Controlling diabetes with the aid of medicinal herbs: a critical compilation of a decade of research

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder owing to the insulin faulty production or the resistance to the action mechanism where the accumulation of glucose is the major side effect in the body in the case of diabetes. Numerous herbs with the potential of reducing glucose production along with combating the secondary ailments associated with it but >1% out of 250,000 have been pharmacologically validated. Affordability and historical usage of these herbal remedies often result in patients' preference as primary or as adjunctive to conventional therapies. Clinical trials conducted with herbs are necessary for determining the efficacy of the herbs against diabetes. Additional benefits of herbal employment include the treatment of secondary ailments in patients along with diabetes including triglyceride reduction, cholesterol level management, body mass index, and cardiovascular disease control. Any individual extract marketed as antidiabetic formulations requires clinical validation before adoption but with ongoing disease status, quick validation in protocols and testing is needed to understand, isolate and cross-verify the status of the bioactive ingredient in individual herb and the polyherb extract formulations. Standardization, characterization, long-term role and impact on the human body, efficacy status, and toxicity profile need to be addressed fully for each active ingredient before it is advanced for production. Therefore, after trials, the related regulatory bodies will be approached to confirm the safety status and efficacy of the prepared concoction.

Alien flora causes biotic homogenization in the biodiversity hotspot regions of India

Biotic homogenization by invasive alien species is one of dominant drivers of global environmental change. However, little is known about the patterns of biotic homogenization in global biodiversity hotspots. Here we fill this knowledge gap by studying the patterns of biotic homogenization and associated geographic and climatic correlates in Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). For this, we use a novel biodiversity database comprising 10,685 native and 771 alien plant species across 12 provinces of the IHR. The database was assembled by screening 295 and 141 studies published from 1934 to 2022 for natives and aliens, respectively. Our results revealed that each native species on average was distributed among 2.8 provinces, whereas the alien species in 3.6 provinces, thereby indicating wider distribution range of alien species in the IHR. The Jaccard's similarity index between the provinces was higher for alien species (mean = 0.29) as compared to natives (mean = 0.16). Addition of alien species pool has homogenized most of the provincial pairwise floras (89.4 %) across the IHR, with greater dissimilarity in their native floras. Our results suggest that the alien species have strong homogenization effect on the provincial floras, regardless of their differences in geographic and climatic distances. The biogeographic patterns of alien and native species richness in the IHR were better explained by a different set of climatic variables, with former by precipitation of driest month and the latter by annual mean temperature. Our study contributes to better understanding of the patterns of biotic homogenization and its impacts on native biodiversity in the IHR. Looking ahead, in an era of Anthropocene, we discuss the wide implications of our findings in guiding biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in global hotspot regions.

Habitat suitability, range dynamics, and threat assessment of Swertia petiolata D. Don: a Himalayan endemic medicinally important plant under climate change

In the current era of the anthropocene, climate change is one of the main determinants of species redistribution and biodiversity loss. Worryingly, the situation is alarming for endemic and medicinally important plant species with a narrow distributional range. Therefore, it is pivotal to inspect the influence of accelerated climate change on medicinally important threatened and endemic plant species. Using an ensemble approach, the current study aims at modelling the present distribution and predicting the future potential distribution coupled with the threat assessment of Swertia petiolata-a medicinally important endemic plant species in the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Our study revealed that under current climatic scenarios, the suitable habitats for the species occur across the western Himalayan region which includes the north-western Indian states (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and southern Uttarakhand), northern Pakistan, and north-western Nepal. Also, temperature seasonality (BIO4) and precipitation seasonality (BIO15) are the most significant bioclimatic variables determining the distribution of S. petiolata. Furthermore, the study projected a reduction in the suitable habitats for the species under future changing climatic scenarios with a reduction ranging from - 40.298% under RCP4.5 2050 to - 83.421% under RCP8.5 2070. Most of the habitat reduction will occur in the western Himalayan region. In contrast, some of the currently unsuitable Himalayan regions like northern Uttarakhand will show increasing suitability under climate change scenarios. The current study also revealed that S. petiolata is classified as Near Threatened (NT) following the IUCN criterion B. Hopefully, the present study will provide a robust tool for predicting the cultivation hotspots and devising scientifically effective conservation strategies for this medicinally important plant species in the Himalaya and similar environments elsewhere in the world.

Development of novel functional foods using Himalayan honey having enhanced nutraceutical and nutritional potential

This study was carried out to conduct the geographical discrimination of various types of honey, and their utilization in development of novel functional foods where in honey could be substituted in place of white sugar. Honey based apple spread and marmalade products were developed and evaluated for quality analysis. The results showed higher water activity (aw) and moisture content in Plectranthus rugosus (PR) honey based apple spread and marmalade while, TSS was highest (p < 0.05) in Multifloral (MF) honey based apple spread and marmalade. Hydroxymethylfurfural was found to be in the ranged of 6.77–7.05 (mg/kg) for honey based apple spread products and 3.09–3.46 (mg/kg) for honey based apple marmalade products. The lightness (L*) value was significantly highest in MF honey based apple spread and marmalades (p < 0.05). Redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values were significantly highest in PR honey based apple spreads and marmalades and lowest in Robinia pseudo acacia (RSA) honey based apple spread and marmalades. In general, all MF honey based apple spreads and marmalades has the highest score for overall acceptability in comparison to RSA and PR honey based apple spreads. The values of gel strength (Fe), rupture force (FR), energy of penetration (E) and adhesiveness (A) in the given spread products were in the range of 1.50–1.54 N, 1.70–1.73 N, 17.00–17.05 Ns and −1.11–−1.08 Ns, respectively. The values of gel strength (Fe), rupture force (FR), energy of penetration (E) and adhesiveness (A) in the investigated marmalade products were in the range of 1.65–1.69 N, 2.08–2.13 N, 16.05–16.10 Ns and −1.14–−1.10 Ns, respectively.

