Evidence of a Hardening in the Cosmic Ray Proton Spectrum at around 166 TeV Observed by the GRAPES-3 Experiment

We present the measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 50 TeV to 1.3 PeV using 7.81×10^{6} extensive air shower events recorded by the ground-based GRAPES-3 experiment between 1 January 2014 and 26 October 2015 with a live time of 460 day. Our measurements provide an overlap with direct observations by satellite and balloon-based experiments. The electromagnetic and muon components in the shower were measured by a dense array of plastic scintillator detectors and a tracking muon telescope, respectively. The relative composition of the proton primary from the air shower data containing all primary particles was extracted using the multiplicity distribution of muons which is a sensitive observable for mass composition. The observed proton spectrum suggests a spectral hardening at ∼166  TeV and disfavors a single power law description of the spectrum up to the Knee energy (∼3  PeV).

Recycling air conditioner-generated condensate water for microalgal biomass production and carbon dioxide sequestration

Air conditioners alleviate the discomfort of human beings from heat waves that are consequences of climate change caused by anthropogenic activities. With each passing year, the effects of global warming worsen, increasing the growth of air conditioning industry. Air conditioning units produce substantial amounts of non-nutritive and (generally) neglected condensate water and greenhouse gases. Considering this, the study explored the potential of using air conditioner condensate water (ACW) to cultivate Chlorella sorokiniana, producing biomass, and sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2). The maximum biomass production was obtained in the BG11 medium (1.45 g L-1), followed by ACW-50 (1.3 g L-1). Similarly, the highest chlorophyll-a content was observed in the BG11 medium (11 μg mL-1), followed by ACW-50 (9.11 μg mL-1). The ACW-50 cultures proved to be better adapted to physiological stress (Fv/Fm > 0.5) and can be suitable for achieving maximum biomass with adequate lipid, protein, and carbohydrate production. Moreover, C. sorokiniana demonstrated higher lipid and carbohydrate yields in the ACW-50 medium, while biomass production and protein yields were comparable to the BG11 medium. The lipid, protein, and carbohydrate productivity were 23.43, 32.9, and 23.19 mg L-1 d-1, respectively for ACW-50. Estimation of carbon capture potential through this approach equals to 9.5% of the total emissions which is an added advantage The results indicated that ACW could be effectively utilized for microalgae cultivation, reducing the reliance on freshwater for large-scale microalgal biomass production and reduce the carbon footprints of the air conditioning industry.

Long-term application of agronomic management strategies effects on soil organic carbon, energy budgeting, and carbon footprint under rice-wheat cropping system

In the plains of western North India, traditional rice and wheat cropping systems (RWCS) consume a significant amount of energy and carbon. In order to assess the long-term energy budgets, ecological footprint, and greenhouse gas (GHG) pollutants from RWCS with residual management techniques, field research was conducted which consisted of fourteen treatments that combined various tillage techniques, fertilization methods, and whether or not straw return was present in randomized block design. By altering the formation of aggregates and the distribution of carbon within them, tillage techniques can affect the dynamics of organic carbon in soil and soil microbial activity. The stability of large macro-aggregates (> 2 mm), small macro-aggregates (2.0-2.25 mm), and micro-aggregates in the topsoil were improved by 35.18%, 33.52%, and 25.10%, respectively, over conventional tillage (0-20 cm) using tillage strategies for conservation methods (no-till in conjunction with straw return and organic fertilizers). The subsoil (20-40 cm) displayed the same pattern. In contrast to conventional tilling with no straw returns, macro-aggregates of all sizes and micro-aggregates increased by 24.52%, 28.48%, and 18.12%, respectively, when conservation tillage with organic and chemical fertilizers was used. The straw return (aggregate-associated C) also resulted in a significant increase in aggregate-associated carbon. When zero tillage was paired with straw return, chemical, and organic fertilizers, the topsoil's overall aggregate-associated C across all aggregate proportions increased. Conversely, conventional tillage, in contrast to conservation tillage, included straw return as well as chemical and organic fertilizers and had high aggregate-associated C in the subsurface. This study finds that tillage techniques could change the dynamics of microbial biomass in soils and organic soil carbon by altering the aggregate and distribution of C therein.

Surgical anatomy of the cerebellar tonsils: A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the cerebellar tonsils is a prerequisite in various surgeries of the posterior cranial fossa Clinical conditions, as the Chiari I malformations (CIM) alter the normal position of the cerebellar tonsils.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, we aim to better elucidate the surgical anatomy of and around the cerebellar tonsils in regard to the CIM.

METHODS

Fifty formalin-fixed adult cadavers injected with colored latex through vertebral arteries underwent craniotomy and durotomy to expose the cerebellar tonsils and related structures. The tonsils and their surrounding anatomy were then studied.

RESULTS

Forty cerebellar tonsils were at or above the foramen magnum. Five specimens presented with CIM with the tonsils below (3-5 mm) the FM with a mean tonsillar decent of 7.9 ± 2.3 mm. Of the cadavers without CIM, in forty-two cases, the thickness of the dura mater was within ±3SD ranges. In three cases, the dura mater was thinner at the CVJ and one case; the dura adhered tightly to the inner aspect of the occipital squama. In five CIM cadavers, the dura mater was markedly thicker at the CVJ. The PICA caudal loop was 5.9 ± 1.6 mm long. In CIM cases, the PICA loop was longer, nearer the dura, 1 mm below the superior border of the C1 posterior arch. The distances from the PICA loop were markedly reduced by 3 mm from the spinal accessory nerve and 2 mm from the first spinal nerve. The DN was significantly closer to the tonsillar peduncle in CIM cases.

CONCLUSION

These data are important for better understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic anatomy of the cerebellar tonsils in patients with and without CIM. Importantly, tonsillectomy/tonsillar coagulation must consider the close relationship of the dentate nucleus to the base of the cerebellar tonsil to avoid iatrogenic injury.

Signaling network analysis reveals fostamatinib as a potential drug to control platelet hyperactivation during SARS-CoV-2 infection

Introduction

Pro-thrombotic events are one of the prevalent causes of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions among COVID-19 patients, although the signaling events in the stimulated platelets are still unclear.

Methods

We conducted a comparative analysis of platelet transcriptome data from healthy donors, ICU, and non-ICU COVID-19 patients to elucidate these mechanisms. To surpass previous analyses, we constructed models of involved networks and control cascades by integrating a global human signaling network with transcriptome data. We investigated the control of platelet hyperactivation and the specific proteins involved.

Results

Our study revealed that control of the platelet network in ICU patients is significantly higher than in non-ICU patients. Non-ICU patients require control over fewer proteins for managing platelet hyperactivity compared to ICU patients. Identification of indispensable proteins highlighted key subnetworks, that are targetable for system control in COVID-19-related platelet hyperactivity. We scrutinized FDA-approved drugs targeting indispensable proteins and identified fostamatinib as a potent candidate for preventing thrombosis in COVID-19 patients.

Discussion

Our findings shed light on how SARS-CoV-2 efficiently affects host platelets by targeting indispensable and critical proteins involved in the control of platelet activity. We evaluated several drugs for specific control of platelet hyperactivity in ICU patients suffering from platelet hyperactivation. The focus of our approach is repurposing existing drugs for optimal control over the signaling network responsible for platelet hyperactivity in COVID-19 patients. Our study offers specific pharmacological recommendations, with drug prioritization tailored to the distinct network states observed in each patient condition. Interactive networks and detailed results can be accessed at https://fostamatinib.bioinfo-wuerz.eu/.

