Indian Cinema: Making Departure from the Stereotypical Presentation of Women in Nuptial

In the late 20th and 21st century various movements took place which challenged the stereotypical notions of gender in society. #MeToo movement gave a momentum to the society where people started talking about any kind of violence, sexual assault and harassment against women. Many government policies and laws were framed and implemented to provide equal opportunities to women in every field. Vishakha Guidelines and Internal Complains Committee are made mandatory at work place and education institutions to assure a safe and healthy environment for females. Now the issues brushed under the carpet for long have been brought into light. Issues which were considered taboo even to talk about are now discussed on public forums and academia, penned down in literature and projected in media and cinema. Women and their concerns and point of views found space in popular cinema and were acclaimed too by the critics as well as spectators. Bollywood has made deviations from the stereotypical portrayal of women and broke the silence on issues like sexual consent and female sexuality. It also showed the role of woman in marriage and how it’s changing with woman becoming economically independent and realizing her real worth. The present paper will deliberate on the institution of marriage and the role of woman in it in the Indian society especially in the context of Indian cinema. It will discuss recent Indian cinema which came with stories in which decision-making power has been exercised by women in a nuptial and consent of a girl in a marriage has been considered. Gender roles in a marriage will also be analysed which has been shown deviating from the stereotypical notion especially in the movies Ki & Ka and Tumahari Sulu. It will include the movies which have at the centre the idea that the courage of a woman can put a full stop to the deep-rooted patriarchy of centuries in our society. The paper will include only popular cinema made in Hindi language film industry known as Bollywood in the last decade like Dil Dhadkane Do, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Secret Superstar, Parched and Tumhari Sulu

Peptide and monoclonal antibody mediated targeting of nanoconjugates in cancer chemotherapy

Cancer is one of the most common causes of the death. Currently used anticancer drugs have shown to be effective against various cancers. However, these anticancer drugs can not differentiate between tumor cells and normal cells. These agents kill both types of cells resulting in severe side effects. Poor physico-chemical properties of anticancer drugs and development of chemo-resistance in cancer cells aggravate the problems. Over the past decade, nanotechnology-based formulations have been explored to overcome the limitations of anticancer drugs. These nanomedicines have shown promises to deliver drugs effectively to the cancer cells. In this research work, efforts have been made to improve the specificity of the drug loaded nanocarriers towards tumor cells. Cancer cells over express some receptors than normal cells. Therefore, nanocarriers attached with a ligand, having high affinity to particular receptor, could be targeted to cancer cells. In this context, two peptides (bombesin and cyclic RGDfK) and a monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, were used as targeting ligand. Polymeric nanoparticles were used as drug carriers. Polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), dendrimers and poly(glutamic acid) (PGA) were used for the preparation of nanoparticles. The selection of the polymers depended on the physicochemical properties of drug, desired particle size range, target tissue and the functional group available on the surface for conjugation with targeting ligand. Bombesin conjugated PLGA nanoparticles showed the potential to improve the delivery of a hydrophobic anticancer drug, docetaxel, in gastrin releasing peptide receptors over expressing breast and prostate cancer cells. Trastuzumab conjugated dendrimers demonstrated high specificity towards human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors over expressing breast cancer cells. cRGDfK conjugated TPGS nanomicelles showed significant cytotoxicity and anti-angiogenic activity of encapsulated docetaxel to integrin receptors over expressing prostate cancer cells. As integrin receptors have also been over expressed in other cancers such as ovarian, brain, lung and breast cancers, cRGDfK conjugated nanoparticles were investigated for the targeting of drugs to ovarian and brain cancers. cRGDfK conjugated PLGA nanoparticles were investigated for the delivery of hydrophilic gemcitabine hydrochloride to ovarian cancer. In a separate study, cRGDfK was conjugated to PGA nanoparticles for selective targeting of hydrophobic camptothecin to integrin over expressing brain tumor cells. In summary, this thesis presents a research done with regards to preparation of anticancer drugs loaded different nanoparticles, bioconjugation of targeting ligand on the surface of nanoparticles and evaluation of anticancer activities of these ligand mediated targeted drug delivery systems in cancer cells. The study revealed that the nanoparticle-based targeted formulations better control over the growth of cancer than plain drugs

