Diving deep for the needle in the haystack: An outbreak investigation of Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteremia.

In an Indian oncology setting, between August and December 2021, 56 patients, developed Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteremia. An investigation revealed a contaminated batch of the antiemetic drug palonosetron. The outbreak was terminated by withdrawing the culprit batch and the findings were reported promptly to regulatory authorities.

Study of the effects of bio-silica nanoparticle additives on the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of biodiesel produced from waste fat.

Numerous countries are investigating alternative fuel sources in response to the escalating issue of energy inadequacy. Using environmentally sustainable biodiesel as a potential alternative to fossil fuels, particularly from waste sources, is a developing prospect. This study aims to examine the feasibility of utilizing industry leather waste as a diesel fuel substitute. Traditional transesterification was used to obtain methyl ester out of leather waste. After processing, 81.93% of methyl ester was produced. Bio-silica (Bio-Si) is used as a fuel additive to enhance combustion and decrease emissions. This work utilized a leather industry waste fat biodiesel (LIWFB), LIWFB blend (B50), LIWFB blend with Bio-Si nanoparticles (B50Bio-Si50, B50Bio-Si75, and B50Bio-Si100 ppm) to analyze the engine outcome parameters at standard operating conditions. Experimental results revealed that adding Bio-Si in the biodiesel blend increased thermal brake efficiency (BTE) but was lower in diesel fuel. The biodiesel blends reduced NOx emissions more than Bio-Si nanoparticle blends. Furthermore, the smoke opacity was reduced by 31.87%, hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were reduced by 34.14%, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were decreased by 43.97%, and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions were slightly increased by 4.45% for B50Bio-Si100 blend compared to neat diesel. This investigation determined that all the emissions remained lower for all combinations than neat diesel, with a small increase in NOx emissions. Therefore, the LIWFB blend with Bio-Si nanoparticles was a viable diesel fuel alternative in diesel engines.

Novel study on enhancing the ignition pattern of waste and inedible feedstock in a modified diesel engine-enhancing its effectiveness as renewable alternative.

The objective of the present investigation is to enhance the performance of diesel engine using Capparis spinoza fatty acid distillate biodiesel (CFAB100) at various compression ratios. The experiments were carried out at compression ratios of 16.5:1, 17.5:1, 18.5:1, and 19.5:1. It was noted that an increase in compression ratio from 16.5 to 18.5 resulted in better engine characteristics for CFAB100 and reduced at compression ratio 19.5. Brake-specific fuel consumption of CFAB100 decreased from 0.42 to 0.33 kg/kWh with an increase in compression ratio. The brake thermal efficiency of CFAB100 at a compression ratio of 16.5 is 29.64% lower than diesel, whereas it is 11.32% low at a compression ratio of 18.5. The brake thermal efficiency of CFAB100 is 26.03% higher at a compression ratio of 18.5 compared to 16.5. Due to shorter ignition delay and reduced premixed combustion, the net heat release rate of CFAB100 is lower than diesel at all compression ratios. The peak cylinder pressure for diesel is 56.21 bar, and CFAB100 at compression ratios 16.5, 17.5, 18.5, and 19.5 were 52.36, 55.12, 61.02 and 58.25 bar at full load condition. CFAB100, at a compression ratio of 18.5, had the highest nitrogen oxide emissions (2400 ppm). Carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon, and smoke showed an average reduction of 46.58%, 40.68%, and 54.89%, respectively, when the compression ratio varied between 16.5 and 19.5. At an optimum compression ratio of 18.5, the CFAB100 resulted in improved performance and emission characteristics that can replace diesel to a possible extent.

Consensus guidelines for the management of HR-positive HER2/neu negative early breast cancer in India, SAARC region and other LMIC by DELPHI survey method.

