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An experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soybean Research, Indore, and Madhya Pradesh to study the impact of genotypic mixture on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pest population. A total of 16 soybean genotypes and 4 genotypic mixtures were evaluated for relative efficacy in management of insect-pests of soybean. Among the 20 treatments, the plots with genotypic mixtures had lowest population of Spodoptera exigua Hubner and at par with each other. In case of Spodoptera litura Fabricius, tussock moth, blue beetle and grey weevil management, a mixture of the genotypes JS-9560, JS-20-34, MAUS-47 and MACS-1460 was found most effective treatment. The plots with the genotypic mixtures of NRC-37, JS-9752, RSC-1046 and RKS-113 supported the least population of semiloopers. However, lowest population of leaf miner and girdle beetle was recorded in plots of JS-20-34 while the least population of stem fly was recorded in RSC-1046. The differences observed due to the genotypic combinations may be used for developing inset-pest management programmes in soybean.

Measles is the most infectious disease with a high basic reproduction number (R0). For measles, it is reported that R0 lies between 12 and 18 in an endemic situation. In this paper, a fractional order mathematical model for measles disease is proposed to identify the dynamics of disease transmission following a declining memory process. In the proposed model, a fractional order differential operator is used to justify the effect and success rate of vaccination. The total population of the model is subdivided into five sub-compartments: susceptible (S), exposed (E), infected (I), vaccinated (V), and recovered (R). Here, we consider the first dose of measles vaccination and convert the model to a controlled system. Finally, we transform the control-induced model to an optimal control model using control theory. Both models are analyzed to find the stability of the system, the basic reproduction number, the optimal control input, and the adjoint equations with the boundary conditions. Also, the numerical simulation of the model is presented along with using the analytical findings. We also verify the effective role of the fractional order parameter alpha on the model dynamics and changes in the dynamical behavior of the model with R0=1.

In recent years, hepatocellular carcinoma has been the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and thermal ablation procedures such as MWA (microwave ablation) and RFA (Radiofrequency ablation) provide a viable alternative to radiation and surgical excision. Due to uneven ablation and tissue charring in RFA, MWA offers faster and uniform heating as a result of its higher operating frequency. In MWA, the antenna probe heats the tissue to the point of cell necrosis using electromagnetic heating. In this aspect, a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) antenna is designed to work at 2.45 GHz. Further, a finite element method (FEM) is employed to model the probe and the liver tissue environment. Within 10 minutes of application time, a maximum ablation diameter of 32 mm (transversal-T) and 25 mm (axial-A) is achieved at 20W of power. Since the position of the applicator probe is of utmost importance, the relationship between the percentage of ablation, probe tip position, and tumor diameter is evaluated using ML- algorithm to estimate the ideal probe location for maximal tumor ablation and thus may improve clinical outcome.

Pathogen and human host interaction dynamics are often more complicated in the presence of co-pathogens. Co-infection can occur either as the presence of pre-existing pathogen which is accelerated by the new pathogen and more complications happened. In this study, we look at the burden of HIV/HCV viremia and the efficacy of treatment in reducing the severity of HIV/HCV co-infection patterns. Disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium are two equilibrium states determined in the absence of drugs. The basic reproduction number is computed and the stability of the disease-free equilibrium of the model is analyzed using it. Here we have also incorporated the optimal drug therapy to control the co-infection disease progression. The efficacy of treatment has also been found to influence the natural progression of HCV in HIV/HCV co-infection. The numerical results suggest that the HIV viral load impacts the severity of the HCV infection impressively. This research is significant to develop antiviral therapy strategies to control HIV/HCV co-infection. The most effective way to control the co-infection with the minimum side effects is to take the combination of three medications with optimal dosing.

