Browsing by Author "Ashutosh Kumar"

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A Bioinformatics Tool for Predicting Future COVID-19 Waves Based on a Retrospective Analysis of the Second Wave in India: Model Development Study
(JMIR Publications Inc., 2022) Ashutosh Kumar; Adil Asghar; Prakhar Dwivedi; Gopichand Kumar; Ravi K. Narayan; Rakesh K. Jha; Rakesh Parashar; Chetan Sahni; Sada N. Pandey
Background: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, health policymakers globally have been attempting to predict an impending wave of COVID-19. India experienced a devastating second wave of COVID-19 in the late first week of May 2021. We retrospectively analyzed the viral genomic sequences and epidemiological data reflecting the emergence and spread of the second wave of COVID-19 in India to construct a prediction model. Objective: We aimed to develop a bioinformatics tool that can predict an impending COVID-19 wave. Methods: We analyzed the time series distribution of genomic sequence data for SARS-CoV-2 and correlated it with epidemiological data for new cases and deaths for the corresponding period of the second wave. In addition, we analyzed the phylodynamics of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Indian population during the study period. Results: Our prediction analysis showed that the first signs of the arrival of the second wave could be seen by the end of January 2021, about 2 months before its peak in May 2021. By the end of March 2021, it was distinct. B.1.617 lineage variants powered the wave, most notably B.1.617.2 (Delta variant). Conclusions: Based on the observations of this study, we propose that genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants, complemented with epidemiological data, can be a promising tool to predict impending COVID-19 waves. © Ashutosh Kumar, Adil Asghar, Prakhar Dwivedi, Gopichand Kumar, Ravi K Narayan, Rakesh K Jha, Rakesh Parashar, Chetan Sahni, Sada N Pandey.
Acute and subacute toxicity study of ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand flower in Swiss albino mice
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Ashutosh Kumar; Brijesh Kumar; Rajesh Kumar; Ajay Kumar; Manish Singh; Vinod Tiwari; Anshuman Trigunayat; Paramita Paul; Pratistha Singh
Background: Calotropis procera is a large shrub which consists many medicinal properties, used in treatment of snake bite, sinus fistula, rheumatism, mumps, burn injuries, inflammation and jaundice traditionally. All the parts of Calotropis procera were utilized in the treatment of diseases out of which leaves and roots were investigated for its toxicity profile that showed dose dependent toxicity. Toxicity profile of flowers of Calotropis procera was not investigated in the previous studies. The aim of this study was to explore the acute and subacute toxicity of ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera flowers for the safe use of traditional medicine. Method: In acute toxicity, a total of 20 female mice (Swiss albino), weighing between 23 and 32 g were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control, 300, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg groups with 5 mice each, and each received a single dose of extract at 300, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg, respectively. Animals were monitored for 14 days. In the subacute study, a total of 40 mice (23–32 g) were divided into 4 groups, each containing males and females. Group 1 (control group) received vehicle and groups 2, 3, and 4 received extract at doses of 300 mg/Kg, 1000 mg/Kg, 2000 mg/Kg of b.w., respectively, for 28 consecutive days. The study was conducted in compliance with the OECD guidelines 407 and 423. Results: Acute toxicity study showed no mortality at the dose of 2000 mg/Kg. In subacute toxicity study, statistical analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters showed no significant differences compared to control group except marked increase in segmented neutrophils. Histopathological studies revealed no significant structural differences among the treated groups and in comparison to control group. Conclusions: It was concluded that oral administration of doses of ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera flower, administered acutely, did not cause any mortality or notable changes at the dose of 2000 mg/Kg. Therefore, the approximate lethal dose (ALD) of in mice was higher than 2,000 mg/kg. In a 28-day subacute toxicity model, the extract did not cause any mortality, and no treatment-related changes were observed in body weight, organ weight, hematological and biochemical blood analysis, or histopathologic examinations at the extract dose of 2000 mg/Kg. These findings indicate that the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of Calotropis procera flower ethanolic extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg/day. © 2022
Alternative history of indenture: view from margins
(Routledge, 2024) Ashutosh Kumar
