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Hybrid Metal Matrix composites have emerged as an epicentre of material research due to their vast applications and a wide array of reinforcement combinations. In this experiment, a hybrid Aluminum metal matrix composite has been fabricated by the double (two steps) stir casting method. The present study evaluates the mechanical properties of AA6061 in varying concentrations of silicon carbide with 5, 10, 15 and 20 weight percent (wt.%), in addition to Rice Husk Ash, Tungsten Carbide and Alumina Powder which are in a fixed quantity. Mechanical properties have been evaluated by conducting an Impact test, Hardness test, Flexural test and Tensile Strength. In addition, micrograph Images have been incorporated for analysing the microstructural characteristics of the Hybrid AMMC. It was observed that MMC properties such as Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, Hardness, Impact Strength were highest at 20 wt.% SiC. Hence, it was inferred that 20wt% SiC was an appropriate concentration for applications in automobile and aerospace pertaining to its augmented mechanical properties. In conclusion, prospects of future research are also explored.

Background: Rapid detection of amoxicillin-susceptible Escherichia coli (ASEC) urinary tract infections (UTIs) could have a significant impact on patient care and improve antibiotic stewardship. This is especially true for infants and children, for whom antibiotic choices are more limited than for adults. Methods: A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) uniplex panel for detection of ASEC using PCR assays for E. coli and five resistance genes ( blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCTX-M, and blaCMY) and an internal control was designed. PCR was then performed directly on pediatric urine samples using an inhibitor-resistant DNA polymerase. The main outcome measure was the performance of the PCR panel (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV], accuracy) for the detection of ASEC. ASEC samples were defined as those that were E. coli PCR positive and PCR negative for all five resistance genes. PCR results were compared with the reference standard for culture and susceptibility testing. Results: Two hundred and six urine samples with pyuria (>10 white blood cells/high power field) were tested with the PCR panel. Two samples showed PCR inhibition (1%). For ASEC detection, the PCR panel showed a sensitivity of 91.53% (95% CI 81.32% to 97.19%), specificity of 98.21% (95% CI 90.45% to 99.95%), PPV of 98.18% (95% CI 88.54% to 99.74%), NPV of 91.67% (95% CI 82.61% to 96.22%), and accuracy of 94.78% (95% CI 88.99% to 98.06%). Conclusions: This PCR method could potentially enable amoxicillin or ampicillin to be used in a greater proportion of children with E. coli UTIs, improving antibiotic stewardship.

This paper presents a 3-dimensional finite element modeling of fatigue properties of polymer nanocomposites with a Representative Volume Element (RVE) approach using ANSYS. Epoxy was used as a matrix, and alumina nanoparticles of spherical shape (diameter 33 nm) were used as reinforcement. Convergence analysis was conducted to select the proper size of RVE. A geometric model of a flat dog bone specimen was created to model the fatigue properties. MATLAB code was used to generate randomly distributed nanoparticles. The sample was loaded in uniaxial tension-tension fatigue loading with a stress ratio of 0.1. S-N data for epoxy and alumina were given as input to determine the fatigue life of polymer nanocomposites. The results obtained from modeling were compared with experimental data. The fatigue life was determined by taking the average life at five different locations in the gauge region for a sample. The average of five different samples was calculated for each wt.% (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5). Reinforcement of nanoparticles up to 1 wt.% caused an increment in the fatigue life of nanocomposites, and fatigue life decreased at 1.5 wt.% of nanoparticles. The finite element modeling was able to predict the trend of improvement provided by the alumina nanoparticles (similar to experimental data).

A technology for systemic and repeated administration of osteogenic factors for orthopedic use is an unmet medical need. Lactoferrin (∼80 kDa), present in milk, is known to support bone growth. We discovered a lactoferrin-mimetic peptide, LP2 (an 18-residue fragment from the N-terminus of the N-lobe of human lactoferrin), which self-assembles into a nano-globular assembly with a β-sheet structure in an aqueous environment. LP2 is non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic against human red blood cells and 3T3 fibroblasts, respectively, and appreciably stable in the human serum. LP2 through the bone morphogenetic protein-dependent mechanism stimulates osteoblast differentiation more potently than the full-length protein as well as the osteoblastic production of osteoprotegerin (an anti-osteoclastogenic factor). Consequently, daily subcutaneous administration of LP2 to rats and rabbits with osteotomy resulted in faster bone healing and stimulated bone formation in rats with a low bone mass more potently than that with teriparatide, the standard-of-care osteogenic peptide for osteoporosis. LP2 has skeletal bioavailability and is safe at the 15× osteogenic dose. Thus, LP2 is a novel peptide that can be administered systemically for the medical management of hard-to-heal fractures.

