Proximal Component Research Articles

Early and medium-term results of total joint arthroplasty of first carpo-metacarpal joint

Introduction. Reviews dedicated to surgical treatment of the first carpo-metacarpal joint repeatedly state that the evaluation of arthroplasty results is difficult. This is due to the small clinical study groups and the lack of description of all types of outcomes.
 The aim of the study is to analyze obtained early and midterm results of ceramic CMC-arthroplasty. The endoprosthesis are represented with unbound proximal and distal components made of ceramic material. The interaction of the head and cup is represented with no intersecting forces that impede on the multi-axial movement. The surgical technique of CMC-1 joint arthroplasty prescribes the installation of components by the press-fit fixation. There is a brief emphasis on the features of the joint and contributing factors for the development of risarthrosis. Early results are described. Cases of unsatisfactory outcomes are described separately.
 Materials and methods. The study group included patients from 33 to 72 years. The total number of observers was 28 people. We performed revision endoprosthetics in 2 cases (7%), which were associated with aseptic instability of the proximal component according to the osteoporosis. It obvious that endoprosthetics is the only method of orthopedic care that allows maintain mobility and achieve stability of the destroyed CMC joint. Evaluation of the results was carried out by clinical and instrumental methods.
 Results. It cannot be denied that the CMC arthroplasty is the only method of orthopedic care that allows to preserve mobility and achieve stability of the broken joint.
 Conclusion. Arthroplasty of the carpo-metacarpal joint with ceramic implants is a promising method of orthopedic care, that allows to restore the function of the hand.

Air drying of wild sunflower leaf (Tithonia diversifolia ): Effect on its anti-nutritive components and haematology of West African dwarf goats

The study investigated the effect of air – drying treatment on the anti – nutritive components of wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia).Fresh leaves of wild sunflower were air – dried for 7 days and subjected to chemical analyses to determine their proximate and phytochemical components. In order to assess its effect on haematology of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (n=20, aged 5 – 7months, 6.94 ± 0.37 kgweight), the air – dried wild sunflower was milled to form Wild Sunflower Leaf Meal (WSLM) and incorporated into their concentrate diets. ,. The goats were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments containing graded levels of WSLM (0, 10, 20 and 30%). Proximate composition of WSLM ranged from 18.06 – 21.14 % crude protein, 18.25 – 18.90% crude fibre, 3.49 – 4.00% ether extract, 14.10 – 14.14% total ash and 46.10 – 41.82% NFE. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of tannin, phytin, oxalate, saponin, alkaloid, phenols and flavonoids both in the fresh and dried leaves. Quantitative records revealed a significant lowering (P0.05) in all the haematological parameters measured, as the values obtained for the Red blood cells (RBC),White blood cells (WBC) and Packed cell volume (PCV) were all within the standard range. It can therefore be concluded that supplementing WAD goats' diet with WSLM with up to 30% did not have any deleterious effect on the goats.

Relative Nutritional And Phytochemical Composition Of Citrus Fruit Compartments- A Case Against Wasting Citrus Peels


 
 Citrus fruits are known to contribute towards health considering their nutritional composition as well as bioactive ingredients. Although utilized at the industrial level, household-level consumption of citrus peel is not a common concept. The current study was conducted to compare the composition of different citrus fruits as well as to compare their peels and pulps composition. Three samples of citrus fruits (oranges (Citrus Sinensis) [sample O], lemons (Citrus Limons) [sample L], and grapefruits (Citrus Paradisi) [sample G]) were selected. Two variables; type of fruit with three categories (O vs L vs G) and part of the fruit with two categories (peel vs pulp) were studied. Proximate contents (AOAC methods), antioxidant activity (modified DPPH bleaching), Ferrous ion chelating activity, and total phenol content (Folin- Ciocalteu method) were determined for each sample. Oneway ANOVA and post hoc analysis was run to note down differences among various samples. Except for moisture and fat, all other proximate components showed significantly higher amounts in peels compared with pulp. Fiber and ash contents were significantly higher in peels compared with pulps for all three fruits with a mean difference of L=10.1g, O= 9.29g, G= 10.19g for fiber and L= 0.18g, O=0.37g, G=0.10g for ash. Protein and carbohydrate were found in higher quantity in peels of Samples O and L (mean difference L=0.38g, O=0.15g for protein and L=8.1g, O=13.86g) while significantly lower in the peel of sample G (mean difference protein=1.14g, carbohydrate=0.98g). Antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and chelating activity were found to be significantly higher in peels of L, O, and G though these contents were not significantly correlated (p>0.05) to one another. The findings of this study show that citrus fruits are a rich source of nutrients as well as phytochemicals. The peels of citrus fruits can serve as better sources of antioxidants, phenolic content, chelating properties, and some nutrients than their pulps. This study provides evidence for the benefits of utilizing peels at the household level while reducing food waste.
 