This paper departs from the prevailing approaches to studying the Indian indenture system and examines it from the perspective of marginalised social groups in India. While most studies on indentureship, from contemporary observers to historians and scholars, homogenise labourers’ experiences by neglecting the voices of lower castes and Dalits/untouchables within the Indian hierarchical social structure, this paper brings such marginalised voices to the centre of analysis. In the absence of writings by labourers from marginalised communities such as lower castes and Dalits, this study is based on the close reading of Indian nationalists’ writings, speeches, and memoirs of high caste girmitiyas, mainly Totaram Sanadhya, using the method of reading against the grain. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Analysis of potential neuropharmacological activity and attenuating effect in chronic constriction induced neuropathic pain using Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand flower ethanol extract
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Ashutosh Kumar; Brijesh Pawan Kumar; Raj Kumar; Vinod N. Tiwari; Pratistha K. Singh; Ajay Kumar; Manish Kumar Singh; Chandra Shekhar Azad; Ankit Uniyal
Background: Calotropis procera, also known as "毒竹 du zhu" in Chainese, is used in several remedies to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammatory diseases, skin concerns, pain disorders, and respiratory issues. It has been observed that the various parts of the plant have been traditionally used for as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions. The flower of this herb has not been investigated for these pharmacological properties. Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the neuropharmacological profile and ameliorative potential of ethanolic extract of C. procera flower (EECP) in chronic constriction injury (CCI) induced neuropathic pain in rats. Methods: GCMS analysis was performed to identify the active phytocmpounds of the plant. Neuropharmacological profile has been investigated by maximal electroshock seizure and pentylenetetrazole for antiepileptic, elevated maze plus and open field test for anxiety, tail suspension and forced swim test for depressant activity, and acetylcholinesterase and Morris water maze test for cognition. Anti-neuropathic pain was assessed via heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia tests in rats after inducing CCI. Pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were determined by ELISA kits. SOD and nitrile level were measured for antioxidant activity. Sciatic nerve's histopathological changes for nerve deformity were evaluated by H &E staining. Results: GCMS analysis revealed the presence of phytocompounds Lupeool, acetate, n-hexadecanoic acid, γ-sitosterol, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, β-Amyrin, phytol and other compounds. In neuropharmacological profile, EECP had a significant anticonvulsant effect, a decrease in locomotor activity, indicating a sedative effect but showed no anxiolytic effect. The immobility time decreased significantly in both the forced swim test and tail suspension test. The activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain was decreased and Morris water test results revealed a shorter escape latency and greater time spent in the target quadrant. In anti-neuropathic pain assessment, the EECP reduced CCI-induced hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were reduced while SOD levels increased and nitrite levels decreased in the sciatic nerve. Histological analysis revealed sciatic nerve deformity was reduced. Conclusion: It is concluded that extract showed a potent antiepileptic, antidepressant, cognition enhancer and protective against nerve deformity and neuropathic pain. Phytocompounds identified via GCMS having neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be correlated with the neuropharmacological and analgesic activities of the extract. © 2025
Are doctors feeling burnout? - Multicenter cross-sectional study on burnout syndrome and its determinants during the ongoing pandemic
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2023) Ashutosh Kumar; Kavita Chawla; Arun Mishra; Geetu Singh; Achyut K. Pandey; Praveen Rikhari
Background: Though the concept of burnout has been around for long, its significance is increasing nowadays owing to the demanding nature of jobs. The latest ICD-11 also provides a detailed description of Burnout syndrome. Physicians are at high risk for experiencing burnout and this becomes especially relevant in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To determine the risk of burnout among medical faculty and its predictors, if any. Materials and Methods: This was a multicentric cross-sectional study that included medical faculty from four tertiary care government teaching hospitals in north India. A survey was conducted during the current COVID-19 pandemic to assess burnout using a structured online questionnaire based on Burnout Assessment Tool. The questionnaire also included relevant socio-demographic, professional, health, and lifestyle-related details. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U Test/Kruskal Wallis Test, and Kendall's tau-b Test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 244 medical faculty completed the survey. 27.87% were at risk of burnout, out of which 11.89% were at a very high risk of burnout. Dissatisfaction with the job and dissatisfaction with sleep (P < 0.01 for both) were associated with greater burnout scores and a greater risk of burnout. Conclusion: Faculty members are at high risk of burnout, regardless of sociodemographic and work-related factors. © 2023 Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
