Certain investigation on hybrid neural network method for classification of ECG signal with the suitable a FIR filter.

The Electrocardiogram (ECG) records are crucial for predicting heart diseases and evaluating patient's health conditions. ECG signals provide essential peak values that reflect reliable health information. Analyzing ECG signals is a fundamental technique for computerized prediction with advancements in Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) technology and significantly impacts in biomedical signal processing. VLSI advancements focus on high-speed circuit functionality while minimizing power consumption and area occupancy. In ECG signal denoising, digital filters like Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) and Finite Impulse Response (FIR) are commonly used. The FIR filters are preferred for their higher-order performance and stability over IIR filters, especially in real-time applications. The Modified FIR (MFIR) blocks were reconstructed using the optimized adder-multiplier block for better noise reduction performance. The MIT-BIT database is used as reference where the noises are filtered by the MFIR based on Optimized Kogge Stone Adder (OKSA). Features are extracted and analyzed using Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and Cross Correlation (CC). At this modern era, Hybrid methods of Machine Learning (HMLM) methods are preferred because of their combined performance which is better than non-fused methods. The accuracy of the Hybrid Neural Network (HNN) model reached 92.3%, surpassing other models such as Generalized Sequential Neural Networks (GSNN), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Machine with linear kernel (SVM linear), and Support Vector Machine with Radial Basis Function kernel (SVM RBF) by margins of 3.3%, 5.3%, 23.3%, and 24.3%, respectively. While the precision of the HNN is 91.1%, it was slightly lower than GSNN and ANN but higher than both SVM linear and SVM -RBF. The HNN with various features are incorporated to improve the ECG classification. The accuracy of the HNN is switched to 95.99% when the DWT and CC are combined. Also, it improvises other parameters such as precision 93.88%, recall is 0.94, F1 score is 0.88, Kappa is 0.89, kurtosis is 1.54, skewness is 1.52 and error rate 0.076. These parameters are higher than recently developed models whose algorithms and methods accuracy is more than 90%.

Cords of the Brachial Plexus and Their Branches Positioned Laterally to the Axillary Artery.

The brachial plexus, which supplies the upper limb, extends from the interscalene triangle in the root of the neck to the axilla and is closely related to the subclavian and axillary arteries. Variations in the formation, branching pattern, and relations are profound, and it is generally stated that variant anatomy of the plexus appears to be a rule rather than an exception. In previous studies, it was hypothesized that the anomalous development of the subclavian-axillary stem and the persistence of intersegmental arteries could induce variations in the plexus. In this study, all three cords of the brachial plexus (lateral, medial, and posterior) and their terminal branches are consistently found lateral to the third part of the axillary artery. Most of the studies reported variation in one or the other cord or its branches, but very few studies have reported about all cords lateral to the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus variations are usually also associated with the variations in the branches of the axillary artery, but in this study, no such variation is noted in the branches of the axillary artery. These differences impact the methods of surgery and the application of regional anesthesia. For successful outcomes, it is important to know how neurovascular relationships work, such as where the cords are in relation to the axillary artery. We report an interesting case of all cords and their branches positioned lateral to the axillary artery in the axilla in an adult male cadaver.

Microbial community diversity of an integrated constructed wetland used for treatment of sewage.

