Oval Research Articles

Larvicidal, bactericidal, antioxidant, hypoglycemic effects and anti-proliferative activity of phyto-synthesized Ag-ZnO nanocomposites using Eranthemum roseum (Vahl) R.Br. leaf extract against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito vectors

This research is conducted using zinc doped silver nanocomposite on Eranthemum roseum leaf extract. E. roseum has its own medicinal properties due its bioactive compounds. Silver and Zinc also has its own medicinal properties due to its microbial properties. Our work is aimed to combine nanoparticles with plant extract to explore the medicinal properties. The synthesized Ag-ZnO NCs is characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. The XRD analysis confirms the crystal nature of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The average shape of the nanocomposite was obtained using SEM as spherical, EDAX analysis confirming the presence of Ag, Zn and Oxygen and TEM conforms the oval shape of nanoparticles Antibacterial activity shows highest level of activity against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis. DPPH Activity of Ag-ZnO NCs highest inhibition of 52.56 % while the ABTS analysis of Ag-ZnO NCs shows 54.28 %. Hypoglycemic activity α-amylase and α- glucosidase assay of Ag-ZnO NCs obtained good activity with maximum level of inhibition 63 % and 60 %. Anti-proliferative assay shows good activity against cancer causing cells in HepG2 human liver cancer line with 67.11 %. Larvicidal potential of Ag-ZnO NCs recorded good mortality rate against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. This study confirms the maximum activity of Ag-ZnO NCs and acts as Larvicidal, Anti-proliferative, Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic agents.

Biosynthesis of bacteriocin BacZY05-silver nanoconjugates and evaluation of their antibacterial properties.

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria to prevent the growth of pathogens. Combining bacteriocins with metal nanoparticles, like silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), has developed into a viable strategy to get over bacteriocin limitations. In this study, bacteriocin BacZY05 was extracted from Bacillus subtilis ZY05 and purified using various techniques. The resulting purified bacteriocin was then combined with silver nanoparticles to form bacteriocin silver nanoconjugates (BacZY05-AgNPs). The physicochemical properties of the BacZY05-AgNPs were characterized using various analytical techniques. The mean diameter of the synthesized AgNPs was approximately 20-60nm with an oval or spherical shape. The antimicrobial activity of the BacZY05-AgNPs was evaluated against several indicator strains by their zone of inhibition (ZOI), using the agar well diffusion method. Compared to bacteriocin (ZOI- 13 to 20mm) and AgNPs (ZOI- 10-22mm) alone, the antibacterial activity data demonstrated a 1.3-1.5-fold increase in the activity of bacteriocin-nanoconjugates (ZOI- 22 to 26mm). For Staphylococcus aureus MTCC3103 and Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC109, BacZY05-capped AgNPs exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), measuring 10.93µg/mL. For Salmonella typhi NCIM2501, the MIC was 28.75µg/mL. The highest MIC value was 57.5µg/mL for Escherichia coli DH5α and Vibrio cholerae MTCC3909. With BacZY05-capped AgNPs, the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 28.75µg/mL was observed for Staphylococcus aureus MTCC31003. In the cases of Salmonella typhi NCIM2501 and Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC109 concentration was 57.5µg/mL. Vibrio cholerae MTCC3909 and Escherichia coli DH5α had the highest MBC values at 115µg/mL.

