Unique among high passes: Insights into the genetic uniqueness among butterflies of Ladakh Trans-Himalaya through DNA barcoding.

BACKGROUND: The butterfly assemblage of Ladakh Trans-Himalaya demands a thorough analysis of their population genetic structure owing to their typical biogeographic affinity and their adaptability to extreme cold-desert climates. No such effort has been taken till date, and in this backdrop, we created a COI barcode reference library of 60 specimens representing 23 species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Barcodes were generated from freshly collected leg samples using the Sanger sequencing method, followed by phylogenetic clade analyses and divergence calculation. Our data represents 22% of Ladakh's Rhopaloceran fauna with the novel barcode submission for six species, including one Schedule II species, Paralasa mani. Contrary to the 3% threshold rule, the interspecific divergence between two species pairs of typical mountain genus Hyponephele and Karanasa was found to be 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively. The addition of conspecific global barcodes revealed that most species showed little increase in divergence value, while a two-fold increase was noted in a few species. Bayesian clade clustering outcomes largely aligned with current morphological classifications, forming monophyletic clades of conspecific barcodes, with only minor exceptions observed for the taxonomically complicated genus Polyommatus and misidentified records of Aulocera in the database. We also observed variations within the same phylogenetic clades forming nested lineages, which may be attributed to the taxonomic intricacies present at the subspecies level globally, mostly among Eurasian species. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our effort not only substantiated the effectiveness of DNA Barcoding for the identification and conservation of this climatically vulnerable assemblage but also highlighted the significance of deciphering the unique genetic composition among this geographically isolated population of Ladakh butterflies.

Unveiling the genetic structure of pig population in a Himalayan state Uttarakhand through microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses.

This study traced the maternal lineage of the domestic swine populations using mitochondrial DNA control region markers and genetic diversity using microsatellite markers in Uttarakhand, an Indian state situated at the foothills of the world's youngest (geo-dynamically sensitive) mountain system, "the Himalayas". Analysis of 68 maternally unrelated individuals revealed 20 haplotypes. The maternal signature of the Pacific, Southeast Asian, European, and ubiquitously distributed Chinese haplotypes was present in Uttarakhand's domestic pig population. The D3 haplotype reported in wild pigs from North India was also identified in 47 domestic samples. A unique gene pool, UKD (Uttarakhand Domestic), as another lineage specific to this region has been proposed. Genotypes were analyzed, using 13 sets of microsatellite markers. The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities were 0.83 ± 0.02 and 0.84 ± 0.01, respectively. The average polymorphic information content value of 0.83 ± 0.01 indicated the high informativeness of the marker. The overall mean FIS value for all the microsatellite markers was low (F = 0.04, P < 0.01). Seven loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at a significant level (p < 0.05). Two clusters were identified, indicating overlapping populations. These results suggested that though belonging to different maternal lineages, the traditional management practices in Uttarakhand have allowed for genetic mixing and the sharing of genetic material among pig populations. It could contribute to increased genetic diversity but might also result in the loss of distinct genetic characteristics or breed purity of the local breeds if not carefully managed.

Unique among high passes: Phylogenetic inferences from DNA barcoding of the butterfly fauna of Ladakh Trans-Himalaya, India.

The butterfly assemblage of Ladakh Trans-Himalaya demands a thorough analysis of their population genetic structure owing to their typical biogeographic affinity and their adaptability to extreme cold-desert climates. No such effort has been taken till date, and in this backdrop, we created a barcode reference library of 60 specimens representing 23 species. Barcodes were generated from freshly collected leg samples using the Sanger sequencing method, followed by phylogenetic clade analyses and divergence calculation. Our data represents 22% of Ladakh's Rhopaloceran fauna with the novel barcode submission for six species, including one Schedule II species, Paralasa mani . Contrary to the 3% threshold rule, the interspecific divergence between two species pairs of typical mountain genus Hyponephele and Karanasa was found to be 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively. The addition of conspecific global barcodes revealed that most species showed little increase in divergence value, while a two-fold increase was noted in a few species. Bayesian clade clustering outcomes largely aligned with current morphological classifications, forming monophyletic clades of conspecific barcodes, with only minor exceptions observed for the taxonomically complicated genus Polyommatus and misidentified records of Aulocera in the database. We also observed variations within the same phylogenetic clades forming nested lineages, which may be attributed to the taxonomic intricacies present at the subspecies level globally, mostly among Eurasian species. Overall, our effort not only substantiated the effectiveness of DNA Barcoding for the identification and conservation of this climatically vulnerable assemblage but also highlighted the significance of deciphering the unique genetic composition among this geographically isolated population of Ladakh butterflies.

