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The present study indicates the toxic effects of Copper Sulphate on fish. The sublethal toxicity of Copper Sulphate on protein content in liver, kidney and muscle of fish Mystus vittatus have been studied. The fish exposed to sublethal concentration of 1/20th (low), and 1/10th (high) for the period of 10, 20 and 30 days. The results showed decrease in the protein content and increase in the amino acid content in liver, kidney and muscle of fish Mystus vittatus. The significant reduction in protein content and elevated levels of amino acids is apparently indicative of the toxic effect of Copper Sulphate on biochemical parameter and organism’s response to the toxic stress.

The aim of this research critique is to propose a hybrid combination of Opposition-Based Learning and Sailfish Optimization strategy to recognize the salient features from a high-dimensional dataset. The Sailfish Optimization is a swarm-based metaheuristics optimization algorithm inspired by the foraging strategy of a group of Sailfish. Sailfish Optimization explores the search space in only one direction, limiting its converging capacity and causing local minima stagnation. Convergence will be optimal if the search space is reconnoitred in both directions, improving classification accuracy. As a result, combining the Opposition-Based Learning and Sailfish Optimization strategies improves SFO’s exploration capability by patrolling the search space in all directions. Sailfish Optimization Algorithm based on Opposition-Based Learning successfully amalgamates the model to global optima at a faster convergence rate and better classification accuracy. The recommended method is tested with six different cancer microarray datasets for two different classifiers: the Support Vector Machine classifier and the K-Nearest Neighbor classifier. From the results obtained, the proposed model aided with Support Vector Machine outperforms the existing Sailfish Optimization with or without K-Nearest Neighbor in terms of convergence capability, classification accuracy, and selection of the most delicate salient features from the dataset.

Model Predictive Control (MPC) for grid-connected inverters has been presented in this paper. The standard proportional-integral controller based system is replaced by this control method for a two-level inverter using Euler's approximation technique to improve the inverter's dynamic response. To anticipate the grid-connected inverter's longer-term behaviour, a replacement predictive mathematical model is offered, which is likened to the reference signal to decide the system's cost function. With this MPC approach, the cost functions of the converter are derived using all possible switching vectors. The associated switching vector for the minimal possible function is then chosen to activate the inverter switches throughout the subsequent sampling instant. The suggested scheme is validated in Simulink to verify its effectiveness and performance. In comparison to the PI-based controller, total harmonic distortion (THD) and current error are minimized.

Background. Biodegradable biopolymers have been developed in response to the growing environmental concern over plastic packaging disposal. The emergence of active and intelligent packaging systems to monitor the quality of packed food is further necessitated by consumer demand and health concerns. Chemical dyes, on the other hand, are not ideal for use as an indicator in smart packaging for food due to their high toxicity and negative impacts on human health and the environment. As a result, the researchers are concentrating on natural pigments produced from plants and food waste as a signaling component in biodegradable packaging as well as the valorization of food waste. This review is focused on the advancement of active packaging from plant pigments.

An increasing number of mutations associated with devastating human diseases are diagnosed by whole-genome/exon sequencing. Recurrentde novomissense mutations have been discovered in B56δ (encoded byPPP2R5D), a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), that cause intellectual disabilities (ID), macrocephaly, Parkinsonism, and a broad range of neurological symptoms. Single-particle cryo-EM structures show that the PP2A-B56δ holoenzyme possesses closed latent and open active forms. In the closed form, the long, disordered arms of B56δ termini fold against each other and the holoenzyme core, establishing dual autoinhibition of the phosphatase active site and the substrate-binding protein groove. The resulting interface spans over 190 Å and harbors unfavorable contacts, activation phosphorylation sites, and nearly all residues with ID-associated mutations. Our studies suggest that this dynamic interface is close to an allosteric network responsive to activation phosphorylation and altered globally by mutations. Furthermore, we found that ID mutations perturb the activation phosphorylation rates, and the severe variants significantly increase the mitotic duration and error rates compared to the wild variant.

