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Kalmegh is an important medicinal crop because of the most important biologically active phyto-chemical called andrographolide. Production of higher herbage yields with appropriate quality in terms of andrographolide is largely dependent upon efficient nutrient management. This study aimed to assess the effect of organic manures application and variable nitrogen rates on growth, yield, andrographolide content and total antioxidant activity of Kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three levels of organic manures [M1- Control, M2- vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 and M3- poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1] and four fertility levels [F1- 0: 50: 50, F2- 50: 50: 50, F3- 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 and F4- 75: 50: 50 kg ha−1 N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively] replicated thrice. The highest dry herbage yields and andrographolide content of kalmegh were recorded with vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 followed by poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 during both the years while, lower yields due to control. Dry herbage and andrographolide yield were found to be highest in M2×F3 compared with M1×F1. Our study concluded that the application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 along with 75 kg ha−1 N in two splits and 50 kg ha−1of each P2O5 and K2O resulted higher yield and andrographolide content which, would provide better soil nutrient status in sustainable manner without affecting ecological balances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an ethnomethodologically informed ethnographic investigation of visually recognisable aspects of shared work spots in co-working office rooms. We focus on the phenomenon of holding a place in such environments, and document the participants' practices which constitute distinguishing between empty and taken places. Our investigation leads to a conceptualisation of designed andad hocplaces, noting that objective assessments of rooms' occupation status are problematic. We propose the notion of markers of presence, i.e. the material objects and their configurations, which participants use to indicate to others that a certain place is taken. Finally, we identify an observation area within the office space which participants recurrently use to assess the availability of work spots. We conclude by pointing out that rather than being tied to static features of material objects, the evidently visible occupational status of shared work spots is dynamically re-produced in participants' ongoing courses of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide is hydrophilic due to its oxygen functionality, making it easy to disperse in liquid crystalline media. The nanocomposites of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide have been prepared in a nematic liquid crystal. Results reveal rising transition temperatures, enthalpies, and order parameters for graphene oxide dispersed nanocomposites. UV-Vis spectroscopy results show an increase of the optical band gap for graphene oxide whereas decrease for reduced graphene oxide dispersed system. Impedance spectroscopy is used for the determination of various parameters such as permittivity, dielectric anisotropy, conductivity, relaxation frequency and activation energy. Results show that the dielectric anisotropy is increased for graphene oxide dispersed nanocomposite, however, reduced graphene oxide dispersed system demonstrates the opposite property. Relaxation frequency has increased for graphene oxide dispersed system while unchanged for reduced graphene oxide dispersed system. Conductivity of reduced graphene oxide dispersed nanocomposite has increased by three orders of magnitude but for graphene oxide dispersed system, it has decreased as compared to that of the pure sample. We observed decrease in threshold voltage, elastic constant, and rotational viscosity for both GO/rGO dispersed systems. The outcome for the graphene oxide dispersed nanocomposite looks to be more effective due to the system's enhanced molecular polarisability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of drones in physics education, specifically in first-year physics labs. Drones are becoming more accessible and can provide accurate positional data, making them useful for conducting experiments and collecting data. The article highlights the necessary equipment and software, such as the DJI Mavic Mini-2 drone and the PocketLab Voyager data collection device. It presents six experiments that students can conduct using drones, including measuring distance, determining height from shadows, and calculating linear velocity. The article emphasizes the educational benefits of using drones in physics education and provides detailed instructions for conducting the experiments. [Extracted from the article]

The marine environment is known for its vast diversity of the microbial population; however, less explored for bioactive compounds. In this study, an AMP produced by a new marine isolate, Vibrio proteolyticus MT110, showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The AMP was purified to homogeneity using ethyl acetate extraction followed by RP-HPLC, and LC-MS analysis showed its molecular weight as 980 Da. The MIC of AMP (peptide-MT110) was obtained in the 7.81–31.25 µg/mL range against different indicator strains. Peptide-MT110 showed stability of its antimicrobial activity at 15–121 °C and pH 4–10 and in the presence of various hydrolytic enzymes. The peaks at 1536 cm−1 and 1712 cm−1 wavenumbers in FTIR spectra confirmed the peptidic nature of AMP, and its amino acid analysis confirmed the presence of tyrosine and isoleucine. The antibacterial activity of peptide-MT110 is confirmed by PI assay and TEM. The optimization of peptide-MT110 production using statistical methods resulted in a 2.64-fold higher production. The physicochemical properties and stability in wide pH and temperature ranges showed the potential of peptide-MT110 for its development as a drug candidate. This is believed to be the first report on an AMP from Vibrio proteolyticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Enhancing Plasmapheresis Efficacy in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: Overcoming Circuit Clotting Challenges," discusses the challenges of managing hyperviscosity syndrome in a case of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). Hyperviscosity syndrome is a rare oncological emergency that can lead to serious complications. The article highlights the importance of tailored interventions, such as plasmapheresis, chemotherapy, and fluids, in treating this condition. The authors also describe a strategic approach to overcome circuit clotting during plasmapheresis, which involved elevating the dialysate temperature and intermittent flushing with warm saline. The success of these interventions emphasizes the need for individualized extracorporeal therapies in complex hematological conditions like WM. [Extracted from the article]

