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Background: Highways represent the most significant capital asset that any country’s public sector holds. A system of national highways with easy access to ambulance and trauma centers is termed emergency rescue ready and helps reduce the mortality due to road accidents. Given the rich impetus for road infrastructure development by the government of India, there is a need to consider emergency rescue readiness on highways. Previous research suggests that on typical Indian highways, an ambulance can reach the accident scene within 30 minutes; the remaining 30 minutes of golden hour is essential for saving the life of the injured by admitting to a healthcare facility with a trauma unit. Objective: To investigate the emergency rescue readiness for a stretch of highway between two cities in India. The main objective is to determine the possibility of transporting the injured due to the accident on the highway to the nearest available trauma center within 30 minutes. Methods: A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based network analysis method has been adopted to find the possibility of transporting the injured anywhere on the circuit of a national highway to the nearest healthcare unit within 30 minutes. Results: A map representing the status of emergency rescue readiness has been presented for the study area. For a circuit of national highway with a length of 805 km, in a stretch of 89.5% (718.5 km), the injured can be transported to the healthcare unit within 30 minutes. In the remaining 10.5% of the highway, the healthcare units are significantly far from the highways and may hamper the post-crash rescue operations. Conclusion: There exists a wide disparity in trauma care delivery in the study area. Currently, the healthcare units established to serve the areas with dense populations also serve as emergency rescues during accidents on the national highways. Using GIS techniques for highway stretches with difficulty reaching the trauma centers, a national-level assessment is highly recommended.

Thin films of Ni:ZnO were successfully synthesized by sol-gel spin coating system for 0.5 % and 2.5 % Ni doping concentration on FTO coated substrate. The synthesized films were annealed at 540 °C for 4 h. The annealed thin films were characterized for its electrical, optical and chemical characteristics using UV–Vis, Micro Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. The UV–Vis spectra analysis reveals that the energy band gap of deposited films found to be 3.58 eV and 3.51 eV for 0.5 % and 2.5 % Ni:ZnO thin films, respectively. Two significant characteristic peaks identified at 424 cm−1 and 563 cm−1 in Raman spectra. These peaks are attributed to E2high and LO(A1 and E1) modes, which confirms the hexagonal wurtzite phase of Ni:ZnO thin films. Furthermore, the absorption peaks observed at 530 cm−1 and 635 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra are attributed to the characteristic stretching vibrational modes of Zn-O and Ni-O bonds, respectively.

Abstract Adam’s Bridge is a submerged ridge connecting India and Sri Lanka, generally regarded as a chain of shoals extending for ~ 29 km from Dhanushkodi on the Indian side to Talaimannar Island of Sri Lanka. A high-resolution digital bathymetric elevation model generated using the seafloor returned photons of ICESat-2 was used to understand the intricate details of Adam’s Bridge structure. Photons emanating from ICESat-2’s green laser have the potential to detect the seafloor up to a depth of ~ 40 m; taking a cue from this potentiality, in our research, we have accrued ~ 0.2 million photons representing the depth information and generated a 10 m resolution bathymetric data for the extent of Adam’s Bridge. Visual interpretations made from this bathymetric data through 3D perspectives with multi-directional lighting effects, and also with the derived parameters like contours, slope, and volumetric analysis, enabled us to recognize the current form of Adam’s Bridge’s physical features. The results from our research confirm that, in its entirety, Adam’s Bridge is a submarine continuation of Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar Island. Throughout the crest line of Adam’s Bridge, approximately 1.5 km on either side is highly undulating within the super-shallow water with occurrences of sudden depths. There is an asymmetry of transverse slopes to the base on both sides of Adam’s Bridge, indicating dominant transgression of material energy from the waters of the Gulf of Mannar compared to the Palk Strait. The volume of Adam’s Bridge computed in our research yielded a value of ~ 1 km3; interestingly, only 0.02 percent of this volume is above the mean sea level, and in general, the same is visible in optical satellite imagery—in total ~ 99.98 percent of the Adam’s Bridge is submerged in shallow and super-shallow waters.

Abstract This data descriptor elaborates the details of a high-resolution digital bathymetric elevation model generated for the region, namely, Adam’s Bridge, which encompasses a chain of shoals between Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The proposed dataset has taken advantage of the photon penetrability in the shallow waters by the green laser of ICESat-2 LiDAR to derive the seabed topography. Seafloor depths from ~0.2 million geolocated photons of ICESat-2 for the study area were accrued and interpolated to generate a 10 m digital bathymetric elevation model. Adam’s Bridge, an isthmus and submerged reefal assemblage in shallow and super-shallow waters, is a feature of scientific curiosity. Our dataset has the potential to enhance the understanding of Adam’s Bridge structure by providing substantial information to reconstruct its evolution.

