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Peat is one of the most commonly used substrates in soilless cultivation. However, peat mining produces a negative carbon footprint, which raises the need for alternative sustainable substrate media. To address this, we studied the impact of peat replacement with a combination of various biochars and cotton burr compost on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and nutrient concentration of media, plant leaf, and fruit in greenhouse conditions. Two experiments were conducted from Nov 2020 through Jan 2021 (Trial 1) and from Feb to Apr 2021 (Trial 2). The treatments were control (peat, vermiculite, and perlite at 2:1:1) and in the control peat was either fully replaced (hardwood biochar+compost, softwood biochar+compost, and hemp biochar+compost) or partially replaced up to 50% (v/v) (hardwood biochar+compost, softwood biochar+compost, and hemp biochar+compost). The control media was more acidic with lowest electrical conductivity than the other treatments. The leaf chlorophyll content and the photosynthetic assimilation rate varied among the treatments in both trials. The final dry shoot biomass was lowest in peat-dominated control treatment suggesting biochar-compost in the substrate media contributed in increased dry biomass of the cucumber plant. The total number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant was significantly increased in all the treatments with the highest in hardwood biochar+compost, compared with the control. The nutrient concentration of media, leaf, and fruit indicates that biochar-compost enhances the nutritional status of the media, which supplies essential nutrients to the plant leaf and fruit while growing in different substrate compositions. Our results suggest that the replacement of peat with full or partial proportions of biochar-compost can produce similar and, in some cases, even better growth, yield, and physiology in potted cucumber than in the unamended control treatment.

IntroductionEnchondromas and grade 1 chondrosarcomas are commonly encountered low-grade chondroid tumors in the proximal humerus. While there is a concern for malignant transformation, few studies have evaluated the natural history of these lesions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the natural history of proximal humerus low-grade chondroid lesions managed both conservatively and surgically, and to define management criteria using clinical and radiographic findings for these low-grade chondroid lesions.MethodsThe patient population included 90 patients intended for conservative treatment and 22 patients proceeding directly to surgery. Data collection was based on a combination of chart review and patient imaging and descriptive statistics were calculated for each group.ResultsNo malignant transformations were noted amongst any group. In the conservative treatment group, 7 of 64 (11%) progressed to surgery after an average of 20.3 months of conservative treatment due to persistent pain unexplained by other shoulder pathology. Importantly, 71% experienced continued pain at a mean of 53.1 months post-operatively. The group that went directly to surgery also demonstrated pain in 41% at an average follow-up of 57.3 months.DiscussionLow-grade cartilaginous lesions of the proximal humerus without concerning imaging findings can be managed with conservative treatment and the risk of malignant transformation is very low. Patients with a clear source of their shoulder pain unrelated to their tumor and without concerning characteristics on imaging can be managed with serial annual radiographic imaging. Patients undergoing surgery for these indolent tumors are likely to experience persistent pain even after surgery.

Soil compaction under repetitive tillage and surface flood method of irrigation (SFMI) are significant hurdles for sustaining crop production in India, necessitating the adoption of efficient soil and water management strategies. Hence, a 3-year field study was conducted at two diverse agro-climatic locations (Abohar and Faridkot) to investigate the impact of subsurface drip (SUSD) fertigation on crop and water productivity of cotton-wheat cropping system (CWCS), over traditional practice (TP) (conventional tillage with SFMI and manual application of nutrients). The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized complete block design with three levels of subsurface drip irrigation (SUSDI) [100, 80, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc)] and two fertigation levels [75% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) and 100% RDN], where TP and surface drip (SD) fertigation at 80% ETc coupled with 100% RDN (Control 2), served as two control treatments. Cotton was raised through reduced tillage, while zero till drill was used for sowing wheat. The results revealed that, barring SUSDI at 60% ETc, both crops exhibited improved yield under all drip combinations of reduced or zero tillage over TP. Better mass and higher length of cotton roots in drip fertigation were evident due to improved steady-state infiltration rates (SSIR) and reduced bulk density (BD) under conservation tillage. When 100% RDN was applied, the 100% and 80% ETc SUSDI resulted in 26.7% and 24.7% higher seed cotton yield (SCY) than TP. Similarly, wheat yield with 100% RDN was improved by 10.5% and 14.4% under SUSDI of 80% and 100% ETc, respectively, over the TP. The results indicated that SUSD can be clubbed with reduced tillage for better soil health, improved crop yield, and higher apparent water productivity. The improved benefit to cost (B:C) owing to enhanced monetary returns over TP also substantiated that reduced tillage with SUSD is a viable and remunerative practice for CWCS. The study elucidated that reduced tillage exercised a beneficial effect on physical soil properties by lowering BD and improving SSIR. At the same time, SUSD could save huge amounts of irrigation water besides enhanced input use efficiency leading to higher crop productivity.

ObjectiveGain a better understanding of sex-specific differences in individuals with global developmental delay (GDD), with a focus on phenotypes and genotypes.MethodsUsing the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) dataset, we extracted phenotypic information from 6,588 individuals with GDD and then identified statistically significant variations in phenotypes and genotypes based on sex. We compared genes with pathogenic variants between sex and then performed gene network and molecular function enrichment analysis and gene expression profiling between sex. Finally, we contrasted individuals with autism as an associated condition.ResultsWe identified significantly differentially expressed phenotypes in males vs. females individuals with GDD. Autism and macrocephaly were significantly more common in males whereas microcephaly and stereotypies were more common in females. Importantly, 66% of GDD genes with pathogenic variants overlapped between both sexes. In the cohort, males presented with only slightly increased X-linked genes (9% vs. 8%, respectively). Individuals from both sexes harbored a similar number of pathogenic variants overall (3) but females presented with a significantly higher load for GDD genes with high intolerance to loss of function. Sex difference in gene expression correlated with genes identified in a sex specific manner. While we identified sex-specific GDD gene mutations, their pathways overlapped. Interestingly, individuals with GDD but also co-morbid autism phenotypes, we observed distinct mutation load, pathways and phenotypic presentation.ConclusionOur study shows for the first time that males and females with GDD present with significantly different phenotypes. Moreover, while most GDD genes overlapped, some genes were found uniquely in each sex. Surprisingly they shared similar molecular functions. Sorting genes by predicted tolerance to loss of function (pLI) led to identifying an increased mutation load in females with GDD, suggesting potentially a tolerance to GDD genes of higher pLI compared to overall GDD genes. Finally, we show that considering associated conditions (for instance autism) may influence the genomic underpinning found in individuals with GDD and highlight the importance of comprehensive phenotyping.

