Deciphering Indigenous Bacterial Diversity of Co-Polluted Sites to Unravel Its Bioremediation Potential: A Metagenomic Approach.

Polluted drains across the globe are affected due to reckless disposal of untreated industrial effluents resulting in significant water pollution affecting microbial community structure/dynamics. To elucidate this, polluted samples were collected from Budha Nala (BN) drain, Tung Dhab (TD) drain, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) receiving an inflow of organic pollutants as well as heavy metals due to anthropogenic activities. The sample of unpolluted pristine soil (PS) was used as control, as there is no history of usage of organic chemicals at this site. The bacterial diversity of these samples was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform by amplifying the V3/V4 region of 16S rRNA. The majority of operational taxonomic unit (OTUs) at polluted sites belonged to phyla Proteobacteria specifically Gammaproteobacteria class, followed by Actinobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, WS6, and TM7, whereas unpolluted site revealed the prevalence of Proteobacteria followed by Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Nitrospirae. The data sets decode unclassified species of the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and WS6, along with some unclassified bacterial species. The study provided a comparative study of changed microbial community structure, their possible functions across diverse geographical locations, and identifying specific bacterial genera as pollution bio-indicators of aged polluted drains.

Comparison of Drug-Coated Balloon to Drug Eluting Stent in Patients with In-Stent Restenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is the gradual narrowing of the stented coronary segment, presenting as angina or leading to an acute myocardial infarction. Although the incidence has decreased with the use of newer drug-eluting stents (DES), it still carries significant mortality & morbidity. We compared the two most common interventions, i.e. drug-coated balloons (DCB) vs drug-eluting stents (DES) for managing DES-related ISR. Electronic databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DCB to DES in patients with DES-ISR. The Mantel-Haenszel method with a random effects model was used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RR). Five trials comprising 1,100 patients (577 in DCB and 523 in DES group) were included in the final study. The mean follow-up was 42 months. DCB was found to have a higher risk for target lesion revascularization (TLR) (RR: 1.41, p: 0.02) compared to DES. No difference was observed in all-cause mortality, target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction, or stroke between the two intervention arms. In conclusion, management of DES-ISR with DCB has a higher risk of TLR as compared to re-stenting with DES. Both therapeutic interventions are comparable in other terms of efficacy and safety profile.

The Evolution of Central Venous-to-arterial Carbon Dioxide Difference (pCO2 Gap) during Resuscitation Affects ICU Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study.

How to cite this article: Sundarsingh V, Kumar M, Rodrigues PR. The Evolution of Central Venous-to-arterial Carbon Dioxide Difference (pCO2 Gap) during Resuscitation Affects ICU Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(7):709.

Advancements and recent explorations of anti-cancer activity of chrysin: from molecular targets to therapeutic perspective.

In recent times, there have been notable advancements in comprehending the potential anti-cancer effects of chrysin (CH), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound found abundantly in various plant sources like honey, propolis, and certain fruits and vegetables. This active compound has garnered significant attention due to its promising therapeutic qualities and minimal toxicity. CH's ability to combat cancer arises from its multifaceted mechanisms of action, including the initiation of apoptosis and the inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell cycle progression. CH also displays potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively counteracting the harmful molecules that contribute to DNA damage and the development of cancer. Furthermore, CH has exhibited the potential to sensitize cancer cells to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, amplifying the effectiveness of these treatments while reducing their negative impact on healthy cells. Hence, in this current review, the composition, chemistry, mechanisms of action, safety concerns of CH, along with the feasibility of its nanoformulations. To conclude, the recent investigations into CH's anti-cancer effects present a compelling glimpse into the potential of this natural compound as a complementary therapeutic element in the array of anti-cancer approaches, providing a safer and more comprehensive method of combating this devastating ailment.

Impact of non-thermal techniques on enzyme modifications for their applications in food.

