Superflares and Starspots: when size does not matter

Within the last decade, space missions have provided a wealth of information about stellar flares. Nevertheless, what triggers these superflares, and whether they are similar to the solar counterparts, remains a great mystery. How are flares connected to active regions and what are the main causes of their occurrence? Here we investigate the activity of two K-type stars, similar in every way from mass to rotation periods and planetary systems. Even if both stars exhibited hundreds of spots, Kepler-411 produced 65 superflares, while Kepler-210 presented none. The spots of both stars were characterised using the planetary transit mapping technique which yields the intensity, temperature, and radius of starspots. The only discrepant parameter was the size of the spots. While the average radius of spots on Kepler-411 was (17 ± 7) × 103 km, for Kepler-210 the mean radius was (39 ± 18) × 103 km. That is, the star with no superflare exhibited spots twice as large as the one with 65 superflares. Thus starspot area appears not to be the main culprit of superflare triggering, but rather the magnetic complexity seems more important, as in the case of the Sun. These are important clues to the magnetic dynamo acting on these solar-type stars.

Historical Aspect of Inflation in Pre and Post Covid-19 Pandemic in Pakistan

Covid-19 Pandemic proved to be very dangerous and catastrophic in the entire history of mankind. It affected every corner of the world within less than a year. It changed the lifestyle and paralyzed all modern technology and killed millions of people around the globe. This study presents the historical overview of major world pandemics and Covid-19 as well. It also examines the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on inflation and on other sectors of Pakistan's economy. The results reveal that covid-19 is the main culprit responsible for double digit inflation and slow economic growth in Pakistan. The present study explores that during 2020 high inflation was due to world lock down while in 2021 the main cause of inflation was persistent increase in oil prices, food shortage, political instability in Afghanistan and devaluation of Pakistan’s rupee. The results indicate that Covid-19 affects adversely every sector of Pakistan economy. The study suggests that government should pay proper attention to health of the general public and implement suitable policies to stabilize the economic growth.

Ozone hole over poles : Current status

The ozone in the stratosphere is of great importance for very survival of life on the mother planet the Earth. Ozone acts as an umbrella and protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the Sun. The catalytic destruction of ozone by ClOx & NOx in general and ozone hole phenomenon over Antarctica during spring time in particular has generated unprecedented interest in monitoring of ozone and other trace constituents in the atmosphere. The satellites have proved to be an important tool to monitor the global ozone column on regular basis. The ozone data using various satellite platforms has been analyzed for the ozone hole studies over north and south poles. Also Ozone measurements were carried out at Maitri, Antarctica. The satellite data indicates that some recovery of ozone hole as a result of international efforts in reduction of use of CFCs which are the main culprit for ozone hole. However, it will be too early to conclude about ozone hole recovery. In the present communication current status of ozone hole will be discussed in detail.

Substance P/ Neurokinin-1 Receptor, Trigeminal Ganglion, Latency, and Coronavirus Infection-Is There Any Link?

Novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2 infection (SARS-CoV-2) is an acute respiratory and infectious disease. This perspective aims to provide a basic understanding of the inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its relation to the trigeminal ganglion (TG). The virus enters through the mucous membranes of the orofacial region and reaches the TG, where it resides and takes control of its peptides including Substance P (SP). SP is the main neuropeptide, neuromodulator, and neuro-hormone of TG, associated with nociception and inflammation under noxious stimulus. SP release is triggered and, consequently, affects the immune cells and blood vessels to release the mediators for inflammation. Hence, cytokine storm is initiated and causes respiratory distress, bronchoconstriction, and death in complicated cases. Neurokinin-1 Receptor (NK-1R) is the receptor for SP and its antagonists, along with glucocorticoids, may be used to alleviate the symptoms and treat this infection by blocking this nociceptive pathway. SP seems to be the main culprit involved in the triggering of inflammatory pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infection. It may have a direct association with cardio-respiratory rhythm, sleep-wake cycle, nociception, and ventilatory responses and regulates many important physiological and pathological functions. Its over-secretion should be blocked by NK-1R antagonist. However, experimental work leading to clinical trials are mandatory for further confirmation. Here, it is further proposed that there is a possibility of latency in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection if it is acting through TG, which is the main site for other viruses that become latent.

Therapeutic Potential of Mitophagy-Inducing Microflora Metabolite, Urolithin A for Alzheimer’s Disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction including deficits of mitophagy is seen in aging and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Apart from traditionally targeting amyloid beta (Aβ), the main culprit in AD brains, other approaches include investigating impaired mitochondrial pathways for potential therapeutic benefits against AD. Thus, a future therapy for AD may focus on novel candidates that enhance optimal mitochondrial integrity and turnover. Bioactive food components, known as nutraceuticals, may serve as such agents to combat AD. Urolithin A is an intestinal microbe-derived metabolite of a class of polyphenols, ellagitannins (ETs). Urolithin A is known to exert many health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-Aβ, and pro-mitophagy properties are increasingly recognized. However, the underlying mechanisms of urolithin A in inducing mitophagy is poorly understood. This review discusses the mitophagy deficits in AD and examines potential molecular mechanisms of its activation. Moreover, the current knowledge of urolithin A is discussed, focusing on its neuroprotective properties and its potential to induce mitophagy. Specifically, this review proposes potential mechanisms by which urolithin A may activate and promote mitophagy.

