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Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes and surgical safety between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (CPCS) in vitrectomized eyes. Methods: A prospective interventional comparative study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center. Sixty consecutive cases requiring cataract surgery following pars plana vitrectomy were allocated into Group 1 (n = 30), who underwent FLACS with intraocular lens implantation, and Group 2 (n = 30), who underwent CPCS with intraocular lens implantation, and followed up for 3 months. Primary outcome measures were intraoperative ultrasonic cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and intraoperative and postoperative complications. The secondary outcome measures were postoperative changes in endothelial cell count (ECC) and central corneal thickness (CCT). Results: Baseline corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), ECC, and CCT were comparable. Intraoperative CDE was significantly less in the FLACS group (8.11 vs. 15.83 percentage seconds; P = 0.012) with no intraoperative complication in either group. The postoperative CDVA was comparable between the groups with a trend toward earlier visual recovery in the FLACS group. The postoperative day (POD) 1 endothelial cell loss was higher in the CPCS group (7.54% vs. 2.05%), with the mean endothelial cell density being significantly higher in the FLACS group throughout the follow-up period (P < 0.05). POD-1 corneal edema was higher in the CPCS group compared to FLACS with no significant difference on follow-up. Intraoperative migration of silicone oil to the anterior chamber was observed in 40% versus 0% in the CPCS versus FLACS groups, respectively. Conclusion: FLACS can be safely performed in post-vitrectomy eyes with lesser intraoperative ultrasonic energy used, postoperative endothelial cell loss, and change in CCT compared to CPCS.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most prevalent disease among women in India and one of the most dangerous and lethal. Chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients may have perceived stress, which is defined as emotions of mental or physical exhaustion that make them feel angry or anxious. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) gives some ideas in line with the conventional mindfulness technique. Purposes: (i) To assess the effect of MBI on perceived stress among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. (ii) To determine the association between perceived stress with selected demographic variables among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: The current quantitative pre- and postexperimental study was carried out in two oncology departments of selected cancer hospitals, Bhubaneswar. A total number of 40 breast cancer patients of perceived stress receiving chemotherapy and data were gathered by using a self-structured socio-demographic proforma and a structured Perceived Stress Scale 10. The experimental group received MBI, and a posttest was conducted on the 17th day on both the groups after 10 days of the termination of intervention. This MBI was provided to breast cancer patients for five sessions over five days continuously, each session for 45 min with mindfulness breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation techniques, practising meditation, and guided imagery technique. Results: The study findings illustrated that reduction of perceived stress among female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with (t = 2.2463) (P = 0.0306) at the P < 0.05; furthermore, there is one socio-demographic variable which had association with perceived stress that is history of psychiatric illness (χ2 = 14.1176) (P = 0.0009) and others had no association with perceived stress. Conclusion: MBI was an effective therapy for reducing the perceived stress of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Abstract Background Varicose vein is a chronic condition that affects the lower extremities of the human body. Several factors have been implicated in the development of this disease, viz age, gender, weight, height and prolonged standing. Recently, genome-wide studies have identified genetic biomarkers that are associated with varicose veins in different ethnic groups. Such genetic studies are lacking in South Asians specifically in Indians where the prevalence of varicose veins is high, and it is important to replicate these variants in the stated population. The study aimed to replicate the association of genetic variants associated with varicose veins in this target population, which were found to be associated with the other ethnic groups. Methodology The studied cohort is of the Indian population comprising unrelated 104 varicose veins cases and 448 non-varicose vein controls. The samples were genotyped using the Illumina Global Screening Array. Using the genomic data from UK BioBank and 23andMe studied cohorts; eight genetic variants were selected to replicate in our dataset. The allelic association was performed to identify the effective allele and risk was estimated using odds ratio and p-value as level of significance. Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction was used to estimate the cumulative effect of variants in Indians. Result Variant rs3791679 of EFEMP1 was found to be associated with varicose veins in Indians. After observing the association of the EFEMP1 with varicose veins, we further ensued to identify all genetic variants within EFEMP1 to uncover the additional variants associated with this trait. Interestingly, we identified six new variants of EFEMP1 gene that have shown association. Moreover, the cumulative effect of all associated variations was estimated and the risk was 2.7 times higher in cases than controls whereas independently their effect ranges from 0.37–1.58. Conclusion This study identifies EFEMP1 as a potential gene related to the risk of varicose veins in Indians. It also highlights that evaluating the maximum number of variants of a gene rather than focusing solely on replicating single variations offers a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the genetic factors contributing to a complex trait like varicose veins.

Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer global burden is highly skewed towards poor countries primarily due to lack of awareness, poor screening, and low uptake of prophylactic vaccines. The purpose of our study is to educate and raise awareness among young girls and women about the importance of cervical screening and HPV vaccination. Materials and Methods: The present study, conducted from January 2023 to December 2023, focused on students, teachers, housewives, and healthcare professionals in the Jammu region to assess their awareness of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. HPV DNA testing was carried out using the Truenat Real-Time PCR method at Swastik Diagnostic Laboratory, Jammu. Results: Knowledge of cervical cancer, awareness of the HPV virus, and the vaccination status of women were assessed in survey. In the HPV screening test, out of 2,400 women, 106 tested positive for HPV. Among these 106 women, 19% had a high viral load (Ct < 20), 11% had a low viral load (25 ≤ Ct < 30), indicating a low relative concentration of HPV viruses, 40% had a medium viral load (20 ≤ Ct < 25), and 30% had very low viral loads (Ct ≥ 30). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of routine cervical screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, for the early detection of cervical cancer. There is an urgent need to implement cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs in the Jammu region.

The rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves and rising greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions have necessitated research into low-cost renewable energy sources, with a focus on algal-derived biofuels. Biodiesel, a sustainable alternative fuel, can be derived from a variety of biological sources Microalgae-based biodiesel production offers an innovative method of generating renewable and sustainable energy. By utilizing advanced cultivation techniques, such as photobioreactors and open pond systems, microalgae can be grown efficiently and in large quantities. Furthermore, various methods, such as lipid extraction and transesterification, are employed to convert the lipid-rich microalgae biomass into biodiesel. However, to make microalgae-based biodiesel production more cost-effective and sustainable, several challenges need to be addressed, such as higher production costs, reduced productivity rates, and potential environmental impacts. Future opportunities lie in creating cost-effective and sustainable methods for cultivating and harvesting microalgae, improving lipid yields, and creating effective conversion methods. Overall, microalgae-based biodiesel production shows promise as a renewable and sustainable energy source. However, further research and development must take place to realize its full potential and reap its rewards.

The effects of the gut microbiome on the brain and the mechanisms of gut-brain communication have been popular research topics for the past few decades. The term gut-brain axis (GBA) evolved to illustrate how the gut and gut microbiota communicate with the brain. The gut-brain axis is an interplay of the neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways that help to maintain the brain's homeostasis. Several groups have reported that gut dysbiosis is significantly associated with neuroinflammation, aggregation of amyloid beta, and an increase in oxidative stress during Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding the exact mechanism of how the gut microbiome influences brain function may help develop new therapeutic modalities for AD. This review highlights the functioning of the gut microbiome in AD pathogenesis, the potential beneficial effects of probiotic exopolysaccharides as therapeutic molecules, and the potential benefits of probiotic exopolysaccharides (EPS) as a ray of hope in treating AD.

Inflammation is a complex response to tissue damage and pathogens that can lead to chronic inflammatory disorders and various health complications. Conventional inflammation treatments have limitations, driving the search for alternative approaches. Probiotics have gained attention for their immunomodulatory properties, while paraprobiotics have emerged as a promising anti-inflammatory strategy. Probiotics like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, and Bacillus can interact with immune cells through toll-like receptors, triggering the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines and promoting immune cell differentiation. Studies carried out in vivo revealed that TNF- α, TRL4, and NF-κB were downregulated by Lactobacilli species. In contrast, Bifidobacterium species elevated IL-10 and Foxp3. This helps maintain immune balance and reduce hyperinflammatory responses. Probiotic plant-based fermented products also suppressed NF-κB signalling activation and decreased iNOS and COX-2 synthesis. Paraprobiotics, on the other hand, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and have shown promising results in regulating immune responses and alleviating symptoms in specific inflammatory conditions. They may address concerns related to the viability and safety of live probiotics. This review emphasizes the potential of probiotics, probiotic plant-based fermented products, and paraprobiotics as therapeutic agents for managing inflammatory disorders arising from malnutrition, gut diseases, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. It discusses in-vitro, in-vivo, and human studies highlighting the role of different probiotic strains, commercially available probiotics, challenges with probiotics, probiotic plant-based fermented products, and paraprobiotics in combating inflammation.

Background and Objectives: Rinaie Marwah hot spring Kishtwar (RMHSK) is one of the geothermal springs located at 33°51′51′′N 75°32′07′′E with an elevation of 2134 meters above sea level in Jammu and Kashmir, India. We aimed to study the microbial diversity of this geothermal spring using metagenomics. Materials and Methods: In the present study, physiochemical parameters including temperature (65-75oC), pH (6. 9-8. 8), hardness (250 ppm), and mineral content was measured along with the microbial diversity using Illumina MiSeq metagenome-based 16s amplicon sequencing (V3-V4). The sequence reads were classified taxonomically into 31 phyla, 71 classes, 152 orders, 256 families, 410 genus, and 665 species. QIIME 2 (Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology), an extensible, powerful, and decentralized analytical tool, was used for taxonomic analysis. Results: Bacteroidota (32. 57%) was the dominant phylum, Bacteroidia (32. 51%) the dominant class, Bacteroidales (16. 6%) the dominant order, and Lentimicrobiaceae (14. 23%) was the dominant family per the abundance analysis. Shannon (2. 28) and Chao 1 (87. 0) diversity indices support the existence of higher microbial diversity in RMHSK (50717 OTUs). Conclusion: The microbial diversity of RMHSK is reported for the first time through a metagenomic study. Identification of microorganisms with characteristics that are relevant to industries.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is witnessing a demographic transition with increasing prevalence among younger individuals (≤45 years). Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the clinical features, risk factors, and angiographic profile of young (aged ≤ 45 years) patients with ACS and to compare it with the older (aged >45 years) patients with ACS. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in India from July 2020 to December 2021. A total of 157 patients were enrolled, among which 90 patients were included in cases (group-I). The inclusion criteria were patients presenting with ACS aged between 18 and 45 years. There were two control groups, including 34 patients with ACS (aged >45 years) in Group II and 33 healthy volunteers in Group III (aged 18–45 years). Baseline demographic details, risk factors, and angiographic profile of patients with ACS in each group were recorded and compared. Results: Mean age of Group I was 39.79 ± 5.15 years and of Group II was 59.74 ± 8.21 years. Smoking (P = 0.027) and family history of coronary artery disease (P = 0.022) were the significant risk factors of ACS in Group I. Compared to non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (16.7%), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (83.3%) was predominant among younger patients with ACS. Single-vessel disease was prevalent among younger patients (62.2%) as compared to older patients with ACS (41.20%). Conclusion: Younger patients with ACS exhibited a distinct clinical and angiographic profile compared to older patients with ACS.

