Geopolymerization of solid waste of non-ferrous metallurgy - A review

The growing demand for non-ferrous metals (Aluminium, Copper, Nickle, Lead and Zinc) has grown the non-ferrous metallurgical industry, which generate huge amount of solid waste. Most common method for the disposal of these solid wastes is dumping at sites, which pollutes the soil and water and covers the useful land. Geopolymerization technique can be very helpful for the safe disposal of these solid wastes, which converts the solid wastes into valuable construction materials such as binders, mortar, bricks, paving blocks and concrete etc. However, to commercialize the use of these construction products, some key aspects require detailed examination. Alternative techniques and materials will have to be identified to increase their reactivity in geopolymerization and in-depth knowledge of reaction mechanism, mix design, strength and durability characteristics of resulting geopolymer will have to be studied. The present paper reviews the important studies on geopolymerization of different solid wastes produced from non-ferrous industry. The optimum synthesis parameters such as alkali activators, curing temperature, curing time and molar ratio etc. for the geopolymerization of these solid wastes are reported and exiting gaps and future trends are also discussed.

Association of body mass index and upper arm body composition with depressive symptoms in old age home and family based elderly

The following study was designed to find out the association of the mid-upper arm body composition and body mass index (BMI) with depressive symptoms among the old age home based (group 1) and family based elderly (group 2) subjects. In group 1 elderly males, 51.5% were showing mild depressive symptoms and 17% were showing moderate to severe depressive symptoms. On the other hand, among group 2 elderly males, prevalence of mild depressive symptoms was in 27% and moderate to severe depressive symptoms was in 4.5% of the subjects. Among elderly with and without depressive symptoms, BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), arm muscle circumference (AMC), arm muscle area (AMA), arm fat area (AFA), fat mass (FM), muscle mass and bone mass were significantly (p < 0.01) lesser among group 1 as compared to group 2. Among group 1, the AFA (R² change = 0.178), AMC (R² change = 0.035), AMA (R² change = 0.032), FM (R² change = 0.022) and muscle mass (R² change = 0.019) have highest contribution to the variance of depressive symptoms. On the other hand, BMI (R² change = 0.04) and WHR (R² change = 0.03) had the highest, though small, contribution to the variance of depressive symptoms among group 2. The upper arm body composition indices were better indicator of depressive symptoms in group 1, and BMI and WHR were better indicators of depressive symptoms in group 2. Therefore, among group 1 subjects, the upper arm body composition indices prove to be better regular health monitoring indices as compared to traditionally used BMI and WHR.

Identification of early inflammatory changes in the tympanic membrane with Raman spectroscopy

The tympanic membrane (TM) is a dynamic structure that separates the middle ear from the external auditory canal. It is also integral for the transmission of sound waves. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy to identify early chemical changes resulting from inflammation in the TM that can serve as an indicator of acute otitis media. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected trans-tympanicaly in a murine model. Presence of inflammatory response was assessed with binocular microscopy, confirmed with histopathology and immunofluorescence staining. Successful discrimination suggesting spectral differences among the control and LPS treated groups was achieved using principal component analysis. Raman imaging revealed major differences in collagen distribution and nucleic acid content. Image segmentation analysis on the trichrome stained tissue sections was performed to corroborate the Raman spectra. The spectral co-localization study suggests changes in the expression of collagen IV specific signals in LPS treated samples. The overall findings of the study support prospective application of RS in the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of otitis media.

Relationship of foetal number and parity in Barbari goats to plasma profile of caprine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (caPAG) during gestation and the early postpartum period

This study was conducted to characterise pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (caPAG) in peripheral plasma during gestation and postpartum periods of nulliparous and multiparous does with one or two foetuses using a caPAG specific two-step sandwich ELISA system. Earliest time-points for detection of pregnancy and foetal number with appropriate cut-off values were identified. Plasma samples from 15 pregnant (multiparous: n = 8; nulliparous: n = 7; during pregnancy and postpartum period) and six non-pregnant (during oestrous cycle) goats were collected and analysed. Mean caPAG concentration was greater than the threshold for pregnancy detection (S-N = 0.40) on d22, peaked on d45 and remained unchanged until parturition. From d45 until parturition, caPAG concentration in multiparous does with two foetuses was 1.4 to 1.8 fold greater (P < 0.001) than those with one foetus. For the ELISA, 0.83 (S-N) was the most appropriate cut-off to differentiate does with two from those with a single foetus with an overall sensitivity and accuracy of 88.9% and 84.7%, respectively. Circulating caPAG concentration in multiparous goats was greater (P < 0.05) compared with nulliparous goats during the early pregnancy and postpartum periods. After parturition, caPAG concentrations markedly decreased and were basal within 14 days postpartum. In conclusion, using the caPAG specific ELISA, results indicated there were unique gestational and postpartum profiles for caPAG concentrations that are affected by number of foetuses and parity of the doe. The marked decrease in concentration of caPAG following parturition indicates there would not be compromising of the detection of subsequent pregnancies in goats using this technique.