Beyond the horizon: exploring the experiences of indentured returnees in their plantation colonies and homeland
(Routledge, 2024) Nidhi Singh Yadav; Ashutosh Kumar
This paper focuses centrally on returned indentured Indian labourers and examines the indenture system through their experiences, narratives, and savings. While the majority of research on the indenture system takes a ‘for’ or ‘against’ stance, this paper acknowledges the range of experiences and makes the case that, despite the tragic nature of the returnees’ story and the regret and loss they endured, not every experience in the colonies was depressingly bad. This paper analyses official archival and non-official sources to establish that the plantation experience was quite diverse. Many people made their economic fortunes by savings and experienced social upliftment on the plantations by creating casteless space, but when they returned after their contract, they struggled to integrate into their home country and families. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of N-acetyl cysteine and silymarin-mediated protection against maneb- and paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
(2013) Israr Ahmad; Smriti Shukla; Ashutosh Kumar; Brajesh Kumar Singh; Vinod Kumar; Amit Kumar Chauhan; Dhirendra Singh; Haushila Prasad Pandey; Chetna Singh
Oxidative stress is one of the major players in the pathogenesis of maneb (MB) and paraquat (PQ)-induced disorders. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a glutathione (GSH) precursor and silymarin (SIL), a naturally occurring antioxidant, encounter oxidative stress-mediated cellular damage. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of NAC and SIL against MB and/or PQ-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The levels of hepatotoxicity markers-alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and total bilirubin, histological changes, oxidative stress indices, phase I and phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes-cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and pro-inflammatory molecules-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured in animals treated with MB and/or PQ in the presence or absence of NAC and SIL. MB and/or PQ augmented ALT, AST, total bilirubin, lipid peroxidation and nitrite contents and catalytic activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase however, the GSH content was attenuated. NAC and SIL restored the above-mentioned alterations towards basal levels but the restorations were more pronounced in SIL treated groups. Similarly, MB and/or PQ-mediated histopathological symptoms and changes in the catalytic activities/expressions of CYP1A2, CYP2E1, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β were alleviated by NAC and SIL. Conversely, MB and/or PQ-induced GSTA4-4 expression/activity was further increased by NAC/SIL and glutathione reductase activity was also increased. The results obtained thus suggest that NAC and SIL protect MB and/or PQ-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and by modulating xenobitic metabolizing machinery and SIL seems to be more effective. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Bioremediation of pesticides residues: A psychological approach
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2018) Savita Singh; Ashutosh Kumar; S. P. Jeevan Kumar; Mohd Imran; Madan Kumar; Arvind Nath Singh; Manoj Kumar Tripathi
To increase the food production, pesticides have been used excessively; as a result, they have become a threat to the environment. In the present era, microbial degradation is one of the important techniques for degradation of pesticides from agricultural lands. Studies have been conducted on the use of different microbes such as bacteria, fungi and genetically modified microorganisms for degradation of pesticides. Case studies and researches have revealed that microbial consortia of naturally occurring microbes isolated from particular contaminated environments have potential to degrade pesticides at faster rate rather than individual microbes. Microalgae and cyanobacteria exhibiting high growth rate and biodegradation potential are yet to be explored. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are cosmopolitan in nature ranging from unicellular to filamentous forms that inhabit several environmental conditions. In order to re-evaluate the current scenario of pesticide contamination and the role of micro algae and cyanobacteria have been discussed. The chapter highlights the use of microalgae and cyanobacteria in bioremediation of pesticide contamination and remedies using psychological approaches. © 2018 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of COVID-19 Among Immunocompromised Children
(Springer, 2021) Sunil Kumar Rao; Ashutosh Kumar; Rajniti Prasad; Vineeta Gupta; Om Prakash Mishra
This retrospective study describes the clinical profile, risk of infection and outcome of coronavirus disease-19 in immunocompromised children. It was found that children on immunosuppressant medication has 2.89 times increased risk of infection (P=0.01). Disease manifestation was asymptomatic (P=0.01) or mild with predominant gastrointestinal symptoms (P=0.02) without alteration in immunosuppressive treatment regime. © 2021, Indian Academy of Pediatrics.
