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Sediment deposition is a natural process that occurs in all reservoirs, resulting in significant storage loss, which has an adverse effect on the economic development of the local area. It is necessary to take appropriate action to control the sedimentation and prevent loss of the storage capacity of the reservoir. In the present study, runoff and sediment data collected at the Konijerla hydrometric station of Wyra reservoir for the period of 1991 to 2019 are used. Data from 2011 to 2016 is used to calibrate and the data from 2017 to 2019 is used to validate the SWAT model. The Wyra watershed consists of 26 sub-basins and 47 HRUs (Hydrological Response Units). Out of these sub-basins, one of the sub-basins is contributing 18.8% of sedimentation. It was also observed that two other sub-basins, though less in area, generate high sediments. Seasonal sediment analysis showed that sedimentation increased by 12% in the month of August for wet years. Overall sedimentation increased in wet years by 10.60% and in dry years, it decreased by 18.78%. The SWAT model was satisfactory in the calibration and validation periods for various parameters used. Hence, this model can be used for sedimentation study, as well as a planning tool in the reservoir capacity management.

Abstract Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes spread major vector-borne viral diseases in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the globe. In this study, we sequenced the genome of Indian Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and mapped to their reference genomes. Comparative genomics were performed between our strain and the reference strains. A total of 14,416,484 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 156,487 insertions and deletions (InDels) were found in Ae. aegypti, and 28,940,433 SNPs and 188,987 InDels in Ae. albopictus. Particular emphasis was given to gene families involved in mosquito digestion, development, and innate immunity, which could be putative candidates for vector control. Serine protease cascades and their inhibitors called serpins, play a central role in these processes. We extracted high-impact variants in genes associated with serine proteases and serpins. This study reports for the first time a high coverage genome sequence data of an Indian Ae. albopictus mosquito. The results from this study will provide insights into Indian Aedes specific polymorphisms and the evolution of immune related genes in mosquitoes, which can serve as a resource for future comparative genomics and those pursuing the development of targeted biopesticides for effective mosquito control strategies.

Abstract This research investigated the determinants of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) sharing intentions in personal and public online networks among domestic tourists. Using a quantitative research design, this study surveyed domestic tourists visiting five major tourist destinations in India. Six hundred thirty valid responses were subjected to principal component analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among destination attributes, tourists’ psychological processes, and their intentions to engage in eWOM. The findings show that destination inhabitants’ friendliness and the natural beauty of the destination influence tourists’ overall destination experience. The overall destination experience and personal pleasure from vacations impact eWOM sharing with friends and family (personal networks) and with strangers (public networks). The results also indicate that the overall destination experience mediates the relationship between destination attributes (destination inhabitants’ friendliness and the natural beauty of the destination) and online sharing intent with friends and family. The overall destination experience also mediates the path between personal pleasure from vacations and eWOM sharing intent in personal networks. For tourism developers and destination managers, this study underscores the importance of enhancing the natural appeal of destinations and fostering positive interactions between tourists and locals. It also suggests creating authentic experiences at the destination so that tourists with high involvement generate eWOM about the destination.

An analytical model is presented for light scattering associated with heat transport near a cell membrane that divides a complex system into two topologically distinct half-spaces. Our analysis is motivated by experiments on vibrational photothermal microscopy which have not only demonstrated remarkably high contrast and resolution, but also are capable of providing label-free local information of heat transport in complex morphologies. In the first Born approximation, the derived Greens function leads to the reconstruction of a full 3D image with photothermal contrast obtained using both amplitude and phase detection of periodic excitations. We show that important fundamental parameters including the Kapitza length and Kapitza resistance can be derived from experiments. Our goal is to spur additional experimental studies with high-frequency modulation and heterodyne detection in order to make contact with recent theoretical molecular dynamics calculations of thermal transport properties in membrane systems.

A field trial was conducted to investigate the ‘Phytotoxicity of pendimethalin on the emergence of seedlings in direct seeded rice (DSR) across different concentrations’ during the Kharif season of 2022 at the experimental farm of the School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with five treatments using different doses of pendimethalin (1600, 1800, 2000, and 2200 gram active ingredient per hectare (g ai per ha), and control (untreated)). Application of pendimethalin at 1600 g ai per ha resulted in a significantly higher number of seedlings than other treatment groups. The lowest number of seedlings was observed in the 2200 g ai per ha treatment group. The number of microbes present was optimal during the treatment with 1600 g ai per ha pendimethalin. With an increase in the dosage of pendimethalin, a decrease in the count of soil microbes was observed, with the lowest microbial count observed with the highest dose of pendimethalin, i.e., 2200 g ai per ha. No phytotoxic effect was observed in the DSR treated with pendimethalin at 1600 g ai per ha. Therefore the present study has to be obtain the appropriate use of dosage to inhibit the toxicity of herbicide as well as maintain the soil fertility and microbial growth.

