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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a disease of significant concern with higher mortality rates. Conventional treatment approaches have several drawbacks, leading to the opening of new research avenues in the field of nanoparticle-based cancer therapeutics. The study aimed at the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Pm-AuNPs) from the aqueous bark extract of Pterocarpus marsupium, followed by its characterization and in vitro anticancer evaluation against OSCC. The synthesized Pm-AuNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, particle size analyser, zeta potential, FTIR and SEM techniques. The anticancer potential of the Pm-AuNPs was evaluated against OSCC cell lines (SCC29b, SSC154 and OECM-1) through in vitro assays. The IC50 value was found to be 25 ± 1.2, 45 ± 1.5 and 75 ± 2.1 µg/mL for the three OSCC cell lines, elucidating Pm-AuNPs cytotoxic effects and mechanism of action. Intracellular ROS and SOX detection, mitochondrial transmembrane potential analysis and apoptosis detection were used to confirm the activity of Pm-AuNPs against OSCC. Acute toxicity studies on Wistar rats confirmed the non-toxic nature of the Pm-AuNPs at a higher dose concentration up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. The findings underscore Pm-AuNPs as promising candidates for future anticancer therapeutics, providing insights into their mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy against OSCC.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting substance commonly found in plastics and receipts, is associated with adverse effects, including endocrine disorders, reduced fertility, and metabolic issues. To gain insights into its effects on biological systems, we observed the adverse effects of BPA in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice exposed to BPA at the lowest observed adverse effect level for 6 weeks, in comparison with the control groups. We constructed a comprehensive transcriptome profile using 20 different tissues to analyze the changes in the whole-body systems. This involved employing differential gene expression, tissue-specific gene, and gene co-expression network analyses. The study revealed that BPA exposure led to significant differences in the transcriptome in the thymus, suggesting activation of T-cell differentiation and maturation in response to BPA treatment. Furthermore, various tissues exhibited immune response activation, potentially due to the migration of immune cells from the thymus. BPA exposure also caused immune-related functional changes in the colon, liver, and kidney, as well as abnormal signaling responses in the sperm. The transcriptome analysis serves as a valuable resource for understanding the functional impact of BPA, providing profound insights into the effects of BPA exposure and emphasizing the need for further research on potential associated health risks.

Information asymmetry about a firm's value has been identified in the literature as an obstacle in restructuring the debt of an insolvent firm. We explore the possibility of a restructuring under complete and symmetric information between a firm and its creditors in a creditor-friendly bankruptcy regime. Using a model, we determine the feasibility conditions for restructuring. Our results show that restructuring the firm's debts may not be possible even if it is known to the creditors that the firm's value under the present management is higher than that under a bankruptcy sale. The firm's value under restructuring must also be large enough to pay the full claim of the unsecured creditor and pay the secured creditor a little more than the claim payment they receive in a bankruptcy sale. The results highlight the role of creditors' legal rights in a creditor-friendly regime in leading a firm towards a bankruptcy sale even when the creditors know that the firm's value is more under the present management.

The aims of study to investigate physico-chemical properties do a proximate analysis of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.) of AN-1 variety and development of value-added products by incorporating black cumin paste and powder in various proportions. Methods: The sensory evaluation of incorporating black cumin to have value-added products was performed using hedonic scale method. Physico-chemical properties of black cumin seeds were determined in the initial stage of study. Then, the proximate analysis was performed. In the second phase, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), pH, acidity, and antioxidant activity of the developed products were determined. The antioxidant activity of prepared products was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The antioxidant activity of coriander chutney was increased from 55.75 to 57.07 by increasing the fortification of black cumin paste, and in bottle gourd, Ready To Serve (RTS) was increased from 40.73 to 42.08 as by increasing the fortification of black cumin powder. Results: It was observed that level 1% incorporation of black cumin paste and RTS was found best by judges after sensory evaluation of chutney when compared to level 2 and 3% black cumin fortified paste. However, in biscuits, black cumin powder supplemented level up to 2% was found acceptable on the basis of spread factor and hardness as compared to 3 and 4% fortification powder. It was concluded that 1% black cumin paste supplemented in coriander chutney, 1% black cumin powder supplemented in bottle gourd RTS and 2% black cumin powder supplemented in biscuits, were the best selected value- added products. Conclusion: This study revealed that black cumin seeds are a potentially rich source of phytochemicals, and regular consumption of black cumin incorporated products with added value may reduce the risk of numerous diseases.

In recent years, increased discharge of toxic effluents into water bodies has severely harmed ecosystems and human well-being. Various techniques are employed to remove contaminants, among which photocatalysis have proven to be the most environment friendly and effective technique. This review focuses on MgFe2O4, an exceptional photocatalyst owing to their small band gap, spherical shape, magnetic responsivity, stability, reusability, cost-effectiveness and small crystallite size. We have covered comprehensive comparison of research studies from the past decade to assess. Magnesium ferrite's photocatalytic potential in pure, doped, and composite forms. Along with synthesis methods, degradation mechanisms, and shortcomings explained in detail. Furthermore, we have highlighted the enhanced photocatalytic capability of doped MgFe2O4 and their nanocomposites towards the various organic contaminants upon visible light irradiation under a comparatively short period of time. Factors like cation distribution, dosage, pH, as well as methods for recovery and reuse are discussed to aid in production of more efficient photocatalysts. There has been a lack of information on the techniques that can be used to overcome the various shortcomings of MgFe2O4 ferrite. Hence, we have accentuated on bringing forth such advanced techniques that would aid in driving the researchers’ attention towards the practical and industrial application of the hybrid MgFe2O4 nanoparticles. Lastly, the research gaps and industrial need of MgFe2O4 ferrite-based materials were addressed to offer a concise view.

This work studies the complete lifts of Kenmotsu manifolds associated with the generalized Tanaka-Webster connection (GTWC) in the tangent bundle. Using the GTWC, this study explores the complete lifts of various curvature tensors and geometric structures from Kenmotsu manifolds to their tangent bundles. Specifically, it examines the complete lifts of Ricci semi-symmetry, the projective curvature tensor, $ \Phi $-projectively semi-symmetric structures, the conharmonic curvature tensor, the concircular curvature tensor, and the Weyl conformal curvature tensor. Additionally, the research delves into the complete lifts of Ricci solitons on Kenmotsu manifolds with the GTWC within the tangent bundle framework, providing new insights into their geometric properties and symmetries in the lifted space. The data on the complete lifts of the Ricci soliton in Kenmotsu manifolds associated with the GTWC in the tangent bundle are also investigated. An example of the complete lifts of a $ 5 $-dimensional Kenmotsu manifold is also included.

