Genetic parameters of body weight traits in Mithun (Bos frontalis) using animal model.

Mithun (Bos frontalis), a domestically raised herbivore, holds significant economic importance for the farming community of Northeast India. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic parameters governing Mithun body weight traits across different ages using data from the sole organized semi-intensive Mithun farm in India. Information was gathered from 110 Mithuns born over a period spanning from 2011 to 2022. Body weight taken at week 1 (W1), 1-month (M1), 3-months (M3), 6-months (M6), 9-months (M9), 12-months (M12), 30-months (M30) and 45-months (M45) were considered for the study. The genetic parameters estimation employed the BLUPF90 suite of programs, incorporating univariate Gibbs sampler animal model with fixed effects; season and period of birth, and sex of the animal. Variance and covariance components, including direct additive genetic effects, were estimated. Heritability estimates for the eight body weight traits ranged from 0.47 ± 0.0050 to 0.50 ± 0.0043, indicating varying genetic influence across growth stages. Results revealed that Mithun herd has a substantial genetic variability for growth traits and therefore there is ample scope to select for a better growth rate. Here, we conclude that Month 12 (M12) and Month 9 (M9) body weights exhibit higher heritability, indicating potential for genetic improvement through selective breeding.

Mechanochemical synthesis of ternary heterojunctions TiO2(A)/TiO2(R)/ZnO and TiO2(A)/TiO2(R)/SnO2 for effective charge separation in semiconductor photocatalysis: A comparative study.

TiO2, ZnO, and SnO2 metal oxides were synthesized by the sol-gel method and heterojunctions were fabricated by combining TiO2 with either ZnO or SnO2 in a 1:1 ratio using mechanochemical ball milling process. The ball milling process promotes phase transition of TiO2 from anatase to rutile and yields ternary heterojunction of the type TiO2(A)/TiO2(R)/ZnO and TiO2(A)/TiO2(R)/SnO2 (A-anatase and R-rutile). These ternary heterojunctions were characterized by various analytical techniques and its photocatalytic efficiency is evaluated using 4-Chloro Phenol as a model compound under UV and solar light. The enhanced catalytic activity of TiO2(A)/TiO2(R)/ZnO heterojunction is attributed to the formation of Ti3+-Vo defect states which leads to the efficient charge carrier separation. During the ball milling process severe crystal deformation takes place in TiO2 and ZnO lattices by creating crystal lattice distortion which leads to the formation of defects due to valency mismatch between Ti4+ and Zn2+. A mechanistic pathway is proposed for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the ternary heterojunctions.

Quantifying the tolerance of chick hip joint development to temporary paralysis and the potential for recovery.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal fetal movements are implicated in joint pathologies such as arthrogryposis and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Experimentally induced paralysis disrupts joint cavitation and morphogenesis leading to postnatal abnormalities. However, the developmental window(s) most sensitive to immobility-and therefore the best time for intervention-have never been identified. Here, we systematically vary the timing and duration of paralysis during early chick hip joint development. We then test whether external manipulation of immobilized limbs can mitigate the effects of immobility. RESULTS: Timing of paralysis affected the level of disruption to joints, with paralysis periods between embryonic days 4 and 7 most detrimental. Longer paralysis periods produced greater disruption in terms of failed cavitation and abnormal femoral and acetabular geometry. External manipulation of an immobilized limb led to more normal morphogenesis and cavitation compared to un-manipulated limbs. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary paralysis is detrimental to joint development, particularly during days 4 to 7. Developmental processes in the very early stages of joint development may be critical to DDH, arthrogryposis, and other joint pathologies. The developing limb has the potential to recover from periods of immobility, and external manipulation provides an innovative avenue for prevention and treatment of developmental joint pathologies.

Cancer chemotherapy drug wastage in a tertiary care hospital in India-A 3-month prospective and 1-year retrospective study.

