Corporate Sector Participation: Much Needed Elixir of Life to Indian Higher Education System

Higher education sector is one of the major drivers in uplifting the Indian economy, but with striking challenges. Traditional ways of imparting education, poor governance and lack of finance are all responsible for the dismal scene showcasing low GER, absence of India from the list of countries having world’s best institutions and sufferings of Indian students searching for quality education abroad. The three needs -Competitive, Protective and Protractile- calls for professional governance of educational institutions and investment there in by corporate sector. New Companies Bill 2012 also proposes compulsory contribution by corporate sector for CSR activities. If companies contribute to the area of education by Five-way corporate participation model suggested in this paper, higher education of India can be elevated

Patterns of injuries in homicidal cases

Death, an inevitable part of life, prompts an exploration into the manner and method by which it occurs. This study aims to analyze the patterns of injuries in homicidal cases brought for postmortem examination. In 2019, a total of 28,918 murder cases were registered in India, showing a slight decrease of 0.3% in comparison to 2018 (29,017 cases). The study aims to understand the different injury patterns in homicide. At the Department of Forensic Medicine, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, India, a total of 62 males and 12 females, along with one unknown gender person, where submitted to postmortem examination. The majority of cases belonged to urban, with leading causes of death being shock and hemorrhage followed by craniocerebral damage. This study concludes that sharp edges and deep cuts were the primary injury patterns in homicide cases. Morte, uma inevitável parte da vida, incita uma exploração a respeito da maneira e do método de sua ocorrência. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar os padrões de lesões em casos de homicídios verificados em exames post-mortem. Em 2019, registrou-se um total de 28.918 casos de assassinato na India, mostrando um leve decréscimo de 0,3% em comparação com 2018 (29.017 casos). Este estudo objetiva entender os diferentes padrões de lesão em homicídios. No Departamento de Medicina Forense da Gandhi Medical College, em Bhopal, India, um total de 62 homens, 12 mulheres e uma pessoa de gênero não identificado, foram submetidas à análise post mortem. A maioria dos casos pertencia a áreas urbanas, com principal causa de morte sendo choque e hemorragia seguida de dano crânio cerebral. Este estudo conclui que arestas afiadas e cortes profundos foram os principais padrões de lesões em casos de homicídio. 

DESCRIBING THE EFFECTS OF PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA ON MACULA USING SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN CENTRAL INDIA

Introduction: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a silent predator of sight, killing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and leads to characteristic optic nerve head (ONH) changes and visual field (VF) defects. The conventional methods of diagnosis include clinical examination and perimetry. However, by these at the time of diagnosis, a substantial loss of RGCs has already occurred. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) allows quantitative measurements of various parameters of the retina. This tool may be utilized for selective measurement of macular parameters to make an early diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: In 6 months of study, a total of 81 eyes of 51 subjects underwent SD-OCT measurements, that is, 49 eyes of 35 POAG subjects and 32 eyes of 16 age-matched healthy subjects, to record all measurable macular parameters, namely, macular thickness (MT)-central, average, in all sectors of the inner and outer circle of early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) macular map; macular volume, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness-in all sectors; succeeded by statistical calculations using the unpaired t-test to calculate two-tailed p-value which is significant when its value is <0.05. Results: As an observation the average MT, MT in the inferior and temporal sector of the inner circle of the ETDRS macular map, that in the inferior sector of the outer circle, minimum GC-IPL thickness, and GC-IPL thickness in all sectors were all significantly reduced in POAG eyes than healthy eyes. Whereas central MT, average GC-IPL thickness, macular volume, and MT in few sectors of the inner and outer circle of the ETDRS macular map proved to bear an insignificant change of POAG. Conclusion: In this study, the greatest impact of POAG on macula was discovered in the GC-IPL layer and MT in the inferior sector of inner and outer ring which might serve the purpose of diagnosis of POAG apart from the established parameters of RNFL and ONH

Role of semen analysis in the diagnosis of infertility at a tertiary care centre in Western India: a prospective study

Background: The prevalence of infertility in the general population is 15%-20%. Of this, the male factor is responsible for 20%-40%. In Indian couples seeking treatment, the male factor is the cause in approximately 23%. Semen analysis is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the male partners of infertile couples. Careful evaluation of the ejaculate parameters may suggest the possible causes of infertility and their identification could help to institute appropriate therapy, if available.Methods: Semen samples were analyzed by manual method. An analysis for volume, viscosity, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, according to WHO guidelines on semen analysis was done.Results: This study, done at a tertiary care center at Western India, at M.G.M hospital has demonstrated that abnormal semen quality is a major factor contributing to infertility in couples.28% males had volume <2 ml, 70% had sperm count <20 million/ml and 72% had sperms with abnormal morphology.Conclusions: Semen analysis remains a significant contribution in the overall diagnosis of infertility in our environment and semen analysis is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the male partners of infertile couples. Males contribute towards infertility in couples significantly and further study and assessment is required to accurately predict the importance of this

Porous PEDOT:PSS Particles and their Application as Tunable Cell Culture Substrate