Ventilatory parameters at rest after months of stay at 3300 m: A comparison between acclimatized lowlanders and natives at Leh

Background

Increased pulmonary ventilation helps lowlanders and natives to maintain arterial oxygenation at high altitudes. Natives of Ladakh have been shown to have similar ventilatory parameters as Tibetans at 3300 m. But there is limited literature comparing these parameters in Ladakhi natives with acclimatized lowland sojourners.

Methods

End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (EtCO₂), blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were measured in 276 participants, 126 native highlanders (NHL - 40 females, 86 males) and 150 acclimatized lowlanders (ALL - 60 females, 90 males).

Results

EtCO₂ was greater in the NHL compared to the ALL, (33.8 ± 3.3 vs 31 ± 2.5 mmHg) although SpO₂ was lower (90.9 ± 2.4 vs 91.7 ± 2.3%). When grouped by sex, NHL males had significantly greater EtCO₂ than NHL females, ALL males and ALL females. Hb and calculated arterial oxygen content was similar in Ladakhis and acclimatized lowlanders, although greater in males compared to females. Systemic blood pressure, heart rate and the proportion of hypertensives was significantly greater in the ALL.

Conclusion

Native Ladakhis, have a significantly greater resting EtCO₂ (especially in males) and lower SpO₂ than acclimatized lowlanders. Blood Hb concentration and oxygen content is, however, similar in natives and acclimatized lowlanders of the same sex.

Is it time to revise the acclimatization schedule at high altitude? Evidence from a field trial in Western Himalayas

Background

In Western Himalayas, Indian Army soldiers take 11 days (6 days of acclimatization and 5 days of travel) on a sea-level to high altitude road (SH road) to reach a high altitude location (HAL) situated at an altitude of 11,500 feet from sea-level location (SLL) at an altitude of 1150 feet while following acclimatization schedule (AS). AS has an extra safety margin over the conventional 'mountaineering thumb rule' of not exceeding 500 m sleeping altitude above 3000 m altitude. We carried out this randomised field trial to study the feasibility of moving large number of troops rapidly from SLL to HAL on SH road in western Himalayas in 4 days under pharmaco-prophylaxis.

Methods

Based on the pharmaco-prophylaxis, at SLL 508 healthy lowland soldiers were divided into two groups: 'A' (n = 256) with Acetazolamide + Dexamethasone and 'B' (n = 252) with Acetazolamide + Placebo. They travelled rapidly by road to HAL in 4 days and prevalence of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) during the ascent was measured.

Results

Prevalence of AMS was found to be 1.56% and 1.59% in group 'A' and group 'B' respectively during the ascent with no cases of HAPE and HACE.

Conclusion

At least on SH road, troops can be inducted rapidly to HAL from SLL in 4 days under pharmaco-prophylaxis with Acetazolamide with minimal occurrence of acute high altitude illnesses.

In the search of a 'fitness gene': an analysis of ACTN gene polymorphisms in serving soldiers

Background

Genetic polymorphisms in the exon 15 and exon 16 of the ACTN3 gene are believed to be associated with athletic performance. Paratroopers are some of the fittest soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces. This study was taken up to assess if there was a significant difference in the genetic profile between paratroopers and non-paratroopers.

Method

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction length fragment polymorphism (RFLP) was used to analyse the genetic polymorphisms in the exon 15 and 16 of the ACTN3 gene.

Results

There was a significant difference between paratroopers and non-paratroopers in the polymorphic loci at codon 15 and 16.

Conclusions

The study suggests that there is a significant difference in the genotype between paratroopers and non-paratroopers. It is likely that the differences in muscle fibres as a result of these genotypic changes confer a 'survival advantage'; people with a homozygous genotype are more likely to pass the harsh probation and qualify for the Parachute Regiment.

Indian guidelines on imaging of the small intestine in Crohn's disease: A joint Indian Society of Gastroenterology and Indian Radiology and Imaging Association consensus statement

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) Task Force on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) developed combined ISG-IRIA evidence-based best-practice guidelines for imaging of the small intestine in patients suspected to have or having Crohn's disease. The 29 consensus statements, developed through a modified Delphi process, are intended to serve as reference for teaching, clinical practice, and research.

