Role of the osaA Gene in Aspergillus fumigatus Development, Secondary Metabolism and Virulence

Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading cause of aspergillosis, associated with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. In search of novel genetic targets against aspergillosis, we studied the WOPR transcription factor OsaA. The deletion of the osaA gene resulted in colony growth reduction. Conidiation is also influenced by osaA; both osaA deletion and overexpression resulted in a decrease in spore production. Wild-type expression levels of osaA are necessary for the expression of the conidiation regulatory genes brlA, abaA, and wetA. In addition, osaA is necessary for normal cell wall integrity. Furthermore, the deletion of osaA resulted in a reduction in the ability of A. fumigatus to adhere to surfaces, decreased thermotolerance, as well as increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Metabolomics analysis indicated that osaA deletion or overexpression led to alterations in the production of multiple secondary metabolites, including gliotoxin. This was accompanied by changes in the expression of genes in the corresponding secondary metabolite gene clusters. These effects could be, at least in part, due to the observed reduction in the expression levels of the veA and laeA global regulators when the osaA locus was altered. Importantly, our study shows that osaA is indispensable for virulence in both neutropenic and corticosteroid-immunosuppressed mouse models.

Economic burden of limited English proficiency: A prevalence-based cost of illness study of its direct, indirect, and intangible costs

Aims

The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the economic burden of limited English proficiency (LEP) by estimating its direct, indirect, and intangible costs. A secondary objective was to assess the impact of variables on the economic burden.

Design and Setting

A cross-sectional single-arm descriptive study conducted in a learning disability clinic in a public medical college in Mumbai.

Subjects and Methods

The study cases (aged ≥8 years and ≤18 years) were recruited by non-probability sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the parent to collect data related to direct and indirect costs. Intangible cost data were collected by documenting the willingness-to-pay value using the contingent valuation technique.

Statistical Analysis Used

A multivariate regression model was used to assess the impact of predictor variables on the costs.

Results

The direct, indirect, and intangible costs due to LEP were Indian Rupees (INR) 826,736, 3,828,220, and 1,906,300, respectively. Indirect costs comprised 82.2% of the total costs. Expenditure on tuition and remedial education comprised 39.86% and 14.08% of the indirect and direct costs, respectively. The average annual learning disability clinic costs were INR 2,169,146. The average annual total costs per student were INR 42,102. Higher socioeconomic status was predictive of increased "indirect costs", "total costs", and "intangible costs."

Conclusion

LEP is a cost-intensive condition (indirect > intangible > direct costs). Non-medical costs are the costliest component of direct costs. Parental loss of earnings is the costliest component of indirect costs.

Post-tonsillectomy Hemorrhage in Patients Receiving Ketorolac Analgesic

Background Ketorolac, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is thought to have less sedation as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting in comparison to opioids, but with higher risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage as reported in some of the literatures. There is no consensus till date in the use of ketorolac in the management of pain following tonsil and adenoid related surgeries. Objective To find out the incidence of hemorrhage following tonsil and adenoid related surgeries in patients receiving ketorolac in postoperative period. Method This is a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing tonsil and adenoid related surgeries who had received ketorolac during April, 2013 to May, 2019 at department of ENT-HNS, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Lalitpur, Nepal. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage rate was calculated in pediatric and adult patients. Result During the study period, 103 patients (male - 50 and female - 53) received ketorolac in postoperative period. Tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy were performed in 71and 32 patients respectively. Forty-five patients were < 18 years whereas 58 were ≥ 18 years. Most common indication for surgery was recurrent tonsillitis (66/103) followed by adenotonsillar hypertrophy (31/103). Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was observed in 15 patients; among them, four out 45 were < 18 years and 11 out of 58 ≥ 18 years. All five patients out of 15, who required surgical intervention for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage, were ≥ 18 years and were operated for recurrent tonsillitis. Rest of the patients (10/15) were managed conservatively. None of the patients required blood transfusion. Conclusion Ketorolac is not associated with increased risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in children and can safely be administered. Whereas in adults, recurrent tonsillitis being the most common indication for tonsillectomy, it should be used cautiously.

