Influence of orientational disorder in the adsorbent on the structure and dynamics of the adsorbate: MD simulations of SO2_2 in ZSM-22

Structural and dynamical behavior of SO$_2$ molecules within ZSM22 is studied using MD simulations, to understand the influence of orientational disorder (OD) and intercrystalline spacing in ZSM22 as a function of adsorbate loading. Addition of inter-crystalline space provides connectivity of isolated pores in ZSM22 and is shown to suppress both translational and rotational motion of SO$_2$. We infer that geometry and dimensionality of the connecting space is an important factor in determining the effects of pore connectivity on the adsorbed species behavior. As a function of OD, decrease in self diffusion coefficient of SO$_2$ in ZSM22 is observed. An increase in rotational correlation time t and a decrease in libration angle with OD is observed, due to the restriction imposed on the orientational freedom of the adsorbate by an increase in OD. The behavior of SO$_2$ result from an interplay of guest-host interactions and the dimensionality and confinement geometry.Comment: 24 pages with 6 figures in the main text and 4 figures in the supplement appended at the en

Management of Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery using Coil Embolization: A Case Report

Traumatic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) occurs rarely, with an approximate incidence of 0.15% and 0.40% of total intracranial aneurysms. An interesting case of delayed presentation of pseudoaneurysm of the left ICA in a 61-year-old patient is reported here, who came to us for evaluation of blindness, proptosis, and ophthalmoparesis. This potentially life-threatening condition was successfully managed using coil embolization after complete evaluation and investigations

Identification of Lubricating Oil-Degrading Microorganisms in Oil Polluted Soils from Five Auto- mechanic Workshops in Accra, Ghana

Trichothecium, Trichoderma, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. from oil contaminated soil from 5 Mechanic Shops in Accra, Ghana showed zones of clearance of oil on Minimum Salt Enrichment Medium (MSEM) Agar seeded with 1000ppm Engen™ Lubricating Oil (ELO), so were counted as presumptive lubricating oil-utilizing moulds. Significant increases (P ? 0.05) in viable counts, fungal dry weights and optical densities; significant decreases (P ? 0.05) in pH’s of pure cultures of the moulds in MSEM+1.0%(v/v) ELO medium at 30°C for 0 - 25 day’s; positive correlations between viable counts and fungal dry weights, viable counts and optical densities, and fungal dry weights and optical densities; and negative correlations between pH and viable counts, and pH and optical densities, confirmed the moulds as lubricating oil consuming fungi with potential for use in bioremediation of oil polluted soils. Aspergillus niger exhibited the highest bioremediation capacity and Trichothecium the least. Keywords: Lubricating Oil, Pollution, Fungi, Bioremediatio

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone as a predictor of polycystic ovarian syndrome among women of reproductive age

BackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects up to one-fifth of women of reproductive age and causes anovulatory subfertility. Some studies have recommended that an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level greater than 3.8–5 ng/mL can be used for diagnosing PCOS. This study aims to analyse serum AMH levels among PCOS women of reproductive age to use AMH as a biomarker predictor along with other Rotterdam criteria.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 98 women visiting the fertility center of a private hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, were screened. Data were obtained from 51 PCOS newly diagnosed women aged 28.24 years (SD ± 4.84 years) meeting at least two of the Rotterdam criteria and specific inclusion criteria. Baseline variables, menstrual cycle length, ovarian morphology on ultrasound, hirsutism, sex hormones, gonadotropin, and serum AMH levels were analysed during the follicular phase (1–5 days) of the menstrual cycle. Serum AMH was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsA high serum AMH level (7.23 ± 4.67 ng/ml) was recorded with normal sex hormone levels. Women with oligo-/amenorrhea had a significant mean difference for luteinizing hormone (p = 0.02) and AMH levels (p = 0.03) when compared with women of normal menstrual cycle length. PCOS women with high AMH levels (≥ 3.9 ng/ml) showed a significant difference in ovarian morphology (p < 0.05) when compared with the normal AMH group.ConclusionsAn elevated serum AMH level can be used as a strong predictor to reflect the certainty of PCOS diagnosis among women of reproductive age when study concurrently with the other Rotterdam criteria

First-line support for assistance in breathing in children: statistical and health economic analysis plan for the FIRST-ABC trial

