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Background: Marriage is a second most event after birth. Wikipedia states consanguinity marriage as the property of being from the same kinship as another India is a socially and culturally diverse country, which is also reflected in considerable variation in the prevalence of IPV across regions. The aim of study to identify the prevalence and the factors influencing the spousal violence among consanguineous marriage in India. Methods: The present study utilised the fourth wave of the National family health survey (2015-16), the Indian version of the demographic and health survey. Descriptive, bivariate with Chi-square tests and multivariable multilevel logistic regression analyses were done to determine the extent of association between spousal violence and various predicter variables. Results: The study established the prevalence of spousal violence among consanguineous marriage were higher (33.0%) compared with spousal violence among non-consanguineous marriage (26.0%). Women those who get married with any blood relation experienced more physical violence (16.6%), emotional (27.7%), sexual (7.6%) compared with women those who get marriage with non-blood relation, physical violence (11.0%), emotional (22.4%), sexual (5.5%) respectively. Conclusions: The finding is expected to contribute to formulating an appropriate policy to combat Spouse violence in consanguineous marriage among women at the national level of India. The study also showed a significant association between consanguinity and experience more emotional as compared to physical and sexual violence. The results argue for manipulating contextual factors to empower women to challenge gender-related equations and investing in education for gender sensitization at the higher-level social ecologies.

"The aim of the article is describes the performance of Flat Plate Collector in solar thermal water heater system. It highlights the importance of single glazed system and double-glazed system and evaluates how single glazing system and double-glazing system effects on the performance of FPC in solar thermal water heater.

A rigorous exploration of microbial diversity has revealed its presence on Earth, deep oceans, and vast space. The presence of microbial life in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from moderate to extreme temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen, radiations, and altitudes, has provided the necessary impetus to search for them by extending the limits of their habitats. Microbiology started as a distinct science in the mid-nineteenth century and has provided inputs for the betterment of mankind during the last 150 years. As beneficial microbes are assets and pathogens are detrimental, studying both have its own merits. Scientists are nowadays working on illustrating the microbial dynamics in Earth's subsurface, deep sea, and polar regions. In addition to studying the role of microbes in the environment, the microbe-host interactions in humans, animals and plants are also unearthing newer insights that can help us to improve the health of the host by modulating the microbiota. Microbes have the potential to remediate persistent organic pollutants. Antimicrobial resistance which is a serious concern can also be tackled only after monitoring the spread of resistant microbes using disciplines of genomics and metagenomics The cognizance of microbiology has reached the top of the world. Space Missions are now looking for signs of life on the planets (specifically Mars), the Moon and beyond them. Among the most potent pieces of evidence to support the existence of life is to look for microbial, plant, and animal fossils. There is also an urgent need to deliberate and communicate these findings to layman and policymakers that would help them to take an adequate decision for better health and the environment around us. Here, we present a glimpse of recent advancements by scientists from around the world, exploring and exploiting microbial diversity.

Ugi-four component reaction (Ugi-4CR) is extremely attractive for diversity-oriented and step economical synthesis as evident from past applications. Here we report the synthesis of fused polycyclic β-carboline derivatives by sequential Pictet-Spengler's and Ugi-4CR multi-component reaction followed by cascade cyclization. The post cyclisation of Ugi product provides conformationally stable heterocyclic molecule that is expected to be suitable for interaction with different biological targets. The methodology provides a simple and facile access to heterocycles embedded in polycyclic framework which otherwise seems difficult to synthesize by conventional methods. Synthesis of fused Polycyclic β-Carboline Derivatives Using Ugi-4CR Followed by Cascade Cyclization.

The use of home dialysis, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD), remains low despite the well-known benefits to the person on dialysis in terms of lifestyle and treatment satisfaction, and to the health care system because of lower financial costs and lesser dependence on trained professionals.1 With projections of doubling of the population of people receiving dialysis from 2010 to 2030,2 health care systems delivering dialysis therapy have the responsibility to ensure cost-effectiveness. Resources are limited, including qualified staff and finances to cover treatment costs. Remote patient monitoring holds promise of high quality follow up and improved clinical outcomes for home dialysis patients.3 Furthermore, shared decision making enables patients to choose and therefore benefit from the dialysis modality most suitable for the individual to improve their quality of life. Furthermore, by avoiding multiple journeys to a dialysis center, home dialysis is less disruptive for the environment and for those living in remote geographic areas, prevents individuals from having to relocate from their communities to urban areas for dialysis treatment. In addition, PD avoids use of large quantities of water for each treatment, which is critically important in regions with water scarcity. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when even “home dialysis sceptics” perceived the advantage of dialysis at home rather than in-center, an International Home Dialysis Roundtable was convened by industry leaders to consider practical steps for increasing access to home dialysis.4 Around the same time, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes held a controversies conference on home dialysis, looking at multiple facets of improving the adoption and propagation of home dialysis globally.5 Building on this work, and in the light of the global importance and interests in home dialysis, the leadership of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis have joined forces to form the International Home Dialysis Consortium. This consortium aims to bring regional stakeholder forces together to drive home dialysis uptake globally, in a scientifically advised, structured, and accountable manner.

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment garnered attention from the outset of the crisis, with observations and studies of immediate repercussions as well as long-term forecasts. Year 2020 has been billed a "Super Year for Nature" in a variety of conversations on environmental issues. Epidemics and even pandemics are influenced by a variety of biological variables, which can result in a variety of environmental feedbacks. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was designated a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and its quick onset, vast geographic spread, and complex implications make it a once-in-ageneration global calamity. The COVID-19 pandemic had a wide range of environmental repercussions by in the year 2020, both beneficial and harmful, such as air and water quality improvements in metropolitan areas and disastrous contamination owing to the disposal of biomedical and organic waste that piled up during this period. This review presents a summary of the COVID-19's observed and potential environmental effects.

International audience; Outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials in peritoneal dialysis (PD) are diverse, are measured inconsistently, and may not be important to patients, families, and clinicians. The Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Peritoneal Dialysis (SONG-PD) initiative aims to establish a core outcome set for trials in PD based on the shared priorities of all stakeholders. We convened an international SONG-PD stakeholder consensus workshop in May 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. Nineteen patients/caregivers and 51 health professionals attended. Participants discussed core outcome domains and implementation in trials in PD. Four themes relating to the formation of core outcome domains were identified: life participation as a main goal of PD, impact of fatigue, empowerment for preparation and planning, and separation of contributing factors from core factors. Considerations for implementation were identified: standardizing patient-reported outcomes, requiring a validated and feasible measure, simplicity of binary outcomes, responsiveness to interventions, and using positive terminology. All stakeholders supported inclusion of PD-related infection, cardiovascular disease, mortality, technique survival, and life participation as the core outcome domains for PD.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter-related infections are important risk factors for catheter loss and peritonitis. The 2023 updated recommendations have revised and clarified definitions and classifications of exit site infection and tunnel infection. A new target for the overall exit site infection rate should be no more than 0.40 episodes per year at risk. The recommendation about topical antibiotic cream or ointment to catheter exit site has been downgraded. New recommendations include clarified suggestion of exit site dressing cover and updated antibiotic treatment duration with emphasis on early clinical monitoring to ascertain duration of therapy. In addition to catheter removal and reinsertion, other catheter interventions including external cuff removal or shaving, and exit site relocation are suggested.

The use of Arduino for studies in engineering applications and automation is quite common. The present paper reports the use of Arduino UNO R3 board for the Fourier analysis of various periodic waveforms. This is a very useful and cost effective idea for explaining and understanding Fourier series analysis. A real time Fourier component analysis of some standard input signals, such as square waves, sine waves, triangular waves and periodic pulses have been carried out in terms of the fundamental frequency and its harmonics. These results have been found to be the same as expected from the standard theoretical analysis. This method can be utilized effectively to teach the frequency components of a periodic waveform and demonstrate the utility of Fourier analysis to the students in the online mode of education, especially in remote places and villages.

