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We report here a study on doping concentration variation on Double Gate Junctionless Field Effect Transistor. Doping concentration for the device is varied from 1010/cm³ to 1019/cm³ and their transfer characteristics and output characteristics were investigated for drain section voltages with 0.1 V, 0.5 V and 1 V. At 1 V drain voltage with doping level 1019 cm-3 a drain current of 1.7 mA has been obtained. Furthermore various electrical parameters like on current, Ion to Iorr ratio, subthreshold swing, threshold voltages are investigated. At 1019 cm and drain potential 1 V current in body is 1.9 mA. On the other hand subthreshold swing obtained at 1019 cm with a drain potential 1 V is 79 mV/Decade. The simulation is done with the help of Cogenda Visual TCAD simulator. By increasing doping concentration better control over drain current can be obtained. Better on current can be achieved at higher doping variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A resistance based analytical model for drain current of a Junction less field effect transistor with surrounded channel (SCJLFET) is reported in this paper. Surrounded channel junction less field effect transistor (SCJLFET) exhibits the merits of both double and single gate Junction less field effect transistor. This paper illustrated the uses of resistance of the channel to obtain the drain current. The model is based on the concept that channel of a JLFET is comprised of either a space charge layer or a neutral layer or an accumulation layer or combination of any two of these layers. The model development starts with the formulation of resistances of these three types of layers followed by determination of total channel resistance in the four modes of operation of a JLFET. In the sub threshold mode only depletion layer is present while in bulk current mode total resistance is obtained by parallel combination of neutral semiconductor and depletion resistances. In flat band mode only neutral semiconductor layer is present while in accumulation mode total resistance is obtained by parallel combination of accumulation and depletion resistances. The drain current model in four modes is obtained by dividing the potential difference across the channel with the corresponding resistances of the modes. It is simplified model based on resistance of the body of the device. The model developed is fully analytical in nature which reduces the computation time in designing. The model is full range model applicable in all the operation modes of surrounded channel Junction less field effect transistor (SCJLFET). The potential expression also obtained using Poisson’s equation. The analytical drain current model has been verified with the help of TCAD numerical simulation results by comparing the transfer and output characteristics of the device obtained from TCAD and the drain current model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the applications of computer vision and pattern recognition, facial image processing has been a great issue to focus on for providing efficient solutions for face recognition. General face recognition models can be classified into two types, geometry-based and appearance-based feature models, which deal with global feature data and facial textures respectively. Normally the performance of an adaptive face detection model increases with an increase in the number of training images. In this study, a novel model called Local Symmetrical Patterns based feature extraction model (LSP-FEM) for efficient face recognition was developed. The model incorporates Local Symmetrical Patterns (LSP) to recognize the input human facial samples. Moreover, the proposed LSP-FEM computes the symmetry of each pixel in all eight directions of facial images. For an efficient recognition process, a facial image is considered as a collection of LSP codes. Furthermore, the experimentation was carried out using benchmark datasets called the FERET dataset, Extended Yale-B dataset and Olivetti Research Laboratory (ORL) dataset images. The results show that the accuracy rate of face recognition is higher than that of the existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In spite of the advances in critical care medicine, early diagnosis and proper treatment of bacterial sepsis is a challenge in intensive care unit. Procalcitonin (PCT) an innovative and better laboratory marker, has been recently proven to be appropriate and efficient in treating bacterial sepsis. Aim: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as individual and combined indicators of bacterial sepsis and compare ESR, CRP, PCT to the gold standard microbiological cultures. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective study which was conducted during the period of 1 year which was between August 2022 to August 2023. This study was conducted in General surgery department, SVIMS-SPMC(W), Tirupati in a total of 80 patients. Results: Majority of patients were in the age group of 51-60 years which constituted 21 patients (26.2%). Majority of patients were males which constituted 66 (82.5%). Females were 14 (17.5%). C-reactive protein was in between 100-150 mg/dl in 16 patients (20%) at admission and after 48 hrs, less than 10 mg/dl C-reactive protein was observed in 6 patients which is considered abnormal. procalcitonin (ng/mL) was greater than 0.25 ng/mL in 69 patients (86.3%) at admission which indicates the presence of infection. After 48 hours, infection was reduced in 54 patients (67.5%). At admission active infection was observed in 27 patients (33.8%) at admission with ESR >100 mm/hr and it was reduced to 8, 10% after 48 hours. 