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Abstract Differences in the number of alien plant species in different locations may reflect climatic and other controls that similarly affect native species and/or propagule pressure accompanied with delayed spread from the point of introduction. We set out to examine these alternatives for Himalayan plants, in a phylogenetic framework. We build a database of alien plant distributions for the Himalaya. Focusing on the well‐documented regions of Jammu & Kashmir (west) and Bhutan (east) we compare alien and native species for (1) richness patterns, (2) degree of phylogenetic clustering, (3) the extent to which species‐poor regions are subsets of species‐rich regions and (4) continental and climatic affinities/source. We document 1470 alien species (at least 600 naturalised), which comprise ~14% of the vascular plants known from the Himalaya. Alien plant species with tropical affinities decline in richness with elevation and species at high elevations form a subset of those at lower elevations, supporting location of introduction as an important driver of alien plant richness patterns. Separately, elevations which are especially rich in native plant species are also rich in alien plant species, suggesting an important role for climate (high productivity) in determining both native and alien richness. We find no support for the proposition that variance in human disturbance or numbers of native species correlate with alien distributions. Results imply an ongoing expansion of alien species from low elevation sources, some of which are highly invasive.

Abstract Pigmented basal cell carcinoma is a rare variant of basal cell carcinoma, with only a limited number of reported cases. Because of its similar clinical presentation, it is often over‐diagnosed as malignant melanoma. Along with case presentation, the clinical, microscopic features, and differential diagnosis are discussed in this case report.

Zinc molybdate nanoparticles with molybdate are synthesized through green method with different salt precursors using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Those nanoparticles had structural, vibrational, and morphological properties, which were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystalline size of synthesized zinc molybdate was 24.9 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) clearly showed the attachment of molybdate with ZnO. The synthesized nanomaterial was also characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy which had 4.40 eV band gap energy. Those nanoparticles were also characterized via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTA) and photoluminance spectroscopy (PL). ZnMoO4 had photocatalytic property via methylene blue dye. After 190 minutes, the dye changed to colourless from blue colour. The degradation efficiency was around 92.8%. It also showed their antibacterial effect via Escherichia coli and Staphylococcusaureus bacterial strains. In the presence of light and air, nanoparticles of ZnMoO4 inhibit the growth of cells of E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains because of ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation. Because of the formation of singlet oxygen (O2∗−), hydrogen oxide radical (−OH∗), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ZnMoO4 showed photodegradation reaction against aq. solution of methylene blue dye at 6 pH with constant time interval. With time, the activity of ZnMoO4 also decreased because of the generation of a layer of hydrogen oxide (-OH) on nanomaterial surface, which could be washed with ethanol and distilled water. After drying, the catalytic Zinc molybdate nanoparticles could be reused again in the next catalytic reaction.

Abstract This paper addresses the exploitation of vector based contraction theory to synchronize the motion of agents in multiagent systems. The convergence analysis of the agents using this theory provides a flexible frame as the components of a vector distance norm follow less stringent conditions than classical contraction analysis. The key feature is that it encompasses the formulation of some comparison system, as a result, the problem of convergence analysis of a complex multiagent system reduces to the convergence analysis of a much simpler comparison system. Hence, despite the nonlinearities, the methods of designing consensus controls remain simple as compared to the existing literature. We address four different cases: 1) consensus of third‐order dynamics multiagent systems subjected to acceleration and input constraints; 2) consensus of multiagent systems with heterogeneous nodes under communication imperfections; 3) synchronization of multiagent systems with connected and disconnected switching topologies; 4) synchronization in networked systems with time‐varying couplings. Moreover, an effective synchronization control scheme for a class of multiagent systems with underactuated agent dynamics is developed using the method of aggregation of comparison systems. Finally, simulation results are illustrated that show the validity of the mathematical results.

