Vinayaka Missions University
Recent publications
Loneliness and Social Isolation (SI) has evolved into an epidemic and WHO has alarmed many developed and developing countries that their citizens are going through the epidemic of loneliness and SI. It affects the Mental Health status of a person & leads to morbidities and premature death. Loneliness and SI are overlooked subjects resulting in poor research turnover. This scoping review has explored the extent of literature availability on loneliness and SI in India To evaluate the availability of literature on loneliness and SI in India A scoping review was conducted using predetermined search terms in Google Scholar and PubMed, selecting only open-access articles. Selected articles were scrutinized for their quality with the help of STROBE & COREQ checklists before entering into the review A total of 155 articles were screened and after excluding the duplicates129 articles were chosen for the next step to screen for inclusion criteria and finally nine articles were selected for this review. The highest prevalence of loneliness and SI reported was 37.6% and the lowest was 18.3% There is a lack of literature on loneliness and such available kinds of literature are done among the geriatric population only. The scientific community should focus on this emerging domain and come out with true prevalence rates among different age groups so that effective strategies can be devised to address this latent yet significant mental health issue in India.
Background and Objectives: Hereditary hearing loss is the most common genetic disorder in children. Nearly 120 genes associated with auditory impairment have been identified. Although the disease is clinically and genetically complex, the chances of identifying deafness-causing loci increase when studying consanguineous families.Materials and Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify genetic variants underlying sensorineural hearing loss in affected individuals from a family with third-degree consanguineous practices.Results: A homozygous deletion of 250.285 kb was identified in the 16p12.2 region encompassing three genes, METTL9 , IGSF6 , and OTOA , and a partial deletion of the NPIPB4 gene co-segregated within the family.Conclusions: This study highlighted the genetic heterogeneity of hearing loss in consanguineous families. Future research should focus on the OTOA mutational spectrum in South Indian populations with hearing loss.
Mastitis stands out as the most economically significant ailment in dairy cows due to its adverse effects on milk quality and reproductive performance, often leading to the involuntary culling of affected cows. Subclinical mastitis (SCM) can be considered a precursor to severe mastitis. This current study sheds light on the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a potential indicator for the presence of bovine SCM. The research involved the analysis of milk samples from a total of 49 cows, encompassing crossbred and native breeds. These samples were evaluated for their CRP levels and then compared with the absolute somatic cell count. To identify SCM, a somatic cell count within the range of 5.00-7.5 lakhs/ml was used as a threshold. The results revealed elevated CRP concentrations in the milk of cows afflicted with clinical mastitis (11.72 ± 0.75 µg/mL) as well as those with subclinical mastitis (10.9 ± 1.2 µg/mL), in stark contrast to the levels observed in healthy cows (0.33 ± 0.02 µg/mL). This research suggests that CRP may serve as a valuable tool for the ongoing surveillance of bovine mastitis, ultimately contributing to improved milk production performance.
Introduction: Obesity and overweight are chronic conditions characterized by excessive adiposity that negatively impact health. They are among the most significant risk factors for respiratory failure, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Genetic factors may contribute to some of these conditions, but they are mainly associated with the lifestyle in the majority. However, neither genetics nor lifestyle can fully explain all cases. Recent studies have proven that microRNA-21 causes the systemic hypertension, many cardiac pathologies, and some cancers. MicroRNA-21 is viewed as an important future biomarker for many critical conditions. We explored the role of microRNA-21 in the causation of overweight and obesity. There is conflicting data about this association in the literature. Determining if there is an association may help us in better understanding and managing this condition. Aim: To determine if there is a link between microRNA-21 expression and body mass index (BMI) in an Indian adult population. We also compared the lipid profiles (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) of participants (grouped by their BMI) to get a better understanding. Patient and methods: The study was conducted in Pondicherry, India and had 50 participants, with 30 as controls having normal BMI, and 20 categorized as overweight or obese as per BMI. Results: The microRNA-21 levels in circulation were analyzed using Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of microRNA-21 was statistically higher in the overweight/obese cohort compared to the normal BMI individuals (p=0.034). A significant difference was also noted in the total cholesterol levels, with the overweight/obese group having higher values than normal BMI group (p=0.004). Conclusion: This is the first study of its kind in the Indian population to establish that individuals classified as overweight or obese exhibit higher expression of microRNA-21 and elevated total cholesterol levels compared to those with a normal BMI.
