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The study investigates the connectedness between commodities and ESG stocks of India using the extended joint connectedness approach. The study found a time-varying relationship between commodities and ESG stocks. It also discovered that there is a low spillover between the two. However, the total connectedness increased during the Russia-Ukraine war but remained low. The study found that crude oil and natural gas act as net transmitters, while ESG stocks and gold act as net receivers. ESG stocks are negatively connected with gold and have a low degree of positive correlation with crude oil and natural gas. Therefore, portfolio diversification opportunities exist between commodities and ESG stocks. The study exhibits that investors may derive significant benefits by adjusting their portfolios based on the optimum weights provided by the portfolio construction technique. The study provides valuable insights for portfolio managers, investors, and policymakers.

Radish is a widely cultivated root crop susceptible to chemicals for its growth and development. The experiment was conducted to study the effect of different sources of organic fertilizers on growth and yield parameters in the Tokinashi variety of radish. The experiment was laid out using one factorial completely randomized block design with six treatments replicated four times. Vermicompost, goat manure, chemical fertilizers (NPK), poultry manure, farmyard manure and control were the applied treatments. Various growth and yield parameters of radish were measured and assessed at 15-day intervals. Various growth and yield parameters of radish were measured and assessed at 15-day intervals. Growth parameters were observed at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing. For yield parameters, destructive samples were taken and observed at 30 DAS and 45 DAS and harvested at 60 DAS. The assessments of plant growth and yield parameters showed that poultry manure (PM) treatments were superior. At the time of harvesting, the treatment comprising poultry manure had considerably greater plant height (30.55 cm), leaf length (29.44cm), leaf breadth (10.78cm), leaf number per plant (9.23), root diameter (10.33cm) and root length (20.16cm) with superior yield per ha (33.59 mt ha-1). Poultry manure significantly enhanced root yield and was positively correlated with all growth parameters. The highest benefit-cost (B: C) ratio was recorded in chemical fertilizer (3.99), which was statistically at par with poultry manure (3.81), suggesting that poultry manure might potentially replace chemical fertilizers for the Tokinashi variety of radish cultivation.

Abstract Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by cognitive decline along with the presence of mental symptoms, most notably psychosis. Although antipsychotic drugs are commonly recommended to treat these symptoms, there is ongoing discussion on the safety and effectiveness of these drugs in AD patients. The therapeutic management of Alzheimer’s disease-related psychosis (ARP) is hampered by its limited therapy options, determining the precise brain regions in Alzheimer’s patients with understanding of the neurological substrates implicated in ARP. While new therapies including brexpiprazole and atypical antipsychotics present promising therapeutic choices, practical implementation and potential upcoming therapies approaches is discussed along with mechanism-based understanding of different neurotransmitters with pharmaceutical therapies. Our objective is to contribute to more efficient and individualized treatment approaches by offering a thorough resource for medical professionals and researchers working in the field of managing and researching psychosis associated with AD. Results The examination containing new data supporting newer therapeutic approaches that target receptors and providing better safety and effectiveness characteristics. This study point out gaps in our existing understanding and make recommendations for future research, emphasizing the necessity of clinical trials created especially for psychotic Alzheimer’s patients. Secondly, the neurochemical and neuropathological bases of ARP, with a focus on changes in the dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate systems of neurotransmitters are also described in detail. Different pharmacodynamics antipsychotic medications are covered in later sections of this paper, with an emphasis on how these medications' interactions with certain neurotransmitter receptors may affect their therapeutic efficacy and side-effects profile. Conclusion The review article summarizes the most recent findings regarding the contribution of neurotransmitter receptors to the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs in the management of ADP. We provide a thorough overview of second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics, emphasizing how their unique affinity for neurotransmitter receptors influences their clinical application in psychosis associated with AD. The difficulties of treating Alzheimer’s with antipsychotics are also covered in this study, including the potential for cognitive impairment to worsen, the emergence of extrapyramidal symptoms, and other unfavorable effects. New approaches to studying and treating ARP including neuroinflammation-targeting medicines, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists like xanomeline. Reducing psychosis through treatment options could be improved by knowledge of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDAR) hypofunction processes in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurons.

A new and simple articulator classification has been proposed which includes both mechanical and virtual articulators to meet with the modern day dental practice that has shown a gradual shift toward digital technology and workflow.

Anti-M antibodies are usually of the immunoglobulin (Ig)-M type and have a cold thermal range, which is generally considered clinically insignificant. However, in some cases, there may also be an IgG component present exclusively. In addition to the discrepancy in blood grouping (attributable to the IgM component), the presence of an IgG component reacting at 37°C can interfere with pretransfusion testing, making it difficult to find fully compatible blood within a short time. In this report, we discuss three children: two boys aged five and 1½ years, respectively, and a female toddler aged 1 year who were all successfully treated using M-antigen negative packed red blood cells along with the standard treatment plan of the hospital. This was made possible by an established institutional blood donor registry comprising O-typed blood donors (n = 374), who were phenotyped for 21 erythrocyte antigens using commercially available monoclonal antisera (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India).

Introduction Children below the age of 15 years account for the majority of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths in Nepal. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves health and prolongs lives of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Poor adherence to ART provides clue to a sub-therapeutic level of antiretroviral drug, which can facilitate multi-drug resistance of similar regimen, leading to treatment failure and death. The objective of this study was to determine the level of adherence to ART and its associated factors among HIV-infected children aged 0-14 years in Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences (PoAHS), Pokhara, Nepal. Material and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 15th, 2020 and February 15th, 2021, and included 57 HIV-infected children. Caregivers of the children were questioned with a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire, which was later translated verbally to Nepali. Trained doctors took the interviews. Acquired data was entered using SPSS version 17 software for analysis. Level of significance was set at p

Abstract Background This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of dental caries, tobacco usage, and associated risk factors for dental caries in patients who visited a government hospital in Western, Nepal. Methods This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2022. Patients above 18 years visiting the dental OPD of a government hospital, and who had provided informed consent were enrolled in the study using a convenience sampling technique. As the study also involved an illiterate population, in that case, informed consent was obtained from their respective legal guardian as well. A pretested standardized, close-ended questionnaire was administered by researchers to gather information regarding the associated risk factors and oral hygiene practices. Clinical examination was done for dental caries according to the criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO) using the “DMFT” index (WHO modification 1987). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done and the odds ratio and p-value was calculated. For all tests, statistical significance was set at p

