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Abstract It is important to study the effect of hydrate production on the physical and mechanical properties of low‐permeability clayey–silty reservoirs for the large‐scale exploitation of hydrate reservoirs in the South China Sea. In this study, a multiphysical‐field coupling model, combined with actual exploration drilling data and the mechanical experimental data of hydrate cores in the laboratory, was established to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of low‐permeability reservoirs with different slope angles during 5‐year hydrate production by the depressurization method via a horizontal well. The result shows that the permeability of reservoirs severely affects gas production rate, and the maximum gas production amount of a 20‐m‐long horizontal well can reach 186.8 m3/day during the 5‐year hydrate production. Reservoirs with smaller slope angles show higher gas production rates. The depressurization propagation and hydrate dissociation mainly develop along the direction parallel to the slope. Besides, the mean effective stress of reservoirs is concentrated in the near‐wellbore area with the on‐going hydrate production, and gradually decreases with the increase of the slope angle. Different from the effective stress distribution law, the total reservoir settlement amount first decreases and then increases with the increase of the slope angle. The maximum settlement of reservoirs with a 0° slope angle is up to 3.4 m, and the displacement in the near‐wellbore area is as high as 2.2 m after 5 years of hydrate production. It is concluded that the pore pressure drop region of low‐permeability reservoirs in the South China Sea is limited, and various slope angles further lead to differences in effective stress and strain of reservoirs during hydrate production, resulting in severe uneven settlement of reservoirs.

Abstract The marine ecosystem is a vast source of diversified biota that includes more than half of the world’s biota including marine microorganisms; algae, invertebrates, and fish. Most of these organisms constitute complex biomolecules, allowing, them to thrive under extreme environmental conditions. These biomolecules are proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, phenolics, peptides, etc. perform various biological functions depending on the source. In addition to the basic functions, they also exhibit diverse functional properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties etc., which make them potential candidates for application in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The marine microalgae and cyanobacteria are a very rich source of these functional molecules with several biological applications related with health benefits and food applications. The viewpoint details the potential and bioactive compound profile of marine micro algae, extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from marine micro algae and its application in the food industry.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) require effective colon-targeted drug delivery for improved therapeutic efficacy and minimized systemic side effects. Objectives: The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate novel colon-targeted matrix tablet formulations of mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) for the treatment of IBD. Materials and Methods: Mesalamine matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique using pH-sensitive polymers (HPMC K4M) and biodegradable natural polysaccharides (pectin, chitosan, and guar gum). Tablets were characterized for physicochemical properties, drug content, and in vitro drug release. Compatibility studies using FTIR and DSC confirmed no interaction between mesalamine and polymers. The optimized formulations were enteric-coated with Eudragit S100 and ethyl cellulose. Drug release kinetics and stability studies were conducted. Results and Discussion: The uncoated formulations (M3, M6, M7) showed adequate protection against drug release in simulated gastric (0-2 h) and intestinal (2-5 h) fluids. The enteric-coated formulations (ME3, ME6, ME7) exhibited a lag time of around 2 hours and restricted drug release (

Postoperative pneumocephalus (PNC) is very common in craniotomy surgeries. It can be asymptomatic or if present in more volumes can cause symptoms such as lethargy, headache, confusion, or even severe neurological deficit. Treatment of pneumocephalus with supplemental oxygen via facemask is a common neurosurgical practice. There is not much evidence of use of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT) for the management of PNC. Here we report a case of an 8-year-old boy with postoperative symptomatic pneumocephalus, which resolved with the application of supplemental oxygen via a high-flow nasal cannula with 30 L/min flow and FiO2 of 0.7 over 72 hours. High-flow nasal oxygen therapy can be an effective modality of treatment for postoperative PNC with added advantages of patient comfort and maintenance of warmth and moisture of the respiratory tract.

