Defence Life Science Journal
Not a member yet
454 research outputs found
Sort by
Gut Microbiome and COVID 19 Role of Probiotics on Gut Lung Axis
Get PDFSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the greatest worldwide pandemic called Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) disease. The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily attacks the respiratory tract, but it also disturbs the gastrointestinal system (GIT). The presence of the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor in the intestinal epithelial cells, suggest the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 viruses from lungs to gut through systemic circulation. The virus detected in fecal samples of COVID-19 patients causes several gastrointestinal maladies including vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in abdomen. The gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with alterations in gut microbial composition, an increase in inflammatory cytokines and delayed virus clearance. Several studies demonstrated a decreased abundance of beneficial microbial species and increased opportunistic pathogens in the fecal samples of COVID-19 patients. The gut and lungs, share a bi-directional relationship called the “gut-lung axis” which is modulated by imbalanced gut microbiota. Since the gut microbes are suggested to play a vital role in health and disease by maintaining homeostasis of the immune system, therefore targeting the intestinal dysbiosis with beneficial microbial species, seems plausible to eventually diminish the effects of pulmonary infections and diseases. In this review, we have summarized studies demonstrating the gut-lung axis in association with gut dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the review also highlights the studies showing the potential role of probiotic supplementation in the amelioration of various respiratory infections and diseases. Data demonstrate that the restoration of gut microbial communities by probiotic supplementation can enhance lung capacity to combat respiratory viral infections including SARS-CoV-2
The Hidden Microplastic A New Insight into Degradation of Plastic in Marine Environment
Get PDFPlastic is usually used in essential areas like packaging, industries electronic, construction, building, healthcare, transport, etc. gradually pollution is increasing in the world. Plastic makes a high level of pollution that is affecting both the life on earth and the marine organisms. Around the world, many scientists and environmentalists have been developing various technologies to deal with the constant increase of this threat to the environment. Various bio-based solutions are to be kept in the account to mitigate the foreseen problem of micro-plastic pollution. The indigenous microbes (exposed to plastic) form the dense bio-film around the plastic and degrade it with the help of active catalytic enzymes. Therefore, in this review, the authors have discussed the source, the harmful impact of micro-plastic, biodegradation of plastic, and future eco-friendly approaches which might help in the removal of plastic from the marine environment
Co constructing National Identity in the Era of Identity Chaos
Get PDFAt cognitive level, preliminary idea of nation and existence of a national group is essential to have a sense of national identity. For adolescents, evolving concept of social groups and possible affiliations with them starts during this period. Factors such as process of socialisation, schooling and exposure to media determines how an adolescent conceptualises the nation and reflects attachmentwith it. As adolescents are considered as the future citizens, this study aimed at tapping their perceptual understanding of nation. This study was conducted with volunteer adolescent students from senior secondary sections of four Delhi based school. They wrote essays on Indian national identity organised according to cue questions, given beforehand. Based on legibility and content appropriateness, 130 essays were selected for further grounded theory analysis. National identity was defined using references from native cultural constituents, such as norms, heritage, traditions, customs, and social values. Identity derived from nation was positive and filled with pride when contents were about patriotism and multiculturalism. However, sharp comments on perceived inadequacy of government were supported with appalling cases of disharmony. The expressions elucidating national identity were described more on the basis of external events than self-references. A possible inference may be drawn that adolescents’ experienceswere in formative stage and hence were restricted to terminologies acquired from popular media
Contribution of Kodavas to the Indian Armed Forces
