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Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and Tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanoparticles addition to castor oil produce nano lubricants of novel properties. These nanomaterial additives are dispersed thoroughly in the liquid phase and are intended to boost the base fluid's thermo-physical, rheological, and tribological properties. All these properties have been studied by varying concentrations of nanoparticles from 0.05 to 2.5%. The size of both nanoparticles are in the range of

Mangroves are more than just a tree as they are home to thousands of species, carbon absorbers and a natural coastal fortress against floods and storm surges. Hence, conservation planning and decision making for this valuable ecosystem must involve identification of priority conservation areas (PCAs) at species-specific dimensions. In the present study, we adopted an ensemble modelling approach for the distribution of two mangrove species (Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata) using high-resolution environmental and edaphic datasets, to identify the PCAs for future conservation. We also identified the key environmental variables shaping their distribution and precisely estimated the core distributional shift along the Indian coastline under changing climate scenario. The findings revealed that about 5844 km2 and 7846 km2 areas were identified as extremely suitable areas, which were distributed along Maharashtra coast and Kerala coast for R. mucronata and R. apiculata, respectively, in the current climate scenario. The distribution of R. apiculata was found to be mostly shaped by mean diurnal range and annual mean temperature, whereas the distribution of R. mucronata was primarily shaped by annual mean temperature and altitude. The highest range expansion of mangrove species occurred during middle Holocene due to high precipitation and sea-level rise and this finding is further supported by fossil pollen evidence. The suitable habitat range for R. apiculata is predicted to increase along Kerala coast under RCP2.6 scenario by 6.90% and 6.93% and under RCP8.5 scenario by 9.33% and 9.90% in the year 2050 and 2070, respectively, whereas the range for R. mucronata is getting reduced in the future climate scenario. Overall, our predictions reveal a steady migration of conducive mangrove habitat towards land or higher elevations due to relative sea level rise in future. These results would aid in planning a long-term species-specific conservation and management strategy for mangrove ecosystem along coastal India.

Background Hepatitis B (HB) is a worldwide public health problem affecting around 250 million people. Only about 10% of people with HB are aware that they are infected. Vaccination is crucial to prophylactically controlling HB and the combination of vaccination and HB immune globulin (HBIG) are essential in preventing disease after exposure to the HB virus. Objectives In this article, a caprylate-chromatography process has been used for the production of HBIG (HBIG-C). The previously used solvent-detergent process produced an HBIG (HBIG-S/D) with an excellent safety profile but allowed the retention of some procoagulant plasma proteins. The present studies were conducted to assess the character and purity of HBIG produced by the caprylate-chromatography process. Design and Methods Several analytical methods (eg, chromatography, immunoassays, and nephelometry) were used to assess the molecular characteristics, purity and HBIG potency and specific activity of HBIG-C. In addition, testing was conducted to assess the levels of several pro-coagulant factors. HBIG-C was compared with HBIG-S/D and other immunoglobulins manufactured by the S/D process. Results The analysis of HBIG-C showed that the product was almost entirely IgG (99.3 ± 0.2% by electrophoresis) and that the residual IgA was less than that found in S/D products. The IgG present in HBIG-C was 99.7 ± 0.6% monomers and dimers as measured by size exclusion chromatography. Aggregates and fragments constituted < 1%. The IgG subclass distribution in HBIG-C was in the normal reference range. Coagulation factor impurities and pro-coagulant activity were reduced in HBIG-C compared to IgG prepared by the S/D method. Conclusions HBIG-C takes advantage of long-established donor selection processes combined with recently improved manufacturing processes to produce a safe and effective HBIG-product. HBIG-C combines high purity with reduced pro-coagulant factors in a product used for post-exposure prophylaxis of HB.

Background and Objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common clinical finding during pregnancy, and if it is asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), it can progress to pyelonephritis, leading to further complications. The present study aims to know the prevalence of ASB in pregnant females and the antimicrobial resistance pattern in our hospital setup. Materials and Methods: A total of 552 urine samples were collected from pregnant females (with no symptoms of UTI) both attending outpatient department and admitted in the wards of obstetrics and gynecology department. Urine culture was performed on blood agar, MacConkey agar, and UTI chromogenic agar. Antibiotic sensitivity test was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and the results were interpreted. Results: The prevalence rate of ASB in pregnant females was 17.4%. It was common in the age group of 25–33 years (60.4%). The infection rate was higher in the second trimester (43.7%) compared to the third (29.2%) and first (27.1%) trimester. Multiparity (60.4%) was a common finding in ASB during pregnancy. There was a significant finding of previous history of UTI (22.9%) and anemia (58.3%) associated with ASB in pregnant females. Escherichia coli (39.2%) was the most common microorganism isolated followed by Staphylococcus aureus (34.3%), Enterococcus faecalis (14.7%), Klebsiella (4.9%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (2.9%), and Citrobacter and Acinetobacter (1.9%). Most sensitive drugs to be given in ASB during pregnancy were nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin. Conclusion: It was emphasized that urine culture should be done in early antenatal visit as routine screening to identify ASB in pregnant females as it can prevent fetal and maternal complications.

Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) are ultraviolet radiation (UV)-induced carcinogenic DNA photoproducts that lead to UV signature mutations in melanoma. Previously, we discovered that, in addition to their incident formation (iCPDs), UV exposure induces melanin chemiexcitation (MeCh), where UV generates peroxynitrite (ONOO−), which oxidizes melanin into melanin-carbonyls (MCs) in their excited triplet state. Chronic MeCh and energy transfer by MCs to DNA generates CPDs for several hours after UV exposure ends (dark CPD, dCPDs). We hypothesized that MeCh and the resulting dCPDs can be inhibited using MeCh inhibitors, and MC and ONOO− scavengers. Here, we investigated the efficacy of Acetyl Zingerone (AZ), a plant-based phenolic alkanone, and its chemical analogs in inhibiting iCPDs and dCPDs in skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and isogenic pigmented and albino melanocytes. While AZ and its methoxy analog, 3-(4-Methoxy-benzyl)-Pentane-2,4-dione (MBPD) completely inhibited the dCPDs, MBPD also inhibited ~50% of iCPDs. This suggests the inhibition of ~80% of total CPDs at any time point post UV exposure by MBPD, which is markedly significant. MBPD downregulated melanin synthesis, which is indispensable for dCPD generation, but this did not occur with AZ. Meanwhile, AZ and MBPD both upregulated the expression of nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways genes including Xpa, Xpc, and Mitf. AZ and its analogs were non-toxic to the skin cells and did not act as photosensitizers. We propose that AZ and MBPD represent “next-generation skin care additives” that are safe and effective for use not only in sunscreens but also in other specialized clinical applications owing to their extremely high efficacy in blocking both iCPDs and dCPDs.

Background There is paucity of real-world data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness from cohort designs. Variable vaccine performance has been observed in test-negative case-control designs. There is also scarce real-world data of health issues in individuals receiving vaccines after prior COVID-19, and of adverse events of significant concern (AESCs) in the vaccinated. Methods: A cohort study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2021 in a tertiary hospital of North India. The primary outcome was vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 during the second wave in India. Secondary outcomes were AESCs, and persistent health issues in those receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors of COVID-19 outcomes and persistent health issues. Results: Of the 2760 health care workers included, 2544 had received COVID-19 vaccines, with COVISHIELD (rChAdOx1-nCoV-19 vaccine) received by 2476 (97.3%) and COVAXIN (inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine) by 64 (2.5%). A total of 2691 HCWs were included in the vaccine effectiveness analysis, and 973 COVID-19 events were reported during the period of analysis. Maximum effectiveness of two doses of vaccine in preventing COVID-19 occurrence was 17% across three different strategies of analysis adopted for robustness of data. One-dose recipients were at 1.27-times increased risk of COVID-19. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was a strong independent protective factor against COVID-19 (aOR 0.66). Full vaccination reduced moderate–severe COVID-19 by 57%. Those with lung disease were at 2.54-times increased risk of moderate–severe COVID-19, independent of vaccination status. AESCs were observed in 33/2544 (1.3%) vaccinees, including one case each of myocarditis and severe hypersensitivity. Individuals with hypothyroidism were at 5-times higher risk and those receiving a vaccine after recovery from COVID-19 were at 3-times higher risk of persistent health issues. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination reduced COVID-19 severity but offered marginal protection against occurrence. The possible relationship of asthma and hypothyroidism with COVID-19 outcomes necessitates focused research. With independent protection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and high-risk of persistent health issues in individuals receiving vaccine after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, the recommendation of vaccinating those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection needs reconsideration.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenemase-producing microorganisms are becoming a major concern among hospital-acquired infections. There is also increased multidrug resistance seen among these isolates. AIMS: We have conducted this study to determine the prevalence of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) gene-producing Escherichia coli among hospitalized patients in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology with the tertiary care hospital settings. It was a prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted during January 2014–August 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 500 nonduplicate E. coli samples were processed. The isolates with reduced susceptibility to ertapenem, i.e., zone diameter between 19 and 21 mm, were considered carbapenemase producers. These isolates were subjected to modified Hodge test for phenotypic confirmation. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on all the screened isolates for molecular detection of NDM-1 gene. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was used to analyze the data and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 500 E. coli isolates, 61 (12.2%) were screened for carbapenemase production. 47 (9.4%) isolates were positive by modified Hodge test and 36 (7.2%) isolates showed the presence of blaNDM-1 gene (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is an increased prevalence of NDM-1 gene-producing E. coli isolates. These carbapenemase-producing isolates are more resistant to other group of antibiotics (aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones along with β-lactam group). Early detection of blaNDM-1 gene can help in choosing the effective treatment options for hospitalized patients in time, thereby reducing the risk of mortality.

