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Abstract Focusing on Rhenium disulfide (ReS2), a group VII transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDC), being a promising contender system for future nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, here, we present an innovative pathway to experimentally achieve an almost barrier-free contact for the ReS2 field effect transistors (FETs) by using few layered graphene as contact electrodes, further supported by comparative first-principles analysis. Such barrier-free contacts enable the observation of metal-to-insulator transition with enhanced room temperature carrier mobility up to 25 cm2/Vs, linear Ids-Vds characteristic down to 80 K, along with the reduction of 1/f noise by more than two orders of magnitude. We further demonstrate a highly responsive gate- tunable phototransistor (R > 106 A/W) at an illumination wavelength of 633 nm. This work demonstrates a straightforward strategy to unlock the full potential of ReS2 for CMOS compatible future electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract In Huntington’s Disease (HD) and related disorders, expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats produces a toxic gain of function in affected neurons. Expanded huntingtin (expHTT) mRNA forms aggregates that sequester essential RNA binding proteins, dysregulating mRNA processing and translation. The physical basis of RNA aggregation has been difficult to disentangle owing to the heterogeneous structure of the CAG repeats. Here, we probe the folding and unfolding pathways of expHTT mRNA using single-molecule force spectroscopy. Whereas normal HTT mRNAs unfold reversibly and cooperatively, expHTT mRNAs with 20 or 40 CAG repeats slip and unravel non-cooperatively at low tension. Slippage of CAG base pairs is punctuated by concerted rearrangement of adjacent CCG trinucleotides, trapping partially folded structures that readily base pair with another RNA strand. We suggest that the conformational entropy of the CAG repeats, combined with stable CCG base pairs, creates a stick-slip behavior that explains the aggregation propensity of expHTT mRNA.

Since the nutritional makeup of many plants is still unknown, people have historically included them in their diets without even being aware of their health advantages. Therefore, the present study aimed to uncover the proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids composition of two locally consumed vegetables, namely Boerhavia diffusa and Coccinia grandis. From the analysis, these vegetables had a significant protein, fat, and carbohydrate content. Regarding mineral contents, both plants had a great amount of potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, and zinc. These vegetables had a remarkable content of vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C. The leaves of both plants had important essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine, as well as non-essential amino acids. Unsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and erucic acid were more prominent in Coccinia grandis than Boerhavia diffusa. In addition, both plants had a significant amount of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and lauric acid. Thus, it can be concluded that these two vegetables have magnificent profiles of nutrients which could make them as important sources of minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids.

Introduction: The fabella is a sesamoid bone found in the posterior and lateral region of the knee, identified on X-rays behind the femoral condyle in a true lateral view. Occasionally, it is a source of knee pain and is associated with radiological evidence of osteoarthritic knees. Due to its uncommon occurrence, there are very few studies related to an ossified fabella. While posteromedial pain and varus are common entities in knee arthritis, attention needs to be given to posterolateral structures like the fabella, as its radiological appearance may indicate the presence of arthritis. Aim: To determine the occurrence of the fabella and its association with arthritis and knee deformities, such as varus or valgus, in Indian knees on X-rays. Materials and Methods: This was a single-centre, X-ray-based, cross-sectional study conducted in the Joint Replacement Unit-II of the Department of Orthopaedics between June 2022 and March 2023 at KLE's Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka, India. A total of 500 knees were radiologically studied using Medsynapse/Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), and Cohen's Kappa Test statistics were employed to measure the agreement between the radiologist and orthopaedician regarding the presence or absence of the fabella interpreted on X-rays. Results: The occurrence of ossified fabella was observed in 87 (17.4%) subjects. Amongst these 27 (31.03%) had bilateral fabella, while remaining 60 (68.97%) had it either on left or right side. There was a high association between the occurrence of the fabella with age, Osteoarthritis (OA), and knee deformity (p-value0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that ossified fabella is significantly associated with knee OA, age, and knee deformities.