The objective of the current study was to optimize the cook-chill conditions of high-value whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) processed using the sous vide (SV) technique and to assess the effects of various time-temperature combinations on the physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities. For optimization, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach utilizing a Central Composite Design (CCD) was adopted. Optimum SV cooking conditions to acquire minimum texture (hardness) of 7235 g was 13.48 min and 81.87 °C, expressible moisture of 18.48% was 14.5 min and 84.5 °C, and cook loss of 5.58% was 5 min and 75 °C. Texture (hardness) and expressible moisture decreased while cooking loss increased with increasing time-temperature treatment. Redness and yellowness values increased (p

Metronidazole topical formulations such as gels, creams, and lotions are used in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and inflammation lesions of rosacea. Metronidazole precipitating from a Carbopol-based gel resulted in the formation of unique, highly branched, curvilinear microstructures. In contrast, metronidazole precipitated as linear, acicular crystals from drug solutions. The reason for the change in crystal habit was investigated by preparing different custom-made solutions and gels. Custom-made solutions were prepared using different solvent systems. Custom-made gels were prepared using different concentration of pH modifier, carbopol and other excipients. Characterization studies were carried out on the recrystallized metronidazole using bright-field microscopy, polarized microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Powder X-Ray Diffractometry (PXRD). The results indicated that the change in crystal habit was likely due to the interactions between the nitro-imidazole moiety of metronidazole and the polymer without a change in the polymorphic form.

Docosanol is the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter topical product for treating recurrent oral-facial herpes simplex labialis. Validated analytical methods for docosanol are required to demonstrate the bioequivalence of docosanol topical products. A gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring mode mass spectrometry (GC/SIM-MS) method was developed and validated for docosanol determination in biological samples. Docosanol and isopropyl palmitate (internal standard) were separated on a high-polarity GC capillary column with (88% cyanopropy)aryl-polysiloxane employed as the stationary phase. The ions of m/z 83 and 256 were selected to monitor docosanol and isopropyl palmitate, respectively; the total run time was 20 min. The GC/SIM-MS method was validated in accordance with US FDA guidelines, and the results met the US FDA acceptance criteria. The docosanol calibration standards were linear in the 100–10000 ng/mL concentration range (R2>0.994). The recoveries for docosanol from the receptor fluid and skin homogenates were >93.2% and >95.8%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to analyze ex vivo human cadaver skin permeation samples. On applying Abreva® cream tube and Abreva® cream pump, the amount of docosanol that penetrated human cadaver skin at 48 h was 21.5 ± 7.01 and 24.0 ± 6.95 ng/mg, respectively. Accordingly, we concluded that the validated GC/SIM-MS was sensitive, specific, and suitable for quantifying docosanol as a quality control tool. This method can be used for routine analysis as a cost-effective alternative to other techniques.

Background: Artificial intelligence-based imaging is a low-cost, radiation-free solution for the breast imaging process that uses infrared radiation emitted by the body. This is a novel procedure that, when feasible, could be a better solution, particularly in underprivileged communities having low access to breast health care. Aims: To assess the acceptance and explore challenges for an artificial intelligence-based screening solution for breast health among the urban slum population. Settings and Design: A mixed-method study was conducted in urban slums of central Karnataka, India. Material and Methods: The study was carried out for a period of two years in 2019–21 among women in the reproductive age group in urban slums of central Karnataka to understand the acceptance of an artificial intelligence-based imaging solution for screening breast health. In-depth interviews were conducted to identify the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges (SWOC) screening for breast health. Statistical Analysis Used: Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v16.0, and for qualitative data, manual descriptive content analysis was carried out, and the sub-themes were generated. Results: A total of 768 women accessed the thermalytix ® breast imaging services, the majority of them in the age group 31–40 years (35%), belonging to the Muslim religion (68.5%) with a mean monthly family income of Rs. 11,950.67/-. SWOC analysis identified reduced cost for the screening services and involvement of female self-help groups (SHGs) as strengths. Weaknesses included poor breast health awareness among women and the stigma associated with breast cancer. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence-based screening is a feasible solution for breast health in low-income, low health access areas like urban slums. Engagement of the local community and active involvement of the health system is of paramount importance for the sustainability of any novel strategy.

