Seawater heat recovery by the utilisation of phase change heat of freezing

With the Paris agreement calling to limit global warming to 2°C below pre-industrial levels, with further efforts to ensure it stays below 1.5°C, the Finnish government passed the Laki hiilen energiakäytön kieltämisestä (416/2019), i.e., Act of Prohibition of Coal Energy, which stipulates that the use of coal as a fuel for heat/electricity production to be banned from 1 May 2029. This affects Helsinki’s energy industry and a key concern to this work is the Salmisaari Combined Heat and Power plant, which is set to be decommissioned. This plant currently generates heat and electricity by using wood pellets and coal to cater to around 25-45% of the District Heating consumption of the city of Helsinki. To compensate for this decommissioning, there arises a need for more heat production, around 300-500MW of capacity. One alternative is the heat recovery of seawater by utilising the phase change heat of freezing. The present project investigates a technical feasibility study of a system to generate ice slurry, which is then used to extract heat from seawater at ~0°C via a heat pump. The competitiveness of an ice-slurry based system to state-of-the-art water or ice-based storage is analysed as well. The proposed system is then modelled in Aspen Plus, and the pressure drop characteristics of the generated ice slurry are studied. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the pressure ratio of the compressor on the performance of the system is studied. Based on prior works, level of commercialisation and technical feasibility, it was found that a vacuum ice generation method, in combination with heat pumps, is a viable solution to cater to the district heating demand of the city. Further, it is concluded that the pressure drop occurring during transport of the ice slurry is quite minimal – less than 0.5% of the total power consumed whilst producing 300MW of district heat. The COP of the system varies between 2.6-2.8 depending on the pressure ratio of the compressor and thus is energy efficient. Overall, the proposed solution seems to be promising and with further socio-techno-economic analysis, this could be the potential alternative to bridge the deficit

Effectiveness of Surgical Management of Ankle Fractures in Attaining the Stability of Ankle

Introduction: Ankle injuries comprise a major group of lower limb trauma. Many of these injuries can be treated by manipulative reduction and conservative treatment and some of these yield satisfactory results, so present study was undertaken to know the effectiveness of surgical management of ankle fractures. Method: 42 surgically treated displaced fractures are included and studied in detail of age, sex, occupation, type of fracture, mode of injury, type of treatment, Clinical evidence of fracture union, Radiological evidence of fracture union, Relation of talus in the ankle mortise, Range of mobility of the ankle, Residual disability and pain, Ability to walk and time of return to duty and complications were noted. Result:  42 cases were surgically treated, most of the patients were operated on an emergency basis within 24 hours of injury. Based on the mechanism of injury Pronation- External Rotation (30.9%) and Based on Ao Classification Type B - B2 (53.3%) were the major type of fractures. In the majority of cases, Malleolar screws type of implants used.  In overall the final status of patients is good (ability to walk).  Conclusion: Displaced ankle fractures need accurate open reduction and internal fixation and postoperative immobilization for 6 weeks. This will suffice to get good results. Post-operative rigid immobilization and protected weight bearing for 12 weeks is minimal to achieve good union followed by physiotherapy to restore the maximum range of movements Keywords: Ankle Fractures; Surgical management, Stability; Effectiveness

Effectiveness of Surgical Management of Ankle Fractures in Attaining the Stability of Ankle

Introduction: Ankle injuries comprise a major group of lower limb trauma. Many of these injuries can be treated by manipulative reduction and conservative treatment and some of these yield satisfactory results, so present study was undertaken to know the effectiveness of surgical management of ankle fractures. Method: 42 surgically treated displaced fractures are included and studied in detail of age, sex, occupation, type of fracture, mode of injury, type of treatment, Clinical evidence of fracture union, Radiological evidence of fracture union, Relation of talus in the ankle mortise, Range of mobility of the ankle, Residual disability and pain, Ability to walk and time of return to duty and complications were noted. Result:  42 cases were surgically treated, most of the patients were operated on an emergency basis within 24 hours of injury. Based on the mechanism of injury Pronation- External Rotation (30.9%) and Based on Ao Classification Type B - B2 (53.3%) were the major type of fractures. In the majority of cases, Malleolar screws type of implants used.  In overall the final status of patients is good (ability to walk).  Conclusion: Displaced ankle fractures need accurate open reduction and internal fixation and postoperative immobilization for 6 weeks. This will suffice to get good results. Post-operative rigid immobilization and protected weight bearing for 12 weeks is minimal to achieve good union followed by physiotherapy to restore the maximum range of movements Keywords: Ankle Fractures; Surgical management, Stability; Effectiveness

