Safe and sustainable food packaging: Argemone albiflora mediated green synthesized silver-carrageenan nanocomposite films.

Silver-Carrageenan (Ag/Carr) nanocomposite film for food packing application by the green method using Argemone albiflora leaf extract has been developed in this study. Different plant parts of Argemone albiflora (blue stem prickly poppy) are used all over the world for the treatment of microbial infections, jaundice, skin diseases etc. GC-MS analysis was used to examine the phytochemical found in the Argemone albiflora leaf extract which reduces the metal ions to nanoscale. The biopolymer employed in the synthesis of nanocomposite film was carrageenan, a natural carbohydrate (polysaccharide) extracted from edible red seaweeds. We developed a food packing that is biodegradable, eco-friendly, economical and free from harmful chemicals. These films possess better UV barrier and mechanical and antimicrobial properties with 1 mM AgNO3 solution. The presence of silver nanoparticles in the carrageenan matrix was evident from FESEM. The mechanical properties were analysed by a Universal testing machine (UTM) and different properties like water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture content (MC) and total soluble matter (TSM) important for food packing applications were also analysed. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized film samples were studied against E. coli and S. aureus pathogenic bacteria. These films were employed for the storage of cottage cheese (dairy product) and strawberries (fruit). This packing increased the shelf life of the packed food effectively. Ag/Carr films are biodegradable within four weeks.

Glycosaminoglycan modifications of betaglycan regulate ectodomain shedding to fine-tune TGF-ß signaling responses in ovarian cancer.

In pathologies including cancer, aberrant Transforming Growth Factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling exerts profound tumor intrinsic and extrinsic consequences. Intense clinical endeavors are underway to target this pathway. Central to the success of these interventions is pinpointing factors that decisively modulate the TGF-ß responses. Betaglycan/type III TGF-ß receptor (TßRIII), is an established co-receptor for the TGF-ß superfamily known to bind directly to TGF-ßs 1-3 and inhibin A/B. Betaglycan can be membrane-bound and also undergo ectodomain cleavage to produce soluble-betaglycan that can sequester its ligands. Its extracellular domain undergoes heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan modifications, transforming betaglycan into a proteoglycan. We report the unexpected discovery that the heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains on betaglycan are critical for the ectodomain shedding. In the absence of such glycosaminoglycan chains betaglycan is not shed, a feature indispensable for the ability of betaglycan to suppress TGF-ß signaling and the cells' responses to exogenous TGF-ß ligands. Using unbiased transcriptomics, we identified TIMP3 as a key inhibitor of betaglycan shedding thereby influencing TGF-ß signaling. Our results bear significant clinical relevance as modified betaglycan is present in the ascites of patients with ovarian cancer and can serve as a marker for predicting patient outcomes and TGF-ß signaling responses. These studies are the first to demonstrate a unique reliance on the glycosaminoglycan chains of betaglycan for shedding and influence on TGF-ß signaling responses. Dysregulated shedding of TGF-ß receptors plays a vital role in determining the response and availability of TGF-ßs', which is crucial for prognostic predictions and understanding of TGF-ß signaling dynamics.

Development of adaptive anoikis resistance promotes metastasis that can be overcome by CDK8/19 Mediator kinase inhibition.

Anoikis resistance or evasion of cell death triggered by cell detachment into suspension is a hallmark of cancer that is concurrent with cell survival and metastasis. The effects of frequent matrix detachment encounters on the development of anoikis resistance in cancer remains poorly defined. Here we show using a panel of ovarian cancer models, that repeated exposure to suspension stress in vitro followed by attached recovery growth leads to the development of anoikis resistance paralleling in vivo development of anoikis resistance in ovarian cancer ascites. This resistance is concurrent with enhanced invasion, chemoresistance and the ability of anoikis adapted cells to metastasize to distant sites. Adapted anoikis resistant cells show a heightened dependency on oxidative phosphorylation and can also evade immune surveillance. We find that such acquired anoikis resistance is not genetic, as acquired resistance persists for a finite duration in the absence of suspension stress. Transcriptional reprogramming is however essential to this process, as acquisition of adaptive anoikis resistance in vitro and in vivo is exquisitely sensitive to inhibition of CDK8/19 Mediator kinase, a pleiotropic regulator of transcriptional reprogramming. Our data demonstrate that growth after recovery from repeated exposure to suspension stress is a direct contributor to metastasis and that inhibition of CDK8/19 Mediator kinase during such adaptation provides a therapeutic opportunity to prevent both local and distant metastasis in cancer.

