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Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has experienced remarkable advancements in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for image acquisition and reconstruction. The availability of raw k-space data is crucial for training AI models in such tasks, but public MRI datasets are mostly restricted to DICOM images only. To address this limitation, the fastMRI initiative released brain and knee k-space datasets, which have since seen vigorous use. In May 2023, fastMRI was expanded to include biparametric (T2- and diffusion-weighted) prostate MRI data from a clinical population. Biparametric MRI plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. Advances in imaging methods, such as reconstructing under-sampled data from accelerated acquisitions, can improve cost-effectiveness and accessibility of prostate MRI. Raw k-space data, reconstructed images and slice, volume and exam level annotations for likelihood of prostate cancer are provided in this dataset for 47468 slices corresponding to 1560 volumes from 312 patients. This dataset facilitates AI and algorithm development for prostate image reconstruction, with the ultimate goal of enhancing prostate cancer diagnosis.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide accounting for 85% of global deaths from stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the role of homocysteine (HCY) in modulating various stroke parameters and its with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Methods: 78 patients of radiology-confirmed acute ischemic stroke were recruited for this study and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was evaluated upon admission. Blood samples were tested for serum HCY, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile. Ultrasonography of neck ascertained IMT of Common (CCA) and Internal carotid artery (ICA). Results: Average age of male and female subjects was 57.88 ± 13.97 & 59.16 ± 13.62 years respectively. 71.93% of stroke patients were hyperhomocysteinemic (HHcyc) and 24.36% were hyperlipidemic. Patients with NIHSS ≥ 5 had higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) than those with NIHSS < 5. HCY cutoff of ≥ 15 μmol/L had 91.7% sensitivity & 66.7% specificity for predicting. HHcyc state was associated with increased ICA IMT. HHcyc state was best predicted by ICA IMT with which it is positively correlated (P-Value = 0.012). Conclusion: HHcyc state holds a good predictive value for severity of stroke. We also came to a conclusion that ICA IMT measurement may also reduce the need for a homocysteine test as it predicts higher HCY levels; this will reduce the burden on resources. We suggest that evaluating HCY and ICA IMT should be made part of the standard protocol for management of stroke.

Abstract Post-translational covalent conjugation of ubiquitin onto proteins or ubiquitination is important in nearly all cellular processes. Steady-state ubiquitination of individual proteins in vivo is maintained by two countering enzymatic activities: conjugation of ubiquitin by E1, E2 and E3 enzymes and removal by deubiquitinases. Here, we deleted one or more genes encoding deubiquitinases in yeast and evaluated the requirements for ubiquitin conjugation onto a target protein. Our proof-of-principle studies demonstrate that absence of relevant deubiquitinase(s) provides a facile and versatile method that can be used to study the nuances of ubiquitin conjugation and deubiquitination of target proteins in vivo. We verified our method using mutants lacking the deubiquitinases Ubp8 and/or Ubp10 that remove ubiquitin from histone H2B or PCNA. Our studies reveal that the C-terminal coiled-domain of the adapter protein Lge1 and the C-terminal acidic tail of Rad6 E2 contribute to monoubiquitination of histone H2BK123, whereas the distal acidic residues of helix-4 of Rad6, but not the acidic tail, is required for monoubiquitination of PCNA. Further, charged substitution at alanine-120 in the H2B C-terminal helix adversely affected histone H2BK123 monoubiquitination by inhibiting Rad6-Bre1-mediated ubiquitin conjugation and by promoting Ubp8/Ubp10-mediated deubiquitination. In summary, absence of yeast deubiquitinases UBP8 and/or UBP10 allows uncovering the regulation of and requirements for ubiquitin addition and removal from their physiological substrates such as histone H2B or PCNA in vivo.

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an industrially important oil producing crop belongs to Euphorbiaceae family. Castor oil has unique chemical properties make it industrially important crop. It is a member of monotypic genus even though it has ample amount of variability. Using this variability, conventionally many varieties and hybrids have been developed. But, like other crops, the modern and unconventional methods of crop improvement has not fully explored in castor. This article discusses the use of polyploidy induction, distant/wide hybridization and mutation breeding as tools for generating variety. Modern approaches accelerate the speed of crop breeding as an alternative tool. To achieve this goal, molecular markers are employed in breeding to capture the genetic variability through molecular analysis and population structuring. Allele mining is used to trace the evolution of alleles, identify new haplotypes and produce allele specific markers for use in marker aided selection using Genome wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. Plant genetic transformation is a rapid and effective mode of castor improvement is also discussed here. The efforts towards developing stable regeneration protocol provide a wide range of utility like embryo rescue in distant crosses, development of somaclonal variation, haploid development using anther culture and callus development for stable genetic transformation has reviewed in this article. Omics has provided intuitions to the molecular mechanisms of (a)biotic stress management in castor along with dissected out the possible genes for improving the yield. Relating genes to traits offers additional scientific inevitability leading to enhancement and sympathetic mechanisms of yield improvement and several stress tolerance.

Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly nanosized spinel ferrites, have emerged as promising materials in science, engineering, and medicine due to their unique and intriguing properties achieved through various synthesis methods. These nanoparticles play crucial roles in research, commercial products, and biomedical applications. The increasing interest in green synthesis methods for magnetic nanoparticles and their nanocomposites is driven by their significance in diverse fields, including medicine, engineering, and environmental remediation. Recently, there has been a burgeoning focus on green-synthesized ferrite nanoparticles, (MFe2O4, where M = Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Mg) and their nanocomposites, which find diverse applications in various chemical, biological, and environmental reactions. This review highlights the latest research conducted over the last four years on green synthesis methods for producing nanosized ferrites, ferrites containing additional elements, and their nanocomposites, particularly focusing on plant and microorganism-mediated synthesis techniques. The surface properties of green-synthesized ferrite nanomaterials and their applications in energy, sensors, water treatment, antimicrobial activity, heavy metal removal, and biomedical applications are discussed. This review facilitates a comprehensive understanding of green-synthesized ferrites, incorporating the latest research findings and advancements. A thorough knowledge of green synthesis, properties, and applications is highlighted for maximizing the potential of nanoferrites in diverse fields.

Industrial high-speed rotating machines entail constant and consistent monitoring to prevent downtime, affecting quantity and quality. Complex machines need advanced intelligent fault diagnosis showing minimal errors. This work offers a MATLAB-based fault diagnosis for sugar industry machines. The preliminary survey for sugar factories is conducted to gain critical vibration problems in sugar industries. The vibration behaviour of physical industrial machines is obtained, and the signals are provided to a MATLAB program to identify the fault. The information helps to suggest remedies to include in the maintenance schedule. The ease and comprehensible nature of the method reduce time and enhance the reliability of condition monitoring for industrial machines.

Optimally designed water distribution networks (WDNs) make engineers’ tasks difficult due to various challenges like non-linearity between head-loss and flow, commercially available distinct diameters, combinatorial, nondeterministic polynomial-time hard problems and a large number of decision variables. This paper develops a new hybrid NSGA-II algorithm augmented with a random multi-point crossover operator and a local search denoted by RLNSGA-II to design the multiobjective WDN. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm (RLNSGA-II) is tested on three benchmark problems, namely New York, Hanoi and Balerma networks. The results obtained are compared with the best-known algorithms available in the literature. The results have shown that the proposed algorithm RLNSGA-II has found better converged and distributed solutions for all three representative benchmark problems considered in the literature consistently and evidently when compared with the best-known approximation of solutions published. Furthermore, as the complexity of the WDN increases, its advantages over other algorithms become more significant. HIGHLIGHTS This paper develops a new hybrid NSGA-II algorithm augmented with a random multi-point crossover operator and a local search denoted by RLNSGA-II to design the multiobjective water distribution network.; The efficiency of the proposed algorithm (RLNSGA-II) is tested on three benchmark problems, namely New York, Hanoi and Balerma networks.; The results have shown that the proposed algorithm RLNSGA-II is efficient and robust.;

Abstract The CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has proven to be a powerful technology for genome editing in a wide variety of in vivo and in vitro applications. CRISPR–Cas9, when loaded with the guide RNA, cleaves the DNA at the target position as recognized by the guide RNA sequence. For successful application of this technology, it is important to study the biophysical parameters affecting its function. Temperature dependence of the Cas9 binding as well as energetics of product release after cleavage has not been well reported in the literature. In this work, we study the binding properties of Cas9 enzyme to the sequence specific target DNA at a range of temperatures and, surprisingly, find that the Cas9 enzyme, in our study, can find and bind its target DNA with 90 ± 20% efficiency at temperatures as low as 4 °C. Further, we show that the cleaved DNA products remain bound to the Cas9 enzyme strongly and is released from the enzyme only at higher temperatures. Using the gel shift assays, we quantify the rate of Cas9 binding to target DNA to be 0.8 ± 0.2 min−1 at 37 °C. We also tested denaturant (SDS) dependent release of cleaved product which showed a similar release pattern with a dissociation constant of 0.23 ± 0.04 mM. Our results of heat and denaturant dependence on Cas9–DNA binding and release mechanics will provide valuable insights for developing temperature dependent applications of the CRISPR–Cas9 technology.

