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Background and Objectives: The matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) level gets heightened in the urine samples of diabetic individuals with impaired renal function. Renal biopsy is seldom offered because of its invasive nature. These concerns spurred the investigation of relationships between urine MMP-7 levels and the renal function of diabetic individuals. Studies exploring this aspect are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the glycemic and renal parameters of female and male individuals with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or kidney disease. We also assessed the correlation of urine MMP-7 with various parameters., Methods: This prospective, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, India, from February 2020 to January 2023. Female and male individuals 18-85 years of age diagnosed with either T2DM, hypertension, or kidney disease were assessed for their glycemic indices and renal parameters. Those with both renal disease and T2DM were placed in group A. The diabetic individuals without kidney disease constituted group B. People in group C had neither kidney disease nor T2DM. Patients in group D had kidney disease but were not diabetics. The parameters of the male and female participants in each of the four groups were assessed and compared, including: age, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum urea, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin, urine creatinine, urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), serum sodium, serum potassium, and urine MMP-7 levels. Furthermore, we correlated urine MMP-7 with all these traits. We used R software (version 4.4.0, Vienna, Austria) for data analysis., Results: Two hundred eighty-seven (87.5%) of the 328 individuals we screened were eligible. Of them, group A had the maximum number (94) of participants, followed by B (75), C (65), and D (53). Males comprised 60.3% (n = 173) of the study population. The median age of the participants was 52.0 (44.0-61.1) years. The intergroup variations were statistically significant (p < 0.001) owing to their glycemic status and renal function. The gender-basis comparison of FBS and HbA 1c yielded non-significant differences. On the contrary, assessment of the renal parameters revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) between females and males. The study population had a median urine MMP-7 level of 19.9 (1.1-50.5) µg/L. Significant associations with urine MMP-7 were found with serum creatinine (r = 0.91, p < 0.001), urine ACR (r = 0.86, p < 0.001), and eGFR (r = -0.84, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Our study portrayed that male diabetics, in comparison to female diabetics, had greater levels of urine ACR, urine MMP-7, eGFR, and serum creatinine. Moreover, urine ACR, eGFR, and serum creatinine strongly correlated with the urine MMP-7 level., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, India issued approval KIIT/KIMS/IEC/211/2020 dated January 16, 2020. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Sarangi et al.)

Background and objectives The quality of life declines with the growing severity of major depressive disorder (MDD). In depressed people, medication adherence and the quality of life are mutually corrosive. These concerns spurred the investigation of relationships between treatment outcomes and adherence levels. Limited studies are looking at how vortioxetine, escitalopram, and vilazodone affect these parameters. We aimed to detect how the Short Form-36 (SF-36) had changed 16 weeks after the baseline. The connection between treatment results (as expressed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or HDRS) and medication adherence (as reflected by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 or MMAS-8) was also explored. Methods An open-label, randomized, three-arm trial with 96 MDD patients was conducted. For 16 weeks, the participants were put into three groups per a 1:1:1 ratio and administered tablets of vilazodone (20-40 mg/day), escitalopram (10-20 mg/day), or vortioxetine (5-20 mg/day). There were two test drugs: vilazodone and vortioxetine; the control was escitalopram. Four weeks apart, follow-up appointments were set after the baseline visit. The HDRS, mental and physical components of SF-36, and MMAS-8 scores were evaluated in the per-protocol (PP) population. Reduced HDRS scores were indicative of improved depression symptoms. Higher MMAS-8 and SF-36 scores indicated high drug adherence and enhanced quality of life. Our analysis used the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Bonferroni correction, and the Sankey diagram. In the Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI), we recorded this study prospectively (2022/07/043808). Results One hundred nine (81.34%) of the 134 individuals we examined were eligible. The PP population consisted of 96 (88.07%) of them who wrapped up the 16-week study. The mean age of the group was 46.3 ± 6.2 years. For each of the three groups, the SF-36 physical component scores revealed a median difference of 24.5 (23.8-26.0), 24.0 (22.8-25.3), and 27.0 (25.0-29.0) (p = 0.001). Accordingly, the mental components of their SF-36 scores showed a median difference of 32.0 (31.0-33.3), 31.0 (29.8-34.3), and 36.0 (33.0-38.0) (p = 0.001). A median difference of -15.0 (-16.0 to -14.0), -16.0 (-17.0 to -15.0), and -16.0 (-17.0 to -15.8) was observed in the HDRS scores after 16 weeks, with respect to the baseline (p < 0.001). The median MMAS-8 scores at 16 weeks were 6.0 (6.0-7.0), 6.8 (6.0-7.0), and 7.5 (6.5-8.0) (p = 0.031). The Sankey diagram illustrated the connection between better treatment results, increased medication compliance, and decreased symptoms of depression. Conclusion In comparison to vilazodone and escitalopram, vortioxetine demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in HDRS scores and an improvement in the physical and mental component scores of the SF-36. Clinical improvements were evident in the individuals' drug adherence levels. Larger-scale studies are advised to investigate the effects of these medications on the quality of life, medication adherence, and treatment outcomes., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Institutional Research and Ethics Committee of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research issued approval 029-2022/I-S-T/03, dated 17/05/2022. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Santi et al.)

