On the friendship paradox and inversity: A network property with applications to privacy-sensitive network interventions.

We provide the mathematical and empirical foundations of the friendship paradox in networks, often stated as "Your friends have more friends than you." We prove a set of network properties on friends of friends and characterize the concepts of ego-based and alter-based means. We propose a network property called inversity that quantifies the imbalance in degrees across edges and prove that the sign of inversity determines the ordering between ego-based or alter-based means for any network, with implications for interventions. Network intervention problems like immunization benefit from using highly connected nodes. We characterize two intervention strategies based on the friendship paradox to obtain such nodes, with the alter-based and ego-based strategy. Both strategies provide provably guaranteed improvements for any network structure with variation in node degrees. We demonstrate that the proposed strategies obtain several-fold improvement (100-fold in some networks) in node degree relative to a random benchmark, for both generated and real networks. We evaluate how inversity informs which strategy works better based on network topology and show how network aggregation can alter inversity. We illustrate how the strategies can be used to control contagion of an epidemic spreading across a set of village networks, finding that these strategies require far fewer nodes to be immunized (less than 50%, relative to random). The interventions do not require knowledge of network structure, are privacy-sensitive, are flexible for time-sensitive action, and only require selected nodes to nominate network neighbors.

Tools to analyze the organization and formation of the germline cyst in zebrafish oogenesis.

Oocytes develop in the germline cyst, a cellular organization in which germ cells are tightly interconnected and surrounded by somatic cells. The cyst produces oocytes for follicle formation and is a hub for essential processes in meiosis and oocyte differentiation. However, the formation and organization of the cyst, and their contribution to oocyte production in vertebrates remain unclear. Here, we provide tools for three-dimensional and functional in vivo analyses of the germline cyst in the zebrafish ovary. We describe the use of serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to resolve the three-dimensional architecture of cells and organelles in the cyst at ultrastructural resolution. We present a deep learning-based pipeline for high-throughput quantitative analysis of three-dimensional confocal datasets of cysts in vivo. We provide a method for laser ablation of cellular components for manipulating cyst cells in ovaries. These methods will facilitate the investigation of the cyst cellular organization, expand the toolkit for the study of the zebrafish ovary, and advance our understanding of female developmental reproduction. They could also be further applied to the investigation of other developmental systems.

Harnessing the potential of mutation breeding, CRISPR genome editing, and beyond for sustainable agriculture.

By 2050, the global population is projected to exceed 9.5 billion, posing a formidable challenge to ensure food security worldwide. To address this pressing issue, mutation breeding in horticultural crops, utilizing physical or chemical methods, has emerged as a promising biotechnological strategy. However, the efficacy of these mutagens can be influenced by various factors, including biological and environmental variables, as well as targeted plant materials. This review highlights the global challenges related to food security and explores the potential of mutation breeding as an indispensable biotechnological tool in overcoming food insecurity. This review also covers the emergence of CRISPR-Cas9, a breakthrough technology offering precise genome editing for the development of high-yield, stress-tolerant crops. Together, mutation breeding and CRISPR can potentially address future food demands. This review focuses into these biotechnological advancements, emphasizing their combined potential to fortify global food security in the face of a booming population.

Procedural and Intermediate-term Results of the Electroanatomical-guided Cardioneuroablation for the Treatment of Supra-Hisian Second- or Advanced-degree Atrioventricular Block: the PIRECNA multicentre registry.