Analysis of distribution and localization of proteins of the reelin signalling pathway in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

Granule cell dispersion (GCD) is pathognomonic of hippocampal sclerosis seen in the mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Current animal studies indicate deficiency of Reelin is associated with abnormal granule cell migration leading to GCD. The present study aimed to evaluate complete Reelin signalling pathway to assess whether Reelin deficiency is related to MTLE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hippocampal sclerosis was confirmed by H and E stain. To explore the amount and cellular location of the Reelin cascade molecules, the hippocampal tissues from MTLE surgery and controls (n = 15 each) were studied using Immuno-histochemistry (IHC). Additionally, confocal imaging was used to validate the IHC findings by co-localization of different proteins. Quantification of IHC images was performed using histo-score and confocal images by Image J software.

RESULTS

Immune expression of active Reelin was significantly reduced in patients. Reelin receptors were deranged, apolipoprotein E receptor 2 was increased while very low-density lipoprotein receptor was reduced. Disabled-1, a downstream molecule was significantly reduced in MTLE. Its ultimate target, cofilin was thus disinhibited and expressed more in MTLE. Reelin cleaving protease, matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and MMP-9 inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of matrix protease-1, showed reduced expression in extracellular matrix. Semi-quantification of immunohistochemistry was done using Histo (H) score. H score of Reelin in diseased patients was 15 against 125 for control patients. These results were validated by confocal fluorescence microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Reelin signalling cascade was deranged in chronic MTLE. Pharmacological manipulation of Reelin cascade can be done at various levels and it may provide novel treatment options for MTLE.

Improved pearl millet genomes representing the global heterotic pool offer a framework for molecular breeding applications

High-quality reference genome assemblies, representative of global heterotic patterns, offer an ideal platform to accurately characterize and utilize genetic variation in the primary gene pool of hybrid crops. Here we report three platinum grade de-novo, near gap-free, chromosome-level reference genome assemblies from the active breeding germplasm in pearl millet with a high degree of contiguity, completeness, and accuracy. An improved Tift genome (Tift23D2B1-P1-P5) assembly has a contig N50 ~ 7,000-fold (126 Mb) compared to the previous version and better alignment in centromeric regions. Comparative genome analyses of these three lines clearly demonstrate a high level of collinearity and multiple structural variations, including inversions greater than 1 Mb. Differential genes in improved Tift genome are enriched for serine O-acetyltransferase and glycerol-3-phosphate metabolic process which play an important role in improving the nutritional quality of seed protein and disease resistance in plants, respectively. Multiple marker-trait associations are identified for a range of agronomic traits, including grain yield through genome-wide association study. Improved genome assemblies and marker resources developed in this study provide a comprehensive framework/platform for future applications such as marker-assisted selection of mono/oligogenic traits as well as whole-genome prediction and haplotype-based breeding of complex traits.

Role of the plant-specific calcium-binding C2-DOMAIN ABSCISIC ACID-RELATED (CAR) protein family in environmental signaling

Many signaling processes rely on information decoding at the plasma membrane, and membrane-associated proteins and their complexes are fundamental for regulating this process. Still many questions exist as to how protein complexes are assembled and function at membrane sites to change identity and dynamics of membrane systems. Peripheral membrane proteins containing a calcium and phospholipid-binding C2-domain can act in membrane-related signaling by providing a tethering function so that protein complexes form. C2 domain proteins termed C2-DOMAIN ABSCISIC ACID-RELATED (CAR) proteins are plant-specific, and the functional relevance of this C2 domain protein subgroup is just emerging. The ten Arabidopsis CAR proteins CAR1 to CAR10 have a single C2 domain with a plant-specific insertion, the so-called "CAR-extra-signature" or also termed "sig domain". Via this "sig domain" CAR proteins can bind signaling protein complexes of different kinds and act in biotic and abiotic stress, blue light and iron nutrition. Interestingly, CAR proteins can oligomerize in membrane microdomains, and their presence in the nucleus can be linked with nuclear protein regulation. This shows that CAR proteins may play unprecedented roles in coordinating environmental responses and assembling required protein complexes to transmit information cues between plasma membrane and nucleus. The aim of this review is to summarize structure-function characteristics of the CAR protein family and assemble findings from CAR protein interactions and physiological functions. From this comparative investigation we extract common principles about the molecular operations that CAR proteins may fulfill in the cell. We also deduce functional properties of the CAR protein family based on its evolution and gene expression profiles. We highlight open questions and suggest novel avenues to prove and understand the functional networks and roles played by this protein family in plants.

Adapting to transradial approach in cerebral angiography: Factors influencing successful cannulation

BACKGROUND

To evaluate factors that influence the successful cannulation of intracranial vessels using a transradial approach.

METHODS

A total of 61 transradial diagnostic angiograms were evaluated in a tertiary care center from July 2020 to December 2021. We evaluated the learning curve and aortic arch vessel factors that may influence the cannulation of intracranial major vessels using a transradial approach.

RESULTS

Learning curve for the procedure was established after 21 cases. We were successful in cannulating the supra-aortic arteries except in 4 cases where we were unable to cannulate the left VA (vertebral artery). Significant positive correlation was seen between time to Sim (Simmons curve) formation and aortic arch diameter (p = .002). Significant positive correlation was also seen between left VA take-off angle and time to cannulate left VA (p = .001) and negative correlation was noted between left CCA (common carotid artery) take-off angle and time to cannulate left CCA (p = .001).

CONCLUSION

Transradial approach is a feasible and safe approach for performing cerebral angiography. Multiple factors can influence the procedure time and successful cannulation of intracranial vessels. With the availability of radial specific hardware in the future, procedural success and time taken to complete the procedure may improve.

Genome-wide scan for potential CD4+ T-cell vaccine candidates in Candida auris by exploiting reverse vaccinology and evolutionary information

Candida auris is a globally emerging fungal pathogen responsible for causing nosocomial outbreaks in healthcare associated settings. It is known to cause infection in all age groups and exhibits multi-drug resistance with high potential for horizontal transmission. Because of this reason combined with limited therapeutic choices available, C. auris infection has been acknowledged as a potential risk for causing a future pandemic, and thus seeking a promising strategy for its treatment is imperative. Here, we combined evolutionary information with reverse vaccinology approach to identify novel epitopes for vaccine design that could elicit CD4+ T-cell responses against C. auris. To this end, we extensively scanned the family of proteins encoded by C. auris genome. In addition, a pathogen may acquire substitutions in epitopes over a period of time which could cause its escape from the immune response thus rendering the vaccine ineffective. To lower this possibility in our design, we eliminated all rapidly evolving genes of C. auris with positive selection. We further employed highly conserved regions of multiple C. auris strains and identified two immunogenic and antigenic T-cell epitopes that could generate the most effective immune response against C. auris. The antigenicity scores of our predicted vaccine candidates were calculated as 0.85 and 1.88 where 0.5 is the threshold for prediction of fungal antigenic sequences. Based on our results, we conclude that our vaccine candidates have the potential to be successfully employed for the treatment of C. auris infection. However, in vivo experiments are imperative to further demonstrate the efficacy of our design.

