Correlation between oral lesions and opportunistic infections among human immunodeficiency virus — infected individuals in Indian population

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major global health problem. Tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis are the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether any relationship exists between the occurrence of oral lesions and opportunistic infections among HIV-infected patients in Indian population.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was performed in 232 HIV-infected persons (148 males and 84 females, aged 20–60 years, mean 33.6 ± 2.3 years). c2 test and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results: Oral candidiasis was the most common oral lesion seen in 28.4% males and 22.6% females of HIV-infected persons, followed by hairy leukoplakia in 27% males and 20.2% females which was statistically significant. Tuberculosis (21.6%) followed by cryptococcosis (9.9%) and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (4.7%) were the most commonly found opportunistic infections. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association, between the occurrence of tuberculosis and candidiasis (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4–2.9), cryptococcosis and candidiasis (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–1.9), and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia with hairy leukoplakia (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0–2.9). Mean CD4 count was also less.Conclusions: The results suggest a definite relationship in occurrence of oral lesions and opportunistic infections among HIV-infected patients

Enhancing Home Security with IoT Devices: A Vulnerability Analysis Using the IoT Security Test

In order to carefully evaluate the susceptibility of common IoT devices found in smart homes, this research made use of the IoT Security Test framework. The findings showed a significant average drop in vulnerability ratings of 45% after evaluation, clearly indicating that improving IoT device security is feasible. The research classifies vulnerabilities found, highlighting the prevalence of Firmware Problems, Weak Passwords, and Network Vulnerabilities. Moreover, it examines the efficacy of remedial initiatives. These discoveries play a crucial role in enhancing the security of Internet of Things devices, providing a strong barrier for the protection of homeowners and the privacy of their data, especially in the constantly linked world of smart homes

The malleable brain: plasticity of neural circuits and behavior: A review from students to students

One of the most intriguing features of the brain is its ability to be malleable, allowing it to adapt continually to changes in the environment. Specific neuronal activity patterns drive long-lasting increases or decreases in the strength of synaptic connections, referred to as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) respectively. Such phenomena have been described in a variety of model organisms, which are used to study molecular, structural, and functional aspects of synaptic plasticity. This review originated from the first International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) and Journal of Neurochemistry (JNC) Flagship School held in Alpbach, Austria (Sep 2016), and will use its curriculum and discussions as a framework to review some of the current knowledge in the field of synaptic plasticity. First, we describe the role of plasticity during development and the persistent changes of neural circuitry occurring when sensory input is altered during critical developmental stages. We then outline the signaling cascades resulting in the synthesis of new plasticity-related proteins, which ultimately enable sustained changes in synaptic strength. Going beyond the traditional understanding of synaptic plasticity conceptualized by LTP and LTD, we discuss system-wide modifications and recently unveiled homeostatic mechanisms, such as synaptic scaling. Finally, we describe the neural circuits and synaptic plasticity mechanisms driving associative memory and motor learning. Evidence summarized in this review provides a current view of synaptic plasticity in its various forms, offers new insights into the underlying mechanisms and behavioral relevance, and provides directions for future research in the field of synaptic plasticity.Fil: Schaefer, Natascha. University of Wuerzburg; AlemaniaFil: Rotermund, Carola. University of Tuebingen; AlemaniaFil: Blumrich, Eva Maria. Universitat Bremen; AlemaniaFil: Lourenco, Mychael V.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Joshi, Pooja. Robert Debre Hospital; FranciaFil: Hegemann, Regina U.. University of Otago; Nueva ZelandaFil: Jamwal, Sumit. ISF College of Pharmacy; IndiaFil: Ali, Nilufar. Augusta University; Estados UnidosFil: García Romero, Ezra Michelet. Universidad Veracruzana; MéxicoFil: Sharma, Sorabh. Birla Institute of Technology and Science; IndiaFil: Ghosh, Shampa. Indian Council of Medical Research; IndiaFil: Sinha, Jitendra K.. Indian Council of Medical Research; IndiaFil: Loke, Hannah. Hudson Institute of Medical Research; AustraliaFil: Jain, Vishal. Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences; IndiaFil: Lepeta, Katarzyna. Polish Academy of Sciences; ArgentinaFil: Salamian, Ahmad. Polish Academy of Sciences; ArgentinaFil: Sharma, Mahima. Polish Academy of Sciences; ArgentinaFil: Golpich, Mojtaba. University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre; MalasiaFil: Nawrotek, Katarzyna. University Of Lodz; ArgentinaFil: Paid, Ramesh K.. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology; IndiaFil: Shahidzadeh, Sheila M.. Syracuse University; Estados UnidosFil: Piermartiri, Tetsade. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Amini, Elham. University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre; MalasiaFil: Pastor, Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia ; ArgentinaFil: Wilson, Yvette. University of Melbourne; AustraliaFil: Adeniyi, Philip A.. Afe Babalola University; NigeriaFil: Datusalia, Ashok K.. National Brain Research Centre; IndiaFil: Vafadari, Benham. Polish Academy of Sciences; ArgentinaFil: Saini, Vedangana. University of Nebraska; Estados UnidosFil: Suárez Pozos, Edna. Instituto Politécnico Nacional; MéxicoFil: Kushwah, Neetu. Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences; IndiaFil: Fontanet, Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia ; ArgentinaFil: Turner, Anthony J.. University of Leeds; Reino Unid

