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Objective The aim of this study was to describe and compare echocardiographic findings before renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) and 6 and 24 months after the procedure.Materials and methods Patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) were included in this non-randomised intervention study. RDN was performed by a single experienced operator using the Symplicity Catheter System. Echocardiographic measurements were performed at baseline, and after 6 and 24 months.Results The cohort consisted of 21 patients with TRH, with a mean systolic office blood pressure (BP) of 163 mmHg and mean diastolic BP 109 mmHg. Mixed model analysis showed no significant change in left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI) or left atrium volume index (LAVI) after the RDN procedure. Higher LVMI at baseline was significantly associated with greater reduction in LVMI (p

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and compare echocardiographic findings before renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) and 6 and 24 months after the procedure. Materials and methods: Patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) were included in this non-randomised intervention study. RDN was performed by a single experienced operator using the Symplicity Catheter System. Echocardiographic measurements were performed at baseline, and after 6 and 24 months. Results: The cohort consisted of 21 patients with TRH, with a mean systolic office blood pressure (BP) of 163 mmHg and mean diastolic BP 109 mmHg. Mixed model analysis showed no significant change in left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI) or left atrium volume index (LAVI) after the RDN procedure. Higher LVMI at baseline was significantly associated with greater reduction in LVMI (p < 0.001). Relative wall thickness (RWT) increased over time (0.48 mm after two years) regardless of change in BP. There was a small but significant reduction in LV end-diastolic (LVIDd) and end-systolic (LVIDs) diameters after RDN, with a mean reduction of 2.6 and 2.4 mm, respectively, after two years. Progression to concentric hypertrophy was observed only in in patients who did not achieve normal BP values, despite BP reduction after RDN. Conclusion: There was no reduction of LV mass after RDN. We found a small statistically significant reduction in LVIDd and LVIDs, which together with increase in RWT can indicate progression towards concentric hypertrophy. BP reduction after RDN on its own does not reverse concentric remodelling if target BP is not achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a highly effective technique to address the load flow challenge in Radial Distribution Networks (RDNs). The proposed approach leverages two matrices derived from the topological features of distribution networks to provide an optimal solution to handle load flow challenges. To assess the efficacy of this technique, simulations were executed on an IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system using MATLAB. Deep Learning (DL) has become a powerful artificial intelligence technique that excels at interpreting power grid datasets. Thus, a data-driven methodology is presented that incorporates an advanced Long-Short-Term-Memory (LSTM) network. Employing the Recurrent Neural Network with the LSTM (RNN-LSTM) technique based on these simulations, the study precisely identifies the optimal placement of an integrated PV generator within the radial network. The application of DL techniques, specifically LSTM networks, exemplifies the potential of data-driven approaches in enhancing decisionmaking processes. The results of this study highlight the potential of RNN-LSTM for the optimal integration of PV generators and for ameliorating the reliability of RDNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Dryland Agriculture project, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru during Kharif 2021 and 2022 to study the effect of nitrogen levels and method of fertilizer application on growth and productivity of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with factorial concept and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised 18 treatments with four levels of nitrogen (A1: No nitrogen, A2: 50 per cent RDN, A3: 75 per cent RDN and A4: 100 per cent RDN) and four methods of fertilizer application (B1: Soil application of zinc, B2: Foliar application of nano nitrogen @ 35 and 55 DAS, B3: Foliar application of nano zinc @ 35 and 55 DAS and B4: Foliar application of nano nitrogen and nano zinc @ 35 and 55 DAS) along with two control. For all the treatments, recommended phosphorus and potassium were applied as per standard recommendations. The results revealed that application of 100 per cent RDN along with spraying of nano-N and nano-Zn twice at 35 and 55 DAS recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., number of tillers per hill, number of leaves per hill, total dry matter production and SPAD meter readings at all the growth stages. Similarly, significantly higher grain yield (3453 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5048 kg ha-1) were also recorded with application of 100 per cent RDN along with spraying of nano-N and nano-Zn and was on par with the application of 75 per cent RDN with spraying of nano-N and nano Zn twice (3449 kg ha-1 and 5035 kg ha-1, respectively). Greater mobility of nano fertilizers led to higher nitrogen use efficiency with the application of 75 per cent RDN along with spraying of nano-N and nano-Zn. Thus, application of 75 per cent RDN with spraying of nano-N and nano-Zn was found to be useful in enhancing the productivity of finger millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted in the farmer's field at Arasampalayam village, Rasipuram (Tk.), Namakkal (Dt.), Tamil Nadu during May-Sep, 2021 (Vaigasipattam) to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and biomass productivity of machine sown groundnut. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated thrice with 10 treatments. The treatments consisted of T0 - Absolute control (No organics and inorganics), T1 - RDF through inorganic fertilizers (25:50:75 Kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1), T2 - 75% RDN + 25% N on equivalent basis of EFYM, T3 - 50% RDN + 50% N on equivalent basis of EFYM, T4 -75% RDN + 25% N on equivalent basis of poultry manure compost, T5 - 50% RDN + 50% N on equivalent basis of poultry manure compost, T6 - T2 + Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 100 ppm + TNAU groundnut rich @ 5.0 kg ha-1 on 35 and 45 DAS, T7 - T3 + Foliar application of salicylic acid @100 ppm + TNAU groundnut rich @ 5.0 kg ha-1 on 35 and 45 DAS, T8 - T4 + Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 100 ppm + TNAU groundnut rich @ 5.0 kg ha-1 on 35 and 45 DAS, T9 - T5 + Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 100 ppm + TNAU groundnut rich @ 5.0 kg ha-1 on 35 and 45 DAS. The results of this experiment showed that combined application of 75% RDN + 25% N on equivalent basis of poultry manure compost + Foliar application of salicylic acid @ 100 ppm + TNAU groundnut rich @ 5.0 kg ha-1 on 35 and 45 DAS recorded highest growth parameters viz., plant height, number of compound leaves plant-1, leaf area index (LAI), number of nodules plant-1 and dry matter production (DMP) recorded with significantly higher values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated nutrient management (INM) includes wide range of applications for improving plant productivity and resource optimisation whilst still facilitating for environmental and resource protection. The effects of integration of nutrient sources on coriander growth, yield, and economics were investigated during two consecutive rabi seasons (2016-2017 and 2017-18) at the vegetable research farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. The experiment used an eighteen treatment combination of organic manures (Farm yard manure and vermicompost), bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter and Phosphate solubilising bacteria), and inorganic fertilisers in a randomised block design that was duplicated three times. Experimental results showed that the application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN-60 kg/ha) through inorganic sources along with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Phosphate solubilising bacteria) showed better performance over other treatment combinations, recorded significantly higher values for all the growth and yield traits viz. Height of plant, number of primary and secondary branches per plant, number of umbelets per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, seeds per umbelet, seed yield per plant (g), seed yield (q/ha), biological yield (q/ha) and harvest index (%). Also, the net returns (Rs. 76895 and 76232) and benefit cost ratio (2.08 and 2.06) were found highest in the same treatment during both the years of experimentation i.e., 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is scant literature available on the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) workforce in the United States, but a review of healthcare systems suggests that implementation of RDNs in primary care settings may improve access to care, patient satisfaction, and quality of care. The Area Health Education Center (AHEC), in partnership with the Hawai'i Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (HAND), investigated 395 providers to evaluate the status of Hawai'i's RDN workforce. The research team utilized all available provider information and direct calling methodology to collect data from August 2019 to February 2020. Microsoft Excel software allowed for data analysis