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Background: There is a growing body of literature that suggests increased rates of morbidity and mortality for pediatric conditions admitted on a weekend compared with weekdays. Whether this association is seen in Nigerian children presenting with neurologic emergencies is not certain. Understanding the effect of weekend admission on the outcome of pediatric neurologic emergencies is important to allocate personnel and resources more efficiently. This study was conducted to determine whether weekend and out-of-hour duty affect the outcome of neurological emergencies in children. Subjects and Methods: This study used a cross-sectional analytic design over an 18-month period. Children aged 1 month–18 years presenting with neurologic emergencies were prospectively recruited over an 18-month period. The association between the dependent variable and independent variables was tested using the Chi-squared test and odds ratio. The level of statistical significance was accepted as P < 0.05. Results: A total of 146 children with neurologic emergencies were seen during the study period with 33.6% occurring on weekends. The average duration of stay (DOS) was 7.6 (±5.7) days. There was no difference in DOS between children based on the day of admission (P = 0.241) or the hour of admission (P = 0.155). Eleven (7.5%) of study subjects died during the study period. There was no difference in outcome based on day ([weekends – 6.1% vs. weekday – 8.2%] [P = 0.896]) or hour of admission ([out-of-hour – 7.3% vs. working hours – 7.7%] [P = 0.958]). Conclusions: Weekend and out-of-hour duty does not affect the outcome of neurological emergencies in children.

Background: The increasing mortality and morbidity rates associated with poisoning in India have become a major public health concern. This short review paper discusses the urgent need for a comprehensive poisoning incident reporting and monitoring system to address data gaps and combat this threat at the national level. A national poisoning incident registry would not only provide traditional uses of data like aiding in the processes of planning, resource allocation, design of health programs, and public health research in the field of toxicology but also serve as a valuable tool for researchers investigating the scientific validity of using organs salvaged from poisoning cases for transplantation purposes. Discussion: With the emergence of biocrime as a stark reality in the post-COVID-19 era, the need for rigorous documentation of all poisoning incidents has become even more critical. Given the potential for molecular and genetic level threats, including bioterrorism, a strong public health surveillance system in the field of toxicology is essential in the future. Conclusion: The data on healthcare events is crucial for the proper implementation of healthcare programs, disease/issue control, and clinical decision-making. The Health Management Information System (HMIS) shows great promise in supporting decision-makers and healthcare professionals in providing high-quality care and reducing illness burden. The integration of toxicology event-related data in a registry on the lines of HMIS has a huge potential in improving the quality of health care in clinical toxicology scenarios in India. In conclusion, the implementation of a national toxicology incident registry is a categorical imperative to address the growing threat of poisoning fatalities in India.

Paraquat (N,N′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride) is one of the widely used herbicides in Indian agriculture. This compound is at the centre of polemics, involving debates on its effects on sustainable agriculture, potential health risks, and unintended applications. Paraquat (PQ) also gained ill repute globally due to the controversy surrounding its association with Parkinson’s disease [1]. Furthermore, our country witnessed a rise in paraquat-related deaths attributed to its misuse for suicide, prompting a consistent call for proper regulation and a potential ban [2]. Paraquat exerts its toxicity through corrosion and the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) causing cytotoxic effects that contribute to multiorgan failure. There is no specific antidote for paraquat (PQ) poisoning, and the lethal toxicity of this substance is responsible for a poor prognosis, even with minimal consumption.

Abstract To study the antibacterial efficacy of metallic Ag nanoparticle/titania (Ag‐NP)/TiO2 composite thin films against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), COMP‐Agn with various amounts of Ag (10 mol% ≤ n ≤ 80 mol%) are fabricated on a quartz glass substrate at 600 °C using the molecular precursor method. The films are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and UVvis techniques. The analysis reveals that the films are composed of metallic Ag‐NPs embedded in a mixture of anatase and rutile matrix, with a volumetric fraction of Ag ranging from 0.18 to 0.68. The antibacterial activity of the TiO2 thin film and COMP‐Agn are determined by disk diffusion and viable cell count methods. Neither pure TiO2 nor pure Ag films exhibit any discernible antibacterial under dark and visible light. The antibacterial of Ag content in composite films is observed to persist for a maximum increase of 70%. The model is proposed on the basis of photoexcited electron transfer from Ag NPs to the TiO2 conduction band of COMP‐Agn, which clarifies the main factors affecting the photoresponse and the excellent response to visible light via surface plasmon resonance.