Carcass quality of West African dwarf goats fed shea butter nut meal

This study evaluated the carcass quality of West African (WAD) goats fed shea butter nut meal (SBNM). In the sixteen-week nutrition trial, twenty WAD goats aged 5 - 7 months were allotted to five treatments in a completely randomized design. Four concentrate diets were compounded with the inclusion of SBNM at 0, 25, 50 and 100% graded levels. The proximate components of SBNM and the experimental diets were determined. At the end of the feedingtrial, two goats were randomly selected for slaughtering from each treatment to estimate the carcass quality. The proximate components of SBNM consist of 86.56% dry matter, 12.47% crude protein, 1.01%% crude fibre, 28.95%, 0.09% ash and 55.96% nitrogen free extract. The DM content of all the experimental diets was relatively similar in this study. The CP value of 100%SBNM was highest followed by 0%SBNM, 25%SBNM and 50%SBNM. The CF of 25%SBNM diet was higher than the other diets while the EE values were similar across all the diets. There were no significant differences among the mean of the carcass qualities of WAD goats. It could be concluded from this study that inclusion of SBNM in the diet of WAD had no deleterious effect on carcass qualities.

Renal ischemia-reperfusion leads to hypertension and changes in proximal tubule Na+ transport and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: Role of NADPH oxidase

Acute renal injury (AKI) is a risk factor for the development of hypertension, which involves oxidative stress, changes in Na+ handling, and the intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) as underlying mechanisms. We investigated in rats whether renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) leads to changes in the proximal tubule ATP-dependent Na+ transport and the intrarenal content of RAAS components, as well as the role of NADPH oxidase. Rats weighing 300–350 g were submitted to AKI by bilateral IR (n = 25). After IR injury, the animals were followed up for 4 weeks. One part (n = 7) received daily treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (100 mg/kg, drinking water), while another part (n = 9) received apocynin 24 h before and after IR. One group was submitted to sham surgery (n = 8). Four weeks after IR, the rats presented elevated systolic blood pressure, as well as increased lipid peroxidation, NADPH oxidase activity, (Na++K+)ATPase activity, and upregulation of type 1 angiotensin II receptor in the renal cortex. On the other hand, there was a decrease in Na+-ATPase activity and downregulation of the isoforms 1 and 2 of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, type 2 angiotensin II receptor, and of the α and ε isoforms of protein kinase C. Most of these alterations was prevented by both apocynin treatment protocols. Thus, we conclude that AKI-induced by IR may induce changes in proximal tubule ATPases and RAAS components compatible with renal Na+ retention and hypertension. These data also indicate that the NADPH oxidase represents a key factor in the origin of these alterations.

Effect of different smoking processes on the sensory and chemical attributes of two shrimps native to Brazil

The effects of smoking processes on the sensory and proximate components of two species of shrimp were evaluated. Sixty specimens of each species were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (T1 = hot smoking and T2 = liquid smoking), and fresh shrimps samples were used as control (T3). The sensory characteristics were evaluated using the 9 point hedonic scale and the acceptance index. The centesimal composition was evaluated based on 100 g from each treatment and the fresh samples. The data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The results of sensory analysis showed significant variations (p <0.05) for the attributes analyzed among the species, whereas among the smoking processes there was no significance (p >0,05). The acceptance rate was above 70% for amazonian prawn and 80% for white shrimp, regardless of the smoking method. The proximate analysis showed significant differences between the two smoking processes, hot and liquid, with moderet values of lipids, between 0.27% and 1.51%, and high protein values, of 24.61% 24.13%, for white shrimp and amazonian prawn, respectively. The smoking processes altered the sensory and chemical profile of the prawns, causing good acceptance and adequate nutritional constitution for smoked fish.

