Trends of inflammatory bowel disease from the Global Burden of Disease Study (1990-2019).

BACKGROUND: The global burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is reportedly increasing. Methodologies and datasets are routinely updated, allowing for more accurate estimates to guide healthcare policy. METHODS: The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD) dataset was accessed and the trends in IBD at the global and regional levels from 1990 to 2019 were estimated for incidence, prevalence, deaths, years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. The three decadal trends of the disease measures were calculated. RESULTS: In 2019, there were 4.9 million (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI] 4.3-5.5) cases of IBD globally. The age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates decreased from 73.23 (95% UI 63.8-83.6) and 6.1 (95% UI 5.3-6.9) in 1990 to 59.2 (95% UI 52.7-66.4) and 4.9 (95% UI 4.4-5.6) in 2019, respectively. Like prior estimates, the highest age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates occurred in North America, but the lowest rates were reported in Oceania (209.5 [195.4-224.4] and 24.5 [22.6-26.7] and 3.87 [3.1-4.7] and 0.5 [0.5-0.7], respectively) and not the Caribbean, as previously reported. High socio-demographic index (SDI) locations had the highest age-standardized prevalence rate, though the rates declined in 2019 compared to 1990. The age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates increased in middle, low middle and low SDI quintiles over the three decades. The age-standardized rates for deaths, DALYs, YLD and YLL decreased globally from 1990 to 2019. Between 1990 and 2019 the total number of patients with IBD in India doubled from 0.13 million (95% UI 0.10-0.16) to 0.27 million (95% UI 0.21-0.33) with age-standardized incidence rate increasing from 2.23 (95% UI 1.85-2.73) to 2.34 (95% UI 1.95-2.86). CONCLUSION: This analysis of the GBD 2019 database demonstrates that the overall global burden of IBD is lower than previously estimated, but an increasing disease burden is observed in the middle and low-SDI locations.

Expression of angiogenic factors in the placenta of heme oxygenase-1 deficient mouse embryo.

Heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), the inducible form of heme degrading enzymes Hmoxs, is important for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. A growing body of evidence suggests an association between Hmox1 and angiogenesis, including placental angiogenesis. In this study, we examined the expression of two angiogenic factors in the placentas of Hmox1 deficient mouse embryos, whose expression was found to be related to that of Hmox1. Relative protein levels and localization of Hmoxs and two angiogenic factors [Vegf and Prolactin along with their receptors, and Cd31/Pecam1] were compared in the placentas of Hmox1 wildtype and knockout mouse embryos using western blotting and immunohistochemistry along with histological analysis. The results revealed tissue disorganisation, reduced area of labyrinth and smaller nuclear size of trophoblast giant cell in the placentas of knockout embryos. The levels of Hmox2, prolactin, and Cd31/Pecam1 were found to be altered in knockout placentas, whereas Vegf and its receptors seem to be unaltered in our samples. Overall, our findings imply that Hmox2 is unlikely to compensate for Hmox1 deficiency in knockout placentas, and altered levels of prolactin and Cd31/Pecam1 hint towards impaired angiogenesis in these placentas. Further investigation would be needed to understand the molecular mechanism of defective angiogenesis in the placentas of Hmox1 knockout mouse embryos.

Acquisition of Precision and Reliability of Modalities for Facial Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

The foundation of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is a confluence of advanced technologies, plethora of procedures, inventive modifications, and planned strategies. In surgical planning, the most crucial steps for treating a patient are evaluating the facial morphometry and recognizing the deviations from the baseline values of facial parameters. Various imaging and non-imaging modalities and sub-modalities contribute to diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care. These techniques are an important milestone of pre-, peri-, and postoperative care in facial reconstruction. The current research aims to comprehensively explain imaging and non-imaging technologies encompassing both innovative and traditional approaches in facial reconstruction. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 1990 to 2022, and systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. Undoubtedly, various factors impact the selection of facial analysis acquisition approaches and their prospective. The surgical team must understand such modalities' potential for diagnosis and treatment. The evolution of three-dimensional imaging has been fueled because of the need for devices with high speed, small size, and several functions. Automation with more efficiency and precision is the way of the future for three-dimensional imaging. Stereophotogrammetry can clearly quantify the field of facial analysis. All the publications under consideration came to the same conclusion: Canfield's Vectra three-dimensional imaging devices can provide accurate, repeatable stereophotogrammetric pictures. Although a few minor mistakes were recorded, most examined devices are deemed reliable and accurate tools for Plastic surgeons.