Objective: To evaluate the complications of central venous catheterization (CVC). Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in India from December 2018 to September 2020. Critically ill patients (aged ≥18 years) in the intensive care unit undergoing CVC procedures were included in the study. Baseline demographics and detailed medical history were recorded. Chest X-rays and electrocardiography were performed on all the patients. Complications associated with CVC were recorded. Results: A total of 100 patients with the indication for centralvenous catheter insertion were included. The majority (81%) of the patients were inserted with CVC at the right internal jugular vein. Complications such as arterial puncture (2%), hematoma (4%), blood clot formation (4%), catheter kinking (3%), thoracic injury(1%), thrombophlebitis (6%), sepsis (9%) and nerve injury (1%)were reported. Conclusions: Though central venous access is preferred in management of critically ill patients, it has its risks. However, early recognition and prompt management of complications may reduce mortality and morbidity. Physicians and intensive care unit intensivists should be vigilant for central venous catheter-related complications. Suitable site selection, operator experience, and proper catheter maintenance are associated with optimal outcomes.

Cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a metabolic by-product. ROS molecules trigger oxidative stress as a feedback response that significantly initiates biological processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis. Furthermore, extensive research has revealed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important ROS entity and plays a crucial role in several physiological processes, including cell differentiation, cell signalling, and apoptosis. However, excessive production of H2O2 has been shown to disrupt biomolecules and cell organelles, leading to an inflammatory response and contributing to the development of health complications such as collagen deposition, aging, liver fibrosis, sepsis, ulcerative colitis, etc. Extracts of different plant species, phytochemicals, and Lactobacillus sp (probiotic) have been reported for their anti-oxidant potential. In this view, the researchers have gained significant interest in exploring the potential plants spp., their phytochemicals, and the potential of Lactobacillus sp. strains that exhibit anti-oxidant properties and health benefits. Thus, the current review focuses on comprehending the information related to the formation of H2O2, the factors influencing it, and their pathophysiology imposed on human health. Moreover, this review also discussed the anti-oxidant potential and role of different extract of plants, Lactobacillus sp. and their fermented products in curbing H2O2‑induced oxidative stress in both in-vitro and in-vivo models via boosting the anti-oxidative activity, inhibiting of important enzyme release and downregulation of cytochrome c, cleaved caspases-3, − 8, and − 9 expression. In particular, this knowledge will assist R&D sections in biopharmaceutical and food industries in developing herbal medicine and probiotics-based or derived food products that can effectively alleviate oxidative stress issues induced by H2O2 generation.

This paper is an attempt to understand the communicative potential of political cartoons in the face of censorship. The Emergency Years in India (1975-77) saw the most stringent censorship of mass media in the public sphere in independent India, and thus has been chosen as the period of study. The cartoonist Abu Abraham, who continued to draw cartoons for the national daily Indian Express throughout the period and claims to have not been disturbed much by censorious authorities becomes the axis of this analysis. Taking cues from theorists Judith Butler and Louis Althusser, the paper focusses on the techniques and strategies employed by Abraham in his cartoons that allowed most of his cartoons to pass through the censorship filters, and still make an impact on the general public.

Ovarian cancer most commonly presents at an advanced stage where survival is approximately 30% compared with >80% if diagnosed and treated before disease spreads. Diagnostic capabilities have progressed from surgical staging via laparotomy to image-guided biopsies and immunohistochemistry staining, along with advances in technology and medicine. Despite improvements in diagnostic capabilities, population-level screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are 40–150 nm structures formed when the cellular lipid bilayer invaginates. These structures function in cell signaling, immune responses, cancer progression, and establishing the tumor microenvironment. EVs are found in nearly every bodily fluid, including serum, plasma, ascites, urine, and effusion fluid, and contain molecular cargo from their cell of origin. This cargo can be analyzed to yield information about a possible malignancy. In this review we describe how the cargo of EVs has been studied as biomarkers in ovarian cancer. We bring together studies analyzing evidence for various cargos as ovarian cancer biomarkers. Then, we describe the role of EVs in modulation of the tumor microenvironment. This review also summarizes the therapeutic and translational potential of EVs for their optimal utilization as non-invasive biomarkers for novel treatments against cancer.

