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Both human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cause immune-mediated under-five acute respiratory infections (ARIs), but differences in their disease pathogenesis, if any, are not well-known. This study was undertaken to analyze the epidemiological and immunological features of RSV and hMPV infections. Nasopharyngeal aspirates from children (aged 2 months to 5 years) with ARI, presenting to our tertiary care center between December 2013 and March 2016, were subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of RSV and hMPV. Positive samples were analyzed for co-infection and cytokine levels. Of the 349 nasopharyngeal aspirates, RSV was detected in 40.68% (142/349), hMPV in 6.59% (23/349), and both in 1.4% (5/349). Co-infections were common, with rhinovirus being the most common co-offender. The demographic and clinical parameters of RSV- and hMPV-infected children were comparable. The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was significantly higher in RSV-mediated ARI and IFN-γ in hMPV-mediated ARI. Both RSV and hMPV are common among North Indian children with ARI, and coinfections are common. Their clinical features are non-discriminatory, and molecular diagnosis should be utilized to ascertain their individual epidemiology. The differences in their immune-pathogenesis (MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in RSV and IFN-γ in hMPV) could serve as useful tools for developing newer drugs.

Wood-based industries fall under secondary economic activity. The industrial process involves changing the form of goods to enhance their value. To undertake the manufacturing of goods, inputs in the form of capital, labor, power, and raw materials are required. The output is a finished product that can either be used again as a raw material for another manufactured or consumed in its present form. The location of an industry, thus, largely depends on the avail­ability of raw materials, power, capital, labor, infrastructure, and managerial skill. The establishment of the wood industry is also influenced by the gen­eral climatic conditions, weather, industrial inertia, historical accident, and government policy. The Kashmiris have an age-old tradition in the manufacturing of, paper machines, willow-wicker, cricket bat and toys making are some of the important industries which pro­vide full or part-time employment to the people.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of Achyranthes aspera seeds and leaves on the immune system of magur Clarias batrachus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila in pond conditions. Magur fry (0.51 ± 0.032 g) were cultured in hapas set inside a pond and were fed with three feeds. Two experimental feeds FS1 and FS2 were supplemented with 0.5% seeds and leaves of A. aspera, respectively and FC3 was the control one. After 90 days of feeding, fish were challenged with A. hydrophila. In FC3, 70% fish died within 48 h of challenge, while 25 and 30% mortality were recorded in FS1 and FL2, respectively. The cumulative mortality rates were 70, 45 and 35% in FC3, FL2 and FS1, respectively. The average weight and specific growth rate of magur were significantly higher in FS1 compared to others. Serum lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide synthase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher in FS1 compared to others. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl protein levels were significantly lower in FS1 compared to others. In liver and head kidney of FS1 and FS2 fed magur, the iNOS, SOD-C, TNF-α, Cytochrome c, Caspase 9 were up-regulated. Caspase 3 was also significantly up-regulated in FS1 and it was followed by FL2 treatment. A. aspera incorporated feeds improved the immune system of fish and gave protection against bacteria even in the pond conditions.

Jharia Coalfield (JCF) has been affected by coalmine fire and subsidence problems for several years. The emission of particulate pollutants is due to the history of unscientific and unregulated coal mining in the JCF area. In the present study (conducted in the year 2019), seasonal variations, possible causes, and human health hazards of particulate matter (PM10 )-bound trace metals like Cd, Cu, Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Co, Pb, Zn, and As were estimated. The mean concentration of PM10 (418 ± 67 µg/m3 ) exceeded the limit of NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards India, 2009) by a factor of 4.18. PM10 -bound trace metal concentrations were found in the order of Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Co > Ni > Cd > As. The maximum trace metal concentrations of all the metals studied were observed at the mining areas of JCF affected by coalmine fire. Human health carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks in children and adults were estimated through exposure pathways, ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. The cancer risk was evaluated as excess cancer risk (ECR). Noncancer risk estimates were evaluated as the hazard index (HI) and the hazard quotient (HQ). The HI and HQ values for Cr, Cu, Cd, As, and Pb at coalmine-fire-affected areas were observed to be higher than the value of safe dose (≤1), showing a possible noncarcinogenic risk to the inhabitants as a result of multielemental toxicity. The ECR values (>10-6) in JCF areas suggested a carcinogenic risk to the populace of the area, owing to inhalation of PM10 -linked Cd. Active mine fire (related to mining activities), higher transportation load, and resuspended particulate matter from road transportation were identified as the possible causes of the estimated risks based on principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analyses. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;00:1-10. © 2021 SETAC.

Background: The 550th Birth Anniversary (Parkash Utsav) celebrations of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, was celebrated with great devotion and fervor at Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab, India, from November 1 to 14, 2019. The authors aimed to shed light on the planning and management of the event and the factors that led to its success. Methods: The researchers conducted key informant interviews with authority figures, resource mapping, and observations. The researchers focused on the event’s medical lounge. Open-ended questions were asked to gather information regarding various measures taken to organize and execute the event. The data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 7.0 and SPSS 20.0 (Trial version).Results: About three million people attended the Parkash Utsav 550 celebrations. Three tent cities were set up in Sultanpur Lodhi with the consideration for incoming road traffic. The state government deployed 820 medical personnel, including 150 doctors, 470 paramedics, and 200 volunteers. A total of 19,521 patients were seen in the outpatient department of the Medical Lounge. The government made sufficient arrangements for various services, such as drinking water, langar (or community kitchens), sanitation, and security. Approximately 37 langar halls were constructed in the town to provide healthy food to the devotees. An integrated command and control center was set up for surveillance and monitoring. For the convenience of the devotees, 1,908 toilets, 1,476 urinals, and 132 bathing units were installed. The District Administration of Kapurthala launched an event-specific mobile application, “Parkash Utsav 550,” for the use of pilgrims as well as government officials. No stampedes, outbreaks, and fire incidents were reported.Conclusions: Parkash Utsav 550 was successfully celebrated. Studying the Parkash Utsav 550 presented a unique opportunity to generate an evidence base for the development of solutions and recommendations for the prevention, management, and control of infectious diseases, stampedes, and fire incidents during mass gatherings. In-depth studies of the Parkash Utsav in the future are required to produce evidence for context-specific measures for addressing the complex health challenges of mass gatherings.