Objective: Laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is gaining popularity day by day, but we have limited literature on it. This study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of laparoscopic VVF repair in a tertiary care center in Eastern India. Subjects and Methods: This study is a single-center retrospective study in which 11 patients of supratrigonal VVF were evaluated who underwent laparoscopic repair. Preoperative workup included history, examination, computed tomography urography, cystoscopy, and vaginoscopy. After informed consent, laparoscopic VVF repair was done under general anesthesia. Duration of surgery, the need for conversion to open procedure, intraoperative bowel injury, the need for postoperative blood transfusion, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative urinary leak, and any incontinence after catheter removal were noted. Results: All the patients had primary supratrigonal fistula of approximate size in the range of 1.5–2.0 cm. All the included patients were operated on successfully by laparoscopic technique with a mean duration of surgery of 177.91 ± 6.14 min. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 4.45 ± 0.52 days. There was no incidence of postoperative urine leak in any patient. After urethral catheter removal, all the patients voided well without any incontinence. Conclusions: Laparoscopic VVF repair is a safe and feasible option with satisfactory intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Functional dissociative seizures (FDS) are very common in neurology clinics, they straddle both neurology and psychiatry. In India, scarce resources and guidelines are available for effectively conveying their diagnosis and management, which leads to a substantial gap in care. We aimed to provide an instructional module for FDS, tailored to clinicians, patients, and caregivers in Hindi, to enhance communication of diagnosis and facilitate suitable management strategies. Methods: The instructional module development process was based on clinical settings and expert opinions. A standard translation process was performed to ensure the linguistic and cultural equivalence. Validation was carried out by a panel of 15 validators, comprising 13 neurologists and two psychiatrists, to identify key psychoeducation components and their significance. They were provided a questionnaire consisting of five questions that were related to completeness, understandability, legibility, clarification, and usefulness of educational material for clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Items were rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: There was agreement on four items (Q1, Q3, Q4, and Q5), whereas approximately 85% of the validators agreed on the remaining one item (Q2). The instructional module demonstrated high content validity as indicated by both item level-content validity index (0.98) and scale-level content validity index (0.97), alongside content validity ratio and modified kappa statistics. Conclusions: The developed Hindi instructional module for FDS serves as a valuable tool to enhance the communication of FDS diagnosis and dispel misconceptions. This offers a comprehensive resource for clinicians, patients, and caregivers in India, potentially bridging gap in FDS care.

Abstract The current study explores the effects of microwave treatment at varying wattage and durations on the phytoconstituents, antioxidant status, anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), and metabolite profiles of de-oiled rice bran. The total phenolics and flavonoids showed both increases and decreases depending on specific microwave parameters, while flavonol content consistently increased across all treated groups compared to the control. The DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity, FRAP, CUPRAC, metal chelating activity, and ascorbic acid content were enhanced in most of the microwaved samples; however, longer microwave exposure at higher wattage led to their reduction. A treatment-specific decrease in ANFs, including condensed tannins, oxalates, and phytates, was observed. HRMS-based untargeted metabolomics identified a diverse range of primary and secondary metabolites, which clustered in a group-specific manner, indicating notable group-wise metabolite variations. Analysis of discriminating metabolites revealed no significant differences in the overall levels of phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins and cofactors, sugars, amino acids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and their derivatives among the treated groups compared to the control; however, several individual metabolites within these metabolite classes differed significantly. These findings suggest that optimized microwaving of de-oiled rice bran can enhance phytochemicals and antioxidants while improving the metabolite profile.

Abstract We investigate the medium modifications in mass and decay width of $$\phi $$ ϕ meson in the presence of an external magnetic field. The in-medium mass of $$\phi $$ ϕ meson has been calculated using the decay process $$\phi $$ ϕ $$\rightarrow $$ → $$K {\bar{K}}$$ K K ¯ at one-loop level. The medium modifications are introduced by using a chiral SU(3) model employing a mean-field effective approach. Due to the introduction of the magnetic field, masses of charged $$K^+$$ K + and $$K^-$$ K - increases with advancing magnetic field values. A negligible change in the value of neutral $$K^0$$ K 0 and $${\bar{K}}^0$$ K ¯ 0 has been observed for varying magnetic fields. Due to electromagnetic interactions with charged K and $${\bar{K}}$$ K ¯ mesons, there is a gradual augmentation in the effective mass of $$\phi $$ ϕ meson. The probability of the mentioned decay process ceases to be zero for low density and strangeness fraction values at higher magnetic field values. Investigating the decay width and effective mass of $$\phi $$ ϕ meson under the influence of an external magnetic field is relevant to understanding the hadronic matter properties under extreme conditions achievable at heavy-ion collision experiments.

Background: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and local anesthetic wound infiltration have been used to relieve pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study investigated whether the subcostal transversus abdominis block was superior to traditional port-site infiltration of local anesthetic in reducing post-operative pain, opioid consumption, and time for recovery. Aim and Objectives: To investigated whether the subcostal transversus abdominis block is superior to traditional port-site infiltration of local anesthetic in reducing post-operative pain, opioid consumption, and time for recovery. Materials and Methods: All patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups (n=30) using computer-generated randomization. Patients in Group 1 (TAP group) received a TAP block by administration of 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine on each side just before completion of surgery, and patients in Group 2 (local wound infiltration [LWI] group) received 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine as a local infiltrate at the local site just before completion of surgery. The pain was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at intervals of 30 min to 24 h after the procedure. Results: The mean VAS score was significantly lower in group 1 as compared to group 2 at 2 h and 4 h. Whereas the VAS score was not significantly different post-operative 30 min, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. The mean first rescue analgesia was significantly more in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P

Objective: This study endeavored to assess the lipid profile and atherogenic lipid indexes in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and to compare them with matched healthy children. Method: The study group consisted of a total of 72 TDT patients aged 3 to14 years, while the control group had 83 age- and sex-matched healthy children. The fasting lipid profile and lipid indexes were estimated and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli's risk indexes I and II, atherogenic coefficient were calculated and compared between the two groups. Result: Compared to the control group, the mean LDL, HDL and cholesterol levels were significantly lower among the case group (p-value < 0.001). The mean VLDL and triglycerides were significantly higher in the case group (p-value < 0.001). Lipid indexes, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli's risk indexes I and II and atherogenic coefficients were significantly higher in TDT children. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia and increased risk of atherosclerosis were found in TDT children, as they had elevated atherogenic lipid indexes. Our study underlines the importance of the routine use of these indexes in TDT children. Future studies should focus on lipid indexes in this high-lipid group of children so that preventive strategies can be planned accordingly.