Abstract Background Hip hemiarthroplasty has traditionally been used to treat displaced femoral neck fractures in older, frailer patients whilst total hip replacements (THR) have been reserved for younger and fitter patients. However, not all elderly patients are frail, and some may be able to tolerate and benefit from an acute THR. Nonagenarians are a particularly heterogenous subpopulation of the elderly, with varying degrees of independence. Since THRs are performed electively as a routine treatment for osteoarthritis in the elderly, its safety is well established in the older patient. The aim of this study was to compare the safety of emergency THR to elective THR in nonagenarians. Methods A retrospective 10-year cohort study was conducted using data submitted to the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) across three hospitals in one large NHS Trust. Data was collected from 126 nonagenarians who underwent THRs between 1st January 2010 – 31st December 2020 and was categorised into emergency THR and elective THR groups. Mortality rates were compared between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were also compared including postoperative complications (dislocations, revision surgeries, and periprosthetic fracture), length of stay in hospital, and discharge destination. Results There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups, with 1-year mortality rates of 11.4% and 12.1% reported for emergency and elective patients respectively (p = 0.848). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication rate and discharge destination. Patients who had emergency THR spent 5.56 days longer in hospital compared to elective patients (p = 0.015). Conclusion There is no increased risk of 1-year mortality in emergency THR compared to elective THR, in a nonagenarian population. Therefore, nonagenarians presenting with a hip fracture who would have been considered for a THR if presenting on an elective basis should not be precluded from an emergency THR on safety grounds. Trial registration Not necessary as this was deemed not to be clinical research, and was considered to be a service evaluation.

With the intensification of aquaculture to meet the rising demands of fish and shellfish, disease outbreaks during the larval and adult stages are a major challenge faced by aqua culturists. As the prophylactic use of vaccines and antibiotics has several limitations, research is now focused on sustainable alternatives to vaccines and antibiotics, e.g., medicinal plants, probiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, as promising candidates to strengthen the immune response of fish and shellfish and to control disease outbreaks. With respect to probiotics, numerous studies are available revealing their health-promoting and beneficial impacts in aquaculture. However, most studies focus on Bacillus and Lactobacillus species. Keeping in view the positive effects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in aquaculture, researchers are now looking for other probiotic bacteria that can be used in aquaculture. Recently, many non-lactic acid bacteria (non-LAB), which are mainly host-associated, have been reported to reveal beneficial effects in fish and shellfish aquaculture. The main non-LAB probiotic genera are Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Paenibacillus, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Enterobacter, Phaeobacter Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio. Despite the promising effects of non-LAB probiotics, comparably, there is limited available information in this context. This review focuses only on probiotic strains that are non-LAB, mostly isolated from the host digestive tract or rearing water, and discusses their beneficial effects in fish and shellfish aquaculture. This review will provide detailed information on the use of various non-LAB bacteria and provide a roadmap to future studies on new probiotics for sustainable aquaculture.