Background: Folklore surveys had been a source of development of potential new drugs all over the world. Mumps is a keen extensive disease caused by virus with well-recognized symptoms and complications. In India, a number of herbal drugs have been used as home remedies to cure mumps. This study aimed to create an inventory of the folklore use of medicinal plants in the treatment of mumps in selected states in north India. Methods: A survey was carried out by using a questionnaire on 98 subjects involved in traditional medication in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttrakhand, and Union Territories of Chandigarh. Botanical information regarding recognized plants was collected properly and data were further analyzed by using the relative frequency of citation (RFC). Results: As per survey, 23 plant species from 16 families were identified, and the most commonly used plant for treatment of mumps was found to be Glycyrrhiza glabra with RFC value 0.877 followed by Curcuma longa (0.867). It is pertinent to mention that only one clinical study has been done on Mimosa pudica plant with RFC value 0.622 by scientists to support its use in treatment of mumps out of 23 plants reported by traditional healers. Conclusion: This survey expresses the knowledge about medicinal plants used in the treatment of mumps in north India, and it serves as a template for researchers to conduct future research on these plants for mumps treatment.

Abstract Fluorescence spectroscopy has the potential to identify discriminatory signatures, crucial for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. We demonstrate here the design, fabrication and testing of a 3D printed smartphone based spectroscopic device. Polarized fluorescence and elastic scattering spectra are captured through the device using a 405 nm laser and a white LED source respectively. The device has been calibrated by comparison of spectra of standard fluorophores (Flavin adenine dinucleotide, fluorescein, rhodamine, and porphyrin) with the corresponding spectra collected from a commercial spectrometer. A few cervical tissue spectra have also been captured for proof of its applicability as a portable, standalone device for the collection of intrinsic fluorescence spectra from human cervix.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are a new class of porous materials that have generated a lot of interest because of their crystalline structures, uniformly large surface area, open framework, and consistent yet adjustable cavities. They serve as photocatalysts and adsorbents for the removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. In this regard, MIL-100(Fe) as MOF is chosen and synthesized hydrothermally. So, this work is intended to prepare MOF-based photocatalysts and photocatalytic degradation of Pharmaceuticals like Sulfamethazine (SMT), present in wastewater using the prepared photocatalyst. The degradation studies will include the model development using Box-Behnken experimental design as RSM (response surface methodology), finding the optimum operating conditions of dosage, pH and initial concentration.

Introduction: We studied the impact of a Universal Health Insurance (UHI) Scheme introduced in India on total ischemia time (an important determinant of ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] outcome). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective hospital-based comparative study which evaluated the total ischemia time (min) of all the patients presenting with STEMI and undergoing primary angioplasty before (Group A) and after (Group B) implementation of this scheme. Results: A total of 221 patients (mean age: 54.18 ± 13.02 years in Group A and 57.59 ± 11.42 years in Group B) were included in the study. Median pain to first medical contact time was 300 and 360 min (P = 0.49), whereas the median first medical contact to percutaneous coronary intervention PCI center time was 330 and 210 min (P = 0.32), for Groups A and B, respectively. A statistically significant difference was noted in the mean door-to-device time between two groups (67.46 ± 33.10 min in Group A vs. 58.48 ± 12.99 min in Group B; P = 0.02). Conclusions: A significant difference in door-to-balloon time was found after implementation of UHI, but total ischemia time was no different. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a system of STEMI care that can decentralize the benefits of early reperfusion like hub-and-spoke model.

Abstract Background Cor triatriatum and supramitral ring are congenital anomalies which result in formation of three chambers of atria. To the best of our knowledge, simultaneous presence of both entities in the same patient resulting in the formation of four chambers of atria has not been described in the literature. Here, we report a case of simultaneous presence of cor triatriatum and supramitral ring associated with Raghib syndrome and Eisenmenger syndrome. Case presentation We report the case of a middle-aged gentleman, who presented to us with features of atrial septal defect with Eisenmenger syndrome. Multimodality imaging confirmed the simultaneous presence of supramital ring and cor triatriatum resulting in “cor tetratriatum” along with Raghib syndrome. Presence of Eisenmenger syndrome compelled us to offer medical therapy for the patient. Conclusion This is the first case report describing the simultaneous presence of supramitral ring and cor triatriatum resulting in a new entity—“cor tetratriatum”.