Aims COVID-19 has currently emerged as the major global pandemic affecting the lives of people across the globe. It broke out from Wuhan Province of China, first reported to WHO on 31st December 2019 as “Pneumonia of unknown cause”. Over time more people were infected with this virus, and the only tactic to ensure safety was to take precautionary measures due to the lack of any effective treatment or vaccines. As a result of unavailability of desired efficacy for previously repurposed drugs, exploring novel scaffolds against the virus has become the need of the hour. Main methods In the present study, 23 new annomontine analogues were designed representing β-Carboline based scaffolds. A hypothesis on its role as an effective ligand was laid for target-specific binding in SARS-CoV-2. These molecules were used for molecular docking analysis against the multiple possible drug targets using the Maestro Interface. To ensure the drug safety of these molecules ADME/Tox analysis was also performed. Key findings The molecular docking analysis of the 23 novel molecules indicated the efficiency of these derivates against COVID-19. The efficiency of molecules was computed by the summation of the docking score against each target defined as LigE Score and compared against Hydroxycholoquine as a standard. Based on the docking score, the majority of the annomontine derivatives were found to have increased binding affinity with targets as compared to hydroxycholoquine. Significance Due to the lack of efficiency, effectiveness, and failure of already repurposed drugs against the COVID-19, the exploration of the novel scaffold that can act as effective treatment is much needed. The current study hence emphasizes the potential of Annomontine based - β- Carboline derivatives as a potential drug candidate against COVID-19.

Malaria is a major parasitic disease in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Pertaining to the sustaining resistance in malarial parasite against the available drugs, novel treatment options are the need of the hour. In this resolve recently, focus has shifted to finding the natural alternatives that possess anti-plasmodial activity for combatting malaria. Drawing on the text written in ancient scriptures and Ayurveda, natural compounds are now being screened for their therapeutic properties. Indole is one such natural compound, present in all living organisms, it displays a range of therapeutic activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial etc. In this review, we have discussed various indole scaffold as well as the semi-synthetic drugs containing indole moiety that have been synthesized for malaria treatment.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that may be treated with non-ablative light-based devices; however, no systematic reviews on the topic exist to date. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine efficacy of non-ablative light-based devices in treating HS. Specifically, a systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL. We analyzed the use of non-ablative light-based devices in the treatment of HS. At least two investigators performed title/abstract review and data extraction. Meta-analysis was conducted using comprehensive meta-analysis software. 5 RCTs and 11 case reports/series were included (n = 211 unique patients). No observational studies were found. For Nd:YAG laser, meta-analysis of 3 RCTs reported improvement in modified HS Lesion Area and Severity Index (HS-LASI) when compared to control subjects. In addition, three case reports/series reported HS-LASI, Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scores and number-of-lesion improvements in treated patients. For intense pulsed light (IPL), two RCTs reported HS-LASI and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score improvements. For Alexandrite laser, one case report showed lesion improvement. In conclusion, meta-analysis of Nd:YAG laser in HS patients suggests significant improvement in HS-LASI scores. For IPL, evidence is limited, but suggests improvement in HS-LASI and DLQI scores. For Alexandrite laser, evidence precludes conclusions. Given small sample sizes and inconsistent reporting scales, larger RCTs are required to better determine the efficacy of these modalities in treating HS.

Aims COVID-19 has currently emerged as the major global pandemic affecting the lives of people across the globe. It broke out from Wuhan Province of China, first reported to WHO on 31st December 2019 as “Pneumonia of unknown cause”. Over time more people were infected with this virus, and the only tactic to ensure safety was to take precautionary measures due to the lack of any effective treatment or vaccines. As a result of unavailability of desired efficacy for previously repurposed drugs, exploring novel scaffolds against the virus has become the need of the hour. Main methods In the present study, 23 new annomontine analogues were designed representing β-Carboline based scaffolds. A hypothesis on its role as an effective ligand was laid for target-specific binding in SARS-CoV-2. These molecules were used for molecular docking analysis against the multiple possible drug targets using the Maestro Interface. To ensure the drug safety of these molecules ADME/Tox analysis was also performed. Key findings The molecular docking analysis of the 23 novel molecules indicated the efficiency of these derivates against COVID-19. The efficiency of molecules was computed by the summation of the docking score against each target defined as LigE Score and compared against Hydroxycholoquine as a standard. Based on the docking score, the majority of the annomontine derivatives were found to have increased binding affinity with targets as compared to hydroxycholoquine. Significance Due to the lack of efficiency, effectiveness, and failure of already repurposed drugs against the COVID-19, the exploration of the novel scaffold that can act as effective treatment is much needed. The current study hence emphasizes the potential of Annomontine based - β- Carboline derivatives as a potential drug candidate against COVID-19., COVID-19, Molecular docking, ADME/Tox, SARS-CoV-2, Annomontine, β- carboline