AIMS: Prior case series showed promising results for cardioneuroablation in patients with vagally induced atrioventricular blocks (VAVBs). We aimed to examine the acute procedural characteristics and intermediate-term outcomes of electroanatomical-guided cardioneuroablation (EACNA) in patients with VAVB. METHODS AND RESULTS: This international multicentre retrospective registry included data collected from 20 centres. Patients presenting with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent VAVB were included in the study. All patients underwent EACNA. Procedural success was defined by the acute reversal of atrioventricular blocks (AVBs) and complete abolition of atropine response. The primary outcome was occurrence of syncope and daytime second- or advanced-degree AVB on serial prolonged electrocardiogram monitoring during follow-up. A total of 130 patients underwent EACNA. Acute procedural success was achieved in 96.2% of the cases. During a median follow-up of 300 days (150, 496), the primary outcome occurred in 17/125 (14%) cases with acute procedural success (recurrence of AVB in 9 and new syncope in 8 cases). Operator experience and use of extracardiac vagal stimulation were similar for patients with and without primary outcomes. A history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and coronary artery disease was associated with a higher primary outcome occurrence. Only four patients with primary outcome required pacemaker placement during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This is the largest multicentre study demonstrating the feasibility of EACNA with encouraging intermediate-term outcomes in selected patients with VAVB. Studies investigating the effect on burden of daytime symptoms caused by the AVB are required to confirm these findings.

Procedural and Intermediate-term Results of the Electroanatomical-guided Cardioneuroablation for the Treatment of Supra-Hisian Second- or Advanced-degree Atrioventricular Block: the PIRECNA multicentre registry.

AIMS: Prior case series showed promising results for cardioneuroablation in patients with vagally induced atrioventricular blocks (VAVBs). We aimed to examine the acute procedural characteristics and intermediate-term outcomes of electroanatomical-guided cardioneuroablation (EACNA) in patients with VAVB. METHODS AND RESULTS: This international multicentre retrospective registry included data collected from 20 centres. Patients presenting with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent VAVB were included in the study. All patients underwent EACNA. Procedural success was defined by the acute reversal of atrioventricular blocks (AVBs) and complete abolition of atropine response. The primary outcome was occurrence of syncope and daytime second- or advanced-degree AVB on serial prolonged electrocardiogram monitoring during follow-up. A total of 130 patients underwent EACNA. Acute procedural success was achieved in 96.2% of the cases. During a median follow-up of 300 days (150, 496), the primary outcome occurred in 17/125 (14%) cases with acute procedural success (recurrence of AVB in 9 and new syncope in 8 cases). Operator experience and use of extracardiac vagal stimulation were similar for patients with and without primary outcomes. A history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and coronary artery disease was associated with a higher primary outcome occurrence. Only four patients with primary outcome required pacemaker placement during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This is the largest multicentre study demonstrating the feasibility of EACNA with encouraging intermediate-term outcomes in selected patients with VAVB. Studies investigating the effect on burden of daytime symptoms caused by the AVB are required to confirm these findings.

Algae-Mediated Removal of Prevalent Genotoxic Antibiotics: Molecular Perspective on Algae-Bacteria Consortia and Bioreactor-Based Strategies.

Antibiotic pollution poses a potential risk of genotoxicity, as antibiotics released into the environment can induce DNA damage and mutagenesis in various organisms. This pollution, stemming from pharmaceutical manufacturing, agriculture, and improper disposal, can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and potentially impact human health through the consumption of contaminated water and food. The removal of genotoxic antibiotics using algae-mediated approaches has gained considerable attention due to its potential for mitigating the environmental and health risks associated with these compounds. The paper provides an in-depth examination of the molecular aspects concerning algae and bioreactor-driven methodologies utilized for the elimination of deleterious antibiotics. The molecular analysis encompasses diverse facets, encompassing the discernment and profiling of algae species proficient in antibiotic degradation, the explication of enzymatic degradation pathways, and the refinement of bioreactor configurations to augment removal efficacy. Emphasizing the significance of investigating algal approaches for mitigating antibiotic pollution, this paper underscores their potential as a sustainable solution, safeguarding both the environment and human health.

