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Investigations of age‐based food conversion and utilization efficiencies in phytophagous insects are very few. Studies examining the effects of age, sex and mating status on biochemical assimilation of macronutrients by phytophagous insects are scarce as well. Hence, we designed the present study to evaluate the combined effect of age, sex and mating status on food consumption and utilization efficiencies, and the assimilation of macronutrients by the Parthenium beetle, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on the invasive weed, Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus (Asterales: Asteraceae). We hypothesized that mated adults would consume and utilize more food than unmated adults, that assimilation of nutrients by old adults would be lower than young adults and that females would consume and utilize food more efficiently than males. However, our results revealed that as adults aged, their food consumption and utilization efficiencies decreased, and they assimilated less proteins and glucose in their body. Despite that, their mean body biomass and assimilation of triglycerides increased. While mated adults had higher food utilization efficiencies and increased assimilation of triglycerides and glucose, unmated adults assimilated more proteins. Females had higher food consumption rates and increased assimilation of nutrients, whereas males had higher food conversion efficiencies and growth rates. Furthermore, middle‐aged adults had higher food utilization efficiencies and they assimilated more nutrients than young and old adults. Our results therefore suggest compensatory feeding in adults of Z. bicolorata with ageing. We also recommend the release of more numbers of mated middle‐aged females to control P. hysterophorus in agro‐ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip tuberculosis (TB) is not a common disease, and this devastating illness requires complete treatment. This case study describes the treatment of a 25-year-old female who suffered from hip TB. She came with right hip discomfort, limping, and a restricted range of movement. The clinical examination showed a fixed flexion deformity, adduction, internal rotation, and leg shortening. Radiographic imaging showed arthritis with hip joint space narrowing, bone erosion, and bone disintegration. Laboratory testing revealed increased inflammatory markers, and a synovial fluid investigation showed tuberculous arthritis. The initial treatment consisted of a regular four-drug antitubercular therapy (ATT) regime for six months and then an additional four months of isoniazid and rifampicin. This therapy resulted in improved clinical symptoms and decreased inflammatory markers. However, the level of joint degeneration required surgical intervention. Due to substantial joint damage, the patient received a hybrid total hip replacement (THR) after completing ATT, confirming that the infection had been cured. Intraoperative observations included synovial enlargement, bone erosions, and significant cartilage damage. The patient underwent a rehabilitation program following surgery to regain mobility and hip joint range of motion. The patient reported substantial pain relief and functional improvement at the one-year follow-up with no signs of implant loosening or infection recurrence., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Singh et al.)