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Oculopalatal tremor (OPT) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by acquired oscillatory nystagmus synchronized with tremors of the soft palate and other muscles. The article discusses the pathology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods of OPT. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords and relevant articles were studied and analysis was done. Vertical pendular nystagmus is the hallmark, while other muscles such as the neck, head, larynx, and diaphragm may be affected. The pathophysiology is due to lesions of the Guillain–Mollaret triangle (GMT), which causes hypertrophy of the inferior olivary. Neuroimaging reveals hypertrophy of the inferior olivary medulla, which aids in diagnosis. Drug treatments such as gabapentin and memantine can reduce nystagmus, although the visual quality may not permanently improve. The study explores the complexity of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of OPT. New treatments that target abnormal neuronal connections with drugs such as quinine or mefloquine are being investigated. The potential of deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains uncertain, with promising aspects but limited efficacy. A synergy of technology and treatment is proposed to advance OPT treatment. Future studies will aim to clarify the nuances of responses to OPT and may include a comparative study of medication and DBS. OPT is mainly caused by a disruption in GMT/dentato-rubro-olivary pathway, presenting with tremor, and nystagmus is diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging. Gabapentin and memantine have proved to be effective in improving the condition except for visual changes.

Red luminescent Eu3+ activated CaSiO3 phosphor has been prepared by facile green synthesis hydrothermal route using biomass. Future technologies will be required to synthesize on a massive scale using quick, easy, and affordable ways. The current study deals with the preparation of CaSiO3:Eu3+ using egg shell and rice husk ash. The synthesized powders had a single phased monoclinic structure with space group P1 21/C1. It has been found that addition of Eu3+ ion dopant causes decrease in the optical energy band gap. The phosphor exhibits the intense peak at 612 nm corresponds to 5D0 → 7F2 of the Eu3+ anions upon excitation at 392 nm. The lifetimes ranged from 1.90 to 3.53 ms. With an increase in Eu3+ concentration, emission was tuned towards the red area of the CIE diagram. In order to detect hidden fingerprints on flat surfaces using the powder dusting approach, the CaSiO3:Eu3+ effectiveness was also evaluated. The nontoxicity of CaSiO3:Eu3+ was validated by carrying out a cell viability test on MG 63 cell lines. These outcomes demonstrated that the luminescent CaSiO3:Eu3+ can be used as potential material for display, security encoding, and latent fingerprint applications.

Abstract Objective This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for oral cancer. Despite progress in oral cancer diagnosis and prognosis, the 5-year survival rate remains low due to the resistance to treatment and delayed diagnosis, which can be attributed to various factors including tobacco and alcohol consumption, genetic damage, and human papillomavirus (HPV). The potential use of saliva as an easily accessible non-invasive screening and diagnostic method arises from its direct contact with the lesion site. Methodology Data for this study were gathered via a comprehensive literature evaluation using search engines such as the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SciFinder. Results Identifying salivary biomarkers shows potential to transform oral cancer diagnostics by offering a reliable alternative to the traditional invasive methods. Saliva is an abundant reservoir for both cell-bound and cell-free organic and inorganic constituents. Thus, saliva is an appropriate field for research in proteomics, genomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics. Conclusion This review provides a comprehensive elucidation of salivary biomarkers and their function in non-invasive oral cancer diagnosis, demonstrating their potential to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the impact of this devastating disease.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant emerged in early November 2021 and its rapid spread created fear worldwide. This was attributed to its increased infectivity and escaping immune mechanisms. The spike protein of Omicron has more mutations (>30) than any other previous variants and was declared as the variant of concern (VOC) by the WHO. The concern among the scientific community was huge about this variant, and a piece of updated information on circulating viral strains is important in order to better understand the epidemiology, virus pathogenicity, transmission, therapeutic interventions, and vaccine development. A total of 710 samples were processed for sequencing and identification up to a resolution of sub-lineage. The sequence analysis revealed Omicron variant with distribution as follows: B.1.1, B.1.1.529, BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.10, BA.2.10.1, BA.2.23, BA.2.37, BA.2.38, BA.2.43, BA.2.74, BA.2.75, BA.2.76, and BA.4 sub-lineages. There is a shift noted in circulating lineage from BA.1 to BA.2 to BA.4 over a period from January to September 2022. Multiple signature mutations were identified in S protein T376A, D405N, and R408S mutations, which were new and common to all BA.2 variants. Additionally, R346T was seen in emerging BA.2.74 and BA.2.76 variants. The emerging BA.4 retained the common T376A, D405N, and R408S mutations of BA.2 along with a new mutation F486V. The samples sequenced were from different districts of Madhya Pradesh and showed a predominance of BA.2 and its variants circulating in this region. The current study identified circulation of BA.1 and BA.1.1 variants during initial phase. The predominant Delta strain of the second wave has been replaced by the Omicron variant in this region over a period of time. This study successfully deciphers the dynamics of the emergence and replacement of various sub-lineages of SARS-CoV-2 in central India on real real-time basis.

Alzheimer's disease stands as one of the most widespread neurodegenerative conditions associated with aging, giving rise to dementia and posing significant public health challenges. Mathematical models are considered as valuable tools to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying the onset, progression, and potential therapeutic approaches for AD. In this paper, we introduce a mathematical model for AD that employs the fractal fractional operator in the Caputo sense to characterize the temporal dynamics of key cell populations. This model encompasses essential elements, including amyloid-β ($\mathbb{ A_\beta }$), neurons, astroglia and microglia. Using the fractal fractional operator, we have established the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the model under consideration, employing Leray-Schaefer's theorem and the Banach fixed-point methods. Utilizing functional techniques, we have analyzed the proposed model stability under the Ulam-Hyers condition. The suggested model has been numerically simulated by using a fractional Adams-Bashforth approach, which involves a two-step Lagrange polynomial. For numerical simulations, different ranges of fractional order values and fractal dimensions are considered. This new fractal fractional operator in the form of the Caputo derivative was determined to yield better results than an ordinary integer order. Various outcomes are shown graphically by for different fractal dimensions and arbitrary orders.

This study introduces an innovative approach combining Taylor wavelet with quasilinearization, aiming to enhance the fractional-order tumor growth model. To explore the prediction of tumor growth, the fractional order Taylor wavelet (FOTW) technique is employed. Block pulse functions (BPFs) are used for constructing a fractional order operational matrix of integration. Next, the quasilinearization method is employed to transform the given equations into a linear algebraic system of equations. To show the performance of the FOTW based approach, the numerical results are obtained and discussed geometrically. The outcomes show that fractional models work more effectively, and can be further explored.

