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Background Vitamin B-12 deficiency is widespread in many parts of the world, affecting all age groups and increasing with age. It is primarily due to a low intake of animal source foods or malabsorption. The measurement of bioavailability of vitamin B-12 is etiologically important in deficiency but is limited due to the use of radioactive isotopes like [57Co]- or [14C]-cyanocobalamin. Objectives The aim of this study was to measure the bioavailability of [13C]-cyanocobalamin in humans and to assess the effect of parenteral replenishment of vitamin B-12 on the bioavailability. Methods We synthesized a stable isotope-labeled vitamin B-12, [13C]-cyanocobalamin, using Salmonella enterica by providing [13C2]-ethanolamine as a sole carbon source. After purification and mass spectrometry–based characterization, its oral bioavailability was measured in the fasted state with high and low oral doses, before and after parenteral replenishment of vitamin B-12 stores, from the kinetics of its plasma appearance in a 2-compartment model. Results [13C]-cyanocobalamin was completely decyanated to [13C]-methylcobalamin describing metabolic utilization, and its plasma appearance showed early and late absorption phases. At a low dose of 2.3 µg, the mean bioavailability was 46.2 ± 12.8 (%, mean ± SD, n = 11). At a higher dose of 18.3 µg, the mean bioavailability was 7.6 ± 1.7 (%, mean ± SD, n  = 4). Parenteral replenishment of the vitamin B-12 store in deficient individuals prior to the measurement resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in bioavailability. Conclusions Vitamin B-12 bioavailability is dose dependent and at a low dose that approximates the normal daily requirement (46%). The stable isotope method described here could be used to define the etiology of deficiency and to inform the dietary requirement in different physiologic states as well as the dose required for supplementation and food fortification. This trial was registered at the Clinical Trials Registry of India as CTRI/2018/04/012957. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Objective adherence measures are of increasing interest in antiretroviral treatment (ART) monitoring. Hair ART levels predict virologic suppression, and hair is easy to collect and store. No previous study has examined hair levels in an India-based cohort or laboratory. Methods: Small hair samples were collected from HIV-positive participants on either efavirenz (EFV)-based or nevirapine (NVP)-based ART in a South India–based study. Hair samples were split and analyzed for EFV or NVP in the University of California, San Francisco –based Hair Analytical Laboratory and the analytic laboratory of the Division of Nutrition at St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India, using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Agreement (using Bland–Altman methods) and rank correlation between the 2 laboratories' hair levels were calculated. Rank correlation between self-reported adherence (SRA) over the previous month using a visual analog scale and hair ART levels was calculated. Results: Among 75 participants (38 on NVP; 37 on EFV), the correlation between NVP levels generated by the 2 laboratories was 0.66 (P < 0.0001) and between EFV levels was 0.87 (P < 0.0001). Measurements from St. John's Research Institute were usually within 20% of those from the University of California, San Francisco Hair Analytical Laboratory. SRA was essentially uncorrelated with hair antiretroviral levels for either drug (all correlations < 0.04). Hair levels showed variability in adherence although SRA was >85% in all participants. Conclusions: Hair ART levels measured by both an India-based laboratory and the standard U.S.-based laboratory showed generally high agreement and correlation, demonstrating local capacity. As in many other cohorts, hair ART levels and SRA were not well-correlated, likely indicating limitations in self-report and the need for objective adherence monitoring in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a spectroscopic investigation of the interaction between bovine serum albumin protein and thioglycolic acid capped cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots is presented. Luminescent water-soluble CdSe quantum dots were synthesized at room temperature by a one-step proctocol. Selenium powder and thioglycolic acid were used as the precursor and stabilizer, respectively. The synthesized thioglycolic acid capped CdSe quantum dots were activated by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide treatment and conjugated with bovine serum albumin protein. The fluorescence signal of CdSe quantum dots was enhanced proportionally with the bovine serum albumin concentration from 0.25 to 5 µg/mL. This nano-bioconjugate was employed for the determination of trinitrotoluene with a detection limit of 5.65 ppm trinitrotoluene across a linear range of 4.4 × 10−6 M to 35.2 × 10−6 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of a specially formulated mineral supplement in shaping the humoral immune response of dog pups in response to anti-rabies vaccination. Mineral supplement was formulated based on plasma analyzed for macro and micro minerals randomly collected from 226 dogs. Twelve mongrel/non-descript dog pups (3 - 6 months) randomly allocated into two groups (n=6) were tested for stimulation of humoral immune system by assessing the antibody titre against rabies vaccine using Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) and in vivo Mouse Neutralization Test (MNT) for antibody detection post supplementation of formulated mineral supplement upto 28 days. Early and higher antibody titre (>1:4096) was recorded on day seven itself in the group of dog pups fed with formulated mineral supplemented as compared to non-supplemented group. Present study indicated that mineral supplementation prior to the anti-rabies vaccination may elicit quick and high level of protective antibodies. The findings may also be important in the event of post bite immunization, in