Characterization of a key signal transduction pathway involved in virulence regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic diseases, neutropenia and those with immunocompromise. Pulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis can result in respiratory failure and death. The pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa involves a lifestyle change in the bacterium and depends on coordination between two-component regulatory systems, quorum sensing systems and signaling via small molecules such as bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP). Acute form of P. aeruginosa infection is characterized by motility and host-directed toxicity by Type Three Secretion System (T3SS). On the other hand, chronic infection is characterized by formation of biofilms. These biofilms are highly resistant to external stressors and play a role in bacterial persistence. RetS-GacS/A-PA1611-RsmA/Y/Z is a key regulatory pathway in P. aeruginosa that determines the bacterium’s lifestyle choice. Previously, PA1611 a hybrid sensor kinase was identified as a new player in this pathway that functions independent of phosphorelay and influences biofilm formation and T3SS. However, the exact nature of its interaction, the regulation and the environmental signals that activate PA1611 are still unexplored. In this study, using advanced molecular methods, the structural and mechanistic basis of the interaction between PA1611 and RetS is examined in P. aeruginosa PAO1. The histidine kinase A and histidine kinase-like ATPase domains of PA1611 are found to play crucial roles in the PA1611–RetS interaction and have been shown to exert profound effect on bacterial phenotypes. cmpX (PA1775) was identified as the regulator of PA1611. A cmpX knockout demonstrated higher biofilm formation, downregulation of the T3SS and elevated intracellular c-di-GMP levels. cmpX was also identified to exert its effects via both the RetS-GacS/A-PA1611-RsmA/Y/Z as well as via activated c-di-GMP signaling. Finally, mucin and anoxia were identified as activators of PA1611 expression as well as shown to facilitate biofilm formation in PAK strain of P. aeruginosa. Collectively, these findings provide a significant and complex role for PA1611 in P. aeruginosa virulence. Understanding TCS function and the environmental signals that they respond to are key to controlling infections with P. aeruginosa and eventually improving disease outcomes.October 201

Novel use of balloon tamponade saves a patient with uterine inversion in severe shock

A patient with G1P0 status 38 weeks pregnancy with pain with no high risk delivered at PHC, Hatod, Madhya Pradesh (India). She delivered a male baby by spontaneous vaginal delivery of 3.1 kg. All of sudden after 2nd stage of labour, her 3rd stage of labour was eventful. Placenta did not come out spontaneously so controlled cord traction was given by the ANM over the PHC. She was given intramuscular oxytocin 5 IU. She did the traction with proper care but inspite of that while doing so placenta got separated but there was complete uterine inversion. ANM herself tried to reposit the uterus but could not do so. So ANM immediately referred her from PHC to MYH, Indore, Madhya Pradesh (India).

A prospective randomized comparative study of Misoprostol and balloon tamponade using condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage at M. Y. H., Indore, India in vaginal delivered patients

Background: PPH is responsible for quarter of maternal deaths occurring worldwide and its incidence is increasing in developed world. According to Confidential Enquiries into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) report obstetric hemorrhage occurs in around3.7 per 1000 births. The objective of the study is that it was a prospective randomized comparative study of misoprostol and balloon tamponade via condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in normal delivered patients at MYH.Methods: A sample size of 200 normal delivered patients between age group 18 and 45 years is chosen with excessive bleeding after third stage of labour and after administration of oxytocics. These 200 patients are divided into two groups: First group receiving Misoprostol and applying condom catheter in other group. Both groups are evaluated for PPH.Results: It was found that CG balloon condom catheter was a much better and more effective alternative in controlling PPH than Misoprostol as the failure rate with CG balloon condom catheter were  much less than that  with misoprostol. Due to its cost effectiveness and being easily available at primary health center and due to absence of any drug reactions and easy technique of formation makes it a better modality in controlling PPH even at PHC.Conclusions: Patients with condom catheter in situ must show better result than patients receiving misoprostol

A Comparative Study on Utilization of Ayurveda Treatment

The ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda, which emphasizes individualization of healthcare, has recently become popular across the world. However, there are differences in how it is used, with some people incorporating it fully into their life and others remaining suspicious or ignorant of its advantages. We created a questionnaire for this cross-sectional study and then piloted, revised, and validated it. The general population was given the opportunity to respond to this survey in one of three formats: online, in print, and through phone. The study\u27s participants were chosen based on a set of criteria set in advance. Five hundred replies were chosen for this study, and among those, 48% did not practice Ayurveda while 52% did. According to the results, most people who have tried Ayurveda report feeling happy with the results. The results of this research add refinement to our knowledge of Ayurveda\u27s role in modern healthcare and shed light on how to facilitate its incorporation across a variety of healthcare settings

Randomized comparative study between short duration (4 hour) vs. 24 hour post-partum magnesium sulphate therapy in severe preeclampsia

Background: Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of shorter duration of magnesium sulphate therapy given till 4 hours after delivery as compared to the standard duration of 24 hours postpartum therapy, given to prevent eclampsia in patients with severe preeclampsia.  Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study of magnesium sulphate therapy in women with severe preeclampsia was conducted with 50 patients each in control and study group. The control group received 24 hours of postpartum magnesium sulphate therapy and the study group received for 4 hours or one intramuscular dose in postpartum period. Chi square and unpaired “t” test were used for statistical analysis of data; a probability value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in demographic data, disease severity, maternal and perinatal outcome. The need for IV anti-hypertensive postpartum was significantly higher in study group (12% vs. 0%, P=0.03). No patient developed eclampsia or required reinitiation of therapy. At the end of therapy serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in the study group.  Conclusions: In patients with severe preeclampsia shorter duration (4 hours or one dose) of postpartum magnesium sulphate therapy, is as effective as the standard 24 hours of postpartum therapy.