BackgroundDirect-acting antiviral medications have the potential to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic among people who inject drugs; yet, suboptimal adherence remains a barrier. Directly observed treatment (DOT), an effective strategy for optimizing adherence, has been frequently implemented in opioid treatment programs but less commonly in community health settings due to the heavy burden of daily visits. An alternative is video-observed therapy (VOT), which uses mobile health technology to monitor adherence. VOT has not been widely studied among people who inject drugs with HCV. ObjectiveThis qualitative study, part of a larger implementation evaluation, investigates stakeholder perceptions and experiences with VOT in Project HERO (Hepatitis C Real Outcomes), a multisite pragmatic trial testing treatment delivery models for people who inject drugs with HCV. Our goal was to understand the potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the VOT technology. MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with 27 Project HERO study staff and 7 patients. Interviews focused on perceptions and experiences with the VOT app and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Team meeting minutes over the first 2 years of the project were transcribed. A coding system was developed and applied to the data. We summarized thematic data and compared participant perceptions to generate a close understanding of the data. ResultsFrequent barriers to VOT included mechanical failure, stolen or lost phones, and a steep learning curve for participants and study staff. In sites with older and less technically skilled participants, staff found it difficult to implement the VOT app. Research staff found that the routine monitoring of app use led to closer engagement with participants. This was both a benefit and a potential threat to the validity of this pragmatic trial. Patient participants reported mixed experiences. ConclusionsVOT may be a useful alternative to DOT for some patients, but it may not be feasible for all. Significant staff involvement may be required.

Air pollution is a serious issue in most parts of Bihar, especially in its capital city, Patna. The air quality in Patna has significantly worsened due to factors like rapid urbanization, increased traffic, and various natural and human-related causes. This decline in air quality has led to several negative health effects. In light of this, the aim of this study was to examine how air pollution affects the long-term health of Patna’s residents, taking into account age and exposure time as important factors. We gathered data from one busy intersection in Patna, specifically Danapur. Health effects from air pollution were collected from the residents via a formatted questionnaire. To analyze the relationship between age, exposure time, and the health effects reported by the participants, we used a statistical test called the chi square test of independence. The findings of the study revealed a clear link between age, exposure time, and the health status of the participants. We concluded that older individuals and those with longer exposure times faced a higher risk associated with the increasing air pollution levels. This study provides a foundation for raising awareness among both authorities and the general public of the adverse health impacts associated with declining air quality, emphasizing the urgency in taking appropriate measures to counter this challenge.

The ever-growing global population, combined with the industrial revolution and increased consumerism, has led to an exponential surge in waste generation. The implementation of integrated solid waste management (ISWM) is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by increasing waste generation and limited landfill space. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as powerful tools to support ISWM strategies through their diverse applications. This short review explores the novel applications of RS and GIS in ISWM and highlights their potential for enhancing waste management practices. RS techniques, such as satellite imagery and aerial photography, enable the accurate mapping and monitoring of waste generation, disposal sites, and recycling facilities. GIS facilitates spatial analysis and decision-making, allowing for optimized waste collection routes, landfill site selection, and the identification of suitable locations for waste-to-energy projects. Furthermore, RS and GIS provide valuable insights into waste composition analysis, landfill stability assessment, and environmental impact evaluation. This review underscores the importance of leveraging RS and GIS technologies to improve waste management practices and offers valuable recommendations for future research in this field.

This study aimed to determine the fluoride concentration in drinking water and assess its health risks by analyzing 12 physicochemical parameters, including fluoride, pH, EC, TDS, chloride, carbonate and bicarbonate (alkalinity), sulfate, nitrate, calcium, and magnesium hardness. Correlation analysis, WQI, and HRA were used to determine whether groundwater in the study area was suitable for drinking. Correlation analysis showed that fluoride was negatively correlated with EC (-0.649), CO32- (-0.855) and positively correlated with Mg2+ (+0.559). All water samples exceeded the permissible fluoride limits according to BIS (IS 10500:2012). The WQI for all water samples was more than 100, indicating that the water was not suitable for drinking. Health risk assessment was also performed to determine the risks of non-carcinogenic diseases. The Hazard Index (HI) was determined as greater than 1. The HI ranged from 1.275 to 3.346 for adult men, 1.431 to 3.954 for adult women, and 1.986 to 5.4864 for children. Fluoride concentrations in drinking water pose a greater health risk to children than to adults. The fluoride level in drinking water is an essential parameter that must be monitored as a preventive measure against dental and skeletal fluorosis.

India is one of the countries that face the serious problem of groundwater contamination. The current study's main objective is to evaluate the quality of the groundwater in the Serghati and its surrounding region of the Gaya district and its suitability for drinking purposes. To achieve this aim, 75 groundwater samples from the 15 sampling sites were collected during the period from March to May 2022. We measured and analyzed the major physicochemical characteristics of the water and compared them to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. With the help of the Water Quality Index (WQI), groundwater quality was assessed. According to the study results, 3 sites have a WQI value of more than 100, which is unsuitable for drinking. Correlation matrices were used to assess groundwater quality and the extent of the interdependencies of the various parameters. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduces the number of significant variables. Three principal components with a total variance of 73.53% were identified and used in the analysis. Overall, the result indicates that most areas' water quality is good and safe for drinking.

