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The present study was on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) seeds var. Punjab Nagina. The quality of brinjal seeds in terms of vigour and viability severely declines due to natural ageing during storage between harvesting and the next sowing season. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various priming treatments on the quality and storability of brinjal seeds. The freshly harvested seed was divided into two lots. One of these seed lots was subjected to accelerated ageing to obtain low vigour seed and the other lot was considered to be high vigour. The high and low vigour seeds were primed with KNO3 (1%), GA3 (100ppm), KH2PO4 (0.1M), PEG 6000 (30%) and H2O, respectively for 12 hours at 25oC. The seeds were stored in moisture-impervious bags for 12 months in a refrigerator (4oC). The objective was to observe whether the priming treatments improve the seed vigour and retain the advantages obtained during storage. The seeds were drawn at three monthly intervals, viz., zero, three, six, nine and twelve months of storage to study germination percentage, speed of germination, mean days to germination, seedling length, root length, shoot length, seedling dry weight and seedling aand vigour index. With an increase in storage duration, a decline in the physiological aspect of seed quality was observed in both high and low vigour seeds. All the priming treatments improved the germination-related parameters in both high and low vigour seeds over control but the extent of improvement varied. Seed priming with GA3 (100ppm) and KNO3 (1%) were the best treatments for both high and low vigour seeds, even after storage for 12 months.

Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying skeletal dysfunction in the context of diabetes is needed to guide the development of therapeutic interventions to reduce the burden of diabetic fractures. Osteocytes, the 'master regulators' of bone remodeling, have emerged as key culprits in the pathogenesis of diabetes-related skeletal fragility.Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes cause chronic hyperglycemia that, over time, reduces bone quality and bone formation. In addition to acting as mechanosensors, osteocytes are important regulators of osteoblast and osteoclast activities; however, diabetes leads to osteocyte dysfunction. Indeed, diabetes causes the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products and senescent cells that can affect osteocyte viability and functions via increased receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) signaling or the production of a pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype. These changes may increase osteocyte-derived sclerostin production and decrease the ability of osteocytes to sense mechanical stimuli thereby contributing to poor bone quality in humans with diabetes.Osteocyte dysfunction exists at the nexus of diabetic skeletal disease. Therefore, interventions targeting the RAGE signaling pathway, senescent cells, and those that inhibit sclerostin or mechanically stimulate osteocytes may alleviate the deleterious effects of diabetes on osteocytes and bone quality.

In recent years, the idea of green-oriented approach gained traction in both academic research as well as corporate research. Companies are now able to identify the long-term benefits of being responsible towards the environment. This paper attempted to understand the relationship between green-orientation of a brand, antecedents of customer based brand equity, namely of Aaker’s Model with respect to the FMCG Industry in India. Data was collected from 207 FMCG product consumers from India above the age of 18. Person’s correlation coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression were calculated to ascertain the relationship between green orientation and the antecedents of CBBE. It was found that brand loyalty was the most significant on CBBE, whereas brand association was the least. The results of this research would be helpful for the brands to take decisions accordingly as it may act as an incentive to be more innovative towards sustainable ways of operating.

In addition to reducing fracture risk, zoledronate has been found in some studies to decrease mortality in humans and extend lifespan and healthspan in animals. Because senescent cells accumulate with aging and contribute to multiple co-morbidities, the non-skeletal actions of zoledronate could be due to senolytic (killing of senescent cells) or senomorphic (inhibition of the secretion of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype [SASP]) actions. To test this, we first performedin vitrosenescence assays using human lung fibroblasts and DNA repair-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which demonstrated that zoledronate killed senescent cells with minimal effects on non-senescent cells. Next, in aged mice treated with zoledronate or vehicle for 8 weeks, zoledronate significantly reduced circulating SASP factors, including CCL7, IL-1β, TNFRSF1A, and TGFβ1 and improved grip strength. Analysis of publicly available RNAseq data from CD115+ (CSF1R/c-fms+) pre-osteoclastic cells isolated from mice treated with zoledronate demonstrated a significant downregulation of senescence/SASP genes (SenMayo). To establish that these cells are potential senolytic/senomorphic targets of zoledronate, we used single cell proteomic analysis (cytometry by time of flight [CyTOF]) and demonstrated that zoledronate significantly reduced the number of pre-osteoclastic (CD115+/CD3e-/Ly6G-/CD45R-) cells and decreased protein levels of p16, p21, and SASP markers in these cells without affecting other immune cell populations. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that zoledronate has senolytic effectsin vitroand modulates senescence/SASP biomarkersin vivo. These data point to the need for additional studies testing zoledronate and/or other bisphosphonate derivatives for senotherapeutic efficacy.

