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Background Gallstone disease is one of the most common surgical problem throughout the world. The rise in gallstone disease burden and its wide spectrum of non-specific presentation makes the disease more challenging. Objective To know the various modes of presentation, socio-demographic details of the patients with gallstone disease, any associated factors and its treatment options. Method This is a prospective descriptive study in the patients presenting to Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital diagnosed with gallstone during May 2018 to April 2020. After receiving ethical clearance from institutional Review committee, the informed consent was taken from all patient involved in the study. The presence of gallstone was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography (USG). This study included total of 202 patients with gallstone disease. Result A total of 202 individuals with gallstone were included in the study; 48 males (24%) and 154 females (76%). The disease condition was common in age group 31-40 years (26.24%). Majority of the study population consumed mixed diet (92.57%). Out of 202 patients; 52 patients (25.74%) were overweight. In this study series 185 patients (91.58%) were symptomatic. Pain abdomen was one of the commonest symptoms (97.84%) followed by Nausea (28.11%), Dyspepsia (28.11%), Vomiting (18.38%), Fever (1.62) and Jaundice (1.08%). All cases were planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy however 4 cases had to be converted to open surgery for completion. Conclusion Gallstone disease is a common surgical problem in Female population that presents most commonly with pain abdomen. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be easily performed in all cases of gallstone disease.

High precision and superior surface finish are of prime importance in thin-wall components used in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this paper, end milling experiments on aluminum alloy 2024-T351 were carried out to study the influence of end mill geometry on milling force and surface integrity of the machined parts. Machining using a 16-mm-diameter tool having a helix angle of 35° produced high force value and also generated chatter marks on the machined work surface. Furthermore, an inspection of the cutting tool indicated built-up-edge formation while machining with a 35° helix tool. Besides, surface damage in the form of surface tear was observed. Evaluation of microhardness revealed an increased value near to the machined surface in the case of two fluted 35° helix tool due to strain hardening. The results showed that lower milling force and surface roughness were obtained while machining used a four fluted end mill having a diameter of 8 mm and a helix angle of 55°.

Laser micromachining (LMM) is widely used to manufacture precise microchannels required in micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) devices. This paper reports manufacturing of microchannels on transparent polycarbonate (PC) by using nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at a visible wavelength of 532 nm. A number of experiments were carried out at various levels of laser fluence 3.97, 4.41, 7.35, 14.70 and 29.40 J/cm2, and by repeating the number of laser scans from single to the maximum of fifteen scans. It was observed that the laser fluence below to ablation threshold results in bulging and formation of bubbles in the laser irradiated region. From the microscopic images, it was observed that with the repeated shots of laser, the ablation can be induced below the ablation threshold, mainly due to the incubation effect. The repeated-scanning at the ablation threshold fluence generates a channel. The channel depth was observed to increase with the increase in laser fluence. A U-shaped microchannel up to a width of 400 μm having an aspect ratio of one was successfully manufactured at a laser fluence of 14.7 J/cm2 and five number of laser scans. These channels were open channels and were closed afterwards which can be used in various micro-fluidic applications. These studies will also help in achieving the optimum process parameters for the required dimensions of the channel on the polycarbonates.

Frequent breakages of wire electrode during wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) adversely affect the productivity and surface quality of the finished products. Uncontrolled thermal loads and large thermal stresses generated during the discharge phenomenon reduce the strength of the wire which eventually leads to wire rupture. Thermal residual stresses retained in the wire can cause the formation of microcracks, voids and pits which increases the probability of wire rupture. Thus, it is essential to predict and prevent the wire breakage phenomenon for better machining productivity. This paper presents an approach to estimate the wire safety index based on thermal residual stresses that generate on the wire electrode by using a finite element method based model. A three-dimensional nonlinear transient thermo-mechanical model for a molybdenum wire used during WEDM has been developed to compute the temperature and the induced stresses. The influence of the wire velocity has been incorporated. The computational ability of the developed model has been verified by conducting systematic experiments. The experimental values of the residual stresses were obtained by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The stresses produced on the wire were observed to reach values beyond the yield stress (600 MPa) of the molybdenum wire at certain process conditions, which causes the reduction in strength of the wire. The wire safety index was evaluated by calculating a ratio (X) between the maximum value of residual stress induced and the yield stress of the wire. Formation of microcracks on the wire surface was considered as an indicator of wire breakage to estimate the threshold value of wire strength beyond which the wire is considered to be unsafe for machining.

