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In India, drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a major public health issue and a significant challenge to stop TB program. An estimated 27% of new TB cases and 44% of previously treated TB cases are resistant to at least one anti-TB drug. The conventional methods for DR-TB diagnosis are time-consuming and have limitations, leading to delays in treatment initiation and the spread of the disease. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) based approaches have emerged as a promising tool for diagnosing DR-TB, simultaneously offering rapid and accurate detection of resistance mutations in multiple genes. NGS-based approaches generate a large amount of data, which requires efficient and reliable bioinformatics pipelines for data analysis. TBProfiler and Mykrobe are the bioinformatics pipelines that have been created to analyze NGS data for the diagnosis of DR-TB. These pipelines use reference-based and machine-learning approaches to detect resistance mutations and predict drug susceptibility, enabling clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. Implementing NGS-based approaches and bioinformatics pipelines for DR-TB diagnosis can potentially improve patient outcomes by facilitating early detection of drug resistance and guiding personalized treatment regimens. However, the widespread adoption of these approaches in India faces several challenges, including high costs, limited infrastructure, and a lack of trained personnel. Addressing these challenges requires concerted effort to ensure equitable access to and effective implementation of these innovative technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A retrospective study done on all otosclerotic patients who underwent stapes surgery between January 2019 and June 2022 in the department of otorhinolaryngology in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Material and Methods: Fifty four patients were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria of the study included patients in the age group of 18-55 years with conductive hearing loss and an intact tympanic membrane and an air-bone gap (ABG) of more than 30 dB. Diagnosis of otosclerosis is based on clinical history of progressive hearing loss and audiometric evaluation. Pure Tone Average shows typical conductive hearing loss pattern. Aim and Objective: Preoperative and 6 months postoperative audiological evaluation was conducted to understand the difference in hearing. The same surgical technique was used in all the cases, except that the dimension of the foot plate removed was different. Results: The mean age of patients in years who underwent stapes surgery was 31.6 ± 6.4 years. Out of the 54 patients, 24 (44.44%) were male and 30 (55.56%) were female. The number of patients who underwent large fenestra stapedectomy was 30 (55.56%) and who underwent small fenestra stapedotomy was 24 (44.44%). There was a significant improvement in the hearing parameters (PTA and ABG) in both the groups after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the small fenestra and large fenestra groups in terms of improvement in PTA and ABG. Conclusion: In conclusion, both small fenestra stapedotomy and large fenestra stapedectomy are safe and effective procedures for improving conductive hearing loss in otosclerosis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic gaseous organic air pollutants such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (m, p, and o-x) (BTEX) are considered hazardous due to its adverse impacts on human health and on climate change. This review identifies the major research questions addressed so far and the research gap in research articles, published between 2001 and 2022, focusing on the ambient BTEX concentrations in different locations in India along with its sources, ozone formation potential (OFP), and associated health risks. The ambient levels of BTEX were also compared with those of other Asian countries. A comparison of ambient BTEX levels with different microenvironments in India is also presented. BTEX concentrations were found in the range of 30.95 to 317.18 µg m−3 and multi-fold higher in urban environments than those measured in the rural air. In most reported studies, the order of occurrence of BTEX compounds was toluene > benzene > xylene isomers > ethylbenzene and winter had higher concentrations than in other seasons, including summer. As far as BTEX levels in classified areas of urban environments are concerned, traffic locations have shown the highest BTEX concentrations, followed by residential, commercial, and industrial locations. OFP indicated that xylene isomers and toluene contributed to ozone formation. The major gaps in reported studies on BTEX measurement are (1) source apportionment; (2) impact on lower tropospheric chemistry, human health, and climate change; and (3) removal techniques from air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The work done in this paper provides the solutions for power access to rural and remote areas in developing nations. • The proposed affordable solution offers many advantages over the traditional central inverters. It provides more output power as compared to traditional central inverters under shading and dusting conditions. The results are validated through experimental investigation with regard to Indian weather conditions. • The proposed solution presents an optimal sizing strategy for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) for the low power rural household application. In literature, this kind of solution is yet not reported which makes this work novel. • This work presents the customized design of solar microinverter based PV System for different power provisioning levels for rural EWS houses. The proposed solution has an added advantage of addition of load in future without change in existing infrastructure. Reliable power supply is the key requirement for developing nations. Most of these nations are trying to modernize the rural lives by electrification in remote areas. Access to electricity is a bare requirement in future ages. This paper discusses the challenges faced by the utility companies in ensuring sustained electricity access to the new consumers followed by the various solutions. The techno – economic aspects of the proposed solution is validated by the experimental study. Based on the results, an optimal low-cost design is proposed in order for everyone to fulfil the minimum power needs. The paper presents an optimal size strategy for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) for the low power rural household application. The solar microinverter