Accuracy and Reliability of Different Approaches for the Assessment of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review.

There had been various methods employed for the evaluation of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength. The aim of the study was to do a systemic review of these methods for a better understanding of these techniques and to find the best appropriate method. A systemic review of the literature was done using three databases that included: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using the keywords "pelvic floor anatomy" and "functional anatomy of pelvic floor muscles" from 1985 to 2022. All the studies involved were analyzed for the methodologies used by the researcher, advantages, disadvantages, and the conclusion of the study. A total of 1,876 studies were found, out of which only 64 met the criteria of inclusion. In these studies, seven methods were used for the determination of PFM strength. These methods included: clinical palpation, perineometer, electromyography, dynamometer, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and vaginal cones. The PFM cannot be calculated accurately using any one measuring technique. There is therefore no "gold standard" approach to PFM assessment. However, combining these methods will result in the best outcomes. According to the literature review, the most often employed procedures were digital palpation, perineometry, and Ultrasonography (USG).

miR-17 ~ 92 suppresses proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting cell cycle regulator Cdt2.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the 4th most leading cause of death among women worldwide, and if diagnosed in late stages the treatment options are almost negligible. 99% of CC is caused by high-risk human papilloma viruses (HR-HPV). Upon integration into human genome, the encoded viral proteins mis-regulate various onco-suppressors and checkpoint factors including cell cycle regulators. One such protein is cell cycle S phase licensing factor, CDC-10 dependent transcript-2 (Cdt2) which has been reported to be highly upregulated in various cancers including CC. Also, in CC cells, several tumor suppressor miRNAs are suppressed, including miR-17 ~ 92 cluster. In this study, we report that miR-17 ~ 92 directly recruits to 3'UTR of Cdt2 and downregulates this oncogene which suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities of the CC cell lines without affecting non-cancerous cells. We further show that suppression of Cdt2 by miR-17 ~ 92, blocks the cancerous cells in S phase and induces apoptosis, eventually leading to their death. Hence, our work for the first time, mechanistically shows how miR-17 ~ 92 could work as tumor suppressor in cervical cancer cells, opening up the potential of miR-17 ~ 92 to be used in developing therapy for cervical cancer treatment.

A single group trial (before - after) on impact of physiotherapeutic intervention package on relief from low back pain of pregnant women.

Introduction: More than half of the women have low back pain (LBP) at some point during pregnancy; the intensity of back pain increases as the pregnancy progresses. Such changes increase their risk for musculoskeletal disorders and fall injuries. Aim and Objective: Our study's objective was to estimate the prevalence of LBP in antenatal and postnatal cases of pregnancy in PGIMER, Chandigarh and to ascertain impact of a training intervention on incidence and severity of LBP in the study subjects. Methodology: A single group trial (before and after) on impact of physiotherapeutic intervention package on relief from LBP in pregnant women in between 20 and 35 years of age group were selected. The study duration was one year. The numeric pain rating scale was taken for measuring pain intensity at different levels. Where 0 indicates no pain, 1-3 indicates mild pain (which may be nagging, annoying, and interfering little with activities of daily livings (ADLs)), 4-6 indicates moderate pain (interferes significant with ADLs), and 7-10 indicates severe pain (Disabling, unable to perform ADLs). As per available time, it was decided to include at least 30 subjects in the study. Results: Initially 45 patients were enrolled. Of those, 30 patients were suffering from backache, that is, 67% of the total and 33% did not have any backache. There were no backaches reported in the first trimester, five cases were in the second trimester, and 18 cases were in the third trimester. Of 30 patients, 11 were less than 25 years of age and remaining 19 patients were in the age group of 26-35 years.

Mechanistic insights into the role of actinobacteria as potential biocontrol candidates against fungal phytopathogens.