This study prospectively quantified wastage of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs in an oncology unit to find the associated cost in 3 months. Retrospective analysis of drug usage for 12 months was also conducted to determine the expected drug loss in 1 year. The effect of vial sharing was evaluated under the assumption of sharing. A significant drug wastage of 19.72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.52-24.93%) in 3 months and 17.14% (95% CI 14.69-19.59%) in 1 year occurred in our oncology unit. Number of vials purchased (r = 0.362, p < 0.01), weight (r = -0.146, P < .01) and body surface area (r = -0.26, P < .01) correlated with the drug wasted. Vial sharing assumption showed a 9% (95% CI, 2.5-15.5%) reduction in cost in 1 year.

Eugenol and Aloe vera blended natural wax-based coating for preserving postharvest quality of Kaji lemon (Citrus jambhiri).

Edible coatings on fruits and vegetables preserve postharvest quality by reducing water loss and lowering respiration, and metabolic activities. The primary objectives of this study were to develop composite coating formulations using natural waxes (carnauba and shellac wax), eugenol nanoemulsion, and Aloe vera gel, and assess the potential impacts of the coating formulations on the postharvest quality and shelf-life of the Kaji lemon. The results show that eugenol nanoemulsion and Aloe vera gel enhanced the physico-chemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the developed coating. Notably, the fruits coated with optimized nanocomposite of wax with eugenol and aloe vera gel inclusion (SW + CW/EuNE-20/AVG-2) showed the lowest weight loss (16.56%), while the coatings of wax with only aloe vera gel (SW + CW/AVG-2) exhibited the highest firmness (48 N), in contrast to the control fruit, which had 27.33% weight loss and 9.6 N firmness after 28 days of storage, respectively.

Lipid incorporated biopolymer based edible films and coatings in food packaging: A review.

In the evolving landscape of food packaging, lipid-based edible films and coatings are emerging as a sustainable and effective solution for enhancing food quality and prolonging shelf life. This critical review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the functional properties, roles, and fabrication techniques associated with lipid-based materials in food packaging. It explores the unique advantages of lipids, including waxes, resins, and fatty acids, in providing effective water vapor, gas, and microbial barriers. When integrated with other biopolymers, such as proteins and polysaccharides, lipid-based composite films demonstrate superior thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties. The review also covers the application of these innovative coatings in preserving a wide range of fruits and vegetables, highlighting their role in reducing moisture loss, controlling respiration rates, and maintaining firmness. Furthermore, the safety aspects of lipid-based coatings are discussed to address consumer and regulatory concerns.

Effect of background derivatization on the signal enhancement of pesticide residues extracted from edible oils.

The effect of background derivatization on the signal enhancement of pesticide residues extracted from edible oil samples was studied by GC with negative chemical ionization MS. The analytes were extracted by a solvent extraction process, and the extract was subjected to rapid low-temperature fat precipitation. The residual fatty acids were silylated by derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide. The chromatograms obtained from the derivatized samples showed higher signal intensity and lower detection levels when compared to the direct analysis without derivatization. The sensitivity levels of the method are either better or comparable to that of previously reported methodologies. The LODs of the analyzed organochlorine, organophosphorus, and synthetic pyrethroid residues in sunflower, rice bran, and ground oil samples were in the range of 0.02­0.5 ng/g, and the LOQs were in the range of 0.1­2 ng/g. The intraday and interday accuracies were in the range of 81­116% with RSDs less than 14%. The recoveries obtained were in the range of 53­89% with the RSD values less than 13% for all the studied pesticide residues.

Relationship of Anterior Knee Pain with Quadriceps Angle and Anthropometric Measurements in an Asian Female Population.