Nickel-aluminium bronze (NAB) is adopted in certain crucial applications such as nut threads of actuator screw assembly in nose landing gear, which forms the critical weakest link for landing gear operation. Surface engineering of such critical aircraft parts made of softer materials is required to improve their safety design life. This paper reports optimization of nanosecond laser parameters for enhancing the quality characteristics of surface textures formed on NAB. These characteristics include micro-texture depth, aspect ratio, average surface roughness, maximum height of the profile and kurtosis. Texture diameter and width was computed using an optical microscope. Dimples and grooves with minimum damage were obtained at higher laser power (18 W), moderate scanning speed (500 mm/s) and moderate frequency (50 kHz). The quality ellipse was obtained at moderate power of 14 W, higher scanning speed of 800 mm/s and moderate frequency of 50 kHz. However, the quality of textures deteriorated at moderate laser power (14 W), lowest scanning speed (100 mm/s) and moderate frequency (50 kHz).

DJ-1 is a redox sensitive protein with a wide range of functions related to oxidative stress protection. Mutations in the park7 gene, which codes for DJ-1 are associated with early onset familial Parkinson’s disease and increased astrocytic DJ-1 levels are found in pathologic tissues from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. We have previously established a DJ-1 knockout zebrafish line that developed normally, but with aging the DJ-1 null fish had a lowered level of tyrosine hydroxylase, respiratory mitochondrial failure and a lower body mass. Here we have examined the DJ-1 knockout from the early adult stage and show that loss of DJ-1 results in a progressive, age-dependent increase in both motoric and non-motoric symptoms associated to Parkinson’s disease. These changes coincide with changes in mitochondrial and mitochondrial associated proteins. Recent studies have suggested that a decline in NAD+ can contribute to Parkinson’s disease and that supplementation of NAD+ precursors may delay disease progression. We found that the brain NAD+/NADH ratio decreased in aging zebrafish but did not correlate with DJ-1 induced altered behavior. Differences were first observed at the late adult stage in which NAD+ and NADPH levels were decreased in DJ-1 knockouts. Considering the experimental power of zebrafish and the development of Parkinson’s disease-related symptoms in the DJ-1 null fish, this model can serve as a useful tool both to understand the progression of the disease and the effect of suggested treatments.

Compression molding can be used to fabricate polymer composites with long-, short- and intermediate-length fibers. In-line compression molding reduces cycle time through a single-step process in which fibers are directly introduced into the molten polymer in the extruder which is directly molded. It eliminates additional stage of heating and processing and hence is preferred in industries. This paper deals with the influence of fiber type and direction, coupling agent, spindle speed, feed rate, drill material and diameter on delamination and thrust force in in-line compression molded jute/polypropylene. Thrust force was greater in the specimens with 30 wt% long fiber, in longitudinal direction processed without coupling agent and drilling with high-speed steel drill. Delamination was severe in chopped fiber composites, in longitudinal direction processed without coupling agent and with cobalt-high-speed steel tool. Effect of speed, feed, drill diameter and tool material was analyzed using ANOVA, signal-to-noise ratio and Grey relational analysis. Residual tensile strength reduced by 24.7% in the composites drilled using the optimized parameters.

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are the most common congenital birth defects in humans and immediately recognized at birth. The etiology remains complex and poorly understood and seems to result from multiple genetic and environmental factors along with gene–environment interactions. It can be classified into syndromic (30%) and nonsyndromic (70%) clefts. Nonsyndromic OFCs include clefts without any additional physical or cognitive deficits. Recently, various genetic approaches, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), candidate gene association studies, and linkage analysis, have identified multiple genes involved in the etiology of OFCs. This article provides an insight into the multiple genes involved in the etiology of OFCs. Identification of specific genetic causes of clefts helps in a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of OFC. In the near future, it helps to provide a more accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, personalized medicine for better clinical care, and prevention of OFCs.