Abstract Background Infection risk was significant for front-line nurses during the Covid-19 outbreak. The pandemic presented several ethical difficulties and sapped nurses’ drive to labor harder for longer periods. This study evaluates registered nurses’ perceptions of Covid-19 infection risk, ethical dilemmas, and motivating factors. Materials and methods During March and April 2022, 400 registered nurses from a newly established tertiary care hospital participated in this cross-sectional exploratory survey. The risk assessment scale, motivation to work scale, and ethical dilemma scale were used to assess the perceived risk of infection, motivational factors and ethical challenges experienced by the nurses. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to compute the results. Results 76.4% of nurses feared working as a nurse put them at higher risk of infection. Besides the fear of contracting infection, nurses believed they were the source of infection to family members (70.8%) and people around (67.5%). 63.3% of nurses agree that they do not have the right to refuse treatment and every patient has the right to receive optimal care, regardless of age, gender, and medical conditions. Professional obligation to treat patients (72.3%) and sound professional knowledge and experience (83.5%) are important motivating factors to work during the pandemic. Multilinear regression analysis revealed that professional education (95% CI, 3.845 − 0.694, p = 0.005), Covid-19 positive status (95% CI,0.455-2.756, p = 0.006), and post-Covid-19 hospitalization (95% CI, 1.395–6.978, p = 0.003) and duration of hospitalization (95% CI, 0.754-0.058, p = 0.022) are independent predictors of higher perceived risk of infection among nurses. Conclusions During the pandemic, nurses were afraid to work and faced personal and family risks of contracting the virus. Despite these challenges, they still feel a strong sense of commitment and dedication to providing the best possible care. Nurse administrators need to create a supportive environment that follows ethical principles and meets the needs of nurses to boost their motivation and encourage them to continue working for longer periods.

The preclinical and clinical role of mesenchymal stem cells from various adult sources is extensively investigated and established in regenerative medicine. However, the comprehensive exploration of the therapeutic potential of Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) is inadequate. Therefore, we performed a systematic meta-analysis of preclinical animal model studies in several diseases to provide insight into SHED's efficacy and therapeutic potential. Two blinded and independent investigators searched the available online databases and scrutinized the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the pooled effect estimate of intervention of SHED by Review Manager 5.4.1. To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of SHED intervention, we also analyzed the test of heterogeneity (I2), overall effect (Z), sensitivity, and publication bias. Among the 2156 scrutinized studies, 40 were included and evaluated as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention of SHED and its derivatives in several diseases depicted statistically significant therapeutic effects in periodontitis, pulpitis, spinal cord injury, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's disease, focal cerebral ischemia, peripheral nerve injury, and retinal pigmentosa. SHED also improved levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin in liver fibrosis . In autoimmune diseases also, values were significant. SHED also showed a statistically significant reduction of wound healing area and new bone formation in bone defects. The pooled effect estimates of included preclinical studies demonstrated a statistically significant therapeutic effect of SHED in numerous diseases. Based on our data, it is suggested that the potential of SHED may be implemented in clinical trials after conducting a few more preclinical studies.

This article aims to introduce and analyze a diabetes mellitus model of fractional order, utilizing the ABC derivative. Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent and significant disease worldwide, ranking among the top causes of mortality. It is characterized by chronic metabolic dysfunction, leading to elevated blood glucose levels and subsequent damage to vital organs including the nerves, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, and heart. The fractional ABC derivative is used in this study to describe and analyze diabetes mellitus mathematically while removing hereditary influences. The investigation begins by exploring the initial points of the diabetes mellitus model. Under the fractional ABC operator, Picard's theorem is used to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions. For the numerical approximation of solutions in the fractional-order diabetes mellitus model, this study used a specialized technique that combines the principles of fractional calculus and a two-step Lagrange polynomial interpolation. Finally, the obtained results are visually presented through graphical representations, serving as empirical evidence to support our theoretical findings. The numerical experiments showed that the proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus increased as the fractional dimension (θ) reduced. The combination of mathematical modelling, analysis, and numerical simulations provides insights into the dynamics of diabetes mellitus, offering valuable contributions to the understanding and management of this prevalent disease. Additionally, the proposed scheme can be enhanced by incorporating the ABC operator, allowing for the simulation of real-world dynamics and behavior in the coexistence of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis.

Cryptography has recently become a critical area to research and advance in order to transmit information safely and securely among various entities, especially when the transmitted data is classified as crucial or important. This is due to the increase in the use of the Internet and other novel communication technology. Many businesses now outsource sensitive data to a third party because of the rise of cloud computing and storage. Currently, the key problem is to encrypt the data such that it may be stored on an unreliable server without sacrificing the ability to use it effectively. In this paper, we propose a graph encryption scheme by using cryptography and steganography. Data is encrypted using association schemes over finite abelian groups and then hiding the encrypted data behind randomly chosen cover image. We implemented and evaluated the efficiency of our constructions experimentally. We provide experimental results, statistical analysis, error analysis, and key analysis that demonstrates the appropriateness and efficiency of the proposed technique.

This study introduces a new fractional order Fibonacci wavelet technique proposed for solving the fractional Bagley-Torvik equation (BTE), along with the block pulse functions. To convert the specified initial and boundary value problems into algebraic equations, the Riemann–Liouville (R-L) fractional integral operator is defined, and the operational matrices of fractional integrals (OMFI) are built. This numerical scheme’s performance is evaluated and examined on particular problems to show its proficiency and effectiveness, and other methods that are accessible in the current literature are compared. The numerical results demonstrate that the approach produces extremely precise results and is computationally more decisive than previous methods.

