Establishing Apolipoprotein-B and non-high-density-lipoprotein-C goals in Indian population: A Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Defining lipid goals solely on low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in Indian population may cause misclassification due to high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and small dense LDL-C particles. International guidelines now recommend Apoliporotein-B (Apo-B) and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels as alternative targets. In this study, we used a cross-sectional representative population database to determine Apo-B and non-HDL-C cut-offs corresponding to identified LDL-C targets and compared them to international guidelines. METHODS: A community-based survey carried out in urban Delhi and adjacent rural Ballabhgarh provided lipid values for 3047 individuals. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the degree of relationship between Apo-B and LDL-C and non-HDL-C. Cut-off values for Apo-B and non-HDL-C were established using receiver operator curve analysis correlating with guideline-recommended LDL-C targets. RESULTS: Spearman's rank correlations between Apo-B and LDL-C (0.82) and non-HDL-C and LDL-C (0.93) were significant (p < 0.05). Proposed corresponding cut-off values for LDL-C of 55, 70,100,130 and 160 mg/dl for Apo-B and non-HDL-C in our population were 75.3, 75.5, 91.3, 107.6, 119.4 mg/dL and 92.5,96.5, 123.5, 154.5, 179.5 mg/dL respectively. However, in those with triglycerides >150 mg/dl the corresponding Apo-B and non-HDL-C values were 85.1, 92.7, 103.5, 117.5 and 135 mg/dL and 124.5, 126.5, 147.5, 167.5 and 190.5 mg/L respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on this study we provide Apo-B and non-HDL cut-offs corresponding to target LDL-C values in Indian patients with and without high triglycerides. It is noted that in individuals with triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl, the Apo-B levels are much higher than the values recommended by guidelines.

Effect of Yoga-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Endothelial Function, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Markers in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation (Yoga-CaRe) on the endothelial system, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: A sub-study was conducted in two clinical sites of the Yoga-CaRe trial (a multicenter randomized controlled trial). Participants with acute MI were randomized and allocated to either the Yoga-CaRe program (13 sessions with encouragement to home practice) or enhanced standard care (three educational sessions). Endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed using biomarkers such as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), E-selectin, P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), intercellular cell-adhesion molecule-1, total nitric oxide concentration (NOx), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Oxd-LDL), superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), and C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline and 12 weeks. Laboratory and statistical analysis were done by staff blinded to group allocation. Results: Eighty-two patients (of the 110 patients recruited) completed the study. The mean age was 53.1 ± 10.6 and 51.9 ± 10.7 years in enhanced standard care and Yoga-CaRe group, respectively. At 12 weeks, Yoga-CaRe significantly reduced ADMA, ET-1, and ICMA-1 than the enhanced standard care group. Although E-selectin and VCAM at 12 weeks were reduced in both groups, enhanced standard care had a significantly higher reduction than the Yoga-CaRe group. Among markers of oxidative stress, TAOC increased in the Yoga-CaRe group. We found no difference in eNOS, NOx, P-selectin, TNFα, CRP, and Oxd-LDL between the two groups. Conclusion: Yoga-CaRe improved the endothelial function (through a reduction in ET-1 and modulating adhesion molecules) and enhanced antioxidant capacity.

Longitudinal associations between ambient PM2.5 exposure and lipid levels in two Indian cities.

Background: Exposure to ambient PM2.5 is known to affect lipid metabolism through systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Evidence from developing countries, such as India with high levels of ambient PM2.5 and distinct lipid profiles, is sparse. Methods: Longitudinal nonlinear mixed-effects analysis was conducted on >10,000 participants of Centre for cArdiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) cohort in Chennai and Delhi, India. We examined associations between 1-month and 1-year average ambient PM2.5 exposure derived from the spatiotemporal model and lipid levels (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TRIG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) measured longitudinally, adjusting for residential and neighborhood-level confounders. Results: The mean annual exposure in Chennai and Delhi was 40 and 102 µg/m3 respectively. Elevated ambient PM2.5 levels were associated with an increase in LDL-C and TC at levels up to 100 µg/m3 in both cities and beyond 125 µg/m3 in Delhi. TRIG levels in Chennai increased until 40 µg/m3 for both short- and long-term exposures, then stabilized or declined, while in Delhi, there was a consistent rise with increasing annual exposures. HDL-C showed an increase in both cities against monthly average exposure. HDL-C decreased slightly in Chennai with an increase in long-term exposure, whereas it decreased beyond 130 µg/m3 in Delhi. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate diverse associations between a wide range of ambient PM2.5 and lipid levels in an understudied South Asian population. Further research is needed to establish causality and develop targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of air pollution on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Infants Varies by Maternal Weight.