Background: Craniopharyngiomas are rare benign tumors located in the sellar and suprasellar region, with an incidence of 0.5–2 cases per million as reported in Western studies. Post-treatment, including surgery and/or radiotherapy, many patients develop significant obesity, primarily due to hypothalamic damage and associated complications such as hypopituitarism. In the South Asian population, genetic predisposition to obesity at lower BMIs, coupled with a carbohydrate-rich diet, may exacerbate obesity in craniopharyngioma patients, presenting a unique challenge. Methods: This submission is a commentary based on a comprehensive literature review. The authors conducted the review using PubMed to focus on English-language articles covering hypothalamic obesity, craniopharyngioma and obesity in the South Asian population from 1939 to the present. Results: The literature review revealed that 50–60 % of patients treated for craniopharyngioma develop obesity, predominantly linked to hypothalamic damage, although these data are mainly derived from Western studies. Hypopituitarism was frequently observed, further contributing to the obesity. Despite a caloric intake appropriate for the age and gender, these patients exhibited reduced physical activity as measured by wrist accelerometers. Patients with hypothalamic obesity due to craniopharyngioma are at risk for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular morbidity. Additionally, visual impairment was common, leading to a decreased quality of life. The South Asian population, genetically predisposed to visceral obesity and a carbohydrate-rich diet, may display a distinct phenotype. Although multiple treatment modalities have been tried, there is no definite treatment modality available to counteract this condition at present. Conclusion: South Asian phenotype of craniopharyngioma-related obesity is characterized by significant metabolic and hormonal dysregulation, influenced by both dietary and genetic factors. Nevertheless, there may be a lot to be still understood about this devastating, rapid, relentless hypothalamic obesity syndrome. Also, a higher morbidity rate within this population, underscores the need for further research to develop targeted interventions.

ABSTRACTIn this study, we investigate novel fractional tuberculosis model with Caputo fractional derivative. The computational solution of the fractional tuberculosis disease is obtained with the help of the generalized Euler's method (GEM). This article considers two treatment strategies: protective treatment for latent populations and main treatment for infected ones. The compartmental structure of the six-dimensional model includes the susceptible, latent, infected, recovered, and treatment classes. To examine the nature of differential equations of fractional order that arise in biological illness, the findings produced utilizing the method under consideration are more accurate and straightforward. Additionally, the stability of the equilibrium point is also investigated. The fractional model has been graphically simulated using MATLAB22.

Two major challenges hinder the advance of aqueous zinc metal batteries for sustainable stationary storage: (1) achieving predominant Zn-ion (de)intercalation at the oxide cathode by suppressing adventitious proton co-intercalation and dissolution, and (2) simultaneously overcoming Zn dendrite growth at the anode that triggers parasitic electrolyte reactions. Here, we reveal the competition between Zn2+ vs proton intercalation chemistry of a typical oxide cathode using ex-situ/operando techniques, and alleviate side reactions by developing a cost-effective and non-flammable hybrid eutectic electrolyte. A fully hydrated Zn2+ solvation structure facilitates fast charge transfer at the solid/electrolyte interface, enabling dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping with a remarkably high average coulombic efficiency of 99.8% at commercially relevant areal capacities of 4 mAh cm-2 and function up to 1600 h at 8 mAh cm-2. By concurrently stabilizing Zn redox at both electrodes, we achieve a new benchmark in Zn-ion battery performance of 4 mAh cm-2 anode-free cells that retain 85% capacity over 100 cycles at 25 °C. Using this eutectic-design electrolyte, Zn | |Iodine full cells are further realized with 86% capacity retention over 2500 cycles. The approach represents a new avenue for long-duration energy storage.

