Modeling and Simulation of Triple Coupled Cantilever Sensor for Mass Sensing Applications

Cantilever sensors have been the growing attention in last decades and their use as a mass detector. This work presents design, modeling and analysis of Triple coupled cantilever(TCC) sensor using MEMS simulation software Comsol Multiphysics with critical  dimensions of 100μm length,20μm width and 2μm thickness. Simulations were performed based on finite element modeling techniques, where different resonant frequencies were observed for different modes of operation. It is also observed that the resonant frequency of the sensor decreases as some mass is applied on one particular cantilever. The various parameters greatly affecting the performance of TCC such as resonant frequency, dimensions, material and pressure or force applied on it.we also observed that while adding some mass on any one lateral cantilever, the resonant frequency of that respective mode reduced

A preoperative predictive tool to assess the need for staging laparoscopy in oesophagogastric cancer patients

INTRODUCTION: Staging laparoscopy (SL) has become commonplace in the preoperative staging pathway for oesophagogastric (OG) cancer. SL is often performed before curative treatment to examine for macroscopic peritoneal metastases (PM) or positive peritoneal cytology (PPC). The aim of this study was to develop an objective risk scoring system to predict both PM and PPC at SL.METHODS: A prospectively collected and maintained database of all OG cancer patients treated between 2006 and 2020 was reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for both PM and PPC at SL. A risk score was produced for both PM and PPC, and then validated internally.RESULTS: Among 968 patients who underwent SL, 96 (9.9%) had PM and 81 (8.4%) had PPC at SL. Tumour site ( p &lt; 0.001), computed tomography (CT) T stage ( p &lt; 0.001) and N stage ( p = 0.029) were significantly associated with PM at SL ( p &lt; 0.001). Tumour site ( p &lt; 0.001), biopsy histology ( p = 0.041), CT T stage ( p &lt; 0.001) and N stage ( p &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with PPC. The risk scoring model for PM included cancer site and CT T stage. This was successfully tested on the validation set (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] = 0.730). The risk scoring model for PPC included cancer site, CT T and N stage. This was successfully tested on the validation set (AUROC = 0.773). CONCLUSIONS: The current risk scores are valid tools with which to predict the risk PM and PPC in patients undergoing SL for OG cancer and may help to avoid subjecting patients to unnecessary SL.</p

Assessment of Impacts Paper Industrial Effluent on ground water quality

Water is an essential component for the survival of the eco systems and all the living organisms on the earth. Due to agricultural activities, rapid industrialization and growth in urban population, the water sources are being contaminated by anthropogenic activities. Keepingnbsp in view the rapid industrialization in East Godavari region, it is proposed to characterize the effluent water generated from the paper industry and ground water collected from the surrounding areas of the industry to assessnbsp the impact of paper industrial effluentnbsp on ground water quality .The present work is focused on characterization of effluent and ground water collectednbsp physiologicalnbsp parameters viz.,pH, EC,TDS,TH, TA, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate,nbsp Phosphate, Na, K,Ca,Mg for assessing the chemical contamination of water. Irrigation parameters like, Percent sodium, SAR, RSC, KR and MH are determined to verify the suitability of water for irrigation purposes. Further thenbsp waters are characterized for metal ions like Li,Be,Al,V,Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn,As,Se,Rb,Sr,Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba,Pb to assess the metal toxicity. The waters are also characterized for Microbial species. The research results revealed that higher values of TDS, TA and TH in some water samples indicate the presence of soluble solids and alkalinity of water. Higher values of TH in some samples indicate the encrustation nature of waters which make the waters unsuitable for drinking and domestic purposes. Presence of pathogenic bacteria like E.coli, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Basillus indicate the microbial contamination of water and hence these waters can cause waterborne diseases, if consumed for drinkingnbsp purposes. It is suggested that these waters are to be treated by using the available treatment methods to remove the chemical contamination and to subject the waters for disinfection methods to remove the microbial contamination befour use for drinking or domestic purposes

Elicitation of resistance and associated defense responses in Trichoderma hamatum induced protection against pearl millet downy mildew pathogen

Endophytic Trichoderma hamatum UoM 13 isolated from pearl millet roots was evaluated for its efficiency to suppress downy mildew disease. Under laboratory conditions, T. hamatum seed treatment significantly enhanced pearl millet seed germination and seedling vigor. T. hamatum seed treatment resulted in systemic and durable immunity against pearl millet downy mildew disease under greenhouse and field conditions. T. hamatum treated seedlings responded to downy mildew infection with high lignification and callose deposition. Analysis of defense enzymes showed that T. hamatum treatment significantly enhanced the activities of glucanase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and polyphenol oxidase in comparison to untreated control. RT-PCR analysis revealed differentially expressed transcripts of the defense enzymes and PR-proteins in treated, untreated, and checks, wherein PR-1, PR-5, and cell wall defense HRGPs were significantly over expressed in treated seedlings as against their lower expression in controls. T. hamatum treatment significantly stimulated endogenous salicylic acid (SA) levels and significantly upregulated important SA biosynthesis gene isochorismate synthase. The results indicated that T. hamatum UoM13 treatment induces resistance corresponding to significant over expression of endogenous SA, important defense enzymes, PR-proteins, and HRGPs, suggesting that SA biosynthetic pathway is involved in pearl millet for mounting systemic immunity against downy mildew pathogen