The Asian Indian Beta Cell function (ABCs) in Infants Study examined the associations of maternal weight on infant pancreatic beta cell function across 7 months postpartum. Pregnant women aged 18-35 years were recruited in Hyderabad, India. Women were classified by first trimester weight as underweight (UW), BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; normal weight (NW), BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2; or overweight (OW), BMI 23.0 through <28.5 kg/m2. At age > 7 months, infants had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT, 1.75 g glucose/kg bodyweight) following a 3 h fast. Infant blood samples were assayed for C-peptide and glucose. Infant beta cell function (HOMA2-B; disposition index, DI) and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) were compared across maternal weight groups. Mothers (UW n = 63; NW n = 43; OW n = 29) had similar age at delivery and second trimester 50 g glucose challenge test results. Cord HOMA2-B values were 51% greater for IUW (83.5, SD 55.2) and 44% greater for IOW (79.9, SD 60.8) vs. INW (55.4, SD 51.5), forming a U-shaped relationship between maternal weight and HOMA2-B. No qualitative differences in HOMA2-IR were found at birth. However, at 7 months postpartum, HOMA2-IR changed most within IUW (-64% median reduction) and changed the least in IOW (-7% median reduction). At seven months postpartum, DI was higher in IUW vs. the other groups (geometric mean IUW 1.9 SD 2.5; INW 1.3 SD 2.6 or vs. IOW mean 1.2 SD 3.7), reflecting a +49% difference in DI. Evidence from this study illustrates adaptations in the pancreatic functional response of infants associated with the maternal nutritional environment.

Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines and hepatokine with incident diabetes in India: a nested case-control study within CARRS cohort.

AIMS: To study the association of pro-inflammatory markers with incident diabetes in India. METHODS: We did a nested case-control study within the CARRS (Centre for Ardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia) cohort. Of the 5739 diabetes-free individuals at the baseline, 216 participants with incident diabetes and 432 age-, gender- and city-matched controls at 2-year follow-up were included. We measured high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ( MCP-1), adiponectin, leptin and fetuin-A in the stored baseline blood samples. We did multivariate conditional logistic regression to estimate association of inflammatory markers (as quartiles) and incident diabetes. Covariates were baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipids, body mass index (BMI), family history of diabetes, smoking and alcohol use. RESULTS: Baseline hsCRP and TNF-α were higher, and IL-6 and adiponectin were lower among cases vs. controls. In multivariate conditional logistic regression models, only quartile-3 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.96 [95% CI:1.39, 6.30]) and quartile-4 (OR: 2.58 [95% CI: 1.15, 5.79]) of TNF-α and quartile-4 of MCP-1 (OR: 2.55 [95% CI: 1.06, 6.16]) were positively associated with diabetes after adjusting for baseline FPG and BMI. These associations did not remain after adjusting for family history. High level (quartile-4) of IL-6 was negatively associated with diabetes after adjusting for all factors (OR: 0.18 [95% CI: 0.06, 0.55]). CONCLUSIONS: Higher TNF-α and MCP-1 levels and lower IL-6 were associated with higher risk of developing diabetes. Better understanding and potential methods of addressing these biomarkers, especially in relation to family history, are needed to address diabetes in South Asians.