Background: The transportation system plays a crucial role in the context of socioeconomic development, whereas the highway infrastructure acts as a base for the transportation system. In recent years, a rich impetus has been given to the development of road infrastructure by Indian governance. There is a need to introspect how well the prevailing highway infrastructure is equipped with emergency rescue management during road accidents. Lack of ambulance service and trauma facilities along the highways results in a steady loss of lives and injuries and increases people's exposure to risks. Objective: This study aims to determine the response time of ambulance reachability to the accident spot on Indian national highways associated with heavy commercial transportation. Also, determining the time to transport the injured to the nearest trauma facility is another factor included as an objective in this investigation. Methods: The study adopted survey-based research, whereby the variables in the questionnaire were designed to record and assess the time for an ambulance to reach the accident spot and, from there, to transport the injured to the trauma management facility on Indian highways. Two hundred twenty-five participants who were either victims/relatives of victims or those involved in the rescue of the injured have participated in the survey. The dates of the accident events were 2017 and 2022. Results: The survey resulted in the identification of two categories of highway accidents. The first category of accidents happened on the highways near city limits/dense settlements, and the second category occurred on the core highways. The percentage of accidents caused on the highways either adjacent to or passing through the city limits/dense settlements was reported to be higher than the accidents on the core highways. Ninety percent of the participants reported successful contact with the ambulance call/service centre, but only ~75% success rate exists for ambulances to reach the accident scene. On the core highways, the time taken for the ambulance to arrive at the accident scene is 25–35 minutes. The results from the survey ascertained that the patients were prioritised for treatment in the nearest hospitals (irrespective of having a trauma facility) at a distance of ~12–20 km, for which the time taken is ~15–25 minutes. Importantly, from the interviews, it is understood that in many cases, these hospitals have further referred to specialty hospitals located in nearby cities or trauma centres with greater facilities. Occasions exist where the injured were taken directly to hospitals 30–40 km from the accident spot, for which the time was more than 40 minutes. Conclusions: The results provide evidence that in either of the accident cases on the highways that are adjacent to/passing through the city limits or on the core highways, the total time for emergency care accessibility is nearly 60 minutes or greater; this implies that in the majority of cases, there is very meagre time left to provide emergency medical care to the needy and injured on the Indian highways to abide by the concept of golden hour. Plausible reforms backed by technology for enabling highways into 'emergency rescuable highways' are highly needed to guarantee a safer and more sustainable transportation system in India.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying lockdown measures adversely affected institution-based education system including medical education. Internet-based online teaching emerged as the only alternative mode of continuing medical education during those times. The situation was novel to the medical institutions, the faculties, as well as the students and involved coordinated effort from all stakeholders for an efficient outcome to the ritual of compulsory online medical education. Aims and Objectives: The study was planned to obtain the perspective and point of view to various aspects of online teaching from of the MBBS students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted through a questionnaire using Google-Forms on MBBS students of Raiganj Government Medical College, Raiganj, from August 1, 2022 for a period of 1 week after obtaining necessary ethical clearance. Results: A total of 174 students responded out of 202. Majority of the respondents (81.3%) said that it was their first experience of online teaching. Most attended 2–3 h of online classes daily and did not want it to be more than that either. Somnolence during class was cited as the most common physical difficulty, while poor network connectivity was the biggest logistic problem. Live lecture was the most preferred mode of online teaching and personal email interaction with the concerned faculties was the most preferred mode for doubt clearing. Most students found online classes inferior than offline classes with respect to opportunity to interact with teachers, class ambience, ability to sustain attention, demonstration of practical skills, and peer-interaction. Conclusion: Online medical education, in spite of all its present drawbacks and demerits, can be used as a tool to provide medical education alongside offline mode after making necessary innovations and modifications by analyzing student as well as faculty feedback.

Plastic waste has become a significant global ecological concern due to its substantial harmful impacts. They are eventually colonized and transformed by diverse microbial communities known as the ‘‘plastisphere”. Only a limited group of microbes have been identified so far due to the prevalence of non-culturable strains that inhabit polymer substrates. We investigated the community diversity and predictive functionality of the plastisphere microbiota using a high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach to unveil their plastic degrading potential. Samples were collected from four different plastic-enriched disposal sites adjacent to Kolkata, West Bengal, India, followed by processing, gDNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing. The most prevalent phyla were Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobia. The functional profiling revealed that genes associated with metabolism, cellular processes, and signalling were most prevalent, followed by poorly characterized information storage and processing. In this study, we predicted the existence of a beneficial microbiome associated with bioremediation and plastic degradation, which suggests the potential utilization of plastics as primary carbon sources. Our findings also highlighted the existence of promising microbial enzymes associated with the biodegradation of several plastic substrates.Furthermore, our research unveiled the enriched distribution of beneficial microbiome in the studied metagenome, which offers a diverse prospect. This investigation establishes a connection between the structure of microbial communities and diverse genes actively engaged in the biodegradation of plastic waste within plastic disposal sites. These beneficial degraders can be investigated further for broad-spectrum applications in plastic bioremediation. Subsequent explorations of their plastic degrading enzymes will provide profound contributions to plastic pollution mitigation.

Understanding the thresholds of influencing parameters that favor the habitability of dangerous pests like desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) can aid in early detection and eradication using control operations. The life cycle of the desert locust and its behavioral changes are associated with the weather patterns and the region’s ecosystem settings. This study attempts to retrieve the preferential soil conditions like texture and moisture at the surface and subsurface levels for egg-laying by desert locusts. Towards this, Locust Hub, a comprehensive database of desert locusts maintained and disseminated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation under the Locust Watch program, was used to identify breeding site locations for 2017-2021. In this research, we extracted sand-silt-clay percentage at these breeding sites using SoilGrids ver. 2.0 from the World Soil Information Service database facilitated by International Soil Reference and Information Centre. Similarly, soil moisture conditions extracted from Level-4 data products of the Soil Moisture Active Passive mission for all these breeding sites aided in essaying the optimal soil conditions for the desert locust’s oviposition. This study’s results confirm the sand percentage in a broad range of 55-70% (for 90% of samples), followed by a narrow range of silt and clay with 19-24% and ~14-20%, respectively. Our study reveals that female desert locusts prefer sandy loam-textured soils for oviposition. The preferred range of soil moisture at the surface and subsurface resulted in 5-10% and 10-20%, respectively. These results confirm that dampness is required at the surface soil for initiating the oviposition by female desert locusts. Results from this research can aid in the early identification of breeding grounds during desert locusts’ invasion period.

