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Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive malignancy of the female reproductive organs, associated with a low 5-year survival rate. Emerging evidence suggests the pivotal role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating chemoresistance and metastasis in OC, primarily through cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs). Herein, we demonstrate that miR-379-5p is downregulated in several OC cell populations including both cell lines and patient tumor samples. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-379-5p effectively inhibits CSCs and counteracts cisplatin-induced expansion of CSCs. Further mechanistic investigations identify RAD18, a DNA repair protein involved in translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), as a direct target of miR-379-5p. Moreover, a negative correlation between miR-379-5p and RAD18 expression is observed in ovarian CSCs isolated from OC patients. The downregulation of RAD18 inhibits stem-like phenotypes and enhances the sensitivity of ovarian CSCs to cisplatin treatment. Importantly, miR-379-5p-mediated inhibition of RAD18 prevents the repair synthesis in CSCs by promoting the accumulation of DNA damage. In vivo studies further reveal that miR-379-5p enhances DNA damage, which, in turn, inhibits tumor cell proliferation in athymic nude mice. Remarkably, targeting of RAD18 by miR-379-5p prevents monoubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), resulting in reduced DNA Polymerase η (a TLS polymerase that helps to bypass DNA lesions) recruitment to lesion sites. In the absence of Polη, the persisting DNA lesions cause activation of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathway in CSCs. Therefore, our findings unveil a novel mechanism whereby miR-379-5p overexpression curtails CSCs by modulating the RAD18/Polη axis.

Big data and IOT help the organization formulate innovative strategies to enhance and improve the performance of the employees. The auxiliary conduct of an employee at the workplace that improves and enhances the effectiveness of an employee is popularly known as Citizenship Behavior. This paper focuses on the effect of demographic dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) on the faculty of the HEIs of North West India. A structured questionnaire was adopted by (Podsakoff. et. al. 2000) and was circulated online to gather data from 309 faculties of the HEIs of North West India. Cronbach Alpha indicates the reliability of the scale. Descriptive Analysis and Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to examine the Normality of the data. To realize the objectives of descriptive analysis, Levene’s test, Independent sample t-test, ANOVA single factor, and Post Hoc test were used. SPSS was used to analyze the data. The relationship between Big data and OCB also, demographic factors, and OCB is not significant. This demonstrates that to increase the OCB, HEIs need to focus on demographic factors like (age, marital status, and gender).

Abstract The present study was undertaken to elucidate the population structure and differentiation of Indian yak from Chinese and wild cohorts on genome-wide scale by identifying the selection sweeps and genomic basis of their adaptation across different comparisons while analyzing whole genome sequencing (WGS) data using latest bioinformatics tools. The study included 105 individuals from three distinct yak populations i.e., Indian yak (n = 29); Chinese yak (n = 61) and wild yak (n = 15), hypothesized to be related along the evolutionary timescale. Efficient variant calling and quality control in GATK and PLINK programs resulted in around 1 million (1,002,970) high-quality (LD-independent) SNPs with an average genotyping rate of 96.55%. The PCA, ADMIXTURE and TREEMIX analysis revealed stratification of the yak groups into three distinct clusters. The empirical distribution pattern of minor allele frequency (MAF) of SNPs on genome-wide scale was also elucidated for three yak cohorts revealing unique distribution across five different bins. The selection signature analysis revealed candidate genes that are important for the adaptation of Indian yak against harsh environmental conditions in their habitats. Under iHS analysis, several genes were identified to be under selection pressure in Indian yak including ABCA12, EXOC1, JUNB, KLF1, PRDX2, NANOS3, RFX1, RFX2, and CACNG7. On the other hand, across population analysis revealed the genes like NR2F2, OSBPL10, CIDEC, WFIKKN2, ADCY, THSD7A, ADGRB3, TRPC1, VASH2, and ABHD5 to be part of selective sweeps under these comparisons. A total of 53 genes were found common between intra- and inter-population selection signature analysis of Indian yak. Notably, the genes harbouring the SNPs under selection pressure were significant for adaptation traits including lipidogenesis, energy metabolism, thermogenesis, hair follicle formation, oxidation–reduction reactions, hypoxia and reproduction. These genes may be evaluated as candidate genes for livestock adaptation to harsh environmental conditions and to further the research and application in the present era of climate change.

Abstract Over time, antimicrobial agents are losing their credibility in curbing infections due to the development of resistant pathogen strains. The resistant strains have proven to invade living beings and cause various diseases, leading to deaths at an alarming rate. Acinetobacter baumannii is one such pathogen, and to target it through enzyme inhibition, Dihydropteroate synthase enzyme’s active site is virtually screened for antimicrobial agents against in-house libraries of natural molecules from medicinally important plants and Agaricus spp. fungus. Two ligands (MSID_000725 and CID_291096) are found to be suitable candidate inhibitors after various screening through Lipinski’s based drug-like parameters, pharmacokinetic parameters, toxicity parameters and structural parameters which comprised of estimated free energy of binding, ligand efficiency and interaction analysis. DHPS enzyme catalyses the condensation reaction of hydroxymethyl-7, 8-dihydropterin pyrophosphate and para-aminobenzoic acid in the folic acid synthesis pathway in bacterial cells. The Complexes of the DHPS enzyme and ligands are validated through in silico studies, including MD simulations and MM/PBSA based binding free energy studies. The Complex DHPS-MSID_000725 and DHPS-CID_291096 were analysed for global dynamics attributes such as RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA and essential dynamics through PCA. The complexes were subjected to MM/PBSA based binding free energy analysis and were found to have binding free energy of -25.18 kcal/mol (DHPS-MSID_000725) and − 4.90 kcal/mol (DHPS-CID_291096).

Abstract Background Dementia is a neurological syndrome marked by cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are the common forms of dementia, each with distinct progression patterns. Early and accurate diagnosis of dementia cases (AD and FTD) is crucial for effective medical care, as both conditions have similar early-symptoms. EEG, a non-invasive tool for recording brain activity, has shown potential in distinguishing AD from FTD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods This study aims to develop a deep learning-based classification system for dementia by analyzing EEG derived scout time-series signals from deep brain regions, specifically the hippocampus, amygdala, and thalamus. Scout time series extracted via the standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) technique are utilized. The time series is converted to image representations using continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and fed as input to deep learning models. Two high-density EEG datasets are utilized to validate the efficacy of the proposed method: the online BrainLat dataset (128 channels, comprising 16 AD, 13 FTD, and 19 healthy controls (HC)) and the in-house IITD-AIIA dataset (64 channels, including subjects with 10 AD, 9 MCI, and 8 HC). Different classification strategies and classifier combinations have been utilized for the accurate mapping of classes in both data sets. Results The best results were achieved using a product of probabilities from classifiers for left and right subcortical regions in conjunction with the DenseNet model architecture. It yield accuracies of 94.17 $$\%$$ % and 77.72 $$\%$$ % on the BrainLat and IITD-AIIA datasets, respectively. Conclusions The results highlight that the image representation-based deep learning approach has the potential to differentiate various stages of dementia. It pave the way for more accurate and early diagnosis, which is crucial for the effective treatment and management of debilitating conditions.