Senescence drives organismal aging, yet the deep characterization of senescent cellsin vivoremains incomplete. Here, we applied mass cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) using carefully validated antibodies to analyze senescent cells at single-cell resolution. We used multiple criteria to identify senescent mesenchymal cells that were growth arrested and resistant to apoptosis (p16+/Ki67-/BCL-2+; “p16KB” cells). These cells were highly enriched for senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and DNA damage markers and were strongly associated with age. p16KB cell percentages were also increased in CD24+ osteolineage cells, which exhibited an inflammatory SASP in aged mice and were robustly cleared by both genetic and pharmacologic senolytic therapies. Following isolation, CD24+ skeletal cells exhibited growth arrest, SA-βgal positivity, and impaired osteogenesisin vitro. These studies thus provide a new approach using multiplexed protein profiling by CyTOF to define senescent mesenchymal cellsin vivoand identify a highly inflammatory, senescent CD24+ osteolineage population cleared by senolytics.

Introduction: Deep bite is a complaint where there is an increase the in the vertical overlap between the upper and lower arch front teeth. Deep bite is a relatively short face with a square gonial angle and flat mandibular plane are related to the skeletal dimensions that influence this condition. An untreated, deep overbite leads to the problems such as: abnormally increased wear and harm to the teeth, periodontal complains issues with occluding and chewing food, headaches and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), painful sores or ulcers, loss of tooth structure and tooth itself. There are various treatment modalities which aid in correction of these anomalies. Such as: mini screw implants Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) and various intrusion arches. Need of the Study: Due to the paucity of evidence regarding rate of intrusion and the correlation of root resorption with use of bilateral TADs and Connecticut Intrusion Arch (CIA), with the aid of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), the present study will be conducted to provide an insight into the efficacy of both treatment modalities to correct deep bite and identify which of the two modalities provide less damage to the root and surrounding structure. Materials and Methods: The following prospective interventional study will be conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The duration of study will be two years. A sample of 20 patients will be split into two groups to perform the study. Bilateral TADs will be implanted in group A, while CIA will be placed in group B to allow for the intrusion of front teeth. All the patients will be started with initial levelling and alignment using MBT 0.022” bracket prescription. After leveling and alignment miniscrew implants (TADs) will be placed in the labial cortical plates in between the lateral and canine bilaterally in Group A and CIA will be placed in patients allotted to Group B. CBCT records will be collected in the following time intervals: Before applying intrusion mechanics (T0 ), After one month of applying intrusion mechanics (T1 ), three months after applying intrusion mechanics; (T2 ) six months after applying intrusion mechanics (T3 ). Rate of intrusion and amount of root resorption will be assessed and compared between these time intervals. Expected Outcome: The rate of intrusion using different intrusion mechanics have been assessed by other studies, however, they have not been correlated with the amount of root resorption caused by these technique. Therefore, the present study intends to evaluate and compare the rate of intrusion and the amount of root resorption of maxillary anterior teeth using TADs and CIA and thereby assessing better modality in correction of deep bite.

