A "Two-Step" Electrochemical Approach for Recovery of Plutonium and Uranium from Aqueous Acidic Waste Solutions.

Chemical quality control of nuclear fuel, particularly the determination of Pu and U contents by chemical methods, results in analytical acidic aqueous waste solutions from which Pu and U must be recovered efficiently for the remediation of radioactive wastes. Reported methods involve several complicated steps requiring addition of chemical oxidants/reductants for valence adjustments and generation of secondary wastes, thereby making the recovery process cumbersome. Herein, we report a novel two-step electrochemical approach for Pu and U recovery from acidic aqueous waste solutions containing different metallic impurities (Fe, Cr, Mn, Cd, Al, Ni, Co, Zn, and Mg) by bulk electrolysis using a Pt gauze electrode. Pu and U are recovered from these waste solutions in a two-step process: (i) bulk electrolysis of the mixed solution at a constant potential of 0.1 V vs Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl that results in the reduction of PuO22+ to Pu3+ followed by the precipitation of Pu3+ as K2(K0.5Pu0.5)(SO4)2, which is then filtered and separated and (ii) the filtrate solution is again subjected to bulk electrolysis at a constant potential of -0.35 V vs Ag/AgCl/3 M KCl resulting in the reduction of UO22+ to U4+. The U4+ is then precipitated as K2(K0.67U0.33)(SO4)2, which is filtered and separated, leading to a Pu- and U-free aqueous acidic waste solutions. Biamperometry shows that 97.8% and 99.1% recovery of Pu and U, respectively, is possible, and emission spectrometry confirms the purity of K2(K0.5Pu0.5)(SO4)2 and K2(K0.67U0.33)(SO4)2. Because of its operational simplicity, potential for remote handling, and excellent extraction efficiency, the present methodology can easily replace traditional methods for the recovery of Pu and U from acidic aqueous waste solutions.

Severity of Acute Portal Hypertension Determines the Clinical Outcomes in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) presenting as acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has high mortality. Severe hepatic inflammation and ongoing hepatocellular cell death lead to rapid rise in portal pressure, a hyperdynamic circulation that might precipitate infections and organ failures. METHODS: Consecutive SAH patients were classified based on baseline HVPG measurement as 6to < 12 mmHg, 12to < 20 mmHg, and ≥ 20 mmHg. We analyzed portal hypertension severity in relation to fibrosis stage, ACLF at presentation, response to prednisolone, severity scores(MELD and Maddrey's Discriminant Function, mDF), and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Of 819 SAH patients (94.6% ACLF, 85.4% histological cirrhosis, median MELD and mDF scores 25 and 66, respectively), 250(30.5%) had HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg. Patients with HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg more often had large esophageal varices (25.2%vs.13.2%; p-0.001), higher baseline MELD (27.1 ± 5.6vs.25.3 ± 5.2; p-0.001), and mDF(76.1 ± 16vs.68.4 ± 15.1; p-0.01) scores. No patient without ACLF had HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg. Moreover, during hospital course these patients had higher incidence of variceal bleed (17.2%vs.8.8%; p-0.001), acute kidney injury (36.4%vs.25.3%; p-0.001), and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (6.4%vs.3.5%; p-0.05). Of 412(50.3%) eligible patients treated with prednisolone, 69.2% showed response at day 7(Lille's score < 0.45). 90-day mortality was 27.6%; and baseline MELD > 25.5[HR 1.78], HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg [HR 1.86], the presence of HE[HR 1.63], and prednisolone ineligibility due to sepsis[HR 1.27] were independent predictors. Mortality was unrelated to varices grade, variceal bleed, and histological cirrhosis. Repeat HVPG performed in 114(19.2%) patients after a median of 5.2 months showed significant decrease (3.6 mmHg; p-0.001) which correlated with improvement in MELD score(13points; p-0.05). CONCLUSION: Development of ACLF and complications in SAH are likely a result of acute rise in HVPG. "High-risk" SAH are SAH patients with HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg in the presence of ascites. Understanding the drivers for acute rise in portal pressure in SAH ACLF might help introduction of newer therapies.

Association of Serum ɣ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Levels With Overall Survival in Intermediate and Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Transarterial Chemoembolization.

