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Ashok Kumar Patra,1 Shreenath Nayak,1 Anandita Moharana,1 Purusottam Ojha,1 Sanjeet Kumar Das,1 Jabed Akhtar,1 Bishwaranjan Giri,1 Sujay Singh1,2 1Protein Expression Lab, Imgenex India Pvt. Ltd. E-5, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; 2Sujan Biologics, Inc., San Diego, California, USACorrespondence: Ashok Kumar Patra, Director, Biologics Development, Imgenex India Pvt. Ltd, E 5, Infocity, Technology Corridor, Chandaka Industrial Area, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, 751024, Email apatra@imgeneindia.comPurpose: The study aimed to develop and characterize Indikizumab, a novel humanized anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody (mAb), for potential therapeutic use in inflammatory indications such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.Methods: The research involved the purification of IL-17 isoforms, epitope mapping, affinity ranking, and comparative binding assessment of anti-IL-17 antibodies. The study also included cell-based neutralization assays and in vivo studies using mouse models to evaluate the efficacy of Indikizumab.Results: Indikizumab demonstrated a high binding affinity (KD=27.2 pM) and specificity for IL-17A, with comparable potency to Secukinumab. In cell-based neutralization assays, Indikizumab effectively neutralized the effects of IL-17A and demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in plasma KC (Keratinocyte) levels in a mouse model. In imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, Indikizumab showed potential in reducing the psoriasis index.Conclusion: Indikizumab represents a promising therapeutic option for inflammatory indications with its high binding affinity, specificity for IL-17A, and effectiveness in neutralizing IL-17A effects in vivo.Keywords: monoclonal antibody, neutralization assay, psoriasis, inflammation. keratinocyte

T Muhammad,1 Milan Das,2 Arup Jana,2 Soomi Lee1 1Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; 2Department of Population & Development, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaCorrespondence: Arup Jana; T Muhammad, Email arupjana0000@gmail.com; mkt5742@psu.eduBackground: Sleep problems are a critical issue in the aging population, affecting quality of life, cognitive efficiency, and contributing to adverse health outcomes. The coexistence of multiple diseases is common among older adults, particularly women. This study examines the associations between specific chronic diseases, multimorbidity, and insomnia symptoms among older Indian men and women, with a focus on the interaction of sex in these associations.Methods: Data were drawn from 31,464 individuals aged 60 and older in the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, Wave-1 (2017– 18). Insomnia symptoms were assessed using four questions adapted from the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS-4), covering difficulty falling asleep, waking up, waking too early, and feeling unrested during the day. Multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by sex, were used to analyze the associations between chronic diseases and insomnia symptoms.Results: Older women had a higher prevalence of insomnia symptoms than men (44.73% vs 37.15%). Hypertension was associated with higher odds of insomnia in both men (AOR: 1.20) and women (AOR: 1.36). Women with diabetes had lower odds of insomnia (AOR: 0.80), while this association was not significant in men. Neurological or psychiatric disorders, stroke, and bone and joint diseases were linked to higher odds of insomnia in both sexes. Chronic lung disease was associated with insomnia in men (AOR: 1.65), but not in women. Additionally, having three or more chronic diseases significantly increased the odds of insomnia in both men (AOR: 2.43) and women (AOR: 2.01).Conclusion: Hypertension, bone and joint diseases, lung diseases, stroke, neurological or psychiatric disorders, and multimorbidity are linked to insomnia symptoms in older Indian adults. Disease-specific management and routine insomnia screening are crucial for promoting healthy aging in this vulnerable population.Keywords: chronic conditions, India, insomnia symptoms, multimorbidity

Electrode materials comprising SnO2 quantum dots embedded within ZnO hexagonal prisms were successfully synthesized for building cost-effective energy-storage devices. Extensive structural and functional characterizations were performed to assess the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. SEM–EDS results confirm a uniform distribution of SnO2 quantum dots across ZnO. The integration of SnO2 quantum dots with ZnO hexagonal prisms markedly improved the electrochemical behavior. The analysis of electrode functionality conducted in a 3 M KOH electrolyte revealed specific capacitances of 949.26 and 700.68 F g⁻1 for SnO2@ZnO and ZnO electrodes, respectively, under a current density of 2 A g⁻1. After undergoing 5,000 cycles at a current density of 15 A g⁻1, the SnO2@ZnO and ZnO electrodes displayed impressive cycling stability, maintaining specific capacitance retention rates of 89.9 and 92.2%, respectively. Additionally, a symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) device constructed using the SnO2@ZnO electrode showcased exceptional performance, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 83 F g⁻1 at 1.2 A g⁻1. Impressive power and energy densities were achieved by the device, with values reaching 2,808 and 70.2 W kg⁻1, respectively. Notably, the SnO2@ZnO SSC device maintained a capacity preservation of 75% throughout 5,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge sequences. The outcomes highlight the potential of SnO2@ZnO hexagonal prisms as candidates for energy-storage applications, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness. The proposed approach enhances the electrochemical performance while ensuring affordability, facilitating the creation of effective and financially feasible energy storage solutions.

