Biomarker-based prediction of inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer: a case–control study

Regular colonoscopic surveillance for detection of dysplasia is recommended in longstanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), however, its sensitivity is disputed. Screening accuracy may increase by using a biomarker-based surveillance strategy.A case-control study was performed to determine the prognostic value of DNA ploidy and p53 in IBD-related neoplasia. Cases with IBD-related colorectal cancer (CRC), detected in our surveillance program between 1985-2008, were selected and matched with two controls, for age, gender, disease characteristics, interval of follow-up, PSC, and previous surgery. Biopsies were assessed for DNA ploidy, p53, grade of inflammation and neoplasia. Progression to neoplasia was analyzed with Cox regression analysis, adjusting for potentially confounding variables.Adjusting for age, we found statistically significant Hazard ratios (HR) between development of CRC, and low grade dysplasia (HR5.5; 95%CI 2.6-11.5), abnormal DNA ploidy (DNA index (DI) 1.06-1.34, HR4.7; 95%CI 2.9-7.8 and DI>1.34, HR6.6; 95%CI 3.7-11.7) and p53 immunopositivity (HR3.0; 95%CI 1.9-4.7) over time. When adjusting for all confounders, abnormal DNA ploidy (DI 1.06-1.34, HR4.7; 95%CI 2.7-7.9 and DI>1.34, HR5.0; 95%CI 2.5-10.0) and p53 immunopositivity (HR1.7; 95%CI 1.0-3.1) remained statistically significant predictive of neoplasia. In longstanding IBD, abnormal DNA ploidy and p53 immunopositivity are important risk factors of developing CRC. The yield of surveillance may potentially increase by adding these biomarkers to the routine assessment of biopsies

Understanding domestic violence in India during COVID-19: A Routine activity approach

Domestic violence, a prevalent problem in India, saw an increase during the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. This article explores the factors associated with an increase in domestic violence incidents during COVID-19 by applying routine activity theory (RAT) framework. Data were drawn from the incidents of domestic violence reported in newspapers. Data was analyzed using content analysis and three major themes, i.e., three principle components of RAT—motivated offender, suitable target, and absence of capable guardian—were drawn. Findings reveal that sources of motivation in domestic violence perpetrators during the lockdown were alcohol and unemployment. The symbolic value that perpetrators associated with women, lower inertia, visibility, and accessibility to the perpetrators made women suitable targets of domestic violence. Lastly, shortage of police force and travel restrictions on formal and informal sources resulted in the absence of capable guardians. We conclude that changes in the routine activities of people during the COVID-19 lockdown provided more opportunities to the perpetrators of domestic violence

Depression, anxiety, and stress and socio-demographic correlates among general Indian public during COVID-19

The severe outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the mental health of Indians. Aim: The objective of this article was to find the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and stress and their sociodemographic correlates among Indian population during the lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an electronic questionnaire. A total of 354 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Depression, anxiety and stress were measured using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), a 21-item self-reported questionnaire

Diagnosis and management of skeletal fluorosis in current scenario: a case report

Skeletal fluorosis is a rare form of toxic metabolic disease of bone characterised by increased incorporation of fluoride in bone. Skeletal fluorosis generally occurs in endemic regions where there is increased ingestion of fluorine in water and or food over a long period of time. Fluorosis is a spectrum of disease ranging from dental, non-skeletal fluorosis to skeletal fluorosis. The disease is characterised by typical clinical and radiological features that raise the suspicion towards diagnosis of the disease. Radiographic features are characterized by generalised osteosclerosis and later ossification of ligaments, tendons and interosseous membranes. Skeletal fluorosis can be easily confused with other rheumatologic disorders. People exposed to large amounts of fluoride show dental changes much earlier than the skeletal effects. Management of fluorosis generally focuses on symptomatic treatment

Asymptotic value of the multidimensional Bohr radius

This article determines the exact asymptotic value of the Bohr radii and the arithmetic Bohr radii for the holomorphic functions defined on the unit ball of the $\ell_p^n$ space and having values in the simply connected domain of $\mathbb{C}$. Moreover, we investigate sharp Bohr radius for four distinct categories of holomorphic functions. These functions map the bounded balanced domain $G$ of a complex Banach space $X$ into the following domains: the right half-plane, the slit domain, the punctured unit disk, and the exterior of the closed unit disk

5’-Deoxy-5’-hydrazinylguanosine as an initiator of T7 RNA polymerase-catalyzed transcriptions for the preparation of labeling-ready RNAs

5′-deoxy-5′-hydrazinylguanosine was incorporated into the 5′-termini of RNA transcripts using T7 RNA polymerase. Transcriptions provided 5′-hydrazinyl-RNA that was readily labeled and purified. The use of fluorophore-labeled material was validated in an endoribonuclease activity assay

Internet gaming disorder, loneliness, and insomnia among Indians during the COVID-19 pandemic

The lockdown and stay at home orders implemented by the Indian government to inhibit the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lifestyle of most individuals in the country. This appeared to result in behavioral changes such as increased internet usage, feelings of loneliness, and disturbance of sleeping patterns