The selection landscape and genetic legacy of ancient Eurasians

The Holocene (beginning around 12,000 years ago) encompassed some of the most significant changes in human evolution, with far-reaching consequences for the dietary, physical and mental health of present-day populations. Using a dataset of more than 1,600 imputed ancient genomes, we modelled the selection landscape during the transition from hunting and gathering, to farming and pastoralism across West Eurasia. We identify key selection signals related to metabolism, including that selection at the FADS cluster began earlier than previously reported and that selection near the LCT locus predates the emergence of the lactase persistence allele by thousands of years. We also find strong selection in the HLA region, possibly due to increased exposure to pathogens during the Bronze Age. Using ancient individuals to infer local ancestry tracts in over 400,000 samples from the UK Biobank, we identify widespread differences in the distribution of Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age ancestries across Eurasia. By calculating ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores, we show that height differences between Northern and Southern Europe are associated with differential Steppe ancestry, rather than selection, and that risk alleles for mood-related phenotypes are enriched for Neolithic farmer ancestry, whereas risk alleles for diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are enriched for Western hunter-gatherer ancestry. Our results indicate that ancient selection and migration were large contributors to the distribution of phenotypic diversity in present-day Europeans

Synthesis of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4 hydroxybutyrate)/chitosan/silver nanocomposite material with enhanced antimicrobial activity

This work aims to shed light in the fabrication of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-44%-4-hydroxybutyrate)[P(3HB-co-44%4HB)]/chitosan-based silver nanocomposite material using different contents of silver nanoparticle (SNP); 1-9 wt%. Two approaches were applied in the fabrication; namely solvent casting and chemical crosslinking via glutaraldehyde (GA). A detailed characterization was conducted in order to yield information regarding the nanocomposite material. X-ray diffraction analysis exhibited the nature of the three components that exist in the nanocomposite films: P(3HB-co-4HB), chitosan, and SNP. In term of mechanical properties, tensile strength, and elongation at break were significantly improved up to 125% and 22%, respectively with the impregnation of the SNP. The melting temperature of the nanocomposite materials was increased whereas their thermal stability was slightly changed. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that incorporation of 9 wt% of SNP caused agglomeration but the surface roughness of the material was significantly improved with the loading. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were completely inhibited by the nanocomposite films with 7 and 9 wt% of SNP, respectively. On the other hand, degradation of the nanocomposite materials outweighed the degradation of the pure copolymer. These bioactive and biodegradable materials stand a good chance to serve the vast need of biomedical applications namely management and care of wound as wound dressing

Response effectiveness: views of the affected population

While relief organisations are now reviewing their post-tsunami operations, few evaluations include multiple organisations. Rarer still is an assessment of the views of those at the receiving end of rescue and relief services – the ‘beneficiaries’

A study on Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI) following Covishield Vaccination among Health Care Workers at Tertiary Health Care centre.

The AstraZeneca’s Covisheild vaccine against COVID-19 was rolled out in several parts of the world and approved for emergency authorisation in India from 16th January 2021. Real-time post vaccination experience outside the manufacturers vaccine trial is bizarre and not well documented. Knowledge about adverse events following Covisheild vaccine will educate the people, allay their fears, stigma and lower their hesitancy towards vaccination. The aim of our study is to identify the adverse events following Covisheild vaccination in health care workers (HCW’S) at TIMS. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational survey was conducted to study the adverse events following Covisheild immunisation drive among the HCW’S at TIMS from 19th January to 9th March 2021. Results: The acceptance of vaccine among the HCW’S was 60 %. The frequency of incidence of AEFI was significantly less following 2nd dose when compared to 1st dose (p<0.005). Post-vaccination symptoms were more likely reported in women (57.24%) compared to men (56.10%) (p> 0.05). Incidence of AEFI within 30 minutes was significantly higher among females than males (p=0.027). AEFI persisted for a longer duration upto 72hrs among females than males and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: Majority of the reported AEFI were, mild, self-limiting, of short duration and none were serious. No hospitalisation was required and nil fatality was observed. This guides the individual to accept the national covid -19 vaccination drive, which is the most crucial step to halt this deadly pandemic. Acceptance and immunisation is crucial to achieve herd immunity to curb this pandemic

Pesticide Knowledge and Safety Practices among Farm Workers in Kuwait: Results of a Survey

