Addressing Domestic Violence in Antenatal Care Environments in Nepal (ADVANCE) - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating a video intervention on domestic violence among pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence (DV) prior to, and during pregnancy is associated with increased risks for morbidity and mortality. As pregnant women routinely attend antenatal care this environment can be used to offer support to women experiencing DV. We have developed a video intervention that focuses on the use of behavioral coping strategies, particularly regarding disclosure of DV experiences. The effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a concurrent process evaluation. METHODS: All pregnant women between 12-22 weeks of gestation attending routine antenatal care at two tertiary level hospitals in Nepal are invited to participate. DV is measured using the Nepalese version of the Abuse Assessment Screen (N-AAS). Additionally, we measure participants' mental health, use of coping strategies, physical activity, and food security through a Color-coded Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview (C-ACASI). Irrespective of DV status, women are randomized into the intervention or control arm using a computer-generated randomization program. The intervention arm views a short video providing information on DV, safety improving actions women can take with an emphasis on disclosing the violence to a trusted person along with utilizing helplines available in Nepal. The control group watches a video on maintaining a healthy pregnancy and when to seek healthcare. The primary outcome is the proportion of women disclosing their DV status to someone. Secondary outcomes are symptoms of anxiety and depression, coping strategies, the use of safety measures and attitudes towards acceptance of abuse. Follow-up is conducted after 32 weeks of gestation, where both the intervention and control group participants view the intervention video after completing the follow-up questionnaire. Additionally, a mixed methods process evaluation of the intervention will be carried out to explore factors influencing the acceptability of the intervention and the disclosure of DV, including a review of project documents, individual interviews, and focus group discussions with members of the research team, healthcare providers, and participants. DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence on whether pregnant women attending regular antenatal visits can enhance their safety by disclosing their experiences of violence to a trusted person after receiving a video intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered in ClinicalTrial.gov with identifier NCT05199935.

A first calibration of culturable bacterial diversity and their dual resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics along altitudinal zonation of the Teesta River.

Culturable bacterial diversity and co-occurrence of heavy metal and antibiotic resistance were investigated from the water and sediments along the course of the Teesta River, in the Eastern Himalayas. Water and sediment samples collected from six sampling points during the monsoon and winter seasons were subjected to analysis of physico-chemical parameters, heavy metal contamination and antibiotic tolerance. The culturable bacterial diversity established by application of bacterial culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, ascertained the majority belonged to Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Deinococcus-Thermus. Among the 5 phyla, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla present in both water and sediment samples, whereas Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Deinococcus-Thermus were unique to particular sites. The Shannon index indicated that the bacterial richness was more in the water column as compared to sediment. From the total of 245 isolates, 69 genera were identified. Heavy metal tolerance and antibiotic resistance profiles showed some isolates to be tolerant to high levels of heavy metals and multiple antibiotics indicating a major concern in terms of river ecosystem serving as a pool for dissemination of such resistant genes. The antibiotic resistance and heavy metal contamination diversified along the human-impacted downstream sites, endorsing the contribution of anthropogenic factors. The present report on bacterial diversity and the associated metal and antibiotics tolerance among bacteria is the first of its kind on Teesta River, the only major river system flowing through the state of Sikkim and parts of North Bengal.

Rickettsial Infection amongst Febrile Illness Patient in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study.

Background Rickettsial infection is an emerging neglected tropical disease in the Southeast Asia. In past few years Nepal is also reporting escalating prevalence of rickettsia. The under evaluation is resulting it as undiagnosed or are simply labeled as pyrexia of unknown origin. Objective To find out the prevalence of rickettsia in a hospital setting, assess the sociodemographic and other relevant clinical features of the rickettsia patients. Method This is a hospital based retrospective cross-sectional study from October 2020 to October 2021. This study reviewed the medical records of the department. Result The study included 105 eligible patients and the prevalence rate was 4.38 per 100 patients. The mean age of the participants was 42 years, and the mean hospital stay was 3 (SD ±2.06) days. More than 55% of the participants had fever for less than or equal to 5 days and 9% had Eschar present. Vomiting, headache, and myalgia were the most common symptoms and hypertension, and diabetes were the common comorbidities. Pneumonia and the acute kidney injury were the two complications of the patients as stated in the study. The severity of the thrombocytopenia deducted from admission time to discharge, and the case fatality was 4%. Conclusion The future studies shall consider on collaborative clinical and entomological research. This would help in better understanding of the etiology of supposedly unknown febrile illness and the under-investigated field of emerging rickettsia in Nepal.

