Low Reduction Research Articles

Efficacy of non -thermal pressure plasma versus other modalities for disinfection of primary root canals

BackgroundEndodontic treatment aims in the preservation of extremely carious primary teeth. For root canal therapy to be successful, root canals must be properly prepared and effectively irrigated .Therefore, it is necessary to select the proper root canal disinfection method to preserve the primary tooth.ObjectiveThis research was carried out to compare non-thermal pressure plasma (NTPP), diode laser, propolis, and chlorhexidine (CHX) efficacy for disinfection of deciduous anterior root canals contaminated with Enterococcus Faecalis (E. faecalis) after sterilization by gamma radiation.MethodsIn this study, forty extracted single-rooted primary anterior teeth were used. All teeth were cleaned, disinfected, and stored till use. Gaining access was provided till reaching the orifices of canals, all pulp tissue debris was removed, and root canals of all teeth were prepared. Standardized 8 mm root length was obtained through crown decronation below the cemento-enamel junction. Samples were sterilized by gamma radiation then the bacterial suspension was inoculated inside root canals. Specimens divided into four main groups; ten samples each group. Group I: Samples irrigated with chlorhexidine. Group II: Samples treated with diode laser. Group III: Samples irrigated with Ethanolic extract of propolis. Group IV: Samples treated with NTPP.ResultsA significant difference was found between values measured before and after four irrigation types (p < 0.001) for CHX, Diode Laser, NTPP and (P = 0.035) for Propolis. The highest values of colony reduction measured before and after irrigation were for NTPP (4.06 ± 0.88). Maximum reduction in colony-forming units was recorded in the NTPP group (98.79%), while the lowest reduction in colony-forming units was recorded in Propolis group (81.99%).ConclusionAll tested methods (CHX, NTPP, Diode laser and Propolis) decreased colony count, with the highest reduction noted in group treated by NTPP and the least reduction noticed in Propolis treated group.

Evolution of electronic structure and optical properties of naphthalenediimide dithienylvinylene (NDI-TVT) polymer as a function of reduction level: a density functional theory study.

Naphthalenediimide (NDI)-based donor-acceptor co-polymers with tunable electronic, optical, mechanical, and transport properties have shown immense potential as n-type conducting polymers in organic (opto)electronics. During the operation, the polymers undergo reduction at different charged states, which alters their (opto)electronic properties mainly due to the formation of the quasiparticles, polaron/bipolaron. The theoretical study based on quantum mechanical calculations can provide us with a detailed understanding of their (opto)electronic properties, which is missing to a great extent. To date, a theoretical understanding of how these properties vary with reduction levels for NDI-based polymers is completely missing. Herein, the evolution of the electronic structure and optical properties of the naphthalenediimide dithienylvinylene (NDI-TVT) polymer with varying reduction levels (Cred) is studied using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory, respectively, in the gaseous phase and solvent phase. We have envisaged that at lower reduction levels, Cred ≤ 100% (i.e., up to one negative charge per NDI moiety), only radical anions, i.e., polarons, are formed. The bipolarons are observed to be formed only at higher reduction levels, Cred > 100%. We note the coexistence of polarons and bipolarons for the intermediate reduction levels (100% < Cred < 200%). Finally, at 200% reduction levels, the presence of two electrons per NDI unit leads to the completely spin-resolved bipolaronic state formation, where one bipolaron is localized at every NDI unit. This aforementioned evolution of polarons and bipolarons with varying reduction levels is also prominently reflected in the calculated UV-vis-NIR absorption spectra. The detailed theoretical insights gained from the evolution of the (opto)electronic properties of NDI-TVT with reduction levels due to the formation of polaronic/bipolaronic states can guide the systematic design of n-type NDI-TVT-based (opto)electronic devices and in their advancement.

Structural basis for the conformational protection of nitrogenase from O2.