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative spinal condition which is a major cause of pain and functional disability. Epidural steroid injections with or without local anesthetics have been used for the treatment of spinal pain, particularly for radicular symptoms and spinal stenosis. Aims and Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of the three routes in terms of improvement in pain, disability and patient satisfaction. Secondary objectives were to compare the requirement for repeat injections and side effects, if any. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, 90 patients with medical evaluation and pain pattern consistent with a diagnosis of LSS were randomized into three groups: Group-I (n=30) patients were administered caudal epidural steroid injection; Group-II (n=30) interlaminar epidural steroid injection; and Group-III (n=30) transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of the three routes in terms of improvement in pain, disability, and patient satisfaction. Secondary objectives were to compare the requirement for repeat injections and side effects, if any. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in pain score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, and Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire (SSSQ) score in all groups at all study periods. (P

Abstract Background The WRKY gene family plays a significant role in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the role of the WRKY gene family has not been reported in Amaranthus hypochondriacus. This study presents a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the WRKY gene family in grain amaranth (A. hypochondriacus L.), a resilient crop known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to challenging environments. Results In this study, 55 WRKY genes (AhyWRKY1-55) were identified in A. hypochondriacus and distributed unevenly across 16 scaffolds. Of these, 50 contained conserved WRKY domains and were classified into three main groups. Group II was further divided into five subgroups (IIa-IIe) based on phylogenetic analysis, with each clade being well supported by conserved motifs. Additionally, the gene structure analysis revealed variations in exon-intron organization. In contrast, motif analysis showed the presence of conserved domains that were similar within the group but differed between groups, suggesting their functional diversity. Cis-acting elements related to plant growth and development and light, hormones, and stress responses were identified. Synteny analysis revealed that 34 (61.8%) of the genes originated from tandem duplication, indicating the role of tandem duplication in the expansion of the A. hypochondriacus WRKY gene family. Protein-protein interaction analysis suggested that AhyWRKY3, AhyWRKY27, AhyWRKY28, AhyWRKY36, and AhyWRKY52 were hub genes involved in the complex protein interaction network. Using in silico and real-time quantitative PCR, expression analysis revealed tissue- and condition-specific expression patterns of AhyWRKY genes. Notably, under drought stress, AhyWRKY39, AhyWRKY40, AhyWRKY54, and AhyWRKY01 showed increased expression, while under salt stress, AhyWRKY40, AhyWRKY54, AhyWRKY39, AhyWRKY49, and AhyWRKY8 were upregulated at 30 days, suggesting that these genes may play key role in response to salinity stress. Conclusions The present study provides valuable insights into the organization and evolutionary patterns of the WRKY gene family in amaranth. It also identifies putative candidate WRKY genes that may play a role in conferring drought and salt tolerance. Overall, this study lays a foundation for further functional validation of these WRKY candidate genes, facilitating their exploitation in the amaranth genetic improvement programs to develop stress-resilient varieties.

Abstract Climate change presents significant risks to marginalized communities, particularly in tribal groups like the Bhil and Bhilala communities of Madhya Pradesh, India. Limited empirical studies have focused on the effects of climate change on tribes in India. This study aims to assess climate change risk and vulnerability among tribal communities, employing the modified Mann–Kendall (MMK) test to identify climate trends, a risk assessment framework based on the Intergovernmental panel on climate change sixth assessment report (IPCC-AR6), and multiple linear regression (MLR). The MMK test indicates an increasing trend in rainfall (MMK = 1.099) and temperature. However, household perceptions reveal a high awareness of climatic changes, with 97% of respondents reporting irregularity in rainfall and 98% documenting increased summer hot days. The risk assessment shows that Bhil households face higher risk (0.107) than Bhilala households (0.068), which is determined by higher exposure and sensitivity. MLR results further emphasize that 12 of 23 indicators significantly affect risk assessment (R-squared = 0.698), with climatic events (β = 0.015), housing structure (β = 0.07), and food security being key contributors. The findings indicate that long-term climate trends are already affecting tribal livelihoods. It calls for targeted adaptation strategies, incorporating enhanced infrastructure, crop diversification, and better access to climate information and government schemes.

Abstract Heparin, traditionally known for its anticoagulant properties, has recently been identified as a potential agent in cancer therapy. Its derivatives, including low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH), are being investigated for their multifaceted roles in oncology. This review focuses on the expanding exploration of heparin's anticancer effects and its possible integration into cancer treatment protocols. The primary aim is to consolidate and analyze current research on the anticancer properties of heparin and its derivatives. It seeks to illuminate the mechanisms by which these compounds influence cancer progression, including their impact on angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, immune response modulation, and the inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion. Additionally, the review aims to evaluate the potential of heparin and its derivatives in complementing existing chemotherapy treatments. An extensive literature review was conducted, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Sources included a range of scientific databases, employing keywords related to heparin and oncology. The selected studies were critically reviewed to extract relevant data on the efficacy, mechanisms, and potential clinical applications of heparin in cancer therapy. The results reveals that heparin and its derivatives exhibit significant anticancer activity across various research settings; key findings include the inhibition of angiogenesis, reduction in tumor cell proliferation, stimulation of immune responses, and the limitation of cancer cell migration and invasion. The compounds also show promise as adjuncts to conventional chemotherapy, potentially enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer treatments. This review highlights the burgeoning role of heparin and its derivatives in the realm of cancer therapy, marking a shift from their traditional use as anticoagulants. While promising, the research underscores the need for further comprehensive studies to fully understand the mechanisms of action, optimal dosing, potential side effects, and patient selection criteria. The potential integration of heparin into cancer treatment regimens opens new therapeutic possibilities warranting continued investigation in this rapidly evolving field.

Abstract Size-driven transition of aNote, that the phasesn antiferroelectric into a polar ferroelectric or ferrielectric state is a strongly debated issue from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. While critical thickness limits for such transitions have been explored, a bottom-up approach in the ultrathin limit considering few atomic layers could provide insight into the mechanism of stabilization of the polar phases over the antipolar phase seen in bulk PbZrO3. Here, we use first-principles density functional theory to predict the stability of polar phases in Pt/PbZrO3/Pt nanocapacitors. In a few atomic layer thick slabs of PbZrO3 sandwiched between Pt electrodes, we find that the polar phase originating from the well established R3c phase of bulk PbZrO3 is energetically favorable over the antipolar phase originating from the Pbam phase of bulk PbZrO3. The famous triple-well potential of antiferroelectric PbZrO3 is modified in the nanocapacitor limit in such a way as to swap the positions of the global and local minima, stabilizing the polar phase relative to the antipolar one. The size effect is decomposed into the contributions from dimensionality reduction, surface charge screening, and interfacial relaxation, which reveals that it is the creation of well-compensated interfaces that stabilizes the polar phases over the antipolar ones in nanoscale PbZrO3.