Characterization and bioremediation potential of native heavy-metal tolerant bacteria isolated from rat-hole coal mine environment.

Identification and characterization of endogenous and stress adapted bacterial species, from rat-hole coal mines in Meghalaya, amplify the ambit of bioremediation for eco-restoration. 52 native bacterial isolates, drawn from soil and water samples of these mines, were analysed for bioremediation potential, based on growth and metal tolerance parameters. 12 of these isolates were metal tolerant with Bacillus spp. being the most promising taxon. Three isolates, namely, Serratia marcescens KH-CC, Bacillus altitudinis KH-16F and Bacillus siamensis KH-12A, exhibited high Maximum Tolerable Concentration (MTC) against Fe (500 ppm), Mn (830 ppm) and Pb (1400 ppm). B. siamensis showed highest Fe remediation with 48.34% removal capacity, while maximum removal for Mn and Pb was exhibited by Serratia marcescens at 72.5 and 83%, respectively. The growth profile of the isolates indicated their ability to survive under pH, temperature and salt stress conditions. In vitro growth kinetics studies of the isolates revealed their ability to decrease the acidity of growth media and improve alkalinity from an initial of pH 4.8-5.2 to an alkaline level of pH 8.5-9. These native bacteria, extracted from the stressed coal mine habitat, are potential germane applicants for rehabilitation and eco-restoration of ecologically degraded mine sites.

Carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, and their importance in hospital-acquired infections: a scientific review.

Carbapenem is an important therapy for serious hospital-acquired infections and for the care of patients affected by multidrug-resistant organisms, specifically Acinetobacter baumannii; however, with the global increase of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, this pathogen has significantly threatened public health. Thus, there is a pressing need to better understand this pathogen in order to develop novel treatments and control strategies for dealing with A. baumannii. In this review, we discuss an overview of carbapenem, including its discovery, development, classification and biological characteristics, and its importance in hospital medicine especially in critical care units. We also describe the peculiarity of bacterial pathogen, A. baumannii, including its commonly reported virulence factors, environmental persistence and carbapenem resistance mechanisms. In closing, we discuss various control strategies for overcoming carbapenem resistance in hospitals and for limiting outbreaks. With the appearance of strains that resist carbapenem, the aim of this review is to highlight the importance of understanding this increasingly problematic healthcare-associated pathogen that creates significant concern in the field of nosocomial infections and overall public health.

Antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of eugenol and linalool from Ocimum tenuiflorum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the ability of two bioactive compounds, namely, eugenol and linalool, purified from leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum for eradication of biofilm produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS AND RESULTS: The phytoextract of O. tenuiflorum (KT), a common ethno-botanical plant of India, was purified through high-performance liquid chromatography and was analysed using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eugenol and linalool were found to be the most active amongst all phytocompounds present in phytoextract and showed a significant reduction in the viability of sessile cells of P. aeruginosa and the minimum revival after withdrawal of phyto-challenge. They could bring about notable reduction in the protein and carbohydrate content of exopolysaccharide of biofilm. Eugenol and linalool could affect the synthesis of quorum sensing (QS) proteins like LasA and LasB as well as virulence factors such as pyocyanin, and rhamnolipids, which seriously hamper the formation of biofilm. The biofilm framework was extremely affected by the phytocompounds through the reduction of protein and carbohydrate content of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Another interesting found out was that they brought about maximum inhibition to the genomic DNA and RNA content. The studies were supported by in silico interaction between eugenol and linalool with the QS proteins. The antibiofilm efficacies of eugenol, linalool and phytoextract (KT) were further confirmed by microscopic studies with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy microscopic studies. CONCLUSIONS: The phytocompounds are proved to be more effective than conventional antibiotics in inhibiting the biofilm forming sessile cells and can be used as a replacement for antibiotic. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Pure eugenol extracted from common basil leaves can be used as a safe substitute for common antibiotic for treatment of chronic infections caused by P. aeruginosa. It will be cost effective, devoid of notable side effects and will not generate antibiotic resistance in host body.

