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Tau and tubulin proteins are primarily responsible for many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The buildup of these proteins in the brain is mostly to blame for the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.

Jiali Li, a physics professor at the University of Arkansas, and her colleagues created a novel silicon nitride nanopore-based sensing device in response to a doctoral student’s wish to examine tau and tubulin proteins. Acharjee et al. present the gadget in AIP Publishing’s Journal of Applied Physics, which is meant to offer volume information on tau and tubulin protein molecules and their aggregation states at the single-molecule level inside their native environment.

“Ohm’s Law is the basic physics that enables the nanopore device to sense protein molecules,” said Li. “A tiny hole — from 6 to 30 nanometers — is made in a thin silicon nitride membrane and supported by a silicon substrate. When that is placed into a solution with salt ions, applying an electric voltage drives the ions’ flow through the hole, or nanopore. This, in turn, generates an open pore ionic current.”

When a charged protein molecule — often thousands of times larger than the ions — is near the nanopore, it also gets driven into the nanopore and blocks the flow of some ions. This causes the open pore current to drop.

“The amount of current drop produced by a protein molecule is proportional to the protein’s volume or size and shape,” said Li. “This implies that if protein A binds to protein B, they will cause a current drop proportional to the volume of A+B, and an aggregated protein A will cause approximately multiple amounts of current drop.”

This allows Li and her group to look at the protein binding and aggregation within a nanopore device. The amount of time a protein stays in a nanopore is inversely proportional to its charge, which also provides useful information about a protein molecule.

“Our study shows that a silicon nitride nanopore device can measure volume information of tau and tubulin protein molecules and their aggregation under different biological conditions, and this gives us a better understanding of the protein aggregation process, as well as developing drugs or other therapeutic methods to treat neurodegenerative diseases,” said Li.

Using their solid-state nanopore device, along with other nanotechnology tools, “we plan to study the mechanism of protein aggregation under different biological conditions systematically, such as temperature, pH, and salt concentration,” she said.

A leading health expert stated on Tuesday that testing of sewage samples has not shown any new variants of COVID, implying that the chance of an increase in cases is quite low.

“The sewage sampling is being done and there also we are not getting any indication that either a new variant is here or there is a possibility of the upsurge of cases in the coming days or weeks,” Chairman of COVID-19 working group NTAGI, Dr NK Arora told ANI.

The official said that India has maintained to be in a “reasonably comfortable position” during the last 12 months.
“Our genomic surveillance system has identified almost 300 plus sub-variants of Omicron and they are spread all over the place. From time to time a certain sub-lineage becomes dominant. But the important point is that throughout the years we did not have any massive increase or surge in hospitalizations or deaths,” he said.

“Another important point is that the Omicron variants we are seeing in India are very much the same which are seen in any other parts of the world. And the second point is that they are not able to gain a foothold, or cause hospitalisation or severe disease,” the official added.

Dr Arora said that the country need not panic about the overall COVID situation, however, he suggested keeping a close watch.

“I would say the overall situation is something which we need not get panicky about. But the important point is that we have to keep a very close watch, in view of an upsurge in some of the other countries, European North American and East Asian countries,” he said.

On Monday Union Health Ministry also said that “Sentinel sequencing of 324 COVID Positive Samples reveals the presence of all Omicron Variants in Community.No mortality or rise in transmission was reported in areas where these variants were detected”.

Winter’s new phase has arrived! And, as the temperature drops, arm yourself with nourishing winter superfoods. Yes, we are discussing ‘dry fruits,’ which are a staple in India. They are commonly ingested throughout the winter since they help keep you warm and enhance your immunity to common winter diseases. Dry fruits supply your body with energy, protein, vitamins, and other essential components. Several nuts are referred regarded be dry fruits because they provide comparable advantages. If you want to lose weight, it is recommended that you include a bit of dry fruit in each meal because it is a healthier alternative to fried meals.

