Higher Increase Research Articles

The effect of simulated food liquids on the surface structure and solubility of various esthetic restorations

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the surface roughness and solubility of restorative materials when exposed to foodstuffs in the oral environment using simulated food liquids as defined by the Food and Drug Administration. Methods: In this study, a total of four esthetic restorative materials were used: one universal compomer (Dyract XP, Dentsply), one conventional microhybrid composite (FiltekTM Z250, 3M ESPE), one nanofilled, and one high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (ChemFil Rock, Dentsply). A total of 160 samples, each 8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, were prepared using molds. The initial weights of the samples were recorded in micrograms using a precision balance to determine solubility values. Initial surface roughness values were measured using an atomic force microscope device. The samples were immersed in four different simulated food liquids (ethanol, heptane, citric acid, and distilled water) for a period of 7 days. After removal from the solutions, the samples were desiccated to a constant weight, and the second set of weights was recorded. Subsequently, the second surface roughness values were measured Results: Among the materials immersed in the simulated food solutions, ChemFil Rock exhibited the highest solubility and increase in surface roughness. Citric acid was found to be the solution that caused the highest increase in surface roughness values and solubility for this material (p

Automated tools for identifying the causes of anaemia in general practices are particularly advantageous for patients who do not fit the typical profile.

The Dutch guideline algorithm for the analysis of anaemia in patients of general practitioners (GPs) was programmed in a Clinical Decision Support system (CDS-anaemia) to support the process of diagnosing the cause of anaemia in the laboratory. This research aims to assess the supplementary benefit provided by the automated algorithm in various demographic categories, including different sexes, age groups and severities of anaemia, in comparison to the manual diagnostic approach employed by GPs. This was a retrospective cohort study of 5399 primary care patients where the cause of anaemia was diagnosed by GPs with or without the aid of CDS-anaemia within the age groups 18-44, 45-64, 65-79 and 80 and older. Anaemia was defined according to the Dutch College of General Practitioners (DCGP) guideline. Causes of anaemia were based on the DCGP guidelines with the corresponding blood tests. By calculation of rate ratios and percentage differences of the determined cause of anaemia we evaluated the effect of the diagnostic algorithm. The percentage patients in which an underlying cause of anaemia was found increased 34 and 46 percentage points in males and females, respectively, when GPs were supported by CDS-anaemia compared to GPs who were not supported by CDS-anaemia. The highest increase in percentage points when CDS-anaemia was used, was found in younger- and middle-aged males and mild or moderate anaemia.

The Effect Of Adding Natural Ingredients To Artificial Feeding On The Level Of Color Brightness Of Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linn)

The Effect of Adding Natural Ingredients to Artificial Feed on the Color Brightness Level of Goldfish (Cyprinus carpio Linn). This research aims to determine the effect of adding natural ingredients to artificial feed on the level of color brightness of goldfish (Cyprinus carpio Linn), and the growth rate and survival rate of the test fish. The method used in this research is an experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications with a feeding frequency of three times per day with a percentage of 5% of the body weight of the test fish, a natural ingredient used in making artificial feed. These are pumpkin flour (Cucurbita moschata), mangosteen rind flour (Garcinia mangostana L), and carrot flour (Daucus carota L) with the same dose in each treatment, namely 25% of 1 kg of feed. Based on the results of variance analysis, the brightness level of goldfish color has a very real influence. The highest increase in the color of the test fish was obtained in treatment A, pumpkin flour, amounting to (1.37) on the Toca color finder scale (from pale orange to dark orange), followed by the second highest in treatment C, carrot flour, amounting to (1.2), treatment B flour. Mangosteen peel was in third position with an increase in color of (0.94) and the lowest increase in color change occurred in treatment D (control = without the addition of natural ingredients) of 0.7. However, absolute weight and length growth did not have a real influence. The overall graduation rate is 87.49%. The average water quality parameters are temperature 26-29oC, pH 7.5-7.9 and ammonia 0.25 ppm.