Substantial advancements have been made in applying fractional calculus to understanding the epidemiology of viral diseases. However, it remains troubling that over 2,000,000 children, particularly those under the age of 5 and elderly individuals over 65, succumb to pneumonia annually in developing nations. This paper uses a deterministic SVEIR (susceptible, vaccinated, exposed, infected, and recovered) model to investigate pneumonia disease dynamics from a mathematical perspective. The governing model has been generalized from Caputo fractional derivatives, and the generalized Euler’s method has been used to calculate the approximate solution of the governing model. The dynamical systems theory examines the model’s stability analysis, basic reproduction number, and equilibrium points. The linearization method for spatial equilibrium and the Lyapunov functional method demonstrate that the model is locally asymptotic stable for disease-free equilibrium. Graphical results are showcased through MATLAB21 to illustrate the resolution of the problem. The research findings suggest that the disease will eventually disappear from the population if vaccination coverage rises over the necessary vaccination threshold. According to sensitivity analysis, the most sensitive factors are the transmission rate and the pace at which exposed individuals become contagious. According to the study, we must strengthen treatment effectiveness to prevent disease spreading.

In this paper, we delve into the realm of mathematical modeling as a powerful theoretical tool to understand essential aspects of medical-biological phenomena. This study focuses on developing a mathematical model incorporating the incomplete I-function (IIF) and estimating glucose supply in the human bloodstream. The results of our investigations are far-reaching, revealing many exciting scenarios across the various parameters under investigation. These results are not only practical but can also play an essential role in the contexts of medical and biological fields.

Abstract This study focuses on improving the accuracy of assessing liver damage and early detection for improved treatment strategies. In this study, we examine the human liver using a modified Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative based on the mathematical model to understand and predict the behavior of the human liver. The iteration method and fixed-point theory are used to investigate the presence of a unique solution in the new model. Furthermore, the homotopy analysis transform method, whose convergence is also examined, implements the mathematical model. Finally, numerical testing is performed to demonstrate the findings better. According to real clinical data comparison, the new fractional model outperforms the classical integer-order model with coherent temporal derivatives.

Aqueous zinc batteries are recognized to suffer from H+/Zn2+ coinsertion in the cathode, but few approaches have been reported to suppress deleterious H+ intercalation. Herein, we realize this goal by tuning the solvation structure, using LiV2(PO4)3 (LVP) as a model cathode. Phase conversion of LVP induced by H+ intercalation is observed in 4 m Zn(OTf)2, whereas dominant Zn2+ insertion is confirmed in a ZnCl2 water-in-salt electrolyte (WiSE). This disparity is ascribed to the complete absence of free water and a strong Zn2+–H2O interaction in the latter that interrupts the H2O hydrogen bonding network, thus suppressing H+ intercalation. On the basis of this strategy, a novel PEG-based hybrid electrolyte is designed to replace the corrosive ZnCl2 WiSE. This system exhibits an optimized Zn2+ solvation sheath with a similar low free water content, showing not only much better suppression of H+ intercalation but also highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with a CE of ∼99.7% over 150 cycles.

Precise regulation of chromatin architecture is vital to physiological processes including hematopoiesis. ARID1A is a core component of the mammalian SWI/SNF complex, which is one of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes. To uncover the role of ARID1A in hematopoietic development, we utilized hematopoietic cell-specific deletion of Arid1a in mice. We demonstrate that ARID1A is essential for maintaining the frequency and function of hematopoietic stem cells and its loss impairs the differentiation of both myeloid and lymphoid lineages. ARID1A deficiency led to a global reduction in open chromatin and ensuing transcriptional changes affected key genes involved in hematopoietic development. We also observed that silencing of ARID1A affected ATRA-induced differentiation of NB4 cells, suggesting its role in granulocytic differentiation of human leukemic cells. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive elucidation of the function of ARID1A in hematopoiesis and highlights the central role of ARID1A-containing SWI/SNF complex in maintaining chromatin dynamics in hematopoietic cells.

Chromosomal translocation t(8;21)(q22;q22) which leads to the generation of oncogenic RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (AML1-ETO) fusion is observed in approximately 10% of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). To identify somatic mutations that co-operate with t(8;21)-driven leukemia, we performed whole and targeted exome sequencing of an Asian cohort at diagnosis and relapse. We identified high frequency of truncating alterations in ASXL2 along with recurrent mutations of KIT, TET2, MGA, FLT3, and DHX15 in this subtype of AML. To investigate in depth the role of ASXL2 in normal hematopoiesis, we utilized a mouse model of ASXL2 deficiency. Loss of ASXL2 caused progressive hematopoietic defects characterized by myeloid hyperplasia, splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and poor reconstitution ability in transplantation models. Parallel analyses of young and >1-year old Asxl2-deficient mice revealed age-dependent perturbations affecting, not only myeloid and erythroid differentiation, but also maturation of lymphoid cells. Overall, these findings establish a critical role for ASXL2 in maintaining steady state hematopoiesis, and provide insights into how its loss primes the expansion of myeloid cells.

