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Scientists have recently focused on crafting a more natural approach to catalysis to make organic synthesis more sustainable and eco-friendly. This manuscript highlights an environment-friendly, efficient synthesis of novel spirocyclic derivatives (QP 1 – QP 12) of quinoxaline pyrimidine mediated through sustainable green catalyst potash alum. The research was conducted with thoroughness, as computational techniques were used to examine the interaction of topoisomerase II enzyme with spiro compounds. The computational analysis was also accompanied to determine the interaction of spirocyclic compounds with biomolecules, i.e., 1BNA and BSA. Anticancer activity was carried out on MCF-7 regarding IC50 value, which ranges between 76.67 and 138.34 µg/mL. The spirocyclic compounds showed good antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic nature against five bacterial strains and artemia cysts. The compound’s MIC and LC50 values were found in the 135–195 µM range and 6.26–10.91 µg/mL, respectively. Spectroscopic techniques were performed for evaluating the binding strength between spirocyclic compounds and biomolecules. The binding constant values of QP 1 – QP 12 with CT-DNA and BSA were found in the range of 0.61–1.45 × 105 M−1 and 0.16–2.19 × 104 M−1, respectively. SwissADME and admetSAR, two online platforms, were used to assess the pharmacokinetic profile and determine the drug-likeness of the synthesized compounds.

This study excavates the experts, ideas and methods behind the earliest water utility performance benchmarking efforts initiated in the 1990s using archive materials and secondary sources. The results contend that benchmarking is public sector reform by other means. Quantification allows performance benchmarking to escape the scrutiny and controversy that follows market-led reform, even though both privilege economic efficiency at the expense of distributional equity. Benchmarking experts advance economisation, a process that, through economic reasoning, metrics and quantitative comparisons, transforms water utilities into calculative Pareto-maximising entities that privilege existing consumers to the detriment of the unserved. Economisation is not inevitable, however. Heterodox experts can choose different benchmarking methods to advance alternative values. Two professors in India, for instance, introduced explicitly equity-focused indicators into the country’s water utility benchmarking system, challenging the prevailing orthodoxy. Nonetheless, while fairer benchmarking systems have the potential to reduce resource inequities, they also risk domesticating power relations.

ABSTRACTMahonia jaunsarensis Ahrendt is a narrow endemic wild edible fruit-bearing species found in Uttarakhand Himalaya and has the potential of breeding compatibility with economically important Mahonia and Berberis species. Berry fruits of the species were explored for nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant potential among three sampling locations. Fresh berries appeared a good source of diverse nutrients (carbohydrate 1.07–1.25 g/100 g, protein 0.97–1.13 g/100 g, non-reducing sugar 3.38–3.92 mg/g, and total sugar 9.86–12.87 mg/g); minerals (e.g. sodium 0.56–0.65 mg/100 g and potassium 0.99–1.14 mg/g); and vitamins (ascorbic acid 3.87–4.49 mg/g, thiamine 9.97–11.57 µg/g and carotenoids 1.67–1.94 mg/g). Similarly, phytochemicals (total anthocyanin 18.93–22.12 mg/g, phenolics 1.56–1.80 mg GAE/g, flavonoids 1.49–1.73 mg QE/g, flavonols 4.88–5.66 mg CE/g, and tannins 6.53–7.58 mg TAE/g) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (measured by ABTS assay, DPPH assay, OH· radical scavenging activity and FRAP assays) varied significantly (p

Geospatial data were used to analyze changes to geomorphology of barrier islands and beaches in Southwest Florida resulting from Hurricane Ian in late September 2022. The hurricane generated high intensity winds and storm surge causing more than $112 billion in damages, along with massive sediment mobilization due to erosion and deposition. This study quantified net sediment loss and gain on specific barrier islands by storm surge (Sanibel, Naples, Fort Myers Beach, others, though this paper focuses exclusively on Sanibel) by comparing pre- and post-Ian topography generated by a drone-flown LiDAR sensor; changes in elevation were used to quantify spatial variation in sediment volume. Data were collected immediately after Hurricane Ian and compared against topographic data collected by NOAA in 2018. Digital elevation models (DEMs) were used to compare topography, shoreline positions (relative to Mean High Water), foredune position, and volumetric changes using GIS technology. In general, the shoreline position after Ian changed little, indicating that the incoming surge had little influence on the beach. The foredunes, however, were deflated and set back by surge overwash. The outgoing surge created a much more dramatic geomorphologic change. Erosional surge channels cut through the foredunes and upper beach berm along many regions of the coastline. The ebb erosion also caused extensive damage to physical structures when located immediately behind the foredune. Lastly, this work demonstrates the value of employing GIS and remote sensing technology to problems of beach and dune management, the restoration of coastal ecosystems, the enhancement of resilience capacity of both natural and developed infrastructure, and the development of new policy needed to contend with the effects of climate change.