In this article, we have presented a mathematical model to study the dynamics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease considering three populations namely the uninfected liver cells, infected liver cells, and HCV with the aim to control the disease. The model possesses two equilibria namely the disease-free steady state and the endemically infected state. There exists a threshold condition (basic reproduction number) that determines the stability of the disease-free equilibrium and the number of the endemic states. We have further introduced impulsive periodic therapy using DAA into the system and studied the efficacy of the DAA therapy for hepatitis C infected patients in terms of a threshold condition. Finally, impulse periodic dosing with varied rate and time interval is adopted for cost effective disease control for finding the proper dose and dosing interval for the control of HCV disease.

Polyurea microcapsules containing oxyfluorfen herbicide were synthesized by interfacial polymerization reaction between toluene diisocyanate and ethylene diamine at various core to shell ratios using green solvent N-N-dimethyldecanamide as carrier medium and using biodegradable PVA203S and Kraft lignin grade (varying molecular weight) as the emulsifying agent. The study was done to understand the effect of stirring rate on preparing microcapsules and find out how the process conditions changed the attributes of microcapsules such as particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics. The formation of capsules was confirmed by FT-IR, SEM and TGA. The study indicated that the encapsulation efficiency decreased with increasing core to shell ratio. The change in release kinetics was based on the stirring rate and was dependent on the pH of release medium. Particle size distribution was influenced by the agitation speed during formation of emulsion. Kraft lignins of varying molecular weight were used to synthesize the polyurea capsules. It was found that capsules with high molecular weight lignin showed slow and sustained release. Synthesized polyurea capsules was subjected to safety study on paddy crop and compared with commercially available oxyfluorfen and was found to be safe for use on paddy crop.

Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers are widely accepted industrial controllers. These controllers also find their applications in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). Although such controllers are well researched and developed too, their linear nature and sensitivity of their gains towards variations in plant’s parameter are some noticeable disadvantages associated with them. Moreover, tuning of their gains involves certain approximations, which leads to demean their accuracy. On contrary, the designing of lag-compensators is procedural and discussed well in literature. Although such compensators could not have drawn the attention of wind turbine manufacturers but may a potential candidate for future developments. The focus of this paper is to design phase-lag compensators and use them to extract maximum available power in the wind, at every wind speed upto its rated value. Ability of the compensators is assessed through detailed simulation of a PMSG based WECS in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Observed responses are motivating and demonstrates the effectiveness of the designed compensators.

Background: The maternal complications during pregnancy pose very serious challenge requiring multispeciality critical care approach. The objective of the study was to analyse clinical profile and outcome of these patients. Studies regarding above will add on existing knowledge that will help in improving patient outcome. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted over a period of 1 year from April 2017 to March 2018 in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar. All the consecutive patients requiring ICU care were enrolled. Results: Among 7820 deliveries, 122 patients (1.56% of total deliveries) required critical care admission. Among them 61(50%) have causes related to obstetrics problems and 61 (50%) have non obstetric problems. Obstretic hemorrgage (24.59%) and hypertensive disorders (11.47%) of pregnancy were common obstetric complications whereas isolated renal failure 18(14.75%), cardiac disease 16 (13.1%), pulmonary disorders 11(9.1%) and sepsis 10 (8.19%) were common non obstetric complications. Maternal mortality rate was 24.59%.Renal failure 9(30%) was the commonest cause of death. Conclusion: Obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the commonest risk factors requiring critical care support. Other risk factors requiring ICU were renal failure, cardiac disease, pulmonary disorders and sepsis.

This article deals with a immunological model, which includes multiple classes of T cells, namely, the naive T cell, type I, type II and type 17 T helper cells (Th1, Th2, Th17), regulatory T cell (Treg) along with the activated natural killer cells (NK cells) and epidermal keratinocytes. In order to describe the etiology of psoriasis development, we have studied the basic mathematical properties of the model, existence and stability of the interior equilibrium. We have also derived the drug-induced mathematical model using impulse differential equation to determine the effects of combined biologics Etanercept (TNF-α inhibitor) and Fezakinumab (IL-22 monoclonal antibody) therapy considering perfect dosing during the inductive phase. We have determined the required dosing interval of both drugs to maintain the keratinocytes concentration below a threshold level. This study shows that Etanercept alone could theoretically maintain the keratinocytes level, whereas frequent dosing of Fezakinumab alone may not be enough to control the hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes. Furthermore, combination of the drugs with perfect dosing has the noticeable effect on keratinocytes dynamics, which may be suitable therapeutic approaches for treatment of psoriasis.

