Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles and calcium hydroxide against endodontic biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess and evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) with calcium hydroxide in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Using the broth microdilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs were measured. The antibiofilm effect of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs against E. faecalis biofilm was qualitatively analyzed using a crystal violet assay. A 7-day-old biofilms of E. faecalis grown on dentine discs were assigned to the following three groups (n = 11 dentine discs), normal saline (group I), calcium hydroxide (group II), and CSNPs (group III). Quantification of live and dead cells using confocal microscopy was done to evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of the medicaments included in the study. Results: MIC of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs against E. faecalis was observed at 2.5 mg/mL and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. MBC of calcium hydroxide and CSNPs was observed at 2.5 mg/mL and 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. Using Crystal Violet (CV) assay, calcium hydroxide and CSNPs showed biofilm inhibition at concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL and 0.625 mg/mL, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis found that both calcium hydroxide and CSNPs showed a significant decrease in viable cells at their MBC values compared to the control group's normal saline. CSNPs showed a significantly lower percentage of live cells than calcium hydroxide (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study results reveal that the antimicrobial efficacy of CSNPs is better than calcium hydroxide and normal saline against E. faecalis biofilm.

Study of safety and efficacy of sub-Tenon and subconjunctival anesthesia in manual small-incision cataract surgery for hard-grade cataracts.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to study the safety and efficacy of sub-Tenon and subconjunctival anesthesia in manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) in patients with hard-grade cataracts. STUDY DESIGN: The design of the study was a prospective, observational, and randomized control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 196 eyes, including 98 eyes in the subconjunctival anesthesia group (group A) and 98 eyes in the sub-Tenon anesthesia group (Group B), undergoing MSICS were enrolled in the study. A single surgeon performed all the surgeries. Intraoperative and postoperative pain scores, patient comfort, surgeon's satisfaction, and intraoperative complications were examined. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in Group A was 66.64 ± 9.95 years and that of patients in Group B was 64.52 ± 9.46. No statistically significant difference was noted in the intraoperative (P = 0.54) and postoperative pain (P = 0.66) scores between the two groups. There was no pain (0 score) in 30% of patients in Group A and 35% of patients in Group B intraoperatively. The average surgical time (P = 0.66) and surgeon's comfort (P = 0.34) were not statistically significant. The mean corneal haze was 0.054 ± 0.12 in group A and 0.065 ± 0.22 in group B (P = 0.45). Two patients in group A required supplemental anesthesia. There were no surgical complications that could compromise visual outcomes. No patients in either group showed alterations in vital parameters or required intravenous sedation. CONCLUSION: Both techniques of anesthesia are safe and effective for performing MSICS in hard-grade cataracts. However, it is prudent to choose a technique according to the surgeon's requirements.

Embryonic temperature has long-term effects on muscle circRNA expression and somatic growth in Nile tilapia.

Embryonic temperature has a lasting impact on muscle phenotype in vertebrates, involving complex molecular mechanisms that encompass both protein-coding and non-coding genes. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of regulatory RNAs that play important roles in various biological processes, but the effect of variable thermal conditions on the circRNA transcriptome and its long-term impact on muscle growth plasticity remains largely unexplored. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of circRNAs in fast muscle of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) subjected to different embryonic temperatures (24°C, 28°C and 32°C) and then reared at a common temperature (28°C) for 4 months. Nile tilapia embryos exhibited faster development and subsequently higher long-term growth at 32°C compared to those reared at 28°C and 24°C. Next-generation sequencing data revealed a total of 5,141 unique circRNAs across all temperature groups, of which 1,604, 1,531, and 1,169 circRNAs were exclusively found in the 24°C, 28°C and 32°C groups, respectively. Among them, circNexn exhibited a 1.7-fold (log2) upregulation in the 24°C group and a 1.3-fold (log2) upregulation in the 32°C group when compared to the 28°C group. Conversely, circTTN and circTTN_b were downregulated in the 24°C groups compared to their 28°C and 32°C counterparts. Furthermore, these differentially expressed circRNAs were found to have multiple interactions with myomiRs, highlighting their potential as promising candidates for further investigation in the context of muscle growth plasticity. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that may underlie muscle growth plasticity in response to thermal variation in fish, with important implications in the context of climate change, fisheries and aquaculture.