BACKGROUND: The FIRST-ABC trial comprises of two pragmatic, multicentre, parallel groups, non-inferiority randomised clinical trials designed to evaluate the clinical non-inferiority of first-line use of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in critically ill children who require non-invasive respiratory support (NRS). OBJECTIVES: To describe the pre-specified statistical and health economic analysis for the FIRST-ABC trial before completion of patient recruitment and data collection. METHODS: The statistical analysis plan was designed by the chief investigators and statisticians. We define the primary and secondary outcomes, summarise methods for data collection and safety monitoring, and present a detailed description of the planned statistical and health economic analysis. RESULTS: The primary clinical outcome is time to liberation from respiratory support. The primary effect estimate will be the adjusted hazard ratio, reported with a 95% confidence interval. As a sensitivity analysis, the primary analysis will be repeated using time to start weaning of NRS. Subgroup analyses will be performed to test for interactions between the effect of allocated treatment group and pre-specified baseline covariates. The health economic analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle and report the mean (95% confidence interval) incremental costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and cost-effectiveness up to 6 months. All analyses will be performed separately for each of the two trials, and any results will not be combined. CONCLUSION: The FIRST-ABC trial will assess the non-inferiority of HFNC compared to CPAP in two parallel trials with shared infrastructure (step-up RCT and step-down RCT). We have developed a pre-specified statistical and health economics analysis plan for the FIRST-ABC study before trial completion to minimise analytical bias. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN ISRCTN60048867 . Registered on 19 June 2019

Biomineralisation to improve properties of polymer modified concrete for chloride environments

This research compares the performance of three types of polymer-modified concrete (TPE, LDPE/EVA, and PCL) if bacteria-based solutions are used for reinforced concrete (RC) structures designed for a compressive strength higher than 50 MPa in chloride environments. The aim is to understand the impact on mechanical and durability performance of concrete. These recyclable polymers' use is crucial to increasing the strength at 28 and 60 days. At 60 days, all polymer-modified concrete reached a compressive strength higher than 60 MPa. The use of bioproducts is crucial to lowering the open porosity values to 4%. However, the use of bioproducts tends to delay the increase of concrete's compressive strength with time, especially until the 14 days. The existence of tetrahedron and pyramid structures in polymer-modified bio concrete indicates that calcite is present, and the quantity of calcium carbonate in the polymer-modified bio concrete is significantly higher than in plain bio-concrete or even plain. The bioproduct plays a dominant role in the capillary control and prevents water migration more effectively in comparison to the use of different polymers in concrete. The bioproduct substantially minimise the migration of chlorides to 7 × 10−12 m2/s, a water-soluble ion in wet/humid concrete porous medium environments, but also at low relative humidity environments, as it happens when the concrete is exposed to capillary suction. The highest electrical resistivity values have been recorded in TPE bio-concrete

A nurse-led, preventive, psychological intervention to reduce PTSD symptom severity in critically ill patients: the POPPI feasibility study and cluster RCT

BACKGROUND: High numbers of patients experience severe acute stress in critical care units. Acute stress has been linked to post-critical care psychological morbidity, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previously, a preventive, complex psychological intervention [Psychological Outcomes following a nurse-led Preventative Psychological Intervention for critically ill patients (POPPI)] was developed by this research team, to be led by nurses, to reduce the development of PTSD symptom severity at 6 months. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to (1) standardise and refine the POPPI intervention, and, if feasible, (2) evaluate it in a cluster randomised clinical trial (RCT). DESIGN: Two designs were used – (1) two feasibility studies to test the delivery and acceptability (to patients and staff) of the intervention, education package and support tools, and to test the trial procedures (i.e. recruitment and retention), and (2) a multicentre, parallel-group, cluster RCT with a baseline period and staggered roll-out of the intervention. SETTING: This study was set in NHS adult, general critical care units. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were adult patients who were > 48 hours in a critical care unit, receiving level 3 care and able to consent. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention comprised three elements – (1) creating a therapeutic environment in critical care, (2) three stress support sessions for patients identified as acutely stressed and (3) a relaxation and recovery programme for patients identified as acutely stressed. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Primary outcome – patient-reported symptom severity using the PTSD Symptom Scale – Self Report (PSS-SR) questionnaire (to measure clinical effectiveness) and incremental costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and net monetary benefit at 6 months (to measure cost-effectiveness). Secondary outcomes – days alive and free from sedation to day 30; duration of critical care unit stay; PSS-SR score of > 18 points; depression, anxiety and health-related quality of life at 6 months; and lifetime cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: (1) A total of 127 participants were recruited to the intervention feasibility study from two sites and 86 were recruited to the RCT procedures feasibility study from another two sites. The education package, support tools and intervention were refined. (2) A total of 24 sites were randomised to the intervention or control arms. A total of 1458 participants were recruited. Twelve sites delivered the intervention during the intervention period: > 80% of patients received two or more stress support sessions and all 12 sites achieved the target of > 80% of clinical staff completing the POPPI online training. There was, however, variation in delivery across sites. There was little difference between baseline and intervention periods in the development of PTSD symptom severity (measured by mean PSS-SR score) at 6 months for surviving patients in either the intervention or the control group: treatment effect estimate −0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.58 to 2.52; p = 0.98. On average, the intervention decreased costs and slightly improved QALYs, leading to a positive incremental net benefit at 6 months (£835, 95% CI −£4322 to £5992), but with considerable statistical uncertainty surrounding these results. There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the secondary outcomes or in the prespecified subgroup analyses. LIMITATIONS: There was a risk of bias because different consent processes were used and as a result of the lack of blinding, which was mitigated as far as possible within the study design. The intervention started later than anticipated. Patients were not routinely monitored for delirium. CONCLUSIONS: Among level 3 patients who stayed > 48 hours in critical care, the delivery of a preventive, complex psychological intervention, led by nurses, did not reduce the development of PTSD symptom severity at 6 months, when compared with usual care. FUTURE WORK: Prior to development and evaluation of subsequent psychological interventions, there is much to learn from post hoc analyses of the cluster RCT rich quantitative and qualitative data. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered as ISRCTN61088114 and ISRCTN53448131. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 23, No. 30. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information