Actinobacteria were isolated from rhizosphere soil and its plant growth-promoting ability was tested. Actinobacteria were screened for promoting plant growth by phosphate and zinc solubilization, gibberellin, siderophore, HCN and indole-3-acetic acid production. The abiotic stresses of all the isolates were tested for parameters such as pH, temperature and NaCl. Upon screening, a potent actinobacteria named Streptomyces sp. ZS-18 was isolated and identified based on the colony characteristics. The potent strain solubilized both the zinc oxide (26 ± 0.75mm) and zinc carbonate (22 ± 0.88mm). The utilization of gibberellic acid (80μg/ml) by the potential strain ZS-18 showed maximum production measured by optical density value of 0.179. The growth of the green gram plant was determined by shoot, root, total length, number of leaves and chlorophyll estimation of the leaves. Streptomyces sp. ZS-18 showed good growth on ISP 1, ISP 2, ISP 3, ISP 5 and ISP 7 medium and moderate growth was observed in ISP 4 and ISP 6 medium. In addition, Actinobacteria were tested for antagonistic activity against plant pathogens. The isolate ZS-18 in the pot trial experiment showed increased growth in comparison with control and cow dung manure.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in cellular functions, including growth and metabolism. Recently, mTOR and the activated phosphorylated form of mTOR (p-mTOR) have been reported as potential prognostic markers in many human tumours. However, there are few studies on its activation in canine tumours. We investigated the expression of p-mTOR in 17 canine skin tumours (CSTs), of which 58.8% were epithelial and melanocytic and 41.2% were mesenchymal tumours. Seventy-six per cent of the CSTs had high or moderate expression of p-mTOR. Mean p-mTOR expression in the epithelial and melanocytic tumours (5.7 ± 0.56) was significantly higher (P 0.05) than that of the mesenchymal tumours (3.14 ± 0.55). The age of the animals had no influence on p-mTOR expression. These findings suggest that activation of m-TOR is important in the development of skin tumours in dogs and the study might form the basis for further research on utilizing m-TOR inhibitors as improved therapeutic modalities in canine skin tumours.

Substituted phenylamine antioxidants (SPAs) are used in Canadian industrial processes. SPAs, specifically N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (PNA), have received very little attention despite their current use in Canada and their expected aquatic and environmental releases. There is a research gap regarding the effects of PNA in wildlife; therefore, Chelydra serpentina (common snapping turtle) was studied due to its importance as an environmental indicator species. A chronic experiment was performed using PNA spiked food (0 to 3446 ng/g) to determine its toxicity to juvenile C. serpentina. A significant increase in cyp1a mRNA level was observed in the liver of turtles exposed to 3446 ng/g PNA, suggesting that phase I detoxification is activated in the exposed animals. Additionally, a significant decrease in cyp2b transcript level was observed at the two lowest PNA doses, likely indicating another metabolic alteration for PNA. This study helped determine the molecular effects associated with a PNA exposure in reptiles.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is an autonomic nervous system dysfunction due to PHOX2B gene mutation. Little is known about gastrointestinal motility disorders in CCHS patients. This study aims to describe the spectrum of gastrointestinal motility disorders in CCHS and provide PHOX2B genotype-phenotype correlation with Hirschsprung Disease (HD). We reviewed the records of 72 CCHS patients seen at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles from 1999 to 2019. Data collected included demographics, PHOX2B genotype, ventilator dependence, medical and surgical history, and gastrointestinal motility studies. Of the 72 patients, 31% had HD, 50% females, and 60% had 20/27 PARM. Rectosigmoid HD formed 73% of the cases whereas long segment (up to splenic flexure involvement) forms represented 23%. Four patients had total colonic aganglionosis, including one patient with 20/25 PARM genotype. One HD patient was identified with colonic myopathy in the residual segment. One patient was found to have achalasia type 1. Conclusion: Nearly one third of our CCHS patients had HD. Although most had 20/27 PARM, 2 patients had 20/25 PARM. Thus, CCHS patients with constipation are at risk for HD regardless of genotype. Colonic myopathy may coexist in treated HD with refractory constipation. Achalasia may occur in patients with CCHS.

Objectives : This study is aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of moist heat fomentation therapy with ultrasound therapy in patients with the masticatory myalgia. Materials and Methods The study was conducted on 42 patients with masticatory myalgia, dividing them into two groups; Group A (21 patients), received moist heat therapy and Group B (21 patients), received ultrasound therapy for seven effective days. Prior and after the treatment the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the electromyography (EMG) scores were recorded and compared. The observations were analyzed clinically and statistical support was taken to assess the NRS and EMG data. Results Irrespective of the groups, patients testified a significant reduction in pain after the treatment. From the EMG readings; even though the standard deviation for each group was varied considerably, EMG recorded an improved muscle activity. Statistical analysis was used to assess and identify the best treatment methodology between the two modalities. Conclusion From the statistical analysis, it is concluded that, though both the therapies had significantly reduced the symptomatic response, it is moist heat fomentation that improved muscle activity both statistically and clinically in comparison to ultrasound.

