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Abstract In this work, a sonication induced modified wet chemical approach is adopted to synthesize highly luminescent and water soluble cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots (QDs). The morphology, size, crystal structural, and optical properties of CdTe QDs are investigated for different refluxing time (1–4 h). The refluxing time-dependent optical constants viz. band gap energy and Urbach energy of the QDs are estimated from UV–Visible absorption spectra. The optical band gap energy decreased from ~ 2.12 to 1.92 eV and the Urbach energy increased from ~ 361 to 487 meV, with the increase in refluxing time. CdTe QDs are found to be uniform in size. The average size of the QDs estimated from the High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope image analysis is about 5.8 and 8.2 nm for refluxing times 1 and 4 h, respectively. The growth mechanism of the QDs as a function of refluxing time has also been discussed. The fluorescence spectra of the QDs, revealed emission peaks having wavelength from ~ 534 to 585 nm, under the excitation wavelength of 320 nm. The fluorescence emission peaks showed a bathochromic shift with increasing refluxing time. CdTe QDs also exhibit excitation-dependent fluorescence behaviour. Two crystalline phases of the CdTe QDs, namely hexagonal and cubic are confirmed from the High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope images and Selected Area Electron Diffraction patterns analysis. The phase transformation from hexagonal to cubic is successfully achieved by tuning the refluxing time from 1 to 4 h.

Context: Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are seen in around 2% of apparently healthy individuals. These require careful evaluation for the hormone excess state and the presence of malignancy prior to intervention. Aims: To study the clinical, biochemical, and imaging characteristics of the patients with AI and correlate the diagnosis with the histopathology findings in patients undergoing surgery. Settings and Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods and Material: Patients with adrenal incidentaloma presenting between January 2017 and January 2021 were evaluated as per guidelines provided by the European Society of Endocrinology and the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. Patients were given final diagnosis on the basis of imaging impression, hormonal activity, and biopsy results (when applicable). Results: Forty-eight patients were evaluated, with 25 being male, the mean age being 40.9 years (8–71), and the mean size of the mass being 6.21 (1.4–13.7) cm. Thirty-five (72.9%) of them underwent surgical excision. The most common diagnosis was myelolipoma (16), followed by pheochromocytoma (10) and adenoma (9). Nineteen patients were found to have hormone-secreting masses. Two patients with pheochromocytoma were normotensive. There was discordance between imaging diagnosis and hormonal status in two patients, with final diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. One patient with extramedullary erythropoiesis of the adrenal gland was subsequently diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions: The study highlights the rare possibility of discrepancy between non-contrast CT diagnosis and functional status of AI. There is also a rare possibility of extramedullary erythropoiesis presenting as AI with adrenal insufficiency. Specific evaluation for such rare possibilities should be considered in AI cases as per clinical scenario.

Background: Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a wide range of relatively rare conditions having diverse pathophysiology. Identification of an underlying cause can help in treating any coexisting hormone deficiencies and can help with anticipating any other immediate or long-term health concerns. Objective: To study the clinical and biochemical profile of patients with 46 XY DSD along with androgen receptor (AR) gene mutation status in selected group of patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted after enrolling the eligible DSD patients. Thorough elicitation of history and detailed clinical examination was done. Assays for luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, AMH & Inhibin B (where indicated), and human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation were done as per protocol. Results: In total, 48 patients were included in the study. Ambiguous genitalia (58.3%) followed by hypospadias (33.3%) were common presentation. Androgen biosynthetic defect were the most commonly encountered diagnosis followed by androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Swyer syndrome was diagnosed in 4.2% of cases; partial gonadal dysgenesis, ovotesticular DSD, and vanishing testis syndrome contributed to 2% of cases each. Eight cases (16.7%) who presented with isolated proximal and midshaft hypospadias for whom no diagnosis was found were categorized in the “etiology unclear” group. AR gene mutation analysis designed against specific exons did not yield any results. Conclusion: 46 XY DSD is a heterogeneous group of patients with a varying age of presentation and a diverse clinical profile. Most patients are reared as males and maintained the same gender identity except in isolated cases. Diagnosis of AIS remains a clinical challenge as a definite hormonal criterion does not exist and genetic mutations in AR gene may be negative. Flanking region sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and promoter region sequencing may reveal pathogenic variants. Variations in other genes regulating AR pathway may also be candidates to be studied.

The petrology of coal, as determined by the microscopic analysis of organic and inorganic elemental constituents of coal, provides information on its nature and characteristics. Coal is used worldwide in the production of thermal energy and coke. In the case of high-quality Colombian coals, only limited studies have been carried out. The present study presents the geochemical, mineralogical, and petrological characteristics of coal samples collected from Puerto Drummond in Cienaga, Colombia, to predict their potential uses. Therefore, the ultimate, proximate, petrographic, gross calorific value (GCV), ash fusion temperature, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Thermogravimetric (TG) analyses were employed in this study. The petrological analysis reveals that Colombian coals are naturally more abundant in vitrinite (72%) than inertinite (14–23%) macerals. Silicates and aluminosilicate are the main minerals present as fine particles mixed with macerals. The XRD and FTIR analyses show that the most common and dominant minerals are quartz, while gypsum, hematite, calcite and mica occur in lesser amounts. The oxide composition of the coal ashes consists of 51–58% SiO2 and 18–25% Al2O3 as determined by XRF analysis. In correlation and regression analysis, the moisture content shows a reverse correlation with GCV (Regression value of R2 = 0.68). This study helps researchers to comprehend the importance of Colombian coals and presents various techniques for characterisation of coals.

