Search

This study examines the coverage and effect of cash transfers and food subsidies in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is based on a primary survey of rural women in the state of Bihar – an underdeveloped state with poor public delivery systems – undertaken in January–March and September–November 2020. Although the coverage of cash transfers was wider than that of food subsidies, respondents receiving cereals and pulses under the Public Distribution System reported a lower probability of suffering from food insecurity vis-à-vis cash subsidies. The study suggests that food subsidies may be more effective when supply chains break down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial studies have reported an increase in the incidence of mental health problems during the early months of COVID-19. Longitudinal studies of changes in mental health undertaken in Low and Middle Income countries during the pandemic remains an under-researched area. The current study examines changes in mental health among adult residents of metropolitan cities of India, a middle-income country reporting the second-highest COVID cases and third-highest fatalities, during the pandemic. Data was collected, based on a telephonic survey using the internationally accepted abridged Depression Anxiety Stress schedule (DASS-21), in August and September 2020 and July-August 2021. The sample size is 994. The data was analysed using an ordered logit model. At the onset of the pandemic, high levels of anxiety, stress and depression prevailed; their levels reduced after one year. Respondents who have experienced a decline in economic fortunes, have family members with pre-existing co-morbidity or had COVID in the family are significantly less likely to report improvement in mental health; less-educated respondents are also vulnerable. Specific sub-groups, identified as at risk, need monitoring and continued provisioning of tailor-made mental health services addressing their specific needs. Relief measures targeting economically affected households are also required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main contribution of this paper is inspired by the question "Can six-phase doubly-fed induction generator (6-Φ-DFIG) work in unhealthy (with one or more phases open-circuited) conditions or not?". The conventional DFIG cannot work under open-phase conditions, while the novel 6-Φ-DFIG can operate with one or more phases open-circuited. This paper addresses the mathematical and simulation-based modelling of the novel 6-Φ-DFIG operation under open-phase faults. Moreover, the advantages of the novel 6-Φ-DFIG are also illustrated in this paper. Simulation results validate the mathematical modelling of the novel 6-Φ-DFIG due to an open phase for the post-fault conditions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the proposed novel 6-Φ-DFIG has never been modelled and simulated for open-phase conditions anywhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The causal impact of income shocks on mental well-being in developing countries is an under-researched area. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the economic recession caused by the lockdowns to reduce transmission, provides a natural experimental setting to examine the causal impact of a decline in monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) on mental health of the general population in India during the pandemic. Aim: To evaluate the impact of income shocks on mental health of adults in metro cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using the abridged version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Schedule administered through a telephonic survey on adult residents of six metropolitan cities in September-August 2020 and July-August 2021. Results: In the present study, 994 adults participated from six metropolitan cities. Average treatment effects were estimated using Propensity Score Matching. The mean normalized scores are significantly higher for respondents whose MPCE had fallen (treated) vis-à-vis respondents whose MPCE had remained same or increased (control): anxiety (0.21 for treated vs -0.19 for control), stress (0.16 vs -0.14), and depression (0.04 vs -0.19). Propensity score matching reveals that the normalized scores for anxiety, stress, and depression were 33 (95% confidence intervals, CI: 20.0-46.7), 25 (95% CI: 12.9-36.9), and 36 (95% CI: 18.6-53.1) higher among the treated group vis-a-vis control group. The ATET was 34 (95% CI: 18.9-48.9), 26 (95% CI: 10.1-42.9), and 32 (955 CI: 12.3-50.7) for these three outcomes, respectively. The post-estimation tests indicated that the results are valid. Conclusions: The study advocates that policies to ensure income security should be made an integral part of the response packages to tackle pandemics like COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its drivers have focused on individual-and household-level characteristics of the victim. Recent studies have acknowledged that it is a community-level phenomenon, using spatial analytical methods to analyze community-level determinants of IPV and its geographic dimensions. Such studies provide mixed evidence on the impact of different factors and need to be supplemented by similar studies—particularly in South Asian countries where IPV is common. The present study examines district-level variations in the incidence of various forms of IPV and identifies its determinants in India, a fast-growing South Asian country with poor gender indicators. The study combines data from the National Family Health Survey, District Level Household Survey, and the decadal Census. It applies spatial analytical methods such as the Global Moran's I, Getis-ord statistic, and