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Vibrio cholerae cytolysin (VCC) is a potent exotoxin secreted by Vibrio cholerae , the etiological agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera. VCC is a membrane-damaging pore-forming toxin by nature, and is well known for its ability to cause host cell death. Using wild type V. cholerae and VCC-deleted mutant variant of the bacteria, we show that VCC plays an important role in the inflammatory responses during infection in mice. This observation supports that VCC can function as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the key initiators of inflammation. Upon ligand recognition, TLR1 and TLR6 generally form heterodimers with TLR2 for triggering pro-inflammatory signals. In the present study, we show that VCC engages novel TLR1/4 heterodimer assembly, and elicits pro-inflammatory responses in both dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Along with TLR1/4, VCC-induced pro-inflammatory response in macrophages also involves TLR2. It has been shown earlier that VCC is implicated in the V. cholerae -mediated killing of the immune cells following biofilm formation. Here we show that TLRs play an important role in VCC-mediated killing of DCs and macrophages following V. cholerae infection. Interestingly, we find that TLR1/4 signalling is specifically crucial for the VCC-induced inflammatory and death responses in DCs, as well as in mice. Additionally, we observe that similar to DCs and macrophages, TLR1/4-MyD88 play an important role in VCC-mediated inflammatory responses in another crucial immune cell type, neutrophils. Taken together, our study shows novel TLR heterodimer formation, differential recognition of the same ligand by different TLR combination in cell type-dependent manner, and their implications in the context of V. cholerae and VCC-induced immune cell death and mortality.

Cause-related marketing (CRM) has become a prominent tactic companies use to match their commercial goals with social causes. This paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of CRM research, utilising a dataset comprising 425 documents sourced from the Scopus database, encompassing publications categorised under A*, A, and B journal tiers over the past 3 decades. The analysis incorporates trend analysis, citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and bibliographic coupling facilitated by VOSviewer software for a comprehensive examination. The key findings reveal 2020 as the most fruitful year within the dataset. The most cited author is Strahilevitz M.; the institution is the University of California, Berkeley, USA; and the nation is the USA. The most pivotal journal is the Journal of Business Ethics , and the most influential article is “Donations to Charity as Purchase Incentives: How Well They Work May Depend on What You Are Trying to Sell”. Five thematic clusters were identified: CRM and consumers, consumers skepticism towards CRM, CSR and CRM, donation and CRM, and cause–brand fit and CRM. Theoretically, this paper maps the foundational themes and developmental trajectory of CRM research. Practically, it highlights key publication patterns, influential research agendas, and emerging domains, such as AI, social media, and prosocial behaviour, that can inform future marketing campaigns. The study contributes to both academic and practitioner communities by offering an evidence-based foundation for navigating and advancing CRM research.

Although crop residue returns are extensively practiced in agriculture, large uncertainties remain about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming potential (GWP) responses to residue return (RR) rates under different residue placements and nutrient supplements. We conducted a laboratory mesocosm experiment in Alfisol in central India to investigate the responses of soil GHG emissions (CO2, N2O, and CH4) and the global warming potential to four wheat RR rates (R0: no residue; R5: 5 Mg/ha; R10: 10 Mg/ha; R15: 15 Mg/ha) and two placements (surface [Rsur] and incorporated [Rinc]) under three nutrient supplement levels (NSLs) (NS0: no nutrients, NS1: nutrients (N and P) added to balance the stoichiometry of C:N:P to achieve 30% humification in RR at 5 t/ha, NS2: 3 × NS1). The results demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) interaction effect of RR × NSL × residue placement on N2O emission. However, CH4 and GWP responses to the RR rate were independent of NSL. N2O fluxes ranged from −2.3 µg N2O-N kg−1 soil (R5 NS0 Rsur) to 43.8 µg N2O-N kg−1 soil (R10 NS2 Rinc). A non-linear quadratic model yielded the best fit for N2O emissions with RR rate (R2 ranging from 0.55 to 0.99) in all NSLs and residue placements. Co-applying wheat residue at 10 and 15 Mg/ha at NS1 reduced CH4 and N2O emissions (cf. R0 at NS1). However, increasing NSLs in NS2 reduced the nutrient stoichiometry to < 12:1 (C:N) and < 50:1 (C:P), which increased N2O emissions in all RR rates (cf. R0) across all residue placements. Averaged across nutrient levels and residue placements, the order of the effects of RR rates on CH4 emissions (µg C kg−1 soil) was R10 (5.5) > R5 (3.8) > R15 (2.6) > R0 (1.6). Our results demonstrated a significant linear response of total GWP to RR rates R15 > R10 > R5 > R0, ranging from 201.4 to 1563.6 mg CO2 eq kg−1 soil. In conclusion, quadratic/linear responses of GHGs to RR rates underscore the need to optimize RR rates with nutrient supplements and residue placement to reduce GHG emissions and GWP while ensuring optimal soil health and crop productivity.