Estrogen is known to regulate bone metabolism in both women and men, but substantial gaps remain in our knowledge of estrogen and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) regulation of adult bone metabolism. Studies using global ERα-knockout mice were confounded by high circulating sex-steroid levels, and osteocyte/osteoblast-specific ERα deletion may be confounded by ERα effects on growth versus the adult skeleton. Thus, we developed mice expressing the tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 in osteocytes using the 8-kilobase (kb) Dmp1 promoter (Dmp1

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that shape behavioural intentions of customers towards the adoption of payment banks in India. The conceptual framework of study is based upon integration of technology acceptance model with initial trust, facilitating conditions and social influence. Further, the study tests the moderating role of age, income and self-efficacy on the relationships between dependent variable and associated predicted variable. A total of 507 responses were collected from the state of Punjab (India), using convenient sampling technique and were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM). The results revealed that perceived ease of use had the highest impact on the behavioural intentions, followed by initial trust and social influence. Facilitating conditions and perceived usefulness showed lower impact on the behavioural intentions towards the adoption of payment banks. Also, moderation analysis revealed that self-efficacy moderates the relation of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness with behavioural intentions. Results imply that marketers should collaborate with developers to provide the customers with easy-to-operate solutions along with robust customer support mechanism to escalate the adoption intention of those having lower self-efficacy levels.

Much of the population is now faced with an enormous burden of age-associated chronic diseases. Recent discoveries in geroscience indicate that healthspan in model organisms such as mice can be manipulated by targeting cellular senescence, a hallmark mechanism of aging, defined as an irreversible proliferative arrest that occurs when cells experience oncogenic or other diverse forms of damage. Senescent cells and their pro-inflammatory secretome have emerged as contributors to age-related tissue dysfunction and morbidity. Cellular senescence has causal roles in mediating osteoporosis, frailty, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, renal diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, hepatic steatosis, and metabolic dysfunction. Therapeutically targeting senescent cells in mice can prevent, delay, or alleviate each of these conditions. Therefore, senotherapeutic approaches, including senolytics and senomorphics, that either selectively eliminate senescent cells or interfere with their ability to promote tissue dysfunction, are gaining momentum as potential realistic strategies to abrogate human senescence to thereby compress morbidity and extend healthspan.

An individual with vague pain in the upper neck, after being treated with multitude of therapies, allopathy and alternative medicine, most likely is a victim of the “Eagle’s syndrome”. An endoscopic assisted surgical intervention provides relief and solace to many.

Miller, RM, Freitas, EDS, Heishman, AD, Koziol, KJ, Galletti, BAR, Kaur, J, and Bemben, MG. Test-retest reliability between free weight and machine-based movement velocities. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 440-444, 2020-Several devices are available to measure muscular power through velocity measurement, including the Tendo FitroDyne. The ability for such devices to produce consistent results is still questioned, and the reproducibility of measurement between free weight and machine exercise has yet to be examined. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to determine the test-retest reliability for barbell velocity during the bench press (BP) and weight velocity during the 2 leg press (2LP) for loads corresponding to 20-80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Forty recreationally active individuals (22.6 ± 2.5 years; 175.9 ± 10.8 cm; and 76.2 ± 13.2 kg) with a 1RM BP and 2LP of 66.8 ± 32.4 kg and 189.5 ± 49 kg, respectively, volunteered for this study. Subjects completed 1 familiarization visit preceding 3 testing visits, which encompassed 1RM determination and 2 days of velocity testing. Forty-eight hours after 1RM testing, the subjects performed 1 repetition at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% of their 1RM for each exercise in randomized order. Subjects returned to the laboratory 1 week later to perform the velocity assessment again in randomized order. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and relative SEM for the BP and 2LP ranged from 0.56 to 0.98 (3-18.1%) and 0.78 to 0.98 (2.8-7.2%), respectively, and no mean differences were observed between trials. The results suggest high reliability for BP velocity between 30 and 60% 1RM and moderate reliability at 20, 70, and 80% 1RM, while the 2LP displayed high to excellent reliability from 20 to 80% 1RM. Cumulatively, machine-based exercise displayed greater reproducibility; however, additional machine exercises need to be examined to bolster this conclusion.

