Population differentiation of southern Indian male lineages correlates with agricultural expansions predating the caste system

Previous studies that pooled Indian populations from a wide variety of geographical locations, have obtained contradictory conclusions about the processes of the establishment of the Varna caste system and its genetic impact on the origins and demographic histories of Indian populations. To further investigate these questions we took advantage that both Y chromosome and caste designation are paternally inherited, and genotyped 1,680 Y chromosomes representing 12 tribal and 19 non-tribal (caste) endogamous populations from the predominantly Dravidian-speaking Tamil Nadu state in the southernmost part of India. Tribes and castes were both characterized by an overwhelming proportion of putatively Indian autochthonous Y-chromosomal haplogroups (H-M69, F-M89, R1a1-M17, L1-M27, R2-M124, and C5-M356; 81% combined) with a shared genetic heritage dating back to the late Pleistocene (10–30 Kya), suggesting that more recent Holocene migrations from western Eurasia contributed <20% of the male lineages. We found strong evidence for genetic structure, associated primarily with the current mode of subsistence. Coalescence analysis suggested that the social stratification was established 4–6 Kya and there was little admixture during the last 3 Kya, implying a minimal genetic impact of the Varna (caste) system from the historically-documented Brahmin migrations into the area. In contrast, the overall Y-chromosomal patterns, the time depth of population diversifications and the period of differentiation were best explained by the emergence of agricultural technology in South Asia. These results highlight the utility of detailed local genetic studies within India, without prior assumptions about the importance of Varna rank status for population grouping, to obtain new insights into the relative influences of past demographic events for the population structure of the whole of modern India.

Psychological Effect of Prenatal Diagnosis of Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review

Introduction and Background:

Cleft lip and/or palate is the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly. Prenatal diagnosis of the craniofacial anomalies is possible with the advent of newer imaging modalities. The identification of the defect at an early stage in the pregnancy helps the parents to be well informed and counseled regarding the treatment possibilities and outcomes of cleft lip and palate (CLP) treatment.

Objectives:

To analyze the psychological effects of prenatal diagnosis of CLP on the parents.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar searches were made with search strings “prenatal diagnosis cleft lip palate,” “antenatal diagnosis,” “anomaly scan,” “psychological effect cleft lip palate,” and “prenatal counseling cleft lip palate.” Of the results obtained, studies which evaluated the psychological aspects of parents of cleft children were further included in the study.

Results:

Electronic search yielded 500 articles after duplication removal. Forty studies concentrated on the results of the scan and their implications predominantly in the diagnosis and management of cleft and other related abnormalities. Eight studies discussed the effects of prenatal diagnosis and counseling on the parents.

Conclusion:

Prenatal diagnosis enables appropriate and timely counseling of the parents by the cleft team and helps instill a sense of preparedness for the family which highly improves the quality of treatment received by the child enabling a near-to-normal quality and standard of life.

Metal-free regioselective formation of C-N and C-O bonds with the utilization of diaryliodonium salts in water: facile synthesis of N-arylquinolones and aryloxyquinolines

Regioselective construction of crucial C-N and C-O bonds leading to N-arylquinolones and aryloxyquinolines has been accomplished by employing easily accessible diaryliodonium salts and quinolones in water under metal- and ligand-free conditions. This operationally simple strategy is significant due to mild reaction conditions, high product yields, recyclability of released iodoarenes and scalability to the gram level. The practical utility of the developed protocol was proved by the arylation of medicinally important heterocycles like acridin-9(10H)-one, 3-methylquinoxalin-2(1H)-one and 1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2(3H)-one.

A facile synthesis of novel bis-(indolyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles as potent cytotoxic agents

A recipe for potency: A novel series of bis(indolyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles was prepared from the corresponding hydrazide-hydrazones via iodobenzene diacetate-promoted oxidative cyclization. Evaluation against a panel of human cancer cell lines revealed that some derivatives possess potent cytotoxicity with tunable selectivity for different cancer types.

The problem of the type II statistical error

OBJECTIVE

To determine if type II statistical errors (also known as beta errors) are a common problem in published clinical research.

METHODS

Type II statistical errors occur when sample sizes are too small to show an effect of treatment, even when an effect truly exists. Searching the Medline data base, we identified ten meta-analyses published during 1986-1994 in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. Meta-analyses were used as sources of component or individual studies for the following reason: When small component studies have negative findings that differ from the overall conclusions of the meta-analysis, the component studies may have type II statistical errors.

