Are Mass Gathering Events Hot Spot for Spreading of Infectious Diseases: The Kumbh Mela Experience

Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual mass gathering, witnessed around 240 million pilgrims in 2019 at Prayagraj. The huge gathering poses challenges of different kinds including easy transmission of infectious diseases. This research aims to identify the types and causes of infectious diseases and discuss the government's efforts for health and sanitation management. Secondary data from various reports have been used to support the study for which related websites, Prayagraj Mela Authority reports, peer-reviewed articles, and related literatures were studied. Qualitative and quantitative analyses have been done to find trends and have comparative studies among various Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas. The study finds that there is spread of infectious diseases like Acute respiratory infections, fever, skin disease, dysentery etc. during the Kumbh Mela due to the huge population, restricted space, pressure on sanitation infrastructure, unhygienic living conditions, solid and liquid wastes generated during Mela, and pilgrims' social and religious psychologies. The number of pilgrims of the occasion has increased heavily with time. Based on the anticipated number various efforts and initiatives of the government and management such as advance disease surveillance system, HEAT map, ensuring safe drinking water, better sanitation and healthcare facilities has increased over the years to reduce its impact. Mass gathering events always draw attention to health hazards and in fact the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced to think about the organization of mass gathering events in future. The mega tent city that accommodates nearly millions of pilgrims in the river bed is significant not only for India but also for mass gathering research at the international level to draw policy and provide the opportunity to generate the evidence and document base for risk prevention, mitigation, and management planning of infectious diseases and disasters

Change in lattice parameter of tantalum due to dissolved hydrogen

The volume expansion of tantalum due to the dissolved hydrogen has been determined using Bragg equation. The hydrogen was dissolved in the pure tantalum metal at constant temperature (360 °C) and constant pressure (132 mbar) by varying the duration of hydrogen charging. The amount of dissolved hydrogen was within the solid solubility limit. The samples with different hydrogen concentration were analyzed by X-ray diffraction technique. Slight peak shifts as well as peak broadening were observed. The relative changes of lattice parameters plotted against the hydrogen concentration revealed that the lattice parameters varied linearly with the hydrogen concentration

Solar radiation estimates at Meerut workplace

19-25The research is concerned with the assessment and analysis of solar radiation in a workplace with longitude 77.706 (77°43' east) and latitude 28.984 (28°59' north) located in western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region of India. Solar radiation energy which varies according to geographical location and weather conditions and also depends on the variation in components of solar radiation such as global and diffused components. Every year from June to September except the rainy season, the spreading components of solar radiation are more and there is a significant amount of solar energy available in this area. This work estimates the variation in solar components of complete solar radiation and the possible availability of solar radiation energy, may play an important role in reducing the electrical energy crisis in the Meerut region

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Bilva [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] root bark

670-676Aegle marmelos L., family Rutaceae, is a sacred plant mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. It has both medicinal as well as cultural importance. In the present investigation, macroscopy, microscopy, and powder microscopy studies, physicochemical analysis, detection of heavy metals, analysis of aflatoxins, screening of microbiological parameters and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint profile of methanolic extract were performed. Analysis of 04 aflatoxins (A1, B1, A2, and B2) was performed and found that no aflatoxins were present, authenticated by comparing the Rf value and colour of the standards spot with sample on TLC plate. Qualitative microbiological analysis of pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp., Pseudomonasaeruginosa and Escherichia coli were done and found that no bacterial pathogens are present in the Aegle marmelos root bark extract. HPTLC chromatographic fingerprint of Aegle marmelos root bark was done by using mobile phase toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7.5: 2.5: 0.4). TLC plate was derivatized by using derivatizing reagent 5% Methanolic - sulphuric acid reagent and plate was heated at 105°C till the bands are clearly visible. Major spots Rf values and colour were noted at 254 nm, 366 nm, after derivatization 366 nm and UV light. Therefore, established parameters may be used as a reference tool for proper recognition and confirmation of right plant material and monitoring of batch to batch consistency of finished herbal products using Aegle marmelos as an ingredient. This study may also helpful in the preparation of Aegle marmelos root bark monograph

