Association of a single-nucleotide polymorphism in C12orf43 region with the risk of coronary artery disease.

The genetics of organisms play a vital role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), with its heritability estimated at approximately 50-60%. For this purpose, we examined the relationship between CAD risk and C12orf43/rs2258287 polymorphisms in the Pakistani population. In this study based on the genetic approach to dyslipidemia, a total of 200 subjects were included from the southern Punjab. The biochemical analysis of parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) was carried out along with molecular analysis using an ARMS-PCR-based assay for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C12orf43/rs2258287 to identify the genotype. Genotypes showed a substantial correlation with both family history and metabolic markers. The cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and blood glucose levels were higher while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was lower significantly (p<0.05) in cases than in controls. Age, pulse rate, diabetes, physical activity, smoking, family history, and dietary habits were also significantly associated (p<0.05) with CAD individuals. The SNP C12orf43/rs2258287 also showed an association with CAD in the population of southern Punjab. Based upon this study, it could be concluded that CAD is characterized by an unfavorable lipid profile in association with SNP C12orf43/rs2258287.

Global and local evolutionary dynamics of Dengue virus serotypes 1, 3, and 4.

Evolutionary studies on Dengue virus (DENV) in endemic regions are necessary since naturally occurring mutations may lead to genotypic variations or shifts in serotypes, which may lead to future outbreaks. Our study comprehends the evolutionary dynamics of DENV, using phylogenetic, molecular clock, skyline plots, network, selection pressure, and entropy analyses based on partial CprM gene sequences. We have collected 250 samples, 161 in 2017 and 89 in 2018. Details for the 2017 samples were published in our previous article and that of 2018 are presented in this study. Further evolutionary analysis was carried out using 800 sequences, which incorporate the study and global sequences from GenBank: DENV-1 (n = 240), DENV-3 (n = 374), and DENV-4 (n = 186), identified during 1944-2020, 1956-2020, and 1956-2021, respectively. Genotypes V, III, and I were identified as the predominant genotypes of the DENV-1, DENV-3, and DENV-4 serotypes, respectively. The rate of nucleotide substitution was found highest in DENV-3 (7.90 × 10-4 s/s/y), followed by DENV-4 (6.23 × 10-4 s/s/y) and DENV-1 (5.99 × 10-4 s/s/y). The Bayesian skyline plots of the Indian strains revealed dissimilar patterns amongst the population size of the three serotypes. Network analyses showed the presence of different clusters within the prevalent genotypes. The data presented in this study will assist in supplementing the measures for vaccine development against DENV.

Analysis of Dielectric Parameters of Fe2O3-Doped Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blend Composites.

In this paper, we report the effect of metal oxide (Fe2O3) loading in different weight ratios (0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) on the structural and electrical parameters, viz., the complex dielectric constant, electric modulus spectra, and the AC conductivity, of polymeric composites of PVDF/PMMA (30/70 weight ratio) blend. The structural and geometric measurements have been analyzed with the help of peak location, peak intensity, and peak shape obtained from XRD as well as from FTIR spectra. The electrical properties have been investigated using an impedance analyzer in the frequency range 100 Hz to 1 MHz. The real parts of the complex permittivity and the dielectric loss tangent of these materials are found to be frequency independent in the range from 20 KHz to 1 MHz, but they increase with the increase in the concentration of nano-Fe2O3. The conductivity also increases with an increased loading of Fe2O3 in PVDF/PMMA polymer blends. The electric modulus spectra were used to analyze the relaxation processes associated with the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars mechanism and chain segmental motion in the polymer mix.

Biodegradation study of Polyethylene and PVC using naturally occurring plastic degrading microbes.

One of the most serious man-made concerns today is the ever-increasing amount of plastic waste overwhelming the planet. The worldwide interest in using polymers consistently expanded over the years. Because of the plastic wastes thrown into the environment, outrageously the plastic pollution is increasing. In the present study, degradation of PVC and polyethylene-derived synthetic polymers has been carried out. The fungi and bacteria were isolated from the soil of the plastic waste environment and were used for the biodegradation of plastic films. Successful bacterial candidates for biodegradation were identified after screening. The bacterial strain Sb1 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis and Sb2 as Achromobacter xylosoxidans. The fungal strains Sf.1 and Sf.2 were identified as Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus glaucus, respectively. The degraded polymeric films were critically assessed by following the characterization methods like weight loss, FTIR and SEM. The results indicate that the polymers of polyethylene sample showed 32.2% degradation using bacterial strains and 40% using fungal strains in a time duration of just 4 weeks. PVC samples degraded 17 and 32% by fungal strains after 4 weeks. The changes in surface topography was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and the changes in functional groups intensity was observed using the FTIR. Different parameters, varying temperature, pH, and inoculum concentration, were also evaluated, which implied that plastic waste treated by fungal and bacterial strains gives significant (p < 0.05) result in polymer degradation. As a result, the current research gave a scientific justification that bacteria and fungus could be further developed as promising candidates for plastic bioremediation.

Mental health condition of physicians working frontline with COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic had triggered new challenges for mental health. This quick survey aimed to identify the mental health status of physicians who served the people during COVID-19 in Bangladesh. METHODOLOGY: The cross sectional survey was conducted adopting a quantitative approach and using an online questionnaire through Facebook Platform Group. Data was collected from August-October, 2020, on socio-demographic status, information on COVID-19 and questionnaires about Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 395 participants were enrolled from all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. RESULT: Our study reported a higher prevalence of depression (55.3%), anxiety (35.2%), and stress (48.4%) among 347 participants. Female physicians were found to have more stress (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.09 - 4.30) compared to the male. Physicians who were previously diagnosed as mentally ill were found to be significantly more depressed (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.07 - 11.10) and stressed (OR = 4.22, 95% CI: 1.48 - 12.02) compared to them who did not. Along with that, having a chronic disease, working in non-government and COVID hospitals significantly contributed to poor mental health outcomes. CONCLUSION: The study findings denoted that, the mental health of physicians was deeply affected by the pandemic situation. The availability of appropriate mental health support will help foster resilience by giving them the ability and confidence to manage crisis moments like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growth, physiological and proteomic responses in field grown wheat varieties exposed to elevated CO2 under high ambient ozone.

The present study investigated growth, biochemical, physiological, yield and proteomic changes in 3 wheat varieties exposed to elevated CO2 (515 ppm) in a background of high ambient ozone in field. Ethylenediurea (EDU) was used as antiozonant. Average ozone concentration was 59 ppb and was sufficient enough to exert phytotoxic effects. Elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) and EDU application individually or in combination negated the adverse effects of ozone by modulating antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes. Differential leaf proteomics revealed that at vegetative stage major changes in protein abundance were due to EDU treatment (47, 52 and 41 proteins in PBW-343, LOK1 and HD-2967, respectively). Combined treatment of eCO2 and EDU was more responsible for changes in 37 proteins during flowering stage of PBW-343 and LOK1. Functional categorization revealed more than 60% differentially abundant protein collectively belonging to carbon metabolism, protein synthesis assembly and degradation and photosynthesis. At both the growth stages, LOK1 was more responsive to eCO2 and combined treatment (eCO2 + EDU). HD-2967 was more positively responsive to EDU and combined treatment. eCO2 in combination of EDU protected these varieties against high ambient O3.

Global prevalence and distribution of coinfection of malaria, dengue and chikungunya: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya are vector borne diseases with shared endemic profiles and symptoms. Coinfections with any of these diseases could have fatal outcomes if left undiagnosed. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of coinfections is necessary to improve diagnosis and designing therapeutic interventions. METHODS: We have carried out a systematic search of the published literature based on PRISMA guidelines to identify cases of Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya coinfections. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify eligible studies and extracted data regarding cases of coinfection from cross sectional studies, case reports, retrospective studies, prospective observational studies and surveillance reports. RESULTS: Care full screening resulted in 104 publications that met the eligibility criteria and reported Malaria/Dengue, Dengue/Chikungunya, Malaria/Chikungunya and Malaria/Dengue/Chikungunya coinfections. These coinfections were spread over six geographical locations and 42 different countries and are reported more frequently in the last 15 years possibly due to expanding epidemiology of Dengue and Chikungunya. Few of these reports have also analysed distinguishing features of coinfections. Malaria/Dengue coinfections were the most common coinfection followed by Dengue/Chikungunya, Malaria/Chikungunya and Malaria/Dengue/Chikungunya coinfections. P. falciparum and P. vivax were the commonest species found in cases of malaria coinfections and Dengue serotype-4 commonest serotype in cases of dengue coinfections. Most studies were reported from India. Nigeria and India were the only two countries from where all possible combinations of coinfections were reported. CONCLUSION: We have comprehensively reviewed the literature associated with cases of coinfections of three important vector borne diseases to present a clear picture of their prevalence and distribution across the globe. The frequency of coinfections presented in the study suggests proper diagnosis, surveillance and management of cases of coinfection to avoid poor prognosis of the underlying etiology.