Effect of hybrid drying technique on non-traditional Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) herb: Phytochemical, antioxidant characteristics, and optimization of process conditions

This research investigated the influence of microwave-assisted fluidized bed drying (MAFBD) on the antioxidant and phytochemical characteristics of Chicory. Microwave power, temperature, and air velocity were used as process variables varied between 180–540 W, 50–70 °C, and 15–20 m/s, respectively. The responses determined for deciding the optimal criteria were total phenolics content, ascorbic acid, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total chlorophyll, carotene content, total flavonoid content, tannin content, and saponin content of the dried chicory. Statistical analyses were done by using the response surface methodology, which showed that independent variables affected the responses to a varied extent. The design expert predicted 462.30 W microwave power, 70°C temperature, and 15 m/s air velocity as optimum conditions to obtain highest desirability for the dried chicory. Separate validation experiments were conducted, under optimum conditions, to verify the predictions and adequacy of the second-order polynomial models. Under these optimal conditions, the predicted amount of ascorbic acid content was 38.32 mg/100g DW, total phenolic content 216.42 mg/100g DW, total flavonoid content mg/100g DW, DPPH scavenging activity 36.10 μg/ml, total chlorophyll content 311.79 mg/100g, carotene content 7.30 mg/100g, tannin content 2.72 mg/100g, and saponin content 0.46 mg/100g. The investigated parameters had a significant effect on the quality of the dried chicory. Taking the aforesaid results into consideration, our study recommended MAFBD as a promising technique with minimum changes in antioxidant and phytochemical content of chicory.

Comparison of laparoscopic and open surgery in hepatic hydatid disease in children: Feasibility, efficacy and safety

Background:

Surgery continues to be the mainstay of treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver. Laparoscopy provides a lesser invasive tool for achieving results same as with the established open surgical techniques. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid disease in children.

Patients and Methods:

It was a prospective randomised study conducted over a period of 7 years. Children with Gharbi Type I, II, III cysts, ≤3 cysts and superficial accessible cysts were treated laparoscopically and their outcomes were compared with matched controls treated by open approach.

Results:

Sixty patients were included in the study with thirty patients in each matched group. Thirty paediatric patients (male 12:female 18) with 35 liver hydatid cysts underwent laparoscopic surgery. The mean cyst size was 8.8 ± 2.39 cm. Two patients needed conversion to open. No significant spillage of cyst contents was observed in any of the patients. Duration of hospital stay, time to removal of drains, duration of parenteral analgesia, severity of pain in postoperative period, time to ambulation and time to return to full orals were significantly lower in laparoscopic group compared to open group. Complication rates in both the groups were similar.

Conclusion:

With proper patient selection, laparoscopic management of hydatid cysts of the liver in children is feasible and safe option with low morbidity, low rates of conversion and minimal complications.

Influence of Canning and Storage on Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Properties, and Bioactive Compounds of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Wholes, Halves, and Pulp

This study aimed to examine the effect of canning and storage on physicochemical, mineral, and antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of apricot wholes, halves, and pulp. The findings for physicochemical properties revealed that the total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugars, and ascorbic acid were found higher in apricot pulp (37.15, 1.39, and 20.74% and 7.21 mg/100 g FW, respectively) followed by apricot wholes and halves throughout the storage period. The remarkable contents of potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese were found in the apricot pulp which revealed that canning and storage slightly affected the mineral composition. Bioactive substances were identified and quantified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, which indicated a higher presence of chlorogenic acid (34.45 mg/kg FW), quercitin-3-glucoside (16.78 mg/kg FW), neochlorogenic acid (26.52 mg/kg FW), gallic acid (5.37 mg/kg FW), kaempferol (14.22 mg/kg FW), ellagic acid (6.02 mg/kg FW), procyanidin B₂ (8.80 mg/kg FW), and epicatechin (9.87 mg/kg FW) in apricot pulp followed by apricot wholes and halves throughout the storage period. The total phenolic content was found highest in apricot pulp (13.76 GAE mg/100 g FW) followed by wholes (8.09 GAE mg/100 g FW) and halves (6.48 GAE mg/100 g FW) which decreased significantly throughout the storage period. Antioxidant properties were assessed by DPPH, ABTS⁺, MCA, and BCBA, which were found higher in the apricot pulp (92.23 TEAC μg/g DW, 92.33 TEAC μg/g DW, 33.80 TEAC μg/g DW, and 68.40 TEAC μg/g DW, respectively) that is correlated with the higher presence of bioactive compounds. Thus, apricot pulp containing excellent sources of nutrients, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidant components could be used for consumption purposes that provide nutraceuticals and antioxidants globally.

New alternatives from sustainable sources to wheat in bakery foods: Science, technology, and challenges

Ongoing research in the food industry is striving to replace wheat flour with new alternatives from sustainable sources to overcome the disease burden in the existing population. Celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity are some common disorders associated with gluten present in wheat. These scientific findings are crucial to finding appropriate alternatives in introducing new ingredients supporting the consumer's requirements. Among the alternatives, amaranth, barley, coconut, chestnut, maize, millet, teff, oat, rye, sorghum, soy, rice flour, and legumes could be considered appropriate due to their chemical composition, bioactive profile, and alternatives utilization in the baking industry. Furthermore, the enrichment of these alternatives with proper ingredients is considered effective. Literature demonstrated that the flours from these alternative sources significantly enhanced the physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of the doughs. These flours boost a significant reduction in gluten proteins associated with food intolerance, in comparison with wheat highlighting a visible market opportunity with nutritional and organoleptic benefits for food producers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: New alternatives from sustainable sources to wheat in bakery foods as an approach that affects human health. Alternatives from sustainable sources are important source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Alternatives from sustainable sources are rising due to nutritional and consumer demand in bakery industry. New alternatives from sustainable sources improve physicochemical, pasting, and rheological properties of dough. Non-wheat-based foods from non-traditional grains have a potential to increase consumer market acceptance.

Differential expression of long non-coding RNAs under Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infection in goats

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) characterized by fever, sore mouth, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia, is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PPRV infection has not been explored to date. In this study, the transcriptome profiles of virulent Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infected goat tissues – lung and spleen were analyzed to identify the role of lncRNAs in PPRV infection. A total of 13,928 lncRNA transcripts were identified, out of which 170 were known lncRNAs. Intergenic lncRNAs (7625) formed the major chunk of the novel lncRNA transcripts. Differential expression analysis revealed that 15 lncRNAs (11 downregulated and 4 upregulated) in the PPRV infected spleen samples and 16 lncRNAs (13 downregulated and 3 upregulated) in PPRV infected lung samples were differentially expressed as compared to control. The differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) possibly regulate various immunological processes related to natural killer cell activation, antigen processing and presentation, and B cell activity, by regulating the expression of mRNAs through the cis- or trans-regulatory mechanism. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) revealed enrichment of immune pathways and biological processes in concordance with the pathways in which correlated lncRNA-neighboring genes were enriched. The results suggest that a coordinated immune response is raised in both lung and spleen tissues of the goat through mRNA-lncRNA crosstalk.

