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In the present study, the effect of MgO in the form of olivine flux on low- and high-alumina iron ore pellet mineralogy and pellet quality was studied. Green pellets were prepared by varying the MgO content from 0 to 1.5% with a basicity (CaO/SiO2) of 0.30. The pellets were tested for green pellet properties, cold crushing strength (CCS), and reduction degradation index (RDI) and fired at temperatures between 1300 and 1320 oC. An optical microscope with an image analyzer, SEM-EDS, was used to assess the mineralogical phases present in the pellets and the chemical analysis of the mineralogical phases, respectively. The laboratory tests showed that with increasing MgO addition in both low and high alumina pellets, magnesio-ferrite & silicate melt phases increased and the porosity and hematite phases decreased. The decrease in porosity was due to increase in silicate melt formation from the silica in the olivine. With increasing MgO addition, the CCS value of the pellets increased up to an MgO content of 0.9 to 1.1%. Thereafter, the CCS value of the pellets decreased with increasing MgO addition for both low and high alumina pellets. At an MgO content of 0.9 to 1.1%, the CCS value was higher due to the formation of a low melting point magnesio-ferrite phase, which imparted strength to the pellets. For pellets with an MgO level of >1.1, the RDI was within the control limit for both low- and high-alumina pellets. This may be due to a reduction in the porosity of the pellet and a better distribution of the silicate melt phase. Low-alumina pellets showed better physical and metallurgical properties compared to high-alumina iron ore pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10 year boy presented with history of abdominal pain and palpitation. Abdominal ultrasound and CT oriented towards the diagnosis. After preoperative optimization, laparotomy with complete excision of an unusual pheochromocytoma tumour of about 8x10 cm adherent to liver and IVC performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis without evidence of malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between admission cardiotocography and fetal outcome among high risk obstetrics patients. Methods: The study was a hospital based observational study of 130 patients, conducted at Paropakar maternity and Women's Hospital, Kathmandu from January 2014 to June 2014. A 20-minute cardiotocography reading was done in admission room and reading was categorized in 3 groups- reactive, equivocal and ominous. The results were compared to see the relationship between normal and abnormal admission test in terms of color of liquor, mode of delivery, Apgar score at 5 minutes, neonatal resuscitation needed and NICU admission. Results: Result of admission test (AT) was reactive in 95(73.1%), equivocal in 19(14.6%) and ominous in 16(12.3%) which has significant relationship with mode of delivery (p-value=0.003), color of liquor (p-value=0.000), Apgar score at 5 minutes (p-value=0.000) and perinatal outcome (p-value=0.00). Incidences of vaginal deliveries were more common when the test was reactive whereas operative deliveries were more common when the AT was ominous/equivocal. Conclusions: Admission test is simple, cost effective and non-invasive technique for detecting fetal hypoxia and predicting fetal outcome that can serve as a screening tool in triaging fetuses of high-risk patients in developing countries with a heavy workload and limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resiliency to the adverse effects of extraordinary emotional trauma on the brain varies within the human population. Accordingly, some people cope better than others with traumatic stress. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino-acid peptide transmitter abundantly expressed in forebrain limbic and brain stem areas that regulate stress and emotional behaviors. Studies largely in rodents demonstrate a role for NPY in promoting coping with stress. Moreover, accruing data from the genetic to the physiological implicate NPY as a potential 'resilience-to-stress' factor in humans. Here, we consolidate findings from preclinical and clinical studies of NPY that are of relevance to stress-associated syndromes, most prototypically posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Collectively, these data suggest that reduced central nervous system (CNS) NPY concentrations or function may be associated with PTSD. We also link specific symptoms of human PTSD with extant findings in the NPY field to reveal potential physiological contributions of the neuropeptide to the disorder. In pursuit of understanding the physiological basis and treatment of PTSD, the NPY system is an attractive target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During preclinical wear evaluation of joint replacement components bacterial contamination is a concern. However, there are no standardized procedures to retard microbial growth and little is known about the potential effects on friction and wear. Recently, the fraction of low-molecular weight proteins has been shown to decrease in the presence of bacteria and it is well established that the lubricant proteins play an important role in the wear of polyethylene components. In this case report we show that the presence of bacterial and fungal contamination can alter polyethylene friction and wear. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pins were tested in a pin-on-flat tribometer using two bovine serum lubricants, A and B, identical, except that lubricant B contained a bactericide and fungicide (gentamicin and Fungizone®, respectively). Each test consisted of consecutive 250,000 cycle runs after which the pins were cleaned and weighed and fresh lubricant was used for the next run. Wear was determined gravimetrically and chemically via a tracer substance. The presence of the anti-microbial agents stabilized the friction coefficient around 0.06, which otherwise increased to values above 0.1 after an incubation period of 150,000 cycles. The bactericide also led to a significant reduction in the polyethylene wear rate, and wear factors obtained with lubricant B were six-fold lower than those in lubricant A. The results of this case study suggest the possibility that microbial contamination should be considered as a potential factor in evaluating the wear rate of polyethylene. Reproducible polyethylene wear testing may therefore entail proper bactericidal and fungicidal protocols. These results also suggest that the effects of joint infections on the wear of prosthetic bearing surfaces and concomitant clinical implications bear investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present structural, stress, and electrical properties of plasma assisted e-beam evaporated hafnium dioxide (HfO2) layers on n-type InP substrates. These layers have subsequently been used for surface passivation of InGaAs/InP heterostructure bipolar transistors either alone or in combination with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited SiO2 layers. The use of stacked HfO2/SiO2 results in better interface quality with InGaAs/InP heterostructures, as illustrated by smaller leakage current and improved breakdown voltage. These improvements can be attributed to the reduced defect density and charge trapping at the dielectric-semiconductor interface. The deposition at room temperature makes these films suitable for sensitive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Non-specific binding of Y receptor agonists to intact CHO cells, and to CHO cell or rat brain particulates, is much greater for human neuropeptide Y (hNPY) compared to porcine peptide Y (pPYY), and especially relative to human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP). This binding of hNPY is reduced by alkali cations in preference to non-ionic chaotrope urea, while the much lower non-specific binding of pPYY is more sensitive to urea. The difference could mainly be due to the 10–16 stretch in 36-residue Y agonists (residues 8–14 in N-terminally clipped 34-peptides), located in the sector that contains all acidic residues of physiological Y agonists. Anionic pairs containing aspartate in the 10–16 zone could be principally responsible for non-specific attachments, but may also aid the receptor site binding. Two such pairs are found in hNPY, one in pPYY, and none in hPP. The hydroxyl amino acid residue at position 13 in mammalian PYY and PP molecules could lower conformational plasticity and the non-selective binding via intrachain hydrogen bonding. The acidity of this tract could also be important in agonist selectivity of the Y receptor subtypes. The differences point to an evolutionary reduction of promiscuous protein binding from NPY to PP, and should also be important for Y agonist selectivity within NPY receptor group, and correlate with partial agonism and out-of group cross-reactivity with other receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smelting reduction of iron ore-coal composite pellets has been carried out in an induction furnace. The pellets, tied with tungsten wire, were immersed into the liquid metal bath. The experiments were carried out in the temperature range of 1713 K to 1733 K. For 16-18 mm diameter pellets, it was observed that (i) the time required for complete dissolution in liquid metal bath is 83-90 seconds, (ii) the fraction of reduction for 40 seconds of immersion varied from 0.68-0.87 for Jharia coal pellets and 0.73-0.92 for Bhilai coal pellets, and (iii) the fraction of reduction increases with decreasing Fe/C ratio and increasing immersion period. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of reduced pellets showed that the reduction occurred topochemically. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination of partially reduced pellets evinced the structural changes in pellets. The present investigation aims to assess the effect of Fe/C ratio in pellet, volatile matter in coal, and time of pellet immersion into liquid metal bath on reduction of iron ore-coal composite pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of fines and superfines are generated in Indian iron ore and coal mines due to mechanized mining and mineral dressing operations. Utilization of these fines for extracting metal is of vital concern for resource utilization and pollution control. For agglomeration of these fines, a suitable binder is required. Iron ore-coal composite pellets were prepared by cold bonding. Various binders such as lime, Ca(OH)2, slaked lime, dextrose, molasses, and sodium polyacrylate (SPA), alone or in combination, were employed for making composite briquettes. The slaked lime-dextrose combination produced the highest strength among the various binders employed for producing composite briquettes and was therefore selected for producing composite pellets for the smelting reduction. In cold bonding, the composite pellets attain the requisite properties due to physico-chemical changes of the binder in ambient conditions. It was possible to obtain a dry strength of more than 300 N per pellet in some cases