Enhancing wheat crop production with eco-friendly chitosan encapsulated nickel oxide nanocomposites: A safe and sustainable solution for higher yield.

In this work, we looked at using nickel oxide (NiO) nanocomposites with chitosan encapsulation as a nano-primer to improve wheat crop output. A straightforward green precipitation procedure was used to create the nanocomposites, and they were then characterized using several methods. According to the findings, the chitosan-encapsulated NiO nanocomposites possessed a large surface area and were resilient to changes in pH. Following this, wheat seeds were primed with the nanocomposites, and under greenhouse circumstances, the impact on crop growth was assessed. The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to the control group, nanocomposites priming considerably enhanced wheat growth and germination rate up to 99 %. In comparison to untreated plants, the wheat plants treated with the nanocomposites primer had greater plant height i.e. shoot length (11.4 cm) and root length (10.3 cm), leaf area, and biomass accumulation. Further research into the mechanism underlying the priming effect of nanocomposites on wheat growth revealed that the nanocomposites enhanced nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, and stress tolerance in wheat plants. In conclusion, our research shows that chitosan-encapsulated NiO nanocomposites have the potential to improve wheat crop productivity in an environmentally benign and long-term manner, offering a viable strategy for sustainable farming.

Optimization of single-step gelatin extraction from pink perch (Nemipterus japonicus) skin and bone obtained from surimi industry using a green solvent.

Surimi industry produces a large quantity of byproducts that are currently being utilized to produce low-value commodities. This study aims to extract gelatin from pink perch skin and bone obtained from the surimi industry using a green single-step extraction method. In addition to using a green solvent, that is, acetic acid, the new method combines the multiple steps of pre-treatment and hydrolysis into one single-step extraction process. Response surface methodology was used to optimize extraction parameters (pH, temperature, and time) to maximize yield and l-hydroxyproline (l-hyp) content. The optimum condition for gelatin extraction was obtained at pH 3, 75°C, and 30 min. At optimum conditions, gelatin yield and l-hyp content were observed to be 16.07% and 41.26 mg g-1 , respectively. The gelatin obtained at optimized condition was further compared with commercial bovine gelatin (BG) in terms of chemical composition and textural, functional, and rheological properties. The results suggested that the optimized pink perch gelatin had higher protein content (92.06%), better gel strength (251.08 g), higher imino acid (18.01%), and improved textural and functional properties than the commercially available BG. The optimized single-step gelatin extraction method from pink perch skin and bones is a promising, rapid, and efficient method for the production of good-quality gelatin, which can be further used for the development of high-value products such as food formulations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Fish gelatin is widely used in food product development. Most of the existing methods of the development of high-value product such as gelatin, use multi-step process and harsh mineral acid, therefore, are time-consuming and harmful to the environment. This study provides a green single-step gelatin extraction method that provides an efficient, rapid, and convenient method of gelatin extraction and a sustainable solution for fish industry byproduct utilization. The data obtained with this laboratory-scale study provides a strong basis for scale-up studies.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Blood Donation Patterns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Blood centers, which are arguably the backbone of every hospital, depend on blood donors for a constant and regular supply of blood. Like many other fields, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected blood donations. In this article, we aim to systematically search the studies done on blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic period, analyze the pandemic's effect on blood donation, and examine the methodology used to overcome the problem. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donation. Two independent reviewers searched different databases, such as PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for overall study characteristics. We included a total of 15 studies. There was an overall decrease in blood donation of 25%, with some regions showing a decrease of as much as 71%. However, some regions were able to experience a 2-10% increase in blood donation after taking stringent and early measures to prevent such decreases. The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown greatly affected blood transfusion services, resulting in a progressive decline in blood donations that threatened the lives of many patients who were fully dependent on blood transfusion. However, by making appropriate and early decisions and taking action, policymakers and the rest of society can prevent such shortages, potentially saving millions of lives.

Heparan sulfate modifications of betaglycan promote TIMP3-dependent ectodomain shedding to fine-tune TGF-ß signaling.

