In this study, by characterizing several human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from single B cells of the COVID-19–recovered individuals in India who experienced ancestral Wuhan strain (WA.1) of SARS-CoV-2 during early stages of the pandemic, we found a receptor binding domain (RBD)–specific mAb 002-S21F2 that has rare gene usage and potently neutralized live viral isolates of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron sublineages (BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5) with IC 50 ranging from 0.02 to 0.13 μg/ml. Structural studies of 002-S21F2 in complex with spike trimers of Omicron and WA.1 showed that it targets a conformationally conserved epitope on the outer face of RBD (class 3 surface) outside the ACE2-binding motif, thereby providing a mechanistic insights for its broad neutralization activity. The discovery of 002-S21F2 and the broadly neutralizing epitope it targets have timely implications for developing a broad range of therapeutic and vaccine interventions against SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron sublineages.

This paper investigates the carbon monoxide (CO) doses received while commuting by different modes (car, bus, train, motorcycle, bicycle and running), taking into account the commute time as well as the level of physical activity required. While the participants were constrained to travel at specific peak traffic times and between designated start and end points, they were free to choose a route appropriate for their mode of transport.The results of this study suggest that the lowest exposures (concentrations of pollutants) are experienced by train commuters, largely a reflection of the routes being removed from any significant road traffic. Motorcyclists experienced significantly higher average concentrations as a result of high-concentration and very-short-duration peaks not seen in the traces of car and bus commuters travelling on the same road. Travel by bus along a dedicated busway was also found to be effective in reducing commuter air pollution exposure compared to travel by car on a congested stretch of motorway.The average concentrations to which cyclists and runners were exposed were found to be not significantly different for those travelling by car or bus (except when on dedicated pedestrian/cycleways). However, when the increased physical activity that is required is taken into account (leading to higher volumes of air breathed) along with the increased commuting time (especially in the case of runners), the air pollution doses (as estimated by the product of the concentration, commute time and breathing factor) were found to be significantly higher than for the motorised modes. The results suggest that separate pedestrian/cycleways go some way towards providing healthier options for cyclists and pedestrians.

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Background: Cancer is an important health issue. According to the WHO report, globally, cervical cancer comprises 12% of all cancers in women and it is the leading gynaecological malignancy in the world. In many developing countries, it is the most common cancer among women where 85% of the estimated 493 000 new cases and 273 000 deaths in 2002 occurred worldwide.Objectives: 1. To study the association between cervical cancer and parity. 2. To study the association between cervical cancer and other selected exposure variables Settings and design: A hospital based case-control study was conducted in Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Manipal, Udupi District Methods and material: A total of 273 participants (91 cases and 182 controls) were included. Information on demographics, habits, reproductive history, sexual history and menstrual history was taken using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: Data was analysed using SPSS version 15. Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression was used to find out the association between the outcome and exposure variables. Results are expressed in odds ratio. Results: Marital status (married) is an important risk factor for cervical cancer, OR = 2.98 (1.23-7.20). People having history of alcohol use were at 4.55 (1.17-17.73) times at risk of developing cervical cancer when compared to those who did not use alcohol. Age at menarche of 13-14 years was found to be a significant risk factor of cervical cancer with OR of 2.91 (1.18-7.20). Age at 1st coitus of <18 years had an odds ratio of 5.44(2.73-6.38) and was significantly associated. At least one abortion is an important risk factor with odds of 2. 61 (1.70-18.96). Also, adjusted odds ratio for parity of 3-5 was 3.16 (1.12-8.91) and 5.57 (1.70-18.96) for women having !6 parity when compared to women having parity of less than 3 and was statistically significant. Conclusions: The study showed that marital status, history of alcohol use, <18 years of age at first coitus, age at menarche and parity of >3 as risk factors of cervical cancer © 2017 Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India, Pvt. Ltd on behalf of INDIACLEN.

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Low-frequency wave propagations and instabilities are studied taking into account the finite electrical resistivity and viscosity of the neutrino-coupled plasma. It is assumed that the plasma is permeated by magnetic field. The formulation and analysis of the system including the Fermi weak force due to neutrino plasma coupling is done by neutrino magneto hydrodynamics model. The general dispersion relation is derived from the set of perturbed equations to signify the role of dissipative effects on the growth rate and condition of both neutrino instability and self-gravitational instability. To discuss the influence of resistivity and viscosity on the dynamics of the system, the general dispersion relation is reduced for both perpendicular and parallel mode of propagations. The self-gravitating modes are modified by the presence of neutrinos, viscosity, and resistivity in both perpendicular and parallel modes of propagation, while the gravitational instability criterion is modified only by neutrinos. It is also observed that the number density of neutrinos works against the gravitational instability, while the neutrino beam-free energy supports the self-gravitational instability. In the case of perpendicular propagation, the neutrino beam instability criterion and growth rate are affected by dissipative effects.

The effect of spin induced magnetization and electrical resistivity incorporating the viscosity of the medium is examined on the Jeans instability of quantum magnetoplasma. Formulation of the system is done by using the quantum magnetohydrodynamic model. The analysis of the problem is carried out by normal mode analysis theory. The general dispersion relation is derived from set of perturbed equations to analyse the growth rate and condition of self-gravitational Jeans instability. To discuss the influence of resistivity, magnetization, and viscosity parameters on Jeans instability, the general dispersion relation is reduced for both transverse and longitudinal mode of propagations. In the case of transverse propagation, the gravitating mode is found to be affected by the viscosity, magnetization, resistivity, and magnetic field strength whereas Jeans criterion of instability is modified by the magnetization and quantum parameter. In the longitudinal mode of propagation, the gravitating mode is found to be modified due to the viscosity and quantum correction in which the Jeans condition of instability is influenced only by quantum parameter. The other non-gravitating Alfven mode in this direction is affected by finite electrical resistivity, spin induced magnetization, and viscosity. The numerical study for the growth rate of Jeans instability is carried out for both in the transverse and longitudinal direction of propagation to the magnetic field. The effect of various parameters on the growth rate of Jeans instability in quantum plasma is analysed.