Windbreaks Research Articles

Penetrating femtosecond arcuate keratotomy presenting with corneal edema

We report a case of full-thickness penetration of an arcuate incision during femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery. A 78-year-old female underwent femto-cataract surgery with femto-arcuate incision. She presented with decreased vision and corneal edema 3 weeks later and was found to have full-thickness penetration of the arcuate incision with an internal wound gape. The patient was managed with closure of the internal wound gape using full-thickness corneal sutures. This resulted in a clear cornea with complete visual recovery. Careful depth setting via optical coherence tomography at the time of femto-cataract surgery is vital for minimizing the risk of this complication.

Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing potential of cytocompatible Gum Arabic-Curcumin-Cerium oxide Nanocomposites

Global healthcare systems face an enormous economic burden related to oxidative stress diseases and chronic wound treatments. Exploring therapies that regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) within a non-toxic range could be promising in treating chronic wounds. Hence, this study synthesized the cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) using endophytic Penicillium radiatolobatum. Further, the gum arabic-curcumin-CeO2 nanocomposites (GA-CU-CeO2 NCs) were prepared, characterized, and tested for enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the cubic fluorite structure of GA-CU-CeO2 NCs. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of GA and CU in the GA-CU-CeO2 NCs. In TEM analysis, GA-CU-CeO2 NCs appeared in an average size of ∼25 nm with spherical and oval anisotropic structural distribution. DLS and ELS analysis indicated an average particle size and zeta charge of GA-CU-CeO2 NCs as 202 nm and −22.1 mV, respectively. The GA-CU-CeO2 NCs scavenged ABTS and DPPH radicals with an IC50 of 16.4 μg/mL and 56.0 μg/mL, respectively. Besides, GA-CU-CeO2 NCs did not induce apparent toxicity in NIH3T3 and RAW264.7 cells. GA-CU-CeO2 NCs attenuated the ROS-level and associated nucleus damage in H2O2-stressed RAW264.7 cells. GA-CU-CeO2 NCs indicated ∼90 % of wound gap closure of NIH3T3 cells within 36 h activity while being non-toxic to erythrocytes.

Development of Prefabricated Additional Insulation Elements for the Renovation of High-Rise Apartment Buildings

Prefabricated additional insulation elements have demonstrated success in renovating up to 5-storey apartment buildings. However, the unique challenges posed by high-rise buildings necessitate a closer examination of installation and long-term performance. In this study, we developed an additional insulation element specifically tailored for renovating high-rise apartment buildings and analysed its hygrothermal performance. To test the performance of the insulation elements, we installed a prototype and measured its performance at critical points along the external envelope. We calibrated a calculation model and applied building performance simulation software to explore various combinations of prefabricated elements. Our goal was to compare the associated risks and the key hygrothermal properties of these different material combinations within the insulation element. Critical points between the insulation layer and the wind barrier, as well as between the surface of the existing concrete panel wall and the vapour control layer of the additionally insulated exterior wall were analysed. The study's results indicate that the thermal resistance and water vapour permeability of the wind barrier layer, and the presence of an appropriate vapour control layer primarily influence the performance and moisture dry-out of a structure. Additionally, the study results indicate that the weather component has a higher impact than in lower buildings as the wind-driven rain loads are considerably higher in the upper parts of the high-rise buildings. The initial moisture (w = 110 kg/m3 at the height of the 9th storey and w = 117 kg/m3 at the height of the 16th storey) dry-out can last more than 3 years depending on the building type and materials used. This study underscores the importance of tailored solutions and vigilant moisture safety management in high-rise apartment building renovations, particularly when utilizing prefabricated additional insulation elements.

Comparative outcomes of partial versus total penectomy for penile carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study on demographics and postoperative complications.