Introduction: This article aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of pretreatment serum É£-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels in patients with intermediate (BCLC B) and advanced stage (BCLC C) hepatocellular carcinoma receiving transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as first-line treatment. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, a total of 608 patients with BCLC B and BCLC C class were included who received TACE as first-line treatment modality. Patients were divided into low and high GGT groups based on a cutoff value of pretreatment serum GGT levels calculated by receiver operating curve. Overall survival was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier method, and intergroup significance was calculated by log-rank test for overall patients, each BCLC B and BCLC C group. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used for significance for prognostic factors. Results: Median follow-up time was 20, 22, and 9 months for overall patients, BCLC B, and BCLC C group, respectively. Optimal cut value for GGT was calculated at 90.5 U/L. One-year and 3-year survival rates were 84.2% and 27.9% in low GGT, 49.4% and 8.6% in high-GGT group for overall patients. Multivariate analysis in overall patients showed Child-Pugh B (HR,1.801; 95%CI, 1.373-2.362, P < .001), ascites (1.393, 1.070-1.812; P = .014), multiple tumors (1.397, 1.137-1.716; P = .001), AST >40 (1.407, 1.095-1.808; P = .008), albumin <3.2 (.735, .612-.884; P = .001), AFP > 400 (1.648, 1.351-2.011; P < .001), high GGT (2.009, 1.631-2.475; P < .001), or receipt of chemo/ablation (.463, .377-.569; P < .001) as independent risk factors for overall survival. Serum GGT levels and AFP showed significant correlation in between with significance coefficient of .155 (P < .001). Conclusion: Elevated pretreatment serum GGT level was feasible and promising independent prognostic marker for overall survival in intermediate and advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with TACE.

Non-coding RNAs-mediated environmental surveillance determines male fertility in plants.

Plants are continuously exposed to environmental stresses leading to significant yield losses. With the changing climatic conditions, the intensity and duration of these stresses are expected to increase, posing a severe threat to crop productivity worldwide. Male gametogenesis is one of the most sensitive developmental stages. Exposure to environmental stresses during this stage leads to male sterility and yield loss. Elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism of environment-affected male sterility is essential to address this challenge. High-throughput RNA sequencing studies, loss-of-function phenotypes of sRNA biogenesis genes and functional genomics studies with non-coding RNAs have started to unveil the roles of small RNAs, long non-coding RNAs and the complex regulatory interactions between them in regulating male fertility under different growth regimes. Here, we discuss the current understanding of the non-coding RNA-mediated environmental stress surveillance and regulation of male fertility in plants. The candidate ncRNAs emerging from these studies can be leveraged to generate environment-sensitive male sterile lines for hybrid breeding or mitigate the impact of climate change on male fertility, as the situation demands.

Resilience and self-compassion among persons with depressive disorders: Prerequisite for a positive mental health approach.

Background: Treatment gap for common mental health problems, especially of the depressive disorders is consequential in developing countries like India. Positive mental health domains like resilience and self-compassion have been long hailed as protective factors against depression and viable for use in therapeutic aspects. The objectives were to find an association between resilience, self-compassion, and depression. Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design among 75 respondents who were seeking treatment for major depressive disorders from a tertiary care center during the second wave of COVID-19. Three scales were administered online, namely Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD RISC-25), and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Spearman's rank correlation test, Chi-square with Fisher's exact test, and Kruskal Wallis H test were used to study the relationships and differences in average scores with respect to the severity of depression. Results: Most of the respondents had moderate depressive features along with moderately high levels of resilience (CD RISC 25) and self-compassion (SCS-SF) scores. Resilience and self-compassion were found to have no significant relationship with respect to the severity of depression. There was a weakly positive correlation between resilience and self-compassion among those with moderate and severe depression. Conclusion: Since the individuals with depression had higher scores on resilience and self-compassion, the levels of depression remained at moderate levels of severity despite the devastating impact of the second wave of COVID-19 in the Indian sub-continent. Results are to be interpreted with respect to psychosocial contexts arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health programs can incorporate the variables of resilience and self-compassion in intervention among individuals with depression which have likely been beneficial in their process of recovery.

NeuWS: Neural wavefront shaping for guidestar-free imaging through static and dynamic scattering media.

Diffraction-limited optical imaging through scattering media has the potential to transform many applications such as airborne and space-based imaging (through the atmosphere), bioimaging (through skin and human tissue), and fiber-based imaging (through fiber bundles). Existing wavefront shaping methods can image through scattering media and other obscurants by optically correcting wavefront aberrations using high-resolution spatial light modulators-but these methods generally require (i) guidestars, (ii) controlled illumination, (iii) point scanning, and/or (iv) statics scenes and aberrations. We propose neural wavefront shaping (NeuWS), a scanning-free wavefront shaping technique that integrates maximum likelihood estimation, measurement modulation, and neural signal representations to reconstruct diffraction-limited images through strong static and dynamic scattering media without guidestars, sparse targets, controlled illumination, nor specialized image sensors. We experimentally demonstrate guidestar-free, wide field-of-view, high-resolution, diffraction-limited imaging of extended, nonsparse, and static/dynamic scenes captured through static/dynamic aberrations.

