LMDRA (leucine rich melanocyte differentiation associated)

C10orf11 encodes a leucine-rich repeat protein having a role in melanocyte differentiation. Mutations in this gene have been associated with autosomal recessive oculocutaneous albinism 7 (OCAVII)

TYRP1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1)

TYRP1 gene, having a chromosomal location of 9p23, encodes a melanosomal enzyme belonging to the tyrosinase family. TYRP1 catalyses oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) into indole-5,6-quinone-2-carboxylic acid. TYRP1 is also thought to play a role in stabilizing tyrosinase and modulates its catalytic activity, in maintenance of melanosome structure, affecting melanocyte proliferation and melanocyte cell death. Defects in this gene cause oculocutaneous albinism type III; OCA III (also known as rufous oculocutaneous albinism)

SLC24A5 (solute carrier family 24 (sodium/potassium/calcium exchanger), member 5)

SLC24A5 is a member of the potassium-dependent sodium/calcium exchanger family and encodes an intracellular membrane protein. Sequence variations in this gene have been associated with differences in skin pigmentation, and the defective protein leads to Oculocutaneous albinism type VI, OCA6

OCA2 (OCA2 melanosomal transmembrane protein)

OCA2 gene (OCA2), having a chromosomal location of 15q12-q13, encodes an integral membrane transporter protein playing a role in regulating the pH of melanosomes. OCA2 is hypothesized to be involved in the transport of tyrosine, the precursor to melanin synthesis, within the melanocyte. Defects in this gene are the cause of oculocutaneous albinism type II; OCA II

Pre-exposure hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for COVID-19 in healthcare workers: a retrospective cohort

Background: While several trials are ongoing for treatment of Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19), scientific research on chemoprophylaxis is still lacking even though it has potential to flatten the curve allowing us time to complete research on vaccines.Methods: This retrospective cohort study explores the potential of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a pre- exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19 among 106 health care workers (HCW) exposed to COVID-19 patients, at a tertiary care hospital in India where there was an abrupt cluster outbreak within on duty personnel. HCWs who had voluntarily taken HCQ prior to exposure were considered one cohort while those who had not were considered to be the Control group. All participants with a verifiable high-risk contact history were tested for COVID-19 by RT- PCR.Results: The two cohorts were comparable in terms of age, gender, co-morbidity and exposure. The primary outcome was incidence rates of RT-PCR positive COVID-19 infection among HCQ users and Controls.106 HCW were examined of whom 54 were HCQ users. The comparative analysis of incidence of infection between the two groups demonstrated that voluntary HCQ usage was associated with lesser likelihood of developing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (4 out of 54 HCW), compared to those who were not on it (20 out of 52 HCW), χ2=14.59, p<0.001. None of the HCQ users noted any serious adverse effects.Conclusions: The study demonstrated that voluntary pre- exposure HCQ prophylaxis by HCWs is associated with a statistically significant reduction in risk of SARS-CoV-2.

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF DRUG USE IN UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN PATIENTS ATTENDING ENT OPD IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KOLKATA

CONTEXT: Majority of upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses &amp; thus are self limiting. However, irrational prescription of drugs including antibiotics for URTI is a major problem worldwide. Thus, it is imperative to monitor drug utilization patterns from time to time in order to suitably modify prescribing patterns.AIMS:  To evaluate the drug prescribing pattern in symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections in patients attending ENT OPD in R G Kar Medical College &amp; Hospital, Kolkata.SETTINGS &amp; DESIGN: A prospective study based on a Medication Utilization Form, designed on the basis of WHO format.METHODS &amp; MATERIAL: The study was conducted in ENT OPD. The study population comprised of all patients with symptomatic URTI attending ENT OPD, RGKMCH. The data were obtained from the prescribing records.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive type.RESULTS:  A total of 300 prescriptions were audited. It was found that 63.66% were males, 24.66% belonged to the age group of 26-35 yrs followed by 20.66% belonging to the age group of 16-25 yrs. The three most common URTIs diagnosed were otitis media(41%), pharyngitis (30%) &amp; tonsillitis(12%). 594 drugs in total were prescribed to 300 patients (1.98 drugs per prescription). Among them 60% were generic prescriptions. Antibiotics were prescribed to 74% of patients. Average duration of treatment was 5-7 days. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin &amp; clavulinic acid (45%) followed by azithromycin (22%). Paracetamol accounted for majority of analgesic/ antipyretic prescriptions (57%). Antihistaminics were prescribed in 37% of cases. Nasal decongestants were prescribed to 14% patients &amp; mucolytics to 7%.CONCLUSION:  The study  revealed lesser utilization of antibiotics, better percentage of generic prescriptions &amp;  duration of antibiotic therapy in comparison to similar studies.Keywords: Upper respiratory tract infection, prescribing pattern, antibiotics

Millets: The Nourishing Solution to Food Security Challenges Over Cereal-Based Cropping Systems

A heightened emphasis on augmenting millet production and accentuating their nutritional benefits is pivotal in mitigating reliance on conventional crops, fostering dietary diversity, and enhancing food security, particularly in times of natural calamities when food scarcity is prevalent. The United Nations General Assembly has designated the year 2023 as the International Year of Millet. Millets hailed as 'superfoods,' boast high levels of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. India stands as a major contributor, producing 80% of Asia's millets and 20% globally, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Statistics reveal that over 90 million individuals in Africa and Asia incorporate millets into their diets, with Africa accounting for more than 55% of global production, followed by Asia at nearly 40%, while Europe constitutes approximately three per cent of the worldwide market. Specifically in India, West Bengal adheres to a predominantly monocultural cropping system, predominantly focused on rice. Monoculture systems are highly susceptible to blights and pests due to their lack of diversity, leading to reduced soil fertility and compromised soil structure. Cultivating millets not only offers a viable solution by diminishing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides but also facilitates a transition towards sustainable agriculture. This involves diversifying crop rotations and steering clear of the pitfalls associated with mono-cropping systems. Introducing various millet types into cropping systems can significantly enhance food security. Each millet variant possesses unique qualities that enable them to withstand extreme climatic conditions, making them particularly relevant as adaptive measures in the current context of global warming and climate change issues

Effectiveness of black tea extract on ROS mediated oxidative stress and other inflammatory parameters production in patients with RA in an in-vitro model system: preliminary experimental study

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