When feasible from an oncologic standpoint, partial penectomy (PP) is often preferred to total penectomy (TP) for penile cancer treatment, for the preservation of functional urinary outcomes. However, to date, there has not been a direct comparison of perioperative outcomes between PP and TP. Comparing treatments for penile cancer has proven difficult due to the rarity of penile cancer in the United States. We aimed to report differences in pre-operative risk factors, intra-operative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes between TP and PP for penile cancer. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we conducted a retrospective cohort review of penile cancer patients enlisted in the database between the years 2006-2016 using the International Classification of Diseases clinical modification 9th revision codes. A total of 260 patients, 67 TP and 193 PP patients, were included. PP patients were less likely to be transferred patients (p = 0.002), diabetic (p = 0.026), and were more likely to have preoperative laboratory values within normal limits. PP patients also had shorter lengths of stay in the hospital (p < 0.001) and operating time (p < 0.001). Significant differences were also found for inpatient stay (p < 0.001), 30-day post-surgery complications (p < 0.001), deep incisional surgical site infection (SSI) (p = 0.017), wound disruption (p = 0.017), intraoperative or postoperative transfusion (p = 0.029), and sepsis (p < 0.005). Finally, PP patients required fewer concurrent surgical procedures (p < 0.001). Demographic differences between PP and TP patients may reflect patients presenting with more advanced oncologic disease. PP is associated with fewer postoperative complications, shorter surgeries, shorter hospital stays, fewer concurrent surgical procedures, and comorbid conditions compared to TP. A gap remains in the reported data pertaining to postoperative sexual function and erectile outcomes for PP at a national level.

NSQIP data collection up to 30 postoperative days is sufficient to capture some complications in orthopedic surgeries

PurposeThe primary aim of this study is to determine if the 30-day follow-up period used by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSIQP) is an appropriate timeframe to capture complications after orthopedic surgeries.MethodsThe 2019 NSQIP data were used. The independent variables were complication type. The dependent variable was days to complication. A Shapiro–Wilk test was used to determine if the data were normally distributed.Results271,397 orthopedic cases were included. Myocardial infarction, pneumonia, ventilator over 48 h, progressive renal insufficiency, acute renal failure, stroke, and cardiac arrest had positive skewness and positive kurtosis. Deep incisional surgical site infection (SSI), organ/space SSI, wound disruption, unplanned reoperation one, unplanned reoperation two, readmission two, and readmission three had negative kurtosis and negative skewness. Complications with positive kurtosis and positive skewness are more likely to be confined to the 30-day postoperative period, whereas complications with negative skewness and negative kurtosis may be underreported within the 30-day follow-up.ConclusionsThese findings are useful in their ability to inform future orthopedic research using NSQIP which continues to generate new data for surgeons to consider for their postoperative care and complication management.

The impact of prior ACL reconstruction on total knee arthroplasty outcomes: a retrospective matched cohort study.

Discrepant data exists regarding the outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a prior anterior cruciate reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of our study was to compare surgical and medical outcomes in the patients with prior ACLR undergoing TKAs compared to a matched control group of the patients who had undergone TKAs without prior ACLR. We hypothesized that the patients with prior ACLR would have inferior clinical outcomes. We retrospectively queried the PearlDiver-database for patients who underwent TKA following ACLR from 2011 to 2020. We used propensity-score matching to create two cohorts. The two-sided independent t-test and Chi-Squared test were used. We identified 2,174 patients who had prior ACLR before the TKAs. There were another 1,348,870 patients who did not have ACLR before the TKAs. After matching, each group had 2,171 patients. The ACLR-TKA group had significantly lower rates of aseptic revision at 2 years (1.2% vs. 4.0%, OR 0.3, p < 0.01), PJI requiring antibiotic spacer at 2 years (0.3% vs. 0.8%, OR 0.35, p = 0.02), and MUA at 90 days (0.4% vs. 7.5%, OR 0.05, p < 0.01). The rate of wound disruption was lower for the ACLR-TKA group at 90 days (p = 0.03) as were several medical complications including AKI at 90 days (p < 0.01), DVT at 90 days (p < 0.01), pneumonia at 90 days (0.04), and required blood transfusion at 90 days (p < 0.01). These results differed from our expectations. Within the limitations of the study, we are unable to determine the factors for the lower complications in the ACLR-TKA group. The data from this study are different from what had been reported in the previous studies.

