The spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus accompanied by public availability of abundant sequence data provides a window for the determination of viral evolutionary patterns. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 genome ...sequences were collected from seven countries in the period January 2020-December 2022. The sequences were classified into three phases, namely, pre-vaccination, post-vaccination, and recent period. Comparison was performed between these phases based on parameters like mutation rates, selection pressure (d
/d
ratio), and transition to transversion ratios (T
/T
). Similar comparisons were performed among SARS-CoV-2 variants. Statistical significance was tested using Graphpad unpaired
-test. The analysis showed an increase in the percent genomic mutation rates post-vaccination and in recent periods across all countries from the pre-vaccination sequences. Mutation rates were highest in NSP3, S, N, and NSP12b before and increased further after vaccination. NSP4 showed the largest change in mutation rates after vaccination. The d
/d
ratios showed purifying selection that shifted toward neutral selection after vaccination. N, ORF8, ORF3a, and ORF10 were under highest positive selection before vaccination. Shift toward neutral selection was driven by E, NSP3, and ORF7a in the after vaccination set. In recent sequences, the largest d
/d
change was observed in E, NSP1, and NSP13. The T
/T
ratios decreased with time. C→U and G→U were the most frequent transitions and transversions. However, U→G was the most frequent transversion in recent period. The Omicron variant had the highest genomic mutation rates, while Delta showed the highest d
/d
ratio. Protein-wise d
/d
ratio was also seen to vary across the different variants.IMPORTANCETo the best of our knowledge, there exists no other large-scale study of the genomic and protein-wise mutation patterns during the time course of evolution in different countries. Analyzing the SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary patterns in view of the varying spatial, temporal, and biological signals is important for diagnostics, therapeutics, and pharmacovigilance of SARS-CoV-2.
Introduction: Varicocele is characterised by abnormal dilation and enlargement of scrotal venous pampiniform plexus which drains blood from testicles. It is a commonly identified cause of male ...infertility where twisted and enlarged veins are observed in the spermatic cord. The present meta-analysis aimed at evaluating effects of varicocele embolisation (VE) on improving fertility in infertile or sub-fertile men by analysing sperm parameters. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of existing English literature was conducted to identify studies on changes in sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm vitality, total motile sperm count, and FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) outcomes in patients undergoing VE procedures for the treatment of varicocele. These studies included Randomised Control Trials (RCTs), non-randomised clinical trials, comparative studies, and retrospective and prospective reviews. RevMan (Review Manager v5.4.1) software was used for statistical analysis with a random effects model to determine the standard mean difference. Quality assessment of all studies was performed using risk of bias assessment with RevMan software. Results: A total of 14 relevant studies describing effects of varicocele embolisation on sperm parameters were identified. Statistical analyses for sperm morphology, sperm vitality, and FSH level were insignificant. The effect of VE on sperm concentration, sperm motility, and total motile sperm count was found to be insignificant as per the pooled results of analysis. Conclusion: Present meta-analysis shows effectiveness of VE in improving sperm parameters considered in this study. However, high-quality RCTs with larger sample size are necessary to reach statistically significant and definitive conclusions about varicocele embolisation in improving fertility.
•In goats effect of Vitamin C in group I, Vitamin C + Electrolyte in group II and in group III Jaggery, given 3 days before transport of animal, during winter and hot-humid seasons at different ...flocking densities for that blood samples were analyzed for the estimation of different hormonal parameters (Cortisol, Prolactin, T3 and T4).•Higher pre transportation values of T3and T4 (P<0.05) were observed in both the seasons whereas Cortisol and Prolactin levels were increased (P<0.05) just after unloading in all groups of goats.•Supplementation with Vitamin C, Vitamin C + Electrolyte and Jaggery aided in reducing transportation stress but Vitamin C + Electrolyte combination proved more beneficial in alleviating transportation stress in the goats.
