Theory-guided process evaluation of a multicomponent, technology-based 'SMART Eating' trial among Indian adults: an embedded mixed-methods study.

We report process evaluation findings from the 'SMART Eating' intervention trial, which significantly improved fat, sugar and salt (FSS), and fruits and vegetables (FVs) intake among adults. Intervention used information technology [short message service (SMS), WhatsApp and website] and interpersonal communication (distribution of SMART Eating kit) and pamphlet for comparison group. Guided by UK Medical Research Council's framework, using embedded mixed-methods design, continuous process evaluation documented fidelity, dose, reach, acceptability and mechanisms. Intervention was implemented as intended, with high reach (91%) in both groups: 'comparison group' (n = 366): inadequate use of pamphlets (46%); 'intervention group' (n = 366): with timely remedial measures to remove implementation/usage barriers, dose of SMS (93%), WhatsApp (89%) and 'SMART Eating' kit (100%) was adequate, but website usage was low (50%); compliance was evident from participants' interactions with the implementor and observations on kit usage. All these might have improved attitude, social influence, self-efficacy and household behaviours, which, in turn, mediated intervention's effect on improving FSS and FV intake. Among poor performers, lack of effect on FV intake was perceived to be related to high cost/pesticides use and FSS intake was related to lack of family support. Low website usage, challenges with WhatsApp messaging and contextual factors (cost, pesticides abuse and family support) need to be considered while designing similar future interventions.

Associations between sexual stigma, enacted HIV stigma, internalized HIV stigma and homonegativity, and depression: testing an extended minority stress model among men who have sex with men living with HIV in India.

Limited data is available on the associations between intersectional stigmas and mental health outcomes among men who have sex with men living with HIV (MSMLH) in India. The minority stress model postulates that sexual stigma contributes to depression through proximal stressors like internalized homonegativity (IHN). Using cross-sectional survey data from 119 MSMLH in 2015/16, we tested whether: (1) sexual stigma and enacted HIV stigma (EHS) are associated with depression; (2) their effects on depression are mediated through IHN and internalized HIV stigma (IHS); and (3) their effects on IHN are mediated through IHS. Significant direct associations were observed between scores on sexual stigma and IHS (ß = .49, 95% CI .27, .70), EHS and IHN (ß = .19, 95% CI .03, .36), and IHS and IHN (ß = .07, 95% CI .03, .12). IHS scores mediated the associations of sexual stigma with depression (ß = .17, 95% CI .07, .27) and IHN scores (ß = .04, 95% CI .004, .07). EHS was not found to be significantly associated with depression or IHN. The findings partially support the minority stress model among MSMLH and highlight the importance of addressing both sexual and HIV-related stigmas to improve mental health of MSMLH, especially by screening for and reducing IHS, IHN and depression.

A cationic AIEgen and hexametaphosphate based simple and convenient fluorometric assay for alkaline phosphatase and its inhibitor.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an important biomarker to diagnose a number of diseases, such as anaemia, hepatobiliary diseases, chronic nephritis, and hypothyroidism. Therefore, the development of simple and convenient assays to monitor levels of ALP is highly desirable. In the present study, an aggregation-induced emission based simple, real-time, and direct fluorescence detection platform has been developed, by using a tetracationic pyridinium derivative of tetraphenylethylene (TPy-TPE) and anionic sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) as component units. The sensing system, based on the TPy-TPE-HMP assembly, is highly responsive to the ALP dependent disintegration of the TPy-TPE-HMP aggregation complex, owing to HMP digestion by ALP. The sensing platform has an ALP detection limit of 16 mU mL-1 and linear range of 0-742 mU mL-1, respectively. The enzyme kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax, have been evaluated. In addition, the potential applicability of the TPy-TPE-HMP sensing system has also been shown with diluted human serum samples. Moreover, the TPy-TPE-HMP probe system is also useful for screening inhibitors of ALP.

Reporting adverse events of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (Recombinant) among the vaccinated healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional survey.

