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The pomegranate butterfly, Deudorix isocrates (Fab.) is the serious pest of pomegranate causes considerable economic loss. The present light microscopic studies on the male reproductive system of the adult D. isocrates (Fab.) describe the anatomical and histological details which have not been reported earlier. These aspects of the pest studies have greater significance in pest management because reproductive organs are related with the development and life cycle of the pest. Anatomically the male reproductive system of D. isocrates consists of fused testes, a pair of thin walled vasa deferentia in continuation of proximal end of fused testes, a pair of seminal vesicles as a simple dilation of vasa deferentia, distal paired portion of ejaculatory duct which is referred as ductus ejaculatorius duplex, proximal single tubular ductus ejaculatorius simplex and the paired accessory glands. The genital tracts are complexly coiled. Histologically the fused testis is composed with spirally coiled longitudinal seminiferous follicles exhibit spermatogenesis in the numerous cysts. Longitudinally folded tall columnar epithelium of vas difference, cuboidal epithelium of seminal vesicle and low columnar epithelium of ejaculatory duct in D. isocrates are evidential in other lepidopterist species. The wall of male accessory gland is composed of columnar epithelium and muscle coat. These observations are concurred with some reports of the pest species of moths. In the accessory glands the nuclei of the columnar epithelial cells are round and located basally. The apical cytoplasm of columnar cells is vacuolated suggests secretory nature of accessary gland.

Abstract Biobased furans have emerged as chemical building blocks for the development of materials because of their diverse scaffolds and as they can be directly prepared from sugars. However, selective, efficient, and cost-effective scalable conversion of biobased furans remains elusive. Here, we report a robust transaminase (TA) from Shimia marina (SMTA) that enables the scalable amination of biobased furanaldehydes with high activity and broad substrate specificity. Crystallographic and mutagenesis analyses provide mechanistic insights and a structural basis for understanding SMTA, which enables a higher substrate conversion. The enzymatic cascade process established in this study allows one-pot synthesis of 2,5-bis(aminomethyl)furan (BAMF) and 5-(aminomethyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The biosynthesis of various furfurylamines, including a one-pot cascade reaction for BAMF generation using whole cells, demonstrates their practical application in the pharmaceutical and polymer industries.

Ankle and foot orthotics are suggested for gait rehabilitation therapy after a stroke. Clinical practice necessitates adjusting the ankle foot orthosis torque to accommodate each patient’s unique stride and body function. The objective of this paper is to develop a customized, cost-effective footplate orthosis from carbon fibers, manufactured using 3D printing, for individuals with partial foot amputations. The footplate is designed for use in developing nations and aimed to be made available with a reduced lead time. The experiment work carried out in this research is used to design, analyze, and validate a prosthetic footplate. A foot of size UK 7 with a 2 mm thick model of the human foot was modeled using Unigraphics-NX. The footplate’s design is being tested both conceptually and empirically. The footplate manufactured by applying load at toe and heel shows that the carbon fiber successfully restores leg length and reduces pressure on the feet’s delicate distal end.

Context: Medical undergraduates, being away from their institutes due to the lockdown, are at a greater risk of being affected by the negative news, which may easily instill fear and panic among them. Therefore, the present study was planned with the objective to study the effects of media exposure on the psychological health of undergraduate medical students at a tertiary health institute. Aim: To assess the psychological effects of social media/media use and coping mechanisms adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Settings and Design: Tertiary care teaching Institute and Cross-sectional study. Material and Methods: It is a cross-sectional observational study performed among (under graduate) UG students, which was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire including the pre-validated DASS-21 scale. Statistical Analysis: Data collected was entered in MS Excel. Descriptive statistics and correlation of the study variables were analyzed while controlling for demographics using Epi-info software version 7.2.2. Results: It was observed that around one-fifth of the participants have moderate depression, followed by mild 10.97%; one-fifth of the participants have moderate levels of anxiety 20.41% followed by extremely severe anxiety 13.27% and about two-thirds of the study participants having no stress 64.29% followed by mild stress 14.80% and moderate stress 9.69%. Conclusion: There was a significant psychological impact of the use of social media among young populations, particularly anxiety, stress, and depression with exposure to negative news and reports on social media platforms.

Distorted medical images can drastically reduce diagnosis accuracy using computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems. The objective of medical image classification is to improve diagnostic imaging precision and restore regions degraded by image inpainting. Deep Learning (DL) methods like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are being used to solve these medical image inpainting issues. Recently, various improved GAN models were proposed for improved image inpainting, but challenges like computational inefficiency, unreliable restoration quality, and lack of correct analysis of discriminator block. To overcome these problems, a novel GAN model is proposed with modified Generator and Discriminator blocks for improved medical image inpainting. To improve image inpainting quality with minimum computational complexity, the Multi-Task Learning (MTL)-based generator block is designed. The MTL encoder is connected with three decoders for three tasks edge detection, organ boundary generation, and image completion. The MTL-based encoder and decoders are modified with an optimum number of layers and regularization functions to improve the outcomes. The output of the generator block is input into the discriminator block, where we designed the relevant feedback strategy to decrease generator loss by automatically changing the weights on wrong classifications. The simulation results revealed the efficiency of the proposed medical image inpainting approach and discriminator block performances over the state-of-the-art. Due to the modified MTL-based generator and discriminator block in the proposed approach, the PSNR is improved by 14.31 %, SSIM is improved by 8.56%, UQI is improved by 9.45%, and MSE is reduced by 22.78% using the proposed model compared to the state-of-the-arts.

The purpose is to describe image quality metrics such as modulation transfer function (MTF) and Strehl ratio and higher order aberration (HOA) with corneo scleral lens (CSL) in keratoconus. A 25-year-old male visited the outpatient department with a complaint of diminution of distance vision in the right eye. His best-corrected visual acuity was 6/60 and 6/6 partial in the right and left eyes, respectively. Slit-lamp examination revealed right eye keratoconus and left eye was Forme fruste keratoconus. There was a history of corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin in the right eye. The patient was dispensed with corneo-scleral contact lens and the left eye was managed with spectacle. Corneal HOA, MTF, and Strehl ratio were measured without and with CSL using iTrace aberrometer. A significant reduction in corneal HOA and improvement in image quality metrics were noted with CSL.