Chlorpyrifos and lambda cyhalothrin-induced oxidative stress in human erythrocytes.

Pesticides are one of the most potentially harmful chemicals introduced into the environment, and their adverse impacts on non-target organisms can be significant. The present study was conducted to shed light on effects of locally used insecticides chlorpyrifos (CPF) and lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) on oxidative stress biomarkers in human erythrocytes. The activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and protein contents as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and osmotic fragility (OF) were measured in human erythrocytes exposed to CPF at concentrations of 0, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm and LCT at concentrations of 0, 100, 300, 600, and 800 ppm for 1 h and 3 h at 37°C. MDA levels and OF of erythrocytes were significantly higher in erythrocytes incubated with CPF and LCT at increasing concentrations of both insecticides and increased incubation time. However, erythrocyte CAT and SOD activities were decreased at all concentrations of CPF and LCT tested. Protein oxidation products were decreased at lower doses of CPF (100 and 500 ppm); at higher doses (1000 and 2000 ppm), total protein content was increased compared with control. In contrast LCT was associated with decreased in protein contents at all the concentrations. These results clearly demonstrated that CPF and LCT can induce oxidative stress in human erythrocytes ( in vitro).

Tri-Scan: A Three Stage Color Enhancement Tool for Endoscopic Images.

Modern endoscopes play a significant role in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) tract related diseases where the visual quality of endoscopic images helps improving the diagnosis. This article presents an image enhancement method for color endoscopic images that consists of three stages, and hence termed as "Tri-scan" enhancement: (1) tissue and surface enhancement: a modified linear unsharp masking is used to sharpen the surface and edges of tissue and vascular characteristics; (2) mucosa layer enhancement: an adaptive sigmoid function is employed on the R plane of the image to highlight micro-vessels of the superficial layers of the mucosa and submucosa; and (3) color tone enhancement: the pixels are uniformly distributed to create an enhanced color effect to highlight the subtle micro-vessels, mucosa and tissue characteristics. The proposed method is used on a large data set of low contrast color white light images (WLI). The results are compared with three existing enhancement techniques: Narrow Band Imaging (NBI), Fuji Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE) and i-scan Technology. The focus value and color enhancement factor show that the enhancement level achieved in the processed images is higher compared to NBI, FICE and i-scan images.

Psychometric properties of two measures of childhood internalizing problems in a Bangladeshi sample.

OBJECTIVES: In order to assist mental health services in developing countries, a key issue is the availability of psychometrically sound, brief, and cost-effective measures that have been tested within the relevant context. The present study was designed to evaluate within a young Bangladeshi population, the psychometric properties of two widely used Western measures of internalizing distress in young people: the short form of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale and the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire. METHOD: The sample included 1,360 children and adolescents aged 9-17 years (M = 12.3 years, SD = 2.12) recruited from six districts of Bangladesh, including both community and emotionally at-risk participants. A total of 179 children were re-tested on the measures within 3-4 weeks. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses showed single-factor structures for both scales in the total sample and in both community and at-risk participants separately. Multiple group analyses across gender and age-group within the at-risk and community samples showed that the single-factor structure was suitable regardless of subgroup. Analyses also indicated acceptable internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity for both scales. CONCLUSION: The two measures show promise as brief, reliable, and valid instruments for the assessment of internalizing distress among young people from Bangla-speaking communities. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Positive clinical implications: These two measures of internalizing distress in young people showed solid psychometric properties within samples collected from various parts of Bangladesh. The measures can therefore be used to assess anxiety and depression in Bangla-speaking youth. These measures should be of value in both clinical settings and at a community level to assess the need for services. Cautions and limitations: Resource limitations did not allow comparison against diagnostic criteria and therefore cut-off scores to indicate clinical status among Bangladeshi youth will require further research.