The present study evaluated the seasonal effects of transportation of goats (Alpine x Beetal) at different flocking densities, supplemented with Vitamin C in group I, Vitamin C + Electrolyte in group II and in group III Jaggery, 3 days before transport of animal, during winter and hot-humid seasons. The goats were selected from LRC, NDRI Karnal and were between 10-12 months old. Each group consisted of 25 goats each, divided into high (15) and low (10) flocking densities, with an average speed of 25 Km/h transported for 8h. During the transportation period, all the animals were kept off-feed and deprived of water. Blood samples were taken just before transportation, immediately after transportation, 6hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs and 2 days post transportation from all the three groups. The blood samples were further analyzed for the estimation of different hormonal parameters (Cortisol, Prolactin, T3, and T4). In all the three groups of goats, higher pre transportation values of T4 and T3 (P<0.05) were observed in both the seasons and in all the density groups of goats whereas cortisol and prolactin levels were maximum (P<0.05) just after unloading. Supplementation with Vitamin C, Vitamin C + Electrolyte and Jaggery aided in reducing transportation stress but Vitamin C + Electrolyte combination proved more beneficial in alleviating transportation stress in the goats.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Probiotics are the living microorganism which when administered improves the digestion and health of the animal.
(SC) improves the humoral and innate immunity of the animal. Prilled fat is a ...hydrogenated palm oil triglyceride which has been reported to promote the release of cytokines from macrophages. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of probiotic and prilled fat during transition stage in Karan Fries (KF) cows.
A total of 12 KF cows at 21 days prepartum were selected and divided into two groups of six animals each. The control group was fed as per the standard feeding practices and the supplemented group cows were supplemented daily with prilled fat at 100 g/cow, SC at 25 g/cow, and sweetener at 1 g/cow in addition to the standard feeding practices from -30 days of prepartum to 21 days of lactation. The sweetener was added to improve the palatability of the feed. The natural sweetener of an African plant leave had 105 times more sweetness than glucose with good aroma. The dry matter intake of the animal was recorded. Plasma samples were collected weekly from all cows for the analysis of blood metabolite beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). Lymphocytes were isolated from the blood for studying the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and for estimating lymphocyte proliferation index (LPI).
The upregulated IL-1β and TNF-α around calving might be possibly associated to the metabolic changes occurring during the transition period and suggest a higher degree of inflammation around parturition. High concentrations of BHBA caused increased expression and synthesis of the pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-1β in supplemented group in primary calf hepatocytes. The LPI was higher in supplemented group as compared to control which suggests a stimulatory effect of unsaturated fatty acids on mitogen-stimulated T-cell proliferation.
Dietary supplementation of probiotics, prilled fat, and sweetener alleviated negative energy balance by stimulating feed intake and modulating hepatic lipid metabolism; and both of these additives improved the postpartum health (antioxidant status and immune function) of transition dairy cows.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester fabric has been treated with different concentrations of sodium lignin sulphonate (SLS), a lignin based sustainable flame retarding agent. Treated PET ...fabric has exhibited different chemical loading on its surface varying from 15 to 60% depending on the concentration used. Treated fabric has shown 40–70% more limiting oxygen index (LOI) value as compared to the control PET fabric. 200 g/L SLS treated PET fabric (with 35% chemical loading) has shown LOI value of 27. In addition to it, melt dripping property of all the treated PET fabrics have been found to be stopped with lower shrinkage during combustion, as observed from the UL94 test results. TG analysis of the said fabric has shown 20–25% more char mass retention and lower rate of weight loss as compared to the control one. Char morphology of the control and the treated fabric has also been examined in different magnifications and analyzed in detail. Forced combustion test of the sodium ligno-sulphonate treated PET fabric has revealed 82% lower peak heat release rate (PHRR) as compared to the control PET fabric with less amount of carbon monoxide liberation during burning. Besides, a possible mechanism lies behind the flame retardancy of the SLS treated PET fabric also has been expressed and discussed scientifically.
Background: To compare the addition of fixed dose additives namely recombinant luteinizing hormone (rLH), human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), and letrozole to conventional doses of recombinant ...follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) on ovarian response and treatment outcome among women with poor ovarian reserve (POR) undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and methods: In this prospective quasirandomized study, participants (N = 120) were randomized into three equal groups. rFSH with one additive (rLH, hMG, letrozole) was administered to patients from day 2/3 of cycle. Clinical, ongoing, and early pregnancy rates were primary outcome measures. Total number of oocytes retrieved, number of transferable embryos, cycle cancellation, and fertilization rates were secondary outcome measures. Results: Group A patients had higher clinical pregnancy rate (42.5%) than group B (20%) and group C (25%) with significant differences (P = 0.030) between groups A and B. Ongoing pregnancy rates were higher in group A (35%) compared to group B (12.5%) and group C (22.5%) with significant difference between groups A and B (P = 0.010). Number of patients with early pregnancy loss was numerically equivalent in all three groups. Group C showed significantly decreased levels of estradiol compared with other groups. No significant differences in secondary outcomes were observed among the groups. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates benefits of rLH in early stages of stimulation in patients with POR in terms of improvement in IVF/ICSI-associated outcomes. Further larger randomized studies are required to confirm this effect, given a modest sample size in this study.