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an essential staple crop in many regions of Africa and Asia, valued for its nutritional content and resilience in challenging agro-ecological conditions. The enhancement of finger millet through genomic resources and breeding methods represents a promising avenue for addressing food and nutritional security. Current efforts in this field have harnessed genomic technologies to decipher the crop's genetic diversity and identify key traits related to yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. These insights have facilitated the development of improved varieties through selective breeding, accelerating the crop's adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In the future, continued advancements in genomics and breeding methodologies hold the potential to further enhance finger millet's resilience, nutritional value, and productivity, ultimately benefiting both farmers and consumers. This review article synthesizes the current state of research and development in finger millet enhancement through the integration of genomic resources and innovative breeding methods. The utilization of these insights in selective breeding has already yielded promising results in developing improved finger millet varieties that meet the evolving needs of farmers and consumers. Moreover, this article discusses potential future interventions, including the continued advancement of genomics, precision breeding, and sustainable agricultural practices. These interventions hold the promise of further enhancing finger millet's adaptability to changing climates, its nutritional quality, and its overall productivity, thereby contributing to food security and improved livelihoods in finger millet-dependent regions., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background and Objectives: The majority of mainstream antidepressants lack the promise of complete amelioration of symptoms. Other pitfalls include the latency period and side effects. These issues prompted investigations concerning the various roles of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmissions in the etiology of depression. In this study, each study participant received vilazodone, vortioxetine, and escitalopram monotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) for 16 weeks. After that, the subject's scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)-17 item version and the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were evaluated. In the study population, we kept track of the incidence of adverse events., Methods: Ninety-six patients with MDD participated in this open-label, randomized, three-arm study. Participants were allotted into three groups according to a 1:1:1 ratio and given vilazodone (20-40 mg/day), vortioxetine (5-20 mg/day), or escitalopram (10-20 mg/day) for 16 weeks. Vortioxetine and vilazodone are test medications, with escitalopram serving as the control. After the baseline visit, follow-up appointments were scheduled every four weeks. Per-protocol (PP) and intent-to-treat (ITT) populations served as means for efficacy and safety evaluations, respectively. We prospectively registered this research in the Clinical Trial Registry, India (CTRI) (2022/07/043808)., Results: Out of the 134 patients we screened, 109 (81.34%) were eligible. Ninety-six (88.07%) of them completed the 16-week trial. In the PP population (n = 96), we analyzed efficacy. They had a mean age of 46.3 ± 6.2 years. At baseline, each group's median HDRS score was 30.0 (p = 0.964). Following 16 weeks of antidepressant therapy, these scores dropped to 15.0, 14.0, and 13.0 (p = 0.002). Baseline MADRS scores for all groups were 36.0 (p = 0.741). They had corresponding values of 20.0, 18.0, and 17.0 at 16 weeks (p < 0.001). Regarding both efficacy endpoints, the post-hoc analysis with the Bonferroni correction demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). We performed the safety assessments within our ITT population (n = 109). Ninety-six adverse events were recorded. Nonetheless, none of them seemed serious. Still, five participants opted out because of their side effects. Vomiting and nausea were the most frequent side effects., Conclusion: Compared to escitalopram and vilazodone, vortioxetine demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in HDRS and MADRS scores. It also had fewer and milder side effects . We recommend conducting studies involving a broader population to investigate the antidepressant effects of these medications further., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Santi et al.)

