Antimicrobial therapeutic protein extraction from fruit waste and recent trends in their utilization against infections

Fruits are a very good source of various nutrients that can boost overall human health. In these days, the recovery of therapeutic compounds from different fruit wastes is trending in research, which might not only minimize the waste problem but also encounter a higher demand for various enzymes that could have antimicrobial properties against infectious diseases. The goal of this review is to focus on the recovery of therapeutic enzymes from fruit wastes and its present-day tendency for utilization. Here we discussed different parts of fruit waste, such as pulp, pomace, seed, kernel, peel, etc., that produce therapeutic enzymes like amylase, cellulose, lipase, laccase, pectinase, etc. These bioactive enzymes are present in different parts of fruit and could be used as therapeutics against various infectious diseases. This article provides a thorough knowledge compilation of therapeutic enzyme isolation from fruit waste on a single platform, distinctly informative, and significant review work on the topic that is envisioned to encourage further research ideas in these areas that are still under-explored. This paper explains the various aspects of enzyme isolation from fruit and vegetable waste and their biotherapeutic potential that could provide new insights into the development of biotherapeutics and attract the attention of researchers to enhance translational research magnitude further.

An insight decipher on photocatalytic degradation of microplastics: Mechanism, limitations, and future outlook

Plastic material manufacturing and buildup over the past 50 years has significantly increased pollution levels. Microplastics (MPs) and non-biodegradable residual plastic films have become the two most pressing environmental issues among the numerous types of plastic pollution. These tiny plastic flakes enter water systems from a variety of sources, contaminating the water. Since MPs can be consumed by people and aquatic species and eventually make their way into the food chain, their presence in the environment poses a serious concern. Traditional technologies can remove MPs to some extent, but their functional groups, stable covalent bonds, and hydrophobic nature make them difficult to eliminate completely. The urgent need to develop a sustainable solution to the worldwide contamination caused by MPs has led to the exploration of various techniques. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photo-catalytic oxidation, photo-degradation, and electrochemical oxidation have been investigated. Among these, photocatalysis stands out as the most promising method for degrading MPs. Photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly process that utilizes light energy to facilitate a chemical reaction, breaking down MPs into carbon dioxide and water-soluble hydrocarbons under aqueous conditions. In photocatalysis, semiconductors act as photocatalysts by absorbing energy from a light source, becoming excited, and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS, including hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and superoxide ions ( [Formula: see text] ), play a crucial role in the degradation of MPs. This extensive review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms and processes underlying the photocatalytic removal of MPs, emphasizing its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly approach to address the issue of plastic pollution.

Molecular drilling to combat salmonella typhi biofilm using L-Asparaginase via multiple targeting process

OBJECTIVES

Salmonella Typhibiofilm condition is showing as a major public health problem due to the development of antibiotic resistance and less available druggable target proteins. Therefore, we aimed to identify some more druggable targets of S. Typhibiofilm using computational drilling at the genome/proteome level so that the target shortage problem could be overcome and more antibiofilm agents could be designed in the future against the disease.

METHODS

We performed protein-protein docking and interaction analysis between the homological identified target proteins of S.Typhi biofilm and a therapeutic protein L-Asparaginase.

RESULTS

We have identified some druggable targets CsgD, BcsA, OmpR, CsgG, CsgE, and CsgF in S.Typhi. These targets showed high-binding affinity BcsA (-219.8 Kcal/mol) >csgF (-146.52 Kcal/mol) >ompR (-135.68 Kcal/mol) >CsgE (-134.66 Kcal/mol) >CsgG (-113.81 Kcal/mol) >CsgD(-95.39 Kcal/mol) with therapeutic enzyme L-Asparaginase through various hydrogen-bonds and salt-bridge. We found six proteins of S. Typhi biofilm from the Csg family as druggable multiple targets.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insight into the idea of identification of new druggable targets and their multiple targeting with L-Asparaginase to overcome target shortage in S. Typhibiofilm-mediated infections. Results further indicated that L-Asparaginase could potentially be utilized as an antibiofilm biotherapeutic agent against S.Typhi.