Prevalence of traumatic events and risk for psychological symptoms among community and at-risk children and adolescents from Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Children from developing countries are more vulnerable to traumatic experiences and more likely to suffer a range of psychological problems than children from developed countries. METHOD: The current paper describes a survey of 1360 children and adolescents from Bangladesh who were selected either from the general community or through a range of social service organizations. Children completed a checklist of traumatic events and questionnaires to assess symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Children from both samples reported high levels of exposure to traumatic events, both via direct experience and indirectly. Direct experiences with intentional, man-made events were more frequently reported by children from support services while trauma from natural disasters was more common among community children. Psychological symptoms were significantly higher within children from social support services. The strongest predictors of psychological symptoms were age, gender, sample source and exposure to man-made direct traumas. CONCLUSION: The results point to the common occurrence of traumatic events and their emotional consequences among children and adolescents from Bangladesh and indicate the need to develop effective and accessible mental health services for Bangladeshi children and adolescents.

Molecular characterization of dengue and chikungunya virus strains circulating in New Delhi, India.

Dengue and chikungunya are acute viral infections with overlapping clinical symptoms. Both diseases are transmitted by common mosquito vectors resulting in their co-circulation in a region. Molecular and serological tests specific for both dengue and chikungunya infections were performed on 87 acute phase blood samples collected from patients with suspected dengue/chikungunya infections in Delhi from September to December, 2011. RT-PCR and IgM ELISA were performed to detect dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). NS1 and IgG ELISA were also performed to detect DENV specific antigen and secondary DENV infection. DENV infection was detected in 49%, CHIKV infection in 29% and co-infection with DENV and CHIKV in 10% of the samples by RT-PCR. DENV serotypes 1, 2 and 3 were detected in this study. Nine DENV-1 strains, six DENV-2 strains and 20 CHIKV strains were characterized by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of their respective envelope protein genes. DENV-1 strains grouped in the American African genotype, DENV-2 strains in the Cosmopolitan genotype and CHIKV strains in the East Central South African genotype by phylogenetic analysis. This is one of the few studies reporting the phylogeny of two dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 and DENV-2) and CHIKV. Surveillance and monitoring of DENV and CHIKV strains are important for design of strategies to control impending epidemics.

In vitro cadmium-induced alterations in growth and oxidative metabolism of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic pollutant, which cause both dose- and time-dependent physiological and biochemical alterations in plants. The present in vitro study was undertaken to explore Cd-induced physiological and biochemical changes in cotton callus culture at 0, 550, 700, 850, and 1000 µM Cd for four different stress periods (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). At 1000 µM Cd, mean growth values were lower than their respective control. The cell protein contents decreased only after 7-day and 14-day stress treatment. At 550 µM Cd, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased after various stress periods except 21-day period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 1000 µM Cd improved relative to its respective controls in the first three stress regimes. Almost a decreasing trend in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxidase (POD) activities at all Cd levels after different stress periods was noticed. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity descended over its relevant controls in the first three stress regimes except at 700 µM Cd after 14- and 21-day stress duration. Moreover, catalase (CAT) mean values significantly increased as a whole. From this experiment, it can be concluded that lipid peroxidation as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was relatively higher as has been revealed by higher MDA contents and greater SOD, CAT activities.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and emergence of XBB.1.16 variant in Rajasthan.