Cumulative human health risk analysis of trihalomethanes exposure in drinking water systems

Chlorinated compounds on reaction with natural organic substances present in water leads to the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), a major type of disinfection by-products (DBPs). Trihalomethanes (THMs) are the most widely investigated DBPs in drinking water systems because of their carcinogenic potential and subsequent adverse effects on human health. This study investigated the effect of gastro-intestinal absorption factor on human health risk assessment. Monitoring and analysis of water quality parameters and THMs levels in drinking water treatment plants revealed that the average values (306.5 μg/L) exceeded the recommended US EPA guidelines of 80 μg/L. Spearman rank (rho) correlation coefficient indicated that dissolved organic carbon is the major parameter influencing THMs formation. Monte Carlo simulations base risk assessment study was conducted for three different exposure pathways. The observed human health risk exposure effects due to THMs were below the recommended USEPA level (1.0 × 10^-6) for both the drinking water treatment plants. Seasonal disparity on risk estimation analysis revealed higher risk in summer season followed by autumn which is principally due to high concentration of THMs in summers.

Evaluation of Progesterone Receptor Antagonist and Maxi-K Channel Agonist as Neuroprotective in Feeney's Weight Drop Model of TBI

Background

Neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an unmet medical need.

Objective

We evaluated two agents, aglepristone (progesterone receptor antagonist) and N-salicyloyltryptamine (STP) (activator of Maxi-K channel in GH3 cells), for neuroprotection in Feeney's weight drop model of TBI.

Material and Methods

Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 8 per group). A battery of six neurobehavioral tests was evaluated at the end of the first week (EO1W), second week (EO2W), and third week (EO3W). In addition, histopathological and immunohistochemistry (BAX, Bcl-2, and M30 Cytodeath) tests were performed at EO3W.

Results

Aglepristone at 10 mg/kg showed significant neuroprotection compared to control as assessed by Rota-rod test at EO1W, VEFP right paw and 28-point neurobehavioral test at EO2W, MWM test at EO3W, and positive histopathological and IHC findings. Aglepristone at 20 mg/kg showed negative results as assessed by BAX expression, downregulation of Bcl-2, and positive M30 Cytodeath, thereby suggesting toxicity at higher doses. STP 100 mg/kg showed modest neuroprotective activity but failed to show a dose-response relationship at a dose of 50 mg/kg.

Conclusion

The study shows that progesterone receptor antagonists have neuroprotection at lower doses and toxicity at higher doses.

Meta-analyses of the quantitative computed tomography data in dialysis patients show differential impacts of renal failure on the trabecular and cortical bones

Dialysis patients have compromised bone health that increases their fracture risk due to low bone mass and deterioration in bone microarchitecture. Through meta-analyses of published studies, we conclude that dialysis patients suffer from impaired compartmental bone parameters compared with healthy controls.

INTRODUCTION

We performed meta-analyses to determine the effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients under dialysis on the trabecular and cortical parameters of radius and tibia.

METHODS

This is a meta-analysis of cross-sectional and prospective clinical studies. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched using various permutation combinations. Dialysis patients were compared with non-CKD healthy controls using quantitative computed tomography. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and pQCT data of dialysis patients were dissected from eligible studies for pooled analysis of each parameter.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria that included data from 457 dialysis patients and 2134 controls. Pooled analysis showed a significant decrease (a) in total vBMD at distal radius [standard deviation of the mean (SDM) = -0.842, p = 0.000] and tibia (SMD = -0.705, p = 0.000) and (b) in cortical vBMD (SDM = -1.037, p = 0.000) at radius of dialysis patients compared with control. There were strong correlations between total vBMD and microarchitecture parameters at tibia in dialysis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

At radius and tibia, bone mass, microarchitecture, and geometry at trabecular and cortical envelopes displayed impairments in dialysis patients compared with control. Tibial vBMD may have diagnostic value in dialysis. HR-pQCT and pQCT may be used to further understand the compartmental bones response to CKD-induced loss at different stages of CKD.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perception of 398 cancer patients toward participation in clinical trials: A single-center study from New Delhi, India

Background and Objective:

Clinical trials are considered to be the gold standard research methodology for evaluating the efficacy and safety of healthcare interventions.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using standardized self-administered questionnaires prepared by the research team and statistician. The questionnaires were offered to cancer patients presented at a tertiary care center.

Results:

We surveyed 398 cancer patients, 193 (48.5%) males and 205 (51.5%) females with a mean (±standard deviation) 55.39 (±13.59) of age in years. Out of total, only 59 (14.82%) had the prior knowledge of the clinical trial. Forty-three (10.80%) participants were willing to participate in clinical trials.

Conclusion:

Cancer patients had preconceived notions and myths that linger in our society that clinical trial participation will harm them. The researchers/oncologists need to explore the rationale, objectives, and benefits of taking part in clinical trials and make it easy to understand by cancer patients.

Innovator Filgrastim versus Generic Filgrastim in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Mobilization

Methods This is a retrospective study. G-CSF was administered in the dose of 10 μg/kg subcutaneous as a single dose for 4 days. On day 5, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) apheresis was performed using Haemonetics MCS plus or COBE Spectra apheresis machine through a double-lumen central venous catheter. Primary outcome parameters were the total number of CD34+ HSCs/kg of recipient weight mobilized in peripheral blood and the number of days required for neutrophil and platelets engraftment, respectively.

Objective We compared the effectiveness and safety of innovator filgrastim versus generic filgrastim in patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Results A total of 91 stem cell mobilizations was analyzed. There were 58 normal healthy donors for allogeneic HSCT and 33 patients for autologous HSCT. There was no statistically significant difference among groups in terms of total collected CD34+ cells value ( p = 0.609). The mean time to neutrophil engraftment was 13.7 days in the innovator group and 13.2 days in the Grafeel group ( p = 0.518). The mean time to platelet engraftment was 16.2 days in the innovator group and 14.8 days in the generic group ( p = 0.435). The patient who received generic filgrastim had more febrile episodes during the course of transplantation ( p = 0.020).

Conclusion Generic filgrastim was found to be comparable to original filgrastim for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization in normal healthy donors for allogeneic HSCT and patients for autologous HSCT.

An Ebola, Neisseria and Trypanosoma human protein interaction census reveals a conserved human protein cluster targeted by various human pathogens

Filovirus ebolavirus (ZE; Zaire ebolavirus, Bundibugyo ebolavirus), Neisseria meningitidis (NM), and Trypanosoma brucei (Tb) are serious infectious pathogens, spanning viruses, bacteria and protists and all may target the blood and central nervous system during their life cycle. NM and Tb are extracellular pathogens while ZE is obligatory intracellular, targetting immune privileged sites. By using interactomics and comparative evolutionary analysis we studied whether conserved human proteins are targeted by these pathogens. We examined 2797 unique pathogen-targeted human proteins. The information derived from orthology searches of experimentally validated protein-protein interactions (PPIs) resulted both in unique and shared PPIs for each pathogen. Comparing and analyzing conserved and pathogen-specific infection pathways for NM, TB and ZE, we identified human proteins predicted to be targeted in at least two of the compared host-pathogen networks. However, four proteins were common to all three host-pathogen interactomes: the elongation factor 1-alpha 1 (EEF1A1), the SWI/SNF complex subunit SMARCC2 (matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily C), the dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide--protein glycosyltransferase subunit 1 (RPN1), and the tubulin beta-5 chain (TUBB). These four human proteins all are also involved in cytoskeleton and its regulation and are often addressed by various human pathogens. Specifically, we found (i) 56 human pathogenic bacteria and viruses that target these four proteins, (ii) the well researched new pandemic pathogen SARS-CoV-2 targets two of these four human proteins and (iii) nine human pathogenic fungi (yet another evolutionary distant organism group) target three of the conserved proteins by 130 high confidence interactions.

