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In 2022, the global cosmetics active ingredients market was valued at ~$5 billion; biotechnology held just over 20% market share. The category is, however, the fastest growing, with a CAGR [...]

Background: Periodontal disease’s initiation and propagation is through a dysbiosis of the commensal oral microbiota. But recently, through the extraordinary progress, the interrelationship that exists between periodontal disease and systemic health has been unveiled. Through various studies, it has been revealed that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a greater risk of developing chronic periodontitis and vitamin D supplementation may help to preserve periodontal health.Aim: To find a co-relation between 25-hydroxy vitamin D status and the severity of periodontal diseases. To evaluate and compare the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy alone and in combination with vitamin D supplementation in reducing the severity of periodontal diseases.Methods: The present study was conducted on 90 non-menopausal female subjects who divided into 3 groups. Group I comprised of healthy controls. Group II comprised of patients with moderate chronic periodontitis who were assigned to receive only Scaling and root planing (SRP). While group III included patients with moderate chronic periodontitis who were assigned to receive SRP along with Vitamin D supplementation. The periodontal parameters and serum levels of 25- hydroxy vitamin D were recorded for all the participants at baseline. Group II and group III participants were reassessed at an interval of 3 months post-treatment.Results: The results indicated that vitamin D deficiency affected periodontal health negatively. Statistically highly significant improvement was observed in Group III as compared to group II, signifying the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation adjunctive to SRP.Conclusion: Regular evaluation of Vitamin D levels and supplementation to treat the deficiency may have potential periodontal health benefits.

Tumor spheroids are one of the well-characterized 3D culture systems bearing close resemblance to the physiological tissue organization and complexity of avascular solid tumor stage with hypoxic core. They hold a wide-spread application in the field of pharmaceutical science and anti-cancer drug research. However, the difficulty in determining optimal technique for the generation of spheroids with uniform size and shape, evaluation of experimental outputs, or mass production often limits their usage in anti-cancer research and in high-throughput drug screening. In recent times, several studies have demonstrated various simple techniques for generating uniform-size 3D spheroids, including the hanging drop (HD), liquid overlay technique (LOT), and microfluidic approaches. Morphological alterations apart from biochemical assays, and staining techniques are suitably employed for the evaluation of experimental outcomes within 3D spheroid models. Morphological alterations in response to effective anti-cancer drug treatment in 3D tumor spheroids such as reduced spheroid size, loss of spheroid compactness and integrity or smooth surface, are highly reliable. These alterations can significantly reduce the need for biochemical assays and staining techniques, resulting in both time and cost savings. The present article specifically covers a variety of available procedures in spheroid generation. For practical applicability, we have supplemented our review study with the generation of glioblastoma U87 spheroids using HD and LOT methods. Additionally, we have also incorporated the outcome of U87 spheroid treatment with doxorubicin on spheroid morphology.

Psoriasis is an aggressive chronic skin disorder that requires various therapies such as topical, oral, and occasionally, subcutaneous, or intravenous. In contrast, vitamins have more significant evidence in alteration to first-line therapies in the treatment of psoriasis. Vitamins such as fat-soluble and water-soluble supplements act as a secondary treatment that is given to reduce possible adverse effects from systematic medication, increase patient compliance, and consider affordable treatment costs. Here, the comparative study was conducted based on the data search from Pub Med, Google Scholar, Willy Library, etc., for both fat and water-soluble vitamins in psoriasis treatment first time. The present review summarizes the role of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) and water-soluble vitamins (B2, B6, B12, and C) based therapies in psoriasis treatment and result highlights the efficiency of oral supplementation of vitamins in psoriasis and systematic inflammation. Further, clinical studies along with in-vitroand in vivobased investigations have been compiled in this review, which shows that vitamins effectively can manage psoriasis. Additionally, the present review consists of chemical identification of both fat and water-soluble vitamins by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The role of vitamins therapies in psoriasis management is promising and can be further to give in new horizon for improving the treatment efficacy. This review could provide an insight into vitamins emerging therapy in the treatments of psoriasis.