Clinical profile of psychotic disorders in the elderly: A retrospective study
(Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine, 2015) Keertish Narayana; Ashutosh Kumar; Indira Sharma
Background: Much about psychotic disorders in the elderly remains obscure due to exclusion of this age group in a majority of studies. H owever, as the population ages, this problem is expected to increase. The study was conceived with the aim of assessing the clinical profile of psychotic disorders in the elderly. Settings: Psychiatry out-patient department of a teaching hospital in Northern India. Design: Retrospective chart review. Material and methods: The sample comprised of all the patients with psychosis who were 60 years or older. Data p er taining to socio-demographic details and clinical features were obtained from the medical records and analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The patients with onset of psychosis before 60 years of age wer e compared with those who developed psychosis after or at the age of 60 years using Chi-square analysis. Results: A total of 72 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (40%) followed by bipolar disorder (30.5%). Family history of psychiatric illness was present in 34.7% of the sample, out of which psychosis NOS (12.5%) was the most common diagnosis. When compared to patients with onset before 60 years, those with onset af ter 60 years had higher frequency of precipitating factors and co-morbid medical illness and lesser frequency of psychiatric illness in the FDRs. Conclusion: There is an ever increasing need to study the psychotic disorders in elderly as a distinct clinical entit y. Future research could pave the way for better preventive and management strategies for psychosis in this vulnerable age group. © 2015, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine. All rights reserved.
Co-infusion of donor adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells helps safe minimization of immunosuppression in renal transplantation - Single center experience
(Informa Healthcare, 2014) Aruna V. Vanikar; Hargovind L. Trivedi; Ashutosh Kumar; Saroj Chooramani Gopal; Himanshu V. Patel; Manoj R. Gumber; Vivek B. Kute; Pankaj R. Shah; Shruti D. Dave
Background: Stem cell therapy (SCT) is used for immunosuppression minimization in renal transplantation (RT). We carried out a prospective study to evaluate the benefits of co-infusion of donor adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) + hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in living donor RT (LDRT) under non-myeloablative conditioning.; Methods: In a demographically balanced three-armed LDRT trial with 95 patients in each arm, group-1 received portal co-infusion of AD-MSC + HSC, group-2 received HSC and group-3 received no SCT. Lymphoid irradiation and anti-thyroglobulin were used for conditioning.; Results: SCT was safe. At 1 and 5 years post-transplant, patient survival was 100% and 94.7% in group-1, 100% and 95.7% in group-2, and 94.7% and 84% in group-3, death-censored graft survival was 100% and 94.6% in group-1, 100% and 91.3% in group-2, and 98.9% and 94.4% in group-3 with mean serum creatinine (mg/dL) of 1.38 and 1.39 in group-1, 1.48 and 1.51 in group-2, and 1.29 and 1.42 and in group-3. Rejection episodes and immunosuppression requirement were lesser in SCT groups versus controls with best results noted in group-1.; Conclusion: Coinfusion of donor AD-MSC +HSC in portal circulation pre-transplant under non-myeloablative conditioning is safe and effective for immunosuppression minimization in LDRT. © 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved.
Comparison of fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient among hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy stages 1, 2, and 3 and with nonasphyxiated newborns in 18 areas of brain
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2017) Supriya Kushwah; Ashok Kumar; Ashish Verma; Sriparna Basu; Ashutosh Kumar
Purpose: To determine the area and extent of injury in hypoxic encephalopathy stages by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using parameters apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values and their comparison with controls without any evidence of asphyxia. To correlate the outcome of hypoxia severity clinically and significant changes on DTI parameter. Materials and Methods: DTI was done in 50 cases at median age of 12 and 20 controls at median age of 7 days. FA and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in several regions of interest (ROI). Continuous variables were analyzed using Student's t-test. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact test. Comparison among multiple groups was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: Abnormalities were more easily and accurately determined in ROI with the help of FA and ADC values. When compared with controls FA values were significantly decreased and ADC values were significantly increased in cases, in ROI including both right and left side of thalamus, basal ganglia, posterior limb of internal capsule, cerebral peduncle, corticospinal tracts, frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital with P value < 0.05. The extent of injury was maximum in stage-III. There was no significant difference among males and females. Conclusion: Compared to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the evaluation of FA and ADC values using DTI can determine the extent and severity of injury in hypoxic encephalopathy. It can be used for early determination of brain injury in these patients. © 2017 Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.