Background: Limited data exist on the role of coronary collaterals circulation (CCC) in patients with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STE-ACS). This study aimed to assess CCC and the in-hospital course of patients with CCC undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods: The study included consecutive STE-ACS patients undergoing pPCI. Good CCC was defined as Rentrop collateral score (RCS) of 2–3. Patients with good and poor CCC were compared regarding clinical characteristics, angiographic patterns, and hospital course. Results: In the sample of 4683 patients, mean age was 55.6 ± 11 years, and 78.8 % were male. Good CCC was observed in 499 (10.7 %) patients. The rate of intra-procedure slow-flow/no-reflow (SF/NR) was 29.9 % vs. 20.5 % (p

Background: Of the 43 mpox cases reported by the WHO in South East Asia between January 2022 and March 2023, 24 (56%) were from India. Objectives: We describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases identified through India’s hospital case-based surveillance. Materials and Methods: We identified mpox cases as a positive result for mpox virus polymerase-chain-reaction assay, reported through surveillance from July 1, 2022 to January 7, 2023. Cases and clinicians were interviewed, and data were abstracted from the medical records. We conducted contact tracing among family, close social networks, and healthcare personnel staff for the first 17 cases. We collected the data on sociodemographics, clinical findings, and behavior, and described data using summary statistics. Results: We identified 24 laboratory-confirmed cases (42% females, median age 30 years, range 22–38), including one death (case fatality rate 4.2%). We collected clinical and behavioural data from 21 of 24 cases. All had rashes with vesicles and genital lesions; 7 (33%) reported genital lesions as the first symptom; and 3 (13%) reported complications. Among the 21 cases, all were sexually active, none self-identified as men having sex with men (MSM), and 6 (29%) reported multiple sex partners. We identified 51 contacts of the first 17 reported cases, none reported symptoms suggestive of mpox. Conclusion: The clinical and behavioral characteristics of mpox cases in India are consistent with the global 2022 outbreak, with the exception that no cases in India reported MSM. Most were sexually active young adult economic migrants and developed genital lesions.

Background: Oral ulcers are frequent ulcerative conditions in the oral cavity that cause pain, recur often, and negatively impact quality of life. Aim and Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of herbal extracts containing saffron, Withania somnifera, dry ginger, and tulsi as anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents for treating oral ulcers. Materials and Methods: A blend of 1 g each of tulsi, Withania somnifera, and dry ginger powders was mixed with 100 ml of distilled water and heated at 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were tested by adding 5 ml of the extract to a gel composed of 5 g of carboxylate methyl cellulose and carbopol. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs were assessed using the Membrane Stabilization Assay, BSA Assay, and EA Assay, while the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. Results: The Membrane Stabilization Assay at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 micrograms/ml showed values of 53, 64, 77, 79, and 85, respectively. The BSA Assay results were 42, 56, 67, 75, and 77, and the EA Assay results were 54, 61, 65, 69, and 78. The P values were 0.658 for the Membrane Stabilization Assay, 0.281 for the BSA Assay, and 0.647 for the EA Assay. These values indicate that the herbal ingredients’ cytotoxic activity is comparable to the standard. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the natural components of medicinal herbs can effectively treat oral ulcers, improving patients’ quality of life. Thus, herbal medicines can be used alongside commercially available allopathic drugs.

Abstract An accurate and efficient approach is required to identify the unknown parameters of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) mathematical model for a robust design of any energy system considering SOFC. This research study proposes a modified fire hawk algorithm (MFHA) to determine the values of SOFC model parameters. The performance evaluation of MFHA is tested on two case studies. Firstly, the performance of MFHA is tested on commercially available cylindrical cell developed by Siemens at four temperatures. Results reveal that the least value of sum of squared error (SSE) is 1.04E−05, 2.30E−05, 1.03E−05, and 1.60E−05 at 1073 K, 1173 K, 1213 K, and 1273 K respectively. Results obtained using MFHA have been compared with original fire hawk algorithm (FHA) and other well established and recent algorithms. Secondly, MFHA is implemented for estimating unknown parameters of a 5 kW dynamic tabular stack of 96 cells at various pressures and temperatures. The obtained value of SSE at different temperatures of 873 K, 923 K, 973 K, 1023 K and 1073 K is 1.18E−03, 6.12E−03, 2.21E−02, 5.18E−02, and 6.00E−02, respectively whereas, SSE at different pressures of 1 atm, 2 atm, 3 atm, 4 atm, and 5 atm is 6.05E−02, 6.11E−02, 5.53E−02, 5.11E−02, and 6.64E−02 respectively.

Abstract In this article, we have studied some new facets of gravitational collapse, beyond conventional notions of black holes, and naked singularities. The present work is focused on the unresolved problems of theoretical physics concerning the final fate of the gravitational collapse of any massive star. By generalizing the foundational work of Oppenheimer and Snyder (Phys Rev 56:455, 1939), we have considered the homogeneous gravitational collapsing system filled with perfect fluid distributions (devoid of dust fluid) within the framework of GR theory. The article investigates a homogeneous gravitational collapsing system using a parametrization scheme for the expansion-scalar $$(\Theta )$$ ( Θ ) and determining the exact solution of field equations. Further, by employing the known Darmois–Israel boundary condition, we have discussed the solution in more detail, and the model’s physical and geometrical quantities are obtained in terms of stellar mass (M), making it crucial for astrophysical applications. To assess the astrophysical viability of our model, we consider a massive star- $$\beta $$ β Canis Majoris and throughout this study we have presented a detailed numerical and graphical analysis of our model. The analysis of singularities in the models is conducted through the examination of the apparent horizon. Our findings demonstrate that the star continues to collapse indefinitely in co-moving time, ultimately leading to a space-time singularity-this represents a case of continuous gravitational collapse. We propose that this scenario describes an “Eternal Collapsing Object,” which may be treated as a “mathematical black hole without any finite equilibrium state.” Our presented models undergo rigorous physical tests to ensure their regularity, causality, and stability, and to satisfy the necessary energy conditions.

In the current era there are huge quantities of waste organic matter available, creating a big burden to the environment. To address these issues, researchers started to apply effective and microbial induced biotechnological processes that can mitigate these waste matters. In this context, different nature of microbial systems are involved in hydrolysing the waste organic material into fermentable sugar. These can be easily consumed by specific microbial systems like Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 3821 and Clostridium acetobutylicum that produced bioethanol and biobutanol, respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultured in specific media and incubated at rotary shaker with 150 rpm at 30°C for 72 to 96 hours. Ethanol concentrations from different waste matters were found in the range of 1.2-1.5 g.L-1. Ethanol synthesis was done by shake flask experiment with addition of glucose (50 g.L-1) to waste organic hydrolyzed solution. Non-glucose media produced less than 3 g.L-1 ethanol but glucose media produced 4.5 g.L-1. Next, Clostridium acetobutylicum was grown in culture media containing waste organics as sole carbon substrate with pH 7 and then was incubated in anaerobic conditions at 35°C for 72 hours, produced butanol (0.7 to 1.25 g.L-1). This research work promoted biofuels synthesis by keeping a waste mitigation strategy.

Abstract This study assessed groundwater quality in the Aik watershed, spanning the Jammu and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir, an area with productive agriculture and rapid urbanization. The research compared groundwater suitability for drinking with BIS standards and analyzed physicochemical parameters, including total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH, and various cations and anions. Groundwater samples were evaluated to determine their suitability for drinking, with a groundwater quality index computed. Additionally, irrigation suitability was assessed using indicators like sodium percentage and permeability index. The findings revealed that most groundwater samples are suitable for drinking, though 19% were impacted by fertilizers and industrial activities. Bicarbonate emerged as the predominant ion, often exceeding the recommended 200 mg/L limit. Excess levels of fluoride, nitrate, iron, sulfate, and chloride were also detected, attributed to both natural processes and human influences like industrial discharge and agriculture. Hydrogeochemical analysis indicated that groundwater chemistry is primarily governed by rock-water interactions. While most samples were suitable for irrigation, some concerns were noted regarding magnesium hazard and soluble sodium percent. The corrosivity ratio analysis confirmed all samples were safe for industrial use, indicating that groundwater in the area is largely suitable for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.