Halosulfuron methyl is a sulfonylurea herbicide used worldwide for weed control in sugarcane, maize, wheat, and rice production. Considering its environmental impact, this study evaluated the effects of soil type, application rate, and temperature on the dynamics of halosulfuron methyl degradation. Additionally, as soil microbes and enzymes are reliable indicators of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on soil health, the effects of halosulfuron methyl on soil enzymatic and microbial activities were also assessed. The half-life (DT50) of halosulfuron methyl varied from 9.38 to 33.77 d. Increase in temperature accelerated the degradation and DT50varied from 14.39 to 33.77, 11.05 to 28.94, and 9.38 to 25.41 d at 5, 15, and 25 °C, respectively. The metabolites of halosulfuron methyl, including halosulfuron, methyl 3-chloro-5-((4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl) amino)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate, 4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinamine, and methyl 3-chloro-1-methyl-5-sulfamoyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate, were detected in the studied soils, and their appearance and disappearance varied with application rate, soil type, and incubation temperature. Halosulfuron methyl had transitory harmful effects on soil enzymatic and microbial activities depending on its application rate. The results suggest that the application rate of halosulfuron methyl, soil physicochemical parameters, and temperature should be considered together to ensure satisfactory weed control with reduced environmental risk.

Hypoglycaemia, which occurs when blood levels of glucose fall below what is considered a normal range, is a well-known complication of insulin therapy in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Despite advances in diabetes mellitus management, hypoglycaemia has continued to affect the majority of these individuals, leading to suboptimal care and decreased quality of life. Multiple epidemiological studies have demonstrated the risks associated with hypoglycaemic events. With this understanding, various advances have been made in therapeutics for diabetes mellitus management. Diabetes mellitus education continues to form the foundation for management and prevention of hypoglycaemia. The advent of newer diabetes mellitus technologies and newer insulins herald improvements in management strategies and hypoglycaemia prevention. Improved understanding of these newer approaches is needed to ensure delivery of safe and effective care to individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus, leading to reductions in both the short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality associated with hypoglycaemic events.

Purpose: The stock market generates massive databases of various financial companies that are highly volatile and complex. To forecast daily stock values of these companies, investors frequently use technical analysis or fundamental analysis. Data mining techniques coupled with fundamental and technical analysis types have the potential to give satisfactory results for stock market prediction. In the current paper, an effort is made to investigate the accuracy of stock market predictions by using the combined approach of variables from technical and fundamental analysis for the creation of a data mining predictive model. Design/methodology/approach: We chose 381 companies from the National Stock Exchange of India's CNX 500 index and conducted a two-stage data analysis. The first stage is identifying key fundamental variables and constructing a portfolio based on that study. Artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVM) and decision tree J48 were used to build the models. The second stage entails applying technical analysis to forecast price movements in the companies included in the portfolios. ANN and SVM techniques were used to create predictive models for all companies in the portfolios. We also estimated returns using trading decisions based on the model's output and then compared them to buy-and-hold returns and the return of the NIFTY 50 index, which served as a benchmark. Findings: The results show that the returns of both the portfolios are higher than the benchmark buy-and-hold strategy return. It can be concluded that data mining techniques give better results, irrespective of the type of stock, and have the ability to make up for poor stocks. The comparison of returns of portfolios with the return of NIFTY as a benchmark also indicates that both the portfolios are generating higher returns as compared to the return generated by NIFTY. Originality/value: As stock prices are influenced by both technical and fundamental indicators, the current paper explored the combined effect of technical analysis and fundamental analysis variables for Indian stock market prediction. Further, the results obtained by individual analysis have also been compared. The proposed method under study can also be utilized to determine whether to hold stocks for the long or short term using trend-based research.