Phospholipases D (PLDs) are important membrane lipid-modifying enzymes in eukaryotes. Phosphatidic acid, the product of PLD activity, is a vital signaling molecule. PLD-mediated lipid signaling has been the subject of extensive research leading to discovery of its crystal structure. PLDs are involved in the pathophysiology of several human diseases, therefore, viewed as promising targets for drug design. The availability of a eukaryotic PLD crystal structure will encourage PLD targeted drug designing. PLDs have been implicated in plants response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the molecular mechanism of response is not clear. Recently, several novel findings have shown that PLD mediated modulation of structural and developmental processes, such as: stomata movement, root growth and microtubule organization are crucial for plants adaptation to environmental stresses. Involvement of PLDs in regulating membrane remodeling, auxin mediated alteration of root system architecture and nutrient uptake to combat nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies and magnesium toxicity is established. PLDs via vesicle trafficking modulate cytoskeleton and exocytosis to regulate self-incompatibility (SI) signaling in flowering plants, thereby contributes to plants hybrid vigor and diversity. In addition, the important role of PLDs has been recognized in biotechnologically important functions, including oil/TAG synthesis and maintenance of seed quality. In this review, we describe the crystal structure of a plant PLD and discuss the molecular mechanism of catalysis and activity regulation. Further, the role of PLDs in regulating plant development under biotic and abiotic stresses, nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency, magnesium ion toxicity, SI signaling and pollen tube growth and in important biotechnological applications has been discussed.

Expression pattern indicates that JA biosynthesis pathway via regulating JA levels might control root system architecture to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and N, P, K+ deficiency tolerance in rice. Deficiencies of macronutrients (N, P and K+) and consequent excessive use of fertilizers have dramatically reduced soil fertility. It calls for development of nutrient use efficient plants. Plants combat nutrient deficiencies by altering their root system architecture (RSA) to enhance the acquisition of nutrients from the soil. Amongst various phytohormones, Jasmonic acid (JA) is known to regulate plant root growth and modulate RSA. Therefore, to understand the role of JA in macronutrient deficiency in rice, expression pattern of JA biosynthesis genes was analyzed under N, P and K+ deficiencies. Several members belonging to different families of JA biosynthesis genes (PLA1, LOX, AOS, AOC, OPR, ACX and JAR1) showed differential expression exclusively in one nutrient deficiency or in multiple nutrient deficiencies. Expression analysis during developmental stages showed that several genes expressed significantly in vegetative tissues, particularly in root. In addition, JA biosynthesis genes were found to have significant expression under the treatment of different phytohormones, including Auxin, cytokinin, gibberellic acid (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), JA and abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and cold. Analysis of promoters of these genes revealed various cis-regulatory elements associated with hormone response, plant development and abiotic stresses. These findings suggest that JA biosynthesis pathway by regulating the level of JA might control the RSA thus, it may help rice plant in combating macronutrient deficiency.

Environmental stimuli are primarily perceived at the plasma membrane. Stimuli perception leads to membrane disintegration and generation of molecules which trigger lipid signaling. In plants, lipid signaling regulates important biological functions however, the molecular mechanism involved is unclear. Phospholipases C (PLCs) are important lipid-modifying enzymes in eukaryotes. In animals, PLCs by hydrolyzing phospholipids, such as phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] generate diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol- 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). However, in plants their phosphorylated variants i.e., phosphatidic acid (PA) and inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) are proposed to mediate lipid signaling. Specific substrate preferences divide PLCs into phosphatidylinositol-PLC (PI-PLC) and non-specific PLCs (NPC). PLC activity is regulated by various cellular factors including, calcium (Ca2+) concentration, phospholipid substrate, and post-translational modifications. Both PI-PLCs and NPCs are implicated in plants' response to stresses and development. Emerging evidences show that PLCs regulate structural and developmental features, like stomata movement, microtubule organization, membrane remodelling and root development under abiotic stresses. Thus, crucial insights are provided into PLC mediated regulatory mechanism of abiotic stress responses in plants. In this review, we describe the structure and regulation of plant PLCs. In addition, cellular and physiological roles of PLCs in abiotic stresses, phosphorus deficiency, aluminium toxicity, pollen tube growth, and root development are discussed.

Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare progressive muscular disease that primarily affects boys. A lack of comprehensive care for patients living with DMD is directly associated with a compromised quality of life (QoL) for those affected and their caregivers. This disease also has a huge economic impact on families as its treatment requires substantial direct, indirect, and informal care costs. Objective This study presents a protocol developed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a patient-centered care (PCC) model for children with DMD. The care model was designed with the aim to empower families, improve QoL, and reduce economic burden on their families. Methods This study is planned as a quasi-experimental study that will enroll 70 consecutive families with boys (aged 5-15 years) with DMD visiting a tertiary care center. The study is being conducted in 2 phases (preintervention and postintervention phases, referred to as phase 1 and phase 2, respectively). During phase 1, the patients received routine care. The study is now in phase 2, with the intervention currently being administered. The intervention is based on the PCC model individualized by the intervention team. The model has a comprehensive DMD telecare component that includes teleconsultation as one of its key components to reduce in-person physician visits at the health facility. Teleconsultation is especially beneficial for late-ambulatory and nonambulatory patients. Data on economic burden are being collected for out-of-pocket expenses for both phases during in-person visits via telephone or messaging apps on a monthly basis. QoL data for patients and their primary caregivers are being collected at 3 time points (ie, time of enrollment, end of phase 1, and end of phase 2). Outcome measures are being assessed as changes in economic burden on families and changes in QoL scores. Results Participant recruitment began in July 2021. The study is ongoing and expected to be completed by March 2023. The findings based on baseline data are expected to be submitted for publication in 2023. Conclusions This paper outlines a research proposal developed to study the impact of a PCC model for patients with DMD in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study is expected to provide evidence of whether a multicomponent, patient-centric intervention could reduce economic burdens on families and improve their QoL. The results of this study could guide policy makers and health professionals in India and other LMICs to facilitate a comprehensive care program for patients living with DMD. The economic impact of a rare disease is an important consideration to formulate or evaluate any health policy or intervention related to new treatments and financial support schemes. Trial Registration Clinical Trials Registry India (ICMR-NIMS) CTRI/2021/06/034274; https://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=56650 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/42491

In the wake of the current COVID-19 a restraint was put on the supply of non-essential items. At the same time, provision of essential food items, health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary and special medical purpose, infant/baby food, animal feed/pet food needs to be ensured. Apart from these items, food delivery services, e-commerce, cold storage and warehousing of food products, fuel such as coal, rice husk, diesel/furnace oil and all raw materials, intermediaries, packaging materials needed to support the above list of products are required to be included in the essential list to ensure uninterrupted functioning of food supply chain. This article describes methods to ensure food safety along with prevention of COVID-19 infection while ensuring food security for all.

The interest for power is expanding at a very high rate, and the generation of power is running in front of supply. The presentation of distributed vitality assets is the greatest change happening to the dispersion arrangement. There is an expanded reconciliation of distributed vitality assets with the circulation arrange utilizing power hardware converters to meet the consistently expanding request of power. In the future, normally, the entrance level of appropriated vitality assets will further increment. The association of circulated vitality assets with the circulation system brings about increment in the estimation of issue current, which can cause unusual conditions in the whole control framework to arrange. The equipment introduced at the producing station and the substation is over the top expensive. In this way, it is important to shield this equipment from the fault current. A fault current limiter (FCL) is a progressive power framework device that beats the issues because of expanded deficiency current levels. It is a device that lessens the imminent issue flows to a lower sensible level. In this paper principals of activity and structures of the different current limiter is examined. It surrenders short and to-date writing audit of regular shortcoming current constraining gadgets just as deficiency momentum constraining gadgets which are still in an examination or improvement arrange.

Earlier, we have found that the enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica have evolved the survival mechanisms that regulate the expression of laccase-encoding genes in the gut. The present study aims to characterize the purified recombinant laccase from Y. enterocolitica strain 8081 biovar 1B and understand its effect on the midgut of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) larvae. The recombinant laccase protein showed high purity fold and low molecular mass (~ 43 kDa). H. armigera larvae fed with laccase protein showed a significant decrease in body weight and damage in the midgut. Further, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the negative effect of laccase protein on trachea, malpighian tubules, and villi of the insect. The proteome comparison between control and laccase-fed larvae of cotton bollworm showed significant expression of proteolytic enzymes, oxidoreductases, cytoskeletal proteins, ribosomal proteins; and proteins for citrate (TCA cycle) cycle, glycolysis, stress response, cell redox homeostasis, xenobiotic degradation, and insect defence. Moreover, it also resulted in the reduction of antioxidants, increased melanization (insect innate immune response), and enhanced free radical generation. All these data collectively suggest that H. armigera (Hubner) larvae can be used to study the effect of microbes and their metabolites on the host physiology, anatomy, and survival.

Introduction: A complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury can result in a progressively increasing symptomatic knee instability, which can cause recurrent intra articular damage and eventually results in osteoarthritis if not treated on time. Aim: To analyse the effects of delaying ACL reconstruction beyond a period of 12 weeks and compared the results with cases managed before that time period. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted between July 2017 to October 2019 in Government Medical College, Jammu on two groups of patients divided into early (12 weeks) on the basis of interval between the injury and definitive surgery. ACL reconstruction was done using a quadrupled semitendinosus-gracilis graft. A standard rehabilitation protocol was followed and the results were compared. Patients were followed-up till one year postsurgery. Software used for statistical analysis was EpiInfo Version 3.0 and SPSS. Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study. Forty patients were in the early group and 32 in delayed. Male patients outnumbered the females in both the groups and the incidence of injury was more on the right side. Sports injuries were the most common mode of injury, followed by falls and road traffic accidents in both the groups. The incidence of grade 3/4 medial and Lateral Meniscal (LM) tears was more in the delayed group and the association was statistically significant (p