This study aimed to examine the physiological alterations in riverine buffaloes with incompletely dilated cervix after the uterine torsion correction and the main objective was to understand the hormonal changes that lead to complete cervical dilatation following detorsion, facilitating per-vaginal birth. Torsion characteristics in buffaloes (n=24) were examined, and detorsion was performed using Sharma’s Modified Schaffer’s approach. Blood samples were collected pre-detorsion, post-detorsion, and at parturition. The average cervical dilation rate was 1.22±0.16 cm/h, and detorsion-to-parturition duration averaged 17.38±1.44 h. There were no significant differences between haematological and biochemical parameters at three-time intervals except serum calcium. Progesterone levels decreased progressively (1.43±0.01 ng/mL, 1.37±0.01 ng/mL, 1.34±0.01 ng/mL), while estradiol levels increased significantly (65.86±2.05 pg/mL, 77.08±2.05 pg/mL, 91.8±2.55 pg/mL) from pre-detorsion to post-detorsion and parturition. The levels of cortisol were significantly higher pre-detorsion (24.3±2.07 ng/mL) and post-detorsion (27.1±2.5 ng/mL) than at parturition (18.31±1.76 ng/mL). In conclusion, elevated estradiol levels, coupled with reduced progesterone, post-detorsion, trigger complete cervical dilatation, facilitating per-vaginal birth. This study sheds light on the hormonal dynamics driving the birthing process in buffaloes after uterine torsion correction.

The aim of this paper is to analyze a fractional model of the Ebola virus. This study is important because it contributes to our understanding of the Ebola virus transmission dynamics using the notion of non-local differential operators. We aim to apply the recently implemented Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo (ABC) fractional derivative with the Mittag-Leffler kernel to study the Ebola virus model closely. The Picard–Lindelof approach is used to do a comprehensive study of the existence and uniqueness of the model’s solutions. The approximate solutions of the fractional order Ebola virus model were obtained using a numerical technique with the ABC operator, a combination of the fundamental theorem of fractional calculus and the two-step Lagrange polynomial interpolation. This innovative approach may offer new insights into the Ebola virus model that were not previously explored. Finally, the numerical simulations illustrate how the control parameters impact specific compartments within the model. The geometrical representation gives significant information about the model’s complexity and reliable information about the model. We simulate each model compartment at various fractional orders and compare them with integer-order simulations, highlighting the effectiveness of modern derivatives. The fractional analysis underscores the enhanced accuracy of non-integer order derivatives in capturing the Ebola virus model’s dynamics.

In this paper, we have discussed the Fibonacci wavelet (FW) framework for numerical simulations of the fractional relaxation–oscillation model (FROM). Firstly, the fractional order operational matrices of integration associated with the FW are constructed via the block pulse functions. The operational matrices merged with the collocation method are used to convert the given problem into a system of algebraic equations that is solved by the Newton method. We conduct error analysis, perform numerical simulations, and present the corresponding results to establish the credibility and practical applicability of the proposed technique. Numerical examples are provided to show the efficiency of our approach. To show the accuracy of the FW-based numerical technique, the approximate solutions of FROM are compared with the exact solution and other existing methods. This research opens up new possibilities for using FW as a powerful tool for addressing complex mathematical problems in real-world systems.

This study introduces a novel numerical approach based on shifted fractional-order Gegenbauer wavelets. The technique aims to provide approximate solutions for a certain class of extremely significant fractional models of electrical Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, and Image 4 circuits. We use a collocated approach to generate numerical solutions for these circuits model by making use of the beneficial characteristics of shifted fractional-order Gegenbauer polynomials (SFGBP). We include a parameter that characterizes the presence of fractional structures inside the models in order to retain the dimensional properties of the physical parameters in the electrical circuits. Several particular instances of the various source terms have also been examined. The main findings include the close resemblance of current fractional-order models to classical cases, variations in current with resistance values, and error reduction through additional series terms. Numerical simulations are shown through geometrical interpretation to illustrate the exactness and reliability of our technique.

Among recently prevalent tick-borne infections in India, Kyasanur Forest Virus Disease (KFD) is an important public health concern. During last decade the emergence of cases apart from endemic zone raised concern about case positivity. Early diagnosis is therefore very important in disease management and primary containment. This study, aimed to develop a simplified viral RNA extraction in combination to dry down format of novel isothermal assay for (Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Spiral reaction) specific and rapid identification of Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus targeting viral envelope gene. The one step method was optimized by magnetic bead based viral RNA extraction followed by isothermal RT-PSR assay in heat bath at 63⁰C for 60 minutes. Further, visual results interpretation was done by color change of Hydroxy Naphthol Blue dye. The detection limit of the assay was found 10 RNA copies/rxn with comparable to silica column based viral RNA combined real time qPCR. No cross reactivity was observed with other closely related flaviviruses. The assay was evaluated with clinical samples has shown >99% concordance between two methods. This is the first report of sample extraction coupled isothermal detection of KFD in a simplified manner without a need of any hi-end equipment. The assay developed here has potential to use as an alternate for field-based detection in resource limited settings for KFD.

Two potent inhibitors PPEF and BPVF of bacterial TopoIA enzymes function by impairing DNA binding and thus DNA cleavage and relaxation activities of bacterial topoisomerase I enzymes.

Non-communicable disease, especially chronic disease, is the most common factor of complication of deteriorating physical health and the state of one’s mind. It is also a prominent cause of illness and mortality around the world. Primarily chronic disease is preventable at a particular stage though its occurrence is critical. To make clinical decisions, these illness prediction models were created to assist clinicians and patients. A chronic disease prediction model takes into account many risk variables to determine an individual’s illness risk. Machine learning approaches have made it possible to predict chronic disease early by collecting Electronic Health Record (EHR) data. This paper focuses on the diabetes dataset extracted from Kaggle and two unseen real datasets. In this paper, we have implemented Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique (SMOTE) algorithm to balance the dataset. We have also explored Boruta as the feature selection method. To tune hyper-parameters of different algorithms, we have proposed an improved technique by combining the Grid Search method with the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. The Grid Search method requires extensive searching, while the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm is easily linked, rapid to seek, and extremely exact. Nine conventional classification techniques have been evaluated in this paper. This research concentrates on the Stacking Classifier to assess the performance of the prediction model that produces the best results. The Proposed Model gave the highest F1-Score 98.84% on PIMA dataset, 98% after validation on the Synthetic dataset, 97.3% on ADRC dataset, 96.20% on FHD dataset. To the best of our knowledge, no previous work has focused on such a sort of technique and these two datasets. The outcomes of the comparison experiment on the PIMA dataset reveals that the proposed strategy performs better. This study also provides the interpretation of the proposed model. It conducts an ethical assessment of what explainability means for the use of Machine Learning models in clinical practice.