Let R be a commutative ring and M be a unital R-module. The intersection graph of submodules of M, denoted by GM, is the graph whose vertex set is the collection of all submodules of M and in which two distinct vertices A and B are adjacent if and only if A∩B≠0. In this paper the notion of essentiality of modules plays a vital role in the study of intersection graph of submodules of M. This notion gives a new dimension in characterizing the center of intersection graphs of submodules of M. We define mna (maximal non-adjacent) vertex in GMand observe some of its characteristics. The notion of complemented intersection graph exhibits some significant algebraic and graphical properties. Moreover, defining the concept of isolated center in GMwe establish certain results related to mna vertex. Keywords: Module, Essential submodule, Intersection graph, Complemented graph, Center

We introduce the concept of nilpotency of the right singular ideal of a semiring. We discuss some properties of such nilpotency and singular ideals. We show that the right singular ideal of a semiring with a.c.c. for right annihilators, is nilpotent.

Abstract Intramolecular cyclization of enol ethers mediated by para-toluenesulfonic acid leads to substituted tetrahydropyrans in good to moderate yields. The reaction is diastereoselective.

Context: Sex hormones levels determine the risk of occurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in post-menopausal (PM) women. Aims: To investigate the relationship between sex hormones (estradiol and testosterone)/sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and cardiovascular risk factors in PM women. In addition, we learned the association between these sex hormones/SHBG and the occurrence of atherosclerotic CAD event in PM women. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional case- control study. Subjects and Methods: Subjects recruited in the present study were from the cardiology outpatient clinic or Emergency department Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Assam. The subjects were grouped into two categories after appropriate exclusion criteria: Cases – PM women with documented CAD (n = 40) and controls – Healthy PM women (n = 30). The medical history, clinical examination, and investigations including serum estradiol, total testosterone, SHBG, free testosterone index (FTI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipid profile, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG) were done and analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation between sex hormones and CAD risk factors was done. The association between sex hormones and CAD risk factors among PM women was analyzed by multiple logistic regression. The statistical significance was set at the 0.05 level. Results: The mean age of all the subjects was 62.27 ± 6.9 years. Among the cases, a significant positive correlation was found between total testosterone/FTI and waist circumference, W/H ratio, triglyceride levels, hs-CRP, and CIMT (P < 0.01). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between total testosterone and FTI with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P < 0.01). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that total testosterone levels (P < 0.01) and SHBG (P < 0.01) are independently associated with the occurrence of atherosclerotic CAD in PM. Conclusion: We conclude that increased serum testosterone levels and low SHBG in PM women are associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors.

Context: Peripubertal and adolescent children are vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency as this is the period of rapid skeletal growth. Aims: This study was done to assess the vitamin D status in school children between the age of 8–14 years attending the government schools in rural and urban areas of Assam in Northeast India. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional observational study. Materials and Methods: About 500 students (350 from rural and 150 from urban areas) were recruited in the study. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin-D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were measured in fasting state. Daily nutrition intake and sunlight exposure were assessed. Statistical Analysis: Student's t-test and Pearson correlation test were done to assess the association between different variables. P value

Vehicular pollution in cities is engendering the need to enhance the sequestration of CO2 through bio-edaphic factors, such as trees and soil. Hence, this pioneering study aimed to analyze the interdependencies of the bio-edaphic ecosystem during carbon sequestration on a national highway in Guwahati, Assam, India. To quantify the tree carbon stock, soil physicochemical properties, soil nutrients, bulk density, organic carbon, and soil carbon stock, trees with diameters at breast height (dbh) ≥ 2 cm and soil samples from different depths (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–45 cm) were taken from six areas spread over 36 plots of equal size (2 × 10 m) arranged in a zig-zag manner. The studied parameters were compared among the different areas. It was found that the tree and soil carbon stock, along with soil nutrients, were greater in the Garchuk-Lokhra area (sample area-4). A significantly strong correlation was observed between the soil carbon stock and the above and below-ground biomass of trees (AGB, r = 0.865; BGB, r = 0.847), which indicated the co-dependencies of the bio-edaphic ecosystem in accumulating carbon. Peltophorum ferrugineum (Decne.) Benth is recommended for planting because it has emerged as a tolerant species and has the greatest carbon storage potential. The bio-edaphic ecosystem of the national highway is now on a carbon-friendly trajectory that follows the UNFCCC guidelines and the REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) strategy. However further research on carbon budgeting is required.

