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Several neurological manifestations are common in dengue fever. They are encephalitis, encephalopathy, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), Intracranial haemorrhage, but, ischemic stroke is a rare complication. This is a case report of ischaemic stroke in a patient with dengue fever. A 39-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with the chief complaints of fever, retro orbital pain since four days, and one episode of seizure on the day of presentation. Examination revealed left homonymous hemianopia. Diagnosis of dengue was made based on Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) positive for dengue. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain showed acute infarcts in right temporal, right occipital and right hippocampal region. Severity of hemianopia decreased as the days progressed and platelet count gradually improved to normal limits within five days. Adequate fluid management was given and the patient was discharged once stable. Anti-platelets were started after two weeks during the follow-up. Examination during follow-up showed decrease in hemianopia to just mild blurring of vision on left gaze. Ischemic stroke is even rarer entity and clinicians should be made aware of these complications.

Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious threat to the developing world’s human population, which largely relies on a cereal-based diet that lacks diversity and micronutrients. Besides major cereals, millets represent the key sources of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals for people residing in the dryland tropics and drought-prone areas of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Millets serve as multi-purpose crops with several salient traits including tolerance to abiotic stresses, adaptation to diverse agro-ecologies, higher productivity in nutrient-poor soils, and rich nutritional characteristics. Considering the potential of millets in empowering smallholder farmers, adapting to changing climate, and transforming agrifood systems, the year 2023 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Millets. In this review, we highlight recent genetic and genomic innovations that can be explored to enhance grain micronutrient density in millets. We summarize the advances made in high-throughput phenotyping to accurately measure grain micronutrient content in cereals. We shed light on genetic diversity in millet germplasm collections existing globally that can be exploited for developing nutrient-dense and high-yielding varieties to address food and nutritional security. Furthermore, we describe the progress made in the fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics with an emphasis on enhancing the grain nutritional content for designing competitive biofortified varieties for the future. Considering the close genetic-relatedness within cereals, upcoming research should focus on identifying the genetic and genomic basis of nutritional traits in millets and introgressing them into major cereals through integrated omics approaches. Recent breakthroughs in the genome editing toolbox would be crucial for mainstreaming biofortification in millets.

Abstract Alloys of Mn55Al45C2 with additions of VC nano-particles have been synthesized and their properties evaluated. The Mn55Al45C2(VC) x (x = 0.25, 0.5 and 1) alloys have been prepared by induction melting resulting in a high content of the ferromagnetic τ-phase (> 94 wt.%). Powder X-ray diffraction indicates that nano-VC can be dissolved in the alloy matrix up to 1 at.%. On the other side, metallography investigations by scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscope show inclusions of the nanosized additives in the microstructure. The effect of nano-VC on the grain and twin boundaries has been studied by electron backscattering diffraction. The magnetization has been measured by magnetometry up to 9 T while the domain structure has been studied using both magnetic force microscopy as well as Kerr-microscopy. For nano-VC contents above 0.25 at.%, a clear increase of the coercive force is observed, from 57 to 71 kA/m. The optimum appears to be for 0.5 at.% nano-VC which shows a 25% increase in coercive force without losing any saturation magnetization. This independent increase in coercivity is believed to originate from the nano-VC reducing the overall magnetic domain size. Overall, we observe that addition of nano-VC could be an interesting route to increase the coercive force of MnAl, without sacrificing saturation magnetization.

Oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq is the highest oil-yielding perennial plant. In this paper, Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients and path analysis study was discussed conducted on 58 Indian Oil palm genotypes for twenty four characters. Fresh fruit bunch yield (FFBY) was found to be significantly and positively correlated with bunch dry weight, bunch index, average bunch weight, number of bunches, total dry matter, number of leaflets and oil to bunch ratio. Path coefficient analysis also showed that bunch dry weight, bunch index, average bunch weight, number of bunches and total dry matter had maximum positive effect on FFBY. Hence these are the most potent characters influencing FFBY per palm in the selection programme.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop and acts as model plant for fruit development studies. Besides that, post-harvest damage is a devastating phenomenon often associated with ripening process in tomato which in turn leads to greater yield loss. Understanding the genetics, molecular and biochemical pathways is the key to overcome the existing situation. In the present study, we have identified a delayed ripening mutant and used in identification of linked marker for delayed fruit ripening. Initially, BML-03 (delayed ripening mutant line) was crossed with BIL-29 (normal ripening inbred line) to produce F2 population. Bulked segregate analysis was carried out using 245 SSR markers. Out of which, five SSRs were found to be polymorphic between parental lines and respective bulks along with a segregating genotype of mapping population. A population of 227 F2 plants was screened with five polymorphic SSR markers and the data were used in linkage analysis. Three SSR markers were found to be co-segregating with the delayed ripening phenotype and resulted in a linkage map which covered the map distance of 3.4 cM. Out of 3 markers TGS0070 was found to be closely linked to the fruit ripening locus and was successfully validated using other ripening specific F2 population BML-28 x BIL-3.

Abstract Endothelial cells are integral components of all vasculature within complex organisms. As they line the blood vessel wall, endothelial cells are constantly exposed to a variety of molecular factors and shear force that can induce cellular damage and stress. However, how endothelial cells are removed or eliminate unwanted cellular contents, remains unclear. The generation of large extracellular vesicles (EVs) has emerged as a key mechanism for the removal of cellular waste from cells that are dying or stressed. Here, we used intravital microscopy of the bone marrow to directly measure the kinetics of EV formation from endothelial cells in vivo under homoeostatic and malignant conditions. These large EVs are mitochondria-rich, expose the ‘eat me’ signal phosphatidylserine, and can interact with immune cell populations as a potential clearance mechanism. Elevated levels of circulating EVs correlates with degradation of the bone marrow vasculature caused by acute myeloid leukaemia. Together, our study provides in vivo spatio-temporal characterization of EV formation in the murine vasculature and suggests that circulating, large endothelial cell-derived EVs can provide a snapshot of vascular damage at distal sites.

Gangrenous mastitis is one among the major economically important health constraint faced by goat farmers. Occurrence of gangrenous mastitis is a result of combination of host, agent and environmental factors. Alteration in any of the host, agent and environmental factors can lead to an increase in bacterial concentration and the expression of virulence factors resulting in gangrenous mastitis. The present study was conducted over a period of two years from September 2021 to September 2023. The study subjects included 30 goats affected with gangrenous mastitis, managed under semi- intensive and intensive system. The selected animals included Malabari, Jamnapari and Malabari crossbreds with age group ranging from one to eight years, parity number ranging from one to six and stage of lactation ranging from peri-parturient period, early lactation and late lactation. Information regarding the host associated and environmental risk factors were collected by a prepared proforma. Disease diagnosis was made based on clinical examination, examination of udder and milk changes. Epidemiological analysis revealed a higher occurrence of gangrenous mastitis in crossbred goats. The occurrence was also higher in the age group of 3-4 yrs, during periparturient period and in herd without proper management practices. Absence of herd and management practices like proper disinfection and isolation of animals to new shed during parturition significantly caused occurrence of gangrenous mastitis. Proper awareness regarding the epidemiological factors leading to gangrenous mastitis can help in future control strategies of caprine gangrenous mastitis. Keywords: Goat, gangrenous mastitis, epidemiology