9 positive blood cultures and 3 negative blood cultures were observed in patients with less than 2 ng/mL procalcitonin, 4 positive blood cultures and 3 negative blood cultures were observed in patients with 2-10 ng/mL procalcitonin, 8 positive blood cultures and 1 negative blood cultures were observed in patients with more than 10 ng/mL procalcitonin. Conclusion: PCT was more efficient diagnostic tool when compared to CRP and ESR in detecting severity of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition affecting the masticatory muscles and joint mobility. Objectives The primary objective was to compare the effects of massage therapy alone and massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation exercises in patients with TMD for pain and maximal mouth opening. Design Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Dental Hospital, Lahore Medical and Dental Hospital. Subjects Temporomandibular joint disorder patients. Intervention Group A (n = 23) received conventional treatment including massage and therapeutic exercises consecutively for 2 weeks. Group B (n = 23) received post-isometric relaxation technique along with conventional treatment for consecutive 2 weeks. Main measures The main outcome measures were pain and maximal mouth opening. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and maximal mouth opening (MMO) was measured using the TheraBite Scale. Results Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain and MMO scores post-treatment. However, Group B (massage with post-isometric relaxation exercises) showed significantly better outcomes compared to Group A (massage alone). There was a statistically significant difference in post-treatment pain scores (P = 0.000) and MMO scores (P = 0.000) between the two groups. Conclusion The results suggest that massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation is more effective than massage therapy alone in managing pain and improving mouth opening in TMD patients. The study provides evidence supporting the use of these therapies in TMD management. Trial registry number NCT05810831. Date of registration/First submission: 15 March 2023.

This study presents the findings of a laboratory-based experiment testing hypothesised processes implicated in the prevention of violent radicalisation through counter-narratives. The central aims of the study were to contribute to counter-narrative theory, whilst highlighting the value of experimental methodologies that can be deployed in this area of scientific enquiry. Two counter-narrative strategies were evaluated against a dominant terrorist narrative. Considering the role of cognition in the processing of narrative-related information, participants' (n = 150) Cognitive Reflection and Need for Cognition were measured before they were randomly assigned to a narrative that legitimized terrorist violence, one of two counter-narratives, or a control. Returning autonomy to the target by having them actively counter terrorist rhetoric themselves was found to be more effective than offering generic counter-narratives. Notwithstanding the challenges and limitations associated with measuring violent radicalization-related constructs, the findings of the experiment demonstrate the extent to which individuals vary in their susceptibility to violent, terrorist narratives, as well as attempts to counter them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on the intestine of six adult Bakerwali and non-descript goats from the Jammu region with the goal to locate the position of the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). The gross distribution and structure of the lymphoid tissue varied between intestinal segments in both the breeds. The location of the lymphoid nodules was ante-mesenteric in both the breeds. Duodenum of both the breeds had small nodule like lymphoid tissue (Peyer's patches). The jejunum had the lymphoid tissue that was the most developed out of all the gut segments. Lymphoid tissues were oval-shaped and orientated with their long axis parallel to the long axis of the gut. The maximum width recorded as 1.32 cm, while the length was 4.42 cm. Like non-descript goats, the lymphoid tissues of Bakerwali goat were also elongated but shorter and thinner. Maximum width was found to be 0.98 cm, and length was 1.78 cm. Ileum of both Bakerwali and non-descript goats displayed prominent nodule-like lymphoid tissue. Large intestine of Bakerwali goat was devoid of any lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid tissues of nondescript goats resembled nodules, and some of the lymphoid tissues in the cecum took the shape of rounded tubercles with a depression in the centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) is nowadays a very popular reproductive technology to handle anestrous problems during the postpartum period of dairy cattle. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the suitable fixed timed AI protocols for therapeutic management of post-partum anestrous in cows. A total of ninety cows were selected in and around the Aizawl district of Mizoram, India which lies within the tropics between latitude 21˚ 56'N to 24˚31'N and longitude 92˚ 16'E to 93˚26'E. The experimental cows were examined per rectum to study the ovarian and genital status after two months of calving. They were randomly divided into three groups; A, B and C, comprising 30 animals in each group and were treated by three fixed timed AI protocols; G6G (PGF day-0; GnRH 2, 8 days; PGF 15, 16 days, GnRH 17 days; FTAI 18 days), select-synch and co-synch, respectively. Blood samples were collected to study the serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, estrogen and progesterone on day 0 (before starting the protocol) and day 1 (day before AI). The serum level of glucose, total cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, estrogen and progesterone significantly low in post-partum anestrous cows on day 0. But after post therapy, the level of glucose, total cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, estrogen increased significantly except progesterone hormone on day before AI within each group. The conception rates of G6G, co-synch and select-synch protocols were 33.33%, 56.66% and 96.66%, respectively. In conclusion, the select-synch protocol was found to be the best in comparison to G6G and co-synch protocols (P<0.05) for therapeutic management of post-partum anoestrous in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the modeling of the depletion region width and threshold voltage of a parallel gated junctionless field effect transistor. The depletion region width is obtained by resolving 1D Poisson equation along the channel of the device in the y-direction. The central potential through the channel region of the device is also considered. With the help of the depletion region width and device central potential model, the threshold voltage of the device is obtained. Exploration has been made for different variations of the depletion width depending on the gate to source voltage, gate oxide thickness, and different gate dielectric materials. For a 0.6 V gate bias, a 4 nm depletion width is achieved. The threshold voltage variation is obtained and analyzed by considering different drain voltages, doping concentrations, temperatures, and work functions. The device at 1019 cm -3 doping concentration, 300 K temperature, and 5.4 eV work function with a drain voltage of 1 V allows a threshold voltage of 0.47 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperglycaemia among critically ill patients is associated with nosocomial infections, multi-organ dysfunction and prolonged hospitalisation. Sparse data are available regarding the effect of hyperglycaemia on mortality in medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients in India. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in MICU at a tertiary teaching hospital in Southern India during the period of March 2018-June 2019. Patients were classified as having/not having diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose was monitored in all patients with. Age, severity of critical illness, comorbidities and laboratory variables were recorded. The association of hyperglycaemia with mortality was studied. Results: Patients with diabetes mellitus were older, had more number of comorbidities like hypertension, coronary artery disease compared to those without diabetes mellitus. On logistic regression analysis mean blood glucose did not emerge as an independent determinant of mortality in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score was found to be an independent determinant of mortality in patient with (P = 0.0001) and without (P = 0.0001) diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that in critically ill patients with or without diabetes mellitus admitted to MICU, hyperglycaemia was not a predictor of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In video surveillance schemes, the motion object detection plays a significant role. To subtract the object background, a segmentation technique based on feature extraction is utilized in which the change in the training rate makes an alteration in the background. Thereafter, the extracted features are trained by using the self‐organizing map (SOM) network in which the weight parameters in the network is optimized with the help of artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization algorithm, so, the proposed methodology is named as HSOM‐ABC technique. This methodology is carried out to perform the classification process in this research. Initially, the whole dataset is preprocessed with the help of grayscale conversion method which converts the original image into grayscale color. After this, fuzzy c‐means clustering is applied to perform the segmentation process and this method divides the foreground and background parts efficiently. Then, feature extraction is done with the help of local binary pattern method which extract the relevant features from the segmented image. Finally, HSOM‐ABC method is proposed to accurate classification process. Hence, the moving objects are identified by categorizing the background and foreground images. MatLab platform is chosen for the proposed work simulation and the performance is evaluated by means of different parameters and it is compared with new existing approaches. Experimental outcomes show that the proposed strategy achieves higher precision value than any other existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic knowledge of statistics is essential for the proper design of clinical studies, data handling methods, appropriate use of analytical tools and the interpretation of the findings. Recognising the importance of the need for competence in biostatistics and research methodology, the Medical Council of India has made it mandatory for the postgraduate medical student to learn research methodology by taking up an online course; and has also made it necessary for faculty in medical colleges to complete