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BackgroundKernel row number (KRN) is an important yield component trait with a direct impact on the productivity of maize. The variability in KRN is influenced by the inflorescence meristem size, which is determined by the CLAVATA-WUSCHEL pathway. A CLAVATA receptor-like protein, encoded by the FASCIATED EAR2 (fea2gene), enhances the growth of inflorescence meristem and is thus involved in the determination of KRN. The amplicon sequencing-based method was employed to dissect the allelic variation of the fea2 gene in tropical field corn.Methodology/principal findingAmplicon-based sequencing of AI 535 (Low KRN) and AI 536 (High KRN) was undertaken for the gene fea 2 gene that codes for KRN in maize. Upon multiple sequence alignment of both sequences, A to T transversion at the 1311 position was noticed between Low KRN and High KRN genotypes resulting in different allelic forms of a fea2 gene in tropical maize. An allele-specific primer 1311 fea2.1 was designed and validated that can differentiate High and Low KRN genotypes.Conclusion/significanceMaize has high variability for KRN and is exemplified by the wide values ranging from 8-26 KRN in the maize germpalsm. The sequence-based approach of SNP detection through the use of a specific primer facilitated the detection of variation present in the target trait. This makes it possible to capture these variations in the early generation. In the study, the PCR-based differentiation method described for the identification of desirable high KRN genotypes would augment the breeding programs for improving the productivity of field corn.

Hirsutism, characterized by excessive androgen-dependent hair growth in women, often associated with conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), presents significant challenges to body perception and psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the impact of excessive body hair growth on women's body image, self-esteem, and social interactions. Through qualitative interviews with affected women, it was revealed that hirsutism engenders profound dissatisfaction with body image, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a sense of being socially unacceptable. Participants expressed that emotional instability exacerbates these psychological effects, affecting both mental health and physical well-being. Moreover, the stigma associated with visible symptoms of hirsutism restricted social interactions, contributing to feelings of isolation and reduced quality of life. The findings underscore the multifaceted impact of hirsutism on women's lives, highlighting its detrimental effects on body perception, self-esteem, and social functioning. Addressing these psychological and social dimensions is crucial for researchers and clinicians in comprehensive management approaches for hirsutism, alongside medical interventions aimed at hormone regulation and hair removal to enhance the overall well-being of affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common kind of developing odontogenic cysts are dentigerous cysts. They frequently push impacted teeth into ectopic locations by encircling the crown of the tooth. The mandibular third molar, maxillary canine, mandibular premolar, and maxillary third molar are the teeth that are most commonly afflicted, in decreasing order. Although these cysts are more prevalent in men, they can also occur in children and teenagers, especially in the second and third decades of life. Dentigerous cyst-related teeth in the maxilla frequently cause root dilatation in the mandibular area, permanent tooth bud displacement close to the sinus, and cortical bone enlargement, sometimes, even up to the level of the orbit or floor of the nose. Clinically, these cysts do not cause any symptoms and are frequently found by chance during radiographs done to look into cases of primary teeth that are retained, teeth that are missing, teeth that erupt slowly, or orthodontic issues. Cone-beam computed tomography's advent has just made it possible to shed fresh, extensively documented light on diagnostic and treatment approaches. Protocol for management: Surgery is typically used to treat dentigerous cysts. In this instance, the affected tooth underwent endodontic therapy, after which the cyst was curettaged, a further apicoectomy was performed, and canine impaction was completed. In the end, a bone graft and platelet-rich fibrin were implanted for rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solid solution of Barium Zirconium titanate [NiFe2O4; NF] and [BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3; BZT] and nickel ferrite with different mol% fractions of x(NiFe2O4)-(1−x)BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 (where x = 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) (abbreviated as NB-0.03, NB-0.05, NB-0.07, NB-0.1, NB-0.2, NB-0.3, NB-0.4) was synthesized via a cost effective solid-state technique. Phase identification and basic structural symmetry of the samples were determined by analyzing powder X-ray diffraction data. It reveals that the samples have a tetragonal structure along with the cubic spinel ferrite phase. The diffraction peaks shifted slightly to the side of greater angle side and average crystallite size was computed by Scherer’s formula in range of 26–29 nm. Since ferrite’s compositional fluctuation is less than 1% for the compositions (x = 0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4), the overall crystal phase is dominated by perovskite phase which was further confirmed by room temperature Raman spectra. At room temperature (300 K), the magnetic hysteresis loop measurements also showed a significant improvement in the magnetization of NB-0.40 composite has the maximum observed saturation magnetization = 29.25emu/g and 20.34emu/g at 5 and 300 K, respectively. The calculated magnetic parameters such as saturation magnetization (Ms), remanence (Mr) and coercivity (Hc), showed increased values for some NiFe2O4 doped BZT samples. Thus, it has been assumed that this sample could be utilized to enhance the magnetoelectric