The unsafe and indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to the environment and human health. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude and practices of Kuwaiti farmers regarding the safe use of pesticides. A total of 250 farmers participated in this study through in-depth interviews and observations on-farm. The majority of the farmers acknowledged that pesticides were harmful to their health (71%) and the environment (65%). However, farmers’ level of knowledge of pesticide safety is insufficient. Over 70% of the farmers did not read or follow pesticide label instructions, and 58% did not use any personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides. Educated farmers were significantly more likely to use PPE compared with famers with limited formal education (χ2 = 9.89, p < 0.05). Storage of pesticides within living areas was reported by 20% of farmers. When disposing of pesticide wastes, respondents adopted unsafe practices such as discarding, incinerating, or burying empty pesticide containers on-farm, or reusing the containers. Farmers also reported disposing leftover pesticide solution or old pesticide stocks on-farm or in the sewer. A significant number (82%) of the farmers reported at least one symptom of acute pesticide poisoning. Although farmers’ knowledge of pesticide hazards was high, the reported safety measures were poor. Comprehensive intervention measures to reduce the health and environmental risks of pesticides are needed, including pesticide safety training programs for farmers, stringent enforcement of pesticide laws, and promoting integrated pest management and non-synthetic methods of pest control

Impact of a spaced learning initiative in an undergraduate student teaching program in pediatrics

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of spaced learning in an undergraduate teaching and learning program in pediatrics. Methodology: Analytical study involving the final year medical students posted in the Department of Pediatrics. “Spaced” learning opportunities were provided in addition to the conventional didactic lectures over 8 weeks for the assigned topics. The scores obtained before and after the spaced learning were analyzed using “t”-test. Results: A total of 37 students who underwent the spaced learning initiative and participated in both the tests (before and after spaced learning) were included in the analysis. There was significant positive correlation between the scores of the two groups r = 0.526 (P < 0.001). Paired sample “t”-test showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the test scores with a mean of 11.23, t = 7.434 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Spaced learning had a significant impact on the students in their learning and recall, leading to better performance in their examination

Bronchial Dieulafoy's disease: A series of seven cases with review of the literature

Abstract Bronchial Dieulafoy's disease (BDD), remains poorly understood, with only 88 cases reported globally. Herein, we present the largest case series (n = 7) from a single centre, between 2017 and 2023, retrospectively reviewed, detailing clinical presentations, diagnoses, management and up to 4‐year follow‐up outcomes. Diagnosis relied on characteristic lesions detected through white light bronchoscopy with or without endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) or narrow band imaging (NBI), along with computed tomography (CT) scans or bronchial angiography. Identification of aberrant vessels beneath lesions and bronchoscopy details were documented. Treatment modalities and follow‐up outcomes until December 2023 were noted. All patients were non‐smokers. Review of imaging findings by an experienced radiologist was crucial in suspected cases due to risk of bleeding and often unconclusive results from biopsy. Management of BDD varied, with six patients undergoing bronchial artery embolization (BAE) and one requiring lobectomy; four patients received additional endobronchial therapy, one died due to malignancy, none experienced recurrence of haemoptysis. Identifying patients with large volume haemoptysis disproportionate to parenchymal disease in CT scans is important. A bronchoscopic surveillance is crucial to avoid biopsy; it can be confirmed using EBUS of NBI. While no established guidelines exist, BAE and endobronchial therapy emerge as valuable interventions, with surgical resection reserved for recurrent cases

Study of computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of thoracic lesions

Background: Thoracic lesions include a variety of benign and malignant lesions of lung, pleura, chest wall and mediastinum. Transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology (TFNAC) is a well established technique for work up of thoracic lesions. Computed tomography (CT) has extended the use of FNAC, because it is accurate for localization, needle puncture and above all it permits evaluation of lesions less than 1 cm. This diagnostic modality has a high sensitivity, specificity and is of relatively low cost. Aims: To assess the role of CT-guided FNAC in the diagnosis of thoracic lesions. Materials and Methods: Eighty three patients with various thoracic lesions were evaluated by CT guided FNAC. The cytologic findings were compared with cell blocks whenever available. Results: Conclusive opinion was offered on cytology smears in 80 patients. Lesions of the lung were the most common. Neoplastic lesions in our study accounted for 65% of cases. The sensitivity and specificity of the study were 93.33% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: CT-guided TFNAC is a low cost, safe, minimally invasive and accurate diagnostic procedure with high sensitivity and specificity and when interpreted in conjunction with clinical and radiological data can prevent some of the pitfalls in diagnosis