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Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a widely utilised tool across almost all professional sectors, including healthcare.1 Previous studies have found that medical students and doctors have limited knowledge about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector, particularly in developing countries.2-5 However, with recent advances in healthcare and telemedicine, newer studies are required to evaluate the current scenario in this digital era. Understanding the acceptance of AI in healthcare is crucial for determining the willingness of young doctors to incorporate AI into their medical practice. This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, and acceptance of AI in healthcare among recent medical graduates, including medical interns, junior residents, senior residents, and fellowship candidates. Materials and methods: An online questionnaire was distributed across various social media platforms to our study population. The questionnaire focused on the participants’ knowledge of AI, their perception of its use in individual patient care, health systems, and population health, ethical issues related to its use, and its impact on their specialty choices. Descriptive statistics were applied to measure the population's knowledge, perception, and acceptance of AI in healthcare. Results and discussion: A total of 254 interested candidates (57% females) responded to the survey. The median knowledge score of the participants was slightly higher in male respondents than female respondents (Image 1). A majority of the respondents stated that AI would be capable of analysing patient information to interpret diagnostic imaging, diagnoses, and prognoses, as well as conducting population health surveillance. Additionally, 53% of the participants indicated that AI has already or will impact their choice of specialty selection. Moreover, 66% of them feel that current medical education inadequately prepares them to work alongside AI, while a striking 81% of them believe in incorporating AI competencies into medical training.Compared to previous studies3-4, there is a remarkable increase in knowledge and perception regarding AI in healthcare. However, a vast majority of the respondents feel that further awareness and training in this area is required. This is consistent with the findings from some of the recent studies.6-8 Conclusion: Our findings suggest a growing interest in learning about AI and integrating it into our daily work routines among medical graduates. Medical graduates are prepared to receive training on AI but the current curriculum lacks adequate focus on this domain. Hence, incorporating AI competencies into medical training would be necessary for effective integration of AI into medical practice. More education and exposure to AI at the undergraduate level may prove beneficial in preparing students for the future of healthcare.

Agriculture has supported human life from the beginning of civilization, despite a plethora of biotic (pests, pathogens) and abiotic (drought, cold) stressors being exerted on the global food demand. In the past 50 years, the enhanced understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms in plants has led to novel innovations in biotechnology, resulting in the introduction of desired genes/traits through plant genetic engineering. Targeted genome editing technologies such as Zinc-Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) have emerged as powerful tools for crop improvement. This new CRISPR technology is proving to be an efficient and straightforward process with low cost. It possesses applicability across most plant species, targets multiple genes, and is being used to engineer plant metabolic pathways to create resistance to pathogens and abiotic stressors. These novel genome editing (GE) technologies are poised to meet the UN’s sustainable development goals of “zero hunger” and “good human health and wellbeing.” These technologies could be more efficient in developing transgenic crops and aid in speeding up the regulatory approvals and risk assessments conducted by the US Departments of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Abstract Background From 2016, the Government of India introduced the oral rotavirus vaccine into the national immunization schedule. Currently, two indigenously developed vaccines (ROTAVAC, Bharat Biotech; ROTASIIL, Serum Institute of India) are included in the Indian immunization program. We report the rotavirus disease burden and the diversity of rotavirus genotypes from 2005 to 2016 in a multi-centric surveillance study before the introduction of vaccines. Methods A total of 29,561 stool samples collected from 2005 to 2016 (7 sites during 2005–2009, 3 sites from 2009 to 2012, and 28 sites during 2012–2016) were included in the analysis. Stools were tested for rotavirus antigen using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Genotyping was performed on 65.8% of the EIA positive samples using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to identify the G (VP7) and P (VP4) types. Multinomial logistic regression was used to quantify the odds of detecting genotypes across the surveillance period and in particular age groups. Results Of the 29,561 samples tested, 10,959 (37.1%) were positive for rotavirus. There was a peak in rotavirus positivity during December to February across all sites. Of the 7215 genotyped samples, G1P[8] (38.7%) was the most common, followed by G2P[4] (12.3%), G9P[4] (5.8%), G12P[6] (4.2%), G9P[8] (4%), and G12P[8] (2.4%). Globally, G9P[4] and G12P[6] are less common genotypes, although these genotypes have been reported from India and few other countries. There was a variation in the geographic and temporal distribution of genotypes, and the emergence or re-emergence of new genotypes such as G3P[8] was seen. Over the surveillance period, there was a decline in the proportion of G2P[4], and an increase in the proportion of G9P[4]. A higher proportion of mixed and partially typed/untyped samples was also seen more in the age group 0–11 months. Conclusions This 11 years surveillance highlights the high burden of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in Indian children