The Himalayan region supports a rich diversity of edible fruit species that can cope with global food and nutritional security by providing dietary diversity, genetic backup for commercial species and economic sustainability. Among these, Mahonia nepalensis DC. (Family Berberidaceae) is a medicinally important plant species of Himalaya with delicious edible berry fruits. Fruits of the species remain unexplored, however, their content of nutrients and phytochemicals and antioxidant potential changed with the ripening process. The current study assessed variations in nutritional, physicochemical, and phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential during the four ripening stages. A significant (p caffeic acid > syringic acid > ferulic acid > p-coumaric acid, and among these, chlorogenic acid decreased significantly (p

Abstract The present study uses a systematic approach to explore the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants from Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. The phytochemical composition of medicinal plants was analyzed based on (i) the presence of different chemical groups and (ii) bioactive compounds. The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) analysis was used to predict the occurrence of chemical groups and active compounds across different eco-climatic zones and the elevation in Uttarakhand. A total of 789 medicinal plants represented by 144 taxonomic families were screened to explore the phytochemical diversity of the medicinal plants of Uttarakhand. These medicinal plant species are signified in different life forms such as herbs (58.86%), shrubs (18.24%), trees (17.48%), ferns (2.38%), and climbers (2.13%). The probability of occurrence of the chemical groups found in tropical, sub-tropical, and warm temperate eco-climatic zones, whereas active compounds have a high Probability towards alpine, sub-alpine, and cool temperate zones. The GAM predicted that the occurrence of species with active compounds was declining significantly (p

The combination of ninhydrin and o-phenylenediamine, followed by their reaction with a phenylhydrazine derivative produces quinoxaline-based ligands (L1 – L6). These ligands react with K2PtCl4 to form Pt(II) complexes (I – VI). The ligands and Pt(II) chelate were characterized through various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, like 1H NMR, 13C NMR, C, H, N-elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. DFT calculations were used to optimize the structures of metal complexes. To investigate the binding mode of complexes to CT-DNA/BSA, absorption titration, viscosity measurements, and molecular docking analysis were employed. The results indicated that the DNA binding mechanism involved intercalation. The antibacterial efficacy of the compounds was evaluated against five strains of bacteria. The lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of complexes suggests that they are more potent than quinoxaline-based ligands. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity using brine shrimp. The LC50 values of ligands and complexes ranged from 7.64 to 11.45 μg/mL and 5.27 to 7.02 μg/mL, respectively. The capacity of the molecule to suppress cell proliferation using the MCF-7 cancer cell was tested, and the IC50 value was discovered to be comparable to that of a standard drug. Thus in this work, complexes demonstrated intercalation as the binding mode with CT-DNA/BSA and exhibited enhanced antibacterial efficacy compared to the ligands. The compounds also showed promising cytotoxicity against brine shrimp and MCF-7 cancer cells, with comparable IC50 values to a standard drug, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents.

Abstract Introduction There are limited data on family screening and genetic testing in pediatric cardiomyopathy from India. This study was conducted to describe the morphologic spectrum and identify potential familial and genetic causes of pediatric cardiomyopathies in this region. Methods From April 2018 to May 2020, all children from birth to 18 years of age with cardiomyopathy visiting a tertiary care hospital in North India were enrolled in this study. First-degree relatives of index patients were offered screening for cardiomyopathy; 260 clinically reported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 17 genes were analyzed by a rapid genotyping method. Additionally, a subset of patients also underwent whole-exome sequencing. Results Of the 20 patients enrolled in this study (median age 42 months), 18 were clinically diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. We observed a 44.4% mortality rate after a median follow-up of 15 months. 61.3% of the eligible first-degree relatives underwent screening, and one patient was identified to have familial cardiomyopathy. Multi-panel gene testing was performed on 18 patients, and none were found to have a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant; 9 patients also underwent whole-exome sequencing, and pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in 50% (4/8) of them. Conclusion Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common morphologic form of pediatric cardiomyopathy in India and has a high mortality rate. The prevalence of familial cardiomyopathy was low in this study. Future studies should evaluate the role of whole-exome sequencing in identifying genetic causes of cardiomyopathy in children.

