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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-35 accounts for up 10% of cervical cancers in Sub-Saharan Africa. We herein assessed the genetic diversity of HPV35 in HIV-negative women from Chad (identified as #CHAD) and HIV-infected men having sex with men (MSM) in the Central African Republic (CAR), identified as #CAR. Ten HPV35 DNA from self-collected genital secretions (n = 5) and anal margin samples (n = 5) obtained from women and MSM, respectively, were sequenced using the ABI PRISM® BigDye Sequencing technology. All but one HPV35 strains belonged to the A2 sublineage, and only #CAR5 belonged to A1. HPV35 from #CAR had higher L1 variability compared to #CHAD (mean number of mutations: 16 versus 6). L1 of #CAR5 showed a significant variability (2.29%), suggesting a possible intra-type divergence from HPV35H. Three (BC, DE, and EF) out of the 5 capsid loops domains remained totally conserved, while FG- and HI- loops of #CAR exhibited amino acid variations. #CAR5 also showed the highest LCR variability with a 16bp insertion at binding sites of the YY1. HPV35 from #CHAD exhibited the highest variability in E2 gene (P<0.05). E6 and E7 oncoproteins remained well conserved. There is a relative maintenance of a well conserved HPV35 A2 sublineage within heterosexual women in Chad and MSM with HIV in the Central African Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A lot of people come to us complaining about erectile dysfunction. These days, even those under the age of 30 frequently deal with the problem of early onset hypertension and diabetes. Material and Methods: The study comprised 70 consecutive patients who were referred from several departments, including general medical outpatient, psychiatry, diabetology, and urology. This study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Sri Balaji Medical College. Renigunta, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India between March 2023 to Jan 2024. Every patient complained of erectile dysfunction for at least half a year. A thorough clinical history and basic blood chemistry were performed on each subject. Results: These are a few instances of venous and arterial insufficiency patterns associated with erectile dysfunction. The individuals' ages ranged from 22 to 65 years old, with a mean age of 44. The average score of the 70 subjects on the SHIM questionnaire was 14.6. About 30% of the participants had no identified risk factors, despite the fact that diabetes and hypertension were the primary causes in the great majority of instances. Out of 70 participants, 56 responded normally to sildenafil and 59 to papaverine. Papaverine found that 21 individuals taking sildenafil had erectile dysfunction, compared to 18 who did not. Conclusion: Tab. Sildenafil significantly increases blood flow to the penile vasculature, according to the study, suggesting it may be useful as an erectogenic agent in penile Doppler studies when paired with self-tactile stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melioidosis which is known to be endemic in South-east Asia and Northern Australia is a treatable infection and is more common than currently appreciated. It is now expanding rapidly to other regions of the world predominantly in the Indian subcontinent. The key for successful management of this disease lies in facilitating rapid and accurate diagnosis by expert personnel and timely selection of adequate sensitive antibiotics. We present here a series of three cases of melioidosis involving lung and pleura along with clinico radiological and treatment details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease involving multiple organs. Most commonly affected organs are lungs, followed by skin, lymph nodes. Hematological manifestations of sarcoidosis are uncommon and may include hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, peripheral lymphopenia but severe thrombocytopenia is very rare. Our patient presented with petechial rash, papular skin lesions and had severe thrombocytopenia. Skin biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation without necrosis with good clinical, radiological and hematological response to oral prednisolone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong attentions have been paid to low-carbon multi-phased steels showing transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) effect as good candidates for automotive applications due to their good mechanical balance between strength and ductility. However, details of complicated microstructural evolutions during thermo-mechanical processing and the roles of constituent phases on mechanical properties have not yet been fully clarified. In the present study, the formation process of multi-phased microstructures in a low alloy steel (Fe-0.2C-1.6Mn-1.4Si-1.0Ni-0.5Al: wt.