Free Space Optics (FSO) is one the most in-demand technology, and is used indoors, on the ground, in space, and even underwater. It is used to broaden communication access to places where bandwidth is insufficient or where difficult topography prevents the use of cable communications. One of the foremost communication challenges that contribute to the degradation of FSO performance is the environmental condition. Hilly regions experience heavy rainfall and have rough terrain which may demean the FSO link communication. In this work, for real-time rain rate analysis of the Meghalaya region two unique rain attenuation models are investigated for monsoon months from the years 2014 to 2020. Considering Marshall and Palmer’s model and by employing 8, 16 and 32-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) schemes, radio-over-free space optical (RoFSO) system has been evaluated by varying FSO channel range, power and bit rate.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a machine science that can mimic human behaviour like intelligent analysis of data. AI functions with specialized algorithms and integrates with deep and machine learning. Living in the digital world can generate a huge amount of medical data every day. Therefore, we need an automated and reliable evaluation tool that can make decisions more accurately and faster. Machine learning has the potential to learn, understand and analyse the data used in healthcare systems. In the last few years, AI is known to be employed in various fields in pharmaceutical science especially in pharmacological research. It helps in the analysis of preclinical (laboratory animals) and clinical (in human) trial data. AI also plays important role in various processes such as drug discovery/manufacturing, diagnosis of big data for disease identification, personalized treatment, clinical trial research, radiotherapy, surgical robotics, smart electronic health records, and epidemic outbreak prediction. Moreover, AI has been used in the evaluation of biomarkers and diseases. In this review, we explain various models and general processes of machine learning and their role in pharmacological science. Therefore, AI with deep learning and machine learning could be relevant in pharmacological research.

Scrub typhus (ST) is a zoonotic disease, caused by O. tsutsugamushiis a major cause of acute febrile illness (AFI) in India. There is a need to study the prevalence and risk factors in various regions of India.

Prediction and the stock market go hand in hand. Due to the inherent limitations of traditional forecasting methods and the pursuit to uncover the hidden patterns in stock market data, stock market prediction using data mining techniques has caught the fancy of academicians, researchers, and investors. Based on a systematic review of more than 143 research studies spanning 25 years, the present paper brings to light the major issues concerning forecasting of stock markets based on data mining techniques, such as usage of data mining techniques in the stock market, input data types, single versus hybrid techniques, instruments and stock markets researched, types of software and algorithms used, measures of forecast accuracy, and performance of various data mining techniques. Emerging patterns related to various dimensions have been critically analyzed by highlighting the existing limitations and suggesting future research paradigms. This analysis can be useful for academicians, researchers and investors looking for futuristic directions in a given research domain.

Present study explores the efficacy/performance of association rules for prediction of global stock indices. Global stock indices data for the last 12 years are used to develop the prediction models. The data consists of several technical indicators. Technical indicators were converted to categorical variables and rules were extracted using association rules. The performance of mined rules was tested for global stock indices considered in this study. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that association rules have potential to provide profitable returns with a fair degree of model parsimony. The outcome of the study indicate that Stochastic Oscillator %K%D, relative strength index (RSI), Disparity 5 Days and Disparity 10 Days are the common market signal sources across all stock indices. Along with these, investors can make decisions using additional indications from rate of change (ROC), commodity channel index (CCI) and Momentum. Association rules can be used for profitable decision making with limited number of technical indicators. Limited number of technical indicators are easy to handle even for smaller retail investors. Trading decisions made on the basis of mined association rule were able to comprehensively beat buy-and-hold return for the selected indices included in the study.

The primary objective of this paper is to design the framework for enhancing the emotional competence of preschool children by examining the perspective of parents’ involvement with children staying at home. The paper also discusses (1) the concept of social-emotional competence and its importance for preschool children; (2) the concept of emotional competence, happiness, home learning, and sharing among children; and (3) the role of parents in promoting emotional competence in preschool children. The paper examined the impact of home learning, happiness, and sharing habits on the emotional competence of preschool children by using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) 2.0. The respondents included 358 randomly selected parents in two districts of Punjab state of India who have children aged 3 to 6 years. The results showed that happiness and home learning had a significant positive impact on the emotional competence of preschool children. However, sharing habits did not impact emotional competence to a significant extent in the current study.

