Abiotic and biotic stress alleviating effects of the medicinal and aromatic plant-derived product on striped catfish Pangasianodonhypophthalmus.

Intensification of aquaculture production leads to abiotic and biotic stresses, which are further induced by the impact of climate change. Thus, it is important to explore a combined strategy to alleviate multiple stresses in fish. In the present investigation, the removal of nitrogenous metabolites from aquaponics water was studied using products derived from five different locally available medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) namely banana stem (Musa Accuminata), Aloe vera, Mint (Minata sepicata), Indian beech/Pongameoil-tree/Karanj (Pongamia pinnatum), and Coat Button/Mexican daisy/Dagadipala (Tridax procrumbens) in the batch experiment for 24 h. A reduction of 91-94% in the ammonia level and 75-80% removal of nitrite-N in the treatments with products derived from mint, banana stem, and aloe vera has been observed. Mint product was also found to be bactericidal against fish pathogenic bacteria. Based on this dual function of mint, further study was conducted under wet-lab conditions to evaluate the possible protective role of the mint-based product in dry powder form against abiotic stresses caused by nitrogenous toxicants for 24 h and 45 days multiple stresses caused by nitrogenous toxicants in freshwater stocked with eight fingerlings of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus of the initial weight of 8 ± 0.5g for 24 h and 8.82 ± 0.75g for 45 days. The results revealed that mint-derived plant product has better anti-stress properties in terms of their bioremediation effectiveness in lowering ammonia and nitrite. Mint also improved the fish growth performance with better physiological responses and anti-oxidative status and reduced the cellular metabolic stress in fish reared under ammonia, as further indicated by reduced oxidative stress parameters, and tissue biochemical indices. Overall, mint showed its main properties as a growth promoter, and immune enhancer, where this medicinal plant product acts as a bioremediation and antibacterial agent to the host immune system. This has potential applications in the environmental and health management of aquaculture.

Active video games and weight management in overweight children and adolescents-systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing for several decades. Active video games (AVG) may be an effective intervention to help manage this rising health crisis. The aim of this review is to evaluate whether AVG are effective at reducing weight or improving body composition in overweight youths. METHOD: Medline, Embase, SportDiscus, ASSIA, CINAHL Plus, CENTRAL, CDSR and PsychINFO databases were searched for studies assessing quantitative or qualitative impact of AVG in overweight adolescents published in English. Three authors screened the results using inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria; 11 reported a significant decrease in at least one weight outcome. Results from seven randomized controlled trials were pooled by meta-analysis, which compared with controls subjects in AVG groups demonstrated greater body mass index (BMI) Z-score reduction (mean difference: -0.09 (-0.12, -0.05) I2 = 34%, P < 0.0001). The mean weight reduction (-2.66 Kg (-5.67, +0.35) I2 = 0%, P = 0.08) and BMI (-2.29 (-4.81, +0.22) I2 = 49%, P = 0.07) were greater in AVG groups but results did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: BMI Z-score was significantly reduced in the AVG group and the majority of included studies reported significant results in at least one weight outcome, suggesting AVG can be used to reduce weight or improve body composition in overweight youths. Further studies investigating the long-term sustainability of this change in body composition are needed.

Modified realist evaluation of a complex, multi-centred, multi-intervention programme.

Well North was a complex, multi-intervention health improvement programme spanning 10 sites across the North of England. The aim was to address inequalities by improving the health of the poorest fastest, increasing resilience and reducing levels of worklessness. The intention of the programme was for all sites to have freedom and flexibility to conduct different interventions reflecting local priorities. Evaluation ran concurrently with the programme, and an iterative approach was required to ensure constant feedback, allowing the programme to be adapted and improved as necessary. Realist methodology was chosen for evaluation, as it provides insight into what works, for whom and in what circumstances. Due to the complex nature of the programme and diverse approaches, it was necessary to adapt the methodology to meet the needs of the evaluation. The Evaluation Team utilized a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques within the context of a Rapid Cycle Evaluation framework. For each project, Contexts, Mechanisms and Outcomes (CMOs) were identified at three stages and were incorporated into the CMO configuration, leading to the development of a middle range theory. Validation and testing of theory took place at every stage. Realist methodology was the most appropriate existing method. However, it still necessitated modification.