Introduction Owing to the HIV pandemic, partially fuelled by breakdown of infrastructure and poverty, the increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases has reached unmanageable levels in the developing countries. Smear microscopy is still the main diagnostic modality. Efficient and prompt case detection followed by adequate treatment has drastically reduced TB transmission. Hence, an effort was made to compare Auramine-O (AO) and Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining methods for demonstration of acid-fast bacilli with solid culture on Lowenstein–Jenson medium as a reference standard. Patients and methods A total of 100 sputum and 50 extrapulmonary samples from patients clinically suspected of TB were included. Smears were stained by ZN and AO method separately. All the samples were processed as per Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) guidelines of India and inoculated on Lowenstein–Jenson medium. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified by their growth characteristics, nitrate reduction test, and susceptibility to para-nitrobenzoic acid. Results Of 150 samples, 27 (18%), 37 (24.67%), and 38 (25.33%) were positive by ZN stain, AO stain, and culture, respectively. Of 50 extrapulmonary samples, none were positive by ZN stain, four (8%) were positive by AO stain, and two (4%) by culture. AO method detected additional 8% of extrapulmonary TB cases which were missed by ZN and also detected more number of paucibacillary cases. Sensitivity and specificity of ZN were 71.05 and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of AO were 86.84 and 96.43%, respectively. Conclusion The higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of AO method indicate that the light-emitting diode fluorescent microscopy can be efficiently implemented in resource-limited settings with a high burden of TB.

Tuberculosis(TB) remains the most common opportunistic infection among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and diagnosing it becomes a challenging task as sputum microscopy is negative in more than half of the patients. Delayed treatment for TB in PLHIV is associated with increased mortality. Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) is a recently introduced Polymerase chain reaction based method for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which also detects Rifampicin resistance as it targets the rpoB gene of mycobacteria. To determine the prevalence of Rifampicin resistance in HIV seropositive patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in a tertiary care hospital by using CBNAAT. HIV seropositive patients with clinically suspected tuberculosis were included in the study. Two sputum samples from each patient were collected and subjected to sputum microscopy by LED-fluorescent Microscope. Detection of mycobacteria and Rifampicin resistance was carried out by CBNAAT on Gene Xpert MTB/RIF. Out of the total 576 sputum, 74 (12.84%) patients were positive by sputum microscopy for acid fast bacilli and 137 (23.78%) were positive by CBNAAT. Rifampicin resistance was detected in 12 (8.75%) cases. CBNAAT helped in increased case detection in lesser time as compared to sputum microscopy. It also detects Rifampicin resistance with high specificity and can be used for screening for MDR-TB for the purpose of starting category IV anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) early.

Introduction: Pulpotomy is a regular procedure in the management of inflamed primary teeth. Diverse materials have been reviewed for the pulpotomy, some of them being formocresol, glutaraldehyde, ferric sulfate, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Aims: The aim was to evaluate and compare clinically and radiographically the effects of MTA as a pulp dressing after coronal pulp amputation (pulpotomy) in primary molars. Settings and Design: Sixty primary molars of thirty healthy children using split mouth design aged between 4 and 6 years were treated by pulpotomy technique. Subjects and Methods: Sixty primary mandibular molars of thirty healthy children aged between 4 and 6 years were treated by pulpotomy technique. The teeth on the right side were assigned to MTA (Group A) and the left side for the formocresol (Group B). The children were then examined clinically and radiographically every 6 months. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test using the SPSS version 19.0 was used to compare between the two groups. Results: Results showed that both MTA and formocresol have the same outcome on the primary molars, with Chi-square value being 1.1483 (P ≥ 0.05). None of the teeth in any children in the study showed any clinical pathology. Conclusion: The principle conclusions of this study are that there are no significant differences in MTA and formocresol. The success rate of MTA and formocresol pulpotomy can be considered comparable till this therapy influences the development and growth of the permanent teeth.

