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Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by gradual deterioration of renal parenchyma and decline of functioning nephrons. The risk of cardiovascular events is drastically increased in patients with CKD. This complicated link of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not well understood till date. Objective. We aim to study the influence of genetic variants of matrix Gla protein (MGP) gene rs1800801, rs1800802, and rs4236 and nitric oxide synthase-3 (NOS3) gene rs1799983 and rs2070744 on the risk of CKD and its associated cardiovascular comorbidity in South Indian Tamils. Methods. One hundred and eighty-five CKD patients and 185 controls were recruited in this research. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of brachial artery was measured ultrasonically. Circulating levels of MGP and nitric oxide (NO) were measured by ELISA. Genotyping was done by real-time PCR. Results. We observed a significant difference in the distribution of TT and CT genotypes of NOS3 (rs2070744), indicating an increase in the risk of CKD. NO level was significantly decreased in CKD cases than controls. We also found a significant difference in the distribution of TTA and CCG haplotypes of MGP polymorphisms (1-rs4236; 2-rs1800801; 3-rs1800802) between the groups, indicating an increase in the risk of CKD. CT genotype of MGP (rs4236) and CT genotype of NOS3 (rs2070744) variants were found to be associated with decreased FMD, indicating endothelial dysfunction, the harbinger of CVD. Conclusion. We conclude that genetic variants of MGP and NOS3 enhance the risk of CKD and its associated cardiovascular comorbidity in South Indian Tamils.

Structural deterioration is a major problem faced in the field of civil engineering. The major reasons for damages are non-engineered construction, improper execution, and wear and tear. Under such conditions, construction is not advisable. Many researchers have subsequently found many new ideas and attempts in which the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) has provided more benefits in strengthening the element without increasing the element's own weight. Nowadays, FRP is increasingly being used in all types of reinforced concrete elements such as beams, columns, slabs, etc. In this paper, GFRP strips are used to strengthen the member. The new attempt will be the application of GFRP strips in number of layers. This paper presents the results based on the analysis of the slabs using ANSYS software. The materials used for this analysis are RC slab with and without GFRP lamination. The slab size is 1500 mm x 900 mm x 100 mm. in which one slab will be laminated by GFRP strips in three layers of same size used for analysis. The results of the analysis clearly show that the use of GRP laminates in three layers in the RC slab significantly increases the strength compared to a conventional slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employee engagement is a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption (Schaufeli et al., 2002). Organizations consider employee engagement as one of the ways to develop sustained competitive advantage. The COVID-19 pandemic, has impacted organisations worldwide, pushing them to resort to remote working. Without much preparedness and readiness most of the organisations have adapted to remote working and organisations are running business virtually. This scenario is a new trial for organisational leaders as well as employees as everyone is facing new challenges every day. With the current crisis, maintaining the relationship between the employer and employees becomes crucial. The disconnect to the work environment and moving to a new home office has thrown lots of challenges both to employees and to employers. Employee Engagement during this critical period is the only option employers can embrace to build morale and trust in employees. In this paper, we discuss about the employee engagement strategies organisations globally have adapted and how these have been helping organisations and employees to survive the challenging time. This paper is a compilation of discussions and information gathered from many global HR leaders on the Employee Engagement strategies that has been implemented in their organisations during the Pandemic. We discuss how leadership can build trust and the enabling technology available to manage employee engagement in a virtual environment during the Pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study which was carried out among 300 literate subjects of both urban and rural population. The objective of our study was to compare the impact and pattern of self-medication between urban and rural literate population. Three hundred literates with one hundred and fifty each in urban and rural population were provided with a questionnaire containing various questions on the implications, pattern and reasons for selfmedication. Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 18 for counts and percentage. Respondents in the urban group fell ill more often than in the rural group (33% v/s 26%) but tendency to self-medicate was less (71% v/s 86%). Use of previous prescription was also less common (67% v/s 81%) among them. Incidence of adverse drug reactions was less (17% v/s 27%); however, emergencies were more (51% v/s 13%) among urban population. Self-medication was largely due to lack of time (66% v/s 47%) and antibiotics were more frequently used (26% v/s 7%). Though lack of time (47%) was the commonest reason for self-medication in rural population, cost was also an important factor (17%). In both the groups, analgesics were the most commonly used drugs for self-medication (U = 46%, R = 53%).The pattern of self-medication is different in urban and rural literate populations. Adverse reactions including emergencies can occur due to selfmedication. Hence, awareness about self-medication and its hazards has to be created among both urban and rural population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]