Histological and molecular insights in to in vitro regeneration pattern of Xanthosoma sagittifolium.

A study on the effect of various phytohormonal combinations on in vitro propagation of Cocoyam [Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott] was conducted to develop an improved and efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for its mass multiplication. Histological analysis to understand the in vitro regeneration pattern and genetic fidelity assessment of regenerated plants were also carried out. Single shoots excised from in vitro established cultures of X. sagittifolium were used as explants. Among the 32 different phytohormonal combinations tested, indirect organogenesis with intervening callus phase was observed on majority of the media combinations. Meristematic clump formation was optimally achieved on all the tested media combinations with maximum 43.54 ± 0.51 shoot primordia on MS medium containing 0.2 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L NAA followed by 36.44 ± 0.76 shoot primordia on MS medium having 2.5 mg/L TDZ. Micro-morphological analysis of different morphogenetic structures revealed that the regeneration of cocoyam is well executed via meristematic nodules, shoot primordia formation that may evolve in to proper shoots. Adventitious shoots (> 2 cm) were successfully (100.00 ± 0.00%) rooted on the half-strength MS medium containing IBA (0.05-1.0 mg/L) and IAA (0.05-0.5 mg/L). The number of roots ranged from 0.78 ± 0.31 on the control half-strength MS medium to 13.94 ± 0.46 on half-strength MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA. Considering somaclonal variations as a potential restriction to in vitro multiplication of plants, genetic stability was assessed using 40 ISSR primers. The PCR amplification profiles obtained from all the tested propagules (calli, meristematic clumps, regenerated plantlets) were similar to the mother plants indicating the homogeneity of the individuals raised through the regeneration protocol reported here.

Immune drivers of HBsAg loss in HBeAg-negative CHB patients after stopping nucleotide analog and administration of Peg-IFN.

BACKGROUND: The stoppage of nucleoside analog (NA) can lead to immune flare and loss of HBsAg in a proportion of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. HBsAg loss could be improved by instituting Peg-Interferon therapy in those who show an immune flare after the stoppage of NA. We investigated the immune drivers of HBsAg loss in NA-treated HBeAg-negative CHB patients after stopping NAs and administration of Peg-IFN-α2b therapy. METHODS: Fifty-five NA-treated eAg-ve, HBV DNA not detected CHB patients were subjected to stopping NA therapy. Twenty-two (40%) patients relapsed (REL-CHBV) within 6 months (HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL, ALT ≥2XULN) and were started on Peg-IFN-α2b (1.5 mcg/kg) for 48 weeks (PEG-CHBV). Cytokine levels, immune responses, and T-cell functionality were assessed. RESULTS: Only 22 (40%) of 55 patients clinically relapsed, of which 6 (27%) cleared HBsAg. None of the 33 (60%) nonrelapsers cleared HBsAg. REL-CHBV patients had significantly increased IL-6 (p=0.035), IFN-γ (p=0.049), Th1/17 (p=0.005), CD4 effector memory (EM) (p=0.01), Tfh1/17 (p=0.005), and mature B cells (p=0.04) compared with CHBV. Six months after Peg-IFN therapy, immune resetting with a significant increase in CXCL10 (p=0.042), CD8 (p=0.01), CD19 (p=0.001), and mature B cells (p=0.001) was observed. HBV-specific T-cell functionality showed increased Tfh-secreting IFN-γ (p=0.001), IL-21 (p=0.001), and TNF-α (p=0.005) in relapsers and IFN-γ-secreting CD4 T cell (p=0.03) in PEG-CHBV. CONCLUSIONS: Stopping NA therapy induces flare in about 40% of HBeAg-negative patients. Peg-IFN therapy given to such patients causes immune restoration with HBsAg loss in one fourth of them.

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography in Patients of Liver Cirrhosis: A Case-Control Study.