Influence of Different Types of Polysaccharide-Based Coatings on the Storage Stability of Fresh-Cut Kiwi Fruit: Assessing the Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Phytochemical Properties

The present study focuses on studying the influence of various edible biopolymer coatings at several concentrations on physicochemical, antioxidant and lipid peroxidation activity levels of biopolymer-coated fresh-cut kiwi slices stored at room temperature (relative humidity: 90%). Kiwi slices were coated by dipping in xanthan gum (0.1, 0.2, 0.3% w/v), alginate (1, 2, 3% w/v) and chitosan (0.25, 0.50, 0.75% w/v) solutions for 2 min. Kiwi fruit slices without any treatment were designated as the control. Compared to the control, all coated samples retained higher ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, total phenolic component and antioxidant capacity levels. However, xanthan-gum-coated slices retained significantly higher amounts of total phenolics in comparison to alginate- and chitosan-coated slices (p ≤ 0.05). HPLC analysis showed the presence of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid and epicatechin. The results suggest that the xanthan gum can be utilized to enhance the shelf life of fresh-cut kiwi slices without compromising quality.

Proteome Modulation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Peste des Petits Ruminants Vaccinated Goats and Sheep

In the present study, healthy goats and sheep (n = 5) that were confirmed negative for peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibodies by monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA and by serum neutralization test and for PPRV antigen by s-ELISA were vaccinated with Sungri/96. A quantitative study was carried out to compare the proteome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of vaccinated goat and sheep [5 days post-vaccination (dpv) and 14 dpv] vs. unvaccinated (0 day) to divulge the alteration in protein expression following vaccination. A total of 232 and 915 proteins were differentially expressed at 5 and 14 dpv, respectively, in goats. Similarly, 167 and 207 proteins were differentially expressed at 5 and 14 dpv, respectively, in sheep. Network generated by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was “infectious diseases, antimicrobial response, and inflammatory response,” which includes the highest number of focus molecules. The bio functions, cell-mediated immune response, and humoral immune response were highly enriched in goats at 5 dpv and at 14 dpv. At the molecular level, the immune response produced by the PPRV vaccine virus in goats is effectively coordinated and stronger than that in sheep, though the vaccine provides protection from virulent virus challenge in both. The altered expression of certain PBMC proteins especially ISG15 and IRF7 induces marked changes in cellular signaling pathways to coordinate host immune responses.

Management of accidental penile incarceration due to unusual masturbation practices

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to discuss the unusual masturbation practices performed by methods such as penile devices causing incarceration and its emergency management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It is a retrospective study of cases who presented to the emergency department with penile incarceration by metallic and nonmetallic encircling objects from September 2015 to October 2020. The cases were analyzed for age, marital status, motive, type of object used, duration of incarceration, associated urinary retention, type of anesthesia used, methods of removal, complications of incarceration, and secondary procedures required to treat complications.

RESULTS

A total of nine cases had paid emergency visit to our hospital for the past 4 years. The average age of the patients was 36.78 years. Unusual masturbation practices that underwent wrong were the common cause in most cases (77.7%). Most of cases presented after 24 hours of incident. All foreign bodies were removed under spinal anesthesia except one that was removed under penile block. Two cases (22.9%) required skin grafting and one (11.1%) underwent partial penectomy following the removal of encircling objects.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes that the penile incarceration because of unusual masturbation practices is rare as it is sparsely reported as only a few case reports in the literature. Most of the patients presented late because of the embarrassment associated with it. This emergency requires urgent intervention, and the method used to remove the foreign body depends on the resources available, duration of incarceration, grade of injury, and the type of foreign body.

Genotyping and antibiotic resistance patterns of Campylobacter fetus subsp.venerealis from cattle farms in India

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is of considerable economic importance to the cattle industry worldwide. Cfv causes syndrome of temporary infertility in female cattle, early embryonic mortality, aberrant oestrus cycles, delayed conception, abortions and poor calving rates. In the present study, a total of 200 samples obtained from vaginal swabs, cervicovaginal mucous (CVM), preputial washes and semen straws were investigated that were obtained from organized cattle farm of MLRI, Manasbal and unorganized sectors. Out of a total of 200 samples, 49 (47·57%) vaginal swabs, 1 (3·33%) preputial wash and 8 (25%) carried out CVM samples were positive for Cfv, whereas none of the semen straws were positive for Cfv. A total of eleven isolates of Cfv were recovered. PFGE (Pulse field gel electrophoresis) analysis revealed four different pulsotypes (I-IV) circulating in the screened farms. A common pulsotype circulating among farms could not be established. Insertion element (ISCfe1), a 233 bp amplicon of Cfv, was sequenced and the sequence was deposited in GenBank (accession no: MK475662).

Bracka verses Byar's two-stage repair in proximal hypospadias associated with severe chordee: a randomized comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Proximal hypospadias associated with severe chordee represents a major surgical challenge and the debate over its optimal treatment is ongoing. The objective of this study is to compare the outcome of two-stage Bracka and Byar's repair in proximal hypospadias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted from January 2013 to February 2018 in a tertiary care centre. Patients of hypospadias with severe chordee who required urethral plate transection were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups by simple randomization method. Bracka staged repair was done in Group A and Byar's staged repair in Group B. Postoperatively complications including graft loss, flap necrosis, fistula formation, meatal stenosis, stricture, diverticula formation, residual chordee were noted in both the groups and compared. p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Over a period of 5 years, 74 patients in group A and 68 patients in group B were operated. Fistula occurred in 6.8% and 10.2% in group A and group B, respectively (p value 0.629). Meatal stenosis was seen in 4% in group A and 3% in group B (p value 0.731). Stricture was seen in 1% in each group (p value 0.339). Diverticula formation was seen in 2% in group B and none of the patient in group A (p value 0.960). None of the patient had recurrence of chordee in either group.

CONCLUSION

Bracka and Byar's two-stage repair have similar postoperative outcome and the choice between the two depends up on the surgeon's choice and experience rather than scientific evidence.