The study explores the concept of event evangelism and investigates how event experience influences event evangelism, mediated by event commitment. A survey-based questionnaire collected 721 responses from devotees who attended the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Through literature review and EFA, the study identifies eight key antecedents of event experience. Further, hypotheses and mediation effects were tested using PLS-SEM. Findings reveal that digital historical storytelling, spiritual motivation, service quality, and safety significantly influence event experience. Additionally, event commitment partially mediates the relationship between event experience and event evangelism. This research makes a significant theoretical contribution by applying the SOR model in the underexplored context of religious mega-events and by introducing two novel constructs, event evangelism and digital historical storytelling. On the practical front, the study provides actionable insights through IPMA, identifying high-impact areas such as safety and service quality that event organizers can prioritize to enhance attendees’ evangelism.

Context: Human and animal data suggest that low vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) status is associated with impaired fertility, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Vitamin D regulates antimullerian hormone (AMH), FSH, mRNA, and expression of genes in reproductive tissues, implicating a role in female reproduction. Aims: To study the vitamin D levels in infertile females and to know the correlation of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) with serum AMH in infertile females compare to fertile females. Settings And Design: This prospective study was conducted in department of Maternal and Reproductive Health in between April 2014 and April 2016. Materials and Methods: After matching inclusion and exclusion criteria out of total 70 infertile females, 45 were found to have VDD. Of these 35 patients were identified as cases; in whom, the AMH levels were assessed. As control 35 fertile normal females were taken, in which vitamin D and AMH were taken. In both groups, correlation of VDD with AMH was studied. Statistical Analysis Used: To analyze the correlation between vitamin D and AMH linear regression test and for comparison of both the groups, two sample t tests were used. Results: The VDD was present in 64.28% of infertile females. In vitamin D deficient cases, the mean for vitamin D was 6.18 ± 2.09 and AMH was 1.94 ± 1.30. In vitamin D deficient controls, the mean for vitamin D was 4.85 ± 3.02 and AMH was 3.47 ± 2.59. On comparison, the vitamin D levels were lower in fertile than infertile females, which was significant (P = 0.04), and AMH levels were lower in cases than control group (P = 0.003). Conclusion: The VDD was present in 64.28% of infertile females. No significant correlation was found in between VDD and AMH levels in both the groups.

Hyperhomocysteinemia cases were found to be higher in hilly regions due to factors such as high altitude and dehydration. There is limited research on methionine synthase (MS) and cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) gene polymorphisms among stroke patients in Southeast Asia. The primary objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of vitamin B therapy in lowering homocysteine levels, and the secondary objective was to investigate the prevalence and impact of MS and CBS gene polymorphisms on treatment outcomes and cardiovascular events. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 ischemic stroke patients at a tertiary care hospital, Rishikesh, India. Participants received either vitamin B therapy (B6, B9, B12) or standard therapy for four months. Tools were genetic polymorphisms (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)) testing, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, mean homocysteine, mean vitamin B12, and mean folate levels. The prevalence of MS-AG and CBS-TT polymorphism frequencies was 6% and 12%, respectively. At four months, the vitamin group showed a significant reduction in homocysteine as 8.6 vs. 19 µmol/L in standard therapy, improved mRS scores, and improved vitamin B12 and folate levels with p < 0.001. Vitamin B12 deficiencies and green vegetable intake were key predictors of hyperhomocysteinemia. Clinical outcomes included one recurrent stroke, eight cardiovascular events, and six vascular deaths. Our observations indicated that vitamin B therapy effectively reduced homocysteine and addressed deficiencies in ischemic stroke patients. However, genetic polymorphism was found to be less prevalent in this hilly region. Combining the role of vitamin B on homocysteine, along with reducing stroke severity and functional disability, leads to early recovery of the stroke patient and reduces rehospitalisation.