Statistical modelling of turbidity removal applied to non-toxic natural coagulants in water treatment: a case study

An investigation into two non-toxic natural coagulants abundantly growing in different countries, cactus (Opuntia spp.) and okra was performed on monthly river water samples (one-year period). The studied case was the Euphrates river/Al-Mashroo canal/Iraq. Six statistical models were interpreted and tested describing the residual turbidity after Coagulation-Flocculation for the three studied cases (Optimum-Coagulant-Dose, Optimum-Flocculator-Velocity-Gradient and Optimum-Flocculation-Time). According to the environmental parameters recorded during the study and the statistical analyses, two facts were concluded. The first fact was that controlling the Optimum-Flocculator-Velocity-Gradient of the Coagulation-Flocculation process gave the highest contribution ratio of the models. The second fact was that the most significant environmental parameter (statistically) in the Coagulation-Flocculation process was the initial turbidity. This was proved for the two natural coagulants under study. Also, from the results of the study, it was concluded that the two natural coagulants were of similar coagulation-flocculation properties, and they were competent for turbidity removal

Evaluation of biochemical effects of diclofenac sodium in goats

ABSTRACT Diclofenac sodium is one of the most commonly using Non steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAID) worldwide in medical as well as veterinary practices. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs may affect liver function which may or may not be reversible in various livestock breeds. In this study effect of diclofenac sodium on Alanin transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALK), serum creatinine, serum uric acid, blood urea and total protein of liver and kidney of local dairy goats has been evaluated at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam since 2007. The drug was administered in six goats in two phases with adequate wash out period of 21 days between each phase. Dose rates, 2.5mg/kg (b.w) and 1 mg/kg (b.w), of diclofenac was administered in Phase-1 and Phase-2 respectively. For biochemical analysis the blood samples were collected at different intervals up to 96 hrs post drug administration. Significant change (p<0.05) with high dose was documented at 2, 3, 6, 12, 24 48 hrs in blood serum level of ALT, AST, ALK.PO4, creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea respectively. Where as highly significant change (p<0.01) was monitored at 6, 12, 24, 48 hrs in ALT and AST, ALK.PO4, and blood urea respectively. Significant increase in serum level of Alanin transaminase, Aspartate transaminase and Alkaline phosphatase was noticed at 12 and 24 hrs with low dose of diclofenac respectively. No significant change in serum creatinine and uric acid was observed but blood urea significantly increased at 48 hrs with low dose. No change was examined in total serum protein with both the doses. The effect of diclofenac was short-lived and most of the parameters went back to normal after 72hrs of drug administration

Privacy enhancing technologies (PETs) for connected vehicles in smart cities

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Wiley in Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies, available online: https://doi.org/10.1002/ett.4173 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Many Experts believe that the Internet of Things (IoT) is a new revolution in technology that has brought many benefits for our organizations, businesses, and industries. However, information security and privacy protection are important challenges particularly for smart vehicles in smart cities that have attracted the attention of experts in this domain. Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) endeavor to mitigate the risk of privacy invasions, but the literature lacks a thorough review of the approaches and techniques that support individuals' privacy in the connection between smart vehicles and smart cities. This gap has stimulated us to conduct this research with the main goal of reviewing recent privacy-enhancing technologies, approaches, taxonomy, challenges, and solutions on the application of PETs for smart vehicles in smart cities. The significant aspect of this study originates from the inclusion of data-oriented and process-oriented privacy protection. This research also identifies limitations of existing PETs, complementary technologies, and potential research directions.Published onlin