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The global healthcare market in the post-pandemic era emphasizes a constant pursuit of therapeutic, adaptogenic, and immune booster drugs. Medicinal plants are the only natural resource to meet this by supplying an array of bioactive secondary metabolites in an economic, greener and sustainable manner. Driven by the thrust in demand for natural immunity imparting nutraceutical and life-saving plant-derived drugs, the acreage for commercial cultivation of medicinal plants has dramatically increased in recent years. Limited resources of land and water, low productivity, poor soil fertility coupled with climate change, and biotic (bacteria, fungi, insects, viruses, nematodes) and abiotic (temperature, drought, salinity, waterlogging, and metal toxicity) stress necessitate medicinal plant productivity enhancement through sustainable strategies. Plants evolved intricate physiological (membrane integrity, organelle structural changes, osmotic adjustments, cell and tissue survival, reclamation, increased root-shoot ratio, antibiosis, hypersensitivity, etc.), biochemical (phytohormones synthesis, proline, protein levels, antioxidant enzymes accumulation, ion exclusion, generation of heat-shock proteins, synthesis of allelochemicals. etc.), and cellular (sensing of stress signals, signaling pathways, modulating expression of stress-responsive genes and proteins, etc.) mechanisms to combat stresses. Endophytes, colonizing in different plant tissues, synthesize novel bioactive compounds that medicinal plants can harness to mitigate environmental cues, thus making the agroecosystems self-sufficient toward green and sustainable approaches. Medicinal plants with a host set of metabolites and endophytes with another set of secondary metabolites interact in a highly complex manner involving adaptive mechanisms, including appropriate cellular responses triggered by stimuli received from the sensors situated on the cytoplasm and transmitting signals to the transcriptional machinery in the nucleus to withstand a stressful environment effectively. Signaling pathways serve as a crucial nexus for sensing stress and establishing plants’ proper molecular and cellular responses. However, the underlying mechanisms and critical signaling pathways triggered by endophytic microbes are meager. This review comprehends the diversity of endophytes in medicinal plants and endophyte-mediated plant-microbe interactions for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in medicinal plants by understanding complex adaptive physiological mechanisms and signaling cascades involving defined molecular and cellular responses. Leveraging this knowledge, researchers can design specific microbial formulations that optimize plant health, increase nutrient uptake, boost crop yields, and support a resilient, sustainable agricultural system.

The long non-classical cadherin-23 forms cis-clusters on a membrane via transient, weak, but multivalent and spatially distributed hydrophobic interactions.

In comparison with single-phase materials, heterostructures have been known for superior water splitting applications. In this study, Cu2O and NiFe2O4 are chosen to fabricate thin film heterostructures. Cu2O is electrodeposited at 60 °C for 5 min on ITO-coated glass substrates using three-electrode system. After deposition, the phase formation is confirmed using powder x-ray diffraction studies. The NiFe2O4 (NFO) thin films are deposited using RF sputtering method at room temperature for 2 h on Cu2O/ITO substrates to obtain NFO/Cu2O/ITO Type-II heterostructure. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) cross-sectional images show that the thickness of NFO layer is 120 nm and Cu2O layer is 1.5 µm. The photocurrent density of Cu2O on ITO is 0.08 ± 0.002 mA/cm2, and it increased to 0.12 ± 0.002 mA/cm2 after adding NFO layer on Cu2O film due to Type-II heterojunction formation.

The present study is carried out to ascertain the effect of different physical factors (sunlight, temperature, pH) and storage conditions on the antimicrobial efficacy of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts and bio-formulation against the Alternaria alternata. In addition, the phytotoxic potential of 100% alcoholic crude extract as well as the acetone fraction of young leaves of Lawsonia inermis was also checked on seed germination of chilli (Capsicum annuum). Results showed that there was no adverse effect of wet heat (50–100 °C) and dry heat (40–90 °C) on extract and bio-formulation efficacy. Storage for 6 and 12 months had no adverse effect on extract and bio-formulation efficacy and the antifungal activity was observed similar to freshly prepared extract. We have used concentrations of 5,10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/ml to perform a phytotoxicity assay. The measurement of phytotoxicity was done by using the Standard blotter method and the result revealed that 5, 10 and 15 mg/ml concentration of the extract was non phytotoxic and were further used for in vivo experiments. These plant extracts and bio-formulations have extensive antimicrobial potential to be explored for application in sustainable agriculture.