Photo-thermal-catalysts (PTC) exceptional features and ability to concurrently solve sustainable energy requirements and environmental problems have drawn scientific interest. The photo-thermal effect is the process by which photo-thermal conversion materials transform radiant energy from light into thermal energy. The photo-thermal therapy of energy and environmental treatment faces the urgent task of developing effective photo-thermal agents to address complicated problem demands. In this study, we take a look at the fundamental principles and underlying process of photo-thermal material catalysis. In addition, this review provides a concise summary of the most up-to-date findings concerning photo-thermal catalysis materials, which have been aggressively researched for a wide-spread sustainable energy and environment treatment uses. In order to motivate the creation of a high-efficiency photo-thermal catalytic pathway, the criteria and techniques for designing photo-thermal catalysts are presented. This will make it possible for a better absorption of the whole spectrum of solar energy as well as a greater conversion of solar energy to heat. Theoretical direction is offered for the continued development of this technology, and the promise of the practical use of photo-thermal catalysis for different solar-driven interfacial photo-thermal conversion technologies is anticipated. This paper offers a unique perspective on photo-thermal catalysis focussing on the synergistic effects and suggesting a potential route for future applications.

Background: Pyogenic infection is a significant cause of morbidity. Infection with multidrug-resistant strains poses a major difficulty in the treatment. The study was conducted to know the bacteriological profile of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic susceptibility. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from October 2021 to March 2022. Isolates from pus specimens were subjected to an antibiotic sensitivity test using the Kirby-Bauer method as per CLSI 2021. Results: Out of 752 samples, etiology could be revealed in 510 (68.4%) specimens. Enterobacterales dominated the profile, with K pneumoniae isolated in the maximum number of specimens. Staphylococcus aureus was the culprit in 14% of the cases. Non-fermenters were isolated in 17% of the cases. Methicillin resistance in S aureus was 67%. Gram-positive cocci showed high sensitivity to linezolid. For both Piptaz and carbapenem, Enterobacterales and non-fermenters showed around 50% and 60% susceptibility, respectively. Conclusion: Continuous surveillance of the aetiologic agents of pyogenic infections and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern needs to be done to design and implement the antibiotic policy for the infection in our set-up.

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading and disproportionately prevalent cause of mortality and disability, particularly burdening Nepal, primarily within the Kathmandu Valley. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 22nd and April 24th, 2021, involving 185 victims admitted to the emergency department of a private hospital. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Socio-demographic characteristics, human factors, and environmental factors data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and all statistical tests were conducted using SPSS version 20. Results: Among the 185 RTA victims, the majority (36.8%) fell within the 21-30 age groups. Male victims (55.7%) outnumbered females (44.3%). Students (36.8%) experienced the highest accident rates, with most incidents (21.1%) occurring on Saturdays and 38.4% taking place between 12:00pm and 6:00pm. Human Factors and RTA: Of the total victims, 80 (43.2%) were drivers, with 43.75% of them reporting the use of emergency brakes. Furthermore, 77.61% indicated that accidents were caused by pedestrians not using zebra crossings when crossing the road. Environmental Factors and RTA: Rainy weather was associated with the highest number of accidents, accounting for 36.2% of cases. Additionally, narrow routes (28.6%) and slippery roads (25.9%) contributed to a significant number of accidents. Conclusion: Nepal faces a high rate of road traffic accidents, with critical factors including victim age, vehicle types, speed, road and weather conditions, and traffic rule violations. Authorities must consider these factors to effectively control and prevent RTAs. Corresponding Author: Rajesh Karki View Orcid in Profile You can search for this author in PubMed & Google Scholar Profile

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

The metallic nanomaterials synthesized using green nanotechnology have recently gained attention for their low-cost, simple preparation methods, and environmental sustainability. In this study, biogenic copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NS) were synthesized using the seed extract of Celastrus paniculatus, and characterized by various advanced instrumentation techniques including FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and TEM analysis. Docking simulation studies demonstrated that the interaction between CuO NS and the Staphylococcus aureus receptor (2I80) was strong, with docking scores ranging from −4.0 to −5.1 and a free binding energy of −24.48 ± 0.63 kcal/mol. The antibacterial activity of CuO NS against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes was analyzed by well diffusion method. In addition to that, antibiofilm, ROS generation, growth kinetics, and anticancer efficacy of CuO NS was also evaluated. The anticancer results indicated that CuO NS effectively reduced the cell viability of both cancer cell lines (MCF 7 & MDA MB 231). The findings from the antibacterial and anticancer studies suggest that the biologically synthesized CuO NS could serve as a promising alternative for bacterial diseases and cancer treatments.

BackgroundWorksite-based health programs have shown positive impacts on employee health and have led to significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factor profiles. We aimed to determine the effect of cafeteria intervention on cardio-metabolic risk factors diet in a worksite setting (Dhulikhel Hospital) in Nepal.MethodsIn this one-arm pre-post intervention study, we recruited 277 non-pregnant hospital employees aged 18-60 with prediabetes or pre-hypertension. The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03447340; 2018/02/27). All four cafeterias in the hospital premises received cafeteria intervention encouraging healthy foods and discouraging unhealthy foods for six months. We measured blood pressure, fasting glucose level, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol in the laboratory, and diet intake (in servings per week) using 24-hour recall before and six months after the intervention. The before and after measures were compared using paired-t tests.ResultsAfter six months of cafeteria intervention, the median consumption of whole grains, mono/polyunsaturated fat, fruits, vegetable and nuts servings per week increased by 2.24(pConclusionOverall, we found a decrease in consumption of refined grains and an increase in consumption of whole grains, unsaturated fats, fruits, and nuts observed a modest reduction in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol following a 6-month cafeteria-based worksite intervention incorporating access to healthy foods.