BACKGROUND: Precise prognostication is the key to optimum and effective treatment planning for early-stage hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients. Differences in the breast cancer incidence and tumor anatomical features at diagnosis, pharmacogenomics data between Western and Indian women along with the vast diversity in the economic status and differences in insurance policies of these regions; suggest recommendations put forward for Western women might not be applicable to Indian/Asian women. Opinions from oncologists through a voting survey on various prognostic factors/tools to be considered for planning adjuvant therapy are consolidated in this report for the benefit of oncologists of the sub-continent, SAARC and Asia's LMIC (low and middle-income countries). METHODS: A three-phase DELPHI survey was conducted to collect opinions on prognostic factors considered for planning adjuvant therapy in early-stage HR+/HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients. A panel of 25 oncologists with expertise in breast cancer participated in the survey conducted in 2021. The experts provided opinions as 'agree' or disagree' or 'not sure' in phases-1 and 2 which were conducted virtually; in the final phase-3, all the panel experts met in person and concluded the survey. RESULTS: Opinions on 41 statements related to prognostic factors/tools and their implications in planning adjuvant endocrine/chemotherapy were collected. All the statements were supported by the latest data from the clinical trials (prospective/retrospective). The statements with opinions of consensus less than 66% were disseminated in phase-2, and later in phase-3 with supporting literature. In phase-3, all the opinions from panelists were consolidated and guidelines were framed. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus guideline will assist oncologists of India, SAARC and LMIC countries in informed clinical decision-making on adjuvant treatment in early HR+/HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients.

Hybrid MWCNT and TiO2 Nanoparticle-Suspended Waste Tyre Oil Biodiesel for CI Engines.

Nowadays, scarcity arises in almost all our basic needs, including water, fuel, and food. Recycling used and scrapped things for a valuable commodity is highly appreciable for compensating for the globally fast-growing demand. This paper aims to investigate waste tyre oil for preparing biodiesel for CI engines by enhancing their performance with hybrid nanoparticles for preparing nanofuel and hybrid nanofuel. The nanoparticles (30-40 nm) of MWCNT and TiO2 were utilized to prepare nanofuels with nanoparticle concentrations of MWCNT (300 ppm) and TiO2 (300 ppm), respectively. In the case of hybrid nanofuel, the nanoparticle concentration of MWCNT (150 ppm) and TiO2 (150 ppm) was preferred. The performance of the proposed nanofuel and hybrid nanofuel with pure diesel was evaluated. The proposed fuel performance outperforms the combustion performance, has higher engine efficiency, and has fewer emissions. The best performances were noticed in hybrid nanofuel that has 32% higher brake thermal efficiency than diesel and 24% and 4% lower BSFC and peak pressure than diesel, respectively. The emission performance is also 29%, 50%, and 13% lower in CO, HC, and CO2 emissions than that in pure diesel.

Efficient class of ratio cum median estimators for estimating the population median.

In estimation theory, the use of auxiliary information significantly improves precision while estimating population parameters. In this paper, an efficient class of ratio cum median estimators of the population median is suggested using simple random sampling without replacement. The expressions for bias and mean square error of the proposed class are derived theoretically. The condition for the asymptotic optimum estimator is obtained with its bias and mean square error expressions. Under certain realistic conditions, the asymptotic optimum estimator is more proficient, based on analytical and numerical comparisons with some existing estimators that are members of the suggested class of estimators. The superiority of the proposed ratio cum median estimators is shown through real data applications. Such a new proposed estimator will be useful in the future for data analysis and making decisions.

Differentially expressed microRNAs in biochemically characterized FrieswalTM crossbred bull semen.

In addition to the transmission of paternal genome, spermatozoa also carry coding as well as noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) into the female oocyte during the process of biological fertilization. Based on RNA deep sequencing, a total 28 number of differentially expressed miRNAs were cataloged in categorized FrieswalTM crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Sahiwal) bull semen on the basis of conception rate (CR) in field progeny testing program. Validation of selected miRNAs viz. bta-mir-182, bta-let-7b, bta-mir-34c and bta-mir-20a revealed that, superior bull semen having comparatively (p < .05) lower level of all the miRNAs in contrast to inferior bull semen. Additionally, it was illustrated that, bta-mir-20a and bta-mir-34c miRNAs are negatively (p < .01) correlated with seminal plasma catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level. Interactome studies identified that bta-mir-140, bta-mir-342, bta-mir-1306 and bta-mir-217 can target few of the important solute carrier (SLC) proteins viz. SLC30A3, SLC39A9, SLC31A1 and SLC38A2, respectively. Interestingly, it was noticed that all the SLCs were significantly (p < .05) expressed at higher level in superior quality bull semen and they are negatively correlated (p < .01) with their corresponding miRNAs as mentioned. This study may reflect the role of miRNAs in regulating few of the candidate genes and thus may influence the bull semen quality traits.

Profiling of key heat shock proteins and their relationship with male sexual behavior and seminal characteristics in Kankrej (Bos indicus) breeding bulls during different seasons.

