A document by Dr. Vishal V. Bhende. Click on the document to view its contents.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses are a powerful tool for population genetics, pedigree reconstruction and phenotypic trait mapping. SNPs could also be useful for sexing individuals in species with reduced sexual dimorphism, yet this possibility remains poorly explored. Here, we develop a novel protocol for molecular sexing of birds based on the detection of unique Z- and W-linked SNP markers. Our method is based on the identification of two unique loci, one in each sexual chromosome. Individuals are considered males when they are heterozygotic for the Z-linked SNP and females when they are homozygote for the Z-linked SNP and have the W-linked SNP. We validated the method in the Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), a species whose reduced sexual dimorphism makes it difficult to sex individuals in the wild. We assessed the reliability of the method with 36 individuals of known sex, and found that their sex was correctly assigned in 100% of cases. The sex-linked markers also proved to be widely applicable to discriminate males and females from a sample of 927 genotyped individuals of different maturity stages with an accuracy of 99.5%. Given that SNP markers are increasingly used in quantitative genetic analyses of wild populations, the approach we propose has a great potential to be integrated into broader genetic research programmes without the need of additional sexing techniques.

This research paper reports a unique autonomous robot design with reduced blind spot areas. The new robot is not only cost-effective but also has improved sensing and accuracy capabilities. The design and fabrication of the new autonomous robot involved the use of the following hardware components: servo motors, infrared or ultrasonic sensors, and a microcontroller. The developmental work involved the design of the line follower and obstacle avoidance robot system using two pairs of line follower circuits and five (5) ultrasonic sensors circuits, including some supporting circuits. The better solution for the line follower and obstacle avoidance functions are provided by using four (4) pairs of LEDs for the receiver, line dependent resistor (LDR) for the line tracking sensor, and five (5) ultrasonic sensors to detect the obstacles. A mechanical structure and motor placement for the electronic device has been fabricated that can perform functions of sensing the obstacle and avoiding it. An 8051 microcontroller has been programmed to control the robot’s movement and to respond accurately to the sensor.

Carnivores are threatened across Sub-Saharan Africa mostly due to retaliatory killing by people, the loss of prey species and their habitats. Due to their food and space requirements, they regularly come into conflict with humans. In many regions, information about carnivore occurrence and human-carnivore conflict remains poorly known particularly in parts of West-and Central Africa. Here, we assessed the local ecological knowledge on carnivores and associated conflicts in the forest-savannah transition zone in Cameroon. We conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey with 649 local inhabitants from 23 villages around the Tchabal Mbabo Mountain Range, Yoko Council Forest and Mpem et Djim National Park. The majority of local people could easily identify the lions (73.8%, n=479) and correctly named (90.2%, n=432), whereas other species (e.g. leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, African wild dogs, as well as the medium-sized carnivores) were identified with more difficulty. Most respondents (71.3%, n=463) reported depredation of their livestock, mostly by lions, spotted hyenas, civets and foxes and half of respondents (50.2%, n=326) reported retaliation against predators as the main action resorted to protect their livestock. The use of poisons against wild predators was advocated by some respondents, an additional threat to wild carnivores. Local people suggested construction of enclosures (46.4%, n=301) as the most important mitigation measures. Our study provides baseline information on carnivore occurrence in Cameroon’s transitional forest savannah environments and threats to these animals from local people.

Simultaneous implant placement with sinus floor augmentations is possible when appropriate primary stability could be achieved. In current study, a novel technique is described to perform a single stage implant placement with bicortical stability in severe atrophic maxilla that can shorten the treatment time of an edentulous patient.

Aims: Mirvetuximab soravtansine is the first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate approved in November 2022 for the treatment of folate receptor-α positive ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model to describe the concentration-time profiles of mirvetuximab soravtansine, the payload (DM4) and a metabolite (S-methyl-DM4). Methods: Mirvetuximab soravtansine was administered intravenously from 0.15 to 7 mg/kg to 543 patients with predominantly platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in three clinical studies, and the plasma drug concentrations were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects modelling approach to estimate the PK parameters, inter-individual variabilities, and residual errors. Stepwise covariate modelling was performed to identify covariates. Results: We developed a semi-mechanistic population PK model that included linear and nonlinear routes for the elimination of mirvetuximab soravtansine and a target compartment for the formation and disposition of the payload and metabolite in tumor cells. The model adequately described the concentration-time profiles for the three analytes. Patient body weight, serum albumin, and age were identified as the major covariates. Exposures in patients with renal or hepatic impairment were estimated. The effect of inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 on drug exposures was also evaluated. Conclusions: There is no need for dose adjustment due to covariate effects for mirvetuximab soravtansine administered at the recommended dose of 6 mg/kg based on adjusted ideal body weight. The model also showed that dose adjustment is not required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment, mild hepatic impairment, or when concomitant weak and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors are used.