The present study investigated the synthesis and biological applications of green, economical, and multifunctional silver and gold nanoparticles (TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs) using the ethnomedical important medicinal plant Thespesia lampas for biological activities. Relatively higher levels of antioxidant components were measured in T. lampas compared to the well-known Adhatoda vasica, and Diplocyclos palmatus suggested the potential of T. lampas for the study. Synthesized TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were characterized through UV–Vis, XRD, SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, SAED, and FTIR techniques. SEM revealed that TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were predominantly spherical in shape with 19 ± 7.3 and 43 ± 6.3 nm crystal sizes. The sizes of TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were found to be12 ± 4.8 and 45 ± 2.9 nm, respectively, according to TEM measurements. The FTIR and phytochemical analyses revealed that the polyphenols and proteins present in T. lampas may act as bio-reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis. Synthesized NPs exhibited enhanced scavenging properties for ABTS and DPPH radicals. TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs were able to protect DNA nicking up to 13.48% and 15.38%, respectively, from oxidative stress. TSAgNPs possessed efficient antibacterial activities in a concentration-dependent manner against human pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli, B. subtilis, P. vulgaris, and S. typhi. Furthermore, TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs showed significant cytotoxicity against FaDu HNSCC grown in 2D at 50 and 100 μg mL−1. Tumor inhibitory effects on FaDu-derived spheroid were significant for TSAgNPs > TSAuNPs at 100 μg mL−1 in 3D conditions. Dead cells were highest largely for TSAgNPs (76.65% ± 1.76%), while TSAuNPs were non-significant, and Saq was ineffectively compared with the control. However, the diameter of the spheroid drastically reduced for TSAgNPs (3.94 folds) followed by TSAuNPs (2.58 folds), Saq (1.94 folds), and cisplatin (1.83 folds) at 100 μg mL−1. The findings of the study suggested the bio-competence of TSAgNPs and TSAuNPs as multi-responsive agents for antioxidants, DNA protection, antibacterial, and anti-tumor activities to provide a better comprehension of the role of phytogenic nanoparticles in healthcare systems.

Abstract Homocysteine (Hcy), produced physiologically in all cells, is an intermediate metabolite of methionine and cysteine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) resulting from an in-born error of metabolism that leads to accumulation of high levels of Hcy, is associated with vascular damage, neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Using a HHcy model in neuronal cells, primary cortical neurons and transgenic zebrafish, we demonstrate diminished autophagy and Hcy-induced neurotoxicity associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, fragmentation and apoptosis. We find this mitochondrial dysfunction is due to Hcy-induced proteotoxicity leading to ER stress. We show this sustained proteotoxicity originates from the perturbation of upstream autophagic pathways through an aberrant activation of mTOR and that protetoxic stress act as a feedforward cues to aggravate a sustained ER stress that culminate to mitochondrial apoptosis in HHcy model systems. Using chemical chaperones to mitigate sustained ER stress, Hcy-induced proteotoxicity and consequent neurotoxicity were rescued. We also rescue neuronal lethality by activation of autophagy and thereby reducing proteotoxicity and ER stress. Our findings pave the way to devise new strategies for the treatment of neural and cognitive pathologies reported in HHcy, by either activation of upstream autophagy or by suppression of downstream ER stress. Video Abstract

Wastewater surveillance (WS) has been used globally as a complementary tool to monitor the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the pandemic. However, a concern about the appropriateness of WS in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) exists due to low sewer coverage and expensive viral concentration methods. In this study, influent wastewater samples (n = 63) collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of the Kathmandu Valley between March 2021 and February 2022 were concentrated using the economical skimmed-milk flocculation method (SMFM). The presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was tested by qPCR using assays that target the nucleocapsid (N) and envelope (E) genes. Overall, 84% (53/63) of the total samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 according to at least one of the tested assays, with concentrations ranging from 3.5 to 8.3 log10 gene copies/L, indicating the effectiveness of the SMFM. No correlation was observed between the total number of COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater collected from the two WWTPs (p > 0.05). This finding cautions the prediction of future COVID-19 waves and the estimation of the number of COVID-19 cases based on wastewater concentration in settings with low sewer coverage by WWTPs. Future studies on WS in LMICs are recommended to be conducted by downscaling to sewer drainage, targeting a limited number of houses. Overall, this study supports the notion that SMFM can be an excellent economical virus-concentrating method for WS of COVID-19 in LMICs.

The Frontal Himalayan terrain comprises of Lesser Himalaya and Siwalik Hills; is highly susceptible to landslide disaster due to active tectonics, scrappy geology, steep slope, and reshaping geomorphology. Besides that, hydrological impacts of land use degradation and climate change enhancing the vulnerability of the terrain. Keep in view this; the Dabka watershed, falls in frontal zone of central Himalaya has been selected for case illustration. Geospatial analysis advocates that the areas of the most stressed geo-environment (comprises of very steep slopes above 30°, geology of Lower Krol and Lariakanta formation, geomorphology of moist areas and debris sites and land use of barren land) have high density (5–10 landsides km2) of landslides whereas the areas of least stressed geo-environment (comprises of gentle slopes below 10°, geology of Kailakhan and Siwalik formation, geomorphology of depositional terraces and land use of dense forest) have low density of landslides (2 landsides km2). Out of total 340 landslides in the region, 198 are active landsides whereas 51 and 91 are reactivated and old landsides respectively. Geospatial analysis of landslide areas reveals that across the region total 804.33 ​ha land has been degraded by landslides which account for 11.65% of the total area of the Dabka watershed. The wedge failure analysis suggests that there are 3–4 sets of rock joints across the region and most of the sites are unsafe as their safety factors are less than 1.

Anaerobic digestion is one of the most effective technologies for managing degradable waste, which produces renewable energy and digestate as the byproduct. In this study, sewage sludge (SS), poultry litter (PL), and food waste (FW) were co-digested at ratios (SS:PL:FW 2:1:1) with 8 % total solid content at ambient temperature (average 22 °C) and controlled temperature (35 °C) in summer. The synergistic effects of co-digesting substrates enhance the biogas production potential when digested at an optimized ratio. The maximum biogas yield was 688.7 L/kgVSa at the controlled temperature and 462.3 L/kgVSa at ambient temperature. The ambient reactor had a methane composition of 55 %, while the controlled temperature reactor had about 60 %. The results provide approaches to increase biogas production in the anaerobic digestion process through co-digestion and controlled mesophilic temperature. Biogas production from anaerobic co-digestion could significantly transform waste into energy in low-income countries to achieve the objective of clean energy production and environmental sustainability.

