Fabrications of hybrid Polyurethane-Pd doped ZrO2 smart carriers for self-healing high corrosion protective coatings.

The work demonstrates the effective utilization of hybrid Polyurethane - palladium doped zirconium oxide (Pd-ZrO2) as innovative carriers for corrosion protection coatings on steel materials. ZrO2 and Pd-ZrO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Photodeposition followed by the hydrothermal synthesis method. The synthesized nanoparticles were then incorporated into the polyurethane matrix and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR and SEM confirm the presence of ZrO2 and Pd-ZrO2 nanoparticles and their morphologies in polyurethane composites material. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that the polyurethane matrix remained stable up to 250 °C. At 800 °C, >50% of residues are observed for Pd-ZrO2 - polyurethane in the TGA analysis, which confirms that the primer and nanoparticles addition enhances the thermal stability of the composite. The water contact angle measurement explains the hydrophobic behavior of nanocomposite modified coatings on a mild steel substrate. It indicates that Pd-ZrO2 and primer significantly increase the hydrophobicity of polyurethane. The major advantages of developing water-repellent or hydrophobic surfaces open up a world of possibilities for metals and alloys in terms of corrosion prevention. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and a salt spray test were used to determine the anti-corrosion behavior of the prepared polymer nanocomposites. The polymer nanocomposite coatings have better anti-corrosive capabilities when compared to pure polyurethane. The corrosion protection efficiency increased from 76.63% to 97.57% upon incorporating 2 wt % of Pd-ZrO2 in the polyurethane matrix. The results confirmed that the modifications on the polyurethane enhanced the hydrophobicity and anti-corrosion properties of the polymer nanocomposite coatings.

An atypical bilateral trifurcation of recurrent laryngeal nerve.

BACKGROUND: Thyroidectomy is a frequently performed surgery for benign and malignant conditions. Nevertheless, one of the most critical complications of thyroidectomy is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury leading to vocal cord paralysis. A thorough knowledge of the anatomical variations of RLN and ligation of the related vessels close to their distal branches is critical to avoid injury. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report the first case of bilateral trifurcation of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in a 40-year old woman with multinodular goitre. Total thyroidectomy was performed and RLN was preserved bilaterally. Followed by a precise dissection, fine branches were traced penetrating the larynx. We did not observe any further post-operative complications and patient was discharged with desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variations of the RLN include-bifurcations, trifurcations, relation of RLN with inferior thyroid artery (ITA) and presence of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve. Only RLN dividing at a distance greater than 5 mm (branching point distance) before its entry into the larynx beneath the cricothyroid are said to bifurcate or trifurcate. Approximately 25% of nerves show branching [71%-unilateral and 18%-bilateral bifurcation]. Incidence of unilateral trifurcations have been noted be 0.9% and the rates of bilateral trifurcation and the divisions of the branches is yet to be ascertained. This is the first report of a bilateral trifurcation of RLN, detected in patient with multinodular goitre and hence warrants a precise analysis of variations of the RLN in patients undergoing thyroidectomy, which is critical to prevent RLN injury.

Applications of Sentinel-2 satellite data for spatio-temporal mapping of deep pools for monitoring the riverine connectivity and assessment of ecological dynamics: a case from Godavari, a tropical river in India (2016-2021).

Rivers are dynamic ecosystems with diverse habitats that require ample connectivity to ensure the flow of ecosystem services, thus empowering the sustainable development of an entire basin. Geo-spatial tools offer powerful prospects for monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. The usefulness of Sentinel-2 datasets to assess river connectivity has been explored for an un-gauged seasonal river system. The present study was undertaken in five ecologically unique river reaches viz. Wainganga, Wardha, Pranhita, Godavari-mid and Manair in Godavari Basin in the Indian Deccan Plateau to map water spread dynamics at various time scales, i.e., fortnightly, monthly, seasonal, annual and demi-decadal during 2016-2021. The maximum value of perennial water spread per square kilometre of total floodplain area (2016-2021), determined using Sentinel-2 imageries, was observed in river Wardha (0.18) followed by Pranhita (0.12) and Wainganga (0.11). The water spread showed a decreasing trend, while the number of patches in the river corridor increased over time from post-monsoon to pre-monsoon season. The copious perennial habitat with relatively larger patches, incessant flow in river Pranhita and obstructed flow, large-sized patches reported in river Wardha during summer months, hold importance in terms of providing refuge to aquatic biota. This study provides evidence for the impact of water projects on spatio-temporal water spread dynamics in Godavari Basin. The demonstrated utility of Sentinel-2 imagery coupled with gauge station measurements for river continuity assessment and deep pool mapping would aid in enhancing our understanding on environmental flow at a spatial scale, which in turn would aid in effective river management to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The implications of this study for sustainable environmental management and limitations are also discussed.

