Effects of different obesogenic diets on joint integrity, inflammation and intermediate monocyte levels in a rat groove model of osteoarthritis

Introduction: Obesogenic diets aggravate osteoarthritis (OA) by inducing low-grade systemic inflammation, and diet composition may affect OA severity. Here, we investigated the effect of diet on joint damage and inflammation in an OA rat model. Methods: Wistar-Han rats (n = 24) were fed a chow, a high-fat (HF) diet, or a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) for 24 weeks. OA was induced unilaterally 12 weeks after the diet onset by groove surgery, and compared to sham surgery or no surgical intervention (contralateral limb). Knee OA severity was determined by OARSI histopathology scoring system. At several timepoints monocyte populations were measured using flow cytometry, and joint macrophage response was determined via CD68 immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Groove surgery combined with HF or HFS diet resulted in higher OARSI scores, and both HF and HFS diet showed increased circulating intermediate monocytes compared to chow fed rats. Additionally, in the HFS group, minimal damage by sham surgery resulted in an increased OARSI score. HFS diet resulted in the largest metabolic dysregulation, synovial inflammation and increased CD68 staining in tibia epiphysis bone marrow. Conclusion: Obesogenic diets resulted in aggravated OA development, even with very minimal joint damage when combined with the sucrose/fat-rich diet. We hypothesize that diet-induced low-grade inflammation primes monocytes and macrophages in the blood, bone marrow, and synovium, resulting in joint damage when triggered by groove OA inducing surgery. When the metabolic dysregulation is larger, as observed here for the HFS diet, the surgical trigger required to induce joint damage may be smaller, or even redundant.

PREHOST: Host prediction of coronaviridae family using machine learning

Coronavirus, a zoonotic virus capable of transmitting infections from animals to humans, emerged as a pandemic recently. In such circumstances, it is essential to understand the virus's origin. In this study, we present a novel machine-learning pipeline PreHost for host prediction of the family, Coronaviridae. We leverage the complete viral genome and sequences at the protein level (spike protein, membrane protein, and nucleocapsid protein). Compared with the current state-of-the-art approaches, the random forest model attained high accuracy and recall scores of 99.91% and 0.98, respectively, for genome sequences. In addition to the spike protein sequences, our study shows membrane and nucleocapsid protein sequences can be utilized to predict the host of viruses. We also identified important sites in the viral sequences that help distinguish between different host classes. The host prediction pipeline PreHost will cater as a valuable tool to take effective measures to govern the transmission of future viruses.

Facile encapsulation of nano zero-valent iron with calcium carbonate: synthesis, characterization and application for iron remediation

In this study, CaCO3 was used as a modifier for nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) surface to prevent rapid aggregation and effectively utilized for iron remediation from aqueous solution. Surface chemistry and morphology of CaCO3 encapsulated nZVI (CaCO3-nZVI) before and after treatment of contaminant iron solution were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanisms of surface modification as well as iron remediation were well depicted with the help of these characterisation tools. Iron removal efficacy of 96.4% was achieved with 0.25 g/L adsorbent dose for an influent iron of 0.5 mg/L at pH 10 after a 3 h treatment process. When the influent concentration was increased to 10 mg/L, the removal capacity decreased to 92.1%. The study demonstrates that CaCO3 and nZVI in the encapsulated nanoparticle have a significant synergistic effect. The pseudo-second- order reaction kinetics and Freundlich isotherm model correctly portrayed the experimental data for iron removal by CaCO3-nZVI. The CaCO3-nZVI is a viable option for iron removal from various aqueous media due to its facile preparation, high iron removal capability, and reusability.

Performance evaluation of deep neural network on malware detection: visual feature approach

Nowadays, several malicious applications target computers and mobile users. So, malware detection plays a vital role on the internet so that the device is secure without any malicious activity affecting or gathering the useful content of the user. Researches indicate that the vulnerability of adversarial attacks is more in deep neural networks. When there is a malicious sample in a family, there will not be many changes in the variants, but there will be more signatures. So, a deep learning model, DenseNet was used for detection. The adversarial samples are created by other types of noise, including the Gaussian noise. We added this noise to a subset of malware samples and observed that for Malimg, the modified samples were precisely identified by the DenseNet, and the attack cannot be done. But for BIG2015, we found that there was some marginal decrease in the performance of the classifier, which shows that the model performs well. Further, experiments on the Fast Gradient Sign Method (FGSM) were conducted, and it was observed that a significant decrease in classification accuracy was detected for both datasets. We understand that deep learning models should be robust to adversarial attacks.

