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We read the article of Ghuntla, T.P., & Dholakiya, J.R. (2023) entitled A meta-analysis of influence of yoga activities on reaction time as a component of skill related fitness with great interest and gathered knowledge. They included five relevant articles, with yoga activities showing a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 3.06 (95% CI: −0.66–6.78, p < 0.01) for VRT and 2.86 (95% CI: −0.37–6.09, p < 0.01) for ART. These results highlight the potential of yoga as an effective means to enhance reaction times, with implications for sports performance and skill-related tasks.¹ The limited number of studies included in the meta-analysis may be attributed to the lack of portable reaction time (RT) devices. However, a recent development device called the PC 1000 Hz portable RT device has been validated² for estimating both visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART),² and the findings are consistent. Several studies have utilized this device in various yoga interventions, reporting significant changes and affirming its simplicity, user-friendliness, and reliability. These findings pave the way for future research on yoga-related studies, leveraging this innovative technology.³-⁵

The Mountain Ecosystems, such as the Himalayan region, not only provide numerous Ecosystem Services (ESs) to millions of people living in mountainous areas but also provide essential ES to those living downstream. However, there is often an uneven distribution of ES availability and its value across different regions. Therefore, a better understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of ES is required for efficient and sustainable management of ES. This study thoroughly reviews literary data to examine ES’s spatial distribution and economic values across the Western, Central, and Eastern Himalayas. The literature was searched in the Scopus online database using the Boolean method from specific keywords such as ‘Ecosystem Services’ AND ‘Himalayas’. A systematic review of 76 of the most relevant literature sources yielded 31 unique ES divided into three categories: Provisioning (PES), Regulating (RES), and Cultural (CES). The distribution of reviewed literature is relatively balanced across the Himalayas (Western: 30.26%, Central: 32.89%, Eastern: 36.84%); however, the analysis identified a bias towards PES (43.54%), highlighting a need for increased research focus on RES (36.48%) and CES (19.98%). Notably, water-related services such as PES9 (Surface water used as a material (non-drinking purposes)) and PES8 (Surface water for drinking) have been ranked highest in all regions of the Himalayas yet have not been comprehensively studied in terms of their quantification and valuation. Furthermore, while most literature focused on the identification of ES (73.68%), there is a significant lack of attention to quantification (39.47%) and valuation (23.68%) of ES in the region. The average economic values for PES, RES, and CES were 446.75 USD/ha/year, 1128.81 USD/ha/year, and 457.51 USD/ha/year, respectively, indicating higher valuation for RES. This underlines the need for a more balanced research approach that includes identifying and thoroughly quantifying and valuing all types of ES in the Himalayas.

Background: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are the most common congenital deformities in the human face, with a prevalence of around 1:800 to 1:1000 among the Indian population. Aim: To assess the Paired box 7 (PAX7) gene polymorphisms in the etiology of non-syndromic cleft lip and cleft palate (NSCL/P) in the Indian population using a case-parent trio design and to contemplate parent-of-origin effects. Materials and Methods: The study comprised forty case-parent trios of NSCL/P from the Indian population. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was isolated from the cases and their parents. The polymorphisms rs6659735, rs553934, rs624761, rs609959, and rs4075768 of the PAX7 gene were genotyped using Agena Bio MassARRAY analysis. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) was performed using the PLINK software and the pairwise linkage disequilibrium analysis by the Haploview software. Results: The genotyping of the polymorphisms rs6659735, rs553934, rs624761, rs609959, and rs4075768 was done. We found a significant association of the rs6659735 (P-value = 0.03, Odds ratio = 4.5) with NSCL/P in the allelic frequencies of the Indian case-parent trios. In addition, the parent-of-origin effects were observed as the allelic TDT analysis showed a significant paternal transmission of the rs6659735 (P-value = 0.04), whereas the rs553934 (P-value = 0.04) showed an excess maternal transmission. Conclusions: The parent-of-origin effects were observed as the two polymorphisms demonstrated a significant parental transmission. The rs6659735 showed a significant paternal transmission, whereas the rs553934 showed an excess maternal transmission, suggesting that the PAX7 gene may influence the risk of NSCL/P in the Indian population.

