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Abstract BP100 is a short cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) designed using a combinatorial chemistry approach based on the cecropin A-melittin hybrid. It displays potent antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria and low toxicity toward eukaryotic cells. To develop a short AMP with potent cell selectivity, antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activities, we designed a newly BP100 analog, BP100-W, in which Leu-3 at the hydrophobic face of BP100 was replaced by Trp. BP100-W possessed better cell selectivity, with a 1.7-fold higher therapeutic index than BP100. BP100-W displayed more effective synergistic activity when combined with several antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and oxacillin, compared to BP-100. BP100-W also exhibited stronger antibiofilm activity than BP100 in inhibiting biofilm formation by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA) and eradicating the preformed biofilms of MDRPA. Moreover, unlike BP100, BP100-W significantly suppressed the production and expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as the tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide. Boron-dipyrromethene-TR-cadaverine displacement assay demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of BP100-W on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells may be due to increased direct interaction with LPS. Our results suggest that BP100-W exhibits potential for future use as an antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory agent.

Introduction: Female Genital Tract (FGT) malignancies are common with ovarian cancers having high incidence and mortality. The asymptomatic character, difficult location and lack of effective screening methods make Intraoperative Frozen Section (IFS) an effective diagnostic test to guide the surgical decisions. Aim: To assess the performance of IFS, describe the associated demographic, clinicopathological factors and identify the errors leading to discordance when compared with Permanent Section (PS). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all the consecutive IFS consultations related to FGT lesions received in the Pathology Department between January 2013 to June 2022 was conducted between July 2022 to September 2022 at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Cases with IFS deferred until PS section were excluded. The FS and PS reports, demographic, clinicopathological data, Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI), imaging and biochemical records were retrieved. In-depth descriptive analysis of clinicopathological parameters as frequency and percentage, frequency distribution of PS diagnosis, concordant and discordant categorisation, reasons for the discordance were described and the diagnostic accuracy of Frozen Section (FS) tool was calculated. Mean, Frequency (n) and percentage (%) analysis was done for the complete collected data. Results: Out of the total 35 FGT related IFS consultations received, 32 (91.43%) was for Ovarian Tumours (OT), which included 26 surface epithelial tumours, three sex cord stromal tumours, two germ cell tumours, one Krukenberg tumour. Two cases were deferred due to extensive haemorrhage and infarction. Confirmation of the diagnosis was the most common indication. The mean size of the OT (n=32) was 13 cm and ranged from 2 to 31 cm. RMI was low (250) in 8 (25%, n=32) of OT. The diagnostic accuracy of FS of all the FGT cases (n=35) was 85.71% (n=35 FGT cases) with an error rate of 14.29% was observed. Five OT cases had discordant FS diagnosis, 3 cases due to sampling error and mis-interpretation error in the remaining 2 cases. Artefacts like poor morphology due to tissue freezing, nucleomegaly, poor sectioning and section folding were observed in the discordant cases. Conclusions: Correct use of IFS along with careful preoperative work-up will help the surgeon intraoperatively. A good rapport among clinicians, pathologists and laboratory personnel will aid to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Periodic assessment of IFS tool is necessary as a quality check.

Abstract Hybridizing two known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is a simple and effective strategy for designing antimicrobial agents with enhanced cell selectivity against bacterial cells. Here, we generated a hybrid peptide Lf-KR in which LfcinB6 and KR-12-a4 were linked with a Pro hinge to obtain a novel AMP with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities. Lf-KR exerted superior cell selectivity for bacterial cells over sheep red blood cells. Lf-KR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities (MIC: 4–8 μM) against tested 12 bacterial strains and retained its antimicrobial activity in the presence of salts at physiological concentrations. Membrane depolarization and dye leakage assays showed that the enhanced antimicrobial activity of Lf-KR was due to increased permeabilization and depolarization of microbial membranes. Lf-KR significantly inhibited the expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐α) in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In addition, Lf-KR showed a powerful eradication effect on preformed multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA) biofilms. We confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy that a large portion of the preformed MDRPA biofilm structure was perturbed by the addition of Lf-KR. Collectively, our results suggest that Lf-KR can be an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm candidate as a pharmaceutical agent.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming a popular choice for transportation due to their low emissions and high fuel efficiency. However, one of the major challenges in EV adoption is the lack of charging infrastructure and the potential for grid overload during peak demand. To address these challenges, we propose a power scheduling scheme for a charging facility that optimizes power utilization and enhances the user experience of the EV drivers. The scheme considers the satisfaction of vehicle users by balancing the charging demands of the vehicles with the power supply capabilities of the facility. Our results demonstrate that the proposed scheme effectively reduces charging time and enhances the accessibility of charging stations, thereby improving the user experience, and encouraging EV adoption. The scheme also optimizes power utilization and reduces peak demand on the grid, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of the transportation system.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created disruptions worldwide with unprecedented interruption of non-COVID health care. Cleft care services toward children with cleft lip and palate have also been affected worldwide leading to stress among cleft caregivers. The use of remote consultation and therapy finds a definitive application in such situations. We present our method of providing uninterrupted cleft care through remote consultations service during this pandemic.