This article proposes an unsupervised learning approach for fault prognosis of silicon carbide (SiC) mosfet s. The proposed approach utilizes the changing trend of a device's voltage, current, temperature, and other device characteristics with its degradation. The failure modes of semiconductors are reviewed along with existing methods for fault prognosis. The proposed approach is the first to address prognostics of SiC devices, and it can avoid the effects from system noise and data errors. It is not limited to offline analysis and is targeted at online implementation. It is easy to implement on standard digital platforms, and has fast computational speed. Offline data analysis is performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and a processor-in-the-loop system is used to verify its ability to perform online fault prognosis.

An in-depth study on post-synthetic modification of residual metal in carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) from an Al4C3 starting material has been performed. Ambient temperature high humidity studies reveal the conversion of residual parent nanoparticles to poly(aluminum chloride) (PAC). Alkaline modification was employed resulting in the formation of amorphous Al(OH)3 nanoparticles within 24 h of reaction. After aging for up to 11 days, amorphous nanoparticles convert to well-crystallized α-Al(OH)3 (bayerite). Al4C3-CDCs with amorphous Al(OH)3 display significantly-enhanced interactions with SO2 and CO2 while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy indicated no significant change in the surface chemistry of the carbon. SO2 breakthrough results at 1000 ppm SO2 exhibit uptakes near 2 mmol g−1, displaying viability for these adsorbents in flue gas remediation applications. The results of this work provide detailed modification strategies for tuning the extent and type of residual metal embedded in the final CDC structure, along with further insights into the ramifications of oxygen functionalities and pore size distribution of CDCs for SO2 adsorption.

Breast and ovarian cancers are the most common cancer types in females worldwide and in India. Patients with these cancers require an early diagnosis which is essential for better prognosis, treatment and improved patient survival. Recently, the utilization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based screening has accelerated molecular diagnosis of various cancers. In the present study, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 30 patients who had a first or second-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer and are tested negative for BRCA1/2 or other high and moderate-risk genes reported for HBOC. WES data from patients were analyzed and variants were called using bcftools. Functional annotation of variants and variant prioritization was performed by Exomiser. The clinical significance of variants was determined as per ACMG classification using Varsome tool. The functional analysis of genes was determined by STRING analysis and disease association was determined by open target tool. We found novel variants and gene candidates having significant association with HBOC conditions. The genes identified by exomiser (phenotype score 0.75) are associated with various biological processes such as DNA integrity maintenance, transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Our findings provide novel and prevalent gene variants associated with the HBOC condition in the West Indian population which could be further studied for early diagnosis and better prognosis of HBOC.

Background: Antibiotics are widely used in animals and human for treatment without referring an antibiogram that resulted into the proliferation of ESBL producing strains. Nowadays resistance to β-lactam groups of antibiotic is expanding rapidly worldwide and threatening the public healthcare due to limited treatment options. Therefore this study aimed to detect ESBL resistance genes in E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated from various sources of cattle in this area of study. Methods: Total 240 samples were collected during August, 2019 to June, 2020, from two districts of Eastern plain zone of Uttar Pradesh. E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates were confirmed using uidA and 16S rRNA gene respectively. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity test was performed using disc diffusion method. ESBL producing isolates was confirmed by DDST, ESBL E-strip and PCR analysis by targeting (bla-CTX-M-1, bla-CTX-M-9, bla-TEM and bla-SHV) genes. Result: PCR analysis of these isolates confirmed 135(56.25%) as E. coli and 16(6.67%) as Klebsiella spp. Antibiotics found to be most resistant were ampicillin (89.40%) followed by cefotaxime (72.18%), cefpodoxime (71.52%), ceftriaxone (66.9%), aztreonam (61.0%) and ceftazidime (54.30%). Total 101(66.88%) isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers using DDST and 92(60.92%) by ESBL E-strip test. ESBL genes were detected in 87(57.61%) isolates by PCR analysis and among them, bla-CTX-M-1 was found most dominant gene.

