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The most important challenges posed by herbal formulations is their evaluation and standardization. Evaluation is necessary to ensure the quality and purity of the herbalproduct. For evaluation of raw materials and poly herbal formulation various parameters are studied as per the World Health Organization's guidelines and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The present study deals with formulation the polyherbal formulation prepared from hydro-alcoholic (30:70) extracts of Andrographis paniculata(Stem and leaves), Asparagus racemosus(Root) , Ipomoea digitata (Rhizome), Tinospora cordifolia(Stem) and Withania somnifera(Root). To evaluate of raw materials include physicochemical studies like ash values, extractive values, phytochemical studies and safety profiles which include heavy metal analysis, pesticide residue analysis and microbial load analysis. The Preformulation parameters and parameters for finished product (hard gelatin capsule) include uniformity of weight, disintegration time, moisture content, pH, phytochemical estimation and microbial load assay. The HPTLC finger print profile of finished product was also carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheet metal forming is a technique by which most automotive body parts are produced in automobile industries. In sheet metal forming, a thin blank sheet is subjected to plastic deformation using forming tools to confirm to a designed shape. During this process, if the process parameters are not selected properly, the blank sheet is likely to develop defects. Optimization of process parameters in sheet metal forming is an important task to reduce manufacturing cost. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the optimum values of the process parameters. It is essential to find their influence on the deformation behavior of the sheet metal. Four process parameters are taken to optimize the deep drawing process, namely Plastic Anisotropy (R), Strain Hardening Coefficient (n), Tensile Strength (TS) and Friction Coefficient (µ). Numerical simulation is nowadays a modern engineering practice for sheet metal product and tool design developments using the finite element method. Present work examines the accuracy of numerical simulation results of deep drawing testing of steel sheets using the finite element software (Ls-Dyna) to reproduce the design of experiment (DOE). Three level and four factors are used in the DOE. Historically, sheet metal formability has been assessed by tensile testing and biaxial stretching such as the Erichsen simple test. Lately, the concept of experimental forming limit curve for strains, Forming Limiting Curve (FLC) and the numerical simulations were developed to evaluate sheet metal formability and it's forming operations by predicting the onset of local necking and fracture. In the present work, we use ANOVA method to compute the influence and contribution of the above parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compliant mechanisms are the focus of active research because of the flexibility, stability and unitized construction. It is a single elastic continuum used to transfer the force and motion mechanically by elastic deformation without any links and joints. Authors proposed a topology optimization method for designing a compliant amplifier and the steps for conducting the numerical experiments for any shape of design domains with different types of constraint. The paper narrates the design of the compliant amplifier mechanism from the basic geometrical shapes using topology optimization which can be used for amplifying the output displacement of the strain actuators. Numerical experiments are carried out for different basic configurations to design the compliant amplifier. The compliant amplifier is used for amplifying the displacement and stroke performance of the strain actuators when integrated with piezo actuators. The objective is to maximize the geometric advantage of the compliant amplifier. The maximization of the geometric advantage is accomplished by efficient design of compliant mechanisms using the topology optimization approach. The analysis results help to select the best compliant amplifier design from the basic configurations. The outcome of this work will be useful for all types of strain actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Weyl denominator identity has interesting combinatorial properties for several classes of Lie algebras. Along these lines, we prove that given a finite graph G , the chromatic symmetric function X G can be recovered from the Weyl denominator identity of a Borcherds-Kac-Moody Lie algebra g whose associated graph is G. This gives a connection between (a) the coefficients appearing when the chromatic symmetric function X G is expressed in terms of the power sum symmetric functions, and (b) the root multiplicities of the Borcherds algebra g. From this result, we deduce a Lie theoretic proof of various alternate expressions of the chromatic symmetric function obtained by Stanley. Examples using small rank Lie algebras are provided to illustrate our results. The absolute value of the linear coefficient of the chromatic polynomial of G is known as the chromatic discriminant of G. As an application of our main theorem, we identify a coefficient appearing in X G , which equals the chromatic discriminant. We also find a connection between the Weyl denominator and the G -elementary symmetric functions. Using this connection, we give a Lie theoretic proof of the non-negativity of coefficients of G -power sum symmetric functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let R be an arbitrary finite commutative ring with unity. The zero-divisor graph of R , denoted by Γ (R) , is a graph with vertex set non-zero zero-divisors of R and two of them are connected by an edge if their product is zero. In this paper, we derive a formula for the Wiener index of the graph Γ (R). In the literature, the Wiener index of the graph Γ (R) is known only for R = Z n , the ring of integers modulo n. As applications of our formula, the Wiener index of Γ (R) is explicitly calculated when (i) R is a reduced ring, (ii) R is the ring of integers modulo n , and (iii) more generally R is the product of ring of integers modulo n. The Wiener index of the zero-divisor graph of the ring of Gaussian integers over Z n is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study on "hepatomyoencephalopathy in Malkangiri district of Odisha, India." It mentions toxin responsible for hepatomyoencephalopathy was identified and characterized as anthraquinones. It also mentions need of public education to stop children form eating fresh raw beans of the Cassia occidentalis plant.