Background: Pyrazinamide (PZA) is important for identification in multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis patients before starting therapy. PZA drug susceptibility testing (DST) is essential for the management of drug-resistant and susceptible TB patients. Aims: The degree of drug resistance among TB patients and discrepancy between DST results of the phenotype and genotype were assessed. Materials and Methods: Socio-demographic and clinical profiles of TB patients recruited in the study were documented. Sputum samples were processed for diagnosis using TrueNat Xpert MTB, TrueNat Xpert MTB Plus, and MGIT culture. Results: Rifampicin (RIF) line probe assay (LPA) showed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, whereas isoniazid (INH) LPA testing showed a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity and PPV of 100%, and NPV of 94.8%. The gene mutation for RIF resistance was between the codon, 530–533 of rpoB gene, and that for INH resistance was at the codon, 315 of katG gene. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated high prevalence of mono- and poly-drug resistance as well as pyrazinamide resistance.

Vaccine development tools for fungal infections are undergoing transformation where newer technologies like nanotechnology and bioinformatics are used to create new and improved vaccine candidates. Immunocompromised individuals and those with multiple chronic conditions are especially vulnerable to invasive fungal infections. These patients are at increased risk of developing widespread infections and experiencing poor health outcomes. Current management of fungal infections is associated with diagnostic challenges, side effects, and resistance. Vaccination is an effective strategy to prevent infections and boost immunity. Despite the significant burden of fungal disease, there are currently no licensed fungal vaccines available. This review is focused on various vaccine development strategies, including whole-cell, subunit, and nucleic acid-based vaccines. Various challenges like safety concerns, weak and nonspecific immune response, ideal adjuvants, and the need for improved drug delivery systems are also highlighted in this review. Sustained antigenic response, addressing host immune response variability, and eliciting persistent predictable immune response are crucial for vaccine development. Standardized protocols and robust preclinical studies are essential for the clinical development of potential vaccine candidates. Exploring novel targets using advanced technologies like bioinformatics, nanotechnology, and reverse vaccinology are being rapidly explored.

The primary causes of low sesame production are a lack of high-yielding varieties, an inability to adjust to environmental challenges, and a poor response to enhanced crop management. The potential for improving sesame has been investigated using a variety of breeding approaches, including mutation and recombination breeding; however, these methods have only produced a minor increase in productivity. Recombination and mutant breeding have recently been proposed as novel, cutting-edge approaches to overcome the limitations of conventional breeding practices. This study was conducted to assess the recurrent mutagenesis efficacy of sesame crosses, followed by the isolation and evaluation of superior breeding lines that could be released as varieties in the future. In the F4M4 generation, the populations were grown in a randomized block design (RBD), and the efficacy of recurrent mutagenesis was assessed in terms of variability parameters such as the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. During the F5M5 generation, the materials were grown in three separate trials in Compact Family Block Design to evaluate the between-family and within-family variations, followed by the isolation of improved breeding lines based on per se performance. The improved breeding lines were further advanced to the F6M6 generation for evaluation in three separate trials in an RBD. In the F6M6 generation, ANOVA, correlation, regression, path coefficient, and Mahalanobis’s D 2 analysis were computed, followed by the construction of selection indices to select superior lines. The results showed the importance of three or four EMS treatment cycles for sesame improvement in the F4M4 generation. Twenty of the top lines based on per se performance (with a selection intensity of 27%) from each category in the F5M5 generation were carried forward to the F6M6 generation. In the F6M6 generation, the top six breeding lines (with a selection intensity of 30%) from each category, for a total of 18 breeding lines, were chosen based on these index scores. These high-yielding micromutant lines could be subsequently released as varieties through multiplication trials with standard checks. After a thorough evaluation, these lines have the potential to replace the current varieties and increase production, productivity, and adoption of sesame in India.

