Digital Watermarking

Today2019;s world is digital world. Nowadays, in every field there is enormous use of digital contents. Information handled on INTERNET and MULTIMEDIA NETWORK SYSTEM is in digital form. The copying of digital content without quality loss is not so difficult .Due to this , there are more chances of copying of such digital information. So , there is great need of prohibiting such illegal copyright of digital media. Digital watermarking (DWM) is the powerful solution to this problem. Digital watermarking is nothing but the technology in which there is embedding of various information in digital content which we have to protect from illegal copying. This embedded information to protect the data is embedded as watermark. Beyond the copyright protection, Digital watermarking is having some other applications as fingerprinting, owner identification etc. Digital watermarks are of different types as robust, fragile, visible and invisible. Application is depending upon these watermarks classifications. There are some requirements of digital watermarks as integrity, robustness and complexity

Digital Watermarking

Today’s world is digital world. Nowadays, in every field there is enormous use of digital contents. Information handled on INTERNET and MULTIMEDIA NETWORK SYSTEM is in digital form. The copying of digital content without quality loss is not so difficult .Due to this , there are more chances of copying of such digital information. So , there is great need of prohibiting such illegal copyright of digital media. Digital watermarking (DWM) is the powerful solution to this problem. Digital watermarking is nothing but the technology in which there is embedding of various information in digital content which we have to protect from illegal copying. This embedded information to protect the data is embedded as watermark. Beyond the copyright protection, Digital watermarking is having some other applications as fingerprinting, owner identification etc. Digital watermarks are of different types as robust, fragile, visible and invisible. Application is depending upon these watermarks classifications. There are some requirements of digital watermarks as integrity, robustness and complexity

Oral nifedipine versus nitroglycerine patch for tocolysis in preterm labour

Background: Preterm delivery is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Various modalities have been used to prediction of patient at risk of preterm labor. But due to multi-factorial etiology these predictors are not always useful. Tocolysis has a major role in arresting preterm labor. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of oral nifedipine with transdermal nitroglycerine in the inhibition of preterm labour.Methods: This single blinded randomized control trial was conducted in the labour room of department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from January 2011 to June 2012. One hundred women with singleton pregnancy between 28 weeks to 34 weeks preterm labour and no contraindication for tocolysis were enrolled in the study. After taking the informed consent subjects were randomized into two groups. Randomization was done by random number table. Fifty-one subjects in nifedipine group received oral nifedipine (Tab Depin 10mg). Forty-nine subjects receiving transdermal nitroglycerine patch (Nitroderm Patch 10) were included in NTG group. The variables analysed were delay in delivery for 48 hours, 7 days or more than 7 days, period of gestation at delivery and side effect profile of drugs.Results: The percentage of women delivering after 48hours of administration of nifedipine group (52.9%) and nitroglycerine group (53.1%). Failure of tocolysis, defined as delivery within 48 hours, with nitroglycerine group (32.7 %) was comparable to nifedipine (33.3 %). Headache was significantly higher in nitroglycerine group as compared to nifedipine group (p≤0.001). Maternal tachycardia was more common in nifedipine group compared to NTG group (p=0.001).Conclusions: Oral nifedipine and transdermal nitroglycerine have similar efficacy as tocolytic agent in patients with preterm labour.

Alternative control of littleseed canary grass using eucalypt oil

Globally, huge amounts of synthetic herbicides are used to manage weeds in arable lands. However, their widespread use has resulted in various toxicological effects on the environment and human health, besides resulting in the emergence of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes. To overcome these problems, there is an urgent need to search for novel compounds, particularly natural plant products, with potential herbicidal activity. In this area, we studied the phytotoxic effect of volatile oil from lemon-scented eucalypt on littleseed canary grass, a noxious weed of wheat fields. Our findings show that under laboratory conditions the emergence and earlier growth of the weed decreased and completely ceased using a very low concentration of eucalypt oil (0.0714%, v/v). Treatment with eucalypt oil of the 4-week-old pot-raised weeds caused visible damage such as chlorosis and necrosis, wilting and even plant death. The effect was concentration-dependent. At low concentrations, 2.5 and 5%, v/v of eucalypt oil, plants were damaged but recovered later, whereas at concentrations higher than 5%, v/v, of eucalypt oil plants showed severe injury with little or no sign of recovery, and death. There was a severe effect on the photosynthetic and respiratory ability of treated plants 7 and 21 days after treatment. Eucalypt oil treatment caused a rapid electrolyte leakage in the P. minor leaf tissues, indicating a loss of membrane integrity. The study concludes that lemon-scented eucalypt oil offers a good option for control of littleseed canary grass and could be included as a viable component of integrated weed management under sustainable agricultural practices

Isolation and adaptation of bovine herpes virus Type 1 in embryonated chicken eggs and in Madin–Darby bovine kidney cell line