Multivariate Local Geary to determine the nature of the spatial distribution of different categories of IPV. Spatial regression models are used to identify the community-level predictors of each category of IPV. The study finds non-random overlapping spatial clusters in the eastern part of India. The study also finds that neighborhoods characterized by low empowerment levels, and with a high child sex ratio, road connectivity, and proportion of socially marginalized groups are more likely to exhibit high levels of all types of IPV—although the impact of these determinants varies across districts. Furthermore, spill-overs in the incidence of IPV between neighboring districts are also observed. The study concludes by recommending the use of localized policies, rather than broad national or state policies, in reducing IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is inspired by the question, "if the multi‐phasetransmission system becomes commercially possible in future, then which type of variable speed induction generators will feed electric power to multi‐phase transmission system?" In this paper, a novel six‐phase DFIG through Asymmetrical Winding Structure is developed to extract electric power from the wind energy generation system (WEGS). Due to the spread of pandemic disease (Covid‐19), the attention of power engineers is increasing toward the reliability (in terms of fault tolerance capability) of AC generators. The principle contribution of this manuscript is the modeling (mathematical and simulation‐based modeling) of novel asymmetrical six phase doubly fed induction generator (ASPDFIG). Furthermore, this paper presents the complete modeling of WEGS which contains the modeling of supporting components (6‐phsase transformer, appropriate rotor side converter, grid side converter, dc link etc.), aerodynamic system. In addition to modeling, the analysis, and the controlling strategy for ASPDFIG, wind turbine also discussed. The elegant advantages such as fault tolerance, high efficiency, reduced torque pulsation and reduced per leg converter rating of ASPDFIG are also discussed. The simulation results, particularly the stator voltage, phase current, active and reactive power, are given to validate the theoretic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrolysis of biomass (agro and garden waste) pellets in the temperature range of 200–600°C is studied in the present work. The pyrolysis of biomass pellets in a batch reactor generates mainly CO2 and CO gases at 300°C and H2 gas along with C1-C3 hydrocarbons at 600°C. The yield of non-condensable gases, liquid products and biochar was 30, 38 wt.% (30 wt.% bio-oil, 8 wt.% water), and 32 wt.%, respectively. The MS analysis of the bio-oil depicted the presence of light oxygenates, furans, anhydrosugars, and phenolic compounds. The biochar showed porous and macrostructure with various surface functional groups. A kinetic study of thermal decomposition of biomass pellets was performed along with a reaction mechanism of the product formation during the pyrolysis. Net energy return calculations depicted that the pyrolysis system can be self-sustained. The present study demonstrates the possible conversion of biomass pellets into useful products such as acids, aldehydes, phenolic compounds and carbonaceous char. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares fertility-related behaviour in the adjacent regions of West Bengal (a state in eastern India) and Bangladesh. The starting premise of the paper is that common history and language has led to diffusion of fertility practices from West Bengal to Bangladesh. This is hypothesised to create a homogenous pattern of fertility behaviour in the bordering districts of both political regions. The study uses Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and District level Household Survey data for 1992, 2002, and 2012. Despite some reservations – as DHS is directed to produce state-level estimates, while DLHS is geared to yield district-level estimates – the similarity in sampling strategies and coverage of all districts (in West Bengal) and divisions (in Bangladesh) implies that the two data sets may be pooled, particularly in the absence of any alternatives. We tested whether fertility behaviour in (i) bordering districts differs from non-border districts in both countries, and (ii) bordering districts of both countries are similar using multi-level linear and logistic models. Outcome variables are contraceptive prevalence rate, and number of ever born children. The results reveal similarities in fertility behaviour between border divisions of Bangladesh and West Bengal, indicating possible cross-border diffusion of fertility practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wound rotor induction machine has been traditionally accepted for a long time in a wind energy conversion system. Despite numerous concepts have been established on wound rotor induction generator (WRIG), the WRIG is lacking in the area of the multi‐phase system. Hence the interest of research fraternity starts growing toward modelling of un‐conventional WRIG with Wind Energy Conversion System. In this direction, six‐phase wound rotor induction generator (SPWRIG) can be a game changer, because it has the property of WRIG as well as multi‐phase technology. This study introduces the novel SPWRIG based on mathematical modelling, control technique, simulation and experimental results. As a major novelty, this study has included a comparison of various currents and its importance in the excitation reference frame, rotor reference frame, stator reference frame. The accuracy of mathematical modelling has been tested by experimental and simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condition