Naphthaldehyde-Based Schiff Base Chemosensor for the Dual Sensing of Cu2+ and Ni2+ Ions.

In this study, a simple Schiff base sensor 1-(((4-nitrophenyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol(NNM) has been used for chemosensing of metal ions. The metal sensing properties of sensor NNM have been investigated using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopic approaches. The spectral investigations revealed a red shift in absorption spectra and quenching in the emission band of the ligand molecule in the presence of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions. The binding stoichiometry of sensor NNM for the analyte (Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions) has been investigated by the Job's plot analysis and found to be 1:1 (NNM:Analyte). The data of the Benesi-Hildebrand plot demonstrated that NNM detected Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions in nanomolar quantity. The binding insights among NNM and analytes (Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions) have been confirmed by shifted IR signals. Moreover, the reusabilty of the sensor has been investigated using an EDTA solution. In addition, the sensor NNM also successfully applied to real water samples for the identification and measurement of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions. Hence, this system could be highly applicable in environmental and biological applications.

The COVID-19 pandemic: an opportunity to strengthen telemedicine in low and middle-income countries.

IMPACT: During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic the healthcare systems of several countries came under strain and were even crippled, especially in LMICs, necessitating the exploration of alternate mechanisms for scaling-up healthcare services. Telemedicine can be an invaluable modality for complementing standard modes of pediatric healthcare delivery, not only during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for reducing the inequities that exist in access and delivery of pediatric healthcare in LMICs. A well-coordinated approach in health policy, development of infrastructure, and effective community participation is required for effective integration of pediatric telemedicine in LMICs healthcare systems.

An Isoniazid Based Schiff Base Sensor for Selective Detection of Pd2+ Ions.

Here, we developed a novel isoniazid based fluorescent probe (E)-N'-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide (TINH) through simple condensation reaction and employed for selective detection of Pd2+ ions with a low detection limit of 4.102 × 10-11 M. Among the many existing cations, TINH bound Pd2+ ions with an association affinity of 9.794 × 105 M-1. Adding Pd2+ ions to ligand solution increased the absorption intensity in UV-Visible and quenched the emission intensity in fluorescence spectroscopic experiments. More importantly, this TINH complexed to Pd2+ ions in 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. To evaluate the stability of complexed system, pH experiments has been performed. The binding insights among the ligand and Pd2+ ions has been confirmed by IR spectroscopic and MASS spectrometric methods. Additionally, TINH also applied to real water samples for the identification and measurement of Pd2+ ions. Hence, this system could be highly applicable for detection of Pd2+ ions in environmental and industrial samples with in low detection range.

Simultaneous axial and radial swelling studies from 2D stereozoom images of tablet compacts composed of superdisintegrants.

Swelling-based disintegration is considered important for drug release from tablets and can be modified with excipients called tablet disintegrants. Swelling of tablets occurs axially and radially, and most researchers have observed both these events separately using 2D images. In the current work, we have studied these events simultaneously instead of separately under a stereozoom microscope for tablet compacts composed of high proportions of disintegrants (sodium starch glycolate, SSG and croscarmellose sodium, CCS), using water as the disintegrating medium. A hypothesis is proposed for the measurements of radial and axial swellings from a single 2D image, as horizontal lengths based on trigonometric functions for a right-angle triangle. All predicted axial and radial lengths (as per proposed hypothesis) are found validated with respect to vernier calliper measurements for dry-tablet compacts with a minute error of 3.809%. The axial swelling is approximately fivefolds more than that of radial swelling on the basis of normalised lengths. No particular trend can be spotted exclusively in favour of a superdisintegrant; however, the CCS-based tablets have shown higher swelling as compared to SSG-based tablets. From the current studies, it is evident that both axial and radial dimensions are obtainable from single 2D stereozoom images and can be successfully implemented for swelling studies of tablets.

Association of resistin (rs3745367) and urotensin II (rs228648 and rs2890565) gene polymorphisms with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indian population.

