Indicator-based assessment of capacity development for disaster preparedness in the Indian context.

Capacity building and monitoring of response capacity are critical to disaster preparedness. Assessing disaster response capacity is a challenging task in India due to diverse geo-climatic conditions and exposure to different disasters. This paper addresses the absence of a methodological framework to measure multiple aspects of the disaster response capacity of districts in India through indicators. 26 indicators were identified under four factors namely; resources, communication and coordination, budget, and community engagement; anchored on a theoretical framework evolved through literature survey and key informant interviews. Each factor was modelled as a linear function of indicators based on data-sets maintained by district authorities. A Composite Index was constructed as a weighted aggregation of four factors using weightings elicited through Questionnaire Surveys among 151 expert respondents. Weightings were derived through an extension of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions (TOPSIS) to balance the variability in perceptions of respondents. As disasters demand quick response, assessment of response capacity with a fewer number of indicators is desirable. Therefore, a reduced set of critical indicators sensitive to the Indian context were derived through model reduction applying probabilistic and statistical methods- l 2 norm-based sensitivity analysis and coefficient of variation method. Critical indicators are: number of rescue and health service personnel, NGOs, Self-Help-Groups; efficacy of existing SOPs; literacy; and budget options. Robustness of the Composite Index was checked in terms of sensitivity to weightings and model reduction. The critical indicators and the Composite Index would sensitize decision-makers on disaster response capacities across districts.

STEPS - a patient centric and low-cost solution to ensure standards of TB care to patients reaching private sector in India.

BACKGROUND: More than half of the TB patients in India seek care from the private sector. Two decades of attempts by the National TB Program to improve collaboration between the public and private sectors have not worked except in a few innovative pilots. The System for TB Elimination in Private Sector (STEPS) evolved in 2019 as a solution to ensure standards of TB care to every patient reaching the private sector. We formally evaluated the STEPS to judge the success of the model in achieving its outcomes and to inform decisions about scaling up of the model to other parts of the country. METHODS: An evaluation team was constituted involving all relevant stakeholders. A logic framework for the STEPS model was developed. The evaluation focused on (i) processes - whether the activities are taking place as intended and (ii) proximal outcomes - improvements in quality of care and strengthening of TB surveillance system. We (i) visited 30 randomly selected STEPS centres for assessing infrastructure and process using a checklist, (ii) validated the patient data with management information system of National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) by telephonic interview of 57 TB patients (iii) analysed the quality of patient care indicators over 3 years from the management information system (iv) conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) with 33 beneficiaries and stakeholders to understand their satisfaction and perceived benefits of STEPS and (v) performed cost analysis for the intervention from the perspective of NTEP, private hospital and patients. RESULTS: Evaluation revealed that STEPS is an acceptable model to all stakeholders. IDIs revealed that all patients were satisfied about the services received. Data in management information system of NTEP were consistent with the hospital records and with the information provided by the patient. Quality of TB care indicators for patients diagnosed in private hospitals showed improvements over years as proportion of TB patients notified from private sector with a microbiological confirmation of diagnosis improved from 25% in 2018 to 38% in 2020 and the documented treatment success rate increased from 33% (2018 cohort) to 88% (2019 cohort). Total additional programmatic cost (deducting cost for patient entitlements) per additional patient with successful treatment outcome was estimated to be 67 USD. Total additional expense/business loss for implementing STEPS for the hospital diagnosing 100 TB patients in a year was estimated to be 573 USD while additional minimum returns for the hospital was estimated to be 1145 USD. CONCLUSION: Evaluation confirmed that STEPS is a low cost and patient-centric strategy. STEPS successfully addressed the gaps in the quality of care for patients seeking care in the private sector and ensured that services are aligned with the standards of TB care. STEPS could be scaled up to similar settings.

A case report on probable short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing following vairechanika nasya in Ménière's disease.