RESULTS

We found that only 6.5% (15 of 231) of component studies provided any documentation that power calculations to determine sample sizes had been done a priori (before) the research began. Thus, many of these component studies with findings of no treatment effect may have had type II errors because of too-small sample sizes. When stratifying the component studies by year of publication, we found that 7.9% (14 of 178) of studies published in the 1980s and 1990s had any documented evidence of a priori power calculations. In the 1960s and 1970s, only one of 53 component studies had documented evidence of power calculations.

CONCLUSION

To ensure that truly effective treatments are introduced into clinical practice as quickly as possible, we believe that a priori power calculations should always be done in quantitative clinical research.

Alcohols as Fluoroalkyl Synthons: Ni-catalyzed Dehydrogenative Approach to Access Polyfluoroalkyl Bis-indoles

An acceptorless dehydrogenative strategy for the synthesis of polyfluoroalkylated bis-indoles is described by employing an earth-abundant nickel-based catalytic system under air. The notable feature of the present transformation is the use of bench stable and easily affordable polyfluorinated alcohols without any pre-functionalization for the introduction of precious polyfluoroalkyl groups. The developed straightforward protocol accomplished biologically relevant fluoroalkyl bis-indoles in a sustainable fashion. Extensive DFT study predicts the unique role of indole molecules which stabilizes the transition states during the dehydrogenation process of polyfluorinated alcohols, presumably through non-covalent π⋅⋅⋅π and H-bonding interactions.

Heavy metals in coral reef sediments of Kavaratti Island, India: An integrated quality assessment using GIS and pollution indicators

The present study aims to document the contamination levels and ecological risks of heavy metals in the sediments of Kavaratti lagoon, India. A total of 15 sediment samples were collected for the analysis of Al, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn. The decreasing trend of heavy metals was observed in the lagoon sediment as Pb > Zn > Al > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cd > Cu. The Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) results indicate that Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn were uncontaminated, while Cd was strong to extremely contaminated and Al and Pb were moderately contaminated. The enrichment factors (EF) of Cd and Pb range from moderate to extremely high (EF > 1) indicating that they have anthropogenic origin on Kavaratti Island. The Contamination factor (Cf) indicated that Cd, Pb and Al belong to a high risk of contamination (Cf > 6). The pollution load index (PLI) value near one suggested that a moderate level of pollution occurs in the study area. The modified degree of contamination (mCd) shows that Al, Cd and Pb have an ultra- higher degree of contamination (mCd ≤ 32). The potential ecological risk (RI) index confirmed that Pb and Cd have considerable to the serious thread of ecological risk (RI > 600). Additionally, multivariate statistical analysis and pollution indexes showed that the Kavaratti lagoon is moderate to considerably polluted by heavy metals. Diesel-based power generation, activities related to shipping, untreated sewage, fishing and tourism activities are the main anthropogenic sources of heavy metal pollution on Kavaratti Island.

Sequential one-pot synthesis of bis(indolyl)glyoxylamides: Evaluation of antibacterial and anticancer activities

A series of bis(indolyl)glyoxylamides 10a-n has been designed and synthesized. In situ generated indole-3-glyoxalylchloride from the reaction of readily available indole 9 with oxalyl chloride was treated with tryptamine to produce bis(indolyl)glyoxylamides 10a-n in 82-93% yields. All the synthesized bis(indolyl)glyoxylamides were well characterized and tested for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Compounds 10d, 10g and 10i were found to display potent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative strain. Further, the cytotoxicity of bis(indolyl)glyoxylamides 10a-n were evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines. Of the screened analogues, compound 10f (IC50=22.34μM; HeLa, 24.05μM; PC-3, 21.13μM; MDA-MB-231 and 29.94μM; BxPC-3) was identified as the most potent analogue of the series. Exposure of PC-3 cells to either 10a or 10f resulted in increased levels of cleaved PARP1, indicating that bis(indolyl)glyoxylamides induce apoptosis in PC-3 cells. Most importantly, compounds 10d, 10g and 10i were completely ineffective in mammalian cells, suggesting that they target bacterial-specific targets and thus will not display any toxicity in host cells.