Background: Pediatric intensive care provides better observation as well as an intensive treatment, which helps to cure, support, and provide better outcomes for sick children. This study aimed to describe the demographic profile and the outcome of PICU patients, and evaluate the relationship of diagnostic categories with treatment and outcome. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a six-bedded PICU from 1 March 2021 to 1 March 2022. Bivariate analysis was used to identify the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: The infants admitted below 6 months of age were 63 (22.3%) and had male predominance accounting for 64%. The main portal of entry of the admitted cases was emergency ward 214(75.6%). Most of the patients 153(54.1%) were admitted for intensive monitoring of their abnormal vitals along with critical care according to our PICU protocol. Respiratory illness 122(43.1%), neurosurgical illness 59(20.8%), and primary infectious disease 52(18.3%) were the common reason for PICU admission. Post-major surgery 2(66.7%), hematological illness 3(37.5%), and cardiac disorders 1(20%) had high mortality rates. Among the portal of admission, the majority of the children (80.0 %) who were admitted to the PICU through the emergency ward died before exiting from the PICU (p

Introduction: Globally, COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on mental health. In Nepal, COVID-19 positive cases have to self-isolate at home in multi-generational and multi-family households. This could be strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress-related health outcomes. Additionally, COVID-19 related stigma and fear of transmission may intensify depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This study determined the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and their association with presence of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbid conditions among home isolated COVID-19 positives in the Karnali province, Nepal. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among 402 home isolated COVID-19 patients of Karnali province from January to May 2021 using “Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)”. We interviewed patients to collect socio-demographic, DASS-21, COVID-19 symptoms, comorbid conditions, and self-treatment. We conducted a telephonic interview using a standardized questionnaire using Kobotoolbox. We calculated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. We utilized univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine their association with the presence of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbid conditions. In multivariate logistic regression, we adjusted sociodemographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, monthly family income, education level), smoking status and history of self-treatment. We reported adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals. All analyses were conducted in R (version: 4.0.3). Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among home isolated COVID-19 patients were 8.0% (95% CI: 5.5 to 11.1), 11.2% (95% CI: 8.3 to 14.7), and 4.0% (95% CI: 2.3 to 6.4) respectively. Higher odds of depression symptoms (aOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.10–7.44, p = 0.03), anxiety symptoms (aOR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.62 to 8.93; p =

Understanding the factors influencing survival in oldest old population is crucial for providing appropriate care and improving outcomes. This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the determinants of survival in acutely ill oldest old patients during acute hospitalization and 1-month follow-up. Various geriatric domains and biochemical markers were assessed. Among the 70 included patients with a median age of 87 (Inter quartile range: 85–90), the presence of diabetes, delirium, tachypnea, and high sirtuin-5 levels were associated with reduced in-hospital survival. Non-survivors had raised levels of Sirtuin 1 and Sirtuin 5, with an increase of 43% and 70%, respectively. At 1 month, delirium and diabetes were still associated with reduced survival. These findings suggest that type-2 diabetes, delirium, tachypnea, and high sirtuin-5 levels could serve as predictors of reduced survival in acutely ill, hospitalized oldest old patients.

Introduction: Mandibular third molar impaction is the most common impaction as third molars are last to erupt at the age of 17-25 years. Despite its high prevalence and negative impacts, there is limited study about mandibular third molar impaction. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction among patients visiting the outpatient Dental Department of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting the Outpatient Dental Department of a tertiary care centre from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of the same institute. A total of 414 orthopantomograms were prospectively reviewed for the angulation of impaction, depth and position. The indication for extraction was recorded from patients’ cards during the time of extraction. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate at a 95% confidence interval was calculated. Results: The prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction was 37.13% (34.29-39.97, 95% Confidence Interval). There was a high prevalence of mesioangular 344 (45.38%) pattern followed by vertical 249 (32.85%) for mandibular third molar impaction, the most commonly involved group was 20-30 years, with female 247 (59.70%) predominance. Bilateral impaction 344 (83.10%) was more prevalent than unilateral. Depth A, 639 (84.3%), ramus relation level I, 602 (79.42%) was the most common level of impaction. Recurrent pericoronitis 160 (38.6%) was the common indication for extraction followed by dental caries 145 (35%). Conclusions: The prevalence of mandibular third molar impaction was lower than other similar studies done in similar settings.

Abstract Background Saliva is the most common biological evidence found at any crime scene next to blood. It is a clear liquid which makes it immune to any possible evidence of alteration by the perpetrator. In forensics, saliva is used as biological evidence and is very helpful in determining various aspects of an individual such as sex, individuality, ABO blood groups, microbial signature, biomarkers, or habits like smoking. Main body Saliva shares a great resemblance with plasma as it encompasses similar organic or inorganic compound contents. In forensic casework, identifying any evidence is the primary goal to establish the groundwork for further investigation. Saliva may be found in the form of a pool or stained form, but its identification is challenging because of its transparency. It has been widely used as an informative tool in forensic situations like poisoning, hanging, or cases of drug abuse, etc. for more than two decades now. Over the years, many proposed ways or methods have been identified and described, which helped in the detection and identification of saliva as evidence. Conclusion This review article represents the significance of saliva as important forensic evidence, along with the different forms it may be encountered at the crime scene. The use of diverse collection and detection methods, over the past few decades, has been discussed. An attempt has been made to collect the available data, highlighting the merit and demerits of different identification techniques. The relevant data has been collected from all the published and reported literature (1987–2021).

Background and Objectives: Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is home to various local communities, including the Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari. In addition, individuals from neighboring countries such as Nepal and Tibet reside in Uttarakhand for many years, resulting in a diverse population. However, currently, there is no regional registry for rare blood donors in this state. The aim of this study was to develop a rare donor registry in Uttarakhand which could in future become a part of the national rare blood donor registry. Methods: During the routine donation process, samples were taken from randomly selected O-typed blood donors who are residents of Uttarakhand. Seventeen monoclonal antisera included Rh (anti-D, anti-C, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e), Duffy (anti-Fya and anti-Fyb), Kell (anti-K and anti-k), Kidd (anti-Jka and anti-Jkb), Lewis (anti-Lea and anti-Leb), M, N, S, and s (Ortho Diagnostics Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, India). Furthermore, four polyclonal antisera from our serum repository, Diego (anti-Dia), Indian (anti-Ina), Rh (anti-Cw), and anti-Gp-Mur were used for phenotyping. The study was financially aided by the Uttarakhand State Council of Science and Technology (UCOST), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Government of India. Results: Over a period of 16 months (November 2021–February 2023), out of a total of 17,004 blood donations, O blood type donors accounted for 29.9% (5085/17,004) of the donors screened. Among these, 7.3% (374/5085) of the donors were from the interior and plain areas of Uttarakhand. Our study revealed a high prevalence of k and e antigens, with 96.7% and 92.5%, respectively. The least prevalent antigen was Rh (Cw), observed in only 0.5% of cases. We also identified rare blood antigens such as Diego, Indian, and Gp-Mur and compared our findings with other studies. Furthermore, we identified a donor with an H-deficient phenotype, specifically the Bombay blood group (Oho). Conclusion: We have successfully established a regional registry for rare blood donors in Uttarakhand, which will be valuable for managing complex transfusion scenarios in the future. Further, given Uttarakhand's proximity to China and Nepal, the presence of individuals from these countries aptly connects the fields of anthropology and transfusion medicine.