Background & objectives: The safety of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine is a cause of concern for many who have been vaccinated. The people have multiple concerns and fear regarding the adverse events of the vaccine. Thus, this study was undertaken to establish the safety profile of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine (Recombinant) among the healthcare professionals. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. After taking clearance from the institutional ethics committee 1500 healthcare professionals, who had their vaccination in the past two weeks were selected. They were provided with an online survey proforma regarding adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) of COVID-19 vaccine developed using google forms with an informed consent form affixed to it. Results: A total of 1036 individuals participated in the study. The mean and median (inter quartile range) age of the participants was 37.7 ±11.25 and 35 (29-46) yr, respectively. Of these, 52.1 per cent were female, 29.3 per cent were doctors, 33.4 per cent were nurses and 9.5 per cent were paramedical staff. Forty six per cent participants experienced one or more minor AEFIs such as pain, tenderness, redness, etc. at the injection site. Fatigue (31.75%), generalized feeling of unwell (28.57%), muscle pain (23.16%) and fever (21.71%) were the most commonly reported systemic AEFIs followed by headache (20.07%), dizziness (10.03%) and joint pains (15.25%). Most of them experienced these AEFIs within 24 h of the first dose of administration. About 42 per cent of the participants took oral antipyretics/analgesics for managing the AEFIs. Interpretation & conclusions: ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine was found to be associated with mild local and systemic AEFIs that were more common after the first dose as compared to the second dose. There adverse events could be dealt with oral over-the-counter medications, with no requirement of hospitalization.

Enzyme-based optical biosensors for organophosphate class of pesticide detection.

Organophosphorus pesticides, widely used as insecticides for crop protection, are classified as an extremely toxic class of chemical compounds by the World Health Organization (WHO). Organophosphorus pesticides show marked specificity for the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, and can cause irreversible harm to the nervous system. The excessive use of organophosphorus pesticides, specifically in developing countries, made WHO to impose a ban on certain organophosphorus pesticides being sold to the developing nations. WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations, in joint meetings on pesticide residues, have stressed the need to develop easy, rapid, and sensitive methods to detect the presence of organophosphorus pesticides in food and water. In this regard, a number of review articles have been published explaining a myriad of detection methods for organophosphorus pesticides. Among these, optical detection methods, using biological molecules as the recognition element, provide a number of advantages, such as, high sensitivity and selectivity, simple operation, fast response and cheap instrumentation, and can really prove to be an effective alternative to the time-consuming traditional methods in the current scenario. Therefore, in this review article, we have discussed the recent advances in the field of biosensors employing the optical detection of organophosphorus pesticides. Specifically, various biosensors developed, using enzymes acetylcholinesterase and organophosphate hydrolase, have been categorized on the basis of the material used for their fabrication. A systematic discussion of the working principles, analytical parameters, and advantages and disadvantages of the various biosensors, has been attempted, along with a future perspective, on the challenges and possible improvements in the field of optical detection of organophosphorus pesticides.

Fibrillin-1 directly regulates osteoclast formation and function by a dual mechanism.

Mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene give rise to a number of heritable disorders, which are all characterized by various malformations of bone as well as manifestations in other tissues. However, the role of fibrillin-1 in the development and homeostasis of bone is not well understood. Here, we examined the role of fibrillin-1 in regulating osteoclast differentiation from primary bone-marrow-derived precursors and monocytic RAW 264.7 cells. The soluble N-terminal half of fibrillin-1 (rFBN1-N) strongly inhibited osteoclastogenesis, whereas the C-terminal half (rFBN1-C) did not. By contrast, when rFBN1-N was immobilized on calcium phosphate, it did not affect osteoclastogenesis but modulated osteoclast resorptive activity, which was evident by a larger number of smaller resorption pits. Using a panel of recombinant sub-fragments spanning rFBN1-N, we localized an osteoclast inhibitory activity to the 63 kDa subfragment rF23 comprising the N-terminal region of fibrillin-1. Osteoclastic resorption led to the generation of small fibrillin-1 fragments that were similar to those identified in human vertebral bone extracts. rF23, but not rFBN1-N, was found to inhibit the expression of cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and Dcstamp in differentiating osteoclasts. rFBN1-N, but not rF23, exhibited interaction with RANKL. Excess RANKL rescued the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by rFBN1-N. By contrast, rF23 disrupted RANKL-induced Ca(2+) signaling and activation of transcription factor NFATc1. These studies highlight a direct dual inhibitory role of N-terminal fibrillin-1 fragments in osteoclastogenesis, the sequestration of RANKL and the inhibition of NFATc1 signaling, demonstrating that osteoclastic degradation of fibrillin-1 provides a potent negative feedback that limits osteoclast formation and function.