The reaction of 2-acetyl pyrazine with phenyl hydrazine gives Schiff base ligands. The Schiff base further reacted with K2PtCl4 to provide Pt(II) complexes. Ligands and Pt(II) complexes were characterized using 1H NMR, IR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, electronic spectra, and conductivity measurement. DFT studies were performed to optimize the structure of Pt(II) complexes. ADMET profile of the synthesized molecule was predicted using admetSAR. The antibacterial, DNA-binding, and molecular docking capabilities highlighted the influence of the various functional groups in the Schiff base ligands and platinum(II) complexes. For example, when the electron-withdrawing (nitro or methoxy) group is added to the Schiff base ligands, absorption maxima shifted to a higher wavelength, and antibacterial potency increases. Anticancer properties on the MCF-7 cancer cell line were tested to evaluate the potency of the compounds toward the cancer cell line. The IC50 value of the ligands and metal complexes ranged from 183 to 146 μg/mL and 120 to 88 μg/mL, respectively.

There is a genetic component to the risk of severe COVID-19, but the genetic effects are difficult to separate from social constructs that covary with genetic ancestry. To address this, the authors identify determinants of COVID-19 severity using admixture mapping, viral phylodynamics, and host immune and metagenomic sequencing.

Selexipag, a selective prostacyclin receptor agonist, is approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension in WHO Group 1 adult patients. Compared to parenteral prostacyclin formulations, selexipag offers a significant improvement in patient’s and caregiver’s quality of life because of its oral formulation, frequency of administration, and mechanism of action. Although experience in the pediatric population is limited and selexipag is not FDA-approved for use in the pediatric pulmonary hypertension population, many US pediatric centers are expanding the use of this therapy to this younger population. We report our institution's experience in the use of selexipag to treat pulmonary hypertension in children under 10 years of age, between 10 and 30 kg. Seven patients were initiated on selexipag therapy including de novo initiation and transition from intravenous treprostinil to oral selexipag. All patients were on stable background therapy with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor and endothelin receptor antagonist therapies at baseline. All patients reached their planned goal selexipag dose during admission without the need for changes to the titration schedule and without hemodynamic deterioration. In our experience, oral selexipag is safe and well-tolerated in young pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension. Based on our favorable experience, we developed an institution-specific selexipag process algorithm for continued successful use in the pediatric population.

Calix[4]pyrrole has potential applications as a molecular recognition receptor, sensor, ditopic cation, and anion receptor. Other supramolecular receptors could be made using novel approaches inspired by the mechanism and selectivity of these receptors. We believe that this brief summary will act as a catalyst for growth in the potential applications of calix[4]pyrrole in research and technology. The simple functionalizing group and ring modification of calix[4]pyrrole make it an excellent choice for multi-component identification. The mode of action of the calix[4]pyrrole receptor and an explanation of its selectivity could inspire the development of other supramolecular receptors.

Background: Radiation-induced hypothyroidism is a common toxicity of head and neck radiation. Our re-planning study aimed to reduce thyroid dose while maintaining target coverage with IMRT. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with oral-cavity (n = 5) and oropharyngeal cancer (n = 5). Treatment plans were re-optimized with 45 Gy thyroid mean dose constraint, then we cropped the thyroid out of PTVs and further reduced thyroid dose. Target coverage was delivering 100% dose to ≥ 93% of PTV and 95% of dose to > 99% of PTV. Results: Originally, average mean dose to thyroid was 5580 cGy. In model I, this dropped to 4325 cGy (p

Abstract Background There are handful hypothesis-driven ethnobotanical studies in Nepal. In this study, we tested the non-random medicinal plant selection hypothesis using national- and community-level datasets through three different types of regression: linear model with raw data, linear model with log-transformed data and negative binomial model. Methods For each of these model, we identified over-utilized families as those with highest positive Studentized residuals and underutilized families with highest negative Studentized residuals. The national-level data were collected from online databases and available literature while the community-level data were collected from Baitadi and Darchula districts. Results Both dataset showed larger variance (national dataset mean 6.51

Analyzing plant species richness across a broad geographic gradient is critical for understanding the patterns and processes of biodiversity. In view of this, a species richness map was developed by stacking the ranges of 51 tree species along an elevational gradient in the Western Himalaya using stacked species distribution models (SSDMs). Among modeling algorithms available in SSDMs, random forest and artificial neural networks exhibited the best performance (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). The predicted tree species richness distribution pattern revealed a mid-elevation peak at around 2,000 m asl, which is in concordance with the observed richness pattern (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). Additionally, structural equation models (SEMs) were used to confirm the key factors that influence tree richness. The results based on SEMs confirm that the elevational pattern of predicted tree species richness is explained by mutual effects of water–energy availability, climate, and habitat heterogeneity. This study also validates that the impact of moisture on tree species richness coincides geographically with climate factors. The results have revealed that water–energy-related variables are likely to impact the species richness directly at higher elevations, whereas the effect is more likely to be tied to moisture at lower elevations. SSDMs provide a good tool to predict a species richness pattern and could help in the conservation and management of high biodiverse areas at different spatial scales. However, more investigation is needed to validate the SSDMs in other parts of the Himalayan region to provide a comprehensive synoptic perspective of Himalayan biodiversity at a larger scale.