The phenomenon of female feticide in India is not new, where female embryos or fetuses are selectively eliminated after pre-natal sex determination, thus eliminating girl child even before they are born. In Indian society, female feticide has emerged as a burning social problem during the last few years. The present study aims to assess the attitude of both male and female adolescents towards girls’ feticide their early adulthood and middle age. For this from Jhansi city, 100 respondents, 50 of early adulthood stage (25 male, 25 female) and 50 of middle adulthood stage (25 male, 25 female) randomly selected. A structured interview schedule was prepared containing 30 questions to measure the awareness among male and female regarding the female feticide. Results revealed that equal per cent of respondents were in the age group 18-40 years and 40-60 years. Maximum per cent of respondents (97%) were Hindu followed by 3% respondents Muslim. In early adulthood and middle age group majority of male and female respondents (92 and 90%) strongly agreed to favorable comments on girl feticide, while for unfavorable comments lesat number of respondents of both sex were in strongly unfavorable category. Attitude of male and female respondents against favorable comments indicated association between sex and attitude in early adulthood i.e. χ 2 =2.2 but in middle age no association was found (χ 2 =36). On the other hand attitude against unfavorable comments indicated association between sex and attitude in both early adulthood (χ 2 =0.156) and middle age (χ 2 =0.581). Majority of the Hindu respondents both in early adulthood and middle age group strongly agreed to favourable comments on girl feticide. Regarding religion, attitude of Hindu and Muslim against favorable and unfavorable comments indicated association between religion and attitude in both early adulthood and middle age. Results revealed that both sex and religion have association with attitude regarding girl feticide.

A random assessment of adolescent girls living in the hostels of Kota revealed a disturbing pattern in their eating habits. Their general consumption was erratic and high on empty calories lacking precautions without any heed being paid to the nutritional value of the food being consumed. A sample of 50 girls (16 to 22 years of age) belonging to middle and higher class families was chosen arbitrarily and provided with a questionnaire methodically planned and the responses were assessed taking into consideration the unique pattern of life they were subjected to. Girls living in hostels have to be under a constant stress, resulting out of factors that are beyond their control. Majority of these factors take a gradual toll on the adolescent’s body making her all the more vulnerable to deficiencies and diseases. Around 78% of the respondents admitted to consuming highly calorific food including fries, pizzas, pasta and burgers on an almost regular basis resulting in disorders ranging from obesity to an early diagnosis of diabetes. Around 17% were found to be suffering from hair fall and mildly anemic.

Mn and La co-doped BFO ceramics have been prepared by the sol–gel technique and their dielectric response and the ac conductivity measured as function of frequency in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 2 MHz. The dielectric data has been fitted with the Universal model and the characteristic parameters have been extracted. The maximum potential barrier heights for hopping conduction in these samples have been calculated using Correlated Barrier Hopping model. The Mn doped samples showed improvement in the dielectric constant, however, the dielectric loss, dielectric dispersion and ac conductivity were increased. The ionic space charge has been increased due to substitution of high valence Mn 4+ ions at Fe 3+ sites, resulting in high ion–ion coupling and high ac conductivity. The incorporation of La 3+ at Bi 3+ sites stabilizes the perovskite structure of BFO ceramic and helps to decrease the oxygen vacancies. Further, it has been found to recover the dielectric response and ac conductivity by reducing the ion–ion coupling in the Mn doped BFO ceramics.