Expanding the scope of self-assembled supramolecular biosensors: a highly selective and sensitive enzyme-responsive AIE-based fluorescent biosensor for trypsin detection and inhibitor screening.

Trypsin, a pancreatic enzyme associated with diseases like pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis, requires effective diagnostic tools. Current detection systems seldom utilize macrocyclic molecules and tetraphenyl ethylene (TPE) derivative-based supramolecular assemblies, known for their biocompatibility and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties, for trypsin detection. This study presents an enzyme-responsive, AIE-based fluorescence 'Turn-On' sensing platform for trypsin detection, employing sulfated-ß-cyclodextrin (S-ßCD), an imidazolium derivative of TPE (TPE-IM), and protamine sulfate (PrS). The anionic S-ßCD and cationic TPE-IM formed a strongly fluorescent supramolecular aggregation complex in an aqueous buffer. However, PrS suppresses fluorescence because of its strong binding affinity with S-ßCD. The non-fluorescent TPE-IM/S-ßCD/PrS supramolecular assembly system exhibits trypsin-responsive properties, as PrS is a known trypsin substrate. Trypsin restores fluorescence in the TPE-IM/S-ßCD system through the enzymatic cleavage of PrS, correlating linearly with trypsin catalytic activity in the 0-10 nM concentration range. The limit of detection is 10 pM. This work contributes to the development of self-assembled supramolecular biosensors using charged TPE derivatives and ß-cyclodextrin-based host-guest chemistry, offering an innovative fluorescence 'Turn-On' trypsin sensing platform. The sensing system is highly stable under various conditions, selective for trypsin, and demonstrates potential for biological analysis and disease diagnosis in human serum. Additionally, it shows promise for the screening of trypsin inhibitors.

A Smartphone-Based Pilot HIV Prevention Intervention (Sakhi) among Transgender Women who Engage in Sex Work in India: Efficacy of a Pre- and Post-Test Quasi-Experimental Trial.

Transgender women (TGW) in India, especially those who engage in sex work, are at high risk for HIV. Guided by the information-motivation-behavioral skills model and qualitative formative research findings, Sakhi (girlfriend), a 3-week smartphone-based pilot intervention consisting of short videos (one/week) and text messages (two/week), was implemented using a one-group pre- and post-test design to test its efficacy in promoting condom use and HIV testing among TGW (N = 50) who engage in sex work in Chennai. Changes in outcomes were assessed by conducting multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations. Participants' mean age was 26 years, and the mean monthly income was INR 21700 (USD 292). About one-third completed college, and 96% were HIV-negative. Significant changes in the desired direction were observed in the primary outcomes: condom use - decrease in the engagement of condomless anal sex with male partners (12% to 2%, p < 0.05) and HIV testing - increase in intentions to undergo HIV testing every 6 months (34% to 86%, p < 0.001); and in some of the secondary outcomes: decrease in alcohol use before sex, increase in intentions to use condoms consistently and increase in the well-being score. This study demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Sakhi intervention and warrants a larger randomized trial among diverse sub-groups in diverse settings.

Classical and neonatal Marfan syndrome mutations in fibrillin-1 cause differential protease susceptibilities and protein function.

