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Introduction: The number of patients getting mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery for severe mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis has increased and is expected to climb further. Mitral valve surgery can be conducted using either a direct vision method or an endoscopic and robotic procedure.The purpose of this casecontrol study was to compare the feasibility and safety between Right Mini Thoracotomy with central cannulation versus Conventional Sternotomy for mitral valve replacement MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total 100 patients underwent Mitral Valve Replacement were included, among them group A 50 patients were underwent for Mini Right Thoracotomy performed through right anterolateral mini thoracotomy with central cannulation. Fifty patient of group B were underwent mitral valve replacement through conventional median sternotomy. RESULTS: Our study found that a statistically significant high length of incision, blood loss, number of blood transfusions, ICU stay, hospital stay and re-exploration was found among the sternotomy group compare to the thoracotomy group. While a statistically significant less cross lamp time and total bypass time was found among the sternotomy group compare to the thoracotomy group. Conclusion: Based on these findings, a minimally invasive approach should be explored for all patients who require mitral valve replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the survey among early career pediatric cardiologists from India and the accompanying editorial, we invited comments and suggestions from thought leaders and senior functionaries in the field. We have summarized the thoughts and suggestions as a mini-symposium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to see whether the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Bauhinia variegata Linn. root had any antinociceptive effects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A diabetic animal was created by injecting STZ (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) once. Hot-plate test, tail-flick test, and formalin were used to determine nociceptive thresholds after five weeks of diabetes induction. Grip strength was used to determine muscle strength during diabetic neuropathic pain. We looked at total protein and blood glucose biochemical indicators to identify an oxidative stress marker, antioxidant levels in the sciatic nerve (LPO, SOD, CAT, and GSH). In comparison to control rats, diabetic rats had significantly higher levels of nociception and hyperalgesia. Repeated treatment of Bauhinia variegata extract decreased mechanical allodynia and restored the physiological feeling of heat pain in diabetic rats, induced with streptozotocin (STZ). The extracts significantly (p<0.001) improved the diabetic rats' lipid peroxidation status and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase) levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of dielectric and thermodynamic properties of three members 5CB, 6CB and 7CB from the family of n-cyano-biphenyl (nCB) liquid crystals is reported using the cavity perturbation technique at microwave frequency of 9.0 GHz. The observed shifts in the resonant frequency and widths of the resonance profile are used to analyse the dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss respectively. The loss tangents are calculated using relaxation times obtained from Debye's single relaxation phenomenon. The temperature-dependent parameters such as free energy of activation, enthalpy and entropy are calculated for understanding all three thermotropic samples. For the dielectric investigation of very small amount of samples with high accuracy, the cavity perturbation technique suits well. The study provides interesting and neoteric results as comparison between various dielectric and thermodynamic parameters for nCB liquid crystals is not reported earlier at the given frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In material science domain, the data availability has made it possible to design and test machine learning models not only to strengthen our understanding of various properties of materials but also to give predictive capabilities through finding trends and patterns. Here, we report the insight into magnetization of Iron based compounds using the machine learning model and by doing the model interpretability analysis using SHapley Additive exPlanations. Most of the Iron based compounds are magnetic in nature and are well studied with abundant data available in different repositories. We have used data from Materials Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asia accounts for the largest burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide. This study examines the temporal patterns of CRC in Asia in the last three decades. Methods: The data pertaining to CRC burden measured by incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) and its risk factors for 49 countries in the Asian continent were drawn from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study between 1990 and 2019. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was employed as a proxy indicator of 5-year survival rates. Results: In Asia, incident cases more than tripled from 270,851 to 1.1 million, deaths tripled from 183,252 to 560,426, and DALYs more than doubled from 5 million to 13.4 million between 1990 and 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased from 14.0/100,000 to 23.9/100,000, age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) increased from 10.1/100,000 to 12.5/100,000, and MIR decreased from 0.68 to 0.50 between 1990 and 2019. ASIR varied 10-folds across countries from 5.6/100,000 in Bangladesh to 62.0/100,000 in Taiwan in 2019 and ASMR from 4.9/1000 in Bangladesh to 30.3/100,000 in Brunei. In 2019, diet low in milk (18.7%) and whole grains (15.2%) and calcium (16.6%) were the major contributory risk factors in CRC DALYs in 2019. Conclusion: CRC is a fast-rising neoplasm in Asia and its burden can be curtailed by focusing on primary prevention (e.g., diet and physical activity) and secondary prevention through screening. The policy focus and resources must be directed towards capacity building, including cancer infrastructure and quality data availability from cancer registries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Study to analyse the preoperative factors affecting postoperative stoma complications. Material and methods: All patients who underwent stoma formation, for elective or emergency indications were included in this study. Patients who underwent stoma formation both elective and emergency were included. Parameters of gender, age, BMI, indication for stoma formation, comorbidities, use of neo adjuvant chemotherapy, permanent or temporary stoma, type of stoma (loop /end), stoma localization was compared. Details of stoma complications up to 6 weeks after surgery was analysed. History, Physical examination of patient including general condition, Complete OT profile and Ultrasonography of whole abdomen were studied. Results: This research included 63.33% male patients and 36.67% female patients. The patients' average age was 27.58±4.58. BMI should be in the range of 18.5-24.9kg/m2. Below 18.5 is considered low, while beyond 24.9 is considered excessive. The patients' average BMI was 21.69±3.69. On the basis of demographic profile, there is no significant correlation with complication. Diabetes accounted for 33.33% of patients, with hypertension accounting for 25%, coronary artery disease accounting for 25%, and chronic respiratory illness accounting for 16.67%. The majority of patients (28.33%) had ileal perforation. Complications occur in 75% of emergency patients and 25% of elective patients. The kind of surgery (elective/emergency) had no statistically significant relationship with stoma problems (p-value= 0.27). 