These nutrient-dense dried fruits have several health advantages, including the capacity to fight infections, increase immunity, and improve digestion.
They are widely accessible on the market and may be consumed either raw or cooked. Remember that consuming too much dry fruit can cause digestive troubles, weight gain, and other complications.

1. Raisins (Kishmish)

Raisins are dried grapes that are high in vitamins and minerals. Because they are naturally sweet and heavy in calories, they are a delight for individuals with a sweet tooth. It aids digestion and provides dietary fibre, which helps to decrease dangerous cholesterol levels. It also has sufficient levels of iron, calcium, and boron, all of which promote bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Iron also promotes the formation of red blood cells, which helps to avoid anaemia. They include anti-oxidants, which help to fight against diseases like as cancer and heart disease. Seeded raisins have 122 calories in one-fourth cup due to their high sugar and calorie content, therefore eat them in moderation. They are delicious with cereal, yoghurt, cookies, bread, oats, and bread.

2. Dried dates

Dates are a superfood that is commonly seen in Indian households. Dates, which are eaten raw or used in desserts, include calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and other elements that can benefit your health. Polyphenols in dried dates can aid in diabetes management, digestion, and cancer prevention. They also aid in detoxification and inflammation reduction. It may alleviate digestive issues as well as successfully and naturally induce labour, making it useful for pregnant moms as well. Dates, a nutrient-rich energy source, are frequently used in protein bars. One-fourth cup of chopped dry dates has 125 calories. Despite its high caloric content, it has a low glycemic index due to its high fibre content. Two to three dates can be eaten while on a diet, which can help you fulfil your sweet appetite.

3. Pistachios (Pista)

India is well-known for its delectable pistachios. Potassium and healthy fat, which are rich in pistachios and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are beneficial to your heart. Pistachios are excellent for gut health because of their capacity to increase healthy gut flora.

Furthermore, it can improve the percentage of healthy bacteria to hazardous bacteria, which is favourable to your heart’s health. They also help with weight reduction since their high protein and fibre content keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Pistachios have 173 calories in a quarter cup, making them a filling snack for dieters. Eat them in moderation since they contain salt. Excessive salt consumption may be hazardous to your health. They are commonly used in sweets, ice cream, and dessert meals.

4. Cashew nuts (Kaju)

Cashews are healthy nuts that have several health advantages. They are high in magnesium, copper, and manganese, all of which promote brain function, bone health, and immune system performance. It also includes antioxidants, which aid in disease prevention. Cashews may also improve heart health by raising good cholesterol and decreasing blood pressure. They are also an excellent source of energy. Cashew is a versatile nut that may be utilised in a wide range of meals, including soups, salads, and stews. Cashew nuts are used in several traditional Indian desserts, including Barfi and Laddu. Cashews have 170 calories per quarter cup, making them a low-calorie nut that can help you lose weight. It’s fantastic as a snack or with salads. It should be noted, however, that raw cashews have a high salt and oil content, which may be lowered by roasting them.

5. Almonds (Badaam)

Almonds are well-known for their ability to improve memory. After soaking them all night, consuming them in the morning can increase cognitive performance. They are high in vitamin E, which improves memory and reduces the incidence of dementia in the elderly.
They can also prevent plaque accumulation in your arteries, decreasing your risk of heart disease. Almonds are high in magnesium, which may help you regulate your blood sugar levels. Because they include fibre, healthy fats, and protein, they may aid in weight loss. A quarter cup has 162 calories (23 almonds). Almond milk and flour are versatile ingredients that may be utilised in a number of ways. They can also be used as a garnish on desserts such as kheer.

6. Walnuts (Akhrot)

Walnuts are a delightful and nutritious snack. They include a high concentration of antioxidants, which enhance skin health and mitigate the effects of high cholesterol. Walnut fatty acids may be beneficial to your heart and reduce your chances of getting heart disease.