Abstract The conditions supporting the generation of microglia-like cells in the central nervous system (CNS) after transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) have been studied to advance the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we explored the transplantation efficacy of different cell subsets and delivery routes with the goal of favoring the establishment of a stable and exclusive engraftment of HSPCs and their progeny in the CNS of female mice. In this setting, we show that the CNS environment drives the expansion, distribution and myeloid differentiation of the locally transplanted cells towards a microglia-like phenotype. Intra-CNS transplantation of HSPCs engineered to overexpress TREM2 decreased neuroinflammation, Aβ aggregation and improved memory in 5xFAD female mice. Our proof of concept study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of HSPC gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

Background: In the last quarter of the 20th century, dedicated efforts have been made to use phytochemicals in the prevention of periodontal diseases, but the darker side of the coin is that we have hardly encountered studies with a scientific basis to prove the specific role of phytochemicals against dental plaque. Objective: This study aimed to assess the antiplaque activity of Curcuma longa, Spilanthes acmella, and Quercus infectoria and to determine the antigingivitis activity of the extract, which shows high antiplaque potential. Materials and Methods: Sixteen volunteers were selected as subjects in this biphasic study. In the first phase, 10 volunteers were subjected to topical application of aqueous ethanolic extract (1%) of C. longa, Q. infectoria, and S. acmella on the labial/buccal and lingual/palatal surfaces of 28 teeth. In the second phase, the extract showing the highest efficacy was selected to assess its antigingivitis activity on all the surfaces of six mandibular anterior teeth of six gingivitis patients. The percentage plaque reduction was calculated by dividing the difference of the base and end scores by the baseline scores. Results: C. longa demonstrated superior results as it showed the maximum reduction in plaque formation. Antigingivitis activity of long-term topical application of 1% C. longa was depicted in independent clusters in different volunteers selected for the study. Only after 2 weeks, the treatment score was found to be statistically significant to depict optimal results. Conclusion: C. longa can be considered the best at reducing plaque. The antigingivitis activity of C. longa ranked reasonably satisfactory and comparable to the existing data for commercially available drugs.

Objective: Segmentation of medical images is a crucial process in various image analysis applications. Automated segmentation methods excel in accuracy when compared to manual segmentation in the context of medical image analysis. One of the essential phases in the quantitative analysis of the brain is automated brain tissue segmentation using clinically obtained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. It allows for precise quantitative examination of the brain, which aids in diagnosis, identification, and classification of disorders. Consequently, the efficacy of the segmentation approach is crucial to disease diagnosis and treatment planning. Methods: This study presented a hybrid optimization method for segmenting brain tissue in clinical MRI scans using a fractional Henry horse herd gas optimization-based Shepard convolutional neural network (FrHHGO-based ShCNN). To segment the clinical brain MRI images into white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tissues, the proposed framework was evaluated on the Lifespan Human Connectome Projects (HCP) database. The hybrid optimization algorithm, FrHHGO, integrates the fractional Henry gas optimization (FHGO) and horse herd optimization (HHO) algorithms. Training required 30 min, whereas testing and segmentation of brain tissues from an unseen image required an average of 12 s. Results: Compared to the results obtained with no refinements, the Skull stripping refinement showed significant improvement. As the method included a preprocessing stage, it was flexible enough to enhance image quality, allowing for better results even with low-resolution input. Maximum precision of 93.2%, recall of 91.5%, Dice score of 91.1%, and F1-score of 90.5% were achieved using the proposed FrHHGO-based ShCNN, which was superior to all other approaches. Conclusion: The proposed method may outperform existing state-of-the-art methodologies in qualitative and quantitative measurements across a wide range of medical modalities. It might demonstrate its potential for real-life clinical application.

In response to the growing need for enhanced energy management in smart grids in sustainable smart cities, this study addresses the critical need for grid stability and efficient integration of renewable energy sources, utilizing advanced technologies like 6G IoT, AI, and blockchain. By deploying a suite of machine learning models like decision trees, XGBoost, support vector machines, and optimally tuned artificial neural networks, grid load fluctuations are predicted, especially during peak demand periods, to prevent overloads and ensure consistent power delivery. Additionally, long short-term memory recurrent neural networks analyze weather data to forecast solar energy production accurately, enabling better energy consumption planning. For microgrid management within individual buildings or clusters, deep Q reinforcement learning dynamically manages and optimizes photovoltaic energy usage, enhancing overall efficiency. The integration of a sophisticated visualization dashboard provides real-time updates and facilitates strategic planning by making complex data accessible. Lastly, the use of blockchain technology in verifying energy consumption readings and transactions promotes transparency and trust, which is crucial for the broader adoption of renewable resources. The combined approach not only stabilizes grid operations but also fosters the reliability and sustainability of energy systems, supporting a more robust adoption of renewable energies.

Scrotoliths, or “scrotal pearls,” are calcified fibrous loose bodies found within the tunica vaginalis, often seen during radiological evaluation or autopsies. Chronic inflammation due to trauma, parasitic infestations, and torsion and subsequent detachment of the appendices of the testis or epididymis are postulated mechanisms suggested for their formation. They are benign but can mimic a tumor. Scrotoliths can be diagnosed with high-resolution ultrasonography. Here, we report a case in which, during routine dissection, two scrotoliths were found within the tunica vaginalis of the left testis in an elderly male cadaver. Histologically, the central portion of the scrotoliths exhibited concentric collagen lamellae that enclosed calcified remains of tissue debris. There were no arterioles, venules, or microfilarial larvae seen within them. Awareness about the histological findings can help understand the mechanism that led to their formation.

Background and Aims: Tenecteplase is used as the standard of care treatment for thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients within 4.5 h of symptom onset. Documented reports were less certain to claim the benefits of it in an extended window period. EAST-AIS (CTRI/2022/03/040718) trial is designed to determine the success rate of thrombolysis in an extended window period for good clinical outcomes. Study Design: It is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of tenecteplase administered within 4.5–24 h of stroke onset (with or without large vessel occlusion) based on evidence of salvageable tissue through baseline computed tomography perfusion (CTP) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Criteria of patient inclusion are as follows: patients of both genders (male and female), age >18 years, pre-stroke modified Ranking Scale (mRS) 5, CTP showing penumbra–ischemic core ratio >1.8, absolute difference in volume >10 ml, and ischemic core volume

Abstract On 25 April 2015, the Gorkha earthquake triggered a large rock-ice avalanche and an air blast disaster in the Langtang Valley, Nepal. More than 350 people were killed or left missing. Here we reconstruct the evolution of the Langtang avalanche-air blast using field investigations and numerical modeling and examine the influence of two primary climate-related phenomena: snowfall anomalies and warm temperatures. Our findings suggest a deep snow cover fosters the formation of a dispersed avalanche, which increases the mobility and destructive power of the powder cloud air blast. Elevated air temperatures intensify meltwater production and lubricate the flowing mass. Both mechanisms contributed to the Langtang disaster. Our study underscores the essential impact of snow cover and air temperature on the risk assessment of high-altitude rock-ice avalanches, highlighting how seasonal and climatic variations affect avalanche runout and air blast dynamics.

