Search

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerged as a major challenge to public health and significantly impacting the global economy. Infections due to multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria are difficult to treat and cause financial burden on patients. Environment may serve as a genetic pool of several drug resistant genes and help bacteria to emerge as notorious superbugs. This study aims to characterize MDR bacterial isolates from environmental samples and comparative analysis of MDR and multi-drug sensitive (MDS) strains for the expression of virulence factors. Twenty six (n = 26) different environmental samples (water, soil, air and surface) were collected for the purpose. Thirty (n = 30) bacterial isolates belong to 13 different genera (Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Bacillus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Shigella spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Streptococcus spp., Streptobacillus spp. and Proteus spp.) were identified. All recovered isolates were susceptible to aminoglycosides class of antibiotics tested. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus (23.33%) and recovered from all environmental sources except water. Overall 63.33% (19/30) bacterial isolates were MDR, of which, 73.68% (14/19) were extensively drug resistant (XDR). Incidence of MDR and XDR phenotype was higher among isolates recovered from water samples and least among surface samples. Biofilm production was observed in all the isolates as weak (53.34%) and moderate (46.66%). MDR plus XDR phenotype was observed among 42.85% (6/14) of the moderate biofilm producers. Statistically, no significant difference was observed between MDR and MDS isolates for the expression of virulence traits (p > 0.05 for calculated χ2 of 8.496).

Background: Spinal cord injuries incite varying degrees of symptoms in patients, ranging from weakness and incoordination to paralysis. Common amongst spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating medical condition. Unfortunately, there remain many clinical impediments in treating NP because there is a lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms behind SCI-induced NP (SCINP). Given that more than 450,000 people in the United States alone suffer from SCI, it is unsatisfactory that current treatments yield poor results in alleviating and treating NP. Summary: In this review, we briefly discussed the models of SCINP along with the mechanisms of NP progression. Further, current treatment modalities are herein explored for SCINP involving pharmacological interventions targeting glia cells and astrocytes. Key message: The studies presented in this review provide insight for new directions regarding SCINP alleviation. Given the severity and incapacitating effects of SCINP, it is imperative to study the pathways involved and find new therapeutic targets in coordination with stem cell research, and to develop a new gold-standard in SCINP treatment.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has given the world a big blow and has forced the entire world to develop a new thought process. To cope with the stress of lockdown, it was important for people to indulge in educational and health activities to save them from the threats being caused by the news and social media. Summary: A Facebook page named Yoga scholars Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) was created where three sessions were held per day for 225 days regularly. This activity resulted in people adopting an integrative approach towards alternative medicine. Key message: This also made possible a trial of Ashwagandha for COVID-19 treatment by the Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) ministry.

Surgical parathyroidectomy may be required for severe and refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Parathyroidectomy is associated with long-term survival benefit despite an increase in short-term morbidity and mortality. Global variation in practice exists, with limited Australian data on outcomes following parathyroidectomy.To evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing surgical parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for SHPT between January 2010 and December 2019 at a single tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. Biochemical markers and medications were assessed 12 months pre- and post-surgery. Clinical outcomes, including hospital readmission, cardiovascular events and mortality were assessed following surgery.During the 10-year study period, 129 patients underwent parathyroidectomy for SHPT (mean age 50.7 ± 15 years; 109 (85%) on dialysis). Significant immediate post-operative complications were seen in eight (6%) patients, requiring admission to the intensive care unit (n = 6) or return to theatre (n = 2). Within the first 6 months, 24 (19%) patients required hospital readmission. Within 12 months post-parathyroidectomy, 100 (78%) and 103 (80%) patients experienced at least one episode of hypercalcaemia (corrected calcium2.6 mmol/L) or hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium2.1 mmol/L) respectively. Over a 12-month period, there were six (5%) deaths and eight (6%) patients experienced a major cardiovascular event.Significant fluctuations in serum calcium levels are common post-parathyroidectomy; however, long-term morbidity and mortality in our cohort were lower than previously reported, highlighting that parathyroidectomy in a carefully selected cohort is safe for severe SHPT refractory to medical treatment.