SWOT analysis of ortho-K practice in India.

PURPOSE: Orthokeratology (ortho-K) has been well established as a methodology for myopia correction and control its progression. A SWOT analysis serves as a strategic planning tool for intervention hence the purpose of this study to establish and implement ortho-K practice in India. METHOD: The study was conducted between December 2020 and June 2021. A prospective questionnaire-based study was conducted to elicit the responses in the SWOT study. Based on focus group discussion a set of five statements under strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were identified. These were closed ended questions were based on a 5-point likert scale. The Content Validation Index (CVI) was computed for each item taking those answers relevant with a score of three and four on the Likert scale and omitting those with a score of one and two on the Likert scale as non-relevant. RESULTS: Strengths: 'Ortho-K is an excellent option for myopia control' was agreed by more than 50% of respondents. 67% of respondents agreed that advanced topographers has made ortho-K lens fitting easier. Weakness: More than 60% agreed that Ortho-K practice involves investment in instrumentation like topographers and trial lenses. 50% agreed that due to multiple follow up patients may be lost to follow up. OPPORTUNITY: 'Pandemic has necessitated the need for optometrists to explore myopia control options such as ortho-K' was agreed by more than 50%. Threats: 'Reluctance from adults and parents to try overnight contact lenses for myopia correction/control' was agreed by more than 50% of respondents. 62% agreed that atropine is perceived as an effective myopia control option by majority of the Indian ophthalmologists. CONCLUSION: Ortho-K as an emerging modality for Myopia management in India through SWOT analysis, allows practitioners as well as CL industry to approach Ortho-K appropriately with novel designs and practice patterns that suits the market needs.

Visual satisfaction and spectacle independence with monofocal intraocular lens with enhanced intermediate vision and trifocal intraocular lenses in the prepresbyopic age group patients with cataracts.

AIM: This aims to study visual satisfaction and spectacle independence in prepresbyopic age patients with cataracts after the implantation of either monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) with enhanced intermediate vision or trifocal IOL. SETTING: Private practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational case study was conducted on patients in the prepresbyopic age group with cataracts. Patients were allocated to one of the two groups. Thirteen patients (26 eyes) received monofocal IOL with enhanced intermediate vision (intermediate vision group), and 12 patients (24 eyes) received diffractive multifocal IOLs (trifocal group). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity, Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) values, defocus curves, and contrast sensitivities (CS) of the two groups were compared 3 months' postsurgery. Their spectacle independence and visual satisfaction were also assessed. RESULTS: The study patients were aged 35-45 years and comprised 14 males and 11 females. No significant difference was observed in UDVA (intermediate vision group: 0.02 ± 0.01, trifocal group: 0.02 ± 0.01; P = 0.22) and UIVA (intermediate vision group: 0.20 ± 0.10, trifocal group: 0.19 ± 0.10; P = 0.12). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of UNVA (intermediate vision group: 0.32 ± 0.10, trifocal group: 0.80 ± 0.10; P = 0.01). The mean CS in monofocal IOL with enhanced intermediate vision and trifocal groups were 1.577 ± 0.3 and 1.550 ± 0.2, respectively (P = 0.40). None of the patients experienced photic phenomena. In total, 10 of 13 patients in the monofocal IOL with enhanced intermediate vision group required spectacle correction for near visual acuity in the range of +1.00 to +2.00 D. CONCLUSION: This study found that there was no significant difference in distance and intermediate vision between the two groups. However, the trifocal group had better uncorrected near vision compared to the monofocal group that had enhanced intermediate vision. The conclusion is that using trifocal IOLs for both eyes provided complete independence from wearing glasses. In addition, no visual disturbances were observed after implanting the new-generation trifocal IOLs.