Uloga istodobne primjene antioksidanata u sprječavanju oksidacijskih oštećenja uzrokovanih supkroničnom izloženošću štakora arsenu

In this experiment thirty rats were exposed to 0 (Gr. I, healthy controls) or 10 ppm arsenic (sodium arsenite) through drinking water ad lib for eight weeks after dividing them into five groups of six rats each. Rats in Gr. III, IV and V were administered a daily oral dose of cysteine, methionine or ascorbic acid 25 mg/kg body mass respectively, while those in Gr. II served as the treated control. At the end of the experimental period oxidative stress indices viz. lipid peroxides level (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were estimated in blood, liver and kidneys from sacrificed rats. Arsenic exposure resulted in a significant (P0.05) effects on the body mass of rats of different groups over time. It is concluded from the present study that prophylactic co-administration of cysteine, methionine and ascorbic acid could provide tissue specific protection from oxidative injury during sub-chronic exposure to arsenicU istraživanju su štakori bili izloženi natrijevom arsenitu (10 ppm arsena) primijenjenom u vodi za piće tijekom 8 tjedana nakon čega su bili podijeljeni u 5 skupina po 6 štakora. Štakorima u skupinama 3, 4 i 5 oralnim je putem dnevno davan cistein, metionin ili askorbinska kiselina u količini od 25 mg/kg tjelesne mase. Štakori 2. skupine poslužili su kao kontrola. Na kraju pokusa određeni su pokazatelji oksidativnog stresa i to razina lipidnog peroksida, superoksidne dismutaze i katalaze u krvi, jetri i bubrezima. Izloženost arsenu očitovala se značajnim (P0,05) na tjelesnu masu štakora različitih skupina. Zaključeno je da istodobna profilaktička primjena cisteina, metionina ili askorbinske kiseline pruža specifičnu zaštitu tkiva od oksidacijskih oštećenja uzrokovanih supkroničnim izlaganjem arsenu

Uloga istodobne primjene antioksidanata u sprječavanju oksidacijskih oštećenja uzrokovanih supkroničnom izloženošću štakora arsenu

In this experiment thirty rats were exposed to 0 (Gr. I, healthy controls) or 10 ppm arsenic (sodium arsenite) through drinking water ad lib for eight weeks after dividing them into five groups of six rats each. Rats in Gr. III, IV and V were administered a daily oral dose of cysteine, methionine or ascorbic acid 25 mg/kg body mass respectively, while those in Gr. II served as the treated control. At the end of the experimental period oxidative stress indices viz. lipid peroxides level (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were estimated in blood, liver and kidneys from sacrificed rats. Arsenic exposure resulted in a significant (P0.05) effects on the body mass of rats of different groups over time. It is concluded from the present study that prophylactic co-administration of cysteine, methionine and ascorbic acid could provide tissue specific protection from oxidative injury during sub-chronic exposure to arsenicU istraživanju su štakori bili izloženi natrijevom arsenitu (10 ppm arsena) primijenjenom u vodi za piće tijekom 8 tjedana nakon čega su bili podijeljeni u 5 skupina po 6 štakora. Štakorima u skupinama 3, 4 i 5 oralnim je putem dnevno davan cistein, metionin ili askorbinska kiselina u količini od 25 mg/kg tjelesne mase. Štakori 2. skupine poslužili su kao kontrola. Na kraju pokusa određeni su pokazatelji oksidativnog stresa i to razina lipidnog peroksida, superoksidne dismutaze i katalaze u krvi, jetri i bubrezima. Izloženost arsenu očitovala se značajnim (P0,05) na tjelesnu masu štakora različitih skupina. Zaključeno je da istodobna profilaktička primjena cisteina, metionina ili askorbinske kiseline pruža specifičnu zaštitu tkiva od oksidacijskih oštećenja uzrokovanih supkroničnim izlaganjem arsenu