A 17-year-old male was referred to the maxillofacial department regarding a fractured mandible. Airway compromise was suspected as a result of neck swelling, stridor, haemoptysis and surgical ...emphysema. Severe laryngeal injuries were diagnosed, including a fractured hyoid. His treatment and outcomes are summarized, with discussion of aetiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal injuries, including urgent airway management, if necessary. The risks and complications of delayed diagnosis and treatment are discussed, particularly if symptoms are delayed or the injury is masked by facial fractures. A high index of suspicion and thorough examination are emphasized in all head and neck trauma patients.
Any dental professional may be the first to see a trauma victim. It is important to be aware of the risk of life-threatening laryngeal injuries which may be delayed in diagnosis, owing to later development of symptoms and signs or to more obvious injuries.
The present study evaluated the seasonal effects of transportation of goats (Alpine × Beetle) at different flocking densities, supplemented with vitamin C in group I, vitamin C + electrolyte in group ...II and jaggery in group III, 3 days before transport of animal, during winter and hot-humid seasons. The goats were selected from Livestock Research Centre (LRC), National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, and were of 10-12 months old. Each group consisted of 25 goats each, divided into high (15) and low (10) flocking densities, transported for 8 h with an average speed of 25 km/h. All the animals were kept off-feed and deprived of water during the transportation period. Blood samples were taken just before transportation, immediately after transportation, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 2 days post-transportation from all the three groups. The blood samples were further analysed for estimation of different minerals (Na, K, Cl
−
, P and Mg). In both the seasons and in both the flocking density groups, higher pre-transportation values (P<0.05) of Na, K, Mg and Cl
-
were observed whereas P values post transportation (P<0.05) were higher in hot humid season in all the treated groups and also in group III. Except for P, minimum values (P < 0.05) of all other minerals were recorded just after unloading in both the density groups and in both the seasons, which then increased to basal values (P < 0.05) after 12-24 h of post-transportation. Supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin C + electrolyte and jaggery aided in reducing transportation stress but vitamin C + electrolyte combination proved more beneficial in alleviating transportation stress in the goats.
Abbreviation: fd: flocking density; Na: sodium; K: potassium; Cl
-
: chloride; P: phosphorous; Mg: magnesium, HH: hot humid; AA: ascorbic acid; lfd: low flocking density; hfd: high flocking density; LRC: Livestock Research Centre
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Comparative study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal effects of transportation of goats (Alpine × Beetle) at different flocking densities, supplemented with vitamin C in group I, vitamin ...C + electrolyte in group II and jaggery in group III, 3 days before transport of animal, during winter and hot humid (HH) seasons. Goats of 10-12 months old were selected from Livestock Research Centre (LRC), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, India, consisted of 25 goats each, divided into high flocking density (hfd; 15) and low flocking density (lfd; 10), transported for 8 h with average speed of 25 km/h. All the animals were kept off-feed and deprived of water during the transportation period. Blood samples were taken just before transportation, immediately after transportation, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 2 days post-transportation from all the three groups. The blood samples were further analysed for estimation of different haematological parameters (haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC)). Maximum values (P < 0.05) of Hb, PCV and RBC were observed just after unloading which then returned to normal values within 6-12 h post-transportation at lfd and hfd in both the seasons. Supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin C + electrolyte, and jaggery aided in reducing transportation stress but vitamin C + electrolyte combination proved more beneficial in alleviating transportation stress in the goats.
Abbreviation: Hb: haemoglobin; PCV: packed cell volume; RBC: red blood cells; HH: hot humid; AA: ascorbic acid; lfd: low flocking density; hfd: high flocking density; LRC: Livestock Research Centre
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