Analysis of the Environmental Performances of EU Countries and Türkiye

The paper aims to evaluate the environmental performance efficiency of (European Union (EU) countries and to calculate Türkiye's position among these countries. The performance of EU countries and Türkiye for the period 2010-2022 is assessed using the variables of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), Material Flows (MF) and Tree Cover Loss (TCL). For this purpose, Decoupling Analysis and Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index (MTFPI) were applied. As a result of the analysis, there was no productivity change in Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden and Türkiye. In the same period, there is an increase in productivity change for 12 countries and a decrease for 12 countries. In general, total factor productivity increased in 1 country and decreased in 27 countries during the study period. The country with the highest increase in technical productivity change, in other words technological development, was Hungary with 3.7 percent. According to the decoupling elasticities of these 28 countries, the decoupling elasticity indices of GHG and MF are positive for Türkiye and Greece. For Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, France, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain, the decoupling index of GHG and MF from GDP is negatively elastic for that period. For the decoupling index of TCL from GDP, Germany shows an elasticity greater than one in that period.

Effectiveness of Catch-Up Vaccination Interventions Versus Standard or Usual Care Procedures in Increasing Adherence to Recommended Vaccinations Among Different Age Groups: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Before-After Studies.

To address the global challenge of vaccine hesitancy, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization strongly promotes vaccination reminder and recall interventions. Coupled with the new opportunities presented by scientific advancements, these measures are crucial for successfully immunizing target population groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of various interventions in increasing vaccination coverage compared with standard or usual care. The review will cover all vaccinations recommended for different age groups. In February 2022, 2 databases were consulted, retrieving 1850 studies. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, 79 manuscripts were included after the assessment phase. These comprised 46 trials/randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 33 before-after studies. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed with STATA software (version 14.1.2). The selected outcome was the risk ratio (RR) of vaccination coverage improvement effectiveness. Additionally, meta-regression analyses were conducted for the included manuscripts. The analyses showed an overall efficacy of RR 1.22 (95% CI 1.19-1.26) for RCTs and RR 1.70 (95% CI 1.54-1.87) for before-after studies when considering all interventions cumulatively. Subgroup analyses identified multicomponent interventions (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.36-1.85) and recall clinical interventions (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17-1.32) as the most effective in increasing vaccination coverage for RCTs. By contrast, educational interventions (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.60-2.83) and multicomponent interventions (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.43-1.82) achieved the highest increases for before-after studies. Meta-regression analyses indicated that the middle-aged adult population was associated with a higher increase in vaccination coverage (RCT: coefficient 0.54, 95% CI 0.12-0.95; before-after: coefficient 1.27, 95% CI 0.70-1.84). Community, family, and health care-based multidimensional interventions, as well as education-based catch-up strategies, effectively improve vaccination coverage. Therefore, their systematic implementation is highly relevant for targeting undervaccinated population groups. This approach aligns with national vaccination schedules and aims to eliminate or eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases.

Hospitalizations for hip and non-hip osteoporotic fractures in Belgium: nationwide trends between 2010 and 2021.