Interactive effect of elevated tropospheric ozone and carbon dioxide on radiation utilisation, growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

An experiment was conducted in the Free Air Ozone and Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FAOCE) facility to study the impact of elevated O3, CO2 and their interaction on chickpea crop (cv. Pusa-5023) in terms of phenology, biophysical parameters, yield components, radiation interception and use efficiency. The crop was exposed to elevated O3 (EO:60ppb), CO2 (EC:550 ppm) and their combined interactive treatment (ECO: EC+EO) during the entire growing season. Results revealed that the crop's total growth period was shortened by 10, 14 and 17 days under elevated CO2, elevated O3 and the combined treatment, respectively. Compared to ambient condition, the leaf area index (LAI) under elevated CO2 was higher by 4 to 28%, whilst it is reduced by 7.3 to 23.8% under elevated O3. The yield based radiation use efficiency (RUEy) was highest under elevated CO2 (0.48 g MJ-1), followed by combined (0.41 g MJ-1), ambient (0.38 g MJ-1) and elevated O3 (0.32 g MJ-1) treatments. Elevated O3 decreased RUEy by 15.78% over ambient, and the interaction results in a 7.8% higher RUEy. The yield was 31.7% more under elevated CO2 and 21.9% lower in elevated O3 treatment as compared to the ambient. The combined interactive treatment recorded a higher yield as compared to ambient by 9.7%. Harvest index (HI) was lowest under elevated O3 (36.10%), followed by ambient (39.18%), combined (40.81%), and highest was under elevated CO2 (44.18%). Chickpea showed a positive response to elevated CO2 resulting a 5% increase in HI as compared to ambient condition. Our findings quantified the positive and negative impacts of elevated O3, CO2 and their interaction on chickpea and revealed that the negative impacts of elevated O3 can be compensated by elevated CO2 in chickpea. This work promotes the understanding of crop behaviour under elevated O3, CO2 and their interaction, which can be used as valuable inputs for radiation-based crop simulation models to simulate climate change impact on chickpea crop.

Long-term postnatal outcome of fetuses with prenatally suspected septo-optic dysplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by varying combinations of optic nerve hypoplasia, pituitary gland hypoplasia and abnormal cavum septi pellucidi. It is suspected on prenatal imaging when there is non-visualization or hypoplasia of the septal leaflets. Long-term postnatal outcomes of fetuses with prenatally suspected SOD have been documented poorly. The aims of this study were to describe the natural history of deficient septal leaflets, to quantify the incidence of postnatally confirmed SOD and to document the visual, endocrine and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of these infants. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study of all fetuses with prenatal imaging showing isolated septal agenesis, assessed at a single tertiary center over an 11-year period. Pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes and pre- and postnatal imaging findings were reviewed. Neonatal evaluations or fetal autopsy reports were assessed for confirmation of SOD. Ophthalmologic, endocrine, genetic and long-term developmental evaluations were assessed. Imaging findings and outcome were compared between infants with and those without postnatally confirmed SOD. RESULTS: Of 214 fetuses presenting with septal absence on prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18 (8.4%) were classified as having suspected isolated septal agenesis suspicious for SOD. Uniform prenatal MRI findings in cases with suspected SOD included remnants of the leaflets of the cavum septi pellucidi, fused forniceal columns, normal olfactory bulbs and tracts and a normal optic chiasm. Twelve fetuses were liveborn and five (27.8%) had postnatally confirmed SOD. Only two of these five fetuses had additional prenatal imaging features (pituitary cyst, microphthalmia and optic nerve hypoplasia) supporting a diagnosis of SOD. The other three confirmed SOD cases had no predictive prenatal or postnatal imaging findings that reliably differentiated them from cases without confirmed SOD. Visual and endocrine impairments were present in two (40%) and four (80%) cases with confirmed SOD, respectively. In those with visual and/or endocrine impairment, developmental delay (median age at follow-up, 2.5 (interquartile range, 2.5-7.0) years) was common (80%) and mostly severe. Neonates with isolated septal agenesis and a lack of visual or endocrine abnormalities to confirm SOD had normal development. CONCLUSIONS: Only a quarter of fetuses with isolated septal agenesis suggestive of SOD will have postnatal confirmation of the diagnosis. Clinical manifestations of SOD are variable, but neurodevelopmental delay may be more prevalent than thought formerly. © 2020 Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of post-liver transplant vasculature.

