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Social commerce, a fairly new concept in the world of marketing has gained a lot of momentum in the last few years. Considered as a subset of e-commerce, it is an emerging area of research and this article aims to investigate the developments and trends in research on social commerce. Using bibliometric analysis, a detailed study of the research on social commerce from 2009 to 2021 has been conducted. Performance analysis and science mapping have been done on a total of 530 articles available in the Scopus database on social commerce. Data selection was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews process. The descriptive analysis revealed that N. Hajli is the most prolific author and China is the most prolific country with the highest number of publications in the field of social commerce. Based on the h-index, the International Journal of Information Management and Electronic Commerce Research and Application were found to be the most impactful journals. The cluster analysis identified social commerce constructs, antecedents and consumer behaviour as the most trending themes. The study makes for a better understanding of the development in social commerce for both researchers and marketers. There is a lot of scope for research in this filed as international collaborations are increasing and new trends are emerging. This study uses one of the latest review techniques, that is, bibliometric analysis to study social commerce covering the longest period of research in the field, that is, from 2009 to 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction This article reviews the literature on the role of genetic markers in the initiation and progression of dental caries and provides a modern understanding of the disease etiology. Dental caries is a complex, chronic, multifactorial disease which is influenced by genetic, environmental, and social factors. Identification of genetic risk factors will help screen and identify susceptible patients to better understand the contribution of genes in caries etiopathogenesis to formulate various diagnostic and novel therapeutic approaches in the management of the disease. Materials and Methods Innovations and ideas were retrieved based on the literature in journals and textbooks indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science database. The theories obtained are then summarized into a continuous series; thus, readers can more easily understand the ideas and innovations offered. Results Through interactions of the involved gene products, genetic markers have been constructed and provide us with insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying caries. There can also be gene–gene interactions or gene–environment interactions that create epigenetic effects that all possibly contribute to caries risk and resistance. A variety of caries markers have been identified, including genes affecting salivary flow rates and composition, tooth formation genes, as well as immune genes. Conclusion Information derived from various diverse studies will provide new tools to target individuals and/or populations for a more efficient and effective implementation of new preventive measures and diagnostic and novel therapeutic approaches in the management of dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to enumerate medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds that may become potential leads in the mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) in the forthcoming future. It is focused on pathophysiology, risk factors, current treatment regimen, potential plant leads, and future therapies for OSMF. Data were extracted from a vast literature survey by using SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed search engines with relevant keywords. Upon literature survey, we found that the phytochemical 'arecoline' present in the areca nut is the main causative agent of OSMF condition. Currently, OSMF is treated by immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids, enzymes (hyaluronidase, chymotrypsin, and collagenase), anti‐inflammatory mediators (isoxsuprine and pentoxifylline), dietary supplements (vitamins, antioxidants, and micronutrients), and anti‐fibrotic cytokines like interferon‐gamma that provides short‐term symptomatic relief to OSMF patients. However, some plant leads have been proven effective in alleviating symptoms and mitigating OSMF, which ultimately improves the quality of OSMF patients' life. We concluded that plant drugs like lycopene, curcumin, Aloe vera, colchicine, and Glycyrrhiza glabra are effective against OSMF in various in vitro and/or clinical studies and are being used by modern and traditional practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse migration was the trending issue in several news articles and channels during the pandemic. The authors attempt to investigate migrants' sensitivity during COVID-19. Reverse migrants are sensitive to crucial aspects that bother them during their reverse migration such as mental stress, social issues, transportation issues, job loss, and income loss. The Government of India launched several initiatives to help the reverse migrants, but it is not reaching the migrant people adequately. Hence, in this article, authors critically analyzed the Indian Government's commitment to the post-return situation and sensitivity toward the rural reverse migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new global dataset of annually averaged ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations at the Earth's surface for the years 2015–2017 has been developed through numerical simulations using the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry model (EMAC). We present total and size-resolved concentrations along with their interannual variability. Size distributions of emitted particles from the contributing source sectors have been derived based on literature reports. The model results of UFP concentrations are evaluated using particle size distribution and particle number concentration measurements from available datasets and the literature. While we obtain reasonable agreement between the model results and observations (logarithmic-scale correlation of r=0.76 for non-remote, polluted regions), the highest values of observed, street-level UFP concentrations are systematically underestimated, whereas in rural environments close to urban areas the model generally overestimates observed UFP concentrations. As the relatively coarse global model does not resolve concentration gradients in urban centres and industrial UFP