The secular trends of hospitalizations for hip and other osteoporotic fractures between 2010 and 2021 in patients aged 50years and over in Belgium are unknown. This study aimed to describe the incidence of hospitalizations for osteoporotic fractures in patients aged 50years and over in Belgium between 2010 and 2021. Population-based, retrospective study based on hospitalization data extracted by the national database NIHDI and demographical data retrieved from the Belgian Federal Bureau for Statistics. Data were combined to determine the crude and age-standardized hospitalization incidence of fractures of the hip, distal femur, pelvis, humerus, wrist, and spine (2010 as the reference year). A total of 445,234 hospitalizations for osteoporotic fractures were reported between 2010 and 2021 (excluding 2015). Hospitalizations increased by 5.8% between 2010 and 2021 (p = 0.013) with a higher increase in men (12.1%; p = 0.001) compared to women (4.1%; p = 0.041). The crude incidence of hospitalizations for all fractures per 100,000 persons per year decreased from 990 to 910 between 2010 and 2021 (p = 0.572). The age-standardized incidence for hospitalizations of any osteoporotic fracture in men declined from 5.30/1,000 to 4.42/1,000 (p = 0.010). In women, a similar decrease was observed (13.84/1,000 to 11.62/1,000; p = 0.003). Both age-standardized hospitalizations for hip and non-hip fractures showed a decrease in both sexes. Although a declining trend in the crude incidence per 100,000 and in the age-adjusted incidence of hospitalizations for osteoporotic fractures was observed, the absolute number of hospitalizations for osteoporotic fractures increased due to the demographic change of an ageing population.

Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid improved resistance against Spodoptera frugiperda Infestation in maize by modulating growth and regulating redox homeostasis

Exploring host plant resistance and elevating plant defense mechanisms through the application of exogenous elicitors stands as a promising strategy for integrated pest management. The fall armyworm, a pernicious menace to grain crops in tropical and subtropical regions, stands as a formidable threat due to its capacity for devastation and a wide-ranging spectrum of host plants. There is no literature regarding artificially induced resistance in maize against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) by exogenous application of phytohormones. The present investigation was performed to evaluate the role of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) on two maize hybrids namely FH-1046 and YH-1898 against fall armyworm. Results showed that plant height, biomass and lengths, fresh and dry weight of root shoot which decreased with armyworm infestation improved with phytohormonal application. JA treatment resulted in a higher increase in all attributes as compared to SA treatment. Improvement in relative water contents, photosynthetic pigments and pronounced levels of phenol and proline accumulation were observed in infested plants after JA treatment. Infested plants recovered from oxidative stress as JA application activated and increased the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity in both FH-1046 and YH-1898 . The oxidative stress reduction in infested plants after JA treatment was also evident from a fair decrease in MDA and H2O2 in both varieties. The SA and JA mediated genes expression was studied and it was found that in FH1046 maize cultivar, JA dependent genes, particularly marker genes PR1 and Lox5 were highly expressed along with TPS10 and BBT12. Whereas SPI, WRKY28, ICS and PAL were shown to be activated upon SA application. Evidently, both JA and SA elicited a robust defensive response within the maize plants against the voracious S. frugiperda, which in consequence exerted a discernible influence over the pest's developmental trajectory and physiological dynamics. A decrease in detoxification enzyme activity of the insects was observed after feeding on treated plants. Moreover, it was recorded that the survival and weight gain of FAW feeding on phytohormone treated maize plants also decelerated. In conclusion, FH-1046 was found to be more tolerant than YH-1898 against fall armyworm infestation and 1 mM JA was more effective than 1 mM SA for alleviation of fall armyworm stress. Therefore, it was inferred that phytohormones regulated redox homeostasis to circumvent oxidative damage and mediate essential metabolic events in maize under stress. To our current understanding, this study is the very first presentation of induced resistance in maize against S. frugiperda with the phytohormonal application (JA and SA).

Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, DFT, Molecular Docking, and ADMET of 4-Chlorophenyazolquniolin-8-ol and Its Metal Complexes

In this study, we prepared 4-chlorophenylazoquinoline, a derivative of 8-hydroxyquinoline, with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions to create metal complexes. We used various physical and spectroscopic methods to characterize the compound and its metal complexes, including molar conductivity measurements, melting point analysis, elemental analysis, electronic absorption spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The octahedral geometry of all prepared complexes has been confirmed. To assess the antimicrobial activity, we examined two types of bacterial strains and two types of fungal strains. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared compounds was observed, and the higher increase was observed in the copper complex. The compounds were studied computationally after optimizing the angles, lengths, and bonds using the basic set 6-31G(d,p)/LANL2DZ. The molecular docking study of the compounds with the Alzheimer's disease protein 4BDT showed significant activity in binding to the amino acids of HL, C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 compounds, with affinity energies of -6.4, -6.9, -6.9, -6.7, and -7.2 kcal.mol-1 for the compounds, respectively. To evaluate the safety of the prepared compounds in different drug designs, we employed the ADMET study, reducing the risk of failure in advanced drug design stages. The results of the ADMET showed a relative decrease in the toxicity and carcinogenicity factor. However, there are indications of metabolic risk and cellular uptake, requiring further study.