Genetic diversity, spatial connectivity, and population structure of Asian silurid catfish Wallago attu (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in the Ganga River System: insights from mitochondrial DNA analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Ganga River System (GRS) is a biodiversity hotspot, its ecological richness is shaped by a complex geological history. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity, spatial connectivity, and population structure of the Asian Silurid catfish, Wallago attu, across seven tributaries of the GRS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We employed three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI), cytochrome b (Cyt b), and control region (CR). Our comprehensive dataset encompassed 2420 bp of mtDNA, derived from 176 W. attu individuals across 19 sampling sites within the seven rivers of GRS. Our findings revealed high gene diversity (Hd:0.99) within W. attu populations. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) highlighted that maximum genetic variations were attributed within the populations, and the observed genetic differentiation among the seven populations of W. attu ranged from low to moderate. Network analysis uncovered the presence of three distinct genetic clades, showing no specific association with seven studied rivers. Bayesian skyline plots provided insights into the demographic history of W. attu, suggesting a recent population expansion estimated to have occurred approximately 0.04 million years ago (mya) during the Pleistocene epoch. CONCLUSIONS: These results significantly enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity and spatial connectivity of W. attu, serving as a vital foundation for developing informed conservation strategies and the sustainable management of this economically valuable resource within the Ganga River System.

Population genetics of the critically endangered three-striped turtle, Batagur dhongoka, from the Ganga river system using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analysis.

The three-striped roofed (Batagur dhongoka) is a semi-aquatic turtle that belongs to family Geoemydidae. Due to anthropogenic pressure, it has been facing an intense decline of over 80% in its distribution range in the past 50 years. It is considered as 'Critically Endangered' so effective conservation strategies are needed to protect the species by determining their genetic diversity and population genetic structure. This study investigates the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic pattern of B. dhongoka from two Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre established near Ganga river using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b: 1140 bp) ; control region (CR: 451 bp) and ten nuclear microsatellite loci. mtDNA results show low levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0022) in B. dhongoka haplotypes and provide evidence for a low substitution rate. The demographic pattern estimated by the Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analysis indicates historical stability followed by growth in the effective population size, with a recent reduction in population size from ~ 2 thousand years ago. The microsatellite findings show a moderate level of observed heterozygosity (Ho: 0.49). Bayesian-based clustering analysis revealed weak genetic structures in B. dhongoka and presence of admixed assignations suggesting close genetic relationships. These findings shed light on B. dhongoka's genetic status and underline the necessity of comprehensive rehabilitation and relocation programs and conservation and management techniques to ensure the species' long-term survival. In order to ensure the effective protection and conservation of B. dhongoka, the Government of India has taken a proactive measure by incorporating it into Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022.

Visiting Ladakh Himalaya for a better knowledge of butterflies: new faunistic data with annotations (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea).

The present study enumerates 65 species of Papilionoidea from the Ladakh Himalaya with the geographical locations and adult flight data. All the species are documented by museum vouchers. Most of the species recorded, have restricted distribution or they are endemic to the Pamir-NW Himalaya region. Sixteen species are protected in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; three species highly protected under schedule I: Baltia butleri, Pieris krueperi, Lasiommata menava; and others under schedule II: Papilio machaon, Parnassius charltonius, Parnassius epaphus, Colias ladakensis, Colias eogene, Colias stoliczkana, Pieris deota, Pontia chloridice, Alpherakya devanica, Pamiria metallica, Paralasa mani, Paralasa kalinda and Polygonia c-album. We report lower occurrences for the endemic Pieris deota, where the migrant Pontia chloridice is reported to fly at more than 600 m higher than earlier records indicated. Lastly, the male and female genitalia of some endemic and rare species are illustrated, including Euchloe daphalis.

