Bubble ascent and rupture in mud volcanoes.

Large gas bubbles can reach the surface of pools of mud and lava where they burst, often through the formation and expansion of circular holes. Bursting bubbles release volatiles and generate spatter, and hence play a key role in volcanic degassing and volcanic edifice construction. Here, we study the ascent and rupture of bubbles using a combination of field observations at Pâclele Mici (Romania), laboratory experiments with mud from the Imperial Valley (California, USA), numerical simulations and theoretical models. Numerical simulations predict that bubbles ascend through the mud as elliptical caps that develop a dimple at the apex as they impinge on the free surface. We documented the rupture of bubbles in nature and under laboratory conditions using high-speed video. The bursting of mud bubbles starts with the nucleation of multiple holes, which form at a near-constant rate and in quick succession. The quasi-circular holes rapidly grow and coalesce, and the sheet evolves towards a filamentous structure that finally falls back into the mud pool, sometimes breaking up into droplets. The rate of expansion of holes in the sheet can be explained by a generalization of the Taylor-Culick theory, which is shown to hold independent of the fluid rheology.

Exploring the Link Between Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease in India's Elderly: Evidence from the Longitudinal Aging Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, particularly among older adults. In India, the rapid demographic transition has resulted in a significant increase in the aging population, necessitating a deeper understanding of the factors influencing CVD prevalence. This study examines the association between physical activity and the prevalence of CVD among individuals aged 60 and above. DATA & METHODS: The study utilized cross-sectional data from the LASI, comprising a nationally representative sample of 28,935 individuals. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and CVD. Population Attributable Factor (PAF) was calculated to determine the proportion of CVD cases preventable by recommended physical activity levels. RESULTS: Adequate physical activity was significantly associated with lower odds of CVD (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.67-0.78). Inadequate physical activity also showed a protective effect (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94) compared to those who never worked. Other significant factors influencing CVD risk included age, sex, educational level, living arrangements, self-rated health status, body mass index, smoking habits, and multi-morbidity. The comparison between adequate physical activity levels and never physically active shows a PAF estimate of 0.093 (95% CI: 0.071 - 0.114), indicating that 9.3% of cardiovascular disease cases could be prevented by increasing physical activity from never active to adequate levels. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the significant role of physical activity in reducing CVD risk among older adults in India. Promoting regular physical activity through community-based programs and healthcare interventions could substantially lower the burden of CVD.

Unraveling Complexities: Rhabdomyolysis, Acute Renal Injury, and Compartment Syndrome Following a Wasp's Sting.

This study delves into the rare occurrence of rhabdomyolysis induced by wasp stings, emphasizing its toxic systemic repercussions. Drawing parallels with documented instances of insect bites worldwide, including those by honey bees and Africanized bees, the research explores the correlation between multiple wasp stings and acute renal failure associated with rhabdomyolysis. The venom's active components, such as amines, kinins, and histamine-releasing peptides, underpin toxic systemic reactions, leading to hemolysis, coagulopathy, and severe cytotoxicity-induced acute renal failure. Noteworthy is the emergence of blackish necroses at the sting site, suggesting intense cytotoxicity. The study also highlights skin necrosis as a prognostic indicator for toxic systemic reactions. The presented case manifests an anaphylaxis-like reaction, revealing insights into toxic responses devoid of IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Timely intervention, encompassing hydration, transfusion, and dialytic support, proves imperative in scenarios involving multiple wasp stings, offering successful outcomes documented through plasma exchange in severe cases. This research prompts considerations beyond anaphylaxis, urging exploration of severe toxic systemic reactions in the context of multiple wasp stings.

Standoff Identification of Plastic Waste Using a Low-Cost Compact Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Detection System.