Mutations in fibrillin-1 give rise to Marfan syndrome (MFS) characterized by vascular, skeletal, and ocular abnormalities. Fibrillins form the backbone of extracellular matrix microfibrils in tissues including blood vessels, bone, and skin. They are crucial for regulating elastic fiber biogenesis and growth factor bioavailability. To compare the molecular consequences of mutations causing the severe neonatal MFS with mutations causing the milder classical MFS, we introduced representative point mutations from each group in a recombinant human fibrillin-1 fragment. Structural effects were analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy and analytical gel filtration chromatography. Proteolytic susceptibility was probed with non-physiological and physiological proteases, including plasmin, thrombin, matrix metalloproteinases, and cathepsins. All mutant proteins showed a similar gross secondary structure and no differences in heat stability as compared with the wild-type protein. Proteins harboring neonatal mutations were typically more susceptible to proteolytic cleavage compared with those with classical mutations and the wild-type protein. Proteolytic neo-cleavage sites were found both in close proximity and distant to the mutations, indicating small but significant structural changes exposing cryptic cleavage sites. We also report for the first time that cathepsin K and V cleave non-mutated fibrillin-1 at several domain boundaries. Compared with the classical mutations and the wild type, the group of neonatal mutations more severely affected the ability of fibrillin-1 to interact with heparin/heparan sulfate, which plays a role in microfibril assembly. These results suggest differential molecular pathogenetic concepts for neonatal and classical MFS including enhanced proteolytic susceptibility for physiologically relevant enzymes and loss of function for heparin binding.

Trypsin Detection Strategies: A Review.

Trypsin, a pancreatic serine protease, due to its narrow specificity and selectivity, has been tremendously used in food technology, proteome analysis, modulating soy protein allergenicity, antihypertensive peptide production, as well as, a biomarker in diseases such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis etc. Therefore, simple, sensitive and selective biosensors, for trypsin evaluation, are strongly recommended. This review provides, for the first time, an overview of various sensing systems, developed for the detection of trypsin. We have categorized various sensors, developed in the last ten years, according to their signal output as optical (fluorescence, colorimeter, surface plasmon resonance, liquid crystals), electrochemical (photo-electrochemical, nanopore sensors), piezoelectric and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay based sensors. Under each section, further subsections explain, construction of biosensors on the basis of various natural proteins acting as substrate unit and nucleic acids, nanoparticles, inorganic dyes, polymers etc. as participant interacting units. Their working principles and strategies along with salient features, such as, limit of detection, linearity range, time etc. have been critically analyzed to highlight their comparative merits and demerits. The most sensitive biosensors for trypsin detection is a photo-electrochemical anti-trypsin based immunosensor, with a lowest limit of detection 0.02 ng mL-1; linearity 0.10-100 ng mL-1.

Polyanionic Cyclodextrin-Induced Supramolecular Assembly of a Cationic Tetraphenylethylene Derivative with Aggregation-Induced Emission.

The combination of supramolecular chemistry and aggregation-induced emission-based luminogens (AIEgens) has recently attracted tremendous attention because of its ability to offer large emission enhancement even in substantially dilute solutions. In this work, a new aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based supramolecular assembly has been reported, which consists of a polyanionic cyclodextrin derivative and a tetracationic tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative. Ionic cyclodextrins have attracted significant attention in host-guest supramolecular chemistry and pharmaceutical industry. However, ionic derivatives of ß-cyclodextrins have not been explored to establish noncovalent interactions-based aggregation assembly of the most popular class of AIEgens, i.e., tetraphenylethylene derivatives. The current report demonstrates AIE of a tetracationic methyl pyridinium derivative of tetraphenylethylene (TPy-TPE) induced by a polyanionic sulfated ß-cyclodextrin (S-ßCD). The AIE-based supramolecular assembly has been thoroughly investigated using steady-state fluorescence, ground-state absorbance, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Further, the response of the supramolecular assembly towards external stimuli, such as, ionic strength, pH, and temperature, has been investigated. In addition, the complexation behavior of the TPE derivative has also been compared with the native neutral ß-cyclodextrin derivative, which delineates the important role of the negatively charged portal of S-ßCD in inducing aggregation of the TPy-TPE. The stoichiometry of the complex has been found to be 3:1 for TPy-TPE:S-ßCD, using Job's plot analysis. Finally, to get insights into the underlying interactions between the supramolecular assembly components, molecular docking calculations have been performed.

An Evaluation of Biomechanical Preparation of Root Canals using Protaper Hand File, Mtwo NiTi Rotary File and NeoNiTi Single File Systems with Cone Beam Computed Tomography - An in Vitro Study.

