Search

Biological interpretation of metabolomic datasets often ends at a pathway analysis step to find the over-represented metabolic pathways in the list of statistically significant metabolites. However, definitions of biochemical pathways and metabolite coverage vary among different curated databases, leading to missed interpretations. For the lists of genes, transcripts and proteins, Gene Ontology (GO) terms over-presentation analysis has become a standardized approach for biological interpretation. But, GO analysis has not been achieved for metabolomic datasets. We present a new knowledgebase (KB) and the online tool, Gene Ontology Analysis by the Integrated Data Science Laboratory for Metabolomics and Exposomics (IDSL.GOA) to conduct GO over-representation analysis for a metabolite list. The IDSL.GOA KB covers 2393 metabolic GO terms and associated 3144 genes, 1,492 EC annotations, and 2621 metabolites. IDSL.GOA analysis of a case study of older versus young female brain cortex metabolome highlighted 82 GO terms being significantly overrepresented (FDR

There is a rising demand for energy storage systems (ESS) that are both environmentally sustainable and high-performing. To meet the prerequisites of diverse energy-consuming applications, developing novel, better-quality and highly-performing electrode materials for ESS is vital. In this quest, graphene emerges as a wonder material, ascribed to its unmatched mechanical, electrical and thermal behaviour. Different ESS can be significantly developed with enhanced energy storage capacity with the application of graphene. Herein, a brief discussion of the structure and synthesis techniques for graphene and its derivatives is presented. In addition to this, the study also offers a comprehensive summary on the latest developments in lithium-ion batteries, double-layer supercapacitors, pseudo capacitors and hybrid supercapacitors using graphene as the dominant material for anode/cathode electrodes in the form of composites and hybrids. The effect of the graphene on the performance metrics of the EESS has also been imparted. Despite the promising advancements, the key challenges and limitations in the development of graphene-based high-performing energy storage devices are described in detail. The article concludes with the potential prospects of energy storage using graphene are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubella, or German measles, is a vaccine-preventable disease. Rubella infection is usually mild; however, infection in pregnancy is associated with severe outcomes for the baby, including pregnancy loss or a combination of developmental defects called congenital rubella syndrome. Within the last ten-year period, two cases of congenital rubella syndrome in Saskatchewan were reported to the provincial ministry and the Public Health Agency of Canada of the newborns of mothers who had recently arrived from Sub-Saharan Africa. Both infants had multiple health complications at birth consistent with congenital rubella and tested positive for the rubella virus. The article discusses the challenges encountered by the healthcare system in diagnosing, investigating, monitoring and managing cases of congenital rubella syndrome to prevent further sporadic transmission. The article emphasizes the need to provide additional support for cases and their households, especially new Canadians with less support to comply with public health advice and the importance of routine immunization to eliminate rubella globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background • Adenoid is a mass of lymphoid tissue seen in the posterior nasopharyngeal wall, generally seen in the pediatric age group, and it disappears as age advances till puberty. Patients with recurrent allergic rhinitis, otitis media, or persistent nasopharyngeal obstruction is associated with adenoid hypertrophy can be considered for adenoidectomy. Objective • To evaluate the potential role of Individualised Homeopathic medicine in managing allergic rhinitis and troublesome symptoms of upper respiratory tract in case of Enlarged adenoid. Method • An 8-year-old boy came with complaints of Allergic rhinitis, snoring, and recurrent upper respiratory tract infection. He had taken treatment for the same from modern medicine, but still, a recurrence of symptoms occurred. His radiological investigations showed grade II Adenoid Hypertrophy. The patient was advised surgical intervention, but their parents were unwilling to the same so the patient came for Homoeopathic Management. Individualized Homeopathic Medicine Calcarea carbonicum 200 C was prescribed to the patient. The patient’s condition significantly improved during the course of his five years of treatment; his snoring has decreased, his allergic manifestations have diminished, and monthly check-ups have revealed that the patient’s general and particular condition are improving. indicating the positive result of homeopathic medicine in the treatment of enlarged adenoid. Assessment of outcome is based on Radiological reports and modified Naranjo criteria. Result • Homoeopathic medicine Calcarea Carb 200 C is given to the patient based on the totality of symptoms. The incidence of allergic rhinitis has also declined following treatment. Furthermore, there has been a decrease in the grade of adenoid hypertrophy and a noticeable improvement in symptoms. Conclusion • This is a single case where evidence shows that complete patient recovery occurs with individualized Homoeopathic Medicine. this is single case study and more researches, observational studies and randomized control trials are required to ascertain homeopathy’s efficacy in managing enlarged Adenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the impact of executives having multiple directorships on the financial performance and asset quality of banks. The research has been carried out on 36 banks operating in India over a 19-year period (2001-2019) using an unbalanced panel implementing fixed effects model, with statistical evidence demonstrating its applicability. The study finds a positive significant effect of multiple directorships on bank performance, thereby confirming the “quality hypothesis” that busy directors are more likely to be better directors. In addition, it also finds significantly negative effect of multiple directorships on gross nonperforming asset ratio. Furthermore, the findings also reveal that larger board size and CEO duality are positively associated with a firm’s profitability, which helps to improve the asset quality of banks, and the total number of committees is inversely associated with the profitability of the firm. Overall, the findings suggest that despite the strain that many directorships may impose on directors, busy