In pathologies such as cancer, aberrant Transforming Growth Factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling exerts profound tumor intrinsic and extrinsic consequences. Intense clinical endeavors are underway to target this pivotal pathway. Central to the success of these interventions is pinpointing factors that decisively modulate the TGF-ß responses. Betaglycan/type III TGF-ß receptor (TßRIII), is an established co-receptor for the TGF-ß superfamily known to bind directly to TGF-ßs 1-3 and inhibin A/B. While betaglycan can be membrane-bound, it can also undergo ectodomain cleavage to produce soluble-betaglycan that can sequester its ligands. The extracellular domain of betaglycan undergoes heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan modifications, transforming betaglycan into a proteoglycan. Here we report the unexpected discovery that the heparan sulfate modifications are critical for the ectodomain shedding of betaglycan. In the absence of such modifications, betaglycan is not shed. Such shedding is indispensable for the ability of betaglycan to suppress TGF-ß signaling and the cells' responses to exogenous TGF-ß ligands. Using unbiased transcriptomics, we identified TIMP3 as a key regulator of betaglycan shedding and thereby TGF-ß signaling. Our results bear significant clinical relevance as modified betaglycan is present in the ascites of patients with ovarian cancer and can serve as a marker for predicting patient outcomes and TGF-ß signaling responses. These studies are the first to demonstrate a unique reliance on the glycosaminoglycan modifications of betaglycan for shedding and influence on TGF-ß signaling responses. Dysregulated shedding of TGF-ß receptors plays a vital role in determining the response and availability of TGF-ßs', which is crucial for prognostic predictions and understanding of TGF-ß signaling dynamics.

A rare case of genital myiasis in a patient with genital prolapse.

Genital myiasis is an infestation of genital organs by fly larvae, where they feed and develop as parasites. They can cause severe infection, inflammatory reaction and can be linked to psychiatric disturbances. We report a rare case of genital myiasis in an elderly postmenopausal woman aged 82 years from Udaipur, Rajasthan. She presented with complaints of intense pain in the genital region and was diagnosed as a case of genital myiasis of a prolapsed uterus. Pelvic examination revealed 'Stage-IV' genitourinary prolapse according to Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification (POP-Q classification), with a big excavatory ulcer indwelled with maggots of Musca domestica. About 100 such maggots were subsequently manually removed with forceps. With proper surgical and nonsurgical interventions, the patient healed completely and the prolapse was reduced completely.

The Role of Microglia in Inherited Retinal Diseases.

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the developed world. The primary driver of pathology in IRDs is pathogenic genetic variant. However, there is increasing evidence, from recent studies, for a role of the immune system in disease mechanism, particularly retinal microglia. Microglia are the primary immune cells in the retina and actively contribute to disease pathogenesis when activated locally by phagocytosing photoreceptors, inducing inflammation and signaling infiltration of circulating monocytes. In this article, we discuss the evidence for the contribution of retinal microglia to IRD pathogenesis reported so far using mice model.

Evaluation of the Health and Nutritional Status of Discharged Children From Malnutrition Treatment Centres Using Mobile Phone Calls During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Jharkhand, India.

Background The Indian state of Jharkhand has the highest rate of wasting (29%) among young children. Mobile audio call follow-up can be used to assess such children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Aim This study evaluated SAM children during the COVID-19 outbreak and learn more about the status of their home/community care, and caregivers' awareness of integrated child development services (ICDS) and COVID-19 prevention. Methods Contact numbers of caregivers for discharged children were obtained from 54 malnutrition treatment centers (MTCs). In April and June 2020, mentors conducted follow-up interviews using mobile phone calls. Results Seven children (1.72%) were reported dead and 400 were alive, mostly girls (59.5%). Only a few caregivers observed post-discharge ailments (15.4%) and weight loss (7.7%) in their children. Children aged six to 24 months were characterized by continued breastfeeding (88.0%) at most five to six times a day (45.8%). Most of the children were not fed as per maternal infant and young child feeding protocols. Age in months with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.55 (1.00-1.11) as a 95% confidence interval (CI), age category, with an adjusted OR of 4.32 (1.71- 10.94) as 95% CI, and breastfeeding with adjusted OR 1.85 (1.07- 3.21) as 95% CI were three major predictors for a well-fed child. Conclusion Community involvement is crucial in the follow-up of children with SAM for effective rehabilitation. Mobile phone audio call follow-up is a relatively cost-effective approach to tackle geographic barriers and COVID-19 lockdown-induced situations. There are major gaps mainly in informing caregivers on how to manage COVID-19 with breastfeeding.

Effect of Pink Perch Gelatin on Physiochemical, Textural, Sensory, and Storage Characteristics of Ready-to-Cook Low-Fat Chicken Meatballs.