This paper presents the characterisation of the three distinct materials considered to be used as a resistance-type strained-based sensor on a wearable device. Other performance parameters besides the usual linearity, sensitivity, working range, and hysteresis were also considered. These included the resistance variations caused by a changing temperature, the effects of moisture on the sensor's resistance, and the stress coefficient of resistance. These were necessitated by the nature of the operational environment of most wearable sensors, which may entail the heat introduced to the sensor due to its proximity to the human body, the moisture from perspiration and the limited amount of force that a feeble patient say, can be able to exercise on the sensor. The selected sensor had a high degree of linearity, as established using the linear regression model (R2 = 0.94), had a decent sensitivity (gauge factor = 1.7), a working range of at least 30% strain, and suffered insignificant hysteresis (6.3%). This sensor also had a moderate stress coefficient of resistance (0.11%/KPa) and was unaffected by the changes in temperature and moisture. And the best part is that it is also low-cost.

Background: Identification is a crucial objective in autopsies, particularly when dealing with unknown, decomposed, or mutilated bodies. Various parameters are employed to establish the identity of a human being, and among them, stature holds significant importance in forensic casework. Stature estimation is pivotal in determining identity, especially when confronted with skeletal remains, fragmented bodies resulting from mass disasters, or mutilated corpses. Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to determine the relation between foot length and the stature of individual by using correlation coefficient in both sexes. To provide a linear regression model for estimation of stature from foot length in both males and females. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 medical students aged between 20-25 years, studying at Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The length of both right and left foot from the posterior most part of the heel to the longest toe is taken using measuring tool and height of the individual is measured using standard scale and both are compared. Using all the data the study aims to establish a linear regression model for estimation of stature from foot length in both male and female. Conclusion: In all the groups, a significant and positive correlation between stature and foot length was established, and regression equations were derived for both the feet. An attempt was made to study the correlation between stature and foot length separately in both the sexes. However, owing to no significant difference in the results obtained, entire study sample was taken as a single unit for deriving the regression equation. In conclusion, the individual foot length proves to be useful for stature estimation, offering crucial support for forensic experts and anthropologists.

Background: The design and architecture of a lecture hall, along with students' seating preferences, the aesthetics of the space, and the ergonomics of classroom furniture, collectively influence a student's learning experience. Irrespective of the quality of teaching and high efforts put by instructors, it is a common trend among medical students to avoid sitting in the first rows of classes unless compelled to do so. The persistent challenge of encouraging students to occupy the front rows prompted us to address this issue systematically through a KAP study, aiming to investigate the underlying reasons in a scientific manner. Aims and objectives: The aims of this study are to discern the factors influencing students' avoidance of the first rows and their preference for alternative seating in lecture halls. The specific objectives include investigating the rationale behind favouring the last rows, identifying the types of lectures that students find most engaging, exploring the relationship between personality types and a preference for the back rows, and assessing perceived disadvantages associated with sitting at the rear. Methodology and Results: A semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection from second year MBBS students and a total of 158 students responded. Approximately 63.3% of students believe sitting in the last rows might have disadvantages, while others see no drawbacks. Most students (66.5%) prefer the middle rows for an optimal learning distance, feeling neither too far nor too near, and a sense of safety. The second choice is the last rows (13.9%) for freedom, comfort, creativity, and less distraction. The first rows rank third (12.7%) for being less distracting, increased interaction, and academic motivations (16.3%). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study finds that students prefer backbenches for comfort and ergonomic benefits, while avoiding front benches may be linked to distancing from authority figures. There's a preference for traditional teaching methods and some interest in small group sessions. Central rows are favoured for evading direct attention. This study pioneers understanding seating factors among medical students, suggesting avenues for future research.

Background: Transgender health care deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical and mental health conditions along with sex reassignment surgeries and hormonal therapies pertaining to transgender population. Despite the numerous positive developments and efforts made for the welfare of transgender individuals, the plight of these people is yet very dire across the globe. The limited access to specialized healthcare services further exacerbates their predicament due to associated social stigma. Objectives: This mini-review delves into several crucial aspects concerning transgender healthcare in India. It focuses on the evolution of intersex states at birth and during development in general, the sociocultural challenges faced by transgender people within healthcare institutions, the ethical dilemmas entwined in their care and the need for more gender inclusive medical curriculum. Results: The current state of knowledge on transgender health among healthcare providers is inadequate and there is a strong need for revision of medical curriculum to suit the needs of transgenders. Matters such as the prevalence of transgender identity, gender dysphoria, sociocultural aspects of disorders in sexual development (DSD), and hormonal and surgical therapies for sex reassignment are explored, emphasizing the importance of gender-affirming surgeries in supporting gender identity. However, concerns regarding coerced surgeries, quack interventions, and lack of specialized medical expertise in treating transgenders are raised. Conclusions: Establishing specialized transgender clinics and revising medical curricula, while addressing ethical, legal, and sociocultural challenges of transgender individuals, is vital for improving transgender healthcare in India.

