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Abstract Solar energy is a promising source of renewable energy, and solar air heaters are an important application for utilizing this energy source. This study investigates the exergetic performance of a louvered fin solar air heater (LFSAH) through experimental analysis conducted during day time from 9 am to 3 pm under identical operating and metrological parameters. Exergy analysis based on the 2nd law of thermodynamics is used to assess the quality of exergy losses and useful energy output and is deemed suitable for LFSAH design. The study experimentally examines the exergetic performance of LFSAH with various fin spacings and compares the results with those of a plane solar air heater (PSAH). The exergy efficiency is optimized by considering the fin spacing (ranging from 2 to 5 cm) and mass flow rate (MFR) (ranging from 0.007 to 0.0158 kg/s) through an exergy analysis of internal and exterior exergy losses. Based on the result analysis, the LFSAH’s maximum exergy efficiency was achieved at 3.31% for a fin spacing of 2 cm and a MFR of 0.007 kg/s. The study found that incorporating louvered fins into the SAH substantially improves its exergetic performance compared to the PSAH.

Solar air heaters have huge applications in renewable energy utilization segments concerning the issues of space heating, drying, and ventilation systems. Performance prediction of such systems largely depends upon the design of the collector itself. The present study has highlighted the influence of various aspect ratios of the collector on the thermal and exergy performance of louvered finned solar or air heaters. In this context, an experimental analysis has been carried out to compare the performance of LFSAH with conventional PSAH. These results show that an increase in aspect ratios enhances thermal efficiencies of heat transfer and the systems. An aspect ratio of 4:1 showed the maximum thermal efficiencies as 81.63 % for LFSAH and 68.13 % for PSAH. On the other hand, at larger mass flow rates, the exergetic efficiency of LFSAH becomes lower owing to the larger friction and exergy losses and sometimes even lower than that of PSAH. The novelties of the present study are in emphasizing the importance of aspect ratio in optimizing solar air heater design and providing relevant insight for better energy use.

Egyptian clover/Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is the most popular winter leguminous multi-cut fodder crop widely cultivated in the northwest and central parts of India. Quality seed significantly impacts farm productivity, farmers’ profitability, and socioeconomic welfare. Foundation and certified seeds enable high-quality seed production, making breeder seed (BS) the most important link in the seed supply chain. In India, berseem BS indent had increased from 1998 - 99 to 2012–13; afterwards, it followed a constant but decreasing trend. Of the 27 notified cultivars, 24 came into the seed supply chain between 1998–1999 and 2021–2022, indicating high varietal availability to stakeholders. The study examines the potential causes of the national decline in BS indent and production and the differences in these figures over time. The highest BS indent was received for the variety JB-1 (276.1 q), followed by BL-10 (205.1 q), Mescavi (165.6 q) and Wardan (153.7 q) from 1998 - 99 to 2021–22. The varietal replacement rate (VRR) is high, 43.30 %, for the varieties that have reached the age of five or less in the recent three years (2019–20 to 2021–22). Additionally, it has been calculated that if the seed chain operates at 100 % efficiency, the BS generated (48.1q) in 2021–22 can cover an area of almost 0.12 million hectares in 2024–25. The study offers an in-depth overview of berseem BS indent and production, an analysis of the difficulties encountered in BS production, and future directions for expanding variety and producing excess BS in the nation.

The present experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh to study the genetic diversity amongst oat (Avena sativa L.) lines for micronutrients and agro-morphological traits. For study, 150 oat accessions collected from different sources were evaluated for two years and four micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) and 9 agro-morphological traits were recorded. Genotypes IG02122 (464.0 mg/kg), IG02156 (48.1 mg/kg), IG03271 (136.0 mg/kg), and IG03213 (22.0 mg/kg) had maximum Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu content in fodder (harvested at 50% flowering). Genotype IG0280 had both high Zn (36.97 mg/kg) and Mn (114.33 mg/kg); IG03233 had high Cu (18.0 mg/kg) and Mn (124.0 mg/kg); and IG02131 had high Cu (18.33 mg/kg) and Fe (369.0 mg/kg) content. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) highlighted significant genotypic differences (P

Abstract The targeted drug delivery field is rapidly advancing, focusing on developing biocompatible nanoparticles that meet rigorous criteria of non‐toxicity, biocompatibility, and efficient release of encapsulated molecules. Conventional synthetic nanoparticles (SNPs) face complications such as elevated immune responses, complex synthesis methods, and toxicity, which restrict their utility in therapeutics and drug delivery. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising substitutes for SNPs, leveraging their ability to cross biological barriers, biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, and natural origin. Notably, mesenchymal stem cell‐derived EVs (MSC‐EVs) have garnered much curiosity due to their potential in therapeutics and drug delivery. Studies suggest that MSC‐EVs, the central paracrine contributors of MSCs, replicate the therapeutic effects of MSCs. This review explores the characteristics of MSC‐EVs, emphasizing their potential in therapeutics and drug delivery for various diseases, including CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for gene editing. It also delves into the obstacles and challenges of MSC‐EVs in clinical applications and provides insights into strategies to overcome the limitations of biodistribution and target delivery.

