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Abstract Stimulation of mammalian cells with inflammatory inducers such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to alterations in activity of central cellular metabolic pathways. Interestingly, these metabolic changes seem to be important for subsequent release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. This has become particularly clear for enzymes of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). LPS leads to inhibition of SDH activity and accumulation of succinate to enhance the LPS‐induced formation of IL‐1β. If enzymes involved in beta‐oxidation of fatty acids are important for sufficient responses to LPS is currently not clear. Using cells from various patients with inborn long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (lcFAOD), we report that disease‐causing deleterious variants of Electron Transfer Flavoprotein Dehydrogenase (ETFDH) and of Very Long Chain Acyl‐CoA Dehydrogenase (ACADVL), both cause insufficient inflammatory responses to stimulation with LPS. The insufficiencies included reduced TLR4 expression levels, impaired TLR4 signaling, and reduced or absent induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6. The insufficient responses to LPS were reproduced in cells from healthy controls by targeted loss‐of‐function of either ETFDH or ACADVL, supporting that the deleterious ETFDH and ACADVL variants cause the attenuated responses to LPS. ETFDH and ACADVL encode two distinct enzymes both involved in fatty acid beta‐oxidation, and patients with these deficiencies cannot sufficiently metabolize long‐chain fatty acids. We report that genes important for beta‐oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids are also important for inflammatory responses to an acute immunogen trigger like LPS, which may have important implications for understanding infection and other metabolic stress induced disease pathology in lcFAODs.

Education in its essential meaning should beget a civilized and socio-emotionally intelligent, competent mindset in its stakeholders. However, this seems an ideal situation which is impractical owing to several conditions and constraints that impede the implementation of holistic education. Pedagogical practices initially relied on rote learning and thereafter several reforms in educational policies asserted the importance of nurturing global competency among the learners. However, this shift from rote learning to a more self-directed learning is a challenging transformation which is idealized to a great extent. In this article, we argue that a sudden shift may not be possible, and to realize learner autonomy and their self-directedness, there should be a gradual but steady progress from pedagogy to andragogy and then to heutagogy. Self-directedness and learner-centredness are the crucial aspects of heutagogy. Taking examples from a case study that we conducted with teachers of English from select higher education institutions in India, we analysed the various tenets of heutagogy and its practicality in the Indian context. We investigated how teachers are incorporating aspects of heutagogy in their English classrooms and what major challenges are encountered. Their individual classroom episodes may serve as an initial reservoir of ideas to orient further research in the field. The possibility of embedding the PAH continuum in classrooms is analysed through the lens of socio-constructivist theory. The insights from this study will be valuable for teachers and students who wish to gain a deeper insight into the heutagogical learning paradigm and its integration into language teaching in the classroom.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is primarily caused by diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common ailment that affects people all over the world and results from diabetes mellitus. Hemodynamic, metabolic, and inflammatory factors interact to influence its development. However, these changes are not unique to DKD, necessitating the development of novel biomarkers to support diagnosis, tracking, evaluation of treatment efficacy, and outcome prediction. High blood sugar levels trigger the disease by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Despite its significance as a global medical condition, people often ignore it. DKD causes major challenges for the community, finances, and individuals. Symptoms often remain unnoticed until they become evident, resulting in significant consequences. The absence of detailed data and infrequent screening protocols impede the early identification of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The right medications and a precise diagnosis could help regulate the illness, prolong life, and lessen the psychological and financial burden on those affected. DKD frequently emerges right after the condition becomes severe. This research aims to identify global cases, factors that heighten the risk of developing DKD, and potential indicators for early diagnosis of DKD. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus (DM), Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), Epidemiology, Prevalence, Biomarkers, Diagnosis, Management

Background: Ocular infections, including conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis, significantly impact eye health, leading to morbidity, visual impairment, and blindness if not treated. Aims and Objectives: This study focuses on reviewing and analyzing the prevalence of bacterial and fungal pathogens in ocular infections and assessing their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballari. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting ocular infection samples from January 01, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Samples, including corneal scrapings and conjunctival swabs, underwent initial procedures such as Gram staining and were inoculated on various agars. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Out of 404 evaluated samples, corneal scrapings were predominant, with a significant incidence of fungal and bacterial growth. Aspergillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were the most common fungal and bacterial isolates, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that Gram-negative bacilli showed more susceptibility to gentamycin, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin, whereas Gram-positive cocci were more susceptible to tetracycline and doxycycline. Conclusion: The study highlights the cornea as the most common source of ocular infections, with Aspergillus and Pseudomonas spp. being the predominant fungal and bacterial pathogens, respectively. Identifying the prevalent species in this geographical area aids in early diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing morbidity and improving patient outcomes. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern observed suggests effective options for treatment, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance to adapt to resistance patterns.

Aim: The aim is to compare and evaluate the impact music has on anxiety in children while performing restorative procedures. Materials and Methods: Forty-five children between the ages of 4 and 12 years without any prior dental experience were recruited for the study. Forty-five children were equally divided into three groups of 15 children in each by simple random sampling. The children were allocated to the groups using the computer allocation method. Group A consisted of 15 children who were not made to hear music, Group B consisted of 15 children who heard nursery rhymes, and Group C consisted of 15 children who heard music of their own choice while undergoing restorative treatment for 40 min. Anxiety levels were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using Venham’s picture test, and pulse rate using pulse oximeter. Results: Music of choice and nursery rhymes showed a better reduction in anxiety levels than no music, with a very high statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Music of choice was better than nursery rhymes and no music in reducing anxiety in children. Conclusion: The music of choice was more effective in reducing anxiety when compared to the nursery rhyme group and no music group.