Abstract Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the major problems in high sulfur coal mining areas generating acidic water. The acidic mine water generated contain hazardous elements in varying concentrations. The Northeastern Indian coalfield produces considerable amounts of AMD. The AMD and metal leaching from coal and mine over burden (OB) are the two important naturally occurring processes. In order to know the AMD potential, the aqueous leaching experiment of a few coal and OB samples from the Ledo colliery of the Northeastern coalfield, Mergherita (India), at different time periods (1, 3, 5, and 8 h) and at different temperatures (25, 45, 65, and 90 °C) were performed in the laboratory. The physico-chemical analysis of the aqueous leachates shows the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solid (TDS) in the range of 1.62–3.52, 106–2006 µs/cm, and 106–1003 ppm for the raw coal samples respectively. The OB samples produced pH, EC, and TDS in the range of 3.68–6.92, 48.6–480 µs/cm, and 69.5–240 ppm respectively. From the study, it was revealed that the concentrations of major (Si, Al, K, Na, Fe, Ca, Mg), minor (Mn) and trace/hazardous elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) considerably change with leaching time as well as with leaching temperature. Out of these elements As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Se are of greater environmental importance. Alteration of the physico-chemical structure of the coal and OB samples resulting from leaching was also studied by field emission scanning electron microscope- energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy method. The release of the potentially hazardous elements from the raw coal and OB during leaching time periods to the leachates was detected by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and ion-chromatographic analyses. The major minerals found in coal and OB are quartz (SiO2), pyrite (FeS2), hematite, marcasite, and kaolinite. The association of different functional groups in minerals and their mode of association were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analytical techniques. The present laboratory study will be useful in relating the characteristics of aqueous leaching from coal and mine OB with the natural weathering condition at the coal mine area.

Context: The neonatal skeletal outcomes due to maternal Vitamin D deficiency. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the serum 25 hydroxy Vitamin D (25[OH]D) status in pregnant women and correlate with cord blood 25(OH)D levels, femur length at 34 weeks gestation, and neonatal anthropometry (birth weight, birth length, and head circumference). Settings and Design: This was prospective cohort study. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out in 250 healthy primigravida between 18 and 40 years of age in the third trimester of gestation attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati from December 2012 to December 2015. Dietary assessment of calcium and Vitamin D intake, sunlight exposure among the pregnant mothers and fetal femur length measurements were done. The neonates were followed up at birth for biometric assessment and the estimation of cord 25(OH)D. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and Pearson correlation were carried out to see the association and correlation between different variables. Statistical significance was set at the 0.05 level. Results: We found low Vitamin D levels (60%) in the majority of pregnant mothers and newborns (62.4%). The mean Vitamin D levels were 17.51 ± 2.24 ng/ml and 14.51 ± 1.8 ng/ml among the low Vitamin D maternal subjects and their new born, respectively. There was a significant association of maternal Vitamin D levels with sun exposure, dietary intake of Vitamin D, serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and serum parathyroid hormone in subjects with low Vitamin D. Fetal femur length and birth length were significantly shorter in mothers with low Vitamin D (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Maternal hypovitaminosis D was associated with adverse skeletal outcome in neonates.

For a non-commutative ring , the left total directed graph of is a directed graph with vertex set as and for the vertices and , is adjacent to if and only if there is a non-zero which is different from and , such that is a left zero-divisor of . In this paper, we discuss some very basic results of left (as well as right) total directed graph of . We also study the coloring of left total directed graph of directed graph.

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with genetic predisposition to Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), but there is very limited data on both molecular and genetic aspects of ALD among the Northeast Indian (NEI) population. Aim and Objectives: Screening the role of genetic alterations in alcohol metabolizing pathway genes in the pathogenesis of ALD which is prevalent in the ethnically NEI population. Material and Methods: Whole blood was collected from ALD patients (n=150) [alcoholic chronic liver disease (CLD, n=110) and alcoholic cirrhosis (Cirr/cirrhosis, n=40)], Alcoholic Without Liver Disease (AWLD, n=93) and healthy controls (HC/controls, n=274) with informed consents along with Fibroscan based liver stiffness measurement (LSM) score and clinical data. Alcohol Dehydrogenase 2 (ADH2) and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotyping was studied by Polymerase Chain Reaction with Confronting Two Pair Primers (PCR-CTPP); and Alcohol Dehydrogenase 3 (ADH3) by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results:ADH2*2 genotype was predominant and associated with increased risk of cirrhosis compared to healthy controls, AWLD and CLD cases; and CLD compared to AWLD cases. ADH3*1 genotype was associated with significantly increased risk of cirrhosis compared to healthy controls, AWLD and CLD cases (p

It is well-known that a positive integer $d$ is called a unitary divisor of an integer $n$ if $d|n$ and gcd$\left(d,\frac{n}{d}\right)=1$. Divisor function $\sigma^{*}(n)$ denote the sum of all such unitary divisors of $n$. In this paper we consider the maximum function $U^{*}(n)=\max\{k\in\mathbb{N}:\sigma^{*}(k)|n\}$and study the function $U^{*}(n)$ for $n=p^{m}$, where $p$ is a prime and $m\geq 1$.

