Hydrothermal liquefaction for biochar production from finger millet waste: its valorisation, process optimization, and characterization.

In this study, the potential of finger millet waste biomass (FMWB) as a source of biochar production through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) was investigated. The HTL process was designed using Box-Behnken design (BBD) and carried out with process variables, i.e., temperature (250 °C, 350 °C, and 450 °C), time (30 min, 45 min, and 60 min), and solid-to-water ratio (1 : 6, 1 : 8, and 1 : 10). The responses, i.e., biochar yield (%), bulk density (g cm-3), pH, and high heating value (HHV), were analysed. Optimisation was done using design expert software (version 13.0.1). The optimized finger millet waste biochar (O-FMWBC) was produced at optimum values (450 °C, 1 : 10, and 33.5 min). The results of proximate and elemental analysis revealed that moisture, ash, and volatile content, H, and O of O-FMWBC decreased while fixed carbon, thermal stability, and C content increased compared to FMWB. FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and XRD analyses were performed for O-FMWBC. The results of FT-IR showed the presence of O-H, C-H, C[double bond, length as m-dash]O, and C[double bond, length as m-dash]C functional groups. The SEM image revealed the rough surface of O-FMWBC, and XRD confirmed the production of a broad range of inorganic compounds and minerals. This study provides the full exploitation of FMWBC as a source of solid fuel.

Process Standardization of Functionally Enriched Millet-Based Nutri-Cereal Mix Using D-Optimal Design Approach for Enhancing Food and Nutritional Security.

Millets are currently employed in a variety of ways, including direct consumption and usage in the manufacture of certain cuisines or snacks. The present investigation was aimed at optimizing functionally enriched millet-based nutri-cereal mix comprising chicken and vegetable for a nutrition-deficient population. A total of 16 experiments were carried out by using optimal (custom) design model of mixture design with 60% major ingredients, including malted sorghum flour (20-30%), malted green gram flour (15-25%), and boiled chicken powder (5-15%). To make 100% of the total nutri-cereal mixture, other ingredients such as malted pearl millet (10%), finger millet flour (10%), beetroot powder (2.5%), pumpkin powder (7.5%), skimmed milk powder (9.5%), and stevia powder (0.5%) were added. Numerical optimization was done using Design Expert software, version 13. The optimized ratio was 30% malted sorghum flour, 15% malted green gram flour, and 15% chicken powder. The predicted values of responses 5.101%, 3.616%, 1.963%, 11.165%, 28.005%, 50.149%, 330.282 kcal, and 0.373 were in accordance with experimental values 6.426%, 3.455%, 1.714%, 11.432%, 29.12%, 47.853%, 323.318 kcal, and 0.385 for moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, energy, and water activity, respectively, with a small error percentage. The results of mineral content, phenolic content, and amino acid profiling revealed that the optimized Nutri-cereal mix have higher amounts of these components. The results also suggested that the optimized Nutri-cereal mix of these malted millet flours can potentially enhance the nutritional deficiency as well as improve food and nutritional security.

Snuffbox Versus Wrist Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas: 10 Years Experience.

Background The wrist radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) is the initial suggested procedure for establishing hemodialysis vascular access (HVA) in the most distal site of the upper limb. The anatomical snuffbox arteriovenous fistula (SBAVF) is barely utilised, despite its remote location. In this study, we aimed to analyse and compare the results of SBAVF and RCAVF in terms of their maturity, patency, and failure rates. Methodology This descriptive, retrospective study compared outcomes between SBAVF and RCAVF in terms of maturation, patency, and failure. All patients with chronic kidney disease who attended and underwent either procedure at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board between 2013 and 2023 were studied. Results In a period of 10 years, 179 patients were included. Overall, 102 (57%) were male and 77 (43%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. Wrist radiocephalic fistula was the dominant type of surgery done in 76% (n = 136), while the snuffbox radiocephalic fistula was done in fewer than 24% (n = 43) of patients. Most patients underwent a successful arteriovenous (AV) fistula (n = 105, 58.7%), in contrast to 67 patients whose fistulas failed. There was a significant relationship between fistula failure and complications (p = 0.000). There was no significant effect of the fistula site, hypertension, diabetes, cardiac diseases, smoking, peripheral vascular disease, or central vein stenosis on the failure of the AV fistula (p = 0.127, 0.534, 0.510, 0.397, 0.017, 0.68, and 0.371, respectively). Conclusions The snuffbox AV fistula is a suitable and feasible first choice for patients on hemodynamic therapy.

Indications and Outcome of Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA): A Single Centre Experience.

Background Stroke is a prevalent ailment that impacts a substantial number of individuals globally, resulting in both physical impairment and mortality. One of its major causes is carotid artery stenosis. The symptoms and degree of stenosis are key indications for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In this study, we highlight the indications and outcomes of carotid endarterectomy in our center. Methods This is a descriptive, retrospective, observational study. Data of patients who underwent CEA at Glan Clwyd Hospital from January 2018 to January 2023 was retrieved. The study sample consisted of patients diagnosed with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis who had CEA at Glan Clwyd Hospital. The data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results A total of 150 patients were enrolled in the study. A majority of the patients were male, accounting for 69.3% (n = 104), and had a mean age of 71.1 ± 9.9 standard deviation. A majority of the patients were smokers (48.7%) and had additional medical conditions, including hypertension (34%), ischemic heart disease (17.3%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (73.3%), and diabetes (46.7%). Nevertheless, the remaining comorbidities were less common. The outcome of the CEA among the patients was cardiac event 3.3% (n = 5); transient ischemic attack (TIA) 3.3% (n = 5); stroke 0.6% (n = 1); hemorrhage 2.6% (n = 4); surgical site infection 2% (n = 3); perioperative mortality 1.3% (n = 2); and cranial nerve injury 1.3% (n = 2). However, no complications were reported in most of the patients, 85.6% (n = 128). Conclusion An endarterectomy is quite advantageous for treating symptomatic stenosis. The findings can be applied to patients who are physically suitable for surgery. The efficacy of endarterectomy is contingent upon not only the severity of carotid stenosis but also various other parameters, such as the time elapsed between the presenting event and the surgical intervention, as well as the patient's overall medical condition. However, the CEA is the gold standard in surgical management for symptomatic carotid disease.