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Background: The Portsmouth physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM) is an established tool for predicting surgical outcomes. However, its applicability and accuracy in predicting post-operative mortality in patients undergoing emergency craniotomy require further validation. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to validate the accuracy of the P-POSSUM score in predicting post-operative mortality in patients undergoing emergency craniotomy. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 2 years (June 2022–May 2024) at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi. Patients undergoing emergency craniotomy were included in the study. Data were collected on pre-operative physiological parameters and intraoperative variables to calculate the P-POSSUM score. The primary outcome was post-operative mortality within 30 days. Statistical analysis involved receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test to assess the predictive accuracy and calibration of the P-POSSUM score. Results: A total of 200 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 53±17 years; 113 were male and 87 were female. The P-POSSUM score demonstrated good predictive accuracy for post-operative mortality with an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79–0.91). Calibration analysis using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed good calibration (P=0.23). Observed mortality was 56 (28%) compared to an expected 61, resulting in an observed-to-expected mortality ratio of 0.92. Conclusion: The P-POSSUM score is a reliable and accurate tool for predicting post-operative mortality in patients undergoing emergency craniotomy. Its integration into clinical practice can enhance risk stratification and inform clinical decision-making. Further studies with larger cohorts and diverse populations are warranted to generalize these findings.

The fluctuations in the stock market serve as an indicator of societal and economic progress. To enhance the forecasting of financial time series data, this paper introduces a novel hybrid model that integrates successive variational mode decomposition (SVMD) with a long short-term memory (LSTM) network. SVMD is used as a data-decomposition technique to facilitate the division of complex original series into its decomposed intrinsic mode functions in order to reduce nonstationarity. This approach has been analyzed for both synthetic signals and financial time series data. LSTM is utilized to analyze each signal and take into consideration the influence of historical data in order to enhance prediction accuracy. The final predicted results are derived by reconstructing each predicted time series. To evaluate the model, financial time-series data from global stock market have been selected for analysis, i.e., the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI), Stock Exchange Sensitive Index (SENSEX), Standard and Poor’s 500 (S&P500), and North America West Texas Intermediate (WTI). The proposed model has shown improved prediction results based on the performance metrics when compared with single models and other existing hybrid models.

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), despite its high prevalence in the Indian population, has been subjected to limited studies concerning its potential role as a risk factor for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Insulin Resistance (IR). Proposed mechanisms include inflammatory mediators, atherogenic lipid profiles, and vasoconstriction. Aim: To determine the association between H. pylori infection and MetS components, focusing on Highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels, to enhance understanding and management of these conditions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India spanning from September 2017 to August 2019. This study involved 100 dyspeptic patients aged 18 years or older undergoing upper Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Data collection included fasting/postprandial blood parameters, serum lipids, hs-CRP, and H. pylori detection via both rapid urease test and Histopathological Examination (HPE). Physical assessments covered height, weight, Waist Circumference (WC), and blood pressure. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Statistical analysis employed unpaired t-tests, Chi-square tests, and Fisher-Exact tests using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: The study of 100 dyspeptic patients, predominantly females, revealed a significant association between H. pylori infection and MetS (p-value