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive study of 3D point cloud Federated Few-Shot Learning (3DFFL), focusing on addressing challenges such as limited data availability and privacy concerns in point cloud classification for applications such as autonomous vehicles. We introduce a novel approach that integrates Federated Learning with Few-Shot Learning techniques, with a special emphasis on optimizing network architectures for 3D point cloud data. Our method capitalizes on the strengths of PointNet++ for feature extraction and ProtoNet for classification, all within a federated learning framework to ensure data privacy and collaborative learning. Significantly, the approach is augmented with the use of attention and SoftMax layers, enhancing the feature extraction and classification processes. Extensive experiments on the ModelNet40, ShapeNet, and ScanOnjectNN datasets validate our method’s accuracy and adaptability in handling 3D point cloud classification, especially in privacy-sensitive and collaborative scenarios. This study not only demonstrates the potential of integrating attention mechanisms and SoftMax layers in 3DFFL but also lays a robust foundation for future advancements in this evolving field, particularly in technologies dependent on 3D data processing.

Abstract The myocyte enhancer factor 2B (MEF2B) transcription factor is frequently mutated in germinal center (GC)-derived B-cell lymphomas. Its ammino (N)-terminal mutations drive lymphomagenesis by escaping interaction with transcriptional repressors, while the function of carboxy (C)-terminal mutations remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that MEF2B C-tail is physiologically phosphorylated at specific residues and phosphorylation at serine (S)324 is impaired by lymphoma-associated mutations. Lack of phosphorylation at S324 enhances the interaction of MEF2B with the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, leading to higher transcriptional activity. In addition, these mutants show an increased protein stability due to impaired interaction with the CUL3/KLHL12 ubiquitin complex. Mice expressing a phosphorylation-deficient lymphoma-associated MEF2B mutant display GC enlargement and develop GC-derived lymphomas, when crossed with Bcl2 transgenic mice. These results unveil converging mechanisms of action for a diverse spectrum of MEF2B mutations, all leading to its dysregulation and GC B-cell lymphomagenesis.

Abstract The freshwater aquaculture species, Cirrhinus mrigala, commonly known as mrigal, holds significance in the carp-dominated aquaculture system, globally. Despite constituting 1.08% of the total freshwater aquaculture production, mrigal is the third most important Indian major carp. However, its genome and associated information is not available. This study aims to address this gap by generation high quality genome assembly using PacBio long reads, Illumina short reads and Hi-C scaffolding. The characterization of assembled highly contiguous genome, 1.057 Gb in size, revealed 39,091 genes with functional annotations. The orthology analysis based on direct orthologs and single copy ortholgs places C. mrigala in a distinct position within the Otophysi clade. Additionally, the study delves into Hox gene clusters, identifying 38 Hox genes distributed in seven clusters. The present genomic information offers potential applications for sustainable aquaculture management, including selection programs for economic traits.

Abstract Soft switching reduces voltage and current stress during transitions, smoothing and quieting operations and reducing electromagnetic interference while also increasing efficiency and equipment lifespan. Circuit design, component selection, and switching frequency optimization affect power electronics soft switching. This paper proposes boost integrated half-bridge dual-output series resonant (BIHBDOSR) converter, a novel converter design and control method to increase series resonant converter performance by reducing storage element size, switch count, and switching losses. This methodology relies on soft-switching technologies like zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS). These methods use class-D, class-E, series, parallel, and series–parallel resonant converter circuits to increase efficiency and minimize component stress. The proposed converter is ideal for constant voltage, constant power, and current-controlled loads with the output voltage being regulated by a closed-loop PI controller. The output voltages for two loads in the simulation depart from reference values. V01 changes from 14 to 20 V and V02 from 18 to 15 V at 300 ms owing to switching variances. The proposed converter utilizes gate driver circuits, resonant tank circuit, current sensor, FPGA board for closed-loop control, and current sensor for stability, ensuring converter stability. The proposed converter closed-loop control method modifies PWM signals to regulate both loads independently and ensure steady output voltage. Additionally, to validate the effectiveness of proposed converter, a 50-W driver circuit is designed, delivering two independent outputs of 20 W and 30 W. Frequency modulation (FM) and duty cycle control methods are employed to obtain the desired outputs.

Abstract This review explores the therapeutic potential of propolis, a natural resin produced by bees, by analyzing recent literature spanning from 2005 to 2023. Various databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, SCOPUS, and WoS were searched to uncover recent findings. Propolis exhibits a diverse array of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing effects. It shows promise in treating respiratory infections, oral diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin conditions. Additionally, recent research suggests its potential as an anticancer agent. The review also investigates efficacy of propolis in addressing antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders (diabetes), reproductive disorder (PCOS), cardiovascular diseases, hepatotoxicity, and wound healing properties of propolis. Hence, propolis could emerge as a natural remedy with significant potential for enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Introduction: The winter climate in Delhi is severe, with temperatures dropping below 10°C. As a result, individuals often resort to utilizing diverse heat sources such as electrical heating appliances, coal and gas geysers. Unfortunately, these sources are commonly associated with the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) which can accumulate in inadequately ventilated spaces. Exposure to this noxious gas can lead to acute lethargy and debilitation, leaving individuals in a state of helpless distress. Materials and Methods: The present study utilized a retrospective descriptive analysis to examine cases of fatal carbon monoxide exposure retrieved from the Department of Forensic Medicine archives at the esteemed All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Autopsy records were thoroughly examined with respect to various parameters including age, gender, seasonality of the incident, circumstances surrounding the death, source of carbon monoxide generation, post mortem observations, as well as toxicological analysis reports. Results and Discussion: This study entailed an analysis of 56 individuals who fell victim to carbon monoxide poisoning, with a staggering 95% of fatalities occurring during the winter season. The majority of the individuals affected belonged to the age bracket of 21–30 years. The most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure were linked to the use of coal-burning earthen or iron vessels for room heating, as well as structural fires. With the exception of one case, all incidents were accidental in nature. Additionally, nearly all of the victims were discovered in enclosed spaces with heating equipment in close proximity, and evidence of a struggle was noted on the crime scene or with the deceased. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the principal contributor to the inadvertent build-up of lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide gas is the utilization of heating appliances within inadequately ventilated, enclosed spaces. Due to the scentless and non-irritating properties of this gas, individuals who are asleep may be unable to detect its presence in their surroundings, thereby leading to a silent death. To mitigate such risks, the installation of carbon monoxide detectors is crucial. Additionally, it is of utmost importance to raise public awareness regarding the perils associated with using fire pots, coal burning and electrical heating appliances in areas with insufficient ventilation.