Enhanced intracellular translocation and cytokine profiling of gold nanoparticles conjugated with human papilloma virus based (HPV-R9) cell-penetrating peptide in cancer cells

515-521Functionalized gold nanoparticles are emerging as a promising nanocarrier for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules. The present study describes synthesis, characterization and intracellular delivery of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with L1 protein of human papilloma virus peptide (HPV) derived cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) conjugated with R9. HPV-R9 cell penetrating peptide conjugated with AuNPs (fAuNPs) was characterized using UV-visible and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential. The cellular uptake of fAuNPs was studied in Vero cells using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The fAuNPs displayed reversible low intracellular aggregation, ~20% cytotoxicity but high efficiency and stability in Vero cells. The cytokines study by real-time PCR was performed in 4T1 cells of the IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-ᵞ, found to be upregulated in comparison to control. The functionalized gold nanoparticles cell penetrating peptide show good intracellular transport to thecellular destinations.Results of this study demonstrate that cell penetrating peptide can be used along with gold nanoparticles for therapeutics application, particularly cancer

Bombax ceiba calyces regulate carbohydrate and lipid digesting enzyme’s actions, display insulin sensitizing and antioxidant activities in vitro: A nutritional and phytochemicals examination

323-331Calyces of Bombax ceiba (Śālmali, शाल्मली) are used as vegetable by traditional Indian folks. However, scientific investigations for this vegetable are not available in literature. This research presents nutritional and phytochemicals composition in raw calyxes’ powder and antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, insulin-sensitizing and, antioxidant properties in aqueous methanolic extract of calyx applying various in vitro methods. Calyx powder displayed rich source of macro- and micronutrients with energy value 322 Kcal. /100 g. Aqueous methanol extract of calyces exhibited potent antihyperglycemic activities by inhibiting pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase enzymes, antihyperlipidemic by inhibiting pancreatic lipase and insulin sensitizing property by inhibiting PTP1β. It was found to be potent scavenger of chemical and physiological free radicals and, presented antioxidant activities by preventing H2O2 induced erythrocytes membrane lipid peroxidation and hemolysis. It also prevented H2O2 induced genomic DNA damage. The calyx powder presented 979 μg/100 g total antioxidant value. This report presents original analysis of nutritional and phytochemical composition along with biological activities in B. ceiba calyx

Microbes Producing L-Asparaginase free of Glutaminase and Urease isolated from Extreme Locations of Antarctic Soil and Moss

L-Asparaginase (L-asparagine aminohydrolase, E.C. 3.5.1.1) has been proven to be competent in treating Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), which is widely observed in paediatric and adult groups. Currently, clinical L-Asparaginase formulations are derived from bacterial sources such as Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi. These formulations when administered to ALL patients lead to several immunological and hypersensitive reactions. Hence, additional purification steps are required to remove toxicity induced by the amalgamation of other enzymes like glutaminase and urease. Production of L-Asparaginase that is free of glutaminase and urease is a major area of research. In this paper, we report the screening and isolation of fungal species collected from the soil and mosses in the Schirmacher Hills, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, that produce L-Asparaginase free of glutaminase and urease. A total of 55 isolates were obtained from 33 environmental samples that were tested by conventional plate techniques using Phenol red and Bromothymol blue as indicators. Among the isolated fungi, 30 isolates showed L-Asparaginase free of glutaminase and urease. The L-Asparaginase producing strain Trichosporon asahii IBBLA1, which showed the highest zone index, was then optimized with a Taguchi design. Optimum enzyme activity of 20.57 U mL−1 was obtained at a temperature of 30 °C and pH of 7.0 after 60 hours. Our work suggests that isolation of fungi from extreme environments such as Antarctica may lead to an important advancement in therapeutic applications with fewer side effects

Early transcriptome profile of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with peste des petits ruminant's vaccine virus (Sungri/96) revealed induction of antiviral response in an interferon independent manner