The diagnosis of idiopathic dilatation of pulmonary artery is challenging because its clinical recognition is difficult and various other causes of dilated pulmonary artery need to be excluded. The clinical findings mimic various common cardiac disorders and both invasive and non-invasive investigations should be done to arrive at the diagnosis. It is a known clinical entity but etiology and pathophysiology are largely unknown. The current echocardiographic and catheterization based diagnostic criteria, may not be satisfied completely in a particular patient and need to be revisited in view of newer imaging modalities. There is paucity of information about the natural history of the disease with attendant lack of clarity in treatment guidelines. Certain cases may progress to huge dilatation and consequent serious implications. It is a rare disease and is the diagnosis of exclusion.

Human health, the environment, and climate are being profoundly aff ected by complex pollutant interactions in the atmosphere. Almost all human activities cause the emissions of air pollutants. Their understanding and quantifi cation is the fi rst step towards the control and mitigation of air pollution. The general aim of this paper is to summarise the fi ndings of selected Croatian and Indian papers addressing air pollution, particularly those focusing on sulphur and aerosols associated with coal-fi red power plants. The two countries are essentially diff erent regarding their size, geography, history, economy, industrial potential, to name but a few. However, they both have had certain relations to the fossil fuel extraction and its usage in power stations and industry for decades. Various research approaches are presented, together with a brief outline of national air pollution policies.

Let R be a commutative ring with unity and M be an R-module. We introduce the total graph of a module M with respect to singular submodule Z(M) of M as an undirected graph T(Γ(M)) with vertex set as M and any two distinct vertices x and y are adjacent if and only if x+y∈Z(M). We investigate some properties of the total graph T(Γ(M)) and its induced subgraphs Z(Γ(M)) and Z¯(Γ(M)). In some aspects, we have noticed some sort of finiteness.

In this paper, we discuss the graphical aspects of fuzzy algebra. Let M be an R−module with zero element θ and F(M) be collection of all fuzzy submodules of M. The intersection graph of F(M) is an undirected graph G with vertex set as F(M) and two vertices α and β are adjacent if and only if α∩β≠χθ, where χθ is the characteristic function on θ. We find the girth of G and also study some properties of center of G−χθ.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to study the etiopathology of dead-in-shell embryos of PB-2 male x Indigenous female crossbred chicken egg.Materials and Methods: A total of 1377 eggs were incubated which was collected from a flock of crossbreed bird (PB-2xIndigenous) chicken. Out of which 568 (41.25 %) egg failed to pip out, were utilized for further study. All the dead in shell embryos were examined for different anomalies and pathological condition thorough necropsy examination. For bacteriological isolation a piece of liver, lung and yolk sac contents were collected from 25 nos. of dead in shell embryos and send to the Department of Microbiology for further examination.Results: A total of 241 (42.42 %) egg were recorded as dead-in-shell embryos out of 568 eggs which were fail to pip out. The percentage of dead-in-shell was higher on 21st day (61.34%) than 18th day (38.66 %) of incubation. Out of 241 nos. of dead in shell embryos, 47 (19.50%) cases showed malpositions,19 (7.88%) malformation, 6 (2.49%) adhesion,4 (1.66%) dehydra-tion, 67 (27.80%) pathological condition and 98 (40.66%) cases showed no definite abnormalities and 327 (57.57%) numbers of egg were found as infertile.Conclusion: The dead in shell embryo may be due to genetic factor, breed, some pathological condition, frequent power failure, lack of proper hygiene etc.

A 7-year-old boy presented with umbilical hernia and short stature. Growth retardation, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and delayed developmental milestones were present from infancy. Umbilical hernia was diagnosed at the age of 5 years. On examination, he had short-trunk dwarfism, large head circumference, coarse facial features, joint stiffness, hepatosplenomegaly, and mild mental retardation. He had normal biochemical parameters, thyroid function tests and arterial blood gas analysis. Radiological evaluation showed that the child had Hunter syndrome with findings of J-shaped sellaturcica, proximal bulleting of metacarpals, spatulated ribs and anterior beaking of lumbar vertebrae. The second case was a 6-year-old girl with umbilical hernia, short stature, normal biochemistry and radiological findings of mucopolysaccharidosis. However, she also had corneal opacity; confirmed by slit-lamp examination, which led to the diagnosis of Hurler-Scheie syndrome. Enzymatic studies could not be done in both the cases, as they are not available at most centers.

Abstract: Spiroketals are widely found as substructures of many naturally occurring compounds from diverse sources including plants, animals as well as microbes. Naturally occurring spiroketals are biologically active and most of them are chiral molecules. This article aims at reviewing the asymmetric synthesis of biologically active spiroketals for last 10 years (1998-2007).

Introduction: An increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported from across the globe including India. Various studies have shown an intrinsic relation between various parameters of maternal and fetal wellbeing with maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy. Aims: To look for any association of vitamin D status during pregnancy with the modifiable factors - extent of sun exposure, sunscreen use, vegetarian diet, dietary calcium intake, and multivitamin supplementation. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 pregnant females, aged 20-40 years were studied during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fifty age and body mass index (BMI) matched females were taken as controls. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by radioimmunoassay (Diasorin). Result: Forty-two percent of the cases were found to have vitamin D deficiency and 14% were found to have vitamin D insufficiency, whereas 20% of the controls had vitamin D deficiency and 24% had vitamin D insufficiency (P =0.0375). There was a significant association of 25(OH)D levels with extent of sun exposure, sunscreen use, and vegetarian diet. There was no association of 25(OH)D levels with multivitamin supplementation or dietary calcium intake. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was less in our study group as compared with that reported in other Indian studies. Sun exposure, sunscreen use, and vegetarian diet are important modifiable variables significantly associated with vitamin D status in pregnancy.