Into the body wall and back out again.

Two analyses of developmental patterning functions of leg and wing genes in a crustacean provide complementary support for the incorporation of proximal leg components into the body wall during the crustacean–insect transition, but lead to duelling models for which portion(s) re-emerged from the body as wings.

Characterization and Properties of Gedi (Abelmoschus Manihot L.) Leaf Extract with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Using Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Technology (LCMS-QToF)

Gedi (Abelmoschus Manihot L.) is a tropical plant in the Malvaceae family, one of the groups of plants in the herbal community. Gedi plants are known to contain flavonoids, hormones, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds. An ultrasonic extraction tool is used in the extraction process of Gedi leaves. The objective of the study is to know the yield and analyze Gedi leaf extract, including proximate analysis and active substance components with LCMS-QTof. The material used is Gedi leaves from Manado. Ultrasonic extraction was carried out with a dry Gedi leaf ratio and Ethanol 1:40 (m/v) with a time of 30 minutes. The concentration of the extract is with a rotary evaporator temperature of 50-60℃. The yield of the extract of Gedi leaf is 9.86%. Study of the proximity of dried Gedi leaf powder revealed 27.135% protein, 41.675% carbohydrate, 329 kcal energy, 11.235% water and 13.83% ash material. Meanwhile for proximity products, the Gedi leaf extract contains 0.635% protein, 1.27% carbohydrate, 9.26% total energy, 7.1% water, and 0.635% ash. The active compounds in the Gedi extract have been analyzed using LCMS. Trigonelline, Gentiatibetine, Harman, Periplocoside C, and Biotin were detected using the positive-ionization mode, whereas Chloramphenicol was detected with negative-ionization mode.

Bioactive Components and Radical Scavenging Activity in Selected Advance Lines of Salt-Tolerant Vegetable Amaranth.

Four selected advance lines of salt-tolerant vegetable amaranth were evaluated for proximate, nutraceuticals, pigments, phytochemicals, and antioxidants components antioxidants activity in completely randomized block design (RCBD) design in three replicates. Salt-tolerant vegetable amaranth contained adequate carbohydrates, protein, moisture, and dietary fiber. The remarkable contents of iron, manganese, copper, zinc, sodium, molybdenum, boron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, betacyanins, betalains, betaxanthins, chlorophylls, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant potentiality were found in salt-tolerant vegetable amaranth. The genotypes LS7 and LS9 had abundant proximate, nutraceuticals, pigments, phytochemicals, and antioxidants compared to the genotypes LS3 and LS5. Salt-tolerant vegetable amaranth demonstrated high content of flavonoid compounds including flavonols such as rutin, kaempferol, isoquercetin, myricetin, hyperoside, and quercetin; flavanol, such as catechin; flavone such as apigenin; and flavanone, such as naringenin. For the first time, we identified one flavonol such as myricetin; one flavanol, such as catechin; one flavone such as apigenin; and one flavanone, such as naringenin in salt-tolerant vegetable amaranth. Across six flavonols, rutin and quercetin were identified as the most prominent compounds followed by isoquercetin and myricetin in selected salt-tolerant vegetable amaranths. Across the genotypes, LS7 exhibited the highest flavonols such as rutin, kaempferol, isoquercetin, myricetin, hyperoside, and quercetin as well as the highest flavanols, such as catechin; flavones such as apigenin; and flavanones, such as naringenin. It revealed from the correlation study that antioxidant components of salt-tolerant vegetable amaranth genotypes exhibited good radical quenching capacity of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl equivalent to Trolox. The two genotypes LS7 and LS9 of vegetable amaranth containing excellent sources of proximate, nutraceuticals, pigments, phytochemicals, and antioxidants components could be used as potent antioxidants to attaining nutrients and antioxidant sufficiency in the saline prone area of the globe. We can extract colorful juice from the genotypes LS7 and LS9 as drink purposes for consuming the nutraceuticals and antioxidant deficient community in the saline prone area around the world. However, further detail experimentation is required to confirm the standardization and stabilization of functional components of vegetable amaranth for extraction of juice as drinks.