Airplane ear or ear discomfort during flight is common irrespective of ticket price we pay for our flights according to class. Whether we get extra leg space or extra facilities during flying in business class, air travelers often face this problem of airplane ear (Figure 1). Airplane ear is also known as ear barotrauma, barotitis media or aerotitis media [1]–[5]. Severe earache affects individuals of varying levels of social determinants of health as it is entirely a physiological phenomenon [3]. Airplane ear is commonly experienced when the airplane is ascending or descending, which makes it one of the commonest health problems for people travelling in air routes. Open in a separate window Figure 1. Airplane ear. 2. Etiology Generally, airplane ear occurs due to quick changes in altitude and quick changes in air pressure [4]. In normal physiological conditions, the air pressure in our middle ear cavity is nearly equivalent to that of the external ear canal. This equalization of air pressure is maintained physiologically and contributes to regular auditory function and maintenance of normal balance among individuals. However, the eustachian tube dysfunction may occur with any changes in pressure and failure to ventilate through the middle ear space. This may result in outward bulging of the tympanic membrane causing moderate to severe earache. This phenomenon can be compared with a bread expanding while baking [3],[5]. Conversely, due to the vacuum effect, if the air pressure inside the middle ear space reduces rapidly compared to the external ear pressure, the tympanic membrane may be pulled inside due to the pressure gradient. The eustachian tube becomes flattened during the pressure changes and it necessitates bringing air into the middle ear (Figure 2). During sudden ascend or descend of an aeroplane, ear cavity pressure is often decreased complemented by an increase in the cabin compared to the outside air pressure. In such a scenario, the unusual stretching of the eardrum or tympanic membrane may precipitate pain in the ear. At the same time, individuals may also experience decreased hearing abilities and muffled sounds as the eardrum as it becomes unable to vibrate normally [2]–[4]. Open in a separate window Figure 2. Imbalance of air pressure in the middle ear. The pathophysiology remains the same in cases of scuba diving, in hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and during explosions happening nearby [2].

An electrical power system is designed to operate at the frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. But there are certain loads which generate voltage and current that are the integer multiple of 50 or 60 Hz. Those higher frequencies form electrical network pollution called as power system harmonics. An Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) is one of such load when operated on AC affects the power quality of the power system. The power quality is degraded mainly due to the poor power factor, current and voltage harmonics and voltage fluctuation. The problems due the harmonics is getting worsen day by day due to the introduction of power electronics equipments and voltage fluctuation arise by the use of large industrial load such as EAFs and LMF (Ladle Melt Furnace) in steel meting shop. Also connecting rolling mill and forging shop generate harmonics in the adjacent electrical power system. In this paper, an extensive review of harmonics generated in EAF is presented .

Health information technology (HIT) refers to the comprehensive management of health information across computerized systems and its secure exchange between patients, health care providers, government, and others [1],[2]. A broad and consistent use of HIT can potentially improve the quality of primary health care, reduce medical errors, reduce basic health care costs, decrease paperwork, increase administrative efficiency, and expand access to affordable care. The World Health Organization has identified HIT as a tool with which to address health problems and transform quality of life [3]. India is a hub of IT-enabled service industries. Despite this tremendous potential, there is limited use of HIT in the public health sector as compared with other sectors such as banking, railway, tourism, and entertainment, which have embraced IT on a considerable scale [1]. According to the technology acceptance model [4], the speed of acceptance and dissemination of a particular technology depends primarily on its perceived usefulness and ease of use (Figure 1). England et al. [5] conducted a study which revealed that the complexity of health care organizations and their fragmented internal structure constrained their ability to adopt organization-wide IT. The authors concluded that both organizational and technological factors lead to the slow adoption of strategic IT. Open in a separate window Figure 1. Technology acceptance model [4]. Another important contributing factor to the limited use of IT in health care is the comparatively less revenue generation in the public health sector. For most governments, primary health care is an investment with no immediate return though there are obvious long-term benefits. Such myopic perception at the policy level may function as a barrier to the adoption of any technology [6]. Other reasons of low use of technology in health sector include language barriers, use of outdated technology, and lackluster appeal for the general public [1]. With use of the smart phones by general public increasing day by day, an important way of use of HIT is popularization of emojis, images, and icons are pictorial methods of expression as health-related communication. India is now considered a major mobile technology consumer [7], and communication through mobile phones is no longer limited to text messages. We communicate more with each other using emojis, images, and icons in chats or on social media. The inclination toward this pictorial mode of expression is quite natural. If we consider paleo-anthropology and the history of linguistic development, we can clearly see that Homo Sapiens have always used symbolic languages and wall paintings to communicate with each other (Figure 2). Even the earliest traces of language, dating back to the age of the caveman and woman, were also strikingly similar to icons, paintings, and symbols. These are still observed in tribal hamlets. The symbol/icon is thus a connecting link between our past and the present. Open in a separate window Figure 2. Similarity in symbolic communication earlier and now (Source-https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/design). Emojis, images, and icons help break the barriers of languages. Meanings of symbols are easily understood across the globe. Furthermore, images tend to have more appeal than text. As the saying indicates, “A picture speaks more than a thousand words.” Interestingly, the written language (script) of some Asian countries (e.g., China, Korea, and Japan) are symbol-based. Apart from being linked with human emotions, Emojis, images, and icons can also be developed or tailor-made to appeal to the cultural norms prevalent in a society. One cannot ignore the strong influence of culture [6].