Investigations have been carried out to evaluate the correlations between microstructure and mechanical properties of cast products made by Ferro chrome (Fe-Cr) slag and Granulated Blast Furnace (GBF) slag moulds in tune with silica sand moulds. A356 alloy castings were performed on all these three moulds with cylindrical pattern. The obtained castings were evaluated for its metallurgical and mechanical properties at as cast and peak ageing conditions. In all the castings, improved mechanical properties were noticed in peak ageing condition; further Fe-Cr slag cast products shows enhanced properties than either GBF slag or silica sand mould cast products. Fe-Cr slag mould cast products shows lower SDAS values than rest of the two moulds. Improved mechanical properties were observed with lower SDAS values. Correlations between individual and combined microstructural features with mechanical proprieties were established. Improved and reliable correlations were established by considering combined microstructural features.

A fundamental challenge in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) eradication is to understand how the virus establishes latency, maintains stable cellular reservoirs, and promotes rebound upon interruption of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we discovered an unexpected role of the ubiquitous gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in HIV latency and reactivation. We show that reactivation of HIV is associated with downregulation of the key H2S producing enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CTH) and reduction in endogenous H2S. Genetic silencing of CTH disrupts redox homeostasis, impairs mitochondrial function, and remodels the transcriptome of latent cells to trigger HIV reactivation. Chemical complementation of CTH activity using a slow-releasing H2S donor, GYY4137, suppressed HIV reactivation and diminished virus replication. Mechanistically, GYY4137 blocked HIV reactivation by inducing the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, inhibiting NF-κB, and recruiting the epigenetic silencer, YY1, to the HIV promoter. In latently infected CD4+ T cells from ART-suppressed human subjects, GYY4137 in combination with ART prevented viral rebound and improved mitochondrial bioenergetics. Moreover, prolonged exposure to GYY4137 exhibited no adverse influence on proviral content or CD4+ T cell subsets, indicating that diminished viral rebound is due to a loss of transcription rather than a selective loss of infected cells. In summary, this work provides mechanistic insight into H2S-mediated suppression of viral rebound and suggests exploration of H2S donors to maintain HIV in a latent form.

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulates the replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1) during infection. However, the application of this knowledge to develop therapeutic strategies remained unsuccessful due to the harmful consequences of manipulating cellular antioxidant systems. Here, we show that vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanosheets functionally mimic natural glutathione peroxidase activity to mitigate ROS associated with HIV‐1 infection without adversely affecting cellular physiology. Using genetic reporters of glutathione redox potential and hydrogen peroxide, we showed that V2O5 nanosheets catalyze ROS neutralization in HIV‐1‐infected cells and uniformly block viral reactivation and replication. Mechanistically, V2O5 nanosheets suppressed HIV‐1 by affecting the expression of pathways coordinating redox balance, virus transactivation (e.g., NF‐κB), inflammation, and apoptosis. Importantly, a combination of V2O5 nanosheets with a pharmacological inhibitor of NF‐κB (BAY11‐7082) abrogated reactivation of HIV‐1. Lastly, V2O5 nanosheets inhibit viral reactivation upon prostratin stimulation of latently infected CD4+ T cells from HIV‐infected patients receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy. Our data successfully revealed the usefulness of V2O5 nanosheets against HIV and suggested nanozymes as future platforms to develop interventions against infectious diseases.

Application of laser technology for drilling rock samples reduces mining costs because of its higher transmission capabilities providing an alternative to conventional drill bits and blasting techniques. This paper investigates the effect of laser drilling parameters such as laser power, frequency, assist gas pressure and piercing time on drilling characteristics of rock mineral samples such as limestone, shale and sandstone using 12 kW CO2 Laser. For limestone, minimum specific energy of 46.14 kJ/mm3 and maximum rate of penetration 15.14 mm/s was achieved at 1000 W laser power, 1 kHz frequency, 6 bar assist gas pressure and 0.1 s piercing time. For sandstone, minimum specific energy of 14.33 kJ/mm3 and maximum ROP of 57.46 mm/s was achieved at 1000 W, 1 kHz, 2 bar and 0.1 s. For shale, minimum specific energy of 8.13 kJ/mm3 and ROP of 45.05 mm/s was achieved at 300 W, 5 kHz, 2 bar and 0.1 s, based on Response Surface Methodology. Morphological studies were reported on the drilled rock samples. Keywords: Laser drilling, Specific energy, Rate of penetration, Rock minerals, Response surface methodology

