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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has emerged as a deadly pandemic affecting countries all over the world. Here we share our experience of managing adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and concomitant COVID-19 infection jointly managed by pediatric and adult nephrology teams. This retrospective study was done on patient admissions (>18 years) between 20th June- 30th October 2020 with previously diagnosed CKD and hospitalised with COVID-19 infection. The demographic details, underlying comorbidities, clinical presentation, medications, laboratory, radiological profile and outcomes were studied. A total of 213 adults (62% males) with CKD were admitted during this period with a median (IQR) age of 52 (42, 60) years; 75 (35.2%) had associated diabetes mellitus, 83.1% hypertension, 5.2% hypothyroidism and 7% coronary artery disease. 165 (77.5%) were on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD), and 72.8% had arteriovenous fistula as vascular access at presentation. Most (84.5%) patients were symptomatic for COVID-19, and about 2/3 diarrhoea had moderate to severe disease. Oxygen therapy was needed in 62.9%, and medications used were hydroxychloroquine in 84.5%, azithromycin in 21.6%, ivermectin in 82.6%, steroids in 63.8% and Low molecular weight heparin in 59.2%. A further comparison of patients with CKD5D and CKDND revealed similar parameters except for a higher incidence of diarrhoea, acute kidney injury (AKI) and a shorter period to RTPCR negativity (12.5 vs 15 days; P = 0.038) in CKDND. The overall mortality was 24.4%, with similar mortality rates in both groups (P = 0.709) and 20.7% needed ICU transfer. Adults with CKD especially on haemodialysis, are prone to more severe COVID-19 infection and take a longer time for viral clearance (>2 weeks); the mortality too is higher in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a chronic disorder requiring lifelong therapy. False perceptions, poor knowledge, and social isolation adversely affect the psychosocial health and quality of life of patients and caregivers. The study was undertaken to ascertain the quality of life of caregivers of children with CAH. A hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled caregivers of children diagnosed with CAH where newborn screening was unavailable. Quality of life (QoL) was measured using the WHO-QoL-BREF questionnaire to compare physical, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Eighteen children with CAH (9 males), 14 salt-wasting, and 4 simple virilizing CAH with median (IQR) age of 4.3 (2.6, 9.8) years and a follow-up period of 3.8 (1.3, 8.4) years were enrolled. Out of 18 caregivers, 6 were fathers and 12 mothers with a mean (SD) age of 38 (8) years. The mean (SD) of the total score was 69.2 (10.6); physical, psychological, environmental, and social domain were 69.8 (15.1), 57 (12.6), 64 (14.5), and 65 (9.9), respectively. Physical, psychological, and environmental domain scores were significantly higher in upper-middle than lower-middle socioeconomic strata (P < 0.05) and similar between salt-wasting and simple virilizing phenotypes. There was no significant correlation between QoL scores and duration of disease (r = 0.257, P = 0.44). Parents of 7 (38%) patients discussed disease with extended families or neighbors, but none of the school teachers were informed. Death (56%), social acceptance (27%), and infertility (18%) were the major concerns acknowledged. The study reflects the suboptimal quality of life in caregivers of children with CAH. There was no correlation of the duration of disease with the QoL scores. Psychological and social relationship scores were poorest, indicating the need to creating more awareness to remove social taboos associated with this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over half of patients with elevated blood pressure require multi-drug treatment to achieve blood pressure control. However, multi-drug treatment may lead to lower adherence and more adverse drug effects compared with monotherapy. The Quadruple Ultra-low-dose Treatment for Hypertension (QUARTET) USA trial was designed to evaluate whether initiating treatment with ultra-low-dose quadruple-combination therapy will lower office blood pressure more effectively, and with fewer side effects, compared with initiating standard dose monotherapy in treatment naive patients with SBP < 180 and DBP < 110 mm Hg and patients on monotherapy with SBP < 160 and DBP < 100 mm Hg. QUARTET USA was a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03640312) conducted in federally qualified health centers in a large city in the US. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either ultra-low-dose quadruple combination therapy or standard dose monotherapy. The primary outcome was mean change from baseline in office systolic blood pressure at 12-weeks, adjusted for baseline values. Secondary outcomes included measures of blood pressure change and variability, medication adherence, and health related quality of life. Safety outcomes included occurrence of serious adverse events, relevant adverse drug effects, and electrolyte abnormalities. A process evaluation aimed to understand provider experiences of implementation and participant experiences around side effects, adherence, and trust with clinical care. QUARTET USA was designed to evaluate whether a novel approach to blood pressure control would lower office blood pressure more effectively, and with fewer side effects, compared with standard dose monotherapy. QUARTET USA was conducted within a network of federally qualified healthcare centers with the aim of generating information on the safety and efficacy of ultra-low-dose quadruple-combination therapy in diverse groups that experience a high burden of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) is a major driver of the summer precipitation across the Indian subcontinent affecting a vast population. Yet, the limited chronological extent of the instrumental records accompanied with the control of the climatic variables on the ISM, has hampered the efforts to document the climate change for the last two millennia. The present multiproxy study reports a high-resolution sedimentary record from the Gulf of Khambhat region (Western India) which represents two alternating climatic phases representing relatively arid and humid climatic conditions that coincides with the widely reported Dark Ages Cold Period (DACP) (AD 680 – AD 920) and Medieval Warm Period (MWP) (AD 920 to ∼ AD 1400). This variability of the ISM, further tends to be modulated by the solar forcings, with the periods of solar minima coinciding well with the episodes of the reduced monsoonal strength and vice-versa. The difference in timing of DACP and MWP in the North Atlantic Region (NAR) and the present study, hints at the linkage between the ISM and NAR via an atmospheric route, driven by the solar variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research focused on developing a novel antimicrobial film composed of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-curry leaf essential oil (CLEO) micro-capsules in buckwheat starch (BS) and chitosan (CH) matrix for preservation and shelf-life extension of green grapes. The β-CD@CLEO micro-capsules were prepared by the co-precipitation technique and subsequently characterized. The encapsulation efficiency of β-CD@CLEO was 82.20%, and the outcomes of FTIR, TGA, and SEM revealed the successful micro-encapsulation of CLEO in micro-capsules. Various amounts of β-CD@CLEO (1%, 2%, 4%, and 8% w/w) were then added to the buckwheat starch-chitosan (BS/CH) composite films using the solution casting method. The films' physico-chemical, functional, mechanical, thermal, biodegradability, cytotoxicity, and micro-structural properties were thoroughly evaluated. Results showed that the addition of 4% w/w micro-capsules improved the hydrophobicity and functional properties of the composite (BS/CH) films. Furthermore, these films exhibited excellent mechanical and UV-barrier properties. The release behavior of the CLEO from the film was studied, and mathematical modeling showed that release behavior followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. All films showed excellent biodegradation and were non-toxic in nature. Green grapes were then packed with the film samples alongside polyethylene film for comparison. From several phyiso-chemical parameters and visual appearance, it was found that F5 film (BS/CH/β-CD@CLEO-4%) was able to prolong the shelf life of grapes to 25 days at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1 °C). Overall, the fabricated BS/CH/β-CD@CLEO-4% multi-functional film offers a novel alternative to synthetic packaging used in preserving perishable items, thereby contributing to sustainable development. This development aligns with global efforts to promote eco-friendly materials and supports the transition towards a circular economy in the packaging industry. [Display omitted] • - • β-CD@CLEO micro-capsules were formed using a co-precipitation technique. • BS/CH composite films were infused with varying amounts (1%, 2%, 4% and 8% w/w) β-CD@CLEO micro-capsules. • Film with 4.0% (w/w) of micro-capsules showed maximum hydrophobic nature, UV- barrier and functional properties. • Films showed remarkable biodegradability and were non-toxic in nature. • Multifunctional films effectively enhanced the shelf life of grapes at 4 ± 1 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride mutated with metal nanoparticles has captivated great interest as an effective fluorescent sensor for the detection of harmful ions present in water. In the present work, bulk-gCN was synthesized using melamine as precursor, and further Au-gCN nanocomposite were fabricated via in-situ direct reduction deposition method. The structural, morphological, compositional, stability and optical properties of bulk gCN and Au-gCN nanocomposite were examined using various scattering and spectroscopic techniques such as HRTEM, XPS, XRD and SEM. The synthesized bulk gCN straggles during selectivity studies with different cations and