Owned-Dog Demographics, Ownership Dynamics, and Attitudes across Three States of India.

This paper presents the demographics, dynamics, and attitudes of dog ownership across three states in India. The background of this research is set against the increasing significance of pet ownership in urban Indian contexts, with a particular focus on understanding the variations in dog-ownership patterns and their implications for public health and animal welfare. We employed a survey-based approach, gathering quantitative survey data from dog owners (n = 563) and non-dog-owners (n = 9282) across different socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds in seven Indian settlements. The results reveal notable differences in dog-ownership patterns, influenced by regional state. In particular, settlements in Gujarat were found to have significantly fewer dog-owning households than those in Tamil Nadu, with no differences found according to settlement size. Dog ownership was found to be more common in households of higher socioeconomic standing, and settlements in Uttarakhand were found more frequently to possess dogs for reasons other than companionship. Data from Ahmedabad and Vadodara, specifically, also indicate rapidly increasing rates of pet ownership. Sterilisation and rabies vaccination proportions were typically low and high, respectively, across all settlements, with few significant differences found among settlements. Confinement of owned dogs at night was significantly lower in Nainital than all other settlements. Differences in attitudes towards roaming dogs between dog owners and non-dog-owners were also examined, with the results indicating both positive and negative trends accordingly. Our results emphasise the need for region-specific strategies in public health and animal welfare policies, acknowledging the diverse nature of pet ownership in India. This research provides valuable insight for policymakers and animal welfare organisations, underlining the importance of tailored approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the Indian context.

Phytoestrogens: Chemistry, potential health benefits, and their medicinal importance.

Phytoestrogens, also known as xenoestrogens, are secondary metabolites derived from plants that have similar structures and biological effects as human estrogens. These compounds do not directly affect biological functions but can act as agonists or antagonists depending on the level of endogenous estrogen in the body. Phytoestrogens may have an epigenetic mechanism of action independent of estrogen receptors. These compounds are found in more than 300 plant species and are synthesized through the phenylpropanoid pathway, with specific enzymes leading to various chemical structures. Phytoestrogens, primarily phenolic compounds, include isoflavonoids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. Extensive research in animals and humans has demonstrated the protective effects of phytoestrogens on estrogen-dependent diseases. Clinical trials have also shown their potential benefits in conditions such as osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and certain types of cancer. This review provides a concise overview of phytoestrogen classification, chemical diversity, and biosynthesis and discusses the potential therapeutic effects of phytoestrogens, as well as their preclinical and clinical development.

A Quinquennial Review on Recent Advancements and Developments in Search of Anti-malarial Agents.

Malaria has been a major parasitic disease in tropical and subtropical regions and is estimated to kill between one and two million people (mainly children) every year. Novel anti-malarial agents are urgently needed to combat the malarial parasites enduring resistance to the current medications, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The heterocycles, holding a prominent position in chemistry and found in both natural and synthetic sources, have shown several biological activities including anti-malarial activity. Towards this goal, several research groups have reported the design and development of novel and potential anti-malarial agents like artemisinin, benzimidazole, benzothiazole, chalcone, cyclopeptide, fosmidomycin, furan, indole oxadiazole, 2-oxindoles, peroxides, pyrazole, pyrazolines, pyridines, pyrimidine, pyrrolidine, quinazoline, quinazolinone, quinolone, quinoline, thiazole, triazole and other scaffolds acting against newly emerging anti-malarial targets. The present work reports the complete quinquennial coverage of anti-malarial agents reported during 2016-2020 with a view of providing the merits and demerits of reported anti-malarial scaffolds, structure-activity relationship, along with their in vitro/ in vivo/ in silico profiles to the medicinal chemists working in the field of design and discovery of novel anti-malarial agents.

Estimating ground reaction force with novel carbon nanotube-based textile insole pressure sensors.