95% had a temporary stoma, 3% had a permanent stoma, 71.67 had a loop stoma, and 28.33% had an end stoma. We had 71.67% end stomas and 28.33% loop stomas in our research sample. A couple loop colostomies are also included. The data analysis, however, did not reveal any statistically significant variations in complication when comparing these two forms of stomas. The computed p-value was 0.74. Hemorrhage (3.33%), thick adhesions (1.67%), perforated peritonitis (1.67%), and extensively gangrenous bowel (1.67%) were all present during the procedure. The majority of patients have skin discomfort after two weeks, and there are no complications. Conclusion: We conclude that in our research did not uncover any statistically significant association between examined parameters and stoma associated problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ambition of nanoparticles in agriculture is to reduce the amount of spread chemicals, minimize nutrient losses in fertilization and increased yield through pest and nutrient management. The recent advances in nanotechnology and its use in the field of agriculture are astonishingly increasing therefore it is tempting to evaluate the effect of different nanoparticles on growth and yield contributing characters in tomato. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar during Rabi season 2019-2020 which consisted of 13 treatments of three nanoparticles, viz. Zn, Fe and Ag at four different concentrations. Result: The results revealed that among different concentration of nanoparticles, seed treated with 800 ppm Zn NPs solution for 4 hours significantly improved the growth and yield characteristics in comparison to control. Similarly, Fe and Ag NPs also significantly influenced the growth and yield attributes but at increasing concentration showed decreasing trend for these characters. Thus, it can be inferred that employing Zn nanoparticles as seed treatment could increase in growth and yield contributing attributes at higher concentration in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with Transposition of Great arteries (TGA) undergoing Arterial Switch operation (ASO) is an important complication in the post-operative period associated with worse outcomes. AKI in children post open cardiac surgery has been well studied, with lesser data in literature pertaining to TGA and its sub-types specifically. This was a prospective, observational study enrolling infants with TGA undergoing ASO at a single center over a span of a decade from January 2010 to December 2020. The infants were followed during the duration of ICU and hospital stay, with documentation of baseline and intraoperative parameters as well as post-operative course. Out of 145 infants enrolled in the study, 83.1% developed AKI with majority (83.9%) having stage 1 AKI. Higher odds of AKI were seen in infants requiring Norepinephrine [odds ratio − 16.76 (95% CI 2.19–128.2), p < 0.001] and those who developed gram-negative infections [2.81 (1.04–7.56), p − 0.036]. Infants with AKI had significantly higher vasoactive-inotropic support at day 1 than those without AKI [16 (12.5–21.50 vs 13 (10.25–15.75), p − 0.014]. Seventeen infants in the AKI group (14%) died as opposed to none in the non-AKI group (p = 0.076). Median hours of ventilator support required were significantly higher in those with AKI than those who did not develop AKI (48 vs 45.5 p = 0.015). The infants with ASO + ASD + PDA (53% of neonates who died) were younger, had less weight at admission, more gram-negative sepsis and need for dopamine, as compared to ASO + VSD + ASD (23.5% of mortality) and ASO + ASD + VSD + aortic arch repair (23.5% of mortality). AKI in infants with TGA undergoing ASO is common and associated with poorer outcomes. In this subpopulation, AKI development is associated most commonly with hemodynamic instability and infections. This is the first study, looking at outcomes of TGA depending on the sub-types of ASO surgeries done in the infants [ASO with ASD + PDA or ASD + VSD or ASD + VSD + Arch Repair]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present work investigates the ore mineralogy, geochemistry of host metasedimentary rocks, and the mineral chemistry of the main sulphide minerals, namely, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, and pyrite from the Rangpo sulphide mineralization, Sikkim. Based on the textural relationships of the oxide and sulphide minerals such as mutual boundary, exsolution blebs, and replacement features, three stages including two stages of primary ore mineral formation, and an alteration stage of secondary mineral development is established. Oxide and sulphide minerals predominantly magnetite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrrhotite, and cobaltite occur as stage‐I ore minerals, and the sulphide minerals namely galena, pyrrhotite chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and pyrite are identified as stage‐II minerals. The alteration minerals malachite and azurite represent stage‐III. The geochemistry of host metasedimentary rocks is characterized by SiO2 in the range of 53.28 to 85.62 wt%, Mg# values between 25.48 and 49.60, MgO and K2O having a strong negative correlation with SiO2, high values of Zr/Sc (32.5) versus Th/Sc (3.44), and enrichment of trace elements like Cr (30–87 ppm), V (27–81 ppm), Ni (13–49 ppm), and Sc (3–12 ppm). The Th/Sc versus Zr/Sc, K2O/Na2O versus SiO2, and Th/Co versus La/Sc plots attribute that the host metasedimentary rocks are recycled sediments largely of passive continental margin with a felsic source. However, the Mg# versus SiO2 and K2O/Na2O versus SiO2 point to the incorporation of mantle material from the orogenic margin, possibly arc‐related and mafic in nature. The features such as the mineral assemblage, the simultaneous crystallization shown by mutual boundaries and exsolution blebs, and the mineral chemical data of ore minerals favour a high‐temperature hydrothermal environment of ore deposition. This inference is substantiated by general high Fe concentration in sphalerite and other ore minerals, 800 to 2,400 ppm Cd in sphalerite, Ag and Sb in galena from 1,000 to 2,500 ppm and 400 to 800 ppm respectively, and noticeable Ag in chalcopyrite. The inferred depositional and tectonic environment of host metasedimentary rocks, the petrographic features of ores, and their mineral chemical data altogether invoke that the Rangpo ore mineralization in metasedimentary rocks was formed at high temperature in an environment where mafic mantle material from the active arc was amalgamated with