LIVER FIBROSIS: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND EMERGING THERAPEUTIC TARGETS FOR A COMMON COMPLICATION OF CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES.

Fibrosis of the liver, which can be caused by either viral or chemical chronic liver illnesses, is a serious issue for the world's health. Collagen is crucial for the development of the illness and the possibility of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is linked to the progression of liver damage. Although there are various mechanisms for acute liver injury and diseases-specific cells response, almost all of fatty liver aetiologies share similar trends in the development of fibrous liver damage. The scientific community's knowledge of the fundamental causes of fibrosis of the liver has undergone a significant shift during the last ten years. It has been shown that the fundamental trigger, such as the control or management of an infectious disease, can be eradicated or eliminated in order to reverse liver fibrosis. Reversing frequently occurs prematurely or too rarely, particularly in severe fibrosis, to avoid possibly fatal effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for anti-fibrotic medications to halt the progression of liver damage and the appearance of HCC. Even though various anti-fibrotic medication options have shown strong anti-fibrotic effects in lab animals, research studies have only seen a small amount or none of these advantages. There is not an approved remedy for the condition as a result. In this article, we give a general overview of the physiological and molecular origins of collagen in chronic liver disease and investigate how these causes can impact the quickly developing field of anti-fibrotic treatments.

PSORIASIS PATHOGENESIS: INSIGHTS FROM TRANSCRIPTOMICS AND PROTEOMICS STUDIES OF KERATINOCYTES.

Complex inflammatory skin disease with autoimmune roots is psoriasis. This disease affects various cell types, and the underlying signaling processes are complicated yet not fully understood. Extensive psoriatic lesions' proteome and transcriptome of several researches were combined to understand disease's underlying biological mechanisms. According to a network-based study, both transcriptomics and proteomics control were comparable. They discovered many pathways of signaling previously undiscovered and possibly involved in overexpression of psoriasis genes. They also found a collection of transcription factors in charge of this process. The functional overlap between the results of transcriptomics and proteomics was also examined. There created a network-based method for combining the analysis of many high-throughput data sources. Proteomic and transcriptome studies of psoriasis data sets demonstrated regulatory flexibility apparatus underpinning disease and complementary relationships within two cellular organizations.

UNDERSTANDING THE LONG-TERM INTERPLAY BETWEEN GLUCOCORTICOIDS, PARATHYROID HORMONE LEVELS, AND OSTEOPOROSIS IN PATIENTS.

Drugs called glucocorticoids (GC) are often prescribed for both inpatient and outpatient settings. They are often used to treat a number of disorders due to their anti-inflammatory activity. Long-term use of GCs, especially long-term high-dose administrations, may result in a variety of negative effects. In Hilla City, Babylon Governorate of Iraq, Merjan Teaching Hospital, Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital's Joint Enology Clinic, and Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital, were the sites of this case-control research, which was carried out. There were 100 total participants in this trial, of whom 50 were patients with osteoporosis (OP). The ages of the patients and the control collection were. They were chosen since their gender and ages matched. The findings show extensively senior level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in OP patients when compared to the control group, whereas calcium (Ca) level into the patient group significantly lowered during association toward the manage set. In summary, there is a positive correlation between PTH and the condition of bone mineralization. In those who use GCs for a long time, PTH may be used as a prognostic marker to predict when bone mineral abnormalities would develop.

Starch bio-based composite active edible film functionalized with Carum carvi L. essential oil: antimicrobial, rheological, physic-mechanical and optical attributes.