Mean Bone Density in Interadicular Areas of Maxilla among Patients Visiting Dental Unit of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: A close relationship occurs between the type of bone density and the success of orthodontic mini-implant. The aim of this study was to find out the mean bone density in interradicular areas of the maxilla among patients visiting dental unit of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed at the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at a tertiary care centre from 15 January 2022 to 28 June 2022 after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: UCMS/IRC/175/21). Data was collected from scan reports obtained with a computed tomography scanner. Bone density was measured at 6 mm height from the alveolar crest. Convenience sampling was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Out of 70 patients, mean bone density at interradicular areas of maxilla was 992.31±204.20 HU (944.46-1040.13, 95% Confidence Interval). Between central and lateral incisor 50 (71.44%) had D2 type of bone density. Conclusions: The mean bone density in inter radicular areas of the maxilla among patients visiting the dental outpatient department was similar to other studies done in similar settings. Keywords: bone density; prevalence; prostheses and implants.

Himalayan upliftment and Shiwalik succession act as a cradle for divergence in Bengal monitor lizard Varanus bengalensis (Reptilia: Varanidae) in India.

The Himalayan foothills and associated environment are well-known for driving the rapid diversification of many species and the formation of biodiversity hotspots. The effects of environmental change since the Miocene have accelerated species diversification, and hence are useful for studying population genetic structure, and evolutionary relationships via genetic approaches. To date, the effects of climatic fluctuations on the biogeography of large-bodied lizards have not been assessed comprehensively. Herein, we examine the diversification of Varanus bengalensis, focusing on its genetic structure to provide insights into how landscape structure and climatic fluctuations have shaped species differentiation. We confirm the existence of two distinct lineages within V. bengalensis distributed across the Himalayan foothills and the remainder of mainland India. Divergence analyses revealed the split between the Himalayan foothills and the remainder of the mainland lineages of V. bengalensis in the mid-Pliocene ~3.06 Ma, potentially as a consequence of the Siwalik broadening and climatic fluctuations across the Himalayan foothills. The results suggest recognition of a new lineage of V. bengalensis from the Himalayan foothills as a distinctive evolutionarily significant unit.

Review: Single attribute and multi attribute facial gender and age estimation.

Facial age and gender recognition have vital applications as consumer profile prediction, social media advertisement, human-computer interaction, image retrieval system, demographic profiling, customized advertisement systems, security and surveillance. This paper presents a study on Single Attribute (Attribute: either Gender or Age) and Multi-Attribute (both Gender and Age) prediction model. We present a review for facial age estimation and gender classification methods based on conventional as well as deep learning approaches developed so far with analysis of their pros, cons and insights for future research. Moreover, this study also enlists the databases used for benchmarking results with their properties for both constrained and unconstrained environment.

Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) standardized root extract on physical endurance and VO 2max in healthy adults performing resistance training: An eight-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic herb used for youthful vigor and wellbeing. This study investigated the effects of 600 mg standardized root extract (>5% withanolides) of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) on muscle size, strength and cardiorespiratory endurance following resistance training. Methods: In this eight-week, parallel-group, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 80 healthy male and female participants aged 18-45 years, who engaged in regular physical activity were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive Ashwagandha (AG, n=40) 300 mg capsules twice daily for eight weeks, or identical placebo (PB, n=40). Seven (3 AG, 4 PB) participants were excluded due to poor compliance. All participants conducted eight-week resistance training. Study outcomes included muscle strength (1RM bench press and leg extension), muscle size (circumference of arm, chest and upper thigh) and cardio-respiratory endurance (VO 2max) assessed at baseline and at eight weeks. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to estimate adjusted differences based on sex, BMI and chest circumference at baseline. Results: AG caused greater improvement in bench press (males: p = 0.0084; females: p = 0.0005), leg press (males: p = 0.0049; females: p = 0.018) and endurance (males: p <0.0001; females: p <0.0001) as compared to PB. Also, greater improvements in muscle girth for arm, chest and thigh were seen in both male and female participants with AG. No adverse events were reported in the study. Conclusions: Eight weeks of AG root extract supplementation along with resistance training is effective in improving muscle strength, growth and endurance in both male and female participants. AG root extract could be a safer, effective and low-cost alternative for athletes to improve muscle endurance.