Introduction: Quadriceps angle (Q-angle) is the angle formed from the intersection of quadriceps femoris muscle and patellar tendon. Q-angle can be used to assess mechanical aspects of the patellofemoral discomfort and attracts considerable attention from clinicians. Anterior knee pain (AKP) is defined as mild pain localised around the peripatellar area exacerbated by physical activity such as climbing stairs, squatting, jumping, running, and/or sitting with the knee flexed for long periods. A higher Q-angle is one of the risk factors for AKP. In addition, several studies have found a relationship between anthropometric parameters, especially body mass index (BMI), to the occurrence of AKP. This study aims to determine the Q-angle and several anthropometric parameters between the population with AKP and without AKP in the adult population in Indonesia. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional, analytic experimental study was performed on female population divided into the comparison group consisted of 40 patients aged between 18-25 years with right side anterior knee pain (Kujala score <82) and the control group consisted of 40 patients aged between 18-25 years without anterior knee pain (Kujala score >82). Both groups had to be right-handed and had no history of knee fractures, knee surgery, congenital anomalies, or obesity. The Q-angle of the right knee was measured in all participants using a universal goniometer. Results: The mean Q-angle in the comparison group was 20.60±1.26°, and in the control group was 14.85±0.99°. All of these differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between anthropometric parameters (body weight, body height, and body mass index) with AKP. Conclusion: The Q-angle can be used to predict the risk of AKP in the female population. The greater the Q-angle the higher the risk of AKP. Anthropometric measurements cannot predict the risk of AKP.

Sensitive and selective detection of adenine using fluorescent ZnS nanoparticles.

We have used fluorescent ZnS nanoparticles as a probe for the determination of adenine. A typical 2 × 10(-7) M concentration of adenine quenches 39.3% of the ZnS fluorescence. The decrease in ZnS fluorescence as a function of adenine concentration was found to be linear in the concentration range 5 × 10(-9)-2 × 10(-7) M. The limit of detection (LOD) of adenine by this method is 3 nM. Among the DNA bases, only adenine quenched the fluorescence of ZnS nanoparticles in the submicromolar concentration range, thus adding selectivity to the method. The amino group of adenine was important in determining the quenching efficiency. Steady-state fluorescence experiments suggest that one molecule of adenine is sufficient to quench the emission arising from a cluster of ZnS consisting of about 20 molecules. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements indicate that the adenine molecules block the sites on the surface of ZnS responsible for emission with the longest lifetime component. This method may be applied for the determination of adenine in biological samples since the measurements have been carried out at pH 7.

TiO2- and BaTiO3-assisted photocatalytic degradation of selected chloroorganic compounds in aqueous medium: correlation of reactivity/orientation effects of substituent groups of the pollutant molecule on the degradation rate.

Investigation of the photocatalytic activity of BaTiO(3), a perovskite wideband gap semiconductor has been done in comparison with a widely used photocatalyst TiO(2) for the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), 4-chloroaniline (4-CA), 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene (3,4-DCNB), and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP). BaTiO(3)/TiO(2) nanoparticles were prepared by gel-to-crystalline conversion method. BaTiO(3) has exhibited better catalytic efficiency and process efficiency compared with TiO(2) in most of the cases. The present research focuses mainly on two aspects: first the photocatalytic activity of BaTiO(3), as there are very few reports in the literature, and second the reactivity/orientation effects of substituent groups of the pollutant molecules on the degradation rate. The above chloroorganic compounds have at least one chlorine substituent in common, along with other functional groups such as -OH, -NH(2), and -NO(2). Furthermore, the effect of electron acceptors and pH on the rate of degradation is presented. The reactions follow first-order kinetics. The degradation reaction was followed by UV-vis, IR, and GC-MS spectroscopic techniques. On the basis of the identification of the intermediates, a probable degradation reaction mechanism has been proposed for each compound.

Review on modified TiO2 photocatalysis under UV/visible light: selected results and related mechanisms on interfacial charge carrier transfer dynamics.