Role of postoperative intact serum PTH as an early predictor of severe post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a major sequel of thyroidectomy and continues to trouble the endocrinologists and the endocrine surgeons as there is no ideal predictive marker of hypocalcemia which has the potential to develop into a life-threatening complication. The role of early serum intact parathormone (iPTH) to predict post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is becoming useful but the literature is still unclear regarding the optimal time of testing and the optimal cut-off value of serum iPTH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study of 111 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a tertiary care endocrine surgery referral unit. Serum iPTH was measured after 20 min and 4 h of surgery. Receiver-Operator characteristic Curve (ROC) was used to find out of the best cut-off value of S. iPTH 20 min and 4 h after surgery in predicting hypocalcemia.

RESULTS

Hypocalcemia was noted in 60 (54%) out of 111 subjects who underwent total thyroidectomy. The best cut-off values of Serum iPTH to predict hypocalcemia was found to be 4.28 pmol/l at 20 min post total thyroidectomy with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.7% and 51%, respectively. In addition, patients with malignancy or central lymph nodal dissection were significantly over-represented in the hypocalcemia group with serum iPTH above the threshold level of 4.28 pmol/l. Below the cut off level, parenteral calcium supplementation was required in 23% (17/74) subjects while the rate was only 5.4% (2/37) patients when serum iPTH was above the cut-off level.

CONCLUSIONS

The decline of serum iPTH below a specific level after surgery has predictive value together with other factors strictly related to patient, the thyroid disease itself and surgery. The risk of development of hypocalcemia and consequent need for calcium supplementation should be evaluated by clinical assessment along with serum PTH measurement.

Genetic Gains in Pearl Millet in India: Insights Into Historic Breeding Strategies and Future Perspective

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum R. Br.) is an important staple and nutritious food crop in the semiarid and arid ecologies of South Asia (SA) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In view of climate change, depleting water resources, and widespread malnutrition, there is a need to accelerate the rate of genetic gains in pearl millet productivity. This review discusses past strategies and future approaches to accelerate genetic gains to meet future demand. Pearl millet breeding in India has historically evolved very comprehensively from open-pollinated varieties development to hybrid breeding. Availability of stable cytoplasmic male sterility system with adequate restorers and strategic use of genetic resources from India and SSA laid the strong foundation of hybrid breeding. Genetic and cytoplasmic diversification of hybrid parental lines, periodic replacement of hybrids, and breeding disease-resistant and stress-tolerant cultivars have been areas of very high priority. As a result, an annual yield increase of 4% has been realized in the last three decades. There is considerable scope to further accelerate the efforts on hybrid breeding for drought-prone areas in SA and SSA. Heterotic grouping of hybrid parental lines is essential to sustain long-term genetic gains. Time is now ripe for mainstreaming of the nutritional traits improvement in pearl millet breeding programs. New opportunities are emerging to improve the efficiency and precision of breeding. Development and application of high-throughput genomic tools, speed breeding, and precision phenotyping protocols need to be intensified to exploit a huge wealth of native genetic variation available in pearl millet to accelerate the genetic gains.

Clinical utility of procalcitonin in bacterial infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Infections are major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing bone marrow transplant (BMT).

OBJECTIVE

To assess role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a useful biomarker for the infections and outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study.

RESULTS

Total 47 patients with febrile episodes were enrolled. Twenty patients underwent autologous BMT and 27 underwent allogeneic BMT. Bacterial infections were documented in 18/47 (38%) patients. Forty patients were neutropenic. The median fever duration was 10 days (range 3-30 days) in positive procalcitonin level group whereas it was 4 days (range 1-18) in negative group. This was statistically significant (P=0.000). Procalcitonin levels were high in 8/9 episodes of sepsis (P=0.029). Intensive care unit transfers and death were significantly higher in PCT positive group as compared to PCT negative group.

CONCLUSION

Serum procalcitonin levels provide prognostic information of worse outcome in patients undergoing HSCT.

Potential adjuvants for the development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on experimental results from similar coronaviruses

The extensive efforts around the globe are being made to develop a suitable vaccine against COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2). An effective vaccine should be able to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies to prevent the virus from attaching to the host cell receptors. However, to elicit the protective levels of antibodies, a vaccine may require multiple doses or assistance from other immunostimulatory molecules. Further, the vaccine should be able to induce protective levels of antibodies rapidly with the least amount of antigen used. This decreases the cost of a vaccine and makes it affordable. As the pandemic has hit most countries across the globe, there will be an overwhelming demand for the vaccine in a quick time. Incorporating a suitable adjuvant in a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may address these requirements. This review paper will discuss the experimental results of the adjuvanted vaccine studies with similar coronaviruses (CoVs) which might be useful to select an appropriate adjuvant for a vaccine against rapidly emergingSARS-CoV-2. We also discuss the current progress in the development of adjuvanted vaccines against the disease.

IFTAK technique: An advanced Ksharsutra technique for management of fistula in ano

Fistula in ano is mostnotorious disease among all the ano-rectal disorders since antiquity. Over the past few decades, various techniques are being evaluated in terms to prevent its recurrence and complications, but despite more than two millennia of efforts, fistula in ano still remains a perplexing surgical disease. The sign and symptoms of fistula in ano resembles with Bhagandara described in Ayurveda classics. For the management of this painful disease many treatment modalities are enumerated in Ayurveda classics and Ksharsutra therapy is one among them which is proved to be gold standard. Though Ksharsutra therapy is big revolution in the field of fistula in ano, but it has some disadvantages like it is time consuming process, severe post-procedural pain, big scar mark. So, in present era IFTAK is emerging as an advanced innovative technique for the management of fistula in ano along with betterment in the consequences of conventional method of Ksharsutra therapy. In the present case report, IFTAK (Interception of Fistulous tract and application of Ksharsutra) technique is used in trans sphincteric fistula in ano which showed a great potential in management by minimizing the duration of treatment, mild post procedural pain and minimum scar mark.

Hyperinsulinemia and Hypoadiponectinemia are Associated with Increased Risk for Occurrence of Ovarian Cancer in Non-diabetic Women of North Indian Population

Ovarian cancer has been emerged as a most common and lethal gynecological malignancy in India. High serum insulin and low adiponectin have been associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. But their role in development of ovarian cancer is conflicting and little evidence is available. We aimed to evaluate blood levels of insulin and adiponectin in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and their association with the risk to develop EOC. The study included following three groups; Group 1: fifty cases of cytohistopathologically confirmed cases of EOC, Group 2: fifty age matched cases of benign ovarian conditions and Group 3: fifty ages matched healthy controls with no evidence of any benign or malignant ovarian pathology as ruled out by clinical examination and relevant investigations. Cytohistopathologically confirmed and newly diagnosed cases of EOC and benign ovarian cancer were included in this study. The median value of fasting serum insulin was significantly high (15.0 µlU/ml, P = 0.02) and adiponectin were significantly low (5.1 µg/ml, P < 0.001) in ovarian cancer patients compared to benign ovarian tumors and healthy controls group. A significant increase risk of ovarian cancer was found in high tertile (≥ 18.7 µlU/ml) of serum insulin level (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.00-6.67, P = 0.04) and lower tertile (≤ 5.45 µg/ml) of adiponectin level (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.10-9.71, P = 0.03). High serum insulin level and low adiponectin levels were significantly associated with increased risk for development of ovarian cancer.