Background With the improvement in noninvasive diagnostic imaging modalities, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) has evolved into a primarily therapeutic procedure. Besides being efficacious and one of the most commonly done procedures, ERCP is also associated with a high risk of complications. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing the safety and success of ERCP in patients with liver cirrhosis. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of ERCP in patients with cirrhosis of the liver compared to non-cirrhotic patients using the database from our institute. Methods Patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent ERCP from January 2010 to March 2020 were analyzed. This was a matched case-control study in which one cirrhotic patient undergoing ERCP was age and gender-matched randomly to one non-cirrhotic patient. We compared adverse events and the success rate of ERCP between cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic patients. The primary outcome of the study was analyzing the prevalence of procedure-related adverse events and their independent risk factors in patients of cirrhosis compared to the non-cirrhotic population. Results Two hundred patients were analyzed in both groups. Choledocholithiasis was the most common reason for ERCP in both groups. Mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score in the cirrhosis group were 9.16 ±1.78 and 19.09 ±7.06 respectively. Patients in the cirrhosis group had a significantly higher frequency of complications compared to the controls: 41 (20.5 %) versus 15 (7.5%), p < 0.01. Bleeding was the most common adverse event in both groups: 19 (9.5%) vs 6(3%). High International Normalised Ratio (INR), low platelets, and cholangitis at presentation were independently predictive of post-ERCP complications. Despite a similar technical success rate, the clinical success rate was lower in the cirrhotic than in the noncirrhotic group (83.9% versus 97.9%, p=0.006). Conclusion The prevalence of complications following ERCP was nearly three-fold higher in patients with cirrhosis than in non-cirrhotic patients. These events were related primarily to cholangitis, coagulopathy, and the advanced status of chronic liver disease.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided coiling and glue is safe and superior to endoscopic glue injection in gastric varices with severe liver disease: a retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric varices (GV) are present in 25% of cirrhotic patients with high rates of rebleeding and mortality. Data on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatment in severe liver disease (model for end stage liver disease sodium [MELD-Na] >18 and Child-Turcotte-Pugh [CTP] C with GV) are scarce. Thus, we performed a retrospective comparison of endoscopic glue injection with EUS-guided therapy in cirrhotic patients with large GV. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in the tertiary hospitals of India. A total of 80 patients were recruited. The inclusion criteria were gastroesophageal varices type 2, isolated gastric varices type 1, bleeding within 6 weeks, size of GV >10 mm, and a MELD-Na >18. Treatment outcomes and complications of endoscopic glue injection and EUS-guided GV therapy were compared. RESULTS: In this study, the patients' age, sex, liver disease severity (CTP, MELD-Na) and clinical parameters were comparable. The median number of procedures, injected glue volume, complications, and GV obturation were better in the EUS group, respectively. On subgroup analysis of the EUS method (e.g., direct gastric fundus vs. paragastric collateral [PGC] coil placement), PGC coil placement showed decreased coil requirement, less injected glue volume, decreased luminal coil extrusion, and increased successful GV obturation. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided treatment is more efficient and safer, and requires a smaller number of treatment sessions, as compared to endoscopic treatment in severe liver disease patients with large GV. Furthermore, PGC coil placement increases the complete obliteration of GV.

Contraceptive awareness and practices in reproductive age couples: A study from urban slums of Punjab.

Introduction: Developing countries are characterised by high birth rates and explosive population growth. With a lower contraceptive usage rate among eligible couples and resistance towards family planning methods, the goal of population stabilisation looks distant. The present study was conceived to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding contraceptive usage and to identify the barriers in reproductive-age couples in an urban slum area. Methods: The present study was cross-sectional in nature and was conducted in an urban slum. Three hundred married subjects were enrolled through a convenient sampling technique. One member of the married couple was interviewed for the present study. Data were collected through a semi-structured proforma. Results: 67% of the participants were using one or another contraceptive. Higher contraceptive usage was seen in more educated participants. Awareness was higher in males regarding contraception. Condom was the most known method for contraception. Three fourth of the participants agreed with two-child norm. Preference for a male child was less than 50% in both genders. Current users of condoms and oral contraceptive pills were 71.8% and 7.1%, respectively. Wanting children, fear of side effects and lack of knowledge were cited as reasons for not choosing family planning methods. Conclusion: With a suboptimal level of awareness and attitude among respondents regarding contraceptive methods, there exists a gap between awareness and practice. Misconceptions regarding contraceptive methods can be allayed through health education, involvement of the community and religious leaders and peer counselling.

Affective symptoms as a predictor of internet addiction among young adults.

