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Introduction: The most common muscle injury in sports is the hamstring muscle. It needs long rehabilitation and has a great possibility of recurrence as it has a great tendency to shorten. Stretching is the treatment used to improve muscular flexibility, thereby increasing range of motion, and the study prevents sports injuries and athletic performance. Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of muscle energy technique (MET) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretch technique on the flexibility of the hamstring among recreational athletes. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy recreational athletes were divided into two groups MET and PNF for 4 weeks – 5 sessions/week. Outcome Measures: The Modified Back Saver's Sit and Reach Test was the outcome measure. Statistical Tool: The Student t-test was used for statistical analysis. Conclusion: There was a significant difference seen in the PNF stretch technique and hamstring flexibility with the use of the MET.

Introduction: Oxidised Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Ox-LDL-C) and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) have antagonistic action in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Use of statins reduces cardiovascular risk by reducing LDL-C levels and also by increasing HDL-C. No systematic studies were carried out to study the role of HDL-C as an antioxidant and its effect in decreasing Ox-LDL-C. Aim: To compare the values of Ox-LDL-C/HDL-C in patients with chronic Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and to evaluate the levels of Ox-LDL-C and Ox LDL-C/HDL-C ratio in patients treated with the two different statins. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 30 patients with ACS and 30 patients with chronic CAD on rosuvastatin or atorvastatin were included in the study. Apparently normal 27 age and sex-matched controls without CAD was included in the study. Lipid profile was estimated using fully auto analyser and Ox-LDL-C was estimated using ELISA kits. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16 software. A p-value of

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Vasad, Gujarat during 2016–17 to observe the influence of different cuttings lengths on root and shoot growth in dragon fruit for optimizing/standardizing the length of cutting for diverse environmental/edaphic conditions. Presently, farmers are cultivating dragon fruit in harsh climates and degraded lands, where establishment of plants is challenging. Hence, quality planting material is prerequisite for achieving success. The results showed that length of new shoots, dry weight of shoots and fresh weight of roots were higher when 35–40 cm long cutting was used for multiplication at 30 days of planting (DAP), whereas increase in fresh weight of shoots, number of 1st order roots and length of longest 1st order root were highest when 20–25 cm long cuttings were utilized. However, at 60 DAP, length of new shoots (33.06 cm), dry weight of shoots (32.56 g), number of 1st order roots (7.25) and length of longest 1st order root (32.37 cm), fresh and dry weight of roots (12.52 g and 4.75 g respectively) recorded highest in larger cuttings, i.e. above 30–35 cm cutting length, whereas fresh weight of shoots was highest in 25–30 cm cutting length while least values were observed in smaller cuttings. Therefore, though dragon fruit is propagated with ranges of cutting lengths, larger cuttings (40±5 cm) are recommended for better growth and development.

In the present study, neem seed cake (51.55% CP) and karanja seed cake (37.91% CP) were used as a partial replacement of soybean protein cake. Three iso-nitrogenous total mixed rations (TMR) were prepared namely T1-control where soybean meal was incorporated at 9.6% of TMR, in T -dNC and T -dKC, the cakes were incorporated at 3.85 and 5.85% of TMR and fed to eighteen crossbred cows in three groups for 90 days. Milk yield (kg/day) and FCM yield (kg/day) was found to be higher in dNC compared to dKC groups. After 90 days of feeding, both milk yield (kg/ day) and FCM yield (kg/day) increased in all the groups. The average milk fat was found to be lower in (P

Infantile haemangioma (IH) frequently requires no intervention. Eighty percent of IHs are focal and solitary. Fifteen percent of cutaneous haemangiomas occur on the extremities. A large size or a specific location or both may carry complications such as ulceration which is one of the main complications, and active treatment is usually required to manage pain, potential scarring, and occasionally, bleeding and infection. Oral propanolol is used in the treatment of IH and is found to be an effective treatment for complicated IH, replacing systemic corticosteroids as first-line therapy. Recommendations for instituting treatment with propranolol in infants differ among different specialties and academic centres. We report an infant with ulcerated IH of leg who responded dramatically to treatment with propranolol in 4 months.

The effects of the percentage volume of reinforcement, the ratio of reinforcement, and the matrix size of particles on the wear behavior of AA5052/B4C metal matrix composites (MMCs) examine. This research examines a model function developed from an artificial neural network (ANN). AA5052/B4C composites bent using a powder metallurgy technique to hardness and ball-on-disc wear testing. There are two exemptions such as (1) when the percentage volume of reinforcement is less than 8% and (2) when the ratio of reinforcement particle size (Rs) and matrix particle size (Ms) increases before decreasing. The results show that wear loss decreases with increasing percentage volume of reinforcement and ratio of Rs and Ms. In the second case, wear loss is increased at high levels of percentage volume (14%) since the proportion of reinforcement and matrix size of the particle is close to 1. When the volume percentage of reinforcement is high (14%) and the matrix and reinforcement particle sizes are substantial (120 m), the reinforcement particles become dislodged and break. Because these broken-up particles are easily removed from the surface, the material’s wear resistance is reduced. In this case, raising the volume fraction yields a uniformly higher hardness for all Rs/Ms values; hence, composites with lower reinforcement volume percentages show better wear resistance. Hardness and wear resistance have no relationship with one another.