Nutritional Composition and Sensory Quality of Packaged Ofe-Owerri: A Major Traditional Soup in Nigeria

Background: Ofe-Owerri is an expensive traditional soup in Nigeria, prepared using Oha (Pterocarpus soyauxi), Ukazi (Gnetum africanum), Uziza (Piper guineense) and cocoyam (Colocasia esculanta) as the major vegetables. The soup is highly celebrated for its traditional therapeutic and nutritional potentials. Objective: In this study, we assessed the proximate and mineral components, sensory and microbial qualities of the Ofe-Owerri soup in a cooked and packaged form. Antioxidant status and phytoconstituents of the major vegetables of the soup were also determined. Methods: Established methods were used as previously reported in the literature. Results: Calcium was the most concentrated mineral, whereas lead was absent. High moisture (63.45%), crude protein (14.60%) and fat (13.27%) were found in the soup. The major ingredients (vegetables) used to prepare Ofe-Owerri contain phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and saponins, and showed potent antioxidant activity in various in vitro models, with uziza displaying the highest scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The vegetables exhibit reductive capacity against oxidants, and chelation of metallic free radicals. There was no significant difference (p≤0.05) in the sensory parameters of Ofe-Owerri soup kept frozen in foil and plastic containers, respectively, for 21 days. Conclusion: This study showed that Ofe-Owerri is a good dietary source of nutrients and possesses phytoconstituents with potential beneficial health effects. When properly packaged, the soup can be stored safely for up to three weeks.

Enhancing Bioactive Compound and Antioxidant Activity of Cake by Using Pumpkin Powder

Background: Pumpkin is a rich source of dietary nutrients utilized for its leaves, pulp, and seeds to add value to the food product. Objectives: The study was designed to assess the effects of pumpkin powder as a partial replacement of wheat flour on proximate analysis, bioactive component, physical, and sensory properties of cake. Methods: The cakes were prepared by replacing 5%, 10%, and 15% of wheat flour with pumpkin powder and compared with control cake where no pumpkin powder was added. Results: Water and oil holding capacity of pumpkin powder were found significantly higher (P<0.05) than wheat flour but there was no significant (P>0.05) difference found in emulsion activity and emulsion stability. Protein and ash content of cake also increased with increasing substitution of pumpkin powder in wheat flour. Pumpkin powder increased the bioactive compound of cake and increased with increasing incorporation on wheat flour. Highest β-carotene content was observed in 15% pumpkin cake (1.12 mg/100g) followed by 10% cake (0.91 mg/100g). Total phenolic content also increased in pumpkin cake than control cake and the highest concentration was found in 15% pumpkin cake. Increasing proportions of pumpkin powder results in increasing antioxidant capacity of cake and found 11.24% to 19.76% for control to 15% pumpkin cake. In texture profile analysis, the hardness of samples increased slightly and vice versa for chewiness in pumpkin powder cake. Conclusion: The addition of 10% pumpkin powder significantly improved the nutritional as well as sensory attributes of cake.

Characterization of biochemical and proximate composition in rice grains as influenced by germination

The present study was conducted to characterize ten rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars viz. IET-23466, Dhan-201, IET-23448, MAS-946, IET-23445, IET-23463, IET-23455, PR-123, PR-115 and IET-23449 based on biochemical (starch, amylose, amylopectin, total sugars, reducing sugars, total protein and amino acids) and proximate composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, ash and fat) before and after germination, with an aim to identify cultivars containing higher health-promoting components after germination. Findings of our study demonstrated that germination significantly influenced the biochemical and proximate components in all the cultivars. Cultivars IET-23463, IET-23466, PR-123 performed better as revealed by higher content of crude protein, ash, crude fibre, reducing sugars and low content of amylose, amylopectin and starch after germination. These cultivars hold great potential after germination and would open up a useful opportunity for the food industries to use them as an ingredient in functional foods. Consumption of these cultivars as ingredients in functional foods after germination would afford greater health benefits to consumers because of increase of fibre, minerals, amino acids and simple sugars after germination.