Surgical training is different from medical training where resident learns from doing surgeries and observing surgical skills from the senior faculty in addition to reading books. There is insufficient literature regarding the lacunae in current surgical training in our medical colleges. Aim of the survey is to identify the determinants of academic satisfaction of neurosurgery residents undergoing the present surgical training program in kerala.This survey determines the factors affecting academic satisfaction from a student perspective which will definitely be an eye opener regarding the benefits as well as drawbacks of the present curriculum in Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross sectional survey of neurosurgery residents was done using a prevalidated questionnaire and send by email . It covered demographics ,the overall satisfaction and variables related to aspects of residency training like 1)surgery related 2)clinical care related 3) education related variables which are collected on a 5 point leikert score scale and scored. Responses obtained were enterd in SPSS data sheet and analysed . RESULTS The response rate was 60% .The average age of surgery residents in our survey was 30.4±2.59 years,majority being males (83%).Majority(41.7%) of residents who participated and responded to the survey were satisfied with the current surgical training. The residents were more satisfied if 1)faculty allowed residents to perform the important steps in the operations but without being overly supervised (p=0.049) 2)if they scrubbed more than 25 cases last month(p=.011); and 3) if they involve with the faculty in management decisions.(p=.032). CONCLUSION: The survey highlighted that faculty should support and give residents freedom to share a keyrole in patient management decisions .Improving resident satisfaction may help encourage more medical students to enter neurosurgical profession.Present survey will definetly guide curriculum management committees in health universities

The present study was aimed to study HLA-DRB1, -DQB1 alleles and haplotypes of two endogamous groups of South India. PCR-SSP typing of HLA-DRB1, -DQB1 alleles were performed on 63 Mukkuvar, primarily a coastal population and 101 Valayar, a population primarily living on the fringes of forest areas. Genetic distances, neighbor-joining dendrograms and correspondence analysis have been performed. The HLA class II alleles, DRB1*07 (32.5%), DRB1*15 (23.0%), DRB1*13 (11.1%) and DRB1*12 (10.3%) were more frequent among Mukkuvar. Among Valayar, DRB1*12 (18.8%), DRB1*15 (17.3%), DRB1*04 (15.4%), DRB1*07 (13.4%) and DRB1*10 (10.9%) were more frequent. Similarly, DQB1*06 (38.1%), DQB1*02 (26.2%) and DQB1*05 (20.5%) alleles among Mukkuvar and DQB1*06 (40.2%) and DQB1*05 (28.9%) among Valayar were more frequent. We genotyped the two most common South Indian two-locus haplotypes, such as DRB1*15-DQB1*06 and DRB1*07-DQB1*02 for HLA-A, -B and -C alleles to identify the 5-locus extended haplotypes. We identified the presence of a highly unique extended haplotype A*03-B*35-C*12-DRB1*07-DQB1*02 in Valayar (HF: 0.2777) and Mukkuvar (HF: 0.1666) hitherto not reported in any of the world populations. The HLA-DRB1 allele based phylogenetic analysis have demonstrated the unique and distinct phylogenetic relatedness of Mukkuvar and Valayar with other ethnic populations. The coastal population Mukkuvar is more closely related to Hispanic and Guanche populations. However, the Valayar revealed phylogenetic relatedness with Austronesian and Micronesian populations supporting the theory of coastal migrations of Out-of-Africa ancestral founding populations.

SETTING: Household air pollution (HAP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both major public health problems, reported to cause around 4 million and 3 million deaths every year, respectively. The great majority of these deaths, as well as the burden of disease during life is felt by people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).OBJECTIVE and DESIGN: The extent to which HAP causes COPD is controversial; we therefore undertook this review to offer a viewpoint on this from the Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD).RESULTS: We find that while COPD is well-defined in many studies on COPD and HAP, there are major limitations to the definition and measurement of HAP. It is thus difficult to disentangle HAP from other features of poverty that are themselves associated with COPD. We identify other limitations to primary research studies, including the use of cross-sectional designs that limit causal inference.CONCLUSION: There is substantial preventable morbidity and mortality associated with HAP, COPD and poverty, separately and together. Although it may not be possible to define clear causal links between HAP and COPD, there is a clear urgency to reduce the avoidable burden of disease these inflict on the world´s poor.