Background: Combination vaccines reduce the number of pediatric injections but must be as safe, immunogenic, and effective as each of the individual vaccines given separately. Additionally, consistency in manufacturing lots is essential for WHO prequalification. This study aimed to establish the lot-to-lot consistency of a fully liquid, hexavalent diphtheria (D)-tetanus (T)-whole-cell pertussis (wP)-inactivated poliovirus (IPV)-hepatitis B (HB)-Haemophilus influenzae b (PRP-T) (DTwP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T) vaccine and to demonstrate non-inferiority to licensed DTwP-HB-PRP∼T and IPV vaccines. Methods: A Phase III, randomized, active-controlled, and open-label study was conducted at multiple centers across India. Healthy infants who had received a birth dose of oral poliovirus vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine received one of three lots of DTwP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T or separate DTwP-HB-PRP∼T and IPV vaccines at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks of age. Oral rotavirus vaccine was co-administered at 6–8 weeks of age and 10–12/14–16 weeks of age. DTwP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T lot-to-lot consistency and non-inferiority (pooled DTwP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T) versus DTwP-HB-PRP∼T and IPV post-third dose were assessed using seroprotection rates (anti-D, anti-T, anti-HBs, anti-PRP, anti-polio 1, 2, 3) and adjusted geometric mean concentrations (anti-PT, anti-FIM). Safety was assessed by parental reports. Results: Lot-to-lot consistency was demonstrated for DTwP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T and non-inferiority versus DTwP-HB-PRP∼T and IPV was confirmed with 95% CIs for seroprotection rate differences and adjusted geometric mean concentration ratios within pre-defined clinical margins. Pooled seroprotection rate was ≥ 99.7% for anti-D ≥ 0.01 IU/mL, anti-T ≥ 0.01 IU/mL, anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL, anti-PRP ≥ 0.15 µg/mL, and anti-polio 1, 2, and 3 ≥ 8 (1/dil) and vaccine response rate was 83.9% for anti-PT and 97.7% for anti-FIM. There were no safety concerns. Conclusions: Immunogenicity of three lots of the fully liquid DTwP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T vaccine was consistent and non-inferior to licensed comparators following vaccination at 6–8, 10–12, and 14–16 weeks of age. There were no safety concerns and no evidence of any effect of co-administration with rotavirus vaccine.

The paper models investor sentiments (IS) to attract investments for Health Sector and Growth in emerging markets, viz., India, Mainland China, and the UAE, by asking questions such as: What specific healthcare sector opportunities are available in the three markets? Are the USA-IS key IS predictors in the three economies? How important are macroeconomic and sociocultural factors in predicting IS in these markets? How important are economic crises and pandemic events in predicting IS in these markets? Is there contemporaneous relation in predicting IS across the three countries in terms of USA-IS, and, if yes, is the magnitude of the impact of USA-IS uniform across the three countries' IS? The artificial neural network (ANN) model is applied to weekly time-series data from January 2003 to December 2020 to capture behavioral elements in the investors' decision-making in these emerging economies. The empirical findings confirmed the superiority of the ANN framework over the traditional logistic model in capturing the cognitive behavior of investors. Health predictor—current health expenditure as a percentage of GDP, USA IS predictor—spread, and Macro-factor GDP—annual growth % are the common predictors across the 3 economies that positively impacted the emerging markets' IS behavior. USA (S&P 500) return is the only common predictor across the three economies that negatively impacted the emerging markets' IS behavior. However, the magnitude of both positive and negative impacts varies across the countries, signifying unique, diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and market features in each of the 3 economies. The results have four key implications: Firstly, US market sentiments are an essential factor influencing stock markets in these countries. Secondly, there is a need for developing a robust sentiment proxy on similar lines to the USA in the three countries. Thirdly, investment opportunities in the healthcare sector in these economies have been identified for potential investments by the investors. Fourthly, this study is the first study to investigate investors' sentiments in these three fast-emerging economies to attract investments in the Health Sector and Growth in the backdrop of UN's 2030 SDG 3 and SDG 8 targets to be achieved by these economies.