Purpose Guidelines recommend low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) for patients with cancer associated thrombosis. However, until recently, only dalteparin and tinzaparin were approved in the European Economic Area (EEA) for these patients. This study compares the benefit–risk profile of enoxaparin with dalteparin and tinzaparin, based on real-world evidence (RWE) for the extended treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrence in adult patients with active cancer. Methods A semi-quantitative structured benefit–risk assessment was conducted for the label-extension application of enoxaparin employing the following steps of the benefit–risk action team descriptive framework: define decision context; determine key benefit and risk outcomes; identify data sources; extract data; interpret results. Results The key benefits were defined as reduced all-cause mortality and VTE recurrence (including symptomatic DVT, fatal PE and non-fatal PE); the key risks were major and non-major bleeding of clinical significance. When compared with other EEA-approved LMWHs (dalteparin, tinzaparin), enoxaparin demonstrated a trend toward favourable effects for the reduction of VTE recurrence and all-cause mortality. There was a trend in favour of other LMWHs for major bleeding, and a trend in favour of enoxaparin for non-major bleeding with no evidence of significant difference between enoxaparin and the comparator groups. Conclusions The assessment using RWE demonstrated a favourable benefit–risk profile for enoxaparin similar to that of other EEA-approved LMWHs for the treatment of DVT and PE and the prevention of recurrence in patients with active cancer and thus supported the label-extension approval.

In this work, the advantage of Coulomb repulsion in the intermolecular forces experienced by molecules on the solid-liquid nanosized contact interface is taken, and the superior friction-reducing property of Cu3(PO4)2·3H2O (CuP) oil-based additives has been confirmed for titanium alloy. 3D CuP nanoflowers (CuP-Fs) with a strong capillary absorption effect are prepared to achieve the homogeneous mixing of solid CuP and lubricating oil. Lubrication by CuP-Fs additives for titanium alloy, friction coefficient (COF) can be reduced by 73.68%, and wear rate (WR) reduced by 99.69%. It is demonstrated that the extraordinary friction-reducing property is due to the repulsive solid-liquid interface with low viscous shear force originating from Coulomb repulsion between polar water molecules in CuP and non-polar oil molecules. However, any steric hindrance or connection between this repulsive solid-liquid interface will trigger the adhesion and increase the viscous shear force, for example, dispersant, hydrogen bondings, and shaky adsorbed water molecules. Besides, the lamellar thickness of CuP and molecular size of lubricant both have a great influence on tribological properties. Here the lubrication mechanism based on interface Coulomb repulsion is proposed that may help broaden the scope of the exploration in low-friction nanomaterial design and new lubricant systems.

A 60-year-old male patient presented skin flushing all over the body, who was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome (TEN). According to the suggestions of multi-disciplinary team, the patient was discharged healthily with the comprehensive treatments, including fluid infusion, nutritional support, intravenous gamma globulin and strict skin care. And the follow-up was good. This article is going to summarized experience of this case and review related literature to provide reference for future treatment.

Abstract Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are common in cancer management and complicate the choice of anticoagulation in cancer-associated thrombosis. Cancer patients incur an increased risk of thrombotic events. Also, more bleeding events are observed in those who receive anticoagulation compared to those without cancer. In the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are at least as effective as low-molecular weight heparins, which became the standard of care after several trials demonstrated superiority over vitamin K antagonists. Non-inferiority has been shown for rivaroxaban, edoxaban and apixaban with a signal of fewer recurrent thrombotic events, albeit with an increase in bleeding events. Yet, potentially major drug-drug interactions have been identified as a reason to withhold NOACs and to rather choose an alternative. Furthermore, practical guidance on what constitutes a major interaction and/or how to deal with these interactions in clinical practice is limited. Hence, here we have provided a framework to allow clinicians to better deal with drug-drug interactions between NOACs and cancer therapies in the management of cancer-associated thrombosis. In this review we have discussed the current literature, how the pharmacokinetic profile links to the label information on DDI, and have provided a practical proposal, applied to a clinical case. Key words: drug-drug interactions, anticoagulation, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants, cancer, cancer associated thrombosis

This paper presents the application software HYRCAN, which evaluates the factor of safety of circular failure surface in soil or rock slopes. HYRCAN offers a stand-alone windows system that is very simple to use, yet complex models can be created and analyzed quickly and easily. The graphical user interface enables quick generation of advanced models, and the enhanced output facilities provide a detailed presentation of computational results. The analysis procedures are fully automated and based on robust numerical procedures. Embedded scripting languages in HYRCAN enable the user to interact with and manipulate the models. This paper addresses the capabilities provided by pre- and post-processors for slope stability analysis and suggests enhancements and new features likely to be developed in the near future.