A productive HIV-1 infection in humans is often established by transmission and propagation of a single transmitted/founder (T/F) virus, which then evolves into a complex mixture of variants during the lifetime of infection. An effective HIV-1 vaccine should elicit broad immune responses in order to block the entry of diverse T/F viruses. Currently, no such vaccine exists. An in-depth study of escape variants emerging under host immune pressure during very early stages of infection might provide insights into such a HIV-1 vaccine design. Here, in a rare longitudinal study involving HIV-1 infected individuals just days after infection in the absence of antiretroviral therapy, we discovered a remarkable genetic shift that resulted in near complete disappearance of the original T/F virus and appearance of a variant with H173Y mutation in the variable V2 domain of the HIV-1 envelope protein. This coincided with the disappearance of the first wave of strictly H173-specific antibodies and emergence of a second wave of Y173-specific antibodies with increased breadth. Structural analyses indicated conformational dynamism of the envelope protein which likely allowed selection of escape variants with a conformational switch in the V2 domain from an α-helix (H173) to a β-strand (Y173) and induction of broadly reactive antibody responses. This differential breadth due to a single mutational change was also recapitulated in a mouse model. Rationally designed combinatorial libraries containing 54 conformational variants of V2 domain around position 173 further demonstrated increased breadth of antibody responses elicited to diverse HIV-1 envelope proteins. These results offer new insights into designing broadly effective HIV-1 vaccines.

We describe a series of six patients with naphthalene ball intentional poisoning in adult patients. A 41-year-old male developed methemoglobinemia, intravascular hemolysis, and hemoglobinuria. The patient was managed by intravenous methylene blue, ascorbic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and packed red blood cell transfusion. Rest of the patients had mild symptoms and were managed symptomatically. All the patients had a favorable outcome. The relationship between features of the toxidrome and serum levels of methemoglobin is analyzed. The supportive role of gastric lavage and methylene blue is being discussed.

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the second most significant winter leguminous fodder crop after berseem in India. Breeder seed (BS) is the first stage of the seed production chain, as it is the base material for producing foundation and certified seeds. In India, lucerne BS demand has been reduced by 85.58% during the last 24 years (1998–1999 to 2021–2022), declining from 2150 kg to 310 kg. Out of 14 varieties released and notified so far, only nine varieties entered the seed chain since 1998–1999. It shows narrow varietal diversification and, hence, needs robust breeding programs towards enriching genetic variability and varietal development. The present study also highlights the disparity in BS demand and production over the years and puts forth the possible reasons behind the reduction in BS demand and production in the country. Out of the nine varieties, the BS demand of Anand-2 (53.11%) was highest, followed by Type-9 (19.44%) and RL-88 (13.60%). Varietal replacement rate (VRR) was found to be moderate, i.e., 23.67% for the varieties having

Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] is mostly cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. In this study, 11 finger millet genotypes were evaluated for six traits in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Ranichauri (E1), Dehradun (E2) and Pantnagar (E3) of Uttarakhand during kharif 2018 and 2019. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among genotypes due to genotypes (G), environments (E) and G×E interaction (GEI) effects. The environment contributed for 37.3%, 38.6%, 58.2%, 65.5%, 21.0% and 76.9% of the total variation for days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers, number of heads, number of fingers and grain yield, respectively. Grain yield exhibited a crossover-type GEI effect with a high environmental and GEI variance proportion. The mean grain yield over the locations was ranged from 16.9 (E1) to 38.8 q/ha (E3), whereas the genotypic mean was stretched from 22.7 (PF5) to 34.3 q/ha (PF8). The GGE biplot graphical analysis identified three mega environments, and the best genotypes were PF5, PF6 and PF2 in E1; PF8 in E2; PF10 and PF11 in E3. Based on a hypothetical ideal genotype, PF8 was identified as the best genotype owing to the high mean grain yield and stability over the locations. The ranking of genotypes based on ideal genotype would be as follows: PF8>PF10>PF3>PF7>PF2>PF1>PF11>PF4>PF9>PF6>PF5. The location Dehradun had high discriminating ability and representativeness and considered as the best environment for selecting high-yielding and stable genotypes among the locations.

Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody used for inflammatory bowel disease treatment. Vedolizumab binds to the α4β7 integrin complex and inhibits its binding to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1). To evaluate the binding efficacy and quality control check of Vedolizumab, flow cytometry is performed by using HuT78 cells. As we know, flow cytometer is costly and require high equipment maintenance with a designated technical manpower to handle it. In this regard, the aim of study was to develop and validate an economical, simple and efficient cell based ELISA assay for potency estimation of Vedolizumab which has not been reported in any pharmacopoeia. The proposed bioassay method was optimized by investigating Vedolizumab binding to α4β7 integrin which is expressed by HuT78 cells. The validation of this method was done at different parameters including specificity, linearity, range, repeatability, precision, and accuracy. The Vedolizumab binding by ELISA results were found specific for Vedolizumab with linearity (R2 = 0.99) and precision (%Geometric Coefficient of variance) observed for repeatability and intermediate precision were 3.38% and 2.6% respectively. The relative bias was calculated as 8.68% for repeated performances by different analysts and found in accordance with parameter of accuracy as per various pharmacopoeial guidelines. The developed method is established as robust, effective, and less expensive than high maintenance setup like flow cytometry based assay.