Infectious disease-causing pathogenic microorganisms grow rapidly within quorum sensing mediated biofilms. Attempts are made to restrict quorum sensing in pathogens, and the formation of biofilms has paved the way for the identification of bioactive phytochemicals. Anti-QS compounds have been proven to reduce bacterial pathogenicity in the past. Medicinal plants provide an enticing repertoire of phytochemicals with distinct microbial disease-controlling potential due to the vast spectrum of secondary metabolites included in extracts such as phenolics, quinones, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyacetylenes. This review makes a specialty of the bioactive molecules produced using vegetation which have a target closer to quorum sensing accompanied via biofilm formation in pathogenic microbes.

Community-based active TB case finding (ACF) has become an essential part of TB elimination efforts in high-burden settings. In settings such as the state of Kerala in India, which has reported an annual decline of 7.5% in the estimated TB incidence since 2015, if ACF is not well targeted, it may end up with a less-than-desired yield, the wastage of scarce resources, and the burdening of health systems. Program managers have recognized the need to optimize resources and workloads, while maximizing the yield, when implementing ACF. We developed and implemented the concept of ‘individuals’-vulnerability-based active surveillance’ as a substitute for the blanket approach for population/geography-based ACF for TB. Weighted scores, based on an estimate of relative risk, were assigned to reflect the TB vulnerabilities of individuals. Vulnerability data for 22,042,168 individuals were available to the primary healthcare team. Individuals with higher cumulative vulnerability scores were targeted for serial ACF from 2019 onwards. In 2018, when a population-based ACF was conducted, the number needed to screen to diagnose one microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB case was 3772 and the number needed to test to obtain one microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB case was 112. The corresponding figures in 2019 for individuals’-vulnerability-based ACF were 881 and 39, respectively. Individuals’-vulnerability-based active surveillance is proposed here as a practical solution to improve health system efficiency in settings where the population is relatively stationary, the TB disease burden is low, and the health system is strong.

Session Description: Themes of inequity, injustice, and health disparities are woven through the history of medicine. The national and specialty-wide conversation about these critical problems has evolved in the past year in parallel with major social movements around the world. In combination with the COVID-19 pandemic, these conversations have shed light on ways in which privilege, disadvantage, and systemic biases have contributed to diminished quality of medical care and exacerbated disparities in health outcomes. This panel, sponsored by the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committee and featuring national experts in health care quality, value, and diversity, justice, and inclusion will complement other sessions at this meeting addressing inequities in health care. In this panel, we will focus specifically on how systemic bias and workforce inequity directly contributes to disparate, low-quality, and low-value health care. We will focus on racism, sexism, and anti-LGBTQ+ bias in both the workforce and in treatment of patients, providing a review of current knowledge on the effects of these biases on the quality of surgical care in the United States, including effects on provider-patient interaction, treatment recommendations, and adherence to these recommendations. We will then address ways in which inequities in the otolaryngology workforce further limit opportunities for patient-physician racial concordance and exacerbate disparities in patient outcomes and strategies to begin addressing workforce diversity and inclusion problems. These issues will be examined for both academic and nonacademic practice settings. We will connect quality to costs of care to discuss how systemic bias affects the value of surgical care delivered to patients of different privilege and how this difference in value perpetuates injustice in health care. Outcome Objectives: (1) Define privilege, bias, equality, equity, inclusion, and justice as individual constructs in the context of medical, and specifically otolaryngologic, care. (2) Summarize current knowledge of the effects of systemic racism, sexism, and anti-LGBTQ+ bias on workforce equity and quality of care in otolaryngology. Demonstrate specific examples in otolaryngology. (3) Relate the effects of these biases to the value of otolaryngologic care.

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is an emerging viral epidemic threatening public health in the South-East Asia Region, especially Bangladesh and India. Nipah viral infection was first recognized in a large outbreak of about 265 suspected cases in the Malaysian peninsula from September 1998 to April 1999. Bangladesh reported its first confirmed case of NiV in 2001. India witnessed two outbreaks of Nipah encephalitis, both in the eastern state of West Bengal bordering Bangladesh in 2001 and 2007. The recent outbreak of NiV encephalitis, having a mortality as high as 90%, with 20 confirmed cases occurred in the Southern State of Kerala. It is a relatively new disease with a rapid progression and a high mortality rate. These factors created public fear, the panic and confusion of people when faced with the unknown. Widespread campaigns were implemented in the state, both in mass and social media platforms to educate the public in the science behind the disease, its transmission and preventive measures and to address any concerns from the general population.These measures and a high level of public compliance may be what ultimately limited the disease progression from its erstwhile level of spread.