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Assessment of natural radioactivity is very important from different points of view, especially for assessment of radiation exposure to human. In the present study, natural radionuclide concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K were measured by gamma spectrometry using HPGe detector in soil samples collected from Southwest coast of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. The radiological index parameters due to natural radionuclides such as radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate, external hazard index, internal hazard index, and gamma index were calculated for the soil samples. All the calculated radiological index values are higher than world average values and the recommended safety limits. Multivariate statistical techniques such as Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis were applied to know the relation between radionuclides and radiological parameters and to study the spatial distribution of radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbs have always been the principal form of medicine in India. Medicinal plants have curative properties due to the presence of various complex chemical substances of different composition, which are found as secondary plant metabolites in one or more parts of these plants. Ficus religiosa (L.), commonly known as pepal belonging to the family Moraceae, is used traditionally as antiulcer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, in the treatment of gonorrhea and skin diseases. F. religiosa is a Bo tree, which sheltered the Buddha as he divined the "Truths." The present review aims to update information on its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetically isolated yet heterogeneous and highly consanguineous Indian population has shown a higher prevalence of rare genetic disorders. However, there is a significant socioeconomic burden for genetic testing to be accessible to the general population. In the current study, we analyzed next-generation sequencing data generated through focused exome sequencing from individuals with different phenotypic manifestations referred for genetic testing to achieve a molecular diagnosis. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants are reported in 280 of 833 cases with a diagnostic yield of 33.6%. Homozygous sequence and copy number variants were found as positive diagnostic findings in 131 cases (15.7%) because of the high consanguinity in the Indian population. No relevant findings related to reported phenotype were identified in 6.2% of the cases. Patients referred for testing due to metabolic disorder and neuromuscular disorder had higher diagnostic yields. Carrier testing of asymptomatic individuals with a family history of the disease, through focused exome sequencing, achieved positive diagnosis in 54 of 118 cases tested. Copy number variants were also found in trans with single-nucleotide variants and mitochondrial variants in a few of the cases. The diagnostic yield and the findings from this study signify that a focused exome test is a good lower-cost alternative for whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing and as a first-tier approach to genetic testing., Competing Interests: Disclosure Statement All authors are current or past employees of Revvity Omics (previously PerkinElmer Genomics, Waltham, MA, and Chennai, India)., (Copyright © 2024 Association for Molecular Pathology and American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) presents economic challenges in enzootic countries impacting small ruminant productivity. The state of Karnataka, India, implemented a mass vaccination campaign in alignment with the PPR-Global Eradication Programme (GEP) and the National Strategic Plan for PPR eradication. This study was conducted from January to March 2023 to assess seroconversion in post-vaccinated goats and sheep at the epidemiological unit (epi-unit) level, aligning with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines in the PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy (GCES). Before vaccination, 3466 random serum samples were collected from small ruminants of three age groups (6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years) across 116 epi-units, spanning 82 taluks in 28 districts. Post-vaccination sero-monitoring included 1102 serum samples collected from small ruminants of the 6-12-month age group only, across 111 epi-units covering 64 taluks in 23 districts. The PPRV antibody status was determined using an indigenous hemagglutinin (H) protein monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA kit. Pre-vaccination, the PPR seropositivity rates were 55%, 62%, and 66% in the age groups of 6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years, respectively, with a 61% PPRV antibody prevalence across all the age groups. Notably, 41% of the epi-units exhibited antibody prevalence rates of ≥70%, indicating a substantial population immunity, possibly attributed to the previous vaccination program in the state since 2011. In contrast, only 17% of the epi-units had below 30% seroprevalence rates, emphasizing the need for intensified vaccination. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant correlations ( p < 0.05) between the presence of PPRV antibodies and host factors such as species, breed, and sex. Post-vaccination seroprevalence in the 6-12 months age group was found to be 73.4%, indicating the use of an efficacious vaccine. On the evaluation of vaccination immunity in the 6-12 months age group, it was revealed that over 69% of the epi-units achieved a response surpassing ≥70%, indicating a significant improvement from 42% of the epi-units in pre-vaccination. For active PPR eradication, a mass vaccination campaign (>95% coverage) targeting small ruminant populations aged >4 months is advocated, aiming to achieve the desired herd immunity of >80%. This study offers crucial insights into PPR baseline seroprevalence/immunity status and vaccine efficacy, guiding national strategies towards a PPR-free India and further supporting the global eradication initiative.

Swinepox is a sporadic virus disease of domestic and wild pigs that mainly occurs during the rainy season. Though the disease is known for a century, research on swinepox especially genetic characterization is scanty. Self-limiting nature of the disease, the non-availability of specific diagnostics as well as the resemblance of clinical signs with other pathogens are some of the issues in the slow progress in swinepox-related research. Recent whole genome sequencing data from the USA, India, and Germany enhanced our understanding of the biology of swinepox virus (SWPV). The objective of the present study is to investigate the molecular epidemiology of two swinepox outbreaks that occurred in 2015 and 2016 one each in Uttar Pradesh, and the Haryana states of India. The appearance of clinical signs in different swine breeds was recorded. The scab samples from infected pigs were collected, DNA extracted, host range genes of SWPV were PCR amplified, sequenced and analyzed for genetic and phylogenetic characterization. Desi (nondescript breed), Yorkshire White pigs, and Landrace cross were found to be infected with SWPV. Host range genes of SWPV analyzed from clinical samples showed very high nucleotide identity with each other. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that SWPVs circulating in India are distinct (Indian lineage) from the SWPV of the USA, Germany, and Russia (European-North American lineage). Our study affirms the existence of two distinct lineages of SWPV globally with differences in clinical lesions between breeds.