This study was undertaken to analyze the opinion on risks sources and their management strategies in livestock enterprises. Data collected through a field survey conducted in Haryana and Rajasthan in 2015–16 from 913 livestock farmers on structured schedule forms the basis of this paper. Rajasthan depicts dry and harsh tract and Haryana with assured irrigated, and both contribute significant share in milk production. The socio-economic and demographic factors did not vary significantly except milk yield, experience in dairy, annual income for different categories of farmers. Our observation indicated that livestock owner faced risks from different sources, viz. breeding, animal health, marketing, institutional and policy related. Further risk management strategies including better breed, animal health checkup, seeking advice of veterinary expert, friend consultations, forward selling contracts, maintenance of farm inventory, accessibility to different financial, extension and government institutions etc. were adopted to cope up with risks in livestock enterprise. The determinants of source of risks were significantly influenced by a number of socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The herd size had negative relation with extent of various risks. Rajasthan farmers face higher degree of risk than Haryana. Higher education status also indicated that the lover risks and other factors like knowledge level and milk yield indicated positive influence of source of risks means higher knowledge level and yield, reduce the risks. The policy makers and researchers should see the solutions and options to minimize the source of risks in livestock production and management.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and exhibits a poor prognosis. The induction of genetic changes deregulates several genes that increase the disposal towards this life-threatening disease. CHAC2, a member of the glutathione degrading enzyme family has been shown to suppress gastric and colorectal cancer progression, however, the expression of CHAC2 in breast cancer has not been reported. We did an analysis of CHAC2 expression in breast cancer patients from various online tools like UALCAN, GEPIA2, GENT2, TIMER2, and bcGenExminer v4.8. Further, we used the Kaplan-Meier plotter to establish the significance of CHAC2 in BC patient survival and prognosis while TISIDB and TIMER databases were used to investigate the filtration of immune cells. The results showed that CHAC2 levels were high in breast cancer patients and elevated CHAC2 was associated with low overall survival. Taken together, the results of the present study show that like its paralog CHAC1, CHAC2 may also be an important biomarker and could have a potential therapeutic implication in breast cancer.

Aim: To compare the effect of two RT schedules for thoracic palliation in advanced NSCLC patients (30 Gy in 10 fractions over two weeks and 27 Gy in 6 fractions over three weeks, 2 fractions per week) on pulmonary symptoms, radiological response of the primary thoracic tumour, pulmonary functions and acute toxicities. Material and method: A hospital based quantitative prospective follow-up study. Total 104 advanced NSCLC patients were randomized into two fractionation arms. Evaluation was done pretreatment and 4 weeks after end of RT. Symptoms palliation and radiological response to RT & radiation pneumonitis were assessed by using RTOG 4-point scale and Revised (RECIST) guideline version 1.1 respectively. Radiotherapy was given by Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine. Results: Total 96 patients were evaluated for symptom palliation, radiological response and acute toxicities. The percentage of patients achieving symptom palliation was slightly higher in the control arm. At 1st month of follow-up, 16.67% & 18.75% patients in Study & control arm showed PR. Post-RT mean FVC and FEV1 showed a tendency for improvement in both mean FVC and FEV1 in compare to baseline. Treatment was well tolerated both arms. Grade I nausea and vomiting developed in 43% and 37.5% patients in Study and Control Arm respectively. 58% & 39% patients developed Grade 1 radiation pneumonitis as cough & dyspnea in study and control arms respectively. Grade 2 radiation pneumonitis was developed in 2 patient of study arm at 3rd week of follow-up but they lost follow up. Around 31% patients developed Grade1 esophagitis as dysphagia in both arms at 1 week of follow-up which was reduced up to 7% by 2nd week. A very few patients developed grade1 skin reaction as dermatitis in 1st week of treatment. The difference in symptom palliation, radiological response, pulmonary functions and acute toxicities in both arms was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The two RT fractionation schedules showed equal efficacy in terms of symptoms palliation, radiological response of the primary thoracic tumor, pulmonary functions and acute toxicities. Thus the 27 Gy/6 fractionation arm appears preferable compared to 30 Gy/10 arm to minimize the patients’ visits and load on the machines.

Recently, the long-term use of sedative agents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has raised concerns about neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed neonates. Midazolam (MDZ), a common neonatal sedative in the NICU, has been suggested to increase learning disturbances and cognitive impairment in children. However, molecular mechanisms contributing to such outcomes with long-term MDZ use during the early stages of life remain unclear. In this study, we for the first time elucidate the role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs), including mining the BDEV proteome post long-term MDZ exposure during early development. Employing our previously established rodent model system that mimics the exposure of MDZ in the NICU using an increasing dosage regimen, we isolated BDEVs from postnatal 21-days-old control and MDZ groups using a differential sucrose density gradient. BDEVs from the control and MDZ groups were then characterized using a ZetaView nanoparticle tracking analyzer and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Next, using RT-qPCR, we examined the expression of key ESCRT-related genes involved in EV biogenesis. Lastly, using quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we mined the BDEV protein cargo that revealed key differentially expressed proteins and associated molecular pathways to be altered post long-term MDZ exposure. Our study characterized the proteome in BDEV cargo from long-term MDZ exposure at early development. Importantly, we identified and validated the expression of YWHAH as a potential target for further characterization of its downstream mechanism and a potential biomarker for the early onset of neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, the present study demonstrated long-term exposure to MDZ at early development stages could influence BDEV protein cargo, which potentially impact neural functions and behavior at later stages of development.

Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] grows in upland rainfed conditions customarily at disadvantageous regions of the country. Evaluation of genetic diversity and the choice of parents is the crucial step to augmenting the desired improvement of crops towards grain and fodder yield. In the present study, 31 finger millet genotypes were studied for genetic diversity employing cluster and principal component analysis (PCA) at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUA&T), Pantnagar during 2018 and 2019. Mahalanobis D2 statistics revealed seven clusters where cluster I represented 24 genotypes, cluster II with two genotypes, and the remaining clusters with a single genotype each. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters III and VII (49.783) followed by III and IV (46.737) indicating more diversity between clusters. Five PCs accounted for 77.50% of total genetic variability using PCA. Furthermore, two diverse and complementary parents (PKPS4 and F20) were identified that possessed complement traits, viz. bold seed, high mean for single head weight, grain yield, harvest index, number of finger/spike (PKPS4), and number of tillers/plant (F20). Therefore, PKPS4 and F20 genotypes could be considered as donor parents for different traits to increase grain yield in finger millet.

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which express a repertoire of cargo molecules (cf. proteins, microRNA, lipids, etc.), have been garnering a prominent role in the modulation of several cellular processes. Here, using both non‐human primate and rodent model systems, we provide evidence that brain‐derived EV (BDE) miRNA, miR‐29a‐3p (mir‐29a), is significantly increased during chronic methamphetamine (MA) exposure. Further, miR‐29a levels show significant increase both with drug‐seeking and reinstatement in a rat MA self‐administration model. We also show that EV‐associated miR‐29a is enriched in EV pool comprising of small EVs and exomeres and further plays a critical role in MA‐induced inflammation and synaptodendritic damage. Furthermore, treatment with the anti‐inflammatory drug ibudilast (AV411), which is known to reduce MA relapse, decreased the expression of miR‐29a and subsequently attenuated inflammation and rescued synaptodendritic injury. Finally, using plasma from MUD subjects, we provide translational evidence that EV‐miR29a could potentially serve as a biomarker to detect neuronal damage in humans diagnosed with MA use disorder (MUD). In summary, our work suggests that EV‐associated miR‐29a‐3p plays a crucial role in MUD and might be used as a potential blood‐based biomarker for detecting chronic inflammation and synaptic damage.

Although wild oyster reefs are invasive and are trophic competitors, they are an essential component of intertidal rocky reef systems that support a wide range of biodiversity in some intertidal estuaries. Despite their importance, their population locally and globally are declining, reflecting variations such as increased predation and anthropogenic influence in an estuary, such as excessive nutrients discharge. In addition, spatial assessment and mapping wild oyster reefs can be challenging due to complex and rugged structures that are challenging to access using conventional in-situ, time-extensive techniques. Therefore, the application of remote sensing for ecology and conservation of benthic habitats has emerged as a powerful technique to expedite many challenges. This study investigated VIS (visible spectrum) and VIS+NIR (visible + near-infrared spectrum) remote sensing for spatial assessment and mapping wild oyster reefs in a rocky intertidal reef at low tide. In addition, the study assessed the spectral reflectance signatures of wild oyster reefs from RPAS aerial imagery to in-situ spectral signatures. Although the VIS orthomosaic had a higher spatial resolution, wild oyster reefs detection was less efficient. In contrast, oyster reefs were correctly classified in the VIS+NIR imagery achieving an overall accuracy of 85%. This accuracy implies that the spectral resolution has been more critical to detect and correctly classify oyster reefs than spatial resolution. This remote sensing technique for ecology and conservation offers scale-appropriate spatial assessment, monitoring, and mapping of benthic habitats in challenging and inaccessible marine environments. Furthermore, this technique can be complemented with in-situ and other remote sensing datasets to enhance our understanding of the spatial dynamics of near-shore marine environments.

In the era of rapid climate change, abiotic stresses are the primary cause for yield gap in major agricultural crops. Among them, salinity is considered a calamitous stress due to its global distribution and consequences. Salinity affects plant processes and growth by imposing osmotic stress and destroys ionic and redox signaling. It also affects phytohormone homeostasis, which leads to oxidative stress and eventually imbalances metabolic activity. In this situation, signaling compound crosstalk such as gasotransmitters [nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), calcium (Ca), reactive oxygen species (ROS)] and plant growth regulators (auxin, ethylene, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid) have a decisive role in regulating plant stress signaling and administer unfavorable circumstances including salinity stress. Moreover, recent significant progress in omics techniques (transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) have helped to reinforce the deep understanding of molecular insight in multiple stress tolerance. Currently, there is very little information on gasotransmitters and plant growth regulator crosstalk and inadequacy of information regarding the integration of multi-omics technology during salinity stress. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the crucial cell signaling crosstalk mechanisms and integrative multi-omics techniques to provide a more direct approach for salinity stress tolerance. To address the above-mentioned words, this review covers the common mechanisms of signaling compounds and role of different signaling crosstalk under salinity stress tolerance. Thereafter, we mention the integration of different omics technology and compile recent information with respect to salinity stress tolerance.

Here, the authors present the structure of the HIV envelope (Env) protein from a transmitted founder virus and show that, while the overall structure of the Env trimer is similar to other closed trimers, the fusion peptide is buried in the hydrophobic core of the trimer, which is similar to open state trimers.