Interrogating Salmonella Typhi biofilm formation and dynamics to understand antimicrobial resistance

AIMS

Salmonella Typhi biofilm-mediated infections are globally rising. Due to the emergence of drug resistance antibiotics did not show effective results against S. Typhi biofilm. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an in-depth interrogation of S. Typhi biofilm to understand its formation kinetics, compositions, and surface charge value.

METHODS

This study utilized the S. Typhi MTCC-733 strain from a microbial-type culture collection in India. The S. Typhi biofilm was formed on a glass slide in a biofilm development apparatus. Typhoidal biofilm analysis was done with the help of various assays such as a crystal violet assay, SEM analysis, FTIR analysis, Raman analysis, and zeta potential analysis.

KEY FINDING

This article contained a comprehensive assessment of the typhoid biofilm formation kinetics, biofilm compositions, and surface charge which revealed that cellulose was a major molecule in the typhoidal biofilm which can be used as a major biofilm drug target against typhoidal biofilm.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provided interrogations about typhoidal biofilm kinetics which provided ideas about the biofilm composition. The cellulose molecule showed a major component of S. Typhi biofilm and it could potentially involved in drug resistance, and offer a promising avenue for developing a new antibiofilm therapeutic target to conquer the big obstacle of drug resistance. The obtained information can be instrumental in designing novel therapeutic molecules in the future to combat typhoidal biofilm conditions effectively for overcoming antibiotic resistance against bacterial infection Salmonella.

Functional Outcome of Lower Limb Long Bone Trauma Management in Pregnant Mothers: A Prospective Study of 30 Cases From a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of orthopedic injuries during pregnancy carries considerable morbidity and mortality for both the mother and fetus. Successful care of lower limb fractures during pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach. Both operative and non-operative treatments must be taken into account by the treating orthopedic physician. There is limited literature available on the management of these lower limb fractures in pregnancy, and peri-operative management of this obstetric and orthopedic trauma is largely unclear. Trauma during pregnancy is a common cause of non-obstetrical maternal death, having a significant public health burden to both the mother and child. The aims and objectives of this study were to review the common causes of lower limb long bone trauma during pregnancy and their functional outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates various operative and conservative methods of treatment to provide a comprehensive management approach to pregnant patients with lower limb trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study on functional outcomes of 30 pregnant females who were admitted with lower limb long bone fractures from 2017 to 2021 was done. The patients were randomly selected intra-operatively for various procedures based on the surgeon's preference. All patients were followed for two years or till union occurred, and the radiographic union score for tibial (RUST) and modified radiographic union score for tibial (mRUST) fracture criteria were used to assess bony union clinico-radiologically.  Results: During this study, the mean age of patients was 27 years (range 19-38), having right-side (53.33%) predominance with road traffic accidents (n=22) and falls (n=6) as the most common causes of injury. Two cases of domestic violence were also reported. In our study, the maximum number of cases was 17-25 weeks of their gestation; 12 (40%) patients had tibial fractures, and 18 (60%) had femoral fractures. Six tibial fractures were handled conservatively, while all femoral fractures required surgical intervention. Out of 18 femoral fractures, which were treated surgically, dynamic compression plating was done in 15 (83.33%) patients, while interlock nailing was done in three patients. Six tibial fractures have been operated upon, two (66.66%) with dynamic compression plating and four (33.33%) with an interlocking nail.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary approach in terms of both operative and non-operative methods must be taken into account for treating pregnant mothers by the orthopedic physician while carefully weighing the benefits and risks of both procedures. Based on the pattern and displacement of the fracture, many prenatal fractures can be treated conservatively. Another alternative that is frequently safe is to postpone the surgical procedure until childbirth. The physiologic changes associated with pregnancy and any potential dangers to the fetus must be taken into account by the orthopedic surgeon when fractures necessitate surgical intervention. The surgeon is responsible for the patient's correct placement, the C-arm's use, the radiation dose, and the intra-operative fetal monitoring, as well as the danger brought on by anesthetics, antibiotics, analgesics, and anticoagulants.