Visual pathway reveals the connection between neuronal activity of the brain and eye. The neural networks of brain amplify the retinal signals resulting in the formation of visual image. The laser injury in the retina may affect the visual pathway and may lead to disruption of neuronal signals/activity. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of retinal injury induced by laser on cognitive abilities in laser-induced mouse model. We have established laser model to understand the relation between retina and brain by disrupting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer and evaluate the effect of laser-induced retinal injury on visuospatial memory. Age- and sex-matched C57BL/6J male mice were taken for conducting the experiments. The laser model was established by using laser photocoagulator to disrupt the RPE layer of the retina. After defined irradiation of laser onto mouse retina, the fundus fluorescein angiography was performed to confirm the laser spots. The visuospatial and short-term memory was performed using neurobehavioral test, that is, Morris water maze (MWM), and passive avoidance, respectively. In MWM experiment, results showed that escape latency time, which was taken by healthy and laser-injured mice was comparable. This was further validated by another neurobehavioral analysis, that is, passive avoidance that showed nonsignificant difference between these two groups using independent t-test. Visuospatial memory may not be affected by retinal injury induced by laser photocoagulation. It may depend on the power of the laser and duration of the laser. The severe injury in the retina such as optic nerve damage may cause dysfunctioning of visual pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the untreatable neurodegenerative disorders with associated societal burden. Current therapies only provide symptomatic relief without altering the rate of disease progression as reported by Lanctot et al. (Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders 2 (3):163-180, 2009). The increased number of failed clinical trials in last two decades indicates the imperative need to explore alternative therapies for AD as reported by Tuszynski et al. (Nature Medicine 11 (5):551-555, 2005) and Liyanage et al. (Alzheimer's & Dementia 4:628-635, 2005). In this study, we aimed to decipher the role of neurotrophic factors in the reversal of memory loss by transplantation of lineage negative (Lin-ve) stem cells in a male mouse model of cognitive impairment induced by intrahippocampal injection of amyloid β-42 (Aβ-42). The efficacy of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) derived Lin-ve stem cells were analyzed by neurobehavioral parameters, i.e., Morris water maze and passive avoidance after bilateral intra-hippocampal transplantation using stereotaxic surgery. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry was carried out in brain tissues in order to analyze the expression of neurotrophic factors, apoptotic, astrocytic, and other neuronal cell markers. The transplantation of Lin-ve stem cells led to reversal of memory loss associated with reduction of Aβ-42 deposition from the brains. The molecular analysis revealed increase in neurotrophic factors, i.e., glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), ciliary derived neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) after transplantation. The administration of ANA-12, a TrkB inhibitor, reversed the behavioral and molecular effects of stem cell transplantation suggesting involvement of BDNF-TrkB pathway in the rescue of memory loss. We believe that the amyloid clearance results from activation of astrocytes and anti-apoptotic pathways added by neurotrophic factors.

Any deviations from the basic core principles of science and research affecting integrity and morale are generally considered scientific misconduct or fraudulence. Scientific misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting the research. Adhering to the basic principles of scientific research, i.e., integrity and genuineness, is essential in scientific progress and the people’s perception of scientific results. Data fraud or misconduct can advance that research or result, losing its credibility, and it can even lead to some ineffective or harmful treatment outcomes. Misconduct in clinical research can affect the data validity, thereby leaving a detrimental impact on the good clinical practices, including the safety, rights, and well-being of research participants. The role of organizations monitoring the research methods should be strengthened in safeguarding research participants’ interest and ensuring better scientific practices. Existing regulations must be made more effective, and transparent operational policies and procedures for an approach toward research misconduct and fraud must be laid down constructively.