the passive margin sediments derived from the felsic source rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let λ j and a j j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n , be the eigenvalues and the diagonal entries of a Hermitian matrix A , both enumerated in the increasing order. We prove some inequalities that are stronger than the Schur majorisation inequalities ∑ j = 1 r λ j ≤ ∑ j = 1 r a j j , 1 ≤ r ≤ n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs) are key mediators of the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway that regulates biological functions as diverse as smooth muscle contraction, cardiac function, and axon guidance. Understanding how cGMP differentially triggers mammalian PKG isoforms could lead to new therapeutics that inhibit or activate PKGs, complementing drugs that target nitric oxide synthases and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in this signaling axis. Alternate splicing of PRKG1 transcripts confers distinct leucine zippers, linkers, and auto-inhibitory (AI) pseudo-substrate sequences to PKG Iα and Iβ that result in isoform-specific activation properties, but the mechanism of enzyme auto-inhibition and its alleviation by cGMP is not well understood. Here, we present a crystal structure of PKG Iβ in which the AI sequence and the cyclic nucleotide-binding (CNB) domains are bound to the catalytic domain, providing a snapshot of the auto-inhibited state. Specific contacts between the PKG Iβ AI sequence and the enzyme active site help explain isoform-specific activation constants and the effects of phosphorylation in the linker. We also present a crystal structure of a PKG I CNB domain with an activating mutation linked to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections. Similarity of this structure to wildtype cGMP-bound domains and differences with the auto-inhibited enzyme provide a mechanistic basis for constitutive activation. We show that PKG Iβ auto-inhibition is mediated by contacts within each monomer of the native full-length dimeric protein, and using the available structural and biochemical data we develop a model for the regulation and cooperative activation of PKGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examines the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in European Union (EU) countries in the last 3 decades. Methods: The data pertaining to CRC burden were procured from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study for 28 EU countries (including United Kingdom) for the period 1990–2019. The age-standardized rates of CRC were utilized to compare the country-wise burden and joinpoint regression models were applied to examine the trends. Results: In EU, CRC incident cases increased by 70.2% from 261,306 to 444,872 and deaths increased by 36.8% from 155,823 to 213,174 between 1990 and 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased by 11.9% from 37.8/100,000 to 42.3/100,000 between 1990 and 2019; in contrast, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) decreased by 16.9% (1990: 22.4/100,000; 2019: 18.6/100,000) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDALR) decreased by 18.6% (1990: 472.9/100,000; 2019: 385.1/100,000) in the study period. In 2019, Hungary was the leading country in terms of ASMR (28.6/100,000) and ASDALR (630.3/100,000), and Lithuania (29.2/100,000) had the lowest ASIR, whereas Finland had the lowest ASMR (12.3/100,000) and ASDALR (253.6/100,000) in 2019. Conclusion: CRC incidence is increasing in EU and mortality rates, although decreasing, are still unacceptably high. CRC control efforts must be focused around early detection using screening and prevention through reduction of modifiable risk factors. Increasing CRC incidence rates in young adults in recent years requires more research to pinpoint risk factors, and there must be more awareness of this recent development among general public and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the burden of leukemia and its subtypes at the global, regional, and national levels in 21 world regions and 204 countries in the last three decades. The estimates of incidence, deaths, and age-standardized rates of leukemia for 21 regions and 204 countries for 1990–2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. Average annual percentage change in 1990–2019 for 21 regions was utilized for projecting leukemia burden in 2030. Globally, there were 643,579 [586,980–699,729] incident cases and 334,592 [306,818–360,214] deaths in 2019 due to leukemia, up from 474,924 [388,559–560,550] cases and 263,263 [233,664–298,696] deaths in 1990. Between 1990 and 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) decreased from 9.6 [8.1–11.0] in 1990 to 8.2 [7.5–8.9] per 100,000 person-years in 2019, and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) decreased from 5.8/100,000 [5.2–6.4] in 1990 to 4.3/100,000 [3.9–4.6] in 2019. Between 1990 and 2019, the ASIR decreased in majority of regions except Western Europe and high-income Asia Pacific, whereas the ASMR decreased in all 21 regions. In 2019, country-wise, the ASIR varied from 3.0/100,000 [2.3–3.7] in Palau to 35.1/100,000 [26.4–47.2] in San Marino and the ASMR spanned from 2.3/100,000 [1.7–2.8] in San Marino to 15.8/100,000 [12.0–20.4] in Syria. As per our projections, globally, there will be 720,168 incident cases and 367,804 deaths due to leukemia in 2030. Substantial improvements have been witnessed in leukemia mortality rates in all regions, especially high-income regions and countries. Health care policies focusing on diagnostic improvements, cancer registration, and newer therapeutics at reduced cost or with insurance coverage are needed in low and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, TaN coating was deposited on ASTM-F1295 grade Ti6Al7Nb alloy by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Structural, surface morphological, and compositional analyses were conducted using Grazing Incidence-XRD, FESEM, EDS and XPS. The results affirmed that uniform and sub-stoichiometric TaN coating was deposited with the polycrystalline nature of TaN, exhibiting a cubic-NaCl-like structure. Nanoindentation tests revealed that the hardness and modulus of TaN coating decrease with increasing indentation load. Moreover, scratch test under progressive loading conditions uncovered critical loads corresponding to cohesion and adhesion failures. Nanotribological tests were conducted on deposited TaN against different counter bodies (steel and ceramic ball) disclosed fine abrasive grooves on the coating and demonstrate anti-wear properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hybrid microgrid is an emerging and exciting research field in power engineering. • Presents systematic review on various control strategies for hybrid microgrid. • Comparison between control strategies satisfying various control objectives. • Discussion on research challenges in use of effective and robust control scheme. • Discussion on emerging trends in hybrid microgrid's operation and control. Presently, there is huge development in conventional power systems due to the evolution of modern smart grids, wherein interconnected microgrids with a high level of energy storage and renewable energy penetration