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Background and Aim: The prevalence of alcohol use in India is ranged from 3.8% to 65.8%. One in every five alcohol users needs treatment. Lack of knowledge about the ill effects of alcohol and an 83% of treatment gap increase the risk. Among many available strategies, community-based alcohol de-addiction camps (ADCs) can offer support to alcohol users. This study aims to assess the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and alcohol use patterns in alcohol users attending an ADC. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at ADC in September 2022. Data from 58 participants were collected using a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and the alcohol use disorder identification test. Results: The majority of participants voluntarily attended the camp and were aged between 25 and 45 years (67.2%). Most were married (79.3%), had completed secondary education (34.5%), worked as farmers (36.3%), and had a monthly income of INR 6000–18,000 (56.9%). Regarding alcohol use patterns, the majority were daily users (84.5%) for over 5 years (51.7%) and had severe alcohol dependence (86.2%). More than half of the participants had a previous attempt to quit (58.6%) and cited family (51.72%) as a primary reason, followed by health and social respect (48.24%) to quit alcohol. Conclusions: Men aged

Adenovirus (Ad), a common virus, can cause a variety of symptoms such as respiratory issues, fever, and occasionally neurological problems. Transverse Myelitis (TM) is defined as a neurological disorder marked by inflammation of a section of the spinal cord which further damages the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including general weakness, sensory changes, pain and difficulties with bowel and bladder control. Ad causing TM is a topic of great significance in the field of medicine as it involves a rare yet serious condition. Hereby the case report of a 64-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Room with fever and bilateral lower limb weakness and was diagnosed with TM, with the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) report Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) showing Ad. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis, antivirals, steroids and physiotherapy. The present case emphasises that timely diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause of TM are essential to prevent respiratory paralysis and other complications. It is also important to exclude other autoimmune conditions, as well as, bacterial and fungal infections, in every patient.

Introduction In the background of lack of integrated tobacco counselling training (TCT) in the existing medical and dental curriculum, the present study was undertaken to determine the need for developing an e-learning module on tobacco counselling for students of medicine and dentistry in India.Methods A mixed-method research with a modified exploratory sequential design was undertaken between January and August 2022 in a private medical and a dental college in Southern India, where the qualitative research was done by conducting in-depth interviews with six subject experts and two focus group discussions (FGDs) separately among six medical and six dental interns to identify the gaps in current TCT. Based on the themes from qualitative research, a questionnaire was developed and validated to elicit the knowledge and competence in tobacco counselling. This questionnaire was subsequently used to explore quantitatively the current knowledge and competence in tobacco counselling among the final-year MBBS (bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery) and BDS (bachelor of dental surgery) students. The results of the questionnaire study were triangulated with the themes of the qualitative research.Results The qualitative research proffered the lack of structured TCT in the present curriculum and emphasised the need for an integrated, self-paced e-learning tobacco counselling training module (TCTM) in the background of curricular time constraints to accommodate a conventional classroom-based TCTM. During the in-depth interviews and FGDs, the participants suggested including the global burden and pattern of tobacco consumption, tobacco control laws and tobacco counselling methods, as some of the key contents of the module. The quantitative data analysis revealed the lack of knowledge and competence of students in tobacco counselling. The results of the quantitative phase substantiated the themes that emerged from the qualitative phase.Conclusion There is a need for introducing a customised, self-paced, integrated e-learning module on tobacco counselling for the students of medicine and dentistry in India. The e-learning module can be included as a choice-based value addition to the regular curriculum.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and potentially fatal infection, with over 90% of reported cases occurring in East African countries including Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, affecting mainly impoverished individuals, and creating a significant economic burden. Currently, the intravenous single-dose liposomal amphotericin B is the first choice for the treatment of VL. Recently, WHO and DNDi have suggested a combination of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B and oral miltefosine as a potential approach to treat VL. However, miltefosine availability is uncertain, and its side effects frequently cause treatment to be discontinued. Furthermore, due to the difficult route of liposomal amphotericin B administration by intravenous infusion, the lack of formulation's tropical stability, accessibility, injection toxicity, and cost have prevented this injectable formulation of amphotericin B from reaching the most infected populations, particularly the pediatric population. To solve this problem, the development of a solid oral amphotericin B formulation that is cost-effective, safe, tropically stable, and easy to swallow, making it more accessible to children, particularly in rural communities having limited access to medical clinics or trained healthcare professionals is imperative. This viewpoint will discuss the opportunities and challenges of developing an oral amphotericin B formulation for a pediatric population.