anions because of its uneven surface morphology, however in Au-gCN gold nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the gCN sheets which results in its enhanced selectivity over bulk gCN. This leads to the fabrication of an optical sensor for Fe3+ and Cr 2 O 7 2 − ions with limit of detection of 4.62 and 2.77 μM, respectively. The sensing of Fe3+ ions corresponds to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism, while the detection of chromate species is associated with an inner filter effect (IFE). The practical applicability of the sensor was also evaluated for different environmental water samples. The high stability, sensitivity, and specificity of Au-gCN nanocomposite make it a potential fluorescent probe for Fe3+ and Cr 2 O 7 2 − ions in water samples. [Display omitted] • Au-gCN nanocomposite fluorescent sensor was synthesized via simple in-situ direct reduction-deposition method. • Fabricated optical sensor shows high thermal, pH, and chemical stabilities in water. • Sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+ and Cr 2 O 7 2 − with a limit of detection of 4.62 and 2.77 μM respectively. • Optical sensing of Cr (VI) is accompanied by its reduction to less toxic Cr (III) ions. • The future scope of the sensor is explored by investigating different tap and groundwater samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the networks, experiences and aspirations of Nepalese workers in Southern Portugal's farms and greenhouses. The main research objective is to analyse how recruitment networks, which supported the move of Nepalese to Portugal, were established and have rapidly consolidated. These networks impacted not only the increase of irregular migration flows but also the migration experience and vulnerability in the country of destination, including the passive acceptance of a certain degree of exploitation. By highlighting the perspective of the migrants themselves, we examine the impact on their lives, both of the migration experience and of paying large sums to smugglers, usually obtained through indebtment, to enter Portugal. We relate this impact to a context of immigration where the existence of a large informal labour market facilitates these workers being hired as irregular migrants. The study employed secondary data, in-depth interviews and participant observation. As well as migrants, greenhouse owners and recruiters were also interviewed for the study. The main finding is that the disposition of Nepalese to migrate, in which the pressure of the family plays a key role, tends to be reinforced by the action of the networks of recruiting agents. Secondly, the costs of migration and labour exploitation tend to be accepted by the migrants as a way to fulfil their social aspirations and economic necessities. • Aspirations for material gains through migration are coupled with a rise in social status in Nepal. • Using migration networks, Nepalese resort to smuggling services and pay on average €9600 to recruitment and travel agencies. • Though living conditions in Portugal are precarious, the Nepalese simultaneously enjoy consuming 'modernity' in Portugal, new lifestyles and greater individual freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronaviruses did not invite attention at a global level and responsiveness until the series of 2003-SARS contagion followed by year- 2012 MERS plus, most recently, 2019- nCoV eruptions. SARS-CoV & MERS-CoV are painstaking, extremely pathogenic. Also, very evidently, both have been communicated from bats to palm-civets & dromedary camels and further transferred ultimately to humans. No country has been deprived of this viral genomic contamination wherever populaces reside and are interconnected. This study aimed to develop a mathematical model for calculating the transmissibility of this viral genome. The analysis aids the study of the outbreak of this Virus towards the other parts of the continent and the world. The parameters such as population mobility, natural history, epidemiological characteristics, and the transmission mechanism towards viral spread when considered into crowd dynamism result in improved estimation. This article studies the impact of time on the amount of susceptible, exposed, the infected person taking into account asymptomatic and symptomatic ones; recovered i.e., removed from this model and the virus particles existing in the open surfaces. The transition from stable phase to attractor phase happens after 13 days i.e.; it takes nearly a fortnight for the spread to randomize among people. Further, the pandemic transmission remains in the attractor phase for a very long time if no control measures are taken up. The attractor-source phase continues up to 385 days i.e., more than a year, and perhaps stabilizes on 386th day as per the Lyapunov exponent's analysis. The time series helps to know the period of the Virus's survival in the open sources i.e. markets, open spaces and various other carriers of the Virus if not quarantined or sanitized. The Virus cease to exist in around 60 days if it does not find any carrier or