Spectacle adherence and barriers towards spectacle wear among primary school going children

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the spectacle adherence and barriers towards spectacle wear among primary school going children in the west UP. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive questionnaire-based study was conducted among the primary school going children in rural area of west UP. Spectacle was provided after the comprehensive eye examination, free of cost to the children those who required. An uninformed visit was planned after 3 months of initial examination to assess the compliance of spectacle wear and non-compliant subjects were questioned about the reasons for not wearing spectacle. Results: This study consists of total 158 children. In this study, majority of participants 88.61% were myopic having low degree of myopia being more common. Compliance rate towards the spectacle wear was high in males as compared to female children. Compliance rate was significantly varied with the age of participants. Myopic patients show more compliance than the hyperopic patients, it was insignificant while considering the severity of refractive error. The main cause for non-compliance towards spectacle was the cosmetic blemish. Conclusions: It has been found that the compliance rate towards the spectacle wear was not good enough even after distributing the spectacle free of cost to the children. Various factors including cosmetic blemish, parents and children perception for wearing spectacle and difficulties experienced by the children while wearing glasses were responsible for the non-compliance. The compliance rate can be increased by providing the education and training and Counselling to school teachers, children and their parents regarding the eye health

Source and Control of Hydrocarbon Pollution

Hydrocarbon contamination is of great worry because of their widespread effect on all forms of life. Pollution caused by increasing the use of crude oil is ordinary because of its extensive application and its related transport and dumping problems. Crude oil contains a complex mixture of aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic compounds. Soil naturally consists of heavy metals, and due to human action like refining of oil and use of pesticides, their concentration in soil is rising. Several areas have such high heavy metal and metalloid concentration that surrounding natural ecosystem has been badly affected. The reason is that heavy metals and metalloids limit microbe’s activity rendering it unsuitable for hydrocarbon degradation, thus reducing its effectiveness. Environmental remediation is thus extremely necessary and involves with the elimination of pollutants from soil, air, and water. In the last several decades, different methods have been employed and applied for the cleanup of our environment which includes mechanical, chemical, and biochemical remediation methods. The hydrocarbon pollution consists of many aspects like oil spills, fossil fuels, organic pollutants like aromatics, etc. that are discussed below

Development of fully intuitionistic fuzzy data envelopment analysis model with missing data: an application to Indian police sector

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a technique used to measure the efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs). In order to measure the efficiency of DMUs, the essential requirement is input-output data. Data is usually collected by humans, machines, or both. Due to human/machine errors, there are chances of having some missing values or inaccuracy, such as vagueness/uncertainty/hesitation in the collected data. In this situation, it will be difficult to measure the efficiencies of DMUs accurately. To overcome these shortcomings, a method is presented that can deal with missing values and inaccuracy in the data. To measure the performance efficiencies of DMUs, an input minimization BCC (IMBCC) model in a fully intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) environment is proposed. To validate the efficacy of the proposed fully intuitionistic fuzzy input minimization BCC (FIFIMBCC) model and the technique to deal with missing values in the data, a real-life application to measure the performance efficiencies of Indian police stations is presented

Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment and Diagnostics: A Review of Emerging Trends and Therapeutic Potential

This comprehensive review delves into the burgeoning role of gold nanoparticles in both cancer treatment and diagnostics. The advent of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) vaccines has opened avenues for therapeutic and prophylactic applications, suggesting the potential to prevent or treat infections and various pathologies. The exceptional efficacy of AuNPs in cancer treatment is a focal point of exploration, with ongoing investigations into their utility for targeted delivery and therapy across diverse cancer types. A distinctive attribute of AuNPs lies in their ability to selectively target cancerous cells while safeguarding healthy cells, attributed to their unique size and shape that facilitate selective accumulation in cancer cells. Upon cellular entry and aggregation, they exhibit prompt activation to eradicate cancer cells. Furthermore, AuNPs possess inherent capabilities to enhance and modulate immune responses, functioning as both an adjuvant and a delivery system. Another advantageous feature is their amenability to functionalization with diverse molecules, including antibodies and drugs, augmenting specificity and effectiveness. This customization enables precise targeting of cancer cells and direct delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor sites, mitigating the adverse effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. Despite ongoing research, the promise of AuNPs as a potent tool in the battle against cancer is evident, underscoring their potential significance in future therapeutic strategies

Millennial Engagement with Fast Fashion Organic Apparel: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Consumer Behavior

Purpose - This study aims to provide a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of Millennial engagement with fast fashion and organic apparel, focusing on consumer decision-making patterns, sustainability awareness, and ethical considerations in the fashion sector. With rising concerns over fast fashion’s environmental impact, this study highlights Millennials\u27 dual role as both high-consumption consumers and advocates for sustainable apparel.Design/methodology/approach - Utilizing the Scopus database, this study analyzed 321 publications from 2009 to 2024, employing bibliometric tools like R-Studio and VOSviewer to examine key authors, publication trends, and thematic research clusters. The analysis explores trends in keyword co-occurrence, co-citations, and collaboration metrics across countries.Findings - Results reveal that Sustainability (Switzerland) is the leading journal in this field, while Johan Bruwer, affiliated with “UniSA Business, Adelaide, Australia” is identified as the most prolific author. The most cited article, "The Environmental Price of Fast Fashion" by Niinimäki et al. (2020), underscores sustainability’s critical role. United States-based studies lead in volume, but the United Kingdom shows greater international collaboration. Popular keywords include “consumer behaviour” and “sustainable development,” reflecting ethical and environmental consciousness trends.Originality/value - This study enhances understanding Millennials\u27 fast fashion and organic apparel preferences, providing a reference for future research on sustainable consumer behaviour in fashion