combination with this mineral supplementation for quick protective antibody response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-sized bioceramic hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) is synthesized using the sol-gel technique with phosphoric acid and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate as a phosphorous and calcium precursor, respectively. The 'as synthesized' nanocomposite powder is characterized for phase and structural analysis using X-ray diffractometry, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological analysis of HAp/CNT nanocomposite is done using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The tribological properties including wear rate and coefficient of friction are done by coating HAp and HAp/CNT nanocomposite on implant material (SS 316L) using spin coating technique. The wear is reduced by 24.57% for HAp-coated SS316L and 29.6% for HAp-5% CNT-coated SS316 substrate. The addition of CNT in HAp matrix leads to lowering of the coefficient of friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, highly luminescent N-doped carbon quantum dots were synthesized by surface passivation of citric acid using Ethylenediamine. As synthesized NCQDs were characterized using different techniques as TEM, DLS zetasizer, UV-Visible spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy. N-CQDs were found to have the approx 6.7 nm diameter and spherical shape as confirmed from TEM. UV-Vis absorption spectra at wavelength 350 nm (λmax= 350 nm) confirmed their formation in the solution. From photoluminescence spectroscopy, it was found these NCQDs emits at wavelength 450 nm ((λex= 350 nm, λem= 450 nm). As-synthesized N-doped CQDs were successfully used for fe3+ion detection relying on the quenching mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to study the influence of cadmium on growth and development of seedling mungbean genotypes (i. e. Basanti, Satya and MH 421). Results revealed that fresh (FW) and dry weight (DW) (mg) of shoot significantly decreased from 297.9 to 237.3 and 28.9 to 17.4, respectively. Similarly, the FW and DW of root also showed same trend, the values varied from 17.2 to 9.1 and 2.7 to 1.2, respectively upon cadmium chloride application. Decline in RWC (%) was noticed. The ratio of chl a : chl b and chlorophyll : carotenoid also showed declining trend i. e. from 2.67 to 2.48 and 2.78 to 2.37, respectively. Whereas increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA content) and proline content was observed and magnitude of increase varied from 0.93 to 1.53 mM MDA/g FW and 7.57 to 16.36 mM/g FW on imposition of cadmium chloride. However, total soluble carbohydrate and protein content showed reverse trend and maximum per cent decline was observed in Basanti (15.32 and 19.61%) and minimum in MH 421 (2.23 and 1.15%) genotype. The genotype MH 421 showed relatively better tolerance to cadmium chloride stress than other genotypes and can be a potential alternative for cadmium-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Temperature stress (heat or cold) is becoming a major area of concern due to climate change affecting crop production worldwide. Chickpea leaves are most sensitive to variation in temperature so any variation in temperature (High or Low) causes substantial losses in yield due to disruption in physiological processes of the plant cell. Therefore to achieve maximum production under current scenario of climate change a better understanding of stress induced responses in leaves of chickpea and interrelationship between seed yield and leaf traits can prove to be useful. Methods: The field trials was conducted with ten genotypes of chickpea for two consecutive years (2017-2019) at Pulses Section, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study various traits of leaf at 50% flowering stage (80-90 DAS). Temperature stress (cold or heat) was given by manipulating the sowing dates that is 15th October (early sown condition in Haryana), 15th November (Normal sown condition in Haryana) and 15th December (late sown condition in Haryana). Data were recorded when temperature was (<523892C for 7 days) in early sown and (>3523892C for 7 days) in late sown crops. Result: Results indicated that early sown crops experienced low temperature stress in the month of December-January while late sown crops showed high temperature stress in the month of March-April. The maximum values of leaf parameters were found in crops sown on 15th Novemberand minimum in 15th December sown crops and no significant differences in seed yield was recorded between 15th October and 15th November sowing, however, further delay in sowing to 15th December showed significant reduction in seed yield. Among genotypes maximum leaf parameters and seed yield were observed in H12-64 and H13-01 while minimum were found in H14-04. Seed yield exhibited significant positive correlation with all traits in 15th October and 15th November sowing while non-significant was on 15th December sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ecofriendly, in-situ and bulk synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) from aminobenzene dicarboxylic acid. • The anti-TNT Antibodies are conjugated with NCQDs for the first time for biosensing of TNT. • NCQDs with and without conjugation with antibodies are demonstrated for optical bio/chemosensing of TNT in water. • High analytical accomplishment in terms of stability, quantum yield, sensitivity, and detection limit (1.0 nM). Water contaminants are posing deadly impacts on living beings' survival. Nitroaromatic compounds e.g. Trinitrotoluene (TNT), are one among these lethal contaminants and require to be early detected before their consumption. The nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) are synthesized from the precursor 2-aminobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid via the hydrothermal route. The as-synthesized NCQDs are conjugated with anti-TNT antibodies and characterized using various analytical techniques. The spherical NCQDs are having a size of 5.69 nm. At excitation wavelength 347 nm, the emission wavelength of NCQDs is shifted from 445 nm to 443 nm after their conjugation with anti-TNT Ab. The decrease in photoluminescence emission intensity of NCQDs and NCQDs/Ab with the increased concentration of TNT is regulated by the formation of Jackson-Meisenheimer and antigen–antibody complex, respectively. The detection limit of NCQDs and NCQDs/Ab is observed to be 1.39 X 10-5 M and 1.07 X 10-9 M respectively. The stern–volmer quenching constant of NCQDs is increased from 1.5 X 103 M−1 to 8.5 X 105 M−1 after their conjugation with anti-TNT Ab depicting the elevated affinity of NCQDS/Ab for TNT. The biosensing NCQDs/Ab are found to be more selective towards TNT than the chemosensing NCQDs probe. In spiked real water samples, the RSD of NCQDs/Ab is found to be ± 1.