación en Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby para la remoción de As, Cd y Zn de lodos residuales por extracción de gas shale en Tamaulipas
Authors: Sánchez-Puente Zaida Carymar , Chacón-Hernández Julio César , Alarcón Alejandro , Rocandio-Rodríguez Mario , Mora-Ravelo Sandra Grisell 
Published: October 2020

Introducción: En la actualidad, existe una creciente demanda de hidrocarburos, lo que ha provocado el empleo de tecnologías no convencionales como la fracturación hidráulica. Sin embargo, esta técnica ocasiona daños ambientales a los ecosistemas por la generación de lodos residuales, como es el caso del matorral espinoso tamaulipeco que se encuentra dentro de la Cuenca de Burgos, zona de relevancia económica para la explotación de gas convencional. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la germinación de Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby y su uso potencial con bioestimulación, en la remoción de As, Cd y Zn en lodos residuales provenientes de la extracción de gas shale. Método: Se colectaron semillas de Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby en el ejido El Zaus, municipio de Hidalgo, Tamaulipas. Se evaluó el índice de germinación (IG) de acuerdo con Zucconi. Los tratamientos fueron 23, considerando los sustratos (dos tipos de lodo, suelo y una mezcla de ambos sustratos), las dos especies de plántulas (Acacia y Ebenopsis) y la bioestimulación donde se utilizó una solución de urea al 46 %. Se utilizaron macetas de tres kilogramos como unidades experimentales, donde se sembraron tres plántulas con tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Se realizó un muestreo final de cada tratamiento para las determinaciones correspondientes de As, Cd, Zn, P y K, las cuales se realizaron por extracción de (DTPA), y posteriormente se llevaron a espectroscopia de emisión atómica de inducción por plasma (ICP-OES Varian modelo 725-ES, Agilent Mulgrave, Australia). El Nitrógeno total, en plántulas y sustratos, se realizó por el método micro Kjeldahl, y la materia orgánica (MO) por Walkely Black.Resultados: Se observaron diferencias en IG (P = 0.02374). Los resultados indican que las características estructurales (tamaño) y fisiológicas (viabilidad del embrión) de las semillas están relacionadas con la capacidad de germinación de estas especies en sustratos contaminados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la concentración de As, Cd, y Zn, a través del tratamiento (P < 0.0001). La acumulación de As, Cd y Zn, fue determinada por la estructura de la planta (raíz > tallo >hoja).Conclusión: El índice de germinación de Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby, en sustratos acuosos de lodos residuales provenientes de la extracción de gas shale, se sustenta en las características estructurales y fisiológicas de cada especie. La remoción de As, Cd y Zn, estuvo influenciada por la especie, el sustrato, la bioestimulación con la urea y la presencia de MO que confiere el efecto tapón que controló la alcalinidad de los sustratos y, por ende, la movilidad de los metales.
Agricultural fertiliser from brewery effluent – the recovery of nutrients from the biomass of activated sludge and high rate algal pond treatment systems
Authors: Taylor Richard P. , Jones Clifford L. W. , Laubscher Richard K. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The disposal of waste biomass generated from biological wastewater treatment plants is a costly process and poses environmental threats to the receiving environment. This study aimed to determine the suitability of algae and waste activated sludge (WAS) produced from a brewery effluent treatment system as a fertiliser in agriculture. The change in soil characteristics and the growth of a crop fertilised with algae or WAS was compared with a conventional inorganic fertiliser. Swiss chard plants (Beta vulgaris) fertilised with anaerobically digested (AD) algae or WAS had a significantly higher mean biweekly yield (5.08 ± 0.73 kg/m2) when compared with the inorganic fertiliser control (3.45 ± 0.89 kg/m2; p &lt; 0.0001). No difference was observed in the soil's physical fertility when algae or WAS were applied to the soil (p &gt; 0.05). The nitrogen applied to the soil from algae and WAS biomass appeared to leach out of the soil less than the nitrogen supplied by inorganic fertilisers. The application of WAS or algae on soil increased the soil's sodium concentration and sodium absorption ratio from 774.80 ± 13.66 mg/kg to 952.17 ± 34.89 mg/kg and 2.91 ± 0.04 to 3.53 ± 0.13, respectively. Regulations on the application of algae or WAS on agricultural soils should be altered to consider the limit values for sodium.
Performance analyses of existing sanitary sewers with the selection of household water-saving schemes
Authors: Basupi Innocent 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The widespread uptake of household water-saving systems (i.e. appliances, fittings, rainwater harvesting tanks, etc.) usually aims to reduce the gap between water demand and supply without considering the performances of downstream sanitary sewers (SSs). This paper presents an analysis approach that examines the lifespan interaction of water-saving schemes (WSSs) and operation of existing SSs. Examined are three probable ways of using (or not using) these water systems, including the conventional (baseline), full application and optimal selection of efficient WSSs. For optimality, a method that maximises the WSS potential efficiency (overall) and minimises the cost of WSSs including the associated savings across the entire existing SS subject to constraints at the end of the planning horizon has been formulated. The problem is solved using a non-dominated genetic algorithm to obtain optimal solutions. Decision variables include various water use (or saving) capacities of water-saving schemes at different inflow nodes (locations). The method was demonstrated on the subsystem of the Tsholofelo Extension SS. The results indicate impactful and revealing interactions between water use efficiency, instantaneous hydraulic performances and existing SS upgrade requirements due to different applications of WSSs. The impacts and revelations observed would inform decisions during lifespan operations and management of SSs.
Screening and Preponderance of Peptic Ulcer and its Contributing Risk Factors Among Basrah City Residents in Iraq
Authors: Jaccob Ausama Ayob , Kadhim Sheima Nadim , Hassan Amal Malik , Mohsin Ali Adnan , Muslim Salah Kadhim 
Published: October 2020

Background:
With the recent widespread use of over-the-counter drugs, there has been
a noticeable increase in the occurrence of gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcer disease. However,
peptic ulcer is a highly complex disorder resulting from an imbalance between gastric destructive
and protective factors.

Objectives:
To identifyrisk factors of peptic ulcer disease.

Methods:
This study was organized at Al-Basra teaching hospital and Al Sader teaching hospital in
Basrah city, Iraq. Medical records and questionnaires were filled by patients undergoing diagnostic
and therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies following their gastric discomfort complaints.
Information related to patients, disease history, and medication history for six months prior to endoscopy
procedures was collected.

Results:
A total of 476 patients were identified, including 246 (51.7%) patients with endoscopically
diagnosed peptic ulcers and 230 (48.3%) patients without peptic ulcers. The population was predominately
male and there were significant differences between age groups. Smoking correlated
with high relative risk; however, alcohol drinking had no significant role as a causative factor. The
most extensively used drugs by patients who complained of peptic ulcers include NSAIDs, iron
supplements, corticosteroids, and anti-platelet agents. A small number of patients were treated for
hypertension and diabetes, which were correlated with peptic ulcer risks. The presence of H-pylori
infections was significantly associated with peptic ulcer diagnosis.

Conclusion:
The risk of peptic ulcer disease appeared to increase with chronic medication use and
smoking, which aggravate the contributing risk by H-pylori infections.