Search

The present research paper explores the potential of electrospun nanofibers in the promising field of skin tissue engineering. Specifically, we propose an advanced preparation and characterization of an electrospun Polyurethane/Calcium Chloride (PU/CaCl2) nanocomposite scaffold, devised to boost the scaffold's physicochemical and biological properties for skin tissue regeneration. By incorporating CaCl2 into the PU matrix using an electrospinning process, we were able to fabricate a novel nanocomposite scaffold. The morphological examination through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) revealed that the fiber diameter of the PU/CaCl2 (563 ± 147 nm) scaffold was notably smaller compared to the control (784 ± 149 nm). The presence of CaCl2 in the PU matrix was corroborated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the PU/CaCl2 scaffold exhibited superior tensile strength (10.81 MPa) over pristine PU (Tensile −6.16 MPa, Contact angle - 109° ± 1° and Roughness - 854 ± 32 nm) and revealed enhanced wettability (72° ± 2°) and reduced surface roughness (274 ± 104 nm), as verified by Contact angle and Atomic Force Microscopy. The developed scaffold demonstrated improved anticoagulant properties, indicating its potential for successful integration within a biological environment. The improved properties of the PU/CaCl2 nanocomposite scaffold present a significant advancement in electrospun polymer nanofibers, offering a potential breakthrough in skin tissue engineering. However, additional studies are required to thoroughly evaluate the scaffold's effectiveness in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. We aim to catalyze significant advancements in the field by revealing the creation of a potent skin scaffold leveraging electrospun nanofibers. Encouraging deeper exploration into this innovative electrospun composite scaffold for skin tissue engineering, the PU/CaCl2 scaffold stands as a promising foundation for pioneering more innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation was carried out to assess the effect of post-harvest dipping of minimally processed fresh cut lettuce with various concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 µmolL-1) of melatonin on shelf-life and sensory quality of lettuce stored at 6±2ºC for 8 days. Melatonin treatment was found effective in maintaining freshness and sensory quality of lettuce during storage. Browning was reduced by 45% and visual quality index increased by 44.10% compared to control in 100 µmol L-1 melatonin treated samples on the 6th day of storage. Maximum total chlorophyll, total phenol and total antioxidants and least activity of browning related enzyme i.e., peroxidase (POD) was observed in 100 µmol L-1 melatonin treated samples during storage. No significant variation was observed between 10 µmol L-1 melatonin treated and control samples. Browning index value had significant negative correlation with total chlorophyll, total phenol and total antioxidants whereas POD activity had significant positive correlation. It can be inferred from the present investigation that post-harvest treatment of 100 µmol L-1 melatonin extended shelf-life of minimally processed lettuce for 6 days by preserving phenols, chlorophyll, antioxidants and inhibiting POD activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of water resource management is undeniable, and optimizing reservoir operations for hydropower generation, irrigation, and flood mitigation is a profound task. To accomplish this, a variety of optimization approaches and procedures were employed. Ant colony optimization (ACO) techniques are employed in this study for reservoir operation, where a collection of cooperative agents called ants can achieve near-optimal reservoir operation. To use ACO algorithms, a finite horizon with an inflow time series is a primary assumption. The Mahanadi Reservoir Project comprises a multireservoir system, which makes the optimum operation complex and uncertain for such a reservoir. Furthermore, the ACO technique was employed to optimize the operation of the Mahanadi Reservoir Project Complex. Traditional water resource optimization models have failed due to the increasing number of decision variables and time constraints. The ACO model outperforms the existing operational policy, and the average percentage change in reliability, resilience, and sustainability suggests an increase of up to 12.79%, 3.98%, and 15.48%, respectively, while the vulnerability is reduced by up to 10.28%. Therefore, the ACO algorithm is a novel and promising method for finding optimal reservoirs. It is worth investigating for future applications in the field of water resource systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effect of different levels of feed intake on the utilisation of nutrients, eight adult Barbari goat bucks (20.14 ± 0.74 kg mean body wt) were allotted to two sets of 4X4 Latin square design. The animals were fed on diets comprising of concentrate mixture and wheat straw (1:1 ratio) at four fixed levels of voluntary feed intake (95, 80, 60 and 40 per cent) in groups I, II, III and IV respectively. The experiment consisted of four 21-day feeding periods and four feeding levels. A metabolism trial was conducted during the last 8 days of each