The Efficacy of LRINEC Scoring in Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis and its Correlation with the Outcomes.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an expeditiously escalating inflammatory infection of the fascia, with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. To aid diagnosis, the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring system was devised to stratify the likelihood of infection in patients on presentation.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The study aimed to investigate and quantify the relationships between the LRINEC scoring system and the outcomes such as the need for amputation, length of hospital stay, and mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> A total number of 90 patients were admitted with a provisional diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. LRINEC score was calculated for each case based on six laboratory variables at the time of presentation. Enrolled patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the LRINEC score. The differences in mortality, length of hospitalization, number of debridement procedures, and need for amputation between these groups were compared.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> Increasing age, male gender, and DM have a poor prognosis in necrotizing fasciitis patients. The amputation and mortality rates are better correlated with higher LRINEC scores.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> The LRINEC score helps in stratifying the patients into three risk categories (low risk, moderate risk, and high risk) according to the severity in a much more organized way, and thus the appropriate management like surgical debridement can be introduced on time. LRINEC score is a robust index that is capable of detecting early cases of necrotizing fasciitis and is simple enough for routine use. It is a simplified bedside diagnostic tool for early diagnosis and prediction of outcomes in patients with necrotizing fasciitis.</br>.

Exploring the role of neutral ligands in modulating the photoluminescence of samarium complexes with 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione.

Four eight-coordinated luminescent samarium complexes of type [Sm(hfpd)3L2] and [Sm(hfpd)3L'] [where hfpd = 1,1,1,5,5,5-Hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione L = tri-octyl-phosphine oxide (TOPO) and L' = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), neocuproine (neoc) and bathocuproine (bathoc) were synthesized via a stoichiometrically controlled approach. This allows for precise control over the stoichiometry of the complexes, leading to reproducible properties. This investigation focuses on understanding the impact of secondary ligands on the luminescent properties of these complexes. Infrared (IR) spectra provided information about the molecular structures, whereas 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra confirmed these structural details along with the coordination of ligands to trivalent Sm ion. The UV-vis spectra revealed the molar absorption coefficient and absorption bands associated with the hfpd ligand and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy demonstrated intense orange-red emission (648 nm relative to 4G5/2 → 6H9/2) from the complexes. The Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) triangles indicated that the complexes emitted warm orange red light with color coordinates (x, y) ranging from (0.62, 0.36) to (0.40, 0.27). The investigation of the band gap as well as color parameters confirms the utility of these complexes in displays and LEDs.

Composition of heavy metals in sediment, water, and fish of the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers in two major cities of India.

The rapid industrial development in the Indian capital region has led to significant waste generation, which, despite undergoing treatment prior to disposal, contributes substantially to water body contamination. Given the diverse nature of these wastes and their potential repercussions across the food chain, a study was conducted to evaluate heavy metal contamination levels in the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers of two major cities. Six heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in fish, water, and sediment samples by utilizing flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Avanta Σ) from March 2019 to February 2020. Results revealed distinct heavy metal distribution patterns, with Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Ganga River and Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Yamuna River for fish samples. Additionally, levels of Hg in Cyprinus carpio and Sperata oar from the Ganga River, and Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cr in Salmophasia bacaila and Mystus cavasius from the Yamuna River exceeded WHO/FAO permissible limits. In water samples, the predominant heavy metal sequences were Pb > Cu > Zn > Cr > Cd > Hg for the Ganga River and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg for the Yamuna River, with Pb, Cr, Zn, and Cd surpassing WHO standards. Sediment analysis revealed varying heavy metal compositions, with Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Ganga River and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Yamuna River. While drinking water and fish from the Ganga River were deemed safe for consumption, those from the Yamuna River were not. Given the toxic nature of heavy metals and their detrimental health impacts, regular monitoring and effective management strategies are imperative.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Based Algorithms in Automated Detection of Neck of Femur Fracture on a Plain Radiograph: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence-based algorithms in identifying neck of femur fracture on a plain radiograph. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, IEEE, and the Science direct databases were searched from inception to 30 July 2023. Eligibility criteria for study selection: Eligible article types were descriptive, analytical, or trial studies published in the English language providing data on the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) based algorithms in the detection of the neck of the femur (NOF) fracture on plain X-ray. Main outcome measures: The prespecified primary outcome was to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden index, and positive and negative likelihood ratios. Two teams of reviewers (each consisting of two members) extracted the data from available information in each study. The risk of bias was assessed using a mix of the CLAIM (the Checklist for AI in Medical Imaging) and QUADAS-2 (A Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) criteria. Results: Of the 437 articles retrieved, five were eligible for inclusion, and the pooled sensitivity of AIs in diagnosing the fracture NOF was 85%, with a specificity of 87%. For all studies, the pooled Youden index (YI) was 0.73. The average positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was 19.88, whereas the negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.17. The random effects model showed an overall odds of 1.16 (0.84-1.61) in the forest plot, comparing the AI system with those of human diagnosis. The overall heterogeneity of the studies was marginal (I2 = 51%). The CLAIM criteria for risk of bias assessment had an overall >70% score. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms can be used as a diagnostic adjunct, benefiting clinicians by taking less time and effort in neck of the femur (NOF) fracture diagnosis. Study registration: PROSPERO CRD42022375449. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-024-01130-6.