IntroductionLinseed or flaxseed (Linum usitassimum L.) contains a prospective source of protein and energy to be utilized in animal feed. This study aimed at re-cycling and value-addition of Linseed Oil Cake (LOC) for formulation of non-conventional carp diets. MethodsThe LOC was bio-processed through solid state fermentation (SSF) with a fish gut bacterium, Bacillus pumilus (KF640221). Nine experimental sets of diets were formulated using raw (R1-R4) and SSF-processed (F1-F4) LOC at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% levels substituting fishmeal as well as other ingredients in a reference diet, and rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings (2.08±0.03 g) were fed for 70 days feeding trial. Growth, carcass composition, activities of digestive enzymes, digestibility and haemato-biochemical parameters were studied following standard methodologies.ResultsSSF significantly (P< 0.05) improved crude protein along with amino acids, whereas crude fibre and antinutritional factors were reduced considerably. Experimental diets were isocaloric (4.8 kcal) and isonitrogenous (36%). Diets with bio-processed LOC had significantly better performance than the raw LOC. Fish fed diet F3 with 30% fermented LOC resulted in the highest weight gain (6.25 ± 0.09 g), specific growth rate (% day -1) and carcass protein deposition (16.77±0.34%). Activities of the digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase and protease) were also significantly (P

Abstract It is undeniable that plastics are ubiquitous and a threat to global ecosystems. Plastic waste is transformed into microplastics (MPs) through physical and chemical disruption processes within the aquatic environment. MPs are detected in almost every environment due to their worldwide transportability through ocean currents or wind, which allows them to reach even the most remote regions of our planet. MPs colonized by biofilm-forming microbial communities are known as the ‘‘plastisphere”. The revelation that this unique substrate can aid microbial dispersal has piqued interest in the ground of microbial ecology. MPs have synergetic effects on the development, transportation, persistence, and ecology of microorganisms. This review summarizes the studies of plastisphere in recent years and the microbial community assemblage (viz. autotrophs, heterotrophs, predators, and pathogens). We also discussed plastic-microbe interactions and the potential sources of plastic degrading microorganisms. Finally, it also focuses on current technologies used to characterize those microbial inhabitants and recommendations for further research.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused 1.4 million deaths globally and is associated with a 3–4 times increase in 30-day mortality after a fragility hip fracture with concurrent COVID-19 infection. Typically, death from COVID-19 infection occurs between 15 and 22 days after the onset of symptoms, but this period can extend up to 8 weeks. This study aimed to assess the impact of concurrent COVID-19 infection on 120-day mortality after a fragility hip fracture. Methods: A multi-centre prospective study across 10 hospitals treating 8% of the annual burden of hip fractures in England between 1st March and 30th April, 2020 was performed. Patients whose surgical treatment was payable through the National Health Service Best Practice Tariff mechanism for “fragility hip fractures” were included in the study. Patients’ 120-day mortality was assessed relative to their peri-operative COVID-19 status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Results: A total of 746 patients were included in this study, of which 87 (11.7%) were COVID-19 positive. Mortality rates at 30- and 120-day were significantly higher for COVID-19 positive patients relative to COVID-19 negative patients (p

Aquatic animals are continually being exposed to stressors under farming conditions, increasing risks to gut health that result in dysbiosis. Since restrictions are imposed on the frequent use of antibiotics in aquaculture, there is emerging demand for economically viable, environmentally safe, and sustainable alternatives for the intensive production of aquaculture species. The application of beneficial microorganisms as probiotics has been suggested and widely practiced in recent times. Bacteria and fungi are ubiquitous microorganisms that can grow in various environments where organic substrates are available. Being rich in nutrients, a fish’s aquatic environment and gastrointestinal tract confer a favorable culture milieu for the microorganisms. However, the colonization and probiotic potential of fungi and mycelial bacteria resembling fungi (actinobacteria), either in the culture environment or within the gastrointestinal tracts of fish, have received less emphasis. Apart from bacilli and lactic acid bacteria, as the most conventionally used probiotics in aquaculture, numerous studies have focused on other promising alternatives. Diverse species of yeasts and molds belonging to the kingdom ‘Fungi’ have been characterized for their prospective roles in nutrition, immunomodulation, and disease prevention in fish. Bioactive compounds such as manno-oligosaccharides and β-glucans are recognized as fungal postbiotics that improve innate immunity and disease resistance in fish. Actinobacteria are known to possess different hydrolytic enzymes and novel secondary metabolites representing their probiotic attributes. The application of these groups in water quality amelioration has also been explored. Thus, this paper presents an overview of the present status of knowledge pertaining to the effects of yeasts (Candida, Cryptococcus, Debaryomyces, Geotrichum, Leucosporidium, Pichia, Rhodosporidium, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, Sporidiobolus, Sporobolomyces, Trichosporon and Yarrowialipolytica), molds (Aspergillus spp.) and actinobacteria (Streptomyces) as probiotics in finfish aquaculture, as well as their occurrence within the gastrointestinal tracts of finfish. Furthermore, probiotic mechanisms, selection criteria, and future perspectives on using fungi and actinobacteria as promising probiotics are discussed.