Abstract Control over the magnetic interactions in magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is a crucial issue to the future development of nanometer-sized integrated “spintronic” applications. Here, we have developed a nanohybrid structure to achieve room temperature ferromagnetism, via a facile, effective, and reproducible solvothermal synthesis method. The plan has been put onto cobalt (Co) NPs, where the growth of Co NPs on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets switches the magnetic interactions from superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic at room temperature. Switching-on ferromagnetism in this nanohybrid may be due to the hybridization between unsaturated 2pz orbitals of graphene and 3d orbitals of Co, which promotes ferromagnetic long-range ordering. The ferromagnetic behavior of Co-rGO nanohybrid makes it excellent material in the field of spintronics, catalysis, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Polyurea, a controlled release material, has been widely applied in agricultural fields due to high thermal stability and low cost. In this article oxyfluorfen polyurea microcapsules suspension was successfully prepared by interfacial polymerization using diisocyanate and polyamines such as Ethylenediamine, Hexamethylenediamine, Diethylenetriamine in presence of green solvent, i.e., N,N-dimethyldecanamide. The microcapsule suspension of oxyfluorfen has not been researched yet by using solvent N,N-dimethyldecanamide and polyamines. The effect and the type of diamines on the morphology and properties of the microcapsules have been investigated. The synthesized microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscope, ultraviolet spectrometry, Fourier transform iInfrared spectrometer, thermogravimetric analysis and particle size analyser. The effect of the core to shell ratio on encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics were also studied. The oxyfluorfen microcapsules had an excellent encapsulation efficiency (98.2%) using EDA as the monomer and Release kinetics depended upon the type of monomers used and also on core to shell ratio used (6.5:1, 5:1, 4:1). As core to shell ratio was increased the encapsulation efficiency was found to decrease. Prepared Microcapsules when sprayed on paddy crop was found to be safe in comparison with Emulsifiable concentrate sample.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) produces an unconventional flavohemoglobin (MtbFHb) that carries a FAD-binding site similar to D-lactate dehydrogenases (D-LDH) and oxidizes D-lactate into pyruvate. The molecular mechanism by which MtbFHb functions in Mtb remains unknown. We discovered that the D-LDH-type FAD-binding site in MtbFHb overlaps with another FAD-binding motif similar to thioredoxin reductases and reduces DTNB in the presence of NADPH similar to trxB of Mtb. These results suggested that MtbFHb is functioning as a disulfide oxidoreductase. Interestingly, D-lactate created a conformational change in MtbFHb and attenuated its ability to oxidize NADPH. Mass spectroscopy demonstrated that MtbFHb reduces des-myo-inositol mycothiol in the presence of D-lactate unlike NADPH, indicating that D-lactate changes the specificity of MtbFHb from di-thiol to di-mycothiol. When M. smegmatis carrying deletion in the fhbII gene (encoding a homolog of MtbFHb) was complemented with the fhb gene of Mtb, it exhibited four- to fivefold reductions in lipid peroxidation and significant enhancement in the cell survival under oxidative stress. These results were corroborated by reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced cell survival of wild-type M. smegmatis after overexpression of the fhb gene of Mtb. Since D-lactate is a by-product of lipid peroxidation and MtbFHb is a membrane-associated protein, D-lactate-mediated reduction of mycothiol disulfide by MtbFHb may uniquely equip Mtb to relieve the toxicity of D-lactate accumulation and protect the cell from oxidative damage, simultaneously balancing the redox environment under oxidative stress that may be vital for the pathogenesis of Mtb.

