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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the role of line management in promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Transformational leadership (TL) promotes DEI, and autocratic leadership curbs it.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach is deductive from existing literature followed by auto ethnographic case study.FindingsThe finding of this study is how the autocracy of a line manager can kill the enthusiasm of a team member. Cascuta theory, which has been introduced as a parasitic form of management in paper, will come into existence when a less qualified and closed mindset is supervising a highly qualified and performing team.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitations included inadequate autoethnographic case studies on similar circumstances. Also, the literature is divisive over the topic of DEI. On paper, policies are very strong; however, the implementation is not so good in many academic departments at many universities. Here, the whole HEIs is not to blame. Rather, the line manager has a bigger role in acknowledging or rejecting DEI. This research has many implications for studying the Cascuta phenomenon amongst DEI students, DEI staff.Practical implicationsThe DEI colleagues in some academic departments of many universities in the UK are facing affinity biases. This study could be used to identify and remove the roadblocks in acknowledging the role of DEI in the UK HEIs. These remedies, though, might only be cosmetic. Persons who encourage affinity biases may also be the ones carrying out DEI programmes (Sodhi, 2024). Second, instead of taking concrete action to solve urgent social issues in the workplace, institutions may view DEI activities as regulatory mandates.Social implicationsRegional committees could be a good alternative to explore the success of implementing DEI on a wider scale. The members could be from HEIs, who are renowned for their DEI policy implementation. Their implementation process, roadblocks, and wider benefits could be studied on a wider scale. The DEI people should be able to contribute to society with ownership. If they are contributing to the economy, education, or health care, they are an asset and not a burden on society. If HEI is not recognising DEI now, they may find their way out to a more acceptable place.Originality/valueThis is a novel study to explore the role of line leadership in promoting DEI in HEI using the deductive method, supported with an autoethnographic case study.

Extensive efforts made over the past few decades have enhanced the rising performance of High-Strength Low-Alloy steels. Use of thermomechanical processing was considered for this research. However, the desired mechanical properties are obtained by formulating alloys. Further, to enhance mechanical properties, impact energy, the subsequent quenching and tempering are used. The metallurgical transformation caused by deformation followed by cooling and/or heat treatment has added influences on steels’ mechanical properties. The rational decrease in impact energy value is complex.