The present review elaborates on the details of the enzyme, its structure, specificity, and the mechanism of action of selected enzymes as well as structural changes and loss or gain of activity after non-thermal treatments for food-based applications. Enzymes are biological catalysts found in various systems such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Most of the enzymes have their optimum pH, temperature, and substrate or group of substrates. The conformational modification of enzymes either increases or decreases the rate of reaction at different pH, and temperature conditions. Enzymes are modified by different techniques to enhance the activity of enzymes for their commercial applications mainly due to the high cost of enzymes, stability, and difficulties that occur during the use of enzymes in different conditions. On the opposite, enzyme inactivation provides its application to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by denaturation and partial inactivation of enzymes. Hence, the activation and inactivation of enzymes are studied by non-thermal techniques in both the model and the food system. The highly reactive species generated during non-thermal techniques cause chemical and structural modification. The enzyme modifications depend on the type and source of the enzyme, type of technique, and the parameters used.

Development and evaluation of a training program on non-communicable diseases to empower community health workers in rural India.

Objective: We developed and evaluated a training program for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), female community health workers (CHWs) in India, on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Methods: A 5-day training program, developed using government-approved manuals, was tested in a randomised controlled trial in the Tehri-Garhwal district. Quantitative comparisons were undertaken using Student's t-test and two-way ANOVA. ASHAs in the intervention group were asked questions about new skills learnt. Results: Thirty-six ASHAs (20 intervention, 16 controls) participated (response rate 75.0%). Mean pre-test knowledge score was 43.3/100 points (95% CI 36.7-49.9) for the intervention group and 44.4 (38.9-49.9) for controls. The mean post-test knowledge score increased more in the intervention group (48.5-point increase; P < 0.0001), than in controls (9.8-point increase, P = 0.016; ANOVA interaction term (time*allocation) P < 0.0001). ASHAs in the intervention group reported learning new skills for detecting NCDs. Conclusion: The training program increased knowledge of ASHAs on NCDs and improved their skills to detect NCDs. Our development and testing process for this training program, coupled with open-source resources, fosters innovation and collaboration in managing NCDs in LMICs. Innovation: Our novel and adaptable training program incorporates interactive elements, case studies, and real-world scenarios to augment routine communication between ASHAs and community members for preventing NCDs.

Early bladder dysfunction after vesicovaginal fistula repair: A prospective comparative analysis of transvaginal, open, and laparoscopic abdominal approaches.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to compare the clinical and urodynamic profile of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic, open transabdominal, and laparoscopic transabdominal vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) repair at 3 months of repair, that is, in early postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients with endoscopically confirmed VVF were enrolled in our study over 2 years. Malignant fistulae, radiation-induced, and complex fistulae were excluded after cross-sectional imaging. All patients underwent a postoperative assessment for the success of the repair. Then at 3 months, they completed the American Urological Association Symptom Score questionnaire and underwent a dual channel pressure-flow urodynamic study. The results of transvaginal, laparoscopic, and open transabdominal repairs were compared. RESULTS: All patients belonged to the Indian Caucasian race. The mean age was 35.43 ± 6.63 years. Thirty-two patients had supratrigonal and 19 had trigonal fistulae. Laparoscopic transabdominal repair was done in 15 patients, open transabdominal repair in 22 patients, and transvaginal repair in 14 patients. Forty-six patients reported some LUTS at a median follow-up of 5.83 ± 2.37 months postoperatively. Only 18 (35.2%) of these patients had moderate to severe symptoms The postoperative bladder dysfunction rates in open transabdominal, transvaginal and laparoscopic transabdominal groups were 36.4%, 28.6%, and 20%, respectively. Twenty-seven patients (52.9%) had some urodynamic abnormality, that is, small capacity (5), high voiding pressures (14), genuine stress incontinence (3), and poor compliance (3). Bladder capacity was a significant predictor of bladder dysfunction in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, all three surgical approaches were associated with bladder dysfunction, however, it was the least in the laparoscopic transabdominal approach. Postoperative bladder capacity is a significant predictor of bladder dysfunction.