Parental-perceived health-related quality of life of school students with borderline intellectual functioning: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background and Objectives

Students with borderline intellectual functioning ("slow learners") underperform in all school subjects. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the parental-perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of these students. Its secondary objective was to analyze the impact of sociodemographic variables on their HRQoL.

Settings and Design

Cross-sectional single-arm questionnaire-based study was conducted in the learning disability clinic in a public medical college in Mumbai.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred parents of slow learners aged 8 to 16 years were recruited by non-probability sampling. Their HRQoL scores were measured using the English DISABKIDS chronic generic module parent (proxy) long-version ("DCGM-37-P") instrument.

Statistical Analysis

Multiple regression analysis was carried out for determining the "independent" impact that sociodemographic variables had on a poor facet and total score outcomes.

Results

Clinically significant deficits were detected in 4 facets, namely: small deficit in "social inclusion"; medium deficits in "independence", "emotion", and "social exclusion"; and large deficit in "total score". Multivariate analysis revealed that: (i) being an only child predicted a poor "emotion" and "social exclusion" facet score outcomes (P = 0.039 and P = 0.024, respectively); (ii) being a female predicted a poor "social inclusion" facet score outcome (P = 0.022); and, (iii) studying in a single-gender school predicted a poor "limitation" facet score outcome (P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Parents of slow learners perceive their psychosocial and total HRQoL to be significantly compromised. There is a need to evaluate the HRQoL of slow learners so that optimum rehabilitation can be facilitated.

Boron nitride nanomaterials: biocompatibility and bio-applications

Boron nitride has structural characteristics similar to carbon 2D materials (graphene and its derivatives) and its layered structure has been exploited to form different nanostructures such as nanohorns, nanotubes, nanoparticles and nanosheets.

Ventricular Aneurysm as a cause for post traumatic tachycardia – a case report

The purpose of this case is to illustrate an interesting cause of a common symptom. It is designed to make the reader aware of the possibility of post traumatic ventricular aneurysm. It also illustrates the difficulty involved in making an unusual diagnosis in the Intensive Care setting.

Effect of multi-nutrient insufficiency on markers of one carbon metabolism in young women: response to a methionine load

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Multi-nutrient insufficiencies as a consequence of nutritional and economic factors are common in India and other developing countries. We have examined the impact of multi-nutrient insufficiency on markers of one carbon (1C) metabolism in the blood, and response to a methionine load in clinically healthy young women.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Young women from Pune, India (n=10) and Cleveland, USA (n=13) were studied. Blood samples were obtained in the basal state and following an oral methionine load (50 mg/kg of body weight in orange juice). Plasma concentrations of vitamin B12, folate and B6 were measured in the basal state. The effect of methionine load on the levels of methionine, total homocysteine, cysteine, glutathione and amino acids was examined.

RESULTS

Indian women were significantly shorter and lighter compared with the American women and had lower plasma concentration of vitamins B12, folate and B6, essential amino acids and glutathione, but higher concentration of total homocysteine. The homocysteine response to methionine load was higher in Indian women. The plasma concentrations of glycine and serine increased in the Indian women after methionine (in juice) load. A significant negative correlation between plasma B6 and homocysteine (r= -0.70), and plasma folate and glycine and serine levels were observed in the Indian group (P<0.05) but not in the American group.

CONCLUSIONS

Multi-nutrient insufficiency in the Indian women caused unique changes in markers of whole body protein and 1C metabolism. These data would be useful in developing nutrient intervention strategies.

A Rare Case of Bilateral Aspergillomas in a Patient of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Pulmonary involvement by Aspergillus sp. mainly includes allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, and invasive aspergillosis. Aspergilloma (Fungal ball) is the most common form of aspergillous pulmonary involvement, which occurs in preexisting pulmonary cavities, especially secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare cause of upper lobe fibro-cavitary lesions in pulmonary parenchyma. It may also lead to development of fungal balls in pulmonary cavities. Most common presentation is mild to massive hemoptysis; dyspnoea, chronic cough, expectoration may be other presentation; even the patient may remain asymptomatic. Intaracavitary mobile mass is a valuable sign for fungal ball, best detected by computed tomography (CT) scan of thorax. Lobectomy is the treatment of choice to stop the hemoptysis, if the general condition of the patient is fit; otherwise associated co-morbidities complicate the post-operative scenario. In this situation, bronchial artery embolization may be used as a temporary measure to control hemoptysis. Here, we report a case of bilateral aspergillomas within the cavities located in upper lobes of both lungs in a 74 years old male who was suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for last 42 years.