BackgroundThe young Indian population, which constitutes 65% of the country, is fast adapting to a new lifestyle, which was not known earlier. They are at a high risk of the increasing burden of diabetes and associated complications. The new evolving lifestyle is not only affecting people’s health but also mounting the monetary burden on a developing country such as India.AimWe aimed to collect information regarding the prevalence of risk of diabetes in young adults (MethodsA user-friendly questionnaire-based survey using a mobile application was conducted on all adults in the 29 most populous states/union territories of India, after obtaining ethical clearance for the study. Here, we report the estimation of the prevalence of the risk of diabetes and self-reported diabetes on 58,821 young individuals below the age of 35 years. Risk for diabetes was assessed using a standardized instrument, the Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS), that has 4 factors (age, family history of diabetes, waist circumference, and physical activity). Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to check the correlations.ResultsThe prevalence of high (IDRS score > 60), moderate (IDRS score 30–50), and low (IDRS < 30) diabetes risk in young adults (ConclusionsIndian youth are at high risk for diabetes, which calls for an urgent action plan through intensive efforts to promote lifestyle behavior modifications during the pandemics of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a vulnerable period of growth and enrichment along with many physiological and psychological challenges. These changes can lead to complications if compounded by external stress and anxiety. COVID-19 has emerged as a chief stressor among the general population and is a serious threat among vulnerable populations. Therefore, there is a need for stress management tools, such as Yoga and physical exercises, both at home and at work. These can be adopted during the pandemic with proper maintenance of social distancing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compile literature that has reported the health outcomes of Yoga intervention on pregnancy at the workplace and analyzes both the restrictions as well as advantages of its beneficial effects in comparison to physical exercises. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords used for the search include “Yoga”, “work”, “complications”, “physical exercise”, “drugs” and “COVID” indifferent permutations and combinations with “pregnancy”. We compiled the literature with respect to pregnancy complications and the effects of drugs, physical activity and Yoga for preventing these complications. RESULTS: We noted that pregnancy-related complications are becoming more prevalent because of a sedentary lifestyle, restricted physical activity and growing stress. In such situations, a home or workplace Yoga protocol can combine both exercise and mindfulness-based alleviation of anxiety for both working and non-working women. CONCLUSION: Yoga can be effective for combating stress and anxiety besides boosting immunity in pregnant working women confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of degenerative conditions affecting the neural retina including age-related macular degeneration have no successful treatment, resulting in partial or complete vision loss. There are a number of stem cell replacement strategies for recovery of retinal damage using cells from variable sources. However, literature is still deficit in the comparison of efficacy of types of stem cells. The purpose of the study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of undifferentiated cells, i.e., lineage negative stem cells (Lin-ve SC) with differentiated neurosphere derived from ciliary epithelium (CE) cells on retinal markers associated with laser-induced retinal injury. Laser-induced photocoagulation was carried out to disrupt Bruch’s membrane and retinal pigmented epithelium in C57BL/6 mouse model. Lineage negative cells were isolated from human umbilical cord blood, whereas neurospheres were derived from CE of post-aborted human eyeballs. The cells were then transplanted into subretinal space to study their effect on injury. Markers of neurotropic factors, retina, apoptosis, and proliferation were analyzed after injury and transplantation. mRNA expression was also analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 1 week, and 3-month immunohistochemistry was evaluated at 1-week time point. CE cell transplantation showed enhanced differentiation of rods and retinal glial cells. However, Lin-ve cells exerted paracrine-dependent modulation of neurotrophic factors, which is possibly mediated by antiapoptotic and proliferative effects. In conclusion, CE transplantation showed superior regenerative outcome in comparison to Lin-ve SC for rescue of artificially injured rodent retinal cells. It is imperative that this source for transplantation may be extensively studied in various doses and additional retinal degeneration models for prospective clinical applications.

Background: India is fast becoming the diabetic capital in the world according to a recent report. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of mortality due to diabetic complications, which has enormous implications for the health budget. Objectives: The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the work carried out in the world, including modern and traditional approaches for the prevention and management of diabetes and reducing the chances of onset of further complications via cost-effective lifestyle interventions and integrative medicine. Material and Methods: We performed a literature search from various databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, etc., using the keywords diabetes, prediabetes, MCI and prediabetes, diabetes and yoga, diabetes. Results: Upon reviewing the published articles, it was noticed that one of the most neglected complications of diabetes, namely cognitive dysfunction, which is characterized by a pattern of vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD), has been largely ignored, and there has been no large study investigating the role of yoga intervention in diabetes and/or associated cognitive impairment. Conclusion: The review article opens new paradigms for researchers to evaluate the connection between diabetes and AD through a yoga-based national campaign on diabetes. This paves the way towards the goal of integrative medicine.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common causes of dementia. Despite several decades of serious research in AD there is no standard disease modifying therapy available. Stem cells hold immense potential to regenerate tissue systems and are studied in a number of brain-related disorders. For various untreatable neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) (current-approved drugs provide only symptomatic relief), stem cell therapy holds a great promise and provides a great research opportunity. Here we review several stem cell transplantation studies with reference to both preclinical and clinical approaches. We focus on different sources of stem cells in a number of animal models and on molecular mechanisms involved in possible treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The clinical studies reviewed suggest safety efficacy and translational potential of stem cell therapy. The therapeutic outcome of stem cell transplantation has been promising in many studies but no unifying hypothesis exists for an underlying mechanism. Some studies reported paracrine effects exerted by these cells via release of neurotrophic factors, while other studies reported immunomodulatory effects by transplanted cells. There are also reports supporting stem cell transplantation causing endogenous cell proliferation or replacement of diseased cells at the site of degeneration. In animal models of AD, stem cell transplantation is also believed to increase expression of synaptic proteins. A number of stem cell transplantation studies point out great potential for this novel approach in preventing or halting several neurodegenerative diseases. The current challenge is to clearly define the molecular mechanism by which stem cells operate and the extent of actual contribution by the exogenous and/or endogenous cells in the rescue of disease.