Using the notion of fuzzy small submodules of a module, we introduce the concept of fuzzy coessential extension of a fuzzy submodule of a module. We attempt to investigate various properties of fuzzy small submodules of a module. A necessary and sufficient condition for fuzzy small submodules is established. We investigate the nature of fuzzy small submodules of a module under fuzzy direct sum. Fuzzy small submodules of a module are characterized in terms of fuzzy quotient modules. This characterization gives rise to some results on fuzzy coessential extensions. Finally, a relation between small 𝐿-submodules and Jacobson 𝐿-radical is established.

The title compound, C19H21ClN6O4, is a 1:2 adduct of p-chlorobenzaldehyde and uracil. It crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The two uracil units in the same molecule are connected by a pair of strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The packing is stabilized by N—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...N interactions.

Uracil, the pyrimidine nucleobase, which combined with adenine forms one of the major motifs present in the biopolymer RNA, is also involved in the self-assembly of RNA. In the title compound, C9H14N4O2·2H2O, the asymmetric unit contains one dimethylaminouracil group and two water molecules. The plane of the N=C—NMe2 side chain is inclined at 27.6 (5)° to the plane of the uracil ring. Both water molecules form O—H...O hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl O atoms of the uracil group. Additional water–water hydrogen-bond interactions are also observed in the crystal structure. The O—H...O hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of a two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network cage consisting of two dimethylaminouracil groups and six water molecules.

Introduction: In areas with severe selenium deficiency higher incidence of thyroiditis has been reported due to a decreased activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase enzyme within thyroid cells. Aims and Objective: To study the effect of selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Materials and Methods: This is a blinded placebo-controlled prospective study done in 60 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (as defined by an anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) level more than 150 IU/ml) irrespective of the baseline thyroid status. Patients with overt hyperthyroidism who are on antithyroid drugs, patients on any other medication, which may alter the immunity status of the patients, and pregnant patients were excluded from the study. Patients were randomized into two age and TPOAb-matched groups; 30 patients received 200 μg of sodium selenite/day, orally, for 3 months, and 30 patients received placebo. All hypothyroid patients were given l-thyroxine replacement. Results: Of 30 patients in the selenium treated group, 6 patients were overtly hypothyroid, 15 were subclinical hypothyroid, 6 were euthyroid, and 3 were subclinical hyperthyroid. The mean TPOAb concentration decreased significantly by 49.5% (P < 0.013) in the selenium treated group versus 10.1% (P < 0.95) in the placebo-treated group. Conclusion: Selenium substitution has a significant impact on inflammatory activity in thyroid-specific autoimmune disease. It would be of interest to determine whether early treatment with selenium in patients with newly developed autoimmune thyroiditis may delay or even prevent the natural course of these diseases.

Background: Orang Primary Health Centre (OPHC) and Balipara Primary Health Centre (BPHC) of Assam (India) report mosquito borne diseases annually. Current study was performed to ascertain the prevalence of known malaria and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vectors and their possible role in disease transmission. Methods: Malaria epidemiological data for 2006-2010 and JE data for 2008-2013 of Assam, India were obtained from the health authority. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps and identified morpho-taxonomically. Results: Plasmodium falciparum cases (81.5%, 95% CI= 72.0-91.1) were statistically higher in OPHC (P< 0.0001, t= 8.0) during the recent years. There was 4.4 folds rise in the confirmed acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and 3.2 folds increase in the confirmed JE cases during 2013 as compared to 2008. Altogether 9,218 mosquito specimens (PTND= 153.6), comprising of 44.1% anophelines (PTND= 67.7), 42.3% culicines (PTND= 65.0) and 9.5% manso- nia (PTND= 14.6) were recorded. In BPHC, Anopheles vagus was recorded in high density (P< 0.0001), whereas Culex quinquefasciatus was the predominant JE vector (P= 0.04). In OPHC, among the known malaria vectors, the density of Anopheles annularis was significantly high (P< 0.0001). However Culex bitaeniorhynchus was the predominant known JE vector (P< 0.0001) followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus. Conclusion: Even in the absence of known efficient vectors, many Anopheles species are still involved in malaria transmission. There was disappearance of Anopheles minimus and Anopheles dirus and establishment of An. annularis, An. vagus and An. philippinensis/nivipes mosquitoes in study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the epidemiology of subclinical mastitis, focusing on prevalence, risk factors, bacterial pathogens, virulence factors, antimicrobial sensitivity, and detection of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial isolates in organized and unorganized dairy farms of Kamrup and adjoining districts of Assam. The overall prevalence of bovine subclinical mastitis was found to be 43.81% using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Risk factor analysis revealed that age-wise, the highest prevalence was noted in the 4-6 years age group (51.95%) and at 4th lactation (60.40%). Significant associations were found between mastitis prevalence and various factors including age, breed, lactation number, stage of lactation, quarter-wise distribution, farm type, management system, and season. A total of 185 bacterial isolates were obtained, predominantly Staphylococcus spp. (143), with notable occurrences of Streptococcus spp. (22), Escherichia coli (14), and Enterococcus faecalis (6). Staphylococcus aureus emerged as the primary etiological agent, with 81.82% of isolates producing coagulase and 45.45% producing hemolysin, while 54.0% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates tested positive for the protein A (spa) gene. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing revealed enrofloxacin, gentamicin, and ceftriaxone as the most effective antibiotics, with penicillin-G demonstrating the least efficacy. Methicillin resistance was detected in 11.96% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates phenotypically and in 2.56% genotypically (mecA) revealing the emergence of MRSA which is important from a public health point of view. These findings highlight the prevalence of subclinical mastitis, the predominance of Staphylococcus aureus as the causative agent, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, which warrants effective control measures and antimicrobial management in dairy farming practices.