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)-Activated Protein Kinase 2 (MK2), downstream to p38MAPK (p38mitogen-activated protein kinase), regulates cellular inflammation and proliferation. So far, the role of MK2 has been studied in many cardiovascular diseases, but it remains unexplored in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Therefore, to investigate the role of MK2 in the PH pathogenesis, human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were exposed to hypoxia (1% O 2 ) for 72 hours, and MK2 was inhibited by siRNA. We observed significantly increased MK2 expression, inflammatory cytokines, proliferation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis resistance in hypoxic human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, which were reversed by treatment with MK2 siRNA. For in vivo studies, male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with monocrotaline (60 mg/kg, SC, once) to induce PH. To inhibit MK2, a peptide MMI-0100 (40 μg/kg, IP daily, 5 weeks for preventive and 3 weeks for curative study) was administered. MMI-0100 treatment decreased right ventricle pressure and hypertrophy, hallmarks of PH, in both preventive and curative study. MMI-0100-treated rats showed better cardiac functions as revealed by 2-dimensional echocardiography study. Furthermore, MMI-0100 reversed pulmonary vascular remodeling and improved pulmonary vascular relaxation in monocrotaline-treated rats. Finally, the above results were confirmed in MK2 knockout mice. MK2 knockout mice, received 600 mg/kg monocrotaline, subcutaneous weekly for 5 weeks, failed to develop PH and showed no increase in right ventricle pressure and hypertrophy. This study, therefore, proved that MK2 is involved in PH, and its inhibition may be a novel target for PH treatment.

This paper represents the review of hybrid solar power system for remote area application. The designed hybrid system may consist of solar source and battery as storing devices connected with gird. Our focused in this paper is single-phase AC distribution with solar for remote area. The hybrid system also improves the dynamics behavior during fluctuations. Hybrid system is able to work in grid connected mode during regulation operation and able to charge the batteries and also able to operate in standalone. Our aim is to supply 100% electricity demand by solar for that particular remote location. Hybrid system leads to electrical energy generation using combination of solar cell and energy storing devices. Generation of power takes into account environmental effect both in the design and its operation phases. The review of simulation result shows the solar hybrid energy generation with minimum power generation cost and reduces CO2 emission compared to traditional power plant.

Chrysanthemum is the next only to rose in importance among the flower crops in the world. In India it has been recognised as fifth commercially important potent flower crop. It is versatile, it can be planted in pots, used for garland making and also as cut flower for flower arrangement. In India, large flowered varieties are grown for exhibition purpose while small flowered varieties are grown for cut flower, making garland, wreaths, veni and religious offerings. Apart from their ornamental flower, Chrysanthemum is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The most important chemical extracts of Chrysanthemum include flavonoids, betaine, choline and vitamin B1. Because elite cultivars are typically propagated vegetatively, the risk of disseminating fungal, bacterial, phytoplasmal and viral pathogens is high. A number of viruses are known to infect chrysanthemum that cause benign, stunt, chlorosis, mosaic symptoms, and mottle. Consequently, this has led to qualitative and quantitative losses, resulting in serious problems in chrysanthemum production worldwide. Some viruses which affect the production of chrysanthemum are: - Chrysanthemum virus B (CVB), Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus (CSNV), Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Tomato aspermy virus (TAV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Potato virus X and Begomovirus. Management of viral diseases is generally similar to those used for other pathogens, except that as yet chemicals find little application in viral diseases, although they may be used for vectors. Moreover, vectors involved in viral diseases have also complicated the problem in their management. The production of flowers and ornamental plants has been continuously growing due to improvement in market structure, growth in population’s and producers’ purchasing power, diversification of species, diffusion of new production technologies and professionalization of the members of the Brazilian production chain. Factors, such as, number of plants, genetics and environmental, are determinant for the production of floral stems with quality. This quality can be evaluated using the length, stiffness and healthy floral stem, diameter and degree of inflorescence opening.

From the functional standpoint, broadly, three kinds of functional DNA sequences exist: one that encodes proteins, second that encodes only RNA (noncoding DNA), and third that does not transcribe at all (Noncoding DNA) historically people have paid attention to the protein-coding genes. For the last two-and-a-half decades, the noncoding RNA has taken center stage. However, the role of noncoding DNA (the dark matter of genome) is still largely unknown. We asked a simple question: How did nature decide to allocate protein-coding and RNA-coding jobs to a specific set of sequences? Did she sample all possibilities in the neighborhood of protein-coding genes, retaining good results (protein- and RNA-encoding genes), retiring not-so-relevant results (pseudogenes), and leaving some genome sequences untouched (nonexpressive genome) To answer these, we expressed some noncoding intergenic sequences from Escherichia coli into functional proteins. The success of this pilot experiment led us toward building a knowledge base that predicts the outcome of making user-defined genes from nonexpressive DNA sequences. In this chapter, the idea of lab-made genes shall be presented from the original concept to its present state where novel therapeutic molecules against cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases have been found. We call this new platform “FLAGSHIP”—a novel drug discovery platform originating from the dark matter of the genome.