The effects of Bacillus spp. (7 Log CFU g−1 feed) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS, 1%) as functional feed additives, either alone or in combination, were evaluated in a study on rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. The fish were fed different diets for 90 days, including a control diet and diets supplemented with FOS, B. licheniformis, B. methylotrophicus or synbiotic formulations of these. The results showed that the combination of B. licheniformis and FOS significantly improved weight gain, feed utilisation and protease activity compared to the other groups. Overall, the groups supplemented with probiotics and synbiotics (B. licheniformis + FOS or B. methylotrophicus + FOS) showed improvements in haematology, serum biochemistry and immune parameters compared to the control group. After 90 days of experimental feeding, the fish were challenged with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila, and data on haematology, immunity and stress parameters were collected. The results indicated that the application of Bacillus spp. and FOS boosted immunity and resistance to physiological stress in the fish. The highest post-challenge survival rate was observed in fish fed a diet with B. licheniformis and FOS, indicating the potential of this particular combination of functional feed additives to enhance growth, immunity and disease resistance in L. rohita.

The Indian butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794), is a high-value catfish that has gained immense consumer preference in South-East Asia. However, information on the nutritional requirements of this species is scanty. Hence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying dietary lipid levels on growth, body composition, and activities of digestive and metabolic enzymes in larvae. Three isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets were formulated by supplementing fish and vegetable oil (1:1) at 4.5% (D1), 7% (D2), and 9.5% (D3) levels (containing crude lipid 5.7%, 8.0%, and 10.45%, respectively in diets D1–D3) to a fish meal- and oilcake-based formulated diet. Experimental diets were fed to butter catfish larvae (0.15 ± 0.01 g) in triplicate groups for a period of 42 days. Proximate compositions of the experimental diets, as well as fish carcass, were analyzed using standard procedures (AOAC 2005). Digestive and metabolic enzyme activities were analyzed at the completion of the experiment by standard methodology. Butter catfish larvae fed the diet D2 (8% crude lipid) resulted in the best performance in terms of weight gain (final weight 1.40 ± 0.07 g), net weight gain (1.31 ± 0.06 g), specific growth rate (5.50 ± 0.05% · day−1), and protein efficiency ratio (2.39 ± 0.17). The highest lipid deposition (2.90 ± 0.12%) in the carcass was also recorded in fish reared on diet D2. The final weight, net weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in D2 having 8% lipid. Moisture and lipid contents of the whole body were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in larvae fed diet D2. Amylase activity in fish significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing dietary lipid levels. The maximum alkaline protease, pepsin, and lipase activities were noticed in the larvae fed diet D2. Progressive decrease in liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and significant increase (P < 0.05) in the activities of neoglucogenic enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bis phosphatase) were noticed with an increase in dietary lipid levels. Significantly lower (P < 0.05) activities of LDH, ALT, and AST were recorded in the group fed diet D2. Results of the study indicated that 8% crude lipid in the diet could assure optimum growth and survival of butter catfish larvae during early development. An appraisal on growth, body composition, and digestive as well as metabolic function in the butter catfish larvae recorded in the study might provide some important information to consider application of formulated diets for the larviculture of Ompok bimaculatus.

Introduction: Hybrid Problem-Based Learning (h-PBL) is a type of teaching learning technique that incorporates both in-person learning and virtual learning via hybrid classroom tools. It reportedly increases student engagement, positively impact their learning process and improve communication skills. During Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) times, its applicability was further enhanced as it allowed the flexibility of teaching as well as learning from home to both teachers and students. Aim: To assess the perception and experience of 2nd phase MBBS students after undergoing training by the h-PBL method. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2nd phase MBBS students in the Department of Microbiology at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, India, from 15th March to 14th April 2022. A total of 111 students of 2nd phase MBBS of the college gave an informed consent to be part of the study. All inductees underwent a structured training by h-PBL technique following which their perception and experience about the exercise was sought via questionnaire. Data were presented in frequency and percentage. Association between mean scores of male and female participants was calculated by Chi-square test. Results: Out of the 111 participants, 58 (52.2%) were male and 53 (47.8%) were female with mean age of 19.5±0.5 years (range 18-22 years). The h-PBL technique was perceived to be motivating for self-directed learning by 95 (85.6%) of the respondents. A total of 107 (96.4%) students agreed that h-PBL is more effective than traditional teaching for acquiring both theoretical and practical knowledge, learning and understanding topics correctly and also identifying and rectifying their deficiencies in knowledge and skills. More than 90% participants (102 of 111) felt that h-PBL has more potential than traditional teaching to establish fruitful student teacher interaction and provide better feedback opportunities. Overall student satisfaction in present study showed 107 (96.4%) agreement. Conclusion: The students considered h-PBL model to be better than traditional teaching to help them acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills. They also felt that it improved their communication skills, teamwork ethics and motivated them to undertake self-directed learning.