are gaining popularity in the modern distribution network. Future electrical distribution systems, or even transmission structures that combine AC and DC sources and loads are thought to be most promising when it comes to hybrid AC-DC systems. Using a combined operation of both AC and DC microgrids through an interfacing converter, hybrid AC-DC microgrids are advanced and benefitted with the use of both AC and DC topologies. Power management techniques for these microgrids are among the most important operational aspects. This paper provides a systematic review on numerous schemes to control hybrid AC-DC microgrids. Basically, microgrid control strategies are categorized as local control and coordinated control. Coordinated control is further divided in three control strategies as, distributed, centralized, and decentralized control. All these control strategies are employed to satisfy many control objectives, like bus voltage and frequency regulation, power sharing, and management, power quality, stability and reliability improvement, energy management, and economic dispatch. In this paper, various aspects associated with these control objectives and limitations in their control strategies are discussed. Also, future prospects on control of hybrid AC-DC microgrids and an effective and robust control strategy for power management possibly to be employed, are presented in the concluding section of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the bandgap (Eg) grading of an earth-abundant multinary chalcogenide Cu 2 BaSn(S 1-x Se x) 4 (CBTSSe) is investigated using numerical simulation. The baseline model of the cell with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.17 % is designed to match the performance of the fabricated cell. The Eg tuning is performed by compositional variation of Sulfur (S) and Selenium (Se). We investigate the single grading of the absorber by thoroughly optimizing the Eg at the boundaries using linear grading. Double grading of the absorber is performed by employing a parabolic grading profile to vary Eg inside the bulk of the absorber. Major improvements are noticed in performance parameters wherein (a) Open circuit voltage (Voc) is improved from 0.67 to 0.91 V, (b) short circuit current density (Jsc) is improved from 16.4 to 21.28 mA/cm2 after appropriate grading of the absorber and (c) the PCE of the cell is enhanced from 6.17 to 15.63 %. The effects on the performance parameters with different grading profiles are briefly discussed. The defects with different distribution profiles are studied for graded device. The inherent formation of MoS 2 and MoSe 2 layers are discussed, and the PCE of cell is improved to 16.31% due to formation of ohmic junction. We further propose to modify the Mo back contact with Ni to improve the PCE of the device up to 17.53%. This work presents a systematic approach to optimize Eg of the absorber and boost the advancement in CBTSSe-based photovoltaic devices. [Display omitted] • CBTSSe has a wide range of tunable bandgap from 1.44 to 2.02 eV, which can be varied by varying S and Se compositions. • Single grading of the absorber is performed using a linear grading profile to find the optimized composition on the top and bottom boundaries of the cell, which enhanced PCE to 9.70 %. • Double grading of the absorber is performed using a parabolic grading profile where the bowing factor is optimized, and PCE is boosted to 15.63% due to efficient spectrum utilization. • Back contact modification creates the ohmic contact with the absorber, which modifies the champion cell structure to Ni/CBTSSe(graded)/ZCS/ZMO/AZO with the following performance parameters, PCE = 17.53 %, Voc = 0.95 V, Jsc = 21.98 mA/cm2 and FF = 83.39 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand-side management of smart grid with electric vehicles (EVs) is overviewed in this review paper. The major objective of the work is to reduce the hourly peak load to obtain a steady load schedule, maximize user satisfaction and reduce cost. This review allows for the probability of leveling the everyday energy load arc and unstable demand response to hourly prices from one time period to another. To obtain a balanced everyday load schedule, increase user satisfaction, and cut costs, the main aim is to reduce peak hourly load. A management system for an EV connected to the national grid for a future household with controllable electric loads. The approach that has been presented enables the integration of EVs and renewable resources while also optimizing the demand and generation in hourly distribution. The agents are taken into account for managing load, storage, and generation; specifically, they are EV aggregators. The vehicle-to-grid (V2G) combination of electric vehicles is a key aspect of this study; with this capability, EVs may offer power grid-specific services like load shifting and congestion management. By maximizing the hourly distribution of demand as well as generation, accounting for technical limitations, and enabling the addition of EVs and RES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Music has the ability to cure wounds that medicine cannot, to explain what words cannot, and to soothe the souls of all people." It's tough to think what our life would be like if we didn't have music. For the vast majority of people, it is impossible to envisage a world without all of the amazing songs and musical masterpieces. Music is vital to the life of some people. Music is a permanent companion who is with you throughout your life, in both happy and terrible times. As a result, as makers of such works of art, musicians and composers play a significant role in our daily lives. A musician invests his whole heart and soul into his work. Each such invention, from words to song tunes, needs his or her cerebral labour. This paper provides a concept of music industry and its problems. It begins with an outline of the music industry, contemporary music industry, its characteristics and making tradition contemporary. It then provides a comprehensive overview of the colonial rule and commercialization with a focus on the role of radio, media and technology in commercialization. The overall music industry have been analyzed, including Structure of the Indian Music Industry, Size And Growth, India's Digital Revolution By The Numbers In Music industry, Indian Music Industry Analysis: The Streaming Market's Prospects And Problems of contemporary musical industry, local streaming services vs. International heavyweights are asses through graphs further 5 Ways Music Industry Players Can Look at Commercialization will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. This study examines the current and future burden of lung cancer at global, regional, and national levels. Methods: The estimates of lung cancer incident cases, deaths, and their age-standardized rates are drawn from GLOBOCAN 2020 for 21 regions and 185 countries. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) is considered as a proxy indicator of 5-year survival rates. Lung cancer burden in 2050 is projected using age-specific incidence and death rates in 2020. Results: In 2020, there were 2.21 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths due to lung cancer worldwide with age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 22.4/100,000 (male: 31.5; female: 14.6) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) of 18.0/100,000, (male: 25.9; female: 11.2/100,000). Global MIR of lung cancer was 0.82 (males 0.83; females: 0.79), varying from 0.59 (Japan) to 1.0 (Belize). Hungary had the highest age-standardized rates (ASIR: 50.1/100,000; ASMR: 42.4/100,000) and Nigeria (ASIR: 0.88; ASMR: 0.86) had the lowest age-standardized rates in 2020. Both ASIR and ASMR were positively correlated with country-level tobacco smoking prevalence and human development index (HDI), whereas MIR exhibited a negative correlation with HDI. As per our projections, there will be 3.8 million incident cases and 3.2 million deaths globally due to lung cancer in 2050. Conclusion: With close to 2 million cases and deaths already in 2020, lung cancer has already become a global public health threat. Even with current risk levels and age-specific rates, lung cancer annual cases are expected to reach 3.8 million in 2050. Until smoking prevalence is reduced and ambient air pollution levels are checked, particularly in low/medium HDI countries, the lung cancer epidemic will continue unfolding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of devices to amplify the terahertz (THz) radiations is a subject of intense research among the scientific community owing to its interdisciplinary applications. We explore the possibility of amplification of THz radiations by investigating the transport measurements of GaN/AlGaN structures. We investigate the transport characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT), transmission lines model (TLM), and interdigitated finger (IDF) structures as functions of geometry, temperature, and operating conditions. In the transport measurements of HEMT structure at 300 K, the pulsed mode operation attains higher value of the drain current in comparison to the continuous-wave operation mode of the relatively larger geometries which is typically related to the self-heating effect. Nevertheless, the pulsed mode operation transport measurements of the relatively smaller HEMT structures overlap and attain even lower drain current values than that of the CW operation mode measurements whose origin is attributed to the trap manifestation at low temperatures. The major part of the applied voltage on the symmetric IDF structure is spread over the contacts whilst less than 10 % will effectively be applied on the channel. Moreover, the transport measurements of 5 μ m long TLM structure at 7 K show a kink at 0.1 V which is originated from the onset of the optical phonon transit time resonance mechanism. The present investigations of AlGaN/GaN structures should be helpful to obtain terahertz amplification in the electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While examining the case of top-carbon emitter countries (TCECs), it requires underlining certain common but less explored variables that might have escalated carbon emissions significantly in the preceding years. In this light, we recognized the impact of export diversification, extensive export margin, intensive export margin, stock market development, renewable energy solutions, and income inequality on carbon intensity in the nine top-carbon emitter countries from 1990 to 2016. By using modern econometric procedures such as CIPS and CADF for stationarity, Westerlund test for cointegration, and CS-ARDL test for elasticity coefficients, we computed the temporal results. The long-run elasticity coefficients confirm that horizontal, vertical, and overall improvement in export-basket elevated the level of carbon intensity in the selected countries. Further, the increased size of stock market and income inequality led to an increase in carbon intensity; however, the increased usage of renewable energy contributed to reducing the level of carbon intensity. In terms of policy endorsement, we provided a multipronged framework, which may help these nations to restore air quality in the long run. [Display omitted] • Impacts of export diversification, extensive export margin, and intensive export margin on the energy-led carbon intensity are investigated. • Stock market development and income inequality elevated carbon intensity. • Renewable energy reduced energy-led carbon intensity in the top carbon emitter countries. • SDGs based policy framework proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary embolization is a rare cause of myocardial infarction. Here we describe a case of severe rheumatic mitral stenosis, presented as acute (inferior wall and right ventricle) ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to embolism of thrombus in the right coronary aortic sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the natural graphitic carbonaceous material (GCM) distributed in metasedimentary and crystalline rocks in and around Larji–Rampur tectonic window, Himachal Himalaya. The GCM, associated with the ore mineralization, is mostly flaky, however, it is also granular and amorphous. The micro Raman spectroscopy of representative samples confirms that the studied GCM is mostly disordered graphite and rarely poorly ordered graphite, but well crystalline ordered graphite is also present. The carbon isotope compositions reflecting the source of carbon in GCM at various locations attribute that the carbon was mostly sedimentary organic carbon which has been metamorphosed to disordered graphite, however, the δ13C of the inorganic carbon contents in metabasalts from Bhallan signify the involvement of fluid possibly derived from the mantle. Limited δ13Cinorganic data in a range from 0 to −11‰, points to the heavier carbon probably derived from the diagenetic carbonates or dissolved organic matter. Overall, the carbon isotope compositions of GCM from the Larji–Rampur window reflect diversity in carbon source and mixing of carbon reservoirs, which can adequately be explained by the Proterozoic marine carbon cycling. A close linkage in the depositional processes of GCM with ore mineralization in the area is also invoked. Research Highlights: The graphitic carbonaceous material (GCM) is present in and around Larji–Rampur tectonic window, Himachal Himalaya, at places associated with ore mineralization. Micro Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence that this GCM is mostly disordered graphite though the ordered graphite is also present uncommonly. The δ13C values vary widely from –1.5‰ to –33.5‰. The δ13C compositions are heterogeneous and complex carbon systematics is apparent. In addition to the predominant sedimentary organic carbon form Proterozoic marine carbon, it was also derived from carbonate source, carbon from the fluids, and rarely but possibly from the mantle source. A close linkage in the formation and evolution processes of the GCM with the ore mineralization is also invoked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the Darcy-Forchheimer flow of Sisko nanofluid with viscous dissipation and convective thermal boundary conditions. The Buongiorno two-component nanoscale model is deployed for nanofluid characteristics, which take into account the physical phenomena responsible for the slip velocity between the base fluid and the