A series of Eu3+ and Eu2+ doped wollastonite is produced with a modified sol–gel technique using agricultural‐food waste materials. Rice husk ash (RHA) and eggshell (ES) are used as an usher for silica and calcium oxide, appropriately, at different concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 mol%). Most investigations have documented photoluminescence (PL) from Eu3+ ions caused by electronic transitions between 4f levels (5D0 → 7FJ) but there is limited information on emissions from Eu2+ ions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies reveal that varying amounts of europium ions do not have any effect on the structure of the host. PL spectra display that europium ions exist in both trivalent and divalent forms. A valence change from Eu3+ to Eu2+ ion is investigated using luminescence measurements. As‐prepared Eu3+ activated β‐wollastonite emitted as red and reduction atmosphere using argon gas produced Eu2+ activated phosphor gives off blue light. X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that throughout the processing of the samples, Eu3+ cations are partially reduced to Eu2+ cations in argon gas atmosphere. These findings prove the feasibility of fabricating white light‐emitting diodes (white‐LEDs) for three‐band type (RGB) phosphors utilizing only one host crystal.

Summary: Alternative splicing of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) generates numerous isoforms with unique roles in tumor angiogenesis, and investigating the underlying mechanism during hypoxia necessitates diligent pursuance. Our research systematically demonstrated that the splicing factor SRSF2 causes the inclusion of exon-8b, leading to the formation of the anti-angiogenic VEGFA-165b isoform under normoxic conditions. Additionally, SRSF2 interacts with DNMT3A and maintains methylation on exon-8a, inhibiting CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) recruitment and RNA polymerase II (pol II) occupancy, causing exon-8a exclusion and decreased expression of pro-angiogenic VEGFA-165a. Conversely, SRSF2 is downregulated by HIF1α-induced miR-222-3p under hypoxic conditions, which prevents exon-8b inclusion and reduces VEGFA-165b expression. Furthermore, reduced SRSF2 under hypoxia promotes hydroxymethylation on exon-8a, increasing CTCF recruitment, pol II occupancy, exon-8a inclusion, and VEGFA-165a expression. Overall, our findings unveil a specialized dual mechanism of VEGFA-165 alternative splicing, instrumented by the cross-talk between SRSF2 and CTCF, which promotes angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions.

The Pangong Tso lake is a high-altitude freshwater habitat wherein the resident microbes experience unique selective pressures, i.e., high radiation, low nutrient content, desiccation, and temperature extremes. Our study attempts to analyze the diversity of culturable bacteria by applying a high-throughput amplicon sequencing approach based on long read technology to determine the spectrum of bacterial diversity supported by axenic media. The phyla Pseudomonadota, Bacteriodetes, and Actinomycetota were retrieved as the predominant taxa in both water and sediment samples. The genera Hydrogenophaga and Rheinheimera, Pseudomonas, Loktanella, Marinomonas, and Flavobacterium were abundantly present in the sediment and water samples, respectively. Low nutrient conditions supported the growth of taxa within the phyla Bacteriodetes, Actinomycetota, and Cyanobacteria and were biased towards the selection of Pseudomonas, Hydrogenophaga, Bacillus, and Enterococcus spp. Our study recommends that media formulations can be finalized after analyzing culturable diversity through a high-throughput sequencing effort to retrieve maximum species diversity targeting novel/relevant taxa.

Plants influence the abiotic and biotic environment of the rhizosphere, affecting plant performance through plant–soil feedback (PSF). We compared the strength of nutrient and microbe-mediated PSF and its implications for plant performance in domesticated and wild grasses with a fully crossed greenhouse PSF experiment using four inbred maize genotypes (Zea mays ssp. mays b58, B73-wt, B73-rth3, and HP301), teosinte (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis), and two wild prairie grasses (Andropogon gerardii and Tripsacum dactyloides) to condition soils for three feedback species (maize B73-wt, teosinte, Andropogon gerardii). We found evidence of negative PSF based on growth, phenotypic traits, and foliar nutrient concentrations for maize B73-wt, which grew slower in maize-conditioned soil than prairie grass-conditioned soil. In contrast, teosinte and A. gerardii showed few consistent feedback responses. Both rhizobiome and nutrient-mediated mechanisms were implicated in PSF. Based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, the rhizosphere bacterial community composition differed significantly after conditioning by prairie grass and maize plants, and the final soil nutrients were significantly influenced by conditioning, more so than by the feedback plants. These results suggest PSF-mediated soil domestication in agricultural settings can develop quickly and reduce crop productivity mediated by PSF involving changes to both the soil rhizobiomes and nutrient availability.

After detorsion, incomplete cervical dilatation is major cause of dystocia. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of valethamate bromide and hyoscine butyl bromide on cervical dilation after detorsion and their effect on haematological and biochemical parameters of torsion detorted water buffaloes. A total of 18 buffaloes were selected for study which were divided into three groups of six animals each. After detorsion by Sharma’s Modified Schaffer’s method, animals with grade I and grade II cervix were selected for the study. Group I (control group) buffaloes were administered with dexamethasone (40 mg, I/M), cloprostenol (500 μg, I/M) and mifex (450 mL, slow I/V) after successful detorsion. Along with these drugs, in group II and group III, valethamate bromide (100 mg, I/M) and hyoscine butyl bromide (160 mg, I/M) were administered, respectively. The cervical dilation rate (CDR) of each group was calculated and compared. Blood samples were collected three times: before detorsion, after treatment and at parturition. Group III (2.17±0.07 cm/h) had significantly higher CDR followed by group II (1.39±0.21 cm/h), and control group (0.47±0.19 cm/h). Serum calcium levels were also elevated after treatment. Both drug combinations were found safe haematologically and biochemically.

A report of the small molecule Carbazole Blue demonstrates inhibition of breast cancer growth and metastasis without adverse effects on normal tissue.

Background: Respectful maternal care (RMC) is increasingly recognized globally as critical to improving the quality of maternity care as women deserve respectful and dignified care. Numerous women face disrespectful maternal care during labor and delivery, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which dissuades them from seeking institutional care. Women, the consumers of care, are better positioned to report on the level of respectful care they receive. Health care workers' perspectives on barriers to delivering respective maternity care are seldom explored. Thus, this study aims to assess the levels of respectful maternity care and its barriers. Methods: This cross-sectional study assesses the level of RMC and its barriers in the labor room of tertiary care hospital in Odisha among 246 women selected by consecutive sampling technique by a questionnaire. Results: More than one-third of women reported good RMC. Although women rated high in domains of environment, resources, dignified care, and non-discrimination, non-consented care and non-confidential care were poorly rated. Barriers that adversely affect the delivery of RMC perceived by health care workers were lack of resources, staffing, uncooperative mother, communication issues, privacy issues, lack of policies, workload, and language problems. There was a significant association of RMC with age, education, occupation, and income. In contrast, residence, marital status, number of children, antenatal visit, type of institute of antenatal care, mode of delivery, and gender of health care provider were not associated with RMC. Conclusion: Given the above findings, we recommend vigorous efforts to improve the institutional policies, resources, training, and supervision of health care professionals on women's rights during childbirth to strengthen the quality of care for positive birth experiences.

