Pharmacological potential of (L.) P. Royen (Sapodilla): a narrative review.

Herbal medicine is safe and effective in treating various diseases. Traditional herbal medicine plays a tremendous role in treatment of various diseases and accompanying complications, hence herbal medicine requires remarkable attention in further research for the development of numerous active formulations for treatment of health troubles. The plant needs special consideration for development and research of unidentified compound and characterization of novel active molecules that overcome multiple pathological abnormalities. The genus Manilkara contains 135 plants around the world. This overview discusses all the virtues of most important and commonly used plant Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen (M. zapota), also known as Sapodilla. M. zapota has various traditional beneficial effects in treatment of various diseases and disorders dating back to prehistoric times and used in ancient traditional system of herbal medicine.

Comparative studies of xanthine oxidase inhibitors viz. allopurinol and febuxostat against induced hyperuricaemia in a poultry model.

In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the relative efficacy of two important anti-gout agents, viz. allopurinol and febuxostat, in the control of hyperuricaemia/gout using a poultry model. A 21-day study was conducted on 48 Vencobb-400 broiler chicks randomly divided into four groups. In one group hyperuricaemia/gout was induced by the oral administration of diclofenac (group D); in two other groups the ameliorative effect of the two drugs under study was investigated by providing both simultaneously, i.e. diclofenac and allopurinol (group DA), diclofenac and febuxostat (group DF); and the fourth group was kept un-induced and untreated as a control (group C). Both allopurinol and febuxostat inhibit xanthine oxidase enzymes, thereby reducing the production of uric acid. The birds kept on diclofenac alone exhibited the highest level of hyperuricaemia, clinical signs of gout, and overt adverse changes in the visceral organs, whereas these changes were lesser in allopurinol- and febuxostat-treated groups. Furthermore, haematological, biochemical, patho-morphological, and ultra-structural studies using transmission electron microscopy were carried out to evaluate the pathology and, thus, the ameliorative effect of allopurinol and febuxostat. The findings proved that allopurinol and febuxostat carry definite ameliorative potential as anti-hyperuricemic and anti-gout agents in poultry, which was better expressed by febuxostat compared to allopurinol.

A Retrospective Observational Study on the Comparison of Different Diagnostic Modalities of Post-COVID Mucormycosis.

Background Mucormycosis, attributed to a group of molds known as mucormycosis, is a rare yet life-threatening fungal infection often colloquially referred to as black fungus. While its incidence notably surged during the second wave of COVID-19 infections in India, it's essential to recognize that mucormycosis was a significant concern even before the advent of the pandemic. Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of this infection in the pre-COVID era provides a crucial context for evaluating its impact and dynamics during the pandemic. Multiple diagnostic methods, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount, culture, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and histopathological examination (HPE), are available for identifying this lethal infection. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the sensitivity of various diagnostic methods for mucormycosis and to analyze the comparative effectiveness of microbiological versus histopathological diagnoses. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study spanning six months, from May 2021 to October 2021, encompassing all mucormycosis cases meeting the inclusion criteria and diagnosed via histopathological examination (HPE) in the departments of pathology and microbiology. Microbiological tests were performed prior to the histopathological examinations. Sensitivity was assessed through statistical analysis, and the relationship between microbiological and histopathological diagnoses was evaluated using the chi-square test. Results Biopsy samples of 77 patients were collected, comprising 56 male and 21 female patients. Regarding age distribution, most patients fell within the 41-60 age bracket, while the smallest proportion was over 60 years old. The sensitivity and specificity of histopathological diagnosis, confirmed with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Grocott-Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS) staining, both recorded a flawless 100%. KOH mount sensitivity stood at 88.3%, while fungal culture and MALDI-TOF exhibited sensitivities of 75.3%. Histopathological analysis revealed that 17% of cases displayed minimal fungal hyphae alongside necrotic tissue, whereas 58% exhibited abundant fungal hyphae accompanied by inflammatory cells. Additionally, absolute neutrophilia was observed in 55% of cases. Conclusions In our study, histopathology and KOH mount emerged as not only compassionate but also cost-effective diagnostic tools for identifying mucormycosis. The economic aspect of these diagnostic methods is highlighted in the results section to provide a comprehensive understanding of their cost-effectiveness. Additionally, we utilized MALDI-TOF MS as a straightforward, economically viable, and expeditious method specifically for confirming the fungal subtype in mucormycosis cases. The rationale behind choosing either MALDI-TOF MS or KOH for the diagnosis is elucidated, contributing to a clearer interpretation of our diagnostic approach. Furthermore, our findings indicate that absolute neutrophilia consistently manifests in 55% of mucormycosis cases.