the online basic course in biomedical research to get promoted This review focu sses on providing an overview regarding various statistical tools commonly used in the design of studies and analysis of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M-type Al–Cr-substituted strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12-x-yAlxCryO19 where x = y = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) powders are synthesized successfully using sol–gel auto-combustion method. The synthesized powders were sintered at 1200 °C for 2 h, and their structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were studied using characterization techniques like XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), and VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer). The XRD pattern confirmed the formation of single phase hexagonal structure with P63/mmc space group. The saturation magnetization is observed to decrease from 63.37 to 46.89 emu/g with the increase in dopant concentration. However, the coercivity initially decreased and then increased with increase in dopant concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific correspondence discusses the assessment of agricultural land lost due to erosion along the Brahmaputra riverbank in Assam. The Brahmaputra river is known for its large flow, sediment load, and continuous changes in channel morphology, which lead to erosion on both sides of the river. The study uses remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to analyze satellite images from 2005 to 2022 and estimate the agricultural land lost due to erosion. The results show that a total of 34,606.23 hectares of agricultural land have been lost in the 21 districts of Assam, with Barpeta and Morigaon districts experiencing the highest losses. The study highlights the ongoing erosion and loss of agricultural land along the Brahmaputra riverbank. [Extracted from the article]

Computer vision systems are increasingly focusing on age recognition from facial images. To solve this problem, In this paper, proposed a method that computes the Fibonacci Weighted Neighborhood Pattern on an image to obtain local neighborhood information, then evaluates Co-occurrence features for work sustainability age classification with SVM classifier. These characteristics show how people’s ages differ. The proposed method has been tested on the FG-Net facial images dataset as well as other scanned images. Experiments showed that the proposed approach outperformed other currently existing methods.

The popularity and rapid growth of the internet have reemphasized the importance of intrusion detection systems (IDS) significance in the network security. IDS decreases hacking, data theft risk, privacy intrusion, and others. To save the system from external and internal intruders, the primary approaches of IDS are used. Many techniques[13], like genetic algorithms, artificial neural networks, and artificial immune systems, have been applied to IDS. This paper describes an Ensemble Framework of Artificial Immune System (AIS) based on Network Intrusion Detection System. Without placing a significant additional load on networks and monitoring systems, the large volume of data is analysed by a network-based Intrusion Detection System (NIDS). For determining the connection type, data from KDD Cup 99 competitions is utilized. To differentiate between attacks and valid connections, IDS can be utilized. Optimized feature selection is used to speed up the time-consuming rough set. The results obtained from the IDS system indicate that it can effectively identify the attacking connections with a high success rate.

Meghalaya, 'the abode of clouds' is one of the states of North East India. The state witnesses several forest fire incidents every year. In this study, MODIS-based forest fire counts from 2003 to 2023 have been used for the generation of forest fire-prone and vulnerability maps. The forest fire vulnerability map has been generated at 1: 10 k for the entire state and at 1: 5 k for Reserve Forests, Community Reserve Forests and other Protected Areas. Ri Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts witness high forest fire incidents compared to all the other districts. Maximum number of forest fire occurs in moderately dense and very dense forests. The eForest Fire Information System, viz. 'Meghalaya Forest Fire Information System' has a dashboard with geospatial forest fire information and a forest fire incident reporting android based app developed for fire managers both at Government and community level. Shifting cultivation (jhum) is a predominant land-use pattern; therefore the framework has embedded jhum area information for improving forest fire management strategies to match the local scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of nemacheilid loach, Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov., is described from three cave-dwelling populations (Barak-Surma-Meghna drainage) in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The new species possesses prominent eyes but is easily distinguished from all the congeners of the genus Schistura from Barak-Surma-Meghna and adjacent rivers drainages of northeast Indian (except S. syngkai) in having 13-26 vertically elongated to circular mid-lateral black blotches (brownish in life) overlayered on a grayish-black mid-lateral stripe on a dull white or pale-beige (golden brown in life) body. However, it can be easily distinguished from S. syngkai in having a complete (vs. incomplete) lateral line with more 72-89 (vs. 