The beguiling properties of functionalised calix[4]pyrrole has garnered a lot of attention due to its selective and specific sensitivity towards biomolecules and cations, it behaves as a frontline contender for recognition moieties and their eventual applications as fluorogenic sensing agents have received increasing interest. The binding properties of calix[4]pyrrole can be modulated by diverse structural modifications or by the change of solvent. Accessibility, high fluorescence quantum yield, and biological activity of aminoanthraquinone and aminoquinoline has attracted as a fluorophore, polymer additives and medicinal agents. Due to the tunable properties of aminoanthraquinone and aminoquinoline and calix[4]pyrrole scaffold fixing up may lead to development of new sensor. In this regards we have synthesised two derivatives of calix[4]pyrrole bearing carboxylic group i.e. ABCPTAA & ABCPTAQ which binds selectively with OTC and Hg(II) ions, respectively. The experimental data are very well supported by spectroscopic as well as computational studies.

Purpose: Periorbital tumor location presents a significant challenge with 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or intensity modulated radiation therapy due to high tumor dose needed in the setting of close proximity to orbital structures with lower tolerance. Proton beam therapy (PBT) is felt to be an effective modality in such cases due to its sharp dose gradient. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our institutional PBT registry and identified 17 patients with tumor epicenters within 2 cm of the eye and optic apparatus treated with passive scatter PBT with comparison volumetric arc therapy plans available. Maximum and mean doses to organs at risk of interest, including optic nerves, optic chiasm, lens, eye ball, pituitary, cochlea, lacrimal gland, and surrounding brain, were compared using the paired Wilcoxon signed rank test. Overall survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Median age was 67. Median follow-up was 19.7 months. Fourteen patients underwent upfront resection and received postoperative radiation and 3 received definitive radiation. One patient received elective neck radiation, 2 underwent reirradiation, and 3 had concurrent chemotherapy. There was a statistically significant reduction in mean dose to the optic nerves and chiasm, brain, pituitary gland, lacrimal glands, and cochlea as well as in the maximum dose to the optic nerves and chiasm, pituitary gland, lacrimal glands, and cochlea with PBT. The 18-month cumulative incidence of local failure was 19.1% and 1-year overall survival was 80.9%. Conclusion: Proton beam therapy resulted in significant dose reductions to several periorbital and optic structures compared with volumetric arc therapy. Proton beam therapy appears to be the optimal radiation modality in such cases to minimize risk of toxicity to periorbital organs at risk.

Abstract Bazex syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic dermatosis that precedes diagnosis of cancer. Awareness of this syndrome is important, as it allows early detection of underlying malignancy and may prevent misdiagnosis and delays in cancer treatment.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in 2.1 to up to 50% of children with cancer and contributes to long term morbidity as well as early mortality in this population. Pediatric patients with malignancy are predisposed to VTE due to the prothrombotic nature of cancer and its associated coagulopathies as well as chemotherapeutic agents, use of central venous catheters, surgery, radiotherapy, and concomitant thrombophilia. Management of thrombosis in this population is challenging due to concomitant thrombocytopenia, associated bleeding risks, concurrent co-morbidities, and toxicities of therapy. The aim of this paper is to highlight clinically relevant issues and management dilemmas using clinical vignettes. We review the clinical significance of asymptomatic and symptomatic thrombosis, examine the various options for asparaginase-associated thrombosis, address the role and controversies of direct oral anticoagulants, and describe our approach to managing anticoagulation therapy in the context of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.