Titania is one of the most widely used benchmark standard photocatalysts in the field of environmental applications. However, the large band gap of titania and massive recombination of photogenerated charge carriers limit its overall photocatalytic efficiency. The former can be overcome by modifying the electronic band structure of titania including various strategies like coupling with a narrow band gap semiconductor, metal ion/nonmetal ion doping, codoping with two or more foreign ions, surface sensitization by organic dyes or metal complexes, and noble metal deposition. The latter can be corrected by changing the surface properties of titania by fluorination or sulfation or by the addition of suitable electron acceptors besides molecular oxygen in the reaction medium. This review encompasses several advancements made in these aspects, and also some of the new physical insights related to the charge transfer events like charge carrier generation, trapping, detrapping, and their transfer to surface are discussed for each strategy of the modified titania to support the conclusions derived. The synergistic effects in the mixed polymorphs of titania and also the theories proposed for their enhanced activity are reported. A recent venture on the synthesis and applications of anatase titania with a large percentage of reactive {001} facets and their band gap extension to the visible region via nonmetal ion doping which is a current hot topic is briefly outlined.

Effect of ionic liquid on sol-gel phase transition, kinetics and rheological properties of high amylose starch.

The effect of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) as a plasticizer on sol-gel phase transition, rheological, and physical properties of high amylose rice starch was studied. The inter-relationships of parameters were determined using principal component analysis. The sol-gel phase transition temperature and storage modulus of starch was varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in the presence of BMIMCl. The sol-gel phase transition temperature of native starch was varied between 53.99 and 39.7 °C, whereas, for starch with ionic liquid varied between 49.50 and 40.6 °C. The changes in storage modulus (G') during the sol-gel phase transition were suitable with first order kinetics. The temperature dependent rheology of starch during the sol-gel phase transition was efficiently (0.93 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.98) explained using the Arrhenius model. The thermal stability of the gel was improved in the presence of BMIMCl. The textural and electrical properties of the gel were significantly affected by the presence of BMIMCl. The inter-relationships between the parameters were developed and the initial temperature, resistance, and storage modulus showed a strong interrelation.

TiO(2)/BaTiO(3)-assisted photocatalytic mineralization of diclofop-methyl on UV-light irradiation in the presence of oxidizing agents.

Gas chromatograph-mass spectroscopic identification of intermediate products in the degradation of diclofop-methyl and the kinetics of the reaction has been investigated. Formation of 4-[(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenoxy] ethane and (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol was investigated. The other intermediate products are 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorobenzene, phenol and acetic acid have been ascertained. The decrease in the concentration of the parent/intermediate compounds is followed by UV-vis spectral study and the supportive information on the functional groups in the intermediates has been obtained from IR-spectroscopy. Degradation process proceeds with oxidation-reduction reaction by the attack of OH*, H*, O(2)*(-) free radicals, which are photogenerated on the UV-light illuminated TiO(2)/BaTiO(3) photocatalysts particles in aqueous medium. In this presentation another wide band gap semiconductor BaTiO(3) is shown to have comparable photocatalytic efficiency. The oxidizing agents are added to accelerate the rate of the reaction by enhancing the formation of free radicals. Based on the intermediates formed in the process of degradation, a suitable mechanism has been proposed.

Photodegradation of methyl red by advanced and homogeneous photo-Fenton's processes: a comparative study and kinetic approach.

The degradation of methyl red (MR), an azo dye, was carried out by the homogeneous photo-Fenton's process (HPFP) and the advanced photo-Fenton's process (APFP) using symmetrical peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonium persulfate (APS) as oxidants. The APFP showed higher efficiency than their homogeneous counterparts even at high dye concentrations due to the faster reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ ions on the iron surface. H2O2 proved to be a better oxidant for both the processes. However, APS efficiently inhibited the precipitation of iron oxy hydroxides at higher dosage of iron powder compared to H2O2 by providing excess acidity to the reaction medium. The rate constant for the kinetics of decolorisation by various oxidation processes is of the order: Fe0/H2O2/UV>Fe0/H2O2/dark>Fe0/APS/UV>Fe2+/H2O2/UV>Fe0/UV>Fe0/APS/dark>Fe0/dark approximately H2O2/UV>Fe2+/APS/UV>APS/UV>Fe2+/H2O2/dark>Fe2+/APS/dark approximately Fe2+/UV. The degradation reaction was followed by UV-visible and GC-MS spectroscopic techniques. Based on the intermediates obtained, probable degradation mechanisms have been proposed. It was found that the initial mechanism in the APFP involves the reduction of azo groups to amines while in the case of HPFP it leads to the formation of hydroxylated products due to the oxidation of azo groups.