PET/CT in the Evaluation of CAR-T Cell Immunotherapy in Hematological Malignancies.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell-based immunotherapy has emerged as a path-breaking strategy for certain hematological malignancies. Assessment of the response to CAR-T therapy using quantitative imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been broadly investigated. However, the definitive role of PET/CT in CAR-T therapy remains to be established. [18F]FDG PET/CT has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating patients with a partial and complete response after CAR-T therapy in lymphoma. The early therapeutic response and immune-related adverse effects such as cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome can also be detected on [18F]FDG PET images. In otherwise asymptomatic lymphoma patients with partial response following CAR-T therapy, the only positive findings could be abnormal PET/CT results. In multiple myeloma, a negative [18F]FDG PET/CT after receiving B-cell maturation antigen-directed CAR-T therapy has been associated with a favorable prognosis. In leukemia, [18F]FDG PET/CT can detect extramedullary metastases and treatment responses after therapy. Hence, PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool for patients undergoing CAR-T therapy for pretreatment evaluation, monitoring treatment response, assessing safety, and guiding therapeutic strategies. Developing guidelines with standardized cutoff values for various PET parameters and tumor cell-specific tracers may improve the efficacy and safety of CAR-T therapy.

Human iPSC-derived liver co-culture spheroids to model liver fibrosis.

The lack of adequate humanin vitromodels that recapitulate the cellular composition and response of the human liver to injury hampers the development of anti-fibrotic drugs. The goal of this study was to develop a human spheroid culture model to study liver fibrosis by using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived liver cells. iPSCs were independently differentiated towards hepatoblasts (iHepatoblasts), hepatic stellate cells (iHSCs), endothelial cells (iECs) and macrophages (iMΦ), before assembly into free floating spheroids by culturing cells in 96-well U-bottom plates and orbital shaking for up to 21 days to allow further maturation. Through transcriptome analysis, we show further maturation of iECs and iMΦ, the differentiation of the iHepatoblasts towards hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) and the inactivation of the iHSCs by the end of the 3D culture. Moreover, these cultures display a similar expression of cell-specific marker genes (CYP3A4, PDGFRß, CD31andCD68) and sensitivity to hepatotoxicity as spheroids made using freshly isolated primary human liver cells. Furthermore, we show the functionality of the iHeps and the iHSCs by mimicking liver fibrosis through iHep-induced iHSC activation, using acetaminophen. In conclusion, we have established a reproducible human iPSC-derived liver culture model that can be used to mimic fibrosisin vitroas a replacement of primary human liver derived 3D models. The model can be used to investigate pathways involved in fibrosis development and to identify new targets for chronic liver disease therapy.

Unravelling the effect of extraction on anthocyanin functionality and prebiotic potential.

Anthocyanins, considered as prebiotic ingredients for functional foods, were extracted from black soybean (BS), black grape (BG), black carrot (BCPm), and black rice (BR) using conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The study employed a split-plot design with CSE and MAE as main plot factors and anthocyanin extracts (AEs) as subplot factors. Anthocyanins were evaluated for stability (polymeric color, degradation index) and functionality (antioxidant capacity). Prebiotic potential on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Weissella confusa was assessed in fermented soymilk. MAE showed higher extraction yield than CSE in BG (3-fold), BS (2-fold), BCPm (1.2-fold), and BR (1.6-fold). Black grape (1255.76 mg/L) and black soybean (976.5 mg/L) had highest anthocyanin with better stability, functionality, and prebiotic potential. The SCFA concentration (propionic acid and butyric acid) increased significantly in BG fortified-fermented soymilk. Overall, anthocyanin-enriched soymilk exhibited higher prebiotic potential, with MAE as the superior extraction method for anthocyanin functionality and stability.

Emergent dynamics due to chemo-hydrodynamic self-interactions in active polymers.

The field of synthetic active matter has, thus far, been led by efforts to create point-like, isolated (yet interacting) self-propelled objects (e.g. colloids, droplets, microrobots) and understanding their collective dynamics. The design of flexible, freely jointed active assemblies from autonomously powered sub-components remains a challenge. Here, we report freely-jointed active polymers created using self-propelled droplets as monomeric units. Our experiments reveal that the self-shaping chemo-hydrodynamic interactions between the monomeric droplets give rise to an emergent rigidity (the acquisition of a stereotypical asymmetric C-shape) and associated ballistic propulsion of the active polymers. The rigidity and propulsion of the chains vary systematically with their lengths. Using simulations of a minimal model, we establish that the emergent polymer dynamics are a generic consequence of quasi two-dimensional confinement and auto-repulsive trail-mediated chemical interactions between the freely jointed active droplets. Finally, we tune the interplay between the chemical and hydrodynamic fields to experimentally demonstrate oscillatory dynamics of the rigid polymer propulsion. Altogether, our work highlights the possible first steps towards synthetic self-morphic active matter.