In recent years consumer demand for low-fat convenience food is increasing rapidly. This study was designed to develop low-fat ready-to-cook (RTC) chicken meatballs using pink perch gelatin. Meatballs were prepared using different concentrations of fish gelatin (3%, 4%, 5%, and 6%). The effect of fish gelatin content on the physico-chemical, textural, cooking, and sensory properties of meatballs was studied. Further, the shelf-life of meatballs was also studied at 4 °C for 15 days and -18 °C for 60 days. The addition of fish gelatin to meatballs decreased the fat content by 67.2% and 79.7% and increased the protein content by 20.1% and 66.4% in comparison to control and Branded Meatballs, respectively. As compared to the Control Meatballs, the addition of fish gelatin also reduced hardness by 26.4% and increased yield and moisture retention in the RTC meatballs by 15.4% and 20.9%, respectively. Sensory analysis suggested that a 5% fish gelatin addition in meatballs has the best acceptability among all tested treatments. Storage study indicated that the addition of fish gelatin to RTC meatballs delayed lipid oxidation during both refrigerated and frozen storage. The results suggested that pink perch gelatin can be used as a fat replacer in chicken meatballs and can potentially increase their shelf-life.

Removal of organic and inorganic effluents from wastewater by using degradation and adsorption properties of transition metal-doped nickel ferrite.

Removal of water pollutants (methylene blue dye and heavy metals) was achieved by zinc/manganese-doped nickel ferrites (Ni1 - xMxFe2O4, where x = 0.00, 0.025, 0.10). Degradation of dye was achieved under natural solar light illumination. Degradation studies of dye were conducted under different parameters such as contact time-80 min, dye's concentration-5 mg/L, pH-7, and dosage of ferrites-15 mg. The adsorption of dye was studied using non-linear kinetics models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) and isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich). The adsorption of dye followed pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.99377) than second-order kinetics (R2 = 0.98063) and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.96095) than Freundlich model (R2 = 0.95962) with maximum adsorption efficiency of 29.62 mg/g. Doping of nickel ferrites caused an increase in the removal percentage of methylene blue dye (80 to 90%) and inorganic effluents (75 to 95% for lead and 47 to 82% for cadmium). In addition to this, band gap energy (2.43 to 3.26 eV) (UV-Vis spectroscopy), pore radius (65.2 to 74.8 A°), and specific surface area (16.45 to 27.95 m2/g) (BET analysis) were also increased. Generally, the results of the study revealed that synthesized nanoparticles can act as potential candidate for the removal of effluents from wastewater under optimum parameters along with recyclability, reusability, and separation under the influence of a magnetic field.

Drivers for COVID 19 vaccine hesitancy among breastfeeding women in Eastern tribal state, India.

Background: In the COVID-19 pandemic age, vaccination hesitancy also known as vaccine refusal is a cause for worry since it hinges on the five Cs of confidence, complacency, convenience, calculation, and shared responsibility. The current study was to pinpoint the elements that contribute to breastfeeding women's hesitation to receive the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccine. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tertiary Care Hospital, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Result: Out of 365 nursing mothers, 242 (66.3%) were hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Those who chose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccination mostly belong to those aged 18 to 25 (38.1%), living in rural regions (44.9%), and belonging to non-tribal ethnic groups (41.1%). On application of logistic regression, it was found that rural areas had 3 times higher rate of vaccine hesitancy than urban residents, and that husbands' education levels up to the 12th grade had a 3.55 times higher rate and 5 times agriculture by husband's occupation, which was statistically significant (P value less than 0.05) The most prevalent grounds for rejection were fear of side effects (85.8%) and worry of adverse effects on newborns (83.48%). Conclusion: Both husband and wife, who had completed high school and were aware of the vaccination, were fearful of the COVID-19 vaccine. Concerns about the side effects and undesirable effects of vaccination on their newborns were the main reasons for refusal.

Liquid crystal droplet design by using pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymer additives.

Liquid crystal (LC) droplets are promising candidates for sensing applications due to their high sensitivity to surface anchoring changes, resulting in readily detectable optical effects. Herein, we have designed and synthesized amino acid-based bottlebrush polymers and investigated their impact on LC director configurations in the droplets. The pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymers with an aromatic (phenyl) and aliphatic appendages are synthesized using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) samples are prepared by employing pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymers and 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) LC via solvent-induced phase separation (SIPS) technique. Due to π-π stacking, the phenyl group favours radial configuration, whereas the repulsion between 5CB and aliphatic groups induces molecular alignment leading to bipolar droplet arrangement. The impact of various pendant groups attached to the polymer on the prepared PDLC sample's surface characteristics and free energy components is illustrated. The sensing capability of 5CB dispersed in pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymers for various pH solutions is investigated using polarizing optical microscopy (POM). The PDLC samples are moderately permeable to water and sensitive to different pH solutions. The results demonstrate a simplified and straightforward approach for preparing LC-based biosensors and chemical sensors.