Comparative evaluation of two different xenogenic acellular matrices on full-thickness skin wound healing.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare the healing potential of bubaline small intestinal matrix (bSIM) and fish swim bladder matrix (FSBM) on full-thickness skin wounds in rabbits. METHOD: Four full-thickness skin wounds (each 20×20mm) were created on the dorsum of 18 rabbits that were divided into three groups based on treatment: untreated sham control (I), implanted with double layers of bSIM (II) and implanted with double layers of FSBM (III). Macroscopic, immunologic and histologic observations were made to evaluate wound healing. RESULTS: Gross healing progression in the bSIM and FSBM groups showed significantly (p<0.05) less wound contraction compared with the sham group. The IgG concentration in rabbit sera was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the FSBM group compared with the bSIM group by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The stimulation index of peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the FSBM group compared with the bSIM group by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Implantation of FSBM resulted in improved re-epithelialisation, neovascularisation and fibroplasia. CONCLUSION: The FSBM is a more effective dermal substitute when compared with the bSIM for full-thickness skin wound repair in rabbit.

Microbial valorization of kraft black liquor for production of platform chemicals, biofuels, and value-added products: A critical review.

The proper treatment and utilization of kraft black liquor, generated from the pulp and paper industry through the kraft pulping method, is required to reduce environmental impacts prior to the final disposal. It also improves the economic performance through the utilization of waste. Microbial valorization appears to demonstrates the dual benefits of waste management and resource recovery by providing an innovative solution to convert kraft black liquor into resource for reuse. A comprehensive review on the microbial valorization of kraft black liquor, describing the role in valorization and management, is still lacking in the literature, forming the rationale of this article. Thus, the present study reviews and systematically discusses the potential of utilizing microorganisms to valorize kraft black liquor as a sustainable feedstock to develop a numerous portfolio of platform chemicals, bioenergy, and other value-added products. This work contributes to sustainability and resource efficiency within the pulp and paper industry. The recent developments in utilization of synthetic biology tools and molecular techniques, including omics approaches for engineering novel microbial strains, for enhancing kraft black liquor valorization has been presented. This review explores how the better utilization of kraft black liquor in the pulp and paper industry contributes to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) as well as the affordable and clean energy goal (SDG 7). The current review also addresses challenges related to toxicity, impurities, low productivity, and downstream processing that serve as obstacles to the progress of developing highly efficient bioproducts. The new directions for future research efforts to fill the critical knowledge gaps are proposed. This study concludes that by implementing microbial valorization techniques, the pulp and paper industry can transition from a linear to a circular bioeconomy and eco-friendly manage the kraft black liuor. This approach showed to be effective towards resource recovery, while simultaneously minimizing the environmental burden.

Pulp-paper industry sludge waste biorefinery for sustainable energy and value-added products development: A systematic valorization towards waste management.

The pulp-paper industry is one of the main industrial sectors that produce massive amounts of residual sludge, constituting an enormous environmental burden for the industries. Traditional sludge management practices, such as landfilling and incineration, are restricted due to mounting environmental pressures, complex regulatory frameworks, land availability, high costs, and public opinion. Valorization of pulp-paper industry sludge (PPS) to produce high-value products is a promising substitute for traditional sludge management practices, promoting their reuse and recycling. Valorization of PPIS for biorefinery beneficiation includes biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel production for renewable energy generation. Additionally, the various thermo-chemical technologies can be utilized to synthesize bio-oil, hydrochar, biochar, adsorbent, and activated carbon, signifying potential for value-added generation. Moreover, PPIS can be recycled as a byproduct by incorporating it into nanocomposites, cardboard, and construction materials development. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of PPIS management approaches and thermo-chemical technologies utilized for the development of platform chemicals in industry. Substitute uses of PPIS, such as making building materials, developing supercapacitors, and making cardboard, are also discussed. In addition, this article deeply discusses recent developments in biotechnologies for valorizing PPIS to yield an array of valuable products, such as biofuels, lactic acids, cellulose, nanocellulose, and so on. This review serves as a roadmap for future research endeavors in the effective handling of PPIS.

DIEP Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction: An Underutilized Option!