Objectives: Mental health difficulties have been found to be associated with internet addiction, which makes it a multifaceted problem. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between internet addiction and affective states (depression, anxiety, and stress). Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 731 individuals (403 males and 328 females) ranging in age from 18 to 25 years. We used an observational survey design to study participants with an internet addiction test and depression, anxiety, and stress scale. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of the sample was 22.58 ± 2.80 years. Stress and depression were found to play a major role in internet addiction in the regression analysis. Conclusions: The study supports the association between internet use and stress and depression. The findings imply the need for early identification and intervention of affective states in the context of unhealthy internet use.

Nitric acid concentration strongly influences low level uranium determination on PEDOT-PSS coated glassy carbon electrodes.

Understanding the parametric optimization and addition of modifications in existing techniques are the keys to successful research in the analytical sciences. The present study reports an electroanalytical technique by modifying an electrode with PEDOT-PSS and adjusting the analyte solution to lower acidity (0.05 M) levels. The proposed methodology achieved a detection limit of 1.24 ppb of uranium, which is far below the available concentrations of uranium in seawater; the WHO permissible limit for uranium in drinking water; and the allowed disposal limit for uranium in radioactive waste solutions. Redox characteristics and speciation analysis supported by theoretical prediction helped to understand the basic mechanism which lay behind the achievement of such low detection limits. The technique was successfully employed for uranium determination in real water samples and the results were validated by another independent technique (ICP-MS).

Collateral Impact on Patients of Liver Diseases in the Second COVID-19 Wave: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India started in April 2021. This necessitated a change in focus from chronic ailments. This wave lasted till May 2021. Its impact on liver disease patients without COVID-19 infection has not been analyzed. Methods Records of liver disease patients from the Institute database admitted from April to May 2021 were compared with that from April to May 2019 i.e., prior to the pandemic. The primary outcome was a comparison of in-hospital mortality rates. Secondary outcomes were a comparison of 30 and 90-day readmission rates and liver transplantation rates. Results Seven hundred and seventy-one patients in April-May 2019 (group 1) and 545 patients in April-May 2021 (group 2) were analyzed. Patients in group 2 were sicker with higher PT (INR), urea, creatinine, CTP, and MELD score and low serum sodium, albumin, and platelet count with a higher prevalence of variceal bleed, hepatic encephalopathy, and acute kidney injury. There was higher mortality in group 2 (128/545; 23.5%) than group 1 (124/ 771;16.1%), OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2 - 2.1, p<0.01. 30 day readmission rate was numerically higher in group1; 18.3% vs 16.9%, p=0.5. The 31-90 day readmission rate was higher in group 1; 29.4% vs 16.9%, p<0.01. There was no significant difference in the number of patients undergoing liver transplantation in two groups, 19 in group 1 and 14 in group 2 (p=0.90). Conclusion The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant collateral impact on liver disease patients even without causing infection in them. Patients were sicker at the time of admission with higher mortality.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization Using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in Cirrhotic Patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for treatment of bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Materials and methods: A total of 35 cirrhotic patients (26 men, 9 women; mean age, 48.4 ± 11.1) who underwent TAE with NBCA for bleeding from January 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Only cirrhotic patients with active arterial bleeding confirmed on computed tomography (CT) were included. Fifteen patients were hemodynamically unstable before embolization procedure, and coagulopathy was observed in 32 patients. The mean MELD score and Child Pugh score were 24 ± 9.9 and 9.9 ± 2.2, respectively. The mean haemoglobin level and mean number of RBC units transfused before embolization were 7.4 ± 1.4 g/dL and 10.2 ± 4, respectively. The technical, clinical success rate and 30-day mortality rate were evaluated. Results: Technical success and clinical success rates were achieved in 100% and 82.8% of patients, respectively. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 48%. No major complications related to the embolization procedure was seen. Only the greater number of RBC units transfused before the embolization procedure (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.17-2.80, P = 0.007) was significantly associated with clinical failure. Greater number of RBC units transfused (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.00-2.34, P = 0.004) and higher Child Pugh score (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.26-4.71, P = 0.008) were significantly associated with higher 30-day mortality rate. Conclusion: Transcatheter arterial embolization using NBCA can be used as the effective treatment option for bleeding in cirrhotic patients which has a high technical and clinical success despite the grave prognosis associated with cirrhosis.

Electrochemical recovery of plutonium from aqueous carbonate waste solutions.

