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The occurrence of heavy metals (HMs) in water and soil sediments represents a serious environmental concern. This study revealed the presence and distribution of HMs in water and soil sediments of various places in Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India. Twenty-one sites were selected along the study area, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to analyze the concentration of the heavy metals. The dominance of various HMs in the soil sediment sample follows the order strontium (Sr) > Manganese (Mn) > Barium (Ba) > Zinc (Zn) > Nickel (Ni) and Sr > Mn > Zn > Boron (B) > , respectively. It was found that the concentration of HMs in water and soil sediments in Ambur market and Mottukollai area was significantly higher than the recommended limits. Thus, the results showed that the presence of HMs in water and soil sediments could be threatened pollution factors unsafe for irrigation, drinking, and other human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Media bias is not restricted to one type of media or in one location. However, the nature of bias and its origins are different and have different impacts. In this study we consider the role of the elite American media and the role they play in shaping the views of their readers. Using Said's (1978/1991) concept of "orientalism," Inden's (1986, 1990/2000) concept of "hegemonic agents," and Adluri and Bagchee's (2014) work on "occidentalism," we analyze a selection of The New York Times' editorials, news reports, and opinion pieces/commentaries (January 2017 to December 2019) on India, Hindus, and Hinduism. The critique here is not only about the use of the authoritative voice in the editorials, reports, and commentaries that dominate the elite American media which circulate representations of Hindus and Hinduism selectively but also of the denial of agency to Hindu individuals. The New York Times offers partial representation of events and people, and prejudiced commentaries on Indian government policies, presenting the Bharatiya Janata Party, Hindus, and Hinduism as illiberal, majoritarian, non-secular, and violent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication is cornerstone of patients' care for all health professionals. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fetched unique challenges to the art of communication. Objectives: The aim of the study was to understand the challenges of communication and to find effective ways of communication with patients and others while having worn personal protective equipment (PPE) by the healthcare workers during COVID-19 duties. Study Design: A cross-sectional, online-survey study design was chosen for the research. Methods: An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted to understand challenges in communicating with patients and significant others while wearing a PPE. The questionnaire was shared as a Google Form link to 150 postgraduate (PG) students under Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. Results: Responses were received from 50 PG students. The difficulty in communication while having worn PPE was experienced by PG students (n = 49, 98%) in older adult age group as compared to other age groups. PG had physical concerns in the form of perceived difficulty in breathing (n = 40, 80%), shortness of breath (n = 26, 52%), and fatigue (n = 40, 80%) that interfered with their communication while working in COVID care wards. Understanding facial expression, verbal expression, gestures, comprehension, history taking, performing assessments (cognitive), recognizing staff, and building rapport were the most challenging aspects of communication for front-liners while having worn PPE. Proxy communication strategies such as sign language (n = 21, 42%), speaking loudly (n = 44, 88%), and demonstrations (n = 4, 8%) were used to overcome challenges in communication while working in COVID-19 wards. Conclusion: We found that wearing PPE as a part of a physical (nonhuman) environment hindered effective communication with patients and significant others. Perceiving facial expression, verbal expression, gestures, comprehension, history taking, performing assessments (cognitive), recognizing staff, and building rapport are the most challenging aspects of communication for front-liners while having worn PPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercultural communication is an established field of study. Many reasons are given for why we should train students to know, understand and communicate with others who are from dissimilar backgrounds. This raises important questions: How do we define and describe people from dissimilar backgrounds, and what biases do we bring in those definitions and descriptions? An analysis of two editions (sixth and seventh) of an intercultural communication textbook indicated negative depictions of Hindus and Indian, including idiosyncratic examples about Hindus, Hinduism, and Indians. Consequences of such depictions on student perception is discussed, and the future of intercultural communication research is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of medical negligence is not new in India. It is there for a long time but since the last 2 decades, medical negligence and legal aspects of medicine have acquired great significance. Today the number of cases of medical litigation is increasing and already it has become a great problem especially for surgeons, anesthetists, obstetricians and gynecologists. The threat of litigation has