Purpose: To analyze blindness certificates to find causes of visual impairment, low vision, and blindness in a tertiary care hospital in northern Maharashtra. Methods: A retrospective study of all visually impaired patients applying for disability certification between January and June 2023 (6 months period) was performed from the medical record. The demographics, aetiologies, grades and classification of visual impairment according to the new guidelines provided in the Gazette of India published in 2018 of the study subjects were analyzed. Results were compared with data from studies on blindness certificates and population-based studies. Results: A total of 771 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 39.42 ± 19 years (range: 1–85 years). Most patients were in the 41–64 years age group (40.98%). Males were involved more commonly (67.70%). According to the grade and percentage of disability, grade II (30%) was most commonly seen in 35.02% of individuals followed by low vision, grade III a–III e, (40%–80%) seen in 27.37% individuals. Blindness, grade IV a–IV b (90%–100%) was seen in 33.46% individuals. Overall, the most common cause of visual impairment among one-eyed, low-vision and blind individuals was phthisis bulbi/hereditary globe condition/coloboma. Among one-eyed and minimal disability individuals, rest common causes included amblyopia, squint and contracted socket post-evisceration. In patients with low vision and blindness, other common causes included retinitis pigmentosa, optic atrophy and pathological myopia. Conclusion: Analysis of blindness certificates provides valuable information regarding different causes of visual disability and provides an insight into the overall trends in visual disability profile and help in rehabilitation.

Smart metering in electricity power grid is an optimistic trend at global level. All smart devices and appliances based on Internet of Things (IoT) are now playing very significant role in household. These days’ electric power usage mining and optimization is possible down to meter level only. However, it is very challenging and significant to go down to different granularity levels such as appliances, various sensors and activities etc. The shifting of the electric power usage to low price electricity is also significant and possible by mining and optimizing electric power usage behaviour at low level. All smart appliances and activities are needs to be customized to when you use them. This paper proposes an adaptive methodology based on predictive deep learning and context aware clustering to discover new ways for mining and optimization of electric power usage at different granularity levels and make optimal decisions for shifting electric power usage to low cost. Here we have considered households and business meters approximately 2000 with unique id of each meter. The data of three months is used for user preference of starting appliance. The predictive accuracy of proposed methodology for usage mining and optimization is improved by average 4 %. Different input data features are used to form clusters of meters with similar power consumption behaviour for household occupancy. The clustering accuracy for household occupancy is improved from 0.68 to 0.91. The impact of accurate household occupancy detection and appliance usage mining and optimization is in reduction of electric power cost. The consumer can see how electric power efficiency and time-of-use shift makes a difference using experimental setup.

Study Region: Upper to Middle Yellow River Basin (UMYRB). Study Focus: Climate, land use, and landscape engineering measures are the main drivers affecting watershed hydrology, yet disentangling their respective contributions over large and complex regions is a great challenge. We combine process modeling techniques and hydrological observations to investigate the temporal changes of streamflow and sediment in the UMYRB during 1971–2016 and the imprints of climate change and anthropogenic activities. New hydrological insights for the region: Long-term statistical analysis shows that streamflow and sediment decreased over time across the basin with an increasing magnitude of reduction from upstream to midstream. Streamflow of UMYRB and sediment in the upstream area have decreased by 37.59 % and 71.86 %, respectively, since their change-point years. Analytical modeling results in the UMYRB demonstrate that 77.30 % of the streamflow reduction was attributed to landscape engineering measures, 16 % to climate change and the remaining 6.70 % to land use change. For sediment reduction, landscape engineering measures appeared to be the sole decisive factor for the upstream (over 126 %), while climate and land use changes positively affected sediment yield. Our study highlights the importance of considering the impacts of multiple factors when evaluating hydrological changes in large basins, and the method we adopted can be valuable elsewhere. Developing process-based methods to quantify the hydrological effects of engineering measures is still a research priority moving forward.

The present investigation was carried out during the year June 2017 to January 2018 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India to study the effect of nutrient seed treatments on nutrient uptake, quality of Bt cotton and soil nutrient dynamics in vertisol. The field experiment was undertaken in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications. The nutrient seed dressing treatments are absolute control, 100% NPK+Zinc Sulphate (ZnSo4), 100% NPK+Zn EDTA, 100% NPK+Borax (B), 100% NPK+Manganese Sulphate (MnSo4), 100% NPK+Sodium Molybdate (NaMo), 100% NPK+Copper Nitrate (CuNo3), 100% NPK+Ferrous Sulphate (FeSo4), 100% NPK+Fe EDTA seed application to Bt cotton. The maximum N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo uptake was recorded in the treatment 100 % NPK+Zn EDTA followed by 100% NPK+Fe EDTA treatment. In case of Mo uptake, the treatment 100 % NPK+Zn EDTA was significantly superior overall treatments except treatment 100% NPK+Fe EDTA and 100% NPK+Sodium Molybdate (NaMo). The minimum N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo uptake was recorded in the treatment Absolute control+100% NPK.

Objective: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for arrythmias and postoperative symptoms but has not been investigated after cardiac surgery. Acupuncture After Heart Surgery is a prospective, randomized, controlled pilot trial of daily inpatient acupuncture or standard care after valve surgery with the primary end point being feasibility and secondary end points being reduction in postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence and postoperative symptoms. Methods: A total of 100 patients without a history of atrial fibrillation underwent primary valve surgery via sternotomy and randomized 1:1 to acupuncture (51) or standard care (49). The acupuncture group received daily inpatient sessions starting on postoperative day 1. Postoperative symptoms (pain, nausea, stress, anxiety) were assessed once daily in the standard care group and before/after daily intervention in the acupuncture group. The groups were comparable except for age (acupuncture: 55.6 ± 11.4 years, standard care: 61.0 ± 9.3 years; P = .01). Results: The Acupuncture After Heart Surgery pilot trial met primary and secondary end points. There were no adverse events. An average of 3.8 (±1.1) acupuncture sessions were delivered per patient during a mean hospital stay of 4.6 days (±1.3). Acupuncture was associated with a reduction in pain, nausea, stress, and anxiety after each session (P

In this study, three promising yeast isolates were isolated from the sap of the Indian date palm tree (Phoenix sylvestris) and characterized by biochemical tests and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. They were confirmed as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and were designated as strains PYS-1, PYS-2, and PYS-3. These confirmed strains were used for the preparation of bioinoculants. Bioinoculant was prepared and applied to wheat crops, and the effect of Bioinoculant. Statistical analysis is carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and it is found that the absorbance of chlorophyll, protein, and Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) content is significantly increased. The treatment of bioinoculant showed that crops significantly increased chlorophyll, protein, and IAA content. Further, we applied bioinoculant on the soil and measured the soil’s humus content before and after the treatment of bioinoculant. Then, a paired t-test was applied to check the effectiveness of the treatment, and it was found to significantly increase humus content in the soil. The use of bioinoculants is an economically feasible and eco-friendly method.

