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A thunderstorm is one of the most severe weather hazards impacting aviation services in India. The flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, are highly dependent on the possibility of thunderstorm occurrence over or in the vicinity of the aerodrome. During the monsoon season, the atmosphere becomes moist and unstable, so the probability of dry thunderstorms decreases, and thunderstorms often occur with rain. However, there are days when a dry thunderstorm occurs, even during the monsoon season. An attempt has been made to study the climatology of dry thunderstorm (TS) days by a comparative analysis of such days against the days with thunderstorms and rain (TSR). A significant correlation has been observed between thunderstorm days, rainy days, average rainfall, and maximum temperature for September in comparison to other months of monsoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted for diagnosis of tumors by using foldscope in comparison with conventional microscope. A total of 100 cytological smears including 92 lymph node aspirates, seven peritoneal fluids and one pleural fluid of animals submitted to Centralized Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab from 1st December, 2019 to 19th August, 2020 were incorporated in the study. Out of which, 88 smears were identified as lymphoma, each two case of squamous cell carcinoma and transmissible venereal tumor in lymph node aspirate. Peritoneal fluid examined revealed seven cases of carcinoma and one case of hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed in pleural fluid. Foldscope was employed to observe the presence of anisocytosis, hypercellularity, pleomorphism, macrokaryosis, multinucleation, increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N:C), nuclear molding, abnormal mitosis and mitotic figures in the smears. The findings of foldscope matched the conventional microscope up to a magnification of 400X. The current study revealed that foldscope can be reliable diagnostic tool for study of cytological smears. Images clicked with foldscope can also be shared with experts for opinion with the help of smart phone attached to foldscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ante-mortem diagnosis of rabies is highly desirable for veterinary as well as medical fraternity. Recently with advent of molecular approaches it has become feasible using saliva, skin and urine samples. However, there has been ambiguity about the comparative efficacy of molecular approaches while targeting different genes of rabies virus. Thus, present study was envisaged to diagnose rabies from skin samples using hemi-nested (Hn) RT-PCR. The sensitivity of Hn RT-PCR was compared by targeting nucleoprotein (N) gene and polymerase (L) gene of virus in rabies suspected animals. Skin biopsy samples were collected for antemortem diagnosis of rabies from rabies suspected animals presented to the Veterinary Clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana (India) over a period of 12 months. FAT on brain tissue of the same animals was used as a reference method to establish true positive and true negative cases. Out of 34 skin samples, the sensitivity of molecular detection of rabies by L-gene primers was 95.83% and that of by N-gene primers was 83.33%, with accuracy of 97.05% and 88.23% while targeting L gene and N gene, respectively, whereas both the approaches detected rabies from skin samples with 100% specificity. Thus, Hn RT-PCR targeting L-gene is more sensitive than N-gene for antemortem detection of rabies virus RNA from skin samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) causes increased reactive oxygen species production and neuroinflammation. Centella asiatica (CA) is a strong antioxidant. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of C. asiatica (HA-CA) on 3-NP-induced HD in adult zebrafish. Adult zebrafish (∼5-6 months old) weighing 470 to 530 mg was used and treated with 3-NP (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]). The animals received HA-CA (80 and 100 mg/L) daily for up to 28 days in water. Tetrabenazine (3 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a standard drug. We have done an open field test (for locomotor activity), a novel tank diving test (for anxiety), and a light and dark tank test (for memory), followed by biochemical analysis (acetyl-cholinesterase [AchEs], nitrite, lipid peroxidation [LPO], and glutathione [GSH]) and histopathology to further confirm memory dysfunctions. 3-NP-treated zebrafish exhibit reductions in body weight, progressive neuronal damage, cognition, and locomotor activity. The HA-CA group significantly reduced the 3-NP-induced increase in LPO, AchEs, and nitrite levels while decreasing GSH levels. Oral administration of HA-CA (80 or 100 mg/L) significantly reduces 3-NP-induced changes in body weight and behaviors, in addition to neuroinflammation in the brain by lowering tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β levels. Moreover, HA-CA significantly decreases the 3-NP-induced neuronal damage in the brain. HA-CA ameliorates neurotoxicity and neurobehavioral deficits in 3-NP-induced HD-like symptoms in adult zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fog and associated significant reduced visibility lead to flight cancellation, delay and diversion at IGI airport during the winter months every year. In the present study, a 24-hr and 48-hr fog/visibility forecast with value addition method has been implemented at IGI airport during the months of December and January, 2020–2021. The meteorological parameters information related to fog is obtained from IMD-GFS model outputs. A detailed forecast verification has also been carried out using the METAR and synoptic observations. Results indicated that the 24-hr fog/visibility forecast has promising skill score with a hit rate of 0.92 and Critical Success Index (CSI) of 0.68, whereas the false alarm ratio (0.28) is quite low. This indicates that the method has reasonable predictive accuracy and can be used for fog/visibility forecasting at regional scale. However, the 48-hr forecast scheme performance needs to be improved. In addition, detailed analysis has also been performed on various surface meteorological parameters such as wind speed and relative humidity during the period and the results were in agreement with the fog/visibility observations in most of the cases. In future, the current fog/visibility forecasting method would be further improved with increased robustness of the models used and also be objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is well known throughout the world for its treasure of tremendous varieties of spices and medicinal plants. In early history spices and herbs have been in use for culinary and therapeutic purposes because of their wide range of pharmacological and physiological properties. Spices and herbs offer several presumptive health benefits hence been in use for medical practices from ancient times. Apart from their properties to enhance the aroma, flavor, and color of food and beverages they also safeguard the human body from various acute, chronic diseases and chronic infections. Spices and herbs exhibit antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, glucose-lowering, and antioxidant properties. They offer a wide range of health benefits which is attributed to then-wide range of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, sulfur-containing compounds, curcumin, alkaloids, thymol, andpiperine, etc. Most of the species such as ginger, turmeric, liquorice, and holy basil, etc. are an excellent source of phenolic compounds which makes them an excellent antioxidant source. The recurrent ingestion of spicy foods lowers the risk of cancer, ischemic heart, and respiratory disorders. Apart from their several health benefits, spices and herbs are also a good source of phytochemicals hence can be used for the preservation of food and beverages. The pandemic of COVID-19 has increased the importance of body immunity power which can be achieved by the consumption of spices and herbs. In this literature, we will discuss major spices and herbs of India and their potential health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to investigate spray-dried mebendazole (MBZ)–loaded Soluplus-based polymeric micelles (MBZ@PMs) for improved solubility and bioabsorption upon oral administration. Following the MBZ@PM preparation, the formed micellar preparation was examined using FTIR, PXRD, DSC, and TEM techniques to determine its physical and chemical properties. Critical micelle concentration determination studies showed that Soluplus® can effectively generate stable polymeric micelles. Particle size analysis demonstrated spherical shape and a particle size of 538.7 ± 2.129 nm. Solubility studies demonstrated approximately eight times higher solubility of MBZ@PMs vis-à-vis MBZ in PBS pH 6.8 (90.16 ± 2.54 µg/mL v/s 11.97 ± 2.99 µg/mL). Stability studies confirmed that the size distribution and polydispersity index of the prepared polymeric micelles showed negligible variations. In vitro release studies revealed low MBZ release from MBZ@PMs (9.70 ± 3.2% in 2 h) at pH 1.2 and sustained (33.3 ± 3.9%) at PBS pH 6.8 in 48 h. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed approximately fourfold higher bioavailability (AUC0-ꝏ 153.81 ± 24.20 v/s 38.20 ± 5.55) and 1.5-fold extended half-life of MBZ from MBZ@PMs (2.13 ± 0.53 v/s 1.44 ± 0.36). Therefore, these unprecedented Soluplus®-based polymeric micelles of Mebendazole can be applied as a potential carrier system to improve the therapeutic efficacy of poorly water-soluble compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty wheat genotypes were evaluated at nine diverse locations in India to identify high-yielding and stable genotypes. The analysis of variance based on additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) indicated significant genotype, environment and genotype - environment (GE) interactions, with a total variation of 5.99, 20.23 and 73.77%, respectively. A biplot-AMMI analysis and yield stability index incorporating the AMMI stability value and yield in a single non-parametric index were used to discriminate the genotypes with highest and stable yield; the genotypes G135, G125, G104, G112 and G144 were found to be promising. Two mega environments (ME) were identified based on GGE (genotype and GE interaction) biplot analysis and the genotypes G119 and G120 and G107, G148 and G146 performed best in the mega-environments ME I and ME II, respectively. Both approaches allowed the identification of stable genotypes (G112 and G135), which can be included in the national testing program, with a view to release a new variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation has been identified as a promising method for enhancing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by reducing microbial count and boosting their defence mechanisms. In this study, the impact of UV-C radiation on the physical, biochemical, and microbial properties of sapota fruits was investigated by subjecting them to different doses (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kJ m−2; 12 ± 1°C; 85–90% relative humidity) to enhance their shelf life. The results revealed that higher doses of UV-C radiation resulted in significantly lower weight loss and higher firmness compared to untreated samples and samples treated with lower doses. Furthermore, UV-C-treated fruits displayed a delayed increase in total soluble solids, total sugar, and reduced sugar content compared to the untreated fruit during storage. The UV-C-treated fruits also exhibited a delayed decline in ascorbic acid and titratable acidity during storage. The treated fruits exhibited significantly higher phenolic content than the untreated fruits. Additionally, significantly lower decay and microbial count were observed in fruits treated with higher doses than in those treated with lower doses. The samples treated with a dose of 7.5 and 10 kJ m−2 had a shelf life of 25 days compared to 14 days for the control fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity and stability for grain yield (GY), 1000- grain weight (TGW), protein content (PC), grain iron (Fe) and grain zinc (Zn) concentration under three varied environmental locations using 28 diverse wheat genotypes (including three checks i.e., WH1105, DPW621-50, and HD2967). The material was sown at three locations during Rabi 2015-2016. Pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant variance due to environments for all the traits studied indicating differential response of the genotypes. The genotype BWL 3584 exhibited stable performance across the environments for grain yield and grain zinc concentration under un-favorable environment also shows potential for high grain yield and high grain zinc concentration. After further confirmation, genotype BWL 3584 could be utilized as potential donor in hybridization programme to improve grain yield and grain zinc concentration. Further, genotype SABW 225 showed consistent performance across the environments for TGW and PC content. Whereas, PBW 744 was found to be suitable for GY (6142 kg/ha), coupled with PC (12.09%) and Zn (52.18ppm) across the locations followed by PBW 725 (6094, 12.26 and 46.96) and BWL 3584 (5219, 12.63 and 50.23) GY, PC and Grain Zn, respectively)and BWL 3584 (5219, 12.63 and 50.23) could be utilized as a donor in routine breeding programme to improve grain yield and quality traits in bread wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to establish the potential of rifampicin loaded phospholipid lipospheres carrier for pulmonary application. Lipospheres were prepared with rifampicin and phospholipid in the ratio of 1:1 using spray drying method. Further, lipospheres were evaluated for flow properties and surface area measurement. The formulated lipospheres were evaluated in vitro for aerodynamic characterization and in vivo for lung pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies in Sprague Dawley rats. Powder flow properties finding suggested the free flowing nature of the lipospheres. In-vitro aerosol performance study indicated more than 80 ± 5% of the emitted dose (ED) and 77.61 ± 3% fine particles fraction (FPF). Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) were found to be 2.72 ± 0.13 μm and 3.28 ± 0.12, respectively. In-vitro aerosol performance study revealed the higher deposition at 3, 4 and 5 stages which simulates the trachea-primary bronchus, secondary and terminal bronchus of the human lung, respectively. The drug concentration from nebulized lipospheres in the non-targeted tissues was lesser than from rifampicin-aqueous solution. The pulmonary pharmacokinetic study demonstrated improved bioavailability, longer residence of drug in the lung and targeting factor of 8.03 for lipospheres as compared to rifampicin-aqueous solution. Thus, the results of the study demonstrated the potential of rifampicin lipospheres formulation would be of use as an alternative to existing oral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work is to develop rifampicin loaded phospholipid lipospheres containing sulfphobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin and Vitamin C for inhalation to test their potential for deep lung delivery. The findings of the solid state characterization revealed the amorphous nature of the lipospheres. These exhibited a better flowability, an aerodynamic diameter in the range of 1.76 to 3.99 μm. Moreover, the fine particle fraction and emitted dose was found in the range of 68.84-83.73% and 80-93%, respectively. Moreover, lipospheres exhibited enhanced/equivalent efficacy in vitro in H37Rv strain. Hence, the results show the potential of lipospheres for pulmonary delivery of rifampicin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optically transparent and electrically conducting aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin films of thickness 110, 350, and 500 nm have been deposited on unintentionally heated glass substrates by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering method to investigate their structural and optoelectrical properties. All thin films are shown to exhibit: 1) wurtzite–type hexagonal structure similar to ZnO with \(c\) -axis perpendicular to the substrate and 2) optical transmittance of >85% in the visible range. The increase in film thickness leads to growth of crystallites with an average size in the range of 16–26 nm, decrease in the sheet resistance, and increase in the figure of merit. Owing to high optical transmittance of 92%, low sheet resistivity of \(26~\Omega /\Box \) , and high figure of merit ( \(9.23 \times 10^{3} \Omega ^{-1}\) cm \(^{-1}\) ), 500-nm-thick Al-doped ZnO films can be potential transparent conductors for photovoltaic applications. The organic light-emitting diodes fabricated with them and commercial indium–tin oxide thin films are shown to display comparable luminous flux power efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, tamoxifen-phospholipid complex (TMX-PLC) was developed and evaluated for its impact on solubility and bioavailability of tamoxifen. TMX-PLC was prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized. FTIR revealed the disappearance of the characteristic peaks of TMX in the complex, which can be due to weakening, removal or shielding by the phospholipid molecule. This phenomenon could be due to packing of TMX in the hydrophobic cavity of phospholipid and being held by van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. This observation was confirmed by DSC and PXRD. TMX-PLC exhibited increased solubility, dissolution rate with decreased distribution coefficient indicating its increased hydrophilicity. Oral bioavailability of TMX and TMX-PLC were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. TMX-PLC exhibited considerable enhancement in the bioavailability with an increase in C max (0.85 vs. 0.40 μg/mL), t 1/2 (22.47 vs. 13.93 h), and AUC 0–∞ (15.29 vs. 8.62 μg h/mL) with 212.25% relative bioavailability. This enhancement can be attributed to the improvement of the aqueous solubility of the complex and a probable decrease in its extent of intestinal and hepatic metabolism. Thus, phospholipid complexation holds a promising potential for increasing oral bioavailability of TMX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To enhance the oral bioavailability of rifampicin (RMP), the newly emerging phospholipid complexation technique was employed. Rifampicin–phospholipid complex (RMP-PC) was prepared by solvent-evaporation method. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and hot stage microscopy (HSM) analysis were employed to confirm the formation of phospholipid complex. The results reveal hydrogen bond formation and electrostatic interaction between RMP and phospholipid molecule play an important role in the formation of RMP-PC without the formation of a new compound. In comparison with the physical mixture and RMP, solubility studies indicated an enhancement in the aqueous solubility of RMP-PC. Stability studies of RMP-PC in presence of isoniazid showed a remarkable improvement of the stability of the phospholipid complex in comparison to free RMP. Oral bioavailability of RMP-PC was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and plasma rifampicin estimated by LCMS. RMP-PC exhibited higher peak plasma concentration (54.3 vs. 48.5μg/mL), increased AUC0–∞ (472.4 vs. 147.71 5.812±0.49μgh/mL), increased T1/2 (8.3 vs. 1.5h) when compared to free RMP implying improved bioavailability of the drug. This enhancement can be attributed to the improvement of the aqueous solubility of rifampicin–phospholipid complex. Hence, phospholipid complexation holds a promising potential for increasing oral bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Novel bioactive constituents from natural sources are actively being investigated. The phytochemicals in these phenolic compounds are believed to have a variety of beneficial effects on human health. Several phenolic compounds have been found in plants. The antioxidant potential of phenols has been discussed in numerous studies along with their anti-inflammatory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine, inducible cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase. Through current study, an attempt is made to outline and highlight a wide variety of inflammation-associated signaling pathways that have been modified by several natural compounds. These signaling pathways include nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB), activator protein (AP)-1, protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factors, tyrosine phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and the ubiquitin–proteasome system. In light of the influence of natural substances on signaling pathways, their impact on the production of inflammatory mediator is highlighted in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation deals with cyclic service bulk arrival queueing model under T-policy and N-policy schedules. The cyclic service queues with N-policy / T-policy, where servers may handle two or more task, have many applications in computer operating systems, distributed computer / communication systems, telecommunication switching systems, manufacturing systems etc. The expressions for average waiting time, average cyclic time and penalty rate are derived where service times are sufficiently less than that of inter-arrival times. Optimal schedules for T-policy are discussed for two and multi queue models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the current study was to examine the potential of a rifampicin-loaded metal–organic framework (RIF@ZIF-8) for management of tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: RIF@ZIF-8 was developed using a simple, economic, and environmentally friendly ultrasonication method. Furthermore, the developed metal–organic framework (MOF) formulations were subjected to physicochemical characterization analyses such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV spectroscopy. In addition, in vitro release, powder flow characterization, in vitro lung deposition, and efficacy studies against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv strain were performed. Results: Physicochemical characterization confirms its spherical shape and drug loading, whereas in vitro release analysis shows 80.5 ± 5.5% release of the drug from the loaded formulation within 48 hours. Furthermore, powder flow properties suggested that the nature of MOFs is free flowing. Additionally, in vitro lung deposition studies indicated an emission fraction of 88.02 ± 10.23% for the emitted dose and circa 21% fine particle fraction. The mass median aerodynamic diameter and geometric standard deviation were found to be 4.42 ± 0.07 μm and 1.55 ± 01 μm, respectively. The in vitro aerosol performance study demonstrated higher deposition at stages 3, 4, and 5 of the cascade impactors, which simulate deep lung delivery in terms of the trachea–primary bronchus and secondary and terminal bronchi of the human lung, respectively. Moreover, RIF@ZIF-8 exhibited improved antimycobacterial activity (0.0125 mg/mL) vis-à-vis an unformulated drug (0.025 mg/mL) against the MTB H37Rv strain, using the BACTEC 460TB system. Conclusions: Therefore, MOFs could be promising nanocarriers for targeting lungs and overcoming the hepatotoxicity associated with antituberculosis drugs requiring inhalation administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley has a rich nutritional and therapeutic profile. In an era of life-style based silent pandemics, the need to bring on table the convenient food products with sensory and nutritional acceptability is necessary. Hence, the present study aimed to develop an instant chilla mix from a novel hull-less variety of barley (Hordeum vulgare) (PL891). Various random combinations of composite flour (barley flour (BF), rice flour (RF) and gram flour (GF)) were prepared namely T1 (100:00:00), T2 (70:15:15), T3 (60:30:10), T4 (33:33:33), and T5 (00:00:100). Other ingredients such as onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, coriander, and chilli were also added. Nutritional and sensory parameters at fresh, three, six and nine month of storage interval were also analyzed. The assessed parameters (%) were reported as moisture (6.91±0.02 to 10.21±0.09), ash (2.11±0.05 to 3.10±0.02), protein (7.59±0.05 to 24.50±0.06), fat (1.50±0.02 to 6.10±0.04), crude fiber (1.08±0.02 to 2.87±0.02), and total carbohydrates (58.21±0.10 to 75.27±0.07). All the blends varied significantly (p=0.05) during storage in terms of moisture, protein, fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrates, while a non-significant difference was noted in ash for all the treatments. Blending also affected the nutrient content of all the treatments significantly (P = 0.05) depending upon the ratio of blending and composition of various ingredients in the product. The sensory attributes indicated that T2 blend with 70% PL891 hull-less barley flour was most acceptable. The developed product will be a nutritious substitute for chapati as barley is rich in numerous nutrients and have therapeutic potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative illness that causes neuronal death most extensively within the basal ganglia. There is a broad class of neurologic disorders associated with the expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) repeats in numerous proteins. Several other molecular mechanisms have also been implicated in HD pathology, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered synaptic plasticity in central spiny neurons. HD pathogenesis and the effectiveness of therapy approaches have been better understood through the use of animal models. The pathological manifestations of the disease were reproduced by early models of glutamate analog toxicity and mitochondrial respiration inhibition. Because the treatments available for HD are quite limited, it is important to have a definite preclinical model that mimics all the aspects of the disease. It can be used to study mechanisms and validate candidate therapies. Although there hasn't been much success in translating animal research into clinical practice, each model has something special to offer in the quest for a deeper comprehension of HD's neurobehavioral foundations. This review provides insight into various in-vitro -and in-vivo models of HD which may be useful in the screening of newer therapeutics for this incapacitating disorder. [Display omitted] • In Huntington's disease, transcriptional dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction both contribute to the pathophysiology. • To replicate HD in culture dishes, cellular models have been made. • This review covers both rodent and alternate models of Huntington's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing viral species have ruined people's health and