Seasonal variations in admissions for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in the Northeast and the Midwest regions of the United States.

Background: Previous studies conflict on whether seasonal variability exists in atrial fibrillation (AF) admissions, and contemporary studies are lacking. Methods: We identified admissions for AF or atrial flutter in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the US from the National Inpatient Database for 2016 to 2020, grouped them into the four seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter), and compared the number of admissions. Subgroup analyses were performed stratified to sex, age, race, AF alone, and geographical regions. Results: A total of 955,320 admissions for AF or atrial flutter occurred. The number of admissions was highest during winter (243,990, 25.5% of the total), followed by fall (239,250, 25.0% of the total), summer (236,910, 24.8% of the total), and spring (235,170, 24.6% of the total). The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). An increasing trend in the number of admissions was observed from March to February of the next year (P trend <0.001). Admissions were most common in the winter and least common in the spring in subgroups of both sexes, age ≥65 years, Whites, non-Whites, AF alone, Northeast region, and Midwest region. Conclusion: Contemporary analysis of a national database demonstrates seasonal variability in the number of admissions for AF, with a slight increase observed during the winter.

PAM-flexible Engineered FnCas9 variants for robust and ultra-precise genome editing and diagnostics.

The clinical success of CRISPR therapies hinges on the safety and efficacy of Cas proteins. The Cas9 from Francisella novicida (FnCas9) is highly precise, with a negligible affinity for mismatched substrates, but its low cellular targeting efficiency limits therapeutic use. Here, we rationally engineer the protein to develop enhanced FnCas9 (enFnCas9) variants and broaden their accessibility across human genomic sites by ~3.5-fold. The enFnCas9 proteins with single mismatch specificity expanded the target range of FnCas9-based CRISPR diagnostics to detect the pathogenic DNA signatures. They outperform Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and its engineered derivatives in on-target editing efficiency, knock-in rates, and off-target specificity. enFnCas9 can be combined with extended gRNAs for robust base editing at sites which are inaccessible to PAM-constrained canonical base editors. Finally, we demonstrate an RPE65 mutation correction in a Leber congenital amaurosis 2 (LCA2) patient-specific iPSC line using enFnCas9 adenine base editor, highlighting its therapeutic utility.

Preparation and Judd-Ofelt Analysis of Warm Red Luminescent Eu3+ Complexes for Semiconductor Lasing Devices.

Six novel red photoluminescent Eu3+ complexes with 3-formyl chromone as the primary sensitizer (L) were synthesized using the solution precipitation method. These complexes are [Eu(L3).X] where X is 2H2O (C1), phen (C2), neo (C3), bipy (C4), dmph (C5), and biquno (C6). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, EDAX analysis, SEM, FT-IR, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) and photoluminescence spectra. The transition rates, quantum efficiency, and J-O intensity parameters were calculated using emission data and luminescence decay time (τ). Complexes exhibit a strong emission peak (5D0 → 7F2) of the Eu3+ ion in their luminescence emission spectra in solid and solution states, making them an effective emitter of the red color in OLEDs. The branching ratio of these complexes ranges from 80.67-82.92 in solid and 50.53-62.65 in solution state; CIE color coordinate of complexes falls in the red region. The color purity ranges [CP(%)] values for solid 95.26-97.27% and for solution ranges 85.11-93.43%. Correlated color temperature (CCT) of the complexes (C1-C6) ranged from 2710 to 3049 K in the solid state and 1775 to 2450 K in the solution state. These complexes are promising red emitters in OLEDs, semiconductors, and leasing devices.