hotspots, high-resolution data of anthropogenic emissions are used to account for such differences in each model grid box, obtaining UFP concentrations with unprecedented 0.1∘×0.1∘ horizontal resolution at the Earth's surface. This observation-guided downscaling further improves the agreement with observations, leading to an increase in the logarithmic-scale correlation between observed and simulated UFP concentrations to r=0.84 in polluted environments (and 0.95 in all regions), a decrease in the root mean squared logarithmic error (from 0.57 to 0.43), and removal of discrepancies associated with air quality and population density gradients within the model grid boxes. The model results are made publicly available for studies on public health and other impacts of atmospheric UFPs, as well as for intercomparison with other regional and global models and datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CROP-Seq combines gene silencing using CRISPR interference with single-cell RNA sequencing. Here, we applied CROP-Seq to study adipogenesis and adipocyte biology. Human preadipocyte SGBS cell line expressing KRAB-dCas9 was transduced with a sgRNA library. Following selection, individual cells were captured using microfluidics at different timepoints during adipogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic data was used to determine the knockdown effects, the dysregulated pathways, and to predict cellular phenotypes. Single-cell transcriptomes recapitulated adipogenesis states. For all targets, over 400 differentially expressed genes were identified at least at one timepoint. As a validation of our approach, the knockdown of PPARG and CEBPB (which encode key proadipogenic transcription factors) resulted in the inhibition of adipogenesis. Gene set enrichment analysis generated hypotheses regarding the molecular function of novel genes. MAFF knockdown led to downregulation of transcriptional response to proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in preadipocytes and to decreased CXCL-16 and IL-6 secretion. TIPARP knockdown resulted in increased expression of adipogenesis markers. In summary, this powerful, hypothesis-free tool can identify novel regulators of adipogenesis, preadipocyte, and adipocyte function associated with metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new global dataset of annual averaged ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations at the Earth's surface has been developed through numerical simulations using the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry model (EMAC). Size distributions of emitted particles from the contributing source sectors have been derived based on literature reports. The model results of UFP concentrations are evaluated using particle size distribution and particle number concentration measurements from available datasets and the literature. While we obtain reasonable agreement between the model results and observations (logarithmic scale correlation of r = 0.76 for non-remote, polluted regions), the highest values of observed, street-level UFP concentrations are systematically underestimated, whereas in rural environments close to urban areas the model generally overestimates observed UFP concentrations. As the relatively coarse global model does not resolve concentration gradients in urban centres and industrial UFP hotspots, high-resolution data of anthropogenic emissions is used to account for such differences in each model grid box, obtaining UFP concentrations with unprecedented 0.1° x 0.1° horizontal resolution at the Earth's surface. This observation-guided downscaling further improves the agreement with observations, leading to an increase of the logarithmic scale correlation between observed and simulated UFP concentrations to r = 0.84 in polluted environments (and 0.95 in all regions), a decrease of the root mean squared logarithmic error (from 0.57 to 0.43), and removes discrepancies associated with air quality and population density gradients within the model grid boxes. Model results are made publicly available for studies on public health and other impacts of atmospheric UFPs, and for intercomparison with other regional and global models and datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new global dataset of annual averaged ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations at the Earth's surface has been developed through numerical simulations using the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry model (EMAC). Size distributions of emitted particles from the contributing source sectors have been derived based on literature reports. The model results of UFP concentrations are evaluated using particle size distribution and particle number concentration measurements from available datasets and the literature. While we obtain reasonable agreement between the model results and observations (logarithmic scale correlation of r = 0.76 for non-remote, polluted regions), the highest values of observed, street-level UFP concentrations are systematically underestimated, whereas in rural environments close to urban areas the model generally overestimates observed UFP concentrations. As the relatively coarse global model does not resolve concentration gradients in urban centres and industrial UFP hotspots, high-resolution data of anthropogenic emissions is used to account for such differences in each model grid box, obtaining UFP concentrations with unprecedented 0.1° x 0.1° horizontal resolution at the Earth's surface. This observation-guided downscaling further improves the agreement with observations, leading to an increase of the logarithmic scale correlation between observed and simulated UFP concentrations to r = 0.84 in polluted environments (and 0.95 in all regions), a decrease of the root mean squared logarithmic error (from 0.57 to 0.43), and removes discrepancies associated with air quality and population density gradients within the model grid boxes. Model results are made publicly available for studies on public health and other impacts of atmospheric UFPs, and for intercomparison with other regional and global models and datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome wide association studies for coronary artery disease (CAD) have identified a risk locus at 11q22.3. Here, we verify with mechanistic studies that rs2019090 and PDGFD represent the functional variant and gene at this locus. Further, FOXC1/C2 transcription factor binding at rs2019090 is shown to promote PDGFD transcription through the CAD promoting allele. With single cell transcriptomic and histology studies with Pdgfd knockdown in an SMC lineage tracing