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ABSTRACT Background: One of the most dreaded complications of COVID pneumonia is post-COVID residual lung fibrosis and lung function impairment. Objectives: To find out the extent and type of pulmonary function abnormality using spirometry, diffusion capacity, and 6-minute walk test and to co-relate with the clinical severity at the time of infection, in patients who have recovered from COVID19 pneumonia, in a tertiary care hospital in India. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study with a total 100 patients. Patients who have recovered from COVID pneumonia after one month of onset of symptoms and before 3 months who come for follow-up and have respiratory complaints undergo pulmonary function test will be recruited in the study. Results: In our study, the most common lung function abnormality detected was restrictive pattern in 55% of the patients (N = 55) followed by mixed pattern in 9% of patients (N = 9), obstructive in 5% of patients (N = 5), and normal in 31% of patients (N = 31). In our study, total lung capacity was reduced in 62% of the patients and normal in 38% of the patients and diffusion capacity of lung was reduced in 52% of the patients recovered from 52% of the individuals. Also, a 6-minute walk test was reduced in 15% of the patients and normal in 85% of the patients. Conclusion: Pulmonary function test can serve as an important tool in both diagnosis and follow-up of post-COVID lung fibrosis and pulmonary sequalae.

More than decadal data is archived by the Indian remote sensing satellite Resourcesat-2 series of sensors. This data holds immense potential for long-term terrestrial monitoring. Harnessing its full potential requires systematic organization of all available observations, necessitating rigorous pre-processing efforts.Analysis Ready Data (ARD) products have streamlined the process of accessing and analyzing satellite imagery, fostering interoperability over time and across various datasets enabling a wide range of applications in environmental monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, and scientific research. An optimized frame work is defined for Resourcesat-2/2A images to generate ARD products. The product package contains surface reflectance (SR) and top-of-atmosphere reflectance (TOA) along with pixel quality layer and Metadata file. This paper outlines the procedures undertaken, validation of the techniques and analysis of the obtained results. ARD products are validated for both absolute and relative terms with ground measurements and harmonized Landsat and Sentinel (HLS) data sets and the amount of agreement is around 90% and 95% respectively.

The integration of smart grid technologies in interconnected power system networks presents multiple challenges for the power industry and the scientific community. To address these challenges, researchers are creating new methods for the validation of: control, interoperability, reliability of Internet of Things systems, distributed energy resources, modern power equipment for applications covering power system stability, operation, control, and cybersecurity. Novel methods for laboratory testing of electrical power systems incorporate novel simulation techniques spanning real-time simulation, Power Hardware-in-the-Loop, Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop, Power System-in-the-Loop, and co-simulation technologies. These methods directly support the acceleration of electrical systems and power electronics component research by validating technological solutions in high-fidelity environments. In this paper, members of the Survey of Smart Grid International Research Facility Network task on Advanced Laboratory Testing Methods present a review of methods, test procedures, studies, and experiences employing advanced laboratory techniques for validation of range of research and development prototypes and novel power system solutions.

BackgroundThis study investigated the influence of African/Afro-Caribbean (black) ethnicity on the clinical profile and outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Methods425 consecutive patients with HCM (163 black and 262 Caucasians (white); mean age 52.5±16.6 years) were assessed at three cardiomyopathy centres. Repeat assessments were performed every 6–12 months and mean follow-up was 4.3±3.0 years. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, cardiac arrest or appropriate device therapy.ResultsA fortuitous diagnosis of HCM was more commonly made in black compared with white patients (31.3% vs 19.1%, p=0.004). An abnormal ECG at presentation was more frequent in black patients (98.2% vs 90.5%, p=0.002), with T-wave inversion being a common feature (91.4% vs 73.0%, p<0.001). Asymmetric septal hypertrophy was the predominant pattern in both ethnic groups; however, apical (22.2% vs 10.7%, p<0.001) and concentric (9.3% vs 1.5%, p<0.001) patterns were more prevalent in black patients. Hypertension was more frequent in black patients (58.3% vs 31.7%, p<0.001). There were no ethnic differences in risk factor profile or primary outcome. Independent predictors of the primary outcome were non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (HR 6.03, 95% CI 3.06 to 11.91, p≤0.001) and hypertension at presentation (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.88, p=0.036), with an additive effect.ConclusionBlack ethnicity is an important determinant of the phenotypic expression of HCM but does not adversely affect outcomes. Apical and concentric hypertrophy are common in black patients and may hinder the identification of HCM in this cohort. Hypertension has an adverse effect on outcome, irrespective of ethnicity.

Introduction: Maxillary molars may frequently require root canal therapy and can have complex anatomy. It is important to locate and treat the second mesiobuccal canal to significantly improve prognosis. Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate direct vision, dental operating microscope (DOM), selective dentin removal under DOM, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in clinical detection of second mesiobuccal root canal (MB2) in maxillary molars. Materials and Methods: A total of 122 maxillary first and second molars indicated for root canal treatment were included in our study. Following access cavity preparation, the presence of MB2 canal orifice was assessed in four stages. Stage I: with direct vision. Stage II: under DOM, Stage III: after selective dentin removal under DOM and Stage IV: teeth in which MB2 canal was not identified by Stage III were further investigated with CBCT. The number of canals identified during each stage was analyzed statistically. Results: Clinical detection of MB2 canal in our study was 90%, with 93% in maxillary first molar and 86% in maxillary second molar. 64% MB2 canals were located at Stage I (direct vision) which improved to 84% at Stage II (under DOM) and 90% at Stage III (selective dentin removal under DOM). CBCT investigation (Stage IV) further improved the identification of MB2 canal leading to overall prevalence of 93%. Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrated that MB2 canal can be clinically detected in up to 90% of maxillary molars by the use of DOM and selective dentin removal. CBCT investigation is indicated when MB2 canals are not clinically detected.