The traditional approach for analyzing the quality of arecanuts is based on their external appearance. However, using machine learning and deep learning techniques, automated classifications were performed. But the true quality can only be analyzed when the internal structure of the arecanut is examined. Therefore, we use the X-ray imaging technique to determine the internal quality of arecanuts. We prepared a novel dataset of arecanut X-ray images and used a YOLOv5 based deep learning architecture for classification. The present study employs an adaptive genetic algorithm based approach for hyperparameter optimization to enhance the mean average precision (mAP) using a light weight model generated using a ghost network and a feature pyramid network (FPN). We have achieved the highest mAP of 97.84% using our method with a lower model size of 15 MB. Our method has excelled in detecting the arecanut compared to cutting-edge object detection algorithms such as YOLOv3, YOLOv4, Detetron, YOLOv6, YOLOv8, and YOLOX. We also acknowledged the performance enhancement using the adaptive genetic algorithm on the Pascal VOC 2007 image dataset. Despite of significant computational requirements for executing genetic algorithms, we proved that genetic algorithms can boost mAP. Additionally, the methodology developed in this investigation produced multiple models with the best mAP featuring optimized hyperparameters. This methodical strategy is helpful for the design of an automatic, non-destructive, integrated X-ray image based classification system. This system has the potential to revolutionize the quality assessment of arecanuts by offering a more efficient evaluation method.

The advancement in education has emphasized the need to evaluate the quality of the examination questions and the cognitive levels of students. Many educational institutions now acknowledge Bloom’s taxonomy-based students’ cognitive levels evaluating subject-related learning. Therefore, in this paper, a novel optimized Examination Question Classification framework, referred to as QC-DcCapsGAN-AOSA, is proposed by combining the Dual-channel Capsule generative Adversarial Network (DcCapsGAN) with Atomic Orbital Search Algorithm (AOSA) for preprocessing a real-time online dataset of university examination questions, thus identify the key features from the raw data using Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) and finally classifying the examination questions. Atomic Orbital Search Algorithm is used to fine-tune the parameters’ weights of the DcCapsGAN, and then uses these weights to categorize questions as Knowledge Level, Comprehension Level, Application Level, Analysis Level, Synthesis Level, and Evaluation Level. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method (QC-DcCapsGAN-AOSA) when compared to the state-of-the-art methods such as QC-LSTM-CNN and QC-BiGRU-CNN with an accuracy improvement of 23.65% and 29.04%, respectively.

Context: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can occur due to a neoplastic process or hyperplasia. While the disease presentation is predominantly asymptomatic in developed countries, this is not the case yet in India. Differentiation of the type of lesion can only be done based on histomorphology but has its own challenges. Immunohistochemical markers like Ki-67 have been studied to aid in diagnosis but data on this is sparse from India. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical, biochemical and pathological profile of PHPT and to analyse the differences in immunohistochemical marker Ki-67 among the various lesions. Setting and Design: A descriptive study was carried out on 38 PHPT patients who were treated at our institute from January 2011 to March 2021. Materials and Methods: Post-surgery, the causative lesions were categorised as adenoma (31), hyperplasia (5) and carcinoma (2). Clinical, biochemical, radiological and histopathological features of all lesions were collected and analysed. Ki-67 proliferation index was calculated. The various parameters were compared across the three groups of lesions and correlated with Ki-67 index. Results: Out of 38 patients, 37 were symptomatic with skeletal symptoms being the most common followed by renal symptoms. There was no difference in clinical or biochemical parameters among the three types of lesions. Significant negative correlation was seen between serum iPTH and serum 25-OH Vitamin D levels (P0.006) The median Ki-67 index was found to be 0.40% in hyperplasia, 0.49% in adenoma and 5.84% in carcinoma. Conclusion: PHPT still presents as an overtly symptomatic disease in India. Diagnosis of the nature of lesion depends on the accurate application of morphological criteria. A high Ki-67 index was not found to be an absolute marker of carcinoma, as it was also seen in a small proportion of atypical adenomas.

Abstract The primary goal of the current study is to improve the specific capacitance of electric double-layer (EDLC) device using biomass (Tribulus Terrestris) derived activated carbon electrodes synthesized by chemical activation method. Furthermore, high surface area carbon electrodes are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), RAMAN spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to confirm the morphological structure. Finally, the electrochemical performance of fabricated EDLC proves a good agreement data using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Low Impedance Spectroscopy (LIS), and Galvanostatic Charge–Discharge (GCD) analysis showing the high specific capacitance of 115 Fg−1 for the optimized 1:2 activated carbon material.

The biochemistry underlying seed coat darkening of lentil due to extended storage is limited. This study investigated the relationship between seed coat darkening over time during storage and changes in concentration of phenolic compounds (total phenolic compounds, total condensed tannins, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins) in two red lentil cultivars (PBA Hallmark and PBA Jumbo2), stored at two grain moisture contents (10 and 14%, w/w) and two temperatures (4 and 35 °C) for 360 days. Seed coat darkening was only significant (p = 0.05) at high temperatures (35 °C) but not at low temperatures (4 °C), irrespective of grain moisture content and cultivar. The concentration of all phenolic compounds tested in this study reduced significantly (p = 0.05) throughout the study period, regardless of temperature and grain moisture treatments. The changes in seed coat brightness and redness followed a linear pattern, except for yellowness, where phenolic compounds initially reduced linearly and then remained constant thereafter. Darkening of seedcoat was only associated with the reduction in phenolic compounds tested in this study at 35 °C, and not at 4 °C. This suggests that seed coat darkening due to extended storage may not be directly linked to broad reductions in the groups of phenolic compounds or individual compounds assessed in this study. This information prompts further research to identify the actual biochemical processes that cause the darkening of seed coats during storage and assist in developing cultivars with stable seed coat colour by selecting and modifying such processes.