Background: Racial/ethnic differences in bone mineral density (BMD) result in increased susceptibility of some ethnic groups to fragility fractures in comparison to others. Conventionally, both lean mass and fat mass provide mechanical loading to the skeleton and increase BMD, however, increase in fat mass beyond a certain level without a concurrent increase in muscle mass/strength, is detrimental to the skeleton. The aim of this study was to determine racial/ethnic differences in BMD, muscle function and fat mass in 18-30-year-old women of Caucasian, East-Asian, South-Asian, Hispanic and African-American backgrounds. Materials and methods: Forty- six women participated in the study. The visits included signing a written informed consent and questionnaires to assess health status, menstrual history, physical activity and calcium intake. Body composition (fat mass, bone free lean body mass (BFLBM), and bone mineral content (BMC)) and total and regional BMD were measured using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, while handgrip test, jump test, 1Repetition- Maximum leg press test, and bilateral isokinetic testing of knee flexors and extensors were used to quantify lower limb muscle strength and power. Results: African-American women had a higher BMD at the left and right trochanter (p=0.03) and higher BMC at several sites in comparison to South-Asians (p=0.02) and Hispanics (p=0.03). South-Asian women had a higher fat mass (p=0.04) and percent body fat (p=0.003), and lower BFLBM (p=0.04) and strength (p=0.003) than East-Asians and Caucasians. Conclusion: This type of research is essential to identify at-risk minorities and fundamental for creating awareness, developing ethnicity-specific diagnostic criteria, and preventative and therapeutic strategies. Keywords: DXA; Osteoporosis; Body composition; Premenopausal; Lean mass; Muscle strength.

ObjectiveMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising tools as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in various chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, cancers, type I and II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Considering the rising interest in the regulatory role of miRNAs in bone metabolism, aging, and cellular senescence, accurate normalization of qPCR-based miRNA expression data using an optimal endogenous control becomes crucial.MethodsWe used a systematic approach to select candidate endogenous control miRNAs that exhibit high stability with aging from our miRNA sequence data and literature search. Validation of miRNA expression was performed using qPCR and their comprehensive stability was assessed using the RefFinder tool which is based on four statistical algorithms: GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and comparative delta CT. The selected endogenous control was then validated for its stability in mice and human bone tissues, and in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) following induction of senescence and senolytic treatment. Finally, the utility of selected endogenous control versus U6 was tested by using each as a normalizer to measure the expression of miR-34a, a miRNA known to increase with age and senescence.ResultsOur results show that Let-7f did not change across the groups with aging, senescence or senolytic treatment, and was the most stable miRNA, whereas U6 was the least stable. Moreover, using Let-7f as a normalizer resulted in significantly increased expression of miR-34a with aging and senescence and decreased expression following senolytic treatment. However, the expression pattern for miR-34a reversed for each of these conditions when U6 was used as a normalizer.ConclusionsWe show that optimal endogenous control miRNAs, such as Let-7f, are essential for accurate normalization of miRNA expression data to increase the reliability of results and prevent misinterpretation. Moreover, we present a systematic strategy that is transferrable and can easily be used to identify endogenous control miRNAs in other biological systems and conditions.

ObjectivesResponding to pandemics is challenging in pluralistic health systems. This study assesses COVID-19 knowledge and case management of informal providers (IPs), trained practitioners of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) and Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) medical doctors providing primary care services in rural Bihar, India.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study of primary care providers conducted via telephone between 1 and 15 July 2020.SettingPrimary care providers from 224 villages in 34 districts across Bihar, India.Participants452 IPs, 57 AYUSH practitioners and 38 doctors (including 23 government doctors) were interviewed from a census of 1138 primary care providers used by community members that could be reached by telephone.Primary outcome measure(s)Providers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with choice-based answers to gather information on (1) change in patient care seeking, (2) source of COVID-19 information, (3) knowledge on COVID-19 spread, symptoms and methods for prevention and (4) clinical management of COVID-19.ResultsDuring the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, 72% of providers reported a decrease in patient visits. Most IPs and other private primary care providers reported receiving no COVID-19 related engagement with government or civil society agencies. For them, the principal source of COVID-19 information was television and newspapers. IPs had reasonably good knowledge of typical COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, and at levels similar to doctors. However, there was low stated compliance among IPs (16%) and qualified primary care providers (15% of MBBS doctors and 12% of AYUSH practitioners) with all WHO recommended management practices for suspect COVID-19 cases. Nearly half of IPs and other providers intended to treat COVID-19 suspects without referral.ConclusionsPoor management practices of COVID-19 suspects by rural primary care providers weakens government pandemic control efforts. Government action of providing information to IPs, as well as engaging them in contact tracing or public health messaging can strengthen pandemic control efforts.