Justification: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has had a formidable impact on Indian health care. With no sight of its end as yet, various establishments including the smaller clinics and nursing homes are restarting full operations. Hence, there is the need for recommendations to allow safe practice ensuring the safety of both the heath care worker (HCW) and patients., Process: Indian Academy of Pediatrics organized an online meeting of subject experts on 27 July, 2020. A committee was formed comprising of pediatricians, pediatric and neonatal intensivists, and hospital administrators. The committee held deliberations (online and via emails) and a final consensus was reached by November, 2020., Objectives: To develop recommendations to provide a safe and practical healthcare facility at clinics and small establishments during COVID times., Recommendations: The key recommendation to practise safely in this setting are enumerated. Firstly, organizing the out-patient department (OPD). Secondly, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide protection to the individual. Thirdly, decontamination/disinfection of various common surfaces and equipment to prevent transmission of infection from fomites. Next, maintaining the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to provide a stress-free, comfortable, and safe environment for patients and HCWs. Finally, steps to effectively manage COVID-19 exposures in a non-COVID-19 facility. All these measures will ensure safe practice during these unprecedent times in clinics and smaller establishments.

Aim: To measure the vertical linear cephalometric dimensions of the anterior and posterior segments of the craniofacial complex and establish ratios between vertical linear dimensions in subjects with normal occlusion, pleasing profile, and facial harmony., Setting and Sample Population: Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha University. Lateral cephalograms of 120 subjects of both sexes in the age group of 17-28 years with normal occlusion belonging to Chennai, India., Materials and Methods: The vertical segments measured are anterior maxilla, posterior maxilla, and ramus-cranial floor vertical. The facial heights were measured in the anterior and posterior region of the craniofacial complex. Establish ratios and proportions between the vertical segments and different facial heights., Results: In both the sexes, the ratio between anterior maxilla, posterior maxilla, and ramus-cranial floor vertical is 1:1:1, PTFH:ATFH is 1:1, AUFH:ATFH is 2:5, ALFH:ATFH is 3:5, PUFH:PTFH is 1:2, PLFH:PTFH is 1:2, AUDH:ALDH is 2:3, and facial depth is 2:1. PUDH:PLDH is 7:9 in females and 3:4 in males. There was a statistically significant difference in posterior total facial height:anterior total facial height ratio between the two sexes with a "P" value of 95%., Conclusion: Thus, the anterior maxilla, posterior maxilla, and cranial floor-ramus vertical composite are in dimensional balance in subjects with normal occlusion and facial harmony. This analysis helps to identify skeletal deviations in size and position in the vertical dimension and allows the clinician to outline an appropriate treatment.

Aim: To measure the linear cephalometric dimensions of anterior and posterior segments of the craniofacial complex sagittally, to establish ratios between different linear dimensions of sagittal segments and check for dimensional balance among the various segments in subjects with normal occlusion, pleasing profile and facial harmony., Setting and Sample Population: Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha University. Lateral cephalograms of 120 subjects of both sexes in the age group of 17-28 years with normal occlusion belonging to Chennai, India., Materials and Methods: Linear dimensions of anterior and posterior segments of the craniofacial complex were measured sagittally with the posterior maxillary plane as a key reference plane. Ratios were established between the various parameters in the anterior and posterior region., Results: A ratio of 1:1 was found to exist between the individual and aggregate sagittal segments of the craniofacial complex in both sexes. There was a statistically significant sexual dimorphism in the aggregate lengths(P=0.028,P=0.005).However, the ratio between the anterior cranial floor and effective maxillary length was 2:3 and 5:8 and that between anterior cranial floor to effective mandibular length was 5:8 and 3:5 in females and males respectively. The difference in the above values was not statistically significant., Conclusion: A dimensional balance was found to exist between the maxilla and mandible both at the dentoalveolar and skeletal level with a ratio of 1:1. There was also a dimensional balance between the posterior cranial floor and ramus width. However, there was no architectural balance between the anterior cranial floor and maxilla and mandible.

The endogenous creatinine clearance test was done in 14 Type I and 15 Type II poorly controlled diabetic patients and compared with respective age matched healthy volunteers. Type I diabetics had significantly lower creatinine clearance rate, body mass index and serum albumin levels when compared to their control group. In Type II diabetics these values remained unaltered. Both Type I and Type II diabetics had significantly higher blood sugar and glycosylated haemoglobin levels. The creatinine clearance rate had significant positive correlation with patients' body mass index and serum albumin levels. This suggests that the undernutrition of Type I diabetics may be responsible for the decreased creatinine clearance.