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Soybean pod formation and its variability during the crop cycle has direct impact on the final crop yield. Observation using optical data could not be a better alternative for a crop like soybean, which is grown in summer monsoon in India in the Kharif season (crop grown mid June to end September). This study provides an effective method for soybean phenology monitoring and pod formation detection using Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) based Dual-pol Radar Vegetation Index (DpRVI) and cross-pol ratio (VH/VV). We observed a trend followed by DpRVI and VH/VV. The mean DpRVI observed for 330 test sites soon after the sowing (DOY 181) was $0.28\pm 0.07$, increased to $0.38\pm 0.06$ (DOY 229) then followed a downward trend (dip formation) with mean DpRVI $0.35\pm 0.08$ (DOY 241) and finally reaches to its maximum $0.48\pm 0.09$ just before the harvest (DOY 265). Previous five year data over the same fields showed same pattern of growth and dip, with more accuracy for those years having enough dataset. DpRVI and cross-pol ratio (VH/VV) observed as a better indicator of soybean growth compared to VH and VV polarization backscatter. This study also observed impact of early and delayed rainfall over previous five years on the pod formation. This study finds a pattern of first derivative of phenological profile and identifies that the second minima of first derivative of phenology profile represent the date of pod formation stage for soybean growth.

Coffee has long been popular worldwide. The rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia, and others has motivated coffee usage and illness prevalence studies. Some studies show coffee consumers are at risk for such diseases, whereas others show its active components protect them. Policymakers and the public need a comprehensive umbrella review to make healthy choices and enjoy coffee. Coffee consumption and stroke, CHD, and dementia outcomes have been distinguished using the PICO search strategy in PubMed with a filter for meta-analysis. We included 10 years of investigations until October 2023. MeSH terms “coffee intake,” “stroke, dementia,” and “transient ischemic attack,” comparing stroke risk with coffee consumption were used. The study excluded case reports and non-human, non-English observational research. The stroke risk of coffee was examined using RevMan software. Coffee consumption’s stroke risk ratio (RR), 95% CI, and I2 were estimated. Forest plots with P values ≤ 0.05 are significant. The umbrella review includes 11 meta-analyses from 457052 papers, totalling 11.96 million individuals. Drinking up to 4 cups of coffee daily reduced stroke risk by 12% compared with not drinking any coffee (0.88 (CI of 0.84-0.92, I2 of 13%, P < 0.00001)). Coffee drinkers had a 1.19 risk ratio for cardiovascular diseases compared to non-coffee drinkers (CI: 0.99–1.38, I2 = 84%, P < 0.00001). The dementia risk ratio for caffeine users was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82-0.97, I2 = 46%, P < 0.00001) compared with non-consumers. Our analysis covering 5.42 million individuals found that 4 cups of coffee consumed a day reduced stroke risk by 12%. Coffee may reduce ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes by preserving endothelium and antioxidants. Coffee may lessen dementia risk, according to our study’s 0.94 pooled risk ratio after sensitivity analysis. Heavy coffee drinkers had a greater CHD risk, as per our findings. Heavy coffee drinkers were more at risk.

Forests play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, with carbon storage being an important carbon pool in the terrestrial ecosystem with tree crown size serving as a versatile ecological indicator influencing factors such as tree growth, wind resistance, shading, and carbon sequestration. They help with habitat function, herbicide application, temperature regulation, etc. Understanding the relationship between tree crown area and stock volume is crucial, as it provides a key metric for assessing the impact of land-use changes on ecological processes. Traditional ground-based stock volume estimation using DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) is labor-intensive and often impractical. However, high-resolution UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) imagery has revolutionized remote sensing and computer-based tree analysis, making forest studies more efficient and interpretable. Previous studies have established correlations between DBH, stock volume and above-ground biomass, as well as between tree crown area and DBH. This research aims to explore the correlation between tree crown area and stock volume and automate stock volume and above-ground biomass estimation by developing an empirical model using UAV-RGB data, making forest assessments more convenient and time-efficient. The study site included a significant number of training and testing sites to ensure the performance level of the developed model. The findings underscore a significant association, demonstrating the potential of integrating drone technology with traditional forestry techniques for efficient stock volume estimation. The results highlight a strong exponential correlation between crown area and stem stock volume, with a coefficient of determination of 0.67 and mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0015. The developed model, when applied to estimate cumulative stock volume using drone imagery, demonstrated a strong correlation with an R2 of 0.75. These results emphasize the effectiveness of combining drone technology with traditional forestry methods to achieve more precise and efficient stock volume estimation and, hence, automate the process.

