Public health preparedness and responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Asia: a situation and policy analysis.

Like rest of the world, the South Asian region is facing enormous challenges with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The socioeconomic context of the eight South Asian countries is averse to any long-term lockdown program, but the region still observed stringent lockdown close to two months. This paper analyzed major measures in public health preparedness and responses in those countries in the pandemic. The research was based on a situation analysis to discuss appropriate plan for epidemic preparedness, strategies for prevention and control measures, and adequate response management mechanism. Based on the data from March 21 to June 26, 2020, it appeared lockdown program along with other control measures were not as effective to arrest the exponential growth of fortnightly COVID-19 cases in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. However, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka have been successfully limiting the spread of the disease. The in-depth analysis of prevention and control measures espoused densely populated context of South Asia needs community-led intervention strategy, such as case containment, in order to reverse the growing trend, and adopt the policy of mitigation instead of suppression to formulate COVID-19 action plan. On the other hand, mechanism for response management encompassed a four-tier approach of governance to weave community-led local bodies with state, national and international governance actors for enhancing the countries' emergency operation system. It is concluded resource-crunch countries in South Asia are unable to cope with the disproportionate demand of capital and skilled health care workforce at the time of the pandemic. Hence, response management needs an approach of governance maximization instead of resource maximization. The epidemiologic management of population coupled with suitable public health prevention and control measures may be a more appropriate strategy to strike a balance between economy and population health during the time of pandemic.

Design of heat shock-resistant surfaces to prevent protein aggregation: Enhanced chaperone activity of immobilized α-Crystallin.

α-Crystallin is a multimeric protein belonging to the family of small heat shock proteins, which function as molecular chaperones by resisting heat and oxidative stress induced aggregation of other proteins. We immobilized α-Crystallin on a self-assembled monolayer on glass surface and studied its activity in terms of the prevention of aggregation of aldolase. We discovered that playing with grafted protein density led to interesting variations in the chaperone activity of immobilized α-Crystallin. This result is in accordance with the hypothesis that dynamicity of subunits plays a vital role in the functioning of α-Crystallin and might be able to throw light on the structure-activity relationship. We showed that the chaperone activity of a certain number of immobilized α-Crystallins was superior compared to a solution containing an equivalent number of the protein and 10 times the number of the protein at temperatures >60 °C. The α-Crystallin grafted surfaces retained activity on reuse. This could also lead to the design of potent heat-shock resistant surfaces that can find wide applications in storage and shipping of protein based biopharmaceuticals.

Ninety-one cases of ameloblastoma in an Indian population: A comprehensive review.

AIM: To assess the cases of ameloblastoma retrospectively for various parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one previously reported cases of ameloblastoma from Government Dental College and Hospitals, Nagpur, were included in this study. Data were collected considering parameters such as age, sex, symptoms, radiographic, histopathology, treatment modalities, and recurrence. Our findings were also compared with world literature. RESULTS: The average age was 32.5 years. Mostly men complained of an asymptomatic swelling and duration of less than one year. Posterior segment and vertical ramus of mandible was the frequently involved site. Radiographically, multilocular appearance was noted more than 60% of the cases. Plexiform and unicystic ameloblastoma occurred frequently. Surgery was the treatment of choice in this review. Recurrence was noted in more than 10% of the cases. CONCLUSION: There are variations in our review in comparison to reported literature.

Quantitative estimation of sodium, potassium and total protein in saliva of diabetic smokers and nonsmokers: A novel study.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the difference in sodium, potassium, total protein in whole saliva in diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nonstimulated saliva samples were collected from a group of diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers, and controls. Supernatant after centrifugation was used to determine the levels of sodium, potassium, and total protein by using semiautomatic analyzer. RESULTS: There exists a statistical difference in the levels of potassium and total protein between diabetic smokers, nondiabetic smokers, and controls. Difference in the levels of sodium is only significant with nondiabetic smokers and controls. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is known to alter the composition of saliva. The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the levels of salivary potassium, sodium, and total protein in smoker diabetic patients and nondiabetic smokers and controls, and to explore potential of salivary electrolytes [Na+, K+] and total proteins as markers. The estimated values of salivary constituents add to the data already recorded in Indian population. However, further studies using large samples are required to evaluate the findings in our study.