Assessing Periprosthetic Bone in Total Wrist Arthroplasty: The Validity of DXA

Introduction: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can measure bone mineral density (BMD) around joint arthroplasties. DXA has never been used in total wrist arthroplasties (TWA). We investigated (1) whether BMD differs between 2 TWAs implanted in the same cadaver forearm, (2) the effect of forearm rotation and wrist extension on measured BMD around TWA in a cadaver, and (3) the precision of DXA in a cadaver and patients.Methodology: One ROI around the distal and 1 and 3 ROIs (ROI1-3) around the proximal component were used. Ten DXA scans were performed on forearm and femur mode convertible to orthopedic knee mode without arthroplasty, with ReMotion, and with Motec TWA in one cadaver forearm. Ten scans with 5° increments from 90°–70° pronation and 0°–20° extension, were performed with Motec. Precision was calculated as coefficient of variation (CV%) and least significant change (LSC%) from cadaver scans and double examinations with femur mode converted to orthopedic knee mode in 40 patients (20 ReMotion, 20 Motec).Results: BMD was higher in all Motec than corresponding ReMotion ROIs (p < 0.05). BMD changed with 10° supination in the distal ROI and ROI1, and with 5° extension in the distal ROI (p < 0.05). In the cadaver the orthopedic knee mode was more precise than the forearm mode in 3 Motec ROIs (p < 0.05). In patients CV was 2.21%–3.08% in the distal ROI, 1.66%–2.01% in the proximal ROI, and 1.98%–2.87% with 3 ROIs.Conclusions: DXA is feasible for BMD measurement around the proximal component using the orthopedic knee mode, but not the distal component of TWA.

Impact of different drying methods on proximate and mineral composition of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida)

Mushrooms well known for their delicacy and flavor are highly perishable due their high moisture content. In this study the changes in proximate and mineral components of oyster mushroom in response to 6 drying methods, viz., sun, solar, oven, microwave, freeze and osmotic drying were studied. The moisture and ash content of dried oyster mushrooms ranged from 8.84 to 5.16% and 8.12 to 9.37%, respectively. The highest crude protein of 23.74% was recorded for freeze dried oyster mushroom while as highest crude fiber content of 25.38% was found in microwave dried samples. On comparing the mineral content of dried oyster mushroom, freeze dried oyster mushroom recorded highest iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium content of 5.10, 16.12 and 2309.01 mg/100 g, respectively while least iron, magnesium and potassium content of 3.80, 15.06 and 1394.38 mg/100 g, respectively was observed in sun dried oyster mushroom. The study concluded better retention of proximate components in freeze dried oyster mushroom while as sun drying resulted in greater loss of nutrients. The best dried oyster mushroom can be used in formulation of functional foods conferring health benefits.

