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An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a system that monitors network traffic for malicious activity and generates alerts. In anomaly-based detection, machine learning (ML) algorithms exploit various statistical and probabilistic methods to learn from past or historical experience and detect valuable patterns from large, unstructured, and complex datasets. ML-based network intrusion detection aims to identify malicious behavior and alert a system administrator when an intruder tries to penetrate the network. This paper deals with the study, strategic construction, and implementation of a network intrusion detection model based on ML methods. Among the available IDS datasets, five of the most relevant are chosen for the experimental analysis, which are NSL-KDD-2009, CIC-IDS2017, CIC-IDS2018, IoTID20, and UNSW-NB15 datasets. In order to reduce the computation time in the training sample and achieve computational complexity O (N 2.38 ± δ) , we propose a computationally efficient and feasible algorithmic framework for analyzing the network traffic data. The developed approach mainly consists of two phases, i.e., "Scatter Matrices and Eigenvalue Computation based feature Selection" and "Classification procedure for the reduced dimension data." Experimental evaluation of various test case scenarios for the chosen datasets is carried out in the simulation setting. It is observed that the test results outperform the existing intrusion detection methods for detecting certain attack categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptomatic women with angina are more likely to have ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) compared to men. In both men and women, the finding of INOCA is not benign and is associated with adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, heart failure and angina hospitalizations. Women with INOCA have more angina and a lower quality of life compared to men, but they are often falsely reassured because of a lack of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and a perception of low risk. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a key pathophysiologic contributor to INOCA, and non-invasive imaging methods are used to detect impaired microvascular flow. Coronary vasospasm is another mechanism of INOCA, and can co-exist with CMD, but usually requires invasive coronary function testing (CFT) with provocation testing for a definitive diagnosis. In addition to traditional heart disease risk factors, inflammatory, hormonal and psychological risk factors that impact microvascular tone are implicated in INOCA. Treatment of risk factors and use of anti-atherosclerotic and anti-anginal medications offer benefit. Increasing awareness and early referral to specialized centers that focus on INOCA management can improve patient-oriented outcomes. However, large, randomized treatment trials to investigate the impact on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are needed. In this focused review, we discuss the prevalence, pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of INOCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, agriculture serves as the backbone of the economy, and is a primary source of employment. Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the agriculture and allied sectors in India exhibited resilience, registered a growth of 3.4% during 2020–2121, even as the overall economic growth declined by 7.2% during the same period. The improvement of the agriculture sector holds paramount importance in sustaining the increasing population and safeguarding food security. Consequently, researchers worldwide have been concentrating on digitally transforming agriculture by leveraging advanced technologies to establish smart, sustainable, and lucrative farming systems. The advancement in remote sensing (RS) and machine learning (ML) has proven beneficial for farmers and policymakers in minimizing crop losses and optimizing resource utilization through valuable crop insights. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of studies dedicated to the application of RS and ML in addressing agriculture-related challenges in India. We conducted a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and evaluated research articles published from 2015 to 2022. The objective of this study is to shed light on the application of both RS and ML technique across key agricultural domains, encompassing "crop management", "soil management", and "water management, ultimately leading to their improvement. This study primarily focuses on assessing the current status of using intelligent geospatial data analytics in Indian agriculture. Majority of the studies were carried out in the crop management category, where the deployment of various RS sensors led yielded substantial improvements in agricultural monitoring. The integration of remote sensing technology and machine learning techniques can enable an intelligent approach to agricultural monitoring, thereby providing valuable recommendations and insights for effective agricultural management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,2,4-triazole and Schiff bases are active against antimicrobial and antitubercular activities. Isoniazid itself reacts as antitubercular drug. The two dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship study was used to predicts the antitubercular activity of the synthetic derivatives. Two dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship generated model using partial least squares regression method which predict the statistically significant r²=0.8940, q²=0.8197, pred_r²=0.6675 and F test=50.6234. Two dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship generated equation of pMICs is denoted the antitubercular activity correlated with thermodynamic descriptor XAMostHydrophilic. Pharmacokinetic properties absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion were also predicted which useful for design the derivatives. A designed derivatives of 1-(3-(substitutidene)amino)-5-(2,3,4,5-tetrafluoro-6-substitutedphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-3-(pyridin-4-yl)urea (B1-B10) were synthesized and spectrally evicted from fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H Nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C Nuclear magnetic resonance and Mass spectra as well as biologically evaluated against antitubercular and antimicrobial activities. From the biologically evaluated derivatives, compounds B2, B4, B7, B8, B9 and B10 were found to be active against the different antimicrobial species. Where as compound B2 also active against antitubercular species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mauritius, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is being developed to manage the Peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Novel and economical larval diets are needed to produce millions of artificially reared sterile flies needed to ensure the success of this programme. We assessed the efficacy of conventional (solid) and gel diets with formulations containing modified waste brewery yeast (WBY), an alternative low cost protein source. The WBY is obtained freely from the manufacturing plant located at the Entomology Division of the Ministry of Agro Industry & Food Security, Réduit, Mauritius. Its chemical composition is highly comparable to those of the imported commercial yeast. Formulations of both diet types varied in the ratio of WBY (%) to commercial yeast (CY) (%) (Control: 0:100, A: 