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome in fish plays significant roles in health and disease resistance. This investigation was accomplished to enumerate, characterize and identify the potential probiotic bacteria from three Indian Major Carps (IMCs), viz., rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) using culture dependent methods. Altogether, 105 pathogen-inhibitory bacteria (out of 1216 isolates) were detected from three IMCs by double layer assay. 16S rRNA partial gene sequence analyses and BLAST search in the NCBI GenBank unveiled that 94.29% of the pathogen inhibitory bacteria were bacilli (99 strains) and Bacillus licheniformis by far the most common (28%). The primarily selected 27 pathogen-inhibitory strains (cumulative inhibition score ≥13) produced extracellular enzymes, while 15 of them produced all the six exo-enzymes studied (amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, phytase and xylanase). Gut stability of the strains became apparent by their ability to grow in fish mucus and tolerance to diluted bile-juice. Finally, 14 strains were noticed as γ-hemolytic and susceptible to the commonly used antibiotics. Further, intra-peritoneal injection with γ-hemolytic strains did not induce any pathological signs or mortalities in fish, and thus were considered as safe. These 14 γ-hemolytic isolates were represented by the genus Bacillus (13) and Stenotrophomonas (1), which might form probiotic consortia for prospective use in carp culture.

Growing demands stimulate the intensification of production and create the need for practices that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. As European Union banned the use of antibiotics in production in 2003, several alternative treatments have been suggested, including probiotics. The first probiotic study in aquaculture was published in 1986, and since then probiotics have been considered as a beneficial tool in this industry. Today current evidence suggests that administration of certain probiotic strains might be able to enhance growth rate, improve the welfare of different fish species by modulating gut microbiota, improve physiological functions, such as metabolism, digestion, immunity, stress tolerance, intestinal histology, and disease resistance. Even though lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp. are the most frequently used probiotics in aquaculture, numerous studies have been published on other interesting probiotics. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to summarize, comment, and discuss the current knowledge related to the effects of Aeromonas, Aliivibrio, Alteromonas, Arthrobacter, Bifidobacterium, Brochothrix, Clostridium, Enterovibrio, Kocuria, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Paenibacillus, Phaeobacter, Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Rhodopseudomonas, Rhodosporidium, Roseobacter, Shewanella and Vibrio as probiotics in finfish aquaculture, and present general information on their presence in the gastrointestinal tract of finfish. Moreover, some considerations for future studies are also indicated.

Present work evaluated the possible impact of choline on metabolic enzymes of cultured fish species into a semi-intensive pond culture system, reared with Catla catla (catla), Labeo rohita (rahu), Clarias batracus (magur) and Anabas testudineus (climbing perch) for 90 days in two seasons. Choline was added directly into the pond water periodically throughout the experimental tenure. The water quality parameters of each experimental pond were monitored and were analyzed in 15 days interval throughout the experimental tenure in both the seasons. Results were compared with treatment as choline-fed and control as non-choline-fed conditions during breeding (June–Aug.) and dry (Nov.–Jan.) seasons. The metabolic enzymes, viz., LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase), MDH (Malate dehydrogenase), and G6PDH (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) activities in the muscle, liver, and AchE (Acetylcholine esterase) activity in the brain and muscle revealed maximum significantly (p

The present paper presents an overview of the effects of gut microbiota and probiotics on lipid-, carbohydrate-, protein- and amino acid metabolism in fish and shrimp. In probiotic fish studies, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model is the most frequently used, and probiotic administration reveals the effect on glucose homeostasis, anti-lipidemic effects and increasing short-chain fatty acids, and increased expressions of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism and innate immunity, along with down-regulation of oxidative stress-related genes. Further, improved length of the intestinal villi and expression of nutrient transporters in fish owing to probiotics exposure have been documented. The present review will present an appraisal of the effect of intestinal microbiota and probiotic administration on the metabolism of nutrients and metabolites related to stress and immunity in diverse fish- and shrimp species. Furthermore, to give the reader satisfactory information on the topics discussed, some information from endothermic animals is also presented.