feeding period. During the study it was observed that lowering the level of feed intake decreased the efficiency of utilisation of dry matter, organic matter and fibre fractions in Barbari goats. Feed restriction also lowered the efficiency of utilisation of absorbed nitrogen and thus increased the proportion of nitrogen excreted in urine. From these results, it is evident that feed restriction adversely affects the nutrient digestibility of Barbari goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demands of population are gradually increasing rapidly. Most manufacturing and processing industries face obstacles or problems to fulfil this daily increase in demand. Even if the demand can be managed, the transmission of diseases through these sectors is also a considerable concern. Many new technologies are being used to avoid unbearable consequences, which arise because of human-to-human contact or interaction. Higher firms adopt a ton of computer software and other modern technologies to get rid of such problems. Farming, one among the essential professions is also being impacted; however, human beings have come a long way since they started farming. This paper examines how one of the latest technologies, Artificial Intelligence, has helped improve farming, agriculture, and related tasks to increase yield and productivity. How Animal Farming, Detection of Diseases in Plants, Grading processes of Agricultural Foods, and quality check of vegetables and fruits, have advanced with the aid of Artificial Intelligence, is summed up in the subsequent sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six rice varieties namely Bhrigu Dhan, Begami, Desi Dhan, Paddy Karad, Sukara Dhan and Lal Dhan grown in the westeren Himalaya, as a dehulled rice grain, were evaluated with the aim of establishing their specific food value. Length, breadth, length/breadth ratio, thousand -kernel weight, density, and bulk density of all varieties were in the range of 7.80-8.70 (mm), 3.12-3.68 (mm), 2.15-2.74,13.79-28.66 (g), 0.10-1.25 (g/mL) and 0.477-0.657 (g/mL), respectively. Maximum length (8.70 mm), 1000 kernel weight (28.66 g) and bulk density (1.25g/mL) were observed for Bhrigu Dhan. Moisture content, crude fat, crude fibre and ash, were in the range of 11.21 to 12.92, 2.35 to 3.26, 2.22 to 2.69 and 1.60 to 1.79 per cent, respectively on dry weight basis. The highest and lowest value for crude protein was recorded in Desi Dhan (12.00%) and Bhrigu Dhan (7.66 %), respectively; and total carbohydrates were observed highest in Bhrigu Dhan (86.88%) and lowest in Desi Dhan (82.44%). The starch content ranged between 81.63 to 88.56%. The total sugar content was highest in Sukara Dhan (1.40%) followed by Desi Dhan (1.35%), Lal Dhan (1.32%), Paddy Karad (1.29%), Begami (1.25%) and minimum was in Bhrigu Dhan (1.05%), respectively. The highest content of free fatty acid was present in Begami (0.377%) and minimum in Sukara Dhan (0.293%) whereas, the maximum amount of free amino acid was present in Bhrigu Dhan (0.443% as glycine) and minimum was present in Begami (0.333% as glycine). Begami had highest content of iron and zinc (8.95 and 9.77 mg/100gm). However maximum values for phosphorus and copper were observed for Sukara Dhan 311.05 and 3.020 mg/100 g respectively. The maximum content of magnesium was observed in Paddy Karad 137.33 mg/100 g and manganese in Bhrigu Dhan 3.49 mg/100 g. The highest total phenolic content observed in Lal Dhan (297.45 mg GAE/100 g) and lowest in Begami (231.66 mg GAE/100 g). The amylose content of red rice varieties varied from 23.56 to 26.55%. Highest amylose value was recorded in Lal Dhan (26.55%) and lowest in Sukara Dhan (23.56%). The data for the sensory evaluation of cooked red rice revealed that the appearance score was highest in variety Lal Dhan, and Paddy Karad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants have been used form ancient times in treatment of many diseases. These plants are the cheap source of drugs and have very fewer side effects. Lepidium latifolium is an invasive plant belongs to Brassicaceae family. It found in the mountainous area of Ladakh. It used as a phytofood in the Ladakh area. It is used in treatment of many diseases due to its medicinal properties. It has several natural antioxidants which suppress the biological system. From ancient times, it mainly used as stomach tonics and diuretics. Although it also used in the treatment of other diseases like kidney related diseases, hypertension, diabetes and many more. It also has anti-tumor properties. Due to the mountainous region, Ladakh has very low temperature. Due to its physiological plasticity, Lepidium latifolium can grow in the extremely harsh conditions of Ladakh area. In this review, we will discuss about the medicinal properties and the light adaptation of Lepidium latifolium in Ladakh area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum is the important cereal crop around the world and hence understanding and utilizing the genetic variation in sorghum accessions are essential for improving the crop. The D2 statistics was applied to assess the diversity among 41 B-lines and 43 Rlines of sorghum identified from minicore collection. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters under study. The genotypes were grouped into 13 clusters, where cluster III comprised maximum of 14 genotypes followed by cluster IV with 7 genotypes each among R-lines whereas B-lines grouped into 6 clusters with cluster I with 22 genotypes followed by cluster II with 9 genotypes. Inter-cluster distance was maximum between the clusters IX and X with 648.07 among R-lines and in B-lines maximum intercluster distance was between I and VI with 1136.00 which indicated that genotypes included in these clusters may give heterotic response and thus better segregants. Regarding genetic divergence of the genotypes, panicle weight (32.07%), SPAD readings at maturity stage (29.76) and 100 seed weight (20.49%) contributed major share among R-lines and incase of B-lines panicle weight (49.49%), primaries per panicle (25.13%) and 100 seed weight (10.77%) contributed high towards genetics. These traits can be utilized for selection of individual B-lines and individual R-lines for future crop improvement programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Estrogens were recently demonstrated to be synthesized in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) via aromatase activity and aromatase inhibitor (AI) did suppressed estrogen receptor (ER) positive NSCLC growth. However, other enzymes involved in intratumoral production and metabolism of estrogens, i.e. 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (i.e. 17βHSD1 and 17βHSD2) and others have not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we examined the clinical/ biological significance of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in NSCLCs. Methodology: Archival materials obtained from 103 NSCLC patients were immunohistochemically evaluated using anti-17βHSD1 and anti-17βHSD2 antibodies. The findings of immunohistochemistry were then correlated with intratumoral estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) concentration, clinicopathological factors and overall survival of the patients. We further employed NSCLC cell lines, A549 and LK87 to study the functional significance of 17βHSD1, in vitro. Results: A higher 17βHSD1 immunoreactivity tended to be positively associated with aromatase (p=0.057) and tumor stage (p=0.055) whereas a higher 17βHSD2 immunoreactivity was positively associated with a squamous cell and adenosquamous cell carcinomas subtypes (p=0.031), tumor stage (p=0.004), T factor of TNM classification (p=0.010), maximum tumor diameter (p=0.002) and tended to be associated with N factor of TMN classification (p=0.065). A higher 17βHSD1 immunoreactivity was also significantly associated with lower intratumoral E1 concentration (p=0.040) and a higher intratumoral E2/E1 concentration ratio (p=0.028). On the other hand a higher 17βHSD2 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with higher intratumoral E1 concentration (p=0.035). Results of multivariate regression analysis demonstrated an increased 17βHSD1 immunoreactivity in tumor cells as an independent negative prognostic factor (HR= 2.83, p=0.007). E1 treatment in 17βHSD1 positive NSCLC cells, A549 and LK87, resulted in E2 production (p<0.0001) and enhanced cell proliferation, which was abrogated effectively by 17βHSD1 siRNA knockdown (p<0.0001). In addition, aromatase inhibitor treatment resulted in 17βHSD1 up regulation in both A549 and LK87 cells. Conclusion: Results of our present study suggest that 17βHSD1 may be considered an important prognostic factor in NSCLC patients and targeting 17βHSD1 activity may further improve the clinical response in estrogen responsive NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackground:The commonest form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is tubercular cervical lymphadenitis, or scrofula.Methods and results:A total of 1827 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy who presented to various out-patients clinics of our institution were studied over a three-year period. Eight hundred and ninety-three (48.87 per cent) of these patients had lesions of tubercular origin. The most common observation was unilateral, matted adenopathy in female patients aged between 11 and 20 years and without constitutional symptoms of tuberculosis. Posterior triangle nodes were affected in 43.8 per cent of cases, followed by upper deep cervical nodes in 33.9 per cent. Fine needle aspiration cytology constituted the main diagnostic tool, with a positive yield in 90 per cent of patients. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed in 126 patients, with a sensitivity of 63 per cent. Only 18 per cent of patients had associated pulmonary tuberculosis, the rest having isolated involvement of cervical nodes. Medical treatment with anti-tubercular drugs for a period of six months formed the mainstay of treatment and cure. Surgical management was reserved for selected refractory patients.Conclusion:Tubercular cervical lymphadenitis can readily be diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology, a simple and cost-effective test. The disease can be cured completely by a short course of anti-tubercular chemotherapy, without surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe growth of Hilbert coefficients for powers of ideals are studied. For a graded ideal Iin the polynomial ring S= K[x1, .?.?., xn] and a finitely generated graded