Despite their overlooked status, weeds are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic value, aligning with historical reliance on plants for medicine and nutrition. This study investigates the medicinal potential of native weed species in Bangladesh, specifically pigments, antioxidants, and free radical scavenging abilities. Twenty different medicinal weed species were collected from the vicinity of Khulna Agricultural University and processed in the Crop Botany Department Laboratory. Pigment levels were determined using spectrophotometer analysis, and phenolics, flavonoids, and DPPH were quantified accordingly. Chlorophyll levels in leaves ranged from 216.70 ± 9.41 to 371.14 ± 28.67 µg g−1 FW, and in stems from 51.98 ± 3.21 to 315.89 ± 17.19 µg g−1 FW. Flavonoid content also varied widely, from 1,624.62 ± 102.03 to 410.00 ± 115.58 mg CE 100 g−1 FW in leaves, and from 653.08 ± 32.42 to 80.00 ± 18.86 mg CE 100 g−1 FW in stems. In case of phenolics content Euphorbia hirta L. displaying the highest total phenolic content in leaves (1,722.33 ± 417.89 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW) and Ruellia tuberosa L. in stems (977.70 ± 145.58 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW). The lowest DPPH 2.505 ± 1.028 mg mL−1was found in Heliotropium indicum L. leaves. Hierarchical clustering links species with pigment, phenolic/flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. PCA, involving 20 species and seven traits, explained 70.07% variability, with significant PC1 (14.82%) and PC2 (55.25%). Leaves were shown to be superior, and high-performing plants such as E. hirta and H. indicum stood out for their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Thus, this research emphasizes the value of efficient selection while concentrating on the therapeutic potential of native weed species.

Abstract Organic aquaculture is a new approach in the modern farming system. As the capital investment is higher for setting up the organic aquaculture, it is essential to conduct an economic feasibility study with compare the conventional farming system. In the current study, economic feasibility of culturing Indian major carps (IMC) using conventional culture system and organic culture system (OCS) were evaluated. IMC was cultured for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 in experimental ponds of 0.015 hectare (ha) area each. The crude protein content of the organic and conventional feed was maintained at the same iso-nitrogenous level (32% crude protein) but the highest production to the tune of 19 tons per ha was obtained in OCS. Further, in case of OCS, apart from fish production, vermicomposting to the tune of 45,000 kg ha−1 in the first year, and 90,000 kg ha−1 from second year onward is achievable by installing a vermicomposting unit of 200 tons annual capacity. Economic analysis of the culture systems assuming a project period of 10 years showed that the highest net present value (NPV) of 1.06 million USD, a payback period of one year and nine months and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 51% are achievable per ha of fish culture pond for OCS. Sensitivity analysis of various costs performed for OCS revealed that profitability of the organic fish farming investment is most sensitive to the total fish production and sale price of the organic fishes. In terms of production of fish and economics of organic culture system is proved to be the best available technique.

Hundreds of bacteria, viruses, eukaryotes, and archaea comprise the human intestinal microbiota, which constitutes a complex ecology. Recent years have established the significance of the gastrointestinal microbiome in the study of biological microorganisms. Diverse techniques for cultural extraction and analysis make it difficult to cultivate intestinal gut bacteria species. To determine the causative microorganism, it is necessary to investigate microbes and bacteria. Novel and efficacious remedies for illnesses are required. Bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing can assist in the analysis of enormous quantities of sequenced data for bacterial investigations, thereby expanding sequencing. However, advancements in sequencing technology have broadened the scope of bioinformatics identification and analysis. With next-generation sequencing techniques such as metagenomic, 16S rRNA, and meta-transcriptomic sequencing, experimental data regarding the immunological response of the intestinal gut microbiome to genetic manipulation seems to be helpful in identifying the diseases. Despite significant progress over the past two decades, there is still a lack of understanding about the ecology of diseases and treatments. The present review highlights how microbial gene sequencing and analysis of sequencing information can help manage human gut issues.

