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Abstract Background Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy can adversely impact maternal and fetal outcomes. However, the association between thyroid status and specific adverse outcomes needs clarity, especially in understudied regions. Objective This prospective cohort study aimed to illuminate the multifaceted associations between maternal thyroid dysfunction and feto-maternal outcomes in Gujarat, India. Methods This hospital-based cohort study recruited and monitored 500 euthyroid, 250 hypothyroid, and 150 hyperthyroid pregnant women until delivery. Maternal thyroid status was determined by serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels. Adverse fetal outcomes included preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, respiratory issues, and low APGAR scores. Maternal outcomes included preeclampsia, haemorrhage, hypertension, postpartum thyroiditis, and thromboembolism. Relative risks quantified associations between thyroid dysfunction and outcomes. Results Compared to euthyroid women, hypothyroid women had a higher RR for preterm birth (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.0), low APGAR score (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.1), preeclampsia (RR 3.0, 95% CI 1.9–4.8), postpartum haemorrhage (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.1), and venous thromboembolism (RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7–5.7). Hyperthyroid women had over twice the risk of low APGAR score (RR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9–3.5), neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 1.5, 95% CI 0.5–4.3), respiratory distress (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7–2.8), and postpartum thyroiditis (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.8). Conclusion Maternal thyroid dysfunction escalates risks for adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. Thyroid monitoring and management during pregnancy are critical to mitigate complications.

BACKGROUND: Accurate determination of infant mortality causes and understanding sociocultural factors influencing care-seeking behaviors are crucial for targeted interventions in resource-limited settings. This mixed-methods study aimed to assess the accuracy of verbal autopsy (VA) in ascertaining infant death causes and explore sociocultural determinants of infant mortality in Gujarat, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a mixed-method study with a retrospective cohort component for which data from 661 infant records were extracted from the main health office’s database, with a subset of 328 infant deaths selected for verbal autopsy analysis. Delivery characteristics, care-seeking behaviors, access to healthcare, and risk factors were evaluated. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with infant mortality. VA diagnostic accuracy was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with death certificates as the reference standard. Qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were used to explore the sociocultural influences, health system challenges, and stakeholder experiences related to infant deaths and VA implementation. Findings were integrated through triangulation. RESULTS: Institutional deliveries were 583/661 (88%), and the skilled birth attendance was 397/661 (60%). Care-seeking from health facilities was low at 264/661 (40%), with a mean time of 12 hours. Home deaths accounted for 328/661 (49.6%) cases. Low birth weight (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.3–2.4, P = 0.002), home delivery (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.1–2.8, P = 0.01), early complementary feeding (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.1–2.0, P = 0.01), and acute malnutrition (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.3–2.6, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality. Verbal autopsy showed high specificity (87%) but variable sensitivity (70%) in determining causes of death. Qualitative findings revealed barriers to timely care (lack of danger sign recognition, financial constraints, traditional healer reliance), cultural beliefs impacting care practices, gender discrimination, health system constraints (staff shortages, diagnostic limitations), and challenges with VA implementation (recall bias, desire for feedback). CONCLUSION: Enhancing antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, optimal breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, addressing acute malnutrition, overcoming sociocultural barriers through community engagement, health system strengthening, and culturally sensitive interventions could potentially reduce infant mortality rates. While a verbal autopsy is practical for the cause of death determination in resource-limited settings, its effectiveness relies on addressing the identified challenges through policy measures focused on community participation, health system improvements, and culturally appropriate strategies.

Introduction: College students perusing health allied courses like Medical, Dental, Ayurveda and Physiotherapy are at a greater risk for overweight/obesity compared to their counterparts studying in other streams due to speciic risk factors. Objectives: 1) The present study was conducted to ind prevalence of obesity and overweight and their determinants in college-going students. 2) Internal comparison of obesity and overweight between students perusing selected health allied courses at Jamnagar City, Gujarat. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 985 Medical, Dental, Ayurvedic and Physiotherapy college students using proportion of annual intake in each college. Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Students were classiied using Asian BMI cut-off. Chi-square test, ANOVA and Univariate logistic analysis were used as statistical tools. Results: Out of the total sample size of 985, 18.37% students were obese and 13.80% students were overweight. Higher mean BMI was seen in medical college students as compared to students of other colleges (F ratio = 3.58, p-value

Background: Obesity and overweight pose significant challenges in developing countries, underscoring the need for evidence-based prevention strategies. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in the rural areas of Jamnagar district, Gujarat, India. Methods: Data collection encompassed six tehsils within Jamnagar district, with primary health center selection via simple random sampling. Individual selection employed the consecutive sampling approach. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Regression analysis was employed to identify the independent factors linked to overweight and obesity. Results: The analysis included 408 participants, revealing a higher obesity prevalence among men (20.8% vs 13.5%). Strong evidence suggests that married and physically inactive individuals have 2.8 times higher odds of being overweight or obese. After thorough adjustments, homemakers and physically inactive individuals had 5.9-fold higher odds. Conclusions: The study findings illuminate a pronounced prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in the study area, signifying an emerging issue that necessitates prompt attention.

Abstract Solvent shielding of the amide hydrogen bond donor (NH groups) through chemical modification or conformational control has been successfully utilized to impart membrane permeability to macrocyclic peptides. We demonstrate that passive membrane permeability can also be conferred by masking the amide hydrogen bond acceptor (>C = O) through a thioamide substitution (>C = S). The membrane permeability is a consequence of the lower desolvation penalty of the macrocycle resulting from a concerted effect of conformational restriction, local desolvation of the thioamide bond, and solvent shielding of the amide NH groups. The enhanced permeability and metabolic stability on thioamidation improve the bioavailability of a macrocyclic peptide composed of hydrophobic amino acids when administered through the oral route in rats. Thioamidation of a bioactive macrocyclic peptide composed of polar amino acids results in analogs with longer duration of action in rats when delivered subcutaneously. These results highlight the potential of O to S substitution as a stable backbone modification in improving the pharmacological properties of peptide macrocycles.

ABSTRACT This research was done to study the guava and guava juice treated with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method, and stored at room temperature (R.T.) for 15 days. The effectiveness of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on all treatment was studied by using physiochemical characteristics such as pH, T.S.S. Moisture content, acidity and microbiological testing, morphological changes within the samples by S.E.M. and changes in structure by using x-ray diffraction technique at the interval of 0, 5, 10, and 15 days of storage period. The result indicates minimal changes in physicochemical parameters during the storage period, such as T.S.S. pH, acidity, and Microbial count of treated samples as compared to untreated samples. Coating ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on guava reduces the water loss and prevents microbes’ growth. Applying nanoparticles to guava and guava juice is beneficial in increasing the durability of guava and guava juice.

Introduction: Obesity is one of the major lifestyle disorders in India and its incidence has rapidly increased during recent decades. Medical students are more prone for obesity, due to, their sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, disordered eating habits, increased stress. Objective: To find the proportion of overweight/obesity among medical students and identify the contributing/associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was done among 435 medical students aged 18-23 years. Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) cut off was taken as Asian cut-off. Dietary habits like vegetarian/mix vegetarian, frequency of consumption of fast foods were assessed. Along with-it Physical activity and positive family history of obesity and overweight were also assessed. Approval was taken from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Results: Proportion of overweight 14.25% and obesity 8.73% was obtained among medical students. There was statistically not significant association between proportion of generalized obesity noted in males compared to females. There is statistically significant higher chance of being overweight/obese when sedentary time is >2 hours and with increasing junk food frequency. Conclusion: Medical students have a high proportion of obesity and are thus more prone for obesity-related risks. The present study will help in enhancing self-awareness among the medical students for practising healthy life style.

Fifty-six desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) advance breeding lines were evaluated in order to explore the possibility of genetic divergence for yield and its contributing traits using Mahalanobis’s D2 Statistics and Principal Component Analysis. High estimates of heritability, genetic advance, GCV and PCV were recorded for seed yield per plant (92.2%, 12.4%, 37.1% and 38.7%), biological yield per plant (88.1%, 21.9%, 29.1% and 31.0%) and harvest index (87.3%, 25.0%, 22.7% and 24.3%). All the test genotypes were sort into five discrete clusters. Biological yield/plant (23.5%), days to maturity (17.3%), harvest index (14.6%), seed yield/plant (11.3%), total number of pods/plant (7.4%) and 100 seed weight (6.49%) were found to have highest percentage contributions to genetic diversity in the present research. The first six principal components (PC1 19.7%, PC 16.2%, PC3 11.2%, PC4 9.69%, PC5 7.2% and PC6 6.69%) could explain 70.68% of the total of the interaction variation and have Eigen value more than one. Genotypes JG 2016-1411, JG 2016-9605, JG 2017-46, ICCV 16105, ICCV 16109, ICCV 16112 and ICCV 16116 were present in more than one PCs hence contributed maximum towards yield and can be used in various breeding programmes for yield improvement.

