Corrigendum to "Wound healing potential of Acacia catechu in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice using in vivo and in silico approach" [J Tradit Compl Med 13 (5) (2023) 489-499].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.05.001.].

Development of Agile Scrum Perception Tool to Evaluate Students' Opinions on Agile Methodology in Nursing Education.

Background and Aim: Agile methodology (AM) is an innovative, active, team-based learning method that enhances higher-order thinking (metacognitive ability), collaboration, hands-on training, and student engagement in the classroom and clinical environment. Exploring the student's opinions of AM in teaching helps understand how agile can be utilized in higher education to positively improve learning ability, leadership, and teamwork. Hence, the study aimed to develop the agile scrum perception tool (ASPT) to evaluate the opinions on AM among nursing students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was carried out to develop ASPT in different phases. The tool was initially derived from focus group discussion and literature review. The preliminary draft was revised and modified based on expert review and suggestions by content and construct validity. Reliability was calculated in terms of internal consistency. The developed tool was evaluated using data from 200 4th-year nursing students. Results: A total of 23 items of ASPT have adequate psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity. Internal consistency was checked by coefficient alpha, which was 0.87. Construct validity was analyzed by factor analysis; all items were loaded in 6 factors, accounting for 54% of the variance in the total ASPT score. Conclusion: ASPT has good validity, reliability, and broader scope in medical and allied education related to project management, clinical teaching, and classroom teaching.

Correlation between Transcranial Ultrasound and CT Head to Detect Clinically Significant Conditions in Post-craniectomy Patients Performed by Emergency Physician: A Pilot Study.

Background: The main objective is to detect clinically significant conditions by transcranial ultrasound (TCS) in post-decompressive craniectomy (DC) patients who come to the emergency department. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study. We studied 40 post-DC patients. After primary stabilization, TCS was done. Computer tomography of head was done within 2 hours of performing TCS. The correlation between both modalities were assessed by the measurement of lateral ventricle (LV) (Bland-Altman plot), Midline shift and mass lesion. Additionally, normal cerebral anatomy, 3rd and 4th ventricles and external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter visualization were also done. Results: About 14/40 patients came with non-neurosurgical complaints and 26/40 patients came with neurosurgical complaints. Patients with non-neurosurgical complaints (4/14) had mass lesions and 1/14 had MLS. Patients with neurosurgical complaints (11/26) had mass lesions and about 5 patients had MLS. A good correlation was found between TCS and CT of head in measuring LV right (CT head = 17.4 ± 13.8 mm and TCS = 17.1 ± 14.8 mm. The mean difference (95% CI) = [0.28 (-1.9 to 1.33), ICC 0.93 (0.88-0.96)], Left [CT head = 17.8 ± 14.4 mm and TCS = 17.1 ± 14.2 mm, the mean difference (95% CI) 0.63 (-1.8 to 0.61), ICC 0.96 (0.93-0.98)], MLS [CT head = 6.16 ± 3.59 (n = 7) and TCS = 7.883 ± 4.17 (n = 6)] and mass lesions (kappa 0.84 [0.72-0.89] [95% CI] p-value < 0.001). The agreement between both modalities for detecting mass lesions is 93.75%. Conclusion: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a bedside, easily operable, non-radiation hazard and dynamic imaging tool that can be used for TCS as a supplement to CT head in post-DC patients in emergency as well as in ICU. However, assessment of the ventricular system (pre/post-EVD insertion), monitoring of regression/progression of mass lesion, etc. can be done with TCS. Repeated scans are possible in less time which can decrease the frequency of CT head. How to cite this article: Chouhan R, Sinha TP, Bhoi S, Kumar A, Agrawal D, Nayer J, et al. Correlation between Transcranial Ultrasound and CT Head to Detect Clinically Significant Conditions in Post-craniectomy Patients Performed by Emergency Physician: A Pilot Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(3):299-306.

Cucurbit[8]uril Binds Nonterminal Dipeptide Sites with High Affinity and Induces a Type II ß-Turn.