The low reduction potentials required for the reduction of dinitrogen (N2) render metal-based nitrogen-fixation catalysts vulnerable to irreversible damage by dioxygen (O2)1-3. Such O2 sensitivity represents a major conundrum for the enzyme nitrogenase, as a large fraction of nitrogen-fixing organisms are either obligate aerobes or closely associated with O2-respiring organisms to support the high energy demand of catalytic N2 reduction4. To counter O2 damage to nitrogenase, diazotrophs use O2 scavengers, exploit compartmentalization or maintain high respiration rates to minimize intracellular O2 concentrations4-8. A last line of damage control is provided by the 'conformational protection' mechanism9, in which a [2Fe:2S] ferredoxin-family protein termed FeSII (ref. 10) is activated under O2 stress to form an O2-resistant complex with the nitrogenase component proteins11,12. Despite previous insights, the molecular basis for the conformational O2 protection of nitrogenase and the mechanism of FeSII activation are not understood. Here we report the structural characterization of the Azotobacter vinelandii FeSII-nitrogenase complex by cryo-electron microscopy. Our studies reveal a core complex consisting of two molybdenum-iron proteins (MoFePs), two iron proteins (FePs) and one FeSII homodimer, which polymerize into extended filaments. In this three-protein complex, FeSII mediates an extensive network of interactions with MoFeP and FeP to position their iron-sulphur clusters in catalytically inactive but O2-protected states. The architecture of the FeSII-nitrogenase complex is confirmed by solution studies, which further indicate that the activation of FeSII involves an oxidation-induced conformational change.

Ultrasound‑guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation for Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis from Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis of Clinical Efficacy and Safety.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for treating cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies on the efficacy and safety of thermal ablations for treating CLNM from PTC until July 2024. Among 544 papers, 11 articles were reviewed involving 233 patients and 432 CLNM cases. Random- or fixed-effects models assessed pooled proportions of volume reduction rate (VRR), complete disappearance, recurrence, major and minor or other complications. Similarly, pooled estimates of changes in the largest diameter, volume, and serum thyroglobulin (Tg) were evaluated post-ablation. Subgroup analysis by treatment modality was performed. Study heterogeneity was analyzed using Q statistics and inconsistency index (I2). The quality of the studies was assessed using the MINORS scale. Eleven studies with 233 patients and 432 CLNM were analyzed. The pooled VRR was 95.24% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 91.97- 98.51%], complete disappearance was 63.1%, and recurrence was 1.6%. Changes in largest diameter, volume, and serum Tg were 8.36mm (95%CI: 6.46-10.26mm), 216.09mm³, and 6.12ng/ml, respectively. Major complications occurred at 3.0%, while minor complications were 25.6%. Significant heterogeneity was found for diameter, volume, VRR, Tg, and minor complications. Subgroup analysis showed that MWA had a higher VRR (97.18%) than RFA (93.84%) (P < 0.001). Both RFA and MWA were effective and safe for treating CLNM from PTC. However, RFA showed lower volume reduction than MWA with significant heterogeneity in VRR. The original contributions revealed in the study are included in the article/Supplemental Material. Further inquiries can be made to the corresponding author.

Enhancement of photoinduced reactive oxygen species generation in open-cage fullerenes.

Photodynamic therapy is an important tool in modern medicine due to its effectiveness, safety, and the ability to provide targeted treatment for a range of diseases. Photodynamic therapy utilizes photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Fullerenes can be used as photosensitizers to produce ROS in high quantum yields. Open-cage fullerenes are a subclass of fullerenes characterized by a partially open structure, with one or more openings or apertures. The promising electrochemical properties of open-cage fullerenes motivated us to investigate their use for DNA-cleavage and ROS generation under visible light irradiation through type I electron transfer and type II energy transfer reactions. Our results show that open-cage C60 fullerenes are more efficient for photoinduced cleavage of DNA and ROS generation via both the type I electron transfer and type II energy transfer pathways than pristine C60 or a C60 pyrrolidine derivative without open-cage. The greater efficiency of ROS generation by open-cage C60 fullerene in type I and type II reactions can be attributed to the increased rate of the initial intersystem crossing process, resulting from larger total reorganization energies, as indicated by computationally calculated relative rates using the Marcus equation, and the lower reduction potential of the open-cage derivative 3, as determined by CV, which facilitates a more efficient generation of the corresponding radical anion (C60˙-).