Abstract Major research interests on quantum key distribution (QKD) are primarily focused on increasing 1. Point-to-point transmission distance (1000 km). 2. Secure key rate (Mbps). 3. Security of quantum layer (device-independence). It is great to push the boundaries in these fronts but these isolated approaches are neither scalable nor cost-effective due to requirements of specialised hardware and different infrastructure. Current and future QKD network requires addressing different set of challenges apart from distance, key rate and quantum security. In this regard, we present ChaQra—a sub quantum network with core features as 1. Crypto agility (integration in the already deployed telecommunication fibres). 2. Software defined networking (SDN paradigm for routing different nodes). 3. reliability (addressing denial-of-service with hybrid quantum safe cryptography). 4. upgradability (modules upgradation based on scientific and technological advancements). 5. Beyond QKD (using QKD network for distributed computing, multi-party computation etc). Our results demonstrate a clear path to create and accelerate quantum secure Indian subcontinent under national quantum mission.

Microwave-assisted green synthesis was employed to synthesize a series of prenylated chalcones, resulting from the reaction of 4-prenyloxy-2-hydroxy-acetophenone with diverse benzaldehydes. A comparative analysis of reaction times and yields revealed significant advantages of the microwave method, with reaction times ranging from 1 to 3.2 min, compared to 12 to 48 hrs using conventional methods. The structural elucidation of the synthesized compounds was achieved through a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and LC-HRMS. In vitro antifungal assays were performed against Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum to evaluate the efficacy of these compounds, which was further supported by Structure-activity Relationships (SAR) and molecular docking studies. The most effective compound against S. rolfsii, was found to be 2′-Hydroxy-4-bromo-4′-O-prenylchalcone (5E) with ED50 = 23.28 mg L−1, while 2′-Hydroxy-2,6-dichloro-4′-O-prenylchalcone (5B) (ED50 = 25.70 mg L−1) exhibited the highest activity against F. oxysporum. The molecular docking study was done for targeting two different fungi, namely, S. rolfsii (DNA directed RNA polymerase: RPB2 gene target) and F. oxysporum (Cutinase: FoCut5a target gene). Docking results showed that the docked molecules exhibited binding energies ranging from −31.0476 to −19.3568 kcal/mol for S. rolfsii and from −38.9474 to −26.5031 kcal/mol for F. oxysporum, highlighting the potential of these compounds as effective inhibitors. Furthermore, additional docking metrics, indicated stable interactions.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, accounting for 1.8 million fatalities in 2020. Genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, transcription factors, mutations in tumor suppressor genes, and mutations in oncogenes have all been associated with an increased risk of LC development. Heterogeneity of the disease, resistance to chemotherapy, and side effects such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, anemia, neuropathy, hair loss, and skin and nail changes are associated with conventional therapeutics such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Thus, the treatment of the disease urgently requires the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. This review identifies and discusses key molecular and genetic targets for LC therapy, highlighting recent advancements and potential clinical applications. Our efforts encompass all biological targets and aim to increase our understanding of these processes to better comprehend the disease's molecular mechanisms and develop new drugs and more effective LC treatments.

This study aims to examine the relationship between government spending and economic development in Kenya, given the lack of consensus on the topic globally. While there is an agreement that some level of government expenditure is necessary for economic development, the specific areas of spending that are most beneficial still need to be clarified. This study uses the auto regressive distributed lag(ARDL) model and a Support Vector Machine to explore the effect of public spending on the Kenyan economy from 1980 to 2021. The variables used in this study include GDP, infrastructure, education, health, and defense expenditures. This study hypothesizes that increased investment in infrastructure, health, education, and defense spending leads to accelerated economic development growth in Kenya. The results indicate that education has a negative effect on economic development in the short run but a positive effect in the long run, while health and defense spending have a positive impact on economic development Infrastructure spending has adverse impact on economic development in both the short and long run, but its correlation is low. This study suggests that Kenya should increase funding for education and health, maintain defense spending, and improve infrastructure spending while addressing corruption and bureaucracy.

Citrus diseases pose threats to citrus farming and result in economic losses worldwide. Nucleic acid and serology-based methods of detection such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and immunochromatographic assays are commonly used but these laboratory tests are laborious, expensive and might be subjected to cross-reaction and contamination. Timely intervention for better control over the spread of disease is essential to minimize crop loss, as no cure is available for citrus diseases like Huanglongbing. Modern optical spectroscopic techniques offer a promising alternative to traditional methods, as they are label-free, sensitive, rapid, and non-destructive. They also demonstrate potential as a mass screening tool and could be incorporated into autonomous systems for disease detection in citrus orchards. Nevertheless, the majority of optical spectroscopic methods for citrus disease detection are still in the trial phases and, require additional efforts to be established as efficient and commercially viable methods. The review presents an overview of fundamental working principles, the state of the art, and explains the applications and limitations of the optical spectroscopy technique including the spectroscopic imaging approach (hyperspectral imaging) in the identification of diseases in citrus plants grown over a large area. The review highlights (1) majorly used optical spectroscopic tools that can potentially be utilized in field measurements, (2) their applications in screening citrus diseases through leaf spectroscopy, and (3) discusses their benefits, challenges, and limitations, including future insights on how to enhance them further for efficient label-free identification of citrus diseases. Moreover, the role of artificial intelligence is reviewed as potential effective tools for spectral analysis, enabling accurate detection of infected citrus leaves even before the appearance of visual symptoms by leveraging compositional, morphological, and chemometric characteristics of the plant leaves. The review aims to encourage researchers to enhance the development and commercialization of field-based, label-free optical tools for the rapid and early-stage screening of citrus diseases in plants.

The task of providing a natural language description of graphical information of the image is known as image captioning. As a result, it needs an algorithm to create a series of output words and understand the relations between textual and visual elements. The main goal of this research is to caption the image by extracting the features and detecting the object from the image. Here, the object is detected by employing Deep Embedding Clustering. The features from the input image are extracted such as Local Vector Pattern (LVP), Spider Local Image Features, and some statistical features like mean, variance, standard deviation, kurtosis, and skewness. The extracted features and detected objects are given to image captioning which is exploited by Deep Convolutional Neural Network (Deep CNN). The Deep CNN is trained by using the proposed Adaptive Coati Optimization Algorithm (ACOA). The proposed ACOA is attained by the integration of the Adaptive concept and Coati Optimization Algorithm (COA) and thus the image is captioned. The proposed ACOA achieved maximum values in the training data such as 90.5% of precision, 89.9% of recall 89.1% of F1-Score, 90.4% of accuracy, 90.4% of BELU, and 90.9% of ROUGE.

