Expression and Characterization of Chandipura Virus Proteins

Chandipura virus (CHPV) has recently emerged as an extremely lethal human pathogen in the family Rhabdoviridae and is linked to significant encephalitis outbreaks in different parts of India. The biology of CHPV remains less studied to date and the availability of reagents such as purified proteins can enhance research in this direction. In this study, we have overexpressed four of the CHPV proteins namely Nucleoprotein (N), Phosphoprotein (P), Matrix protein (M) and Glycoprotein (G) using three  distinct tags in bacterial system and with changes in inducer concentration, growth and solubilisation conditions successfully purified M and G proteins for the first time along with N and P. Furthermore, the interactions of CHPV M protein with other viral proteins (G, N and P) was investigated using ELISA and GST pull down assays to show the utility of olubilised proteins. The results of both the assays demonstrated that M protein interacts with both G and N proteins, while it does not interact with P protein, in a similar  manner as reported for Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

Phytochemical Analysis And Evaluation Of Antioxidant Activity In Fagopyrum Esculentum

Herbal nutraceutical products have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the dermatology and cosmetics fields, because of their potential to prevent skin photodamage and their photoprotective qualities against UV radiation. Standardized herbal extracts are necessary for modern phytopharmaceutics and phytocosmetics, and buckwheat herb, which is high in flavonoids, has shown promise as an antioxidant source. The objective of the research is to ascertain the existence of various nutraceutical components in buckwheat, such as proteins, carbohydrates, sterols, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study assesses possible interactions between these components, food, and prescribed medications as the body of research on their health benefits grows. Through a variety of phytochemical tests, the results show the high antioxidant and nutraceutical qualities of Fagopyrum esculentum, with methanolic extracts showing greater activity than water extracts. Notably, the study highlights the high antioxidant activity, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds of F. esculentum as potential major food supplement. This study offers a biochemical justification for its application in ethnopharmacology and as a nutraceutical to improve health and prevent a variety of ailment

Oil Pulling: A Review

Oil pulling is extensively used traditional Indian folk remedy to prevent decay, bleeding gums, oral malodor, dryness of throat, cracked lips and for strengthening teeth, gums, and jaws. In this procedure, the practitioners rinse their mouth with approximately one tablespoon of an ordinary cooking oil for 3-20 min, then spits it. This practice is usually performed on a daily basis. This technique is believed to cure more than thirty systemic diseases when practiced regularly and as directed. As a result of  side effects to modern medicines and oral hygiene products, people are increasingly attracted towards such traditional practices. The present article attempts to review and discuss this ancient practice and its effects on one’s oral and general health

User Adoption of Cashless Services in Indian Context – A Preliminary Analysis

The recent measures adopted by the Government of India for the financial reforms in the country has led to an urgent need of different modes for cashless services. India is a country of diverse culture inhabited by people having a wide range of demographic factors. It is, thus, essential to identify the significant factors that affect the individual’s intention to adopt the cashless services. The main objective of this research is to analyse the users’ behaviour towards several constructs that have been identified as the potential enablers of the high rate of adoption of cashless services in India. The study builds upon the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model and adds several new factors that are significant in the Indian context. Results obtained through descriptive statistics suggest that the identified constructs are perceived significant by the users in shaping their intentions towards the use of cashless services

Non-potable water reuse and the public health risks from protozoa and helminths: a case study from a city with a semi-arid climate

The study estimated the risk due to Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Ascaris, associated with non-potable water reuse in the city of Jaipur, India. The study first determined the exposure dose of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Ascaris based on various wastewater treatment technologies for various scenarios of reuse for six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the city. The exposure scenarios considered were (1) garden irrigation; (2) working and lounging in the garden; and (3) consumption of crops irrigated with recycled water. The estimated annual risk of infection varied between 8.57 × 10−7 and 1.0 for protozoa and helminths, respectively. The order of treatment processes, in decreasing order of annual risk of infection, was found to be: moving-bed bioreactor (MBBR) technology > activated sludge process (ASP) technology > sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technology. The estimated annual risk was found to be in this order: Ascaris > Giardia > Cryptosporidium. The study also estimated the maximum allowable concentration (Cmax) of pathogen in the effluent for a benchmark value of annual infection of risk equal to 1:10,000, the acceptable level of risk used for drinking water. The estimated Cmax values were found to be 6.54 × 10−5, 1.37 × 10−5, and 2.89 × 10−6 (oo) cysts/mL for Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Ascaris, respectively. HIGHLIGHTS Use of the Sketcher tool for modelling concentrations of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Ascaris in treated wastewater.; Estimation of annual risk of infection due to Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Ascaris during reuse of treated wastewater.; Estimation of concentrations of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Ascaris corresponding to annual risk of infection value (i.e., 1:10,000).

Cognitive Dysfunction among U.S. High School Students and Its Association with Time Spent on Digital Devices: A Population-Based Study

Introduction: Cognitive dysfunction is a hallmark feature of many psychiatric disorders. We aimed to study the prevalence and predictors of cognitive dysfunction (CD) among U.S. high school students and its association with time spent on digital devices. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey study using YRBSS 2019 data of U.S. high school students in grades 9–12. Cognitive dysfunction was defined by difficulties with remembering, concentrating, and making decisions due to emotional, physical, or mental problems. Digital screen time was described by daily time spent on TV, computers, tablets, and phone. We performed univariate and multivariable survey logistic regression analysis to identify the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction and its association with time spent on digital devices. Results: Out of 10,317 total participants, 3914 (37.9%) reported CD. The prevalence of CD was higher in females compared to males (46.0% vs. 29.9%). Compared to participants with no CD, participants with CD reported substance abuse, such as alcohol (35.8% vs. 26.6%), marijuana (28.3% vs. 17.6%), cigarette (8.1% vs. 4.7%), and illicit drugs (18.9% vs. 9.0%) and they reported a higher prevalence (p p = 0.03) and ≥5 h (aOR:1.70; p < 0.0001) demonstrated higher odds of CD, compared to participants with no daily use. Female sex, substance use, and depressed mood were additional predictors of CD. Conclusion: The prevalence of CD is high in U.S. high-school students. Female sex, substance abuse, depressed mood, and excessive VG/PC use is associated with high odds of cognitive dysfunction. Further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between screen time and cognitive dysfunction