Tripe Palms and Acanthosis Nigricans: A Clue for Diagnosis of Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Tripe palms is an unusual cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by a curious rugose thickening of the palms with an accentuation of the normal dermatoglyphic ridges and sulci. Tripe palms alone or in combination with acanthosis nigricans is strongly associated with internal malignancy, especially carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract and lung. Any patient with tripe palms must have a complete cancer workup, as in many of the cases it often precedes the malignancy by many months. We report a rare case of tripe palms with acanthosis nigricans in a 50-year-old man with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Although relatively rare, an early diagnosis is very important to find out underlying malignancy and to improve the prognosis related to the neoplasia.

A study on hypogonadism in male HIV patients in northeastern part of India.

CONTEXT: After the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART), the prevalence of hypogonadism among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected males is decreasing. AIMS: The aim of this study was (i) to estimate the prevalence of hypogonadism among HIV-infected males and (ii) to determine the risk factors for hypogonadism. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study undertaken at ART center of a medical Institute. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study recruited HIV-infected males aged 18-65 years receiving ART. Patients with any debilitating chronic illness, diabetes mellitus, chronic smokers or alcoholic, currently on opioids, or methadone were excluded from the study. Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire was used to screen patients for the possible presence of hypogonadism. For those screened positive on ADAM questionnaire underwent biochemical evaluation for serum total testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and CD4 count. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The Chi-square test was used to compare different parameters. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess any relationship between CD4 count, LH, and testosterone. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the study, 426 were initially screened and 120 patients who had probable hypogonadism were further evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 41.61 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients was 22.47 kg/m2. The mean duration of ART was 6.13 years and the mean CD4 count was 442.63 cells/mm3. Hypogonadism was seen in 20 (23.3%) and majority (85.7%) had secondary hypogonadism. There was significant association between hypogonadism and CD4 count, but no association was found with BMI and duration of ART. CONCLUSIONS: Hypogonadism is seen in 23.3% of HIV-infected males. Majority (85.7%) had secondary hypogonadism. There was significant association of hypogonadism with lower CD4 count.

Dynamic changes of the endogenous cannabinoid and opioid mesocorticolimbic systems during adolescence: THC effects.

Adolescence is a critical phase of active brain development often characterized by the initiation of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) use. Limited information is known regarding the endogenous cannabinoid system of the adolescent brain as well as related neurotransmitters that appear sensitive to cannabis exposure. We recently observed that adult rats pre-exposed to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during adolescence self-administered higher amounts of heroin and had selective impairments of the enkephalin opioid system within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) implicated in reward-related behavior. To explore the ontogeny of the cannabinoid and opioid neuronal systems in association with adolescence THC exposure, rats were examined at different adolescent stages during an intermittent THC paradigm (1.5 mg/kg i.p. every third day) from postnatal days (PNDs) 28-49. Rat brains were examined 24 h after injection at PND 29 (early adolescence), PND 38 (mid adolescence) and PND 50 (late adolescence) and analyzed for endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), Met-enkephalin, cannabinoid CB(1) receptors and micro opioid receptors (microOR) in the NAc, caudate-putamen and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Of the markers studied, the endocannabinoid levels had the most robust alterations throughout adolescence and were specific to the PFC and NAc. Normal correlations between anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol concentrations in the NAc (positive) and PFC (negative) were reversed by THC. Other significant THC-induced effects were confined to the NAc - increased anandamide, decreased Met-enkephalin and decreased microORs. These findings emphasize the dynamic nature of the mesocorticolimbic endocannabinoid system during adolescence and the selective mesocorticolimbic disturbance as a consequence of adolescent cannabis exposure.