Background The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a workhorse flap for breast reconstruction. Its use for head and neck (HN) reconstruction is rare. Abdomen provides a donor site abundant in skin and subcutaneous tissue, amenable to primary closure; sizeable, robust, and consistent perforators and a long, sizeable pedicle for comfortable microvascular anastomosis. Its offers all the donor variables needed for HN reconstruction in abundance. Methods It is a quasiexperimental design study. DIEP flap use for HN reconstruction in our series was opportunistic, that is, when donor site matched the defect. Cases that had very thick thighs and lesser bulk in abdomen and cases that had very thin thighs but much more bulk in abdomen were considered for reconstruction using DIEP flap. Results The DIEP flap was done in 11 cases for HN reconstruction. There were two re-explorations during postoperative period: one flap loss and another had partial necrosis. Conclusion Abdomen is an excellent donor site option for HN reconstruction in selected cases, especially when harvested as a perforator flap.

Insights into the functional characterization of DIR proteins through genome-wide in silico and evolutionary studies: a systematic review.

Dirigent proteins (DIRs) are a new class of proteins that were identified during the 8-8' lignan biosynthetic pathway and involves the formation of ( +) or ( -)-pinoresinol through stereoselective coupling from E-coniferyl alcohol. These proteins are known to play a vital role in the development and stress response in plants. Various studies have reported the functional and structural characterization of dirigent gene family in different plants using in silico approaches. Here, we have summarized the importance of dirigent proteins in plants and their role in plant stress tolerance by analyzing the genome-wide analysis including gene structure, mapping of chromosomes, phylogenetic evolution, conserved motifs, gene structure, and gene duplications in important plants. Overall, this review would help to compare and clarify the molecular and evolutionary characteristics of dirigent gene family in different plants.

Mutation of putative glycosyl transferases PslC and PslI confers susceptibility to antibiotics and leads to drastic reduction in biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic, multidrug-resistant pathogen capable of adapting to numerous environmental conditions and causing fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. The predominant lifestyle of P. aeruginosa is in the form of biofilms, which are structured communities of bacteria encapsulated in a matrix containing exopolysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins. The matrix is impervious to antibiotics, rendering the bacteria tolerant to antimicrobials. P. aeruginosa also produces a plethora of virulence factors such as pyocyanin, rhamnolipids and lipopolysaccharides among others. In this study we present the molecular characterization of pslC and pslI genes, of the exopolysaccharide operon, that code for putative glycosyltransferases. PslC is a 303 amino acid containing putative GT2 glycosyltrasferase, whereas PslI is a 367 aa long protein, possibly functioning as a GT4 glycosyltransferase. Mutation in either of these two genes results in a significant reduction in biofilm biomass with concomitant decline in c-di-GMP levels in the bacterial cells. Moreover, mutation in pslC and pslI dramatically increased susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to tobramycin, colistin and ciprofloxacin. Additionally, these mutations also resulted in an increase in rhamnolipids and pyocyanin formation. We demonstrate that elevated rhamnolipids promote a swarming phenotype in the mutant strains. Together these results highlight the importance of PslC and PslI in the biogenesis of biofilms and their potential as targets for increased antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm inhibition.

Refractive Index-Adaptive Nanoporous Chiral Photonic Crystal Film for Chemical Detection Visualized via Selective Reflection.

Photonic crystals (PC) are of great importance in technology, especially in optics and photonics. In general, the structural color of PCs responds to external stimuli primarily by changing their periodicity. Herein, the authors report on refractive index (RI) adaptive PCs. Cross-linked cholesteric films with interconnected nanopores exhibit a very low RI without light scattering. Transparent PC films with maximum reflectance in the ultravoilet (UV) region respond to various chemicals by changing the reflective color of the PC. The authors demonstrate its unique colorimetric chemical detections of hazardous organic liquids. Loading various chemicals into nanopores significantly shifts the structural color into the visible range depending on the chemical's RI. These results are unique in that the structural color of photonic films is mediated by RI changes rather than periodicity changes. In principle, nanoporous photonic crystal films can detect the RI of a chemical substance by its unique color. In contrast to volumetric changes, this sensing mechanism offers several advantages, including durability, excellent sensitivity, fast response time, and wide detection range. These results provide useful insight into stimulus-responsive PCs. The structural color of PC films can be effectively tuned by adjusting average RIs instead of changing periodicity.