There is a large body of research on cognitive interventions for older adults the review which suggests the following: (1) Cognition remediation therapy is indicated for healthy elderly, and in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early dementia, brain disease and injury, and severe mental illness (SMI). (2) Studies on healthy elderly demonstrate that with cognitive training (CT), cognitive stimulation (CS), and/or cognitive rehabilitation (CR) age-related cognitive decline can be reversed, at least partially if not fully, even in advanced age, with improved social functioning and quality of life. Better results are obtained if cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is combined with vocational/psychosocial rehabilitation. Generalization of training to activities of daily living (ADL) and to secondary outcome measures such as quality of life and self-esteem are issues that need to be addressed in older adults. (3) Research in MCI has indicated that CRT, especially memory training, has some role. Future studies should place focus on the assessment of dose-response relationship, training generalization, and ecologically relevant approaches. (4) Findings of earlier work in early-stage dementia were frustrating, more recent work, especially randomized controlled trials of high quality, has provided a ray of rope with respect to effectiveness of CT and CR. Further well-designed studies are required to provide more definitive evidence. (5) Significant therapeutic effects of CR have been observed on cognitive function and ADL in the elderly patients with stroke. Routine screening for stroke patients and those with brain injury for cognitive impairment is recommended. (6) Available research provides evidence that cognitive remediation benefits people with SMI, and when combined with psychiatric rehabilitation this benefit generalizes to functioning. Elderly with SMI need special focus. Further needs to be carried out on older people with SMI.

Staphylococcal nuclease domain containing-1 (SND1) is overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and promotes tumorigenesis by human HCC cells. We now document that SND1 increases angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) levels by increasing AT1R mRNA stability. This results in activation of ERK, Smad2 and subsequently the TGFβ signaling pathway, promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration and invasion by human HCC cells. A positive correlation was observed between SND1 and AT1R expression levels in human HCC patients. Small molecule inhibitors of SND1, alone or in combination with AT1R blockers, might be an effective therapeutic strategy for late-stage aggressive HCC.

Background: The aim of this study was to review the management of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt complications in children. Patients and Methods: During the last 5 years (January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010), 236 VP shunt operations were performed in children under 12 years of age; of these, 40 (16.94%) developed shunt complications and those who underwent VP shunt revisions were studied. Results: This prospective study included 40 (28 boys and 12 girls) children and required 48 shunt revisions. Complications following VP shunts that required shunt revisions were peritoneal catheter/peritoneal end malfunction (18), shunt/shunt tract infections (7), extrusion of peritoneal catheter through anus (5), ventricular catheter malfunction (4), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from abdominal wound (4), shunt system failure (2), ventricular end/shunt displacement (2), CSF pseudocysts peritoneal cavity (2), extrusion of peritoneal catheter from neck, chest, abdominal scar and through umbilicus, one each. Four-fifth of these shunt complications occurred within 6 months of previous surgery. Surgical procedures done during shunt revisions in order of frequency were revision of peritoneal part of shunt (27, 56.25%), revision of entire shunt system (6, 12.5%), extra ventricular drainage and delayed re-shunt (5, 10.41%), shunt removal and delayed re-shunt (5, 10.41%), opposite side shunting (2, 4.16%), cysts excision and revision of peritoneal catheter (2, 4.16%) and revision of ventricular catheter (1, 2.08%). The mortalities following VP shunt operations were 44 (18.64%) and following shunt revisions were 4 (10%). Conclusions: VP shunt done for hydrocephalus in children is not only prone for complications and need for revision surgery but also associated with considerable mortality.

