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ABSTRACTBackgroundDiabetic eye disease is a highly prevalent and sight-threatening disorder. It is a disease of neuro-vascular unit of the retina, if left untreated can cause blindness. Therapeutic approaches followed for its treatment can only restrict the progression of the disease with highly variable results. There is no known biomarker for an early diagonsis of this disease, therefore by the time it is detected it goes beyond repair. This creates a massive demand for development of such biomarkers that help detect disease in its earlier stages.MethodsPUBMED (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) was searched for articles relevant to the topic published till November 2023. The search was made using keywords such as Diabetic Retinopathy, inflammation, tear, biomarker, proteomics etc. The studies providing relevant information to prove the importance of biomarker discovery were chosen. After compiling the data, the manuscript writing was planned under relevant headings and sub-headings.ResultsThe review provides a comprehensive overview of all the tear protein biomarker studies in the field of DR and DME. Briefly, their potential in other diseases is also elucidated. While there are many studies pertaining to DR biomarkers, the identified markers lack validations which has restricted their usage in clinics. In case of DME, there was no such study towards biomarker discovery for its diagnosis and prognosis.ConclusionsThe review highlights major studies and their lacunae in the field of biomarkers discovery for DR and DME.

Feature selection (FS) is a crucial step in pre-processing of data that aims to identify a subset of relevant features from a large pool of available features, while discarding irrelevant or redundant ones. From early 2000s, optimisation heuristic methods have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional FS methods. In the literature, it has been shown that the optimisation heuristics can efficiently search for a subset of relevant features that can represent the data accurately. They are flexible, scalable, and can handle non-differentiable objective functions, making them suitable for FS. In this paper, we comprehensively review those optimisation heuristics that have been developed in last one decade and applied successfully for FS. Each algorithm is elucidated theoretically, providing in-depth explanations of their methodologies. This survey presents difficulties faced by optimisation heuristic FS algorithms and prospective research directions are analysed and highlighted for the benefit of researchers working in this area.

Cymbopogon khasianus(Hack.) is widely distributed and an underutilized plants in tropical and subtropical regions. This study describes time-based aqueous extraction of tea from lemon grass plant. Extraction of tea from tea bags was performed in boiling water with infusion time from 1 to 5 min with fixed and varying number of dips. Compound identification by GC method, fluorescent spectroscopy and FT-IR-based identification of functional groups of active chemical components was studied. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial studies were also performed. GC-FID revealed the presence of citral bioactive molecules. Phenolics, tannins and flavonoids were detected in the tea extract. Tea extract showed considerable DPPH scavenging activity. A in vitro antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity of tea were observed. Kinetic analysis revealed that the tea extract inhibited the α-amylase competitively. The data provide the scientific support to the use of tea made from C. khasianusas a potent herbal source of bioactive compounds.

Antifungal azole drugs like fluconazole, itaconazole and ketoconazole are widely used for treatment of fungal related diseases including aspergillosis and mucormycosis. This study aimed at biosynthesis of fluconazole, itaconazole and ketoconazole containing oil/water (O/W) nanoemulsions (NE) using Eucalyptusessential oil and its effect against aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Nanoemulsions were synthesized having eucalyptus essential oil, surfactants: tween 80, and co-surfactant: ethanol. Zeta potential, pH, conductivity and droplet size of nano-formulations were studied by using Zeta sizer. Nanoemulsions were analyzed by UV–VIS, FT-IR and fluorescent techniques. Stability studies were conducted by storing the nanoemulsions at different conditions for 60 days. Anti-aspergillosis, anti-mucormycosis and drug release pharmokinetics were evaluated. Average size of nanoemulsions ranged from 245 to 415 nm along with zeta potential from − 9.20 to − 25.4 mV. Encapsulation efficiency of drug loaded nanoemulsions was ranged from 40 to 50%. Nano-droplets displayed stability after 60 days of storage. Considerable anti-aspergillosis and anti-mucormycosis activities were detected. Among all formulations, F1NEs depicted high antifungal activity against Aspergillusstrains MTCC 277, MTCC 343 as observed by zone of inhibition (ZOI) values. Against Mucorspp strain MTCC 3373, visual pictures clearly showed substantial inhibition in fungal growth. Pharmokinetic study shown that all nanoformulations showed Korsmeyer–Peppas model.

Lemon grass essential oil (LEO) from Cymbopogon citratusand Palmarosa essential oil (PEO) from Cymbopogon khasianus, are used as complementary and traditional medicine worldwide. The present study aimed at compositional profiling of LEO/PEO and molecular docking of major bioactive compounds geranial and geraniol against fungal enzymes involved in riboflavin synthesis pathway viz: riboflavin synthase (RS), riboflavin biosynthesis protein RibD domain-containing protein (RibD), and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate synthase (DBPS) as apposite sites for drug designing against “Aspergillosis” and “Mucormycosis” and in vitro confirmation. Compositional profile of LEO/PEO was conducted by GC–MS analysis. For molecular docking, patchDock tool was conducted. Ligand-enzyme 2D/3D interactions were also calculated. ADMET properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) were also calculated. GC–MS discovered the occurrence of geranial and geraniol as major components in LEO/PEO, respectively, thus used for docking analysis. Docking analysis specified active binding of geraniol and geranial to riboflavin synthase (RS), riboflavin biosynthesis protein RibD domain-containing protein (RibD), and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate synthase (DBPS) fungal enzymes. Wet-lab authentication was achieved by three fungal strains Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavusand Mucorsp. Docking studies revealed that ligand geranial exhibited interactions with riboflavin synthase (RS), riboflavin biosynthesis protein RibD domain-containing protein (RibD), and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate synthase (DBPS) fungal enzymes by H-bond and hydrophobic interactions. Geranial and geraniol obeyed LIPINSKY rule, and exhibited adequate bioactivity. Wet lab results indicated that LEO/PEO was able to inhibit fungal growth against “Aspergillosis” and “Mucormycosis”.

Essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis(also known as rosemary essential oil) is used as traditional medicine and used as therapeutic in medicine, food, and cosmetic sectors. However, this oil is highly unstable, volatile, and prone to oxidation which limits its use. Thus, encapsulation is the better way to protect this oil from adverse conditions. The objective of this study was synthesis of rosemary essential oil (REO) based O/W (oil/water) nanoemulsions (designated as RNE) and evaluation of its biological potential. Physiological characterization was carried out using, UV, fluorescent, and FT-IR techniques. Various biological activities such as anticancerous, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory were also estimated. Pharmacokinetics studies on RNE were carried out. Encapsulation efficiency of RNE was found to be 92%. RNE nanoemulsions were spherical in shape with globule size, Z-Average (nm) size 220 nm, zeta potential −11.33 mV, and polydispersity index was 0.47. RNE nanoemulsions were stable even after 50 days of storage at different temperatures. Antioxidant potential of RNE was conducted by various assays and IC50were DPPH free radical scavenging activity: 21.53, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity: 26.66, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity: 32.69, ABTS radical scavenging activity: 33.05, and iron chelating assay: 38.78. Notable anticancer activity was observed with the percent cell viability of HeLa cells after treatment with RNE was 23% at higher concentration of 5 μg. Antidiabetic study revealed that RNE inhibited α-amylase in a concentration dependent manner, with 71% inhibition at its higher concentration of 250 μg. RNE depicted maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilisat higher concentration of 300 μg. Drug kinetic study revealed that nanoemulsions exhibited Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Based on this, the possible role of R. officinalisoil-based nanoemulsions in food, cosmetic, and pharma sectors has been discussed.

Background: To understand the pathogenesis of a central corneal dermoid (CD) in a 12-day-old child, a comparison of CD specimen was done with limbal dermoid (LD) and cadaveric corneal (CC) specimens by immuno-histochemical staining.Methods: The child underwent penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. The corneal tissue was sent for histo-pathological and immunochemistry evaluation. The corneal specimen obtained was compared the origin of central CD with LD and CC based on their antigenic expression profile.Results: Clinically over a period of 75 months post operatively the child maintained a clear graft. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of LD had a typical morphology including stratified keratinized epithelium, hair shaft with pilo sebaceous glands, eccrine sweat glands, lymphocytes, and blood vessels. Immuno-histochemical staining showed positive stain for Cytokeratin 3 epithelial marker in the epithelium of CC, LD, and CD. Smooth muscle maker (SMA) was identified in LD and CD but not in the CC as it is devoid of blood vessels. Limbal stem cell maker (P63) was detected only in LD. Vimentin, a mesenchymal stem cell marker stained positively in all three tissues of CC, LD, and CD.Conclusions: Corneal dermoid showed positive staining for mesodermal tissue components compared to both ectodermal and mesodermal components in limbal dermoid suggesting possibly a different origin of corneal dermoid

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)-associated co-infections like “Aspergillosis”, has recently baffled the world. Due to its key role in cell wall synthesis, in the present study UDP-glycosyltransferase, glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase and chitin synthase have been chosen as appropriate targets for molecular docking. The objective of the present study was molecular docking of eucalyptus essential oil component 1,8 cineole against cell wall enzymes followed by in vitro validation. For molecular docking, patch-dock web based online tool was used. Ligand–Protein 2D and 3D Interactions were also studied. Drug likeliness, toxicity profile and cancer cell line toxicity were also studied. Molecular docking results indicated that 1,8 cineole form hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with UDP-glycosyltransferase, glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase and chitin synthase enzymes. 1,8 cineole also depicted drug likeliness by showing compliance with the LIPINSKY rule, sufficient level of bioactivity and cancer cell line toxicity thus signifying its role as a potent anti-fungal drug.

In recent times, speech enhancement (SE) becomes a significant process in the field of speech signal processing. Since the speech signal in real time gets affected by background noise, the efficacy of the speech-based applications gets severely affected. The SE techniques have gained considerable attention in the usage of speaker recognition, video conferences, speech broadcast, speech-enabled biometric systems, smartphones, hearing aid, and so on. Numerous conventional SE and machine learning (ML) models have been employed for processing and removing the additive noise from the speech signal. This paper presents a novel Maximum Likelihood Based Estimation with Quasi Oppositional Chemical Reaction Optimization (MLE-QOCRO) algorithm for speech signal enhancement. The presented MLE-QOCRO algorithm follows three-stage processes namely preprocessing, mask generation, and spectral filtering. Besides, the mask generation process involves QOCRO algorithm to classify the speech signal into noise or speech frames. In addition, MLE based spectral filtering technique is employed at the final stage to get enhanced speech signals. A set of experiments were performed to highlight the improved performance of the proposed MLE-QOCRO algorithm, and the results are investigated in terms of several performance measures. Speech signal augmentation using the unique MLE-QOCRO algorithm, which combines maximum likelihood estimation with quasi-opposing chemical reaction optimization, is the subject of this paper. The QOCRO algorithm is used in the mask generation process in the model to distinguish between noise and speech frames in the input speech signal. A spectral filtering method based on MLE is also utilized to improve the voice signal at the very end. The resultant experimental values pointed out the enhanced outcome of the proposed MLE-QOCRO algorithm over the other compared techniques.