Emergencies on the train and railway stations managed at a railway station emergency care center

Background:

With the increasing focus on setting up emergency care centers in railway stations across India by the government, there are no baseline data in India, or the world, about the profile of patients presenting with emergencies on the trains and at the railway stations.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included all people who presented with any medical emergency to the Emergency Care Center (ECC), Katpadi Railway Station in South India, between January 2017 and December 2017. Details were obtained from the register maintained by the emergency nurses stationed at the ECC.

Results:

Among 1076 patients who presented to the ECC during the study period, the mean age was 37 years (standard deviation: 19.01) with two-thirds (66.1%) being males. A quarter (23.4%) were trauma-related and 76.6% were medical emergencies. Sharp force injuries [58.8% (151/252)] was the predominant mode of trauma, while laceration [57.1%] (144/252) was the predominant type of injury sustained. Common nontrauma presenting complaints included fever (27.5%), headache (17.9%), nausea/vomiting (17.9%), and abdominal pain (15%). The maximum number of cases was in the summer months of May–June with heat-related symptoms, while the maximum number of fever cases was recorded during the monsoon season. The majority (905/1076; 84.1%) were able to continue their journey further, and 13.9% required referral to a nearby hospital. During the 1-year study period, 2 patients with trauma and 18 with various medical conditions died at the railway station or at a hospital after resuscitation at the ECC.

Conclusions:

Trauma, fever, headache, and vomiting are the most common emergencies among patients traveling by rail and at the railway stations. Establishing well-equipped ECCs across the country to handle trauma and other medical emergencies during travel is part of primary care provided and is the need of the hour.

Depth Enhancement of an Underwater Towed System using Hydrodynamic Depressor

<p>The underwater towed system described here consists of tow cables, a towed body, an acoustic module and tail rope towed behind a surface ship. The required depth at a particular speed of the towing ship is obtained by paying out specified length of cable from the winch. However the excessive drag forces on the various components of the towed system results in impractically large values of cable length, especially at higher speeds. A hydrodynamic depressor is designed to improve the depth performance. The design is evolved based on numerical analysis and towing tank tests. Estimation of depth attained is carried out based on steady state theory of tow cables. Validation of the numerical analysis results is carried out through field evaluation of depressor performance during sea trial of the towed system.</p>

Enhancing active learning in microbiology through case based learning: experiences from an Indian medical school

BACKGROUND

Case-based learning (CBL) is an interactive student-centered exploration of real life situations. This paper describes the use of CBL as an educational strategy for promoting active learning in microbiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CBL was introduced in the microbiology curriculum for the second year medical students after an orientation program for faculty and students. After intervention, the average student scores in CBL topics were compared with scores obtained in lecture topics. An attempt was also made to find the effect of CBL on the academic performance. Student and faculty perception on CBL were also recorded.

RESULTS

In a cross sectional survey conducted to assess the effectiveness of CBL, students responded that, apart from helping them acquire substantive knowledge in microbiology, CBL sessions enhanced their analytic, collaborative, and communication skills. The block examination scores in CBL topics were significantly higher than those obtained for lecture topics. Faculty rated the process to be highly effective in stimulating student interest and long term retention of microbiology knowledge. The student scores were significantly higher in the group that used CBL, compared to the group that had not used CBL as a learning strategy.

CONCLUSION

Our experience indicated that CBL sessions enhanced active learning in microbiology. More frequent use of CBL sessions would not only help the student gain requisite knowledge in microbiology but also enhance their analytic and communication skills.