Streptokinase is an enzyme that can break down the blood clots in some cases of myocardial infarction (heart attack), pulmonary embolism, and arterial thromboembolism. Demand for streptokinase is higher globally than production due to increased incidences of various heart conditions. The main source of streptokinase is various strains of

The membrane protein angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) has gained notoriety as the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Prior evidence has shown ACE2 is expressed within the liver but its function has not been fully discerned. Here, we utilized novel methodology to assess ACE2 expression in pediatric immune-mediated liver disease to better understand its presence in liver diseases and its role during infections such as COVID-19. We stained liver tissue with ACE2-specific immunofluorescent antibodies, analyzed via confocal microscopy. Computational deep learning-based segmentation models identified nuclei and cells, allowing the quantification of mean cellular and cytosolic immunofluorescent. Spatial transcriptomics provided high-throughput gene expression analysis in tissue to determine cellular composition for ACE2 expression. ACE2 plasma expression was quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High ACE2 expression was seen at the apical surface of cholangiocytes, with lower expression within hepatocyte cytosol and nonparenchymal cells ( P0.001). Children with liver disease had higher ACE2 hepatic expression than pediatric control tissue ( P0.001). Adult control tissue had higher expression than pediatric control ( P0.001). Plasma ACE2 was not found to be statistically different between samples. Spatial transcriptomics identified cell composition of ACE2-expressing spots containing antibody-secreting cells. Our results show ACE2 expression throughout the liver, with strongest localization to cholangiocyte membranes. Machine learning can be used to rapidly identify hepatic cellular components for histologic analysis. ACE2 expression in the liver may be increased in pediatric liver disease. Future work is needed to better understand the role of ACE2 in chronic disease and acute infections.

Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) are a group of inherited diseases and heterogeneous in nature. To date, 40 different genes have been reported for the occurrence and/or progression of MDs. This study was conducted to demonstrate the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in developing a time-saving and cost-effective diagnostic method to detect single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variants (CNVs) in a single test. A total of 123 cases clinically suspected of MD were enrolled in this study. Amplicon panel-based diagnosis was carried out for 102 (DMD/BMD) cases and the results were further screened using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Whilst in the case of LGMD (N = 19) and UMD (N = 2), only NGS panel-based analysis was carried out. We identified the large deletions in 74.50% (76/102) of the cases screened with query DMD or BMD. Further, the large deletion in CAPN3 gene (N = 3) and known SNV mutations (N = 4) were identified in LGMD patients. Together, the total diagnosis rate for this amplicon panel was 70.73% (87/123) which demonstrated the utility of panel-based diagnosis for high throughput, affordable, and time-saving diagnostic strategy. Collectively, present study demonstrates that the panel based NGS sequencing could be superior over to MLPA.

We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with balanced double aortic arch with coarctation of the aorta presenting with symptoms of respiratory and swallowing difficulty. On investigation, the patient had a double aortic arch with coarctation and clinically nonsignificant disease in the infrarenal aorta. Division of the nondominant aortic arch was done through a left thoracotomy, along with resection of the coarctation segment and placement of an interposition Dacron tube graft.

This review provides exhaustive literature on carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, storage and utilization. CO2 is one of the greenhouse gas, emitted into the atmosphere and has reached an alarming level of well above 400 ppm. The consequences of rising CO2 levels and global warming are visual in day today life such as floods, wildfires, droughts and irregular precipitation cycles. Several reviews, focused on a particular topic, have been published since the 19th century and recently. However, in this review, we have attempted to cover all the CO2 mitigation techniques available for their advantages and disadvantages have been discussed. The blooming technology of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the pros and cons of CO2 capture, transportation and storage techniques are showcased. Interestingly the transportation of captured CO2 to the potential storage sites requires more than 50% of the total energy budget, therefore, this review is dedicated to the onsite CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals. Various technological advancements for CO2 conversion into other products by the solar thermochemical, electrochemical and photochemical processes have been analysed. From the extensive literature, it’s demonstrated that NTP (Non-Thermal Plasma) is one of the emerging techniques for the direct conversion of CO2 into value-added products as it is energetically efficient. The mechanisms of CO2 activation by thermal and NTP-catalysis have been discussed. Moreover, the benefits of DBD to obtain oxygenates like methanol, aldehydes, acids, and hydrocarbons from direct one-pot synthesis are discussed. The production of such value-added chemicals from CO2 is of prime importance as it will be our step towards a carbon-neutral economy which is the need of the hour. This review has also attempted to compare the cost-effectiveness of current existing techniques for CO2 capture and utilized solar to fuel efficiency to compare distinct technologies available for the utilization of CO2 to value-added chemicals.