Essential oil from Cymbopogon pendulusis immensely useful in various sectors like food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Since this oil is hydrophobic, unstable, and volatile, hence encapsulation by using nanoemulsions technology is the best way to protect it. This study reports biosynthesis of O/W (oil/water) nanoemulsions based on essential oil from Cymbopogon pendulusand analysis of its biological activities. O/W nanoemulsions were prepared by using tween 20/80, sodium dodecyl sulphate as surfactants, and ethanol as co-surfactants. Fingerprinting of nanoemulsions using UV, fluorescent, and FT-IR was studied along with other parameters like pH and conductivity. Biological activities like antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities and drug release pharmokinetics were evaluated. Ethanol containing nanoemulsions was noticeably smaller than other nanoemulsions. Encapsulation efficiency of nanoemulsions was in the range from 41 to 60%. Nanoemulsions were spherical in shape and stable even after 50 days of storage. Appreciable biological activities like anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities were detected. Drug kinetic study revealed that nanoemulsions exhibited Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Based on this, the possible role of lemon grass oil-based nanoemulsions in cosmetic, food, and pharma sectors has been discussed.

Netnography has emerged as the dominant social media research that allows researchers to understand and assimilate available knowledge for practical insights. However, limited awareness inhibits its development. This systematic literature review attempts to understand the evolution of netnography under the research domain to promote its usage and determine future research directions. The study revealed four broad clusters of the literature based on their prevalence: consumer experience and behaviour, phenomena and events, social media, and digital government. The study also highlights the limited development of new-age phenomena such as brand hate, cyber tourism, and special interest tourism. The study contributes to the domain of netnography in two ways: first by providing a thematic classification of the studies conducted in the decade of 2009-21 and second by suggesting potential future research directions, including scientific inquiry on the new-age phenomena blooming due to high internet penetration.

The Journal of Global Information Management has been publishing high-quality research related to information systems since 1993. The current study provides a retrospective of its magnificent journey. The study recognizes prominent authors, institutions, countries, and publications of JGIM using bibliometric analysis. D.C. Yen and M. Srite are the most productive and influential authors of the journal, while the National University of Singapore is the most contributing institution. The USA emerges as the leading contributor to the journal; however, China exhibits a large number of collaboration links. Along with the description of these trends, the study employs graphical analysis to investigate collaboration links among authors, affiliated institutions, and countries. Furthermore, the study examines the intellectual similarity structures among the authors and countries through the bibliographic coupling. The selected publications have been clustered into six groups based on the similarity of the reference list. The evolution of these themes over time has also been discussed.

The non-structural proteins (nsPs) of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) form the virus’s replication complex. They are known to participate in several functions that allow efficient replication of the virus in diverse host systems. One such function is evading the host defense system such as RNA interference (RNAi). Two nsPs of CHIKV, namely, nsP2 and nsP3, were found to suppress the host/vector RNAi machinery and exhibit RNAi suppressor activity. The present study was undertaken to identify interacting partners of CHIKV-nsP3 in Aedes aegypti. We performed pull-down assays with the mass spectrometry approach and showed the interaction of CHIKV-nsP3 with several Aedesproteins. Further co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that CHIKV-nsP3 interacts with RM62F, a DEAD-box containing RNA known to play roles in multiple gene regulatory processes such as alternative splicing, RNA release, and also is a component of Ago2-RISC complex.

Byline: Nazimul. Hussain, Yashoda. Ghanekar, Inderjeet. Kaur In the last few years anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has changed the paradigm in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration [...]

Universal and timely access to a caesarean section is a key requirement for safe childbirth. We identified the burden of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, and the risk factors following caesarean sections in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This article describes how purchasing from an online store depends on various attributes of the online store. The relative importance given to a particular factor may vary across gender. Thus, it generates a scope of inquiry for understanding the consumer behavior while making an online purchase. Hence, this article tries to understand the relative importance of the factors affecting consumers buying behaviors while shopping online. This article utilizes Fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS for finding relative weights of criteria and ranking of the alternatives available respectively. The results were analyzed for finding the relative importance of factors across gender. The article finds that security of transactions is the topmost priority for both males and females, but they put a different level of importance on rest of the factors. The results provide valuable insights which can help the online stores in prioritizing the important factors for future improvements.

AimRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative eye disease in preterm infants. Based on its phenotypic similarities with familial exudative vitreo retinopathy (FEVR), the present study was conducted to screen the Norrin signalling pathway genes (already been implicated in FEVR) for understanding their involvement among Indian patients with ROP.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of patients with ROP (n=246) and controls (n=300) that included full term (n=110) and preterm babies devoid of ROP (n=190). Screening of the NDP, FZD4, TSPAN12genes were accomplished by resequencing the entire coding and untranslated regions (UTR). The genotype data of the patients with ROP were analysed in the background of their clinical manifestations and further analysed in conjunction with other available data on these genes worldwide.ResultsTwo novel variants in intron 1 (IVS1 +16A>G) and 3′UTR (c.5 22T>C) along with a previously reported change in the 5′UTR (c.395_409del14bp) were observed in the NDPgene in three patients with ROP. Screening of the FZD4revealed four heterozygous variants, p.(Pro33Ser), p.(Pro168Ser), p.(Ile192Ile) and p.(Ile360Val), a compound heterozygous (p.(Pro33Ser)/p.(Pro168Ser)) and a 3′UTR (c*G>T) variants in the study cohort. Variants p.(Pro33Ser) and p.(Pro168Ser) were found to be significantly associated with ROP. A heterozygous variant p.(Leu119Arg) in TSPAN12gene was observed in a patient with threshold ROP. However, a formal genotype–phenotype correlation could not be established due to the low frequencies of the variant alleles in these genes.ConclusionsThis is a first study that revealed association of few variants in Norrin signalling genes among Indian patients with ROP that warrants further detailed investigation worldwide.