Radiobiological evaluation of intensity modulated radiation therapy treatments of patients with head and neck cancer: A dual-institutional study

In clinical practice, evaluation of clinical efficacy of treatment planning stems from the radiation oncologist's experience in accurately targeting tumors, while keeping minimal toxicity to various organs at risk (OAR) involved. A more objective, quantitative method may be raised by using radiobiological models. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the potential correlation of OAR-related toxicities to its radiobiologically estimated parameters in simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans of patients with head and neck tumors at two institutions. Lyman model for normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and the Poisson model for tumor control probability (TCP) models were used in the Histogram Analysis in Radiation Therapy (HART) analysis. In this study, 33 patients with oropharyngeal primaries in the head and neck region were used to establish the correlation between NTCP values of (a) bilateral parotids with clinically observed rates of xerostomia, (b) esophagus with dysphagia, and (c) larynx with dysphagia. The results of the study indicated a strong correlation between the severity of xerostomia and dysphagia with Lyman NTCP of bilateral parotids and esophagus, respectively, but not with the larynx. In patients without complications, NTCP values of these organs were negligible. Using appropriate radiobiological models, the presence of a moderate to strong correlation between the severities of complications with NTCP of selected OARs suggested that the clinical outcome could be estimated prior to treatment.

Identification of anti-biofilm components in Withania somnifera and their effect on virulence of Streptococcus mutans biofilms

AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify components of the Withania somnifera that could show anti-virulence activity against Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The anti-acidogenic activity of fractions separated from W. somnifera was compared, and then the most active anti-acidogenic fraction was chemically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The effect of the identified components on the acidogenicity, aciduricity and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) formation of S. mutans UA159 biofilms was evaluated. The change in accumulation and acidogenicity of S. mutans UA159 biofilms by periodic treatments (10 min per treatment) with the identified components was also investigated. Of the fractions, n-hexane fraction showed the strongest anti-acidogenic activity and was mainly composed of palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids. Of the identified components, linoleic and oleic acids strongly affected the acid production rate, F-ATPase activity and EPS formation of the biofilms. Periodic treatment with linoleic and oleic acids during biofilm formation also inhibited the biofilm accumulation and acid production rate of the biofilms without killing the biofilm bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that linoleic and oleic acids may be effective agents for restraining virulence of S. mutans biofilms.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Linoleic and oleic acids may be promising agents for controlling virulence of cariogenic biofilms and subsequent dental caries formation.

Immunohistochemical assessment of proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression in plaque, reticular and erosive types of oral lichen planus

BACKGROUND

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a nuclear protein synthesized in the late G1 and S-phase of the cell cycle. Immunodetection of this protein represents a useful marker of the proliferation status of lesions.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PCNA in oral lichen planus (OLP) and to assess the PCNA expression in a different layer of epithelium in different types of OLP.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 96 cases of histologically proven OLP, 32 cases each of erosive, reticular and plaque type were selected. Two sections were taken from each one for H and E. Other sections were stained according to super sensitive polymer horseradish peroxidase method for identifying PCNA expression.

RESULTS

Of the three types of OLP, erosive type showed higher expression of PCNA (average 66.8%, minimum of 55% and maximum of 80.3%) followed by reticular (average 37.7%, minimum of 26% and maximum of 47%) and plaque type (average 17%, minimum of 5% and maximum of 25%) indicating increased proliferative activity. The erosive type also showed higher expression of PCNA in all the layers of epithelium followed by reticular and plaque type.

CONCLUSION

PCNA is a good marker to indicate proliferation status of disease. Out of three types, erosive type possess more proliferative ratio, chances of malignant changes is more in this type.