infect more places, people etc. The changes in LCEs of all variables as time progresses for around 400 days have been forecasted. It can be observed that phase trajectories indicate how the two variables interact with each other and affect the overall system's dynamics. It has been observed that for exposed and asymptomatically infected (y – z), as exposed ones (y) change from 0 to 100 the value of asymptomatically infected (z) increased upto around 58, at exposed ones (y) = 100, asymptomatically infected (z) has two values as 58 and 10 i.e. follows bifurcation and as exposed ones (y) changes values upto 180, the value of asymptomatically infected (z) decreases to 25 so for exposed ones (y) from 100 to 180, asymptomatically infected (z) varies from 58 to 25 to 10 follows bifurcation. Also, phase structures of exposed-symptomatically infected (y – u) , exposed-removed (y – v) , exposed-virus in the reservoir (y – w) , asymptomatically infected-removed (z – v) , symptomatically infected - removed (u – v) specifically depict bifurcations in various forms at different points. In case of asymptomatically infected-virus in the reservoir (z – w), at asymptomatically infected (z) = 10, the value of viruses in the reservoir (w) = 50, then as asymptomatically infected (z) increases to upto around 60. At this point, removed ones (v) increase from 50 to 70 and asymptomatically infected (z) decrease to 20 i.e., crosses the same value twice, which shows its limiting is known as limit cycle behavior and both the values tend to decrease towards zero. It shows a closed-loop limit cycle. Today, there has been no scientific revolution in the development of vaccination, nor has any antiviral treatment been successful, resulting in lack of its medication. Based on the phases, time series, and complexity analysis of the model's various parameters, it is studied to understand the variation in this pandemic's scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lockdown imposed due to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in adopting electronic learning (e-learning) as the means of education in various institutions all over India. This study aimed to collect the experiences of faculty and students regarding e-learning in medical colleges during COVID-19 and to analyse the likely perceived benefits and problems to choose blended learning activities after the COVID crisis. A survey-based study was conducted among undergraduate students and faculty members in medical colleges of Delhi-NCR. Two hundred forty-eight medical students and 23 faculty members participated in the study. Two hundred twelve (85.4%) students considered medical education to be severely affected during the lockdown and 219 (88.3%) students found the online classes to be useful. Poor connectivity followed by lack of human interface and poor sound or acoustics were the major hindering factors, whereas convenience and access were reported as important facilitating factors. In the postlockdown phase, 135 (54.4%) students want online classes to be continued in addition to classroom teaching for the cognitive domain, 42 (16.9%) students want it for both cognitive and psychomotor domain and 60 (24.1%) do not want online classes. The majority of the faculty members (65.2%) were in favour of including online teaching modules in routine curriculum and 69.6% suggested a 70%:30% distribution of traditional and online classes after the COVID lockdown. Implementation of e-learning within the existing curriculum is bound to be challenging; however, it remains the only solution during COVID-19 imposed lockdown for maintaining the chain of learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the characteristics of an unpaid Facebook page for drug information (DI) and its reachability to users.Methods: In this retrospective observational study over a 6-month duration, a Facebook page for the DI Center was created. One drug-related clinical question recently asked in the DI Center by a hospital clinician and its evidence-based answer along with the appropriate references were framed in a scenario and posted on the Facebook page on working days. The Facebook page likes, consumption, reach, engagement, impressions, and total number of followers were obtained from Facebook insights. The monthly averages of these parameters were assessed using the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test.Results: The cointegration (ADF) test revealed a statistically significant time-dependent correlation trend between the mean engaged users and mean monthly reach (ADF, -4.904; P = 0.01). Similarly, a statistically significant time-dependent correlation trend was observed with mean engaged users and mean monthly impressions (ADF, -5.456; P = 0.01).Conclusion: The knowledge gap between quality DI and evidence-based medicine practice in a developing country can be bridged with a novel DI Center Facebook page initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) are efficacious in controlled settings; data are scarce on the effectiveness utilizing health care delivery platforms. Objective We