A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study on the Epidemiology of Injuries in Raipur City, Chhattisgarh.

BACKGROUND: Globally, injuries are a major public health concern. An injury is a physical damage that results when the human body is suddenly or briefly subjected to intolerable levels of energy. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to describe the nature and mechanism of injuries and their association with age and gender and to assess the health-seeking behavior and cost incurred due to mortality and morbidity related to injuries. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional study focused on the community was conducted in 10 chosen wards of Raipur City. The sample size was 310 injured individuals. The recall period was for a full year. Information was gathered by using a questionnaire that had been pretested. The results were given as percentages, and the association was determined using the chi-square test and Fischer's exact test. RESULTS: The majority (30.1%) of the study subjects suffered from cut/bite/open wound injuries, followed by fractures (17.3%). The leading type of injury was caused by falls (38.8%) and road traffic injuries (34.9%), followed by burns (7.1%) and dog bites (5.4%). Ninety percent of the study subjects had taken medical care. Half of them (51.3%) visited a private hospital, and 23.1% did not visit any hospital for treatment. Fifty percent of the study subjects or their family had expenses less than Indian National Rupee (INR) 500. A significant association was found between age and fracture and the sprain type of injury. The burn type of injury was more among females, which is significantly associated. A significant association was found between age and injury caused by a dog bite, fall, and traffic. The association between gender and injury caused by traffic, burn, and fall was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Focusing on reducing injury-related morbidity may be crucial in injury prevention techniques including behavioral changes, health education, and the urgent need for the proper implementation and oversight of a road safety act.

Abscisic Acid: Role in Fruit Development and Ripening.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant growth regulator known for its functions, especially in seed maturation, seed dormancy, adaptive responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and leaf and bud abscission. ABA activity is governed by multiple regulatory pathways that control ABA biosynthesis, signal transduction, and transport. The transport of the ABA signaling molecule occurs from the shoot (site of synthesis) to the fruit (site of action), where ABA receptors decode information as fruit maturation begins and is significantly promoted. The maximum amount of ABA is exported by the phloem from developing fruits during seed formation and initiation of fruit expansion. In the later stages of fruit ripening, ABA export from the phloem decreases significantly, leading to an accumulation of ABA in ripening fruit. Fruit growth, ripening, and senescence are under the control of ABA, and the mechanisms governing these processes are still unfolding. During the fruit ripening phase, interactions between ABA and ethylene are found in both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. It is clear that ABA regulates ethylene biosynthesis and signaling during fruit ripening, but the molecular mechanism controlling the interaction between ABA and ethylene has not yet been discovered. The effects of ABA and ethylene on fruit ripening are synergistic, and the interaction of ABA with other plant hormones is an essential determinant of fruit growth and ripening. Reaction and biosynthetic mechanisms, signal transduction, and recognition of ABA receptors in fruits need to be elucidated by a more thorough study to understand the role of ABA in fruit ripening. Genetic modifications of ABA signaling can be used in commercial applications to increase fruit yield and quality. This review discusses the mechanism of ABA biosynthesis, its translocation, and signaling pathways, as well as the recent findings on ABA function in fruit development and ripening.

Targeted and Enhanced Antimicrobial Inhibition of Mesoporous ZnO-Ag2O/Ag, ZnO-CuO, and ZnO-SnO2 Composite Nanoparticles.

In this work, mesoporous (pore size below 4 nm) composite nanoparticles of ZnO-Ag2O/Ag, ZnO-CuO, and ZnO-SnO2 of size d ≤ 10 nm (dia.) have been synthesized through the in situ solvochemical reduction method using NaBH4. These composite nanoparticles exhibited excellent killing efficacy against Gram-positive/negative bacterial and fungal strains even at a very low dose of 0.010 µg/mL. Additionally, by applying the in silico docking approach, the nanoparticles and microorganism-specific targeted proteins and their interactions have been identified to explain the best anti-bacterial/anti-fungal activities of these composites. For this purpose, the virulence and resistance causing target proteins such as PqsR, RstA, FosA, and Hsp90 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans have been identified to find out the best inhibitory action mechanisms involved. From the in vitro study, it is revealed that all the composite nanoparticle types used here can act as potent antimicrobial components. All the composite nanoparticles have exhibited excellent inhibition against the microorganisms compared to their constituent single metal or metal oxide nanoparticles. Among the nanoparticle types, the ZnO-Ag2O/Ag composite nanoparticles exhibited the best inhibition activity compared to the other reported nanoparticles. The microorganisms which are associated with severe infections lead to the multidrug resistance and have become a huge concern in the healthcare sector. Conventional organic antibiotics are less stable at a higher temperature. Therefore, based on the current demands, this work has been focused on designing inorganic antibiotics which possess stability even under harsh conditions. In this direction, our developed composite nanoparticles were explored for potential uses in the healthcare technology, and they may solve many problems in global emergency and epidemics caused by the microorganisms.

Deep transcriptomic study reveals the role of cell wall biosynthesis and organization networks in the developing shell of peanut pod.

BACKGROUND: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) belongs to an exceptional group of legume plants, wherein the flowers are produced aerially, but the pods develop under the ground. In such a unique environment, the pod's outer shell plays a vital role as a barrier against mechanical damage and soilborne pathogens. Recent studies have reported the uniqueness and importance of gene expression patterns that accompany peanut pods' biogenesis. These studies focused on biogenesis and pod development during the early stages, but the late developmental stages and disease resistance aspects still have gaps. To extend this information, we analyzed the transcriptome generated from four pod developmental stages of two genotypes, Hanoch (Virginia-type) and IGC53 (Peruvian-type), which differs significantly in their pod shell characteristics and pathogen resistance. RESULTS: The transcriptome study revealed a significant reprogramming of the number and nature of differentially expressed (DE) genes during shell development. Generally, the numbers of DE genes were higher in IGC53 than in Hanoch, and the R5-R6 transition was the most dynamic in terms of transcriptomic changes. Genes related to cell wall biosynthesis, modification and transcription factors (TFs) dominated these changes therefore, we focused on their differential, temporal and spatial expression patterns. Analysis of the cellulose synthase superfamily identified specific Cellulose synthase (CesAs) and Cellulose synthase-like (Csl) genes and their coordinated interplay with other cell wall-related genes during the peanut shell development was demonstrated. TFs were also identified as being involved in the shell development process, and their pattern of expression differed in the two peanut genotypes. The shell component analysis showed that overall crude fiber, cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses and dry matter increased with shell development, whereas K, N, protein, and ash content decreased. Genotype IGC53 contained a higher level of crude fiber, cellulose, NDF, ADF, K, ash, and dry matter percentage, while Hanoch had higher protein and nitrogen content. CONCLUSIONS: The comparative transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes, enriched processes, and molecular processes like cell wall biosynthesis/modifications, carbohydrate metabolic process, signaling, transcription factors, transport, stress, and lignin biosynthesis during the peanut shell development between two contrasting genotypes. TFs and other genes like chitinases were also enriched in peanut shells known for pathogen resistance against soilborne major pathogens causing pod wart disease and pod damages. This study will shed new light on the biological processes involved with underground pod development in an important legume crop.

Targeted specific inhibition of bacterial and Candida species by mesoporous Ag/Sn-SnO2 composite nanoparticles: in silico and in vitro investigation.

Invasive bacterial and fungal infections have notably increased the burden on the health care system and especially in immune compromised patients. These invasive bacterial and fungal species mimic and interact with the host extracellular matrix and increase the adhesion and internalization into the host system. Further, increased resistance of traditional antibiotics/antifungal drugs led to the demand for other therapeutics and preventive measures. Presently, metallic nanoparticles have wide applications in health care sectors. The present study has been designed to evaluate the advantage of Ag/Sn-SnO2 composite nanoparticles over the single oxide/metallic nanoparticles. By using in silico molecular docking approaches, herein we have evaluated the effects of Ag/Sn-SnO2 nanoparticles on adhesion and invasion responsible molecular targets such as LpfD (E. coli), Als3 (C. albicans) and on virulence/resistance causing PqsR (P. aeruginosa), RstA (Bmfr) (A. baumannii), FoxA (K. pneumonia), Hsp90 and Cyp51 (C. albicans). These Ag/Sn-SnO2 nanoparticles exhibited higher antimicrobial activities, especially against the C. albicans, which are the highest ever reported results. Further, Ag/Sn-SnO2 NPs exhibited interaction with the heme proionate residues such as Lys143, His468, Tyr132, Arg381, Phe105, Gly465, Gly464, Ile471 and Ile304 by forming hydrogen bonds with the Arg 381 residue of lanosterol 1 4α-demethylase and increased the inhibition of the Candida strains. Additionally, the Ag/Sn-SnO2 nanoparticles exhibited extraordinary inhibitory properties by targeting different proteins of bacteria and Candida species followed by several molecular pathways which indicated that it can be used to eliminate the resistance to traditional antibiotics.

The Quality of Reporting Raises Questions on the Experimental Validity of Animal Studies Conducted in India and Sri Lanka: Preliminary Analysis of a Systematic Survey.