and more than 200 N per pellet in many trials. Drop strength and shatter index values of composite pellets were also measured. In the present paper an attempt has been made to evaluate the mechanical properties of cold-bonded composite pellets so as to throw some light on the capacity of these pellets to withstand stresses during handling and transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Internalization of cloned rat or human Y4 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells increased with concentration of all types of Y4 agonists, including human and rat pancreatic polypeptides, the Y1 receptor group co-agonists possessing C-terminal TRPRY.NH2 pentapeptide, and a C-terminally amidated dimeric nonapeptide related to neuropeptide Y, GR231118. These peptides also inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in Y4 receptor-expressing cells, and stimulated the binding of 35S-labeled GTP-γ-S to pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins in particulates from these cells. Peptide VD-11 (differing from GR231118 only by C-terminal oxymethylation) acted as a competitive antagonist in all of the above processes. Agonist-induced stimulation of the Y4 receptor internalization persisted in the presence of allosteric inhibitors of hPP binding, N5-substituted amilorides, which also were relatively little active in G-protein stimulation and cyclase inhibition by Y4 agonists. Acceleration of Y4 receptor internalization by agonists apparently is related to relaxation of allosteric constraints to ligand attachment and sequestration of the receptor–ligand complex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The glucocorticoid-induced receptor (GIR) is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor awaiting pharmacological characterization. GIR was originally identified in murine thymoma cells, and shows a widespread, yet not completely complementary distribution in mouse and human brain. Expression of the mouse GIR gene is modulated by dexamethasone in the brain and periphery, suggesting that GIR function is directly responsive to glucocorticoid signals. The rat GIR was cloned from rat prefrontal cortex by our group and was shown to be up-regulated following chronic amphetamine. The physiological role of GIR in the rat is not known at present. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the potential functions of GIR in the rat, we performed a detailed mapping of GIR mRNA expression in the rat brain. GIR mRNA showed widespread distribution in forebrain limbic and thalamic structures, and a more restricted distribution in hindbrain areas such as the spinal trigeminal nucleus and the median raphe nucleus. Areas with moderate to high levels of GIR include olfactory regions such as the nucleus of olfactory tract, hippocampus, various thalamic nuclei, cortical layers, and some hypothalamic nuclei. In comparison with previous studies, significant regional differences exist in GIR distribution in mouse and rat brain, particularly in the thalamus, striatum and in hippocampus at a cellular level. Overall, the expression of GIR in rat brain more closely approaches that seen previously in human than mouse, suggesting that rat models may be more informative for understanding the role of GIR in glucocorticoid physiology and glucocorticoid-related disease states. GIR mRNA distribution in the rat indicates a potential role of this receptor in the control of feeding and ingestive behavior, regulation of stress and emotional behavior, learning and memory, and, drug reinforcement and reward. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A case study of 6 Year old female child with Taenia saginata, a food-borne disease, is presented, and mentions importance of early and correct identification of the Taenia species for treating the disease.

Specular iron ores are medium grade iron ores suitable for the use in agglomeration process. However, due to their hard texture, undesirable particle size and shape, poor assimilation performance and low reactivity at high temperature, its uses in agglomeration is very limited and restricted to almost 3-10% at most of the plants. In the present study, the effect of specular iron ore on sintering performance and sinter qualities are examined. It was observed that an increased proportion of specular iron ore in sinter blend showed poor sintering performance in both laboratory scale studies and plant scale trials. In the present work, the effect of blending of specular iron ore with goethite iron ore in sinter mix on sintering performance was examined and an optimum iron ore blend ratio for sustainable performance and quality was proposed. To increase the specular iron ore usage in sintering, goethitic iron ore up to 30% was introduced in sinter blend to overcome the deteriorating nature of specular iron ore. The goethite iron ore contains chemically bonded water which gets removed at higher temperatures (300-500°C) during sintering. The evaporated water gets cooled at lower bed and condenses which retards the air flow during sintering process and thus the combustion zone stays for longer time allowing better melt assimilation and sinter qualities. The poor melt assimilation of specularite is thus countered in presence of goethite iron ore. Having better reactive and hydrophilic nature of goethite iron ore, nullifying or reducing the ill effect of poor reactive and hydrophobic characteristics of specular iron ore during granulation and sintering process. Therefore, the blended specular and goethite iron ore resulted in improved sintering