We report the standoff/remote identification of post-consumer plastic waste by utilizing a low-cost and compact standoff laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (ST-LIBS) detection system. A single plano-convex lens is used for collecting the optical emissions from the plasma at a standoff distance of 6.5 m. A compact non-gated Czerny-Turner charge-coupled device (CCD) spectrometer (CT-CCD) is utilized to analyze the optical response. The single lens and CT-CCD combination not only reduces the cost of the detection system by tenfold, but also decreases the collection system size and weight compared to heavy telescopic-based intensified CCD systems. All the samples investigated in this study were collected from a local recycling plant. All the measurements were performed with only a single laser shot which enables rapid identification while probing a large number of samples in real time. Furthermore, principal component analysis has shown excellent separation among the samples and an artificial neural network analysis has revealed that plastic waste can be identified within ∼10 ms only (testing time) with accuracies up to ∼99%. Finally, these results have the potential to build a compact and low-cost ST-LIBS detection system for the rapid identification of plastic waste for real-time waste management applications.

Do Indian men have similar oncological outcomes with abiraterone plus androgen deprivation therapy in the setting of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer? A prospective observational study.

Introduction: Combination of abiraterone with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has better survival outcomes than ADT alone in metastatic Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in the Western population. In this prospective (Clinical Trials Registry-India [CTRI] registered) observational study, we present the comparative oncological outcomes of ADT alone and ADT + abiraterone in Indian patients, which is not available currently. Methods: This study (CTRI-number-CTRI/2020/07/026545) included newly diagnosed mHSPC patients from January 2020 to June 2023 in a tertiary care hospital, urology department. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were advised ADT with abiraterone (A + ADT), and those not affording received ADT monotherapy (ADT). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline >90%, radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), and PSA progression-free survival (pPFS). Results: Out of 278 patients with mHSPC, 163 patients were excluded and 115 were analyzed (ADT = 40 vs. A + ADT = 75). After a median follow-up of 20.3 months, 11 of 40 (27.5%) in ADT-only arm and 15 of 75 (20%) in ADT + abiraterone arm had died (Hazard-ratio of death 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.68-0.88; P < 0.001). A PSA decline of >90% was seen in 85% in the ADT alone group and 93.3% in the ADT + abiraterone group. Significantly better outcomes of the ADT + abiraterone were seen in the secondary endpoints of rPFS (P < 0.001) and pPFS (P < 0.001). The OS benefit was 28% reduction in risk of death in our study versus 37% and 38% in STAMPEDE and LATITUDE, respectively. pPFS and rPFS were also poorer in Indian subsets. Conclusions: Abiraterone with ADT improves OS, PSA response, rPFS, and pPFS in the Indian population akin to the Western data but with poorer OS, rPFS, and PSA progression-free survival on comparison.

NIN-like proteins (NLPs) as crucial nitrate sensors: an overview of their roles in nitrogen signaling, symbiosis, abiotic stress, and beyond.

Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient critical for plant growth and productivity. Plants have the capacity to uptake inorganic nitrate and ammonium, with nitrate playing a crucial role as a signaling molecule in various cellular processes. The availability of nitrate and the signaling pathways involved finely tune the processes of nitrate uptake and assimilation. NIN-like proteins (NLPs), a group of transcription factors belonging to the RWP-RK gene family, act as major nitrate sensors and are implicated in the primary nitrate response (PNR) within the nucleus of both non-leguminous and leguminous plants through their RWP-RK domains. In leguminous plants, NLPs are indispensable for the initiation and development of nitrogen-fixing nodules in symbiosis with rhizobia. Moreover, NLPs play pivotal roles in plant responses to abiotic stresses, including drought and cold. Recent studies have identified NLP homologs in oomycete pathogens, suggesting their potential involvement in pathogenesis and virulence. This review article delves into the conservation of RWP-RK genes, examining their significance and implications across different plant species. The focus lies on the role of NLPs as nitrate sensors, investigating their involvement in various processes, including rhizobial symbiosis in both leguminous and non-leguminous plants. Additionally, the multifaceted functions of NLPs in abiotic stress responses, developmental processes, and interactions with plant pathogens are explored. By comprehensively analyzing the role of NLPs in nitrate signaling and their broader implications for plant growth and development, this review sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying nitrogen sensing and signaling in various plant lineages.