The effect of antiviral therapy during Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is the focus of this study. HCV infection destroys healthy hepatocyte cells in the human liver, causing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We introduce a cell-population model representing the long-term dynamics of HCV infection in response to antiviral drug therapies. The proliferation of existing cells can create hepatocyte cells in the system. Such models are based on the dynamics of susceptible hepatocytes, infected hepatocytes and HCV with interactive dynamics, which can give a complete understanding of the host dynamics of the system in the presence of antiviral drug therapy. Infection-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium are two equilibrium states in the absence of drugs. The existence and stability conditions for both systems are presented. We also construct an optimal control system to find the optimal control strategy. Numerical results show that the effects of the proliferation rate and infection rate are critical for the changes in the dynamics of the model. The impact of different weight factors on the optimal control problem is analysed through numerical simulation.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury is a rare complication of pregnancy and is associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality. Obstetric factors associated with it are preeclampsia/eclampsia, sepsis, hemorrhage and dehydration. Here, we aim to find out the prevalence of complete recovery of renal function among obstetric patients with acute kidney injury. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital from 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 where obstetric patients who had developed acute kidney injury were included and followed till 6 weeks of diagnosis. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Committee of Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital (IRC- NMCTH 437/2020). The convenience sampling method was used. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of total 66 obstetric patients with acute kidney injury, 45 (68.2%) (57-79.3 at 95% Confidence Interval) had complete recovery of renal function. Rate of renal function recovery in Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 acute kidney injury were 19 (90%), 19 (86%) and 7 (58%) respectively. The most common causes of acute kidney injury were Preeclampsia/eclampsia 18 (40%), sepsis 23 (28.8%) and hemorrhage 10 (22.2%). Conclusions: The prevalence of complete recovery in obstetric patients with acute kidney injury was similar to findings from other studies done in similar settings.

Mathematical modeling is crucial to investigating tthe ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The primary target area of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is epithelial cells in the human lower respiratory tract. During this viral infection, infected cells can activate innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infection. Immune response in COVID-19 infection can lead to longer recovery time and more severe secondary complications. We formulate a micro-level mathematical model by incorporating a saturation term for SARS-CoV-2-infected epithelial cell loss reliant on infected cell levels. Forward and backward bifurcation between disease-free and endemic equilibrium points have been analyzed. Global stability of both disease-free and endemic equilibrium is provided. We have seen that the disease-free equilibrium is globally stable for R0<1, and endemic equilibrium exists and is globally stable for R0>1. Impulsive application of drug dosing has been applied for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the dynamics of the impulsive system are discussed when a patient takes drug holidays. Numerical simulations support the analytical findings and the dynamical regimes in the systems.

In this research article, we establish a fractional-order mathematical model to explore the infections of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. We introduce a set of fractional differential equations taking uninfected epithelial cells, infected epithelial cells, SARS-CoV-2 virus, and CTL response cell accounting for the lytic and non-lytic effects of immune responses. We also include the effect of a commonly used antiviral drug in COVID-19 treatment in an optimal control-theoretic approach. The stability of the equilibria of the fractional ordered system using qualitative theory. Numerical simulations are presented using an iterative scheme in Matlab in support of the analytical results.

Introduction: A subset of anomalous coronary artery patients presenting as acute coronary syndrome are invariably hemodynamically unstable. Timely reperfusion with standard door to device time is real challenge in management of such patients. Presentation of case: Here, we reported a rare case of a 35-year-old male presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction with total thrombotic occlusion of proximal left descending artery (LAD) with anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) originating from mid LAD, distal to the total occlusion. Discussion: Co axial engagement of guiding catheter and delivery of hardware to target lesion are usual challenges during percutaneous intervention in anomalous coronary artery. However in our case localising the anomalous artery was real challenge. Conclusion: The traditional concept of” open the occluded artery and see,” can be a logical step in localizing the anomalous artery.

