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Background A primary threat to food security stems from the expanding global population and climate change, which have increased the frequency of droughts. Owing to shifting climatic conditions, abiotic stresses such as severe drought are intensifying, reducing wheat productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the response of elite drought-tolerant wheat genotypes to water deficit stress by analysing agronomic and physio-biochemical traits, with the goal of identifying promising genotypes for breeding. Methods Twenty wheat genotypes sourced from various national and international drought-tolerant nurseries, including a benchmark variety, were tested under water deficit and well-watered conditions over two consecutive years. The data collected included agronomic traits such as plant height (PH), days to heading (DH), days to anthesis (DA), days to physiological maturity (DPM), canopy temperature, SPAD values at different growth stages, intercepted photosynthetically active radiation above the canopy (IPARAC) and on the ground (IPAR OG), yield stability index (YSI), stress tolerance index (STI), stress index (SI), leaf area index (LAI), spike length (SL), grains per spike (GPS), 1000-grain weight (TSW), grain yield (GY; t/ha), and biomass yield (BY; t/ha). Results To streamline the study, two years of aggregated data were analysed for each parameter. Drought tolerance was assessed based on grain yield, and multitrait genotype‒ideotype distance (MGIDI) indices were employed to select drought-tolerant wheat genotypes. Significant differences were observed among the wheat genotypes across all measured parameters under both conditions. Under normal conditions, correlation analysis revealed that grain yield (GY) and biomass yield (BY) had the strongest positive relationship ( r  = 0.75**), followed by TSW, LAI, GPS, SL, PH, DPM, and DA. In contrast, under water deficit stress, BY exhibited a notable correlation with plant height (PH) ( r  = 0.42). Under both irrigated and water deficit stress situations, GY had positive and substantial correlations with PH, DA, DPM, GPS, SL, the STI, and the YSI. Two of the ten main components (PCs) accounted for 52.3% and 50.4% of the overall variation under water deficit and well-watered conditions, respectively. Additionally, the genotypes were separated into three clusters via a cluster heatmap, and the most tolerant genotypes (E38, E40, E41, E35, and E33) were found to be in cluster 3, which revealed their genetic relatedness. Genotypes E9 and E29 were found to be sensitive to water deficit, whereas genotypes E40, E38, and E35 were drought tolerant, according to tolerance indices. Conclusion Plant breeders may find the MGIDI useful for selecting genotypes on the basis of a variety of characteristics because it is a straightforward and robust selection method. Among the 20 wheat genotypes, the most stable and productive were E38, E30, E35, E40, and E34, according to an analysis of MGIDI for diverse settings. This was likely caused by the high MPS (mean performance and stability) of specific traits under different situations. The features that have been identified can be used as genitors in hybridization procedures to create wheat breeding materials that are resistant to drought. The genotypes and features that were found to be drought tolerant could be used to create new genotypes that are resistant to drought stress.