ANTIPLASMODIAL POTENTIAL OF Garcinia kola (HECKEL) STEMBARK EXTRACT IN ALBINO MICE

Garcinia kola stem bark forms part of recipes used traditionally for the treatment of malaria. In view of the prevalence of malaria in Nigeria, this study investigated the phytochemical, mineral and proximate components, as well as antiplasmodial activity and toxicological effect of Garcinia kola stem bark extract against Plasmodium berghei infected mice. The plant sample was screened for phytochemical, mineral and proximate components using standard laboratory techniques. Thirty five mice were divided into seven groups of five mice each. Malaria was induced in all the groups intraperitoneally with 0.2 mL of infected blood containing about 107 of P. berghei parasitized red blood cells, except group 6 (extract only) and group 7 (normal control). Group 1 received 100 mg/kg bodyweight of the extract orally. Group 2 received 200 mg/kg of the extract. Group 3 received 300 mg/kg of the extract. Group 4 received 5 mg/kg of chloroquine. Group 5 (induced but untreated control). The haematology, liver function enzymes and histopathology of the liver were carried out using standard protocols. The plant was rich in alkaloids, iron and fibre. The extract treated groups (1-3) showed significant decrease (p≤0.05) in parasitemia level after seven days of treatment. There was no significant difference in AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin and GGT activities in all the extract treated groups compared to the control. No pathological changes were evident in histopathology of all the groups treated with various concentration of the extract. The result obtained from this study confirmed the antiplasmodial activity of methanol extract of G. kola stem bark. The highest inhibition of P. berghie parasite was observed at dose 300 mg/kg comparable to chloroquine, with no hepatoxicity which confirmed the safety of G. kola. The phytochemicals and nutritional components could be responsible for the observed antiplasmodial activity of the plant.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Clinical cases referring to current options and recommendations for the use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in acute and chronic thoracic aortic disease: an expert consensus document of the European Society for Cardiology (ESC) Working Group of Cardiovascular Surgery, the ESC Working Group on Aorta and Peripheral Vascular Diseases, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the ESC

Since its clinical implementation in the late nineties, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the standard treatment of several acute and chronic diseases of the thoracic aorta. While TEVAR has been embraced by many, this disruptive technology has also stimulated the continuing evolution of open surgery, which became even more important as late TEVAR failures do need open surgical correction justifying the need to unite both treatment options under one umbrella. This fact shows the importance of-in analogy to the heart team-aortic centre formation and centralization of care, which stimulates continuing development and improves outcome . The next frontier to be explored is the most proximal component of the aorta-the aortic root, in particular in acute type A aortic dissection-which remains the main challenge for the years to come. The aim of this document is to provide the reader with a synopsis of current evidence regarding the use or non-use of TEVAR in acute and chronic thoracic aortic disease, to share latest recommendations for a modified terminology and for reporting standards and finally to provide a glimpse into future developments.

Current options and recommendations for the use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in acute and chronic thoracic aortic disease: an expert consensus document of the European Society for Cardiology (ESC) Working Group of Cardiovascular Surgery, the ESC Working Group on Aorta and Peripheral Vascular Diseases, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the ESC and the European Association

Since its clinical implementation in the late nineties, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the standard treatment of several acute and chronic diseases of the thoracic aorta. While TEVAR has been embraced by many, this disruptive technology has also stimulated the continuing evolution of open surgery, which became even more important as late TEVAR failures do need open surgical correction justifying the need to unite both treatment options under one umbrella. This fact shows the importance of-in analogy to the heart team-aortic centre formation and centralization of care, which stimulates continuing development and improves outcome . The next frontier to be explored is the most proximal component of the aorta-the aortic root, in particular in acute type A aortic dissection-which remains the main challenge for the years to come. The aim of this document is to provide the reader with a synopsis of current evidence regarding the use or non-use of TEVAR in acute and chronic thoracic aortic disease, to share latest recommendations for a modified terminology and for reporting standards and finally to provide a glimpse into future developments.