Contribution of finite element method (FEM) as a modelling and simulation technique to represent complex tribological processes has improved our understanding about various biomaterials. This paper presents a review of the advances in the domain of finite element (FE) modelling for simulating tribology, wear, cutting and other processes involving high-strain rate plastic deformation of metals used in bio tribology and machining. Although the study is largely focused on material removal cases in metals, the modelling strategies can be applied to a wide range of other materials. This study discusses the development of friction models, meshing and remeshing strategies, and constitutive material models. The mesh-based and meshless formulations employed for bio tribological simulations with their advantages and limitations are also discussed. The output solution variables including scratch forces, local temperature, residual stresses are analyzed as a function of input variables.

Background Arterial 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) activity on positron emission tomography (PET) is a marker of active microcalcification and atherosclerosis. Coronary 18F-NaF activity (CMA) predicts coronary artery disease progression and subsequent myocardial infarction. Objective To investigate whether aortic 18F-NaF activity (AMA) predicts thoracic aortic atherosclerotic disease progression and subsequent ischaemic stroke or myocardial infarction in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Methods In a post-hoc observational cohort study, we evaluated AMA and CMA in patients with stable coronary artery disease (n=239) or aortic stenosis (n=158) who had underwent thoracic 18F-NaF PET and computed tomography (CT). We assessed the associations between AMA or CMA and progression of calcified atherosclerotic plaque in both thoracic aortic and coronary territories on follow up CT, as well as subsequent ischaemic stroke or myocardial infarction. Results In 141 and 231 patients with repeat aortic and coronary CT imaging respectively at 12.7±2.7 months, AMA correlated with log progression of thoracic aortic calcium scores (r=0.21, p=0.011), volume (r=0.29, p0.80) calcium score progression. In 397 patients, 16 had an ischaemic stroke and 25 had a myocardial infarction after 4.7±1.6 years. After adjusting for clinical risk factors, CMA and calcium scoring, AMA was associated with stroke (hazard ratio, 1.71 [95% confidence interval 1.00–2.90], p=0.048]). AMA was superior to clinical risk and calcium scores in identifying patients with stroke (c-statistic 0.76 versus 0.58 versus 0.63 respectively, p Conclusions In patients with established cardiovascular disease, AMA is associated with progression of aortic atherosclerosis and future ischaemic stroke. Arterial 18F-NaF identifies localised areas of atherosclerotic disease activity that relate to regional atherothrombotic events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation AMA, disease progression and outcomesVariables associated with stroke

Aims A substantial number of patients present with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-obstructive coronary arteries. Sex and age differences in these patients are not well understood. This study aims to evaluate the impact of sex and age on clinical presentation and outcome in patients with ACS and non-obstructive coronary arteries, with either an ischaemic or non-ischaemic cause. Methods and results Consecutive patients with an ACS and non-obstructive coronary arteries (n=719) from a single tertiary centre underwent comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. CMR was performed at a median time of 30 days after presentation and identified a diagnosis in 74% of patients. Patients with an ischaemic or non-ischaemic aetiology (n=529) on CMR were followed prospectively. All-cause mortality was 11% over a median follow up of 4.9 years, with no significant difference between sexes (11% versus 11% p=0.732). Women were more likely to have an ischaemic aetiology on CMR (40% v 31%, p=0.037). Age group (HR 1.48, p=0.002), log peak troponin (HR 0.78, p=0.033) and LVEF (HR 0.98, p=0.032) were independent predictors of mortality. Men aged >60 years with a non-ischaemic aetiology on their CMR were at higher risk of death than women >60 years (p=0.003). Conclusions There is no difference in all-cause mortality between sexes in patients presenting with ACS and non-obstructive coronary arteries but increasing age is an important predictor of mortality in both sexes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Sex differences in CMR diagnosisSex, age and mortality