The microbial community diversity in Constructed Wetland System (CWS) plays a key role in the removal of pollutants from waste water. An integrated functional CWS developed at Neela Hauz Biodiversity Park, Delhi was selected to assess the diversity in composition and structure of microbial community diversity of sludge and sediment of CWS, based on metagenomic approach using 16S rRNA genes. The sediment showed higher diversity than sludge and both formed distinct clusters. The taxonomic structure of the microbial community of CWS is represented by 6,731 OTUs distributed among 2 kingdoms, 103 phyla, 227 classes, 337 orders, 320 families, 295 identified genera, and 84 identified species. The relative abundance of top 5 dominant phyla of sludge and sediment varied from 3.77% (Acidobacteria) to 35.33% (Proteobacteria) and 4.07% (Firmicutes) to 28.20% (Proteobacteria), respectively. The range of variation in relative abundance of top 5 dominant genera of sludge and sediment was 2.58% (Hyphomicrobium) to 6.61% (Planctomyces) and 2.47% (Clostridium) to 4.22% (Syntrophobacter), respectively. The rich microbial diversity of CWS makes it perform better in pollutants removal (59.91-95.76%) than other CWs. Based on the abundance values of taxa, the taxa are grouped under four frequency distribution classes-abundant (>20), common (10-19), rare (5-9), and very rare (1-4). The unique structure of microbial communities of integrated CWS is that the number of abundant taxa decreases in descending order of taxonomic hierarchy, while the number of rare and very rare taxa increases. For example, the number of abundant phyla was 14 and 21 in sludge and sediment, respectively and both communities have only 3 abundant genera each. This is in contrast to 4 and 17 very rare phyla in sludge and sediment, respectively and both the communities have 114 and 91 very rare genera, respectively. The outcomes of the study is that the integrated CWS has much higher microbial community diversity than the diversity reported for other CWs, and the rich diversity can be used for optimizing the performance efficiency of CWS in the removal of pollutants from waste water. Such structural diversity might be an adaptation to heterogeneous environment of CWS.

Solution Ionic Strength Can Modulate Functional Loop Conformations in E. coli Dihydrofolate Reductase.

The observation of multiple conformations of a functional loop (termed M20) in the Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR) enzyme triggered the proposition that large-scale motions of protein structural elements contribute to enzyme catalysis. The transition of the M20 loop from a closed conformation to an occluded conformation was thought to aid the rate-limiting release of the products. However, the influence of charged species in the solution environment on the observed M20 loop conformations, independent of charged ligands bound to the enzyme, had not been considered. Molecular dynamics simulations of ecDHFR in model CaCl2 solutions of varying molar ionic strengths IM reveal a substantial free energy barrier between occluded and closed M20 loop states at IM exceeding the E. coli threshold (∼0.24 M). This barrier may facilitate crystallization of ecDHFR in the occluded state, consistent with ecDHFR structures obtained at IM exceeding 0.3 M. At lower IM (≤0.15 M), the M20 loop can explore the occluded state, but prefers an open/partially closed conformation, again consistent with ecDHFR structures. Our findings caution against using ecDHFR structures obtained at nonphysiological ionic strengths in interpreting catalytic events or in structure-based drug design.

Rapid characterization of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales by multiplex lateral flow assay and detection of ceftazidime-avibactam-aztreonam synergy.

PURPOSE: The choice of antibiotics for treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is increasing becoming limited due to co-expression of Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) along with other carbapenemases in these isolates. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of CRE and to determine the in-vitro synergy and clinical outcomes of Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam combination in CRE infections in adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs). METHODS: 79 CRE isolates recovered from adult ICUs during January to March 2023 were tested by O.K.N.V.I. RESIST-5, a lateral flow multiplex assay for rapid detection of OXA-48-like, NDM, IMP, VIM, and KPC carbapenemases. Ceftazidime-Avibactam MIC was determined by microbroth dilution method and in vitro synergy between Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam was assessed by Modified E-test/disc diffusion method for these isolates. RESULTS: The study revealed 7.5 % occurrence of CRE in our hospital, with high occurrence of NDM (n = 42, 53.1 %) and OXA-48-like (n = 63, 79.7 %) carbapenemase. Production of more than one type of carbapenemases was found in 44 isolates. A total of 57 isolates (72 %) had Ceftazidime-Avibactam resistance and 44 of them displayed Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam in-vitro synergy. Successful clinical outcome was observed in two patients who received Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam combination therapy for 7 days or more. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the preponderance of Ceftazidime-Avibactam resistant CRE expressing NDM and OXA-48-like carbapenemase in our hospital, 77.2 % of them displayed in-vitro synergy of Ceftazidime-Avibactam with Aztreonam. It emphasizes the potential therapeutic utility of this combination in CRE strains showing coproduction of MBL and serine carbapenemases. Greater therapeutic potential of Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Aztreonam combination was observed with extended duration of therapy. However, further clinical evidence is needed to establish the efficacy of this combination and consider other factors that influence treatment outcomes.

