Molecular Cloning of Phytase Gene from Bacillus subtilis NCIM-2712

Phytases are enzymes which hydrolyze phytate. Bacillus species are known to produce a thermostable phytase. The Bacillus subtilis strain NCIM-2712 was chosen for cloning of phy gene. Primers were designed for phy gene amplification using the phy gene sequence of B. subtilis (AF298179). A sequence of 1059 bp characteristic of phy gene was obtained on PCR amplification. This gene was cloned into InsT/A cloning vector and the positive clones were confirmed by colony PCR with gene specific primers and restriction digestion. Phytase is a promising candidate for feed applications. The cloned gene obtained in this study will have potential for producing recombinant enzyme, which would enhance the feed quality for poultry and piggery by supplementing it in their diets

Correlation of lipid profile of infertile men with abnormal semen parameters

Background: Male’s inability to impregnate a fertile female is referred as male factor infertility. It accounts for 40-50% of infertile couples and affects almost 7% of all men. Male comorbidities and conditions, which negatively affect men’s health, have been repeatedly associated with impaired reproductive functioning. Cholesterol is the main substrate for steroid synthesis and it plays crucial role in formation of sperm plasma membrane and thus in spermatogenesis, highlighting the role of serum lipids in male fecundity. Purpose of the study is to evaluate correlation lipid profile of male partners with abnormal semen parameters in infertile couples. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the infertility clinic of a tertiary care hospital for over 18 months and 151 infertile men with abnormal semen parameters (as per WHO 2010 criteria) were enrolled. Evaluation of lipid profile was done and its relationship with abnormal semen parameters was analyzed. Results: Significant positive correlation was seen between LDL and Triglyceride with sperm concentration and total sperm count. However, significant negative correlation was seen between Triglyceride and sperm motility and TMSC. Total and progressive motility was found to be significantly associated with total cholesterol (p<0.05). Infertile men having higher total cholesterol were found to have better total and progressive motility compared to men with less total cholesterol. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that lipid profile has significant correlation with semen parameters, specifically sperm concentration, count and motility

Brucellosis: An underdiagnosed infection in children

Brucellosis, which is believed and categorized as an animal disease, can, surprisingly, be found in humans also. We report a 5-year boy presenting to us with prolonged (5 months) unexplained fever, non-tender discrete lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly and finally proved to be a case of brucellosis, which was treated appropriately. Brucellosis should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses causing prolonged fever in children

Effects of the WHO Labour Care Guide on cesarean section in India: a pragmatic, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pilot trial

Cesarean section rates worldwide are rising, driven by medically unnecessary cesarean use. The new World Health Organization Labour Care Guide (LCG) aims to improve the quality of care for women during labor and childbirth. Using the LCG might reduce overuse of cesarean; however, its effects have not been evaluated in randomized trials. We conducted a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pilot trial in four hospitals in India to evaluate the implementation of an LCG strategy intervention, compared with routine care. We performed this trial to pilot the intervention and obtain preliminary effectiveness data, informing future research. Eligible clusters were four hospitals with >4,000 births annually and cesarean rates ≥30%. Eligible women were those giving birth at ≥20 weeks' gestation. One hospital transitioned to intervention every 2 months, according to a random sequence. The primary outcome was the cesarean rate among women in Robson Group 1 (that is, those who were nulliparous and gave birth to a singleton, term pregnancy in cephalic presentation and in spontaneous labor). A total of 26,331 participants gave birth. A 5.5% crude absolute reduction in the primary outcome was observed (45.2% versus 39.7%; relative risk 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.54-1.33). Maternal process-of-care outcomes were not significantly different, though labor augmentation with oxytocin was 18.0% lower with the LCG strategy. No differences were observed for other health outcomes or women's birth experiences. These findings can guide future definitive effectiveness trials, particularly in settings where urgent reversal of rising cesarean section rates is needed. Clinical Trials Registry India number: CTRI/2021/01/03069

Comparative evaluation of the differential staining ability of carbol fuchsin, methylene blue, and turmeric GC-MI paste between enamel and adhesive composite remnant after orthodontic debonding using a spectrophotometer