Under proteotoxic stress, some cells survive whereas others die. The mechanisms governing this heterogeneity in cell fate remain unknown. Here we report that condensation and phase transition of heat-shock factor 1 (HSF1), a transcriptional regulator of chaperones1,2, is integral to cell-fate decisions underlying survival or death. During stress, HSF1 drives chaperone expression but also accumulates separately in nuclear stress bodies called foci3-6. Foci formation has been regarded as a marker of cells actively upregulating chaperones3,6-10. Using multiplexed tissue imaging, we observed HSF1 foci in human tumours. Paradoxically, their presence inversely correlated with chaperone expression. By live-cell microscopy and single-cell analysis, we found that foci dissolution rather than formation promoted HSF1 activity and cell survival. During prolonged stress, the biophysical properties of HSF1 foci changed; small, fluid condensates enlarged into indissoluble gel-like arrangements with immobilized HSF1. Chaperone gene induction was reduced in such cells, which were prone to apoptosis. Quantitative analysis suggests that survival under stress results from competition between concurrent but opposing mechanisms. Foci may serve as sensors that tune cytoprotective responses, balancing rapid transient responses and irreversible outcomes.

Background There are various methods of endoluminal ureteral stone fragmentation. Among various modalities Laser lithotripsy and Pneumatic lithotripsy are commonly used and have shown comparable outcomes. Objective To compare the efficacy and outcome of laser and pneumatic lithotripsy in a patient with lower ureteric calculi. The comparison will be done in stone free rate, migration of stone and complication of the procedure. Method This is a prospective comparative study in a cohort of patients at University Hospital with Lower Ureteric stone. Ninety patients were randomized in to two groups (Laser Lithotripsy Vs Pneumatic Lithotripsy) during the study period. The purpose of this study was to measure the immediate stone free rate, intra-operative complications, mean operative time, post-operative complication and if any stone retention after six weeks follow up. Result Both the groups were similar in Age and Gender. Immediate stone free rate was slightly higher in Laser lithotripsy group (97.77%) in comparison to Pneumatic lithotripter group (84.44%) with p=0.507 which is not statistically significant. There was statistical difference in terms of stone migration rate, mean operation time in favor of Laser Lithotripsy group (p

Introduction The only PRO validated for men after RP is Extended Prostate Cancer Index (EPIC). However, EPIC has weaknesses, including the lack of assessment of function in response to ED medication use, inclusion of ejaculation and absence of penile morphology assessment. We developed the RPQ to address these weaknesses. Methods RPQ is a 41-item scale assessing 5 domains: erectile function (EF), sexual desire (SD), orgasm (O), sexual satisfaction (SS), and penile morphology (PM). The EF domain assesses erections in response to no medication, PDE5i, intracavernosal injections (ICI). We used a multi-step process to develop the RPQ including: extensive literature review; development of primary domains; item generation and winnowing; feedback from 8 sexual medicine experts; and cognitive interviewing with 10 patients to verify content, wording, and response format. For validation, post-RP men completed the RPQ and the following PROs: IIEF, EPIC, SEAR, and the PROMISE measures. Participants completed the RPQ again within two weeks. Analyses include internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability, and convergent/discriminant validity. Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability ≥0.7 were considered acceptable. Results Mean age of the 311 men was 62±7. All domains of the RPQ demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.70-0.98) and test-retest reliability (ICC= 0.82-0.99). There was sound convergent validity for the RPQ EF domains with/without medication demonstrate by correlations with the IIEF Erectile Function Domain (EFD) (r=0.31 to 0.70, p Conclusion Initial validation of the RPQ supports the reliability and validity of the scale. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Purpose Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is well-known for its credibility in the processing of advanced materials, which are electrically conductive. The strenuous effort associated with machining of Ti6Al4V (Ti64) using conventional methods, and its low tribological behavior, present an immediate need to develop solutions to monitor and improve the compatible techniques such as EDM. Design/methodology/approach The present work includes following: monitoring the ED process parameters, namely, current (I) and pulse on time (Ton), in controlling the material removal rate and surface roughness (Ra and Sa) for development of tribo-adaptive surfaces; and investigation on the role of oxides pertinent to the tribo-behavior of Ti64 (bare and EDMed) surfaces. Findings The tribological behavior of Ti6Al4V surfaces got remarkably improved through ED machining, which points to the credibility of the process to establish itself as a surface alloying technique. The recast layer (RL, alloyed matrix) acted as a protective coating; stable enough to assist the developed tribo-oxides such as TiO and Ti8O15 in rendering improved sliding performance at load = 50 N and speed = 0.838 ms−1. Originality/value The surface modification through ED machining was experimentally proven to improve the wear behavior of Ti6Al4V surfaces.