Insulin resistance may become the most powerful predictor of future development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a therapeutic target for the treatment of the same. Both Resistin, an adipose derived peptide hormone and Urotensin II a potent vasoconstrictor, are reported to be involved in the development of insulin resistance and T2DM but the results remain contradictory. Therefore, investigations were carried out to study the association of T2DM and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Resistin (RETN) gene at rs3745367 (+ 299 G > A) and Urotensin II (UTS2) gene at rs228648 (+ 143 G > A) and rs2890565 (+ 3836 C > T) in a North Indian population. Method: The present case-control study, conducted from August 2017 to July 2020, involved 168 T2DM patients and 102 healthy controls. SNPs rs3745367, rs228648 and rs2890565 were amplified from genomic DNA in the studied samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. The amplified products were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using particular restriction endonucleases. Clinical parameters viz. glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHL) and fasting insulin were determined by enzymatic methods. Result and conclusion: A statistically significant association between T2DM and RETN gene at SNP rs3745367 (p = 0.001) and UTS2 gene at SNP rs2890565 (p = 0.001) was observed. In RETN gene SNP rs3745367, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were found to be higher in GA + AA combined genotype than in GG genotype for T2DM subjects. Regression analysis revealed that SNP rs2890565 and HOMA-IR were independently associated with the risk of development of T2DM when three SNPs were taken as independent variable adjusted for clinical variables. Among four haplotypes, A/T was found associated with increased risk of T2DM as determined for rs228648 and rs2890565 of UTS2 gene. It can be concluded from these results that polymorphism at rs3745367 of RETN gene and at rs2890565 of UTS2 gene are associated with risk of T2DM in North Indian population.

Photoluminescence and structural analysis of trivalent europium doped MLaAl3 O7 (M = Ba, Ca, Mg and Sr) nanophosphors.

The solution combustion technique was used to synthesize MLaAl3 O7 (M = Ba, Ca, Mg, and Sr) nanophosphors-doped with Eu3+ using metal nitrates as precursors. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibited three peaks at 587-591, 610-616, and 653-654 corresponding to 5 D0 →7 F1 , 5 D0 →7 F2 , and 5 D0 →7 F3 transitions, respectively. Upon excitation at 254 nm, these nanophosphors displayed strong red emission with the dominant peak attributed to the 5 D0 →7 F2 transition of Eu3+ . The materials were further heated at 900 and 1050°C for 2 h to examine the consequence of temperature on crystal lattice and PL emission intensity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis proved that all the synthesized materials were of a crystalline nature. CaLaAl3 O7 material has a tetragonal crystal structure with space group P421m. Scherer's equation was used to calculate the crystallite size of synthesized phosphors using XRD data. A Fourier transformation infrared study was used to observe the stretching vibrations of metal-oxygen bonds. Infrared peaks for stretching vibrations corresponding to lanthanum-oxygen and aluminium-oxygen bonds were found at 582 and 777 cm-1 respectively for CaLaAl3 O7 phosphor material. Transmission electron microscopy images were used to determine the size of particles (18-37 nm for the as-prepared materials) and also to analyze the three-dimensional view of these materials. The experimental data indicate that these materials may be promising red-emitting nanophosphors for use in white light-emitting diodes.

Next generation sequencing, biochemical characterization, metabolic pathway analysis of novel probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252 and it's evolutionary relationship with other lactic acid bacteria.

Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252 is a facultative anaerobe of dairy origin that possessed all studied in vitro probiotic attributes and several useful enzyme activities. Its whole genome was sequenced and analysed for its evolutionary relationship with other lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This is a novel sequence and first report of genome sequence of P. acidilactici of dairy origin. Its genome is relatively larger than other studied genomes of P. acidilactici and is comprised of 40 scaffolds that totals to 3,243,337 bases and 44.5% GC content. A total of 3054 coding sequences (CDS) were identified by RAST and DIAMOND servers. The genome also encoded different enzyme activities required for utilization of various carbohydrates. This was also confirmed by carbohydrate utilization studies. The genome also encoded genes for probiotics properties. The phylogenetic analysis of P. acidilactici NCDC 252 genome was done using Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood methods to study its evolution and relatedness to other LABs based upon their 16S rDNA sequences. The strain exhibited highest resemblance to Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 and is also much close to P. acidilactici based on similarity of ribosomal protein. The strain seems to have acquired some genes for its adaptation in dairy/environmental niche. This genome sequence is novel with genome more similar to L. plantarum and biochemical and phenotypic characteristics of P. acidilactici.

Aggregation, adhesion and efficacy studies of probiotic candidate Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252: a strain of dairy origin.