Debdulal Chakraborty,1 Subhendu Boral,1 Tushar Kanti Sinha,1 Arnab Das,1 Angshuman Mukherjee,1 Saptorshi Majumdar,1 Ranabir Bhattacharya,2 Ritobroto Maitra3 1Department of Vitreoretinal Services, Disha Eye Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal, India; 2Department of MIS, Disha Eye Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal, India; 3Radical Health Tech, New Delhi, IndiaCorrespondence: Debdulal Chakraborty, Department of Vitreoretinal services; Disha Eye Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, Tel +91 33 66360000, Email devdc@rediffmail.comPurpose: This study investigates the efficacy of transitioning patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from aflibercept (T1) to biosimilar ranibizumab (T2), an approach not previously documented in literature.Methods: In this multicenter observational study, patients over 50 years of age with nAMD were shifted from intravitreal aflibercept (IVI AFL) to biosimilar ranibizumab (B-RBZ) due to financial constraints. This study employed standardized ophthalmological methods to assess visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), and subretinal and intraretinal fluid. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and linear regression.Results: A total of 29 eyes (12 males and 17 females) were analyzed. Mean age was 72.55 ± 6.43 years. VA improved significantly during T1, with a mean increase from 55.0 ± 10.2 to 70.0 ± 8.5 ETDRS letters at the switch time point (p < 0.01), then a slight decrease to 62.3 ± 8.9 at 12 months (p < 0.05) was noted during T2. The mean CMT decreased notably from 400 ± 50 to 290 ± 45 μm at the switch. The final CMT at 12 months after switching to B-RBZ was 280 ± 40 μm (p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the retinal and intra retinal fluid during T1, followed by a gradual increase during T2. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) was noted between the presence of intraretinal fluid and increased injection frequency of B-RBZ.Conclusion: The switch from IVI AFL to IVI B-RBZ in patients with nAMD demonstrated efficacy in maintaining the VA and macular anatomy, with some challenges in fluid management.Keywords: neovascular AMD, aflibercept, biosimilar ranibizumab, subretinal fluid, intraretinal fluid

Gastric cancer, though experiencing a decline in mortality rates, remains a global concern. This study explores the impact of screening strategies and Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastric cancer incidence and mortality, emphasizing global variations in risk factors and screening programs.

The study aims to presents flow heterogeneity over rough permeable and impermeable gravel-bed stream. The rough permeable stream is prepared by laying multiple layers of gravel, whereas its impermeable counterpart is presented by a resin-casted gravel-bed. In general, a common approach can be found in literature to mimic an impermeable bed by laying single layer of gravels, therefore some results are compared with single layer gravel-bed stream keeping the hydraulic conditions same. An acoustic Doppler velocimeter was used for flow measurements whereas; double averaging (DA) methodology was adopted for data analysis. The larger flow penetration depth and intense flow mixing in permeable gravel-bed infer sufficient impetus for organized flow turbulence and damping of DA Reynolds shear stresses whereas; the wall-blocking in resin-casted gravel-bed prevents fluid infiltration which leads to follow the linear stress profile away from the crest level. The damping of DA Reynolds shear stress (RSS) is compensated by enhanced DA form-induced shear stress (FISS). The results are further analysed under the light of the energy budget to characterize the mass-momentum exchange as it penetrates the subsurface layers. The energy budget indicates negative pressure energy diffusion rates corroborating gain in turbulence production in the permeable gravel-bed stream.

Muhammad Fattah Fazel,1,2 Izuddin Fahmy Abu,1 Mohamad Haiqal Nizar Mohamad,3 Noor Arniwati Mat Daud,1 Ahmad Najib Hasan,1 Zainie Aboo Bakkar,1 Muhammad Alif Naim Md Khir,4 Norsham Juliana,5 Srijit Das,6 Muhamad Razin Mohd Razali,1 Nurul Hana Zainal Baharin,2 Arashidatul Akmar Ismail2 1Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia; 3Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Alor Gajah, Malacca, Malaysia; 4Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 5Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia; 6Department of Human and Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, OmanCorrespondence: Izuddin Fahmy Abu, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50250, Malaysia, Email izuddin@unikl.edu.myAbstract: In an era where synthetic supplements have raised concerns regarding their effects on human health, Ficus carica has emerged as a natural alternative rich in polyphenolic compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Various studies on F. carica focusing on the analysis and validation of its pharmacological and nutritional properties are emerging. This paper summarizes present data and information on the phytochemical, nutritional values, therapeutic potential, as well as the toxicity profile of F. carica. An extensive search was conducted from various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 126 studies and articles related to F. carica that were published between 1999 and 2023 were included in this review. Remarkably, F. carica exhibits a diverse array of advantageous effects, including, but not limited to, antioxidant, anti-neurodegenerative, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-angiogenic, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and antimutagenic properties. Among the highlights include that antioxidants from F. carica were demonstrated to inhibit cholinesterase, potentially protecting neurons in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The antimicrobial activities of F. carica were attributed to its high flavonoids and terpenoids content, while its virucidal action through the inhibition of DNA and RNA replication was postulated due to its triterpenes content. Inflammatory and arthritic conditions may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties through the modulation of various signalling proteins. Studies have also shown that F. carica extracts were generally safe and exhibit low toxicity profile, although more research in this aspect is required, specifically its effects on the skin. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of F. carica as a valuable natural therapeutic agent and dietary supplement. However, continued exploration on F. carica’s safety and efficacy is still required prior to embarking on clinical trials, as its role in personalized nutrition and medication will open a new paradigm to improve health outcomes.Keywords: antioxidant, dietary supplement, fig, natural compound, phytochemical