AimTo investigate the accuracy of the recently published international recommendations for ECG interpretation in young athletes in a large cohort of white and black adolescent soccer players.Methods11 168 soccer players (mean age 16.4±1.2 years) were evaluated with a health questionnaire, ECG and echocardiogram; 10 581 (95%) of the players were male and 10 163 (91%) were white. ECGs were retrospectively analysed according to (1) the 2010 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommendations, (2) Seattle criteria, (3) refined criteria and (4) the international recommendations for ECG interpretation in young athletes.ResultsThe ESC recommendations resulted in a higher number of abnormal ECGs compared with the Seattle, refined and international criteria (13.2%, 4.3%, 2.9% and 1.8%, respectively). All four criteria were associated with a higher prevalence of abnormal ECGs in black athletes compared with white athletes (ESC: 16.2% vs 12.9%; Seattle: 5.9% vs 4.2%; refined: 3.8% vs 2.8%; international 3.6% vs 1.6%; p<0.001 each). Compared with ESC recommendations, the Seattle, refined and international criteria identified a lower number of abnormal ECGs—by 67%, 78% and 86%, respectively. All four criteria identified 36 (86%) of 42 athletes with serious cardiac pathology. Compared with ESC recommendations, the Seattle criteria improved specificity from 87% to 96% in white athletes and 84% to 94% in black athletes. The international recommendations demonstrated the highest specificity for white (99%) and black (97%) athletes and a sensitivity of 86%.ConclusionsThe 2017 international recommendations for ECG interpretation in young athletes can be applied to adolescent athletes to detect serious cardiac disease. These recommendations perform more effectively than previous ECG criteria in both white and black adolescent soccer players.

In the present study, a two-step process involving microwave-enhanced alkali pretreatment (MEAP) of rice husk followed by the copyrolysis of pretreated rice husk with LDPE was adopted to produce biochars in conventional electrically heated pyrolyzer (CPR) and microwave pyrolyzer (MWPR). Proximate and ultimate analysis revealed that biochar produced in MWPR exhibited higher fixed carbon (73.36%), lower volatile matter (8.45%), lower ash yield (17.41%), higher-carbon content (73.57%) and lower H/C and O/C ratios (0.19 and 0.12, respectively), as compared to biochar produced in CPR. BET analysis indicated that the surface area and total pore volume were significantly higher for biochar produced under microwave irradiation (1280.31 m 2 g −1 and 0.41 cc g −1 ), as compared to biochar produced in CPR (470.25 m 2 g −1 and 0.12 cc g −1 ). The XRD analysis showed that the biochar produced in MWPR exhibited two peaks at 26° (JCPDS No. 41-1487) and 43° (JCPDS Card No. 75-1621), thus closely resembling the reduced graphene oxide. Furthermore, uniform and cleaner pores were observed for MWPR chars in contrast with heterogeneous surface and blocked pores for CPR chars.

Animal models have been utilized for decades to investigate the causes of human diseases and provide platforms for testing novel therapies. Indeed, breakthrough advances in genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models and xenograft transplantation technologies have dramatically benefited in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including cancer. The currently available GEM models have been employed to assess specific genetic changes that underlay many features of carcinogenesis, including variations in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. In addition, mice models render it easier to locate tumor biomarkers for the recognition, prognosis, and surveillance of cancer progression and recurrence. Furthermore, the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, which involves the direct surgical transfer of fresh human tumor samples to immunodeficient mice, has contributed significantly to advancing the field of drug discovery and therapeutics. Here, we provide a synopsis of mouse and zebrafish models used in cancer research as well as an interdisciplinary ‘Team Medicine’ approach that has not only accelerated our understanding of varied aspects of carcinogenesis but has also been instrumental in developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Sudden cardiac death in a young physically active individual or athlete is a rare but tragic event. Pre-participation screening and follow-up investigations are utilised to reduce the risk and occurrence of these events. Echocardiography plays a key role in the cardiac diagnostic pathway and aims to identify underlying inherited or congenital structural cardiac conditions. In 2013 the British Society of Echocardiography and Cardiac Risk in the Young produced a joint guidance document to support echocardiographers in this setting. The document was subsequently updated in 2018, and it is now timely to provide a further update to the guideline drawing on the advances in our knowledge alongside the developments in ultrasound technology within this nuanced area of sports cardiology. Graphical Abstract

Metal matrix composites of 6061Al - Al2O3 matrix are associated as standard materials inside the space of flying, car and marine applications to move forward the physical properties. Particulates of Al2O3 with 40 µm, 60 µm &100 µm were reinforced utilizing Die casting method. Next stage of fortress is being changed from 0-16wt% in steps of 4wt%. Microstructural characterization has been conducted for the composites to check the homogeneous movement of particles. Fatigue and Facture Toughness properties of 6061Al - Al2O3 composite have been inspected. Effect of fortress on the Disintegration, Shortcoming and Facture toughness properties was considered carefully. A considerable enhancement in Fatigue and Facture Toughness properties was observed by the incorporation of particulates. Formation uniformly dispersed particulates in the matrix was observed for the composite up to 12% filler composition.