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Lack of intention and political will is making the RTE a failure At least once a week, nineyear- old Durga starts her day cleaning the floor of [...]

Interview - Atishi Marlena Giving highest priority to education, the AAP government in Delhi is working towards bringing government schools at par with private schools. Atishi Marlena, advisor to deputy [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur A new film captures the plight of parents struggling to send their children to elite schools - and lays bare what is wrong with the education system [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur A stringent bill proposes to ban commercial surrogacy. Shouldn't it rather ensure that surrogates are not exploited, for an outright ban might well drive the business underground? [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur A new book from the Oxford India Short Introduction series explains why and how public policymaking is no longer confined to the legislature Democracy today is changing. [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Election-bound Punjab is in a drug-induced stupor, cancer from pesticide exposure is rampant in its farm belts. Old-guard politicians have been lazy, and AAP hopes to cash [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur A new book from the Oxford India Short Introduction series explains why and how public policymaking is no longer confined to the legislature Democracy today is changing. [...]

Byline: Pratap Vikram Singh, Pankaj Kumar and Jasleen Kaur * But were afraid to ask. It is government's last valiant attempt to bring black money out, and make it productive [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Arun Kumar, retired economics profess or, JNU What do the income disclosure or amnesty schemes reflect on the government? What it suggests is that the government under [...]

Sn Sathu, Ceo, Hl Infra Tech Service S Limited (Hites) HLL Infra Tech Services Limited (HITES), a wholly owned subsidiary of public sector firm HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), has recently [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Despite making an operating profit, first time in a decade, the state carrier is unable to spread its wings The state-owned ailing flag carrier is in news [...]

PL Punia, chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Castes Dalit atrocity in Gujarat has highlighted the plight of people fighting with the social stigma even after seven decades of independence. In [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Key recommendations of the committee headed by TSR Subramanian Amendments in RTE Act * The no-detention policy must be continued for children until completion of class 5. [...]

Sheila Dikshit, former chief minister , Delhi Veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, during her three consecutive terms as Delhi chief minister, often blamed the multiplicity of authorities in the national [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Full statehood, a potential solution to the capital's powerless governance, remains mired in politics Delhi's maverick chief minister Arvind Kejriwal would not like to be clubbed with [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Disinvestment started on a positive note, but weak market put it on the back foot In 1991 when the government first decided to divest its equity stake [...]

Byline: Jasleen Kaur Companies doing their bit for the society - or corporate social responsibility (CSR), to use the jargon - is of course not a new phenomenon. The Tatas [...]

Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is a modular and bio-orthogonal approach that is being adopted for the efficient synthesis of organic and bioorganic compounds. It leads to the selective formation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole units connecting readily accessible building blocks via a stable and biocompatible linkage. The vast array of the bioconjugation applications of click chemistry has been attributed to its fast reaction kinetics, quantitative yields, minimal byproducts, and high chemospecificity and regioselectivity. These combined advantages make click reactions quite suitable for the lead identification and the development of pharmaceutical agents in the fields of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. In this review, we have outlined the key aspects, the mechanistic details and merits and demerits of the click reaction. In addition, we have also discussed the recent pharmaceutical applications of click chemistry, ranging from the development of anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral agents to that of biomedical imaging agents and clinical therapeutics.

COVID-19 outburst initiated from the city of Wuhan in China in December 2019 and has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern. This pandemic portrays a spectrum of clinical complications, primarily affecting the respiratory system reported to be caused by a pathogen SARS-CoV-2 belonging to the family of beta coronavirus. Currently, the main objective of the government authorities of all affected countries and research organizations is to find a potential solution in the form of a pharmacological intervention or a vaccination to eradicate the disease and to have a long-term solution to deal with the pandemic. A multitude of anti-viral regimens is proposed based on the repurposing of currently available drugs for other issues or the compassionate use of drugs to immediately control and optimize the healthcare facilities. Meanwhile, a number of agencies are proposing new drug candidates to recreate the possibility of treating the disease. Similarly, a lot of research work is going on worldwide for the development of vaccination. Currently, a good number of candidates has finally reached the borders of Clinical Trials and are expected to be launched as soon as possible. However, the regulatory framework and authorization of these candidates is the most significant aspect of the whole scenario, which needs a specific set of time for validation purposes. The present work is widely focused on the general aspects of COVID-19 and the regulatory landscape for the emergency authorization of repurposed drug candidates, compassionate use of drugs, investigational entities, and vaccine development worldwide.