evaluated the impact of an infant young child feeding (IYCF)–SQ-LNS intervention on anemia and growth in children aged 6–18 mo in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a quasi-experimental effectiveness design. Methods An intervention health zone (HZ) received enhanced IYCF including improved counseling on IYCF during pregnancy until 12 mo after birth and daily use of SQ-LNS for infants 6–12 mo; the control HZ received the standard IYCF package. We analyzed data from 2995 children, collected in repeated cross-sectional surveys. We used adjusted difference-in-difference analyses to calculate changes in anemia, iron and vitamin A deficiencies, stunting, wasting, and underweight. Results Of mothers, 70.5% received SQ-LNS at least once in the intervention HZ, with 99.6% of their children consuming SQ-LNS at least once. The mean number of batches of SQ-LNS (28 sachets per batch, 6 batches total) received was 2.3 ± 0.8 (i.e. 64.4 ± 22.4 d of SQ-LNS). The enhanced program was associated with an 11.0% point (95% CI: −18.1, −3.8; P  < 0.01) adjusted relative reduction in anemia prevalence and a mean +0.26-g/dL (95% CI: 0.04, 0.48; P  = 0.02) increase in hemoglobin but no effect on anthropometry or iron or vitamin A deficiencies. At endline in the intervention HZ, children aged 8–13 mo who received ≥3 monthly SQ-LNS batch distributions had higher anthropometry z scores [length-for-age z score (LAZ): +0.40, P  = 0.04; weight-for-age z score (WAZ): +0.37, P  = 0.04] and hemoglobin (+0.65 g/dL, P  = 0.007) and a lower adjusted prevalence difference of stunting (−16.7%, P  = 0.03) compared with those who received none. Conclusions The enhanced IYCF–SQ-LNS intervention using the existing health care delivery platform was associated with a reduction in prevalence of anemia and improvement in mean hemoglobin. At endline among the subpopulation receiving ≥3 mo of SQ-LNS, their LAZ, WAZ, and hemoglobin improved. Future research could explore contextual tools to maximize coverage and intake adherence in programs using SQ-LNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of an infant, young child feeding practices-small-quantity lipid nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) intervention on child development scores in children aged 6-18 months in the Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).Study Design: We analyzed data of 2595 children from 2 health zones in a quasi-experimental design with preimplementation and postimplementation surveys to evaluate program impact on child development scores. Standard care was received in the comparison health zone and the intervention health zone received standard care plus enhanced infant, young child feeding practices with a monthly supply of 28 SQ-LNS sachets for up to 1 year. Program exposure and communication and motor domains of the Ages and Stages questionnaire were collected to assess changes in child development scores. A quasi-intent-to-treat and adjusted difference-in-difference analyses were used to quantify impact of the enhanced compared with the standard package.Results: In adjusted models contrasting endline with baseline, there was a greater relative increase in proportion of children with normal communication (difference-in-difference, +13.7% [95%CI, 7.9-19.6; P < .001] and gross motor scores, +7.4% [95% CI: 1.3-13.5; P < .001]) in the intervention vs comparison health zones. Further, in separate analyses among children of intervention health zone at endline, each additional SQ-LNS distribution was associated with +0.09 (95% CI, 0.03-0.16) z-score unit increase in gross motor scores (P < .01).Conclusions: The integrated infant, young child feeding practice-SQ-LNS intervention was positively associated with larger relative improvements in measures of child communication and motor development in the Katanga province of DRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cobalt ferrite and silver doped cobalt ferrite, Ag x Co 1− x Fe 2 O 4 , (x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02) nanoparticles were synthesized through sol-gel auto-combustion technique via chemical and green synthesis (using the extract of tulsi seeds(Ocimum sanctum) and garlic cloves(Allium sativum)). Systematic characterization by XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM and EDX has been performed to study structural, morphological and magnetic behavior of the prepared samples. XRD confirms that the prepared samples are crystalline and have a cubic (inverse spinel) structure. Absorption bands have been studied using FTIR that further confirms the formation of single phase spinel crystal structure having two sub-lattices (T d and O h). FE-SEM micrographs reveal the formation of cubic and encapsulated type structure in case of chemical and green synthesis respectively. EDX confirms the presence of all the required elements in the respective stoichoimetric ratios. Magnetic measurements through VSM at room temperature show that the magnetic saturation values for samples obtained using tulsi seed extract mediated synthesis and chemical synthesis are much higher than those obtained using garlic extract. The antibacterial activity of all the prepared samples against gram positive and gram negative strains were investigated and a modified mechanism of action for the antibacterial activity is proposed. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of chemically and green synthesized antibacterial cobalt ferrite nanoparticle. Tulsi mediated synthesis of Ag-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were found to be more potent than garlic and chemically synthesized samples. Image 1 Highlights • Synthesis of nanoparticles via various methods, chemical and green synthesis route. • Characterization by XRD, FTIR, EDX and FESEM confirms the formation of the cobalt ferrites. • XRD Rietveld refinement confirms purity of samples i.e. no secondary phase formation. • The variation in magnetic studies shows mechanism of enhancement in activity. • Modified ROS mechanism is proposed for antibacterial activity for chemical and green synthesized samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We implement a contextualized time-use and socio-economic survey in India. • We examine the effect of caregiving on labor market participation (LMP), time allocation, life satisfaction, happiness, and health. • On average women spend 192 min per day on caregiving, 75 min more than men. • An additional hour of caregiving per day reduces women's LMP by 20 percentage points (pp), with no effect for men. • Unlike men, women's happiness, satisfaction and health are negatively affected by caregiving. Using a contextualized primary time-use survey (TUS) data, we examine the gendered effects of unpaid care work on care providers' well-being outcomes– labor supply, time allocation, life satisfaction, happiness, and health in India. A reduced form weighted composite score of health conditions and assistance need within household, and presence of care centers in the community is used as an instrument for caregiving. Using two-stage least squared instrumental variables estimation, we find greater adverse effects of caregiving on women compared to men. An additional hour of caregiving reduces women's: i) probability of labor market participation by 20 percentage points (pp) and their employment hours by over one hour per day; ii) self-care and socializing time; and iii) probability of life satisfaction and happiness; with either no significant or smaller negative effects for men. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to implement a contextualized TUS, comprising rich data on households' care needs, private and public care provisioning, households' access to technology and consumer durables, gender norms, and women's empowerment. Moreover, the first study in the context of India to provide gender-differentiated effects of unpaid care on well-being. The study draws policy implications focusing on interventions directed towards mitigating restrictive gender norms, access to durable goods and reducing the burden of domestic chores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density ( ρ ), speed of sound ( u ), viscosity ( η ) and enthalpy of dilution ( q ) measurements for methylxanthines (caffeine, theophylline and theobromine) in aqueous medium and in aqueous solutions of (0.10–1.00) mol·kg −1 KCl covering a temperature range T  = (288.15–318.15) K and at p  = 101.325 kPa have been accomplished using a density and sound velocity meter, Micro-Ubbelohde type capillary viscometer and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, respectively. Transfer parameters evaluated from the data suggest that competition among various interactions exists at low and high molalities of KCl (aq.) solutions. The increase in bitterness and decrease in hydration number of methylxanthines with the m B values have been observed. The dehydration effect of KCl (aq.) at low molalities on the methylxanthines has also been established using ITC. Positive change in the chemical shifts ( 1 H NMR) and increase in absorption intensity (UV–vis) of methylxanthines in the presence of KCl (aq.) further support our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strigolactones are plant hormones that control diverse aspects of plant growth, but are also exuded into soil as recruitment signals for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi interactions. Highly damaging parasitic weeds in the Orobanchaceae family have coopted strigolactones as germination cues that indicate the presence of a host. Recent studies have established how strigolactones are actively transported within and out of plants. Key components of the strigolactone signaling system have been identified, including strigolactone receptors in angiosperms and parasites, as well as downstream targets that are polyubiquitinated and proteolyzed following strigolactone perception. The basis for protein-protein interactions among these signaling components has also been explored. We propose several strategies to translate current knowledge of strigolactone transport and signaling into parasite control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fish