Tocopherol is vital for the nutritional value and stability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss) oil; nonetheless, the lack of information on genetic control is hampering its improvement. In this study, six populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2) of RLC3 × NPJ203 were evaluated in a family block design to evaluate the inheritance pattern, gene effects, and various other genetic parameters of tocopherol content (α, γ, and total), using generation mean analysis. The comparison of direct and reciprocal crosses indicated that the tocopherol content was not influenced by maternal inheritance. Negative directional heterosis showed that ATC, GTC, and TTC are governed by recessive genes. Potence ratio and degree of dominance highlighted an over-dominance type of gene interaction for GTC and TTC, whereas ATC was governed by epistatic interactions. Furthermore, the six-parameter model revealed a duplicate gene action for α-tocopherol content. Broad and narrow sense heritability coupled with genetic advances were high.

Despite the success of combinational antiretroviral therapy (cART), the high pervasiveness of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) poses a significant challenge for society. Methamphetamine (meth) and related amphetamine compounds, which are potent psychostimulants, are among the most commonly used illicit drugs. Intriguingly, HIV-infected individuals who are meth users have a comparatively higher rate of neuropsychological impairment and exhibit a higher viral load in the brain than infected individuals who do not abuse meth. Effectively, all cell types secrete nano-sized lipid membrane vesicles, referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can function as intercellular communication to modulate the physiology and pathology of the cells. This study shows that meth treatments on chronically HIV-infected promonocytic U1 cells induce the release of EVs that promote cellular clustering and syncytia formation, a phenomenon that facilitates HIV pathogenesis. Our analysis also revealed that meth exposure increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and HIV-Nef protein expression in both large (10 K) and small (100 K) EVs. Further, when meth EVs are applied to uninfected naïve monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), we saw a significant increase in cell clustering and syncytia formation. Furthermore, treatment of MDMs with antibodies against ICAM-1 and its receptor, lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA1), substantially blocked syncytia formation, and consequently reduced the number of multinucleated cells. In summary, our findings reveal that meth exacerbates HIV pathogenesis in the brain through release of proadhesive EVs, promoting syncytia formation and thereby aiding in the progression of HIV infection in uninfected cells.

Stem cell therapy has garnered much attention and application in the past decades for the treatment of diseases and injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are studied most extensively for their therapeutic roles, which appear to be derived from their paracrine activity. Recent studies suggest a critical therapeutic role for extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted by MSCs. EV are nano-sized membrane-bound vesicles that shuttle important biomolecules between cells to maintain physiological homeostasis. Studies show that EV from MSCs (MSC-EV) have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of MSC-EV, as an alternative to MSCs, confers several advantages, such as higher safety profile, lower immunogenicity, and the ability to cross biological barriers, and avoids complications that arise from stem cell-induced ectopic tumor formation, entrapment in lung microvasculature, and immune rejection. These advantages and the growing body of evidence suggesting that MSC-EV display therapeutic roles contribute to the strong rationale for developing EV as an alternative therapeutic option. Despite the success in preclinical studies, use of MSC-EV in clinical settings will require careful consideration; specifically, several critical issues such as (i) production methods, (ii) quantification and characterization, (iii) pharmacokinetics, targeting and transfer to the target sites, and (iv) safety profile assessments need to be resolved. Keeping these issues in mind, the aim of this mini-review is to shed light on the challenges faced in MSC-EV research in translating successful preclinical studies to clinical platforms.

The present analytical study reports the effect of fin spacing, mass flow rate and isolation on exergy performance of triangular fin attached SAH. The primary objective of the work is to manifest the condition and parameter combinations that yield high values of exergy efficiency. A computer code has been developed in MATLAB R2016a. The numerical results of triangular fin SAH obtained are compared with that of plain SAH as a measure to evaluate the effectiveness of former over the latter. It is found that lower values of mass flow rate and fin spacing yields maximum exergy efficiency. Exergy efficiency drops continuously thereafter and at higher values of mass flow rate, the exergy efficiency drops even below the exergy efficiency of plain SAH.

Seagrass meadows are undergoing significant decline locally and globally from human and climatic impacts. Seagrass decline also impacts seagrass-dependent macrofauna benthic activity, interrupts their vital linkage with adjacent habitats, and creates broader degradation through the ecosystem. Seagrass variability (gain and loss) is a driver of marine species diversity. Still, our understanding of macrofauna benthic activity distribution and their response to seagrass variability from remotely sensed drone imagery is limited. Hence, it is critical to develop fine-scale seasonal change detection techniques appropriate to the scale of variability that will apply to dynamic marine environments. Therefore, this research tested the performance of the VIS and VIS+NIR sensors from proximal low altitude remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) to detect fine-scale seasonal seagrass variability using spectral indices and a supervised machine learning classification technique. Furthermore, this research also attempted to identify and quantify macrofauna benthic activity from their feeding burrows and their response to seagrass variability. The results from VIS (visible spectrum) and VIS+NIR (visible and near-infrared spectrum) sensors produced a 90–98% classification accuracy. This accuracy established that the spectral indices were fundamental in this study to identify and classify seagrass density. The other important finding revealed that seagrass-associated macrofauna benthic activity showed increased or decreased abundance and distribution with seasonal seagrass variability from drone high spatial resolution orthomosaics. These results are important for seagrass conservation because managers can quickly detect fine-scale seasonal changes and take mitigation actions before the decline of this keystone species affects the entire ecosystem. Moreover, proximal low-altitude, remotely sensed time-series seasonal data provided valuable contributions for documenting spatial ecological seasonal change in this dynamic marine environment.