CuO-Fe2O3/calcium alginate-carboxymethylcellulose-chitosan as efficient nanocomposite beads for catalytic reduction of water pollutants

This study involved the synthesis and catalytic activity testing of new nanocomposite beads CuO-Fe2O3/CA-CMC-Cs beads prepared by facile and environmentally friendly approach. CuO-Fe2O3 was prepared and applied for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The results showed that CuO-Fe2O3 demonstrate high catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). Further, CuO-Fe2O3 were well-dispersed in the polymeric matrix of CA-CMC-Cs to prepare CuO-Fe2O3/CA-CMC-Cs beads via crosslinker agent (AlCl3). CuO-Fe2O3/CA-CMC-Cs beads were also applied for the catalytic reduction of nitrophenol isomers (4-NP, 2-NP, and 2,6-DNP), organic dyes ((methyl orange (MO), eosin yellow (EY)) and potassium hexacyanoferrate K3[Fe(CN)6]. K3[Fe(CN)6], was found to be effectively reduced by the beads and was completed at 30 s.. While the catalytic reduction of 4-NP, EY and MO were completed at 300, 240 and 180 s and the rate constants were discovered to be 1.16 × 10−2 s−1, 1.68 × 10−2 s−1 and 1.51 × 10−2 s−1, respectively. The CuO-Fe2O3/CA-CMC-Cs beads catalytic activity was enhanced utilizing 4-NP as a model molecule. The beads had good catalytic activity and may be reused up to four times before losing their effectiveness. Additionally, the ability of the CuO-Fe2O3/CA-CMC-Cs beads to reduce 4-NP and MO in real samples such as wastewater, orange juice and strawberry juice was investigated where the reduction percentage was 91.5 % ∼ 89.0 % in the real samples. The results demonstrated that the beads were more efficient for reduction of 4-NP and MO in milk, while, in juices required more time and had a lower reduction percentage.

Reduction Disintegration Behavior and Crystallographic Transformation of Vanadium-Titanium Magnetite Pellets during Hydrogen-based Reduction

：There are many advantages of the smelting of vanadium-titanium magnetite pellets by hydrogen-based shaft furnace pre-reduction and electric arc furnace process, including high reduction efficiency, low carbon dioxide emission and high recovery of titanium and so on. The preparation of qualified vanadium-titanium magnetite pellets with low reduction disintegration index (RDI) is prerequisite of this process. The reduction disintegration behavior of vanadium-titanium magnetite pellets during hydrogen-based reduction was systematically investigated in this work, and the crystallographic transformations during the reduction were dig into as well. The RDI+6.3 mm of vanadium-titanium magnetite pellets reached 43.28% after 60 minutes of reduction at 500 °C in a Midrex atmosphere (36% CO, 5% CO2, 55% H2, and 4% CH4). During the reduction of trigonal titano-hematite [(Fe,Ti)2O3] to cubic titano-magnetite, both the single unit cell volume and the total number of unit cells increased dramatically. The total titanium-iron oxide cell volume expanded nearly sevenfold, from 8.75×1022 ų to 5.99×1023 ų, causing considerable pellet swelling. Conversely, the reduction of rhombohedral Fe2TiO5 to trigonal FeTiO3 resulted in a decrease in cell volume. Studying the crystalline transformation is crucial for developing effective methods to inhibit low-temperature reduction disintegration, thereby enhancing the comprehensive utilization of vanadium-titanium magnetite resources.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE: NEURAL RESPONSE ASSOCIATED WITH MINIMAL DUAL-TASK COST IN AGING