This study deals with the formulation of a simple control strategy for the enhancement of the low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) capability of the grid‐integrated permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)‐based wind generation system (WGS). The control warrants satisfying minimum required reactive current support to the ac grid as first priority with minimum loss of generation and maximum utilisation of the converter current capacity during LVRT compliance as per E.ON Netz German grid code requirements. The reference control variables in coordinated control of the stator‐side and grid‐side converters are altered so as to support the reactive current to the ac grid and, to store the excess active power in the system inertia for keeping the dc‐link capacitor voltage in the safe limit during voltage dips at the grid side. The investigations have been made on the proposed strategy of LVRT enhancement with the speed (ω) and torque (T) controls of the direct‐drive PMSG in grid‐integrated WGS exploiting commonly used tip‐speed‐ratio and optimum‐torque control algorithms of peak power tracking, respectively. Simulation results have been presented to validate the proposed strategy. The performances of the proposed strategy of LVRT enhancement has also been compared to the conventional method like dc‐link braking chopper.

During the past several years, the deadly COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the world; the death toll exceeds 4.8 million across the world according to current statistics. Mathematical modeling is one of the critical tools being used to fight against this deadly infectious disease. It has been observed that the transmission of COVID-19 follows a fading memory process. We have used the fractional order differential operator to identify this kind of disease transmission, considering both fear effects and vaccination in our proposed mathematical model. Our COVID-19 disease model was analyzed by considering the Caputo fractional operator. A brief description of this operator and a mathematical analysis of the proposed model involving this operator are presented. In addition, a numerical simulation of the proposed model is presented along with the resulting analytical findings. We show that fear effects play a pivotal role in reducing infections in the population as well as in encouraging the vaccination campaign. Furthermore, decreasing the fractional-order parameter α value minimizes the number of infected individuals. The analysis presented here reveals that the system switches its stability for the critical value of the basic reproduction number R0=1.

Background: Regional anaesthesia like brachial plexus blocks are increasingly practiced now a day’s for forearm surgery. A major limitation of brachial plexus block which may lead to unplanned general anesthesia is inconsistent block. Conventional nerve localization techniques which rely on surface anatomical landmarks may not provide satisfactory anesthesia. Aims and Objectives: In recent years, real time ultrasound guidance has been introduced as an aid to nerve localization. This study was planned to test the hypothesis that the quality of the axillary brachial plexus blockade guided by ultrasound was better than those using surface anatomical landmarks and produced fewer adverse effects and overall success in cases of forearm surgeries. Materials and Methods: After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent, 100 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II scheduled for forearm surgeries were included in the study and were randomly allocated into two groups. The brachial plexus blockade via axillary approach guided by ultrasound and traditional nerve localization techniques which rely on surface anatomical landmarks, patient report of paresthesia, and/or elicitation of a motor response by mechanical nerve stimulator or electric nerve stimulation with single-injection method was carried out in the two groups of patients respectively. Results: The patients (n=100) predominantly female (55%) with comparable demographic profile found to have statistically insignificant changes in the mean pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate changes and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin during the surgical operations. Overall block success rate, blockade of each individual target nerve was better and procedural hazards were less in the ultrasound guided group. Conclusion: Real time ultra sound guided axillary nerve block is better than traditional palpable method with lesser adverse outcome.

In order to overcome the often encountered trouble in setting the controller parameters by trial and error, an attempt has been made to design the proportional-plus-integral (PI) controllers for a variable-speed direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator-based grid-connected wind energy system (WES). The characteristic equations for various control loops in WES have been developed, and the most stable zones have been identified in the parametric plane by means of the D-partition technique and frequency scanning check. To ensure high degree of relative system stability and good damping ratio, the PI controller parameters have been selected by comparing the step responses of the control loop plotted for different sets of controller parameters chosen from the identified stable zone. A simulation model using MATLAB/Simulink and SimPowerSystems toolbox has been built to examine the performance of the WES incorporated with the designed values of the parameters of the PI controllers under fluctuating wind speed condition.