Genome-Wide Identification of CHYR Gene Family in Sophora alopecuroides and Functional Analysis of SaCHYR4 in Response to Abiotic Stress.

Sophora alopecuroides has important uses in medicine, wind breaking, and sand fixation. The CHY-zinc-finger and RING-finger (CHYR) proteins are crucial for plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation; however, genetic data regarding the CHYR family remain scarce. We aimed to investigate the CHYR gene family in S. alopecuroides and its response to abiotic stress, and identified 18 new SaCHYR genes from S. alopecuroides whole-genome data, categorized into 3 subclasses through a phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure, protein domains, and conserved motifs analyses revealed an exon-intron structure and conserved domain similarities. A chromosome localization analysis showed distribution across 12 chromosomes. A promoter analysis revealed abiotic stress-, light-, and hormone-responsive elements. An RNA-sequencing expression pattern analysis revealed positive responses of SaCHYR genes to salt, alkali, and drought stress. SaCHYR4 overexpression considerably enhanced alkali and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. These findings shed light on SaCHYR's function and the resistance mechanisms of S. alopecuroides, presenting new genetic resources for crop resistance breeding.

Evaluating the risk of return to the operating room across all elective orthopaedic procedures

BackgroundAlthough elective procedures have life-changing potential, all surgeries come with an inherent risk of reoperation. There is a gap in knowledge investigating the risk of reoperation across orthopaedics. We aimed to identify the elective orthopaedic procedures with the highest rate of unplanned reoperation and the reasons for these procedures having such high reoperation rates.MethodsPatients in the NSQIP database were identified using CPT and ICD-10 codes. We isolated 612,815 orthopaedics procedures from 2018 to 2020 and identified the 10 CPT codes with the greatest rate of unplanned return to the operating room. For each index procedure, we identified the ICD-10 codes for the reoperation procedure and categorized them into infection, mechanical failure, fracture, wound disruption, hematoma or seroma, nerve pathology, other, and unspecified.ResultsBelow knee amputation (BKA) (CPT 27880) had the highest reoperation rate of 6.92% (37 of 535 patients). Posterior-approach thoracic (5.86%) or cervical (4.14%) arthrodesis and cervical laminectomy (3.85%), revision total hip arthroplasty (5.23%), conversion to total hip arthroplasty (4.33%), and revision shoulder arthroplasty (4.22%) were among the remaining highest reoperation rates. The overall leading causes of reoperation were infection (30.1%), mechanical failure (21.1%), and hematoma or seroma (9.4%) for the 10 procedures with the highest reoperation rates.ConclusionsThis study successfully identified the elective orthopaedic procedures with the highest 30-day return to OR rates. These include BKA, posterior thoracic and cervical spinal arthrodesis, revision hip arthroplasty, revision total shoulder arthroplasty, and cervical laminectomy. With this data, we can identify areas across orthopaedics in which revising protocols may improve patient outcomes and limit the burden of reoperations on patients and the healthcare system. Future studies should focus on the long-term physical and financial impact that these reoperations may have on patients and hospital systems.Level of clinical evidenceIV.

USING OF NEGATIVE WOUND PRESSURE THERAPY (NPWT): A CASE SERIES OF WOUND DISRUPTION AS A COMPLICATION OF A CAESAREAN SECTION

