Abstract Background Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomies (RAH) require Trendelenburg positioning and pneumoperitoneum, which further accentuate alteration in respiratory mechanics induced by general anesthesia. The role of Recruitment Maneuver (RM) as a lung-protective strategy during intraoperative surgical settings has not been much studied. We planned this study to evaluate the effect of RM on perioperative oxygenation and postoperative spirometry using PaO2/FiO2 and FEV1/FVC, respectively in patients undergoing RAH. Methods Sixty-six ASA I‒II female patients scheduled for elective RAH were randomized into group R (recruitment maneuver, n = 33) or group C (control, n = 33). Portable spirometry was done one day before surgery. Patients were induced with general anesthesia, and mechanical ventilation started with volume control mode, with Tidal Volume (TV) of 6-8 mL.kg−1, Respiratory Rate (RR) of 12 min, inspiratory-expiratory ratio (I: E ratio) of 1:2, FiO2 of 0.4, and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2O. Patients in group R received recruitment maneuvers of 30 cmH2O every 30 minutes following tracheal intubation. The primary objectives were comparison of oxygenation and ventilation between two groups intraoperatively and portable spirometry postoperatively. Postoperative pulmonary complications, like desaturation, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, were monitored. Results Patients who received RM had significantly higher PaO2 (mmHg) (203.2+-24.3 vs. 167.8+-27.3, p < 0.001) at T2 (30 min after the pneumoperitoneum). However, there was no significant difference in portable spirometry between the groups in the postoperative period (FVC, 1.40 ± 0.5 L vs. 1.32 ± 0.46 L, p= 0.55). Conclusion This study concluded that intraoperative recruitment did not prevent deterioration of postoperative spirometry values; however, it led to improved oxygenation intraoperatively.

Abstract: Tungsten heavy alloys 90W-7Ni-3Co (WNC alloy) and 89.6W-6.2Ni-1.8Fe-2.4Co (WNFC alloy), produced using liquid phase sintering followed by thermo-mechanical processing, were investigated for microstructure and mechanical properties. 90W-7Ni-3Co alloy processed following a cyclic heat treatment showed fine tungsten precipitates in the matrix. The alloy, when heat treated at 850°C (the lower temperature of cyclic treatment), formed a W-rich intermetallic phase in the matrix that subsequently dissolved during high temperature (1150°C) solution treatment leaving behind fine W precipitates. On the other hand, the cyclic treatment (850°C/1150°C) of 89.6W-6.2Ni-1.8Fe-2.4Co alloy did not result in precipitation of fine W in the matrix phase. Therefore, the alloy was given a standard solution treatment (1150°C/WQ) resulting in matrix showing a clean microstructure devoid of any precipitates. Both the alloys were subjected to a two stage swaging with intermediate heat treatments. 90W-7Ni-3Co alloy exhibited superior strength, but lower elongation to failure and impact toughness as compared to 89.6W-6.2Ni-1.8Fe-2.4Co alloy. Microstructure-property correlation was undertaken to elucidate the effect of enhanced W dissolution and fine W precipitates (in the matrix) on mechanical behaviour of the alloys investigated.

Abstract Escalating burden of antibiotic resistance that has reached new heights present a grave concern to mankind. As the problem is no longer confined to clinics, we hereby report identification of a pandrug resistant Escherichia coli isolate from heavily polluted Delhi stretch of river Yamuna, India. E. coli MRC11 was found sensitive only to tobramycin against 21 antibiotics tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration values >256 µg/mL for amoxicillin, carbenicillin, aztreonam, ceftazidime and cefotaxime. Addition of certain heavy metals at higher concentrations were ineffective in increasing susceptibility of E. coli MRC11 to antibiotics. Withstanding sub-optimal concentration of cefotaxime (10 µg/mL) and mercuric chloride (2 µg/mL), and also resistance to their combinatorial use, indicates better adaptability in heavily polluted environment through clustering and expression of resistance genes. Interestingly, E. coli MRC11 harbours two different variants of blaTEM (blaTEM-116 and blaTEM-1 with and without extended-spectrum activity, respectively), in addition to mer operon (merB, merP and merT) genes. Studies employing conjugation, confirmed localization of blaTEM-116, merP and merT genes on the conjugative plasmid. Understanding potentialities of such isolates will help in determining risk factors attributing pandrug resistance and strengthening strategic development of new and effective antimicrobial agents.

ABSTRACT Heavy metal toxicity in plants lead to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant enzyme system is also not able to revert altered ROS homeostasis. The present study reports the heavy metal induced ROS toxicity by up-regulating the expression of key antioxidant enzyme genes through Brassinosteroids pre-soaking treatment in radish.