Targeting Histone Deacetylases: A Novel Approach in Parkinson’s Disease

The worldwide prevalence of movement disorders is increasing day by day. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder. In general, the clinical manifestations of PD result from dysfunction of the basal ganglia. Although the exact underlying mechanisms leading to neural cell death in this disease remains unknown, the genetic causes are often established. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly evident that chromatin acetylation status can be impaired during the neurological disease conditions. The acetylation and deacetylation of histone proteins are carried out by opposing actions of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), respectively. In the recent past, studies with HDAC inhibitors result in beneficial effects in both in vivo and in vitro models of PD. Various clinical trials have also been initiated to investigate the possible therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors in patients suffering from PD. The possible mechanisms assigned for these neuroprotective actions of HDAC inhibitors involve transcriptional activation of neuronal survival genes and maintenance of histone acetylation homeostasis, both of which have been shown to be dysregulated in PD. In this review, the authors have discussed the putative role of HDAC inhibitors in PD and associated abnormalities and suggest new directions for future research in PD

A preliminary report on physical activity patterns among children aged 8–14 years to predict risk of cardiovascular diseases in Malwa region of Punjab

Objective: To determine the pattern of physical activity specific to age and gender among young Indian school going girls and boys aged 8-14 years. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Private and government sponsored schools in Patiala and Mansa District of Punjab, India. Participants: Two hundred thirty four school going girls and boys aged 8–14 years. Methodology: A structured questionnaire recorded the various forms of daily physical activity, sedentary activity as well as physical activity level of all the participants. The energy expenditure was also calculated using the standard metabolic equivalent index. Results: There is a significant difference between mean weights of participants belonging to different physical activity levels (p < .04). In comparison to boys, the girl participants have significant lower values of physical activity duration as well as total metabolic equivalent expenditure (p < .05). The total duration of moderate/vigorous physical activity declined in both girls and boys as the age increased. Conclusion: Physical activity among children in Northern regions of India is on decline as their age increases especially among girls. It is important to determine physical activity duration in early age groups and motivate children for daily physical activity. Keywords: Daily physical activity, MET expenditure, Cardio vascular risk factors, Gender, Growth factor

Serosurveillance of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika in Jammu, a Sub-Himalayan Region of India

Introduction: Dengue and chikungunya are Aedes mosquitoborne viral diseases of major public health concern in India. Recently, there is a gradual rise in number of dengue and chikungunya positive cases in various states of Northern India and a similar emergence and increase of dengue positive cases has been observed in Jammu since 2011. Among the mosquitoborne diseases dengue has become a regular seasonal disease while chikungunya has recently emerged in 2016 and Zika the third aedes borne viral infection is needed to be under surveillance under national guidelines. Aim: To report the emergence of chikungunya and analyse the status and pattern of dengue over a period of one year along with serosurveillance of Zika which was done under Central Government guidelines. Materials and Methods: A total of eight hundred eight (808) samples from patients suspected of dengue infection over a period of one year from January 2016 to December 2016 from all the districts of Jammu Province, were tested serologically at our tertiary care centre for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM anti - dengue antibodies. Besides three clinical suspects of chikungunya, 167 dengue (7 positive and 160 negative) sera were tested by National Institute of Virology (NIV) CHIK IgM Capture ELISA, as there is an overlap of clinical symptoms. For Zika testing, the stored negative samples of dengue and Chikungunya (215) were sent to NIV Pune. Results: Recurring dengue infection with periodic upsurge since last few years and emergence of chikungunya was reported in Jammu region. Of the 808 sera tested for dengue and 170 tested for chikungunya, 17.82% and 18.2% were positive respectively. The results for Zika testing were negative. The association of dengue on the basis of sex was found to be highly significant (p=0.009276). Conclusion: In the absence of specific treatment and vaccine for dengue and chikungunya fever, early diagnosis is important in the management of these infections. This also demands continuous seroepidemiological surveillance of the locally prevalent and emerging arthropod borne infections for timely formulation and implementation of effective arboviral control programme

Electromyography Based Analysis of the Impact of Ageing on Muscle Activation Pattern during Static and Dynamic Balance Control Tasks: A Systematic Review

The present systematic review was done, to examine the impact of aging on posture control mechanisms in terms of muscle activity and sway patterns. English language articles describing effects of aging on muscle activation pattern during balance control tasks using electromyography methods published from 2000 to 2019 were identified. Studies were compared with regards to study population, postural tasks, perturbations, muscle inclusion, and outcome measures. All the included studies (N-9) exhibited increased postural sway among elderly in contrast to young population. In contrast, inconsistency was observed in the muscle activation pattern, muscle dependency, and muscle co-contractions among the studies. Altogether, the findings of the review suggest that the aging causes alterations in muscle activity in order to maintain balance during challenging situations; however, the studies do not elucidate these changes across the ages

Bio-Intensive Management of Fungal Diseases of Potatoes

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