Immigration Status and Household Income as Predictors of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity rates have been on a remarkably steep rise in recent years. According to recent literature, the rate in the United States alone has more than doubled compared to other regions in the world such as Australia, Canada and Europe1,2 . Especially in the African immigrant community, there has been speculation of a higher prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States3 . This warranted further investigation into demographic factors impacting childhood obesity rates and their subsequent consequences with other clinical diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The CDC reports that in 2011-2014, among individuals ages 2 to 19, the prevalence of obesity decreased as the head of household’s level of education increased 3 . However, looking at the country of origin for the head of the household mixed with an objective approach to evaluate glycemic control is a novel approach. The focus of the project was to investigate correlation between factors such as immigration status and its relationship to metabolic risk factors predisposing them to other comorbidities in the pediatric population. The datasets used in the study were derived from the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. For the 2011-2012 dataset, when comparing the mean HbA1c score of obese children, those whose Household reference person was born outside the USA and had some college education or above showed a significantly higher mean HbA1c score compared to the obese children whose Household reference person was born in the USA with the same college education level. There is statistical significance in the means between country of birth and education level (p=0.04)

Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and newborn screening

Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder causing breakdown of RBCs. It affects over 400 million people, making it the most common enzymopathy in the world. It leads to hereditary predisposition to hemolysis. In India, various study results reveal an incidence ranging from 2 to 27.9% in different communities. It is known globally for its genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity with 13 biochemically characterized variants have been reported from India, G6PD Mediterranean being the most common. It is mostly asymptomatic but certain triggers like infections, some medications, chemicals, stress or food may precipitate hemolysis. It is important to understand the epidemiology and distribution pattern in India because of its higher prevalence in tribal population who are more prone for malaria. Irrational use of drugs for malaria treatment has attributed high mortality especially neonatal mortality, in this community. Newborn screening is one of the best options to diagnose the case at neonatal age. Implementation of newborn screening would aid in identifying the genetic disorders in order to provide comprehensive care along with parental counselling to reduce the complications associated with it

Evaluation of bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of patients with otorrhea in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Otitis media is very common disease in developing country and if not treated properly can lead to hearing loss and serious neurological complications. Its bacteriology and antibiotic sensitivity varies in different population. Thus knowledge of the microbiological pattern with antibiotic susceptibility is important to deliver efficacious treatment of this disease. So, purpose of the present study was to determine the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolates from ear discharge in patients of otitis media.Methods: This study was conducted in Department of Microbiology of our institute for duration of one year. A total of 100 patients’ samples visiting ENT OPD were taken who complaining of ear discharge. Identification of organism was done by using standard biochemical reactions and antibiotic susceptibility testing done by using modified Kirby Bauer method as per CLSI guidelines.Results: Majority of the patients were between 21-30 years of age group (28%). The most common organism isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.88%), highly sensitive to aminoglycosides and β-lactam + β-lactamase inhibitor (100%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (21.17%), highly sensitive to aminoglycosides (100%) and fluoroquinolones (72.22%).Conclusions: Knowledge of the pathogenic agents responsible for otitis media and choice of effective antibiotics according to susceptibility pattern will guide the treatment. It also helps in reducing complications of the disease and decreasing emergence of resistance to antibiotics.

Brain Connectivity Pattern Changes Associated With Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has shown promising therapeutic benefits for various psychiatric disorders, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychedelics on brain connectivity patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using relevant keywords related to psychedelics, connectivity, therapy, and fMRI. Only studies involving major psychedelic compounds (LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca) and measuring outcomes via fMRI were included. The findings from the reviewed studies suggest that psychedelics induce acute disruptions in normal large-scale brain network patterns, leading to a compromised modular but enhanced global connectivity, referred to as network disintegration and desegregation. This internal brain state correlates with aspects of the psychedelic experience, such as ego dissolution. Post-acute effects, one day after psilocybin treatment, revealed changes in cerebral blood flow and resting-state functional connectivity compared to baseline, including increased default mode network (DMN) integrity and functional connectivity within the DMN. The proposed therapeutic mechanisms of PAP involve the synergistic combination of the psychedelic substance and the accompanying psychotherapy. Further research is warranted to delineate the specific brain connectivity changes associated with different psychedelic compounds and their relationship to therapeutic outcomes in various psychiatric conditions

COMBINING ABILITY ANALYSIS FOR GREEN FRUIT YIELD AND ITS COMPONENT TRAITS IN CHILLI (Capsicum annuum L.)