Background The state of disarray from unhygienic conditions and excessive litter throughout urban highways, alleyways, and byways across rural and urban localities of India is abysmal. Such unsanitary conditions impinge upon the future health and welfare of its citizens, tourists and economic development. Purpose The NRL volunteered PGIMER's campus hygiene initiative" is a pioneering effort spearheaded in compliance with Indian Prime Minister's call that citizens of India work together to establish a cleaner and healthier environment. Methods A group of 15 highly motivated students in the Neuroscience Division of the PGIMER, worked together vigorously 2 hours a week to affect a cleaner urban environment in the city. Result The results were national Kayakalp and Skoch award to PGIMER as the cleanest hospital in the country, the vendors or patients no longer litter around the campus, the pot holes have been converted into greener patches, signs board adorn the campus. Conclusion To inspire citizens through faculty- student led sanitation programs.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is widely spread in South Asian (ASEAN) and Indian sub-continent. The increasing healthcare costs of DM can be prevented in the developing world by improved public healthcare interventions. Modifiable risk factors of DM like sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stressful conditions are associated with its progression; however, the epidemiological data collected by Public Institutions are limited. Summary: A review of published literature describing geographic distribution of DM and associated dementia in South Asian region, particularly India, was conducted with the purpose of assessing the feasibility and challenges associated with the Yoga-based risk reduction. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for DM and dementia-related articles by using a combination of keywords: Diabetes, Diabetes related Dementia Southeast Asia, Pre-diabetes, Yoga, lifestyle modification, Dementia and Exercise. The epidemiological data generated from these diseases have not prompted to any major public health policies. Yoga can be a cost-effective intervention for the prevention of Type 2 DM (T2DM) and its associated cognitive decline when detected early. If nationwide intervention of Yoga is brought about by the state, its integration in health care will become more meaningful and acceptable. Key Message: Studies suggest that Yoga and change in lifestyle can modify the health risks associated with T2DM and associated dementia if it is mainstreamed with the public health initiative of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Background Attempts for Guinness world record have continued worldwide but these attempts were rarely aimed to promote public health. Diabetes is one of the rapidly growing lifestyle disorders in India which requires awareness reinforcements among the local population. In recent studies, Yoga has proved to be useful in lifestyle modification and Diabetes management. However, most individuals from rural and urban localities in the country are unaware of this fact. Purpose The purpose was to organizing a nationwide attempt under the Niyantrit Madhumeh Bharat (NMB) programme to break the world record to be the largest Diabetes lesson, to spread awareness among general population. Methods Present article represents the perspective of the Chandigarh chapter of NMB programme and its experience in Guinness world record attempt. Diabetes awareness lesson was organized in the city as per the standards defined by the Guinness Book and outcomes of the entire campaign were assessed at the end of the campaign. Result Total 498 individuals participated in the campaign. Among them, 268 participants were questioned at the end of the campaign about the role of Yoga in Diabetes. 247 participants (92%) were agreed that Diabetes can be modified by Yoga and 9 participants (3%) disagreed. The remaining 12 participants (5%) did not give any response. Conclusion We noticed that most of the participants became aware of the role of Yoga in Diabetes.

Background Cytoskeleton is one of the essential forms of protein, important in the existence of both eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic cells. Its transformation plays a vital role in cell division and intracellular transportation by facilitating intracellular vesicular traffic. Among the various tissue types in the body, the neural tissue exhibits the maximum heterogeneity, and hence the role of cytoskeleton at both developmental and functional levels becomes paramount. Cytoskeleton dynamics have been established in the neural physiology, but only at the level of axonal development and growth. Retina has not been adequately studied in the context of cytoskeletal proteins. Methods We reviewed the last 10 years of literature with reference to the development, growth, degeneration, and regeneration of the retina and the role of cytoskeleton in each aspect. We have focused on various changes that the retina undergoes at the cytosolic and cytoskeletal levels in the course of degeneration as well as regeneration. Findings For this review, we compiled research articles pertaining to the role of cytoskeletal and other associated proteins involved in development of retina, which used various animal models. The effect of SNPs in the cytoskeletal proteins and their impact in retinal degeneration is also discussed. Conclusion Studies describing the role of cytoskeleton in the anatomy and physiology of retina and its layers, although they are few, collectively provide an opportunity to understand retinal development in the context of cytoskeleton dynamics.

IBRO-APRC Associate School of Neuroscience conducted a scientific program at Nagarkot, Nepal from 9 to 13 February 2016, with 21 participants. The program was aimed at discussing the advances in neuroscience. The theme of the school at Nepal is ‘Neuroendocrinology in Nature-Discover hormone in your mind’. The overall focus of the program was on neuroendocrine, that is, how the nervous system and hormone interact to maintain various physiologies. The scientific program included 3 plenary, 4 advanced, and 5 special lectures by renowned neuroscientists, especially from the Asia Pacific region.

SEBI has three functions rolled into one body: quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive. It drafts regulations in its legislative capacity, it conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive function and it passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central banking institution, which controls the monetary policy of the Indian rupee.