They also increase the quantity of helpful bacteria in the stomach, which improves gut health. With proper gut health, many illnesses may be prevented. Because walnuts contain vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats, they help your brain by lowering inflammation and increasing brain function. A quarter cup of walnuts, which are commonly used in salads, desserts, stir-fries, and yoghurt, has around 190 calories. Some persons who are allergic to nuts should avoid walnuts, and walnuts can irritate the stomach if ingested in excess.

A new study discovered that a range of healthy eating habits are linked to a decreased risk of dying before your time. They discovered that, when compared to participants with lower scores, those with high scores on adherence to at least one of four healthy eating patterns had a lower risk of dying from any cause and a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, cancer, or respiratory disease during the course of the study. The findings are in accordance with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which advocate for a variety of healthful eating behaviours. JAMA Internal Medicine published the findings online.

“The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are intended to provide science-based dietary advice that promotes good health and reduces major chronic diseases. Thus, it is critical to examine the associations between DGAs-recommended dietary patterns and long-term health outcomes, especially mortality,” said corresponding author Frank Hu, Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology and chair of the Department of Nutrition.

Few studies have been conducted to determine if greater adherence to the DGAs-recommended dietary patterns is related with a lower risk of total and cause-specific death over time. The researchers analysed health data from 75,230 women in the Nurses’ Health Study and 44,085 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study obtained during a 36-year period.

At the start of the trial, all patients were clear of cardiovascular disease or cancer, and they completed dietary questionnaires every four years. Their data was graded using each of the four dietary pattern indices (Healthy Eating Index 2015, Alternate Mediterranean Diet, Healthful Plant-based Diet Index, and Alternate Healthy Eating Index). Key components shared by everyone include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, however other components vary among dietary patterns.

A higher score on at least one of the measures was linked to a decreased chance of mortality from any cause, as well as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory illness. Higher AMED and AHEI scores were related with a decreased probability of dying from neurodegenerative illness. The findings were similar for non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics.

The current DGAs (2015-2020) advocate for a variety of healthy eating patterns that may be tailored to individual dietary traditions and tastes. The US Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture issue an updated version of the Guidelines every five years (USDA).

“It is important to evaluate adherence to DGAs-recommended eating patterns and health outcomes, including mortality, so that timely updates can be made,” said Hu. “Our findings will be valuable for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which is being formed to evaluate current evidence surrounding different eating patterns and health outcomes.”

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 121 new instances of Covid-19 across India in the previous 24 hours on Tuesday morning. According to the Health Ministry, India has 2,319 current cases. According to an official statement, the overall number of recoveries from the virus has risen to 4,41,47,174, with 172 in the previous 24 hours alone. India’s recovery rate is at 98.8 percent.

The daily and weekly positivity rates in India are now 0.07 and 0.11 percent, respectively. The Union Health Ministry further stated that 1,69, 568 Covid tests had been performed in the previous 24 hours, as of Tuesday morning, and that the total cost of the tests had reached 91.23 crores.

India has delivered 220.14 crore Covid-19 Vaccine doses (95.14 cr Second Dose and 22.43 cr Precaution Dose) under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive, with 56,829 doses administered in the previous 24 hours.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday urged the people not to panic over the ongoing worldwide Covid spike, but to be vigilant and follow the Centre’s directives.

He stated that while Covid will continue to mutate and other strains or varieties would emerge, residents should not be overly concerned and should only trust information supplied by government authorities to avoid panic. Notably, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla commended India’s fight against the Covid epidemic on Sunday, saying the government and healthcare professionals played a significant role in combating the pandemic in the nation.

“Everyone is looking at India today and our Covid management is one of the primary reasons why. “It was all made possible by the government, healthcare professionals, and a shared aim to conquer the virus,” he said during the inauguration of Bharti Super Speciality Hospital in Pune.

“I’ve travelled the world, but the Covid situation in India is superior to everywhere else. I would strongly advise everyone to stay in India “He went on to say. He also stated that their Covovax vaccine would be approved for use as a booster dose against Covid-19 within the next 10 to 15 days. Poonawalla informed reporters that the vaccination is particularly effective against the Omicron type of coronavirus.