Get PDFIdentity is a dynamic phenomenon constructed as a collective product of the actions, interactions, cognition and self-cognizance of human beings. In exploring identity as a product of individual factors and contextual - historical factors embedded in a socio-political context, this paper focuses on the contribution of the Kodavas, a community who form a substantial minority in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka to the Indian Armed Forces. Speaking a separate language, adhering to a clan-based social structure, following a belief system that is at substantial variance to other parts of the state, and at times even asserting a historical origin exterior to India, the group carries a larger number of markers that has led them to be regarded and portrayed as one of India’s groups of ‘internal exotics’. Based on literature, this paper aims to bring to light the historical relationship of this community with the Armed Forces. Further, the paper also initiates a discussion on the current status of military fervor among the Kodava youth and the necessary measures to be taken to uphold the warrior spirit of the Kodavas
Quercetin 3 Rutinoside Facilitates Protection Against Radiation Induced Genotoxic and Oxidative Damage A Study in C57bl 6 Mice
Get PDFRadiation-induced oxidative stress and haematopoietic genomic instability is the major concern during planned or unplanned exposure. Use of the natural phytochemicals is an emerging strategy to prevent from the harmful effects of radiation. In the current investigation, Quercetin 3-Rutinoside (Q-3-R), a polyphenolic bioflavonoid, has been evaluated against gamma radiation (2Gy) induced genotoxic damage and oxidative imbalance in mice. Mice were administered with Q-3-R (10mg/kg body weight) 1hr prior to irradiation and evaluated for its antioxidant potential. Anti-genotoxic potential was assessed in terms of chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells. Findings revealed that Q-3-R had very high reducing potential, effectively scavenged 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide radicals, chelated metal ions and inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose dependant manner. The glutathione (GSH) levels were found elevated (p<0.05), while reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were seen in blood and liver tissues of Q-3-R pretreated mice. Significant (p<0.01) reduction in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels and radiation induced aberrations (dicentrics, rings, fragments, end to end association, robertsonian translocation) following Q-3-R pretreatment was found in bone marrow cells. The present findings demonstrate that Q-3-R can effectively minimise radiation-induced genotoxic and oxidative damages and can be explored further to be used as a potent radioprotector in humans
Visual Performance under Varying Illumination Conditions while using an Indigenously Developed Wrist Wearable Computer
Get PDFAmbient illumination conditions have significant impact on users’ visual performance while carrying out onscreen reading tasks on visual display units, especially smaller screen sizes. Present study assessed the visual performance responses of different ambient illumination levels during onscreen reading on Wrist Wearable Computer (WWC) developed for the command-control-communication between the control room and the soldiers operating in remote locations. Ten (10) Indian Infantry soldiers performed two different types of loud reading tasks on the display of WWC under three different ambient illumination (mean ±SEM) conditions namely, Indoor controlled (450.00±10.00 lx), Outdoor daylight (11818.7±582.91 lx) and Indoor dark (0.12±0.03 lx) environments. While reading, participants wore an eye tracking glass which recorded the eye movement responses. Visualisation techniques were used to predict the association of illumination levelof surrounding with visual performance of the user. Subjective legibility rating was also applied to understand participants’ preferences towards physical attributes of the onscreen information and illumination level. Results indicated that illumination had a significant effect on eye movement parameters like fixation frequency, fixation duration and scanpath length while completing the tasks. Overall, participants performed better under indoor controlled illumination conditions in terms of fixation profile and scanpath length, apart from improved subjective legibility ratings as compared to other two illumination conditions. Future research attempts need to be directed towards the optimum performance of the display across wide range of ambient illumination conditions and to establish how the display of indigenously developed wearable computer performs in comparison to other such displays available across the globe
Variation in Antioxidant Activity and Antioxidant Constituents of Thymus Serpyllum L Grown in Different Climatic Conditions of Uttarakhand Himalayas
Get PDFIn-vitro antioxidant activity of therapeutically important plant Thymus serpyllum L. grown at different altitudes viz. foothill areas, lower Himalayan and higher Himalayan regions were evaluated against various radicals such as DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assays. The antioxidant constituents like total phenols, flavonoids and total tannins were also evaluated in the present study. The results revealed that the alcoholic, as well as the aqueous extracts of the plant, showed significant antioxidant potential against all the radicals. Extracts obtained from different altitude cultivation showed variation in IC50 values. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts prepared from the plants grown at foothill areas (Haldwani) showed the highest DPPH (IC50: ALC-0.566 mg/ml; AQ- 0.778 mg/ml), ABTS (IC50: ALC- 0.484 mg/ml; AQ- 0.533 mg/ml) and reducing power (EC50: ALC- 0.29 mg/ml; 0.42 mg/ml) activities, followed by high altitude cultivated plants, (Auli), with moderate antioxidant activity. The extracts from mid-altitude cultivation (Pithoragarh) exhibited the least antioxidant potential. The results showed that the amount of total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly correlated to the antioxidant activity. Higher the value of phenolics (TS3: 12.63mg CE/g> TS1: 11.51 mg CE/g> TS2: 10.70 mg CE/g) and flavonoids (TS3: 9.30 mg QE/g> TS1: 9.07mg QE/g> TS2: 6.59mg QE/g) in the extracts, greater was the antioxidant activity. Therefore, T. serpyllum grown in foothill areas was more beneficial in preparing various herbal formulations
Effect of Combat Vehicle Operation on Cognitive Workload and Performance
Get PDFMultifaceted stress factors related to infantry combat vehicle (ICV) operation may be considered as major a source of cognitive workload, which may significantly impact the performance of infantry soldiers. The available literature on the effect of ICV’s operational environment on soldier’s cognitive workload is scanty or mostly unreported. The present study was designed to observe the effect of ICV operation on the i) cognitive workload ii) cognitive performance and iii) to study the association between cognitive workload and performance. Thirty soldiers [mean(SD)- age: 31.86(2.9) years, weight: 74.40(7.7) kg, and height: 171.33(3.42) cm] volunteered for this study. Their heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory frequency (RF) were recorded at three time points 00th-05th, 25th-30th and 55th-60th minute during the ICV operation. ‘A’ letter cancellation task (ALCT) was conducted to assess cognitive performance, before and after ICV operation. The internal temperature and relative humidity (RH) of ICV were assessed at same three time-points. Repeated measure ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed ranks test were conducted to observe significant changes in HR, HRV, RF, and cognitive performance. Association between HRV and ALCT was assessed using Pearson’s bivariate correlation. Changes were considered significant when p-value was ≤ 0.05. Significant increase in the HR and RF were observed along with significant decrease in both time and frequency domain of HRV after ICV operation. Similarly, ALCT showed a significant increase in the total and net score, and an increased error score in post-ICV operation. A strong positive correlation was observed between the ICV operation run-trial time and the increasing compartmental temperature (r=0.99) and RH (r=0.89). HRV components showed a negative correlation with ALCT measures. One hour of ICV operation resulted in increased cognitive workload and a significant decrease in the cognitive task performance. Internal temperature and RH of ICV are potential physical stress factors affecting the soldier’s workload and performance
Assessment of Airborne Fungi in Childrens Hospital Located in Kolkata India
Get PDFFungal spores contribute significant concentration in the bioaerosol of various environmental conditions which may have potential health threats. Our study was aimed at determining the presence of disseminating airborne fungi in a pediatric government hospital in Kolkata. The study was started from the post-monsoon to the middle winter (August to December 2008) in the indoor and outdoor environment of the hospital with temperature and humidity ranges of 11.2 °C-35.2 °C and 70 per cent-90 per cent, respectively. Air sampling was performed at 14 days intervals during the daytime following the gravitation settling method, and the fungal colonies were identified based on micro and macro morphological characteristics. The percentage contribution of individual fungal species from the outdoor section and indoor units (Newborn Baby Ward, Respiratory Care Unit, Step Down Ward, Thalassemia Care Unit) of the hospital environment was calculated. We observed profound aeromycofloral diversity where the outdoor environment was mostly colonised by sterile hyphae (16.43 %) along with the allergenic Aspergillus fumigatus (13.6 %) and Penicillium sp. (12.32 %). Conversely, an abundance of Cladosporium herbarum (24.7 %) and Penicillium sp. (17.85 %) followed by Aspergillus sp. (12.9 %) and sterile hyphae (14.51 %) were found in different indoor units. Our results showed the diversity of airborne mycoflora which promotes the trend to health difficulties and thus the hospital environment monitoring along with proper control measures is essential