nanoparticles such as thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion. The Darcy-Forchheimer model employed here includes the effects of boundary and inertial forces. The nonlinear coupled partial differential equations governing the fluid flow are converted into the nonlinear ordinary differential equations by choosing suitable similarity transformations. The nondimensionalized differential equations are then solved utilizing the finite difference based bvp-4c tool in MATLAB software. The numerical solutions are presented graphically to demonstrate the impact of involved physical parameters on temperature, velocity, and nanoparticle volume fraction. Moreover, the rate of heat transfer, mass transfer, and skin friction are physically interpreted. The present investigation reveals that the Darcy number enhances the velocity and depleted the temperature while the Forchheimer number depleted the velocity and enhances the temperature of the Sisko nanofluid. The thermophoresis, Brownian diffusion parameters, and the Forchheimer number contribute to the reduction in the heat transfer rate while the Darcy number enhances it. The skin friction at the wall can be controlled by controlling the values of Darcy number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of rational drug design fourteen novel compounds having benzoic acid as acidic head, hydrazone as linker and substituted diaryl sulfanyl/aryl-cyclohexylsulfanyl as a hydrophobic tail were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectrophotometric (FTIR, Mass, 1HNMR and 13CNMR) analysis. The spectral data were satisfactory with their structures. The designed compounds were docked against peroxisome proliferated activated receptors (PPARγ) and further evaluated for in vitro PPARγ agonist activity and in vivo hypoglycemic activity in wistar strain of albino rats. Compound 3k and 3m exhibited potent anti-diabetic activity without ulcerogenic toxicity and minimum side effects as weight gain. Therefore these compounds would be considered as promising agents for the development of novel antidiabetic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rapid industrial growth in the BRICS nations, export earnings and energy demand witnessed an upturn in the preceding years. Therefore, by considering export diversification, extensive export margin, and intensive export margin as the determinants of renewable energy, the present study intended to explore whether total, horizontal, and vertical growth in exports stimulated the demand for renewable energy in the BRICS nations for the period of 1990–2018. In doing so, technological innovation, income inequality, and capital formation are carried as controlled variables. The elasticity coefficients revealed that export diversification, traditional exports, technological innovation, and capitalization contributed to escalating the usage of cleaner energy solutions, whereas the exports of new products and income inequality had a negative impact on the demand for renewable energy. The computed results signify the need for advanced and renewable energy-based production processes and just distribution of income in the society so that at industrial and household levels, cleaner, energy-efficient, and environment-friendly procedures can be followed. For securing the constructive contribution of various stakeholders, the study proposed a multipronged policy framework, which may help to culminate a synergy between economic and environmental channels. Notes: Inc. sig., Inc. insig., and Dec. sig. show significant increase, insignificant increase, and significant decrease in renewable energy consumption, respectively. [Display omitted] • Export product diversification increases renewable energy consumption. • Intensive export margin intensifies the demand for cleaner energy solutions. • Extensive export margin leads to a decrease in cleaner energy usage. • Technological innovation stimulates the usage of cleaner energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of uterine cavity is an important step during investigation of infertile women. The presence of uterine pathology causes impaired receptivity, failed implantation and poor pregnancy outcomes. Various investigative modalities though available; have their limitations. Hysteroscopy considered the gold standard diagnostic modality is invasive; thus, an investigation which could overcome its limitations was required. 3-Dimensional transvaginal sonography (3D TVS), which non-invasively visualizes uterine morphology, registers all three imaging planes simultaneously could be an alternative to hysteroscopy. Aim: To compare 3-D TVS with the gold standard office hysteroscopy for evaluating uterine cavity in sub fertile women. Setting and Design: It was a comparative study carried out at the Reproductive Medicine Centre of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Over 12 months , 154 women with infertility underwent both hysteroscopy and 3D TVS. The primary outcome was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of 3D TVS in diagnosing endouterine abnormalities and assess if 3-DTVS could replace hysteroscopy for evaluation of uterine cavity. Statistical Analysis: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of the 3-D TVS was calculated. Results: The 3-D TVS had a sensitivity of 88.46% ; specificity of 99.21% for detection of uterine abnormalities with hysteroscopy as gold standard. The Positive Predictive Value was 95.83%; Negative Predictive Value 97.69% and diagnostic accuracy was 97.4%. It was seen that of 24 lesions diagnosed by 3D TVS, hysteroscopy was in agreement with 21 lesions. Conclusion: 3D TVS with advantages of giving better spatial orientation, non-invasive, pain free, can replace hysteroscopy for screening endouterine lesions. With no statistically significant superiority of hysteroscopy over 3D TVS as seen in this study it may be deemed unnecessary in 50% patients having normal uterine cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intubation is the common medical procedure which involves the insertion of a plastic tube which is a flexible tube in the throat of the patient. Reintubation is described as the failed extubation or patient get intubation after extubation who had been initially tracheal intubated. The purpose of the study was to determine the Spiro metric parameters among post Extubated patients and the application of Non-Invasive Ventilation for - prevention of reintubation. Materials and Method: Quantitative research approach with purposive sampling technique was adopted to include 38 participants. Data were collected by providing spirometry immediately after extubation. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The result shows that 36.84% of participants required non-invasive ventilation after extubation who were having FEV1 between 0.38-1.48, FVC between 0.44-1.75, PEFR between50-70. Hemodynamic variable like saturation (0.01), PCO2 (0.00), PO2 (0.03), and HCO3 (0.00) were highly significant at the level of p < 0.05. Proving that patients whose saturation level& ABG profile like PCO2, PO2, and HCO3 are not maintained required NIV after extubation. Conclusion: Study concludes that in Extubated patient's prophylactic non-invasive ventilation prevents extubation failure assessing the Spiro metric parameters in patients who can maintain saturation with less oxygen support, is also important in predicting good outcome of non-invasive ventilation after extubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of current study was to assess the potential Chitosan coated liposomes formulation. Modified ethanol injection method was adopted and inspects the vesicle morphology. Average particle size was found to be 303.6 nm & entrapment efficiency 78±5 %. In vitro release pattern followed 63.5±0.18 in 24hrs. Prepared formulations have received considerable attention in pharmaceutical and biomedical application, specifically achieving sustained release controlled formulation. Thus, it is a useful method for prolonging drug release from dosage forms, reducing adverse effects and to deliver drugs in a controlled manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, specific, accurate reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of clidinium bromide, chlordiazepoxide and dicyclomine hydrochloride. Chromatographic separation of the three drugs was performed on a Chromatopak C-18 column (25 cm x 4.6 i.d. x 5µm) as the stationary phase with a mobile phase composed of 0.1 % triethylamine in water pH adjusted by 5 % o-phosphoric acid and acetonitrile in the ratio 30:70 at a flow rate of 0.8mL/min, Detection was carried out at 210 nm. The retention times of clidinium bromide, chlordiazepoxide and, dicyclomine hydrochloride were found to be 3.9 min, 5.4 min, and 6.8 min, respectively. The proposed method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to develop a multi-item scale to measure the online consumption emotion (OCE) to facilitate understanding of relationship marketing. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed, and psychometric procedures were followed for the scale development. The initial pool of scale items was tested using EFA with SPSS (v. 21.0), and CFA with AMOS (v. 18.0) to confirm the dimensionality of OCE scale. The EFA results revealed that OCE is a five-dimensional construct which consisted of 39 items. The scale includes excitement, comfort, ecstasy, annoyance and romance. The adequacy of employing a categorical approach to assess online shoppers' emotional experiences in terms of positive/negative responses is required for online relationship marketing orientation. The online consumption emotion scale can be used to understand individual's online shopping behavior. The findings can help online marketers to envisage relationship marketing strategies to increase their retail customer base, retain customers, improve positive word-of-mouth, and to improve relationship marketing for long-term profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terahertz (THz) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are electrically pumped and heterostructure based semiconductor laser sources with intersubband transitions of electrons in different layers of the quantum wells and barriers. The THz QCLs have high output power in THz region which make them important from application point of view. Recently intensive research has been carried out by researchers for obtaining efficient designs of THz sources. Most of the researchers have investigated the THz frequency range between 0.1 and 3 THz; however, the output power of the THz sources in the frequency range 3–5 THz is small because of transit time and resistance-capacitance effects. Nevertheless, the present review is focused for the development of efficient THz QCL sources in the frequency range from 3 to 5 THz where one of the major problem of thermal backfilling of the carriers has to be overcome by engineering the heterostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main emphasis of the present study is to analyze the novel feature of entropy generation in the flow and heat transfer of Sisko nanofluid over a stretching sheet in the presence of the magnetic field, chemical reaction, and convective boundary conditions. Buongiorno's nanofluid model is used to consider the effect of Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis. The governing Sisko nanofluid flow equations comprising the momentum, nanoparticle volume fraction, and energy are reduced to nonlinear differential equations by utilizing appropriate similarity variables. The numerical solution of nonlinear coupled differential equations is obtained using the finite difference scheme in combination with the quasilinearization technique. The impact of different physical parameters on velocity, nanoparticle volume fraction, and temperature is presented graphically. The variation in entropy generation and Bejan number with different pertinent parameters that characterize the entropy generation phenomenon for the flow of Sisko nanofluid is discussed. The obtained results indicate that the entropy generation enhances with an increase in the magnetic parameter, Brinkman number, and thermal Biot number while reduces with the Sisko material parameter. Moreover, the behavior of mass and heat transfer rates is displayed through the Brownian diffusion parameter and thermophoresis parameter. The analysis of entropy generation minimization has crucial applications in the industrial heat transfer problems, solar heat exchanger, turbomachinery designing, LED‐based spotlights, designing of air‐cooled gas turbine blades, cooling in nuclear fuel rods, rotating reactors, in chillers, air separators, and so forth. Furthermore, entropy generation with MHD flow has applications in MHD generators, nuclear reactors, flow meters, micropumps, power plants, and so forth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding segregation plays a significant role in determining the development pathways of a country as it can help governmental and other concerned agencies to prepare better-targeted policies for the needed groups. However, inferring segregation through alternative data, apart from governmental surveys remains limited due to the non-availability of representative datasets. In this work, we utilize Call Data Records (CDR) provided by one of Estonia's major telecom operators to research the complexities of social interaction and human behavior in order to explain gender segregation. We analyze the CDR with two objectives. First, we study gender segregation by exploring the social network interactions of the CDR. We find that the males are tightly linked which allows information to spread faster among males compared to females. Second, we perform the micro-analysis using various users' characteristics such as age, language, and location. Our findings show that the prime working-age population (i.e., (24,54] years) is more segregated than others. We also find that the Estonian-speaking population (both males and females) are more likely to interact with other Estonian-speaking individuals of the same gender. Further to ensure the quality of this dataset, we compare the CDR data features with publicly available Estonian census datasets. We observe that the CDR dataset is indeed a good representative of the Estonian population, which indicates that the findings of this study reasonably reflect the reality of gender segregation in the Estonian Landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The