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Abstract This study comprehensively examines the hydro-morphological, topo-hydrological, and physiographic features of the Nandakini catchment in the north-western Himalayas. In the absence of extensive hydrological data, employing morphometric parameters proves to be a crucial and efficient approach for delineating geological structures and assessing hydrodynamic activity in the river basin. Utilizing SRTM DEM, SOI toposheets, and GIS, the study identified twenty watersheds within the catchment, estimating its total area at 540.98 km2. The analysis revealed a 6th-order catchment with a primarily sub-dendritic to dendritic drainage pattern, susceptible to flooding and gully erosion from slow surface runoff. The elongated shape and compactness coefficient indicated delayed peak runoff. Coarse drainage texture and high relief ratio suggested increased vulnerability to erosion. Physiographic indices indicated a later youth stage of basin development, while topo-hydrological indices highlighted significant topographic and spatial variability in water availability, emphasizing erosion potential. This study provides valuable insights for developing sustainable catchment management plans and informing decision-making in water resources management for the Nandakini catchment.

Introduction Pneumococcal diseases pose a significant public health concern in India, with substantial morbidity and mortality, with the elderly and those with coexisting medical conditions being most at risk. Pneumococcus was also seen to be one of the main reasons for co-infection, pneumonia and complications in COVID. Current guidelines recommend vaccination for specific adult populations, but there is a lack of uniformity and guidance on risk stratification, prioritisation and optimal timing. Methods Nation Against Pneumococcal Infections – Expert Panel Opinion (NAP-EXPO) is a panel convened to review and update recommendations for adult pneumococcal vaccination in India. The panel of 23 experts from various medical specialties engaged in discussions and evidence-based reviews, discussed appropriate age for vaccination, risk stratification for COPD and asthma patients, vaccination strategies for post-COVID patients, smokers and diabetics, as well as methods to improve vaccine awareness and uptake. Outcome The NAP-EXPO recommends the following for adults: All healthy individuals 60 years of age and above should receive the pneumococcal vaccine; all COPD patients, regardless of severity, high-risk asthma patients, post-COVID cases with lung fibrosis or significant lung damage, should be vaccinated with the pneumococcal vaccine; all current smokers and passive smokers should be educated and offered the pneumococcal vaccine, regardless of their age or health condition; all diabetic individuals should receive the pneumococcal vaccine, irrespective of their diabetes control. Strategies to improve vaccine awareness and uptake should involve general practitioners (GPs), primary health physicians (PHPs) and physicians treating patients at high risk of pneumococcal disease. Advocacy campaigns should involve media, including social media platforms. Conclusion These recommendations aim to enhance pneumococcal vaccination coverage among high-risk populations in India in order to ensure a reduction in the burden of pneumococcal diseases, in the post-COVID era. There is a need to create more evidence and data to support the recommendations that the vaccine will be useful to a wider range of populations, as suggested in our consensus.

Abstract Cancer patients often undergo rounds of trial-and-error to find the most effective treatment because there is no test in the clinical practice for predicting therapy response. Here, we conduct a clinical study to validate the zebrafish patient-derived xenograft model (zAvatar) as a fast predictive platform for personalized treatment in colorectal cancer. zAvatars are generated with patient tumor cells, treated exactly with the same therapy as their corresponding patient and analyzed at single-cell resolution. By individually comparing the clinical responses of 55 patients with their zAvatar-test, we develop a decision tree model integrating tumor stage, zAvatar-apoptosis, and zAvatar-metastatic potential. This model accurately forecasts patient progression with 91% accuracy. Importantly, patients with a sensitive zAvatar-test exhibit longer progression-free survival compared to those with a resistant test. We propose the zAvatar-test as a rapid approach to guide clinical decisions, optimizing treatment options and improving the survival of cancer patients.