Giant hydronephrotic kidney in adolescence- A rare case report and a review of the literature

Giant hydronephrotic kidney is a rare form of obstructive uropathy in adolescents. We report a 19 year old girl with huge abdominal distention secondary to hydronephrotic kidney. The cystic swelling occupied whole of the abdominal cavity with other structures being compressed. She presented with progressive distention of abdomen with early satiety. Subsequently ultrasonological and CT scan evaluation revealed a giant hydronephrosis of right kidney occupying almost whole abdomen. Such presentation of PUJ obstruction is rare. We present this case in which percutaneous nephrostomy with slow decompression was done as initial treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Contrasting Gene Expression Profiles of Monocytes and Lymphocytes From Peste-Des-Petits-Ruminants Virus Infected Goats

In this study, transcriptome analysis of PPRV infected PBMC subsets-T helper cells, T cytotoxic cells, monocytes, and B lymphocytes was done to delineate their role in host response. PPRV was found to infect lymphocytes and not monocytes. The established receptor for PPRV-SLAM was found downregulated in lymphocytes and non-differentially expressed in monocytes. A profound deviation in the global gene expression profile with a large number of unique upregulated genes (851) and downregulated genes (605) was observed in monocytes in comparison to lymphocytes. ISGs-ISG15, Mx1, Mx2, RSAD2, IFIT3, and IFIT5 that play a role in antiviral response and the genes for viral sensors-MDA5, LGP2, and RIG1, were found to be upregulated in lymphocytes and downregulated in monocytes. The transcription factors-IRF-7 and STAT-1 that regulate expression of most of the ISGs were found activated in lymphocytes and not in monocytes. Interferon signaling pathway and RIG1 like receptor signaling pathway were found activated in lymphocytes and not in monocytes. This contrast in gene expression profiles and signaling pathways indicated the predominant role of lymphocytes in generating the antiviral response against PPRV in goats, thus, giving us new insights into host response to PPRV.

Enterotoxin gene profile and molecular epidemiology of Aeromonas species from fish and diverse water sources

AIMS

This investigation was undertaken to study the prevalence, enterotoxin gene profile and molecular epidemiology of Aeromonads from various sources of water (182) and fish (173).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 116 Aeromonas sp. were isolated, of which 48 (26·37%) were from water and 68 (34·62%) were from fish samples collected from retail markets and fish farms. The Aeromonads were recovered from all types of water sources viz. drinking water (13%), surface waters (26%) and fish ponds (69%). The most prevalent species recovered from drinking water was A. hydrophila, from fish ponds it was A. caviae, from surface water sources A. hydrophila and A. caviae were recovered more frequently, and A. hydrophila and A. veronii bv. sobria were isolated predominantly from gills of fish samples. On multiplex PCR analysis for the detection of enterotoxin genes (act, alt, ast), the above mentioned Aeromonas species frequently contained enterotoxin genes, irrespective of their sources. From isolates across all the sources, act (63%) and alt (57%) genes were encountered more frequently than ast (6%). The enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences polymerase chain reaction was used for typing of isolates and most of the isolates from water and fish were related, owing to similar ecosystem.

CONCLUSION

A wide distribution of enterotoxin genes in Aeromonads from water and fish is a potential public health threat and molecular genotyping can be helpful to study epidemiology of the pathogen.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

A high proportion of isolates recovered from diverse water sources, particularly potable drinking water and fish samples carried one or more enterotoxin genes thereby indicating a potential pathogenic nature of isolates from these sources. The genetic relatedness was detected amongst many isolates recovered from water sources and fish samples indicating circulation of familiar virulent clones in the aquatic environments.

Genome-wide integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles to identify differentially expressed miR-22-5p and miR-27b-5p in response to classical swine fever vaccine virus

The present study was conducted to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of crossbred pigs in response to CSF vaccination on 7 and 21 days of post vaccination as compared to unvaccinated control (0 dpv). Simultaneously, set of miRNA was predicted using mRNA seq data at same time point. The proportion of CD4^-CD8⁺ and CD4⁺CD8⁺ increased after vaccination, and the mean percentage inhibition was 86.89% at 21 dpv. It was observed that 22 miRNAs were commonly expressed on both the time points. Out of predicted DE miRNAs, it was found that 40 and 35 DE miRNAs were common, obtained from miRNA seq analysis and predicted using mRNA seq data on 7 dpv versus 0 dpv and 21 dpv versus 0 dpv respectively. Two DE miRNAs, ssc-miR-22-5p and ssc-miR-27b-5p, were selected based on their log₂ fold change and functions of their target genes in immune process/pathway of viral infections. The validations of DE miRNAs using qRT-PCR were in concordance with miRNA seq analysis. Two set of target genes, CD40 and SWAP70 (target gene of ssc-miR-22-5p) and TLR4 and Lyn (target gene of ssc-miR-27b-5p), were validated and were in concordance with results of RNA seq analysis at a particular time point (except TLR4). The first report of genome-wide identification of differentially expressed miRNA in response to live attenuated vaccine virus of classical swine fever revealed miR-22-5p and miR-27b-5p were differentially expressed at 7 dpv and 21 dpv.

Urethral Duplication in Children: Experience of Twenty Cases

Background and Objective

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital anomaly having multiple anatomical variants and varied presentations. Multiple surgical techniques have been described for this anomaly, and no surgical technique is ideal. The aim of this study was to present our experience of twenty cases of urethral duplication in the management of this anomaly.

Materials and Methods

Retrospectively over a period of 10 years from 2006 to 2016, records of all urethral duplications were reviewed. All available records were evaluated for clinical presentation, imaging studies (micturating cystourethrogram, retrograde urethrogram, ultrasonography, and cystourethroscopy), and classified according to the Effmann's classification. The intraoperative details, outcome, and follow-up (including cystoscopy and contrast studies) were noted.

Results

There were 20 patients of urethral duplications. Age of patients ranged from 3 months to 9 years with a mean age of 4.6 years. The details of management, outcome, and follow-up were obtained.

Conclusion

Management varies with the symptoms and the severity of the anomaly. Y-type urethral duplication is more complex and challenging and requires extensive urethral reconstruction. Combined use of the bladder and buccal mucosa for reconstruction gives better results than bladder mucosa alone.

