The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is an Indian public health, nutrition and translational research centre located in Hyderabad, India. The institute is one of the oldest research centres in India, and the largest centre, under the Indian Council of Medical Research, located in the vicinity of Osmania University. The institute has associated clinical and paediatric nutrition research wards at various hospitals such as the Niloufer Hospital for Women and Children, the Government Maternity Hospital, the Gandhi Medical College and the Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad.The National Centre for Laboratory Animal Science (to be integrated into the National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research), the Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau are the other wings of NIN, for India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.The institute also derives funding from the Indian Department of Biotechnology. The institute majorly conducts research in obesity, diabetes, food chemistry, dietetics, clinical toxicology, and micronutrient deficiency in collaboration with centres such as the Rockefeller University, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Washington University, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the US, and the University of Wollongong in Australia.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, calcium homeostasis, and prevention of chronic diseases. Deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D poses a global health concern, particularly in specific populations such as the elderly, individuals with limited sun exposure, and those with dietary restrictions. The Egyptian Academy for bone and muscle health is issuing an updated guidelines influenced by a substantial body of research conducted in recent years. For the diagnosis, prevention, and management of vitamin D deficiency. To establish clear, evidence-based guidelines for healthcare professionals and the public on the why, how and when to recommend vitamin D supplementation with objectives to optimize vitamin D levels, prevent deficiency, minimize adverse effects, and inform public health policies. A systematic review of 28 studies and five major international guidelines was conducted, with expert consensus recommendations was achieved through a Delphi process among experts. Key findings highlight daily intake guidelines, testing protocols, management of deficiency, and public health interventions. The role of empirical vitamin D dosing in high-risk individuals was emphasized. Key considerations include age, body weight, lifestyle, dietary habits, individual health risks as well as comorbidities. Testing is recommended for symptomatic individuals or those with specific conditions such as osteoporosis or renal impairment. The guideline highlights the role of FGF23 in high dosing of vitamin D, relation between vitamin D deficiency and fall risk, it encourages oral over intramuscular administration and discourages routine population-wide screening. Effective management of vitamin D levels involves tailored supplementation strategies based on individual needs and risk factors. Maintenance of serum 25(OH)D levels above 30 ng/mL is advised for optimal health outcomes. Public health efforts should focus on lifestyle modifications, safe sun exposure, and dietary education, alongside targeted supplementation for at-risk groups.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using leaf extract of Tridax procumbens, which served as a reducing, capping, and stabilising agent. The synthesized TP-AgNPs showed a reddish-brown color, with a surface plasmon resonance confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy at 420.32 nm. Morphological analysis by SEM revealed spherical nanoparticles, XRD patterns confirmed their crystalline nature. FT-IR spectroscopy identified the presence of various functional groups involved in stabilization, including phenolic, flavonoids, and proteins. DLS analysis showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 150.4 nm, with a zeta potential of −15.3 mV, indicating moderate colloidal stability. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of TP-AgNPs were evaluated against wound associated pathogens: Acinetobacter radioresistens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella aerogenes. Biofilm-forming capacity, assessed via tube method and Congo red assay, varied among isolates A. radioresistens exhibited strong biofilm formation, K. aerogenes showed moderate activity, P. aeruginosa showed weak activity, and E. coli non-biofilm forming. Quantitative biofilm inhibition assays using crystal violet demonstrated dose-dependent effect, with the highest inhibition (up to 10
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Africa. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the proportion of MRSA among S. aureus isolates from patients with confirmed infections and to assess associated antibiotic resistance profiles across the continent. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in African Journals Online, African Index Medicus, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1, 2013, and June 5, 2024. Primary studies were included if they reported MRSA proportion or resistance profiles in Africa, employed reliable detection techniques, and analyzed clinical specimens from infected patients. Statistical analyses were performed using the meta package in R software, applying a random-effects model. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This meta-analysis included 191 studies, encompassing 40,979 S. aureus isolates. Nigeria contributed the highest number of studies (n = 29), followed by Egypt (n = 26). The vast majority of studies (n = 186) were based on hospital settings. The pooled proportion of MRSA in Africa was 42.2
Plant cell cultures and hairy roots are highly promising tools for sustainable production of important secondary metabolites without destroying the natural habitat of the plants. Multiple factors influence their accumulation in cultured cells. Generation of mutant cells by gamma irradiation, selection of stable cell lines or hairy root clumps that produce secondary plant products in long-term cultures and understanding the role of arabinogalactans in maintaining cell aggregate sizes are crucial for accelerating and optimizing secondary metabolite accumulation. Elicitors like nanoparticles and cyclodextrins not only boost the secondary metabolite synthesis, but also facilitate their release into medium allowing easier product recovery especially for hydrophobic compounds. Such a strategy prevents feedback regulation of the product. Hence, these tools are becoming determining factors for sustainable production of secondary metabolites. This review focusses on selected, but under explored strategies for augmenting secondary metabolite accumulation.
This study examined regional disparities, determinants, and wealth-related inequalities in Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in India using nationally representative NFHS-5 (2019–21) data. Eleven WHO–UNICEF IYCF indicators were analysed, with particular emphasis on Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) and Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). Descriptive analyses, multivariate logistic regression models, and equity assessments employing Concentration Index and the Concentration Curves were conducted across six geographic regions. Findings demonstrate pronounced regional heterogeneity, alongside persistently inadequate dietary diversity and meal frequency nationwide. Less than one in four children met MDD and only one in ten achieved MAD, with the poorest outcomes concentrated in the Central, Western, and Northern regions. Maternal education, household wealth, child age, and maternal nutritional status emerged as significant predictors of dietary adequacy, although wealth-based inequalities remained relatively modest. Overall, the pervasive deficits in complementary feeding underscore the need for context-specific interventions to strengthen young children’s diets in India.