We propose that several different reactor irradiation times followed by assaying of activity for differential counting periods may be employed for quality control (QC) of neutron activation analysis (NAA) data of biological samples. It is also recommended that three to four reference materials (RMs) of similar matrix but from different agencies such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna), Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (INCT, Poland), and National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES, Japan) including a synthetic multielemental primary standard should always be analyzed simultaneously along with the samples. Finally, the mean ±  σ values so obtained may be considered as more reliable after statistical analysis. Our analytical data for Na and K in three RMs (SRM 1572, CRM H-9, and Bowen’s Kale) using different irradiation periods of 15 m, 2 h, 6 h, and 1 day were comparable with the certified values within error range of + 0.2 to − 2.7%. We report our data for 20 elements in two candidate RMs corn flour (INCT-CF-3) and soya bean flour (INCT-SBF-4) from the INCT, Poland, where Z-score values for most elements are in reasonable range of certified values.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease, that includes CAD & Stroke, is the leading cause of premature mortality and sudden death in RA. Classical CV risk & disease specific risk factors all contribute to the enhanced CV risk in RA. Endothelial dysfunction (ED), the “ sine qua non” for atherosclerosis appearance, is the key promoter of CVD. ED is a barometer for CV health and a seminal target for reducing cardiovascular (CV) risk in RA. Given the magnitude of the problem, therapeutic armamentarium for CV risk reduction in RA is limited.ObjectivesTo prospectively investigate the impact of Tofacitinib (TOFA) on CV risk in active RA.Methods81 consecutive RA patients (Table 1) meeting 2010 Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification Criteria median age 54 years, 81% female, disease duration 14 years, moderate to high activity (DAS28-5.3) who were non-responders to MTX at least 15 mg/week and/or other synthetic DMARDs free of clinical overt cardiovascular disease were randomized 1:1 to receive TOFA 5 mg bid (n=41) or placebo (n=41) for 12 weeks as an adjunct to existing stable antirheumatic drugs. Primary endpoints included endothelial dysfunction assessed by Flow Mediated Dilatation (FMD), using Angiodefender, at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment and occurrence of MACE and VTE throughout the study. The secondary end points included: DAS28, ESR, CRP, HAQ-DI.Table 1.Demographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics of 81 rheumatoid arthritis patientsClinical ParametersTofacitinib (n=41)Placebo (n=40)P valueAge (years)56.13± 7.9554.8 ± 8.40.34Gender: M/F (n)06/3506/340.84BMI (kg/m2)26.71 ± 3.2325.08 ± 4.170.79Disease Duration (yrs)14.28 ± 6.8513.7 ± 6.60.48RF Positive29 (48.33%)30 (50.84%)--Anti CCP15 (25%)13 (22%)--Systolic Blood Pressure (mm Hg)124.3± 7.52122.2 ± 6.890.47Diastolic Blood Pressure (mm Hg)78.38 ± 5.1676.84 ± 4.520.56ESR (mm 1sthr)38.84 ± 16.0339.2 ± 17.140.56CRP (mg/dl)20.15± 20.8218.16 ± 12.250.33DAS-285.4 ± 2.185.48 ± 2.30.88HAQ-DI0.52 ±0.540.59 ± 0.700.32Values presented as mean ± SD, except gender which is expressed as a number of female and male. F: female, M: male, SBP: systolic blood pressure, DBP: diastolic blood pressure, ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP: C-reactive protein, DAS-28: disease activity score in 28 joints, HAQ-DIResultsAt baseline, endothelial function was impaired and levels of inflammatory measures were elevated and HAQ-DI was impaired in both groups. After treatment, FMD improved significantly in the tofacitinib group from (6.64 ± 2.13 to 8.17 ± 2.69, p=0.0001) as compared to placebo (6.36 ± 3.01% to 6.84 ± 2.95%, p=0.68) (Figure 1A). DAS28 (Figure 1B), ESR and CRP levels improved significantly in tofacitinib group as compared to placebo (p≤0.05). TOFA significantly decreased HAQ-DI (Figure 1C) values as compared to placebo. There was no MACE or VTE event during the study period in either group. After 12 weeks of treatment, FMD increased by 23.04% where as DAS28, ESR and CRP decreased by 31.23%, 29% and 60% respectively in the TOFA group (Figure 1D). Significant negative correlation was observed between FMD and CRP (0.32, p≤0.05) before and after (r= -0.34, p≤0.05) treatment with TOFA whereas no such correlations were found in placebo group.ConclusionTOFA, apart from its anti-inflammatory activity, improves endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in active RA without clinical overt cardiovascular disease. Thus, JAK inhibition with TOFA has vasculoprotective and cardioprotective effect mediated through anti-inflammatory and probably other mechanisms.Reference[1]Adawi M, Watad A, Bagazzi NL et al. Endothelial function in rheumatoid arthritis. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 2018, 243–247.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

The study aims to explore the benefits and challenges of green trade for economic development. It will examine the experiences of countries that have successfully integrated green trade into their economic policies and the measures taken to overcome the obstacles. The study will also analyze the potential economic and environmental impacts of green trade on different stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, and the community. Overall, the study will demonstrate that green trade can provide a viable path towards sustainable economic development. By promoting the production and trade of environmentally friendly goods and services, green trade can create new business opportunities and improve the quality of life for people while also protecting the planet.

Background:Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients have an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), possibly mediated by inflammatory and fibrotic mechanisms1. However, pathogenesis of accelerated atherosclerosis in SSc remains to be elucidated. Endothelial dysfunction is the key initial event in atherosclerosis. Predictors for rapid evolution of cardiovascular complications would be highly desirable for CV risk stratification. This study aims to assess endothelial function and atherosclerosis in SSc, in context of markers of inflammation and vascular function in SSc patients.Objectives:To assess endothelial function and atherosclerosis in SSc in context of markers of inflammation and vascular function in SSc patients.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed in 20 SSc patients meeting the 2013 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria and 18 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) assessed by AngioDefender and CIMT measured ultrasonographically. Disease-specific measures included: Disease duration, Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), EUSTAR activity score in SSc. We also assayed markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17), and endothelial dysfunction including lipids, serum nitrite and TBARS (marker of oxidative stress). Quality of life measured by Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ).Results:FMD is significantly lower in SSc patients compared with controls (6.13±0.35% vs. 9.12±0.25%, p≤0.05). CIMT is significantly higher in SSc patients compared with controls (0.071±0.04cm vs. 0.035±0.02cm p≤0.05). Compared with controls, SSc patients had significantly (p≤0.05) elevated mRSS, EUSTAR score, ESR, CRP, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, nitrite, TBARS and SHAQ whereas HDL levels are significantly reduced in SSc compared with controls (p≤0.05). In SSc, FMD inversely correlated with EUSTAR score, mRSS, IL-6 (Fig. 1A), serum nitrite (Fig. 1B), TBARS (Fig. 1C) and CIMT (Fig. 1D). CIMT positively correlated with age (Fig. 2A), disease duration, CRP (Fig. 2B) and IL-17 (Fig. 2C) and inversely correlated with HDL (Fig. 2D) (p< 0.05).Conclusion:In the present study, FMD and CIMT are impaired in SSc, indicating endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis, respectively. EUSTAR score, mRSS, IL-6, serum nitrite, CIMT and TBARS predicted endothelial dysfunction. Age, disease duration, CRP, IL-17, HDL and impaired FMD predicted accelerated atherosclerosis. SSc-related inflammatory mechanisms (IL-6, IL-17) and markers of vascular function (CRP, serum nitrite and TBARS) may all be involved in the development of vascular disease in SSc. Cytokine-triggered inflammation mediated by nitrite and TBARS is associated with endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis in SSc. These markers would possibly serve as predictors of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis and more importantly therapeutic targets to prevent premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in SSc.References:[1]Pagkopoulou E, Poutakidou M, Garyfallos A, Kitas G, Dimitroulas T. Cardiovascular risk in systemic sclerosis: Micro- and Macro-vascular involvement. Indian Journal of Rheumatology 2017;12:S211-7.Acknowledgments:NoneDisclosure of Interests:None declared