The polymeric properties are tailored and enhanced by high energy radiation processing, which is an effective technique to tune the physical, chemical, thermal, surface, and structural properties of the various thermoplastic and elastomeric polymeric components. The gamma and electron beam radiation are the most frequent radiation techniques used for crosslinking, compatibilizing, and grafting of various polymer blends and composites systems. The gamma radiation-induced grafting and crosslinking are the effective, rapid, clean, user-friendly, and well-controlled techniques for the polymeric materials for their properties improvement for high performance applications such as nuclear, automobile, electrical insulation, ink curing, surface modification, food packaging, medical, sterilization, and health-care in a different environment. Similarly, electron beam radiations crosslinking has been a well-known technique for properties development and has economic benefits over chemical crosslinking techniques. This review focuses on the development of polymeric multi component systems (functionalized polymer, blends, and nanohybrids), where partially nanoscale clay incorporation can achieve the desired properties, and partially by controlled high energy radiations crosslinking of blends and nanocomposites. In this review, various investigations have been studied on the development and modifications of polymeric systems, and controlled dose gamma radiation processed the polymer blends and clay-induced composites. Radiation induced grafting of the various monomers on the polymer backbone has been focused. Similarly, comparative studies of gamma and electron beam radiation and their effect on property devlopment have been focused. The high energy radiation modified polymers have been used in several high performance sectors, including automotive, wire and cable insulation, heat shrinkable tube, sterilization, biomedical, nuclear and space applications.

In the present study we compared the community composition, structure, regeneration status and carbon stock of a human managed arboretum (restoration site) during three decades with a natural forest in western Himalaya. Results reveal that ecological restoration activities in the arboretum enhanced the species richness of woody plants by 66.4% with a total of 125 species as compared to 42 species in natural forest. Similarly, above ground carbon stock in the arboretum was ∼38% higher (49.5 Mg/ha) as compared to the natural forest (30.8 Mg/ha). Plantation success in the arboretum was ∼52% with a higher survival rate for temperate and Himalayan native species. Tree density in the arboretum was 322.6/ha with 50% higher density of small girth trees (

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine became an attractive alternative to in-person appointments. The role of telemedicine in patients who undergo frequent on-site treatment, such as radiation therapy, is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine telemedicine use, physician satisfaction, and barriers to continued use in radiation oncology. Methods and Materials: An anonymous, electronic survey was distributed to radiation oncologists internationally between June and October 2020. Respondents described demographic and practice characteristics, and a 5-point Likert scale assessed provider satisfaction, ease of use, and overall utility of telemedicine. Analyses include descriptive statistics and subgroup comparisons using the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. Results: The response rate was 4.3%. Two hundred thirty-two respondents completed the survey, 63.8% of whom were male, 52.6% aged 50 or younger, and 78.0% from the United States. Only 14.2% used telemedicine previously, which increased to 93.1% during COVID-19. Among all telemedicine users, usage rates were 77.9% for initial consultations, 97.2% for follow-up visits, and 35.9% for on-treatment visits. Of the respondents, 69.8% reported that

Climate variability coupled with anthropogenic pressures is the most critical driver in the Himalayan region for forest ecosystem vulnerability. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo is an important yet highly threatened medicinal orchid from the Himalayan region. Poor regenerative power and growing demand have resulted in the steep decline of its natural habitats populations. The present study aims to identify the habitat suitability of D. hatagirea in the Western Himalaya using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt). The community climate system model (CCSM ver. 4) based on representative concentration pathways (RCPs) was used to determine suitable future areas. Sixteen least correlated (< 0.8) bioclimatic, topographical and geomorphic variables were used to construct the species climatic niche. The dominant contributing variables were elevation (34.85%) followed by precipitation of the coldest quarter (23.04%), soil type (8.77%), land use land cover (8.26%), mean annual temperature (5.51%), and temperature seasonality (5.11%). Compared to the present distribution, habitat suitability under future projection, i.e., RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 (2050 and 2070), was found to shift to higher elevation towards the northwest direction, while lower altitudes will invariably be less suitable. Further, as compared to the current distribution, the climatic niche space of the species is expected to expand in between11.41–22.13% in the near future. High habitats suitability areas are mainly concentrated in the forest range like Dharchula and Munsyari range, Pindar valley, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, West of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and Uttarkashi forest division. The present study delineated the fundamental niche baseline map of D. hatagirea in the Western Himalayas and highlighted regions/areas where conservation and management strategies should be intensified in the next 50 years. In addition, as the species is commercially exploited illegally, the information gathered is essential for conservationists and planners who protect the species at the regional levels.

Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) are a group of inherited diseases and heterogeneous in nature. To date, 40 different genes have been reported for the occurrence and/or progression of MDs. This study was conducted to demonstrate the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in developing a time-saving and cost-effective diagnostic method to detect single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variants (CNVs) in a single test. A total of 123 cases clinically suspected of MD were enrolled in this study. Amplicon panel-based diagnosis was carried out for 102 (DMD/BMD) cases and the results were further screened using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Whilst in the case of LGMD (N = 19) and UMD (N = 2), only NGS panel-based analysis was carried out. We identified the large deletions in 74.50% (76/102) of the cases screened with query DMD or BMD. Further, the large deletion in CAPN3 gene (N = 3) and known SNV mutations (N = 4) were identified in LGMD patients. Together, the total diagnosis rate for this amplicon panel was 70.73% (87/123) which demonstrated the utility of panel-based diagnosis for high throughput, affordable, and time-saving diagnostic strategy. Collectively, present study demonstrates that the panel based NGS sequencing could be superior over to MLPA.