the world's economy. Therefore, it is urgent to design bio-responsive materials to provide a vast platform for detecting a different family's passive or active virus. One can design a reactive functional unit for that moiety based on the particular bio-active moieties in viruses. Nanomaterials as optical and electrochemical biosensors have enabled better tools and devices to develop rapid virus detection. Various material science platforms are available for real-time monitoring and detecting COVID-19 and other viral loads. In this review, we discuss the recent advances of nanomaterials in developing the tools for optical and electrochemical sensing COVID-19. In addition, nanomaterials used to detect other human viruses have been studied, providing insights for developing COVID-19 sensing materials. The basic strategies for nanomaterials develop as virus sensors, fabrications, and detection performances are studied. Moreover, the new methods to enhance the virus sensing properties are discussed to provide a gateway for virus detection in variant forms. The study will provide systematic information and working of virus sensors. In addition, the deep discussion of structural properties and signal changes will offer a new gate for researchers to develop new virus sensors for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article demonstrates the role of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of left pulmonary artery (LPA) and associated cardiovascular and tracheobronchial anomalies. It presents the case of a 4-month-old male infant who underwent MDCT for his left pulmonary artery sling. It states that MDCT helps prevent invasive investigations like bronchoscopy and pulmonary artery angiography.

Mitochondria are critical to multiple cellular processes, from the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), maintenance of calcium homeostasis, synthesis of key metabolites, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to maintain necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy. Therefore, proper clearance and regulation are essential to maintain various physiological processes carried out by the cellular mechanism, including mitophagy and autophagy, by breaking down the damaged intracellular connections under the influence of various genes and proteins and protecting against various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer disease (AD), and Huntington disease (HD). In this review, we will discuss the role of autophagy, selective macroautophagy, or mitophagy, and its role in neurodegenerative diseases along with normal physiology. In addition, this review will provide a better understanding of the pathways involved in neuron autophagy and mitophagy and how mutations affect these pathways in the various genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Various new findings indicate that the pathways that remove dysfunctional mitochondria are impaired in these diseases, leading to the deposition of damaged mitochondria. Apart from that, we have also discussed the therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy and mitophagy in neurodegenerative diseases. The mitophagy cycle results in the degradation of damaged mitochondria and the biogenesis of new healthy mitochondria, also highlighting different stages at which a particular neurodegenerative disease could occur [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) related autoimmunity is developed at mucosal sites due to the interplay between genetic risk factors and environmental triggers. The pre-RA phase that leads to anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and other autoantibodies spread in the systemic circulation may not affect articular tissue for years until a mysterious second hit triggers the localization of RA-related autoimmunity in joints. Several players in the joint microenvironment mediate the synovial innate and adaptive immunological processes, eventually leading to clinical synovitis. There still exists a gap in the early phase of RA pathogenesis, i.e. , the progression of diseases from the systemic circulation to joints. The lack of better understanding of these events results in the inability to answer questions about why only after a certain point of time the disease appears in joints and why in some cases, it simply remains latent and doesn't affect joints at all. In the current review, we focused on the immunomodulatory and regenerative role of mesenchymal stem cells and associated exosomes in RA pathology. We also highlighted the age-related dysregulations in activities of mesenchymal stem cells and how that might trigger homing of systemic autoimmunity to joints. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's primary goal was to enhance medicinal potential of piperine (PIP)-loaded zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (PIP@ZIF-8) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cognitive impairments in zebrafish. Herein, PIP@ZIF-8 was synthesized via easy, economical and reproducible ultrasonication method followed by spray drying technology. ZIF-8's structural integrity has been confirmed by PXRD, and even after PIP was encapsulated, the structure of ZIF-8 remained unchanged. Pure ZIF-8 and PIP@ZIF-8 were subjected to TEM analysis, which revealed hexagonal morphology with a nanosize range. FTIR and UV–Visible spectroscopy studies confirmed the drug loading of ZIF-8. Studies on in vitro release revealed 71.48 ± 7.21% and 34.56 ± 5.35% PIP release from PIP@ZIF-8 and unformulated PIP, respectively in pH 7.4. The highest antioxidant scavenging results were obtained with vitamin C (73.77 ± 6.7%) at an intensity of 200 μg/ml, though it was 65.09 ± 2.5% and 57.99 ± 3.1% for PIP@ZIF-8 and PIP, respectively. In vivo studies on zebrafish showed that DOX administration remarkably impaired cognitive activity in T-Maze, and downregulated spatial memory and locomotor activity in the open field test. In addition, DOX administration caused a downregulation in GSH and SOD levels and increase in LPO, AChE and TNF-α levels compared to the vehicle group along with changes in brain histopathology. Further, PIP@ZIF-8 reversed the DOX-induced cognitive impairments by its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. It can be concluded that PIP@ZIF-8 has a promising therapeutic potential against the chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments in zebrafish. [Display omitted] • Novel piperine (PIP) loaded zeolitic imidazolate (ZIF-8) metal organic frameworks nanoparticles (PIP@ZIF-8) were prepared using ultrasonication method and dried by spray dryer. • PIP@ZIF-8 nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, DSC, PXRD, DSC, FE-SEM, EDS and TEM techniques and result showed successful loading of the PIP into the pores of ZIF-8. Physicochemical characterization studies revealed the successful loading of PIP and formation of MOFs. • In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained release over 48 h at pH 7.4. • In vitro antioxidant activitydemonstrated dose dependent antioxidant activity. • Behavioural, biochemical, pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and histopathological analysis studies displayed improved neuroprotection activity in chemobrain experimental zebrafish model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute viral hepatitis as well as typhoid fever is still a significant problem in tropical countries like India. Both have a common route of infection and may cause co-infection. In a patient with symptoms of acute liver failure and/or post icterus persistent high-grade fever with acute abdomen, always suspect co-infection of hepatitis E and typhoid fever in tropical countries and appropriate management can avoid life-threatening complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a natural process in all living organisms defined as destruction of cell function as a result of long-term accumulation of damages. Autophagy is a cellular house safeguard pathway that is responsible for degrading damaged cellular organelles. Moreover, it maintains cellular homeostasis, controls lifetime and longevity. Damaged mitochondrial accumulation is a characteristic of aging that is associated with neurodegeneration. Mitochondria function as a principal energy source through supplying adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation that serves as fuel for neuronal function. Mitophagy and mitochondrial-specific autophagy play an important role in maintenance of neuronal health through the removal of dysfunctional and aged mitochondria. The mitochondrial quality control system involves different strategies for protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction and maintaining healthy mitochondria in cells. Mitochondrial function protection could be a strategy for the promotion of neuroprotection. Mitophagy could be an effective target for drug discovery. Therefore, further detailed studies for mechanism of mitophagy will advance our mitochondrial phenotype