ABSTRACT: Meat from broilers raised without the use of antibiotics is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Consequently, interest in the microbial profiling of chickens produced under nonconventional practices is growing, however, research on this topic is lacking. The current study was designed to characterize the dynamics of gut microbial populations of broilers raised under conventional and no antibiotics ever (NAE) practices. Four commercial farms (2 conventional and 2 NAE) were included in this study. On each farm, cecal (n = 224) and ileal (n = 224) contents were collected from birds at different stages during the grow out of a single flock and following transportation to the processing facility. Cecal microbiota was dominated by the genera Escherichia and Enterococcus upon hatching in both conventional and NAE flocks, shifting with time toward predominantly Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides. The composition of cecal microbial communities of NAE broilers was different than that of conventional chickens (P ≤ 0.05). Conventional broilers harbored a rich, but less diverse cecal microbiota than NAE, while the ileal microbiota was primarily populated with genera previously named Lactobacillus, which exhibited a higher abundance in NAE broilers (P ≤ 0.05). In both production systems, the microbiota followed a similar temporal succession that was more evident in the ceca. Transportation to the processing plant impacted the microbial composition of the ileum (P ≤ 0.05), characterized by an increase in the relative abundance of Psychrobacter. Finally, differential abundance analysis showed a positive correlation between Campylobacter and Enorma within the cecum microbiota, and a negative correlation with Salmonella.

Objective This study explored multistakeholder perspectives on existing adolescent-specific tobacco control policies and programmes, to advance India’s transition towards a tobacco-free generation.Design Qualitative semi-structured interviews.Setting Interviews were conducted with officials involved in tobacco control at the national (India), state (Karnataka), district (Udupi) and village level. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.Participants Thirty-eight individuals representing national (n=9), state (n=9), district (n=14) and village (n=6) levels, participated.Results The study findings highlighted the need to strengthen and amend the existing Tobacco Control Law (2003) provisions, particularly in the vicinity of schools (Sections 6a and 6b). Increasing the minimum legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21 years, developing an ‘application’ for ‘compliance and monitoring indicators’ in Tobacco-Free Educational Institution guidelines were proposed. Policies to address smokeless tobacco use, stricter enforcement including regular monitoring of existing programmes, and robust evaluation of policies was underscored. Engaging adolescents to co-create interventions was advocated, along with integrating national tobacco control programmes into existing school and adolescent health programmes, using both an intersectoral and whole-societal approach to prevent tobacco use, were recommended. Finally, stakeholders mentioned that when drafting and implementing a comprehensive national tobacco control policy, there is a need to adopt a vision striving toward a tobacco-free generation.Conclusion Strengthening and developing tobacco control programmes and policies are warranted which are monitored and evaluated rigorously, and where adolescents should be involved, accordingly.

Abstract Electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) have been trialled in interventions to improve inhaled corticosteroid adherence and clinical outcomes. This study sought to understand the perceptions and experiences of EMD end-users. Participants recruited into a six-month EMD study were invited to a semi-structured interview. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework approach. Twenty-eight participants (68% female, median age 47) were interviewed. Individuals described feeling responsible for their asthma control. Recent attacks motivated a desire to maintain control. Study participation led to increased awareness of asthma status and medication use. Several individuals were open to integrating digital monitoring data with other mHealth inputs, perceiving the potential to enhance communication with clinicians and empower self-management. Openness to data sharing was tied to expectations of transparent data use. Data supported integrating beliefs and habit formation to achieve behaviour change. There was a willingness for an integrated, platform-based approach to digital self-management.

Abstract A transparent polarisation sensitive phase pattern exhibits a position and polarisation dependent phase shift of transmitted light and it represents a unitary transformation. A quantum ghost image of this pattern is produced with hyper-entangled photons consisting of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) and polarisation entanglement. In quantum ghost imaging, a single photon interacts with the pattern and is detected by a stationary detector and a non-interacting photon is imaged on a coincidence camera. EPR entanglement manifests spatial correlations between an object plane and a ghost image plane, whereas a polarisation dependent phase shift exhibited by the pattern is detected with polarisation entanglement. In this quantum ghost imaging, the which-position-polarisation information of a photon interacting with the pattern is not present in the experiment. A quantum ghost image is constructed by measuring correlations of the polarisation-momentum of an interacting photon with polarisation-position of a non-interacting photon. The experiment is performed with a coincidence single photon detection camera, where a non-interacting photon travels a long optical path length of 17.83 m from source to camera and a pattern is positioned at an optical distance of 19.16 m from the camera.

Background: The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a crucial region of the spine designed for optimal movements of head and is also a frequent site for various pathological processes. The importance of knowing the CVJ parameters in normal population cannot be overstated when instrumentation and correction of deformities in this region is so frequently being performed. There is paucity of data defining the craniometrics of CVJ osteology in Indian population on the literature search. Accordingly, we present a study in an attempt to quantitate the normal craniometric indices for anatomically normal CVJ in Indian population and compare them with the existing literature from other regions. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to quantitate the normal craniometric indices for anatomically normal CVJ in Indian population and compare them with the existing literature from other regions. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty computed tomography (CTs) belonging to Indians were looked at over a 6-month period retrospectively. These patients had normal CVJs and were ordered imaging for other health reasons. A total of eight parameters were analyzed for each CT. Results: There were 166 (69.2%) males and 74 (30.8%) females in our study. The values (in mm) were as follows: anterior atlantodental interval (AADI), 1.78±0.42; PADI (posterior atlantodental interval), 18.12±1.97; distance of tip of odontoid process to chamberlain’s line, –2.73±2.63; distance of tip of odontoid process to McGregor’s line, –2.29±2.79; distance of tip of odontoid process to McRae’s line, –5.91±1.4; Clivus-canal angle, 160.82°±7.14°; basion dens interval, 5.6±1.45; and powers ratio, 0.71±0.07. No patient had an odontoid process extending beyond the McRae’s line. Males were more likely to have higher AADI and PADI values than females. Our study shared significant differences between the other studies (even the studies where an Indian population was used) except one. The AADI, from our study, did not vary significantly when compared to the AADI from a Chinese study. Conclusion: Due to the significant differences from our study and the available literature, a greater compilation of studies belonging to different races will be required to understand the flexibility of the CVJ metrics.

India bears a significant portion of the worldwide burden of chronic and terminal illnesses. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of a standardized approach in delivering optimal end-of-life care (EOLC) to a substantial proportion of patients who have reached the terminal phase of their lives. Health-care providers are urged by health-care professionals to be aware of the cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices that can shape patients' and their families' perspectives on EOLC. They should also emphasize the importance of providing support for religious and cultural practices and involving family members in the EOLC process. Holistic care is discussed as an approach that considers the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of a patient's well-being. Healthcare providers must address ethical and legal issues when delivering EOLC and prioritize personalized care that respects patients' choices. Language and communication barriers in multicultural EOLC are identified as significant challenges. In a nutshell, the authors discuss the importance of incorporating cultural and spiritual practices in bereavement support to help patients and their families process grief and celebrate the patient's life and legacy. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of cultural and spiritual awareness in EOLC for elderly patients. It emphasizes the necessity for health-care providers to deliver inclusive and culturally sensitive care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for both individuals and their loved ones. The significance of cultural and spiritual awareness in improving EOLC for older individuals is underscored in this context.

Wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) results in a patient of idiopathic multifocal choroiditis successfully treated with intravitreal methotrexate injections.

Jamun fruit, a member of the Myrtaceae family, is commercially grown in tropical and subtropical areas of the world for its fruits with sweet, sour, and astringent luscious flesh. Seeds of jamun fruits are discarded as trash during the industrial processing of fruit pulp into beverages, jellies, jam, vinegar, wine, and squash. These seeds are a potential source of bioactive compounds including hydrolysable tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, other phenolics, terpenoids, phloroglucinol derivatives and saponins, which have been endorsed several biological activities, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic and antihypercholesterolemic, as well as cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties. High contents of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, and ascorbic acid have also been found in jamun seeds. However, potential utilization of these seeds as innovative implements for health benefits has not yet been fully understood. We aim to compile scientific research and recent advances on jamun seed nutritional profile, bioactive compounds composition, bioactive properties, and their potential as an ingredient in functional food formulation.

Measurement(s) Proteome Technology Type(s) Mass Spectrometry Factor Type(s) Dosage Sample Characteristic - Organism Tuta absoluta

ABSTRACTThe nuclear playground in Southern Asia is marked by an exceptional level of complexity. A number of players; their disparate thinking on how to establish deterrence; nuclear dyads that elongate into strategic chains; inter-twining of nuclear issues with conventional, space, cyber realms; disparities in military capabilities; historical animosities accentuated by unresolved territorial conflicts; divides that spawn ideologies, religions and civilizational issues; all make for an immensely complex situation. The consequent regional nuclear dynamics has fair potential for crisis and arms race instability. As a way to address the regional nuclear challenges, the paper explores the character of Pakistan–India and China–India nuclear dyads along three specific axes: drivers of conflict; points of commonalities, similarities and differences; and implications of these for their nuclear stockpiles. Armed with this understanding, it then offers some policy recommendations to address the concomitant dangers.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is primary hepatic malignancy with a high incidence of recurrence. The risk of recurrence directly correlates to patient’s overall prognosis. Management of advanced HCC involves a combination of surgical resection, locoregional therapy, and systemic treatment. Distant metastases are rare, and intraventricular cardiac metastases are even more infrequent. This brief review details an illustrative case of cardiac metastasis after curative treatment of primary HCC and then summarizes the literature on risk factors, treatment options, and patient prognosis in the setting of distant metastases from HCC. Prognosis of metastasis to the heart is generally poor, and available evidence emphasizes the importance of maintaining regular posttreatment screening for metastases in patients with HCC. Given the variable presentation and high risk of recurrence, it is critical to have individualized multimodality treatment plans.

The genetic diversity and population relationship was determined in 14 genotypes of parthenocarpic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. In this study, fifty-nine SSR markers comprehensively showed polymorphism among cucumber genotypes. Total 252 alleles were identified with an average of 4.27 alleles per locus, while the polymorphism information content (PIC) of the primers ranged from 0.34 to 0.84 with a mean value of 0.62. The major allele frequency and heterozygosity ranged from 0.21 to 0.75 and from 0.43 to 0.89, respectively. Maximum major allele frequency was reported with primer Cs- Female-4, whereas the maximum value of polymorphic information content was found with the primer SSR11742. The dendrogram clustered genotypes into two main groups A and B with 8 and 6 genotypes, respectively. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.63 to 0.86 with maximum similarity between genotypes DDPCG3 and PLP-1, whereas minimum similarity was observed between DDPCG8 and PLP Gy-1-08B. The population structure revealed three sub-populations with some admixtures. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) with SSR markers revealed that the genotypes were uniformly distributed across the two axes in both the plots with 41.76% of cumulative variation. The genetic divergence within indigenous genotypes allow genotypic identification, gene mapping and cloning for improvement in cucumber breeding.

CONTEXT:. Sepsis-induced coagulopathy leading to disseminated microvascular thrombosis is associated with high mortality and has no existing therapy. Despite the high prevalence of Gram-positive bacterial sepsis, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), there is a paucity of published Gram-positive pediatric sepsis models. Large animal models replicating sepsis-induced coagulopathy are needed to test new therapeutics before human clinical trials. HYPOTHESIS:. Our objective is to develop a pediatric sepsis-induced coagulopathy swine model that last 70 hours. METHODS AND MODELS:. Ten 3 weeks old piglets, implanted with telemetry devices for continuous hemodynamic monitoring, were IV injected with MRSA (n = 6) (USA300, Texas Children’s Hospital 1516 strain) at 1 × 109 colony forming units/kg or saline (n = 4). Fluid resuscitation was given for heart rate greater than 50% or mean arterial blood pressure less than 30% from baseline. Acetaminophen and dextrose were provided as indicated. Point-of-care complete blood count, prothrombin time (PT), activated thromboplastin time, d-dimer, fibrinogen, and specialized coagulation assays were performed at pre- and post-injection, at 0, 24, 48, 60, and 70 hours. Piglets were euthanized and necropsies performed. RESULTS:. Compared with the saline treated piglets (control), the septic piglets within 24 hours had significantly lower neurologic and respiratory scores. Over time, PT, d-dimer, and fibrinogen increased, while platelet counts and activities of factors V, VII, protein C, antithrombin, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-1 motifs (13th member of the family) (ADAMTS-13) decreased significantly in septic piglets compared with control. Histopathologic examination showed minor focal organ injuries including microvascular thrombi and necrosis in the kidney and liver of septic piglets. INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:. We established a 70-hour swine model of MRSA sepsis-induced coagulopathy with signs of consumptive coagulopathy, disseminated microvascular thrombosis, and early organ injuries with histological minor focal organ injuries. This model is clinically relevant to pediatric sepsis and can be used to study dysregulated host immune response and coagulopathy to infection, identify potential early biomarkers, and to test new therapeutics.