Aims and Objectives: Regional anesthesia like brachial plexus blocks are increasingly practiced now a day’s avoiding the complications of general anesthesia for upper limb surgery. Among the many techniques axillary and supraclavicular approaches are common though both have its merits and demerits. This study was planned to compare these two techniques in terms of onset, completion time of sensory and motor blockade, its duration and overall success during upper limb surgeries. Materials and Methods: After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent, 100 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II scheduled for forearm and hand surgeries were included in the study and were randomly allocated into two groups. 30ml of the 0.5% bupivacaine was injected either by supraclavicular or axillary route by a single trained experienced anesthetist. The onset and completion time of sensory and motor blockade, its duration and overall success were noted and the collected data was statistically analyzed. Results: The patients (n=100) predominantly female (56%) with comparable demographic profile found to have equal efficacy in onset of sensory block, extent of motor blockade, duration of block (analgesia) in both the group. However considering overall effectiveness of the techniques including their failure rates, axillary approach appeared to be more acceptable and a better technique (p

Twin pregnancy with a complete mole and a coexistent normal fetus reaching term is a rare occurrence. We report a case of a 21-yrs G2P1L0 un-booked patient at 39 weeks who was referred for the same condition diagnosed incidentally on ultrasound scan which showed a singleton pregnancy in breech presentation with a normal placenta and a heterogeneous cystic lesion seen anteriorly, suggesting a coexistent molar pregnancy. Cesarean section was done, and a healthy male baby was delivered with a grossly normal placenta and a second placenta with grape like vesicles. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of complete mole and normal placenta. Postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was kept on beta hcg follow-up to monitor progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, but it normalized by 12 weeks.

Electroporation is an effective technique of transfection, but its efficiency depends on the optimization of various parameters. In this study, a simplified and efficient method of gene manipulation was standardized through electroporation to introduce a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) construct as well as RNA-inhibitors in intact mouse follicles, oocytes and early embryos, where various electroporation parameters like voltage, pulse number and pulse duration were standardized. Electroporated preantral follicles were cultured further in vitro to obtain mature oocytes and their viability was confirmed through the localization of a known oocyte maturation marker, ovastacin, which appeared to be similar to the in vivo-derived mature oocytes and thus proved the viability of the in vitro matured oocytes after electroporation. Standardized electroporation parameters, i.e., three pulses of 30 V for 1 millisecond at an interval of 10 s, were applied to manipulate the expression of mmu-miR-26a in preantral follicles through the electroporation of miR inhibitors and mimics. The TUNEL apoptosis assay confirmed the normal development of the electroporated embryos when compared to the normal embryos. Conclusively, for the first time, this study demonstrated the delivery of exogenous oligonucleotides into intact mouse follicles, oocytes and embryos without hampering their zona pellucida (ZP) and further development.

Small-molecule chaperones that can prevent protein misfolding have potential applications for treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. Here the authors use high-resolution force spectroscopy to gain insight into the mechanism of action of an iron-tetrapyrrole with anti-prion properties.

Successful growth and development of the post-hatching blastocyst and pregnancy establishment are results of the interaction between a competent embryo and a receptive uterine environment. There are certain marker gene transcripts identified which contribute and regulate the bidirectional channel of communication during the pregnancy period in farm animals. The changes in temporal gene expression in the endometrium are similar in pregnant and cyclic animals up to the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) when conceptus derived factors affect expression of a large number of genes in pregnant animals. In this review we have discussed a set of candidate genes expressed or induced for MRP. There are certain genes playing important role in MRP in farm animals, of which interferon-tau (IFNT), Ubiquitin Cross Reative Protein (UCRP), Ghrelin, Aldoketoreductase-1B5 (AKR1B5), SERPINA14 are having esteemed role in farm animals. These genes appear to have role in successful establishment of pregnancy and expression of the cascade of signalling molecules. However, IFNT was recognized as one of the earliest expressing gene specifically required for maintenance of pregnancy. [Vet World 2013; 6(5.000): 280-284]