Background: Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) is an extensively researched phytotherapeutic for the management of Type 2 diabetes without any associated side effects. The major anti-diabetic bioactive constituents present in the plant are furostanolic saponins, which are more abundantly available in the seed of the plant. However, the bioavailability of these components depends on the method of extraction and hence formulation of the phytotherapeutic constitutes a critical step for its success., Objective: The present study reports the efficacy of a novel, patented fenugreek seed extract, Fenfuro®, containing significant amount of furostanolic saponins, in an open-labelled, two-armed, single centric study on a group of 204 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus over a period of twelve consecutive weeks., Results: Administration of Fenfuro ® in the dosage of 500 mg twice daily along with metformin and/or sulfonylurea-based prescribed antidiabetic drug resulted in a reduction of post-prandial glucose by more than 33% along with significant reduction in fasting glucose, both of which were greater than what resulted for the patient group receiving only Metformin and/or Sulfonylurea therapy. Fenfuro ® also resulted in reduction in mean baseline HOMA index from 4.27 to 3.765, indicating restoration of insulin sensitivity which was also supported by a significant decrease in serum insulin levels by >10% as well as slight reduction in the levels of C-peptide. However, in the case of the Metformin and/or Sulfonylurea group, insulin levels were found to increase by more than 14%, which clearly indicated that drug-induced suppression of glucose levels instead of restoration of glucose homeostasis. Administration of the formulation was also found to be free from any adverse side effects as there were no changes in hematological profile, liver function and renal function., Conclusion: The study demonstrated the promising potential of this novel phytotherapeutic, Fenfuro ® , in long-term holistic management of type-2 diabetes.

Background and Objectives: The advent of denosumab has rendered giant cell tumors (GCT) of the bone amenable. It makes sense to evaluate its effect on the patient's symptoms and the histopathological outcomes. The aim of the study is to ascertain the effect of 24-week neoadjuvant denosumab therapy on the following parameters: visual analogue scale (VAS), musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) scores, tumor size, and the number of giant and stromal cells., Material and Methods: This observational study was conducted from February 2022 to April 2023 at SCB Medical College and Hospital, India. Fifty-four GCT participants had their VAS and MSTS scores assessed at baseline and then every four weeks for the next 24 weeks. At 24 weeks, changes in their tumor size and the number of giant and stromal cells per high-power field (hpf) were also evaluated., Results: Fifty-four (82%) out of the 66 enrolled participants completed the study. Among those 54, 29 (54%) participants were female. The study population had a mean age of 39.0 ± 4.7 years. The median VAS scores were (female: 7.0, male: 7.0; p = 0.51) at baseline and (female: 2.0, male: 2.0; p = 0.39) at 24 weeks. The median MSTS scores at baseline and 24 weeks were (female: 8.0, male: 8.0; p = 0.41) and (female: 15.0, male: 16.0; p = 0.66), respectively. The median reductions in tumor size, the number of giant, and stromal cells (per hpf) were (female: 6.0 mm, male: 5.0 mm; p = 0.11), (female: 25, male: 27; p = 0.07), and (female: 1200, male: 2100; p < 0.001), respectively., Conclusion: After receiving neoadjuvant denosumab for 24 weeks, the study participants' clinical symptoms and histological indicators improved. With the exception of the stromal cells, there was no statistically significant difference between the male and female participants., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Rath et al.)