knowledge and understanding to disease pathogenesis. This review mainly focuses on aging-mediated mechanism of autophagy and mitophagy for maintaining the cellular homeostasis and longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of erlotinib sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin complex (ERL-SBE-β-CD) on ERL dissolution rate and oral bioavailability. Preliminary comparative phase solubility study indicated ERL exhibited maximum solubility in SBE-β-CD solution. Optimal experimental design confirmed freeze drying of SBE-β-CD:ERL in 1:1.05 molar ratio as the optimum method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) and two-dimensional rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (2D ROESY NMR) confirmed the inclusion complexation. The in silico computational study, employed to analyze the comparative interactions of ERL with SBE-β-CD and β-CD, indicated ease of ERL-SBE-β-CD complexation. In vitro dissolution and in vivo bioavailability studies further confirmed the ERL-SBE-β-CD as a valuable approach to enhance ERL oral bioavailability with 3.6-fold increase in relative oral bioavailability with higher C max (134.29 ± 36.51 vs. 42.36 ± 1.75 μg/ml) and AUC 0–∞ (2103.47 ± 156.75 vs. 580.43 ± 71.91 μg/ml h) over the free drug. The complex exhibited 3.2-fold increase in C max with 5.4-fold decrease in T max (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.8 h) in comparison to pure ERL. Thus, ERL-SBE-β-CD complexation exhibits a potential to enhance oral bioavailability of ERL leading to reduce dose and dose-related side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ravine lands are the worst type of land degradation affecting soil quality and biodiversity. Crop production in such lands is impossible without adopting proper conservation measures. In-situ moisture conservation techniques could play an instrumental role in restoring ravine lands by improving soil moisture. We hypothesized that restoring ravine land through a combination of tree planting, fruit crop cultivation, and in-situ moisture conservation practice would result in significant improvements in productivity, profitability, and soil fertility. An experiment was conducted involving the combination of Malabar Neem (Melia dubia) and Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) in conjunction with in-situ soil moisture conservation measures specifically involving half-moon structures (HM). The experiment was conducted under randomized block design (RBD) comprising eight treatments. These treatments include sole Melia cultivation (MD 3m × 3m), sole cultivation of dragon fruit (DF 3m × 3m), silviculture system (MDF-3m × 3m), horti-silviculture system with larger spacing (MDF-4m × 4m), sole Melia cultivation with in-situ moisture conservation (MDH-3m × 3m), sole Dragon fruit cultivation with in-situ moisture conservation (DFH-3m × 3m), horti-silviculture system of Melia and Dragon fruit with in-situ moisture conservation (MDFH-3m × 3m), and horti-silviculture system with larger spacing and in-situ moisture conservation (MDFH-4m × 4m). Each treatment was replicated thrice to evaluate their impact on productivity, profitability, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration for 8 years (2016–2023). The results revealed that the horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) exhibited the highest total tree biomass and total carbon sequestration with an increase of 183.2% and 82.8% respectively, compared to sole Melia cultivation without HM and sole Melia with HM. Furthermore, sole Melia with HM augmented soil nutrients (N, P, K, and SOC) by 74.4%, 66.4%, 35.2%, and 78.3%, respectively, compared to control (no planting), with performance at par with MDFH-3 × 3 m. Similarly, sole Melia with HM enhanced SOC stock and SOC sequestration rate by 79.2% and 248% over control. However, it was found at par with MDFH-3 × 3 m. The horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) consistently produced the highest fruit yield throughout the years surpassing other treatments. This treatment increased the average dragon fruit yield by 115.3% compared to sole dragon fruit without HM. Hence, the adoption of the horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) could be a promising strategy for achieving enhanced environmental and economic benefits in ravine lands. Therefore, dragon fruit based horti-silviculture system (MDFH-3 × 3 m) could be recommended for restoration of ravine lands, improving land productivity, and mitigating impact of soil erosion particularly in Western India or similar agro-climatic regions of the world. [Display omitted] • Horti-silviculture system in ravine lands under in-situ moisture conservation. • Half-moon terrace in horti-silviculture increased carbon stock over sole Melia. • Horti-silviculture with half-moon terrace improved fruit yield over sole dragon fruit. • Sole Melia with half-moon terrace enhanced SOC by 78.3% compared to control. • Fine root biomass was improved 1.66 times by half-moon terrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Cancer treatment modalities and their progression is guided by the specifics of cancer, including its type and site of localization. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the most often used conventional treatments. Conversely, emerging treatment techniques include immunotherapy, hormone therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, dendritic cell-based immunotherapy, and stem cell therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors' anticancer properties have drawn considerable attention in recent studies in the cancer research domain. Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) checkpoint pathway are key regulators of the interactions between activated T-cells and cancer cells, protecting the latter from immune destruction. When the ligand PD-L1 attaches to the receptor PD-1, T-cells are prevented from destroying cells that contain PD-L1, including cancer cells. The PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors block them, boosting the immune response and strengthening the body's defenses against tumors. Recent years have seen incredible progress and tremendous advancement in developing anticancer therapies using PD-1/PD-L1 targeting antibodies. While immune-related adverse effects and low response rates significantly limit these therapies, there is a need for research on methods that raise their efficacy and lower their toxicity. This review discusses various recent innovative nanomedicine strategies such as PLGA nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and drug loaded liposomes to treat cancer targeting PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The biological implications of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer treatment and the fundamentals of nanotechnology, focusing on the novel strategies used in nanomedicine, are widely discussed along with the corresponding guidelines, clinical trial status, and the patent landscape of such formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement in waterlogging tolerance of wheat may help to enhance the productivity of crop in regions having high and untimely rainfalls with poor drainage. The present study was undertaken to characterize waterlogging tolerance of 65 different bread wheat genotypes. The traits like grain yield, biological yield, tillers per meter, grain filling duration, spike weight and plant height under waterlogged conditions were found sensitive. The spike weight, tillers per meter, 1000 grain weight, biological yield and harvest index showed significant correlations with grain yield under both normal and waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging tolerance index (WTI) showed positive correlation with plant height, tillers per meter, biological yield, thousand grain weight and grain yield. These agronomic traits along with WTI were used to identify tolerant genotypes with high yield potential. Wheat genotypes SSDC3-264, SSDC3-347, NW 5054 and PBW 550 were identified as tolerant and could be utilized for improving the waterlogging tolerance of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non additive effects(NAEs) are more pronounced at later stages of decomposition. • Chemically heterogeneous mixtures observe greater values for interaction effect. • Chemical diversity influence non additive effects more than single trait diversity. • Interaction effect values increase with increase in species richness. Biodiversity loss may seriously impact some of the major ecological functions like primary productivity, nutrient cycling and decomposition. Decomposition is a fundamental ecosystem process regulating nutrient mineralization, microbial community composition and structure, carbon sequestration in the soil. Therefore it is important to find out the link between biodiversity and decomposition dynamic which is of key interest recently among ecologists, hence we took up eleven combinations of leaf litter mixtures