S-module M, the Hilbert coefficients ei(M/IkM) are polynomial functions. Given two families of graded ideals (Ik)k?0and (Jk)k?0with Jk? Ikfor all kwith the property that JkJ?? Jk+?and IkI?? Ik+?for all kand ?, and such that the algebras $A=\Dirsum_{k\geq 0}J_k$and $B=\Dirsum_{k\geq 0}I_k$are finitely generated, we show the function k? e0(Ik/Jk) is of quasi-polynomial type, say given by the polynomials P0,.?.?., Pg?1. If Jk= Jkfor all k, for a graded ideal J, then we show that all the Pihave the same degree and the same leading coefficient. As one of the applications it is shown that $\lim_{k\to \infty}\length(\Gamma_\mm(S/I^k))/k^n \in \mathbb{Q}$, if Iis a monomial ideal. We also study analogous statements in the local case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A new, highly efficient, inexpensive, recyclable, mild, convenient, and green protocol for chemoselective aza/thia-Michael addition reactions of amines/thiols to α,β-unsaturated compounds using triethylammonium acetate (TEAA) ionic liquid was developed. The catalyst can be recycled ten times and obviate the need for toxic and expensive catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A large number of patients in our country develop goiters which seem to be apparently asymptomatic. Conventional radiography does not address the abnormal air flow dynamics. Flow volume loop studies have shown characteristic dampening of both inspiratory and expiratory curves. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) can provide a simple noninvasive method of assessing airway compromise. Aim: To address the effect of longstanding asymptomatic, benign goiter by performing PFT on the preoperative airway dynamics and the early postoperative changes at six weeks. Setting and Design: Tertiary care center, Prospective study. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four patients with benign goiters were included after they satisfied the necessary exclusion and inclusion criteria. Pulmonary function tests were performed in the pre and postoperative period. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS ver. 10 software, Pearson's Bivariate correlation and students T test. Results: The preoperative PFT showed significant reduction in the Vital capacity (VC), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), mid expiratory flow (MEF 25) and MEF 50 in the females and VC, FVC and FEV1 in males. Postoperatively significant improvement was observed in the tidal volume (VT) and FEV1 in the females and airway resistance in males. Conclusions: Pulmonary function tests can demonstrate the unmanifested abnormal airflow dynamics in benign asymptomatic goiters, which would have otherwise taken years to manifest. This abnormality improved after thyroidectomy, especially the forced expiratory maneuvers. The duration and weight of the goiter correlated well with reduction in FEV1 and its subsequent improvement after surgery in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new efficient and eco-friendly methodology has been developed for the synthesis of 4-aryl-2,6-dicoumarinylpyridines from coumarinylchalcones and urea, using Bi(iii) nitrate?Al2O3 as catalyst. Coumarinylchalcones were in turn prepared from salicylaldehyde and ethylacetoacetate by the tandem reaction with aldehydes on the surface of Bi(iii) nitrate?Al2O3 in the presence of the co-catalyst Zn(ii) chloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past numerical simulations and experiments of turbulence exhibit a hump in the inertial range, called the bottleneck effect. In this paper, we show that sufficiently large inertial range (four decades) is required for an effective energy cascade. We propose that the bottleneck effect is due to the insufficient inertial range available in the reported simulations and experiments. To facilitate the turbulent energy transfer, the spectrum near Kolmogorov's dissipation wavenumber has a hump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Suicide is one of the leading causes of mortality in developing as well as developed countries. Psychological autopsy is supplementary to medical autopsy in finding out the correct cause of death. Suicide notes form an important component of psychological autopsy. Method: In the present study, psychosocial and clinical profile of 40 suicide note writers is present. The contents of suicide notes were also analysed. Results: A majority of suicide note writers were to 21 to 30 years of age (55%) and were males (65%). Home was the most common place for committing suicide (80%) and hanging was the most common method. All suicide notes were handwritten and a last wish was mentioned in 30%. Suicide note was most commonly addressed to a sibling (20%). Disturbed love affair and financial problems were the common reasons mentioned in suicide notes. Hopelessness and depression was the most common diagnosis in 52.5% cases. Conclusion: More studies are warranted to detect and analyze the suicide notes so that they not only help in confirming cause of death as suicide but also help in suicide prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnS : Mn nanophosphor has been doped with quencher impurity Ni using the colloidal precipitation method with capping agent polyvinylpyrrolidone. The formation of ∼2.5 nm sized nanoparticles