directors bring in more experience, knowledge, abilities and network that enhance the value of the firm. In sum, the findings imply that board effectiveness, as assessed by numerous directorships, is an important aspect of board operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NPAs have become a key source of concern for the Indian banking sector since the recent past, which now threatens the banking system stability and hence, needs to be controlled. In this regard, the current study aims to identify the factors that degrade asset quality by using unbalanced panel of 42 commercial banks over a period from 2001 to 2019. Bank-specific parameters have been examined by using fixed and random panel data model techniques through Gretl software. The results of the study revealed that ROA and bank size intended to measure total assets have significant negative relationship with NNPAs implying a decreased level of NPAs. On the other hand, more diverse portfolio and high provisions created for NPA is significantly positively related to the higher level of non-performing assets. These indicators point to a larger amount of problematic loans, which adds to accumulation of NPAs in public and private sector banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered relatively contraindicated in patients with intracranial space-occupying lesions. A 53-year-old male presented with a 5-year history of medication-refractory major depressive disorder. Brain imaging findings suggested the presence of a ruptured dermoid cyst in the transverse sinus and a calcified meningioma in the temporal lobe sulcal space. There was no evidence of mass effect. Neurofibromatosis was the only other clinical condition present. The patient had no clinical neurological deficits. Since the depression was severe and he was suicidal, ECT was advised. There was a substantial improvement after four bilateral and then eight right unilateral brief-pulse ECTs administered on alternate days, thrice weekly. There were no complications associated with ECT. The treatment gains were maintained with maintenance antidepressant medication at a 1-year follow-up. This is probably the first reported case of the use of ECT in a medication-refractory, severely depressed patient with a ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst and with a calcifying meningioma. The results testify to the safety of ECT even in high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian religions and cultures are diverse and have always influenced the way people live in this part of the world. Religion has been a very dominant influence in marriage, choice of marital partner and cohabitation. The present paper looks at various religions in India and their influence on sexual attitudes and the institution of marriage. Sikhism, Jainism and the Parsi faith with its influence on sexuality and marriage are reviewed. Christian values and the role they play in shaping sexual notions as well Christian marriage traditions are explored. The paper also looks at the influences Islam has had on marriage and sexuality and ends with a feminist perspective on women and sexual attitudes towards women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the impact of opening up of agricultural sector on the commodity composition and structural changes in agricultural and allied products' exports and direction of agricultural exports of India during post- WTO period (i.e., 1995-96 to 2005-06). The study reveals that though India's agricultural exports share in world's agricultural exports witnessed a fluctuating and declining phenomena after 1996, the share of India's agricultural exports in world total agricultural exports is greater than the share of India's total exports in world's total exports. Within agricultural and allied products, if we consider the share of India's agricultural exports to world exports, there has been a sharp turnaround, contributed mainly by the enhanced share of exports of rice, tea and mate and spices. Commodity-wise analysis of comparative advantage shows that over the period, India has lost its comparative advantage in all of the agricultural commodities, except vegetables and fruits, sugar and sugar preparations. This loss of comparative advantage of India's agricultural exports in world market is the result of imposition of various health and phytosanitary measures, environment and labor standards on country's exports. To meet the challenges of the Indian economy, the Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) has to be viewed in an integrated manner along with other agreements, viz., Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary conditions, Agreement on TRIPS, Agreement on TRIMS and Agreement on Dispute Settlement (World Bank, 2002). Further, easy export licensing and technical know-how regarding production, processing and marketing of exportable goods should be provided by the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper studies the extent of gender disparity in literacy status of Funjab and its 12 districts and factors affecting gender disparity at three points oftime (i.e. 1981, 1991 and 2001). The study revealed that literacy rate ofFunjab decreased during second period (i.e. 1991 to 2001) as compared to first period (i.e. 1981 to 1991) while regional variations among the districts have shown a tremendous decline thus showing that districts do not show much variations in respect of literacy rates. The overall gender disparity was less in urban areas as compared to rural areas. But the matter of concern is that regional variations in gender disparity are found to be increasing during 1981 to 2001 thus indicating that huge variations in gender disparity are witnessed in districts of Punjab. If we look at thefactors affecting gender disparity, study reveals that urbanization is the only variable affecting.the gender disparity across the districts ofPunjab. Thus on the whole, present educational scenario in districts ofFunjab showed huge inter-regional variations in gender disparity and comparatively more GD in rural areas as compared to urbaA areas. Thus, adequate attention should be made towards the promotion among rural women and girl children. More institutions and good infrastructure should be provided. Though, there is gender inequity in literacy, still there is a positive sign that has emerged in favour ofgender equity in literacy. Nevertheless, the planners, administrators and implementers involved in literacy and adult education programmes must pay great attention to present movement with a view to quickening the process of bridging, the gap between literacy and education of males and females in rural and urban areas among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]