This study presents a new wearable insole pressure sensor (IPS), composed of fabric coated in a carbon nanotube-based composite thin film, and validates its use for quantifying ground reaction forces (GRFs) during human walking. Healthy young adults (n = 7) walked on a treadmill at three different speeds while data were recorded simultaneously from the IPS and a force plate (FP). The IPS was compared against the FP by evaluating differences between the two instruments under two different assessments: (1) comparing the two peak forces at weight acceptance and push-off (2PK) and (2) comparing the absolute maximum (MAX) of each gait cycle. Agreement between the two systems was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method. For the 2PK assessment, the group mean of differences (MoD) was -1.3 ± 4.3% body weight (BW) and the distance between the MoD and the limits of agreement (2S) was 25.4 ± 11.1% BW. For the MAX assessment, the average MoD across subjects was 1.9 ± 3.0% BW, and 2S was 15.8 ± 9.3% BW. The results of this study show that this sensor technology can be used to obtain accurate measurements of peak walking forces with a basic calibration and consequently open new opportunities to monitor GRF outside of the laboratory.

Propolis and Their Active Constituents for Chronic Diseases.

Propolis is a mass of chemically diverse phytoconstituents with gummy textures that are naturally produced by honeybees upon collection of plant resins for utilization in various life processes in beehives. Since ancient times, propolis has been a unique traditional remedy globally utilized for several purposes, and it has secured value in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical areas in recent years. The chemical composition of propolis comprises diverse constituents and deviations in the precise composition of the honeybee species, plant source used for propolis production by bees, climate conditions and harvesting season. Over 300 molecular structures have been discovered from propolis, and important classes include phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, benzofurans, benzopyrene and chalcones. Propolis has also been reported to have diverse pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticaries. As chronic diseases have risen as a global health threat, abundant research has been conducted to track propolis and its constituents as alternative therapies for chronic diseases. Several clinical trials have also revealed the potency of propolis and its constituents for preventing and curing some chronic diseases. This review explores the beneficial effect of propolis and its active constituents with credible mechanisms and computational studies on chronic diseases.

Intracranial Arterial Calcifications: Potential Biomarkers of Stroke Risk and Outcome.

Intracranial artery calcifications (IAC), a common and easily identifiable finding on computed tomorgraphy angiography (CTA), has gained recognition as a possible risk factor for ischemic stroke. While atherosclerosis of intracranial arteries is believed to be a mechanism that commonly contributes to ischemic stroke, and coronary artery calcification is well-established as a predictor of both myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke risk, IAC is not currently used as a prognostic tool for stroke risk or recurrence. This review examines the pathophysiology and prevalence of IAC, and current evidence suggesting that IAC may be a useful tool for prediction of stroke incidence, recurrence, and response to acute ischemic stroke therapy.

Technology for Improving Street Dog Welfare and Capturing Data in Digital Format during Street Dog Sterilisation Programmes.

Street dogs survive on food handouts provided by individuals, or the wider community yet typically receive limited to no veterinary care. They can also carry a variety of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, posing a significant risk to human and dog population health. Dog sterilisation is one of the most humane and effective methods available to control street dog populations. Dog sterilisation programmes, particularly those operating at a large-scale, often face a variety of challenges including limited resources, staffing, and less-than-ideal facilities. Recordkeeping is often a challenge as well, which can complicate the return of a sterilised dog to their location of capture. Street dogs are territorial, and the return of a dog to an incorrect location is fraught with various welfare issues, as well as an increased risk of postoperative complications, including death. Humane Society International developed a mobile phone-based application called 'HSIApps' drawing on years of field experience and data collection in street dog location recording, as well as clinical and postoperative treatment. HSIApps facilitates the return of dogs back to their exact captured location, which ensures dog welfare, and generates reports of a variety of useful data variables to maximise the efficacy and reliability of sterilisation programmes.

Seasonal Patterns of Oestrus and Reproduction in Street Dogs of Indian Cities.