Plant extract possess various secondary metabolites which are antifungal in nature and can be used as a safer alternative to the synthetic fungicides. As we all know that the chemical fungicides are harmful not only for humans but also for animals, other vegetation and for complete ecosystem. To overcome this problem, we have to focused on another alternative which are biologically libel and nonhazardous also. In the present study, herbal formulation was prepared in various combination ratios with Thevetia peruviana leaf extracts, cow dung and neem oil cake. The major aim of this short study is to check the stability of the said plant extracts and prepared herbal formulation on various physical factors like heat, temperature, pH, sunlight and storage etc. The extracts and herbal formulations were exposed to varying conditions of the parameters selected for a precise time period, and then observing the effect as a function of change in the crude extract activity, herbal formulation activity and change minimum inhibitory concentration of plant extract against the Alternaria solani. Control set of MIC, and extract free medium were maintained for comparison in each set of experiment against Alternaria solani. Results suggested that efficacy of leaf extracts and different formulations was not affected by wet heat up to 100 °C while slight reduction in antifungal activity of the plant extract and herbal formulations were observed with dry heat at 100 °C. In addition, slight reduction in activity of extract and herbal formulations was observed with change in pH. However antifungal activity of plant extract as well as herbal formulations, remain unaffected at alkaline pH (pH 9) and neutral pH (pH7). Storage for 6 and 12 months had no negative effect on extract and herbal formulation efficacy and the antifungal activity was observed similar to freshly prepared extract activity. The present study concluded that the plant disease or plant pathogens can be controlled by plant extract and plant based bioformulations by increasing the shelf life with some little changes in the physical parameters such as light, temperature, pH and storage.

Membrane fission of a cell into two daughters is a core ability of cell-based life. Here the authors show that in artificial cells division can be controlled by regulating membrane curvature using low protein density.

Abstract Biological cells are contained by a fluid lipid bilayer (plasma membrane, PM) that allows for large deformations, often exceeding 50% of the apparent initial PM area. Isolated lipids self‐organize into membranes, but are prone to rupture at small (

Pedestrian crossing speed is the key element in the design of pedestrian facilities. It depends on various attributes related to road, traffic and pedestrians. In this paper, an attempt has been made to explore the variation, examine the influencing factors and formulate a model for the pedestrian crossing speed at signalised intersection crosswalks. The data have been collected using video graphic technique at 16 signalised crosswalks of the Chandigarh city. The findings reveal that a 15th percentile crossing speed (1.11-1.31 m/s) exceeds the design crossing speed of 0.95 m/s. It is also higher than the crossing speed of 1.2 m/s, usually being prescribed and adopted in the developed countries. The statistical analysis indicates no significant difference in the percentile crossing speeds between males and females. However, the variation exists among different age groups, group sizes, and crossing patterns. The correlation analysis depicts that the pedestrian crossing speed has significant negative correlation with the crosswalk width, the crosswalk length, the width of the pedestrian island, the classification of road, average traffic flow and average pedestrian delay, whereas the availability of separate bicycle paths at intersections is positively correlated. Furthermore, the stepwise regression model with 70.1 percent accuracy reveals that the crosswalk width, the width of the pedestrian island and the average pedestrian delay play a predominant role in determining the pedestrian crossing speed. The authors propose the usage of the developed model for setting out the standards for the appropriate design crossing speed for different crosswalks having similar geometric and traffic conditions as that of the study area.