Pathways to suicide among police in Rajasthan: perceptions and experiences of police personnel

Background: Evidence regarding the experience and perceptions of police personnel with suicide in South Asia is limited. This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of suicide among police personnel in an Indian state. The focus was on explanations of and reasons for suicide. Methods: We conducted 20 qualitative interviews in 2021 with police of different ranks, guided by a topic guide. The reflexive thematic analysis approach was supported by the use of NVivo 12, a qualitative software package. Results: We explore three intersecting key themes around suicide in the police force, including: (1) the stressful police environment; (2) expectations of mental strength; and (3) police image and help-seeking. We discuss the tensions between these themes and how to address the challenges of supporting police personnel. Conclusions: To support and improve police personnel’s mental well-being training and support are needed but also broader changes at the organisational level. These need to take social and historical factors into account. An increased level of suicide and mental health literacy will not only benefit the police force but also the general public, and it would be very timely with recent changes in the Indian mental health and suicide policy context

Histopathological study of thyroid lesions and correlation with ultrasonography and thyroid profile in western zone of Rajasthan, India

Background: To evaluate the different patterns of thyroid lesions in surgically resected specimens and biopsies received at department of pathology and correlate the various histo-morphological features with respect to clinical findings, USG and thyroid profile findings.Methods: Total 100 cases of partial or complete thyroidectomy were studied. A detailed clinical examination with USG examination and assessment of thyroid function test were carried out preoperatively.Results: The highest incidences (51%) of thyroid enlargements were found in age group of 21-40 years with females predominated (77%), ratio being 3.34:1. Out of total 100 cases, 28 were neoplastic and 72 were non-neoplastic. Thyroid function test was carried out of all 100 cases and out of them 81 were euthyroid. Most common clinical symptom in the patients of thyroid lesions was swelling in the neck which was present in all cases. Multinodular goiter was the most common radiological finding seen in 55% cases. Out of 55 cases of MNG one case turned out to be malignant after histopathological examination. USG diagnosed 10 cases were malignant, out of them 1 case turned out to be benign after histopathological examination.Conclusions: Taking into consideration histopathology report as a gold standard, correlation of USG finding with histopathology finding showed 90% sensitivity, 98.8% specificity with 90% positive predictive value

Population Dynamics and Time Kinetics Of Recovery In Asymptomatic Covid -19 Patients

Introduction: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has created great havoc across the whole world and now developing its deep roots in India also. From major metropolitan cities, the disease has reached rural areas of the country. In India most of the patients are asymptomatic and the mortality rate is very low. Objective: To do retrospective data analysis and to study time kinetics of recovery in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Methods: A total of 118 patients of COVID-19 admitted at R.D.B.P. Jaipuria hospital, Jaipur were recruited for this study. All were subjected to a detailed history, the clinical examination required hematological and biochemical investigations along with repeated RT-PCR test on nasopharyngeal swab samples at a regular interval according to guidelines of ICMR to detect COVID-19 antigen. All types of data and reports were computerized and analyzed. Results: In our study male sex was found to be much more affected (about 2.3 times) by coronavirus disease than that of the female sex. This male predominance was also found in the pediatric age group. Young adults and middle-aged adults constitute 79% of our study population of COVID-19 patients. It is also concluded that most patients (60%) in all age groups recovered in the first week. As age advances, recovery takes longer time than younger age groups. Recovery is not affected by sex. Asymptomatic patients who do not have any comorbidity have faster recovery from coronavirus disease than that of older patients with some comorbid condition.     Keywords: Coronavirus disease, RT-PCR, SARS CoV-

