17ß-estradiol ameliorates delirium-like phenotypes in a murine model of urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and frequently precipitate delirium-like states. Advanced age coincident with the postmenopausal period is a risk factor for delirium following UTIs. We previously demonstrated a pathological role for interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mediating delirium-like phenotypes in a murine model of UTI. Estrogen has been implicated in reducing peripheral IL-6 expression, but it is unknown whether the increased susceptibility of postmenopausal females to developing delirium concomitant with UTIs reflects diminished effects of circulating estrogen. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a mouse model of UTI. Female C57BL/6J mice were oophorectomized, UTIs induced by transurethral inoculation of E. coli, and treated with 17ß-estradiol. Delirium-like behaviors were evaluated prior to and following UTI and 17ß-estradiol treatment. Compared to controls, mice treated with 17ß-estradiol had less neuronal injury, improved delirium-like behaviors, and less plasma and frontal cortex IL-6. In vitro studies further showed that 17ß-estradiol may also directly mediate neuronal protection, suggesting pleiotropic mechanisms of 17ß-estradiol-mediated neuroprotection. In summary, we demonstrate a beneficial role for 17ß-estradiol in ameliorating acute UTI-induced structural and functional delirium-like phenotypes. These findings provide pre-clinical justification for 17ß-estradiol as a therapeutic target to ameliorate delirium following UTI.

Long non-coding RNAs involved in different steps of cancer metastasis.

Non-proteincoding transcripts bearing 200 base pairs known as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a role in a variety of molecular mechanisms, including cell differentiation, apoptosis and metastasis. Previous studies have suggested that frequently dysregulated lncRNAs play a crucial role in various aspects of cancer metastasis. Metastasis is the main leading cause of death in cancer. The role of lncRNAs in different stages of metastasis is the subject of this review. Based on in vitro and in vivo investigations on metastasis, we categorized lncRNAs into distinct stages of metastasis including angiogenesis, invasion, intravasation, survival in circulation, and extravasation. The involvement of lncRNAs in angiogenesis and invasion has been extensively studied. Here, we comprehensively discuss the role and functions of these lncRNAs with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms.

Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Perceived Stigma in Healthcare Workers in Nepal During Later Phase of First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused discrimination and social stigma among healthcare workers (HCW) causing psychological problems due to prolonged work shifts, uncertain pay, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), added fear of infection to self or family, and so on. This online survey is directed towards the determination of anxiety, depression, and stigma among healthcare providers in Nepal during the later phase of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods Anxiety and depression were assessed using standard Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Data for the survey were collected from January 10, 2021, to February 6, 2021, and analyzed using Stata 15 (College Station, TX: StataCorp LLC). Results A total of 213 participants were enrolled in the study from different parts of Nepal and their mean age was 29.90±6.43 years. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers was 46.95% and 41.31%, respectively. A bidirectional relationship was present between GAD-7 and PHQ-9 score interpretation. About 57% of HCW experienced some form of perceived stigmatization due to COVID-19. Frontline HCW were six times more likely to be stigmatized compared to non-front line HCWs and diagnosis of COVID-19 was associated with three times higher odds of facing perceived stigmatization. Conclusion A significant number of HCW experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression during the later phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontline HCW who were infected experienced a higher level of stigma.

Immediate "Kangaroo Mother Care" and Survival of Infants with Low Birth Weight.