Insecticidal property of Ocimum essential oil embedded polylactic acid packaging films for control of Sitophilus oryzae and Callosobruchus chinensis.

Naturally derived essential oils (EOs) from Ocimum basilicum (OB) and Ocimum gratissimum (OG) were incorporated in polylactic acid (PLA) matrix with concentration of 2.5 % and 5 % respectively by solvent casting method, with an aim to develop insecticidal polymer pouches (insect proof polymer pouches). The major components following GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of EOs as estragole (69.998 %) in OB and thymol (29.843 %) in OG. The developed films with EOs showed remarkable insecticidal activity with 100 % and 80 % mortality rate for OB and OG respectively at 2.5 % concentration against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). While, both OB and OG EOs observed 100 % mortality against pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) after 96 h exposure in presence of grain conditions and the insecticidal efficacy was equivalent to the commercial hermetic bags (CSB). The physical property of film showed increase in the film thickness in EO-PLA films whereas the mechanical properties of EO-PLA films matrix have increased the polymer flexibility with decreasing tensile strength (TS) and Youngs modulus (EM) as TS OB 5 %, OG 5 % - 15.64 MPa, 17.66 MPa respectively. While, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) was reduced to 0.015 g/m2.hr, optical characteristics showed slight significant change in colour and FTIR spectra exhibited a change in -OH stretching compared to blank PLA matrix. The surface morphology of the blank and EO embedded PLA films visualized by SEM depicted a complete homogenization of essential oils in the PLA matrix.

Arbuscular mycorrhizas accelerate the degradation of colour containing organic pollutants present in distillery spent wash leachates.

Distillery spent wash (DSW) from molasses-based distilleries is being used as a low-cost alternative to chemical fertilizers in countries like India and Brazil. However, using DSW as a fertilizer substitute causes organic pollutant leaching, including melanoidins and caramel colourants that turn bodies of water dark brown. This study investigated the arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) mediated degradation of organic pollutants in DSW. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Sorghum bicolor were grown in microcosms for 16 weeks. The plants were fertilized with either raw DSW or Hoagland solution. Leachates draining from the microcosms after fertilization were collected three times in 30-day intervals. Each 30-day collection was preceded by two fertilizations. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry comparative analyses of raw DSW with leachates of the third collection from mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal microcosms was made. Sixty-five and 42 complex organic compounds were detected in raw DSW and leachate collected from the non-mycorrhizal pots respectively. Only 26 compounds were detected in leachate collected from mycorrhizal pots. Absent from leachate of the mycorrhizal pots were: colour-containing organic compounds diacetone alcohol; 3-amino-2-cyano-6-methyl-6,7-dihydrothieno[2,3-b]pyrazine S-oxide; cyclohexane; 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl 8-methylnonyl ester; 2-pyrrolidinone; and acetic acid, dodecyl ester present in raw DSW. The results indicate that AM fungi can degrade organic pollutants in DSW.