Objective: A buildup of skeletal muscle plasma membrane (PM) cholesterol content in mice occurs within 1 week of a Western-style high-fat diet and causes insulin resistance. The mechanism driving this cholesterol accumulation and insulin resistance is not known. Promising cell data implicate that the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) triggers a cholesterolgenic response via increasing the transcriptional activity of Sp1. In this study we aimed to determine whether increased HBP/Sp1 activity represented a preventable cause of insulin resistance. Methods: C57BL/6NJ mice were fed either a low-fat (LF, 10% kcal) or high-fat (HF, 45% kcal) diet for 1 week. During this 1-week diet the mice were treated daily with either saline or mithramycin-A (MTM), a specific Sp1/DNA-binding inhibitor. A series of metabolic and tissue analyses were then performed on these mice, as well as on mice with targeted skeletal muscle overexpression of the rate-limiting HBP enzyme glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate-amidotransferase (GFAT) that were maintained on a regular chow diet. Results: Saline-treated mice fed this HF diet for 1 week did not have an increase in adiposity, lean mass, or body mass while displaying early insulin resistance. Consistent with an HBP/Sp1 cholesterolgenic response, Sp1 displayed increased O-GlcNAcylation and binding to the HMGCR promoter that increased HMGCR expression in skeletal muscle from saline-treated HF-fed mice. Skeletal muscle from these saline-treated HF-fed mice also showed a resultant elevation of PM cholesterol with an accompanying loss of cortical filamentous actin (F-actin) that is essential for insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Treating these mice daily with MTM during the 1-week HF diet fully prevented the diet-induced Sp1 cholesterolgenic response, loss of cortical F-actin, and development of insulin resistance. Similarly, increases in HMGCR expression and cholesterol were measured in muscle from GFAT transgenic mice compared to age- and weight-match wildtype littermate control mice. In the GFAT Tg mice we found that these increases were alleviated by MTM. Conclusions: These data identify increased HBP/Sp1 activity as an early mechanism of diet-induced insulin resistance. Therapies targeting this mechanism may decelerate T2D development.

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is attacked by numerous diseases of which anthracnose and web blight are predominant in Tarai Zone of Uttarakhand. Anthracnose and web blight of mung bean are caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. Their occurrence and development are highly influenced by weather conditions during the cropping season. Based on epidemiological data recorded at Pantnagar for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), disease predictive models were developed using stepwise multiple regression. The result from the recorded data revealed that rainfall, T(min), rainy days, and morning relative humidity were statistically significant. Whereas, the T(max), evening relative humidity, and bright sunshine hours were statistically non-significant. Significant weather parameters were employed to develop suitable web blight and anthracnose prediction models for commonly grown varieties of mung bean. The prediction models were further validated using the web blight and anthracnose incidence data collected in mung bean varieties in 2021. The root mean square error values varied between 0.0002 – 0.0011, which shows that the models are accurate and acceptable.

The role of microbial diversity in influencing the organoleptic properties of wine and other fermented products is well est ablished, and understanding microbial dynamics within fermentation processes can be critical for quality assurance and product innovation. This is especially true for winemakers using spontaneous fermentation techniques, where environmental factors may play an important role in consistency of product. Here, we use a metabarcoding approach to investigate the influence of two environmental systems used by an organic winemaker to produce wines; vineyard (outdoors) and winery (indoors) to the bacterial and fungal communities throughout the duration of a spontaneous fermentation of the same batch of Pinot Noir grapes. Bacterial (RANOSIM = 0.5814, p = 0.0001) and fungal (RANOSIM = 0.603, p = 0.0001) diversity differed significantly across the fermentation stages in both systems. Members of the Hyphomicrobium genus were found in winemaking for the first time, as a bacterial genus that can survive alcoholic fermentation. Our results also indicate that Torulaspora delbrueckii and Fructobacillus species might be sensitive to environmental systems. These results clearly reflect the substantial influence that environmental conditions exert on microbial populations at every point in the process of transforming grape juice to wine via fermentation, and offer new insights into the challenges and opportunities for wine production in an ever-changing global climate.

Rationale & Objective: Kidney transplant is a mainstay of kidney replacement therapy. Given a continued shortage of organs, pediatric en bloc kidney transplants may have substantial utility. We present our long-term experience with en bloc transplants from donors aged 3 to 60 months, including changes in kidney function and kidney volume over time as well as biopsy findings. Study Design: Case series. Setting & Participants: Medical records from a single academic medical center were reviewed. Aggregate serial volumes of 22 en bloc kidney allografts from 2010 to 2017 were assessed at the time of transplant and during follow-up. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were described at 3 months after transplant (baseline) as well as over the ensuing 3 years. Interstitial fibrosis, a finding determined by histopathologic review, which results from an accumulation of collagen that is produced from mediators produced from complex interaction of multiple inflammatory cells, was assessed on 20 protocol biopsies obtained from 6 patients, of which 4 patients had 4 biopsies and 2 patients had 1 biopsy. Results: Kidney volume was obtained from 51 ultrasound studies performed up to 74 months after transplant. Kidney volume generally increased and eGFR rose over time after the transplant, with 23% patients achieving an eGFR of >75 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 3 months posttransplant. The remainder achieved an eGFR >75 mL/min/1.73 m2 over the ensuing 3 years. Interstitial fibrosis noted on biopsies appeared to foreshadow an eventual reduction in kidney volume. Limitations: Retrospective study, possible selection bias, single-center experience. Conclusions: The kidney en bloc allografts increased in size after transplantation, with associated improved kidney function. Chronic damage to the graft, from interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, resulted in long-term reduction in kidney volume.

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays an active role in epidermal homeostasis. Phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol modulate this system but also act through eCB-independent mechanisms. This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol, bakuchiol (BAK), and ethyl (linoleate/oleate) (ELN) in keratinocytes and reconstituted human epidermis. Molecular docking simulations showed that each compound binds the active site of the eCB carrier FABP5. However, BAK and ethyl linoleate bound this site with the highest affinity when combined 1:1 (w/w), and in vitro assays showed that BAK + ELN most effectively inhibited FABP5 and fatty acid amide hydrolase. In TNF-stimulated keratinocytes, BAK + ELN reversed TNF-induced expression shifts and uniquely downregulated type I IFN genes and PTGS2 (COX2). BAK + ELN also repressed expression of genes linked to keratinocyte differentiation but upregulated those associated with proliferation. Finally, BAK + ELN inhibited cortisol secretion in reconstituted human epidermis skin (not observed with cannabidiol). These results support a model in which BAK and ELN synergistically interact to inhibit eCB degradation, favoring eCB mobilization and inhibition of downstream inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF, COX-2, type I IFN). A topical combination of these ingredients may thus enhance cutaneous eCB tone or potentiate other modulators, suggesting novel ways to modulate the eCB system for innovative skincare product development.