BACKGROUND: "Kangaroo mother care," a type of newborn care involving skin-to-skin contact with the mother or other caregiver, reduces mortality in infants with low birth weight (<2.0 kg) when initiated after stabilization, but the majority of deaths occur before stabilization. The safety and efficacy of kangaroo mother care initiated soon after birth among infants with low birth weight are uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial in five hospitals in Ghana, India, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania involving infants with a birth weight between 1.0 and 1.799 kg who were assigned to receive immediate kangaroo mother care (intervention) or conventional care in an incubator or a radiant warmer until their condition stabilized and kangaroo mother care thereafter (control). The primary outcomes were death in the neonatal period (the first 28 days of life) and in the first 72 hours of life. RESULTS: A total of 3211 infants and their mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (1609 infants with their mothers) or the control group (1602 infants with their mothers). The median daily duration of skin-to-skin contact in the neonatal intensive care unit was 16.9 hours (interquartile range, 13.0 to 19.7) in the intervention group and 1.5 hours (interquartile range, 0.3 to 3.3) in the control group. Neonatal death occurred in the first 28 days in 191 infants in the intervention group (12.0%) and in 249 infants in the control group (15.7%) (relative risk of death, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.89; P = 0.001); neonatal death in the first 72 hours of life occurred in 74 infants in the intervention group (4.6%) and in 92 infants in the control group (5.8%) (relative risk of death, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.04; P = 0.09). The trial was stopped early on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board owing to the finding of reduced mortality among infants receiving immediate kangaroo mother care. CONCLUSIONS: Among infants with a birth weight between 1.0 and 1.799 kg, those who received immediate kangaroo mother care had lower mortality at 28 days than those who received conventional care with kangaroo mother care initiated after stabilization; the between-group difference favoring immediate kangaroo mother care at 72 hours was not significant. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12618001880235; Clinical Trials Registry-India number, CTRI/2018/08/015369.).

Strengthening clinical microbiology skill acquisition; a nationwide survey of faculty perceptions & practices on teaching & assessment of practical skills to undergraduate students.

PURPOSE: New Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum has emphasized on the acquisition of core competencies by an Indian Medical Graduate (IMG). Likewise ability to perform basic microbiological investigations, and diagnose infectious disease is deemed critical for a doctor of first contact. In order to prepare students to achieve these competencies, effective skill training and assessment is paramount. However, microbiology skill training is known to vary across Indian medical schools. This survey has explored faculty perceptions and current practices across the country, to suggest measures for strengthening skill acquisition. METHODS: Online survey was conducted through Google form questionnaire. Faculty shared their perceptions and practices on the Likert scale about teaching, learning and assessment of microbiology skills. RESULTS: Sixty faculty members from 58 medical colleges from 17 states of India participated. Majority of the faculty considered interpretational skills as more important than technical skills. Faculty perceptions and practices varied. Although most of the skills are being taught and assessed on one or more occasions, some important clinical microbiology skills were not assessed. Feasibility was an issue for new set of CBME competencies. Blue print and skill laboratory was adopted by 10% and 31.66% colleges respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in perceptions and practices in teaching and assessment of microbiology skills in Indian context is now documented. Skill training requires a standardised and robust program with ample opportunities for practice and feedback. Faculty orientation and use of innovative strategies are overriding to augment skill acquisition and thus, successful implementation of new CBME curriculum.

Preterm care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparative risk analysis of neonatal deaths averted by kangaroo mother care versus mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is disrupting health services for mothers and newborns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Preterm newborns are particularly vulnerable. We undertook analyses of the benefits of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on survival among neonates weighing ≤2000 g compared with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquired from infected mothers/caregivers. METHODS: We modelled two scenarios over 12 months. Scenario 1 compared the survival benefits of KMC with universal coverage (99%) and mortality risk due to COVID-19. Scenario 2 estimated incremental deaths from reduced coverage and complete disruption of KMC. Projections were based on the most recent data for 127 LMICs (~90% of global births), with results aggregated into five regions. FINDINGS: Our worst-case scenario (100% transmission) could result in 1,950 neonatal deaths from COVID-19. Conversely, 125,680 neonatal lives could be saved with universal KMC coverage. Hence, the benefit of KMC is 65-fold higher than the mortality risk of COVID-19. If recent evidence of 10% transmission was applied, the ratio would be 630-fold. We estimated a 50% reduction in KMC coverage could result in 12,570 incremental deaths and full disruption could result in 25,140 incremental deaths, representing a 2·3-4·6% increase in neonatal mortality across the 127 countries. INTERPRETATION: The survival benefit of KMC far outweighs the small risk of death due to COVID-19. Preterm newborns are at risk, especially in LMICs where the consequences of disruptions are substantial. Policymakers and healthcare professionals need to protect services and ensure clearer messaging to keep mothers and newborns together, even if the mother is SARS-CoV-2-positive. FUNDING: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Elma Philanthropies; Wellcome Trust; and Joint Global Health Trials scheme of Department of Health and Social Care, Department for International Development, Medical Research Council, and Wellcome Trust.

Small and sick newborn care during the COVID-19 pandemic: global survey and thematic analysis of healthcare providers' voices and experiences.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting health systems globally. Maternity care disruptions have been surveyed, but not those related to vulnerable small newborns. We aimed to survey reported disruptions to small and sick newborn care worldwide and undertake thematic analysis of healthcare providers' experiences and proposed mitigation strategies. METHODS: Using a widely disseminated online survey in three languages, we reached out to neonatal healthcare providers. We collected data on COVID-19 preparedness, effects on health personnel and on newborn care services, including kangaroo mother care (KMC), as well as disruptors and solutions. RESULTS: We analysed 1120 responses from 62 countries, mainly low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Preparedness for COVID-19 was suboptimal in terms of guidelines and availability of personal protective equipment. One-third reported routine testing of all pregnant women, but 13% had no testing capacity at all. More than 85% of health personnel feared for their own health and 89% had increased stress. Newborn care practices were disrupted both due to reduced care-seeking and a compromised workforce. More than half reported that evidence-based interventions such as KMC were discontinued or discouraged. Separation of the mother-baby dyad was reported for both COVID-positive mothers (50%) and those with unknown status (16%). Follow-up care was disrupted primarily due to families' fear of visiting hospitals (~73%). CONCLUSION: Newborn care providers are stressed and there is lack clarity and guidelines regarding care of small newborns during the pandemic. There is an urgent need to protect life-saving interventions, such as KMC, threatened by the pandemic, and to be ready to recover and build back better.

Decreasing antibiotic over-use by implementation of an antibiotic stewardship programme in preterm neonates in resource limited settings - a quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics play a critical role in neonatal sepsis but excessive use is associated with adverse outcomes and the current prescribing rates of antibiotics are unacceptably high. AIM: To reduce antibiotic over-use in preterm neonates by implementing an antibiotic stewardship programme using a quality improvement (QI) initiative. METHODS: This study was conducted at a neonatal intensive care unit in a resource-limited setting. The reasons for antibiotic over-use were analysed and an antibiotic stewardship programme was implemented by using a QI initiative. The duration of the QI was a 1-month baseline phase followed by 3 months of implementation which was undertaken in the form of Plan-Do-Study-Act (P-D-S-A) cycles. The sustainment phase was observed for 2 months. All neonates admitted to the preterm unit were included. The outcome measure was the antibiotic usage expressed as days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient days. RESULTS: In the baseline phase, DOT/1000 patient days was 1464 which fell to 706, 511, and 442 DOT/1000 patient days, respectively, over 3 months, resulting in a 65% reduction in antibiotic usage. This was achieved by a combination of efforts directed towards defining the conditions for no antibiotics, revising existing antibiotic policy, stopping orders at 48 hours, de-escalation to the narrowest spectrum antibiotic, stopping prophylactic antifungal agents and limited use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The results were achieved without an increase in culture-positive sepsis or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a tailored antibiotic stewardship programme through a QI initiative was effective and safe in reducing antibiotic use in preterm neonates in a resource-limited setting. ABBREVIATIONS: AIIMS, All India Institute of Medical Sciences; DOT, days of therapy; HIC, high-income countries; ICMR, Indian Council of Medical Research; LMIC, low- to middle-income countries; LOS, late-onset sepsis; NICU, neonatal intensive care unit; NNF, National Neonatology Forum; P-D-S-A, plan-do-study-act; QI, quality improvement; SNCU, Special newborn care unit.

Quality improvement initiative to improve the duration of kangaroo mother care for twin preterm neonates born at a tertiary care hospital in resource-limited settings.

AIM: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) can be challenging in multiple births and more so in resource-limited settings. This study aims at increasing the mean duration of KMC with early initiation in twin preterm neonates born at a tertiary care hospital using a quality improvement (QI) initiative. METHODS: Barriers for poor KMC practice in twin preterm neonates born at the tertiary care hospital were analysed and baseline data were collected over a period of 4 months using a predesigned proforma. A QI team was formed and suggested solutions were prioritised through focus group discussions in the form of Plan-Do-Study-Act (P-D-S-A) cycles. Each cycle was of one-month duration and three cycles were implemented, followed by the sustenance phase studied at 1-month post-implementation. RESULTS: There were a total of 238 twin deliveries in the study period, of which 169 twin pairs were included in the study. At the end of implementation, the average day of initiation of KMC improved from 8th to 3rd day of life and the duration of KMC increased significantly from an average of 2.70 h/infant/day to 7.88 h/infant/day. CONCLUSION: This QI project focused on the improvement of KMC practice in twin preterm neonates in a tertiary care hospital where results were achieved with maximal utilisation of available hospital resources and low-cost interventions. This study design is generalizable to other hospitals in resource-limited settings where family participatory care can be strengthened to overcome the challenges of KMC in multiple births.