Acute kidney injury and disseminated intravascular coagulation due to mercuric chloride poisoning

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal and occurs in organic and inorganic forms. Inorganic mercury includes elemental mercury and mercury salts. Mercury salts are usually white powder or crystals, and widely used in indigenous medicines and folk remedies in Asia. Inorganic mercury poisoning causes acute kidney injury (AKI) and gastrointestinal manifestations and can be life-threatening. We describe a case with unknown substance poisoning who developed AKI and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Renal biopsy showed acute tubular necrosis. Later, the consumed substance was proven to be mercuric chloride. His renal failure improved over time, and his creatinine normalized after 2 months.

An efficient synthesis of triazolium ion based NHC precursors using diaryliodonium salts and their photophysical properties

Copper-catalysed N-arylation of fused triazoles using diaryliodonium salts as an aryl source is described. This scalable protocol displayed good compatibility towards diverse sensitive functional groups like ester, alkyl and nitro groups and halogens (F, Cl, Br). The synthetic usefulness of the prepared triazolium salts was proved by preparing α-hydroxyketone through benzoin condensation. Photophysical studies of these compounds showed promising Stokes-shifted fluorescence emission in aqueous medium, so this molecular framework could be a proficient probe for biological applications.

N,N'-Bis[(E)-quinoxalin-2-ylmethyl-idene]-ethane-1,2-diamine

In the mol­ecule of the title compound, C₂₀H₁₆N₆, the central C—C bond lies on a crystallographic inversion centre. The quinoxalidine ring is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.021 (2) Å from the mean plane. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter­molecular C—H⋯N inter­actions, leading to the formation of a layer-like structure, which extends along the a axis.

Cloning of BBTV (Banana Bunchy Top Virus) components and screening of BBTV using functionalized gold nanoparticles

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) affects all varieties of banana plants and causes heavy economic loss in most of the banana cultivating areas. The BBTV genome comprises of six DNA components; in this study, we have cloned the six BBTV-DNA components from one of the BBTV-infected plants (Tri-8) and were submitted to GenBank. Analysis of the BBTV DNA-R component showed that it belonged to south Pacific group. Resistance against BBTV has not been observed so far in banana plants and removal and killing of the infected plants has been routinely practiced. Hence, early detection of BBTV infection would be desirable and various detection methods routinely employed include enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (antigen-antibody based) and molecular-based methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), qPCR, or LAMP PCR. Most of these methods require enzymes or antibodies for detection and hence are expensive. Here, we report a visual detection method (AuNP probe assay) using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with an ssDNA-thiolated probe (CR1). This method is based on the hybridization of the functionalized AuNPs with the target DNA (BBTV). In the AuNP probe assay, the functionalized AuNPs retains red colour when BBTV DNA is present, and in the absence of BBTV DNA, the colour of the functionalized AuNPs changes to purple when salt is added. The AuNP probe assay was compared with PCR for the detection of banana plants and it was found that AuNP probe assay was better than PCR in detecting BBTV infection (86.5% for AuNP probe assay and 65% for PCR). The AuNP probe assay was found to be highly specific to BBTV and was found to detect up to 1 pg/μl of the plasmid (pTZBBTri 4, BBTV DNA) mixed with healthy banana DNA.

N-[(E)-Quinoxalin-2-ylmethyl-idene]-1H-indazol-5-amine

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₆H₁₁N₅, the mean planes of the quinoxaline and indazole fragments form a dihedral angle of 10.62 (5)°. In the crystal, weak inter­molecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into zigzag chains extending in the [001] direction. The crystal packing also exhibits π–π inter­actions [centroid–centroid distances of 3.7080 (2) and 3.8220 (5) Å], which form stacks of the mol­ecules parallel to the a axis.

Metal-catalyzed direct heteroarylation of C-H (meso) bonds in porphyrins: facile synthesis and photophysical properties of novel meso-heteroaromatic appended porphyrins

A simple and rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of heteroaromatic appended porphyrins using the Pd/Cu-catalyzed C-C coupling of meso-bromoporphyrins with various five- and six-membered heteroaromatic azoles has been successfully developed. The prepared heteroaromatic porphyrins 7a-lNi were found to exhibit slightly red-shifted (∼5-10 nm) Soret and Q bands. The developed reaction conditions are useful for the preparation of diversely substituted heteroaromatic porphyrins (A₃B- and A₂B₂-types).