The green synthesis strategy of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has become popular due to being environmentally friendly. Stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized by natural products such as starch, soy protein, various extract of leaves, barks, and roots functioning both as reducing and stabilizing agents. Likewise, silk sericin (SS) is a globular protein discarded in the silk factory might be used for NP synthesis. In this research, we focus on the green synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs by SS as well as assessment of their antibacterial activities against some drug-resistant pathogen. SS was extracted from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons in an aqueous medium. 17 w/w% of dry sericin powder with respect to the cocoon's weight was obtained by freeze-drying. Furthermore, AgNPs conjugated to sericin, i.e., SS-capped silver nanoparticles (SS-AgNPs) were synthesized by easy, cost-effective, and environment-friendly methods. The synthesized SS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction measurement. It has been found from the absorbance of UV-visible spectroscopy that a higher percent of SS-AgNPs was obtained at a higher concentration of silver nitrate solution. FTIR-ATR spectra showed that the carboxylate groups obtained from silk sericin act as a reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, while NH.sub.2+ and COO- act as a stabilizer of AgNPs. The X-ray diffractogram of SS-AgNPs was quite different from AgNO.sub.3 and sericin due to a change in the crystal structure. The diameter of AgNPs was around 20-70 nm observed using TEM. The synthesized SS-AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations against E. coli and P. aeruginosa were 20[mu]g/mL. This study encourages the use of Bombyx mori for the ecofriendly synthesis of SS-AgNPs to control multidrug-resistant microorganisms.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the melanogenesis associated transcription factor (MITF) and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) genes on plumage coloration in Asian native duck breeds. MITF encodes a protein for microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, which regulates the development and function of melanocytes for pigmentation of skin, hair, and eyes. Among the tyrosinase-related family genes, DCT is a pigment cell-specific gene that plays important roles in the melanin synthesis pathway and the expression of skin, feather, and retina color. Methods: Five Asian duck varieties (black Korean native, white Korean native, commercial Peking, Nageswari, and Bangladeshi Deshi white ducks) were investigated to examine the polymorphisms associated with plumage colors. Among previously identified SNPs, three synonymous SNPs and one indel of MITF and nine SNPs in exon regions of DCT were genotyped. The allele frequencies for SNPs of the black and white plumage color populations were estimated and Fisher’s exact test was conducted to assess the association between the allele frequencies of these two populations. Results: Two synonymous SNPs (c.114T>G and c.147T>C) and a 14-bp indel (GCTGCAAAC AGATG) in intron 7 of MITF were significantly associated with the black- and white-colored breeds (p<0.001). One non-synonymous SNP [c.938A>G (p.His313Arg)] in DCT, was highly significantly associated (p<0.001) and a synonymous SNP (c.753A>G) was significantly associated (p<0.05) with black and white color plumage in the studied duck populations. Conclusion: The results of this study provide a basis for further investigations of the associations between polymorphisms and plumage color phenotypes in Asian duck breeds. KCI Citation Count: 17

Background Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II) is a widely used valid instrument to assess the severity of depression in clinical and normal settings. To meet the necessity of a standard scale for measuring depression among above 265 million Bangla speaking population around the world, this scale was translated and validated. Methods Two translations of BDI‐II into Bangla were prepared, and then, two back translations were done by medical and language experts in parallel. Thereafter, sentence revision followed by pretest on 20 respondents was done to finalize the Bangla version of BDI‐II (BDI‐II BV). Afterward, a cross‐sectional, comparative, and descriptive study was conducted to validate the scale by purposive sampling technique consisting of 111 persons (both clinical and normal) in three tertiary‐level hospitals in Bangladesh. Everyone was given to fill up BDI‐II BV at first. Then, they were given to fill up BDI‐II BV (n = 49), Bangla version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21‐item (DASS21‐BV, n = 47) and BDI‐II (n = 25) 3–7 days later. The diagnosis of depressive disorder was made according to DSM‐5. Correlation study and factor analysis were completed. Results The mean age was 28.83(±8.70) years. The male–female ratio was 1:0.82. Correlation of scores for BDI‐II BV with the DASS21‐BV depression subscale was .920; BDI‐II BV with BDI‐II was .985 (Cronbach's α .993; t test not significant) and BDI‐II BV applied first and the second time was .960 (Cronbach's α .979; z test not significant). The interitem correlation for all the items was found highly significant (p < .01). Patients having depressive disorder or episodes had significantly higher BDI‐II BV scores than normal (M + SD 30.18 + 10.127 than 8.34 + 5.910; p < .001). Partial confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated two‐factor loading comprising Cognitive and Somatic‐affective symptoms. Conclusions Through the translation and validation process, a validated Bangla version of BDI‐II was produced to measure depression and its severity among the Bengali population. BDI‐II Bangla version is highly correlated with original English, and Interitem correlation for all the items was found highly significant. It retained two‐factor loading comprising Cognitive and Somatic‐affective symptoms. Through the translation and validation process, a validated Bangla version of BDI‐II was produced to measure depression and its severity among Bengali population.