Fluoride can be hazardous to the body if consumed in excess. Fluoride exposure in humans can occur through the consumption of contaminated groundwater. The purpose of this study is to determine the amount of fluoride present in the area under investigation and to determine the health risks associated with its ingestion by adults and children. In accordance with the method recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, the assessment of the health risk was done using the Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQfluoride). The fluoride in groundwater varies from 0.37 - 2.70mg/L in the study area. According to the sampling results of all locations, the HQfluoride value in adult males ranges from 0.38 to 2.77, 0.34 to 2.45 in adult females, and 0.41–3.0 in children, which is above the permissible limits for most of the sampling locations, indicating significantly higher health risks. The outcomes of this study could be beneficial for organizations in charge of promoting human health.

The aim of the present study is to utilize bibliometric analytical tools to examine the trends in research publications within the hot spring metagenomics field. To achieve this, an in-depth exploration of the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases was undertaken to recognize scholarly articles within this research domain that were published from 2005 to 2022. As a result, a dataset consisting of 377 articles was obtained. The VOSviewer, RStudio, MS Excel, and MS Access were utilized to investigate the annual publication trend, the most productive journals, organizations/authors/countries, authorship and citation patterns, the most cited documents/articles, and the co-occurrence of keywords. According to the findings, the initial article related to hot spring metagenomics was published in 2005. At the end of 2010, the number of published articles was merely 27. However, since then, there has been a significant rise in the yearly number of publications, and post-2010, more than 20 articles have been published every year. The countries with the highest publication output in the field of hot spring metagenomics from 2005 to 2022 were the United States, India, China, and Japan. Montana State university, University of Nevada, Pennsylvania State University, and Bigelow laboratory for ocean sciences all from US have been most active organizations working in this field. The authors who have the highest number of citations, with Ward M. having 1202 and Bryant A. having 1173, also have the greatest total link strength (TLS) of 643 and 653, respectively. Around 11.40 % of the articles published across various sources and journals were contributed by Frontiers in Microbiology, which had the highest number of publications. Bryant's research article, published in 2007 in the Science journal, about phototrophic microbial mats in alkaline siliceous hot springs, has the highest citation score of 292 as of 2022. This research provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape in hot spring metagenomics and to identify research trends, patterns, and knowledge gaps in this field. This information could be used by researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about future research directions and priorities in hot spring metagenomics.

With the enormous increase in population and industrial network, the harmful pollutants affecting biota have also escalated. The pollutants are consumed by living organisms directly or indirectly reducing animal and economic wellbeing. The degradation of contaminants is imperative owing to the prolonged persistence of contaminants like plastics, heavy metals, pesticides, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and hydrocarbons. Remediation of such pollutants requires efficient methods to prevent mobilizing-contaminants leaching into soil and finally to human beings. In this regard, metagenomics (MGs), a non-culturable technique, involving the direct recovery of the genetic material from environmental samples is an effective tool for understanding the remediation process mediated by microorganisms and their gene products like enzymes. MGs offers a gateway to previously hidden microbial communities grown in the normal and extreme environment through sequence-based or function-based approaches. The culture-independent MGs approach in combination with other meta-omics approaches involves an easy and rapid method for the selection of remediation-efficient microbes. This paper elucidates the negative implications of several contaminants on terrestrial and aquatic biota besides highlighting the role of MGs and associated meta-omics approaches in characterizing contaminant degrading microbes. The MGs research related to bioremediation can help to generate information that will improve the bioremediation process and aid in deciphering the complete microbe-mediated bioremediation mechanism pathways. In future MGs can be helpful to comprehensively understand the mechanisms involved in efficient bioremediation, develop new strategies and models for application in rapid, accurate and efficient bioremediation process and optimize the bioremediation technique. Furthermore, the application of metagenomics to determine microbial diversity and specific genes can act as pollution biomarkers.

Purpose: Management of adult soft tissue sarcomas entails a multidisciplinary approach with surgery and radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. The use of preoperative irradiation has been well established, and although conventional fractionation involves daily treatments over the course of 5 weeks, higher doses per fraction may be beneficial due to the radiobiologic profile of sarcoma. In this study we report long-term oncologic outcomes from a single-institution, phase II study evaluating a 5-fraction hypofractionated course of preoperative radiation. Methods and materials: Preoperative hypofractionated radiation therapy was administered to 35 Gy in 5 fractions every other day followed by resection 4 to 6 weeks later. If given, chemotherapy consisted of a doxorubicin-ifosfamide-based regimen delivered neoadjuvantly. The primary endpoint was local control. Additional survival and pathologic outcomes, including overall and distant metastasis-free survival, tumor, and treatment-related pathology, as well as acute and late toxicity were examined. Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm phase II trial. At a median follow-up of 36.4 months (range, 3-56), no patient developed a local recurrence, and the 3-year overall and distant metastasis-free survival was 82.2% and 69%, respectively. Major acute postoperative wound complications occurred in 25% of patients. Grade 2 and 3 fibrosis occurred in 21.7% and 13% of patients, respectively. The 2-year median and mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score for all patients was 28 and 27.4, respectively. Conclusions: A condensed course of preoperative hypofractionated radiation therapy leads to excellent rates of local control and survival with acceptable toxicity profiles. Potential studies ideally with phase II or III randomized trials would help corroborate these findings and other preoperative hypofractionated results in soft tissue sarcomas.