The Open Ground Story (OGS) building is a functional need of all urban areas so cannot be eliminated. According to studies from previous earthquakes, when there is severe earthquake shaking, Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame buildings with open ground levels function badly. In this work, four models of G+14 RC frame buildings with and without a shear wall, coupled sheal wall, and diagonal strut were modeled and analyzed using ETABS-2018 software's static and dynamic response spectrum method. Model 1 open ground story RC building without strut and the shear wall was compared to the other three models that included a shear wall, coupled shear wall, and diagonal strut. As a result of the findings, it has been determined that shear wall, coupled shear wall, and diagonal strut not only increased the stiffness but also reduced displacement. A model with a combination of shear wall and coupled shear wall showed a minimum base shear and overturning moment than all other models.

Integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems, desalination technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Machine Learning (ML) has introduced a new era of remarkable research and innovation. This review article thoroughly examines the recent advancements in the field, focusing on the interplay between PV systems and water desalination within the framework of AI and ML applications, along with it analyses current research to identify significant patterns, obstacles, and prospects in this interdisciplinary field. Furthermore, review examines the incorporation of AI and ML methods in improving the performance of PV systems. This includes raising their efficiency, implementing predictive maintenance strategies, and enabling real-time monitoring. It also explores the transformative influence of intelligent algorithms on desalination techniques, specifically addressing concerns pertaining to energy usage, scalability, and environmental sustainability. This article provides a thorough analysis of the current literature, identifying areas where research is lacking and suggesting potential future avenues for investigation. These advancements have resulted in increased efficiency, decreased expenses, and improved sustainability of PV system. By utilizing artificial intelligence technologies, freshwater productivity can increase by 10 % and efficiency. This review offers significant and informative perspectives for researchers, engineers, and policymakers involved in renewable energy and water technology. It sheds light on the latest advancements in photovoltaic systems and desalination, which are facilitated by AI and ML. The review aims to guide towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

This study focuses on calculating solutions for fractional kinetic equations involving Laguerre polynomials and their fractional derivatives. By leveraging the Sumudu transform technique, we derive these solutions in the form of the Mittag-Leffler function. Our investigation includes graphical representations generated using MATLAB to illustrate the behavior of these solutions under varying parametric conditions. It is essential to note that the results obtained in this study are exceptionally versatile and have the potential to yield both established and potentially novel findings in this field of research.

The genus Allium Linnaeus, 1753 (tribe Allieae) contains about 800 species worldwide of which almost 38 species are reported in India, including the globally important crops (onion, garlic, leek, shallot) and many wild species. A satisfactory chromosomal catalogue of Allium species is missing which has been considered in the review for the species occurring in India. The most prominent base number is x=8, with few records of x=7, 10, 11. The genome size has sufficient clues for divergence, ranging from 7.8 pg/1C to 30.0 pg/1C in diploid and 15.16 pg/1C to 41.78 pg/1C in polyploid species. Although the karyotypes are seemingly dominated by metacentrics, substantial variation in nucleolus organizing regions (NORs) is noteworthy. The chromosomal rearrangement between A. cepa Linnaeus, 1753 and its allied species has paved way to appreciate genomic evolution within Allium. The presence of a unique telomere sequence and its conservation in Allium sets this genus apart from all other Amaryllids and supports monophyletic origin. Any cytogenetic investigation regarding NOR variability, telomere sequence and genome size in the Indian species becomes the most promising field to decipher chromosome evolution against the background of species diversity and evolution, especially in the Indian subcontinent.

Straw burning is a significant source of atmospheric pollutants, releasing particulate matter and trace gases. Capturing the characteristics of straw burning and understanding its influencing factors are important prerequisites for regulating straw burning. Based on the fire points detected by the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in Hunan province, China, from 2010 to 2020, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of straw burning and employed Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models to investigate the underlying forces driving straw burning. The results show that the spatiotemporal characteristics of straw burning in Hunan Province can be categorized into two distinct periods: 2010 to 2014 and 2015 to 2020. The period from 2010 to 2014 witnessed a rapid increase, while the period from 2015 to 2020 experienced fluctuating decreases. The shift is closely linked to the implementation of the straw burning ban policy in 2015. Spatially, the areas with a high number of fire points are primarily located in the southern regions, especially in the border regions between Chenzhou, Yongzhou, Hengyang, and Shaoyang cities. A significant change was found in the impact of economic development and human activity factors on straw burning before and after 2015. These factors include crop yield, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and road network development. From the implementation of the straw burning ban policy, increases in GDP and settlement density will have a dampening effect on straw burning in a region. Straw burning locations may shift towards regions with relatively slow economic development. The results could serve as a foundation for decision-making to address the issue of straw burning.

The Integration of machine learning and traditional image processing in dentistry has resulted in many applications like automatic teeth identification and numbering, caries, anomaly, disease detection, and dental treatment prediction. They have a broad scope in different applications observed in the dentistry literature review. This study reviews the literature on deep learning and dental radiograph analysis. We present an overview of machine learning algorithms in different areas of dentistry: tooth identification and numbering, Dental disease detection, and dental predictive treatment models. The methods under each area are briefly discussed. The dental radiograph data set required for performing experiments is summarized from the available literature. The study concludes by discussing new research opportunities and initiatives in this field. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of this innovative, challenging, and growing area in dentistry.