Aggregation and adhesion capability and survival efficacy of candidate probiotic strain Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252 under simulated gastric, intestinal and vaginal conditions was studied. The strain exhibited strong autoaggregation phenotype and coaggregation with other Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and E. coli. The adhesion studies of NCDC 252 to pig's intestinal epithelial cells showed its adhesive ability. Aggregation and adhesiveness were related through cell surface proteins as removal/extraction of surface proteins resulted in altered aggregation and no adhesiveness. Cell surface proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE and also in silico analysed from its genome. SDS-PAGE analysis of cell surface proteins of NCDC 252 revealed two potential proteins of approximately 74.3 and 53.6 kDa to be involved in host-probiotic interaction. Removal of cell surface proteins by LiCl-treatment (5 mol l-1) resulted in loss of aggregation and adhesiveness. Further survival of NCDC 252 under simulated gastrointestinal and vaginal conditions in terms of high viable counts confirmed its efficacy for its survival under gut and urogenital conditions. These observations suggest that it can be used further in functional foods, nutraceuticals and in combating urogenital infections. As NCDC 252 was able to survive in intestinal conditions, interaction of its cell surface proteins with intestinal mucins was studied in silico by docking. Highest affinity of adhesion was observed for MUC3B. In conclucion, NCDC 252, exhibited aggregation phenotype and adhesion capability. Survivability of NCDC 252 under simulated conditions and its interaction with human mucins confirms its efficacy to be used as probiotic.

Purification, kinetic and functional characterization of membrane bound dipeptidyl peptidase-III from NCDC 252: a probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

Pediococcus acidilactici is a probiotic lactic acid bacteria possessing studied in-vitro probiotic properties. Study of membrane proteins is crucial in developing technological and health applications of probiotic bacteria. Genome analysis of Pediococcus acidilactici revealed about more than 60 proteases/peptidases which need characterization. Dipeptidyl peptidase-III (DPP-III) is studied for first time in prokaryotes and it is a membrane protein in P. acidilactici that has been purified to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme was purified 81.66 fold with 36.75% yield. The specific activity of purified DPP-III was 202.67 U/mg. The protein moved as single band on native PAGE. The purity was also confirmed by in-situ gel assay. However SDS-PAGE analysis revealed it as high molecular weight heterotetramer with molecular weight of 108 kDa. The enzyme was maximally active at pH 8.5 and at 37 C. Purified DPP-III specifically hydrolyzed Arg-Arg-4-ßNA with micromolar affinity (Km = 9.0 µM) and none of studied endopeptidase and monopeptidase substrate was hydrolyzed. Inhibition study revealed purified DPP-III to be a serine protease with involvement of metal ion at active site. The significance of this enzyme as membrane protein is yet to be studied.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Labor Induction in a Contemporary US Cohort: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine labor induction by race/ethnicity and factors associated with disparity in induction. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of 143,634 women eligible for induction ≥24 weeks' gestation from 12 clinical centers (2002-2008). Rates of labor induction for each racial/ethnic group were calculated and stratified by gestational age intervals: early preterm (240/7-336/7), late preterm (340/7-366/7), and term (370/7-416/7 weeks). Multivariable logistic regression examined the association between maternal race/ethnicity and induction controlling for maternal characteristics and pregnancy complications. The primary outcome was rate of induction by race/ethnicity. Inductions that were indicated, non-medically indicated, or without recorded indication were also compared. RESULTS: Non-Hispanic black (NHB) women had the highest percentage rate of induction, 44.6% (p < 0.001). After adjustment, all racial/ethnic groups had lower odds of induction compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) women. At term, NHW women had the highest percentage rate (45.4%) of non-medically indicated or induction with no indication (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with other racial/ethnic groups, NHW women were more likely to undergo non-medically indicated induction at term. As labor induction may avoid the occurrence of stillbirth, whether this finding explains part of the increased risk of stillbirth for NHB women at term merits further research.

Mutants at the 2-Fold Interface of Adeno-associated Virus Type 2 (AAV2) Structural Proteins Suggest a Role in Viral Transcription for AAV Capsids.