The ability of microramps to control shock - boundary layer interaction at the vicinity of an axisymmetric compression corner was investigated computationally in a Mach 4 flow. A cylinder/flare model with a flare angle of 25° was chosen for this study. Height (h) of the microramp device was 22% of the undisturbed boundary layer thickness (δ) obtained at the compression corner location. A single array of these microramps with an inter-device spacing of 7.5h was placed at three different streamwise locations viz. 5δ, 10δ and 15δ (22.7h, 45.41h and 68.12h in terms of the device height) upstream of the corner and the variations in the flowfield characteristics were observed. These devices modified the separation bubble structure noticeably by producing alternate upwash and downwash regions in the boundary layer. Variations in the separation bubble’s length and height were observed along the spanwise (circumferential) direction due to these devices.

We sought to identify stably expressed genes in tumors of gingivo-buccal region and tongue from untreated as well as treated patients. The study was undertaken in view of the ambiguity with regards to the choice of reference genes for normalization of gene expression data from gingivo-buccal region and tongue. This aspect was also examined in tumors from treated patients since it could provide clues for such analyses in the assessment of treatment modalities in the future. Expression of ten candidate housekeeping genes, identified in array-based studies, was tested using TaqMan based semi-quantitative real-time PCR. Thirty-five buccal mucosa derived (18 from treated patients) and 15 tongue tumors (8 from treated patients) were studied. Most stable genes were identified based on the consensus between the results of the three methods, Comparative δCt, BestKeeper and NormFinder, used for data analysis. CHMP2A and VPS29 were identified as the most stably expressed genes suitable for normalization of data from buccal-mucosa tumors, whereas RPS13 and PSMB2 were indicated for similar specimens from treated patients. The same criteria identified stable expression of PSMB2 and PUM1 in tumors from tongue and OAZ1 and RPS13 for the post-treatment tongue tumors. We have identified stably expressed genes in common oral cancers which can be used for normalization of the gene expression data. Results also established differences in tumors arising at different sites of the oral cavity and highlighted further changes following exposure to therapy.

X-ray tomography was used to monitor damage evolution in nano-silver sintered joints during thermal cycling. Samples consisted of a silicon die joined to a direct bond copper substrate by sintering nano-silver paste. The amount of observable damage was significantly affected by the amount of allowable warping during the thermal cycling tests. By fully constraining the sample from flexing during thermal cycling, all observable damage was eliminated.

Converting unconventional precursors into advanced separation materials can reduce manufacturing complexity while affording economic and environmental benefits. Here we report the conversion of var...

Climate change and so its effect on terrestrial ecosystem has been a focus point for a while now. Among them, rainfall and temperature changes happen to exert a strong influence on the condition of vegetation cover. So, it is imperative to analyze the variation and inter-relationship between vegetation cover and climate pattern, especially country like Nepal having a dynamic ecosystem. This paper aims to analyze the spatial-temporal distribution of vegetation cover, temperature, and rainfall, and to examine the relationship of the latter two with vegetation for entire Nepal. Primary data used were vegetation and temperature data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and rainfall data from Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) data product. The relationship analysis was carried out in three phases; first, the trend of vegetation with respect to rainfall and land surface temperature (LST) was inspected over entire study area by creating a time series of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) monthly means for six months, averaged over the whole study period. However, vegetation change pattern across various ecological regions of Nepal also needed to be considered, for the three different regions are profoundly different from each other in a number of factors like altitude and soil type. Finally, the variation of vegetation with climatic parameters, i.e. rainfall and temperature, along the eleven-year study period was also portrayed, to depict how the vegetation cover has been fluctuating over the years. During the study period, the correlation coefficient between vegetation index and rainfall was the highest in October in Terai while that with temperature was in July in Hilly region. Overall, vegetation was influenced greater by the temperature than rainfall in all three ecological regions with the highest correlation coefficient of vegetation with temperature and rainfall, being −0.937 and 0.556 respectively.