Different concentrations (2, 4, 6, and 8 mole %) of cobalt doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2:Co NPs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The synthesized samples were characterized by using various techniques to understand their structural, optical and surface morphological properties. The face-centred cubic (FCC) structure of the CeO2:Co NPs was identified from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The calculated crystallites size of the CeO2:Co NPs were decreased from 20 nm to 17 nm on increased the concentration of cobalt from 2 mole % to 8 mole %. The bonding formation between cerium and oxygen (CeO) was confirmed using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology and shape of the CeO2:Co NPs were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM images have revealed a cube shaped, uniformly distributed and well dispersed CeO2:Co NPs. Further, a slight distortion of surface morphology was obtained when increased the concentration of cobalt. The optical properties were investigated by using ultra-violet visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. A optical absorption band nature was observed from CeO2:Co NPs when compared with bulk spectrum. The bandgap energy of the CeO2:Co NPs were increased from 3.64 eV to 3.69 eV on increased the cobalt concentration. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum of CeO2:Co NPs showed an enhanced defect of reduced emission by using spectrofluorometer. The CeO2:Co NPs resulted good antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria such Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus Cereus and Salmonella Typhi. Hence, the CeO2:Co NPs could be used as biomaterial in nano-biotechnology applications. Keywords: Cerium oxide, Cobalt, Hydrothermal method, Cubic shape, Antibacterial activity

Automobile industries were ready to recycle the waste old parts as well as the damaged parts of the old vehicles as much as possible. This study mainly focused on the recycling of the waste and damaged aluminium frames of the automobile bodies. These aluminium-based frames only collected the metal matrix composite created by reinforcement of 3% silicon carbide (SiC) and 3% high carbon steel. The stir casting method is chosen to make the composites. Optimization is done by Taguchi ANOVA technique. Three input parameters such as stir speed, time of squeeze, and the temperature of the preheating were considered. The outputs such as compressive strength and porosity were experimentally measured with the combination of nine (L9) experimental trails. The measured experimental results were analyzed and optimized with the help of Taguchi technique with different plots for clear identification. The optimized parameters based on low porosity and high compressive strength were recommended for conclusion.

Aluminium alloy is the most favourable material based on the various properties and economic factors. Always there are so many researches going on based on the enhancement of the material properties with various combinations and the various materials mixing rate depending upon the availability. These researches were focused on the augmentations of the properties, and then the corresponding properties can be used in the various applications depending upon the results. In this study, the AA6066 aluminium alloy composites were created with the magnesium oxide and coal ash with a variety of grouping. The specimens were named as AAMgOCA 1 to AAMgOCA 6 with respect to the volume concentration composition. Then, the composites were tested to identify the impact on various strengths such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, shear strength, and flexural strength. These strengths were compared with the two conditions of the composites such as annealed and heat-treated conditions. AAMgOCA 3 has the greatest results in heat-treated condition when compared with the annealed condition.

Here, the investigation is spotlighted on the aluminium alloy from the waste materials of the automobile bumpers which is a reinforced metal matrix composite created with 5 percentage of nickel and 5 percentage of magnesium oxide through the stir casting method. The stir casting process inputs parameters such as pressure of squeezing, time of squeezing, and speed of stirrer which were optimized based on the two mechanical properties’ outcome such as the tensile strength (TS) and Rockwell hardness. There are nine different experiments which were conducted based on the L9 array. The Taguchi method is used to identify the optimum input values for the greatest result of the processing condition by Minitab software. The responses-based parameters were ordered based on the rank identified through the investigational effects. Finally, the optimized input consideration values and the linear equations are recommended for both the considered outputs as conclusions.

