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Enhanced outgassing of sequestered carbon to the atmosphere by upwelling of deep water in the Southern Ocean during the last deglaciation is assumed to be the main factor that modulated changes in atmospheric CO 2 and atmospheric radiocarbon activity; however, the exact mechanism behind this deglacial CO 2 release still remains unclear. In this study, we have investigated ventilation changes in the deep waters of the northern Indian Ocean over the past 25 kyr BP using paired benthic and planktic foraminiferal radiocarbon, along with stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of benthic foraminifera, sedimentary CaCO 3 content, and coarse fraction from the gravity core SSD-044/GC-01 (3160 m water depth) collected from Central Equatorial Indian Ocean. The results indicate a greater proportion of southern sourced CO 2 -rich, poorly-ventilated Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Heinrich Stadial (HS1), in the northern Indian Ocean. The observed poor ventilation during the last glaciation shows that the northern Indian Ocean was a part of the glacial ocean aged carbon pool. Improved ventilation during the Bølling-Allerød (B-A) is consistent with the rapid resumption of Atlantic overturning circulation and inflow of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) into the northern Indian Ocean at the onset of the B-A, which caused flushing of the deep-carbon pool with evidence of degassing from the northern Indian Ocean. This study thus supports the role of Southern Ocean in modulating atmospheric CO 2 variations during the last deglaciation. • Poorly ventilated deep-waters during the LGM and the HS1. • Better ventilation of deep-waters during the B-A is linked to inflow of NADW. • Southern Ocean's role in deep-water ventilation of the northern Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The presence of bacteria in the form of biofilms poses a problem in the fluid pathways of haemodialysis plants and procedures which are aimed to detach and neutralize biofilms are necessary to improve the patient safety and the quality of the healthcare. The present study was therefore aimed at isolating the organisms which colonized dialysis water systems as biofilms, as well as to study the effect of the sub inhibitory concentrations of chlorine on the biofilms which were produced by these isolates. Methods: Swabs were used to collect the biofilms which were produced on the internal surface of the dialysis tubing from the dialysis units. This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore, India. The cultures were performed on MacConkey's agar and blood agar. The organisms which were isolated were identified and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed. The biofilm production was done by the microtitre plate method of O'Toole and Kolter. The biofilm production was also studied in the presence of sub inhibitory concentrations of chlorine. Results: Acinetobacter spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the two predominant organisms which colonized the dialysis water systems as biofilms. The sub inhibitory concentrations of chlorine did not bring about any decrease in the biofilm production by the isolates. On the contrary, there was an increase in the biofilm production. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the importance of using appropriate methods to improve the quality of the water in dialysis units. This in turn, may help in reducing the biofilm formation in the water systems of dialysis units and thus, contribute to the prevention of hospital acquired infections in the patients who need haemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing demand for magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NP) due to their extensive use in different physical and biological applications has raised concern on their biocompatibility and toxicity to human health and ecological safety. This has instigated quest for detailed information on their toxicity mechanism, along with ecofriendly synthesis as a potential solution. This study explores the toxicity of MgO NP at the molecular level using embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) and depicts the green synthesis of MgO (G-MgO) NP using the extract from a medicinal plant Calotropis gigantea. Synthesized G-MgO NP were characterized using microscopy, spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Stable 55 ± 10 nm sized MgO NP were generated with a zeta potential of 45 ± 15 mV and hydrodynamic size 110 ± 20 nm. UV–Vis spectrum showed a standard peak at 357 nm. Comparative cellular toxicity analysis showed higher biocompatibility of G-MgO NP compared to MgO NP with reference to the morphological changes, notochord development, and heartbeat rate in embryonic zebrafish LC50 of G-MgO NP was 520 μg/mL compared to 410 μg/mL of MgO NP. Molecular toxicity investigation revealed that the toxic effects of MgO NP was mainly due to the influential dysregulation in oxidative stress leading to apoptosis because of the accumulation and internalization of nanoparticles and their interaction with cellular proteins like Sod1 and p53, thereby affecting structural integrity and functionality. The study delineated the nanotoxicity of MgO NP and suggests the adoption and use of new green methodology for future production. Unlabelled Image • Phytofabrication of G-MgO NP was done using floral extract of Calotropis gigantea. • Mechanistic biocompatibility of G-MgO NP and MgO NP was determined. • MgO NP interact with Sod1 and Tp53 to alter oxidative stress and apoptosis. • Arginine of Tp53 interact with MgO NP via H-Bond to induce Apoptosis. • G-MgO NP were more biocompatible than MgO NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar cells are pivotal in harnessing renewable energy for a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. Nonetheless, eco-friendly materials for solar cells have not been as extensive as conventional counterparts, highlighting a significant area for further investigation in advancing sustainable energy technologies. This study investigated natural dyes from cost-effective and environmentally friendly blueberries and mulberries. These dyes were utilized as alternative sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Alongside the natural dyes, a green approach was adopted for the DSSC design, encompassing TiO2 photoanodes, eco-friendly electrolytes, and green counter-electrodes created from graphite pencils and candle soot. Consequently, the best-optimized dye sensitizer was mulberry, with an output power of 13.79 µW and 0.122 µW for outdoor and indoor environments, respectively. This study underscored the feasibility of integrating DSSCs with sensitizers derived from readily available food ingredients, potentially expanding their applications in educational kits and technology development initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic divergence using D2 statistics was assessed for 13 different traits in a collection of 75 exotic and indigenous Indian mustard lines at CCS HAU Hisar. Based on genetic diversity, all were grouped into 15 clusters, of which cluster I had the maximum of 46 genotypes, followed by cluster V (8 genotypes), cluster III (7 genotypes) and cluster XII (3 genotypes). The remaining 11 clusters, i.e., cluster II, cluster IV, cluster VI, cluster VII, cluster VIII, cluster IX, cluster X, cluster XI, cluster XIII, cluster XIV and cluster XV, had only one genotype each. Cluster XII showed the maximum intra-cluster distance (15.51), while the maximum inter-cluster distance between cluster XII and cluster XV was observed (38.15). The maximum contribution to genetic divergence was recorded for the trait 1000-seed weight (33.26%) followed by days to 50 per cent flowering (26.09%), oil content (23.93%), days to maturity (26.09%) and seed yield per plant (% ). The genotypes IC-570302, IC-520747, IC-122427, EC-766480, RH 0749, EC-766040 and IC-470935, were observed promising for most of the important yield traits based upon high cluster means. The use of these genotypes was suggested in the crossing programme for further improvement in Indian mustard.

