Coke oven wastewater treatment using polymeric and ceramic membranes.

This research is aimed to investigate the efficacy of membrane separation technology in treating coke oven wastewater (COW). A comparative study was conducted using three types of membranes: commercial polymeric (CP) membrane, commercial ceramic (CC) membrane, and synthesized ceramic (SC) membrane. The potential of the SC membrane in COW treatment was assessed in comparison to the CC membrane, which had a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 1 Kilo-Dalton. The experiments were conducted under various trans-membrane pressure (TMP) conditions ranging from 1 to 4 bar. Additionally, the effect of the CP membrane on COW treatment was examined at TMP levels ranging from 5 to 25 bar. The research findings revealed that the SC membrane exhibited promising results in terms of permeability and flux compared to the CC membrane. Also, a significant reduction was observed in various water parameters such as TSS decreased by 89.74%, chlorides by 8.24%, nitrogen by 10%, and hardness by 22%. Moreover, the study was carried out by implementing an anti-fouling mechanism to mitigate fouling effects on membrane performance.

Group tele-rehabilitation improves quality of life among subjects with Parkinson's disease: A two arm non-parallel non-randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Tele-rehabilitation has lately emerged as a promising medium for increasing patient adherence with significant positive results. One of the most prevalent neurological diseases affecting movement is Parkinson's disease (PD), which causes a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms among patients. Consequentially, the study was designed to compare the efficacy of group tele-rehabilitation with individual tele-rehabilitation in improving quality of life (QoL) among subjects with PD. METHOD: A two-group pretest-posttest, non-randomized clinical study recruited 68 subjects and classified them into two groups, i.e., Group A (group therapy, n = 36) and Group B (individual therapy, n = 32). Groups A and B received a supervised protocol consisting of a 40-min session on alternate days/week for twelve weeks via the WhatsApp Messenger application through group and individual therapy, respectively. The Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39), mental and physical components of the Short Form Survey (SF-12) were used as primary outcome variables, while the Satisfaction questionnaire was used as a secondary outcome variable. RESULT: The p-values related to within-group analyses were <0.05 except SF-12 PCS >0.05 in Group A and <0.05 in Group B. While the p-values related to between-group analyses were <0.05 except for pre-scores of SF-12 (MCS and PCS). The effect sizes for PDQ-39, SF-12 (MCS), and SF-12 (PCS) were -2.37, 3.36, and 0.66 in Group A and 1.95, 2.69, and 2.03 in Group B, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that group tele-rehabilitation is more effective in improving QoL among subjects with PD as compared to individual tele-rehabilitation. Clinical trial Registration NoCTRI/2022/04/041818.

Uncovering a Novel Site of Ewing's Sarcoma: the Hypopharynx.

Ewing's sarcoma is usually seen in bones but 20-30% are found in extra skeletal soft tissues like in head and neck region. We present the case of Ewing sarcoma of hypopharynx in a 1 year old child who presented to us with acute respiratory distress. Child was intubated using videolaryngoscope and mass was removed using microdebrider. Final histopathological examination revealed Ewing sarcoma. EWSR1 gene rearrangement studies were advised, which the patient refused. Post-operative patient was started on adjuvant chemotherapy. PET CT after 2 months showed no FDG avid lesions within or elsewhere in the region of the body surveyed. There is no case of Ewing's sarcoma in hypopharynx reported to date. The clinical presentation, management and outcome has been discussed with a review of the literature.

Effectiveness of facial palsy protocol among patient with mucormycosis following COVID-19: A case study.

A 41-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus presented with right facial palsy post COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis. A 4-week physiotherapeutic intervention; ice therapy, Mime therapy, Facial Soft Tissue Manipulation, and Facial Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Stimulation, showed improvement in the symptoms of patient and scores of House- Brackman Facial Grading Scale.

Quantum dot decorated polyaniline plastic as a multifunctional nanocomposite: experimental and theoretical approach.