Purpose: This study was initiated to prove feasibility of hydrogel application in recto-vaginal space in intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) of cervical cancer in order to reduce rectal toxicity. Material and methods: In a case of stage IIB cervical cancer, after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), we planned ICBT 7 Gy x 3 fractions. In 1st fraction (Plan 1), due to narrow separation between rectum and cervix (0.18 cm), only 5 Gy was delivered at point A (with high-risk clinical target volume [HR-CTV] D 90 5.94 Gy, intermediate risk clinical target volume [IR-CTV] D 90 4.54 Gy, rectum D 2cc 5.72 Gy, bladder D 2cc 5.52 Gy, and sigmoid colon 5.82 Gy). In 2nd fraction (Plan 2), interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) was attempted. For the prescription of 5 Gy, we get dose levels almost similar to the 1st insertion: HR-CTV D 90 (6.7 Gy), IR-CTV D 90 (3.06 Gy), bladder D 2cc (5.7 Gy), rectum D 2cc (4.8 Gy), sigmoid colon D 2cc (1.3 Gy) (separation = 0.23 cm). During 3rd fraction (Plan 3), prior doing interstitial insertion, we instilled 50 cc of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Viscomet®) up to the tip of recto-vaginal septum. A repeat computed tomography (CT) scan was done 4 hours after Plan 3 treatment and it was re-planned (Plan 4) to find out migration of hydrogel if any and its dosimetric impact. Results : 9 Gy was delivered to point A with a separation of 1.1 cm in Plan 3 (with HR-CTV D 90 16.4 Gy, IR-CTV D 90 11.3 Gy, rectum D 2cc 3.6 Gy, bladder D 2cc 6.9 Gy, and sigmoid colon 2.2 Gy). We achieved an optimum cumulative EQD 2 dose (HR-CTV D 90 98.4 Gy, IR-CTV D 90 76.1 Gy, rectum D 2cc 67.7 Gy, bladder D 2cc 73.2 Gy, and sigmoid colon 59.3 Gy). Hydrogel volume was decreased in Plan 4 without a major dosimetric changes. Conclusions : Hydrogel instillation is a useful tool for recto-vaginal separation during cervical cancer brachytherapy. It increases therapeutic ratio without any adverse event.

The present study was carried out to screen autochthonous gut bacteria in freshwater air breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus Linnaeus. Altogether, 100 extracellular enzyme-producing bacteria were isolated from the foregut (FG) and hindgut (HG) regions. Data were presented as log viable counts g-1 gut (LVC). The occurrence of heterotrophic bacterial population was higher in the FG region (LVC = 8.25) than the HG (LVC= 7.3). Similarly, proteolytic, amylolytic and lipolytic bacteria in FG outnumbered (LVC=7.25, 6.77 and 5.23 respectively) the HG (LVC=6.38, 5.58 and 4.04 respectively). However, occurrence of cellulolytic bacteria in both, FG and HG was less (LVC=2.1 and 1.34 respectively) in comparison to the other extracellular enzyme-producing bacteria. Out of the 100 bacterial isolates, 22 isolates were primarily selected through qualitative assay of extracellular enzyme activities. Among them, 3 promising isolates were chosen as potent extracellular enzyme producers on the basis of cumulative scores (≥11) of the qualitative assay and quantitative enzyme assay. Maximum protease activity was revealed by the strain FG10 (201±2.40U), while FG43 exhibited maximum amylase (208.3±10.8U) and lipase (4.73±0.05U) activities. Among the strains isolated from the HG, the highest protease (188.3±1.2U), amylase (97.6±0.46U) and lipase (3.7±0.11U) activities were recorded with the strain HG01. The isolates (FG10, FG43 and HG01) were studied through 16S rRNA partial gene sequence analyses and were identified as Bacillus aryabhattai (KP784311), B. flexus (KR809411), and B. cereus (KR809412), respectively. Further studies are to be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of these strains in vivo to improve the overall health status of the C. batrachus juveniles.

Summary: Despite substantial progress in our understanding of the players involved and the regulatory mechanisms controlling the initiation and elongation steps of transcription, little is known about the recruitment of elongation factors at promoter-proximal regions for the initiation-to-elongation transition. Here, we show evidence that human TFIID, which initiates pre-initiation complex (PIC) assembly, contributes to regulating the recruitment of super-elongation complex (SEC) components at the promoter-proximal region through interactions among selective TAF and SEC components. In vitro direct interactions, coupled with cell-based assays, identified an important poly-Ser domain within SEC components that are involved in their interaction with TFIID. DNA template-based recruitment assays, using purified components, further show a direct role for poly-Ser domain-dependent TFIID interaction in recruiting SEC components on target DNA. Consistently, ChIP and RNA analyses have shown the importance of this mechanism in TFIID-dependent SEC recruitment and target gene expression within mammalian cells. : Yadav et al. show a role for human TFIID in recruiting SEC at the promoter-proximal region through poly-Ser domain-dependent interaction between selective SEC components and TFIID subunits for the transcriptional activation of target genes. Keywords: transcription, TFIID, super elongation complex, P-TEFb, AF9, poly-Ser, TAF6, pause, elongation