male atherosclerosis mouse model we find that Pdgfd promotes expansion, migration, and transition of SMC lineage cells to the chondromyocyte phenotype. Pdgfd also increases adventitial fibroblast and pericyte expression of chemokines and leukocyte adhesion molecules, which is linked to plaque macrophage recruitment. Despite these changes there is no effect of Pdgfd deletion on overall plaque burden. These findings suggest that PDGFD mediates CAD risk by promoting deleterious phenotypic changes in SMC, along with an inflammatory response that is primarily focused in the adventitia. Genes encode risk for coronary disease, identifying how they function is critical to developing new therapies. In work reported the authors have identified one culprit gene, PDGFD, and studied how it functions to promote disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the comparative study of Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) based PID controllers for stabilizing the linearized model of Triple Link Inverted Pendulum. The model is simulated in a MATLAB environment and the simulation results present a comparison on the basis of settling time, steady-state error, and peak overshoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Children with special health care exhibit behavioral and physical conditions that predispose them to oxidative stress and this plays a vital role in etiopathogenesis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), which promotes neuronal damage in genetically predisposed individuals. Any inflammatory process initiates lipid peroxidation reaction that leads to the production of malondialdehyde (MDA), which in turn alters the immunological mediators such as salivary peroxidase system. Thus, leading to initiation and progression of bacterial infections such as dental caries. Materials and Methods: Fifteen children with ASD between the age groups of 6 and 14 years, who reported to the Nitte Special Child Care Centre (N-SPECC), Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, were selected for the study. Baseline salivary samples were collected to evaluate the salivary MDA, pH, viscosity, and buffering capacity. The patients were recalled after a period of 2 months where oral health education and saliva samples were collected and evaluated for the above parameters post-treatment and the data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference seen for the values between the time intervals (2 months) (P < 0.01) for salivary MDA, pH, viscosity, and buffering capacity levels in children with ASD with dental caries post-treatment. Conclusion: The levels of salivary MDA, pH, and viscosity decreased significantly and furthermore, the levels of buffering capacity increased significantly post-treatment in children with ASD. Evaluation of these biomarkers can be good adjuncts in caries risk assessment in children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence and genetic spectrum of cardiac channelopathies exhibit population-specific differences. We aimed to understand the spectrum of cardiac channelopathy-associated variations in India, which is characterised by a genetically diverse population and is largely understudied in the context of these disorders. Results: We utilised the IndiGenomes dataset comprising 1029 whole genomes from self-declared healthy individuals as a template to filter variants in 36 genes known to cause cardiac channelopathies. Our analysis revealed 186,782 variants, of which we filtered 470 variants that were identified as possibly pathogenic (440 nonsynonymous, 30 high-confidence predicted loss of function). About 26% (124 out of 470) of these variants were unique to the Indian population as they were not reported in the global population datasets and published literature. Classification of 470 variants by ACMG/AMP guidelines unveiled 13 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants mapping to 19 out of the 1029 individuals. Further query of 53 probands in an independent cohort of cardiac channelopathy, using exome sequencing, revealed the presence of 3 out of the 13 P/LP variants. The identification of p.G179Sfs*62, p.R823W and c.420 + 2 T > C variants in KCNQ1, KCNH2 and CASQ2 genes, respectively, validate the significance of the P/LP variants in the context of clinical applicability as well as for large-scale population analysis. Conclusion: A compendium of ACMG/AMP classified cardiac channelopathy variants in 1029 self-declared healthy Indian population was created. A conservative genotypic prevalence was estimated to be 0.9–1.8% which poses a huge public health burden for a country with large population size like India. In the majority of cases, these disorders are manageable and the risk of sudden cardiac death can be alleviated by appropriate lifestyle modifications as well as treatment regimens/clinical interventions. Clinical utility of the obtained variants was demonstrated using a cardiac channelopathy patient cohort. Our study emphasises the need for large-scale population screening to identify at-risk individuals and take preventive measures. However, we suggest cautious clinical interpretation to be exercised by taking other cardiac channelopathy risk factors into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perception and preferences for food and beverages determine dietary behaviour and health outcomes. Inherent differences in chemosensory genes, ethnicity, geo-climatic conditions, and sociocultural practices are other determinants. We aimed to study the variation landscape of chemosensory genes involved in perception of taste, texture, odour, temperature and burning sensations through analysis of 1,029 genomes of the IndiGen project and diverse continental populations. SNPs from 80 chemosensory genes were studied in whole genomes of 1,029 IndiGen samples and 2054 from the 1000 Genomes project. Population genetics approacheswere used to infer ancestry of IndiGen individuals, gene divergence and extent of differentiation among studied populations. 