In 2007, the University of British Columbia (UBC) was the first university in Canada to establish and adopt global access (GA) principles. Toward implementing these principles, UBC then identified a set of strategies for providing affordable access to new UBC-developed technologies throughout low- and middle-income countries and among vulnerable populations. In this perspective, we provide an update of UBC’s progress over the past 15 years made on several technologies that fall under the GA principles. The technologies reported on are wide-ranging, including an oral medication for the treatment of leishmaniasis; peptides for potential use against malaria, and various bacterial, viral and fungal infections; a portable vaccine cooler; a diagnostic technology to detect severe sepsis; and an SMS Messaging System to monitor and support patients with HIV, TB and COVID-19. We identify challenges faced by the researchers in implementing the GA principles for these technologies and potential solutions for overcoming them through creative licensing and partnerships with public and private sectors, governments, local companies, and communities. As the UBC example illustrates, universities across the globe have an opportunity to make a significant social impact on improving global health of vulnerable populations and on supporting local infrastructures for sustaining these improvements.

Purpose: This study introduces a sophisticated computational pipeline, eVir, designed for the discovery of antiviral drugs based on their interactions within the human protein network. There is a pressing need for cost-effective therapeutics for infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19), particularly in resource-limited countries. Therefore, our team devised an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system to explore repurposing opportunities for currently used oral therapies. The eVir system operates by identifying pharmaceutical compounds that mirror the effects of antiviral peptides (AVPs)—fragments of human proteins known to interfere with fundamental phases of the viral life cycle: entry, fusion, and replication. eVir extrapolates the probable antiviral efficacy of a given compound by analyzing its established and predicted impacts on the human protein-protein interaction network. This innovative approach provides a promising platform for drug repurposing against SARS-CoV-2 or any virus for which peptide data is available.Methods: The eVir AI software pipeline processes drug-protein and protein-protein interaction networks generated from open-source datasets. eVir uses Node2Vec, a graph embedding technique, to understand the nuanced connections among drugs and proteins. The embeddings are input a Siamese Network (SNet) and MLPs, each tailored for the specific mechanisms of entry, fusion, and replication, to evaluate the similarity between drugs and AVPs. Scores generated from the SNet and MLPs undergo a Platt probability calibration and are combined into a unified score that gauges the potential antiviral efficacy of a drug. This integrated approach seeks to boost drug identification confidence, offering a potential solution for detecting therapeutic candidates with pronounced antiviral potency. Once identified a number of compounds were tested for efficacy and toxicity in lung carcinoma cells (Calu-3) infected with SARS-CoV-2. A lead compound was further identified to determine its efficacy and toxicity in K18-hACE2 mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.Computational Predictions: The SNet confidently differentiated between similar and dissimilar drug pairs with an accuracy of 97.28% and AUC of 99.47%. Key compounds identified through these networks included Zinc, Mebendazole, Levomenol, Gefitinib, Niclosamide, and Imatinib. Notably, Mebendazole and Zinc showcased the highest similarity scores, while Imatinib, Levemenol, and Gefitinib also ranked within the top 20, suggesting their significant pharmacological potentials. Further examination of protein binding analysis using explainable AI focused on reverse engineering the causality of the networks. Protein interaction scores for Mebendazole and Imatinib revealed their effects on notable proteins such as CDPK1, VEGF2, ABL1, and several tyrosine protein kinases.Laboratory Studies: This study determined that Mebendazole, Gefitinib, Topotecan and to some extent Carfilzomib showed conventional drug-response curves, with IC50 values near or below that of Remdesivir with excellent confidence all above R2>0.91, and no cytotoxicity at the IC50 concentration in Calu-3 cells. Cyclosporine A showed antiviral activity, but also unconventional drug-response curves and low R2 which are explained by the non-dose dependent toxicity of the compound. Additionally, Niclosamide demonstrated a conventional drug-response curve with high confidence; however, its inherent cytotoxicity may be a confounding element that misrepresents true antiviral efficacy, by reflecting cellular damage rather than a genuine antiviral action. Remdesivir was used as a control compound and was evaluated in parallel with the submitted test article and had conventional drug-response curves validating the overall results of the assay. Mebendazole was identified from the cell studies to have efficacy at non-toxic concentrations and were further evaluated in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. Mebendazole administered to K18-hACE2 mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, resulted in a 44.2% reduction in lung viral load compared to non-treated placebo control respectively. There were no significant differences in body weight and all clinical chemistry determinations evaluated (i.e., kidney and liver enzymes) between the different treatment groups.Conclusion: This research underscores the potential of repurposing existing compounds for treating COVID-19. Our preliminary findings underscore the therapeutic promise of several compounds, notably Mebendazole, in both in vitro and in vivo settings against SARS-CoV-2. Several of the drugs explored, especially Mebendazole, are off-label medication; their cost-effectiveness position them as economical therapies against SARS-CoV-2.