The present review describes COVID-19 severity in diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. We discuss the crucial effect of COVID-19-associated cytokine storm and linked injuries and associated severe mesenchymal activation in tubular epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages that influence neighboring cell homeostasis, resulting in severe proteinuria and organ fibrosis in diabetes. Altered microRNA expression disrupts cellular homeostasis and the renin-angiotensin-system, targets reno-protective signaling proteins, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and MAS1 receptor (MAS), and facilitates viral entry and replication in kidney cells. COVID-19-associated endotheliopathy that interacts with other cell types, such as neutrophils, platelets, and macrophages, is one factor that accelerates prethrombotic reactions and thrombus formation, resulting in organ failures in diabetes. Apart from targeting vital signaling through ACE2 and MAS, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections are also associated with higher profibrotic dipeptidyl transferase-4 (DPP-4)-mediated mechanisms and suppression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in kidney cells. Lowered DPP-4 levels and restoration of AMPK levels are organ-protective, suggesting a pathogenic role of DPP-4 and a protective role of AMPK in diabetic COVID-19 patients. In addition to standard care provided to COVID-19 patients, we urgently need novel drug therapies that support the stability and function of both organs and cell types in diabetes.

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT) are benign neoplasm affecting synovial lining of joints, tendon, and bursae. These tumor have been broadly divided into localized and diffuse type. Localized include TSGCT of tendon sheath and localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) located mainly in hand whereas diffuse encompass conventional PVNS and diffuse-type GCT involving one or more joints. In this article, here, we present a case of TSGCT in subtalar joint which has been never reported till date along with review of literature, dilemma in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management of this tumor.

The identification of several evolutionary young miRNAs, which arose in primates, raised several possibilities for the role of such miRNAs in human-specific disease processes. We previously have identified an evolutionary young miRNA, miR-1290, to be essential in neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Here, we show that miR-1290 is significantly downregulated during neuronal differentiation in reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cell- (iPSC-) derived neurons obtained from idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. Further, we identified that miR-1290 is actively released into extracellular vesicles. Supplementing ASD patient-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) with conditioned media from differentiated control-NSCs spiked with “artificial EVs” containing synthetic miR-1290 oligonucleotides significantly rescued differentiation deficits in ASD cell lines. Based on our earlier published study and the observations from the data presented here, we conclude that miR-1290 regulation could play a critical role during neuronal differentiation in early brain development.

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Mirasol pathogen reduction system for platelets aimed at preventing bacterial regrowth by spiking buffy coat pooled platelets (BCPP) with clinically relevant load of Staphylococous epidermidis. Materials and Methods: BCPP units were prepared using Teruflex BP-kit with Imugard III-S-PL (Terumo BCT, Tokyo, Japan). Two BCPP units were pooled, of which 40 ml of negative control (NC) was removed. The remaining volume of the platelet unit was inoculated with clinically relevant load of bacteria (total of 30 CFU of S. epidermidis in 1 ml); following this the platelet unit was split into two parts. One part served as positive control (PC) and the other part was subjected to pathogen reduction technique (Mirasol PRT, CaridianBCT Biotechnologies, Lakewood, CO, USA). Bacterial detection was performed using BacT/ALERT system, controls after day 1 and day 7 following inoculation of bacteria and on day 7 for Mirasol-treated unit. Results: Of the 32 treatment cycles, 28 were valid and 4 were invalid. No regrowth was observed in 96.4% (27 of 28) after treatment with Mirasol pathogen reduction system. Of four invalid tests, on two instances the NC showed growth, whereas in other 2 no regrowth was detected in 7th day PC. Bacterial screening of PCs by BacT/ALERT after 24 h of incubation was 28.6%, whereas the effectiveness increased to 100% when incubated for 7 days. Conclusions: Mirasol system was effective in inactivating S.epidermidis when it was deliberately inoculated into BCPP at clinically relevant concentrations. Such systems may significantly improve blood safety by inactivating traditional and emerging transfusion-transmitted pathogens.

With a death toll of over one million worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become the most devastating humanitarian catastrophe in recent decades. The fear of acquiring infection and spreading to vulnerable people has severely impacted society’s socio-economic status. To put an end to this growing number of infections and deaths as well as to switch from restricted to everyday living, an effective vaccine is desperately needed. As a result, enormous efforts have been made globally to develop numerous vaccine candidates in a matter of months. Currently, over 30 vaccine candidates are under assessment in clinical trials, with several undergoing preclinical studies. Here, we reviewed the major vaccine candidates based on the specific vaccine platform utilized to develop them. We also discussed the immune responses generated by these candidates in humans and preclinical models to determine vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. Finally, immune responses induced in recovered COVID-19 patients and their possible vaccine development implications were also briefly reviewed.