Introduction: Immunization is one of the most substantial contributions from the medical field to human beings as a low-cost intervention to prevent major illnesses that contribute to the mortality of children in developing countries like India. Parent’s knowledge plays a vital role in determining the health status of children. Purpose of the study: To assess knowledge, attitude, and compliance of immunization, and explore barriers of immunization among parents of under-five children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 parents of under-five children at selected government hospitals in Dehradun district. Study participants were selected by consecutive sampling technique, and data were collected using pre-tested, structured questionnaires. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of 200, 39 (19.5%) parents reported that their child was not vaccinated as per schedule. A vast proportion (84.5%) of parents had an average to good level of knowledge regarding under-five immunization. Out of ten components of attitude, most of the parents had agreed in favor of vaccination. The most common barriers of compliance reported by parents were: unaware of the next scheduled doses, illness in family, and absence of vaccine at health centre. Conclusion: Most of the parents of the under-five child had basic knowledge and positive attitude regarding immunization, but the compliance rate for immunization was not 100%. We recommend that health agencies must develop multiple education interventions regarding immunization and periodic reminders for scheduled vaccination for their child. Also, concerned authorities should consider feedback and resolve the issues of parents appropriately.

Ruminants are poor subject for general anaesthesia. Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is a common digestive disorder in buffaloes requiring balanced general anaesthesia for surgical repair. For premedication, initially, a combination of phenothiazine/chloralhydrate was used which was later replaced by alpha2 agonist like xylazine. Anticholinergics like atropine or glycopyrrolate were included in balanced anaesthetic protocols to reduce cardiac depression by alpha2 agonists. Thiobarbiturates historically were used for induction and maintenance but late recovery and cardiorepiratory depression lead to switch over to propofol. Maintenance of anaesthesia by top-up or continuous rate infusion (CRI) of propofol was not economical. The inclusion of opioids like butorphanol improved the analgesia as well as has dose sparing effect on induction and maintenance agent. The introduction of inhalants for maintenance significantly improved outcomes with the ease of change of depth of anaesthesia. It has also been observed that adrenocortical suppression by etomidate and mechanical intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) resulted in poor outcomes whereas maintaining the homeostasis and functional adreno-cortical axis of buffaloes under anaesthesia improves the success rate of DH surgeries. The balanced anaesthetic combination of Atropine/xylazine/ butorphanol/propofol/isoflurane has been found to be most satisfactory till date in buffaloes undergoing DH surgery. The studies on muscle relaxants, blood gas analysis and end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) in buffaloes are scarce. Moreover, many drugs have been used in combinations in clinical cases on the basis of extrapolation from other species; but in buffaloes the effect of individual drug (like dose sparing effect of analgesics, minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhalants) has to be still studied.

In the present study, we have done a comparative study on the efficacy of some currently used repurposed drugs: Oseltamivir (O), Favipiravir (F) and Hydroxychloroquine (H) in individual and in their combinational mode against CoV-2 infections. The ADME analysis has helped us to identify the inhibitory possibility of the tested drugs towards receptor 3CLpro protein of SARS-CoV-2. Various thermodynamical parameters obtained from Molecular Docking, Molecular dynamics (MD) and MMPBSA simulations like binding affinity, potential energy (Epot), RMSD, RMSF, SASA energy, interaction energies, Gibbs free energy (ΔGbind) etc. also helped us to verify the effectivity of mentioned drugs against CoV-2 protease.

Developments in blockchain technology coupled with rapid developments in network technologies have disrupted traditional business and service models. One such application is in the domain of healthcare. However, the domain's sensitive nature and complexity require blockchain-enabled e-healthcare to ensure utilitarianism while suitably addressing the associated ethical challenges. In this milieu, the paper attempts to identify and evaluate the parameters of ethical challenges associated with blockchain adoption in e-healthcare. This paper contributes to the extant body of knowledge by presenting a critical review of the ethical considerations at the meso level of blockchains in e-healthcare. Based on findings from the literature, the study identified nine parameters of blockchain ethics. Of these, Accuracy and Right to be Forgotten were found to be most critical in terms of ethical dilemmas in healthcare applications. No evidence of ethical dilemma could be found with respect to Accountability and Data Ownership. As these services are deployed over networks, all these challenges are further evaluated in the context of 6G network-based models. This will not only provide the stakeholders with a holistic view of the ethical challenges in various blockchain-enabled healthcare applications but also enable a meticulous transition to the 6G network.

Eukaryotic cells maintain cellular fitness by employing well-coordinated and evolutionarily conserved processes that negotiate stress induced by internal or external environments. These processes include the unfolded protein response, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) of unfolded proteins and altered mitochondrial functions that together constitute the ER stress response. Here, we show that the RNA demethylase ALKBH5 regulates the crosstalk among these processes to maintain normal ER function. We demonstrate that ALKBH5 regulates ER homeostasis by controlling the expression of ER lipid raft associated 1 (ERLIN1), which binds to the activated inositol 1, 4, 5,-triphosphate receptor and facilitates its degradation via ERAD to maintain the calcium flux between the ER and mitochondria. Using functional studies and electron microscopy, we show that ALKBH5-ERLIN-IP3R-dependent calcium signaling modulates the activity of AMP kinase, and consequently, mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, these findings reveal that ALKBH5 serves an important role in maintaining ER homeostasis and cellular fitness.