Development and analysis of a sustainable garbage disposal model for environmental management under uncertainty

Environmental management is one of the most challenging tasks due to growing population and urbanization. Quadratic programming (QP) in operations research happens to be well equipped to deal with such issues. The present study develops and analyzes a generalized concave QP optimization model having interval parameters with an aim to handle garbage disposal model having a sustainable futuristic vision. Moreover, the model does away with the fundamental requirement of segregated waste at the source itself. The proposed algorithm finds the infimum and supremum of the objective function by first splitting it into two bi-level submodels. Both of the submodels are then investigated subject to the interval parameters in the objective function as well as in the constraints. The solution methodology of the proposed algorithm is explained with the help of a numerical example dealing with concave optimization followed by its application to environmental management. The comparison through figures with the existing models establishes its ecological and economical sustainability through prospective expansion.

Decompressive craniectomy in pediatric non-traumatic intracranial hypertension: a single center experience

Purpose: To study the clinical profile and predictors of outcome in children undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) for non-traumatic intracranial hypertension (ICH).Materials and methods: Mixed observational study of children, aged 1 month-12 years, who underwent DC for non-traumatic ICH in a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit from 2012 to 2017. Data on clinical profile and outcome were retrieved retrospectively and survivors were assessed prospectively. The primary outcome was neurological outcome using Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) at minimum 6 months' post-discharge. GOS-E of 1-4 were classified as a poor and 5-8 as a good outcome.Results: Thirty children, median (IQR) age of 6.5 (2, 50) months, underwent DC; of which 26 (86.7%) were boys. Altered sensorium (n = 26, 86.7%), seizures (n = 25, 83.3%), pallor (n = 19, 63.3%) and anisocoria (n = 14, 46.7%) were common signs and symptoms. Median (IQR) Glasgow Coma Scale at admission was 9 (6,11). Commonest etiology was intracranial bleed (n = 24; 80%). Median (IQR) time to DC was 24 (24,72) h. Eight (26.7%) children died; 2 during PICU stay and 6 during follow-up. Neurological sequelae at discharge (n = 28) were seizures (n = 25; 89.2%) and hemiparesis (n = 16; 57.1%). Twenty-one children were followed-up at median (IQR) duration of 12 (6,54) months. Good neurological outcome was seen in 14/29 (48.2%) and hemiparesis in 10/21 (47.6%) patients. On regression analysis, anisocoria at admission was an independent predictor of poor outcome [OR 7.33; 95%CI: 1.38-38.87; p = 0.019].Conclusions: DC is beneficial in children with non-traumatic ICH due to a focal pathology and midline shift. Evidence on indications and timing of DC in NTC is still evolving.

Identification of heterotic groups in South-Asian-bred hybrid parents of pearl millet

Pearl millet breeding programs can use this heterotic group information on seed and restorer parents to generate new series of pearl millet hybrids having higher yields than the existing hybrids. Five hundred and eighty hybrid parents, 320 R- and 260 B-lines, derived from 6 pearl millet breeding programs in India, genotyped following RAD-GBS (about 0.9 million SNPs) clustered into 12 R- and 7 B-line groups. With few exceptions, hybrid parents of all the breeding programs were found distributed across all the marker-based groups suggesting good diversity in these programs. Three hundred and twenty hybrids generated using 37 (22 R and 15 B) representative parents, evaluated for grain yield at four locations in India, showed significant differences in yield, heterosis, and combining ability. Across all the hybrids, mean mid- and better-parent heterosis for grain yield was 84.0% and 60.5%, respectively. Groups G12 B × G12 R and G10 B × G12 R had highest heterosis of about 10% over best check hybrid Pioneer 86M86. The parents involved in heterotic hybrids were mainly from the groups G4R, G10B, G12B, G12R, and G13B. Based on the heterotic performance and combining ability of groups, 2 B-line (HGB-1 and HGB-2) and 2 R-line (HGR-1 and HGR-2) heterotic groups were identified. Hybrids from HGB-1 × HGR-1 and HGB-2 × HGR-1 showed grain yield heterosis of 10.6 and 9.3%, respectively, over best hybrid check. Results indicated that parental groups can be formed first by molecular markers, which may not predict the best hybrid combination, but it can reveal a practical value of assigning existing and new hybrid pearl millet parental lines into heterotic groups to develop high-yielding hybrids from the different heterotic groups.

Genome-wide inference of the Camponotus floridanus protein-protein interaction network using homologous mapping and interacting domain profile pairs

Apart from some model organisms, the interactome of most organisms is largely unidentified. High-throughput experimental techniques to determine protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are resource intensive and highly susceptible to noise. Computational methods of PPI determination can accelerate biological discovery by identifying the most promising interacting pairs of proteins and by assessing the reliability of identified PPIs. Here we present a first in-depth study describing a global view of the ant Camponotus floridanus interactome. Although several ant genomes have been sequenced in the last eight years, studies exploring and investigating PPIs in ants are lacking. Our study attempts to fill this gap and the presented interactome will also serve as a template for determining PPIs in other ants in future. Our C. floridanus interactome covers 51,866 non-redundant PPIs among 6,274 proteins, including 20,544 interactions supported by domain-domain interactions (DDIs), 13,640 interactions supported by DDIs and subcellular localization, and 10,834 high confidence interactions mediated by 3,289 proteins. These interactions involve and cover 30.6% of the entire C. floridanus proteome.

Next-generation sequencing reveals significant variations in bacterial compositions across the gastrointestinal tracts of the Indian major carps, rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosis)

Bacterial communities strongly influence the digestion, health and immune status of fish. This study investigates the microbial distribution of the anterior, middle and distal gut sections of three economically important carp species in Bangladesh, rohu, catla and mrigal (commonly known as Indian major carps), using 16S rRNA-based Illumina sequencing technology. The alpha-diversity measurement with one-way ANOVA indicated high species richness, Shannon and Simpson indices in the middle and distal gut, while the anterior gut of IMCs had the lowest diversity. At the phylum level, there was high abundance of Proteobacteria in the GITs of rohu and mrigal, whereas Fusobacteria was dominant in the anterior and middle guts of catla. At the genus level, diverse microbial communities were identified across the three GIT sections, with six indicator genera found in rohu, catla and mrigal, as revealed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) at a 0·05 level of significance. Of the 218 genera identified, only 33 were common across the anterior, middle and distal guts of all three species. Bacterial diversity was significantly higher (P < 0·05) in mrigal, followed by catla and rohu, respectively. Alongside the common bacteria Aeromonas, Enterobacter and Serratia, the overwhelming abundance of Cetobacterium, Shewanella and Plesiomonas warrants further investigation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study investigates the microbial communities of the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of three Indian major carp (IMC) species-rohu, catla and mrigal, obtained from a polyculture pond under the same feeding regime. Diverse microbial communities were found, with significantly different relative abundances and diversities of phyla and genera. The results provide valuable information on GIT microbial communities that may be useful for nutrition and health management in IMCs.

Spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage in children-intensive care needs and predictors of in-hospital mortality: a 10-year single-centre experience

PURPOSE

Spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) in children, although uncommon, is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Paediatric data is however limited.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Case records of 105 children with SICH, > 1 month to 12 years, admitted to a tertiary level PICU of a teaching and referral hospital between January 2009 and May 2018 were analysed retrospectively. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Variables between survivors and non-survivors were compared to  determine predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) age of subjects was 6 (2.25, 70) months. Common clinical features were altered sensorium (n = 87, 82.9%), seizures (n = 73, 69.5%), pallor (n = 66, 62.9%) and bulging anterior fontanelle (n = 52, 49.5%). Median (IQR) Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at admission was 10 (6, 13) with herniation noted in 27 (25.7%) children. Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) were the most common etiology for bleeding among infants and older children respectively. The most common site of bleeding was intracerebral (n = 47, 44.8%) followed by subdural (n = 26; 24.8%). Sixteen (15.2%) children died during hospital stay. On univariate analysis, GCS < 8, Pediatric Risk of Mortality score (PRISM III) > 20, need for intubation, thiopentone coma for refractory intracranial pressure (ICP) and progression to shock and acute kidney injury (AKI) predicted mortality. Seizures were favourably associated with survival. Age, site of bleeding, etiology or type of management for raised ICP (conservative versus decompressive craniectomy) did not affect the outcome. On multivariable analysis, progression to AKI (OR 5.86; 95% CI, 1.53-22.4; p 0.01) predicted poor outcome. Seizures, however, were associated with better odds for survival (OR 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03-0.47; p 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

VKDB and AVM were the common etiologies among infants and older children respectively. Age, site, etiology of bleeding and type of management did not affect outcome. Severe decompensation at presentation, thiopentone for refractory ICP and progression to multiorgan dysfunction determined mortality.

Aspergillus fumigatus Challenged by Human Dendritic Cells: Metabolic and Regulatory Pathway Responses Testify a Tight Battle

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells which serve as a passage between the innate and the acquired immunity. Aspergillosis is a major lethal condition in immunocompromised patients caused by the adaptable saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The healthy human immune system is capable to ward off A. fumigatus infections however immune-deficient patients are highly vulnerable to invasive aspergillosis. A. fumigatus can persist during infection due to its ability to survive the immune response of human DCs. Therefore, the study of the metabolism specific to the context of infection may allow us to gain insight into the adaptation strategies of both the pathogen and the immune cells. We established a metabolic model of A. fumigatus central metabolism during infection of DCs and calculated the metabolic pathway (elementary modes; EMs). Transcriptome data were used to identify pathways activated when A. fumigatus is challenged with DCs. In particular, amino acid metabolic pathways, alternative carbon metabolic pathways and stress regulating enzymes were found to be active. Metabolic flux modeling identified further active enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase, inositol oxygenase and GTP cyclohydrolase participating in different stress responses in A. fumigatus. These were further validated by qRT-PCR from RNA extracted under these different conditions. For DCs, we outlined the activation of metabolic pathways in response to the confrontation with A. fumigatus. We found the fatty acid metabolism plays a crucial role, along with other metabolic changes. The gene expression data and their analysis illuminate additional regulatory pathways activated in the DCs apart from interleukin regulation. In particular, Toll-like receptor signaling, NOD-like receptor signaling and RIG-I-like receptor signaling were active pathways. Moreover, we identified subnetworks and several novel key regulators such as UBC, EGFR, and CUL3 of DCs to be activated in response to A. fumigatus. In conclusion, we analyze the metabolic and regulatory responses of A. fumigatus and DCs when confronted with each other.

Depression and all-cause mortality risk in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected US veterans: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The contribution of depression to mortality in adults with and without HIV infection is unclear. We hypothesized that depression increases mortality risk and that this association is stronger among those with HIV infection.

METHODS

Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) data were analysed from the first clinic visit on or after 1 April 2003 (baseline) to 30 September 2015. Depression definitions were: (1) major depressive disorder defined using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes; (2) depressive symptoms defined as Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 scores ≥ 10. The outcome was all-cause mortality. Covariates were demographics, comorbid conditions and health behaviours.

RESULTS

Among 129 140 eligible participants, 30% had HIV infection, 16% had a major depressive disorder diagnosis, and 24% died over a median follow-up time of 11 years. The death rate was 25.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 25.0-25.6] deaths per 1000 person-years. Major depressive disorder was associated with mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.04; 95% CI 1.01, 1.07]. This association was modified by HIV status (interaction P-value = 0.02). In HIV-stratified analyses, depression was significantly associated with mortality among HIV-uninfected veterans but not among those with HIV infection. Among those with PHQ-9 data (n = 7372), 50% had HIV infection, 22% had PHQ-9 scores ≥ 10, and 28% died over a median follow-up time of 12 years. The death rate was 27.3 (95% CI 26.1-28.5) per 1000 person-years. Depressive symptoms were associated with mortality (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04, 1.28). This association was modified by HIV status (interaction P-value = 0.05). In HIV-stratified analyses, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with mortality among veterans with HIV infection but not among those without HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression was associated with all-cause mortality. This association was modified by HIV status and method of depression ascertainment.

Measurement of the Electrical Properties of a Thundercloud Through Muon Imaging by the GRAPES-3 Experiment

The GRAPES-3 muon telescope located in Ooty, India records rapid (∼10  min) variations in the muon intensity during major thunderstorms. Out of a total of 184 thunderstorms recorded during the interval of April 2011-December 2014, the one on December 1, 2014 produced a massive potential of 1.3 GV. The electric field measured by four well-separated (up to 6 km) monitors on the ground was used to help estimate some of the properties of this thundercloud, including its altitude and area that were found to be 11.4 km above mean sea level and ≥380  km^{2}, respectively. A charging time of 6 min to reach 1.3 GV implied the delivery of a power of ≥2  GW by this thundercloud that was moving at a speed of ∼60  km h^{-1}. This work possibly provides the first direct evidence for the generation of gigavolt potentials in thunderclouds that could also possibly explain the production of highest-energy (100 MeV) gamma rays in the terrestrial gamma-ray flashes.

Prevalence and association of co-morbidities in diabetic patients along with prescription patterns in Delhi-NCT, India

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is rising at an alarming rate in India and the national capital forms a significant part of the nation's diabetic population. The metabolic disorder is no more a disease specific to the rich countries but has also markedly spread its roots in middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the prevalence of associated co-morbidities in the diabetic population of Delhi, a metropolitan city in India. Moreover, this study was conducted to help with adding information to the limited shreds of evidence of diabetes prevalence in Delhi along with the usually preferred therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational, survey-based study was conducted on people (n = 798) of different age groups (18 years and above) belonging to different regions of Delhi. All subjects were enrolled after obtaining oral consent. Detailed information about clinical, demographic and metabolic profiles was obtained with the help of a pre-structured, open-ended questionnaire. The data were analyzed, and the correlation between diabetes and several other fields was drawn.

RESULTS

Out of the 798 diabetic patients 458 (57.39%) were males and 340 (42.60%) were females. The presence of diabetes was higher in the age group of 50-60 years irrespective of the gender.

CO-MORBIDITIES

54.13% of patients suffered with additional co-morbidities which is significantly high. The associated co-morbidities found in the survey included Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, Dyslipidemia, Obesity, Coronary Artery Diseases etc. About 30.57% of patients suffered from hypertension making it the most commonly associated co-morbidity. The other diseases included hypothyroidism (11.52%), Dyslipidemia (10.27%), Obesity (9.27%) etc. MEDICATION: Majority of patients i.e about 60.65% received oral hypoglycemic agents (including patients receiving both insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents). About 19.92% of patients were prescribed with insulin. 14.16% of patients were found to be following diet control and yoga with about 3.13% more females the males. A small percentage of patients (5.25%) were also following alternative systems (Ayurvedic/Unani/Homeopathic) of treatment. Overall, amongst oral hypoglycemic agents, the combination of metformin and DPP4 inhibitors (Vildagliptin, Sitagliptin) was being prescribed majorly i.e 16.41%.