Actinobacteria are known for their diverse metabolism and physiology. Some are dreadful human pathogens whereas some constitute the natural flora for human gut. Therefore, the understanding of metabolic pathways is a key feature for targeting the pathogenic bacteria without disturbing the symbiotic ones. A big challenge faced today is multiple drug resistance by Mycobacterium and other pathogens that utilize alternative fluxes/effluxes. With the availability of genome sequence, it is now feasible to conduct the comparative in silico analysis. Here we present a simplified approach to compare metabolic pathways so that the species specific enzyme may be traced and engineered for future therapeutics. The analyses of four key carbohydrate metabolic pathways, i.e., glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, tri carboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway suggest the presence of alternative fluxes. It was found that the upper pathway of glycolysis was highly variable in the actinobacterial genomes whereas lower glycolytic pathway was highly conserved. Likewise, pentose phosphate pathway was well conserved in contradiction to TCA cycle, which was found to be incomplete in majority of actinobacteria. The clustering based on presence and absence of genes of these metabolic pathways clearly revealed that members of different genera shared identical pathways and, therefore, provided an easy method to identify the metabolic similarities/differences between pathogenic and symbiotic organisms. The analyses could identify isoenzymes and some key enzymes that were found to be missing in some pathogenic actinobacteria. The present work defines a simple approach to explore the effluxes in four metabolic pathways within the phylum actinobacteria. The analysis clearly reflects that actinobacteria exhibit diverse routes for metabolizing substrates. The pathway comparison can help in finding the enzymes that can be used as drug targets for pathogens without effecting symbiotic organisms within the same host. This may help to prevail over the multiple drug resistance, for designing broad spectrum drugs, in food industries and other clinical research areas.

Actinobacteria constitute one of the largest and ancient taxonomic phylum within the domain bacteria and are well known for their secondary metabolites. Considerable variation in the metabolic properties, genome size and GC content of the members of this phylum has been observed. Therefore, the placement of new or existing species based on 16S rRNA gene sometimes becomes problematic due to the low congruence level. In the present study, phylogeny of ninety actinobacterial genomes was reconstructed using single gene and whole genome based data. Where alignment-free phylogenetic method was found to be more robust, the concatenation of 94 proteins improved the resolution which all single gene based phylogenies failed to resolve. The comprehensive analysis of 94 conserved proteins resulted in a total of 42,447 informative sites, which is so far the largest meta-alignment obtained for this phylum. But the ultimate resolved phylogeny was obtained by generating a consensus tree by combining the information from single gene and genome based phylogenies. The present investigation clearly revealed that the consensus approach is a useful tool for phylogenetic inference and the taxonomic affiliations must be based on this approach. The consensus approach suggested that there is a need for taxonomic amendments of the orders Frankiales and Micrococcales.

A yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped-bacterium, LE124T, was isolated from a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) dumpsite located in Lucknow, India. The type strain LE124T grew well with hexachlorocyclohexane as a sole carbon source, degrading it within 24 h of incubation. Phylogenetic analysis of strain LE124T showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Novosphingobium barchaimii LL02T (98.5 %), Novosphingobium panipatense SM16T (98.1 %), Novosphingobium soli CC-TPE-1T (97.9 %), Novosphingobium naphthalenivorans TUT562T (97.6 %), Novosphingobium mathurense SM117T (97.5 %) and Novosphingobium resinovorum NCIMB 8767T (97.5 %) and lower sequence similarity ( Novosphingobium . The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain LE124T and N. barchaimii LL02T and other related type strains was found to vary from 15 % to 45 % confirming that it represents a novel species. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain LE124T was 60.7 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c, 49.1 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, 19.9 %), C16 : 0 (6.7 %), C17 : 1ω6c (4.9 %) and a few hydroxyl fatty acids, C14 : 0 2-OH (9.4 %) and C16 : 0 2-OH (2.1 %). Polar lipids consisted mainly of phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid and some unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. Spermidine was the major polyamine observed. Phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analysis support the conclusion that strain LE124T represents a novel species within the genus Novosphingobium for which we propose the name Novosphingbium lindaniclasticum sp. nov. The type strain is LE124T ( = CCM 7976T = DSM 25409T).

Distance Education has done miracles in the field of education, it caters to those students who study and work on their own at home or at the office and communicate with faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, boards, instant messaging and varieties of other forms of computer-based communication. Distance learning makes it much easier for some students to complete a degree or get additional job-training while balancing work and family commitments. This article elaborates upon the significance of Distance Education discussing various job oriented courses offered by Open universities to aspirants seeking degrees for a better resume and for career enhancements.