Comparison of Platelet Functions, Plasma Proteins and Lipids in Filarial and Non-Filarial Edema Patients
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Sushil Surtani; Ashutosh Kumar; Alka Singh; Mumtaz Ahmad Ansari; Jyotsna Kailashiya
Lymphatic filariasis results in chronic edema, pain, elephantiasis and disfigurement in humans. It was previously reported that platelet aggregation is inhibited in lymphatic filariasis patients, compared to healthy controls. However, it was not clear whether the inhibition was due to filarial parasite infection or due to the presence of edema. This study was planned to compare platelet functions, plasma proteins and lipids in filarial and non-filarial edema patients. Edema patients were tested for the presence of filarial antigens and antibodies in their blood and were grouped as filarial and non-filarial edema patients accordingly. Platelet aggregation, size distribution, platelet activation markers, plasma proteins and lipids were measured in collected blood samples. Results showed that platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited in filarial edema patients, compared to non-filarial edema patients. Soluble P-selectin and beta thromboglobulin showed significant positive correlation with each other only in non-filarial edema patients. Plasma total cholesterol was lower in filarial edema patients, and HDL was lower in only female filarial edema patients. Observations confirm that inhibition of platelet functions is due to filarial parasite infection, not merely due to the presence of edema. Results also indicate uncoupling and disturbances of platelet activation processes. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
COVID-19 Mechanisms in the Human Body—What We Know So Far
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Ashutosh Kumar; Ravi K. Narayan; Pranav Prasoon; Chiman Kumari; Gurjot Kaur; Santosh Kumar; Maheswari Kulandhasamy; Kishore Sesham; Vikas Pareek; Muneeb A. Faiq; Sada N. Pandey; Himanshu N. Singh; Kamla Kant; Prakash S. Shekhawat; Khursheed Raza; Sujeet Kumar
More than one and a half years have elapsed since the commencement of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the world is struggling to contain it. Being caused by a previously unknown virus, in the initial period, there had been an extreme paucity of knowledge about the disease mechanisms, which hampered preventive and therapeutic measures against COVID-19. In an endeavor to understand the pathogenic mechanisms, extensive experimental studies have been conducted across the globe involving cell culture-based experiments, human tissue organoids, and animal models, targeted to various aspects of the disease, viz., viral properties, tissue tropism and organ-specific pathogenesis, involvement of physiological systems, and the human immune response against the infection. The vastly accumulated scientific knowledge on all aspects of COVID-19 has currently changed the scenario from great despair to hope. Even though spectacular progress has been made in all of these aspects, multiple knowledge gaps are remaining that need to be addressed in future studies. Moreover, multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have emerged across the globe since the onset of the first COVID-19 wave, with seemingly greater transmissibility/virulence and immune escape capabilities than the wild-type strain. In this review, we narrate the progress made since the commencement of the pandemic regarding the knowledge on COVID-19 mechanisms in the human body, including virus–host interactions, pulmonary and other systemic manifestations, immunological dysregulations, complications, host-specific vulnerability, and long-term health consequences in the survivors. Additionally, we provide a brief review of the current evidence explaining molecular mechanisms imparting greater transmissibility and virulence and immune escape capabilities to the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Copyright © 2021 Kumar, Narayan, Prasoon, Kumari, Kaur, Kumar, Kulandhasamy, Sesham, Pareek, Faiq, Pandey, Singh, Kant, Shekhawat, Raza and Kumar.