Elevation determines the productivity of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) cultivars in Sikkim Himalaya.

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is an economically important cash crop that provides a livelihood option for the rural communities in Sikkim Himalaya. However, its production has declined drastically over the past few decades due to climate change and other factors affecting the livelihood of marginal cardamom-dependent farmers in the region. Climate change causes a shift in elevational distributions of mountain species, and it is pivotal to understand its effect on yield and yield-related traits for economically important plant species like large cardamom. For this, we randomly studied 41 large cardamom cultivation sites in Sikkim (India) with elevations ranging between 975 and 2069 m asl and evaluated the yield-related traits (number of capsules per spike, capsule length, capsule width, fresh capsule weight, dry capsule weight, number of seeds per locule, fresh seed weight, and dry seed weight) in five cultivars (Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, Seremna, Ramsey, and Varlangey). We observed a significant variability (P < 0.05) for morphometric traits in each of the five cultivars cultivated in different elevations. The cultivation of low-elevation cultivars like Seremna and Dzongu Golsey (suitable in elevation < 975 m) has shifted upward to mid (975-1515 m) and high-elevation (> 1515 m), while cultivation of high-elevation Ramsey cultivar (suitable in elevation > 1515 m) has shifted downward (< 1515 m). The Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, and Seremna cultivated in mid-elevation (975-1515 m) performed better in terms of yield-related traits than the same cultivars cultivated in high-elevation (> 1515 m) and showed moderate to high negative correlation between elevation and yield-related traits, indicating the negative effect of elevation on their yield. Likewise, Ramsey and Varlangey cultivated in high elevation (> 1515 m) performed better than the one cultivated in mid-elevation (975-1515 m) and depicted moderate to high positive correlation between elevation and yield-related traits, suggesting a positive influence of elevation on their yield. Although there is an elevational shift in the cultivation of large cardamom cultivars, the elevation influences the performance of the large cardamom cultivars, and it also suggests cultivating the cultivars in their suitable elevation range for better productivity.

Antimalarial Activity of Anacardium occidentale Leaf Extracts Against Plasmodium falciparum Transketolase (PfTK).

BACKGROUND: As per estimates by WHO in 2021 almost half of the world's population was at risk of malaria and > 0.6 million deaths were attributed to malaria. Therefore, the present study was aimed to explore the antimalarial activity of extracts derived from the leaves of the plant Anacardium occidentale L., which has been used traditionally for the treatment of malaria. Different extracts of A. occidentale leaves were prepared and tested for their inhibitory activity against recombinant P. falciparum transketolase (rPfTK) enzyme, in vitro. Further, growth inhibitory activity against cultivated blood stage P. falciparum parasites (3D7 strain), was studied using SYBR Green fluorescence-based in vitro assays. Acute toxicity of the hydro alcoholic extracts of leaves of A. occidentale (HELA) at different concentrations was evaluated on mice and Zebra fish embryos. HELA showed 75.45 ± 0.35% inhibitory activity against the recombinant PfTk and 99.31 ± 0.08% growth inhibition against intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum at the maximum concentration (50 µg/ml) with IC50 of 4.17 ± 0.22 µg/ml. The toxicity test results showed that the heartbeat, somite formation, tail detachment and hatching of embryos were not affected when Zebra fish embryos were treated with 0.1 to 10 µg/ml of the extract. However, at higher concentrations of the extract, at 48 h (1000 µg/ml) and 96 h (100 µg/ml and 1000 µg/ml, respectively) there was no heartbeat in the fish embryos. In the acute oral toxicity tests performed on mice, the extract showed no toxicity up to 300 mg/kg body weight in mice. CONCLUSION: The hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of A. occidentale L. showed potent antimalarial activity against blood stage P. falciparum. Based on the observed inhibitory activity on the transketolase enzyme of P. falciparum it is likely that this enzyme is the target for the development of bioactive molecules present in the plant extracts. The promising anti-malarial activity of purified compounds from leaves of A. occidentale needs to be further explored for development of new anti-malarial therapy.

Volatile secondary metabolites of a traditional herb Cajanus lineatus (Wight & Arn.) Maesen (Janglitur) from India.

The hydro-distilled volatile components were obtained from the herb (leaf and stem) of Cajanus lineatus (Wight & Arn.) Maesen (Syn: Atylosia lineata Wight & Arn.) of the family Fabaceae, commonly known as Janglitur in India, and the essential oil was analysed for the first time using GC-FID and GC-MS. Sixty-two compounds were identified from the herb oil of C. lineatus. The major compounds were identified as ß-caryophyllene (10.6%) and α-humulene (10.3%). The oil was found to be rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (51.5%) type compounds.

Peripapillary nerve fiber layer in patients with iron deficiency anemia: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary eye care center in Central India.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). SETTINGS: The study was conducted at tertiary eye care center in Central India. DESIGN: This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, case-control, and observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 58 eyes of patients with IDA were compared with 58 eyes of healthy individuals. All individuals underwent a thorough hematological, clinical, and ophthalmic examination, followed by peripapillary RNFL analysis using SD-OCT. RESULTS: A total of 116 eyes were included in the study. The average RNFL thickness (RNFLT) in the cases was 97.26 ± 5.96, and 102.32 ± 6.26 (P = 0.005) in controls. There was a significant RNFL loss in the temporal (66.76 ± 6.1, P = 0.02), superior (119.66 ± 10.47, P = 0.01), nasal (73.59 ± 9.52, P = 0.003), and inferior (129.05 ± 10.96, P = 0.001) quadrants in the cases and controls. Serum hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation were lower in the cases (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between average RNFLT and hemoglobin (r = 0.321), iron (r = 0.122), ferritin (r = 0.152), and transferrin (r = 0.190) levels. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with IDA, RNFLT was decreased in all quadrants compared to normal healthy individuals. The inferior and nasal RNFL showed a significant decrease in thickness. The presence of myopia, glaucoma, and diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy can exert an additive effect in the thinning of RNFLs and cause significant visual loss; hence, the correction of anemia is essential. There is a pressing need to raise public and health professional awareness of these problems and their prevention, diagnosis, and management.

Inherited Lipid Disorders in Children: Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre.

Background: Primary dyslipidaemia in children is a rare inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism with debilitating sequelae and poor outcomes. Lipid-lowering drugs have less often been used in children and long-term outcome studies are scarce. The purpose of this study was to understand the clinical and laboratory profile, response to treatment on follow up and outcome of primary dyslipidaemia in Indian children. Methods: Clinical records, including historical details, examination features and laboratory and radiological evaluation of children diagnosed with primary dyslipidaemia, presenting over the last 9 years were studied. Cascade screening was done for family members of the patients to detect dyslipidaemia in parents and siblings. All children were followed up 3 to 6 monthly for clinical and laboratory evaluation. Diet and drug therapy, initiated as appropriate, were modified as necessary. Results: Of nine children with primary dyslipidaemia, seen over the last 9 years, homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) (n = 4/9), familial hypertriglyceridaemia (FHT) (n = 3/9), familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) (n = 1/9), mutation proven chylomicronaemia syndrome (n = 1/9) were the phenotypes seen. Multiple xanthomas (n = 4/9), recurrent pancreatitis (n = 2/9) and incidentally found biochemical abnormality (n = 3/9) were the chief presenting features. Medical nutrition therapy and lipid-lowering drugs, as appropriate, were instituted in all. Follow-up over 16 months (range 4 to 90 months) revealed no deaths and no new onset of symptoms. Atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery were seen in one child, who presented late, despite fair compliance to treatment. Interestingly, lipid levels decreased in all cases and were normalised in two. Conclusion: Primary dyslipidaemia when detected early and treated aggressively can improve short-term outcomes.