A new generalization of Fiedler's lemma is obtained by introducing the concept of the main function of a matrix. As applications, the universal spectra of the H -join of any graphs (possibly non-regular) and the adjacency spectra of the H -generalized join constrained by (arbitrary) vertex subsets are obtained. The adjacency spectra of the generalized corona of graphs is deduced from the spectra of the H -join of graphs. Also, the construction of infinitely many pairs of non-regular universal cospectral graphs is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work presented in the article proposes a new rule-based energy management algorithm to improve the autonomy of hybrid (AC/DC) microgrids consisting of higher quantum of heating loads and renewable energy sources. The objective of the algorithm is to make the microgrids more autonomous by reducing the power import from the utility grid, during generation deficits. The heating or lighting loads in this work are considered as non-critical loads, and all other voltage sensitive loads are classified as critical loads. The presented strategy makes the AC and DC non-critical loads operate in power saving modes during generation insufficiency by controlling the electric springs based on the voltage produced by the renewables. Usage of electric springs in the microgrids consisting of AC and DC loads and a couple of renewable sources to improve the autonomous operation of microgrids is probably the first attempt. The advantage of using the suggested methodology is that it operates the voltage insensitive loads, based on the prevailing power generation condition without completely curtailing them. Further, the effectiveness of the algorithm is tested by developing suitable simulation models in MATLAB and also a scaled down laboratory setup is developed using dSPACE 1104 real-time operating system. The simulation and experimental results prove that the algorithm is effective enough in reducing the power import from the main grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main sources of dangerous chemicals that are dumped untreated into land and water bodies and have a negative influence on the ecosystem are industrial effluents. Seaweeds are currently used for treating industrial effluent effectively. The technology is at a maturing stage. This paper reviews the characterization and cultivation of seaweeds for wastewater treatment. In this present study, different extracts of four seaweeds such as Gracilaria edulis, Sargassum wightii, Turbinaria ornata, and Kappaphycus alvarezii, from the Mandapam coastal regions were analyzed. The seaweeds are used to treat the leather industry effluents collected from EKM leather processing company, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India. Among all, extracts of Gracilaria edulis survived at different concentrations of TDS: 15,000, 25000, and 35000 mg/l. Out of these different ranges, TDS of about 25000 mg/l seaweed named Gracilaria edulis reduced more amounts of chemicals present in the effluent like TDS (93.90%), phosphates (72.71%), nitrate (75.08%), nitrite (76.92%), and turbidity (99.01%) content. Additionally, we produce the quality and strength of agar gel from the cultivation of Gracilaria edulis by the Nikansui method. Finally, we got the extraction procedure to obtain a higher yield of about 10.26% and a maximum gel strength of 92.06 g·cm−2 while maintaining the melting point at 78°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rule based energy management for hybrid micro grids. • Control strategy for the effective operation of virtual storage units. • Operation of DC non-critical loads as per the voltage produced by the renewable sources. • An attempt to make the hybrid micro grids more autonomous by controlling only the DC non-critical loads. The work presented in this article proposes a new energy management algorithm for hybrid micro grids consisting of higher penetration of DC non-critical (NC) loads and renewable energy sources. The methodology suggested in this work is a rule based approach and tries to make the micro grids more autonomous. During generation deficits in the micro grids, the suggested control strategy proposes to make the hybrid micro grids self-dependent to a possible extent, without the incorporation of actual storage devices. Instead of using actual storage elements like the batteries or super capacitors, the projected approach uses virtual storage devices, like the DC electric springs for its functionality. The electric springs used in this work operate the DC NC loads in accordance with the voltage produced by the renewable sources, which in turn reduces the power import from the main grid during generation deficits in the micro grid. Further, the work presented in the due course only studies about the efficiency of the proposed algorithm by operating the DC NC loads as per the requirement, without intervening with the AC and DC critical loads operation. In order to test the robustness of the proposed methodology a scaled down hybrid micro grid is developed in the laboratory using dSPACE 1104 real time interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wireless power transformer exhibits a non-linear relation between the coils. • A precise linear functioning region is identified in the wireless power transformer. • No additional sensors required for the transformer realization in a linear region. • Modeled a wireless power transmission system to design the closed-loop controller. • Implemented a linear wireless charger with an efficiency of 93% at 200 mm separation. The transportation field is witnessing a plethora of changes in vehicle electrification sector. One of the revolutionary technologies emerging in this filed is wireless power transmission. Despite various advantages like universal nature, non-physical contact and ease of access, wireless power transmission faces some limitations like flux leakage, non-linear transmitter-receiver relation, etc. This non-linear behavior of wireless power transformer causes a dynamic input-output relation throughout the operation. This leads to the use of multiple sensors which would increase the closed-loop response