Extraction of microcrystalline cellulose from Ficus benghalensis leaf and its characterization.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a crucial component in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, culinary, and cosmetics. The growing demand for MCC has spurred research into extraction methods. This study focused on extracting MCC from Ficus benghalensis using acid hydrolysis to convert the alpha-cellulose content of its leaves into MCC. The solvent used in this process was recyclable for further use. The extracted MCC was characterized by its physicochemical properties, including density, yield percentage, and structural characteristics. The yield was approximately 39.68 %, and the density was low at 1.518 g/cm3, making it suitable for filler applications. Fourier transform spectroscopy and UV-visible analysis identified functional groups of cellulose. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a crystallite size of 1.560 nm and a crystallinity index of 66.43 %, indicating suitability for related applications. ImageJ determined a mean particle size of 36.545 µm, while scanning electron microscopy showed distinct surface orientations. Atomic force microscopy revealed surface roughness, root mean square, ten-point average roughness, skewness, and kurtosis. Elemental analysis indicated high concentrations of carbon (20.1 %) and oxygen (34 %). Based on these physicochemical features, the extracted MCC could be a valuable source for applications such as filler in reinforcement technology and coating material in pharmaceutical products.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Vocal Abuse and Vocal Hygiene among Diverse Occupational Voice Users in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Background: Voice disorders in occupations connected with excessive voice use can be attributed to the inappropriate use of voice and poor vocal hygiene. Therefore, it is essential for persons in such occupations to be aware of vocal abuse, vocal hygiene, practices and their influence on maintaining healthy voice. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice on vocal abuse and vocal hygiene among diverse occupational voice users in Jodhpur. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jodhpur district, Rajasthan. Data was collected from 424 participants (106 Doctors, 106 Teachers, 106 Advocates, 106 Vendors) from May 2023 to July 2023 by administrating a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS (V. 23) statistical software were used for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results: Majority (92%) of the participants felt that their quality of voice was good. About 55% participants were not aware about the term vocal abuse (Doctors 17.9%, Teachers 39.6%, Advocates 79.2%, Vendors 44.3%). Around 56% participants (Doctors 63.3%, Teachers 66.0%, Advocates 32.1%, Vendors 61%) had negative attitude towards vocal hygiene practices. About 47% of the participants preferred home remedies and 44.3% (Doctors 72.6%, Teachers 48.1%, Advocates 41.5%, Vendors 15.1%) preferred to consult ENT specialist for their voice related problem. Perception of vocal abuse on vocal health and hygiene practices was found to statistically significant (p = 0.001) among the different category of occupations. Conclusion: In this perception-based, cross-sectional study it was found that majority of the participants were neither aware about term vocal abuse nor followed vocal hygiene practices. In view of the above findings it is strongly recommended that excessive voice users should be made aware of vocal hygiene practices & repeated reinforcement of the same is required to prevent voice related problem.

Sex-specific epigenetic signatures of circulating urate and its increase after BCG vaccination.

Background: Urate concentration and the physiological regulation of urate homeostasis exhibit clear sex differences. DNA methylation has been shown to explain a substantial proportion of serum urate variance, mediate the genetic effect on urate concentration, and co-regulate with cardiometabolic traits. However, whether urate concentration is associated with DNA methylation in a sex-dependent manner is unknown. Additionally, it is worth investigating if urate changes after perturbations, such as vaccination, are associated with DNA methylation in a sex-specific manner. Methods: We investigated the association between DNA methylation and serum urate concentrations in a Dutch cohort of 325 healthy individuals. Urate concentration and DNA methylation were measured before and after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, used as a perturbation associated with increased gout flares. The association analysis included united, interaction, and sex-stratified analysis. Validation of the identified CpG sites was conducted using three independent cohorts. Results: 215 CpG sites were associated with serum urate in males, while 5 CpG sites were associated with serum urate in females, indicating sex-specific associations. Circulating urate concentrations significantly increased after BCG vaccination, and baseline DNA methylation was associated with differences in urate concentration before and after vaccination in a sex-specific manner. The CpG sites associated with urate concentration in males were enriched in neuro-protection pathways, whereas in females, the urate change-associated CpG sites were related to lipid and glucose metabolism. Conclusion: Our study enhances the understanding of how epigenetic factors contribute to regulating serum urate levels in a sex-specific manner. These insights have significant implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various urate-related diseases and highlight the importance of personalized and sex-specific approaches in medicine.