Snapshot of a Paleoarchean seafloor: Evidence from 3.43-3.35 Ga Strelley Pool chert-pebble conglomerate for deposition, silicification, and erosion of hydrothermal greenalite-apatite precipitates

Some of the oldest, well-preserved exhalative sedimentary rocks (ferruginous cherts and jaspilites) occur in volcanic-dominated Paleoarchean sequences in the northern Pilbara Craton, Australia. Jaspilites contain fine-grained hematite particles that have been interpreted to have formed following seawater oxidation of vent-derived Fe2+(aq) by photoautotrophs. However, recent studies suggest that most of the iron in the jaspilites was originally deposited as Fe(II)-rich silicates such as greenalite, sparking renewed debate about how iron was precipitated in the early oceans. Here we show that rounded clasts of dusty ferruginous chert in basal conglomerates of the 3.43–3.35 Ga Strelley Pool Formation, North Pole Dome, Pilbara Craton, Australia, contain abundant nanoparticles of greenalite and apatite that are texturally, mineralogically and chemically near-identical to occurrences in Neoarchean banded iron formations in the Hamersley Group, Australia. Hematite where present occurs in trace amounts and its distribution along the edges of clasts implies that at least some of the hematite formed during weathering. The greenalite-rich clasts display a pronounced positive shale-normalized Eu anomaly, small positive Y anomaly and lack a positive La anomaly, features typical of Paleoarchean exhalites. The co-occurrence of greenalite- and apatite-rich chert-pebbles with clasts of hydrothermal black chert and silicified felsic volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks points to a volcanically active provenance with vigorous hydrothermal activity, consistent with derivation from the underlying 3.43 Ga Panorama Formation. We argue that the greenalite and apatite nanoparticles precipitated during mixing between hydrothermal vent fluids and anoxic seawater and were silicified on the seafloor. The round to oval shape of the chert clasts indicates that the silica cement had recrystallized prior to erosion, consistent with the presence of polygonal shrinkage structures in the dusty chert clasts. Our findings imply that greenalite, contrary to recent suggestions, not only formed in Paleoarchean seawater, but was also stable during deposition, diagenesis, and resedimentation. The precipitation and non-dissolution of apatite nanoparticles in Paleoarchean seawater points to elevated phosphate concentrations, whereas the absence of primary hematite is consistent with models advocating a role for abiotic iron deposition during the Archean.

Unveiling Morphological Diversity: An Anatomical Investigation of the Foramen Transversarium in the Cervical Vertebrae.

This study aimed to investigate the morphological variations in the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae and their clinical implications. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical procedures involving the cervical spine. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the AIl India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, India, and involved 150 dry cervical vertebrae specimens. Measurements of the anteroposterior and transverse dimensions, as well as anatomical variations such as accessory foramina and bilateral symmetry, were recorded using vernier calipers. Out of 150 vertebrae, 149 had foramina on both sides, while one had a single foramen on the right. The anteroposterior diameter ranged from 1.0 to 10.0 mm on the right (mean: 5.13 ± 1.25 mm) and 2.0 to 8.5 mm on the left (mean: 5.08 ± 1.11 mm). The transverse diameter ranged from 2.0 to 9.0 mm on the right (mean: 5.54 ± 1.06 mm) and 2.0 to 8.0 mm on the left (mean: 5.42 ± 1.07 mm). Statistical analysis indicated symmetry in morphological dimensions. The morphological variations included unilateral and bilateral accessory foramina, incomplete accessory foramina, and asymmetrical foramina. Circular shapes were predominant (76% on the right, 75% on the left), with other shapes, such as oval and irregular shapes, being less common. These findings enhance the understanding of cervical spine anatomy, aiding in the interpretation of radiographic images and the planning of surgical procedures. This research highlights the need for precise anatomical knowledge to improve patient outcomes in cervical spine-related interventions.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Soft-tissue Sagging after Zygoma Reduction Surgery through Artificial Intelligence Analysis.