Many investigators had carried out experiments in the field of material science in order to create various new materials for providing considerable improvement in mechanical properties by decreasing the cost without harming our eco-system by inculcating these points This paper presents the fabrication and investigation of tensile & flexural properties of filler reinforced hybrid composite using sugarcane trash and kevlar pulp filler in an epoxy matrix. The fabrication of composites was done using the compression molding technique on different weight fractions of the reinforcements. Specimens were prepared by using 20 wt% sugarcane trashes and varying percentage (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%) of kevlar pulp in the material. Tensile and flexural tests had been performed on the developed hybrid composite and experiment results revealed that the percentage elongation and percentage of deflection of the developed hybrid composite decrease with increasing kevlar weight percentage while there was increase in tensile strength, young’s modulus, flexural strength of the developed hybrid composite with increasing kevlar weight percentage and properties such as maximum tensile strength of 22.83 N/mm2, maximum Young’s modulus of 1029.71 N/mm2 and maximum flexural strength of 61.72 N/mm2 were observed in 12 wt% Kevlar pulp specimen.

Slum children/youth are excluded from the benefits of India’s urbanizing economy. Unequal access to education, self-expression hinder actualizing their potential. This programme research is undertaken in Indore, India to better understand the methods through which slum children (a) overcome gender inequality; (b) overcome hesitation, develop confidence and skills and (c) access government scholarships. Information was collected through Focus Group Discussions with slum children and youth, individual interviews and participant observation during activities. The Urban Health Resource Center (UHRC) organizes slum children’s groups in Indore. One boy, one girl leaders per group contribute to a more gender-equitable society. They collectively identify needs for stimulation; ways to enhance confidence, strengthen as groups, contribute to evolution of programme and motivate children in neighbouring slums. Extra-curricular activities by UHRC provide platforms for self-expression (such as street plays), develop teamwork and leadership skills and build self-confidence, zest and tenacity to overcome odds. Children and UHRC’s social facilitators urge ward councillors to endorse hand-written applications for income certificates, obtain certificates from District Magistrate’s office; submit to schools to access Government scholarship. Child/youth development is fostered through avenues for self-expression, excelling incrementally and cultivating positive self-image. Communication and leadership skills emerge. Children/youth groups’ petitions/requests to Municipal Corporation have improved slum lanes, drains. Interruption of children’s school education has reduced. Social interactions help children/youth to overcome hesitation, focus on aspirations and acquire ability to influence circumstances. Increasing number of youth completes schooling, complements family income; demonstrates gender sensitivity; undertakes socially productive community actions, e.g. improving hygiene and living environment, reduce school-dropout.

Urban Health Resource Centre’s (UHRC) social facilitators encourage families to grow vegetables in small spaces in slum houses. Seeds were provided. Facilitators motivate families to tend plants as they grow. During 2018–2019, 495 families grew beans, bottle gourds, round gourds, sponge gourds, tomatoes, brinjals, small green peppers, and pumpkins in small spaces, broken buckets. A total of 495 families shared with 1485 neighbor families, thereby benefitting 9,900 population. Costs saved over the 3 years total to INR 8,251,932. Slum families can be motivated and overcome space constraints of small slum houses to nurture household vegetable gardens. Despite each home garden being small, these have the potential to mitigate carbon emissions a key climate change challenge affecting the world. Vegetable plants release oxygen, sequester carbon in the soil, and reduce atmospheric carbon. Vegetable gardens contribute to the cooling effect in urban spaces. Growing vegetables despite small spaces and sharing with neighbors promote a sense of psychological well-being, accomplishment, and enhances social cooperation all crucial to the well-being of vulnerable city populations. Home-based vegetable gardens save costs for the family. Methods used in this program research to grow vegetables in small slum houses and other lessons learned of perseveringly motivating slum families have the potential of their replication or adaptation in cities of India and other LMICs.

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of transdermal diclofenac patch with ketoprofen patch as postoperative analgesia after extraction of first premolars bilaterally in both arches for orthodontic purpose. Materials and Methods: A split-mouth technique was used in 52 patients with the age group of 15–25 years for extracting maxillary and mandibular first premolars bilaterally for orthodontic reason. A single ketoprofen patch was used after the extraction of premolars from first and fourth quadrant, whereas for the extraction of second and third quadrant premolars, diclofenac patch was used. All the extractions were performed under local anesthesia. The data were compiled and statistically analyzed using the student's t-test. Results: Mean visual analog scale score for diclofenac and ketoprofen patch was 2.05 (0.75) and 1.09 (0.3), respectively. Thirteen patients required additional medication (25%) and 1 (1.9%) patient with diclofenac and ketoprofen patch, respectively. No major complication or adverse effects were observed in any of the groups. Conclusion: Both diclofenac and ketoprofen transdermal patches are helpful in relieving pain after orthodontic extraction. Patients with diclofenac patch required more additional analgesia within 24 h compared to that with ketoprofen patch. None of the drugs showed any significant adverse effects and were well tolerated by the patients.