The widespread popularity of renewable and sustainable sources of energy such as solar and wind calls for the integration of renewable energy sources into electrical power grids for sustainable development. Microgrids minimize power quality issues in the main grid by linking with an active filter and furnishing reactive power compensation, harmonic mitigation, and load balancing at the point of common coupling. The reliability issues faced by standalone DC microgrids can be managed by interlinking microgrids with a power grid. An artificial intelligence-based Icosϕ control algorithm for power sharing and power quality improvement in smart microgrid systems is proposed here to render grid-integrated power systems more intelligent. The proposed controller considers various uncertainties caused by load variations, state of charge of the battery of microgrids, and power tariff based on the availability of power in microgrids. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the integration of wind and solar microgrids with the grid for dynamic power flow management in order to improve the power quality and to reduce the burden, thereby strengthening the central grid. A smart grid system with multiple smart microgrids coupled with a renewable energy source with tariff control and judicious power flow management was simulated for power-sharing and power quality improvement. A hardware prototype of the artificial intelligence-based Icosϕ control algorithm with nonlinear load was also implemented successfully. Furthermore, the economic viability was investigated to ensure the feasibility of the smart microgrid system with the proposed controller design for power flow management and power quality improvement.

Leukariosis is an incidental MRI finding which appears as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) or diffuse white matter changes and is related to small vessel disease. Patients having severe WM disease are more susceptible to intraoperative hypoperfusion, metabolic disturbance, microemboli, any medication effect, and postoperative hemodynamic perturbations. The effect of anaesthesia in patients with leukoariosis is not commonly known and there is paucity of reported literature.

Introduction: Mobile phone is a ubiquitous device used in health care settings as well. Its frequent handling, closeness to the body and heat generated during functioning provides a favourable environment for microbial contamination and growth; as well as opportunities for their transfer from one person to another through health care provider. Objective: To investigate whether health care workers mobile phones carry microbes and to identify areas or health personals where this was more common. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at a medical college and its associated hospital in a northern hilly state of India to determine the prevalence of microbial contamination of mobile phones used by health care providers. Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Technicians and Medical Interns were contacted at their place of work to collect swab samples from their mobile phones. Sample collection sites included out-patient clinics as well as in-patient wards, emergency department and intensive care unit. All health care providers available at the time of visit to these departments were included in the study. Swab samples collected were immediately transferred to microbiology department where overnight incubation in peptone water at 37°C followed by culture and appropriate testing to identify organisms was done. Result: A total of 100 swab samples were collected, 28 from doctors, 20 from nurses, 25 from technicians and 27 from medical interns. All of them except one showed growth. Single growth were 56 while 43 cultures had multiple growths. Organism of medical importance isolated included Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS), Methicillin Resistant CoNS, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella, S. aureus, E.coli among others. Conclusion: Almost all mobile phones were contaminated, more than half of whom were harbouring pathogenic micro-organisms. It could be a major threat to the health care providers as well as patients in form of nosocomial infections.

With regulators’ growing interest in improving operational efficiency and quality supply, the time is nearing when performance based regulation will become norm for regulating the distribution tariff in Indian electricity distribution sector. In this context, the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions proposed replacing rate-of-return regulation with most commonly used performance based regulatory regime, i.e., Price Cap regulation also known as RPI-X (Retail Price Index - Productivity Offset) regulatory framework. However, the potential problem associated with applying price cap regulation scheme in practice is the determination of productivity offset or X factor used in price caps setting. This paper proposed an approach to calculate the X-factor for 58 government-owned and privately-owned electricity distribution utilities in India during a five year period from 2007/08 to 2011/12. A Stochastic Frontier model through an input distance function is first applied to compute the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and the estimated TFP is then used to calculate the utility-specific X-factor. With rely on calculated X-factor, the distribution utilities would be able to cap either on prices or revenues thus accounting the inflation in the tariff determination. This will be more realistic approach as compared to cost plus approach.