Abstract The differentiation of human stem cells into insulin secreting beta‐like cells holds great promise to treat diabetes. Current protocols drive stem cells through stages of directed differentiation and maturation and produce cells that secrete insulin in response to glucose. Further refinements are now needed to faithfully phenocopy the responses of normal beta cells. A critical factor in normal beta cell behavior is the islet microenvironment which plays a central role in beta cell survival, proliferation, gene expression and secretion. One important influence on native cell responses is the capillary basement membrane. In adult islets, each beta cell makes a point of contact with basement membrane protein secreted by vascular endothelial cells resulting in structural and functional polarization. Interaction with basement membrane proteins triggers local activation of focal adhesions, cell orientation, and targeting of insulin secretion. This study aims to identifying the role of basement membrane proteins on the structure and function of human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived beta cells. Here, we show that differentiated human stem cells‐derived spheroids do contain basement membrane proteins as a diffuse web‐like structure. However, the beta‐like cells within the spheroid do not polarize in response to this basement membrane. We demonstrate that 2D culture of the differentiated beta cells on to basement membrane proteins enforces cell polarity and favorably alters glucose dependent insulin secretion.

Type 1 diabetes results from the loss of pancreatic β cells, reduced insulin secretion and dysregulated blood glucose levels. Replacement of these lost β cells with stem cell-derived β cells, and protecting these cells within macro-device implants is a promising approach to restore glucose homeostasis. However, to achieve this goal of restoration of glucose balance requires work to optimise β cell function within implants. We know that native β cell function is enhanced by cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions within the islets of Langerhans. Reproducing these interactions in 2D, such as culture on matrix proteins, does enhance insulin secretion. However, the impact of matrix proteins on the 3D organoids that would be in implants has not been widely studied. Here, we use native β cells that are dispersed from islets and reaggregated into small spheroids. We show these β cell spheroids have enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion when embedded into softer alginate hydrogels conjugated with RGD peptide (a common motif in extracellular matrix proteins). Embedding into alginate–RGD causes activation of integrin responses and repositioning of liprin, a protein that controls insulin secretion. We conclude that insulin secretion from β cell spheroids can be enhanced through manipulation of the surrounding environment.

Purpose: To determine the comparability of anterior chamber biometric measurements in primary angle closure disease (PACD) patients using two commercially available anterior segment optical coherence tomography machines (ASOCT): Visante and Casia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study, which included clinically, diagnosed cases of PACD. Anterior segment biometric measurements were done using Casia and Visante ASOCT. Parameters studied were central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), nasal (N) and temporal (T) angle opening distance at 500 μm (AOD500) and 750 μm (AOD750), and N and T trabecular iris space area at 500 μm (TISA500) and 750 μm (TISA750). Results: Total 36 PACD patients (72 eyes) with average age of 59.48 ± 7.95 years were recruited, out of which 25 were females (69.44%) and 11 males (30.56%). The mean measurements of CCT, ACD, AOD500, and TISA on Casia and Visante machines were 522.5 ± 34.75 μm and 539.55 ± 29.56 μm (P = 0.00); ACD- 2.144 ± 0.38 mm and 2.133 ± 0.39 mm (P = 0.487); AOD500-0.27 ± 0.16 μm and 0.21 ± 0.10 μm (P = 0.04); and TISA500-0.100 ± 0.07 μm and 0.063 ± 0.03 μm (P = 0.00), respectively. A statistically significant difference was noted in CCT, N and T AOD, and TISA. A good corelation for ACD and CCT (ACD = 0.9816 and CCT = 0.772) only were noted between the two machines. The Bland-Altman plot analysis of different parameters between two machines has revealed good agreement of measurement of ACD and CCT but poor agreement for rest of the parameters. Conclusion: It is advisable not use the two machines interchangeably because of the wide limits of agreement and poor correlation of angle measurement values of Casia and Visante ASOCT.

Cholesterol is essential for normal human health, but elevations in its serum levels have led to the development of various complications, including hypercholesterolemia (HC). Cholesterol accumulation in blood circulation formsplaques on artery walls and worsens the individuals’ health. To overcome this complication, different pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are employed to reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are the most commonly used drugs, but their prolonged use leads to several acute side effects. In recent decades, the potential benefit of ingesting yogurt on lipid profile has attracted the interest of researchers and medical professionals worldwide. This review aims to give an overview of the current knowledge about HC and the different therapeutic approaches. It also discusses the health benefits of yogurt consumption and highlights the overlooked phyto-enrichment option to enhance the yogurt’s quality. Finally, clinical studies using different phyto-enriched yogurts for HC management are also reviewed. Yogurt has a rich nutritional value, but its processing degrades the content of minerals, vitamins, and other vital constituents with beneficial health effects. The option of enriching yogurt with phytoconstituents has drawn a lot of attention. Different pre-clinical and clinical studies have provided new insights on their benefits on gut microbiota and human health. Thus, the yogurtphyto-enrichment with stanol and β-glucan have opened new paths in functional food industries and found healthy andeffective alternatives for HC all along with conventional treatment approaches.