Ambient Temperature Effects on Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

The ambient temperature affects the operation of different powertrain systems, including electric, hybrid electric, and internal combustion engines. This study investigated the effect of the ambient temperature on the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle running in different powertrain modes. The vehicle was driven for 4150 km following a selected route 199 times in different powertrain modes and in different ambient temperatures ranging from −24 °C to 32 °C. Instantaneous and cumulative fuel consumptions were measured using a fuel flow meter, and the battery energy usage was determined from the vehicle telematics during each test. The total energy consumption and total CO2 emissions were affected by the ambient temperature in all powertrain modes, including electric, hybrid electric (charge-depleting and charge-sustaining), and conventional internal combustion engine modes. The highest increase was associated with the charge-depleting hybrid electric mode, with 350% and 290% increases in energy consumption and CO2 emissions when the ambient temperature dropped from 29 °C to −24 °C. The conventional internal combustion engine mode was the least affected, with only 7% and 8% increased in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, respectively.

Impact of population ageing on cancer-related disability-adjusted life years: A global decomposition analysis.

As the global population ages, the burden of cancer is increasing. We aimed to assess the impact of population ageing on cancer-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). We used the decomposition method to estimate the impact of ageing, population growth, and epidemiological change on cancer-related DALYs from 1990 to 2019, stratified by 204 countries/territories and by their sociodemographic index (SDI). This approach separates the net effect of population ageing from population growth and change in age-specific DALY rates. Cancer-related DALYs among individuals aged ≥65 years increased by 95.14% between 1990 (52.25 million) and 2019 (101.96 million). Population growth was the main contributor to cancer-related DALYs (92.38 million, attributed proportion: 60.91%), followed by population ageing (41.38 million, 27.28%). Cancer-related DALYs attributed to population ageing followed a bell-shaped pattern when stratified by SDI, meaning they peaked in middle-SDI countries. Cancer-related DALYs attributed to ageing increased in 171 and decreased in 33 countries/territories. The top three cancer types with the highest increase in the absolute number of cancer-related DALYs associated with ageing were tracheal, bronchus, and lung (8.72 million); stomach (5.06 million); and colorectal (4.28 million) cancers, while the attributed proportion of DALYs was the highest in prostate (44.75%), pancreatic (40.93%), and non-melanoma skin (38.03%) cancers. Population ageing contributed to global cancer-related DALYs, revealing a bell-shaped pattern when stratified by socioeconomic development, affecting middle-SDI countries the most. To respond to the growing ageing population and reduce cancer-related DALYs, it is necessary to allocate health care resources and prioritize interventions for older adults.

Carbon dioxide removal and net zero emissions in Africa: an integrated assessment modelling based on three different land-based negative emission solutions