This research was conducted to study the genetic relationship between eleven quantitative traits of 95 Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes. The experiment material was evaluated in paired rows of 4 m length at Research Area of Oilseeds Section, Department of Genetics and plant breeding, CCS HAU, Hisar during Rabi, 2017-18. All the recommended package of practices was followed to raise the healthy crop. Maximum variation was observed for seed yield per plant followed by the number of secondary branches per plant, the number of primary branches per plant, 1000-seed weight and the number of siliqua on main shoot. Correlation studies revealed that seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with plant height, the number of primary and secondary branches per plant, and the number of siliqua on main shoot length. Selection based on these traits would ultimately improve seed yield. Four ideal genotypes viz., DRMRIJ-14-261, DRMRIJ-15-52, DRMRIJ-15-148 and M 5 were identified for the traits such as medium maturity, the number of primary branches per plant, the number of seeds per siliqua and 1000-seed weight in this study. These genotypes can be used as source lines in breeding programme for obtaining desirable segregates.

Pseudomonas fluorescens is commonly found in diverse environments and is well known for its metabolic and antagonistic properties. Despite its remarkable attributes, its potential role in promoting plant growth remains unexplored. This study examines these traits across 14 strains residing in diverse rhizosphere environments through pangenome and comparative genome analysis, alongside molecular docking studies against Erwinia amylovora to combat fire blight. Whole genome analysis revealed circular chromosome (6.01-7.07 Mb) with GC content averaging 59.95-63.39%. Predicted genes included 16S rRNA and protein-coding genes ranging from 4435 to 6393 bp and 1527 to 1541 bp, respectively. Pangenome analysis unveiled an open pangenome, shedding light on genetic factors influencing plant growth promotion and biocontrol, including nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, siderophore production, stress tolerance, flagella biosynthesis, and induced systemic resistance. Furthermore, pyrrolnitrin, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid, pyoluteorin, lokisin, 2,4-diacetylpholoroglucinol and pseudomonic acid were identified. Molecular docking against key proteins of E. amylovora highlighted the high binding affinities of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol, pseudomonic acid, and lokisin. These findings underscore the multifaceted role of P. fluorescens in plant growth promotion and biocontrol, with key biomolecules showing promising applications in plant growth and defense against pathogens., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Despite substantial improvements in the accessibility of safe abortion services nationwide, a noticeable underutilization of these services persists, primarily attributable to the presence of social stigma. This stigma leads to discrimination, abuse, and poor healthcare. This study aims to understand and address abortion stigma among Nepali women of reproductive age., Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 2286 women of reproductive age across Nepal. SABAS was used to measure abortion stigma, which includes 18 questions. Quantitative data was collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires on kobo collect. Stata 15.0 software was used for data analysis., Results: The mean SABAS score was 46.5 out of 90, indicating moderate abortion stigma in Nepal. Negative stereotypes and beliefs about abortion were more prevalent, with over 80% believing a woman's health deteriorates after abortion. Discrimination tendencies were lower, with less than 10% endorsing teasing, pointing fingers, or disgrace. Fear of contagion was also relatively low, with less than 20% agreeing that women who had abortions made others ill. Factors such as age, caste/ethnicity, education, marital status, wealth, and provinces were associated with varying levels of stigma, and women of higher age group, Madhesh, Dalit, Muslim, lower education levels, widowed, poor, Madhes province were linked to higher stigma scores. The study found that stigma levels varied among different groups., Conclusions: The stigma level on abortion is higher in upper age group, Madheshi, Dalit, Muslim, lower education levels, widowed, poor, Madhesh province women in Nepal. Similarly, the negative stereotype and discrimination and exclusion is also high while the fear of contagion is low among Nepalese women and girls.