A 62 year old woman diagnosed with Ménière's disease, who underwent vairechanika nasya (VN) with shadbindu taila presented with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) like phenomena immediately after the procedure. Rescue measures of abhyanga (local oil massage) and nadi sweda (local fomentation) were administered. Within half an hour the symptoms considerably declined and after 1 hour got completely relieved. The exact symptom disclosure by the patient who herself was a doctor helped in detecting the classic pattern of 'saw tooth phenomena' giving leads into a rare manifestation of probable SUNCT. Naranjo scale yielded zero score and thus the probable causality of VN with shadbindu taila could not be established so as to cause probable SUNCT as an adverse drug reaction (ADR). This case study is not put up for reporting an ADR of VN with shadbindu taila; rather this illustrates an uncommon, yet imperative adverse event of probable SUNCT while undergoing nasya procedure probably due to judgment error while fixing the VN dose in a patient with Ménière's disease. Transparent reporting of such unusual events during panchakarma procedures is necessary so that clinicians can understand, evaluate and take appropriate initiatives to manage them.

Fine-Tuning Plasmon-Molecule Interactions in Gold-BODIPY Nanocomposites: The Role of Chemical Structure and Noncovalent Interactions.

Strong coupling between localized surface plasmons and molecular absorptions leads to remarkable changes in the photophysical properties of dye-loaded metal nanoparticles. Here, we report supramolecular nanocomposites consisting of BODIPY, tryptophan, and gold nanoparticles, and investigate the effect of structural variations on their photophysical properties. Our results indicate that the photostability and photosensitization properties of the nanocomposites depend on the chemical composition of the BODIPY molecules. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of the nanocomposites NC1 (BODIPY, B1 bearing a single methyl group) and NC3 (BODIPY, B3 with 5 methyl and 2 iodo groups) were 0.46 and 0.42, respectively, which were significantly higher compared to their individual components. Ultrafast spectroscopy studies revealed that the migration of photoexcited BODIPY electrons to the plasmonic photoexcitation allowed electron transfer into the singlet oxygen states, thereby leading to efficient generation of singlet oxygen.

Nanomolar detection of biothiols via turn-ON fluorescent indicator displacement.

The thiol group is known to have a high affinity for gold nanoparticles and is capable of displacing other capping agents. We report a fluorescent indicator displacement technique for the detection of biothiols based on this principle. The displacement of BODIPY from the surface of gold nanoparticles served as a sensitive method for the detection of cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione under a variety of conditions. It is noteworthy that the turn-ON fluorescence mechanism enabled the differentiation of normal cells from cancer cells because of the inherently higher concentrations of biothiols in the latter.

A three-component supramolecular nanocomposite as a heavy-atom-free photosensitizer.

Design of photosensitizers capable of generating singlet oxygen is crucial for the success of photodynamic therapy, and biocompatible supramolecular systems are emerging in this area. We report a supramolecular nanocomposite consisting of BODIPY, tryptophan and gold nanoparticles. While the individual components in isolation were inactive, the nanocomposite was found to be photostable and exhibited efficient photosensitization properties.

Crystal structure of (R)-6'-bromo-3,3-dimethyl-3',4'-di-hydro-2'H-spiro-[cyclo-hexane-1,3'-1,2,4-benzo-thia-diazine] 1',1'-dioxide.

In the title compound, C14H19BrN2O2S, the 1,2,4-thia-diazinane ring adopts an envelope conformation with the N atom (attached to the sulfonyl group) as the flap, while the cyclo-hexane ring adopts a chair conformation. The mean plane of the cyclo-hexane ring is almost normal to the benzene ring and the mean plane of the 1,2,4-thia-diazinane ring, making dihedral angles of 70.4 (2) and 71.43 (19)°, respectively. Furthermore, the dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the mean plane of the 1,2,4-thia-diazinane ring is 4.91 (18)°. The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bond, which encloses an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into chains along [10-1], forming a C(6) graph-set motif. These chains are inter-connected via C-H⋯π inter-actions, leading to chains along [-101], so finally forming sheets parallel to (010).

Crystal structure of rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase--role of crown domain in mammalian alkaline phosphatases.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatases (IAPs) are involved in the cleavage of phosphate prodrugs to liberate the drug for absorption in the intestine. To facilitate in vitro characterization of phosphate prodrugs, we have cloned, expressed, purified and characterized IAPs from rat and cynomolgus monkey (rIAP and cIAP respectively) which are important pre-clinical species for drug metabolism studies. The recombinant rat and monkey enzymes expressed in Sf9 insect cells (IAP-Ic) were found to be glycosylated and active. Expression of rat IAP in Escherichia coli (rIAP-Ec) led to ~200-fold loss of activity that was partially recovered by the addition of external Zn(2+) and Mg(2+) ions. Crystal structures of rIAP-Ec and rIAP-Ic were determined and they provide rationale for the discrepancy in enzyme activities. Rat IAP-Ic retains its activity in presence of both Zn(2+) and Mg(2+) whereas activity of most other alkaline phosphatases (APs) including the cIAP was strongly inhibited by excess Zn(2+). Based on our crystal structure, we hypothesized the residue Q317 in rIAP, present within 7 Å of the Mg(2+) at M3, to be important for this difference in activity. The Q317H rIAP and H317Q cIAP mutants showed reversal in effect of Zn(2+), corroborating the hypothesis. Further analysis of the two structures indicated a close linkage between glycosylation and crown domain stability. A triple mutant of rIAP, where all the three putative N-linked glycosylation sites were mutated showed thermal instability and reduced activity.

Population genetic structure of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum as measured with microsatellite markers.

Mosses and other bryophytes are vital components of forests, because they sustain a tremendous diversity of invertebrates and influence significant ecological functions. There have been few studies on moss population diversity in Southeast Asia, despite the escalating deforestation in this region of rich biodiversity. The genetic diversity of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum (Harv.) Fleisch., collected from forested areas in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, was elucidated using eight microsatellite markers developed for this species. Significant levels of allelic and haplotypic diversity were observed among clumps of the moss. Differences in allelic richness and genotypic diversity among the populations were higher in less disturbed forests compared to the more disturbed areas, suggesting that genetic diversity is affected by habitat quality. Genetic diversity levels within the clumps studied were low, indicating that vegetative reproduction was more important within clumps than sexual reproduction. However, multilocus genotypes of samples within the clumps studied were not all alike, providing evidence of microsatellite mutation or of occasional sexuality. Despite the isolation of populations, A. papillatum can introduce genetic variability by mutation among vegetatively propagated individuals. This study provides baseline information on the genetic diversity of A. papillatum tropical rain forests.

Preparation and characterization of Ni-doped TiO2 materials for photocurrent and photocatalytic applications.

Different amounts of Ni-doped TiO(2) (Ni = 0.1 to 10%) powders and thin films were prepared by following a conventional coprecipitation and sol-gel dip coating techniques, respectively, at 400 to 800°C, and were thoroughly characterized by means of XRD, FT-IR, FT-Raman, DRS, UV-visible, BET surface area, zeta potential, flat band potential, and photocurrent measurement techniques. Photocatalytic abilities of Ni-doped TiO(2) powders were evaluated by means of methylene blue (MB) degradation reaction under simulated solar light. Characterization results suggest that as a dopant, Ni stabilizes TiO(2) in the form of anatase phase, reduces its bandgap energy, and adjusts its flat band potentials such that this material can be employed for photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidation of water reaction. The photocatalytic activity and photocurrent ability of TiO(2) have been enhanced by doping of Ni in TiO(2). The kinetic studies revealed that the MB degradation reaction follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood first-order reaction relationship.

Clinico-radiological evaluation of juxta articular fractures and diaphyseal fractures of upper limb managed with locking compression plating.

BACKGROUND: Locking compression plate (LCP) fixation of juxta articular and diaphyseal fractures of upper limb is a new modality of operative management. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive cases of juxta articular and diaphyseal fractures of upper limb were fixed with LCP and results were analyzed. RESULTS: All fractures healed in good anatomical position in 6-8 weeks with good functional outcome. CONCLUSION: LCP is a reliable fixation device for juxta articular and diaphyseal fractures of upper limb.

Umbilical arterial catheter insertion length: in quest of a universal formula.

OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed at comparing the accuracy in length of insertion of umbilical arterial catheter in all new born groups stratified according to weight, by using two different methods, that is, Wright et al./Case (Group I): (4 × Body wt (BW) (kg)) +7; Shukla et al./Control (Group II): (3 × BW (kg)) +9. STUDY DESIGN: It was a randomized open label case control study in a Level III tertiary level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over 9 months. RESULT: The babies in both the groups were similar in relation to weight, gender, prematurity and weight subgroups. Under insertion was seen in 8% (4/50) of babies in group I and over insertion was seen in group II where it was 32.6% (16/49). There was a reduction of 82% abnormal insertions and repositioning by using the Wright's formula as compared with the Shukla's formula in preterm babies. Statistically significant reduction in repositioning was seen in all babies <1500 g in Group I and under insertion seen in 8% of babies in group I did not attain statistical significance (P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: There is no universal formula, which gives the accurate length of placement of an umbilical arterial catheter, but Wright's formula comes closer in neonates with different weight sub groups.

Protein-protein interactions and nuclear trafficking of coat protein and betaC1 protein associated with Bhendi yellow vein mosaic disease.

Bhendi yellow vein mosaic disease (BYVMD) is caused by a complex consisting of a monopartite begomovirus BYVMV and a satellite DNA beta component. BYVMV represents a new member of the emerging group of monopartite begomoviruses requiring a satellite component for symptom induction. Here we report the results of the transient expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused with the betaC1 and coat protein (CP) coding regions, in the epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana. GFPCP was found to be targeted into the nucleus whereas GFPbetaC1 was localized towards the periphery of the cell. The sub-cellular localization of the betaC1 protein has been compared with that of the CP in yeast cells using a genetic system for detection of protein nuclear import and export. Expression of betaC1 ORF in transgenic N. benthamiana under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter produced severe developmental abnormalities in the plant, like distorted stem, leaves and stunting of the plant. We also present the results on the interaction of CP and betaC1 proteins using yeast two hybrid analysis, suggesting a collaborative role in the inter- and intracellular dynamics of BYVMD.

Heterologous expression of Arabidopsis ERS1 causes delayed senescence in coriander.

The phytohormone ethylene is involved in many developmental processes, including leaf and flower senescence. Ethylene is perceived by plants through receptors that trigger the downstream signal transduction pathway. The mutated ethylene receptor ERS1 (ethylene response sensor) from Arabidopsis is of a dominant negative nature and confers ethylene insensitivity in Arabidopsis. To investigate if the altered ERS1 gene can affect the tissue senescence in heterologous plants, we introduced it into coriander by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic plants were regenerated by cocultivating hypocotyl segments with A. tumefaciens harboring binary vector pCGN1547 that carried the ERS1 gene. The presence and expression of the transgene were confirmed by genomic Southern blot and reverse transcriptase-PCR analyses. Leaf and flower senescence were delayed significantly in the transgenic plants. The ability of the mutated ERS1 gene to confer the ethylene-insensitive phenotype can be exploited for extending the shelf-life of leafy vegetables.

Post-transcriptional gene silencing in plants by RNA.

RNA silencing, which is termed post-transcriptional gene silencing in plants, is an RNA degradation process through sequence-specific nucleotide interactions induced by double-stranded RNA. In plants, RNA silencing not only serves as a component of the defense mechanism, but also participates in the regulation of endogenous gene expression in a variety of developmental processes. This review elaborates the current progress on the understanding of the molecular basis of RNA silencing including a mechanistic link between the regulation of microRNA and RNA silencing. The practical use of RNA silencing as a reverse genetics approach in plant functional genomics is also discussed.