Abstract As the remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5 °C rapidly diminishes, it is clear that, besides decarbonization, the world will need to remove 100–1000 GtCO2 from the atmosphere by the end of the century. Yet, Africa, where many carbon removal schemes are planned, remains a ‘blindspot’ in existing studies. There is limited understanding of the trade-offs and synergies associated with carbon removal within Africa’s energy-land-water system. To address this research gap, we model a stylized net-zero emissions (NZEs) in Africa by 2050, with focus on three land-based biological carbon removal approaches: afforestation/reforestation (AR), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and biochar. We find that by 2050, the total gross carbon removal is projected to reach 1.2 GtCO2 yr−1 when all three carbon removal approaches are available, and 0.5 GtCO2 yr−1 when Africa relies solely on AR. Pursuing NZE with only AR or AR alongside biochar in Africa would be the most expensive mitigation option but they lead to the lowest residual fossil fuel and industry CO2 emissions. An NZE by 2050 in Africa could reduce cropland by 30%–40% from 2020 to 2050, depending on the carbon dioxide removal deployment strategy adopted. Southern Africa would be particularly affected, facing significant challenges in balancing food security with climate goals. The highest increase in staple food prices will occur under AR only, while the availability of AR-BECCS-biochar produces the lowest rise in staple food prices. Our findings highlight the need for balanced and region-specific carbon dioxide removal strategies to ensure climate and other sustainability goals are met.

Solid-State Fermentation of Quinoa Flour: An In-Depth Analysis of Ingredient Characteristics

Plant protein ingredients are gaining attention for human nutrition, yet they differ significantly from animal proteins in functionality and nutrition. Fungal solid-state fermentation (SSF) can modulate the composition and functionality, increasing their applicability in foods. Quinoa flour (QF) served as a substrate for Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus, resulting in two fermented ingredients (QFA and QFR) with different nutritional, functional, and aroma characteristics. A higher increase in protein (+35%) and nitrogen (+24%) was observed in the QFA, while fat was predominantly increased in the QFR (+78%). Fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) decreased in the QFR but increased in the QFA due to polyol production. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher lactic acid concentrations in the QFA, and higher citric, malic, and fumaric acid contents in the QFR. The SSF reduced most antinutrients, while R. oligosporus produced saponins. Olfactometry showed the development of fruity ester compounds and a decrease in metallic and cardboard aromas. Both ingredients showed an enhanced water-holding capacity, with the QFA also demonstrating an increased oil-holding capacity. Complex formation increased the particle size, reduced the solubility, and decreased the foaming properties. Mycelium production darkened the ingredients, with the QFR having a higher differential colour index. This study highlights the potential of SSF to produce ingredients with improved nutritional, sensory, and functional properties.

Analysis of The Effect Public Facilities on The Level of Tourist Satisfaction in Tenganan Pegringsingan Village, Karangasem District

Tenganan Village, Manggis District, Karangasem Regency is one of the tourist villages in Bali Province. Tenganan Village consists of 1,2013 families with a population of 4,627 people. Tenganan Pegringsingan Village has had a decreased level of visits. The highest number of visits occurred in 2010, namely 57,848 people and the lowest in 2018 was 28,468 people. This study aims to determine the effect of public facilities on the level of tourist satisfaction in the Tourism Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan, Karangasem Regency. The results of this study indicate the general facilities that affect the increase in tourist satisfaction in Tenganan Village, which causes the highest increase is the parking lot of 7.99 percent. There are two variables that cause a decrease in satisfaction which of course needs attention, namely restaurant and lodging facilities. The Karangasem Regency Government as the regional government making the regulations must pay attention to the layout of tourism users in the Tenganan Village area and the surrounding villages so that the authenticity of Tenganan Village can be maintained.

Analysis of The Effect Public Facilities on The Level of Tourist Satisfaction in Tenganan Pegringsingan Village, Karangasem District

Tenganan Village, Manggis District, Karangasem Regency is one of the tourist villages in Bali Province. Tenganan Village consists of 1,2013 families with a population of 4,627 people. Tenganan Pegringsingan Village has had a decreased level of visits. The highest number of visits occurred in 2010, namely 57,848 people and the lowest in 2018 was 28,468 people. This study aims to determine the effect of public facilities on the level of tourist satisfaction in the Tourism Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan, Karangasem Regency. The results of this study indicate the general facilities that affect the increase in tourist satisfaction in Tenganan Village, which causes the highest increase is the parking lot of 7.99 percent. There are two variables that cause a decrease in satisfaction which of course needs attention, namely restaurant and lodging facilities. The Karangasem Regency Government as the regional government making the regulations must pay attention to the layout of tourism users in the Tenganan Village area and the surrounding villages so that the authenticity of Tenganan Village can be maintained.