Acute respiratory infection symptoms and COVID-19 testing behaviour: results based on South Australian health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Effective syndromic surveillance alongside COVID-19 testing behaviours in the population including in higher risk and hard to reach subgroups is vital to detect re-emergence of COVID-19 transmission in the community. The aim of this paper was to identify the prevalence of acute respiratory infection symptoms and coronavirus testing behaviour among South Australians using data from a population based survey. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the 2020 state-wide population level health survey on 6857 respondents aged 18 years and above. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the risk factors and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with the acute respiratory infection symptoms and coronavirus testing behaviour after adjusting for gender, age, household size, household income, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status, SEIFA, Country of birth, number of chronic diseases, wellbeing, psychological distress, and mental health. RESULTS: We found that 19.3% of respondents reported having symptoms of acute respiratory infection and the most commonly reported symptoms were a runny nose (11.2%), coughing (9.9%) and sore throat (6.2%). Fever and cough were reported by 0.8% of participants. Of the symptomatic respondents, 32.6% reported seeking health advice from a nurse, doctor or healthcare provider. Around 18% (n = 130) of symptomatic respondents had sought testing and a further 4.3% (n = 31) reported they intended to get tested. The regression results suggest that older age, larger household size, a higher number of chronic disease, mental health condition, poor wellbeing, and psychological distress were associated with higher odds of ARI symptoms. Higher household income was associated with lower odds of being tested or intending to be tested for coronavirus after adjusting for other explanatory variables. CONCLUSIONS: There were relatively high rates of self-reported acute respiratory infection during a period of very low COVID-19 prevalence and low rate of coronavirus testing among symptomatic respondents. Ongoing monitoring of testing uptake, including in higher-risk groups, and possible interventions to improve testing uptake is key to early detection of disease.

A unique approach to screen for blood donors lacking high-prevalence antigen Inb of the Indian blood group system.

The Inb antigen of the Indian blood group system is a high-prevalence antigen. The presence of alloanti-Inb in a recipient may pose a problem in finding compatible blood for transfusion. The aim of this study was to screen blood donors for Inb and to include individuals found to be In(b-) in our rare donor registry. To save resources, a unique study design was constructed. Blood group O donors were tested for Inb because their red blood cell (RBC) units could serve recipients across all ABO groups. EDTA blood samples were used for serologic and genomic testing. These samples were first tested serologically for Ina, and samples typed as In(a+) were then tested both serologically and molecularly for Ina and Inb to find homozygous IN*01/01 [i.e., the predicted In(b-) phenotype]. A cost-conservative approach in using recycling of antibody was adopted to economize available resources. Of 6300 donors, 196 donor samples typed as In(a+) and were also found to be In(b+) when tested by serologic and genomic methods. Although none of the donors typed as In(b-), the statistical analysis suggests the expected prevalence for this rare phenotype to be 0.02 percent among the total number of donors tested. In conclusion, this report presents a unique cost-conservative approach using limited reagents to screen a large number of donors for the rare In(b-) phenotype.The Inb antigen of the Indian blood group system is a high-prevalence antigen. The presence of alloanti-Inb in a recipient may pose a problem in finding compatible blood for transfusion. The aim of this study was to screen blood donors for Inb and to include individuals found to be In(b­) in our rare donor registry. To save resources, a unique study design was constructed. Blood group O donors were tested for Inb because their red blood cell (RBC) units could serve recipients across all ABO groups. EDTA blood samples were used for serologic and genomic testing. These samples were first tested serologically for Ina, and samples typed as In(a+) were then tested both serologically and molecularly for Ina and Inb to find homozygous IN*01/01 [i.e., the predicted In(b­) phenotype]. A cost-conservative approach in using recycling of antibody was adopted to economize available resources. Of 6300 donors, 196 donor samples typed as In(a+) and were also found to be In(b+) when tested by serologic and genomic methods. Although none of the donors typed as In(b­), the statistical analysis suggests the expected prevalence for this rare phenotype to be 0.02 percent among the total number of donors tested. In conclusion, this report presents a unique cost-conservative approach using limited reagents to screen a large number of donors for the rare In(b­) phenotype.

Risk factors and outcome analysis of patients with intraoperative rupture (IOR) of ruptured cerebral aneurysm during microsurgical clipping.