To study the antibacterial efficacy of metallic Ag nanoparticle/titania (Ag‐NP)/TiO2 composite thin films against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), COMP‐Agn with various amounts of Ag (10 mol% ≤ n ≤ 80 mol%) are fabricated on a quartz glass substrate at 600 °C using the molecular precursor method. The films are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and UVvis techniques. The analysis reveals that the films are composed of metallic Ag‐NPs embedded in a mixture of anatase and rutile matrix, with a volumetric fraction of Ag ranging from 0.18 to 0.68. The antibacterial activity of the TiO2 thin film and COMP‐Agn are determined by disk diffusion and viable cell count methods. Neither pure TiO2 nor pure Ag films exhibit any discernible antibacterial under dark and visible light. The antibacterial of Ag content in composite films is observed to persist for a maximum increase of 70%. The model is proposed on the basis of photoexcited electron transfer from Ag NPs to the TiO2 conduction band of COMP‐Agn, which clarifies the main factors affecting the photoresponse and the excellent response to visible light via surface plasmon resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium@mesoporous titania core@shell nanoparticles with uniform and narrow particle size distribution were synthesised using a four component ‘‘water in oil’’ microemulsion system. The prepared materials were well characterised using N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, temperature program oxidation, X-ray diffraction, ICP-OES, DRS UV-Vis, PL, TGA and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The core@shell nanoparticles showed very good absorption in both the UV and visible regions and a low bandgap, indicating that the prepared materials are visible-light-active, unlike the pristine TiO2 P25. The activity of the prepared materials was evaluated in the photodegradation of phenol using both UV and visible light, in batch and continuous flow trickle-bed and Taylor flow photoreactors. The prepared 2%Pd@mTiO2 core@shell nanoparticles showed better photocatalytic performance for phenol degradation in visible light in comparison to pristine TiO2 P25 and conventional 0.5%Pd/TiO2 P25 catalysts. The TiO2 P25 and conventional 0.5%Pd/TiO2 P25 catalysts showed gradual catalyst deactivation due to photocorrosion, the deposition of intermediates and Pd metal leaching. In comparison, the 2%Pd@mTiO2 catalyst showed higher catalyst stability and reusability. The 2%Pd@mTiO2 catalysts showed very high and stable phenol degradation (97% conversion) in continuous flow over 52 h. The results showed the feasibility of utilising the developed continuous Taylor flow photoreactor for phenol degradation or as a wastewater treatment plant.

Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells recognize antigens in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) independent and have cytotoxic capability. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reduces the proportion of the Vδ2 cell subset compared to the Vδ1 cell subset of γδ T cells in the blood in most infected individuals, except for elite controllers. The capacity of Vδ2 T cells to kill HIV-infected targets has been demonstrated in vitro, albeit in vivo confirmatory studies are lacking. Here, we provide the first characterization of γδ T cell-HIV interactions in bone marrow-liver-thymus (BLT) humanized mice and examined the immunotherapeutic potential of Vδ2 T cells in controlling HIV replication in vivo. We demonstrate a reduced proportion of Vδ2 T cells and an increased proportion of Vδ1 T cells in HIV-infected BLT humanized mice, like in HIV-positive individuals. HIV infection in BLT humanized mice also impaired the ex vivo expansion of Vδ2 T cells, like in HIV-positive individuals. Adoptive transfer of activated Vδ2 T cells did not control HIV replication during cell-associated HIV transmission in BLT humanized mice but instead exacerbated viremia, suggesting that Vδ2 T cells may serve as early targets for HIV replication. Our findings demonstrate that BLT humanized mice can model γδ T cell-HIV interactions in vivo.