Overdevelopment of zygomatic bones often results in protrusion and flaring of the midfacial region. This makes the face appear squarer than the more favorable oval shape. Therefore, zygoma reduction surgery has become a commonly performed procedure in patients seeking to obtain an ideal facial shape. Facial soft-tissue ptosis is one of the main complications of zygoma reduction surgery. Previously, the evaluation of cheek soft-tissue ptosis was subjectively based on patients and surgeons. Our study aimed to provide an objective evaluation of soft-tissue sagging in the cheek region after zygoma reduction surgery using artificial intelligence (AI). We used AI to evaluate cheek sagging in a series of patients who underwent zygoma reduction surgery. We used four methods: tracking facial landmarks, detecting changes in the cheek curvature, and examining changes in the nasolabial fold and marionette lines. Then, the obtained numerical results were assessed for statistically significant differences using statistical validation methods. Use of AI with the four methods demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the pre- and postsurgery evaluations. AI analysis demonstrated that soft-tissue ptosis did not occur in our series of patients. AI offers objective evaluation for both patients and doctors. Future research could build on this application to examine various influencing factors and develop new tools using machine learning to evaluate and predict the extent of cheek sagging in patients before surgery.

Crescent Mastopexy With Augmentation and Hemi-Interlocking Circumareolar Mersilene Suture: An Innovative Approach

Introduction: Safety and patient satisfaction of crescent mastopexy and concurrent primary or revisional augmentation mammoplasty is controversial owing to secondary asymmetry and potential complications involving breast tissue and the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). The primary objective of this case series was to present a new technique that can achieve anatomic integrity and natural morphology of the NAC, while avoiding complications and minimizing scarring and hypertrophic alterations. Materials and Methods: Using white nonabsorbable 3-0 polyester mersilene suture for tension-free closure, the procedure was completed via intradermal insertion of the needleless end of the suture into the circumareolar NAC-skin junction at the inferior segment and an interlocking purse-string or spoke-wheel configuration in the superior segment, juxtaposing the NAC and cutaneous margin, thereby redistributing the tension line from the crescent scar to a circumareolar, cranially repositioned site. Patients were followed at 24 hours, 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks, and 6 and 12 months. Postoperative pain was patient-measured using the Visual Analog Scale (possible scores ranged from 0 to 10), and esthetic satisfaction was determined by patient surveys (scores 0-5). Follow-up visits involved evaluation of scars, nipple sensation, nipple-areolar perfusion by capillary refill, asymmetry, and hypertrophic and pigmentation changes. Results: Six patients (ages 32-46) underwent 2 primary procedures and 4 revisions between January 2020 and March 2023 and were chosen retrospectively based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. One revision was completed using the traditional method while the rest were completed with the new technique. Surgical times ranged from 15:34 to 17:35 minutes, with patients reporting minimal initial and postoperative pain, high patient satisfaction, and reduced scar visibility. All patients reported postoperative pain assessments as negligible initial pain on days 0 to 3 (0) and 1 to 2 on days 4 to 7, with 1 patient scoring pain as 2 to 3. Scar visibility was minimal (<0.5 mm), although 1 patient experienced 1.5 mm at 12 months. Shape of the NAC was maintained in all cases at 6 months, with 1 patient evolving to oval shape at 12 months. Patient satisfaction was scored at 4 and 5 at 6 and 12 months. No complications, scarring, or alterations in NAC shape or position were noted. Conclusion: This technique avoided resection of the mammary gland, achieved minimal tension and thereby preserved the crescent scar, corrected preoperative asymmetry and mild ptosis, proved superior aesthetic enhancement, and reduced complications compared with traditional methods. These promising results warrant further evaluation in a larger cohort.