Background: Caring is a universally accepted concept attributed to the nursing profession despite its many nebulous and elusive interpretations. Nursing is seen primarily as a feminine occupation, people get surprised when they see and hear about a male nurse. It is one of the few professions where women outnumber men greatly as it deals with care and nurture. This study aims to assess the female nurse attitude at male nurses in Nepal., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Biratnagar, Morang from the month of March to May 2023. Ethical clearance was obtained from IRC of Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar. Web-based computerized data were collected among 200 female nurses using whats app and Messenger. Data were collected using the Likert scale (AMnQ), which is a standardized 5-point Likert scale that assesses female nurses’ attitudes toward male nurses. SPSS V 23 was used to analyze the data using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques., Results: In this study, more than half (55.0%) of the nurses have low-level attitudes toward male nurses. Furthermore, nearly half (48.5%) disagree nursing is suitable only for females, More than one-third (36.5%) disagree nursing is considered a low-level occupation for males, half of them (50%) strongly disagree male and female nurses both are equally required in the nursing profession and (35%) agrees people do not prefer to send males for the nursing profession., Conclusions: Thus the study concludes that majority of the female nurses have low attitude towards male nurses. Therefore, it can be considered as an initiation for having a conversation regarding making gender equality in nursing and creating awareness about the roles and their importance in this profession. Keywords Attitude; female nurse; male nurse.

Background: Screen use time has increased in the past decade owing to the increased availability and accessibility of digital devices and the internet. Several studies have shown an association between increased screen use time and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. However, studies in the young adult population-a demographic with high screen use-and in low- and middle-income country settings are limited., Objective: This protocol describes a study that aims to measure self-reported screen use times and patterns in young adults (18-24 y) in India and assess if increased screen use time is associated with poorer mental well-being., Methods: This protocol describes a cross-sectional study of a pan-India, web-based convenience sample of young adults (18-24 y) with access to digital devices with a screen and a minimum of secondary school education. Participants will be recruited through people in the professional networks of the investigators, which includes pediatricians. The survey will also be distributed via the social media pages of our organization (X [X Corp], Instagram [Meta], Facebook [Meta], etc). Sociodemographic details will be collected through a questionnaire designed by the authors; screen use time and patterns will be assessed using an adaptation of the Screen Time Questionnaire to include data on different apps and websites used on digital devices; and mental health parameters will be gauged using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire. For statistical analysis, we will consider the following variables: (1) the primary independent variable is screen use time; (2) other independent variables include age, gender, residence: rural or urban, educational qualifications, employment status, stress associated with familial financial status, average sleep time, number of people living in a house or rooms in that house, BMI, substance use, and past psychiatric history; and (3) dependent variables include mental well-being, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. To quantify the association between screen use time and mental health, we will perform a Bayesian multivariate multiple regression analysis that models the possibility of multiple alternative hypotheses while accounting for relevant sociodemographic covariables., Results: The survey instrument has been designed, and feedback has been obtained from the domain experts and members of our organization whose profile is similar to the potential study participants. The final data received after this study has been conducted will be analyzed and shared. As of January 2023, we have not yet initiated the data collection., Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, we will be able to establish a correlation between device- and use-specific screen use time and various mental health parameters. This will provide a direction to develop screen use time and mental health guidelines among young adults., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): PRR1-10.2196/39707., (©Swasti Deshpande, Ashmeet Sachdev, Anwesha Maharana, Siddhesh Zadey, Surabhi P Dharmadhikari, Swati Ghate, Pawankumar Godatwar, Nisha Kumari Ojha, Sanjeev Sharma. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 16.07.2024.)