Synthesis, characterization and photophysical studies of dual-emissive base-modified fluorescent nucleosides.

A straightforward and efficient methodology has been employed for the synthesis of a diverse set of base-modified fluorescent nucleoside conjugates via Cu(I)-catalysed cycloaddition reaction of 5-ethynyl-2',3',5'-tri-O-acetyluridine/3',5'-di-O-acetyl-2'-deoxyuridine with 4-(azidomethyl)-N9-(4'-aryl)-9,10-dihydro-2H,8H-chromeno[8,7-e][1,3]oxazin-2-ones in tBuOH to afford the desired 1,2,3-triazoles in 92-95% yields. Treatment with NaOMe/MeOH resulted in the final deprotected nucleoside analogues. The synthesized 1,2,3-triazoles demonstrated a significant emission spectrum, featuring two robust bands in the region from 350-500 nm (with excitation at 300 nm) in fluorescence studies. Photophysical investigations revealed a dual-emissive band with high fluorescence intensity, excellent Stokes shift (140-164 nm) and superior quantum yields (0.068-0.350). Furthermore, the electronic structures of the synthesized triazoles have been further verified by DFT studies. Structural characterization of all synthesized compounds was carried out using various analytical techniques, including IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HETCOR experiments, and HRMS measurements. The dual-emissive nature of these nucleosides would be a significant contribution to nucleoside chemistry as there are limited literature reports on the same.

Design of antipodal vivaldi antenna with patch and corrugations for 5G applications.

A compact 1 × 4 antipodal Vivaldi antenna (AVA) array designed for 5 G applications is introduced in this study. An elliptical-shaped parasitic patch and corrugation are strategically employed to enhance gain and bandwidth, making it well-suited for 5 G applications. The resulting AVA array with corrugation and parasitic patch (AVA-PC) is designed and simulated on ANSYS HFSS, demonstrating a stable gain ranging from 10 dBi to 11.7 dBi over the frequency range of 23.45 GHz to 28.74 GHz. The antenna, with 25.8 mm x 22.4 mm x 0.5 mm dimensions, is implemented on Roger's RT/Duroid substrate 5880. •Design uses an antipodal Vivaldi antenna to build a 1 × 4 AVA.•The array employs corrugations and an elliptical patch as a performance enhancement technique.•Simulated results confirm the designed antenna's practical utility for 5 G applications in a band of 23.45 GHz to 28.74 GHz.

Nuclear Receptor Rev-erbα Role in Fine-Tuning Erythropoietin Gene Expression.