increased to a great extent after the inclusion of medical services under the preview of Consumer Protection Act 1986 and 2002. The present study is an attempt to discover the ground realisms and basic drawbacks in the service of the healthcare which gives a boost to allegations against the medical practitioners. In this study we have taken into consideration the cases of alleged medical negligence that are referred for expert opinion to the Government medical college, Aurangabad in the period of 2011 to 2015. In the present study Large no. of allegations cases were related to the age group 21-30 years (35.94 %). Females in the reproductive age-group (21-40) years had the most frequent no. of cases (54.71%) of allegations. Large no. of cases (78.13%) were related to urban population as against rural population (21.88%). Cases related to allegations against the private hospitals scored more (71.88%) than against government hospitals. 47 % of cases were related to surgical specialties which was more than the medicinal aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in three major blocks selected from Hingoli district of the state of Maharashtra during the period from January to June 2015. 120 dairy farm women randomly selected constitute the sample size. Majority of dairy respondents belonged to medium (70.83 %) followed by low (16.67 %) and high level (12.50%) of participation regarding dairy management practices. Independent variables like age, family size, marital status, education, land holding, milk production, consumption and sale, knowledge level, social participation, dairy experience, annual saving, livestock possession were found to be significantly correlated (p< 0.001) with the dependent variable of participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Assessment of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-degrading bacteria isolated from plastic waste dumpsites of Gulf of Mannar. Methods and Results: Rationally, 15 bacteria (GMB1-GMB15) were isolated by enrichment technique. GMB5 and GMB7 were selected for further studies based on their efficiency to degrade the HDPE and identified as Arthrobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. Assessed weight loss of HDPE after 30 days of incubation was nearly 12% for Arthrobacter sp. and 15% for Pseudomonas sp. The bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbon (BATH) assay showed that the cell surface hydrophobicity of Pseudomonas sp. was higher than Arthrobacter sp. Both fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and protein content of the biofilm were used to test the viability and protein density of the biomass. Acute peak elevation was observed between 2 and 5 days of inoculation for both bacteria. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum showed that keto carbonyl bond index (KCBI), Ester carbonyl bond index (ECBI) and Vinyl bond index (VBI) were increased indicating changes in functional group(s) and/or side chain modification confirming the biodegradation. Conclusion: The results pose us to suggest that both Pseudomonas sp. and Arthrobacter sp. were proven efficient to degrade HDPE, albeit the former was more efficacious, yet the ability of latter cannot be neglected. Significance and Impact of the Study: Recent alarm on ecological threats to marine system is dumping plastic waste in the marine ecosystem and coastal arena by anthropogenic activity. In maintenance phase of the plastic-derived polyethylene waste, the microbial degradation plays a major role; the information accomplished in this work will be the initiating point for the degradation of polyethylene by indigenous bacterial population in the marine ecosystem and provides a novel eco-friendly solution in eco-management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical analysis of the stem bark of Suregada angustifolia (Baill. ex Muell. Arg.) Airy Shaw resulted in the isolation of six known compounds: friedelin, epi-friedelinol, n -octacosanol, a-amyrin, ß-sitosterol, and ß-sitosterol-3 ß-D-glucopyranoside. The aqueous and various solvent (methanol, chloroform, and hexane) extracts of stem bark were tested by the agar well-diffusion method against 12 human pathogenic bacteria. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed in the order of chloroform, hexane, and methanol extracts. Aqueous (room temperature, boiled, and autoclaved) extracts did not demonstrate any activity. The results of the current investigation correspond positively with the claims of the ethnomedicinal uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridelia crenulata Roxb., Euphorbiaceae, is known as Adamaruthu,Maarivengai, Mulvengai and Oothiravengai in the Tamil language. The womenof the Paliyan tribes in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu in India consumea bark extract to cure menorrhagia. Isolation yielded friedelin, epi-friedelinol, n-octacosanol, α-amyrin, β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-3-β-D-glucopyranosideand luteoforol. Aqueous and methanolic extracts and their fractions were testedagainst 10 human pathogenic bacteria and 4 fungal strains. Inhibitory activitieswere maximum in the chloroform – methanol (1 : 1) fraction of the methanolicextract against E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa,which are responsible for the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection. Thestudy provides scientific evidence for the efficacy of the use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in regards to HIV transmission within a family in India.