Abstract N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant, dynamic mRNA modification that regulates key steps of cellular mRNA metabolism. m6A in the mRNA coding regions inhibits translation elongation. Here, we show how m6A modulates decoding in the bacterial translation system using a combination of rapid kinetics, smFRET and single-particle cryo-EM. We show that, while the modification does not impair the initial binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome, in the presence of m6A fewer ribosomes complete the decoding process due to the lower stability of the complexes and enhanced tRNA drop-off. The mRNA codon adopts a π-stacked codon conformation that is remodeled upon aminoacyl-tRNA binding. m6A does not exclude canonical codon-anticodon geometry, but favors alternative more dynamic conformations that are rejected by the ribosome. These results highlight how modifications outside the Watson-Crick edge can still interfere with codon-anticodon base pairing and complex recognition by the ribosome, thereby modulating the translational efficiency of modified mRNAs.

Abstract The Strathcona neighborhood in Vancouver is particularly vulnerable to environmental injustice due to its close proximity to the Port of Vancouver, and a high proportion of Indigenous and low‐income households. Furthermore, local sources of air pollutants (e.g., roadways) can contribute to small‐scale variations within communities. The aim of this study was to assess hyperlocal air quality patterns (intra‐neighborhood variability) and compare them to average Vancouver concentrations (inter‐neighborhood variability) to identify possible disparities in air pollution exposure for the Strathcona community. Between April and August 2022, 11 low‐cost sensors (LCS) were deployed within the neighborhood to measure PM2.5, NO2, and O3 concentrations. The collected 15‐min concentrations were down‐averaged to daily concentrations and compared to greater Vancouver region concentrations to quantify the exposures faced by the community relative to the rest of the region. Concentrations were also estimated at every 25 m grid within the neighborhood to quantify the distribution of air pollution within the community. Using population information from census data, cumulative hazard indices (CHIs) were computed for every dissemination block. We found that although PM2.5 concentrations in the neighborhood were lower than regional Vancouver averages, daily NO2 concentrations and summer O3 concentrations were consistently higher. Additionally, although CHIs varied daily, we found that CHIs were consistently higher in areas with high commercial activity. As such, estimating CHI for dissemination blocks was useful in identifying hotspots and potential areas of concern within the neighborhood. This information can collectively assist the community in their advocacy efforts.

Background: Securing airway and adequate ventilation after induction of anesthesia is the utmost priority of anesthesiologists, failure of that can lead to hypoxic brain injury and death in a few minutes. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to ascertain the role of ultrasonography in predicting difficult intubation by comparing different ultrasonographic parameters. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia were studied. The study was carried out in two phases. The first phase – during the pre-anesthetic checkup, ultrasonographic measurements of Anterior neck soft-tissue thickness at the level of hyoid (ANS-Hyoid), anterior neck soft tissue thickness at the level of vocal cords (ANS-VC), pre-epiglottic space (Pre-E), distance from the epiglottis to the mid-point of the distance between the vocal cords (EVL), and the ratio of both (PES/EVL) was also done. In the second phase, Cormack–Lehane (CL) grade was noted during intubation. A Chi-square test was applied to correlate ultrasonographic parameters and CL grade. Sensitivity, specificity, an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were calculated for various parameters. Results: In this study among the studied parameter, only ANS–VC was statistically significant in predicting difficult intubation (P0.32 cm was 93.3% sensitive and 84.7% specific and had Area under the ROC curve of 85% in predicting CL grade 3 and 4 (difficult intubation). Conclusion: USG is a useful tool in predicting difficult intubation. ANS-VC >0.32 cm is a highly sensitive and specific predictor of difficult intubation, while other USG parameters are not indicative of difficult intubation.