Plasmodium falciparumundergoes a tightly regulated developmental process in human erythrocytes, and recent studies suggest an important regulatory role of post-translational modifications (PTMs). As compared with Plasmodiumphosphoproteome, little is known about other PTMs in the parasite. In the present study, we performed a global analysis of asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparumto identify arginine-methylated proteins. Using two different methyl arginine-specific antibodies, we immunoprecipitated the arginine-methylated proteins from the stage-specific parasite lysates and identified 843 putative arginine-methylated proteins by LC–MS/MS. Motif analysis of the protein sequences unveiled that the methylation sites are associated with the previously known methylation motifs such as GRx/RGx, RxG, GxxR, or WxxxR. We identified Plasmodiumhomologues of known arginine-methylated proteins in trypanosomes, yeast, and human. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) was performed on the immunoprecipitates from the trophozoite stage to enrich arginine-methylated peptides. Mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated and HILIC fractions identified 55 arginine-methylated peptides having 62 methylated arginine sites. Functional classification revealed that the arginine-methylated proteins are involved in RNA metabolism, protein synthesis, intracellular protein trafficking, proteolysis, protein folding, chromatin organization, hemoglobin metabolic process, and several other functions. Summarily, the findings suggest that protein methylation of arginine residues is a widespread phenomenon in Plasmodium, and the PTM may play an important regulatory role in a diverse set of biological pathways, including host–pathogen interactions.

The quest for cheaper and better enzymes needed for the efficient hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass has placed filamentous fungi in the limelight for bioprospecting research. In our search for efficient biomass degraders, we identified a strain of Penicillium funiculosumwhose secretome demonstrates high saccharification capabilities. Our probe into the secretome of the fungus through qualitative and label-free quantitative mass spectrometry based proteomics studies revealed a high abundance of inducible CAZymes and several nonhydrolytic accessory proteins. The preferential association of these proteins and the attending differential biomass hydrolysis gives an insight into their interactions and clues about possible roles of novel hydrolytic and nonhydrolytic proteins in the synergistic deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. Our study thus provides the first comprehensive insight into the repertoire of proteins present in a high-performing secretome of a hypercellulolytic Penicillium funiculosum, their relative abundance in the secretome, and the interaction dynamics of the various protein groups in the secretome. The gleanings from the stoichiometry of these interactions hold a prospect as templates in the design of cost-effective synthetic cocktails for the optimal hydrolysis of biomass.

Functionalization of polyethylene (PE) film by radiation-induced graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) and ethyl methacrylate (EMA) has been carried out using a preirradiation technique to develop materials with different degrees of grafting for use in ion separation processes. The influence of reaction conditions such as preirradiation dose, monomer concentration, reaction time and amount of solvent on percentage of grafting (Pg) has been studied and maximum Pg values of EA (144.97%) and EMA (142.35%) were respectively obtained at [EA] = 0.92 mol/L, [EMA] = 0.80 mol/L, total dose = 14.4 kGy and 17.28 kGy at 100 °C in 120 and 180 min. The effect of different monohydric alcohols of varying chain lengths on Pg has also been studied. The modified films have been characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Some selective properties of pristine and grafted PE film such as swelling and ion uptake studies have also been investigated. The grafted films showed better swelling and ion uptake capacity in comparison to the pristine film.

To identify the spectrum of somatic mutations in an Asian Indian patient with uveal melanoma (UM) without metastasis using exome sequencing.

The use of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), as phase transfer catalyst during polymerization of styrene in the presence of water-soluble radical initiator, potassium persulfate (KPS), and graft copolymerization of styrene onto gelatin, a water soluble polymer, using a water-insoluble radical initiator, benzoyl peroxide (BPO), has been explored in a water-benzene biphasic system. The percentage conversion (Pc) of styrene to polystyrene and percent grafting (Pg) of styrene onto gelatin was studied as a function of various reaction parameters. Under optimum reaction conditions, maximum Pc (76%) was obtained at [KPS] = 12.9 × 10-4moles/L, [Sty] = 4.3 ×10-3moles/L, and maximum Pg (87%) was obtained at [BPO] = 4.6× 10-4moles/L, [Sty] = 13.88 × 10-3moles/L using [PTC] = 2.89 × 10-4moles/Lin 10 mL each of water and benzene in 120 min at 60 °C. The graft copolymer, Gel-g-poly(Sty), was characterized by IR, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy and swelling behaviour in different solvents. Metal uptake and degradation studies of the grafted sample were also carried out. The grafted sample showed maximum uptake for Cu2+(88%), Ni2+(80%) and Fe2+(50%). Degradation studies of Gel-g-poly(Sty) were carried out by soil burial test and UV radiations. Photo-degradation showed better degradation (5.26% wt. loss) in 32 h of exposure to UV radiations as compared to soil burial degradation (8.46% wt. loss) in 30 days. Gelatin-styrene graft copolymers can thus be used as bio- and photo-degradable materials for environmental management.

The use of lignocellulosic natural fibres has gained a growing interest during the last few years, principally due to many advantages these fibres can provide in terms of cost, renewability, biodegradability, aesthetic properties, environmental impact etc. Keeping in mind the immense advantages of natural fibres, the present communication is a study on the synthesis and characterization of lignocellulosic Saccaharum cilliarefibre-reinforced polymer biocomposites through compression-moulding technique using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin as anovel polymer matrix. The effect of fibre loading on the mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of cellulose fibre reinforced biocomposites has been investigated. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength and wear resistance of fibre-reinforced polymer composites have been investigated as a function of fibre loading. Reinforcing of the polymer resin with lignocellulosic fibres was done in the particle (200 micron) form. The intact polymer biocomposites fabricated showed a common trend of enhancement in the mechanical properties with fibre loadings up to 30%, and beyond this loading the properties decreased. Fibre/matrix interaction has been analyzed by mechanical and morphological (SEM) studies. Thermal (TGA/ DTA/ DTG) studies have also been carried out on the PF matrix, Saccaharum ciliarefibre and particle-reinforced (P-Rnf) biocomposites.