processing by-products are rich source of various novel and valuable biomolecules such as collagen and gelatin. Herein, we have extracted and purified collagen from the skin of two different marine fish species-crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus) and silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus). The processing of these fishes produces huge quantities of by-products such as skin, fins, and bones. So, the extraction of collagen will be promising for the value addition to their by-products. Finally, the yield is moderately high viz. 13% (crimson snapper) and 7.5% (silver pomfret) on dry weight basis, respectively. The isolated proteins were characterized by different physicochemical techniques like FTIR, CD, SDS-PAGE, Zeta potential analyzer, SEM, and EDX. The denaturation temperatures (T d) as determined by CD was 34.54 °C and 33.58 °C for crimson snapper and silver pomfret, respectively. The T d is close to the mammalian collagen and hence, they serve as better alternative to mammalian collagen. The collagen from both the sources had lowest solubility at a basic pH (8–10), and lower ionic strength while higher solubility in acidic pH (1–5), and higher ionic strength. Further, the fibrillogenesis process was studied to understand the effects of temperature and ionic strength on collagen in vitro self-assembly. Collagen self-assembly is advantageous in making collagen-based gels for cell culture, and biomedical applications. In addition, the antioxidant activities of collagen and collagen hydrolysates prepared by enzyme (trypsin) were examined by DPPH, FRAP, NO and TAP antioxidant assays. The hydrolysates showed outstanding antioxidant activities as compared to native collagen solution. The result shows that fish waste is the potential and sustainable sources of collagen where its applications are not limited by religious conflicts and threats of various transmittable diseases. [Display omitted] • The extracted collagens had higher solubility at lower ionic strength, and acidic pH. • T d of the extracted collagens near to mammalian collagen hence, used an alternative to mammalian collagen. • Collagen hydrolysates showed good antioxidant activities as compared to native collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At any point in time, an average 8 million Indian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Objective: This article assesses the effectiveness of an integrated model for the management of SAM (IM-SAM) in India comprising facility- and community-based care and using locally adapted protocols. Design: Children (n = 2740) were randomly sampled from the 44,017 children aged 6-59 mo admitted to 199 Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers in the state of Madhya Pradesh (1 January to 31 December 2010). Results: On admission, 2.2% of children had edema, 23.4% had medical complications, 56% were girls, 79% were in the age group 6-23 mo, and 64% belonged to scheduled tribe or scheduled caste families. Fifty-six children (2.0%) with severe congenital or pathological conditions were transferred to the district hospital. Of the 2684 program exits, 10 children (0.4%) died, 860 (32.0%) did not complete treatment (defaulted), and 1814 (67.6%) were discharged after a mean (±SD) stay of 75.8 ± 9.4 d. The mean weight gain among discharged children was 2.7 ± 1.9 g ⋅ kg body wt-1 ⋅ d-1; on discharge, 1179 (65%) of the children had recovered (weight gain >15% of initial weight). Conclusions: The survival rates in the IM-SAM program were very high. However, the moderate recovery rates documented seem to indicate that the protocols currently in use need to be improved. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01917734. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel edible composite coating composed of buckwheat starch (BS) and chitosan (CH) with varying levels of curry leaf essential oil (CLEO) was synthesized in the present study. Initially, starch was extracted from buckwheat groats, and its proximate analysis revealed a high amylose content (21.91 ± 0.32%), which makes it an excellent base material for coating formation. The composite coatings were created by blending BS and CH with CLEO in different concentrations. The coatings underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including physico-chemical, functional, thermal analyses, and microstructural characterization. Cytotoxicity tests on human cell lines (Caco-2) confirmed that the coatings were non-toxic. Among the various formulations, the coating with 2.0% CLEO (referred to as F5) exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, maximum antioxidant properties, and the lowest water solubility. Following this, the coatings were applied to green grapes (Vitis vinifera) via dip coating technique. The performance of coatings was assessed by storing the grapes under room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and refrigeration conditions (4 ± 1 °C). From visual appearance and physio-chemical tests, it was concluded that the F5 coating was potentially active