This case study outlines some noteworthy features of the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plant (EMP) of Deendyal (Kandla) Port Trust (DPT) and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) lignite mines, Kachchh, Gujarat, India. These key viewpoints incorporate task depiction, options, checking, portrayal of the earth, open cooperation, biophysical impacts, social effects, sway essentialness, total impacts evaluation, observing, and introduction, which are earmarked in annexure in the form of sectors requiring EIA, Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA), basic guidelines, and environmental laws. The case study reflects the detailed scenario of physical, biological, and socioeconomic profiles of the study areas, which directly or indirectly the environmental as well as ecological characteristics of the proposed project sites. The suggestive steps, recommendations and mitigation measures are also discussed herewith.

Post-synthesis modification by alkali treatment was employed for the synthesis of hierarchical K/LTL zeolites with varying degree of mesoporosity. For the alkali treatment, the concentration of aqueous KOH solution was changed from 0.3 to 2.8 M keeping the quantity per gram of zeolite fixed. The influence of the alkali concentration on the chemical composition, powder XRD crystallinity, morphology, basicity, and the textural properties of resultant hierarchical zeolites was investigated. Variation in the concentration of KOH solution was found to control the degree of preferential desilication with the preserved structural fingerprint of K/LTL zeolite. As a result, the generation of mesoporosity was observed along with 1) the decrease in the Si/Al ratio and percentage relative crystallinity, and 2) an increase in BET surface area and mesopore volume. 27Al MAS-NMR results showed that all the aluminum atoms present in the tetrahedral coordination after alkali treatment, which provides an elegant approach for significantly increasing the basic sites in the hierarchical zeolites. As a heterogeneous catalyst, the hierarchical K/LTL zeolites demonstrated the improved performance in the hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol as compared to the parent K/LTL zeolite. The different process parameters were assessed in order to maximize the hydrogenation activity. Among all the hierarchical zeolites, the enhanced catalytic activity was shown by the hierarchical K/LTL prepared by using 1.5 M KOH solution when it is used along with the 3.5 wt% platinum loaded γ-Al2O3 catalyst. This optimum activity may be attributed to the higher surface area, accessible basic sites, nano-sized Pt on γ-Al2O3, and the development of substantial intracrystalline mesoporosity for the enhanced molecular diffusion of reactant to and from the hierarchical zeolite with better-preserved crystallinity.

Objective To identify differences in the transcriptomic profiles during placentation from pregnancies conceived spontaneously vs. those with infertility using non-in vitro fertilization (IVF) fertility treatment (NIFT) or IVF. Design Cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Women undergoing chorionic villus sampling at gestational age 11–13 weeks (n = 141), with pregnancies that were conceived spontaneously (n = 74), with NIFT (n = 33), or with IVF (n = 34), resulting in the delivery of viable offspring. Intervention(s) Collection of chorionic villus samples from women who conceived spontaneously, with NIFT, or with IVF for gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing. Main Outcome Measure(s) Baseline maternal, paternal, and fetal demographics, maternal medical conditions, pregnancy complications, and outcomes. Differential gene expression of first-trimester placenta. Result(s) There were few differences in the transcriptome of first-trimester placenta from NIFT, IVF, and spontaneous pregnancies. There was one protein-coding differentially expressed gene (DEG) between the spontaneous and infertility groups, CACNA1I, one protein-coding DEG between the spontaneous and IVF groups, CACNA1I, and five protein-coding DEGs between the NIFT and IVF groups, SLC18A2, CCL21, FXYD2, PAEP, and DNER. Conclusion(s) This is the first and largest study looking at transcriptomic profiles of first-trimester placenta demonstrating similar transcriptomic profiles in pregnancies conceived using NIFT or IVF and spontaneous conceptions. Gene expression differences found to be highest in the NIFT group suggest that the underlying infertility, in addition to treatment-related factors, may contribute to the observed gene expression profiles.