The ingestion of contaminated water and food is known to cause food illness. Moreover, on assessing the patients suffering from foodborne disease has revealed the role of microbes in such diseases. Concerning which different methods have been developed for protecting food from microbes, the treatment of food with chemicals has been reported to exhibit an unwanted organoleptic effect while also affecting the nutritional value of food. Owing to these challenges, the demand for natural food preservatives has substantially increased. Therefore, the interest of researchers and food industries has shifted towards fruit polyphenols as potent inhibitors of foodborne bacteria. Recently, numerous fruit polyphenols have been acclaimed for their ability to avert toxin production and biofilm formation. Furthermore, various studies have recommended using fruit polyphenols solely or in combination with chemical disinfectants and food preservatives. Currently, different nanoparticles have been synthesized using fruit polyphenols to curb the growth of pathogenic microbes. Hence, this review intends to summarize the current knowledge about fruit polyphenols as antibacterial agents against foodborne pathogens. Additionally, the application of different fruit extracts in synthesizing functionalized nanoparticles has also been discussed.

Currently, the food and agricultural sectors are concerned about environmental problems caused by raw material waste, and they are looking for strategies to reduce the growing amount of waste disposal. Now, approaches are being explored that could increment and provide value-added products from agricultural waste to contribute to the circular economy and environmental protection. Edible mushrooms have been globally appreciated for their medicinal properties and nutritional value, but during the mushroom production process nearly one-fifth of the mushroom gets wasted. Therefore, improper disposal of mushrooms and untreated residues can cause fungal disease. The residues of edible mushrooms, being rich in sterols, vitamin D2, amino acids, and polysaccharides, among others, makes it underutilized waste. Most of the published literature has primarily focused on the isolation of bioactive components of these edible mushrooms; however, utilization of waste or edible mushrooms themselves, for the production of value-added products, has remained an overlooked area. Waste of edible mushrooms also represents a disposal problem, but they are a rich source of important compounds, owing to their nutritional and functional properties. Researchers have started exploiting edible mushroom by-products/waste for value-added goods with applications in diverse fields. Bioactive compounds obtained from edible mushrooms are being used in media production and skincare formulations. Furthermore, diverse applications from edible mushrooms are also being explored, including the synthesis of biosorbent, biochar, edible films/coating, probiotics, nanoparticles and cosmetic products. The primary intent of this review is to summarize the information related to edible mushrooms and their valorization in developing value-added products with industrial applications.

Prebiotics are either natural or synthetic non-digestible (non-)carbohydrate substances that boost the proliferation of gut microbes. Undigested fructooligosaccharides in the large intestine are utilised by the beneficial microorganisms for the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids for their own growth. Although various food products are now recognized as having prebiotic properties, several others, such as almonds, artichoke, barley, chia seeds, chicory, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, and oats, are being explored and used as functional foods. Considering the benefits of these prebiotics in mineral absorption, metabolite production, gut microbiota modulation, and in various diseases such as diabetes, allergy, metabolic disorders, and necrotising enterocolitis, increasing attention has been focused on their applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries, although some of these food products are actually used as food supplements. This review aims to highlight the potential and need of these prebiotics in the diet and also discusses data related to the distinct types, sources, modes of action, and health benefits.

The use of metallic nanoparticles in engineering and biomedicine disciplines has gained considerable attention. Scientists are exploring new synthesis protocols of these substances considering their small size and lucrative antimicrobial potential. Among the most economical techniques of synthesis of metallic nanoparticles via chemical routes, which includes the use of chemicals as metal reducing agents, is considered to generate nanoparticles possessing toxicity and biological risk. This limitation of chemically synthesized nanoparticles has engendered the exploration for the ecofriendly synthesis process. Biological or green synthesis approaches have emerged as an effective solution to address the limitations of conventionally synthesized nanoparticles. Nanoparticles synthesized via biological entities obtained from plant extracts exhibit superior effect in comparison to chemical methods. Recently, conifer extracts have been found to be effective in synthesizing metallic nanoparticles through a highly regulated process. The current review highlights the importance of conifers and its extracts in synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. It also discusses the different applications of the conifer extract mediated metallic nanoparticles.

Fruit extracts have natural bioactive molecules that are known to possess significant therapeutic potential. Traditionally, metallic nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical methods, in which the chemical act as the reducing agent. Later, these traditional metallic nanoparticles emerged as the biological risk, which prompted researchers to explore an eco-friendly approach. There are different eco-friendly methods employed for synthesizing these metallic nanoparticles via the usage of microbes and plants, primarily via fruit extract. These explorations have paved the way for using fruit extracts for developing nanoparticles, as they eliminate the usage of reducing and stabilizing agents. Metallic nanoparticles have gained significant attention, and are used for diverse biological applications. The present review discusses the potential activities of phytochemicals, and it intends to summarize the different metallic nanoparticles synthesized using fruit extracts and their associated pharmacological activities like anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, antioxidant and catalytic efficiency.