Abstract Walking while engaged in a cognitively challenging task is a common daily activity that becomes harder as we grow older. The cost associated with performing two tasks simultaneously, called dual-task cost (DTC), can predict fall risk and cognitive decline. However, findings are mixed and predictive validity is modest. This study aims to define a neural marker of DTC that, when combined with a behavioral measure, could provide a more robust predictor. To this end, we acquired event-related potentials (ERP) in 36 healthy individuals aged 65 years and older who performed a cognitive Go/NoGo response inhibition task while sitting (i.e., single task) or walking (i.e., dual-task). To determine a neural marker of DTC, we considered differences in DTC between participants. Guided by findings in young adults showing a link between low behavioral DTC and reduction in NoGo-ERP amplitude during walking, we tested this prediction in individuals aged 65 years and older. Participants experienced dual-task cost when performing the Go/NoGo task while walking. They also exhibited a reduced ERP amplitude performing the Go/NoGo task during walking compared to sitting. When participants were split into two equal groups defined by their Go/NoGo performance, however, only the group with minimal DTC revealed a NoGo-ERP modulation during walking. Our data suggest that low DTC is linked to walking-related change in neurocognitive processing (i.e., NoGo-ERP amplitude reduction). The NoGo-ERP may serve as neural DTC marker to help improve early prediction of fall risk and cognitive decline in aging.

Enhancing Industrial Sustainability in Uzbekistan through Solar Energy Adoption in Reducing Costs and Carbon Emissions

This study evaluates the impact of solar energy adoption on industrial sustainability in Uzbekistan, focusing on both economic and environmental outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from energy savings, carbon emissions reduction, and operational cost savings with qualitative analysis from interviews and field observations across three villages: Mirzo-Ulugbek, Karakol, and Fergana. The results indicate that higher adoption of solar energy, particularly in Mirzo-Ulugbek, led to significant improvements, including a 30% reduction in energy use, a 40% decrease in carbon emissions, and a 25% saving in operational costs. In contrast, Karakol, with minimal solar adoption, showed much lower reductions. The study also highlights the challenges of widespread adoption, such as high initial investment, technological limitations in integrating solar systems, and regulatory obstacles. Data were analyzed using comparative analysis, with a focus on identifying the barriers and benefits specific to Uzbekistan’s industrial context. The findings suggest that while solar energy offers substantial potential for economic and environmental sustainability, overcoming financial and infrastructural challenges is essential for its broader adoption. Future research should explore financing models, policy development, and international case studies to further facilitate solar integration into Uzbekistan’s industrial sectors

Enhanced coagulation of Microcystis aeruginosa using titanium xerogel coagulant.

Cyanobacterial blooms are prevalent globally and present a significant threat to water security. Titanium salt coagulants have garnered considerable attention due to their superior coagulation properties and the absence of metal residue risks. This paper explored the influencing factors in the coagulation process of titanium xerogel coagulant (TXC), the alterations in cell activity during floc storage, and the release of cyanobacterial organic matters, thereby determining the application scope of TXC for cyanobacterial water treatment. The findings indicated that at a TXC dosage of 8 mg Ti/L, the removal rate of Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) exceeded 86% across a pH range of 5-9. The coagulation performance with anions HCO3-, CO32- and H2PO4-/HPO42- was unsatisfactory at concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 mg/L, with corresponding chlorophyll a (Chl-a) levels of 168, 129, and 196 μg/L, respectively. While the presence of Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, K+, NH4+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ had little influence on the removal efficiency. At sodium alginate (SA) concentration of 6 mg/L, the Chl-a content was 116 μg/L, with humic acid (HA) not affecting M. aeruginosa removal but hindering turbidity reduction, leaving a residual turbidity of 11 NTU. Following TXC treatment, a floc storage study with cyanobacteria-laden surface water showed a decrease in microcystins (MCs) content. The low residual titanium concentration post-TXC coagulation (<0.06 mg/L) and MCs reduction contributed to reduced effluent toxicity, indicating TXC's versatile applicability for treating cyanobacterial-contaminated waters.