STUDY ON ANATOMICAL CHARACTERIZATIONOF EXOTIC SPECIES AMHERSTIA NOBILIS WALL

Amherstia nobilis, known as the Pride of Burma and colloquially referred to as Simshipa-vriksham, is a remarkable and rare tropical tree celebrated in Indian mythology, especially within the context of the epic Ramayana. Often dubbed the Queen of Flowering Trees. The species was named in honour of Lady Sarah Amherst, an early collector of Asian plants, and it stands as the sole representative of its genus. This study involves microscopic examination of various parts of the plant, revealing intricate details about its cellular structure, vascular arrangements, and overall morphology. Mature leaves of A. nobilis, for instance, have been analyzed micro-morphologically, with an average leaf area calculated. The leaves are characterized by numerous rubiaceous stomata, as hypostomatic. In the leaf midrib, the vascular area appears oval and vascular elements are U-shaped. The leaf lamina flanked by highly cutinized upper and lower epidermis layers. The palisade tissue is bi-layered, while the lower leaf lamina features loosely packed spongy layers with numerous vein bundles and large air spaces and contains starch grains. Histological examination of the rachis reveals an oval shape with a slightly thick-walled epidermis and hypodermis containing air cavities. The vascular region is well-differentiated withxylem elements in linear multiples. The secondary phloem elementspossess numerous prismatic crystals and patches of phloem fibers. In the mature stem, periderm formation, with a highly reduced cortical region containing chlorenchymatous cells. The vascular region comprises phloem tissues with patches of phloem fibers. The xylem is with large vessels arranged in linear multiples. The pith is highly reduced with included phloem elements. Wood anatomy reveals the vessels displaying paratracheal parenchyma distribution, appearing as aliform or eyelet type. The vessel elements are arranged in linear multiples, and the radial longitudinal section shows large vessel elements with bordered pits separated by end plates. The bark showed uni- and multi-seriate ray cells, long and narrow phloem parenchyma, and prismatic crystal deposits in phloem ray-parenchyma cells. The parenchyma cells are traversed by numerous phloem fibers, with starch granules deposited in phloem parenchyma. In conclusion, Amherstia nobilis, the Pride of Burma, exemplifies a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and complex anatomical structure, making it a subject of significant interest in botanical and horticultural research. Detailed histological and anatomical studies provide crucial insights into the species unique adaptations and structural features, underscoring the need for continued conservation efforts to protect this majestic and rare tropical tree.

Demonstration of extrinsic chirality in self-assembled asymmetric plasmonic metasurfaces and nanohole arrays

Chirality, the lack of mirror symmetry, can be mimicked in nanophotonics and plasmonics by breaking the symmetry in light-nanostructure interaction. Here we report on versatile use of nanosphere lithography for the fabrication of low-cost metasurfaces, which exhibit broadband handedness- and angle-dependent extinction in the near-infrared range, thus offering extrinsic chiro-optical behavior. We measure wavelength and angle dependence of the extinction for four samples. Two samples are made of polystyrene nanospheres asymmetrically covered by silver and gold in one case and silver only in the other case, with a nanohole array at the bottom. The other two samples are nanohole arrays, obtained after the nanosphere removal from the first two samples. Rich extrinsic chiral features are governed by different chiro-optical mechanisms in the three-dimensional plasmonic semi-shells and planar nanohole arrays. We also measure Stokes parameters in the same wavelength and incidence angle range and show that the transmitted fields follow the extrinsic chirality features of the extinction dissymmetry. We further study the influences of the nanostructured shapes and in-plane orientations on the intrinsic vs extrinsic chirality. The nanoholes are modelled as oval shapes in metal, showing good agreement with the experiments. We thus confirm that nanosphere lithography can provide different geometries for chiral light manipulation at the nanoscale, with the possibility to extend functionalities with optimized oval shapes and combination of constituent metals.

Fasciola hepatica: Updates on egg morphology, host range, and distribution

During a survey for helminths in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) across the Palearctic region, eggs were found in zoo reindeer feces. These were identified as eggs of Fasciola hepatica based on their morphology, morphometrics, location, and analysis of their partial sequence of ITS rDNA region. Some of the eggs had an appendage, previously unreported. Additionally, adults of F. hepatica were studied. Eggs derived from their uteri were also appendaged. Diagnostic morphological traits of F. hepatica eggs (abopercular appendage, knob, egg shell thickening, and egg shape) are discussed in this article. Three dimensional models of F. hepatica eggs were created to demonstrate the eggs features as best as possible. Since fecal examination remains gold standard in diagnosing fasciolosis in humans and animals worldwide, our findings may contribute to improved diagnostics. This research has also shown that reindeer can be a final host for F. hepatica. We also discuss whether the Novaya Zemlya archipelago might be the northernmost site of fasciolosis.