Single cell RNA sequencing confirms retinal microglia activation associated with early onset retinal degeneration.

Mutations in the Membrane-type frizzled related protein (Mfrp) gene results in an early-onset retinal degeneration associated with retinitis pigmentosa, microphthalmia, optic disc drusen and foveal schisis. In the current study, a previously characterized mouse model of human retinal degeneration carrying homozygous c.498_499insC mutations in Mfrp (MfrpKI/KI) was used. Patients carrying this mutation have retinal degeneration at an early age. The model demonstrates subretinal deposits and develops early-onset photoreceptor degeneration. We observed large subretinal deposits in MfrpKI/KI mice which were strongly CD68 positive and co-localized with autofluorescent spots. Single cell RNA sequencing of MfrpKI/KI mice retinal microglia showed a significantly higher number of pan-macrophage marker Iba-1 and F4/80 positive cells with increased expression of activation marker (CD68) and lowered microglial homeostatic markers (TMEM119, P2ry13, P2ry13, Siglech) compared with wild type mice confirming microglial activation as observed in retinal immunostaining showing microglia activation in subretinal region. Trajectory analysis identified a small cluster of microglial cells with activation transcriptomic signatures that could represent a subretinal microglia population in MfrpKI/KI mice expressing higher levels of APOE. We validated these findings using immunofluorescence staining of retinal cryosections and found a significantly higher number of subretinal Iba-1/ApoE positive microglia in MfrpKI/KI mice with some subretinal microglia also expressing lowered levels of microglial homeostatic marker TMEM119, confirming microglial origin. In summary, we confirm that MfrpKI/KI mice carrying the c.498_499insC mutation had a significantly higher population of activated microglia in their retina with distinct subsets of subretinal microglia. Further, studies are required to confirm whether the association of increased subretinal microglia in MfrpKI/KI mice are causal in degeneration.

An Epidemiological Study of Outbreak Investigation of Chickenpox in Remote Hamlets of a Tribal State in India.

BACKGROUND: Chickenpox is a benign, self-limiting disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that is transmitted from person to person with direct contact or airborne spread, which usually lasts for five to seven days. There was a sudden increase in the number of cases of fever along with rashes at two sites in Jharkhand, India. We aimed to survey and establish the etiology and investigate the extent of the disease. METHODS: We defined the case of chickenpox as a person with acute onset of diffuse maculo-papulovesicular rash. From the clinically suspected cases, blood samples were collected and tested for anti-VZV immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies (depending on the clinical features) with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Novatec Immundiagnostica GmbH, Dietzenbach, Germany). A detailed history was collected from each case including the history of contacts and immunization status. RESULTS: The outbreak investigations were done at two villages of the two different blocks and one school in the Bharno block. According to the case definition, 16 persons were found affected by the varicella-zoster/chickenpox infection who belonged to five different households of Itkhori village in Chatra district. The age group varied from four to 45 years. The mean age was 20.28 years. Out of 16 cases, 10 (62.5%) cases complained of fever, rashes, and itching, two (12.5%) reported rashes and fever, and four (25%) complained of itching along with rashes. While at the Bharno block of Gumla district, out of 62 cases that fulfilled the case definition, 55 (88.7%) cases complained of fever, rashes, and itching, two (3.2%) reported itching and rashes, one (1.6%) reported vomiting along with fever and rashes, one (1.6%) complained about pain and rashes, one (1.6%) complained of cough with rashes, and four (25%) complained of itching along with rashes. There was neither any death nor any serious complication noted due to varicella. CONCLUSION: Chickenpox is still widespread in Northern parts of India like Jharkhand. Most of the cases were self-limiting and recovered at the Itkhori block, while at the Bharno block, there were 20 active cases and the rest were either recovered or were still in the recovery phase.

Phytochemically stabilized chitosan encapsulated Cu and Ag nanocomposites to remove cefuroxime axetil and pathogens from the environment.