Background: Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is one of the major biotic stress in rice cultivation. Management techniques, such as the development of BLB-resistant cultivars, are required to lessen the severity of the disease attack and yield losses. Pratikshya was selected in the present investigation as the recipient parent, as it is one of the popular high-yielding rice varieties of Odisha, India, which is having excellent grain as well as cooking quality. However, Pratikshya is highly susceptible to BLB which is prevalent in Eastern Indian region., Methods and Results: Three major BLB resistance genes xa5, xa13, and Xa21 from the donor source Swarna MAS (CR Dhan 800) were attempted to introduce into Pratikshya through a marker-assisted backcross breeding program. Those markers closely linked to the target genes were employed for foreground selection in the segregating generations till BC 2 F 3 . In each backcross generation, progenies containing all three targeted resistance genes and phenotypically more similar to the recipient parent, Pratikshya were selected and backcrossed. Screening of 1,598 plants of the BC 2 F 2 population was conducted against BLB using Xoo inoculum and 35 resistant plants similar to Pratikshya were carried forward to the next generation. In the BC 2 F 3 generation, 31 plants were found to possess all the three resistance genes. For background selection of plants carrying resistance genes 45 polymorphic SSR markers were employed. Evaluation of the pyramided lines at BC 2 F 4 generation exhibited that, most pyramided lines were similar to Pratikshya in terms of morphological features and yield parameters, and some lines were superior to the recurrent parent in terms of morphological features and yield parameters., Conclusion: The three-gene pyramided lines showed a high level of resistance to BLB infection and are anticipated to offer a significant yield advantage over the recipient parent Pratikshya. The pyramided lines can further be used for multi-location trial, so as to be released as a variety or can be used as a potential donor for BLB resistance genes., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background and Objectives: Today, branded medications and polytherapy are frequently prescribed for glaucoma, even without giving the patient the proper instructions. Hence, the safety, effectiveness, cost, and patient compliance of glaucoma medication must be weighed, and the anti-glaucoma medicine usage must be studied. Analysis of glaucoma patients' prescription usage was the objective of this study., Material and Methods: Between January 2021 and February 2022, this prospective and observational study was carried out at Andhra Medical College in Vishakhapatnam. One hundred prescriptions of those with primary open-angle and angle closure glaucoma were assessed. Age and gender-based subgroup analyses were conducted. R software (version 4.2.1) (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) was leveraged for data analysis., Results: Out of 146 examined prescriptions, 100 (69%) were deemed suitable for analysis. Participants' mean age was 54.2 ± 10.8 years. Sixty-two were over 50 years old, and 36 were men. The mean intraocular pressure was 25.4 ± 1.7 mm of Hg. Per prescription, there were about 1.75 anti-glaucoma drugs. Fixed-dose combinations (FDC) were found in 43 prescriptions. Generic medications and patient instructions prevailed in most prescriptions (78%) and (84%). Timolol was used in each FDC with brimonidine, dorzolamide, or bimatoprost., Conclusion: The most often prescribed anti-glaucoma drug, timolol, was also identified as an essential component of the FDC. Doctors must prescribe generic medications with detailed directions for the patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Meesala et al.)

As one of the largest contributors of morbidity and mortality, psychiatric disorders are anticipated to triple in prevalence over the coming decade or so. Major obstacles to psychiatric care include stigma, funding constraints, and a dearth of resources and psychiatrists. The main thrust of our present-day discussion has been towards the direction of how machine learning and artificial intelligence could influence the way that patients experience care. To better grasp the issues regarding trust, privacy, and autonomy, their societal and ethical ramifications need to be probed. There is always the possibility that the artificial mind could malfunction or exhibit behavioral abnormalities. An in-depth philosophical understanding of these possibilities in both human and artificial intelligence could offer correlational insights into the robotic management of mental disorders in the future. This article looks into the role of artificial intelligence, the different challenges associated with it, as well as the perspectives in the management of such mental illnesses as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023, Sahoo J., Narayan B.N., Santi N.)

Background and Objectives: The symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) are nowadays being assessed with the Hamilton and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scales. However, there are few studies on the comparison of these two scales. Our study aimed to determine the correlation between the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores at baseline through 12 weeks., Methods: An ongoing randomized, open-label, three-arm study's interim analysis is portrayed here. The participants were assessed with HDRS and MADRS at baseline, four, eight, and 12 weeks after receiving oral tablets of either vilazodone (20-40 mg/d), escitalopram (10-20 mg/d), or vortioxetine (5-20 mg/d). This study is prospectively registered with the Clinical Trial Registry, India (CTRI/2022/07/043808)., Results: Of 71 recruited individuals, 49 (69%) completed the 12-week visit. At baseline, the three groups' median HDRS scores were 30.0, 29.5, and 29.0 (p=0.76), and at 12 weeks, they reduced to 19.5, 19.5, and 18.0 (p=0.18). At baseline, the group-wise median MADRS scores were 36, 36, and 36 (p=0.79); at 12 weeks, they were 24, 24, and 23 (p=0.03). The Pearson correlation revealed that the association between the changes in scores from baseline was strongest for escitalopram (r=0.70, p=0.002) followed by vortioxetine (r=0.59, p=0.01) and vilazodone (r=0.59, p=0.02). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean difference between the scores was 5.11 (95% CI: 3.08-7.14)., Conclusion: According to this interim study, HDRS and MADRS scores declined after 12 weeks of therapy. Both scores had strong positive correlation, and the difference between the scores reduced with time., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Santi et al.)