A Comparative Study of the Modified Baumann's Angle Between the Dominant and Non-Dominant Sides in a North Indian Pediatric Population.

Background The literature points towards the fact that paediatric elbow fractures happen more frequently and have greater variability when contrasted with adults. Between 65%-75% of pediatric fractures involve the upper extremity, and supracondylar humerus is the most common of them all. To know the exact site of injury and to estimate the degree of reduction after manipulation, the modified Baumann's angle, the Baumann's angle, the Humero-condylar angle, the Anterior humeral line, and the Radio-capitellar line are the parameters most commonly used. This study was carried out to compare the modified Baumann's angle between both upper limbs in the paediatric population. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary health care centre in Northern India for one year from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022. We included pediatric patients in the age group of 3-16 years. Age, sex, weight, height, BMI, secondary sexual characters, and handedness were noted in all the children enrolled in our study. In both the dominant and non-dominant sides, the mean arm length, the forearm length, the inter-epicondylar distance, the clinical carrying angle, the radiological carrying angle, and the modified Baumann's angle were calculated.  Results A total of 113 children were enrolled in the study. The majority of children (71.7%) had dominance on the right side. In both the dominant side and non-dominant side, mean arm length, forearm length, inter-epicondylar distance, clinical carrying angle, radiological carrying angle, and modified Baumann's angle values were calculated. On evaluating the data statistically, a significant difference between the two sides was observed for all the parameters (p<0.05), except forearm length (p-value -0.954). Multivariate analysis showed that only BMI was significantly negatively associated with modified Baumann's angle (p=0.016), and only age (0.019) and BMI (<0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the difference in modified Baumann's angle. Conclusions The findings of this study will be helpful in the management of elbow disorders and their reconstruction following trauma. A significant difference was found in the modified Baumann's angle between dominant and non-dominant sides, and it also showed a negative significant correlation with arm length, forearm length, and the presence of secondary sexual characteristics. The equations derived in this study will be helpful in the simple derivation of the modified Baumann's angle and its difference from simple measurements of the upper limb parameters.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. - anticancer properties and phytochemicals: current trends and future perspectives.

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often result in undesirable and adverse effects. Natural products have emerged as a promising alternative for cancer treatment, with comparatively fewer side effects reported. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., a member of the Cactaceae family, contains a diverse array of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, betalains, and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit potent anticancer properties. Various parts of the Opuntia plant, including the fruits, stems/cladodes, and roots, have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against malignant cell lines in numerous studies. This review comprehensively summarizes the anticancer attributes of the phytochemicals found in Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., highlighting their potential as natural cancer prevention and treatment agents. Bibliometric metric analysis of PubMed and Scopus-retrieved data using VOSviewer as well as QDA analysis provide further insights and niche to be explored. Most anticancer studies on Opuntia ficus-indica and its purified metabolites are related to colorectal/colon cancer, followed by melanoma and breast cancer. Very little attention has been paid to leukemia, thyroid, endometrial, liver, and prostate cancer, and it could be considered an opportunity for researchers to explore O. ficus-indica and its metabolites against these cancers. The most notable mechanisms expressed and validated in those studies are apoptosis, cell cycle arrest (G0/G1 and G2/M), Bcl-2 modulation, antiproliferative, oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms, and cytochrome c. We have also observed that cladodes and fruits of O. ficus-indica have been more studied than other plant parts, which again opens the opportunity for the researchers to explore. Further, cell line-based studies dominated, and very few studies were related to animal-based experiments. The Zebrafish model is another platform to explore. However, it seems like more in-depth studies are required to ascertain clinical utility of this biosustainable resource O. ficus-indica.