According to a study published online in the journal Gut, antibiotic usage may raise the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) in adults over 40. According to the data, the risk appears to be cumulative and is greatest 1-2 years after usage and for antibiotics used to treat gastrointestinal infections. Environmental variables are likely involved in the development of inflammatory bowel disease, according to mounting research (IBD). According to the researchers, close to 7 million people worldwide have the illness, with that figure predicted to climb over the next decade.

The use of antibiotics is one factor related with IBD risk in younger individuals, although it is unclear if this relationship applies to older persons. To go deeper, the researchers examined national medical data from 2000 to 2018 for Danish people aged 10 and above who had not been diagnosed with IBD.

They were particularly interested in learning if the time and dose of antibiotics were relevant in the development of IBD, and whether this varied by IBD and antibiotic type. The survey comprised approximately 6.1 million people, with women accounting for slightly more than half of the participants. Between 2000 and 2018, 5.5 million people (91%) were administered at least one course of antibiotics.

Approximately 36,017 new instances of ulcerative colitis and 16,881 new cases of Crohn’s disease were identified during this time period. Overall, usage of these medicines was related with a greater risk of developing IBD, regardless of age, as compared to no use. However, greater age was related with the greatest risk.

Those aged 10-40 were 28% more likely to be diagnosed with IBD, those aged 40-60 were 48% more probable, and those over 60 were 47% more likely. Crohn’s disease had a somewhat greater risk than ulcerative colitis: 40% among 10-40 year olds, 62% among 40-60 year olds, and 51% among those over 60.

The danger appeared to be cumulative, with each consecutive course increasing the risk by 11%, 15%, and 14%, respectively, depending on age band. The biggest risk was reported among individuals administered 5 or more courses of antibiotics: a 69% increase in risk for 10-40 year olds, a doubling in risk for 40-60 year olds, and a 95% increase in risk for those over 60.
Timing appeared to be important as well, with the largest risk for IBD occurring 1-2 years following antibiotic exposure, and each subsequent year linked with a decrease in risk.

IBD risk was 40% greater 1-2 years after using antibiotics among 10-40 year olds, compared to 13% 4-5 years later. The similar percentages for 40-60 year olds were 66% vs 21%, and 63% vs 22% for those over 60. In terms of antibiotic class, nitroimidazoles and fluoroquinolones, which are often used to treat gut infections, were related with the highest risk of IBD. Broad spectrum antibiotics are so named because they target all bacteria, not only those that cause illness. Nitrofurantoin was the only antibiotic that was not linked to an increased risk of IBD at any age.

Narrow spectrum penicillins were also linked to IBD, but to a lesser extent. This lends credence to the idea that alterations in the gut microbiome may play an important role, and that many medications have the ability to alter the composition of microorganisms in the gut. Because this is an observational research, it cannot determine causality.

The researchers also remark that there was no information available on what the medications were for or how many of them patients really consumed. However, they provide some reasonable scientific reasons for the findings, noting the natural decline in both the resilience and diversity of microorganisms in the gut microbiome associated with age, which antibiotic use is expected to exacerbate.

“Furthermore, with repeated antibiotic treatments, these alterations might become more prominent, eventually restricting regeneration of the gut microbiota,” they write.
Limiting antibiotic prescriptions may assist to reduce not just antibiotic resistance but also the risk of IBD, scientists speculate.

“The connection between antibiotic exposure and the development of IBD emphasises the need of antibiotic stewardship as a public health strategy, and implies that the gut microbiota is a significant determinant in the development of IBD, particularly among older persons,” they write.

Keck Medicine at USC released a research in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology that gives extra reason for consumers to limit their fast-food intake. The study discovered that consuming fast food is linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a potentially fatal illness in which fat accumulates in the liver. Researchers observed that patients with obesity or diabetes who eat fast food for 20% or more of their daily calories had much higher amounts of fat in their liver than those who eat less or no fast food. When one-fifth or more of their diet consists of fast food, the general population has moderate increases in liver fat.

“Healthy livers contain a small amount of fat, usually less than 5%, and even a moderate increase in fat can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,” said Ani Kardashian, MD, a hepatologist with Keck Medicine and lead author of the study, adding, “The severe rise in liver fat in those with obesity or diabetes is especially striking, and probably due to the fact that these conditions cause a greater susceptibility for fat to build up in the liver.”

While prior study has revealed a correlation between fast food and obesity and diabetes, Kardashian claims that this is one of the first studies to indicate the deleterious impact of fast food on liver health.

The findings also show that even a small amount of fast food, which is heavy in carbs and fat, might harm the liver.

“If people eat one meal a day at a fast-food restaurant, they may think they aren’t doing harm,” said Kardashian, adding, “However, if that one meal equals at least one-fifth of their daily calories, they are putting their livers at risk.”

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, commonly known as liver steatosis, can progress to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, which can lead to liver cancer or failure. Over 30% of the population in the United States suffers from liver steatosis.
Kardashian and colleagues used the most recent data from the nation’s biggest annual nutritional survey, the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to establish the influence of fast-food intake on liver steatosis.

The study defined fast food as meals, including pizza, from a drive-through or a restaurant with no wait staff.

The researchers compared the fatty liver measures of almost 4,000 persons whose fatty liver values were included in the study to their fast-food intake. 52% of those polled had eaten fast food. 29% of these people got one-fifth or more of their daily calories from fast food. Only 29% of study participants reported an increase in liver fat levels.

Even when data was controlled for age, gender, race, ethnicity, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, the link between liver steatosis and a 20% fast food diet remained consistent in both the general population and those with obesity or diabetes.

“Our findings are particularly alarming as fast-food consumption has gone up in the last 50 years, regardless of socioeconomic status,” said Kardashian, adding, “We’ve also seen a substantial surge in fast-food dining during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is probably related to the decline in full-service restaurant dining and rising rates of food insecurity. We worry that the number of those with fatty livers has gone up even more since the time of the survey.”

She expressed optimism that the findings will motivate health care practitioners to deliver more nutrition education to patients, particularly those with obesity or diabetes who are at a higher risk of getting a fatty liver from fast food. At the moment, the only option to treat hepatic steatosis is to change one’s diet.

By By Dr. Shelly Singh, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Rosewalk hospital, New Delhi

Why Cancer Cervix has increased in women in their early 30’s?
Cancer cervix is the fourth most common cancer globally and the fourth cause of cancer related mortality. As we all know Cancer cervix is diagnosed most commonly between the ages of 35-44 . It is very rare in patients younger than 20 years of age . However since the 1950’s and now since 2014 , statistics have shown an increase in the rates of this cancer in patients less than 30 years. There has been an annual increase by 10.3 % in girls between the ages of 20-29 years between the years 2000-2009 .

What are the risk factors for Cervical Cancer ?
Infection with the Human Papilloma Virus ( HPV) is the most important reason for Cancer Cervix . There are numerous subtypes of these viruses which can cause not only Cancer cervix but also Cancer Vulva, Vagina, Penis and Anal cancers . They are also known to cause viral warts . Some subtypes are called high risk subtypes like HPV 16, 18,33,35 etc .
These viruses are fairly common and are acquired through vaginal , oral and anal sex . They are also acquired through skin to skin contact in skin around the genital area; that is why using a condom is definitely preventive but does not eliminate the chances of getting HPV infection as condoms only cover the penis and not the genital skin .

Smoking
Smoking is a known risk factor and the incidence increases two fold in women who smoke . Smoking contains many carcinogens and various cancer causing by products have been found in the cervical mucous . Smoking also reduces immunity and so increases the chances of HPV in causing this cancer , amongst many other cancers. Carcinogens in cigarette smoke change the DNA of cells of the cervix making them more susceptible to cancer.