Background:  Health service readiness is a prerequisite to accessing quality services. This study analyzes the readiness of health facilities in Nepal to provide comprehensive abortion services by focusing on the availability and quality of care.   Methods:  This is a cross-sectional study, and a multi-stage sampling approach was used to select health facilities. A total of 767 health facilities were surveyed from 30 Municipalities across the country.   Results: In a study of 767 health facilities surveyed, only 223 (29%) offered abortion services. Among them, 92% offered medical abortion, 48% provided manual vacuum aspiration, 18% offered dilation and evacuation and 18% offered medical induction. Approximately 7% of health facilities lacked trained providers yet still provided services and 29% of health facilities providing abortion services were not compliant with legal requirements. Interestingly, 13% of these facilities lacked short-acting contraceptives.   Conclusions:  Most health facilities in Nepal lack readiness for Safe Abortion Services (SAS), failing to meet minimum criteria, including to provide abortion legally. Urgent collaborative efforts among policymakers, administrators, and healthcare providers are needed to align with Nepal's Sustainable Development Goals and address gaps in safe abortion service availability. This includes policy updates, strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and ensuring comprehensive SAS implementation and financing as part of essential health services.

Introduction. Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen with a high potential to cause food-borne infections. It is designated as a critical pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its multi-drug resistance and mortalities reported. Biofilm governs major virulence factors, which promotes drug resistance in A. baumannii . Thus, a compound with minimum selection pressure on the pathogen can be helpful to breach biofilm-related virulence. Hypothesis/Gap Statement. To identify anti-biofilm and anti-virulent metabolites from extracts of wild Mangifera indica (mango) brine pickle bacteria that diminishes pathogenesis and resistance of A. baumannii . Aim. This study reports anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing (QS) efficacy of secondary metabolites from bacterial isolates of fermented food origin. Method. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) of 13 bacterial isolates from fermented mango brine pickles were screened for their efficiency in inhibiting biofilm formation and GC-MS was used to identify its metabolites. Anti-biofilm metabolite was tested on early and mature biofilms, pellicle formation, extra polymeric substances (EPS), cellular adherence, motility and resistance of A. baumannii . Gene expression and in silico studies were also carried out to validate the compounds efficacy. Results. CFS of TMP6b identified as Bacillus vallismortis, inhibited biofilm production (83.02 %). Of these, major compound was identified as 2,4-Di- tert -butyl phenol (2,4-DBP). At sub-lethal concentrations, 2,4-DBP disrupted both early and mature biofilm formation. Treatment with 2,4-DBP destructed in situ biofilm formed on glass and plastic. In addition, key virulence traits like pellicle (77.5 %), surfactant (95.3 %), EPS production (3-fold) and cell adherence (65.55 %) reduced significantly. A. baumannii cells treated with 2,4-DBP showed enhanced sensitivity towards antibiotics, oxide radicals and blood cells. Expression of biofilm-concomitant virulence genes like csuA/B , pgaC , pgaA , bap , bfmR , katE and ompA along with QS genes abaI, abaR significantly decreased. The in silico studies further validated the higher binding affinity of 2,4-DBP to the AbaR protein than the cognate ligand molecule. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate 2,4- DBP has anti-pathogenic potential alone and with antibiotics by in vitro, and in silico studies against A. baumannii . It also indicates its potential use in therapeutics and bio-preservatives.