Liver transplantation is a frequently used treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and ultrasound is often the first-line imaging technique for detection of vascular complications after liver transplant. Although colour Doppler ultrasound is a good screening method for evaluation of post-liver transplant vasculature, it has limitations in evaluating small-calibre vessels and vessels in close proximity. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been proposed to overcome these limitations by improving visualisation of post-liver transplant vasculature and reducing the number of false-positive cases, which necessitate unnecessary additional investigations such as computed tomography or angiography. Liver transplant anatomy and the wide array of post-transplant imaging findings on colour Doppler have already been well described but literature on the use of CEUS and its image interpretation remain scarce. This review aims to discuss the indications for CEUS after liver transplant, to demonstrate CEUS technique and familiarise readers with the imaging appearances of post-transplant vascular complications on CEUS.

Radiographic evaluation of bone density in dentulous and edentulous patients in Riyadh, KSA.

BACKGROUND: The Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is currently being used as the most common diagnostic method to evaluate the bone density of the maxilla and the mandible for planning dental implant. Aim: The aim of the study is to check the quantitative alveolar bone density in complete or partial edentulous and dentulous male and female patients among Riyadh sample population in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved a cross-sectional analysis of 231 consecutive CBCT images of 231 different patients (115 males and 116 females). The scans were of Saudi National patients who were partially or completely edentulous without any bone infections in the maxilla and the mandible. The findings are presented as descriptive statistics and inferential statistics: student -t-test for two group means, ANOVA for three groups, Post-hoc LSD test for multiple comparisons, Levene statistics for testing the homogeneity of variances and a statistical significance at 5% level. RESULTS: Comparison of mean alveolar bone density in maxillae of dentulous male smokers showed a statistically significant difference for bucco-cortical plate and cancellous bone among different regions. In dentulous male nonsmokers, no significant difference was observed for maxillary regions, while in mandibular areas, a statistically significant difference was seen for buccal cortex, palatal cortex, and cancellous bone among different regions. While studying the scans of female dentulous patients, a statistically significant difference was observed in alveolar bone density for all the areas. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of bone density is an important step in treatment planning and this study was aimed to provide insight into bone density patterns of population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Further similar studies in different populations can help in planning for more efficient treatment outcomes.

Enhanced Visible Light Activity of Pr-TiO2 Nanocatalyst in the Degradation of Dyes: Effect of Pr Doping and TiO2 Morphology.

A facile hydrothermal method was adopted for the synthesis of bare TiO2 and titania nanotubes (TNT). In an effort to increase the efficacy of the existing photocatalyst, different weight percentage (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0%) of praseodymium were deftly doped on to the synthesized titania scaffolds. The physicochemical characteristics of the architectured photocatalyst were thoroughly elucidated by various sophisticated techniques. The doping of Pr2O3 (Pr) on to titania nanotubes (TNT) resulted into a significant bathochromic/hyperchromic shift in the optical absorption edge (towards the visible region) as perceived from the DRS-UV spectra. The XRD and TEM analysis showed average crystallite size of the synthesised photocatalyst to be as small as 4-7 nm with well-formed nanotube framework. Photoluminescence spectra of Pr doped TNT catalyst clearly exhibited greater suppression of photogenerated electron-hole pair as compared to the undoped counterparts. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts was evaluated towards the degradation of organic pollutants namely Rhodamine B (90%) and Crystal violet (93%) in the presence of solar light and its activity and durability was compared to that of commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25). The observed enhanced photocatalytic activity of TNT and Pr-TNT can be unambiguously attributed to the inhibition of recombination of the electron-hole pairs due to doping of Pr into TNT. Among catalysts synthesized, 0.4 wt.% of Pr on to TNT yielded the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.