ABSTRACTObjectives: Chilli is classified under self pollinated crops, natural cross pollination takes place up to the extent of 7 to 60 %.   Present study of combining ability analysis was conducted for identifying the superior parents for obtaining superior hybrid combinations in Chilli using male sterile lines.Methods: The present study was conducted at of Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat) during Kharif-Rabi 2011-2012 season with the objective of getting information on combining ability and nature of gene action for fruit yield and its component characters in chilli.Results: Parents viz., ACMS 4, 9907-9611 (B line), LCA 206, ACG 12 and RHRC PENDT were good general combiner for green fruit yield per plant and its related attributes.Conclusion: The estimates of specific combining ability effect indicated that cross combinations ACMS-4 x 9955-15R, CCA-4759 x LCA 206 and ACMS-8 x RHRC PENDT were significant for green fruit yield per plant and its important component characters and, therefore, these can be further exploited for selection of hybrids and transgressive segregants

An Integrative Review of the Absorption of FDA-Approved Chemical Sunscreen Filters Into the Blood

Introduction: This integrative review examines the absorption of FDA-approved chemical sunscreen filters, specifically avobenzone and oxybenzone, into the bloodstream. The study aims to compare the levels of absorption and potential health effects of systemic exposure to these sunscreen ingredients in the United States. Methods: The researchers conducted a literature search of 57 articles, of which 15 were used for the review. Inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing absorption levels of avobenzone and oxybenzone, as well as methods of absorption into the bloodstream. Exclusion criteria included sunscreen ingredients not approved in the United States, non-English studies, and studies on methods to determine absorption rather than actual absorption data. Results: The results show that avobenzone can reach a plasma concentration of 7.1 ng/ml after a single application to 75% of the body surface and may be a potential endocrine disruptor. Oxybenzone can reach a plasma concentration of 258.1 ng/ml after a single application to 75% of the body surface and may promote lung cancer metastasis. Conclusions: The review suggests that oxybenzone shows higher concentrations in plasma compared to avobenzone and has more potential health risks. Both avobenzone and oxybenzone exceeded the FDA safety threshold of 0.5 ng/ml following a 75% full-body application every 2 hours for 8 hours. This data indicates that FDA guidelines regarding systemic exposure to chemical UV filters may need to be altered, or alternative sunscreen agents should be encouraged for use.The authors emphasize the need for more studies and trials on the potential health effects of these ingredients, as avobenzone and oxybenzone are the two sunscreen UV filters with the most research, while many other approved filters have little to no research on their absorption levels and health impacts

The Efficacy of Baricitinib as a Treatment Option for Alopecia, In Terms of Promoting Hair Regrowth and Improving Patient Reported Outcomes

Background: Alopecia, an autoimmune condition characterized by hair loss, significantly impacts millions globally, often leading to psychological distress such as anxiety and depression. Current treatments are variably effective and frequently associated with adverse effects that restrict long-term use. This study evaluates the efficacy of Baricitinib, a Janus Kinase inhibitor, in treating severe alopecia, focusing on hair regrowth and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: This research synthesized data from recent publications (2018-2023) including clinical trials, reviews, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews, sourced from databases such as PubMed, Springer, and Elsevier. The inclusion criteria focused on recent studies in English evaluating Baricitinib\u27s effectiveness in severe alopecia cases. The primary outcome measures were the extent of hair regrowth and the change in patient-reported outcomes. Results: The analysis included results from the BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 trials, which showed significant hair regrowth in patients as evidenced by improved Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores. Notably, patients treated with baricitinib demonstrated a marked percent change in SALT scores and a higher proportion achieving an absolute SALT score of ≤10 within 36 weeks compared to the placebo. The treatment was well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects reported. Conclusion: Baricitinib has shown promising results in promoting significant hair regrowth in patients with severe alopecia, with minimal side effects, making it a viable treatment option. The FDA has approved Baricitinib for this indication. However, further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term safety of Baricitinib and to confirm these findings in a larger cohort