rate and consequently improved sinter productivity. The present work proposed usage of up to 30% of specular iron ore when blended with goethite iron ore in sinter making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous carbon films were prepared by radio frequency plasma deposition from benzene and fluorinated benzenes: C6H6-mFm with m=0–6. The films have been characterized spectroscopically. The infrared spectrum shows that besides hydrogen, fluorine is incorporated in the films. With increasing m the concentration of fluorine in the film increases while the amount of chemically bonded hydrogen decreases and vanishes for m>3. The properties of these hydrogenated fluorinated amorphous carbon films (a-C:H,F) are qualitatively similar to those of hard carbon coatings (a-C:H) prepared from benzene. However, the deposition rate has been found to rise significantly (up to 900 nm min-1) with increasing fluorine content, m, in the substituted benzene. Optical data and protective properties of the films are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• House dust mite (HDM) induces a Th2-skewed lung immune response in C57Bl/6 mice. • HDM treated mice elicit lower freezing during fear extinction. • No significant alterations in brain Th cell subsets were observed in HDM mice. • HDM-exposed mice had reduced ΔFosB cells in the basolateral amygdala. • Data highlight beneficial interactions of Th2-immune mediators with fear circuits. There is a growing interest for studying the impact of chronic inflammation, particularly lung inflammation, on the brain and behavior. This includes asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition, that has been associated with psychiatric conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although asthma is driven by elevated production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13), which drive asthma symptomology, recent work demonstrates that concomitant Th1 or Th17 cytokine production can worsen asthma severity. We previously demonstrated a detrimental link between PTSD-relevant fear behavior and allergen-induced lung inflammation associated with a mixed Th2/Th17-inflammatory profile in mice. However, the behavioral effects of Th2-skewed airway inflammation, typical to mild/moderate asthma, are unknown. Therefore, we investigated fear conditioning/extinction in allergen house dust mite (HDM)-exposed C57Bl/6 mice, a model of Th2-skewed allergic asthma. Behaviors relevant to panic, anxiety, and depression were also assessed. Furthermore, we investigated the accumulation of Th2/Th17-cytokine-expressing cells in lung and brain, and the neuronal activation marker, ΔFosB, in fear regulatory brain areas. HDM-exposed mice elicited lower freezing during fear extinction with no effects on acquisition and conditioned fear. No HDM effect on panic, anxiety or depression-relevant behaviors was observed. While HDM evoked a Th2-skewed immune response in lung tissue, no significant alterations in brain Th cell subsets were observed. Significantly reduced ΔFosB+ cells in the basolateral amygdala of HDM mice were observed post extinction. Our data indicate that allergen-driven Th2-skewed responses may induce fear extinction promoting effects, highlighting beneficial interactions of Th2-associated immune mediators with fear regulatory circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe viral disease that primarily affects the central nervous system. It is caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and is transmitted through tick bites. Europe is currently experiencing a rapid increase in TBE cases, with notable outbreaks in countries like Sweden, Denmark, and France. The rise in cases is attributed to climate change, which creates a favorable environment for ticks. TBE can present with a range of symptoms, and there is currently no specific antiviral treatment available. Prevention through vaccination is recommended, and recent research has also identified alternative transmission routes through foodborne routes and breast milk. Effective strategies to address TBE include raising awareness, regular surveillance, public health campaigns, and research for better vaccines and treatments. Collaboration and data sharing are crucial for understanding the spread of the disease and implementing effective measures. [Extracted from the article]

One hundred cowpea genotypes were screened against Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) by artificial inoculation genotypes. The genotypes showed different disease reaction viz., immune, resistant, moderately resistant, Sap moderately susceptible, susceptible and highly susceptible. The SSR markers were characterized using a total of 25 randomly selected resistance and susceptible cowpea genotypes. Among, 10 SSR markers used to screen polymorphism, only 4 primers were found to be polymorphic and they were used for characterization and finding out genetic relationship of cowpea genotypes. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of these SSR markers ranged from 0.23 to 0.37 and single marker analysis (SMA) revealed, out of these 4 SSR markers M 135 marker explained 28.2 % of phenotypic variation (R2). The banding pattern of all cowpea genotypes were scored and dendrogram was constructed. A dendrogram of these genotypes based on SSR polymorphism divided into two major clusters at 35 % similarity. Cluster I was the biggest with 20 genotypes which was further separated as three sub-clusters. Whereas, 5 genotypes grouped in cluster II with two small sub-clusters. The clustering pattern of resistant and susceptible genotypes was not clear, however resistant genotypes such as V-5 and IC 8996 clustered in one group with 100 % similarity. The information provided by the identified markers would be very useful in breeding programs to select cowpea lines resistance to BCMV disease and M 135 was found to be good for rapid and accurate screening of cowpea genotypes against BCMV disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bed permeability, rate of reductant and productivity of blast furnace (BF) performance mainly depends on both iron bearing material but also carbonaceous material. Most of the BFs have the sinter being a major burden; hence, in JSW Steel Ltd, four sinter plants are operating to fulfill the four BF's requirement. For efficient BF operations, sinter plants are key units whose proper performance is vital to produce desired sinter strength. The tumbler index of the sinter is an important property of the sinter, and sinter strength depends on the raw material composition and machine parameters. For smooth sinter plants operation, changes to the operating conditions should be few and precise. To achieve this, a much better understanding of the mechanisms relating control inputs to a sinter production rate and quality needs to be established. In the present work, a neural network based model has been developed and trained relating sinter strength with a set of nine process variables, namely, basicity, Al2O3/SiO2, MgO, MnO, FeO, moisture, coke breeze, burnthrough temperature and machine speed, to predict the tumbler index ( − 6.3 mm) of the sinter. The variables to which strength of the sinter was most sensitive were Al2O3/SiO2, basicty, machine speed, and MgO, MnO and FeO. Tumbler index of the sinter was influenced by sinter porosity, which was itself determined by the firing temperature and green sinter mix carbon content. The predicted results were in good agreement with the actual data with < 3.5% error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Editor, After Asia, Africa contributes to the greatest number of Rabies cases. Zero by 30: The Global Strategic Plan to End Human Deaths From Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030: United Against Rabies Collaboration: First Annual Progress Report: Global Strategic Plan to End Human Deaths From Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030. The increase in confirmed human rabies cases highlight the need to promptly resume, and scale up rabies elimination efforts especially mass dog vaccination. In Africa, like most other rabies endemic regions, the domestic dog is the principal reservoir host responsible for transmitting rabies to humans in 99% cases through bites or scratches. [Extracted from the article]

Despite these interventions, there is no detection of serovar new serovar of dengue and dengue-like illness (Kathmandu Syndrome?) is on the rise in Kathmandu. Dengue is a febrile disease caused by the dengue virus (Flaviviridae Family) transmitted by I Aedes i mosquitoes ( I Aedes aegypti i and I Aedes albopictus i ). [Extracted from the article]

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert about the Camel virus [Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)]. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - Qatar, 12 May 2022. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON370 (24 November 2022, date last accessed). [Extracted from the article]

In this research paper, we have derived the formula for both the changes in energy ( δE) and entropy ( δS) and thereafter calculated the change in entropy ( δS) with corresponding change in energy ( δE) taking account the first law of the black hole mechanics relating the change in mass M, angular momentum J, horizon area A and charge Q, of a stationary black hole, when it is perturbed, given by formula satisfying in the vacuum as $\delta M = \frac{k}{8\pi} \delta A + \Omega\delta J - \upsilon\delta Q$, specially for Non-spinning black holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Y2 receptor for neuropeptide Y (NPY) interacts with pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins, but little is known about interdependence of their levels and functions. We found that PTX reduces Y2 receptors expressed in CHO cells in parallel to inactivation of Gi G-proteins, to loss of inhibition by Y2 agonists of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase, and to decrease in the binding of GTP-γ-S. These losses were attenuated by the endosome alkalinizer ammonium chloride. Affinity of the Y2 receptor was not changed by PTX treatment. Prolonged treatment induced a large decrease of Y2 receptor immunoreactivity (more than 70% in 48 h). The Gi3 α-subunit immunoreactivity decreased slowly (about 46% in 48 h). There was a significant increase in Gq α immunoreactivity and in fraction of Y2 binding sensitive to a Gq-selective antagonist. Possibly linked to that, the surface Y2 sites and the internalization of the Y2 receptor were less than 40% reduced. However, the abundant masked Y2 sites were eliminated by the toxin, and could be mainly coupled to PTX-sensitive G-proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neuropeptides, and is likely to be present at nanomolar levels over extended periods in the synaptic space of many forebrain areas. This might be linked to an evolved generalized toning activity through a number of other peptide receptors that use C-terminally amidated agonists (with LHRH and orexin receptors and GIR as examples). However, the Y1 and Y2 receptors (which constitute