19-42) lateral-line pored scales, greater pre-dorsal length (48.5-53.1 vs. 41.9-44.1 %SL), a wider body at dorsal-fin origin (11.3-16.7 vs. 9.4-10.3 %SL), greater dorsal (18.1-21.1 vs. 15.1-17.0 %SL) and lateral (20.9-24.1 vs. 17.4-18.9 %SL) head length, a wider head (14.5-18.5 vs. 11.6-13.3 %SL), and moderately forked (vs. emarginated) caudal fin. Further, molecular analysis confirms the distinctiveness of S. sonarengaensis sp. nov. from its congeners found in northeast India by significant divergences with uncorrected genetic distance ranging from 3.7% to 17.3% in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene dataset. The phylogenetic position of the new species with its sister species was evaluated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis. The species delimitation approaches assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) and Poisson tree processes (PTP) utilized for testing species assignments consistently identified our test group as a distinct species from its sister species. Although the new species lacks typical morphological adaptations usually associated with a subterranean life, such as complete absence (or vestigial presence) of eyes and pigmentation, it exhibits a reduction of pigmentation when compared to the epigean congeners., (© 2024 Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)

Objective: This study aimed to assess the erectogenic properties of isoliquiritigenin taking sildenafil (SDF) as the standard., Methods: The binding affinity of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) with the erectile marker proteins (endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS] and enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE5]) was investigated using Autodock Vina, which was validated using molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, the effect of ISL on the eNOS and PDE5 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and the sexual behavior of mice was investigated, along with the assessment of the pharmacokinetics of ISL., Key Findings: The results revealed that the binding affinity of ISL-eNOS/PDE5 and SDF-eNOS/PDE5 was in the range of -7.5 to -8.6 kcal/mol. The ISL-eNOS/PDE5 complexes remained stable throughout the 100 ns simulation period. Root mean square deviation, Rg, SASA, hydrogen, and hydrophobic interactions were similar between ISL-eNOS/PDE5 and SDF-eNOS/PDE5. Analysis of mRNA expressions in paroxetine (PRX)-induced ED mice showed that the co-administration of PRX with ISL reduced PDE5 and increased eNOS mRNA expression, similar to the co-administered group (PRX+SDF). The sexual behavior study revealed that the results of PRX+ISL were better than those of the PRX+SDF group. Pharmacokinetic evaluation further demonstrated that ISL possesses drug-like properties., Conclusions: The results showed that ISL is equally potent as SDF in terms of binding affinity, specific pharmacological properties, and modulating sexual behavior., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize the VP2 gene of parvoviruses from domestic cats in India. For that, 38 fecal samples were screened by PCR with 36.84% positivity. Sequence analysis of those isolates showed canine parvovirus type-2c (CPV-2c) as the predominant variant, followed by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and 2a. Phylogenetic analysis of the CPV-2c sequences revealed clustering with Singaporean, South Korean, Mongolian and Bangladeshi dog 2c sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of the 2a isolate (MZC 2) was found to be clustered with Indian, Thai and Singaporean dog 2a isolates. Similarly, all the four FPV sequences were ancestrally related to Indian dog and cat FPV sequences hinting towards interspecies transmission between dogs and cats. Both synonymous and non-synonymous mutations were evident in CPV-2c, 2a and FPV sequences indicative of active evolution. In cell culture medium, CPV-2 showed cytopathogenic effects at the third passage level. In conclusion, the study provided the first report of CPV-2c in cats from India, which demands for extensive epidemiological surveillance to monitor interspecies spread and to shed more light on viral phylogenomics, their distribution in the country and in the Southeast Asian region and usage of current vaccines.

Cellular responses to environmental stimuli are typically thought to be governed by genetically encoded programs. We demonstrate that melanoma cells can form and maintain cellular memories during the acquisition of therapy resistance that exhibit characteristics of cellular learning and are dependent on the transcription factor AP-1. We show that cells exposed to a low dose of therapy adapt to become resistant to a high dose, demonstrating that resistance was not purely selective. The application of therapy itself results in the encoding of transient gene expression into cellular memory and that this encoding occurs for both transiently induced and probabilistically arising expression. Chromatin accessibility showed concomitant persistence. A two-color AP-1 reporter system showed that these memories are encoded in cis , constituting an example of activating cis epigenetics. Our findings establish the formation and maintenance of cellular memories as a critical aspect of gene regulation during the development of therapy resistance., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests A.R. receives royalties related to Stellaris RNA FISH probes. A.R. serves on the scientific advisory board of Spatial Genomics. All other authors declare no competing interests.

