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The present experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana to study the effect of different drip irrigation and fertigation levels on quality and seed yield in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) crop. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design in which 2 fennel varieties, viz. HF-143 and Hisar Swarup were grown with 4 levels of different irrigation scheduling, viz. I1, 0.6 IW/CPE (Irrigation water/Cumulative pan evapo-transpiration); I2, 0.8 IW/CPE; I3, 1.0 IW/CPE and I4, 1.2 IW/CPE as main plot treatments and 3 different nitrogen levels i.e. N1, 20 kg/ha; N2, 35 kg/ha and N3, 50 kg/ha as sub-sub plots treatment. A range of nitrogen levels was applied in the experimental field through drip irrigation. It was clear from the study that irrigation scheduled at 1.2 IW/ CPE resulted significantly higher values when irrigated for quality parameters (test weight, seed germination and vigour indices I and II) and seed yield, which was statically at par with 1.0 IW/CPE. Maximum seed yield (15.5 g/plant), test weight (5.0 g), seed germination (84.0%) and vigour indices I (1,518.98) and II (281.13) were significantly recorded at nitrogen levels 50 kg/ha. Higher seed’s yield and quality parameters were recoded in variety HF-143 than Hisar Swarup. Based on the current study, it can be concluded that in the western region of Haryana, fennel variety HF-143 obtains better results, both in terms of quality and yield parameters when grown at irrigation scheduling IW/CPE 1.0 with 50 kg/ha of nitrogen level.

The Industrial Internet of Things Networks (IIoT-N) have revolutionized industrial systems by connecting sensors, devices, and data analytics, creating complex, data-driven environments. However, key challenges persist, such as data diversity, scalability issues, sparse data, anomaly detection, and adapting to changing conditions while managing limited resources. To address these, Transfer Learning, a machine learning technique, has become a practical solution, enhancing IIoT-N by enabling better data integration, real-time analytics, improved fault detection, and adaptable models with minimal retraining, all while optimizing resource usage. This paper examines the role of Transfer Learning in IIoT-N, identifying research gaps and challenges, and highlights its potential across various industrial applications, including predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, edge computing, process optimization, and cross-domain knowledge transfer. Special attention is given to manufacturing, where Transfer Learning shows significant promise. The study also proposes a taxonomy of approaches for integrating Transfer Learning into IIoT-N. These include Domain Adaptation Techniques, Data Augmentation and Synthesis, Hybrid Models using Ensemble Learning, and practical strategies for successful implementation. Additionally, a detailed case study demonstrates the real-world application of Transfer Learning in industrial networks, showcasing its practical benefits. Thus, this paper contributes to the advancement of Transfer Learning in IIoT-N by providing insights into its potential to enhance industrial processes and address existing challenges. It offers theoretical and practical perspectives on how Transfer Learning can be effectively applied in industrial environments, driving efficiency and adaptability.

The growing complexities in supply chain management, driven by internationalization, decentralization, and modernization, are increasingly threatened by data breaches, network intrusions, and software vulnerabilities. Business stakeholders are turning to blockchain technology as a possible solution to improve modern supply chains’ reliability, integration, and visibility. Blockchain provides a robust framework that supports product traceability, seamless system integration, and enhanced transparency across operations. However, despite its transformative potential, integrating blockchain into supply chain management (SCM) introduces new security risks. These include threats to the confidentiality of blockchain transactions, as attackers may employ techniques like transaction linkage and deanonymization. This paper explores the specific security challenges related to blockchain-based SCM systems, including risks related to SCM, Internet of Things (IoT) system attacks, and blockchain system vulnerabilities. Additionally, the paper presents a case study on securing the drug supply chain through blockchain technology, focusing on attribute-based identity management and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) to bolster security and transparency. This approach highlights how blockchain can enhance data privacy, improve access control and identity management, protect information integrity and traceability, and reduce the risk of counterfeit products throughout the supply chain. The paper provides valuable guidance and outlines potential directions for future research in blockchain-driven security and associated issues for supply chain networks, offering a clear roadmap for researchers.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced human-centred technologies have seen rapid expansion in smart city applications, including smart enterprises, homes, and vehicular networks. The IoT architecture underpins technological support for both human- and device-centric secure solutions, which are essential to the functioning of smart cities. Within this evolving landscape, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology has emerged as a key innovation, integrating vehicular communication with internet connectivity. This integration facilitates seamless data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and other entities, contributing to enhanced road safety, optimized traffic flow, reduced emissions, and the development of more intelligent transportation systems. As V2X technology becomes increasingly widespread, ensuring the security and privacy of the information exchanged within these networks is critical. While much of the existing research has concentrated on general IoT security frameworks and standalone vehicular communication protocols, our study addresses the unique security challenges inherent in V2X environments. This paper identifies and examines various security threats, including data privacy breaches, malicious attacks, and traffic manipulation, and explores strategies to mitigate these risks within V2X communications. In addition, this paper investigates the potential of blockchain technology as an innovative solution for enhancing the security and trustworthiness of information exchanges in V2X networks. The paper also includes a case study that presents a proposed solution demonstrating how blockchain technology could strengthen the security and integrity of data transfers within V2X systems. Through comprehensive analysis, evaluation, and recommendations for future research, this work contributes to the current understanding of secure data exchange in V2X networks.

Background: While the majority of in vitro fertilization (IVF)-conceived children are healthy, IVF has been associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm labor and preterm delivery, and low birth weight (LBW). Objective: The objective of the study is to assess pregnancy, maternal, and perinatal outcomes in patients undergoing IVF embryo transfer (IVF-ET) at tertiary care center in North India. Methodology: It was a prospective observational study carried out for duration of 20 months among women who conceived following an IVF-ET. The sample size was 107 consecutive mothers and data were collected using a predesigned semi-structured study pro forma. Detailed menstrual, obstetric, and medical histories of each patient were noted. Findings of the general, physical, systemic, and obstetrical and gynecological examination were noted for all patients. Results: One hundred and seven mothers who fulfilled the study criteria were included. Of these, 4 had an abortion. Rest of the 103 mothers were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the mothers was 30.39 ± 4.7, ranging from 22 to 50 years. Twin pregnancy rate was 45.7%. All were dichorionic-diamniotic twins. Based on gestational age, 5% were extreme preterm births, 14% were very preterm births, 32% were late preterm births, and 48% were early-term births. Normal vaginal delivery (NVD) occurred in 26.2% of the mothers, elective lower-segment cesarean section (LSCS) in 21.4%, emergency LSCS in 51.4%, and one case had vacuum delivery. Hence, NVD occurred in 27% and 73% had LSCS. With respect to neonates born to study participants, 8% were extremely LBW, 7.3% were very LBW, 46% were LBW, and the rest 38.7% weighed 2.5 kg or more at birth. Conclusion: IVF-ET is a safe and highly successful treatment for infertility. Many of adverse outcomes are largely due to an increased risk of multiple gestations in IVF. Patients with infertility are likely to be older and have preexisting comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, or other endocrinopathies which may predispose them to adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. It is also recommended that patients should be given adequate preconception counseling regarding increased maternal as well as neonatal risk.

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive technique used in treating various temporomandibular disorders. There are various lavaging agents and intra-articular injections used in arthrocentesis viz., Normal Saline (NS), Ringer’s Lactate (RL), Sodium Hyaluronate (SH), Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP), Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) etc. The present review was conducted to compare the published literature about the efficacy of various lavaging agents and intra-articular injections used in arthrocentesis. It was found that NS and RL are currently the best proven agents for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) lavage. It has been observed that lavage combined with intra-articular injections produces better outcomes than lavage alone. Patients who received treatment with arthrocentesis in conjunction with Hylauronic Acid (HA) injection, displayed faster and more noticeable improvement in their perception of pain and maximal mouth opening.

For use in flexible optical devices, new Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanocomposite films doped with Se82Te15Bi1.0Sn2.0 glass have been created using the solution casting technique. Films optical constants were computed based on the spectral information measured in the wavelength range using a UV-visible spectrophotometer 400–800 nm is the range. It was discovered that the permitted indirect optical transition in these films has an energy gap that drops from 2.38 eV for pure Se82Te15Bi1.0Sn2.0 to 1.95 eV for the Se82Te15Bi1.0Sn2.0/PVP nanocomposites.

Schiff bases and their metal complexes are versatile compounds synthesized from the condensation of an amino compound with carbonyl compound and widely used for the industrial purposes. They also exhibit a broad range of biological activities including antifungal, antimalarial, antiproliferative, antibacterial, antipyretic and antiviral. Many Schiff base complexes exhibit excellent catalytic activity in various reactions. The activity is usually increased by complexation therefore, to understand the properties of both ligands and metal can lead to the synthesis of highly active compounds. The influence of certain metals on the biological activity of these compounds and their intrinsic chemical interest as multidentate ligands has prompted a considerable increase in the study of their coordination behaviour. Development of new Schiff base metal complexes is now attracting the attention of medicinal chemists. This review compiles the synthesis of various multidentate Schiff bases ligands and their complexation with various metals such as Zr, V, Mo, Mn, Fe, Zn, Re, Cd, and Ln. This review is an attempt to congregate complete survey on synthesis and biological activity of Schiff base metal complexes that will give glimpse on the future directions for successful development and discovery of useful drugs.

Objective: Observation and comparison of resolution of signs and relief of symptoms in patients of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) treated with 0.1% olopatadine eye drops or 1.5% bepotastine besilate eye drops. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational study of 60 patients of VKC from January 2018 to July 2019. Thirty confirmed cases of VKC were included in the study in each group. One group received 0.1% olopatadine eye drops and second group received 1.5% bepotastine besilate eye drops and were followed up for a period of 4 weeks. The main outcome measures were scoring and comparison of Total subjective symptom scores (TSSS) and Total objective sign scores (TOSS) within and between the groups at each follow up. Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann Whitney U test) was used to compare the two groups in terms of symptom and sign score at each of the time points. Friedman test was used to explore the change in score over time within each group. Generalized Estimating Equations method was used to explore the difference in change in score between the two groups over time. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: With treatment both TSSS and TOSS decreased consistently in both groups at the end of the two week and four week follow up time points. P Value of Comparison of the Two Groups in Terms of Difference of Subjective Score Total from Baseline to Follow-up Time points was statistically significant (P

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to develop protein-/peptide-loaded nanoparticle-based delivery system, which can efficiently deliver therapeutic molecules to the lung via pulmonary delivery. The chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method, and bovine serum albumin was used as a model protein. These nanoparticles were characterized for size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, cell cytotoxicity, uptake study, release profile and size distribution and uniformity. The chemical interaction of chitosan and protein was studied by XRD and FTIR. The integrity assessment of encapsulated protein into nanoparticle was studied by native and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis. Results The size and zeta potential of BSA nanoparticles were 193.53 ± 44.97 to 336.36 ± 94.63 and 12.73 ± 0.41 to 18.33 ± 0.96, respectively, with PDI values of 0.35–0.45. The encapsulation efficiency was in the range of 80.73 ± 6.37% to 92.34 ± 1.72%. The cumulative release of the BSA from the nanoparticles was 72.56 ± 6.67% in 2 weeks. The BSA-loaded nanoparticles showed good uptake and no significant cytotoxicity observed into the A549 cell line. In this study, it was also observed that during nanoparticles’ synthesis protein structure and integrity is not compromised. The nanoparticles showed controlled and sustained release with initial burst release. In TEM images, it was shown that nanoparticles’ distribution is uniform within nanometre range. Conclusion From this study, it was concluded that nanoparticles prepared by this method are suitable to deliver protein/peptide into the cells without any degradation of protein during process of nanoparticle fabrication.

Every medical student amidst COVID-19 missed out on an integral part of medical education which is interaction with patients as all the physical classes were postponed for months. Effective interaction with patients is the heart of medicine and it provides a synergistic effect on the delivery of high-quality care to the patient. However many medical students underestimate the art of communication. This article highlights the importance of basic communication skills; also encourages reflecting upon the whole experience and extracting the learning to apply to any further interactions.

Macrophages are paracrine signalers that regulate tissular responses to injury through interactions with parenchymal cells. Connexin hemichannels have recently been shown to mediate efflux of ATP by macrophages, with resulting cytosolic calcium responses in adjacent cells. Here we report that lung macrophages with deletion of connexin 43 (MacΔCx43) had decreased ATP efflux into the extracellular space and induced a decreased cytosolic calcium response in co-cultured fibroblasts compared to WT macrophages. Furthermore, MacΔCx43 mice had decreased lung fibrosis after bleomycin-induced injury. Interrogating single cell data for human and mouse, we found that P2rx4 was the most highly expressed ATP receptor and calcium channel in lung fibroblasts and that its expression was increased in the setting of fibrosis. Fibroblast-specific deletion of P2rx4 in mice decreased lung fibrosis and collagen expression in lung fibroblasts in the bleomycin model. Taken together, these studies reveal a Cx43-dependent profibrotic effect of lung macrophages and support development of fibroblast P2rx4 as a therapeutic target for lung fibrosis.