PURPOSE: To analyse baseline characteristics of patients with intraoperative rupture (IOR) or non-IOR who underwent microsurgical clipping for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Additionally, to asses functional outcome in terms of Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 6 and 12 months. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 471 patients who underwent microsurgical clipping for ruptured intracranial aneurysms from 2007 to 2018 in Nepal Mediciti Hospital, Nepal. Patients who underwent surgery for unruptured aneurysm were excluded from the study. The association of the base line characteristic in IOR and non-IOR were analysed. Variables analysed were the Hunt and Hess Scale (HHS) dichotomized as (1-3) and (4-5), Modified Fisher Scale dichotomized as (0-2) and (3-4), type of rupture, use of brain retractor, timing of IOR during surgery, aneurysmal factors (size of the neck, location, lobulation) and time of surgery. Outcome, GOS dichotomized into favourable (4-5) and unfavourable (1-3), assessed at 6 months and 12 months. RESULTS: Out of 471 patients treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysm, IOR occurred in 57 (12.10%) with mean age 49.47 (SD ±12.9), occurred more in smoker than non-smoker (45.6% vs. 18.6%; p=.000) and regular alcohol consumers (36.8% vs. 17.9%; p=.004). Favourable outcome with GOS (4-5) at 6 months was observed among patients with lower HHS (1-3), p=.025 and lower MFS (0-2), p=.04. However, outcome at 12 months was better associated with MFS (p=.013) and aneurysm size (p=.038), with more favourable outcome associated with aneurysm less than 10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption and smoking are associated risk factors that may contribute to IOR. HHS and MFS are strong predictors of outcome for IOR patients at 6 months. However, at 12 months, MFS is more predictive of outcome. Aneurysms greater than 10 mm had a strong association with outcome at 12 months than 6 months.

A Multicenter Study of the Clinical Utility of Nontargeted Systematic Transperineal Prostate Biopsies in Patients Undergoing Pre-Biopsy Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PURPOSE: The added value of nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies when performed alongside magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsies in men referred with a suspicion of prostate cancer is unclear. We aimed to determine the clinical utility of transperineal nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies, when performed alongside targeted systematic prostate biopsies, using pre-biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients referred with a suspicion of prostate cancer (April 2017 to October 2019) underwent pre-biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. A transperineal biopsy was advised if multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging PI-RADS® (v.2.0) score was 4 or 5, and score 3 required a prostate specific antigen density 0.12 ng/ml or greater. Primary threshold for clinically significant prostate cancer was defined as any Gleason 3+4 or greater. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified pre-biopsy predictors of clinically significant prostate cancer in nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies, regardless of targeted pathology (p <0.05, R, version 3.5.1). RESULTS: A total of 1,719 men underwent a pre-biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, with 679 (39.5%) proceeding to combined targeted systematic prostate biopsies and nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies. In these men clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in 333 (49%) and 139 (20.5%) with targeted systematic prostate biopsies and nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies, respectively. In those men with clinically significant prostate cancer in targeted systematic prostate biopsies, clinically significant prostate cancer was also present in nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies in 117 (17.2%); Gleason 3+3 was present in 50 (7.4%). In 287 men without any cancer in the targeted systematic prostate biopsies, 13 (1.9%) had clinically significant prostate cancer in nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies. In addition 18/679 (2.7%) had Gleason 3+3 disease and no Gleason greater than 4+3 was detected. Predictors associated with clinically significant prostate cancer in nontargeted systematic prostate biopsies were prostate specific antigen 5 ng/ml or greater (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.13-3.73, p=0.02), PI-RADS score 5 (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.51-3.38, p <0.001) and prostate volume less than 50 cc (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.57-3.87, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of clinically significant prostate cancer in exclusively nontargeted transperineal systematic biopsies in a pre-biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging pathway was low (1.9%).

Rationale, study design and methodology of the LANDMARC trial: a 3-year, pan-India, prospective, longitudinal study to assess management and real-world outcomes of diabetes mellitus.