Characterization of demographics and NS5A genetic diversity for hepatitis C virus genotype 4-infected patients with or without cirrhosis treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 (GT4) is genetically diverse with 17 confirmed and 4 provisional subtypes. In this report, HCV GT4-infected patient samples from Phase 2/3 clinical studies were analysed to characterize global demographics and genetic diversity of GT4 infection among patients treated with ombitasvir (OBV, NS5A inhibitor) plus paritaprevir/r (NS3/4A inhibitor codosed with ritonavir). Among 17 subtypes isolated from GT4-infected patients in the PEARL-I and AGATE-I studies, subtype prevalence by country of enrolment and country of origin suggested that subtypes 4a and 4d were likely circulating in Europe, while heterogeneous GT4 subtypes and a portion of GT4a detected in European and North American countries were likely due to immigration of HCV-infected patients from Africa. The distributions of birth cohort and race were also significantly different across GT4 subtypes 4a, 4d, and non-4a/4d. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of NS5A sequences revealed clustering within subtype 4a which segregated by the patient-reported country of origin and the presence of the L30R/S polymorphism. HCV NS5A sequences derived from GT4a-infected patients who originated from Europe and the United States clustered separately from sequences derived from patients who originated from Egypt, suggesting that genetically distinct strains of subtype 4a may be circulating globally. Finally, NS5A baseline polymorphisms were frequently detected at amino acid positions of interest for the inhibitor-class and OBV retained activity against 37 of 39 NS5A GT4 clinical isolates, with no impact on treatment outcome in the PEARL-I and AGATE-I studies.

Effect of elevated carbon dioxide on soil hydrothermal regimes and growth of maize crop (Zea mays L.) in semi-arid tropics of Indo-Gangetic Plains.

To see the effect of climate change on the variation of soil hydrothermal regimes and growth of maize crop, an experiment was conducted in free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) facility during the kharif season of 2015 at Climate Change Facility of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Under elevated CO2 and ambient condition, surface bulk density (BD) were 1.38 Mgm-3 and 1.44 Mgm-3, respectively but BD were not significantly different. During different days after sowing (DAS), in 0 to 10-cm soil depth, soil water content (SWC) in FACE varied between 14.58-20.70%, whereas in ambient condition, SWC variations were in between 19.33-22.94%. In 10 to 20-cm soil depth, SWC ranged in between 20.47-27.14% in FACE and 23.57-25.42% in ambient condition for different DAS. It is also observed that the arrival of peak surface ST was 1 h early in elevated CO2 condition. Photosynthetic rate increased by 5.7% on 44 DAS and 18.1% on 70 DAS under elevated carbon dioxide condition. Elevated carbon dioxide had reduced the stomatal conductance but the reduction was not significant. Like variation in air temperature for climate change, more intensive study is required to see the effect of climate change on soil temperature and its effect on crop growth.

Effect of elevated temperature on soil hydrothermal regimes and growth of wheat crop.

An attempt has been made to study the effect of elevated temperature on soil hydrothermal regimes and winter wheat growth under simulated warming in temperature gradient tunnel (TGT). Results showed that bulk density (BDs) of 0, 0.9, and 2.5 °C were significantly different whereas BDs of 2.8 and 3.5 °C were not significantly different. Water filled pore space (WFPS) was maximum at 3.5 °C temperature rise and varied between 43.80 and 98.55%. Soil surface temperature (ST) at different dates of sowing increased with rise in sensor temperature and highest ST was observed at S5 sensors (3.5 °C temperature rise). Temperature and its difference were high for the top soil, and were stable for the deep soil. Photosynthesis rate (µmol CO2 m-2 s-1) of wheat was lower at higher temperature in different growth stages of wheat. In wheat, stomatal conductance declined from 0.67 to 0.44 mol m-2 s-1 with temperature rise. Stomatal conductance decreased with increase in soil temperature and gravimetric soil moisture content (SWC). In TGT, 0 °C temperature rise showed highest root weight density (RWD) (5.95 mg cm-3); whereas, 2.8 and 3.5 °C showed lowest RWD (4.90 mg cm-3). Harvest index was maximum (0.37) with 0 °C temperature rise, and it decreased with increase in temperature, which indicated that both grain and shoot biomass decreased with increase in temperature. Intensive studies are needed to quantify the soil hydrothermal regimes inside TGT along with the crop growth parameters.