In the present study, the antimicrobial, rheological, mechanical, barrier and optical properties of Carrageenan and Manihot esculenta (composite) starch biobased edible film incorporated with caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oil (EO) were investigated. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of caraway oil against B. cereus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were found to be 0.6, 1.4, 1.4 and 0.8% respectively. The Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) of caraway EO expressed a distinct chromatogram peak for phenolic compounds. Rheological results of Film-Forming Solution (FFS) revealed solid-like viscoelastic behavior. Incorporation of caraway EO in the film caused significant (P < 0.05) increase in moisture, moisture absorption, bio-degradability in terms of film solubility, L value, total color difference (ΔE), haziness and transparency value, however, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased tensile strength and whiteness index were observed. The zone of inhibition of caraway EO incorporated films against all test bacteria were highly significant (P < 0.01) than control whereas antibacterial activity was found more towards gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative bacteria. No significant (P>0.05) changes in thickness, density, water activity, swelling, elongation at break, water vapor transmission rate, a and b value were observed with increasing caraway EO concentration. These results with some good rheological, physic-mechanical, antimicrobial and optical characteristics suggest the application of such active film into a variety of foods with improved food safety and quality. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05028-1.

Perinatal mental health in India: protocol for a validation and cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders (CMD) are among the largest contributors to global maternal morbidity and mortality. Although research on perinatal mental health in India has grown in recent years, important evidence gaps remain, especially regarding CMD. Our study aims to improve understanding of CMD among perinatal and non-perinatal women of reproductive age across two settings in India: Bangalore (Karnataka) and Tanda (Himachal Pradesh). METHODS: The study is embedded within the Maternal and Perinatal Health Research Collaboration India (MaatHRI). This mixed-methods observational study comprises three consecutive phases: (i) focus group discussions and individual interviews to explore women's knowledge and seek feedback on CMD screening tools; (ii) validation of CMD screening tools; and (iii) prospective cohort study to identify CMD incidence, prevalence and risk factors among perinatal and non-perinatal women. Results of the three phases will be analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, psychometric analysis and multivariable regression analysis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Improving understanding, detection and management of CMD among women is key to improving women's health and promoting gender equality. This study will provide evidence of CMD screening tools for perinatal and non-perinatal women in two diverse Indian settings, produce data on CMD prevalence, incidence and risk factors and enhance understanding of the specific contribution of the perinatal state to CMD.

Compact X-Band Electron Linac for Radiotherapy and Security Applications.

RadiaBeam has developed a 6 MeV accelerator that is compact and light enough to be placed on a robotic arm or light truck. The main drivers of size and weight in conventional accelerators are the power source and the shielding. Small dimensions are enabled by operation at 9.3 GHz frequency (X-band), which allows reducing the size and weight of all accelerator components. Thanks to the robust design of the accelerating structure, the accelerator can be used as a source for novel cargo inspection and radiotherapy techniques. In this paper, we present the linac design and its components, as well the results of the experimental demonstration of beam acceleration.

Care of People with Epilepsy in Rural Medical Centre of Developing Countries with Limited Resources: During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic disease globally. This extraordinary situation is posing an enormous burden on the healthcare systems worldwide and is reshaping the way in which chronic disorders are managed. Pandemic has made epilepsy care even more demanding in rural part of developing countries. We outline the adverse circumstances in epilepsy care induced by the pandemic; propose emergency management and follow up care of people with epilepsy. There is a requirement for public health systems in resource poor countries to improve awareness, implement proper strategies of triage, acute treatment, telemedicine services and virtual check-ins.

Co-evolution of spliceosomal disassembly interologs: crowning J-protein component with moonlighting RNA-binding activity.