25:75, B: 30:70; C: 40:60; D: 50:50). The quality parameters of flies reared on the modified gel larval diets i.e. volume of pupae, pupal weight, pupal recovery, percentage adult emergence and percentage fliers were comparatively better on the gel diet formulations B, C and D, while no significant difference in percentage egg hatch was observed between the conventional diet and the gel diet. The optimum egg seeding rate (larval density) for selected gel diets B, C and D was determined. Formulation C using 0.15 ml of eggs/100 g of diet resulted in the highest pupal recovery, pupal weight, emergence and flight ability. A five-year cost benefit analysis revealed a net cost saving of 38% (US$ 53 418.20) by using the gel diet with WBY instead of the solid diet. The cost for the production for one million flies is US$ 310.67. Our results demonstrate that the selected gel diet formulation in which commercial yeast is partially replaced by waste brewery yeast is a viable alternative to the conventional solid diet for rearing of B. zonata. There are also the added benefits in terms of reduced cost with respect to storage and disposal, due to the elimination of bulking agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, Lewis acid catalyzed reactions have been carried out between mefenamic acid, substituted aldehyde and semicarbazide in the presence of ZnCl2 to give the final compounds (E)-N-(2-(5-((substitutedene)amino)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-2,3-dimethylaniline, A. The synthesized compounds have been characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral studies and biologically screened for the antimicrobial, antitubercular and antimalarial activities. Among the screened molecules, the molecules A1, A3, A4, A6, A8, A9, A10 show activity against different antibacterial species. The compounds, active against different antifugal species are A3, A7, A8, A9 against C. albicans, compound A3 is active against A. niger. Whereas, compound A9 shows good antimycobacterial activity. Compound A6 having 4-hydroxybenzenesubstituent exhibits promising activity against P. falciparum antimalerial parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) after hemorrhage is potentiated by aortic occlusion or resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). Given the central role of mitochondrial injury in shock, we hypothesized that Elamipretide, a peptide that protects mitochondria, would mitigate IRI after hemorrhagic shock and REBOA. Twelve pigs were subjected to hemorrhagic shock and 45 min of REBOA. After 25 min of REBOA, animals received either saline or Elamipretide. Animals were transfused with autologous blood during balloon deflation, and pigs were resuscitated with isotonic crystalloids and norepinephrine for 4.25 h. Elamipretide-treated animals required less crystalloids than the controls (62.5 [50–90] and 25 [5–30] mL/kg, respectively), but similar amounts of norepinephrine (24.7 [8.6–39.3] and 9.7 [2.1–12.5] mcg/kg, respectively). Treatment animals had a significant reduction in serum creatinine (control: 2.7 [2.6–2.8]; Elamipretide: 2.4 [2.4–2.5] mg/dL; p = 0.04), troponin (control: 3.20 [2.14–5.47] ng/mL, Elamipretide: 0.22 [0.1–1.91] ng/mL; p = 0.03), and interleukin-6 concentrations at the end of the study. There were no differences in final plasma lactate concentration. Elamipretide reduced fluid requirements and protected the kidney and heart after profound IRI. Further understanding the subcellular consequences of REBOA and mitochondrial rescue will open new therapeutic avenues for patients suffering from IRI after hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of first-time parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism using intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) assay in the light of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of primary hyperparathyroidism. Method: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively maintained database of endocrine surgery in a tertiary centre. Preoperative radiological localisation (concordance and accuracy), intraoperative PTH parameters and adjusted serum calcium at minimum 6-month follow-up were analysed. The accuracy of IOPTH to predict post-operative normocalcaemia and the number needed to treat (NNT) within the cohort when IOPTH was utilised were determined. Differences between groups were evaluated with Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Between January 2004 and September 2018, 849 patients (75.4% women), median age 64 years (IQR 54–72), were analysed. The median preoperative adjusted serum calcium was 2.80mmol/l (IQR 2.78–2.90), and the median preoperative PTH was 14.20pmol/l (IQR 10.70–20.25). The overall first-time cure (normocalcaemia) rate was 96.4%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of IOPTH were 96.8%, 83.2%, 97.6% and 78.8%, respectively, with an accuracy of 95.1%. For patients with concordant scans (48.3%), a targeted approach without IOPTH would have achieved a cure rate of 94.1% compared with 98.0% using IOPTH (p<0.01) Conclusion: The use of IOPTH assay significantly improved the rate of normocalcaemia at 6 months. The low NNT to benefit from IOPTH, particularly those patients with a single positive scan, and the inevitable reduction in the potential costs incurred from failure and reoperation justify its utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the most challenging pathogens among fungal phytopathogens. Botanicals and biopesticides projected as alternatives to the synthetic fungicides also don't serve the purpose for S. rolfsii control pertaining to its vast host range and high adaptability. Present project therefore, focused on the preparation of Silver nanoemulsion (AgNE) having optimum stability and bestowed with significant antifungal properties and growth promoting abilities for the mungbean plants. The influence of different AgNE concentrations on growth pattern of S. rolfsii was tested under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Surprisingly, 100 ppm of AgNE could culminate the fungal progression completely by inhibiting both hyphal as well as sclerotial growth in plate and broth assays. Results of in planta application of AgNE at100 ppm on mungbean plants also coincided with the in vitro findings in terms of controlling the pathogen progression; however the internalization of Ag ions was observed in root, stem and leaves. Toxicity indications were apparent in the form of stunted and broadened root growth at 100 ppm AgNE concentration, but the above ground plant parts appeared perfectly normal. In inference, 50 ppm AgNE was found to be the most significant and safe concentration in relation to the phytopathogen control and plant growth promotion. These results revealed the evolving role of AgNE as a promising nanofungicide and nanofertilizer to accelerate overall mungbean productivity. Awaiting complications lies in the stability improvement of AgNE, scaled up production, phytotoxicity studies and their possible applications in several crops and multilocational field trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The occurrence of antibiotic residues in milk constitutes a potential risk to the health of consumers. In the veterinary sector, various forms of antibiotics are now being used worldwide for promoting livestock growth and treatment. Fluroquinolones, Gentamicin and Tetracycline are commonly used in disease prevention and disease control. The current issues of food safety and used antimicrobial agent’s residues in food products of animal origin are a serious public health issue and health risk globally. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation during Nov 2018 to Jan 2019, different localities peri-urban area of Surat and Navsari of Gujarat were surveyed. A total of 120 milk samples comprised of (n=20) cattle (pooled), (n=20) buffalo (pooled) and (n=20) mix milk (pooled) of cattle and buffaloes and samples from unhealthy individual milking animal provided treatment with each antibiotics was collected after completion of recommended withdrawal period (n=20) Fluoroquinolones, (n=20) Gentamicin and (n=20) Tetracycline from various non-organized dairy farms. In the laboratory, the collected samples were evaluated for residues in bovine raw milk by c-ELISA. Result: The investigations in the Surat and Navsari evaluated 3 antibiotics residues in bovine raw milk. Among the 3 antibiotics are deemed dangerous level risks for human health. The detectable level was higher than of recommended antibiotic residue levels (MRLs) were observed as per European Union and the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The present work will be a complementary contribution to the comprehensive study of the stringent control measurements to guarantee that the milk is safe for public to drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-season crop production forecasts at the regional or sub-regional scale are essential to aid in food security through early warning of harvest shortfall/surplus, tailoring crop management decisions and addressing climatic shock. Considering the efforts to establish a framework towards quantifying the crop yield prediction at regional scales are limited, we investigated the utility of combining crop model with the regional weather prediction model to forecast winter wheat yields over space. The exercise was performed for various lead-times in the regions of Punjab and Haryana for the years 2008–2009. A numerical weather prediction (NWP) model was used to generate micro-meteorological variables at different lead times (1-week, 2-weeks, 3-weeks and 5-weeks) ahead of crop harvest and used within the CERES-Wheat crop simulation model gridded framework at a spatial resolution of 10 km. Various scenarios of the yield forecasts were verified with district-wide reported yield values. Average deviations of −12 to 3% from the actual district-wise wheat yields were observed across the lead times. The 3-weeks-ahead yield forecasts yielded a maximum agreement index of 0.86 with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 327.75 kg/ha and a relative deviation of −5.35%. The critical crop growth stages were found to be highly sensitive to the errors in the weather forecast, and thus made a huge impact on the predicted crop yields. The 5-weeks-ahead weather forecasts generated anomalous meteorological data during flowering and grain-filling crop growth stages, and thus had the highest negative impact on the simulated yields. The agreement index of the 5-week-ahead forecasts was 0.41 with an RMSE of 415.15 kg ha−1 and relative deviation of −2.77 ± 5.01. The proposed methodology showed significant forecast skill for extended space and time scale crop yield forecasting, offering scope for further research and practical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin, demethoxy curcumin and bis-demethoxy curcumin were isolated from the dried root powder of Curcuma longa through the combined application of flash chromatography and open column chromatography. Isolated constituents were identified using spectral methods. An analytical method was developed for simultaneous quantitative estimation of curcuminoids from fast dissolving tablets containing ethanolic extract of Curcuma sp., as an active ingredient. The separation was achieved in a C18 column using an isocratic mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile:water (aqueous phase containing 4 % v/v glacial acetic acid) (50:50 % v/v), with the flow rate set at 2.0 ml/min. The chromatogram was recorded at 425 nm, using a photodiode array detector. The developed analytical method was validated as per international conference on harmonisation guidelines. The developed analytical method was found to be linear in the concentration range of 5-120 µg/ml, precise and robust to minor modifications in selected chromatographic parameters. The average of recovery was found within the range of 98 %-102 %. Limit of detection and limit of quantification value for curcumin was determined to be 0.35 and 1.06, respectively. The tablets containing 100 mg Curcuma ethanolic extract were formulated using the directly compressible vehicle. Each tablet was found to contain 20.77 %±0.22 % w/w curcumin, 3.18 %±0.03 % w/w demethoxy curcumin and 0.33 %±0.006 % w/w bis-demethoxy curcumin when estimated using developed analytical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focusses on the estimation of ET using Mapping Evapotranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) model over the Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.f) forest in the subtropical Doon Valley, India for the dry periods of 2016–18. Parameterization of METRIC model was done for surface temperature (Ts), momentum roughness length (zom), and surface albedo (α) estimations to make it suitable for Forest ET assessment. Results showed good agreement between the daily ET derived from the METRIC model and observed ET by eddy covariance method at Barkot Flux Tower (BFT) site. Results of parameterized METRIC model showed improvement over non-parameterized model with higher coefficient of determination (0.81), Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (0.71) and lower Root Mean Square Error (0.48 mm). Average ET for the Sal forest ranged from 1.18-4.78 mm/day. Monthly and seasonal ET was derived using cubic spline interpolation-based time integration of reference ET fraction (ETrF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini is the most serious disease of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) in India. Cumin germplasm was screened against Fusarium wilt at S. D. Agricultural University, Gujarat, India. Out of 105 genotypes evaluated, none of the genotype was found to be immune to wilt. The genotypes viz., JC- 18-11 and GC-5-1 were highly resistant with a minimum wilt incidence of 5.00 per cent while the genotypes viz., JC- 18-01 (17.25%), JC-18-07 (18.25%), GP-5 (20.05%) and GP-7 (20.00%) were resistant. The genotypes viz., JC-18-03 (25.15%), JC-18-05 (25.00%), JC-18-06 (25.00%), GP-3 (25.00%), GC-3(c) (25.06%), JC-2010-5 (30.25%), Sanand 5 (30.50%), Sanand 6(30.25%) and GP-4 (30.14%) were found moderately resistant. The genotypes viz., JC-18-04 (35%), GP-2 (35%), GC-5-2 (35%), GC-5 (c) (35%) JC-18-02 (40%), JC-2000-28-1 (40%), JC-16-07 (40%), JC-18-08 (45%), GC-4 (c) (45%) and J-Cum-2-2017 (50%) were found susceptible to the pathogen. The remaining germplasm accessions with the wilt incidence of more than 50% were susceptible to highly susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of present study was to prepare the directly compressible tablets of Ibuprofen crystals prepared by crystallization technique using saccharin sodium as an excipient. The prepared tablets were evaluated for the improvement in drug release of Ibuprofen as compared to the pure drug. The crystal formation of Ibuprofen lead to improve the compressibility and mechanical strength of the drug which can be easily converted to directly compressible tablets. The In-vitro dissolution profile demonstrates 3.96 fold increment in the drug release rate from tablets of Ibuprofen crystals compared to the pure drug after one hour. The characterization was done by Powder X-Ray Diffractometry (pXRD), and Headspace Gas Chromatography (HSGC) Study of Ibuprofen treated crystals illustrates the improvement in manufacturability and pharmacotechnical parameters of the drug. © 2022 iGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSE) is associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Abnormal P-wave axis (aPWA) is a marker for atriopathy that is also associated with CVA risk. We hypothesized that SHSE is associated with aPWA. This analysis included 5986 non-smokers (age 61.7 ± 13.8 years, 45.8% men, 77.4% Whites) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. SHSE was defined as serum cotinine ≥1 ng/ml aPWA was defined as any P-wave axis outside of 0–75°. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between SHSE and aPWA, overall and among subgroups stratified by demographics and comorbidities. About 18.5% (n = 1109) of the participants had SHSE. aPWA was more prevalent among those with SHSE than those without (23.9% versus 19.8%, respectively, P -value = 0.003). In a model adjusted for sociodemographic and potential confounders, presence (versus absence) of SHSE was associated with increased odds of aPWA (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.28 [1.09, 1.50]; P -value = 0.003). This association was stronger among Whites vs non-Whites (interaction P -value = 0.04) and non-obese versus obese (interaction P -value = 0.04). Higher levels of serum cotinine were associated with increased odds of aPWA. Compared with serum cotinine level <1 ng/ml, serum cotinine ≥3 ng/ml and ≥6 ng/ml were associated with 35% (P -value = 0.002) and 38% (P -value = 0.002) increased odds of aPWA, respectively. SHSE is associated with abnormal atrial conduction, measured as aPWA, with possible effect modification by ethnicity and obesity. These findings underscore the harmful effects of SHSE on cardiovascular health which merits a personalized risk assessment when counseling patients on SHSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient protocol has been reported for the synthesis of a series of novel disperse dyes based on 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-one derivatives via a simple one-pot multicomponent reaction between the natural naphthoquinone 2-hydroxy-1,4-dihydronaphthalene-1,4-dione (Lawsone), urea, and various aromatic aldehydes. The target compounds were isolated in up to 98% yield and were characterized by various spectral techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted was conducted to estimate the extent of heterosis for root yield and attributing traits in ashwagandha at the Botanical Garden, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C. P. C. A, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India. Thirty six hybrids were generated from the diallel mating design of 9 diverse parents during October 2018 - March 2019 (rabi season). Fourty five entries were evaluated in RBD with 3 replications during October 2019-March 2020 (rabi season) for the yield and attribuiting traits. The root traits are given more emphasis because of its economic value. All the forty-five genotypes exhibited moderate to good mean performance along with an adequate amount of variability among and between the parents and hybrids. Most of the hybrids showed highly significant better parent and standard heterosis in desirable direction for the traits considered. The hybrids like SKA 10×JA 20, JA 134×AWS 1, SKA 24×SKA 26, SKA 24×AWS 1, SKA 11×AWS 1, SKA 11×SKA 26 and JA 20×AWS 1 were with a markedly significant heterotic response for fresh root yield trait. The results also suggest that the cross JA 134×AWS 1is appropriate to exploit heterosis in root length, fresh root yield and dry root yield. Further evaluation and generation advancement of these successful crosses can derive transgressive segregants and hybrids with high yield potential for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture is one of the key state variable to regulate the water and energy budgets at the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. This study demonstrates the utility of Vegetation Temperature Condition Index (VTCI), developed from interpretation of NDVI–Ts space using MODIS, to estimate soil moisture status at a spatial resolution of 1-km in Rajasthan province. The key findings reveal that VTCI at 1-km resolution and computed for the whole image (Method-1) was found to be more representative of the average profile soil moisture condition than the other methods. Statistical regression between VTCI and in-situ volumetric soil moisture for the surface and at depths of 15, 30 and 45 cm for the prominent crops in Eastern Rajasthan showed a strong relation (R2 = 0.63, p-value <0.01). Thus, it is suggested that VTCI is useful to infer soil moisture beneath the surface over semi-arid areas for agricultural drought assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of present study was to prepare the directly compressible tablets of Ibuprofen crystals prepared by crystallization technique using saccharin sodium as an excipient. The prepared tablets were evaluated for the improvement in drug release of Ibuprofen as compared to the pure drug. The crystal formation of Ibuprofen lead to improve the compressibility and mechanical strength of the drug which can be easily converted to directly compressible tablets. The In-vitro dissolution profile demonstrates 3.96 fold increment in the drug release rate from tablets of Ibuprofen crystals compared to the pure drug after one hour. The characterization was done by Powder X-Ray Diffractometry (pXRD), and Headspace Gas Chromatography (HSGC) Study of Ibuprofen treated crystals illustrates the improvement in manufacturability and pharmacotechnical parameters of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India is a second largest producer of vegetables after China. Fruits and vegetables are essential parts of our diets and vegetables recommended highest by ICMR. Therefore, the vegetables require extra emphasis to improve production and productivity of it to feed the second largest population in the world. Methods: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) has introduced its nanotechnology-based products i.e., Nano-N, Nano-Zn and Nano-Cu for initial testing on 11 important vegetable crops grown during winter season in Gujarat with 5 treatment combinations. Result: We tested 5 treatment combinations among which treatment T5 i.e., 50% farmer fertilizer practices plus 1 spray of Nano-N, 1 spray of Nano-Zn and 1 spray of Nano-Cu give 5.34% higher return then all there treatments in all crops. Which conclude that application of nano-fertilizers through foliar spray significantly increase crop yield over control or without application of nano-fertilzer due to its higher Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE). So it was recommended to use farmers fertilizers practices (FFP) 50% N, 1 spray of Nano-N, 1 spray of Nano-Zn and 1 spray of Nano-Cu to get more economic yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigallocatechin gallate is a potent phytomolecule with wide biological activity and is a class III drug. The therapeutic effect is limited, owing to poor stability and limited membrane permeability across the intestine. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate colon-targeted microspheres of epigallocatechin gallate, using natural polymers. Water-in-oil emulsion crosslinking technique was used to prepare microspheres of epigallocatechin gallate using interpenetrating network of chitosan and gum acacia and glutaraldehyde was used as a crosslinking agent. Prepared microspheres were filled in capsules coated with Eudragit S100. The prepared microspheres were evaluated in vitro for preformulation studies, encapsulation efficiency, micromeritic properties, dissolution studies and stability studies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies had proved that the drug and polymers are compatible. The good flow property of microspheres show that the microspheres are not aggregated. Scanning electron microscope micrographs of microspheres show a rough and folded surface morphology. The microspheres are spherical and uniform in shape. Formulations show good encapsulation efficiency. Formulation F1 to F6 show sustained release of drug for 10 h. The in vitro drug release of batch F1 to F6 were best explained by Higuchi models due to diffusion mechanism of drug release from polymeric matrix system. The selected formulation batch for a period of 3 mo at 40±2°/75±5 % RH show no significant changes. The current approach was helpful to develop polysaccharide based microspheres of epigallocatechin gallate to enhance colonic drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, CO2 exchange over sugarcane and wheat growing season was quantified by continuous measurement of CO2 fluxes using eddy covariance (EC) system from January 2014 to June 2015. We also elaborated on the response of CO2 fluxes to environmental variables. The results show that the ecosystem has seasonal and diurnal dynamics of CO2 with a distinctive U-shaped curve in both growing seasons with maximal CO2 absorption reaching up to −8.94 g C m−2 day−1 and −6.08 g C m−2 day−1 over sugarcane and wheat crop, respectively. The ecosystem as a whole acted as a carbon sink during the active growing season while it exhibits a carbon source prior to sowing and post-harvesting of crops. The cumulative net ecosystem exchange (NEE), gross primary productivity (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (Reco) were −923.04, 3316.65, and 2433.18 g C m−2 over the sugarcane growing season while the values were −192.30, 621.47, and 488.34 g C m−2 over the wheat growing season. The sesbania (green manure) appeared to be a carbon source once it is incorporated into soil. The response of day-time NEE to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) under two vapor pressure deficit (VPD) sections (0–20 h Pa and 20–40 h Pa) seems more effective over sugarcane (R2 = 0.41–0.61) as compared to the wheat crop (R2 = 0.25–0.40). A decrease in net CO2 uptake was observed under higher VPD conditions. Similarly, night-time NEE was exponentially related to temperature at different soil moisture conditions and showed higher response to optimum soil moisture conditions for sugarcane (R2 = 0.87, 0.33 ≤ SWC < 0.42 m3 m−3) and wheat (R2 = 0.75, 0.31 ≤ SWC < 0.37 m3 m−3) crop seasons. The response of daily averaged NEE to environmental variables through path analysis indicates that PAR was the dominant predictor with the direct path coefficient of −0.65 and −0.74 over sugarcane and wheat growing season, respectively. Satellite-based GPP products from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (GPPMOD) and Vegetation Photosynthetic model (GPPVPM) were also compared with the GPP obtained from EC (GPPEC) technique. The seasonal dynamics of GPPEC and GPPVPM agreed well with each other. This study covers the broad aspects ranging from micro-meteorology to remote sensing over C4-C3 cropping system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetics and crop improvement aspects of medicinal plants in Ashwagandha should be taken consideration to meet the accelerating pharmaceutical demands. For a better understanding of the genetic basis of root yield and related traits, a 9 × 9 diallel analysis excluding the reciprocals was carried out using SKA 27, SKA 11, SKA 6, SKA 24, SKA 10, SKA 26, JA 20, JA 134 and AWS 1 as parents. The s2gca/s2sca denotes that the majority of the traits considered except plant height and the number of secondary branches were governed by non-additive gene action. The fresh root yield was governed by almost equal proportions of additive and non-additive gene actions with a slight increment in additive proportion. Even though none of the parents was a good general combiner for all the traits considered, SKA 27 and SKA 11 appeared to be the best general combiners for root traits. The crosses JA 20 × AWS 1, SKA 24 × SKA 26 and JA 134 ×AWS 1 were found to be appropriate for the heterosis breeding on the basis of the estimates of SCA effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major worldwide problem is the degradation of energy sources and the wide amount of waste products from industries, households, or from any other human activities. But what if both problems can be solved by one solution? Extensive data show that validation of bioresources increases the production of the value-added product. The assessment is based on a scenario approach. A vast literature review was performed, to investigate the alternative application pathways for various types of non-primary bioresources. Multicriteria analysis is considered as the current gold standard technique for bioresources valorisation and is proved for two cases. Firstly, we present tests that evaluate the performance of different pre-treatment methods in order to extract fibre from Hogweed biomass. Secondly, we assess the resilience of our approach using Multi-criteria analysis for brewers’ spent grain to find out the best value-added product. The results demonstrate the adequacy of the method for Hogweed biomass and brewers’ spent grain valorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: An anti-allergic study was performed on a methanolic extract of leaves (GLA) and fruit (GFA) of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae). Methods: Anti-allergic study was evaluated using an isolated guinea pig ileum, isolated rat ileum preparation and passive paw anaphylaxis in rats. The effect of methanolic extracts (100, 200 µg/ml) of the fruit and leaves were studied on contraction induced by histamine and acetylcholine on isolated guinea pig ileum and isolated rat ileum, respectively. The inhibition of paw volume was studied (100, 300mg/kg GLA and 100, 300mg/kgGFA, p.o.) and compared with vehicle treatment. Dexamethasone (0.27mg/kg, p.o.) was included as a positive control. Results: GLA and GFA showed significant inhibitory contraction of guinea pig ileum (p<0.01, p<0.005), rat ileum and (p< 0.01, p<0.005) rat paw volume inhibition. Conclusion: The anti-allergic activity of methanolic extracts of the fruit (GFA) and leaves (GLA) of G. arborea may be due to presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The effects are noteworthy and highlight these extracts for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the few positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented flexibility and willingness to embrace innovation in the delivery of healthcare services in the UK National Health Service (NHS). PHRs are already in use in some areas of the NHS and present a significant opportunity to help digitize the NHS, empower patients to self-manage their disease and support remote consultations and PIFU pathways. Implementation of PIFU is one of the NHS outpatient transformation requirements laid out in the 2021/22 Operational Planning Guidance,4 and has a key role in phase 3 of the NHS response to the COVID-19 pandemic.5 Dermatology has been earmarked as one of the specialties particularly amenable to PIFU pathways. [Extracted from the article]