Cleidocranial dysplasia presenting with retained deciduous teeth in a 15-year-old girl: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare congenital defect of autosomal dominant inheritance caused by mutations in the <it>Cbfa1 </it>gene, also called <it>Runx2</it>, located on the short arm of chromosome 6. It primarily affects bones which undergo intramembranous ossification. This condition is of clinical significance to dentistry due to the involvement of the facial bones, altered eruption patterns and multiple supernumerary teeth.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Our patient, a 15-year-old Indian girl, presented with the typical features of prolonged retention of deciduous dentition and delayed eruption of permanent teeth, that is, mandibular prognathism along with other skeletal abnormalities like shrugged shoulder and the absence of clavicles. A multidisciplinary approach was followed, comprising orthodontic, surgical and pedodontic teams for management.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Successful treatment of such a case lies in a holistic approach that takes care of all aspects, including the primary pathology, the deformity itself and even the psychological angle.</p

Chitosan nanoparticles having higher degree of acetylation induce resistance against pearl millet downy mildew through nitric oxide generation

Downy mildew of pearl millet caused by the biotrophic oomycete Sclerospora graminicola is the most devastating disease which impairs pearl millet production causing huge yield and monetary losses. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) were synthesized from low molecular weight chitosan having higher degree of acetylation was evaluated for their efficacy against downy mildew disease of pearl millet caused by Sclerospora graminicola. Laboratory studies showed that CNP seed treatment significantly enhanced pearl millet seed germination percentage and seedling vigor compared to the control. Seed treatment with CNP induced systemic and durable resistance and showed significant downy mildew protection under greenhouse conditions in comparison to the untreated control. Seed treatment with CNP showed changes in gene expression profiles wherein expression of genes of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were highly upregulated. CNP treatment resulted in earlier and higher expression of the pathogenesis related proteins PR1 and PR5. Downy mildew protective effect offered by CNP was found to be modulated by nitric oxide and treatment with CNP along with NO inhibitors cPTIO completely abolished the gene expression of defense enzymes and PR proteins. Further, comparative analysis of CNP with Chitosan revealed that the very small dosage of CNP performed at par with recommended dose of Chitosan for downy mildew management

The Spectrum of Acute Cerebrovascular Disease in Patients with COVID-19

Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. (1) Background: COVID-19 infection is responsible for the ongoing pandemic and acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has been observed in COVID-19 patients. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study of hospitalized adult patients admitted to our hospital with SARS-CoV-2 and acute cerebrovascular disease. All clinical data were reviewed including epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory data, neuroradiological findings, hospital management and course from 32 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 management with acute cerebrovascular disease. (3) Results: Acute CVD with COVID-19 was associated with higher NIH stroke scale on discharge compared to non-COVID-19 CVDs. Seizures complicated the hospital course in 16% of COVID-19 patients with CVD. The majority of the acute CVDs were ischemic (81%) in nature followed by hemorrhagic (22%). Acute CVD with COVID-19 resulted in average hospital stays greater than twice that of the control group (13 days in COVID-19, 5 days in control). Acute CVD with COVID-19 patients had worse clinical outcomes with 31% patient deaths and 6% discharged to hospice. In the control group, 6% of patients died. (4) Conclusions: Acute CVD associated with COVID-19 tends to be more complicated with unique and adverse clinical phenotype, longer hospital admissions, and worse clinical outcomes.Royal Society Wolfson Fellowshi

Cotton in the new millennium: advances, economics, perceptions and problems

Cotton is the most significant natural fibre and has been a preferred choice of the textile industry and consumers since the industrial revolution began. The share of man-made fibres, both regenerated and synthetic fibres, has grown considerably in recent times but cotton production has also been on the rise and accounts for about half of the fibres used for apparel and textile goods. To cotton’s advantage, the premium attached to the presence of cotton fibre and the general positive consumer perception is well established, however, compared to commodity man-made fibres and high performance fibres, cotton has limitations in terms of its mechanical properties but can help to overcome moisture management issues that arise with performance apparel during active wear. This issue of Textile Progress aims to: i. Report on advances in cotton cultivation and processing as well as improvements to conventional cotton cultivation and ginning. The processing of cotton in the textile industry from fibre to finished fabric, cotton and its blends, and their applications in technical textiles are also covered. ii. Explore the economic impact of cotton in different parts of the world including an overview of global cotton trade. iii. Examine the environmental perception of cotton fibre and efforts in organic and genetically-modified (GM) cotton production. The topic of naturally-coloured cotton, post-consumer waste is covered and the environmental impacts of cotton cultivation and processing are discussed. Hazardous effects of cultivation, such as the extensive use of pesticides, insecticides and irrigation with fresh water, and consequences of the use of GM cotton and cotton fibres in general on the climate are summarised and the effects of cotton processing on workers are addressed. The potential hazards during cotton cultivation, processing and use are also included. iv. Examine how the properties of cotton textiles can be enhanced, for example, by improving wrinkle recovery and reducing the flammability of cotton fibre