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Summary Grass lignocelluloses feature complex compositions and structures. In addition to the presence of conventional lignin units from monolignols, acylated monolignols and flavonoid tricin also incorporate into lignin polymer; moreover, hydroxycinnamates, particularly ferulate, cross‐link arabinoxylan chains with each other and/or with lignin polymers. These structural complexities make grass lignocellulosics difficult to optimize for effective agro‐industrial applications. In the present study, we assess the applications of two engineered monolignol 4‐O‐methyltransferases (MOMTs) in modifying rice lignocellulosic properties. Two MOMTs confer regiospecific para‐methylation of monolignols but with different catalytic preferences. The expression of MOMTs in rice resulted in differential but drastic suppression of lignin deposition, showing more than 50% decrease in guaiacyl lignin and up to an 90% reduction in syringyl lignin in transgenic lines. Moreover, the levels of arabinoxylan‐bound ferulate were reduced by up to 50%, and the levels of tricin in lignin fraction were also substantially reduced. Concomitantly, up to 11 μmol/g of the methanol‐extractable 4‐O‐methylated ferulic acid and 5–7 μmol/g 4‐O‐methylated sinapic acid were accumulated in MOMT transgenic lines. Both MOMTs in vitro displayed discernible substrate promiscuity towards a range of phenolics in addition to the dominant substrate monolignols, which partially explains their broad effects on grass phenolic biosynthesis. The cell wall structural and compositional changes resulted in up to 30% increase in saccharification yield of the de‐starched rice straw biomass after diluted acid‐pretreatment. These results demonstrate an effective strategy to tailor complex grass cell walls to generate improved cellulosic feedstocks for the fermentable sugar‐based production of biofuel and bio‐chemicals.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its type-2 receptor (V2R) play an essential role in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis by the kidneys. V2R activation also stimulates proliferation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines in vitro. The current studies investigated V2R expression and activity in human RCC tumors, and its role in RCC tumor growth. Examination of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database, and analysis of human RCC tumor tissue microarrays, cDNA arrays and tumor biopsy samples demonstrated V2R expression and activity in clear cell RCC (ccRCC). In vitro, V2R antagonists OPC31260 and Tolvaptan, or V2R gene silencing reduced wound closure and cell viability of 786-O and Caki-1 human ccRCC cell lines. Similarly in mouse xenograft models, Tolvaptan and OPC31260 decreased RCC tumor growth by reducing cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while increasing apoptosis. In contrast, the V2R agonist dDAVP significantly increased tumor growth. High intracellular cAMP levels and ERK1/2 activation were observed in human ccRCC tumors. In mouse tumors and Caki-1 cells, V2R agonists reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation, while dDAVP treatment had the reverse effect. V2R gene silencing in Caki-1 cells also reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation. These results provide novel evidence for a pathogenic role of V2R signaling in ccRCC, and suggest that inhibitors of the AVP-V2R pathway, including the FDA-approved drug Tolvaptan, could be utilized as novel ccRCC therapeutics.

Background: Violence against women is a global phenomenon. Aims: To estimate and forecast cognizable crime against women in New Delhi, India, from 2016 to 2020. Methods: Reported cognizable crime against women in New Delhi for 2009-2015 was extracted for statistical analysis, synthesis and modelling. The cognizable crimes reported are rape, attempt to commit rape, kidnapping and abduction, dowry deaths, assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty, insult to modesty of women, cruelty by husband or his relative, importation of girls from foreign countries, abetment of suicide of women and indecent representation of women. Results: The actual number of registered cases of crime against women ranged from 4251 (2009) to 17 104 (2015). The projected number of cases ranged between 18 991 [95% confidence interval (CI): 13 092-24 889) in 2016 to 28 663 (95% CI: 22 314-35 013)] in 2020. A rising trend in crime against women was noticed in New Delhi, ranging from 204.6 (2016) to 308.8 (2020) per 100 000 women. After witnessing a substantive increase (116.2%) in reported crime against women in New Delhi in 2013, the subsequent actual and projected rise appears to be incremental in nature, with an annual percentage point change ranging between 9% and 18%. Conclusion: Within limitations, it is concluded that the safety of women will continue to be a concern in the near future.