The regulation of RBC homeostasis by erythropoietin (EPO) is critical for O2 transport and maintaining the adequate number of RBCs in vertebrates. Therefore, dysregulation in EPO synthesis results in disease conditions like polycythemia in the case of excessive EPO production and anemia, which occurs when EPO is inadequately produced. EPO plays a crucial role in treating anemic patients; however, its overproduction can increase blood viscosity, potentially leading to fatal heart failure. Consequently, the identification of druggable transcription factors (TFs) and their associated ligands capable of regulating EPO offers a promising therapeutic approach to address EPO-related disorders. This study unveils a novel regulatory mechanism involving two pivotal nuclear receptors (NRs), Rev-erbα and RORα, in the control of EPO gene expression. Rev-erbα acts as a cell-intrinsic negative regulator, playing a vital role in maintaining erythropoiesis at the correct level. It accomplishes this by directly binding to newly identified response elements within the human and mouse EPO gene promoter, thereby repressing EPO production. These findings are further supported by the discovery that a Rev-erbα agonist (SR9011) effectively suppresses hypoxia-induced EPO expression in mice. In contrast, RORα functions as a positive regulator of EPO gene expression, also binding to the same response elements in the promoter to induce EPO production. Finally, the results of this study revealed that the two NRs, Rev-erbα, and RORα, influence EPO synthesis in a negative and positive manner, suggesting that the modulating activity of these two NRs could provide a method to target disorders linked with EPO dysregulation.

Empowering Nursing Students to Prevent Medication Error-Related Harms: A Step Toward Improving Patient Safety.

Aim: Existing gaps in nursing curriculum particularly related to medication management such as administration and monitoring increase the propensity of nurses to commit medication errors during clinical practice. The present training program was conducted with an aim to sensitize and educate undergraduate nursing students on medication errors' related aspects. Methods: The participants were students pursuing bachelors nursing degree course (second and third year). The training "Medication errors: Role of Nurse practitioners" comprised of blended teaching methods such as theme lectures, hands on training exercises, small group case­based learning, role plays, and nursing officer's practical experiences. The participants' knowledge and perception about medication errors were assessed at baseline (pre-intervention phase) and 1 week after program (post-intervention phase) with the help of a structured self-administered questionnaire in English language. Results: A total of 110 nursing students participated in the program. Post program there was a consistent increase in the number of correct responses to all knowledge-based questions with a significant improvement in knowledge scores from baseline [Baseline: (mean ± SD) 12.62 ± 2.33; Post-training: 18.52 ± 2.22; P < .001]. There was a positive change in the perception about medication errors among students. The participants rated the overall quality of program as excellent [66 (60%)] or very good [40 (36.4%)]. More than 90% agreed on its applicability in their future practice. Conclusions: The training was quite successful in educating nursing students on medication errors. There is a constant need to educate nurses and other healthcare providers including doctors and pharmacists on medication safety related aspects with an ultimate goal to improve patient safety.

Advances in chromone-based copper(ii) Schiff base complexes: synthesis, characterization, and versatile applications in pharmacology and biomimetic catalysis.

Chromones are well known as fundamental structural elements found in numerous natural compounds and medicinal substances. The Schiff bases of chromones have a much wider range of pharmacological applications such as antitumor, antioxidant, anti-HIV, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. A lot of research has been carried out on chromone-based copper(ii) Schiff-base complexes owing to their role in the organometallic domain and promise as potential bioactive cores. This review article is centered on copper(ii) Schiff-base complexes derived from chromones, highlighting their diverse range of pharmacological applications documented in the past decade, as well as the future research opportunities they offer.

Assessment of prevalence and distribution of congenital missing teeth among patients visiting tertiary care hospital: A radiographic study.

Introduction: Dental Agenesis is the usual developmental dental anomaly involving both primary and permanent dentition but most commonly it affects the permanent teeth. Genetic mutations in genes like MSX, PAX9,TGFA and AXIN2 are the likely primary contributors to tooth agenesis. Identifying the prevalence and distribution of congenital missing teeth allows for early detection and intervention which is crucial for preventing or mitigating potential dental issues that may arise due to missing teeth. Aim & objectives: To assess the prevalence and distribution of congenitally missing teeth across different quadrants of the jaw among patients visiting to the Dental out patient department at Tertiary Care Centre of Lucknow city. Material & method: A Questionnaire and orthopantomogram based cross-sectional study was conducted on both male and female patients aged between 15 and 30 years, coming for evaluation of their dental health problems to the hospital. Written informed consent was obtained. Results: The overall prevalence of CMT was found to be 33.3 %. The significant difference was observed in proportion of CMT between Maxilla and Mandible sites (p = 0.008). Higher prevalence was in females compared to males for both maxillary and mandibular congenital missing teeth. (p = 0.020). Conclusion: The most common CMT were third molars followed by lateral incisors. The insights derived from the study would aid dental professional in gaining a deeper comprehension of tooth agenesis.