Spliceosome disassembly is catalyzed by the NineTeen-related (NTR) complex, which is constituted by several proteins, including Cwc23, Ntr1, and Ppr43. Cwc23 is an essential J-protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that recruits Ntr1, an NTC-related G-patch protein, to the spliceosome. Ntr1 interacts with Prp43, a DExD/H box RNA helicase protein, which facilitates the disassembly of spliceosomal intermediates. The interaction between Ntr1 and Prp43 is conserved and crucial for the disassembly process. However, the J-protein component of this complex is not studied in other eukaryotes. In silico analysis supported by results of yeast complementation and two-hybrid studies suggests that while Prp43 is highly conserved, both Ntr1 and Cwc23 are co-evolving components of the disassembly triad. The J-domain of Cwc23, which is otherwise dispensable for its function, is highly conserved, whereas the functionally critical C-terminus has significantly diverged in Cwc23 orthologs. Some eukaryotic orthologs of Cwc23 contain a distinct RNA recognition motif at their C-terminus and are able to bind RNA in vitro. Based on the results presented in this study, we propose that RNA-binding activity in some eukaryotic orthologs of Cwc23 might provide additional functional diversity or robustness to the J-protein/Hsp70 machine in spliceosomal remodelling processes.

Retinal microcirculation imaging in sickle cell disease patients.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the feasibility of a new quantitative method for microvascular function: non-invasive retinal function imaging (RFI). in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and healthy controls and have it benchmarked against Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) measurements. METHODS: The variability of Microvascular measurements was assessed in 8 SCD patients and 8 healthy matched controls. Measurements were conducted twice on two different study days. RFI was performed for assessment of arterial and venous retinal blood flow. LSCI measurements included post occlusive reactive hyperemia and IBH challenges. Measured variables included basal flow, flow upon occlusion-reperfusion and flow during an IBH. RESULTS: RFI arterial flow and venous flow and LSCI basal flow and peak flow showed excellent intra subject repeatability between days (CVC of 8.5% 9.5%, 7.6% and 7.7% respectively) and between measurements on one day (CVC of 7.0%, 7.7%, 7.6% and 4.7% respectively). RFI arterial flow (p<0.002), and RFI venous flow (p=0.007) differed significantly between SCD patients and controls in as did LSCI basal flow, maximal flow and delta flow during IBH (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RFI showed low variability for all readout measures, comparable with most microvascular measures from LSCI. The discriminating power of the RFI between SCD patients and controls demonstrate the feasibility of this device for quantitative assessment of the microcirculation in clinical research.

Effect of prior dengue infection on severity and outcome of Japanese encephalitis.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus and dengue virus are closely related flaviviruses but interaction between them is scarcely studied in humans. The objective of this study was to compare the outcome of JE patients who are positive and negative for dengue IgG antibodies. Patients of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) fulfilling predecided inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent a detailed standardized workup incorporating JE IgM testing in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or serum. Dengue IgG in serum was tested in all. Outcomes and clinical features were compared between JE patients who were dengue IgG positive and negative in hospital and after 3 months. A total of 182 patients of JE were enrolled over 3 seasons. After excluding equivocal cases, hospital outcome was compared between 105 dengue IgG-positive and 50 dengue IgG-negative patients. Dengue IgG-positive patients had a significantly better outcome (relative risk 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.8). On follow-up after 3 months, again, outcome was significantly better among 95 dengue IgG-positive patient than 47 dengue IgG-negative patients (relative risk 1.3; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.8). Presence of pre-existing dengue IgG antibodies in JE patients is associated with improved outcomes.

Quality of and access to green space in relation to psychological distress: results from a population-based cross-sectional study as part of the EURO-URHIS 2 project.