Understanding seasonal breeding dynamics is essential for maximizing efficiency and welfare in the application of street dog management programs. Humane Society International (HSI) has conducted many animal birth control programmes concerning the street dog populations in urban India. This paper analyses the data on reproductive indicators-oestrus, pregnancy, and pups-collected by HSI sterilization clinics in the cities of Jamshedpur, Dehradun, and Vadodara over a period of 3, 5, and 4 years, respectively. We found a consistent reproductive seasonality dynamic in all three cities, with peak oestrus and pregnancies occurring in the late/post-monsoon season. Pup proportions peaked soon after. Both these findings are consistent with previous studies of free-roaming domestic dog populations both in India and worldwide. Additionally, we identified minor inter-city differences in the temporal breeding dynamic, which we propose are the result of localized seasonal climatic and human factors. Finally, we examine and assert the relevance of breeding seasonality in the implementation of efficient and welfare-sensitive birth control programmes.

Dog Ecology and Demographics in Several Areas in the Philippines and Its Application to Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programs.

Understanding dog population dynamics plays a vital role in planning both rabies and dog management interventions. Establishing a human to dog ratio and an understanding how the urban/rural nature of the community might affect the overall dog population estimate provides an easy-to-use reference to estimate approximate dog populations in a range of communities. A total of 10,664 households were interviewed in 10 locations in the Philippines (2017 and 2018) to understand the dog population variations among the urban, semi-urban and rural areas. Epicollect5 and OSM tracker applications were used to conduct household interviews using a predesigned fixed set of questions. All answers were recorded directly using mobile phone applications. The survey results showed that for every 1000 humans, there are 256.3 dogs in rural areas, 213.8 dogs in semi-rural areas, 208.7 dogs in urban areas and 170.0 dogs on small islands of the Philippines. We estimate a total dog population in the Philippines of 23.29 million dogs (CI 95%, 22.51-24.07 million). Based on the survey findings from Quezon City and Cebu City, targets, resources allocations and vaccination approach were adjusted for the anti-rabies vaccination program at two locations in 2018, which lead to a 3- to 4-fold increase in the total number of dogs vaccinated in each city compared to previous years.

Spatial neglect treatment: The brain's spatial-motor Aiming systems.

Animal and human literature supports spatial-motor "Aiming" bias, a frontal-subcortical syndrome, as a core deficit in spatial neglect. However, spatial neglect treatment studies rarely assess Aiming errors. Two knowledge gaps result: spatial neglect rehabilitation studies fail to capture the impact on motor-exploratory aspects of functional disability. Also, across spatial neglect treatment studies, discrepant treatment effects may also result from sampling different proportions of patients with Aiming bias. We review behavioural evidence for Aiming spatial neglect, and demonstrate the importance of measuring and targeting Aiming bias for treatment, by reviewing literature on Aiming spatial neglect and prism adaptation treatment, and presenting new preliminary data on bromocriptine treatment. Finally, we review neuroanatomical and network disruption that may give rise to Aiming spatial neglect. Because Aiming spatial neglect predicts prism adaptation treatment response, assessment may broaden the ability of rehabilitation research to capture functionally-relevant disability. Frontal brain lesions predict both the presence of Aiming spatial neglect, and a robust response to some spatial neglect interventions. Research is needed that co-stratifies spatial neglect patients by lesion location and Aiming spatial neglect, to personalize spatial neglect rehabilitation and perhaps even open a path to spatial retraining as a means of promoting better mobility after stroke.