Background and Objectives: Idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (IIDCDs) are wide-ranging disorders due to their similarities and differences. In order to address these conditions, studying their characteristics is essential. The endpoints of our study were to assess the incidence, presenting features, MRI findings, and predictors of disease progression of prevalent demyelinating disorders., Material and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted at Srirama Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital, India, from August 2018 to November 2021. Individuals of 18-65 years of age with common demyelinating disorders were assessed at baseline, six, 12, and 24 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for the assessment of predictors. We used R software (version 4.2.1; R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) for data analysis., Results: Two hundred twenty (79%) of 278 enrolled participants completed this study. The mean age of the study population was 52.3±11.4 years. One hundred thirty-eight (63%) of them were males. The most common IIDCD in our study was neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD: 87, 39.5%), followed by multiple sclerosis (MS: 72, 32.7%), acute transverse myelitis (ATM: 35, 15.9%), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM: 26, 11.8%). The univariate analysis revealed that male gender, diabetes mellitus, and history of smoking or alcoholism were significant predictors of the disease progression., Conclusion: The IIDCDs were polysymptomatic at the initial presentation. Male diabetics are more prone to progressive disorders. However, multivariate analysis did not provide statistically significant results., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Biswal et al.)

Metagenomics is defined as the study of the genome of the total microbiota found in nature and is often referred to as microbial environmental genomics because it entails the examination of a group of genetic components (genomes) from a diverse community of organisms in a particular setting. It is a sub-branch of omics technology that encompasses Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), Ribonucleic acid (DNA), proteins, and various components associated with comprehensive analysis of all aspects of biological molecules in a system-wide manner. Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats and its endonuclease, CRISPR-associated protein which forms a complex called CRISPR-cas9 technology, though it is a different technique used to make precise changes to the genome of an organism, it can be used in conjunction with metagenomic approaches to give a better, rapid, and more accurate description of genomes and sequence reads. There have been ongoing improvements in sequencing that have deepened our understanding of microbial genomes forever. From the time when only a small amount of gene could be sequenced using traditional methods (e.g., "the plus and minus" method developed by Allan and Sanger and the "chemical cleavage" method that is known for its use in the sequencing the phiX174 bacteriophage genome via radio-labeled DNA polymerase-primer in a polymerization reaction aided by polyacrylamide gel) to the era of total genomes sequencing which includes "sequencing-by-ligation" and the "sequencing-by-synthesis" that detects hydrogen ions when new DNA is synthesized (Second Generation) and then Next Generation Sequencing technologies (NGS). With these technologies, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was made possible. The study looks at recent advancements in metagenomics in plants and animals by examining findings from randomly selected research papers. All selected case studies examined the functional and taxonomical analysis of different microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing to generate different sequence reads. In animals, five studies indicated how Zebrafish, Livestock, Poultry, cattle, niches, and the human microbiome were exploited using environmental samples, such as soil and water, to identify microbial communities and their functions. It has also been used to study the microbiome of humans and other organisms, including gut microbiomes. Recent studies demonstrated how these technologies have allowed for faster and more accurate identification of pathogens, leading to improved disease diagnostics. They have also enabled the development of personalized medicine by allowing for the identification of genetic variations that can impact drug efficacy and toxicity. Continued advancements in sequencing techniques and the refinement of CRISPR-Cas9 tools offer even greater potential for transformative breakthroughs in scientific research and applications. On the other hand, metagenomic data are always large and uneasy to handle. The complexity of taxonomical profiling, functional annotation, and mechanisms of complex interaction still needs better bioinformatics tools. Current review focuses on better (e.g., AI-driven algorithms) tools that can predict metabolic pathways and interactions, and manipulate complex data to address potential bias for accurate interpretation., Competing Interests: None., (IJBMB Copyright © 2023.)

Background and Objectives: Individuals with major depressive disorder exhibit a dysregulated metabolic profile. There are few studies on how vilazodone, escitalopram, and vortioxetine alter metabolic parameters. Our study aimed to determine the change in plasma glucose, HbA 1c , serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine at 12 weeks., Methods: An ongoing randomized, open-label, three-arm study's interim analysis is portrayed here. The participants were assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after receiving oral tablets of either vilazodone (20-40mg/d), escitalopram (10-20mg/d), or vortioxetine (5-20mg/d). This study is CTRI-registered (2022/07/043808)., Results: Of 71 recruited participants, 49 (69%) completed the 12-week visit. The median Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores of the participants in vilazodone, escitalopram, and vortioxetine groups were 30.0, 29.5, and 29.0 at baseline (p=0.76) and 19.5, 19.5, and 18.0 (p=0.18) at 12 weeks, respectively. The median fasting blood sugar (FBS) values were 98.5, 105.5, and 98.0 at baseline (p=0.07) and 94.0, 99.5, and 96.0 (p=0.19) at 12 weeks, for vilazodone, escitalopram, and vortioxetine groups, respectively. The post hoc analysis did not yield statistically significant differences regarding any parameters., Conclusion: According to this interim study, the HDRS scores declined after 12 weeks of therapy. The subjects' metabolic parameters did not significantly change. It is essential to perform further investigation regarding these impacts., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Santi et al.)