of four multipurpose tree species commonly occurring together in western Himalayas to find out the direction, magnitude and drivers of litter mixing effect. We found positive non significant effect of litter diversity for all mixtures except two which showed antagonistic effects after three months of decomposition. But we found positive non additive effects (NAE)/interaction effects for all litter mixtures at later stage of decomposition i.e. after nine months. The strength of litter mixing effect varied from 5.45% to 14.75% among litter mixtures. The interaction effects are observed to be greater for those litter mixtures which are more heterogeneous with respect to initial nitrogen, and phosphorus content. However the effect of chemical diversity is more marked on interaction effect/ NAE than variation in single trait(N or P content) as revealed by R2 value (coefficient of determination). Interaction effect values increased with increase in percent of fast decomposing species in the litter mixture but rate of increase decreased when the mixtures move towards homogeneity. Interaction effect also increased with increase in species richness significantly up to three species, thereafter the increase is non significant. Our results indicate that tree diversity alters decomposition dynamics of component species in the mixture. Chemical diversity is more important factor in determining non additive effect rather than taxonomic diversity of a mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India produces around 19.0 million tonnes of tomatoes annually, which is insufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand. A big gap of tomato productivity (72.14 t ha–1) between India (24.66 t ha–1) and the USA (96.8 t ha–1) exist, which can be bridged by integrating trellis system of shoot training, shoot pruning, liquid fertilizers, farmyard manure, and mulching technologies. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted on tomato (cv. Himsona) during 2019–2020 at farmers' fields to improve tomato productivity and quality. There were five treatments laid in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications; T1 [Farmer practice on the flatbed with RDF @ N120:P60:K60 + FYM @6.0 t ha−1 without mulch], T2 [T1 + Polythene mulch (50 microns)], T3 [Tomato plants grown on the raised bed with polythene mulch + FYM @ 8.0 t ha−1 + Single shoot trellis system + Side shoot pruning + Liquid Fertilizer (LF1—N19:P19:K19) @ 2.0 g l–1 for vegetative growth + Liquid Fertilizer (LF2—N0: P52: K34) @ 1.5 g l–1 for improving fruit quality], T4 [Tomato plants grown on the raised bed with polythene mulch + FYM @ 8.0 t ha−1 + Single shoot trellis system + Side shoot pruning + LF1 @ 4.0 g l–1 + LF2 @ 3.0 g l–1], and T5 [Tomato plants grown on the raised bed with polythene mulch + FYM @ 10.0 t ha−1 + Single shoot trellis system + Side shoot pruning + LF1 @ 6.0 g l–1 + LF2 @ 4.5 g l–1]. The results revealed that tomato plant grown on the raised beds with polythene mulch, shoot pruning, trellising, liquid fertilizers, and farmyard manure (i.e., T5) recorded higher shoot length, dry matter content, and tomato productivity by 20.75–141.21, 18.79–169.4, and 18.89–160.87% as compared to T4–T1 treatments, respectively. The T5 treatment also recorded the highest water productivity (28.39 kg m–3), improved fruit qualities, net return (10,751 USD ha–1), benefit–cost ratio (3.08), microbial population, and enzymatic activities as compared to other treatments. The ranking and hierarchical clustering of treatments confirmed the superiority of the T5 treatment over all other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced blood flow (hypoxia) to the brain is thought to be the main cause of strokes because it deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that the Centella-Asiatica (HA-CA) hydroalcoholic extract has a variety of pharmacological benefits, such as antioxidant activity, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory qualities, and angiogenesis promotion. Intermittent fasting (IF) has neurological benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, and the ability to enhance neuroplasticity. The current study evaluates the combined effect of IF (for 1, 6, and 12 days) along with HA-CA (daily up to 12 days) in adult zebrafish subjected to hypoxia every 5 min for 12 days followed by behavioral (novel tank and open-field tank test), biochemical (SOD, GSH-Px, and LPO), inflammatory (IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α), mitochondrial enzyme activities (Complex-I, II, and IV), signaling molecules (AMPK, MAPK, GSK-3β, Nrf2), and imaging/staining (H&E, TTC, and TEM) analysis. Results show that sub-acute hypoxia promotes the behavioral alterations, and production of radical species and alters the oxidative stress status in brain tissues of zebrafish, along with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and alteration of signaling molecules. Nevertheless, HA-CA along with IF significantly ameliorates these defects in adult zebrafish as compared to their effects alone. Further, imaging analysis significantly provided evidence of infarct damage along with neuronal and mitochondrial damage which was significantly ameliorated by IF and HA- CA. The use of IF and HA-CA has been proven to enhance the physiological effects of hypoxia in all dimensions. A reduction in the supply of oxygen results in stroke through an elevation in oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Elevated levels of ROS are accountable for the inhibition of AMPK following sub-acute term hypoxia, which is responsible for cell survival. Our treatment, namely IF and HA-CA, exhibit an effect and vice versa. [Display omitted] • Sub-acute hypoxia exposure produces alterations in zebrafish behavior, along with biological and cellular activity. • HA-CA and IF promote cell viability by regulating AMPK levels. • AMPK activation appears to improve mitochondrial enzyme activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. • Elevated AMP to ATP ratio leads to AMPK activation, autophagy, and increased energy production in cerebral ischemia or hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: External jugular vein (EJV) aneurysm is an extremely uncommon clinical condition. We have studied the clinical profile and need for surgery in this present seven case series of primary external jugular vein aneurysms. Method: Over the past three years, we have diagnosed and managed aneurysms of external jugular vein in seven patients, who presented with swelling in the posterior triangle of the neck. Venous duplex was obtained in all the patients, followed by computed tomography (CT) in three patients and one patient reported with magnetic resonance (MR) venography from another hospital. Three patients had symptoms ranging from mild intermittent discomfort to moderate pain underwent excision of aneurysm after ligation of both ends of EJV. Four patients had swelling on the lateral side of the neck due to EJV aneurysm, with no other associated symptoms. They were kept on six monthly follow-ups. Result: We operated three patients, as they were symptomatic, of which only two had thrombus in the aneurysmal sac. All three symptomatic patients had aneurysm of size >5 cm. Post-surgery and on subsequent follow-ups they were asymptomatic. The four asymptomatic patients kept on conservative management did not develop any thrombosis of aneurysm sac in follow up. Conclusion: Surgical excision is indicated for symptomatic patients with EJV aneurysm, preferably for size > 5 cm because of their higher association with thrombosis or symptoms. Asymptomatic patients can be managed non-operatively with regular surveillance by clinical examination and venous duplex or can be treated if patients insist due to cosmetic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DBW222 is characterized by potential yield of 8210 kg ha-1 under high fertility when sown in timely conditions in North India. It possesses better agronomic attributes and has better adaption to sowing time, high rust resistance, quality attributes, and lodging tolerance because of a shorter 2nd internode and wider diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring long-term, permanent care suffer a myriad of clinical symptoms (i.e., impaired cognition, fatigue, and other conditions) that persist for years beyond the acute brain injury. In addition to these comorbid clinical symptoms, chronic TBI patients exhibit altered amino acid and hormonal profiles with distinct cytokine patterns suggesting chronic inflammation. This metabolic link suggests a role of the gut-brain axis in chronic TBI. Thus, we utilized a two-site trial to investigate the role of the gut-brain axis in comorbidities of chronic TBI. The fecal microbiome profile of 22 moderate/severe TBI patients residing in permanent care facilities in Texas and California was compared to 18 healthy age-matched control subjects working within the participating facilities. Each fecal microbiome was