Background and Purpose: The objectives of the study were (1) to compare two techniques of sealant placement using Acid-etch technique and by using an Air abrasive technique, (2) to determine whether particular tooth locations are related to sealant loss or retention. Methodology: 30 children in age group 7-12 years were received sealant on non carious, non filled, occlusal, and buccal pit surfaces of both permanent first mandibular molars (36, 46) two in each subject of treatment groups: 1) Acid etch technique (Group A) and 2) Air abrasion without acid etch (Group B). A total of one hundred and twenty surfaces received sealants, and were evaluated at six months. Results: Rate of complete sealant retention at six months for occlusal surfaces were 89.29% for Acid etching and 78.57% for Air abrasion , and for buccal surface were 50% for Acid etching and 32.14% for Air abrasion. Conclusion: This study suggested that, rates of complete retention on the occlusal and buccal surfaces of both treatment groups were not significant. More research is needed to identify factors contributing to low retention rates on occlusal and buccal surfaces for Air abrasion technique.

Objectives: To know the incidence of bacterial meningitis in children below five years of age. To compare conventional culture and antigen detection methods ( Latex agglutination test). Materials and Methods: 100 CSF samples of clinically suspected meningitis cases in children below 5 years of age were included. The samples were subjected to cell count, Gram stain, culture and LAT. The organisms isolated in the study were characterized according to standard procedures. Results: Of the 100 cases studied, 31 cases were diagnosed as ABM by Gram stain, culture and latex agglutination test as per WHO criteria. The hospital frequency of ABM was 1.7%. 15 (48.38) cases were culture positive. Gram stain was positive in 22(70.96) cases and LAT in 17(54.83) cases. Haemophilus influenzae was the most common causative agent of acute bacterial meningitis followed by S.pneumoniae. Case fatality rate was 45.16%.The sensitivity and specificity of LAT was 66.66% and 87.91% respectively. Conclusion : Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and early diagnosis and treatment is life saving and reduces chronic morbidity. LAT was more sensitive compared to conventional Gram stain and Culture technique in identifying the fastidious organisms like H.influenzae, S.pneumoniae and Group B Streptococcus. However, the combination of Gram stain, Culture and LAT proved to be more productive than any of the single tests alone.

Background and Objective: The objective of the study was to monitor Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts in saliva of children aged 5-7 years old over a period of 6 months with the subsequent use of Fuji IX, glass ionomer cement in atraumatic restorative technique (ART). Materials and Methods: One hundred children were selected to receive ART using Fuji IX glass ionomer cement. Caries status was recorded using DMFT index (WHO 1997) and revaluated after 6 months using DMFS index (WHO 1979). Saliva was collected for microbiological assessment of SM count on four occasions, baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after ART approach. The results of the microbiological tests were statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney rank test. Results: The results showed a significant reduction of SM levels in saliva immediately 1 week following the ART approach with mean SM counts of 1.5763 (10 6 CFU/ml) and 1.1286 (10 5 CFU/ml) pre- and 1 week post-ART, respectively. Reduction in the SM count was seen in 89.47% of children after 1 week of ART treatment. The mean SM count after 1 month and 6 months post-ART was 1.4814 (10 6 CFU/ml) and 1.4722(10 6 CFU/ml), respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded from the results that the ART technique was successful in reducing the SM counts in saliva significantly for a period of 1 week post treatment. Although the mean SM counts remained less than the baseline after 6 month evaluation, a trend toward re-establishment of SM to the baseline count was noticed.