time. These additional sensing elements and gain determining process will reduce the power transfer efficiency in light power electric vehicles like electric bicycles. To mitigate these non-linear effects of wireless power transmission, a customized linear region is identified and implemented in this work. In this identified region of the transformer, the input-output relation will be linear, which will prevent the use of additional sensing elements. A 250 W electric bicycle is used for this study of linear control of the wireless charger. The overall efficiency of 93% is achieved for a coupling separation of 200 mm even when the primary and secondary coils have much higher misalignments. The linear closed-loop region is designed and represented with analytical equations, and the transformer efficiency obtained through these equations have been validated with the hardware outputs as well as with commercial simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DPM model used to analyze injection point effect on hydrogen flow field at four locations. • Dense discrete Eulerian Lagrangian simulation used to study MWCNT nanoparticle impact on hydrogen flow field. • Injection point location affects DPM concentrations highest at 0.2 m and lowest at 0.6 m without disturb on dynamic pressure. • MWCNT nanoparticles enhance hydrogen flow velocity through downstream effects, vortices, and nano-enhancement effect. Discrete phase model used in the aerospace industry to stimulate the behavior of particles inside the aircraft engines. The application of the discrete phase modeling (DPM) is extensive in solving the real-time engineering problems in optimization of numerous systems. In the current study, the DPM model has been simulated to examine the effect of injection point on the hydrogen flow field. A domain has been proposed and the injection point has been positioned in the four different places at the regular intervals. The location of the injection points was 0.2 m, 0.3 m, 0.4 m and 0.6 m. Dense discrete Eulerian lagrangian numerical simulation has been employed to analyze the effect of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanoparticles. The hydrogen has been supplied at the injection velocity of 2 m/s. ANSYS implicit simulation setup has been tested across various injection points. The research found that the location of injection points plays a significant role in DPM concentration, with the highest concentration at 0.2 m and the lowest at 0.6 m, but has no significant impact on dynamic pressure. MWCNT nanoparticles had a negligible effect on skin friction coefficient, but shifting the injection point could reduce skin friction rates. The inclusion of MWCNT nanoparticles increased hydrogen flow velocity through downstream effects, vortices, and the nano-enhancement effect. The study suggests that MWCNT can significantly enhance hydrogen flow velocity in various applications, and DPM concentration data can provide valuable insights for optimizing injection locations to prevent unwanted nanoparticle effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Influenza virological surveillance is an essential tool for the early detection of novel genetic variants of epidemiologic and clinical significance. This study was aimed to genetically characterize A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating in 2017 and to compare it with the global data. Methods: The regional/State Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) provided influenza diagnosis for referred clinical samples and shared influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 positives with the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune, India, for hemagglutinin (HA) gene phylogenetic analysis. Sites at Manipal, Jaipur and Dibrugarh performed the sequencing and shared the sequence data for analysis. The antiviral susceptibility of influenza viruses was assessed for known molecular marker H275Y at the ICMR-NIV, Pune. Results: All the eight VRDLs had well-established influenza diagnostic facilities and showed increased activity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 during 2017. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses from the different regions of the country were similar to A/Michigan/45/2015 strain which was the 2017-2018 recommended vaccine strain and were clustered with the globally circulating clade 6B.1 with signature mutations S84N, S162N and I216T. The clade 6B.1 showed further subgrouping with additional mutations S74R, S164T and I295V; however, there was no significant association between the presence of these mutations and severity of disease due to influenza. All the study viruses were sensitive to oseltamivir. Interpretation & conclusions: During the study period, all the study sites reported globally circulating A/Michigan/45/2015 vaccine strain of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses and remained sensitive to oseltamivir. Further genetic and antigenic characterization of influenza viruses is recommended to address public health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A PCR-RFLP method was used to identify five species of raw and processed groupers belonging to the genus, Epinephelus viz. E . areolatus , E . bleekeri , E . faveatus , E . longispinis and E . undulosus . DNA extracted from all the species using phenol-chloroform method amplified the mt 16S rRNA gene, unique for the genus, Epinephelus , using GenF and EpiR primers at 300 bp. This fragment did not amplify the DNA of even closely related grouper genus, Cephalopholis , making the method more specific the grouper genus, Epinephelus . The specificity was further ascertained by performing the internal control that targeted 18S rRNA, which was eukaryotic specific. Digestion of PCR products with three selected restriction enzymes viz. SduI , BciVI , and Sau3AI followed by PAGE yielded species specific patterns that enabled identification of three grouper species viz. E . bleekeri , E . faveatus and E . longispinis , while the other two species viz. E . areolatus and E . undulosus gave similar pattern in the gel, although minor variations in the molecular sizes of digested products were