Buprenorphine (BUP) is a potent opioid analgesic that is widely used for severe pain management and opioid replacement therapy. The oral bioavailability of BUP, however, is significantly limited by first-pass metabolism. Previous studies have shown that triglyceride (TG) mimetic prodrugs of the steroid hormone testosterone circumvent first-pass metabolism by directing drug transport through the intestinal lymphatics, bypassing the liver. The current study expanded this prodrug strategy to BUP. Here different self-immolative (SI) linkers were evaluated to conjugate BUP to the 2 position of the TG backbone via the phenol group on BUP. The SI linkers were designed to promote drug release in plasma. Lipolysis of the prodrug in the intestinal tract was examined via incubation with simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and potential for parent drug liberation in the systemic circulation was evaluated via incubation in rat plasma. Lymphatic transport and bioavailability studies were subsequently conducted in mesenteric lymph duct or carotid artery-cannulated rats, respectively. TG prodrug derivatives were efficiently transported into the lymphatics (up to 45% of the dose in anaesthetised rats, vs. less than 0.1% for BUP). Incorporation of the SI linkers facilitated BUP release from the prodrugs in the plasma and in concert with high lymphatic transport led to a marked enhancement in oral bioavailability (up to 22-fold) compared to BUP alone. These data suggest the potential to develop an orally bioavailable BUP product which may have advantages with respect to patient preference when compared to current sublingual, transdermal patch or parenteral formulations.

Mastitis is the most devastating economic disease in dairy cattle. Mastitis in dairy cattle frequently occurs during the dry period or during early lactation. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)are the main causative agents of mastitis in India. S. aureus can form microabscesses in the udder and develop a subclinical form of mastitis. This bacterial property hinders an effective cure during the lactation period. Antimicrobials used for treatments have a short half-life at the site of action because of frequent milking; thereforethey are unable to maintain the desired drug concentration for effective clearance of bacteria. We demonstrated the potential of ciprofloxacin-encapsulated nanocarriersthat can improve the availability of drugs and provide an effective means for mastitis treatment. These drug-loaded nanoparticles show low toxicity and slow clearance from the site of action. Antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of E. coli and S. aureus showed that the zone of inhibition depended on the dose (0.5 mg to 2 mg/mL nanoparticle solution from 11.6 to 14.5 mm and 15 to 18 mm). These nanoparticles showed good antimicrobial activity in broth culture and agar diffusion assay against bacteria.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare congenital disorder primarily characterized by characteristic facial abnormalities as dystopia canthorum and synophrys; depigmentation of the hair, skin (premature graying of hair), and/or the iris of both eyes; and/or congenital deafness. Here, we report a rare case of WS with associated dry eyes. A 4-year-old female presented with blue eyes and no tear and nasal secretion production since birth. She was also deaf and dumb since birth. On examination, it was recognized as an atypical case of WS type 2 clinically, with several classical features such as white forelock, bilateral blue iris, hypopigmented fundus, smooth philtrum, bilateral profound hearing loss, and a rare association of bilateral dry eyes. The patient was given proper refractive correction, treatment of her dry eyes, and subjected to multidisciplinary approach as for the management of sensorineural hearing loss. It was a case of WS type 2 with a rare association of bilateral dry eyes.

Quantum key distribution, which allows two distant parties to share an unconditionally secure cryptographic key, promises to play an important role in the future of communication. For this reason such technique has attracted many theoretical and experimental efforts, thus becoming one of the most prominent quantum technologies of the last decades. The security of the key relies on quantum mechanics and therefore requires the users to be capable of performing quantum operations, such as state preparation or measurements in multiple bases. A natural question is whether and to what extent these requirements can be relaxed and the quantum capabilities of the users reduced. Here we demonstrate a novel quantum key distribution scheme, where users are fully classical. In our protocol, the quantum operations are performed by an untrusted third party acting as a server, which gives the users access to a superimposed single photon, and the key exchange is achieved via interaction-free measurements on the shared state. We also provide a full security proof of the protocol by computing the secret key rate in the realistic scenario of finite-resources, as well as practical experimental conditions of imperfect photon source and detectors. Our approach deepens the understanding of the fundamental principles underlying quantum key distribution and, at the same time, opens up new interesting possibilities for quantum cryptography networks