The CRL4-DCAF15 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex is targeted by the aryl-sulfonamide molecular glues, leading to neo-substrate recruitment, ubiquitination, and proteasomal degradation. However, the physiological function of DCAF15 remains unknown. Using a domain-focused genetic screening approach, we reveal DCAF15 as an acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-biased dependency. Loss of DCAF15 results in suppression of AML through compromised replication fork integrity and consequent accumulation of DNA damage. Accordingly, DCAF15 loss sensitizes AML to replication stress-inducing therapeutics. Mechanistically, we discover that DCAF15 directly interacts with the SMC1A protein of the cohesin complex and destabilizes the cohesin regulatory factors PDS5A and CDCA5. Loss of PDS5A and CDCA5 removal precludes cohesin acetylation on chromatin, resulting in uncontrolled chromatin loop extrusion, defective DNA replication, and apoptosis. Collectively, our findings uncover an endogenous, cell autonomous function of DCAF15 in sustaining AML proliferation through post-translational control of cohesin dynamics., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background & objectives Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibits extensive genetic diversity in infected hosts. There are few published reports of HCV genotype (GT) distribution from the north-east Indian States lying close to the 'Golden Triangle' known for illicit drug trafficking. Real-time knowledge of HCVGT distribution is important for studies on epidemiologic aspects and virus evolution and for the development of new target-specific, direct-acting antiviral drugs. This study aims to examine the distribution of HCVGTs and their subtypes in different risk groups from Assam, north-east India. Methods It is a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Plasma samples reactive for anti-HCV antibody in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were subjected to viral load test and genotyping by real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) or characterization of non-structural protein NS5B region by nested PCR. Nucleotide sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results The most common HCVGT detected was GT-3 (95.89%), followed by GT-1 (3.42%), GT-6xa (0.34%) and GT-8 (0.34%). The mean age of subjects was 30.24 yr, and males outnumbered females. The most commonly associated risk factor was injecting drug use (IDU) (74.31%), followed by tattooing and/or piercing (33.22%), transfusion of blood/blood products (10.27%), and haemodialysis (9.25%). Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was found in 17.8 per cent, and with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 3.42 per cent of the cases. Interpretation & conclusions The detection of HCVGT-8 makes this the first report from Assam and the second from India as per the authors' knowledge. This may indicate strain's endemic nature in India. The increasing trend of HCV infection among young IDUs and HCV-HIV co-infection indicates the need for enhancing surveillance and intensified prevention efforts among young adults.

R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures that are abundant and widespread across the genome and that have important physiological roles in many nuclear processes. Their accumulation is observed in cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies have implicated a function for R-loops and G-quadruplex (G4) structures, which can form on the displaced single strand of R-loops, in three-dimensional genome organization in both physiological and pathological contexts. Here we discuss the interconnected functions of DNA:RNA hybrids and G4s within R-loops, their impact on DNA repair and gene regulatory networks, and their emerging roles in genome organization during development and disease., (© 2024. Springer Nature Limited.)

A 14-month-old female child was brought to us by her parents with the complaint of progressive shortening of her right lower limb since birth. Born to non-consanguineous parents from a poor socioeconomic background, her birth and antenatal history were uneventful. Physical examination revealed no facial dysmorphism; however, her right thigh was short and bulky, and there were restrictions in hip, knee, and ankle movements. The pediatric evaluation showed normal growth and development. X-rays confirmed proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) of the right lower limb. After extensive parental counseling regarding the condition, potential interventions, and outcomes, the parents opted for prosthetic management due to concerns about surgical costs, risks, and cosmetic outcomes. A custom-made extension prosthesis was prepared for the limb and was fit. At a follow-up of one year, the child exhibited a normal gait pattern with stable hip, knee, and ankle motion, and the parents expressed satisfaction with the prosthetic management, preferring it over surgical intervention for the time being., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Ahmed et al.)