Gene expression profiling of spontaneously occurring canine mammary tumours: Insight into gene networks and pathways linked to cancer pathogenesis

Spontaneously occurring canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are the most common neoplasms of unspayed female dogs leading to thrice higher mortality rates than human breast cancer. These are also attractive models for human breast cancer studies owing to clinical and molecular similarities. Thus, they are important candidates for biomarker studies and understanding cancer pathobiology. The study was designed to explore underlying molecular networks and pathways in CMTs for deciphering new prognostic factors and therapeutic targets. To gain an insight into various pathways and networks associated with the development and pathogenesis of CMTs, comparative cDNA microarray expression profiling was performed using CMT tissues and healthy mammary gland tissues. Upon analysis, 1700 and 1287 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, P ≤ 0.05) were identified in malignant and benign tissues, respectively. DEGs identified from microarray analysis were further annotated using the Ingenuity Systems Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool for detection of deregulated canonical pathways, upstream regulators, and networks associated with malignant, as well as, benign disease. Top scoring key networks in benign and malignant mammary tumours were having central nodes of VEGF and BUB1B, respectively. Cyclins & cell cycle regulation and TREM1 signalling were amongst the top activated canonical pathways in CMTs. Other cancer related significant pathways like apoptosis signalling, dendritic cell maturation, DNA recombination and repair, Wnt/β-catenin signalling, etc. were also found to be altered. Furthermore, seven proteins (ANXA2, APOCII, CDK6, GATC, GDI2, GNAQ and MYH9) highly up-regulated in malignant tissues were identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and MALDI-TOF PMF studies which were in concordance with microarray data. Thus, the study has uncovered ample number of candidate genes associated with CMTs which need to be further validated as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers.

Dysregulated miRNAome and Proteome of PPRV Infected Goat PBMCs Reveal a Coordinated Immune Response

In this study, the miRNAome and proteome of virulent Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infected goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed. The identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were found to govern genes that modulate immune response based on the proteome data. The top 10 significantly enriched immune response processes were found to be governed by 98 genes. The top 10 DEmiRNAs governing these 98 genes were identified based on the number of genes governed by them. Out of these 10 DEmiRNAs, 7 were upregulated, and 3 were downregulated. These include miR-664, miR-2311, miR-2897, miR-484, miR-2440, miR-3533, miR-574, miR-210, miR-21-5p, and miR-30. miR-664 and miR-484 with proviral and antiviral activities, respectively, were upregulated in PPRV infected PBMCs. miR-210 that inhibits apoptosis was downregulated. miR-21-5p that decreases the sensitivity of cells to the antiviral activity of IFNs and miR-30b that inhibits antigen processing and presentation by primary macrophages were downregulated, indicative of a strong host response to PPRV infection. miR-21-5p was found to be inhibited on IPA upstream regulatory analysis of RNA-sequencing data. This miRNA that was also highly downregulated and was found to govern 16 immune response genes in the proteome data was selected for functional validation vis-a-vis TGFBR2 (TGF-beta receptor type-2). TGFBR2 that regulates cell differentiation and is involved in several immune response pathways was found to be governed by most of the identified immune modulating DEmiRNAs. The decreased luciferase activity in Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay indicated specific binding of miR-21-5p and miR-484 to their target thus establishing specific binding of the miRNAs to their targets.This is the first report on the miRNAome and proteome of virulent PPRV infected goat PBMCs.

The detection and prevalence of leukotoxin gene variant strains of Fusobacterium necrophorum in footrot lesions of sheep in Kashmir, India

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and identification of leukotoxin gene, lktA, variant strains of Fusobacterium necrophorum in the footrot lesions of sheep. The detection of F. necrophorum was carried out by PCR targeting the lktA gene fragment and identification of lktA variant strains was done by PCR-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and gene sequencing. Of the 450 swabs collected from footrot lesions of sheep, 117 were lktA-positive for F. necrophorum. Of the 50 swabs collected from apparently asymptomatic sheep, only one was lktA-positive for F. necrophorum. The overall prevalence of F. necrophorum in footrot affected sheep in Kashmir valley was 26%, and ranged from 20 to 34.8%, respectively. PCR-SSCP of lktA gene fragment analysis revealed three lktA variants, designated as JKS-F1/F2/F3, while two samples (1.7%) showed multiple lktA variant strains of F. necrophorum in a single footrot-affected sheep hoof. This appears to be the first report on the presence of more than one lktA variant of F. necrophorum in a footrot lesion of sheep. The JKS-F3 lktA variant was the most frequent (75.4%), followed by JKS-F2 (14.4%) and JKS-F1 (8.4%), respectively. Among the three lktA variants identified, JKS-F3 was detected in 74 (86.0%) samples from severe footrot affected sheep with a lesion score of 4. The data suggest that JKS-F3 is the predominant lktA variant of F. necrophorum and is associated with severe footrot in sheep. Hence, JKS-F3 may be a significant variant contributing to the severity and duration of the disease in sheep.

Expression kinetics of ISG15, IRF3, IFNγ, IL10, IL2 and IL4 genes vis-a-vis virus shedding, tissue tropism and antibody dynamics in PPRV vaccinated, challenged, infected sheep and goats

Here, we studied the in vivo expression of Th1 (IL2 and IFN gamma) and Th2 (IL4 and IL10) - cytokines and antiviral molecules - IRF3 and ISG15 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in relation to antigen and antibody dynamics under Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) vaccination, infection and challenge in both sheep and goats. Vaccinated goats were seropositive by 9 days post vaccination (dpv) while in sheep idiosyncratic response was observed between 9 and 14 dpv for different animals. Expression of PPRV N gene was not detected in PBMCs of vaccinated and vaccinated challenged groups of both species, but was detected in unvaccinated infected PBMCs at 9 and 14 days post infection. The higher viral load at 9 dpi coincided with the peak clinical signs of the disease. The peak in viral replication at 9 dpi correlated with significant expression of antiviral molecules IRF3, ISG15 and IFN gamma in both the species. With the progression of disease, the decrease in N gene expression also correlated with the decrease in expression of IRF3, ISG15 and IFN gamma. In the unvaccinated infected animals ISG15, IRF3, IFN gamma and IL10 expression was higher than vaccinated animals. The IFN gamma expression predominated over IL4 in both vaccinated and infected animals with the infected exhibiting a stronger Th1 response. The persistent upregulation of this antiviral molecular signature - ISG15 and IRF3 even after 2 weeks post vaccination, presumably reflects the ongoing stimulation of innate immune cells.

Buck's fascia repair with glanuloplasty in hypospadias surgery: A simple approach with excellent outcome

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is a common problem encountered in surgical practice and its repair is challenging because of various complications. Urethro-cutaneous fistula is the most common postoperative complication (incidence of 0-33%). Different types of intermediate protective layers have been used in attempts to decrease UCF formation; however, no single surgical technique is ideal.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare use of dartos fascia and Buck's fascia as intermediate layers in prevention of the formation of UCF.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, comparative study conducted over a period of 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015. Patients with primary hypospadias without or with mild ventral penile curvature were included in the study. Patients were categorised into two groups, A and B, with alternate patients assigned to each group. Patients in group A underwent Snodgrass repair with urethroplasty by two-layer subepithelial closure and dartos tissue as an intermediate layer. Patients in group B underwent a urethral repair followed by Buck's fascia repair as intermediate layer and glanuloplasty after excision of a triangular skin strip on either side of the urethral plate. Patients were followed at regular intervals for a minimum of 6 months and complications were noted.

