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In recent scenarios, self-compacting concrete (SCC) has played a vital role in the construction industry. In the fresh state, SCC has flow ability, passing ability, and filling ability. SCC also had better strength and durability properties. The addition of fiber content in SCC could improve the tensile properties. The present research aims to investigate the strength aspects of SCC using a combination of steel fibers with mineral admixture namely Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) in constant 30%. The fresh properties of SCC were highly influenced by GGBS since it is used as a powder content/ fines. However, the addition of steel fibers (STF) from 0% to 2% with an increment of 0.5% has decreased the flowability property in SCC. From the obtained results, the addition of 2% STF along with 30% GGBS has improved the strength when compared to the control mix of the same grade and also resisted the crack propagations.

Bone defects resulting from trauma, disease, or congenital abnormalities represent a significant clinical challenge, necessitating advanced regenerative therapies. This study presents the development and formulation of a drug-loaded hydrogel as a novel approach for bone regeneration. The hydrogel matrix is engineered to provide structural support and controlled release of therapeutic agents to enhance bone healing. Various biocompatible polymers and crosslinking strategies are investigated to optimize the hydrogel's mechanical properties, degradation kinetics, and drug release profiles. Furthermore, the study explores the efficacy of different drugs, growth factors, and osteoinductive molecules in promoting osteogenesis and bone tissue regeneration within the hydrogel scaffold. The developed drug-loaded hydrogel holds promise as a versatile platform for addressing diverse bone defects and advancing the field of regenerative orthopedics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The number of mobile game users has increased globally over the last few years. Gaming has been reported as a new way of satisfying basic human needs within the constraints of the current modern society. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among engineering students aged 18–25 years in the Ernakulam district of Kerala and the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This was an online-based cross-sectional study among engineering colleges in Ernakulam district of Kerala selected by simple random sampling. Students with psychiatric ailments were excluded from the study. On the basis of the prevalence of IGD, reported by Mihara and Higuchi in 2017, the minimum calculated sample size for this study using the formula, n = (4*pq)/d2 was 291. The study tool was a semi-structured questionnaire with three segments: socio-demographic profile, IGD, and Internet gaming behavior pattern. As data were collected using Google Forms, data were downloaded from Google Sheet and exported to and analyzed using SPSS software program, version 20.0. Results: The study had 271 participants and most of them were males. The mean age group of the study population was 22.77 years. The prevalence of IGD was found to be 2.2%. In the associated risk factors, people living alone were found to have a significant association with IGD. Conclusion: Although the prevalence observed in our research is low, more attention needs to be given to keeping the prevalence low, as the number of gamers in India has been constantly increasing.

Background: In adults, the majority of cases of intussusception are due to malignancy. Aims: The aim of the study is to describe the pattern of intussusception in the adult population diagnosed and treated at a tertiary care center. Subjects and Methods: Study Design: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study based on chart review, and data collection was made from the computer database and inpatient case records. Study Setting: Adult intussusception cases diagnosed and treated at a tertiary care referral center in South India. All inpatient case sheets including investigations and histopathology information on the computer database of all patients diagnosed with intussusception in the period of August 2012 to July 2016 were retracted based on a pretested and standardized form. Demographic data and other baseline data were summarized with descriptive statistics. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 77 patients, 47 (61%) were male. The common presentations were abdominal pain (95%), vomiting (64%), and rectal bleeding (29%). Common examination findings were abdominal tenderness (45%), guarding (39%), and abdominal mass (38%). On ultrasonography, fifty (65%) patients had intussusception with ileocolic (25) as the most common type. Computed tomography abdomen was taken for 28 (36%) patients, in which 23 (82%) had intussusception with ileocolic (9) as the most common type. Surgery was done for 53 (69%) patients, and the most common procedure was right hemicolectomy (25) followed by resection and anastomosis of the small bowel (23). Intraoperatively, 42 (79%) patients had intussusception with ileocolic (23) as the most common type. Intraoperatively, 14 (26%) patients had a bowel gangrene. Biopsy-proven cause for intussusception was present in 46 patients, with malignancy (21) as the most common cause. The patients were on regular follow-up. Recurrence of intussusception occurred in six patients of the small bowel intussusception who had polyposis. Conclusions: Adult intussusception is often associated with malignancy. Hence, a formal resection without reduction is needed and surgery should be done following oncological principles.