Purpose: Tuberculosis (TB) can affect sleep and can predispose patients to chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, sleep deprivation and diabetes mellitus can worsen tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to assess sleep quality, to estimate the prevalence of poor sleepers and those at risk for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to evaluate the knowledge and practices regarding sleep hygiene among patients diagnosed with TB., Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to patients diagnosed with TB in Bengaluru, India. The questionnaire was comprised of sections including demography, knowledge and practice regarding sleep hygiene, the international restless leg study group consensus diagnostic criteria to diagnose RLS, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, the Epworth sleepiness scale, and history of adverse drug reactions (ADRs)., Results: Of 206 participants enrolled, 125 men (61%), mean (SD) age was 41.0 (16.2) years, and 121 (59%) had pulmonary TB while the remaining 85 (41%) had extrapulmonary TB. The prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of poor quality sleepers was 17% (12, 23%), those with poor knowledge of sleep hygiene (< 6 marks) 33% (27, 40%), those at risk for RLS 32% (26, 39%), and those with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) 12% (8, 17%)., Conclusion: Prevalence of poor quality sleepers and those at risk for RLS are higher than normal population, thus making sleep quality assessment important in patients diagnosed with TB. Prevalence of those at risk for EDS was comparable to normal population., (© 2020. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: Breast Cancer (BC) is the leading cause of deaths in Indian women. Emerging reports reveal alarming evidence of increasing incidence and mortality of BC among young Indian women in addition to the late presentation and poor prognosis. Despite the significant incidence, there is a lack of reliable data resources and comprehensive epidemiologic studies relating to BC. The objective of this protocol is to conduct a full-scale systematic review and meta-analyses on the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of BC in 29 states and seven union territories of India., Methods: Data sources used will be Cochrane Review, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and international and national cancer registries such as World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and National Centre for Disease Information and Research (NCDIR)-National Cancer Registry Program initiated by Indian Council of Medical Research. Relevant data will be extracted using a predefined data collection form. A defined search strategy will be implemented along with selection criteria to obtain full-text articles of relevant studies. This study protocol was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Protocols 2015 guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) will be used to measure effect size. The random or fixed-effects meta-analyses model will be employed to aggregate the pooled estimates (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) separately. A forest plot will be produced to assess ORs and 95% CIs. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plot, and Egger regression will be applied to test the symmetry of the funnel plot., Ethics and Dissemination: This proposed study will be based on published studies and the data from cancer registries. Therefore, human research ethics approval is not required. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal., Prospero Registration No: CRD42018084003.