PURPOSE: Genomic surveillance of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples is important to monitor the genetic changes occurring in virus, this was enhanced after the WHO designation of XBB.1.16 as a variant under monitoring in March 2023. From 5th February till May 6, 2023 all positive SARS-CoV-2 samples were monitored for genetic changes. METHODS: A total of 1757 samples having Ct value <25 (for E and ORF gene) from different districts of Rajasthan were processed for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The FASTA files obtained on sequencing were used for lineage determination using Nextclade and phylogenetic tree construction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sequencing and lineage identification was done in 1624 samples. XBB.1.16 was the predominant lineage in 1413 (87.0%) cases while rest was other XBB (207, 12.74%) and other lineages (4, 0.2%). Of the 1413 XBB.1.16 cases, 57.47% were males and 42.53% were females. Majority (66.53%) belonged to 19-59 year age. 84.15% of XBB.1.16 cases were infected for the first time. Hospitalization was required in only 2.2% cases and death was reported in 5 (0.35%) patients. Most of the cases were symptomatic and the commonest symptoms were fever, cough and rhinorrhea. Co-morbidities were present in 414 (29.3%) cases. Enhanced genomic surveillance helped to rapidly identify the spread of XBB variant in Rajasthan. This in turn helped to take control measures to prevent spread of virus and estimate public health risks of the new variant relative to the previously circulating lineages. XBB variant was found to spread rapidly but produced milder disease.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin-E in Preventing Inflammation and Stromal Congestion in Alcoholic Liver Injury.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the research was to investigate and assess how effective Vitamin E is in preventing or reducing liver inflammation and stromal congestion associated with alcoholic liver injury. STUDY DESIGN: This is a laboratory-based experimental study. METHODOLOGY: A total of 18 domestic rabbits were divided into groups A, B, and C. Group A was the control group and treated with normal saline as a placebo. Groups B and C were given 30% ethanol in a daily dose of 30 ml/kg/day. Additionally, group C was treated with vitamin E at 50 mg/kg/day. All three groups were sub-divided into two sub-groups I and II on the basis of experimental duration of eight weeks and four weeks respectively. The subgroups with eight weeks of experimental time duration were categorized as "category E8" and subgroups with an experimental duration of four weeks were categorized as "category E4". Liver tissue samples from each animal were subjected to staining using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain for histological staining in order to assess portal inflammation and to measure the sizes of hepatic sinusoids and central veins to evaluate hepatic congestion. RESULTS: A statistically significant variance was observed in the size of central veins, hepatic sinusoids, and invasion of inflammatory cells in portal areas across and between the groups within categories E4 and E8. Animals treated with vitamin E exhibited lower invasion of inflammatory cells and larger central veins and sinusoids compared to those not treated with vitamin E. CONCLUSION: Vitamin E may have a significant role in reducing or limiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells and could help prevent hepatic congestion in cases of alcoholic liver injury.

Improved long-term survival rate in the responders to bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone induction therapy in a transplant-eligible cohort of predominantly middle-age multiple myeloma patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) represents the second most common hematologic malignancy (15%). Induction with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamthasone VCd (d: low dose dexamthasone) regimen is widely used due to its high effectiveness, low toxicity and good tolerability, particularly with renal impairment. Real-world data on the use of VCD in clinical practice is lacking. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the real-world experience of the VCD regimen. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tumor registry database of tertiary cancer care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: newly diagnosed MM patients who received VCD induction and underwent autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) from July 2007 to July 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: response evaluation, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). SAMPLE SIZE: 87 patients. RESULTS: Of 102 patients who started induction with VCd, 87 patients experienced a partial response or more overall response rate of 85%). The median age of these 87 patients at diagnosis was 52 years, of which 29.9% presented with renal impairment and 60.3% of patients had stage 2 by the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS). Patients with a standard cytogenetic risk achieved a better response compared to those with a poor cytogenetic risk (P=.044). The post-induction response rates were 6.9% stringent complete remission (sCR), 35% complete remission (CR); 41.4% very good partial response (VGPR), and 16.1% partial response (PR), respectively; the response rates became greater for sCR and CR post-transplantation at day 100 with 16.1% sCR, 35.6% CR, 32.2% VGPR and 16.1% PR, respectively. The median PFS was 49 months and 5 years OS was 84%. PFS was better in patients who achieved sCR vs PR (83 vs 35 months, P=.037). High LDH, high-risk cytogenetic and stage 3 R-ISS showed a worse median PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: VCD induction in newly diagnosed MM is highly effective, convenient, tolerable and affordable regimen, especially in low and middle-income countries with limited resources, also with favorable outcomes and survival. while those who did not respond successfully shifted to VRD or VTD. LIMITATIONS: The usual limitations of a retrospective analysis using registry-level data, no data on quality of life.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in HIV patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) infections have been found associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but little is known about the overall burden of STH coinfection in HIV patients. We aimed to assess the burden of STH infections among HIV patients. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic pathogens in HIV patients. Pooled estimates of each helminthic infection were calculated. The odds ratio was also determined as a measure of the association between STH infection and the HIV status of the patients. Sixty-one studies were finally included in the meta-analysis, consisting of 16,203 human subjects from all over the world. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in HIV patients was found to be 8% (95% CI 0.06, 0.09), the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), the prevalence of hookworm infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), and prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.05). Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America & Caribbean and Asia were identified with the highest burden of STH-HIV coinfection. Our analysis indicated that people living with HIV have a higher chance of developing Strongyloides stercoralis infections and decreased odds of developing hookworm infections. Our findings suggest a moderate level of prevalence of STH infections among people living with HIV. The endemicity of STH infections and HIV status both are partially responsible for the burden of STH-HIV coinfections.