Platelet Dopamine: D2 Receptor Binding in Patients with Migraine

Clinical, genetic and pharmacological evidences suggest an abnormality of the dopaminergic system in the pathogenesis of migraine. Direct evidence of an abnormal metabolism of dopamine in migraine, however, is lacking. Platelets are a useful model to understand brain dopaminergic mechanisms. The present study has been undertaken to study the status of platelet dopamine receptor binding by carrying out radioligand receptor binding assay. Binding of3H-spiperone to platelet membranes, known to label dopamine (DA)—D2 receptors, was conducted in 20 patients with migraine and an equal number of healthy controls. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) in patients with migraine (1.71 ± 0.19 nM) was found to be significantly lower ( P < 0.001) as compared with controls (3.14 ± 0.33 nM). However, no significant change was observed in the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) in patients with migraine. No relationship of Kd with type of migraine, presence of vomiting, family history, frequency of attack, duration of illness and menstrual migraine was observed. The findings of the present study provide support for the involvement of the dopaminergic system in migraine.

Initial default among diagnosed sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Andhra Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND

Under the Indian Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients not confirmed as starting treatment are reported as 'initial defaulters'.

SETTING

Twenty districts of Andhra Pradesh State, India.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate reasons for treatment non-initiation in smear-positive PTB patients diagnosed and reported as initial defaulters by the NTP.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey conducted of all reported initial defaulters during the period July-September 2006.

RESULTS

Of 1304 reported initial defaulters, 619 (47.5%) had been placed on treatment, having been incorrectly reported due to poor documentation of patients referred for treatment in the same district or whose treatment initiation was delayed until the subsequent quarter. Of the 685 (4.5% of the total diagnosed) who were confirmed initial defaulters, 350 (51%) were untraceable, 152 (22%) had died before treatment initiation, 38 (5.5%) were treated privately, 93 (13.5%) had other reasons (e.g., refusal of treatment, chronic case, etc.) and no data were available for 52 (8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 5% of smear-positive PTB patients diagnosed in the study period were confirmed as not having initiated treatment under the RNCTP. Improvements in address recording may assist efforts to retrieve these patients for treatment. Additional evaluations are needed of improved counselling of TB suspects to prevent initial default, and of reasons for death before treatment initiation.

Students' perceptions of learning environment in an Indian medical school

BACKGROUND

Learning environment in any medical school is found to be important in determining students' academic success. This study was undertaken to compare the perceptions of first year and clinical phase students regarding the learning environment at Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC) (Manipal Campus) and also to identify the gender wise differences in their perceptions.

METHODS

In the present study, the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory was used. DREEM was originally developed at Dundee and has been validated as a universal diagnostic inventory for assessing the quality of educational environment. In the present study, DREEM was administered to undergraduate medical students of first year (n = 118) and clinical phase (n = 108) and the scores were compared using a nonparametric test.

RESULTS

Among the two batches, first year students were found to be more satisfied with the learning environment at MMMC (as indicated by their higher DREEM score) compared to the clinical batch students. Gender wise, there was not much difference in the students' perceptions.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that both groups of students perceived the learning environment positively. Nevertheless, the study also revealed problematic areas of learning environment in our medical school which enabled us to adopt some remedial measures.

Learning approaches of undergraduate medical students to physiology in a non-PBL- and partially PBL-oriented curriculum

Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus; Manipal, Karnataka, India) conducts the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program, for which the admission intakes are during the months of March and September. The present study was undertaken to study the differences in learning approaches to physiology of undergraduate medical students in a partially problem-based learning (PBL)- and non-PBL-oriented curriculum. PBL was introduced as a curricular reform for the September 2006 batch of students (partially PBL group), whereas it was not incorporated for the March 2006 batch of students (non-PBL group). Learning approaches to physiology of both groups of students were compared using the short inventory of approaches to learning. Mean scores for deep and strategic approaches were found to be significantly higher for the partially PBL group compared with the non-PBL group. The results of the present study support the earlier observation that PBL promotes a deep approach to learning.

Wilson's disease presenting as status epilepticus

A patient of Wilson's disease having neurological as well as psychiatric manifestations who presented with status epilepticus is being reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by biochemical investigations and 'face of giant panda' sign was present on MRI brain.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage as a presentation of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis can present with a variety of clinical symptoms ranging from isolated headache to deep coma. Subarachnoid haemorrhage is a rare presentation. In the report, we describe a case of non-puerperal venous thrombosis of many dural sinuses manifesting on imaging solely as localized subarachnoid haemorrhage without underlying parenchymal involvement.