Introduction Around 9% of India’s children under six are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. Low-resource, rural communities often lack programmes for early identification and intervention. The Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) is regarded as the best clinical tool to predict cerebral palsy in infants

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the most important seed spices crop in the world. India being one of the largest fenugreek producing country, has released many varieties, but within few years of release, many of these are no longer under cultivation owing to inconsistent performance in diverse environments, however, some of the varieties which depicted stable performance are under cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the adaptability and yield stability of different fenugreek genotypes using AMMI model. Total 60 elite fenugreek genotypes were evaluated under six environments during rabi 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons at Vegetable Research Farm, CCS HAU, Hisar. AMMI model was employed to assess the magnitude of genotype × environment (GE) interaction and stability of genotypes across environments. Analysis of variance for seed yield clearly indicates that the mean sum of square for genotypes is significant, suggesting broad range of diversity among the genotypes. The environmental variances are highly significant for most of the characters. G × E mean sum of square was significant for seed yield (q/ha) which indicates that the performance of genotypes that was differential over the environments. The proportion of sum of square for G × E interaction for seed yield was 80.94%. The genotype, viz. JFg 240, HM 346, HM 258, NDM 20, NDM 13 and RM 28 exhibited stable performance over all environments for seed yield. The environments E4 (4 Nov 2016), E3 (28 Nov, 2015) and E2 (15 Nov, 2015) were the main contributors to the phenotypic stability of the genotypes and E2 and E5 are the favourable environments for obtaining higher seed yield.

Anaemia can have devastating results, especially when associated with thrombocytopenia. The author here report a case of 16-year-old female who presented with chief complaint of sudden, painless, nonprogressive diminution of vision in left eye past one day. Ocular examination revealed bilateral pale conjunctiva, bilateral retinal flame shaped haemorrhages, roth spots and large macular sub hyaloid haemorrhage in left eye. Complete haematological examination revealed severe megalobalstic anaemia (with Haemoglobin 4.4 gm%) with thrombocytopenia. Diagnosis of severe anaemic retinopathy due to megaloblastic anaemia with thrombocytopenia was made and the patient was advised propped up position, prescribed iron, folic acid, vitamin C and B12 supplementation. Patient underwent aggressive treatment of megaloblastic anaemia and was kept on follow-up. On follow-up, the retinal haemorrhage spontaneously resolved with clearance of fovea and the patient gained vision. Urgent diagnosis and management is mandatory in these cases. So, a good screening protocol should be established for the identification of nutritional anaemia in developing countries and compulsory fundus examination to be done of the identified subjects for anaemic retinopathy.

The oblivious transfer primitive is sufficient to implement secure multiparty computation. However, secure multiparty computation based on public-key cryptography is limited by the security and efficiency of the oblivious transfer implementation. We present a method to generate and distribute oblivious keys by exchanging qubits and by performing commitments using classical hash functions. With the presented hybrid approach of quantum and classical, we obtain a practical and high-speed oblivious transfer protocol. We analyse the security and efficiency features of the technique and conclude that it presents advantages in both areas when compared to public-key based techniques.

Palmitoylation has been recently identified as an important post-translational rheostat for controlling protein function in eukaryotes. However, the molecular machinery underlying palmitoylation remains unclear in the neglected tropical parasite, Leishmania donovani. Herein, we have identified a catalog of 20 novel palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) and characterized the promastigote-specific PAT (LdPAT4) containing the canonical Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) domain. Immunofluorescence analysis using in-house generated LdPAT4-specific antibody demonstrated distinct expression of LdPAT4 in the flagellar pocket of promastigotes. Using metabolic labeling-coupled click chemistry method, the functionality of this recombinant enzyme could be authenticated in E. coli strain expressing LdPAT4-DHHC domain. This was evident by the cellular uptake of palmitic acid analogs, which could be successfully inhibited by 2-BMP, a PAT-specific inhibitor. Using CSS-Palm based in-silico proteomic analysis, we could predict up to 23 palmitoylated sites per protein in the promastigotes, and further identify distinctive palmitoylated protein clusters involved in microtubule assembly, flagella motility and vesicular trafficking. To highlight, proteins such as Flagellar Member proteins (FLAM1, FLAM5), Intraflagellar Transport proteins (IFT88), and flagellar motor assembly proteins including the Dynein family were found to be enriched. Furthermore, analysis of global palmitoylation in promastigotes using Acyl-biotin exchange purification identified a set of S-palmitoylated proteins overlapping with the in-silico proteomics data. The attenuation of palmitoylation using 2-BMP demonstrated several phenotypic alterations in the promastigotes including distorted morphology, reduced motility (flagellar loss or slow flagellar beating), and inefficient invasion of promastigotes to host macrophages. These analyses confirm the essential role of palmitoylation in promastigotes. In summary, the findings suggest that LdPAT4 acts as a functional acyltransferase that can regulate palmitoylation of proteins involved in parasite motility and invasion, thus, can serve as a potential target for designing chemotherapeutics in Visceral Leishmaniasis.

We have synthesized two novel fluorescent 3-(4-diethylaminocinnamoyl) coumarins that exhibit fluorescence quenching upon exposure to a nerve agent simulant, diethylchlorophosphate (DCP), providing a basis for rapid and sensitive DCP chemosensing. Furthermore, these coumarin derivatives display two-photon fluorescence upon illumination with near-infrared laser pulses and their two-photon (TP) absorption cross-section was evaluated. The potential for TP bio-imaging of these compounds was investigated by their cellular uptake in HeLa cells by TP confocal microscopy.

We present a quantum scheme for signing contracts between two clients (Alice and Bob) using entangled states and the services of a third trusted party (Trent). The trusted party is only contacted for the initialization of the protocol, and possibly at the end, to verify clients’ honesty and deliver signed certificates. The protocol is fair, i.e., the probability that a client, say Bob, can obtain a signed copy of the contract, while Alice cannot, can be made arbitrarily small, and scales as N − 1 / 2 , where 4 N is the total number of rounds (communications between the two clients) of the protocol. Thus, the protocol is optimistic, as cheating is not successful, and the clients rarely have to contact Trent to confirm their honesty by delivering the actual signed certificates of the contract. Unlike the previous protocol (Paunković et al., Phys. Rev. A 84, 062331 (2011)), in the present proposal, a single client can obtain the signed contract alone, without the need for the other client’s presence. When first contacting Trent, the clients do not have to agree upon a definitive contract. Moreover, even upon terminating the protocol, the clients do not reveal the actual contract to Trent. Finally, the protocol is based on the laws of physics, rather than on mathematical conjectures and the exchange of a large number of signed authenticated messages during the actual contract signing process. Therefore, it is abuse-free, as Alice and Bob cannot prove they are involved in the contract signing process.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease prevalent mainly in developing countries and is associated with high case fatality. Antibiotics especially penicillin are the mainstay of treatment for a suspected or confirm case of leptospirosis but role of Penicillin has not been evaluated systematically in the light of current evidence. The present systematic review and meta-analysis is done to evaluate the role of antibiotics in the treatment of leptospirosis. Parallel group clinical trials involving use of penicillin in treatment of leptospirosis were searched from all available sources. Ten clinical trials were found suitable as per laid inclusion criteria eligible for present systematic review and five clinical trials were included in meta-analysis. Clinical trials included for meta-analysis were compared on the basis of mortality, fever days, numbers of patients presenting with oliguria, and number of patients undergoing need-based dialysis. Analysis was done by comprehensive meta-analysis software 2. Qualitative outcomes are summarized as odds ratio and quantitative outcomes are summarized as standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Random and fixed models are used for analysis. There was no significant difference between penicillin group and controlled group for mortality (Odds ratio 1.59 (95% CI 0.59-4.29), P = 0.35), fever days (std difference in mean = −0.223 (95% CI 0.394-0.995), P = 0.358), number of patients presenting with oliguria (Odds ratio 1.795 (95% CI 0.325-9.929), P = 0.502), and number of patients who underwent need based dialysis (Odds ratio 1.587 (95% CI 0.919-2.731), P = 0.098). Role of various antibiotics in treatment of leptospirosis is uncertain, and can be attributed to nonavailability of adequate clinical trials. Role of penicillin in the treatment of leptospirosis can be debated.