Currently, the aluminum alloys are utilized more in level of all industries for different applications; furthermore, industries need high-strength alloys for making innovative components. For those reasons, many researchers hope to prepare hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites at various composition levels. In this experimental work, we intended to prepare the hybrid metal matrix composites such as aluminum alloy 7079 with reinforcement of ZrO2 + Si3N4 through stir-casting process. Major findings of this work, as to optimize the stir-casting process, can be to continually conduct wear test and evaluate the microhardness of the stir-casted specimens. Optimization of stir-casting process parameters is a preliminary work for this research by Taguchi tool. The chosen parameters are % of reinforcement (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%), agitation speed (450 rpm, 500 rpm, 550 rpm, and 600 rpm), agitation time (15 min, 20 min. 25 min, and 30 min), and molten temperature (700°C, 750°C, 800°C, and 850°C). The prepared stir-casted materials are tested by wear analysis and microhardness analysis, through Pin-on-Disc wear tester and Vickers hardness tester, respectively. Wear parameters are optimized, the minimum wear rate is evaluated, and also the wear worn-out surfaces are examined through SEM analysis.

Natural fiber composite is the most preferable research area in the modern situation due to its availability, applications, and ecofriendly quality. This paper deals with the influence of hemp fiber with the various compositions of the ramie fiber and some basic mechanical properties of banana fiber composites. The hemp fiber is maintained as 20 percentage of total volume. Then, the remaining volume percentage is shared with the ramie fiber and banana fiber with various combinations. Eleven specimens were prepared to identify the some basic mechanical properties. The chemical compositions were mentioned as a pie chart, and then experimental results were plotted as graphical representations like line diagram and radar diagram for clear identification that the composite with higher ramie fiber concentration provided the greater results in the mechanical behaviors. The suitable composite combinations were recommended based on their superior properties as conclusions.

Cardiac myxoma is the most common type of primary cardiac neoplasm. Over 70% of all cardiac myxomas originate from the left atrium (LA) and 18% from the right atrium (RA). Most myxomas present with constitutional, embolic, and obstructive manifestations. We are presenting a case where a part of myxoma got embolized intra-operatively. Using trans-oesophageal echocardiography, we were able to diagnose and image the transit of the tumor from the left ventricle to the left atrium. We removed the embolized tumor from the left atrium and prevented a dreaded complication like stroke, mesenteric ischemia, renal infarct or limb ischemia, which would have resulted in increased morbidity or mortality of the patient.

This paper deals with singularly perturbed boundary value problem for a linear second order delay differential equation. It is known that the classical numerical methods are not satisfactory when applied to solve singularly perturbed problems in delay differential equations. In this paper we present an exponentially fitted finite difference scheme to overcome the drawbacks of the corresponding classical counter parts. The stability of the scheme is investigated. The proposed scheme is analyzed for convergence. Several linear singularly perturbed delay differential equations have been solved and the numerical results are presented to support the theory.

Background: Eyelids are important structures and play a role in protecting the globe from trauma, brightness, in maintaining the integrity of tear films and moving the tears towards the lacrimal drainage system and contribute to aesthetic appearance of the face. Ophthalmic trauma is an important cause of morbidity among individuals and has also been responsible for additional cost of healthcare. Periocular trauma involving eyelids and adjacent structures has been found to have increased recently probably due to increased pace of life and increased dependence on machinery. A comprehensive classification of periocular trauma would help in stratifying these injuries as well as study outcomes. Material and Methods: This study was carried out at our institute from June 2015 to Dec 2015. We searched multiple English language databases for existing classification systems for periocular trauma. We designed a system of classification of periocular soft tissue injuries based on clinico-anatomical presentations. This classification was applied prospectively to patients presenting with periocular soft tissue injuries to our department. Results: A comprehensive classification scheme was designed consisting of five types of periocular injuries. A total of 38 eyelid injuries in 34 patients were evaluated in this study. According to the System for Peri-Ocular Trauma (SPOT) classification, Type V injuries were most common. SPOT Type II injuries were more common isolated injuries among all zones. Discussion: Classification systems are necessary in order to provide a framework in which to scientifically study the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of diseases in an orderly fashion. The SPOT classification has taken into account the periocular soft tissue injuries i.e., upper eyelid, lower eyelid, medial and lateral canthus injuries., based on observed clinico-anatomical patterns of eyelid injuries. Conclusion: The SPOT classification seems to be a reliable system to address eyelid injuries. This classification scheme would guide the ophthalmic and facial reconstructive surgeons to provide optimal outcomes in eyelid injuries. Based on the classification scheme and review of existing literature, an algorithm is presented to facilitate repair and reconstruction.