Objectives and Background: To determine the pooled prevalence of depression among medical students of India by undertaking meta-analysis of published original research studies Materials and Methods: Systematic search was undertaken using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for freely available original articles published between 2014 and 2018 on the subject depression among Indian medical (MBBS) undergraduate students using PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 28 original research articles were identified involving 7046 medical students from different medical colleges of India. The median number of students was 284.5 (range, 86-444). All the original research articles had used standardized and validated global screening instruments for identifying depression, and none was based on clinical diagnosis. Meta-analysis of pooled prevalence estimate of depression among medical students in India by random-effects model was 40% (confidence interval [CI]: 32%-47%). Girls had a slightly higher risk of depression than boys (odds ratio = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.81-1.38). There were a total of 16 (57.1%) research articles with the presence of psychiatrist as a co-author and had a pooled prevalence of 39% (95% CI: 29%-49%). The remaining 12 studies without psychiatrist as co-author also reported a nearly similar finding, with prevalence of 44% (95% CI: 33%-54%). On subgroup analysis, it was revealed that the pooled prevalence of depression was 37.9% (95% CI: 22-55), 45% (95% CI: 42-52), and 34% (95% CI: 24-50) in research articles using study instruments Beck Depression Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and other miscellaneous screening instruments, respectively. Conclusion: Within study limitations, the high prevalence of depression was noted among medical students of India and the situation warrants comprehensive management by stakeholders.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common monogenic nephropathy, is characterized by phenotypic variability that exceeds genic effects. Dysregulated metabolism and immune cell function are key disease modifiers. The tryptophan metabolites, kynurenines, produced through indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), are known immunomodulators. Here, we study the role of tryptophan metabolism in PKD using an orthologous disease model (C57BL/6J Pkd1RC/RC). We found elevated kynurenine and IDO1 levels in Pkd1RC/RC kidneys versus wild type. Further, IDO1 levels were increased in ADPKD cell lines. Genetic Ido1 loss in Pkd1RC/RC animals resulted in reduced PKD severity, as measured by cystic index and percentage kidney weight normalized to body weight. Consistent with an immunomodulatory role of kynurenines, Pkd1RC/RC;Ido1-/- mice presented with significant changes in the cystic immune microenvironment (CME) versus controls. Kidney macrophage numbers decreased and CD8+ T cell numbers increased, both known PKD modulators. Also, pharmacological IDO1 inhibition in Pkd1RC/RC mice and kidney-specific Pkd2-knockout mice with rapidly progressive PKD resulted in less severe PKD versus controls, with changes in the CME similar to those in the genetic model. Our data suggest that tryptophan metabolism is dysregulated in ADPKD and that its inhibition results in changes to the CME and slows disease progression, making IDO1 a therapeutic target for ADPKD.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students. Materials and Methods: Students underwent face-to-face interview using predesigned, pretested, anonymous interview schedule using standardized survey instrument and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 item. Information was also collected on sociodemographic, academic profile, and personal characteristics of students. All the students enrolled in the medical college from first to final year were invited to participate, and the study was conducted during mid-semester to ensure that there was no university examination or college festival/event. Results: A total of 187 students participated in the study giving a response rate of 94%. The participants were predominantly male (66%) and majority (65.8%) residing in hostel. It was noted that 7.5% reported parental conflict; 15.0% were \"always\" fearful about future life; 21.9% had poor relationship with family members; 22.5% were not satisfied with their body image; and 18.7% were globally dissatisfied. It was observed that 60 (32.0%), 75 (40.1%), and 82 (43.8%) students were affected by symptoms suggestive of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. On bivariate analysis, higher proportion of students with anxiety had a history of some medical condition (P < 0.05). Similarly, family history of chronic noncommunicable disorder was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with stress only while students with family history of mental illness had a higher proportion of depression (P < 0.05) only. It was also found that dissatisfaction with body image and global dissatisfaction with life was statistically (P < 0.05) associated with depression and anxiety while fair (poor) relationship with family members was statistically (P < 0.05) associated with depression only. Subjective (self) assessment of ability to cope with medical syllabus was inversely associated (P < 0.01) with ability, i.e., as the student's ability to cope with syllabus increases by one unit, the probability of occurrence of depression and anxiety decreases by 1.29 units and 0.71 units, respectively. Conclusion: It is noted that emotional distress is common among medical students, and there is an urgent need for attention, support, and personalized counseling.

Background: Transition of the normal oral epithelium to dysplasia and to malignancy is featured by increased cell proliferation. To evaluate the hypothesis of distributional disturbances in proliferating and stem cells in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Aim: To evaluate layer wise expression of Ki-67 in oral epithelial dysplasia and in OSCC. Materials and Methods: Thirty histologically confirmed cases of oral epithelial dysplasia, fifteen cases of OSCC and five cases of normal buccal mucosa were immunohistochemically examined and nuclear expression of Ki-67 was counted according to basal, parabasal, and suprabasal layers in epithelial dysplasia and number of positive cells per 100 cells in OSCC as labeling index (LI). Results: Suprabasal expression of Ki-67 increased according to the severity of epithelial dysplasia and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The mean Ki-67LI was 12.78 for low risk lesions, 28.68 for high risk lesions, 39.45 for OSCC and 13.6 for normal buccal mucosa. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate the use of proliferative marker Ki-67 in assessing the severity of epithelial dysplasia. Suprabasal expression of Ki-67 provides an objective criteria for determining the severity of epithelial dysplasia and histological grading of OSCC.