AIM: India contributes towards a large part of the worldwide epidemic of diabetes and its associated complications. However, there are limited longitudinal studies available in India to understand the occurrence of diabetes complications over time. This pan-India longitudinal study was initiated to assess the real-world outcomes of diabetes across the country. METHODS: The LANDMARC study is the first prospective, multicentre, longitudinal, observational study investigating a large cohort of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus across India over a period of 3 years. The primary objective of this ongoing study is to determine the proportion of people developing macrovascular diabetes complications over the duration of the study (36 months ± 45 days) distributed over seven visits; the secondary objective is to evaluate microvascular diabetes complications, glycaemic control and time-to-treatment adaptation or intensification. Overall, 6300 participants (aged 25-60 years) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 2 years will be included from 450 centres across India. Data will be recorded for baseline demographics, comorbidities, glycaemic measurements, use of anti-hyperglycaemic medications and any cardiovascular or other diabetes-related events occurring during the observational study period. CONCLUSIONS: The LANDMARC study is expected to reveal the trends in complications associated with diabetes, treatment strategies used by physicians, and correlation among treatment, control and complications of diabetes within the Indian context. The findings of this study will help to identify the disease burden, emergence of early-onset complications and dose titration patterns, and eventually develop person-centred care and facilitate public health agencies to invest appropriate resources in the management of diabetes. (Trial Registration No: CTRI/2017/05/008452).

The optimal oral biopsy site for diagnosis of mucous membrane pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Accepted 'standard practice' for the diagnosis of immunobullous disease is a perilesional sample for direct immunofluorescence (DIF). OBJECTIVES: To compare diagnostic outcomes of a normal buccal punch biopsy (NBPB) with a perilesional biopsy (PLB) for mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 251 DIF-positive patients with MMP and 77 DIF-positive patients with PV was undertaken. Parameters analysed included the intraoral sites of involvement and histopathological, DIF and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) findings. RESULTS: For MMP, PLB was positive in 134 of 143 (93·7%) samples, compared with 129 of 144 (89·6%) by NBPB. The diagnostic sensitivities for PLB (81%, 39 of 48) and NBPB (77%, 37 of 48) among 48 patients who underwent both techniques were not significantly different (P = 0·62). In gingival-only MMP, PLB was positive in 63 of 69 (91%) and NBPB was positive in 63 of 75 (84%). For multisite MMP, PLB was positive in 71 of 74 (96%) and NBPB was positive in 66 of 69 (96%). In gingival-only MMP, biopsies from reflected alveolar mucosa in 17 consecutive patients were positive in 17 of 17 cases (100%). For PV, PLB was positive in 42 of 43 (98%), compared with 42 of 42 (100%) by NBPB. Histopathology was diagnostic in 93 of 134 (69·4%) cases of MMP and 38 of 41 (93%) cases of PV. IIF was positive in 126 of 197 (64·0%) MMP and 68 of 74 (92%) PV patient sera. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest series of combined oral DIF results in patients with MMP and PV, we have shown that NBPB is equivalent to PLB for the diagnosis of PV and multisite MMP, and is more sensitive than both histology and IIF. What's already known about this topic? The variation in sensitivity of oral biopsy sites for direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in the diagnosis of oral MMP and PV has not been studied in detail in large series of patients. Biopsy can be challenging due to difficult access and fragility of the oral mucosa. The diagnostic biopsy technique is therefore critical. What does this study add? We have shown that a normal buccal punch biopsy (NBPB) from uninvolved oral mucosa is as sensitive as a perilesional biopsy (PLB) for diagnosis of oral PV, and superior to serology and histology. For multisite MMP, NBPB is equivalent to PLB and is more sensitive than serology and histology. The oral punch biopsy technique on uninvolved buccal mucosa tissue is a simple and safe practical method for diagnosing oral PV and MMP.

Estimation of height and width of bone in anterior hard palate as a donor site for autogenous bone graft using IOPA by long cone paralleling technique.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of bone available for harvesting from the anterior palate region using IOPA (Intra Oral Peri Apical) radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients visiting the outpatient Department of Periodontics were selected. Two groups of male and female consisting 40 patients each were made. They were further subdivided into two groups based on age, 18-30 and 31-60 years of age, each with twenty patients. The patients were subjected to radiographic examination consisting of IOPA radiographs. All IOPA radiographs were taken using long cone paralleling technique. Availability of bone for harvesting, above the apices of teeth was calculated. RESULTS: The bone available in the incisor region was approximately 6.5 to 6.9 mm in height and 7.4 to 8 mm in width, in canine region 6.35 to 6.65 mm in height and 7.6 to 8.1 mm width, and in the premolar region 3.65 to 3.75 mm in height and width. When the bone height and width were compared gender and age wise for CI (central incisors), LI (lateral incisors), canine and premolars, using Student's t- test the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: For the purpose of harvesting autogenous bone, from the region of incisor and canine approximately 6.35 to 6.9 mm height and 7.4 to 8.1 mm width of bone may be harvested maintaining a safe distance from the apices of the teeth and the nasal floor. The premolar region does appear to yield sufficient bone at safe distances from the maxillary sinus and the apices of the premolars.