Posterior capsular opacification and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates in patients implanted with square-edged and non-square-edged intraocular lenses in manual small-incision cataract surgery: A randomized controlled study.

Purpose: To study posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rates in patients implanted with square-edged and non-square-edged intraocular lenses (IOLs) in manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Setting: Tertiary eye care center. Design: Prospective, comparative, and randomized controlled study. Methods: This study included patients with senile cataracts scheduled for MSICS and IOL implantation. One eye of each patient was randomized to the implantation of square-edged (S group) or non-square-edged IOL (NSQ group). An independent observer analyzed PCO at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months under slit-lamp illumination. Results: A total of 104 eyes were included in this study. The mean age of the participants in the two groups was 63.2 (±8.2) years, and there were 65 (62.5%) men and 39 women (37.5%). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values at 6, 12, and 18 months were 0.157 (±0.10), 0.11 (±0.12), and 0.12 (±0.11), respectively, in the S group and 0.17 (±0.10), 0.17 (±0.12), and 0.20 (±0.17), respectively, in the NSQ group. At 12 (P = 0.03) and 18 months (P = 0.01) follow-up, the BCVA of the S group was significantly better than that of the NSQ group. Four eyes in the NSQ group and one eye in the S group required Nd:YAG. Conclusion: Evaluation of PCO and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates showed that the 360° square of the posterior IOL edge plays a role in the prevention of PCO. Owing to the low cost of the material and the easy availability of IOLs manufactured from it, square-edged IOL has a definite role in the prevention of PCO in MSICS.

Effect of different irrigants on the push-out bond strength of biodentine and TheraCal LC when used for perforation repair in simulated condition.

Background: Perforation repair materials should have excellent sealing ability and dislodgement resistance. While several materials have been employed for perforation repair, newer calcium-silicate materials, such as Biodentine and TheraCal LC, have shown promising outcomes. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different irrigants on the dislodgement resistance of Biodentine and TheraCal LC when used for perforation repair in simulated conditions. Methods and Material: 3% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, and 17% EDTA were evaluated for their effect on the dislodgement resistance of Biodentine and TheraCal LC. 48 permanent mandibular molars were selected for the study. The samples were divided into two groups: Group I - Biodentine and Group II - TheraCal LC, with 24 samples each. Statistical Analysis: The mean dislodgement resistance and standard deviation of Group I (Biodentine) and Group II (TheraCal LC) were compared and Failure pattern analysis was done. Results: Biodentine showed a significant decrease in push-out bond strength after contact with 3% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA whereas, TheraCal LC showed no significant decrease in push-out bond strength after exposure to 3% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA. Conclusions: Overall, TheraCal LC can be considered good perforation repair material with excellent physical and biological properties.

Computational and experimental pharmacology to decode the efficacy of Theobroma cacao L. against doxorubicin-induced organ toxicity in EAC-mediated solid tumor-induced mice.

Background and objective: Doxorubicin is extensively utilized chemotherapeutic drug, and it causes damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys through oxidative stress. Theobroma cacao L (cocoa) is reported to possess protective effects against several chemical-induced organ damages and also acts as an anticancer agent. The study aimed to determine whether the administration of cocoa bean extract reduces doxorubicin-induced organ damage in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) without compromising doxorubicin efficacy. Methodology: Multiple in vitro methods such as cell proliferation, colony formation, chemo-sensitivity, and scratch assay were carried out on cancer as well as normal cell lines to document the effect of cocoa extract (COE) on cellular physiology, followed by in vivo mouse survival analysis, and the organ-protective effect of COE on DOX-treated animals with EAC-induced solid tumors was then investigated. In silico studies were conducted on cocoa compounds with lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase to provide possible molecular explanations for the experimental observations. Results: In vitro studies revealed potent selective cytotoxicity of COE on cancer cells compared to normal. Interestingly, COE enhanced DOX potency when used in combination. The in vivo results revealed reduction in EAC and DOX-induced toxicities in mice treated with COE, which also improved the mouse survival time; percentage of lifespan; antioxidant defense system; renal, hepatic, and cardiac function biomarkers; and also oxidative stress markers. COE reduced DOX-induced histopathological alterations. Through molecular docking and MD simulations, we observed chlorogenic acid and 8'8 methylenebiscatechin, present in cocoa, to have the highest binding affinity with lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase, which lends support to their potential in ameliorating oxidative stress. Conclusion: The COE reduced DOX-induced organ damage in the EAC-induced tumor model and exhibited powerful anticancer and antioxidant effects. Therefore, COE might be useful as an adjuvant nutritional supplement in cancer therapy.