A new era of technological developments has been ushered in by the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), with telerobotic systems significantly contributing to the automation of crucial medical, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical processes. This study presents a thorough analysis of access control mechanisms in the context of the IoT to improve the security and usability of these cutting-edge technologies. The Fuzzy Logic Trust-Based Access Control Algorithm (FL-TACA) offers a novel strategy that optimizes energy efficiency and allocates access rights. It offers low-latency operations and data security as a secure communication solution for the telerobotics community. The technique decreases vulnerabilities to denial of service, eavesdropping, and replay attacks by allocating access permissions based on the least privileges. Finally, integrating FL-TACA promises to improve the caliber and effectiveness of patient care by enabling intelligent and independent activities that lessen the workload on medical staff.

The U.S. Department of Energy has listed levulinic acid (LA) as one of the top 12 compounds derived from biomass. LA has gained much attention owing to its conversion into enantiopure 4-aminopentanoic acid through an amination reaction. Herein, we developed a coupled-enzyme recyclable cascade employing two transaminases (TAs) for the synthesis of (S)-4-aminopentanoic acid. TAs were first utilized to convert LA into (S)-4-aminopentanoic acid using (S)-α-Methylbenzylamine [(S)-α-MBA] as an amino donor. The deaminated (S)-α-MBA i.e., acetophenone was recycled back using a second TAs while using isopropyl amine (IPA) amino donor to generate easily removable acetone. Enzymatic reactions were carried out using different systems, with conversions ranging from 30% to 80%. Furthermore, the hybrid nanoflowers (HNF) of the fusion protein were constructed which afforded complete biocatalytic conversion of LA to the desired (S)-4-aminopentanoic acid. The created HNF demonstrated storage stability for over a month and can be reused for up to 7 sequential cycles. A preparative scale reaction (100 mL) achieved the complete conversion with an isolated yield of 62%. Furthermore, the applicability of this recycling system was tested with different β-keto ester substrates, wherein 18%–48% of corresponding β-amino acids were synthesized. Finally, this recycling system was applied for the biosynthesis of pharmaceutical important drug sitagliptin intermediate ((R)-3-amino-4-(2,4,5-triflurophenyl) butanoic acid) with an excellent conversion 82%.

The pomegranate fruit borer, Deudorix isocrates (Fab.) is a serious pest of pomegranate causing remarkable economic loss and reported from most of the pomegranate growing countries. The research work on this pest has been undertaken on its bio ecological aspects and management. There are the least reports available on its morphological studies. This is the first study has been done on morphological details of the thoracic region of the sequential larval instars. The description is based on detailed light microscopic study of cuticular features, spiracles and appendages. This study is important to understand identification marks of larval instars, larval metamorphosis and taxonomic features. With increase in size the larval instars show peculiar morphological changes in the prothoracic shield and prothoracic spiracles as identification mark of each larval instar and found important to understand development of respiratory organs. The microscopic studies on thoracic appendages revealed general lepidopterist type. Results add to our knowledge of thoracic metamorphosis during larval period and provide a standard for further research on the morphological characters of Deudorix isocrates (Fab.).

Background: Dental anxiety and fear are the major treatment challenges faced by pediatric dentists. Oral hygiene in children with Down's syndrome is highly compromised in comparison to their healthy counterparts. Animal-assisted therapy, through dogs, has been beneficial in alleviating dental fear and anxiety in healthy pediatric population. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of dog-assisted therapy (DAT) on children with Down's syndrome undergoing dental examination and fluoride varnish application in dental operatory. Materials and Methods: Twenty children with Down's syndrome between 5 and 12 years of age were selected. Group A (intervention group): DAT was carried out in the dental operatory. Group B (control group): Dental treatment was performed in the absence of a therapy dog in the dental operatory. Anxiety levels were evaluated by recording the pulse rate and revised modified faces version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS[f]). Statistical Analysis: The intergroup comparison of pulse rate was done using an unpaired t-test, whereas the variation in intragroup pulse rate was analyzed using the Analysis of Variance test. The anxiety scores were subjected to a paired t-test for intragroup comparison with P < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results: Reduction in dental anxiety was observed in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: DAT can be used as an effective behavior management technique for children with Down's syndrome undergoing dental examination and simple dental procedures in the dental operatory.

We have recently shown that the volatile anesthetics isoflurane and sevoflurane acutely enhance the brain uptake of the hydrophilic markers sucrose and mannitol about two-fold from an awake condition, while the combined injection of the anesthetic agents ketamine and xylazine has no effect. The present study investigated two small-molecule hydrophilic drugs with potential neurotoxicity, the antibiotic agents ceftazidime and gentamicin. Transport studies using an in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) model, a monolayer of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human brain microvascular endothelial cells seeded on Transwells, and LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated the low permeability of both drugs in the range of sucrose, with permeability coefficients of 6.62 × 10−7 ± 2.34 × 10−7 cm/s for ceftazidime and 7.38 × 10−7 ± 2.29 × 10−7 cm/s for gentamicin. In vivo brain uptake studies of ceftazidime or gentamicin after IV doses of 25 mg/kg were performed in groups of 5–6 mice anesthetized at typical doses for surgical procedures with either isoflurane (1.5–2% v/v) or ketamine/xylazine (100:10 mg/kg I.P.). The brain uptake clearance, Kin, for ceftazidime increased from 0.033 ± 0.003 μL min−1 g−1 in the ketamine/xylazine group to 0.057 ± 0.006 μL min−1 g−1 in the isoflurane group (p = 0.0001), and from 0.052 ± 0.016 μL min−1 g−1 to 0.101 ± 0.034 μL min−1 g−1 (p = 0.0005) for gentamicin. We did not test the dose dependency of the uptake, because neither ceftazidime nor gentamicin are known substrates of any active uptake or efflux transporters at the BBB. In conclusion, the present study extends our previous findings with permeability markers and suggests that inhalational anesthetic isoflurane increases the BBB permeability of hydrophilic small-molecule endobiotics or xenobiotics when compared to the injection of ketamine/xylazine. This may be of clinical relevance in the case of potential neurotoxic substances.