coupling for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infection associated with eye annually affects more than one ten lakh people globally. It can affect vision and sometimes causes complete blindness. Drug delivery through ocular route has always been a challenge, as in the eye numerous barriers are located in conjunctiva, cornea, iris-ciliary body and retina which prevents drug dose from reaching the site resulting into low bioavailability of drug. Treatment through conventional dosage form often possess disadvantage of low retention time of drug as they are flows out from the corneal cavity by tear flow and nasal drainage. To overcome these challenges, the need of the hour is to fabricate a novel drug delivery system that would overcome the barrier channels of eye and could results into enhanced drug absorption at its site of action. Till date numerous technologies viz. Nanoparticles, Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC), Nano micelles, Microneedles, Liposomes etc have been developed. These technologies can overcome the barriers located in the eye and improve bioavailability of drugs. The present review highlights about nanostructured lipid carriers and their potential use in ocular delivery. The aim is to study nanostructured lipid carriers as nanocarriers to increase the permeability, solubility, bioavailability and retention time of active pharmaceutics agents through ocular administration. High-pressure homogenization, emulsification-solvent evaporation and micro-emulsion are some of the methods by which they can be prepared. So, it is concluded that nanostructured lipid carriers represent a potential nanocarrier for the reliable delivery of drugs to the ocular tissues with increased solubility, bioavailability and residence time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads are increasing an adverse impact on road-kill and threats to the faunal diversity globally. In Bihar, very few studies have been carried out to record and assess the road-kill of faunal diversity. The present study was conducted to estimate the road kills on the National Highway in our locality. The road kills were recorded thrice a week in each habitat. The data regarding the road-kill survey was collected from Jan 2020 to Dec 2022. For the survey of road-killed animals, avians, reptiles, and other vertebrates, the national highway passing through the urban landscape, agricultural landscape, river basin, and forest land (from Gaya to Wazirganj and Rajgir wild area) was selected on the basis of availability of floral diversity and geographical location. The survey found a total of 1021 carcasses of 34 different species belonging to 4 families were recorded by road-kill on selected highways including Gaya and Rajgir from January 2020 to December 2022. The highest mortality of Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus, 1760) (Common Myna) was recorded in both survey sites. While, observing the seasonal variations in road-kill, it was observed that the maximum mortality due to road-kill was found from September to January and the minimum from April to June. Management strategies and conservation practices are essential to prevent the local extinction of faunal and floral diversity due to road kills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusual infestation of litchi fruit by the non-marine snail, Rhachis bengalensis (Lamarck, 1822) was the first time observed in litchi cultivating orchards in Muzaffarpur during May and June of 2019. In India, infestation and damage to vegetable and fruit crops by Achatina fulica (Bowdich), Pila globose (Swainson), Indosuccinea semiserica (Gould) were previously reported by many scientists. Achatina fulica was previously reported to cause severe damage to papaya, brinjal, beans, okra, rubber buds and guava while P. globosa was reported as a devastating pest of paddy and legume crops. The R. bengalensis was for the first time observed to infest litchi by sucking sap and feeding on the pulp of cracked litchi fruit during long periods of extremely warm weather. Results showed moderate infestation and an average of more than five snails was found per litchi plant. The damage caused by R. bengalensis through sucking sap and feeding pulp that led to abrasions on fruits and caused fungal contamination through their faces and slim wrinkle marks or deep slash mark on the pulp indicates the mode of infestation. In the host choice, the snails preferred cracked ripen litchi fruits more than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In previous studies, we found that quetiapine activates the AKT signaling which further inhibits the action of GSK3β. Quetiapine has been reported to possess neuroprotective potential in schizophrenia and other neurodegenerative models. Method: On day 1st and 3rd, rats received bilateral intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of STZ (3 mg/kg). From day 8 to day 21 of treatment of quetiapine, a GSK3‐β inhibitor and neuroprotective medication, was given at dose levels of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg/i.p. Morris water maze and Object recognition test was performed for the evaluation of cognitive impairment, whereas biochemical, histopathological, neuroinflammatory were evaluated by hippocampal and cortical brain region on 22nd day. Result: ICV‐STZ results in cognitive impairment, spatial and non‐special learning deficit in OFT, MWM and ORT tests respectively, including elevation in the levels of nitrite and MDA and decreased antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and Catalase levels, also produced degenerative changes in dentate gyrus, CA1, CA2 and CA3 region of hippocampus as well as cortex in rat brains. Whereas, Quetiapine treatment significantly attenuated STZ‐induced cognitive deficit, oxidative stress and improved density of surviving neurons in hippocampal/cortical region of rat brains. Conclusion: The conclusive outcomes of the present study, clearly indicate neuroprotective potential of quetiapine in neurodegenerative pathogenesis associated with cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]