Abstract Background The invasive barnacle scale, Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock (Hemiptera: Coccidae), is a pest native to South America and the Caribbean islands that has recently emerged as a serious threat to agricultural, horticultural, ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plants. Finding indigenous natural enemies to control the invasive pests is the first step for developing a biological control program. Results The present study reports Eublemma scitula (Rambur) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) for the first time as a predator of C. cirripediformis in India. The identity of E. scitula was confirmed morphologically based on male genitalia and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mt COI) gene sequences. E. scitula larvae were found as dominant predators of C. cirripediformis. The predatory activity of E. scitula was observed from June to September, with its peak population recorded during mid-July (2.1 larvae per 25 cm of infested shoot). Conclusion This is the first global record of E. scitula predating on an invasive barnacle scale insects from India. Furthermore, studies on the feeding potential of E. scitula under controlled and field conditions need to be evaluated for utilizing them as a biocontrol agent against C. cirripediformis.

Abstract Background Complex facial pain is a debilitating condition with varying etiologies that overall responds poorly to both medical and traditional surgical management. Cortical stimulation is a unique therapeutic intervention which can be effective for some types of complex facial pain syndromes (CFPS). However, the novel use of preoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) coupled with intraoperative stimulation mapping and phase reversal to improve the accuracy for placement of spinal paddle electrodes in motor cortex stimulation, to our knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. Case presentation Here, we present a unique case of a 56-year-old male who developed left-sided complex facial pain syndrome after a stroke refractory to medical management and peripheral nerve stimulation. He previously underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) with limited control of his left-sided facial pain. In order to treat this, the patient underwent motor cortex stimulation. The motor strip of the face and tongue was identified preoperatively with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Intraoperatively, phase reversal was used to identify corticospinal tracts and stimulus mapping confirmed the location before the epidural placement of two spinal paddle electrodes. Postoperatively, the patient reported significant reduction in pain levels, burning dysesthesias, and intensity and frequency of symptoms. This trend continued, and the patient experienced equivalent levels of relief at 6 months. Conclusions This is a rare case report of successful motor cortex stimulation with the novel preoperative use of fMRI and DTI, coupled with intraoperative functional mapping, to successfully guide the placement of spinal paddle electrodes for the treatment of CFPS.

Background: Children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) often develop shock and require vasoactive agents. The vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) is a potential scoring system to assess the amount of vasoactive agent support required. The study was conducted to correlate VIS at 6 and 12 h with the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and with COVID immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers in cases of MIS-C with shock. Subjects and Methods: Demographic and clinical details were collected from patients with the diagnosis of MIS-C with shock requiring vasoactive agents. VIS was calculated at 6 and 12 h following initiation of the first inotropic/vasoactive agent. Results: Twenty-nine children admitted with the diagnosis of MIS-C who presented with shock or developed shock during hospital stay were the study population. On performing Spearman's correlation, a positive correlation was observed between COVID IgG titers and VIS at 6 h. There was no significant association between VIS and length of ICU stay. Conclusions: VIS had limited significance in predicting the length of ICU stay and the need for vasoactive agents required.

Article Highlights Garcinia gummi-gutta non-food grain low-cost feedstock grown in forest land is used for biodiesel production. Fuel properties of biodiesel were found to improve. Exhaust emissions were found to be less than diesel. This will lead to minimize pollution.

The class I histone deacetylases are essential regulators of cell fate decisions in health and disease. While pan- and class-specific HDAC inhibitors are available, these drugs do not allow a comprehensive understanding of individual HDAC function, or the therapeutic potential of isoform-specific targeting. To systematically compare the impact of individual catalytic functions of HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3, we generated human HAP1 cell lines expressing catalytically inactive HDAC enzymes. Using this genetic toolbox we compare the effect of individual HDAC inhibition with the effects of class I specific inhibitors on cell viability, protein acetylation and gene expression. Individual inactivation of HDAC1 or HDAC2 has only mild effects on cell viability, while HDAC3 inactivation or loss results in DNA damage and apoptosis. Inactivation of HDAC1/HDAC2 led to increased acetylation of components of the COREST co-repressor complex, reduced deacetylase activity associated with this complex and derepression of neuronal genes. HDAC3 controls the acetylation of nuclear hormone receptor associated proteins and the expression of nuclear hormone receptor regulated genes. Acetylation of specific histone acetyltransferases and HDACs is sensitive to inactivation of HDAC1/HDAC2. Over a wide range of assays, we determined that in particular HDAC1 or HDAC2 catalytic inactivation mimics class I specific HDAC inhibitors. Importantly, we further demonstrate that catalytic inactivation of HDAC1 or HDAC2 sensitizes cells to specific cancer drugs. In summary, our systematic study revealed isoform-specific roles of HDAC1/2/3 catalytic functions. We suggest that targeted genetic inactivation of particular isoforms effectively mimics pharmacological HDAC inhibition allowing the identification of relevant HDACs as targets for therapeutic intervention.