Nonunion of an Isolated Medial Condyle of a Femur Hoffa Fracture in a 21-Year-Old Male: A Case Report.

Isolated Hoffa fractures of the femur are often missed on initial radiographic evaluations. Routine CT scans for intraarticular fractures in suburban populations are not routinely done. Nonunion of medial condyle Hoffa fracture of the distal femur is a rare finding and presents late with pain in weight-bearing and painful flexion. This is a case report of a 21-year-old male who sustained trauma as a result of a motorcycle-car collision and was managed elsewhere conservatively on an above-knee slab. He presented after five months to our side with a limited range of movement at the knee and pain during ambulation. After radiological work diagnosis of isolated non-union of medal condyle Hoffa fracture of the distal femur was made, the patient was managed by freshening of fracture followed by rigid fixation with cancellous screws and reconstruction plate. At postoperative six weeks, the patient had a painless full range of motion at the knee joint.

Endothelin-1 acutely increases nitric oxide production via the calcineurin mediated dephosphorylation of Caveolin-1.

Endothelin (ET)-1 is an endothelial-derived peptide that exerts biphasic effects on nitric oxide (NO) levels in endothelial cells such that acute exposure stimulates-while sustained exposure attenuates-NO production. Although the mechanism involved in the decrease in NO generation has been identified but the signaling involved in the acute increase in NO is still unresolved. This was the focus of this study. Our data indicate that exposing pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC) to ET-1 led to an increase in NO for up to 30min after which levels declined. These effects were attenuated by ET receptor antagonists. The increase in NO correlated with significant increases in pp60Src activity and increases in eNOS phosphorylation at Tyr83 and Ser1177. The ET-1 mediated increase in phosphorylation and NO generation were attenuated by the over-expression of a pp60Src dominant negative mutant. The increase in pp60Src activity correlated with a reduction in the interaction of Caveolin-1 with pp60Src and the calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation of caveolin-1 at three previously unidentified sites: Thr91, Thr93, and Thr95. The calcineurin inhibitor, Tacrolimus, attenuated the acute increase in pp60Src activity induced by ET-1 and a calcineurin siRNA attenuated the ET-1 mediated increase in eNOS phosphorylation at Tyr83 and Ser1177 as well as the increase in NO. By using a Caveolin-1 celluSpot peptide array, we identified a peptide targeting a sequence located between aa 41-56 as the pp60Src binding region. This peptide fused to the TAT sequence was found to decrease caveolin-pp60Src interaction, increased pp60Src activity, increased eNOS pSer1177 and NO levels in PAEC and induce vasodilation in isolated aortic rings in wildtype but not eNOS knockout mice. Together, our data identify a novel mechanism by which ET-1 acutely increases NO via a calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation of caveolin-1 and the subsequent stimulation of pp60Src activity, leading to increases in phosphorylation of eNOS at Tyr83 and Ser1177.

Limb Salvage Strategy Amendment for a Better Future in the Era of Bone Cancer Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study in North India.