Data were collected from 78 teenage pregnant mothers (15-19 years) out of 1446 pregnant mothers who attended the primary health centers situated in the field practice area of the rural health center, Kengeri of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, between May and July 2009 to study the factors associated with teenage pregnancies and awareness regarding family planning. This was a descriptive study. Out of 78 teenage pregnant mothers, 57 (73%) were Hindus and 45 (57.7%) belonged to joint families. 76 (97.4%) teenage pregnant mothers were housewives, i.e. 55 (70.5%) of the spouses of the teenage pregnant mothers were laborers, in majority, i.e. 40 (51.3%) teenage pregnant mothers' age at marriage and the age at first pregnancy were 18 years. The mean age at marriage increased significantly with an increase of the educational status of the teenage pregnant mothers (F value = 7.08%, P< 0.002). The mean age at first pregnancy was also increased with an increase of the education status of both the teenage pregnant mothers and their spouse. The most common reason for early marriage and early pregnancy was traditional practices and family pressure among 50 (64%) and 45 (57.7%) teenage pregnant mothers, respectively. 49 (63%) teenage pregnant mothers were not aware of any family planning methods.

Use of Bacillus sphaericus Neide (Bs) as potential biolarvicide in developing countries is limited due to development of resistance by target mosquitoes. Efforts are taken to look for appropriate formulations or combination of Bs to prevent or delay resistance problem. Here, we report the efficacy of a formulated Bs product to kill Bs resistant Culex quinquefasciatus Say larvae. The laboratory reared resistance colony was maintained by subjecting selection pressure with Bs (2362) toxin. Bioassays were conducted with lyophilized, standard formulated and Bs formulated by us (all belong to strain 2362, serotype H5a5b) against Bs resistant and susceptible colonies. The Bs resistant larvae showed a high level of resistance against lyophilized toxin with resistance ratio (RR) of 8375.2, 1055.6 and 11422.3 folds at LC(50), LC(90) and LC(95) levels, respectively, when compared with Bs susceptible larvae. With formulation of standard powder, the RR between Bs resistant and susceptible larvae were 1.01, 1.13 and 1.19 folds only at LC(50), LC(90) and LC(95) levels, respectively. This observation was comparable with our formulation prepared by a ground mixture of lyophilized Bs and a placebo (plaster of Paris). It is evident from our study, that the placebo present in our Bs 2362 formulation was responsible for increasing the efficacy of Bs lyophilized toxin against resistant larvae. The putative mechanism behind this toxicity phenomenon remains to be investigated to evolve new mosquito control strategies. A cross resistance to indigenous strain of Bs B42 (H5a5b) against Bs resistant larvae was also reported in this study.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the regulatory region shared by PARK2 and PACRG have been identified as major risk factors for leprosy susceptibility in two ethnically distinct populations. We investigated the association of six SNPs present in this regulatory region with leprosy susceptibility in an Indian population. Genotyping was performed by direct PCR sequencing in 286 leprosy patients and 350 healthy controls. Our results showed that T allele of SNPs PARK2&#95;e01 (-2599) and 28 kb target&#95;2&#95;1 was significantly associated with susceptibility to leprosy per se (P=0.03 and 0.03, respectively). The T allele of SNPs PARK2&#95;e01 (-2599) showed a significant recessive effect (P=0.04) in susceptibility to leprosy in Indian population as against the dominant effect of haplotype T-C of the major risk SNPs PARK2&#95;e01 (-2599) and rs1040079 in Brazilian and Vietnamese population. However, after bonferroni corrections, these significant differences disappeared. Haplotype analysis also showed a lack of significant association of any haplotype with cases or controls. The noninvolvement of major risk SNPs in the regulatory region of PARK2 and PACRG locus with leprosy susceptibility in Indian population highlights the differential effect of these SNPs in regulating genetic susceptibility to leprosy in different populations.

Phytochemical analysis of the leaves from Indian Suregada angustifolia (Baill. ex Muell. Arg.) Airy Shaw (Euphorbiaceae) resulted in the isolation and identification of six known compounds, viz. friedelin, epi-friedelinol, n-octacosanol, alpha-amyrin, beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol-3-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Aqueous (room temperature, boiled and autoclaved) and various solvent (methanol, chloroform and hexane) extracts of leaves were tested against 12 human pathogenic bacteria by the agar well-diffusion method. Aqueous extracts did not express any activity. Antibacterial activity was recorded in the order of methanol, hexane and chloroform extracts. Maximum activity recorded against Staphylococcus aureus (skin infections) in methanol and hexane extracts and moderate activity recorded against diarrhoea causing bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus (hexane extract) and Vibrio cholerae (chloroform extract).

Phytochemical investigation of the various extracts of the leaves of Begonia malabarica Lam. (Begoniaceae) resulted in the isolation and identification of six known compounds, viz. friedelin, epi-friedelinol, beta-sitosterol, luteolin, quercetin and beta-sitosterol-3-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The aqueous and organic solvent extracts were also tested against ten human pathogenic bacteria and four fungal strains by the agar-well diffusion method. All the extracts were devoid of antifungal activity against the tested fungi. The hexane extract did not show any activity. The aqueous extracts showed activity against the Gram-negative bacteria except Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The chloroform and methanol extracts showed activity against all the tested bacteria. The study supported the claim of the usefulness of the plant in respiratory tract infections and also suggests its use in diarrhoea and skin diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria.