has been confirmed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope studies. Energy and time resolved photoluminescence spectra of the synthesized nanophosphors have been studied at room temperature. Photoluminescent spectra for ZnS : Mn, Ni show three peaks at 412 nm, 433 nm and 590 nm corresponding to Ni impurity, sulphide vacancies (Vs) and Mn impurity, respectively. The ZnS : Mn nanophosphor show typical nanosecond lifetimes for defect-related emission and millisecond lifetimes for Mn impurity-related emission. However, the ZnS : Mn, Ni samples showed lifetime shortening, with variation of dopant concentration for defect-related (420 nm) as well as impurity-related emission (590 nm), which is attributed to exchange interaction between Mn2+ and nearest neighbour Ni2+ impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer may have asymptomatic involvement of renal and/or adrenal gland, particularly if they are elderly and have associated metastases to other organs, which may remain undetected if these patients are not subjected to radioiodine treatment. Our experience also emphasises the role of routine post-radioiodine therapy whole body scan with high degree of clinical suspicion, which may reveal lesions otherwise not discernable in low dose whole body scan. All suspicious lesions should be subjected to structural imaging like ultrasound, CT or MRI for confirmation. In this setting, the role of radioiodine therapy is primarily aimed at palliation that might prolong their survival, probably reduce further spread and thus overall improve the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like other natural fibers jute, because of its hydrophilic nature, is incompatible with nonpolar plastics matrices. This has been the major handicap for preparing stable composites. In this paper we have used maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, MAPP(G-3015) as the coupling agent for the surface modification of the fibers. Various parameters such as effect of fiber length, MAPP concentration, time period of MAPP treatment, percentage (wt./wt.) of fiber loading on mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strengths have been studied. It has been found that 30% fiber loading with 0.5% MAPP concentration in toluene and 5 min impregnation time with 6 mm average fiber lengths give the best results. Nearly 72.3% increase in flexural strength was observed in respect of treated composites. The fiber matrix interface was analyzed from the SEM micrographs. Water absorption of the composites has also been considerably reduced in the treated composites. Thermal behavior of the composites were also studied through DSC measurements. The MFI study also supports better fiber matrix adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several bounds on the number of generators of Cohen-Macaulay ideals known in the literature follow from a simple inequality which bounds the number of generators of such ideals in terms of mixed multiplicities. Results of Cohen and Akizuki, Abhyankar, Sally, Rees and Boratynski-Eisenbud-Rees are deduced very easily from this inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have presented the design considerations of lossy mode resonance (LMR) based tapered fiber optic sensors for sensitivity enhancement. The study includes the effect of the taper ratio and the taper profile, i.e. exponential-linear, linear, parabolic, gaussian and quadratic, on the sensitivity. Also, we have analyzed the effect of various coating materials on the sensitivity. It is revealed from the analysis that with an increase in the taper ratio, the sensitivity increases. The effect of the taper profile shows that among five profiles considered for comparison, the exponential-linear profile has the maximum sensitivity value whereas the quadratic profile has the lowest value. For indium tin oxide (ITO), for the exponential-linear taper profile, the sensitivity corresponding to the first and second lossy modes is 12.005 µm/RIU (refractive index unit) and 0.8 µm/RIU, respectively, at the taper ratio 1.7; whereas for aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO), the corresponding values are 0.515 µm/RIU and 0.235 µm/RIU, respectively, at the taper ratio 2.0. For surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based tapered fiber optic sensors, the maximum sensitivity value for the exponential-linear taper profile for platinum is 6.39 µm/RIU at the taper ratio 2.0, whereas for copper its value is 3.665 µm/RIU. At the taper ratio 1.0, i.e. the uniform core, the sensitivity of the LMR based tapered fiber optic sensors using an ITO coating is two times greater than the platinum-coated SPR based fiber optic sensor. Increasing the taper ratio further enhances the sensitivity around 40% when compared to the uniform core fiber optic sensor. Therefore, LMR based tapered fiber optic sensors with the considered optimum design parameters demonstrate around a 2.5-fold enhancement in sensitivity compared with conventionally used SPR based fiber optic sensors, giving an optimum structure for sensitivity enhancement. We believe that this study will find suitable applications in research/industry for those working in the area of chemical and biological sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]