In the present investigation, we have strategically synthesized Glutathione (GSH) stimuli-sensitive analogues using carbamate linkers (CL) of DOX (DOX-CL) and RB (RB-CL) which were then anchored to gold nanoparticles (Au-DOX-CL, Au-RB-CL) using mPEG as a spacer. It was observed that carbamate linkage (CL) with four carbon spacer is critical, to position the terminal thiol group, to access the carbamate group efficiently to achieve GSH-assisted release of DOX and RB in tumor-specific environment. When assessed for GSH reductase activity in MDA-MB 231 cell lines, Au-DOX-CL and Au-RB-CL showed nearly 4.18 and 3.13 fold higher GSH reductive activity as compared to the control group respectively. To achieve spatial tumor targeting with a high payload of DOX and RB, Au-DOX-CL and Au-RB-CL were encapsulated in the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) modified liquid crystalline cubosomes i.e. CPP-Cu(Au@CL-DR). After internalization, the prototype nanocarriers release respective drugs at a precise GSH concentration inside the tumor tissues, amplifying drug concentration to a tune of five-fold. The drug concentrations remain within the therapeutic window for 72 h with a significant reduction of RB (7.8-fold) and DOX (6-fold) concentrations in vital organs, rendering reduced toxicity and improved survival. Overall, this constitutes a promising chemotherapeutic strategy against cancer and its potential application in the offing., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Coronavirus has left severe health impacts on the human population, globally. Still a significant number of cases are reported daily as no specific medications are available for its effective treatment. The presence of the CD147 receptor (human basigin) on the host cell facilitates the severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, the drugs that efficiently alter the formation of CD147 and spike protein complex could be the right drug candidate to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Hence, an e-Pharmacophore model was developed based on the receptor-ligand cavity of CD147 protein which was further mapped against pre-existing drugs of coronavirus disease treatment. A total of seven drugs were found to be suited as pharmacophores out of 11 drugs screened which was further docked with CD147 protein using CDOCKER of Biovia discovery studio. The active site sphere of the prepared protein was 101.44, 87.84, and 97.17 along with the radius being 15.33 and the root-mean-square deviation value obtained was 0.73 Å. The protein minimization energy was calculated to be -30,328.81547 kcal/mol. The docking results showed ritonavir as the best fit as it demonstrated a higher CDOCKER energy (-57.30) with correspond to CDOCKER interaction energy (-53.38). However, authors further suggest in vitro studies to understand the potential activity of the ritonavir.

Due to their remarkable electrical and light absorption characteristics, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites have recently gained popularity in several applications such as optoelectronics, lasers, and light-emitting diodes. Through this, there has recently been an increase in the use of halide perovskites (HPs) in resistive switching (RS) devices. However, lead-based (Pb-based) perovskites are notorious for being unstable and harmful to the environment. As a result, lead-free (Pb-free) perovskite alternatives are being investigated in achieving the long-term and sustainable use of RS devices. This work describes the characteristics of Pb-based and Pb-free perovskite RS devices. It also presents the recent advancements of HP RS devices, including the selection strategies of perovskite structures. In terms of resistive qualities, the directions of both HPs appear to be identical. Following that, the possible impact of switching from Pb-based to Pb-free HPs is examined to determine the requirement in RS devices. Finally, this work discusses the opportunities and challenges of HP RS devices in creating a stable, efficient, and sustainable memory storage technology., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Background: Sport science studies applications of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving sports performance., Objective: Present research work was carried out with the aim to enhance the sport performance of children., Materials and Methods: Randomized double blind placebo controlled study was conducted in children involved in sports to assess the efficacy of trial drug "Vidarikandadi Yog". Total of 72 healthy students were selected for the study after screening 412 students. Out of them, 60 students completed the study. The students were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (Vidarikandadi Yog) comprising of 38 and Group B (placebo) of 34 students. The trial drug "Vidarikandadi Yog" was given in the dose of 200 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for 2 months with milk and follow up was conducted fortnightly., Results: The study revealed the statistically significant results for weight and chest circumference, whereas highly significant results were obtained for muscular strength and endurance assessment parameters (Push-up Test, Sit-up Test, and Hand Grip Strength Test). Change in Ruler Drop Test was not significant. Results were significant for cardio-respiratory parameters (Resting Heart Rate, Resting Respiratory Rate, and Harvard Step Test)., Conclusion: Vidarikandadi Yog is a potential drug for enhancing the sport performance due to its Brinhaneeya effect.

Thirty nine market samples of seasonal vegetables, namely cauliflower (14), brinjal (12) and okra (13), were monitored for residues of endosulfan applied during their growth period from four different locations (Kanke, Gandhi Nagar, Doranda and Ratu road) near by Ranchi. Out of thirty nine samples, 10 each from Kanke, Gandhi Nagar, Doranda and 9 from Ratu road, all samples were found to be contaminated with endosulfan (0.002-2.47 ppm). Among these three samples from Kanke and one each from Gandhi Nagar, Doranda and Ratu road showed endosulfan residues above the MRL values (2.0 ppm).