monitoring of power transformers improves the security and reliability of an electrical power system. It protects the transformers from failures, and avoids huge revenue loss to utilities and customers. The fault diagnosis of transformers is carried out by concentrations of several dissolved gasses. An accurate fault diagnosis of transformers has been a critical problem for diagnostic experts of transformers. In this article, a novel fuzzy logic model has been proposed to determine the transformer incipient faults. It incorporates the information obtained from dissolved gas analysis test. Further, the proposed model also incorporates conventional fault diagnosis methods viz. Duval Triangle, Doernenburg, Rogers, and IEC ratio code methods. The proposed fuzzy logic models short out the problems occur in the conventional fault diagnosis methods of transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The outbreak of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown were widely expected to impact food security. • Dietary practices of women deteriorated, but that of their youngest child remained the same. • The ownership of ration cards or political contacts offered some protection. • A combination of Take Home Rations and Cash Transfer policies is necessary to guarantee food security to women and children during pandemics. The outbreak of COVID-19, and the national-level lockdown to contain it, were expected to disrupt supply chains, lead to livelihood loss, and reduce household income. Studies anticipated a decline in food security in India, leading to a near famine-like situation. In this study, we examine the change in Dietary Score (number of food groups consumed out of a possible eight) and proportion of respondents complying with Minimum Dietary Diversity norms (consuming at least four food groups) among women aged 15–49 years and their youngest child (aged between 7 and 36 months) during the lockdown. The present study also analyses whether ownership of ration cards and contacts with the party in power locally helped the household to tide over the crisis. The data was collected through a two-phase primary survey undertaken in January-March 2020 (pre-lockdown period) and October-November 2020 (post-lockdown period). It was undertaken in six districts of Bihar, a state with a history of poor maternal and child health outcomes and dysfunctional delivery of health services. We find that dietary practices of women deteriorated, while that of children remained the same. The deterioration is less among households owning ration cards or having political contacts. The analysis suggests that, during pandemics or similar crisis periods, the need to supplement the supply of staple items through the Public Distribution System with a direct transfer of cash will allow households to maintain diversity in the consumption basket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to determine whether health (measured by life expectancy at birth) contributes to economic growth and the functional form in which it influences per capita income. This links our study to the debate between neo-classical and endogenous growth theorists on whether investment in human capital can sustain growth indefinitely. Data on 216 countries for the period 1980-2009 has been obtained from World Development Indicators dataset. This enables us to focus on a period characterized by globalization and demographic transition manifested in the form of population graying. Our findings confirm the importance of investment in human capital. But, in contrast to conclusions of endogenous growth models, we find evidence that benefit from increasing longevity tapers off. We conclude by pointing out that it is necessary to extend this study further by incorporating other dimensions of health that are not captured by life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family planning literature considers behavioural family planning methods ‘ineffective’ because their users are not motivated to control their fertility. While this is true for the initial stages of fertility transition, studies report that urban, educated, and affluent women—propelled by a reaction against the medicalisation of the female body by Western technology—mainly use behavioural family planning methods. This elite group has the skill and knowledge to use such methods effectively. The term ‘ultramodern contraception’ has been coined to describe this phenomenon. This paper critically re-examines the ‘ultramodern contraception’ theory, and argues that it has certain limitations. Analysing three rounds of National Family Health Survey data for India, we argue that reliance on such methods may be a transient phase in the reproductive cycle of women, specifically before the desired gender parity of children is attained. Moreover, it may also be a manifestation of son preference. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Who controls the income earned by members of women's self-help groups (SHG) from group activities – the women or their husbands? The answer indicates one dimension of the level of economic empowerment attained by SHG members. This paper examines whether identity of the person controlling the income earned depends upon the political party ruling the municipality where the SHG is situated. Two parties are considered – the Left Front, a coalition comprising of Leftist parties, and the Indian National Congress. This paper is based on a field study of 240 SHG members in six municipalities in West Bengal, India. Les participants aux groupes d'entraide pour les femmes économiquement plus habilités dans les municipalités de gauche? Qui contrôle les revenus tirés par les membres des groupes d'entraide de femmes (GEF) de leurs activités - les femmes ou leurs maris ? La réponse indique une dimension du degré d'autonomisation économique obtenu par les membres de GEF. Cet article traite de la question de savoir si l'identité de la personne qui contrôle les revenus gagnés dépend du parti politique qui régit la municipalité où se situe la GEF. Deux partis sont considérés – le Front de gauche, coalition composée des partis de gauche, et le Congrès national indien. Cet article se base sur une étude de terrain de 240 membres de GEF répartis sur six municipalités dans le Bengale-Occidental, en Inde. ¿Están los participantes en los grupos de autoayuda para las mujeres económicamente más empoderadas en los municipios de izquierda? ¿Quién controla los ingresos generados por las mujeres que participan en los grupos de autoayuda (GAA) a partir de actividades grupales: las mujeres o sus esposos? La respuesta dada a esta pregunta opera como indicador de una dimensión del grado de empoderamiento económico logrado por las integrantes de los GAA. Este artículo examina en qué medida el género de la persona que controla los ingresos depende del partido político que tenga el poder en los municipios donde existen los GAA. Para ello, se analizaron dos partidos: el Frente de Izquierda (“Left Front”), una coalición de partidos de izquierda, y el Congreso Nacional Indio (“Indian National Congress”). El artículo se basa en un estudio de campo realizado entre 240 integrantes de los GAA residentes en seis municipios de Bengal Occidental en India. São membros de grupos de auto-ajuda para mulheres economicamente mais habilitadas na esquerda municípios? Quem controla a renda ganha pelas participantes de grupos de mulheres que se auto-ajudam (Self-Help Groups - SHG) – as mulheres ou seus maridos? A resposta indica uma dimensão do nível do empoderamento econômico alcançado por membros dos SHGs. Este artigo examina se a identidade da pessoa que controla a renda recebida depende do grupo político que governa o município onde o SHG está situado. Dois grupos são examinados – a Frente Esquerda, que é uma coalizão formada por partidos da esquerda, e o Congresso Nacional Indiano. O artigo baseia-se em um estudo de campo com 240 membros de SHGs em seis municípios de Bengala Ocidental, Índia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on educational attainments have tended to focus on attainments at a specific level of education. The change in disparities in attainment over the educational life cycle, however, has been neglected in literature-in India, for instance, the only exceptions are Vaid () and Desai and Kulkarni (). This paper uses unit level National Sample Survey data (2004-2005) to examine gender disparities at different educational levels up to the high school level. Bi-variate analysis of gender disparities computed using the Sopher-Kundu index indicates that although there are substantial gender disparities at lower levels of education, this gets reversed at higher levels in several states. At the all-India level, too, in recent years, a reversal of disparity may be observed in urban areas. Econometric analysis using the variable parameter variant of the generalized ordered logit model reveals that robustness of females increase over the educational life cycle, though disparity remains, after controlling for socio-economic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing greying of India's population raises concerns about the welfare and health status of the aged. One important source of information of health status of the elderly is the National Sample Survey Rounds on Morbidity and Health Care Expenditure. Using unit-level data for 1995–96 and 2004, this paper examines changes in reported health status of the elderly in India and analyses their relationship with living arrangements and extent of economic dependency. It appears that even after controlling for factors like caste, education, age, economic status and place of residence, there has been a deterioration in self-perceived current health status of the elderly. The paper argues that, although there have been changes in the economic condition and traditional living arrangements – with a decline in co-residential arrangements – this is not enough to explain the decline in reported health status and calls for a closer look at narratives of neglect being voiced in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Given the civic and social commitments of urban local bodies in developing countries, renovation and maintenance of all heritage buildings and sites is a financially non-viable proposition. Urban planners, therefore, need to take decisions on which heritage sites are to be protected (either in their original form, or with suitable modifications that permit commercial use without destroying their architectural integrity) and the sites to be pulled down, ensuring more efficient land use. Such selection can generate considerable dispute between policy makers and various stakeholders unless the selection process is transparent, consistent and incorporates views of stakeholders. The difficulty in creating an analytical framework to be used for grading is the multiple (often qualitative) attributes of heritage sites. How to combine the performances of heritage structures with respect to these attributes into an aggregative index is a major concern for urban planners and conservationists. This paper argues that the Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM) method may be a relevant method for grading heritage sites. The application of this method is illustrated for several heritage buildings in Calcutta, India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The CPR school has successfully rebutted Hardin''s pessimistic Tragedy of the Commons model. However, in recent years, critics have focussed on the inward orientation and lack of contextual analysis characterising the writings of the CPR school.Oakerson [A Model for the analysis of common property problems. Working Paper R86-13. Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis, Indiana University, 1986] and Ostrom [Governing the Commons. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1990] have detailed the list of variables that have to be studied to understand the mechanics of collective action. However, these factors are internal to the community. Recent critics'' point out that the actions of individual agents are also influenced by the alternatives embedded outside the system. These variables are collectively labelled contextual factors.In our paper, we have analysed the case of a fishermen''s cooperative in the Calcutta Metropolitan District to show how the historic and economic context shapes targets of resource users and affects the feasibility of alternative courses to achieve the target by determining opportunity and transaction costs of actions. This indicates the importance of contextual factors in explaining the formation and evolution of the resource regime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Key message: Thchit42 constitutive expression for fungal resistance showed synchronisation with leaf augmentation and transcriptome analysis revealed the Longifolia and Zinc finger RICESLEEPER gene is responsible for plant growth and development. Pelargonium graveolens essential oil possesses significant attributes, known for perfumery and aromatherapy. However, optimal yield and propagation are predominantly hindered by biotic stress. All biotechnological approaches have yet to prove effective in addressing fungal resistance. The current study developed transgenic geranium bridging molecular mechanism of fungal resistance and plant growth by introducing cassette 35S::Thchit42. Furthermore, 120 independently putative transformed explants were regenerated on kanamycin fortified medium. Primarily transgenic lines were demonstrated peak pathogenicity and antifungal activity against formidable Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum. Additionally, phenotypic analysis revealed ~ 2fold increase in leaf size and ~ 2.1fold enhanced oil content. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms for genotypic cause, de novo transcriptional profiles were analyzed to indicate that the auxin-regulated longifolia gene is accountable for augmentation in leaf size, and zinc finger (ZF) RICESLEEPER attributes growth upregulation. Collectively, data provides valuable insights into unravelling the mechanism of Thchit42-mediated crosstalk between morphological and chemical alteration in transgenic plants. This knowledge might create novel opportunities to cultivate fungal-resistant geranium throughout all seasons to fulfil demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergenialigulata, commonly known as 'Pashanbheda' or Indian rhubarb, is a perennial herb that has been recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. The indiscriminate use of B. ligulata has brought the species to the brink of becoming threatened. This research aims to establish a robust tissue culture protocol that can be utilized for the rapid micropropagation of B. ligulata. This protocol is essential for ensuring the sustainable production of this valuable plant species and preventing the depletion of its natural populations. The study successfully demonstrated an efficient in vitro regeneration in B. ligulata, using leaf and petiole explants. The most effective combination for achieving the highest number of shoots on either explant (leaf or petiole) involved using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.9 µM and 1.8 µM 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) with 0.5 µM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Moreover, multiple shoots were also produced on MS medium fortified with 8.8 µM BAP and 2.3 µM kinetin (Kn). To achieve optimal rooting, the 45-d-old shoot was carefully isolated and placed in a half-strength MS medium. PCR-based molecular analysis using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) confirmed the genetically clonal nature of regenerated plantlets. About 80% of the well-developed in vitro regenerated plants were acclimatized in the glasshouse, thereby showing the robustness of the developed protocol. Based on the present study, a reproducible in vitro technique was utilized to achieve direct regeneration of approximately 3597 plants from a single explant over a 1-yr period. This approach involved molecular fidelity analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses to ensure reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The incidence of breast cancer (BC) is increasing worldwide, and India reported 179,790 cases in 2020. It is important to inform people of risk factors and methods for risk management through interactive risk communication techniques. Affordable, easy-to-understand transmedia tools for the communication of BC risk were co-created by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, clinical researchers, epidemiologists, health economists, digital designers, and public representatives. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted in regional languages to assess the views of patients, relatives, the public, and health professionals in India of these prototypes. There was low awareness of BC, with some understanding of age and hereditary risk factors but limited knowledge of reproductive factors amongst the general public, patients, and relatives. Participants favored storytelling techniques (animation and comic strips/infographics) to explain complex issues such as genetic risk and testing. Co-created BC risk communication transmedia tools should be used to support informed decision making. Background: Low awareness of BC and its associated risk factors causes delays in diagnosis and impacts survival. It is critical to communicate BC risk to patients in a format that they are easily able to understand. Our study aim was to develop easy-to-follow transmedia prototypes to communicate BC risk and evaluate user preferences, alongside exploring awareness of BC and its risk factors. Methods: Prototypes of transmedia tools for risk communication were developed with multidisciplinary input. A qualitative in-depth online interview study was undertaken using a pre-defined topic guide of BC patients (7), their relatives (6), the general public (6), and health professionals (6). Interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings: Most participants preferred pictographic representations (frequency format) of lifetime risk and risk factors and storytelling using short animations and comic strips (infographics) for communicating genetic risk and testing: "In a short time, they explained it very well, and I liked it". Suggestions included minimizing technical terminology, decreasing the delivery speed, "two-way dialogue", and using local "language for different locations". There was low awareness of BC, with some understanding of age and hereditary risk factors but limited knowledge of reproductive factors. Interpretation: Our findings support use of multiple context-specific multimedia tools in communicating cancer risk in an easy-to-understand way. The preference for storytelling using animations and infographics is a novel finding and should be more widely explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanocomposites are extensively used for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, diagnosis, and therapeutics, etc. Here we report a green synthesis of biocompatible, superparamagnetic, and near-infrared absorbing, iron oxide-gold composite nanoparticles (IO–Au NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of a medicinal plant Pimenta dioica for biomedical applications. The MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of the IO-Au NPs in-vitro. Results of the MTT assay show that the green synthesized IO-Au NPs are safe for cells up to a high concentration of 500 μg/ml. The IO-AuNPs exhibit a superparamagnetic behavior with a large magnetization of 65 emu/g. These IO-Au NPs exhibit a high relaxivities ratio (r2/r1) of 13.20 (r1 = 10.67 s−1 mM−1 and r2 = 140.87 s−1 mM−1 respectively), indicating the potential of these IO-Au NPs as a T2 contrast agent. Magnetic resonance imaging of chicken tissue and poultry heart has been done to confirm the contrast enhancement performance of these nanoparticles. Moreover, the magnetic heating efficacy of the green synthesized IO-Au NPs has been evaluated in an external magnetic field. Owing to their excellent optical property, these green synthesized IO-Au NPs have great potential for NIR photothermal applications. The results of this study suggest that these IO-Au NPs could be used as theranostic agents for in-vivo biomedical imaging and therapeutics. • Superparamagnetic Iron oxide-gold composite nanoparticles (IO–Au NPs) were synthesized using Pimenta dioica leaf extract. • In-vitro cytotoxicity assay on HeLa cells shows the biocompatibility of IO-Au NPs. • IO-Au NPs showed potential to be used as a green alternative of contrast agents for MRI. • Green synthesized IO-Au NPs showed an excellent magnetic hyperthermia and photothermal therapeutic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood cancer often involves a long-term engagement of children and their parents with health services. During this journey, communications between professionals, parents and young people can be stressful for all the stakeholders. This study explores the communication preferences in paediatric oncology. Objectives: The objective of the present exploratory qualitative study was to understand the views of professionals regarding information exchange during cancer treatment of children and complement these findings with clinic-based ethnographic observation of real-life consultations. Methods: Using qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted with paediatric oncology professionals. The interviews had been audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Alongside in-depth interviews, real-life interactions between parents, professionals and children were observed. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis framework as suggested by Braun and Clark. Results: Paediatric oncology professionals (n = 14) were interviewed from diverse professional backgrounds that included consultant paediatric oncologists, junior specialist trainees in paediatric oncology, paediatric oncology nurses, social workers, survivor counsellor and psychologists looking after children with cancer. Additionally, clinic-based ethnographic observations (n = 10) of interactions between professionals, parents and young people were also conducted. The following themes emerged from the interviews: a) Information needs of children were very different from adolescents. Children were more worried about ‘here and now’; b) adolescents were, on the other hand, mostly worried about the ‘impact of cancer on their broader life, friendships and academics’; c) parents were curious about the outcome, costs and effectiveness of treatment, and different patterns emerged for mothers and fathers; d) information needs were dynamic and different at the start of the treatment, during treatment, at remission or end of life; e) the