Body composition analysis with bioelectric impedance in adult Indians with ESRD: Comparison with healthy population

Evaluation of body composition provides clinically useful information in several diseases including chronic kidney disease. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a simple, cheap, and noninvasive tool for monitoring body composition. We performed BIA in 451 healthy adults and 162 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) values were obtained at 50-kHz frequency using a tetrapolar impedance meter. Body compartments were derived using population-specific regression equations. Phase angles (arctan Xc/R) were calculated and impedance vector distribution was determined using the RXc graph method. Compared to healthy population, ESRD patients had similar post-dialysis resistance with lower reactance and phase angle, indicating decreased soft tissue mass and inadequate ultrafiltration. BIA equations estimated decreased fat mass index and intracellular water, whereas the total body and extracellular water percentages were increased. Sex-specific reference RXc plots with 95, 75, and 50% tolerance ellipses were drawn for the healthy population. A significant difference was noted in the vector positions and 95% confidence ellipses of the two sexes and body mass indices of ≤25 and >25. In conclusion, we present the reference BIA parameters for Indian population. ESRD patients show significant body compartment alterations. The RXc score graph can differentiate ESRD patient from normal controls and can be used to monitor nutrition and hydration status

Potential antagonistic fungal species from Ethiopia for biological control of chocolate spot disease of faba bean

Chocolate spot disease ( Botrytis fabae Sard) is one of most yield limiting constraints of faba bean ( Vicia faba ). There is promise in using biological control agents to control chocolate spot diseases, nevertheless, this strategy has not been fully exploited. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of different antagonistic fungi on phyloplane of faba bean in Ethiopia and to evaluate their antagonistic potential against the pathogen. A total of 110 isolates of Trichoderma species were obtained from faba bean leaves from 12 districts, which were grouped into 18 distinct groups differing in colony and other characters. Similarly, 26 distinct isolates belonging to species of Penicillium , Aspergillus , Fusarium and Phioalophora were identified from leaves of faba bean. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed strong antagonistic potential of many isolates. Thirteen isolates of Trichoderma produced 4 mm or more inhibition zone and reduced growth of pathogen colony, when grown in dual culture with it. Antagonistic isolates caused lysis of pathogen mycelium more than 6 mm on agar plates. The antagonists significantly reduced pathogen growth in a range of 24.5 to 0.8 mm. The efficacy of the Trichoderma isolates ranged from 47.6 to 98% and that of the other fungal isolates ranged from 13.1 to 34.5%. On detached leaves, isolates 6-1T, 18-3T and 87T of T. ovalisporum and 52-BT, 108-1T and 108-4T of T. longibrachiatum were found to reduce development of chocolate spot on four genotypes of faba bean. The outcome indicates that biocontrol agents, particularly of species Trichoderma are prevalent on faba bean leaves and can be further explored and developed into effective mycofungicides for management of chocolate spot disease of faba bean.La maladie de t\ue2che du chocolat ( Botrytis fabae Sard) est une des contraintes limitatives du rendement du haricot faba ( Vicia faba ). L\u2019utilisation des agents biologiques de contr\uf4le serait promettant, par ailleurs, cette strat\ue9gie n\u2019a jamais \ue9t\ue9 amplement exploit\ue9e. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9valuer la pr\ue9valence de diff\ue9rents champignons anatagonistiques sur la phylloplane du haricot faba en Ethiopie et d\u2019\ue9valuer leur potentiel antagonistique contre le pathog\ue8ne. Un total de 110 isolats d\u2019esp\ue8ces de Trichoderma \ue9tait obtenu des feuilles du haricot faba dans 12 districts, et group\ue9es en 18 groupes diff\ue9rents en colonie et autres caract\ue8res. Similairement, 26 diff\ue9rents isolats appartenant aux esp\ue8ces de Penicillium , Aspergillus , Fusarium et Phioalophora \ue9taient identifi\ue9es des feuilles de haricot faba. Des \ue9tudes in vitro et in vivo ont r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 un fort potentiel anatagonistique de beaucoup d\u2019isolats.Treize isolats de Trichoderma ont produit 4 mm ou plus de zones d\u2019inhiition et ont r\ue9duit la croissance de colonies pathog\ue9niques lorsque cultiv\ue9s ensemble. Sur plateaux agar, des isolats anatagonistiques ont caus\ue9 plus de 6 mm de lysis des mycelium pathog\ue9niques. Les anatagonistes ont significativement r\ue9duit de 24.5 \ue0 0.8 mm la croissance des pathog\ue8nes. L\u2019efficacit\ue9 des isoltas de Trichoderma variait entre 47.6 et 98% et celle d\u2019autres isolats fongiques variait entre 13.1 et 34.5%. Sur des feuilles d\ue9tach\ue9es, les isolats 6-1T, 18-3T et 87T de T. ovalisporum et 52-BT, 108-1T et 108-4T de T. longibrachiatum \ue9taient trouv\ue9es susceptibles de r\ue9duire le d\ue9veloppement de la t\ue2che du chocolat sur quatre g\ue9notypes du haricot faba. Le r\ue9sultat indique que des agents biocont\uf4les, particuli\ue8rement des esp\ue8ces Trichoderma sont pr\ue9valants sur des feuilles de haricot faba et peuvent \ueatre examin\ue9s et d\ue9velopp\ue9s en mycofungicides efficaces pour la gestion de la maladie de t\ue2che du chocolat du haricot faba