An eight weeks feeding trial was conducted to assess the influence of supplementation of Spirulina platensis on nutritional, physiological and metabolic performance of GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fingerlings (120; Initial body weight 3.4±0.01 g) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, viz. control (0%), T1 (1%), T2 (3%) and T3 (5% S. platensis meal) in triplicates. The animals were fed with a ration at 5% body weight twice a day throughout the trial. The results indicated that, final body proximate composition, growth performance and nutrients digestibility coefficient were higher in T2 group compared to other treatments and the control. At this level of inclusion, fish digestive enzymes, such as amylase, protease and lipase were significantly higher between control and treatments however, metabolic enzyme activities were not influenced by dietary treatments. The liver and intestinal histology were not affected by dietary treatments, however the intestinal tissues showed a higher intestinal villi length and muscular layer thickness than the control group. It can be concluded that, S. plantesis meal can be supplemented up to 3% without compromising the overall performance of GIFT tilapia.

The study demonstrates a new method to create high‐purity mesoporous silica from coal fly ash without using structure‐directing agents. Divided into two stages, the process involves pre‐treating the ash with Na2CO3, calcination, cooling, washing, and drying to yield a dehydrated sample. Subsequently, silica synthesis occurs through an acid refluxing technique using thermally activated coal fly ash with Na2CO3. Key factors impacting synthesis include acid content and liquid‐to‐solid ratio. The study extensively employs various characterization methods like XRF, XRD, FTIR, and BET analysis, revealing a 99.1 % purity in silica content, a surface area of 793.51 m2/g, and a pore size of 3.9 nm. Optimal conditions for this synthesis involve 80 °C temperature, 2‐hour reaction time, 25 % hydrochloric acid concentration, and a 10 : 1 liquid‐to‐solid ratio. FTIR spectra demonstrate similarities between the obtained silica and commercial Sigma Aldrich silica. This innovative approach presents a promising avenue for generating top‐quality silica from coal fly ash, potentially diversifying applications across industries reliant on high‐performance silica materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hyperglycemic memory is associated with several complications of diabetes. Although there is some physiological evidence that this phenomenon occurs with diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD), there have been no studies in bladder that provide evidence of hyperglycemic memory at the molecular/biochemical level. In the present studies, we determined the effects of long‐term diabetes on the metabolome of bladder detrusor in a rat model of streptozotocin‐induced type‐1‐diabetes and the ability of insulin treatment to normalize metabolic changes. These studies demonstrated that although insulin reversed a majority of the metabolic changes caused by diabetes, with long‐term diabetes there was a persistent decrease in the methylation index (indicated by a reduced ratio of S‐adenosylmethionine to S‐adenosyl homocysteine) after insulin treatment. We confirmed a “hypomethylated environment” develops in diabetic detrusor by demonstrating an overall reduction in methylated detrusor DNA that is only partially reversed with glycemic control. Furthermore, we confirmed that this hypomethylated environment is associated with epigenetic changes in the detrusor genome, which are again mostly, but not completely, reversed with glycemic control. Overall our studies provide strong molecular evidence for a mechanism by which diabetes alters methylation status and gene expression in the detrusor genome, and that these epigenetic modifications contribute to hyperglycemic memory. Our work suggests novel treatment strategies for diabetic patients who have attained glycemic control but continue to experience DBD. For example, epigenomic data can be used to identify “actionable gene targets” for its treatment and would also support a rationale for approaches that target the hypomethylation index.

Background: DNA's role in forensic practice is widely acknowledged for its unparalleled accuracy in identification. While developed countries have established molecular autopsy programs as early as two decades ago, India is yet to initiate such a program. The isolation of DNA serves as the crucial first step in the molecular autopsy protocol. The postmortem blood sample is one of the good sources for DNA extraction which wasn't considered with rigor by the scientific community so far. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the specific time period within which DNA can be effectively extracted from postmortem blood samples. The objective was to identify if there are patterns in the quality and purity of the extracted DNA based on the postmortem interval. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate if the cause of death influenced DNA extractability. Observation and Results: DNA can be extracted from postmortem blood within a timeframe of up to 72 hours after death, given that the deceased body was preserved in cold storage within 12 hours after death. Both the salting out method and the phenol chloroform method yielded bands of comparable quality, with the phenol chloroform method showing a slightly higher DNA yield. The average absorbance ratio was 1.4 for the salting out method and 1.6 for the phenol chloroform method, as determined using a Nanodrop. Conclusion: This study concluded that DNA extraction from postmortem blood samples is feasible within 72 hours after death. The integrity of the DNA remained intact during this time, but the quality and purity gradually decreased as the postmortem interval increased. The cause of death did not significantly affect DNA extractability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]