Immeasurable extension of technology for smart devices is perceived in the present scenario, and has resulted in advancements in the growth of such smart devices in diverse domains. An application specific, customized, and lightweight operating system (OS) eventually builds the complete smart device. The user may face difficulties in developing application specific customized OS because of lack of knowledge or resource constraints. The aim of this paper is to assist the users through a generic smart framework that significantly reduces the constraints in the design and development of smart devices and help the users to automatically build an application specific lightweight customized OS. The targeted framework comprises an intelligent graphical user interface that directs the selection of processor and application specific key components. The performance analysis of the framework is done through an experimental test on two different application areas. The findings infer that the size and boot time of an OS build from the framework diminishes by more than 50%.

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved considerably in the last 60 years. While there are now many AI applications that have been deployed in high-income country contexts, use of AI in resource-poor settings remains relatively nascent. With a few notable exceptions, there are limited examples of AI being used in such settings. However, there are signs that this is changing. Several high-profile meetings have been convened in recent years to discuss the development and deployment of AI applications to reduce poverty and deliver a broad range of critical public services. The authors provide a general overview of AI and how it can be used to improve global health outcomes in resource-poor settings. They also describe some of the current ethical debates around patient safety and privacy. The research paper specifically highlights the challenges related to women menstrual hygiene and suggests AI technology for improving the menstrual hygiene and healthcare services in resource-poor settings for women. Many health system hurdles in such settings could be overcome with the use of AI and other complementary emerging technologies. Further research and investments in the development of AI tools tailored to resource-poor settings will accelerate the realization of the full potential of AI for improving global health in resource-poor contexts.

The gamification of learning has increased in popularity in recent years as a tool for enhancing student engagement and attainment. In undergraduate chemistry courses, hybridization is a fundamental concept that students need to master in order to understand introductory organic and inorganic topics. This study focused on the development of a card game for use as a revision tool (i.e., a learning resource that can be used by students to engage with a topic they have previously encountered and develop their understanding of the topic in advance of an assessment) based on the topic of hybridization for students taking introductory chemistry courses. The game was designed to both engage students and support their learning. Covering the core concepts of hybridization, including molecular geometry, orbital character, and hybridization states, the speed-based game requires students to answer “question cards” before their opponents by placing down the correct “hybridization card”. The game was implemented with chemistry cohorts at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and Xi’an Jiatong-Liverpool University, China. The impact of the game on student learning was evaluated through pre- and postintervention quizzes, as well as a survey based on student impressions of the game play experience. Students responded positively about the game play experiences, and a comparison of quiz scores suggests a positive impact on student understanding of the topic.

ABSTRACTThe rise in population is driving up the global food demand, which, in turn, influences the processing of foods that leads to the ample generation of waste material throughout the world. Molasses is one of the wastes generated from the sugarcane processing industry by repeated crystallization during sugar preparation. The yield varies from 2.2 to –3.7% per tons of sugarcane. Due to its composition and economic importance, it is the major choice (as a carbon source) for food, feed and fermentation industries in the fructification of ethyl alcohol, liquor (rum), dry yeast, acetone, butanol, certain organic acids, etc. However, the on-going scenario of global research, the largest quantity of molasses is being utilized for the manufacture of ethanol. Traditionally, this is used for the manufacture of hukas, tobacco and liquors. However, due to its improper management, such as storage, packaging and transportation, the entire production of molasses is not being commercially utilized. It possesses numerous health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-obese, anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, anti-anaemic, improves bone and hair health, used for the treatment of skin and anaemia. The present review is aimed to enlighten the composition, types of molasses, its respective utilization (traditional/conventional), health benefits and regulations.