Lignin, due to its structural diversity and biodegradability, has emerged a promising alternative of hazardous synthetic materials. The aim of this paper is to prepared value-added lignin-zinc oxide hybrid nanoparticles (L-ZnO NPs) from discarded lignin. First, lignin was extracted from coconut husk via sonochemical route in alkaline medium. Afterward, L-ZnO NPs were synthesized using zinc acetate dihydrate precursor and lignin (act as bioreducing and capping agents). Using the same method, non-coated ZnO NPs was produced in absence of lignin. The synthesized lignin, L-ZnO NPs and non-coated ZnO NPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and FESEM analysis. L-ZnO NPs have a lower band gap energy than uncoated ZnO NPs, which has impact on photocatalytic activity. The FTIR spectra of L-ZnO NPs revealed the band at 478 cm −1 linked with the typical stretching of the Zn–O bond. The XRD and SEM images disclosed hexagonal wurtzite shape of L-ZnO NPs having mean diameter ≈ 77.76 nm. The antibacterial efficacies of the L-ZnO NPs and non-coated ZnO NPs were assessed against both gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, employing standard controls and the well diffusion method. The L-ZnO NPs exhibited marvelous bactericidal action against the test microorganisms displaying significant zone of inhibition (ZOI). The photocatalytic performance of the L-ZnO NPs and non-coated ZnO NPs were observed by methylene blue (MB) dye degradation test under UV light irradiation. In regards of dye degradation percentage and antibacterial activity, the L-ZnO NPs is much more superior to non-coated ZnO NPs. Graphical Abstract

Modification of cellulose with silver nanoparticles produces various nanocomposites with significantly developed properties. This work aims to prepare a PVA hydrogel modified with cellulose/silver nanocomposites having potential applications in various fields including biomedical, antimicrobial inhibition, textile wears, etc. Microfibrillated cellulose/silver nanocomposites hydrogels were prepared in the aqueous medium with aid of microwave-assisted heating. Different percentages of nanocomposites were incorporated in PVA hydrogel to enhance the properties of PVA hydrogel. Prepared products were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, TGA, XRD, and SEM. The swelling (in water saline, acidic and alkaline solution), tensile, thermal, and antibacterial properties were also examined. The formation of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the (MFC-Ag)NC was confirmed by XRD and UV–Vis spectra. UV–Vis spectra showed the characteristic peaks of Ag in the UV–Vis spectra at 425 nm. Final products exhibited significant porosity and maximum swelling of 519.44%. The thermal stability of hydrogel increased with an increased percentage of (MFC-Ag)NC. Hydrogels exhibited significant antimicrobial inhibition against multidrug-resistant microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In this research, we studied the performance of different vegetative and fruits electrochemical cells namely PKL, Aloe Vera, Tomato and Lemon juice electrochemical cells with load condition for 2:1 Zn/Cu based electrodes. It was also studied the variation of Load Voltage (V L ), Load Current (I L ), and Load Power (P L ), with the variation of time for PKL, Aloe Vera, Tomato and Lemon juice electrochemical Cells. Among those cells the PKL electrochemical Cell was more efficient than the other three types of Cells regarding the load Current (I L ), Load Voltage (V L ), and Load Power (P L ). However, we investigated the performance of different types of Cells without load condition for 1:1 Zn/Cu based electrodes. Moreover, the variation of open circuit voltage (V oc ), short circuit current (I sc ) and maximum power (P max ) with the variation of time for those cells were explored. The discharge characteristic of the PKL electrochemical cell was more effective than the other three electrochemical Cells as the Open circuit voltage (V oc ), Short circuit current (I sc ) and Maximum Power (P max ) are more stable and steady in comparison with others. Heat treatment temperature was a new approach by which we can enhance the performance of these electrochemical cells. Most of the results have been tabulated and graphically discussed.

