A process-based insight to the recent disappearance of streams in the central part of Tarai region, Uttarakhand, India

The integrated study of geomorphology and hydrogeology could be significant in predicting and assessing the groundwater environment of ecologically sensitive terrains such as the Tarai region in North India. In this article, we integrate topographic elevation, stream network, water level data, and input and output stresses acting on the aquifer to understand the hydrological processes and linkages between groundwater dynamics and geomorphic elements in Rudrapur sub-division of Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand in the central part of Tarai region. The study area was selected on account of the fact that the Rudrapur area of late has witnessed rapid agricultural growth, urbanization, and industrialization. It has been observed that primarily, water table elevations are controlled by the topography of the region. Further, the groundwater abstraction has increased with time; however, except in urbanized sectors, the water level does not show any significant decline. This has been attributed to increased recharge. Prima facie, it appears to be ecologically balanced. However, in a temporal framework, it was observed that over the years, a few streams have disappeared to compensate for enhanced groundwater abstraction. The article explains the underlying hydrological processes behind the disappearance of streams with help of schematic diagrams. It also put forward reasons for the persistence of shallow water level in parts of the study area. It suggests for preservation of the waterways of disappeared streams as possible sites for remedial measures like check dams etc. if required in future on account of over-exploitation of groundwater resources.

Toxicity assessment of cypermethrin nanoparticles in Channa punctatus: Behavioural response, micronuclei induction and enzyme alteration

A comparative toxicity assessment was performed to evaluate the effect of cypermethrin nanoparticles (CypNPs) and cypermethrin (Cyp) on murrel, Channa punctatus. Size variation and shape morphology of nanoparticles were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. CypNPs presented shoulder band at a wavelength of 277 nm and size range between 29.23 nm and 49.28 nm. The individuals of C. punctatus were exposed to two sublethal doses of LC₅₀ viz 1/20th (S₁) of LC₅₀ and 1/10th (S₂) of LC₅₀ of CypNPs (20.54 mg/L) and Cyp (4 μg/L) for 15 days. Micronucleus assay was used to assess the genotoxicity while enzyme activity was evaluated by using alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The percentage of micronuclei was increased significantly at different doses in Cyp compared to CypNPs. The AST value of Cyp was significantly different from CypNPs at both doses while ALP level at the S₂ dose (p < 0.05). Increased levels of ALT, AST, and ALP in blood serum caused tissue impairment cellular damage in liver in the fish exposed to Cyp compared to CypNPs which indicated that CypNPs is least toxic than the conventional form of Cyp. AST and ALT also acted as indicators of stress and altered physiological condition in C. punctatus.

Estimation of polyphenols by using HPLC-DAD in red and white wine grape varieties grown under tropical conditions of India

Grapes are well known for their high content of phenolic compounds. Polyphenols are classified into flavonoids and non-flavonoids by their primary chemical structures of hydroxybenzene. Flavonoids mainly consist of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and flavonols whereas non-flavonoids include hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids. In the present study, sixteen phenolic compounds from ten red and nine white grape wine varieties were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Gallic acid, Vanillic acid, Rutin hydrate, Ellagic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Sorbic acid, Catechin hydrate, Epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, Quercetin, Myricetin, Kaempferol, Piceatannol, and Resveratrol were major compounds found in red wine grapes. Among the varieties, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc showed maximum quantitative phenolics, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon, Niellucio, Cinsaut, and Syrah showed least quantitative phenolics in grape berries. Phenolic profile of white wine grapes showed lower concentration of phenolics than that of red wine grapes. The variety Gros Meseng showed maximum phenolics followed by Sauvignon, while the variety Colombard and Chenin Blanc showed least phenolics.