Study of bone markers in hyperthyroidism: Single centre experience from south India

Aim: To evaluate bone health markers and vitamin D status in patients with hyperthyroidism comprehensively, and comparison of same with matched controls. Materials and methods: The study has been done on 30 newly diagnosed hyperthyroid patients and matched controls. Cases were selected after careful exclusion of conditions which adversely affect bone health. Statistical comparisons were performed with Student’s t test. Results: The study group has shown normal calcium (20% had hypocalcemia), normal phosphorus, normal PTH values, raised alkaline phosphatase levels & significant rise in both bone formation (Osteocalcin) and resorption (β-cross laps) markers (P<0.05). In addition 95% of our subjects (patients and controls) were vitamin D deficient (mean-17.2 ng/dl). There is no specific increase in vitamin D deficiency in hyperthyroidism patients. Conclusion: Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased rate of bone remodeling & changes in mineral homeostasis, thereby increases risk of fractures. Associated vitamin D deficiency further deteriorates bone quality. So it is suggested therapeutic vitamin D and calcium supplementation in addition to antithyroid medication

In vitro activity of antiamoebic drugs against clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar

BACKGROUND: Amoebiasis is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Although a number of antiamoebic agents are used for its treatment, yet the susceptibility data on clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar are not available. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the in vitro susceptibility of clinical isolates of E. histolytica and E. dispar to metronidazole, chloroquine, emetine and tinidazole. METHODS: A total of 45 clinical isolates (15 E. histolytica and 30 E. dispar) were maintained in polyxenic cultures followed by monoxenic cultures. In vitro drug sensitivity (IC(50)) of clinical isolates and standard reference strain of E. histolytica (HM1: IMSS) was assessed by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay after exposure to various concentrations of each drug. RESULTS: The results showed that all clinical isolates had a higher IC(50 )compared to reference strain to all the four drugs. E. histolytica isolates appeared to be more susceptible [IC(50 )(μm) 13.2,26.3,31.2 and 12.4] compared to E. dispar isolates [IC(50)(μm) 15.6,28.9,32.8 and 13.2] and the reference strain of E. histolytica [IC(50 )(μm) 9.5, 15.5, 29.9 and 10.2] to the metronidazole, chloroquine, emetine and tinidazole respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that till date, Entamoeba isolates in India do not seem to be resistant to the commonly used antiamoebic drugs

Our experience of the management of severe bone defects in primary total knee arthroplasty with cement and screws with undersizing of tibia

Background: There are several options for dealing with tibial bone defects during total knee arthroplasty in severe primary osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to report the midterm results of TKA with screw and cement augmentation of moderate-sized tibial bone defects.Methods: Patients with osteoarthritis who had posterior stabilised TKA with screw and cement augmentation of the tibia were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at follow-up using the International knee society knee score and function score, and radiographic analysis of alignment and signs of loosening.Results: 60 knee in 60 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 71 years; mean follow-up was 58 months. KS improved from 46 to 76 and FS from 51 to 92. The femorotibial mechanical angle changed from 174 to 178. There were no signs of osteolysis or loosening, and no revisions. Radiolucent lines at the cement bone interface were common but non- progressive.Conclusions: Midterm clinical and radiographic results of TKA with screw and cement augmentation for moderate tibial defects were satisfactory

Kliničko-biokemijske promjene u bivola hranjenih samo suhom krmom.

