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Rumen microbial communities play important roles in feed conversion and the physiological development of the ruminants. Despite its significance, little is known about the rumen microbial communities at different life stages after birth. In this study, we characterized the rumen bacterial and the archaeal communities in 11 different age groups (7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 360, 540 and 720 days old) of a crossbred F1 goats (n = 5 for each group) by using an Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. We found that the bacterial communities were mainly composed of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria across all age groups. The relative abundance of Firmicutes was stable across all age groups. While changes in relative abundance were observed in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, these two phyla reached a stable stage after weaning (day 90). Euryarchaeota (82%) and Thaumarchaeota (15%) were the dominant phyla of Archaea. Crenarchaeota was also observed, although at a very low relative abundance (0.68% at most). A clear age-related pattern was observed in the diversity of bacterial community with 59 OTUs associated with age. In contrast, no age-related OTU was observed in archaea. In conclusion, our results suggested that from 7 days to 2 years, the ruminal microbial community of our experimental goats underwent significant changes in response to the shift in age and diet.

Many optimization problems in science and engineering are highly nonlinear and thus require sophisticated optimization techniques to solve. Traditional techniques such as gradient-based algorithms are mostly local search methods and often struggle to cope with such challenging optimization problems. Recent trends tend to use nature-inspired optimization algorithms. The standard cuckoo search (CS) is an optimization algorithm based on a single cuckoo species and a single host species. This work extends the standard CS by using the successful features of the cuckoo-host co-evolution with multiple interacting species. The proposed multi-species cuckoo search (MSCS) intends to mimic the co-evolution among multiple cuckoo species that compete for the survival of the fittest. The solution vectors are encoded as position vectors. The proposed algorithm is then validated by 15 benchmark functions as well as five nonlinear, multimodal case studies in practical applications. Simulation results suggest that the proposed algorithm can be effective for finding optimal solutions and all optimal solutions are achievable in the tested cases. The results for the test benchmarks are also compared with those obtained by other methods such as the standard cuckoo search and genetic algorithm. The comparison has demonstrated the efficiency of the present algorithm. Based on numerical experiments and case studies, we can conclude that the proposed algorithm can be more efficient in most cases. Therefore, the proposed approach can be a very effective tool for solving nonlinear global optimization problems.

The Sundarbans tiger inhabits a unique mangrove habitat and are morphologically distinct from the recognized tiger subspecies in terms of skull morphometrics and body size. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess their ecological and genetic distinctiveness and determine if Sundarbans tigers should be defined and managed as separate conservation unit. We utilized nine microsatellites and 3 kb from four mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes to estimate genetic variability, population structure, demographic parameters and visualize historic and contemporary connectivity among tiger populations from Sundarbans and mainland India. We also evaluated the traits that determine exchangeability or adaptive differences among tiger populations. Data from both markers suggest that Sundarbans tiger is not a separate tiger subspecies and should be regarded as Bengal tiger (P. t. tigris) subspecies. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of the mtDNA data revealed reciprocal monophyly. Genetic differentiation was found stronger for mtDNA than nuclear DNA. Microsatellite markers indicated low genetic variation in Sundarbans tigers (He= 0.58) as compared to other mainland populations, such as northern and Peninsular (Hebetween 0.67- 0.70). Molecular data supports migration between mainland and Sundarbans populations until very recent times. We attribute this reduction in gene flow to accelerated fragmentation and habitat alteration in the landscape over the past few centuries. Demographic analyses suggest that Sundarbans tigers have diverged recently from peninsular tiger population within last 2000 years. Sundarbans tigers are the most divergent group of Bengal tigers, and ecologically non-exchangeable with other tiger populations, and thus should be managed as a separate \"evolutionarily significant unit\" (ESU) following the adaptive evolutionary conservation (AEC) concept.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most intricate anatomical entities within the human body and is clinically relevant in the field of dentistry. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric comparison of the TMJ space in skeletal Class I and II patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted on 40 CBCT records divided into skeletal Class I and skeletal Class II patients. Volumetric assessment of the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral joint spaces and condylar shape was performed. The study groups, consisting of Class I and Class II malocclusion patients, were compared using a two-way analysis of independent t-tests. Statistical significance was determined at a threshold of p < 0.05. Additionally, regression analysis was conducted to identify the variable that most strongly influenced the volume of TMJ space. Skeletal Class I patients showed statistically significant greater TMJ space volume of 1621.45±138.06 mm³, compared to 1483.55±138.29 mm³in skeletal Class II patients. The volume of the anterior and medial TMJ space was significantly larger in Class I of 878.35 ± 80.61 mm³and 855.40 ± 76.63 mm³,respectively, in contrast to Class II of 614.65 ± 65.81 mm³ and 532.85 ± 73.16 mm³. An oval condylar shape was associated with an increased total space volume. Age and gender did not show any significant correlation with TMJ volume. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated significant correlations between malocclusion and the TMJ space volume. The results of this study indicated that the condyle was positioned in an anterior and medial orientation in Class II patients when juxtaposed with Class I patients. Oval configuration was the most frequently observed morphology of the mandibular condyle.