and ArcGIS mapping software was used to visualize provider totals and Full-Time Equivalencies (FTEs) across the state. This study identifies trends in workforce demographics and provider supply. Researchers found 100 RDNs providing direct patient care for a total of 82.4 FTEs. Women account for 94% of survey respondents, and the average age of providers was 48. RDNs who self-identify as being Asian American (41%) or White (47%) were the largest ethnic groups providing direct patient care. Seventy percent of the RDN workforce was located on O'ahu, while RDN FTEs are concentrated in mainly 5 zip codes, 1 on each of O'ahu, Kaua'i, and Maui and 2 on Hawai'i Island. Provider demand trends, increased training and retention efforts, and integration of nutritional services in healthcare teams should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of all available evidence on the efficacy and safety of catheter-based renal denervation for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Methods: We searched English and Chinese databases and calculated the weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals to estimate the efficacy and safety of renal denervation for heart failure. All relevant studies were screened and a meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4. Results: A total of 11 studies were identified for the meta-analysis. For the primary outcomes, the results showed that renal denervation significantly improved ejection fraction (weighted mean difference 6.42), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (weighted mean difference −3.95), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (weighted mean difference −4.17) and left atrial diameter (weighted mean difference −4.09). For the secondary outcomes, renal denervation reduced the B-type natriuretic peptide level, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. However, further analysis revealed that renal denervation improved heart function but did not further reduce the heart rate and blood pressure compared with the control group. Conclusion: Treatment with renal denervation can significantly improve heart function and structure in patients with heart failure. In addition, the level of B-type natriuretic peptide can be reduced after renal denervation treatment. Renal denervation did not further reduce heart rate and blood pressure compared with the control group. Therefore, the treatment of heart failure with renal denervation is effective and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess whether renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) decreases atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in hypertensive patients with symptomatic AF at 6- and 12-month follow-up, as measured using an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). Methods and results: A total of 20 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF (EHRA ≥ II) and primary hypertension with a mean office systolic blood pressure (BP) of > 140 mmHg were enrolled. After enrolment, an ICM was implanted 3 months pre-RDN to monitor AF burden. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life (AFEQT) questionnaire. Mean age was 64 ± 7 years and 55% were females. AF burden in min/day decreased from a median (IQR) of 1.39 (0–11) pre-RDN to 0.67 (0–31.6) at 6 months (p = 0.64) and to 0.94 (0–6.0) at 12 months (pre-RDN vs. 12 months; p = 0.03). QOL improved significantly at both 6 months (+ 11 ± 15 points, p = 0.006) and 12 months (+ 10 ± 19, p = 0.04) as compared to pre-RDN. Office BP decreased significantly at 12-month follow-up (− 20 ± 19/− 7 ± 10 mmHg), p < 0.01) as compared to pre-RDN. Ambulatory BP decreased − 7 ± 16/− 3 ± 9 mmHg (p > 0.05) at 12-month follow-up as compared to pre-RDN. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that RDN might be able to decrease AF burden in min/day as measured using an ICM, with a positive effect on QOL. Large-scale randomized trials are needed to prove the definite value of RDN in hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of medicine and cardiology newer therapy and devices have been launched with a huge promise and a lot of hype. Unfortunately, over the course of time, a good many of them like biovascular scaffold, renal denervation and intra-aortic balloon pump have failed to live up to their initial promise so much so that some of them have been withdrawn. The reason for this downfall may be multifold from incomplete understanding of the patho-physiology of disease, incomplete understanding of mechanism of action of the therapy, in-appropriate application in clinical practice, in-efficient therapy development related to flawed trial design, regulatory impediments placed on the trials or deficits in application of scientific techniques. Here-in we investigate the specific reason for failure for some of these therapies and attempt to suggest a way forward.