Worldwide mounting demand for better food production to nurture exasperating population emphasizes on reduced crop losses. The incidence of pathogens into the agricultural fields has tend to dwindle plethora of cereal, vegetable, and other fodder crops. This, in turn, has seriously impacted the economic losses on global scale. Apart from this, it is quite challenging to feed the posterity in the coming decades. To counteract this problem, various agrochemicals have been commercialized in the market that no doubt shows positive results but along with adversely affecting the ecosystem. Therefore, the excessive ill-fated use of agrochemicals to combat the plant pests and diseases highlights that alternatives to chemical pesticides are need of the hour. In recent days, management of plant diseases using plant-beneficial microbes is gaining interest as safer and potent alternatives to replace chemically based pesticides. Among these beneficial microbes, actinobacteria especially streptomycetes play considerable role in combating plant diseases along with promoting the plant growth and development along with their productivity and yield. The mechanisms exhibited by actinobacteria include antibiosis (antimicrobial compounds and hydrolytic enzymes), mycoparasitism, nutrient competition, and induction of resistance in plants. Thus, in cognizance with potential of actinobacteria as potent biocontrol agents, this review summarizes role of actinobacteria and the multifarious mechanisms exhibited by actinobacteria for commercial applications.

Analysis of initial stress distribution in palatal bone around the implant in lingual orthodontics for single and double palatal implant systems: a FEM study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the Von Mises stress and principal stress distribution in palatal bone around the palatal implant in lingual orthodontics (LiO) for single and double palatal implant systems with varying lengths of lever arm. METHODS: Two groups were assessed: single (Group 1) and double (Group 2) palatal implant systems, which were further divided into two subgroups, based on lever arm length, for analyzing stress in the palatal bone around the implant. Hence, two 3D finite element models of bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction cases were constructed in each system. Lingual brackets (0.018-in slot) were positioned at the center of the clinical crown. In both systems, 150g of retraction force was applied, and ANSYS v. 12.1 software was used to analyze and compare stress in the palatal bone around the palatal implant. RESULTS: In this study, higher stress was observed at the inner threaded interface of cortical bone. Magnitude of Von Mises stress was higher in Group 2 (0.63 MPa and 0.65 MPa) in comparison to Group 1 (0.29 MPa and 0.29 MPa). Similarly, magnitude of principal stress was higher in Group 2, in comparison to Group 1. Higher stress was observed in the apical region of the implant-bone interface of cancellous bone. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the Von Misses stress as well as principal stress in the palatal bone were within the optimal limit in both groups. Finally, it can be concluded that both systems (single and double palatal implant) were safe for the patients in clinical use of 150g of retraction force.

miR-34a negatively regulates cell cycle factor Cdt2/DTL in HPV infected cervical cancer cells.

MicroRNAs have emerged as an important regulator of cell cycle and various other cellular processes. Aberration in microRNAs has been linked with development of several cancers and other diseases but still very little is known about the mechanism by which they regulate these cellular events. High risk human papilloma virus (HR HPV) is the causative agent of 99% of cervical cancer cases which attenuates multiple tumor suppressors and checkpoint factors of the host cell. The viral proteins also stabilize many oncogenic factors, including an essential cell cycle regulator Cdt2/DTL which in turn promotes cell transformation and proliferation. In this study, we report that a micro-RNA, miR-34a by suppressing HPV E6 protein, destabilizes Cdt2/DTL protein level in HPV infected cervical cancer cell lines. Destabilization of Cdt2 stabilizes pro-apoptotic and onco-suppressor proteins like p21 and Set8 and suppresses cell proliferation, invasion and migration capabilities of the HPV positive cervical cancer cells. Overexpression of either HPV E6 or Cdt2 genes along with miR-34a restored back the suppressed proliferation rate. This study is the first-ever report to show that miR-34a regulates cell cycle factor Cdt2 by suppressing viral E6 protein level, thus opening up the possibility of exploring miR-34a as a specific therapy for cervical cancer treatment.

Bioaerosolization and pathogen transmission in wastewater treatment plants: Microbial composition, emission rate, factors affecting and control measures.