Background/aim: Organometallic complexes can decrease adhesion, migration, invasion of cancer cells, mainly through regulation of the extracellular matrix and therefore act against metastases. The aim was to investigate the anti-invasive properties of a rhenium-based metal compound, rhenium(I)-diselenoether (Re-diSe) and its effects on matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2, a key player in metastatic processes, in cultured MDA-MB231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Materials and methods: Matrigel was utilized to assess cancer cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Migration capacity was evaluated through the wound healing assay, while invasion assays were conducted using transwell invasion assay by the crystal violet dye. MMP-2 levels were quantified in the cell medium using a fluorometric kit assay. Cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of the drug (5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 μM). Three time points of drug exposure on the cells were investigated (48, 96 and 120 h). Results: Re-diSe exhibited effectiveness even at doses as low as 5 or 10 μM in all biological assays. The time of exposure of 120 h significantly improved the effect on the invasion capacity of the cancer cells by comparison with 48 and 96 h. Conclusion: The results highlight the anti-invasive properties of Re-diSe and its impact on MMP-2 levels in MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells.
Background and objective There is growing concern regarding metabolic and inflammatory disorders globally, underscoring the need for effective nonpharmacological interventions. Irisin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and leptin are biomarkers of metabolic and inflammatory health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the comparative effects of basil seed supplementation or endurance exercise on biomarkers of chronic oxidative stress. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled 60 participants who were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (basil seeds, n=30) and Group B (endurance exercise, n=30). Participants in Group A consumed 10 grams of soaked basil seeds daily for eight weeks, while those in Group B underwent a supervised endurance exercise regimen (45 minutes/day, five days/week). Biomarkers, including irisin, IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin, were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) both at baseline and post-intervention. Within-group and between-group differences were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results Overall, the baseline characteristics in Group A (age: 35.4 ± 5.0 years; BMI: 24.5 ± 2.3 kg/m²) and B (age: 34.9 ± 4.8 years; BMI: 24.9 ± 2.4 kg/m²) were comparable (p>0.05). Significant changes were observed in both groups post-intervention. Irisin levels increased moderately in group A (47.23 ± 4.8 µg/mL to 50.79 ± 5.13 µg/mL, p<0.01), and IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin decreased (IL-6: 28.2 ± 2.13 pg/mL to 18.1 ± 2.01 pg/mL, p<0.01; TNF-α: 34.5 ± 2.72 pg/mL to 23.6 ± 2.64 pg/mL, p<0.01; and leptin: 8.4 ± 1.96 ng/mL to 3.9 ± 0.83 ng/mL, p<0.01). Group B showed a significant increase in irisin (44.04 ± 3.58 µg/mL to 150.1 ± 9.32 µg/mL, p<0.001) and a non-significant rise in IL-6 (31.65 ± 2.4 pg/mL to 35.64 ± 3.17 pg/mL, p>0.05). TNF-α levels increased in Group B (31.65 ± 3.27 pg/mL vs. 61.66 ± 3.85 pg/mL, p<0.001) and decreased in Group A, while leptin levels slightly decreased in Group B (7.94 ± 1.27 ng/mL vs. 4.19 ± 0.64 ng/mL, p>0.05). Conclusions Supplementation with basil seed and exercise training with endurance exercise had distinct effects on biomarkers of metabolism and inflammation. Irisin levels were significantly improved by endurance exercise, while basil seeds were most effective in reducing IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin. The findings suggest that basil seeds and exercise provide synergistic effects against metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
Imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazoline, a class of fused imidazole and quinazoline acceptor units, is widely established as biologically and broadly spectral active materials, while their optoelectronic properties were seldom investigated in the literature. In this context, this research work introduced two donors of varying strength, such as triphenylamine (TP) and phenothiazine (PZ) units, into the phenanthroimidazo [1,2‐c] quinazoline acceptor unit to form donor‐acceptor type luminescence materials such as TPQZ and PZQZ, respectively and were characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopy. Both these materials exhibited intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) type absorption (∼380–450 nm) and emission (∼540–600 nm) characteristics, which attributed to the electronic transition occurring from the HOMO of the TP/PZ donor to the LUMO+1 and LUMO+2 of the imidazo [1,2‐c] quinazoline acceptor unit, as predicted using DFT calculations. Increasing the electron donor strength was not only limited to fine‐tuning the π→π* based localized (∼400–450 nm) to ICT (∼450–650 nm) emission characteristics in both the solution and solid‐state conditions but also found to improve the zone of inhibition to 16 mm against Staphylococcus aureus/Bacillus subtilis bacterial species. The scope of realizing the luminescence nature of this acceptor unit is further expanded towards tagging biological samples such as E. coli. Overall, this work opens up a new paradigm in developing luminescent materials utilizing imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazoline acceptor unit for optoelectronic and biological applications.