Deciphering Target Protein Cascade in Salmonella typhi Biofilm using Genomic Data Mining, and Protein-protein Interaction

Background

Salmonella typhi biofilm confers a serious public health issue for lengthy periods and the rise in antibiotic resistance and death rate. Biofilm generation has rendered even the most potent antibiotics ineffective in controlling the illness, and the S. typhi outbreak has turned into a fatal disease typhoid. S. typhi infection has also been connected to other deadly illnesses, such as a gall bladder cancer. The virulence of this disease is due to the interaction of numerous genes and proteins of S. typhi.

Objective

The study aimed to identify a cascade of target proteins in S. typhi biofilm condition with the help of genomic data mining and protein-protein interaction analysis.

Methods

The goal of this study was to notice some important pharmacological targets in S. typhi. using genomic data mining, and protein-protein interaction approaches were used so that new drugs could be developed to combat the disease.

Results

In this study, we identified 15 potential target proteins that are critical for S. typhi biofilm growth and maturation. Three proteins, CsgD, AdrA, and BcsA, were deciphered with their significant role in the synthesis of cellulose, a critical component of biofilm's extracellular matrix. The CsgD protein was also shown to have high interconnectedness and strong interactions with other important target proteins of S. typhi. As a result, it has been concluded that CsgD is involved in a range of activities, including cellulose synthesis, bacterial pathogenicity, quorum sensing, and bacterial virulence.

Conclusion

All identified targets in this study possess hydrophobic properties, and their cellular localization offered proof of a potent therapeutic target. Overall results of this study, drug target shortage in S. typhi is also spotlighted, and we believe that obtained result could be useful for the design and development of some potent anti-salmonella agents for typhoid fever in the future.

Doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) catalysts for efficient photodegradation of tetracycline antibiotics in aquatic environments

Tetracyclines (TCs) antibiotics are very common and often used in both human and veterinary medicines. More than 75% of TCs are excreted in an active condition and released into the environment, posing a risk to the ecosystem and human health. Residual antibiotics are in global water bodies, causing antibiotic resistance and genotoxicity in humans and aquatic organisms. The ever-increasing number of multi-resistant bacteria caused by the widespread use of antibiotics in the environment has sparked a renewed interest in developing more sustainable antibiotic degradation processes. In this regard, photodegradation technique provides a promising solution to resolve this growing issue, paving the way for complete antibiotic degradation with the generation of non-toxic by-products. As a fascinating activity towards visible light range shown by semiconductor, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has a medium bandgap, non-toxicity, chemically stable complex, and thermally great strength. Recent studies have concentrated on the performance of g-C₃N₄ as a photocatalyst for treating wastewater. Pure g-C₃N₄ exhibits limited photocatalytic activity due to insufficient sunlight usage, small surface area, and a high rate of recombination of electron and hole ([Formula: see text] & [Formula: see text]) pairs created in photocatalytic activity. Doping of g-C₃N₄ is a very effective method for improving the activity as element doped g-C₃N₄ shows excellent bandgap and electronic structure. Doping significantly broadens the light-responsive range and reduces recombination of e^- & h⁺ pairs. Under above context, this review provides a systematic and comprehensive outlook of designing doped g-C₃N₄ as well as efficiency for TCs degradation in aquatic environment.

Noble metal-free doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for efficient photodegradation of antibiotics: progress, limitations, and future directions

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is well recognised as one of the most promising materials for photocatalytic activities such as environmental remediation via organic pollution elimination. New methods of nanoscale structure design introduce tunable electrical characteristics and broaden their use as visible light-induced photocatalysts. This paper summarises the most recent developments in the design of g-C₃N₄ with element doping. Various methods of introducing metal and nonmetal elements into g-C₃N₄ have been investigated in order to simultaneously tune the material's textural and electronic properties to improve its response to the entire visible light range, facilitate charge separation, and extend charge carrier lifetime. The degradation of antibiotics is one of the application domains of such doped g-C₃N₄. We expect that this research will provide fresh insights into clear design methods for efficient photocatalysts that will solve environmental challenges in a sustainable manner. Finally, the problems and potential associated with g-C₃N₄-based nanomaterials are discussed. This review is expected to encourage the ongoing development of g-C₃N₄-based materials for greater efficiency in photocatalytic antibiotic degradation.