Effective analgesic alternatives to interscalene brachial plexus block are sought for shoulder surgery. Peri-articular infiltration analgesia is a novel, less invasive technique, but evidence surrounding its use is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the utility of peri-articular infiltration analgesia in shoulder surgery. We searched literature for trials comparing peri-articular infiltration analgesia with control or with interscalene brachial plexus block. Control groups received no intervention, placebo or systemic opioids. The primary outcome was cumulative oral morphine equivalent consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included: rest pain scores up to 48 h; risk of side-effects; and durations of post-anaesthetic care unit and hospital stay. Data were pooled with random-effects modelling. Seven trials (383 patients) were included. Compared with control, peri-articular infiltration analgesia reduced 24-h oral morphine consumption by a mean difference (95%CI) of -38.0 mg (-65.5 to -10.5; p = 0.007). It also improved pain scores up to 6 h, 36 h and 48 h, with the greatest improvement observed at 0 h (-2.4 (-2.7 to -1.6); p < 0.001). Peri-articular infiltration analgesia decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting by an odds ratio (95%CI) of 0.3 (0.1-0.7; p = 0.006). In contrast, peri-articular infiltration analgesia was not different from interscalene brachial plexus block for analgesic consumption, pain scores or side-effects. This review provides moderate evidence supporting peri-articular infiltration for postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery. The absence of difference between peri-articular infiltration analgesia and interscalene brachial plexus block for analgesic outcomes suggests that these interventions are comparable, but further trials are needed to support this conclusion and identify the optimal peri-articular infiltration technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Remote dermatology consultations largely superseded face‐to‐face (FTF) consultations during the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the UK. Remote examination of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) brings particular challenges, given the propensity of HS to affect intimate body areas. To understand the impact of remote consultations on the care of patients with HS, a retrospective analysis was conducted of all consultations from 2 April to 29 October 2020 at the HS clinic at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. In this group of patients with HS, 46.3% were black, compared with 7.0% of patients attending general dermatology clinics (P < 0.001). The majority (65.9%) of patients had previously received or were currently taking adalimumab. All consultations were performed by telephone and in 50.7% of the consultations, patients were assessed as having unstable (u)HS, with 81.1% of these uHS episodes leading to a change in pharmacological therapy. The decision‐making process was aided by patient‐submitted photographs at only 8.1% of consultations involving uHS, for reasons of patient privacy, comfort and data security. The data suggest that HS is an inherently unstable disease despite maximal medical therapy, and this study highlights important reasons for the assessment of patients with HS by FTF consultations where safely possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to identify what proportion of middle-ear surgery patients utilise the internet for information and to characterise which resources and media formats are used and for what durations. Method: A single-arm, retrospective cohort study was performed using an online survey of English-speaking patients who underwent middle-ear surgery over a three-year period across two otology practices. Results: Of 260 invitees, 165 responded. A total of 122 used online resources: 9.8 per cent used online resources for less than 15 minutes, 27.0 per cent used them for 15 to 29 minutes, 27.0 per cent used them for 30 to 59 minutes and 36.1 per cent used them for 60 minutes or more. Of online users with complete responses (108 of 122), the most used resources (used for 12 minutes or more) were: written information (73.1 per cent); surgeons' websites (55.6 per cent); pictures, diagrams or photos (42.6 per cent); videos (37.0 per cent); and social media (10.2 per cent). Conclusion: At least 46.9 per cent of patients undergoing elective ear surgery use online resources. Most time is spent using written information, pictures, diagrams, photos and videos. Therefore, it is increasingly essential that accurate and informative resources in these formats are readily available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COMPASS upgrade (COMPASS-U) is a high-magnetic field, medium-sized tokamak with high-temperature (< 500 °C) operation. The scientific program is aimed to address the topics of plasma exhaust, liquid metals, enhanced confinement modes, and edge plasma physics. The plasma current is up to 2 MA and the toroidal magnetic field is up to 5 T. Therefore, plasma disruptions can produce large electromagnetic forces on the vacuum vessel (VV) and other conducting structures. This article presents the study of different VV design concepts, which were considered during the COMPASS-U conceptual design phase. This article describes the electromagnetic forces exerted during plasma disruption, high-temperature operation requirements, and other design constraints. INCONEL 625 is selected as a reference material for VVs. FE simulations of the 45° sector of the vacuum vessel were carried out for various load combinations. This article summarizes the wall thickness optimization that limits the vessel deformation and minimizes the stress in the shell. The results are broken down into different categories of stress according to the ASME code and compared with material limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current diagnosis and treatment stratification of patients with suspected prostate cancer relies on a combination of histological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of prostate pathological grading as well as the relevant aspects of multiparametric (MRI) mpMRI, before indicating the potential that magnetic resonance textural analysis (MRTA) offers within prostate cancer. A review of the evidence base on MRTA in prostate cancer will enable discussion of the utility of this field while also indicating recommendations to future research. Radiomic textural analysis allows the assessment of spatial inter-relationships between pixels within an image by use of mathematical methods. First-order textural analysis is better understood and may have more clinical validity than higher-order textural features. Textural features extracted from apparent diffusion coefficient maps have shown the most potential for clinical utility in MRTA of prostate cancers. Future studies should aim to integrate machine learning techniques to better represent the role of MRTA in prostate cancer clinical practice. Nomenclature should be used to reduce misidentification between first-order and second-order energy and entropy. Automated methods of segmentation should be encouraged in order to reduce problems associated with inclusion of normal tissue within regions of interest. The retrospective and small-scale nature of most published studies, make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. Future larger prospective studies are required to validate the textural features indicated to have potential in characterisation