BackgroundPatients and families need to be provided with trusted information more than ever with the abundance of online information. Several organizations aim to build databases that can be searched based on the needs of target groups. One such group is individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and their families. NDDs affect up to 18% of the population and have major social and economic impacts. The current limitations in communicating information for individuals with NDDs include the absence of shared terminology and the lack of efficient labeling processes for web resources. Because of these limitations, health professionals, support groups, and families are unable to share, combine, and access resources. ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a natural language–based pipeline to label resources by leveraging standard and free-text vocabularies obtained through text analysis, and then represent those resources as a weighted knowledge graph. MethodsUsing a combination of experts and service/organization databases, we created a data set of web resources for NDDs. Text from these websites was scraped and collected into a corpus of textual data on NDDs. This corpus was used to construct a knowledge graph suitable for use by both experts and nonexperts. Named entity recognition, topic modeling, document classification, and location detection were used to extract knowledge from the corpus. ResultsWe developed a resource annotation pipeline using diverse natural language processing algorithms to annotate web resources and stored them in a structured knowledge graph. The graph contained 78,181 annotations obtained from the combination of standard terminologies and a free-text vocabulary obtained using topic modeling. An application of the constructed knowledge graph is a resource search interface using the ordered weighted averaging operator to rank resources based on a user query. ConclusionsWe developed an automated labeling pipeline for web resources on NDDs. This work showcases how artificial intelligence–based methods, such as natural language processing and knowledge graphs for information representation, can enhance knowledge extraction and mobilization, and could be used in other fields of medicine.

Oral fungal infections are frequently encountered in clinical practice, and with the advent of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, their incidence has quite increased. Increased emergence of oral candidal and non candidal infections is evident in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, patients on steroids or antibiotic therapies, and immunocompromised and immunosuppressed individuals. Also, habits of smoking and alcohol consumption, intake of carbohydrate-rich food, and salivary dysfunction have many times influenced the colonisation of fungal infections in the oral cavity. Aspergillosis once considered exotic is now more prevalent than before and presents itself in two forms: non invasive or invasive form, which has led to the rapid dissemination of the disease. Hence, a timely diagnosis of such lesions is important to prevent their invasion into other parts of the body. This article discusses a rare case report of Aspergillosis occurring in the oral cavity at the site of the extraction socket in a 50-year-old woman, who is a known diabetic without any history of COVID-19 infection. Aspergillosis unlike other fungal infections of the oral cavity has been reported more in immunocompetent individuals. Here, we report a unique case limited to the oral cavity in an immunocompromised patient.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) are the most common opportunistic pathogens following kidney transplantation. We evaluated 102 patients with a median age of 63 at Edward Hines VA Hospital from November 2020 to December 2022. Our primary interest was the incidence of CMV and BKPyV infections, as well as CMV and BKPyV coinfection. Secondary interests included time to infection, rejection, and graft and patient survival. There were no statistically significant differences in patient age, donor age, race, transplant type, incidence of delayed graft function, or induction in both cohorts (any infection (N = 46) vs. those without (N = 56)). There was a 36% (37/102) incidence of CMV, a 17.6% (18/102) of BKPyV and an 8.8% (9/102) incidence of coinfection. There was a decreased incidence of CMV infection in Basiliximab induction versus antithymocyte globulin (21% and 43%). CMV risk status had no effect on the incidence of CMV infection following transplant. African American recipients had a lower incidence of BKPyV infection (12% vs. 39%), yet a higher incidence was observed in those with high cPRA (50% vs. 14%). Most CMV and/or BKPyV infections occurred within the first six months post-transplant (54%). Immunosuppression management of the elderly should continually be evaluated to reduce opportunistic infections post-transplant.

Plasma nitriding, a surface treatment technique, is gaining popularity, as it is environment-friendly and offers superior mechanical properties. This research studied the wear and friction performance of AISI H13 die steel after plasma nitriding in a gas mixture of N2:H2 at 20:80, 50:50, and 80:20 (volume ratio) at a fixed time and temperature. This work aimed to analyze the sliding wear performance of the plasma-nitrided tool die steel in hot-forming operations at higher loads. Scanning electron microscopy/electron-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to study the microstructures of the H13 die steel pins after plasma nitriding. Wear tests were performed on a high-temperature tribometer under uni-directional sliding and dry conditions using a high-temperature tribometer under a 50 N load at various operating temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 600 °C. The results show that the plasma-nitriding process with N2:H2 at 20:80 improved the wear behavior of H13 steel. The friction coefficients and wear volume losses for all the plasma-nitrided specimens were less than those of the untreated die steel.

Abstract The sustainability of the rice–wheat system is threatened due to the deterioration of soil health and emergence of new challenges of climate change caused by low nutrient use efficiency and large scale burning of crop residues. The conservation agriculture based on tillage intensity, crop residue retention and raising green manuring (GM) crops during the intervening period between wheat harvest and rice establishment offers opportunities for restoration of phosphorus (P) dynamics and stimulate phosphatase activities within the macro-and micro-aggregates. Phosphorus and phosphatase activities in the soil aggregates affected by different residue management practices remain poorly understood. Thus, soil samples were obtained after a five-year field experiment to identify the effect of tillage, green manure and residue management on aggregate-associated phosphorus fractions. Four main plot treatments in rice included combination of wheat straw and GM were conventional till puddled transplanted rice (PTR) with no wheat straw (PTRW0), PTR with 25% wheat stubbles retained (PTRW25), PTR without wheat straw and GM (PTRW0 + GM), and PTR with wheat stubbles and GM (PTRW25 + GM). Three sub-plots treatments in the successive wheat crop were conventional tillage (CT) with rice straw removed (CTWR0), zero tillage (ZT) with rice straw removed (ZTWR0) and ZT with rice straw retained as surface mulch (ZTWR100). Results of the present study revealed significantly higher phosphorus fractions (HCl-P, NaHCO3-Pi and NaOH-Po) in treatment PTRW25 + GM and ZTWR100 compared with PTRW0/CTWR0 within both macro- and micro-aggregates. The total phosphorus (P), available P, alkaline phosphatase and phytin-P were significantly higher under ZTWR100 than CTWR0. The principal component analysis identified NaOH-Po, NaHCO3-Pi and HCl-P as the dominant and reliable indicators for evaluating P transformation within aggregates under conservation agriculture-based practices.