INTRODUCTION: The patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is a complex joint structure with high functional and biomechanical requirements. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective tool for definition and characterization of knee pathology as it can accurately detect, localize, and characterize various pathologies of the knee joint. OBJECTIVES: (1) Evaluate MR images to identify different pathologies that are seen in the extensor compartment of the knee joint. (2) Quantitative assessment of patellofemoral measurements to determine predisposing risk factors that contribute to patellofemoral joint instability. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2017 with a sample size of 30 in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at The KLE's Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belagavi. The data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The pro forma included sociodemographic profile of the study subjects, clinical presentation MRI to identify different pathologies that are seen in extensor compartment of the knee joint and quantitative assessment of patellofemoral measurements to determine predisposing risk factors that contribute to patellofemoral joint instability. RESULTS: Among the study population majority of people had normal synovium, laterally subluxated/dislocated patella. Among the study population, the majority had normal lateral trochlear inclination angle, normal trochlear facet asymmetry, normal trochlear depth, normal sulcus angle, and trochlear dysplasia. Twenty-four (80%) people had normal Insall–Salvati index, 27 (90%) people had normal lateral patella femoral angle, 25 (83.30%) people had normal lateralization of the patella, 28 (93.30%) people had normal tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance, majority, i.e., 11 (36.70%) had Hoffa's fat pad edema followed by chondromalacia patella, trochlear dysplasia, medial patellofemoral ligament tear, patella alta, synovial plicae, subluxated/dislocated patella, transient dislocated patella, Osgood–Schlatter disease, and patellar tendonitis. CONCLUSION: MRI has also been useful in identifying extensor compartment pathologies that lead to anterior knee pain.

Abstract Astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione) is an orange-red, lipophilic keto-carotenoid pigment. It is majorly found in marine ecosystems particularly in aquatic animals such as salmon, shrimp, trout, krill, crayfish, and so on. It is also synthesized in microalgae Heamatococcus pluvialis, Chlorococcum, Chlorella zofingiensis, red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma and bacterium Paracoccus carotinifaciens. Some aquatic and terrestrial creatures regarded as a primary and secondary sources of the astaxanthin producing and accumulating it through their metabolic pathways. Astaxanthin is the powerful antioxidant, nutritional supplement as well as promising therapeutic compound, observed to have activities against different ravaging diseases and disorders. Researchers have reported remarkable bioactivities of astaxanthin against major non-communicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and immune disorders. The current review discusses some structural aspects of astaxanthin. It further elaborates its multiple potencies such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, anti-obese, anti-diabetic, anti-ageing, anti-TB, anti-viral, anti-COVID 19, neuro-protective, nephro-protective, and fertility-enhancing properties. These potencies make it a more precious entity in the preventions as well as treatments of prevalent systematic diseases and/or disorders. Also, the review is acknowledging and documenting its powerful bioactivities in relation with the pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical applicability. Graphical Abstract

The present study narrates the extraction of rutin from Tagetes erecta (Marigold) via maceration followed by ultrasonication. The extracted rutin was further fabricated into nanoparticles by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and assessed by HPLC, DSC, XRD, TEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The optimized batch of nanoparticles obtained using 32 central composite design (CCD) which exhibited particle size 209±14 nm, PDI 0.234±0.06, and 92±1.3% entrapment efficiency. The lyophilized rutin nanoparticles were further converted into nano-suspension. Interestingly, the rutin nano-suspension exhibited a similar antitussive effect in vivo as that by standard treatment pentoxyverine and reduced the coughing times within 2 min. Also, the phlegm showed high UV absorbance, implying its better expectorant activity than the standard and control. The rutin nano-suspension was highly stable and shelf life was found to be ∼29.1 months. The present study, for the first time, paves a way for the use of rutin nano-suspension to overcome chest congestion, shortening of breath, and in the management of cough.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is rampant viral disease, one of the commonest non-genetic cause for neurodevelopmental delay which is often under diagnosed. Leukemoid reaction, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and autoimmune cytopenias are rare hematological manifestations of CMV infection. There is paucity of literature regarding hematological manifestation in CMV infection. Here we present four cases of CMV infection with different hematological findings where early diagnosis and prompt intervention resulted in good outcome.

Deudorix isocrates is one of the serious pests of pomegranate, Punica granatum. The present study was undertaken as behavioral understanding of pests has crucial significance in pest management. The present study deals with larval behavior like searching period, selection of site to enter in the fruit, increase in size of entrance hole, selection of sites for pupation and adult behavior with respect to oviposition and fecundity. It was found that the gravid female rarely lays egg on a flower, the twigs and the underside of leaves. The calyx end of fruit is the most preferred site of egg laying (68.65%) than other parts like the lower half (11.56%), the stalk base (8.31%), the upper half (7.49%) and the middle region (3.97%) of the fruit. After hatching, the most of the neonate larvae (32%) consumed 16 to 30 minutes of period to search suitable site to enter in the fruit. The searching period ranges between less than 15 minutes (6%) to more than 4 hours (2%) in the rare cases. The lower half of the fruit is the most suitable site for larval entry (57.77%) while the stalk base region of the fruit was rejected for larval entry (0%). The larvae cut the fruit rind to increase dimeter of entrance hole from the early to the late instar stages. It was found 0.84 mm in the first instar, 1.43 mm in the second instar, 2.68 mm in the third instar and 5.76 mm in the fourth instar stage of larva. While studying pupation sites it was revealed that maximum number of larvae (62.60%) pupated inside the fruit, least number (1.56%) of larvae pupated on the fruit surface. 2.43% of the larvae pupated inside the calyx while 33.39% of the larvae pupated somewhere else.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the major source of disability worldwide. OA of knee is a joint disease that affects the elderly. It is characterized by progressive articular cartilage damage which further causes pain and loss of function. Total knee replacement (TKR) is the standard treatment for severe OA knee. Telerehabilitation is one of the new treatment ways and is speedily growing as an alternative for therapies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of domiciliary rehabilitation, telerehabilitation, and home exercise program on pain, function, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with TKR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 individuals were enrolled as per eligibility criteria during the study period and then were randomly divided into three groups by computer-generated, randomized sequence numbers. The parameters were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the end of 1 month using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Quality of Well-being, methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and knee range of motion (ROM) test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All the three groups showed a reduction in VAS scores and improved function in patients with TKR. QOL and MMT did not prove to be significant in any of the three groups. When ROM was considered, only Groups A and C showed statistical significance whereas Groups A and B showed clinical significance according to the mean difference values. CONCLUSION: All the three modes of rehabilitation among OA patients, i.e., domiciliary rehabilitation, telerehabilitation, and home-based exercise program, have shown similar effects on study variables including pain intensity, knee function, and QOL in patients with TKR. Therefore, we recommend to include telerehabilitation as one of the treatment approaches for patients with TKR whenever needed.