Background: Violence against women is a global phenomenon. Aims: To estimate and forecast cognizable crime against women in New Delhi, India, from 2016 to 2020. Methods: Reported cognizable crime against women in New Delhi for 2009-2015 was extracted for statistical analysis, synthesis and modelling. The cognizable crimes reported are rape, attempt to commit rape, kidnapping and abduction, dowry deaths, assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty, insult to modesty of women, cruelty by husband or his relative, importation of girls from foreign countries, abetment of suicide of women and indecent representation of women. Results: The actual number of registered cases of crime against women ranged from 4251 (2009) to 17 104 (2015). The projected number of cases ranged between 18 991 [95% confidence interval (CI): 13 092-24 889) in 2016 to 28 663 (95% CI: 22 314-35 013)] in 2020. A rising trend in crime against women was noticed in New Delhi, ranging from 204.6 (2016) to 308.8 (2020) per 100 000 women. After witnessing a substantive increase (116.2%) in reported crime against women in New Delhi in 2013, the subsequent actual and projected rise appears to be incremental in nature, with an annual percentage point change ranging between 9% and 18%. Conclusion: Within limitations, it is concluded that the safety of women will continue to be a concern in the near future. Keywords: crime, women's empowerment, gender training, police, time-series Contexte : La violence à l'encontre des femmes est un phénomène mondial qui nécessite une attention constante. Objectifs : Évaluer les délits caractérisés à l'encontre des femmes à New Delhi (Inde) entre 2016 et 2020 et établir des projections à cet égard. Méthodes : Les délits caractérisés à l'encontre les femmes, rapportés à la police, à New Delhi pour la période allant de 2009 à 2015 ont servi de base à un travail d'analyse statistique, de synthèse et de modélisation. Les délits caractérisés à l'encontre des femmes ayant fait l'objet d'un dépôt de plainte sont : le viol, la tentative de viol, l'enlèvement et le détournement de femmes, les meurtres liés à la question de la dot, les agressions sur les femmes avec intention d'attenter à leur pudeur, l'outrage à la pudeur, les actes de cruauté de la part du mari ou d'un parent, la traite de jeunes filles originaires de pays étrangers, l'incitation au suicide des femmes, la représentation obscène de la femme. Résultats : Les données disponibles indiquent que le nombre véritable de délits enregistrés à l'encontre de femmes était compris entre 4251 (2009) et 17 104 (2015). Selon les projections, le nombre de cas varie entre 18 991 (IC à 95 % : 13 092-24 889) en 2016 et 28 663 (IC à 95% : 22 314-35 013) en 2020. On a observé une tendance à la hausse des délits perpétrés contre des femmes, le taux allant de 204,6 (2016) à 308,8 (2020) pour 100 000 femmes à New Delhi. En outre, on a constaté qu'après avoir enregistré une augmentation importante (116,2 %) des délits à l'encontre des femmes à New Delhi en 2013, ayant fait l'objet d'un dépôt de plainte, la hausse réelle et prospective semble être progressive par nature, l'évolution en points de pourcentage allant de 9 à 18 %. Conclusion : Dans certaines limites, l'étude conclut que la sécurité des femmes restera une préoccupation sérieuse dans un avenir proche, exigeant une attention accrue à la fois au niveau politique et au sein de la communauté. [phrase omitted]

Méthodes : Les délits caractérisés à l'encontre les femmes, rapportés à la police, à New Delhi pour la période allant de 2009 à 2015 ont servi de base à un travail d'analyse statistique, de synthèse et de modélisation. Les délits caractérisés à l'encontre des femmes ayant fait l'objet d'un dépôt de plainte sont : le viol, la tentative de viol, l'enlèvement et le détournement de femmes, les meurtres liés à la question de la dot, les agressions sur les femmes avec intention d'attenter à leur pudeur, l'outrage à la pudeur, les actes de cruauté de la part du mari ou d'un parent, la traite de jeunes filles originaires de pays étrangers, l'incitation au suicide des femmes, la représentation obscène de la femme. [phrase omitted]

The features of inattention and hyperactivity are very prominent in children and require comprehensive cognitive training along with pharmacotherapy. Keeping the need for novelty and challenging tasks in these children, this study attempts to explore the effective management plan for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Forty children, between the age group of 6-10 years meeting the diagnostic criteria of ADHD were included in the study. Twenty children were given structured video and paper games as cognitive training task whereas twenty children were subjected to regular cognitive training. IQ was assessed using WISC IV India. Baseline measures included Conner's III Parent's form and memory functioning subtests to evaluate executive functioning. Following two months of intervention, assessment was repeated. Results indicate that structured video and paper games channelize the energy of ADHD children constructively. Results also showed significant improvement in inattention and executive functioning features following intervention amongst the study group. This study has a significant implicative value in designing an innovative and creative management plan for children with ADHD.