Study of the relationship between serum lipid levels and primary open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: To determine the association between serum lipid levels and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: In this case-control study, 50 patients with POAG documented by clinical tests using standard ophthalmologic equipment and 50 age-matched controls were investigated. Twelve-hour fasting serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), were compared between the cases and controls. Results: The mean age of cases and controls was 62.84 ± 9.68 and 60.12 ± 8.65, respectively (P = 0.65). High total cholesterol levels (>200 mg/dl) were found in 23 cases (46%) and 8 controls (16%); high serum triglyceride levels (>150 mg/dl) were found in 24 cases (48%) and 7 controls (14%); high LDL levels (130 mg/dl) were found in 28 cases (56%) and 9 controls (18%); and low HDL levels (<40 mg/dl) were found in 38 cases (76%) and 30 controls (60%). The mean total cholesterol levels were 205.24 ± 36.90 mg/dl in cases and 177.68 ± 22.56 mg/dl in controls (P < 0.001); the mean serum triglyceride levels were 150.42 ± 49.55 mg/dl and 130.84 ± 23.16 mg/dl, respectively (P = 0.013); and the mean LDL levels were 139.50 ± 31.03 mg/dl and 114.96 ± 17.73 mg/dl, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels were significantly higher in cases than in controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study shows that higher proportion of POAG patients have dyslipidemia compared to age-matched controls. Though these findings need to be replicated by others. This study opens new vistas for further studies, such as lowering dyslipidemia, lowering the intra-ocular pressure and incidence of POAG, and whether the use of statins to reduce dyslipidemia affects the progression of POAG.

Eye Donation: Knowledge, Beliefs, Awareness, and Willingness Among Ambulance Drivers in Central India.

Aim: To determine the awareness about and willingness to donate eyes among ambulance drivers in Central India. Design: Prospective, observational, noncomparative, and cross-sectional survey study. Setting: Tertiary eye care center in Central India. Methods: The present study used a structured questionnaire distributed to ambulance drivers during the eye donation fortnight (August 25-September 8, 2022). The questionnaire comprised four domains: awareness, knowledge beliefs, and willingness to donate eyes. The collected data were entered into an Excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Forty-seven ambulance drivers participated in the study. All participants were men. The results showed that 48.9% (n = 23) of the ambulance drivers had completed elementary or middle school education. Furthermore, 27 (57%) participants were aware of eye donation; however, only 14 (29.7%) realized its importance. The source of information was mobile phones (n = 20, 42.6%). The common reason for the nondonation of eyes was lack of awareness (n = 14 29.7%). Thirty-five (74.5%) ambulance drivers were willing to donate their eyes, and the most common reason was the gratification derived from helping blind people. Conclusion: The study revealed the need to improve awareness and knowledge about eye donation among the participants. Arranging short sessions round the year, addressing the myths associated with eye donation, and sharing motivational stories may help create awareness. Display of information and booklets on eye donation in the ambulance is likely to help in obtaining more corneas for transplantation.

Anti-Cholera toxin activity of selected polyphenols from Careya arborea, Punica granatum, and Psidium guajava.