Deciphering the genetic basis of root morphology, nutrient uptake, yield, and yield-related traits in rice under dry direct-seeded cultivation systems

In the face of global water scarcity, a successful transition of rice cultivation from puddled to dry direct-seeded rice (DDSR) is a future need. A genome-wide association study was performed on a complex mapping population for 39 traits: 9 seedling-establishment traits, 14 root and nutrient-uptake traits, 5 plant morphological traits, 4 lodging resistance traits, and 7 yield and yield-contributing traits. A total of 10 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) were found along with 25 QTLs associated with 25 traits. The percent phenotypic variance explained by SNPs ranged from 8% to 84%. Grain yield was found to be significantly and positively correlated with seedling-establishment traits, root morphological traits, nutrient uptake-related traits, and grain yield-contributing traits. The genomic colocation of different root morphological traits, nutrient uptake-related traits, and grain-yield-contributing traits further supports the role of root morphological traits in improving nutrient uptake and grain yield under DDSR. The QTLs/candidate genes underlying the significant MTAs were identified. The identified promising progenies carrying these QTLs may serve as potential donors to be exploited in genomics-assisted breeding programs for improving grain yield and adaptability under DDSR.

Genome-wide association study reveals significant genomic regions for improving yield, adaptability of rice under dry direct seeded cultivation condition

BACKGROUND

Puddled transplanted system of rice cultivation despite having several benefits, is a highly labor, water and energy intensive system. In the face of changing climatic conditions, a successful transition from puddled to dry direct seeded rice (DDSR) cultivation system looks must in future. Genome-wide association study was performed for traits including, roots and nutrient uptake (14 traits), plant-morphological (5 traits), lodging-resistance (4 traits) and yield and yield attributing traits (7 traits) with the aim to identify significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) for traits enhancing rice adaptability to dry direct-seeded rice (DDSR) system.

RESULTS

Study identified a total of 37 highly significant MTAs for 20 traits. The false discovery rate (FDR) ranged from 0.264 to 3.69 × 10- 4, 0.0330 to 1.25 × 10- 4, and 0.0534 to 4.60 × 10- 6 in 2015WS, 2016DS and combined analysis, respectively. The percent phenotypic variance (PV) explained by SNPs ranged from 9 to 92%. Among the identified significant MTAs, 15 MTAs associated with the traits including nodal root, root hair length, root length density, stem and culm diameter, plant height and grain yield were reported to be located in the proximity of earlier identified candidate gene. The significant positive correlation of grain-yield with seedling establishment traits, root morphological and nutrient-uptake related traits and grain yield attributing traits pointing towards combining target traits to increase rice yield and adaptability under DDSR. Seven promising progenies with better root morphology, nutrient-uptake and higher grain yield were identified that can further be used in genomics assisted breeding for DDSR varietal development.

CONCLUSIONS

Once validated, the identified MTAs and the SNPs linked with trait of interest could be of direct use in genomic assisted breeding (GAB) to improve grain yield and adaptability of rice under DDSR.

Mining of Indian wheat germplasm collection for adult plant resistance to leaf rust

Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) is a fungal disease of wheat (Triticum spp.), which causes considerable yield loss. Adult plant resistance (APR) is one of the most sustainable approaches to control leaf rust. In this study, field-testing was carried out across ten different locations, followed by molecular screening, to detect the presence of APR genes, Lr34+, Lr46+, Lr67+ and Lr68 in Indian wheat germplasm. In field screening, 190 wheat accessions were selected from 6,319 accessions based on leaf tip necrosis (LTN), disease severity and the average coefficient of infection. Molecular screening revealed that 73% of the accessions possessed known APR genes either as single or as a combination of two or three genes. The occurrence of increased LTN intensity, decreased leaf rust severity and greater expression of APR genes were more in relatively cooler locations. In 52 lines, although the presence of the APR genes was not detected, it still displayed high levels of resistance. Furthermore, 49 accessions possessing either two or three APR genes were evaluated for stability across locations for grain yield. It emerged that eight accessions had wider adaptability. Resistance based on APR genes, in the background of high yielding cultivars, is expected to provide a high level of race non-specific resistance, which is durable.