Highlights: Surgical site infection during caesarean section can cause complications, thereby increasing maternal mortality and morbidity, especially in groups at risk. VAC therapy can stimulate granulation tissue formation so that primary wound junctions occur. VAC shows its ability to close wounds entirely within 3-4 weeks. Abstract: Introduction: Wound disruption following caesarean sections is a common issue that can increase maternal mortality and morbidity. Several factors have been identified, including maternal, procedural, and antibiotic factors. The re-suturing method, primer, and secondary suture often fail, causing recurrent and delayed healing. Case Illustration: CASE 1: A 26-year-old woman, 7 days post-caesarean section, presented with a wet wound and yellowish serous fluid. Three weeks later, wound dehiscence occurred despite re-debridement and re-suturing. Subsequent installation of VAC resulted in granulation tissue and re-epithelialization. CASE 2: A 32-year-old woman, 14 days post-caesarean section, complained of weakness and pus in the surgical wound. Upon examination, a red-yellowish fluid was found, indicating wound dehiscence. Re-debridement and VAC installation led to the formation of granulation tissue and re-epithelialization. Discussion: VAC is the new wound care technique that suctions or collects excess exudate that absorbent gauze cannot accommodate. In comparison, absorbent gauze is limited in its capacity to absorb the fluid that produced in wounds. An innovation where the use of VAC, which has a negative pressure function, can stimulate granulation tissue to form and can bind the edges of the wound so that it can close naturally. Conclusion: In instances of wound disruption following surgery, such as in the case of a caesarean section, it may be prudent to contemplate re-debridement followed by re-suturing. VAC presents itself as a viable alternative for managing wound dehiscence until the formation of granulation tissue.

Ultrasound guided aspiration versus incision and drainage in the management of breast abscess

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the results of ultrasound guided aspiration and incision and drainage in the management of breast abscess. Methods: This is a comparative study of between ultrasound guided aspiration and incision and drainage, consist of 50 patients with breast abscess who underwent both the treatment alternatively in our institution Sri. Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Begur during 2021 to 2023. 7th and 14th day following aspiration, patients should be assessed both clinically and by USG breast. Results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: 4 patients developed complications following Incision and drainage. 3 milk fistula and wound gaping, 1 recurrence and 3 patients developed complications following USG guided aspiration All 3 cases were recurrence. Conclusions: USG guided aspiration is simple, painless, day care procedure and effective alternative method of treatment to incision and drainage in properly selected patient and with timely support by sonologist with early postoperative recovery and good patient satisfaction.

Postoperative venous thromboembolism risk in patients with vulvar carcinoma: An analysis of the National surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database

ObjectivesDue to low incidence of vulvar cancer (VC), incidence and predictors for development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are poorly understood. We examined incidence and risk factors associated with VTE in patients undergoing surgery for VC. MethodsWe included patients who underwent surgery for VC from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. VTE within the 30-day postoperative period was captured with Current Procedural Terminology codes. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without VTE. Univariable and multivariable-adjusted exact logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between risk factors and VTE. ResultsWe identified 1414 patients undergoing procedures for VC from the NSQIP database. Overall, 11 (0.8 %) patients developed VTE. Univariable predictors of VTE included surgery type [compared with simple vulvectomy: radical vulvectomy only (OR = 7.97, 95 % CI = 1.44, infinity) and radical vulvectomy plus unilateral IFN (OR = 15.98, 95 % CI = 2.70, infinity)], unplanned readmission (OR = 11.56, 95 % CI = 2.74, 46.38), deep surgical site infection (OR = 16.05, 95 % CI = 1.59–85.50), and preoperative thrombocytosis (OR = 6.53, 95 % CI = 0.00, 34.86). In a multivariable-adjusted model, longer operative time (≥72 min OR = 11.33, 95 % CI = 1.58–499.03) and preoperative functional status [compared with complete independence: total dependence (OR = 53.88, 95 % CI = 0.85, infinity) and partial dependence (OR = 53.88, 95 % CI = 0.85, infinity)] were associated with VTE. ConclusionIn this cohort of patients with VC undergoing radical vulvectomy, VTE incidence was low. Surgery type, longer operative time, dependent functional status, and wound disruption were identified as risk factors. Our findings highlight opportunities for prophylactic intervention in certain patients.

The Impact of Higher BMI on Wound Complications Following Adolescent Breast Reduction: A Retrospective Study of 1215 Cases.