Current drug treatment available for neuropathic pain (NP) provides meager and partial pain relief due to incomplete efficacy and dose-dependent adverse effect. Hence, combination therapy can provide prolongation in analgesic effect with milder side effects. The present investigation aimed at observing the effects of sildenafil (SD) on Fluoxetine (FLX) in attenuation of chronic constriction injury (CCI) induced NP in rats. CCI was achieved in rats by placing four loose ligations around the sciatic nerve and rats were received respective treatments on SD and FLX till 14 days further behaviors parameters like heat hyperalgesia and allodynia, pin prick and acetone drop test were executed in order to access thermal, mechanical and cold allodynia, respectively, on a predetermined time interval. On the 21st day the animals were sacrificed for determination of total protein, myeloperoxidase activity in the adjoining muscular tissues while glutathione and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve. Co-administration of SD + FLX + CCI gave the pronounced effect that was superior over individual responses of SD and FLX in all behavioral as well as biochemical parameters. It was observed that attenuation in the altered behavioral pattern of CCI induced rats was modified prominently from 3rd day only in a group of rats treated with SD + FLX + CCI. The whole study was finally supported by histopathological results. Finally, it was concluded that SD produces an additive effect when given with FLX in attenuation of NP may be due to elevation in the level of intracellular concentrations of cyclic guanosine monophosphate which further causes downregulation of calcium channel.

The nonlinear and time varying nature of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) causes power quality problems such as harmonics, flicker and voltage /current imbalances. In order to analyze the power quality of power system containing EAF, mathematical model of arc furnace becomes useful and informative. This paper presents different models of alternating current operated arc furnace to analyze the power quality in electric power system. The behavior of these models under static and dynamic conditions is studied. A comparison is also made between these models of arc furnace. Simulation results in MATLAB/ SIMULINK shows the voltage/current wave forms and percentage harmonic component in arc furnace system.

Mouse infection models are frequently used to study the host–pathogen interaction studies. However, due to several constraints, there is an urgent need for a simple, rapid, easy to handle, inexpensive, and ethically acceptable in vivo model system for studying the virulence of enteropathogens. Thus, the present study was performed to develop the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera as a rapid-inexpensive in vivo model system to evaluate the effect of Yersinia enterocolitica strain 8081 on its midgut via a label-free proteomic approach. Helicoverpa armigera larvae fed with Yersinia enterocolitica strain 8081 manifested significant reduction in body weight and damage in midgut. On performing label-free proteomic study, secretory systems, putative hemolysin, and two-component system emerged as the main pathogenic proteins. Further, proteome comparison between control and Yersinia added diet-fed (YADF) insects revealed altered cytoskeletal proteins in response to increased melanization (via a prophenoloxidase cascade) and free radical generation. In concurrence, FTIR-spectroscopy, and histopathological and biochemical analysis confirmed gut damage in YADF insects. Finally, the proteome data suggests that the mechanism of infection and the host response in Y. enterocolitica-H. armigera system mimics Yersinia-mammalian gut interactions. All data from current study collectively suggest that H. armigera larva can be considered as a potential in vivo model system for studying the enteropathogenic infection by Y. enterocolitica strain 8081.

Phospholipases D (PLDs) are phospholipid hydrolyzing enzymes and crucial components of lipid signaling in plants. PLDs are implicated in stress responses in different plants however, characterization of PLDs in chickpea is missing. Here, we identify 13 PLD genes in the chickpea genome. PLD family could be divided into α, β, δ, e and ζ isoforms based on sequence and structure. Protein remodeling described that chickpea PLDs are composed of defined arrangements of α-helix, β-sheets and short loops. Phylogenetic analysis suggested evolutionary conservation of chickpea PLD family with dicots. In-planta subcellular localization showed the plasma membrane localization of chickpea PLDs. All PLD promoters had hormone and stress related cis-regulatory elements, which suggested overlapping function of PLDs in hormone and abiotic stress signaling. The qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed that most PLD genes are differentially expressed in multiple abiotic stresses (drought, salt and cold stress). Moreover, several PLD genes had overlapping expression in abiotic stress and ABA and JA treatment. These observations indicate the involvement of PLD gene family in cross-talk of phytohormone and abiotic stress signaling in chickpea. Thus, present study opens new avenues of utilizing PLD related information for understanding hormone-regulated abiotic stress signaling in legume crops.

Violence against doctors is on the rise worldwide. Doctors are no more considered demigods or authorities in their field; on the one hand, where there is a valid reason for it because of the dilution in the field; however, on the other hand, the distrust is getting generalized to the whole community of physicians. Violence against them in any form is reprehensible. However, acts of violence in a hospital are the most extreme and should be dealt with an iron hand.

Background Food-borne illnesses have been a recognized hazard for decades. Recent promulgation of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, indicates the concern of our Govt. for food safety. Research on effectiveness of food safety interventions in our country is remarkably scarce. Hence, the present study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of north India to create evidence-based results for food safety interventions. Methods The study was before and after intervention trial which was registered with CTRI. Data collection was paperless using a software. All food handlers (n = 280) working inside the hospital were recruited. Intervention package comprised Self-Instructional Manual in Hindi for food handlers, short film for sensitization of food handlers on food safety titled ‘Gravy Extra’, and a documentary titled ‘Food Safety from farm to Fork’. Chi square test, paired t test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test were used. Results The mean age of food handlers was 35 ± 2 years. Majority (61.7%) of food handlers were educated less than 10th standard. Nearly 60% of them had up to five years of experience. At base line majority (68.9%) had a fair knowledge about food safety issues. There was a significant improvement in food safety knowledge and practice score of food handlers after the intervention (p

Problem Statement: Neurosurgical patients require special care not only in the hospital but also after their discharge from the hospital. Comprehension and compliance to the instructions given by the doctors/nurses at the time of discharge is important in home care of these patients. Many such patients suffer from various co-morbidities. Variable periods of convalescence affect health-related quality of life in these patients. Purpose of the Study: To determine the degree of compliance of neurosurgery patients and their family caregivers with the discharge advice given by the consultantsTo evaluate the quality of life of these patientsTo know the problems faced by these patients at home. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional interview-based descriptive study was conducted in 2010 in Chandigarh. These patients were visited at their home. A scale was evolved to evaluate comprehension and compliance to the advice given at the time of discharge, according to the criteria developed by Clark et al. Lawton Brody instrumental activity of daily life and Spitzer quality of life index were used to assess patients' quality of life after the operation. Verbatim responses were recorded for the purpose of qualitative research. Results: Overall, 58 patients and their caregivers were interviewed at home. Mean age of the patients was 38.9 years. Out of 37 patients, 35 showed good comprehension and 33 patients had a good compliance with the instructions given for medication. The condition of 74.1% patients improved after the operation. Depression was reported in 31% of the patients. Many (36.2%) patients had to quit their job due to the disease. Almost half (47.4%) of the patients were independent in daily activities of their life while being evaluated on Barthel activity of daily life index. Conclusion and Recommendations: It is in the long term that the true complexity and impact of operations become apparent. After operation, such patients are likely to have a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social problems, which may result in difficulties for both patients and their family caregivers. Provision of mechanism of prioritized follow-up care to the operated bedridden neurosurgery patients should be made.

In this paper, a detailed study is carried out on the solar photovoltaic (PV) array topologies under various shading patterns. The aim of this study is to investigate the mismatch effect losses in PV modules for non uniform irradiations. The shading causes not only power losses, but also non-linearity of P-V characteristics. Under partial shaded conditions, the P-V and I-V characteristics exhibit extreme non-linearity along with multiple load maxima. In this paper, the investigations of the optimal layout of PV modules in a PV array are worked out to provide maximum output power under various shaded conditions. Three type of solar PV array topologies e.g. Series-parallel (SP), Total cross tied (TCT) and Bridge link (BL) are considered for various typesof shaded patterns. The modeling of solar PV array for various types of topologies is done in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The extensive results have been taken on these topologies for partial shading patterns and analyzed, which proves the TCT topology performance is better as compared to other topologies for most of the shading patterns.

Phospholipase C proteins are phospholipid hydrolysing enzymes and crucial components of abiotic stress triggered lipid signaling in plants. PLCs are implicated in plant reaction to drought, salinity, and cold stress responses, however, characterization of the PLC family in the legume crop chickpea is missing. Here, we identify and describe nine PLC encoding genes in the chickpea genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the chickpea PLC family has evolved through a common path in dicots. Subcellular localization of fluorescence tagged proteins confirmed cytoplasmic and plasma membrane bound forms of PLCs in chickpea. The promoters of all the PLC genes are comprised of several hormone response related, development and abiotic stress related cis-regulatory elements. Expression analysis in five developmental stages (germination, seedling, vegetative, reproductive and senescence) showed significant expression of multiple PLCs in germination, vegetative and reproductive stages, suggesting their diverse role in various developmental processes. qRT-PCR expression analysis of the entire PLC gene family under drought, salt and cold stresses revealed that most PLC genes are differentially expressed in multiple abiotic stresses. These observations indicate the involvement of PLC gene family in abiotic stress signaling and responses in important legume crop. The present study opens new avenues for utilizing PLC- related information in biotechnological programs for abiotic stress tolerance and legume crop improvement.

In India, the number of people with disabilities is continuously growing over the past few decades. The figure is expected to increase due to population aging, with a resultant increase in chronic health conditions. The health of people with disabilities is a relatively neglected and ignored area. Further, the disabled face poor access to healthcare and frequently encounter discrimination or stigmatization. These situations make them more vulnerable to many comorbidities in their health, making severe compromises in their quality of life. Therefore, people with disabilities need special healthcare than people without disabilities. There is a need for sensitization of all health-care providers to ensure quality, affordable, and accessible health-care services for people with disabilities. To address the health-care needs of people with disabilities to the maximum, Ministry of Health, Government of India should incorporate appropriate guidelines in various national health programs and work together with a relevant ministry.

In this case study, we describe our experiences with a rural poor family from north India that initially contacted faith healers for treatment of their child who was having symptoms suggestive of epilepsy, but the seizures continued even after this. The family migrated to a city, where they started allopathic treatment, but eventually they had to discontinue it as there was no apparent relief. Again, they went back to their native village and restarted the treatment from the faith healer. This case study highlights the fact that in spite of the significant development of medical science, many questions pertaining to epilepsy treatment are still unanswered. Such dissatisfaction with the allopathic treatment of epilepsy is very common. Complexity of the disease and high cost of modern medication, side effects of drugs, efficient but heavy treatment protocols and unpredictable outcome are responsible for continued practice of people consulting faith healers for treatment of epilepsy. However, these remain unnoticed and undocumented.

In North India, preference for sons has been blamed for repeated incidents of female feticide, despite the legislation in the form of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 2002. We describe how a team of local private doctors offer package deals to pregnant women and their families in rural areas. The fetal sex is determined at night using a portable ultrasonography machine.If the fetus is a girl, an immediate induced abortion is offered in the clients’ home. If complications arise, women are advised to attend hospital. Such a patient visited us with a history of bleeding per vagina following incomplete induced abortion. This case study highlights the fact that female feticide continues to occur in India.

Objective: Socio economic status is an important determinant of health and disease in population. Various scales for measuring the same exist in modern Indian society each with it′s own limitations. Present study was done to abridge the existing and latest available Aggarwal Scale. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study Material and methods: All relevant information pertaining to Aggarwal et al scale was collected for 197 households and analyzed in SPSS 16. Data reduction was done using Factor Analysis (FA) under which Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used. Results: Four components were selected based on criteria Eigen value of more than one and elbowing in scree plot. All the 22 items of Aggarwal et al were divided among these 4 components. Based on factor loadings four reduced scales were constructed. Percentage agreement of reduced scales with original scale increased as we increased the number of items in the scale. Analysis narrowed down the 22 items of Aggarwal et al scale to six items e.g. locality, education of husband/ wife, occupation of husband/ wife, family possessions, caste and monthly per capita income. These 6 items together accounted for 49% of the variation and can be taken as a surrogate measure of SES of the family. Conclusion: We have presented reduced versions of Aggarwal et al scale along with degree of agreement with the original scale. Authors propose the use of these scales to measure SES to overcome the time constraint in practicing research.

In this case study, we describe our experiences with a woman employed as a housemaid who sought unsafe abortion services from a private doctor. This was her sixth pregnancy, after previously giving birth to one son and two daughters and undergoing two induced abortions. Her husband remained opposed to the use of contraception. Initially, she had sought medical termination of pregnancy through a government hospital but was denied because of procedural delays, specifically the non-availability of an ultrasonography report consequent to a lack of proof of identity (ie, the AADHAAR card, a unique identification card for recording biometric and demographic data in India). She finally sought the services of an unqualified private physician and received oral abortifacient agents. Consequently, she was required to seek treatment for bleeding per vaginum from the dispensary staff at a government hospital. We note that many such incidents occur in our daily practice but remain unnoticed and undocumented. Although this patient was eligible for sterilisation (ie, tubectomy), her husband was uncooperative. This case illustrates the lack of decision-making power experienced by Indian women who have a low societal status.

India accounts for one-fourth of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden. The National TB Program was started in 1962. Over a period of time, some lacunae such as poor case detection rate and incomplete treatment were observed. Later, the government formulated the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), which achieved a case detection rate of 70% and a cure rate of 85%. Still, the problem of relapse and defaulter cases persists. In 2014, 6% defaulter cases were reported from India. RNTCP has also focused on microlevel aspects, that is, newer diagnostics such as GenXpert, line probe assay and medicines such as bedaquiline for drug-resistant TB. Action on the macrolevel aspects, for example, social determinants, is ignored. This is natural because these are out of the purview of the health sector. This case study reflects how a resident doctor in a rural clinic of North India tried to resolve the macrolevel and microlevel issues pertaining to defaulter TB cases.

Crankshaft is one of the most important components of an IC engine. Crankshaft should be checked carefully to ensure that its design is fully optimized. The main objective of this paper is to perform the static analysis on four cylinder engine crankshaft to find out its static strength and the maximum stress zone and analyzing the different methods for the optimization of crankshaft in terms of weight, stress and cost reduction. A three dimensional model of four cylinder engine crankshaft is prepared corresponding to actual conditions in Catia V5 software, static analysis is performed using Ansys under extreme operating conditions and the improvement methods for the optimum design are analyzed in terms of geometric improvement, appropriate material selection and methods used for manufacturing of crankshaft.

Problems associated with harmonic distortion are well understood for electrical power system applications.The right solution is challenging. There are numerous technologies to choose from, each with specific technical and economic advantages. This paper provides recommendations for reducing harmonic distortion, improving system capacity and improving system reliability. Special considerations for applying capacitors on a power systems with harmonics will be discussed.

Genes in the Armadillo (ARM)-repeat superfamily encode proteins with a range of developmental and physiological processes in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. These 42 amino acid, long tandem repeat-containing proteins have been abundantly recognized in many plant species. Previous studies have confirmed that Armadillo proteins constitute a multigene family in Arabidopsis. In this study, we performed a computational analysis in the rice genome (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica), and identified 158 genes of Armadillo superfamily. Phylogenetic study classified them into several arbitrary groups based on a varying number of non-conserved ARM repeats and accessory domain(s) associated with them. An in-depth analysis of gene expression through microarray and Q-PCR revealed a number of ARM proteins expressing differentially in abiotic stresses and developmental conditions, suggesting a potential roles of this superfamily in development and stress signalling. Comparative phylogenetic analysis between Arabidopsis and rice Armadillo genes revealed a high degree of evolutionary conservation between the orthologues in two plant species. The non-synonymous and synonymous substitutions per site ratios (Ka/Ks) of duplicated gene pairs indicate a purifying selection. This genome-wide identification and expression analysis provides a basis for further functional analysis of Armadillo genes under abiotic stress and reproductive developmental condition in the plant lineage.

Purpose School teachers can play a key role in the first-aid management of school children experiencing a seizure. The teachers have a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge to the children of diseases experienced by them and developing positive attitudes among the children regarding the diseases. The present study investigated the knowledge and practices used by teachers to manage epileptic seizures. The study also tested an epilepsy intervention educational package to see whether it improved the knowledge and practices of the teachers regarding epilepsy. Methods A total of 85 teachers in schools from Chandigarh, a city of northern India, participated in the study. At the start of the study the teachers completed a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire on the first-aid management of epileptic seizures. They were then presented with an intervention package that included audio-visual material on basic aspects of epilepsy. The teachers were then retested after the intervention (one immediately and another after three months from the intervention). A scoring system was devised to quantify the knowledge, attitude and skills of teachers. Results More than 90% of the teachers had previously either heard or read about epilepsy. Nearly half of the teachers said that books and magazines were the most common source of their information, followed by the internet. A comparison of the knowledge, attitudes and skills about the first-aid management of epilepsy based on the before and after questionnaire scores showed significant improvements in the various domains ( p Conclusion The epilepsy intervention educational package provided a positive, short term, impact on the knowledge and skills of teachers about epilepsy. There is a need for regular workshops to improve and reinforce the knowledge and skills of the teachers about health problems like epilepsy.

Introduction: Cancer of the esophagus is among the leading cause of cancer deaths in Punjab, India. Patients generally present with dysphagia as their first symptom and more often they have advanced disease at the time of presentation to a tertiary care centre. Palliative procedures have important roles in this setting. Stenting is the best option to palliate the symptoms of dysphagia, from which patient is suffering the most. Aim: To know the success rate, early and long term complications and mortality in esophageal stenting, when it was done in malignant esophageal stricture patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients, who had undergone esophageal stenting from January 2012 to January 2015, were included in the study. We retrospectively analysed the data for patient characteristics, causes of non-operability, early and long term complications, re-interventions, efficacy and mortality. Results: Out of 100 patients, indications for stenting were locally advanced disease not amenable to surgery (52%), metastatic disease (35%), CVA (1%), cardiac and respiratory problem (8%), un-willing for surgery in 5% of patients. Majority of patients (94%) had squamous cell carcinoma, while only 6% had adenocarcinoma. 84% of patients presented with dysphagia with or without chest pain and recurrent cough while 16% had recurrent vomiting. 58% had dysphagia to liquids and solids and 17% had complete dysphagia. After stenting 93% had significant improvement in dysphagia score from median of 3 to 1. Post procedure stay was 3.61±1.0 days. One patient had procedure related major complication in the form of post procedural bleed (after 16 days of stenting) leading to death of that patient. Minor complications were present in 52 patients treated conservatively not affecting the efficacy of procedure. These include pain after stenting (38%), stent obstruction (23%) and stent migration (6%). All the minor complications were treated conservatively except in six patients in whom restenting was done. Conclusion: Esophageal stenting is relatively safe procedure with short stay of the patient in the hospital. Although, it helps in alleviating patients’ morbidity very effectively and reliably, there are many technical glitches, which needs to be kept into account and patient should be properly counseled before the procedure to prevent and manage post procedure complications and medico legal aspects.

Many studies from India have documented that patients are not satisfied with their treatment provided in the hospitals. The common reasons of patient's dissatisfaction are overcrowding, long waiting time to meet doctors, short consultation period (2 minutes), absence of a congenial environment, and communication gap. It is well known fact that there is frustration with systemic problems of government hospitals, from poor budgetary allocation to shortage of health care staff. It is evident from management studies that, if we have to give better output without changes in the input level we have to improve our existing processes. Improvement of any system is possible by proper system analysis, system design and effective implementation. In hospitals also, our aim is to design and implement a customized and comprehensive care plan, giving more emphasis on the patient's problems than on their diagnosis. Person centered care is underpinned by values of respect for persons, individuals right to self-determination, understanding, empathy, tow way communication and eye to eye contact. Newer concepts like social prescribing in patient care have been implemented in the Multi-Purpose Behavior Therapy (MPBT) room project at PGIMER, Chandigarh for urinary incontinence, dysmenorrhea, osteoarthritis and polycystic ovarian disease patients. Our results indicate that it is feasible to impart health promotion orientation in gynae OPD and orthopedic OPD through counselling of patients for de-medicalization of management of their health problems. Doctors also reported reduced workload. However, this model can be adopted in any clinical department for improving patient satisfaction and decrease workload in hospitals..

Objective To compare the effect of 2 packages of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the clinical course of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women attending a gynecology outpatient department in Chandigarh, India. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted between August 8, 2010, and October 31, 2011. Overall, 140 women with stage I–III POP were allocated to a 24-week behavioral therapy intervention. Group A (n = 70) received 1-to-1 PFMT and a self-instruction manual (SIM), whereas Group B (n = 70) received SIM alone. Symptoms were assessed using the POP symptom scale (POP-ss), visual analog scale (VAS), and pelvic floor impact questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7) scores. Results Marked improvements in mean POP-ss, VAS, PFIQ-7 scores were observed in both groups from baseline to week 24. However, significant between-group changes in mean POP-ss scores were observed from baseline to 6 weeks (P < 0.001), 18 weeks (P = 0.001), and 24 weeks (P = 0.002). Significant between-group changes in mean VAS scores were observed at 18 and 24 weeks (P = 0.009 and P = 0.005). Significant between-group changes in mean PFIQ-7 scores were observed at 6 (P = 0.001), 18 (P < 0.001), and 24 weeks (P < 0.001). Conclusion Provision of both 1-to-1 PFMT and SIM led to greater improvements in POP symptoms than provision of SIM alone. ctri.nic.in: CTRI/2010/091/001190.