COVID-19 vaccination may enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in adults
(Academic Press Inc., 2023) Ashutosh Kumar; Ravi K. Narayan; Pranav Prasoon; Rakesh K. Jha; Sujeet Kumar; Chiman Kumari; Sada N. Pandey; Muneeb A. Faiq
Emerging evidence suggests a detrimental impact of COVID-19 illness on the continued hippocampal neurogenesis in adults. In contrast, the existing literature supports an enhancing effect of COVID-19 vaccination on adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Vaccines against respiratory infections, including influenza, have been shown to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in adult-age animals. We propose that a similar benefit may happen in COVID-19 vaccinated adults. The vaccine-induced enhancement of the hippocampal neurogenesis in adults thus may protect against age-related cognitive decline and mental disorders. It also hints at an added mental health benefit of the COVID-19 vaccination programs in adults. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.
DARK ANTHROPOLOGY, MIGRANTS AND OTHERS: Of Vulnerable Communities, Solidarities and Challenges to Nation-States
(Taylor and Francis, 2025) Bobby Luthra Sinha; Nirmala D. Gopal; Annapurna Devi Pandey; Ashutosh Kumar
This book offers innovative insights from across disciplines to explore the soulful survival of migrants, refugees, and displaced individuals and communities amidst stalemates, crises and compromises in human rights. Dwelling on ethnographic case studies from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the United States, and Europe, the volume illuminates the experiences of vulnerable communities, showcasing their solidarities, networks, and supportive dynamics that emerge from the harsh realities of social life. Analysing the world from the lens of fraternal relations and spaces that arise and abound in the lifeworld of the marginalised and vulnerable communities, this edited volume illustrates how without these burgeoning solidarities, migrants and other at-risk populations may have a harder struggle to navigate the socio-economic and political challenges they face. Furthermore, the book emphasises that nation-states would encounter even more profound and complex difficulties without such intricate coping mechanisms. The chapters within the volume demonstrate that these mechanisms are vital to addressing dilemmas, stalemates, and the stakeholder politics surrounding people living in precarious, hidden and dark contexts. The case studies which enrich theoretical debates also indicate how these dark contexts would be significantly more difficult to traverse without the robust and nuanced messages coded in actor solidarities and resilience. The volume is poised to attract significant attention from scholars and researchers committed to anthropology, ethnography, history, migration, international politics and refugee studies. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Bobby Luthra Sinha, Nirmala Devi Gopal, Annapurna Devi Pandey and Ashutosh Kumar; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.
DARK ANTHROPOLOGY, MIGRANTS AND OTHERS: Of Vulnerable Communities, Solidarities and Challenges to Nation-States
(Taylor and Francis, 2025) Bobby Luthra Sinha; Nirmala D. Gopal; Annapurna Devi Pandey; Ashutosh Kumar
Vulnerability is often conceptualised from perspectives of danger, disaster, suffering, and social control, even weakness or lack of agency in some contexts. Elsewhere, vulnerability is underplayed only to be seen as a vehicle of uneasy solidarities. Our volume, on the contrary, reverses the gaze. It engages with the concept of vulnerability by bringing in ethnographic voices and experiences of those who live it as their everyday. Neither everyone living a life of “vulnerability” may imagine themselves as existing in a dark despair and nor would people rejoice a special status as hidden or unseen peoples. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Bobby Luthra Sinha, Nirmala Devi Gopal, Annapurna Devi Pandey and Ashutosh Kumar; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.
Economic and Environmental Impact of Resource Conservation Technology: A Case of Rotavator in Chanduali District of Uttar Pradesh, India
(Agri Bio Research Publishers, 2020) P.K. Singh; O.P. Singh; Rakesh Singh; Ashutosh Kumar
Out of several options of resource conservation technologies, rotavator can improve inputs use efficiency, increase farm income by improving crop yield and protect soil biodiversity and natural resources, etc. The present study was carried out in Chandauli district to assess the economic and environmental impact of resource conservation technologies. The study was based on primary data which were collected through personal interview. Chandauli district was purposively selected for the present study because large numbers of farmers were using rotavator for wheat cultivation. From the selected village, 30 rotavator adopters and 30 non-adopters were selected using snowball sampling method for primary data collection. Results suggested that after adoption of rotavator, wheat yield and net income from wheat were increased significantly as compared to non-adopters. In case of rotavator adopter, per hectare net income received from wheat production was Rs. 54493.29, whereas in case of non-adopter it was Rs. 33940 and incremental net benefit was Rs. 20553.29 over non-adopters. Per hectare wheat yield was found to be 45 and 37.5 q for rotavator adopters and non-adopters, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was 2.06 and 1.63 for rotavator adopters and non-adopters respectively. The reduction in use of fossil fuel for land preparation, sowing of wheat crop and running diesel pump for pumping irrigation water lead to reduction in carbon emission. After adoption of rotavator, per hectare carbon emission was reduced by 11.69 kg as compared to non-adopters. It is suggested that government should provide more subsidy on purchase of rotavator and post sell technical support to farmers for large scale adoption of technology. This will not only increase the wheat grain availability but also reduce the carbon emission. © 2020, Agri Bio Research Publishers. All rights reserved.