Background: The first 2 years of life are a critical period for a child's growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding with safe, appropriate, and adequate feeding are recommended as a global health policy in both developing and developed countries. Objective: The objective was to study the pattern of foods given to the infants during the weaning period in an urban field practice area in Vijayapura. Materials and methods: The mothers of infants (aged 6–12 months) were interviewed by using predesigned and pretested questionnaires regarding different types of foods given to their infants and also about their immunization status, incidence of diarrhea and acute respiratory infection (ARI). Results: A total of 95 mothers with infants aged between 6 and 12 months were enrolled in the study during the period of 1 month. Majority of the infants were fed with milk (animal) as a type of complementary food. Conclusion: Poor complementary feeding practices were observed in urban areas, and urgent health education and demonstration of weaning foods in the community play a major role in preventing diseases.

Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) is the term ascribed to optic nerve disease that is the result of a transient or permanent interruption of the blood supply to any portion of the optic nerve. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) refers to ischemia of the optic nerve head, whereas posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) indicates ischemia of the posterior optic nerve. IONs are primarily classified as arteritic ION and non-arteritic ION. A subset of ION that occurs around the time of surgery is termed peri-operative ION. These phenomena will be discussed as distinct entities.

Inadequate water supplies recall the environmental values of recovery and reuse of limited resources. One of the exciting opportunities in these circumstances is Grey water. Wastewater generated from household activities like bathing, kitchen sinks, washbasins, and laundry is classified as greywater. Inventing a pilot-scale greywater treatment system that treats in-house generated greywater and makes it reusable by assisting the untapped potential of physical methods of greywater purification was the main aim of this study. The study results from greywater samples' characterization from various sources in an Indian middle-class single household with four residents for six months. Moreover, the designing and analyzing of a treatment system applied to treat this in-house generated greywater was conducted. A filtration system with different filter layers was designed. It was found to have a chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 85.98%, biochemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 86.28%, and total suspended solids removal efficiency of 94.44%. The filter system designed in this study describes improved removal efficiency in all respects and gives an idea of the reusability of in-house treated greywater. The study concludes that greywater can be recycled and reused for toilet flushing, gardening, car washing, and firefighting. This practice can also lead to a significant reduction in the consumption of freshwater.

There are various static var compensator configurations are available and listed in the literature. Their performances are evaluated based on their voltage support, dynamic response, losses, cost, and additional filter requirement, if any. In this paper, efforts are made to improve the dynamic performance parameter such as rise time, settling time, and peak overshoots. A new topology with an adaptive controller is presented, in which capacitor and reactor banks are divided in their binary values and connected in the shunt. Capacitor and reactor banks are operated by thyristorised switches. Both these banks are operated in closed-loop form as a cascade control. Amongst these, capacitor bank operates as coarse control, and reactor bank acts as fine control. For the performance enhancement, a model reference adaptive controller is used. The system identification toolbox is used to evaluate the mathematical model of the plant with Matlab. The model's performance was analyzed deeply by the adaptive controller with different reference models such as critical, under, and overdamped. The performance parameters such as rise time, settling time, and peak overshoot in the form of reactive power swings, are evaluated and plotted for different adaptive gains using MIT rules. Abbreviations: $ {\textrm{m}_\textrm{p}} $ : Peak overshoot; $ {\textrm{Q}_\textrm{C}} $ : Reactive power of capacitor; $ {\textrm{Q}_\textrm{L}} $ : Reactive power of inductor; $ {\textrm{Q}_{\textrm{TBSC}}} $ : Reactive power of TBSC bank; $ {\textrm{Q}_{\textrm{TBSR}}} $ : Reactive power of TBSR bank; $ {\textrm{t}_\textrm{r}} $ : Rise time; $ {\textrm{t}_\textrm{s}} $ : Settling time; e: Error; Gc(s): Transfer function of TBSC plant; Gl(s): Transfer function of Disturbance plant; Gr(s): Transfer function of TBSR plant; SVC: Static VAR Compensator; t:time; TBSC: Thyristor binary switched capacitor; TBSR: Thyristor binary switched reactor; TSC: Thyristor switched capacitor; TSR: Thyristor switched reactor; u(t): System input; v(t): System disturbance; y(t): System output; Ym: Reference model output; Yp: Plant output; γ: Adaptive gain; θ: Theta

Esthesioneuroblastoma is an uncommon aggressive tumour arising from the olfactory epithelium of superior nasal cavity, frequently invading the base of cranium, cranial vault and orbit. Contrast enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) and contrast enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were done for three patients which showed modified Kadish stage C tumour. Biopsy was done to confirm the diagnosis and patients were subjected to surgery and radiotherapy. The purpose of this case series was to report the radiological features of esthesioneuroblastoma. This is a report on three cases of different age groups who presented tumour with intracranial extension which were histopathologically proven as esthesioneuroblastoma.

Clinical outcomes from infection with SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, are remarkably variable ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia and death. One of the key drivers of this variability is differing trajectories in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Many studies have noted markedly elevated cytokine levels in severe COVID-19, although results vary by cohort, cytokine studied and sensitivity of assay used. We assessed the immune response in acute COVID-19 by measuring 20 inflammatory markers in 118 unvaccinated patients with acute COVID-19 (median age: 70, IQR: 58-79 years; 48.3% female) recruited during the first year of the pandemic and 44 SARS-CoV-2 naïve healthy controls. Acute COVID-19 was associated with marked elevations in nearly all pro-inflammatory markers, whilst eleven markers (namely IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-23, IL-33, TNF-α, IP-10, G-CSF and YKL-40) were associated with disease severity. We observed significant correlations between nearly all markers elevated in those infected with SARS-CoV-2 consistent with widespread immune dysregulation. Principal component analysis highlighted a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature (with strongest contributions from IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-33, G-CSF, TNF-α and IP-10) which was independently associated with severe COVID-19 (aOR: 1.40, 1.11-1.76, p=0.005), invasive mechanical ventilation (aOR: 1.61, 1.19-2.20, p=0.001) and mortality (aOR 1.57, 1.06-2.32, p = 0.02). Our findings demonstrate elevated cytokines and widespread immune dysregulation in severe COVID-19, adding further evidence for the role of a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature in severe and critical COVID-19.