Background: Birth asphyxia is a lack of blood flow or gas exchange to or from the fetus in the period immediately before, during, or after the birth process. Birth asphyxia can result in profound systemic and neurologic sequelae due to decreased blood flow and/or oxygen to the developing fetus or infant. Birth asphyxia is one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity globally. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the importance of cranial Doppler as investigation tool for the early prognostic marker of babies with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in short term. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The present study includes 50 newborns, out of which 30 newborns admitted with birth asphyxia were considered as a case, while 20 healthy term newborns were taken as control. Transcranial Doppler of middle cerebral artery (MCA) was done on day 1 of life. They were followed up at discharge for neuromotor outcome by Hammersmith Neonatal neurological examination (HNNE). The outcome was correlated with, Doppler findings of MCA. P

Abstract Background Prebiotics is a relatively neglected area in cancer research, despite evidence suggesting that it plays a key role in suppressing tumour growth and improving immune function. Recent Findings Including prebiotics in the diet has been shown to strengthen the immune system and can better slow down or prevent the growth of tumours. It has also been strongly indicated in various scientific studies that prebiotics can contribute to the sustenance of a healthy microbiome, which in turn plays an important role in increasing the effectiveness and reducing the side effects of cancer treatments. Conclusion In the present review article we highlight the mechanisms by which prebiotics like inulin, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), β‐glucan, pectin, and xylooligosaccharide (XOS) function. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of incorporating prebiotics during cancer therapy to improvise gut health and prevent/reverse the damage caused to patients due to chemotherapy has also been elaborated.

Background: Prevention of dental caries is important for nutrition and health of the child. Sucrose being considered an arch criminal, various substitutes are recommended. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener which cannot be metabolized by bacteria. Thus, it seems to be a promising method in prevention of dental caries. Materials and Methods: Fifty children between the age of 3–6 years were randomly divided into two groups; Group 1: Control group (without lollipops) and Group 2: Experimental group (with sugar substitute lollipops). The saliva sample was collected at four different time intervals, and pH of saliva was determined using universal pH indicator. Results: There was a significant drop in the pH after drinking sweetened beverages in both the groups, but there was a significant rise in pH after having xylitol + erythritol lollipops which almost returned to baseline after 15 min. Conclusion: Lollipops containing xylitol and erythritol can be used in small children and it has potential to increase salivary pH, thus not allowing the pH to fall below the critical value.

Introduction: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyse the aetiology, outcome, and risk factors associated with mortality. Methods: We analysed baseline transplant characteristics, symptoms, hospital course, laboratory, serological and microbial results, and their association with the outcome of all RTRs between January 2011 and December 2019. Results: A total of 206 LRTI patients out of 1051 RTRs were analysed. The incidence proportion was nearly 22 episodes per 1000 patients per year. The mean age was 39.3 years, with male predominance. Bacterial was the most common aetiology (53%), and staphylococcus was the most common species. Among the fungal causes (14%), 68% had aspergillus infection. More than one-third RTRs died during the hospital course mainly because of bacterial causes (42.6%). The aspergillus infection was the most common fungus associated with 50% mortality. On multi-variate analysis, sepsis, septic shock, and the need for mechanical ventilation independently predicted mortality. Conclusion: Bacterial aetiology was the most common cause; though the fungal aetiology was seen less, it was associated with higher mortality. Mortality in RTR with LRTI was associated with sepsis, septic shock, and the need for mechanical ventilation.

Context: Chronic lower back pain (CLBP) and Vitamin D deficiency are two common conditions presenting to primary care physicians. Aims: To study the vitamin D status in North Indians presenting with nonspecific CLBP and the correlation between vitamin D levels and pain severity by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Settings and Design: An observational study. Record of all CLBP patients presenting to the outpatient department in 2019, were analyzed, retrospectively. Methods and Materials: All the patients of age 18 to 65 and either sex with nonspecific CLBP were included. Patients were divided into two: Vitamin D deficient (Group 1) and normal (Group 2) with cut off Serum Vitamin D values at 30 ng/mL. Demographic data and Visual Analogue Scale scores (VAS) of both groups were recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: Correlations between Vitamin D values and VAS scores were investigated using the Spearman coefficient, and the results with P of ≤ 0.05 were contemplated significant. Results: Of total 376 patients with nonspecific CLBP, the majority were adults, females, married, vegetarians, overweight or obese, and had a mean sun exposure time of two hours. Vitamin D deficient Group 1 had 302 (80.32%) patients with significantly lower (P < 0.0001) mean vitamin D levels compared to Group 2 (74 patients i.e., 19.68%). Spearman's rho coefficient between vitamin D and VAS, showed a negative correlation (–0.554), with a P value < 0.00001. Conclusions: This study indicated a high probability of vitamin D deficiency in the nonspecific CLBP population and a negative correlation between vitamin D status and pain severity.