Introduction Free-living amoeba is ubiquitous in fresh water, mud, and moist soil; although seldom pathogenic to humans, Naegleria fowleri , Acanthamoeba spp., and Balamuthia spp. are known to cause infections of the central nervous system. Methods We report two interesting cases, both of which presented with a rapid-onset and fulminant course. The first case details a 36-year-old male with a history of surgically corrected nasal bone fracture 15 years back, who presented with acute onset of fever, headache and convulsions. Results Direct smears of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed motile trophozoites resembling N. fowleri and were later confirmed by molecular diagnosis (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]). Subsequently, the source was identified as water used for religious purposes. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to cardiac arrest. The second case is that of a 4-year-old boy from Palakkad district, Kerala, who presented with sudden onset of nasal discharge, fever, headache, vomiting, seizures and altered sensorium. His CSF smear examination showed motile trophozoites resembling Acanthamoeba spp. While undergoing treatment, he seized thrice before going into cardiac arrest. Despite extensive resuscitation measures, the child could not be revived and passed away. The postmortem CSF sample sent for molecular analysis confirmed infection by Acanthamoeba spp. Conclusion Rapid progression and lack of definite treatment options make this a highly fatal condition. Although clinical presentations of both patients were indicative of pyogenic meningitis, parasitic infection was suspected when the CSF was found turbid with no bacteria, high protein, and low sugar. High index of suspicion helped us to get an early preliminary diagnosis from direct microscopy.
Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) refers to irregularities in the frequency, regularity, duration, and volume of menstrual cycles, impacting about one-third of women at some point in their lives, during menarche and perimenopausal periods. This study aims to evaluate the various causes of menstrual disorders in teenage girls. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at AVMCH, Pondicherry, with ethical clearance. It included 150 girls aged 13-18 years who presented with menstrual disorders. Data were collected through structured interviews and clinical evaluations, focusing on menstrual history, socioeconomic status, associated symptoms, and investigations. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results: Among the etiological factors, 61.3% of patients had anovulatory dysfunction, 16.6% had early onset of PCOS, 6% of patients had hypothyroidism, 16% had ovulatory dysfunction, and 0.6% had coagulation disorder. Overall, ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O) was predominant in teenage girls. Conclusion: This study helps in the early identification of the etiology of adolescent AUB and the appropriate management of menstrual disorders to improve well-being and enhance reproductive function in the future.
According to the World Health Organization, obesity is considered a pervasive global epidemic with significant medical and social implications. In antenatal mothers, the prevalence varies from 40% in Western countries to 12% in India which leads to life-threatening complications—preeclampsia and eclampsia. This study delves into the association between body mass index (BMI) and preeclampsia, among primi antenatal mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). An observational cohort (prospective) study was conducted among 150 primi antenatal mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension in Government Headquarters Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. Demographic data, body mass index, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 28.0 version. Among 150 pregnant women, 63 (42%) were overweight, and 13 (8.7%) were obese. Higher BMI was significantly associated with maternal complications, especially preeclampsia (P < 0.001). Moreover, other complications such as abruptio placenta, pulmonary edema, eclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage were not significantly associated with BMI. The study calls attention to the persistent link between BMI and preeclampsia, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal. Despite ongoing efforts, the study suggests a lack of substantial change in the prevalence of preeclampsia associated with increased BMI, prompting the exploration of innovative interventions to address weight-related factors during pregnancy for improved maternal and neonatal well-being.