UNLABELLED: We previously reported that an amino acid substitution, Y704A, near the 2-fold interface of adeno-associated virus (AAV) was defective for transcription of the packaged genome (M. Salganik, F. Aydemir, H. J. Nam, R. McKenna, M. Agbandje-McKenna, and N. Muzyczka, J Virol 88:1071-1079, 2013, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JVI.02093-13). In this report, we have characterized the defect in 6 additional capsid mutants located in a region ∼30 Šin diameter on the surface of the AAV type 2 (AAV2) capsid near the 2-fold interface. These mutants, which are highly conserved among primate serotypes, displayed a severe defect (3 to 6 logs) in infectivity. All of the mutants accumulated significant levels of uncoated DNA in the nucleus, but none of the mutants were able to accumulate significant amounts of genomic mRNA postinfection. In addition, wild-type (wt) capsids that were bound to the conformational antibody A20, which is known to bind the capsid surface in the region of the mutants, were also defective for transcription. In all cases, the mutant virus particles, as well as the antibody-bound wild-type capsids, were able to enter the cell, travel to the nucleus, uncoat, and synthesize a second strand but were unable to transcribe their genomes. Taken together, the phenotype of these mutants provides compelling evidence that the AAV capsid plays a role in the transcription of its genome, and the mutants map this functional region on the surface of the capsid near the 2-fold interface. This appears to be the first example of a viral structural protein that is also involved in the transcription of the viral genome that it delivers to the nucleus. IMPORTANCE: Many viruses package enzymes within their capsids that assist in expressing their genomes postinfection, e.g., retroviruses. A number of nonenveloped viruses, including AAV, carry proteases that are needed for capsid maturation or for capsid modification during infection. We describe here what appears to be the first example of a nonenveloped viral capsid that appears to have a role in promoting transcription. A total of six mutants at the AAV capsid 2-fold interface were shown to have a severe defect in expressing their genomes, and the defect was at the level of mRNA accumulation. This suggests that AAV capsids have a novel role in promoting the transcription of the genomes that they have packaged. Since wt virions could not complement the mutant viruses, and the mutant viruses did not effectively inhibit wt gene expression, our results suggest that the capsid exerts its effect on transcription in cis.

Kozeny-Carman permeability relationship with disintegration process predicted from early dissolution profiles of immediate release tablets.

This study was oriented toward the disintegration profiling of the diclofenac sodium (DS) immediate-release (IR) tablets and development of its relationship with medium permeability kperm based on Kozeny-Carman equation. Batches (L1-L9) of DS IR tablets with different porosities and specific surface area were prepared at different compression forces and evaluated for porosity, in vitro dissolution and particle-size analysis of the disintegrated mass. The kperm was calculated from porosities and specific surface area, and disintegration profiles were predicted from the dissolution profiles of IR tablets by stripping/residual method. The disintegration profiles were subjected to exponential regression to find out the respective disintegration equations and rate constants kd. Batches L1 and L2 showed the fastest disintegration rates as evident from their bi-exponential equations while the rest of the batches L3-L9 exhibited the first order or mono-exponential disintegration kinetics. The 95% confidence interval (CI95%) revealed significant differences between kd values of different batches except L4 and L6. Similar results were also spotted for dissolution profiles of IR tablets by similarity (f2) test. The final relationship between kd and kperm was found to be hyperbolic, signifying the initial effect of kperm on the disintegration rate. The results showed that disintegration profiling is possible because a relationship exists between kd and kperm. The later being relatable with porosity and specific surface area can be determined by nondestructive tests.

The DcpS inhibitor RG3039 improves survival, function and motor unit pathologies in two SMA mouse models.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by insufficient levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to the functional loss of the SMN1 gene and the inability of its paralog, SMN2, to fully compensate due to reduced exon 7 splicing efficiency. Since SMA patients have at least one copy of SMN2, drug discovery campaigns have sought to identify SMN2 inducers. C5-substituted quinazolines increase SMN2 promoter activity in cell-based assays and a derivative, RG3039, has progressed to clinical testing. It is orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant and has been shown to be an inhibitor of the mRNA decapping enzyme, DcpS. Our pharmacological characterization of RG3039, reported here, demonstrates that RG3039 can extend survival and improve function in two SMA mouse models of varying disease severity (Taiwanese 5058 Hemi and 2B/- SMA mice), and positively impacts neuromuscular pathologies. In 2B/- SMA mice, RG3039 provided a >600% survival benefit (median 18 days to >112 days) when dosing began at P4, highlighting the importance of early intervention. We determined the minimum effective dose and the associated pharmacokinetic (PK) and exposure relationship of RG3039 and DcpS inhibition ex vivo. These data support the long PK half-life with extended pharmacodynamic outcome of RG3039 in 2B/- SMA mice. In motor neurons, RG3039 significantly increased both the average number of cells with gems and average number of gems per cell, which is used as an indirect measure of SMN levels. These studies contribute to dose selection and exposure estimates for the first studies with RG3039 in human subjects.