Abstract This review explores the recycling of used cooking oil, a global waste product with an annual production ranging from 41 to 67 million tons, for waste management and resource recovery. It examines the sources and composition of used cooking oil, focusing on its potential as a feedstock for valuable products. The review analyzes biochemical, thermal, and chemical conversion methods for their application in valorization of UCO (Used Cooking Oil). The advanced techniques such as catalytic upgrades, electrochemical conversion, membrane separation, and supercritical fluid extraction have also been investigated for their role in improving efficiency. Although biodiesel is the widely produced product, the review also sheds light on the recent researches for development of plastic, soap and other value-added products from UCO. Using a case study methodology and a review of recent research, the article also addresses challenges like feedstock variability and environmental impacts. It discusses market trends, regulatory frameworks, and potential research directions, aiming to integrate used cooking oil valorization into sustainable waste management and circular economy practices. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Landslides pose significant threats to ecosystems, lives, and economies, particularly in the geologically fragile Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal, India. This study enhances landslide susceptibility prediction by developing an ensemble framework integrating Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) with meta-learning techniques. Seven advanced machine learning models- Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Extremely Randomized Trees (ET), Gradient Boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and a Meta Classifier (MC) were applied using Remote Sensing and GIS tools to identify key landslide-conditioning factors and classify susceptibility zones. Model performance was assessed through metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC of the ROC curve. Among the models, the Meta Classifier (MC) achieved the highest accuracy (0.956) and AUC (0.987), demonstrating superior predictive ability. Gradient Boosting (GB), XGBoost, and RF also performed well, with accuracies of 0.943 and AUC values of 0.987 (GB and XGBoost) and 0.983 (RF). Extremely Randomized Trees (ET) exhibited the highest accuracy (0.946) among individual models and an AUC of 0.985. SVM and LR, while slightly less accurate (0.941 and 0.860, respectively), provided valuable insights, with SVM achieving an AUC of 0.972 and LR achieving 0.935. The models effectively delineated landslide susceptibility into five zones (very low, low, moderate, high, and very high), with high and very high susceptibility zones concentrated in Darjeeling and Kalimpong subdivisions. These zones are influenced by intense rainfall, unstable geological structures, and anthropogenic activities like deforestation and urbanization. Notably, ET, RF, GB, and XGBoost demonstrated efficiency in feature selection, requiring fewer input variables while maintaining high performance. This study establishes a benchmark for landslide susceptibility mapping, providing a scalable and adaptable framework for geospatial hazard prediction. The findings hold significant implications for land-use planning, disaster management, and environmental conservation in vulnerable regions worldwide.

Abstract Background Systematic genomics-guided population-based studies on the neglected malaria parasites, P. malariae, P. ovale curtisi, and P. ovale wallikeri species remain challenging due to their low parasitemia, underestimation, and lack of comprehensive genetic analysis. Techniques that cost-effectively allow the enriching of the genome of interest from complex genome backgrounds for sequencing studies help immensely to perform genomic analyses. One such technique is selective whole-genome amplification (SWGA). Results We applied SWGA using specifically designed primer sets targeting the pathogen genome to enrich parasite DNA from clinical samples. This enabled cost-effective and high-quality WGS for these neglected malaria species. WGS on SWGA-treated samples demonstrated improved genome coverage. Our method outperformed the published protocol for P.malariae with higher enrichment of the targeted genome. On average, P. malariae had 93% of the genome covered by ≥ 10 reads; parallel improvements in genome coverage were achieved for both P. ovale spp. with 81% on average of the genome covered by ≥ 10 reads. Consequently, the detection of thousands of additional SNPs not detectable in pre-SWGA samples was facilitated after SWGA, allowing more substantial downstream population genomics analysis, particularly for the polymorphic and antimalarial genes of great interest for all the species. Furthermore, leveraging the long DNA fragments generated by SWGA, we achieved high-quality genome assemblies for P. malariae and P. ovale using PacBio long reads sequencing technology. Conclusions SWGA approach implemented here provides a powerful tool for enhancing genomic analysis of these neglected parasites, revealing population diversity, drug resistance markers, and hypervariable regions. This methodology constitutes a transformative tool to surmount the challenges of genomic analysis for neglected malaria parasites and can improve malaria research and control.

Abstract The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of phytoadditive mixtures containing equal proportions of Curcuma longa & Allium sativum (PAM-1) and Curcuma longa & Ocimum sanctum (PAM-2) on live weight, blood parameters, hormonal profile and reproductive performance in Black Bengal goats. A total of 21 post weaned female kids of 3–4 months age and similar body weights maintained at Goat Research Unit of Eastern Regional Station (ERS), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Kalyani, India during the year 2021–2022 were randomly distributed in three groups namely, Control, PAM-1 and PAM-2 for 10 months. Blood parameters i.e. glucose, urea, total protein, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, ALP, total lipids, cholesterol, and Triglycerides, WBC, RBC, Hb and PCV %; NEFA levels and hormones i.e. prolactin, cortisol, T3 and T4 were estimated in all three experimental groups. Higher (P 0.05) in all groups. Lower (P

This research presents a robust and comprehensive framework for predicting the density of hybrid nanofluids using state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning techniques. Addressing the limitations of conventional empirical approaches, the study used a curated dataset of 436 samples from the peer-reviewed literature, which includes nine input parameters such as the nanoparticle, base fluid, temperature (°C), volume concentration ( $\phi $ ), base fluid density ( $\rho _{\text {bf}}$ ), density of primary and secondary nanoparticles ( $\rho _{\text {np1}}$ and $\rho _{\text {np2}}$ ), and volume mixture ratios of primary and secondary nanoparticles. Data preprocessing involved outlier removal via the Interquartile Range (IQR) method, followed by augmentation using either autoencoder-based or Gaussian noise injection, which preserved statistical integrity and enhanced dataset diversity. The research analyzed fourteen predictive models, employing advanced hyperparameter optimization methods facilitated by Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). In particular, autoencoder-based augmentation combined with hyperparameter optimization consistently improved predictive accuracy across all models. For machine learning models, Gradient Boosting achieved the most remarkable performance, with R2 scores of 0.99999 and minimal MSE values of 0.00091. Among deep learning models, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) stacked with Linear Regression achieved superior performance with an R2 of 0.9999, MSE of 0.0014, and MAE of 0.012. The findings underscore the synergy of advanced data augmentation, meta-heuristic optimization, and modern predictive algorithms in modelling hybrid nanofluid density with unprecedented precision. This framework offers a scalable and reliable tool for advancing nanofluid-based applications in thermal engineering and related domains.

This paper presents the design of a right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) microstrip antenna loaded with metamaterial to achieve high-gain performance. The metamaterial (MTM), a $5 \times 5~$ array of unit cells with a negative refractive index, is designed on one-sided FR4 dielectric material with dimensions $0.79\lambda _{0} \times 0.79\lambda _{0} \times 0.023\lambda _{0}$ , where $\lambda _{0}$ is the free-space wavelength at 8.76 GHz. Both the antenna and the unit cells are designed on an FR4 substrate with a loss tangent of 0.02 and relative permittivity of 4.4. The antenna and MTM maintain the same area, with an air gap of 1 mm between them. The overall structure achieves a gain of 8.1 dBic at 9.5 GHz with stacking, compared to 4.4 dBic without the MTM stacking. The measured bandwidth of the proposed antenna is 1.98 GHz (8.76-10.74 GHz), which falls within the lower X-band, making it suitable for both military and maritime radar applications.