A critical review on environmental risk and toxic hazards of refractory pollutants discharged in chlorolignin waste of pulp and paper mills and their remediation approaches for environmental safety.

Agro-based pulp and paper mills (PPMs) inevitably produce numerous refractory pollutants in their wastewater, including chlorolignin, chlorophenols, chlorocatechols, chloroguaiacol, cyanide, furan, dioxins, and other organic compounds, as well as various heavy metals, such as nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), etc. These pollutants pose significant threats to aquatic and terrestrial life due to their cytogenotoxicity, mutagenicity, impact on sexual organs, hormonal interference, endocrine disruption, and allergenic response. Consequently, it is crucial to reclaim pulp paper mill wastewater (PPMW) with high loads of refractory pollutants through effective and environmentally sustainable practices to minimize the presence of these chemicals and ensure environmental safety. However, there is currently no comprehensive published review providing up-to-date knowledge on the fate of refractory pollutants from PPMW in soil and aquatic environments, along with valuable insights into the associated health hazards and remediation methods. This critical review aims to shed light on the potential adverse effects of refractory pollutants from PPMW on natural ecosystems and living organisms. It explores existing effective treatment technologies for remediating these pollutants from wastewater, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, all in pursuit of environmental safety. Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies used to decontaminate wastewater discharged from PPMs, ensuring the preservation of the environment. Additionally, this review addresses the major challenges and proposes future research directions for the proper disposal of PPMW. It serves as a comprehensive source of knowledge on the environmental toxicity and risks associated with refractory pollutants in PPMW, making it a valuable reference for policymakers and researchers when selecting appropriate technologies for remediation. The scientific community, concerned with mitigating the widespread risks posed by refractory pollutants from PPMs, is expected to take a keen interest in this review.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles improved vegetative growth and enhanced productivity, biochemical potency and storage stability of harvested mustard seeds.

A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of MgO-NPs priming on growth and development of mustard. Priming of mustard seeds before sowing with MgO-NPs at concentration 10, 50, 100, and 150 µg/ml enhanced the vegetative parameters of plants, with considerable increase in leaf area. MgO-NPs exposure increased the photosynthetic pigment accumulation in mustard that led to increase in biomass, carbohydrate content, and the yield in terms of total grain yield. Increased chlorophyll has simultaneously increased the oxidative stress in plants, and hence stimulated their antioxidant potential. A consistent increase was observed in the content of mustard polyphenols and activity of SOD, CAT, and APX on MgO-NPs exposure. MgO-NPs induced oxidative stress further reduced the protein content and bioavailability in mustard. We further, evaluated the influence of MgO-NPs on the quality of mustard harvested seeds. The seeds harvested from nanoprimed mustard possessed increased antioxidant potential and reduced oxidative stress. The carbohydrate and protein accumulation was significantly enhanced in response to nanopriming. Reduced chlorophyll content in seeds obtained from nanoprimed mustard indicated their potential for disease resistance and stability on long term storage. Therefore, the seeds harvested from MgO-NPs primed mustard were biochemically rich and more stable. Therefore, MgO-NPs priming can be potentially used as a novel strategy for growth promotion in plants where leaves are economically important and a strategy to enhance the seed quality under long term storage conditions.

Microbial strategies for degradation of microplastics generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste.