Smoking remains a significant health and economic concern in the United States. Furthermore, the emerging pattern of nicotine intake between sexes further adds a layer of complexity. Nicotine is a potent psychostimulant with a high addiction liability that can significantly alter brain function. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying nicotine’s impact on brain function and behavior remain unclear. Elucidation of these mechanisms is of high clinical importance and may lead to improved therapeutics for smoking cessation. To fill in this critical knowledge gap, our current study focused on identifying sex-specific brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEV) signatures in male and female rats post nicotine self-administration. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are comprised of phospholipid nanovesicles such as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles (MVs), and exosomes based on their origin or size. EVs are garnering significant attention as molecules involved in cell–cell communication and thus regulating the pathophysiology of several diseases. Interestingly, females post nicotine self-administration, showed larger BDEV sizes, along with impaired EV biogenesis compared to males. Next, using quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we identified BDEV signatures, including distinct molecular pathways, impacted between males and females. In summary, this study has identified sex-specific changes in BDEV biogenesis, protein cargo signatures, and molecular pathways associated with long-term nicotine self-administration.

Present study reports successful management of a case of mucometra associated with cystic ovarian follicles and uterine unicornis in a Sahiwal cow.

Purpose: Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is a major pungent compound found in hot peppers of the plant genus Capsicum. In vitro effects of dietary capsaicin on redox status in red blood cells during human aging have been explored. Methods: Total antioxidant potential of capsaicin was evaluated using Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. GSH was measured as per standard protocol. The in vitro effect of capsaicin was evaluated by incubation of the cells in the assay medium with 10-5M capsaicin (final concentration) for 60 min at 37°C. Results: Treatment with capsaicin (10-5M) caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in GSH level in all age groups. Reduced glutathione (GSH) / Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio measures the redox status of the red blood cell. Significant increase in GSH level due to capsaicin, shift the GSH/GSSG ratio, thus alters the redox status of the cell. Conclusion: The results conclusively prove the efficacy of the antioxidant property of capsaicin and its role in modulating the redox status of red blood cells. This evidence suggests that dietary factors that act as antioxidants to increase GSH level may contribute to a protective effect against age related diseases. This antioxidant effect may, in part, explain the high consumption of capsicum in certain regions of the world.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) was launched in April 2005, to promote institutional deliveries through provision of cash assistance, transport, escort, and referral services. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the antenatal registrations, postnatal checkups, and institutional deliveries, and to compare the various social groups. Married women of the reproductive age group, having at least two children, were interviewed regarding antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care in both pregnancies, latest as well as previous. Post JSY implementation, antenatal registrations increased from 61.79 to 96.34%, Deliveries at the Government Health Facility increased from 25.20 to 53.25% and postnatal check-ups increased from 45.93 to 69.51%. In the post-JSY-implementation phase, the Government Health Facility was preferred more by Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) (SC/ST = 56.87%, OBC = 60.2%, and general = 43.68%), educated (Illiterate = 17.39%, Primary = 88.14, and Middle or above = 81.94%) and the lower socioeconomic classes (Lower SEC 71.83% and Upper lower and above = 45.71%) for their deliveries. It appears that the socially backward groups have benefited more from JSY.

A thermostable solvent-tolerant lipase was isolated from Pseudomonas mendocina M-37. The lipase production medium was optimized for cost-effective production. Olive oil as a carbon source, and glycine as a nitrogen source were selected as the best for maximum lipase production. Medium optimization led to 3.75-fold increase in the lipase production. The extracellular lipase was purified 42.2-fold to homogeneity by precipitation using polyethyleneglycol, ultrafiltration and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Its molecular mass, determined with sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was 32 kDa. The enzyme was further immobilized on microcrystalline cellulose. The lipase showed an optimal water activity of 0.53 for both, acidolysis and interesterification reactions. Six- to sevenfold increase in synthetic activity of immobilized lipase was observed when interesterification activity of 0.139 IU/mg and transesterification activity of 0.181 IU/mg, respectively, were obtained. This is the first report on Pseudomonas mendocina lipase with synthetic activity immobilized on microcrystalline cellulose.

A case of dystocia in riverine she buffalo was brought to Veterinary clinical complex. Dystocia was successfully relieved by fetotomy and mutation and the cause was diagnosed as muscular hypertrophy of fetal neck and shoulder region which is a rare condition.

Four crossbred cows with mummified fetus were utilized for the study. The cows weresubjected togynecologicalexamination and based on the findings the cases were diagnosed asmummified fetus. The cows were treated with 2 mg estradiol valerate and 500 μg cloprostenoland were examined every 12 hr after 24 hr of the treatment for cervical dilatation and othersigns related to fetal expulsion. The time duration between treatment and starting of cervicaldilatation ranged from 48 to 58h (53.00 ± 2.08 hr). Complete dilatation of cervix was observedafter 70.00 ± 2.94 hr post treatment (Range = 64-76 hr). The mean fetalcrown-rump length(CRL) was 31.5 cm, which ranged from 27.5 to 38 cm. The number of cotyledons in pregnanthorn also showed wide variation (Range 24-38 numbers) with mean ± SE of 30.3 ± 3.07numbers. In the placenta of three animals irregular shaped large adventitious cotyledons wereobserved in the inter-cotyledonary areas. Out of the four animals treated, three animals wereconceived within three estrous cycles and one animal had cystic ovary in the next cycle and wasnot conceived even after four cycles. It was concluded that the estradiolandprostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)combinationtherapy was effective for expulsion of mummified fetus in crossbred cowswithout affecting much on future fertility.