Introduction: All psychiatric disorders exhibit excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neural damage as their common characteristic. The endogenous nuclear f...

Malware attacks are broadly disguised as useful applications. Many android apps, downloaded to perform crucial tasks or play games (take one's pick), seem to do completely different tasks, which are potentially harmful and invasive in nature. This could include sending text messages to random users, exporting the phone's contacts, etc. There exist some algorithms in place that can detect these malwares, but so far, it has been observed that many of these algorithms suffer from false negatives, which grossly reduced the effectiveness of said algorithms. The aim of this chapter is to introduce a flexible method to detect if a certain application is malware or not. The working can be loosely defined as the source of a set of applications is detected and the list of permissions is studied. The set of relevant and highly close applications is selected, and from the most relevant category, the permissions are checked for overlap to see if it can be stated as a possible anomalous application.

This study aims to elucidate the factors that affect users’ intention to use payments bank services in India. The research model focuses on closing the gap between the intention to use and the actual usage of payments banks by integrating various quality dimensions with the trust and reputation of service provider. The research model was tested and validated using the partial least squares, which was performed on the data of 393 Indian users. SmartPLS software version 3.2.8 has been used in the current study. The results revealed that satisfaction and intentions to use have a significant effect on actual usage. The reputation of service provider, service quality and trust are the major constructs that significantly affect satisfaction and users’ intention to use payments banks. To make the consumers adopt the payments banks, they need to be satisfied, which can further lead to the actual usage. As payments banks are at a nascent stage, the reputation of service provider and trust are the most influential antecedents to the satisfaction and intention of users. Additionally, it is very pertinent for the service providers to use modern and safe technology to enhance their trust. Furthermore, personalized services for grievances redressal should be used to ensure the proper service and information being delivered to the user.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is one of the common reasons for acute kidney injury (AKI) and we need to develop effective therapies for treating AKI. We investigated the role of fenofibrate against I/R-induced AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction in rats. In male wistar albino rats, renal pedicle occlusion for 40 min and 24 h reperfusion resulted in AKI. I/R-induced AKI was demonstrated by measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium and urinary microproteins. Oxidative stress in rat kidneys was quantified by assaying superoxide anion generation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and reduced glutathione levels. AKI-induced hepatic damage was quantified by assaying serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels. Moreover, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides were quantified. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of renal and hepatic tissues was done and the kidney and liver injury scores were determined. Immunohistology of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was done in rat kidneys. Fenofibrate was administered for 1 week before subjecting rats to AKI. In separate group, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was administered prior to fenofibrate treatment. In I/R group, significant alteration in the serum/urine parameters indicated AKI and hepatic dysfunction along with marked increase in kidney and liver injury scores. Treatment with fenofibrate attenuated AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction. Moreover, I/R-induced decrease in renal eNOS expression was abrogated by fenofibrate. Pre-treatment with L-NAME abolished fenofibrate mediated reno- and hepato-protective effects. In conclusion, fenofibrate attenuates I/R-induced AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction putatively through modulation of eNOS expression.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW. Senescent cells are now known to accumulate in multiple tissues with aging and through their inflammation (the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP), contribute to aging and chronic diseases. Here we review the roles of senescent osteocytes in the context of bone loss. RECENT FINDINGS. Numerous studies have established that senescent osteocytes accumulate in the bone microenvironment with aging in mice and in humans. Moreover, at least in mice, elimination of senescent cells results in attenuation of age-related bone loss. Osteocyte senescence also occurs in response to other cellular stressors, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and metabolic dysfunction where it appears to mediate skeletal deterioration. SUMMARY. Osteocyte senescence is linked to bone loss associated with aging and other conditions. Senescent osteocytes are potential therapeutic targets to alleviate skeletal dysfunction. Additional studies better defining the underlying mechanisms as well as translating these exciting findings from mouse models to humans are needed.