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to establish the median timing of permanent teeth emergence in a low to high socio-economic level school children. A sample of 1648 Jat-Sikh children which includes 821 children (452 boys, 369 girls) from public schools and 827 children (377 boys, 460 girls) from government schools forms the basis of this study. Each child has been studied for permanent dental eruption and dental caries. The median emergence times have been found in general relatively advanced in public school children with few exceptions although differences are not to the level of significance when compared with government school children. The girls from both public and government schools have been found to be relatively advanced in their emergence times except for first maxillary molar and mandibular central incisors which make their appearance earlier in public school boys and the differences have been found to be statistically non significant. Therefore no differences in dental eruptions between Govt. and Public schools have been observed. No bilateral differences and no sex differences in eruption timings have been observed. The incidence of dental caries has been found to be high in public school children i.e.7.30% in boys and 8.94% in girls as compared to government school children, where the percentage has been found to be 6.36% in boys and 5.77% in girls

In the present communication we report on the grafting of 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP) and methacrylic acid (MAAc) onto Teflon-FEP film by a preirradiation method to synthesize ionic membranes. Optimum conditions pertaining to maximum percentage of grafting were evaluated as a function of different reaction parameters. Maximum percentage of grafting of 4-VP (13.66%) was obtained at an optimum total dose of 58.3 kGy at [4-VP] = 1.9 moles/L while MAAc produced 66.40% of maximum grafting at optimum conditions of 39.74 kGy total dose using [MAAc] = 2.5 moles/L in 10 ml of water. Effect of dose rate on grafting of 4-VP has also been discussed. The optimum conditions were used to graft 4-VP and MAAc onto Teflon-FEP film irradiated at different fluence with Swift heavy ions (SHIs). Better grafting of 4-VP was obtained in the SHI irradiated films while MAAc produced lower grafting. The membranes were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis. Swelling studies of the membranes were performed in different polar solvents such as water, ethanol (EtOH), dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and dimethyl formamide (DMF). Teflon-FEP-g-poly(4-VP) showed maximum swelling in water whereas in case of Teflon-FEP-g-poly (MAAc), maximum swelling was observed in DMSO. Conductance measurements in aqueous sodium chloride solution showed that these membranes have an affinity for Na+ions and Cl-ions and hence can be used in desalination processes for the separation of ions.

A high performance liquid chromatographic method using a silica‐based monolithic column coupled with evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC–ELSD) was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of bacosides (bacoside A, bacopaside I, bacoside A3, bacopaside II, bacopaside X, bacopasaponin C) and apigenin in Bacopa monnieri. The chromatographic resolution was achieved on a Chromolith RP‐18 (100×4.6 mm) column with acetonitrile/water (30:70) as mobile phase in isocratic elution at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The drift tube temperature of the ELSD was set to 95°C, and the nitrogen flow rate was 2.0 SLM (standard liter per minute). The calibration curves revealed a good linear relationship (r2>0.9988) within the test ranges. The detection limits (S/N= 3) and the quantification limits (S/N= 10) for the compounds were in the range of 0.54–6.06 and 1.61–18.78 μg/mL, respectively. Satisfactory average recovery was observed in the range of 95.8–99.0%. The method showed good reproducibility for the quantification of these compounds in B. monnieriwith intra‐ and inter‐day precision of less than 0.69 and 0.67%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify analytes in nine accessions ofB. monnieri and thus provides a new basis for overall quality assessment ofB. monnieri.

In the present article an attempt is made to compare multi-carrier and single carrier modulation schemes for wireless communication systems with the utilization of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and its inverse in both cases. With the assumption that in OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), the inverse FFT transforms the complex amplitudes of the individual sub-carriers at the transmitter into time domain, the inverse operation is carried out at the receiver. In case of single carrier modulation, the FFT and its inverse are used at the input and output of the frequency domain equalizer in the receiver. Different single carrier and multi-carrier transmission systems are simulated with time-variant transfer functions measured with a wideband channel sounder. In case of OFDM, the individual sub-carriers are modulated with fixed and adaptive signal alphabets. Furthermore, a frequency-independent as well as the optimum power distribution are used. Single carrier modulation uses a single carrier, instead of the hundreds or thousands typically used in OFDM, so the peak-to-average transmitted power ratio for single carrier modulated signals is smaller. This in turn means that a SC system requires a smaller linear range to support a given average power. This enables the use of cheaper power amplifier as compared to OFDM system.

AbstractAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a late-onset complex disorder with multifactorial etiologies. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the disease pathogenesis. AMD is the third leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Familial aggregation, segregation studies and linkage analysis have provided both qualitative and quantitative evidence on the genetic basis in AMD. Several candidate loci have been earlier mapped in AMD but variants in genes viz. APOE, ABCA4, FBLN6and EFEMP1harboring these loci have accounted for only a small proportion of cases. Recent screening of two major loci has led to the identification of the Complement Factor H (CFH) on 1q32 and LOC387715and HTRA1on the 10q26 gene cluster. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CFH(Y402H), LOC387715(A69S) and a promoter variant in HTRA1have been associated with AMD in large casecontrol cohorts. These SNPs exhibited large effect sizes and high disease odds for the risk genotypes across different populations. Interestingly, these associations have been widely replicated across multiple ethnic groups worldwide indicating their potential role in the disease pathogenesis. In this review, we would outline the genetics of AMD with special emphasis on CFHfollowed by other genetic variants based on studies done by our group and colleagues worldwide. We would also provide a brief overview on the possible molecular mechanisms leading to AMD.

(Abstracted from Lancet2019;393(10184):1973–1982)Around the world every year, 300,000 women die during childbirth, with 99% of these cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). One potential cause is accessibility to cesarean deliveries in these countries, which are both overutilized and underutilized and contribute to maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes.

Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is a chronic, disfiguring condition, and its management is difficult. The systemic side effects of methotrexate can be avoided if it is effective topically. We studied the efficacy and safety of a recently marketed topical methotrexate (0.25%) preparation in a hydrogel base in patients with palmoplantar lesions. A total of 14 adult patients diagnosed clinically as plaque type of palmoplantar psoriasis (>30% of the palm and/or sole areas involved) were included in the study. Topical methotrexate 0.25% in a hydroxygel base was applied twice daily to the lesions for twelve weeks. The lesions were assessed for degree of erythema, scaling, induration and fissuring (ESIF) and were scored on a severity score of 0–3 (0‐clear, 1‐mild, 2‐moderate, 3‐severe) every two weeks. The most severe condition was given 12 points; 0 denoted no disease. The response at the end of the study was graded as minimal if there was up to 25% reduction in the EISF score, mild as 26–50% reduction, moderate improvement as 51–75% reduction in score, and marked improvement as >75% reduction in score. The average age of the 11 male and female patients was 41.5 years (18–57 years) with the duration of the disease varying from 2 months to 15 years. Ten patients had both palmar and plantar lesions; two each had only palmar lesions or plantar lesions. The ESI score at baseline was 5.8 ± 0.9 for the palms and 6.8 ± 0.5 for the soles. The scores at the end of the study were 3.5 ± 0.7 for palms and 4.8 ± 0.2 for the soles. The average time taken for improvement was at least six weeks. None of the patients had complete clearance of lesions. The drug was well tolerated by all patients. Methotrexate 0.25% in a hydrophilic gel is well tolerated but is not very effective in controlling the lesions of psoriasis on the palms and soles. A higher concentration in a different base with better penetration could possibly provide better results.

The graft copolymerization of styrene (st) and methacrylonitrile (MAN) onto Tefzel film in aqueous media by the preirradiation method has been studied. In order to follow the effect of preswelling of the backbone polymer, grafting was attempted onto preirradiated Tefzel film and monomer preswollen, preirradiated Tefzel film. Optimum conditions pertaining to maximum percentage of grafting of st and MAN have been evaluated. Grafting onto preswollen, preirradiated Tefzel film displayed better results. The effect of different alcohols of increasing chain length on the percentage of grafting of st and MAN was also studied. Graft copolymerization of st showed an increase, while grafting with MAN exhibited a decrease, in the percentage of grafting in the presence of alcohols as compared to that obtained in the aqueous medium. Characterization of the graft copolymers was made by IR and thermogravimetric studies. Tefzel‐graft‐polystyrene showed improved thermal stability while the MAN grafted onto preswollen, preirradiated Tefzel film produced graft copolymer with poor thermal stability. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry

The use of phase-transfer catalysts, with water-insoluble initiators, for polymerization and graft copolymerization reactions was explored. The polymerization of a water-soluble vinyl monomer, acrylamide (AAm), and the graft copolymerization of AAm onto a water-insoluble polymer backbone, isotactic polypropylene (IPP), with a water-insoluble initiator, benzoyl peroxide (BPO), and a phase-transfer catalyst, tetrabutyl ammonium bromide (Bu4N⁺Br⁻), were carried out in a water/xylene binary solvent system. The conversion percentage of AAm into polyacrylamide (PAAm) and the percentage of grafting of AAm onto IPP were determined as functions of various reaction parameters, such as the BPO, AAm, and phase-transfer-catalyst concentrations, the amounts of water and xylene in the water/xylene mixture, the time, and the temperature. The graft copolymer, IPP-g-PAAm, was characterized with IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. By a comparison of the results of the phase-transfer-catalyzed graft copolymerization of AAm onto IPP and the preirradiation method, it was observed that the optimum reaction conditions were milder for the phase-transfer-catalyst-aided graft copolymerization. Milder reaction conditions, including the temperature, the time of reaction, and a moderate initiator (BPO), in comparison with high-energy γ-rays, led to better quality products, and the reaction proceeded smoothly with high productivity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 2364–2375, 2004

Treatment of patients with severe psoriasis is difficult. Among the number of systemic drugs that are available, methotrexate has long been used, but cyclosporine has been recently recommended for the management of severe psoriasis. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of daily cyclosporine with weekly methotrexate in the management of severe psoriasis. Thirty consecutive patients with severe psoriasis were randomly assigned to treatment with cyclosporine or methotrexate. The initial dose of cyclosporine was 3 mg/kg/day, which was increased to a maximum of 4 mg/kg after two weeks of therapy when the response was not adequate. Methotrexate was administered weekly at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Clinical response was assessed by calculating PASI score in all patients at biweekly intervals. Patients were followed up fortnightly up to a maximum of 12 weeks. The doses of both drugs were gradually tapered once >75% reduction in disease severity was attained. Marked improvement (>75%) reduction in PASI was noted in all patients except for one in the cyclosporine group. The median time for marked improvement was 5.3 weeks with methotrexate and 6.8 weeks with cyclosporine. Patients on methotrexate were found to have more rapid and complete clearance than those on cyclosporine. Both drugs were well tolerated. Side effects in both the treatment groups were minor, transient, and manageable. At doses with comparable safety profiles, methotrexate resulted in more rapid and cost effective clearance of patients with severe psoriasis. Cyclosporine can provide an effective and safe alternative.

We have prepared a novel, aqueous gel‐based, liposome‐entrapped formulation of dithranol. Herein, we report preliminary observations on its efficacy, tolerability, and cosmetic acceptability in treating stable plaque psoriasis. Nineteen plaques of psoriasis in nine adult patients were treated for six weeks in a prospective, open‐label trial. In five patients, there was total clearance of lesions, with more than 50% subsidence in a further two patients. Significantly, there were no reports of lesional or perilesional irritation, and only one patient showed faint brown staining of the skin, which was completely and rapidly reversible. These preliminary results indicate that our liposomal dithranol gel has potential advantages over presently available preparations of dithranol; these may translate into enhanced acceptance of this useful drug by patients and physicians.

KID syndrome is rare. We report a 17‐year‐old girl who presented with universally ichthyotic red hue on the face, trunk, and extremities along with deafness and keratitis since childhood. She was diagnosed with KID syndrome. Treatment with acitretin cleared the hyperkeratotic ichthyotic lesions with little effect on the cornea or hearing. Acitretin seems to be a promising new treatment in KID syndrome.