Gaming Disorder among Medical College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.

Background The frequent lockdown in Nepal during COVID-19 pandemic had brought various kinds of complexities such as stress among college students. This situation had created uncertainty of future academic career of undergraduate students in medical colleges. Some previously published literature showed gaming as a coping mechanism against stress. Objective To assess the gaming behavior of Medical college students during lockdown in COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted during lockdown period of July to August 2020. A total of 412 college students were enrolled. Online Google forms were shared to all the eligible students through email, viber and messenger with the help of class representative. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS version 20.0. Result The prevalence of gaming disorder was 8.5% among 260 internet gaming users. About 69.2% of the participants reported that their gaming behavior had increased due to stress of COVID-19 pandemic. Gender and spending more time online per day showed significant associations with greater scores on the internet gaming disorder. Conclusion During lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic, the gaming behavior of medical college students has increased.

Bioprospection of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals suggests rutaecarpine and quinine as promising 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors.

15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) belongs to the family of nonheme iron containing enzymes that catalyzes the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to generate eicosanoids that play an important role in signaling pathways. The role of 15-LOX has been demonstrated in atherosclerosis as well as other inflammatory diseases. In the present study, drug-like compounds were first screened from a set of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals based on Lipinski's rule of five (ROF) and in silico toxicity filters. Two lead compounds-quinine (QUIN) and rutaecarpine (RUT) were shortlisted by analyzing molecular interactions and binding energies of the filtered compounds with the target using molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulation studies indicate stable trajectories of apo_15-LOX and docked complexes (15-LOX_QUIN and 15-LOX_RUT). In vitro 15-LOX inhibition studies shows that both QUIN and RUT have lower inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value than the control (quercetin). Both QUIN and RUT exhibit moderate antioxidant activities. The cell viability study of these compounds suggests no significant toxicity in HEK-293 cell lines. Further, QUIN and RUT both did not show any inhibition against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species. Thus, based on our present findings, rutaecarpine and quinine may be suggested as promising 15-LOX inhibitor for the prevention of the atherosclerosis development.

Twin-beam sub-shot-noise raster-scanning microscope.

By exploiting the quantised nature of light, we demonstrate a sub-shot-noise scanning optical transmittance microscope. Our microscope demonstrates, with micron scale resolution, a factor of improvement in precision of 1.76(9) in transmittance estimation gained per probe photon relative to the theoretical model, a shot-noise-limited source of light, in an equivalent single-pass classical version of the same experiment using the same number of photons detected with a 90% efficient detector. This would allow us to observe photosensitive samples with nearly twice the precision, without sacrificing image resolution or increasing optical power to improve signal-to-noise ratio. Our setup uses correlated twin-beams produced by parametric down-conversion, and a hybrid detection scheme comprising photon-counting-based feed-forward and a highly efficient CCD camera.

Interlining Cr(VI) remediation mechanism by a novel bacterium Pseudomonas brenneri isolated from coalmine wastewater.

A bioremedial approach was investigated on the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using a novel chromium reducing bacteria isolated from coalmine wastewater. Cr(VI) removal efficacy of the bacterium was determined in a series of batch studies under the influence of various parameters viz., pH (1-7), temperature (20-40 °C), initial metal concentration (1-150 mg/L), agitation speed (80-150 rpm) and substrate concentration (1-5 mg/L). Oxygen involvement in the removal process was determined by different incubation conditions. Substrate consumption and its resultant biomass generation were considered for determining the viability of the microbe under varied metal concentration. The microbial isolate survived in Cr(VI) tainted solution with initial concentration of 1-140 mg/L, among which maximum remediation was found in 60 mg/L Cr(VI) loaded solution. The bacterial species also survived in other metal solution viz., Fe(II), As(V), Cu(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), Mg(II), Mn(II) apart from Cr(VI). Multiple approaches were tested to facilitate understanding of the bacterial Cr(VI) removal mechanism. The bacteria accumulated metal ions in the exponential growth phase both on and within the cell. Underlying latent factors which governed the bacterial growth and its removal activity was determined with the classical Monod equation. The isolated bacterium also survived in the bimetallic solutions with significant removal of Cr(VI). The microbial species isolated from mining area was identified as Pseudomonas brenneri by 16s rRNA molecular characterization. Hence, the isolated novel bacterium illustrated promising involvement towards bio-treatment of Cr(VI) laden wastewater.