Association Between Cigarette and Bidi Purchase Behavior (Loose vs Pack) and Health Warning Label Exposure: Findings From the Tobacco Control Policy India Survey and In-Depth Interviews With People Who Smoke

BACKGROUND: The sale of loose cigarettes or bidis can undermine the purpose of requiring health warning labels (HWLs) on cigarette packs and bidi bundles by diminishing their visibility and legibility. OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study aims to examine the association between purchase behavior (loose vs pack or bundle), HWL exposure, and responses to HWLs among Indian adults who smoke. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the 2018-2019 India Tobacco Control Policy Survey and from 28 in-depth interviews conducted with Indian adults who smoked in 2022. The Tobacco Control Policy Survey sample included tobacco users who bought cigarettes (n=643) or bidis (n=730), either loose or in packs or bundles at their last purchase. Ordinal regression models were fit separately for cigarettes and bidis, whereby HWL variables (noticing HWLs, reading and looking closely at HWLs, forgoing a cigarette or bidi because of HWLs, thinking about health risks of smoking, and thinking about quitting smoking cigarettes or bidis because of HWLs) were regressed on last purchase (loose vs packs or bundles). In-depth interviews with participants from Delhi and Mumbai who purchased loose cigarettes in the last month were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. RESULTS: Survey findings indicated that about 74.3% (478/643) of cigarette users and 11.8% (86/730) of bidi users reported having bought loose sticks at their last purchase. Those who purchased loose cigarettes (vs packs) noticed HWLs less often (estimate -0.830, 95% CI -1.197 to -0.463, P<.001), whereas those who purchased loose bidis (vs bundles) read and looked closely at HWLs (estimate 0.646, 95% CI 0.013-1.279, P=.046), thought about the harms of bidi smoking (estimate 1.200, 95% CI 0.597-1.802, P<.001), and thought about quitting bidi smoking (estimate 0.871, 95% CI 0.282-1.461, P=.004) more often. Interview findings indicated lower exposure to HWLs among those who purchased loose cigarettes, primarily due to vendors distributing loose cigarettes without showing the original cigarette pack, storing them in separate containers, and consumers' preference for foreign-made cigarette brands, which often lack HWLs. While participants were generally aware of the contents of HWLs, many deliberately avoided them when purchasing loose cigarettes. In addition, they believed that loose cigarette purchases reduced the HWLs' potential to deliver consistent reminders about the harmful effects of cigarette smoking due to reduced exposure, an effect more common among those who purchased packs. Participants also noted that vendors, especially small ones, did not display statutory health warnings at their point of sale, further limiting exposure to warning messages. CONCLUSIONS: Survey and interview findings indicated that those who purchased loose cigarettes noticed HWLs less often. Loose purchases likely decrease the frequency of exposure to HWLs' reminders about the harmful effects of smoking, potentially reducing the effectiveness of HWLs

Acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis leading to acute renal failure following multiple hornet stings

BACKGROUND: Hornet stings are generally associated with local and occasionally anaphylactic reactions. Rarely systemic complications like acute renal failure can occur following multiple stings. Renal failure is usually due to development of acute tubular necrosis as a result of intravascular haemolysis, rhabdomyolysis or shock. Rarely it can be following development of acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a young male, who was stung on face, head, shoulders and upper limbs by multiple hornets (Vespa orientalis). He developed acute renal failure as a result of acute tubulo-interstitial nephritis and responded to steroids. CONCLUSION: Rare causes of acute renal failure like tubulo-interstitial nephritis should be considered in a patient with persistent oliguria and azotemia following multiple hornet stings. Renal biopsy should be undertaken early, as institution of steroid therapy may help in recovery of renal functio

Cecum perforation due to tuberculosis in a renal transplant recipient: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Tuberculosis can present in many varied clinical situations in immunosuppressed patients. It has been reported that the sigmoid colon is the most common site for colonic perforation in renal transplant recipients and diverticulitis is its most common cause. Cecal perforation because of tuberculosis is extremely rare in a renal transplant recipient. We present the case of a renal transplant patient with cecal perforation due to tuberculosis, 10 years after renal transplantation.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 39-year-old Caucasian man, who was a renal transplant recipient, was admitted to our emergency surgery unit with an acute abdomen. A cecal perforation was found at exploratory laparotomy, and a right hemicolectomy with an end ileostomy and transverse colonic mucous fistula were performed. Necrotizing granulomatous colitis due to tuberculosis was reported in the histopathologic examination.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Colonic perforations in immunosuppressed patients may have unusual presentations and unusual causes. Tuberculosis infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis during the histopathologic evaluation in immunocompromised patients such as renal transplant recipients.</p

“The ban is there, but it is not there”: perceptions of cigarette users and tobacco vendors regarding ban on the sale of loose cigarettes in India

Introduction Banning the sales of loose cigarettes is recommended by Article 16 of the World Health Organization – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This study aims to understand the perceptions of cigarette users and tobacco vendors regarding such a ban. Methods Using a systematic recruitment and interview protocol, we interviewed cigarette users (n = 28) and tobacco vendors (n = 28) from two Indian cities where sales of loose cigarettes were banned (Mumbai) or not banned (Delhi). Separate semi-structured interview guides were used for users and vendors. Interview questions focused on reasons for purchasing loose cigarettes, preference for buying and selling loose vs. packs, thoughts on the necessity of banning loose cigarettes, and the perceived impact of the policy ban for vendors and cigarette users. We performed thematic analysis and used NVivo for organizing transcript coding. Results The main reasons users cited for purchasing loose cigarettes were financial constraints, social restrictions (fear of getting caught), and limiting cigarette consumption. In Mumbai, awareness of the existing ban was poor among both users and vendors. Those who were aware did not think the policy had been implemented. Users thought that loose cigarettes promoted smoking initiation and prevented them from quitting. Both users and vendors reported that a ban on loose cigarettes would reduce cigarette consumption and promote quit attempts as it would not be possible for everyone to purchase packs because of financial and social reasons. Conclusion Users in both cities reported easy access to and widespread availability of loose cigarettes. Low awareness of the ban in Mumbai suggested inadequate enforcement. A country-wide ban on the sale of loose cigarettes could be highly effective in preventing smoking initiation and promoting quitting

What do we know about chronic kidney disease in India: first report of the Indian CKD registry