Abstract Background Aberrant gluconeogenesis is considered among primary drivers of hyperglycemia under insulin resistant conditions, with multiple studies pointing towards epigenetic dysregulation. Here we examine the role of miR-721 and effect of epigenetic modulator laccaic acid on the regulation of gluconeogenesis under high fat diet induced insulin resistance. Results Reanalysis of miRNA profiling data of high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant mice model, GEO dataset (GSE94799) revealed a significant upregulation of miR-721, which was further validated in invivo insulin resistance in mice and invitro insulin resistance in Hepa 1–6 cells. Interestingly, miR-721 mimic increased glucose production in Hepa 1–6 cells via activation of FOXO1 regulated gluconeogenic program. Concomitantly, inhibition of miR-721 reduced glucose production in palmitate induced insulin resistant Hepa 1–6 cells by blunting the FOXO1 induced gluconeogenesis. Intriguingly, at epigenetic level, enrichment of the transcriptional activation mark H3K36me2 got decreased around the FOXO1 promoter. Additionally, identifying targets of miR-721 using miRDB.org showed H3K36me2 demethylase KDM2A as a potential target. Notably, miR-721 inhibitor enhanced KDM2A expression which correlated with H3K36me2 enrichment around FOXO1 promoter and the downstream activation of the gluconeogenic pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-721 in high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant mice resulted in restoration of KDM2A levels, concomitantly reducing FOXO1, PCK1, and G6PC expression, attenuating gluconeogenesis, hyperglycemia, and improving glucose tolerance. Interestingly, the epigenetic modulator laccaic acid also reduced the hepatic miR-721 expression and improved KDM2A expression, supporting our earlier report that laccaic acid attenuates insulin resistance by reducing gluconeogenesis. Conclusion Our study unveils the role of miR-721 in regulating gluconeogenesis through KDM2A and FOXO1 under insulin resistance, pointing towards significant clinical and therapeutic implications for metabolic disorders. Moreover, the promising impact of laccaic acid highlights its potential as a valuable intervention in managing insulin resistance-associated metabolic diseases. Graphical Abstract

Structural analysis is a branch of solid mechanics which utilizes straight forward models for solids. The main objective of Structural analysis is to find out the effect of loads on the physical structures and their components. A beam is a structure with a constant cross-section and is described by its significant length in comparison to its thickness and width. A cantilever, on the other hand, is a slender beam with a uniform cross-sectional shape that is fixed horizontally at one end and subjected to a load at the other end. Columns, which serve as vertical compression members in building frames, are susceptible to buckling and failure when subjected to relatively small axial loads. The analysis of loaded beams, cantilevers, and elongated vertical columns is typically carried out using the principles of calculus. However, this paper introduces the integral Rohit transform for the analysis of loaded beam supported at ends, cantilever, and elongated columns with low buckling axial loads. It is found that the depression grows as the cantilever and beam lengths that are loaded in the middle and supported at both ends rise. An attempt has been made to analyze the elongated column with low axial buckling loads and derive the Euler's formula for buckling load. The obtained solutions are graphically represented, and the results demonstrate accuracy, capability and effectiveness of the integral Rohit transform technique when compared to existing methods in the literature. The Rohit transform involves simple formulation and less computational work compared to other me­thods available in the literature.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the dominant deep acceptor level in nitrogen-doped beta-phase gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3), elucidating and reconciling the hole emission features observed in deep-level optical spectroscopy (DLOS). The unique behavior of this defect, coupled with its small optical cross section, complicates trap concentration analysis using DLOS, which is essential for defect characterization in β-Ga2O3. A complex feature arises in DLOS results due to simultaneous electron emission to the conduction band and hole emission to the valence band from the same defect state, indicating the formation of two distinct atomic configurations and suggesting metastable defect characteristics. This study discusses the implications of this behavior on DLOS analysis and employs advanced spectroscopy techniques such as double-beam DLOS and optical isothermal measurements to address these complications. The double-beam DLOS method reveals a distinct hole emission process at EV+1.3 eV previously obscured in conventional DLOS. Optical isothermal measurements further characterize this energy level, appearing only in N-doped β-Ga2O3. This enables an estimate of the β-Ga2O3 hole effective mass by analyzing temperature-dependent carrier emission rates. This work highlights the impact of partial trap-filling behavior on DLOS analysis and identifies the presence of hole trapping and emission in β-Ga2O3. Although N-doping is ideal for creating semi-insulating material through the efficient compensation of free electrons, this study also reveals a significant hole emission and migration process within the weak electric fields of the Schottky diode depletion region.