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and teenagers, followed by lymphomas and brain tumors. Silibinin, a flavonolignan mix from milk thistle, has anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. It induces apoptosis in MG-63 cells.; Silibinin treatment of MG-63 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability; for the MG-63 cell line, the growth-dependent rate peaked at 40μM/ml and 60μM/ml. Although studies involving Silibinin in various cancers were reported, the anticancer activity of Silibinin in human osteosarcoma has not been reported. Utilising MTT assay, morphological studies, and mode of cell death. Acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EtBr) dual labeling at the ideal dosage is followed by morphological examinations and a fluorescence microscopy examination of the labeled cells to identify apoptotic alterations and the mode of cell death. Utilising LDH assay, Scratch wound healing assay, and molecular docking. Silibinin promotes apoptosis in MG-63 cell lines and may be a target for treatment in people with osteosarcoma and it may also have a role in the development of osteosarcoma. At 60μM/ml of Silibinin concentration, the prevention of cell division and cell cycle arrest in MG-63 cells was examined. In the MG-63 cells, the impact of Silibinin on the apoptotic genes p53, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 was assessed. Silibinin promotes apoptosis in MG-63 cell lines and may be a target for treatment in people with osteosarcoma and it may also have a role in the development of osteosarcoma.
Introduction. Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection caused by dimorphic Sporothrix species embedded in the clinical clade. Fungi have virulence factors, such as biofilm and melanin production, which contribute to their survival and are related to the increase in the number of cases of therapeutic failure, making it necessary to search for new options. Gap statement. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have already been shown to inhibit the growth and melanogenesis of other fungi. Aim. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the PPIs omeprazole (OMP), rabeprazole (RBP), esomeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole on the susceptibility and melanogenesis of Sporothrix species, and their interactions with itraconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B. Methodology. The antifungal activity of PPIs was evaluated using the microdilution method, and the combination of PPIs with itraconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B was assessed using the checkerboard method. The assessment of melanogenesis inhibition was assessed using grey scale. Results. The OMP and RBP showed significant MIC results ranging from 32 to 256 µg ml ⁻¹ and 32 to 128 µg ml ⁻¹ , respectively. Biofilms were sensitive, with a significant reduction ( P <0.05) in metabolic activity of 52% for OMP and 50% for RBP at a concentration of 512 µg ml ⁻¹ and of biomass by 53% for OMP and 51% for RBP at concentrations of 512 µg ml ⁻¹ . As for the inhibition of melanogenesis, only OMP showed inhibition, with a 54% reduction. Conclusion. It concludes that the PPIs OMP and RBP have antifungal activity in vitro against planktonic cells and biofilms of Sporothrix species and that, in addition, OMP can inhibit the melanization process in Sporothrix species.
Background Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is a common form of hair loss influenced by environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors. According to recent research, the PITX2 gene may play a key role in the pathophysiology of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Objective This study examines the association between genetic variants of the PITX2 gene and AGA risk. Methods The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples collected from 70 male AGA patients and 60 non-androgenetic alopecia controls. The isolated DNA was quantified and the genotype for three PITX2 polymorphisms (rs2200733, rs10033464, and rs13143308) was identified using TaqMan assays. The statistical analysis was done to determine the allele frequency of genetic variants between AGA and non-AGA groups. Result The demographic profile of the study population showed that the AGA and non-AGA groups differed in age. The AGA group had higher blood pressure, a higher prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and a higher incidence of family history. Through genetic analysis, significant correlations were found between AGA risk and specific PITX2 polymorphisms, significantly with the rs2200733 allele (OR = 6.08, p < 0.001*), the rs1003464 G allele (OR = 2.02, p < 0.019*) and the rs13143308 showed GT genotype (OR = 4.26, p < 0.001*). Conclusion Based on our findings, the PITX2 polymorphisms may play a vital role in the development of AGA. This study also found the interactions between genetic and environmental factors in AGA pathogenesis.