The present study synthesizes existing literature on Forest Ecosystem Vulnerability (FEV) assessments across the world's mountain regions. The synthesis reveals a globally substantial number of studies are available on FEV assessment. However, such studies are limited in the mountain regions. Of the total 75 peer-reviewed research papers considered for synthesis, there are 61 (81.32%) studies specific to the country, 6 (8%) to continental, 4 (5.34%) to global scales, and the remaining 4 (5.34%) to local. The study results reveal that most assessments are model-based projections, where complex topography of mountains creates uncertainty for climate projections in limited analyses of socio-ecological indicators. Only a few studies (12%) have considered socio-ecological and ground-based data, which are primarily required for adaptation and management planning at the local level. Overall synthesis of literature provided vital information on climate change impacts and suggested management and adaptation plans but was far from a broad reality for the future of the mountain ecosystem under the paradox of climate change. Scales, targets, indicators, and assessment approaches varied widely and focused on only a subset of resources. We recommend forest managers should critically examine the scale, indicators, methods, and targets when planning forest vulnerability assessments. This synthesis of FEV assessment will help suggest the best approaches and indicators given the limited number of model studies in the mountain area for decision and policy making for forest resource management.

Humankind has suffered many pandemics in history including measles, SARS, MERS, Ebola, and recently the novel Coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. As of September 2021, it has affected over 200 million people and caused over 4 million deaths. India is the second most affected country in the world. Up to this date, more than 38 Lakh viral genomes have been submitted to public repositories like GISAID and NCBI to analyze the virus phylogeny and mutations. Here, we analyzed 2349 genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 submitted in GISAID by a single institute pertaining to infections from the Gujarat state to know their variants and phylogenetic distributions with a major focus on the spike protein. More than 93% of the genomes had one or more mutations in the spike glycoprotein. The D614G variant in spike protein is reported to have a very high frequency of >95% globally followed by the L452R and P681R, thus getting significant attention. The antigenic propensity of a small peptide of 29 residues from 597 to 625 of the spike protein variants having D614 and G614 showed that G614 has a little higher antigenic propensity. Thus, the D614G is the cause for higher viral antigenicity, however, it has not been reported to be effective to be causing more deaths.

Purpose: Reirradiation in the scalp area can be challenging given the proximity to organs at risk (OARs), such as the eye and brain. Our aim is to evaluate the dosimetric differences of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and electron beam therapy (EBT) compared with 3-dimensional proton beam therapy (PBT). Patients and Methods: We evaluated a patient with recurrent angiosarcoma of the left temporal scalp after prior surgical resections and radiation therapy to 60 Gy in 30 fractions who needed reirradiation. We generated VMAT, EBT, and PBT plans using the Pinnacle Treatment Planning System (TPS). Both VMAT and EBT plans used a skin bolus, whereas no bolus was used for the proton plan. Doses to the OARs, including cochlea, eyes, lens, lacrimal glands, optic nerves, optic chiasm, pituitary gland, and underlying brain, were compared. Results: The reirradiation treatment dose was 60 Gy(RBE). Target volume coverage was comparable in all plans. Compared with VMAT and EBT, the PBT plan showed reductions in mean and maximum doses to all OARs. Without the use of protons, several OARs would have exceeded dose tolerance utilizing VMAT or electrons. Dose reduction of up to 100% was achieved for central and contralateral OARs. Conclusion: Compared with VMAT and EBT, PBT resulted in dose reductions to all OARs, while maintaining excellent target coverage. PBT showed a significant advantage in treating superficially located skin cancers, such as angiosarcoma, without the need for a bolus. PBT can be considered in the upfront treatment and certainly in the reirradiation setting.