This study presents an explanatory biophysical model developed and validated to simulate seed coat colour traits including CIE L*, a*, and b* changes over time for stored lentil cultivars PBA Hallmark, PBA Hurricane, PBA Bolt, and PBA Jumbo2 under diverse storage conditions. The model showed robust performance for all cultivars, with R2 values ≥ 0.89 and RMSE values ≤ 0.0019 for all seed coat colour traits. Laboratory validation at 35 °C demonstrated a high agreement (Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient, CCC ≥ 0.82) between simulated and observed values of all colour traits for PBA Jumbo2 and strong agreement (CCC ≥ 0.81) for PBA Hallmark in brightness (CIE L*) and redness (CIE a*), but not in yellowness (CIE b*). At 15 °C, both cultivars exhibited moderate to weak agreement between simulated and observed values of all colour traits (CCC ≤ 0.47), as very little change was recorded in the observed values over the 360 days of storage. Bulk storage system validation for PBA Hallmark showed moderate performance (CCC ≥ 0.46) between simulated and observed values of all colour traits. Modelling to simulate changes in seed coat colour traits of lentils over time will equip growers and traders to make informed managerial decisions when storing lentils for long periods.

Nepal recognizes climate change as a significant threat to its economy, communities, and environment. Climate variability is one of the major causes of food insecurity, poverty, and inequality in the country. Marginalized and vulnerable communities, particularly women, suffer the most severe consequences of climate change. In this paper, we qualitatively analyze primary and secondary data to understand how gender considerations are integrated into agriculture and climate change policies. It aims to identify gaps in integrating gender considerations into policies and practices. Climate change’s challenges on agriculture and food security have been identified in most agricultural policies; however, those policies remain quiet on the gender-specific impacts of climate change. Representation mandates are not sufficiently linked with officials’ overall performance, resulting in limited representation of women in budget formulation, project and program design, planning, and resource and opportunity allocation. As a way forward, our analysis suggests addressing the gaps at the policy and institutional levels. For instance, to effectively address climate change, policies should be developed with a gender-inclusive approach, along with budgetary allocations that consider the gender-specific impact of climate change. Promoting gender equality in climate-resilient agriculture in Nepal requires measures such as empowering women’s networks, establishing linkages with extension services that focus on women-led cooperatives, and investing in affordable and climate-smart tools and machinery that are women-friendly. The study offers important insights for policymakers to create gender-inclusive policies. It highlights the opportunity to coordinate inter-agency responses among stakeholders and sustain ongoing national policy dialogues to identify actions required to meet the nationally determined contributions’ commitments.

Splenic abscess is a rare complication of thalassemia major. It has a high mortality due to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Medical treatment alone is insufficient and splenectomy is considered to be a gold standard for splenic abscesses. In this paper, we report a 22-year-old thalassaemic male with splenic abscess. He presented with moderate pain in left hypochondrium and tender splenomegaly. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography and computerized tomography scan and histopathology.

Introduction: Sepsis is a life-threatening dysfunction and is one of the common causes of admission in intensive care units. Early diagnosis and management improves the outcome of patients. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of sepsis among patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Data of patients admitted from 1 February 2022 to 31 January 2023 was collected between 6 April 2023 to 27 April 2023. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 1001 patients, the prevalence of sepsis was 278 (27.77%) (25-30.54, 95% Confidence Interval). Among them, 209 (75.17%) developed septic shock. The mean age was 56.6±19.34 years. Pneumonia 43 (15.46%) and genitourinary infection 43 (15.46%) were the most common sources of infection and the source was unknown in 124 (44.60%) of patients. Hypertension 75 (26.97%) was the most common comorbidity. Acute kidney injury 166 (59.71%) was the most common complication followed by thrombocytopenia 165 (59.35%) and transaminitis 79 (28.41%). Conclusions: The prevalence of sepsis among patients admitted to the intensive care unit was higher than other studies done in similar settings.

Boxwood is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs in the United States, the production of which is currently challenged by boxwood blight, an emerging threat that has spread across 30 states. A thorough understanding of boxwood production, plant health, management practices and economic impact could aid in answering the needs of the nursery industry in managing this disease. An online modified Delphi survey was conducted to identify grower perceptions on processes, programs, and practices to limit or prevent the entry and spread of boxwood blight disease. The expert panel consisted of 29 nursery producers who represented a significant portion of boxwood production nationally. The panel members rated boxwood blight as the third most problematic disease with a potential to be number one in the future. Boxwood transplants were perceived as the main source of boxwood blight outbreak, followed by cutting tools, nursery equipment, containers, plant debris, irrigation water, worker hygiene, and other crops. According to the panel responses, cultural control methods, inspection, and quarantine of incoming plant material, scouting, and sanitization were the most important practices that can limit or prevent plant diseases during boxwood production. The panel members did not agree that the composted manure could influence the spread of plant disease in boxwood production, although this has been verified by the findings of various previous research experiments. Panel members were very familiar with scouting and employee training, best management practices, and the boxwood blight cleanliness program. This study documents the key components, practices, and procedures in boxwood production that could influence the spread of boxwood blight in nurseries and could be further verified by sampling and laboratory assays to specify the critical control points in the production process.

Introduction: Dental caries is an alarming public health problem globally causing significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment help in the prevention of complications. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of dental caries among patients visiting the dental Outpatient Department in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting the dental Outpatient Department in a tertiary care centre. Data collection was done from 15 November 2022 to 15 February 2023 after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 236/078/079). All patients visiting the dental Outpatient Department above 18 years of age who provided written informed consent were included in this study. Convenience sampling was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 270 patients, the prevalence of dental caries was 214 (79.26%) (74.42-84.10, 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries among patients was higher than other studies done in similar settings.