Drying characteristics of thin layer of potato (Solanum tuberosum): experimental and computational studies

Solar drying is a renewable energy-based technique which is widely used for food preservation purpose. In this study, various drying characteristics of the solar-dried Solanum tuberosum samples of different thicknesses have been investigated at variable climate condition of Lucknow. A mathematical model has also been developed to validate experimental results to predict the drying rate, free moisture content, and other parameters. Pre-treatment of the food samples was also done before the experimental runs on the fabricated solar dryer. Global radiation has also been monitored during the study to correlate the heat transfer rate in inner and outer sides of the solar drying chamber. SEM analysis has also been done to analyze the surface morphology of solar-dried samples. All solar dried food samples have uniformly heated. There was no hot-spot condition present on the surface of the samples. The drying efficiency and payback period of the fabricated solar dryer have also been calculated as 22.9% and 1.42 years, respectively. Model data have been found in good agreement with the experimental data within a 5% error. This modified model can be used for different agro-based food materials such as carrot, kiwifruit, and yam.

Resistance-proof antimicrobial drug discovery to combat global antimicrobial resistance threat

Drug resistance is well-defined as a serious problem in our living world. To survive, microbes develop defense strategies against antimicrobial drugs. Drugs exhibit less or no effective results against microbes after the emergence of resistance because they are unable to cross the microbial membrane, in order to alter enzymatic systems, and/or upregulate efflux pumps, etc. Drug resistance issues can be addressed effectively if a "Resistance-Proof" or "Resistance-Resistant" antimicrobial agent is developed. This article discusses first the need for resistance-proof drugs, the imminent properties of resistance-proof drugs, current and future research progress in the discovery of resistance-proof antimicrobials, the inherent challenges, and opportunities. A molecule having imminent resistance-proof properties could target microbes efficiently, increase potency, and rule out the possibility of early resistance. This review triggers the scientific community to think about how an upsurge in drug resistance can be averted and emphasizes the discussion on the development of next-generation antimicrobials that will provide a novel effective solution to combat the global problem of drug resistance. Hence, resistance-proof drug development is not just a requirement but rather a compulsion in the drug discovery field so that resistance can be battled effectively. We discuss several properties of resistance-proof drugs which could initiate new ways of thinking about next-generation antimicrobials to resolve the drug resistance problem. This article sheds light on the issues of drug resistance and discusses solutions in terms of the resistance-proof properties of a molecule. In summary, the article is a foundation to break new ground in the development of resistance-proof therapeutics in the field of infection biology.

Mathematical Analysis of a COVID-19 Epidemic Model by Using Data Driven Epidemiological Parameters of Diseases Spread in India

This paper attempts to describe the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) via an epidemic model. This virus has dissimilar effects in different countries. The number of new active coronavirus cases is increasing gradually across the globe. India is now in the second stage of COVID-19 spreading, it will be an epidemic very quickly if proper protection is not undertaken based on the database of the transmission of the disease. This paper is using the current data of COVID-19 for the mathematical modeling and its dynamical analysis. We bring in a new representation to appraise and manage the outbreak of infectious disease COVID-19 through SEQIR pandemic model, which is based on the supposition that the infected but undetected by testing individuals are send to quarantine during the incubation period. During the incubation period if any individual be infected by COVID-19, then that confirmed infected individuals are isolated and the necessary treatments are arranged so that they cannot taint the other residents in the community. Dynamics of the SEQIR model is presented by basic reproduction number R ₀ and the comprehensive stability analysis. Numerical results are depicted through apt graphical appearances using the data of five states and India.