Molecular genetic data at two tetranucleotide repeat loci (D12S66 and D12S67) in two Indian tribal populations

Molecular genetic polymorphism study was undertaken in two tribal population groups of India at two tetranucleotide repeat loci on chromosome 12 (D12S66 and D12S67). The two tribal groups studied were Bison Horn Maria and Muria, belonging to Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. For this study, 75 random, unrelated individuals were analyzed for D12S66 locus, whereas 76 individuals were analyzed for D12S67 locus.

Easy Access to Bioorthogonal Click-to-Release Reagent Bishydroxy-trans-cyclooctene (C2TCO) and Harnessing of Its Rapid Labeling and Dissecting Feature in Multicycle Imaging

Bifunctional trans-cyclooctene (bTCO) with a carbamate or carbonate at the allylic position and tetrazine provide a promising bioorthogonal click chemistry pair for the click-to-release approach, successfully employed in various biotechnological applications. Herein, we demonstrate a simple and straightforward method to synthesize C2TCO, a symmetrical bTCO derivative with two hydroxyl groups at the allylic positions. The efficiently synthesized C2TCO at first was selectively functionalized with a fluorophore (C2TCO-FL), and the conjugate was labeled onto monoclonal antibodies (Ab-C2TCO-FL). The fluorophore of Ab-C2TCO-FL was easily removed from the antibody through the mild treatment of tetrazine, enabling multicycle fluorescent bioimaging. Next, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting PD-L1 was prepared using the linker based on C2TCO. The cytotoxic payload was efficiently released from the antibody upon tetrazine treatment, which induced cellular cytotoxicity.

Modified Arteriovenous Loop Technique for Successful Antegrade Device Closure of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects with Aortic Valve Prolapse-A Single-Center Experience

In ventricular septal defects (VSDs) close to aortic valve, mostly surgical closure is preferred. Currently, transcatheter method of device closure is done in selective cases with satisfactory results. Perimembranous with outflow extension VSDs having mild aortic valve prolapse with trivial to mild aortic regurgitation (AR) were selected. VSD devices were deployed through antegrade route with our modification of standard arteriovenous (A-V) loop technique to prevent aortic valve compression and progression of AR. Among 55 cases of perimembranous VSDs having outlet extension with aortic valve prolapse, 44 (80%) cases had successful closure with our modified technique and 11 (20%) underwent surgical closure as device closure was not amenable. At 1 year follow-up, the VSD closure rate was 91% with trivial and mild AR persisting in 24.4% and 5% of cases, respectively. Satisfactory closure of VSDs close to aortic valve is possible with our modified A-V loop technique.

Exploring okra-derived compounds as prospective aromatase inhibitors: a computational study for enhanced breast cancer therapy

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer represents itself as the most prevalent malignancy among postmenopausal women. One of the promising therapeutic approaches involves the use of Aromatase inhibitors, which competitively bind to Aromatase, reducing estrone and estradiol levels. While current drugs have improved survival rates, they are not without adverse effects. Consequently, this study explores the computational screening of medicinally relevant compounds derived from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) for potential Aromatase inhibition. Molecular docking employing AMDock v1.5.2 was utilized to assess binding affinities with Aromatase (PDB:3EQM). Subsequently, in-depth molecular interactions were examined using Discovery Studio Visualizer v4.5, and the stability of docked complexes was evaluated via molecular dynamics with the GROMACS package, focusing on RMSD, RMSF, H-bond count, SASA, Free energy landscape, Principal Component Analysis and binding affinity assessment. The pharmacokinetic properties of the okra compounds were predicted using admetSAR v2.0. Our findings highlight Quercetin 3-gentiobioside as a standout candidate, demonstrating superior binding affinity (-10 kcal/mol) and an estimated Ki of 46.77 nM compared to letrozole and other okra compounds. Molecular dynamic analysis confirms the stability of Quercetin 3-gentiobioside binding in terms of H-bonds and conformational integrity. In conclusion, our computational investigation identifies Quercetin 3-gentiobioside, along with Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside and Hyperin, as promising candidates for preclinical studies in the pursuit of potential Aromatase inhibitors.