Reintroduction is a key approach in the conservation of endangered species. In recent decades, many reintroduction projects have been conducted for conservation purposes, but the rate of success has been low. Given the important role of gut microbiota in health and diseases, we questioned whether gut microbiota would play a crucial role in giant panda's wild‐training process. The wild procedure is when captive‐born babies live with their mothers in a wilderness enclosure and learn wilderness survival skills from their mothers. During the wild‐training process, the baby pandas undergo wilderness survival tests and regular physical examinations. Based on their performance through these tests, the top subjects (age 2–3 years old) are released into the wild while the others are translocated to captivity. After release, we tracked one released panda (Zhangxiang) and collected its fecal samples for 5 months (January 16, 2013 to March 29 2014). Here, we analyzed the Illumina HiSeq sequencing data (V4 region of 16S rRNA gene) from captive pandas (n = 24), wild‐training baby pandas (n = 8) of which 6 were released and 2 were unreleased, wild‐training mother pandas (n = 8), one released panda (Zhangxiang), and wild giant pandas (n = 18). Our results showed that the gut microbiota of wild‐training pandas is significantly different from that of wild pandas but similar to that of captive ones. The gut microbiota of the released panda Zhangxiang gradually changed to become similar to those of wild pandas after release. In addition, we identified several bacteria that were enriched in the released baby pandas before release, compared with the unreleased baby pandas. These bacteria include several known gut‐health related beneficial taxa such as Roseburia, Coprococcus, Sutterella, Dorea, and Ruminococcus. Therefore, our results suggest that certain members of the gut microbiota may be important in panda reintroduction. The gut microbiota of wild‐training pandas is significantly different from that of wild pandas, but similar to that of captive ones. However, the gut microbiota of panda Zhangxiang gradually changed to that of wild pandas after successful release. Several bacteria that were enriched in the wild‐training baby pandas who met the criteria for release into the wild. These bacteria include several known gut‐health‐related beneficial taxa such as Roseburia, Coprococcus, Sutterella, Dorea, and Ruminococcus, indicating potential roles of these bacteria in the fitness of these baby pandas.

Despite massive global conservation strategies, tiger populations continued to decline until recently, mainly due to habitat loss, human-animal conflicts, and poaching. These factors are known to affect the genetic characteristics of tiger populations and decrease local effective population sizes. The Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) at the foothills of the Himalaya is one of the 42 source sites of tigers around the globe. Therefore, information on how landscape features and anthropogenic factors affect the fine-scale spatial genetic structure and variation of tigers in TAL is needed to develop proper management strategies for achieving long-term conservation goals. We document, for the first time, the genetic characteristics of this tiger population by genotyping 71 tiger samples using 13 microsatellite markers from the western region of TAL (WTAL) of 1800 km2. Specifically, we aimed to estimate the genetic variability, population structure, and gene flow. The microsatellite markers indicated that the levels of allelic diversity (MNA = 6.6) and genetic variation (Ho = 0.50, HE = 0.64) were slightly lower than those reported previously in other Bengal tiger populations. We observed moderate gene flow and significant genetic differentiation (FST= 0.060) and identified the presence of cryptic genetic structure using Bayesian and non-Bayesian approaches. There was low and significantly asymmetric migration between the two main subpopulations of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve and the Corbett Tiger Reserve in WTAL. Sibship relationships indicated that the functionality of the corridor between these subpopulations may be retained if the quality of the habitat does not deteriorate. However, we found that gene flow is not adequate in view of changing land use matrices. We discuss the need to maintain connectivity by implementing the measures that have been suggested previously to minimize the level of human disturbance, including relocation of villages and industries, prevention of encroachment, and banning sand and boulder mining in the corridors.

The molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of adaptive immunity-related proteins can be deduced by a thorough examination of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Currently, in vertebrates, there is a relatively large amount of research on MHCs in mammals and birds. However, research related to amphibian MHC genes and knowledge about the evolutionary patterns is limited. This study aimed to isolate the MHC class I genes from Chenfu’s Treefrog (Zhangixalus chenfui) and reveal the underlying evolutionary processes. A total of 23 alleles spanning the coding region of MHC class Ia genes were identified in 13 individual samples. Multiple approaches were used to test and identify recombination from the 23 alleles. Amphibian MHC class Ia alleles, from NCBI, were used to construct the phylogenetic relationships in MEGA. Additionally, the partition strategy was adopted to construct phylogenetic relationships using MrBayes and MEGA. The sites of positive selection were identified by FEL, PAML, and MEME. In Chenfu’s Treefrog, we found that: (1) recombination usually takes place between whole exons of MHC class Ia genes; (2) there are at least 3 loci for MHC class Ia, and (3) the diversity of genes in MHC class Ia can be attributed to recombination, gene duplication, and positive selection. We characterized the evolutionary mechanisms underlying MHC class Ia genes in Chenfu’s Treefrog, and in so doing, broadened the knowledge of amphibian MHC systems.

The aims of this study were to identify alternative myxovirus (Mx) stimulatory compounds in Cirrhinus mrigala and to characterize the kinetics and intensity of their stimulated responses by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Mx transcripts were measured in C. mrigala injected with Aeromonas OmpC (outer membrane protein) at a dose 0.4 mg/fish. At day 1, day 2, day 3, day 5, day 10, day 20 and day 30, samples were collected from kidney, spleen, liver, heart brain, gill, intestine and muscle for the study of Mx transcript and housekeeping gene β-actin. Similarly, Mx gene expression was also studied in Aeromonas hydrophila-infected fish for a period of 10 days. Mx/β-actin ratio was constitutively expressed from all the organs of OmpC-vaccinated fish. The expression was significantly highest (P ≤ 0.05) in spleen, followed by liver, kidney, intestine, gill, heart, muscle and brain. The expression was highest in day 2 except spleen (on day 3) and subsequently reduced up to day 30. Control fish also showed Mx expression. Similarly, A. hydrophila-infected fish showed Mx/β-actin ratio upregulated significantly in the spleen and kidney on day 5, liver on day 2 and intestine on day 3. This study revealed that OmpC of A. hydrophila and its infection could stimulate the antiviral Mx gene of C. mrigala.

First section comprised demographic characteristics. [...]fourth sections contain questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice related to COVID-19, respectively. Coronavirus Disease; Knowledge, Attitude, Practice; Healthcare Workers; Tertiary Care Hospital INTRODUCTION Occurrence of lower respiratory tract infection of unspecified etiology initially communicated to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019 from Wuhan, China. [...]the participant has to click on the submit button for submission of the form to Google drive.

3-O-Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid (AKBA) has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-arthritic activities. Despite AKBA’s strong therapeutic potential, its clinical utility is hindered by poor solubility, low bioavailability, and extensive first-pass metabolism. Given its lipophilicity, suitable molecular weight, and favourable half-life, transdermal delivery offers a promising alternative to enhance systemic absorption and bypass hepatic metabolism for improved therapeutic outcomes. Objective: Therefore, the present study focuses on the formulation and characterisation of a transdermal nanogel incorporating AKBA and basil oil (AKBA-NEGs), aimed at enhancing its therapeutic efficacy, facilitating better penetration and high anti-inflammatory potential. Methods: The AKBA-NEGs were formulated using a high-energy emulsification method and characterised for physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. Results: In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained profile, with 84.69 % of the drug released over 24 h. Also, the AKBA-NEGs showed good skin permeability, with 45.44 % of the drug permeating through the skin within 24 h. The AKBA-NEGs showed significant alleviation in the level of proinflammatory mediators (IL-6 and TNF-α at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and DPPH free radicals (p < 0.05), ensuring immense utility as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents as compared to standard ascorbic acid. Conclusion: AKBA-NEGs demonstrated enhanced pharmaceutical performance over conventional formulations. Their potential for transdermal delivery offers a promising strategy to overcome AKBA’s bioavailability limitations and achieve sustained therapeutic effects. However, further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to validate long-term safety, efficacy, and skin permeation in humans.