Transmission electron microscopy of ameloblastoma: A study on six cases.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium, but with an aggressive clinical behavior. AIM: The present study aims to assess the ultramicroscopic features of the epithelial and connective tissue components of ameloblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cases of ameloblastoma were subjected to electron microscopy. They included three cases of follicular type and three cases of plexiform type. RESULTS: The study reveals that the ameloblastoma contains the full complement of cells normally found during odontogenesis. However, these cells resemble the enamel organ in an undifferentiated stage. CONCLUSION: Ultramicroscopy revealed the presence of different cell types among follicular type. The morphology of plexiform variants and correlation with odontogenesis could be elicited. The electron microscopic differences between follicular and plexiform types could help us in better understanding its pathogenesis.

A study of the factors related to abdominal wound dehiscense.

Surgical intervention results in a wound. In practice of surgery, wounds and their management is a fundamental job. Various surgical wounds are created by surgeons including abdominal laparotomy wounds. Therefore disruption of a repaired laparotomy wound is an acute wound failure. Burst abdomen, abdominal wound dehiscence, dehiscence of fascial layers is a postoperative complication and the reported mortality rate is about as high as 45%. Incidence of dehiscence as described in literature ranges from 0.4%-3.5%. No specific single cause is one reason for all wound disruption. Abdominal wound dehiscence, which may occur at any age, has been subject to numerous investigations in the past and reviews of many series of cases have been there in the literature. A good knowledge of risk factors is essential for prophylaxis. High risk cases may get benefit from close observation and early intervention.

Single-step formation of graphene on dielectric surfaces.

The direct formation of graphene on various dielectric surfaces is successful via a single-step rapid thermal processing (RTP) of substrates coated with amorphous carbon (C) and nickel (Ni) thin films. High-quality graphene is obtained uniformly on the whole surface of wafers with a controlled number of graphene layers. The monolayer graphene exhibits a low sheet resistance and a high optical transmittance in the visible range.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of gingiva in a 28-year-old HIV-positive patient.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is seldom seen in the oral cavity, and has been reported with some frequency in HIV-positive patients. Oral HIV-related lymphomas exhibit an aggressive course and can mimic other oral tumors and infections that make early recognition and diagnosis difficult. This paper presents a case of NHL on the gingiva of a 28-year-old HIV-positive male patient.

Palladium-catalyzed amination of allyl alcohols.

An efficient catalytic amination of aryl-substituted allylic alcohols has been developed. The complex [(η(3)-allyl)PdCl](2) modified by a bis phosphine ligand, L, has been used as catalyst in the reaction that afforded a wide range of allyl amines in good to excellent yield under mild conditions.

Covalent immobilization of active lysozyme on Si/glass surface using alkoxy Fischer carbene complex on SAM.

A cross-metathesis reaction between an alkene terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on glass/Si wafer and an alkene tethered Fischer carbene complex yielded a functionalized surface. Rapid aminolysis of the Fischer carbene moieties permit efficient anchoring of amine containing molecules on such a surface. Attachment of 1-pyrenemethylamine was thus monitored by ATR-IR spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Similarly, BSA and lysozyme were individually grafted to such Fischer carbene modified surfaces using their pendant lysine residues. It has been demonstrated that the anchored lysozyme retains its bactericidal property.

Engineering bioactive surfaces with Fischer carbene complex: protein A on self-assembled monolayer for antibody sensing.

A Fischer carbene complex was grafted onto self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold or glass by a copper-free "click" reaction. Pendant lysine residues of protein A obtained from Staphylococcus aureus rapidly reacted with the electrophilic metal complex on SAM effecting a covalent attachment of protein A with the surface. The protein A coated surface further led to bioaffinity immobilization of rabbit IgG in an oriented manner, a feature that also permits its purification from rabbit serum. Rabbit IgG could be removed from protein A coated surface by pH adjustment. The regenerated protein A surface was reused three times without loss of activity.