In an effort to target polypeptides at nonterminal sites, we screened the binding of the synthetic receptor cucurbit[8]uril (Q8) to a small library of tetrapeptides, each containing a nonterminal dipeptide binding site. The resulting leads were characterized in detail using a combination of isothermal titration calorimetry, 1H NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS), and X-ray crystallography. The equilibrium dissociation constant values determined for the binding of Q8 to nonterminal dipeptide sites Lys-Phe (KF) and Phe-Lys (FK) were 60 and 86 nm, respectively. These are to the best of our knowledge the highest affinities reported to date for any synthetic receptor targeting a nonterminal site on an unmodified peptide. A 0.79 Å resolution crystal structure was obtained for the complex of Q8 with the peptide Gly-Gly-Leu-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Gly (GGLYGGG) and reveals structural details of the pair-inclusion motif. The molecular basis for recognition is established to be the inclusion of the side chains of Leu and Tyr residues, as well as an extensive network of hydrogen bonds between the peptide backbone, the carbonyl oxygens of Q8, and proximal water molecules. In addition, the crystal structure reveals that Q8 induces a type II ß-turn. The sequence-selectivity, high affinity, reversibility, and detailed structural characterization of this system should facilitate the development of applications involving ligand-induced polypeptide folding.

A combination of conserved and diverged responses underlies Theobroma cacao's defense response to Phytophthora palmivora.

BACKGROUND: Plants have complex and dynamic immune systems that have evolved to resist pathogens. Humans have worked to enhance these defenses in crops through breeding. However, many crops harbor only a fraction of the genetic diversity present in wild relatives. Increased utilization of diverse germplasm to search for desirable traits, such as disease resistance, is therefore a valuable step towards breeding crops that are adapted to both current and emerging threats. Here, we examine diversity of defense responses across four populations of the long-generation tree crop Theobroma cacao L., as well as four non-cacao Theobroma species, with the goal of identifying genetic elements essential for protection against the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora palmivora. RESULTS: We began by creating a new, highly contiguous genome assembly for the P. palmivora-resistant genotype SCA 6 (Additional file 1: Tables S1-S5), deposited in GenBank under accessions CP139290-CP139299. We then used this high-quality assembly to combine RNA and whole-genome sequencing data to discover several genes and pathways associated with resistance. Many of these are unique, i.e., differentially regulated in only one of the four populations (diverged 40 k-900 k generations). Among the pathways shared across all populations is phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, a metabolic pathway with well-documented roles in plant defense. One gene in this pathway, caffeoyl shikimate esterase (CSE), was upregulated across all four populations following pathogen treatment, indicating its broad importance for cacao's defense response. Further experimental evidence suggests this gene hydrolyzes caffeoyl shikimate to create caffeic acid, an antimicrobial compound and known inhibitor of Phytophthora spp. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate most expression variation associated with resistance is unique to populations. Moreover, our findings demonstrate the value of using a broad sample of evolutionarily diverged populations for revealing the genetic bases of cacao resistance to P. palmivora. This approach has promise for further revealing and harnessing valuable genetic resources in this and other long-generation plants.

Differential Pharmacokinetic Interplay of Atorvastatin on Lacosamide and Levetiracetam on Experimental Convulsions in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of statins, other than their hypocholesterolemia role, have been well documented, however, their use as an adjuvant drug with other antiseizure drugs, in the treatment of epilepsy is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the symbiotic effect of ATOR along with either lacosamide (LACO) or levetiracetam (LEVE) on experimentally induced epilepsy (Maximal electro-shock-MES or pentylenetetrazol- PTZ) in mice models. METHODS: Conventional elevated-maze (EPM) and rotarod methods were performed to observe the behavioral effects. RESULTS: In both the animal models, we found that co-administration of ATOR along with LACO showed a significant reduction in hind-limb extension (HLE) and clonic convulsion (CC) responses, respectively, but not in the ATOR+LEVE treated group. Intriguingly, comparable Straub tail response and myoclonic convulsion as the diazepam (DIA) group were observed only in the ATOR+LACO treated group. Moreover, a significant muscle-grip strength was observed in both groups. Also, pharmacokinetic analysis has indicated that the mean plasma concentration of ATOR peaked at 2nd hr in the presence of LACO but marginally peaked in the presence of LEVE. An Insilico study has revealed that ATOR has a higher binding affinity toward neuronal sodium channels. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that the plasma concentration of ATOR was potentiated in the presence of LACO, but not in the presence of LEVE and it has provided significant protection against both the electro and chemo-convulsive models in mice. This could be due to the symbiotic pharmacokinetic interplay of ATOR with LACO, and possibly, this interplay may interfere with sodium channel conductance.