An experiment was conducted to study the rice genotypes for nitrogen use efficiency at the Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during Kharif, 2017. Forty rice genotypes were used for this study with two nitrogen levels viz., 50% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) and 100% RDN and the experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with two replications. The rice genotypes were subjected to 100% RDN and 50% RDN and various morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield traits were observed. Among the genotypes, IRGC 6386-1 showed higher photosynthetic rate at 100% RDN and 50% RDN followed by WAS 169. Similarly, higher grain yield per plant was noticed in IRGC 6386-1 at 100% RDN (60.22 g) and 50% RDN (58.41 g). From the results, it is evident that the increased amount of nitrogen could enhance the growth dynamics and yield attributes of rice genotypes. However, the present study demonstrated that certain genotypes had performed better even at 50% RDN in terms of growth characters and yield attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension is an important, modifiable risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Even after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), 20-40% experience recurrent AF. Animal studies have shown that renal denervation (RDN) reduces AF inducibility. One clinical study with important limitations suggested that RDN additional to PVI could reduce recurrent AF.Objective: The goal of this multicenter randomized controlled study is to investigate whether RDN added to PVI reduces AF recurrence.Methods: The main end point is the time until first AF recurrence according to EHRA guidelines after a blanking period of 3 months. Assuming a 12-month accrual period and 12 months of follow-up, a power of 0.80, a two-sided alpha of 0.05 and an expected drop-out of 10% per group, 69 patients per group are required. We plan to randomize a total of 138 hypertensive patients with AF and signs of sympathetic overdrive in a 1:1 fashion. Patients should use at least two antihypertensive drugs. Sympathetic overdrive includes obesity, exercise-induced excessive blood pressure (BP) increase, significant white coat hypertension, hospital admission or fever induced AF, tachycardia induced AF and diabetes mellitus. The interventional group will undergo PVI + RDN and the control group will undergo PVI.Results: Patients will have follow-up for 1 year, and continuous loop monitoring is advocated.Conclusion: This randomized, controlled study will elucidate if RDN on top of PVI reduces AF recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed energy resources (DER) are much smaller electricity generation units compared to conventional generating plants. DERs offer the benefits like voltage control, network loss minimization and reliability. Studies conducted have indicated that placement and sizing of DER have critical influence over distribution network operation. Optimal placement and sizing of distributed energy resources (OPSDER) is essential to ensure stable as well as reliable operation of the power system. Many techniques have been applied for this purpose. OPSDER problem has been solved keeping single as well as multiple objectives in the view and taking into account the constraints imposed. This paper reviews the various optimization techniques employed for OPSDER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel methodology based on the recent metaheuristic optimization algorithm Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) for locating and optimal sizing of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) and shunt capacitor banks (SCBs) on radial distribution networks (RDNs) is proposed. A multi-objective function index (MOFI) approach is used for assuring the power quality (PQ) through enhancing the voltage level in addition to minimizing the power losses of the system and the whole operating cost of the grid. The proposed methodology is tested via 33-Bus standard radial distribution networks at different scenarios to prove their validity and performance. The obtained results are compared with the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), and the hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Gravitational Search Algorithm (PSOGSA). The SSA optimizer proved its superiority with high attitude and accuracy for solving the problems of RDGs’ and SCBs’ locations and capacities simultaneously. An Egyptian practical case study at different load levels via different scenarios including the control operation within 24 h is considered.