Cerebral autoregulation in different hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular complications that are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (preeclampsia, chronic hypertension [CHTN], and gestational hypertension [GHTN]) are believed to be associated with impaired cerebral autoregulation, which is a physiologic process that maintains blood flow at an appropriate level despite changes in blood pressure. The nature of autoregulation dysfunction in these conditions is unclear. We therefore evaluated autoregulation in 30 patients with preeclampsia, 30 patients with CHTN, and 20 patients with GHTN and compared them with a control group of 30 normal pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: The autoregulatory index (ARI) was calculated with the use of simultaneously recorded cerebral blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (transcranial Doppler ultrasound), blood pressure (noninvasive arterial volume clamping), and end-tidal carbon dioxide during a 7-minute period of rest. ARI values of 0 and 9 indicate absent and perfect autoregulation, respectively. We use analysis of variance with Bonferroni test vs a control group. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: ARI was significantly reduced in preeclampsia (ARI, 5.5 ± 1.6; P = .002) and CHTN (ARI, 5.6 ± 1.7; P = .004), but not in GHTN (ARI, 6.7 ± 0.8; P = 1.0) when compared with control subjects (ARI, 6.7 ± 0.8). ARI was more decreased in patients with CHTN who subsequently experienced preeclampsia than in those who did not (ARI, 3.9 ± 1.9 vs 6.1 ± 1.2; P = .001). This was not true for women with GHTN or control subjects who later experienced preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with CHTN or preeclampsia (even after exclusion of superimposed preeclampsia) have impaired autoregulation when compared with women with GHTN or normal pregnancy. Whether the decreased ARI in patients with CHTN who later experience preeclampsia is due to preexistent differences or early affected cerebral circulation remains to be determined.

Purification and biochemical characterization of dipeptidyl peptidase-II (DPP7) homologue from germinated Vigna radiata seeds.

Dipeptidyl peptidases (DPPs) are potent exopeptidases, which possess central role in proteolysis. As compared to other members of DPP family, proline containing dipeptide hydrolysing activity of DPP-II (Dipeptidyl peptidase II) is unique as it hydrolyses imino group and plays a key role in protein metabolism. In present study, DPP-II was purified from germinated moong bean seeds using acid and ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by successive chromatographies on gel filtration (pH 7.4) and cation exchanger (pH 5.9). Native PAGE and in-situ gel assay confirmed the apparent homogeneity. Purified plant DPP-II is an oligomeric enzyme with molecular weight of 97.3kDa. Highest DPP-II activity was observed at pH 7.5 and 37°C, with stability in the range of neutral to alkaline pH. Substrate specificity showed consequent activity for proline containing dipeptide followed by Lys-Ala and other hydrophobic dipeptides, but none of the studied endopeptidase and monopeptidase substrate was hydrolysed. Catalytic characterization with modifier studies revealed the involvement of Ser and His residues in its catalytic mechanism. Its dipeptidyl peptidase activity for proline containing dipeptide supported its role in the bioactive peptide generation and food industry. Functional studies of DPP-II revealed the significant involvement of this glycoproteinous enzyme in protein mobilization during germination. Further studies on industrial applications exploring physiological role are in progress.

Molecular phylogeny of an Indian population of Kleinstyla dorsicirrata (Foissner, 1982) Foissner et al., 2002. comb. nov. (Hypotrichia, Oxytrichidae): an oxytrichid with incomplete dorsal kinety fragmentation.

Kleinstyla dorsicirrata (Foissner, 1982) Foissner et al., 2002. comb. nov. (basionym: Gastrostyla dorsicirrata) is a slightly flexible oxytrichid, measuring about 88-115 × 27-46 µm in life and possesses cortical granules. Kleinstyla dorsicirrata is the only oxytrichid known so far with incompletely fragmented dorsal kinety. Morphological and morphogenetic data recognise K. dorsicirrata as nonstylonychine oxytrichid. Molecular phylogeny of an Indian population was inferred using 18S rRNA gene sequences and was examined with respect to oxytrichids exhibiting variation in dorsal kinety fragmentation. Kleinstyla dorsicirrata clusters with Oxytricha lanceolata; this proximity is quite significant as both show deviation from typical oxytrichid fragmentation of dorsal kinety. Molecular phylogeny of Indian population confirms its nonstylonychine oxytrichid status.

