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Objective: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a key indicator of glycemic status over the last 3 months, is increasingly favored by clinicians to diagnose diabetes. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the most prevalent anemia worldwide, may alter HbA1c levels. However, data from eastern India are scarce, and existing studies offer conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IDA on HbA1c levels in nondiabetics and to explore the correlation of HbA1c with hemoglobin (Hb), parameters of the iron profile, and red blood cell (RBC) indices. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study compared 60 euglycemic patients with IDA, aged 18 to 60, to 60 age- and sex-matched euglycemic individuals without anemia. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at P < .05. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients examined correlations between Hb, serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, packed cell volume (PCV), reticulocyte count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) with HbA1c. Multinomial logistic regression analyzed the relationships of HbA1c (dependent variable) with RBC indices and iron profile parameters (independent variables). Results: The mean (SD) HbA1c value for IDA patients was 6.5 (0.5)% compared to 5.13 (0.80)% for controls (P < .001). HbA1c showed significant negative correlations with Hb, PCV, serum iron, serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, while TIBC was positively correlated with HbA1c. Each unit decrease in Hb increased the likelihood of HbA1c values in the prediabetic and diabetic range by 2.61 times (95% CI=1.65-3.50) and 2.40 times (95% CI=1.81-3.77), respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights a significant increase in HbA1c levels with the worsening of IDA in non-diabetics, indicating that IDA should be addressed before interpreting HbA1c results accurately.

Abstract Unlike coding genes, the number of lncRNA genes in organism genomes is relatively proportional to organism complexity. From plants to humans, the tissues with highest numbers and levels of lncRNA gene expression are the male reproductive organs. To learn why, we initiated a genome-wide analysis of Drosophila lncRNA spatial expression patterns in these tissues. The numbers of genes and levels of expression observed greatly exceed those previously reported, due largely to a preponderance of non-polyadenylated transcripts. In stark contrast to coding genes, the highest numbers of lncRNAs expressed are in post-meiotic spermatids. Correlations between expression levels, localization and previously performed genetic analyses indicate high levels of function and requirement. More focused analyses indicate that lncRNAs play major roles in evolution by controlling transposable element activities, Y chromosome gene expression and sperm construction. A new type of lncRNA-based particle found in seminal fluid may also contribute to reproductive outcomes.

Abstract Although engulfment is a hallmark of microglia function, fully validated platforms that facilitate high-throughput quantification of this process are lacking. Here, we present FEAST (Flow cytometric Engulfment Assay for Specific Target proteins), which enables interrogation of in vivo engulfment of synaptic material by brain resident macrophages at single-cell resolution. We optimize FEAST for two different analyses: quantification of fluorescent material inside live cells and of engulfed endogenous proteins within fixed cells. To overcome false-positive engulfment signals, we introduce an approach suitable for interrogating engulfment in microglia from perfusion-fixed tissue. As a proof-of-concept for the specificity and versatility of FEAST, we examine the engulfment of synaptic proteins after optic nerve crush and of myelin in two mouse models of demyelination (treatment with cuprizone and injections of lysolecithin). We find that microglia, but not brain-border associated macrophages, engulf in these contexts. Our work underscores how FEAST can be utilized to gain critical insight into functional neuro-immune interactions that shape development, homeostasis, and disease.

Abstract Frequent mutation and variable immunological protection against vaccination is a common feature for COVID-19 pandemic. Early detection and confinement remain key to controlling further spread of infection. In response, we have developed an aptamer-based system that possesses both diagnostic and therapeutic potential towards the virus. A random aptamer library (~ 1017 molecules) was screened using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and aptamer R was identified as a potent binder for the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) using in vitro binding assay. Using a pseudotyped viral entry assay we have shown that aptamer R specifically inhibited the entry of a SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus in HEK293T-ACE2 cells but did not inhibit the entry of a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) glycoprotein (G) pseudotyped virus, hence establishing its specificity towards SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The antiviral potential of aptamers R and J (same central sequence as R but lacking flanked primer regions) was tested and showed 95.4% and 82.5% inhibition, respectively, against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Finally, intermolecular interactions between the aptamers and the RBD domain were analyzed using in silico docking and molecular dynamics simulations that provided additional insight into the binding and inhibitory action of aptamers R and J.