Microplastics inhibit the decomposition of soil organic matter by adult darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are a growing problem worldwide. Soils are long-term storage sinks of MPs because of the many pathways they enter the soil and their long degradation period. Knowing how MPs influence soil organisms, the effects of organisms on the fate of MPs, and what this means for soil additions, losses, transformations, and translocations is paramount. MPs in soil could impede the breakdown of organic matter by adult darkling beetles. We set up an experiment to test this hypothesis by adding finely ground scrap tire rubber to organic soil and a small population of adult darkling beetles (Zophobas morio, Fabricius 1776, Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The beetles are omnivores that accelerate the breakdown of soil organic matter when feeding on soil detritus. As a control, we released beetles into organic soil with no MPs. We also surveyed published manuscripts on the effects of MPs on insects, decomposers, and decomposition in soil, providing a reference frame for our findings. Darkling beetles ate, fragmented, and humidified the soil mixture, enhancing microbial decomposition. All treatments lost weight over the experiment period, with the control losing 10%, significantly more than the other treatments (an average loss of 5%). Higher concentrations of microplastics in soils led to lower reductions in soil mass through decomposition. These findings suggest that MPs impede detritivores from breaking down soil organic matter. Even so, only a handful of studies evaluated the effects of tire particles on soils and detritivores in the literature survey. Still, these particles are among the largest sources of MPs on land.

Innovative Gravity-Fed Filtration System to Improve Coastal Community Water Quality

Efforts to meet clean water needs, especially for drinking water, depend on the condition of groundwater that is healthy and sufficiently available. Filtration is the process of separating particles from a liquid by passing the liquid through a permeable material. This study examines the Gravity-Fed Filtering System with innovative Imhoff technology, combined with a Primary Treatment stage, to produce clearer and higher-quality water. The objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of this system in reducing contamination levels in groundwater, including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), total hardness (Ca and Mg), and organic compounds. The study employed an experimental method with a quantitative approach and used a One Group Pretest-Posttest design. The research was conducted in two locations: Barombong Village in Makassar and Pauwo Village in Gorontalo. Fifteen samples were randomly selected for analysis. The study began with preliminary observations and initial testing in March 2022, followed by the main research and prototype evaluation in 2023-2024. The results show that the system effectively reduced Fe, Mn, organic compounds, and total hardness levels. In Makassar, the highest reduction in Fe is 87.3% in sample 8, while in Gorontalo, the highest reduction is 93.3% in sample 8. The highest reduction in manganese (Mn) in Makassar is 63.3% in sample 1, and in Gorontalo, it is 62.1% in sample 1. The highest reduction in organic compounds in Makassar is 81.6% in sample 3, while the lowest reduction in total hardness in Makassar is 77.1% in samples 4, 5, 6, and 10. In Gorontalo, the highest reduction in total hardness is 90.3% in samples 1, 2, and 3. Recommendations for the community, The use of gravity-fed filtering system technology as one of the media used to reduce iron and manganese concentrations is considered quite good, but for similar research to be carried out, modifications should be made to the media specifically starting with the size, shape and other variables that support it so that it is more effective in reducing pollutant concentrations.