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There are no national data on the magnitude and pattern of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India. The Indian CKD Registry documents the demographics, etiological spectrum, practice patterns, variations and special characteristics.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data was collected for this cross-sectional study in a standardized format according to predetermined criteria. Of the 52,273 adult patients, 35.5%, 27.9%, 25.6% and 11% patients came from South, North, West and East zones respectively.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean age was 50.1 ± 14.6 years, with M:F ratio of 70:30. Patients from North Zone were younger and those from the East Zone older. Diabetic nephropathy was the commonest cause (31%), followed by CKD of undetermined etiology (16%), chronic glomerulonephritis (14%) and hypertensive nephrosclerosis (13%). About 48% cases presented in Stage V; they were younger than those in Stages III-IV. Diabetic nephropathy patients were older, more likely to present in earlier stages of CKD and had a higher frequency of males; whereas those with CKD of unexplained etiology were younger, had more females and more frequently presented in Stage V. Patients in lower income groups had more advanced CKD at presentation. Patients presenting to public sector hospitals were poorer, younger, and more frequently had CKD of unknown etiology.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This report confirms the emergence of diabetic nephropathy as the pre-eminent cause in India. Patients with CKD of unknown etiology are younger, poorer and more likely to present with advanced CKD. There were some geographic variations.</p

Large-area growth of MoS2 at temperatures compatible with integrating back-end-of-line functionality

Direct growth of transition metal dichalcogenides over large areas within the back-end-of-line (BEOL) thermal budget limit of silicon integrated circuits is a significant challenge for 3D heterogeneous integration. In this work, we report on the growth of MoS2 films (~1-10 nm) on SiO2, amorphous-Al2O3, c-plane sapphire, and glass substrates achieved at low temperatures (350 C-550 C) by chemical vapor deposition in a manufacturing-compatible 300 mm atomic layer deposition reactor. We investigate the MoS2 films as a potential material solution for BEOL logic, memory and sensing applications. Hall-effect/4-point measurements indicate that the ~10 nm MoS2 films exhibit very low carrier concentrations (1014-1015 cm-3), high resistivity, and Hall mobility values of ~0.5-17 cm2 V-1 s-1, confirmed by transistor and resistor test device results. MoS2 grain boundaries and stoichiometric defects resulting from the low thermal budget growth, while detrimental to lateral transport, can be leveraged for the integration of memory and sensing functions. Vertical transport memristor structures (Au/MoS2/Au) incorporating ~3 nm thick MoS2 films grown at 550 C (~0.75 h) show memristive switching and a stable memory window of 105 with a retention time >104 s, between the high-low resistive states. The switching set and reset voltages in these memristors demonstrate a significant reduction compared to memristors fabricated from pristine, single-crystalline MoS2 at higher temperatures, thereby reducing the energy needed for operation. Furthermore, interdigitated electrode-based gas sensors fabricated on ~5 nm thick 550 C-grown (~1.25 h) MoS2 films show excellent selectivity and sub-ppm sensitivity to NO2 gas, with a notable self-recovery at room temperature. The demonstration of large-area MoS2 direct growth at and below the BEOL thermal budget limit, alongside memristive and gas sensing functionality, advances a key enabling technology objective in emerging materials and devices for 3D heterogeneous integration

Involvement of microRNA Lethal-7a in the Regulation of Embryo Implantation in Mice

MicroRNAs interact with multiple mRNAs resulting in their degradation and/or translational repression. This report used the delayed implantation model to determine the role of miRNAs in blastocysts. Dormant blastocysts in delayed implanting mice were activated by estradiol. Differential expression of 45 out of 238 miRNAs examined was found between the dormant and the activated blastocysts. Five of the nine members of the microRNA lethal-7 (let-7) family were down-regulated after activation. Human blastocysts also had a low expression of let-7 family. Forced-expression of a family member, let-7a in mouse blastocysts decreased the number of implantation sites (let-7a: 1.1±0.4; control: 3.8±0.4) in vivo, and reduced the percentages of blastocyst that attached (let-7a: 42.0±8.3%; control: 79.0±5.1%) and spreaded (let-7a: 33.5±2.9%; control: 67.3±3.8%) on fibronectin in vitro. Integrin-β3, a known implantation-related molecule, was demonstrated to be a target of let-7a by 3′-untranslated region reporter assay in cervical cancer cells HeLa, and Western blotting in mouse blastocysts. The inhibitory effect of forced-expression of let-7a on blastocyst attachment and outgrowth was partially nullified in vitro and in vivo by forced-expression of integrin-β3. This study provides the first direct evidence that let-7a is involved in regulating the implantation process partly via modulation of the expression of integrin-β3. (200 words)