Epistatic interactions of major effect drought QTLs with genetic background loci determine grain yield of rice under drought stress

Epistatic interactions of QTLs with the genetic background and QTL-QTL interaction plays an important role in the phenotypic performance of introgression lines developed through genomic-assisted breeding (GAB). In this context, NIL pairs developed with various drought QTL (qDTY) combinations in the genetic background of IR64, TDK1-Sub1 and Savitri backgrounds were utilized to study the interactions. Multi-season phenotyping of NIL pairs harboring similar qDTY combinations provided contrasting performance for grain yield under drought (RS) (classified as high and low yielding NILs) but nearly similar performance under non-stress(NS) conditions. Genome wide genotyping data revealed a total of 16, 5 and 6 digenic interactions were detected under RS conditions in low yielding NILs of IR64, TDK1-Sub1 and Savitri respectively while no significant interaction was found in high yielding NILs under RS and NS conditions in any of the genetic backgrounds used in this study. It is evident from this study that existence of epistatic interactions between QTLs with genetic background, QTL-QTL interaction and interactions among background markers loci itself on different chromosomes influences the expression of a complex trait such as grain yield under drought. The generated information will be useful in all the GAB program of across the crops for precise breeding.

Marker Assisted Breeding to Develop Multiple Stress Tolerant Varieties for Flood and Drought Prone Areas

BACKGROUND

Climate extremes such as drought and flood have become major constraints to the sustainable rice crop productivity in rainfed environments. Availability of suitable climate-resilient varieties could help farmers to reduce the grain yield losses resulting from the climatic extremities. The present study was undertaken with an aim to develop high-yielding drought and submergence tolerant rice varieties using marker assisted introgression of qDTY1.1, qDTY2.1, qDTY3.1 and Sub1. Performance of near isogenic lines (NILs) developed in the background of Swarna was evaluated across 60 multi-locations trials (MLTs). The selected promising lines from MLTs were nominated and evaluated in national trials across 18 locations in India and 6 locations in Nepal.

RESULTS

Grain yield advantage of the NILs with qDTY1.1 + qDTY2.1 + qDTY3.1 + Sub1 and qDTY2.1 + qDTY3.1 + Sub1 ranged from 76 to 2479 kg ha- 1 and 396 to 2376 kg ha- 1 under non-stress (NS) respectively and 292 to 1118 kg ha- 1 and 284 to 2086 kg ha- 1 under reproductive drought stress (RS), respectively. The NIL, IR96322-34-223-B-1-1-1-1 having qDTY1.1 + qDTY2.1 + qDTY3.1 + Sub1 has been released as variety CR dhan 801 in India. IR 96321-1447-651-B-1-1-2 having qDTY1.1 + qDTY3.1 + Sub 1 and IR 94391-131-358-19-B-1-1-1 having qDTY3.1 + Sub1 have been released as varieties Bahuguni dhan-1' and 'Bahuguni dhan-2' respectively in Nepal. Background recovery of 94%, 93% and 98% was observed for IR 96322-34-223-B-1-1-1-1, IR 96321-1447-651-B-1-1-2 and IR 94391-131-358-19-B-1-1-1 respectively on 6 K SNP Infinium chip.

CONCLUSION

The drought and submergence tolerant rice varieties with pyramided multiple QTLs can ensure 0.2 to 1.7 t ha- 1 under reproductive stage drought stress and 0.1 to 1.0 t ha- 1 under submergence conditions with no yield penalty under non-stress to farmers irrespective of occurrence of drought and/or flood in the same or different seasons.

Modifying the transition temperature, 120 K ≤ Tc ≤ 1150 K, of amorphous Fe90-xCoxSc10 with simultaneous alteration of fluctuation of exchange integral up to zero

Amorphous (a-) Fe_90−xCo_xSc₁₀ alloys have been produced by rapid quenching from the melt. The Curie temperature, T_C, was determined using both mean field theory and Landau’s theory of second-order phase transitions in zero and non-zero external fields. The dependence of T_C on the atomic spacing can be explained by the empirical Bethe-Slater curve. The value of T_C of a- Fe₅Co₈₅Sc₁₀, determined by the above theoretical approaches is 1150 K, which is the highest T_C ever measured for amorphous alloys. The flattening of the measured normalized magnetization, M(T)/M(0), as a function of the reduced temperature, T/T_C, is explained within the framework of the Handrich- Kobe model. According to this model the fluctuation of the exchange integral is the main reason for the flattening of M(T)/M(0). In the case of a-Fe₉₀Sc₁₀ without Co, however, the fluctuation of the exchange integral is dominant only at zero external field, B_ex = 0. At B_ex = 9 T, however, the fluctuation of the exchange integral has no conspicuous effect on the reduction of the magnetization. It is shown that at B_ex = 9 T the frozen magnetic clusters control the behaviour of the reduced magnetization as function of T/T_C. In contrast to other ferromagnetic alloys, where the flattening of M(T)/M(0) is characteristic for an amorphous structure, the a- Fe₅Co₈₅Sc₁₀ does not exhibit any trace of the fluctuation of the exchange integral.