Evaluation of Tomato Landraces for Tolerance to Drought Stress Using Morphological and Physiological Traits

Drought is among the stress factors that, on a global scale, have direct negative effects on plant growth, yield, and quality. Great efforts are directed towards water shortage adaptation. Exploring the genetic diversity of landraces often tolerant to locally occurring stress can represent a valuable source for the development of cultivars with yield stability and improved quality under stress conditions. This study aimed to identify drought-tolerant tomato landraces based on an integrated approach involving morphological traits and physiological parameters. To investigate the effects of water deficit, five landraces and two controls were tested under optimum and 50% reduced irrigation. Yield and yield-related traits, color, firmness, and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were evaluated. The summarized results indicated that the tomato landraces differed in their responses to water deficit. Water deficit decreased the yield by 44% and the average fruit weight by 29%. Physiological parameters were also significantly affected by water scarcity, with a decrease in the ratios Fv/Fm (the maximum quantum yield of PSII) and Fv/Fo (the maximum primary yield of photochemistry) of 8.2% and 35.5%, respectively, at 14 days’ exposure to stress. Landrace 1352, characterized by indeterminate growth habit and large, rounded, and red-colored fruits, showed a significantly lower reduction in yield and physiological parameters under reduced irrigation and could be used in breeding programs to develop new tomato lines combining resistance with quality.

Predictors of biochemical remission after transsphenoidal surgery in a large cohort of acromegaly patients.

The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical characteristics and factors predictive of biochemical remission in patients with symptomatic acromegaly undergoing transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) at an academic tertiary care center, as defined by the 2022 Acromegaly Consensus Conference guidelines. In this single institution, longitudinal, retrospective study, a large cohort of 158 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of acromegaly undergoing surgery at a large, academic, tertiary care center were examined. We excluded 38 patients as IGF-1 testing was performed less than 12 weeks postoperatively. The majority of tumors were intrasellar macroadenomas (75%), receiving endoscopic surgery (98.3%). Patients who failed remission appeared to have higher raw IGF-1 levels preoperatively (732 ± 313 ng/mL) compared to those who attained remission (278 ± 313 ng/mL), and trended towards higher rates of GH hypersecretion (93.1% vs. 78.4%). Patients failing remission had higher GH levels and IGF-1 levels postoperatively and experienced a lower percentage reduction in raw IGF-1 levels. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that the magnitude of preoperative IGF-1 (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.003) and the percentage change in IGF-1 (OR: 1.021, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.04) were predictive of remission failure. Radiographic characteristics such as tumor size, suprasellar extension, and location were not necessarily predictive of worse postoperative outcomes. Lesions which failed to achieve biochemical remission appeared to display distinctive preoperative endocrinological characteristics, with preoperative IGF-1 levels and percentage changes in IGF-1 levels being predictive of biochemical remission status.

Prognostic significance of CEA reduction rate in patients with abnormally high preoperative CEA levels who underwent surgery for lung cancer

BackgroundThe aim of this research was to investigates the prognostic importance of change in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (particularly abnormal high concentration) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between before and after surgery.MethodsThe study involved 68 patients with NSCLC ( preoperative CEA value ≥ 10 ng/ml) who received curative operation from 2012 to 2020. Preoperative and postoperative serum CEA levels, CEA reduction, and other clinicopathological factors were determined on medical records. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate cut-off levels for prognostic markers. Multivariate analyses with a Cox proportional hazards regression model were performed to identify Independent prognostic variables.ResultsThe optimal cut-off was value for the CEA reduction rate was 77.3%. The area under the curve for the CEA reduction rate was greater compared with those for preoperative and postoperative CEA levels. The Kaplan–Meier method revealed a significantly worse prognosis in the low CEA reduction rate group versus the high CEA reduction rate group regarding overall survival (OS) (p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, the CEA reduction rate (hazard ratio: 3.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.32–8.51, p = 0.011) was identified as an independent and exclusive prognostic marker for OS.ConclusionsIn NSCLC, which is characterized by high preoperative CEA levels, the CEA reduction rate after surgery is a useful prognostic factor. Importantly, it is a more powerful indicator for OS compared with postoperative CEA levels. Further, large-sample-size cohort studies focusing on this issue are warranted.