IntroductionThe development of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) over the last decade has provided access to many consecutive glucose concentration measurements from patients. A standard method for estimating glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), already established in the literature, is based on its relationship with the average blood glucose concentration (aBG). We showed that the estimates obtained using the standard method were not sufficiently reliable for an Indian population and suggested two new methods for estimating HbA1c.MethodsTwo datasets providing a total of 128 CGM and their corresponding HbA1c levels were received from two centers: Health Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune and Joshi Hospital, Pune, from patients already diagnosed with diabetes, non-diabetes, and pre-diabetes. We filtered 112 data-sufficient CGM traces, of which 80 traces were used to construct two models using linear regression. The first model estimates HbA1c directly from the average interstitial fluid glucose concentration (aISF) of the CGM trace and the second model proceeds in two steps: first, aISF is scaled to aBG, and then aBG is converted to HbA1c via the Nathan model. Our models were tested on the remaining 32 data- sufficient traces. We also provided 95% confidence and prediction intervals for HbA1c estimates.ResultsThe direct model (first model) for estimating HbA1c was HbA1cmmol/mol = 0.319 × aISFmg/dL + 16.73 and the adapted Nathan model (second model) for estimating HbA1c is HbA1cmmol/dL = 0.38 × (1.17 × ISFmg/dL) − 5.60.DiscussionOur results show that the new equations are likely to provide better estimates of HbA1c levels than the standard model at the population level, which is especially suited for clinical epidemiology in Indian populations.

Background: Internet usage is increasing significantly among young adults for various purposes. Understanding the extent of their social media engagement is crucial. This study aims to explore how much young adults use the Internet for social media and its link to psychological distress. Methods: The study included 423 UG and PG students from two private colleges in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. They were selected using a purposive sampling technique. An online survey collected data through a sociodemographic data sheet, the Internet Use Scale, and the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale. Results: The findings revealed that 26% (n = 111) of students excessively use the Internet for social media activities. More males (56.76%) than females (43.24%) use this excessively. Around 23% of these heavy users have four or more social media accounts. Instagram is the most popular platform (32%), followed by combinations such as Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube (28%), and Instagram paired with YouTube (20%). Excessive Internet users (P < 0.001) spend an average of 3.57 h on social media, while nonexcessive users spend 2.51 h. Over half of the excessive users had psychological distress (P < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between average social media usage hours, Internet use score, and psychological distress (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Internet usage for social media activity is rising among students, and using multiple social media accounts and excessive use are associated with psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is commonly accepted that climate change will increase the range and abundance of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through increased rainfall and temperature, the role of soil and influence of soil health on this effect is not well understood. We propose that understanding the influence of climate change on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soils can explain how favourable environmental conditions for NTDs and vectors of NTDs to reproduce form. This, in turn, can assist local public health experts in predicting and managing the spread of NTDs. We also suggest that unlike unpredictable climatic factors, soil health can be directly managed through appropriate land use practices. This viewpoint seeks to start a discussion between soil scientists and healthcare professionals on how to achieve common goals and strategies required to manage the spread of NTDs.