Social Media Impact on Self-Perceived Oral Health Practices Among Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital in Lucknow: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Social media is widely used in the medical field, and people often utilize it to learn about their symptoms prior to consulting with a healthcare professional. Hence, the study aims to investigate the influence of social media on self-perceived oral health practices among patients. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was adopted, with a questionnaire comprising 15 closed-ended questions. The sample size was estimated to be 451 participants based on the findings from the pilot study. The face validity of the questionnaire was assessed by a subject matter expert (0.83%), and the reliability was measured using Kappa statistics (0.86). The percentile was determined to assess the overall self-perceived oral health practices of the participants. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and multivariate regression analysis at statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05). Results The majority of participants belonged to urban areas (66.5%), with an average age of 38.19 ± 6.70. The participants in urban 184 (61.3%) and rural 102 (67.5%) believed that social media provided better knowledge regarding oral health, which was statistically significant (p = 0.046). The majority of the participants, 267 (59.2%), spent more than 30 minutes to three hours per day on social media. It was found that participants who possessed professional occupations had increased odds of having good oral health practices on social media (p = 0.043). Conclusion The participants believed that social media provided better knowledge regarding oral health, and self-perceived practices among the participants were found to be poor. Social media platforms provide new educational possibilities in the dentistry sector, but their potential is neglected and unappreciated.

Nr1h4 and Thrb ameliorate ER stress and provide protection in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's.

Elevated ER stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of several disease conditions including neurodegeneration. In this study, we have holistically determined the differential expression of all the nuclear receptors (NRs) in the presence of classical ER stress inducers. Activation of Nr1h4 and Thrb by their cognate ligands (GW4064 and T3) ameliorates the tunicamycin (TM)-induced expression of ER stress genes. A combination of both ligands is effective in mitigating cell death induced by TM. Further exploration of their protective effects in the Parkinson's disease (PD) model shows that they reduce MPP+-induced dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS generation in an in vitro PD model in neuronal cells. Furthermore, the generation of an experimental murine PD model reveals that simultaneous treatment of GW4064 and T3 protects mice from ER stress, dopaminergic cell death, and functional deficits in the MPTP mouse model of PD. Thus, activation of Nr1h4 and Thrb by their respective ligands plays an indispensable role in ER stress amelioration and mounts protective effects in the MPTP mouse model of PD.

Numerical Analysis of Non-Fourier Model-Based Bio-Heat Transfer in the Laser-irradiated Axisymmetric Living Tissue.

The current work is related to the numerical investigation of non-Fourier heat transfer inside the short-pulsed laser-irradiated axisymmetric soft tissue phantom. It utilizes the modified discrete ordinate method to solve the transient radiative transfer equation (TRTE) for determining the intensity field. The laser energy absorbed by the soft tissue phantom behaves like a source in the Fourier/non-Fourier heat conduction model based-bio-heat transfer equation (BHTE), which is solved by employing the finite volume method (FVM) to determine the temperature distribution. Despite the prevalent use of non-Fourier BHTE for this purpose, a second law analysis is considered crucial to detect any potential anomalies. Equilibrium entropy production rates (EPR) are initially computed based on classical irreversible thermodynamics (CIT), which may yield negative values, possibly contravening the second law. Consequently, the EPR based on CIT is adjusted using the extended irreversible thermodynamics (EIT) hypothesis to ensure positivity. After that, the current research findings are compared with the results from the literature, and found good agreement between them. Then, the independent study is performed to select the optimum grid size, control angle size, and time step. A comparative analysis of results between the traditional Fourier and non-Fourier models has been performed. The impact of different parameters on the temperature fields and EPRs, is discussed. The effect of the optical properties of the inhomogeneity on the temperature distribution has been investigated. This study may help to enhance the effectiveness of the laser-based photo-thermal therapy.

Discovery of low-molecular-weight phenylalanine derivatives as novel HIV capsid modulators with improved antiretroviral activity and metabolic stability.