ABSTRACT The 28-spotted hadda beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Fab. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a poly-phagous pest, commonly infesting solanacious crops including brinjal, Solanum melongena L. Upon its severe infestation on brinjal, it causes considerable damage to the foliage and also to the calyx of fruits. The studies were made to record the seasonal abundance of hadda beetle and identification of its natural enemies present in the region for two consecutive years. The pooled data for two years showed that the maximum number of H. vigintioctopunctata egg clusters on brinjal were recorded in the 27th (0.40 egg cluster/ plant), followed by grub population in 35th (3.78 grubs/ plant), pupae in 33rd and 39th (0.83 pupae/ plant) and adult beetles in 36th (5.48 adults/ plant) standard meteorological weeks, respectively. It was observed that the key meteorological factors had 35.9%, 87.3%, 66.8% and 81.9% effect on the abundance of egg clusters, grubs, pupae and adults respectively in summer planted brinjal crop. Two natural enemies of hadda beetle viz. Tetrastichus sp. (egg parasitoid) and Pediobius foveolatus (pupal parasitoid) were recorded. The maximum parasitisation by Tetrastichus sp. and P. foveolatus on the egg clusters and pupae was recorded 22.64% and 6.62% respectively, during the month of August (34th and 35th standard meteorological week respectively). Further, the morphometric parameters of these two adult parasitoids were recorded and greater morphometric variability was observed in P. foveolatus in comparison to Tetrastichus sp.

ABSTRACT Studies on seasonal dynamics of white fly (Bemesia tabaci) on tomato (Solanum esculentum var. Pusa Ruby) revealed that it appeared first during the 13th and reached maximum during 21st standard meteorological week. A positive correlation between adult population and abiotic factors viz. temperature (maximum and minimum) and sunshine hours was observed, whereas humidity (maximum and minimum) and rainfall showed a negative correlation with it. Taken together, the key weather parameters studied, caused 89.00 per cent variation in whitefly population (R2 value). Combination of carbofuran (soil application) + imidacloprid (seed treatment ) + imidacloprid (foliar application) proved significantly superior and caused maximum reduction in whitefly population followed by imidacloprid (seed treatment) + thiomethoxam (spray), imidacloprid (seed treatment) + imidacloprid (spray), imidacloprid (seed treatment) + dimetheoate (spray), carbofuran (soil application) + malathion (spray), and imidacloprid (seed treatment) + yellow sticky traps. The highest cost benefit ratio of 1:25.04 was recorded in case of carbofuran (soil application) + imidacloprid (seed treatment ) + imidacloprid (foliar application) followed by 1:22.38 for imidacloprid (seed treatment) + thiomethoxam (spray) ; 1:21.81 for imidacloprid (seed treatment) + imidacloprid (spray); 1:19.27 imidacloprid (seed treatment) + dimetheoate (spray); 1:19.48 carbofuran (soil application) + malathion (spray), and 1:8.33 for imidacloprid (seed treatment) + yellow sticky traps. The soil application of carbofuran + seed treatment with imidacloprid and three foliar sprays of imidacloprid at fortnight interval starting 40 days after transplanting is found effective and is advised for whitefly management in susceptible tomato cultivars.

This study intends to evaluate thermal ratchetting deformation due to cyclic thermal loading along the axis of a smooth cylindrical shell. Two cases of progressive deformation behaviour are discussed for different loading methods. The aim of the first case is to recognize the shakedown behaviour of the cylinder under applied loading cycles. Alternatively, second case is highlighting the ratchetting behaviour of the cylinder. Based on the loading method in second case, a smooth thin hollow cylinder is considered to simulate the progressive deformation. This condition simulates the 1/25th scale down model of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) main vessel.

Design and analysis of a 35 GHz metal photonic band gap (PBG) resonant cavity operating in the TE041-like mode has been presented. The dispersion characteristics of a 2D metal PBG structure comprising of triangular array of rods has been obtained using FDTD method. Global band gap regions have been obtained to be used for the PBG cavity design. A mode map has been also generated to examine the occurrence of the possible modes in the PBG cavity. Electromagnetic simulation of the designed PBG cavity has been performed to study the operating modes and quality factors. Role of the number of metal rods layers around the defect in PBG structure has also been illustrated for confining the desired mode and deciding the diffractive quality factor. PBG cavity results have been compared with the analogous cylindrical cavity for the designed mode along with the possible nearby modes to examine the mode competition. It has been found that the mode competition has been successfully reduced in designed PBG cavity and nearly a single mode operation is achieved. It is hoped that present study would be useful for the application of the metal PBG structures in the Gyrotron devices to alleviate the mode competition problem while operating in the higher order modes.