Effectiveness of agile methodology on metacognitive ability, and clinical performance among nursing students-An interventional study.

BACKGROUND: The emerging trend focuses on the need for an active agile method in the nursing curriculum. It helps to improve student engagement, the interaction between the students and teachers, higher-order thinking, teamwork, and practical skills. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of agile methodology on metacognitive ability and clinical performance among nursing students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this interventional study, two groups of the pre-post design were adopted. Each college was considered a cluster. By using the chit method, the colleges (four) were randomly selected for the experimental and control groups. To avoid contamination, all the fourth-year students were included either in the experimental group (133) or the control groups (132), respectively. The pretest was conducted using a metacognitive awareness inventory (metacognitive ability (MA)) and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) tool (clinical performance (CP)) in the experimental and control groups. Leaders were selected using leader attribute inventory (leadership ability (LA) in the pretest and posttest 2 among the experimental and control groups before the agile teaching. By using agile methodology, the newborn course was taught for 21 days in the experimental group. To assess the effectiveness of agile methodology, the control group was not given any teaching. Posttests were conducted immediately and after 1 week to assess the MA and CP in the experimental and control groups. The control group had agile training for 10 days after the posttests to understand the newer agile methodology. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 28. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the data for effectiveness. RESULTS: The result showed that there is an improvement in the metacognitive ability (MA) score and clinical performance score over time in the experimental group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study finding supports that incorporating agile methodology in education impacts the metacognitive ability and clinical performance among nursing students. However, the teacher must be familiar with the methodology while incorporating agile in teaching.

Rutin from Begonia roxburghii modulates iNOS and Sep A activity in treatment of Shigella flexneri induced diarrhoea in rats: An in vitro, in vivo and computational analysis.

In developing countries, diarrhoea is a major issue of concern, where consistent use of antibiotics has resulted in several side effects along with development of resistance among pathogens against these antibiotics. Since natural products are becoming the treatment of choice, therefore present investigation involves mechanistic evaluation of antidiarrhoeal potential of Begonia roxburghii and its marker rutin against Shigella flexneri (SF) induced diarrhoea in rats following in vitro, in vivo and in silico protocols. The roots of the plant are used as vegetable in the North East India and are also used traditionally in treating diarrhoea. Phytochemically standardized ethanolic extract of B. roxburghii (EBR) roots and its marker rutin were first subjected to in vitro antibacterial evaluation against SF. Diarrhoea was induced in rats using suspension of SF and various diarrhoeagenic parameters were examined after first, third and fifth day of treatment at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. with EBR and 50 mg/kg, p.o. with rutin respectively. Additionally, density of SF in stools, stool water content, haematological and biochemical parameters, cytokine profiling, ion concentration, histopathology and Na+/K+-ATPase activity were also performed. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies of ligand rutin was studied against secreted extracellular protein A (Sep A, PDB: 5J44) from SF and Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, PDB: 1DD7) followed by network pharmacology. EBR and rutin demonstrated a potent antibacterial activity against SF and also showed significant recovery from diarrhoea (EBR: 81.29 ± 0.91% and rutin: 75.27 ± 0.89%) in rats after five days of treatment. EBR and rutin also showed significant decline in SF density in stools, decreased cytokine expression, potential antioxidant activity, cellular proliferative nature and recovered ion loss due to enhanced Na+/K+-ATPase activity, which was also supported by histopathology. Rutin showed a very high docking score of -11.61 and -9.98 kcal/mol against iNOS and Sep A respectively and their stable complex was also confirmed through dynamics, while network pharmacology suggested that, rutin is quite capable of modulating the pathways of iNOS and Sep A. Thus, we may presume that rutin played a key role in the observed antidiarrhoeal activity of B. roxburghii against SF induced diarrhoea.

Wound healing potential of Acacia catechu in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice using in vivo and in silico approach.