Drosophila has three types of visual organs, the larval eyes or Bolwig's organs (BO), the ocelli (OC) and the compound eyes (CE). In all, the bHLH protein Atonal (Ato) functions as the proneural factor for photoreceptors and effects the transition from progenitor cells to differentiating neurons. In this work, we investigate the regulation of ato expression in the BO primordium (BOP). Surprisingly, we find that ato transcription in the BOP is entirely independent of the shared regulatory DNA for the developing CE and OC. The core enhancer for BOP expression, ato BO , lies ~6 kb upstream of the ato gene, in contrast to the downstream location of CE and OC regulatory elements. Moreover, maintenance of ato expression in the neuronal precursors through autoregulation—a common and ancient feature of ato expression that is well-documented in eyes, ocelli and chordotonal organs—does not occur in the BO. We also show that the ato BO enhancer contains two binding sites for the transcription factor Sine oculis (So), a core component of the progenitor specification network in all three visual organs. These binding sites function in vivo and are specifically bound by So in vitro . Taken together, our findings reveal that the control of ato transcription in the evolutionarily derived BO has diverged considerably from ato regulation in the more ancestral compound eyes and ocelli, to the extent of acquiring what appears to be a distinct and evolutionarily novel cis -regulatory module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has two types of external visual organs, a pair of compound eyes and a group of three ocelli. At the time of neurogenesis, the proneural transcription factor Atonal mediates the transition from progenitor cells to differentiating photoreceptor neurons in both organs. In the developing compound eye, atonal (ato) expression is directly induced by transcriptional regulators that confer retinal identity, the Retinal Determination (RD) factors. Little is known, however, about control of ato transcription in the ocelli. Here we show that a 2 kb genomic DNA fragment contains distinct and common regulatory elements necessary for ato induction in compound eyes and ocelli. The three binding sites that mediate direct regulation by the RD factors Sine oculis and Eyeless in the compound eye are also required in the ocelli. However, in the latter, these sites mediate control by Sine oculis and the other Pax6 factor of Drosophila , Twin of eyeless, which can bind the Pax6 sites in vitro . Moreover, the three sites are differentially utilized in the ocelli: all three are similarly essential for atonal induction in the posterior ocelli, but show considerable redundancy in the anterior ocellus. Strikingly, this difference parallels the distinct control of ato transcription in the posterior and anterior progenitors of the developing compound eyes. From a comparative perspective, our findings suggest that the ocelli of arthropods may have originated through spatial partitioning from the dorsal edge of an ancestral compound eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The need for nutrition in medical education has been acknowledged by various groups since 1963. In the mid-1990s the U.S. Congress mandated the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture establish programs to encourage U.S. medical schools to include nutrition as part of medical student education. At the same time, medical curriculum was viewed as overburdened and there was pressure to reduce the amount of didactic material, reducing lecture time and increasing small-group and independent learning. This resource may be used in a large group setting to provide guidance on nutrition assessment and counseling. It includes a PowerPoint presentation and script, as well as a description of a one-on-one interaction between a medical student and a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Students are asked to complete a personal dietary assessment using an online program in advance of the lecture and one-on-one learning activity. Students then meet for 25-30 minutes individually with a RDN to review their dietary assessment output, discuss dietary guidelines and personal diet prescriptions, and the role of the RDN on the health care team. Tools used for dietary assessment and prescription are included. Sample letters to recruit, instruct and thank volunteer RDNs are included. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other allied health students might also benefit from the review of this material. The activity described in this resource has been incorporated into the first year medical school curriculum at the Brody School of Medicine since 1992. Although formal outcome data are not available, this activity has endured through many changes in academic dean, course directors, curriculum committee reviews and reduction in hours assigned to the Doctoring course. A similar activity is conducted with first-year family medicine residents. This activity meets many of the objectives listed in guides for nutrition in medical school curriculum. It engages the students in a self-assessment that enhances learning.

A novel methodology based on the recent metaheuristic optimization algorithm Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) for locating and optimal sizing of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) and shunt capacitor banks (SCBs) on radial distribution networks (RDNs) is proposed. A multi-objective function index (MOFI) approach is used for assuring the power quality (PQ) through enhancing the voltage level in addition to minimizing the power losses of the system and the whole operating cost of the grid. The proposed methodology is tested via 33-Bus standard radial distribution networks at different scenarios to prove their validity and performance. The obtained results are compared with the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), and the hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Gravitational Search Algorithm (PSOGSA). The SSA optimizer proved its superiority with high attitude and accuracy for solving the problems of RDGs' and SCBs' locations and capacities simultaneously. An Egyptian practical case study at different load levels via different scenarios including the control operation within 24 h is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]