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Objectives: The present study was designed to investigate the role of a mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) on the severity of brain injury, and the effects of pyruvate treatment in rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and Methods: We examined rats subjected to closed head injury using a fluid percussion device, and treated with sodium pyruvate (antioxidant and substrate for PDH enzyme). At 72 h post injury, blood was analyzed for blood gases, acid-base status, total PDH enzyme using a dipstick test and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of oxidative stress. Brain homogenates from right hippocampus (injured area) were analyzed for PDH content, and immunostained hippocampus sections were used to determine the severity of gliosis and PDH E1-∞ subunit. Results: Our data demonstrate that TBI causes a significant reduction in PDH enzyme, disrupt-acid-base balance and increase oxidative stress in blood. Also, lower PDH enzyme in blood is related to the increased gliosis and loss of its PDH E1-∞ subunit PDH in brain tissue, and these effects of TBI were prevented by pyruvate treatment. Conclusion: Lower PDH enzyme levels in blood are related to the global oxidative stress, increased gliosis in brain, and severity of brain injury following TBI. These effects can be prevented by pyruvate through the protection of PDH enzyme and its subunit E-1.

An oil recovery technique, different composition waterflooding (DCW), dependent on the varying injected water composition has been the subject of various research work in the past decades. Research work has been carried out at the lab, well and field scale whereby the introduction of different injection water composition vis-a-vis the connate water is seen to bring about improvements in the oil recovery (improvements in both macroscopic and microscopic recoveries) based on the chemical reactions, while being sustainable from ease of implementation and reduced carbon footprint points of view. Although extensive research has been conducted, the main chemical mechanisms behind the oil recovery are not yet concluded upon. This research work performs a data analysis of the various experiments, identifies gaps in existing experimentation and proposes a comprehensive experimentation measurement reporting at the system, rock, brine and oil levels that leads to enhanced understanding of the underlying recovery mechanisms and their associated parameters. Secondly, a sustainable approach of implementing Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence Tools (AIT) is proposed and implemented which aids in improving the screening of the value added from this DCW recovery. Two primary interaction mechanisms are identified as part of this research, gaps in current experimentation are identified with recommendations on what other parameters need to be measured and finally the accuracy of application of ML/AI tools is demonstrated. This work also provides for efficient and fast screening before application of more resource and cost intensive modeling of the subsurface earth system. Improved understanding, knowledge and screening enables making better decisions in implementation of DCW, which is a sustainable recovery option given the current state of affairs with zero carbon and net zero initiatives being on the rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer patients, due to their immunocompromised status, are at an increased risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since severe SARS-CoV-2 infection causes multiple organ damage through IL-6-mediated inflammation while stimulating hypoxia, and malignancy promotes hypoxia-induced cellular metabolic alterations leading to cell death, we propose a mechanistic interplay between both conditions that results in an upregulation of IL-6 secretion resulting in enhanced cytokine production and systemic injury. Hypoxia mediated by both conditions results in cell necrosis, dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This produces free radicals and cytokines that result in systemic inflammatory injury. Hypoxia also catalyzes the breakdown of COX-1 and 2 resulting in bronchoconstriction and pulmonary edema, which further exacerbates tissue hypoxia. Given this disease model, therapeutic options are currently being studied against severe SARS-COV-2. In this study, we review several promising therapies against severe disease supported by clinical trial evidence—including Allocetra, monoclonal antibodies (Tixagevimab–Cilgavimab), peginterferon lambda, Baricitinib, Remdesivir, Sarilumab, Tocilizumab, Anakinra, Bevacizumab, exosomes, and mesenchymal stem cells. Due to the virus's rapid adaptive evolution and diverse symptomatic manifestation, the use of combination therapies offers a promising approach to decrease systemic injury. By investing in such targeted interventions, cases of severe SARS-CoV-2 should decrease along with its associated long-term sequelae and thereby allow cancer patients to resume their treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid depletion of conventional hydrocarbons has shifted the industry's focus to other sources of energy which are uncommon. Unconventional opportunities are more important than the conventional opportunities, and they require high capital levels to be achieved. This analysis intends to fill a gap in the market with a modern and concise overview of Coal Bed Methane for students and newcomers to the business. This study discusses the various categories of coal rankings and the different generations of CBM. It covers the background of CBM industry along with its journey throughout these years. Considering India's increasing economic and population growth, innovative approaches to optimize sources of energy is an urgent need. As a result, India has been actively researching and improving its CBM capital through international tendering processes over all these years. CBM is an unconventional natural gas source and is currently being evaluated as a potential option for fulfilling India's increasing energy demands. Therefore, complete analysis of the Indian CBM Market has been conducted discussing various CBM extraction techniques. An evaluation of the impact of India's geography on CBM market has been performed. The study concludes with discussion of the future of CBM in India and throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blast injuries from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are known to cause blast traumatic brain injuries (bTBIs), hemorrhagic shock (HS), organ damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and subsequent free radical production. A pre-citric acid cycle reagent, pyruvate, is suggested to improve mitochondrial ATP production through the activation of the mitochondrial gatekeeper enzyme "pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH)." Our study aimed to investigate the role of physiologic, metabolic, and mitochondrial effects of hypertonic sodium pyruvate resuscitation in rats with a combined blast and HS injury. Methods: A pre-clinical rat model of combined injury with repetitive 20 PSI blast exposure accompanied with HS and fluid resuscitation (sodium pyruvate as metabolic adjuvant or hypertonic saline as control), followed by transfusion of shed blood was used in this study. Control sham animals (instrumental and time-matched) received anesthesia and cannulation, but neither received any injury nor treatment. The mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded throughout the experiment by a computerized program. Blood collected at T0 (baseline), T60 (after HS), and T180 (end) was analyzed for blood chemistry and mitochondrial PDH enzyme activity. Results: Sodiumpyruvate resuscitation significantly improved themean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), hemodynamic stability (Shock index), and autonomic response (Kerdo index) after the HS and/or blast injury. Compared with the baseline values, plasma lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratios were significantly increased. In contrast, base excess BE/(HCO-3) was low and the pH was also acidotic <7.3, indicating the sign of metabolic acidosis after blast and HS in all animal groups. Sodium pyruvate infusion significantly corrected these parameters at the end of the experiment. The PDH activity also improved after the sodium pyruvate infusion. Conclusion: In our rat model of a combined blast and HS injury, hypertonic sodium pyruvate resuscitation was significantly effective in hemodynamic stabilization by correcting the acid-base status and mitochondrial mechanisms via its pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to predict and mitigate AC interference on buried pipeline systems due to transmission lines. Modeling and field verification of AC interference is done. The article also presents the issue of optimizing the mitigation measures. The paper uses the field data on soil resistivity, transmission line, and pipeline details to develop a model using current distribution electromagnetic interference grounding and soil structure analysis (CDEGS) software to predict the AC interference on the pipeline system. The model is validated with field measurements, and post-mitigation measures are considered. Mitigation measures are optimized to develop an economical mitigation plan. The case demonstrates the use of modeling techniques to predict and mitigate AC interference on pipelines. The field validation of modeling results helps improve the modeling results and plan optimized mitigation measures. The study requires providing comprehensive field data relevant to the pipeline system under consideration. The accuracy of the field data may have a bearing on the outcome of the study. The study enables designing and optimizing mitigation measures using modeling. Comparisons with field measurements help achieve desired pipeline system integrity against AC corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of death and disability in both civilian and military population. TBI may occur via a variety of etiologies, all of which involve trauma to the head. However, the neuroprotective drugs which were found to be very effective in animal TBI models failed in phase II or phase III clinical trials, emphasizing a compelling need to review the current status of animal TBI models and therapeutic strategies. No single animal model can adequately mimic all aspects of human TBI owing to the heterogeneity of clinical TBI. However, due to the ethical limitations, it is difficult to precisely emulate the TBI mechanisms that occur in humans. Therefore, many animal models with varying severity and mechanisms of brain injury have been developed, and each model has its own pros and cons in its implementation for TBI research. These challenges pose a need for study of continued TBI mechanisms, brain injury severity, duration, treatment strategies, and optimization of animal models across the neurotrauma research community. The aim of this review is to discuss (1) causes of TBI, (2) its prevalence in military and civilian population, (3) classification and pathophysiology of TBI, (4) biomarkers and detection methods, (5) animal models of TBI, and (6) the advantages and disadvantages of each model and the species used, as well as possible treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known to increase the susceptibility to various age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the role of damaged mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) in the progression of AD and PD has been identified, its relationship with altered expression of neurodegenerative proteins has not been examined before. This study aimed to investigate 1) how TBI could affect mitochondrial ETC and neurodegeneration in rat brain regions related to behavioral alteration, and 2) if administration of the key mitochondrial substrate pyruvate can improve the outcome of mild TBI (mTBI). In a rat lateral fluid percussion injury model of mTBI, sodium pyruvate in sterile distilled water (1 g/kg body weight) was administered orally daily for 7 days. The protein expression of mitochondrial ETC enzymes, and neurodegeneration proteins in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex and was assessed on Day 7. The hippocampal and cortical expressions of ETC complex I, III, IV, V were significantly and variably impaired following mTBI. Pyruvate treatment altered ETC complex expression, reduced the nitrosyl stress and the MBP expression in the injured brain area, but increased the expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Tau proteins. Pyruvate after mTBI augmented the Rotarod performance but decreased the horizontal and vertical open field locomotion activities and worsened neurobehavioural severity