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Abstract In the present study, green synthetic pathway was adapted to synthesize CuO–ZnO bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) using Eryngium foetidum leaf extract and their anti-cancer activity against MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, anti-microbial activity and in vitro anti-oxidant activity were evaluated. Various bio-active compounds present in leaf extract were responsible for the reduction of CuO–ZnO NPs from respective Cu2+ and Zn2+ metal precursors. In the present study, the involvement of bio-active compounds present in E. foetidum extract before and after green synthesis of BNPs were evaluated for the first time. Rod-shaped and spherical structural morphology of synthesized BNPs were revealed by using FESEM, TEM, and XRD analysis with particle size ranged from 7 to 23 nm with an average size of 16.49 nm. The distribution of Cu and Zn were confirmed by elemental mapping. The green synthesized CuO–ZnO NPs showed significant cytotoxic effect with the inhibition rate 89.20 ± 0.03% at concentration of 500 μg/mL. Again, good antioxidant activity with IC50; 0.253 mg/mL and antimicrobial activity of BNPs were also evaluated with the increasing order of MIC; E. coli (7.81 μg/mL)

Introduction: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the lethal carcinomas with a high incidence rate in Asia and it stands at 5th position in India in terms of incidence. The cyclin-D1 gene plays an important role in its carcinogenesis. We aimed to analyze the various clinicopathological parameters associated with ESCC. Cyclin-D1 expression and its role as a prognostic marker are also evaluated. Cyclin-D1 being a marker for cell proliferation was used in this study. The primary objectives of the current investigation were to investigate the expression of Cyclin-D1 in ESCC and to establish a relationship between the expression patterns of Cyclin-D1 and the histopathological features of the ESCC. Materials and methods: We examined 134 samples of ESCC in the Department of Pathology, Silchar Medical College and Hospital and categorized them histologically as well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated. For assessing the expression of Cyclin-D1, immunohistochemistry was done in all these cases. Results: Out of 134 cases, 38.8% were in 6th decade of life. Males were more commonly affected than females. The association between anemia, clinical features, habits, and ABO-Rh grouping was analyzed. The low-income population was found to be associated with its incidences. 63.4 % of cases were moderately differentiated, followed by 34.3% well differentiated and 2.2% poorly differentiated carcinoma. The Middle third of the esophagus was involved commonly. Nodal metastasis was found in 97.5% of cases and 17.5% distant metastasis. Cyclin–D1 expression was seen in 43.5% of well-differentiated carcinoma, 65% of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and 66.7% of poorly differentiated carcinoma. Conclusion: The study found an association between ESCC and low-income groups and males in their 6th decade. However, moderately-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was identified as the most common type in this study. Furthermore, the finding that Cyclin-D1 expression was more prominent in poorly differentiated carcinoma of the esophagus could potentially lead to more targeted treatment options in the future. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the characteristics of ESCC and can help guide further research in this area.

Abstract Myocarditis is considered a fatal form of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in suckling calves. In the present study, a total of 17 calves under 4 months of age and suspected clinically for FMD were examined for clinical lesions, respiratory rate, heart rate, and heart rhythm. Lesion samples, saliva, nasal swabs, and whole blood were collected from suspected calves and subjected to Sandwich ELISA and reverse transcription multiplex polymerase chain reaction (RT-mPCR) for detection and serotyping of FMD virus (FMDV). The samples were found to be positive for FMDV serotype “O”. Myocarditis was suspected in 6 calves based on tachypnoea, tachycardia, and gallop rhythm. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cardiac troponins (cTnI) were measured. Mean serum AST, cTn-I and LDH were significantly higher (P 2 months 2 months

Introduction: Traditional clinical endpoints for propofol induction often led to unintentional overdose, leading to haemodynamic instability, delayed recovery, and other complications. Bispectral Index monitoring could potentially prevent undesired haemodynamic changes like hypotension. Aim: To compare BIS-guided propofol induction with clinically guided propofol induction. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Apollo Hospitals, Guwahati, Assam, India, between December 7, 2020 and December 6, 2021, on adult hypertensive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries. The Clinical Group (n=30) received propofol induction based on clinical guidance, and the Bispectral index group (n=30) underwent Bispectral Index (BIS) guided induction. Demographic variables, the dose of drug required for BIS 50, and the total amount of drug consumed were recorded. After the administration of each dose, Systolic BP (SBP), Diastolic BP (DBP), Mean Arterial BP (MAP), Heart Rate (HR), and SpO2 were recorded. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe qualitative data, whereas the mean and standard deviation were used to express quantitative data. Parametric tests included unpaired t-tests for comparison between groups. A p-value of

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related death in women in developing nations. Breast cancer diagnoses have increased as a result of rising awareness among women. The expression of Estrogen receptors (ER) plays a crucial role in determining the responsiveness to specific treatments. Cyclin D1 being a marker for cell proliferation was used in this study. The primary objectives of the current investigation were to investigate the expression of Cyclin-D1 and Estrogen receptor (ER) in breast carcinoma and to establish a relationship between the expression patterns of Cyclin-D1 and ER with the histopathological features of the tumor in breast carcinoma. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, India, from June 2021 to May 2022. A total of 59 cases of primary breast carcinoma MRM(Modified radical mastectomy) specimens were included in the study. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.12 ± 12.47 years, and the majority of the patients were in the post-menopausal phase. Lymph node metastasis was observed in 47.5% of the cases, and the majority of the cases were in grade II. The study demonstrated a trend towards increased Cyclin-D1 and ER-positive with aging. Cyclin-D1 positivity decreases and Cyclin-D1 negativity increases as the tumor growth increases. The study showed a statistically significant association (P=0.001) between ER and Cyclin-D1. The majority of post-menopausal patients had ER-positive. Conclusion: The present study provides the incidence of different parameters associated with breast carcinoma and their statistical correlation with CyclinD1 and ER that will provide improved and crucial treatment guidance.

Introduction: In 20-49% of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Lupus Nephritis (LN) is a major complication and, therefore, an important prognostic determinant of SLE. The Activity and Chronicity Indices (AI and CI), used as adjuncts to the histological classification of LN, assist in identifying patients who will benefit from immuno-suppressive therapy. Aim: To investigate the correlation of AI and CI in patients with biopsy-proven LN with clinical and laboratory findings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted as the Departments of Pathology and Nephrology, JSS Medical College and Hospital Mysore, India from January 2023 to March 2023, by retrieving the data of 56 patients with biopsy proven LN. AI and CI were assessed and classified. Data from multiple groups were compared using Pearson’s chi-square test, and between two groups using independent samples t-test with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r-value) was calculated using Microsoft excel 2021. Results: Renal biopsies from 56 cases with biopsy-proven LN were studied, with a mean age of 28±10.30 years and a M:F ratio of 1:10.2. Of the 56 biopsies studied, active lesions were seen in 47 (83.9%) and chronic lesions in 21 (37.5%). AI showed statistical significance with hypertension (p=0.049) and haematuria (p=0.005), with proteinuria (p=0.001, r=0.72), serum creatinine (p=0.037, r=0.62), and blood urea nitrogen (p=0.003, r=0.55) showing a statistically significant positive correlation. CI showed a statistically significant positive correlation with proteinuria (p=0.028, r=0.039) and serum creatinine (p=0.010, r=0.58). Both AI and CI showed statistical significance with the degree of renal insufficiency, with CI (p=0.008) displaying a stronger statistical significance than AI (p=0.012). Conclusion: In conclusion, the management and prognosis of patients with suspected LN are greatly facilitated through information obtained from renal biopsy, especially AI and CI, which are useful guides to treatment. It is important to study renal biopsy for the constellation of features in LN for better patient management.