The effect of simulated physiological oocyte maturation on the developmental competence, reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis rate of in vitro produced goat embryos were studied in the present experiment. Oocytes and spermatozoa were recovered from ovaries and epididymis, respectively, procured from a local small animal abattoir. The oocytes aspirated from the ovaries were allocated into two groups, control (subjected to routine in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture) and simulated physiological oocyte maturation (SPOM) group (subjected to prematuration, followed by routine in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture). The SPOM group showed a significantly (p 0.05) higher maturation and blastocyst rates (90.60 ± 0.46% and 29.09 ± 2.59%, respectively) as compared to the control group (85.29 ± 0.98% and 24.09 ± 1.08%). The intensity of reactive oxygen species of the embryos in the control group (14.98 ± 0.83 pixels/embryo) was significantly (p 0.05) higher than the SPOM group (9.60 ± 0.76 pixels/embryo). The apoptosis rate was also significantly (p 0.05) higher in the embryos of the control group (9.18 ± 1.07%) as compared to the SPOM group (5.71 ± 0.90%). In conclusion, the simulated physiological oocyte maturation system significantly increases the developmental competence of the oocytes and decreases the intensity of reactive oxygen species and embryonic apoptosis in abattoir derived goat embryos.

The reference wind velocity inside the test section of an open-type subsonic wind tunnel is established from the measurements of dynamic pressure and the average static wall pressure difference between stations at upstream of the test section and at the settling chamber. A wind tunnel calibration factor was obtained which relates the dynamic pressure and thus the wind velocity inside the test section with the average static wall pressure difference at a station near upstream of the test section and at the settling chamber. An average wind tunnel calibration factor was found to be 0.8189. The longitudinal variation of static pressure inside the test section is also obtained using the pitot-static tube.

In the present study effect of asiaticoside, on healing of skin wounds in Cirrhinus mrigala is reported. Skin wound, approx. 2mm in diameter was excised using sterile disposable biopsy punch. Immediately after infliction of the wound, epidermis from wound edge starts migrating as thin sheet toward wound gap. Fronts of migrating epidermis gradually advance, and results in complete epithelialization of wound. Experiments were conducted for 30days and fishes were divided into control, sham, vehicle control and asiaticoside treated groups. Immunohistochemical localization of proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive cells indicating cellular proliferation and caspase 3 positive cells reflecting apoptosis was carried out and their density at different post wound intervals in each fish group was analyzed. Significant increase in cellular proliferation as well as decrease in apoptosis in both epidermis and dermis in fish treated with asiaticoside compared to sham and vehicle control fish is observed at different intervals of wound repair. This suggests that in treated group healing of skin wounds in fish is enhanced than in sham and vehicle control groups. Asiaticoside treatment in healing of skin wounds would greatly be beneficial to fish farmers as it could protect fish from invasion of pathogens and check fish mortality.

Increasing evidence suggests selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) as potential cancer therapeutic agents and emerging drug delivery carriers, yet, the molecular mechanism of their anticancer activity still remains unclear. Recent studies indicate thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a selenoenzyme, as a promising target for anticancer therapy. The present study explored the TrxR inhibition efficacy of Se NPs as a plausible factor impeding tumor growth. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-functionalized selenopolymeric nanocarriers (Se@CMHA NPs) were designed wielding chemotherapeutic potential for target specific Doxorubicin (DOX) delivery. Se@CMHA nanocarriers are thoroughly characterized asserting their chemical and physical integrity and possess prolonged stability. DOX-loaded selenopolymeric nanocarriers (Se@CMHA-DOX NPs) exhibited enhanced cytotoxic potential toward human cancer cells compared to free DOX in an equivalent concentration eliciting its selectivity. In first-of-its-kind findings, selenium as Se NPs in these polymeric carriers progressively inhibit TrxR activity, further augmenting the anticancer efficacy of DOX through a synergistic interplay between DOX and Se NPs. Detailed molecular studies on MCF7 cells also established that upon exposure to Se@CMHA-DOX NPs, MCF7 cells endure G2/M cell cycle arrest and p53-mediated caspase-independent apoptosis. To gauge the relevance of the developed nanosystem in in vivo settings, three-dimensional tumor sphere model mimicking the overall tumor environment was also performed, and the results clearly depict the effectiveness of our nanocarriers in reducing tumor activity. These findings are reminiscent of the fact that our Se@CMHA-DOX NPs could be a viable modality for effective cancer chemotherapy.

Energy is a critical issue in Mobile Ad-hoc Network. Nodes in Network are working in presence of limited or less energy due to dynamic nature of nodes or infrastructure less network. MANET has no infrastructure so nodes in MANET work on dynamic routing. In this way, energy proficient routing is required for reducing energy utilization. Energy proficient routing plans can extraordinarily reduce energy utilization and augments the lifetime of the networks. Scalability of Ad Hoc Networks can be enhanced by using land data, for example, in LAR, GPSR etc. They utilize physical area data; regularly from GPS (Global Positioning System).GPS empowers a gadget to decide their position as in longitude, Latitude and Altitude by getting this data from the satellites. There has been significant effort in proposing energy efficient routing protocols with the help of GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) which have accuracy to approx One meter in India or its neighbor countries. GAGAN is a route framework which is helped by both GPS and nearby telemetry information to possibly give quicker and more exact situating and navigational information.