Failure of IVIG in steroid-responsive autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: To advocate for high-dose steroids, not intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), as first-line treatment for Anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) associated meningoencephalomyelitis. BACKGROUND: A novel IgG antibody against GFAP was associated with relapsing autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis. DESIGN/METHODS: Here, we present an investigational case report to highlight continuing challenges in diagnosing and managing Anti-GFAP associated meningoencephalomyelitis. RESULTS: Our 45-year-old Asian female presented to the emergency department with an acute onset low-grade fever and back pain associated with headaches, intermittent confusion, vision changes, and hand tremors. A review of systems identified no inciting factors. Past medical history was significant only for chronic Hepatitis B without significant viral load. Neurological exam was significant for decreased visual acuity, high-frequency hand tremor, and gait imbalance. Serum labs were within normal limits. Video electroencephalogram captured tremors without electrographical correlates. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic leukocytosis, elevated protein, and reduced glucose. A wide range of infectious studies including bacterial, viral, and fungal cultures were negative. MRI brain and spine showed leptomeningeal enhancement. CT chest abdomen pelvis were negative. Patient continued to decline clinically, working diagnosis was possible paraneoplastic syndrome with pending laboratory results. She was given a five-day course of intravenous immunoglobulin as a therapeutic trial,hh however, her symptoms did not improve. A broader investigation with repeat lumbar puncture, imaging and serum laboratory failed to provide any additional information. She was treated symptomatically with minimal benefit. A trial of steroids was given with clinical improvement and continued stability. Paraneoplastic panels returned positive for high levels of Anti-GFAP antibody for confirmation of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy is a rare cause of meningoencephalomyelitis that remains difficult to diagnose despite emerging laboratory studies. Our case adds to the limited literature by proposing that high-dose steroids, not IVIG, should be the first-line treatment. Further investigations are underway to assess implications of this finding in disease pathophysiology and management.

Early and consistent pattern of proximal weakness in GNE myopathy.

BACKGROUND: GNE myopathy is widely regarded as a distal myopathy. Involvement of proximal musculature in this condition has not been systematically studied. METHODS: The phenotype of genetically confirmed patients with GNE myopathy was analyzed. Fourteen groups of muscles were evaluated with Medical Research Council (MRC) grading and the average muscle scores (AMS:1-10) were calculated. RESULTS: Fully documented AMS data was available in 31 of 65 patients. It showed a consistent pattern of severe weakness of hip adductors, hip flexors, knee flexors, and foot dorsiflexors, with milder weakness of the hip extensors and abductors. The knee extensors were largely unaffected. The proximal weakness appeared early in the course of the disease. Proximal muscle weakness was also present in the remaining 34 patients in whom the data were limited. A variant in exon 13 (c.2179G > A) was very common (81.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The GNE phenotype in this Indian cohort exhibited mixed proximal and distal involvement. Weakness of adductors and flexors of the hip formed an integral part of the phenotype.

Diffuse subcortical white matter injury and bilateral basal ganglia neuronal loss after acute opioid overdose.

Opiate intoxication has been associated with life-threatening effects of sympathetic suppression and respiratory depression, but current literature is limited in describing its neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system. Here, we present the case of an otherwise high-functioning adolescent male who was found unresponsive after ingestion of approximately 3-4 fake oxycodone 10-325 mg pills laced with fentanyl. Magnetic resonance imaging showed evidence of diffuse T2 hyperintensities in the corpus callosum and bilateral frontal, parietal, and cerebellum indicative of diffuse white matter injury. In addition, there were distinct areas of restricted diffusion in the bilateral basal ganglia concerning for oxidative stress-mediated neuronal loss. His neurological exam improved with supportive treatment over the course of his hospitalization. Although limited literature has shown leukoencephalopathy to be associated with opioid overdose, we present a case of additional involvement of subcortical gray matter.

Heavy Cannabis Use Associated with Wernicke's Encephalopathy.