Background: Lignocellulosic biomass from rice straw possesses enormous potential in generating bioenergy thereby reducing the dependence of human on non-renewable fuel sources. Developing rice varieties of such calibre necessitates biochemical characterization as well as assessing the presence of genetic diversity among the rice genotypes with respect to cellulose content., Methods and Results: Forty-three elite rice genotypes were selected for biochemical characterization and SSR marker-based genetic fingerprinting. For genotyping, 13 cellulose synthase specific polymorphic markers were used. The diversity analysis was performed using TASSEL 5.0 and GenAlE × 6.51b2, software program. Of the 43 rice varieties, CR-Dhan-601, CR-Dhan-1014, Mahanadi, Jagabandhu, Gouri, Samanta and Chandrama were found to possess desirable lignocellulosic composition with respect to harnessing green fuels. The marker OsCESA-1.3 expressed the highest PIC (0.640), while the marker OsCESA-6.3 of lowest PIC (0.128). A moderate average estimate (0.367) of PIC was observed under current set of genotypes and marker system. The dendrogram analysis grouped the rice genotypes into two principal clusters i.e., cluster I and II. Cluster-II is monogenetic, while cluster-I is having 42 genotypes., Conclusions: The moderate level of both PIC and H average estimates indicate the narrow genetic bases of the germplasms. The varieties falling under different clusters possessing desirable lignocellulosic composition can be used in a hybridization programme to develop bioenergy efficient varieties. The promising varietal combinations that can be used as parents for developing bioenergy efficient genotypes are Kanchan / Gobinda, Mahanadi / Ramachandi, Mahanadi / Rambha, Mahanadi / Manika, Rambha / Manika, Rambha / Indravati and CR-Dhan-601 / Manika as they offer an advantage of higher cellulose accumulation. This study helped in identification of suitable dual purpose rice varieties for biofuel production without compromising food security., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Although increased use of modern breeding techniques and technology has resulted in long-term genetic gain, the pace of genetic gain must be sped up to satisfy global agricultural demand. However, marker-assisted selection has proven its potential for improving qualitative traits with large effects regulated by one to few genes. Its contribution to the improvement of the quantitative traits regulated by a number of small-effect genes is modest. In this context, genomic selection (GS) has been regarded as the most promising method for genetically enhancing complicated features that are regulated by several genes, each of which has minor effects. By examining a population's phenotypes and high-density marker scores, genomic selection can forecast the breeding potential of individual lines. The fact that GS uses all marker data in the prediction model prevents skewed marker effect estimations and maximizes the amount of variation caused by small-effect QTL. It has the ability to speed up the breeding cycle and as a consequence of which superior genotypes are selected rapidly. Developing the best GS models while taking into account non-additive effects, genotype-by-environment interaction, and cost-effectiveness will enable the widespread implementation of GS in plants. These steps will also increase heritability estimation and prediction accuracy. This review focuses on the shift from conventional selection methods to GS, underlying statistical tools and methodologies, the state of GS research in agricultural plants, and prospects for its effective use in the creation of climate-resilient crops., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background and Objectives: Quality of life and medication adherence worsen in untreated depressed individuals. Studies examining how vilazodone, escitalopram, and vortioxetine affect these factors are few and far between. Our study's objectives were to determine the change in SF-36 at 12 weeks and the association between treatment outcome and medication adherence., Methods: This is an interim analysis of a randomized, open-label, three-arm ongoing study. The participants were evaluated at baseline, four, eight, and 12 weeks after being randomly assigned to take either vilazodone (20-40 mg/d), escitalopram (10-20 mg/d), or vortioxetine (5-20 mg/d). This study is registered with CTRI, 2022/07/043808., Results: Of 71 recruited participants, 49 (69%) completed the 12-week visit. The median scores of physical components of SF-36 for the three groups were 35.5, 35.0, and 35.0 at baseline (p=0.76) and 51.0, 49.5, and 53.0 (p<0.001) at 12 weeks respectively. Their corresponding median SF-36 scores for mental components were 43.0, 43.0, and 44.0 at baseline (p=0.34) and 66.0, 63.5, and 70.0 (p<0.001) at 12 weeks. The post hoc analysis yielded a significant difference (p<0.001) regarding SF-36 scores. MMAS-8 scores among the participants were similar (p=0.22) at 12 weeks. Higher medication adherence was associated with lesser depressive symptoms (r= -0.46, p=0.001)., Conclusion: As per this interim analysis, vortioxetine substantially impacted the SF-36 scores, juxtaposed with vilazodone and escitalopram. The participants' clinical improvements were reflected by their adherence levels. These effects need to be probed further., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Santi et al.)