In this research paper, an innovative solution by proposing a novel mechanism for implementation of regulatory approach—based new deviation settlement scheme for frequency control is suggested. Power systems of many developing countries have to face sustained generation deficiency, large frequency fluctuations and are susceptible to even small disturbance. Operating such a system is a difficult task and innovative solutions are needed to solve this situation. To overcome this situation, India has adopted commercial mechanism known as Availability-based Tariff (ABT), which has a component linked with frequency. A commercial mechanism is a paradigm shift in the operational strategies from the conventional frequency control to new deviation control. This proposed scheme satisfies Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) criteria and inclusive future norms. The MATLAB used to enable to analyze proposed rules and the strength of the approach, is to segregate the conventional Automatic Generation Control (AGC) with new UI-based AGC. The enhancement of AGC algorithms is to meet increased demand by efficient implementation of algorithm for generators rescheduling, as per new CERC norms.

The study was aimed to characterize enterococci from various clinical specimens, to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and to explore the association between virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance. A total of 283 clinical enterococcal isolates were speciated and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Virulence factors (hemolysin, gelatinase, and biofilm production) were detected phenotypically. Of the 283 enterococci isolated, 12 species were identified; predominant species were Enterococcus faecalis (82.33%). High-level gentamicin (HLG) and vancomycin resistance were observed among 55.57% and 6.01% of enteroccal isolates, respectively. All vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VREs) were E. faecalis and had VanA phenotype and genotype. Hemolysin, gelatinase, and biofilm production were seen in 15.90%, 12.36%, and 13.43% of enterococcal isolates, respectively. Vancomycin and HLG resistance were observed in 0.35% and 61.86% of the enterococcal isolates producing virulence factors. Isolates resistant to HLG but susceptible to vancomycin expressed more virulent factors. Further research is required to reveal the complex interplay between drug resistance and virulence factors.

We have recently demonstrated that the oral bioavailability of irinotecan (80 mg/kg) can be increased at least 7-fold by co-administration of the P-gp blocker verapamil (25 mg/kg, Oral). As a result, co-treatment with P-gp inhibitor could be a useful strategy for bioavailability enhancement. However, in view of narrow therapeutic index, the co-administration of irinotecan and verapamil may result in unanticipated toxicities. Therefore, dose optimisation studies of irinotecan were performed when it is given in conjunction with a P-gp inhibitor. For dose optimization study, the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters were studied in rats after oral administration of irinotecan at three doses (i.e. 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) alone and in combination with verapamil (25 mg/kg, oral). The area under the plasma-concentration time curve (AUC) of irinotecan at 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg was 3.51 ± 1.20, 8.81 ± 1.93 and 14.03 ± 2.18 h µg/ml, respectively which after treatment with verapamil, increased dose dependently to 7.84 ± 1.20, 19.94 ± 2.39 and 61.71 ± 15.0 h µg/ml, respectively. In addition to irinotecan, plasma concentrations of SN-38, one of the major active metabolite of irinotecan, were also monitored. The less than proportional increase in SN-38 AUC from 20 to 80 mg/kg is consistent with the saturation of carboxylesterase. Our results indicate that oral drug treatment of irinotecan in presence of temporary P-gp inhibition could be as equally safe and effective as intravenous administration. Nevertheless, safe P-gp inhibitors need to be identified as alternatives to verapamil for development of efficacious oral irinotecan formulations.

Cutaneous horn (Cornu cutaneum), is a hard, projectile lesion developing from an unusual accumulation of keratin. The base of the horn may be flat, nodular or crateriform. Usually a cutaneous horn is several millimeters long. Histologically, there is a greatly thickened stratum corneum with scattered areas of parakeratosis. The lesion can originate from a variety of skin conditions ranging from benign to premalignant and malignant. Malignant lesions at the base of the horn usually are squamous cell carcinoma, although other carcinomas have been reported. When a Cutaneous horn has a larger base than its height, chances of malignancy are increased. Cutaneous horns are common in Caucasians but rare in Asians and Africans. A case of a facial cutaneous horn in an old lady is being presented here, which, despite having an ominous appearance was found to be benign. Conversely, a lesion with benign appearance may be harbouring malignancy implying that appearance of lesion may be deceptive. So all cutaneous horns irrespective of their appearance must be excised and sent for histopathological examination.