Due to its biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and tissue-like elasticity, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) constitutes a highly promising material regarding the fabrication of smart cell culture substrates. However, until now, high-throughput synthesis of pure PEDOT:PSS geometries was restricted to flat sheets and fibers. In this publication, the first microfluidic process for the synthesis of spherical, highly porous, pure PEDOT:PSS particles of adjustable material properties is presented. The particles are synthesized by the generation of PEDOT:PSS emulsion droplets within a 1-octanol continuous phase and their subsequent coagulation and partial crystallization in an isopropanol (IPA)/sulfuric acid (SA) bath. The process allows to tailor central particle characteristics such as crystallinity, particle diameter, pore size as well as electrochemical and mechanical properties by simply adjusting the IPA:SA ratio during droplet coagulation. To demonstrate the applicability of PEDOT:PSS particles as potential cell culture substrate, cultivations of L929 mouse fibroblast cells and MRC-5 human fibroblast cells are conducted. Both cell lines present exponential growth on PEDOT:PSS particles and reach confluency with cell viabilities above 95 vol.% on culture day 9. Single cell analysis could moreover reveal that mechanotransduction and cell infiltration can be controlled by the adjustment of particle crystallinity

Reconstruction of Ultra-thin Alveolar-capillary Basement Membrane Mimics

Alveolar-capillary basement membrane (BM) is ultra-thin (<2 µm) extracellular matrix that maintains integral epithelial-endothelial cell layers. In vitro reconstructions of alveolar-capillary barrier supported on synthetic scaffolds closely resembling the fibrous and ultra-thin natural BM are essential in mimicking the lung pathophysiology. Although BM topology and dimensions are well known to significantly influence cellular behavior, conventionally used BM mimics fail to recreate this natural niche. To overcome this, electrospun ultra-thin 2 µm poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibrous mesh is used to establish an alveolar-capillary barrier model of lung endothelial/epithelial cells. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability studies reveal integral tight junctions and improved mass transport through the highly porous PCL meshes compared to conventional dense membranes with etched pores. The chemotaxis of neutrophils is shown across the barrier in presence of inflammatory response that is naturally impeded in confined regions. Conventional requirement of 3 µm or larger pore size can lead to barrier disruption due to epithelial/endothelial cell invasion. Despite high porosity, the interconnected BM mimic prevents barrier disruption and allows neutrophil transmigration, thereby demonstrating the physiological relevance of the thin nanofibrous meshes. It is envisioned that these bipolar cultured barriers would contribute to an organ-level in vitro model for pathological disease, environmental pollutants, and nanotoxicology. © 2021 The Authors. Advanced Biology published by Wiley-VCH Gmb

Unmasking the elusive: an early gestational age placenta accreta case series to illuminate the path towards avoiding missed diagnosis

Placenta accreta is a condition characterized by the abnormal invasion of the placenta into the uterine wall, leading to torrential hemorrhage. This case series, highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and early detection of this life-threatening complication. The incidence of this iatrogenic complication is rising due to increased caesarean deliveries. While in advance stages of pregnancy the chances of missing accreta are less but in early pregnancy the diagnosis may be elusive. Timely detection by using imaging modalities like ultrasound both 2D and colour Doppler, provide valuable clues. Misdiagnosis may be fatal, especially in the first trimester. The present case series presents 3 cases where initial diagnosis of missed abortion followed by repeated curettage and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) was made respectively. The agony of suffering leads the patient to our tertiary care center where the diagnosis of accreta was made. Accurate diagnosis and early detection of placenta accreta are vital to optimize patient outcome. Detecting the nicheand an anteriorly situated low lying placenta with history of previous birth by caesarian section should raise suspicion, and vigilance on the part of treating obstetrician is must

Treatment with clobetasol propionate 0.025% topical therapy in various dermatoses

Owing to their anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties. Topical corticosteroids (TCs) provide benefits in various dermatological conditions, including atopic eczema, psoriasis, chronic hand eczema, and localized vitiligo. Clobetasol propionate (CP) is the most common topical agent possessing anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, antipruritic, and immunosuppressive properties that are employed in the management of plaque psoriasis. CP 0.025% cream was approved by the United States food and drug administration for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adult patients. The formulation is free from known contact allergens, such as propylene glycol, short-chain alcohols, and sorbitol-based emulsifiers, and has demonstrated hypoallergenic effects. High penetration of active ingredients and a lower degree of systemic absorption make CP 0.025% an effective and safe agent. This case series discusses the clinical experience of using CP 0.025% cream in various dermatologic conditions, focusing on its efficacy and safety

Quantitative tissue proteome profile reveals neutrophil degranulation and remodeling of extracellular matrix proteins in early stage gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract with a poor prognosis. It is important to understand the molecular processes associated with the pathogenesis of early stage GBC and identify proteins useful for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Here, we have carried out an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of tumor tissues from early stage GBC cases (stage I, n=7 and stage II, n=5) and non-tumor controls (n=6) from gallstone disease (GSD). We identified 357 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) based on ≥ 2 unique peptides and ≥ 2 fold change with p value &lt; 0.05. Pathway analysis using the STRING database showed, ‘neutrophil degranulation’ to be the major upregulated pathway that includes proteins such as MPO, PRTN3, S100A8, MMP9, DEFA1, AZU, and ‘ECM organization’ to be the major downregulated pathway that includes proteins such as COL14A1, COL1A2, COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3, BGN, DCN. Western blot and/or IHC analysis confirmed the elevated expression of MPO, PRTN3 and S100A8 in early stage of the disease. Based on the above results, we hypothesize that there is an increased neutrophil infiltration in tumor tissue and neutrophil degranulation leading to degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins promoting cancer cell invasion in the early stage GBC. Some of the proteins (MPO, MMP9, DEFA1) associated with ‘neutrophil degranulation’ showed the presence of ‘signal sequence’ suggesting their potential as circulatory markers for early detection of GBC. Overall, the study presents a protein dataset associated with early stage GBC