Abstract Extracting gas from unconventional shale reservoirs with low permeability is challenging. To overcome this, hydraulic fracturing (HF) is employed. Despite enhancing shale gas production, HF has drawbacks like groundwater pollution and induced earthquakes. Such issues highlight the need for ongoing exploration of novel shale gas extraction methods such as in situ heating through combustion or pyrolysis to mitigate operational and environmental concerns. In this study, thermally immature shales of contrasting organic richness from Rajmahal Basin of India were heated to different temperatures (pyrolysis at 350, 500 and 650 °C) to assess the temperature protocols necessary for hydrocarbon liberation and investigate the evolution of pore structural facets with implications for CO2 sequestration in underground thermally treated shale horizons. Our results from low-pressure N2 adsorption reveal reduced adsorption capacity in the shale splits treated at 350 and 500 ºC, which can be attributed to structural reworking of the organic matter within the samples leading to formation of complex pore structures that limits the access of nitrogen at low experimental temperatures. Consequently, for both the studied samples BET SSA decreased by ∼58% and 72% at 350 °C, and ∼67% and 68% at 500 °C, whereas average pore diameter increased by ∼45% and 91% at 350 °C, and ∼100% and 94% at 500 °C compared to their untreated counterparts. CO2 adsorption results, unlike N2, revealed a pronounced rise in micropore properties (surface area and volume) at 500 and 650 ºC (∼30%–35% and ∼41%–63%, respectively for both samples), contradicting the N2 adsorption outcomes. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images complemented the findings, showing pore structures evolving from microcracks to collapsed pores with increasing thermal treatment. Analysis of the SEM images of both samples revealed a notable increase in average pore width (short axis): by ∼4 and 10 times at 350 °C, ∼5 and 12 times at 500 °C, and ∼10 and 28 times at 650 °C compared to the untreated samples. Rock-Eval analysis demonstrated the liberation of almost all pyrolyzable kerogen components in the shales heated to 650 °C. Additionally, the maximum micropore capacity, identified from CO2 gas adsorption analysis, indicated 650 °C as the ideal temperature for in situ conversion and CO2 sequestration. Nevertheless, project viability hinges on assessing other relevant aspects of shale gas development such as geomechanical stability and supercritical CO2 interactions in addition to thermal treatment.

Introduction: Cortisol secretion is regulated by circadian rhythm, which is influenced by zeitgebers like light. In India, the entire country operates under a single time zone, Indian Standard Time, which may not align with the local sunrise timing across different regions. Aims: This study aimed to compare the basal serum cortisol levels between 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM in Guwahati, Assam, where sunrise occurs earlier compared with the western part of the country. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 in a tertiary care hospital in Guwahati. Methods: Serum cortisol samples were collected at 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM from 25 healthy adult participants once in winter and again in summer. Descriptive statistics and paired Student’s t-tests were used. Results: The mean serum cortisol levels at 06:00 AM in winter, summer and overall were 13.2, 13.4 and 13.3 μg/dL, respectively. At 09:00 AM, the mean serum cortisol levels in winter, summer and overall were 8.2, 7.7 and 8.0 μg/dL, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM cortisol levels in both winter and summer (P

Introduction: The presentation of macroprolactinomas and response to treatment may vary according to age, sex and tumour characteristics. To analyse clinical phenotype, biochemical and radiological characteristics of macroprolactinomas presenting to a tertiary care centre. A retrospective observational study from January 2018 to December 2022. Methods: Thirty diagnosed cases (18 females, 12 males) of macroprolactinomas were included and followed up for one year. Results: The most common presentation was headache (73%), visual disturbances (50%), galactorrhoea (33.3%) and loss of libido (26.6%) along with menstrual cycle disturbances (94%), and infertility (55%) in females. Duration of symptoms (2.22 ± 2.87 vs 4.61 ± 3.4 years), tumour size (4.8 ± 2.09 vs 2.75 ± 1.24 cm) and prolactin levels (5153.5 ± 4755.3 vs 1803.5 ± 3785.5 ng/ml) were different significantly between males and females. Good response to medical therapy was observed in 84% of the treatment-naive patients. Conclusion: Macroprolactinomas in males present with shorter duration of symptoms, larger size, higher prolactin levels and more resistant tumours, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and aggressive management. Medical therapy remains the treatment of choice irrespective of gender.