Environmental consequences during wastewater management are vital and getting increased attention to interrupt any possible disease transmission pathways. Evidence of bioaerosolization of pathogen from wastewater to atmosphere during wastewater treatment have been highlighted previously. Understanding aerosol-based transmission in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is important because of the hazard it presents to the workers involved or to the population around and appears to be very significant during pandemic occurrences. This work aims to evaluate the possibility of pathogenic content of wastewater getting aerosolized during treatment by synthesizing the evidence on the potential aerosol generating treatment phases of WWTP, bioaerosol microbial composition, emission load and the factors affecting the bioaerosol formation. We also present some potential control strategies to take up in WWTP which may be useful to avoid such occurrences. Implementation of Aeration based strategies (use of diffused, submerged aeration, reduction in aeration rate), Improved ventilation based strategies (effective ventilation with adequate supply of clean air, minimizing air recirculation, supplementation with infection control measures such as filtration, irradiation), Improved protection based strategy (periodic monitoring of disinfection efficiency, pathogenic load of wastewater, improved operation policy) and other strategies (provision of buffer zone, wind shielding, water spraying on aerosol, screened surface of treatment units) could be very much relevant and significant in case of disease outbreak through aerosol formation in wastewater environment. Recent progress in sensor-based data collection, analysis, cloud-based storage, and early warning techniques in WWTP may help to reduce the risk of infectious transmission, especially during a pandemic situation.

Analysis of initial stress distribution in palatal bone around the implant in lingual orthodontics for single and double palatal implant systems: a FEM study

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze and compare the Von Mises stress and principal stress distribution in palatal bone around the palatal implant in lingual orthodontics (LiO) for single and double palatal implant systems with varying lengths of lever arm. Methods: Two groups were assessed: single (Group 1) and double (Group 2) palatal implant systems, which were further divided into two subgroups, based on lever arm length, for analyzing stress in the palatal bone around the implant. Hence, two 3D finite element models of bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction cases were constructed in each system. Lingual brackets (0.018-in slot) were positioned at the center of the clinical crown. In both systems, 150g of retraction force was applied, and ANSYS v. 12.1 software was used to analyze and compare stress in the palatal bone around the palatal implant. Results: In this study, higher stress was observed at the inner threaded interface of cortical bone. Magnitude of Von Mises stress was higher in Group 2 (0.63 MPa and 0.65 MPa) in comparison to Group 1 (0.29 MPa and 0.29 MPa). Similarly, magnitude of principal stress was higher in Group 2, in comparison to Group 1. Higher stress was observed in the apical region of the implant-bone interface of cancellous bone. Conclusion: This study concluded that the Von Misses stress as well as principal stress in the palatal bone were within the optimal limit in both groups. Finally, it can be concluded that both systems (single and double palatal implant) were safe for the patients in clinical use of 150g of retraction force.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar e comparar as tensões de Von Mises e a distribuição das tensões principais no osso palatino ao redor de implantes palatinos em Ortodontia Lingual (OL) para sistemas de implantes palatinos unitários ou duplos com comprimentos variados do braço de alavanca. Métodos: Foram delineados dois grupos para o presente estudo: Grupo 1 - com sistema de implante palatino unitário e Grupo 2 - com sistema de implantes palatinos duplos. Em seguida, os grupos foram divididos em dois subgrupos, com base no comprimento do braço de alavanca, para analisar as tensões no osso palatino ao redor do implante. Para cada sistema, foram construídos dois modelos 3D de elementos finitos (MEF) de casos com extração bilateral de primeiros pré-molares superiores. Braquetes linguais (slot 0,018") foram posicionados no centro das coroas clínicas. Nos dois sistemas, foram aplicados 150g de força de retração nos dentes anteriores, e o software ANSYS v. 12.1 foi usado para analisar e comparar as tensões no osso palatino ao redor dos implantes. Resultados: Foram observados maiores níveis de tensões na parte interna rosqueada no osso cortical. A magnitude das tensões de Von Mises foi maior no Grupo 2 (0,63MPa e 0,65MPa) em comparação ao Grupo 1 (0,29MPa e 0,29MPa). De forma semelhante, foi observada maior magnitude das tensões principais no Grupo 2 do que no Grupo 1. Maiores tensões foram observadas na região apical da interface osso/implante no tecido ósseo esponjoso. Conclusão: A tensões de Von Mises e as tensões principais no osso palatino ficaram dentro do limite ideal em ambos os grupos. Ambos os sistemas de implantes palatinos (unitário e duplo) foram seguros para o uso clínico em pacientes com força de retração de 150g.