The effect of the incorporation of roasted garden cress seed powder (RGCSP) in the diet of girls with anaemia on Hb level and quality was evaluated. Twenty-two girls were selected and their Hb levels were estimated. Out of twenty-two girls, fifteen girls were found to be anemic and were selected for the study and it was found that four girls had mild, nine had moderate and two had severe degree of anaemia. The girls' average Hb levels dramatically raised from 8.9 to 10.4 g/dL following a 60-day intervention that also included RGCSP. Research on garden cress seed powder (GCSP) showed that roasting decreased the amount of moisture, protein, carbohydrate, and zinc while increasing the amount of ash, fat, crude fiber, and iron. Four distinct formulations were created with various amounts of GCSP (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 %) to generate fortified chikki. The chikki with 15 % GCSP had the highest overall acceptance rating of among them. Compared to the control chikki, this enriched variety had higher percentages of protein (6.95 %), fat (15.87 %), moisture (4.60 %), fiber (3.95 %), and calorie content (456.23 kcal/100 g). Supplemented chikki made by fortifying with RGCSP was rich in nutritional composition.

BackgroundObese patients have worse outcomes after surgery and are at increased risk for perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). Our aim was to detail the cognitive trajectories of patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) and map distinct structural brain changes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to better understand the association between the vulnerable brain, surgery, and the arc of PND.MethodsProspective pilot study with longitudinal comprehensive cognitive assessments and MRI were performed on obese patients scheduled for BS. We analyzed baseline cognitive function and high-resolution T1-/T2-weighted brain images on 19 obese patients [age, 54 (9) years, BMI, 40 (36, 42) kg m−2] and compared with 50 healthy control subjects [age, 52 (6) years; BMI, 25 (24, 27) kg m−2]. Patients were evaluated within five days of BS (baseline), immediately after (within 48h), and follow up at six months.ResultsAt baseline, obese patients had significant brain tissue changes seen in MRI and decreased cognitive scores compared to controls (MoCA 26 vs 28, P = 0.017). Surgery induced further gray matter volume and brain tissue changes along with reduced cognitive scores within the immediate postoperative period (MoCA 26 vs 24, P < 0.001). At six months, we observed reversal of brain alterations for most patients and a concomitant rebound of cognitive scores to patient’s baseline status.ConclusionsBariatric surgery resulted in worsening of preexisting brain structural integrity and lower cognitive function for obese patients compared to baseline. These distinct brain lesions are consistent with specific domains of cognition. Most of these changes reverted to patient’s baseline condition within six months after surgery.

This study presented a new exact solution for anisotropic compact stellar objects within the framework of f(R)=R+αR2 gravity. In this context, the Durgapal-Fuloria metric potential has been employed to solve the field equation derived for f(R) theory. Furthermore, we have derived the generalized Darmois-Israel junction condition necessary for seamlessly connecting the interior region to the Schwarzschild exterior metric across the boundary hypersurface of the star in the context of f(R) gravity, and the interior solution is matched with the Schwarzschild exterior metric over the bounding surface of a compact star. These junction conditions stipulate that the pressure must not be zero at the boundary and should be proportional to the non-linear terms of f(R) gravity, a crucial aspect often overlooked by many researchers when investigating compact stellar models. Additionally, we derived the values of these parameters by using observational data of various compact stars (CSs), namely Her X-1, SAX J1808.4-3658, SMC X-1, LMC X-4, Cen X-3, 4U 1820-30, PSR J1903+327, 4U 1608-52, Vela X-1, and PSR J1416-2230. This approach enables us to investigate the comprehensive analysis of solutions numerically and graphically. We conducted various physical tests, including gradient of energy density and pressures, anisotropy, stability, equilibrium conditions, energy-density constraints, mass function, compactness, redshift, and adiabatic index, to assess the feasibility of our models. Our findings demonstrate the consistent behavior of our models provides a satisfactory physical situation as far as the observational results are confirmed.

The use of Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs in industries, as well as the products made from them, is becoming a significant concern for human health. Scientific studies have revealed that BPA functions as an endocrine disruptor. While some analogs of BPA (bisphenols) have been used for a longer time, it was later discovered that they are toxic, similar to BPA. Their widespread use ensures their presence in the environment, and thus, everyone is exposed to them. Scientific research has shown that BPA interacts with estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ), affecting its normal function. ERRγ is involved in biological processes including energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Therefore, continuous exposure to bisphenols increases the risk of various diseases. In our previous study, we observed that some analogs of BPA had a higher binding affinity to ERRγ compared to BPA itself and analyzed the amino acid residues involved in this interaction. We hypothesized that by antagonizing the interaction between bisphenols and ERRγ, we could neutralize their toxic effects. Taking into account the health benefits of millets and their toxin removal properties, virtual screening of millet-derived compounds was conducted along with prediction of their ADMET profiles. Top five candidates were prioritized for Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and further analyses. Long-term molecular dynamics simulation (1 µs) were utilized to evaluate their binding, stability, and antagonizing abilities. Furthermore, reevaluation of their binding energy was conducted using the MM-PBSA method. This study reports millet-derived compounds, namely, Tricin 7-rutinoside, Tricin 7-glucoside, Glucotricin, Kaempferol, and Setarin. These compounds are predicted to be potent competitive inhibitors that can antagonize the interactions between bisphenols and ERRγ. These compounds could potentially assist in the development of future therapeutics. They may also be considered for use as food supplements, although further investigations, including wet-lab experiments and clinical studies, are needed.

IntroductionThe chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is well-known for having climate resilience and atmospheric nitrogen fixation ability. Global demand for nitrogenous fertilizer is predicted to increase by 1.4% annually, and the loss of billions of dollars in farm profit has drawn attention to the need for alternative sources of nitrogen. The ability of chickpea to obtain sufficient nitrogen via its symbiotic relationship with Mesorhizobium ciceri is of critical importance in determining the growth and production of chickpea.MethodsTo support findings on nodule formation in chickpea and to map the genomic regions for nodulation, an association panel consisting of 271 genotypes, selected from the global chickpea germplasm including four checks at four locations, was evaluated, and data were recorded for nodulation and 12 yield-related traits. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using phenotypic data and genotypic data was extracted from whole-genome resequencing data of chickpea by creating a hap map file consisting of 602,344 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the working set with best-fit models of association mapping.Results and DiscussionThe GWAS panel was found to be structured with sufficient diversity among the genotypes. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed an LD decay value of 37.3 MB, indicating that SNPs within this distance behave as inheritance blocks. A total of 450 and 632 stringent marker–trait associations (MTAs) were identified from the BLINK and FarmCPU models, respectively, for all the traits under study. The 75 novel MTAs identified for nodulation traits were found to be stable. SNP annotations of associated markers were found to be related to various genes including a few auxins encoding as well as nod factor transporter genes. The identified significant MTAs, candidate genes, and associated markers have the potential for use in marker-assisted selection for developing high-nodulation cultivars after validation in the breeding populations.