Measurement of faecal steroids as a non-invasive technique is widely used to monitor reproductive hormones in captive and free-ranging wild animals. This method offers a great advantage over invasive techniques like blood collection and deserves to be used in domestic animals. Repeated blood sampling is stressful, having animal welfare issues, difficult to obtain in field condition. In the faeces of cow, estradiol 17-á predominated, whereas in mares and sows, estradiol 17-â and estrone are main estrogens. Steroids are metabolized in liver, excreted in faeces and extraction is done by using a variety of methods such as ethanol, methanol etc. Faecal estrogen and progesterone metabolites evaluations are wel1 established approaches formonitoring of reproductive functions in a variety of mammalian species. So in future this method may be the most suitable for monitoring of reproductive status in farm animals particularly under field conditions. [Vet World 2013; 6(1.000): 59-63]

Introduction: Dengue is an arthropod borne (Arbovirus) viral infection. It is the most common arthropod borne virus found in India. It is transmitted principally by vector Aedes aegypti followed by Aedes albopictus. Due to cold weather Dengue is not endemic in Himachal Pradesh, however the number of cases are now on an increase. Also, there is paucity of published studies from this state on dengue. Aim: To estimate the current scenario of Dengue in this hilly state of North India in patients visiting our hospital. We also compared two tests i.e. NS1 antigen capture ELISA test and Dengue IgM Capture ELISA test for diagnosis of dengue. Materials and Methods: All cases with fever and suspected dengue infection were included in the study. Total 225 blood samples were collected from these patients. NS1 antigen and IgM detection were performed for diagnosis. Results: Out of total 225 suspected cases 73 cases (32.4%) were diagnosed with dengue infection. Overall NS 1 antigen ELISA was a more sensitive test as compared to IgM capture ELISA. Conclusion: Rapid tests must be performed early in the course of disease to establish diagnosis and initiate symptomatic treatment. Multiple tests done together enhance chances of dengue detection and are recommended. Vector control is the main key to control dengue spread in future.

Reconstruction of the tomographic images without attenuation correction can cause erroneously high count densities and reduced image contrast in low attenuation regions. In order to solve the problem of photon attenuation, one needs to know the attenuation coefficient for the individual patient being studied. Therefore, we made an attempt to correct the attenuation map in simultaneous transmission/emission tomography with 153 Gd/ 67 Ga using maximum likelihood method using the expectation maximization (ML-EM) algorithm to correct the transmission window for both the spillover and downscatter. Spillover fraction, scatter fraction and parameters for the scatter function (A, b and c) were determined experimentally and optimized using the optimization program written in IDL based on simplex theory. All measurements were performed on a Vertex gamma camera using the anthropomorphic thorax phantom for validation of data obtained by the proposed method. It was observed that without spillover and downscatter correction, the mean counts were 19.29 in liver and 26.90 in lung, whereas after after applying the corrections, the mean counts were reduced to 3.80 and 15.10 in liver and lung, respectively, which were close to true mean counts (liver 2.15 and lung 14.89). In this proposed method, we introduced the set of F t (spillover) and K t (downscatter) to account for the variations in projection pixels (f t and k t) with the density and thickness. The F t and K t were determined using the transmission data by an iterative process. The quantitative error was reduced by 98.0% for lung and 90.0% for liver when the corrected transmission images were obtained after the subtraction of spillover and downscatter fraction.

Osteopoikilosis is a rare hereditary condition present as an autosomal dominant trait in families, but can also present as sporadic cases. It is an asymptomatic condition; incidental radiological finding play an important role in its diagnosis. These are symmetrically distributed numerous small, well-defined, homogenous, circular or ovoid radio-densities clustered in epiphysis and metaphysis of long bones in periarticular regions. There is no age and sex affinity; age at the time of diagnosis range from 15 to 60 years. There are no specific clinical features; histological features are similar to the bone island and it may be associated with connective tissue disorders, synovial osteochondromatosis and a rare bone disease melorheostosis; genetically LEMD3 gene mutations are responsible for it. Osteopoikilosis must be differentiated from osteoblastic metastasis, synovial chondromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and mastocytosis. There are three rare complications, which have been reported like-spinal stenosis, dacrocrystitis and malignant transformation.

Basal ganglia stroke is known following trivial head trauma. Recently a distinct clinic-radiological entity termed ′mineralizing angiopathy′ was described. We report an infant who developed basal ganglia stroke following trivial fall. His clinic-radiological features are described.

In the present investigation, we have tested antitermite responses of Capparis decidua stem, root, flower, and fruit extracts and pure compounds to Odontotermes obesus in various bioassays. Crude stem extract has shown very high susceptibility and very low LD50 values, that is, 14.171 μg/mg in worker termites. From stem extract, three pure compounds were isolated in pure form namely, heneicosylhexadecanoate (CDS2), triacontanol (CDS3), and 2-carboxy-1, 1-dimethylpyrrolidine (CDS8) which have shown very low LD50 value in a range of 5.537–10.083 μg/mg. Similarly, one novel compound 6-(1-hydroxy-non-3-enyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-one (CDF1) was isolated from flower extract that has shown an LD50 8.08 μg/gm. Repellent action of compounds was tested in a Y-shaped glass olfactometer in which CDF1 compounds have significantly repelled termites to the opposite arm. Besides this, C. decidua extracts have shown significant reduction (P