Macromastia is a physically and psychologically distressing condition for adolescents. While reduction mammaplasty is often the best treatment, risk factors for adolescent wound complications remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of obesity and other predictors of postoperative wound complications following adolescent reduction mammaplasty using a national database. The 2012-2019 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-P) databases were reviewed to identify primary reduction mammaplasty encounters. World Health Organization Body Mass Index (BMI), alongside patient and case characteristics, were assessed for association for 30-day wound disruption or surgical site complications. Statistical analyses were performed to identify independent predictors for complications and determine a potential BMI cutoff for risk stratification. There were 1215 patients with an average age of 16.6 years. The average BMI was 30.7 kg/m2, and 593 (48.8%) patients were nonobese while 622 (51.2%) were obese. The incidence of complications was 5.27%. Independent predictors of complications included a BMI 35-39.9, BMI > 40, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classification > 3. A receiver operating characteristic curve determined that a BMI of 34.6 can be a potential cutoff for increased complication risk. Higher obesity increases risk of wound complications; however, complication rates remain low. A BMI of 34.6 is a potential screening metric for counseling and monitoring patients. Reduction mammaplasty should remain a viable option as it can significantly improve quality of life. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Agromet Advisories to Mitigate the Effects of Aberrant Weather in Himachal Pradesh

Weather is a pivotal factor in agricultural production, influencing crop growth, disease and pest occurrences, water and fertilizer needs, and the effectiveness of cultural and preventive measures. Extreme weather events can cause physiological stress, physical damage, soil erosion, and crop quality degradation. In India, agriculture's vulnerability to adverse weather is a significant concern, with natural disasters like floods, droughts, and cyclones leading to crop failure, food insecurity, and economic impacts. To mitigate these challenges, Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) play a crucial role in providing farmers with weather-based advisories to manage agricultural risks. The Integrated Agro-Meteorological Advisory Service (IAAS), run by the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), offers district-level weather forecasts and agromet advisories to support farmers in adapting to weather fluctuations. These advisories cover various weather-related risks, including cold injury and frost, high temperatures, wind damage, hailstorms, and floods. Sample advisories suggest measures like irrigation for frost protection, mulching to reduce heat stress, and shelter belts to mitigate wind damage. Effective dissemination of advisories involves communication through electronic media, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agriculture Science Centres), and Kisan (Farmer) Call Centres. Thrust areas for enhancing AAS include improved scientific understanding, advanced monitoring and prediction of severe weather events, satellite-based communication technologies, and real-time forecasting. By integrating these strategies, farmers can better prepare for extreme weather and mitigate its impact on agriculture.

Experimental and numerical study on the local crosswind environment of a wide streamlined bridge deck equipped with wind barriers at different angles of attack

In this study, the effects of wind barriers on the crosswind environment of vehicle safety on a long-span bridge with a streamlined bridge deck were investigated at different angles of attack (AOA). The profiles of the mean and the root mean square (RMS) of the wind pressure coefficients above different traffic lanes were obtained through synchronous pressure measurements. The mean pressure fields around the bridge decks were investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The crosswind environment of vehicle safety between the deck with railings and the deck with wind barriers was compared and analyzed in detail at different AOA. The results showed that the wind barriers produce a thicker separation shear layer above the bridge deck and result in a larger negative pressure region in comparison with the case with railings. This leads to a notable reduction in the mean wind pressure coefficients above the deck. The increase in the AOA enhances the above-mentioned reduction effect. It was also found that the wind barriers significantly increase the RMS of the wind pressure coefficients above the deck compared with the railings. The increase in the AOA inhibits this enhancement effect. The results of the equivalent mean pressure coefficients show that the wind barriers reduce the vehicle sideslipping risk more effectively than the vehicle overturning risk. It was also found that the effect of the wind barriers on the reduction of the overturning risk is more sensitive to the change in AOA than the effect on the reduction of the vehicle sideslipping risk.