In this article, we describe a novel technique of reconstruction of posterior fossa by cranioplasty with use of preshaped titanium mesh following posterior fossa decompression (PFD) for Chiari malformation type I (CMI) with syringomyelia (SM) in symptomatic adults. Eleven patients underwent limited PFD and expansive cranioplasty with preshaped titanium mesh, what we term as \"Stealth Cranioplasty\" (SCP), following arachnoid preserving duraplasty (APD) and hexagonal tenting of the duraplasty with the cranioplasty (HTDC) for the management of symptomatic adult CMI with SM. All these patients had syringes extending from 3 to >10 vertebral levels. Seven male and four female symptomatic CMI adult patients, between age ranges of 22 and 44 years (mean 29.45 years), presented with different neurological symptoms related to CMI and SM for 6-84 months (mean 37.09 months). All the patients underwent PFD, APD followed by SCP and HTDC and were followed up for 7-54 months (mean 35.90 months). Of 11 patients, 8 patients improved according to the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS) with score of 13-15 while 3 patients remained unchanged with CCOS of 12, and there was no worsening. There was no complication related to Chiari surgery in any of the patients. All the patients had good reestablishment of cisterna magna. Two patients had marked reduction of syrinx while eight patients had moderate-to-mild reduction and one patient had no change of syrinx. None of the patients needed redo surgery. SCP is an effective, fruitful, and cost-effective technique for the management of symptomatic adult CMI with SM. This technique has the advantages of preventing complications and recurrences in addition to the improvement of symptoms by addressing the basic pathology.

The patient was a 45-year-old man with a progressive headache. Evaluation in detail revealed it as a case of left lateral ventricular space occupying lesion (SOL) resembling choroid plexus papilloma. A left parietal craniotomy was done and the lesion was removed completely through intraparietal approach. Surgical removal resulted in complete symptomatic relief. Histopathology revealed that it was a case of the enterogenous cyst. One year after surgery, the patient again experienced the same symptom and the images revealed recurrence of the lesion. The patient has undergone 2nd surgery and histopathology was the same as before. The patient was given radiotherapy and now he is completely relieved and well. Although intracranial enterogenous cyst is not uncommon, intraventricular enterogenous cyst as well as recurrent intraventricular enterogenous cyst is a rare entity.

Plastics utilized in packaging have a significant impact on the environment, leading to considerable concerns regarding human and environmental well‐being. Researchers globally are working to counteract these incidents by integrating biopolymers like starch, cellulose, chitosan, etc., into the packaging sector because of their nontoxic nature, biodegradability, and eco‐friendly properties. This study aims to extract cellulose from jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel by combining bleaching and alkaline treatment (17.5% w/v NaOH) and utilizes the extracted cellulosic compounds to produce a practical biodegradable film. The constructed film can be an alternative to synthetic films currently used in industries, minimize environmental harm caused by plastics, and offer a waste management option for jackfruit peels. The study extracted 28.04% cellulose from jackfruit peel wastes, and it was subsequently utilized to develop a biocompatible composite film containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and extracted cellulose. The percentage of cellulose being used in PVA is 0%, 20%, 50%, and 80% compared to pure PVA film. Mechanical properties (tensile atrength, elastic modulus, tensile energy absorption, and strain) as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), water absorption, and soil burial test were done to define the material and functional properties of 0%, 20%, 50%, and 80% cellulose‐PVA composite film. Among four films, 20% of the jackfruit‐extracted cellulose‐reinforced PVA film has shown better results compared to others. It has shown maximum thermal stability at 368.2 ° C. Conversely, the 50% cellulose‐reinforced PVA film has maximum contraction at 57.4 ° C with a value of 130.6  μ m compared to other percentages in terms of thermomechanical analysis. It also shows the maximum water absorption percentage. It is evident from this study that a cellulosic component generated from jackfruit peels can be used with PVA to make biodegradable packaging films.