Can Vitamin D Reduce Inflammation? The Influence of Supplementation on Selected Immunological Markers.

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D (VitD) supplementation may reduce inflammation in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of VitD on selected markers of inflammation in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Participants were divided depending on the supplemented dose of VitD into a high-dose (2000 IU/d; HD) group and a low-dose (15,960 IU/month; LD) group (n = 23 and n = 29, respectively). The concentration of 25(OH)D and the levels of CXCL16, PTX3, ALCAM, IL-1RA, and OPG were measured initially and after six months of VitD supplementation in blood serum. A significant increase in the concentrations of CXCL16, PTX3, and OPG was observed during the study (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, a higher increase in PTX3 and OPG in the LD group was observed (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between the 25(OH)D serum concentration and PTX3 (R = 0.28, p < 0.05) and OPG (R = 0.28, p < 0.05) only at the beginning of the study. In patients with RRMS, such doses of VitD might be too low to induce obvious beneficial effects on the pro-inflammatory and inflammatory balance.

Long-term performance: strength and metal encapsulation in alkali-activated iron ore tailings.

Understanding the strength behavior and leaching characteristics of mining tailings stabilized with alkali-activated cements in the short, medium, and long term is crucial for the feasibility of material applications. In this context, this study assessed the stabilization/solidification of iron ore tailings (IOT) using alkali-activated binder (AAB) composed of sugarcane bagasse ash and eggshell lime at curing times of 7, 28, 60, 90, 180, and 365days. Additionally, leaching tests were conducted, along with the examination of possible changes in the chemical and mineralogical composition resulting from exposure to acidic environments. Tests included unconfined compression strength (UCS), leaching, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for the IOT-AAB mixtures. The highest increase in UCS was observed between 7 and 60days, reaching 6.47MPa, with minimal variation thereafter. The AAB-bonded IOT exhibited no metal toxicity over time. Elements Ba, Mn, Pb, and Zn present in IOT and ash were encapsulated in the cemented matrix, with complete encapsulation of all metals observed from 90days of curing time. The mineralogy of the stabilized/solidified tailings showed no changes resulting from leaching tests. Characteristic bands associated with the presence of N-A-S-H gel were identified in both pre-leaching and post-leaching samples for all curing times analyzed. Exposure to acidic environments altered bands related to carbonate bonds formed in the IOT-AAB mixture.

Burden of gout among different WHO regions, 1990–2019: estimates from the global burden of disease study

The global incidence of gout has increased rapidly, likely secondary to the increase in the prevalence of conditions that predispose to gout, such as obesity. Depending on the population studied, the prevalence of gout ranges from less than 1 to 6.8%. Thus, gout can be a significant burden on healthcare systems. The objective of this study is to observe the trends in the incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of gout between 1990 and 2019 globally and in the European Union (EU) 15+ nations. We extracted data from the Global Burden of Disease Study database based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) versions 10 and 9. Incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were extracted for individual EU15+ countries and globally in males and females between 1990 and 2019. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to describe trends. Between 1990 and 2019, gout prevalence, incidence, and DALYs increased in both males (+ 21.42%, + 16.87%, + 21.49%, respectively) and females (+ 21.06%, + 18.75%, + 20.66%, respectively) globally. The United States of America had the highest increase in prevalence (males: + 90.6%; females + 47.1%), incidence (males: + 63.73%; females: + 39.11%) and DALYs (males: + 90.43%; females: + 42.75%). Incidence, prevalence, and DALYs from gout are increasing worldwide and in most of the EU15+ countries for males and females. Studies have reported the association of gout with comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Health policies and resource allocation are required to increase awareness and modify risk factors globally.