Metasearch engine is a system that provides unified access to multiple existing search engines. After the results returned from all used component search engines are collected, the metasearch system merges the results into a single ranked list which is expected to be better than the results of the best of the participating search systems. The success of a metasearch engine depends mainly on their rank aggregation method. The system is a better one, if the aggregated list of results displayed before the user satisfies the user with his information need. In this paper, we discuss the development of a metasearch engine that performs user feedback based metasearching using modified rough set based aggregation. Metasearching using the modified rough set based aggregation is performed in two phases namely the ranking rule learning phase and the rank aggregation phase. For each query in the training set, we mine the ranking rules and select the best rules-set by performing cross-validation test. Once the system is trained, we use the best rule set to get the overall ranking for the results returned from different search systems in response to other queries. We also present few snapshots of our system.

A facile synthesis of novel symmetrical and unsymmetrical bis-[spiro(indole-indazolylthiazolidine)-2,4′-diones] 5a-f has been achieved via hitherto unknown bis-Schiff bases 3a-f, which in turn have been prepared from the earlier reported (1H-indol-2,3-dione)-1,1′-(1,6hexanediyl)bis 1a-c and 5-substituted-1-[6-(2,3-dioxoindolyl)hexyl]-1H-indol-2,3-diones 1d-f.

People with epilepsy may have abnormal cardiac function. This has been linked to a greater incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). In the present review, we assess the evidence linking cardiac failure to SUDEP, and propose the use of the maximal pentylenetetrazol seizure test to model SUDEP in animals to identify causal links between cardiac failure and SUDEP. We also discuss recent claims on the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to reduce the incidence of SUDEP because of their cardioprotective and anticonvulsant effects.

The reaction of 1H‐indol‐2,3‐diones with 1,6‐dibromohexane has resulted in the formation of new 1H‐indol‐2,3‐diones‐1,1′‐(1,6‐hexanediyl)bis in quantitative yields. These compounds have been used for the synthesis of novel [3′‐(2,3‐dimethyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐3‐pyrazolin‐4‐yl)spiro[3H‐indol‐3,2′‐thiazolidine]‐2,4′‐dione]‐1,1′‐(1,6‐hexanediyl)bis via bis Schiff's bases, [3‐(2,3‐dimethyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐3‐pyrazolin‐4‐yl) imino‐1H‐indol‐2‐one]‐1,1′‐(1,6‐hexanediyl)bis.

A new bridgehead nitrogen hetero- cycle viz. 11-carboethoxy-9-oxo-pyrimido[3′2′:3,4]-1,2,4-triazino[5,6-b]indole 3 has been synthesized from 3-azido-5H-1,2,4-triazino[5,6-b]indole 2 by its reaction with diethyl fumerate. The intermediate 2 was obtained by treating 3-hydrazino-5H-1,2,4-triazino[5,6-b]indole with NaNO2 in presence of polyphosphoric acid. A plausible mechanism for the formation of 3 has been formulated and discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:272–276, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20199