Background and aim: Acacia catechu Wild. (Fabaceae) barks are traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes and wounds. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the wound healing potential of the alcoholic extract of A. catechu (EAC) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Experimental procedures: EAC was first subjected to phytochemical estimations and standardization using (-) epicatechin as marker with the help of HPLC. Diabetes was induced in mice using streptozotocin and the wound healing potential of EAC was evaluated using excision and incision wound models on topical and oral treatment. Various biochemical parameters, in vivo antioxidants, cytokine profiling, VEGF, and histopathological examination were also performed. Further, molecular docking studies were performed using ligand (-) epicatechin on human inducible nitric oxide synthase. Results and conclusion: Phytochemically, EAC showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and saponins, while the content of (-) epicatechin was reported to be 7.81% w/w. The maximum healing of wounds (91.84 ± 1.10%) was observed in mice treated with a combination of both topical (10% gel) and oral (extract at 200 mg/kg) followed by topically and orally treated groups respectively after 14 days of treatment. These groups also showed significant restoration of altered biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes and cytokines. The molecular docking studies confirmed the role of (-) epicatechin in stabilizing the human inducible nitric oxide synthase with inhibitor showing binding energy of -8.31 kcal/mol. The present study confirmed the role of (-) epicatechin as a major marker in diabetic wound healing potential of A. catechu.

A Rare Case of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) With Concurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) that needs prompt identification and treatment. Disseminated malignancy-related TMA can potentially be misdiagnosed as TTP, and patients may be inappropriately subjected to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with serious implications. Likewise, the presence of a concurrent cancer diagnosis in a patient with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia may lead to suspicion of disseminated malignancy as the cause, delaying the TPE with serious outcomes. Testing for ADAMTS13 activity is diagnostic of TTP, but the results may take time. This poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma that includes weighing the benefits of TPE for treating TTP and cancer treatment. We describe a rare case of immune-mediated TTP in a patient concurrently diagnosed with metastatic renal cell cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first case of TTP reported in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a non-treatment-naive patient.

Differences in treatment and outcomes among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with and without standard modifiable risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There are limited data available on outcomes and pathophysiology behind ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in populations without standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs). The authors carried out this meta-analysis to understand the differences in treatment and outcomes of STEMI patients with and without SMuRFs. Methods: A systematic database search was performed for relevant studies. Studies reporting desired outcomes among STEMI patients with and without SMuRFs were selected based on predefined criteria in the study protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42022341389). Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts using Covidence. Full texts of the selected studies were independently reviewed to confirm eligibility. Data were extracted from all eligible studies via a full-text review of the primary article for qualitative and quantitative analysis. In-hospital mortality following the first episode of STEMI was the primary outcome, with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), repeat myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic shock, heart failure, and stroke as secondary outcomes of interest. Odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI was used to estimate the effect. Results: A total of 2135 studies were identified from database search, six studies with 521 150 patients with the first STEMI episode were included in the analysis. The authors found higher in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.43; CI: 1.40-1.47) and cardiogenic shock (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.55-1.63) in the SMuRF-less group with no differences in MACE, recurrent MI, major bleeding, heart failure, and stroke. There were lower prescriptions of statin (OR: 0.62; CI: 0.42-0.91) and Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor /Angiotensin II receptor blocker (OR: 0.49; CI: 0.28-0.87) at discharge in SMuRF-less patients. There was no difference in procedures like coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, and thrombolysis. Conclusion: In the SMuRF-less STEMI patients, higher in-hospital mortality and treatment discrepancies were noted at discharge.

Major complications following central neuraxial block - A multi-centre observational study in Maharashtra (MGMM CNB Study).

Background and Aims: Major complications of central neuraxial block (CNB) are rare and their incidence in India is not known. This information is essential for explaining risk and medico-legal concerns. The present multi-centre study in Maharashtra was conducted to provide insight into the characteristics of rare complications following this popular anaesthetic technique. Methods: Data were collected from 141 institutes to study the clinical profile of CNB. Incidence of complications like vertebral canal haematoma, abscess, meningitis, nerve injury, spinal cord ischaemia, fatal cardiovascular collapse, and drug errors was collected over one year. Complications were reviewed by audit committee to assess causation, severity, and outcome. 'Permanent' injury was defined as death or neurological symptoms persisting for more than six months. Results: Spinal anaesthesia (SA) was the most frequently used CNB in 88.76% patients. Bupivacaine and an adjuvant were used in 92.90% and 26.06% patients, respectively. Eight major complications (four neurological and four cardiac arrests) were reported in patients receiving SA. In seven of eight instances, SA was responsible or contributory for complication. The pessimistic incidence of complications (included cases where CNB was responsible; contribution was likely, unlikely and could not be commented) was 8.69/lakh and optimistic incidence (included cases where CNB was responsible or contribution was likely) was 7.61/lakh. 'Pessimistically' and 'optimistically' there were three deaths including one death due to quadriplegia following epidural haematoma after SA. Five out of eight patients recovered completely (62.5%). As only eight patients had complications of different types, it was difficult to establish statistical correlation of major complications with demographic or clinical parameters. Conclusion: This study was reassuring and suggested that the incidence of major complications following CNB was low in Maharashtra.