Abstract Opencast coal mining produces trash of soil and rock containing various minerals, that are usually dumped nearby the abandoned sites which causes severe environmental concern including the production of acid mine drainage (AMD) through oxidation pyrite minerals. The current study entailed assessing the potential production of AMD from an opencast coal mining region in Northeast part of India. In order to have a comprehensive overview of the AMD problem in Makum coalfield, the physico-chemical, geochemical, and petrological characteristics of the coal and overburden (OB) samples collected from the Makum coalfield (Northeast India) were thoroughly investigated. The maceral compositions reveal that coal features all three groups of macerals (liptinite, vitrinite, and inertinite), with a high concentration of liptinite indicating the coal of perhydrous, thereby rendering it more reactive. Pyrite (FeS2) oxidation kinetics were studied by conducting the aqueous leaching experiments of coal and (OB) samples to interpret the chemical weathering under controlled laboratory conditions of various temperature and time periods, and to replicate the actual mine site leaching. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was operated to detect the disposal of some precarious elements from coal and OB samples to the leachates during our controlled leaching experiment. The Rare earth element (REE) enrichment in the samples shows the anthropogenic incorporation of the REE in the coal and OB. These experiments reveal the change in conductivity, acid producing tendency, total dissolved solid(TDS), total Iron(Fe) and dissolved Sulfate(SO4 2−) ions on progress of the leaching experiments. Moreover, the discharge of FeS2 via atmospheric oxidation in laboratory condition undergoes a significant growth with the rise of temperature of the reaction systems in the environment and follows pseudo first order kinetics. A bio-remediative strategies is also reported in this paper to mitigate AMD water by employing size-segregated powdered limestone and water hyacinth plant in an indigenously developed site-specific prototype station. Apart from neutralisation of AMD water, this eco-friendly AMD remediation strategy demonstrates a reduction in PHEs concentrations in the treated AMD water.

Abstract The Cenozoic-age Makum coal from northeastern India offers numerous research opportunities because of its diverse geochemical and geological characteristics. Due to its high sulfur content, the coal has been found to be less useful for industrial purposes. It can, however, serve as a hub for ongoing research on coal-based derivative products. The aim of this research work is to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the coal, mine overburden (MOB) and shale samples taken from the Makum coal field and also on establishing a mutual relationship between them. To characterize the geochemical controlling factors of the Makum coal field, the study employs coal petrography, FTIR, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the major minerals like quartz, kaolinite, haematite, illite, pyrite, and calcite are present in coal and MOB. Pyrite is observed by SEM–EDS analysis as cubic-shaped particles that are smaller than a few µm in size. The presence of sulfide minerals represents a phase of pyrite mineralization. The petrography study was used to better understand the environment that existed during the formation of the plant material, which aids us in determining the quantity of detrital mineral sediment contained in the coal. According to the ICP-MS analysis, the samples indicate significant levels of rare earth elements including yttrium. The present study reveals higher concentrations of potential hazardous elements in the coal samples, with V, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn content in coal being considerably enriched compared to world-average concentrations. The correlation analysis reveals that the potential hazardous elements like Co, Ni, As, and Cu are associated with pyrite as they have strong affinity towards pyrite. Thus, numerous minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) exist, opening up a fresh avenue for more research in the area. This study also assists researchers in understanding the significance of Makum coal and provides numerous ideas for coal characterization.

The presence of fullerene C60 in the iridium-rich Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K-Pg) boundary layer from the Um-Sohryngkew river section of Meghalaya is reported here for the first time. Different analytical methods, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction(XRD) techniques, have been used to characterize the presence of toluene-insoluble high-pressure phase of fullerene C60 in the acid resistant carbonaceous matter extracted from the Um-Sohryngkew river section, Meghalaya, India. Strong absorption peaks at wavenumbers 1427, 1181, 574, and 525 cm−1, which are indicative of pristine fullerene C60, can be seen in the FTIR spectroscopic study. The Raman spectrum also independently confirms the presence of fullerene, by exhibiting the characteristics peaks of pristine fullerene C60. The XRD technique provides further, independent validation of fullerenes, and the XRD pattern demonstrates fullerene presence. Fullerenes, high-pressure fullerene, the amorphous phase of C60, and iridium all coexist and offer conclusive proof of impact at the Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K-Pg) boundary extinction event.