We seek to answer the conundrum: What is the fundamental mechanism by which very weak, low frequency Electromagnetic fields influence biosystems? In considering the hydrophobicity of intramembranous protein (IMP) H-bonds which cross the phospholipid bilayer of plasma membranes, and the necessity for photonic recycling in cell surface interactions after dissipation of energetic states, present models lack structure and thermodynamic properties to maintain (DeltaE) sufficient energy sources necessary for amplifications by factors of 10(12). Even though one accepts that the ligand-receptor association alters the conformation of extracellular, extruding portions of IMP's at the cell surface, and that this change can be transmitted to the cytoplasm by the transmembranous helical segments by nonlinear vibrations of proteins with generation of soliton waves, one is still unable to account for repair and balanced function. Indeed, responses of critical molecules to certain magnetic field signals may include enhanced vibrational amplitudes, increased quanta of thermal energies and order inducing interactions. We may accept that microtrabecular reticulum-receptor is associated with actin filaments and ATP molecules which contribute to the activation of the cyclase enzyme system through piezoelectricity. Magnetic fields will pass through the membrane which sharply attenuates the electric field component of an EM field, due to its high impedance. Furthermore, EM oscillations are converted to mechanical vibrations; i.e., photon-phonon transduction, to induce molecular vibrations of frequencies specifically responsible for bioamplifications of weak triggers at the membrane surface, as well as GAP junctions. The hydrogen bonds of considerable importance are those in proteins (10(12)Hz) and DNA (10(11)Hz) and may be viewed as centers of EM radiation emission in the range from the mm microwaves to the far IR. However, classical electrodynamical theory does not yield a model for biomolecular resonant responses which are integrated over time and account for the connection between the phonon field and photons. Jacobson Resonance does supply an initial physical mechanism, as equivalencies in energy to that of Zeeman Resonance (i.e., zero-order magnetic resonance) and cyclotron resonance may be derived from the DeBroglie wave particle equation. For the first time, we view the introduction of Relativity Theory to biology in the expression, mc(2)=BvLq, where m is the mass of a particle in the 'box' or 'string' (molecule in a biosystem), c is the velocity of electromagnetic field in space, independent of its inertial frame of reference, B is the magnetic flux density,v is the velocity of the carrier or 'string' (a one or two dimensional 'box') in which the particle exists, L is its dimension (length) and q represents a unit charge q=1C, by defining electromotive force as energy per unit charge. Equivalencies suggest that qvBL is one of the fundamental expressions of energy of a charged wave-particle in magnetic fields, just as Zeeman and cyclotron resonance energy expressions, gbetaB and qhB/2pim, and is applicable to all charged particles (molecules in biological systems). There may exist spontaneous, independent and incessant interactions of magnetic vector B and particles in biosystems which exert Lorentz forces. Lorentz forces may be transmitted from EM field to gravitational field as a gravity wave which return to the phonon field as microgravitational fluctuations to therein produce quantum vibrational states that increase quanta of thermal energies integrated over time. This may account for the differential of 10(12) between photonic energy of ELF waves and the Boltzman energy kT. Recent data from in vivo controlled studies are included as empirical support for the various hypotheses presented.

The amalgamation of the research efforts of biologists, chemists and geneticists led by scientists at the Department of Zoology, University of Delhi has resulted in the development of a novel rifamycin derivative; 24-desmethylrifampicin, which is highly effective against multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The production of rifamycin analogue was facilitated by genetic-synthetic strategies that have opened an interdisciplinary route for the development of more such rifamycin analogues aiming at a better therapeutic potential. The results of this painstaking effort of nearly 25 years of a team of students and scientists led by Professor Rup Lal have been recently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry ( www.jbc.org/content/289/30/21142.long ). This strategy can now find applications for developing newer rifamycin analogues that can be harnessed to overcome the problem of MDR, extensively drug resistant (XDR) and totally drug resistant (TDR) M. tuberculosis.

Amycolatopsis mediterranei DSM 46096 produces antibiotics of the rifamycin family, 27-demethoxy-27-hydroxyrifamycin B, 25-desacetyl-27-demethoxy-27-hydroxyrifamycin, and 27-demethoxy-27-hydroxyrifamycin SV, which are effective against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we present the draft genome of A. mediterranei 46096 (approx. 10.2 Mbp) having 104 contigs with a GC content of 71.3% and 9,382 coding sequences.

Amycolatopsis mediterranei DSM 40773 has been of special interest as successors of this strain are in use for the commercial production of rifamycin B. Here we present the draft genome sequence (~10 Mb) of this strain, which contains 108 contigs, 9,198 genes, and has a G+C content of 71.3%.

Amycolatopsis rifamycinica DSM 46095 is an actinobacterium that produces rifamycin SV, an antibiotic used against Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Here, we present the draft genome of DSM 46095, which harbors a novel rifamycin polyketide biosynthetic gene cluster ( rif PKS) that differed by 10% in nucleotide sequence from the already reported rif PKS cluster of Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699.

BACKGROUND Management of vitamin B(12) (cobalamin, Cbl) deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often not evidenced-based because of uncertainty on whether it causes enough malabsorption to result in clinical disease. This systematic review examines whether IBD predisposes to Cbl deficiency. We provide an approach to the management of abnormal Cbl values in IBD based on current literature and consensus-based guidelines. METHODS An extensive search of the Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases by independent reviewers identified 42 articles with a total of 3732 patients evaluating Cbl deficiency in IBD. RESULTS Crohn's disease without ileal resection, regardless of disease location in the ileum, did not increase the risk for Cbl deficiency. Ileal resections greater than 30 cm were associated with Cbl deficiency in Crohn's disease, whereas those less than 20 cm were not. The effects of 20 to 30 cm resections were inconsistent. Ulcerative colitis did not predispose to deficiency. All studies failed to use confirmatory biomarker testing as stipulated by diagnostic guidelines for Cbl deficiency. CONCLUSIONS This literature does not support an association of Crohn's disease in general, regardless of ileal involvement, with Cbl deficiency. Only ileal resections greater than 20 cm in Crohn's disease predispose to deficiency and warrant treatment. Based on these findings, we suggest a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. All findings and recommendations require verification in further studies using confirmatory biomarkers as per diagnostic guidelines for Cbl deficiency. Serum Cbl levels alone are likely insufficient to diagnose deficiency in asymptomatic patients.

Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious air borne disease, is a major health problem worldwide. It is the second most lethal disease, next only to AIDS, globally [1]. Besides this, another growing concern is the development of the Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) forms of tuberculosis which have developed due to partial or incomplete treatment. This form of tuberculosis is resistant to the most important primary drugs; isoniazid and rifampicin. As a result the mortality rates due to MDR-TB appear to increase in leaps and bounds, and this ominous phenomena is generally seen in developing and under developed parts of the world. MDR-TB results either from primary infection or may develop in the course of a patient’s treatment. TB, however, is a curable disease but MDR-TB requires much stronger treatment for up to 2 years, with second line treatment, for which the drugs are limited and are not always available [2]. MDR-TB is highly prevalent in people infected with HIV [3], as a suppressed immune system makes HIV patients more vulnerable to drug resistant TB. India is reported to be highly burdened with TB cases, accounting for 21 % of the global incidence, with an estimated 2 million cases, annually. It is also estimated by the World Health Organization that 320,000 people die from TB each year in India. In January 2012, India became the second country in the world to report a strain of TB that is resistant to all known drugs, a form termed as the Totally Drug Resistant TB (TDR-TB). Despite the loss of millions of lives, TB remains one of the most neglected diseases due to lack of proper treatment. Especially, there is no commercially available drug available to treat MDR-TB yet. In a recent shocking disclosure by WHO, India is home to around 73,000 MDR-TB patients, supposedly the highest numbers in the world. However, only 1,660 cases were notified and 1,136 cases are being treated. The statistics are clear indicators of inappropriate treatment and incoherence of the patients to the treatment regime, which results from lack of awareness. For improving the status of TB, in May 2012, India took a step forward and declared TB to a notifiable disease, where all doctors, caretakers treating a TB patient must report every TB case to the government. In September 2012, guidelines were set on how TB cases are supposed to be notified. Inadequate care and mismanagement are primary reasons for the emergence of this deadly disease. Despite launching new programs, India’s Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), by the Indian government, addressing the issues of TB along with its resistant forms, default rates in the MDR-TB program remains high. This scenario will continue to spread drug resistant TB among communities and will further amplify resistance. Looking at the current scenario, there is a compelling and urgent need for novel TB drug regimens, effective and safe vaccines to keep the disease under control. Further, launching a more effective TB control programme in India will be a steping stone towards controlling the disease which is becoming deadlier by the day.

Novosphingobium lindaniclasticum LE124 T is a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-degrading bacterium isolated from a high-dosage-point HCH dumpsite (450 mg HCH/g soil) located in Lucknow, India (27°00′N and 81°09′E). Here, we present the annotated draft genome sequence of strain LE124 T , which has an estimated size of 4.86 Mb and is comprised of 4,566 coding sequences.

Globally, the period from early the 1950s to late 1980s has shown an increased use of primarily three pesticides namely DDT.

Strain L15(T), a Gram-negative, motile, orange colored bacterium was isolated from pond soil in the surrounding area of a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) dump site at Ummari village in Lucknow, India. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain L15(T) belongs to the family Hyphomicrobiaceae in the order Rhizobiales. Strain L15(T) showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Devosia chinhatensis IPL18(T) (98.0%). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl, C16:0 and C18:0. The major polar lipids of strain L15(T) were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain L15(T) was 59.8%. Polyamine profile showed the presence of sym-homospermidine with traces of putrescine. Ubiquinone Q-10 was the major respiratory quinone present. Based on these data, strain L15(T) (=CCM 7977(T) =DSM 25398(T)) was classified as a type strain of a novel species, for which the name Devosia lucknowensis sp. nov. is proposed.