Background: Soft tissue tumors (STTs) are heterogeneous group of tumor and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has assumed an increasingly important role in their diagnosis. Objectives: To estimate the relative frequency of various STTs with age, gender and site wise distribution, study their histomorphological spectrum, grade the soft tissue sarcomas and evaluate the role of IHC. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in tertiary care hospital and cases diagnosed as STTs from January 2018 to December 2020 were included in the study. Clinical findings were obtained from patients’ case files. Histological findings were evaluated and grading was done in soft tissue sarcomas. IHC was performed wherever required. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was performed. Results: STTs were encountered more in female than male. Benign STTs were more common than malignant. Incidence of malignancy increased with age, malignant tumors being most common in fifth decade. Adipocytic tumors (n=162, 63.8 %) formed major bulk of benign tumors. Most common malignant STTs were smooth muscle tumors (n=6, 23.1 %). IHC was very important in diagnosis of STTs because of frequent difficulty of diagnosis on morphological basis alone. Conclusions: Adipocytic tumors were most common benign STTs and most common malignant STTs were smooth muscle tumors.

This study aims at evaluating the validity profile of Titmus vision screener V4 for gauging visual acuity and colour perception as a screening tool. Eleven hundred young adults attending eye OPD at a tertiary care center were included in the study. All individuals underwent distance visual acuity (DVA) measurement with Snellen chart and Titmus vision screener V4, at 6 m on the same day. Later, these individuals underwent colour vision testing with Ishihara pseudo isochromatic plates and Titmus vision screener V4. The age distribution ranged from 19 to 53 years with mean age as 26.6 years. Males (87.4%) were more as compared to females. Mean DVA measured by Snellen's chart and Titmus vision screener V4 were 0.088 ± 0.15 and 0.110 ± 0.17, respectively (p = 0.000). Mean difference between DVA by Snellen's chart and Titmus screener V4 was −0.021 ± 0.82 with 95% CI (−0.026 to −0.016). For measuring visual acuity, Titmus vision screener V4 showed a sensitivity of 99.5% and specificity of 90.6%. Negative predictive value and positive predictive value were 99.6% and 85.6%, respectively. For diagnosing colour perception, the Titmus vision screener V4 showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99.8%. The negative predictive value and positive predictive value were 100% and 88.8% respectively. Area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.960 with 95%CI (0.949–0.972). Our study supports use of Titmus vision screener V4 as an excellent screening tool for measurement of visual acuity as well as colour perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C/EBPε is a critical transcriptional factor for granulocyte differentiation and function. Individuals with germline mutations of C/EBPε fail to develop normal granulocytes and suffer from repeated infections. In order to gain a global view of the transcriptional machinery regulated by C/EBPε, we performed whole-genome ChIP-Seq using mouse bone marrow cells. To complement the C/EBPε DNA binding analyses, RNA-Sequencing was done in parallel using sorted mature and immature granulocytes from WT and C/EBPε KO bone marrow. This approach led to the identification of several direct targets of C/EBPε, which are potential effectors of its role in granulocytic differentiation and function. Interestingly, Trem1, a gene critical to granulocyte function, was identified as a direct C/EBPε target gene. Trem1 expression overlaps very closely with expression signature of C/EBPε during hematopoietic development. Luciferase reporter and EMSA assays revealed that C/EBPε binds to the regulatory elements of Trem1 and regulates its expression during granulocytic differentiation. In addition, we provide evidence that inflammatory stimuli (LPS) can also control the expression of Trem1 independent of C/EBPε. Overall, this study provides comprehensive profiling of the transcriptional network controlled by C/EBPε during granulopoiesis and identifies Trem1 as one of its downstream effectors involved in eliciting an immune response.