This smart wheelchair model can be used by quadriplegic people to move comfortably. Sufferers with paraplegic or leg impairment face issue in achieving locations. A few people try and use a walker in many instances, the patient may also loose balance and fall and injure themselves. To avoid this state of affairs, our model can be used. This version is powered through a raspberry pi; it is geared up with LCD and RF module and atmega controller, Servo motor, a DC motor and a wheelchair. The user just need to touch the displayed options for movement. The transmitter and receiver circuit communicate using RF communication. This version additionally has an emergency characteristic; the person ought to press the alert button in case of emergency. The patient can then circulate the usage of button instructions. The patient can use the forward and backward buttons to move forward or backward, and can press the stop button to stop at a certain point and to make the chair stand, the patient needs to click on stand up button. so that the person sitting on the wheelchair can stand allowing to pick any items without any help.

Modern life and society are heavily reliant on technology. Technology has the potential to revolutionize educational access by transcending geographical barriers and catering to diverse learning needs, paving the way for equitable and inclusive education for all. Various studies have confirmed that use of technology tools in education would democratize access, personalize learning experiences, enhance engagement and promote learning opportunities. Background digital infrastructure is a critical enabler of educational technology tools. This study is such an attempt. It tries to systematically evaluate the digital infrastructure ecosystem, needed to advance technology in education. Specifically, the study tries to assess the status of digital infrastructure for online learning in higher education. We focused this study on India, which has the third largest higher education system in the world. A composite index was developed with the use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to evaluate the IT infrastructure by relying on relevant secondary data. Based on this index score, digital infrastructure status of various States of the country was determined. Results suggested regional disparities in digital infrastructure and areas to focus to strengthen digitally enabled higher education. The study's findings have implications for reducing the digital divide by improving digital infrastructure and designing policy interventions, particularly in developing countries.

Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe have enhanced our understanding of the regulation and functions of histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub1), a key epigenetic marker with important roles in transcription and other processes. The detection of H2Bub1 in yeasts using immunoblotting has been greatly facilitated by the commercial availability of antibodies against yeast histone H2B and the cross-reactivity of an antibody raised against monoubiquitinated human H2BK120. These antibodies have obviated the need to express epitope-tagged histone H2B to detect H2Bub1 in yeasts. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol and best practices for the quantification of H2Bub1 in yeast systems, from cell extract preparation to immunoblotting using the commercially available antibodies. We demonstrate that the commercial antibodies can effectively and accurately detect H2Bub1 in S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. Further, we show that the C-terminal epitope-tagging of histone H2B alters the steady-state levels of H2Bub1 in yeast systems. We report a sectioned blot probing approach combined with the serial dilution of protein lysates and the use of reversibly stained proteins as loading controls that together provide a cost-effective and sensitive method for the quantitative evaluation of H2Bub1 in yeast.

Background: Malignant gliomas have disproportionally high morbidity and mortality. Heterozygous mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene are most common in glioma, resulting in predominantly arginine to histidine substitution at codon 132. Because IDH1R132H requires a wild-type allele to produce (D)-2-hydroxyglutarate for epigenetic reprogramming, loss of IDH1R132H heterozygosity is associated with glioma progression in an IDH1-wildtype-like phenotype. Although previous studies have reported that transgenic IDH1R132H induces the expression of nestin—a neural stem-cell marker, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Furthermore, this finding seems at odds with better outcome of IDH1R132H glioma because of a negative association of nestin with overall survival. Methods: Gene expression was compared between IDH1R132H-hemizygous and IDH1R132H-heterozygous glioma cells under adherent and spheroid growth conditions. The results were validated for (D)-2-hydroxyglutarate responsiveness by pharmacologic agents, associations with DNA methylation by bioinformatic analysis, and associations with overall survival. Bisulfite DNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and pharmacological approach were used. Findings: Neural stem-cell marker genes, including CD44, NES, and PROM1, are generally downregulated in IDH-mutant gliomas and IDH1R132H-heterozygous spheroid growth compared respectively with IDH-wildtype gliomas and IDH1R132H-hemizygous spheroid growth, in agreement with their negative associations with patient outcome. In contrast, CD24 is specifically upregulated and apparently associated with better survival. CD24 and NES expression respond differentially to alteration of (D)-2-hydroxyglutarate levels. CD24 upregulation is associated with histone and DNA demethylation as opposed to hypermethylation in the downregulated genes. Interpretation: The better outcome of IDH-mutant glioma is orchestrated exquisitely through epigenetic reprogramming that directs bidirectional expression of neural stem-cell marker genes.