A polyoxomolybdate-based hybrid nano capsule as an antineoplastic agent.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are versatile anionic clusters which have attracted a lot of attention in biomedical investigations. To counteract the increasing resistance effect of cancer cells and the high toxicity of chemotherapeutic treatments, POM-based metallodrugs can be strategically synthesized by adjusting the stereochemical and physicochemical features of POMs. In the present report a polyoxomolybdate (POMo) based organic-inorganic hybrid solid (C6H16N)(C6H15N)2[Mo8O26]·3H2O, solid 1, has been synthesized and its antitumoral activities have been investigated against three cancer cell lines namely, A549 (Lung cancer), HepG2 (Liver cancer), and MCF-7 (Breast cancer) with IC50 values 56.2 µmol L-1, 57.3 µmol L-1, and 55.2 µmol L-1 respectively. The structural characterization revealed that solid 1 consists of an octa molybdate-type cluster connected by three triethylamine molecules via hydrogen bonding interactions. The electron microscopy analysis suggests the nanocapsule-like morphology of solid 1 in the size range of 50-70 nm. The UV-vis absorption spectra were used to assess the binding ability of synthesized POM-based solid 1 to calf thymus DNA (ctDNA), which further explained the binding interaction between POMo and ctDNA and the binding constant was calculated to be 2.246 × 103 giving evidence of groove binding.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation in Lactating Women Increases Breast Milk and Erythrocyte Membrane Docosahexaenoic Acid Concentrations and Alters Infant n-6:n-3 Fatty Acid Ratio.

Background: Low concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or high n-6 (ω-6):n-3 ratio in pregnant women is associated with poor fetal growth velocity and suboptimal neurodevelopment. However, there is a lack of data on levels of important n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FAs) at different time points during pregnancy and lactation from India. Data on how much DHA is transferred during actual supplementation are also scarce. Objectives: We report the concentrations of n-6 and n-3 FAs in maternal and infant blood and in breast milk following maternal supplementation with DHA or placebo. Methods: A total of 957 pregnant women (≤20 wk) from Belagavi, Karnataka, were randomly assigned to receive either 400 mg/d of algal DHA or placebo through 6 mo postpartum. Blood samples were collected from the mother at recruitment/baseline, delivery, and 6 mo postpartum and from the infant at birth (cord) and 12 mo (venous). Breast milk samples were collected from a subsample at delivery, 1 mo and 6 mo postpartum. The FA profile was analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: The concentration of DHA appeared to be higher in erythrocyte and breast milk samples of the DHA-supplemented group at all subsequent time points. The n-6:n-3 ratio was lower among women in the DHA group at delivery [DHA: 4.08 (1.79); placebo: 5.84 (3.57); P < 0.001] and at 6 mo postpartum [DHA: 5.34 (2.64); placebo: 7.69 (2.9); P < 0.001]. Infants of DHA-supplemented mothers also had a lower n-6:n-3 ratio at delivery and 12 mo. The n-6:n-3 ratio of breast milk increased from delivery through 1 to 6 mo but remained lower in the DHA-supplemented group than in the placebo. Conclusions: Maternal DHA supplementation with 400 mg/d from early pregnancy through 6 mo postpartum significantly increased circulating DHA in breast milk and infant erythrocyte, whereas decreased erythrocyte and breast milk n-6:n-3 ratio. However, maternal supplementation did not get the ratio to the recommended levels.

Optimized extraction and analysis methods using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for zearalenone and metabolites in human placental tissue.

Zearalenone and its metabolites, a group of endocrine disrupting mycotoxins, have been linked to adverse reproductive health effects. They cross the placental barrier, potentially reaching the fetus. In this study, we adapted and optimized our protocol previously used for urine, to measure these mycotoxins in human placentas. We combined a supported liquid extraction step using Chem Elut cartridges with solid phase extraction on Discovery® DSC-NH2 tubes. The optimized extraction efficiencies were between 68 and 80% for all metabolites. Analysis was performed by UHPLC-HRMS using a Betasil™ Phenyl-Hexyl column eluted with a gradient of acetonitrile-methanol-water. The chromatography method separated all analytes in under 15 min. Validation experiments confirmed the method's sensitivity, with LODs ranging from 0.0055 to 0.011 pg/mg tissue. The method was linear over a range of 0.0025-1.5 pg/mg tissue with R2 values ≥ 0.994. Precision and accuracy calculations ranged from 4.7-7.9% and 0.6-6.7% respectively. The method was then successfully applied to a subset of placenta samples (n = 25) collected from an ongoing prospective birth cohort. Interestingly, 92% of the samples contained at least one measurable zearalenone metabolite, providing initial indication of potentially widespread exposure during pregnancy.