Abstract Background Identification of rare variants involved in complex, polygenic diseases like Crohn’s disease (CD) has accelerated with the introduction of whole exome/genome sequencing association studies. Rare variants can be used in both diagnostic and therapeutic assessments; however, since they are likely to be restricted to specific ancestry groups, their contributions to risk assessment need to be evaluated outside the discovery population. Prior studies implied that the three known rare variants in NOD2 are absent in West African and Asian populations and only contribute in African Americans via admixture. Methods Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from 3418 African American individuals, 1774 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases, and 1644 controls were used to assess odds ratios and allele frequencies (AF), as well as haplotype-specific ancestral origins of European-derived CD variants discovered in a large exome-wide association study. Local and global ancestry was performed to assess the contribution of admixture to IBD contrasting European and African American cohorts. Results Twenty-five rare variants associated with CD in European discovery cohorts are typically five-fold lower frequency in African Americans. Correspondingly, where comparisons could be made, the rare variants were found to have a predicted four-fold reduced burden for IBD in African Americans, when compared to European individuals. Almost all of the rare CD European variants were found on European haplotypes in the African American cohort, implying that they contribute to disease risk in African Americans primarily due to recent admixture. In addition, proportion of European ancestry correlates the number of rare CD European variants each African American individual carry, as well as their polygenic risk of disease. Similar findings were observed for 23 mutations affecting 10 other common complex diseases for which the rare variants were discovered in European cohorts. Conclusions European-derived Crohn’s disease rare variants are even more rare in African Americans and contribute to disease risk mainly due to admixture, which needs to be accounted for when performing cross-ancestry genetic assessments.

Chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers are a major complication in diabetes caused by hyperglycemia, prolonged inflammation, high oxidative stress, and bacterial bioburden. Bioactive biopolymers have been found to have a biological response in wound tissue microenvironments and are used for developing advanced tissue engineering strategies to enhance wound healing. These biopolymers possess innate bioactivity and are biodegradable, with favourable mechanical properties. However, their bioactivity is highly dependent on their structural properties, which need to be carefully considered while developing wound healing strategies. Biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and collagen have previously been used in wound healing solutions but the modulation of structural/physico-chemical properties for differential bioactivity have not been the prime focus. Factors such as molecular weight, degree of polymerization, amino acid sequences, and hierarchical structures can have a spectrum of immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties that could determine the fate of the wound. The current narrative review addresses the structure–function relationship in bioactive biopolymers for promoting healing in chronic wounds with emphasis on diabetic ulcers. This review highlights the need for characterization of the biopolymers under research while designing biomaterials to maximize the inherent bioactive potency for better tissue regeneration outcomes, especially in the context of diabetic ulcers.

The ability to achieve highly resistive beta-phase gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) layers and substrates is critical for β-Ga2O3 high voltage and RF devices. To date, the most common approach involves doping with iron (Fe), which generates a moderately deep acceptor-like defect state located at EC-0.8 eV in the β-Ga2O3 bandgap. Recently, there has been growing interest in alternative acceptors, such as magnesium (Mg) and nitrogen (N), due to their predicted deeper energy levels, which could avoid inadvertent charge modulation during device operation. In this work, a systematic study that makes direct correlations between the introduction of N using ion implantation and the observation of a newly observed deep level at EC-2.9 eV detected by deep-level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) is presented. The concentration of this state displayed a monotonic dependence with N concentration over a range of implant conditions, as confirmed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). With a near 1:1 match in absolute N and EC-2.9 eV trap concentrations from SIMS and DLOS, respectively, which also matched the measured removal of free electrons from capacitance-voltage studies, this indicates that N contributes a very efficiently incorporated compensating defect. Density functional theory calculations confirm the assignment of this state to be an N (0/−1) acceptor with a configuration of N occupying the oxygen site III [NO(III)]. The near ideal efficiency for this state to compensate free electrons and its location toward the midgap region of the β-Ga2O3 bandgap demonstrates the potential of N doping as a promising approach for producing semi-insulating β-Ga2O3.