The Prevalence of Gender Inequalities and Violence in the Eastern Nepal.

Background Gender inequality and gender based violence is more established in societies with stratification and stronger gender norms. Objective To determine prevalence of gender violence, perception on gender issues and awareness on sexual trafficking and rights among men and women in Morang district of Nepal. Method This cross sectional study was conducted among 810 men and 1190 women in twenty different VDCs of Morang district using self-administered computer based self-interview methods during October-November 2016. Result Male in comparison to female reported more physical abuse during their lifetime. Females (n=259, 21.7%) reported more severe lifetime emotional abuse (n=148, 18.2%) compared to the males. Lifetime severe sexual abuse was reported by a close to five percent (n=95) of both sexes. The severe forms of partner violence include choking, threat or use of weapon and setting on fire was identified to be perpetrated by both the sexes. More than 50% (n=1095) of the respondents had known someone using physical violence against their partner in the community. The involvement of female in key economic decision-making was reported by less than 12%. Nearly 72% (n=1441) were aware of occurrence of sexual trafficking from Nepal while only 46% (n=918) were aware of sexual trafficking occurring from their vicinity. Conclusion The study confirms that despite awareness on gender equality and sexual trafficking, the prevalence of violence and adherence to stronger gender stereotypes, stigmas and roles indicates much need of awareness for establishing equalities and reducing gender violence.

Escherichia coli cellular responses to exposure to atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma-treated N-acetylcysteine solution.

AIM: To understand the underlying cellular mechanisms during inactivation of Escherichia coli in response to antimicrobial solution of nonthermal plasma-activated N-acetylcysteine (NAC). METHODS AND RESULTS: The recommended techniques were used to demonstrate E. coli cellular and transcriptomic changes caused associated with peroxynitrite and compared with plasma-treated NAC solution. The findings demonstrate that E. coli cells respond to plasma-treated NAC and undergo severe oxidative and nitrosative stress, and leading to stress-induced damages to different components of bacterial cells, which includes loss of membrane potential, formation of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), formation of nitrotyrosine (a known marker of nitrosative stress), DNA damage, and generated a prominent pool of peroxynitrite. Reverse-transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction analysis of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) responsive genes indicated their differential expressions. CONCLUSION: For the first time, we report that the plasma-treated NAC solution activates predominantly nitrosative stress-responsive genes in E. coli and is responsible for cell death. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The reactive species generated in solutions by nonthermal plasma treatment depends on the type of solution or solvent used. The plasma-treated NAC solution rapidly inactivates E. coli, mostly involving highly RNS generated in NAC solution, and has high potential as disinfectant.

Plumbagin exerts antiobesity effects through inhibition of pancreatic lipase and adipocyte differentiation.

Plumbagin is a naphthoquinone found in the roots of Plumbago zeylanica. Here, we report an investigation to evaluate its antiobesity activity. The preliminary binding affinity of plumbagin to human pancreatic lipase (PL) was determined using molecular docking simulation. The in vitro PL inhibitory potential and the kinetics of inhibition were studied to validate and confirm the results obtained from molecular docking. The IC50 for PL was found to be 82.08 ± 9.47 µM, and the kinetics of inhibition was found to be of the mixed type. Further, the in vivo evaluation revealed that rats treated with plumbagin 1 mg/kg showed significant decrease in serum triglycerides (TG) and area under the curve of serum TG when compared with vehicle-treated rats. It was also seen that plumbagin possessed significant antiadipogenic effect as demonstrated by reduced oil red O staining and decreased TG contents. Thus, we conclude that plumbagin is a promising molecule to combat obesity and further optimization of plumbagin to yield plumbagin analogues will result in its improved activity profile.