Publications by authors named "Deep Shikha"

Microglia play an important role in the immunity of the central nervous system, crucial in maintaining homeostasis. However, under diseased conditions, this cell accumulates Fe, triggering inflammatory and neurotoxic effects that contribute to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Hence, the study of dysregulated microglial activation and overload of Fe is crucial in the context of neurodegenerative conditions.

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This research work investigates into the elemental distribution within arable soil and locally collected crop samples from farmers of Nawanshahr region of Punjab, offering insights into nutrient concentration, potential contamination, and their impact on agricultural sustainability. Crop and soil samples were collected from 10 selected agricultural sites at Nawanshahr region of Punjab and subsequently analyzed using radioanalytical technique; Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) via the Pneumatic Carrier Facility (PCF) at BARC, Mumbai and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF). These methodologies enabled precise quantification of essential elements: Al, Fe, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn, revealing distribution patterns in soil and crop samples.

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Background: Diabetes and glaucoma share several common risk factors and pathophysiological similarities. Elevated intraocular pressure, a key pathogenic feature of glaucoma and its progression, has been found to be influenced in diabetic patients. Furthermore, a link between poor glycemic control and increased intraocular pressure has been documented.

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The research investigates the integration of 3% silver-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag-HAP) onto a hexagonal alumina substrate with a matching structure to reduce interface strain utilizing radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS). This method aims to improve film adhesion while enhancing the bioactivity, antimicrobial properties, and wear resistance of biomedical implants. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) has excellent biocompatibility and is widely used in bone implants due to its similarity to bone minerals, but it suffers from brittleness and limited mechanical strength.

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Plastics are integral to daily life due to their flexibility, durability, low viscosity, and poor conductivity. However, UV exposure, weathering, and biodegradation fragment plastics into microplastics and nano plastics, forming a heterogeneous mix categorized as large microplastics (5 mm to 1 mm), small microplastics (1 mm to 1 μm), and nano plastics (<1 μm). Concerns over the health impacts of micro and nano plastic (MNP) pollution have spurred extensive research, revealing increased disease susceptibility.

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Increasing the nutritional value of any crop plant through various Conventional or non-Conventional methods is known as Biofortification. Deficiency of proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals leads to ailing health and increased vulnerability to various diseases, which in turn lead to uncountable and unpredicted loss in Gross Domestic Product leading to poor economic growth of the country. It is forthcoming and cost-effective approach that will provide a balance of micronutrient deficiency among the people of developing & underdeveloped nations not having the availability to diverse nutritional access.

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Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious and fatal transboundary viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV) which belongs to the genus Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family. The disease causes huge economic impact and has been listed as a notifiable disease by World Organization for Animal Health. We present the molecular epidemiology of an LSD outbreak, the first-ever outbreak of the disease in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, India; a region lying in Northern Himalayas.

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Background: Olfactory pathway and limbic system demonstrate a close nexus, which paves common ground for investigating the effects of smell on emotions, cognitive load and autonomic functions. Notably, olfactory stimulation during the administration of cognitive load may interfere with the performance.

Purpose: The study is planned to investigate the effect of citrus inhalation on cognitive performance, through psychophysiological assessments.

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TRPM8 is a non-selective cation channel that is expressed in several tissues and cells and also has a unique property to be activated by low-temperature. In this work, we have analyzed the conservation of amino acids that are present in the lipid-water-interface (LWI) region of TRPM8, the region which experiences a microenvironment near the membrane surface. We demonstrate that the amino acids present in the LWI region are more conserved than the transmembrane or even full-length TRPM8, suggesting strong selection pressure in these residues.

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Plants maintain iron (Fe) homeostasis under varying environmental conditions by balancing processes such as Fe uptake, transport and storage. In Arabidopsis, POPEYE (PYE), a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (TF), has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating this balance. In recent years, the mechanisms regulating Fe uptake have been well established but the upstream transcriptional regulators of Fe transport and storage are still poorly understood.

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Our study aimed to assess the soil quality in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district through a meticulous analysis of nutrient and elemental composition. Using a variety of analytical techniques, including Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), external Particle-induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) an Ion beam analysis Technique, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), we delved into soil characterization for 22 agricultural soil samples in the Punjab region. Within the NAA framework, utilizing the Pneumatic Carrier Facility and the self-serve facility at Dhruva reactor in Mumbai, a brief 1-min irradiation procedure identified pivotal elements-Na, Mg, V, Al, Mn, and K.