Abstract Background Restoration of fertility (Rf) is an important trait for pigeonpea hybrid breeding. Few coarse quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies conducted in the past identified QTLs with large confidence intervals on the genetic map and could not provide any information on possible genes responsible for Rf in pigeonpea. Therefore, a larger population comprising of 369 F2s derived from ICPA 2039 × ICPL 87119 was genotyped with high density Axiom Cajanus SNP Array with 56 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) for high resolution mapping of Rf. Results A genetic map with 4867 markers was developed and a total of four QTLs for Rf were identified. While one major effect QTL (qRf8.1) was co-localized with the QTL identified in two previous studies and its size was refined from 1.2 Mb to 0.41 Mb. Further analysis of qRf8.1 QTL with genome sequence provided 20 genes including two genes namely flowering locus protein T and 2-oxoglutarate/Fe (II)-dependent dioxygenases (2-ODDs) superfamily protein with known function in the restoration of fertility. Conclusion The qRf8.1 QTL and the potential candidate genes present in this QTL will be valuable for genomics-assisted breeding and identification of causal genes/nucleotides for the restoration of fertility in the hybrid breeding program of pigeonpea.

The ES structure described by soft subsets or soft M-subsets does not yield a lattice structure due to its restriction on parameter sets, and so cannot be used in information theory. This study proposes a new ES structure on soft sets that addresses the deficiencies of the prior structure. Using mathematical concepts, we can construct and entirely new system of soft sets. As a result, the ES structure is derived from a finite collection of basic soft sets and offers complicated soft sets via its ES components, allowing for it to be operated by computers, as this is more acceptable to conventional mathematical viewpoints. We rewrote this using a soft J-subset and demonstrated that (ES, ∨˜ES, ∧˜ES) is a distributive lattice. This will play an important role in decision-making problems and contribute to a better understanding of human recognition processes. During the process of reaching a decision, several groups of parameters develop, and the ES structure in this article takes these parameters into consideration in order to handle the intricate issues that arise. In soft set theory, this research gives insight into the cognitive field.

Autophagy is considered an indispensable process that scavenges toxins, recycles complex macromolecules, and sustains the essential cellular functions. In addition to its housekeeping role, autophagy plays a substantial role in many pathophysiological processes such as cancer. Certainly, it adapts cancer cells to thrive in the stress conditions such as hypoxia and starvation. Cancer cells indeed have also evolved by exploiting the autophagy process to fulfill energy requirements through the production of metabolic fuel sources and fundamentally altered metabolic pathways. Occasionally autophagy as a foe impedes tumorigenesis and promotes cell death. The complex role of autophagy in cancer makes it a potent therapeutic target and has been actively tested in clinical trials. Moreover, the versatility of autophagy has opened new avenues of effective combinatorial therapeutic strategies. Thereby, it is imperative to comprehend the specificity of autophagy in cancer-metabolism. This review summarizes the recent research and conceptual framework on the regulation of autophagy by various metabolic pathways, enzymes, and their cross-talk in the cancer milieu, including the implementation of altered metabolism and autophagy in clinically approved and experimental therapeutics.

Current–voltage characteristics of a quantum dot in double-barrier configuration, as formed in the nanoscale channel of silicon transistors, were analyzed both experimentally and theoretically. Single electron transistors (SET) made in a SOI-FET configuration using silicon quantum dot as well as phosphorus donor quantum dots were experimentally investigated. These devices exhibited a quantum Coulomb blockade phenomenon along with a detectable effect of variable tunnel barriers. To replicate the experimental results, we developed a generalized formalism for the tunnel-barrier dependent quantum Coulomb blockade by modifying the rate-equation approach. We qualitatively replicate the experimental results with numerical calculation using this formalism for two and three energy levels participated in the tunneling transport. The new formalism supports the features of most of the small-scaled SET devices.

In controlled laboratory conditions, 62 samples of domestic fuels collected from 56 grids of Delhi were burnt to quantify the emissions of 23 non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), i.e., alkanes (11), alkenes (6), alkynes (1) and aromatic compounds (5). The domestic fuels used for residential activities were comprised of 20 unique types of fuel woods, 3 species of crop residue, dung cakes and coal. These fuels are primarily used for cooking and water/space heating during winters. The current study reports the total emission budget of NMVOCs from domestic burning over Delhi. Furthermore, this study also compares the differences in EFs of NMVOCs which are calculated for different burning cycles and sample collection methods. The EFs of NMVOCs calculated from the samples collected during the flaming stage using canisters were analysed for 23 NMVOCs and then compared with same species emitted from complete burning cycle. In addition to this, 10 consumption and emission hotspot grids were also identified in Delhi; based on the ground survey and laboratory simulated results. The total annual usage of domestic fuels for the year 2019 was found to be 0.415 Mt/yr (million tonnes) in Delhi. 12.01 Gg/yr of annual NMVOC emissions was calculated from domestic fuel burning in which the emissions from dung cake and fuel wood dominated with 6.6 Gg/yr and 5.4 Gg/yr, respectively. The EFs of NMVOCs calculated using canister and online collection method differ significantly from each other. The flaming stage presented enhanced emissions compared to the complete burning cycle by ~7 times which suggests that the method of data analysis and the period of sample collection play a pivotal role in the preparation of an emission inventory and estimating the budget.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is among the ten leading malignancies worldwide, with India solely contributing one-third of global oral cancer cases. The current focus of all cutting-edge strategies against this global malignancy are directed towards the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment that obstructs most treatment blueprints. Subsequent to the portrayal of established information, the review details the application of single cell technology, organoids and spheroid technology in relevance to head and neck cancer and the tumor microenvironment acknowledging the resistance pattern of the heterogeneous cell population in HNC. Bioinformatic tools are used for study of differentially expressed genes and further omics data analysis. However, these tools have several challenges and limitations when analyzing single-cell gene expression data that are discussed briefly. The review further examines the omics of HNC, through comprehensive analyses of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics profiles. Patterns of alterations vary between patients, thus heterogeneity and molecular alterations between patients have driven the clinical significance of molecular targeted therapies. The analyses of potential molecular targets in HNC are discussed with connotation to the alteration of key pathways in HNC followed by a comprehensive study of protein kinases as novel drug targets including its ATPase and additional binding pockets, non-catalytic domains and single residues. We herein review, the therapeutic agents targeting the potential biomarkers in light of new molecular targeted therapies. In the final analysis, this review suggests that the development of improved target-specific personalized therapies can combat HNC’s global plight.

Abstract Background The different interactions between viral proteins and cellular host proteins are required for efficient replication of HIV-1. Various reports implicated host cellular proteins as a key factor that either interact directly with HIV-1 integrase (IN) or get involved in the integration process of virus resulting in the modulation of integration step. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein and associated splicing factor (PSF) has diverse functions inside the cell such as transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, acts as nucleic acids binding protein and regulate replication and infectivity of different viruses. Results The protein binding study identified the association of host protein PSF with HIV-1 integrase. The siRNA knockdown (KD) of PSF resulted in increased viral replication in TZM-bl cells, suggesting PSF has negative influence on viral replication. The quantitative PCR of virus infected PSF knockdown TZM-bl cells showed more integrated DNA and viral cDNA as compared to control cells. We did not observe any significant difference between the amount of early reverse transcription products as well as infectivity of virus in the PSF KD and control TZM-bl cells. Molecular docking study supported the argument that PSF hinders the binding of viral DNA with IN. Conclusion In an attempt to study the host interacting protein of IN, we have identified a new interacting host protein PSF which is a splicing factor and elucidated its role in integration and viral replication. Experimental as well as in silico analysis inferred that the host protein causes not only change in the integration events but also targets the incoming viral DNA or the integrase-viral DNA complex. The role of PSF was also investigated at early reverse transcript production as well as late stages. The PSF is causing changes in integration events, but it does not over all make any changes in the virus infectivity. MD trajectory analyses provided a strong clue of destabilization of Integrase-viral DNA complex occurred due to PSF interaction with the conserved bases of viral DNA ends that are extremely crucial contact points with integrase and indispensable for integration. Thus our study emphasizes the negative influence of PSF on HIV-1 replication.

Abstract Background Pigeonpea has considerable extent of insect-aided natural out-crossing that impedes genetic purity of seeds. Pre-anthesis cleistogamy in pigeonpea promotes self-pollination which helps in maintaining genetic purity. The cleistogamous flowers are linked with shriveled seeds, an undesirable trait from variety adoption point of view, and breeding using genomics tools can help in overcoming this constraint. Therefore, in order to identify genomic regions governing these target traits, one recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed using contrasting parents (ICPL 99010 and ICP 5529) for flower shape and shriveled seeds. The RILs were phenotyped for two years and genotyped using the Axiom Cajanus SNP Array. Results Out of the 56,512 unique sequence variations on the array, the mapping population showed 8634 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) segregating across the genome. These data facilitated generation of a high density genetic map covering 6818 SNPs in 974 cM with an average inter-marker distance of 0.1 cM, which is the lowest amongst all pigeonpea genetic maps reported. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using this genetic map and phenotyping data identified 5 QTLs associated with cleistogamous flower, 3 QTLs for shriveled seed and 1 QTL for seed size. The phenotypic variance explained by these QTLs ranged from 9.1 to 50.6%. A consistent QTL “qCl3.2” was identified for cleistogamous flower on CcLG03 covering a span of 42 kb in the pigeonpea genome. Epistatic QTLs were also identified for cleistogamous flower and shriveled seed traits. Conclusion Identified QTLs and genomic interactions for cleistogamous flower, shriveled seed and seed size will help in incorporating the required floral architecture in pigeonpea varieties/lines. Besides, it will also be useful in understanding the molecular mechanisms, and map-based gene cloning for the target traits.

Introduction: Baclofen and topiramate are GABAergic drugs, and both have been recommended for the treatment of alcohol dependence as anticraving agent. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of baclofen and topiramate as anticraving, but none has compared them. The main aim of the current study was to assess the baclofen and topiramate as anticraving agent in alcohol dependence during 1 month follow-up. Methodology: After 1-week detoxification protocol, 94 patients were randomly assigned to either baclofen (n = 49) or topiramate (n = 45) for 1-month follow-up. Patients were assessed with clinical institute withdrawal assessment at baseline, and at 1 week, the Addiction Severity Index, ready to change questionnaire at baseline and weekly assessed with Obsessive and Compulsive drinking scale (OCDS) for craving. At every follow-up, adverse effects were also assessed to check tolerability. Results: A marked improvement was observed with baclofen in OCDS in each assessment as compared to topiramate. With baclofen, 61.22% of patients became complete abstinence, as compared to 37.78% in topiramate group. Baclofen was better tolerated as 24.49% patients were dropped out in baclofen group as compared to 33.33% in topiramate group. Conclusion: Baclofen has better efficacy and tolerability as compared to topiramate.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of lithium disilicate glass–ceramic liner, silicon dioxide based liner, and glass–ceramic interlayer on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a commercially available veneered zirconia block and to study fractographic behavior of the samples using universal testing machine, scanning electron microscope (SEM). Setting and Design: In vivo – comparative study. Materials and Methods: 60 samples were fabricated from VITA (vita zahnfabrik. Bad sackingen, Germany) zirconia discs. Samples were divided into 4 groups with 15 samples each. First is the control group, second is lithium disilicate glass–ceramic liner group, third is silicon dioxide based liner, and fourth is glass–ceramic interlayer group. SBS of samples was recorded using universal testing machine. Samples were further analyzed for fractographic behavior using SEM. Statistical Analysis Used: One Way ANOVA test, and Chi-Square test. Results: The intergroup comparison of mean SBS (Mpa) was done using the post hoc Bonferroni test. The mean SBS (Mpa) was significantly more among lithium disilicate and glass–ceramic interlayer groups in comparison to silicon dioxide-based liner group. Fractographic analysis was done using the Chi-square test. Conclusion: It was concluded that maximum SBS was obtained for lithium disilicate liner. Maximum adhesive failures were found with lithium disilicate liner, and silicon dioxide-based liner group showed cohesive failures.