Abstract Objective Obesity is stigmatized and people with obesity report experiencing stigmatizing situations when seeking health care. The implications of these experiences are not well understood. This study tests an indirect effects model of negative care experiences as an intermediate variable between obesity and care avoidance/utilization and switching primary care doctors. Methods A survey was completed by 2380 primary care patients in the Learning Health Systems Network (LHSNet) Clinical Data Research Network with a BMI >25 kg/m2. Measures included scales assessing stigmatizing situations, perceived patient‐centered communication, perceived respect, having delayed needed care, and having looked for a new primary doctor in the past 12 months. Sequential and serial indirect effects of care experiences and respect in the association between BMI and care utilization outcomes was modeled. Results The hypothesized model was supported by findings. The associations between BMI and delaying needed care (OR = 1.06, p

The objective of the experiment was to develop cropping sequence modules for round the year green fodder production for feeding 50 dairy cattle under irrigated conditions in North-West Himalayan region. Various modules were initiated at Research Farm of Instructional Livestock Farm Centre, R.S. Pura, FVSc. & A.H., SKUAST-Jammu during 2016 in an area of 2.5 ha. The experimental data was collected after fully establishing fodder unit during 2017-18 and 2018-19. Five fodder sequences modules viz. Module 1 – Maize+Cowpea-Berseem+Mustard; Module 2- Swankhi, Cowpea, Bajra-Berseem+Oats; Module 3 – Sorghum-oats; Module 4 – perennial module (two perennial grasses and two fodder trees) and Module 5 – azolla (supplemental module) were developed for ensuring supply of quality green fodder round the year to feed 50 dairy animals. The efficiency of modules was adjudged by taking system productivity and economic parameters of fodder and milk yield, and composition parameters for lactation study. Statistical analysis was done with one-way and two-way ANOVA. Among annual crop sequence modules, Module 1 showed highest system productivity, maximum net returns and B:C ratio while among perennial fodder grasses, hybrid napier produced significantly highest system productivity along with maximum net returns and B:C ratio. Among fodder trees, Bauhinia variegate had maximum productivity. Further, lactation studies revealed that highest total milk yield of 12 animals (10 cows and 2 buffaloes) and milk components (10 cows), viz. fat yield, protein yield, lactose yield, SNF yield, etc. were achieved when animals were fed with mixed fodder of maize+cowpea whereas, the highest milk energy was found from those sampled cows which were fed berseem+oats. Thus, under subtropical conditions of Jammu, Maize+Cowpea-Berseem+Mustard module was considered more remunerative based on system productivity and milk parameters followed by perennial fodder and Sorghum-oat module.

ABSTRACT: Approximately 3.7% of poultry meat is lost due to spoilage each year in the United States. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a layered carrageenan/chitosan coating in combination with an application of two concentrations of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) against lactic acid bacteria, aerobic bacteria, and yeast and mold during storage of chicken breast for 21 d. Additionally, the rancidity, color, and pH of the chicken breast as indicators of non-microbial quality were evaluated. The combination of carrageenan/chitosan coating with 20 and 200 ppm AITC reduced (P ≤ 0.05) yeast and mold populations by 3 log10 CFU/g at d 21 compared to the untreated control. The carrageenan/chitosan coating with 20 and 200 ppm AITC delayed aerobic spoilage by 3 and 12 d, respectively, compared to the untreated control; aerobic bacteria populations on the samples treated with 200 ppm AITC remained below the threshold for spoilage (∼6 log10 CFU/g) for the duration of storage. The pH of the 20 ppm and 200 ppm AITC-treated chicken breast was unaltered (P > 0.05) at the end of storage and was lower than the pH of the untreated and coating-only-treated control chicken breast at d 18 through the end of storage (P ≤ 0.05). The application of the coating alone did not (P > 0.05) affect L*, a*, and b* values of the chicken breast at the end of storage compared to the uncoated control. The carrageenan/chitosan coating with 20 and 200 ppm AITC prevented decreases in the lightness (L* values) of the chicken breast at the end of storage (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the control and coating-only-treated samples. The coating alone or with AITC did not (P > 0.05) impact the rancidity of the chicken breast over the 21-d storage period, thus showing potential to be used as antimicrobial packaging to increase shelf life of fresh poultry.

The microorganisms that live in the host are known as endophytes. They help in plant development by secreting numerous plant growth-promoting compounds like IAA, gibberellin, siderophore, and cytokinin. They also provide resistance to plants against many pathogen attacks. The present research focuses on isolating and screening PGP endophytic bacteria from six stress-bearing plants named Commiphora wightii, Salvia rosmarinus, Lantana camara, Phoenix dactylifera, Haemerocallis fulva, and Abutilon indicum. Lantana camara, Phoenix dactylifera, Hemerocallis fulva, and Salvia rosmarinus samples were collected from the Himachal Pradesh district Kangra village Noushera, Commiphora wightii from Chandigarh Botanical garden and Abutilon indicum from Jalandhar near city wastewater outlet. There were 50 isolates, i.e., eleven endophytic bacteria from Commiphora wightii, four from Rosemary, nine from Lantana,11 from Phoenix dactylifera, eight from Haemerocallis fulva, and seven from Abutilon indicum were isolated. Isolates obtained were further tested for IAA, gibberellin, cytokinin, and siderophore production. It was found that the three isolates, L1L2, G2R1, and DL3R2, isolated from Lantana leaves, Commiphora wightii roots, and Hemerocallis fulva roots, have shown IAA production. The maximum amount of IAA was produced by bacterial isolate DL3R2, i.e., 29.5 μg/ml at 10% tryptophan concentration. The maximum amount of gibberellic acid is 550 μg/ml produced by the isolate A1S1S. 16srRNA sequencing analysis has identified isolate A1S1S as Pelomonas aquatica AIS1S and DL3R2 as Solibacillus silvestris DL3R2. The isolates obtained can enhance plant growth and biofertilizers, thus suggesting an alternative approach to sustainable agriculture.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of corneal neurotisation using sural nerve graft coaptation of the contralateral supratrochlear nerve in unilateral neurotrophic keratopathy and corneal anesthesia. Corneal neuralization has emerged as a potential option in the treatment of neurotropic keratopathy, however not free from the predicament. We evaluated the long-term outcome of corneal neurotisation in the treatment of unresponsive unilateral neurotropic keratopathy using surgical variations to mimic and expedient the surgical procedure.MethodsA Prospective interventional study involving patients with unilateral neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) who did not respond to medical measures was conducted. The study parameters evaluated were best-corrected visual acuity improvement, ocular surface evaluation parameters [tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's 1, and ocular surface staining scores (corneal and conjunctival staining)], central corneal sensation (Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer), sub-basal nerve fiber length (SBNFL), and sub-basal nerve fiber density (SBNFD) determined by central confocal microscopy at recruitment and during follow-up at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month respectively, following corneal neurotization.ResultsEleven eyes of 11 patients with unilateral neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) who underwent corneal neurotisation were studied. The mean follow-up was 10.09±2.31months (range, 6-12). Mean best corrected visual acuity in log MAR at baseline, 1.35±0.52 improved significantly to 1.06±0.76 (P = 0.012) at 3 months and continued to 0.55±0.60 (P = 0.027) at 12 months. There was a significant reduction in NK grade severity and improvement in the ocular surface as early as 1 month, and central corneal sensations (P = 0.024) as soon as 3 months. Mean corneal SBNF improved from 3.12±1.84 mm/mm2 to 4.49±1.88 at 1 month (P = 0.008), 13.31±3.61 mm/mm2 (P = 0.028) at 12 months. Mean central corneal SBNFD evident at 6 months was 1.83±2.54no/mm2 (P = 0.018) and 4.90±3.12no/mm2 (P = 0.028) at 12 months.ConclusionThis study substantiates the routine practice of corneal neurotisation by simplifying the intricacies observed during the procedure.