%) during intercritical annealing in austenite + ferrite temperature (830 °C) and subsequent partitioning heat-treatment at lower temperature (400 °C) were systematically investigated. The phase fraction of ferrite (F), martensite (M), and retained austenite (A) significantly changed with increasing the holding time at 400 °C. It was observed that austenite transformed into ferrite during the heat-treatment at 400 °C to form newly formed ferrite having different characteristics. The ferrite in the final microstructures was categorized into four types (Type I, II, III and IV), based on their morphologies and other features. The ferrite newly formed at 400 °C (Type II, III, IV) were concluded to be formed by massive or bainitic transformation from their characteristics, i.e., morphologies, existence of surface relief, dislocations and misorientations, chemical compositions, and thermodynamic considerations. Long-range diffusion of substitutional elements did not occur in the phase transformation, but interstitial carbon diffused and enriched into austenite, resulting in large fractions of retained austenite at room temperature. Tensile mechanical properties of the obtained multi-phase steel were systematically clarified by in-situ synchrotron X-Ray diffraction. Tensile elongation increases with increasing the holding time at 400 °C, because the amount of retained austenite increased with the partitioning heat-treatment and they showed the TRIP effect through deformation-induced martensitic transformation during tensile deformation. On the other hand, the best strength-ductility balance was obtained in the specimen experienced the shortest heat-treatment at 400 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study reveals the Hall-Petch relationship, or mean grain size control, and flow properties of equiatomic FeCoNi alloy having different grain sizes at room temperature (298 K) and cryogenic temperature (77 K). For the first time, various mean grain sizes ranging from the ultra-fine regime (0.7 μm) to the coarse grain regime (145.3 μm) were achieved in a FeCoNi alloy by high-pressure torsion and subsequent annealing. The tensile yield strength depends strongly on temperature and grain size. Hall-Petch plots demonstrate that the grain boundary strength coefficient is insensitive to the temperature, whereas friction stress increases as the temperature decreases. For all the grain sizes both strength and ductility were increased with decreasing the temperature down to 77 K. Dislocation slip is responsible for the room temperature mechanical properties. At cryogenic temperature, on the other hand, nano twinning appears as an additional deformation mechanism in addition to the dislocation slip. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformation-induced martensitic transformation is a key phenomenon to manage both high strength and large ductility in low alloy multi-phase steels. Significant enhancement of strain hardening ability could be achieved by the phase transformation from soft austenite to hard martensite during deformation, which is known as transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) effect. The occurrence of TRIP effect can be controlled by austenite characteristics like carbon content, grain size and morphology. Additionally, the mechanical interaction with other phases surrounding each austenite grain during deformation would affect the stability of austenite, which has not been clarified. The current study has clarified how surrounding phases affect the mechanical stability of austenite against deformation-induced martensitic transformation. Two types of multi-phase microstructures composed of three different phases, i.e., ferrite (α) + austenite (γ) + martensite (M) and two phases of ferrite (α) + austenite (γ) were fabricated in Fe-1.6Mn-1.4Si-1.0Ni-0.5Al-0.2C, maintaining the characteristics of retained austenite nearly the same. It was found that the α+γ+M specimen exhibited slower rate of deformation-induced martensitic transformation during tensile deformation than the α+γ specimen, indicating higher austenite stability in the α+γ+M specimen. The in-situ synchrotron XRD measurements during tensile deformation revealed that there was significant stress partitioning between austenite and adjacent phases (ferrite, martensite and deformation-induced martensite), which influenced the phase transformation rate of austenite into deformation-induced martensite. Furthermore, it was also clarified by the in-situ synchrotron XRD that the austenite in the α+γ+M specimen always had higher stress than that in the α+γ specimen due to higher dislocation density in austenite introduced by martensitic transformation to form pre-existing martensite, so that higher stress was required for deformation-induced martensitic transformation in the α+γ+M specimen during tensile deformation than