Thermal processing of wheat bran: Effect on the bioactive compounds and dietary fiber

In the current study bran from six wheat cultivars were subjected to different heat treatments and the effect of heat treatments on the bioactive composition, dietry fibre content and structure of wheat bran was evaluated. The findings indicated that thermally treated wheat bran contains higher soluble dietary fiber, but lower insoluble and total dietary fiber than untreated wheat bran samples. Microwave heat treatment caused highest increase in the soluble dietary fiber content and highest soluble dietary fiber content was observed in bran of WH-1105 wheat variety. The presence of six different phenolic acids evaluated were gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, and p-coumeric. Heat treatment caused significant increase in all the six phenolic acids. The bran sample obtained from wheat variety WH-1105 showed highest level of all phenolic acid among the all-bran sample obtained from other wheat varieties. Among the all heat treatments, microwave heat treatment caused highest increase in the phenolic acids. Among all phenolic acid evaluated highest increase was observed for syringic acid after microwave heat treatment in the bran of WH-1105 wheat variety. Further it was observed that crystallinity index significantly increased after thermal treatment and microwave heating caused higher increase in crystallinity than other heat treatments.

Agronomical interventions for enhancing seed size tubers in potato (Solanum tuberosum) variety kufri khyati

The present experiment was conducted during 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Regional Station, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh to evaluate the best spacing combination and dehaulming time for enhancing the seed size potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers and profitability under north-central plains of India. Experiment was conducted in a split-plot design (SPD) comprised of 5 spacing combinations, viz. S1, Ridge and furrow 60 cm × 20 cm (Control); S2, Ridge and furrow 60 cm × 15 cm; S3, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing); S4, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 15 cm plant to plant spacing); and S5, Flatbed triple row 90 cm bed width (three rows at 20 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) in main plot and 2 haulm killing dates, viz. 70 and 80 days after planting in sub plots. The treatment S5, Flatbed triple row 90 cm bed width (three rows at 20 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) spacing combination significantly increased the number and weight of seed size tubers, net seed size and total tuber yield when dehaulming was done after 80 days. The highest increase in seed size and total tubers over control reported when dehaulmed at 70 days. However, the treatment S3, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) with 80 days haulm killing recorded highest seed size tuber 58.03% and benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 2.51:1 among all other treatment combinations. Though, treatment S3 i.e. flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) with 80 days haulm killing combination require higher seed rate but can be an economically viable option for enhancing seed size tuber percent and B:C ratio.

Identifying patients at risk for depression after radical cystectomy.

We aimed to assess rates of depression in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy and identify its predictors. Depressive symptoms in 42 consecutive patients were evaluated using the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) on the day prior to surgery, postoperative day (POD) 6, six weeks after surgery, and 12-18 months postoperatively. Fifteen patients (36%) presented with BDI scores ≥10 before the operation; this rate increased to 64% on POD 6 and 69% at six weeks post-surgery. Depression score rose from a preoperative median of seven to 11 on POD 6 (p=0.003) and to 15 at six weeks after surgery (p=0.001). Patients who arrived with a BDI score of <10 had a higher increase in the BDI at six weeks compared to patients with depressive symptoms prior to surgery (average increase of 9.8 vs. 0.8, p<0.01). Age, gender, type of diversion, and complications were not associated with depression at presentation or progression of depression. Patients who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy tended to be at increased risk for depression progression (57.1% vs. 14.3%, p=0.093). Twenty-four patients completed a fourth questionnaire 12-18 months postoperatively. The median BDI score was eight; three patients with disease recurrence had a higher increase in the BDI score (average 12.7 vs. -5.2, p<0.01). Depression among patients facing cystectomy is high, and postoperative progression is substantial. Patients without depressive symptoms preoperatively are at increased risk of developing postoperative depression. After 12-18 months, the most influential risk factor for depression is recurrence. These findings highlight the need to consider interventions in selected patients.