This paper presents the development of jute/polypropylene (PP) composites by twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. Jute/PP was compounded using twin-screw extruder and injection molded. The effects of chopped/continuous fibers, coupling agent and fiber ratio on mechanical properties were investigated. Tensile and flexural moduli of continuous jute/PP were greater than those of chopped fiber/PP. Tensile, flexural and impact strengths were greater in chopped fiber/PP along with elongation at break. Coupling agent improved the tensile and flexural strengths, and these increased with fiber content, whereas impact strength and elongation at break decreased with fiber loading. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and regression analyses.

We report the case of a 79-year-old male with previous history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in remission, who presented acutely to the Accident and Emergency department with recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia. At the time of presentation, a random glucose was low at 1.4 mmol/l, which upon correction resolved his symptoms. In hindsight, the patient recalled having had similar episodes periodically over the past 2 months to which he did not give much notice. While hospitalized, he continued having episodes of symptomatic hypoglycaemia, requiring treatment with intravenous dextrose and per os steroids. Once stable, he was discharged on oral prednisolone and dietary advice. A computed tomography scan performed during inpatient stay showed multiple deposits in the abdomen. An ultrasound guided biopsy of one of the liver deposits was performed. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) positive for CD34 and CD117. The diagnosis of non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH) secondary to an IGF2 secreting GIST was confirmed with further biochemical investigations (IGF2=105.9 nmol/l; IGF2:IGF1 ratio 23, Upper Level of Normal (ULN)

Background and Objectives: Hyperbaric oxygen is a recognised treatment for a range of medical conditions, including treatment of diabetic foot disease. A number of studies have reported an impact of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on glycaemic control in patients undergoing treatment for diabetic foot disease. There has been no systematic review considering the impact of hyperbaric oxygen on glycaemia in people with diabetes. Materials and Methods: A prospectively PROSPERO-registered (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021255528) systematic review of eligible studies published in English in the PUBMED, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, based on the following search terms: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, HBO2, hyperbaric oxygenation, glycaemic control, diabetes, diabetes Mellitus, diabetic, HbA1c. Data extraction to pre-determined piloted data collection form, with individual assessment of bias. Results: In total, 10 eligible publications were identified after screening. Of these, six articles reported a statistically significant reduction in blood glucose from hyperbaric oxygen treatment, while two articles reported a statistically significant increase in peripheral insulin sensitivity. Two articles also identified a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c following hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Conclusions: There is emerging evidence suggesting a reduction in glycaemia following hyperbaric oxygen treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus, but the existing studies are in relatively small cohorts and potentially underpowered. Additional large prospective clinical trials are required to understand the precise impact of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on glycaemia for people with diabetes mellitus.

The paper describes the species composition, abundance, density and community structure of the tropical dry deciduous forests of Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary. Phytosociological analysis was based on the data generated from the 81 sample plots laid at random covering the entire sanctuary area. A total of 177 Angiosperms of species were enumerated from the sampled quadrats. The species present as per preponderance are herbs 71, trees 55, climbers 33, and shrubs 18. The species diversity indices indicate the following facts: Shannon-Weiner index as 4.15, Simpson index value as 0.91, Margalef’s species richness index as 5.20, density of trees above 10 cm GBH class as 470 individuals per hectare. The total basal area of the tree species was 17.7m² ha-1. These statistics along with the composition of the forest, and information on the diversity of the communities as a whole provided a better insight into the state of the forests in the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary.

In this paper, we give a bilateral form of an identity of Andrews, which is a generalization of the 1ψ1 summation formula of Ramanujan. Using Andrews’ identity, we deduce some new identities involving mock theta functions of second order and finally, we deduce some q-gamma, q-beta and eta function identities.