Mathematical Analysis of a COVID-19 Epidemic Model by Using Data Driven Epidemiological Parameters of Diseases Spread in India

This paper attempts to describe the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) via an epidemic model. This virus has dissimilar effects in different countries. The number of new active coronavirus cases is increasing gradually across the globe. India is now in the second stage of COVID-19 spreading, it will be an epidemic very quickly if proper protection is not undertaken based on the database of the transmission of the disease. This paper is using the current data of COVID-19 for the mathematical modeling and its dynamical analysis. We bring in a new representation to appraise and manage the outbreak of infectious disease COVID-19 through SEQIR pandemic model, which is based on the supposition that the infected but undetected by testing individuals are send to quarantine during the incubation period. During the incubation period if any individual be infected by COVID-19, then that confirmed infected individuals are isolated and the necessary treatments are arranged so that they cannot taint the other residents in the community. Dynamics of the SEQIR model is presented by basic reproduction number R 0 and the comprehensive stability analysis. Numerical results are depicted through apt graphical appearances using the data of five states and India.

Spin-state transition of Co ion (S2S5/2) in hole substituted 1D chain of Ca3Co2O6

We have discovered spin-state transition (S= 2 toS= 5/2) of Co ions due to Mg substitution in the Ca₃Co₂O₆apparent in the magnetic susceptibility, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and first-principles study. We also examine the effect of Mg substitution on the magnetic and electronic structure of Ca₃Co₂O₆by first-principles calculations. It involves generalized gradient approximation with Coulomb interaction (U) in exchange-correlation energy functional. Our study shows a reasonable agreement between effective magnetic moment (μ_eff) determined from the Curie-Weiss fit with that from the XPS analysis and first-principles calculations study. We have attributed the decrease in positive intra-chain exchange interaction constant (J₁/k_B) to the antiferromagnetically coupled induced Co⁴⁺ions (S= 5/2) arising from the Mg²⁺ions substitution. The in-field metamagnetic transitions in the isothermalM(H) curves below the critical field (H_c) have been accurately mapped and successfully explained by the change in magnetic entropy (ΔS) calculations and Arrott plots. Electronic structure study reveals hole-type doping of Mg atom, and the Fermi level (E_F) shifts below. Density of state and band structure calculation indicates strong hybridization between partial states of Co-3d and O-2p orbitals for the Mg-doped compound due to which the band crossing at Fermi level is observed, and a hole-type Fermi surface is formed.

Functional Outcome of Monorail Fixator as a Primary and Definitive Mode of Fixation in Open Fractures of Tibia- An Interventional Study

Introduction: Open fractures of the tibia are associated with massive soft tissue injury and bone loss with high rates of infection and non union resulting in poor treatment outcome. The treatment goals include prevention of infection, soft tissue coverage, and fracture stabilisation with simultaneous mobilisation of nearby joints, enabling early return to function. The management in open fractures continues to be a topic of debate in orthopaedic traumatology with various treatment options, having their own set of complications. Aim: To assess the functional outcome of open tibial fractures with a monorail fixator using Radiographic Union Scale in Tibial fracture (RUST) score and modified Johner and Wruh’s criteria. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study of 30 cases was conducted from November 2018-October 2020 in Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India. The patients of open tibial fractures of type 2, type 3A, 3B (male=27, female=3) as classified by Gustilo-Anderson were included in this study. Patients were operated for monorail system to assess the stability of monorail fixator, total time taken in fracture union and compliance with range of motion of joints. On follow-up patients were also assessed for pin track infection and postoperative surgical site infection by taking swab for culture and antibiotic sensitivity. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0 (SPSS 25.0). In this study, quantitative data was expressed as mean values with Standard Deviation (SD) and categorical data were expressed as frequencies with percentages. Results: Present study had shown excellent to good results in 27 cases (90%) with minimum surgery time of 52.17±14.24 minutes. Full weight bearing with fixator was allowed in 5.37 days and fracture union occurred at 31.8±5.8 weeks. RUST score of 2 was seen in 33.33% and score 3 in 63.33% of patients respectively. Only one patient (3.33%) had shown score 1, which was treated with removal of fixator, debridement, sequestrectromy and fracture fixation with ring fixator and bone grafting. The bacteriology positivity was seen in six cases (n=2 was positive for Escherichia coli and n=4 was positive for Staphylococcus aureus). Conclusion: Present study demonstrated the benefits of monorail fixator as a primary and definitive mode of fixation in open tibial fractures with early full weight bearing over a stable construct and minimal complications.