A complex and dynamic community of microorganisms, play important roles within the fish gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Of the bacteria colonizing the GI tract, are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) generally considered as favorable microorganism due to their abilities to stimulating host GI development, digestive function, mucosal tolerance, stimulating immune response, and improved disease resistance. In early finfish studies, were culture-dependent methods used to enumerate bacterial population levels within the GI tract. However, due to limitations by using culture methods, culture-independent techniques have been used during the last decade. These investigations have revealed the presence of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Carnobacterium, Weissella, and Pediococcus as indigenous species. Numerous strains of LAB isolated from finfish are able to produce antibacterial substances toward different potential fish pathogenic bacteria as well as human pathogens. LAB are revealed be the most promising bacterial genera as probiotic in aquaculture. During the decade numerous investigations are performed on evaluation of probiotic properties of different genus and species of LAB. Except limited contradictory reports, most of administered strains displayed beneficial effects on both, growth—and reproductive performance, immune responses and disease resistance of finfish. This eventually led to industrial scale up and introduction LAB-based commercial probiotics. Pathogenic LAB belonging to the genera Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Carnobacterium, and Lactococcus have been detected from ascites, kidney, liver, heart, and spleen of several finfish species. These pathogenic bacteria will be addressed in present review which includes their impacts on finfish aquaculture, possible routes for treatment. Finfish share many common structures and functions of the immune system with warm-blooded animals, although apparent differences exist. This similarity in the immune system may result in many shared LAB effects between finfish and land animals. LAB-fed fish show an increase in innate immune activities leading to disease resistances: neutrophil activity, lysozyme secretion, phagocytosis, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α). However, some LAB strains preferentially induces IL-10 instead, a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine. These results indicate that LAB may vary in their immunological effects depending on the species and hosts. So far, the immunological studies using LAB have been focused on their effects on innate immunity. However, these studies need to be further extended by investigating their involvement in the modulation of adaptive immunity. The present review paper focuses on recent findings in the field of isolation and detection of LAB, their administration as probiotic in aquaculture and their interaction with fish immune responses. Furthermore, the mode of action of probiotics on finfish are discussed.

De-oiled groundnut oil cake (GOC) was bio-processed through solid state fermentation (SSF) for 15 days at 34 ± 1 °C by a tannase producing yeast, Pichia kudriavzevii (GU939629) isolated from the gut of a freshwater carp, Cirrhinus cirrhosus. SSF of GOC was effective in significantly (P

Sesame oil cake (SSC) was bio-processed through solid state fermentation (SSF) under optimized conditions by a phytase-producing fish gut bacterium, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis (JX292128). SSF significantly reduced anti-nutritional factors (e.g., phytic acid, tannins and trypsin inhibitor) and crude fibre, while enhanced free amino acids, fatty acids and different minerals. Phytase production (39.72 ± 1.06 U/g) during SSF was also recorded. Along with a fish meal based reference diet (RD), 8 isonitrogenous (36% crude protein) and isocaloric (4.60 kcal g-1) experimental diets incorporating raw (R1-R4) and SSF processed (F1-F4) SSC(20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, w/w) were fed to rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings (mean weight 3.28 ± 0.15 g) in triplicate treatments for 70 days. In general, growth and feed utilization efficiencies in fish fed diets containing SSF-processed SSC were superior to the groups fed diets containing raw SSC. The diet F3 (40% fermented SSC) showed significantly (P

We report a method for creating hybrid organic-inorganic “nanoflowers” using calcium or copper ions as the inorganic component and a recombinantly expressed elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) as the organic component. Polypeptides provide binding sites for the dynamic coordination with metal ions, and then such noncovalent complexes become nucleation sites for primary crystals of metal phosphates. We have shown that the interaction between the stimuli-responsive ELP and Ca2+ or Cu2+, in the presence of phosphate, leads to the growth of micrometer-sized particles featuring nanoscale patterns shaped like flower petals. The morphology of these flower-like composite structures is dependent upon the temperature of growth and has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The composition of nanoflowers has also been analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The temperature-dependent morphologies of these hybrid nanostructures, which arise from the controllable phase transition of ELPs, hold potential for morphological control of biomaterials in emerging applications such as tissue engineering and biocatalysis.