the α+γ specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meckel's diverticulum is the commonest congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. Hemorrhage, obstruction and inflammation are the three main categories of complications resulting from Meckel's diverticulum. Spontaneously perforation of Meckel's diverticulum is very rare and mimics acute appendicitis. We report a case of 26 year-old male, who presented since 5 days worsening abdominal pain predominantly in the right iliac fossa associated with high grade fever. On physical examination his abdomen was distended with guarding and rigidity. A provisional diagnosis of appendiculaire peritonitis was made. Our patient had an emergency laparotomy, where a perforated Meckel's diverticulum and advanced peritonitis were discovered. A diverticulectomy with ileostomy were performed. Heterotopic mucosa of diverticulitis was confirmed on histopathology. The patient made an uneventful recovery postoperatively and ileostomy reconstruction was done two months later.This case report is an interesting and unusual case of Meckel's diverticulum complications and highlights the importance of considering Meckel's diverticulum as a differential diagnosis in every patient presenting with acute abdomen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

12-Phosphotungstic acid supported on silica gel, zirconium sulfate, and a combination of silica gel and zirconium sulfate (50% w/w) were employed as solid acid catalysts for regioselective acylation of 2-methoxynaphtalene with acetic anhydride. 1-(6-Methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone (2,6-AMN), a commercially important intermediate for production of Naproxen, was obtained with excellent selectivity (>98%) at 67–68% conversion using 12-phosphotungstic acid supported on silica gel 20% (w/w) in refluxing tetrachloroethane. The unreacted starting material can be easily separated from the product by a simple crystallization from nonane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Racemic 2-chlorophenyl glycine has been resolved to obtain (S)-α-amino-(2-chlorophenyl)acetic acid with >99% enantiomeric purity via enantioselective hydrolysis of its N-phenylacetyl derivative with penicillin G acylase immobilized on Eupergit C. The resolution can be conveniently performed in water at substrate concentration of 10% in 5h with an enzyme:substrate ratio of 1:5 (w/w), and the enzyme can be recycled >25 times without any loss of activity. The unwanted (R)-enantiomer can be easily racemized for recycling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A crude extract of Mung bean meal (Phaseolus radiatus) possessing epoxide hydrolase activity immobilized in gelatin gel (gelozyme) is employed in the stereoselective epoxide ring opening of glycidate esters. Thus, ethyl trans-(±)-3-phenyl glycidate 1a and methyl trans-(±)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) glycidate 1b gave (2S,3R)-glycidate esters (ee >99% and 45% yield) with gelatin immobilized enzyme in diisopropyl ether. The corresponding (2R,3S)-enantiomer of 1a was hydrolyzed by an epoxide hydrolase to predominantly give the anti-product, ethyl (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate, with a diastereomeric excess of 78% and ee 94% (40%). A small amount (5%) of racemic syn-product was also obtained as a result of the spontaneous hydrolysis. In the case of 1b, the hydrolysis product was racemic due to high reactivity of the glycidate toward water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Our previous article (Part I) discussed the theoretical and experimental study of the performance boost obtained by a cooking vessel with central cylindrical cavity on lugs when compared to that of a conventional cylindrical vessel on floor/lugs. This article compares the performance of the cooking vessel with depressed lid on lugs with that of the conventional vessel on lugs. A mathematical model is presented to understand the heat flow process to the cooking vessel and, thereby, to the food material. It is found from the experiments that the cooking vessel with depressed lid results in higher temperature of the thermic fluid loaded in the cooking vessel compared to that of the thermic fluid kept in the conventional vessel when both are placed on lugs. Similar results were obtained by modeling the process mathematically. The average improvement of performance of the vessel with depressed lid is found to be 8.4% better than the conventional cylindrical vessel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The performance of conventional box type solar cookers can be improved by better designs of cooking vessels with proper understanding of the heat flow to the material to be cooked. An attempt has been made in this article to arrive at a mathematical model to understand the heat flow process to the