INTRODUCTION: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used as analgesics and antipyretics in the treatment of pain, fever, and rheumatoid arthritis. Major side effect with treatment of NSAIDs is gastric irritation. 1,3,4-thiadiazole is an imperative scaffold since several of these derivatives are known to be associated with multiple biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-tubercular, and immunosuppressive. Literature survey reveals that certain compounds bearing this nucleus possess significant anti-inflammatory activity with reduced ulcerogenic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present research work, we have synthesized thirteen 2-(2-[2,6-dichlorophenylamino] phenyl) acetohydrazide derivatives (4a–4m) and four 2,6-dichloro-N-(2-[6-phenylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-yl] methyl] phenyl) benzenamine derivatives (6a–6d) derived from diclofenac. All these newly synthesized compounds were screened for in vivo acute anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Structures of these novel compounds were characterized based on their physicochemical and spectral analysis. Perusal of the activity data strongly suggests that compound 4d was most promising with significant anti-inflammatory activity, while moderate to good activity was observed for compounds 4a, 4c, g, 4i, and 4l. Among the imidazo (2,1-b) 1,3,4-thiadiazole series (6a–6d), compound 6b exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory activity, while compounds 6a, 6c and 6d displayed reasonably to good anti-inflammatory activity as compared to standard drug diclofenac. CONCLUSION: Among the series of synthesized compounds, two derivatives (4d and 6b) have displayed the most encouraging results and could be further exploited for developing newer anti-inflammatory agents with better efficacy and safety, which necessitates further investigations.

Prediction of daylight illuminance has become the prime concern for building designers. This paper presents the daylight illuminance frequency distribution, correlation coefficients amongst climate variables and linear regression models developed for moderate climate zone. The emphasis of the present study is to predict daylight illuminance intensities and to investigate its relationship amongst the important climatic variables such as temperature, percentage sky clearance and percentage relative humidity at specific timings of the day, observed during different climatic conditions and seasons. The daylight illuminance data is collected with the help of digital ‘Lux’ meter across the Pune city (India). The daylight illuminance frequency distribution, correlation coefficients and the linear regression models derived for four climate specific months are presented and explained. The minimum illuminance level of 6260 Lux is observed at 8.00 am whereas the maximum is 147300 Lux at 12.00 noon in the month of July and the highest frequency of illuminance intensities falls in the range 140000-145000 Lux. A better association (positive) of illuminance intensities has been observed with percentage sky clearance variable; the correlation coefficients in the month of July are 0.678, 0.656 and 0.453. The percentage error between predicted and measured values of daylight illuminance levels derived from the developed regression models varies from 4.47% to 12.33%.

Angiomyxofibroma of vulva is rare and unique, known for local recurrence. It is a mesenchymal tumour. It is common in women with reproductive age group. Its occurrence in the genital region is a cause for delayed consultation and social stigma. Clinically examination showed it was arising from vulva. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed it to be a benign tumour. Wide local excision was done and confirmation with Histopathological examination done, which revealed Angiomyxofibroma.

Background: Human bites in human beings are important injuries that constitute one of the emergency visits to the General surgery department. Human bite injuries may lead to infection, loss of function, and interpersonal relation. Human bites are usually under reported when they are between intimate partners and are reported due to assault by the biter or accidental injury. Infection and tissue damage make the management of human bites a challenge. Proper documentation and follow up is essential to prevent untoward complications. Aims and Objectives: The study was done to evaluate patients with regards to sex, clinical presentation, site, management and follow up. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study carried out by department of General surgery at our institute for a period of 1 year. Patients were selected after taking history and examination. The patients were treated by conservative or surgical methods. The outcome and follow up was monitored. Result: The majority of the patients were males as victims and biter also as males. Human bites were common on upper limbs. Most of the patients were medico-legal cases treated by medical management but the follow up was very poor. Conclusion: Most of the patients are medico-legal cases with history of assault and human bite. Majority can be treated by medical management. With the availability of better facilities blood investigations, admission and surgical debridement should be done when there is complete breach of skin. Complications are minimal with surgical expertise.

INTRODUCTION: Over a decade, a large number of selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors with diverse chemical characteristics have been designed but only a few have emerged as drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, two-dimensional-quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR) studies were performed on a set of 43 novel derivatives of diaryl furanone using V-Life Molecular Design Suite (MDS 3.5) QSAR plus module using multiple linear regression (MLR) and Partial Least Square (PLS) regression methods against a COX-2 enzyme. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: PLS method has displayed a very significant prediction results. QSAR model was generated by a training set of 33 molecules with correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.7695, cross-validated correlation coefficient (q2) of 0.5359 and F test of 23.3734. The estate contribution, chi, hydrophobic, and alignment-independent descriptors were major contributors. CONCLUSION: 2D-QSAR model result showed the positive contribution of oxygen atoms and negative contribution of rotatable bonds and distance between double bonds toward biological activity.

HIV is capable of invading the brain soon after seroconversion. This ultimately can lead to deficits in multiple cognitive domains commonly referred to as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Clinical diagnosis of such deficits requires detailed neuropsychological assessment but clinical signs may be difficult to detect during asymptomatic injury of the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore neuroimaging biomarkers are of particular interest in HAND. In this study, we constructed brain connectivity profiles of 40subjects (20 HIV positive subjects and 20 age-matched seronegative controls) using two different methods: a non-linear mutual connectivity analysis approach and a conventional method based on Pearson's correlation. These profiles were then summarized using graph-theoretic methods characterizing their topological network properties. Standard clinical and laboratory assessments were performed and a battery of neuropsychological (NP) tests was administered for all participating subjects. Based on NP testing, 14 of the seropositive subjects exhibited mild neurologic impairment. Subsequently, we analyzed associations between the network derived measures and neuropsychological assessment scores as well as common clinical laboratory plasma markers (CD4 cell count, HIV RNA) after adjusting for age and gender. Mutual connectivity analysis derived graph-theoretic measures, Modularity and Small Worldness, were significantly (p

The use of Aluminum Gallium Nitride (AlGaN) as a power switching device material has been a promising topic of research in recent years. Along with Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN), AlGaN is categorized as a Wideband Gap (WBG) material with intrinsic properties best suited for high power switching applications. This paper simulates and compares the thermal and electrical performance of AlGaN and Silicon (Si) MOSFETs, modeled in COMSOL Multiphysics. Comparisons between similar AlGaN/GaN and Si power modules are made in terms of heatsink requirements. The temperatures for the same operating voltage are found to be significantly lower for the AlGaN MOSFETs structures, compared to Si. The heatsink size for the AlGaN/GaN is found to be smaller compared to Si for the power modules.

Hybrids of bromopyrrole alkaloids with aroyl hydrazone feature were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. All the tested hybrids showed good anti-inflammatory activity with 64.78–86.03% inhibition of edema. Most active hybrids 4b and 4f were further investigated for antihistaminic H1 [4b −8.09 μg/mL (18.5 μM); 4f −9.26 μg/mL (24.05 μM)] and anti-serotonergic 5-HT3 [4b −7.01 μg/mL (16.04 μM); 4f −9.64 μg/mL (25.04 μM)] activities. Molecule 4f with anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic and anti-serotonergic activities emerges as a potential anti-inflammatory lead form in this study.

Summary: Current efforts to repair damaged or diseased mammalian retinas are inefficient and largely incapable of fully restoring vision. Conversely, the zebrafish retina is capable of spontaneous regeneration upon damage using Müller glia (MG)-derived progenitors. Understanding how zebrafish MG initiate regeneration may help develop new treatments that prompt mammalian retinas to regenerate. We show that inhibition of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling facilitates initiation of MG proliferation. GABA levels decrease following damage, and MG are positioned to detect decreased ambient levels and undergo dedifferentiation. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, we demonstrate that GABAA receptor inhibition stimulates regeneration in undamaged retinas while activation inhibits regeneration in damaged retinas. : Unlike mammals, zebrafish regenerate following retina damage from a resident adult stem cell (Müller glia). Dissecting the mechanisms that zebrafish use could lead to new therapeutic targets to treat retinal diseases. Patton and colleagues have discovered a mechanism by which decreased GABA levels are sensed by Müller glia to initiate a regenerative response. Keywords: zebrafish, retina, regeneration, Müller glia, GABA

Background: The adjuvant short course 9-week trastuzumab combination therapy for human epidermal receptor 2 positive breast cancer patients may often be considered as a cost-effective and safe option and has important implications for the Indian subcontinent as well as other developing countries. However, such regimens of shorter duration trastuzumab therapy like FinHer, offered in view of economic constraints, may not be able to achieve globally comparable cure rates in early breast cancer especially with high-risk women with more than 3 lymph node positive. Methods and Material: Outcome of 21 patients with HER2 positive breast cancer was treated with short course trastuzumab combination chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting was studied. Results: Out of 21 patients 15 are alive and disease free with a follow up of up to 73 months (median follow up 42 months).

Histone H3K4 methylation affects gene transcription from yeast to humans. Here, the authors show that Set1 and Jhd2, the only H3K4 methyltransferase and H3K4 demethylase, respectively, in budding yeast, co-regulate both positive and negative transcription mediated by nucleosomal turnover and occupancy.

In the present paper an attempt has been made to establish the non-linear input-output relationships to model mechanical properties of structural steel with the help of Response Surface Methodology. Central composite design is utilized to conduct the experiments. Further, surface plots have been developed for response namely Yield strength, Ultimate tensile strength and Elongation. The experiments have been conducted as per central composite design where all process variables are set at three levels. The surface plots showed that alloying elements Manganese, Silicon and Carbon have positive contribution towards both responses Ultimate tensile strength and Yield strength. Moreover, analysis of variance test has been conducted to determine the statistical adequacies of the developed models. The alloying elements Carbon and Manganese showed more contribution as compared to Silicon. It is to be noted that all the three alloying elements are found to have negative contribution towards the response- Elongation. The developed nonlinear regression models for the responses Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation have been tested for their prediction accuracy with the help of test cases. The present work is found to be useful to control the mechanical properties of structural steel by varying the major alloying elements. Moreover, most of the surface plots have shown a linear relation with the responses.

Foreign bodies in the rectum, although not much common present a challenging task to the surgeons for retrieval. Although different types of foreign bodies are reported an adult talcum container in rectum is not yet reported. Depending on the type and position they can cause anorectal trauma and perforative peritonitis. Diagnosis is usually by history, per rectal examination and radiography. Most of the cases are treated by trans anal retrieval.

We determined that the tandem SH2 domain of S. cerevisiae Spt6 binds the linker region of the RNA polymerase II subunit Rpb1 rather than the expected sites in its heptad repeat domain. The 4 nM binding affinity requires phosphorylation at Rpb1 S1493 and either T1471 or Y1473. Crystal structures showed that pT1471 binds the canonical SH2 pY site while pS1493 binds an unanticipated pocket 70 Å distant. Remarkably, the pT1471 phosphate occupies the phosphate-binding site of a canonical pY complex, while Y1473 occupies the position of a canonical pY side chain, with the combination of pT and Y mimicking a pY moiety. Biochemical data and modeling indicate that pY1473 can form an equivalent interaction, and we find that pT1471/pS1493 and pY1473/pS1493 combinations occur in vivo. ChIP-seq and genetic analyses demonstrate the importance of these interactions for recruitment of Spt6 to sites of transcription and for the maintenance of repressive chromatin.

Background: Malnutrition and infectious diseases both occur in the same unfortunate children and together they play a major role in causing the high morbidity and mortality in them.In developing countries, mortality from ARTI is 30?70 times higher than in developed countries and it has been estimated that up to 1/3rd of all deaths in children less than 5 years are attributed to ARTI. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to find the attack rate of Acute Respiratory Tract infection and the socio?demographic variables of pre?school children suffering from Acute Respiratory Tract infections. Method: A Comparative Longitudinal study was carried out among preschool children (3?5 years) who were selected from Private pre?primary school of urban area (155)& Anganwadis (157) of urban slum area of karad town and followed for the period of one year. Mother/guardian/teacher was interviewed by using pre?tested proforma during this period. Results & Interpretation: out of all 97.4% of private pre?primary school children had 1.8 episodes/child/year of ARTI compared to Anganwadi children where all of them had 2.5 episodes/child/year of ARTI. Conclusion: Maximum number of children from private pre?primary schools from urban area also suffered with at least one episode of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection compared to Anganwadi children from urban slum areas.

Corrosion costs heavily, and its prevention is a multi-billion-dollar industry [...]

Background: Urolithiasis, usually affecting people in the prime of life, causes significant morbidity and loss of productivity. Uretericstones account for 2/3rd of all urinary calculi brought to attention of doctors. The damaging effects of the calculi may result in obstruction with dilatation of the urinary tract, leading to stasis and severe infection. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate patients with urinary stones with regards to the incidence, age, sex,clinical presentation, site, size, side, management and their complications. Material and Methods:It was a prospective study carried out by Department of Surgery at Annasaheb Chudaman Patil Memorial Medical College, and Hospital Dhule for a period of two years. Patients were selected after they were diagnosed as having ureteric calculi. The patients were treated by conservative or surgical methods, and the outcome was monitored. Statistical analysis of the data was done for obtaining results.Result: The majority of the patients were males with peak age group in the second and third decade. Pain in abdomen or loin tenderness was the most common presenting symptom. Most of the patients were treated by conservative medical management. Endourological procedures were the most commonly performed surgical intervention. Conclusion: Most of the patients with ureteric calculi present with painin abdomen and majority can be treated by medical management. With the availability of better facilities the requirement for open surgery is decreasing and endourological procedures are becoming the means of surgical intervention.Complications are minimal with surgical expertise for endourological procedures.