Transgene-free genome editing in marine algae by bacterial conjugation - comparison with biolistic CRISPR/Cas9 transformation

The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has opened the possibility for targeted genome editing in various organisms including diatom model organisms. One standard method for delivery of vectors to diatom cells is by biolistic particle bombardment. Recently delivery by conjugation was added to the tool-box. An important difference between these methods is that biolistic transformation results in transgene integration of vector DNA into the algae genome, whereas conjugative transformation allows the vector to be maintained as an episome in the recipient cells. In this study, we have used both transformation methods to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 system to the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum aiming to induce mutations in a common target gene. This allowed us to compare the two CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems with regard to mutation efficiency, and to assess potential problems connected to constitutive expression of Cas9. We found that the percentage of CRISPR-induced targeted biallelic mutations are similar for both methods, but an extended growth period might be needed to induce biallelic mutations when the CRISPR/Cas9 system is episomal. Independent of the CRISPR/Cas9 vector system, constitutive expression of Cas9 can cause re-editing of mutant lines with small indels. Complications associated with the biolistic transformation system like the permanent and random integration of foreign DNA into the host genome and unstable mutant lines caused by constitutive expression of Cas9 can be avoided using the episomal CRISPR/Cas9 system. The episomal vector can be eliminated from the diatom cells by removal of selection pressure, resulting in transient Cas9 expression and non-transgenic mutant lines. Depending on legislation, such lines might be considered as non-GMOs.

Probing Gallic Acid for Its Broad Spectrum Applications

Gallic acid and its derivatives not only exhibit excellent antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antimicrobial properties but also provide protection to the cells against oxidative stress. Gallic acid (3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), a low molecular triphenolic compound emerged as an efficient apoptosis inducing agent. The antimicrobial and other biological properties of gallic acid and its derivatives seemed to be linked with the hydrolysis of ester linkage between gallic acid and polyols like tannins hydrolyzed after ripening of many edible fruits. Gallic acid serves a natural defense mechanism against microbial infections and modulation of immune responses. The current review updates us with the diverse roles played by gallic acid, its antioxidant potential, action mechanism and more importantly the diverse array of applications in therapeutic and pharmaceutical areas.

Development of PCR-based molecular marker for screening of disease-suppressive composts against Fusarium wilt of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The present study was carried out to develop a PCR-based molecular marker suitable for screening of disease-suppressive composts against Fusarium wilt of tomato. An effective uncultured bacterial community was screened from our previous study on investigation of microbial communities in composts for their potential for biocontrol of Fusarium wilt. Based on available sequence information (Accession no. HQ388491) of selective community, PCR-based molecular markers were designed and tested for their specificity in different compost sample. To confirm specificity of designed marker, real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed. Selective marker efficacy was further tested for different set of composts and results were cross-verified by conducting bioassay of same composts against Fusarium wilt in tomato crop. Results showed that out of two designed set of primers (i.e., PAC1F/PAC1R and PAC4F/PAC4R), primer set PAC4F/PAC4R resulted in successful amplification of 199 bp in highly disease-suppressive compost (i.e., CPP); however, no/below detection level amplification was observed in non-suppressive compost (JC). qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the specificity of selective marker by representing single peak in melting curve. A clear difference was observed in relative population of selective community in different set of composts. It was observed maximum in the most effective compost, i.e., CPP followed by other disease-suppressive composts. Cross-examination of results with bioassay confirmed that composts with presence of selective bacterial community having no/very less disease incidence of Fusarium. It is clearly evident from the study that such kind of molecular markers can be developed and used in future research focusing on compost-based disease suppression.

Biochemical and histopathological changes in sheep fed different detoxified karanj (Pongamia glabra) seed cake as partial protein supplements

The study investigated the long-term effect of feeding processed solvent extracted karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake (SKC) on gross pathology and histopathological changes in some vital organs, and on the activities of serum enzymes in Jalauni lambs. Twenty-four male lambs were divided into 4 groups and allotted randomly to a soybean meal (SBM) based control (CON) and 3 treatment groups receiving concentrate mixtures, containing water washed (WW), 2.5% lime (LM) and 0.4% binder (BN) treated SKC replacing 50% nitrogen of SBM to meet the protein requirements. Blood was collected after 150 days from all the lambs and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assayed. All lambs were sacrificed after 196 days, and vital organs screened for gross pathological lesions. The representative tissues of liver, intestine, parathyroid gland, testis, and epididymis were sampled, preserved in 10% formalin and processed to examine histopathological changes by staining with haematoxylin and eosin (HE). The serum enzyme activities of AST and ALT were similar in the treatments, but the activity of LDH was higher (P < 0.01) in processed SKC-fed groups than the control. The weight and size of the liver were decreased in BN group, while those of testes were decreased in both LM and BN groups. The histological sections of the testes and epididymis of lambs from LM group showed hypoplastic seminiferous tubules and empty ductules, respectively. The histological sections of the parathyroid gland in the same diet revealed smaller and non-secretory chief cells. The small intestine of lambs from BN group showed infiltration of mononuclear cells (MNC) in lamina propria with mild fibroplasia in intervillous areas. The histological section of liver from this group showed MNC infiltration in portal areas. The inclusion of water washed SKC in the concentrate mixture of lambs did not show gross pathological and histological alterations in the tissues in the vital organs; however, the activity of LDH was significantly (P = 0.001) elevated in processed SKC-fed groups than the control. Thus, feeding of water washed SKC in the concentrate at 225 g/kg for a longer period do not cause any adverse effect in lambs. This is supported by normal activities of serum enzymes and intact histological features in the tissues of liver, intestine, parathyroid gland and testis.