Antenatal Dexamethasone for Early Preterm Birth in Low-Resource Countries.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of antenatal glucocorticoids in women in low-resource countries who are at risk for preterm birth are uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a multicountry, randomized trial involving pregnant women between 26 weeks 0 days and 33 weeks 6 days of gestation who were at risk for preterm birth. The participants were assigned to intramuscular dexamethasone or identical placebo. The primary outcomes were neonatal death alone, stillbirth or neonatal death, and possible maternal bacterial infection; neonatal death alone and stillbirth or neonatal death were evaluated with superiority analyses, and possible maternal bacterial infection was evaluated with a noninferiority analysis with the use of a prespecified margin of 1.25 on the relative scale. RESULTS: A total of 2852 women (and their 3070 fetuses) from 29 secondary- and tertiary-level hospitals across Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Pakistan underwent randomization. The trial was stopped for benefit at the second interim analysis. Neonatal death occurred in 278 of 1417 infants (19.6%) in the dexamethasone group and in 331 of 1406 infants (23.5%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 0.97; P = 0.03). Stillbirth or neonatal death occurred in 393 of 1532 fetuses and infants (25.7%) and in 444 of 1519 fetuses and infants (29.2%), respectively (relative risk, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.99; P = 0.04); the incidence of possible maternal bacterial infection was 4.8% and 6.3%, respectively (relative risk, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.03). There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Among women in low-resource countries who were at risk for early preterm birth, the use of dexamethasone resulted in significantly lower risks of neonatal death alone and stillbirth or neonatal death than the use of placebo, without an increase in the incidence of possible maternal bacterial infection. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization; Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12617000476336; Clinical Trials Registry-India number, CTRI/2017/04/008326.).

Breast Milk Quality Improvement Bundle for Very Low Birth Weight Neonates.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of a quality improvement (QI) bundle on improving breast milk output among very low birth weight (VLBW) mothers. DESIGN: Before and after nonrandomized QI project. SAMPLE: Mothers who delivered a VLBW infant in October and November 2015 were the prospective cohort. Those who delivered a VLBW infant in August and September 2015 were the retrospective cohort. The QI bundle consisted of early expression of milk, use of breast pumps, frequent expressions, videos, and regular counseling. This bundle was done for the prospective cohort. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Quantity of expressed breast milk on day 7. RESULTS: There were 13 mothers in the retrospective cohort and 18 mothers in the prospective one. The mean birth weight (1297.80 and 1207.70 g, p = .19) and gestation (32.5 and 31.5 wk, p = .27) were similar. There was a significant increase in the milk output on day 7 in the prospective group 113.6 ± 45 vs 182 ± 63 mL (p = .001).

Publication misconduct: Perceptions of participants of a faculty development programme.

Background: . Publication misconduct is a commonly reported finding among researchers from various backgrounds including those from the medical sciences. The reasons for such events are diverse and people address them differently. Methods: . The opinions and experiences of 72 medical educators enrolled in an online discussion forum for faculty development were analysed to ascertain possible reasons and ways to address publication misconduct. Results: . Of the 50 educators who participated in the discussion, 46 had one or more experiences of publication misconduct to share. Twelve participants felt that almost all kinds of publication misconduct, i.e. fabrication and falsification of data, plagiarism and authorship issues were a universal phenomenon. In the experience of majority of the participants, publication misconduct was common and often no action was taken. Lack of knowledge and awareness among teachers and students, personal gains, pressure for professional advancement and lack of monitoring and control were identified as the reasons for such misconduct. Several solutions were offered by the participants to address the problem, the most common was to have a formal training programme along with stringent monitoring and control mechanisms at the institutional level. Conclusion: . Publication misconduct occurs and people indulge in it for a variety of reasons. Institutional-level policies may be able to address some of these.