Abstract Background and Aim Systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction/failure can complicate acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis with progression to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), leading to increased mortality. There are few studies on serum biomarkers predicting renal dysfunction (RD) or ACLF in AD. Serum cystatin C (CysC) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were evaluated for predicting RD, ACLF, and mortality in AD patients. Methods Consecutive AD patients seen from January 2018 to June 2019 were included. IL‐6 and CysC were measured in serum at the time of index presentation. Patients were followed for 90 days or until primary (development of RD) or secondary outcomes (development of ACLF or mortality). Multivariate analysis was performed to find whether CysC and IL‐6 can independently predict primary and secondary outcomes. Results A total of 124 patients were screened; 88 patients were included. On follow up, 22 (27.3%) developed RD, 11 (11/57, 19.3%) developed ACLF, and 21 (24%) died. The CysC predicted RD (odds ratio [OR] 7.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70–23.53, P = 0.001) and ACLF (OR 5.486, 95% CI 1.456–20.6, P = 0.012) development. IL‐6 was not an independent predictor of RD (P = 0.315), ACLF (P = 0.168), and mortality (P = 0.225). Conclusion Serum CysC can predict the development of RD and ACLF in patients of cirrhosis with AD.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been gaining pace, replacing traditional manufacturing methods. Moreover, artificial intelligence and machine learning implementation has increased for further applications and advancements. This review extensively follows all the research work and the contemporary signs of progress in the directed energy deposition (DED) process. All types of DED systems, feed materials, energy sources, and shielding gases used in this process are also analyzed in detail. Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in the DED process to make the process less human-dependent and control the complicated aspects has been rigorously reviewed. Various AI techniques like neural networks, gradient boosted decision trees, support vector machines, and Gaussian process techniques can achieve the desired aim. These models implemented in the DED process have been trained for high-precision products and superior quality monitoring.

Morphogenic developmental anomalies are common in maxillary lateral incisors, but simultaneous occurrence of two developmental anomalies in a single tooth is relatively uncommon. In this case report, we present a case of cooccurrence of the talon’s cusp with dens invaginatus in the left lateral incisor tooth. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of such cases are important to prevent any untoward consequences.

Ebastine is a long-acting, nonsedating, second-generation antihistaminic drug that prevents histamine action, mainly in immediate hypersensitivity. This project was aimed to formulate and characterize orodispersible tablets of ebastine, utilizing different proportions of three disintegrants, namely crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, and coprocessed superdisintegrant. Initially, fifteen trial batches of ebastine orodispersible tablets were outlined using the central composite design of Minitab software. The tablets were formulated by the direct compression method. The compressed tablets were then evaluated for precompression and postcompression physicochemical parameters, such as angle of repose, Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio, hardness, thickness, weight variation, drug content, friability, wetting time, disintegration time, dispersion time, and water absorption ratio. The in vitro dissolution test was conducted according to Indian Pharmacopeia 2018, with the help of the rotating paddle method using 0.5% w/v sodium lauryl sulfate buffer in 0.1 N HCl. For the optimized batch (8th batch), all the physicochemical parameters like angle of repose (33.77°), Carr’s index (19.34%), Hausner’s ratio (1.24), weight variation (202.5 mg), hardness (4.3 kg/cm2), friability (0.44%), thickness (3.16 mm), dissolution (95.78%), and drug content (101.67%) were within the acceptable limit as per Indian Pharmacopeia 2018. The wetting time, disintegration time, dispersion time, and water absorption ratio were reported to be 25.1 seconds, 16.0 seconds, 38.6 seconds, and 91.92%, respectively. Hence, the results suggested that orodispersible tablets of ebastine can be formulated. Furthermore, the mixing of crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, and coprocessed super disintegrants can result in excellent desirable properties in the orodispersible tablet.

Infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing Gram-negative bacteria have led to increased mortality, morbidity, and economic burden worldwide. These bacteria can colonize the healthy intestine of human beings and can disseminate in communities and hospital. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species among health science (HS) and non-health science (NHS) students. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 HS and 104 NHS students in which one stool sample from each student was collected and processed for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing according to standard bacteriological procedures. Each morphotype was identified and characterized phenotypically. The antimicrobial sensitivity profile of bacterial isolates was determined by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique. ESBL production was tested by combination disk method as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Out of 208 stool samples, E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were recovered from 203 (86.8%) and 31 (13.2%) stool samples, respectively. Among those 234 isolates, 69 were positive for ESBL which included E. coli (n = 66, 95.7%) and Klebsiella spp. (n = 3, 4.3%). Fifty (42.4%) out of 118 isolates from HS students and 19 (16.4%) out of 116 from NHS students were colonized by ESBL-producers. Compared to non-ESBL producers, a higher number of ESBL-producing isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (14.5% vs. 1.8%, p

Background. Time elapsed between trauma and treatment greatly influences the prognosis of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and radiographic findings related to complications of TDIs among patients seeking delayed treatment of such injuries. Materials and Methods. 123 permanent teeth with a history of previous TDIs were included in the study. Clinical findings analyzed were the type of fracture, type and number of injured teeth, crown discoloration, and pulpal status of the injured tooth (pulpal diagnosis). The radiographic findings analyzed included pulp canal obliteration (PCO), root resorption (RR), and periapical radiolucency (PR). Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis. Results. Tooth discoloration was the most common presenting complaint (53.65%), while fall (48.78%) was the most frequent cause of trauma. The range of time duration between trauma and presentation for treatment was 5 months to 30 years (average time 12.82 years). Pulp necrosis (PN) was the most common complication (90.24%). Almost half of the teeth with PN had fracture injury and discoloration along with a high frequency of PR (78.37%). Even teeth with a normal appearance were found to have a high incidence of PN (76.92%) and PR (53.84%). The crown discoloration was the second most frequent finding (48.78%). Many teeth (41.66%) with vital pulp were also discolored. Most of the teeth (79.31%) with yellowish discoloration and all teeth with brownish discoloration were nonvital. A high frequency of PN (90%) and PR (78.33%) was found in teeth with discoloration. PR was the most common radiographic finding (69.10%), while PCO and RR were observed in 17.88% and 21.13% of teeth, respectively. Conclusion. The findings of this study support the fact that delayed treatment of TDIs leads to increased complications. PN was the most common complication followed by tooth discoloration, RR, and PCO among patients seeking delayed treatment after TDIs.

Malus domestica (Apple) is one of the most widely cultivated cash crops of Nepal. Jumla and Mustang are two major pocket areas for the production of apple. Flavonoids including quercetin and rutin are potent antioxidants present in apples. This study was designed to quantify and compare the presence of quercetin and rutin in different plant parts (peel, leaf, and bark) among various cultivars of Malus domestica from two pocket zones of Nepal. A new HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the quantification of quercetin and rutin. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and carbohydrate contents were determined by colorimetric methods. 2,2′-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay was carried out to measure in vitro antioxidative activity. Acid hydrolysis of each extract was carried out by the standard method to measure aglycone quercetin content after hydrolysis of its glycosides. The total rutin content ranged from 3.69 ± 1.34 to 374.50 ± 2.35 mg/100g dry extract weight. Before the acidic hydrolysis, the total quercetin content ranged from 2.96 ± 0.13 to 171.05 ± 0.95 mg/100g dry extract weight whereas its amount increased highly after the hydrolysis and it ranged from 80.84 ± 19.65 to 7445.32 ± 29.25 mg/100g dry extract weight. Total polyphenol content ranged from 19.48 ± 0.23 to 123.48 ± 1.84 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg of dry extract weight. Similarly, flavonoid content ranged from 2.21 ± 0.72 µg to 755.54 ± 1.91 µg quercetin equivalent/mg of dry extract weight. Total carbohydrate content ranged from 144.15 ± 3.73 to 484.65 ± 2.63 µg glucose equivalent per 0.5 mg dry extract weight. All the extracts showed the various degrees of antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Among them, stem bark of the Jonathan Jumla showed potent antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 13.003 µg/mL. The present study provides the information about variation of the phytochemical content among the different cultivars, parts, and geographic locations. Furthermore, it revealed that bark of Malus domestica cultivars had high quercetin and rutin content with high antioxidant activity.