Urothelial Carcinoma with Trophoblastic Differentiation-A Report with Review.

BACKGROUND: Urothelial carcinoma with trophoblastic differentiation is a rare type of urothelial carcinoma that poses a diagnostic challenge. CASE DETAILS: A 50-year-old man presented with hematuria for 4 months duration. Ultrasonography examination showed polypoidal lesions along the right lateral wall and near the right vesicoureteric junction of the urinary bladder. The transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) specimen showed marked necrosis and urothelial tumor cells arranged in nests, sheets, and papillae, admixed with multinucleated large cells. Deep muscle and extensive lymphovascular invasion were noted. The tumor cells were diffuse immunopositive for GATA3 and focal positive for p63 and SALL4. Large multinucleated tumor cells were immunopositive for ß-hCG, GATA3, inhibin-α, and PLAP, focally positive for SALL4 while negative for p63. The patient denied further treatment and succumbed to the disease after 8 months of the TURBT procedure. CONCLUSION: We report a rare invasive urothelial carcinoma with trophoblastic differentiation and discuss the differential diagnosis and literature review.

Inguinal Lipoblastoma Masquerading as Obstructed Omentocele in a Girl.

Lipoblastoma in the inguinal regional is a rare occurrence in children and can present as a surgical surprise during pediatric herniotomies. Irreducible inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical problems dealt by pediatric surgery residents in emergency. We report a case of inguinal lipoblastoma presenting as irreducible groin swelling. Complete excision of the mass was done with no recurrence till date.

VCL::ROS1: A Novel ROS1 Oncogenic Fusion Detected on Next Generation Sequencing.

Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) patients with ROS1 gene rearrangement have shown significant therapeutic responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, with approximately 40 fusion partners documented in the existing literature. Our report highlights a novel fusion partner of ROS1 that has demonstrated a conclusive response to the current standard of treatment.

The RESIST Senior Individuals Cohort: Design, participant characteristics and aims.

The number of older adults worldwide is growing exponentially. However, while living longer, older individuals are more susceptible to both non-infectious and infectious diseases, at least in part due to alterations of the immune system. Here, we report on a prospective cohort study investigating the influence of age on immune responses and susceptibility to infection. The RESIST Senior Individuals (SI) cohort was established as a general population cohort with a focus on the elderly, enrolling an age- and sex-stratified sample of 650 individuals (n = 100 20-39y, n = 550 61-94y, 2019-2023, Hannover, Germany). It includes clinical, demographic, and lifestyle data and also extensive biomaterial sampling. Initial insights indicate that the SI cohort exhibits characteristics of the aging immune system and the associated susceptibility to infection, thereby providing a suitable platform for the decoding of age-related alterations of the immune system and unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying the impaired immune responsiveness in aging populations by exploring comprehensive, unbiased multi-omics datasets.

Enhancing Sugarcane Seedling Resilience to Water Stress through Exogenous Abscisic Acid: A Study on Antioxidant Enzymes and Phytohormone Dynamics.