Abstract The development of genotypes that can tolerate high levels of salt is crucial for the efficient use of salt-affected land and for enhancing crop productivity worldwide. Therefore, incorporating salinity tolerance is a critical trait that crops must possess. Salt resistance is a complex character, controlled by multiple genes both physiologically and genetically. To examine the genetic foundation of salt tolerance, we assessed 16 F1 hybrids and their eight parental lines under normal and salt stress (15 dS/m) conditions. Under salt stress conditions significant reduction was observed for plant height (PH), bolls/plant (NBP), boll weight (BW), seed cotton yield (SCY), lint% (LP), fiber length (FL), fiber strength (FS), potassium to sodium ratio (K+/Na+), potassium contents (K+), total soluble proteins (TSP), carotenoids (Car) and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the mean values for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium contents (Na+), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and fiber fineness (FF) were increased under salt stress. Moderate to high heritability and genetic advancement was observed for NBP, BW, LP, SCY, K+/Na+, SOD, CAT, POD, Car, TSP, FL, and FS. Mean performance and multivariate analysis of 24 cotton genotypes based on various agro-physiological and biochemical parameters suggested that the genotypes FBS-Falcon, Barani-333, JSQ-White Hold, Ghauri, along with crosses FBS-FALCON × JSQ-White Hold, FBG-222 × FBG-333, FBG-222 × Barani-222, and Barani-333 × FBG-333 achieved the maximum values for K+/Na+, K+, TSP, POD, Chlb, CAT, Car, LP, FS, FL, PH, NBP, BW, and SCY under salt stress and declared as salt resistant genotypes. The above-mentioned genotypes also showed relatively higher expression levels of Ghi-ERF-2D.6 and Ghi-ERF-7A.6 at 15 dS/m and proved the role of these ERF genes in salt tolerance in cotton. These findings suggest that these genotypes have the potential for the development of salt-tolerant cotton varieties with desirable fiber quality traits.

Background & Aims: One of the most popular Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) among athletes and teenagers is Nandrolone Decanoate (ND), a synthetic testosterone analog. Chronic AAS consumption raises the risk of cardiovascular problems in athletes, however the mechanism causing such changes is not known. This experimental research aims to investigate the impact of nandrolone decanoate administration on heart in white male albino rats. Materials & Methods: Twenty male Albino rats, split into two groups, were used in the study. Group A served as a control, getting peanut oil injections, while Group B received decanoate injections at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight weekly for eight weeks. After the eighth week, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia in accordance with the recommendations issued by the Ethical Committee. Following sacrifice, the rats were dissected and their tissues processed using normal histology procedures. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and microscopic observations were recorded in groups. In order to properly label and analyze the photos, photographic microscopy was used. Results: After Eighth week, the control group's heart showed no obvious changes under microscopic examination, whereas the ND treated group showed intermuscular hemorrhages, congested myocardial vessels, widely separated cardiomyocytes, fragmented muscle fibers, and cardiomyocytes showing vesicular nuclei and few degenerative changes. These results suggest that ND treatment may cause particular cardiac structural changes in white male albino rats. Conclusion: The study suggests that Nandrolone abuse can lead to cardiac problems such as severe degeneration, myocardial vascular congestion, and intermuscular hemorrhages. The study emphasizes the significance of investigating the long-term effects of these medications, as well as the importance of well-designed studies and proper dosage considerations.

To study the dynamical system, it is necessary to formulate a mathematical model to comprehend the dynamics of the diseases that are prevalent around the world by using fractional calculus. A mathematical model is developed with the hypothesis created by adding control and asymptomatic variables to observe the rate of change of pine wilt and the ABC operator is used to turn the model into a fractional ordered model for continuous monitoring. The Boundedness and uniqueness of the developed model are investigated for bounded findings by using Banach space, which are the key properties of such an epidemic model. A newly developed system is examined both qualitatively and quantitatively to determine its stable position, and the verification of flip bifurcation has been made for developed systems. Derived reproductive numbers using the next-generation technique as well as the sensitivity of each involved parameter are verified. The Atangana–Toufik scheme is employed to find the solution for the developed system using different fractional values, which are advanced tools for reliable bounded solutions. Simulations have been made to see the real behavior and effects of pine wilt disease with control and asymptomatic battels in the community. Also, identify the real situation of the spread as well as the control of pine wilt after employing control and asymptomatic battels due to treatment. Such a type of investigation will be useful in investigating the spread of disease as well as helpful in developing control strategies based on our justified outcomes.

Objective: To compare the hemodynamic effects of spinal anesthesia in sitting vs. lateral maternal positions in terms of patient comfort and anesthetist convenience. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anesthesia, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Jun 2018 to Dec 2018. Methodology: Two hundred and sixteen patients admitted for Cesarean deliveries were randomly selected and divided into two groups of 108 each for spinal anesthesia in sitting (S-Group) or lateral (L-Group) positions. Baseline heart rate and blood pressure were recorded and readings for both were measured after every two minutes for 15 minutes. Hypotension and bradycardia were noted and treated. Patients were interviewed afterwards for comfort in sitting or lateral position and the number of spinal anesthesia attempts made were also recorded. Results: In L-Group, 36(33%) patients had hypotension while 60(55.5%) had hypotension in S-Group. In L-Group, 4(3.7%) patients and 8(7.4%) patients in S-Group had bradycardia. Six patients (5.5%) in the Lateral-Group and 13(12%) in Sitting-Group required therapy for which the p-value came out to be significant. In Lateral-Group, 98 patients (90.7%) were comfortable and 9(8.3%) were uncomfortable, 1(0.97%) was agitated whereas in Sitting-Group 78(72%) were comfortable, 25(23%) were uncomfortable and 5(5%) were agitated. Subarachnoid puncture was 87% successful in S-Group and 74% successful in L-Group in 1st attempt. Conclusion: Lateral spinal position was more comfortable with better hemodynamics however sub arachnoid puncture was easier in sitting position.