AgO, CoO, and ZnO (ACZ) mixed metal quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by the sol-gel process. Polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by the chemical-oxidative technique. An in situ approach was used for the synthesis of ACZ decorated PANI plastic nanocomposites (NCs). TEM, FTIR, FESEM, UV-visible, DSC, Raman, photoluminescence, and XRD techniques were used for characterizing the QDs, PANI, and ACZ decorated PANI NCs. Experimental and theoretical (DFT) studies were used to support the results. NCs were studied for their adsorption, magnetic, photocatalytic, electrical, thermal, photoluminescence, antibacterial, and anticorrosive activities. The plastic NCs of size 35 nm (observed from XRD and TEM) were found to be paramagnetic. UV-visible spectroscopy and DFT techniques were used to observe the optical band gap of NCs and show an almost equal band gap i.e., 2.75 eV. In 1.0 M H2SO4, the NCs show an 82.0% corrosion inhibition efficiency for mild steel. The adsorption power of the silica gel + NCs packed column was higher than normal silica gel column. A very small low-intensity D band in the Raman spectra confirms defect-free NCs. The photocatalytic activity was observed against methyl-red dye in visible light. The thermal stability of plastic NCs was higher than pure PANI and QDs. The NCs were investigated for bactericidal activity against Gram (positive and negative) microorganisms. The ACZ decorated PANI NCs acted as good nanomaterials for adsorption, separation, magnetic, photocatalytic, photoluminescence, antibacterial, electrical, thermal insulator, and anticorrosive agent.

Genome-wide profiling of drought-tolerant Arabidopsis plants over-expressing chickpea MT1 gene reveals transcription factors implicated in stress modulation.

Drought, a major abiotic limiting factor, could be modulated with in-built reprogramming of plants at molecular level by regulating the activity of plant developmental processes, stress endurance and adaptation. The transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana over-expressing metallothionein 1 (MT1) gene of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was subjected to transcriptome analysis. We evaluated drought tolerance of 7 days old plants of Arabidopsis thaliana in both wild-type (WT) as well as transgenic plants and performed transcriptome analysis. Our analysis revealed 24,737 transcripts representing 24,594 genes out of which 5,816 were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under drought conditions and 841 genes were common in both genotypes. A total of 1251 DEGs in WT and 2099 in MT1 were identified in comparison with control. Out of the significant DEGs, 432 and 944 were upregulated, whereas 819 and 1155 were downregulated in WT and MT1 plants, respectively. The physiological and molecular parameters involving germination assay, root length measurements under different stress treatments and quantitative expression analysis of transgenic plants in comparison to wild-type were found to be enhanced. CarMT1 plants also demonstrated modulation of various other stress-responsive genes that reprogrammed themselves for stress adaptation. Amongst various drought-responsive genes, 24 DEGs showed similar quantitative expression as obtained through RNA sequencing data. Hence, these modulatory genes could be used as a genetic tool for understanding and delineating the mechanisms for fine-tuning of stress responses in crop plants.

microRNA 166: an evolutionarily conserved stress biomarker in land plants targeting HD-ZIP family.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are significant class of noncoding RNAs having analytical investigating and modulatory roles in various signaling mechanisms in plants related to growth, development and environmental stress. Conserved miRNAs are an affirmation of land plants evolution and adaptation. They are a proof of indispensable roles of endogenous gene modulators that mediate plant survival on land. Out of such conserved miRNA families, is one core miRNA known as miR166 that is highly conserved among land plants. This particular miRNA is known to primarily target HD ZIP-III transcription factors. miR166 has roles in various developmental processes, as well as regulatory roles against biotic and abiotic stresses in major crop plants. Major developmental roles indirectly modulated by miR166 include shoot apical meristem and vascular differentiation, leaf and root development. In terms of abiotic stress, it has decisive regulatory roles under drought, salinity, and temperature along with biotic stress management. miR166 and its target genes are also known for their beneficial synergy with microorganisms in leguminous crops in relation to lateral roots and nodule development. Hence it is important to study the roles of miR166 in different crop plants to understand its defensive roles against environmental stresses and improve plant productivity by reprogramming several gene functions at molecular levels. This review is hence a summary of different regulatory roles of miR166 with its target HD-ZIP III and its modulatory and fine tuning against different environmental stresses in various plants.

Spreader Graft Placement: An Effective Procedure for Alleviation of Internal Nasal Valve Collapse.

PURPOSE: The internal nasal valve (INV) is one of the most commonly involved areas in patients with nasal obstruction, and surgeries such as turbinate reduction and septal recontouring affect the physiology of the nasal valve area. With this concept, a cohort study was conducted to evaluate spreader graft's effectiveness in recontouring INV and relieving nasal obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed, including patients with nasal obstruction with INV involvement. To quantify and compare the amount of nasal obstruction, Gertner Metal Plate (GMP) was used, and to assess the relief in associated symptoms, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) was taken into consideration. GMP and SNOT 22 were performed preoperatively and postoperatively at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months, and the data obtained were analyzed by SPSS 22 software using paired t-tests. The postoperative broadening of the nasal dorsum and patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome were also assessed using the visual analog scale . RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included, with 28 males and 10 females. The data obtained were analyzed by using paired t-tests. Improvement in GMP assessment showed that t = 10.392305, 13.391485, and 15.985243 at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months, respectively, with an overall P ≤ .00001 and relief in associated symptoms assessed by SNOT 22 computed t = 12.24228, 15.824486, and 18.046395 at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month, respectively, with an overall P ≤ .00001. A total of 81.57% of patients did not perceive significant nasal dorsum broadening, and 86.84% of patients were highly satisfied by the surgical outcome based on the visual analog scale. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in patients with nasal obstruction associated with INV involvement, spreader grafting provides rapid relief of nasal obstruction and associated symptoms, does not cause any appreciable broadening, and provides a high degree of patient satisfaction. Hence, it should be preferred over septal recontouring and turbinate reduction.