Neuroprotective effects of photobiomodulation by hormesis on scopolamine induced neurodegenerative diseases of memory disorders in rats a paradigm shift.

The loss and progressive dysfunction of neurons are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the current study is to explore the effects of photobiomodulation at 460-660 nm (100-1000 lux units) on the progression of scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunctions in Wistar male rats. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is defined as "the use of monochromatic or quasi-monochromatic light from a low-power laser or light-emitting diode (LED) source to modify or modulate biological functions." Neuroprotective activity was assessed by in vivo models such as the Morris water maze, the elevated plus maze (EPM), and the T-maze. After using scopolamine (1 mg/kg/day) as a dementia induction model for 21 days, the induction was primarily due to impairments in cholinergic transmission, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The in vitro determinations, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were assessed biochemicals and biomarkers. The structural and morphological integrity of the cortex and hippocampus was investigated through histopathology. In vivo studies of exteroceptive behavior models such as the Morris water maze, the EPM, and the T-maze revealed that administration of scopolamine resulted in enhanced escape latency time (ELT), transfer latency (TL), and decreased percentage alternation, respectively. The levels of AChE, BChE, reduced, GSH, SOD, TNF-α, IL-1ß and ALP were increased, while MDA level was decreased. In contrast to normal and control groups with treatment groups, histopathology of the cortex and hippocampus examination revealed the maintenance of structural integrity and densities of CA1 and CA3 neuronal cells. However, network pharmacology predicted Ca+2 modulation of various pathways, among the treatments with red LED light showed highly significant amelioration compared with normal and control groups. Photobiomodulation by hormesis, chromophores in cells, and tissues excitation can influence neuroprotective effect mainly by scavenging of ROS, variation in the level of GSH MDA and SOD mitochondrial electron transfer, the improved abscopal effects on improved in gut microbiome by resembles the of fecal ALP level correlation of intestinal microbiome, cholinergic neurotransmissions, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.

Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery From the Right Coronary Cusp: A Case Report.

Anomalous origin of the left main coronary trunk from the right coronary sinus is a rare condition and is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiac events, including sudden cardiac death, and it may pose difficulties in their management using revascularization strategies. We present a case of a 68-year-old man with worsening chest pain. Initial evaluation revealed ST elevation of the inferior wall leads and elevated troponins. He was diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and sent for emergency cardiac catheterization. Coronary angiography showed 50% stenosis of the mid-right coronary artery (RCA) that extended as a total occlusion to the distal RCA and an unexpected anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). Our patient's LMCA originated from the right cusp sharing a single ostium with the RCA. Multiple attempts of revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), using multiple wires, catheters, and different-sized balloons, were unsuccessful due to complex anatomy. Our patient was managed with medical therapy and discharged home with close cardiology follow-up.

Mitigation of quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the role of Meldrum's acid activated furan.