Nucleophosmin‐anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐expressing (NPM‐ALK+) T‐cell lymphoma is an aggressive neoplasm that is more commonly seen in children and young adults. The pathogenesis of NPM‐ALK+ T‐cell lymphoma is not completely understood. Wild‐type ALK is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is physiologically expressed in neural tissues during early stages of human development, which suggests that ALK may interact with neurotrophic factors. The aberrant expression of NPM‐ALK results from a translocation between the ALK gene on chromosome 2p23 and the NPM gene on chromosome 5q35. The nerve growth factor (NGF) is the first neurotrophic factor attributed to non‐neural functions including cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. These functions are primarily mediated through the tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA). The expression and role of NGF/TrkA in NPM‐ALK+ T‐cell lymphoma are not known. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that TrkA signaling is upregulated and sustains the survival of this lymphoma. Our data illustrate that TrkA and NGF are expressed in five NPM‐ALK+ T‐cell lymphoma cell lines and TrkA is expressed in 11 of 13 primary lymphoma tumors from patients. In addition, we found evidence to support that NPM‐ALK and TrkA functionally interact. A selective TrkA inhibitor induced apoptosis and decreased cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation of NPM‐ALK+ T‐cell lymphoma cell lines. These effects were associated with downregulation of cell survival regulatory proteins. Similar results were also observed using specific knockdown of TrkA in NPM‐ALK+ T‐cell lymphoma cells by siRNA. Importantly, the inhibition of TrkA signaling was associated with antitumor effects in vivo, because tumor xenografts in mice regressed and the mice exhibited improved survival. In conclusion, TrkA plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NPM‐ALK+ T‐cell lymphoma, and therefore, targeting TrkA signaling may represent a novel approach to eradicate this aggressive neoplasm.

Leishmaniasis is a serious threat in developing countries due to its endemic nature and debilitating symptoms. Extensive research and investigations have been carried out to learn about the mechanism of drug resistance in Leishmania but results obtained in the laboratory are not in agreement with those obtained from the field. Also the lack of knowledge about the mode of action for a number of drugs makes the study of drug resistance more complex. A major concern in recent times has been regarding the role of parasitic virulence in drug resistance for Leishmania. Researchers have employed various techniques to unravel the facts about resistance and virulence in Leishmania. With advent of advanced and more specific means of detection, further hints about probable mechanisms of conferring resistance are expected. This review aims to provide a consolidated picture along with a comparative account of the work done so far to study the mechanism of antimony, amphotericin B, and pentamidine resistance using various techniques.

Malignant transformation of a mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is a very rare complication with an incidence of 0.17–2%;. The most common form of malignant transformation of the MCT is squamous cell carcinoma. Other tumors arising in MCT include basal cell carcinoma, sebaceous tumor, malignant melanoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, and neuroectodermal tumor. However malignant transformation with metastatic deposits in the omentum is extremely rare. The present case highlights the rarity of the occurrence of an omental deposits in a case of mature cystic teratoma with malignant transformation.

Premise of the study: Focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) combines the ability to sequentially mill the sample surface and obtain SEM images that can be used to create 3D renderings with micron-level resolution. We have applied FIB-SEM to study Arabidopsis cell architecture. The goal was to determine the efficacy of this technique in plant tissue and cellular studies and to demonstrate its usefulness in studying cell and organelle architecture and distribution. Methods: Seed aleurone, leaf mesophyll, stem cortex, root cortex, and petal lamina from Arabidopsis were fixed and embedded for electron microscopy using protocols developed for animal tissues and modified for use with plant cells. Each sample was sectioned using the FIB and imaged with SEM. These serial images were assembled to produce 3D renderings of each cell type. Results: Organelles such as nuclei and chloroplasts were easily identifiable, and other structures such as endoplasmic reticula, lipid bodies, and starch grains were distinguishable in each tissue. Discussion: The application of FIB-SEM produced 3D renderings of five plant cell types and offered unique views of their shapes and internal content. These results demonstrate the usefulness of FIB-SEM for organelle distribution and cell architecture studies.