Methoxyflurane in early analgesic therapy by ski patrol members on Swiss ski slopes – an observational cohort study

BackgroundPain therapy is an important first-response measure in the pre-clinical care of trauma patients. Injured individuals on ski slopes are usually given first aid by members of the ski patrol. The early implementation of adequate pain therapy by these paramedical rescuers can increase patient satisfaction and have a positive effect on the entire treatment process. In this context, we analysed the administration of methoxyflurane by ski patrol members on Swiss ski slopes.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, we evaluated 172 datasets, of which 149 concerned patients who were administered methoxyflurane. These datasets were taken from a quality-control survey related to the administration of methoxyflurane by members of the ski patrol in seven ski resorts in the Swiss Alps. The data was collected in the winter months of 2022/23. The ski patrol members had been previously trained by medical professionals and employed methoxyflurane following a defined algorithm, according to which patients with an initial numeric pain score of ≥ 4 qualified for the use of methoxyflurane. After each treatment, data on effectiveness and feasibility were collected by means of a standardised questionnaire. The primary outcome was defined as achieving effective pain therapy, which was designated as a reduction on the numerical rating scale of two or more points and a pain score of seven or less after administration. We then performed a linear regression analysis with the relative pain reduction as the outcome and sex, age, ski resort and injury class as covariates.ResultsMethoxyflurane led to effective pain reduction in around two-thirds of patients on the ski slopes and was easy to use for trained ski patrol members. Median pain reduction was 2 points (interquartile range: 1 to 3) on the NRS scale. The regression model showed lower reduction in pain in lower extremity injuries. Sex, age and initial pain score were not associated with the extent of pain reduction. No serious side effects were observed.ConclusionThe administration of methoxyflurane by trained ski patrol members is a safe and effective option for early pain management in ski slope injuries. Methoxyflurane could thus represent a useful bridging measure, enabling the ski patrol to relieve moderate to severe pain until professional rescue services arrive. However, it does not seem ideal for lower leg injuries.

Water use efficiency and grain yield of water stressed-field grown triticale as affected by combined application of biochar and biological fertilizer

Water stress poses a significant constraint on crop productivity in arid regions. A 2-year field experiment was conducted using a split-factorial layout within a randomized complete block (RCB) design to determine whether the combination of Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria [PGPRs]) with organic matter (OM) can mitigate the negative impacts of water stress on the grain yield of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack), as well as on water use efficiency for grain (WUEg) and biomass (WUEb). Irrigation treatments, including full irrigation (IRN) and post-milking deficit irrigation (IRD), were assigned to the main plots. Subplots were allocated to different OM sources (no OM, wheat residue, and its biochar) and nitrogen-phosphorus (N-P) sources, viz: chemical N-P fertilizer and integrated N-P fertilizer (50% chemical N-P fertilizer combined with PGPRs). Results indicated that IRD led to a significant decrease in grain yield (60.1%) and, ultimately, WUEg (43.4%) without OM application. However, using biochar resulted in the lowest reductions in these traits (41.1% and 14.6%, respectively) compared to the other OM treatments. The application of integrated N-P fertilizer resulted in an increase in grain yield, WUEg, and WUEb, across all types of OM compared to chemical N-P fertilizer. Notably, the most substantial improvements were observed with the application of biochar, which enhanced grain yield, WUEg, and WUEb by 24.5%, 27.7%, and 18.6%, respectively. Additionally, the application of integrated N-P fertilizer mitigated the decline in average grain weight, a crucial factor influencing the grain yield of triticale, under post-milking water stress conditions. Finally, integrated N-P fertilizer in conjunction with biochar is recommended for arid regions facing irrigation water restrictions during the grain-filling stage of triticale.