Antioxidative and physiological studies onColocasia esculentum in response to arsenic stress

The current study was undertaken to determine the effects of arsenic on Colocasia esculentum. Rhizomes were grown in pots containing 2.5 kg of garden soil with increasing concentration of arsenic. Arsenic  accumulation was more in shoots compared to roots at higher concentrations. High arsenic concentration  caused reduction in plant growth along with induction of few antioxidants. C. esculentum has a strong  antioxidative and physiological defense mechanism. Under arsenic stress, an increase in catalase, peoxidase,  few non-enzymatic antioxidants and an induction of few stress induced protein were observed, along with  some anatomical changes in roots. The increase in antioxidant stress enzyme activities in response to arsenic  exposure may be taken as evidence for an enhanced detoxification capacity of C. esculentum, a  herbaceous monocot plant, towards reactive oxygen species (and derivatives) that might be generated in the stressed plants.Key words: Arsenic, Colocasia esculentum, antioxidant, metal, root

Is There an Association Between Living in a Rural Area and the Incidence of Postoperative Complications or Hospital Readmissions Following Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Implantation, Compared to Urban LVAD Recipients?

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are utilized as a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. While LVAD implantation can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life, the procedure is not without risks, and postoperative complications are common. This review aims to investigate whether there is an association between living in a rural area and the incidence of postoperative complications or hospital readmissions following LVAD implantation, compared to urban LVAD recipients. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, examining studies that compared postoperative outcomes between rural and urban LVAD recipients. Data were extracted on adverse events, hospitalizations, and mortality rates, with a focus on the impact of geographic location on these outcomes. Results: The review found that rural LVAD recipients may be at a higher risk for certain postoperative complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ventricular arrhythmias, LVAD complications, and stroke. Rural patients also had higher instances of emergency department visits and hospital readmissions. Despite these challenges, survival rates and heart transplantation outcomes at 1 year were similar between rural and urban recipients. However, rural patients exhibited a higher driveline infection rate at 1 year. Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that rural residency may be associated with an increased risk of certain postoperative complications and hospital readmissions following LVAD implantation. These results highlight the need for tailored healthcare strategies to address the unique challenges faced by rural LVAD recipients. Further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between geographic location and LVAD outcomes, and to develop interventions that can improve postoperative care for this vulnerable populatio

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates growth and maintenance of colonospheres

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recent evidence suggests that epithelial cancers, including colorectal cancer are driven by a small sub-population of self-renewing, multi-potent cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are thought to be responsible for recurrence of cancer. One of the characteristics of CSCs is their ability to form floating spheroids under anchorage-independent conditions in a serum-free defined media. The current investigation was undertaken to examine the role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in regulating the growth and maintenance of colonospheres. Human colon cancer cells HCT-116 (p53 wild type; <it>K-ras </it>mutant), HCT-116 (p53 null; <it>K-ras </it>mutant) and HT-29 (p53 mutant) were used.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Colonospheres formed <it>in vitro </it>exhibited higher expression of colon CSCs markers LGR5, CD44, CD166 and Musashi-1 along with putative CSC marker EpCAM, compared to the corresponding parental cancer cells and also exhibit the ability to form spheroids under extreme limiting dilution, indicating the predominance of CSCs in colonospheres. Colonospheres formed by HCT-116 cells show over 80% of the cells to be CD44 positive, compared to ≤ 1% in the corresponding parental cells. Additionally, colonospheres showed reduced membrane bound β-catenin but had increased levels of total β-catenin, cyclin-D1 and c-myc and down regulation of axin-1 and phosphorylated β-catenin. Increased expression of β-catenin was associated with a marked transcriptional activation of TCF/LEF. The latter was greatly decreased following down regulation of β-catenin by the corresponding siRNA, leading to a marked reduction in CD44 positive cells as well as colonospheres formation. In contrast, upregulation of c-myc, a down-stream effector of TCF/LEF greatly augmented the formation of colonospheres.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data suggest that colonospheres formed by colon cancer cell lines are highly enriched in CSCs and that Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a critical role in growth and maintenance of colonospheres.</p