and/or diagnosis of prostate cancer before translation into routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the indications, procedures and outcomes for adrenal surgery from the UK Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery database from 2005 to 2017, and compared outcomes between benign and malignant disease. Methods: Data on adrenalectomies were extracted from a national surgeon‐reported registry. Preoperative diagnosis, surgical technique, length of hospital stay, morbidity and in‐hospital mortality were examined. Results: Some 3994 adrenalectomies were registered among patients with a median age of 54 (i.q.r. 43–65) years (55·9 per cent female). Surgery was performed for benign disease in 81·5 per cent. Tumour size was significantly greater in malignant disease: 60 (i.q.r. 34–100) versus 40 (24–55) mm (P < 0·001). A minimally invasive approach was employed in 90·2 per cent of operations for benign disease and 48·2 per cent for cancer (P < 0·001). The conversion rate was 3·5‐fold higher in malignant disease (17·3 versus 4·7 per cent; P < 0·001). The length of hospital stay was 3 (i.q.r. 2–5) days for benign disease and 5 (3–8) days for malignant disease (P < 0·050). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for morbidity were malignant disease (odds ratio (OR) 1·69, 1·22 to 2·36; P = 0·002), tumour size larger than 60 mm (OR 1·43, 1·04 to 1·98; P = 0·028) and conversion to open surgery (OR 3·48, 2·16 to 5·61; P < 0·001). The in‐hospital mortality rate was below 0·5 per cent overall, but significantly higher in the setting of malignant disease (1·2 versus 0·2 per cent; P < 0·001). Malignant disease (OR 4·88, 1·17 to 20·34; P = 0·029) and tumour size (OR 7·47, 1·52 to 39·61; P = 0·014) were independently associated with mortality in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Adrenalectomy is a safe procedure but the higher incidence of open surgery for malignant disease appears to influence postoperative outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oxidovanadium(IV/V) complexes with NNO donor ligand was synthesized and characterized. • Molecular Docking was used to study the molecular binding behaviour of all complexes. • The complexes were screened for the anti-diabetic activity. Reaction of NNO donor Schiff bases with vanadyl sulphate afforded the complexes viz., [VO(L1)(H 2 O)]NO 3 1 , [VO(L2)(H 2 O)]NO 3 2 , [VO(L2)(ImH) 2 ]SO 4 ·H 2 O 3 and [VO(L1)ImH]NO 3 4 (where, L1 = Acetic acid (2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide and L2 = 5-bromo-2-[(E)-(pyridine-2-ylhydrazono)methyl]phenol). In complex 3 the oxidation state of vanadium was found to be +5, while in rest all complexes it was +4. The crystal structure of complex 3 was solved by single crystal X-ray analysis. In addition to synthesis, optical, infrared and electrochemical properties of these complexes were also carried out. Electron paramagnetic spectra of oxidovanadium(IV/V) complexes is reported as well. Docking experiments were performed to study the molecular binding behaviour of all complexes with α-glucosidase enzyme. An antidiabetic feature like α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition studies made them promising candidates as inhibitors of insulin enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purification of hydrogen rich gases is of great technological importance in the “hydrogen economy” and is achieved by selective membranes made of organic or inorganic materials. In this field, a strong challenge is the synthesis of defect-free ultrathin Pd-based selective membranes. We present a study on the synthesis and performances of a bilayer structure consisting of 100 nm nanoporous silica coated with a 150 nm Pd–Ag layer. An alumina disk having periodic microsieves structure was used as support for the bilayer. The hydrogen transport through this nanocomposite membrane is controlled by the dissociation of molecular hydrogen at the surface of the Pd–Ag functional layer. When operating at 573 K, the membrane exhibits high H2/N2 selectivity (a factor as high as 600–900), high H2 permeance (∼10-6 mol m-2 s-1 Pa-1), and operative stability on long-term operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report a simulation study of the interaction between gold nanoparticles stabilized with both linear and branched alkane chains in supercritical ethane. In agreement with experimental and previous theoretical work, the authors find that increasing solvent density and making ligands more branched make the nanoparticle interaction more repulsive. These findings are analyzed in terms of the extent of the chain interdigitation and chain-solvent interaction energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a density-functional theory study of nanoparticle interactions in a concentrated polymer solution. The polymers are modeled as freely jointed tangent chains; all nonbonded interactions between polymer segments and nanoparticles are described by Lennard-Jones potentials. We test several recently proposed methods of treating attractive interactions within the density-functional theory framework by comparing theoretical results with recent simulation data. We find that the simple van der Waals approach provides the most accurate results for the polymer-mediated potential of mean force between two dilute nanoparticles. We employ this approach to study nanoparticle interactions as a function of nanoparticle-segment interaction strength and polymer solution density and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a density functional theory study of colloidal interactions in a concentrated polymer solution. The colloids are modeled as hard spheres and polymers are modeled as freely jointed tangent hard sphere chains. Our theoretical results for the polymer-mediated mean force between two dilute colloids are compared with recent simulation data for this model. Theory is shown to be in good agreement with simulation. We compute the colloid-colloid potential of mean force and the second virial coefficient, and analyze the behavior of these quantities as a function of the polymer solution density, the polymer chain length, and the colloid/polymer bead size ratio. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Modulation of retention in microemulsion liquid chromatography is described. • The contents of reagents for best retention, selectivity and resolution are given. • The viability and adequacy of isocratic and gradient elution are discussed. • Reported optimization strategies to facilitate method development are outlined. • Methodology used to prepare stable microemulsion systems is described. Abstract Microemulsions (MEs) are stable, isotropically clear solutions consisting of an oil and water stabilized by a surfactant and a co-surfactant. Oil-in-water microemuslion liquid chromatography (MELC) is a relatively new chromatographic mode, which uses an O/W ME as mobile phase. Retention, selectivity and efficiency can be modified by changing the concentration of the ME components and the ratio between the aqueous and oil phases. This work makes a critical survey on the information found in the literature about the mobile phase compositions that lead to the creation of successful O/W ME mobile phases, as well as the effect of pH for ionizable compounds and temperature. The viability of performing the analyses using isocratic and gradient elution is also considered. The complexity of the composition of a successful ME, and the fact that the different factors interact each other, may require many manipulations during method development to achieve an acceptable separation for complex mixtures. This is the reason of the proposal from several authors of a standard ME as starting point when developing a method for a new separation with no previous reports. Based on these initial conditions, the interest of several authors in applying computer-assisted approaches to optimize the composition of ME mobile phases, and reduce significantly the time and reagent consumption for method development, is described. Some practical tips are given to prepare stable ME mobile phases that yield reproducible results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: PET/CT is now integral to the staging pathway for potentially curable esophageal cancer (EC), primarily to identify distant metastases undetected by computed tomography. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of PET/CT introduction on survival and assess patterns of recurrence after esophagectomy. Methods: A longitudinal cohort of EC patients staged between 1998 and 2016 were considered for inclusion. After co-variate adjustment using propensity scoring, a cohort of 496 patients (273 pre-PET/CT and 223 post-PET/CT) who underwent esophagectomy [median age 63 years (31–80), 395 males, 425 adenocarcinomas, 71 squamous cell carcinomas, 325 neoadjuvant therapy] were included. The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS) based on intention to treat. Results: Three-year OS pre-PET/CT was 42.5% compared with 57.8% post-PET/CT (Chi2 6.571, df 1, p = 0.004). On multivariable analysis, pT stage (HR 1.496 [95% CI 1.28–1.75], p < 0.0001), pN stage (HR 1.114 [95% CI 1.04–1.19], p = 0.001) and PET/CT staging (HR 0.688 [95% CI 0.53–0.89] p = 0.004) were independently associated with OS. Recurrent cancer was observed in 125 patients (51.4%) pre-PET/CT, compared with 74 patients post-PET/CT (37.8%, p = 0.004), and was less likely to be distant recurrence after PET/CT introduction (39.5 vs. 27.0%, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Enhanced PET/CT staging is an important modality and independent factor associated with improved survival in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation and monitoring of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) or consumptive water use over large-area holds the key to irrigation management plans and regional drought preparedness. The objective of this study was to estimate ETc by applying the simplified-surface energy balance index (S-SEBI) model to Landsat-8 data for the 2014–2015 period in parts of North India. An average ETc was estimated 2.72 and 2.47 in mm day−1 with 0.22, 0.18 standard deviation and 0.11, 0.07 standard error for Kharif and Rabi crops, respectively. On validation part, a close relationship was observed between S-SEBI derived and scintillometer observed evaporative fraction with 0.85 correlation coefficient and 0.86 agreement index. The statistical analysis also endorses the results accuracy and reliability with 0.026 and 0.602, relative root-mean square errors and model efficiency for wheat crop, respectively. The study showed that normalized difference vegetation index and LST are closely related and serve as a proxy for qualitative representation of ETc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted for the analysis of combining ability of some yield and quality taits in a set of 10 durum wheat genotypesfollowing a diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that mean square values due to parents and hybrids were significant for the traits days to 50% heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of effective tillers per plant, length of main spike, peduncle length, number of spikelets per main spike, grain yield per main spike, grain yield per plant, test weight, biological yield per plant, harvest index, specific sedimentation volume, protein content, sedimentation value and β carotene which revealed that existence of differences among the parents and hybrids. Significance of both σ2 GCA and σ2 SCA for the characters days to 50% heading, days to maturity, length of main spike and number of spikelets per main spike suggested that importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects for the inheritance of these characters. The value of average degree of dominance was close to one for days to maturity and length of main spike which revealed complete dominance behaviour of interacting alleles for these characters. The parents GDW 1255, GW 2007-112 and GW 1 were good combiners for multiple traits viz., days to 50% heading, days to maturity, length of main spike, number of spikelets per main spike, number of grains per main spike and spike density in F1 generation. The crosses (give best crosses for grain yield) GW 2002-51 x GW 1 and GW 2007-77 x GW 1277 was good specific combiners for multiple traits along with grain yield in F1 generation and these crosses may be utilized in the development of high yielding progenies in durum wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal dystrophies (RDs) are hereditary blinding eye conditions that are highly variable in their clinical presentation. The remarkable genetic heterogeneity that characterizes RD was a major challenge in establishing the molecular diagnosis in these patients until the recent advent of next‐generation sequencing. It remains unclear, however, what percentage of autosomal recessive RD remain undiagnosed when all established RD genes are sequenced. We enrolled 75 families in which RD segregates in an apparently autosomal recessive manner. We show that the yield of a multigene panel that contains known RD genes is 67.5%. The higher yield (82.3%) when whole exome sequencing was implemented instead was often due to hits in genes that were not included in the original design of the panel. We also show the value of homozygosity mapping even during the era of exome sequencing in uncovering cryptic mutations. In total, we describe 45 unique likely deleterious variants (of which 18 are novel including one deep intronic and one genomic deletion mutation). Our study suggests that the genetic heterogeneity of autosomal recessive RD is approaching saturation and that any new RD genes will probably account for only a minor role in the mutation burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is a significant biophysical vegetation variable to understand the spatio-temporal distribution of carbon and source-sink nature of the ecosystem. This study was carried out in a forest plantation area and aimed to (i) estimate the spatio-temporal patterns of NPP during 2009 and 2010 using Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach [CASA] model and (ii) study the effects of climate variables on the NPP using generalized linear modelling (GLM) approach. The total annual NPP varied from 157.21 to 1030.89 gC m−2 yr−1 for the year 2009 and from 154.36 to 1124.85 g C m−2 yr−1 for the year 2010. The annual NPP was assessed across four major plantation types, where maximum NPP gain (106 and 139 g C m−2 yr−1 ) in October was noticed in teak (Tectona grandis) and minimum (77 and 109 g C m−2 yr−1 ) in eucalyptus (Eucalyptus hybrid) during 2009 and 2010.The validation, using field-estimated NPP, showed under-estimation of modelled NPP, with maximum MAPE of 34% for eucalyptus and minimum of 13% for teak. The dominant influence of precipitation on the NPP was revealed by GLM explaining more than 20% of variation. CASA model efficiently estimated the annual NPP of plantations. The accuracy could be improved further with inclusion of higher resolution data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]