MORPHOMETRIC VARIATION OF FORAMEN OVALE IN DRY ADULT SKULL OF INDIAN POPULATION WITH CLINICAL CORRELATIONS

Objective: The present study aim is to evaluate morphology and morphometric measurements of foramen Ovale present in the Greater wing of Sphenoid bone of the Middle Cranial fossa of the Skull base, using Digital sliding Vernier caliper. The anatomical knowledge of Foramen Ovale and it’s variations are of great help to neurosurgeons, oncologists and radiologists while performing any diagnostic and surgical interventions into and nearby foramen to deal with unavoidable complications as Tic douloureux. Methods: This study was done in 35 dried Human skulls taken from the Department of Anatomy, GBCM, Dehradun, India. The length and the width of the Foramen Ovale were measured. The different shapes of the foramen were also seen. All data collected was subjected to Statistical analysis using Student’s T-test. Results: In the present study, Incidence of Oval shape foramen Ovale was maximum, followed by Elongated shape. There were no statistical differences between the mean length and mean width on the two sides of Foramen Ovale. Conclusion: The vast knowledge of different shapes and sizes of foramen Ovale to Neurosurgeons and Oncologists helps to operate with least invasive procedures to avoid clinical manifestations.

Developing a non-destructive method for the detection of egg quality and freshness using micro-Raman spectroscopy

Considering the pivotal role of eggs in the food industry and their nutritional significance, this study employed micro-Raman spectroscopy of eggs, examining both shells and yolks to assess the quality and freshness of eggs. Raman spectra were collected at different temperatures and time intervals to investigate temperature and time effects, potentially indicating Raman peak reduction due to Maillard reaction and oxidation of proteins and lipids and carotenoid depletion, respectively. By calculating the ratio of Raman peaks, lipids, fatty acids, and choline methyl were introduced as biomarkers of temperature and time. Notable correlations were identified between Raman peaks and egg quality coefficients, including egg coefficient and peak 1002 cm−1 (protein), total weight and 1301 cm−1 (Lipids), yolk weight and 2934 and 3057 cm−1, total weight with peak 710 cm−1, and egg shape index and peak 3057 cm−1. Analysis of eggshells at different time intervals revealed Raman peak reduction during time, demonstrating Raman's effectiveness in assessing egg quality from its shell. Using the PLS-DA method, the classification of eggs at different temperatures and storage times using egg yolk Raman spectra was performed with 80 % accuracy that belongs to the validation report, predominantly influenced by carotenoid peaks, showing Raman a practical, non-destructive method for egg quality and freshness control.

Super T2-FLAIR mismatch sign: a prognostic imaging biomarker for non-enhancing astrocytoma, IDH-mutant

PurposeThe T2-FLAIR mismatch sign is a highly specific diagnostic imaging biomarker for astrocytoma, IDH-mutant. However, a definitive prognostic imaging biomarker has yet to be identified. This study investigated imaging prognostic markers, specifically analyzing T2-weighted and FLAIR images of this tumor.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 31 cases of non-enhancing astrocytoma, IDH-mutant treated at our institution, and 30 cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)/The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). We defined “super T2-FLAIR mismatch sign” as having a significantly strong low signal comparable to cerebrospinal fluid at non-cystic lesions rather than just a pale FLAIR low-signal tumor lesion as in conventional T2-FLAIR mismatch sign. Cysts were defined as having a round or oval shape and were excluded from the criteria for the super T2-FLAIR mismatch sign. We evaluated the presence or absence of the T2-FLAIR mismatch sign and super T2-FLAIR mismatch sign using preoperative MRI and analyzed the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by log-rank test.ResultsThe T2-FLAIR mismatch sign was present in 17 cases (55%) in our institution and 9 cases (30%) within the TCGA-LGG dataset without any correlation with PFS or OS. However, the super T2-FLAIR mismatch sign was detected in 8 cases (26%) at our institution and 13 cases (43%) in the TCGA-LGG dataset. At our institution, patients displaying the super T2-FLAIR mismatch sign showed significantly extended PFS (122.7 vs. 35.9 months, p = 0.0491) and OS (not reached vs. 116.7 months, p = 0.0232). Similarly, in the TCGA-LGG dataset, those with the super T2-FLAIR mismatch sign exhibited notably longer OS (not reached vs. 44.0 months, p = 0.0177).ConclusionThe super T2-FLAIR mismatch is a promising prognostic imaging biomarker for non-enhancing astrocytoma, IDH-mutant.