Multicentre study protocol comparing standard NRP to deveLoped Educational Modules for Resuscitation of Neonates in the Delivery Room with Congenital Heart Disease (LEARN-CHD).

INTRODUCTION: Infants born with critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) have unique transitional pathophysiology that often requires special resuscitation and management considerations in the delivery room (DR). While much is known about neonatal resuscitation of infants with CCHDs, current neonatal resuscitation guidelines such as the neonatal resuscitation programme (NRP) do not include algorithm modifications or education specific to CCHDs. The implementation of CCHD specific neonatal resuscitation education is further hampered by the large number of healthcare providers (HCPs) that need to be reached. Online learning modules (eLearning) may provide a solution but have not been designed or tested for this specific learning need. Our objective in this study is to design targeted eLearning modules for DR resuscitation of infants with specific CCHDs and compare HCP knowledge and team performance in simulated resuscitations among HCPs exposed to these modules compared with directed CCHD readings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In a prospective multicentre trial, HCP proficient in standard NRP education curriculum are randomised to either (a) directed CCHD readings or (b) CCHD eLearning modules developed by the study team. The efficacy of these modules will be evaluated using (a) individual preknowledge/postknowledge testing and (b) team-based resuscitation simulations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol is approved by nine participating sites: the Boston Children's Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB-P00042003), University of Alberta Research Ethics Board (Pro00114424), the Children's Wisconsin IRB (1760009-1), Nationwide Children's Hospital IRB (STUDY00001518), Milwaukee Children's IRB (1760009-1) and University of Texas Southwestern IRB (STU-2021-0457) and is under review at following sites: University of Cincinnati, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and Children's Mercy-Kansas City. Study results will be disseminated to participating individuals in a lay format and presented to the scientific community at paediatric and critical care conferences and published in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

Cardiotoxicity of Biological Therapies in Cancer Patients: An In-depth Review.

Cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy regimens has been long reported. However, the understanding of cardiac side effects of biological therapies is rapidly evolving. With cancer patients achieving higher life expectancy due to the use of personalized medicine and novel targeted anticancer agents, the occurrence of cardiotoxicity is becoming more significant. Novel biological therapies include anti-HER2 antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bruton kinase inhibitors, antivascular endothelial growth factors, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulator drugs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Potential cardiovascular toxicities linked to these anticancer agents include hypertension, arrhythmias, QT prolongation, myocardial ischemia and infarction, left ventricular dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and thromboembolism. Cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiography, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are common diagnostic modalities used for early detection of these complications and timely intervention. This review discusses the various types of cardiotoxicities caused by novel anticancer biologic agents, their molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, and diagnostic and management strategies that can be used to prevent, minimize, and treat them.

Evaluation of genetic variants related to lipid levels among the North Indian population.

Background: A heavy burden of cardiometabolic conditions on low- and middle-income countries like India that are rapidly undergoing urbanization remains unaddressed. Indians are known to have high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL-C along with moderately higher levels of LDL-C. The genome-wide findings from Western populations need to be validated in an Indian context for a better understanding of the underlying etiology of dyslipidemia in India. Objective: We aim to validate 12 genetic variants associated with lipid levels among rural and urban Indian populations and derive unweighted and weighted genetic risk scores (uGRS and wGRS) for lipid levels among the Indian population. Methods: Assuming an additive model of inheritance, linear regression models adjusted for all the possible covariates were run to examine the association between 12 genetic variants and total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C among 2,117 rural and urban Indian participants. The combined effect of validated loci was estimated by allelic risk scores, unweighted and weighted by their effect sizes. Results: The wGRS for triglycerides and VLDL-C was derived based on five associated variants (rs174546 at FADS1, rs17482753 at LPL, rs2293889 at TRPS1, rs4148005 at ABCA8, and rs4420638 at APOC1), which was associated with 36.31 mg/dL of elevated triglyceride and VLDL-C levels (ß = 0.95, SE = 0.16, p < 0.001). Similarly, every unit of combined risk score (rs2293889 at TRPS1 and rs4147536 at ADH1B) was associated with 40.62 mg/dL of higher total cholesterol (ß = 1.01, SE = 0.23, p < 0.001) and 33.97 mg/dL of higher LDL-C (ß = 1.03, SE = 0.19, p < 0.001) based on its wGRS (rs2293889 at TRPS1, rs4147536 at ADH1B, rs4420638 at APOC1, and rs660240 at CELSR2). The wGRS derived from five associated variants (rs174546 at FADS1, rs17482753 at LPL, rs4148005 at ABCA8, rs4420638 at APOC1, and rs7832643 at PLEC) was associated with 10.64 mg/dL of lower HDL-C (ß = -0.87, SE = 0.14, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We confirm the role of eight genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci related to different lipid levels in the Indian population and demonstrate the combined effect of variants for lipid traits among Indians by deriving the polygenic risk scores. Similar studies among different populations are required to validate the GWAS loci and effect modification of these loci by lifestyle and environmental factors related to urbanization.