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate clinically and radiographically the effects of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a pulp dressing after coronal pulp amputation (pulpotomy) in primary molars, (2) to compare the effects of MTA and formocresol in pulpotomized primary teeth. Sixty primary mandibular molars of thirty healthy children aged between 5-8 years were treated by conventional pulpotomy technique. The teeth on the right side are assigned to MTA (Group A) and the left side for the Formocresol (Group B). The children were examined clinically and radiographically every 6 months over a period of 36 months. Results of present study revealed that both MTA and Formocresol has the same effect on the first as well as second primary molars, with chi-square value being 1.1483 (P ≥ 0.05). None of the teeth in either group showed any clinical pathology, showing 100% success rate but radiographically formocresol group showed one case of internal resorption that was regarded as failure in the present study. MTA seems to be more promising predictable with positive response in vital pulp therapy in future than formocresol pulpotomy except for the cost factor.

Purpose: To study the virulence factors, serotypes of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and antimicrobial suspectibility pattern. Methods: A total of 200 Escherichia coli from symptomatic cases of urinary tract infections and 50 stool samples from apparently healthy individuals were included. UPEC were screened for virulence factors namely haemolysin, mannose resistant, mannose sensitive haemagglutination (MRHA, MSHA) and serum resistance by recommended methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method as per NCCLS guidelines. Results: Among 200 Escherichia coli 42(21%) were haemolytic, 60(30%) showed MRHA and 72(36%) MSHA, 99(49.5%) were serum resistant. In 50 controls 8(16%) were haemolytic, 2(4%) showed MRHA and 4(8%) MSHA, 16(32%) were serum resistant. The difference between cases and controls for MRHA and serum resistance were significant (p

An outbreak of viral encephalitis occurred in northern India in 2006. Attempts to identify an etiologic agent in cerebrospinal fluid by using reverse transcription–PCR showed positivity to enterovirus (EV) in 66 (21.6%) of 306 patients. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of PCR products from 59 (89.3%) of 66 specimens showed similarity with EV-89 and EV-76 sequences.

Non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) have been reported frequently in association with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases during Polio Surveillance Programs (PSPs) worldwide. However, there is limited understanding on the attributes of their infections. This study reports characteristics of NPEVs isolated from AFP cases, investigated during PSPs held in 2009-2010, in Karnataka and Kerala states of south-western India having varied climatic conditions. NPEV cell culture isolates derived from stool specimens that were collected from 422 of 2186 AFP cases (