Introduction: Careya arborea, Punica granatum, and Psidium guajava are traditionally used to treat diarrheal diseases in India and were reported to show anti-Cholera toxin activity from our earlier studies. As polyphenols are reported to neutralize Cholera toxin (CT), the present study investigated the inhibitory activity of selected polyphenols from these plants against CTB binding to GM1 receptor using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. Methods: Molecular modelling approach was used to investigate the intermolecular interactions of selected 20 polyphenolic compounds from three plants with CT using DOCK6. Based on intermolecular interactions, two phenolic acids, Ellagic acid (EA) and Chlorogenic acid (CHL); two flavonoids, Rutin (RTN) and Phloridzin (PHD) were selected along with their respective standards, Gallic acid (GA) and Quercetrin (QRTN). The stability of docked complexes was corroborated using molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, in vitro inhibitory activity of six compounds against CT was assessed using GM1 ELISA and cAMP assay. EA and CHL that showed prominent activity against CT in in vitro assays were investigated for their neutralizing activity against CT-induced fluid accumulation and histopathological changes in adult mouse. Results and discussion: The molecular modelling study revealed significant structural stability of the CT-EA, CT-CHL, and CT-PHD complexes compared to their respective controls. All the selected six compounds significantly reduced CT-induced cAMP levels, whereas EA, CHL, and PHD exhibited > 50% binding inhibition of CT to GM1. The EA and CHL that showed prominent neutralization activity against CT from in vitro studies, also significantly decreased CT-induced fluid accumulation and histopathological changes in adult mouse. Our study identified bioactive compounds from these three plants against CT-induced diarrhea.

Prodigious chemotypic variance in essential oil constituents of Blumea eriantha DC. herb and root.

The essential oil of Blumea eriantha DC. (Asteraceae) herb (leaves and stems) (BEHO) and roots (BERO) was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The chemical constituents of BEHO and BERO were identified according to their mass spectra and relative retention indices. Fifty-two and thirty-eight compounds were identified, comprising 97.1% and 95.5% of the BEHO and BERO, respectively. The prodigious differences were observed in the major constituents of BEHO and BERO. The major compounds were chrysanthenone (52.8%) and 2,4-dimethylether phloroacetophenone (15.1%) (BEHO), 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (31.3%), epi-α-cadinol (12.7%) and γ-cadinene (10.5%) (BERO). The BEHO found a higher concentration of oxygenated monoterpenes, while BERO with phenyl derivatives type of constituents.

Is survival of Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara) threatened? An evaluation based on predicted scenarios of its growth trend under future climate change.

Global warming is likely to become one of the significant drivers of forest losses in the Hindu-Kush Himalaya (HKH) during the 21st century. Better understanding of how forest ecosystem will respond to global warming requires a precise knowledge of site and species specific responses to climate change. We applied dendrochronological technique to quantify and predict future growth trend of Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara), a tree of high commercial importance, and explored its spatial growth variability under two different climatic regimes from 17 deodar sites in the HKH. Of the two climate regimes, one is dominated by the monsoon rainfall and the other by the westerly disturbances. Analysis of tree ring width and climate (monthly temperature and precipitation) data reveals that the spring (March-May) temperature and precipitation affect the growth of deodar negatively and positively, respectively. We used Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression model to forecast future growth of deodar by taking an ensemble of 40 General Circulation Models (GCMs) for emission scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Predicted growth trends indicate the decline between 34 % and 38 % under RCP 4.5, and between 29 % and 32 % under RCP 8.5 scenarios, for the low and mid latitude sites. In contrast, a moderate increase in growth was observed in high latitude sites under the both climate scenarios. The study shows more drought stress to deodar trees growing in monsoon areas in mid-and low-latitude sites where less snow melt and low precipitation during the spring season are predicted to increase evapotranspiration. In comparison, in the higher latitude sites where there is a high snowfall due to western disturbances, the growth of deodar is predicted to increase. These findings may be used to take suitable migratory steps for the conservation of deodar in the HKH region.