Time intervals and patient-level factors in oral cancer diagnostic pathways: An application of the WHO framework in India.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer, a leading cancer-site in India, is often detected at advanced stages. We evaluated the time intervals from first symptom to help-seeking and diagnosis among oral cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 226 consecutive oral cancer patients (mean age ( ± SD) 51.9 years ( ± 10.9); 81.9% men; 70.3% advanced stage) registered for diagnosis and treatment, between 2019 and 2021 at a cancer care centre in South India. We used WHO framework and previously standardized tools to record time intervals (appraisal, help-seeking and diagnostic) and baseline characteristics. We utilized multivariable logistic regression models to test the associations between 'prolonged (i.e., over 1 month) time intervals') and patient-level factors to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Over a half of patients presented with prolonged appraisal (60%) and help-seeking intervals (57%), and a third (34%) reported prolonged diagnostic interval. Patients with no formal education, no routine healthcare visits, no self-reported risk factors, and those who did not perceive initial symptoms to be serious were 2-4 times more likely to have prolonged appraisal and help-seeking than the rest. High travel costs and self-decision for visiting healthcare facility prolonged help-seeking. Diagnostic interval was prolonged only among women OR= 2.7 (95% CI: 1.2-6.1)) and in patients whose first doctor's opinion was 'nothing to worry' OR (=7.3 (95% CI: 2.6-20.5)). 'Correct knowledge of cancer' shortened appraisal and help-seeking intervals and 'incorrect knowledge and negative beliefs' prolonged diagnostic interval. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that interventions targeting sociocultural and economic determinants, symptom awareness, sensitizing persons at risk (especially women) and primary care providers might reduce overall time to diagnosis. Further, patients without any known risk factors for oral cancer might be at-risk for prolonged appraisal interval. These might help inform 'pull' strategies for cancer control in India and similar settings.

Transmigration of magnetite nanoparticles across the blood-brain barrier in a rodent model: influence of external and alternating magnetic fields.

Despite advances in neurology, drug delivery to the central nervous system is considered a challenge due to the presence of the blood brain barrier (BBB). In this study, the role of magnetic hyperthermia induced by exposure of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) in synergy with an external magnetic field (EMF) was investigated to transiently increase the permeability of the MNPs across the BBB. A dual magnetic targeting approach was employed by first dragging the MNPs by an EMF for an intended enhanced cellular association with the brain endothelial cells and then activating the MNPs by an AMF for the temporary disruption of the tight junctions of BBB. The efficacy of the BBB permeability for the MNPs under the influence of dual magnetic targeting was evaluated in vitro using transwell models developed by co-culturing murine brain endothelial cells with astrocytes, as well as in vivo in mouse models. The in vitro results revealed that the exposure to AMF transiently opened the tight junctions at the BBB, which, after 3 h of treatment, were observed to recover back to their comparable control levels. A biodistribution analysis of nanoparticles confirmed targeted accumulation of MNPs in the brain following dual targeting. This dual targeting approach was observed to open the tight junctions, thus increasing the transport of MNPs into the brain with higher specificity as compared to using EMF targeting alone, suggesting that a dual magnetic targeting-induced transport of MNPs across the BBB is an effective measure for delivery of therapeutics.

Therapeutic landscape of advanced HER2-positive breast cancer in 2022.

HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with five-year survival rates of 30% for the advanced stage. The development of anti-HER2 treatments has led to a paradigm shift in the management and clinical outcomes of advanced HER2-positive breast cancer patients. The standard first-line treatment consists of taxane-based chemotherapy plus dual anti-HER2 therapies with trastuzumab and pertuzumab. The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) has been a second-line therapeutic standard, but the second-line treatment approach is rapidly evolving. Given a substantial advantage of another ADC, Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), compared to T-DM1 in a recent randomized trial in the second-line setting, T-DXd is currently the preferred second-line option. Optimal third-line treatment strategies are still not established, and multiple approaches have been used including combinations based on capecitabine, trastuzumab, or both with oral anti-HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Tucatinib plus capecitabine and trastuzumab, lapatinib plus trastuzumab, neratinib or lapatinib plus capecitabine are some of the FDA approved combinations. Another newer agent approved for third- or later-line therapy in the metastatic setting is margetuximab, an Fc-engineered anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, in combination with chemotherapy. Other novel agents currently under clinical trials are the drugs that indirectly target HER2, including immune cell cycle inhibitors, PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, and immunotherapy agents.

Correction: Cardiovascular Health in India - a Report Card from Three Urban and Rural Surveys of 22,144 Adults.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.5334/gh.1137.].

Cardiovascular Health in India - a Report Card from Three Urban and Rural Surveys of 22,144 Adults.

Background: Markers of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) predict cardiovascular events. We estimated the prevalence of ideal CVH markers in two levels of cities and villages in India. Methods: We did pooled analysis of individual-level data from three cross sectional surveys of adults ≥ 30 years over 2010-14 (CARRS: Centre for cArdiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia; UDAY and Solan Surveillance Study) representing metropolitan cities; smaller cities and rural areas in diverse locations of India. We defined ideal CVH using modified American Heart Association recommendations: not smoking, ≥ 5 servings of fruits and vegetables (F&V), high physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI) <25 Kg/m2, blood pressure (BP) <120/80 mm Hg, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <100 mg/dl, and total cholesterol (TC) <200 mg/dL. We estimated (1) age-and sex-standardized prevalence of ideal CVH and (2) prevalence of good (≥6 markers), moderate (4-5), and poor CVH (≤3) adjusted for age, sex, education, and stratified by setting and asset tertiles. Results: Of the total 22,144 participants, the prevalence of ideal CVH markers were: not smoking (76.7% [95% CI 76.1, 77.2]), consumed ≥5 F&V (4.2% [3.9, 4.5]), high PA (67.5% [66.8, 68.2]), optimum BMI (59.6% [58.9, 60.3]), ideal BP (34.5% [33.9, 35.2]), FPG (65.8% [65.1, 66.5]) and TC (65.4% [64.7, 66.1]). The mean number of ideal CVH metrics was 3.7(95% CI: 3.7, 3.8). Adjusted prevalence of good, moderate, and poor CVH, varied across settings: metropolitan (3.9%, 41.0%, and 55.1%), smaller cities (7.8%, 49.2%, and 43%), and rural (10.4%, 60.9%, and 28.7%) and across asset tertiles: Low (11.0%, 55.9%, 33.1%), Middle (6.3%, 52.2%, 41.5%), and High (5.0%, 46.4%, 48.7%), respectively. Conclusion: Achievement of ideal CVH varied, with higher prevalence in rural and lower asset tertiles. Multi-sectoral and targeted policy and program actions are needed to improve CVH in diverse contexts in India.

Tailoring nanoparticles design for enhanced heating efficiency and improved magneto-chemo therapy for glioblastoma.