PI3K/Akt/mTOR Intracellular Pathway and Breast Cancer: Factors, Mechanism and Regulation

BACKGROUND

The most recurrent and considered second most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in women is the breast cancer. The key to diagnosis is early prediction and a curable stage but still treatment remains a great clinical challenge. Origin of the Problem: A number of studies have been carried out for the treatment of breast cancer which includes the targeted therapies and increased survival rates in women. Essential PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway activation has been observed in most breast cancers. The cell growth and tumor development in such cases involve phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex intracellular pathway.

HYPOTHESIS

Through preclinical and clinical trials, it has been observed that there are a number of other inhibitors of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which either alone or in combination with cytotoxic agents can be used for endocrine therapies.

CONCLUSION

Structure and regulation/deregulation of mTOR provides a greater insight into the action mechanism. Also, through this review, one could easily scan first and second generation inhibitors for PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway besides targeted therapies for breast cancer and the precise role of mTOR.

Preliminary clinical assessment and non- toxicity evaluation of an ayurvedic formulation BGR-34 in NIDDM

In view of the overall health impact of NIDDM, inventers understand the necessity of improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. BGR-34 provides an effective treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes who have been inadequately controlled on lifestyle with or without other oral hypoglycemic agents (OHGAs) such as metformin, sulfonylurea, or a glitazones. BGR-34 is an appropriate option to consider for addition to a managed care drug formulary. Treatment with BGR-34 produced clinically relevant and statistically significant reductions in all three key measures of glucose control studied -FPG, PPBG and HbA1c- when compared with placebo. BGR-34, showed the promising result with respect to glycemic parameters in NIDDM patient with a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar by 34.3%, postprandial blood sugar 35.5% & glycosylated haemoglobin by 20.31% as compared to placebo group showing a reduction by 13.2%, 10.9% & 10.87% respectively. The trial has also been registered to CTRI, India. This study has been registered in the clinical trial registry-India.

Double Edge Sword Behavior of Carbendazim: A Potent Fungicide With Anticancer Therapeutic Properties

Background:

A number of benzimidazole derivatives such as benomyl and carbendazim have been known for their potential role as agricultural fungicides. Simultaneously carbendazim has also been found to inhibit proliferation of mammalian tumor cells specifically drug and multidrug resistant cell lines.

Objective:

To understand the dual role of Carbendazim as a fungicide and an anticancer agent, the study has been planned referring to the earlier studies in literature.

Results:

Studies carried out with fungal and mammalian cells have highlighted the potential role of carbendazim in inhibiting proliferation of cells, thereby exhibiting therapeutic implications against cancer. Because of its promising preclinical antitumor activity, Carbendazim had undergone phase I clinical trials and is under further clinical investigations for the treatment of cancer. A number of theoretical interactions have been pinpointed. There are many anticancer drugs in the market, but their usefulness is limited because of drug resistance in a significant proportion of patients. The hunger for newer drugs drives anticancer drug discovery research on a global platform and requires innovations to ensure a sustainable pipeline of lead compounds.

Conclusion:

Current review highlights the dual role of carbendazim as a fungicide and an anticancer agent. Further, the harmful effects of carbendazim and emphasis upon the need for more pharmacokinetic studies and pharmacovigilance data to ascertain its clinical significance, have also been discussed.