journey of the clinicians themselves impacted information-sharing practices; and f) direct observation of consultations highlighted the importance of priming parents before delivery of information, having multiple family members during the conversation and managing intense emotions expressed during the session. Conclusion: Paediatric oncology professionals need to be sensitive about the dynamic nature of information needs while interacting with children and parents of children with cancer. The above findings may help tailor the discussions that professionals ought to have with families with a child with cancer. The results may contribute to the understanding as well as to developing training courses on communications in paediatric oncology for low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rotary instrumentation over manual instrumentation with ultrasonic irrigation on incidence, duration, and intensity of postendodontic pain (PEP). Subjects and Methods: Eighty patients, with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis in maxillary anterior teeth, were selected and treated with single-visit endodontic treatment. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (40 each), Group A (K files using step-back technique) and Group B (ProTaper Next using crown-down technique) along with passive ultrasonic irrigation. Patients were recalled, examined, and asked to fill up questionnaire after 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days. On the basis of response given in the feedback forms, incidence, duration, and intensity of PEP were evaluated. Results: Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using Chi-square test, and level of significance (P < 0.05) was evaluated. More incidence of pain was noticed in Group A when compared with Group B. Significant difference found between two groups (χ2 = 22.759; P = 0.001). There was also statistically significant difference between two groups at different time intervals. Conclusion: Both instrumentation techniques under investigation cause PEP. The incidence of pain was more in manual technique than rotary technique. The duration of pain was higher in manual group than rotary group at different time intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rotary instrumentation over manual instrumentation with ultrasonic irrigation on incidence, duration, and intensity of postendodontic pain (PEP). Subjects and Methods: Eighty patients, with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis in maxillary anterior teeth, were selected and treated with single-visit endodontic treatment. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (40 each), Group A (K files using step-back technique) and Group B (ProTaper Next using crown-down technique) along with passive ultrasonic irrigation. Patients were recalled, examined, and asked to fill up questionnaire after 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days. On the basis of response given in the feedback forms, incidence, duration, and intensity of PEP were evaluated. Results: Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using Chi-square test, and level of significance (P < 0.05) was evaluated. More incidence of pain was noticed in Group A when compared with Group B. Significant difference found between two groups (χ2 = 22.759; P = 0.001). There was also statistically significant difference between two groups at different time intervals. Conclusion: Both instrumentation techniques under investigation cause PEP. The incidence of pain was more in manual technique than rotary technique. The duration of pain was higher in manual group than rotary group at different time intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gene DXS were mined out from transcriptome data of Centella asiatica , cloned and transformed the E.coli DH5α. • CaDXṢ protein was heterologously expressed and followed by its catalytic and biochemical characterization. • In silico studies were performed to determine the physicochemical properties, 3D structure, and evolutionary relationship. • Differential tissue expression showed the expression of the gene in different tissues of the plant. • Finally, the importance of the DXS gene was validated by the functional complementation test. Many genes involved in triterpenoid saponins in plants control isoprenoid flux and constitute the precursor pool, which is channeled into various downstream pathways leading to the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins in C. asiatica. Full-length 1-Deoxy-D-Xylulose-5-Phosphate-Synthase (CaDXS) gene was isolated for the study from the previously annotated Centella asiatica leaves transcriptomic data. The CaDXS gene sequence was submitted to the NCBI databases with GenBank accession number MZ997832. The full-length CaDXS gene contained a 2244 base pair open reading frame that encoded a 747 amino acid polypeptide. The predicted molecular weight (MW) and theoretical pI of DXS are 76.28 kDa and 6.86, respectively. Multiple amino acid sequence alignment of amino acids and phylogenetic studies suggest that CaDXS shares high similarities with DXS from other plants DXS belonging to different families. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis (MEGA) version 10.1.6. Structural analysis provided fundamental information about the three-dimensional features and physicochemical parameters of the CaDXS protein. Quantitative expression analysis showed that CaDXS transcripts were maximally expressed in leaf, followed by petiole, roots, and node tissues. CaDXS was cloned into the expression vector pET28a, expressed heterologously in DH5α bacteria, confirmed by sequencing, and subsequently characterized by protein expression and functional complementation. The study focused on understanding the protein structure, biological significance, regulatory mechanism, functional analysis, and gene characterization of the centellosides biosynthetic pathway gene DXS for the first time in the plant. It would provide new information about the metabolic pathway and its relative contribution to isoprenoid biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Precision medicine has been most successful in targeting single mutations, but personalized medicine using broader genomic tumor profiles for individual patients is less well developed. We evaluate a genomics-informed computational biology model (CBM) to predict outcomes from standard treatments and to suggest novel therapy recommendations in glioblastoma (GBM).Methods and Materials: In this retrospective study, 98 patients with newly diagnosed GBM undergoing surgery followed by radiation therapy and temozolomide at a single institution with available genomic data were identified. Incorporating mutational and copy number aberration data, a CBM was used to simulate the response of GBM tumor cells and generate efficacy predictions for radiation therapy (RTeff) and temozolomide (TMZeff). RTeff and TMZeff were evaluated for association with overall survival and progression-free survival in a Cox regression model. To demonstrate a CBM-based individualized therapy strategy, treatment recommendations were generated for each patient by testing a panel of 45 central nervous system-penetrant US Food and Drug Administration-approved agents.Results: High RTeff scores were associated with longer survival on univariable analysis (P < .001), which persisted after controlling for age, extent of resection, performance status, MGMT, and IDH status (P = .017). High RTeff patients had a longer overall survival compared with low RTeff patients (median, 27.7 vs 14.6 months). High TMZeff was also associated with longer survival on univariable analysis (P = .007) but did not hold on multivariable analysis, suggesting an interplay with MGMT status. Among predictions of the 3 most efficacious combination therapies for each patient, only 2.4% (7 of 294) of 2-drug recommendations produced by the CBM included TMZ.Conclusions: CBM-based predictions of RT and TMZ effectiveness were associated with survival in patients with newly diagnosed GBM treated with those therapies, suggesting a possible predictive utility. Furthermore, the model was able to suggest novel individualized monotherapies and combinations. Prospective evaluation of such a personalized treatment strategy in clinical trials is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of present study is to determine the effect of maternal education on child nutritional status in Bangladesh. The study has used 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data for the analysis. The study has employed various pathway measures linking maternal education and child nutritional status in Bangladesh. Logistic regression results explain that maternal education has significant effect on child better nutritional status. Socioeconomic status and attitude towards modern health care services are the most important pathways linking the both. Health knowledge and reproductive behavior describe some of the effect of mother's education on child nutrition. Only women empowerment appears to be the weakest pathway in our analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical criteria/Family history-based BRCA testing misses a large proportion of BRCA carriers who can benefit from screening/prevention. We estimate the cost-effectiveness of population-based BRCA testing in general population women across different countries/health systems. A Markov model comparing the lifetime costs and effects of BRCA1/BRCA2 testing all general population women ≥30 years compared with clinical criteria/FH-based testing. Separate analyses are undertaken for the UK/USA/Netherlands (high-income countries/HIC), China/Brazil (upper–middle income countries/UMIC) and India (low–middle income countries/LMIC) using both health system/payer and societal perspectives. BRCA carriers undergo appropriate screening/prevention interventions to reduce breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) risk. Outcomes include OC, BC, and additional heart disease deaths and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER)/quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Probabilistic/one-way sensitivity analyses evaluate model uncertainty. For the base case, from a societal perspective, we found that population-based BRCA testing is cost-saving in HIC (UK-ICER = $−5639/QALY; USA-ICER = $−4018/QALY; Netherlands-ICER = $−11,433/QALY), and it appears cost-effective in UMIC (China-ICER = $18,066/QALY; Brazil-ICER = $13,579/QALY), but it is not cost-effective in LMIC (India-ICER = $23,031/QALY). From a payer perspective, population-based BRCA testing is highly cost-effective in HIC (UK-ICER = $21,191/QALY, USA-ICER = $16,552/QALY, Netherlands-ICER = $25,215/QALY), and it is cost-effective in UMIC (China-ICER = $23,485/QALY, Brazil−ICER = $20,995/QALY), but it is not cost-effective in LMIC (India-ICER = $32,217/QALY). BRCA testing costs below $172/test (ICER = $19,685/QALY), which makes it cost-effective (from a societal perspective) for LMIC/India. Population-based BRCA testing can prevent an additional 2319 to 2666 BC and 327 to 449 OC cases per million women than the current clinical strategy. Findings suggest that population-based BRCA testing for countries evaluated is extremely cost-effective across HIC/UMIC health systems, is cost-saving for HIC health systems from a societal perspective, and can prevent tens of thousands more BC/OC cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]