Development of multifunctional magnetic nanomaterials (MNPs) with improved heat-generating capabilities and effective combination with localized chemotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic regime for solid tumors like glioblastoma. In this regard, the shape-dependent hyperthermic and chemo-therapeutic potential of nanomaterials, has not been extensively explored. Here we present, development of various morphological designs of MNPs including spherical, clusters, rods and cubic; to compare the effect of shape on tuning the properties of MNPs that are relevant to many potential biomedical applications like drug delivery, cellular uptake and heat generation. The study includes extensive comparison of morpho-structural characteristics, size distributions, chemical composition, surface area measurements and magnetic properties of the variable shaped MNPs. Further the heating efficiencies in aqueous and cellular environments and heat triggered drug release profiles for successful magneto-chemotherapy were compared among all in-house synthesized MNPs. Under biosafety limit considerations given by Hergt's limit (H*f value <5 × 109 Am-1 s-1), cuboidal shaped MNPs demonstrated highest heating efficiency owing to magnetosome-like chain formation along with sustained drug release profile as compared to other synthesized MNPs. The mechanism of cancer cell death mediated via magneto-chemotherapy was elucidated to be the oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death pathway. In vivo studies further demonstrated complete tumor regression only in the magneto-chemotherapy treated group. These findings suggest the potential of combinatorial therapy to overcome the clinical limitations of the independent therapies for advanced thermotherapy of glioblastoma.

Identifying Gaps in Resuscitation Practices Across Level-IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe resuscitation practices in level-IV neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and identify possible areas of improvement. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional cohort survey and conducted at the Level-IV NICUs of Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). The survey was developed with consensus from resuscitation and education experts in the CHNC and pilot tested. An electronic survey was sent to individual site sponsors to determine unit demographics, resuscitation team composition, and resuscitation-related clinical practices. RESULTS: Of the sites surveyed, 33 of 34 sites responded. Unit average daily census ranged from less than 30 to greater than 100, with the majority (72%) of the sites between 30 and 75 patients. A designated code response team was utilized in 18% of NICUs, only 30% assigned roles before or during codes. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) was the exclusive algorithm used during codes in 61% of NICUs, and 34% used a combination of NRP and the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Most (81%) of the sites required neonatal attendings to maintain NRP training. A third of sites (36%) lacked protocols for high-acuity events. A code review process existed in 76% of participating NICUs, but only 9% of centers enter code data into a national database. CONCLUSION: There is variability among units regarding designated code team presence and composition, resuscitation algorithm, protocols for high-acuity events, and event review. These inconsistencies in resuscitation teams and practices provide an opportunity for standardization and, ultimately, improved resuscitation performance. Resources, education, and efforts could be directed to these areas to potentially impact future neonatal outcomes of the complex patients cared for in level-IV NICUs. KEY POINTS: · Resuscitation practice is variable in level-IV NICUs.. · Resuscitation algorithm training is not uniform. · Standardized protocols for high-acuity low-occurrence (HALO) events are lacking.

NUT midline lung cancer: a rare case report with literature review.

Nuclear carcinoma of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma are rare, poorly differentiated tumors resulting from t(15; 19) rearrangement, clinically characterized by aggressive and rapid progression to death. No optimal treatment regimen has been established for this rare malignancy. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have been used for treatment alone or in combination, depending on location and staging of the disease, and may confer short periods of remission; however, re-emergence of the disease inevitably occurs. Targeted therapies such as bromodomain and extra-terminal domain protein (BET) inhibitors are currently in early phases of clinical trials. Here we describe a 49-year-old-male with no comorbidities who presented with acute worsening of chronic cough, new onset hemoptysis and left sided chest pain for 2 weeks. Workup revealed stage IIIB NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) of the lung with next-generation sequencing confirming the presence of a NUTM1-BRD4 fusion. The tumor was unresectable, and he began concurrent chemoradiation with weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel for 5 weeks. The follow-up CT scan showed partial response, so maintenance was continued with durvalumab. Two months later, he presented with metastasis to the posterior muscle compartment of the left arm, which was treated with local radiotherapy. Four months later he developed progression of lung disease with multiple pulmonary nodules. Durvalumab was discontinued and he was prescribed the BET inhibitor molibresib, 120 mg daily. After nearly 3 months of treatment with molibresib, he presented with brain metastasis for which he had a craniotomy with tumor resection and gamma knife radiation to solitary metastatic lesions. He was then prescribed chemo-immunotherapy with carboplatin plus pemetrexed and pembrolizumab. After two cycles of treatment his disease progressed, and he succumbed to it. Total survival was 18 months. In conclusion, NUT midline lung carcinoma is a rare but aggressive malignancy and patients have limited treatment options especially in advanced stages. Few targeted therapies have shown promising results in early clinical trials but more treatment options are awaited.