Immobilization of bio-macromolecules on self-assembled monolayers: methods and sensor applications.

Attachment of biomolecules on gold, silicon or glass surfaces has direct implications for the development of novel biosensors in the context of nanoscale detection of pathogens and other metabolites related to issues of human health. In this critical review, we have highlighted the current developments in various techniques of immobilization of biomolecules, specifically biological macromolecules on surfaces through the modification of a functional self-assembled monolayer. The utility of such immobilized biomolecules in the area of biosensing in nanoscale has been surveyed. Merits and demerits of some of the methods with reference to sensitivity of detection and practical use have been discussed (221 references).

Bidentate P, N-P Ligand for nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl or benzyl chlorides with ArMgX.

A cross-coupling reaction of a variety of aryl, heteroaryl, and benzyl chlorides with ArMgX is catalyzed by 2 mol % of a nickel-phosphine complex prepared in situ from an equimolar amount of Ni(CH(3)CN)(2)Cl(2) and ligand (L2) to yield products in excellent yield in THF at room temperature. This new bidentate ligand (L2) is stable in air and forms a stable complex upon reaction with Ni(CH(3)CN)(2)Cl(2). Structures of the ligand and the complex were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

A novel, air-stable phosphine ligand for the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of chloro arenes.

A novel, air-stable phosphine ligand, prepared from readily available 2-bromonitrobenzene and vinylmagnesium bromide, combines with Pd(CH(3)CN)(2)Cl(2) to afford an effective catalyst for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of aryl, heteroaryl, and allyl chlorides with phenylboronic acid.

Palladium nanoparticle catalyzed Hiyama coupling reaction of benzyl halides.

An efficient Hiyama coupling reaction between benzylic halide and aryltrialkoxysilane using Pd nanoparticles has been developed. This procedure accommodates various functional groups to yield a diverse range of diarylmethanes which are ubiquitous units of natural products and pharmaceuticals.

A new bio-active surface for protein immobilisation via copper-free 'click' between azido SAM and alkynyl Fischer carbene complex.

Fischer carbene complex anchored on glass or silicon surface using a Cu-free 'click' reaction allows facile and swift covalent grafting of protein molecules like Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA).

Convenient synthesis of palladium nanoparticles and catalysis of Hiyama coupling reaction in water.

An efficient synthesis of Pd nanoparticles in water has been developed using a Fischer carbene complex of tungsten as the reductant and PEG as the capping agent. The colloidal palladium (1 mol %) efficiently catalyzes Hiyama cross-coupling reactions performed in air. Excellent yields of products were obtained with a wide range of substrates. Catalytic activity and stability of the nanoparticles were found to be inversely correlated.

In situ generation of gold nanoparticles on a protein surface: Fischer carbene complex as reducing agent.

Suitably designed, hydrophilic Fischer carbene complexes reduce HAuCl4 to produce stable gold nanoparticles localized on proteins in aqueous buffer solution.

Perception of general population about hepatitis B: a cross-sectional study.

Hepatitis B, is one of the major public health problems can be controlled with the active participation of the community. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the immunization clinic of Burdwan Medical College to identify the level of people's perception on the diseases Hepatitis B. A total of 210 individuals accompanying the children for routine immunization were interviewed. The study result showed that majority (65.3%) of the respondents were unaware that the diseases is caused by virus and 46.2% were unaware on transmission of disease. 38% of the respondents were unaware regarding the future consequences of the diseases. The knowledge on the preventive measures against Hepatitis B was high (76.2%) among the respondents. Incorrect knowledge in relation to vaccination like interval of vaccination, necessity of re-vaccination was 88.6%, 86.7% respectively. 49% had no idea about ideal age for vaccination. Significant difference of knowledge was found between illiterate and just-literate group with primary, secondary & above group (p< 0.05). Receipt of vaccine (15.6%) also significantly more (p< 0.05) in case of higher income group.