Background: Psychological distress (PD) (mental ill-health) has a frequency between 5 and 25% in urban populations, and there is mounting evidence that access to green space might reduce its occurrence. Evidence suggests that the quality of green space is as important as accessibility in promoting mental well-being. A pilot study for EURO-URHIS 2 allowed investigation of access to green space in relation to PD in a deprived urban population in the UK. Methods: An adult urban health indicator questionnaire, including the GHQ-12 and validated questions on access to and quality of green space, was sent to a stratified random sample of 1680 adults drawn from one general practice list in Sandwell, UK. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between attributes of green space and PD adjusting for age, sex and levels of deprivation. Results: There were 578 (35%) completed responses. The reported prevalence of PD [n = 131 (22.7%)] was significantly greater than national England and Wales estimates. As well as accessibility (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.35, 0.96) and sufficiency (OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.39, 0.89) of green spaces, having the ability to use them for relaxation and recreation were significantly associated with reduced PD [OR = 0.13 (0.42, 0.94) and OR = 0.11 (0.34, 0.80), respectively]. In addition, a dose-response relationship between number of positive green space attributes and PD was identified (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This population-based study in a deprived urban UK population demonstrates an association, and some dose-response relationship, between access to and quality of green spaces with reduced PD. The cross-sectional design and use of subjective measures limit interpretation of causality. More knowledge is needed on how UK planning affects green spaces and the potential mental health consequences.

Late cytomegalovirus infection in children: High incidence of allograft rejection and hepatitis in donor negative and seropositive liver transplant recipients.

The complications and outcome associated with late CMV infection and disease on the graft are poorly characterized in PLT recipients. We studied the overall incidence, risk factors, and outcome of late CMV infection and disease (infection 6 months after transplant) in 180 PLT recipients admitted between 2008 and 2011 at the King's College Hospital. Antiviral prophylaxis of intravenous ganciclovir was given only to the D+R- group starting at day 7 post-transplant. The remaining groups (D-R+, D+R+, and D-R-) received pre-emptive therapy when they have CMV viremia above cut-off value and treatment for symptomatic CMV infection. The overall incidence of late CMV infection and disease was 9.4% (19/180) and 14.5% (19/130) in D+R-, D-R+, D+R- groups. The D-R+ group had the highest incidence of hepatitis (37.5%) and significantly increased incidence of CMV disease, and single and multiple acute rejection episodes when compared to the D+R- group, which received prophylaxis. The late CMV infection and disease in pediatric LT recipients was comparable to adult LT recipients despite variable duration of antiviral prophylaxis. Our results show that D-R+ group had highest rate of hepatitis and rejection episodes, associated with high morbidity, and should be considered for antiviral prophylaxis.

Collecting standardized urban health indicator data at an individual level for school-aged children living in urban areas: methods from EURO-URHIS 2.

Background: Measuring health and its determinants in urban populations is essential to effectively develop public health policies maximizing health gain within this context. Adolescents are important in this regard given the origins of leading causes of morbidity and mortality develop pre-adulthood. Comprehensive, accurate and comparable information on adolescent urban health indicators from heterogeneous urban contexts is an important challenge. EURO-URHIS 2 aimed to develop standardized tools and methodologies collecting data from adolescents across heterogenous European urban contexts. Questionnaires were developed including (i) comprehensive assessment of urban health indicators from 7 pre-defined domains, (ii) use of previously validated questions from a literature review and other European surveys, (iii) translation/back-translation into European languages and (iv) piloting. Urban area-specific data collection methodologies were established through literature review, consultation and piloting. School-based surveys of 14-16-year olds (400-800 per urban area) were conducted in 13 European countries (33 urban areas). Participation rates were high (80-100%) for students from schools taking part in the surveys from all urban areas, and data quality was generally good (low rates of missing/spoiled data). Overall, 13 850 questionnaires were collected, coded and entered for EURO-URHIS 2. Dissemination included production of urban area health profiles (allowing benchmarking for a number of important public health indicators in young people) and use of visualization tools as part of the EURO-URHIS 2 project. EURO-URHIS 2 has developed standardized survey tools and methodologies for assessing key measures of health and its determinants in adolescents from heterogenous urban contexts and demonstrated the utility of this data to public health practitioners and policy makers.

Health status in Europe: comparison of 24 urban areas to the corresponding 10 countries (EURO-URHIS 2).