in extending the shelf life of grapes to 12 days at room temperature and to 20 days under refrigeration storage. Overall, the BS-CH-CLEO composite coating emerges as a refined and eco-conscious bioactive packaging solution, elegantly extending the shelf life of grapes while providing both sustainability and cost-efficiency. [Display omitted] • Buckwheat starch (BS) was extracted. • Composite coatings were created using BS, chitosan (CH), and curry leaf essential oil (CLEO). • CLEO enhanced the functional properties of the coatings. • Cytotoxicity tests confirmed the coatings were non-toxic. • The F5 coating with 2.0% CLEO proved effective in preserving green grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective delivery of Benzyl isothiocyante, nutraceutical – a ray of hope for cancer treatment. • Ceria as delivery vehicle was used for delivery of BITC. • Nanoparticles with high stability and excellent encapsulation efficiency. • Hemocompatibility and biosafe formulation. • Promising results against bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus) • Dose-dependent cytotoxicity analysed on MDA-MB 231. The arena of drug delivery is intensifying; hence, it becomes seemingly significant to develop efficient fabrication methodologies while, contemporaneously preserving human health and environment for future generations. The present work dwells upon designing of Ceria nanoparticles (Nps) based drug delivery system in a reproducible and rather restrained controlled manner using nano-emulsion as the template and further, exploiting them as potential candidates in treating one of the pernicious diseases, Cancer. The cavitation procedure employed reinforces the rate of synthesis, resulting in a swift fabrication. The as-synthesized Nps (size ≤ 5 nm) were loaded with Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and in-depth characterization procedures were conducted exploiting Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Zeta potential and Zeta sizer. Small angle X-ray scattering and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller reveal the morphological disposition of these synthesized systems. The structural investigation was carried out using field emission electron microscopy. The biocompatibility studies having Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model biomolecule signified the configuration of ground state complex between the ceria loaded BITC (CB) Nps and BSA. Further, the thermodynamic parameters for the complex formation were assessed using fluorescence, UV–visible and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The hemolysis was conducted to evaluate the safety levels of the carrier system on the blood components. The MTT assay demonstrated the adeptness of the formulation on MDA MB-231 cell lines. The proficiency of CB Nps against the bacterial infections is strikingly indicated by the antimicrobial studies which proves that the nano formulation is monumental in inhibiting the growth of E. coli and S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Community Infant and Young Child Feeding Counselling Package (C-IYCF CP) is used globally for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counseling. With the C-IYCF CP last updated 8 y ago, mapping existing nurturing care content, identifying gaps, and documenting current country-level changes offers a unique opportunity to guide recommendations to strengthen the nurturing care content of this package. Objectives The primary study aims were to: 1) identify and map existing nurturing care content within UNICEF's C-IYCF CP, 2) identify gaps related to nurturing care or feeding elements within the C-IYCF CP, 3) identify country-level nurturing care adaptations to the C-IYCF CP, and 4) identify best practices and lessons learned from country adaptations that can be recommended for inclusion in the C-IYCF CP. Methods The assessment included 4 phases: 1) conduct an iterative process to identify and map nurturing care elements within the C-IYCF CP using a codebook explicitly developed for this assessment; 2) identify gaps in the C-IYCF CP; 3) apply the codebook to IYCF packages from 11 countries, revise, then finalize the codebook; and 4) identify and interview key informants from 4 countries whose IYCF packages had the most comprehensive nurturing care content plus 1 country where health care professionals make routine mother–child home visits. Results The C-IYCF CP contained limited nurturing care content, especially around safety/security and early learning. All 5 countries interviewed had systematically identified and included priority nurturing care content in each package, yet content level varied. Two countries were also incorporating information technology into the training and delivery of the C-IYCF CP. Conclusions Existing country-level best practices can address nurturing care elements missing from UNICEF's C-IYCF CP. Sharing these practices can allow countries to make context-driven, evidence-informed decisions on the nurturing care content to prioritize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]