Characterization and washability of Pakistani bituminous coal from Punjab

ABSTRACT Pre-combustion cleaning techniques are used to remove unwanted impurities and environmentally harmful constituents in coal. In this study, gross samples collected from seven zones of Punjab coalfield were separately subjected to sizing into coarse (+25 mm), intermediate (–25 + 1.168 mm), fine (–1.168 + 0.147 mm), and ultrafine (–0.147 mm) fractions. Proximate and ultimate components, forms of sulfur and gross calorific value of all size fractions and the composite sample of each zone coal were determined. Float-sink tests were conducted on coarse, intermediate and fine fractions. The results show that Punjab coal contains moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon in the range of 2.28–4.61%, 34.13–51.59%, 26.72–34.25%, and 18.17–28.92%, respectively, belonging to high volatile bituminous B and C categories. The large proportion of mass lies in the intermediate size range for Chambel (63.10%), Dandot (60.27%), Trans-Indus (54.83%), Dalwal (52.20%), and Ara-Basharat (47.22%) coals whereas coarse particles constitute the major proportion of Padhrar (47.92%) and Jhelum (45.83%) coals. At 16% target ash content, the overall clean coal yield achievable for Jhelum, Ara-Basharat, Dandot, Dalwal, Padhrar, Chambel, and Trans-Indus zone coals were found as 16.32%, 20.76%, 37.20%, 48.59%, 46.29%, 70.43%, and 67.40% with sulfur contents of 2.89%, 2.80%, 2.90%, 3.57%, 4.28%, 3.89%, and 4.21%, respectively. The extent of coal cleaning was found higher for the Central Salt Range (Padhrar and Chambel zone) and Western Punjab (Trans-Indus zone) coals than the Eastern Salt Range (Jhelum, Ara-Basharat, Dandot and Dalwal zone) coals based on their degrees of washing and S-values. Padhrar coal exhibits the best washing characteristics as revealed by its highest S-value of 78.5.

Successful application of the snare technique for the deployment of the proximal portion of a Zenith Alpha Thoracic Endovascular Graft: a case report

BackgroundOpen surgery can be required or even fatal if incomplete deployment of stent graft (SG) occurs. We herein report the first case in which a snare was successfully used to perform endovascular therapeutic troubleshooting on the proximal portion of a Zenith Alpha thoracic endovascular graft proximal component that showed incomplete deployment.Case presentationThe patient was an 80-year-old woman. She underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for subacute phase Stanford type B ulcer-like projection aortic dissection. Although the ulcer-like projection disappeared, a follow-up computed tomography angiogram (CTA) obtained approximately 1 year postoperatively showed type Ia and Ib endoleaks. Since there is a high risk of rupture as the aneurysm diameter increases, we determined that an additional SG was indicated. An attempt was made to place the SG in Zone 3, but as the lesser curvature side of the proximal portion stopped in a position that was perpendicular to the vascular wall (downward facing), the SG proximal portion did not completely expand. A guiding sheath was inserted into the aortic arch via the left brachial artery, and, using a snare that we inserted via the femoral artery, we grasped the guiding sheath. A catheter and guidewire (GW) were inserted via the guiding sheath and then rotated under the lesser curvature of the SG proximal portion; the GW was then passed through the loop of the snare. This allowed us to insert the hard loop structure under the SG proximal portion, which in turn allowed successful repair of the incomplete deployment of the SG. Type Ia and Ib endoleaks remained but were less than those before additional TEVAR.One week later, she was discharged. One year later, CT showed no interval change in the size of aortic aneurysm with dissection, and she has been followed on an outpatient basis.ConclusionsWhen the endovascular diameter of the proximal aortic arch is large, incomplete deployment of the proximal portion of a Zenith Alpha thoracic endovascular graft can occur, but bailout is possible through the use of the snare technique as endovascular therapy.

Formulating a novel combined equation for coal calorific value estimation by group method data handling type neural network

ABSTRACT The accurate estimation of the calorific value of coal with the help of models is very important for the design and operation of coal-based technologies. This study proposes a new combined estimation equation for the calorific value of coal. The modeling process in this study consists of two stages. In Stage-1, a high-performance gross calorific value (GCV) prediction equation is developed using the Group Method Data Handling type Neural Network (GMDH-type NN) method based on proximate analysis components. In addition, by comparing the performance of the developed GCV equation with the performance of the model equations in the literature, three model equations providing the best estimation performance are determined. In Stage-2, a combined equation for GCV prediction is formed based on GMDH-type NN. This combined equation uses the estimation results of the best three equations as model inputs, determined in Stage-1. A large dataset consisting of 8501 coal samples (as-received basis) is used in the development and testing of GCV estimation equations. According to the results obtained from estimation equations, the estimation equation developed in Stage-1 provides better estimation performance than the equations in the literature. It is found that the combined equation developed in Stage-2 improves considerably the prediction performance values.