Abstract Nanotechnology is a completely unique branch of technology that offers with substances in a very small size between (1–100 nm) with various crystal shapes. Metals have ability to produce large number of oxides. These metal oxides play a major role in many areas of chemistry, physics, material science and food science. In this research, Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Copper (II) oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via sol–gel process using zinc nitrate and copper (II) nitrate as precursor respectively. The characterization of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles was done by using various techniques. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) indicates the crystallinity and crystal size of CuO and ZnO nanoparticle. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to get the infrared spectrum of the sample indicating composition of the sample which contains various functional groups. XRD result shows the particle size of CuO at highest peak 29.40140 was 61.25 nm and the particle size of ZnO at highest peak 36.2476° was 21.82 nm. FT-IR spectra peak at 594.56 cm-1 indicated characteristic absorption bands of ZnO nanoparticles and the broad band peak at 3506.9 cm−1 can be attributed to the characteristic absorption of O–H group. The analysis of FT-IR spectrum of CuO shows peaks at 602.09, 678.39, and 730.19 cm−1 which refer to the formation of CuO. SEMimages indicate the morphology of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles. Result of EDX characterization indicates that the both synthesized nanoparticles have good purity with very less amount of impurities. EDX data indicates that Cu content was 54.56%, oxygen content was 33.75% in CuO nanoparticles and Zn determined by EDX was 40.77 and O was 45.82 in ZnO. Graphical Abstract

Street foods play an important role in the lives of urban population members in developing countries. The food industry provides many job opportunities. The food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices of vendors are important aspects, as these individuals provide food and nourishment at very low prices to people all over the world. Most street foods are unhealthy because of the high risk of contamination, which poses a serious threat to food safety. The present study aimed to assess the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of vendors and the most significant influencing factors of these aspects with the help of cluster analysis to categorize vendors. The present study focused on 100 vendors who were randomly selected from different locations in Lucknow city. The information was collected through a structured questionnaire using the KAP (Knowledge Attitude Practice) scale for food safety. Vendors were clustered on the basis of the KAP using two-step cluster analysis and a chi -square test to assess the impact of various personal factors on the KAP. The results of the study indicated that street vendors are significantly differentiated on the basis of qualifications, knowledge, attitude and practices. Awareness and training programs should be implemented to improve the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices among vendors. Once food safety standards are acceptable, it will then be critical to ensure that poor people in developed cities such as Lucknow can earn a living through a ''convenient'' enterprise such as street food vending.

Abstract. Introduction:. Many patients with chronic pain use prescription opioids. Epigenetic modification of the μ-opioid receptor 1 (OPRM1) gene, which codes for the target protein of opioids, may influence vulnerability to opioid abuse and response to opioid pharmacotherapy, potentially affecting pain outcomes. Objective:. Our objective was to investigate associations of clinical and sociodemographic factors with OPRM1 DNA methylation in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain on long-term prescription opioids. Methods:. Sociodemographic variables, survey data (Rapid Estimate of Adult Health Literacy in Medicine-Short Form, Functional Comorbidity Index [FCI], PROMIS 43v2.1 Profile, Opioid Risk Tool, and PROMIS Prescription Pain Medication Misuse), and saliva samples were collected. The genomic DNA extracted from saliva samples were bisulfite converted, amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and processed for OPRM1-targeted DNA methylation analysis on a Pyrosequencing instrument (Qiagen Inc, Valencia, CA). General linear models were used to examine the relationships between the predictors and OPRM1 DNA methylation. Results:. Data from 112 patients were analyzed. The best-fitted multivariable model indicated, compared with their counterparts, patients with > eighth grade reading level, degenerative disk disease, substance abuse comorbidity, and opioid use < 1 year (compared with >5 years), had average methylation levels that were 7.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95%, 14.4%), 11.7% (95% CI 2.7%, 21.1%), 21.7% (95% CI 10.7%, 32.5%), and 16.1% (95% CI 3.3%, 28.8%) higher than the reference groups, respectively. Methylation levels were 2.2% (95% CI 0.64%, 3.7%) lower for every 1 unit increase in FCI and greater by 0.45% (95% CI 0.08%, 0.82%) for every fatigue T score unit increase. Conclusions:. OPRM1 methylation levels varied by several patient factors. Further studies are warranted to replicate these findings and determine potential clinical utility.