Introduction: Talaromyces marneffei causes a systemic fungal infection, referred to as talaromycosis, in immunocompromised individuals. Talaromycosis is an AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) defining illness for patients living in the Southeast Asian region. Here we present two rarely reported cases of pulmonary talaromycosis in Southern California in patients with active cancer, negative HIV status, and no prior travel history to endemic regions. Case description: Case 1: A 76-year-old male with a past medical history of emphysema and latent tuberculosis status post rifampin treatment, presented with a necrotic lung mass. He was diagnosed with squamous cell lung carcinoma and bronchoalveolar lavage cultures grew Talaromyces marneffei. He had no animal exposure or prior travel history to Asia. Due to a transfusion reaction to liposomal amphotericin (the mainstay of treatment), he required a transition to posaconazole. He was HIV-negative and expired due to underlying cancer and infection complications.Case2: A 63-year-old male with a past medical history of tuberculosis, diabetes, and cavitary pneumonia with bronchoscopy positive for Talaromyces presented with worsening back pain and was found to have multiple sites of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma likely originating from gastric adenocarcinoma. He was HIV-negative and expired due to complications from underlying cancer and infection. Conclusion: We demonstrate that patients with pulmonary Talaromyces are becoming more prominent outside of endemic areas even in the setting of no prior travel. In addition, since patients with this infection are severely immunosuppressed, they require extensive workup for other comorbidities such as possible underlying cancer or tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is an ancient disease causing major morbidity and mortality worldwide. Though tuberculosis affects lungs in the majority of the cases but can affect other organs including the oral cavity as a primary site. Oral lesions can be seen in both primary and secondary forms of tuberculosis. The present article reports a case of a primary oral tubercular ulcer of buccal mucosa in a 36-year-old female, which based on clinical features was provisionally diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. The diagnosis of oral tuberculosis was confirmed by histopathology, blood and immunological investigations. The patient then was kept on Antitubercular Therapy (ATT) and the lesion showed healing markedly. Thus, oral tubercular lesions are rare and are difficult to diagnose, so every chronic, abnormal looking lesion should be examined cautiously for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Introduction: Haptoglobin (Hp), an acute phase protein, is a plasma inflammatory marker. It is important in both infectious and non infectious illnesses. When intravascular haemolysis occurs, the dead red blood cells are discharged into the circulation and link to Hp to form the haemoglobin (Hb)-haptoglobin (Hb-Hp) complex that is recognised by the macrophage scavenger receptor CD163. The Hp1 and Hp2 are its two alleles. The Hp2 is formed by a partial duplication of the Hp1 gene. The Hp1 has five exons, but Hp2 has seven exons owing to the duplication of Hp1 third and fourth exon. There are three genotypes of Hp: Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2. The encoded products of genotypes are attached to haemoglobin with varying degrees of affinity: Hp1-1 has the most affinity, Hp2-1 has medium affinity, and Hp2-2 has the lowest affinity. Hp allelic and genotypic variation differs amongst populations and different geographic regions of the world. Aim: To study the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular patients in north Indian population. Materials and Methods: It was a case-control study and a total of 200 participants were recruited randomly including 50 participants of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), 50 participants of Cardiovascular Disorders (CVD), 50 participants with Cardiovascular Disorders With type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (CVDWDM) and 50 normal healthy controls from Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital and clinics and Aashirwad laboratory of Jalandhar, Punjab, India in February 2021 to January 2022. Anthropometric variables were determined by using standard methods and biochemical parameters were measured by commercial available kits. Allele specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) PCR was used to detect Hp genotypes. Data were represented as mean±Standard Deviation and the statistical difference i.e. p

In the present work, effect of different fuels on the structural, morphological, magnetic, adsorptive and photocatalytic properties of ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) was evaluated. Fe2O3 NPs were synthesized via combustion method by using oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and urea as fuels. The indigenously synthesized NPs were characterized by different analytical tools. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of α- and γ-Fe2O3 phases. TEM micrographs displayed average particle size was less than 30 nm. Saturation magnetization amplified with increase in the γ-Fe2O3 content, which was correlated to the fuel used for synthesis. Adsorptive and photocatalytic activity of synthesized NPs was studied using malachite green (MG) dye as a model compound. The uptake behavior for MG dye was influenced by the solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, temperature and dye concentration. Thermodynamic studies indicated the endothermic nature of the adsorption phenomenon. The adsorption was well defined with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms in comparison to Dubinin-Radushkevitch adsorption isotherm model. The trend for percentage removal of MG dye using NPs synthesized by different fuels was: urea > PEG > ODH. Fe2O3 NPs facilitated photo degradation of dye solution in ultra-violet and visible light irradiations. HIGHLIGHTS Ferric oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with α- and γ- phases were successfully synthesized using different fuels.; Ferric oxide NPs using urea as a fuel showed better removal efficiency for malachite green dye.; Adsorption data was evaluated using isotherms and thermodynamic studies.; The synthesized NPs could be magnetically separated and exhibited excellent reusability.;

Introduction Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) refers to a loss of stability between the atlas and axis vertebra. The conventional transoral approach and the anterior retropharyngeal approach (ARPA) are adequate for the upper cervical vertebral segments. This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of the ARPA to the odontoid in patients of AAD. Materials and Methods The study was undertaken on 20 patients admitted in Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India, with functional disability secondary to AAD. These patients underwent surgery through ARPA to odontoid with or without fixation. Patients were analyzed between October 2014 and September 2016. Results Maximum number of patients belonged to third decade of life. The male to female ratio was 1.5. The mean duration of symptoms was 10.86 months. Weakness of the upper and lower limbs predominated. About 65% patients had axial neck pain. Nine patients (45%) in total had difficulty in either bowel or bladder. Five patients presented with fracture odontoid and pannus formation of the odontoid process, while six had basilar invagination. One patient underwent anterior odontoid screw fixation and the other 19 patients underwent anterior retropharyngeal odontoidectomy with posterior fixation. Two patients expired in the present study. Most of the patients had improvement in Nurick grade during follow-up. Five patients had transient throat pain and dysphagia. Three patients had superficial surgical site infection. One patient had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusion The ARPA to odontoid is a feasible approach for decompression and fixation of the odontoid in AAD cases.