Context: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder of the extracellular matrix of bone characterized by low bone mass manifesting as frequent fractures, delayed motor development, pain, and impaired quality of life. The intravenous bisphosphonate, pamidronate is an established treatment for OI. Recently, zoledronic acid (ZA) has been used for the management of OI. Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of ZA in children below five years of age with OI. Settings and Design : A hospital-based prospective observational study. Methods and Material : Patients with OI aged less than five years attending our centre were treated with intravenous ZA at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg every six months. Subjects were closely monitored for clinical and biochemical variables, adverse events, and new-onset fractures. The response to therapy was assessed by monitoring clinical variables including the degree of bony pains, number of fractures, height/length standard deviation score (SDS), and motor developmental milestones. All patients were analysed at baseline and at the end of two years for biochemical parameters and clinical severity score (CSS) as proposed by Aglan et al. with modifications. Results : After two years of treatment, OI patients showed a significant decline in the rate of fractures (p < 0.001), improvement in ambulation (p = 0.005), alleviation of pain (p < 0.001), and improvement in height SDS (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in CSS after two years of therapy. Apart from mild flu-like symptoms and mild asymptomatic hypocalcaemia immediately post-infusion, no other adverse effect was noted. Conclusion : ZA therapy in infants and children below five years of age with OI was effective and safe and a more convenient alternative to pamidronate.

In this study, the physics of sheath formation in a collisional two-electron temperature plasma in the presence of an oblique external magnetic field has been investigated. At first, a comparative study among the fluid electron model, Boltzmann electron model, and the non-extensive electron model has been carried out and a suitable range of non-extensive parameter q has been predicted. In the latter part, a collisional two-electron temperature plasma is considered. Both the hot and cold electron densities are described using the non-extensive distribution, whereas cold ions are described by the fluid equations. The properties of the sheath are investigated in different collisional regimes by varying the non-extensive parameter (q) and the hot to cold electron densities and temperatures. The magnetic field inclination angle is varied in the limit 1° ≤ α ≤ 5°. It is observed that electron distribution significantly deviates from Boltzmann distribution for nearly parallel magnetic field. Moreover, collision enhanced flux deposition for highly magnetized case is a significant finding of the study. The results obtained in this study can enhance the understanding of plasma–matter interaction processes where multiple electron groups with near parallel magnetic field are found.

A comaximal graph Γ(M) is an undirected graph with vertex set as the collection of all submodules of a module M and any two vertices A and B are adjacent if and only if A + B = M. We discuss characteristics of pendant vertices in Γ(M). We also observe features of isolated vertices in a special spanning subgraph in Γ(M).

In this paper, we attempt to generalize Lucas sequence by generating certain number of sequences whose terms are obtained by adding the last two generated terms of the preceding sequence. Lucas sequence is obtained as a particular case of generating only one sequence. Moreover we prove some of the results which can be seen as generalized form of the results which hold for Lucas sequence. We obtain Cassini-like identity for these generalized Lucas sequences.

Understanding the climate impact of residential emissions starts with determining the fuel consumption of various household activities. While cooking emissions have been widely studied, non-cooking energy-consumption activities in the residential sector such as heating and lighting, have been overlooked owing to the unavailability of data at national levels. The present study uses data from the Carbonaceous Aerosol Emissions, Source Apportionment and Climate Impacts (COALESCE) project, which consists of residential surveys over 6000 households across 49 districts of India, to understand the energy consumed by non-cooking residential activities. Regression models are developed to estimate information in non-surveyed districts using demographic, housing, and meteorological data as predictors. Energy demand is further quantified and distributed nationally at a 4 × 4 km resolution. Results show that the annual energy consumption from non-cooking activities is 1106 [201] PJ, which is equal to one-fourth of the cooking energy demand. Freely available biomass is widely used to heat water on traditional stoves, even in the warmer regions of western and southern India across all seasons. Space heating (51%) and water heating (42%) dominate non-cooking energy consumption. In comparison, nighttime heating for security personnel (5%), partly-residential personal heating by guards, dominant in urban centers and kerosene lighting (2%) utilize minimal energy. Biomass fuels account for over 90% of the non-cooking consumption, while charcoal and kerosene make up the rest. Half of the energy consumption occurs during winter months (DJF), while 10% of the consumption occurs during monsoon, when kerosene lighting is the highest. Firewood is the most heavily used fuel source in western India, charcoal in the northern hilly regions, agricultural residues and dung cake in the Indo-Gangetic plains, and kerosene in eastern India. The study shows that ∼20% of residential energy consumption is on account of biomass-based heating and kerosene lighting activities.

Pigs are particularly susceptible to heat stress because of their more sub-cutaneous fat with little or non-functional sweat glands. Pigs depend on panting as primary mechanism of heat dissipation and/or wallowing. Therefore, a study was conducted to generate basic information on certain blood biochemicals of pigs reared in high humid climatic condition. For the purpose, blood samples were collected randomly from 400 female pigs (6–12 month of age) during summer and winter of the year. The analysis of THI has shown an increase in the study area since 2012 to 2018. The hematological study of the pigs revealed a variation in respect of Hb and TEC with the season. Estimation of different enzymes showed increase with the increase of THI. The activity of enzyme, hormones except leptin was accelerated. Expression of IGF 1, HSP 70 and HSP 90 was also affected with the change of THI. The level of Kisspeptin and FSH β receptor showed difference between two seasons of the year. However, the level of Kisspeptin and FSH β receptor in serum of the experimental animals was found to be insufficient to initiate puberty till 12 months of age. It can be concluded that the pigs reared in semi-intensive system under high humid climatic condition did not attain puberty up to one year of age.