Aerodynamic performance enhancement of centrifugal compressor using numerical techniques.

Background: Centrifugal compressors are dynamic machines utilizing a rotating impeller, efficiently accelerate incoming gases, transforming kinetic energy into pressure energy for compression. They serve a wide range of industries, including air conditioning, refrigeration, gas turbines, industrial processes, and applications such as air compression, gas transportation, and petrochemicals, demonstrating their versatility. Designing a centrifugal compressor poses challenges related to achieving high aerodynamic efficiency, surge and choke control, material selection, rotor dynamics, cavitation, erosion, and addressing environmental considerations while balancing costs.

Amphiphilic self-assembling peptides: formulation and elucidation of functional nanostructures for imaging and smart drug delivery.

The rational design of self-assembled peptide-based nanostructures for theranostics applications requires in-depth physicochemical characterization of the peptide nanostructures, to understand the mechanism and the interactions involved in the self-assembly, allowing a better control of the objects' physicochemical and functional properties for theranostic applications. In this work, several complementary characterization methods, such as dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, circular dichroism, Taylor dispersion analysis, and capillary electrophoresis, were used to study and optimize the self-assembly of pH-sensitive short synthetic amphiphilic peptides containing an RGD motif for active targeting of tumor cells and smart drug delivery. The combined methods evidenced the spontaneous formation of nanorods (L = 50 nm, d = 10 nm) at pH 11, stabilized by β-sheets.

Vaccination and Its Impact on Lung Involvement in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study in India.

Background COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, led to a global pandemic necessitating urgent vaccine development and deployment. By the end of 2020, several vaccines had reached their clinical trial endpoints. India, leveraging its pharmaceutical prowess, developed two primary vaccines: CoviShield® and Covaxin®.

Study of the Toxicity and Translocation of Chromium (VI) in Vicia faba Plant.

In soil, chromium can be found in two main valence forms: hexavalent Cr (VI) and trivalent Cr (III). In terms of toxicity, the most toxic form to plants is Cr (VI). In the present study, we investigated the impact of Cr (VI) (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) on growth, physiological parameters and the translocation kinetics of Cr (VI) in the faba bean plant (Vicia faba L.

A methodological approach by capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry via electrospray interface for the characterization of short synthetic peptides towards the conception of self-assembled nanotheranostic agents.

Nanostructures formed by the self-assembling peptide building blocks are attractive materials for the design of theranostic objects due to their intrinsic biocompatibility, accessible surface chemistry as well as cavitary morphology. Short peptide synthesis and modification are straightforward and give access to a great diversity of sequences, making them very versatile building blocks allowing for the design of thoroughly controlled self-assembled nanostructures. In this work, we developed a new CE-DAD-ESI-MS method to characterize short synthetic amphiphilic peptides in terms of exact sequence and purity level in the low 0.

Intermodulation of gut-lung axis microbiome and the implications of biotics to combat COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus disease pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has infected millions of people around the world with a surge in transmission and mortality rates. Although it is a respiratory viral infection that affects airway epithelial cells, a diverse set of complications, including cytokine storm, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological distress, and hyperactive immune responses have been reported. However, growing evidence indicates that the bidirectional crosstalk of the gut-lung axis can decipher the complexity of the disease.

A Comparative Study on Hexavalent Chromium Adsorption onto Chitosan and Chitosan-Based Composites.

Chitosan (Cs)-based composites were developed by incorporating silica (Cs-Si), and both silica and hydroxyapatite (Cs-Si-Hap), comparatively tested to sequester hexavalent (Cr(VI)) ions from water. XRD and FT-IR data affirmed the formation of Cs-Si and Cs-Si-Hap composite. Morphological images exhibits homogeneous Cs-Si surface, decorated with SiO nanoparticles, while the Cs-Si-Hap surface was non-homogeneous with microstructures, having SiO and Hap nanoparticles.

Chitosan/Phosphate Rock-Derived Natural Polymeric Composite to Sequester Divalent Copper Ions from Water.

Herein, a chitosan (CH) and fluroapatite (TNP) based CH-TNP composite was synthesized by utilizing seafood waste and phosphate rock and was tested for divalent copper (Cu(II)) adsorptive removal from water. The XRD and FT-IR data affirmed the formation of a CH-TNP composite, while BET analysis showed that the surface area of the CH-TNP composite (35.5 m/g) was twice that of CH (16.

Care at door-steps for persons with severe mental disorders: A pilot experience from Karnataka district mental health program.

Background: Public funded outreach services for persons with severe mental disorders (SMDs), a norm in developed nations, is non-existent in India. We share our pilot experience with an indigenous model named 'Care at Doorsteps' (CADs) for persons with SMDs who dropped out from clinical care of District Mental Health Program (DMHP) at three sites of Karnataka, a south Indian state.

Aim: The objectives of this study were to identify the reasons for drop outs from routine care and to assess the burden of illness and disability after the intervention.

Characterization of natural cellulosic fiber extracted from Grewia damine flowering plant's stem.

Grewia damine is a flowering plant found in India and Sri Lanka. The fiber taken out from the stem bark of G. damine is found to be novel and selected for characterization study.

Characterization of surface-modified natural cellulosic fiber extracted from the root of Ficus religiosa tree.