Degradation of halogenated organic compounds using nanoparticles is one of the innovative technologies in environmental remediation. In the present study, the synthesis, characterization and application of lepidocrocite (FeOOH) and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles for the remediation of water contaminated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been investigated. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using advanced instrumental techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized FeOOH and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were found to have an average crystallite size of 10.94 nm and 18.10 nm, respectively. Batch degradation experiments for the degradation of CCl4 were carried out separately using both of the above synthesized nanoparticles. The degradation reactions were found to be first-order while using Fe3O4 and second-order while using FeOOH nanoparticles. Moreover, the reactivity of freshly synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles was found to be much higher than that of FeOOH nanoparticles.

A diversidade genética entre 30 genótipos indianos de batata foi analisada por meio de cariótipo, tamanho do genoma e marcadores RAPD. Análise cromossômica revelou 2n=4x=48, exceto para a cv. K. Chandramukhi (2n=4x+2=50). O tamanho e o volume cromossômico total variaram de 21,14µm no cv. K. Pukhraj a 31,91µm no cv. MS/89-60 e de 14,31µm³ no cv. MS/92-1090 a 33,16µm³ no cv. JW-160, respectivamente. O conteúdo 4C de DNA variou significativamente de 3,64 pg (~891 Mbp) no cv. MS/92-1090 a 11,12 pg (~2747 Mbp) no cv. K. Chandramukhi. Marcadores RAPD revelaram 131 bandas de DNA (300 a 2200 bp) sendo 79 delas exclusivas (7 a 71% de polimorfismo) entre os genótipos. Coeficientes de similaridade (variando de 0,29 a 0,93) e análise de cluster refletiram as tendências esperadas em relação a genótipos meios-irmãos e irmãos completos. Distâncias genéticas contempladas no dendrograma poderão auxiliar melhoristas a escolher parentais diversos para programas de melhoramento visando melhoramento varietal.

Genetic diversity in thirty Indian potatoes were analyzed employing karyotype, genome size and RAPD markers. Chromosome analysis revealed 2n = 4x = 48 except cv. K. Chandramukhi (2n = 4x + 2 = 50). Total genomic chromosome length and chromosome volume varied from 21.14µm in cv. K. Pukhraj to 31.91µm in cv. MS/89-60 and 14.31µm³ in cv. MS/92-1090 to 33.16µm³ in cv. JW-160 respectively. 4C DNA content was significantly varied from 3.640 pg (~891 Mbp) in cv. MS/92-1090 to 11.12 pg (~2747 Mbp) in cv. K. Chandramukhi. RAPD revealed 131 amplified DNA fragments (300 to 2200 bp) with 79 unique bands (7 to 71% polymorphism) among the genotypes. Similarity coefficients (ranged from 0.29 to 0.93) and cluster analysis reflected the expected trends in relationships of the full and half-sib potato genotypes. Genetic distances obtained from a dendrogram could help breeders to choose the diverse parents for a breeding program aimed at varietal improvement.

PROBLEM: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes have been successful in several countries. However, whether they would succeed as part of a national programme in a resource-constrained setting such as India is not clear. The outcomes and specific problems encountered in such a setting have not been adequately studied. APPROACH: We assessed the efficacy and functioning of India's national ART programme in a tertiary care centre in northern India. All ART-naive patients started on ART between May 2005 and October 2006 were included in the study and were followed until 31 April 2008. Periodic clinical and laboratory evaluations were carried out in accordance with national guidelines. Changes in CD4+ lymphocyte count, body weight and body mass index were assessed at follow-up, and the operational problems analysed. LOCAL SETTING: The setting was a tertiary care centre in northern India with a mixed population of patients, mostly of low socioeconomic status. The centre is reasonably well resourced but faces constraints in health-care delivery, such as lack of adequate human resources and a high patient load. RELEVANT CHANGES: The response to ART in the cohort studied was comparable to that reported from other countries. However, the programme had a high attrition rate, possibly due to patient-related factors and operational constraints. LESSONS LEARNT: A high rate of attrition can affect the overall efficacy and functioning of an ART programme. Addressing the issues causing attrition might improve patient outcomes in India and in other resource-constrained countries.