The goal of this study is to use indirect ELISA to determine the concentration of major heat shock proteins (Hsps) in Kankrej (Bos indicus) breeding bulls and their relationship with certain male phenotypic traits including sexual behavior, sperm quality, and bull fertility in different seasons. The seasonal fluctuation in the concentration of three major Hsps (60, 70, and 90) was determined using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). According to the findings, Hsps levels are significantly higher during the summer season and are associated with both fresh and post-thawed semen quality traits in Kankrej breeding bulls. The better sexual behavior of bulls and seminal parameters of fresh or thawed semen was observed in the winter season together with the lower concentrations of HSPs. These could suggest negative association between HSPs with bull sexual behavior and seminal parameters. As a result, the concentration of Hsps in breeding bulls may be a useful indicator for determining fertility traits.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in prostate cancer: A comparative review of efficacy and safety.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (s) (GnRH-A) remains the backbone of advanced prostate cancer treatment. In this review, we assessed the efficacy, safety, and convenience of administration of various GnRH-A. All GnRH-A (goserelin, triptorelin, buserelin, histrelin, and leuprorelin) have comparable potential to suppress testosterone (T) levels (≤50 ng/dL in a month and ≤20 ng/dL in 3 months). However, goserelin has shown better efficacy in maintaining T levels ≤50 ng/dL compared with leuprolide. The incidences of T escape are lower with goserelin and leuprolide than buserelin. Goserelin also has maximum benefit in prostate-specific antigen suppression. In neoadjuvant setting, when only goserelin was used, the 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 42.6% to 86%. When either goserelin or leuprolide was used, the 10-year OS rate was 62%. As an adjuvant to radical prostatectomy, goserelin had a 10-year survival rate of 87%, and triptorelin had an 8-year survival rate of 84.6%. Goserelin further showed an absolute survival rate of 49% when used as an adjuvant to radiotherapy. The survival rates further improved when GnRH-A are used as combined androgen blockade compared with monotherapy. The frequency and severity of adverse events (hot flushes, fatigue, sexual dysfunction) are comparable among the GnRH-A. Goserelin appears to be the most convenient of all the GnRH-A for administration. Lack of conclusive comparative evidence makes it imperative to have a holistic approach of considering the patient profile and the disease characteristics to select the appropriate GnRH-A for ADT in prostate cancer.

Investigating Influences of Synthesizing Eco-Friendly Waste-Coir-Fiber Nanofiller-Based Ramie and Abaca Natural Fiber Composite Parameters on Mechanical Properties.

Clean technology-based natural fiber composite fabrication is the prime aim of this piece of research. Natural fibers highly replace metal usage in industries and automobile, marine, medical applications, and so on. Vast amounts of natural fibers are freely available in all areas. In this research, work nanofiller material such as nano form waste coir fiber is collected from used car seat. The 10 wt.% of nanofiller material is added to the preparation of natural nanocomposites (ramie and abaca fiber). Hybrid composites are fabricated with the influence of different process parameters, namely, fiber weight percentage (20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 40 wt.%, and 50 wt.%), NaOH action % (4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%), compression pressure (9 MPa, 12 MPa, 15 MPa, and 18 MPa), and temperature (100°C, 120°C, 140°C, and 160°C). Furthermore, the strength of this hybrid composite has analyzed by conducting flexural, impact, and shore hardness tests. These tests have provided the influence of selected parameters and their effects on the results of experimental work. In the flexural analysis, 6% of NaOH action has offered maximum flexural strength of the specimens. Correspondingly in the impact test, 30 wt.% of fiber is produced higher impact strength. Finally, applying 15 Mpa of compression pressure records the maximum shore hardness.

Unraveling the reaction mechanism of selective C9 monomeric phenols formation from lignin using Pd-Al2O3-activated biochar catalyst.

The conversion of biomass-derived lignin to valuable monomeric phenols at high selectivity is of paramount importance for sustainable biorefineries. In this study, a novel Pd-Al2O3 supported on activated biochar catalyst is developed for lignin hydrogenolysis. The catalyst characterization revealed that the (111) planes of both of Pd0 and Al2O3 were exposed to the surface. The maximum lignin conversion of 70.4% along with high liquid yield (∼57 wt%) was obtained at 240 °C, 3 h and 3 MPa H2 pressure. The total monomeric phenols yield in the liquid was 51.6 wt%, out of which C9 monomeric guaiacols constituted âˆ¼ 30.0 wt% with 38.0% selectivity to 4-propyl guaiacol. Using the reaction intermediate, coniferyl alcohol, chemoselective hydrogenation of Cα=Cß is proved to occur over the Pd site, while dehydroxylation of Cγ-OH is shown to occur over the alumina site. An impressive carbon atom economy of 60% was achieved for the production of monomeric phenols.