RESULTS

Over a period of 2 years, 160 patients were included in the study: 80 patients in group A and 80 patients in group B. The age of patients ranged from 1 year to 4.6 years, with a mean age of 1.8 years. Postoperative complications are listed in the summary table.

DISCUSSION

A protective intermediate layer between the neourethra and the skin can be used to reduce fistula formation. We describe a technique of urethroplasty using Buck's fascia as intermediate layer and glanuloplasty, with excellent results. Buck's fascia over the corpora spongiosum which is deficient ventrally in hypospadias is not completely absent, and can be easily used to cover the neourethra, needs minimal dissection and hence vascularity of tissues is preserved (summary Fig.). We used this Buck's fascia as a second protective layer over the neourethra in an attempt to decrease UCF formation, and compared it with use of dartos fascia. In our study, UCF occurred in 2.5% of patients in the Buck's fascia group and 12.5% of patients in the dartos group, a statistically significant difference. We believe that the native Buck's fascia lateral to spongiosum is a more appropriate, natural, and strong layer to cover the neourethra.

CONCLUSION

Use of Buck's fascia as an intermediate layer along with glanuloplasty is simple and very effective in preventing UCF formation and glanular dehiscence. We recommend the use of Buck's fascia as an intermediate layer to cover the neourethra to reduce incidence of postoperative complications and improve results.

Genome wide host gene expression analysis in mice experimentally infected with Pasteurella multocida

Pasteurella multocida causes acute septicemic and respiratory diseases, including haemorrhagic septicaemia, in cattle and buffalo with case fatality of 100%. In the present study, mice were infected with P. multocida (1.6 × 10³ cfu, intraperitoneal) to evaluate host gene expression profile at early and late stages of infection using high throughput microarray transcriptome analyses. Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at both the time points were identified in P.multocida infected spleen, liver and lungs. Functional annotation of these DEGs showed enrichment of key pathways such as TLR, NF-κB, MAPK, TNF, JAK-STAT and NOD like receptor signaling pathways. Several DEGs overlapped across different KEGG pathways indicating a crosstalk between them. The predicted protein—protein interaction among these DEGs suggested, that the recognition of P. multocida LPS or outer membrane components by TLR4 and CD14, results in intracellular signaling via MyD88, IRAKs and/or TRAF6 leading to activation of NFκB and MAPK pathways and associated cytokines.

Guinea pigs as an animal model for sciatic nerve injury

The overwhelming use of rat models in nerve regeneration studies is likely to induce skewness in treatment outcomes. To address the problem, this study was conducted in 8 adult guinea pigs of either sex to investigate the suitability of guinea pig as an alternative model for nerve regeneration studies. A crush injury was inflicted to the sciatic nerve of the left limb, which led to significant decrease in the pain perception and neurorecovery up to the 4^th weak. Lengthening of foot print and shortening of toe spread were observed in the paw after nerve injury. A 3.49 ± 0.35 fold increase in expression of neuropilin 1 (NRP1) gene and 2.09 ± 0.51 fold increase in neuropilin 2 (NRP2) gene were recorded 1 week after nerve injury as compared to the normal nerve. Ratios of gastrocnemius muscle weight and volume of the experimental limb to control limb showed more than 50% decrease on the 30^th day. Histopathologically, vacuolated appearance of the nerve was observed with presence of degenerated myelin debris in digestion chambers. Gastrocnemius muscle also showed degenerative changes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed loose and rough arrangement of connective tissue fibrils and presence of large spherical globules in crushed sciatic nerve. The findings suggest that guinea pigs could be used as an alternative animal model for nerve regeneration studies and might be preferred over rats due to their cooperative nature while recording different parameters.

Transcriptome analysis reveals common differential and global gene expression profiles in bluetongue virus serotype 16 (BTV-16) infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in sheep and goats

Bluetongue is an economically important infectious, arthropod borne viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants, caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). Sheep are considered the most susceptible hosts, while cattle, buffalo and goats serve as reservoirs. The viral pathogenesis of BTV resulting in presence or absence of clinical disease among different hosts is not clearly understood. In the present study, transcriptome of sheep and goats peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with BTV-16 was explored. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified were found to be significantly enriched for immune system processes - NFκB signaling, MAPK signaling, Ras signaling, NOD signaling, RIG signaling, TNF signaling, TLR signaling, JAK-STAT signaling and VEGF signaling pathways. Greater numbers of DEGs were found to be involved in immune system processes in goats than in sheep. Interestingly, the DEHC (differentially expressed highly connected) gene network was found to be dense in goats than in sheep. Majority of the DEHC genes in the network were upregulated in goats but down-regulated in sheep. The network of differentially expressed immune genes with the other genes further confirmed these findings. Interferon stimulated genes - IFIT1 (ISG56), IFIT2 (ISG54) and IFIT3 (ISG60) responsible for antiviral state in the host were found to be upregulated in both the species. STAT2 was the TF commonly identified to co-regulate the DEGs, with its network showing genes that are downregulated in sheep but upregulated in goats. The genes dysregulated and the networks perturbed in the present study indicate host variability with a positive shift in immune response to BTV in goats than in sheep.

Systems biology approach: Panacea for unravelling host-virus interactions and dynamics of vaccine induced immune response

Systems biology is an interdisciplinary research field in life sciences, which involves a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the interactions between all of the components of biological systems over time. For the past 50 years the discipline of virology has overly focused on the pathogen itself. However, we now know that the host response is equally or more important in defining the eventual pathological outcome of infection. Systems biology has in recent years been increasingly recognised for its importance to infectious disease research. Host-virus interactions can be better understood by taking into account the dynamical molecular networks that constitute a biological system. To decipher the pathobiological mechanisms of any disease requires a deep knowledge of how multiple and concurrent signal-transduction pathways operate and are deregulated. Hence the intricacies of signalling pathways can be dissected only by system level approaches.