Abstract P1-07-27: Prognostic value of programmed death 1/Programmed death ligand 1/ mammalian target of rapamycin/Rictor/Tuberin in human breast cancer

Background:The Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) regulates a multitude of cellular processes including metabolism, proliferation and growth. It is known to form two multi-protein complexes - complex 1 (mTORC1) and complex 2 (mTORC2) with Raptor and Rictor being their core proteins vital for their integrity.

Tuberin, the product of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex gene 2, TSC2, has been characterized as a tumour suppressor and negatively regulates the mTOR pathway.

Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), a transmembrane protein particularly expressed on the surface of tumour cells, acts as an immune checkpoint receptor. Together with its ligand Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PDL-1) they form a pathway which when activated influences anti-tumour immunity and supresses anti-tumour adaptive responses. The expression of PD1/PDL-1 is lightly regulated by the mTOR pathway.

We investigated the value of expression patterns of all these molecules in breast cancer as potential prognostic factors.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis was used to determine the transcript expression profile of the five genes of interest (PD-1, PDL-1, mTOR, Rictor and Tuberin) in 128 breast cancer specimens.The correlation between PD-1 or PDL-1 with mTOR, Rictor and Tuberin was assessed using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation. Subsequently, a combined analysis was performed, where the influence of favourable expression in relation to patient overall (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) using the Kaplan Meier survival curves and multivariate analysis.

Results: The mRNA expression of the molecules showed a varying degree of association with the clinicopathological parameters. PD-1 transcript expression showed a significant correlation with mTOR expression (p &lt; 0.001). PDL-1 transcript expression was seen to correlate with mTOR (p &lt; 0.001), Rictor (p &lt; 0.001) and Tuberin (p &lt; 0.01) transcript expression. However, when the expression profile was analysed using an integrated expression score, the combined predictive value for the clinical outcome of the five genes was highly significant in terms of OS (p &lt; 0.001) and DFS (p = 0.001), and was found to be an independent prognostic factor (p&lt;0.001) for breast cancer related death using a multivariate analysis.

Conclusions: Our study identifies a molecular signature of 5 genes as a powerful prognostic predictor of OS and DFS in patients with breast cancer.

Citation Format: Uhercik M, Sanders AJ, Owen S, Davies EL, Sharma AK, Jiang WG, Mokbel K. Prognostic value of programmed death 1/Programmed death ligand 1/ mammalian target of rapamycin/Rictor/Tuberin in human breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-27.

Understanding the microbiome: Emerging biomarkers for exploiting the microbiota for personalized medicine against cancer

The human body is a home to more than 1 trillion microbes with a diverse variety of commensal microbes that play a crucial role towards the health of the individual. These microbes occupy different habitats such as gut, skin, vagina, oral etc. Not only the types and abundance of microbes are different in different organs, but also these may differ in different individuals. The genome of these microbiota and their ecosystem constitute to form a microbiome. Factors such as diet, environment, host genetics etc. may be the reason behind the wide microbial diversity. A number of studies performed on human microbiome have revealed that microbiota present in healthy and diseased individuals are distinct. Altered microbiome is many a times the reason behind the overexpression of genes which may cause complex diseases including cancer. Manipulation of the human microbiome can be done by microbial supplements such as probiotics or synbiotics, diet or prebiotics and microbial suppression strategies using antibiotics. Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies and metagenomic analysis provide us the broader understanding of these commensal microbes and highlighting the distinctive features of microbiome during healthy and disease states. Molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE) studies have been very helpful in providing insights into the pathological process behind disease evolution and progression by determining the specific etiological factors. New emerging field of research targets the microbiome for therapeutic purposes by which personalized medicines can be made for treating various types of tumors. Screening programmes might be helpful in identifying patients who are at the verge of developing cancer and in delivering appropriate approaches according to individual risk modes so that disease could be prevented.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus transmission dynamics and persistence in a herd of vaccinated dairy cattle in India