Recovery of plutonium from aqueous carbonate waste solutions generated during the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel is a key concern for sustainable nuclear energy programmes and the remediation of radioactive waste. Reported methods proceed through secondary waste generation caused by acidification of carbonate waste and make the recovery process cumbersome. Herein, we report a simple method for the recovery of Pu as solid PuO2 powder from carbonate waste solution in a two-step process. (i) Pu was selectively electrochemically precipitated as plutonium-hydroxide in the presence of interfering U, Th, Ru, Zr, Nb, Cs and the degradation products of tri-butyl phosphate by bulk electrolysis at -0.9 V using a Pt gauze electrode and (ii) the precipitate was annealed at 973 K for conversion to pure PuO2 powder. The present approach is simple, avoids the generation of secondary waste and reduces the exposure of working personnel to radiation.

Digital resilience mediates healthy use of technology.

Excessive use of online technology brings with it the risk of problematic digital behaviour like over-use of social media, online gambling, webinar fatigue, digital burnout, and in extreme cases doom surfing, and doom scrolling. In addition, digital failures can cause significant mental health distress to people, and unhealthy interactions on social media can also lead to deviant behaviour such as cyber bullying and cybercrime. This paper discusses the various vulnerabilities an individual is predisposed to on the internet, and highlights the importance of "Digital Resilience". Digital resilience is a new concept which refers to the learning, recovery, and bouncing back process after having negative or adverse experiences online. A comprehensive and holistic model to introduce Digital Resilience to everyone through a multitier approach that includes Individual, Societal, and Community intervention is formulated and elaborated. The importance of addressing these concerns from both a psychological and legal perspective is also discussed.

Morphogene-assisted transformation of Sorghum bicolor allows more efficient genome editing.

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, the fifth most important cereal worldwide, is a multi-use crop for feed, food, forage and fuel. To enhance the sorghum and other important crop plants, establishing gene function is essential for their improvement. For sorghum, identifying genes associated with its notable abiotic stress tolerances requires a detailed molecular understanding of the genes associated with those traits. The limits of this knowledge became evident from our earlier in-depth sorghum transcriptome study showing that over 40% of its transcriptome had not been annotated. Here, we describe a full spectrum of tools to engineer, edit, annotate and characterize sorghum's genes. Efforts to develop those tools began with a morphogene-assisted transformation (MAT) method that led to accelerated transformation times, nearly half the time required with classical callus-based, non-MAT approaches. These efforts also led to expanded numbers of amenable genotypes, including several not previously transformed or historically recalcitrant. Another transformation advance, termed altruistic, involved introducing a gene of interest in a separate Agrobacterium strain from the one with morphogenes, leading to plants with the gene of interest but without morphogenes. The MAT approach was also successfully used to edit a target exemplary gene, phytoene desaturase. To identify single-copy transformed plants, we adapted a high-throughput technique and also developed a novel method to determine transgene independent integration. These efforts led to an efficient method to determine gene function, expediting research in numerous genotypes of this widely grown, multi-use crop.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Intralesional Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine with Intralesional Vitamin D3 as Immunotherapies in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Cutaneous Warts in Adult- A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, various destructive and ablative treatment options are conventionally used for warts, but all of them are limited in some form by their adverse effects, high recurrences, suboptimal effectiveness, and the need to treat every wart. Lately, immunotherapy has emerged as a safe treatment relying on biological substances that modulate the immune system to achieve disease control. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed at conducting a placebo-controlled study to compare the rate of efficacy of intralesional MMR vaccine with vitamin D3 in the management of recalcitrant extragenital warts in immune-competent adults. Follow-up was done at third and sixth month. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups, namely, group A, B, and C. Groups A, B, and C received intralesional MMR vaccine, vitamin D3 and normal saline, respectively, in the largest wart. The injections were repeated every 2 weeks, for a maximum of four injections. RESULTS: Among injected warts, in group A, complete clearance was seen in 29 (87.8%) patients, partial clearance in two (6.1%) and no response in two (6.1%) patients. In group B, 24 (77.4%) patients, five (16.1%) patients, and two (6.5%) patients showed signs of complete, partial, and no clearance, respectively, in injected warts. Complete response in distant warts was seen in 25 (75.7%) patients in group A and 20 (64.5%) patients in group B. There was no statistically significant difference between responses of the two groups. In group C, only three (12.5%) patients had complete clearance in injected warts, and none in distant warts. Recurrence was seen in two (6.4%) patients, each in group B and C. However, for management of verruca plana MMR was found to be superior to vitamin D3. LIMITATIONS: Our study was limited by a small sample size, absence of immunological analysis, and limited follow-up period. CONCLUSION: MMR vaccine and vitamin D3 are equally effective and safe treatment option for multiple, recalcitrant warts, as well as warts on difficult to treat sites with minimal recurrence.