Background: “Presbyopia” is the most common age-related condition of progressive loss of accommodative ability, typically occurs around the fourth decade of life. Accommodative convergence (AC) and accommodation facility (AF) are essential for near vision and play a significant role in presbyopia. Objectives: The study aim was to evaluate the influences of Accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio and binocular AF for near vision in presbyopics, by comparing near-glass users and nonglass users. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study included 192 patients aged between 38 and 48 years, with 96 patients each in Group A (glass users) and Group B (nonglass users). Distance and near visual acuity were measured using Snellen’s and Jaeger’s charts, respectively. AC/A ratio and binocular AF were assessed by heterophoria method and manual flipper (+2.00/−2.00D lenses), respectively. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software. Results: Mean ± standard deviation age in glass users and nonglass users was 42.41 ± 2.77 and 43.06 ± 2.98 years, respectively; whereas the mean AC/A ratio was 4.07∆D and 3.91∆D, respectively; P = 0.020. The mean binocular AF for distance in glass users and nonglass users was 16.70D and 13.97D, respectively; P = 0.000. Mean binocular AF for near in glass users and nonglass users was 13.72D and 14.00D, respectively, with P = 0.241. Conclusions: Our study concludes that wearing of near glasses in presbyopic individuals was associated with a higher deviation of eyes for distance and AC/A ratio with better distance binocular AF; however, wearing of near glasses does not seem to significantly affect the deviation of eyes for near or binocular AF for near objects.

Abstract Situations when field researchers are tempted to deviate from preselected sampling plan and to include nearby or related units in sample, then adaptive cluster sampling (ACS) offers a nearly completion solution. For rare and clustered populations, Thompson introduced ACS as an effective sampling method when data is not contaminated with outliers. However, traditional approaches produce distorted results when data includes outliers. Taking the same issue into consideration, the present study focuses on defining adaptive ratio-type regression estimators using OLS, Huber M, Mallows GM, Schweppe GM, SIS GM and Uk’s redescending M-estimation functions within ACS framework. Subsequently, we propose regression type estimators utilizing these functions within ACS framework. In this study, we have also derived mean square error properties of both adapted and proposed estimators in order to evaluate performance of these estimators, by using both real-life data and simulated data sets generated from a Poisson clustered process.

Abstract Tor putitora is an endangered cyprinid fish constrained to cold water and is also considered an indicator of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The present study aimed to examine the haplotypic diversity, genetic variation and population structure of T. putitora isolates using COI and Cyt b gene sequences submitted in GenBank. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out using 106 COI and 183 Cyt b gene sequences as well as 2 reference genome sequences. Analysis of COI and Cyt b gene reveals 18 and 85 haplotypes respectively. Mutation was observed at 44 different sites in COI and 173 in Cyt b gene sequences. Haplotype 4 and haplotype 37 were considered ancestral in COI and Cyt b respectively. Analysis of COI gene reveals moderate haplotype diversity (0.630) and low Nucleotide diversity (0.00662) whereas Cyt b has higher haplotype diversity (0.804) and low Nucleotide diversity (0.00582). Moreover, the neutrality test such as Tajima’s D, and Fu’s Fs showed negative values in both gene sequences, suggesting population expansion attributed to habitat destruction. So, comprehending the genetic variability within and among the T. putitora population is crucial for conserving and managing this species. Integration of genetic diversity into conservation planning can enhance the effectiveness of breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts.

Introduction: The introduction of the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India in 2019 has reshaped medical education by integrating foundational courses, learning strategies, and assessment methods that emphasize competencies essential for modern healthcare. Unlike the traditional knowledge-centric model, CBME aims to produce well-rounded physicians equipped with clinical skills, ethical grounding, and communication abilities. This study aims to examine medical students' perspectives on the CBME curriculum, focusing on its foundational components, learning strategies, integration practices, and assessments. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted over April and May 2023 at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, among MBBS students from the 2019-2022 batches. Students were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire addressing key CBME components. Open-ended questions were utilized to capture students' insights on CBME’s perceived benefits, challenges, and improvement suggestions. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurrent themes, offering a comprehensive understanding of student experiences within the CBME framework. Results: Feedback revealed high student appreciation for foundational components, notably Basic Life Support and ethics. Recommendations for new curriculum elements included mental health support, interactive learning formats, and direct patient exposure. Common challenges cited were the extensive logbook requirements and lengthy assessments. Notably, students suggested restructuring self-directed learning (SDL) to include more guidance and advocated for case-based, scenario-driven assessments over traditional formats. Integration practices were valued, though students expressed a need for alignment between subject teachings and integrated sessions to maximize holistic learning. Conclusion: This study highlights a generally positive reception of the CBME curriculum, with specific areas identified for enhancement, including reducing administrative burdens, incorporating more practical learning activities, and adjusting assessment formats. Student feedback underscores the curriculum’s strengths in fostering competency but also suggests the need for flexibility and responsive updates to meet evolving educational demands.

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent form of sustained cardiac arrhythmia, with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increasingly recognized for its potential role in the pathogenesis of AF through mechanisms involving atrial remodeling, inflammation, and fibrosis. This systematic review aims to synthesize available evidence on the association between VEGF and AF, exploring the implications of VEGF as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until November 10 2024, selecting studies based on pre-defined criteria that involve adults with AF and measurements of VEGF levels. The selected studies included observational and experimental designs, excluding non-English and methodologically insufficient publications. Narrative synthesis was used for summarising the results. Results Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies show a general trend of elevated VEGF levels in AF patients compared to controls, with significant heterogeneity in findings across studies. VEGF subtypes such as VEGF-A and VEGF-D demonstrated stronger associations with AF risk compared to VEGF-C. These variations point to the complex role of VEGF in AF, influencing factors like angiogenesis, endothelial function, and inflammatory responses. Conclusion VEGF is potentially a significant contributor to AF pathophysiology, with its levels reflecting disease activity. The variability observed across studies suggests a need for standardized measurement approaches and further investigation into VEGF subtypes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the causal relationships and the potential of VEGF as a therapeutic target and biomarker in AF management. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Abstract Post-stroke cognitive impairment is a common consequence of stroke, characterized by deficits in language, cognitive functioning, functional abilities. Innovative technological approaches, such as computerized cognitive retraining, offer promising strategies for mitigating the cognitive challenges. Despite their potential, the impact of these interventions on neuropsychological function and daily living capabilities has poor outcomes. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), we assessed the effectiveness of a 4-week, remotely-delivered, multi-domain, computer-adaptive cognitive retraining (CACT) program in patients with post-cognitive cognitive impairment. Fifty male participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which underwent the CACT program tailored to individual performance levels, or an active control group that received standard care. The evaluation focused on neuropsychological functions such as attention, memory, and executive processes, alongside daily living skills. Results indicated that participants in the CACT group exhibited notable improvements in several cognitive areas, including processing speed, category fluency, and visual confrontation naming, when compared to the control group. Nonetheless, enhancements in functional abilities, encompassing basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL), were minimal, with no significant changes reported post-intervention. This study demonstrates that CACT effectively improves cognitive functions in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment during the spontaneous recovery period, suggesting that training patients at their optimal performance levels can lead to meaningful cognitive benefits. These findings are specific to patients recovering from stroke-induced cognitive deficits and highlight the need for further research to generalize these results to other populations with vascular cognitive impairment.