Introduction: With increased levels of ferritin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and the proinflammatory cytokine Intrleukin-6 (IL-6) frequently seen in cancer patients, inflammation is acknowledged as a critical component in the context of cancer. For medical professionals, managing pain in cancer patients, whether from the illness or its treatment, remains a constant struggle. Aim: To compare the markers of inflammation between controls and cancer patients with pain and to correlate the degree of pain and IL-6 levels in this group of patients. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022 on 45 age-matched controls and 40 cancer patients with varied levels of pain who were included in the Palliative Care Unit of a State Cancer Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India. The intensity of pain was measured using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Blood samples were taken to assess the levels of IL-6, ferritin, and CRP. The data were analysed statistically using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and linear regression, and were presented as mean±Standard Deviation (SD). Results: Compared to controls, cancer patients had significantly higher levels of IL-6, CRP, and ferritin (p-value

Hepatic factors secreted by the liver promote homeostasis and are pivotal for maintaining the liver-gut axis. Bile acid metabolism is one such example wherein, bile acid synthesis occurs in the liver and its biotransformation happens in the intestine. Dysfunctional interactions between the liver and the intestine stimulate varied pathological outcomes through its bidirectional portal communication. Indeed, aberrant bile acid metabolism has been reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these crosstalks that perpetuate intestinal permeability and inflammation remain obscure. Here, we identify a novel hepatic gene program regulated by Rela and Stat3 that accentuates the inflammation in an acute experimental colitis model. Hepatocyte-specific ablation of Rela and Stat3 reduces the levels of primary bile acids in both the liver and the gut and shows a restricted colitogenic phenotype. On supplementation of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), knock-out mice exhibit enhanced colitis-induced alterations. This study provides persuasive evidence for the development of multi-organ strategies for treating IBD and identifies a hepatocyte-specific Rela-Stat3 network as a promising therapeutic target.

Filamentous cyanobacteria are one of the oldest and today still most abundant lifeforms on earth, with manifold implications in ecology and economics. Their flexible filaments, often several hundred cells long, exhibit gliding motility in contact with solid surfaces. The underlying force generating mechanism is not yet understood. Here, we demonstrate that propulsion forces and friction coefficients are strongly coupled in the gliding motility of filamentous cyanobacteria. We directly measure their bending moduli using micropipette force sensors, and quantify propulsion and friction forces by analyzing their self-buckling behavior, complemented with analytical theory and simulations. The results indicate that slime extrusion unlikely generates the gliding forces, but support adhesion-based hypotheses, similar to the better-studied single-celled myxobacteria. The critical self-buckling lengths align well with the peaks of natural length distributions, indicating the importance of self-buckling for the organization of their collective in natural and artificial settings.

Abstract The traditional rice genotypes of Assam are considered to have biological value due to the presence of several bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-aging properties. The pigmented genotypes are considered to have high iron (Fe) content. However, the effect of Fe and Zinc (Zn) accumulation on anthocyanin content is yet to be studied in pigmented rice of Assam. We studied the Fe, Zn, and anthocyanin content in grains of 204 traditional rice of Assam, which are traditionally preferred for their nutraceutical properties. We performed phenotypic and biochemical compositional analyses of 204 genotypes to identify those having high Fe, Zn, and anthocyanin. We also carried out the differential expression of a few selected Fe and Zn transporter genes along with the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Interestingly, all pigmented rice genotypes contained a higher amount of phenolic compound than the non-pigmented form of rice. We found the highest (32.73 g) seed yield per plant for genotype Jengoni followed by Kajoli chokuwa and Khau Pakhi 1. We also listed 30 genotypes having high levels of Fe and Zn content. The genotype Jengoni accumulated the highest (186.9 μg g−1) Fe, while the highest Zn (119.9 μg g−1) content was measured in genotype Bora (Nagaon), The levels of Ferritin 2 gene expression were found to be significantly higher in Bora (Nagaon) (> 2-fold). For Zn accumulation, the genotype DRR Dhan-45, which was released as a high Zn content variety, showed significant up-regulation of the ZIP4 gene at booting (> 7-fold), post-anthesis (7.8-fold) and grain filling (> 5-fold) stages followed by Bora (Nagaon) (> 3-fold) at post-anthesis. Anthocyanidin synthase gene, Flavanone 3-dioxygenase 1-like (FDO1), and Chalcone-flavanone isomerase-like genes were up-regulated in highly pigmented genotype Bora (Nagaon) followed by Jengoni. Based on our data there was no significant correlation between iron and zinc content on the accumulation of anthocyanin. This challenges the present perception of the higher nutritive value in terms of the micronutrient content of the colored rice of Assam. This is the first report on the detailed characterization of traditional rice genotypes inclusive of phenotypic, biochemical, nutritional, and molecular attributes, which would be useful for designing the breeding program to improve Fe, Zn, or anthocyanin content in rice.

Abstract Contrary to popular belief, agriculture is becoming more data-driven with artificial intelligence and Internet-of-Things (IoT) playing crucial roles. In this paper, the integrated processing executed by various sensors combined as an IoT pack and driving an intelligent agriculture management system designed for rainfall prediction and fruit health monitoring have been included. The proposed system based on an AI aided model makes use of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with long short-term memory (LSTM) layer for rainfall prediction and a CNN with SoftMax layer along with a few deep learning pre-trained models for fruit health monitoring. Another model that works as a combined rainfall predictor and fruit health recognizer is designed using a CNN + LSTM and a multi-head self-attention mechanism which proves to be effective. The entire system is cloud resident and available for use through an application.

Abstract Moringa oleifera Lam and Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod are being widely promoted as multipurpose trees across the tropics for their nutritional, medicinal and soil health benefits. Different parts of these species are edible, have therapeutic values and their seeds are used for water purification. Although the two species are similar in many ways, they have contrasting distributions. However, their current promotion is not guided by adequate knowledge of the suitability of the target areas. Information is also scanty on the suitability of habitats for these species under the current and future climate change scenarios. Therefore, the objective of this study was to predict the habitat suitability of M. oleifera and M. stenopetala under current and future climate change scenarios using an ensemble of models assuming four shared socio-economic pathways, namely, SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 for 2050 and 2070. The results suggest that areas that are highly suitable for M. oleifera will increase by 0.1% and 3.2% under SSP1-2.6 to SSP5-8.5 by 2050, respectively. By 2070, the area suitable for M. oleifera would likely decrease by 5.4 and 10.6% under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. The habitat that is highly suitable for M. stenopetala was predicted to increase by 85–98% under SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios by 2050 and by 2070, while suitable areas could increase by up to 143.6% under SSP5-8.5. The most influential bioclimatic variables for both species were mean diurnal temperature range, mean temperature of driest quarter, precipitation of wettest month, and isothermality. Additionally, soil pH, elevation and water holding capacity were influential variables in the distribution of M. oleifera, while soil pH, soil salinity and slope were influential in M. stenopetala distribution. This study has provided baseline information on the current distribution and possible future habitat suitability, which will be helpful to guide formulation of good policies and practices for promoting Moringa species outside their current range.

Background: Graves’ disease (GD) attributes for important cause for childhood hyperthyroidism with a prevalence of 0.02%. Initial treatment for GD is the use of antithyroid drugs (ATDs), which is well accepted. The remission rate is around about 30% of children treated with ATD. Aims and Objective: (1) To assess the predictors of relapse and remission after ATD in children with Grave’s disease. (2) To study the clinical profile at presentation and treatment outcome of children with Grave’s disease. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of children diagnosed for GD (n=27) and treated with either carbimazole (0.6–0.8 mg/kg), methimazole (0.2–1 mg/kg), or (propylthiouracil, 5–10 mg/kg) and continued till euthyroid state was achieved. The dose was titrated every 2 months once till the achievement of the euthyroid state. Assessment of remission and relapse was done within a year of stopping the drug. Results: The overall estimated relapse rate for hyperthyroidism was 54.1% (13 patients), within a year of stopping ATD with a mean duration treatment of 24.23±7.44 months. Multivariate survival analysis showed that the risk of relapse (87.5%) was higher for patients of a body mass index SD score

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every sector of health care system including the cancer care. Objective. The purpose of the study is to analyse the impact of the current COVID‑19 pandemic on routine radiotherapy practice at a tertiary hospital of Northeast India. Methods. This is a retrospective study of all patients planned for radiotherapy at Assam Medical College, a tertiary care centre, in Assam, India from January 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. The study samples are divided into two groups: group A – patients treated from January 1, 2020, to March 20, 2020 (pre-lockdown,) and group B – patients treated from March 21, 2020, to May 31, 2020 (lockdown). The department registration numbers of all the patients were collected from the entry register, and the respective paper files were then accessed to obtain the required data. Results. A total of 153 patients were planned for radiotherapy during the study period, of these 113 patients receiving radiotherapy in the pre-lockdown period and 40 patients receiving it in the lockdown period. The number of female patients decreased from 66 (58.40%) in the pre-lockdown period to 20 (50%) during the lockdown. The number of male patients also decreased from 47 to 20 but the proportion increased from 41.5% to 50%. The proportion of patients who completed radiotherapy was 90.8% in group B compare to 88.3% in group A. Conclusion. There was a decrease in number of cancer patients, especially female during the lockdown. The pandemic has severely disrupted every aspect of cancer care.

Key Clinical Message Middle‐aged male athletes, with or without underlying coronary artery disease, exhibiting exercise induced blood pressure (BP) variability and diabetes can have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Assessment in athletes should include long‐term arrhythmia monitoring. In addition, it is important to exert patients beyond their calculated target heart rate (HR) during an exercise stress test to detect exercise‐induced AF. We suggest this strategy be specifically used for athletes with complaints of intermittent palpitation and chest pain. Referral to an electrophysiologist for a possible ablation procedure should be considered for the management of AF in athletes in whom the use of beta‐blockers may limit exercise tolerance. Bleeding risk with the use of oral anticoagulation needs to be adequately evaluated in athletes with AF who engage in high‐intensity exercise or activities. Abstract The report highlights the case of a 54‐year‐old Caucasian male (height 5.11′, BMI 29.8) who presented with complaints of chest pain, mild coronary artery disease, palpitation, dizziness, and labile BP with high‐intensity biking exercise. Diagnostic tests (exercise stress test, cardiac catheterization, Holter monitor, and Bardy patch) using standard procedure were unsuccessful at detecting the problem. In a repeat exercise stress test, the patient was exerted beyond the calculated HRmax (up to 117%) when the patient's heart rhythm flipped from sinus rhythm to AF. The patient was referred to a cardiac electrophysiologist and an ablation procedure was performed to prevent exercise‐induced AF with high‐intensity exercise. Young adults, with or without early coronary artery disease, performing high‐intensity endurance exercises may be at risk of developing exercise‐induced AF. This phenomenon is prevalent and well documented in the skiing population and patients with variance in BP during exercise. Endurance athletes tend to have a lower resting HR. As such, the use of standard rate‐control medications in patients with exercise‐induced AF may not be appropriate. Referral to a cardiac electrophysiologist and ablation procedures should be considered in this population for management and symptom control. If tolerated, especially in young adults with complaints of palpitation and chest pain, patients should be exerted beyond their calculated HRmax during an exercise stress test to diagnose an underlying condition of exercise‐induced AF.

Background: Despite a strong international standpoint against female genital mutilation, the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Somalia is extremely high. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of female genital mutilation among female health care service providers in order to formulate appropriate policies and programs to eliminate this harmful practice. Design: Facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2019 among female doctors and nurses working in Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A total of 144 female health care service providers were randomly selected, and data were collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed by using the statistical software SPSS (Version 21), and qualitative data were analyzed thematically in accordance with the objectives of the study. Results: The study found that about three-fifths of the respondents had undergone some forms of female genital mutilation during their life. An overwhelming majority believed that female genital mutilation practices were medically harmful, and a majority of them expressed their opinion against the medicalization of the practice of female genital mutilation. The study also observed a significant association between participants’ age and their negative attitudes regarding the legalization of female genital mutilation. Conclusion: Health care service providers’ effort is critical to eliminating this harmful practice from the Somalian society. Strong policy commitment and a comprehensive health-promotion effort targeting the parents and community leaders are essential to avert the negative impact of female genital mutilation.

Summary: Background: Identifying novel epigenetic signatures associated with serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) may improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying asthma and IgE-mediated diseases. Methods: We performed an epigenome-wide association study using whole blood from Framingham Heart Study (FHS; n = 3,471, 46% females) participants and validated results using the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP; n = 674, 39% females) and the Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (CRA; n = 787, 41% females). Using the closest gene to each IgE-associated CpG, we highlighted biologically plausible pathways underlying IgE regulation and analyzed the transcription patterns linked to IgE-associated CpGs (expression quantitative trait methylation loci; eQTMs). Using prior UK Biobank summary data from genome-wide association studies of asthma and allergy, we performed Mendelian randomization (MR) for causal inference testing using the IgE-associated CpGs from FHS with methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) as instrumental variables. Findings: We identified 490 statistically significant differentially methylated CpGs associated with IgE in FHS, of which 193 (39.3%) replicated in CAMP and CRA (FDR < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to transcription factor binding, asthma, and other immunological processes. eQTM analysis identified 124 cis-eQTMs for 106 expressed genes (FDR < 0.05). MR in combination with drug-target analysis revealed CTSB and USP20 as putatively causal regulators of IgE levels (Bonferroni adjusted P

Fasciolopsiasis, a food-borne intestinal parasitosis, occurs focally, and remains a significant public health problem in endemic areas. However, due to the wide spectrum of clinical presentation and unclear diagnosis or even misdiagnosis, it often goes unreported. The correlation between trematode infection and malnutrition is also often debated. We report a case of heavy infection of Fasciolopsis buski in a 4-year-old girl with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The patient presented with a passage of many adult worms per stool following the consumption of some herbal concoction. A wet mount of the stool revealed ova of Fasciolopsis buski. She was treated successfully with praziquantel and food supplements. It raises the possibility of unidentified cases in this region and necessitates more extensive studies in the targeted population. This will also help raise awareness of fasciolopsiasis among clinicians, especially in vulnerable populations such as malnourished children.

Abstract Anthrax is caused by, Bacillus anthracis, a soil-borne bacterium that infects grazing animals. Kenya reported a sharp increase in livestock anthrax cases from 2005, with only 12% of the sub-counties (decentralised administrative units used by Kenyan county governments to facilitate service provision) accounting for almost a third of the livestock cases. Recent studies of the spatial extent of B. anthracis suitability across Kenya have used approaches that cannot capture the underlying spatial and temporal dependencies in the surveillance data. To address these limitations, we apply the first Bayesian approach using R-INLA to analyse a long-term dataset of livestock anthrax case data, collected from 2006 to 2020 in Kenya. We develop a spatial and a spatiotemporal model to investigate the distribution and socio-economic drivers of anthrax occurrence and incidence at the national and sub-county level. The spatial model was robust to geographically based cross validation and had a sensitivity of 75% (95% CI 65–75) against withheld data. Alarmingly, the spatial model predicted high intensity of anthrax across the Northern counties (Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit) comprising pastoralists who are often economically and politically marginalized, and highly predisposed to a greater risk of anthrax. The spatiotemporal model showed a positive link between livestock anthrax risk and the total human population and the number of exotic dairy cattle, and a negative association with the human population density, livestock producing households, and agricultural land area. Public health programs aimed at reducing human-animal contact, improving access to healthcare, and increasing anthrax awareness, should prioritize these endemic regions.

Abstract To reduce the veterinary, public health, environmental, and economic burden associated with anthrax outbreaks, it is vital to identify the spatial distribution of areas suitable for Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of the disease. Bayesian approaches have previously been applied to estimate uncertainty around detected areas of B. anthracis suitability. However, conventional simulation-based techniques are often computationally demanding. To solve this computational problem, we use Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) which can adjust for spatially structured random effects, to predict the suitability of B. anthracis across Uganda. We apply a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) within the INLA Bayesian framework to quantify the relationships between B. anthracis occurrence and the environment. We consolidate a national database of wildlife, livestock, and human anthrax case records across Uganda built across multiple sectors bridging human and animal partners using a One Health approach. The INLA framework successfully identified known areas of species suitability in Uganda, as well as suggested unknown hotspots across Northern, Eastern, and Central Uganda, which have not been previously identified by other niche models. The major risk factors for B. anthracis suitability were proximity to water bodies (0–0.3 km), increasing soil calcium (between 10 and 25 cmolc/kg), and elevation of 140–190 m. The sensitivity of the final model against the withheld evaluation dataset was 90% (181 out of 202 = 89.6%; rounded up to 90%). The prediction maps generated using this model can guide future anthrax prevention and surveillance plans by the relevant stakeholders in Uganda.

Abstract Background This is a time of unprecedented change in healthcare. More physicians are being tasked with stepping into a variety of leadership roles without having received the training needed to be an effective leader. Previous data have demonstrated the effectiveness of both leadership coaching and 360-feedback tools to foster physician well-being and leadership growth. In this proof of concept study, we explore the combined effect of these two tools. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a brief physician 360 leadership coaching intervention on perception of professional dynamics and acquired leadership skills. Methods Participants completed a tailored 360-feedback tool to gather input on their leadership skills, then engaged in five bi-weekly leadership coaching sessions. We conducted a post-intervention semi-structured qualitative interview. Qualitative data were coded using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Results Twenty-three primary care physicians at an academic medical center engaged in the 360 leadership coaching study. Participants reported that the intervention yielded valuable benefits in five coaching sessions. Two overarching themes emerged: a Shift in leadership awareness and Navigating their environment. Leadership awareness included increased clarity of purpose and role, and recognition that routine feedback is critical to leadership development. Navigating their environment included gaining relationship-building communication, organizational awareness and navigation strategies. Conclusions Combining a tailored 360-feedback tool with a five-session leadership coaching intervention provided physicians with valued support infrastructure for becoming more effective leaders. Physicians described a nuanced understanding of the leadership challenges physicians face, and identified the leadership tools needed to navigate the evolving healthcare delivery landscape. Curricula for physician leadership learning could consider this combination of a customized 360 plus targeted leadership coaching for training physician leaders.

Background: Health seeking behaviour of mothers plays an important part in the well-being of low birth weight (LBW) babies. Infant mortality is very high in Assam and care seeking behaviours of mothers influence the health outcomes of infants. Objective: This study was attempted with the objective of assessing the prevailing care seeking behaviours among mothers from tribal community for their LBW babies during their first year of life. Materials & Methods: A cross section study was conducted among 112 tribal mothers of LBW babies in a rural block of Kamrup district of Assam. A predesigned pretested questionnaire was used to collect data among mothers of LBW babies after obtaining informed consent, regarding socio-demographic characteristics of mothers, feeding and care practices for LBW babies, knowledge on special care to LBW babies, health seeking behaviours of mothers. Collected data compiled, tabulated and analysed using appropriate software. Results: Our study found that 87.5% of mothers could recognize LBW condition. Most of them (84.8%) understood the need for special care to their LBW babies. Exclusive breastfeeding, good nutrition to mother and baby, Kangaroo Mother Care, delayed bathing were some of the special care practices adopted by our study population. In our study 30% mothers were found to be practising KMC. Conclusion: On analysis of determinants of health seeking behaviours we found that adequate exposure of mothers to mass media was significantly associated with appropriate health seeking behaviours. Keywords: Health seeking behaviours, Low birth weight, Tribal mothers, Breastfeeding, Kangaroo mother care

Objectives: In recent decades, the trend for treating diabetes mellitus (DM) has shifted toward alternative medicines that are obtained from plant sources. Existing literature suggests that phenolic compounds derived from plants possess promising health-promoting properties. This study aimed to discuss the role of plant-derived phenolic compounds in the effective treatment and management of diabetes.Methods : Information about plant secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds, and their role in the treatment and management of diabetes was collected from different databases, such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords like secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds, simple phenol, flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes, and diabetes were searched. Research and review articles with relevant information were included in the study.Results : Anti-diabetic studies of the four major classes of phenolic compounds were included in this review. The plant-derived phenolic compounds were reported to have potent anti-diabetic activities. However, each class of phenolic compounds was found to behave differently according to various mechanisms.Conclusion : The obtained results suggest that phenolic compounds derived from natural sources display promising anti-diabetic activities. Based on the available information, it can be concluded that phenolic compounds obtained from various natural sources play key roles in the treatment and management of diabetes.

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) comprise schwannomas and neurofibromas. The finding of increased adipose tissue around benign PNSTs has been described as the “split fat sign” on magnetic resonance imaging exams, which is suggestive of an intramuscular or intermuscular location of the tumor. However, few studies have described this sign as a salient ultrasound feature of PNSTs. The main purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the presence of increased fatty tissue deposition around benign PNSTs diagnosed by high-resolution ultrasound. In addition, we aimed to corroborate the presence of vascularization around the affected area. A retrospective analysis of ten cases of PNSTs and two cases of post-traumatic neuromas diagnosed by high-resolution ultrasound was performed with a Logiq® P8 ultrasound with a 2–11 MHz multifrequency linear probe L3-12-D (central frequency: 10 MHz). Localized types of neurofibromas and schwannomas in any location were seen as predominantly hypoechoic tumors with an oval or fusiform shape. Exiting and entering nerves (tail sign) were observed in six cases, showing localized lesions both in intermuscular and subcutaneous locations. The presence of increased hyperechoic tissue (the split fat sign) was noted in cases of solitary intermuscular and intramuscular peripheral nerve sheath tumors, mainly the schwannomas. Though small tumors did not demonstrate the tail sign, the increase in adipose tissue and vascularity on US was well demonstrated. In conclusion, the nerve in continuity forms the basis of the ultrasonographic diagnosis of PNSTs. However, high-resolution US can convincingly demonstrate the increased presence of fat in the upper and lower poles as well as circumferentially in intermuscular or intramuscular benign PNSTs.

Human pulmonary paragonimiasis, an emerging concern in North East India, frequently masquerades as pulmonary tuberculosis due to clinical and radiological similarities, leading to diagnostic challenges. This research aimed to harness the immunoblotting technique to discern immunodiagnostic protein antigens from both adult worm and excretory–secretory (ES) extracts of the prevalent Paragonimus westermani type 1 in Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. We studied the time kinetics of immunoreactive patterns in relation to the duration of infection in rodent models. Immunoblot analyses were also conducted using sera from ELISA-positive patients confirmed with paragonimiasis, facilitating the selection of antigenic extracts with diagnostic potential. Further, ES protein antigens were subjected to 2D immunoblot analysis and immunoreactive protein spots identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The immunoreactivity patterns of ES antigens with sera of paragonimiasis-positive patients were detailed, and specific immunoreactive protein antigens were pinpointed using peptide mass fingerprinting (MALDI-TOF). This work underscores the enhanced diagnostic accuracy when combining ELISA with immunoblotting for pulmonary paragonimiasis in regions like North East India, marked by co-existing helminth infections.

Abstract Planar hypercoordinate structures are gaining immense attention due to the shift from common paradigm. Herein, our high level ab initio calculations predict that planar pentacoordinate aluminium and gallium centres in Cu5Al2+ and Cu5Ga2+ clusters are global minima in their singlet ground states. These clusters are thermodynamically and kinetically very stable. Detailed electronic structure analyses reveal the presence of σ-aromaticity which is the driving force for the stability of the planar form.

Abstract Salicylic acid phenylethyl ester (SAPE) was synthesized by Zn(OTf)2-catalyzed selective esterification of salicylic acid and phenylethyl alcohol and studied for its role as an immunomodulatory and anticancer agent. Low toxicity and favorable physical, Lipinski-type, and solubility properties were elucidated by ADME-tox studies. Molecular docking of SAPE against COX-2 revealed favorable MolDockscore, rerank score, interaction energy, internal pose energy, and hydrogen bonding as compared to ibuprofen and indomethacin. An average RMSD of ~ 0.13 nm for the docked complex with stable dynamic equilibrium condition was noted during the 20 ns MD simulation. A low band gap predicting a strong binding affinity at the enzyme’s active site was further predicted by DFT analysis. The ester caused a reduction in the percentage of erythrocyte hemolysis and was shown to be non-cytotoxic against human lymphocytes, CaCo-2, and HepG-2 cells by the MTT assay. Moreover, it’s in vitro efficacy in inhibiting COX-2 enzyme under both LPS stimulated intestinal cells and direct sequestration assays was found to be higher than salicylic acid and indomethacin. The anticancer activity of SAPE was tested on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, and potential efficacy was exhibited in terms of decreased cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis exhibited the arrest of the cell cycle at G1/G0 and S phases, during which induction of autophagic vesicle formation and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed owing to increased ROS production. Furthermore, at these phases, the onset of apoptosis along with DNA damage was also observed. Pre-treatment with SAPE in colitis-induced Wistar rats displayed low disease activity index and reduction in the extent of intestinal tissue disruption and lipid peroxidation. A marked increase of anti-oxidative enzymes viz., catalase, GGT, and GST, and a decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in the intestinal tissue extracts of the treated groups was noted. The results of this study have sufficient credence to support that the synthesised ester (SAPE) be considered as an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory compound with therapeutic potential for the effective management of cancer.

This critical narrative review is intended to emphasize the comprehensive ecological issues related to the evolution of the novel coronavirus, the environmental factors associated with the disease progress, and the impact the pandemic is having on the environment. Approximately 60% of the emerging infectious disease of the last century (including deadly viruses like HIV, Ebola, Influenza, coronavirus strains like SARS, MERS) are linked to zoonotic spillover. Therefore, to escape the emergence of newer cross-species infections, proper precautionary measures should be taken. Every country has specific rules to deal with the biomedical waste produced in hospitals. But the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a unique global challenge due to the overwhelming amount of biomedical waste generated from dedicated COVID hospitals, diagnostic facilities, quarantine centers, and home quarantine facilities. Moreover, inappropriate disposal of masks by the general public may contaminate the environment turning it into a potential health hazard. Therefore, strict adherence to Biomedical Waste Management Guidelines for proper disposal of masks and other medical waste by all concerned is a must. Lockdown has brought about tremendous improvement in conditions of the world's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Dramatic improvement in air quality index, decrease in water, and noise pollution are some of the positive aspects of lockdown. However, these effects are temporary. But these teach an important lesson to the world to take some permanent measures to bring down greenhouse gases and other toxic emissions. Some harmful effects of lockdown are illegal deforestation, wildlife trafficking, encroachment of reserved areas etc.

Background and Objectives: Pancytopenia is a combination of anemia (with a reduction of the red blood cell count), leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Leukopenia is usually mainly due to a reduction in the neutrophil count although the number of other granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes are often also reduced. Pancytopenia is a manifestation of many serious and life-threatening diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinicopathological features of pancytopenia and the role of bone marrow study for etiological categorization. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted in a tertiary referral center of north east India, for a period of 1 year (from August 2020 to July 2021). Materials and Methods: Proper history taking and clinical examination were done for all patients attending with hemoglobin

Background: Degenerative diseases most commonly affect the elderly. The management of these chronic diseases is also very expensive, thereby making it out-of-pocket expenditure for elderly persons. As the elderly population is likely to increase in the future, the concept of active and healthy aging needs to be promoted among the elderly. Objectives: To estimate the morbidity pattern of the elderly in an urban population of Barpeta, and to evaluate the different morbidity patterns of the young old and old old. Methods: The study was conducted in eight urban wards of Barpeta town using multistage sampling. From the urban wards, 150 elderly persons were selected according to proportionate to the size of the urban wards. Pretested and predesigned proforma was used to assess the morbidity pattern of the elderly. Result: Most of the system disorders were almost equally distributed among elderly males and females. Most common disorders were diseases of the eye and adnexa (46%) followed endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic (37.3%) diseases, and disease of the circulatory system (34.7%). Diseases of the respiratory system (10.1%) and genitourinary system (10.1%) were more common in males, whereas cataract (29.6%) and hearing impairment (9.9%) were more common in females. Conclusion: The prevalence of morbidity increases with increasing age. Early detection of morbidities among elderly and timely referral to secondary or tertiary care facilities by enhancing the capacity of primary health care providers are required to promote active and healthy aging.

Background: As the COVID pandemic became an emergency situation in India, government COVID-19 mobile health (mHealth) apps through smartphones and mobile internet reached citizens across the country and catered to their health needs. Data available from Assam and North Eastern states of India regarding the COVID-19 mHealth apps Arogya Setu app and CoWIN portal, their awareness, usage, and its effectiveness among the general population were very less. Therefore, this study was done with the objectives to find out the awareness and usage of Government COVID-19 mHealth apps among the adult smartphone users of Assam. Methodology: The study was conducted through an online survey method using the Google forms. A total of 310 adult smartphone users from eight different districts of Assam were selected by the convenient sampling method. Data processing and statistical analysis was done using the MS Excel platform. Five-point Likert scale was used for the measurement of respondents' opinions. Results: The awareness level was found to be more than 90%. On user experience of the government mHealth apps, 70% of the respondents agreed that these apps were easy to use and navigate. The satisfaction level of the respondents regarding the apps was found to be high and 80% of study participants trusted the apps. Conclusion: Our study observed that awareness and usage of the government COVID-19 health applications were high among the study participants.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and malnutrition in under-five children contribute substantially to developing countries' childhood morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the prevalence and profile of IPI in under-five children and compared them with nutritional status and other socioeconomic factors. Methods: Anthropometric indices were used for checking the nutritional status of under-five children. Malnutrition was graded into four grades (I–IV) based on the Indian Academy of Pediatrics advocated Weight-for-Age criteria. Children whose Height-for-Age and Weight-for-Height were

The mechanisms of energy generation and carbon-source utilization in the syphilis spirochete Treponema pallidum have remained enigmatic despite complete genomic sequence information. Whereas the bacterium harbors enzymes for glycolysis, the apparatus for more efficient use of glucose catabolites, namely the citric-acid cycle, is apparently not present. Yet, the organism's energy needs likely exceed the modest output from glycolysis alone. Recently, building on our structure-function studies of T. pallidum lipoproteins, we proposed a "flavin-centric" metabolic lifestyle for the organism that partially resolves this conundrum. As a part of the hypothesis, we have proposed that T. pallidum contains an acetogenic energy-conservation pathway that catabolizes D-lactate, yielding acetate, reducing equivalents for the generation and maintenance of chemiosmotic potential, and ATP. We already have confirmed the D-lactate dehydrogenase activity in T. pallidum necessary for this pathway to operate. In the current study, we focused on another enzyme ostensibly involved in treponemal acetogenesis, phosphotransacetylase (Pta). This enzyme is putatively identified as TP0094 and, in this study, we determined a high-resolution (1.95 Å) X-ray crystal structure of the protein, finding that its fold comports with other known Pta enzymes. Further studies on its solution behavior and enzyme activity confirmed that it has the properties of a Pta. These results are consistent with the proposed acetogenesis pathway in T. pallidum, and we propose that the protein be referred to henceforth as TpPta.

Background: Regular physical activity helps in independent living, prevention of chronic health problems and quality of life in the elderly. The aim of the study is to determinewhether physical fitness is associated with multiple dimensions of well-being in the community dwelling elderly. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the physical fitness and perceived wellness in 400 elderly (≥65 years) subjects. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) for assessing functional/physical fitness and Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS) were used to assess their well-being. Bivariate correlation analysis was used for individual testsand multiple linear regressions were used to analyze relationship of wellness composite score with physical fitness test.XXXX Results: 284men and 116 women (mean ages 69.80±3.82 and67.25±2.57 years, respectively) were assessed for physical fitness tests and perceived wellness.‘Arm-curl’ and ‘chair-sit’ testsshowedlinear decrease in strength with increasing age. In ‘back-scratch’ and ‘chair-sit and reach’ tests lower limb flexibility was better than upper limb in all except the 65–69 year sub-group. Maximum time to perform the ‘8-feet up-and-go’ test increased progressively with age, whereas ‘2-minute step’ test showed a linear decrease in mean score with advancing age. Wellness composite score (14.54±2.31) inmaleswas maximum in the 75–79 year age-group, while in females it (15.26±2.29) was maximum in the 70–74 year age-group. Correlation analysis of physical fitness test with perception of wellness (composite score) showed significant association of ‘arm-curl’ test (p=0.012), ‘back-scratch’ test (p=0.0002), ‘8-feet up-and-go’ test (p=0.005), ‘2-minute step’ test (p=0.005) with the composite wellness score in the male participants, whereas in the females such significance was observed only in the ‘2 minute step’ test (p=0.007) with the wellness score. Conclusion: Screening of physical fitness and wellness are important measures in assessing wellness of community dwelling elderly, and in predicting theiroverall state of well-being, including age-specific comparison of fitness performance and wellness score.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Older patients, male gender and those with preexisting comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease are reported to be more likely infected with SARS CoV-2 and are at higher risk of severe illness or death. It has been reported a 24 years old male was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath, coughing, fever and paleness. The history of contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases was unclear. The patient works as a security officer. A history of hypertension is present. Laboratory results showed hemoglobin 7 g/dl, ureum 261 mg/dl, and creatinine 22,9 mg/dl. On the second day of admission, the patient experience increased shortness of breath, decreased consciousness and epistaxis. From the result of the nasopharyngeal swab, the patient tested positive for COVID-19 and was given Oseltamivir 75mg. The patient is prepared for hemodialysis, which was performed in the isolation room. After hemodialysis, the patient's condition improved with decreased shortness of breath and increased of consciousness. The patient comes out from the isolation room and discharges home in good condition. Antiviral therapy in CKD patients with Covid-19 infection requires dose adjustment. Immediate hemodialysis is required in patients with CKD and coexisting COVID-19 infection to improve the patient's condition. Prompt management for patients with CKD and COVID-19 will reduce the risk of mortality. Keywords: COVID-19, chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis

Background Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are important biomarkers in the diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis, and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) had been the method of choice for its detection from the very beginning. However, international consensus on ANCA testing (2017) advocates the use of high-quality immunoassays as the primary screening method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) compared to IIF in detecting ANCA. Methods One-hundred eighty-nine serum samples of suspected or known cases of systemic vasculitis were screened for ANCA by IIF and proteinase-3- and myeloperoxidase-ELISA. In IIF, positive results were further divided into cytoplasmic pattern of ANCA and perinuclear pattern of ANCA, depending upon the pattern of fluorescence. McNemar’s chi-squared test was applied to check the equality of proportions of positive results, and Kappa statistics was used to measure the agreement between the two methods. Diagnostic performance of ELISA was evaluated taking IIF as reference. Results IIF detected ANCA in 17.5% cases and ELISA detected it in 11.6% cases. A good agreement between the overall performance of ELISA and IIF was observed (K-value: 6.8, p-value: < 001). However, a significant difference in the proportion of positive results by the two methods was observed in McNemar’s test (two-sided p-value: 0.007). Taking IIF as standard, ELISA showed 60.6% sensitivity, 98.7% specificity, and predictive value of positive and negative results of 90.9 and 92.2%, respectively. Conclusion The new generation antigen-specific ELISAs had high specificity but the chances of missing cases in primary screening due to the low sensitivity and high false negativity (39.4%) need to be dealt with.

Abstract We report strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) from 2H polytype of multilayer Tin diselenide (SnSe2) for fundamental excitation close to the indirect band-edge in the absence of excitonic resonances. Comparison of SHG and Raman spectra from exfoliated SnSe2 flakes of different polytypes shows strong (negligible) SHG and Raman Eg mode at 109 cm−1 (119 cm−1), consistent with 2H (1T) polytypes. The difference between the A1g–Eg Raman peak positions is found to exhibit significant thickness dependent for the 1T form, which is found to be absent for the 2H form. The observed thickness dependence of SHG with rapid oscillations in signal strength for small changes in flake thickness are in good agreement with a nonlinear wave propagation model considering nonlinear polarization with alternating sign from each monolayer. The nonlinear optical susceptibility extracted from SHG signal comparison with standard quartz samples for 1040 nm excitation is found to be more than 4-times higher than that at 1550 nm. This enhanced nonlinear response at 1040 nm is attributed to the enhanced nonlinear optical response for fundamental excitation close to the indirect band-edge. We also study SHG from heterostructures of monolayer MoS2/multilayer SnSe2 which allows us to unambiguously compare the nonlinear optical response of SnSe2 with MoS2. We find the SHG signal and any interference effect in the overlap region to be dominated by the SnSe2 layer for the excitation wavelengths considered. The comparison of SHG from SnSe2 and MoS2 underscores that the choice of the 2D material for a particular nonlinear optical application is contextual on the wavelength range of interest and its optical properties at those wavelengths. The present works further highlights the usefulness of near band-edge enhancement of nonlinear processes in emerging 2D materials towards realizing useful nanophotonic devices.

Objectives We verified subnational (state/union territory (UT)/district) claims of achievements in reducing tuberculosis (TB) incidence in 2020 compared with 2015, in India.Design A community-based survey, analysis of programme data and anti-TB drug sales and utilisation data.Setting National TB Elimination Program and private TB treatment settings in 73 districts that had filed a claim to the Central TB Division of India for progress towards TB-free status.Participants Each district was divided into survey units (SU) and one village/ward was randomly selected from each SU. All household members in the selected village were interviewed. Sputum from participants with a history of anti-TB therapy (ATT), those currently experiencing chest symptoms or on ATT were tested using Xpert/Rif/TrueNat. The survey continued until 30 Mycobacterium tuberculosis cases were identified in a district.Outcome measures We calculated a direct estimate of TB incidence based on incident cases identified in the survey. We calculated an under-reporting factor by matching these cases within the TB notification system. The TB notification adjusted for this factor was the estimate by the indirect method. We also calculated TB incidence from drug sale data in the private sector and drug utilisation data in the public sector. We compared the three estimates of TB incidence in 2020 with TB incidence in 2015.Results The estimated direct incidence ranged from 19 (Purba Medinipur, West Bengal) to 1457 (Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya) per 100 000 population. Indirect estimates of incidence ranged between 19 (Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli) and 788 (Dumka, Jharkhand) per 100 000 population. The incidence using drug sale data ranged from 19 per 100 000 population in Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to 651 per 100 000 population in Centenary, Maharashtra.Conclusion TB incidence in 1 state, 2 UTs and 35 districts had declined by at least 20% since 2015. Two districts in India were declared TB free in 2020.

Abstract Density functional theory method combined with docking and molecular dynamics simulations are used to understand the interaction of carmustine with human glutathione reductase enzyme. The active site of the enzyme is evaluated by docking simulation is used for molecular dynamics simulation to deliver the carmustine molecule by (5,5) single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Our model of carmustine in the active site of GR gives a negative binding energy that is further refined by QM/MM study in gas phase and solvent phase to confirm the stability of the drug molecule inside the active site. Once released from SWCNT, carmustine forms multiple polar and non-polar hydrogen bonding interactions with Tyr180, Phe209, Lys318, Ala319, Leu320, Leu321, Ile350, Thr352 and Val354 in the range of 2–4 Å. The SWCNT vehicle itself is held fix at its place due to multiple pi-pi stacking, pi-amide, pi-sigma interactions with the neighboring residues. These interactions in the range of 3–5 Å are crucial in holding the nanotube outside the drug binding region, hence, making an effective delivery. This study can be extended to envisage the potential applications of computational studies in the modification of known drugs to find newer targets and designing new and improved controlled drug delivery systems.

Objectives To investigate the association between coagulation parameters and severity of anaemia (moderate anaemia: haemoglobin (Hb) 7–9.9 g/dL and severe anaemia: Hb

Snake envenoming is caused by many biological species, rather than a single infectious agent, each with a multiplicity of toxins in their venom. Hence, developing effective treatments is challenging, especially in biodiverse and biogeographically complex countries such as India. The present study represents the first genus-wide proteomics analysis of venom composition across Naja species (N. naja, N. oxiana, and N. kaouthia) found in mainland India. Venom proteomes were consistent between individuals from the same localities in terms of the toxin families present, but not in the relative abundance of those in the venom. There appears to be more compositional variation among N. naja from different locations than among N. kaouthia. Immunoblotting and in vitro neutralization assays indicated cross-reactivity with Indian polyvalent antivenom, in which antibodies raised against N. naja are present. However, we observed ineffective neutralization of PLA2 activities of N. naja venoms from locations distant from the source of immunizing venoms. Antivenom immunoprofiling by antivenomics revealed differential antigenicity of venoms from N. kaouthia and N. oxiana, and poor reactivity towards 3FTxs and PLA2s. Moreover, there was considerable variation between antivenoms from different manufacturers. These data indicate that improvements to antivenom manufacturing in India are highly desirable.

Abstract Hydrocarbons or crude oil contamination of soil is still a burning problem around the globe. The herbs competent that are to survive in hydrocarbons contaminated habitats have some adaptive advantages to cope up with the adverse situations prevailing in that environment. In the present study, the adaptive response of Cyperus brevifolius in the heavily polluted soil with crude oil has been investigated in terms of survivability, changes in productivity, antioxidants, phytochemicals and functional group pro files of the plant species. Besides, changes in enzymes, beneficial bacterial population and physico-chemical conditions of contaminated soil were also studied during 60 days of experimental trials. The results showed significant enhancement in activities of soil dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, and amylase whereas reduction in cellulase, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities. There was a significant increase in nitrogen fixing, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacterial population, improvement in physico-chemical conditions and a decrease in total oil and grease (TOG) levels. Besides there was significant variations in the productivity parameters and antioxidant profiles of Cyperus brevifolius in hydrocarbons stress condition suggesting enzymatic defense of the herb. The fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated uptake and metabolism of some hydrocarbon components by the experimental plant from the hydrocarbons polluted soil.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has hugely impacted the economy of many countries, and there is an acute shortage of diagnostic resources. With the exponential increase in the number of cases and necessity to screen large number of people, there is a steep increase in the demand for diagnostic kits. Pooled-sample testing is a promising strategy to screen a large population rapidly with limited resources. The aim of this work was to compile a cohesive literature review of the effectiveness and accuracy of pooled-sample testing in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and critically analyze its limitations. Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and preprint servers (e.g., bioRxiv) were searched for literature on pooled testing for diagnosis of COVID-19, and out of initial 60 articles/reports, nine original articles were retained. Optimal pool size (number of samples in a pool) seemed to be dependent on factors like prevalence or rate of positivity in community. In low-prevalence localities pool size of around 30 seemed to be effective as observed by some authors. All the researchers had found significant reduction in number of tests (depending on pool size, stages, and pooling design), leading to conservation of resources. Pooling can be done with extracted RNA eluate or directly with patient’s sample before extraction. This leads to further reduction in consumables, time and manpower. Risk of false negativity in samples with high-threshold cycle (i.e., low-viral load) value was a concern. Some researchers suggest adding few additional cycles to lower the chances of missing positive cases with low-Ct value. Lower limit of detection (LoD) of RT-PCR kits, that is, sensitivity of kits was another factor to consider. Thus, in a country like India, given the economic benefit and scarcity of resources, pooling strategy can be very effective, especially in low-prevalence areas and in low-risk contacts.

Forensic identification is an effort to help law enforcement officers to reveal a person's identity. Personal identity is often a problem in criminal and civil cases as well as cases related to death without identity and mass disasters. Age estimation is very important in forensic identification. DNA methylation is a potential epigenetic modification for age estimation because the aging process of DNA resembles the developments regulated in processes that are tightly controlled by specific epigenetic modifications. In most cases of violent crime, bloodstains can be found at the crime scene. Bloodstain may come from victims, perpetrators of crime, or both. Bloodstain can be used to scientifically reveal the correlation between DNA methylation from bloodstain and the age of unknown person. This study aimed to determine the correlation betweeen DNA methylation from bloodstain and a person's age. The study was conducted at the Institute of Tropical Disease of Universitas Airlangga from July to October 2019 using the analytic observational approach on 10 samples consisting of 5 male and 5 female samples. It was discovered that the correlation coefficient between DNA methylation and age in male subjects was 0.888 with a significance value of 0.04 and 0.834 in female subjects with a significance value of 0.079. In conclusion, there is a significant correlation between percent methylation and age in male subjects. However, this correlation is not statistically significant in female subjects.

Background: Enterically transmitted viral agents like Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are common causes of viral hepatitis in developing countries. Double infections by both agents, as their routes of entry are similar, are common. Overall this is a major health issue for our country. This study was carried out to learn about the seroprevalence of HAV & HEV (and double infections if any) infections in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) cases attending our hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of a 2-years duration carried out in the serology lab of Dept. of Microbiology, AIIMS Rishikesh. Continuously collected samples totaling 617 cases, presenting with Acute Viral Hepatitis was included in the study. Cases with suggestive history were tested for IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEVrespectively. Commercially available ELISA kits were put into use. Standard Statistical Package (SPSS 23) was put to use for statistical analysis. Results: HAV & HEV seroprevalence in AVH cases were found to be 14.7% (91/617) and 28.04% (173/617), respectively. Dual infection of HAV and HEV was found in 5.9% (32/617) of study subjects. The prevalence of HAV and HEV among males were14.2% and 34.26%, respectively while that in female were 15.36% and 21.16%, respectively. Infection was predominantly found in young adults. Distinct seasonal variation was observed, period towards the end of monsoon, and beginning of winter recorded more cases. Both year, most of the positive cases are seen in the months of August and September. Conclusion: The infection rate of HEV is higher than HAV amongst AVH cases. This and relatively high co-infection rate (5.9%) is significant in terms of the need for regular screening of HEV in pregnant women as well as the urgent need to improve hygiene amongst the population. This data will help in future vaccine strategies and sanitation programs in this part of the country.

PurposeTo determine the prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in geographically diverse regions of India.MethodsA population-based, cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted in adults aged ≥40 years in plains, hilly and coastal regions of India. All participants underwent a detailed questionnaire-based assessment for sun exposure, usage of sun protective measures, exposure to indoor smoke, and smoking. Detailed ocular and systemic examinations were performed. Pterygium was diagnosed and graded clinically by slit-lamp examination. Association of pterygium with sociodemographic, ophthalmological, and systemic parameters was assessed. Physical environmental parameters for the study period were estimated.ResultsOf the 12,021 eligible subjects, 9735 (81% response rate) participated in the study. The prevalence of pterygium in any eye was 13.2% (95% CI: 12.5%-13.9%), and bilateral pterygium was 6.7% (95% CI: 6.2-7.2). The prevalence increased with age (ConclusionPterygium prevalence is high in the rural Indian population. The association of pterygium with several potentially modifiable risk factors reflects its multifactorial etiology and provides targets for preventive measures.

Introduction: Hypoxic Ischaemic Injury (HII) also known as Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in most countries of the world. Perinatal asphyxia being the most frequent cause of HII, some of its long-term sequelae includes impaired neurological development, cerebral palsy, recurrent seizures, etc. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been found to be most sensitive in detecting lesions in the brain of neonates with HII. Aim: To evaluate the role of MRI in assessing neurologic damage in newborns with suspected HII and its association with clinical staging. Materials and Methods: An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care Government Hospital in Guwahati, Assam, India for a duration of 15 months from May 2017 to July 2018 on 50 neonates with history of perinatal asphyxia. Assessment of conventional T1 and T2 weighted images, Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) was done and association of MRI findings with gestational maturity, Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration (APGAR) scores and clinical staging (Sarnat and Sarnat Staging system) was studied. Results: In majority of cases with clinically mild HII, MRI findings were either normal or of mild degree whereas in cases of clinically advanced stages of HII, MRI findings were moderate-to-severe, suggesting a positive association between clinical grading and severity of brain injury. Term neonates sustained injuries mostly in cortical-subcortical/watershed zones of brain whereas preterm neonates were seen to sustain mainly periventricular lesions. Basal ganglia, thalamic and midbrain lesions were seen to be associated with severe degree of HII in term neonates whereas germinal matrix haemorrhage was observed in preterm neonates with severe HII. A positive association was seen between severity of brain lesions with both low APGAR scores and gestational prematurity. Conclusion: MRI is helpful to study the pattern of brain involvement in term and preterm neonates with suspected HII and to assess the severity of injury. MRI findings are seen to correlate well with clinical staging.

Bovine milk and milk products may contain pathogens, antimicrobial resistant bacteria, and antibiotic residues that could harm consumers. We analyzed 282 gram-positive isolates from milk samples from dairy farmers and vendors in Haryana and Assam, India, to assess the prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci using microbiological tests, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and genotyping by PCR. The prevalence of genotypic methicillin resistance in isolates from raw milk samples was 5% [95% confidence interval, CI (3–8)], with 7% [CI (3–10)] in Haryana, in contrast to 2% [CI (0.2–6)] in Assam. The prevalence was the same in isolates from milk samples collected from farmers [5% (n = 6), CI (2–11)] and vendors [5% (n = 7), CI (2–10)]. Methicillin resistance was also observed in 15% of the isolates from pasteurized milk [(n = 3), CI (3–38)]. Two staphylococci harboring a novel mecC gene were identified for the first time in Indian dairy products. The only SCCmec type identified was Type V. The staphylococci with the mecA (n = 11) gene in raw milk were commonly resistant to oxacillin [92%, CI (59–100)] and cefoxitin [74%, CI (39–94)], while the isolates with mecC (n = 2) were resistant to oxacillin (100%) only. All the staphylococci with the mecA (n = 3) gene in pasteurized milk were resistant to both oxacillin and cefoxitin. Our results provided evidence that methicillin-resistant staphylococci occur in dairy products in India with potential public health implications. The state with more intensive dairy systems (Haryana) had higher levels of methicillin-resistant bacteria in milk.

Background: Maternal and perinatal Health Research collaboration, India (MaatHRI) is a research platform that aims to improve evidence-based pregnancy care and outcomes for mothers and babies in India, a country with the second highest burden of maternal and perinatal deaths. The objective of this paper is to describe the methods used to establish and standardise the platform and the results of the process. Methods: MaatHRI is a hospital-based collaborative research platform. It is adapted from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) and built on a pilot model (IndOSS-Assam), which has been extensively standardised using the following methods: (i) establishing a network of hospitals; (ii) setting up a secure system for data collection, storage and transfer; (iii) developing a standardised laboratory infrastructure; and (iv) developing and implementing regulatory systems. Results: MaatHRI was established in September 2018. Fourteen hospitals participate across four states in India – Assam, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The research team includes 20 nurses, a project manager, 16 obstetricians, two pathologists, a public health specialist, a general physician and a paediatrician. MaatHRI has advanced standardisation of data and laboratory parameters, real-time monitoring of data and participant safety, and secure transfer of data. Four observational epidemiological studies are presently being undertaken through the platform. MaatHRI has enabled bi-directional capacity building. It is overseen by a steering committee and a data safety and monitoring board, a process that is not normally used, but was found to be highly effective in ensuring data safety and equitable partnerships in the context of low and middle income countries (LMICs). Conclusion: MaatHRI is the first prototype of UKOSS and other similar platforms in a LMIC setting. The model is built on existing methods but applies new standardisation processes to develop a collaborative research platform that can be replicated in other LMICs.

Long-term captive populations often accumulate genetic changes that are detrimental to their survival in the wild. Periodic genetic evaluation of captive populations is thus necessary to identify deleterious changes and minimize their impact through planned breeding. Pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is an endangered species with a small population inhabiting the tall sub-Himalayan grasslands of Assam, India. A conservation breeding program of pygmy hog from six founders has produced a multi-generational captive population destined for reintroduction into the wild. However, the impact of conservation breeding on its genetic diversity remained undocumented. Here, we evaluate temporal genetic changes in 39 pygmy hogs from eight consecutive generations of a captive population using genome-wide SNPs, mitochondrial genomes, and MHC sequences, and explore the relationship between genetic diversity and reproductive success. We find that pygmy hog harbors a very low genome-wide heterozygosity (H) compared to other members of the Suidae family. However, within the captive population we find excess heterozygosity and a significant increase in H from the wild-caught founders to the individuals in subsequent generations due to the selective pairing strategy. The MHC and mitochondrial nucleotide diversities were lower in captive generations compared to the founders with a high prevalence of low-frequency MHC haplotypes and more unique mitochondrial genomes. Further, even though no signs of genetic inbreeding were observed from the estimates of individual inbreeding coefficient F and between individuals (FIS) in each generation, the kinship coefficient showed a slightly increasing trend in the recent generations, due to a relatively smaller non-random sample size compared to the entire captive population. Surprisingly, male pygmy hogs that had higher heterozygosity also showed lower breeding success. We briefly discuss the implications of our findings in the context of breeding management and recommend steps to minimize the genetic effects of long-term captive breeding.