Detection of pathogenic microbes as well as antibiotic residues in food animals, especially in chicken, has become a matter of food security worldwide. The association of various pathogenic bacteria in different diseases and selective pressure induced by accumulated antibiotic residue to develop antibiotic resistance is also emerging as the threat to human health. These challenges have made the containment of pathogenic bacteria and early detection of antibiotic residue highly crucial for robust and precise detection. However, the traditional culture-based approaches are well-comprehended for identifying microbes. Nevertheless, because they are inadequate, time-consuming and laborious, these conventional methods are not predominantly used. Therefore, it has become essential to explore alternatives for the easy and robust detection of pathogenic microbes and antibiotic residue in the food source. Presently, different monitoring, as well as detection techniques like PCR-based, assay (nucleic acid)-based, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)-based, aptamer-based, biosensor-based, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry-based and electronic nose-based methods, have been developed for detecting the presence of bacterial contaminants and antibiotic residues. The current review intends to summarize the different techniques and underline the potential of every method used for the detection of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic residue in chicken meat.

Ageing is an enigmatic and progressive biological process which undermines the normal functions of living organisms with time. Ageing has been conspicuously linked to dietary habits, whereby dietary restrictions and antioxidants play a substantial role in slowing the ageing process. Oxygen is an essential molecule that sustains human life on earth and is involved in the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that pose certain health complications. The ROS are believed to be a significant factor in the progression of ageing. A robust lifestyle and healthy food, containing dietary antioxidants, are essential for improving the overall livelihood and decelerating the ageing process. Dietary antioxidants such as adaptogens, anthocyanins, vitamins A/D/C/E and isoflavones slow the ageing phenomena by reducing ROS production in the cells, thereby improving the life span of living organisms. This review highlights the manifestations of ageing, theories associated with ageing and the importance of diet management in ageing. It also discusses the available functional foods as well as nutraceuticals with anti-ageing potential.

Copper coordination complexes have emerged as a group of transition metal complexes that play important roles in solar energy conversion, utilization and storage, and have the potential to replace the quintessential commonly used transition metals, like Co, Pt, Ir and Ru as light sensitizers, redox mediators, electron donors and catalytic centers. The applications of copper coordination compounds in chemistry and energy related technologies are many and demonstrate their rightful place as sustainable, low toxicity and Earth-abundant alternative materials. In this perspective we show the most recent impact made by copper coordination complexes in dye-sensitized solar cells and other energy relevant applications.

Application of erythrocytes, the most abundant cells of the human body with desirable physiologic and morphologic characteristics, in drug delivery has been exploited extensively. Among the various carriers used for targeting drugs to various body tissues, the cellular carriers meet several criteria desirable in clinical applications, among the most important being biocompatibility of carrier and its degradation products. Leucocytes, platelets, erythrocytes, nanoerythrocytes, hepatocytes, and fibroblasts etc. have been proposed as cellular carrier systems. Among these, the erythrocytes have been the most investigated and have found to possess greater potential in drug delivery. Biopharmaceuticals, therapeutically significant peptides and proteins, nucleic acid-based biological, antigens, anticancer drug and vaccines, are among the recently focused pharmaceuticals for being delivered using carrier erythrocytes. Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, and have been extensively studied for their potential carrier capabilities for the delivery of drugs. The biocompatibility, non-pathogenicity, non-immunogenicity and biodegradability make them unique and useful carriers.

Novel regenerative therapies may stem from deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing cardiovascular lineage diversification. Using enhancer mapping and live imaging in avian embryos, and genetic lineage tracing in mice, we investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of cardiovascular progenitor populations. We show that expression of the cardiac transcription factor Nkx2.5 marks a mesodermal population outside of the cardiac crescent in the extraembryonic and lateral plate mesoderm, with characteristics of hemogenic angioblasts. Extra-cardiac Nkx2.5 lineage progenitors migrate into the embryo and contribute to clusters of CD41+/CD45+ and RUNX1+ cells in the endocardium, the aorta-gonad-mesonephros region of the dorsal aorta and liver. We also demonstrated that ectopic expression of Nkx2.5 in chick embryos activates the hemoangiogenic gene expression program. Taken together, we identified a hemogenic angioblast cell lineage characterized by transient Nkx2.5 expression that contributes to hemogenic endothelium and endocardium, suggesting a novel role for Nkx2.5 in hemoangiogenic lineage specification and diversification.

Communication between neighboring tissues plays a central role in guiding organ morphogenesis. During heart tube assembly, interactions with the adjacent endoderm control the medial movement of cardiomyocytes, a process referred to as cardiac fusion. However, the molecular underpinnings of this endodermal-myocardial relationship remain unclear. Here, we show an essential role for platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (Pdgfra) in directing cardiac fusion. Mutation of pdgfra disrupts heart tube assembly in both zebrafish and mouse. Timelapse analysis of individual cardiomyocyte trajectories reveals misdirected cells in zebrafish pdgfra mutants, suggesting that PDGF signaling steers cardiomyocytes toward the midline during cardiac fusion. Intriguingly, the ligand pdgfaa is expressed in the endoderm medial to the pdgfra-expressing myocardial precursors. Ectopic expression of pdgfaa interferes with cardiac fusion, consistent with an instructive role for PDGF signaling. Together, these data uncover a novel mechanism through which endodermal-myocardial communication can guide the cell movements that initiate cardiac morphogenesis.

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