Cannabis use accounts for more than 149,000 hospital visits annually. As more states legalize recreational Cannabis, side effects that are currently rare or unknown will become increasingly more common. Here, we present one such rare case of Cannabis-induced hyperemesis causing Wernicke's encephalopathy. This is an investigational case report utilizing retrospective data from electronic medical records. A 41-year-old patient presented to the hospital in status epilepticus secondary to severe vomiting and hyponatremia. He was given one dose of thiamine, glucose and folate and admitted to the medical ICU. His history was significant for remote alcohol use (1-2 beers/week about 20 years ago) and heavy marijuana use from strains grown in the patient's own backyard. A diagnosis of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome was made. Seizures resolved after correction of electrolytes, and he became awake and alert with no focal deficits. His neurological exam after he was clinically stable showed memory deficits including confabulations (e.g., incorrectly listing occupation) and delusions (e.g., praying to a queen bee). An extensive workup including routine laboratory testing, infectious panels, and autoimmune studies was entirely negative. On the day of admission, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed showing bilateral thalamic hyperintensities on T2 FLAIR MRI. Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) remained most likely and intravenous thiamine led to a gradual improvement in the patient's symptoms. He is now two months into rehabilitation and continues to make progress in recalling life events. Alcohol abuse is empirically treated with thiamine whereas Cannabis, unlike alcohol, is presumed to induce hyperphagia and nutritional supplements are often not initiated. However, foods ingested by Cannabis users are nutritionally deficient due to underline malabsorption. In addition, Cannabis-induced vomiting can further cause malnutrition. Complications, like Wernicke's encephalopathy, can be prevented by supplementing thiamine early in Cannabis intoxication.

Illustrating where spatial perception versus memory-based representation: spatial neglect in a distinguished artist; a case report.

Spatial neglect is a disorder of attention, perception, and processing of stimuli in contralesional space. The heterogeneous behaviors involve diverse neuroanatomical mechanisms. Anecdotal evidence suggests that neural circuitry of active spatial perception may differ from that used to encode spatial memory. These differences can escape detection by conventional assessments, thereby leading to missed diagnoses. We present a case, in an artist who demonstrates selective impairment in a contralesional space during active Where spatial perception. His performance is better when asked to draw entirely from memory. This case highlights the variability in neglect, importance for comprehensive testing, and encourages further investigation.

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS): A pediatric case report with six year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is an inflammatory disorder involving brainstem, pons in particular, characterized by a predominant T-cell pathology and responsiveness to glucocorticosteroids. We describe a difficult 6 year course of this rare syndrome in a 10-year-old girl. CASE REPORT: Our patient presented with diplopia, spastic paraparesis, and unsteady gait. MRI showed characteristic punctate hyper-intensities with enhancement in the brain stem, cerebellar peduncles, and optic chiasm and diffuse nodular enhancement throughout the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Brain biopsy revealed perivascular inflammatory lesions compatible with CLIPPERS. Pulse intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone resulted in significant clinical improvement. She had multiple clinical relapses associated with new brain and/or spinal cord lesions despite sequential maintenance methotrexate and rituximab with low dose steroids. Each relapse responded to pulse steroids. CONCLUSION: Her overall clinical course was progressive but responsive to pulse steroids. Long-term treatment remains challenging.

Van Neck-Odelberg Disease: A Rare Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Pain in groin without any history of trauma or positive clinical findings of infection or stress fracture in ischiopubic ramus poses challenges in diagnosis of the condition in prepubertal age. "Osteochondrosis of ischiopubic synchondrosis (IPS)" also called as "Van Neck-Odelberg" disease. Left leg dominant patient presented with pain in groin and limping with left leg dominance. Differential diagnosis - such as stress fractures, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, post-traumatic osteolysis, or any neoplasia - is need be ruled out to arrive at diagnosis. The literature is reviewed with modern technologies for diagnosis of the same. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old, left limb dominant boy with tenderness in the right groin as the only clinical finding and sclerotic shadow over ischiopubic region on X-ray posed a challenge for diagnosis. With further studies by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis was done. Hence, we are presenting a case labeled as Van Neck-Odelberg disease. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of Van Neck-Odelberg disease is a challenging diagnosis. Other conditions such as post-traumatic osteolysis, osteomyelitis, and stress fractures in prepubertal age need to be ruled out. Clinical symptoms must be present to label it as osteochondritis of IPS on radiographs as unilateral delayed fusion of the same is a physiological process in asymptomatic cases.