Antibiotics have been a source of concern since they are causing resistance in bacteria that live in water and air. As a result, green technology was used to manufacture silver and copper nanoparticles, which were encapsulated with the biopolymer chitosan derived from the root extract of the Potentilla astrosanguinea plant. XRD, FTIR, TEM, EDX, and UV-Visible spectroscopy were methods used for structural and spectroscopic analysis. These nanomaterials have a roughly spherical 2-30 nm average size and a face-centered cubic (FCC) shape, according to the findings. The photocatalytic drug degradation and antibacterial properties of the produced nanocomposites were outstanding, with some resistance lasting longer than 180 days. The current study discovered that under UV light exposure, silver nanocomposites degrade drugs rapidly within 40 min, with an average rate of over 95%, while copper nanocomposites degrade drugs rapidly within 70 min, with an average rate of 84%. These nanocomposites have demonstrated exceptionally compelling antibacterial action against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal pathogens in addition to photocatalytic activity. The lowest recorded MIC values were 10.30 µg/mL and 10.84 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the lowest MBC values were 91.24 µg/mL and 99.50 µg/mL.

Factors associated with development of adverse events after taking COVID-19 vaccine in a tribal state of India: Regression analysis.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination becomes a crucial weapon in the pandemic's control. Two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are approved in India to vaccinate against the virus. Hence, the present study was done to determine the factors associated with the development of adverse events after taking the COVID-19 vaccine in a tribal state of India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. All persons who were willing to participate in our study and had received the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from January 1 to March 31, 2021, were included. We got 1497 complete responses via (free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by google, Founders- Larry Page Sergey Brin. Menlo Park, California, United States). So our final sample size came out to be 1497 in which analysis was done. The data was compiled in MS excel sheets (Microsoft version 2013, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States) and a template was generated which was further analyzed in SPSS version 20 (version 25.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The total number of respondents who participated in the surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) was 1497. Among them, a majority have taken the Covishield vaccine followed by Covaxin. The majority of participants were female of age group less than 30 years and above 18 years with a mean age of 33.63 ± 51.51. The most common AEFI was pain at the site of injection, after the first and second dose followed by fever after the first and second dose within 24 h following immunization. Conclusion: We conclude that factors like the type of vaccine, gender, and participants who have allergies have a higher risk of presenting the adverse events after the COVID-19 vaccination.

Effect of Ivermectin prophylaxis in prevention of COVID 19: Meta-analysis and systematic review.

Ivermectin was popular drug on trial for preventive and therapeutic role in COVID-19. However, there is disagreement concerning the validity of its clinical efficacy. Hence, we conducted a Meta-analysis and Systematic review for effect of Ivermectin Prophylaxis in prevention of COVID-19. The online databases of PubMed (Central), Medline, and Google scholar for randomized controlled trials, non-randomized trial and prospective cohort study were searched up to March 2021. Nine studies were included for analysis, out of which four were Randomized controlled Trial (RCTs), Two Non-RCTs and three cohort studies. Four randomized trial evaluated prophylactic drug Ivermectin, two combination of topical nasal carrageenan and oral Ivermectin two study used in combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) one with Ivermectin and one with Ivermectin/ Iota-Carrageenan (IVER/IOTACRC). In the pooled analysis we observed non-significant less COVID-19 positivity rate in the prophylaxis group as compared with non-prophylaxis group (Relative Risk (RR) = 0.27 and Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.05, 1.41) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 97.1%, P < 0.001) The pooled analysis involving the Non-RCTs studies also did not observe significant reduction in the COVID-19 positivity rate in the prophylaxis group as compared with non-prophylaxis group (RR = 0.01 and CI = 0.00, 7.97) with significant heterogeneity between the studies (P < 0.001).Hence,we conclude that Ivermectin is not the 'magical silver weapon' against COVID-19.

TGFß signaling networks in ovarian cancer progression and plasticity.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Late-stage diagnosis with significant tumor burden, accompanied by recurrence and chemotherapy resistance, contributes to this poor prognosis. These morbidities are known to be tied to events associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. During EMT, localized tumor cells alter their polarity, cell-cell junctions, cell-matrix interactions, acquire motility and invasiveness and an exaggerated potential for metastatic spread. Key triggers for EMT include the Transforming Growth Factor-ß (TGFß) family of growth factors which are actively produced by a wide array of cell types within a specific tumor and metastatic environment. Although TGFß can act as either a tumor suppressor or promoter in cancer, TGFß exhibits its pro-tumorigenic functions at least in part via EMT. TGFß regulates EMT both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels as outlined here. Despite recent advances in TGFß based therapeutics, limited progress has been seen for ovarian cancers that are in much need of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize and discuss several recent insights into the underlying signaling mechanisms of the TGFß isoforms in EMT in the unique metastatic environment of EOCs and the current therapeutic interventions that may be relevant.