The current study was designed to investigate the consequences of rice cooking and soaking of cooked rice (CR) with or without arsenic (As) contaminated water on As and Fe (iron) transfer to the human body along with associated health risk assessment using additive main-effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and Monte Carlo Simulation model. In comparison to raw rice, As content in cooked rice (CR) and soaked cooked rice (SCR) enhanced significantly (at p

Edible crabs of different species are well-known as rich sources of protein and minerals. The present study evaluated the nutritional profile of Portunus pelagicus and Portunus sanguinolentus crabs collected from the coastal Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. The meat and shell parts of both male and female crabs were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat and ash/minerals. The meats contain significantly higher amount of protein (12.72-19.25%), fat (2.78-4.06%), moisture (74.71-79.81%) and lower amount of ash (1.06-2.01%) compared to the shells (0.94-1.55% protein, 0.87-1.33% fat, 47.59-51.01% moisture and 20.99-24.48% ash). Among the minerals, calcium, iron and phosphorus are significantly higher in the shells (6567.11-9463.03 mg/100g, 10.36-31.72 mg/100g and 97.76-127.67 mg/100g, respectively) than in the meats (23.33-233.09 mg/100g, 4.22-8.34 mg/100g and 51.88-63.28 mg/100g, respectively). The findings of the present study suggest that the meat and shell of these crabs could be considered for consumption as excellent sources of protein and minerals essential for infants, young children, adults, pregnant and lactating women.

Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world. More than 200 air quality index values were recorded in January and February since 2017, indicating that the air quality was unhealthy to very unhealthy. In this work, water-soluble inorganic anions (WSIAs) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh with a population of around 21 million, were evaluated. Accordingly, PM2.5 was collected using a quartz filter coupled with an active air sampler set in Dhaka University campus, Bangladesh, during February 2023, to analyze WSIAs. The 24-h average PM2.5 mass, 156 ± 44.8 μg/m3, was almost nine times higher than the WHO limit values of 15.0 μg/m3 and about three times higher than the Bangladesh Department of Environment limits of 65.0 μg/m3. Fluoride, chloride, bromide, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate were among the water-soluble ions that were determined using ion chromatography. While bromide and nitrite were found to be below the detection limit, the mean concentrations of fluoride, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate were determined to be 0.086 ± 0.010, 2.27 ± 0.332, 10.2 ± 1.29, 2.23 ± 0.424, and 11.0 ± 1.45 μg/m3, respectively. The highest levels of PM2.5 and the relevant anions were determined to be present during February 9-10, 2023. Sulfate accounted for almost 43% of the anions in the overall PM2.5. According to the results of the statistical analysis, the high concentrations of sulfate and nitrate in PM2.5 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were primarily caused by sulfur-containing fossil fuels, especially sulfur-containing diesel, coal, and unfit automobiles, while the main sources of fluoride and chloride were fire retardants, burning of textile, and municipal solid wastes. All of these sources have the ability to produce PM2.5.

Agricultural productivity is constantly being forced to maintain yield stability to feed the enormously growing world population. However, shrinking arable and nutrient-deprived soil and abiotic and biotic stressor (s) in different magnitudes put additional challenges to achieving global food security. Though well-defined, the concept of macro, micronutrients, and beneficial elements is from a plant nutritional perspective. Among various micronutrients, selenium (Se) is essential in small amounts for the life cycle of organisms, including crops. Selenium has the potential to improve soil health, leading to the improvement of productivity and crop quality. However, Se possesses an immense encouraging phenomenon when supplied within the threshold limit, also having wide variations. The supplementation of Se has exhibited promising outcomes in lessening biotic and abiotic stress in various crops. Besides, bulk form, nano-Se, and biogenic-Se also revealed some merits and limitations. Literature suggests that the possibilities of biogenic-Se in stress alleviation and fortifying foods are encouraging. In this article, apart from adopting a combination of a conventional extensive review of the literature and bibliometric analysis, the authors have assessed the journey of Se in the “soil to spoon” perspective in a diverse agroecosystem to highlight the research gap area. There is no doubt that the time has come to seriously consider the tag of beneficial elements associated with Se, especially in the drastic global climate change era.