The present study was carried out during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to assess the combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on a 5-year- old VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchard. The experiment consisted of three irrigation regimes, viz. deficit irrigation at 50% ETc (DI50); deficit irrigation at 75% ETc (DI75); and full irrigation at 100% ETc (FI100); and four mulching treatments, viz. silver-black mulch (MSB); black mulch (MB); organic mulch (MOM); and without mulch (MWM) laid out in a factorial randomised block design (F-RBD) with three replications. Results showed that fruit number and yield/tree were recorded highest in trees irrigated with DI75 and mulched with silver-black mulch. Under treatment DI50 fruit had the highest concentration of soluble solids, with Brix levels of 12.35°B and 12.78 °B during the years 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively. Total sugars content was significantly increased under DI50 by 7.73 and 7.36%, respectively as compared to FI100 during both the years of experimentation. The biochemical properties such as total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant (DPPH) activity also increased as irrigation regimes decreased from FI100 to DI50. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were improved by 19.19 and 33.44%, respectively under DI50 when compared to FI100. Significant differences among different mulch treatments with respect to quality parameters were also observed except DPPH activity. Silver-black mulch followed by black mulch resulted in higher soluble solids content, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, total flavonoids and DPPH activity. These findings demonstrate the positive effect of water deficit practice on bioactive compounds and the appropriateness of deficit irrigation and mulching as irrigation management strategies in the fruit orchards that improve fruit commercial value and conserve water.

Epigenetic mechanisms often fuel the quick evolution of cancer cells from normal cells. Mutations or aberrant expressions in the enzymes of DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and chromatin remodellers have been extensively investigated in cancer pathogenesis; however, cancer-associated histone mutants have gained momentum in recent decades. Next-generation sequencing of cancer cells has identified somatic recurrent mutations in all the histones (H3, H4, H2A, H2B, and H1) with different frequencies for various tumour types. Importantly, the well-characterised H3K27M, H3G34R/V, and H3K36M mutations are termed as oncohistone mutants because of their wide roles, from defects in cellular differentiation, transcriptional dysregulation, and perturbed epigenomic profiles to genomic instabilities. Mechanistically, these histone mutants impart their effects on histone modifications and/or on irregular distributions of chromatin complexes. Recent studies have identified the crucial roles of the H3K27M and H3G34R/V mutants in the DNA damage response pathway, but their impacts on chemotherapy and tumour progression remain elusive. In this review, we summarise the recent developments in their functions toward genomic instabilities and tumour progression. Finally, we discuss how such a mechanistic understanding can be harnessed toward the potential treatment of tumours harbouring the H3K27M, H3G34R/V, and H3K36M mutations.

Short-duration and early-bulking potato varieties are well-suited for commercial cultivation in the subtropical Indo-Gangetic plains of India. To maximize seed tuber yield, prevent late-season exposure to aphid vectors, and facilitate the timely planting of wheat crops during the rabi season, it is essential to cut the haulms (vines) of seed potatoes at the earliest possible time. A study was conducted to standardize the optimal vine-killing date for two popular potato varieties in the north-western plains of India, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Jyoti, by examining variations in seed yield across different vine-killing dates and assessing the incidence of aphid vectors transmitting potato viruses. Tubers were planted on 15 October for two consecutive seasons, and haulms were cut at 70, 80, and 90 days after planting (DAP), with continuous monitoring of aphid populations. Results showed that total tuber yield and tuber numbers increased with delayed vine-killing. Similarly, the yield and number of oversized tubers significantly rose as the vine-killing date was extended. However, seed-size and undersized tuber yields were largely unaffected, while the number of undersized tubers decreased between 70 and 90 DAP. Further, the gain in total tuber yield and yield of over-sized tubers occurred mainly during 70–80 DAP for Kufri Pukhraj in contrast to Kufri Jyoti where maximum increase occurred between 80 and 90 DAP. Therefore, it is concluded that the optimum time of vine killing for maximum seed tuber yield is directly linked to the tuber growth cycle of individual variety. The period of maximum incidence of aphid vectors varied between the two years. Based on the incidence of Myzus persicae, the seed crops in north-western plains of India should not be extended beyond last week of December although real time monitoring of the aphid incidence is recommended.

The current work aims to screen the phytoconstitutes of the Lactuca virosa leaves ethanolic extract by using GC-MS analysis and investigate its antibacterial activity. GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the various phytochemical constituents within the ethanolic extracts of Lactuca virosa. Subsequently, protein-ligand docking was performed using proteins PDBID: 6AHT and 5C5H, revealing a strong affinity between the bioactive compounds and the proteins, indicating potent inhibitory action. Furthermore, each concentration of Lactuca virosa was assessed for antibacterial activity using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against bacterial strains including Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans. Preliminary phytochemical testing revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, oils, and resins. GC-MS showed the presence of many bioactive compounds in extract. Docking results highlighted that two compounds exhibited the most favourable binding energies of approximately -8.1 kcal/mol and -8.5 kcal/mol with 6AHT, and -8.8 kcal/mol with 5C5H. The ethanolic extract of 0.4mg concentration has shown good antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria. The study identifies a new source of antibacterial compounds, which could lead to the development of new drugs, particularly effective against gram positive strains like Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus mutans. Keywords: Lactuca virosa, GC-MS, Docking, ADMET, Antibacterial Activity

Introduction: Oral ulcers are a common, painful condition with limited effective treatment options. This study explores the potential of a novel herbal gel formulation using Lagenaria siceraria (Bottle gourd) fortified with honey as a treatment for oral ulcers. Materials and methods: The gel’s antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were evaluated in vitro. Lagenaria siceraria was extracted and combined with honey to create the gel, which was tested against three bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using agar well diffusion and time-kill curve assays. Results: The results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the highest inhibition observed in P. aeruginosa. Cytotoxicity was assessed using nauplii fish, showing minimal adverse effects at lower concentrations. Conclusion: This study suggests that the Lagenaria siceraria and honey gel could be a promising, natural alternative for managing oral ulcers, combining efficacy with low cytotoxicity. Further studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore the potential for clinical application.

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) based on Caprini VTE risk assessment scale and the effect of implementation of this scale on the use of thromboprophylaxis. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted, including patients who underwent major elective surgical procedures. Demographic details were noted, and VTE prophylaxis offered if needed. According to the VTE risk assessment scale, patients were categorised into very low-, low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories. The data were analysed statistically. Results: A total of 500 patients (women = 259; men = 241) were enrolled in this study. Of them, eight women and nine men developed VTE (P = 0.691). The maximum number of patients who developed VTE belonged to 61–70 years group (n = 7). According to VTE risk assessment, 61 patients were categorised as low-risk, 217 patients as moderate-risk, and 222 patients were categorised as high-risk. A significant (P < 0.0005) correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and VTE development. In obese patients with BMI >25, 14 patients developed VTE. Out of total, 329 patients received prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis. Of 284 patients who received pharmacologic prophylaxis, only three developed VTE (P = 0.002). Of 145 patients who received mechanical prophylaxis, 75 had high risk and none of them developed VTE. Four patients had mortality, and a significant (P = 0.022) correlation was found between mortality and VTE development. Conclusion: According to Caprini risk assessment scale, the prophylaxis for VTE was effective in patients undergoing major elective general surgery, resulting in significant lowering of morbidity and mortality.