Drug-eluting stent vs. Balloon angioplasty in patients with in-stent restenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is seen in up to 20% of cases and is the primary cause of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) failure. With the use of re-stenting with a drug-eluting stent (DES), plain old balloon angioplasty (BA) use is decreasing. We aim to compare the efficacy and safety profile of DES over BA in the management of ISR. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DES to BA for coronary ISR. The mantel-Haenszel method with a random effects model was used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RR). RESULTS: Four trials comprising 912 patients (543 in DES and 369 in the BA group) were included in the final study. The mean follow-up was 45 months. DES was found to be superior with a lower requirement of target vessel revascularization (TVR) (RR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.31-0.64, p-value <0.0001), and target lesion revascularization (TLR) (RR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.44-0.78, p-value 0.0002) compared to BA. However, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion thrombosis were not different between the two intervention arms. CONCLUSION: DES was found to be superior to BA for the management of coronary ISR with a reduction in the risk of TLR and TVR. No difference in mortality, risk of MI, or target lesion thrombosis was observed between the two interventions.

Prolonged exposure to mercuric chloride induces oxidative stress-mediated nephrotoxicity in freshwater food fish Channa punctatus.

Mercury (Hg) is regarded as a serious hazard to aquatic life and is particularly prevalent in aquatic ecosystems. However, there is little evidence available regarding the toxicity of mercury chloride (HgCl2) in vital organs of fish. This study was conducted to assess the effects of HgCl2 (0.039 mg/L and 0.078 mg/L) on oxidative stress-mediated genotoxicity, poikilocytosis, apoptosis, and renal fibrosis after 15, 30, and 45 days of the exposure period. According to the findings, HgCl2 intoxication in fish resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyls (PC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity levels in kidney tissues and significantly (P < 0.05) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), poikilocytosis, DNA tail length, and the frequency of apoptotic cells (AC%) in blood cells. Kidney's ultra-structure and histopathology revealed its fibrosis, which was evident by mRNA expression of targeted genes KIM1, NOX4, TGFß, and NFϏß. Different indicators of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and genotoxicity were altered in a dose and time-dependent manner, according to a two-way ANOVA analysis. There was a considerable positive link between oxidative stress and kidney fibrosis in the fish Channa punctatus, and it is evident from regression correlation and PCA data analysis. The kidney's ultra-structure evaluation and histopathology both revealed a noticeable fibrosis state. Additionally, a significant (P < 0.05) downregulation in PPARδ reveals that fish body was unable to combat diseases such as kidney fibrosis induced by HgCl2. This study shed fresh light on the mechanisms underlying nephrotoxicity caused by HgCl2 exposure.

Identification, management and pecuniary impact of major carbon footprint contributor in potato production system of north-west India.

Assessment of carbon footprint of a crop is an important component of sustainable crop production, as it helps in framing effectual and viable crop management strategies to minimize ecosystem tampering. Thus, in present investigation carbon footprint of potato production system in different agro-climatic zones viz. undulating plain zone, central plain zone and western plain zone of North-west India were estimated, and compared with the recommended practices of these zones. The carbon footprint was higher in undulating plain zone followed by central plain zone and western plain zone with values being 343, 296 and 220 kg CO2 eq./t tuber yield (TY), sequentially, whereas same were 198 kg CO2 eq./t tuber yield (TY) in case of recommended practices. The social cost of carbon (SCC), that represents economic damage from the CO2 emissions, was also estimated. The integrated net economic balance (net return from yield - SCC) was also better in case of recommended practices. The major sources of emission from potato production system were fertilizer (NPK) application (42 %), irrigation (20 %), seed (14 %), fertilizer production (13 %) and energy use (excluding Irrigation) (5 %). Top most in the list of carbon footprint contributors was fertilizer application which was due to imbalanced application of these, and for getting the clear picture of this imbalance as well as its impact, a new and exclusive index- Relative Imbalance Fertilization Index (RIFIcf) was developed and tested. Carbon footprints were also related to tuber yield and an empirical model was developed that can be used to predict tuber yield on the basis of carbon footprint of potato production system. An increase in tuber yield with increasing carbon footprint was noticed, which became somewhat static at higher emissions. The findings of this investigation provide a clear picture of quantitative GHG emissions due to imbalanced inputs that can be plummeted to some extent if already existing recommendations are followed.