The present investigation was undertaken at the Hybrid Rice plot of TCA, Dholi, and Muzaffarpur, and molecular analysis was conducted in the Molecular Laboratory of Postgraduate Dept. of Genetics & Plant Breeding, RPCAU, and Bihar to generate heterosis studies for 18 traits and molecular characterization using SSR markers. The experimental material comprised 31 three-line rice hybrids and 3 commercial checks evaluated in the RBD design. Among the tested varieties, Rajendra Sweta performed best in terms of grain yield per plant. Two rice hybrid genotypes, namely, IR68897A × KMR-3R and Rajendra-3A × RRR–4, exhibited superior standard heterosis over all three tests for trait grain yield per plant. By utilizing 12 primer pairs, a total of 33 shared alleles and 13 unique alleles were produced as amplified products. Among the 12 primers, seven primers were found to be comparatively informative for all nineteen hybrids and eleven parents. Only five primers, namely, MRG2894, RM515, RM520, RM538, and RM555, were able to confirm the hybridity (F1) with the respective parental lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High quality silver (Ag) decorated CeO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a facile one-step chemical method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Visible absorption (UV–Vis), photoluminescence (PL) and thermogravimetric analysis. The decoration of Ag on CeO2 surface was confirmed by XRD, EPR and HR-TEM analysis. Harmful textile pollutant Rose Bengal dye was degraded under sunlight using the novel Ag decorated CeO2 catalyst. It was found that great enhancement of the degradation efficiency for Ag/CeO2 compared to pure CeO2, it can be ascribed mainly due to decrease in its band gap and charge carrier recombination rate. The Ag/CeO2 sample exhibited an efficient photocatalytic characteristic for degrading RB under visible light irradiation with a high degradation rate of 96% after 3 h. With the help of various characterizations, a possible degradation mechanism has been proposed which shows the effect of generation of oxygen vacancies owing to the decoration of Ag on the CeO2 surface.

The present investigation was undertaken with a view to generate genetic information on heterosis and inbreeding depression for 12 quantitative traits in brinjal through generation mean analysis. The experimental materials comprise of six basic generations viz., P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 of four crosses of brinjal namely; AB-8-14 x S.Mani Black (cross 1), AB-15-07 x Pant Rituraj (cross 2), JB-12-06 x GJB-3 (cross 3) and NBR-14-1 x GJLB-4 (cross 4). The results indicated that the heterosis and inbreeding depression differed for the same trait in different cross combinations. Magnitude of heterotic effect was high for plant height, fruit weight and plant spread. The highest positive heterobeltiosis for fruit weight was observed in the cross 1(AB-8-14 x S. Mani Black) followed by high positive heterobeltiosis for plant height in cross 3 (JB-12-06 x GJB-3). Negative estimates of heterotic effects which were observed in some traits may be attributed to inter-allelic interactions.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) contribute significantly to heightened infant mortality rates. This review explores the intricate link between maternal infections and CHDs, emphasizing diverse factors influencing fetal development, such as bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral agents. These infections pose reproductive health risks, potentially leading to complications like prematurity, stillbirth and heart defect to the fetus. The TORCH acronym (Toxoplasma, Other infections, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex) identifies infectious teratogens related to congenital issues, emphasizing vertical transmission through the placenta or ascending from the vagina. Rubella and Cytomegalovirus play a significant role in heart defects, particularly when maternal infections amplify CHD risk during pregnancy. Specific scrutiny is placed on Rubella and Cytomegalovirus for their impact on pregnancy outcomes and potential links to congenital heart defects, with preventive strategies discussed, including vaccination and antiviral therapy. The timing and severity of these infections are pivotal in determining their impact on fetal heart development. Environmental exposures and maternal nutrition are critical factors influencing fetal development. Maternal undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries associates with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital heart defects. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a nutritious maternal diet, rich in essential nutrients, is crucial for improved fetal health and successful pregnancy outcomes. This review offers insights into preventive measures and underscores the need for continued research to enhance prenatal care strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism, with its three main allelic variants (APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4), has gained prominence in genetic research due to its critical implications for human health. This review article offers a concise introduction to the APOE protein polymorphism and its influence on individual's way of life. The APOE gene encodes apolipoprotein E, a critical component of lipid metabolism that is essential for both cholesterol transport and neuron repair in the central nervous system. APOE ε4 raises Alzheimer's risk, ε2 protects, and ε3 is neutral. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and cognitive engagement, predict susceptibility to chronic illnesses like Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease (CVD). For APOE ε4 carriers, a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce elevated risk, while ε2 carriers, being less vulnerable, may need less intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article extensively explores the influence of NF-κB1 gene polymorphism on a diverse range of health issues. The NF-κB pathway, a crucial controller of immune response, is closely associated with numerous disease mechanisms. The NF-kB1 gene has undergone significant genetic changes, and these changes have shown strong connections with the onset and development of numerous disorders. This article investigates the intricate relationship between mutations in the NF-kB1 gene and a wide range of disorders through a thorough study of the literature. These conditions encompass inflammatory disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and various other medical ailments. The notable discoveries emphasized within this review underscore the essential role of NF-κB1 gene polymorphism in the development of a range of diseases. Furthermore, these discoveries have important ramifications that could help develop more specialized, successful treatment approaches. To sum up, this work sheds light on the different ways in which NF-kB1 gene variation influences the progression of disorders and highlights the urgent need for more research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a medical condition where ovarian function stops prematurely, typically before the age of 40. This condition leads to infertility and produces symptoms similar to those experienced during menopause. Although the origins of POIs are diverse, genetic elements substantially influence their emergence. This assessment delves into the genetic facets of POI, covering genetic triggers, detection, and genetic consultation. We scrutinize the genes linked to POI and their function in ovarian activity, as well as the genetic deviations and mutations that foster POI onset. We also examine the challenges and limitations of genetic testing and counseling for POI and suggest ways to address these challenges. This review offers a thorough examination of the existing understanding of the genetic factors linked to Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) emphasizing the critical need for further investigation in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]