BACKGROUND:  Bone tumors remain a formidable challenge for orthopedic surgeons. In developing countries, the challenge is exacerbated by limited diagnostic, therapeutic, and management facilities and ignorance. Patients with upper and lower-extremity muscle and skeletal tumors are candidates for amputation or surgical rescue of the limbs. Traditionally, limb rescue surgery by neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is the preferred surgery method for localized carcinoma. Amputations are usually reserved for patients with increased tumor size. The purpose of this study is to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical disability, focusing on surgical care, gender, and age, in adolescent and young adult survivors of malignant bone tumors treated surgically. METHODS:  This cross-sectional study consists of 38 long-term survivors who underwent amputation or limb-salvage surgery at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, from 2019 to 2022. After obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent, 38 patients which included 26 patients treated with limb salvage in Group A and 12 patients treated with amputation in Group B were included in the study. The SF-36 and HUI3 scores were used to assess the functional outcome and health-related QoL of these patients. RESULTS:  After minimal six months of interventions, we have found a significant improvement in all the following factors: physical functioning (P=0.000), role limitations due to physical health (P=0.000) and emotional problems (P=0.001), energy/fatigue (P=0.000), emotional well-being (P=0.000), social functioning (P=0.000), pain (P=0.000), and general health (P=0.000). Group A showed a higher degree of significance than Group B through SF-36 (Short Form-36, patient-reported outcome), whereas HUI-3 did not show any significant outcomes (P=0.347). CONCLUSION:  The overall quality of life of patients with salvaged limbs appears to be higher than that of the quality of life of amputee patients in tumor survivor patients. Further analyses must be carried out to verify the results and focus on areas that have a major impact on the overall quality of life using other assessment tools. The impact of therapy on the quality of life depends on maintaining the necessary structures for functional functions, adjusting patient expectations to cancer treatments, and designing long-term rehabilitation programs to support functional functions.

Need to Bring Family to the Heart of Healthcare as it is Home, not a Hospital, Where Healthcare Begins and Ends.

Today the patients and their families are 'powerless' recipients of healthcare services. The healthcare services are siloed and fragmented and getting worse with an increasing array of specialists and subspecialists who "patch up" patients and send them back home. It is important for healthcare providers to become involved in the process of health promotion, prevention, and recovery. For successful implementation of this family-level care needs to be recognized and integrated into all policies, guidelines of the government, and healthcare providers reoriented through in-service and basic training.

Validation of Quantitative Ultrasonography for Osteoporosis Diagnosis in Postmenopausal Women Compared to Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA).

Introduction Bone mineral density (BMD) is an essential indicator for diagnosing osteoporosis and evaluating the success of osteoporotic treatment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), quantitative ultrasonography (QUS), and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) are frequently used for measuring BMD. The objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of QUS to screen for osteoporosis and bone density in postmenopausal women by calibrating it against DEXA.  Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Center of the tertiary care center, Lucknow. A total of 90 patients visited this department from August 2017 to July 2018 for the present study. BMD in the same patient was evaluated by using DEXA and ultrasonography methods. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using SPSS Software.  Results According to linear regression analysis, T neck was found statistically significant with T QUS (p<0.001) and z QUS (p<0.001). T lumbar and T wrist were found statistically significant with T QUS (p<0.001) but not with z QUS (p>0.001). Z neck was found statistically significant with T QUS (p<0.001) and z QUS (p<0.001). Z lumbar was found statistically significant with T QUS (p<0.001) but not with z QUS (p>0.005). Z wrist was not found statistically significant with T QUS (p>0.005) or with z QUS (p>0.005). Conclusion In the present study, we found that QUS can be used as a screening tool for detecting osteoporosis by measuring BMD in contrast to DEXA. QUS also can be used to predict the DEXA values for osteoporosis and to detect osteoporosis.

Adolescent Health Academy Statement on the Care of Transgender Children, Adolescents, and Youth.