Abstract Climate change significantly challenges smallholder mixed crop-livestock (MCL) systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), affecting food and feed production. This study enhances the SIMPLACE modeling framework by incorporating crop-vegetation-livestock models, which contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices in response to climate change. Applying such a framework in a domain in West Africa (786,500 km2) allowed us to estimate the changes in crop (Maize, Millet, and Sorghum) yield, grass biomass, livestock numbers, and greenhouse gas emission in response to future climate scenarios. We demonstrate that this framework accurately estimated the key components of the domain for the past (1981–2005) and enables us to project their future changes using dynamically downscaled Global Circulation Model (GCM) projections (2020–2050). The results demonstrate that in the future, the northern part of the study area will likely experience a significant decline in crop biomass (up to -56%) and grass biomass (up to -57%) production leading to a decrease in livestock numbers (up to -43%). Consequently, this will impact total emissions (up to -47% CH4) and decrease of -41% in milk production, and − 47% in meat production concentrated in the Sahelian zone. Whereas, in pockets of the Sudanian zone, an increase in livestock population and CH4 emission of about + 24% has been estimated, indicating that variability in climate change impact is amplifying with no consistent pattern evident across the study domain.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the accuracy of robotic-assisted dental implant placement (r-CAIS) with conventional freehand, static computer-assisted (s-CAIS), and dynamic computer-assisted (d-CAIS) techniques. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to January 2024. Studies meeting PICOST criteria, including clinical and in vitro studies, were included. Data on coronal, apical, and angular deviations were extracted for meta-analysis. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the QUIN RoB and JBI RoB tools. Results: A total of 134 models and 100 patients with edentulous and partially edentulous arches were included. Eight studies (four in vitro, four in vivo) were reviewed, demonstrating that r-CAIS offers superior accuracy compared to freehand, s-CAIS, and d-CAIS techniques. Among the studies, two in vitro and two in vivo studies had a low RoB, while others had a high RoB. The meta-analysis of five studies showed significant improvements in coronal, apical, and angular deviations with robotic systems. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted systems showed greater accuracy than traditional non-robotic systems. However, this finding should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of clinical studies and potential funding biases. Moreover, the high cost of robotic systems presents challenges for routine clinical implementation. Future research should focus on cost-effectiveness and seek broader clinical validation.

A reliable suspension-based platform for scaling engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) production from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is crucial for regenerative therapies. Here, we compared the production and functionality of ECTs formed using our scaffold-based, engineered tissue microsphere differentiation approach with those formed using the prevalent scaffold-free aggregate platform. We utilized a microfluidic system for the rapid (1 million cells/min), high density (30, 40, 60 million cells/ml) encapsulation of hiPSCs within PEG-fibrinogen hydrogel microspheres. HiPSC-laden microspheres and aggregates underwent suspension-based cardiac differentiation in chemically defined media. In comparison to aggregates, microspheres maintained consistent size and shape initially, over time, and within and between batches. Initial size and shape coefficients of variation for microspheres were eight and three times lower, respectively, compared to aggregates. On day 10, microsphere cardiomyocyte (CM) content was 27 % higher and the number of CMs per initial hiPSC was 250 % higher than in aggregates. Contraction and relaxation velocities of microspheres were four and nine times higher than those of aggregates, respectively. Microsphere contractile functionality also improved with culture time, whereas aggregate functionality remained unchanged. Additionally, microspheres displayed improved β-adrenergic signaling responsiveness and uniform calcium transient propagation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that while both microspheres and aggregates demonstrated similar gene regulation patterns associated with cardiomyocyte differentiation, heart development, cardiac muscle contraction, and sarcomere organization, the microspheres exhibited more pronounced transcriptional changes over time. Taken together, these results highlight the capability of the microsphere platform for scaling up biomanufacturing of ECTs in a suspension-based culture platform.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are pivotal in both cancer progression and the acquisition of drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in modulating CSC properties and are being explored as potential targets for therapeutic interventions. MiR-3163 is primarily known for its tumor suppressive properties in various human malignancies, with lower expression reported across different cancer types. However, its role in regulating the ovarian CSC phenotype and the underlying mechanism remain largely unknown. Here, we report a remarkable downregulation of miR-3163 in ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs). Enforced expression of miR-3163 in ovarian adherent and CSLCs, significantly disrupts the stemness phenotype. Moreover, downregulation of miR-3163 expression in ovarian cancer cells (OV2008 and OVCAR-3) inhibits the stem-like cells characterized by CD44+CD117+ expression. Sphere formation assay results reveal that overexpression of miR-3163 in ovarian cancer cells significantly inhibits spheroid formation ability, confirming the regulatory properties of miR-3163 on ovarian CSLCs. Mechanistic investigation reveals that miR-3163 depletes ovarian CSLCs via targeting SOX-2. Furthermore, we establish SOX-2 as a direct target of miR-3163 through dual-luciferase assay. Taken together, our study demonstrates that overexpression of miR-3163 could be a promising strategy for efficiently eradicating the CSC population to prevent chemoresistance and tumor relapse in ovarian cancer patients.

Background: Consent is never truly exercised in children as parents act as their proxy and often do not understand the advantages, disadvantages, risks, and benefits of the procedure. Their high anxiety state is mirrored in the child, leading to slower recovery. Hence, this study was designed to understand if an intervention can impact the effect of consent on parents’ anxiety, satisfaction, and knowledge. Methodology: A two-arm, parallel design, randomized controlled trial was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022 to analyze the effect of an educational video in comparison to an informational leaflet in parents giving proxy consents for various listed pediatric surgical procedures. Results: Parents in the video group had a higher mean knowledge score (6.97 vs. 6.77, P = 0.40), comparable satisfaction scores (27.45 vs. 27.58, P = 0.88), and statistically insignificant difference between anxiety scores. We noted highest score of satisfaction (28.5/40) in the parents educated up to High School level or less. Knowledge scores were lowest in pelvic-ureteric junction obstruction (5.1/10) patients. Conclusions: Our study done over a period of 2 years included a variety of diagnoses, and the videos and information leaflets were self-designed. It showed comparable anxiety, knowledge, or satisfaction in parents. Studies with more participants would be needed to take this research forward.

Neonate with a perineal mass may rarely present with a rectal duplication cyst. The index case presented with a perineal located mass which on evaluation revealed an exstrophied variant of a duplication cyst neonate associated with supernumerary kidney. She was subsequently managed surgically with the resection of mass and a diversion colostomy. It is understood that these extrophic variants are neither cystic nor tubular and maybe attached to the rectum or vagina but do not communicate with it. Previous reports of such rectal cysts are less than ten in number with this being the only one reported with supernumerary kidney.