A review of biological targets and therapeutic approaches in the management of triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous, aggressive phenotype of breast cancer with associated chemoresistance. The development of chemo- or radioresistance could be attributed to diverse tumor microenvironments, overexpression of membrane proteins (transporters), epigenetic changes, and alteration of the cell signaling pathways/genes associated with the development of cancer stem cells (CSCs). AIM OF REVIEW: Due to the diverse and heterogeneous nature of TNBC, therapeutic response to the existing modalities offers limited scope and thus results in reccurance after therapy. To establish landmark therapeutic efficacy, a number of novel therapeutic modalities have been proposed. In addition, reversal of the resistance that developed during treatment may be altered by employing appropriate therapeutic modalities. This review aims to discuss the plethora of investigations carried out, which will help readers understand and make an appropriate choice of therapy directed toward complete elimination of TNBC. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: This manuscript addresses the major contributory factors from the tumor microenvironment that are responsible for the development of chemoresistance and poor prognosis. The associated cellular events and molecular mechanism-based therapeutic interventions have been explained in detail. Inhibition of ABC transporters, cell signaling pathways associated with CSCs, and epigenetic modification offers promising results in this regard. TNBC progression, invasion, metastasis and recurrence can also be inhibited by blocking multiple cell signaling pathways, targeting specific receptors/epigenetic targets, disrupting bioenergetics and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Fumigant and contact toxicities of individual and additive combinations of biorational-essential oils for control of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae).

Fumigant and contact activity of individual and combination of EOs (cumin seed and black pepper oil) were conducted against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). Cumin seed and black pepper oil individually exhibited 100% insecticidal activity (Contact and Fumigant) against S. oryzae at 24 and 168 h of exposure in the absence and presence of food, respectively. Overall, differential insect mortality rates were observed with individual EOs; however, cumin seed EO showed higher insecticidal activity in both fumigant and contact bioassays than black pepper EO. Binary mixtures of cumin seed and black pepper oil at 60:40 and 80:20 ratios showed higher toxicity than individual EOs against S. oryzae and further, additive interaction of binary combinations of EOs resulted in complete insecticidal activity of S. oryzae. Thus, we conclude binary mixtures of cumin seed and black pepper EOs might be a promising prophylactic treatment solution for control of S. oryzae to prevent stored grain infestation.

Semantic relational machine learning model for sentiment analysis using cascade feature selection and heterogeneous classifier ensemble.

The exponential rise in social media via microblogging sites like Twitter has sparked curiosity in sentiment analysis that exploits user feedback towards a targeted product or service. Considering its significance in business intelligence and decision-making, numerous efforts have been made in this area. However, lack of dictionaries, unannotated data, large-scale unstructured data, and low accuracies have plagued these approaches. Also, sentiment classification through classifier ensemble has been underexplored in literature. In this article, we propose a Semantic Relational Machine Learning (SRML) model that automatically classifies the sentiment of tweets by using classifier ensemble and optimal features. The model employs the Cascaded Feature Selection (CFS) strategy, a novel statistical assessment approach based on Wilcoxon rank sum test, univariate logistic regression assisted significant predictor test and cross-correlation test. It further uses the efficacy of word2vec-based continuous bag-of-words and n-gram feature extraction in conjunction with SentiWordNet for finding optimal features for classification. We experiment on six public Twitter sentiment datasets, the STS-Gold dataset, the Obama-McCain Debate (OMD) dataset, the healthcare reform (HCR) dataset and the SemEval2017 Task 4A, 4B and 4C on a heterogeneous classifier ensemble comprising fourteen individual classifiers from different paradigms. Results from the experimental study indicate that CFS supports in attaining a higher classification accuracy with up to 50% lesser features compared to count vectorizer approach. In Intra-model performance assessment, the Artificial Neural Network-Gradient Descent (ANN-GD) classifier performs comparatively better than other individual classifiers, but the Best Trained Ensemble (BTE) strategy outperforms on all metrics. In inter-model performance assessment with existing state-of-the-art systems, the proposed model achieved higher accuracy and outperforms more accomplished models employing quantum-inspired sentiment representation (QSR), transformer-based methods like BERT, BERTweet, RoBERTa and ensemble techniques. The research thus provides critical insights into implementing similar strategy into building more generic and robust expert system for sentiment analysis that can be leveraged across industries.

BENS-B5G: Blockchain-Enabled Network Slicing in 5G and Beyond-5G (B5G) Networks.