137,760 SNPs including common and rare variants were identified in IndiGenomes with 62,950 novel (46%) and 48% shared with the 1,000 Genomes. Genes associated with olfaction harbored most SNPs followed by those associated with differences in perception of salt and pungent tastes. Across species, receptors for bitter taste were the most diverse compared to others. Three predominant ancestry groups within IndiGen were identified based on population structure analysis. We also identified 1,184 variants that exhibit differences in frequency of derived alleles and high population differentiation (FST ≥0.3) in Indian populations compared to European, East Asian and African populations. Examples include ADCY10, TRPV1, RGS6, OR7D4, ITPR3, OPRM1, TCF7L2, and RUNX1. This is a first of its kind of study on baseline variations in genes that could govern cuisine designs, dietary preferences and health outcomes. This would be of enormous utility in dietary recommendations for precision nutrition both at population and individual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India confines more than 17% of the world's population and has a diverse genetic makeup with several clinically relevant rare mutations belonging to many sub-group which are undervalued in global sequencing datasets like the 1000 Genome data (1KG) containing limited samples for Indian ethnicity. Such databases are critical for the pharmaceutical and drug development industry where diversity plays a crucial role in identifying genetic disposition towards adverse drug reactions. A qualitative and comparative sequence and structural study utilizing variant information present in the recently published, largest curated Indian genome database (IndiGen) and the 1000 Genome data was performed for variants belonging to the kinase coding genes, the second most targeted group of drug targets. The sequence-level analysis identified similarities and differences among different populations based on the nsSNVs and amino acid exchange frequencies whereas a comparative structural analysis of IndiGen variants was performed with pathogenic variants reported in UniProtKB Humsavar data. The influence of these variations on structural features of the protein, such as structural stability, solvent accessibility, hydrophobicity, and the hydrogen-bond network was investigated. In-silico screening of the known drugs to these Indian variation-containing proteins reveals critical differences imparted in the strength of binding due to the variations present in the Indian population. In conclusion, this study constitutes a comprehensive investigation into the understanding of common variations present in the second largest population in the world and investigating its implications in the sequence, structural and pharmacogenomic landscape. The preliminary investigation reported in this paper, supporting the screening and detection of ADRs specific to the Indian population could aid in the development of techniques for pre-clinical and post-market screening of drug-related adverse events in the Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midface malignancies result in cosmetic alterations that can affect not only the patient's function and quality of life but also their mental health and social behavior. Maxillofacial prostheses are crucial in restoring damaged structure and function. This case report illustrates a simple and cost-effective prosthetic rehabilitation approach for a patient with an extraoral midfacial deformity where multiple surgical repair attempts to correct the deformity had failed. A heat temperature vulcanized silicone prosthetic, which was easy to produce, was used to rehabilitate the deformity. The patient was pleased with the esthetic results of prosthesis and it helped in restoring her confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic differences in pharmacogenomic (PGx) variants have been well documented in literature and could significantly impact variability in response and adverse events to therapeutics. India is a large country with diverse ethnic populations of distinct genetic architecture. India's national genome sequencing initiative (IndiGen) provides a unique opportunity to explore the landscape of PGx variants using population‐scale whole genome sequences. We have analyzed the IndiGen variation dataset (N = 1029 genomes) along with global population scale databases to map the most prevalent clinically actionable and potentially deleterious PGx variants among Indians. Differential frequencies for the known and novel variants were studied and interaction of the disrupted PGx genes affecting drug responses were analyzed by performing a pathway analysis. We have highlighted significant differences in the allele frequencies of clinically actionable PGx variants in Indians when compared to the global populations. We identified 134 mostly common (allele frequency [AF] > 0.1) potentially deleterious PGx variants that could alter or inhibit the function of 102 pharmacogenes in Indians. We also estimate that on, an average, each Indian individual carried eight PGx variants (single nucleotide variants) that have a direct impact on the choice of treatment or drug dosing. We have also highlighted clinically actionable PGx variants and genes for which preemptive genotyping is most recommended for the Indian population. The study has put forward the most comprehensive PGx landscape of the Indian population from whole genomes that could enable optimized drug selection and genotype‐guided prescriptions for improved therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Although hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is considered the ideal therapeutic endpoint for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, its impact on clinical outcomes remains uncertain. Aim: To assess the impact of HBsAg loss on clinical outcomes following spontaneous and treatment‐related HBsAg loss. Methods: We searched PUBMED, Embase, the Cochrane library, and published abstracts through to May 2021 for studies that reported HBsAg loss, had >1 year of follow‐up and reported at least one clinical outcome in adults with chronic HBV infection. Results: We identified 57 studies (258 744 HBsAg‐positive patients, 63 270 with HBsAg loss). Based on 24 studies including 160 598 patients with and without HBsAg loss, HBsAg loss was associated with a non‐significant 23% relative risk reduction of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to those who remained HBsAg‐positive (RR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.38‐1.57). In subgroup meta‐analysis of 10 studies, treatment‐related HBsAg loss was associated with a non‐significant higher pooled proportion of HCC (0.94%) compared to spontaneous HBsAg loss (0.45%). HCC development after HBsAg loss was significantly higher in males, those with underlying cirrhosis, and those with a family history of HCC. HBsAg loss was associated with lower pooled proportions of incident cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, overall and liver‐related mortality compared to no HBsAg loss. Substantial heterogeneity was noted across studies for all outcomes. Conclusion: HBsAg loss is associated with a reduced risk of clinical outcomes. However, several