Abstract In an era where technology is being used more and more in daily life, the potential and effective use of technology is becoming increasingly vital in education. Engineering education necessitates the use of technology to assist students in understanding abstract concepts and principles. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that can be used to create effective and engaging technology-based solutions and instructional materials. This research aims to develop an augmented reality-based learning experience to teach students about electronics engineering concepts and determine the impact of AR intervention on students' academic achievement levels, learning attitudes toward the subject, and individual attitudes toward AR technology. A quasi-experimental research design was used on 107 first-year engineering students who were grouped into control and experimental groups. The control group consisted of 53 students who learned the fundamentals of electronics using existing techniques, while experimental group consisted of 54 students who learned the same subject using an Augmented Reality-based Lab Manual. The experimental outcomes indicate that the experimental group performed better in the post-test and obtained higher academic scores compared to the control group. In addition, AR intervention has a substantial positive effect on students' learning attitudes. The study also found that students' learning attitudes towards electronics courses and their academic achievement have a significant positive relationship. Additionally, there is a correlation between a student's academic achievement and their attitude toward AR technology. As a result, students who studied using AR technology had a more optimistic perspective about the electronics course and AR technology.

Atomic scale details of the formation of point defects and their evolution to phase transformation in silicon (Si) implanted β-Ga2O3 were studied using high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The effect of Si implantation and the formation of defects was studied as a function of the dose of implanted atoms, and the detailed mechanism of lattice recovery was observed using both in situ and ex situ annealing of the implanted β-Ga2O3. The implantation created nanoscale dark spots in STEM images, which we identified as local γ-Ga2O3 inclusions generated by the relaxation of lattice due to ⟨010⟩ screw dislocations created by the implantation. The number and size of γ-Ga2O3 regions increased as the Si dose increased, and eventually the γ-Ga2O3 crystal phase (with stacking defects) took over the entire implanted volume when the peak Si concentration was over ∼1020 cm−3. Annealing above 1100 °C disintegrates the local γ-Ga2O3 phase and returns the structure to defect-free, single crystal β phase, likely indicating that point defects (such as Si interstitials and cation vacancies) are spatially redistributed by the annealing. However, when the structure is completely transformed to γ-Ga2O3 by the implantation, post-annealing leaves a high concentration of dislocations within the β phase, which relates to the inhomogeneous distribution of Si atoms detected by secondary ion mass spectrometry.

In this paper, we consider the inclusion of the solvency capital requirement (SCR) into portfolio optimization by the use of a quadratic proxy model. The Solvency II directive requires insurance companies to calculate their SCR based on the complete loss distribution for the upcoming year. Since this task is, in general, computationally challenging for insurance companies (and therefore, not taken into account during portfolio optimization), employing more feasible proxy models provides a potential solution to this computational difficulty. Here, we present an approach that is also suitable for future applications in quantum computing. We analyze the approximability of the solvency capital ratio in a quadratic form using machine learning techniques. This allows for an easier consideration of the SCR in the classical mean-variance analysis. In addition, it allows the problem to be formulated as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO), which benefits from the potential speedup of quantum computing. We provide a detailed description of our model and the translation into a QUBO. Furthermore, we investigate the performance of our approach through experimental studies.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of variation in storage temperatures and duration on a tensile load at failure of elastomeric modules. Methods: In total, 140 modules were used in the study, 20 of which were tested on day 0 as received from a company using a Universal testing machine for baseline estimation of tensile load at failure. The rest 120 modules were divided into 6 groups. Groups I, II, and III modules were stored at low (T1 = 1–5°C), moderate (T2 = 20–25°C) and high (T3 = 35–40°C) temperatures, respectively, for 6 months. Groups IV, V and VI modules were stored at temperatures T1, T2 and T3 for 1 year, respectively, and were tested for tensile load at failure. Results: The tensile load at failure for the control group was 21.588 ± 1.082 N and for 6-month interval at temperatures T1, T2 and T3 was 18.818 N ± 1.121 N, 17.841 N ± 1.334 N and 17.149 N ± 1.074 N, respectively, and for 1 year, it was 17.205 N ± 1.043 N, 16.836 N ± 0.487 N and 14.788 N ± 0.781 N, respectively. The tensile load at failure decreased significantly from 6 months to 1 year among each temperature group. Conclusions: Maximum force degradation was seen in modules at high temperature followed by medium temperature and low temperature at both 6 months and 1 year intervals, and tensile load at failure decreased significantly from 6 months to 1 year storage duration. These results conclude that the temperature and duration at which the samples were exposed during storage produce a significant change in the forces exerted by the modules.

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is one of the most common syndrome in runners. Due to lack of gold standard treatment, it becomes quite challenging to deal with the syndrome. This is a single subject case report of a 23 year old runner who reported to clinic with bilateral shin pain, where use of manual therapy and kinesiotaping benefited the patient in terms of return to running activity and symptoms. In addition, a running assessment was performed to identify potential faulty patterns and then through education, the patient responded well to the approach. Although, high quality clinical trials are required to explore the efficacy of such interventions (manual therapy and kinesiotaping) in the MTSS patients as a possible treatment approach.

Introduction: Diaphyseal forearm fractures are commonly seen in clinical practice. However, segmental forearm fractures are relatively rare. We hereby present a case of surgical management of trifocal fracture of radius (mid-shaft of radius, distal end of radius and neck of radius fracture) with ipsilateral shaft ulna fracture. Case report: A middle aged patient with ulnar shaft fracture and trifocal radius fracture was managed surgically with open reduction and internal fixation of all four fractures. The ulna was addressed first, to achieve alignment, followed by distal radius and shaft radius fixation through the same incision. A separate incision was used to address radial neck fracture. Conclusion: A trifocal radius fracture with ulna shaft fracture has been rarely reported in the literature. Prompt surgical management of the complex fracture led to rapid and satisfactory recovery and good functional outcome for our patient.

Background: Health-related quality of life is rapidly becoming recognized as an important indicator of how a disease affects patient lives and for evaluating the quality of care, especially for chronic conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: This study is an attempt to assess the quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease at MMIMSR and also identify characteristics that may be associated with their worsening quality of life. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted at the in-patient department (IPD) of the MMIMSR hospital. This study included 105 CKD patients and used a systematic random sampling method for quantitative analysis. This study utilized a 36-item short-form SF-36 (v1.3) questionnaire to assess HRQoL in CKD patients. Descriptive statistics were employed at the baseline. Chi square and ANOVA were used to draw comparisons between two groups or more than two groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the potential QoL determinants. A p value of 0.05 or lower was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Among a total of 105 participants, the mean (±standard deviation) age was found to be 54.53 ± 13.47 years; 48 were male patients, and 57 were female patients. Diabetes Mellitus (61.9%), hypertension (56.2%), chronic glomerulonephritis (7.6%), chronic pyelonephritis (6.7%), and polycystic kidney disease (5.7%) were identified to be the most frequent disorders associated with CKD. The current study also demonstrated that the HRQoL score domains such as symptom problem list, the effect of kidney disease, and the burden of kidney disease decline significantly and progressively as the patient advances into higher stages of CKD (p = 0.005). A similar pattern was observed in work status, sleep, and general health (p < 0.005). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was noted for cognitive function, quality of social interaction, overall health, dialysis staff encouragement, patient satisfaction, social support, physical functioning, role of physical health, pain, emotional well-being, role of emotional health, social functioning, and energy fatigue (p < 0.005). The mean difference for PCS and MCS based on CKD stages was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.005). The PCS and MCS showed a positive correlation with GFR (r = 0.521), and Hb (r = 0.378), GFR (r = 0.836), and Hb (r = 0.488), respectively. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated that a significant decrease in HRQoL was observed among CKD patients, with a progressive deterioration of HRQoL dimensions as the patient advances to end-stage renal disease. This study also revealed that CKD imposes various restrictions on patients’ day-to-day lives, particularly in terms of their physical and mental functioning, even in the initial stages of the disease.