Dissolved load, chemical weathering, and CO2 uptake dynamics of small tropical mountainous rivers of Southern Granulite Terrain, Karamana and Vamanpuram, Western Ghats, India

Chemical weathering in a river basin is a key geochemical process that controls fluxes between the atmosphere, land, and ocean, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate, particularly the small tropical mountainous rivers with high weathering yield. This study delves into the dissolved solute chemistry of two small tropical mountainous rivers in India's Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT): the Karamana River Basin (KRB) and Vamanapuram River Basin (VRB), together referred as KVRB. Seventy-two water samples (36 per river) that are collected across three seasons are analysed for various physio-chemical parameters using standard methods. A chemical mass balance (CMB) model was employed to quantify solute sources, while silicate weathering rates (SWR), and CO2 consumption rates (CCR) were estimated separately. Results show that silicate weathering is the dominant process, followed by anthropogenic and atmospheric contributions, particularly at the river outlets. At the KRB outlet, SWR is 30.96 t km⁻² yr⁻¹, and CCR is 1.16 × 10⁶ mol km⁻² yr⁻¹, whereas VRB shows lesser values of 22.89 t km⁻² yr⁻¹ and 3.20 × 10⁵ mol km⁻² yr⁻¹. The lower Arrhenius activation energies of 27 kJ mol⁻¹ for KRB and 25 kJ mol⁻¹ for VRB are evident for intense silicate weathering Additionally, the physical weathering rates (PWR), evaluated using total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations, are more significant in KRB, particularly during the monsoon, due to it's steep terrain and humid climate; while VRB experiences less physical weathering. The study emphasizes the complex interaction of silicate and physical weathering processes with climate and geomorphological conditions of KVRB.

Influence of maxillary first molar rotation on the severity of dental class II malocclusion: A cross-sectional study

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate and assess the influence of maxillary molar rotation on severity of dental class II malocclusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised of 4 different groups namely, 1/4th class II malocclusion, 2/4th class II malocclusion, 3/4th class II malocclusion and full class II malocclusion involving sample size of 20,15,16 and 12. The samples were subjected to digital evaluation of maxillary 1st permanent molar rotation using 4 parameters namely angle of Friel, Ricketts E-Line, angle of Henry and Premolar angle.

RESULTS

The results were subjected to statistical analysis using one way ANOVA wherein group IV (Full class II malocclusion) exhibited a greater rotational value. On evaluation, angle of Friel exhibited a mean of 59.6±1.61 degrees, Ricketts E-Line was found to be 12.3±1.77mm while angle of Henry showed a mean of 19±3.19 degrees and premolar angle was 12.5±5.83 degrees.

CONCLUSION

On evaluating molar rotation using angle of Friel, Ricketts E-Line, angle of Henry and premolar angle, full cusp class II malocclusion presented higher degree of mesiopalatal rotation maxillary molar rotation. With increasing mesiopalatal rotation, the severity of molar relation also increased from 1/4th to full class II. Hence the maxillary molar spatial position along the long axis majorly influences the molar relation wherein a full cusp class II molar relation exhibits higher degree of molar rotation.

Isolation, cloning and functional analysis of a putative constitutive promoter of E3 ubiquitin- protein ligase RF4 from Coleus amboinicus Lour

Promoter is a region in the genome sequence located upstream of the transcription start site comprising cis acting elements, which initiates and regulates the transcription of an associated gene. As the need for genetically engineered plants has widened, the requirement to develop methods to optimize the control of transgene expression has also increased. Therefore, analyzing the functionality of the promoter is very important in understanding the target gene expression. The widespread use of viral constitutive promoters (Cauliflower mosaic virus - CaMV35) has raised concerns about the safety and containment of the transgene in the environment. Hence isolation and characterization of novel promoters using fast and efficient genetic engineering tools is the need of the hour. The present study, for the first time, describes the isolation and characterization of a novel constitutive promoter driving Ubiquitin E3 ligase from the plant Coleus amboinicus, a perennial herb, of Lamiaceae family. The functionality of the isolated promoter was demonstrated using the β Glucuronidase as a reporter in tobacco var Petit havana. Development of blue color in the tobacco leaves indicated the presence of a functional promoter. We describe for the first time the isolation and characterization of E3 ubiquitin- protein ligase RF4 promoter from Coleus amboinicus Lour. In silico analysis revealed the presence of core promoter elements and other responsive elements in the promoter. The functionality of the promoter was demonstrated in tobacco leaf discs via GUS staining. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.