In arid and semi-arid areas, groundwater flow is a potent geological agent. The typical profile of Aksu river basin was chosen as the research object. First, the survey region’s geological background and hydrological conditions were systematically analysed. Combined with geophysical and remote sensing characteristics, the thickness change of the Quaternary loose layer, boundary of the subaqueous system, and basement of the water circulation depth were revealed. Hydrogeochemistry and environmental isotopes were applied to explain the recharge-runoff-discharge process, water-rock interaction, movement law, and residence time of surface-groundwater. Owing to the dissolution of carbonate and gypsum minerals and evaporates, cation exchange between Ca 2+ (Mg 2+) and Na + (K +), and the evaporation-concentration effect, specific ions (SO 4 2-, Cl -, Na +) and [total dissolved solids](javascript:;)(TDS) from the surface to groundwater gradually increased with the flow direction and gradually decreased with depth. This difference was more evident in the downstream discharge area, which indicated that they belonged to different groundwater flow systems(GFSs).Because of the elevation effect of the recharge source, the δ 18O values in different sections showed different degrees of depletion in the horizontal and vertical directions. In [association with](javascript:;) the structural ‘one convex and two concaves’ frameworks and the particle size variation of loose sediments, it reflected the distribution pattern of multiple local GFSs. The vertical zonation between the 3H and 14C isotope concentrations and the recorded groundwater [residence](javascript:;) time (modern-24000years) further illustrated the existence of intermediate and regional GFSs. Three surface-conversion boundary key zone (GFS cbz) were identified, and the GFS conceptual model was established. Finally, the corresponding relationship between the GFSs and the environmental effects, such as the distribution and aggregation of phreatic water with high F and As and soil salinization, were analysed, which had important theoretical significance for protecting the ecological balance of Aksu River basin.

Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we investigated the gut microbial diversity, variability, and functional prediction of gut microbes in dung beetles in starvation and heavy diet states. The results showed that the gut microflora was richer in the re-eating state than in the starving state. The dominant flora at the phylum level for the starvation and re-diet states are Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, but the proportions are not the same. At the genus level, the dominant flora in the starvation group was Vagococcus, while the dominant flora in the rediet group was Romboutsia. In terms of functional prediction, 27 metabolic pathways in 6 areas of Metabolism, Genetic Information Processing, Environmental Information Processing, Cellular Processes, Organismal Systems, and Human Diseases were significantly different. The study shows that status affects the diversity of the gut microbes of the Chinese dung beetle, and the results may provide the necessary data for the study and development of the gut microbes of the Chinese dung beetle.

Turbulent wind fields are known to be a major driver for structural loads on offshore wind turbines, and hence benefit from well-established design standards using wind spectra and  coherence functions calibrated from years of measurements. Multiple 10-minutes wind field realisations obtained by Gaussian process generation are then used in aero-hydro-servo elastic codes to get structural loads. When it comes to large offshore wind farms, however, measurements reveal the importance of large, low-frequency turbulent vortices —previously overlooked in the so-called "spectral gap"— for power fluctuations and hence for wind farm control and grid integration. Also, farm-scale wind fields are needed as input to farm-scale aero-servo-elastic codes for the modelling of wake dynamics. These new concerns motivate an upgrade in the original turbine-scale wind field representation: (1) spectral models need to be based on farm-scale measurements, (2) the frozen-turbulence assumption merging temporal and along-wind coherence must be lifted, (3) simplifications are needed to reduce the number of degrees of freedom as the domain becomes excessively large. This paper suggests models and algorithms for \textit{aggregated} synthetic turbulence generation —lumping the wind field into space-averaged quantities— adapted to the aero-hydro-servo elastic modelling of large wind farms. Starting from the work of Sørensen et al. in the early 2000s for grid integration purposes,  methods for load modelling (through wake meandering and high-resolution wind field reconstruction) are introduced. Implementation and efficiency matters involving mathematical subtelties are then presented. Finally, numerical experiments are carried out to (1) verify the approach and implementation against a state-of-the-art point-based —as opposite to aggregated— synthetic turbulence generation code, and (2) illustrate the benefit of turbulence aggregation for the modelling of large offshore wind farms.