cooking vessel and thereby to the food material. The mathematical model considers a double glazed hot box type solar cooker loaded with two different types of vessels, kept either on the floor of the cooker or on lugs. The performance of the cooking vessel with a central cylindrical cavity is compared with that of a conventional cylindrical cooking vessel. It is found from the experiments and modeling that the cooking vessel with a central cylindrical cavity on lugs results in a higher temperature of the thermic fluid than that of a conventional vessel on the floor or on lugs. The average improvement of performance of the vessel with a central cylindrical cavity kept on lugs is found to be 5.9% and 2.4% more than that of a conventional cylindrical vessel on the floor and on lugs, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Perfluorocompounds (PFCs) used in semiconductor manufacturing are potential contributors to greenhouse gas-driven climate change. PFCs emitted from plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) chamber cleans can be a significant portion of the total PFC emissions for a typical semiconductor fabrication facility. Previous work adopting octafluorocyclobutane (c-C4 F8) clean chemistries to reduce gas consumption and PFC emissions have been reported on applied materials and novellus PECVD tools. In this study, c-4 F8 was evaluated as an alter- native chamber clean gas on Mattson ASPEN II PECVD tools. A statistical design of experiment (DOE) methodology and tool emission analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry were used to develop a low gas consumption and low PFC emission process. This c-4 F8 process reduced the clean gas consumption by 65% and PFC emission by 78%, compared to our current 2 F6 clean with no impact on deposited film properties or process repeatability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strain hardening behavior of five different steels of varying carbon content, ranging between 0.007 and 0.71%, such as an Interstitial free (IF), a microalloyed, and a low, medium and high carbon steels, have been critically examined using tensile loading. The test results for the IF and the microalloyed steels having only ferritic structure, exhibit a two-stage strain hardening behavior. On the other hand, the low, medium, and high carbon steels having a two-phase microstructure (ferrite-pearlite/cementite) exhibit three-stage strain hardening. A number of existing and frequently used empirical equations, such as the Hollomon, Ludwik, Ludwigson and Voce were used to explain the strain-hardening characteristics of these steels; however, none of the above could fully and satisfactorily explain the flow behavior especially at high strain region. In order to remedy this deficiency, a modification to Ludwigson equation has been suggested by the authors by introducing an extra exponential term to the existing Ludwigson equation. The modelled flow curves, on the basis of this proposed new equation, could explain the strain hardening behavior of these steels very satisfactorily over the entire strain range. In addition, the excellent matching of the flow curves, based on the proposed equation with the experimental flow curves of a number of metallic materials, as diverse as multiphase steel, TRIP-assisted steel, dual-phase steel, stainless steel (316L), Mg-alloy, Ti-alloy and a high entropy (Cantor) alloy, indicates its wider applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact dual band multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna was proposed. It resonates at 5.93 and 7.68 GHz. A 2 × 1 MIMO antenna with edge to edge distance of λ0/25 (f = 5.93 GHz) developed and its performance is evaluated in terms of mutual coupling using three techniques: (a) defected ground structure (DGS), (b) asymmetrical coplanar strips (ACPS), and (c) combination of DGS and ACPS. Results show that with DGS mutual coupling (S21) is reduced by −30.61 dB at 5.93 GHz and −29.5 dB at 7.68 GHz. Using ACPS mutual coupling (S21) is reduced by −27.91 dB at 5.93 GHz and −47 dB at 7.68 GHz. With ACPS and DGS mutual coupling (S21) is reduced by −58 dB at 5.93 GHz and −28.65 dB at 7.68 GHz. Its performance is also evaluated in terms of radiation patterns, VSWR, envelope correlation coefficient, and diversity gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, two Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA) models fed through a pair of diagonally coupled asymmetric L‐slots are incorporated on the ground plane of size 44 X 44 mm2 with a strip line feed underneath the substrate are presented. The proposed DRA‐1 is a triband antenna, resonates at 5.2GHz, 6.7GHz and 9.85GHz with a gain of 5.6dBi, 5.66dBi and 9.8dBi respectively. The bandwidth offered at Circularly Polarized (CP) band by DRA‐1 is 1.95 GHz (6‐7.95 GHz). The proposed second model DRA‐2 