Retention and patient satisfaction with bar-clip, ball and socket and kerator attachments in mandibular implant overdenture treatment: An in vivo study

Aim:

The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare the retention and patient satisfaction in implant supported mandibular overdenture with three different attachment system.

Materials and Methods:

After evaluation of prosthetic space, fifteen edentulous subjects received two implants in the inter-foramina region of the mandible and were divided into 3 groups with 5 subjects each, delayed loading protocol was followed in all the patients. The retention force and satisfaction level with the attachments at baseline and after 6 months was measured in a standardised way using retentive device and VAS questionnaire. The study was based on evaluation of retention and patient satisfaction. 15 subjects were included in the study. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA test, and multiple comparisons were carried out using the Bonferroni tests.

Results:

At the end of six months, the retention force and satisfaction level was higher in Group 3 (Kerator attachment) as compared to Group 1 (ball and socket attachment) and Group 2 (bar and clip attachment) and patient satisfaction was equal in groups 1, 2 and 3 but the total number of interventions is significantly higher in the attachment bar. Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed significant differences in retention force among the three attachment types.

Conclusion:

(1) Group 3 (kerator attachment) exhibit higher retentive capacities than Group 1 (ball and socket attachment) and Group 2 (bar and clip attachment). (2) patient satisfaction was higher in Group 3 (Kerator attachment) in compare to Group 1 (ball and socket attachment) and Group 2 (bar and clip attachment).

Structural, physico-mechanical and in-vitro bioactivity studies on SiO2-CaO-P2O5-SrO-Al2O3 bioactive glasses

Strontium based bioactive glasses have shown a better biocompatibility than calcia based bioactive glasses. In this report, we have shown that the bioactivity is found to be even more when we incorporate Al₂O₃ upto 1.5 mol% in SiO₂-CaO-P₂O₅-SrO bioactive glass. We have studied the structural, physico-mechanical and bioactive properties in these glasses with varying alumina concentration from 0.5 to 2.5 mol%. The bioactivity of the glasses is evaluated by in vitro test in simulated body fluid (SBF). The formation of hydroxy carbonated apatite layer (HCA) on the surface of glasses after immersion in SBF is identified by the XRD, FTIR and SEM. The substitution of Al₂O₃ for SrO in these glasses demonstrates a significant enhancement in compressive strength and elastic modulus. However cytotoxicity and cell viability assessed using human osteosarcoma U2-OS cell lines show the growth of the cells without causing any significant loss of viability and cell death upto 1.5 mol% addition of Al₂O₃. Osteosarcoma cells grow on the surface of bioglasses which make them biocompatible and fit for use in clinical trials.

Managing the link and strengthening transition from child to adult mental health Care in Europe (MILESTONE): background, rationale and methodology

BACKGROUND

Transition from distinct Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) is beset with multitude of problems affecting continuity of care for young people with mental health needs. Transition-related discontinuity of care is a major health, socioeconomic and societal challenge globally. The overall aim of the Managing the Link and Strengthening Transition from Child to Adult Mental Health Care in Europe (MILESTONE) project (2014-19) is to improve transition from CAMHS to AMHS in diverse healthcare settings across Europe. MILESTONE focuses on current service provision in Europe, new transition-related measures, long term outcomes of young people leaving CAMHS, improving transitional care through 'managed transition', ethics of transitioning and the training of health care professionals.

METHODS

Data will be collected via systematic literature reviews, pan-European surveys, and focus groups with service providers, users and carers, and members of youth advocacy and mental health advocacy groups. A prospective cohort study will be conducted with a nested cluster randomised controlled trial in eight European Union (EU) countries (Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, UK) involving over 1000 CAMHS users, their carers, and clinicians.

DISCUSSION

Improving transitional care can facilitate not only recovery but also mental health promotion and mental illness prevention for young people. MILESTONE will provide evidence of the organisational structures and processes influencing transition at the service interface across differing healthcare models in Europe and longitudinal outcomes for young people leaving CAMHS, solutions for improving transitional care in a cost-effective manner, training modules for clinicians, and commissioning and policy guidelines for service providers and policy makers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

"MILESTONE study" registration: ISRCTN ISRCTN83240263 Registered 23 July 2015; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03013595 Registered 6 January 2017.