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an important transboundary disease with substantial economic impacts. Although between-herd transmission of the disease has been well studied, studies focusing on within-herd transmission using farm-level outbreak data are rare. The aim of this study was to estimate parameters associated with within-herd transmission, host physiological factors and FMD virus (FMDV) persistence using data collected from an outbreak that occurred at a large, organized dairy farm in India. Of 1,836 regularly vaccinated, adult dairy cattle, 222 had clinical signs of FMD over a 39-day period. Assuming homogenous mixing, a frequency-dependent compartmental model of disease transmission was built. The transmission coefficient and basic reproductive number were estimated to be between 16.2-18.4 and 67-88, respectively. Non-pregnant animals were more likely to manifest clinical signs of FMD as compared to pregnant cattle. Based on oropharyngeal fluid (probang) sampling and FMDV-specific RT-PCR, four of 36 longitudinally sampled animals (14%) were persistently infected carriers 10.5 months post-outbreak. There was no statistical difference between subclinical and clinically infected animals in the duration of the carrier state. However, prevalence of NSP-ELISA antibodies differed significantly between subclinical and clinically infected animals 12 months after the outbreak with 83% seroprevalence amongst clinically infected cattle compared to 69% of subclinical animals. This study further elucidates within-herd FMD transmission dynamics during the acute-phase and characterizes duration of FMDV persistence and seroprevalence of FMD under natural conditions in an endemic setting.

Nano-Based Anti-Tubercular Drug Delivery and Therapeutic Interventions in Tuberculosis

Nanotechnology has shown great promise in health care offering numerous possibilities to significantly improve diagnosis of many dreadful diseases including Tuberculosis (TB). Nanomedicine has made the current drug regimen more effective against diseases particularly TB with attributes like sustained release, increased half life, higher drug concentrations at target sites, reduced toxicity and lesser side effects. However because of the severity of the disease, there is a strong urge to develop better approaches with some concomitant regimens using nano-particles to diagnose, treat and manage TB patients. The current review highlights some of the evolving strategies in the field of nanomedicine particularly drug delivery offering promising alternative for the current TB regimens. The study also emphasizes upon the need to design more effective nanocarriers which are highly specific, biocompatible and biodegradable as well.

Molecular etiopathology of naturally occurring reproductive diseases in female goats

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular etiopathology of occurrence of reproductive diseases in female goats. Reproductive diseases in goats account for major economic losses to goat farmers in terms of valuable loss of offspring and animal productivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 660 female genitalia were examined for pathological conditions (macroscopic and microscopic lesions). The etiopathological study was carried out for the presence of pathogenic organisms such as Brucella, Chlamydia, and Campylobacter in the uterus and ovary. Based on the microscopic lesions, suspected samples were subjected to diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for various etiological agents employing 16srRNA genus specific primers for Campylobacter and Chlamydophila and OMP31 gene-based PCR for Brucella melitensis and nested PCR using ITS-1 gene primers for Toxoplasma gondii. For Brucella suspected samples, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also performed.

RESULTS

In studied female genitalia, 108 (16.30%) showed gross abnormalities with overall 23.32% occurrence of pathological conditions (macroscopic and microscopic lesions). Pathological involvement of the uterus was the highest 68 (62.96%), followed by the ovaries 27 (25%) and other organs. Major uterine condition observed was endometritis (5.60%). In uterine infections, 35 (5.30%) samples were found positive for Campylobacter spp., 12 (1.81%) samples for B. melitensis, and 3 (0.45%) samples were positive for Chlamydophila spp. Among the samples positive for B. melitensis by PCR, 3 were found positive by IHC also. Corynebacterium ovis was detected by PCR using specific primers in a case of hydrosalpinx. It was concluded that many pathological lesions in female genitalia of functional significance play a major role in infertility in goats.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that many pathological lesions in female genitalia of functional significance play a major role in infertility in goats.

Stridor and emphysema due to cystic echinococcosis in cattle and buffalo intermediate hosts in Punjab, India

The clinical symptoms associated with hydatid disease in the bovine populations remain largely unknown and the disease is usually considered asymptomatic in these intermediate hosts. We report occurrence of symptoms such as sudden onset of continuous stridor, coughing and wheezing due to hydatid cysts present in the lungs of infected cattle and buffalo. Two cattle and one buffalo presented to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University with the complaint of continuous stridor, coughing and wheezing with normal feed and water intake were followed up. The comprehensive clinical examination followed by haematology, radiography of upper and lower respiratory tract, ultrasonography of lungs, liver and reticulum revealed presence of multiple hydatid cysts in the lung parenchyma. There was presence of subcutaneous emphysema in one of the infected animal. Radiography revealed cysts occupying up to 60% of alveolar space in the lungs. Endoscopy up to hilus was carried out to rule out the presence of any other mass/lesion in the respiratory tract. Per cutaneous aspiration (Ultrasound guided) of cystic fluid confirmed the diagnosis and fertile nature of hydatid cysts. The current study reports association of stridor and emphysema with hydatid disease in bovine hosts and it is important that veterinary practitioners in endemic areas consider hydatid disease for differential diagnosis when investigating the etiology of stridor and emphysema in bovine intermediate hosts.