Background: Type-2-Diabetes-Mellitus (DM2), a major public-health problem in India, had a variable asymptomatic-phase. At the time of diagnosis, a large number of DM2 patients have already developed serious-complications. Diagnosis of DM2 is done by estimating, FBS, PPBS, RBS and HbA1c. HbA1c level is used both in diagnosis and determining lifestyle- modification, single or multi-drug therapy. Hence, longtime-management of DM2 requires regular-monitoring of BMI and HbA1c. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between BMI and HbA1c among newly-diagnosed DM2. Patients and methods: This study was performed in the Department of Physiology, M.M.C.H, Murshidabad, W.B, India for a period of 1year. This was an observational descriptive-study, cross-sectional in design with institution-based anonymous data-collection. The sampling-technique was complete enumeration. Newly diagnosed 80 DM2 patients (no therapeutic intervention-drug and or lifestyle modification initiated), attended different OPDs constituted the study-population. Data was obtained after taking proper informed consent, then compiled in Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using simple tables and applying Student's t-test. Results: Among the study population30% belongs to the 30-44 years while 43% belongs to the 45-59 years. 61% was either overweight/obese. 49% had HbA1c level < 8% and 51% had ≥8%. No association between BMI and HbA1c had been found in any age-group in this study. Conclusion: No association is found between BMI and HbA1c among newly diagnosed DM2 in this study. This may be due to the long variable asymptomatic-phase of the disease. BMI and HbA1c are considered independently during the initiation and long-term-management of DM2.

This review focuses on the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a classification of heterogeneous malignant neoplasms of the lymphoid tissue. Despite various conventional and multidrug chemotherapies, the poor prognosis for NHL patients remains and has prompted the utilization of groundbreaking personalized therapies such as CAR-T cells. CAR-T cells are T cells engineered to express a CAR that enables T cells to specifically lyse tumor cells with extracellular expression of a tumor antigen of choice. A CAR is composed of an extracellular antibody fragment or target protein binding domain that is conjugated to activating intracellular signaling motifs common to T cells. In general, CAR-T cell therapies for NHL are designed to recognize cellular markers ubiquitously expressed on B cells such as CD19+, CD20+, and CD22+. Clinical trials using CAR-T cells such as ZUMA-7 and TRANSFORM demonstrated promising results compared to standard of care and ultimately led to FDA approval for the treatment of relapsed/refractory NHL. Despite the success of CAR-T therapy for NHL, challenges include adverse side effects as well as extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms of tumor resistance that lead to suboptimal outcomes. Overall, CAR-T cell therapies have improved clinical outcomes in NHL patients and generated optimism around their future applications.

Background : Even in the presence of stringent laws dowry-related violence, cruelty and dowry death is common in India. Understanding the cause and the manner of suspected dowry death is essential not only to bring the culprits to book but also to prevent these offences. Objectives: This study attempts to elucidate the cause and manner of suspected dowry deaths. Patients and methods: This is an Observational Descriptive Epidemiological study, Cross Sectional in design. This study was conducted at an autopsy centre of Kolkata, India for a period of one year. Data was obtained from reports of postmortem examinations, police and the magistrate inquest of suspected dowry deaths as reported in the institute. Compilation of the data was done in Microsoft Excel. Analysis of the compiled data was done by simple table. Results: The study reveals 35% of the deceased died due to burns, 31% by poisoning and 25% by hanging. Suicide is the manner of death among 69% of the deceased and in 31% it is accident. No case of homicide was reported. Among the suicides, 46% are committed by consuming poisons, 36% by hanging and 18% by burns, while 70% of accidents are due to burns. Conclusion: The study reveals that commonest cause of suspected dowry death is burns followed by poisoning. Suicide is the manner of death in 2/3 of the study population and in 1/3 it is accident. There is no homicidal death in the study population.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a mental disease that can drastically affect oral health. Hence, this remains a significant factor that affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Assessing the OHRQoLin schizophrenic patients is one of the primary needs. The oral health impact profile is an impressive range of instruments that assesses the impact of oral conditions on well-being and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 100 schizophrenic individuals were randomly selected from the Psychiatry Department of Government Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India, and grouped into two groups: (a) Group I with.group-based sessions and (b) Group II with one-on-one interactions. Inclusion criteria: (a) Individuals who received the clinical confirmatory diagnosis of schizophrenia, (b) Patients who regularly reported to the psychologist for periodic evaluation, and (c) Patients who could follow instructions. Exclusion criteria: (a) Patients or their caregivers who were unwilling to participate in the study, (b) Patients with any other mental health disability other than schizophrenia, (c) Patients with muscular or nervous system disorders, and (d) Patients who could not follow instructions. Patients were educated on the modified Bass technique, and mean ± standard deviation plaque scores were compared at the baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square analytical test and paired “t-test.” Statistically significant differences were observed in plaque scores in both groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Educational training tools help in improving oral health in schizophrenic patients.