JUSTIFICATION: The transgender community has been long stigmatized, and discriminated against, and faces numerous mental and physical problems. Certain indicators of transgender personality appear during childhood and more often before puberty begins. This puts the onus on Pediatricians to identify and offer evidence-based care for their benefit. There is an urgent and deep-felt need to understand the medical, legal, and social aspects of the care of transgender children. Hence, Adolescent Health Academy decided to release a statement on the care of transgender children, adolescents, and youth. OBJECTIVES: To review the existing international and national guidelines and recommendations to formulate a statement for the Pediatricians on (a) terminologies and definitions; (b) legal status in India; and (c) implications for pediatric practice. PROCESS: A task force was convened by the Adolescent Health Academy as the writing committee to draft the guidelines. These were approved by all the members of the task force and the Executive Board of Adolescent Health Academy (2022). RECOMMENDATIONS: Gender identity develops in childhood and adolescence as a feeling of self, and it should be respected to mitigate gender dysphoria. The law permits transgenders the right of self-affirmation and it upholds their dignity in society. The transgender community is prone to victimization, and prejudice leading to a high risk of substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and mental health issues. Pediatricians are the primary care providers of children and adolescents including those with gender incongruence, so they should be abridged with gender-affirmative practices. Gender-affirmative care involves pubertal suppression, hormonal therapy, and surgery which should be done in conjugation with the social transition, by a gender-affirmative care team.

Local Versus Systemic Tranexamic Acid in Total Hip Arthroplasty in Young Adults.

Background Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most successful orthopedic elective surgical procedure for end-stage hip arthritis. THA is linked with significant blood loss, ranging from 1,188 to 1,651 mL, and a transfusion rate of 16-37%, which frequently results in postoperative blood transfusions. Postoperative blood transfusions can be avoided by using autologous blood transfusion, intraoperative blood saving, local anesthetic, hypotensive anesthesia, and antifibrinolytic medications such as tranexamic acid (TXA) administration. Methodology A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, controlled study was conducted with three prospective groups to investigate the efficacy of topical and systemic routes of a single intraoperative dose (1.5 g) of TXA. Patients were recruited from our center between October 2021 to March 2022 who were undergoing primary total hip replacement. Estimated blood loss was calculated and compared in groups, and a p-value of <0.05 was taken as significant. Results A total of 60 patients were recruited in our study. Estimated blood loss was similar in both treatment groups, 816.8 ± 219.9 mL in the systemic TXA group and 775.5 ± 107.2 mL in the topical TXA group. The placebo group had 1,066.3 ± 150.4 mL estimated blood loss, which was significantly higher compared to the treatment groups. Conclusions Administration of TXA (1.5 g) significantly lowers blood loss without increasing problems, which can eliminate concerns about intravenous TXA use. TXA reduces blood loss by 270 mL on average.

Growth studies in commercial broiler birds offered citric acid in formulated feed with low mineral density.

Study of 35 days was conducted to evaluate citric acid (CA) as an additive in poultry broiler feed with lower mineral content of calcium (Ca) and total phosphorus (TP) in commercial broiler poultry birds for its effect on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and economics. Vancobb-400 strain day old broiler chicks were divided into four main treatment groups T0, T1, T2, and T3. Treatment groups were further divided into eight replicates with ten chicks in each. T0 served as control, given standard corn-soy flakes-based ration (Pre-starter %: Crude protein (CP)-23, Ca-1.00, TP-0.70; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-1.10, TP-0.72, and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.99, TP-0.70). Treatment T1 served as positive control with added 0.5% CA (Pre-starter %: CP-23, Ca-1.00, TP-0.70; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-1.10, TP-0.72 and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.99, TP-0.70). Treatment T2 was given feed containing 0.5% CA with low Ca and TP content (Pre-starter %: CP-23, Ca-0.90, TP-0.66; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-0.99, TP-0.71 and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.90, TP-0.69), whereas treatment T3 was given feed containing 0.5% CA with moderately low Ca and TP content (Pre-starter %: CP-23, Ca-0.80, TP-0.65; Starter %: CP-22, Ca-0.88, TP-0.70 and Finisher %: CP-20, Ca-0.79, TP-0.68). Birds offered moderately low Ca and TP with 0.5% CA addition, exhibited higher growth rate (P < 0.05), better nutrient utilization with positive influence on dressing percentage and forequarters weight. Economics of broiler feeding revealed that 0.5% CA supplementation fetched highest gross return above feed cost in broiler birds offered feed with moderately low Ca and TP content whereas lowest profit was recorded in feed with low content of Ca and TP. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.5% CA in feed with low and moderately low Ca and TP content positively influenced overall growth, and carcass characteristics. Economics of broiler feeding with moderately low Ca and TP content revealed highest profit with CA (0.5%) supplementation.