ABSTRACT The effect of ion‐neutral collisions on the plasma sheath has been investigated for electronegative plasma in the presence of surface‐produced negative ions. Such sheath structures are commonly found in the negative ion sources. It has been found that ion‐neutral collisions reduce the ion velocity towards the sheath and consequently reduce the negative ion production from the surface. The space charge profile shows peak near the sheath edge in contrast to the common case where it has a peak near the wall. The fractional loss of the ions at the wall along with the ion impact energy is calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world. More than 200 air quality index values were recorded in January and February since 2017, indicating that the air quality was unhealthy to very unhealthy. In this work, water‐soluble inorganic anions (WSIAs) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh with a population of around 21 million, were evaluated. Accordingly, PM2.5 was collected using a quartz filter coupled with an active air sampler set in Dhaka University campus, Bangladesh, during February 2023, to analyze WSIAs. The 24‐h average PM2.5 mass, 156 ± 44.8 μg/m3, was almost nine times higher than the WHO limit values of 15.0 μg/m3 and about three times higher than the Bangladesh Department of Environment limits of 65.0 μg/m3. Fluoride, chloride, bromide, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate were among the water‐soluble ions that were determined using ion chromatography. While bromide and nitrite were found to be below the detection limit, the mean concentrations of fluoride, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate were determined to be 0.086 ± 0.010, 2.27 ± 0.332, 10.2 ± 1.29, 2.23 ± 0.424, and 11.0 ± 1.45 μg/m3, respectively. The highest levels of PM2.5 and the relevant anions were determined to be present during February 9‐10, 2023. Sulfate accounted for almost 43% of the anions in the overall PM2.5. According to the results of the statistical analysis, the high concentrations of sulfate and nitrate in PM2.5 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were primarily caused by sulfur‐containing fossil fuels, especially sulfur‐containing diesel, coal, and unfit automobiles, while the main sources of fluoride and chloride were fire retardants, burning of textile, and municipal solid wastes. All of these sources have the ability to produce PM2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on Rhenium disulfide (ReS2), a group VII transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDC), being a promising contender system for future nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, here, we present an innovative pathway to experimentally achieve an almost barrier-free contact for the ReS2 field effect transistors (FETs) by using few layered graphene as contact electrodes, further supported by comparative first-principles analysis. Such barrier-free contacts enable the observation of metal-to-insulator transition with enhanced room temperature carrier mobility up to 25 cm2/Vs, linear Ids-Vds characteristic down to 80 K, along with the reduction of 1/f noise by more than two orders of magnitude. We further demonstrate a highly responsive gate- tunable phototransistor (R > 106 A/W) at an illumination wavelength of 633 nm. This work demonstrates a straightforward strategy to unlock the full potential of ReS2 for CMOS compatible future electronic and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by airway abnormalities which lead to persistent and often progressive airflow obstruction. COPD is compounded with complex pathophysiology, involving interplay of several environmental and genetic risk factors. Patients present with chronic respiratory symptoms of progressive dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, which, if inadequately treated, are often associated with exacerbations and hospitalization. With an ageing population and exposure to tobacco smoke and/or air pollutants, the burden of COPD is only expected to increase in the coming years in our state and country. Already it is the third leading cause of mortality and is expected to become the second by 2030. Management modalities are currently centered on relieving symptoms of airway obstruction, delaying decline in lung function, reducing exposureto risk factors like tobacco smoke, infections and increasing respiratory muscle strength through interventions like nutrition and rehabilitation on the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the streaming instability triggered by ion motion in a plasma system that is finite in length, collisionless, and inhomogeneous. Employing numerical simulations using particle-in-cell techniques and kinetic equations, the study examines how inhomogeneity emerges from integrating a cold ion beam with a background plasma within a confined system. The findings suggest that steady ion flow can modify ion sound waves through acoustic reflections from system boundaries, leading to instability. Such phenomena are known to be a hydrodynamic effect. However, there are also signatures of the beam-driven ion sound instability where kinetic resonances play