Deudorix isocrates (Fab.) is a globally important agricultural pest. The study regarding this pest is mostly concentrated on its management. Several morphologically significant features have been overlooked. In the present study we examined the structure and function of the larval cranial morphology and its appendages. The description is based on the detailed morphological study of cranial sutures, cranial areas, antennae and mouthparts of the fourth instar larva. The cranial structures and appendages are found significant to understand pest activity and taxonomic features. Supporting to the pest activities, the larva has usual the lepidopterous pattern of biting and cutting mouthparts consisting of labrum, mandibles and maxillolabial-hypopharyngeal complex. This type of mouthparts helps to cut fruit rind and make an entrance hole while infesting the fruit. The results add to our knowledge of larval cranial capsule, antennae and mouthparts morphology and provide a standard for further research on the morphological characters of Deudorix isocrates (Fab.)

The immune response to herpes simplex virus is essential in limiting immunopathology during infection, however factors linked to neuroprotection are currently unclear. Here the authors implicate mTORC2 in the host response to viral infection and link to neuroprotection.

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infections are known to alter the host metabolism for efficient propagation in vitro. However, in vivo metabolic perturbations upon prolonged HSV-1 infection remain poorly understood. We used high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and functional assays to determine the state of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) tissue metabolism upon prolonged corneal HSV-1 infection in a murine model. The metabolomics data indicated significant alterations in the host metabolic profile. After HSV-1 infection, the TG microenvironment assumed downregulation of central carbon metabolism and nucleotide synthesis pathways. We validated our observations using in vitro and ex vivo models through targeted inhibition of crucial metabolic polyamine pathways identified in our metabolomics screen. Our findings collectively suggested that HSV-1 infection altered the host metabolic product regulations that limit the energy and macromolecular precursors required for viral replication. IMPORTANCE The more severe ocular pathologies associated with HSV-1 infection are significant vision loss, ocular morbidity, and herpetic keratitis. The current clinical landscape lacks curative drugs and vaccines against HSV-1, a heavy burden associated with this neurotropic, ubiquitous pathogen. The virus is notoriously successful in establishing latency in the host TG, where it remains dormant with periodic reactivations in response to various stimuli like stress and immunosuppression. Metabolic perturbations in tissue microenvironment likely aid the virus in establishing its latent state along with subsequent reactivations yet remain poorly characterized. Here, we used mass spectrometry coupled with statistical data analysis to study the host metabolome in the TG during HSV-1 infection and identify metabolites that likely regulate infection.

Li ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as the promising energy storage device in the electronic industry. The performance of LIBs is mostly influenced by the type of electrode material. Thus, proper selection and development of the electrode material is of paramount interest. In this work, copper sulfide/graphene oxide (CuS/GO) composite electrode material is fabricated using a simple, cost-efficient, and rapid microwave irradiation technique. A unique architecture is obtained in which the CuS microspheres are encapsulated by the GO nanosheets. Combined with a binder-free buckypaper approach, the fabricated CuS/GO composite anode delivers excellent electrochemical performance in terms of high specific capacity, enhanced rate capability and high cyclic stability than its pristine form (CuS). The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of CuS and GO. The obtained results certainly reflect the promising future of the CuS/GO composite anode in LIB applications.

Land use change scenarios, and their projected impacts on biodiversity, are highly relevant at local scales but not adequately captured by the coarse spatial resolutions of global land use models. In this study, we used the land use allocation tool of the GLOBIO 4 model to downscale the Land Use Harmonization v2 (LUH2) data from their original spatial resolution (0.25°) to 100 m and 10 m resolutions, using the country of Belgium as an example. Inputs to the tool included: (1) a reference present-day land cover map at the high spatial resolution, (2) regional land demand projections for three future scenarios, Sustainability (SSP1xRCP2.6), Regional Rivalry (SSP3xRCP6.0), and Fossil-fuelled Development (SSP5xRCP8.5), and (3) raster layers representing the suitability of the grid cells for different land use types. We further investigated the impact of using different reference land cover maps (CORINE at 100 m resolution and ESA WorldCover at 100 m and 10 m resolutions) on the downscaling outcomes. Comparison of downscaled current and future land use maps with the original LUH2 dataset showed that the use of ESA WorldCover as a reference map provides better agreement (RSR: 0.11–0.24, overall accuracy: 0.94–0.98, Kappa: 0.91–0.97) than CORINE (RSR: 0.28–0.33, overall accuracy: 0.90–0.93, Kappa: 0.90–0.91). Additionally, the validation of the present-day downscaled maps showed a good agreement with the independent Copernicus Global Land Service dataset. Our findings suggest that the choice of reference land cover map influences the degree of agreement between the downscaled and the original coarse-grain land-use maps. Moreover, the land use maps produced using our downscaling approach can provide valuable insights into the potential impacts of land use change on biodiversity and can guide local decision-making processes for sustainable land management and conservation efforts.

Introduction: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective health investments worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the expanded programme on immunization (EPI) in 1974 with the aim of immunizing children throughout the world. Objective: Assessment of perception about immunization among the mothers of under-five children at urban slum area of Vijayapura city. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in Urban Field practice area of Community Medicine department among the mothers of under-five children residing permanently in the area and were interviewed regarding the perception about immunization to their children by using pre-structured proforma. Results: level of knowledge & perception was found average (around 50%). Nearly 40 to 60% of the participants agreed to the statements which signifies the immunization is very important to the child’s growth and development and should not be avoided. Conclusions: Providing mothers of under-five children with information about vaccination effectively increases the immunization coverage and was highly cost-effective also.