Spontaneous preterm birth in African-American and Caucasian women receiving 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the rates of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth in women receiving 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) differ according to maternal race. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a cohort of women enrolled in outpatient 17P administration at < 27 weeks. Maternal characteristics, obstetric history, and rates of recurrent preterm birth were determined using chi-square and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression at two-tailed α = 0.05. Primary study outcome was defined as having a spontaneous preterm birth < 34 weeks. RESULTS: African-American women initiated 17P injections later (19.6 versus 18.9 weeks, p < 0.001) and discontinued injections earlier (33.2 versus 34.1 weeks, p < 0.001) than Caucasian women. Spontaneous recurrent preterm birth < 34 weeks was higher in African-Americans versus Caucasians receiving 17P (odds ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.7, 2.4). After adjusting for other significant factors, African-American race retained the strongest association with recurrent spontaneous preterm birth < 34 weeks. Within each racial group, short cervical length < 25 mm before 27 weeks' gestation had the highest hazard of recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Despite treatment with 17P, African-American women have higher rates of recurrent preterm birth.

Racial disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes in HIV-1 positive mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive (HIV+) and HIV negative (HIV-) women and to determine if racial disparities exist among pregnancies complicated by HIV infection. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of data from the Consortium of Safe Labor between 2002 and 2008. Comparisons of obstetric morbidity, neonatal morbidity, and indications for cesarean delivery were examined. Included were singletons with documented HIV status, race, and antepartum admission. Chi-square, Fisher exact tests, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Included were 178,972 patients (178,210 HIV-, 762 HIV+, 464 HIV+ black, 298 HIV+ nonblack). HIV+ women were more likely to have a cesarean delivery, preterm premature rupture of membranes, another sexually transmitted infection, and delivery at an earlier gestational age. Obstetric outcomes were similar between HIV+ black and HIV+ nonblack women. Neonates of HIV+ mothers had lower birth weights and higher rates of neonatal intensive care admissions. HIV+ black women had lower birth weight neonates than HIV+ nonblack women. CONCLUSION: HIV+ women have higher rates of obstetric complications and deliver at an earlier gestational age than HIV- mothers. Lower birth weight was the only notable complication among HIV+ black women compared with HIV+ nonblack women.

Biochemical and physiological studies on the effects of senescence leaves of Populus deltoides on Triticum vulgare.

Triticum vulgare (Wheat) based products are the major dietary source of food in developing countries. In India, it grows in association with boundary plantations of Populus deltoids (poplar). During winter, poplar enters in dormancy which cause a heavy leaf fall at the time of wheat seed germination. Large number of poplar senescence leaves may adversely affect the wheat. Therefore, the present study was performed to examine the effect of senescence poplar leaves on wheat germ and some other biochemical parameters. Seed's germination rate was determined by measuring root and shoot lengths, percent germination, germination index, and inhibition percentage. Biochemical parameters, namely, pigment, carbohydrate, protein, and phenol content, were estimated. Activities of catalase and polyphenol oxidase which are stress marker enzymes were also measured. Results revealed that germination and other biochemical parameters of wheat were severely affected by senescence poplar leaves even at very low concentration. So, intercropping of poplar along with wheat may be chosen carefully as wheat is the major dietary staple.

To assess the availability of antibiotics for online sale and comparison of e-pharmacies on key characteristics influencing safe and rational use of antibiotics: an exploratory analysis.

Background: Growing antimicrobial resistance represents serious public health threat. With the increasing presence of online/e-pharmacies in India, public access to medicines has increased. Easy access coupled with lack of adequate and authentic drug information can undermine rational antibiotic use. Objectives: The present study aimed at exploring the availability of antibiotics for online sale and comparing the e-pharmacies on key characteristics influencing safe and rational use of antibiotics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months using the websites of 10 popular e-pharmacies in India. Availability of antibiotics for online sale was assessed in context of the National List of Essential Medicines, 2022 and WHO-AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) categories. Three separate questionnaires were developed to extract and compare relevant information from e-pharmacies pertaining to their safety and authenticity (in light of the expected standards laid down in draft e-pharmacy rules, 2018), availability of drug product and consumer awareness information for promoting prudent antibiotic use. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of the 17 antibiotics studied; antibiotics belonging to all WHO-AWaRe categories i.e. Access (83.33%), Watch (88.33%) and Reserve (78%) groups were available through e-pharmacies. Wide variation exists among the e-pharmacies regarding compliance to studied parameters under three questionnaires. Conclusions: Increased access to Watch and Reserve groups of antibiotics can translate into antibiotic misuse. It is therefore crucial that the regulatory gaps concerning e-pharmacies are addressed urgently and consumers are educated regarding safe and rational use of antibiotics.