To introduce functional moieties into Tefzel®film, a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene, graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers such as methyl acrylate (MA) and ethyl acrylate (EA) was attempted by a pre-irradiation method in aqueous medium. Optimum conditions for obtaining the maximum grafting was evaluated for both monomers. Maximum grafting of MA (306.0%) and EA (462.1%) was obtained at a total dose of 25.4 and 31.9kGy respectively, using [MA] = 2.20 mol/L and [EA] 0.032 moles. The effect of aliphatic alcohols of varying chain length, such as methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, 1-Pentanol and cyclohexanol on the percentage grafting of MA & EA was also studied. Characterization of Tefzel®and grafted Tefzel®films was carried out by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Grafted Tefzel®film was found to have improved thermal resistance.

In an attempt to develop an alternative to petro-based polymers, we graft-copolymerized cellulose isolated from the needles of Pinus roxburghii with styrene in a limited aqueous medium in air by simultaneous irradiation using gamma rays as the initiator. The optimum conditions for obtaining maximum grafting were determined as a function of monomer concentration, total dose of irradiation, and amount of water. Maximum percentage of grafting (Pg; 79.9) was obtained at a total dose of 1.152 × 10⁴ Gy with 1.325 × 10⁻⁴ mol of styrene. The effect of methanol, LiNO3, Cu(NO3)2, Mohr's salt, H2SO4, HNO3, and AcOH on Pg was studied. All the additives were found to decrease graft yield, contrary to some reported studies. Total percentage conversion and rates of polymerization, grafting, and homopolymerization were evaluated. Evidence of grafting was provided by the characterization of cellulose and its graft copolymers by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and observation of the swelling behavior in some solvents. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1490–1500, 2002

The major non‐surgical re‐pigmenting therapies for vitiligo include psoralens and corticosteroids, used both topically and systemically. In an attempt to determine the best therapeutic option, we compared the efficacy of various treatment regimens used in our department for the treatment of vitiligo. We report herein our results with six different regimens used in our clinic. Data from five hundred vitiligo patients who attended the pigmentary disorders clinic at the Nehru Hospital, PGI, Chandigarh, was analysed. For the purpose of analysis, patients were arbitrarily divided into two groups based upon the body surface area (BSA) involved: Group A (<10% BSA involved) and B (>10% BSA involved). Group A was further divided into three subgoups of patients depending upon what treatment they received: R‐I {topical clobetasol propionate+sun exposure}; R‐II {topical psoralen+sun exposure (topical PUVASOL)}; R‐III {topical psoralen+UVA (topical PUVA)}. Group B was also subdivided into three subgroups of patients who received: R‐IV {oral dexamethasone pulse therapy + sun exposure}; R‐V {systemic psoralen + sun exposure (systemic PUVASOL)}; R‐VI {systemic psoralen + UVA (systemic PUVA)}. Patients who had undergone, one of the above mentioned regimens and had a regular monthly follow up until total re‐pigmentation or for at least one year, whichever was earlier, were included in the final assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of that regimen. At the end of the study in Group A, 207 (89%) patients out of 232 on R‐I; 73 (93%) out of 78 on R‐II, and 15 (79%) out of 19 patients on R‐III showed moderate to excellent re‐pigmentation, respectively. In group B, 45 (81%) patients out of 55 on R‐IV, 48 (84%) out of 57 on R‐V, and 22 (84%) patients out of 26 on R‐VI showed moderate to excellent re‐pigmentation. Statistically, in Group A, R‐I & II were significantly better than R‐III. However in Group B, there was no significant difference in the responses to R‐IV, V, and VI. A positive family history of vitiligo did not seem to affect the response rate. Potent topical steroids used along with sun exposure and topical PUVASOL were the most effective forms of therapy for localised vitiligo. For the generalised form of the disease, we concluded that all the systemic modalities, oral steroids, PUVASOL and PUVA, are equally efficacious over a period of one year. Phototoxic reactions were, however, more common with PUVASOL.

In a tertiary‐care teaching hospital in India, dermatology outpatients with vitiligo (N=113) and psoriasis (N=103) were studied for psychiatric morbidity. The two groups were similar with regard to education, locality, religion, and attitude to appearance (ATT). Psoriasis cases were older, more often male, and more often married. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) assessed psychiatric morbidity rates at 33.63% and 24.7% for vitiligo and psoriasis, respectively. The ICD‐10 psychiatric diagnoses in GHQ positive cases were: adjustment disorder (56% vs62%), depressive episode (22% vs29%) and dysthymia (9% vs4%) in vitiligo and psoriasis, respectively. The Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) assessed that depression, anxiety, and total psychopathology levels were similar in the two GHQ positive subgroups. Significant correlations were noted between psychopathology (GHQ, CRPS), dysfunction as per Dysfunction Analysis Questionnaire (DAQ), and behavior change as per Impact of Skin Disease Scale (IMPACT), and all were more prominent in vitiligo.

To introduce functional moieties to Tefzel film, a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene, graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers such as acrylonitrile (AN) and methacrylonitrile (MAN) was attempted by a preirradiation method in aqueous medium. Optimum conditions for obtaining the maximum percentage of grafting have been evaluated for both monomers. Maximum grafting of AN (52.2%) and MAN (77.7%) is obtained at a total dose of 3.14 and 2.69 × 10⁴ Gy, respectively, using [AN] = 3.018 mol/L and [MAN] = 1.177 mol/L in 10 mL of water. The effect of aliphatic alcohols of varying chain length, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, and cyclohexanol, on percentage add-on of AN and MAN has also been studied. It has been found that all the alcohols decreased the percentage of grafting. Characterization of Tefzel and grafted Tefzel films has been carried out by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Grafted Tefzel film has been found to have improved thermal resistance. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 1171–1178, 2000

Clinical and epidemiological data from 232 patients with lichen planus is presented. Lichen planus constituted 0.38% of the total dermatology outpatients diagnosed. The patient ages ranged from 8 to 76 years, most being in the age range from 20 to 49 years. Duration of disease varied from 1 month to 7 years. Both sexes were equally affected. The majority of the patients (47.4%) had classical lesions followed by hypertrophic and actinic lichen planus next in frequency. Itching was the predominant symptom in 79.3%. Limbs were the most frequent initial site of onset (55.6%). Mucosal involvement along with cutaneous lesions were observed in 16.8% and genital involvement in only 5.2%. Nail changes were observed in 15.1% of patients. A history of recurrence of the disease was obtained from 10.3% of patients. Liver disease was found to be associated in 2.2% of patients. No malignant changes were observed in any of the lesions of lichen planus.