Purpose – In today's global business environment, international assignments have become integral part of employee's job profile. Adaptation to a different cultural environment plays a role in affecting employee's performance. In such a situation, cultural intelligence plays an important role. In order to sustain in a diverse work setting, a global organization entails managers who are sensitive to different cultural requirements. Factors affecting cultural intelligence have been a major area of study. However, studies relating short-term foreign trips and their role on four aspect of cultural intelligence are lacking. Therefore, present study was undertaken to know role of foreign visits in affecting cultural intelligence among professionals of diverse background. Design/methodology/approach – The present study is a primary study conducted for a sample of 120 respondents divided into two groups. One group comprised professionals having experience of foreign visits while other group comprised professionals who had not visited a foreign country. We use Levene’s Test for equality of variances was applied to assess the difference of variation of cultural intelligence between two different groups of respondents. Findings – The results revealed that short-term trips play a significant role in affecting metacognitive, cognitive and motivational components of cultural intelligence. However, behavior cultural intelligence is not affected by short-term trips significantly. Research limitations/implications – Outcome of present research forms basis for future studies that can be conducted linking long-term trips and culture intelligence. This study is practically useful for improving cultural intelligence of professionals to enhance their success and effectiveness in international assignments. Originality/value – The study adds novelty to the field of cultural intelligence as prior studies were lacking in relating role of short-term trips on four different components of cultural intelligence.

Abstract Background Timely tracking of health outcomes is difficult in low- and middle-income countries without comprehensive vital registration systems. Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly collecting vital events data while delivering routine care in low-resource settings. It is necessary, however, to assess whether routine programmatic data collected by CHWs are sufficiently reliable for timely monitoring and evaluation of health interventions. To study this, we assessed the consistency of vital events data recorded by CHWs using two methodologies—routine data collected while delivering an integrated maternal and child health intervention, and data from a birth history census approach at the same site in rural Nepal. Methods We linked individual records from routine programmatic data from June 2017 to May 2018 with those from census data, both collected by CHWs at the same site using a mobile platform. We categorized each vital event over a one-year period as ‘recorded by both methods,’ ‘census alone,’ or ‘programmatic alone.’ We further assessed whether vital events data recorded by both methods were classified consistently. Results From June 2017 to May 2018, we identified a total of 713 unique births collectively from the census (birth history) and programmatic maternal ‘post-delivery’ data. Three-fourths of these births (n = 526) were identified by both. There was high consistency in birth location classification among the 526 births identified by both methods. Upon including additional programmatic ‘child registry’ data, we identified 746 total births, of which 572 births were identified by both census and programmatic methods. Programmatic data (maternal ‘post-delivery’ and ‘child registry’ combined) captured more births than census data (723 vs. 595). Both methods consistently classified most infants as ‘living,’ while infant deaths and stillbirths were largely classified inconsistently or recorded by only one method. Programmatic data identified five infant deaths and five stillbirths not recorded in census data. Conclusions Our findings suggest that data collected by CHWs from routinely tracking pregnancies, births, and deaths are promising for timely program monitoring and evaluation. Despite some limitations, programmatic data may be more sensitive in detecting vital events than cross-sectional census surveys asking women to recall these events.

During the whole lifespan from seedling to the mature stage, the plant produces a range of complex compounds usually known as Secondary Metabolites (SMs) for their cellular and physiological process. The quality and quantity of SMs in plants are influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions and abiotic/biotic stress. These metabolites play a crucial role in helping the plant to adapt and survive in harsh environments. Moreover, SMs are the exclusive source of various bioactive compounds and are applied in a variety of commercially valuable products, including those in pharmacy, cosmetics, agriculture, and food/feed production and also offer huge opportunities for the development of new drugs against several diseases. As SMs have a broad range of applications, it is becoming increasingly important to explore and develop new strategies to increase their production in plants. The biosynthesis of these compounds occurs by various metabolic pathways. The regulation and plant content of SMs is significantly influenced by several elicitors. Enhanced production of SMs, a process known as elicitation, is an important area of research that has the potential to benefit the pharmaceutical and therapeutic industries. Elicitation can be achieved through a variety of abiotic and biotic elicitors. Furthermore, nowadays, Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing the production of SMs in plants. Nanomaterials/Nanoparticles have great potential as abiotic elicitors for the synthesis of plant SMs. By using these methods to increase the yield of SMs in plants, researchers may be able to develop a new and more effective range of bioactive compounds. This review focused on plant SMs, abiotic elicitors (light, temperature, drought, salinity, ozone), biotic elicitors (bacteria, fungi, phytohormones, polysaccharides, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria), and also highlights nanoparticles as potential elicitors for enhancing the production of various SMs, as well as challenges and opportunities associated with the use of exogenous elicitors as a tool to enhance the production of SMs.

The Urban Development Plans (UDPs) prepared in Bhutan usually lack priority investment plans and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) of the proposed investments. While analyzing economic returns and conducting CBA form an integral part of other projects in Bhutan, especially donor funded projects, such analyses have never been never been prioritized in the preparation of the UDPs . Only those UDPs that are outsourced to experts have to be accompanied by phase wise investment plans and the CBA of the proposed interventions.This is simply because of the lack of an Urban Economist and Investment Planner in the human settlement planning sector. Subsequently, there was no awareness or any priority given to such requirements either during the planning phase or after implementation. The Spatial Planning Standards (SPS) 2017 is the only guiding document that specifies the minimum requirements for public facilities and amenities depending on the population. All plans prepared from 2017 onwards have been based on the SPS while plans prepared prior to 2017 were based on other national and international standards.The proposed investment pattern varies depending on how the UDPs are formulated. Sometimes, despite the area and the population density of an area, it has been observed that investment in smaller areas is higher than in some of the bigger towns. Therefore, this study aims to highlight such inconsistencies through the case studies of six UDPs by considering several analyses. Finally, the study provides recommendations on how to achieve uniformity while carrying out population projections, and demand calculation for public facilities and amenities to come up with a consistent, fairly accurate, and an implementable investment plan.