based PV System has been designed based on the daily load needs for one of the proposed layout plans of the (Gramin) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna adopted by Government of India. The proposed designs are also applicable for other developing nations. The proposed micro-inverter has been tested under different operating conditions and experimental validation proves its superiority over other inverter types, particularly for a low power application, as is the case for a typical low-income rural household. Economic considerations such as payback period has also been evaluated in this study. In addition, the proposed microinverter technology has also been tested in terms of power quality parameters under various operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the seasonal distribution of microplastics (MPs) and their associated biofilms in the water column of the Netravathi-Gurupura estuary, southwest India. An average abundance of 8.15 (±3.81) particles/l and 1.14 (±0.78) particles/l was observed during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Fibres, films, and fragments accounted for majority of the microplastics. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester, polystyrene, and high-density polyethylene were the major polymers. The risk assessment revealed a low Pollution Load Index, but the Polymer Hazard Index showed higher toxicity. Diatoms from nine genera were observed attached to the microplastic samples with Amphora and Navicula spp. reported in both estuaries during both seasons. The considerable diversity of diatoms, along with other microbial groups, in microplastic-associated biofilms in this study, highlights the urgent need to understand the structure and development of microplastic-associated biofilms and their role in the vertical and horizontal transport of microplastics in tropical estuaries. • Seasonal distribution of microplastics in the water column of tropical estuaries. • Microplastic concentrations were high (low) in the wet (dry) season. • Fibres, films, and fragments accounted for the majority of the microplastics. • First report of biofilms developed on microplastics from Indian waters. • Diatoms from nine genera were observed on the microplastic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scylla serrata plays a crucial role in India's seafood exports yet there exists limited understanding on the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in these crabs. In this baseline study, we examined the presence of microplastics in the digestive tracts of S. serrata collected from the Kota mangroves, southwestern coast of India. Our analysis revealed the presence of 264 MPs in all the samples with an average (± standard deviation) of 29.33 (±11.53) MPs/Individual. The most dominant categories were fibres (98.86 %) and fragments (1.14 %). Primarily 0.1–0.3 mm (50.90 %) and 0.3–1 mm (37.65 %) size range dominated. The predominant polymers were polypropylene (33.71 %), high-density polyethylene (31.44 %), and polyethylene terephthalate (17.80 %). Scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive weathering on the surface of the microplastics. Risk assessments indicated severe risks to S. serrata due to microplastic ingestion emphasizing the need to protect delicate ecosystems like mangroves and the biota within. [Display omitted] • A first report on microplastics in Scylla serrata from a mangrove forest in India. • The microplastics were dominated by 0.3–1 mm and 0.1–0.3 mm-sized fibres. • Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene were the dominant polymers. • The Polymer Hazard Index indicated a severe risk to the mud crabs. • The data are important as India exports a large amount of Scylla serrata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the effect of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL), an unusual amino acid isolated from the seeds of Trigonella foenum- graecum, on glucose uptake and the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to plasma membrane in skeletal muscle cells and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: Rat skeletal muscle cells (L6-GLUT4 myc) were treated with 4-HIL, and the effect on glucose uptake was determined by measuring the incorporation of radio-labeled 2-deoxy-[H]- d-glucose (2-DG) into the cell. Translocation of GLUT4 myc to plasma membrane was measured by an antibody-coupled colorimetric assay. Results: The prolonged exposure (16 h) of L6-GLUT4 myc myotubes to 4-HIL caused a substantial increase in the 2-DG uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface, without changing the total amount of GLUT4 and GLUT1. Cycloheximide treatment reversed the effect of 4-HIL on GLUT4 translocation to the basal level suggesting the requirement of new protein synthesis. The 4-HIL-induced increase in GLUT4 translocation was completely abolished by wortmannin, and 4-HIL significantly increased the basal phosphorylation of AKT (Ser-473), but did not change the mRNA expression of AKT, IRS-1, GLUT4, and GSK3β. Conclusion: Results suggest that 4-HIL stimulates glucose uptake in L6-GLUT4 myc myotubes by enhancing translocation of GLUT4 to the cell surface in a PI-3-kinase/AKT-dependent mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Meeting the feed supply of uranium fuel in the present and planned nuclear reactors calls for huge demand of uranium, which at the current rate of production, shows a mismatch. The processing methods at UCIL (DAE) needs to be modified/ changed or re-looked into because of its very suitability in near future for low-index raw materials which are either unmined or stacked around if mined. There is practically no way to process tailings with still some values. Efforts were made to utilize such resources (low-index ore of Turamdih mines, containing 0.03% U3O8) by NML in association with UCIL as a national endeavor. In this area, the R&D work showed the successful development of a bioleaching process from bench scale to lab scale columns and then finally to the India''s first ever large scale column, from the view point of harnessing such a processing technology as an alternative for the uranium industry and nuclear sector in the country. The efforts culminated into the successful operation of large scale trials at the 100kg and 2ton level column uranium bioleaching that was carried out at the site of UCIL, Jaduguda yielding a maximum recovery of 69% in 60 days. This achievement is expected to pave the way for scaling up the activity to a 100ton or even more heap bioleaching trials for realization of this technology, which needs to be carried out with the support of the nuclear sector in the country keeping in