A cadmium bioconcentration study was carried out in a fresh water teleost, Colisa fasciatus, to study the bioaccumulation kinetics and fate of exogenous cadmium (Cd) in biological tissues. Study shows that on exposure of the fish to a sublethal concentration of cadmium in test water, Cd uptake results in its bioconcentration in gills, liver and muscle tissues. To explore whether the accumulated Cd reaches the membranes or inside the cells, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the thin sections of tissues was done after histochemical localization of Cd in cells by modified SST method. TEM studies of sections of gills, liver and muscle tissues showed the deposits of exogenous Cd (visualized as dense clouds) in biological cells. This suggests the presence of free or loosely bound Cd on the membranes and inside the cells, which in the presence of Na2S is converted into insoluble metal sulfides. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) studies confirmed the presence of Cd on the membrane surface as well as inside the cells of bioindicator organs suggesting involvement of membrane transport of exogenous Cd inside the cells and its deposition as loosely bound insoluble metal complexes.

The early events of activation were studied in paucibacillary (TT/BT) and multibacillary (BL/LL) leprosy patients by stimulation of their lymphocytes with mitogenic agents (calcium ionophore A23187/PMA) and Micobacterium lepraeantigen (PGL‐1). Maximum proliferation in response to PMA/A23187 and PGL‐1 was observed in the BT/TT patients and the control group, respectively. Inositol triphosphate (IP3) and calcium were constitutively elevated in BT/TT and LL/BL patients. PMA/A23187 caused an increase in both IP3and [Ca2+]iin BT/TT patients and controls. PGL‐1 marginally increased IP3levels in BT/TT patients. In the LL/BL patients, although PMA/A23187 increased IP3levels, but no change was seen in [Ca2+]i, PGL‐1 had no effect. Protein kinase C levels were seen to be associated with particulate fractions in BT/TT patients and were found to increase further in response to PMA/A23187. PGL‐1 did not increase translocation of protein kinase C in controls or LL/BL patients. A preactivated and sensitised state of T‐lymphocytes was observed in BT/TT patients, responsive to antigen and mitogens, whereas the cells of LL/BL patients were unresponsive to PGL‐1. The altered signal transduction events characterised in the MB patients thus correlate well with the anergic state of their cells.

White rot fungal strains screened from local sources (wood trunks and from effluents of pulp and paper industry) were tested for their ability to biodegrade polymeric compounds, viz. polymeric dyes (crystal violet and brilliant green) and chlorinated phenol (pentachlorophenol). Two of the most promising strains showing maximum degradation of polymeric dyes were selected to study the biodegradation potential and pattern of biodegradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP), a commonly used leather preservative and a potential carcinogen. PCP was quantitatively estimated and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Conditions were optimized for the measurement of PCP on HPLC, which were: mobile phase, 60% acetonitrile and 40% water; flow rate, 1 mL/ min; column, µ Bondapack C18 RP and UV detector at 238 nm. One of the white rot fungal strains isolated from wood trunk showed a maximum 68% biodegradation of PCP in liquid-buffered medium in 16 days. The biodegradation pattern of PCP followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics. Studies on enhancement of biodegradation of polymeric dyes and PCP showed that the kinetics of biodegradation is greatly improved by the presence of manganese ions, H2O2 and glucose in the medium. This strongly suggests the involvement of peroxidase enzyme machinery of white rot fungus in the biodegradation process of PCP. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Among 150 untreated patients of leprosy, 19 had only macular lesions; three were of the indeterminate type, and eight each were of the tuberculoid and the borderline types, according to the Indian Association of Leprologists (IAL, 1981) classification. The clinical, bacteriological, and histopathological parameters of these 19 patients were studied both before and after six months of WHO Multi Drug Therapy (MDT/1982). A single macule was present in seven (36.84%) patients. In twelve (63.16%), two or more were seen. In eighteen (94.74%), one or more peripheral nerves were enlarged. The size of the macules varied from 5 to 15 cm, and there were no changes seen even after treatment. In most (94.74%) of the patients, the macules were hypopigmented. The surfaces were rough and dry in seven (36.84%) but smooth in the other twelve (63.16%). The margins were well defined in the seven (36.84%) patients with single macules but ill defined in the other twelve (63.16%). After six months of antileprosy treatment, the single macules showed some resolution. Slit skin smear examination was negative in all cases before and after treatment. Clinico‐histopathological correlations were seen in only six (31.58%) patients; the clinical diagnoses were indeterminate and tuberculoid leprosy in three (15.79%) patients each. In the indeterminate group, the clinico‐histopathological correlation was 100%; it was 37.50% in the tuberculoid group. There were no correlations between the clinical and histopathological parameters in thirteen (68.42%) cases. After six months of treatment, the histopathology became nonspecific in all patients. The lepromin test was positive in six (31.58%) patients; four were of the tuberculoid group and one each from the indeterminate and borderline leprosy groups. Hence, although macular lesions can be seen throughout the leprosy spectrum, it is difficult to correlate their clinical, bacteriological and histopathological parameters.