CONCLUSION

The number of diabetic population is high in Delhi. It was evident that a significant percentage of diabetic patients suffered from additional diseases that may lead to worsening of the health conditions. Thus, there is an urgent need to educate and spread awareness amongst the masses about the potential benefits of lifestyle modifications like the incorporation of a healthy diet and physical activities. Additionally, continuous and regular tests should be taken to avoid further complications.

Microscopic characterisation of photodetectors used in the hadron calorimeter of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment

The Hybrid Photodetector (HPD) is a hybrid unit with a single accelerating gap between a common photocathode and an array of PIN diodes. Customised HPDs with 19 channels were used to detect scintillation light from hadron calorimeter in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. In this paper, we present results on radiation damage studies carried out on the used HPDs in the outer hadron (HO) and the end-cap hadron (HE) calorimeter of the CMS experiment operating at CERN. The calorimeter is made of alternating layers of scintillating tiles and metals, such as brass or iron. The scintillating light was transmitted to the HPDs by means of optical fibres. Due to excessive exposure to scintillation light and ionising radiation during data taking at the Large Hadron Collider, the performance of the HPDs was expected to degrade significantly in the HE detector. Independent studies on radiation damage of these used photosensors were important to assess the degradation in the performance of the calorimeter. Microscopic scans of relative photon detection efficiencies for two HPDs (one each from HO and HE detector) were made using micron resolution optical scanner. The scanner was specially designed and built for microscopic characterisation of photosensors. Imprints of each fibre (∼1 mm in diameter) on the photocathode with varying damage within the same pixel of the HPD were observed. The localised damage of the photocathode was determined to vary with the amount of scintillation (or calibration) light transmitted by optical fibres to the HPD.

Clinical safety profile of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel in 1208 patients: Real world evidence

Introduction

Dual antiplatelet treatment is recommended by current clinical practice guidelines for patients undergoing PCI. The PLATO trial showed superiority of ticagrelor to clopidogrel in reducing the rate of death from vascular causes, myocardial infarction and stroke without increase in the rate of overall major bleeding in ACS patients. However, real world evidence in Indian patients is limited. The objective of this study is to compare safety profile of ticagrelor with clopidogrel in real world settings.

Methodology

In this single centered retrospective observational study, a total of 1208 serial patient records undergoing PCI (ACS and stable angina patients as well) treated with Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel were collected and analyzed to look into in hospital outcomes. We excluded the patient’s data that were incomplete.

Results

In total of 1208 patients, 604 patients received ticagrelor and similarly 604 patient received clopidogrel. No significant differences in the rates of major life threatening bleeding and any major bleeding were observed between ticagrelor and clopidogrel group (0.2% (n = 1) vs. 0.7% (n = 4), p = 0.18 and 2.8% (n = 17) vs. 3% (n = 18), p = 0.86 respectively). There was increase in minor bleeding rate with ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel (21.4% & 13.6%, p = 0.00).

Conclusion

In the real world settings, patients undergoing PCI treated with ticagrelor showed similar safety profile compared to clopidogrel but with increase in minor bleeding rate. The observed results were in alignment with PLATO clinical trial.

Omics and bioinformatics applied to vaccine development against Borrelia

Borrelia burgdorferi is an extracellular spirochete that causes Lyme disease. Currently, no effective vaccine is available for humans and animals except for dogs. In the present study, an extensive bioinformatics pipeline was established to predict new candidates that can be used for vaccine development including building the protein-protein interaction network based on orthologues of experimentally verified protein-protein interaction networks, elucidation of the proteins involved in the immune response, selection of the topologically-interesting proteins and their prioritization based on their antigenicity. Proteomic network analysis yielded an interactome network with 120 nodes with 97 interactions. Proteins were selected to obtain a subnet containing only the borrelial membrane proteins and immune-related host proteins. This strategy resulted in the selection of 15 borrelial targets, which were subjected to extensive bioinformatics analysis to predict their antigenic properties. Based on the strategy applied in this study the proteins encoded by erpX (ErpX proteins, UniProt ID: H7C7L6), erpL (ErpL protein, UniProt ID: H7C7M3) and erpY (ErpY protein, UniProt ID: Q9S0D9) are suggested as a novel set of vaccine targets to control Lyme disease. Moreover, five different tools were used to validate their antigenicity regarding B-cells. The combination of all these proteins in a vaccine should allow improved protection against Borrelia infection.

Delay in antibiotic therapy results in fatal disease outcome in murine pneumococcal pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a major cause of death worldwide. Mechanisms underlying the detrimental outcome despite adequate antibiotic therapy and comorbidity management are still not fully understood.

METHODS

To model timely versus delayed antibiotic therapy in patients, mice with pneumococcal pneumonia received ampicillin twice a day starting early (24 h) or late (48 h) after infection. Clinical readouts and local and systemic inflammatory mediators after early and late antibiotic intervention were examined.

RESULTS

Early antibiotic intervention rescued mice, limited clinical symptoms and restored fitness, whereas delayed therapy resulted in high mortality rates. Recruitment of innate immune cells remained unaffected by antibiotic therapy. However, both early and late antibiotic intervention dampened local levels of inflammatory mediators in the alveolar spaces. Early treatment protected from barrier breakdown, and reduced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and perivascular and alveolar edema formation. In contrast, at 48 h post infection, increased pulmonary leakage was apparent and not reversed by late antibiotic treatment. Concurrently, levels of VEGF remained high and no beneficial effect on edema formation was evident despite therapy. Moreover, early but not late treatment protected mice from a vast systemic inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that only early antibiotic therapy, administered prior to breakdown of the alveolar-capillary barrier and systemic inflammation, led to restored fitness and rescued mice from fatal streptococcal pneumonia. The findings highlight the importance of identifying CAP patients prior to lung barrier failure and systemic inflammation and of handling CAP as a medical emergency.

Inheritance and Allelic Relationship Among Downy Mildew Resistance Genes in Pearl Millet

Pearl millet downy mildew (DM), caused by Sclerospora graminicola, is of serious economic concern to pearl millet farmers in the major crop-growing areas of the world. To study the inheritance and allelic relationship among genes governing resistance to this disease, three DM-resistant pearl millet lines (834B, IP 18294-P1, and IP 18298-P1) and one susceptible line (81B) were selected on the basis of disease reaction under greenhouse conditions against two isolates of S. graminicola (Sg 526-1 and Sg 542-1). Three resistant parents were crossed with the susceptible parent to generate F₁, F₂, and backcross BC₁P₁ (susceptible parent × F₁) and BC₁P₂ (resistant parent × F₁) generations for inheritance study. To carry out a test for allelism, the three resistant parents were crossed with each other to generate F₁ and F₂ generations. The different generations of these crosses were screened for disease reaction against two isolates (Sg 526-1 and Sg 542-1) by artificial inoculation under greenhouse conditions. The segregation pattern of resistance in the F₂ and corresponding backcross generations revealed that resistance to DM is controlled by a single dominant gene in 834B and IP 18294-P1 and by two dominant genes in IP 18298-P1. A test for allelism inferred that a single dominant gene for resistance in 834B is nonallelic to that which governs resistance in IP 18294-1, whereas one of the two dominant genes for DM resistance in IP 18298-P1 against the test isolates is allelic to the gene for DM resistance in 834B and a second gene is allelic to the resistance gene present in IP 18294-P1.