Background: In the past two decades, the human coronavirus (HCoV) outbreaks have gripped the international communities almost six times in different forms [HCoV-OC43 (2001); HCoV-NL63 (2004); SARS-CoV (2003); HCoV HKU1 (2005); MERS- CoV (2012); SARS-CoV- -2 (2019)]. These emerging pathogens have been proven very challenging from medical perspectives, economic conditions, and psychological impact on human society.Introduction: SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, has evidenced a historic yet troublesome pandemic across the globe. In humans, its clinical manifestations may range from asymptomatic, severe pneumonia to mortality. Bats are the natural reservoirs of a variety of viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae. Most of the bats harboring coronaviruses mainly reside in Asian and African regions.Objective: The objective was to describe the various characteristic features of all coronaviruses, clinical manifestations, and complications associated with SARS-CoV-2. The major goal was to highlight the involvement of the strong immune system of bats in the cross-species transmission of coronaviruses in intermediate hosts and, finally, zoonotic transmission in humans.Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted for high quality research and review articles. We searched the databases for articles published between the year 1972 to 2020 with search terms zoonosis, coronaviruses, zoonotic transmissions, clinical manifestations, and the immune system of bats.Conclusion: The domestic and non-domestic animals come in closer contact with humans. Some requisite measures should be taken to decrease the contact with livestock to prevent further threatening viral transmissions. Furthermore, the remarkable immune system of bats is required to inquire thoroughly to develop novel therapeutics to conquer the evolving coronaviruses in the future.

Background: National Mental Health Program (NMHP) was launched by the government with an aim to improve mental health of the society through precise and focused interventions and policies. In order to provide reliable data and evidence for NMHP, there is a strong requirement of a comprehensive system for integrative collection, storage, and analysis of data generated by this program.Methods: Data collection tools, questionnaires, instruments, and scales provided by the National Coordinating Unit were digitized using the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) framework (version 2.30). The rules for data validation and automated scoring were implemented as per the scales. The developed system (i-MANN, ICMR-Mental Health Assessment National Network) is based on modular architecture with role-based access to data input forms and dashboards.Results: The data are stored on a centralized server at ICMR. i-MANN captures data on basic and advanced demographic details followed by category specific forms from 15 multicentric ICMR-funded projects. Data collection module is divided into 12 categories containing 93 scales/instruments with built-in validation rules, scoring patterns, and indicators. As of August 2020, the system contains 17,690 records.Conclusions: i-MANN is the first web-based, modular, robust, and extendable system for collection, integration, management, and analysis of data on mental health in India.

Non-communicable diseases are the major inducer of mortality and morbidity in the Western world. In terms of nutrition, a diet high in fat (particularly saturated fat), salt and sugars have shown to be associated with innumerable incidence of diet- associated health diseases. Dietary modification is a central part of any treatment strategy. The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is one among such healthy dietary patterns, which emphasizes on the consumption of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods, including whole grains, poultry, fish, and small quantities of red meat, sweets and drinks containing sugar. This study provides certain practical evidence that prolonged adoption of DASH diet which can be a useful treatment for numerous non-communicable diseases with a sustained effect on the health that involves both accessibility and proximity to healthy eating choices. Long-term studies are required to assess whether these effects are maintained over time.

We propose an alternative technique for generating a tunable supercontinuum in a liquid-filled chalcogenide capillary optical fiber exhibiting three zero-dispersion wavelengths. To investigate the tunable supercontinuum, a nonlinear Schrödinger equation is solved to understand the soliton pulse dynamics. Utilizing temperature-assisted dispersion tailoring, the generation of dispersive waves that are tunable within a broad wavelength range of 3630–4650 nm and 2230–2560 nm is reported, with detailed investigations of various spectrograms confirming the predictions of dispersive waves through phase-matching characteristics. Also, temperature-controlled soliton spectral tunneling is numerically predicted in the same fiber and depends on the spectral width of the normal dispersion region between two anomalous regions.