Large Language Models (LLMs) are expected to significantly impact various socio-technical systems, offering transformative possibilities for improved interaction between humans and technology. However, their integration poses complex challenges due to the intricate interplay between societal structures, human behaviour, and technological innovation. This research explores these multifaceted challenges, emphasising the need for a human-centered approach in integrating LLMs to ensure that technological advancements are aligned with ethical standards and societal needs. Utilizing a structured methodology comprising a workshop, literature analysis, and expert collaborations, the study uses a multi-dimensional human-centered AI framework to guide the responsible integration of LLMs. Key insights include the importance of inclusive data, considering unintended consequences, maintaining privacy, and respecting intellectual property rights. The paper identifies and advocates for principles like human-in-the-loop, continuous longitudinal studies, proactive awareness campaigns, and regular audits to develop LLMs that are ethically sound, adaptable, and effectively integrated into various socio-technical systems, thus addressing user needs and broader societal impacts. The paper also underlines the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers to develop LLMs that are ethically aligned, socially beneficial, and adaptable to future societal needs. The findings offer valuable insights into the strategic integration of LLMs, advocating for a broader research perspective beyond industrial motivations to fully understand and leverage LLMs in socio-technical landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piperazine derivatives were screened using the ChEMBL database, paving the way for the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a novel series of dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibitors and identifying their role in mitigating cancer cell proliferation. Compound 9d with 4-Cl substitution at the terminal phenyl ring showed promising inhibition of COX-2 (IC 50 = 0.25 ± 0.03 μM) and 5-LOX (IC 50 = 7.87 ± 0.33 μM), outperforming the standards celecoxib (IC 50 = 0.36 ± 0.023 μM) and zileuton (IC 50 = 14.29 ± 0.173 μM), respectively. The two most active derivatives 9d and 9g indicated a significant anti-inflammatory response in a paw edema model by inhibiting PGE2, IL-6, and TNF-α and an increase in IL-10 concentrations. Interestingly, 9d effectively reduced pain by 55.78%, closely comparable to the 59.09% exhibited by the standard indomethacin, and was also devoid of GI, liver, kidney, and cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, 9d demonstrated anti-cancer potential against in vitro A549, COLO-205, and MIA-PA-CA-2 human cancer cell lines and an in vivo Drosophila cancer model. The pharmacokinetic investigations revealed that 9d has good oral absorption characteristics., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of infectious mortality and morbidity in the world, second only to coronavirus disease 2019. Patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients are at a higher risk of developing TB than the general population. Active TB is difficult to diagnose in this population due to close mimics. All transplant candidates should be screened for latent TB infection and given TB prophylaxis. Patients who develop active TB pre- or post-transplantation should receive multidrug combination therapy of antitubercular therapy for the recommended duration with optimal dose modification as per glomerular filtration rate., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: None of the authors have any conflicts of interest., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

While examining the social perspectives of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its most common cause, diabetes, a common problem is spread of misleading information by unqualified people. This concerning trend makes it more difficult for patients to receive prompt and proper medical advice, which in turn further delays their referral to nephrologists and endocrinologists. In this communication, we highlight the challenges and consequences of this burning issue. We also propose the steps that various stakeholders and policy makers should take to contain this issue at the earliest.

This review delves into relatively less discussed role of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as an accessible alternative to intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in the context of bone health assessment, particularly focussing on its potential boon for underprivileged individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in South Asia. The financial constraints faced by this demographic often hinder regular monitoring of iPTH levels. ALP emerges as a promising surrogate, offering a cost-effective and practical solution for bone health evaluation in resource-constrained settings.

Background: Ocular pain has multifactorial etiologies that affect activities of daily life, psychological well-being, and health-related quality of life (QoL). Chronic ocular surface pain (COSP) is a persistent eye pain symptom lasting for a period longer than 3 months., Objective: The objective of this social media listening study was to better understand COSP and related symptoms and identify its perceived causes, comorbidities, and impact on QoL from social media posts., Methods: A search from February 2020 to February 2021 was performed on social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and forums) for English-language content posted on the web. Social media platforms that did not provide public access to information or posts were excluded. Social media posts from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States were retrieved using the Social Studio platform-a web-based aggregator tool., Results: Of the 25,590 posts identified initially, 464 posts about COSP were considered relevant; the majority of conversations (98.3%, n=456) were posted by adults (aged >18 years). Work status was mentioned in 52 conversations. Patients' or caregivers' discussions across social media platforms were centered around the symptoms (61.9%, n=287) and causes (58%, n=269) of ocular pain. Patients mentioned having symptoms associated with COSP, including headache or head pressure, dry or gritty eyes, light sensitivity, etc. Patients posted that their COSP impacts day-to-day activities such as reading, driving, sleeping, and their social, mental, and functional well-being., Conclusions: Insights from this study reported patients' experiences, concerns, and the adverse impact on overall QoL. COSP imposes a significant burden on patients, which spans multiple aspects of daily life., (©Brigitte Sloesen, Paul O'Brien, Himanshu Verma, Sathyaraj Asaithambi, Nikita Parashar, Raj Kumar Mothe, Javed Shaikh, Annie Syntosi. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 15.02.2024.)