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This study explores the efficacy of Recycled Fine Powder (RFP) derived from construction and demolition waste as a sustainable substitute for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as a Calcium (Ca) source in geopolymer mortar. Fresh properties of Geopolymer Mortar (GPM) were evaluated in terms of slump-flow, initial-final setting time, whereas hardened properties were evaluated in terms of Compressive Strength (CS), Water Absorption (WA), porosity, acid attack, and dry shrinkage at both ambient and heat curing. Results indicate that the RFP performs well in all mixes. However, mix C10R10 shows the overall best results, as 17% higher compressive strength was observed as compared to mix C20R0, which further increases to 88% when compared to mix C0R0. Thus, RFP provides sufficient Ca content as an activator in GPM.

Abstract Background Bilateral ectopic pelvic kidneys are rarely observed, and cake form of fusion is a relatively distinct anomaly. With the presence of aberrant vasculature and risk of injuring surrounding viscera, conventional treatment of symptomatic calculi with percutaneous and retrograde approaches, become challenging for the urologist. 3D Laparoscopic approach is safe, reduces patient morbidity and avoids open surgery. Case presentation We herein report a case of 44-year-old female with symptomatic calculi in a pelvic cake kidney, which was adequately managed by 3D laparoscopic transperitoneal pyelolithotomy. Preoperatively, CT imaging and fluoroscopy were performed. The surgery lasted for 156 min, and complete stone clearance was achieved. Postoperative course was uneventful, and patient was discharged in 72 h. Conclusions 3D Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is an acceptable and efficient treatment modality for symptomatic calculi in ectopic fused pelvic kidneys with a malrotated orientation.

Abstract Resistance to anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lentis was explored through transcriptome sequencing over a period of 24 to 96 h post-inoculation (hpi) of the partially resistant recombinant inbred lines (RIL) LR-66-528 and susceptible LR-66-524 of the crop wild relative Lens ervoides population LR-66. The development of infection vesicles and primary hyphae by C. lentis were significantly higher on susceptible RIL LR-66-524 compared to partially resistant LR-66-528 at 24 and 48 hpi, but exponential trends in fungal growth were observed between 24 to 96 hpi in both RILs. Comparison of inoculated with mock-inoculated samples revealed 3091 disease responsive genes, among which 477 were differentially expressed between the two RILs. These were clustered into six expression clusters with genes that had either high or low expression in one of the RILs. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were functionally annotated and included genes coding LRR and NB-ARC domain disease resistance proteins, protein detoxification, LRR receptor-like kinase family proteins, and wall-associated Ser/Thr Kinases. DEGs were compared to genes in previously published anthracnose resistance QTLs mapped in LR-66 and revealed 22 DEGs located in 3 QTLs. Expression of 21 DEGs was validated using RT-qPCR confirming expression trends in RNA-seq.

In this study, the clogging mechanism of pervious concrete was evaluated using three different cloggers such as, Sand (S), Clay (C), and combination of sand and clay (S &C). The clogging mechanism was performed through falling head permeability apparatus, using clogger sediment load at the rate of 50, 150, and 200 grams in repetitive clogging cycles. It was observed from the results that combined (S & C) clogger shows overall critical results of clogging as 80% of the clogging was seen in 3 to 4 cycles. Moreover, it was observed from the results that pervious concrete mix made with R- type of aggregate gradation shows optimum compressive strength of the order of 8.6, 15.9, and 17 MPa at 7, 28 and 56 days of curing. Furthermore, the visual inspection test shows that clogging by clay clogger shows an even distribution of sediment on the whole length of the sample.

Analysis of the chemical composition of gallstones is vital for the etiopathogenesis of gallstone diseases that can ultimately help in the prevention of its formation. In the present study, gallstones from seven different regions of India were analyzed to highlight the major difference in their composition. Also, gallstones of different pathological conditions i.e., benign (chronic cholecystitis, CC) and malignant gallbladder disease (gallbladder cancer GBC) were characterized. The type of polymorphs of cholesterol molecules was also studied to provide insight into the structure of gallstones. 1H solution state NMR spectroscopy 1D experiments were performed on a total of 94 gallstone (GS) samples collected from seven different geographical regions of India. Solid-State NMR spectroscopy 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) experiments were done on the 20 CC GS samples and 20 GBC GS samples of two regions. 1H NMR spectra from the solution state NMR of all the stones reveal that cholesterol was a major component of the maximum stones of the north India region while in south Indian regions, GS had very less cholesterol. 13C CPMAS experiments reveal that the quantity of cholesterol was significantly more in the GS of CC in the Lucknow region compared with GBC stones of Lucknow and Chandigarh. Our study also revealed that GS of the Lucknow region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases belong to the monohydrate crystalline form of cholesterol while GS of Chandigarh region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases exists in both monohydrate crystalline form with the amorphous type and anhydrous form. Gallstones have a complicated and poorly understood etiology. Therefore, it is important to understand the composition of gallstones, which can be found in various forms and clinical conditions. Variations in dietary practices, environmental conditions, and genetic factors may influence and contribute to the formation of GS. Prevention of gallstone formation may help in decreasing the cases of gallbladder cancer.

Plants do not grow in isolation; they interact with diverse microorganisms in their habitat. The development of techniques to identify and quantify the microbial diversity associated with plants contributes to our understanding of the complexity of environmental influences to which plants are exposed. Identifying interactions which are beneficial to plants can enable us to promote healthy growth with the minimal application of agrochemicals. Beneficial plant–microbial interactions assist plants in acquiring inaccessible nutrients to promote plant growth and help them to cope with various stresses and pathogens. An increased knowledge of plant–microbial diversity can be applied to meet the growing demand for biofertilizers for use in organic agriculture. This review highlights the beneficial effects of soil–microbiota and biofertilizers on improving plant health and crop yields. We propose that a multi–omics approach is appropriate to evaluate viability in the context of sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Background and Aim After liver transplant, pre‐existent porto‐systemic shunts (PSS) may persist, causing “portal steal,” leading to graft dysfunction, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and eventual rejection. In recipients of small‐for‐size transplant liver grafts, shunts may be created intraoperatively, facilitating diversion of portal flow to systemic circulation to avoid ill‐effects of portal overperfusion. These iatrogenic shunts may also subsequently lead to portal steal. We aim to evaluate safety and efficacy of endovascular techniques in management of portal steal due to PSSs in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. Methods Between 2013 and 2020, we encountered five LDLT recipients with large PSS, who presented with graft dysfunction and/or HE. One patient had a surgically created shunt and four had spontaneous shunts, not surgically ligated during transplant. Endovascular techniques including plug‐assisted or balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO/BRTO) or covered inferior vena cava (IVC) stent grafts were to occlude these PSS and counter the portal steal in all patients. Technical success and clinical outcomes at 1‐year‐follow‐up were assessed. Results Imaging showed large PSS causing portal steal syndrome in all five patients. IVC stent graft was used to isolate the shunt in two patients and PARTO/BARTO was performed in three patients. One patient had guarded prognosis due to multiple organ dysfunction and died 5 days after endovascular procedure. At 1‐year follow up, graft functions normalized in four patients with no recurrence of HE. No procedure‐related complications were seen. Conclusion Endovascular techniques can be safely and effectively used to counter portal steal syndrome in LDLT recipients, thus avoiding surgical re‐exploration in these patients.