Sexual history
Starting to have sex at a young age and having multiple sexual partners are also known to increase the chance of HPV infections , other sexually transmitted infections and even HIV which causes a total collapse of the immune system . One of the common STDs are caused by Chlamydia which aid the growth of HPV in the cervix , enabling their multiplication .

Long term use of Oral Contraceptive pills
Using hormonal combined contraceptive pills for many years is known to increase the risk of Cancer cervix though stopping them reduces the risk . However this does not mean we stop effective methods of contraception including the pills as unwanted pregnancies also come with their own problems . Using them judiciously and not indefinitely ,weighing risks and benefits with the advice of your doctor are warranted .

Early age of pregnancy and deliveries and multiple deliveries starting at a young age are also risk factors for Cancer Cervix . Rural India sees numerous girls getting married at a young age with subsequent pregnancies and inadequately spaced pregnancies too. Women who had their first delivery at less than 20 years of age are more likely to have Cancer cervix than those at 25 years or more .

It’s now easy to see why rates of Cancer Cervix are rising in women less than 30 years .
Increased promiscuity , beginning sexual activity at a younger age , multiple sexual partners or intercourse with a partner who has multiple partners , increasing STD prevalence including HPV infection and also HIV are some of the reasons . Using Oral Contraceptives for prolonged periods of time and also the reverse; not using barrier methods of contraception like condoms also lead to more chances of HPV . There is an increased incidence of smoking in the younger population as well which adds to the mayhem.

We do not have a robust system of vaccinating our girls from the ages of 9-26 years against HPV infection . Also it is important to know that all girls from the ages of 21 years must undergo screening for cervical cancer by Pap’s smears . A lot of people are unaware that screening is still an integral part of Cervical cancer prevention even after vaccination against HPV . This must be continued till the age of 65 years once every 3 years or with an HPV testing either alone or in combination with cytology once every 5 years . Screening itself has saved many a life by diagnosing precancerous lesions and also Cancer in early stages .

Is Cancer Cervix in younger girls any different from that in the older population ?
Yes. The type of cancer on biopsy is mostly adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma or sarcoma in direct contrast to squamous carcinoma . This has ,in some studies ,been found to be a more aggressive cancer with a faster spread .

These are ominous figures indeed but this is a preventable form of cancer . The WHO initiative of 90-70-90 which means vaccinating 90 % of girls by the age of 15, Screening 70 % of women by the age of 35 and then again at 45 by a robust screening test and treating 90 % of women diagnosed with precancerous lesions or invasive cancer by the year 2030 will go a long way in eliminating Cancer Cervix in this century .

Awareness , safe sexual practices , vaccination , screening and early treatment , giving up smoking and a healthy lifestyle are the cornerstones of fighting against this largely preventable menace . The youth must indeed be educated ; an educated and empowered youth is half the battle won !

Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive officer of Serum Institute of India, predicted that in the upcoming 10 to 15 days, the Covovax vaccine will be approved as a booster dosage against Covid-19. According to Poonawalla, the vaccination effectively protects against the coronavirus type known as Omicron. The CEO of SII spoke with media on Sunday outside of a function at Bharati Vidyapeeth University and said: “Central Government has a lot of stock of Covisheild and also Covovax vaccine will get approval as a booster in the next 10 to 15 days.”

On being asked about the availability of the Covisheild vaccine, and its lack of supply to the state and district, Adar Poonawalla said, “The central government has a lot of stock of Covisheild they can give it to the state, as of now production of Covisheild is at a halt at SII, we can start it if needed but the Covovax vaccine will get approval as a booster in the next 10 to 15 days, it works well against the Omicron variant of coronavirus.”

He added, “During Covid-19, everyone was looking at India, not just in terms of healthcare but because the country managed to take care of a huge population and also helped 70 to 80 nations, This was all possible because of the leadership of our central government and state governments, healthcare workers, manufacturers, all of whom worked together with one common goal.”

On the occasion of Dr. Patangrao Kadam’s birth anniversary in Maharashtra, NCP leader Sharad Pawar and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also presented Poonawalla with an award.