Molecular Identification of Delphinids and Finless Porpoise (Cetacea) from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal

The exact number of extant delphinid species from seas around India is still debated and the lack of adequate field keys and reliable inventory has resulted in misidentification of several species. As a part of a project to develop a molecular taxonomy of cetaceans from this region, partial sequences of mtDNA cytochrome b were generated from accidentally caught/stranded delphinids and finless porpoise. Species were identified by phylogenetic reconstruction of sample sequences with the reference sequences available in portals GenBank (NCBI) and the web-based program DNA Surveillance. A comparison was made with the homologous sequences of corresponding species from other seas of the world. Our molecular investigations allowed us to identify five species of cetaceans from Indian coasts, including Delphinus capensis, previously reported as D. delphis. We detected unique haplotypes in Indo pacific humpbacked dolphin (Sousa chinensis; n = 2) and finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides; n = 12) from Indian coast. On the other hand, some haplotypes were shared with other regional populations in spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris; n = 16) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus; n = 3). Common dolphins (Delphinus capensis; n = 2) had both unique and shared haplotypes including one highly divergent sequence

PCR-based sex determination of cetaceans and dugong from the Indian seas

A sex-determination technique based on PCR amplifi- cation of genomic DNA extracted from the skin tissue has been standardized in cetaceans and dugong sam-pled from the Indian seas. A Y-chromosome-specific region (SRY or Sex-determining Y-chromosome gene) of 210–224 bp size in the genome has been amplified (only in males) using specific PCR primers. A fragment of the ZFX/ZFY (zinc finger protein genes located both on the X and Y chromosomes respectively) re-gion in the size range 442–445 bp is also amplified (in both sexes) using another pair of primers simultaneously as positive controls for confirmation of sex. Molecular sexing was standardized in spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), bridled dolphin (Stenella attenuata), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin (Sousa chinensis), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), finless porpoise (Neopho-caena phocaenoides), sperm whale (Physeter macro-cephalus), blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and dugong (Dugong du-gon), which are all vulnerable/endangered species pro- tected under the Indian Wildlife Act

On a Conjecture of Kelly on (1,3)(1,3)-representation of Sylvester Gallai Designs

We give an exact criterion of a conjecture of L.M.Kelly to hold true which is stated as follows. If there is a finite family $\Sigma$ of mutually skew lines in $\mathbb{R}^l,l\geq 4$ such that the three dimensional affine span (hull) of every two lines in $\Sigma$, contains at least one more line of $\Sigma$, then we have that $\Sigma$ is entirely contained in a three dimensional space if and only if the arrangement of affine hulls is central. Finally, this article leads to an analogous question for higher dimensional skew affine spaces, that is, for $(2,5)$-representations of sylvester-gallai designs in $\mathbb{R}^6$, which is answered in the last section.Comment: 13 page

Building And Sustaining Capacities of Health Officials in use of Data for Decision-Making: Evidence from Rajasthan, India

Purpose: This paper critically explores the initiatives that were implemented in Rajasthan during the period of 2018-19 by UNFPA, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Government of Rajasthan, and IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.  The main objective of these initiatives was to strengthen the capabilities of health officials and data managers at different levels within the state, enabling them to make evidence-based decisions using data effectively.   Theoretical framework: The capacity-building program was designed to reinforce the system for evidence-based planning, monitoring, and data utilization through a comprehensive training approach and continuous support. This study thoroughly investigates the entire process, assesses its effectiveness, and draws policy recommendations based on the outcomes of the capacity-building interventions. An essential aspect underscored by the study is the importance of providing ongoing support and guidance post-training to ensure sustainable development and successful implementation of the acquired knowledge.   Methodology: The methodology described in this paragraph involves capacity building approaches for government officials in the health sector. Specifically, the methodology includes the following elements: capacity building approaches; Inhouse Training programme technique; Digital technology enabled process; Training of State, District, and Block Level Health Programme Officials and Data Managers; Mentoring and Hand-Holding Support; Web-Based Learning Method using 'Google Classroom.   Findings: The findings of this study emphasize two crucial factors that contributed to the success of the capacity-building initiatives. Firstly, the provision of on-site assistance proved to be highly effective in reinforcing the newly acquired knowledge and skills. Secondly, the utilization of the web-based Google Class platform was found to be instrumental in promoting knowledge retention and enhancing the effective utilization of data.   Value: In conclusion, this research sheds light on the significance of capacity-building initiatives in the realm of health and data management. It highlights the positive impact of on-site support and the role of technology, particularly the Google Class platform, in ensuring the lasting benefits of such programs. The paper concludes by underlining the importance of continued support and sustained efforts in maximizing the potential of data-driven decision-making in the healthcare sector in Rajasthan

Desing Molecular Docking, Syntheseis and Evaluation of Some novel Heterocyclic Analogues of 2-Substituted Benzimidazole as potent Antimicrobial, Analgesic, Anti Inflammatory Agents.

In the present study, the main motto was to develop new chemical entities as potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial agents by chemical modification of the 2nd position of prepared benzimidazole by different heterocyclic rings. In our attempt, firstly 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) propanoic acid was prepared. Suitable heterocyclics which give potent ligands were identified by the carboxylic group present in the prepared 3-(1Hbenzimidazol- 2-yl)propanoic acid with the heterocyclics like pyridazine-3,4- dione, 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione, 1,3,4-oxadiazole. Furthermore, it has been reported in literature that certain compounds bearing these nucleus possesses a wide spectrum of activities like analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antipyretic, antihypertensive, antiviral, antituberculosis, antimicrobial, anticancer activities etc. then identification and characterization of synthesized compounds by different methods like physical properties (M.P, Solubility, Thin layer chromatography) and spectral analysis (IR, NMR). Finally selective pharmacological activities like Antimicrobial, Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory activities need to examine. Various pyridazine-3,6-dione, 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione, 1,3,4- oxadiazole derivatives of 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)propanoic acid were designed and synthesized with the aim of developing better analgesic anti-inflammatory molecules with antimicrobial activity. The results generated in this study leads to the following conclusions. Molecular docking studies reveal that all the designed ligands 1- 8 possess very good binding ability in COX-2 and 14 α- demethylase enzymes. All the test compounds exhibit significant analgesic activities against acetic acid induced writhing reflux. All the test compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. The test compounds A, F, E, H showed high degree of antibacterial activity when compared with standard Amikacin and test compounds A, C, G showed high degree of antifungal activity against when compared with standard Ketoconazole. The result obtained support the statement that newly synthesized heterocyclic analogues of benzimidazole can be considered as good analgesic anti-inflammatory agent with antimicrobial activity, however further structural modification are planned to increase the activity of this series to obtain a clinically useful antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent