Efficacy of fermented vegetable discards as a dietary ingredient for shrimp feed

Gonoproktopterus curmuca (Hamilton - Buchanan), commonly known as red-tailed barb or "kooral" / "chundan" belonging to the Family Cyprinidae is an endemic fish in rivers originating from southern part of the biodiversity hotspot- the Western Ghats. The species is potential candidate for aquaculture in the region. Juveniles of G. curmuca enjoys a good market as an attractive ornamental fish, both in India and abroad. This species is categorized as "endangered" based on latest IUCN criteria, due to restricted distribution, loss of habitat, over exploitation, destructive fishing practices and trade for aquarium keeping (Anon., 1998)

Efficacy of co-fermented vegetable discard as shrimp feed ingredient

A study was carried out wherein mixed vegetable discards from the local market were fermented using the bacterium Bacillus licheniformis MTCC 6824, for 5 days. B. licheniformis fermented product (BLFP) on day 4 was incorporated at the rate of 5, 9 and 12% respectively as a feed ingredient in juvenile Penaeus monodon diet based on their amino acid profile, proximate composition and selected mineral profile. The growth and feed utilization efficiencies of shrimp fed with fermented vegetable product were superior to those fed with diets containing unfermented product (UFP). Among the test diets, diet with 9 and 12% BLFP performed better in terms of specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), apparent net protein utilization (ANPU) and weight gain. The highest protein and fat digestibility of 57.36 and 74.32% respectively, were recorded in shrimp fed with diet containing 9% BLFP. The highest protein and fat deposition was for the diet with 9% (68%) and 5% (6.47%) incorporation of BLFP, respectively. From the present study, it has been concluded that 9-12% of BLFP can be supplemented in the diet for P. monodon for its better growth and survival

Comparative Evaluation of Vertical Facial Height Reduction and Severity of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Versus Controls using Shimbashi Number and Cephalometric Analysis

BACKGROUND: Bite collapse is a Medical and a dental dilemma where the patient’s bite and Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) do not function in harmony because of loss of vertical dimension of occlusion. It is an abnormal state in which mandible rises beyond the point of normal occlusal contact, caused by drifting of teeth, loss of occlusal vertical dimension, change in tooth shape and size through grinding, loss of teeth or abnormal positioning of lower jaw to the cranium. Bite collapse causes symptoms like frequent headaches, dull pain of the elevator muscles, ear stiffness, tinnitus and vertigo. Maintenance of ideal vertical dimension of occlusion is very important for optimal functioning of jaw muscles. Many studies were carried out in the past to diagnose bite collapse and to evaluate neuromucular and TMJ disorders associated with loss of vertical dimension of occlusion by analysing soft tissue and skeletal parameters. However, there are only very few studies that analysed the dental and skeletal parameters in the diagnosis of collapsed bite and explains the importance of re- establishing physiologic vertical dimension. The significance of this study was that it explains the amount of bite reduction and severity of Temporomandibular Joint disorders, which in turn would shed new light in the management of neuromuscular and Temporomandibular Joint disorders. Shimbashi number is the easiest Dental tool to analyse occlusal vertical dimension and Cephalometric evaluation of facial skeletal proportion in vertical direction is more accurate. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main aim of the study was to determine the extent of reduction in occlusal vertical dimension and it’s correlation to the severity of TMJ disorders by measuring ‘Shimbashi number and Cephalometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a clinical history suggestive of TMJ disorders were taken and measured Shimbashi number with digital vernier caliper when the teeth were in maximum intercuspation or in centric occlusion. Shimbashi number is 19 mm plus or minus 1mm. Patients identified with collapsed bite and controls were subjected to a cephalometric analysis. Compared clinically obtained Shimbashi number with the measurement CEJ-CEJ in the radiograph. Correlated the other results obtained from cephalometric analysis with the Shimbashi number and evaluated changes in vertical dimension of occlusion in TMJ disorders. All the values were compared with the control group. RESULTS: The results of this study showed the prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders increases with age and females are more prone to TMD. There was a significant reduction in values like Shimbashi number, Radiographic CEJ-CEJ, A-B, ANS-Gn, N-Gn, S-Go,< N-Go-Gn and < ANS-PNS-(Go -Gn) in patients with TMD. It also shows a significant increase in interincisal angle in TMD compared to controls. All parameters are significant and P value less than 0. 05. Result revealed the severity of TMD increases with reduction in values like Shimbashi number and Radiographic CEJ-CEJ and increase in interincisal angles. CONCLUSION: Temporomandibular joint disorder is one among the major reasons in which patients seek dental treatment and bite collapse is a major causative factor. This study revealed, how bite collapse or reduced vertical dimension of occlusion affects TMJ, and its correlation to the severity of joint disorders by clinically measuring Shimbashi number and Cephalometric analysis. Based on the result of this study, females are more prone to TMD and the prevalence of TMD increases with age. It also revealed that the severity of TMD increases with the degree of reduction in vertical dimension of occlusion

Occupational health in information technology professionals - An Ayurvedic Purview

Occupational Health mainly aims at promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental, social wellbeing of workers in all occupations. Working environment is also important for a person, as he spends nearly 6-8 hours/day and about a minimum of 3 decades of his life span in his respective occupations. Now, around the world the occupational health personnel are witnessing the emergence of health-related problems in computer users. In the present era, younger generation is behind the technology and attractive job opportunities as it affects the total economy of the country. Some of the commonly seen health problems among them are Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), Ocular disorders and Stress. The principles of Ayurveda are focusing on promoting health and preventing the diseases. In regards to this, following Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Sadvritta, Achara Rasayana have a major role to play in it. Thus, by adopting the regimes told by our Acharyas will contribute effectively in improving the quality of health and standards of living in Informational Technology Professionals

Systems and computational analysis of gene expression datasets reveals GRB-2 suppression as an acute immunomodulatory response against enteric infections in endemic settings

IntroductionEnteric infections are a major cause of under-5 (age) mortality in low/middle-income countries. Although vaccines against these infections have already been licensed, unwavering efforts are required to boost suboptimalefficacy and effectiveness in regions that are highly endemic to enteric pathogens. The role of baseline immunological profiles in influencing vaccine-induced immune responses is increasingly becoming clearer for several vaccines. Hence, for the development of advanced and region-specific enteric vaccines, insights into differences in immune responses to perturbations in endemic and non-endemic settings become crucial.Materials and methodsFor this reason, we employed a two-tiered system and computational pipeline (i) to study the variations in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with immune responses to enteric infections in endemic and non-endemic study groups, and (ii) to derive features (genes) of importance that keenly distinguish between these two groups using unsupervised machine learning algorithms on an aggregated gene expression dataset. The derived genes were further curated using topological analysis of the constructed STRING networks. The findings from these two tiers are validated using multilayer perceptron classifier and were further explored using correlation and regression analysis for the retrieval of associated gene regulatory modules.ResultsOur analysis reveals aggressive suppression of GRB-2, an adaptor molecule integral for TCR signaling, as a primary immunomodulatory response against S. typhi infection in endemic settings. Moreover, using retrieved correlation modules and multivariant regression models, we found a positive association between regulators of activated T cells and mediators of Hedgehog signaling in the endemic population, which indicates the initiation of an effector (involving differentiation and homing) rather than an inductive response upon infection. On further exploration, we found STAT3 to be instrumental in designating T-cell functions upon early responses to enteric infections in endemic settings.ConclusionOverall, through a systems and computational biology approach, we characterized distinct molecular players involved in immune responses to enteric infections in endemic settings in the process, contributing to the mounting evidence of endemicity being a major determiner of pathogen/vaccine-induced immune responses. The gained insights will have important implications in the design and development of region/endemicity-specific vaccines

Molecular crosstalk between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease using microarray and RNA-seq datasets: A system biology approach

ObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical and epidemiological analysis reported the association between SARS-CoV-2 and neurological diseases. Among neurological diseases, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has developed as a crucial comorbidity of SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to understand the common transcriptional signatures between SARS-CoV-2 and AD.Materials and methodsSystem biology approaches were used to compare the datasets of AD and COVID-19 to identify the genetic association. For this, we have integrated three human whole transcriptomic datasets for COVID-19 and five microarray datasets for AD. We have identified differentially expressed genes for all the datasets and constructed a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Hub genes were identified from the PPI network, and hub genes-associated regulatory molecules (transcription factors and miRNAs) were identified for further validation.ResultsA total of 9,500 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for AD and 7,000 DEGs for COVID-19. Gene ontology analysis resulted in 37 molecular functions, 79 cellular components, and 129 biological processes were found to be commonly enriched in AD and COVID-19. We identified 26 hub genes which includes AKT1, ALB, BDNF, CD4, CDH1, DLG4, EGF, EGFR, FN1, GAPDH, INS, ITGB1, ACTB, SRC, TP53, CDC42, RUNX2, HSPA8, PSMD2, GFAP, VAMP2, MAPK8, CAV1, GNB1, RBX1, and ITGA2B. Specific miRNA targets associated with Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19 were identified through miRNA target prediction. In addition, we found hub genes-transcription factor and hub genes-drugs interaction. We also performed pathway analysis for the hub genes and found that several cell signaling pathways are enriched, such as PI3K-AKT, Neurotrophin, Rap1, Ras, and JAK–STAT.ConclusionOur results suggest that the identified hub genes could be diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic drug targets for COVID-19 patients with AD comorbidity

The teachers’ guide to literacy research, part 2 : reading comprehension

We are all aware of the worryingly low reading levels of children in the country. In order to be able to improve the teaching and learning of literacy, we need to understand why children are facing difficulties. A research study called LiRIL (Literacy Research in Indian Languages) was designed after a national consultation on Early Literacy in 2011 to investigate this

Needs, beliefs and barriers for contraceptive use among women in a low resource setting in Tamil Nadu: a qualitative study

Background: The decline in fertility rate based on the National Health Profile is attributed to the choice of permanent sterilisation as the preferred method of contraception among Indian women. The uptake of spacing methods has declined over the years in many parts of India related to low awareness about options other than sterilisation. Hence understanding the needs, beliefs and barriers of women regarding contraceptive use can identify the factors behind their choice of contraceptive methods. This study aims to explore the needs, beliefs and barriers of women in using different methods of contraception in a low-resource area of urban Vellore, Tamil Nadu.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in three underserved areas of urban Vellore served by the secondary care hospital of a private academic institution. A descriptive qualitative method was chosen. Focus group discussion was carried out among study participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.Results: The need for contraceptive use was felt after completing the families determining the type of method chosen. Fear of impending side-effects of commonly available spacing methods of contraception limited their use. The results highlight the forceful use of intra-uterine device among study participants reflecting the incentive-based family planning services implemented in most Indian states.Conclusions: Our study reinforces that neither the availability of contraceptives nor forceful implementation of policies will increase the utilisation of contraceptives. There is a need for community-based education on the indications, types and side-effects of reversible methods of contraception

Predictors of symptom persistence and respiratory sequelae in respiratory symptomatics presenting to a post-COVID clinic

Background: COVID-19 infection causes the persistence of respiratory symptoms and functional impairment, which require prolonged follow-up care. Identification of individuals at risk for respiratory sequelae helps in optimal follow-up and early identification of complications. Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to find the clinical profile, predictors of respiratory symptom persistence, and functional impairment in post-COVID patients. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study was done on patients who attended the post-COVID clinic in the pulmonary medicine outpatient department (OPD) in a tertiary care center in central Kerala from June 2021 to August 2021 with persisting respiratory symptoms after becoming COVID-19 negative and evaluated with a proforma regarding clinical history and symptoms. Patients were followed up at one and 3 months. Clinical, functional, and radiological factors were assessed. They were reassessed at 3 months. Spirometry was done in those with persistent symptoms at 3 months. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was performed in those with significant desaturation on 6-min walk test (6MWT). Results: Of 348 patients, 6 died, 4 lost follow-up, 12 patients had alternative diagnoses during the study period. About 29.4% were symptomatic at 3 months. CT severity score improved over 3 months and the proportion of patients with exercise-induced desaturation in 6MWT decreased over 3 months. All patients showed a restrictive abnormality except two. A significant association was found between the persistence of symptoms at 3 months and type 2 diabetes mellitus, severe illness during the initial phase, persistent elevation of inflammatory markers, and increased radiological involvement. Alternative diagnosis and treatment-related complication was seen in 12 patients, which included infections such as tuberculosis, nocardia and fungal infection, malignancy, CTEPH, and post-intubation tracheal stenosis. Conclusion: A minor group of severe COVID-19 pneumonia survivors have delayed resolution of symptoms with functional impairment. Improvement in spirometry lags behind clinical and radiological improvement

Evaluation of Ultrasound Guided Measurement of Tongue Thickness in Predicting Difficult Tracheal Intubation in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Preoperative airway assessment is necessary to identify airway difficulties to the earliest, ensure adequate preparation to airway management before induction and to avoid airway related complications. Various Imaging techniques have been studied for prediction of the difficult airway. the ultrasound is a quick and simple technique. Aim of the study was to evaluate ultrasound guided measurement of tongue thickness in predicting difficult tracheal intubation in patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: Sixty-one patients American Society of Anesthesiologist class I and II,18-65 years of age, either sex, were included. Tongue thickness was measured by ultrasound as the distance from the surface of tongue to the submental skin. Modified mallampatti score was also recorded. Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of tongue thickness showed an AUC of 0.879 for a cut off value of >6 cm. This shows it has an excellent predictive value. Tongue thickness (>6cm) was found to have 90.16% combined diagnostic accuracy with 75% sensitivity and 94.74% specificity for prediction of difficult intubation. No correlation between tongue thickness and modified mallampatti score. (Correlation coefficient was 0.013, p value 0.920). Conclusion: We conclude that ultrasound guided measurement of tongue thickness> 6 cm can reliably predict difficult tracheal intubation in patients undergoing elective surgery