OBJECTIVES: Access to quality ante-natal care (ANC) during pregnancy can prevent a large number of risks at birth caused by low birthweight, prematurity, congenital abnormalities or asphyxia. Satisfaction with ANC services is an important yet neglected aspect of quality of care that could help to improve maternal and child health outcomes through better compliance and adoption of optimal health and nutrition practices during pregnancy. This study aims to assess women's perceived satisfaction with ANC services and its association with compliance behaviour during pregnancy. METHODS: We considered existing theoretical frameworks such as the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior to design a Likert scale based self-assessment tool for satisfaction with a score ranging from 1 to 4. This tool was administered to 8583 mothers with children under three years of age across six districts of Rajasthan. Satisfaction with respect to the most recent pregnancy was assessed. We conducted exploratory factor analysis to construct the satisfaction scales for the respondents. Multivariate analysis was conducted to understand the association of satisfaction levels with key explanatory variables including caste, wealth, education, number of ANC visits, and iron and folic acid tablet consumption as a key indicator for compliance. RESULTS: Majority of the women were satisfied with the respectful treatment and support provided by the ANC providers. They reported being less satisfied with the individual attention they received. Information and treatment/referral provided by the health workers for management of infections was reported to be the least satisfying aspect of ANC. Further, satisfaction among beneficiaries was positively and significantly associated with the number of ANC visits and consumption of iron and folic acid tablets. Satisfaction with respect to health information provided was significantly higher for women with secondary level education and above, in comparison to illiterate women. CONCLUSIONS: The ANC experience needs to be improved to provide individual attention to pregnant women and counsel them to manage and seek timely treatment for infections. Better satisfaction is likely to lead to better compliance and nutritional behaviour, thereby contributing to better mother and child health outcomes. FUNDING SOURCES: Children's Investment Fund Foundation.

OBJECTIVES: The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) in partnership with the Government of Rajasthan seeks to reduce prevalence of low birthweight through multi-faceted interventions to strengthen existing delivery of services during pregnancy continuing into early childhood. We employed a quasi-experimental matched case design with matching at district, block, and sub-center level to enable a difference-in-difference estimation of impact of the interventions at endline. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective baseline survey of mothers with children under three years in 2018 to assess prevalence of low birthweight in six districts of Rajasthan. Primary household survey data was collected on 8583 mothers with children under the age of three years and 2406 currently pregnant women. Birthweight records of 5702 children under three years were collected from public facilities where the children were reported to be delivered by the mothers surveyed. RESULTS: Matching facility birthweight records of children born to mothers in the sample confirmed heaping of data, consistent with studies from developing countries that rely on administrative or secondary sources of birthweight records. We observed heaping of birthweight readings around multiples of 500 gms; 23% of the new-borns weighed 2.5 kgs and 19% weighed 3 kgs. Possible reasons for misreporting include malfunctioning or mis calibrated spring scales, manual data entry errors in the labor room registers, poor knowledge of optimal weighing practices and misclassification of low birthweight new-borns as normal birthweight. CONCLUSIONS: Concerns with reliance on facility records for the key impact indicator have highlighted the need for standardisation of birthweight measurement at public delivery facilities. All public delivery facilities in the evaluation's treatment and control areas will receive digital weighing scales in labor rooms, along with training and mentoring of labor room staff based on a standardised protocol. This has implications for endline assessment of impact - average birthweight (continuous variable) will be used as the primary outcome for difference-in-difference impact estimation at endline. Changes in prevalence of low birthweight will only be tested using endline sample conditional on baseline equivalence. FUNDING SOURCES: Children's Investment Fund Foundation.