Success of fluoride in combating dental caries led to study of fluoride on periodontal disease, but studies are less reported in literature and results are varied in nature. To address this issue, the study was conducted to assess severity of periodontal disease among (n = 283) 36-45 years old adults residing in area of different concentration of fluoride in drinking water. The villages selected were having fluoride concentration in their drinking water are Shamnur (0.5 PPMF), Kundawada (1.1 ppmF) and Halebathi (3.17 ppm). Ion Selective Electrode Method (OrionUSA) estimated fluoride in drinking water. Community Periodontal Index (WHO, 1997) and Plaque Index (Silness and Loe, 1967) was used to assess periodontal status. There was consistent decrease in mean plaque score from 1.45+ &#95;0.024 at 0.51 ppm, 1.21+ &#95;0.009 at 1.1 ppm, and 1.12+ &#95;0.08 at 3.17 ppm fluoride area. This difference was significant statistically (P < 0.001). As the fluoride concentration in drinking water increased there was decrease in severity of prevalence of periodontitis. This difference in observation was significant statistically (P < 0.05). There were no effects of fluoride on calculus, since little variability was found in three different fluoride areas. Thus it was concluded from the study results that the increase in fluoride concentration decreased the plaque accumulation. decreased the shallow and deep pockets. Hence lower prevalence and severity of periodontal disease.

Seeds of Galactia longifolia Benth. (Fabaceae), locally known as Kaattukollu in Tamil language, used as food by Malayali tribals in the Kolli hills of Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu in South India were analysed for proximate composition, total (true) seed proteins, amino acid composition, fatty acid composition, minerals and antinutritional factors. Crude protein, crude fat, ash and nitrogen free extractives constitute 25.56%, 6.18%, 5.12% and 56.15%, respectively. The caloric value of 100 g dry matter of seed material is 1,601 KJ. The essential amino acids, tryptophan, leucine + isoleucine, arginine and threonine are present relatively in large quantities. The unsaturated fatty acids constitute more than 60%. The seeds are very rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Antinutritional factors such as total free phenols, tannins, L-DOPA, hydrogen cyanide and phytic acid is present in minute quantities. The seed meal is consumed after eliminating all the antinutritional factors using the conventional method of soaking seeds in water, boiling with water and decanting for four times by Malayali tribals.

Repeated silica gel chromatography of the dichloromethane extract of air-dried stems of Indigofera longeracemosa followed by reverse-phase HPLC separation yielded a new decahydropyridoquinoline, rel-(3S, 5R, 6S, SR, 8aR, 12aR)-8-acetoxy-6-butyl-3-isothiocyanatodecahydropyrido (2,1) quinoline.

The pathogenesis of osteogenic sarcoma is not known. Recently, chronic fluoride exposure has been incriminated as having a possible etiologic role by causing a nonspecific osteoblast proliferation. We were interested in exploring the possible relationship between fluoride bone content and p53 mutations. We analyzed p53 mutations in various exons in tissue of osteosarcoma, and correlated the findings with the bone fluoride levels in Indian patients. We analyzed tissue samples from 20 osteosarcoma patients for possible genetic alterations including mutations, and we assessed the extent of fluoride accumulation in bone. Fragments displaying an altered electrophoretic mobility were confirmed as having mutated sequences. Mutation was observed in samples of two cases (10% incidence). Eighteen samples showed bone fluoride levels between 1000 and 27,000 ppm, whereas the 2 mutated samples showed fluoride levels of 64,000 and 89,000 ppm, respectively. The high levels of bone fluoride levels and the similarity of the mechanisms of action between fluoride-induced DNA damage and chemically-induced p53 mutations lead us to propose that high fluoride bone content might have been one of the major factors causing osteosarcoma.