Arrhinia is defined as the partial or complete absence of the nasal structures. It is a defect of embryonal origin and can be seen in association with other craniofacial anomalies, central nervous system anomalies, absence of paranasal sinuses, and other palatal and ocular abnormalities. Very few patients with arrhinia have been reported so far in the history of modern medicine. This study reports an adult patient with congenital partial arrhinia and reviews the literature along with the embryological basis of such a rare disease. Arrhinia is a medical condition with scarce documentation in the literature. This article presents the clinical as well as radiological features of this rare entity.

Aim: To determine feasibility of using mosambi peel as substrate for multi enzyme production through microbial intervention. Methodology: Thirty-three bacterial isolates were isolated from biodegradable organic substrates and investigated in-vitro their biodegradable activities viz. pectinolytic, cellulolytic and amylolytic. The best performing bacterial isolate, exhibiting aforesaid activities were selected and identified using 16S rRNA technique. The factors, that influenced the fermentation, viz. temperature, pH and incubation period of bacterial culture were optimized for maximum production of multi enzymes viz. pectinase, cellulase and amylase using mosambi peel as substrate under solid-state fermentation conditions. Molecular weights of different enzymes present in multi-enzyme preparation were determined by SDS PAGE. The juice extraction efficiency of crude multi enzyme preparation was compared with that of pure commercial enzyme. Results: Out of thirty-three bacterial isolates, after primary and secondary screening, the best performing bacterial isolate was identified as Bacillus subtilis strain NG 105 (Genbank accession number MN493055). Higher enzyme activities were observed at pH 7.0, incubation temperature of 35°C and incubation period of 10 days for pectinase, cellulase and amylase using mosambi peel as substrate. The purified enzymes characterized by SDS-PAGE, revealed to have molecular mass of 65 kDa for pectinase, 50 kDa for cellulase and 55 kDa for amylase. Bagasse fibre was found to be the most suited matrix for immobilization. The juice extraction efficiency of partially purified crude multienzyme preparation was 88% of commercial pectinase. Interpretation: Mosambi peel is a suitable substrate for multienzyme production using Bacillus subtilis under solid-state fermentation condition.

Aim: To study the role of microorganisms behind their bioenhancing, biocontrol properties, their enzymatic potential, and characterization of high performing microbial isolates on molecular basis. Methodology: Dominant culturable microbes including bacteria and fungi were isolated from biodynamic preparations and screened on the basis of plant-growth promoting (PGP) activities viz., ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, hydrogen cyanide production, seed germination efficacy and biocontrol properties. The dominant and effective microorganisms were screened for enzymes activities viz., pectinase, cellulase and amylase. The selected bacterial and fungal isolates, exhibiting higher enzyme activities, were subjected to molecular characterization. Results: Out of 68 bacterial and 25 fungal isolates from 8 biodynamic preparations (BD 500 - BD 507), 15 bacterial isolates exhibited high plant growth promoting activities while 10 bacterial isolates exhibited biocontrol activity against pathogens. Bacillus licheniformis isolated from BD 504, expressed high pectinase (2.595 U ml-1 min-1), cellulase (0.308 U ml-1 min-1) and amylase (0.418 U ml-1 min-1) activities. Fungal isolates with high enzymatic activities, were isolated from BD 500, 503 and 506, respectively. Interpretation: Microorganism isolates from biodynamic preparations possessed strong plant growth promoting, biocontrol and enzymatic properties, which might be responsible for the efficacy of organic preparations under field conditions.