The relevance of race and ethnicity to genetics and medicine has long been a matter of debate. An emerging consensus holds that race and ethnicity are social constructs and thus poor proxies for genetic diversity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between race, ethnicity, and clinically relevant pharmacogenomic variation in cosmopolitan populations. We studied racially and ethnically diverse cohorts of 65,120 participants from the United States All of Us Research Program (All of Us) and 31,396 participants from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB). Genome-wide patterns of pharmacogenomic variation—6311 drug response-associated variants for All of Us and 5966 variants for UKB—were analyzed with machine learning classifiers to predict participants’ self-identified race and ethnicity. Pharmacogenomic variation predicts race/ethnicity with averages of 92.1% accuracy for All of Us and 94.3% accuracy for UKB. Group-specific prediction accuracies range from 99.0% for the White group in UKB to 92.9% for the Hispanic group in All of Us. Prediction accuracies are substantially lower for individuals who identified with more than one group in All of Us (16.7%) or as Mixed in UKB (70.7%). There are numerous individual pharmacogenomic variants with large allele frequency differences between race/ethnicity groups in both cohorts. Frequency differences for toxicity-associated variants predict hundreds of adverse drug reactions per 1000 treated participants for minority groups in All of Us. Our results indicate that race and ethnicity can be used to stratify pharmacogenomic risk in the US and UK populations and should not be discounted when making treatment decisions. We resolve the contradiction between the results reported here and the orthodoxy of race and ethnicity as non-genetic, social constructs by emphasizing the distinction between global and local patterns of human genetic diversity, and we stress the current and future limitations of race and ethnicity as proxies for pharmacogenomic variation.

Colonic lipomas are nonepithelial tumors usually detected incidentally during abdominal surgery or colonoscopy. Lipomas generally remain asymptomatic, when they exceed 2 cm of diameter they may cause abdominal pain, obstruction, or intussusception. Here, we present a case of an elderly woman referred by her general practitioner to minimally access surgery outpatient department presented with complaints of passing loose stools 7–8 times a day. Triphasic computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis. To reduce the risk of malignancy, laparoscopic-assisted excision of lipoma was done. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma sigmoid colon.

Accessory spleen or splenunculi is a rare entity and usually near the spleen's hilum and in the tail of the pancreas. The accessory spleen may be formed during embryonic life, and they rise from the left side of the dorsal mesogastrium as a result of the imperfect fusion of separate splenic masses. Here, we are presenting a case of retroperitoneal mass who presented with pain in the upper abdomen, evaluated and worked up and was diagnosed as a large retroperitoneal mass along with two small globular structures likely splenunculi. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and excision of the retroperitoneal mass. The specimen sent for histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis as splenunculi.

Abstract Seed size is one of the major determinants of seed weight and eventually, crop yield. As the global population is increasing beyond the capacity of current food production, enhancing seed size is a key target for crop breeders. Despite the identification of several genes and QTLs, current understanding about the molecular regulation of seed size/weight remains fragmentary. In the present study, we report novel role of a jasmonic acid (JA) signaling repressor, OsJAZ11 controlling rice seed width and weight. Transgenic rice lines overexpressing OsJAZ11 exhibited up to a 14% increase in seed width and ~30% increase in seed weight compared to wild type (WT). Constitutive expression of OsJAZ11 dramatically influenced spikelet morphogenesis leading to extra glume‐like structures, open hull, and abnormal numbers of floral organs. Furthermore, overexpression lines accumulated higher JA levels in spikelets and developing seeds. Expression studies uncovered altered expression of JA biosynthesis/signaling and MADS box genes in overexpression lines compared to WT. Yeast two‐hybrid and pull‐down assays revealed that OsJAZ11 interacts with OsMADS29 and OsMADS68. Remarkably, expression of OsGW7, a key negative regulator of grain size, was significantly reduced in overexpression lines. We propose that OsJAZ11 participates in the regulation of seed size and spikelet development by coordinating the expression of JA‐related, OsGW7 and MADS genes.