Agreement between three methods for measuring near point of convergence among patients with different refractive errors.

PURPOSE: To describe the agreement of three methods of Near Point of Convergence (NPC) measurement among patients with different refractive errors. METHODS: 60 asymptomatic subjects, 18 - 25 yrs old, were included in 3 groups: emmetropes, myopes and hypermetropes. All subjects underwent NPC break point and recovery point measurement by Royal Air Force (RAF) rule, Pencil Rule (PR) and penlight with red green glasses (RG) using standard techniques. The values obtained were compared within each group by Friedman test. Bland Altman plots were constructed and Limits of Agreement calculated. RESULTS: Hypermetropes performed poorly in RG test with significantly receded break point and recovery point values (10.30 ± 1.45cm, 13.13± 1.20cm) compared to RAF test (7.18 ± 1.86 cm, 10.15 ± 2.11cm ) and PR test (7.78 ± 1.75 cm, 10.75 ± 1.44cm). The recovery point values of the emmetropes with RG test (10.15 ± 2.32cm) was significantly receded compared to PR (9.30 ± 1.72 cm) and RAF test (Emm: 9.08 ± 2.30cm). The myopes performed better with PR test with significantly better recovery point values with PR test (8.70 ± 1.97 cm) compared to RAF (9.68 ± 2.08) and RG (9.45 ± 1.73) tests. The limits of agreement were wide suggesting disagreement between the tests. CONCLUSION: The RG test yields more receded results in hypermetropes compared to the RAF and PR tests, and the PR test yields better results than the RAF test in myopes. Thus, the results obtained by these different methods show a lack of agreement. The variability is not uniform in patients with different refractive errors.

A Study on Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression among Elderly Residing in Tenements Under Resettlement Scheme, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders have got high prevalence and low priority among the elderly in most of the countries worldwide, of which depression being the most common treatable condition. The causes for elderly depression are multifactorial and preventable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and to assess the factors associated with depression among the elderly age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants more than 60 years of age residing in tenements under resettlement scheme in Semmenchery, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu with a sample size of 184. Systematic sampling method was adopted to collect data at participants door step. A predesigned, pretested questionnaire was used to assess the factors associated with depression, and the Geriatric depression scale-30 was used to assess depression. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Chi-square <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression was 35.3%. The factors such as female gender, educational status, occupation, type of family, financial dependency, history of depression, smoking and medical factors such as hypertension, cardiac disease, and chronic kidney disease and life events like conflict in family, unemployment, and financial problem were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Loss of spouse, financial dependency, neglected care, lack of awareness about the disease were found to be barriers in reaching basic mental health care for the elderly. Depression remains one of the main causes of DALY, especially among elders. National Program for Health care of elderly provides doorstep services, so incorporation of depression screening into that can impart the effects of depression on quality of life and DALY.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Salt Spray Corrosion Test Parameters Optimization for AA8079 with Reinforcement of TiN + ZrO2.

This work mainly focuses on increasing the mechanical strength and improving the corrosion resistance of an aluminum alloy hybrid matrix. The composites are prepared by the stir casting procedure. For this work, aluminum alloy 8079 is considered as a base material and titanium nitride and zirconium dioxide are utilized as reinforcement particles. Mechanical tests, such as the ultimate tensile strength, wear, salt spray corrosion test and microhardness test, are conducted effectively in the fabricated AA8079/TiN + ZrO2 composites. L9 OA statistical analysis is executed to optimize the process parameters of the mechanical and corrosion tests. ANOVA analysis defines the contribution and influence of each parameter. In the tensile and wear test, parameters are chosen as % of reinforcement (3%, 6% and 9%), stirring speed (500, 550 and 600 rpm) and stirring time (20, 25 and 30 min). Similarly, in the salt spray test and microhardness test, the selected parameters are: percentage of reinforcement (3%, 6% and 9%), pH value (3, 6 and 9), and hang time (24, 48 and 72 h). The percentage of reinforcement highly influenced the wear and microhardness test, while the stirring time parameter extremely influenced the ultimate tensile strength. From the corrosion test, the hang time influences the corrosion rate. The SEM analysis highly reveals the bonding of each reinforcement particle to the base material.