Various herbivorous insects prefer plants of the Brassicaceae family as their hosts, although they are toxic. The two-component chemical defence system of the Brassicaceae against herbivores consists of glucosinolates (GLS) and the activating enzyme myrosinase. GLS hydrolysis by myrosinase leads to isothiocyanate (ITC) products, which are toxic and deterrent to many insect herbivores. Some insects that feed on Brassicaceae, however, have evolved specific adaptations (called counter-defences) against GLS. Two different types of counter-defences can be distinguished: a preemptive counter-defence that prevents the GLS from being hydrolysed to ITC due to metabolic redirection and direct counter-defence, where the ITC is formed, but then metabolized to a non-toxic conjugate. Preemptive counter-defence is believed to be more efficient due to the lower exposure to ITC, but this has not been well demonstrated experimentally. Here, we prove on theoretical grounds that preemptive counter-defence reduces exposure to ITC compared to direct counter-defence by studying the dynamics of GLS defence and counter-defence with two separate ordinary differential equation models. By quantifying the specific ITC concentrations that herbivores are exposed to during feeding with the two types of counter-defences, we show that herbivores with a preemptory detoxification system are less exposed to ITC. In addition, our models explain how the decline in the level of ITC is achieved by both counter-defences, which helps to understand the overall mechanisms and benefits of these techniques.

The drifting behavior of fish eggs is crucial for early-stage fish resources estimation, fish spawning ground identification and river management. To understand their move patterns in longitudinal, vertical, and lateral directions in deceleration flow, self-made model fish eggs similar to the real ones in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River was adopted to carry out the experiments. And the experiments were carried out in a 28 m flume equipped with particle tracing system (PTV) with different average decelerating flow velocity. The results showed that the longitudinal velocity of fish eggs was 0.83 times of the flow velocity, while the vertical velocity of fish eggs was not significantly related to the flow velocity. During drifting, fish eggs spread almost uniformly to both sides along the central axis of the main current. The results are useful for early-stage fish resource conservation and ecological scheduling of the rivers with rapid flows. However, more studies are needed to confirm whether high flow velocity is beneficial to the survival of drifting fish eggs.

Aiming at the problem that short circuit tripping may be caused by the insufficient safe distance between trees and lower phase conductors in high voltage transmission line corridors, a high-power pruning robot with RTK positioning and heavy-load mounting is studied and designed, which includes five modules: mathematical model and control principle of multi-rotor UAV, multi-rotor auxiliary obstacle avoidance control system, RTK aircraft positioning, UAV digital video transmission, and remote control cutting. First of all, according to the analysis of working space, the configuration principle of a high-power pruning robot based on RTK positioning and heavy-load mounting is put forward, and the three-dimensional model is set up. The finite element stress-strain analysis and modal analysis of the combined insulation clamping arm are carried out by using ABAQUS software, and the minimum mass solution that meets the mechanical performance requirements is given, which is 15.3% lower than that of similar robots, and the load capacity of trimming tools is increased by 20.2%. Secondly, the mathematical model of a multi-rotor UAV is established, and the multi-rotor auxiliary obstacle avoidance control system is designed. The control accuracy is 10.1% higher than that of the traditional control system, and the positioning of RTK aircraft is realized. In addition, based on RTK positioning, three design schemes of pruning robots are given: pruning tool and camera handling, UAV tree obstacle pruning control, and UAV tree obstacle removal. Finally, the prototype has carried out several heavy-load pruning tests on 220KV live lines, and the test results show that the prototype meets the tree pruning requirements of 220KV live lines, and the pruning accuracy is 89.42% higher than that of similar robots, and the live working time is extended by 26.8%, which verifies the rationality and practicability of the design.