Diabetes is a major public health concern and natural easy-going remedies are being searched. Since Blume has a low coumarin concentration and possible insulin-enhancing properties, it is preferred over all other cinnamon species. Although similar research has been done on humans, there have been very few studies on this particular species, and none among South Asians. Moreover, no human trial that properly described their intervening agent ( ) and checked its efficacy at the molecular level along with clinical variables was conducted. Therefore, the current research aimed to explore the effects of on the glycemic index, lipid profile, and expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B) enzyme in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in type 2 diabetes. We examined the presence of bioactive compounds in young bark (Alba grade) from native Sri Lanka using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography before introducing it in the clinical study where trans-Cinnamaldehyde was found to be a major chemical constituent (>60%). Then, from January 2020 to March 2022, a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial was carried out in the Diabetic Clinic at AIIMS Rishikesh. A total of 154 diabetic patients were enrolled and were taken either cinnamon or placebo capsules (1.5 g/day) for 120 days on an empty stomach with warm water along with their conventional treatment. Reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in the cinnamon group was found -35.50% (95% CI, -173 to 58.4), whereas in the placebo group change was 5.00% (95% CI, -165 to 224). For glycosylated hemoglobin, it differed -0.85% (95% CI, -8.2 to 1.6) in the cinnamon group compared to the placebo where it was found 0.15% (95% CI, -6.1 to 5.5). PTP1B expression in PBMC was determined from pre- and post-trial blood samples using the Western Blot, and significant inhibition was also observed (p=0.039). The study result depicts, is emerging as a beneficial plant for type 2 diabetes in Northern India and could be used as an adjunctive treatment rather than as a standalone managerial remedy.

Purpose - This study aimed to determine the dimensions of the country of origin (COO) along with its impact on consumers' purchase intention (PI). This study further explored the mediating role of attitude on the relationship between COO and PI. Design/methodology/approach- To achieve this aim, a quantitative study was undertaken with 825 responses collected through a self-administered questionnaire from Delhi- NCR, and Mumbai in India. The constructs were measured using a five-point Likert scale. SEM and regression were performed to analyze the results. Findings- Country-specific image (CSI) and product-specific image (PSI) were the two major dimensions of COO. COO played a considerable role in influencing purchase intention (r .426) but in the presence of attitude, the relationship became insignificant (.377(.000)). Limitations- The present study was limited to the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai in India and had taken only two product categories: - mobile phones and TV. Only one mediating variable (attitude) was included in this study. Originality/value - This study was the first of its kind to examine how much COO as a single purchase indicator account for PI for Indians and to what extent this relationship was mediated by attitude. This study adds to the current body of knowledge in understanding whether the COO of a product will make it more or less appealing to Indian buyers and provides important implications for marketing managers in designing their promotional campaigns and marketing strategies to carter a wider segment of customers.

Introduction The objective of the present study was to identify gene expression in peripheral blood by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in patients who have lung carcinoma. Material and methods Peripheral blood samples of patients with non-small cell and small cell lung cancer were collected. Target genes included survivin, CK7, ASH1, HMGB3, L587S, and CLCA2. β-Actin was the reference gene. If the mean C (threshold cycle) value for a target gene is ≥40, the gene expression is considered undetectable. Results Fifty patients with lung carcinoma were included and 30 healthy controls. Out of the six genes, survivin showed 26.8 times fold change as compared to controls; ASH1 and L587S were 0.54 and 0.06, respectively; and HMGB3, CLCA2, and CK7 had non-significant fold change in comparison to controls. The overall detection rate of the six target genes examined in lung cancer was 84%, with 42 out of 50 patients testing positive. Higher stages and ASH1 (p = 0.031), CK7 (p = <0.001), and HMGB3, p = 0.011 were associated significantly. CLCA2 had higher expression in patients without adrenal metastases (p = 0.044). Conclusions Lifestyle and geographical variation might be a probable cause of variable gene expression as compared to other studies. However, further research is needed to determine the clinical implication of these markers, especially in larger groups of early-stage patients.

Objectives: To understand sleep quality, oxidative stress levels, and heart rate variability (HRV) in subjects with hypertension. This study aims to create baseline data in hypertensive subjects to research the possibility of further estimating the risk of developing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in a patient with hypertension.Design and methods: This analytical cross-sectional study, encompassing 128 study subjects of both genders, with 64 hypertensive subjects, analyse the co-relation of sleep quality, malondialdehyde, and heart rate variability in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. The study was done in a tertiary teaching institute in northern India for 14 months. Descriptive statistics were used, and the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square were used to find the association among the variables. Linear regression was used to estimate the effect of blood pressure on malondialdehyde levels.Results: Subjects with hypertension were found to have poor sleep quality (Global PSQI score ≥5, p=0.0001) and an increased malondialdehyde level (0.30303±0.17193 µM/L, p=0.0001). The hypertensive subjects were found to have lower parasympathetic activity as indicated by low high frequency (2.79463±473.220280; p=0.0001) and increased sympathetic activity; low frequency/high frequency (2.29823±2.792441; p=0.0001). Multivariate linear regression predicts that with one unit increase in systolic blood pressure, the malondialdehyde level increases by 0.006 units (p=0.002; 95% CI).Conclusion: Among the hypertensive group, there is significantly increased oxidative stress level, poor quality of sleep, and increased sympathetic activity, thereby predisposing the subjects to increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality.