Non-mulberry Silk Fibroin Biomaterial for Corneal Regeneration

Successful repair of a damaged corneal surface is a great challenge and may require the use of a scaffold that supports cell growth and differentiation. Amniotic membrane is currently used for this purpose, in spite of its limitations. A thin transparent silk fibroin film from non-mulberry Antheraea mylitta (Am) has been developed which offers to be a promising alternative. The silk scaffolds provide sufficient rigidity for easy handling, the scaffolds support the sprouting, migration, attachment and growth of epithelial cells and keratocytes from rat corneal explants; the cells form a cell sheet, preserve their phenotypes, express cytokeratin3 and vimentin respectively. The films also support growth of limbal stem cell evidenced by expression of ABCG2. The cell growth on the silk film and the amniotic membrane is comparable. The implanted film within the rabbit cornea remains transparent, stable. The clinical examination as well as histology shows absence of any inflammatory response or neovascularization. The corneal surface integrity is maintained; tear formation, intraocular pressure and electroretinography of implanted eyes show no adverse changes. The silk fibroin film from nonmulberry silk worms may be a worthy candidate for use as a corneal scaffold

Remote Sensing for Agricultural Applications

The application of remote sensing in quantifying the crop health status is trending. Sensors can serve as early warning systems for countering climatic or biological aberrations before having negative impacts on crop yield. Remote sensing applications have been playing a significant role in agriculture sector for evaluating plant health, yield and crop loss (%) estimation, irrigation management, identification of crop stress, weed and pest detection, weather forecasting, gathering crop phenological informations etc. Forecast of crop yields by using remote sensing inputs in conjunction with crop simulation models is getting popular day by day for its potential benefits. Remote sensing reduces the amount of field data collection and improves the precision of the estimates. Crop stress caused by biotic and abiotic factors can be monitored and quantified with remote sensing. Monitoring of vegetation cover for acreage estimation, mapping and monitoring drought condition and maintenance of vegetation health, assessment of crop condition under stress prone environment, checking of nutrient and moisture status of field, measurement of crop evapotranspiration, weed management through precision agriculture, gathering and transferring predictions of atmospheric dynamics through different observational satellites are the major agricultural applications of remote sensing technologies. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), vegetation condition index (VCI), leaf area index (LAI), and General Yield Unified Reference Index (GYURI) are some of the indices which have been used for mapping and monitoring drought and assessing vegetation health and productivity. Remote sensing with other advanced technologies like geographical information systems (GIS) are playing a massive role in assessment and management of several agricultural activities. State or district level information systems based on available remote sensing information are required to be utilized efficiently for improving the economy coming from agriculture

The Health System’s Response to and the Impact of COVID-19 on Health Services, Providers, and Seekers: A Rapid Review in the Wake of the Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global healthcare systems, requiring rapid adaptations. This study evaluates the impact on health systems and services in India during the peak of the first wave and its aftermath. It analyses disruptions, adaptive measures, and challenges faced by healthcare providers and seekers to enhance future preparedness. Methods: Primary studies conducted in India exploring the impact of COVID-19 on health services provision, utilisation, availability, and the well-being of providers and seekers were included. Electronic searches were conducted in six databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, and the WHO database on COVID-19. The results were analysed using narrative synthesis. Results and Conclusion: The review examined 38 articles with 22,502 subjects. Health service provision, utilisation, and availability were significantly impacted, particularly in outpatient departments (n = 19) and elective services (n = 16), while emergency services remained sub-optimal (n = 20). Adaptations were made in precautionary measures, protocols, staff allocation, training, personal protective equipment (PPE), infrastructure, and resources. Providers faced mental health challenges including depression, stress (n = 14), fear of infection (n = 9), stigmatisation (n = 5), and financial repercussions (n = 5). Seekers also encountered notable challenges (n = 13). Future preparedness necessitates improved healthcare infrastructure, resource optimisation, and comprehensive protocols. Lessons should inform strategies to mitigate disruptions and prioritise the well-being of providers and seekers in future outbreaks

Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence: Findings from Slums of Four Major Metro Cities of India

There are limited studies on COVID vaccine confidence at the household level in urban slums, which are at high risk of COVID-19 transmission due to overcrowding and poor living conditions. The objective was to understand the reasons influencing COVID-19 vaccine confidence, in terms of barriers and enablers faced by communities in urban slums and informal settlements in four major metro cities in India. A mixed method approach was adopted, where in field studies were conducted during April–May 2021. First, a survey of at least 50 subjects was conducted among residents of informal urban settlements who had not taken any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi; second, a short interview with five subjects who had taken at least one dose of the vaccine in each of the four cities to understand the factors that contributed to positive behaviour and, finally, an in-depth interview of at least 3 key informants in each city to ascertain the vaccination pattern in the communities. The reasons were grouped under contextual, individual/group and vaccine/vaccination specific issues. The most frequent reason (27.7%) was the uncertainty of getting the vaccine. The findings show the need for increasing effectiveness of awareness campaigns, accessibility and the convenience of vaccination, especially among vulnerable groups, to increase the uptake