COVID-19 pandemic has led to the generation of massive plastic wastes, comprising of onetime useable gloves, masks, tissues, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommendations for the employ of single-use disposable masks made up of various polymeric materials like polyethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, and polypropylene, polystyrene, can have significant aftermath on environmental, human as well as animal health. Improper disposal and handling of healthcare wastes and lack of proper management practices are creating serious health hazards and an extra challenge for the local authorities designated for management of solid waste. Most of the COVID-19 medical wastes generated are now being treated by incineration which generates microplastic particles (MPs), dioxin, furans, and various toxic metals, such as cadmium and lead. Moreover, natural degradation and mechanical abrasion of these wastes can lead to the generation of MPs which cause a serious health risk to living beings. It is a major threat to aquatic lives and gets into foods subsequently jeopardizing global food safety. Moreover, the presence of plastic is also considered a threat owing to the increased carbon emission and poses a profound danger to the global food chain. Degradation of MPs by axenic and mixed culture microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, microalgae etc. can be considered an eco-sustainable technique for the mitigation of the microplastic menace. This review primarily deals with the increase in microplastic pollution due to increased use of PPE along with different disinfection methods using chemicals, steam, microwave, autoclave, and incineration which are presently being employed for the treatment of COVID-19 pandemic-related wastes. The biological treatment of the MPs by diverse groups of fungi and bacteria can be an alternative option for the mitigation of microplastic wastes generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste.

Unraveling the potential of bacterial phytases for sustainable management of phosphorous.

Phosphorous actively participates in numerous metabolic and regulatory activities of almost all living organisms including animals and humans. Therefore, it is considered as an essential macronutrient required supporting their proper growth. On contrary, phytic acid (PA), an antinutritional substance, is widely known for its strong affinity to chelate essential mineral ions including PO4 3- , Ca2+ , Fe2+ , Mg2+ , and Zn2+ . Being one the major reservoir of PO4 3- ions, PA has great potential to bind PO4 3- ions in diverse range of foods. Once combined with P, PA transforms into an undigested and insoluble complex namely phytate. Produced phytate leads to a notable reduction in the bioavailability of P due to negligible activity of phytases in monogastric animals and humans. This highlights the importance and consequent need of enhancement of phytase level in these life forms. Interestingly, phytases, catalyzing the breakdown of phytate complex and recycling the phosphate into ecosystem to its available form, have naturally been reported in a variety of plants and microorganisms over past few decades. In pursuit of a reliable solution, the focus of this review is to explore the keynote potential of bacterial phytases for sustainable management of phosphorous via efficient utilization of soil phytate. The core of the review covers detailed discussion on bacterial phytases along with their widely reported applications viz. biofertilizers, phosphorus acquisition, and plant growth promotion. Moreover, meticulous description on fermentation-based strategies and future trends on bacterial phytases have also been included.

Assessing the coverage of full antenatal care among adolescent mothers from scheduled tribe and scheduled caste communities in India.

BACKGROUND: The persistently high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among historically marginalised social groups, such as adolescent Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India, can be attributed, in part, to the low utilisation of full antenatal healthcare services. Despite efforts by the Indian government, full antenatal care (ANC) usage remains low among this population. To address this issue, it is crucial to determine the factors that influence the utilisation of ANC services among adolescent SC/ST mothers. However, to date, no national-level comprehensive study in India has specifically examined this issue for this population. Our study aims to address this research gap and contribute to the understanding of how to improve the utilisation of ANC services among adolescent SC/ST mothers in India. DATA AND METHODS: Data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey 2015-16 (NFHS-4) was used. The outcome variable was full antenatal care (ANC). A pregnant mother was considered to have 'full ANC' only when she had at least four ANC visits, at least two tetanus toxoid (TT) injections, and consumed 100 or more iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets/syrup during her pregnancy. Bivariate analysis was used to examine the disparity in the coverage of full ANC. In addition, binary logistic regression was used to understand the net effect of predictor variables on the coverage of full ANC. RESULTS: The utilisation of full antenatal care (ANC) among adolescent SC/ST mothers was inadequate, with only 18% receiving full ANC. Although 83% of Indian adolescent SC/ST mothers received two or more TT injections, the utilisation of the other two vital components of full ANC was low, with only 46% making four or more ANC visits and 28% consuming the recommended number of IFA tablets or equivalent amount of IFA syrup. There were statistically significant differences in the utilisation of full ANC based on the background characteristics of the participants. The statistical analysis showed that there was a significant association between the receipt of full ANC and factors such as religion (OR = 0.143, CI = 0.044-0.459), household wealth (OR = 5.505, CI = 1.804-16.800), interaction with frontline health workers (OR = 1.821, CI = 1.241-2.670), and region of residence in the Southern region (OR = 3.575, CI = 1.917-6.664). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study highlights the low utilisation of full antenatal care services among Indian adolescent SC/ST mothers, with only a minority receiving the recommended number of ANC visits and consuming the required amount of IFA tablets/syrup. Addressing social determinants of health and recognising the role of frontline workers can be crucial in improving full ANC coverage among this vulnerable population. Furthermore, targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of different subgroups of adolescent SC/ST mothers are necessary to achieve optimal maternal and child health outcomes.

