Prevalence and incidence of zoonotic diseases in South Asia: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: This review aims to estimate the prevalence and incidence of zoonotic diseases from studies of populations from South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).

Introduction: South Asia is of notable importance in terms of the prevalence and incidence of endemic zoonoses, as well as its role as a focal point for emerging zoonotic diseases.

Inclusion Criteria: All populations residing in the 8 South Asian countries, irrespective of age/gender, will be considered.

Pyrazinoquinoxaline derivatives for flexible electronic devices: effect of the mechanical properties of the crystals on device durability.

Understanding the interplay between the molecular structure and material properties of emerging p-type organic semiconductors marks a significant stride in the advancement of molecular electronics. Among the array of promising materials, mechanically flexible single crystals of π-conjugated molecules stand out due to their potential for cutting-edge applications in organic electronics. Notably, derivatives of pyrazinoquinoxaline (PQ) are recognized as versatile building blocks for constructing π-conjugated systems, showcasing good semiconductor performance in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).

A squalene oil emulsified MPL-A and anti-CD200/CD300a antibodies adjuvanted whole-killed Leishmania vaccine provides durable immunity against L. donovani parasites.

Antigenic inefficacy to induce robust immune responses and durable memory are major causes of constantly failing prophylactic approaches in leishmaniasis. Here, we determine the potential of a standardized whole-killed Leishmania vaccine (Leishvacc) adjuvanted with anti-CD200 and anti-CD300a antibodies, either alone or with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL-SE) emulsified in squalene oil, in restoring the compromised antigen presenting abilities of dendritic cells (DCs), effector properties of CD4T cells and providing protection against Leishmania donovani parasites. In animals vaccinated with antibodies adjuvanted vaccines, either alone or with MPL-SE, the antigen presenting abilities of CD11c DCs against Leishmania antigens, measured in terms of CD80, CD86, MHC-I, and MHC-II surface receptors and intracellular IL-12 were found enhanced than non-adjuvanted vaccine.

Assessment of Body Frame Size by Elbow Breadth and Frame Index and Its Relation to Body Composition Parameters among Tribal Preschool Children in West Bengal, India.

In children, body frame size estimation is used to interpret body mass and evaluate growth patterns. The present study aims to assess the body frame size by elbow breadth and frame index and its relation to body composition parameters among tribal preschool children (1-5 years of age). In the present study, 848 preschool children (430 boys and 418 girls) were included.

Morbidity among the tribal populations of West Bengal: A study based on data collected from the Mobile Medical Clinic.

Background: Tribes are the most socially excluded group in the nation due to their restricted access to healthcare. There are little data on the real burden and distribution of illnesses among tribes. The present study determines the types and patterns of sickness among tribal populations in West Bengal.

A comparative study in left-sided breast cancer treated with moderate deep inspiratory breath hold versus free breathing.

Background: The moderate deep inspiratory breath hold (mDIBH) is a modality famed for cardiac sparing. Prospective studies based on this are few from the eastern part of the world and India. We intend to compare the dosimetry between mDIBH and free-breathing (FB) plans.

Economic evaluations of neglected tropical disease interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of economic evaluation studies of interventions for neglected tropical diseases in low- and/or middle-income countries.

Introduction: The majority of people most susceptible to neglected tropical diseases reside in low- and middle-income countries and suffer significant economic impact due to these diseases. The World Health Organization suggests utilizing a systematic and cross-cutting approach with multiple interventions to lessen the neglected tropical disease burden.

Distribution and risk assessment of pesticide pollution in small streams adjoining paddy fields.

The present investigation was planned to bridge the knowledge gap on spatiotemporal variations of pesticide pollution in small streams adjacent to paddy fields, and to visualize the associated risks in the aquatic ecosystems. We screened 106 pesticides using GCMSMS and LCMSMS from 10 small streams (n = 212, surface water samples) adjacent to paddy fields over seven months. Fifty-five pesticides were detected across different streams and months.

Cost-effectiveness of newborn screening for sickle cell disease: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the cost-effectiveness of targeted/selective newborn screening compared with universal screening for sickle cell disease across various countries and settings.

Introduction: The incidence of sickle cell disease is a widespread and potentially fatal hematologic disorder that affects thousands of newborns worldwide. The cost of newborn screening creates a burden on households and the economy.

Comparison of Acute Gastrointestinal Toxicity of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Versus Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy in Patients of Carcinoma Cervix.

Introduction Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy worldwide, with a higher prevalence in middle- and low-income countries. Chemoradiotherapy, followed by intracavitary brachytherapy, is the treatment of choice in locally advanced cervical cancer. The most common acute side effect of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is bowel toxicity in the form of diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

Leishmania antigens activated CD4 T cells expressing CD200R receptors are the prime IL-10 producing phenotype and an important determinant of visceral leishmaniasis pathogenesis.

The excessive production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, by Leishmania antigen-activated T cells is supposed to be a key player in the onset and progression of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The IL-10-producing sources in VL remain unidentified and uncharacterized. In this study, we reveal that antigen-activated CD4 T cells, i.

Which Intervention Synergies Maximize AGYW's HIV Outcomes? A Classification and Regression Tree Analysis of Layered HIV Prevention Programming.

Introduction: Intersecting behavioral, social, and structural factors increase adolescent girls' (AG) and young women's (YW) HIV vulnerability. Yet, understanding of optimal intervention synergies remains limited. We identified intervention combinations that statistically maximized reductions in AGYW's HIV-related risk.

Cost-effectiveness of a decentralized care model for managing multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the available economic evidence of a decentralized care model compared to a centralized model for treating multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Introduction: Diseases that affect physiological health create a burden on human livelihoods and the economy. There is a lack of studies examining the economic evaluation of MDR-TB across different countries.

Adjuvantation of whole-killed Leishmania vaccine with anti-CD200 and anti-CD300a antibodies potentiates its efficacy and provides protection against wild-type parasites.

One of the major reasons behind the limited success of vaccine candidates against all forms of leishmaniasis is the inability of parasitic antigens to induce robust cell-mediated immunity and immunological memory. Here we find, for the first time, that the adjuvantation of whole-killed Leishmania vaccine (Leishvacc) with anti-CD200 and anti-CD300a antibodies enhances CD4 T cells mediated immunity in vaccinated mice and provides protection against wild-type parasites. The antibody adjuvantation, either alone or with a TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl A (MPL-A), induced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines viz.

Facile synthesis of novel magnesium oxide nanoparticles for pesticide sorption from water.

The quantum of pesticides in surface as well as drinking water has become a serious health hazard. In this experiment, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized using leaves of purple-colored rice variety (Crossa) and utilized for simultaneous removal of three pesticides, namely, thiamethoxam, chlorpyriphos, and fenpropathrin from water. The biogenic MgO NPs were characterized using SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, DLS, etc.

Reduced reward responsiveness in treatment resistant depression of middle-aged adults: Association with carotid artery stiffness and tetrahydrobiopterin.

Nearly one third of the population diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) fail to respond to two or more antidepressant drugs of adequate dose and duration. This necessitates identification of confounding psychological and physiological factors that could contribute to treatment resistant depression (TRD). The present longitudinal study investigated the influence of behavioural inhibition system (BIS) and behavioural approach system (BAS) in treatment resistance.

A Prospective Cohort Study Analyzing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia and Quality of Life of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy Techniques at a Tertiary Cancer Center in Eastern India.

Introduction Cancer of the head and neck is one of the most common cancers in India. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a vital role in the management of head and neck cancer both as a curative and adjuvant modality. Xerostomia is the most common acute and late toxicity.

Swarna Bhasma Induces Antigen-Presenting Abilities of Macrophages and Helps Antigen Experienced CD4 T Cells to Acquire Th1 Phenotypes Against Leishmania donovani Antigens.

In leishmaniasis, the protective immunity is largely mediated by proinflammatory cytokine producing abilities of T cells and an efficient parasite killing by phagocytic cells. Notwithstanding a substantial progress that has been made during last decades, the mechanisms or factors involved in establishing protective immunity against Leishmania are not identified. In ancient Indian literature, metallic "bhasma," particularly that of "swarna" or gold (fine gold particles), is indicated as one of the most prominent metal-based therapeutic medicine, which is known to impart protective and curative properties in various health issues.

National guidelines for data quality in surveys: An overview.

Good quality health, nutrition and demographic survey data are vital for evidence-based decision-making. Existing literature indicates system specific, data collection and reporting gaps that affect quality of health, nutrition and demographic survey data, thereby affecting its usability and relevance. To mitigate these, the National Data Quality Forum (NDQF), under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS) developed the National Guidelines for Data Quality in Surveys delineating assurance mechanisms to generate standard quality data in surveys.

Tenon's patch graft to the rescue during COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To report a case of bilateral Mooren's ulcer with impending corneal perforation in the right eye and perforated peripheral corneal ulcer in the left eye which successfully underwent Tenon's patch graft (TPG) with multilayered amniotic membrane grafting (AMG) as globe salvaging procedure during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Conjunctival resection was done on both the eyes followed by autologous Tenon's grafting with overlay amniotic membrane grafting in the left eye with perforation and multilayered AMG with AMG overlay in the right eye with impending perforation. Post-operatively topical antibiotics and steroids were prescribed.

Cutaneous Metastasis in a Treated Case of Cervical Cancer With Extraordinary Response to Chemotherapy: A Case Report of a Rare Event and Review of the Literature.

Cervical cancer usually metastasizes to the lung, liver, bone, and brain. Metastasis to the skin from cervical cancer is relatively uncommon. The management options are systemic therapy, palliative radiotherapy, or best supportive care.

An innovative approach to improve oil production and quality of mustard ( L.) with multi-nutrient-rich polyhalite.

Polyhalite popularly known as POLY4 is a multi-nutrient fertiliser containing K, S, Mg, Ca, and micronutrients. POLY4 has a low carbon footprint, is certified for organic agriculture, and has the potential to improve crop productivity and quality attributes Indian mustard which often faces challenges due to imbalanced nutrition supplied in the current fertilisation schedule. The hypothesis of the study was that the multi-nutrient fartiliser POLY4 can ensure balanced nutrition for Indian mustard.

Investigating asymmetric impacts of total factor energy efficiency on carbon emissions in India.

As many complex energy relations are not linear and have diminishing returns, assuming a symmetric (linear) effect of energy efficiency (ENEF) on carbon emissions (CAE) has limited our understanding of the emission-ENEF nexus. This research, therefore, initially estimates total factor energy efficiency by applying a stochastic frontier technique using sample panels for India encompassing the period from 2000 to 2014. Further, a nonlinear panel autoregressive distributed lag modelling framework is utilised in order to investigate the asymmetric (nonlinear) long- and short-run impacts of ENEF on CAE.