PROBLEMA: Los programas de tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) han cosechado buenos resultados en varios países. Sin embargo, no está claro si se desarrollarían también de forma satisfactoria como componente de un programa nacional en un entorno con recursos limitados como la India. Los resultados y los problemas específicos observados en esas circunstancias no han sido estudiados adecuadamente. ENFOQUE: Se evaluó la eficacia y el funcionamiento del programa nacional de TAR de la India en un centro de atención terciaria del norte del país. Se incluyó en el estudio a todos los pacientes sin tratamiento antirretrovírico previo que empezaron a tomar antirretrovirales entre mayo de 2005 y octubre de 2006, los cuales fueron sometidos a seguimiento hasta el 31 de abril de 2008. De forma periódica se llevaron a cabo evaluaciones clínicas y de laboratorio de conformidad con las directrices nacionales. En cada sesión de seguimiento se analizaron la variación del recuento de linfocitos CD4+, el peso corporal y el índice de masa corporal, así como los problemas operacionales surgidos. CONTEXTO LOCAL: Se trabajó en un centro de atención terciaria del norte de la India con una población diversa de pacientes, la mayoría de nivel socioeconómico bajo. El centro cuenta con unos recursos razonables, pero ve tensionada su capacidad asistencial debido a la falta de recursos humanos apropiados y al alto volumen de pacientes. CAMBIOS DESTACABLES: La respuesta a la TAR en la cohorte estudiada fue comparable a la descrita en otros países. Sin embargo, el programa presentó una tasa de deserción elevada, posiblemente debido a factores relacionados con el paciente y a limitaciones operacionales. ENSEÑANZAS EXTRAÍDAS: Una alta tasa de deserción puede menoscabar la eficacia y el funcionamiento globales de los programas de ART. Encarando los problemas causantes de esas deserciones se podría conseguir que los pacientes evolucionaran mejor en la India y en otros países con recursos limitados.

PROBLÉMATIQUE: Les programmes de traitement antirétroviral (TARV) ont donné des résultats satisfaisants dans plusieurs pays. Néanmoins, il n'est pas certain qu'un tel programme réussisse dans le cadre du programme national d'un pays aux ressources limitées comme l'Inde. Les résultats et les problèmes spécifiques rencontrés dans ce type de contexte n'ont pas encore été suffisamment étudiés. DÉMARCHE: Nous avons évalué l'efficacité et le fonctionnement du Programme TARV national indien dans le cadre d'un centre de soins tertiaires du Nord de l'Inde. Tous les patients auparavant naïfs de traitement ARV et ayant débuté ce traitement entre mai 2005 et octobre 2006 ont été inclus dans l'étude et ont été suivis jusqu'au 31 avril 2008. Des évaluations cliniques et analytiques périodiques ont été effectuées conformément aux directives nationales. Les évolutions de la numération des lymphocytes CD4+, du poids corporel et de l'indice de masse corporelle ont été évaluées dans le cadre du suivi et les difficultés opérationnelles ont été analysées. CONTEXTE LOCAL: L'étude s'est déroulée dans un centre de soins tertiaires du Nord de l'Inde, sur une population mixte de patients, dont la plupart présentaient un faible statut socioéconomique. Ce centre était raisonnablement bien doté en ressources, mais devait faire face à des contraintes dans la délivrance des soins, telles que le manque de personnel approprié et la forte affluence des patients. MODIFICATIONS PERTINENTES: La réponse au TARV dans la cohorte étudiée était comparable à celles rapportés dans d'autres pays. Néanmoins, le programme présentait un taux d'attrition élevé, pouvant être dû à des facteurs liés aux patients et aux contraintes de fonctionnement du centre. ENSEIGNEMENTS TIRÉS: Un taux élevé d'attrition peut nuire à l'efficacité globale et au fonctionnement du programme TARV. Remédier aux problèmes à l'origine de cette attrition pourrait améliorer les résultats thérapeutiques pour les patients en Inde et dans d'autres pays à ressources limitées.

Benzo [a] Pyrene (BaP) is a highly recalcitrant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with high genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. It is formed and released into the environment due to incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and various anthropogenic activities including cigarette smoke and automobile exhausts. The aim of present study is to isolate bacteria which can degrade BaP as a sole source of carbon and energy. We have isolated a novel strain BMT4i (MTCC 9447) of Bacillus subtilis from automobile contaminated soil using BaP (50 μg /ml) as the sole source of carbon and energy in basal salt mineral (BSM) medium. The growth kinetics of BMT4i was studied using CFU method which revealed that BMT4i is able to survive in BaP-BSM medium up to 40 days attaining its peak growth (10(29) fold increase in cell number) on 7 days of incubation. The BaP degradation kinetics of BMT4i was studied using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis of BaP biodegradation products. BMT4i started degrading BaP after 24 hours and continued up to 28 days achieving maximum degradation of approximately 84.66 %. The above findings inferred that BMT4i is a very efficient degrader of BaP. To our best of knowledge, this is the first report showing utilization of BaP as a sole source of carbon and energy by bacteria. In addition, BMT4i can degrade a wide range of PAHs including naphthalene, anthracene, and dibenzothiophene therefore, it could serve as a better candidate for bioremediation of PAHs contaminated sites.