noticed. Chilled, frozen and cooked groupers also gave similar PCR-RFLP pattern to that of raw groupers making this method suitable even for processed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune imprinting is a phenomenon in which prior antigenic experiences influence responses to subsequent infection or vaccination 1,2 . The effects of immune imprinting on serum antibody responses after boosting with variant-matched SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remain uncertain. Here we characterized the serum antibody responses after mRNA vaccine boosting of mice and human clinical trial participants. In mice, a single dose of a preclinical version of mRNA-1273 vaccine encoding Wuhan-1 spike protein minimally imprinted serum responses elicited by Omicron boosters, enabling generation of type-specific antibodies. However, imprinting was observed in mice receiving an Omicron booster after two priming doses of mRNA-1273, an effect that was mitigated by a second booster dose of Omicron vaccine. In both SARS-CoV-2-infected and uninfected humans who received two Omicron-matched boosters after two or more doses of the prototype mRNA-1273 vaccine, spike-binding and neutralizing serum antibodies cross-reacted with Omicron variants as well as more distantly related sarbecoviruses. Because serum neutralizing responses against Omicron strains and other sarbecoviruses were abrogated after pre-clearing with Wuhan-1 spike protein, antibodies induced by XBB.1.5 boosting in humans focus on conserved epitopes targeted by the antecedent mRNA-1273 primary series. Thus, the antibody response to Omicron-based boosters in humans is imprinted by immunizations with historical mRNA-1273 vaccines, but this outcome may be beneficial as it drives expansion of cross-neutralizing antibodies that inhibit infection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and distantly related sarbecoviruses., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are significant contributors in maintaining genomic integrity through epigenetic regulation. LncRNAs can interact with chromatin-modifying complexes in both cis and trans pathways, drawing them to specific genomic loci and influencing gene expression via DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. They can also operate as building blocks to assemble different chromatin-modifying components, facilitating their interactions and gene regulatory functions. Deregulation of these molecules has been associated with various human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. Thus, lncRNAs are implicated as potential diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current understanding of how lncRNAs mediate epigenetic control, genomic integrity, and their putative functions in disease pathogenesis., Competing Interests: The author declares there are no competing interests.

Few seroprevalence studies have been conducted on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nepal. Here, we aimed to estimate seroprevalence and assess risk factors for infection in the general population of Nepal by conducting two rounds of sampling. The first round was in October 2020, at the peak of the first generalized wave of COVID-19, and the second round in July-August 2021, following the peak of the wave caused by the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. We used cross-sectional probability-to-size (PPS)-based multistage cluster sampling to estimate the seroprevalence in the general population of Nepal at the national and provincial levels. We tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody using the WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Ab ELISA kit. In Round 1, the overall national seroprevalence was 14.4%, with provincial estimates ranging from 5.3% in Sudurpaschim to 27.3% in Madhesh Province. In Round 2, the estimated national seroprevalence was 70.7%, with the highest in the Madhesh Province (84.8%) and the lowest in the Gandaki Province (62.9%). Seroprevalence was comparable between males and females (Round 1, 15.8% vs. 12.2% and Round 2, 72.3% vs. 68.7%). The seroprevalence in the ecozones-Terai, hills, and mountains-was 76.3%, 65.3%, and 60.5% in Round 2 and 17.7%, 11.7%, and 4.6% in Round 1, respectively. In Nepal, COVID-19 vaccination was introduced in January 2021. At the peak of the first generalized wave of COVID-19, most of the population of Nepal remained unexposed to SARS-CoV-2. Towards the end of the second generalized wave in April 2021, two thirds of the population was exposed., (© 2023 The Authors. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Mpox virus (MPXV) caused a global outbreak in 2022. Although smallpox vaccines were rapidly deployed to curb spread and disease among those at highest risk, breakthrough disease was noted after complete immunization. Given the threat of additional zoonotic events and the virus's evolving ability to drive human-to-human transmission, there is an urgent need for an MPXV-specific vaccine that confers protection against evolving MPXV strains and related orthopoxviruses. Here, we demonstrate that an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine encoding a set of four highly conserved MPXV surface proteins involved in virus attachment, entry, and transmission can induce MPXV-specific immunity and heterologous protection against a lethal vaccinia virus (VACV) challenge. Compared with modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), which forms the basis for the current MPXV vaccine, immunization with an mRNA-based MPXV vaccine generated superior neutralizing activity against MPXV and VACV and more efficiently inhibited spread between cells. We also observed greater Fc effector T H 1-biased humoral immunity to the four MPXV antigens encoded by the vaccine, as well as to the four VACV homologs. Single MPXV antigen-encoding mRNA vaccines provided partial protection against VACV challenge, whereas multivalent vaccines combining mRNAs encoding two, three, or four MPXV antigens protected against disease-related weight loss and death equal or superior to MVA vaccination. These data demonstrate that an mRNA-based MPXV vaccine confers robust protection against VACV.