After gaining entry through ACE2 aided by TMPRSS2, the SARS-CoV-2 causes serious complications of the cardiovascular system leading to myocarditis and other myocardial injuries apart from causing lung, kidney and brain dysfunctions. Here in this review, we are going to divulge the cellular and immunological mechanisms behind the cardiovascular, thrombotic and platelet impairments that are caused in COVID-19. In addition, we also propose the significance of various anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic phytochemicals in the treatment of COVID-19. The virus induces many immune-modulatory cytokines and chemokines which help in the intravascular coagulation and create a pro-thrombotic environment along with pulmonary embolism and thrombocytopenia. Different types of innate and adaptive immune cells and their granular contents regulate the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 induced endothelial and platelet dysfunctions which correlate the involvement of platelets with myocardial injury and intravascular thrombi directly or indirectly. Hence, by exploiting the natural bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and inhibiting the platelet mediated thrombus formation can be beneficial for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The periodic ingestion of a protein-rich blood meal by adult female mosquitoes causes a drastic metabolic change in their innate physiological status, which is referred to as a ‘metabolic switch’. While understanding the neural circuits for host-seeking is modestly attended, how the gut ‘metabolic switch’ modulates brain functions, and resilience to physiological homeostasis, remains unexplored. Here, through a comparative brain RNA-Seq study, we demonstrate that the protein-rich diet induces the expression of brain transcripts related to mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, possibly causing a shift in the brain’s engagement to manage organismal homeostasis. A dynamic mRNA expression pattern of neuro-signaling and neuro-modulatory genes in both the gut and brain likely establishes an active gut–brain communication. The disruption of this communication through decapitation does not affect the modulation of the neuro-modulator receptor genes in the gut. In parallel, an unusual and paramount shift in the level of neurotransmitters (NTs), from the brain to the gut after blood feeding, further supports the idea of the gut’s ability to serve as a ‘second brain’. After blood-feeding, a moderate enrichment of the gut microbial population, and altered immunity in the gut of histamine receptor-silenced mosquitoes, provide initial evidence that the gut-microbiome plays a crucial role in gut–brain–axis communication. Finally, a comparative metagenomics evaluation of the gut microbiome highlighted that blood-feeding enriches the family members of the Morganellaceae and Pseudomonadaceae bacterial communities. The notable observation of a rapid proliferation of Pseudomonas bacterial sp. and tryptophan enrichment in the gut correlates with the suppression of appetite after blood-feeding. Additionally, altered NTs dynamics of naïve and aseptic mosquitoes provide further evidence that gut-endosymbionts are key modulators for the synthesis of major neuroactive molecules. Our data establish a new conceptual understanding of microbiome–gut–brain–axis communication in mosquitoes.

Hypoxia in tumors results in resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments but affords an environment in which hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAP) are activated upon bioreduction to release targeted cytotoxins. The benzotriazine 1,4-di-N-oxide (BTO) HAP, tirapazamine (TPZ, 1), has undergone extensive clinical evaluation in combination with radiotherapy to assist in the killing of hypoxic tumor cells. Although compound 1 did not gain approval for clinical use, it has spurred on the development of other BTOs, such as the 3-alkyl analogue, SN30000, 2. There is general agreement that the cytotoxin(s) from BTOs arise from the one-electron reduced form of the compounds. Identifying the cytotoxic radicals, and whether they play a role in the selective killing of hypoxic tumor cells, is important for continued development of the BTO class of anticancer prodrugs. In this study, nitrone spin-traps, combined with electron spin resonance, give evidence for the formation of aryl radicals from compounds 1, 2 and 3-phenyl analogues, compounds 3 and 4, which form carbon C-centered radicals. In addition, high concentrations of DEPMPO (5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide) spin-trap the •OH radical. The combination of spin-traps with high concentrations of DMSO and methanol also give evidence for the involvement of strongly oxidizing radicals. The failure to spin-trap methyl radicals with PBN (N-tert-butylphenylnitrone) on the bioreduction of compound 2, in the presence of DMSO, implies that free •OH radicals are not released from the protonated radical anions of compound 2. The spin-trapping of •OH radicals by high concentrations of DEPMPO, and the radical species arising from DMSO and methanol give both direct and indirect evidence for the scavenging of •OH radicals that are involved in an intramolecular process. Hypoxia-selective cytotoxicity is not related to the formation of aryl radicals from the BTO compounds as they are associated with high aerobic cytotoxicity.

The radiation and chemotherapy used for treating medulloblastoma patients cause debilitating side effects. Here, the authors show that miR-584 acts as a therapeutic adjuvant as it sensitizes medulloblastoma to radiation and chemotherapy by targeting HDAC1 or eIF4E3 to enhance spindle defects and DNA damage.

The genetics of inheritance of traits and their nature is important for selection of proper breeding strategy for the improvement of valuable traits of interest in linseed. The inheritance pattern of qualitative traits was studied in F2 generation for a cross between RLC-95 x Indira alsi-32 and Surabhi x RLC-92. Their gene interaction ratios were worked out using chi-square test. The chi-square ratio of 3:1 was obtained for flower colour, growth habit and dehiscence for both the crosses representing the typical monohybrid ratio and that for shape of corolla and anther colour for both the crosses was 9:3:4 reflecting the presence of supplementary gene action for these characters. A chi-square ratio of 9:6:1 was obtained for flower aestivation for both the crosses signifying polymeric gene action. The chi-square ratio had a difference among both the populations for capsule size showing a ratio of 9:6:1 for first population derived from the cross RLC-95 x Indira alsi-32 indicating polymeric gene action and a ratio of 1:2:1 for second population derived from the cross Surabhi x RLC-92. Flower venation showed a ratio of 9:3:4 for first population (RLC-95 x Indira alsi-32) indicating supplementary gene action and a ratio of 12:3:1 for second population (Surabhi x RLC-92) indicating masking gene action.

Various chemical compounds emerged including kraft lignin (KL) during the processes of papermaking. These chemical compounds in effluent of the paper industry have hazardous environmental impacts. KL is liable for causing pollution of aquatic and water bodies; hence, it must be minimized in order to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment. In the present study, KL degradation was performed with ligninolytic bacterium Serratia liquefaciens and we confirmed biotransformation of KL to various less polluted or harmless compounds. KL being degraded as 1000 mg/L–1 concentration with incubating 30°C for 72, 168, and 240 h, shaking at 120 rpm under laboratory conditions. We found 65% maximum degradation of KL and 62% decolorization by the treatment with S. liquefaciens for 240 h (10 days). After being the treatment of KL, clear changes were observed in its morphology (using scanning electron microscopy and stereo microscopy), hydrodynamic size (using dynamic light scattering), and the functional groups [using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR)]. Biotransformation of KL monitored by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed formation of various metabolites. In addition to degradation of KL, detoxification (involving biotransformation into various metabolites) was assessed using cytotoxicity assays 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide [MTT and calcein-acetoxymethyl (AM) assays] using a human kidney cell line (NRK-52E), which indicated improved cell survival rates (74% for the bacteria-treated KL solution treated for 240 h) compared to the control (27%). Thus, the present study suggests that bacteria S. liquefaciens might be useful in reducing the pollution of KL by transforming it into various metabolites along with cytotoxicity reduction for environmental protection.