Simulated surgical environments are rapidly gaining adoption in training students, residents, and members of specailized surgical teams. However, minimal attention has been given to the use of simulated surgical environments to educate patients on surgical processes, particularly procedures that require the active participation of the patient. Awake neurosurgery provides a unique situation in which patients openly participate in their operation. We describe a case report, in which a 62 y.o. male was referred for awake deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation, in relation to medically-refractory Parkinson's Disease. The patient had significant concerns regarding anxiety and clastrophobia, and toleration of the awake procedure. Consequently, we designed a simulated OR environment and process, to recreate the physical experience of the procedure, with minimal cost or risk. This experience was crucial in determining the care plan, as after this experience, the patient opted for an asleep alternative. Thus, in certain settings, presurgical rehearsals may have a dramatic impact in the overall course of care.

Background: The avian reoviruses have emerged to induce various manifestations in chickens. They are associated with disease conditions including malabsorption syndrome, tenosynovitis etc. Reoviruses are an important cause of suboptimum performance in broilers, resulting in poor growth performance. Poultry industry in India is facing a catastrophe due to such infections which go unnoticed in field due to masking of the symptoms by secondary infections and commonly observed nutritional disorders. Aim: To investigate the effect of reovirus infection on overall performance of broiler birds. Material and Methods: The broiler birds were challenged with homologous strains of malabsorption syndrome and tenosynovitis syndrome of reovirus. The growth performance was recorded. Results and conclusion: The growth performance and immune response to NDV did not differ in the birds challenged with tenosynovitis syndrome strain of reo virus as compared to un challenged birds. However, poor live body weight, feed intake, FCR, PE and BPEI and better serum NDV titres were found in chicks challenged with malabsorption syndrome strain of reovirus as compared to the chicks from control group. [Vet World 2012; 5(11.000): 685-689]

Lipoma can occur anywhere in body, but an angiolipoma of the breast is rare. Lipoma of breast usually causes diagnostic dilemma, because of fatty composition of breast. It is a soft tissue tumor of benign variety. Treatment includes simple excision.

Ewing′s sarcoma is a rarer malignancy, occurring usually in childhood. In majority of reported cases, the occurrence of this tumor is predominantly in the mandible than in the maxilla. Prognosis remains poor in most of the cases; however, better survival rate is possible with early diagnosis and combo therapy. A case of Ewing′s sarcoma of the maxilla and its ramifications in the associated structures is presented here. We are also discussing complete clinical, radiographic, and histologic evaluation of the case.

Introduction: Malnutrition denotes impairment of health arising either from deficiency or excess or imbalance of nutrients in the body. Anthropometry has become a practical tool for evaluating the nutritional status of populations, particularly of children and nutritional status is the best indicator of the global well-being of children. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted among private primary school children from class I to V were assessed for nutritional status, personal hygiene measures and their mothers regarding knowledge about nutritious foods. Results: study showed that 19.9% of private school children were undernourished, 8% were grade I short/stunted whereas 10.2% were overweight and 5.7% obese. Majority mother’s knowledge about nutritious foods was good. Conclusion: Each and every child is a victim for dual burden of Malnutrition irrespective of socio-economic status, maternal good knowledge about nutritious food & there is need to be attended equally.

Phase contrast X-ray computed tomography (PCI-CT) has been demonstrated as a novel imaging technique that can visualize human cartilage with high spatial resolution and soft tissue contrast. Different textural approaches have been previously investigated for characterizing chondrocyte organization on PCI-CT to enable classification of healthy and osteoarthritic cartilage. However, the large size of feature sets extracted in such studies motivates an investigation into algorithmic feature reduction for computing efficient feature representations without compromising their discriminatory power. For this purpose, geometrical feature sets derived from the scaling index method (SIM) were extracted from 1392 volumes of interest (VOI) annotated on PCI-CT images of ex vivo human patellar cartilage specimens. The extracted feature sets were subject to linear and non-linear dimension reduction techniques as well as feature selection based on evaluation of mutual information criteria. The reduced feature set was subsequently used in a machine learning task with support vector regression to classify VOIs as healthy or osteoarthritic; classification performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Our results show that the classification performance achieved by 9-D SIM-derived geometric feature sets (AUC: 0.96 ± 0.02) can be maintained with 2-D representations computed from both dimension reduction and feature selection (AUC values as high as 0.97 ± 0.02). Thus, such feature reduction techniques can offer a high degree of compaction to large feature sets extracted from PCI-CT images while maintaining their ability to characterize the underlying chondrocyte patterns.