Impact of postoperative pancreatic fistula on outcomes in pancreatoduodenectomy: a comprehensive analysis of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data

BackgroundPancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a major surgical procedure associated with significant risks, particularly postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Studies have highlighted the importance of certain risk factors for POPF, which are crucial for surgical decision-making and the management of high-risk patients undergoing PD. This study aimed to assess the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing PD who met the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery – Class D (ISGPS-D) criteria. MethodsThis study analyzed American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data (2014–2021) for patients undergoing ISGPS-D PD, classified as having a soft pancreatic texture and a pancreatic duct of ≤3 mm. This study focused on mortality rates and the correlation between several factors and POPF (ISGPS grade B/C). ResultsFrom 5964 patients who underwent PD and met the ISGPS-D criteria, the 30-day mortality rate was 1.98%. Males had a higher incidence of POPF than females (57.42% vs 47.35%, respectively; P < .001). Patients with POPF experienced significantly higher rates of major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIa), including thrombosis, pneumonia, sepsis, delayed gastric emptying, wound disruption, infections, and acute renal failure. There was a marked increase in the 30-day readmission and mortality rates in patients with POPF (30.0% vs 17.6% and 3.2% vs 1.4%, respectively; all P < .001). Multivariate analysis highlighted female sex as a protective factor against mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.47; P < .001) and extended hospital stay (>10 days) as a predictor of increased mortality risk (OR, 2.37; P < .001). ConclusionThis study underscored the significant association between POPF and increased postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Future efforts should concentrate on refining surgical techniques and improving preoperative assessments to mitigate the risks associated with POPF in patients undergoing PD.

Antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, wound healing potentials and LC-MS/MS analysis of water extract of Rhus coriaria L. (sumak) leaves

The object of this study was to investigate antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and wound healing activities of aqueous extract of R. coriaria L. (sumak) leaves. Antioxidant activity was carried out using 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assays and the extract showed 97.0 ± 0.74% and 95.7 ± 1.40% radical scavenging activities, respectively. For anticancer activity, cytotoxicity was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against MCF7 breast cancer and L929 mouse fibroblast cells, and the extract was able to inhibit proliferation of MCF7 breast cancer cells with IC50 of 129.1 ± 9.27 μg/mL. Wound closure assay revealed that aqueous extract at 1 μg/mL was able to close 79% of wound gap after 24 h with high migration rate. Antimicrobial activity depicted high inhibitory effects against C. albicans (17 mm), E. coli (16 mm), P. aeruginosa (21 mm), S. aureus (17 mm), K. pneumoniae (15 mm). Furthermore, LC-MS/MS results revealed that the leaves contain phenolic compounds and mainly rich in gallic acid (2.82 mg/kg) caffeic acid (6.84 mg/kg) and ascorbic acid (45.84 mg/kg) which may be strongly associated with the remarkable biological activities the extract.

Potential yield losses caused by the adults of Schizonycha ruficollis on pomegranate (Punica granatum) flowers

Pomegranate is an important fruit crop that is capturing international attention for its rich antioxidants and nutraceutical value. The demand for the fruit is rapidly increasing in major national and international markets. Therefore, any serious pest is of great importance and here we report the severe incidence of adult beetles of Schizonycha ruficollis that resulted in potential yield loss due to its feeding on pomegranate flowers in Devanahalli, Karnataka. Usually June/July adult beetle emerge and feed on hosts like neem and Melia rubra which the farmers plant them as wind breaks along the borders. These attract the beetles into pomegranate field and the pomegranate flowers are then infested by the adult beetles. The pomegranate on an average possess 223 female flowers per tree, which when damaged fails to set fruits causing economic loss. A documentation study during 2023 was taken up to evaluate the crop loss caused by S. ruficollis in pomegranate resulted in potential seven percent yield loss accounting to ₹ 53215/acre at the farm gate price. This loss can be avoided by initiating a management practice at the first site of the beetles especially after the first monsoon rain. This study also helped us to alert pomegranate exporters and extension officials about the need of preventive measures to avoid the yield loss.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) as a key player in the production of oil-based paint against biofilm and other activities