The clinical signs of inappetance, poor body condition, pityriasis and decubital skin lesions in 22 stall-fed buffaloes of 18 to 20 months of age warranted the present clinical investigation. The animals were clinically examined and history was collected on feeding and management conditions. The animals had been held on wheat straw based diet supplemented with 0.5 to 0.8 kg concentrate (devoid of vitamin premix) without access to green forage for the last seven months. Six animals had skin sloughing, rough coat, abrasion and two buffaloes were on sternal recumbency and were unable to get up. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture from eight randomly selected from the 22 affected buffaloes, with varying degrees of clinical signs, and from five control buffaloes of a similar age group, who were provided with ad lib green fodder to serve as control. Serum samples were analyzed for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorous. Aspartate animo-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in serum from affected animals, indicating reduced hepatic function. Alkaline phosphatase activities (AP), along with serum cholesterol level were also significantly (P<0.05) lower in zero-green fed animals compared to the controls. Blood copper and zinc concentrations were statistically comparable in both the groups, but the mean values for cobalt and iron were significantly lower in affected animals. Mean plasma level of vitamin A, ß-carotene and α-tocopherol was significantly (P<0.01) lower in affected animals than in the controls. This is the first report documenting the combined deficiency of vitamin A and its precursor ß- carotene along with α-tocopherol, and the affected animals had reduced hepatic function. The present investigation strongly suggests provision of green fodder or supplementation of vitamins in the diet of buffaloes to avoid poor health and clinical signs associated with deficiency.U 22 stajski hranjena bivola, čija se dob kretala između 18 do 20 mjeseci, zabilježeni su klinički znakovi gubitka apetita, opadanja kondicije, te suhog ljuštenja i dekubitalnih oštećenja kože. Životinje su klinički pregledane i prikupljeni su podatci vezani za hranidbu i uvjete držanja. Osnovu obroka činila je pšenična slama kojoj je dodavano od 0,5 do 0,8 kg koncentrata (bez vitaminskoga premiksa). Bivolima je uskraćena mogućnost pristupa svježoj zelenoj krmi tijekom posljednjih sedam mjeseci. Šest životinja imalo je grubu kožu s pojavama ljuštenja i guljenja, a u dva bivola utvrđeno je ležanje na prsima s nemogućnošću ustajanja. Uzorci krvi iz jugularne vene prikupljeni su od 8 slučajno odabranih bivola zahvaćenih različitim stupnjem kliničkih promjena, te od 5 bivola koji su bili u približno istoj dobi i poslužili su kao kontrolna skupina hranjena svježom zelenom krmom po volji. U uzorcima seruma analizirani su glukoza, ukupni protein, albumin, mokraćevina, mokraćna kiselina, kreatinin, kalcij i fosfor. Aktivnosti aspartat amino-transferaze (AST) i alanin amino-transferaze (ALT) bile su značajno (P<0,01) niže u serumu životinja sa zahvaćenim promjenama što upućuje na smanjenu funkciju jetara. Aktivnost alkalne fosfataze (AP), zajedno s razinom serumskog kolesterola, bila je također značajno (P<0,05) snižena u životinja hranjenih suhom krmom u usporedbi sa životinjama kontrolne skupine. Koncentracije bakra i cinka u krvi bivola obje skupine bile su slične, a srednje vrijednosti za kobalt i željezo bile su značajno snižene u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama. Srednja razina vitamina A, β-karotena i α-tokoferola bila je značajno (P<0,01) niža u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama u odnosu na životinje u kontrolnoj skupini. Ovo je prvo izvješće koje potvrđuje da udruženi nedostatak vitamina A i njegova prekusora β-karotena, zajedno s nedostatkom α-tokoferola, u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama dovode do smanjene funkcije jetara. Kako bi se izbjeglo slabljenje zdravlja i pojave kliničkih znakova povezanih s navedenim deficijencijama, predlaže se u krmni obrok bivola dodavati svježu zelenu krmu ili vitamine

Quinazolinones linked amino acids derivatives as a new class of promising antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents

Two series of amino acids conjugated quinazolinones (1a-h and 2a-h) were synthesized by acid-amine coupling and the structures of all the compounds were confirmed through spectroscopic techniques such as IR, NMR and HRMS. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Biological evaluation study revealed that, the compounds 1f, 2f, 2g and 1g showed good antioxidant activity with 50% of the inhibition concentration (IC50) values 35, 20, 30 and 40 µg/mL, respectively, much better than the standard BHT (IC50 = 45 µg/mL). The compounds 1g, 2e and 2g found to have promising anti-inflammatory activity and almost all the synthesized compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activities (antibacterial and antifungal) against all the selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Conjugates containing Trp, Tyr and Pro have shown better activity than the rest of the analogues in the series. The structure-activity relationship was established for these compounds