Introduction On March 11, 2020, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared as a pandemic. General surgeons provide care to COVID-19 positive patients requiring emergency surgeries and hence are exposed to the virus. Surgery on COVID-19-positive patient itself is a major risk factor for surgeon to contract COVID-19 infection. Noticeably, there is no data regarding number of surgeons who have contracted COVID-19 after operating on COVID-19-positive patients. Hence, the aim of this study was to find out the exact incidence of COVID-19 among surgeons operating on COVID-19-positive patients and to analyze the impact of safety measures practiced by us. Methodology The study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Mumbai. It was a retrospective observational study with duration of 5 months from May 1, 2020, to September 30, 2020. Only those surgeons (faculty and resident doctors) were included who performed surgeries on COVID-19-positive patients (diagnosed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] test) and gave consent for participation. As an institutional protocol, all patients undergoing surgery were tested by RT-PCR test (irrespective of chest X-ray or symptoms). Nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 disease were collected prior to procedure but in some of these, results came after surgery. Still such patients were included in this study. Irrespective of COVID-19 status, same precautions were taken for all surgeries. The details of the patients like date of surgery, age, sex, surgery performed, duration of surgery, type of anesthesia used, and operating surgeon were noted from operation room (OR) register. Details of surgeons (faculty and resident doctors) who fulfilled inclusion criteria were noted by interview in terms of their demographic parameters, such as age, sex, designation, experience in years after completing postgraduation, comorbidities, whether they ever contracted COVID-19 (if yes, date), and safety measures practiced (yes, no, or cannot recollect). Patient was assumed to be the source only if the surgeon contracted COVID-19 within 14 days of surgery. Results A total of 34 surgeons (7 faculty and 27 residents) conducted 41 surgeries on COVID-19-positive patients during the study period. All of them gave consent for participation in the study. More than one surgeon was involved in a particular surgery. Hence, there were 78 occasions (faculty during 16 occasions and resident doctors on 62 occasions) when surgeons were at risk to contract COVID-19 while operating on patients (n = 78). These surgeries had similar/comparable risk of COVID-19 exposure to surgeons and procedures with excessive exposure risk like airway procedures did not happen during the study period. The mean age of surgeon was 27.92 years (n = 78, standard deviation = 5.71) and median experience of faculty after completion of postgraduate degree was 7 years (n = 16, interquartile range [IQR] = 1.25–11.0). Only one faculty had comorbidity (diabetes mellitus). Duration of surgeries ranged from 50 to 420 minutes with median being 190 minutes (n = 41, IQR = 120–240). Only one surgeon (male faculty) contracted COVID-19 within 14 days of surgery (1.3% incidence, n = 78), a total of seven surgeons contracted COVID-19 during study period but not within 14 days of surgery (source other than patient operated) and all remaining surgeons were asymptomatic throughout the study period. The surgeon who contracted COVID-19 (within 14 days) performed surgery for 260 minutes and under general anesthesia. All the surgeons followed standard steps of donning and doffing, used personal protective equipment (PPE) body cover, shoe cover, hood, double pair of gloves, and N-95 masks at all times (n = 78). Intubation box was used in 100% cases of general anesthesia (n = 19). Fogging of OR after each surgery and interval of 20 minutes between surgeries was followed in 100% cases. Also, patient was wearing mask at all possible times and anesthetist and support staff used PPE during all surgeries. Hence the relationship between COVID-19 status and these safety measures cannot be assessed. Goggles and face shields were not used on 88.5% (n = 78) and 93.2% (n = 73, because five surgeons could not recollect whether they used face shields or not) occasions, respectively. Also, immediate shower after surgery was not taken on 93.6% occasions (n = 78). The surgeon who contracted COVID-19 had neither used goggles nor face shield. Also, he did not take shower immediately after surgery. However, there was no significant association between use of goggles, face shields, or shower after surgery and contraction of COVID-19 after operating patients (Fisher's exact p = 1.000). Air conditioner was switched-off only in 7.3% surgeries (n = 41). Smoke evacuator (cautery with attached suction) was not used in 97.6% cases. Clinical documentation (handling of patient's files) was done outside OR in only 17.1% surgeries (n = 41). However, there was no significant association between these safety measures and contraction of COVID-19 (Fisher's exact p = 1.000). General anesthesia was used in 19 surgeries (46.3%) while spinal anesthesia in 16 surgeries (39%), local anesthesia in 5 surgeries (12.2%), and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in one surgery (2.4%). However, there was no significant association between type of anesthesia given during surgery and contraction of COVID-19 after operating on patients with Fisher's exact p-value of 1.000. Conclusion Even though safety measures, like goggles, face shield, switching-off of air conditioner, use of smoke evacuator, and shower, immediately after surgery were not practiced in majority of cases, surgeon positivity rate was significantly less. Also, there was no use of negative pressure in OR. Hence, their significance becomes questionable. Although adopting all universal safety measures is in everyone's best interest, it is seldom cost-effective. To reduce resource exhaustion, especially in a pandemic situation, the use of various safety measures and staff must be balanced. Use and promotion of unnecessary safety measures leads to added health care costs and fear among health care workers in case of unavailability. Even though our study has a small sample size and has its own limitations, it can guide future studies to strengthen recommendations and reduce health care costs. This will also help in future epidemics/pandemics.

Natural killer (NK) cells are important effectors of the innate immune system and participate in the first line of defense against infections and tumors. Prior to being functional, these lymphocytes must be educated or licensed through interactions of their major histocompatibility complex class I molecules with self-specific inhibitory receptors that recognize them. In the absence of such contacts, caused by either the lack of expression of the inhibitory receptors or a very low level of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I) proteins, NK cells are hypo-reactive at baseline (ex vivo). After stimulation (assessed through plate-bound antibodies against activating receptors or culture in the presence of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-15) however, they can become cytotoxic and produce cytokines. This is particularly the case in transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-deficient mice, which we investigated in the present study. Transporter associated with antigen processing transports endogenous peptides from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum, where they are loaded on nascent MHC class I molecules, which then become stable and expressed at the cell surface. Consequently, TAP-KO mice have very low levels of MHC class I expression. We present a study about phenotypic and functional aspects of NK cells in two mouse strains, C57BL/6 wildtype and TAP1-KO in spleen and lung. We observed that in both types of mice, on the same genetic background, the initial pattern of education, conferred to the cells via the inhibitory receptors Ly49C/I and NKG2A, was maintained even after a strong stimulation by the cytokines interleukin-2, interleukin-12, interleukin-15 and interleukin-18. Furthermore, the percentages of activated NK cells expressing Ly49C/I and Ly49I were strongly down-modulated under these conditions. We completed our investigations with phenotypic studies of NK cells from these mice.