Keeping in view the challenges concerning agro-ecosystem and environment, the recent developments in biotechnology offers a more reliable approach to address the food security for future generations and also resolve the complex environmental problems. Several unique features of cyanobacteria such as oxygenic photosynthesis, high biomass yield, growth on non-arable lands and a wide variety of water sources (contaminated and polluted waters), generation of useful by-products and bio-fuels, enhancing the soil fertility and reducing green house gas emissions, have collectively offered these bio-agents as the precious bio-resource for sustainable development. Cyanobacterial biomass is the effective bio-fertilizer source to improve soil physico-chemical characteristics such as water-holding capacity and mineral nutrient status of the degraded lands. The unique characteristics of cyanobacteria include their ubiquity presence, short generation time and capability to fix the atmospheric N2. Similar to other prokaryotic bacteria, the cyanobacteria are increasingly applied as bio-inoculants for improving soil fertility and environmental quality. Genetically engineered cyanobacteria have been devised with the novel genes for the production of a number of bio-fuels such as bio-diesel, bio-hydrogen, bio-methane, syngas and therefore, open new avenues for the generation of bio-fuels in the economically sustainable manner. This review is an effort to enlist the valuable information about the qualities of cyanobacteria and their potential role in solving the agricultural and environmental problems for the future welfare of the planet.

Both the enantiomers of 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxylic acid are valuable chiral synthons for enantiospecific synthesis of therapeutic agents such as (S)-doxazosin mesylate, WB 4101, MKC 242, 2,3-dihydro-2-hydroxymethyl-1,4-benzodioxin, and N-[2,4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl]-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxamide. Pharmaceutical applications require these enantiomers in optically pure form. However, currently available methods suffer from one drawback or other, such as low efficiency, uncommon and not so easily accessible chiral resolving agent and less than optimal enantiomeric purity. Our interest in finding a biocatalyst for efficient production of enantiomerically pure 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxylic acid lead us to discover an amidase activity from Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. parafaecalis, which was able to kinetically resolve 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxyamide with E value of >200. Thus, at about 50% conversion, (R)-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxylic acid was produced in >99% e.e. The remaining amide had (S)-configuration and 99% e.e. The amide and acid were easily separated by aqueous (alkaline)-organic two phase extraction method. The same amidase was able to catalyse, albeit at much lower rate the hydrolysis of (S)-amide to (S)-acid without loss of e.e. The amidase activity was identified as indole-3-acetamide hydrolase (IaaH). IaaH is known to catalyse conversion of indole-3-acetamide (IAM) to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which is phytohormone of auxin class and is widespread among plants and bacteria that inhabit plant rhizosphere. IaaH exhibited high activity for 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxamide, which was about 65% compared to its natural substrate, indole-3-acetamide. The natural substrate for IaaH indole-3-acetamide shared, at least in part a similar bicyclic structure with 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-carboxamide, which may account for high activity of enzyme towards this un-natural substrate. To the best of our knowledge this is the first application of IaaH in production of industrially important molecules.

Stem cell research acquired great attention during last decade inspite of incredible therapeutic potential of these cells the ethical controversies exists. Stem cells have enormous uses in animal cloning, drug discovery, gene targeting, transgenic production and regenerative therapy. Stem cells are the naïve cells of body which can self-renew and differentiate into other cell types to carry out multiple functions, these properties have been utilized in therapeutic application of stem cells in human and veterinary medicine. The application of stem cells in human medicine is well established and it is commonly used for chronic and accidental injuries. In Veterinary sciences previous studies mostly focused on establishing protocols for isolation and their characterization but with advancement in array of techniques for in vitro studies, stem cells rapidly became a viable tool for regenerative therapy of chronic, debilitating and various unresponsive clinical diseases and disorders. Multipotent adult stem cells have certain advantages over embryonic stem cells like easy isolation and expansion from numerous sources, less immunogenicity and no risk of teratoma formation hence their use is preferred in therapeutics. Adult stem cells have been utilized for treatment of spinal injuries, tendonitis, cartilage defects, osteoarthritis and ligament defects, liver diseases, wounds, cardiac and bone defects in animals. The multi-potential capability of these cells can be better utilized in near future to overcome the challenges faced by the clinicians. This review will emphasize on the therapeutic utilization and success of stem cell therapies in animals. [Vet. World 2012; 5(8.000): 499-507]