Arsenic exposure is well documented to cause serious health hazards, such as cardiovascular abnormalities, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In the present study, we intended to explore the role of bosentan, an endothelial receptor antagonist, against sodium arsenite-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats. Sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg, oral) was administered for 4 weeks to induce renal dysfunction in rats. Sodium arsenite intoxicated rats were treated with bosentan (50 and 100 mg/kg, oral) for 4 weeks. Arsenic led renal damage was demonstrated by significant increase in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, microproteinuria and decreased creatinine clearance in rats. Sodium arsenite resulted in marked oxidative stress in rat kidneys as indicated by profound increase in lipid peroxides, and superoxide anion generation alongwith decrease in reduced glutathione levels. Hydroxyproline assay highlighted arsenic-induced renal fibrosis in rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated glomerular and tubular changes in rat kidneys. Picrosirius red staining highlighted collagen deposition in renal tissues of arsenic treated rats. Immunohistological results demonstrated the reduction of renal eNOS expression in arsenic treated rats. Notably, treatment with bosentan attenuated arsenic-induced renal damage and resisted arsenic-led reduction in renal eNOS expression. In addition, sodium arsenite–induced alteration in hepatic parameters (serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin), oxidative stress and histological changes were abrogated by bosentan treatment in rats. Hence, we conclude that bosentan treatment attenuated sodium arsenite–induced oxidative stress, fibrosis and reduction in renal eNOS expression in rat kidneys. Moreover, bosentan abrogated arsenic led hepatic changes in rats.

Background: Informal providers (IP) have a large presence in India’s health workforce; they are usually first contact primary care providers for rural populations. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms will likely first see an IP. This study aims to understand COVID-19 knowledge and management practices of IPs and trained practitioners of Indian systems of medicine (AYUSH), and medical doctors (MBBS) in the state of Bihar, India. Methods: In a 2019 household survey we identified primary care providers who had served patients in the last month. Providers were contacted via telephone in July 2020 when Bihar was experiencing a rapid increase in COVID cases. Using structured questionnaires we interviewed 452 IPs, 57 AYUSH, and 38 MBBS doctors (including 23 government doctors) from 224 villages across 34 of 38 districts in Bihar. Findings: Most providers experienced a fall in patient visits during the pandemic. Most IPs and qualified private providers had no engagement with government agencies; their principal source of COVID-19 information was television and newspapers. IP knowledge levels of COVID-19 and its prevention was comparable with qualified providers. There was low stated compliance among IPs (16%) and qualified providers (15% of MBBS doctors, and 12% of AYUSH practitioners) with all WHO recommended practices for suspect COVID-19 cases. Interpretation: Government action to improve IP and other primary care provider COVID-19 knowledge and case management will strengthen efforts to control the pandemic, particularly in rural areas. Because IPs are embedded within communities, they can make important contributions to contact tracing efforts and public health messaging. Funding Statement: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, India. Declaration of Interests: None declared for KDR, JK, MKP, and NK. PN is employee of the funding agency. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was granted by the Indian Institutional Review Board in India (Reference number: 1007/IRB/20-21) as well as Johns Hopkins University Institutional Review Board. The purpose of the study was explained and oral informed consent was obtained from each respondent.

A 20-year-old lady presented with neck swelling with difficulty in swallowing and trismus. On clinical examination there was a diffuse swelling involving the neck. Lateral radiograph of the neck was taken which showed straightening of the cervical spines with 10-12 mm widening of the prevertebral space (figure 1). Computed Tomography scan of the neck showed hypodense fluid collection in the retropharyngeal space from C4-C8. Ultrasonography of the neck showed thrombosis in bilateral internal jugular vein. An eccentric soft tissue plaque was seen along the mid internal jugular vein measuring 1.8 mm. USG Doppler showed partial thrombosis of bilateral IGV showing ulcerated plaque with luminal narrowing approximately 30% on right side and a soft tissue plaque causing luminal narrowing of up to 25% on left side. Sputum for acid fast bacilli and Mantoux test were negative. Patient was taken up for cervical exploration and around 20-25 cc of pus was drained by putting an incision over maximum bulge over posterior pharyngeal wall.