Clinical and biochemical profile of Guillain Barré Syndrome in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency, distribution, characteristics, and biochemical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). METHODS: This retrospective, case-control study was conducted between November 2018 and February 2020 at PIMS Hospital, Islamabad and Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The GBS patients were diagnosed through physical examination and nerve conduction study (NCS). Hemoglobin (Hb), liver function tests, renal function tests, lipid profile, and interleukin-17 levels were investigated through the blood. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF) was performed to measure albuminocytological dissociation (ACD). RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients and 130 controls participated in this study. Fifty-nine (53.63 %) patients had gastrointestinal infection while 52 (47.27 %) had AIDP. IL-17 serum levels were associated with GBS showing elevated values 18.49 pg/mL (SD=4.10) in cases as compared to controls 10.66 (SD=2.09), p<0.001. The CSF proteins were statistically significant in GBS patients, 127.93 mg/dL (SD=51.28), p=0.002. Ascending weakness was observed in 82 (74.5 %) patients. The results showed that the mean age value of GBS patients was 41.27 years, showing males preponderance. The mean Hb value for males and females was 14.83 g/dL and 10.88 g/dL respectively. Seasonal trends in the disease showed that 40% of GBS patients had infections during the spring. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study suggest that IL-17 levels trigger autoimmunity in GBS patients. The ACD could be used as a diagnostic marker of GBS along with NCS. Antecedent infections were common in a majority of GBS patients.

Designing, optimization, and validation of whole blood direct T-ARMS PCR for precise and rapid genotyping of complex vertebral malformation in cattle.

BACKGROUND: DNA testing in the cattle industry undergoes multiple hurdles. Successful genotyping involves the transportation of samples from the field to the laboratory in a chilled environment followed by DNA extraction, and finally, a specific genotyping protocol is followed. Various researches are focused on overcoming these issues. Microcards offer blood transportation at ambient temperature. Direct PCR methods can save the time of DNA extraction but available only for simplex PCR. Tetra Primer-Amplification Refractory Mutation System based Polymerase Chain Reaction (T-ARMS PCR) can make DNA testing faster in a low-cost setting. The present study was aimed to design, optimize, and validate a T-ARMS PCR for faster DNA testing of SNP responsible for Complex Vertebral Malformation (CVM)-an important genetic disease of the cattle industry. Further, a direct T-ARMS PCR from whole blood was developed to avoid the DNA extraction steps. Lastly, using the optimized protocol, genotyping of blood spotted on Microcard eliminates the need for cold chain maintenance in the transportation of samples. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated a novel T-ARMS PCR-based genotyping of the SNP rs438228855, which is responsible for CVM. Here, wild genotypes were recognized by 389 bp and 199 bp bands in agarose gel, while the carrier genotype showed an additional 241 bp band. The developed protocol was validated using PCR-Primer Introduced Restriction Analysis (PCR-PIRA) and sequencing. The present study further established a direct T-ARMS PCR for this SNP from whole blood. Different conditions such as heparin and EDTA treated blood, the need for pre-treatment, and two different DNA Polymerases for the direct PCR were optimized. Finally, our optimized protocol successfully genotyped the whole blood samples dried on Insta™DNA cards. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reported the usefulness of primer modified T-ARMS PCR for detecting CVM for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, direct PCR in T-ARMS PCR has never been reported. Lastly, the use of microcards in the developed protocol can make the assay useful in the DNA testing of field samples.

Comparative CpG methylation kinetic patterns of cis-regulatory regions of heat stress-related genes in Sahiwal and Frieswal cattle upon persistent heat stress.