Present scanning electron microscope study, reports healing of excised skin wounds in Cirrhinus mrigala. Healing process of wounds, inflicted on head skin, using biopsy punch was observed at intervals-0 hour (h), 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 h, 1 day (d) 2 and 4 d. Accumulation of mucus in wound region within 1h after infliction of wound has been considered an immediate measure to provide protection to injured skin from microbial invasion and other external environmental hazards. On infliction of wound, mobilization of epithelial cells at wound edge is associated with disturbance of coaptive relationship of epithelial cells till original coaptive stability is reached. At 6-12 h appearance of epidermal ridge in region of contact of migrating fronts is due to piling up of epithelial cells. This is associated with cessation of migration of epithelial cells and their simultaneous continual arrival in the region. Speedy epithelialization of skin wounds in C. mrigala like in other fishes, compared to that of mammals and other higher vertebrates, is possibly facilitated owing to surrounding wet external environment. Microridges in initial stages of wound healing appear fragmented without particular orientation. Further, epithelial cells in epithelium in wound region and in region adjacent to wound elongate. These changes are associated with the stretching of epithelial cells indicating their streaming and migration, toward wound. Presence of superficial neuromasts, smallest functional units of lateral line system, a hydrodynamic sensory system, has been associated with important functional significance in fish.

ZnO NPs were synthesized by a prudent green chemistry approach in presence of polyacrylamide grafted guar gum polymer (pAAm-g-GG) to ensure uniform morphology, and functionality and appraised for their ability to degrade photocatalytically Acridine Orange (AO) dye. These ZnO@pAAm-g-GG NPs were thoroughly characterized by various spectroscopic, XRD and electron microscopic techniques. The relative quantity of ZnO NPs in polymeric matrix has been estimated by spectro-analytical procedure; AAS and TGA analysis. The impact of process parameters viz. NP's dose, contact time and AO dye concentration on percentage photocatalytic degradation of AO dyes were evaluated using multivariate optimizing tools, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) involving Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Congruity of the BBD statistical model was implied by R2 value 0.9786 and F-value 35.48. At RSM predicted optimal condition viz. ZnO@pAAm-g-GG NP's dose of 0.2g/L, contact time of 210min and AO dye concentration 10mg/L, a maximum of 98% dye degradation was obtained. ANOVA indicated appropriateness of the model for dye degradation owing to "Prob.>F" less than 0.05 for variable parameters. We further, employed three layers feed forward ANN model for validating the BBD process parameters and suitability of our chosen model. The evaluation of Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (ANN1) and Gradient Descent with adaptive learning rate (ANN2) model employed to scrutinize the best method and found experimental values of AO dye degradation were in close to those with predicated value of ANN 2 modeling with minimum error.

The antioxidative, cardioprotective, and anticancer potential of extracts of the edible lichens Everniastrum cirrhatum and Parmotrema reticulatum were evaluated. Acetone extracts of P. reticulatum exhibited nitric oxide scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation in the range of 35.0–97.0%. IC50 values of extracts for angiotensin-converting enzyme and HMG-CoA reductase inhibition were observed in the range of 97–375 µg.mL–1 and 89–118 µg.mL–1, respectively, against standard inhibitors captopril (32 µg.mL–1) and pravastatin (26 µg.mL–1); methanol extract of P. reticulatum displayed the highest cytotoxicity, reducing HCT-116 cell viability to 40%, suggesting potential use of these lichens as nutraceuticals.

A numerical and experimental investigation of flow, inside the test section of an open-type subsonic wind tunnel, has been incorporated in the present paper. Experimental data are collected at different selected locations along the wind tunnel length and inside the test section. For detail assessment of the spatial variation of flow variables, numerical analysis is carried out. Boundary conditions have a significant influence on the validation of numerical simulation. A novel approach of system curve generation by experimental analysis of wind tunnel is adopted, instead of using the conventional approach of fan-type boundary condition. Mass flow rate and pressure jump obtained by system curve are utilized for inlet and outlet boundary conditions, respectively. Comparison of numerical and experimental flow fields at the test section suggests maximum error of 9.84% in case of area-weighted average wind velocity along the length of the test section, whereas along the height of the test section a maximum error of 7.75% is observed.

A larger amount of data gives a better output but also working with it can become a challenge due to processing limitations. Nowadays companies are starting to realize the importance of using more data in order to support decision for their strategies. It was said and proved through study cases that “More data usually beats better algorithms”. With this statement companies started to realize that they can chose to invest more in processing larger sets of data rather than investing in expensive algorithms. During the last decade, large statistics evaluation has seen an exponential boom and will absolutely retain to witness outstanding tendencies due to the emergence of new interactive multimedia packages and extraordinarily incorporated systems driven via the speedy growth in statistics services and microelectronic gadgets. Up to now, maximum of the modern mobile structures are especially centered to voice communications with low transmission fees.

Big Data Analytics is a way of extracting value from these huge volumes of information, and it drives new market opportunities and maximizes customer retention. The rapid rise of the Internet and the digital economy has fuelled an exponential growth in demand for data storage and analytics, and IT department are facing tremendous challenge in protecting and analyzing these increased volumes of information. The reason organizations are collecting and storing more data than ever before is because their business depends on it. The type of information being created is no more traditional database-driven data referred to as structured data rather it is data that include documents, images, audio, video, and social media contents known as unstructured data or Big Data. This paper primarily focuses on discussing the various technologies that work together as a Big Data Analytics system that can help predict future volumes, gain insights, take proactive actions, and give way to better strategic decisionmaking.