Revisiting the impact of foreign portfolio investment on stock market performance during COVID-19 pandemic uncertainty: Evidence from India.

This paper re-examines the causality between stock returns and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) flows in the Indian context during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the Covid-19 index constructed by Narayan et al. [19] and the Toda and Yamamoto Granger causality test, the study reveals that bi-directional causality runs from FPI flows to stock returns in the early period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Whereas after the peak of the pandemic, there is a unidirectional causality that runs from FPI flows to stock returns.•Bi-directional causality runs from FPI flows to stock return during the initial period of COVID.•In the second period, unidirectional causality runs from FPI flows to stock returns.

Reassessing the dynamics between exchange, oil, stock markets and uncertainty during COVID-19 in emerging market economies.

This study reassesses the dynamic relationship between stock, oil, foreign exchange markets, and COVID-19-induced uncertainty. For estimation, we utilize the monthly data from January 2020 to December 2021 and utilize panel vector autoregression econometric techniques in emerging market economies. The empirical findings reveal that heightened uncertainty during the pandemic had a negative impact on stock and oil, and foreign exchange markets. Findings further suggest that uncertainty during the pandemic slanted the relationship between oil and stock and foreign exchange markets due to the precautionary approach followed by economic agents. •COVID-19 uncertainty negatively impacted the oil, stock, and foreign exchange markets.•Uncertainty had a non-linear impact on stock and oil prices.•During the initial period of COVID-19, uncertainty distorted the relationship between oil, stock and exchange markets.

Biochemical characterization and molecular insights into substrate recognition of pectin methylesterase from Phytophthora infestans.

Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) are a class of carbohydrate-active enzymes that act on the O6-methyl ester groups of the homogalacturonan component of pectins, resulting in de-esterification of the substrate polymers and formation of pectate and methanol. PMEs occur in higher plants and microorganisms, including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, and archaea. Microbial PMEs play a crucial role in pathogens' invasion of plant tissues. Here, we have determined the structural and functional properties of Pi-PME, a PME from the oomycete plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans. This enzyme exhibits maximum activity at alkaline pH (8.5) and is active over a wide temperature range (25-50 °C). In silico determination of the structure of Pi-PME reveals that the protein consists essentially of three parallel ß-sheets interconnected by loops that adopt an overall ß-helix organization. The loop regions in the vicinity of the active site are extended compared to plant and fungal PMEs, but they are shorter than the corresponding bacterial and insect regions. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that Pi-PME interacts most strongly with partially de-methylated homogalacturonans, suggesting that it preferentially uses this type of substrates. The results are compared and discussed with other known PMEs from different organisms, highlighting the specific features of Pi-PME.