Background: Skeletal fluorosis is a metabolic bone disease that results from the chronic ingestion of fluoride. Although there are national programs in place to raise awareness and curtail this disease condition, skeletal fluorosis continues to cause crippling deformities in areas where it continues to be endemic. Method: ology: An observational study was undertaken at a university-affiliated teaching hospital in southern India. Clinical, biochemical features and densitometric variables including bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) were assessed. Results: All patients (n = 9) hailed from fluorosis-endemic Indian states and the source of drinking water was from a bore-well in all cases. The mean (±SD) age and BMI were 45.6(±11.0) years and 25.6 (±8.4) kg/m2 respectively. Dental mottling was present in five subjects. Five subjects each had vitamin D deficiency with osteomalacia. The mean (±SD) urine fluoride was 2.9(±1.4) ppm. The bone mineral density showed a sclerotic pattern, with the mean (±SD) TBS being 1.607 (±0.160). All patients were initiated on calcium and cholecalciferol supplements and those with osteomalacia were treated with calcitriol. Conclusion: While fluorosis continues to be a challenge in endemic regions, the presence of osteomalacia proves to be a treatable component of the disease condition. There seems to be an unmet need for more aggressive defluoridation techniques and the provision of safe drinking water in susceptible individuals.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a subtype of myeloid leukemia characterized by differentiation block at the promyelocyte stage. Besides the presence of chromosomal rearrangement t(15;17), leading to the formation of PML-RARA (promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha) fusion, other genetic alterations have also been implicated in APL. Here, we performed comprehensive mutational analysis of primary and relapse APL to identify somatic alterations, which cooperate with PML-RARA in the pathogenesis of APL. We explored the mutational landscape using whole-exome (n=12) and subsequent targeted sequencing of 398 genes in 153 primary and 69 relapse APL. Both primary and relapse APL harbored an average of eight non-silent somatic mutations per exome. We observed recurrent alterations of FLT3, WT1, NRAS and KRAS in the newly diagnosed APL, whereas mutations in other genes commonly mutated in myeloid leukemia were rarely detected. The molecular signature of APL relapse was characterized by emergence of frequent mutations in PML and RARA genes. Our sequencing data also demonstrates incidence of loss-of-function mutations in previously unidentified genes, ARID1B and ARID1A, both of which encode for key components of the SWI/SNF complex. We show that knockdown of ARID1B in APL cell line, NB4, results in large-scale activation of gene expression and reduced in vitro differentiation potential.

Abstract Background Malaria in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) is thought to be mostly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Recently, growing reports of cases due to Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium vivax have been increasingly observed to play a role in malaria epidemiology in sSA. This in fact is due to the usage of very sensitive diagnostic tools (e.g. PCR), which have highlighted the underestimation of non-falciparum malaria in this sub-region. Plasmodium vivax was historically thought to be absent in sSA due to the high prevalence of the Duffy negativity in individuals residing in this sub-continent. Recent studies reporting detection of vivax malaria in Duffy-negative individuals from Mali, Mauritania, Cameroon challenge this notion. Methods Following previous report of P. vivax in Duffy-negative individuals in Nigeria, samples were further collected and assessed RDT and/or microscopy. Thereafter, malaria positive samples were subjected to conventional PCR method and DNA sequencing to confirm both single/mixed infections as well as the Duffy status of the individuals. Results Amplification of Plasmodium gDNA was successful in 59.9% (145/242) of the evaluated isolates and as expected P. falciparum was the most predominant (91.7%) species identified. Interestingly, four P. vivax isolates were identified either as single (3) or mixed (one P. falciparum/P. vivax) infection. Sequencing results confirmed all vivax isolates as truly vivax malaria and the patient were of Duffy-negative genotype. Conclusion Identification of additional vivax isolates among Duffy-negative individuals from Nigeria, substantiate the expanding body of evidence on the ability of P. vivax to infect RBCs that do not express the DARC gene. Hence, such genetic-epidemiological study should be conducted at the country level in order to evaluate the true burden of P. vivax in Nigeria.

Background: Dichrostachys cinerea Wight. and Arn. of Mimosaceae family commonly called as Veerataru in Ayurveda. Traditionally, it has been used in diabetes, rheumatism, urinary calculi, renal problems, and menstrual disorders. The plant has been reported to possess diuretic, antiprotozoal, antihelmintic, anticancer, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, and hepatoprotective activity, etc., Although it is an important plant, till date, no reported anatomical, chromatographic data are available on roots. Aim: The present study is aimed to establish anatomical characters of fresh roots of D. cinerea followed by antihyperglycemic and chromatographic studies of various fractions of hydroalcoholic extract of roots. Materials and Methods: Morphoanatomical studies were carried out according to the quality control standards of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Hydroalcoholic extract was subjected to fractionation with nonpolar-to-polar solvents. Antihyperglycemic studies were carried out by glucose tolerance test. Results: Transverse section of the fresh root shows the presence of suberized cork, parenchymatous cells containing numerous starch grains. Ethyl acetate fraction has produced significantly (P < 0.01) highest antihyperglycemic activity (52.32%) at a dose of 400 mg/kg among all fractions. High-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis also confirmed the presence of phenols in ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. Conclusion: The current anatomical and chromatographic analysis can be considered as reference standards for future studies on D. cinerea roots. A traditional claim on antidiabetic activity of roots has been scientifically established.