— Scrub Typhus is a public health importance because of its complication. It is prevalent in many parts of India. So this record base study was conducted to find out burden of scrub typhus in a tertiary level hospital in year 2018 with special reference to its seasonal trend. Total 106 cases of Scrub Typhus came in year 2018 with maximum cases (34 i.e. 32.08%) in September followed by August, December, November, October, April, January, march, may, February, June and July. In February, June and July fortunately none of case was there. In Seasonal trend peak was with 63 (59.43%) cases in August and September i.e. in Monsoon season. &nbsp

BACKGROUND: Rapid detection of amoxicillin-susceptible Escherichia coli (ASEC) urinary tract infections (UTIs) could have a significant impact on patient care and improve antibiotic stewardship. This is especially true for infants and children, for whom antibiotic choices are more limited than for adults. METHODS: A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) uniplex panel for detection of ASEC using PCR assays for E. coli and five resistance genes (bla(TEM), bla(SHV), bla(OXA), bla(CTX-M), and bla(CMY)) and an internal control was designed. PCR was then performed directly on pediatric urine samples using an inhibitor-resistant DNA polymerase. The main outcome measure was the performance of the PCR panel (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV], accuracy) for the detection of ASEC. ASEC samples were defined as those that were E. coli PCR positive and PCR negative for all five resistance genes. PCR results were compared with the reference standard for culture and susceptibility testing. RESULTS: Two hundred and six urine samples with pyuria (>10 white blood cells/high power field) were tested with the PCR panel. Two samples showed PCR inhibition (1%). For ASEC detection, the PCR panel showed a sensitivity of 91.53% (95% CI 81.32% to 97.19%), specificity of 98.21% (95% CI 90.45% to 99.95%), PPV of 98.18% (95% CI 88.54% to 99.74%), NPV of 91.67% (95% CI 82.61% to 96.22%), and accuracy of 94.78% (95% CI 88.99% to 98.06%). CONCLUSIONS: This PCR method could potentially enable amoxicillin or ampicillin to be used in a greater proportion of children with E. coli UTIs, improving antibiotic stewardship.

In cancer treatment, developing ideal anticancer drug delivery systems to target tumor microenvironment by circumventing various physiological barriers still remains a daunting challenge. Here, in our work, a series of pH- and temperature-responsive nanogels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-propene-2-3-dicarboxylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate [poly(NIPAAm-IA-AMPS)] cross-linked by ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were synthesized by random copolymerization. The molar ratio between monomer-comonomers-cross-linker was varied to fine-tune the optimum responsiveness of the nanogels. These optimized nanogels were further coupled to N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) stoichiometrically using EDC-NHS coupling chemistry to enhance the swelling behavior at lower pH. Interestingly, these NOCC-g-nanogels, when dispersed in aqueous media under sonication, attain nanosize and retain their high water-retention capacity with conspicuous pH and temperature responsiveness (viz. nanogel shrinkage in size beyond 35 °C and swelled at acidic pH) in vitro, as reflected by dynamic light scattering data. Doxorubicin (DOX), a potent anticancer drug, was loaded into these nanogels using the physical entrapment method. These drug-loaded nanogels exhibited a slow and sustained DOX release profile at physiological temperature and cytosolic pH. Furthermore, confocal and TEM results demonstrate that these nanogels were swiftly internalized by MCF-7 cells, and cell viability data showed preferential heightened cytotoxicity toward cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) compared to the MCF10A cells (human breast epithelial cell). Furthermore, intracellular DNA damage and cell cycle arrest assays suggest a mitochondrial mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. This study substantiates our NOCC-g-nanogel platform as an excellent modality for passive diffusive loading and targeted release of entrapped drug(s) at physiological conditions in a controlled way for the improved therapeutic efficacy of the drug in anticancer treatment.

Surface ultrastructure of the gills of the angler catfish Chaca chaca was investigated to unravel the adaptive modifications associated with the feeding ecology of the fish. The fish is often found in mud or in soft substrates where they remain buried both for protection and to feed. Gill rakers present on the gill arch in most fish species are absent in this fish. The absence of gill rakers are associated with the feeding habit of the fish and is considered to facilitate the swallowing of captured prey smoothly without any hindrance. Highly corrugated surface of the gill arch and gill filaments could be associated to retain water/mucus to prevent dessicassion of the fish. Papillae like epithelial protuberances each bearing a taste bud at its summit toward the pharyngeal side of the gill arch is associated with the sorting of the food. Large number of mucous goblet cells on the gill arch epithelium are considered to secret copious mucus to lubricate the prey for easy swallowing. In C. chaca the gill septa between gill filaments are reduced. This could enhance the flexibility and permit the free movement of the gill filaments. Extensive secondary lamellae and infrequent mucous goblet cells on secondary lamellae are associated to increase the surface area to enhance efficiency of gaseous exchange.