Knowledge and attitude on prevention of COVID-19 among community health workers in Nepal-a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Emerging and reemerging pathogens are global challenges for public health and the pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019is a reemerging case of an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corornavirus-2. Health care worker worldwide are at higher risk worldwide and the situation is the same in Nepal. The knowledge and attitude of health workers will certainly mark the outcome towards this pandemic. So, this study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of community health workers towards the prevention of COVID-19 virus. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the community health workers of various provinces of Nepal. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was prepared in Google form and circulated to the sampled health workers through various social media platforms like face book, messenger, Instagram and g-mails. A total of 650 invitations were send and among them 420 responded and among them only 399 provided complete response. Responses containing anonymized data was collected analyzed in using SPSS-version-20. The results were interpreted and was checked with various demographic and enabling factors using chi-square test and logistic regression model. Also, ethical approval was taken from NHRC (Nepal Health Research Council (protocol registration number: 360/2020P) prior to the conduction of study. RESULTS: Out the total sample size of 450, we took 399 responses taking into consideration all the inclusion criteria. So, from 399 valid response, 230 (47.6%) were males and 169 (42.4%) were females. 380 (95.2%) employed participants thought that wearing PPE will reduce the chances of getting COVID-19, majority of the participants 80.5% (321) responded that COVID-19 will successfully be controlled and staffs receiving excellent support from palika had high knowledge level. Knowledge level was significantly associated with the enabling factor "support from palika" (P = 0.045).45.9% of the respondents had no availability of COVID-19 response medical items for prevention of COVID-19 at their respective health facilities. Also the logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of knowledge level was 2 times higher (AOR=1.913 at 95% CI: 1.266-2.891) compared to the female participants (Ref- female). CONCLUSIONS: Proper and adequate knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 is a paramount in the prevention and control of SARS-COV-2. Health care workers are knowledgeable about COVID-19 and are proactively practicing the preventive measures to minimize the spread of infection but some lack optimistic attitude. Hence, the constantly updated educational programs related to COVID-19 will surely contribute to improving the healthcare workers knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19.

Acute cadmium toxicity and post-stress recovery: Insights into coordinated and integrated response/recovery strategies of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120.

Cyanobacteria, the first photoautotrophs have remarkable adaptive capabilities against most abiotic stresses, including Cd. A model cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 has been commonly used to understand cyanobacterial plasticity under different environmental stresses. However, very few studies have focused on the acute Cd toxicity. In this context, Anabaena was subjected to 100 µM Cd for 48 h (acute Cd stress, ACdS) and then transferred into the fresh medium for post-stress recovery (PSR). We further investigated the dynamics of morpho-ultrastructure, physiology, cytosolic proteome, thylakoidal complexes, chelators, and transporters after ACdS, as well as during early (ER), mid (MR), and late (LR) phases of PSR. The findings revealed that ACdS induced intracellular Cd accumulation and ROS production, altered morpho-ultrastructure, reduced photosynthetic pigments, and affected the structural organization of PSII, which subsequently hindered photosynthetic efficiency. Anabaena responded to ACdS and recovered during PSR by reprogramming the expression pattern of proteins/genes involved in cellular defense and repair; CO2 access, Calvin-Benson cycle, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathway; protein biosynthesis, folding, and degradation; regulatory functions; PSI-based cyclic electron flow; Cd chelation; and efflux. These modulations occurred in an integrated and coordinated manner that facilitated Anabaena to detoxify Cd and repair ACdS-induced cellular damage.

A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice Cuminum cyminum L.

Cuminum cyminum L. is a versatile spice belonging to family Apiaceae. Though the plant has pan-tropical distribution but it is indigenous to Egypt, the Mediterranean, and South Asian countries. It exhibits numerous culinary, traditional, and pharmacological attributes. Its traditional uses also validate its immense pharmacological potential. Cuminum cyminum is the hub of numerous bioactives such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and so forth. Cuminaldehyde is the major bioactive, rendered to most of its pharmacological as well as clinical significance. The present study comprised of current knowledge on its taxonomy, nutritional, traditional, phytochemistry, pharmacology (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antidiabetic, wound healing, anticancer, etc.), toxicology, and clinical attributes. Besides, the mechanism of action is also well explained. The present study provides a rationale for further bioprospection of this wonder plant. Future studies are needed to fill the research gaps, particularly on relevant phytocompound isolation, their pre-clinical and clinical characterization, evaluation, and structure-activity relationship. Moreover, well-designed and highly appropriate clinical and placebo trials are still needed to demonstrate the trustworthy role of cumin on human health.