Massive infected pancreatic necrosis in an 8-year-old: Endoscopic management.

Pancreatitis is a condition much more commonly found in adults, but when diagnosed in the pediatric population, is often due to medications, congenital pathology, and critical illness. This patient had previously undergone treatment with 6-mercaptopurine and presented with pancreatitis that eventually worsened to a walled-off necrotic collection with paracolic extensions reaching the pelvis. Given clinical worsening with development of shock, procedural options for source control were weighed with gastroenterology, pediatric surgery, and interventional radiology, before pancreatic necrosectomy was determined to be the treatment of choice, given the adjacency of the collection to the stomach. A total of three separate endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy procedures were performed and the patient s clinical status improved greatly, with vast improvement later seen on outpatient imaging. This successful treatment course argues for the efficacy of pancreatic necrosectomy even in very large walled off collections, and most importantly, lead to a positive outcome in this young patient.

Anemia Awareness Program in a Suburban Middle School: A Pilot Study Promoting Students as Public Health Advocates in Their Community.

INTRODUCTION: Almost a quarter of the people on earth are anemic, and most of them reside in regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Anemia in children is linked with impaired cognitive and motor development and affects the future earning capacity. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. The Indian Government has initiated multiple programs for the eradication of anemia. The prevalence of anemia has not decreased despite the improvements in the country's economy. It increased from 58.7% in 2015-16 to 67.1% in 2019-21 in children and from 50.4% in 2015-16 to 52.2% in 2019-21 in pregnant women. Maternal education, socioeconomic status, and number of children in the family are some factors that influence the prevalence of anemia. As these factors cannot be improved in a short time, we aimed to increase awareness about this issue by targeting school students from rural/semi-urban backgrounds. METHODS: This pilot study aimed at promoting school students as public health advocates in their community. Anemia Awareness Program was conducted in a local middle school in the suburban area, which was attended by 153 class eight students (72 female). Pre- and post-test questionnaires comprising 20 multiple-choice/true-false type questions were used. Pre- and post-test scores were obtained. The second part of the study was the identification of students with anemia. Blood hemoglobin levels of 127 students (58 female) were measured from venous blood samples. The students were also asked to inform their friends/relatives about anemia and to send people with symptoms of anemia to the free two-day Anemia Awareness Camp organized by the Medical College Hospital for check-ups. RESULTS: The mean post-test score (15.68/20) was much higher than the pretest score (2.99/20). Thirty-eight (25 female) out of 127 students had mild/moderate microcytic hypochromic anemia, suggesting iron deficiency. Thirty-two persons visited the free health camp to receive information from the students, of whom four had normal hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSION: This pilot study showed that physician-conducted anemia awareness programs are relatively low-cost methods to spread information among the general population in India.

Current Status of Vaccine Development for Monkeypox Virus.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) of poxviridae family causes a zoonotic disease called monkeypox (Mpox). MPXV cases have a fatality ratio ranging from 0 to 11% globally and have been more prevalent in children. There are three generations of smallpox vaccines that protect against MPXV. First and second generation of the vaccinia virus (VACV) vaccine protects MPXV. However, various adverse side effects were associated with the first and second generations of vaccines. In contrast, the Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) replication-incompetent vaccine shows fewer adverse effects and a significant amount of neutralizing antibodies in mammalian cells. A third-generation Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) was approved to prevent Mpox in 2019. Recently, MVA-BN-based Imvanex, Imvamune, and JYNNEOS vaccines have also been administered against MPXV. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency in May 2022 due to increased MPXV cases. Various computational studies have also designed a multi-epitope-based vaccine against the MPXV. In the multi-epitope-based vaccine, different epitopes like B-cell, Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL), CD8+, and CD4+ epitopes were derived from MPXV proteins. Further, these epitopes were linked with the help of various linkers to design a multi-epitope vaccine against MPXV. In summary, we have provided an overview of the current status of the vaccine against MPXV.