Food loss and spoilage often occur due to inefficient preservation techniques and infrastructure. Moisture is the main factor, and open-air drying is the most common method. However, insects and ultraviolet rays can harm crops and reduce their nutritional value, making food unsanitary. Mechanical and microwave drying are efficient, but their high costs and operational complexity limit their widespread adoption. Solar drying, particularly hybrid solar drying technology, is a promising alternative that balances efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. Solar-powered biomass backup dryers address these issues and offer a more sustainable alternative. This paper details the design of a solar-assisted hybrid dryer for drying turmeric rhizomes with an initial moisture content of 80% and a recommended final moisture content of 10%. The dryer is designed considering the normal temperature and relative humidity in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, India, and the average daily incident shortwave solar energy. The dryer is a square-shaped cabinet with a chimney. The design includes a solar absorber, a biomass burner, a blower, a drying cabinet, and an exhaust heat exchanger. The theoretical design is validated here before the actual fabrication of the dryer using a fluent Ansys tool. The ansys results show that the temperature distribution in the cabinet dryer is consistent between 60 and 65 degrees Celsius, with an air velocity of 2 m/s ensuring even drying. The pressure of the pressurized inlet air decreases due to tray obstacles. This development will aid small-scale turmeric processors in drying turmeric rhizomes quickly, safely, and under hygienic conditions, contributing to product value and international market standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that affects nearly 3--9% of the women in the reproductive age during the luteal phase of each menstrual cycle characterized by symptoms varying in severity and affecting the quality of life. Earlier research studies conducted have reported independent relationships between PvuII-ESR1-polymorphism and psychological traits in PMDD and risk for cognitive, behavioral, and affective symptoms. However, as the studies are few in number and the results are not consistent, there is a need for our study to link between the PvuII-ESR1gene and PMDD. Methodology: All nonpregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years and attending the OBG or Medicine or Psychiatry OPD for a routine health checkup were recruited into the study. The cross-sectional study recruited 35 samples each in the control and PMDD groups using a validated screening PMDD Assessment Scale Questionnaire (PMDDASQ). Mann--Whitney's U test and Chi-square test were used to calculate P values for the continuous and categorical variables. Tetra-primer--amplification refractory mutation system--polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the PvuII-ESR1gene polymorphism after isolation of genomic DNA from the whole blood. Results: Data-Analysis Pak tool and Med-Calc software were used for data analysis. The PvuII-ESR1 genotype distribution was in Hardy--Weinberg equilibrium in both PMDD and controls. The PMDDASQ scoring showed a significance with P ≤ 0.05. Pearson's Chi-Squared test performed for genotypes and alleles did not show any significant association with the phenotype. Conclusion: PvuII-ESR1 SNP (T/C rs2234693) does not show any association with phenotype between the control and PMDD. However, PMDDAS questionnaire can be used to differentiate the women who are controls from PMDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial in Frontiers in Pharmacology discusses neglected global diseases (NGDs) that disproportionately affect the world's poorest populations, including maternal, infant, and child health conditions, neglected tropical diseases, and HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The article highlights the limited development of novel pharmacological targets and interventions for NGDs in the past 20 years, but notes a resurgence of research from low- or middle-income countries. Five contributions from LMIC researchers are discussed, focusing on topics such as oral therapeutics for COVID-19, targeting Leishmania infantum, plant-based nanoparticles for malaria management, and potential antimalarial drugs. The research provides valuable insights into addressing neglected diseases globally and offers hope for future advancements in treatment. [Extracted from the article]

BackgroundDisorders of mental health are known to affect cognitive functions, hence called as cognitive disorders. Impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, vitamin-D deficiency and oxidative stress are some of the key early events reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of most common cognitive disorders, which include Alzheimer's disease. Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the known contributing factors of cognitive impairment and dementia.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out in 145 subjects, who were assessed for cognitive function by modified mini mental status examination (3MS). In addition, measurement of fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, vitamin D and oxidative markers was performed. Participants were divided into different groups based on (a) vitamin D insufficiency and sufficiency; (b) diabetic and non-diabetic with and without cognitive impairment.ResultsThe study included a total of 145 subjects; 51 males and 94 females and the mean age was 68.24±9.70 years. Among diabetics with vitamin D insufficiency, 35 subjects (71.43%) had cognitive impairment, but, among non-diabetics with vitamin D insufficiency, 27 subjects (62.79%) had cognitive impairment. Chi square test showed no significant association between diabetes, vitamin D insufficiency and cognitive impairment. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were non-significantly lower in cognition-impaired subjects, when compared to cognition normal subjects in diabetics with vitamin D insufficiency.ConclusionOur study showed that cognitive impairment is more predominant in individuals with diabetes. However, our study did not find any significant relationship between T2DM, vitamin D deficiency, cognitive impairment, and oxidative stress. A significant association was found only with GPx and 3MSE score in vitamin D insufficient non-diabetics.