Various forms of artifacts with diverse patterns and combinations can be observed in medical images. These artifacts vary depending on the effectiveness of deep learning-based artifact reduction techniques in medical imaging is determined by factors such as scan setup, equipment quality, patient characteristics, and environmental conditions. However, these methods are limited by their reliance on training data that only covers predefined artifact patterns, making them impractical in clinical settings. This study introduces One-Shot Medical Image Artifact Reduction (OSAR), which seeks to address these limitations. A deep learning approach that maximizes its potential without the need for pre- trained general networks. Specifically, OSAR utilizes synthesized data from the input image during testing to train a lightweight, image-specific artifact removal network. This enables OSAR to effectively address a wide range of additive artifacts present in medical images that may not be represented in existing large training datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Contamination of orthodontic appliances is due to the unhygienic practices followed during manufacturing and packaging processes, which may lead to cross-contamination. Although literature has indicated the need for sterilization or disinfection of orthodontic appliances before using in the oral cavity, this is still not employed in routine clinical practice. In this view, the current study evaluates the bacterial load on orthodontic brackets along with the disinfecting efficacy of chlorhexidine. Methods A total of 140 brackets were obtained from four different manufacturers and divided into six groups: group 1 (American Orthodontics; n = 30), group 2 (3M Unitek; n = 30), group 3 (Ortho Organizers; n = 30), group 4 (China Dental Orthodontic; n = 30), group 5 (negative control; n = 10), and group 6 (positive control; n = 10). Various microbiological and biochemical tests were conducted on the brackets to detect the type and growth of bacteria. Brackets that showed microbial contamination were then subjected to disinfection using 0.01% and 2% chlorhexidine solutions. Results Microbial contamination was detected on brackets of all the four groups. Bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Lactobacilli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus licheniformis, and B. cereus, were identified in these groups. Upon disinfection with 0.01% chlorhexidine solution, brackets in group 2 displayed complete decontamination, while all brackets in the other groups containing gram-negative bacteria exhibited complete decontamination with 2% chlorhexidine. Conclusion Orthodontic brackets received from four manufacturers showed high bacterial contamination. Disinfecting ability of 2% chlorhexidine proved highly effective in destroying both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, use of 2% chlorhexidine in clinical practice for the disinfection of orthodontic brackets is suggested, before placement in the oral cavity.

Background: Diabetes is associated with a loss of somatosensory and motor function, leading to impairments in gait, balance, and manual dexterity. The effect of diabetic neuropathy in relation to sensory system has been extensively researched. But literature regarding the effect of diabetic neuropathy on motor system is less. Hence the present study is undertaken to assess motor function and to correlate it with the duration of the disease and glycated haemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes of Bengaluru population. Methods: 28 uncomplicated type 2 diabetic patients in the age group of 40 to 55 years of Bengaluru city were studied. Fasting glycated haemoglobin was estimated and O’Connor Tweezer Dexterity Test was conducted on the subjects. Relationship between duration of disease and motor skills, and between HbA1c levels and motor skills and the strength was measured by using Spearman’s correlation. Results: There was positive correlation (ρ = 0.482) between disease duration and motor skills, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was also positive correlation (ρ = 0.455) between HbA1c levels and motor skills, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: systematic review with meta-analysis suggested reduced hand function, specifically grip and pinch strength, for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus versus healthy controls. Our study results have shown a statistically significant positive correlation between disease duration and motor skills as well as between HbA1c levels and motor skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent public outcry following a brutal gang rape of a young woman in India's national capital was a watershed moment in the world's largest democracy. It generated widespread public and political support for strengthening legal provisions to punish sex offenders. Although the legal response is a useful deterrent against such heinous crimes, women continue to suffer due to deeply rooted social prejudices that make them vulnerable to violence and discrimination in society. In this commentary, we aim to analyse the current developments with respect to gender violence in India within a background of the social position of women in Indian society. Using secondary data related to sex-selective abortions and crimes against women, and a critical review of the portrayal of women in Indian cinema, we reflect on the role of health workers, researchers and public health professionals in shaping a social response towards improving gender parity in our country.