To understand the spread of SARS-CoV2, in August and September 2020, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (India), conducted a sero-survey across its constituent laboratories and centers across India. Of 10,427 volunteers, 1058 (10.14%) tested positive for SARS CoV2 anti-nucleocapsid (anti-NC) antibodies; 95% of which had surrogate neutralization activity. Three-fourth of these recalled no symptoms. Repeat serology tests at 3 (n=607) and 6 (n=175) months showed stable anti-NC antibodies but declining neutralization activity. Local sero-positivity was higher in densely populated cities and was inversely correlated with a 30 day change in regional test positivity rates (TPR). Regional seropositivity above 10% was associated with declining TPR. Personal factors associated with higher odds of sero-positivity were high-exposure work (Odds Ratio, 95% CI, p value; 2∙23, 1∙92–2∙59, <0.0001), use of public transport (1∙79, 1∙43–2∙24, <0.0001), not smoking (1∙52, 1∙16–1∙99, 0∙0257), non-vegetarian diet (1∙67, 1∙41–1∙99, <0.0001), and B blood group (1∙36,1∙15-1∙61, 0∙001).
Background: Pimpinella anisum known for its various medicinal properties is also a natural antioxidant and a free radical scavenger with no documented evidence as a nephroprotective agent. Objective: To evaluate the nephroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum seeds in a rodent model of gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats of either sex, weighing 150-200 g was divided into 5 groups; normal saline, gentamicin 80mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 8 days, aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum seeds at 1, 2, and 4g/kg, per oral for 8 days, the test extract administered 3 days prior and concurrently with gentamicin for 5 days. Blood urea, serum creatinine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen analyses and microscopic examination of kidney were performed. Results: Gentamicin treatment caused nephrotoxicity as evidenced by marked elevation in serum urea, serum uric acid, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (107.5±16.92mg/dl, 0.8±0.09 mg/dl, 3.05±0.29 mg/dl, 47.8±9.07 mg/dl) respectively when compared to the saline treated groups. Co-administration of Pimpinella anisum extract with gentamicin decreased the rise in these parameters in a dose dependent manner. Histopathological analysis revealed epithelial loss with intense granular degeneration in gentamicin treated rats, whereas aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum mitigated the severity of gentamicin-induced renal damage. Conclusion: To conclude, our data suggest that aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum exhibits renoprotective effect in gentamicin induced renal damage and further studies on its mechanism of action are warranted.
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared from bleached wood pulp by the acid hydrolysis method. CNCs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Natural rubber latex was oxidised using potassium permanganate. The oxidation of latex was confirmed using FTIR and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Natural rubber latex composites were prepared using the as-prepared CNCs in two different weight percentages. Mechanical studies and microscopy analysis proved that the incorporation of CNCs into NR latex improved all the properties. Due to the presence of surface hydroxyl groups of CNCs, which can be exchanged with almost any contaminant ions present in water, the developed materials can be utilized for water purification. The composites effectively removed 92%, 79% and 67%, respectively, of basic dyes such as Victoria blue BO, Methyl violet 10B and Holacryl pink FG. The dye removal can be explained by the electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged CNCs and the positively charged dyes.
Sleep bruxism is a common phenomenon caused due to masticatory muscle activity during sleep .Proper methods for screening and diagnosing patients with Sleep Bruxism are crucial for the success of dental treatment. Literature reviews and clinical experiences indicate a lack of patient awareness and underreporting of sleep bruxism. Clinicians should look for clinical signs and symptoms of Sleep bruxism in the patient and deliver minimally invasive treatment modalities.
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