The kinetic patterns of CpG methylation of the cis-regulatory region of heat stress-related genes on exposed to heat stress (at 42 °C) between the Sahiwal and Frieswal cattle was compared in the present study. Using an in vitro whole blood culture model, cells were continuously exposed to heat stress (at 42 °C) for 6 h. Methylation levels of five genes, viz., GPX1, HSP70, HSP90, c-FOS, and JUN were estimated by SyberGreen-based quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) assay. CpG methylation kinetics at different time points of heat stress (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 h) were analyzed using mixed ANOVA. The initial methylation level, estimated at 37 °C, of HSP70 was significantly high in the Sahiwal breed. A significant (p<0.001) time-dependent hypomethylation of an antioxidant gene (GPX1) CpG islands was detected at the acute phase of the stress. Heat shock protein gene (HSP70) showed a similar CpG methylation kinetics where the hypomethylation was prominent from 1 h and persisted up to 4 h. The heat stress responses of both Sahiwal and Frieswal cattle were identical as there was no distinctiveness in the methylation kinetics of CpG islands of studied genes. The acclimatization of Frieswal cattle-a breed developed in India over the years to the tropical climatic conditions, maybe one of the reasons for this similarity. Thus, the present study results could pave a path to understand the molecular mechanism of heat stress and adaptation of indigenous and crossbred cattle populations to the changing scenario in tropical climate conditions.

Synthesis, Different Characterizations and Pigment Application of Nanoceramic Zirconate Powder.

In this work, several attempts were made to prepare nanoceramic zirconate (Nd2Zr2O7) powder for pigment applications. The single pyrochlore phase, Nd2Zr2O7 was successfully synthesized with the aid of flux at relatively low temperature (1000 °C) upon milling the reaction mixture made from Nd2O3 and ZrO2 in a tungsten carbide vial. Several characterizations were done on the thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, and near-infrared (NIR spectroscopy). A single-phase nanocrystalline (˜28 nm) pyrochlore structure (Fd3m) was confirmed through XRD analysis. A highly uniform particle in the size of ˜110 nm was observed for the Nd2Zr2O7 phase in the microimages. The vibrational (FT-IR) peaks at 423 cm-1 and 510 cm-1 in FTIR spectroscopic study confirmed the formation of pyrochlore structure. Higher NIR reflectivity recorded for this material in the 750-2500 nm region shows its novel application in color cool pigments for energy-saving paints reminiscent of Bi2-xYxCe²O7, Bi²Ce2-xTbxO7, and Gd²Ti²O7.

Double burden of malnutrition among women residing in tenements in a resettlement area, Kancheepuram district.

INTRODUCTION: The double burden of malnutrition is the co-existence of undernutrition along with overweight/obesity. The underweight can cause cognitive impairment, increase mortality, and over nutrition increases the chance of noncommunicable diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Women are vulnerable for early marriages, early conception, and so forth, which have an impact on their nutritional status. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of double burden of malnutrition among women residing in tenements in a resettlement area, Kancheepuram district. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among women aged above 18 years residing in a tenement in a resettlement area, Kancheepuram district using a semi-structured questionnaire. The sample size was 211. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 44. 78; 2% were married; 30.8% belong to class III. Based on BMI 1.4% were underweight, 17.1% had normal BMI, 48.8% were pre-obese, and 19.9% were under obese stage 1. Based on the waist circumference, 23.7% were under high risk and according to the waist-hip ratio, 69.7% were under high risk. The prevalence of diabetes among the high-risk category for waist-hip ratio was higher (80.3%) with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The national programs are concentrating more on the undernutrition. The importance of obesity as a risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases should be stressed in the nutritional programs thereby providing proper interventions to prevent them, which could be done by interlinking with NPCDCS.

The down regulation of PTP1B expression and attenuation of disturbed glucose and lipid metabolism using Borassus flabellifer (L) fruit methanol extract in high fat diet and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Borassus flabellifer L. is a tall palm traditionally used for its stimulating, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities; it is rich in fibers and various pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of Borassus flabellifer fruit methanol extract (BF-M) on diabetic rats induced with High Fat Diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ). When BF-M (100 or 200 mg/kg) was administered for 21 days orally it led to a sharp decline in triglycerides, total cholesterol, free unsaturated fat, glucose-6-phosphate, fasting blood glucose and fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase in contrast to diabetic control. BF-M also downregulated Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B. In vitro study showed the IC50 value to be 23.98 µg/mL. BF-M significantly increased serum insulin, glycogen content, and body weight. Western blot analysis exhibited significant inhibition of PTP1B in pancreatic tissue which was confirmed by histology and immunohistological studies. GC-MS analysis revelaled that the presence of major compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (47.56%), Guanosine (21.01%) and n-hecxadeconoic acid (25.14%) in BF-M. In short, BF-M exerted antidiabetic property by down regulating PTP1B expression, and eventually enhancing glucose stimulated insulin release; it also exhibited favorable effects in diabetes and its secondary complications.