The present study investigates a Feeding system, which is responsible for continuous coal supply to the boiler of coal fired power plants. As a result of complex working condition in the power plant, feeding system is prone to system failure. Therefore, analyzing the various reliability indices, their significance and importance of different components is pivotal. The feeding system comprises of different components, such as a primary feeder, secondary feeder, stacker reclaimer, and a set of primary and secondary conveyors. A continuous coal supply is needed for the smooth functioning of power plant boilers, and an appropriate maintenance strategy is essential. In the present study Markov process is utilized to develop a mathematical model of the Feeding system, which is used to evaluate the system’s reliability parameters. Numerical results for various system parameters are obtained and illustrated with graphs. In addition, sensitivity analysis is also conducted to comprehend the impact of different failures on the system's overall performance. Also, the expected profit of the system is assessed. This research is imperative for improving operational efficiency in power plants and intensify economic benefits.

Background: A medical emergency is an unwanted, unexpected reaction or complication. Effective management of an emergency situation in the dental office is ultimately the dentist responsibility. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was carried out. Data were collected using a pre‑tested structured close‑ended self‑administered questionnaire. 465 general and/or specialist dental practitioner were selected from the registered member of Nepal Dental Association. Data entry and descriptive statistics analysis was done using Statistical package for social science version 26. Results: The results of the study show that the preparedness of dental clinics for medical emergencies was unsatisfactory. Only 47.1% of clinics have emergency kit and 33.8% have oxygen cylinder. Conclusion: The study shows that the dental clinics preparedness for medical emergency was not satisfactory and nearly half of the participants have knowledge on managing medical emergency at dental clinics.

The study investigates the physical, social, and economic environment of the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) to elucidate the living conditions of informal settlements and its influence on the local environment using geoinformatics and multi-criteria decision making-analytical hierarchical process (MCDM-AHP). The informal settlements were delineated using high-resolution Google Earth imagery and generic ontology informal settlements. knowledge considering building characteristics, building density, locations of the dwelling units, and their characteristics. The study exhibits that most informal settlements were concentrated in the wards located in the eastern and central parts of the city. The neighborhood land-use functions of the major informal settlements indicated that the informal settlements were highly influenced by green space (R2=0.97), followed by water bodies (R2=0.74), unplanned settlement (R2=0.68) and planned settlement (R2=0.67) in KMA. In addition, the informal settlements were closely associated with very low relief zones (3m to 13m) followed by moderate relief zones (13-23m). The municipal ward-level analysis of the physical-socio-economic health conditions exhibited that most of the areas located in the low vulnerable zones (53.71 km2; primarily in southern, and eastern periphery), followed by very highly vulnerable zones (43.09 km2; primarily in central and northern parts). The study provides an insight into urban areas with special reference to informal settlements and necessitates the implication of effective policy for poverty alleviation. This study encourages the availability of real-time data that can improve mitigation activities in the event of a health disaster, such as SARS COVID-19 through methods for qualitative investigation of disadvantaged locations in Kolkata.

In this article, we present the time-fractional Swift-Hohenberg equation (FSFE) with uncertainty where the fractional deriative is chossen in caputo sense. We have solved the fuzzy FSFE by homotopy analysis elzaki transform method (HAETM) which is a collaboration of homotopy analysis method with elzaki transform.The proposed algorithm provides a fast convergence series solution. Three dimensional plots of the solutions, error graphs and h-cut graphs are given to illustrate the efficacy of the method to solve FSFE.

Background: Ovarian cancer poses a considerable challenge in surgical treatment, often requiring careful and complex approaches. A review of the literature highlights a wide range of Her2/neu overexpression or amplifications in ovarian tumors, with reported rates between 8% and 66%. This variability may be associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor treatment outcomes, thereby playing a significant role in prognosis. Objective: We aimed to study the expression of Her2/neu in malignant epithelial ovarian tumors using immunohistochemistry. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, observational (cross-sectional) study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, from August 2022 to December 2023, over 18 months. Seventy cases of malignant epithelial ovarian tumors were included. The immunohistochemical analysis assessed the expression pattern of the Her2/neu protein in these tumors. Results: Among the 70 cases, the majority were serous carcinomas (n = 47, 67.2%), with low-grade serous carcinoma (n = 24, 34.3%) being slightly more common than high-grade serous carcinoma (n = 23, 32.9%). Fourteen cases (20%) were mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, and nine (12.9%) were endometrioid carcinomas. The mean age of the study population was 52.58 ± 2.80 years, with the highest proportion of cases (n = 25, 35.7%) observed in the perimenopausal age group (40–50 years). Her2/neu positivity was observed in 15 cases (21.4%) of the 70 malignant epithelial ovarian tumors. Conclusion: Her2/neu protein overexpression was found in 21.4% (n = 15) of cases. No statistically significant association was observed between Her2/neu overexpression and the histological subtype or the age of the patients.

Abstract In this paper, we propose a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of user velocity based on Rayleigh distributed handover counts in heterogeneous networks (HetNets). The high density of base stations (BSs) in HetNets leads to mobile users experiencing unnecessary handovers and service outages, emphasizing the importance of mobility management in HetNets. Since user velocity plays an important role in the handover process, its knowledge is necessary for efficient mobility management. Our proposed velocity estimation strategy involves tracking of both vertical and horizontal handovers over a defined period. We utilized mathematical modeling to estimate that the probability mass function (PMF) of the handover counts in the HetNets scenario follows a Rayleigh distribution. We determined the scale parameter by analyzing the close deployment of small cells and macro-cell BSs using stochastic geometry. Our approach assumes a random distribution of BSs based on a homogeneous Poisson point process and investigates the handover-count PMF considering factors such as user velocity, BS density, and the duration of handover-count measurements. Using these statistics, we derived the Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) and applied a MLE technique to estimate user velocity. The MATLAB simulation method is used to validate our approach for the velocity estimation, and the results show the tight closeness of MLE asymptotic variance with CRLB. The numerical analysis indicates that as user velocity increases, the variance of the estimation also increases. Conversely, the simulation results demonstrate that as BS density and the time span for handover-count measurements increase, the velocity estimation error decreases.