Pharmacological activities of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol: antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-leishmanial studies

The present study reports the antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-leishmanial activities of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. Both the compounds are naturally present in cinnamon and bay leaf. Eugenol is abundantly present in clove. The antioxidant potential was measured in terms of reducing power (FRAP assay), nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging ability and anti-lipid peroxidative activities. MTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of test compounds on cell viability of prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) as well as for the assessment of in vitro growth inhibition of promastigotes as a measure of anti-leishmanial activity.  Eugenol exhibited considerable NO radical scavenging (63%) and reducing abilities (FRAP value 127×104 µM/mM) while cinnamaldehyde showed comparatively better protective efficacy against lipid peroxidation in rat brain and kidney homogenates (up to 40%). Cinnamaldehyde also displayed substantial cytotoxic activity (75%) against PC-3 cell line. Both the compounds exhibited moderate anti-leishmanial activity and IC50 values for eugenol and cinnamaldehyde were found to be 0.681 g/ml and 1.426g/ml, respectively. The study revealed that both the test compounds have noticeable antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

Quantitative characteristics of the foot-and-mouth disease carrier state under natural conditions in India

The goal of this study was to characterize the properties and duration of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) carrier state and associated serological responses subsequent to vaccination and naturally occurring infection at two farms in northern India. Despite previous vaccination of cattle in these herds, clinical signs of FMD occurred in October 2013 within a subset of animals at the farms containing juvenile-yearling heifers and steers (Farm A) and adult dairy cattle (Farm B). Subsequent to the outbreak, FMD virus (FMDV) asymptomatic carriers were identified in both herds by seroreactivity to FMDV non-structural proteins and detection of FMDV genomic RNA in oropharyngeal fluid. Carriers' seroreactivity and FMDV genome detection status were subsequently monitored monthly for 23 months. The mean extinction time of the carrier state was 13.1 ± 0.2 months, with extinction having occurred significantly faster amongst adult dairy cattle at Farm B compared to younger animals at Farm A. The rate of decrease in the proportion of carrier animals was calculated to be 0.07 per month. Seroprevalence against FMDV non-structural proteins decreased over the course of the study period, but was found to increase transiently following repeated vaccinations. These data provide novel insights into viral and host factors associated with the FMDV carrier state under natural conditions. The findings reported herein may be relevant to field veterinarians and governmental regulatory entities engaged in FMD response and control measures.

The Effectiveness and Risks of Fluoroscopically Guided Lumbar Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injections: A Systematic Review with Comprehensive Analysis of the Published Data

Objective

To determine the effectiveness and risks of fluoroscopically guided lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections.

Design

Systematic review of the literature with comprehensive analysis of the published data.

Interventions

Three reviewers with formal training in evidence-based medicine searched the literature on fluoroscopically guided lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections. A larger team consisting of five reviewers independently assessed the methodology of studies found and appraised the quality of the evidence presented.

Outcome Measures

The primary outcome assessed was pain relief. Other outcomes such as functional improvement, reduction in surgery rate, decreased use of opioids/medications, and complications were noted, if reported. The evidence on each outcome was appraised in accordance with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system of evaluating evidence.

Results

The search yielded 71 primary publications addressing fluoroscopically guided lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections. There were no explanatory studies and all pragmatic studies identified were of low quality, yielding evidence comparable to observational studies.

Conclusions

The body of evidence regarding effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided interlaminar epidural steroid injection is of low quality according to GRADE. Studies suggest a lack of effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections in treating primarily axial pain regardless of etiology. Most studies on radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation and stenosis do, however, report statistically significant short-term improvement in pain.