In this investigation, the effect of dietary administration of curcumin on the healing of skin wound in fish, Labeo rohita, has been reported. Fish were divided into three groups: control group (fish without skin wound), sham group (fish with skin wound without curcumin treatment) and curcumin-treated group (fish with skin wound and subjected to dietary administration of 1% curcumin). Experiments were conducted for 30 days to assess the healing of skin wounds at different time intervals using scanning electron microscopy, histology, and mucopolysaccharide and enzyme histochemistry. In the curcumin-treated group, healing of skin wounds was found to be enhanced than in the sham group as indicated by early restoration of morphology of the surface layer of epithelial cells; the density of the mucous goblet cells; the density of club cells in epidermal layer; and early granular tissue formation, collagen deposition and tissue remodelling in dermal layer. Furthermore, peroxidase and catalase enzyme activity showed increased endogenous defence system in the curcumin-treated group compared with the sham group. It could be concluded that dietary administration of curcumin is beneficial in rapid healing of skin wounds in fish. Early healing of wounds could be considered to prevent the invasion of pathogens and to maintain the integrity of the surrounding tissue.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules of around 22 nucleotides in length. They are crucially involved in the post transcriptional regulation and thus play a significant role in the modulation of different diseases. Several studies have suggested that miRNA expression is dysregulated in various cancers through different mechanisms and the dysregulated miRNA in return affects different cancer hallmarks including cell proliferation, cell death suppression, metastasis and angiogenesis. Compilation of the available miRNA data can be a stimulator for proper understanding of the correlation between the miRNA expression and cancer progression. In this review, we have focussed on the role of miR-760 in the progression of different cancer. MicroRNA-760 (miR-760) has been found to be down regulated in various cancers, thus it can be utilized as a possible prognostic marker for cancer detection. Here, we have tried to fill a gap regarding the role of miR-760 in relation to cervical cancer also. Moreover, unravelling the role of miR-760 in different cancers will enlighten the researchers with proper understanding of biology of miR-760 in regulation of different cancers.

Hydrodynamic journal bearings are widely used in rotating machines where high loading condition prevails. In this work, effect of different volume fractions of TiO2 (Titanium dioxide) additive in commercially available SAE30 lubricant oil on the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearing is analysed experimentally. Hydrodynamic journal bearing test rig is used to perform the experiment. The experiment is carried out by taking different volume fractions of TiO2 additive (0.075%, 0.1% and 0.15%) in SAE30 lubricant base oil and their effect on journal bearing characteristics like coefficient of friction, pressure distribution, temperature rise, eccentricity ratio, attitude angle, minimum film thickness and displacement is analysed. Paraffin oil is used to uniformly distribute the TiO2 in the base oil and to resist sedimentation. The study shows that the addition of TiO2 additive in the base SAE30 lubricant oil is capable of significantly reducing the values of friction coefficient and maximum temperature rise. It has been found that the addition of TiO2 additive improves the performance of the hydrodynamic journal bearing. Results reveals that the additive performs better at higher loading conditions.

S016-1271 (LR8P) is a broad spectrum novel cationic antimicrobial peptide. The objective of the present study was to develop a selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) based bioanalytical method of S016-1271 peptide in mice and human plasma in order to uncover its pharmacokinetic aspects. The chromatographic separation of S016-1271 (FR8P as internal standard) was achieved on a Waters™ X select CSH-C18 column (75 × 3.0 mm, 2.5 μ) using mixture of acetonitrile and triple distilled water (TDW) both containing 0.05% formic acid as mobile phase. A seven minute linear gradient method was designed to separate analytes from ion suppression at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The extraction of analytes from mice and human plasma was performed through solid phase extraction technique using mixed mode weak cation exchange cartridge (Thermo SOLA WCX 10 mg 1CC) with an extraction recovery of analytes about 75%. Mass spectrometric detection of S016-1271 and FR8P was performed with optimized multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions (Q1/Q3) at 658.8 [M+3H] 3+/653.2 [M+3H-NH3] 3+ and 443.4 [M+5H]5+ /434.7 [y12-NH3]4+,respectively in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The linearity in mice and human plasma was established over a concentration range of 7.81–250 ng/mL with regression coefficient (r2 > 0.99). The currently developed method was validated as per US-FDA guidelines and found to be within the acceptable limits. The method was successfully applied to intravenous (IV) pharmacokinetic study in mice wherein the levels were detected upto 24 h. The peptide demonstrated poor distribution characteristics which were demonstrated through volume of distribution at steady state (202.71 ± 47.02 mL/kg less than total body water of mice; 580 mL/kg). The clearance of the peptide predominantly occurred through central compartment (central clearance is 25 fold greater than peripheral clearance). Also, the in vitro pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated the stability of S016-1271 in plasma and high plasma protein binding in mice and humans.