Turner’s Tooth: A Rare Case with Review of Literature

Turner’s tooth is a form of enamel hypoplasia. Periapical pathology of the primary tooth is the main culprit behind the enamel deficiency in the permanent tooth. The altered tooth is called a Turner’s tooth. Color of the affected tooth varies from focal areas of white, yellow, or brown discoloration to extensive hypoplasia which can involve the entire crown. The crown of the permanent teeth develops mainly from six months and extends upto fifteen years. The part of the crown which gets damaged is directly related to the location of the ameloblastic activity at the time of damage. Therefore, we are here discussing the case of a seven year old boy which was reported to be the case of turner’s tooth hypoplasia.

General

One of my favourite undergraduate classes to teach is Greek mythology. At American universities, Greek myth is a popular choice for satisfying humanities credit requirements, and professors are faced with a double dilemma. On the one hand, students have very different levels of knowledge, ranging from, say, a science major with virtually no idea about the ancient world to a know-it-all myth-whiz Classics major at the other end of the scale. The second problem is the choice and organization of material. Tough decisions have to be made, especially if a professor insists on students reading ancient Greek and Latin texts in translation, instead of relying on a modern retelling of myth. Which tragedies to choose? Which sections of Ovid's Metamorphoses? The whole of Homer or just select books? The challenges are real, but the rewards are great. After the initial struggle with Hesiod's Theogony (despite collective grumbling, Hesiod is non-negotiable for me), witnessing the magic of Greek myth at work never ceases to amaze me. In a blink of an eye, the class is passionately defending or attacking Phaedra, or debating fate and the gods; and, of course, everyone is united in hating Jason. It was my early fascination with Greek myth that attracted me to study Classics (the main culprit was the generously illustrated Serbian translation of Gustav Schwab's Gods and Heroes of Ancient Greece) and the crushing sense of responsibility for sparking that first interest in my students is only matched by joy upon seeing it work. I take mythology books very seriously because they are often the gateway to the Classics. Several books on myth landed on my desk this year and I'll start with three general introductions. None of these could serve as introductions to myth for children or young adults, but each could be an excellent first step for those wishing to know more about various scholarly approaches to Greek myths and cults.

Metastatic Breast Cancer, Organotropism and Therapeutics: A Review

: The final stage of breast cancer involves spreading breast cancer cells to the vital organs like the brain, liver lungs and bones in the process called metastasis. Once the target organ is overtaken by the metastatic breast cancer cells, its usual function is compromised causing organ dysfunction and death. Despite the significant research on breast cancer metastasis, it’s still the main culprit of breast cancer-related deaths. Exploring the complex molecular pathways associated with the initiation and progression of breast cancer metastasis could lead to the discovery of more effective ways of treating the devastating phenomenon. The present review article highlights the recent advances to understand the complexity associated with breast cancer metastases, organotropism and therapeutic advances.

Efficacy of Treatment in Ayurveda for the Management of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Case Study

Diabetic Nephropathy is one of the serious clinical condition that originated as a complication of the Diabetes Mellitus. It is the main culprit for end-stage renal diseases, which ultimately may lead to life-threatening conditions. A 58 years old male patient was having diabetes mellitus and hypertension for 15 years came to Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and research centre, Wardha, Maharashtra (India) having bilateral pedal edema, vomiting, nausea, general weakness, frequent nocturnal micturition, hiccough from last two months. He was treated with Gokshuradi Guggulu, Chandraprabha Vati, Bhumyamalaki Churna, a freshly prepared decoction of Trunpanchmula [combination of Kush (Desmostachya bipinnata), Kash (Saccharum pontaneum), Darbha(Saccharum munja), Nal (Saccharum officinarum)and kandeshu] 50 ml daily twice a day after food. All other allopathic treatments for hypertension and Diabetes were continued as before, but the patient took only Ayurveda’s treatment for Nephropathy. After continuous treatment for two months, Blood Urea level was remarkably decreased from 51 mg/dl to 45 mg/dl & Serum Creatinine also reduced from 3.0 mg/dl to 1.5 mg/dl with a gross decrease in proteinuria. Both Blood sugar fasting & post- prandial were also reduced from 246mg/dl & 346 mg/dl to 190mg/dl & 225mg/dl respectively. The present Case report is discussed here to show the efficacy of Ayurveda in diabetic Nephropathy.

Evaluating the Multifunctional Resilience of River Health to Human Service Demand: A Comparison among Fuzzy Logic, Entropy and AHP Based MCDM Models

Ecosystem services of river for human beings are guided by harmonious relationship; however over growing human service demands (HSDs) are leading to deteriorate the river health connotation. In this study, an assessment index system of monsoonal quarried river health including twenty indicators consisting of riparian, morphological, hydroecological and social structure were established to detect the multifunctional threshold of river system integrity in respect to HSDs at upper (US), middle (MS), lower segments (LS) of Kangsabati River using fuzzy logic, AHP and entropy based multi-criteria decision matrix (MCDM) methods i.e. vlseKriterijumska optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), simple additive weighing (SAW), complex proportion assessment of alternatives (COPRAS), weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS), technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results revealed that overall indicators performance is generally healthy in MS, medium health level in US but mostly unhealthy in LS; and AHP and fuzzy MCDM methods assigned as high priority rank to MS, medium rank to US and least rank to LS, while entropy MCDM methods gives highest rank to US, medium rank to MS and least rank to LS, respectively. According to model validation performances, fuzzy and AHP MCDM methods are signified to HSDs, and results are closer to real problems, whereas entropy MCDM methods are rationalized to harmonic relationship of riverine system. With the acceptability of AHP SAW and WASPASS, it can be concluded that over HSDs is main culprit for river health degradation, and research results are identified the sick sites for ecological restoration.