The quality of animal experiments in terms of appropriate reporting is a concern, particularly with regard to their validity and the recording of the measures taken to reduce various types of bias. A systematic survey of 1371 and 236 publications from India and Sri Lanka, respectively, which were published between 1905 and 2017 and indexed in NCBI-PubMed, Cinhal, MEDLINE and Scopus, was carried out. The level of detail in the descriptions of animals used and the measures taken to reduce bias were analysed in each article. Selected parameters from the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines, such as age, weight, sex, sample size calculation, blinding and randomisation were considered. The findings revealed poor reporting standards in animal experiments carried out in India and Sri Lanka, confirming the limited impact of the ARRIVE guidelines. These findings emphasise the urgent need for improvements in the peer review process, both prior to a study being set up and in the post-study reporting phase, and for more stringent adherence to the ARRIVE guidelines in the reporting of animal experiments.

External Plication of the Atrialized Right Ventricle in the Repair of Ebstein's Anomaly.

We describe a change in our technique for plication of the atrialized right ventricle during a Cone repair. The plication was performed from the "Outside"-on a beating heart. Advantages expected from this change are-all major coronaries are better seen when full of blood and can be avoided, if a major vessel is compromised-electrocardiography changes should point it out immediately, there is a small but significant saving in terms of arrest time and if the plication needs to be taken down because of an adverse coronary event-this can be done without the need of another cardioplegia.

Effectiveness of Various Endodontic Irrigants on the Micro-Hardness of the Root Canal Dentin: An in vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Irrigating solutions used for the elimination of micro-organisms during root canal preparation may affect the chemical and the physical properties of dentin thereby rendering the tooth more susceptible to fracture. Therefore careful and judicious selection of irrigant is required which have maximum benefits with minimum undesirable properties. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of various endodontic irrigants on the micro-hardness of the root canal dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study was carried out on eighty freshly extracted mandibular premolars with single canals. They were decoronated at the cemento-enamel junction. Roots were sectioned longitudinally into two halves. They were then polished and placed in autopolymerised resin moulds with the polished surface facing outside. The samples were divided into four groups based on the irrigants in which they were immersed i.e., 3% Sodium Hypochlorite (3% NaOCl), 17% Ethylene Dioxide Tetra Acetic Acid (17% EDTA), 0.2% Chitosan and 6% Morindacitrifolia Juice (MCJ) for 15 minutes each. All the specimens were then subjected to micro-hardness testing using a Vickers micro-hardness tester. Statistical analysis was done using one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Post-Hoc Tukey test and Paired t-test to compare the pre and post immersion micro-hardness values of the selected samples. RESULTS: The results of the present study indicated that 17% EDTA and 0.2% Chitosan, significantly decreased the micro-hardness of root dentin whereas 6% MCJ and 3% NaOCl had no significant effect on the microhardness before and after immersing in the irrigants. CONCLUSION: A 6% MCJ and 3% NaOCl which have significant antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and smear layer removing properties showed negligible effect on the micro-hardness of root canal dentin making them suitable endodontic irrigating solution.

Attitude of would-be medical graduates toward rural health services: An assessment from Government Medical Colleges in Chhattisgarh.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the attitude toward rural health care among future medical graduates, the health workforce of the near future, is an important exercise. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to understand the attitude of third year MBBS students in a Government Medical College of Chhattisgarh toward rural health services. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 using a semi-open-ended questionnaire. The analysis was primarily descriptive, and nonparametric test of significance was used. RESULTS: Of a total of 293 students, 263 (89.7%) rated the current rural health services to be unsatisfactory. Nearly 44% students were willing to serve in the rural area. There was no statistical difference among willing and nonwilling 3rd year Part I students regarding willingness to join rural services but mostly not willing among 3rd year Part II. Majority (66.2%) were only willing to work in rural areas for <1 year. The oft-mentioned reason was reservation or added marks in postgraduate entrance examination by more than two-third respondents, "health services for the poor" by nearly two-third respondents and followed by "gain of knowledge about rural people and their diseases." Nearly 10% would-be medical graduates perceived no apparent benefit. The greatest perceived disadvantage was "lack of infrastructural facilities" by more than 80% of the respondents, while "lack of education opportunities for children and basic amenities for family members" was a concern for nearly three-fourth of respondents. Less than half of the respondents thought that there were no career growth opportunities in rural practice. CONCLUSION: If the identified perceived factors of nonwillingness are taken care off, it would lead to a drastic increase in the number of doctors joining rural service. Not only that but also this would lead to more doctors staying in their position for a longer duration than currently mandated. This would require a relook at the preexisting health policies and adapting them accordingly to retain the services of rural health workers.

Molecular cloning and expression profiling of multiple Dof genes of Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench.