Abstract Numerical ice sheet models use sliding laws to connect basal shear stress and ice velocity to simulate ice sliding. A sliding‐law parameter β2 is used to control Weertman's sliding law in numerical ice sheet models. Basal reflectivity derived from ice‐penetrating radar also provides information about frozen or thawed conditions underneath glaciers. To assess whether basal reflectivity can be used to constrain β2, we carry out statistical experiments between two recently published datasets: β2 inferred from three numerical ice sheet models (ISSM, Úa and STREAMICE) and airborne radar‐derived relative basal reflectivity from the AGASEA‐BBAS mission over Thwaites Glacier (TG). Our results show no robust correlation between the β2–relative reflectivity pair. Pearson's correlation coefficient, a test of linearity, ranges from −0.26 to −0.38. Spearman's correlation coefficient, which does not require a linear assumption, is also modest (∼−0.35). We conclude that β2 and relative basal reflectivity underneath TG do not infer similar basal conditions.

Background: Autism is reportedly the most severe neuropsychiatric disorder affecting children. Autistic subjects can be characterized by impairments in social interactive behavior along with restricted interests and quite frequently, are seen exhibiting repetitive behavior patterns in stereotyped manner. The inability to perform routine tasks can widely impact the oral health and also, the constant care and sense of helplessness might drastically affect quality of life. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status and perceptions regarding an autistic child's oral health among parents. Materials and Methods: Parental perception regarding the quality of life among the afflicted autistic children was done using a self-assessment questionnaire that included eight questions which were replied to in an affirmation or negative answer. 300 parents of autism affected children formed the study participants. Recorded responses were evaluated and percentage of each response was derived. Oral health status was measured by determination of dental caries prevalence and OHI-S index using chair light illumination, mouth mirror, diagnostic probe and a standard WHO periodontal probe. For statistical analysis, the calculations were performed by using the paired t test. Statistical significance, which was fixed at P < 0.05, which is statistically significant.Results: Approximately 18.33% of parents showed were aware that oral health can influence general health; 15% did have exhibit awareness. 15% of parents did not consider that primary teeth were important; 59.1% visited any dentist only when suffering from pain; 5% went for an annual dental examination; 15% and 24.6% parents visited dental practitioners at intervals of 3 and 6 months, respectively. 30%, 25% and 51.66% parents considered obtaining consultation and getting treatment from pediatric dentist; general dentist and general physician. 41.6% parents had taken their children for restorations. 52% reported constant stress whereas 48% reported with constant distressed emotions. No significant difference was determined between the parameters. 75% of autistic children suffered from dental caries whereas oral hygiene scores demonstrated high mean value of 4. Conclusion: Autism is a severely distressing condition wherein oral health along with general physical health is affected. Since parents are directly involved in upbringing of these individuals, they also subsequently show a reduction in quality of life.