Background and aims: The abdominal aorta usually terminates at the level of L4 vertebral body into common iliac arteries. With the present day advancements in vascular surgery and neurological surgeries involving approach to lumbar vertebral bodies, we need to know any variations from this normal course. So, the present study aimed at knowing the anatomical variations in the termination of abdominal aorta and in common iliac arteries which might prove to be of some help in some of such surgeries. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 35 adult (29 males and 6 females) embalmed cadavers obtained from anatomy departments of Govt. Medical college, Amritsar and Gian Sagar Medical college, Ramnagar, Punjab. The abdominal cavity was opened, peritoneum stripped off from aorta at its bifurcation, variations in its termination, common iliac arteries and their branches were carefully observed and recorded. Results: In 54.29% cases the level of aortic bifurcation was found opposite 4th Lumbar vertebra, in the rest it was variable between L3 and L5 vertebra. Conclusions: These variations may lead to some trouble during vertebral surgeries, making it essential to investigate and locate the exact position of great vessels before the commencement of surgery.

En la vértebra atlas, los puentes posteriores, los puentes laterales y los túneles postero-laterales son las protrusiones óseas que pueden causar presión externa en la arteria vertebral cuando pasa del foramen transverso de la vértebra cervical al foramen magnum del cráneo. Ejemplares que muestran dichas protrusiones fueron clasificadas según tengan puentes del atlas completos o incompletos que pueden predisponer a la insuficiencia vertebrobasilar y al síndrome cervicogénico especialmente durante los movimientos de cuello. El objetivo del estudio es saber la incidencia, ontogenia y filogenia de los puentes del atlas junto con las implicaciones clínicas. Este canal de la arteria vertebral del atlas y la morfología de los puentes fueron estudiados en un total de 60 (120 lados) vértebras atlas humanas completas y secas obtenidas de la colección de esqueletos del Departamento de Anatomía del Government Medical College de Amritsar en Punjab. La incidencia de la impresión de la arteria vertebral (44), la impresión profunda de la arteria vertebral (42) era 71,66%, el puente parcial fue 13,33% y el puente lateral parcial fue 3,33% en el lado derecho y 5% en lado izquierdo. También se observaron doce anillos completos y un túnel 1.66% postero-lateral. La ocurrencia de estos puentes óseos abrazando la arteria vertebral es de suma importancia clínica, pueden causar efecto de comprensión en la arteria vertebral durante la rotación extrema de la cabeza y movimientos de cuello manifestándose en mareos, desmayos, diplopía temporal, vértigo y desórdenes neurológicos. El conocimiento de esta variación es importante para médicos, otorrinolaringólogos, neurólogos y ortopedistas que en la práctica diaria están en contacto con estas enfermedades de la columna vertebral y sus consecuencias. In atlas vertebrae, the posterior bridges, lateral bridges and postero-lateral tunnels are the bony outgrowths which may cause external pressure on the vertebral artery when it passes from foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebra to foramen magnum of the skull. Specimens exhibiting such outgrowths were classified as having incomplete or complete atlas bridges that may predispose to vertebro-basilar insufficiency and cervicogenic syndrome especially in neck movements. The objective of the study is to know the incidence, ontogeny and phylogeny of atlas bridges along with its clinical implications. The groove of the vertebral artery of the atlas and the morphology of the bridges were studied in a total of 60 (120 sides) complete and dry human atlas vertebrae obtained from the skeletal collection of Department of Anatomy,GovernmentMedicalCollege,Amritsar,Punjab. The incidence of impression of vertebral artery (44), deep impression of vertebral artery (42) was 71.66%, Partial ponticuli were 13.33% and Partial lateral ponticuli were 3.33% on right side and 5% on left side. Twelve complete rings and one 1.66% postero-latetal tunnel was also observed. Occurrence of these bony bridges embracing the vertebral artery is of great clinical importance, may cause compression effect on the vertebral artery during extreme rotation of head and neck movements presenting with dizziness, fainting, transient diplopia, vertigo and neurological disturbances. The knowledge of this variation is important for physicians, otolaryngologists, neurologists and orthopaedicians who in every day practice are in contact with the diseases of spine and their consequences.