mind the national interest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: As mental health systems are still developing in many Asian countries, knowledge of the pathways to mental health care (MHC) in this region would be very important. Aims: To clarify the pathways to MHC in 5 Asian countries. Method: A total of 50 new subjects attending each institution were interviewed. Pathway diagrams, the patterns and duration of care seeking, and the previous treatment were compared. Results: Four major pathways were direct access, referrals from private practitioners, referrals from general hospitals, and referrals from native or religious healers. General practitioners did not play a pivotal role in any of the areas, whereas native or religious healers had an important place in all areas except for Yokohama, Japan. Family members had a significant impact on the decision to seek MHC. Conclusions: Studies of pathways to MHC in Asian countries are feasible and can provide data of interest in the organization of care. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper deals with the analysis of the 131 contributions of the journal entitled 'Annals of Library & Information Studies' published during 1999-2005. It examines yearwise, instituionwise, statewise distribution of contributions, authorship pattern, citation analysis, length of the contributions etc. The study shows that most of the contributions of this journal are contributed by single author and statewise distribution shows the most of that most of the contributions are contributed from New Delhi. Citation analysis of 1456 citations includes to find out average number of citations per contribution, types of publications cited and preparing of ranked list of cited journals in contributions of this journal. The study reveals that journals are the most cited publication amongst the library and information scientists and the source journal i.e. Annals of Library and Information Studies is the most cited journal in the contributions of this journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peganum harmala Linn, commonly known as ‘harmal’ belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae, is one of the most important medicinal plants of India. In continuation of our drug development program on Indian medicinal plants we discovered antihyperglycemic activity in 4-hydroxypipecolic acid (4-HPA), isolated from the seed of P. harmala. Effect of 4-HPA on glucose uptake and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) translocation was investigated in L6 skeletal muscle cell lines. Treatment with 4-HPA stimulated both glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation from intracellular to cell surface in skeletal muscle cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which might be leading to antihyperglycemic effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Microplastics are minute plastic particles ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm in size. Mangroves are crucial ecosystems with roles in carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and habitat for diverse species. Despite their significance, the extent of microplastic pollution in mangroves, especially in India, remains inadequately understood. To address this gap, we conducted a seasonal sampling in the Kota mangrove ecosystem at different water column depths. Our analysis revealed average microplastic abundances of 0.93 (monsoon), 3.71 (post-monsoon), and 2.92 MPs/L (pre-monsoon). The average microplastic abundances were 19.88 and 15.86 microplastics/individual for Gerres filamentosus and Sillago sihama, respectively. Fibrous microplastics smaller than 1 mm were dominant. Transparent microplastics dominated the water column (28.57% in monsoon, 77.45% in post-monsoon, and 49.24% in pre-monsoon), and they were also prevalent in S. sihama (49.55%) and G. filamentosus (41.51%). This points towards greater bioavailability and suggests that transparent microplastics are often mistaken for prey. Anthropogenic influence is a major factor that governs microplastic distribution than season in Kota mangroves. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that polypropylene was the dominant polymer in both water column as well as in S. sihama and G. filamentosus. We identified aquaculture, tourism, and local activities as probable sources of microplastic pollution. The monitoring data is crucial as it provides insights into microplastics pollution in two economically important fish species that are largely consumed by the local population. Exposure to microplastics from the consumption of these fish may cause serious health issues for human beings., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval The Institute Animal Ethics Committee of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education provided approval for this study (IAEC/KMC/09/2023 dated 06.01.2023). Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Eleven potentially toxic metal(loid)s (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn), proven source markers of mineral based coal-fired industrial emissions and vehicular exhausts, were analysed using the four steps sequential extraction method to evaluate metal(loid)s concentration, in total and fractions of bioavailable and non-bioavailable for fine (PM 2.5 ) and coarse (PM 10-2.5 ) particulate modes. A total of 26-day-wise samples with three replications (total number of samples = 78) were collected in January-December 2019 for each PM 10 and PM 2.5 at an urban-residential site in India. In both the coarse and fine particulate modes, Pb and Cr have respectively shown the highest and lowest total concentrations of the measured metal(loid)s, indicating the presence of coal-fired power plants and heavy vehicular activities near to study area. In addition, Mn has shown highest bioavailable fraction for both coarse and fine particulate modes. More than 50 % of metal(loid)s concentration, in total to a bioavailable fraction (BAF) were observed in case of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, and Pb of PM 2.5 . Mn and Zn have shown similar behaviour in the case of coarse particulate mode. Source apportionment of metal(loid)s bioavailable fractions using positive matrix factorization (PMF 5.0) has found three significant sources: crustal and natural dust (30.04 and 39 %), road traffic (49.57 and 20 %), and industrial emission (20.39 and 41 %) for coarse and fine particulate mode, respectively. Cancer risk through the inhalation pathway was high in total concentration but lower in BAF concentration in both age groups (children and adults)., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)