Background: BCR-ABL kinase domain(KD) mutations accounts for 60-80% of Imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) – chronic phase (CP). Patients with CML who are receiving imatinib treatment, a mutation analysis is required to find out the resistance of imatinib as per European Leukemia Net (ELN) criteria. The present study was carried out to assess for different types of mutations responsible for resistance of imatinib treatment from Western India. Methods: In a retrospective study, the patients who were tested for imatinib resistance were analysed for IRMA testing using direct sequencing of BCR-ABL transcript by Sanger method. Results: A total of 215 patients were tested for Imatinib resistance analysis (IRMA), of which 45 (20.93%) had detectable mutations. The highest frequency of mutation recorded at T315I amino acids site, followed by M244V and G250E sites. Conclusion: The patients who were tested for IRMA showed 20.93 % positive mutations with reference to its resistance are discussed.

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited disorder caused by reduced levels of frataxin (FXN), which is required for iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. Neurological and cardiac comorbidities are prominent and have been a major focus of study. Skeletal muscle has received less attention despite indications that FXN loss affects it. Here, we show that lean mass is lower, whereas body mass index is unaltered, in separate cohorts of adults and children with FRDA. In adults, lower lean mass correlated with disease severity. To further investigate FXN loss in skeletal muscle, we used a transgenic mouse model of whole-body inducible and progressive FXN depletion. There was little impact of FXN loss when FXN was approximately 20% of control levels. When residual FXN was approximately 5% of control levels, muscle mass was lower along with absolute grip strength. When we examined mechanisms that can affect muscle mass, only global protein translation was lower, accompanied by integrated stress response (ISR) activation. Also in mice, aerobic exercise training, initiated prior to the muscle mass difference, improved running capacity, yet, muscle mass and the ISR remained as in untrained mice. Thus, FXN loss can lead to lower lean mass, with ISR activation, both of which are insensitive to exercise training.

Tuberculosis (TB) has been a devastating human illness for thousands of years. According to the WHO, around 10.4 million new cases of tuberculosis are identified every year, with 1.8 million deaths. To reduce these statistics and the mortality rate, an early and accurate TB diagnosis is essential. This study offers a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical biosensor for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) detection based on a ternary nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide, polydopamine, and gold nanoparticles (rGO-PDA-AuNP). Avidin-biotin coupling was used to bind the MTB probe DNA onto the rGO-PDA-AuNP modified glassy carbon electrode (ssDNA/avidin/rGO-PDA-AuNP). UV-Visible, Raman, XRD, and TEM were used to evaluate the structural and morphological characteristics of rGO-PDA-AuNP. Furthermore, DNA immobilization is validated using FESEM and FT-IR techniques. The modified electrodes were electrochemically analyzed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and the results indicate that the produced electrode can detect target DNA up to 0.1 × 10−7 mM with 2.12 × 10−3 mA µM−1 sensitivity and a response time of 5 s. The constructed genosensor displayed high sensitivity and stability, and it also provides a unique strategy for diagnosing MTB at an early stage. Furthermore, our rGO-PDA-AuNP/GCE-based electrochemical platform has broad potential for creating biosensor systems for detecting various infectious pathogens and therapeutically significant biomarkers.

Memory B cells (MBCs) can provide a recall response able to supplement waning antibodies (Abs) with an affinity-matured response better able to neutralize variant viruses. We studied a cohort of elderly care home residents and younger staff (median age of 87 years and 56 years, respectively), who had survived COVID-19 outbreaks with only mild or asymptomatic infection. The cohort was selected because of its high proportion of individuals who had lost neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), thus allowing us to specifically investigate the reserve immunity from SARS-CoV-2–specific MBCs in this setting. Class-switched spike and receptor-binding domain (RBD) tetramer–binding MBCs persisted 5 months after mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, irrespective of age. The majority of spike- and RBD-specific MBCs had a classical phenotype, but we found that activated MBCs, indicating possible ongoing antigenic stimulation or inflammation, were expanded in the elderly group. Spike- and RBD-specific MBCs remained detectable in the majority of individuals who had lost nAbs, although at lower frequencies and with a reduced IgG/IgA isotype ratio. Functional spike-, S1 subunit of the spike protein– (S1-), and RBD-specific recall was also detectable by enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay in some individuals who had lost nAbs, but was significantly impaired in the elderly. Our findings demonstrate that a reserve of SARS-CoV-2–specific MBCs persists beyond the loss of nAbs but highlight the need for careful monitoring of functional defects in spike- and RBD-specific B cell immunity in the elderly.