the bulk of Y receptors active in the neural matrix) possess subnanomolar affinities that, at saturating NPY levels, could produce excessive signaling, as well as receptor losses via repeated endocytosis. The related Y4 receptor shows an even higher agonist affinity, and faces the same problem in visceral and neural locations accessible to pancreatic polypeptide (PP). An examination of agonist peptide interaction with Y receptors shows that Y1 and Y4 receptors in particular (as located on either the intact cells, or on particulates derived from various cell types) develop a blockade dependent on ligand concentration, with the blocking ranks of [NPY]≫[peptide YY] (PYY) for the Y1, and [human PP]⋙[PYY-related Y4 agonist] for the Y4 receptor. This blockade is also echoed in a concentration-related reduction in biological activity of primary agonists (NPY and PP), resembling a partial agonism, and is influenced especially by the allosteric interactivity of agonists. With the Y2 receptor, the blocking by agonists is less pronounced, but the signaling by NPY-related peptides is apparently less than with PYY-related agonists. The extended occupancy and self-attenuation of primary agonist activity at Y receptors could represent an evolutionary solution contributing to a balancing of metabolic signaling, agonist clearance and receptor conservation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A mutation (C677T) in the gene,MTHFR, is known to increase susceptibility to various multifactorial disorders. In order to assess thissingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) as risk factor for idiopathic male infertility, a case–control study was done on an Indian population. DNA from 151 cases of non-obstruction, idiopathic oligo-/azoospermia and 200 fertile males (controls) was polymerase chain reaction amplified using site-specific primers, and analysed for the mutation followingHinfI-digestion. Our results show a significantly increased frequency of CT heterozygotes among infertile patients (pvalue<0.04). More importantly, while there were no T homozygotes in the control population, six of 151 infertile cases were T homozygous. Considering that T allele occurs in very low frequency in the control population, 677T is clearly a risk factor for infertility in the Indian population. We contend that the same could also be true for African and Southeast Asian populations where the frequency of 677T is very low. The lack of similar association in western populations could be because of the overall dietary enrichment of folates, which could nullify or minimize the effect of this polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Under the unique Japanese policy to restrict reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a nationwide number of its confirmed cases and mortality remains to be low. Yet the information is lacking on geographical differences of these measures and their associated factors. Aim Evaluation of prefecture-based geographical differences and associated predictors for the incidence and number of RT-PCR tests for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Design Cross-sectional study using regression and correlation analysis. Methods We retrieved domestic laboratory-confirmed cases, deaths and the number of RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 from 15 January to 6 April 2020 in 47 prefectures in Japan, using publicly available data by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. We did descriptive analyses of these three measures and identified significant predictors for the incidence and RT-PCR testing through multiple regression analyses and correlates with the number of deaths through correlation analysis. Results The median prefectural-level incidence and number of RT-PCR testing per 100 000 population were 1.14 and 38.6, respectively. Multiple regression analyses revealed that significant predictors for the incidence were prefectural-level population (P  <   0.001) and the number of RT-PCR testing (P  =   0.03); and those for RT-PCR testing were the incidence (P  =   0.025), available beds (P  =   0.045) and cluster infections (P  =   0.034). Conclusion Considering bidirectional association between the incidence and RT-PCR testing, there may have been an underdiagnosed population for the infection. The restraint policy for RT-PCR testing should be revisited to meet the increasing demand under the COVID-19 epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• House dust mite (HDM) induces severe asthma-like responses in A/J mice. • HDM treated mice elicit higher freezing during fear extinction. • HDM increased total brain Th17 cells and activated microglia in BBB-deficient areas. • HDM exposed mice had increased ΔFosB cells in forebrain fear regulatory regions. • Peripheral airway-immune-brain interactions are relevant to asthma-PTSD risk. Fear-associated conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic disorder (PD) are highly prevalent. There is considerable interest in understanding contributory risk and vulnerability factors. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronically elevated inflammatory load may be a potential risk factor for these disorders. In this regard, an association of asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition, with PTSD and PD has been reported. Symptoms of PD and PTSD are more prevalent in severe asthmatics, compared to those with mild or moderate asthma suggesting that factors that influence the severity of asthma, may also influence susceptibility to the development of fear-related disorders. There has been relatively little progress in identifying contributory factors and underlying mechanisms, particularly, the translation of severe asthma-associated lung inflammation to central neuroimmune alterations and behavioral manifestations remains unclear. The current study investigated the expression of behaviors relevant to PD and PTSD (CO 2 inhalation and fear conditioning/extinction) in A/J mice using a model of severe allergic asthma associated with a mixed T helper 2 (Th2) and Th17 immune response. We also investigated the accumulation of Th2- and Th17-cytokine expressing cells in lung and brain tissue, microglial alterations, as well as neuronal activation marker, delta FosB (ΔFosB)) in fear and panic regulatory brain areas. HDM-exposed mice elicited higher freezing during fear extinction. CO 2 -associated spontaneous and conditioned freezing, as well as anxiety or depression-relevant exploratory and coping behaviors were not altered by HDM treatment. A significant increase in brain Th17-associated inflammatory mediators was observed prior to behavioral testing, accompanied by microglial alterations in specialized blood brain barrier-compromised circumventricular area, subfornical organ. Post extinction measurements revealed increased ΔFosB staining within the medial prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala in HDM-treated mice. Collectively, our data show modulation of brain immune mechanisms and fear circuits by peripheral airway inflammation, and is relevant to understanding the risk and comorbidity of asthma with fear-associated disorders such as PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) can result in a complex three-dimensional (3D) deformity of the proximal femur. A three-plane proximal femoral osteotomy (TPFO) has been described to improve hip mechanics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of using 3D print technology to aid in surgical planning. Patients and Methods Fifteen children treated with TPFO for symptomatic proximal femoral deformity due to SCFE were included in this study. Ten patients were treated by a single surgeon with (model group, n = 5) or without (no-model group, n = 5) a 3D model for pre-operative planning, and compared with patients treated by two senior partners without the use of a model (senior group, n = 5) to evaluate for a learning curve. Peri-operative data including patient body mass index (BMI), surgical time and fluoroscopy time were recorded. Results Children in all three groups had similar BMIs at the time of the TPFO. Post-operative radiographic parameters were equally improved in all three groups. On average, surgical time decreased by 45 minutes and 38 minutes, and fluoroscopy time decreased by 50% and 25%, in the model group compared with the no-model and senior groups, respectively. Conclusions Patient-specific 3D models aid in surgical planning for complex 3D orthopaedic deformities by enabling practice of osteotomies. Results suggest that 3D models may decrease surgical time and fluoroscopy time while allowing for similar deformity correction. These models may be especially useful to overcome steep learning curves for complex procedures or in trainee education through mock surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pangasius pangasius, an endangered freshwater fish species, is an important component of capture fishery from Indian rivers. Samples collected through commercial catches from three riverine populations were analyzed with cytb (307 bp) and ATPase6&8 (842 bp) regions for population variation and differentiation. The sequences of the both the mitochondrial regions revealed high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity. Shallow genetic diversity based on ATPase6&8 was observed, however its haplotypes network clearly indicated two distinct mitochondrial lineages. Mismatch distribution suggested population bottlenecks followed by expansion in Mahanadi population. The present study indicated the ATPase6&8 to be a potential mitochondrial marker for studying the population sub-structuring in the wild population of P. pangasius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro electromechanical systems are a matter of intense research pursuing to replace silicon and III–V semiconductor-based components in prospective radio frequency communication devices. Due to their unique material properties, microstructures combining doped nano-crystalline diamond (NCD) and AlN thin films are promising for piezo-actuated microsystems in order to increase operating frequencies. In this work, single and doubly clamped unimorph NCD-on-AlN micro-resonators were fabricated and then characterized by laser vibrometry towards their flexural resonant frequencies in the range of 0.1–20 MHz to deduce their mechanical properties. Enhancements in the structural properties of an AlN piezo-actuator united with an advanced elasticity of nano-diamond electrode lead to superior mechanical parameters of the resulting unimorphs. These allow for the fabrication of flexural resonant microsystems with a potential to extend the operating frequencies well above 1 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glucocorticoid-induced receptor ( GIR) is a stress-responsive gene that is abundantly expressed in forebrain limbic regions. Glucocorticoid-induced receptor has been classified as a Neuropeptide Y-like receptor, however, physiological attributes have not been investigated. In this study, mice lacking GIR (−/−) were screened in various paradigms related to