a pivotal role. The main objective is to understand the impact of a finite-length system on beam–plasma instability and to identify the wave modes supported in such configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture industry will be crucial in helping the world's food supply and keep up with the demand. Aquaculture, like agriculture, must expand and develop sustainably in all the countries to keep up with the rising demand for food. To this end, the aquaculture industry has forged new scientific and technological frontiers in pursuit of long‐term food security. Among these is organic aquaculture, whose distinctive protocol has great potential to advance aquaculture. Organic aquaculture is being explored for multiple reasons, encompassing the aim to minimize environmental footprints, fulfill escalating consumer appetites for seafood, and contend within the industry this paper endeavors to address the gaps in current literature by offering an exhaustive overview of various aspects of organic aquaculture. This encompasses its regulation, production methods, food quality, environmental impact, economic viability, as well as socioeconomic and marketing aspects. It is necessary to acquire more knowledge about organic farming techniques before switching over to organic aquaculture on a large scale. Organic regulation, production, food quality, economic performance, and social and marketing issues are at the top. This review found that consumers lack understanding of organic principles, and regulations are inconsistently applied. However, organic aquaculture promotes social equality by protecting producers' rights to work without discrimination based on gender, race, or sexual orientation factors that ultimately boost the industry's popularity. Organic aquaculture viability varies depending on factors like feed costs, fixed expenses, and the premium pricing sensitivity, making it unfeasible for certain species. However, from both societal and economic standpoints, organic aquaculture appears most suitable for implementation in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, has become a critical global health issue, necessitating the search for novel antimicrobial agents. S. aureus uses various mechanisms to resist antibiotics, including the activation of efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and enzymatic modification of drugs. This study explores the potential of baicalein, a bioflavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis, in modulating tetracycline resistance in S. aureus by inhibiting efflux pumps. The synergistic action of baicalein and tetracycline was evaluated through various assays. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of baicalein and tetracycline against S. aureus was 256 and 1.0 μg/mL, respectively. Baicalein at 64 μg/mL reduced the MIC of tetracycline by eightfold, indicating a synergistic effect (fractional inhibitory concentration index: 0.375). Time–kill kinetics demonstrated a 1.0 log CFU/mL reduction in bacterial count after 24 hours with the combination treatment. The ethidium bromide accumulation assay showed that baicalein mediated significant inhibition of efflux pumps, with a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence. In addition, baicalein inhibited DNA synthesis by 73% alone and 92% in combination with tetracycline. It also markedly reduced biofilm formation and the invasiveness of S. aureus into HeLa cells by 52% at 64 μg/mL. These findings suggest that baicalein enhances tetracycline efficacy and could be a promising adjunct therapy to combat multidrug-resistant S. aureus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary eye care center between January 2016 and January 2018, aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) among patients aged 18 years and above. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Diagnosed cases of POAG were included. A well-structured questionnaire, validated by ophthalmologists, was administered to assess awareness and knowledge. Demographic data were collected initially, and subsequent questions determined awareness and knowledge scores. A total score of <50% indicated poor awareness and knowledge, 50%-75% indicated fair, and more than 75% indicated good. Results: Out of 972 participants, 67.6% were males, and 32.4% were females. No significant correlation was found between awareness/knowledge and age or gender (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant correlation was observed between education status and both awareness and knowledge (P < 0.05). Overall, the majority of patients demonstrated fair awareness (50%-75%) and knowledge of glaucoma. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the awareness and knowledge of POAG among a diverse patient population. The fair overall awareness and knowledge highlight the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly among individuals with lower education levels. The findings contribute to our understanding of glaucoma awareness in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of tailored education strategies to enhance public health outcomes in glaucoma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]