Abstract Background Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease affecting more than 882 million people in 44 countries of the world. A multi-epitope prophylactic/therapeutic vaccination targeting filarial defense proteins would be invaluable to achieve the current LF elimination goal. Method Two groups of proteins, namely Anti-oxidant (AO) and Heat shock proteins (HSPs), have been implicated in the effective survival of the filarial parasites in their hosts. Several B-cell, CTL, and T-helper epitopes were predicted from the three anti-oxidant proteins GST, GPx, and SOD. Likewise, epitopes were also predicted for HSP110, HSP90, and HSP70. Among the predicted epitopes, screening was applied to include only non-allergenic, non-toxic epitopes to construct two MEVs, PVAO and PVHSP. The epitopes for each group of proteins were connected to each other by the inclusion of suitable linkers and an adjuvant. The 3D models for PVAO and PVHSP were predicted, and validated, followed by prediction of physicochemical properties using bioinformatics tools. The binding free energy of PVAO and PVHSP with Toll like Receptors (TLR) TLR1/2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, and TLR9 was calculated with HawkDock. The immunogenicity of both the MEVs were assessed by Immune simulation after which codon adaptation and in-silico cloning were carried out. Results Conservation of the selected AOs and HSPs in other parasitic nematode species suggested that both the generated chimera could be helpful in cross-protection too. The 3D models of both MEVs contained more than 97% residues in allowed regions, as predicted by PROCHECK server. High MMGBSA and docking scores were obtained between MEVs and TLR4, TLR1/2, TLR6, and TLR9. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of candidate vaccines in dynamic conditions present in the biological systems. The in-silico immune simulation indicated significantly high levels of IgG1, T-helper, T-cytotoxic cells, INF-γ, and IL-2 responses following immunization with PVAO and PVHSP. Conclusion The immunoinformatics approaches used in this study confirmed that, the designed vaccines are capable of eliciting sustained immunity against LF, however, additional in-vivo studies would be required to confirm their efficacy. Furthermore, by employing multi-epitope structures and constructing two different cocktail vaccines for LF, this study can form an important milestone in the development of future LF vaccine/s.

Abstract Background Understanding genetic diversity and population structure is crucial for strategizing and enhancing breeding efficiency. Wheat, a globally cultivated crop, is a significant source of daily calories for humans. To overcome challenges such as extreme climatic fluctuations, stagnant yields, and diminishing genetic variation, it is essential to develop diverse germplasms with new alleles. Triticum sphaerococcum, an underutilized ancient hexaploid wheat species, shows promise for contributing beneficial alleles. However, the genetic diversity of its germplasms remains unstudied. This is the first report where we have examined the genetic diversity and population structure of 116 T. sphaerococcum accessions using a 35 K SNP Array. The objective of this study is to apply these findings to improve wheat breeding programs. Results Analysis of the population’s genetic structure identified four potential subpopulations, which was supported by principal coordinate analysis. Allele neutrality tests showed an abundance of intermediate genotypes, suggesting that many beneficial alleles are maintained through balancing selection. Among the three subgenomes, subgenome B exhibited the highest genetic diversity. AMOVA (Analysis of Molecular Variance) revealed significant variation both among (35%) and within (65%) the four subpopulations. The high genetic differentiation between subpopulations was corroborated by a moderate level of haploid migrant numbers (Nm = 1.286), indicating sufficient gene flow. SP4 emerged as the most diverse subpopulation, showing the highest values for allelic pattern indices due to its larger size and higher percentage of polymorphic loci. The D subgenome displayed a faster linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay rate compared to the A and B subgenomes. Haplotype block analysis identified 260 haplotype blocks of varying sizes distributed across the genome. Conclusions This research demonstrates that Indian dwarf wheat accessions, sourced from three distinct gene banks and local collections, possess considerable genetic diversity. These germplasm collections offer valuable opportunities to investigate their unexplored genetic potential. They can be utilized in wheat improvement initiatives to tackle both present and future breeding challenges. Furthermore, these accessions can introduce new alleles to broaden the genetic base of modern wheat varieties, enhancing their overall diversity.

Abstract Real-world emissions of particulate matter (PM) and smoke opacity were studied for an older-model diesel pickup truck during four types of driving tests, namely fixed-point test, snap-acceleration test, road test, and hill road test (uphill/downhill). A portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) and an opacimeter were used to measure real-time concentrations of PM and smoke opacity, respectively, and simultaneously. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between PM and opacity, suggesting the feasibility of using an opacimeter to estimate PM mass emissions from diesel vehicles. Additionally, regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between opacity and PM mass concentration. The results of this study indicate that PM emission concentrations from older-model diesel vehicles can be estimated with a reasonable accuracy by using a smoke opacimeter, which is a relatively simple and cost-effective method of emission testing, as an alternative to sophisticated PM measurement instruments.

Abstract Mirror-image proteins, composed of d-amino acids, are an attractive therapeutic modality, as they exhibit high metabolic stability and lack immunogenicity. Development of mirror-image binding proteins is achieved through chemical synthesis of d-target proteins, phage display library selection of l-binders and chemical synthesis of (mirror-image) d-binders that consequently bind the physiological l-targets. Monobodies are well-established synthetic (l-)binding proteins and their small size (~90 residues) and lack of endogenous cysteine residues make them particularly accessible to chemical synthesis. Here, we develop monobodies with nanomolar binding affinities against the d-SH2 domain of the leukemic tyrosine kinase BCR::ABL1. Two crystal structures of heterochiral monobody-SH2 complexes reveal targeting of the pY binding pocket by an unconventional binding mode. We then prepare potent d-monobodies by either ligating two chemically synthesized d-peptides or by self-assembly without ligation. Their proper folding and stability are determined and high-affinity binding to the l-target is shown. d-monobodies are protease-resistant, show long-term plasma stability, inhibit BCR::ABL1 kinase activity and bind BCR::ABL1 in cell lysates and permeabilized cells. Hence, we demonstrate that functional d-monobodies can be developed readily. Our work represents an important step towards possible future therapeutic use of d-monobodies when combined with emerging methods to enable cytoplasmic delivery of monobodies.

Abstract Quantum machine learning (QML) can be employed in solving complicated machine learning tasks although the performance in examining the regression processes is only barely understood. Knowledge gaps are intended to be closed by studying modelling performance of QML in regression tasks, with emphasis being dedicated to scaling up and ability to resist noise. The regression part offers the following functions that include straight line and complex operations. Furthermore, the authors employ quantum neural networks generated using Qiskit to perform experiments. The results demonstrate that QML has a remarkable level of accuracy in basic regressions, reaching a maximum of 97%. Nevertheless, there are difficulties in representing intricate functions, such as 5 × cos(x), which results in a noticeable decline in performance. The work deals with the influence of noise and IERs from imperfect hardware on the efficiency of QML algorithms providing insight into the core obstacles. The result of a detailed examination of the results that have tested the powers and limits of QML in the development of regression applications is represented. The future direction of research and development will be defined by the results obtained in it.

Apigenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, has received substantial attention due to its various pharmacological effects, particularly in cancer therapy. This review delves deeply into apigenin's phytochemical properties and pharmacological activity, with a particular emphasis on its potential as a targeted cancer therapy. We conducted an exhaustive literature study to investigate the molecular processes underlying apigenin's anticancer actions, such as its ability to induce apoptosis, block angiogenesis, and decrease metastasis. We also examine its synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapy drugs and its potential as an adjuvant therapy. Furthermore, the paper discusses current advances in nanoparticle-based delivery systems that improve the bioavailability and efficacy of apigenin in cancer treatment. This detailed investigation aims to provide insights into apigenin's therapeutic capabilities and future possibilities in targeted cancer treatment.