Background and Aim: The servicing and framework for mental health care accessible to population have been affected during the unprecedented times of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The new and almost exclusive method to maintain a therapeutic alliance with these patients has been the recently evolving telepsychiatry services. The main aim of the study is to assess and compare the mental health status of patients seeking psychiatry facilities in prelockdown and postlockdown period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This was a ambirespective study which was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in a hilly region of North India in which the registered data were analyzed between January 1, 2020 and March 21, 2020 (prelockdown phase) and from May 3, 2020 to September 30, 2020 (postlockdown phase, after the resumption of outpatient department services in the institute), to gather the information of patients about sociodemographic profile and clinical diagnosis on the basis of International Classification of Diseases-10. A total sample size of 1000 patients was included. Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used to compare the patient presentation before and after the lockdown periods. Results: Majority of the patients were male (66%) and within 19–60 years of age (85%–90%). The average age of the patients (39.17 years, standard deviation = 14.37) was significantly higher in postlockdown phase. As compared to prelockdown period (499 patients), a significantly (P < 0.001) lower number of patients diagnosed with substance use disorders and a significantly (P < 0.001) higher number of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders along with anxiety disorders, availed the available psychiatry services in the period of COVID-19 pandemic (501 patients). Conclusions: Sudden cessation of the psychiatry services further precipitated the deterioration of mental health of the patients. There is an urgent demand for services to adapt to changing scenarios with emphasis on practical approaches to help the mentally ill people, especially in geographically difficult hilly areas.

Background: The servicing and framework for mental health care accessible to population have been affected during the unprecedented times of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The new and almost exclusive method to maintain a therapeutic alliance with these patients has been the recently evolving telepsychiatry services. Aim and Objectives: The main aim of the study was to assess and compare the mental health status of patients seeking available psychiatry facilities in pre-lockdown and post-lockdown period during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in a hilly region of North India. The registered data was analyzed between January 1, 2020 to March 21, 2020 to gather the information of patients about sociodemographic profile and clinical diagnosis on the basis of International Classification of Diseases-10. The retrieved data constituted 499 new consecutive patients during this period. Then in the post-lockdown phase after the resumption of OPD services in the institute (May 3, 2020), the data collection was initiated to collect a similar sample size of new consecutive patients (501). These data were collected over 151 days (May 3, 2020 to September 30, 2020). Results: A total number of 1000 patients were analyzed. Majority of the patients were male (66%) and within 19 to 60 years of age (85–90%). The average number of patients (3.31) seen per day was less and the average age of the patients (39.17 years, standard deviation = 14.37) was significantly higher in the post-lockdown phase. The most common diagnostic group consisted of neurotic/stress-related/somatoform disorders. As compared to the pre-lockdown period, a significantly (P < 0.001) lower number of patients diagnosed with substance use disorders and a significantly (P < 0.001) higher number of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders along with anxiety disorders availed the available psychiatry services in the period of COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Sudden cessation of the psychiatry services further precipitated the deterioration of mental health of the patients. There is an urgent demand for services to adapt to changing scenarios with emphasis on practical approaches to help the mentally ill people especially in geographically difficult hilly areas.

Intestinal diaphragm disease is a very rare entity and is generally recurrent subacute intestinal obstruction. A 38-year-old male admitted to hospital with subacute intestinal obstruction. The patient had a history of long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) intake. On computed tomography scan, no pathology found except for dilated bowel loops. He underwent diagnostic laparoscopy which showed stricture along distal jejunum with proximal dilated gut loops with collapsed distal gut loops, found unusual thin intraluminal diaphragm with pinpoint 3 mm opening along with it there was one more diaphragm 2 cm distal to it with 2 mm pinpoint opening, resection of both the stricturous part was done, and end-to-end jejunojejunostomy was done. Here on, histopath grossly received a segment of the intestine in two pieces along with fibrofatty tissue. Cut-open specimen showed narrowing of the lumen and at one place is marked band-like constriction. Microscopic appearance shows ulcerations of lining epithelium. The submucosa shows fibrosis along with the proliferation of the muscle fiber, neural, and vascular elements giving impression consistent with the jejunal diaphragm. Here, we report an unusual case of intestinal diaphragm disease in relation to the use of NSAIDs. The aim is to sensitize the medical officers regarding the rational use of NSAIDs.