characterized by 16S(V4) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and metagenomic genome sequencing approaches followed by confirmatory full 16S rRNA gene sequencing or focused tuf gene speciation and specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction evaluation of selected genera or species. The average chronic TBI patient fecal microbiome structure was significantly different compared to the control cohort, and these differences persisted after group stratification analysis to identify any unexpected confounders. Notably, the fecal microbiome of the chronic TBI cohort had absent or reduced Prevotella spp. and Bacteroidies spp. Conversely, bacteria in the Ruminococcaceae family were higher in abundance in TBI compared to control profiles. Previously reported hypoaminoacidemia, including significantly reduced levels of l-tryptophan, l-sarcosine, ß-alanine, and alanine, positively correlated with the reduced levels of Prevotella spp. in the TBI cohort samples compared to controls. Although the sequelae of gut-brain axis disruption after TBI is not fully understood, characterizing TBI-related alterations in the fecal microbiome may provide biomarkers and therapeutic targets to address patient morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prevalence of chronic growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and its association with other hormonal deficiencies was determined in middle-aged patients post-stroke with and without consideration of body mass index (BMI). Methods: Clinical records were reviewed to determine pituitary function at least 3 months post-stroke. Patients with a history of endocrine anomalies were excluded. GHD was determined by utilizing standard peak GH cutoffs following the glucagon stimulation test. A secondary analysis was conducted with stricter BMI-adjusted cutoffs. The accuracy of IGF-1 in predicting GHD was also examined. Results: GHD was diagnosed in 54% of patients (≥5.0 μg/L), with 32% falling into the severe (≤3 μg/L) category. Patients with GHD had lower levels of FSH, T3, LH, and SHBG. Analyzes of BMI-adjusted GH levels, revealed that 14% of patients were GHD. These patients had higher prolactin. IGF-1 values were not predictive of GHD. Latency to be admitted to post-acute rehabilitation was greater in patients with GHD. Conclusions: Evidence suggests patients with stroke may be at risk for developing GHD. GHD was associated with decreased levels of other hormones. Co-morbidities for stroke and neuroendocrine dysfunction overlap and may have implications for recovery following stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a long term study 2009–2018 at ICAR-IISWC, Dehradun, the uniqueness of minor millets based agroforestry systems (AFSs) for effective soil water conservation and biomass production in foot hills of Himalayas were evaluated. The Morus alba (Ma) based AFS was found to be the most productive and profitable system producing 1.1 and 1.8 t ha−1yr−1 of finger millet and wheat grain, respectively besides carbon stocks of 22.9 t ha−1. Morus based agroforestry system produced the highest yield of green fodder and dry fuel wood at 5.1 and 4.5 t ha−1yr−1, respectively after 10 years of planting. The reduction in minor millets yield was offset by the additional production of tree fodder and dry fuel wood by the Multiparous trees (MPTs) in the AFSs. The minimum soil loss was recorded inMa + barnyard millet (BM) based AFS followed byMa + finger millet (FM) at 15.4 and 16.4 t ha−1yr−1 in comparison to cultivated fallow at 25.6 t ha−1. The traditional millets recorded the identical soil loss of 19.7 t ha−1 during the period. The MPTs land use recorded the soil loss of 22.4–22.8 t ha−1. Similarly, the lowest run off was recorded in millet-AFSs ranging from 23.0% to 25.6% than cultivated fallow without crops (38.9%). The highest soil and runoff conservation efficiency was observed in order of AFSs> sole millets > MPTs > cultivated fallow. Millet based AFS led to the improvements in soil physical properties and fertility status significantly.Ma + FM based AFS recorded favourable changes in bulk density (B.D.), water stable aggregates and organic carbon, OC, 0.73%. Grewia optiva + BM recorded the highest OC (0.75%) besides plant nutrients P (183.2%) and K (51.1%) over the cultivated fallow. Agroforestry systems of Ma+FM-wheat and Ma+FM-toria were the most productive and robust systems economically in respect of benefit: cost ratio and net present value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rare, but they are frequently responsible for limb or life-threatening complications. The clinical presentation, as supraclavicular mass to rupture, has been reported in literature, with management strategies being endovascular intervention to open conventional surgery. We report a case of giant subclavian artery aneurysm measuring 10 cm × 12 cm, which presented with a large anterior chest wall lump and massive bleed to our emergency department. We successfully treated this patient by ligating the aneurysm and evacuating the chest wall haematoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by cognitive and psychiatric impairment caused by neuronal degeneration in the brain. Several studies have supported the hypothesis that oxidative stress is the main pathogenic factor in HD. The current study aims to determine the possible neuroprotective effects of nicotinamide on 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced HD. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. Group I was the vehicle-treated control, group II received 3-NP (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 4 days, group III received nicotinamide (500 mg/kg, i.p.). The remaining groups received a combination of 3-NP plus nicotinamide 100, 300 or 500 mg/kg, i.p. respectively for 8 days. Afterward, the motor function and hind paw activity in the limb withdrawal were tested; rats were then euthanized for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Treatment of rats with 3-NP altered the motor function, elevated oxidative stress and caused significant histopathological changes in the brain. The treatment of rats with nicotinamide (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg) improved the motor function tested by locomotor activity test, movement analysis, and limb withdrawal test, which was associated with decreased oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitrites) and increased antioxidant enzyme (glutathione) levels. In addition, nicotinamide treatment decreased lactate dehydrogenase and prevented neuronal death in the striatal region. Our study, therefore, concludes that antioxidant drugs like nicotinamide might slow progression of clinical HD and may improve the motor functions in HD patients. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the neuroprotective effects of nicotinamide on 3-NP-induced HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted for evaluating the performance of 149 elite Indian and Australian germplasm lines under normal and waterlogged soil conditions over two years (2014–15 and 2015–16), revealed significant differences for all the studied traits under waterlogged as well as under normal soil conditions. Waterlogging adversely affected thousand kernel weight, tillers per meter, biological yield and grain yield. The three morphological traits namely; biological yield, tillers per meter and plant height significantly contributed towards waterlogging tolerance. The geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HM), stress tolerance index (STI), mean productivity (MP) and mean relative performance (MRP), were significantly and positively correlated with grain yield under waterlogged (Ys) as well as under normal soil conditions (Yp). Whereas, yield stability index (YSI) was found positively correlated with grain yield only under waterlogged soil conditions (Ys) in both years as well as over the years. Besides, GMP, HM, MP, MRP and STI were also significantly correlated with each other in individual year as well as across years, indicating thereby that any one of these parameters might be used as an alternative option to each other for selecting high yielding genotypes under both the conditions (waterlogging and normal). The promising lines identified based on GMP, STI, MP, HM and MRP could also be rated as tolerant being high yielding particularly for waterlogging condition. The two parameters (YSI and reduction percentage) identified as effective selection indices clearly discriminated the per se performance of genotypes based on stable performance under waterlogged conditions, and thus these could be used an indicative approach of germplasm lines possessing waterlogging tolerance genes. The correlation values also supported results and indicated strong association of biological yield with yield stability index. The germplasm lines namely; UP 2584, TINCURRIN, SSD-C2-172, SSD-C2-151, SSD-C2 204, SSD-C2 140, RW 3684, NW 4098, KRL 105, K 307, HD 3086, HD 2329, DUCULA 4 and CUNDERIN were identified to be capable of producing highest biomass and also higher values for YSI among all lines taken for this study. Based on both YSI and biological yield, lines CUNDERIN, DUCULA 4, HD 3086, KRL 105 and RW 3684 were identified to as tolerant and could be utilized as potential donor for increasing waterlogging tolerance of future wheat genotypes. Our research findings also imply that tolerant lines eventually would lead to higher productivity under stress situations, where heavy rainfall and stagnation of water for a prolonged period adversely affect the wheat crop. The results of the present study based on field screening technique and the selection criteria based upon indices will be rewarding for increasing grain yield of wheat under such harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Data regarding length of stay (LOS) in a rehabilitation programme after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are limited. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of LOS and disability on outcome following TBI.Methods: Records from patients in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme at least 3 months after TBI were analysed retrospectively to study the influence of LOS on functional outcome at different levels of disability. Functional status was determined by the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI) and the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). Patients were further grouped by time since injury of 3-12 months or over 1 year.Results: Those with a mild and moderate disabilities and over 1 year chronicity showed improvements after 90 days of rehabilitation. Patients with a severe disability and over 1 year chronicity required at least 180 days to show improvements. Moderately and severely disabled patients with an injury chronicity of 3-12 months showed improvements in the MPAI after 90 days. However, further improvement was observed after 180 days in the severely disabled group.Conclusions: Results suggest that both, level of disability and injury chronicity, should be considered when determining LOS. Data also show an association between LOS and changes in the MPAI and CIQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hot stainless steel (SS-304) surface of 450 ± 10 °C initial temperature is cooled with a normally impinging round water jet. The experiments have been performed for the surface of different thickness e.g. 1, 2, 3 mm and jet Reynolds number in the range of Re = 26,500-48,000. The cooling performance of the hot test surface is evaluated on the basis of wetting front velocity. The wetting front velocity is determined for 10-40 mm downstream spatial locations away from the stagnation point. It has been observed that the wetting front velocity increase with the rise in jet flow rate, however, diminishes towards the downstream spatial location and with the rise in surface thickness. The proposed correlation for the dimensionless wetting front velocity predicts the experimental data well within the error band of ±30 %, whereas, 75 % of experimental data lies within the range of ±20 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at increased risk for a number of disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. However, mediators of the long-term morbidity are uncertain. We conducted a multi-site, prospective trial in chronic TBI patients (~18 years post-TBI) living in long-term 24-h care environments and local controls without a history of head injury. Inability to give informed consent was exclusionary for participation. A total of 41 individuals (17 moderate-severe TBI, 24 controls) were studied before and after consumption of a standardized breakfast to determine if concentrations of amino acids, cytokines, C-reactive protein, and insulin are potential mediators of long-term TBI morbidity. Analyte concentrations were measured in serum drawn before (fasting) and 1 h after meal consumption. Mean ages were 44 ± 15 and 49 ± 11 years for controls and chronic TBI patients, respectively. Chronic TBI patients had significantly lower circulating concentrations of numerous individual amino acids, as well as essential amino acids ( p = 0.03) and large neutral amino acids ( p = 0.003) considered as groups, and displayed fundamentally altered cytokine-amino acid relationships. Many years after injury, TBI patients exhibit abnormal metabolic responses and altered relationships between circulating amino acids, cytokines, and hormones. This pattern is consistent with TBI, inducing a chronic disease state in patients. Understanding the mechanisms causing the chronic disease state could lead to new treatments for its prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop folic acid functionalized long-circulating co-encapsulated docetaxel (DTX) and curcumin (CRM) solid lipid nanoparticles (F-DC-SLN) to improve the pharmacokinetic and efficacy of DTX therapy. F-DC-SLN was prepared by hot melt-emulsification method and optimized by face centered-central composite design (FC-CCD). The SLN was characterized in terms of size and size distribution, drug entrapment efficiency and release profile. The cytotoxicity and cell uptake of the SLN formulations were evaluated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Thein vivopharmacokinetic and biodistribution were studied in Wistar rats. F-DC-SLN exhibited 247.5 ± 3.40 nm particle size with 73.88 ± 1.08% entrapment efficiency and zeta potential of 14.53 ± 3.6 mV. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical morphology of the SLN. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the targeting efficacy of F-DC-SLN in MCF-7 cells. F-DC-SLN exhibited a significant increase in area under the curve (594.21 ± 64.34 versus 39.05 ± 7.41 μg/mL h) and mean residence time (31.14 ± 19.94 versus 7.24 ± 4.51 h) in comparison to Taxotere®. In addition, decreased DTX accumulation from F-DC-SLN in the heart and kidney in comparison to Taxotere may avoid to toxicity these vital organs. In conclusion, the F-DC-SLN improved the efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of DTX exhibiting enhanced potential in optimizing breast cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of erlotinib β-cyclodextrin nanosponge (ERL-NS) on the solubility, dissolution, in vitro cytotoxicity and oral bioavailability of erlotinib (ERL). Preliminary studies were conducted to select the optimized stoichiometry concentration of ERL and NS. The drug nanosponge complex comprising of 1:4 proportions of ERL and NS was prepared by freeze drying. ERL-NS formed nanoparticles of 372 ± 31 nm size with narrow size distribution (0.21 ± 0.07 PDI) and high zeta potential (−32.07 ± 4.58 mV). The complexation phenomenon was confirmed by DSC, SEM, PXRD, FTIR, and TEM studies. In vitro dissolution studies revealed an increased dissolution rate (2-folds) with an enhanced dissolution efficiency of the nanosponge complex in comparison to pure drug. In vitro cytotoxicity study and apoptosis assay in pancreatic cell lines (MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1) indicates the increased toxicity of ERL-NS. Both, quantitative and qualitative cell uptake studies unveiled the higher uptake efficiency of ERL-NS than free drug. ERL-NS showed enhanced oral bioavailability with 1.8-fold higher C max (78.98 ± 6.2 vs. 42.36 ± 1.75 μg/ml), and ∼2-fold AUC 0−∞ (1079.95 ± 41.38 vs. 580.43 ± 71.91), in comparison to pure ERL. Therefore, we conclude that the formation of a complex of nanosponge with ERL is a successful approach to increase its solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability which may ultimately result in reduction in dose and dose related side-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has become a major public health challenge and is associated with a tremendous burden on individuals, society and federal governments worldwide. Protein misfolding and aggregation are the major pathological hallmarks of several neurodegenerative disorders. The cells have evolved several regulatory mechanisms to deal with aberrant protein folding, namely the classical ubiquitin pathway, where ubiquitination of protein aggregates marks their degradation via lysosome and the novel autophagy or mitophagy pathways. Autophagy is a catabolic process in eukaryotic cells that allows the lysosome to recycle the cell's own contents, such as organelles and proteins, known as autophagic cargo. Their most significant role is to keep cells alive in distressed situations. Mitophagy is also crucial for reducing abnormal protein aggregation and increasing organelle clearance and partly accounts for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, substantial data indicate that any disruption in these homeostatic mechanisms leads to the emergence of several age-associated metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. So, targeting autophagy and mitophagy might be a potential therapeutic strategy for a variety of health conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]