Standard operating procedure for audio visual recording of informed consent: an initiative to facilitate regulatory compliance

The office of the Drugs Controller General (India) vide order dated 19 th November 2013 has made audio visual (AV) recording of the informed consent mandatory for the conduct of all clinical trials in India. We therefore developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure that this is performed in compliance with the regulatory requirements, internationally accepted ethical standards and that the recording is stored as well as archived in an appropriate manner. The SOP was developed keeping in mind all relevant orders, regulations, laws and guidelines and have been made available online. Since, we are faced with unique legal and regulatory requirements that are unprecedented globally, this SOP will allow the AV recording of the informed consent to be performed, archived and retrieved to demonstrate ethical, legal and regulatory compliance. We also compared this to the draft guidelines for AV recording dated 9 th January 2014 developed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Our future efforts will include regular testing, feedback and update of the SOP.

Attenuated benzodiazepine-sensitive tonic GABAA currents of supraoptic magnocellular neuroendocrine cells in 24-h water-deprived rats

In supraoptic nucleus (SON) magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs), γ-GABA, via activation of GABAA receptors (GABAA Rs), mediates persistent tonic inhibitory currents (Itonic ), as well as conventional inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs, Iphasic ). In the present study, we examined the functional significance of Itonic in SON MNCs challenged by 24-h water deprivation (24WD). Although the main characteristics of spontaneous IPSCs were similar in 24WD compared to euhydrated (EU) rats, Itonic , measured by bicuculline (BIC)-induced Iholding shifts, was significantly smaller in 24WD compared to EU rats (P < 0.05). Propofol and diazepam prolonged IPSC decay time to a similar extent in both groups but induced less Itonic in 24WD compared to EU rats, suggesting a selective decrease in GABAA receptors mediating Itonic over Iphasic in 24WD rats. THIP (4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol), a preferential δ subunit agonist, and L-655,708, a GABAA receptor α5 subunit selective imidazobenzodiazepine, caused a significantly smaller inward and outward shift in Iholding , respectively, in 24WD compared to EU rats (P < 0.05 in both cases), suggesting an overall decrease in the α5 subunit-containing GABAA Rs and the δ subunit-containing receptors mediating Itonic in 24WD animals. Consistent with a decrease in 24WD Itonic , bath application of GABA induced significantly less inhibition of the neuronal firing activity in 24WD compared to EU SON MNCs (P < 0.05). Taken together, the results of the present study indicate a selective decrease in GABAA Rs functions mediating Itonic as opposed to those mediating Iphasic in SON MNCs, demonstrating the functional significance of Itonic with respect to increasing neuronal excitability and hormone secretion in 24WD rats.

Relationship between fluoride concentration and activity against virulence factors and viability of a cariogenic biofilm: in vitro study

Despite widespread use of various concentrations of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries, the relationship between fluoride concentration and activity against cariogenic biofilms has not been much studied. Herein we investigated the relationship between fluoride concentration and activity against virulence factors and viability of Streptococcus mutans biofilms. S. mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs. The 70-hour-old biofilms were exposed to 0, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1,000 or 2,000 ppm F(-). The changes of virulence factors and viability of the biofilms were analyzed using biochemical methods and laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy. At 1-2,000 ppm F(-), the activity of fluoride against acid production, acid tolerance, and extracellular polysaccharide formation of S. mutans biofilms accurately followed a sigmoidal pattern of concentration dependence (R(2) = 0.94-0.99), with EC50 values ranging from 3.07 to 24.7 ppm F(-). Generally, the activity of fluoride against the virulence factors was concentration-dependently augmented in 10-100 ppm F(-) and did not increase further at concentrations higher than 100 ppm F(-). However, fluoride did not alter glucosyltransferase activity and viability of S. mutans biofilm cells in all concentrations tested. These results can provide a basis for the selection of appropriate fluoride concentrations that reduce the physiological ability of cariogenic biofilms.

Leucocytosis in a case of Lung Cancer: Infection or Paraneoplastic Syndrome? - Dilemma in Diagnosis and Treatment

A 65 year old male smoker was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of upper lobe of the right lung complicated with Horner's syndrome and gradually increasing leucocytosis. Alhough the inflammatory biomarker level in serum was low, there was no definite way to determine the cause of the leucocytosis (whether infection or hematologic paraneoplastic syndrome). After empirical antibiotic therapy, his fever subsided but the leucocytosis persisted. It was difficult for us to take a decision regarding the priority of the treatment of infection or the lung cancer. Only after the first cycle chemotherapy, did the leucocytosis rapidly drop down. Normal serum procalcitonin level and quick response to chemotherapy indicated that leucocytosis was a manifestation of paraneoplastic syndrome. Treating the underlying cancer is the first step.

Treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common disabling condition that affects more than one-third of persons older than 65 years. Exercise, weight loss, physical therapy, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and braces or heel wedges decrease pain and improve function. Acetaminophen, glucosamine, ginger, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), capsaicin cream, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture, and tai chi may offer some benefit. Tramadol has a poor trade-off between risks and benefits and is not routinely recommended. Opioids are being used more often in patients with moderate to severe pain or diminished quality of life, but patients receiving these drugs must be carefully selected and monitored because of the inherent adverse effects. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are effective, but evidence for injection of hyaluronic acid is mixed. Arthroscopic surgery has been shown to have no benefit in knee osteoarthritis. Total joint arthroplasty of the knee should be considered when conservative symptomatic management is ineffective.

Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia

The safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) were evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially, 60 infertile male patients were assessed and those having total sperm counts below 20 million ml(-1) semen were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study (n = 35). PS capsule (100 mg) was administered twice daily after major meals for 90 days. Total semenogram and serum testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were estimated before and at the end of the treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. Twenty-eight patients who completed the treatment showed significant (P < 0.001) improvement in spermia (+37.6%), total sperm count (+61.4%), motility (12.4-17.4% after different time intervals), normal sperm count (+18.9%) with concomitant decrease in pus and epithelial cell count compared with baseline value. Significant decrease of semen MDA content (-18.7%) was observed. Moreover, serum testosterone (+23.5%; P < 0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; P < 0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profiles of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as PS.

Iodopovidone pleurodesis: experience of a tertiary hospital in Kolkata

INTRODUCTION

The management of recurrent pleural effusion or pneumothorax has always been a cause for serious concern among chest physicians. Among the wide variety of agents that are available for pleurodesis, povidone iodine is now perhaps the most sought after agent as it is cheap, easily available, effective and safe. This study was conducted to establish the efficacy and safety of povidone iodine as an agent for pleurodesis in patients with recurrent pleural effusion and pneumothorax.

METHODS

A total of 38 consecutive patients with symptomatic malignant or recurrent pleural effusion and pneumothorax received povidone iodine for pleurodesis over a period of 18 months. The mean follow-up period was 10.2 months, with a standard deviation of 2.9 months.

RESULTS

Out of the 38 patients, 29 had malignant pleural effusion, eight had recurrent pneumothorax and one had tubercular pleural effusion which was nonresponsive to antitubercular therapy. A complete response with no recurrence during follow-up was obtained in 34 (89.5 percent) patients. All the cases of failure had malignant pleural effusion. Three (7.9 percent) patients experienced intense chest pains after the installation of sclerosing agent, but they recovered with immediate symptomatic management.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent pleural effusion or pneumothorax due to any cause may be managed effectively and safely by chemical pleurodesis with povidone iodine. It may be considered as the agent of choice to achieve pleurodesis, especially in resource constrained countries like India, as it is inexpensive and easily available.

Streptococcus equi antigens adsorbed onto surface modified poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres induce humoral and cellular specific immune responses

Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is the causative agent of Strangles, which is one of the most costly and widespread infectious diseases, affecting the respiratory tract of Equidae. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol, alginate and chitosan were used in formulations of surface modified poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres which were evaluated after adsorption of S.equi enzymatic extract for physicochemical characteristics and in vivo immune responses in mice. After subcutaneous immunisation, the formulations induced higher lymphokines levels, in accordance with cellular and humoral immune responses, as compared to the free antigen, successfully activating the paths leading to Th1 and Th2 cells. The obtained results highlight the role of these microspheres as an adjuvant and their use to protect animals against strangles.

Isolated bilateral coronary ostial stenosis—An uncommon presentation of aortoarteritis

Aortoarteritis presenting with isolated bilateral coronary artery ostial stenosis is a serious but rare condition. This letter emphasizes on a very atypical presentation of aortoarteritis and also distinct but unusual form of angiographic findings involving total occlusion of left main coronary artery from the ostium and tight ostial right coronary artery stenosis that had a fulminant disease course.