1534 A rare operation: resection of a complex malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour deemed inoperable by a national centre

We present this rare case which was led by spinal surgeons at Leeds after being deemed not suitable for operative input by a national centre.

A 54-year-old lady who presented with 2-month history of worsening left flank pain on a background of four years. She was otherwise fit and well. CT confirmed aggressive left-sided paraspinal tumour with epidural encroachment, extending from T8 to T10 vertebral levels. Its deep surface was well-defined and extending superficially through the chest wall with destruction of ribs. The mass grew in size in course of days requiring urgent attention due to risk of cord compression. Biopsy proved high grade MPNST.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare type of sarcoma, 5-10% of sarcoma cases. MPNST is most common in young adults and middle-aged adults. About 25% to 50% of people with MPNST have NF1. 8% to 13% of people with NF1 will get MPNST in their lifetime.

An MDT approach involving spinal, thoracic, vascular and plastic surgeons opined it requiring extensive surgery due to its complexity. It was performed in stages – embolisation then aortic stent placement followed by final resection of the tumour with chest well reconstruction using an LD flap.

A multidisciplinary and multispecialty approach has led to a positive prognosis for this patient who is on the road to recovery.

Kinetics study on reactive extraction of formic acid using tri-n-octyl amine diluted in n-butyl acetate

Formic acid is the simplest yet commercially valuable organic acid. It is widely used as a stabilizer and sterile agent in food industries. Reactive extraction is highly effective and selective technique for the recovery of formic acid from dilute solutions. Kinetics study provide rate controlling step (reaction rate or diffusion) that is required to visualize the intrinsic reactive extraction mechanism. Kinetics study of formic acid (0.1–0.4 kmol/m3) extraction with tri-n-octyl amine (TOA) (0.11–0.67 kmol/m3) in n-butyl acetate (NBA) was investigated at temperature 308 ± 1 K. Kinetics study was carried out in a Lewis cell. Effect of formic acid concentration, TOA concentration, speed of stirring, and phase volume ratio were investigated to find the reaction regime. Diffusivity coefficient (DA) of formic acid in NBA was found 3.20 × 10−7 m2/s. Reaction rate constant was evaluated to be 0.616 m3/mol s. The physical mass transfer coefficient (kL) was evaluated to be 0.8278 × 10−6 × N 3.387. The reaction was independent on hydrodynamic parameters and falls under fast reaction regime. The reaction was found first order with respect to both formic acid as well as TOA, occurring in the diffusion film. The findings of the present work are helpful in the selection of commercially viable extraction system and in the design of extractors.

Hydrogen peroxide assisted electrocoagulation treatment of rice gain based biodigester effluent: mechanism, performance, and cost analysis

In the current scenario treatment of industrial waste water is big challenge especially waste water that contain high organic load. Hydrogen peroxide assisted electrocoagulation (EC) process provides better result to treat highly polluted wastewater as compared to EC alone. However, hydrogen peroxide is well known as a strong oxidant, which cast a potential threat to human health. To overcome this problem hydrogen peroxide has been used here for treatment of wastewater in small quantity, and that consume during the process. Therefore the harmful effect of hydrogen peroxide in human and aquatic life could be minimized. This work is an attempt to treat biodigester effluent (BDE) using H2O2 assisted EC processes with respect to chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color reductions. To perform this experiment both iron and aluminum electrodes are used as an electrode material in the presence of H2O2. In case of iron electrode the maximum COD and color reduction efficiency of 98.3 and 83.6% was achieved at the cost of 1.5 Wh/dm3 energy consumption while maximum COD and color removal efficiency of 96.8 and 77.1% with 1.7 Wh/dm3 of energy consumption was observed in the aluminum electrode based EC process. A part from this conventional biological process (i.e., activated sludge treatment, ponds, and lagoon etc.) and physiochemical treatment process (i.e., coagulation, adsorption) provided treatment efficiency of 40–80% hence hydrogen peroxide assisted EC process should a better choice to treat distillery effluent. Furthermore, hybrid EC process was also performed with iron used as anode and aluminum as cathode in the presence of H2O2. Iron electrode based peroxi-EC process provided better result at optimum operating conditions; current density of 114 A/m2, initial COD concentration of 12,000 mg/dm3, initial pH of 7.3, H2O2 concentration of 120 mg/dm3, stirring speed of 120 rpm and electrolysis time of 90 min. The cost estimated for operation is 1.56 US $/m3. Finally, sludge analysis and cost optimization are also incorporated in this article.