Proteomic changes in rice leaves grown under open field high temperature stress conditions.

The interactive effect of temperature with other climatic and soil factors has profound influences on the growth and development of rice. The responses of rice to high temperatures under field conditions are more important than those under the controlled conditions. To understand the genes associated with high temperature stress response in general and tolerance in particular, the expression of all those genes associated with adaptation and tolerance in rice requires proteomic analysis. High temperature stress-tolerant cv. N22 was subjected to 28/18 °C (control) and 42/32 °C (high temperature stress) at flowering stage. The plants were grown in the field under the free air temperature increment condition. The proteomic changes in rice leaves due to high temperature stress were discussed. The proteomes of leaves had about 3000 protein spots, reproducibly detected on 2-dimensional electrophoretic gels with 573 proteins differentially expressed between the control and the high temperature treatments. Putative physiological functions suggested five categories such as growth (15.4%), heat shock proteins (7.7%), regulatory proteins (26.9%), redox homeostasis proteins (11.5%) and energy and metabolism (38.5%) related proteins. The results of the present study suggest that cv. N22, an agronomically recognized temperature tolerant rice cultivar copes with high temperature stress in a complex manner. Several functional proteins play important roles in its responses. The predicted climate change events necessitate more studies using this cultivar under different simulated ecological conditions to identify proteomic changes and the associated genes to be used as biomarkers and to gain a better understanding on the biochemical pathways involved in tolerance.

Changes in seed water status as characterized by NMR in developing soybean seed grown under moisture stress conditions.

Changes in water status of developing seeds of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill.) grown under different moisture stress conditions were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)- spin-spin relaxation time (T2). A comparison of the seed development characteristics, composition and physical properties indicated that, characteristics like seed weight, seed number/ear, rate of seed filling increased with development stages but decreased with moisture stress conditions. The NMR- spin-spin relaxation (T2) component like bound water increased with seed maturation (40-50%) but decreased with moisture stress conditions (30-40%). The changes in seed water status to increasing levels of moisture stress and seed maturity indicates that moisture stress resulted in more proportion of water to bound state and intermediate state and less proportion of water in free-state. These changes are further corroborated by significant changes in protein and starch contents in seeds under high moisture stress treatments. Thus seed water status during its development is not only affected by development processes but also by moisture stress conditions. This study strongly indicated a clear moisture stress and development stage dependence of seed tissue water status in developing soybean seeds.

Agitation after traumatic brain injury and predictors of outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the incidence of agitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an inpatient population and to identify any features associated with an adverse outcome. DESIGN: Prospective study of TBI admissions over 30 months in consecutive admissions with TBI to a regional neurorehabilitation unit. Outcome of agitation was compared to patient, injury and treatment features and any associations were sought. The presence of agitation was measured by the Agitation Behaviour Score. A good outcome for agitation was defined as a return to independent living with minimal care requirement at 6 months using an Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) score >4. RESULTS: Over 30 months, there were 146 TBI admissions, of whom 53 cases had agitation (36.3%). Achieving 100% follow-up, 27 (51%) had a good outcome. On a multivariable logistic regression analysis, a good outcome was associated with the type of lesions seen on CT scan, the severity of agitation and the duration of the behaviour. Alcohol excess and type of treatment used for the behaviour were initially significant on univariate testing but dropped out of the logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Over a third of TBI admissions, developed agitation and poor functional outcome was associated with CT scan findings, severity and duration of agitation.

Studies on (polytrimethylene terephthalate)/graphene oxide/f-MWCNT hybrid nanocomposites.