operates at 5 GHz, 6.4 GHz, 7.8 GHz and 10.3 GHz with a peak gain of 5.5dBi, 5dBi, 6.1dBi and 7.8dBi respectively. The quad‐band DRA‐2 offers two CP bands with bandwidths of 1.3GHz (7‐8.3 GHz) and 1.2 GHz (9.8‐11 GHz). The multiple operating bands of the proposed DRAs are appropriate for different wireless applications such as WLAN, C‐Band and X‐Band range of frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to in situ observation will be essential in the current and emerging data-driven materials science by taking STEM's high affinity with various analytical options into account. As is well known, STEM's image acquisition time needs to be further shortened to capture a targeted phenomenon in real-time as STEM's current temporal resolution is far below the conventional TEM's. However, rapid image acquisition in the millisecond per frame or faster generally causes image distortion, poor electron signals, and unidirectional blurring, which are obstacles for realizing video-rate STEM observation. Here we show an image correction framework integrating deep learning (DL)-based denoising and image distortion correction schemes optimized for STEM rapid image acquisition. By comparing a series of distortion corrected rapid scan images with corresponding regular scan speed images, the trained DL network is shown to remove not only the statistical noise but also the unidirectional blurring. This result demonstrates that rapid as well as high-quality image acquisition by STEM without hardware modification can be established by the DL. The DL-based noise filter could be applied to in-situ observation, such as dislocation activities under external stimuli, with high spatio-temporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to in situ observation will be essential in the current and emerging data-driven materials science by taking STEM's high affinity with various analytical options into account. As is well known, STEM's image acquisition time needs to be further shortened to capture a targeted phenomenon in real-time as STEM's current temporal resolution is far below the conventional TEM's. However, rapid image acquisition in the millisecond per frame or faster generally causes image distortion, poor electron signals, and unidirectional blurring, which are obstacles for realizing video-rate STEM observation. Here we show an image correction framework integrating deep learning (DL)-based denoising and image distortion correction schemes optimized for STEM rapid image acquisition. By comparing a series of distortion corrected rapid scan images with corresponding regular scan speed images, the trained DL network is shown to remove not only the statistical noise but also the unidirectional blurring. This result demonstrates that rapid as well as high-quality image acquisition by STEM without hardware modification can be established by the DL. The DL-based noise filter could be applied to in-situ observation, such as dislocation activities under external stimuli, with high spatio-temporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanism of dynamic strain aging (DSA) effect in high-Mn austenitic steel, and its correlation with the Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) banding, was elucidated using the in-situ synchrotron XRD measurement and digital image correlation (DIC) method during tensile test. The average dislocation velocity beyond the PLC band ranged from 10−2 to 10−1 nm/s, while reached to the order of 10° nm/s within the PLC band. In comparison, carbon diffusivity was significantly lower, allowing carbon atoms to diffuse only from 10−7 to10−9 nm in one second. The findings indicate that dislocations beyond the advancing PLC band were pinned by nearby carbon atoms, while dislocations within the PLC band became de-pinned from the carbons. Such localized pinning and de-pinning of dislocations occurred sequentially during deformation, appearing as the propagation of PLC bands in macroscopic scale. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on the basic principle of WO3 gas sensors to achieve high gas-sensing performance with good stability and repeatability. Metal oxide-based gas sensors are widely used for monitoring toxic gas leakages in the environment, industries and households. For better livelihood and a healthy environment, it is extremely helpful to have sensors with higher accuracy and improved sensing features. Design/methodology/approach: In the present review, the authors focus on recent synthesis methods of WO3-based gas sensors to enhance sensing features towards toxic gases. Findings: This work has proved that the synthesis method led to provide different morphologies of nanostructured WO3-based material in turn to improve gas sensing performance along with its sensing mechanism. Originality/value: In this work, the authors reviewed challenges and possibilities