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Deciphering the host virus interactions through system biology approach reviewed

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High throughput techniques to understand the host pathogen interactions examined

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Shift from virus-centric perspective to spectrum of virus-host interactions

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Modeling of host-virus cross talk

Global gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells challenged with Theileria annulata in crossbred and indigenous cattle

Bovine tropical theileriosis is an important haemoprotozoan disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality particularly in exotic and crossbred cattle. It is one of the major constraints of the livestock development programmes in India and Southeast Asia. Indigenous cattle (Bos indicus) are reported to be comparatively less affected than exotic and crossbred cattle. However, genetic basis of resistance to tropical theileriosis in indigenous cattle is not well documented. Recent studies incited an idea that differentially expressed genes in exotic and indigenous cattle play significant role in breed specific resistance to tropical theileriosis. The present study was designed to determine the global gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from indigenous (Tharparkar) and cross-bred cattle following in vitro infection of T. annulata (Parbhani strain). Two separate microarray experiments were carried out each for cross-bred and Tharparkar cattle. The cross-bred cattle showed 1082 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Out of total DEGs, 597 genes were down-regulated and 485 were up-regulated. Their fold change varied from 2283.93 to -4816.02. Tharparkar cattle showed 875 differentially expressed genes including 451 down-regulated and 424 up-regulated. The fold change varied from 94.93 to -19.20. A subset of genes was validated by qRT-PCR and results were correlated well with microarray data indicating that microarray results provided an accurate report of transcript level. Functional annotation study of DEGs confirmed their involvement in various pathways including response to oxidative stress, immune system regulation, cell proliferation, cytoskeletal changes, kinases activity and apoptosis. Gene network analysis of these DEGs plays an important role to understand the interaction among genes. It is therefore, hypothesized that the different susceptibility to tropical theileriosis exhibited by indigenous and crossbred cattle is due to breed-specific differences in the dealing of infected cells with other immune cells, which ultimately influence the immune response responded against T. annulata infection.

Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli and salmonellae in calves and lambs in Kashmir absence, prevalence and antibiogram

Polymerase chain reaction assays and culture were used to investigate 728 faecal samples from 404 calves (286 diarrhoeic, 118 healthy) and 324 lambs (230 diarrhoeic, 94 healthy) in Kashmir, India, for the presence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC) and salmonellae. Antimicrobial sensitivity patterns were also investigated. In total, 23 ETEC isolates were obtained from the diarrhoeic calves and 12 from diarrhoeic lambs. Most (74%) of the isolates from calves harboured the gene encoding heat-labile enterotoxin I, whereas 75% of the isolates from lambs possessed only the gene encoding for heat-stable enterotoxin a. The ETEC isolates belonged to 20 serogroups, among which serogroups O15 (five isolates) and O8 (four isolates) were the most frequent. Salmonella Typhimurium or S. Enteritidis was identified in three samples from diarrhoeic lambs. The ETEC isolates and the salmonellae showed multidrug resistance. No EAEC or DAEC was detected in any of the samples.

Prevalence of ovine footrot in the tropical climate of southern India and isolation and characterisation of Dichelobacter nodosus

The present communication records the first determination of the prevalence of footrot in the unexpected situation of the tropical climate of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, two states in southern India where the maximum temperature rises to 42 degrees C. In total, 73 outbreaks of footrot in Nellore brown sheep were investigated in 11 districts of Andhra Pradesh and one district of Tamil Nadu during the period March 2009 to March 2011.The overall prevalence of ovine footrot was 15%, with severity scores of 2 to 4 (lesion severity scale 0 to 4). The outbreaks occurred mostly during the rainy season, which is usually from June to December. From a total of 1,050 samples of lesions in naturally infected sheep, 478 (45.5%) were positive for Dichelobacter nodosus. Serogrouping of the isolates revealed six serogroups: A, B, C, E, F and I. Among the positive samples, 448 (93.7%) were a single serogroup and 30 (6.3%) carried a mixed infection with two serogroups. Taking single and mixed infections together, serogroup B was most frequent at 50.4% and was found in all districts, followed by serogroup I in 29.3% of samples, A in 14%, F in 6.7% and C in 5.6%. Serogroup E was detected in only one sample. Serogroups A and F were detected for the first time in India. All of 58 D. nodosus isolates in a sub-sample representing different serogroups were found to be virulent, based on the production of thermostable proteases and the presence of the integrase A gene intA. Thus, the present paper reporting isolation and characterisation of D. nodosus confirms the occurrence of virulent footrot in the tropical climate of southern India.

Non-specificity of primers used for PCR based serogrouping of Dichelobacter nodosus and identification of a novel D. nodosus strain

The present study records the first case of non-specificity of typing primers developed by Dhungyel et al. A strain of Dichelobacter nodosus (JKS-20G) isolated from ovine footrot in Kashmir, India, showed specificity for serogroup C and G primers. The fimA sequence of the strain turned out to be closer to serogroup G than C. The nucleotide sequence showed maximum homology of 92% with that of serotype G1 strain 238 and 95% with partial sequence available for serotype G2 strain VCS 1004. However, the deduced amino acid sequence of the fimbrial subunit gene of JKS-20G differed from strain 238 by 16 amino acids and by four amino acids from that of partial sequence of strain VCS 1004. This variation indicates towards declaring this isolate as a new serotype (G3) but just insufficient to classify this into a new serogroup. Some of the amino acid substitutions were located within three hypervariable regions a characteristic of different serogroups. However, to ascertain whether this isolate deserves a new serotype status, there is a need to go for antigenic characterisation of this isolate using the tube and cross tube agglutination test.

Putative Virulence Genes and Biofilm Production Among Typical Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Isolates from Diarrhoeic Children in Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh

Fifty-eight typical EAEC isolates from children with diarrhoea were examined for HEp-2 cell adherence assay, presence of dispersin (aap), yersiniabactin (irp2), plasmid encoded toxins (pet), Shigella enterotoxin1 (set1A) and cryptic open reading frame (shf) putative virulence genes by polymerase chain reaction as well as for biofilm production. All the isolates showed aggregative adherence pattern on HEp-2 cells. All but five isolates (91.3 %) carried aap gene. While irp2, pet, set1A and shf genes were detected in 68.9, 5.1, 39.6, and 60.3 % isolates, respectively. Thirty-three (64.7 %) isolates out of 51 tested were found to produce biofilm which was found to be significantly associated only with set1A virulence gene (P = 0.025). Highest amount of biofilm was produced by a strain that possessed all the genes studied. Out of 14 isolates in which the most frequent gene combination (aap, irp2 and shf) was observed, only six produced biofilm. It is concluded that there is significant heterogeneity in putative virulence genes of EAEC isolates from diarrhoeic children and biofilm formation is associated with multiple genes.