Natural resource-driven approaches to bioengineering plastics are being developed to compete in the automobiles, power, and other sectors. Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) is a particular of them, and it was chosen for the current investigation to build an advanced nanocomposite material. Using a twin-screw micro compounder, injection moulded PTT/Graphene-Oxide (GO)/Carboxyl functionalized Multiwall Carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) hybrid nanocomposites were prepared. The impact of GO and f-MWCNT reinforcement on the composite's thermal and mechanical characteristics of hybrid nanocomposites was examined. GO was synthesized from the graphite powder by modified Hummer's method and MWCNTs were functionalized using the concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) with a volume ratio of 3:1 in an ultrasonic bath at room temperature. In all formulations, the investigation was done at a constant filler amount of 2 wt%. To understand the chemical interaction between PTT and nanofiller, Raman spectroscopy was used and to examine the state of dispersion, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was systematically analysed. In comparison to pristine PTT, the water absorption, tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of hybrid nanocomposites were improved marginally. It was also observed that GO has more prominent in increasing the mechanical properties of the hybrid and f-MWCNT in thermal properties. The 3-D geometrical bridge between GO (2-D) and f-MWCNT (1-D) made the hybrid more dispersible and effective for different applications.

Zinc oxide and ferric oxide nanoparticles combination increase plant growth, yield, and quality of soybean under semiarid region.

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) malnutrition are global health challenges that need immediate attention. Hence, to address these issues, a two-pronged approach involving the development and application of novel Zn and Fe products for crop fertilization may be a potential solution. Therefore, zinc oxide (ZnO) (∼13.2 nm) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) (∼15 nm) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and characterized. Seven nutrients treatments viz, control, ZnO- NPs (25 mg kg-1), Fe2O3-NPs (25 mg kg-1), ZnO + Fe2O3-NPs (25 mg kg-1each), ZnSO4 (55.8 mg kg-1), FeSO4 (60.4 mg kg-1) and ZnSO4+ FeSO4 (55.8 and 60.4 mg kg-1) were arranged in five-time replicated Completely Randomized Design model to test the effectiveness of ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs in two soybean cultivars over conventional zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) fertilizers. The results indicated that the photosynthetic rate (Pn) and chlorophyll content increased (33.9-86.2%) significantly at the flowering stage with ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs applications, compared to their conventional counterparts. Likewise, the combined application of ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs reduced H2O2 production by 17-19% and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities by 15-17% and 9.6-11.4% over the combined use of ZnSO4 and FeSO4, respectively. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) showed an increase of 6.9-44.2% under ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs, as well as ZnSO4 and FeSO4. Furthermore, the combined application of NPs enhanced soybean seed yield by 4.6-18.3% compared to conventional Zn and Fe fertilizers. Concerning seed Zn and Fe density, conjoint application of ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs increases Zn by 1.8-2.2-fold and Fe by 19.22-22.58% over the combined application of Zn SO4 and FeSO4, respectively. While the application of NPs significantly decreased seed phytic acid concentrations by 7.3-59.9% compared to the control. These findings suggest that the combined application of ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs effectively enhances soybean productivity, seed nutrient density, and overall produce quality. Therefore, the combined application of ZnO and Fe2O3 -NPs in soybean can be a potential approach for sustainable soybean production and to reduce/arrest Zn and Fe malnutrition in a growing population.

Expert panel recommendations for topical hemostatic agent use in varied bleeding sites and situations during neuro-spine surgeries.

Intraoperative bleeding poses a substantial challenge, particularly in neuro-spine surgeries leading to complications such as hematomas, infections, and hemodynamic instability. Despite their proven efficacy, use of topical hemostatic agents (THAs) lacks comprehensive published literature and guidelines particularly in the Indian setting. The present study provides the first-ever Indian expert panel recommendations for effective adjunct THA use in different intraoperative bleeding sites and situations in neuro-spine surgeries. A comprehensive approach, encompassing a literature review, followed by experience sharing in a meeting using a survey helped integrate expert opinions in the form of practical algorithms to guide THA selection. Our survey results revealed a strong inclination towards specific THAs, flowable gelatin + thrombin being choice of THA for difficult to access and problematic bleeding situations during tumor removal/resection, transsphenoidal hypophysectomy and skull-based procedures. Both oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC)/Fibrillar and flowable gelatin + thrombin were recommended for continuous oozing. ORC/Fibrillar was preferred for arteriovenous and cavernous malformations. This expert-panel guidance on THA use aims to optimize hemostat use practices and improve surgical outcomes in neuro-spine surgery.