Background: Root canal therapy is the most widely accepted treatment modality for pulpally involved teeth. Rotary NiTi instruments improve the root canal preparation because of the unique properties of the alloy. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) permits non-destructive and metrically exact analyses of variable such as volume, surface area, cross sectional shape, and taper. Thus the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biomechanical preparation of root canals using different file systems on cervical dentinal thickness at coronal level; canal transportation, and surface area at coronal, middle and apical levels using CBCT. Methodology: Forty-five single rooted premolars were randomly divided into three groups (n=15), (Protaper hand file, MtwoNiTi rotary file and NeoNiTi single file). CBCT scans were taken before and after the preparation. Dentinal thickness was measured in all four directions to assess cervical dentin thickness and canal transportation. Surface area was evaluated in Adobe Photoshop both before and after preparation. Results: The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. The total mean change in cervical dentin thickness and total mean canal transportation at coronal and apical was found to be maximum in Group III. The maximum increase of surface area was observed in Group I at coronal level whereas in Group III at middle and apical levels. Conclusion: It was concluded that the change in cervical dentin thickness was maximum in Group III. The canal transportation at coronal level and apical level was found to be maximum in Group III; at middle level it was maximum in Group II. The maximum increase of surface area at coronal level was observed in Group I, at middle and apical levels it was seen in Group III.

Syndemic violence victimization, alcohol and drug use, and HIV transmission risk behavior among HIV-negative transgender women in India: A cross-sectional, population-based study.

Transgender women globally are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Co-occurring epidemics of adverse psychosocial exposures accelerate HIV sexual risk, including among transgender women; however, studies using additive models fail to examine synergies among psychosocial conditions that define a syndemic. We examined the impact of synergistic interactions among 4 psychosocial exposures on condomless anal sex (CAS) among transgender women in India. A national probability-based sample of 4,607 HIV-negative transgender women completed the Indian Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance survey, 2014-2015. We used linear probability regression and logistic regression to assess 2-, 3-, and 4-way interactions among 4 psychosocial exposures (physical violence, sexual violence, drug use, and alcohol use) on CAS. Overall, 27.3% reported physical and 22.3% sexual violence victimization (39.2% either physical or sexual violence), one-third (33.9%) reported frequent alcohol use and 11.5% illicit drug use. Physical violence was associated with twofold higher odds of CAS in the main effects model. Statistically significant two- and three-way interactions were identified, on both the multiplicative and the additive scales, between physical violence and drug use; physical and sexual violence; physical violence, sexual violence, and alcohol use; and physical violence, alcohol use and drug use. Physical and sexual violence victimization, and alcohol and drug use are highly prevalent and synergistically interact to increase CAS among HIV-negative transgender women in India. Targeted and integrated multilevel initiatives to improve the assessment of psychosocial comorbidities, to combat systemic transphobic violence, and to provide tailored, trauma-informed alcohol and substance use treatment services may reduce HIV risk among transgender women.

Metallic insignia in primary teeth: A biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Lead accumulations have been found in teeth and related to behavior deficits in children, but there is a dearth of studies in exploring the role of zinc and manganese dysregulations in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using the primary tooth as biomarker. AIMS: The objectives of the study were to evaluate and compare the concentrations of zinc and manganese in the primary teeth serving as biomarker, in typically developing children and children with ASD. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Twelve primary incisors indicated for extraction were collected from children between the age group 6 and 9 years, for the study. Six primary incisors were obtained from children who had been diagnosed with ASD (study group). The other six teeth were obtained from typically developing children, in the similar age group. METHODS: The primary incisors obtained were analyzed for metal concentrations using the technique Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: This study was statistically analyzed by student's t-test. RESULTS: It was observed that there are significant differences in metal concentrations found between tooth samples of ASD children and typically developing children. Zinc concentrations were double and manganese concentrations were three times, in teeth of ASD children group as compared to the children in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study indicate that there are considerable differences in concentrations of zinc and manganese between the two groups and support the contention that there might be an association between metal exposures of a pregnant mother and child during early years of childhood and incidence of ASD.

Effectiveness of Warm Compression on Lumbo-Sacral Region in Terms of Labour Pain Intensity and Labour Outcomes among Nulliparous: an Interventional Study.

Introduction: Childbirth is a distinctive and joyous moment in every mother's life. Giving birth is one of the powerful and vital event. This study aimed to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of warm compression (moist heat) on lumbo-sacral region in terms of labor pain intensity and labor outcomes Methods: An experimental research design was carried out on 88 nulliparous mothers with normal singleton term pregnancy (44 participants in each group) who were admitted in the labor room. Mothers who had high-risk pregnancy were excluded. Warm compression was given to nulliparous mothers of the experimental group with hydrochollator pack at 70◦C temperature for 20 minutes for 3 times with one-hour interval on lumbo sacral region starting from 4-5 cm of cervical dilatation. Labor pain intensity score, fetal heart rate, frequency and duration of uterine contractions were assessed before and immediately of warm compression and again after 30 minutes only labor pain was assessed. Results: Study results revealed that immediately after first, second and third time of warm compression labor pain intensity score in experimental group was lower than control group respectively ( t= 3.20; P< 0.001; t =4.45; P< 0.001; t= 6.18; P< 0.001). But no significant difference found in fetal heart rate and labor outcomes in terms of duration of labor, type of delivery, baby born alive/ not and cried immediately after birth. Conclusion: Warm compression was useful method to decrease the labour pain among nulliparous mothers in the first stage of labour and mothers reported satisfaction with intervention.

Effectiveness of information technology-enabled 'SMART Eating' health promotion intervention: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy dietary behaviour-high intake of fat, sugar, and salt, and low intake of fruits and vegetables-is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. There is a lack of evidence-based interventions to promote healthy dietary intake among Indian populations. Therefore, we tested the effectiveness of an information technology-enabled 'SMART Eating' intervention to reduce the intake of fat, sugar and salt, and to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. METHODS: In Chandigarh, a North Indian city, a cluster randomized controlled trial was implemented in twelve geographical clusters, based on the type of housing (i.e., LIG: Low-income group; MIG; Middle-income group, and HIG: High-income group-a proxy for socio-economic status). Computer-generated randomization was used to allocate clusters to intervention and comparison arms after pairing on the basis of socioeconomic status and geographical distance between clusters. The sample size was 366 families per arm (N = 732). One adult per family was randomly selected as an index case to measure the change in the outcomes. For behaviour change, a multi-channel communication approach was used, which included information technology-short message service (SMS), email, social networking app and 'SMART Eating' website, and interpersonal communication along with distribution of a 'SMART Eating' kit-kitchen calendar, dining table mat, and measuring spoons. The intervention was implemented at the family level over a period of six months. The comparison group received pamphlets on nutrition education. Outcome measurements were made at 0 and 6 months post-intervention at the individual level. Primary outcomes were changes in mean dietary intakes of fat, sugar, salt, and fruit and vegetables. Secondary outcomes included changes in body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum lipids. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to determine the net change in the outcomes in the intervention group relative to the comparison group. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 53 years, a majority were women (76%), most were married (90%) and 51% had completed a college degree. All families had mobile phones, and more than 90% of these families had access to Internet through mobile phones. The intervention group had significant net mean changes of -12.5 g/day (p<0.001), -11.4 g/day (p<0.001), -0.5 g/day (p<0.001), and +71.6 g/day (p<0.001) in the intake of fat, sugar, salt, and fruit and vegetables, respectively. Similarly, significant net changes occurred for secondary outcomes: BMI -0.25 kg/m2, diastolic blood pressure -2.77 mm Hg, FPG -5.7 mg/dl, and triglycerides -24.2mg/dl. The intervention had no effect on haemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSION: The IT-enabled 'SMART Eating' intervention was found to be effective in reducing fat, sugar, and salt intake, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among urban adults from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2016/11/007457.

Esophageal tuberculosis: A rare case report.

After a steady decline throughout the 20th century, the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in industrialized countries has started to rise again. However, in developing countries like India, the menace of TB had never been controlled. Gastrointestinal (GI) TB is rare, and the GI tract is considered only the sixth most frequent site of extrapulmonary TB. Esophageal TB (ET) is still rarer. This is a case report of a rare form of ET in a patient presenting with dysphagia. The patient was subjected to upper GI endoscopy, which revealed an ulcerative growth in the distal esophagus. Histopathology revealed ET. The patient was managed conservatively with anti-TB treatment (ATT). In spite of the rare nature of the disease, it can be managed effectively with ATT to avoid complications (fistula, stricture, and esophageal perforation), which might warrant surgery.