A clinical trial comparing parenteral oxytetracyline and enrofloxacin on time to recovery in sheep lame with acute or chronic footrot in Kashmir, India

BACKGROUND

No clinical trials have been conducted in India on the efficacy of parenteral antibacterials to treat footrot in sheep. In addition, there are no studies worldwide on the efficacy of parenteral antibacterials to treat chronic footrot. Sixty two sheep with acute footrot and 30 sheep with chronic footrot from 7 villages in Kashmir, India were recruited into two separate trials. Sheep with acute footrot were allocated to one of three treatments using stratified random sampling: long acting parenteral oxytetracycline, long acting parenteral enrofloxacin and topical application of potassium permanganate solution (a traditional treatment used by sheep farmers in India). In a quasi pre-post intervention design, sheep with chronic footrot that had not responded to treatment with potassium permanaganate were randomly allocated to treatment with one of the two parenteral antibacterials mentioned above. Sheep with acute footrot were treated on day 0 and those with chronic footrot on days 0, 3, 6 and 9. Sheep were monitored for up to 28 days after treatment. Time to recovery from lameness and initial healing of lesions was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, nonparametric log-rank and Wilcoxon sign-rank tests.

RESULTS

There was significant correlation in recovery from lameness and presence of healing lesions in sheep with acute (r = 0.94) or chronic (r = 0.98) footrot. Sheep with acute footrot which were treated with parenteral antibacterials had a significantly more rapid recovery from lameness and had healing lesions (median = 7 days) compared with those treated with topical potassium permanganate solution (less than 50% recovered in 28 days). The median time to recovery in sheep with chronic footrot treated with either antibacterial was 17 days; this was significantly lower than the median of 75 days lame before treatment with antibacterials. The median time to recovery for both acute and chronic footrot increased as the severity of lesions increased. There was no difference in time to recovery by age, body condition score, duration lame, or presence of pus in the foot within acute and chronically affected sheep.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that use of parenteral antibacterials to treat sheep lame with either acute or chronic footrot in India is highly effective. This is likely to improve welfare and give economic benefits to the farmers.

Molecular epidemiology and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from poultry in Kashmir

A total of 480 samples, comprising 429 faecal samples from healthy adult birds and 51 tissue samples from dead birds, were collected from four government poultry farms in the Kashmir valley from September 2007 to April 2008. In all, 33 Salmonella isolates were obtained. Of these, 28 (84.85%) isolates were Salmonella Gallinarum, 3 (9.09%) were Salmonella Enteritidis and the remaining 2 (6.06%) were Salmonella Typhimurium. All the isolates harboured the invA, sefA, stn and spvC virulence-specific genes. However, the sopB gene was found in only 90.9% of the isolates. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of representative isolates revealed that the majority were related but a few belonged to different clones. The majority of the isolates were resistant to cefpodoxime, nalidixic acid and sulphadiazine and sensitive to chloramphenicol, cefotaxime and tetracycline. Isolation of multidrug-resistant Salmonella, including the zoonotically important serovars, revealed a potential threat not only to poultry but also to human health in Kashmir.

Isolation of atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Shiga toxin 1 and 2f-producing Escherichia coli from avian species in India

AIMS

To study the prevalence and characterize atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in avian species in India.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two hundred and twelve faecal samples collected from 62 chickens, 50 ducks and 100 pigeons were investigated for the presence of stx(1), stx(2), eae and ehxA virulence genes by multiplex PCR. In all, 42 E. coli isolates (25 chicken, 2 duck and 15 pigeon) possessed at least one virulence gene. Out of these, nine (4.24%) isolates were STEC and 33 (15.56%) were EPEC. All isolates from duck and chicken were EPEC while among 15 pigeon isolates nine (60%) were STEC and six (40%) were EPEC. Among the STEC isolates four each carried stx(1) or stx(2) and one possessed both stx(1) and stx(2). Subtype analysis of stx revealed the presence of stx(2f) in four STEC isolates. None of the STEC isolates carried stx(1c), stx(2c), stx(2d) or stx(2e). Isolates carrying stx(2f) demonstrated vero cell toxicity. One each belonged to serogroup O17 and O78, while one was rough and the other untypeable. All EPEC isolates were atypical as they lacked bfpA. This appears to be the first report of detection of stx(2f) from India.

CONCLUSIONS

The study established the presence of stx(1) and stx(2f) containing E. coli in pigeons and atypical EPEC in poultry in India. Pigeons might serve as vectors for transmission of STEC to environment and humans.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Taking into account the close contact between fanciers and pigeons, these findings warrant a more critical appraisal of these zoonotic pathogens in pigeons and humans.

Molecular characterization of shiga like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates from pigs oedema

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

An oedema outbreak occurred in a Guwahati pig farm. Escherichia coli isolates from different necropsy samples collected from the dead piglets with oedema were characterized to confirm the virulence.

METHODS

Haemolytic E. coli isolates recovered from liver, lung and intestine of pigs with oedema were examined for presence of genes encoding pathogroups such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), (eae/bfpA), enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAggEC), (eagg), enterotoxigive Escherichia coil (ETEC), (elt/est) and shiga like toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), (stx1/ stx2) by PCR and molecular typing by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR).

RESULTS

The three haemolytic E. coli recovered from diseased pigs were STEC because of presence of the stx2 and eae genes. Analysis by RAPD-PCR indicated that two of the three isolates were genetically related.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The isolation of STEC isolates from pigs with oedema was shown. Although the three isolates were untypable, presence of eae and stx2 genes clearly indicated these as prime cause of pig oedema disease. Further, demonstration of STEC in pigs becomes a public health concern, as pigs are potential reservoir of such agents, which may cause human illness.

Helminthic infestation in children of Kupwara district: a prospective study

The present study deals with the investigation of the frequency of intestinal helminth parasites in children of Kupwara, Kashmir, India. Three hundred and twelve children in the age group of 4-15 years were examined for different intestinal helminths in three schools located in rural areas. Two hundred and twenty two of 312 (71.15%) tested positive for various intestinal helminths. The various helminth parasites included Ascaris lumbricoides , Trichuris trichiura , Enterobius vermicularis and Taenia saginata . By far, the highest frequency of 69.23% (216/312) was noted for Ascaris lumbricoides followed by Trichuris trichiura 30.76% (96/312), Enterobius vermicularis 7.69% (24/312) and Taenia saginata 7.69% (24/312). Single infection was found in 33.65% (105/312) and mixed infection was seen in 37.5% (117/312) children. This study emphasizes the need for improved environmental conditions, i.e., clean water supplies, enhanced sanitation and chemotherapy of school-age children in rural areas.