Sungri/96 vaccine strain is considered the most potent vaccine providing long-term immunity against peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in India. Previous studies in our laboratory highlighted induction of robust antiviral response in an interferon independent manner at 48 h and 120 h post infection (p.i.). However, immune response at the earliest time point 6 h p.i. (time taken to complete one PPRV life cycle), in PBMCs infected with Sungri/96 vaccine virus has not been investigated. This study was taken up to understand the global gene expression profiling of goat PBMCs after Sungri/96 PPRV vaccine strain infection at 6 h post infection (p.i.). A total of 1926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with 616 - upregulated and 1310 - downregulated. TLR7/TLR3, IRF7/IRF1, ISG20, IFIT1/IFIT2, IFITM3, IL27 and TREX1 were identified as key immune sensors and antiviral candidate genes. Interestingly, type I interferons (IFNα/β) were not differentially expressed at this time point as well. TREX1, an exonuclease which inhibits type I interferons at the early stage of virus infection was found to be highly upregulated. IL27, an important antiviral host immune factor was significantly upregulated. ISG20, an antiviral interferon induced gene with exonuclease activity specific to ssRNA viruses was highly expressed. Functional profiling of DEGs showed significant enrichment of immune system processes with 233 genes indicating initiation of immune defense response in host cells. Protein interaction network showed important innate immune molecules in the immune network with high connectivity. The study highlights important immune and antiviral genes at the earliest time point

Ebola virus - Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Control: Threat to Humans, Lessons Learnt, and Preparedness Plans - an Update on Its 40 Year\u27s Journey

Ebola virus (EBOV) is an extremely contagious pathogen and causes lethal hemorrhagic fever disease in man and animals. The recently occurred Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks in the West African countries have categorized it as an international health concern. For the virus maintenance and transmission, the non-human primates and reservoir hosts like fruit bats have played a vital role. For curbing the disease timely, we need effective therapeutics/prophylactics, however, in the absence of any approved vaccine, timely diagnosis and monitoring of EBOV remains of utmost importance. The technologically advanced vaccines like a viral-vectored vaccine, DNA vaccine and virus-like particles are underway for testing against EBOV. In the absence of any effective control measure, the adaptation of high standards of biosecurity measures, strict sanitary and hygienic practices, strengthening of surveillance and monitoring systems, imposing appropriate quarantine checks and vigilance on trade, transport, and movement of visitors from EVD endemic countries remains the answer of choice for tackling the EBOV spread. Herein, we converse with the current scenario of EBOV giving due emphasis on animal and veterinary perspectives along with advances in diagnosis and control strategies to be adopted, lessons learned from the recent outbreaks and the global preparedness plans. To retrieve the evolutionary information, we have analyzed a total of 56 genome sequences of various EBOV species submitted between 1976 and 2016 in public databases

Raphanus sativus (Linn.) fresh juice priming moderates sucrose-induced postprandial glycemia as well as postprandial glycemic excursion in rats

339-345Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages increase individual’s susceptibility towards weight gain, development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders and number of chronic illnesses. Extended postprandial hyperglycemic rise and larger postprandial glycemic spikes following sugar ingestion in diabetic as well as non-diabetic individuals relate with the onset of cardiovascular complications and development of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress induced due to prolonged postprandial hyperglycemia further aggravates development of diabetic complications. Influence of Raphanus sativus leaf and root juice on sucrose induced postprandial glycemic rise and postprandial glycemic spikes in rats was evaluated in this research. It was observed that priming rats with R. sativus leaf and root juice assuaged sucrose induced postprandial glycemic rise and postprandial glycemic excursions. The juice of R. sativus leaf was found superior than root juice in achieving these results. Similarly, the juice of leaves was more potent (pR. sativus leaf and root was rich source of polyphenol, flavonoid and displayed potent free radical scavenging activity. Additionally, juices also mitigated formation of advance glycation end-products and glycation of hemoglobin under hyperglycemic environment