Effect of zinc and paraquat co-exposure on neurodegeneration: Modulation of oxidative stress and expression of metallothioneins, toxicant responsive and transporter genes in rats
(2010) Ashutosh Kumar; Israr Ahmad; Smriti Shukla; Brajesh Kumar Singh; Devendra Kumar Patel; Haushila Prasad Pandey; Chetna Singh
Oxidative stress is implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Metallothioneins (MT), cytochrome P450 IIE1 (CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferases alpha4-4 (GSTA4-4) are involved in oxidative stress-mediated damage. Altered dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT-2) are also documented in PD. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Zn and PQ co-exposure on neurodegeneration in rats. A significant reduction was observed in spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA), striatal dopamine (DA) levels, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity, glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase activity along with increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity after Zn and/or PQ exposure. Zn and/or PQ exposure increased gene expression of DAT, CYP2E1, GSTA4-4, MT-I and MT-II, but reduced the expression of VMAT-2. Protein expression analysis of TH, VMAT-2 and DAT showed results similar to those obtained with gene expression study. Zn and PQ co-exposure caused a more pronounced effect than that of individual exposure. The results obtained in this study suggest that, similar to PQ, Zn induced neurodegeneration via alterations in oxidative stress and expression of the above-mentioned genes. However, the effect of ZnPQ was only slightly higher than that of alone, indicating that probably Zn and PQ follow some different molecular events leading to neurodegeneration. © 2010 Informa UK Ltd.
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants can potentially break set epidemiological barriers in COVID-19
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2022) Ashutosh Kumar; Rakesh Parashar; Sujeet Kumar; Muneeb A Faiq; Chiman Kumari; Maheswari Kulandhasamy; Ravi K. Narayan; Rakesh K. Jha; Himanshu N. Singh; Pranav Prasoon; Sada N. Pandey; Kamla Kant
Young age, female sex, absence of comorbidities, and prior infection or vaccination are known epidemiological barriers for contracting the new infection and/or increased disease severity. Demographic trends from the recent coronavirus disease 2019 waves, which are believed to be driven by newer severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, indicate that the aforementioned epidemiological barriers are being breached and a larger number of younger and healthy individuals are developing severe disease. The new SARS-CoV-2 variants have key mutations that can induce significant changes in the virus-host interactions. Recent studies report that, some of these mutations, singly or in a group, enhance key mechanisms, such as binding of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in the host-cells, increase the glycosylation of spike protein at the antigenic sites, and enhance the proteolytic cleavage of the spike protein, thus leading to improved host-cell entry and the replication of the virus. The putative changes in the virus–host interactions imparted by the mutations in the RBD sequence can potentially be the reason behind the breach of the observed epidemiological barriers. Susceptibility for contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection and the disease outcomes are known to be influenced by host-cell expressions of ACE2 and other proteases. The new variants can act more efficiently, and even with the lesser availability of the viral entry-receptor and the associated proteases, can have more efficient host-cell entry and greater replication resulting in high viral loads and prolonged viral shedding, widespread tissue-injury, and severe inflammation leading to increased transmissibility and lethality. Furthermore, the accumulating evidence shows that multiple new variants have reduced neutralization by both, natural and vaccine-acquired antibodies, indicating that repeated and vaccine breakthrough infections may arise as serious health concerns in the ongoing pandemic. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.