Extra nodal site of non–Hodgkin’s lymphoma is mostly in the gastrointestinal tract. Large intestine is rarely affected compared with stomach or small bowel. The colon is affected in 0.4% of cases approximately. High index of suspicion is required to establish the diagnosis, since there may be no specific signs. Here we report a case of a 28-year-old male, who presented with diarrhea , abdominal pain and weight loss of 2-month duration and diagnosed as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) of the cecum as B-cell lymphoma, unclassified (BCLU) according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a routinely measured blood biomarker for inflammation. Elevated levels of circulating CRP are associated with response to infection, risk for a number of complex common diseases, and psychosocial stress. The objective of this study was to compare the contributions of genetic ancestry, socioenvironmental factors, and inflammation-related health conditions to ethnic differences in C-reactive protein levels. We used multivariable regression to compare CRP blood serum levels between Black and White ethnic groups from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKBB) prospective cohort study. CRP serum levels are significantly associated with ethnicity in an age and sex adjusted model. Study participants who identify as Black have higher average CRP than those who identify as White, CRP increases with age, and females have higher average CRP than males. Ethnicity and sex show a significant interaction effect on CRP. Black females have higher average CRP levels than White females, whereas White males have higher average CRP than Black males. Significant associations between CRP, ethnicity, and genetic ancestry are almost completely attenuated in a fully adjusted model that includes socioenvironmental factors and inflammation-related health conditions. BMI, smoking, and socioeconomic deprivation all have high relative effects on CRP. These results indicate that socioenvironmental factors contribute more to CRP ethnic differences than genetics. Differences in CRP are associated with ethnic disparities for a number of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, sarcoidosis, and lupus erythematosus. Our results indicate that ethnic differences in CRP are linked to both socioenvironmental factors and numerous ethnic health disparities.

Summary: We investigated the ancestral origins of four Ecuadorian ethnic groups—Afro-Ecuadorian, Mestizo, Montubio, and the Indigenous Tsáchila—in an effort to gain insight on the relationship between ancestry, culture, and the formation of ethnic identities in Latin America. The observed patterns of genetic ancestry are largely concordant with ethnic identities and historical records of conquest and colonization in Ecuador. Nevertheless, a number of exceptional findings highlight the complex relationship between genetic ancestry and ethnicity in Ecuador. Afro-Ecuadorians show far less African ancestry, and the highest levels of Native American ancestry, seen for any Afro-descendant population in the Americas. Mestizos in Ecuador show high levels of Native American ancestry, with substantially less European ancestry, despite the relatively low Indigenous population in the country. The recently recognized Montubio ethnic group is highly admixed, with substantial contributions from all three continental ancestries. The Tsáchila show two distinct ancestry subgroups, with most individuals showing almost exclusively Native American ancestry and a smaller group showing a Mestizo characteristic pattern. Considered together with historical data and sociological studies, our results indicate the extent to which ancestry and culture interact, often in unexpected ways, to shape ethnic identity in Ecuador.

Increasing the grain number is the most direct route toward enhancing the grain yield in cereals. In rice, grain number can be amplified through increasing the shoot branching (tillering), panicle branching, panicle length, and seed set percentage. Phytohormones have been conclusively shown to control the above characteristics by regulating molecular factors and their cross-interactions. The dynamic equilibrium of cytokinin levels in both shoot and inflorescence meristems, maintained by the regulation of its biosynthesis, activation, and degradation, determines the tillering and panicle branching, respectively. Auxins and gibberellins are known broadly to repress the axillary meristems, while jasmonic acid is implicated in the determination of reproductive meristem formation. The balance of auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin determines meristematic activities in the inflorescence. Strigolactones have been shown to repress the shoot branching but seem to regulate panicle branching positively. Ethylene, brassinosteroids, and gibberellins regulate spikelet abortion and grain filling. Further studies on the optimization of endogenous hormonal levels can help in the expansion of the grain yield potential of rice. This review focuses on the molecular machinery, involving several genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL), operational in the plant that governs hormonal control and, in turn, gets governed by the hormones to regulate grain number and yield in rice.

Intracranial aneurysms are the most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage which carries a significant risk of mortality. Mirror aneurysm constitute between 5-12% of all the intracranial aneurysms. These are uncommon entities with poorly understood pathogenesis and clinical significance.