Evolution of elliptical SAXS patterns in aligned systems.

Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) patterns from certain semicrystalline polymers and liquid crystals contain discrete reflections from ordered assemblies and central diffuse scattering (CDS) from uncorrelated structures. Systems with imperfectly ordered lamellar structures aligned by stretching or by a magnetic field produce four distinct SAXS patterns: two-point 'banana', four-point pattern, four-point 'eyebrow' and four-point 'butterfly'. The peak intensities of the reflections lie not on a layer line, or the arc of a circle, but on an elliptical trajectory. Modeling shows that randomly placed lamellar stacks modified by chain slip and stack rotation or interlamellar shear can create these forms. On deformation, the isotropic CDS becomes an equatorial streak with an oval, diamond or two-bladed propeller shape, which can be analyzed by separation into isotropic and oriented components. The streak has elliptical intensity contours, a natural consequence of the imperfect alignment of the elongated scattering objects. Both equatorial streaks and two- and four-point reflections can be fitted in elliptical coordinates with relatively few parameters. Equatorial streaks can be analyzed to obtain the size and orientation of voids, fibrils or surfaces. Analyses of the lamellar reflection yield lamellar spacing, stack orientation (interlamellar shear) angle α and chain slip angle ϕ, as well as the size distribution of the lamellar stacks. Currently available computational tools allow these microstructural parameters to be rapidly refined.

Comparison of egg-shape equations using relative curvature measures of nonlinearity

A 2-dimensional (2D) egg-shape equation can be used to construct a 3D egg geometry based on the hypothesis that an egg is a solid of revolution, which helps to calculate egg volume and surface area. The parameters in the 2D egg-shape equation are potentially valuable for providing a clue to the ecology and evolution of avian eggs. In this study, the 5-parameter Preston equation (PE), the 4-parameter Troscianko equation (TE), and another 2 egg-shape equations, were compared in describing real 2D egg-shape data of 300 Gallus gallus domesticus eggs and additional 50 eggs that represented the variation in avian egg geometries. Adjusted root-mean-square error was used to quantify each equation's prediction error. Given that the 4 equations are nonlinear, relative curvature measures of nonlinearity were used to assess the extent of nonlinearity in each equation. PE was found to be the best among the 4 equations in terms of adjusted root-mean-square error and minimizing nonlinearity. The empirically determined egg volumes using a graduated cylinder were compared with the predicted egg volumes using the formula for a solid of revolution based on 2D predictions from the 4 egg-shape equations. There were negligible differences in the predicted egg volumes and surface areas among the 4 equations, indicating that these equations are all valid in calculating egg volume and surface area. In addition, we proposed a 5-parameter TE and found that it outperformed the above 4 equations in describing the 2D egg shape of G. gallus, but was less general than PE for other egg shapes. This work provides statistical evidence to show which equation is the best for describing the geometry of avian eggs and nondestructively calculating their volume and surface area, helping to classify poultry eggs into different grades according to the morphological characteristics of the eggs.