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the deadliest infectious diseases over the centuries, killing more people worldwide than any other single infectious disease. There is an urgent need for additional strategies which can expedite efforts to combat TB including a preventive vaccine. In this endeavour, we have developed a protocol for a multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in India that aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two TB vaccines; namely, VPM1002 and Immuvac (M.w) (Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii) (MIP) among healthy household contacts (HHCs) of sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB) patients.Methods and analysis In the three-arm randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial study protocol, a total of 12 000 HHCs (aged 6−99 years) of sputum smear-positive PTB patients will be randomised to receive either of the two vaccine candidates VPM1002 and MIP or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint is the prevention of microbiologically confirmed TB. Secondary endpoints will include (1) prevention against Latent TB infection, (2) incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events in study participants, (3) efficacy of vaccine in prevention of PTB/extra PTB in different age groups (6–18 years, 19–35 years, 36–60 years and above 60 years) and (4) immunogenicity of VPM1002 and MIP at month 2 and month 6 after first vaccination in terms of flow cytometric analysis of M.Tb specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells secreting cytokines and Luminex assays for the presence of different cytokines in the sera and supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultures stimulated with whole cell lysates of M.Tb and subsequently similar analysis for the cases who develop TB postvaccination during the follow-up period.Ethics and dissemination Ethics committees’ approvals have been granted by the Institutional Human Ethics Committees of all participating centres in this study and the names of the ethics committees and approvals are as follows: (1) National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT)-Chennai (including subsites): ECR/135/Inst/TN/2013/RR-19, Approval No. 390/NIRT-Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC)/2018 dated 5 December 2018 (NIRT-Madurai-ECR/1365/Inst/TN/2020; approval dated 8 June 2020; NIRT, Vellore: ECR/1215/Inst/TN/2019; approval dated 26 September 2020); (2) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi (including subsites)-Institute Ethics Committee, ECR/547/Inst/DL/2014/RR-17 ECR/538/Inst/DL/2014/RR-20; approval No.IEC-385/06-07-2018, approval OP-28/05.04.2019 and SFH- ECR/593/Inst/DL/2014/RR-20 IEC/VMMC/SJH/project/2019-05/25 ; 23 May 2019; (3) National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (NITRD), Delhi: ECR/315/Inst/DL/2013/RR-19; approval IEC-No-NITRD/EC/2019/9004; 8 January 2019; (4) Pune-National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) and subsite-ECR/23/Inst/MH/2013/RR-19; IEC-NARI/EC/approval/2018/196; 29 May 2018; (5) Regional Medical Research Centre-Bhubaneshwar-ECR/911/Inst/OR-2017/RR-21; approval, dated 25 April 2018; Subsites- AIIMS, Bhubaneshwar ECR/534/Inst/OD/2014/RR-17 and 20 approval No. T/EMF/Pulm. Med/19/01 dated 13 May 2019; SCB, Cuttack No. No.ECR/84/Inst/OR/2013/RR-20; approval no.186 dated 7 February 2020; (6) NTI-Bengaluru: Ethics Committee-No-ECR/1819/Inst/KA/2019; approval No NTI-IEC/1.2019/principal investigator, dated 31 January 2019; (7) BMMRC, Hyderabad- ECR/450/Inst/AP/2013/RR-16 approval No. 779/BMMRC/2018/IEC, dated 11 June 2018 (Subsite Share India- Mediciti Ethics Committee-ECR/283/Inst/AP/2013/RR-20; Approval no. EC/11/VII/2K20(1) dated 11 July 2020) and (8) SJMC-Bengaluru: ECR/238/Inst/KA/2013/RR-19; approval IEC/1/491/2020; 7 August 2020.The trial findings will be published in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidance. The results of this clinical trial will be presented at scientific conferences and disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and shared with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, policy-makers and other stakeholders.Trial registration number CTRI/2019/01/017026.