shortcomings in the published studies prevent a more definitive conclusion on the potential benefits of HBsAg loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of model organisms to understand the function of a novel transcript/genes has allowed us to delineate their molecular mechanisms in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Organisms such as zebrafish have contributed a lot in the field of developmental and disease biology. Attributable to advancement and deep transcriptomics, many new transcript isoforms and non-coding RNAs such as long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified and cataloged in multiple databases and many more are yet to be identified. Various methods and tools have been utilized to identify lncRNAs/circRNAs in zebrafish using deep sequencing of transcriptomes as templates. Functional analysis of a few candidates such as tie1-AS , ECAL1 and CDR1as in zebrafish provides a prospective outline to approach other known or novel lncRNA/circRNA. New genetic alteration tools like TALENS and CRISPRs have helped in probing for the molecular function of lncRNA/circRNA in zebrafish. Further latest improvements in experimental and computational techniques offer the identification of lncRNA/circRNA counterparts in humans and zebrafish thereby allowing easy modeling and analysis of function at cellular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developed countries worldwide, tuberculosis is an endemic condition. The early and conclusive diagnosis of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is important for avoiding death and spreading disease, both at the person and population level. Diagnostics commonly available can be widely divided into techniques focused on microscopy, culture, and molecular methods. The Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAA), Line Probe Assay, and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CB NAAT) are three advanced molecular approaches that are listed. All these diagnostic strategies, however, either have weakened sensitivity or require costly instruments that eventually restrict their usefulness as a proven form of diagnosis. Sputum microscopy, which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a clinical sample, is currently used as an easy and inexpensive diagnostic test for TB. The sub-optimal sensitivity of this test is based first on the abundance of Mtb in the sample and secondly on the accuracy of the operator. Culture-based diagnostic studies, on the other hand, are time intensive and reliant on knowledge and infrastructure. Likewise, molecular experiments often rely on expensive instrumentation and complexity in scientific visualization. An easy, sensitive and inexpensive diagnostic approach for early-stage Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis diagnosis is therefore still a primary requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged from a city in China and has now spread as a global pandemic affecting millions of individuals. The causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is being extensively studied in terms of its genetic epidemiology using genomic approaches. Andhra Pradesh is one of the major states of India with the third-largest number of COVID-19 cases with a limited understanding of its genetic epidemiology. In this study, we have sequenced 293 SARS-CoV-2 genome isolates from Andhra Pradesh with a mean coverage of 13324X. We identified 564 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 variants. A total of 18 variants mapped to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction primer/probe sites, and four variants are known to be associated with an increase in infectivity. Phylogenetic analysis of the genomes revealed the circulating SARS-CoV-2 in Andhra Pradesh majorly clustered under the clade A2a (20A, 20B and 20C) (94%), whereas 6% fall under the I/A3i clade, a clade previously defined to be present in large numbers in India. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive genetic epidemiological analysis performed for the state of Andhra Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently developed lipoprotein insulin resistance index (LP‐IR) incorporates lipoprotein particle numbers and sizes and is considered to reflect both hepatic and peripheral IR. As tissue IR is a strong component of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis, we aimed to assess the degree by which LP‐IR associates with hepatic fat content. This was a single‐center retrospective analysis of patients with NAFLD. LP‐IR, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and adipose tissue IR (Adipo‐IR) were measured simultaneously. Liver fat content was estimated by FibroScan controlled attenuated parameter. Associations were assessed using Spearman's correlation and multivariate linear regression. The study included 61 patients. LP‐IR was correlated with HOMA‐IR (ρ = 0.30; P = 0.02), typically thought to reflect hepatic IR, but not with Adipo‐IR (ρ = 0.15; P = 0.25). Liver fat content was significantly associated with Adipo‐IR (ρ = 0.48; P < 0.001), LP‐IR (ρ = 0.35; P = 0.005), and to a lesser degree with HOMA‐IR (ρ = 0.25; P = 0.051). The association of liver fat with LP‐IR was limited to patients without diabetes (ρ = 0.60; P < 0.0001), whereas no association was seen in those with diabetes. In a multivariate model, Adipo‐IR, LP‐IR, and diabetes were independently associated with liver fat and together explained 35% of the variability in liver fat. Conclusion: LP‐IR is a reasonable measure of IR in non‐diabetic patients with NAFLD and is associated with hepatic fat content. Although adipose tissue is the major contributor to liver fat, the additional contribution of nonadipose tissues can be easily estimated using LP‐IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current scenario, there are negligible or no approved anti-neurodegenerative therapies globally; only the conventional drugs provide very short-term relief. For centuries, due to multi-component and multi-target approaches of herbal or natural medicines have been used to treat various neurodegenerative like senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The present review reveals several most prominent medicinal plants and their respective constituents, utilized in traditional medicine systems for cognitive impairment treatment, and various biomarkers have been discussed. This review attempts to direct the urgent need for new and proved herbal therapeutic agents to obviate neurogenesis. Most of predominant neuro-degenerative such as Alzheimer's disease has ailment characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration. This highlights the urgent need for new and improved herbal-based therapeutic agents to obviate neurogenesis. Various biomarkers have been well established which diagnose neurodegenerative diseases such as SD (Full Form) and AD, which is linked with an assortment of symptoms, nowadays almost 100 impending new herbal medicines are currently developed. The present review is expected to provide an into the current progress of herbal antineurodegenerative drugs, with a particular focus on their mechanism to escort target. We expect this review to provide a rational perspective-management vision on the significance of future anti-neurodegenerative herbal preparations to be effective in the preclusion and managing various neurodegenerative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly spread from a city in China to almost every country in the world, affecting millions of individuals. The rapid increase in the COVID-19 cases in the state of Kerala in India has necessitated the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 genetic epidemiology. We sequenced 200 samples from patients in Kerala using COVIDSeq protocol amplicon-based sequencing. The analysis identified 166 high-quality single-nucleotide variants encompassing four novel variants and 89 new variants in the Indian isolated SARS-CoV-2. Phylogenetic and haplotype analysis revealed that the virus was dominated by three distinct introductions followed by local spread suggesting recent outbreaks and that it belongs to the A2a clade. Further analysis of the functional variants revealed that two variants in the S gene associated with increased infectivity and five variants mapped in primer binding sites affect the efficacy of RT-PCR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first and most comprehensive report of SARS-CoV-2 genetic epidemiology from Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic affecting millions of individuals globally has necessitated sensitive and high-throughput approaches for the diagnosis, surveillance, and determining the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we used the COVIDSeq protocol, which involves multiplex-PCR, barcoding, and sequencing of samples for high-throughput detection and deciphering the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. We used the approach on 752 clinical samples in duplicates, amounting to a total of 1536 samples which could be sequenced on a single S4 sequencing flow cell on NovaSeq 6000. Our analysis suggests a high concordance between technical duplicates and a high concordance of detection of SARS-CoV-2 between the COVIDSeq as well as RT-PCR approaches. An in-depth analysis revealed a total of six samples in which COVIDSeq detected SARS-CoV-2 in high confidence which were negative in RT-PCR. Additionally, the assay could detect SARS-CoV-2 in 21 samples and 16 samples which were classified inconclusive and pan-sarbeco positive respectively suggesting that COVIDSeq could be used as a confirmatory test. The sequencing approach also enabled insights into the evolution and genetic epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 samples. The samples were classified into a total of 3 clades. This study reports two lineages B.1.112 and B.1.99 for the first time in India. This study also revealed 1,143 unique single nucleotide variants and added a total of 73 novel variants identified for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the COVIDSeq approach for detection and genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. Our analysis suggests that COVIDSeq could be a potential high sensitivity assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, with an additional advantage of enabling the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of noncoding RNAs that back-splice from 5ʹ donor site and 3ʹ acceptor sites to form a circular structure. A number of circRNAs have been discovered in model organisms including human, mouse, Drosophila , among other organisms. There are a few candidate-based studies on circRNAs in rat, a well-studied model organism as well. A number of pipelines have been published to identify the back splice junctions for the discovery of circRNAs but studies comparing these tools have suggested that a combination of tools would be a better approach to identify high-confidence circRNAs. The availability of a recent dataset of transcriptomes encompassing 11 tissues, 4 developmental stages, and 2 genders motivated us to explore the landscape of circRNAs in the organism in this context. In order to understand the difference among different pipelines, we employed five different combinations of tools to identify circular RNAs from the dataset. We compared the results of the different combination of tools/pipelines with respect to alignment, total number of circRNAs identified and read-coverage. In addition, we identified tissue-specific, development-stage specific and gender-specific circRNAs and further independently validated 16 circRNA junctions out of 24 selected candidates in 5 tissue samples and estimated the quantitative expression of five circRNA candidates using real-time polymerase chain reaction and our analysis suggests three candidates as tissue-enriched. This study is one of the most comprehensive studies which provides a map of circRNAs transcriptome as well as to understand the difference among different computational pipelines in rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study systematically aims to evaluate the salivary microbiome in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) using 16S rRNA sequencing approach. Methods: DNA isolation and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on saliva of 37 pSS and 35 control (CC) samples on HiSeq 2500 platform. 16S rRNA sequence analysis was performed independently using two popular computational pipelines, QIIME and less operational taxonomic units scripts (LoTuS). Results: There were no significant changes in the alpha diversity between saliva of patients and controls. However, four genera including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Dialister and Leptotrichia were found to be differential between the two sets, and common between both QIIME and LoTuS analysis pipelines (Fold change of 2 and p <.05). Bifidobacterium, Dialister and Lactobacillus were found to be enriched, while Leptotrichia was significantly depleted in pSS compared to the controls. Exploration of microbial diversity measures (Chao1, observed species and Shannon index) revealed a significant increase in the diversity in patients with renal tubular acidosis. An opposite trend was noted, with depletion of diversity in patients with steroids. Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that while no significant changes in the diversity of the salivary microbiome could be observed in Sjögren's syndrome compared to the controls, a set of four genera were significantly and consistently differential in the saliva of patients with pSS. Additionally, a difference in alpha diversity in patients with renal tubular acidosis and those on steroids was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are unique transcript isoforms characterized by back splicing of exon ends to form a covalently closed loop or circular conformation. These transcript isoforms are now known to be expressed in a variety of organisms across the kingdoms of life. Recent studies have shown the role of circRNAs in a number of diseases and increasing evidence points to their potential application as biomarkers in these diseases. We have created a comprehensive manually curated database of circular RNAs associated with diseases. This database is available at URL http://clingen.igib.res.in/circad/. The Database lists more than 1300 circRNAs associated with 150 diseases and mapping to 113 International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes with evidence of association linked to published literature. The database is unique in many ways. Firstly, it provides ready-to-use primers to work with, in order to use circRNAs as biomarkers or to perform functional studies. It additionally lists the assay and PCR primer details including experimentally validated ones as a ready reference to researchers along with fold change and statistical significance. It also provides standard disease nomenclature as per the ICD codes. To the best of our knowledge, circad is the most comprehensive and updated database of disease associated circular RNAs. Availability: http://clingen.igib.res.in/circad/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores prospective study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) household transmission in the United States (US) by Lewis and colleagues. Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is an important contributor to R0 and cannot be realistically addressed by continuous masking and social distancing. Use of data from contact tracing likely leads to an underestimate of household transmission.

Summary: Vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is validated for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in different liver diseases. Sickle cell liver disease (SCLD) results from a cumulative hepatic injury and its lifelong and progressive nature raises the need for a non‐invasive tool for fibrosis evaluation. Fifty patients, aged between 23 and 59 years with sickle cell disease and suspected SCLD underwent a VCTE followed by a liver biopsy. Biopsies were evaluated for various scores of liver disease that were then correlated to VCTE score. 90% of our patients had an Ishak Fibrosis (IF) score between 0–2 (Group A‐minimal to no fibrosis) and 10% of the patients had IF score between 3–6 (Group B‐advanced fibrosis). The median Transient Elastography (TE) for patients in Groups A and B was 4·8 kilopascals (kPa) and 17·6 kPa, respectively. A positive correlation was shown between TE and IF score, R = 0·0·68 (P = <0·0001); a positive correlation was also shown with Histology Activity Index fibrosis score, R = 0·64 (P = <0·0001). This study emphasises the need for further studies of non‐invasive tools and their utility in liver fibrosis evaluation of patients with SCLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel Schiff base ligand (E)-2-((3-(benzyloxypyridinylimino) methyl)-4-bromophenol (HL) was synthesized. Using this Schiff base ligand, two new copper(II) complexes, C1 and C2 were prepared. Analytical techniques such as IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass, UV-visible spectroscopy, molar conductivity, magnetic measurement, ESR and TGADTA were used to characterize the ligand HL and its copper complexes. From the ESR spectra, square planar geometry was proposed for C1 and C2. The synthesized ligand, HL along with its copper(II) complexes were subjected to test their in vitro biological efficacies against four bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and two antifungal strains Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The results obtained from this work suggest that the studied metal complexes are very effective in biological activities than its ligand. The anthelmintic test of the ligand HL and copper complexes against earthworms, Pheretima posthuma are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study in the Delhi region that assesses the critical load capacity of soil systems with respect to the atmospheric deposition and air quality, from July to October in 2012. Trend analysis of NO2 and SO2 in Delhi, using the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, showed interesting patterns matching with the trends in vehicular load in the city. This was followed by the calculation of the critical load of atmospheric acidity for sulphur and nitrogen in order to check the vulnerability of the soil systems in Delhi. Here, the steady state mass balance approach was majorly applied and the study conducted in the Agra region was taken as reference. The calculated values of critical loads of sulphur (225-275 eq/ha/yr) and nitrogen (298-303 eq/ha/yr), for the soil system in Delhi, were calculated with respect to three plant species, namely Anjan grass, Hibiscus and Black siris. The present loads of sulphur (PL(S) = 26.40 eq/ha/yr) and nitrogen (PL(N) = 36.51 eq/ha/yr) were found to be much lower than their respective critical loads. From the results, it can be concluded that the present loads of atmospheric acidic deposition in Delhi region do not pose any danger of acidification of soil system because it is countered by buffering capacity of soil generated dust. However, considering the pace at which the city is growing, it is likely that in coming decades, the present load will increase and thus the values evaluated in this study are likely to serve as an important reference for future assessment of the pollution scenario in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust influences the Indian summer monsoon on seasonal time scales by perturbing atmospheric radiation. On weekly time scales, aerosol optical depth retrieved by satellite over the Arabian Sea is correlated with Indian monsoon precipitation. This has been interpreted to show the effect of dust radiative heating on Indian rainfall on synoptic (few-day) time scales. However, this correlation is reproduced by Earth System Model simulations, where dust is present but its radiative effect is omitted. Analysis of daily variability suggests that the correlation results from the effect of precipitation on dust through the associated cyclonic circulation. Boundary layer winds that deliver moisture to India are responsible for dust outbreaks in source regions far upwind, including the Arabian Peninsula. This suggests that synoptic variations in monsoon precipitation over India enhance dust emission and transport to the Arabian Sea. The effect of dust radiative heating upon synoptic monsoon variations remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Urinary tract infection is a common clinical condition affecting neonates to geriatric patients. Present study was undertaken to identify and characterize different uropathogens, to assess antimicrobial resistance pattern and, to find out factors associated with urinary tract infections. Methods: Observational study was carried out during February-2015 to January-2016 in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Relevant demographic and clinical details were collected. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of uropathogens was done by using VITEK®2-Compact microbiology systems. Results: From the 1,167 urine samples analyzed, 192 (16.5%) were positive for bacterial and fungal infections. UTIs were more frequent in males 109 (56.8%) and its incidence varied with age affecting the elderly patients more i.e. 57 (29.7%). E. coli was the most common pathogen implicated in UTI i.e. 82 (42.7%). Distribution of sample from intensive care units and various wards were similar i.e. 96 (50%) each. 112 (58.3%) patients had a urinary catheter; majority of the patients had 8-29 days of catheterization i.e. 46.4%. Resistance to antimicrobials was common but highly variable in our study. Predominant clinical conditions in the catheterized patients were cardio vascular failure followed by respiratory ailments. Interpretation & conclusion: E. coli was the most common etiological agent of UTI. Distribution of urine sample from intensive care units and various wards were similar. Majority of the patients were catheterized in ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KRAS is detected in 30%–50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) and BRAF mutations are found in 10% of CRC. A 62-year-old man with the long-standing smoking history presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, weight loss and constipation. CT scan of abdomen/pelvis showed obstructive mass which was found to be colon adenocarcinoma which on further molecular analysis tested positive for KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations. His tumour progressed despite chemotherapy and surgery and he died within a year of diagnosis. Concomitant KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations are rare enough to be considered mutually exclusive but coexistent mutations appear to be a distinct molecular and clinical subset which needs new and effective treatment strategies in a setting of dismal prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT: This article is linked to Vittal et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16659 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16758 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia causes opportunistic infections and is emerging as an important hospital-acquired pathogen. Present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence, clinical profile, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. maltophilia. Methods: Cross sectional retrospective study was conducted whereby patients' details including type of infection, hospital stay, indwelling devices, comorbid conditions and outcome till discharge were collected from January 2012 to March 2016. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were done by using Vitek2-compact-microbiological system. Results: 45 (0.17%) S.maltophilia strains were isolated from 27,132 samples received, forming 1.63% of total non-fermenters. Prevalence of S.maltophilia infection ranged from 0.06% in 2012 to 0.26% in 2015. Common sites involved were respiratory tract i.e. 55.5%, followed by bloodstream (20%), urinary tract (13.3%) and soft tissue (11.1%). 64.4% patients were male, and adults (26.7%) between 51-60 years of age. 66.7% of the isolates were from critical care units followed by wards (33.3%). Co-morbid conditions observed were COPD with respiratory complications i.e. 26.7% followed by cardiovascular diseases 22.2%, malignancy 11.1%, post surgical patients 11.1%, complicated UTI and trauma 8.8% each, CNS complications 6.7%, burns and cellulitis 2.2% each. All patients had exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics and 66.6% had indwelling devices. 17.8% isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Mortality observed was 20%. Interpretation & conclusion: S maltophilia is an emerging pathogen and its prevalence has gradually increased at our hospital. ICUs are the main hospital sites and respiratory infections main clinical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human body is an environmental niche which is home to diverse co-habiting microbes collectively referred as the human microbiome. Recent years have seen the in-depth characterization of the human microbiome and associations with diseases. Linking of the composition or number of the human microbiota with diseases and traits date back to the original work of Elie Metchnikoff. Recent advances in genomic technologies have opened up finer details and dynamics of this new science with higher precision. Microbe-rheumatoid arthritis connection, largely related to the gut and oral microbiomes, has showed up as a result - apart from several other earlier, well-studied candidate autoimmune diseases. Although evidence favouring roles of specific microbial species, including Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Leptotricha, has become clearer , mechanistic insights still continue to be enigmatic. Manipulating the microbes by traditional dietary modifications, probiotics, and antibiotics and by currently employed disease-modifying agents seems to modulate the disease process and its progression. In the present review, we appraise the existing information as well as the gaps in knowledge in this challenging field. We also discuss the future directions for potential clinical applications, including prevention and management of rheumatoid arthritis using microbial modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]