The spotted fever group (SFG) of Rickettsia are zoonotic disease-causing pathogens, commonly transmitted by hard ticks to a wide range of hosts, including humans. Rickettsia conorii is the common SFG recognised in India, whereas most of the infections due to other group species go undifferentiated at the species level. Hence, this study was conducted to screen host-seeking ticks in the Western Ghats region, India, for the DNA of SFG Rickettsia. The ticks were collected from Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra states of India during a survey conducted between November 2017 and January 2018. In total, 288 tick pools were screened for Rickettsia spp. DNA using pan-Rickettsia real-time PCR, and conventional PCR targeting the gltA, OmpA and 17-kDa protein-coding genes. Nucleotide sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the NCBI BLAST tool to identify submitted sequences with higher homology. Neighbour-joining trees were constructed using the reference sequences of the GenBank database. Overall, Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in 27.2% (62/228 pools) of host-seeking ticks across the Western Ghats region, with an estimated minimum infection rate of 0.057. Upon phylogenetic analysis, it was identified that the detected sequences were highly similar (> 99% sequence homology) to R. africae, Candidatus R. laoensis and an un-categorised Rickettsia species, and they were widely carried by Haemaphysalis ticks. The current study is the first report of R. africae and Candidatus R. laoensis in ticks in India. Although the pathogenicity of these species is not well documented, they may pose a potential threat to both animal and the human population in this geographical region., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with their tunable topology, functionality and coordination environment have been considered as potential materials for various applications including electrocatalysis. Herein, we have synthesised a water coordinated nickel based 2D metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) and a coordination complex (Ni-C) and investigated their electrocatalytic OER activity. The Ni-MOF showed a 2D sheet structure with one water coordination whereas a four water molecule coordinated charged complex was formed in the Ni-C. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed their water coordination and good thermal stability. Interestingly, electrocatalytic OER studies showed strongly enhanced activity for the Ni-MOF and that it required a low overpotential (194 mV) to produce a geometric current density of 10 mA cm -2 . The Ni-C required 225 mV to produce 10 mA cm -2 . The post-catalytic analysis suggested that the Ni-MOF and Ni-C are converted to nickel hydroxides/oxyhydroxides during electrocatalysis and acted as the catalytic centre. The low Tafel slope and charge transfer resistance further supported the higher activity of Ni-MOF based nickel hydroxides/oxyhydroxides. Chronoamperometric studies revealed the excellent stability of the Ni-MOF based catalyst over 72 h. The present study revealed the potential of developing highly active electrocatalysts based on Ni-MOFs by optimizing the topology and coordination environment.

The use of metal-organic compounds as electrocatalysts for water splitting reactions has gained increased attention; however, a fundamental understanding of the structural requirement for effective catalytic activity is still limited. Herein, we synthesized water-coordinated mono and bimetallic copper complexes (CuPz-H 2 O·H 2 O, CuPz-H 2 O, CuBipy-H 2 O·H 2 O, and CuMorph-H 2 O) with varied intermetallic spacing (pyrazine/4,4'-bipyridine) and explored the structure-dependent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in alkaline medium. Single crystal structural studies revealed water-coordinated monometallic complexes (CuMorph-H 2 O) and bimetallic complexes (CuPz-H 2 O·H 2 O, CuPz-H 2 O, CuBipy-H 2 O·H 2 O). Further, CuPz-H 2 O·H 2 O and CuBipy-H 2 O·H 2 O contained lattice water along with coordinated water. Interestingly, the bimetallic copper complex with lattice water and shorter interspacing between the metal centres (CuPz-H 2 O·H 2 O) showed strong OER activity and required an overpotential of 228 mV to produce a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm -2 . Bimetallic copper complex (CuPz-H 2 O) without lattice water but the same intermetallic spacing and bimetallic complex with increased interspacing but with lattice water (CuBipy-H 2 O·H 2 O) exhibited relatively lower OER activity. CuPz-H 2 O and CuBipy-H 2 O·H 2 O required an overpotential of 236 and 256 mA cm -2 , respectively. Monometallic CuMorph-H 2 O showed the lowest OER activity (overpotential 271 mV) compared to bimetallic complexes. The low Tafel slope and charge transfer resistance of CuPz-H 2 O·H 2 O facilitated faster charge transfer kinetics at the electrode surface and supported the enhanced OER activity. The chronoamperometric studies indicated good stability of the catalyst. Overall, the present structure-electrocatalytic activity studies of copper complexes might provide structural insight for designing new efficient electrocatalysts based on metal coordination compounds., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Objective: To report genotype data of the patients with Wilson disease (WD) hailing from across several parts of India to add to the available spectrum of causative variants in ATP7B gene (ATPase copper transporting beta polypeptide gene) and associated phenotypes in the Indian population., Methods: The entire ATP7B gene was sequenced in 58 patients with WD and additional testing was also done by MLPA to look for intragenic deletions duplications and exome sequencing to rule out genetic variations with similar phenotypic overlap., Results: Of all patients, 37 patients had a total of 33 distinct pathogenic variations, including 29 in the exonic regions and 4 at intronic splice sites. Of the variations identified, six were novel. The underlying genomic variations could be identified in nearly two-thirds of the patients by sequencing the entire gene., Conclusions: This study reports the genotype-phenotype data to add to the available spectrum of causative variants in ATP7B gene. The inability to detect a pathogenic variation in some patients and the existence of phenotypic variations in individuals with the same variation suggest that additional factors or genes may play a role in causation of the disease. Further, a marked genetic heterogeneity was found in the study patients, indicating ethnic diversity of the Indian population., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation.)