Unlike some vertebrates and fishes, humans do not have the capacity for tooth regeneration after the loss of permanent teeth. Although artificial replacement with removable dentures, fixed prosthesis and implants is possible through advances in the field of prosthetic dentistry, it would be ideal to recreate a third set of natural teeth to replace lost dentition. For many years now, researchers in the field of tissue engineering have been trying to bioengineer dental tissues as well as whole teeth. In order to attain a whole tooth through dental engineering, that has the same or nearly same biological, mechanical and physical properties of a natural tooth, it’s necessary to deal with all the cells and tissues which are concerned with the formation, maintenance and repair of the tooth. In this article we review the steps involved in odontogenesis or organogenesis of a tooth and progress in the bioengineering of a whole tooth.

Aim and Objective: Quality of methodological and statistical parameters published in various Indian Medical Journals are usually debated in terms of appropriateness. Aim of this manuscript is to analyze and validate efficacy studies on antidepressant drugs published in Indian Medical Journals regarding quality of various methodological and statistical parameters used. Materials and Methods: An in-depth review of Efficacy studies on Antidepressant published in Indian Medical Journals was conducted. Articles were retrieved from all possible sources like Published Journals, downloaded through Pubmed, MedInd, Opengate, Medknow, and Cochrane. These studies were analyzed and validated for various methodological and statistical parameters. Descriptive statistics for various parameters with confidence interval (CI) is also reported herewith. Results : Of 32 articles reviewed, primary and secondary endpoints and sample size calculation was reported in only one article (3.1%; 95% CI, 0.5 to 15.7%). Power and CI was not reported in any of the reviewed articles. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were reported in 9 (28.3%; 95% CI, 15.5 to 45.3%) articles. Information regarding randomization was mentioned in 12 (37.5%; 95% CI, 22.9 to 54.7%) articles, whereas reporting of blinding or open label status of the study was mentioned in 21 (65.6%; 95% CI, 48.3 to 79.5%) articles. Assumptions of statistical tests were not reported in any of the reviewed articles. Statistical tests were used in only 14 (43.7%; 95% CI, 28.1 to 60.6%) articles of which 70% of were inappropriate. All studies were underpowered for small and medium effect size. Conclusion: Quality of reporting of methodological and statistical aspects of antidepressant efficacy studies published in Indian medical journals are poor and hence makes difficult to conclude on issues related to validity of these studies.

Context : It is observed in studies done for western medical journals that insufficient information related to drug is usually provided in the drug advertisements published in them. Aims : As data for advertisements published in Indian Medical Journals were lacking, this study was designed with the aim of evaluating drug advertisements published in Indian Medical Journals for adequacy of information on drug and references given to support the claim made in the advertisements. Settings and Design : Cross-sectional survey. Methods and Materials : All medical journals related to clinical practice subscribed by the Central Library of Government Medical College, Surat, (Indian Journal of Pediatrics [IJP], Indian Pediatrics [IP], Journal of the Association of Physicians of India [JAPI], Journal of Indian Medical Association [JIMA], Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine [IJCCM], Indian Journal of Medical and Pediatric Oncology [IJMPO], Indian Journal of Gastroenterology [IJG], Indian Journal of Ophthalmology [IJO], and Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India [JOGI] were evaluated for adequacy of reporting of various parameters in drug advertisements published in these journals on the basis of "World Heath Organization (WHO)" criteria. References mentioned to support claims were also evaluated. Statistical Analysis Used : Descriptive statistics was used to describe data as frequencies, percentages, and 95% confidence interval around the percentage. Results : Generic name was mentioned in 90% advertisements. Indications were mentioned in 84% advertisements. Dose, precautions, and contraindications were mentioned in 24%, 17%, and 16% advertisements, respectively. Adverse effects and postal address of pharmaceutical company was mentioned in 19% and 74% advertisements, respectively. Price was mentioned in only 5% advertisements. Only 28% claims were supported by references. Most common references were Journal articles (75%). Conclusion : Drug advertisements published in Indian Medical Journals are poor in reporting various parameters according to WHO criteria.

Biopolymers provide a plethora of applications in the pharmaceutical and medical applications. A material that can be used for biomedical applications like wound healing, drug delivery and tissue engineering should possess certain properties like biocompatibility, biodegradation to non-toxic products, low antigenicity, high bio-activity, processability to complicated shapes with appropriate porosity, ability to support cell growth and proliferation and appropriate mechanical properties, as well as maintaining mechanical strength. This paper reviews biodegradable biopolymers focusing on their potential in biomedical applications. Biopolymers most commonly used and most abundantly available have been described with focus on the properties relevant to biomedical importance.