associated with the nanostructured WO3-based gas sensors to trace toxic gases such as ammonia, H2S and NO2 for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Simulation is one of the important learning tools when it comes to skill acquisition and as a supplemental tool for training in high stake situations like COVID-19. The aim of this study is to meet the global requirements of knowledge on ventilatory management, prepare and to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching module for non-anesthesiology trainees on COVID-19 patients. Methods: Quasi experimental cross sectional pilot study was conducted with a sample of twenty-six trainees. A teaching module was prepared and validated which consisted of lectures, audio-video sessions, demonstrations with hands-on training, debriefing, analytical-phase and reflection. Pre and Post evaluations from student t-test and direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) were used for knowledge and skill assessment respectively and feedback obtained from Likert's score. Results: Pre- and Post-tests had a mean score of 7.42 ± 2.12 and 14.92 ± 2.9 respectively (P value 0.00001). DOPS included 16 point score, in which 23 trainees (88.4%) met the expectations and above expectations as per training objectives. A five-point Likert's score feedback revealed satisfactory and highly satisfactory scores of 100% (ABG), 96.1% (mechanical ventilation), and 84.6% (ventilation in COVID-19 patients). Overall satisfaction for the workshop among respondents was 100 per cent. Confidences of handling scores were 84.5% (interpreting ABG), 65.3% (maneuvering mechanical ventilation), and 96.15% (intubation in COVID-19 patients). Conclusion: A planned teaching module in ventilation management helps to train non-anaesthesiologists more effectively as a part of COVID-19 preparedness. Simulation with debriefing based training to the medical fraternity is the best alternative in the present pandemic and it will also ensure the safety of health care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stoicism has been used to describe a wide range of behaviors in the face of disease that go from silence, resistance to the adversity, or 'to make the best of a bad disease'. This study pursued two objectives: 1) analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the LSS; 2) assess the relation between stoicism and gender, age, and the five-factor personality model. NEOcoping is a prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventionist study. Patients were recruited consecutively at thirteen Spanish teaching hospitals. The following scales were administered: Liverpool Stoicism Scale (LSS) and Big Five Inventory (BFI-10). A total of 443 patients (250 females) with a mean age of 59.8 years (SD =12.3) were enrolled. Colon cancer was the most common, followed by breast cancer. At the total-scale level, mean LSS was lower than the originally reported British sample. The four-factor structure fitted the data well, had a clear interpretation, and the derived scales showed acceptable reliabilities. The personality trait of introversion predicted 4.1% of the variance of stoicism (/K.001). Even though it needs to be improved, the LSS scale demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties to appraise stoicism in the Spanish population with resected cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1992 it was made the first report of mediastinitis in HIV-positive heroin addicts, as other concomitant infections. But after this report, few cases mention this clinical complication in a single patient. This paper reports the case of a 34-year-old man who assisted to the Regional Hospital Presidente Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico, with a history of chronic diarrhea without treatment response. Later, this patient was hospitalized because an acute respiratory infection, needing antimicrobial and antiviral treatment as consequence of opportunistic infections. Subsequent hospitalization occurred and infectious pericarditis and mediastinitis were diagnosed. Diagnostic tests confirmed HIV infection. Patient presented several cardiac complications as consequence of multiple infections. Opportune pharmacological and surgical treatment and constant cardiac monitoring allowed the recovery and survival of this patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A chloramphenicol resistant strain of S. typhi which caused it very large epidemic of typhoid fever in Mexico in 1972-73 survived in opened bottles of one carbonated drink with a pH of 4.6 for two weeks and in another such drink with a pH of 5.1 for six months. Bottled beverages are potential sources of large outbreaks of enteric disease, and deserve the same type of standards and monitoring its comparable fluids such as milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]