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection devastates the affected individual physically and psychologically. Moreover, poor immune status and mental turmoil worsen cognition and quality of life. Hence, studying the cognitive function and quality of life among such patients is necessary. This study aimed to determine the changes in mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score and general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) score at six months from baseline. Methodology This prospective, observational study was conducted at Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, India, from February 2020 to December 2021. A total of 40 patients with stage 3-4 CKD and pulmonary TB were assessed with MMSE and GHQ-12 scales at baseline, two, and six months. The study population was grouped as ≤50 and >50 years of age. We used R software (version 4.1.1) for data analysis. Results In total, 40 (69%) of the 58 enrolled participants completed this study. The mean age of the study population was 50.93 ± 9.83 years. The baseline MMSE scores (≤50 years: 20.8 ± 2.1, >50 years: 20.1 ± 1.7, p = 0.17) were increased (≤50 years: 25.4 ± 1.8, >50 years: 22.4 ± 1.6, p = 0.08) at six months. The baseline GHQ-12 scores (≤50 years: 22.8 ± 2.6, >50 years: 23.1 ± 2.8, p = 0.56) were reduced (≤50 years: 17.9 ± 1.9, >50 years: 20.3 ± 2.3, p = 0.14) at six months. Conclusions The study participants' cognitive function and quality of life improved after six months of modified antitubercular drugs. Nevertheless, the intergroup differences were not statistically significant., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Tripathy et al.)

Background and Objectives: Currently, we have a shortage of comprehensive information about newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the pediatric population. This might explain the discrepancies among pediatricians' preferences in this regard. Therefore, it is crucial to study the multifaceted impacts of these drugs on children. The endpoints of our study were non-AED predictors of the requirement of combination therapy for seizure management, seizure-free period >6 months and >12 months, change in Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire - 55 (QOLCE-55), and incidence of adverse events., Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in KIMS, Bhubaneswar, India, from January 2021 to November 2022. Children of 2-12 years of age were treated with monotherapy of either newer antiepileptics, e.g., levetiracetam, topiramate, and oxcarbazepine or older antiepileptics, e.g., valproic acid, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for the assessment of predictors. We used R software (version 4.1.1) for data analysis., Results: One hundred and ninety-eight (91.7%) of 216 enrolled participants completed this study. The mean age of the study population was 5.2 years and 117 (59%) of them were males. The univariate analysis showed that male gender, low birth weight, preterm birth, assisted vaginal delivery and site-specific epilepsy, and maternal history of epilepsy were significant predictors of combination therapy and reduced seizure-free period. There was a non-significant difference regarding the improvement of QOLCE-55 scores. None of the adverse events were serious., Conclusions: Perinatal complications and maternal history of epilepsy contribute significantly toward the efficacy of antiepileptics. However, multivariate analysis did not yield statistically significant results., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Rout et al.)

Background and Objectives: In the Indian subcontinent, psoriasis cases have skyrocketed in the last decade. Dry and hot weather aggrandizes the annual incidences. Nowadays, dermatologists harness methotrexate and apremilast to manage chronic plaque psoriasis. There needs to be more comparative studies on these drugs. The primary objective was change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at six months from the baseline. Change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at six months from the baseline and incidences of adverse events served as the secondary objectives., Methods: This randomized, open-label, 24-week study was executed in Srirama Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College, Cuttack, India, from June 2021 to October 2022. The participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive tablets of either methotrexate 10-15mg weekly once or apremilast 10-30mg twice daily. Efficacy and safety analyses were performed at baseline, eight, 16, and 24 weeks. We used R software (version 4.1.1; R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) for data analysis., Results: Seventy (82.3%) of 85 enrolled participants completed the study. The mean age of the study population was 41.08±5.17 years. Twenty-two (31.4%) of them were females. The median change in PASI from baseline was -37.25 (-39.00 to -34.25) for apremilast and -34.75 (-37.75 to -31.75) for methotrexate (p=0.006). The median change in DLQI from baseline was -19.50 (-22.00 to -17.00) for apremilast and -21.00 (-25.50 to -17.50) for methotrexate (p=0.079). No serious adverse events were noticed., Conclusion: Apremilast was more effective than methotrexate in psoriasis treatment. The statistically significant difference was found only in PASI scores., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Panda et al.)