Background & objectives Mumps, a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus (MuV) involves parotid gland inflammation, with potential complications affecting organs other than the parotid glands and central nervous system. Despite successful vaccination, a resurgence of mumps occurred, raising concerns about vaccine effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the entire genome of a representative MuV genotype C from Dibrugarh, Assam, and compare it with references to detect genetic variations in the circulating strain. Methods Representative MuV genotype C from our published study was subjected to whole genome sequencing. MuV genome was analyzed against the reference genome and vaccine strains before being subjected to mutational profiling, N-glycosylation site determination, and phylogenetic analysis. The Immune Epitope Database was used for epitope screening, and selected epitopes were mapped against Assam MuV for conservancy studies. Results Mutational analysis of Assam MuV with WHO (World health Organization) reference, vaccine strains Jeryl Lynn (Genotype A), and L Zagreb (Genotype N) showed variations in seven genes. Phylogenetic analysis established Assam MuV as genotype C. Epitope conservancy analysis highlighted subtle variations in experimentally determined T-cell epitopes for HN and F proteins, emphasizing overall epitope stability. Interpretation & conclusions Genome sequencing has evolved into a standard and potent method for investigating and recording circulating MuV as it provides information on surveillance, mutation analysis, and transmission dynamics. Despite mumps' global effect, genomic studies are limited, particularly in north-east. Our study provides first comprehensive whole-genome report on circulating MuV genotype C in Assam. This research contributes vital genomic data, filling gaps in MuV genetic epidemiology, supporting global research, and assessing vaccine effectiveness.

Identifying and analysing distinct blood cells is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the field of biomedicine. The present study was undertaken to study the cytomorphological and cytochemical characteristics of the blood cells of Zoar, a non-descript indigenous breed of chicken extensively reared under backyard poultry farming in Mizoram, India. For this study, 2 mL of blood samples were aseptically collected from the wings veins of 12 chickens and were processed for light microscopic study under standard protocols. The matured erythrocytes were elliptical, while the immature erythrocytes appeared oval. The heterophils were positive for SBB (SBB), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and Arylsulphatase while the eosinophils were positive for SBB, PAS, alkaline phosphatase, cytochrome oxidase and peroxidase. The basophils of were positive for toluidine blue while the thrombocytes were positive for PAS. These cytochemical and cytoenzymatic staining properties plays a very important role in diagnosis, differentiation, and classification of leukaemias., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Understanding the nexus of land use and water quality can potentially underline the influences within the groundwater management. The study envisages land use-specific qualitative assessment of the groundwater resources in Ghaziabad district, in western Uttar Pradesh, India. For encountering the relative impacts of land use on the groundwater quality, chemometric analysis has been employed to apportion the pollution sources. The integration of quality parameters, in the information entropy index modeling, has segregated the quality classes and visualized the seasonal suitability trends as per potability standards along with non-carcinogenic health hazard risk assessment (HHRA). The qualitative assessment of the groundwater resources, along with spatial distribution, has deciphered a polluting impact, specifically in western and south western parts of district, and observed the linkages with direct and indirect discharges/seepages from densely populated residential and industrial land use types localized in urbanized areas. Statistically significant annual and seasonal variations have been found exclusively for EC, Mg 2+ , F - , Cd, Cr (total) , Ni, and Pb which inferred variable concentrations, whereas land use types showed a non-significant variation within groundwater quality. Chemometric-based source apportioning and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) have derived salinization and enrichment of dissolved salts, arising from mixed sources and contributes to metal pollution, i.e., mainly from anthropogenic sources. Information EWQI derived poor to extremely poor category represented degraded potability specifically for fewer sites located within western and southern parts on the Yamuna-Hindon flood plains for limited sites of residential, industrial, and agricultural in an urbanized region. However, majority of the samples fall under excellent to good groundwater quality, recommendable in the north and north-eastern (peri-urban) regions. Non-carcinogenic HHRA has shown that majority of the samples categorized under unsafe value for hazard index (HI > 1), for females and children and thus, presumed probable health hazard risk from metal groundwater pollution in south-western part, eastern, and northern regions., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)