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Thermoregulation and thermal homeostasis at the cellular and subcellular organelle level are poorly understood events. In this work, we used BV2, a microglial cell line, and a series of thermo-sensitive subcellular organelle-specific probes to analyze the relative changes in the spatio-temporal temperatures of different subcellular organelles, both qualitatively and quantitatively. These methodologies allowed us to understand the thermal relationship of different subcellular organelles also.

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LR-115 Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD) is commonly utilized for quantifying indoor radon-thoron levels, by tallying the tracks formed in the films by exposure to these gases. Conventionally, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used to etch LR-115 films for 90 min at 60°C. However, this study suggests a time-efficient alternative approach utilizing potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the etchant.

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Plant organ growth is controlled by various internal and external cues. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that coordinate plant organ growth and nutrient homeostasis remain largely unknown. Recently, Zheng et al.

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In this work, we investigated the presence and function of TRPM8, a non-selective and cold-sensitive Ca-permeable ion channel in the primary microglia cell as well as in microglia cell line BV2. We demonstrate that primary microglia as well as BV2 express TRPM8 endogenously. Both pharmacological activation or inhibition of TRPM8 causes enhanced uptake of bacterial particles at early time points of infection.

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It is imperative to investigate the effect of addition of different size metallic ions in HAp and study the changes in biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Silver and magnesium ions are two vital ions needed in our body. Silver ions are known to inhibit the microbes, while magnesium ions are known to increase the mechanical properties.

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Objective: Attention can be assessed through Letter cancelation tasks (LCT) that employ visuospatial selection and appropriate motor responses. We examined the performance in the LCT with increasing attention load, and determined the related autonomic changes.

Methods: Autonomic parameters were estimated in healthy males at baseline and during three different cognitive load conditions using the LCT.

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Background: Osteoporosis may result from risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, low body mass index, less physical exercise, and dietary calcium deficiency. The risk of osteoporosis fractures can be reduced with lifestyle changes, which include diet, exercise, and preventing falls. The present study is an effort to measure the burden of risk factors of osteoporosis in adult male soldiers in the Armed Forces.

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Nipah and Hendra viruses are deadly zoonotic paramyxoviruses with a case fatality rate of upto 75%. The viruses belong to the genus henipavirus in the family , a family of negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. The natural reservoirs of NiV and HeV are bats (flying foxes) in which the virus infection is asymptomatic.

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The recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan, China, has led to millions of infections and the death of approximately one million people. No targeted therapeutics are currently available, and only a few efficient treatment options are accessible. Many researchers are investigating active compounds from natural plant sources that may inhibit COVID-19 proliferation.

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Transient receptor potential vanilloid sub-type 4 (TRPV4) is a six transmembrane protein that acts as a non-selective Ca channel. Notably, TRPV4 is present in almost all animals, from lower eukaryotes to humans and is expressed in diverse tissue and cell types. Accordingly, TRPV4 is endogenously expressed in several types of immune cells that represent both innate and adaptive immune systems of higher organism.

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Phytohormones regulate plant growth and development by integrating various internal developmental cues with external environmental conditions. Jasmonic acid (JA) is an oxylipin-derived phytohormone that modulates the plasticity of plant responses against fluctuating environmental cues. An increasing number of studies have shown that it regulates a wide spectrum of plant physiological and biochemical processes, including reproductive development, primary root growth, root hair development, seed germination, senescence, regeneration, defense against biotic stress such as pathogen infection and herbivory, and mitigation of a number of abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, high and low temperatures, wounding, excessive UV exposure, limited water availability, and metal(oid)-induced toxicity.

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The present study aimed to evaluate the potential toxic heavy metal (PTHM) concentrations and associated ecological and health risk of nearby inhabitants (child and adult populations) of the Bokaro thermal power station (BTPS), Jharkhand, India. The fly ash containing PTHMs is released from the thermal power plant and contaminates the soil of the nearby agricultural area, roadside area and residential area. Furthermore, PTHMs cause ecological risk as well as carcinogenic health effects in adults.

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