Fifth-generation (5G) technology is anticipated to allow a slew of novel applications across a variety of industries. The wireless communication of the 5G and Beyond-5G (B5G) networks will accommodate a wide variety of services and user expectations, including intense end-user connectivity, sub-1 ms delay, and a transmission rate of 100 Gbps. Network slicing is envisioned as an appropriate technique that can meet these disparate requirements. The intrinsic qualities of a blockchain, which has lately acquired prominence, mean that it is critical for the 5G network and B5G networks. In particular, the incorporation of blockchain technology into B5G enables the network to effectively monitor and control resource utilization and sharing. Using blockchain technology, a network-slicing architecture referred to as the Blockchain Consensus Framework is introduced that allows resource providers to dynamically contract resources, especially the radio access network (RAN) schedule, to guarantee that their end-to-end services are effortlessly executed. The core of our methodology is comprehensive service procurement, which offers the fine-grained adaptive allocation of resources through a blockchain-based consensus mechanism. Our objective is to have Primary User-Secondary User (PU-SU) interactions with a variety of services, while minimizing the operation and maintenance costs of the 5G service providers. A Blockchain-Enabled Network Slicing Model (BENS), which is a learning-based algorithm, is incorporated to handle the spectrum resource allocation in a sophisticate manner. The performance and inferences of the proposed work are analyzed in detail.

Elite-CAM: An Elite Channel Allocation and Mapping for Policy Engine over Cognitive Radio Technology in 5G.

The spectrum allocation in any auctioned wireless service primarily depends upon the necessity and the usage of licensed primary users (PUs) of a certain band of frequencies. These frequencies are utilized by the PUs as per their needs and requirements. When the allocated spectrum is not being utilized in the full efficient manner, the unused spectrum is treated by the PUs as white space without believing much in the concept of spectrum scarcity. There are techniques invented and incorporated by many researchers, such as cognitive radio technology, which involves software-defined radio with reconfigurable antennas tuned to particular frequencies at different times. Cognitive radio (CR) technology realizes the logic of the utility factor of the PUs and the requirements of the secondary users (SU) who are in queue to utilize the unused spectrum, which is the white space. The CR technology is enriched with different frequency allocation engines and with different strategies in different parts of the world, complying with the regulatory standards of the FCC and ITU. Based on the frequency allocation made globally, the existing CR technology understands the nuances of static and dynamic spectrum allocation and also embraces the intelligence in time allocation by scheduling the SUs whenever the PUs are not using the spectrum, and when the PUs pitch in the SUs have to leave the band without time. This paper identifies a few of the research gaps existing in the earlier literature. The behavioral aspects of the PUs and SUs have been analyzed for a period of 90 days with some specific spectrum ranges of usage in India. The communal habits of utilizing the spectrum, not utilizing the spectrum as white space, different time zones, the requisites of the SUs, the necessity of the applications, and the improvement of the utility factor of the entire spectrum have been considered along with static and dynamic spectrum usage, the development of the spectrum policy engine aligned with cooperative and opportunistic spectrum sensing, and access techniques indulging in artificial intelligence (AI). This will lead to fine-tuning the PU and SU channel mapping without being hindered by predefined policies. We identify the cognitive radio transmitter and receiver parameters, and resort to the same in a proposed channel adaption algorithm. We also analyze the white spaces offered by spectrum ranges of VHF, GSM-900, and GSM-1800 by a real-time survey with a spectrum analyzer. The identified parameters and white spaces are mapped with the help of a swotting algorithm. A sample policy has been stated for ISM band 2.4 GHz where such policies can be excited in a policy server. The policy engine is suggested to be configured over the 5G CORE spectrum management function.

Assessment of Serum Parameters in Stable Coronary Artery Disease Patients in Correlation with Healthy and Chronic Periodontitis Patients.