The foremost intention of this work is to test the suitability of the Ficus religiosa Root Fiber (FRRF) as the better reinforcement for the natural fiber-reinforced composite structures. In the current work, the attempts have been made with the view of improving the physical, thermal, chemical, surface, and crystalline properties of FRRF employing 5 wt% of NaOH solution. Five samples of FRRF have been prepared by soaking the raw fiber in the alkali solution under different soaking times.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of acne relapse among Saudi acne vulgaris patients using isotretinoin.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a self-limiting condition that may affect the patients quality of life. The most efficacious treatment of choice for acne is isotretinoin. However, adverse effects and relapse of acne after completing an isotretinoin course pose major hurdles for treatment compliance and adherence.

Character based identification system for Elasmobranchs for conservation and forensic applications.

The term Elasmobranchs or Chondrichthyans refer to the group of marine organisms include sharks, skates, rays and chimeras. Due to high demand most of the Elasmobranch species depleted drastically in recent years. Being the apex predators in the marine environment most of the Chondrichthyan species are vulnerable with some risk of extinction.

ATTITUDES OF FEMALE STREET VENDORS TOWARDS HIV/AIDS IN VHEMBE DISTRICT OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are still global health problems. This study was conducted to describe the attitudes of female street vendors (FSV) in Thohoyandou, Vhembe district, towards HIV/AIDS and those infected with the virus.

Materials And Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was adopted.

OFDR with double interrogation for dynamic quasi-distributed sensing.

A method for phase sensitive quasi-distributed vibration and acoustical sensing is presented. The method is based on double optical frequency domain reflectometry interrogation of a sensing fiber with an array of discrete weak reflectors. Two replicas of the interrogation signal are launched into the sensing fiber.

Congenital malformations in perinatal autopsies - a study of 100 cases.

Background: Congenital malformations remain a common cause of perinatal deaths and even though ultrasonogram can give fairly accurate diagnosis, perinatal autopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis and look for associated malformations.

Objectives: To emphasize the importance of perinatal autopsy in diagnosing congenital malformations and to compare the same with the prenatal ultrasound findings.

Methods: The present study comprises 100 consecutive perinatal autopsies conducted after obtaining the approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee.

CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 gene polymorphisms in Israeli Jewish women with cervical cancer.

Hypothesis: To assess the frequency distribution of the CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 gene polymorphisms in Israeli Jewish women with cervical cancer.

Methods: Forty-three Israeli Jewish women with cervical cancer and 123 healthy Israeli Jewish women were assessed. CYP1A1 (2 alleles) and CYP2D6 polymorphism was analyzed using an allele-specific, polymerase chain reaction-based method.

The role of HPV DNA in the evaluation and follow-up of asymptomatic male sexual partners of females with CIN3.

Purpose: To determine whether and how asymptomatic sexual partners of females with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN3) lesions should be examined.

Methods: Sexual partners of females with CIN3 were evaluated for HPV-related lesions by scraping samples for high-risk HPV DNA and androscopy (colposcopic inspection of the penis, scrotum and peri-anal area). Abnormal androscopically detected lesions were sampled for cytology by Pap smears.

[Large loop excision of the transformation zone in Israel--2001].

Background: Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is regarded as the treatment of choice in cases of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN). Since the method is easy to learn and the equipment is inexpensive, many gynecologists now perform it in the clinic. Concern has been raised regarding the use of this procedure with insufficient indication by physicians who have not been adequately trained in performing LLETZ.

Follow-up by combined cytology and human papillomavirus testing for patients post-cone biopsy: results of a long-term follow-up.

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of integrating human papillomavirus (HPV) testing into a long-term follow-up and management protocol for women postconization for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2-3).

Methods: Sixty-seven women were followed-up by Pap smears and HPV type and load testing (mean follow-up, 63 months; range, 50-72). Patients with persistent abnormal cytology on two consecutive smears and those with positive HPV test results (whatever their cytologic findings) were referred for colposcopy-directed biopsy.

Fused functional-anatomic images of metastatic cancer of cervix obtained by a combined gamma camera and an X-ray tube hybrid system with an illustrative case and review of the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose literature.

Background: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) assessments have provided clinically important information in cervical cancer. FDG studies can now be performed by both dedicated PET systems and by new-generation gamma cameras. Hybrid systems which consist of positron emission tomography (PET) or a gamma camera with X-ray for fusion of functional-anatomic data without changing the patient's position are now available.

Clinical and economic benefit of HPV-load testing in follow-up and management of women postcone biopsy for CIN2-3.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and economic implications of integrating human papilloma virus (HPV) load testing into the follow-up and management protocol of women postconisation for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2-3). We evaluated 130 suitable women: 63 were screened biannually by Pap smears ('conventional approach') and 67 also had HPV-load testing ('HPV approach'). More stringent criteria for undergoing colposcopy or reconisation were observed by the former group compared to the latter.

Human papilloma virus testing in patient follow-up post cone biopsy due to high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Objective: We evaluated the contribution of the human papilloma virus (HPV) load in planning follow-up and management of women post cone biopsy for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2-3).

Methods: Ninety-six suitable women were followed-up by Pap smears: two consecutive abnormal smears dictated referral for colposcopy-directed biopsy. Before colposcopy, HPV tests determined high-risk HPV DNA type and load (Hybrid Capture System type I).

Mid-trimester severe intrauterine growth restriction is associated with a high prevalence of thrombophilia.

Objective: To investigate the association between severe mid-trimester IUGR, whose causes are unknown in most cases, and maternal thrombophilias.

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.