The HIV capsid (CA) protein is a promising target for anti-AIDS treatment due to its critical involvement in viral replication. Herein, we utilized the well-documented CA inhibitor PF74 as our lead compound and designed a series of low-molecular-weight phenylalanine derivatives. Among them, compound 7t exhibited remarkable antiviral activity with a high selection index (EC50 = 0.040 µM, SI = 2815), surpassing that of PF74 (EC50 = 0.50 µM, SI = 258). Furthermore, when evaluated against the HIV-2 strain, 7t (EC50 = 0.13 µM) demonstrated approximately 14-fold higher potency than that of PF74 (EC50 = 1.76 µM). Insights obtained from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) revealed that 7t exhibited stronger target affinity to the CA hexamer and monomer in comparison to PF74. The potential interactions between 7t and the HIV-1 CA were further elucidated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, providing a plausible explanation for the enhanced target affinity with 7t over PF74. Moreover, the metabolic stability assay demonstrated that 7t (T1/2 = 77.0 min) significantly outperforms PF74 (T1/2 = 0.7 min) in human liver microsome, exhibiting an improvement factor of 110-fold. In conclusion, 7t emerges as a promising drug candidate warranting further investigation.

Unusual redox stability of pentavalent uranium with hetero-bifunctional phosphonocarboxylate: insight into aqueous speciation.

The +5 state is an unusual oxidation state of uranium due to its instability in the aqueous phase. As a result, gaining information about its aqueous speciation is extremely difficult. The present work is an attempt in that direction and it provides insight into the existence of a new pentavalent species in the presence of hetero-bifunctional phosphonocarboxylate (PC) chelators, other than the carbonate ion, in the aqueous medium. The aqueous chemistry of pentavalent uranium species with three environmentally relevant PCs was probed using electrochemical and DFT methods to understand the redox energy and kinetics of conversion of the U(VI)/U(V) couple, stability, structure, stoichiometry, binding modes, etc. Interestingly, pentavalent uranium complexes with PCs are quite persistent over a wide range of pH starting from acidic to alkaline conditions. The PC chelators block the cation-cation interaction (CCI) of U(V) through strong hetero-bidentate chelation and intermolecular hydrogen bonding (IMHB) interactions which stabilize the pentavalent metal ion against disproportionation. For uranyl species in the presence of PCs, acting as chelators, CV plots were obtained at varying pH values from 2 to 8. The obtained results indicate an irreversible single redox peak involving U(VI) to U(V) conversion and association of a coupled chemical reaction with the electron transfer step. ESI-MS studies were performed to understand the speciation effect on the U(VI)/U(V) redox couple with varying pH. Speciation modelling of U(V) with the PC ligands was carried out, which indicated that the U(V) is redox stable in nearly 47% of the pH region in the presence of the PCs as compared to the carboxylate-based chelators. The free energy and reduction potential of the U(V) complexes and the reduction free energy and disproportionation free energy for the U(VI)/U(V) couple were determined by DFT computations in the presence of the PCs. In situ spectroelectrochemical spectra were recorded to provide evidence for the existence of U(V) species with PCs in the aqueous medium and to acquire its absorption spectra. The present study is highly significant for understanding the coordination chemistry of pentavalent uranium species, accurate modelling of uranium, and isolation of U(V).

Natural product inspired diastereoselective synthesis of sugar-derived pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones and their in-silico studies.

Herein, we report the development of a diastereoselective and efficient route to construct sugar-derived pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones utilizing 1-C-formyl glycal and 4-hydroxy quinolone annulation. This methodology will open a route to synthesize nature inspired pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones. This is the first report for the stereoselective synthesis of sugar-derived pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones, where 100% stereoselectivity was observed. A total of sixteen compounds have been synthesized in excellent yields with 100% stereoselectivity. The molecular docking of the synthesized novel natural product analogues demonstrated their binding modes within the active site of type II topoisomerase. The results of the in-silico studies displayed more negative binding energies for the all the synthesized compounds in comparison to the natural product huajiosimuline A, indicating their affinity for the active pocket. Ten out of the sixteen novel synthesized compounds were found to have comparative or relatively more negative binding energy in comparison to the standard anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin. Additionally, the scalability and viability of this protocol was illustrated by the gram scale synthesis.

Computational and optoelectronic investigations of red-emissive europium (III) ß-diketonate with n-donor ligands for display applications.