Cadmium (Cd), which accumulates in tobacco leaves, enters the human body through inhalation of smoke, causing harmful effects on health. Therefore, identifying the pivotal factors that govern the absorption and resistance of Cd in tobacco is crucial for mitigating the harmful impact of Cd. In the present study, four different Cd-sensitive varieties, namely, ZhongChuan208 (ZC) with resistance, ZhongYan100 (ZY), K326 with moderate resistance, and YunYan87 (YY) with sensitivity, were cultivated in hydroponic with different Cd concentrations (20 µM, 40 µM, 60 µM and 80 µM). The results indicated that plant growth was significantly decreased by Cd. Irrespective of the Cd concentration, ZC exhibited the highest biomass, while YY had the lowest biomass; ZY and K326 showed intermediate levels. Enzymatic (APX, CAT, POD) and nonenzymatic antioxidant (Pro, GSH) systems showed notable variations among varieties. The multifactor analysis suggested that the ZC and ZY varieties, with higher levels of Pro and GSH content, contribute to a decrease in the levels of MDA and ROS. Among all the Cd concentrations, ZC exhibited the lowest Cd accumulation, while YY showed the highest. Additionally, there were significant differences observed in Cd distribution and translocation factors among the four different varieties. In terms of Cd distribution, cell wall Cd accounted for the highest proportion of total Cd, and organelles had the lowest proportion. Among the varieties, ZC showed lower Cd levels in the cell wall, soluble fraction, and organelles. Conversely, YY exhibited the highest Cd accumulation in all tissues; K326 and ZY had intermediate levels. Translocation factors (TF) varied among the varieties under Cd stress, with ZC and ZY showing lower TF compared to YY and K326. This phenomenon mainly attributed to regulation of the NtNramp3 and NtNramp5 genes, which are responsible for the absorption and transport of Cd. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the selection and breeding of tobacco varieties that are resistant to or accumulate less Cd.

Myocardial infarction (MI) can be tackled by implanting cardiac patches which provide mechanical support to the heart. However, most tissue-engineered scaffolds face difficulty in attenuating oxidative stress, maintaining mechanical stability, and regenerating damaged cardiomyocytes. Here, we fabricated elastic cryogels using polyurethane modified with antioxidant gallic acid in its backbone (PUGA) and further coated them with decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) to improve adhesiveness, biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. The scaffold was functionalized with exosomes (EXO) isolated from adipose-derived stem cells having regenerative potential. PUGA-dECM + EXO was tested in a rat model with induced MI where echocardiography after 8 weeks of implantation showed significant recovery in treatment group. Histological analysis revealed a decrease in fibrosis after application of patch and promotion of angiogenesis with reduced oxidative stress was shown by immunostaining. Expression of cardiac tissue contractile function marker was also observed in treatment groups. Thus, the proposed biomaterial has a promising application to be utilized as a patch for cardiac regeneration. More detailed studies with larger animal species are needed for using these observations for specific applications.

The refuge effect is critical in ecosystems for stabilizing predator-prey interactions. The purpose of this research was to investigate the complexities of a discrete-time predator-prey system with a refuge effect. The analysis investigated the presence and stability of fixed points, as well as period-doubling and Neimark-Sacker (NS) bifurcations. The bifurcating and fluctuating behavior of the system was controlled via feedback and hybrid control methods. In addition, numerical simulations were performed as evidence to back up our theoretical findings. According to our findings, maintaining an optimal level of refuge availability was critical for predator and prey population cohabitation and stability.