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood infection caused by human enteroviruses and is clinically characterised by fever with vesicular rash on the hands, feet, and mouth. While enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) were the major etiological agents of HFMD in India earlier, the data on recently circulating enteroviruses associated with HFMD are sparse. Here, we describe the molecular epidemiology of enteroviruses associated with HFMD in South India from 2015 to 2017. We used archived enterovirus real-time reverse transcription (RT) PCR-positive vesicle swab and/or throat swab specimens from clinically suspected HFMD cases collected from four secondary-care hospitals in South India between July 2015 and December 2017. PCR amplification and sequencing were done based on the 5'VP1, 3'VP1, VP2, or 5´NCR regions to identify enterovirus types. Genetic diversity among enteroviruses was inferred by phylogenetic analysis. Of the 107 enterovirus RNA real-time RT-PCR-positive HFMD cases, 69 (64%) were typed as CVA6, 16 (15%) were CVA16, and one (1%) was CVA10, whereas in 21 (20%) cases, the virus was not typeable by any of the methods used in the study. The majority of HFMD cases (89, 83%) were in children less than five years old, while 11 (10.3%) were in adults. 5'VP1 yielded the maximum number of enteroviruses genotyped, and phylogenetic analysis showed that the CVA6 strains belonged to subclade D3, while the subclades of CVA16 and CVA10 were B1c and D, respectively. The predominant etiological agent of HFMD in South India during 2015-2017 was CVA6, followed by CVA16 and CVA10., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Lung cancer is a potentially lethal illness. Cancer detection continues to be a challenge for medical professionals. The true cause of cancer and its complete treatment have still not been discovered. Cancer that is caught early enough can be treated. Image processing methods such as noise reduction, feature extraction, identification of damaged regions, and maybe a comparison with data on the medical history of lung cancer are used to locate portions of the lung that have been impacted by cancer. This research shows an accurate classification and prediction of lung cancer using technology that is enabled by machine learning and image processing. To begin, photos need to be gathered. In the experimental investigation, 83 CT scans from 70 distinct patients were utilized as the dataset. The geometric mean filter is used during picture preprocessing. As a consequence, image quality is enhanced. The K -means technique is then used to segment the images. The part of the image may be found using this segmentation. Then, classification methods using machine learning are used. For the classification, ANN, KNN, and RF are some of the machine learning techniques that were used. It is found that the ANN model is producing more accurate results for predicting lung cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Sharmila Nageswaran et al.)

Background: Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) was first reported in 1957 and became an emerging tick-borne viral disease of public health importance in India. However, very little is known about the host-virus interaction and pathogenesis of KFD in humans. This study described the presence, duration, and kinetics of KFDV RNA in body fluids in infected human cases., Methodology: We enrolled 76 laboratory-confirmed KFD individuals and followed them up in the study. We obtained serial samples of blood, throat swabs in viral transport medium (VTM), urine, stool, and semen during the acute and convalescent phase of KFD illness. In addition, specimens were inactivated, and nucleic acid was extracted and tested for KFDV real-time reverse transcriptase -PCR. Clinical data was also obtained from the subjects., Result: The study provides evidence of KFD virus RNA in different biological body fluids of humans. The percentage positivity of KFDV RNA in blood was 100% during the first four days of illness. PCR became negative in most cases by 7-8 days; a subset of cases (14%) had prolonged viremia for up to 15 days post-onset of illness. Relatively low copies of KFDV RNA were also detected in throat swabs and urine in the first week of illness. In addition, we detected KFDV RNA in stool samples of cases of those who had diarrhea at an early stage of infection., Conclusion: The study provides evidence of KFDV RNA in different biological body fluids, which will help understand the pathogenesis, transmission pattern and develop diagnostic algorithms of KFDV in humans. In Kyasanur Forest disease infection, the blood has more RNA copies/ml than other body fluids, and viremia may last up to two weeks post-infection., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Both the authors report no conflicts of interest. Both the authors have submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts that the editors consider relevant to the manuscript's content have been disclosed., (Copyright © 2022 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aging is an inexorable event occurring universally for all organisms characterized by the progressive loss of cell function. However, less is known about the key events occurring inside the nucleus in the process of aging. The advent of chromosome capture techniques and extensive modern sequencing technologies have illuminated a rather dynamic structure of chromatin inside the nucleus. As cells advance along their life cycle, chromatin condensation states alter which leads to a different epigenetic landscape, correlated with modified gene expression. The exact factors mediating these changes in the chromatin structure and function remain elusive in the context of aging cells. The accumulation of DNA damage, reactive oxygen species and loss of genomic integrity as cells cease to divide can contribute to a tumor stimulating environment. In this review, we focus on genomic and epigenomic changes occurring in an aged cell which can contribute to age-related tumor formation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Sikder, Arunkumar, Melters and Dalal.)