Europium complexes exhibiting red luminescence were prepared by employing ß-diketone as main ligand and 1,10-phenanthroline as an additional ligand. Various methods, including 1H NMR, IR spectroscopy and analysis of optical band gap were employed to examine these complexes. The luminescent photophysical properties were investigated using PL spectroscopy and theoretical calculations were conducted to explore radiative transitions probabilities and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) parameters for transitions of type 5D0 → 7F2, 4. J-O parameters were determined using the JOES computer program and results were in good agreement with the outcomes obtained experimentally. The luminescence analysis results have verified the vibrant, single-color red emission of the prepared complexes. The band gap of ternary europium complexes, determined optically, electronically, and theoretically, falls within the range of 3-4 eV. This similarity indicates that these complexes are potentially suitable as semiconductor materials. The results from absorption, electrochemical and photophysical analyses indicate the potential use of synthesized complexes in lighting and display applications.

Secondary messenger signalling influences Pseudomonas aeruginosa adaptation to sinus and lung environments.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a cause of chronic respiratory tract infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), non-CF bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prolonged infection allows the accumulation of mutations and horizontal gene transfer, increasing the likelihood of adaptive phenotypic traits. Adaptation is proposed to arise first in bacterial populations colonizing upper airway environments. Here, we model this process using an experimental evolution approach. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, which is not airway adapted, was serially passaged, separately, in media chemically reflective of upper or lower airway environments. To explore whether the CF environment selects for unique traits, we separately passaged PAO1 in airway-mimicking media with or without CF-specific factors. Our findings demonstrated that all airway environments-sinus and lungs, under CF and non-CF conditions-selected for loss of twitching motility, increased resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, and a hyper-biofilm phenotype. These traits conferred increased airway colonization potential in an in vivo model. CF-like conditions exerted stronger selective pressures, leading to emergence of more pronounced phenotypes. Loss of twitching was associated with mutations in type IV pili genes. Type IV pili mediate surface attachment, twitching, and induction of cAMP signalling. We additionally identified multiple evolutionary routes to increased biofilm formation involving regulation of cyclic-di-GMP signalling. These included the loss of function mutations in bifA and dipA phosphodiesterase genes and activating mutations in the siaA phosphatase. These data highlight that airway environments select for traits associated with sessile lifestyles and suggest upper airway niches support emergence of phenotypes that promote establishment of lung infection.

Harnessing weedy rice as functional food and source of novel traits for crop improvement.

A relative of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.), weedy or red rice (Oryza spp.) is currently recognized as the dominant weed, leading to a drastic loss of yield of cultivated rice due to its highly competitive abilities like producing more tillers, panicles, and biomass with better nutrient uptake. Due to its high nutritional value, antioxidant properties (anthocyanin and proanthocyanin), and nutrient absorption ability, weedy rice is gaining immense research attentions to understand its genetic constitution to augment future breeding strategies and to develop nutrition-rich functional foods. Consequently, this review focuses on the unique gene source of weedy rice to enhance the cultivated rice for its crucial features like water use efficiency, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, early flowering, and the red pericarp of the seed. It explores the debating issues on the origin and evolution of weedy rice, including its high diversity, signalling aspects, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping under stress conditions, the intricacy of the mechanism in the expression of the gene flow, and ecological challenges of nutrient removal by weedy rice. This review may create a foundation for future researchers to understand the gene flow between cultivated crops and weedy traits and support an improved approach for the applicability of several models in predicting multiomics variables.

Design method for VDCC-based analog comb filter for power line interference cancellation.

An analog comb filter is implemented by linking multiple VDCC-based notch filters in a cascading fashion (N in total), eliminating N different pole frequencies. This study focuses on suppressing a fundamental frequency of power-line interference of 50 Hz and its consecutive three odd harmonics at 150 Hz, 250 Hz, and 350 Hz. One significant advantage of this comb filter is the independent control over filters' parameters like quality factor and pole frequency. Additionally, these filters can be electronically tuned by adjusting the transconductance gain of VDCC. The suggested notch filter configuration involves 2 capacitors, 2 resistors, and 1 VDCC element. Extensive simulations were conducted using PSPICE simulator software to validate the effectiveness of these filters. The basic building block, VDCC, is designed and implemented in the simulation using integrated circuits MAX435 and AD844.•Design uses a VDCC-based high Q notch filter as the active building block.•The filter employs fewer active and passive components.•Simulated results using commercially available ICs, MAX435 and AD844, confirm the filter's practical utility.