Background: Prospective, longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 sero-surveillance in schools across England was initiated after the first national lockdown, allowing comparison of child and adult antibody responses over time. Methods: Prospective active serological surveillance in 46 primary schools in England tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during June, July and December 2020. Samples were tested for nucleocapsid (N) and receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies, to estimate antibody persistence at least 6 months after infection, and for the correlation of N, RBD and live virus neutralising activity. Findings: In June 2020, 1,344 staff and 835 students were tested. Overall, 11.5% (95%CI: 9.4–13.9) and 11.3% (95%CI: 9.2–13.6; p = 0.88) of students had nucleoprotein and RBD antibodies, compared to 15.6% (95%CI: 13.7–17.6) and 15.3% (95%CI: 13.4–17.3; p = 0.83) of staff. Live virus neutralising activity was detected in 79.8% (n = 71/89) of nucleocapsid and 85.5% (71/83) of RBD antibody positive children. RBD antibodies correlated more strongly with neutralising antibodies (rs=0.7527; p6 months) but further work is required to understand the extent to which this protects against reinfection.

Background: Military personnel in enclosed societies are at increased risk of respiratory infections. We investigated an outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a London Army barracks early in the pandemic. Methods: Army personnel, their families and civilians had nasal and throat swabs for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse transcriptase -polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), virus isolation and whole genome sequencing, along with blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. All tests were repeated 36 days later. Findings: During the first visit, 304 (254 Army personnel, 10 family members, 36 civilians, 4 not stated) participated and 24/304 (8%) were SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive. Infectious virus was isolated from 7/24 (29%). Of the 285 who provided a blood sample, 7% (19/285) were antibody positive and 63% (12/19) had neutralising antibodies. Twenty-two (22/34, 64%) individuals with laboratory-confirmed infection were asymptomatic. Nine SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive participants were also antibody positive but those who had neutralising antibodies did not have infectious virus. At the second visit, no new infections were detected, and 13% (25/193) were seropositive, including 52% (13/25) with neutralising antibodies. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity included contact with a confirmed case (RR 25.2; 95% CI 14–45), being female (RR 2.5; 95% CI 1.0–6.0) and two-person shared bathroom (RR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1–6.4). Interpretation: We identified high rates of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Public Health control measures can mitigate spread but virus re-introduction from asymptomatic individuals remains a risk. Most seropositive individuals had neutralising antibodies and infectious virus was not recovered from anyone with neutralising antibodies. Funding: PHE

Background: We investigated six London care homes experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak and found high rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection among residents and staff. Here we report follow-up investigations including antibody testing in the same care homes five weeks later. Methods: Residents and staff in the initial investigation had a repeat nasal swab for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and a blood test for SARS CoV-2 antibodies using ELISA based on SARS-CoV-2 native viral antigens derived from infected cells and virus neutralisation. Findings: Of the 518 residents and staff in the initial investigation, 186/241 (77.2%) surviving residents and 208/254 (81.9%) staff underwent serological testing. Almost all SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive residents and staff were seropositive five weeks later, whether symptomatic (residents 35/35, 100%; staff, 22/22, 100%) or asymptomatic (residents 32/33, 97.0%; staff 21/22, 95.5%). Symptomatic but SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR negative residents and staff also had high seropositivity rates (residents 23/27, 85.2%; staff 18/21, 85.7%), as did asymptomatic RT-PCR negative individuals (residents 61/91, 67.0%; staff 95/143, 66.4%). Neutralising antibody was detected in 118/132 (89.4%) seropositive individuals and was not associated with age or symptoms. Ten residents (10/79 re-tested, 12.7%) remained RT-PCR positive but with higher RT-PCR cycle threshold values; 7/10 had serological testing and all were seropositive. New infections were detected in three residents and one staff. Interpretation: RT-PCR provides a point prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection but significantly underestimates total exposure in outbreak settings. In care homes experiencing large COVID-19 outbreaks, most residents and staff had neutralising SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which was not associated with age or symptoms. Funding: PHE

Background: Care homes are experiencing large outbreaks of COVID-19 associated with high case-fatality rates. We conducted detailed investigations in six London care homes reporting suspected COVID-19 outbreaks during April 2020.Methods: Residents and staff had nasal swabs for SARS CoV-2 testing using RT-PCR and were followed-up for 14 days. They were categorized as symptomatic, post-symptomatic or pre-symptomatic if they had symptoms at the time of testing, in the two weeks before or two weeks after testing, respectively, or asymptomatic throughout. Virus isolation and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was also performed.Findings: Across the six care homes, 105/264 (39.8%) residents were SARS CoV-2 positive, including 28 (26.7%) symptomatic, 10 (9.5%) post-symptomatic, 21 (20.0%) pre-symptomatic and 46 (43.8%) who remained asymptomatic. Case-fatality at 14-day follow-up was highest among symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive residents (10/28, 35.7%) compared to asymptomatic (2/46, 4.3%), post-symptomatic (2/10, 20.0%) or pre-symptomatic (3/21,14.3%) residents. Among staff, 53/254 (20.9%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive and 26/53 (49.1%) remained asymptomatic. RT-PCR cycle-thresholds and live-virus recovery were similar between symptomatic/asymptomatic residents/staff. Higher RT-PCR cycle threshold values (lower virus load) samples were associated with exponentially decreasing ability to recover infectious virus (P

Introduction: Acute otitis externa (AOE) is the inflammation of the external ear. It usually presents with severe pain in the ear. The treatment of AOE should aim in relieving pain at the earliest. Out of the various treatment options, topical treatment should be considered as prescribing oral antibiotics without local treatment can cause antibiotic abuse. Due to unavailability, cost, and compliance issues of other topical measures, we observed and proved the effectiveness of a new modality glycerine and povidone-iodine wick in the treatment of AOE. Objectives: The objective of this study is to study the efficacy of new modality treatment-glycerine and povidone-iodine wick for AOE. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and forty-seven cases with AOE due to exclusive bacterial infection were included in the study. Otitis externa was graded as per Brighton grading scheme. Pain score was assessed using Wong and Baker pain assessment scale. Patients were treated by performing a thorough aural toilet, keeping a glycerine and povidone iodine wick in the EAC and prescribing a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Few severe cases were administered the systemic antibiotic. Score of pain, canal edema, and the presence of ear fullness on D1, D3 (48 h later), and D5 was noted. Further assessment and repacking with a fresh wick was done if required until the pain and edema subsides completely. Results: It was seen that canal edema and tragal tenderness subsided significantly (P < 0.001) on follow-up visits. The severity of pain scale on D1 decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.001) on D3. On D3 or the first follow-up visit, 68 (19.5%) of patients required repacking, whereas there was no need for repacking on D5, i.e., second follow-up visit. Average duration of the clinical resolution was 3 days. Conclusions: The treatment method was readily available, easy to perform, cost-effective and had a better patient compliance. Povidone-iodine scores with no proven microbial resistance until date. To enhance delivery of drug locally specialist ear cleaning followed by wick insertion should be done. Use of glycerine and povidone-iodine ear pack is definitely effective with the good clinical outcome by 3 days maximum duration is 7 days. Use of oral antibiotics only for selected cases along with topical treatment for otitis externa is advisable. The outcome regarding pain relief and edema reduction were analyzed with satisfactory outcome at the earliest.

Aphids constitute a large group of Hemipterans that use their slender stylets to tap into the sieve elements of plants from which they consume copious amounts of phloem sap, thus depriving the plant of photoassimilates. Some aphids also transmit viral diseases of plants. Myzus persicae Sülzer, commonly known as the green peach aphid (GPA), which is a polyphagous insect with a host range that covers 50 plant families, is considered amongst the top 3 insect pest of plants. The interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and the GPA is utilized as a model pathosystem to study plant-aphid interaction. Here we describe the protocol used in our laboratories for rearing the GPA, and no-choice and fecundity bioassays to study GPA performance on Arabidopsis. In addition, we describe the procedure for the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to monitor feeding behavior of the GPA on Arabidopsis.

Quantum-mechanically indistinguishable photons produced by independent (or equivalently, mutually phase incoherent) light sources are essential for distributed quantum information processing applications. We demonstrate heralded generation of such photons in two spatially separate telecom-fiber spools, each driven by pulsed pump waves that are measured to have no mutual phase coherence. Through Hong–Ou–Mandel experiments, we measure the quantum interference visibility of those photons to be $76.4\pm 4.2%$ . Our experimental results are well predicted by a quantum multimode theory we developed for such systems without the need for any fitting parameter.