Background: This study was carried out to understand the circulating genotypes of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) in South West, East and North East India during the period 2017-2018 as a part of acute febrile illness surveillance at the Manipal Institute of Virology., Methods: Archived serum samples of 48 Hepatitis A confirmed cases were subjected to RNA extraction using QIAamp® Viral RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Germany). The samples with molecular confirmation for HAV by reverse transcriptase real-Time PCR (Real Star® HAV RT-PCR Kit 2.0, Altona Diagnostics, GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) were further subjected to nested conventional PCR targeting the 5' UTR region. The purified PCR products were sequenced using Big Dye Terminator Kit (Applied Biosystems, USA), in a 3500 XL genetic analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA). The edited sequences by means of MEGA X (MEGA version 10.1) were compared with reference sequences in the NCBI nucleotide database., Results: From states of Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Tripura, 139 Hepatitis A and 33 Hepatitis E cases were reported during the study period. The median age of the acute Hepatitis A cases was 19 years (IQR 12.8-24) and most of the affected individuals were students between 10 and 19 years (52.5%). In the present study, 14 samples from Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were genotyped as genotype IIIA by nested conventional polymerase chain reaction., Conclusion: The circulating HAV genotype in South West, North East and East India between 2017 and 2018 was IIIA., Competing Interests: The authors have none to declare., (© 2022 Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India Pvt. Ltd.)

Chromosome instability is a critical event in cancer progression. Histone H3 variant CENP-A plays a fundamental role in defining centromere identity, structure, and function but is innately overexpressed in several types of solid cancers. In the cancer background, excess CENP-A is deposited ectopically on chromosome arms, including 8q24/ cMYC locus, by invading transcription-coupled H3.3 chaperone pathways. Up-regulation of lncRNAs in many cancers correlates with poor prognosis and recurrence in patients. We report that transcription of 8q24-derived oncogenic lncRNAs plays an unanticipated role in altering the 8q24 chromatin landscape by H3.3 chaperone-mediated deposition of CENP-A-associated complexes. Furthermore, a transgene cassette carrying specific 8q24-derived lncRNA integrated into a naïve chromosome locus recruits CENP-A to the new location in a cis-acting manner. These data provide a plausible mechanistic link between locus-specific oncogenic lncRNAs, aberrant local chromatin structure, and the generation of new epigenetic memory at a fragile site in human cancer cells.

Water pollution by organic dyes poses great challenge to the environment and living organism. Hence effective removal of organic dyes by cost effective methods have received significant attention in recent years. Herein, we report the complete removal of organic dyes (rhodamine B), methylene blue) and eosin yellow) from water via effective adsorption by MoO 3 catalyst. Hydrothermally synthesised MoO 2 (1) and amorphous MoS x (2) using ammonium molybdate without and with thiourea exhibited low dye adsorption. In contrast, crystalline micro/nanoplates of MoO 3 (3 and 4) obtained from calcination of 1 and 2 showed highly enhanced dye adsorption. Particularly 4 showed higher dye adsorption compared to 3. UV-Visible absorption studies confirmed complete removal of organic dyes upon stirring with MoO 3 catalyst. Dye removal studies further revealed that cationic dyes are adsorbed faster than anionic dye that could be attributed to the surface charge of MoO 3 . Interestingly, the adsorbed dyes were not released from MoO 3 for more than 50 days. The exhausted MoO 3 catalyst can be recovered by annealing at 400 °C. MoO 3 catalyst has also been used as packing materials in dropper column and demonstrated effective removal of dyes by passing through dyes separately as well as mixture., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pALL) patients have better overall survival and methotrexate (MTX) is an effective drug used in their treatment. However, the treatment-related adverse effects (TRAEs) have a bigger impact on the therapy. In this study, we have evaluated the association of polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins engaged in MTX metabolism, and the cytogenetic aberrations with TRAEs., Methods: A total of 115 patients between the age of 1 and 18 years (average: 6.6) under maintenance therapy were selected for the study. SLC19A1 (c.80G > A), MTHFR (c.677C > T; c.1298A > C), and TYMS (c.*450&#95;*455del) genotypes were determined using PCR techniques and Sanger sequencing. Cytogenetic and SNP findings were analyzed for any association with the reported toxicities using odds ratio, chi-square test, multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis for synergistic effect and, multinomial logistic regression analysis for the likelihood of adverse events., Results: Among the evaluated genetic variations, SLC19A1 (c.80G > A) was significantly associated with TRAEs (OR = 5.71, p = 0.002). Multinomial logistic regression analysis (chi-sq = 16.64, p < 0.001) and MDR analysis (chi-sq = 10.51 p < 0.001) confirmed the finding. On the other hand, no significant association was observed between adverse events and any specific cytogenetic aberration., Conclusion: SLC19A1 facilitates the import of cyclic dinucleotides and reduced folates, evaluating genotypes in this gene can help in better management of patients on methotrexate treatment. Assessing a broader gene panel can help in finding more associated markers and delivering personalized medicine to the patients., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: The term ''Human Papillomavirus'' or ''HPV'' has become synonymous with uterine cervical cancer leading to feminisation of all the preventive measures, especially immunisation. Taking into consideration the rising number of HPV associated cancers among men in many developed countries and the risk of transmission to women, male HPV infection is a serious concern. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature was performed to determine the global prevalence of HPV among men with oropharyngeal and anogenital cancers., Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature was performed searching electronic databases for published articles in English between January 1984- April 2020 based on standard systematic review guidelines. The meta-analysis component was modified appropriately for the synthesis of prevalence study results. National Institutes of Health checklist for observational, cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to assess the quality of the studies selected after the abstract and content review. The meta-analysis was performed in STATA version 13.0 (College Station, Texas 77,845 USA) and the forest plots were constructed using metan package in STATA., Results: Through the electronic search of databases, 3486 original articles were screened for eligibility. Fifty-eight articles were systematically reviewed and 42 articles were qualified for meta-analysis including 4,250 men with oropharyngeal, penile and prostate cancers. The pooled prevalence of HPV DNA in oropharyngeal cancers was 45% (95%CI 24.0%-66.0%). Meanwhile the pooled prevalence rates of 48% (CI 40.0%- 57.0%) and 19% (CI 10.0%-29.0%) were observed in penile and prostate cancers respectively. Even though, articles regarding HPV prevalence in anal cancers were systematically reviewed, none of the studies were qualified for meta-analysis., Conclusion: Higher pooled prevalence of HPV DNA was observed among men with oropharyngeal and penile cancers. Multicentric molecular studies investigating the prevalence of HPV in prostate cancers have to be planned in future.

EV-D68 is an emerging enterovirus infection associated with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). While EV-D68 outbreaks and sporadic cases are reported globally, a single case has been reported from India. The present study aims to investigate the molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of EV-D68-associated SARI cases from South India. We screened influenza-negative archived throat swab specimens from Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and SARI cases (n=959; 2016 to 2018 period) for enteroviruses by pan-enterovirus real-time RT-PCR. Thirteen samples positive for enteroviruses were typed by PCR and sequencing based on VPI, VP2 and/or 5'NCR regions. One EV-D68 RNA sample was subjected to next-generation sequencing for whole genome characterisation. Among 13 enterovirus cases, four were ECHO-11, three EV-D68, two CV-A16 and one each EV-71, CV-B1, CV-B2 and CV-A9. All three cases of EV-D68 infection were reported in children below 2 years of age from Kerala state of South India during June and July 2017. The patients developed pneumonia without any neurological complications. Sequencing based on VPI and 5'NCR regions showed that EV-D68 strains belong to the novel subclade B3. The EV-D68 complete genome identified with two unique amino acid substitutions in VP1 (T-246-I) and 3D (K-344-R) regions. This study reiterates the EV-D68 novel subclade B3 circulation in India and indicates the urgent need for structured EV-D68 surveillance in the country to describe the epidemiology.

The pathogenesis of dengue virus infection is attributed to complex interplay between virus, host genes and host immune response. Host factors such as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), memory cross-reactive T cells, anti-DENV NS1 antibodies, autoimmunity as well as genetic factors are major determinants of disease susceptibility. NS1 protein and anti-DENV NS1 antibodies were believed to be responsible for pathogenesis of severe dengue. The cytokine response of cross-reactive CD4+ T cells might be altered by the sequential infection with different DENV serotypes, leading to further elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing a detrimental immune response. Fcγ receptor-mediated antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) results in release of cytokines from immune cells leading to vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and increased vascular permeability. Genomic variation of dengue virus and subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) suppressing host immune response are viral determinants of disease severity. Dengue infection can lead to the generation of autoantibodies against DENV NS1antigen, DENV prM, and E proteins, which can cross-react with several self-antigens such as plasminogen, integrin, and platelet cells. Apart from viral factors, several host genetic factors and gene polymorphisms also have a role to play in pathogenesis of DENV infection. This review article highlights the various factors responsible for the pathogenesis of dengue and also highlights the recent advances in the field related to biomarkers which can be used in future for predicting severe disease outcome.