In pigs, stress factors such as pathogenic infections, environmental conditions, and various managemental practices can lead to a disease condition known as Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). The main viral agents associated with this condition are Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), and pseudorabies virus. A study was undertaken to assess whether PCV2 and PRRSV, alone or in combination, are present in cases of respiratory ailments of pigs in North Kerala. The presence of PCV2 was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of the virus and PRRSV was detected by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) targeting ORF6. A total of 54 tissue and lung samples were collected and screened for the presence of PCV2 and PRRSV. Of the samples tested, PCV2 could be detected in 22 (40.74 %) and PRRSV could be detected in 13 (24.07 %) samples. Two tissue samples showed mixed infections with PCV2 and PRRSV. The result shows that viral agents associated with PRDC are prevalent in pigs in North Kerala and that coinfections are also present. Keywords: Porcine respiratory disease complex, Porcine circovirus 2, Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, polymerase chain reaction

Abstract The global interest in market prediction has driven the adoption of advanced technologies beyond traditional statistical models. This paper explores the use of machine learning and deep learning techniques for stock market forecasting. We propose a comprehensive approach that includes efficient feature selection, data preprocessing, and classification methodologies. The wavelet transform method is employed for data cleaning and noise reduction. Feature selection is optimized using the Dandelion Optimization Algorithm (DOA), identifying the most relevant input features. A novel hybrid model, 3D-CNN-GRU, integrating a 3D convolutional neural network with a gated recurrent unit, is developed for stock market data analysis. Hyperparameter tuning is facilitated by the Blood Coagulation Algorithm (BCA), enhancing model performance. Our methodology achieves a remarkable prediction accuracy of 99.14%, demonstrating robustness and efficacy in stock market forecasting applications. While our model shows significant promise, it is limited by the scope of the dataset, which includes only the Nifty 50 index. Broader implications of this work suggest that incorporating additional datasets and exploring different market scenarios could further validate and enhance the model's applicability. Future research could focus on implementing this approach in varied financial contexts to ensure robustness and generalizability.

Background: Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are the most common obstructive anomaly of the lower urinary tract in children. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 17% of the children is due to PUV. The present study helps know the spectrum of the disease, management options, and the outcome in these children. Methods: The present study is a descriptive type of study by review of medical records of all the children presented to the hospital from 2015 to 2019. Profile of PUV includes any abnormality in antenatal ultrasonography (USG), age at presentation, presenting complaints, general condition at the time of presentation, biochemical investigations like serum creatinine and electrolytes at admission, clinical progression during hospital stay and the type of intervention. Outcome variables studied were improvement in the stream and overall well-being of the child, renal function, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Follow-up period varied from 1 to 6 years. Results: A total of 73 patients were included in the study. The mean age of presentation was 3.4 years. The most common presenting complaints were poor urinary stream and dribbling of urine. Antenatal USG showed abnormality in 23 patients. Renal function was abnormal in 28 patients. Out of 73 patients, 51 underwent endoscopic ablation of valves, 19 underwent vesicostomy, and three patients underwent supravesical diversion. During the follow-up recurrent UTI was observed in 11 patients, 15 patients progressed to chronic kidney disease, and 15% of patients were hypertensive. Mortality in the present study was 4%. Conclusion: PUV includes a spectrum of diseases from mild form to lethal conditions. Early intervention by relieving obstruction may prevent or delay the ESRD; hence, timely intervention is necessary in these children.

Abstract In an attempt to develop potent anti-cancer agents, a new 1,3,4-substituted-thiadiazole derivatives (8b-g), starting from 4-substituted-thiazol-2-chloroacetamides (4b-g), were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on multiple human cancer cell lines, including the hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG-2), human lung carcinoma (A549), human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and pseudo-normal human embryonic liver (L02) cancer cell lines by an MTT assay. Among all synthesized compounds, compound 8d showed the potent anti-cancer activities with GI50 values of 2.98, 2.85 and 2.53 μM against MCF-7, A549 and HepG-2 cell lines respectively as compared to standard drug Doxorubicin. Furthermore, molecular modelling studies have spotlighted the anchoring role of 1,3,4-substituted-thiadiazole moiety in bonding and hydrophobic interaction with the key amino acid residues. Therefore, these results can provide promising starting points for further development of best anti-cancer agents. Graphical Abstract