Medical Thoracoscopy (MT) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based information regarding all aspects of MT, both as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic aid for pulmonologists across India. The consensus-based guidelines were formulated based on a multistep process using a set of 31 questions. A systematic search of published randomized controlled clinical trials, open labelled studies, case reports and guidelines from electronic databases, like PubMed, EmBase and Cochrane, was performed. The modified grade system was used (1, 2, 3 or usual practice point) to classify the quality of available evidence. Then, a multitude of factors were taken into account, such as volume of evidence, applicability and practicality for implementation to the target population and then strength of recommendation was finalized. MT helps to improve diagnosis and patient management, with reduced risk of post procedure complications. Trainees should perform at least 20 medical thoracoscopy procedures. The diagnostic yield of both rigid and semirigid techniques is comparable. Sterile-graded talc is the ideal agent for chemical pleurodesis. The consensus statement will help pulmonologists to adopt best evidence-based practices during MT for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Antiviral combinations have been proposed as treatment for influenza in order to increase the antiviral activity by action at different sites of action as well as obviate the emergence of drug resistance to the commonly used antiviral agents like oseltamivir. Nitazoxanide has been found to exhibit anti-influenza viral activity with clinical benefit in a previous study. We recruited 242 cases of SARI, among whon 67 were confirmed to have influenza viral infection. In a randomized blinded fashion, 34 patients received a combination of nitazoxanide and oseltamivir whereas 33 cases received oseltamivir alone. Clinical parameters were followed in both groups and the nasal swabs were re-tested on day 6 for influenza positivity and the cycle threshold (CT) values. No significant differences were observed in terms of time for resolution of fever , other symptoms, and SOFA scores. Nine patients succumbed during the course of the illness that included three in the oseltamivir group and six in the combination group. All but one of those who expired had an underlying co-morbid illness. Our preliminary data suggest that the addition of nitazoxanide does not improve outcomes in hospitalized patients with influenza. Larger studies are recommended for statistically robust conclusions.

ABSTRACTCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has taken the world by a storm, posing a gruelling challenge to the medical fraternity globally. Besides its very high infectivityinfectivity, significant organ dysfunction occurs in critically ill COVID-19 patients, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary involvement is the leading cause of death in these patients to be followed by the cardiovascular involvement. Kidney involvement due to COVID-19 is becoming more discernible with AKI adversely affecting the outcome. Besides AKI, a few cases of collapsing FSGS in genetically vulnerable patients and thrombotic microangiopathies have been reported as well. We report a case of AA amyloidosis of the kidney with a rapidly progressive renal failure and congestive heart failure with preserved left ventricular functions, which complicated a moderate COVID-19 pneumonia providing some clues to a possible association of this novel virus disease with this complication, which needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Abtract: Climate change; the most concerning issue throughout the globe, is now considered a major cause of heat stress which is deteriorating agricultural crops. A pot experiment was performed to examine the ameliorative role of melatonin foliar spray on growth attributes, physiological attributes and yield and quality attributes of heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive genotypes of tomatoes under heat stress mediated by field environment. The results demonstrated that all the growth parameters of all tomato genotypes such as plant fresh biomass, plant dry biomass, stem girth, leaf area, the number of viable seeds, protein contents as well as physiological attributes including photosynthetic rate, stomatal contents, transpiration rate, chlorophyll contents, water use efficiency (WUE) and synthesis of osmoprotectants including proline and glycine betain (GB) were increased significantly upon foliar application of melatonin @ 25 µM under heat stress except electrolyte leakage (EL), leaf temperature and hydrogen peroxide contents (H2O2) which were decreased in all cultivars of tomato either in heat tolerant or in heat sensitive; as compared to their respective control which remained untreated. Similarly, acivity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants including nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione reductase (GR), nitrate reductase (NR) and glutathione S transferase (GST) were also improved upon melatonin foliar application under heat stress. However, the maximum improvement in all measured attributes was observed in all types of tomato genotypes grown under both control and 25 µM melatonine foliar spray treatment. All these findings proved that melatonin spray is capable to address the deteriorative impact of high temperature on tomato growth.

Sustainable agriculture is the backbone of the country, providing food, shelter and employment, along with economic support. Plants are indispensable to life, providing food and medicine to human beings since ancient times. Sesamum indicum, commonly known as sesame or “Till”, having tremendous food medicinal and nutraceutical properties. Sesame contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids along with lignan, vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates, providing an array of health benefits for humans. 21st century is known as the era of nanotechnology, having tremendous applications which have revolunalized the scientific community. Nanoparticles of different types have the ability to modify the phytochemistry and metabolic profile of the plants, either resulting in new metabolites or increasing the concentration of the existing ones. As most of the research is done with cereal crops which have enough data, but the oil seed crops and especially sesame is ignored. This review provides the nutraceutical and health benefits of sesame along with the potential of nanotechnology to improve oil seed crops especially of sesame. Most of the reviews only provides medicinal benefits of sesame, but this review is aimed to provide a way to improve those nutraceutical properties along the oil yield.