Porphyromonas gingivalis is the primary microbe in the “periodontal red complex” bacteria (PRCB) along with Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola, which are linked to periodontal disease (PD). These pathogens are also implicated in various systemic disorders, but their association with the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is less explored. A systematic review followed by a meta-analysis was conducted as per standard guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2022) to find this association between GI cancers and PRCB after a literature search for full-text papers in the English language (between 2010 and 2023) in databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) with suitable keywords using the Boolean search strategy. Data extraction involved titles, abstracts, and full texts retrieved and scored by the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The data were analyzed by the Review Manager (RevMan 5.2, Cochrane Collaboration, Denmark). Standard Cochran Q test and I² statistics (for heterogeneity) and a random effects model (pooled OR with 95% CI) were applied to report results. P. gingivalis among the PRCB was linked to GI cancers (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.34-3.47). T. forsythia and T. denticola did not show meaningful associations as per existing evidence for GI cancers.
Background High-risk pregnancies are characterized by various factors that pose potential risks to maternal and newborn health outcomes. Early detection of these high-risk pregnancies serves as a crucial initial step in preventing maternal mortality and morbidity, thereby promoting the overall health of both mother and baby. This study sought to assess the occurrence of high-risk pregnancy and investigate the factors associated with it among pregnant women. Methods A descriptive survey was undertaken at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient department of a District Government Hospital in Tamil Nadu, involving 1889 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. A structured questionnaire, constructed following the Indian standard criteria outlined by the National Health Portal of India, served as the data collection tool. The survey was conducted in February and March 2022, during which pregnant women were interviewed. Subsequently, the collected data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results Among the 1889 pregnant women surveyed, 29% (n=530) were classified as high-risk pregnancies. Within this group, 34.3% (n=182) were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, while 23.2% (n=123) experienced pregnancy-induced hypertension. Significant associations with high-risk pregnancy were observed for factors such as age, education status, occupation, family income, socioeconomic status, and gravida among the pregnant women. Conclusion Policymakers must urgently implement evidence-based interventions aimed at early detection and treatment of high-risk pregnancies. This proactive approach is essential in preventing maternal mortality and morbidity.
Introduction In India, one of the world’s most populous and swiftly growing countries, it is crucial to prioritize the utilization of safe and effective contraception, as contraceptive strategies play a pivotal role in bolstering community health. It is widely acknowledged that ensuring appropriate timing and spacing of pregnancies is crucial for the well-being of reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health. Adoption of reversible or spacing contraceptive methods can significantly enhance women’s health outcomes by reducing the occurrence of undesired, closely timed, and mistimed pregnancies. Consequently, in response to the pressing need for dependable contraception in India, this study seeks to assess the acceptance, adherence, and side effects of the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) among its users. Methods This prospective observational study was done at the State Government Taluk Hospital in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu from July 2022 to October 2022. A total of 40 women of reproductive age who opted for DMPA as their contraceptive method and met the inclusion criteria were recruited through a purposive sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results The majority of the participants were women aged 21-25 years (n=14; 35%). The participants were predominantly Hindu (n=39; 97.5%), and 35 (87.5%) had completed higher secondary education. All participants (n=40; 100%) resided in rural areas and the majority were homemakers. A significant proportion of the participants had two children (n=21; 52.5%), and all of them received information on DMPA primarily from health personnel. At the initial point of data collection, three-fourths of them took the first dose (n=13; 32.5%) and only a few took more than three doses (n=3; 7.5%). In the third month, the results showed a drop in DMPA use, which indicates a lower adherence particularly linked to side effects like irregular bleeding (n=15; 37.5%) and amenorrhea (n=9; 22.5%). Furthermore, 35 (87.5%) of the women chose DMPA for birth spacing due to its efficacy and convenience, with few initiating it during postpartum (n=4; 10%) and post-abortal (n=1; 2.5%) periods. The reasons for continuing DMPA use included efficacy (n=20; 50%), discreet usage (n=15; 37.5%), and curiosity (n=13; 32.5%). Half of the participants reported no side effects. The study identified associations between DMPA users and the number of living children and occupational status inferring that DMPA contraception is used for spacing births. Conclusion The results of this study imply that the use and adherence to injectable contraceptive DMPA need to be strengthened among rural women. Thus, the study suggests incorporating information, education, and communication strategies, to enhance awareness among rural women about injectable contraceptives.
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284 members
Reena Rachel John
  • Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Venkatachalam Karthikeyan
  • Department of Pharmacy (1)
Kannan Suganya
  • Central Research Lab for Biomedical Research
Sekar Balakrishnan
  • Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology
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