Exogenous hormones play a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. However, the effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) on sugarcane seedlings under water stress remain poorly understood. Here, in this study, a pot experiment was conducted on sugarcane seedlings 4 weeks after transplanting, employing three treatments: control (normal growth), drought (water stress), and drought + ABA (foliar application of 100 µM ABA before water stress). The main objectives of this research are to understand the effects of exogenous ABA on sugarcane seedlings under water stress conditions and to assess the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and phytohormone levels in response to exogenous ABA. Water stress was induced in the solution culture by adding 25% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 to the Hoagland solution. Leaf samples were collected at 3, 6, and 9 days after treatment, and the photosynthetic and biochemical responses of ABA-treated plants to drought stress were investigated. The indole acetic acid (IAA) activity of the ABA-treated drought plants is compared to that of drought plants. Moreover, the endogenous ABA levels of the ABA-treated drought plants were significantly enhanced by 42.2, 39.9, and 42.3% at 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively, compared to those of drought plants. Additionally, the proline content of the ABA-treated drought plants significantly increased by 45 and 80% at 6 and 9 days, respectively, compared to that of drought plants. The expression of the catalase 1 (CAT1) gene was increased in the ABA-treated drought plants by 2.1-fold, 0.7-fold, and 1.37-fold at 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively, compared to that in drought plants. Similarly, the expression of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase genes of the ABA-treated drought plants also increased compared to those of the drought plants. In conclusion, foliar application of ABA mitigated the negative effects of water shortage of sugarcane plants under water stress. Applying ABA improved the antioxidant defense system of sugarcane plants under drought stress, thereby enhancing their photosynthetic activities and productivity.

Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Mediating Resistance to Anti-HER2 Antibodies.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, many patients still develop challenging-to-treat metastatic disease. The development and progression of tumors are influenced by genetic/epigenetic changes within tumor cells and alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) through a dynamic communication. The TME comprises various elements, including immune, tumor, and stromal cells. Tumor cells at the core of the TME orchestrate complex signals that lead to tumor growth, survival, and resistance to treatment. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in a significant proportion of invasive breast cancers, influencing prognosis and prediction. Novel therapeutic approaches target HER2-positive breast cancers by leveraging HER2-targeted therapeuirtcs such as antibody-drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The TME in HER2-positive breast cancers also involves cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer-associated adipocytes, which play critical roles in tumor progression and therapy resistance. The immune microenvironment also plays a significant role, with studies indicating its impact on outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab, one of the first monoclonal antibodies targeting HER2, has shown promise in enhancing survival rates in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Integration of trastuzumab with chemotherapy has demonstrated significant enhancements in disease-free survival as well as overall survival rates during early breast cancer treatment. Trastuzumab functions by inhibiting HER2 signaling pathways, leading to cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Overall, understanding the complex interplay between HER2, the tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic interventions is essential for improving outcomes in HER2-positive BC.

Characterization of Calotropis gigantiea plant leaves biomass-based bioplasticizers for biofilm applications.

The present surge in environmental consciousness has pushed for the use of biodegradable plasticizers, which are sustainable and abundant in plant resources. As a result of their biocompatibility and biodegradability, Calotropis gigantiea leaf plasticizers (CLP) serve as viable alternatives to chemical plasticizers. First time, the natural plasticizers from the Calotropis leaves were extracted for this study using a suitable chemical approach that was also environmentally friendly. The XRD results showed a reduced crystallinity index of 20.2 % and a crystalline size of 5.3 nm, respectively. TGA study revealed that the CLP has good thermal stability (244 °C). Through FT-IR study, the existence of organic compounds in CLP can be investigated by key functional groups such as alcohol, amine, amide, hydrocarbon, alkene, aromatic, etc. Further the presence of alcoholic, amino, and carboxyl constituents was confirmed by UV investigation. SEM, EDAX analysis, and AFM are used to examine the surface morphology of the isolated plasticizer. SEM pictures reveal rough surfaces on the CLP surface pores, which makes them suitable for plasticizing new bioplastics with improved mechanical properties. Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable polymer matrix, was used to investigate the plasticization impact after the macromolecules were characterised. The biofilm PBAT/CLP had a thickness of 0.8 mm. In addition, the reinforcement interface was examined using scanning electron microscopy. When CLP is loaded differently in PBAT, the tensile strength and young modulus change from 15.30 to 24.60 MPa and from 137 to 168 MPa, respectively. CLP-reinforced films demonstrated better surface compatibility and enhanced flexibility at a loading of 2 % when compared to pure PBAT films. Considering several documented characteristics, CLP may prove to be an excellent plasticizer for resolving environmental issues in the future.