DNA binding with one finger (Dof) proteins represent a family of plant specific transcription factors associated with diverse biological processes, such as seed maturation and germination, phytohormone and light mediated regulation, and plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In present study, a total of 21 Dof genes from Sorghum bicolor were cloned, sequenced and in silico characterized for homology search, revealing their identity to Dof like proteins. The expression profiling of SbDof genes using quantitative RT-PCR in different tissue types and also under drought and salt stresses was attempted. The SbDof genes displayed differential expression either in their transcript abundance or in their expression patterns under normal growth condition. Two of the SbDof genes namely SbDof8 and SbDof12 showed comparatively high level of transcript abundance in all the tissue types tested; whereas some of the SbDof genes showed a distinct tissue specific expression pattern. Further a total of 13 SbDof genes showed differential expression when subjected to either of the abiotic stress i.e. drought or salinity. Three of the SbDof genes namely SbDof12, SbDof19 and SbDof24 were found to be up-regulated in response to drought and salt stress. Comparative analysis of SbDof genes expression revealed existence of a complex transcriptional and functional diversity across plant growth and developmental stages.

Cloning, in silico characterization and prediction of three dimensional structure of SbDof1, SbDof19, SbDof23 and SbDof24 proteins from Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench].

In the present study, four full-length Dof (DNA-binding with one finger) genes from Sorghum bicolor namely SbDof1, SbDof19, SbDof23, and SbDof24 were PCR amplified, gel eluted, cloned, and sequenced (accession number HQ540084, HQ540085, HQ540086, and HQ540087, respectively). These sequences were further characterized in silico by subjecting them to homology search, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree construction, and protein functional analysis, revealing their identity to Dof like proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of cloned SbDof genes along with other reported Dof proteins revealed existence of two major groups A and B, while group A was further bifurcated into two sub-groups (viz., I and II). Motif scan analysis of SbDof proteins revealed the presence of glycine- and alanine-rich profiles in SbDof1, while proline-rich profile was observed in SbDof23. Asparagines, methionine, and serine-rich profiles were common in case of both SbDof19 and SbDof24 proteins. The three dimensional structures of SbDof proteins were predicted by I-TASSER server based on multiple threading method. The modeled structures were refined by energy minimization and their stereo chemical qualities were validated by PROCHECK and QMEAN server indicating the acceptability of the predicted models. The final models were submitted to PMDB database with assigned PMDB IDs, i.e., PM0077395, PM0077396, PM0077397, PM0077398, and PM0076448 for SbDof1, SbDof19, SbDof23, SbDof24, and Dof domain, respectively. Based on gene ontology (GO) terms in I-TASSER server putative functions of modeled SbDof proteins were also predicted.

Patents in the era of genomics: an overview.

The recent developments in biotechnology are the emerging science of "omics"- genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics. The state of the art sequencing technology has led to the deciphering of whole genome sequences of various microbes, plant, human and animals. The outcomes of genomics in the form of various genes, gene fragments, single nucleotide polymorphism, promoters and other regulatory sequences are a subject matter for patents based on its applications spanning agricultural, biomedical and industrial sectors. The patenting of genes and sequences is a debatable issue which has led to several controversies over recent years. With the accumulation of huge amount of sequences in various databases as a result of various genome sequencing projects worldwide, there is an immediate need for clarification of patenting genes and sequences. This review article gives an insight into patents based on development of genomics highlighting some of the patents based on deoxyribonucleic acid, genes, sequences and other related genetic material and gene technologies. Patents on single nucleotide polymorphism, stem cells, biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment, microbial genes and plant genes are also discussed.

Genome wide identification of Dof transcription factor gene family in sorghum and its comparative phylogenetic analysis with rice and Arabidopsis.

The Dof (DNA binding with One Finger) family represents a classic zinc-finger transcription factors involved with multifarious roles exclusively in plants. There exists great diversity in terms of number of Dof genes observed in different crops. In current study, a total of 28 putative Dof genes have been predicted in silico from the recently available whole genome shotgun sequence of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (with assigned accession numbers TPA:BK006983-BK007006 and TPA:BK007079-BK007082). The predicted SbDof genes are distributed on nine out of ten chromosomes of sorghum and most of these genes lack introns based on canonical intron/exon structure. Phylogenetic analysis of 28 SbDof proteins resulted in four subgroups constituting six clusters. The comparative phylogenetic analysis of these Dof proteins along with 30 rice and 36 Arabidopsis Dof proteins revealed six major groups similar to what has been observed earlier for rice and Arabidopsis. Motif analysis revealed the presence of conserved 50-52 amino acids Dof domain uniformly distributed across all the 28 Dof proteins of sorghum. The in silico cis-regulatory elements analysis of these SbDof genes suggested its diverse functions associated with light responsiveness, endosperm specific gene expression, hormone responsiveness, meristem specific expression and stress responsiveness.