Objectives: Primary objective was to compare screening accuracy of fetal growth assessment by conventional fundal height assessment by palpation with plotting of symphysio-fundal height (SFH) measurement on 21 st Intergrowth charts for detecting small for gestational age (SGA) foetuses. Secondary objective was to find an agreement between these two methods. Design: Prospective observational analytic study Setting: Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals, Delhi, India Population: Five hundred low risk pregnant women with singleton pregnancy, with reliable dates at ≥28 weeks from Antenatal Clinic of Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals from November 2019 to October 2021. Outcome measures: Assessment of fundal height in weeks by palpation and a lag of ≥3 weeks, suggested SGA fetus. SFH measured in centimetres and plotted on Intergrowth 21 st foetal growth charts. SFH of less than 10 th centile suggested SGA. Birthweight of new-born was plotted on Intergrowth 21 st Estimated Foetal Weight Chart. Birthweight of less than 10 th centile was classified as SGA. Results: Thirteen percent women delivered new-borns with birthweight below 10 th centile. Fundal height palpation had 98.6 % specificity and 69.9% sensitivity compared to 99.5% specificity and 83.3% sensitivity by SFH measurement for detecting SGA neonates. Conclusions: SFH measurement plotted on Intergrowth 21 st chart is more sensitive and specific for detecting SGA neonates compared to conventional fundal height palpation. Agreement between the methods measured by Cohen’s Kappa Statistic was 0.804, indicating substantial agreement between the methods. SFH measurement is a more accurate and practical tool, for use in low resource settings.

It is difficult to anatomically understand the three-dimensional structure of the middle ear and temporal bone during surgery, and great surgical technique are required. Therefore, complications are avoided through simulation using a three-dimensional printer, which was effective in not only safe and reliable surgery but also educating young physicians.

The search for robust, reliable biomarkers of schizophrenia remains a high priority in psychiatry. Biomarkers are valuable because they can reveal the underlying mechanisms of symptoms and monitor treatment progress, and may predict future risk of developing schizophrenia. Despite the existence of various promising biomarkers that relate to symptoms across the schizophrenia-spectrum, and despite published recommendations encouraging multivariate metrics, they are rarely investigated simultaneously within the same individuals. In those with schizophrenia, the magnitude of purported biomarkers is complicated by comorbid diagnoses, medications, and other treatments. Here, we argue three points. First, we reiterate the importance of assessing multiple biomarkers simultaneously. Second, we argue that investigating biomarkers in those with schizophrenia-related traits (schizotypy) in the general population can accelerate progress in understanding the mechanisms of schizophrenia. We focus on biomarkers of sensory and working memory in schizophrenia and their smaller effects in individuals with nonclinical schizotypy. Third, we note irregularities across research domains leading to the current situation in which there is a preponderance of data on auditory sensory memory and visual working memory, but markedly less in visual (iconic) memory and auditory working memory, particularly when focusing on schizotypy where data are either scarce or inconsistent. Together, this review highlights opportunities for researchers without access to clinical populations to address gaps in knowledge. We conclude by highlighting the theory that early sensory memory deficits contribute negatively to working memory and vice versa. This presents a mechanistic perspective where biomarkers may interact with one another and impact schizophrenia-related symptoms.

Objective: To investigate whether the use of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring would decrease total propofol consumption during the transvaginal oocyte retrieval procedure Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial Setting: Operating room, postoperative recovery room Population: One hundred and thirty, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients, over age 18, undergoing transvaginal oocyte retrieval Methods: All patients were administered 2μg/kg fentanyl, and 2mg/kg propofol for the induction of anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups. Patients in the group bolus were given 0.5 mg/kg of propofol when necessary, according to the observer’s range of motion. Patients in the group BIS were given 10 mg/kg/hour propofol infusion adjusted to keep the BIS value between 40-60. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was the total dose of propofol administered per patient. The secondary outcomes were the time to reach the value of 5 on the Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness Sedation Scale (MOASs), the time to reach Post Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System (PADSS) ≥9 of the patients, satisfaction of the patient, and the gynecologist. Results: The amount of total propofol was higher in the group BIS than in the group bolus administered according to the patient’s clinic. There was no difference in the time to reach the value of 5 on the MOASs between the groups. The time to reach PADSS ≥9 was longer in the group BIS than in the group bolus. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the satisfaction of the patient and the gynecologist. Conclusion: Administration of propofol as an infusion with BIS monitoring did not reduce the amount of propofol administered to patients during transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

This paper focuses on the compressed sensing $\ell_1-\ell_2-$minimization model and develops new bounds on cumulative coherence $\mu_1(s)$. We point out that if cumulative coherence $\mu_1(s)$ satisfies (2) or (11), then the sparse signal can stably recover in noise model and exactly recover in free noise by $\ell_1-\ell_2$-minimization model.

Field equations that have sensible classic limes for three types of symmetries are obtained from simple divergence formula for curvilinear coordinates.

A woman presented with intermittent left lower abdominal pain associated with a mass and didn't have any other symptoms. During the operation, a local inflammatory mass was found in left lower quarter of abdominal cavity. There are two bony foreign bodies in it. Postoperative pathology suggested an inflammatory mass.