Analysis of intraoperative frozen section consultations and audit of accuracy: a two year experience in a tertiary care multispeciality hospital in India

Background: Diagnostic accuracy of intra-operative frozen section (FS) depends largely on quality of tissue sections backed by good clinical communication and experience of reporting pathologist. Periodic audit of this consultation in surgical pathology help in assessing the efficiency of procedure and addressing the pitfalls. In this study authors have analysed the spectrum, indications and assessed the accuracy of FS consultation in their institution.Methods: A retrospective study of 212 consequent tissue specimens submitted for FS over two years in study centre was conducted. The FS and corresponding formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue section with their final histopathological examination (HPE) reports were studied and analyzed. The results were classified in concordant, discordant and deferred categories. Accuracy rates and discordant frequencies were calculated and comparison with other similar studies was done. Reasons for inaccuracies were deduced.Results: A total of 212 tissue specimens for FS were reported over two years in this study institute, six of which showed discordant results. Most common site of FS in this study centre was from central nervous system (CNS) lesions (28.77%). Indications for intra-operative consultation were mainly for establishment of tumor diagnosis (66.51%) and status of margins (29.25%). The accuracy rate was found to be 97.17% with error rate of 2.83%. On analysis of discordant cases; the reason for inaccuracy was mainly due to interpretation error (83.33%).Conclusions: The audit of FS consultation established that accuracy rates of this study institution are comparable with most international quality control statistics for FS. The discordant cases were mostly false positive hence emphasising that a variable degree of reservation is required while interpreting and communicating the FS results. The closest possible diagnosis should be communicated on FS and definitive diagnosis should be deferred to HPE in case of doubt

Monoclonal antibody-conjugated dendritic nanostructures for siRNA delivery

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising tool for gene therapy-based disease treatments. However, delivery of siRNA to the target cells requires a specific and reliable carrier system. Herein we describe a targeted carrier system that can deliver siRNA to cancer cells overexpressing the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) receptor. Trastuzumab-conjugated poly(amido)amine dendrimers can be synthesized using the protocols described here

Peptide grafted and self-assembled poly(γ-glutamic acid)-phenylalanine nanoparticles targeting camptothecin to glioma

Aim: To synthesize cRGDfK peptide conjugated poly(γ-glutamic acid)-phenylalanine nanoparticles to improve the therapeutic efficacy of camptothecin (CPT) against glioblastoma multiforme. Methods: Peptide-conjugated, drug-loaded nanoparticles (cRGDfK-conjugated camptothecin-loaded PGA-PA nanoparticles [RCPN]) were prepared and physico-chemically characterized using different techniques. Nanoparticles were evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity, cellular uptake, induction of apoptosis and wound healing cell migration against U87MG human glioblastoma cells. Results: RCPN, with a particle size of \u3c 100 nm and 65% CPT encapsulation efficiency, exhibited a dose-and time-dependent cytotoxicity to glioblastoma cells. Compared with native CPT or unconjugated nanoparticles, RCPN induced apoptosis, increased reactive oxygen species generation and inhibited U87MG cell migration. Conclusion: cRGDfK-mediated and amphiphilic copolymer-based nanomedicines represent a new approach for improved delivery of anticancer drugs to and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

Position Statement of the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition of 25 May 2022 on the Commission's Proposal of 23 February 2022 for a Regulation on Harmonised Rules on Fair Access to and Use of Data (Data Act)

On 23 February 2022, the European Commission issued a Proposal for a Regulation on harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data (Data Act). The overarching objective of the Proposal is to ‘ensure fairness in the digital environment, stimulate a competitive data market, open opportunities for data-driven innovation and make data available for all’. The Institute hereby presents its Position Statement that features a comprehensive analysis of whether and to what extent the proposed rules might reach the envisaged objectives. It comments on all parts of the Proposal, including the new IoT data access and use right. Finally, the Institute offers a set of recommendations as to how the proposed provisions should be amended in the legislative process to align them better with the objectives of the Data Act