Lambda exonuclease-based subtractive hybridization approach to isolate differentially expressed genes from leaf cultures of Paulownia kawakamii.

Genes that are preferentially expressed in a particular developmental pathway can be isolated by subtractive hybridization (SH). We developed a PCR-based approach coupled with lambda exonuclease digestion that allows for generating single-stranded tester and driver nucleic acids suitable for SH starting from cDNA libraries. An efficient subtraction strategy was developed to overcome some of the problems in the previously described SH protocols, such as the need for large amounts of experimental tissue, RNase contamination during solution hybridization, and postsubtraction recovery of nucleic acids. We used this method to obtain cDNA corresponding to genes expressed during adventitious shoot regeneration from excised leaf cultures of the fast-growing tree Paulownia kawakamii. Over 36 cDNA clones were isolated and 1 of the differentially expressed clones codes for a leucine zipper transcription factor. This clone showed about sixfold higher level of expression in the shoot-forming tissues (tester) compared to that in the callus-forming tissues (driver) of Paulownia, suggesting that differentially expressed genes can be efficiently isolated using this simple lambda exonuclease-based subtractive hybridization method.

Novel method for isolation of major phenolic constituents from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut shell liquid.

Commercially available cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut shell liquid (CNSL) mainly contains the phenolic constituents anacardic acid, cardol, and cardanol. These phenolic constituents are themselves heterogeneous, and each of them contains saturated, monoene, diene, and trienes in the fifteen-carbon side chain. This communication describes the separation of anacardic acid, cardol, and cardanol for industrial application. Anacardic acid was selectively isolated as calcium anacardate. The acid-free CNSL was treated with liquor ammonia and extracted with hexane/ethyl acetate (98:2) to separate the mono phenolic component, cardanol. Subsequently, ammonia solution was extracted with ethyl acetate/hexane (80:20) to obtain cardol.

Interstitial brachytherapy for skull base tumors.

1. Irrespective of the histology, all tumors responded to 125I permanent BT. 2. There were no intra- or postprocedural complications, making this modality extremely safe. 3. There were no acute or late complications attributable to continuous LDR radiation with 125I permanent BT. 4. The dose distribution can be tailored to fit the tumor shape by seed placement at the desired location and by selecting the seed strength. 5. Unlike any other radiation therapy procedure, with SBT, the placement of the 125I seed or seeds is verifiable at each step of the procedure on the CT screen, making the treatment more accurate. 6. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient is observed overnight at the most, making it safe and cost-effective. 7. Most skull base tumors are located close to the brain, cranial nerves, or blood vessels. Tolerance of these vital structures to high doses of radiation when given continuously at a LDR makes this treatment method safe.

Toll-like receptor family and signalling pathway.

Toll is a Drosophila gene essential for ontogenesis and anti-microbial resistance. Several orthologues of Toll have been identified and cloned in vertebrates, namely Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Human TLRs are a growing family of molecules involved in innate immunity. TLRs are characterized structurally by a cytoplasmic Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain and by extracellular leucine-rich repeats. TLRs characterized so far activate the MyD88/interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) signalling pathway. Genetic, gene-transfer and dominant-negative approaches have involved TLR family members (TLR2 and TLR4) in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria recognition and signalling. Accumulating evidence suggests that TLR2 is also involved in signalling-receptor complexes that recognize components of yeast and mycobacteria. However, the definitive roles of other TLRs are still lacking. A systematic approach has been used to determine whether different human leucocyte populations selectively or specifically express TLR mRNA. Based on expression pattern, TLR can be classified as ubiquitous (TLR1), restricted (TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5) and specific (TLR3). Expression and regulation of distinct but overlapping ligand-recognition patterns may underlie the existence of a large, seemingly redundant TLR family. Alternatively, the expression of a TLR in a single cell type may indicate a specific role for this molecule in a restricted setting.