stress, anxiety, activity, memory, fear and reward. GIR −/− mice elicited behavioral insensitivity to the anxiogenic effects of restraint stress. However, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis response to stress was not impacted by GIR deficiency. Increased preference for sucrose was observed in GIR −/− mice suggestive of modulation of reward-associated behaviors by the receptor. A delayed acquisition of spatial learning was also observed in GIR −/− mice. There were no effects of genotype on the modulation of anxiety-like behavior, activity, fear-conditioning and extinction. Our data extend previous studies on GIR regulation by glucocorticoids and provide novel evidence for a role of GIR in reward, learning and the behavioral outcomes of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unimorph heterostructures based on piezoelectric aluminum nitride (AlN) and diamond thin films are highly desirable for applications in micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems. In this paper, we present a new approach to combine thin conductive boron-doped as well as insulating nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) with sputtered AlN films without the need for any buffer layers between AlN and NCD or polishing steps. The zeta potentials of differently treated nanodiamond (ND) particles in aqueous colloids are adjusted to the zeta potential of AlN in water. Thereby, the nucleation density for the initial growth of diamond on AlN can be varied from very low (108 cm-2), in the case of hydrogen-treated ND seeding particles, to very high values of 1011 cm-2 for oxidized ND particles. Our approach yielding high nucleation densities allows the growth of very thin NCD films on AlN with thicknesses as low as 40 nm for applications such as microelectromechanical beam resonators. Fabricated piezo-actuated micro-resonators exhibit enhanced mechanical properties due to the incorporation of boron-doped NCD films. Highly boron-doped NCD thin films which replace the metal top electrode offer Young's moduli of more than 1000 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extend the tuning capabilities of radio frequency devices, coupled microelectromechanical systems are often employed. In this letter, we demonstrate piezoelectrically actuated, electrically tuneable resonator systems based on coupled micromechanical oscillators operating in a flexural vibration mode. The substantial enhancement in electrostatic coupling was achieved due to the implementation of lateral nanogaps of 100-200 nm between single resonator bars. This allows for resonator synchronization and precise system frequency tuning by over a factor of two, relative to its initial value. Additionally, a simple electro-mechanical model has been developed to describe the dynamic behavior of the electrostatically coupled oscillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Children in developing countries are prone to infectious diseases due to insufficient and inappropriate feeding practices. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors directly and indirectly play a role in influencing infant feeding practices. This study was conducted to assess the sociodemographic and economic factors associated with initiation of breastfeeding, complimentary feeding, and the various prelacteal feeds practiced in Kaski, Pokhara. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, interviews were conducted to 500 mothers at Manipal Teaching Hospital who brought their child for treatment. The interviews were conducted in a questionnaire format relating to their demographic and financial statuses. Results: A total of 500 mothers were questioned, out of which 86.6% gave their child breastmilk as its first food. 47% initiated breastfeeding within half an hour of child's birth. 86% gave Jaulo as the first complementary food to their children. About 26% of the mothers gave complementary feeding to their children before the recommended time of 6 months. Conclusion: Initiation of breastfeeding after life and complementary feeding practices overall has improved from previous studies. There is still need of making awareness campaigns and such in order to further improve this trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong genetic and epidemiological evidence supports an asthma-PTSD association, however, contributory immune mediators/mechanisms are unclear. Here, we examined a direct role of severe asthma associated Th17/ IL-17A in regulating PTSD-relevant behaviors using mouse aeroallergen house dust mite (HDM) models. 3 strategies were used: 1) BALBc-C5a receptor treatment that shifts Th2 mild asthma phenotype to Th17/IL17a expansion; 2) IL-17a receptor knockout mice and 3) sufficiency testing with intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of recombinant IL17a effects on behavior. Fear conditioning and extinction, maze exploration and social behaviors were assessed. Absence of IL-17 signaling attenuated HDM effects on fear extinction while induction of Th17/IL-17 in the BALBc/anti-C5aR1 treated mice resulted in compromised fear extinction. ICV IL-17a promoted an anxiogenic phenotype and impaired social behaviors. Preliminary evidence suggests a role of cortical mechanisms (under investigation). Overall, our work highlights severe asthma inflammatory mediator IL17a in regulating PTSD-relevant behaviors. Beyond asthma-PTSD, our findings have relevant implications for other pulmonary (e.g. COVID-19) and autoimmune inflammatory conditions and PTSD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]