A Low Temperature Calciothermic Reduction Approach for the Synthesis of LaB6 Powders

In this work, we report the synthesis of a polycrystalline LaB6 powders with a uniform morphology by a low-temperature metallothermic reduction route using calcium as a reductant. The processing methodology and heat treatment parameters are optimized based on thermodynamic estimates in order to favour the reaction kinetics and for complete formation of LaB6 powders with highest purity. The synthesised powder was subjected to comprehensive characterization studies. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed the complete formation of LaB6 compound without any traces of reactants. Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) along with chemical mapping shows the morphology and elemental distribution of LaB6 powder. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results show the futuristic peaks with photon energies that are assigned to the core levels of the La and B without significant impurities whereas the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum indicates an apparent presence of La-B bonds at 1045.4 cm−1, 585.5 cm−1, and at 463.1 cm−1.

An interplay of salt and Ni stress on contrasting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes: a physiological and biochemical insight

The concurrently occurring multiple abiotic stresses like salinity and heavy metals (Nickel) pose a serious threat to plant survival and food security worldwide, especially in the face of climate change. Therefore, it is imperative to continuously test and study the plant’s physiological changes under combinations of abiotic stresses to ensure sustainability and food security. An experiment was conducted to study the interactive effects of salinity (0, 7.5, and 15 dS m−1) and Ni toxicity (0, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg−1) on a tolerant (Naqeeb) and a sensitive (Nadir) Solanum lycopersicum L. physiology and fruit quality in the soil. At maturity (50% fruit ripening), the plant growth and physiological characteristics were measured, revealing that the tolerant genotype exhibited the higher values for plant height, dry weight, potassium, membrane stability index (MSI), and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; CAT, ascorbate peroxidase; APX, and glutathione reductase; GR). Additionally, it showed enhancement in fruit yield, size, and quality. Conversely, the tolerant genotypes showed a lower reduction in terms of plant height (25.4%) and plant dry weight (41.9%) compared to sensitive genotype (30.1 and 51.4%, respectively). Additionally, the tolerant genotype demonstrated lower values of Ni and Na+ concentration and MDA accumulation under the combined stress of salt and Ni, compared to the sensitive genotype. Furthermore, the study indicated that Ni at a concentration of 10 mg kg−1 significantly influenced tomato plant growth by enhancing its nutritional efficiency and competing with Na+. However, Ni at concentrations of 20 and 40 mg kg−1 had toxic effects on the plants, leading to a decrease in plant growth and physiological processes. Moreover, a negative relationship was observed between Ni uptake and Na+ uptake, while a positive relationship was observed between Ni and K+ uptake. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the interaction between salinity, heavy metal toxicity, and tomato plant physiology, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

Rheological, microbiological, and in vitro digestive properties of Kefir produced with different Kefir grains and commercial starter cultures.

This research investigates the production of kefir using Turkish and Kazakh kefir grains and commercial starter cultures, followed by storage at 4 °C for 30 days. The study monitors the rheological properties and microbiological characteristics of kefir on the 1st, 15th, and 30th days of storage, as well as during dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Kefir samples were passed through a dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal model simulating the digestive processes of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine which was designed in laboratory conditions. Kefir from Turkish kefir grain exhibited the lowest average titratable acidity, apparent viscosity, and flow behavior index, while kefir from Kazakh kefir grain had the highest average pH. Over the storage period, pH and flow behavior index decreased, while titratable acidity, viscosity, and consistency coefficient increased. The kefir samples showed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow characteristics. The acetic acid bacteria and Leuconostoc counts of kefir samples produced with commercial starter cultures were higher than those produced with kefir grains, while yeast counts were higher in kefir samples produced with kefir grains. During storage and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the number of microorganisms in kefir samples decreased. Turkish kefir grain resulted in the lowest reduction (%) of microorganism counts during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. These findings shed light on the rheological, microbiological, and in vitro digestive properties of kefir during storage, which may contribute to improving the quality and health benefits of kefir products. The present study revealed that the kefir produced with kefir grains had a lower decrease in the viability of microorganisms compared to the kefir produced with starter culture after passage through the gastrointestinal model, so kefir produced with kefir grains may be more preferred due to its possible health benefits.