An upsurge in textile dye pollution has demanded immediate efforts to develop an optimum technology for their bioremediation. However, the molecular mechanism underpinning aerobic decolorization of dyes is still in its infancy. Thus, in the current work, the intricacies of aerobic remediation of textile dyes by Pseudomonas aeruginosa D6 were understood via a transcriptomic approach. The bacterium isolated from the sludge sample of a common effluent treatment plant was able to decolorize 54.42, 57.66, 50.84 and 65.86% of 100 mg L

Background: The excitation energy dependence of the fission fragment mass and folding angle distributions for reactions with loosely bound projectiles are reported to be significantly different compared to the reactions with tightly bound nuclei. Extensive study to understand the reaction mechanism of weakly bound projectiles is required as it can simulate the mechanism of fission induced with radioactive ion beams.Purpose: The effect of loosely bound nuclei on fission fragment folding angle and mass distributions in the $^{9}\mathrm{Be}+^{238}\mathrm{U}$ reaction near the Coulomb barrier energies is investigated and the contributions of incomplete fusion fission in the total fission cross section are studied.Methods: Mass and folding angle distributions of the fission fragments have been measured near the Coulomb barrier energies using two large area multiwire proportional counters. Fragment masses were determined from the time-of-flight difference method. To understand the effect of breakup of loosely bound nuclei, the results are compared with tightly bound proton-, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle-, and carbon-induced reactions, as well as with the predictions from semiempirical calculations.Results: The width of folding angle distributions is found to increase with lowering excitation energy in the $^{9}\mathrm{Be}+^{238}\mathrm{U}$ reaction. This is in contrast to the reaction $^{12}\mathrm{C}+^{232}\mathrm{Th}$ involving tightly bound projectiles, populating similar compound nuclei. The peak-to-valley ratios of the fission fragment mass distributions for all events are found to sharply increase with lowering excitation energy in the $^{9}\mathrm{Be}+^{238}\mathrm{U}$ reaction. The possible contribution of incomplete fusion into the total fission cross section could be extracted. The measured mass distributions were found to be consistent with the semiempirical calculation gef and macro-microscopic two-center shell model calculations considering the admixture of incomplete fusion fission.Conclusion: For actinide targets, mass distributions of inclusive fission are influenced by the breakup/transfer channels of the weakly bound projectiles. At the above-barrier energies, the contribution of incomplete fusion is found to be $\ensuremath{\approx}25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4%$ which is similar to the reported value of the complete fusion suppression factor in reactions involving nuclei with low binding energies. The increase in the peak-to-valley ratio with lowering excitation energy in the fission fragment mass distribution could be explained by the combined analysis of folding angle and mass distributions.

Background Gallstone disease is one of the most common surgical problem throughout the world. The rise in gallstone disease burden and its wide spectrum of non-specific presentation makes the disease more challenging. Objective To know the various modes of presentation, socio-demographic details of the patients with gallstone disease, any associated factors and its treatment options. Method This is a prospective descriptive study in the patients presenting to Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital diagnosed with gallstone during May 2018 to April 2020. After receiving ethical clearance from institutional Review committee, the informed consent was taken from all patient involved in the study. The presence of gallstone was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography (USG). This study included total of 202 patients with gallstone disease. Result A total of 202 individuals with gallstone were included in the study; 48 males (24%) and 154 females (76%). The disease condition was common in age group 31-40 years (26.24%). Majority of the study population consumed mixed diet (92.57%). Out of 202 patients; 52 patients (25.74%) were overweight. In this study series 185 patients (91.58%) were symptomatic. Pain abdomen was one of the commonest symptoms (97.84%) followed by Nausea (28.11%), Dyspepsia (28.11%), Vomiting (18.38%), Fever (1.62) and Jaundice (1.08%). All cases were planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy however 4 cases had to be converted to open surgery for completion. Conclusion Gallstone disease is a common surgical problem in Female population that presents most commonly with pain abdomen. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be easily performed in all cases of gallstone disease.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Rosetrees Trust James Tudor Foundation Background Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is an increasingly recognised working diagnosis. Sex and age differences in MINOCA are not well understood. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the impact of sex and age in patients with MINOCA due to ischaemic and non-ischaemic causes on clinical presentation and outcome. Methods and Results Consecutive patients with a working diagnosis of MINOCA (n = 719) from a single tertiary centre who underwent comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were followed prospectively. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. CMR was performed at a median time of 30 days after presentation and identified a diagnosis in 74% of patients. Men were more likely to have a non-ischaemic cause on CMR (55% v. 41%, p 60 years with a non-ischaemic aetiology on their CMR were at higher risk of death than women with non-ischaemic causes >60 years (p = 0.003, figure 2). Conclusions There is no difference in all-cause mortality between sexes in MINOCA but increasing age is the most important predictor of mortality in both sexes.