Equilibrium & kinetic studies of reactive extraction of trans-aconitic acid using sunflower oil with tri-n-octylamine

In order to design an efficient extraction system for the separation of biochemically produced trans-aconitic acid (TAH) from fermentation broth; equilibrium and kinetics of reactive extraction of TAH from aqueous solutions was investigated using tri-n-octylamine (TOA) as an extractant and sunflower oil as a diluent. Through the equilibrium studies stoichiometry (acid, extractant) of complex formations was determined with the help of loading ratio. Formation of (1, 1), (2, 1), & (3, 1) stoichiometry complexes were observed having complexation constants values 179.73 kmol−1 m3, 9512.58 kmol−2 m6, and 614,407.02 kmol−3 m9, respectively. Kinetics experiments were performed in Lewis type stirred cell and results confirmed that reaction between TAH and TOA in sunflower oil fall in regime 1, i.e. slow reaction occurring in bulk organic phase. The overall order of reaction is pseudo first order with rate constant (K mn ) 1.78 × 10−5 (kmol m−3)−0.71 s−1 and physical mass transfer coefficient (K l ) 4.22 × 10−5 m s−1.

Design and Simulation of Extended Interaction Cavities for a Ka band Multi beam Klystron

This article reports about the design approach, electromagnetic simulation and analysis results of high-frequency ladder-type input, output, and intermediate RF cavaties for Ka-band multi-beam extended interaction klystron. Several parameters of the cavity, such as quality factor, shunt impedance, etc., have been investigated by the assistance of electromagnetic software CST microwave studio.

Separation of bio-products by liquid–liquid extraction

Solvent extraction one of the oldest approaches of separation known, remains one of the most well-known methods operating on an industrial scale. With the availability of variety of solvents as well as commercial equipment, liquid–liquid extractions finds applications in fields like chemicals and bio-products, food, polymer, pharmaceutical industry etc. Liquid–liquid extraction process is particularly suitable for biorefinery process (through conversion using microorganisms), featuring mild operational conditions and ease of control of process. The principles, types, equipment and applications of liquid–liquid extraction for bioproducts are discussed. Currently various intensification techniques are being applied in the field of liquid–liquid extraction for improving the process efficiency like hybrid processes, reactive extraction, use of ionic liquids etc, which are gaining importance due to the cost associated with the downstream processing of the fermentation products (20–50% of total production cost).

Spin induced exchange bias and lattice modulation in Nd1-x Eu x CrO3

We report the evolution of coupled phonons and exchange bias (EB) in perovskite-type Nd1-x Eu x CrO3 (x = 0.0, 0.05, and 0.10) samples by means of temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and dc magnetization measurements. We observed a non-monotonic behavior of the EB field around the temperature T *, which lies between the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature (T N) and spin-reorientation transition temperature (T SR). The temperature dependence of phonon modes related to antistretching and bending of CrO6 octahedra and Nd3+/Eu3+ ion vibration below T N confirms the strong spin-phonon coupling. The T * found from the non-monotonicity of the EB is imprinted with the additional anomaly observed in the low-temperature spin-phonon behavior. The phonon modes and phonon anomaly are also verified using the density functional theory-based calculations.