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and has been strongly associated with elevation of systemic markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), and lipid profile, which have also been significantly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). Hence, there is a need to assess the possible association between chronic periodontitis and coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods: A study included 100 subjects divided into four groups. Group I: stable coronary artery disease with chronic periodontitis, Group II: stable coronary artery disease without chronic periodontitis, Group III: chronic periodontitis without coronary artery disease, and Group IV: healthy controls. Gingival index, Russell's periodontal index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were recorded. Venous blood was collected from the patients, and serum fibrinogen, CRP, and lipid profile levels were estimated. Results: The intragroup comparison of biochemical and periodontal parameters showed statistically significant results with P < 0.05. The intergroup comparison of serum FIB, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, and clinical attachment level showed statistical significant results (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, P = 0.001, P = 0.025, and P = 0.000, respectively) between Groups I and III. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that there might a possible correlation between coronary artery disease and chronic periodontitis, but periodontitis-cardiovascular link is complex and difficult to define though there is sufficient evidence for their association. Leakage of pro-inflammatory cytokines from the ulcerated periodontium causes the production of acute-phase proteins by the liver. To prove the relationship, further studies should be considered making use of other markers of inflammation with prospective randomized controlled studies involving large population.

Hydrogeochemical characteristics and risk evaluation of potential toxic elements in groundwater from Shanmughanadhi, Tamilnadu, India.

Hydrogeochemical and Health Risk Assessments of trace elements are integral to groundwater resource assessment, utilization, and human health. Investigation of groundwater chemistry and trace elemental impact on local inhabitants were attempted in Shanmuganadhi basin, Tamilnadu, India. About 60 groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon period and analyzed for hydrochemical composition, including major and trace elements (Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu Pb, Mn, and As) to isolate chemical characteristics and human health risk assessment. Groundwater geochemistry is prejudiced by geochemical reactions uniting cation exchange, dissolution and precipitation, adsorption, and anthropogenic contributions. About thirty-two percent of groundwater samples recorded higher F-(>1.5 mg/L) than the prescribed limit suggests sources from rock weathering and silicate dissolution. Nitrates (>45.0 mg/L) suggest sources from agricultural influences. Water types indicate alkalis (Na+ + K+) dominating alkali earth (Ca2+ - Mg2+) and strong acids (Cl- and SO42-) looming weak acid (CO32- and HCO3-) irrespective of water samples. The geochemical stability diagram suggests precipitation of silica, carbonate, and magnesium and dissolution of sulphate minerals along the groundwater flow path. Significant correlation between major ions and trace elements (Pb, Mn, Ni, and Cu) suggests origin from rock weathering, human impacts, and cultivation practices. Non-carcinogenic human risk for trace elements was higher in children compared with adults via ingestion and dermal exposure. The carcinogenic result suggests that Cr in CHK (7.1 × 10-2) and HBG (4.3 × 10-2) have the most excellent chance of cancer risk. The environmental risk category attempted using Comprehensive risk factor (CRI) suggests Pb (3.2-CHK, 2.6-HBG) with potential cancer risk. The comprehensive evaluation index recommends environmental damage between mild to moderate, indicating continuous exposure of traceable elements might result in cancer cause to the inhabitants. The study suggests water quality seems to be prejudiced by various geological and anthropogenic causes and endorses counteractive measures and proper execution of existing laws to protect groundwater resources in the study area.

Genome-Wide Assessment of Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of the Global Finger Millet Germplasm Panel Conserved at the ICRISAT Genebank.

Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] is an important climate-resilient nutrient-dense crop grown as a staple food grain in Asia and Africa. Utilizing the full potential of the crop mainly depends on an in-depth exploration of the vast diversity in its germplasm. In this study, the global finger millet germplasm diversity panel of 314 accessions was genotyped, using the DArTseq approach to assess genetic diversity and population structure. We obtained 33,884 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on 306 accessions after filtering. Finger millet germplasm showed considerable genetic diversity, and the mean polymorphic information content, gene diversity, and Shannon Index were 0.110, 0.114, and 0.194, respectively. The average genetic distance of the entire set was 0.301 (range 0.040 - 0.450). The accessions of the race elongata (0.326) showed the highest average genetic distance, and the least was in the race plana (0.275); and higher genetic divergence was observed between elongata and vulgaris (0.320), while the least was between compacta and plana (0.281). An average, landrace accessions had higher gene diversity (0.144) and genetic distance (0.299) than the breeding lines (0.117 and 0.267, respectively). A similar average gene diversity was observed in the accessions of Asia (0.132) and Africa (0.129), but Asia had slightly higher genetic distance (0.286) than African accessions (0.276), and the distance between these two regions was 0.327. This was also confirmed by a model-based STRUCTURE analysis, genetic distance-based clustering, and principal coordinate analysis, which revealed two major populations representing Asia and Africa. Analysis of molecular variance suggests that the significant population differentiation was mainly due to within individuals between regions or between populations while races had a negligible impact on population structure. Finger millet diversity is structured based on a geographical region of origin, while the racial structure made negligible contribution to population structure. The information generated from this study can provide greater insights into the population structure and genetic diversity within and among regions and races, and an understanding of genomic-assisted finger millet improvement.

Influence of solution ionic strength on the stabilities of M20 loop conformations in apo E. coli dihydrofolate reductase.

Interactions among ions and their specific interactions with macromolecular solutes are known to play a central role in biomolecular stability. However, similar effects in the conformational stability of protein loops that play functional roles, such as binding ligands, proteins, and DNA/RNA molecules, remain relatively unexplored. A well-characterized enzyme that has such a functional loop is Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR), whose so-called M20 loop has been observed in three ordered conformations in crystal structures. To explore how solution ionic strengths may affect the M20 loop conformation, we proposed a reaction coordinate that could quantitatively describe the loop conformation and used it to classify the loop conformations in representative ecDHFR x-ray structures crystallized in varying ionic strengths. The Protein Data Bank survey indicates that at ionic strengths (I) below the intracellular ion concentration-derived ionic strength in E. coli (I ≤ 0.237M), the ecDHFR M20 loop tends to adopt open/closed conformations, and rarely an occluded loop state, but when I is >0.237M, the loop tends to adopt closed/occluded conformations. Distance-dependent electrostatic potentials around the most mobile M20 loop region from molecular dynamics simulations of ecDHFR in equilibrated CaCl2 solutions of varying ionic strengths show that high ionic strengths (I = 0.75/1.5M) can preferentially stabilize the loop in closed/occluded conformations. These results nicely correlate with conformations derived from ecDHFR structures crystallized in varying ionic strengths. Altogether, our results suggest caution in linking M20 loop conformations derived from crystal structures solved at ionic strengths beyond that tolerated by E. coli to the ecDHFR function.

Evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin and tricalcium phosphate bone graft in bone fill of intrabony defects using cone-beam computed tomography: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the second-generation platelet concentrate first described by Choukron et al. It incorporates leukocytes, platelets, and growth factors within dense fibrin matrix, can be used in periodontal regeneration alone or in combination with bone grafts. AIM: This study assesses bone fill in intrabony defects, following the use of ß tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bone graft with and without PRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty sites with intrabony defects in periodontitis patients were selected, randomly allotted into three groups: Group A open flap debridement (OFD), Group B OFD with ß TCP with PRF, and Group C ß TCP. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, and PPD recorded at baseline and 6 months. Radiographic parameters include cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to base of defect, CEJ to alveolar crest, depth of defect, and bone fill assessed using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The comparison between the test group and control group in terms of clinical and radiographical parameters was assessed using the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: Significant reduction in probing depth measurements, defect fill observed in both ß TCP with PRF and ß TCP alone groups compared to OFD. However, intergroup comparison assessed using the independent sample t-test found to be statistically nonsignificant (P < 0.05 is considered significant). CONCLUSION: All three treatment strategies resulted in significant reduction in probing depth and bone fill at 6 months. Bone fill achieved in ß TCP with PRF was more compared to ß TCP alone and OFD at 6 months follow-up. CBCT can be accurately used to assess the morphology of intrabony defect and also in evaluating bone fill.