Low-fidelity simulation to enhance understanding of infection control among undergraduate medical students.

BACKGROUND: Developing economies are stressing institutional care for better health outcomes but its advantages are dampened by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Besides other undesired complications, the economic cost of HAIs is enormous. Developing countries have higher HAI rates compared with Europe or the USA. The knowledge and practice of infection control is poor among medical students. Based on introspection of 'Infection Control Module' for undergraduates introduced in 2012, we tested emotional sensitization using low-fidelity techniques to enhance its effectiveness. METHODS: All medical undergraduate students in their second year (n=102) were randomly divided into three groups using balanced randomization (two test and one control). Test groups were made to realize the emotional, social and financial consequences of HAI on patients and their families through low-fidelity simulation in the form of case discussions and video demonstrations. Pre- and postintervention empathy scores were calculated using Toronto empathy questionnaire (TEQ) for all the 102 students. Postintervention, all students were subjected to an infection control module and knowledge test. Perceptions of the intervention groups were recorded. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 102 students, 93 (91.1%) participated in the study. There was no significant difference in the pre-test TEQ score (p=0.87) but there was a significant difference in the post-test TEQ (p = 0.026) and knowledge test score (p = 0.016) among the groups. Both the simulation exercises were well appreciated by the students. CONCLUSION: Emotional sensitization using low-fidelity simulation served as a catalyst in understanding infection control among medical undergraduate students.

Analgesic Efficacy of Oral Dextrose and Breast Milk during Nasopharyngeal Suctioning of Preterm Infants on CPAP: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) requires nasopharyngeal suctioning for airway patency, which is painful. Other procedures have used breast milk and 25% dextrose as analgesics. We aimed to compare their analgesic efficacy during nasopharyngeal suctioning in preterm neonates on CPAP. In this blinded randomized controlled trial, babies received 25% dextrose or breast milk orally. Pain before, during and after was assessed using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) score. Analysis was done for 40 babies. The mean PIPP score in the 25% dextrose group during the procedure was 11.25 ± 2.73 and 13.2 ± 2.55 (p = 0.02) with the intervention and without. In the breast milk group the PIPP score during the procedure was 11.35 ± 3.05 and 13.45 ± 3.27 (p = 0.04); this difference persisted even after the procedure. There was no significant difference between the interventions. Both interventions significantly reduce pain. The analgesic effect of breast milk was sustained.

Device-Associated Infection Rates in 20 Cities of India, Data Summary for 2004-2013: Findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To report the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium surveillance data from 40 hospitals (20 cities) in India 2004-2013. METHODS: Surveillance using US National Healthcare Safety Network's criteria and definitions, and International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium methodology. RESULTS: We collected data from 236,700 ICU patients for 970,713 bed-days Pooled device-associated healthcare-associated infection rates for adult and pediatric ICUs were 5.1 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)/1,000 central line-days, 9.4 cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAPs)/1,000 mechanical ventilator-days, and 2.1 catheter-associated urinary tract infections/1,000 urinary catheter-days In neonatal ICUs (NICUs) pooled rates were 36.2 CLABSIs/1,000 central line-days and 1.9 VAPs/1,000 mechanical ventilator-days Extra length of stay in adult and pediatric ICUs was 9.5 for CLABSI, 9.1 for VAP, and 10.0 for catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Extra length of stay in NICUs was 14.7 for CLABSI and 38.7 for VAP Crude extra mortality was 16.3% for CLABSI, 22.7% for VAP, and 6.6% for catheter-associated urinary tract infections in adult and pediatric ICUs, and 1.2% for CLABSI and 8.3% for VAP in NICUs Pooled device use ratios were 0.21 for mechanical ventilator, 0.39 for central line, and 0.53 for urinary catheter in adult and pediatric ICUs; and 0.07 for mechanical ventilator and 0.06 for central line in NICUs. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a lower device use ratio in our ICUs, our device-associated healthcare-associated infection rates are higher than National Healthcare Safety Network, but lower than International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium Report.

Monitoring a CuO gas sensor at work: an advanced in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy study.