Quantifying pearl millet response to high temperature stress: thresholds, sensitive stages, genetic variability and relative sensitivity of pollen and pistil

The objectives were to (1) quantify high temperature (HT) stress impacts at different growth stages (season long, booting to seed-set and booting to maturity) on various yield components; (2) identify the most sensitive stage(s) to short episodes of HT stress during reproductive development; (3) understand the genetic variations for HT stress tolerance based on cardinal temperatures for pollen germination; and (4) determine relative sensitivity of pollen and pistil to HT stress and associated tolerance or susceptible mechanisms in pearl millet. High temperature stress (≥36/26°C) imposed at different stages and durations caused decrease in number of seeds, individual seed weight and seed yield. Two periods (10-12 days and 2-0 days before anthesis) were identified as most sensitive to short episodes of stress, causing maximum decreases in pollen germination percentage and seeds numbers. HT stresses of ≥36/26°C results in floret sterility. Pistils were relatively more sensitive than pollen grains, causing decreased number of seeds and seed yield. HT stress increased the reactive oxygen species contents and decreased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in both pollen and pistils. Under HT stress, pistils had relatively higher reactive oxygen species and lower antioxidant enzymes activity compared with pollen grains, which explains greater susceptibility of pistils.

Reliability of histologic assessment in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

The validity of the eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) histologic scoring system (EoEHSS) has been demonstrated, but only preliminary reliability data exist.

AIM

Formally assess the reliability of the EoEHSS and additional histologic features.

METHODS

Four expert gastrointestinal pathologists independently reviewed slides from adult patients with EoE (N = 45) twice, in random order, using standardised training materials and scoring conventions for the EoEHSS and additional histologic features agreed upon during a modified Delphi process. Intra- and inter-rater reliability for scoring the EoEHSS, a visual analogue scale (VAS) of overall histopathologic disease severity, and additional histologic features were assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs).

RESULTS

Almost perfect intra-rater reliability was observed for the composite EoEHSS scores and the VAS. Inter-rater reliability was also almost perfect for the composite EoEHSS scores and substantial for the VAS. Of the EoEHSS items, eosinophilic inflammation was associated with the highest ICC estimates and consistent with almost perfect intra- and inter-rater reliability. With the exception of dyskeratotic epithelial cells and surface epithelial alteration, ICC estimates for the remaining EoEHSS items were above the benchmarks for substantial intra-rater, and moderate inter-rater reliability. Estimation of peak eosinophil count and number of lamina propria eosinophils were associated with the highest ICC estimates among the exploratory items.

CONCLUSION

The composite EoEHSS and most component items are associated with substantial reliability when assessed by central pathologists. Future studies should assess responsiveness of the score to change after a therapeutic intervention to facilitate its use in clinical trials.

Management of Vitreous Loss during Cataract Surgery under Topical Anesthesia with Transconjunctival Vitrectomy System

PURPOSE

A new technique to manage posterior capsular rupture with vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia using the sutureless self-sealing 25-gauge transconjuctival vitrectomy system.

METHOD

In the event of vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber, the corneal wound is sutured and cleared of vitreous. A trans conjunctival 25-gauge sclerotomy through the pars plana is made. The high speed 25-guage trans-conjunctival vitrectomy system (TVS-25) under topical anesthesia is introduced and vitrectomy is performed to clear the anterior chamber of vitreous. An anterior vitrectomy is also done. A foldable intraocular lens is subsequently inserted.

RESULTS

The vitrectomy is performed in a closed chamber maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The high-speed cutter exerts minimal traction on the vitreous. The accessibility to vitreous improves through the pars plana route ensuring more complete removal of the vitreous and restoration of normal anatomy. Topical anesthesia avoids the risks of globe perforation, retrobulbar hemorrhage, and prolonged postoperative akinesia of the eye.

CONCLUSIONS

The 25-gauge pars plana incision is small and self-sealing. This makes the procedure fast, effective, painless and safe.

Effect of 6 Months of Meditation on Blood Sugar, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, and Insulin Levels in Patients of Coronary Artery Disease

Background and Objectives:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It has been recognized that stress, diabetes, and hypertension are important in etiology and progression of CAD. This study is to evaluate the role of meditation in improving biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and serum insulin levels in known CAD patients.

Material and Methods:

Sixty CAD patients are divided into two groups of which one group did meditation and other did not. Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and fasting serum insulin levels were measured before and at the end of 6 months of study in both the groups.

Results:

At the end of the study, significant decrease was seen in patients who practiced meditation as compared to other group.

Conclusion:

Meditation may modulate the physiological response to stress through neurohumoral activation, which may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of CAD.

An assessment of yield gains under climate change due to genetic modification of pearl millet

Developing cultivars with traits that can enhance and sustain productivity under climate change will be an important climate smart adaptation option. The modified CSM-CERES-Pearl millet model was used to assess yield gains by modifying plant traits determining crop maturity duration, potential yield and tolerance to drought and heat in pearl millet cultivars grown at six locations in arid (Hisar, Jodhpur, Bikaner) and semi-arid (Jaipur, Aurangabad and Bijapur) tropical India and two locations in semi-arid tropical West Africa (Sadore in Niamey and Cinzana in Mali). In all the study locations the yields decreased when crop maturity duration was decreased by 10% both in current and future climate conditions; however, 10% increase in crop maturity significantly (p<0.05) increased yields at Aurangabad and Bijapur, but not at other locations. Increasing yield potential traits by 10% increased yields under both the climate situations in India and West Africa. Drought tolerance imparted the lowest yield gain at Aurangabad (6%), the highest at Sadore (30%) and intermediate at the other locations under current climate. Under climate change the contribution of drought tolerance to the yield of cultivars either increased or decreased depending upon changes in rainfall of the locations. Yield benefits of heat tolerance substantially increased under climate change at most locations, having the greatest effects at Bikaner (17%) in India and Sadore (13%) in West Africa. Aurangabad and Bijapur locations had no yield advantage from heat tolerance due to their low temperature regimes. Thus drought and heat tolerance in pearl millet increased yields under climate change in both the arid and semi-arid tropical climates with greater benefit in relatively hotter environments. This study will assists the plant breeders in evaluating new promising plant traits of pearl millet for adapting to climate change at the selected locations and other similar environments.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone dynamics in mares following immunocontraception with anti-zona pellucida or -GnRH vaccines

Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone concentration (AMH) is positively correlated to the number of small growing follicles in the mare and may reflect ovarian function. Dynamics of AMH during immunocontraception have not previously been investigated. This study aimed to compare serum AMH in mares following treatment with native porcine zona pellucida (pZP), recombinant pZP3 and pZP4 (reZP) or gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccines, and saline-treated controls. Stored sera collected during two previous studies examining ovarian activity in mares during zona pellucida (ZP) or GnRH immunocontraception were analysed for serum AMH. Data were compared among treatment groups using mixed-effects linear regression and one-way ANOVA with post hoc testing. Correlations between AMH and previously reported clinical variables were estimated using Spearman's rho. Mares immunized against GnRH showed variable but detectable AMH throughout successive breeding and non-breeding seasons that were not significantly different to unvaccinated control mares. Mares treated with pZP demonstrated marked, reversible suppression of AMH. Mares immunized using reZP showed an intermediate effect. In the ZP study, AMH was positively correlated to serum progesterone concentrations, mean ovarian volumes and antral follicle counts, whereas no correlations between AMH and serum progesterone concentrations, mean ovarian volumes, or the presence of one or more follicles ≥20 mm in diameter were detected in the GnRH study. In conclusion, marked suppression of AMH during pZP immunocontraception, but not during GnRH immunocontraception, suggested enhanced suppression of ovarian follicular development and, or follicular function during pZP immunocontraception. Serum AMH concentrations may provide a novel tool for the assessment of ovarian function during ZP-based immunocontraception.