Aim: The aim of this study was to review our experience with tube thoracostomy in the management of empyema thoracis in children. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 46 children (26 boys and 20 girls) who were admitted and managed for empyema thoracis, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 at the author′s department of paediatric surgery. Results: During the last 12 months, 46 children aged below 12 years were treated for empyema thoracis: Five (10.86%) were infants, 22 (47.82%) were 1 to 5 years and 19 (41.30%) were 6 to 12 years of age. All the patients presented with complaints of cough, fever and breathlessness of variable durations. Twenty three (50%) children had history of pneumonia and treatment prior to development of empyema. Thirty five (76.08%) children had right-sided and 11 (23.91%) had left-sided empyema. Thirty nine (84.78%) children were successfully treated with tube thoracostomy, systemic antibiotics and other supportive measures. Seven (15.21%) children failed to respond with above and needed decortications. Most commonly isolated bacteria were Pseudomonas (n = 12) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 7). The average length of hospital stay in patients with tube thoracostomy was 15.35 days, and in patients who needed decortications was 16.28 days following thoracotomy. There was no mortality amongst above treated children. Conclusions: Majority of children with empyema thoracis are manageable with tube thoracostomy, antibiotics, physiotherapy and other supportive treatment. Few of them who fail to above measures need more aggressive management.

BackgroundThe most frequently observed major consequences of ionizing radiation are chromosomal lesions and cancers, although the entire genome may be affected. Owing to its haploid status and absence of recombination, the human Y chromosome is an ideal candidate to be assessed for possible genetic alterations induced by ionizing radiation. We studied the human Y chromosome in 390 males from the South Indian state of Kerala, where the level of natural background radiation (NBR) is ten-fold higher than the worldwide average, and that from 790 unexposed males as control.ResultsWe observed random microdeletions in the Azoospermia factor (AZF) a, b and c regions in >90%, and tandem duplication and copy number polymorphism (CNP) of 11 different Y-linked genes in about 80% of males exposed to NBR. The autosomal homologues of Y-linked CDY genes largely remained unaffected. Multiple polymorphic copies of the Y-linked genes showing single Y-specific signals suggested their tandem duplication. Some exposed males showed unilocus duplication of DAZ genes resulting in six copies. Notably, in the AZFa region, approximately 25% of exposed males showed deletion of the DBY gene, whereas flanking genes USP9Y and UTY remained unaffected. All these alterations were detected in blood samples but not in the germline (sperm) samples.ConclusionsExposure to high levels of NBR correlated with several interstitial polymorphisms of the human Y chromosome. CNPs and enhanced transcription of the SRY gene after duplication are envisaged to compensate for the loss of Y chromosome in some cells. The aforesaid changes, confined to peripheral blood lymphocytes, suggest a possible innate mechanism protecting the germline DNA from the NBR. Genome analysis of a larger population focusing on greater numbers of genes may provide new insights into the mechanisms and risks of the resultant genetic damages. The present work demonstrates unique signatures of NBR on human Y chromosomes from Kerala, India.

Presence of the human Y-chromosome in females with Turner Syndrome (TS) enhances the risk of development of gonadoblastoma besides causing several other phenotypic abnormalities. In the present study, we have analyzed the Y chromosome in 15 clinically diagnosed Turner Syndrome (TS) patients and detected high level of mosaicisms ranging from 45,XO:46,XY = 100:0% in 4; 45,XO:46,XY:46XX = 4:94:2 in 8; and 45,XO:46,XY:46XX = 50:30:20 cells in 3 TS patients, unlike previous reports showing 5-8% cells with Y- material. Also, no ring, marker or di-centric Y was observed in any of the cases. Of the two TS patients having intact Y chromosome in >85% cells, one was exceptionally tall. Both the patients were positive for SRY, DAZ, CDY1, DBY, UTY and AZFa, b and c specific STSs. Real Time PCR and FISH demonstrated tandem duplication/multiplication of the SRY and DAZ genes. At sequence level, the SRY was normal in 8 TS patients while the remaining 7 showed either absence of this gene or known and novel mutations within and outside of the HMG box. SNV/SFV analysis showed normal four copies of the DAZ genes in these 8 patients. All the TS patients showed aplastic uterus with no ovaries and no symptom of gonadoblastoma. Present study demonstrates new types of polymorphisms indicating that no two TS patients have identical genotype-phenotype. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of more number of samples is warranted to uncover consensus on the loci affected, to be able to use them as potential diagnostic markers.