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of disability in children. Neuroimaging is useful in determining structural or functional relationships in children with CP. It provides an opportunity to link various CP types to the localisation of the brain maldevelopment or lesion. Aim: To study association of motor function and brain structure on neuroimaging Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in CP children. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from August 2015 to December 2016. A total of 50 diagnosed cases of CP were included after satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. After detailed history and clinical examination, MRI of brain was advised. All parameters were assessed in terms of Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and MRI Grading. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentage and association was checked using Chi-square test or Fischer’sexact test. A p-value of

Introduction: Suprascapular Nerve Block (SSNB) and Intra-articular (IA) steroid injection are used for management of Periarthritis (PA) of shoulder with variable results. Aim: To compare the efficacy of SSNB and IA steroid injection for management of PA shoulder. Materials and Methods: In this randomised clinical trial, 100 patients of PA shoulder from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) Outpatient Department (OPD) were enrolled over the period of 18 months and were divided in two equal groups using computerised block randomisation. Group A patients received IA methylprednisolone while Group B patients were subjected to Ultrasound (USG) guided SSNB. Assessment was done at baseline and at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after the intervention, using Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), active and passive Range Of Motion (ROM) of shoulder and Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI). Statistical significance was determined by Chisquare for qualitative variables and by unpaired t-test or paired t-test for quantitative variables. The p

Introduction: Stroke is frequently followed by bone loss, causing increased fracture risk in patients. Bone loss starts within days of vascular brain injury, progresses till fourth month and then lowers until the end of first year after stroke. Aim: To assess the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in hip, spine and wrist and its difference between paretic and nonparetic side in ambulatory stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 subjects, from January 2015 to June 2016 in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Biochemical markers, x-rays and BMD were recorded in all patients along with demographic profile in a pre-structured proforma after taking informed consent. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Software version 14.0. Results: Out of 40 subjects (mean age: 53.9±10.9 years), 82.5% were males with nearly equal distribution in 41-50, 51- 60 and 61-70 years age groups. Around 65% stroke survivors presented within 1-3 years of stroke with 68% having right sided involvement. Bone mineral densities over hip with a mean of -2.14±1.57 and lower end of radius with a mean of -4.85±2.01 were less on paretic side as compared to the nonparetic side. DEXA scanning of spine showed 52.5% subjects were osteopenic and 37.5% were osteoporotic. Conclusion: BMD over hip and lower end of radius was less on paretic side as compared to the nonparetic side but it was insignificant statistically.

Introduction: Visually impaired children require a specialised form of dental health education that facilitates the learning process for brushing their teeth correctly using effective techniques. The Braille method is a conventional means of education for children with visual impairments. In contrast, the Audio Tactile Performance (ATP) technique is a uniquely developed method for educating these children and has proven to be effective. Aim: To evaluate the oral hygiene status by comparing the Braille and ATP techniques with the Fones method, as well as ATP with the Modified Bass technique of tooth brushing using a conventional dentifrice in visually impaired children, and to assess its impact on the children’s daily routines. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted by the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India, involving 300 blind school children aged 6-12 years from New Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), India over a period of 18 months from November 2018 to February 2020. The Oral Hygiene Index-simplified (OHI-S) scores were recorded pre- and post-operatively among three groups: Group 1 (conventional Braille method), group 2 (ATP technique with the Fones method), and group 3 (ATP with the Modified Bass method). The data were analysed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Intergroup comparisons of oral hygiene status were performed using the Post-hoc Bonferroni correction. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study participants comprised 283 males and 17 females, with a mean age of 8.58±1.297 years (Mean±SD). When comparing the three groups, the OHI-S scores at baseline and one month post-examination were found to be statistically insignificant (p-value >0.05). However, at the 6, 9, and 12-month marks, the mean differences between group 1 (Braille) and group 3 (ATP + Modified Bass) and between group 2 (ATP + Fones) and group 1 (Braille) were statistically significant (p-value