Isolation and characterization of a lytic bacteriophage against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In recent years, the use of bacteriophages (or 'phages') against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa has drawn considerable attention, globally. In this work, we report the isolation and detailed characterization of a highly lytic Pseudomonasphage DRL-P1 isolated from wastewater. Under TEM, DRL-P1 appeared as a member of the phage family Myoviridae. DRL-P1 featured rapid adsorption (~ 5 min), short-latency (~ 30 min), and large burst size (~ 100 PFU per infected cell). DRL-P1 can withstand a wide temperature range (4 °C to 40 °C) and pH (5.0 to 10.0) conditions. The 66,243 bp DRL-P1 genome (MN564818) encodes at least 93 ORFs, of which 36 were functionally annotated based on homology with similar phage proteins available in the databases. Comparative analyses of related genomes suggest an independent evolutionary history and discrete taxonomic position of DRL-P1 within genus Pbunavirus. No toxin or antibiotic resistance genes was identified. DRL-P1 is tolerant to lyophilization and encapsulation techniques and retained lytic activity even after 18 months of storage. We also demonstrated decontaminating potentials of DRL-P1 in vitro, on an artificially contaminated cover-slip model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Pbunavirus to be reported from India. Our study suggests DRL-P1 as a potential candidate for various applications.

Concerns and strategies for wastewater treatment during COVID-19 pandemic to stop plausible transmission.

Along with outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, the problem of biomedical wastewater disposal has caused widespread public concern, as reportedly the presence is confirmed in wastewater. Keeping in mind (i) available evidence indicating need to better understand potential of wastewater mediated transmission and (ii) knowledge gaps in its occurrence, viability, persistence, and inactivation in wastewater, in this present work, we wanted to re-emphasize some strategies for management of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated wastewater to minimise any possible secondary transmission to human and environment. The immediate challenges to consider while considering wastewater management are uncertainty about this new biothreat, relying on prediction based treatments options, significant population being the latent asymptomatic carrier increased risk of passing out of the virus to sewage network, inadequacy of wastewater treatment facility particularly in populated developing countries and increased generation of wastewater due to increased cleanliness concern. In absence of regulated central treatment facility, installation of decentralized wastewater treatment units with single or multiple disinfection barriers in medical units, quarantine centre, isolation wards, testing facilities seems to be urgent for minimizing any potential risk of wastewater transmission. Employing some emerging disinfectants (peracetic acid, performic acid, sodium dichloro isocyanurate, chloramines, chlorine dioxide, benzalconium chloride) shows prospects in terms of virucidal properties. However, there is need of additional research on coronaviruses specific disinfection data generation, regular monitoring of performance considering all factors influencing virus survival, performance evaluation in actual water treatment, need of augmenting disinfection dosages, environmental considerations to select the most appropriate disinfection technology.

Analysis of stress distribution in lingual orthodontics system for effective en-masse retraction using various combinations of lever arm and mini-implants: A finite element method study.

INTRODUCTION: The aims and objectives of this study were to evaluate the von Mises stress and principal stress distribution and displacement of anterior teeth in a lingual orthodontics system along the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone by various combinations of mini-implants and lever arm during en-masse retraction. Four 3-dimensional finite element (FE) models of the bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction cases were constructed. METHODS: Lingual brackets were (0.018-in slots) positioned over the center of the clinical crown. In all 4 models, 150 g of retraction force was applied with the help of a nickel-titanium closed coil spring with different combinations of mini-implants and lever arm on each side. FE analysis was then performed to evaluate stress distribution, principal stress, von Mises stress, and displacement of the anterior teeth using ANSYS software (version 12.1; Ansys, Canonsburg, Pa). The FE study was enough to validate the analysis results obtained by software tools with FE simulation instead of experimental readings. Thus, statistical analysis was not required. RESULTS: In this study, maximum tensile stresses were observed in the periodontal ligament at the mesial cervical region of the canine with values of 1.84 MPa, 2.02 MPa, 1.88 MPa, and 2.08 MPa for models 1-4, respectively. Maximum von Mises stress in alveolar bone was 8.05 MPa, 8.23 MPa, 8.19 MPa, and 8.37 MPa for models 1-4, respectively, which was within the optimum limit (135 MPa). Variable amounts of displacements like lingual crown tipping, lingual root tipping, and extrusion were observed in all the models. The 15-mm long lever arm models (models 2 and 4) showed a more controlled crown (0.015 mm) and root movement (0.004 mm) compared with 12-mm long lever arm models (models 1 and 3). CONCLUSIONS: In lingual orthodontics, controlled root movement increased as we increased the length of the lever arm. It was also concluded that the amount of increased controlled tipping found with the placement of the mini-implant was toward the palatal slope.