Dissimilar flows can be compared by exploiting the fact that all flux densities divided by their conjugate volume densities form velocity fields, which have been described as generalized winds. These winds are an extension of the classical notion of wind in fluids which puts these distinct processes on a common footing, leading to thermodynamical implications. This paper extends this notion from fluids to radiative transfer in the context of a classical two-stream atmosphere, leading to such velocities for radiative energy and entropy. These are shown in this paper to exhibit properties for radiation previously only thought of in terms of fluids, such as the matching of velocity fields where entropy production stops.

BACKGROUND: The high morbidity and socio-economic loss associated with the recent massive global outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) emphasize the need to understand the biology of the virus for developing effective antiviral therapies. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this study, an attempt was made to understand the molecular mechanism involved in Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) mediated regulation of CHIKV infection in mammalian cells using CHIKV prototype strain (S 27) and Indian outbreak strain of 2006 (DRDE-06). Our results showed that Hsp90 is required at a very early stage of viral replication and Hsp90 inhibitor Geldanamycin (GA) can abrogate new virus particle formation more effectively in the case of S 27 than that of DRDE-06. Further analysis revealed that CHIKV nsP2 protein level is specifically reduced by GA treatment as well as HSP90-siRNA transfection; however, viral RNA remains unaltered. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that nsP2 interacts with Hsp90 during infection; however this interaction is reduced in the presence of GA. In addition, our analysis on Hsp90 associated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway demonstrated that CHIKV infection stabilizes Raf1 and activates Hsp90 client protein Akt, which in turn phosphorylates mTOR. Subsequently, this phosphorylation leads to the activation of two important downstream effectors, S6K and 4EBP1, which may facilitate translation of viral as well as cellular mRNAs. Hence, the data suggests that CHIKV infection is regulated by Hsp90 associated Akt phosphorylation and DRDE-06 is more efficient than S 27 in enhancing the activation of host signaling molecules for its efficient replication and virus production. CONCLUSION: Hsp90 positively regulates Chikungunya virus replication by stabilizing CHIKV-nsP2 through its interaction during infection. The study highlights the possible molecular mechanism of GA mediated inhibition of CHIKV replication and differential effect of this drug on S 27 and DRDE-06, which will be informative for developing effective anti-CHIKV therapies in future.

BACKGROUND: The recent re-emergence of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in India after 32 years and its worldwide epidemics with unprecedented magnitude raised a great public health concern. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this study, a biological comparison was carried out between a novel 2006 Indian CHIKV outbreak strain, DRDE-06 and the prototype strain S-27 in mammalian cells in order to understand their differential infection pattern. Results showed that S-27 produced maximum number of progenies (2.43E+06 PFU/ml) at 20 to 24 hours post infection whereas DRDE-06 produced more than double number of progenies around 8 hours post infection in mammalian cells. Moreover, the observation of cytopathic effect, detection of viral proteins and viral proliferation assay confirmed the remarkably faster and significantly higher replication efficiency of DRDE-06. Moreover, our mutational analysis of whole genome of DRDE-06 revealed the presence of nineteen mutations as compared to S-27, whereas the analysis of 273 global isolates showed the consistent presence of fifteen out of nineteen mutations in almost all outbreak isolates. Further analysis revealed that ∼46% of recent outbreak strains including DRDE-06 do not contain the E1-A226V mutation which was earlier shown to be associated with the adaptation of CHIKV in a new vector species, Aedes albopictus. CONCLUSIONS: A novel 2006 Indian CHIKV outbreak strain, DRDE-06 exhibits different pattern of infection as compared to prototype strain, S-27. This might be associated to some specific mutations observed in genome wide mutational analysis in DRDE-06 which emphasizes the need of future experimental investigation.

The article discusses the National Initiative on Undergraduate Science (NIUS) programme in chemistry conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR), Mumbai, which was initiated in 2004. Being located in a science education research and development institution, the programme has made efforts to interact with chemistry teachers and first-year undergraduate students and, thus, is different when compared to similar programmes within the country. The article reviews the key ideas of the programme, its growth and evolution to date and likely directions for its expansion in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]