Anthraquinones (AQs) of the Cassia occidentalis (CO) seeds like Rhein, Emodin, Aloe-emodin, Chrysophanol, Physcion are known to contribute to the etiology of hepatomyoencephalopathy in children. The present study was carried out to investigate the binding affinity of these AQs with serum albumin, as this protein is mainly involved in the bio-distribution of xenobiotics. Initially, molecular docking was carried for the five AQ ligands with bovine serum albumin (BSA) both by AUTODOCK and CDOCKER docking tools. Subsequently, the binding affinity and mechanism of interaction of these AQs with BSA was studied by fluorescence and UV–visible spectroscopy. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity studies of these AQs were carried out in rat primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. Results both from molecular docking and fluorescence spectroscopic studies suggest that the interaction energy and binding affinity of above AQs with BSA is in the following order, i.e. Rhein > Emodin > Aloe-emodin > Chrysophanol > Physcion. Interestingly, the observed cytotoxicity of the five AQs in rat primary hepatocyte and HepG2 cells were found to fall in line with the above order. Rhein showing highest toxicity among the AQs showed highest binding affinity to BSA, whereas chrysophanol & physcion, being less toxic exhibited minimal affinity to BSA. Hence, these studies indicate that toxicity of AQs of CO seeds are directly proportional to the protein binding affinity, which may be responsible for the death of children and cattle fed of CO seeds.

Histopathological changes and alterations in the activity of certain metabolic and antioxidant enzymes were analyzed in the head skin of Labeo rohita, exposed to sublethal test concentrations of the azo dye, Eriochrome black T for 4 days, using 24 h renewal bioassay method. Hypertrophied epithelial cells, increased density of mucous goblet cells, and profuse mucous secretion at the surface were considered to protect the skin from toxic impact of the azo dye. Degenerative changes including vacuolization, shrinkage, decrease in dimension, and density of club cells with simultaneous release of their contents in the intercellular spaces were associated to plug them, preventing indiscriminate entry of foreign matter. On exposure of fish to the dye, significant decline in the activity of enzymes—alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, carboxylesterase, succinate dehydrogenase, catalase, and peroxidase—was associated with the binding of dye to the enzymes. Gradual increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase was considered to reflect a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. On transfer of azo dye exposed fish to freshwater, skin gradually recovers and, by 8 days, density and area of mucous goblet cells, club cells, and activity of the enzymes appear similar to that of controls. Alteration in histopathology and enzyme activity could be considered beneficial tool in monitoring environmental toxicity, valuable in the sustenance of fish populations.

RuBisCo activase (Rca) is a catalytic chaperone involved in modulating the activity of RuBisCo (key enzyme of photosynthetic pathway). Here, we identified eight novel transcripts from wheat through data mining predicted to be Rca and cloned a transcript of 1.4 kb from cv. HD2985, named as TaRca1 (GenBank acc. no. KC776912). Single copy number of TaRca1 was observed in wheat genome. Expression analysis in diverse wheat genotypes (HD2985, Halna, PBW621 and HD2329) showed very high relative expression of TaRca1 in Halna under control and HS-treated, as compared to other cultivars at different stages of growth. TaRca1 protein was predicted to be chloroplast-localized with numerous potential phosphorylation sites. Nothern blot analysis showed maximum accumulation of TaRca1 transcript in thermotolerant cv. during mealy-ripe stage, as compared to thermosusceptible. Decrease in the photosynthetic parameters was observed in all the cultivars, except PBW621 in response to HS. We observed significant increase in the Rca activity in all the cultivars under HS at different stages of growth. HS causes decrease in the RuBisCo activity; maximum reduction was observed during pollination stage in thermosusceptible cvs. as validated through immunoblotting. We observed uniform carbon distribution in different tissues of thermotolerant cvs., as compared to thermosusceptible. Similarly, tolerance level of leaf was observed maximum in Halna having high Rca activity under HS. A positive correlation was observed between the transcript and activity of TaRca1 in HS-treated Halna. Similarly, TaRca1 enzyme showed positive correlation with the activity of RuBisCo. There is, however, need to manipulate the thermal stability of TaRca1 enzyme through protein engineering for sustaining the photosynthetic rate under HS – a novel approach towards development of ‘climate-smart’ crop.

Surface ultrastructure of the gills of the angler catfish Chaca chaca was investigated to unravel the adaptive modifications associated with the feeding ecology of the fish. The fish is often found in mud or in soft substrates where they remain buried both for protection and to feed. Gill rakers present on the gill arch in most fish species are absent in this fish. The absence of gill rakers are associated with the feeding habit of the fish and is considered to facilitate the swallowing of captured prey smoothly without any hindrance. Highly corrugated surface of the gill arch and gill filaments could be associated to retain water/mucus to prevent dessicassion of the fish. Papillae like epithelial protuberances each bearing a taste bud at its summit toward the pharyngeal side of the gill arch is associated with the sorting of the food. Large number of mucous goblet cells on the gill arch epithelium are considered to secret copious mucus to lubricate the prey for easy swallowing. In C. chaca the gill septa between gill filaments are reduced. This could enhance the flexibility and permit the free movement of the gill filaments. Extensive secondary lamellae and infrequent mucous goblet cells on secondary lamellae are associated to increase the surface area to enhance efficiency of gaseous exchange.