Coronavirus infectious disease-19 caused by Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome-coronavirus-2 has emerged to be an emergency global health crisis for more than a year. And, as the disease has spread, a number of new clinical features have been observed in these patients. Immunosuppression caused by this disease results in an exacerbation of pre-existing infections. While corticosteroids are considered a life-saving therapeutic intervention for this pandemic, they have proved to be a double-edged sword and their indiscriminate use has produced some deleterious results. Recently, in the backdrop of this expression, a notable rise in invasive fungal infections has been identified even in the post-remission phase. Mucormycosis, Aspergillosis, and Candidiasis are the three most common opportunistic fungal infections among those observed. COVID-19 patients with diabetes mellitus are already at a higher risk of developing such secondary infections due to impaired immunity. Here we present a rare case report of a 50-year old male diabetic mellitus patient diagnosed with dual fungal infections (Aspergillosis along with Mucormycosis) leading to maxillary sinusitis as a post-COVID manifestation. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported till date.

The title compound, [Eu(C9H10BN6)(C19H15O2)2(C3H7NO)] or [TpEu(Anthracac)2(DMF)], was synthesized by reaction of a tris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp−) Eu3+ complex with 3-(anthracen-9-yl)pentane-2,4-dione (HAnthracac) in the presence of triethylamine. In the title compound, Eu3+ is located in an octavertex square-pyramidal coordination environment. In the two Anthracac− ligands, the anthracene and nearly planar acetylacetonate fragments are almost orthogonal. Neighboring molecules of TpEu(Anthracac)2(DMF) are connected in the crystal by intermolecular van der Waals interactions, while π-stacking interactions are limited to the edges of two anthracene rings.

Abstract Emerging heart-on-a-chip platforms are promising approaches to establish cardiac cell/tissue models in vitro for research on cardiac physiology, disease modeling and drug cardiotoxicity as well as for therapeutic discovery. Challenges still exist in obtaining the complete capability of in situ sensing to fully evaluate the complex functional properties of cardiac cell/tissue models. Changes to contractile strength (contractility) and beating regularity (rhythm) are particularly important to generate accurate, predictive models. Developing new platforms and technologies to assess the contractile functions of in vitro cardiac models is essential to provide information on cell/tissue physiologies, drug-induced inotropic responses, and the mechanisms of cardiac diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in biosensing platforms for the measurement of contractile functions of in vitro cardiac models, including single cardiomyocytes, 2D monolayers of cardiomyocytes, and 3D cardiac tissues. The characteristics and performance of current platforms are reviewed in terms of sensing principles, measured parameters, performance, cell sources, cell/tissue model configurations, advantages, and limitations. In addition, we highlight applications of these platforms and relevant discoveries in fundamental investigations, drug testing, and disease modeling. Furthermore, challenges and future outlooks of heart-on-a-chip platforms for in vitro measurement of cardiac functional properties are discussed.

Purpose: To analyze the pattern of bacterial pathogens causing infective keratitis and their resistance to the recommended antibiotics over six years. Methods: It was a retrospective study of 9,357 cases of bacterial keratitis from January 2015 to December 2020, at a tertiary care ophthalmic center. A total of 9,547 corneal specimens were obtained from the study subjects. Demographic details of the patients, pathogenic bacteria isolated, and their antimicrobial susceptibility were noted and analyzed. Results: Bacterial pathogens were identified in 23.52% of the specimens. The most common isolates were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (60.75%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.23%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.92%), gram negative bacilli of the family Enterobacterales (8.64%), Streptococcus spp. (1.72%), Acinetobacter spp. (0.13%), and other non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (0.57%). In Staphylococci, 55–80% of isolates were resistant to erythromycin, and 40–70% to fluoroquinolones, while no resistance was observed against vancomycin. 40–60% of isolates of P. aeruginosa were resistant to cephalosporins, 40–55% to fluoroquinolones, and 30–60% to aminoglycosides. Also, 40–80% of isolates of Enterobacterales were resistant to cephalosporins, and 50–60% to fluoroquinolones. Most gram-negative isolates were susceptible to carbapenems and polymyxin B. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the largest compilation of microbiological profile of bacterial keratitis from North India. It highlights the current trend of the bacterial pathogens that cause infectious keratitis. Staphylococci and Pseudomonas were found to be the most common pathogens. Increased resistance was seen against some of the commonly prescribed empirical antibiotics. Such evidence is useful for restructuring the empirical prescription practices from time to time.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or Von Recklinghausen disease comes under a group of multisystem hereditary syndromes called phakomatoses. It presents with skin, ophthalmic, bony, and systemic manifestations. We present a photographically well-documented case series of NF in a family (n = 3). Skin manifestations were present in all the patients. The ophthalmic manifestations were Lisch nodules (100% of eyes), subcutaneous neurofibroma of eyelids (33% of eyes), mechanical ptosis (33% of eyes), and mechanical ectropion (16.5% of eyes). We report the rare occurrence of multiple solitary neurofibromas causing mechanical ptosis and mechanical ectropion.

Current state of the art application profilers for function/loop (process) based execution paths perform static profiling during design space exploration. Dynamic optimization is a must for heterogenous platforms to achieve low silicon area and better performance in real-time. Hence, it becomes necessary to have a mechanism in the target platform hardware to identify run-time characteristics of various processes of the application code in execution. This should be at both, an individual process level and in the relationship with other co-processes. This paper proposes DynPath - a hardware-based execution path profiler capable of detecting and identifying the processes along with the execution paths, both in a static and dynamic context. It has a rich set of features in comparison to other process-based profilers reported in the literature. Being non-intrusive it does not cause any run-time overheads. To handle the dynamic nature of input data size versus fixed memory row width, the paper proposes a unique approach based on Content Addressable Memory (CAM) for path identification and optimal hardware utilization. Considering that a process can be part of multiple executions paths, the profiler tracks both, the path invocation count, as well as, path-specific process invocation count (PSPIC) for each process. PSPIC logic being computationally intensive, it also proposes an alternative implementation of the PSPIC logic based on resource sharing which helps reduce the total area overhead of the execution path profiler by 87%.

Medication errors in a parturient can be devastating as two lives are involved. Owing to the absence of critical incident reporting in parurients in multiple countries of the world, these errors are underreported. We herein discuss the common medication errors in a parturient, the published literature, and the management protocols practiced.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A total of 86 female patients were prospectively administered dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg i.v. (the group A, n=43), and dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. (the group B, n=43). The two groups were compared in treatment response, hemodynamic changes, and Numerical Analog Scale (NAS). Besides, the relation of PONV with patient baseline characteristics in the perioperative period was determined as well. Results: Patients in group A had lower PONV scores (t=3.1, P