Cancer stem cells and field cancerization of head and neck cancer - An update.

Oral cancer results due to multiple genetic alterations that transform the normal cells in the oral cavity into neoplastic cells. These genetic changes in a particular tumor field lead to a rapid expansion of preneoplastic daughter cells producing malignant phenotype but the malignancy results due to such genetic changes occurr over several years. The morphological changes in these transformed cells help in the diagnosis of malignancy. Thus, the early changes at the gene level are present in the population of daughter cells in the organ, which explains the concept of field cancerization. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a group of cells that have the capacity of self-renewal and have the potential to differentiate into other types of tumor cells. This review explains the cellular and genetic basis of field cancerization and the role of cancer stem cells in field cancerization.

Comparison of Mesiodistal Width of Maxillary Anteriors with Arch Form in Various Malocclusions: A Retrospective Study.

AIM: This study was conducted for evaluating and comparing the mesiodistal width of upper anteriors in different malocclusions and its relation with various arch forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 60 subjects with different malocclusions were examined. Mesiodistal width was measured for the anterior teeth using digital vernier caliper. 3M Unitek arch form template and two-dimensional (2D) model were superimposed to find out primarily the relation of arch form in specific malocclusion to the sum the mesiodistal width of the maxillary of anterior teeth and secondarily the relation of sum of the mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior tooth with different arch forms. RESULTS: The ovoid arch form was common in class I malocclusion with mean mesiodistal width of 50.43 mm. The tapered arch form was the common type in both class II and class III malocclusion with mean mesiodistal width of 49.96 and 45.15 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The mean of anterior mesiodistal width for Angle's class III individuals was 45.15 mm considerably less than that of class II subjects and class I subjects, which signifies that the tooth material was more in the anterior region of the subject of class I followed by class II and class III malocclusions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The performed study presents various maxillary dental arch forms observed in various malocclusions (Angle's class I, class II, and class III). The ovoid and tapered arch forms exhibited the common occurrence, while the square form was the rarest.

Dietary acculturation among African emigrant students in India: determinants and problems.

OBJECTIVE: Emigrants face a high level of food insecurity. There is a wide research gap in the domain of identifying the determinants and problems of dietary acculturation in the context of emigrant students. This article attempts to study the factors affecting the dietary acculturation of African emigrant students in India. DESIGN: For conducting a first-of-its-kind study for African emigrant students in India, we used field survey method, and the primary data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire. SETTING: This was a field survey conducted in Punjab (a state of India). PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty African emigrant students participated in the survey. RESULTS: Results of logistic regression indicated that food awareness (P = 0·027) and food suitability (P = 0·043) were the major determinants of dietary acculturation. Lack of familiarity and lack of proximity to food access points are the major problems faced by the African emigrant students. African emigrant students prepared for dietary acculturation largely only after coming to India. There is a significant positive correlation (P = 0·013) between problems faced by the respondents and tendency to prepare for acculturation after coming to India. CONCLUSIONS: Information regarding local food environment plays a significant role in dietary acculturation. There is a pertinent need to educate emigrant students regarding food availability and access by developing suitable educational content.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome: A new perspective for healthcare professionals.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH syndrome) is a rare granulomatous inflammatory disease that affects the melanin pigment producing melanocytes and mainly affects the pigmented structures such as eyes, ear, skin, meninges, and hair. VKT is an autoimmune disorder, which is mainly a T CD4+ Th1 lymphocyte-mediated aggression to melanocytes, in individuals with a genetic predisposition, in particular, the presence of HLA-DRB1 * 0405 allele. Melanin usually gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is also found in the retina, where it plays a role in normal vision. This disease mainly leads to vision and hearing disturbances, followed by dermal problems. The most common symptoms include vitiligo, headaches, hair loss (alopecia), and hearing loss. This article describes the various signs and symptoms of VKH disease and its pathogenesis.