Introduction: The rising burden of diabetes mellitus led to the development of novel drugs like dapagliflozin and vildagliptin. Their efficacies in chronic diabetic patients have been thoroughly studied. However, there is a paucity of comparative studies on these drugs in newly diagnosed diabetic patients. The endpoints of our study were changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) at 24 weeks from baseline., Methods: This randomized, open-label, 24-week study was conducted at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India, from January 2021 to November 2022. The participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive tablets of either dapagliflozin 10mg once daily or vildagliptin 50mg once daily as an add-on to metformin 500-2000 mg. The analyses were performed in the per-protocol population. We used R software v. 4.1.1 (R Foundation, Indianapolis, IN) for data analysis., Results: 114 (83.8%) of 136 enrolled participants completed this study. The mean age of the study population was 41.08±5.17 years. Additionally, 52 (45.6%) of them were females. The mean changes in HbA 1c from baseline were -1.19 (95% CI: -1.36 to -1.03) and -1.28 (95% CI: -1.37 to -1.18) in dapagliflozin and vildagliptin groups, respectively (p=0.21). The median changes in FBG and PPBG in both groups were -38.76, -46.13 (p=0.07), and -51.84, -53.56 (p=0.14), respectively., Conclusions: Reductions in HbA 1c , FBG, and PPBG with add-on treatment of vildagliptin were more pronounced than dapagliflozin after a 24-week intervention. However, the differences were not statistically significant., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Gautam et al.)

Introduction: The troubling issues of conventional antidepressants are inadequate disease remission and potential adverse effects. There is a dearth of research findings comparing vilazodone, escitalopram, and vortioxetine. The objective of this analysis is to determinechanges in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scoresand the incidence of adverse events at 12 weeks., Methods: This is an exploratory interim analysis of a randomized, three-arm, open-label ongoing study. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive either vilazodone (20-40 mg/d), escitalopram (10-20 mg/d), or vortioxetine (5-20 mg/d). Efficacy and safety assessments were done at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks, and 12 weeks., Results: Forty-nine(69%) of the 71 enrolled participants (mean age 43.9±12.2 years; 37 men (52%)) completed the 12-week follow-up. At baseline, the three groups' median HDRS scores were 30.0, 29.5, and 29.0 (p=0.76), respectively, and at 12 weeks, they amounted to 19.5, 19.5, and 18.0 (p=0.18), respectively. At baseline, group-wise median MADRS scores were 36, 36, and 36, respectively (p=0.79); at 12 weeks, they were 24, 24, and 23, respectively (p=0.03). In the post-hoc analysis, the inter-group comparison of the change in HDRS (p = 0.02) and MADRS (p = 0.06) scores from baseline did not reach statistical significance. No participants experienced serious adverse events., Conclusion: In this initial assessment of a continuing study, vortioxetine exhibited a clinically (not statistically) significant drop in HDRS and MADRS scores, compared to vilazodone and escitalopram. The antidepressant effects need to be investigated further., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Santi et al.)

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases an individual's vulnerability to infections like tuberculosis. Doses of pyrazinamide and ethambutol are modified to treat such individuals. Additionally, the renal function tends to decline with advancing age. Therefore, it is crucial to study the effect of antitubercular drugs on renal function in young and elderly patients. The primary objective of this study was to determine the change in serum creatinine levels at six months from baseline in two study groups that included patients aged ≤50 and >50 years. The secondary objective was to determine changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and BMI six months from baseline., Methods: We recruited 40 patients with CKD and pulmonary tuberculosis from Srirama Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital, India. Each participant received the modified doses of antitubercular drugs. Their serum creatinine, eGFR, and BMI were assessed at baseline, two and six months. Participants had a mean age of 50.93±9.83 years., Results: The median changes in serum creatinine and eGFR values from baseline were -0.19 and -0.23 mg/dl and 4.16 and 3.93 ml/min/m 2 for the two study groups, respectively. Furthermore, the differences in BMI from baseline were 1.91 and 2.14 kg/m 2 , respectively, for the two groups. The renal function was found to be improved after six months of treatment with modified antitubercular drugs. The intergroup comparisons were not statistically significant., Conclusion: We conclude that the modified regimen helps effectively cure pulmonary tuberculosis and significantly improves renal function in CKD patients. Further studies are required to generalize these findings., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Tripathy et al.)