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and electrical measurements were used to elucidate the local structure and electronic changes of copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanostructures under working conditions. For this purpose, a sample holder layout was developed enabling the simultaneous analysis of the spectroscopic and electrical properties of the sensor material under identical operating conditions. The influence of different carrier gases (e.g., air and N2) on the CuO nanostructures behavior under reducing conditions (H2 gas) was studied to analyze how a particular gas atmosphere can modify the oxidation state of the sensor material in real time.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyldihydroisoxazoles as potent inhibitors of tubulin polymerization.

Three series of compounds; pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles, pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolylisoxazoles and pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyldihydroisoxazoles with TMP moiety were designed, synthesized and screened for their anti-cancer and anti-tubulin properties. By sequentially designing three series of compounds comprising of dihydroisoxazole in the linker, a small substituent like chlorine on one side (R(1)) and aromatic group (R) on the pyridine ring, we have optimized the anti-cancer as well as anti-tubulin activity. Pyridinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyldihydroisoxazoles 28b and 28c were found to be potent anti-cancer agents against all the cell lines tested with a concomitant accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Molecular modeling suggests that the trimethoxyphenyl ring in 28b and 28c occupies the cholchicine binding domain of ß-tubulin, whereas, the dihydroisoxazole extends towards the interface of α,ß-tubulin.

Efficacy of expressed breast milk in reducing pain during ROP screening--a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of expressed breast milk (EBM) on neonatal pain during screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Neonates who were on oral feeds undergoing ROP screening were included. Babies were randomized into intervention group (EBM + Standard practice) and control group. The standard practice is proparacaine, nesting and swaddling. Pain was assessed by PIPP scale, during and at 1 and 5 min after the procedure by the principal investigator who was blinded. RESULTS: The groups were similar in baseline characteristics. The group receiving EBM had significantly lower PIPP scores during the procedure 12.7 ± 1.69 compared to the control group 15.5 ± 1.78 (p < 0.05). The beneficial effect persisted at 1 min and 5 min after the procedure 6.20 ± 1.9 vs. 12.4 ± 2.54 (p ≤ 0.05) at 1 min; 3.2 ± 1.5 and 6.85 ± 2.4 (p < 0.05) at 5 min. CONCLUSION: Oral EBM significantly reduces pain during and after ROP screening.

Comparative analysis of Papaver somniferum genotypes having contrasting latex and alkaloid profiles.

Papaver somniferum produces therapeutically useful benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) like papaverine, thebaine, codeine, and morphine that accumulate in its capsular latex. Morphine is a potent analgesic but is also abused as a narcotic, which has increased the demand for non-narcotic thebaine that can be converted into various analgesics. To curtail the narcotic menace, many distinct genotypes of the plant have been developed that are deficient in morphine and/or latex. Sujata is one such latex-less low alkaloid-producing variety developed from the alkaloid-rich gum harvest variety Sampada. Its utility for gene prospecting and studying differential gene regulation responsible for its low alkaloid, nutritive seed oil, and latex-less phenotype has been exploited in this study. BIA profiling of Sujata and Sampada capsules at the early and late stages indicated that except for thebaine, Sujata had a depressed alkaloid phenotype as compared to Sampada. Comparative transcript-based analysis of the two genotypes was carried out in the early stage capsule (higher thebaine) using subtractive hybridization and microarray. Interrogation of a P. somniferum array yielded many differentially expressing transcripts. Their homology-based annotation classified them into categories--latex related, oil/lipid related, alkaloid related, cell wall related, and others. These leads will be useful to characterize the highly sought after Sujata phenotype.

Controlled synthesis of layered Sn3O4 nanobelts by carbothermal reduction method and their gas sensor properties.

This paper reports both the controlled synthesis of Sn3O4 nanobelts by carbothermal reduction method and the gas sensor properties of these nanostructures. The synthesized material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and gas sensor measurements. The results showed that the Sn3O4 nanobelts grow in a layered way and the careful control of experimental parameters is fundamental for stabilization of the correct phase. From the gas sensor measurements using oxygen as analyte gas, it was observed that the Sn3O4 nanobelts exhibit n-type behavior and both the sensitivity and the response time are dependent on the oxygen concentration. A model based on molecules adsorption was proposed to illustrate the mechanism of gas detection of these nanostructures. In summary, these results indicate that Sn3O4 nanobelts synthesized by carbothermal reduction method are promising to be applied as gas sensors.