Athyrium plants consist of more than 230 species that are largely distributed in the Sino-Himalayan region and the Western Pacific islands. Athyrium species are being used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various ailments such as cough, rheumatic pain, scorpion stings, sores, burns and scalds, intestinal fever, pain, specifically breast pain during child birth, to increase milk flow, as an antiparasitic, anthelmintic, and carminative. A deep look in the literature has revealed that Athyrium species have been poorly investigated for their food preservative applications and in vivo and in vitro biological and phytochemical studies. However, some Athyrium species have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-HIV potential. Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching is the most investigated species and the biological activities of their extracts, such as they antioxidant properties, seem to be related to the sulfate contents of their polysaccharides. This review provides an update on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and biological properties of Athyrium plants that might be useful for further research. Of course, well-designed clinical trials will be required for some species to be used as therapy. Keywords: Athyrium, Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, Biological activities, Phytoconstituents

Over 1 billion people are living at the frontlines of climate change in mountain areas, where warming rates outpace the global average and are driving significant changes in environments and ecosystem services. These changes are exacerbating socioeconomic difficulties faced by many mountain communities, and are already intensifying vulnerabilities across mountain areas globally. The situation is indicative of pervasive and consequential deficits in adaptation, and calls attention to the need for a better understanding of existing adaptation efforts, as well as the prospects for increasing the quantity and quality of adaptation action in mountain regions. In response, this MountainAgenda article introduces a conceptual framework for adaptation gaps. It then uses data from 2 major global-scale adaptation reviews to shed light on the nature and true magnitude of the adaptation gap in mountains. It reveals shortcomings in available adaptation options, deficits in the uptake of existing adaptation support, and a general lack of coherence between existing adaptations and keystone global agreements relevant to climate change adaptation. These shortcomings are largely related to soft limits to adaptation that constrain responses across mountain areas. In this article, we provide recommendations for closing the adaptation gap in mountains and suggest that this will require deeply collaborative efforts that are rooted in local needs, aspirations, and ways of knowing, but that are also supported by external capacity building and implementation resources. In many instances, this will resemble a transformative approach to adaptation. The conceptual framework presented here is broadly applicable and can also be utilized to identify and close adaptation gaps in social-ecological contexts beyond mountains.

Chronic dacryocystitis is frequently caused by Naso Lacrimal Duct (NLD) infection or obstruction. Mucocele is formed when chronic stagnation of tears occurs in the lacrimal sac. When mucocoele gets infected with pyogenic organisms, pyocele is formed. Proximal obstruction in mucopyocele causing encysted dacryocystomucopyocele presenting as an enormous swelling is very uncommon. Very few cases of giant encysted dacryocystomucopyocele are reported in literature. The authors report a 42-year-old male with an acquired, enormous dacryocystomucopyocele, which developed over only one and half years and produced upward displacement of the lower lid and mechanical obstruction for eye closure. Computed tomography of orbit and paranasal sinuses was done to confirm the diagnosis and find out the extent of cyst. Complete surgical excision of the cyst was performed. There was no recurrence of the swelling at last follow-up at 1 year.

Global mountains, including the Himalaya, are highly vulnerable ecosystems, especially given climate and land-use changes. Here, we compile the literature on Himalayan biodiversity in order to assess spatial and taxonomic trends in research during the past 200 years. We identified 35,316 research outputs, including 28,120 journal articles, 3,725 doctoral theses, and 3,471 books. Nepal contributes the largest volume of published literature, followed by west Himalayan Indian states, with relatively few studies on the most biodiverse region lying to the east of Nepal. Publications on Himalayan biodiversity research have increased annually, especially after 1970, with an acceleration since 2000. Among the major taxonomic groups, the largest number of publications is on seed plants (angiosperms), followed by invertebrates (especially arthropods) and vertebrates. Some groups of organisms, notably fungi, bacteria, algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, etc., are clearly understudied. Among various research disciplines, ecology is the most dominant field followed by agriculture, ethnobiology, and paleontology. Some newer disciplines, including molecular biology and climate change, have contributed to the growth in the number of papers appearing during the last two decades. Despite an encouraging and rapid increase in research papers during this century, they are largely in low-impact-factor journals, likely to be subject to poor peer review, and many doctoral theses remain unpublished. The Government of India's development initiative emphasizes the importance of research in the Himalaya, which can be enhanced by improved quality of peer review and local journals registering in global indexing services.