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common immune-mediated blistering disorder with predominant skin involvement and occasionally oral manifestations. Vesiculobullous lesions of the oral mucosa present with similar clinical features, and hence arriving at a clinical diagnosis is aided by a valuable chairside investigation, exfoliative cytology. Cytology done in the present case ruled out pemphigus because of the absence of Tzanck cells in the smear. Biopsy and direct immunofluorescence further confirmed the diagnosis of BP. Treatment initiated with systemic steroids and immunomodulators, along with oral topical application of triamcinolone acetonide resulted in complete remission in 2 months. This case report highlights the role of cytology in the diagnosis of vesiculobullous lesions and management protocol for BP patients presenting with simultaneous skin and oral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the potassium ion channel family, calcium activated potassium (KCa) channels are unique in their ability to couple intracellular Ca2+ signals to membrane potential variations. KCa channels are diversely distributed throughout the central nervous system and play fundamental roles ranging from regulating neuronal excitability to controlling neurotransmitter release. The physiological versatility of KCa channels is enhanced by alternative splicing and co-assembly with auxiliary subunits, leading to fundamental differences in distribution, subunit composition and pharmacological profiles. Thus, understanding specific KCa channels’ mechanisms in neuronal function is challenging. Based on their single channel conductance, KCa channels are divided into three subtypes: small (SK, 4–14 pS), intermediate (IK, 32–39 pS) and big potassium (BK, 200–300 pS) channels. This review describes the biophysical characteristics of these KCa channels, as well as their physiological roles and pathological implications. In addition, we also discuss the current pharmacological strategies and challenges to target KCa channels for the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The present investigation is aimed at maximizing the biooil yield (BOY) from the algal species Spirogyra by solvent extraction method with a nonpolar solvent n-hexane using a Soxhlet apparatus. Also, this present work is aimed at acquiring optimal physiochemical properties such as kinematic viscosity and iodine value of the biooil produced from the algae. To carry out this work, the Taguchi technique with the L9 orthogonal array (OA) was used. With the L9 OA, nine sets of experiments were directed as per the design matrix, and the results were analyzed using the Taguchi method with the help of Minitab 16 software. The results generated from this optimization process showcased that the BOY from the Spirogyra was found to be a maximum of 26.86% with the particle size (PS) being 0.462 μm, the response time (RT) of 60 minutes, the solvent ratio (SR) of 1 : 10, and the extraction temperature (ET) of 75°C. The optimal set of input parameters for the optimal output response kinematic viscosity of 1.92 mm2/s was found to be achieved with the PS being 0.462 μm, 60 minutes of RT, the SR of 1 : 15, and the ET of 75°C. Similarly, the optimal set of input parameters for the optimal output response iodine value was found to be at 0.322 μm PS, 120 minutes of RT, an SR of 1 : 5, and an ET of 75°C. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the output responses exposed that the PS exhibited a major impact on the BOY and kinematic viscosity and the contribution levels of 76.68 and 51.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of motor function is a vital characteristic of infant development. Alberta Infant Motor scale (AIMS) is considered to be one of the tool available for screening the developmental delays, but this scale was formulated by using western samples. Every country has its own ethnic and cultural background and various differences are observed in the culture and ethnicity. Therefore, there is a need to obtain reliability for the use of AIMS in south Indian population. Purpose: To find the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) on pre-term infants using the recorded video observations in Indian population. Method: 30 preterm infants in three age groups, 0-3 months (10 infants), 4-7 months (10 infants), 8-18 months (10 infants) were recruited for this reliability study. The AIMS was administered to the preterm infants and the performance was videotaped. The performance was then rescored by the same therapist, immediately from the video and on another two consecutive months to estimate intra-rater reliability using ICC (3,1), two-way mixed effects model. For reporting inter-rater reliability, AIMS was scored by three different raters, using ICC (2,k) two-way random effects model and by two other therapists to examine the inter and intra-rater reliability. Results: The two-way mixed effects model for intra-rater reliability of AIMS, ICC (3,1) = 0.99 and for reporting inter-rater reliability of AIMS by two-way random effects model, ICC (2,k) = 0.96. Conclusion: AIMS has excellent intra and inter-rater reliability using recorded video observations among the preterm infants in India