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple crop is the predominant temperate fruit in the high hills of Himachal Pradesh (HP), India, primarily due to the ideal temperate climate of the region characterized by high altitude and significant snowfall. This study aims to examine the marketing aspects of apple crops in the high hills of HP, taking into account the complex nature of its marketing patterns. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cautious approach within the marketing channel, as any oversight can reduce prices and profits. Additionally, the study examines the arrival trends of apples in the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee of HP. The findings reveal that the retail channel demonstrated the highest marketing efficiency, followed by the commission agent's channel, suggesting that reducing the intermediaries in the channel contributes to enhanced marketing efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate change causes variation in global temperature in last two decades which causes detrimental effects on agricultural crops being grown in arid and semi-arid regions. Chickpea crop sensitive to variation in temperature as the late-sown crop is exposed to high temperatures (>35°C) at its reproductive stage in the months of February and March and early sown crops is exposed to low temperature (<5°C) at its vegetative stage in December and January so optimum sowing time plays a vital role for overall growth and development of the plants. Methods: The experiment comprising of three sowing dates that is 15th October (early sown condition in Haryana), 15th November (Normal sown condition in Haryana) and 15th December (late sown condition in Haryana) with ten chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes namely ICCV 88503, ICCV 92944, HC-1, HC-3, HC-5, H12-64, H13-01, H13-02, H14-01 and H14-04 in randomized block design during Rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Pulses Section, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Result: Statistically no significant differences in seed yield was recorded between 15th October and 15th November sowing, however, further delay in sowing to 15th December showed significant reduction in seed yield while maximum values for recorded physiological parameters in chickpea genotypes were found in 15th November sowing and minimum in 15th December sowing. Among genotypes maximum physiological parameters and seed yield were observed in H12-64 and H13-01 while minimum were found in H14-04. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report describes successful therapeutic management of unilateral corneal ulcer with hyphema in three Holstein Friesian crossbred cattle. Clinical recoveries were observed within seven days post treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of nutritional deficiencies, dietary protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and trace elements are known to cause cardiac disease in various species. Nutritional management of dogs with cardiac problems can be handle with providing adequate calories, protein and modulating cytokine production to manage the possible cause of decreased appetite of the side effects of medications. Owners should be aware that dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way as drugs. They do not require proof of safety, efficacy, or quality control before they can be sold. Therefore, careful selection of type, dose, and brand is important to avoid toxicities or complete lack of efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Chronic immune activation in Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) could lead to increased fed-state metabolic rate (MR) or total energy expenditure (TEE) and limit the energy available for optimal linear growth. In a secondary analysis, MR and TEE were compared in young Indian children from urban slums, with and without stunting or EED. Subjects/Methods: Children (18–24 months, n = 69) were classified into non-stunted (LAZ ≥ −2) and stunted (LAZ < −2), and no-EED (lactulose rhamnose ratio, LRR < 0.068) and EED (LRR ≥ 0.068) groups. Associations between MR and TEE (kcal per kg bodyweight [BW] or fat free mass [FFM]) with stunting and EED were examined using logistic regression. Results: Median TEE was significantly higher in the stunted compared to non-stunted group (76.8 versus 92.0 kcal/kg BW/day, p = <0.01). The adjusted (for sex, FFM, EED) odds ratio (AOR) for stunting with TEE (kcal/day) was 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.01), but importantly, there was no interaction between EED and TEE. The median TEE was also significantly higher in the EED compared to the no-EED group (89.1 vs 76.8 kcal/kg BW/day, p = 0.02), and the AOR (adjusted for sex and TEE) for stunting with EED was 3.56 (95% CI:1.09, 11.63). MR (per kg BW or FFM) was not associated with stunting or EED. Conclusion: Higher TEE and presence of EED were independently and positively associated with stunting. Children with EED also had higher TEE but not MR. Energetically, the higher TEE in stunted children may not specifically be linked to the presence of EED, although the latter independently had higher odds of stunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]