Molecular insights of fungal endophyte co-inoculation with Trichoderma viride for the augmentation of forskolin biosynthesis in Coleus forskohlii.

To understand the compatibility of three native endophytic fungi Phialemoniopsis cornearis (SF1), Macrophomina pseudophaseolina (SF2) and Fusarium redolens (RF1) with Trichoderma viride (TV1) on Coleus forskohlii in enhancing plant growth and forskolin content, field experiments were conducted. Co-inoculation of RF1+TV1 showed significant improvement in plant growth (52%), root biomass (67%), and in-planta forskolin content (94%), followed by treatment with SF2+TV1 and SF1+TV1. qRT-PCR was carried out to quantify expression of five key forskolin biosynthetic pathway genes (CfTPS2, CfTPS3, CfTPS4, CfCYP76AH15, and CfACT1-8) in RF1+TV1 treated C. forskohlii plants. Elevated expression of CfTPS2, CfTPS4, CfCYP76AH15 and CfACT1-8 genes was observed with RF1+TV1 combination as compared to uninoculated C. forskohlii plants. Besides, RF1+TV1 treatment considerably reduced the severity of nematode infection of C. forskohlii plants under field conditions. Thus, congruent properties of F. redolens (RF1) were witnessed with co-inoculation of T. viride (TV1) under field conditions which resulted in enhanced forskolin content, root biomass, and reduced nematode infections in C. forskohlii. Overall, this approach could be an economical and sustainable step towards cultivation of commercially important medicinal plants.

Chemical weathering and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) consumption in Shanmuganadhi, South India: evidences from groundwater geochemistry.

Chemical weathering in a groundwater basin is a key to understanding global climate change for a long-term scale due to its association with carbon sequestration. The present study aims to characterize and to quantify silicate weathering rate (SWR), carbon dioxide consumption rate and carbonate weathering rate (CWR) in hard rock terrain aided by major ion chemistry. The proposed study area Shanmuganadhi is marked with superior rainfall, oscillating temperature and runoff with litho-units encompassing charnockite and hornblende-biotite gneiss. Groundwater samples (n = 60) were collected from diverse locations and analysed for major chemical constituents. Groundwater geochemistry seems to be influenced by geochemical reactions combining dissolution and precipitation of solids, cation exchange and adsorption along with minor contribution from anthropogenic activities. The SWR calculated for charnockite and hornblende-biotite gneiss was 3.07 tons km-2 year-1 and 5.12 tons km-2 year-1, respectively. The calculated CWR of charnockite and hornblende-biotite gneiss was 0.079 tons km-2 year-1 and 0.74 tons km-2 year-1, respectively. The calculated CO2 consumption rates via silicate weathering were 1.4 × 103 mol km-2 year-1 for charnockite and 5.8 × 103 mol km-2 year-1 for hornblende-biotite gneiss. Lithology, climate and relief were the key factors isolated to control weathering and CO2 consumption rates.

User testing to examine patient understanding of pharmacy generated medication labels.

OBJECTIVE: To examine patients' and carers' understanding of pharmacy generated medication labels. METHODS: A user testing questionnaire was conducted individually for 80 participants at 2 hospitals through a face-to face semi-structured interview. Pharmacy generated medication labels from different locations were grouped based on components into 4 different variations. Participants were asked to read and demonstrate understanding of the dose and frequency from 1 of the 4 variations for 4 prescription medications. Twenty participants for each variation were recruited so that demographic characteristics matched between variations. RESULTS: Overall, only 45% of participants were able to correctly understand the dose and frequency presented on all the pharmacy labels presented on medications. Medication labels with standardised timing performed better than other variations with 91% of participants able to determine the correct frequency. The use of numeric figures was understood by 80-90% of participants compared to the use of capitalised text (65-70%). Pharmacy generated medication labels that proposed one step were better understood than instructions that incorporated several steps. CONCLUSION/PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The study supports the use of simple, clear and explicit written instructions along with the use of numeric figures in pharmacy generated medication labels to achieve higher understandability in patients.