Copper oxide nanoparticles are among the metal nanoparticles gaining popularity in many biotechnological fields, particularly in marine environments. Their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities make them appealing to many researchers. Among the various methods of producing nanoparticles, biosynthesis is crucial. Thus, a large number of reports have been made about the microbiological manufacture of these nanoparticles by bacteria. Nevertheless, bio-production by means of the cell-free supernatant of marine bacteria is still in its primary phase. This is landmark research to look at how bacteria make a lot (14 g/L) of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) via the cell-free supernatant of Bacillus siamensis HS, their characterization, and their environmental and medical approaches. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using a UV–visible spectrum range that provides two maximum absorption peaks, one obtained at 400 nm and the other around 550–600 nm. Diffraction of X-rays (XRD) clarifies that the size of the NPs obtained was estimated to be 18 nm using Debye-Scherrer's equation. Scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) displays 91.93 % copper oxide purity. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) image proves that the particles have a spherical form and an average diameter of 6.54–8.60 nm. At the environmental level, nanoparticles incorporated into oil-based paint can be used as antibiofilm tools to diminish the biofilm formed on the submerged surface in the marine environment. In disease management, NPs can be used as a wound healing agent to reduce the wound gap size as well as an anti-tumour agent to control liver cancer cells (hepatoma cells (HepG2)).

Topical Application of TT-10 Ameliorates Impaired Wound Healing.

In recent decades, chronic wounds have become an increasingly significant clinical concern due to their increasing morbidity and socioeconomic toll. However, there is currently no product available on the market that specifically targets this intricate process. One clear indicator of delayed wound repair is the inhibition of re-epithelialization. Yes-associated protein (YAP), which is a potential focal point for tissue repair and regeneration, has been shown to be prominent in several studies. In this context, we have identified the pharmacological product TT-10, which is a YAP activator, as a potential candidate for the treatment of various forms of chronic wounds. The role of TT-10 in regulating YAP activity and subcellular localization was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The effect of TT-10 on the biological functions of keratinocytes was assessed by proliferation, wound healing, and apoptosis assays. The impairment of YAP activity in chronic wounds was measured in human and mouse tissues. The in vivo efficacy of TT-10 was examined by gross examination, H&E staining, and measuring wound areas and gaps in normal, diabetic, and ischemic wounds. Our findings suggest that TT-10 facilitates the nuclear transport of YAP, consequently increasing YAP activity, which in turn increases the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. Moreover, we showed that intracutaneous injection of TT-10 along the wound periphery promoted re-epithelization via YAP activation in the epidermis, culminating in accelerated wound closure in several chronic wound healing models. Our research highlights the potential of TT-10 to treat chronic wounds, which is a persistent challenge in tissue repair.

Sepsis and Septic Shock in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes

IntroductionPostoperative sepsis represents a rare complication following thyroidectomy. We aimed to explore the incidence, risk factors, sources, and outcomes of postoperative sepsis and septic shock among adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy. MethodsData from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were used in this retrospective cohort study. Patients aged ≥18 y who underwent elective thyroidectomy between 2005 and 2019 were included. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were computed to explore risk factors and outcomes of 30-d sepsis and septic shock. ResultsAmong the 180,373 included patients, 0.1% developed sepsis or septic shock. Male gender, low body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classes 3-5, functional dependence, smoking, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary disease, inpatient surgery, malignant indication, clean-contaminated wound classification, and operation time ≥150 min were significant risk factors for development of sepsis or septic shock. Common infectious sources of sepsis included surgical site infections (29.6%), pneumonia (18.6%), urinary tract infections (16.2%), and multiple infections (6.9%). Patients with postoperative sepsis or septic shock were significantly more likely to develop complications, including wound disruption, stroke, cardiac and renal complications, thromboembolism, prolonged length of stay, unplanned reoperation, and mortality. ConclusionsSepsis is rare following thyroidectomy. Our study provides insight into risk factors and procedural characteristics which may contribute to the development of postoperative sepsis or septic shock in this population.