Carbon turnover in the water-soluble protein of the adult human lens.

PURPOSE: Human eye lenses contain cells that persist from embryonic development. These unique, highly specialized fiber cells located at the core (nucleus) of the lens undergo pseudo-apoptosis to become devoid of cell nuclei and most organelles. Ostensibly lacking in protein transcriptional capabilities, it is currently believed that these nuclear fiber cells owe their extreme longevity to the perseverance of highly stable and densely packed crystallin proteins. Maintaining the structural and functional integrity of lenticular proteins is necessary to sustain cellular transparency and proper vision, yet the means by which the lens actually copes with a lifetime of oxidative stress, seemingly without any capacity for protein turnover and repair, is not completely understood. Although many years of research have been predicated upon the assumption that there is no protein turnover or renewal in nuclear fiber cells, we investigated whether or not different protein fractions possess protein of different ages by using the (14)C bomb pulse. METHODS: Adult human lenses were concentrically dissected by gently removing the cell layers in water or shaving to the nucleus with a curved micrometer-controlled blade. The cells were lysed, and the proteins were separated into water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions. The small molecules were removed using 3 kDa spin filters. The (14)C/C was measured in paired protein fractions by accelerator mass spectrometry, and an average age for the material within the sample was assigned using the (14)C bomb pulse. RESULTS: The water-insoluble fractions possessed (14)C/C ratios consistent with the age of the cells. In all cases, the water-soluble fractions contained carbon that was younger than the paired water-insoluble fraction. CONCLUSIONS: As the first direct evidence of carbon turnover in protein from adult human nuclear fiber cells, this discovery supports the emerging view of the lens nucleus as a dynamic system capable of maintaining homeostasis in part due to intricate protein transport mechanisms and possibly protein repair. This finding implies that the lens plays an active role in the aversion of age-related nuclear (ARN) cataract.

ST22 and ST239 MRSA duopoly in Singaporean hospitals: 2006-2010.

Surveillance is integral for the monitoring and control of infectious diseases. We conducted prospective laboratory surveillance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in five Singaporean public-sector hospitals from 2006 to 2010, using WHONET 5.6 for data compilation and analysis. Molecular profiling using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec classification and multilocus sequence typing was performed for a random selection of isolates. Our results showed overall stable rates of infection and bacteraemia, although there was significant variance among the individual hospitals, with MRSA rates increasing in two smaller hospitals and showing a trend towards decreasing in the two largest hospitals. The proportion of blood isolates that are EMRSA-15 (ST22-IV) continued to increase over time, slowly replacing the multi-resistant ST239-III. A new MRSA clone - ST45-IV - is now responsible for a small subset of hospital infections locally. More effort is required in Singaporean hospitals in order to reduce the rates of MRSA infection significantly.

Tropical storm off Myanmar coast sweeps reefs in Ritchie's Archipelago, Andaman.

The reefs in some islands of Andaman and Nicobar suffered severe damage following a tropical storm in the Bay of Bengal off Myanmar coast during 13-17 March 2011. Surveys were conducted at eight sites in Andaman, of which five were located in the Ritchie's Archipelago where maximum wind speeds of 11 m s(-1) was observed; and three around Port Blair which lay on the leeward side of the storm and had not experienced wind speeds of more than 9 m s(-1). Corals in the shallow inshore reefs were broken and dislodged by the thrust of the waves. Significant damage in the deeper regions and offshore reefs were caused by the settlement of debris and sand brought down from the shallower regions. The fragile branching corals (Acropora sp.) were reduced to rubbles and the larger boulder corals (Porites sp.) were toppled over or scarred by falling debris. The reefs on the windward side and directly in the path of the storm winds were the worst affected. The investigation exposes the vulnerability of the reefs in Andaman to the oceanographic features which generally remain unnoticed unless the damage is caused to the coastal habitats.