The ready to serve (RTS) beverage prepared from disposed part (Banana pseudo stem - BPS) of banana plant with natural flavours was explored by incorporating different levels of BPS in RTS beverage preparation. Among different formulations tested, the amla flavor added beverage was scored significantly higher overall acceptability (7.68) on nine point hedonic scale and it was further compared with control (100% BPS). The effect of addition of natural flavours such as amla, ginger, Indian pennywort, mint and sweeteners (sugar and honey) on RTS beverage physico-chemical, nutritional and sensory quality parameters was examined. The best accepted combination of RTS beverage was in the ratio of (banana pseudo stem 80: honey 10 and amla 10). The parameters such as antioxidant activity (324.82 mg100-1g), vitamin C (73.64 mg100-1g), total phenols (1612.1 mg100-1g) flavonoids (124.69 mg100-1g), saponins (286.0 mg100-1g) and potassium (1137.01 mg100-1g) were reported in the banana pseudo stem based RTS beverage with amla flavour. The banana pseudo stem RTS beverage can be stored up to two months in PET bottles at room (25±5° C) and up to six months under refrigerated (4±°C) conditions. The study revealed that the disposed part of BPS can be utilized for value added RTS beverage preparation with neutraceutical content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritionally enriched Ready to eat (RTE) chutney mix was explored by incorporating Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica) locally known as 'ondelga' in Kannada. Chutney mix was prepared using tamarind, bengal gram, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chillies and turmeric along with Centella asiatica leaves in different proportions. The effect of adding Centella leaves to RTE chutney mix (10, 20, 30 and 40%) on sensory, nutritional and shelf-life quality was examined. The best accepted combination of chutney mix (30: Centella: 70 other ingredients) was dehydrated at 50 °C for 8 hours and stored at ambient temperature in Metallised Polyester Polyethylene (MPP) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) pouches for a period of six months under ambient conditions. The colour and rehydration ratio of best accepted Centella chutney mix were 29.12(L*), 9.62 (a*), 43.06 (b* and 3.4 respectively. Enrichment of RTE chutney mix with Centella led to significant increase in Calcium (142 mg %), iron (4.58 mg %), phosphorus (169 mg %), zinc (1.82 mg %) and bioactive compounds such as total polyphenols (148 mg %), total flavonoids (142.24 mg %) and antioxidant capacity (349.28 mg %) compared to control. At the end of six months storage, the moisture (3.90 %), free fatty acid (0.44 %) and peroxide value (1.28 meq/ Kg of fat) were reported in Centella chutney mix and it was acceptable in sensory quality for six months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on effect of moisture content, air velocity and temperature on quality attributes of quinoa undergoing hot air popping was investigated. Preliminary trials were conducted with different pre-treatments such as salt water conditioning, buttermilk conditioning and moisture conditioning of quinoa grains. Moisture conditioned quinoa found to give better results in sensory attributes and hence optimization of the experiments were conducted using response surface methodology (RSM) under different moisture levels (10, 14 and 18%), air velocity (6, 7 and 8 cfm) and temperature (260, 290 and 320°C) combinations. The experimental results showed that the popping yield, popping effectiveness, volumetric expansion increased significantly (P<0.05) with an increase in moisture content, air velocity and temperature up to 14 per cent, 7 cfm and 290°C, respectively. The popping yield was varied from 48.5-62 per cent and was significantly influenced by moisture levels, air velocity and temperature. The quinoa grains with 14 per cent moisture popped at 290°C with air velocity of 7 cfm showed highest popping effectiveness (51.14%) volumetric expansion ratio (1.23) and lowest unpopped kernel percentage with lightness value, L* (79.37), redness, a* (2.87) and yellowness, b* (16.91) values. Hence, the study revealed that quinoa popped at 14 per cent moisture content, 7cfm air velocity and 290°C temperatures were found to be optimum conditions for good popping quality attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to formulate batter from the different blend ratio of the finger millet and black gram. The different blend ratios were 85:15 (FMT1), 80:20 (FMT2), 75:25 (FMT3) and 70:30 (FMT4) along with control rice and black gram (70:30) (FMT0). The samples were further studied for different parameters such as fermentation time, moisture, pH, acidity, bulk density and rise in batter volume, water activity (aw), total solids in batter and colour. Sensory evaluation of the idli prepared from the batter of different blend ratios were carried out. The results revealed that, the moisture, pH, acidity, bulk density and raise in batter volume, water activity (aw) and total solids in the batter values ranged between 55-64 per cent, 4.25 to 4.6, 0.49 to 0.68, 0.44 - 0.89 (g/cm3), 40- 70 per cent, 0.91 to 0.92, respectively. The L*, a* and b* colour values for the batter ranged from 64.73 to 84.03, -0.38 to 3.76 and 7.54 to 9.28 for the batter. Total dissolved solids in the batter ranged between 34 to 38 per cent. Sensory evaluation revealed that the overall acceptable scores and FMT1 (5.19) scored least blend ratio and the highest scored blend ratio was FMT4 (8) followed by FMT2 (7.16) and FMT3 (6.77). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a vital regulator of the fibrinolytic mechanism and has been intricately involved in various physiological and clinical processes, including cancer, thrombosis, and wound healing. The PAI-1 signaling pathway is multifaceted, encompassing numerous signaling molecules and nodes. Recent studies have revealed a novel contribution of PAI-1 during cellular senescence. This review introduces a pathway resource detailing the signaling network events mediated by PAI-1. The literature curated on the PAI-1 system was manually compiled from various published studies, our analysis presents a signaling pathway network of PAI-1, which includes various events like enzyme catalysis, molecular association, gene regulation, protein expression, and protein translocation. This signaling network aims to provide a detailed analysis of the existing understanding of the PAI-1 signaling pathway in the context of cellular senescence across various research models. By developing this pathway, we aspire to deepen our understanding of aging and senescence research, ultimately contributing to the pursuit of effective therapeutic approaches for these complex chronic diseases.