КРАСНИКА (VACCINIUM PRAESTANS LAMB.): РАЗРАБОТКА МЕТОДИКИ ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ ИСПЫТАНИЙ НА ОТЛИЧИМОСТЬ, ОДНОРОДНОСТЬ И СТАБИЛЬНОСТЬ

The purpose of research is to study the morphological and phenological characteristics of hybrid forms of V. praestans and to develop a methodology for testing for distinctiveness, homogeneity and stability based on them. The results of studying the morphological and phenological characteristics of hybrid forms of red grass (Vaccinium praestans Lamb.) in the natural and climatic conditions of the European part of Russia (Moscow, Kostroma, Khabarovsk Regions) are presented. V. praestans is an endemic plant of the Russian Far East and has high medicinal, food and ornamental value. The experiments carried out on the introduction of V. praestans show the possibility of its successful cultivation in the conditions of the European part of Russia, including for industrial cultivation. We tested 2 hybrid forms obtained from specimens from natural habitats (Sakhalin, Khabarovsk Regions). The current year's shoots of V. praestans are long or medium in size and have a pronounced anthocyanin color; leaves are large and medium in size, with a low or medium length-to-width ratio, with an ovate or broadly ovate shape of the leaf blade, with a weak or medium expression of anthocyanin coloring, sparse or medium pubescence of the leaf edge; inflorescences are short or medium in length, with large or medium-sized flowers, pink or slightly pink in color; fruits are spherical berries, large or medium in size, glossy, fairly dense, red or dark red in color. Peculiarities of flowering and fruiting of V. praestans have been revealed. The periods of the beginning of flowering and the beginning of fruit ripening are early or middle. For the first time in Russia and in the world, based on an analysis of the morphological characteristics of shoots, leaves, flowers and fruits, a methodology for testing the distinctiveness, homogeneity and stability of hybrid forms and varieties of V. praestans has been developed.

Evaluation of the Quality of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Eggs from Free-Range Farming Depending on the Storage Period and Age of Laying Hens.

The aim of the study was to determine the changes occurring in the eggs of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) from free-range farming in relation to the laying season and storage time. The experimental material consisted of 360 guinea fowl eggs, collected in the first, second and third laying seasons and stored for 7, 14 and 21 days. After each period, physical and physicochemical characteristics of the eggs were determined, as well as the basic chemical composition and mineral content of the albumen and yolk and the yolk fatty acid profile. The age of the guinea fowls affected certain physical parameters of the eggs. The egg weight, shape index and shell thickness increased with the age of the laying hens; however, a decrease in the proportion of shell in the egg was demonstrated. Storage time had a significant effect on egg weight, weight loss during storage and air cell height. Significant differences were found in the chemical composition of guinea fowl eggs depending on the age of the laying hens. Eggs obtained from older laying hens were characterized by higher yolk fat content and lower ash content, while the albumen contained higher water content and lower ash content. During the three-year laying period, changes were observed in the mineral composition of the eggs. The fatty acid profile underwent significant changes; however, no important differences were observed in the total content of SFA, MUFA, PUFA and n-6 fatty acids. Conversely, significant differences were found for n-3 acids and the n-6/n-3 ratio. Eggs in the first and second laying seasons exhibited the most favorable composition. The slow dynamics of changes occurring in successive laying seasons and egg storage time indicated that the raw material studied was safe and could be used by consumers.

Effect of Supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Powder on Body Weight Gain and Egg Quality in Layers