The rapid emergence of drug resistant pathogens is a major threat which has warranted the development of alternative strategies to combat infectious diseases. In this work, we have tested the anti-virulent activity of Meldrum's acid activated furan (MAF) and 1,3-dimethyl barbituric acid activated furan (BAF) against Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was found that MAF significantly reduced the violacein production and biofilm formation of C. violaceum at sub-inhibitory concentrations. The quorum sensing (QS) regulated virulence factors of P. aeruginosa including biofilm formation, motility, pigment production, and elastase activity were also found to be reduced considerably at sub-inhibitory concentrations of MAF. Additionally, MAF downregulated the expression of genes in the QS circuitry of P. aeruginosa, demonstrating the potential of MAF in lowering the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa. In silico studies demonstrated the potential of MAF to compete with the signaling molecules of C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa for the QS receptor interaction. In vivo studies using Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated the anti-pathogenicity of MAF by enhancing the survival of P. aeruginosa-infected C. elegans. These results suggest that activated furan compounds could be potential inhibitors of QS-mediated virulence factors in C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa, encouraging their use in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Informal Providers-Ground Realities in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Nations: Toward Better Cancer Primary Care: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations are a group of eight countries with low to medium Human Development Index values. They lack trained human resources in primary health care to achieve the WHO-stated goal of Universal Health Coverage. An unregulated service sector of informal health care providers (IPs) has been serving these underserved communities. The aim is to summarize the role of IPs in primary cancer care, compare quality with formal providers, quantify distribution in urban and rural settings, and present the socioeconomic milieu that sustains their existence. METHODS: A narrative review of the published literature in English from January 2000 to December 2021 was performed using MeSH Terms Informal Health Care Provider/Informal Provider and Primary Health Care across databases such as Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews, as well as World Bank, Center for Global Development, American Economic Review, Journal Storage, and Web of Science. In addition, citation lists from the primary articles, gray literature in English, and policy blogs were included. We present a descriptive overview of our findings as applicable to SAARC. RESULTS: IPs across the rural landscape often comprise more than 75% of primary caregivers. They provide accessible and affordable, but often substandard quality of care. However, their network would be suitable for prompt cancer referrals. Care delivery and accountability correlate with prevalent standards of formal health care. CONCLUSION: Acknowledgment and upskilling of IPs could be a cost-effective bridge toward universal health coverage and early cancer diagnosis in SAARC nations, whereas state capacity for training formal health care providers is ramped up simultaneously. This must be achieved without compromising investment in the critical resource of qualified doctors and allied health professionals who form the core of the rural public primary health care system.

Quantitative Analysis of Apoptosis and Necrosis in Live Cells Using Flow Cytometry.

Apoptosis and necrosis are the two sides of the cell death penumbra. Apoptosis is a well-studied model of cell death wherein the cell destroys itself employing a predefined form of active signaling without the release of soluble cytoplasmic contents to the external environment. Compared to apoptosis, necrosis is a nonspecific form of sudden cell death in response to an invasive external stimulus which in turn is devoid of active programmed intracellular signaling leading to the sudden release of the soluble cellular contents consequent to the rupture of the cell membrane. This fundamental difference between apoptosis and necrosis made us believe that the former is the safe form of cell death and the latter is an undesirable one which often elicits an inflammatory response to the adjacent cells. Recent studies have shown that necrosis also involves a few defined cellular and complex biochemical events similar to apoptosis rendering it difficult to distinguish these two events at the single-cell level using the currently used popular assays.Here we provide a newly described detailed methodology encompassing cell system development along with a multiparametric flow cytometry-based approach to discriminate apoptotic cells from necrotic cells using a stable cell line expressing genetically encoded probe for detecting caspase activation and DsRed targeted at the mitochondria.

Correction to: Callus culture and plantlet regeneration in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.): an important horticultural cash crop for arid and semi-arid horticulture.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12298-019-00733-w.].

Stereoelectronically-induced allosteric binding: shape complementarity promotes positive cooperativity in fullerene/buckybowl complexes.

A novel 2 : 1 host-guest complex forms between 8-tert-butyl-6b2-azapenta-benzo[bc,ef,hi,kl,no]corannulene (1) and C60 with positive cooperativity (α = 2.56) and high affinity (K1 × K2 = 2.8 × 106 M-2) at 25 °C. The C60 undergoes increasing shape complementarity toward 1 throughout the binding process.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Tale of Two Cases.

Microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, renal failure, neurologic abnormalities, and fever form the pentad of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Early diagnosis is crucial because TTP responds well to plasmapheresis therapy but is associated with substantial mortality if left untreated. A substantial percentage of patients with TTP used to die from systemic microvascular thrombosis in the brain and the heart. However, since plasma exchange therapy became a mainstay in the treatment of TTP, mortality has reduced considerably. Diagnosing TTP can be difficult due to the vast range of symptoms and the absence of clearly defined diagnostic criteria. Hemolytic uremic syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation are a close differential of TTP. Here we report two patients with TTP who achieved remission when treated with steroids, plasmapheresis and were free of disease relapse till about two months during follow-up in the outpatient department.