Apple (Malus × domestica) is largely known for polyphenolic and antioxidant properties; however, systematic investigation in the apple growing in the Indian Himalayan region is not carried out. The present study therefore, attempts to quantify polyphenolics and antioxidant activities in three traditional apple cultivars namely ‘Benoni’, ‘Fanny’ and ‘Rymer’ growing at different locations of Uttarakhand (west Himalaya), India. Results revealed that phenolic (0.94–7.00 mg GAE·g−1 FW), flavonoid (1.02–9.86 mg QE·g−1 FW), flavonol (0.77–6.92 mg CE·g−1 FW), tannin (15.49–37.99 mg TAE·g−1 FW) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, 3.10–67.36; DPPH, 4.99–14.06; FRAP, 4.70–39.21 mmol AAE·kg−1 FW) varied significantly among the cultivars and maximum content was recorded in Rymer fruits of Mukhwa location. Altitude showed significant (P

Among the various types of cancer, lung cancer is the second most-diagnosed cancer worldwide. The kinesin spindle protein, Eg5, is a vital protein behind bipolar mitotic spindle establishment and maintenance during mitosis. Eg5 has been reported to contribute to cancer cell migration and angiogenesis impairment and has no role in resting, non-dividing cells. Thus, it could be considered as a vital target against several cancers, such as renal cancer, lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, prostate cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, etc. In recent years, fungal secondary metabolites from the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) have been identified as an important lead source in the drug development pipeline. Therefore, the present study aims to identify potential mycotic secondary metabolites against the Eg5 protein by applying integrated machine learning, chemoinformatics based in silico-screening methods and molecular dynamic simulation targeting lung cancer. Initially, a library of 1830 mycotic secondary metabolites was screened by a predictive machine-learning model developed based on the random forest algorithm with high sensitivity (1) and an ROC area of 0.99. Further, 319 out of 1830 compounds screened with active potential by the model were evaluated for their drug-likeness properties by applying four filters simultaneously, viz., Lipinski’s rule, CMC-50 like rule, Veber rule, and Ghose filter. A total of 13 compounds passed from all the above filters were considered for molecular docking, functional group analysis, and cell line cytotoxicity prediction. Finally, four hit mycotic secondary metabolites found in fungi from the IHR were screened viz., (−)-Cochlactone-A, Phelligridin C, Sterenin E, and Cyathusal A. All compounds have efficient binding potential with Eg5, containing functional groups like aromatic rings, rings, carboxylic acid esters, and carbonyl and with cell line cytotoxicity against lung cancer cell lines, namely, MCF-7, NCI-H226, NCI-H522, A549, and NCI H187. Further, the molecular dynamics simulation study confirms the docked complex rigidity and stability by exploring root mean square deviations, root mean square fluctuations, and radius of gyration analysis from 100 ns simulation trajectories. The screened compounds could be used further to develop effective drugs against lung and other types of cancer.

This case report presents a real example of a study which introduces the use of reconfigurable platforms in the teaching of electronics engineering to establish a bridge between theory and practice. This gap is one of the major concerns of the electronics engineering students. Different strategies, such as simulation tools or breadboard implementations, have been followed so far to make it easier for students to practice what they study in lectures. However, many students still claim to have problems when they face real practical implementations. The use of reconfigurable platforms as a teaching tool is proposed to provide the students the possibility of fast experimentation, reducing both development time and the learning curve. In addition, reconfigurable platforms available on the market make this methodology suitable to be applied throughout the different courses of their curricula. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated in a course at the M.Eng. level, where the objective is the study, design and development of electronic sensor nodes. We firmly consider, based on the students’ results and reflections collected during the course, that this methodology helps students to address the theoretical framework from a practical viewpoint, as well as to acquire some of the fundamental skills for their professional careers, such as the usage of communication protocols and embedded systems programming, in a more intuitive way when compared to traditional teaching methodologies.

The incidence and severity of respiratory diseases in commercial broiler chicken flocks have increased recently in India because of intensification of the broiler industry. Viral population are predominant in respiratory tract infections and they pose continuous economic burden to poultry industry by causing severe economic losses through decreased productivity [1, 2]. To understand viral metagenome of poultry associated with respiratory infections, we performed DNA virome sequencing and data analysis of broilers from 8 districts of Gujarat State in India. We report high quality sequencing reads and highly abundant DNA viral population present in the infected broiler birds. The raw sequencing data used to perform metagenomic analysis is available in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) under the BioProject No. PRJNA322592 and Accession No. MAUZ00000000, MAVA00000000, MAVB00000000, MAVC00000000, MAVD00000000, MAVE00000000, MAVF00000000, MAVG00000000 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/?term=PRJNA322592). Keywords: DNA Virome, Metagenomics, Next generation sequencing

Synthesis of novel derivatives of 5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanone was carried out via its Schiff’s base using 2-cyanoacetohydrazide followed by cyclization with 2-arylidenemalononitrile in the presence of a catalytical amount of piperidine to get 6-amino-1-(5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ylideneamino)-2-oxo-4-aryl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile derivatives. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of their spectral and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were also screened for antimicrobial activity and found to have promising antibacterial activity.