An overview on miRNA-encoded peptides in plant biology research.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (21-23 nt) regulatory RNA molecules present in plants and animals which are known for regulating the mRNA target gene expression either by cleavage or translational repression. With the advancements in miRNAs research in plants towards their biogenesis and applications has directed the recent discovery of pri-miRNAs encoding functional peptides or microRNA peptides (miPEPs). These miPEPs are encoded by 5' of pri-miRs containing short ORFs (miORFs). miPEPs are known to enhance the activity of their associated miRNAs by increasing their accumulation and hence downregulating the target genes. Since miPEPs are very specific for each miRNA, they are considered as novel and effective tools for improving traits of interest for plant growth promotion and plant-microbe interaction. Entire peptidome research is the need of the hour. This review thus summarizes recent advancements in miPEP research and its applications as a technology with important agronomical implications with miRNAs augmentation.

Swelling in the Floor of the Mouth: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Epidermoid cysts are abnormal structures originating from abnormal ectoderm and are benign and slow growing. These are found anywhere in the body. They arise during embryonic fusion due to entrapment of epithelial remnants and sometimes due to faulty implantation of the epithelium. The cysts can be epidermoid (squamous epithelium), true dermoid (skin apppendages), and teratoid (all germ layers). They are usually diagnosed by fine-needle cytological aspiration and require imaging to plan line of treatment. Diagnostic dilemma is always an issue as cystic lesions are commonly found in the head-and-neck region. Here, we present a case of large epidermoid cyst involving sublingual and submandibular region.

An assessment of anti-citrullinated protein antibody in systemically healthy individuals with or without chronic periodontitis: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis has been implicated as a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship between RA and chronic periodontitis (CP) by evaluating the serum levels of the anti citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) which is a marker of RA in systemically healthy individuals with and without CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 40 systemically healthy individuals. Participants were divided into two groups, i.e., CP group Systemically healthy chronic periodontitis (CPSH) (n = 20) and control group Systemically healthy (SH) (n = 20), matched for age and gender. The CP patients were evaluated for periodontal parameters, namely probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, percentage of the site involved with attachment loss, and number of teeth present. A volume of 5 ml of venous blood was collected from both the groups and centrifuged; the separated serum was stored at - 70°C before being analyzed. Later, serum samples were tested for levels of ACPA in both the groups and compared. RESULTS: The mean serum ACPA levels were higher in CPSH patients compared to SH (131.38 RU/ml vs. 34.54 RU/ml, P = 0.001), which was statistically highly significant. In addition, we found a significant elevation of serum ACPA levels in severe generalized CP patients compared to moderate generalized CP patients (175.47 RU/ml vs. 95.31 RU/ml, P = 0.001), and the difference was statistically highly significant. CONCLUSION: The results of the study confirmed that CP can be a risk factor for RA. Moreover, the severity of periodontitis appeared to be related to elevated serum levels of ACPA.

Hydrological linkages between different water resources from two contrasting ecosystems of western peninsular India: a stable isotope perspective.

Water scarcity is a leading concern in both developing and developed nations. Coping with water scarcity requires an understanding of various hydrological processes that act upon precipitation, surface and groundwater at a local scale. We measured isotopic signatures of several water samples from two distinct ecosystems, i.e. tropical savanna in the West and the warm semi-arid region in the East lying across the Western Ghats mountain range, India, to understand the hydrological processes. The results show that the hydrogeological conditions strongly influence the isotopic characteristics of water of different resources, governed by different hydrological processes, even at close spatial scales. Based on the local evaporation lines of different water resources within a particular ecosystem, it is inferred that the water resources are well linked at one site, but have diverse connectivity at the other site. Further, the isotopic signatures of all the water resources are systematically affected by the monsoon precipitation. In addition, anomalously depleted isotopic signatures are observed during known hailstorm events. This may provide a means to trace their signature in the existing water resources.