Background: : In Europe, over 70% of the population live in urban areas (UAs). Most international comparative health research is done using national level data, as reliable and comparable urban data are often unavailable or difficult to access. This study aims to investigate whether population health is different in UAs compared with their corresponding countries. : Routinely available health-related data were collected by the EURO-URHIS 2 project, for 10 European countries and for 24 UAs within those countries. National and UA level data for 11 health indicators were compared through the calculation of relative difference, and geographical patterns within Europe were investigated using the Mann Whitney U test. Linear regression modelling was used to adjust for population density, gross domestic product and urbanicity. : In general, the urban population in Eastern Europe is less healthy than the Western European urban population. However, people in Eastern Europe have significantly better broad health outcomes in UAs as compared with the corresponding country as a whole, whereas people in Western Europe have generally worse broader health outcomes in UAs. : For most European countries and UAs that were investigated, the national level health status data does not correspond with the health status at UA level. In order to identify health problems in UAs and to provide information for local health policy, health monitoring and international benchmarking should also be conducted at the local level.

Pulmonary miliary papillary/micropapillary adenocarcinoma manifesting as carcinomatous encephalitis.

The histological pattern and the associated molecular aberrations have an important bearing in the prognosis of pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Papillary and micropapillary growth patterns with mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma kinase rearrangements have an aggressive clinical course. We report one such cancer in a 49-year-old woman, where it assumed a miliary pattern in the lungs, and the patient presented with neurological symptoms related to carcinomatous encephalitis, an infrequent metastatic manifestation.

The use of large and small subunits of ribosomal DNA in evaluating phylogenetic relationships between species of Cornudiscoides Kulkarni, 1969 (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) from India.

Two partial regions of ribosomal DNA (28S and 18S) were used to evaluate genetic variations among the species of Cornudiscoides, viz. C. proximus, C. geminus and C. agarwali, all parasites of Mystus vittatus (Bagridae) from River Gomati, Ganges River basin, India. Our findings demonstrated that both the large and small ribosomal subunits are useful for species identification and genetic characterization of parasites, leading to resolution of inter/intra-relationships at generic and specific levels. The secondary structures of all three species for 28S and 18S rRNA genes contained exact pattern matches (EMPs) displaying the high degree of similarity among them. The phylogenetic analyses within the members of Dactylogyridae demonstrated that species of Cornudiscoides cluster together for 28S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes.

Impact of feeding chromium supplemented flaxseed based diet on fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and other functional properties of broiler chicken meat.

A total of 240 broiler chicken of same hatch with uniform weight were used in a biological experiment with completely randomized design to investigate the effects of incorporating organic chromium (Cr) in flaxseed meal based diet on the fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and functional properties of broiler chicken meat. Five diets were formulated as per the recommendations of BIS (Nutrient requirements for poultry 13: 9863, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, 1992) in which flaxseed meal was used to replace 10% of soyabean in basal diet and four levels of Cr (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg diet) as Cr-picolinate were used. The results revealed that flaxseed feeding significantly increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, including MUFA, PUFA, ω-3, ω-6 fatty acids and ω-3:ω-6 and PUFA:SFA ratios, whereas, significant decline was seen in saturated fatty acids and no effect of Cr was observed on the fatty acid profile of broiler chicken. Flaxseed feeding significantly reduced the cholesterol and fat percentage of meat, whereas, significant progressive reduction was observed with increasing Cr levels. The combination of 10% flaxseed with 1.0 mg Cr/kg diet increased the final pH of broiler meat. The addition of flaxseed significantly reduced water holding capacity, extract release volume and antioxidant potential of broiler meat, whereas, increasing Cr supplementation progressively increased them. Flaxseed feeding significantly increased the drip loss and lipid peroxidation of broiler meat, whereas, Cr supplementation decreased them. It was concluded that inclusion of 10% flaxseed and 1.5 mg Cr/kg diet results in desirable fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and functional properties of broiler chicken meat.