A meta-analysis on the prevalence of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata infections in India.

Tapeworm infections in humans are considered to be a significant public health menace. Despite its public health importance, the data on tapeworm infection remains fragmented and underutilised. The present study reviews the overall burden and distribution of taeniasis and cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium and Taenia saginata in India by conducting a systematic review of the scientific literature based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data from 19 eligible articles were analysed and the prevalence of T. solium-associated taeniasis/cysticercosis was found to be 11.06% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.856 to 16.119) and the prevalence of T. saginata-associated taeniasis was found to be 4.7% (95% CI 3.301 to 6.301). This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive analysis of the available literature on tapeworm infections and assesses the burden of Taenia infection from India, identifying areas of high prevalence requiring active surveillance and public health interventions.

Burden of dengue, leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis in India and its states from 1990-2019: Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD 2019).

Vector-borne diseases such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis, constitute significant sources of illness, disability, and mortality among the poor and vulnerable in many countries around the world, including India. Based on the global burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors study 2019, we analyse the burden of dengue, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis, in India from 1990 to 2019. Over this period, there was a reduction in the burden of lymphatic filariasis and leishmaniasis. Notably, dengue emerged as the most common vector-borne disease, exhibiting high fatality rate above 15 years of age and the highest DALY within 15-49 age group. Additionally, dengue cases surged substantially between 1990 and 2019. Leishmaniasis related mortality and DALY declined in the year 2019 compared to the year 1990, with high mortality and DALY in the 0-49-year-old age group. For lymphatic filariasis, DALY was more pronounce among those in the 15-49-year age group, which underwent reduction in 2019. Males had a higher burden in other vector-borne diseases than females, although females had a slightly elevated dengue burden. These findings highlight the evolving epidemiological trends related to vector-borne diseases in India, over the last three decades and underline the critical significance of sustained efforts for the elimination and control of vector-borne diseases.

Green Synthesis and Evaluation of Lepidium didymum-mediated Silver Nanoparticles for in vitro Antibacterial Activity and Wound Healing in the Animal Model.

Wounds serve as an appropriate medium for the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and bacterial resistance to already available antibiotics demands new and safe approaches in the field of medicine. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibited a wide range of applications in biomedicine and emerged as promising nano-antibiotics. The biological preparation of AgNPs by utilizing aqueous plant extract has become an encouraging alternative to traditional chemical methodologies, owing to a viable eco-friendly approach. In the present study, Lepidium didymum leaves extract was used for the biosynthesis of AgNPs-LD. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antibacterial activity of AgNPs-LD was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, AgNPs-LD nanoparticles were incorporated into topical gels to evaluate their effectiveness for wound healing in the rat model. UV-visible spectra showed a surface resonance peak around 400 nm correlated with the synthesis of AgNPs; FTIR spectra verified the participation of phytochemicals present in L. didymum leaves extract in AgNPs-LD synthesis; and SEM revealed dispersed spherical nanoparticles as well as aggregated clusters. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature, face-centered cubic lattice, and average crystallite size of 21.42 nm. The AgNPs-LD showed promising antibacterial activity against tested strains with a maximum zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa and showed accelerated wound healing capacity comparable to control and standard treatments over the time course of wound healing. The current study concluded that biosynthesized AgNPs-LD nanoparticles are effective as antibacterial agents and are promising novel wound healing products for clinical applications.