Background: As the demand for natural and sustainable solutions in poultry production continues to rise, ashwagandha root powder presents itself as a promising avenue for improving egg quality while aligning with consumer preferences for wholesome and nutritious products. Therefore, research trial was conducted to study the effect of supplementation of ashwagandha root powder on body weight gain and egg quality in layers during a period of 10 weeks. Methodology: One hundred and twenty White Leghorn layers were randomly divided into four treatments and reared on standard managemental conditions. The Ashwagandha root powder was supplemented with the basal diet at 0.5% level (T1), 1% (T2), 1.5 % (T3) while T0 was kept as control i.e. basal diet without ashwagandha root powder. The feed and water were offered ad libitum to experimental birds. Design used: The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design. Duncans multiple range test was used to determine significant difference among means for different treatments. Results: The result noted that the body weight change was not affected by ashwagandha root powder supplementation. Egg quality parameters viz., egg shape index, shell weight, yolk weight, yolk height, albumen weight and albumen index were not influenced by the addition of ashwagandha root powder. However, a significant (p<0.05) effect was observed on yolk index. No significant (p>0.05) difference was seen in the sensory attributes of the egg. It may be suggested that inclusion of ashwagandha root powder in the diets of layer can be improve yolk index without affecting sensory attributes of eggs in layer.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Nap knockout affects female reproduction and egg shape in Bombyx mori.

Insect reproductive capacity can affect effective pest control and infertility studies and has become an important focus in recent molecular genetic research. Nucleosome assembly protein (Nap) is highly conserved across multiple species and is involved in forming the sperm nucleus in many species. We used clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/Cas9 technology to knockout BmNap in Bombyx mori and observed that the mutations caused female infertility, whereas male fertility was not affected. BmNap mutants grew and mated normally; however, female mutants laid smaller eggs that could not be fertilised and did not hatch. In addition, female sterility produced by the mutation could be inherited stably via male mutants; therefore, Nap could be used as a potential target for lepidopteran pest control through population regulation. In the current study, we elucidated a new function of BmNap, increased the understanding of the oogenesis regulation network in Lepidoptera and promoted the development of insect sterility technologies.

Investigation on the effect of the relative position between fracture and injection-production well on thermal extraction performance

The development of hot dry rock (HDR) resources is mainly through hydraulic fracturing to build fracture in low permeability high-temperature rock to form working fluid flow channels. The control mechanism of thermal transfer and conversion process in fracture system is the key to influence thermal extraction effect. In this paper, a temperature-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) coupling model of fractured rock mass is established considering the temperature variation of rock elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio. The dynamic changes of fracture aperture and permeability are investigated. Taking fractured HDR reservoir as a case study, the depletion thermal extraction process of dual-well enhanced geothermal system (EGS) is simulated, the spatial-temporal evolution of multi-field are analyzed. The results show that the cold front of the horizontal and vertical single fracture model advance in an oval shape and a rectangle shape, respectively. Over 30 years, the horizontal fracture aperture typically changes by a factor ranging from 1.02 to 1.12, permeability typically changes by a factor ranging from 5 to 15. The vertical fracture aperture typically changes by a factor ranging from 1.02 to 1.14, permeability typically changes by a factor ranging from 10 to 25.

GCPDFFNet: Small Object Detection for Rice Blast Recognition.

Early detection of rice blast disease is pivotal to ensure rice yield. We collected in situ images of rice blast and constructed a rice blast dataset based on variations in lesion shape, size, and color. Given that rice blast lesions are small and typically exhibit round, oval, and fusiform shapes, we proposed a small object detection model named GCPDFFNet (global context-based parallel differentiation feature fusion network) for rice blast recognition. The GCPDFFNet model has three global context feature extraction modules and two parallel differentiation feature fusion modules. The global context modules are employed to focus on the lesion areas; the parallel differentiation feature fusion modules are used to enhance the recognition effect of small-sized lesions. In addition, we proposed the SCYLLA normalized Wasserstein distance loss function, specifically designed to accelerate model convergence and improve the detection accuracy of rice blast disease. Comparative experiments were conducted on the rice blast dataset to evaluate the performance of the model. The proposed GCPDFFNet model outperformed the baseline network CenterNet, with a significant increase in mean average precision from 83.6 to 95.4% on the rice blast test set while maintaining a satisfactory frames per second drop from 147.9 to 122.1. Our results suggest that the GCPDFFNet model can accurately detect in situ rice blast disease while ensuring the inference speed meets the real-time requirements.