Behavioural finance combines psychology and economics to understand the anomalies of financial markets by examining human behaviour. There has been a significant global increase in research on behavioural biases and investment decisions. This paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of behavioural biases and investment decisions using literature from the Scopus database for the period from 1991 to 2022 using the VOSviewer software. The research findings confirm a substantial growth in research on behavioural biases and investment decisions between 2008 and 2022. The United States is the most influential country based on citation count, and Odean (1998) stands out as the most prominent author in this research field. Co-citation analysis identifies key clusters in “efficient market, behavioural biases, and trading frequency,” while bibliographic coupling highlights “Information processing and investors’ behavioural biases.” Co-occurrence analysis reveals gaps in research on financial literacy, personality traits, and optimism bias, suggesting future research opportunities.

Background: Adolescent is a very crucial period of life for the growth and development of the body and mind. Nutrition influences growth and development throughout infancy, childhood and adolescents. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the sudy was to assess the nutritional status in terms of thinness, overweight and obesity and stunting amongst the school-going adolescents and to find out the factors related to nutritional status amongst the study subjects. Methodology: Community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst six rural schools of Bankura-I community development block in Bankura district from July to September 2017. With the help of a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured schedule, a total of 600 adolescent students were interviewed, and clinical examinations were done. The collected information was entered into Microsoft Excel sheet and analysed using SPSS-20. Results: The mean age of the study population was 13.2 ± 2.19 years. About one-third (32.8%) of adolescent students were thin, as per body mass index for age Z-score category. Normal nutritional status was found in the majority of students (63.8%), but overweight and obesity were only 3.4% amongst the adolescent students. Stunting (31.0%) was higher amongst the late adolescents, and also that the percentage of stunting was higher in adolescent girls (35.8%) than boys (15.0%). Stunting was also significantly related with caste, SE class, family type according to number of family members and birth order of study subjects. Conclusions: School-based as well as community-based adolescent-friendly health and nutrition education and services and economic development may improve the overall health and nutritional knowledge and status of adolescents.

Background: Tubnerculosis is Characterised by the presence of granuloma formation. The mode of spread of pulmonary tuberculosis is via airborne aerosol. This bacteria enters the lungs and leads to latent infection in susceptible hosts. Diagnosis is mostly presumptive in ocular tuberculosis. There is lack of uniform diagnostic criteria. Despite of vast developments in diagnostic tools, evidence of systemic tuberculosis disease along with suggestive clinical ocular findings is considered the major diagnostic criterion for ocular tuberculosis. Aim: This study aims to evaluate ocular findings in diagnosed cases of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in children. Methods: The study included children with various type of pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis. All these children referred to ophthalmology department to rule out ocular manifestations were evaluated on the basis of visual acuity, anterior segment and dilated posterior segment examination. Results: A total of 90 children were diagnosed with tuberculosis, of whom 30 (33.3%) were male and 60 (66.7%) were female, The mean age of presentation is 4±7 years. 30 (33.7 %) were a diagnosed case of pulmonary kochs, 52 (58.4 %) had tubercular meningitis (TBM), remaining 7 (7.8%) had other extrapulmonary kochs. The most common anterior segment finding was lateral rectus palsy in 14 (15.5%) children, the most common posterior segment finding was papilledema in 20 (22.2%) children. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is one of those pandemic in the world that can affect each and every organ of the body. A timely diagnosis of ocular findings can prevent these children from permanent ocular morbidity and blindness.

Capgras syndrome is one of the delusional misidentification syndromes, where the patient believes that a familiar person, particularly a loved one, has been replaced by an imposter or a double, and is a rare entity in clinical practice. Although the phenomenon is known to occur as a part of other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and mood disorders, it is not infrequently encountered in organic conditions such as cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and epilepsy. Thus, it is important to rule out any underlying organic etiology by the use of appropriate neuroimaging techniques whenever felt necessary. There are no clear-cut guidelines regarding the treatment of this condition, but atypical antipsychotics seem to be the first-line agents. In this article, we have described three cases, who presented with Capgras syndrome, in association with various other psychiatric diagnoses, such as cannabis-induced psychosis, recurrent depressive disorder, currently severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms, and schizophrenia. All the cases responded well after treatment with olanzapine, with complete resolution of Capgras delusions in the first two cases, and partial response in the third case, where there was a reduction in the level of conviction of Capgras delusions, and marked improvement in overall functioning. Thus, olanzapine could be a reasonable choice in treating Capgras syndrome in patient populations where there are no contraindications to prescribe this drug.

CONTEXT: Hemoglobinopathies are the most common heterogeneous group of monogenetic disorder in the world and its prevalence varies with geographical regions. India is developing country and many studies show a significant burden of hemoglobinopathies in India. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to check the prevalence of various hemoglobinopathies in anemic subjects using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method in Pune region which has multiple ethnic population groups from all parts of India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The present study was conducted at the department of IH and BT on anemic patients referred from different outpatient department and Wards of the hospital and informed consent were taken from all participants. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The present study included a total of 2698 individuals’ age ranging from 1.5 to 67 years. The HPLC test was performed using Bio-Rad D-10 analyzer once a week. RESULTS: Out of a total of 2698 cases, we found 543 (20.12%) cases with abnormal hemoglobin fractions and 2155 (79.88%) cases free from hemoglobinopathies. Out of the total hemoglobinopathies detected 250 (46%) were male and 293 (54%) were female. The major abnormality detected was beta-thalassemia trait (BTT) with 425 (15.75%) cases, followed by sickle cell disorders 58 (2.15%), HbE 38 (1.41%), hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin 6 (0.22%), HbD Punjab 13 (0.48%), HbD Iran 2 cases and 4 cases of compound heterozygous for HbS beta-thalassemia. Forty (1.48%) cases were detected as borderline with HbA2 level ranges from 3.6% to 3.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies among anemic subjects. The most common disorder detected was BTT. Most of the hemoglobinopathies found in our study could be accurately quantified by HPLC which is a rapid, sensitive, and reproducible method for the detection of different hemoglobinopathies.

BCOR-rearranged sarcomas (BRS) constitute relatively newly described sarcomas, which, within the musculoskeletal sites, usually occur in the bones, followed by soft tissues. Primary BRS involving the visceral organs is very rare, and only a single case is reported in the lung. These tumors share overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features with other neoplasms, such as synovial sarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, as well as carcinosarcoma, the latter especially when occurring in the visceral organs. BCOR immunostaining is useful in triaging a tumor for molecular diagnosis, which constitutes the “essential” diagnostic criterion for these tumors. To report an extremely rare case of a BRS, confirmed by BCOR-rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), primarily occurring in the lung, emphasizing the diagnostic approach and management, along with review of literature. An18-year-old boy presented with complaints of left-sided chest pain, along with cough, fever, loss of appetite, and weight. On radio imaging, there was a complete collapse of the left lower lobe of lung with moderate pleural effusion. The biopsy showed a biphasic tumor comprising primitive round cells admixed with spindle cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for BCOR, TLE1, and p53. FISH showed BCOR gene rearrangement. A diagnosis of primary BRS of lung was offered. The patient had a favorable response to the chemotherapy regime. BRS is an ultra-rare tumor, which rarely involves visceral organs. The lung is an exceptionally rare site, with only single reported case previously. An exact confirmation by molecular testing has treatment-associated implications. A review of similar reported cases is presented herewith.