Background: Holarrhena antidysenterica is a deciduous shrub/small-tree having bioactive alkaloids such as conessine, known for astringent, antidysenteric, anthelmintic, stomachic, febrifugal, tonic and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties. Dementia is an age related neurodegenerative syndrome with Alzheimer’s disease, the most prominent cause, which has limited therapeutic options available. Objective: The present study aimed to explore the potential benefits of H. antidysenterica in the management of dementia. Methods: Aqueous and methanol extracts of powdered bark of H. antidysenterica were prepared, concentrated and conessine concentration was estimated using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method. Methanol extract of H. antidysenterica (MEHA) was administered at doses 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg (i.p.) to mice (20-30 g) for 14 consecutive days. Scopolamine (Scop; 1 mg/kg) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 250 μg/kg) were given (i.p.) before behavioural trials to induce memory impairment. Learning and memory functions in mice were evaluated. Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, glutathione (GSH) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive substances (TBARS) levels were estimated. Results: MEHA markedly increased learning and memory of mice. Scop or LPS caused a significant decline of spatial memory in mice, which was attenuated by MEHA (100 and 200 mg/kg). Furthermore, LPS conspicuously increased the lipid peroxidation and compromised antioxidant levels in mice brains. MEHA pre-treatment significantly increased GSH content and decreased TBARS level in the brain of LPS administered mice. AChE activity was significantly decreased by MEHA in the brain of mice. Conclusion: The methanol extract of H. antidysenterica may prove to be a useful remedy in the management of dementia.

Background: The glymphatic system actively exchanges cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) to eliminate toxic interstitial waste solutes from the brain parenchyma. Impairment of the glymphatic system has been linked to several neurological conditions. Glioblastoma, also known as Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of malignant brain cancer within the glioma category. However, the impact of GBM on the functioning of the glymphatic system has not been investigated. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) and advanced kinetic modeling, we examined the changes in the glymphatic system in rats with GBM. Methods: Dynamic 3D contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) with intra-cisterna magna (ICM) infusion of paramagnetic Gd-DTPA contrast agent was used for MRI glymphatic measurements in both GBM-induced and control rats. Glymphatic flow in the whole brain and the olfactory bulb was analyzed using model-derived parameters of arrival time, infusion rate, clearance rate, and residual that describe the dynamics of CSF tracer over time. Results: 3D dynamic T1WI data identified reduced glymphatic influx and clearance, indicating an impaired glymphatic system due to GBM. Kinetic modeling and quantitative analyses consistently indicated significantly reduced infusion rate, clearance rate, and increased residual of CSF tracer in GBM rats compared to control rats, suggesting restricted glymphatic flow in the brain with GBM. In addition, our results identified compromised perineural pathway along the optic nerves in GBM rats. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the presence of GBM-impaired glymphatic response in the rat brain and impaired perineural pathway along the optic nerves. Reduced glymphatic waste clearance may lead to the accumulation of toxic waste solutes and pro-inflammatory signaling molecules which may affect the progression of the GBM.

Scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Although the presence of eschar is considered pathognomic, diagnosis of scrub typhus is challenging due to overlapping presentation. The diagnosis is based on the serological and molecular assay. Here, we describe a case of a young male patient who was diagnosed with scrub typhus and developed complications in the course of the disease. We also performed molecular characterization of the strain which revealed a close relatedness to Karp-like Linh.DT strains were previously reported from Vietnam.

Changing climatic conditions and invasion of ticks in urban areas have led to a greater number of cases of tick-borne diseases, thus, becoming a matter of increasing concern. Tick borne rickettsioses are one of the important emerging diseases worldwide. Knowledge of epidemiology of the vector and pathogen in the community is essential in order to understand and prevent the transmission of the disease to healthy population.

Byline: Jasleen. Kaur, Nidhi. Sharma, Sanjeev. Sharma Multiple squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is an exceedingly rare entity. It has been reported in a few patients of psoriasis [...]