Virulence gene profiling of porcine Pasteurella multocida isolates of Assam.

AIM: The present study was conducted to detect and identify the virulence genes in Pasteurella multocida isolates of porcine origin from Assam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 porcine P. multocida isolates were subjected to capsular typing and detection of virulence-associated genes (pfhA, tbpA, hgbB, toxA, oma87, ompH, and nanB) using various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods reported elsewhere. Further, pathogenicity of the porcine isolates of P. multocida was studied in mice. For each strain of P. multocida selected for pathogenicity trial, the group of mice was injected intraperitoneally (i/p) with 0.1 ml of the inoculum prepared from respective field isolates, containing 109 organisms per ml. RESULTS: Capsular typing of the isolates by multiplex PCR showed two capsular types, type A (66.66%) and type D (33.33%). All the isolates were positive for outer membrane protein genes, oma87 and ompH genes. Iron acquisition genes, tbpA and hgbB, were detected in 14.28% and 19.04% of the isolates. The dermonecrotoxin encoding gene, toxA, was present in 23.80% of the isolates. Filamentous hemagglutinin encoding gene, pfhA, was detected in 28.57%. The virulence gene distribution pattern of the isolates indicates the important role of the genes in disease pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: From the present study, it can be concluded that toxA gene is an important marker gene for defining the pathogenic potential of P. multocida strains in swine.

Morphine priming in rats with chronic inflammation reveals a dichotomy between antihyperalgesic and antinociceptive properties of deltorphin.

We previously showed that prolonged morphine treatment and chronic inflammation both enhanced delta opioid receptor (deltaOR) cell surface density in lumbar spinal cord neurons. Here, we sought to determine whether administration of morphine to rats with chronic inflammation would further increase the bio-availability of deltaOR, and thereby the analgesic properties of the deltaOR agonist deltorphin, over that produced by inflammation alone. We found that chronic inflammation produced by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw resulted in a bilateral increase in the binding and internalization of fluorescent deltorphin in neurons of the lumbar spinal cord as did prolonged morphine treatment [Morinville A, Cahill CM, Aibak H, Rymar VV, Pradhan A, Hoffert C, Mennicken F, Stroh T, Sadikot AF, O'Donnell D, Clarke PB, Collier B, Henry JL, Vincent JP, Beaudet A (2004a) Morphine-induced changes in delta opioid receptor trafficking are linked to somatosensory processing in the rat spinal cord. J Neurosci 24:5549-5559]. This effect was accompanied by an increase in the antinociceptive efficacy of intrathecal deltorphin as measured using the tail-flick test. Treatment of CFA-injected rats with morphine decreased the cell surface availability of deltaOR in neurons of the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord as compared with treatment with CFA alone. Behaviorally, it significantly enhanced the antihyperalgesic effects of deltorphin (plantar test; % maximum possible antihyperalgesic effect (MPAHE)=113.5%+/-32.4% versus 26.1%+/-11.6% in rats injected with CFA alone) but strongly reduced the antinociceptive efficacy of the drug (tail-flick test; % maximum possible antinociceptive effect (MPE)=29.6%+/-3.6% versus 66.6%+/-6.3% in rats injected with CFA alone) suggesting that the latter, but not the former, is linked to the deltaOR trafficking events observed neuroanatomically. These results demonstrate that in chronic inflammation, the antihyperalgesic effects of deltaOR agonists may be enhanced by morphine pre-treatment. They also reveal a dichotomy between mechanisms underlying antihyperalgesic and antinociceptive effects of deltaOR agonists.