score, indicating a debilitating therapeutic effect on the acute phase of mTBI. These results suggest bidirectional neuroprotective and neurodegenerative modulating effects of pyruvate on TBI-induced alteration in mitochondrial activity and motor behavior. Pyruvate could potentially stimulate the proliferation of astrogliosis, and lactate acidosis, and caution should be exercised when used as a therapy in the acute phase of mTBI. More effective interventions targeted at multiple mechanisms are needed for the prevention and treatment of TBI-induced long-term neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of art in alternating current (AC)-induced corrosion in pipelines is reviewed. Growing pipeline networks and their co-location with high-voltage (HV) transmission networks have brought into focus the issue of induced AC corrosion on the pipeline networks. Induced AC corrosion may quickly and severely affect the integrity of pipeline networks, especially considering that a number of such pipelines are transporting huge quantities of hazardous fluids. Any breach in pipeline integrity due to AC corrosion may result in disastrous consequences. In the last 30 years, it has been established that the induced AC corrosion can affect the buried pipeline integrity severely. During operations, the resistive as well as inductive coupling with transmission lines pose a significant risk of pipeline corrosion. The literature is reviewed to put together various issues and factors responsible for AC-induced corrosion in pipelines. The various publications on induced AC corrosion are reviewed to identify characteristics of AC-induced corrosion and major factors that determine the severity and impact of AC-induced corrosion. The areas have been identified wherein scope exists for additional studies on AC corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many therapeutic strategies have been tried, with mixed results, to prevent and treat adult multisystem inflammatory syndrome in COVID-19 (AMIS-COVID-19). The reason behind this may the complex web of highly intertwined pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the corresponding human systemic response, leading to end-organ damage, disability, and death. Colchicine, high-dose aspirin, and montelukast are being investigated currently as potential modulators of AMIS-COVID-19 in patients who fail to improve with traditional therapeutic approaches. Here, we present a patient who presented with high fevers, extreme fatigue and dyspnea, and ongoing deterioration. As part of our clinical approach, we used the simultaneous combination of the three agents listed above, capitalizing on their different respective mechanisms of action against AMIS-COVID-19. Following the initiation of therapy, the patient showed symptomatic improvement within 24 h, with the ability to return to daily activities after 72 h of continued triple-agent approach. Based on this experience, we have reviewed the immunomodulatory basis of this regimen, including potential avenues in which it may prevent the development of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and its clinical manifestation, AMIS-COVID-19. By blocking the early stages of an inflammatory response, via diverse mechanistic pathways, the regimen in question may prove effective in halting the escalation of CRS and AMIS-COVID-19 in acutely symptomatic, nonimproving COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, important discoveries and considerations emerge regarding the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pathogen; its biological and epidemiological characteristics; and the corresponding psychological, societal, and public health (PH) impacts. During the past year, the global community underwent a massive transformation, including the implementation of numerous nonpharmacological interventions; critical diversions or modifications across various spheres of our economic and public domains; and a transition from consumption-driven to conservation-based behaviors. Providing essential necessities such as food, water, health care, financial, and other services has become a formidable challenge, with significant threats to the existing supply chains and the shortage or reduction of workforce across many sectors of the global economy. Food and pharmaceutical supply chains constitute uniquely vulnerable and critically important areas that require high levels of safety and compliance. Many regional health-care systems faced at least one wave of overwhelming COVID-19 case surges, and still face the possibility of a new wave of infections on the horizon, potentially in combination with other endemic diseases such as influenza, dengue, tuberculosis, and malaria. In this context, the need for an effective and scientifically informed leadership to sustain and improve global capacity to ensure international health security is starkly apparent. Public health "blind spotting," promulgation of pseudoscience, and academic dishonesty emerged as significant threats to population health and stability during the pandemic. The goal of this consensus statement is to provide a focused summary of such "blind spots" identified during an expert group intense analysis of "missed opportunities" during the initial wave of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a debilitating disease that considerably affects health-related quality of life. CU symptoms affect a wide range of daily activities, from personal care to sleep/rest, work performance, and social relationships. Physical and emotional functioning is subjectively impaired beyond the severity of the actual disease symptoms. Chronic autoimmune urticaria is caused by anti-FcεRI and less frequently, by anti-immunoglobulin E autoantibodies. Chronic autoimmune urticaria has been found to be associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. A 38-year-old woman having more severe and difficult-to-control urticaria which was a diagnosed case of autoimmune urticaria by AIIMS, New Delhi, underwent vamana (therapeutic emesis) therapy and got satisfactory results. Assessment was done on UAS7 score which reduced from 42 to 0 after 3 months medication. Similarly, CU-Q2oL score reduced from 110 to 24 and Dermatology Life Quality Index score from 30 to 1. This is important because it was a rare case which was not responding to parenteral steroids and cyclosporine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]