Adapting Policy Guidelines for Spine Surgeries During COVID-19 Pandemic in View of Evolving Evidences: An Early Experience From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Introduction The recent novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. This outbreak not only affected healthcare systems but the resultant economic losses were also enormous. COVID-19 has demanded that the health care systems globally evolve, develop new strategies, identify new models of functioning, and at times, fall back on the old conservative methods of orthopedic care to decrease the risk of disease transmission. Although, the majority of hospitals are refraining from performing elective surgeries, emergent and urgent procedures cannot be delayed. Various strategies have been developed at the institute level to reduce the risk of infection transmission among the theatre team from an unsuspected patient (asymptomatic and presymptomatic) during the perioperative period. Material and methods The present study is a part of an ongoing project which is being conducted in a tertiary level hospital after obtaining research review board approval. All patients admitted either for vertebral fracture or spinal cord compression from February 2020 to May 2020 were included. The present study included 13 patients (nine males and four females) with an average age of 35.4 years The oldest patient was of 63 years which is considered a risk factor for developing severe COVID-19 infection.  Results Eight patients (61.5%) presented with spinal cord injury (SCI) due to vertebral fracture with fall from height (87.5%) as the most common etiology. Among the traumatic SCI patients, six (75%) were managed surgically with posterior decompression and instrumented fusion with pedicle screws while two patients (25%) were managed conservatively. There were four patients (30.8%) of tuberculosis of the spine of whom two (50%) were managed with posterior decompression, debridement, and stabilization with pedicle screws, samples for culture, biopsy, and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) were collected during the procedure; for the remaining two patients (50%), a trans-pedicular biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis for initiation of anti-tubercular therapy. Prolapsed intervertebral disc causing cauda equina syndrome was the reason for emergency surgery in one patient (7.7%). COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was performed in four patients (30.8%), in whom the most common symptom was fever (two patients (50%)). These patients were residents of high prevalence area for COVID-19 infection. Sore throat (25%), fatigue (25%), and low oxygen saturation (25%) were present in one patient which prompted us to get the COVID-19 test. All patients were reported negative for COVID-19. Conclusion The structural organization and the management protocol we describe allowed us to reduce infection risk and ultimately hospital stay, thereby maximizing the already stretched available medical resources. These precautions helped us to reduce transmission and exposure to COVID-19 in health care workers (HCW) and patients in our institute. The aim of this article is that our early experience can be of value to the medical communities that will soon be in a similar situation.

Thoracic Pedicle Morphometry of Dry Vertebral Columns in Relation to Trans-Pedicular Fixation: A Cross-Sectional Study From Central India

Introduction

Trans-pedicular screw fixation is one of the main modalities of spinal instrumentation today. It is particularly challenging in the thoracic spine due to the narrow pedicle dimensions especially in the upper and mid-thoracic levels. We aimed to study the anatomical variations like pedicle dimensions and angulation in transverse and sagittal planes.

Material and methods

We conducted an anatomical investigation on 20 dry vertebral columns (14 male and six female), from T1 to T12 levels. The measurements included pedicle width, height, and transverse and sagittal angles of the pedicle. Numerical variables were summarized using mean and standard deviation.

Results

T12 vertebra was found to have the widest pedicle width (mean 7.89 ± 0.70 mm) and the widest pedicle height (mean 15.45±0.78 mm) while T5 vertebra (mean 3.65±0.40 mm) had the narrowest pedicle width. T1 vertebra had the maximum transverse angle of the pedicle (mean 30.37±2.56 degree); whereas, T2 vertebra had the maximum sagittal angle (mean 19.22±2.24 degree).

Conclusion

We have reported detailed pedicle measurements including their angulation for the thoracic spine in dry vertebral columns of central India. The pedicles are directed more medially from T1 to T10 levels and are almost neutral at T11 and T12 levels. These findings would not only be of immense help to the spinal surgeons but also help in designing implants and instrumentations specific for the thoracic spine for the central Indian population as well as aiding surgeons to perform more precise and, therefore, safe surgical procedures.