Free-ranging dogs are seriously threatening Himalayan environment: delineating the high-risk areas for curbing free-ranging dog infestation in the Trans-Himalayan region.

It is becoming more widely recognised that free-ranging dogs, which have a nearly global distribution, threatening native wildlife. Their increasing population and spread to new areas is of growing concern for the long-term viability of wildlife species. Hence, it is imperative to understand the factors responsible for their infestation and map areas where native species are most vulnerable. Using the random forests algorithm, we modelled the free-ranging dog infestation in the Trans-Himalayan region to pinpoint the high-risk areas where free-ranging dogs are threatening the native wildlife species. We found that the likelihood of free-ranging dog occurrence is most in valley regions and up to 4000 m, often in proximity to roads. Our results also indicated that free-ranging dog prefers areas with wildlife near to protected areas. The predictor variables, such as potential evapotranspiration of the coldest quarter, distance to protected areas, elevation, distance to roads, and potential evapotranspiration of the driest quarter, significantly influence the distribution of the free-ranging dogs. We found that within the Ladakh region of the Trans-Himalayan area, the high-risk zones for free-ranging dogs are located in and around Hemis National Park, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. While, in the Lahaul and Spiti region the high-risk areas encompass Pin Valley National Park, Inderkilla National Park, Khirganga National Park, Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, and several other protected areas. We identified the potentially high-risk areas for implementing strategies to mitigate the possible impact of free-ranging dogs on native wildlife of the Himalayas. Hence, the identified high priority areas can be used for implementing actions for controlling the population growth and further preventing the infestation of the free-ranging dogs into the new areas.

Inhibitory impact of MgO nanoparticles on oxidative stress and other physiological attributes of spinach plant grown under field condition.

Green synthesis of NPs is preferred due to its eco-friendly procedures and non-toxic end products. However, unintentional release of NPs can lead to environmental pollution affecting living organisms including plants. NPs accumulation in soil can affect the agricultural sustainability and crop production. In this context, we report the morphological and biochemical response of spinach nanoprimed with MgO-NPs at concentrations, 10, 50, 100, and 150 µg/ml. Nanopriming reduced the spinach root length by 14-26%, as a result a reduction of 20-74% in the length of spinach shoots was observed. The decreased spinach shoot length inhibited the chlorophyll accumulation by 21-55%, thus reducing the accumulation of carbohydrates and yield by 46 and 49%, respectively. The reduced utilization of the total absorbed light further enhanced ROS generation and oxidative stress by 32%, thus significantly altering their antioxidant system. Additionally, a significant variation in the accumulation of flavonoid pathway downstream metabolites myricitin, rutin, kaempferol-3 glycoside, and quercitin was also revealed on MgO-NPs nanopriming. Additionally, NPs enhanced the protein levels of spinach probably as an osmoprotectant to regulate the oxidative stress. However, increased protein precipitable tannins and enhanced oxidative stress reduced the protein digestibility and solubility. Overall, MgO-NPs mediated oxidative stress negatively affected the growth, development, and yield of spinach in fields in a concentration dependent manner. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01391-9.