Aim: Objective of the present study was to isolate bovine herpes virus Type 1 (BHV-1) from semen of infected bull and to adapt it onto embryonated eggs and Madin–Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line. Further, the virus was identified by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were collected from five BHV-1 positive bulls previously confirmed for the presence of antibodies against BHV-1 using avidin-biotin enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. The virus from semen samples was adapted in chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of 11-day-old embryonated chickens eggs and in MDBK cell line. The presence of BHV-1 in infected CAM and cell culture fluid was confirmed by AGID test. Results: Virus infected CAM showed edema, congestion and thickening at first passage level. Small foci ranged from 1 to 2 mm in diameter, scattered all over the membrane were observed at first passage. More severe changes were observed in CAM after serial passaging. The large pock lesions, round in shape with opaque raised edge and depressed gray central area of necrosis ranged from 3 to 5 mm in diameter were developed at fourth passage. Blind passages in MDBK cell culture were made. The MDBK cell line at second passage level showed characteristic cytopathic effect viz. rounding of cells with shrinkage, followed by aggregation or clumping of cells which progressed rapidly and appeared as “bunch of grapes” at 72 h post inoculation. Few cells become elongated when compared with uninfected controls. A homogenate of CAM with distinct pock lesions and infected cell culture fluid developed precipitation line within 48 h against specific anti-BHV-1 immune serum by AGID test. Conclusion: BHV-1 was easily adapted in CAM of chicken embryos and in MDBK cell line. Virus infected CAM and cell culture fluid showed precipitin band by AGID test

PROSOPIS CINERARIA (L) DRUCE: A DESERT TREE TO BRACE LIVELIHOOD IN RAJASTHAN

The Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce is an important tree (Khejri- a local name in Rajasthan)for the Thar Desert withhard climatic adaptation and one of the lifeline in desert habitat as mentioned in ancient literature. This is a speciesrepresenting all five F viz., Forest, Fiber, Fuel, Fodder and Food. This tree is also mythological important in localcommunities. High value of this species recognized as a State symbol (state tree of Rajasthan). Prosopis cineraria(L.) Druce is a tree endemic to hot deserts of India, belonging to the family Leguminosae. Pods locally called“Sangri” are considered as dry fruit of desert and are one of the main ingredients of quintessential Rajasthani dish -The Panchkuta. In the present article, we have attempted to review different characteristics of the pods, tounderstand its health benefits. Various phytoconstituents like tannins (gallic acid), steroids (stigmasterol,campesterol, sitosterol, etc.), Flavone derivatives (prosogerin A, B, C, D, and E), alkaloids (spicigerine,prosophylline), etc. have been isolated from the sangri pods .As this plant is found in water stress (or deficient area)so antioxidant potential of pods has also been discussed. Prosopis cineraria (L) Druce is one of the highly valuedplant in the Indigenous System of Medicine. P. cineraria pods provide protein, iron, vitamins A and C and othermicro minerals Unripe pods are also nutritious and are used to prepare curries and pickles. Its bark is said to be apotent drug for several ailments such as leprosy, dysentery, bronchitis, asthma, leucoderma, piles, muscular tremors,asthma, rheumatism and inflammations. Pharmacological activities like analgesic, antipyretic, antihyperglycemic,antioxidant, antihypercholesterolemic, antitumor, nootropic anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral andanticancer activities have been reported from different plant extracts. In view of its medicinal importance, thepresent review is focused to delineate its chemical constitution and therapeutic potentiality, precisely

Malat1 Suppresses Immunity to Infection through Promoting Expression of Maf and IL-10 in Th Cells.

Despite extensive mapping of long noncoding RNAs in immune cells, their function in vivo remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify over 100 long noncoding RNAs that are differentially expressed within 24 h of Th1 cell activation. Among those, we show that suppression of Malat1 is a hallmark of CD4+ T cell activation, but its complete deletion results in more potent immune responses to infection. This is because Malat1-/- Th1 and Th2 cells express lower levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. In vivo, the reduced CD4+ T cell IL-10 expression in Malat1-/- mice underpins enhanced immunity and pathogen clearance in experimental visceral leishmaniasis (Leishmania donovani) but more severe disease in a model of malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS). Mechanistically, Malat1 regulates IL-10 through enhancing expression of Maf, a key transcriptional regulator of IL-10 Maf expression correlates with Malat1 in single Ag-specific Th cells from P. chabaudi chabaudi AS-infected mice and is downregulated in Malat1-/- Th1 and Th2 cells. The Malat1 RNA is responsible for these effects, as antisense oligonucleotide-mediated inhibition of Malat1 also suppresses Maf and IL-10 levels. Our results reveal that through promoting expression of the Maf/IL-10 axis in effector Th cells, Malat1 is a nonredundant regulator of mammalian immunity

Interferon-γ-Producing CD4+ T Cells Drive Monocyte Activation in the Bone Marrow During Experimental Leishmania donovani Infection

Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes develop in the bone marrow and migrate to the site of infection during inflammation. Upon recruitment, Ly6Chi monocytes can differentiate into dendritic cells or macrophages. According to the tissue environment they can also acquire different functions. Several studies have described pre-activation of Ly6Chi monocytes in the bone marrow during parasitic infection, but whether this process occurs during experimental visceral leishmaniasis and, if so, the mechanisms contributing to their activation are yet to be established. In wild type C57BL/6 (B6) mice infected with Leishmania donovani, the number of bone marrow Ly6Chi monocytes increased over time. Ly6Chi monocytes displayed a highly activated phenotype from 28 days to 5 months post infection (p.i), with >90% expressing MHCII and >20% expressing iNOS. In comparison, in B6.Rag2 -/- mice <10% of bone marrow monocytes were MHCII+ at day 28 p.i., an activation deficiency that was reversed by adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells. Depletion of CD4+ T cells in B6 mice and the use of mixed bone marrow chimeras further indicated that monocyte activation was driven by IFNγ produced by CD4+ T cells. In B6.Il10 -/- mice, L. donovani infection induced a faster but transient activation of bone marrow monocytes, which correlated with the magnitude of CD4+ T cell production of IFNγ and resolution of the infection. Under all of the above conditions, monocyte activation was associated with greater control of parasite load in the bone marrow. Through reinfection studies in B6.Il10 -/- mice and drug (AmBisome®) treatment of B6 mice, we also show the dependence of monocyte activation on parasite load. In summary, these data demonstrate that during L. donovani infection, Ly6Chi monocytes are primed in the bone marrow in a process driven by CD4+ T cells and whereby IFNγ promotes and IL-10 limits monocyte activation and that the presence of parasites/parasite antigen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone marrow monocyte activation

Non-methane volatile organic compounds emitted from domestic fuels in Delhi: Emission factors and total city-wide emissions

In controlled laboratory conditions, 62 samples of domestic fuels collected from 56 grids of Delhi were burnt to quantify the emissions of 23 non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), i.e., alkanes (11), alkenes (6), alkynes (1) and aromatic compounds (5). The domestic fuels used for residential activities were comprised of 20 unique types of fuel woods, 3 species of crop residue, dung cakes and coal. These fuels are primarily used for cooking and water/space heating during winters. The current study reports the total emission budget of NMVOCs from domestic burning over Delhi. Furthermore, this study also compares the differences in EFs of NMVOCs which are calculated for different burning cycles and sample collection methods. The EFs of NMVOCs calculated from the samples collected during the flaming stage using canisters were analysed for 23 NMVOCs and then compared with same species emitted from complete burning cycle. In addition to this, 10 consumption and emission hotspot grids were also identified in Delhi; based on the ground survey and laboratory simulated results. The total annual usage of domestic fuels for the year 2019 was found to be 0.415 Mt/yr (million tonnes) in Delhi. 12.01 Gg/yr of annual NMVOC emissions was calculated from domestic fuel burning in which the emissions from dung cake and fuel wood dominated with 6.6 Gg/yr and 5.4 Gg/yr, respectively. The EFs of NMVOCs calculated using canister and online collection method differ significantly from each other. The flaming stage presented enhanced emissions compared to the complete burning cycle by ~7 times which suggests that the method of data analysis and the period of sample collection play a pivotal role in the preparation of an emission inventory and estimating the budget

A retrospective study about clinical profile of vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients at a tertiary care hospital in Patiala, Punjab, India

Objective: To study variations in clinical profile of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) among local population with data collected at our tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Ophthalmology at Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India. A total of 150 patients with VKC were diagnosed on the grounds of their history, the presence of characteristic symptom, and on the basis of their clinical features, over a period of 6 months from March 2017 to August 2017. The history of each patient was taken including a record of age, sex, place of residence, change of place of residence, age at onset of the disease, seasonal variations, associated allergic or “atopic” illnesses, and family history of VKC or associated allergic or atopic conditions. Best-corrected visual acuity was assessed and each patient was thoroughly examined with a slit lamp. Follow-up was done every 4 weeks for 6 months. Results: Out of 150 patients, 110 (73.33%) were male and 40 (26.67%) were female. The highest incidence of VKC occurred in the age group of 11–15 years. Maximum cases (62%) had palpebral form followed by mixed form (23.33%) and bulbar form (14.67%). Corneal complications occurred in 22 (14.67%) patients; 20 patients had minor complications and 2 had major complications. The minor complications usually consisted of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) or other epithelial disturbance. Major complications consisted of superior pannus. Although patients with VKC often give a history of allergy or of atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, or hay fever, in the present study, coexisting allergic conditions could be detected in only 45 (30%) patients. Conclusion: VKC is a common form of allergic conjunctivitis and the disease tends to occur in males of 11–15 years age group. Most common is palpebral form followed by mixed and bulbar forms. Some cases showed history of atopy and other allergic conditions