Introduction: The bipedal gait and consequential freedom of the upper limb in human beings has made the movements of the shoulder joint a subject of extensive investigations. The scapular angles provide the base and leverage to various muscles and have been correlated with the different movements of the shoulder joint. Methods: In the present study, different angles of scapula namely superior, inferior, lateral, medial, acromial and coracoid angles were measured in the North Indian population. The study was conducted on 100 scapulas (R:L = 50:50) obtained from Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar. For measuring the angles, centimetre scales and protractor were used. Results: The mean value of superior angle was observed to be 100.830 (R=100.320 : L=101.340) ; inferior angle was 63.620 (R=68.10 : L=59.140) ; lateral angle was 61.720 (R=65.90 : L=57.540) ; medial angle was 147.640 (R=151.320 : L=143.960) ; acromial angle was 106.470 (R=107.680 : L=105.260) and coracoid angle was 83.30 (R=84.240 : L=82.020). Conclusions: It was observed that all angles were higher in the right sided bones except superior angle. Also a wide range was seen in all the angles. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: acromial; coracoid; inferior; medial; superior. _______________________________________________________________________________________

The present communication deals with the ethnomedicinal plants used by the tribal communities Maheshwar tehsil situated in Khargone district of Nimar-ecoregion, M.P. In all 116 plant species belonging to 92 genera are collected, out of which 26 angiospermic species belonging to18 families are found to be used by the tribal people of this area to cure various human ailments.

Rhizoctonia bataticola is a facultative parasite, which causes damping of seedlings and root rot in vegetables, cereals, fruits, oilseed crops and ornamental plants. The present paper deals with the in vitro studies of the production of phenolics by this parasitic fungus.

Chemotherapy forms the mainstay of cancer treatment particularly for patients who do not respond to local excision or radiation treatment. However, cancer treatment by drugs is seriously limited by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) associated multi-drug resistance (MDR) in various tumor cells. On the other hand, it is now widely recognized that P-gp also influences drug transport across various biological membranes. P-gp transporter is widely present in the luminal surface of enterocytes, biliary canalicular surface of hepatocytes, apical surface of proximal tubular cells of kidney, endothelial cells of blood brain barrier, etc. thus affecting absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics. Clinical significance of above mentioned carrier is appreciated from the fact that more than fifty percent of existing anti-cancer drugs undergo inhibitable and saturable P-gp mediated efflux. Consequently, there is an increasing trend to optimize pharmacokinetics, enhance antitumour activity and reduce systemic toxicity of existing anti-cancer drugs by inhibiting P-gp mediated transport. Although a wide variety of P-gp inhibitors have been discovered, research efforts are underway to identify the most appropriate one. Flavonoids (polyphenolic herbal constituents) form the third generation, non-pharmaceutical category of P-gp inhibitors. The effects produced by some of these components are found to be comparable to those of well-known P-gp inhibitors verapamil and cyclosporine. Identification of effective P-gp modulator among herbal compounds have an added advantage of being safe, thereby making them ideal candidates for bioavailability enhancement, tissue-penetration (e.g. blood brain barrier (BBB)), decreasing biliary excretion and multi-drug resistance modulating agents. The dual effects, i.e. P-gp modulation and antitumor activity, of these herbal derivatives may synergistically act in cancer chemotherapy. This paper presents an overview of the investigations on the feasibility and application of flavonoids as P-gp modulators for improved efficacy of anti-cancer drugs like taxanes, anthracyclines, epipodophyllotoxins, camptothecins and vinca alkaloids. The review also focuses on flavonoid-drug interactions as well as the reversal activity of flavonoids useful against MDR. In addition, the experimental models which could be used for investigation on P-gp mediated efflux are also discussed.