Background: After debonding, the primary concern of the clinician is to ensure the complete removal of the orthodontic adhesive composite remnant and restore the tooth surface to as near its original state as possible. However, the color resemblance of composite adhesive and enamel can increase the risk of tooth damage during debonding. To delineate composite from enamel, using various hydrophobic stains can be helpful in clean debonding. Objective: The aim of the present research was to assess and compare the differential staining ability of three stains, i.e., carbol fuchsin, methylene blue, and turmeric GC-MI paste, using a spectrophotometer. Methodology: A total of 48 premolar samples were distributed among three groups, namely, Group A, Group B, and Group C. Each group of 16 samples was stained with carbol fuchsin, methylene blue, and turmeric GC-MI paste, respectively. The color value of enamel and composite was measured before and after staining by digital spectrophotometer using CIE L* a* b* scoring method. Results: The mean difference color value of composite and enamel before and after staining was found to be 38.473 ∆ E, 17.211 ∆ E, and 18.715 ∆ E and 1.647 ∆ E, 1.297 ∆ E, and 1.293 ∆ E in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The mean color value of composite and enamel was compared before and after staining using a t-test for all three groups and was found to be statistically highly significant. Conclusion: Carbol fuchsin, methylene blue, and turmeric GC-MI paste have the potential to be used as composite disclosing agents. Turmeric GC-MI paste appears to be a better agent as it stains composite effectively without significant staining on enamel

Psychosocial correlates of human immunodeficiency virus infected patients

Background: Reactions of people to a diagnosis of HIV and its effect on well-being vary greatly. There is paucity of Indian studies in this area. Aim: To assess the level of anxiety, depression and quality of life in HIV seropositive individuals. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 50 seropositive individuals. They were assessed using a specially prepared proforma containing several questions pertaining to their demographic profile, details of HIV status and high-risk behavior, questions on family support and discrimination. In addition, all subjects were evaluated with WHO well-being index, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Hospital Anxiety, and Depression Scale. Results: Anxiety was noted in 54% of the individuals whereas only 30% suffered from depression. GHQ showed psychological morbidity in 44% individuals. WHO well-being index noted poor psychological well-being in 46% of individuals. Conclusion: The high level of anxiety and depression in HIV seropositive subjects reiterates the importance of psychological counseling in HIV afflicted individuals in conjunction with suitable pharmacotherapy

BIRTH ORDER AMONG NORTHERN INDIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background: Birth order is claimed to be linked with academic achievement. However, many scientists do not accept it. Objective: To assess the association of birth order in North Indian medical students with number of attempts to cross the competition bar. Study design: Cross sectional study. Setting and participation: M.B.B.S. 1st year students of L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut. Statistical analysis used: Chi Square test. Methods: Enquiry of Birth order and number of attempts to crack the medical entrance examination from responded 360 medical students among 494 students admitted during 2005 – 2010. Results: The study revealed insignificant relationship between ages of entrance in medical college in both sexes. of 360 students responded 37% students were of first Birth order. Among those admitted in first attempt, 67% students were of first birth order and proportion of success in first attempt reduced with increasing birth order. Conclusion: Birth Order strongly influences academic achievements

Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program: Evolution, Achievements, and Challenges

India initiated National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP) in 1962. After reviewing NTCP and realizing its shortcomings, the Government of India evolved and adopted a revised strategy - the directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) - under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) with the goal of reducing TB burden and the twin objective of 70% case detection and 85% cure rates. RNTCP was launched in 1993, in a phased manner to be evolved through pilot phase (1993-1996), DOTS intensification phase (1997-2006), Stop TB strategy (2007-2011), and currently the Universal Access or National Strategic Plan (2012-2017). RNTCP has been progressing successfully toward its goal and achieving its objectives since 2007. This addresses the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and target to be achieved by 2015 and the Stop TB Partnership targets to be achieved by 2015 and by 2050. By 2011, the RNTCP has treated more than 14.2 million TB patients and saved 2.6 million additional lives using the DOTS strategy. The spread of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), emergence of multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and the unregulated and underutilized vast private sector using anti-TB regimes different from those under RNTCP pose additional challenges in the control of tuberculosis. For this review, information has been collected from official websites of World Health Organisation (WHO) Geneva, WHO South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) New Delhi, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Government of India and published literature, through search engines like Google, Google Scholar and Pub Med using MeSH Terms "DOTS" and "Tuberculosis Control.