researchers have made significant progress during the recent years to investigate the nonlinear optical (NLO) response of various materials. The third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility effects are intensity dependent which include the nonlinear refractive index, n 2 , and the nonlinear absorption coefficient, α 2 , values of the materials. This intensity-dependent phenomenon has several potential applications in the laser detectors, the all-optical switching (AOS) and the optical limiting devices. In order to decide the best materials for the AOS applications, the figure-of-merit (FOM) is an important parameter which is the ratio of the nonlinear refractive index and the absorption coefficient. Nevertheless, the main problem in the case of the AOS signal comes from fact that the transmitted signal is relatively low which inhibits the faster switching speed and also results in the incomplete switch-off state of the AOS device. In the present article, we review the materials which exhibit the high value of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility and their applications for variety of the optical devices with a special emphasis to the various types of the AOS techniques based on different physical principles. We propose that the high-FOM materials in combination with a Mach–Zehnder interferometry AOS experimental configuration can increase the transmission signal which improves the contrast and the switching speed. Moreover, we extend the practical applications by the incorporation of the high-FOM material in a slot waveguide geometry to obtain high switching speed. The unsolved problem of obtaining high transmission signal and the phase change of π in the AOS device is discussed which can be further utilized for the telecommunication wavelength applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the methanol extracts of kernels obtained from the selected fruits such as Mangifera indica, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limetta, Punica granatum, and Carica papaya commonly marketed in India and their antioxidant properties were studied. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in kernel extracts (measures in mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g fresh weight and mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g fresh weight, respectively) varied significantly with species (p <0.05) and ranged between 2.35–7.79 and 0.16–1.17, respectively. Antioxidant activities in kernel extract in terms of 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2, 2ʹ-Azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and ferric reducing antioxidant power (expressed in µM ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g fresh weight) was found maximum in M. indica (102.8, 182.3 and 48.8, respectively) among the tested fruits. Cluster analysis based on biochemical attributes indicated that the kernel of M. indica is biochemically different from other kernels. Thus the present study concludes that the kernel of M. indica should be scaled up for industrial utilization as it possesses significantly higher antioxidant activities as compared to other kernels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromatographic separation of paracetamol, aceclofenac and tramadol hydrochloride was performed on a Chromatopak C-18 column (25 cm x 4.6mm i.d. x 5pm) as stationary phase with a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer pH 7.0: acetonitrile (65:35 V/V), pH 7.0 (adjusted with triethylamine) at a flow rate of ImL/min. Detection was carried out at 265 nm. The retention times of paracetamol, aceclofenac and Tramadol hydrochloride were found to be 2.7, 4.5 and 6.0 min, respectively. The proposed mefhod was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ. The method was found to be accurate, precise, specific, robust and linear for the determination of paracetamol, aceclofenac and tramadol hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine and compare the effectiveness and safety of galea-pericranium autologous dural graft with nonautologous polypropylene (G-patch) dural substitute among traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Methods A prospective interventional randomized comparative study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery from November 2013 to March 2015 after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee. The study population included 50 cases of TBI which were divided into two groups of 25 each by the randomization technique and were treated either with autologous duraplasty (galea-pericranium) or nonautologous polypropylene (G-patch) dural substitute. The outcomes measured were time to duraplasty, blood loss, hospital stay, and the incidence of complications with the two techniques. The data were entered in a MS Excel spreadsheet and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The average time to harvest galea-pericranium was 5 minutes. Compared with the patients undergoing G-patch, the patients in group pericranium had comparable duraplasty time (minutes) (34.32 vs. 27.80, p = 0.44), significantly lower drain output (54.8 vs. 74.5, p = 0.017), comparable blood loss (322 vs. 308, p = 0.545), comparable blood transfusion (24% vs. 16%, p = 0.48), significantly lesser duration of hospital stay (8.6 vs. 10.44, p = 0.028), comparable wound infection (8% vs. 16%, p = 0.384), and comparable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (0% vs. 8%, p = 0.149). Conclusion The study showed that galea-pericranium and polypropylene dural patch are equally effective and safe dural substitutes in providing a dural seal to minimize the CSF leaks and infections among posttraumatic brain injury patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "gossypiboma" denotes a mass of cotton that is retained in the body following surgery. It is a rare but serious complication which is seldom reported because of the medicolegal implications. Gossypiboma usually has varied and vague presentation and is also difficult to detect on radiological investigations. It can even remain silent and present years after the operation. We report a case of a 46-year-old female who presented with vague upper abdominal pain associated with postprandial fullness and occasional vomiting. She had a history of open cholecystectomy 16 years ago. Abdominal X-ray and ultrasonogram examination of the abdomen were inconclusive. Her contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed thickening of the wall of the pyloric antrum with air containing thick-walled structure in relation to the pyloric antrum and the first part of the duodenum possibility of the duodenal diverticulum with inflammatory/neoplastic thickening was suggested. Her esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed large cotton sponge embedded in the anterior wall of the first part of the duodenum. On exploratory laparotomy, she was found to have a large gossypiboma embedded in the first part of the duodenum with dense adhesions to surrounding structures. Although rare, gossypiboma should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in postoperative cases presenting as vague pain even years after the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]