A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) comprises a family of scaffold proteins, which decides the subcellular localisation of a combination of signalling molecules. Spoonbill (Spoon) is a putative A-kinase anchoring protein in Drosophila. We have earlier reported that Spoon suppresses ribonuclear foci formed by trinucleotide repeat expanded transcripts associated with Spinocerebellar Ataxia 8 neurodegeneration in Drosophila. However, the role of Spoonbill in cellular signalling was unexplored. In this report, we have unravelled a novel function of Spoon protein in the regulation of the apoptotic pathway. The Drosophila TNFα homolog, Eiger, induces apoptosis via activation of the JNK pathway. We have shown here that Spoonbill is a positive regulator of the Eiger-induced JNK signalling. Further genetic interaction studies show that the spoon interacts with components of the JNK pathway, TGF-β activated kinase 1 (Tak1 - JNKKK), hemipterous (hep - JNKK) and basket (bsk - JNK). Interestingly, Spoonbill alone can also induce ectopic activation of the JNK pathway in a context-specific manner. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying Spoonbill-mediated modulation of the JNK pathway, the interaction between Spoon and Drosophila JNK was assessed. basket encodes the only known JNK in Drosophila. This serine/threonine-protein kinase phosphorylates Jra/Kay, which transcriptionally regulate downstream targets like Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (Mmp1), puckered (puc), and proapoptotic genes hid, reaper and grim. Interestingly, we found that Spoonbill colocalises and co-immunoprecipitates with the Basket protein in the developing photoreceptor neurons. Hence, we propose that Spoon plays a vital role in JNK-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, stress-induced JNK activation underlying Parkinson's Disease was also examined. In the Parkinson’s Drosophila model of neurodegeneration, depletion of Spoonbill leads to a partial reduction of JNK pathway activation, along with improvement in adult motor activity. These observations suggest that the putative scaffold protein Spoonbill is a functional and physical interacting partner of the Drosophila JNK protein, Basket. Spoon protein is localised on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), which may perhaps provide a suitable subcellular niche for activation of Drosophila Basket protein by its kinases which induce apoptosis.

Abstract The glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) has high potential in substituting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in electrochemical water splitting, enabling the synthesis of value‐added organic products. The Cu‐rich Cu−Co hydroxycarbonates show high activity in GOR and promote formate production but undergo severe Cu leaching in the presence of deprotonated glycerol. In this work, the electrooxidation of solketal (SOR), acetal‐protected glycerol, is explored over a series of Cu−Co hydroxycarbonates, to promote the formation of glycerol‐derived C3 products, such as glyceric acid, with faradaic efficiencies of around 70 %, and to limit the Cu leaching from the catalyst. The competition between OER and SOR was evaluated using rotating disk electrodes and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. Insights into the solketal de‐acetalization as a function of potential are obtained using in situ spectroscopic methods. The solketal/OH− ratio influences the reaction selectivity, with oxalate production increasing when 7 m KOH is used instead of 1 m KOH.

Abstract Herbivorous insects often possess the ability to detoxify chemical defenses from their host plants. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), which feeds principally on maize, detoxifies the maize benzoxazinoid 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) by stereoselective re-glucosylation using a UDP-glucosyltransferase, SfUGT33F28. SfUGT33F28 activity is induced by feeding on a DIMBOA-containing diet, but how this induction is regulated is unknown. In the present work, we describe the alternative splicing of the SfUGT33F28 transcript. Variant transcripts are differentially expressed in response to DIMBOA, and this transcriptional response is mediated by an insect aryl hydrocarbon receptor. These variants have large deletions leading to the production of truncated proteins that have no intrinsic UGT activity with DIMBOA but interact with the full-length enzyme to raise or lower its activity. Therefore, the formation of SfUGT33F28 splice variants induces DIMBOA-conjugating UGT activity when DIMBOA is present in the insect diet and represses activity in the absence of this plant defense compound.

Forest fire is one of the leading causes of forest and wildlife loss. The objective of this study was to use satellite imagery and Geographic Information System techniques to assess the forest fire risk zonation map of the Aalital rural municipality. This rural municipality is a part of the Sudurpaschim province, Nepal; is prone to forest fires. Four fire risk zones were established in the study area i.e. very high, high, medium, and low-risk zone. Thematic layers were derived from topographic maps and satellite imageries. For the delineation of fire risk zones, a multi-parametric weighted index model i.e. the FRI (Fire Risk Index) method was adopted. The fire incidence data provided by MODIS were used to validate the resulting forest fire risk zone map. About 25.17% of the total study area lies under the very high-risk zone followed by 46.51% under high risk, 25.68% under medium risk, and 2.62% under the low-risk zone. It can be inferred that the majority of the area is at high risk of forest fire. This map of fire risk zone can help in disaster and forest management as valuable data to prepare effective measures for appropriate fire risk management in the area.

The current research work explores the production of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. (Angiosperms; Fabaceae) shoots for the bioreduction of Ag metal and its antimicrobial activity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to evaluate the produced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Both antibacterial and antifungal activity were examined against bacterial and fungal pathogens, viz., Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, and fungal strains, viz., Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger. The presence of silver nanoparticles was observed by the color change, i.e., from pale yellow to dark brown. The zeta potential observed for the produced nanoparticle is -18mv. The SEM and XRD revealed the size of synthesized AgNPs, i.e., 35nm and SEM size lies in the range of 40-60 nm. UV-visible absorption spectra were found at wavelength 425 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles are cost-efficient and could be an alternative procedure for the peculiar production of nanoparticles and also act as potential antimicrobial agents.

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

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

Tor mahanadicus was originally described as Tor mosal mahanadicus with inadequate information on its morphological traits and no designated type specimen. Currently, T. mahanadicus is synonymized with Tor putitora, solely based on partial molecular data despite significant morphological differences. In this study, we performed an integrated morphological and molecular analysis to redescribe T. mahanadicus from the Mahanadi River. Tor mahanadicus is distinguished from all known Indian Tor species by the presence of 2 complete rows of scales between pelvic fin origin and lateral line, small eye (15.3-16.9% in head length), and a wide mouth gap (21.7-23.8% in head length). Moreover, it undoubtedly distinguished from the closely related species Tor putitora by having a wider body depth (26.8-28.2% in standard length vs. 14.5-19.9%), short snout length (23.3-26.4% in head length vs. 28.0-29.3%) and wide inter orbit space (30.5-37.3% in head length vs. 27.6-28.5%). Additionally, the molecular phylogenetic tree generated from a combination of three genes demonstrates a monophyletic clade separate from the Tor putitora clade. Based on the distinct morphological traits and mitochondrial gene sequences, we established Tor mahanadicus as separate species under the genus Tor.