Scientists and epidemiologists have been developing vaccines and immunizing people to stop the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, because of the emergence of new strains and persistent infections in different nations, the global effort to combat the disease is still only partially successful. This investigation calculates the epidemiological impact of COVID-19 under mitigation scenarios, which include non-pharmaceutical interventions. In this work, we develop a time-fractional COVID-19 pandemic model using a generalized Mittag-Leffler kernel. The fractal-fractional operator is used to analyze the fluctuation of the infection rate in society. The existence and uniqueness of the proposed scheme are addressed by applying the Banach contraction principle. The Ulam-Hyers stability of the fractal-fractional operator has been confirmed. In the end, numerical simulations of the COVID-19 model of fractional-order are carried out to lower the risk of negative effects of disease on society. As the fractional orders approach 1, the results approach the classical situation, in contrast to all other solutions, which differ and show the same behavior. Consequently, the fractal-fractional order COVID-19 model provides deeper insights into epidemic disease. Such research will help understand the behavior of the virus and help develop COVID-19 prevention strategies for a population.

Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. ex Griseb. is an endangered species of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is the most commonly consumed wild species as a vegetable due to its high protein, vital amino acid, vitamin, and mineral content. There are approximately 613 species in the genus Dioscorea Plum. ex L., which is found in temperate and tropical climates. Dioscorea deltoidea, a plant species widespread across tropical and sub-tropical regions, called by different names in different languages. In English, it is commonly referred to as “Wild yam” or “Elephant foot”. The Sanskrit name for this plant is “Varahikand,” while in Hindi, it is known as “Gun” or “Singly-mingly.” The Urdu language refers to it as “Qanis,” and in Nepali, it is called “Tarul,” “Bhyakur,” or “Ghunar.” Dioscorea deltoidea has been used to cure a wide range of human ailments for centuries. This plant has nutritional and therapeutic uses and also contains high amounts of steroidal saponins, allantoin, polyphenols, and most notably, polysaccharides and diosgenin. These bioactive chemicals have shown potential in providing protection against a wide spectrum of inflammatory conditions, including enteritis (inflammation of the intestines), arthritis (joint inflammation), dermatitis (skin inflammation), acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and neuro inflammation (inflammation in the nervous system). Furthermore, the valuable bioactive chemicals found in D. deltoidea have been associated with a range of beneficial biological activities, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. Sapogenin steroidal chemicals are highly valued in the fields of medicine, manufacturing, and commerce. It has both expectorant and sedative properties. It is employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, encompassing various ailments related to the heart and blood vessels, skin disease, cancer, immune deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, it finds application in managing disorders of the central nervous system and dysfunctional changes in the female reproductive system. Furthermore, it is valued for its role in treating bone and joint diseases. Metabolic disorders are also among the ailments for which D. deltoidea is employed. It has traditionally been used as a vermifuge, fish poison, and to kill lice. Diosgenin, a steroidal compound found in D. deltoidea, plays a crucial role as a precursor in the chemical synthesis of various hormones. Due to the presence of valuable bioactive molecule, like corticosterone and sigmasterol, D. deltoidea is cultivated specifically for the extraction of these beneficial phytochemicals. The current study aims to assess D. deltoidea's medicinal properties, ethnobotanical usage, phytochemicals, pharmacological properties, threats, and conservation techniques.

The current best-known performance guarantees for the extensively studied Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) of determinate approximation algorithms is 32, achieved by Christofides' algorithm 47 years ago. This paper investigates a new generalization problem of the TSP, termed the Minimum-Cost Bounded Degree Connected Subgraph (MBDCS) problem. In the MBDCS problem, the goal is to identify a minimum-cost connected subgraph containing n=|V| edges from an input graph G=(V,E) with degree upper bounds for particular vertices. We show that for certain special cases of MBDCS, the aim is equivalent to finding a minimum-cost Hamiltonian cycle for the input graph, same as the TSP. To appropriately solve MBDCS, we initially present an integer programming formulation for the problem. Subsequently, we propose an algorithm to approximate the optimal solution by applying the iterative rounding technique to solution of the integer programming relaxation. We demonstrate that the returned subgraph of our proposed algorithm is one of the best guarantees for the MBDCS problem in polynomial time, assuming P≠NP. This study views the optimization of TSP as finding a minimum-cost connected subgraph containing n edges with degree upper bounds for certain vertices, and it may provide new insights into optimizing the TSP in future research.