Corrigendum to "Multiband rabi antenna using nest microstrip add-drop filter (NMADF) for relativistic sensing applications" [Heliyon 9(2) (February 2023) e13611]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13611.].

Multiband Rabi antenna using nest microstrip add-drop filter (NMADF) for relativistic sensing applications

A microstrip circuit is designed, constructed, and tested based on the nest microstrip add-drop filters (NMADF). The multi-level system oscillation is generated by the wave-particle behaviors of AC driven along the microstrip ring circular path. The continuous successive filtering is applied via the device input port. The higher-order harmonic oscillations can be filtered, from which the two-level system known as a Rabi oscillation is achieved. The outside microstrip ring energy is coupled to the inside rings, from which the multiband Rabi oscillations can be formed within the inner rings. The resonant Rabi frequencies can be applied for multi-sensing probes. The relationship between electron density and Rabi oscillation frequency of each microstrip ring output can be obtained and used for multi-sensing probe applications. The relativistic sensing probe can be obtained by the warp speed electron distribution at the resonant Rabi frequency respecting the resonant ring radii. These are available for relativistic sensing probe usage. The obtained experimental results have shown that there are 3-center Rabi frequencies obtained, which can be used for 3-sensing probes simultaneously. The sensing probe speeds of 1.1c, 1.4c, and 1.5c are obtained using the microstrip ring radii of 14.20, 20.12, and 34.49 mm, respectively. The best sensor sensitivity of 1.30 ms is achieved. The relativistic sensing platform can be used for many applications.

Potential cardiovascular risk reduction with evolocumab in the real world: a simulation in patients with a history of myocardial infarction from the HEYMANS register

Background/Introduction

FOURIER included 22,351 patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and a median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 2.4 mmol/L. Reducing LDL-C with evolocumab reduced the risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events by 1.3%, in absolute terms, over 2.2 years. Whether similar benefits might be observed in real-world evidence from evolocumab use is unknown.

Purpose

Simulate CV risk and assess the potential CV risk reduction among a large European cohort of evolocumab users with a history of MI.

Methods

We used interim data from HEYMANS, a register of patients initiating evolocumab in routine clinical practice across 12 European countries, from August 2015 with follow-up through July 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics, lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), and lipid values were collected from routine medical records (6 months prior to evolocumab initiation through 30 months post initiation). Patients with a history of MI were considered and two sub-cohorts were created: recent MI (MI ≤1 year before evolocumab initiation) and remote MI (MI >1 year before evolocumab initiation). For each patient, we 1) simulated their CV risk using three different sources, correcting for age and LDL-C: i) the REACH equation, ii) FOURIER, iii) an observational study including FOURIER-like patients; 2) calculated their absolute LDL-C reduction on evolocumab; 3) simulated their relative risk reduction (RRR) by randomly sampling from the inverse probability distribution of the rate ratio per 1 mmol/L from the key secondary endpoint in the FOURIER landmark analysis; 4) calculated their absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number needed to treat (NNT) over 2 years (recent MI) or 10 years (remote MI).

Results

Our analysis included 90 recent MI and 489 remote MI patients initiating evolocumab in clinical practice per local reimbursement criteria, with up to 24 months follow-up. Median (inter-quartile range) age was 59 (53–67) and 61 (53–68) years in recent MI and remote MI patients, respectively. LDL-C before evolocumab was 3.8 (3.2–4.6) and 3.6 (3.0–4.5) mmol/L. Absolute LDL-C reduction on evolocumab was 2.2 (1.4–2.8) and 2.2 (1.6–2.8) mmol/L, meaning relative LDL-C reduction of 60% (44%-73%) and 62% (47%-72%), respectively. Predicted ARR with evolocumab was substantial, whether over 2 years (recent MI) or over 10 years (remote MI). See Table 1.

Conclusions

This cohort of evolocumab users in clinical practice had a higher baseline LDL-C and CV risk than patients enrolled in FOURIER. LDL-C reduction and RRR were very similar in recent MI and remote MI patients. However, patients with a recent MI had a higher short-term CV risk and therefore showed a larger ARR on evolocumab.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amgen

234 Remote Surgical Teaching During COVID-19: Early Feedback from Students and Teachers

Background

On the 23rd March 2020 the government issued a nationwide lockdown in response to COVID-19. Using Microsoft Teams software, Brighton and Sussex Medical School transitioned to remote surgical teaching. We discuss the early feedback from students and tutors.

Method

All students (N = 40) and tutors (N = 7) were invited to complete an online feedback survey.

Results

Twenty students responded. Nine preferred remote teaching. The teaching was described as either good (10/20) or excellent (10/20). Small group teaching, lectures and student lead seminar sessions all received positive feedback. Students preferred sessions that were interactive. One hour was optimal (17/20). There was no consensus over class size. 15/20 (75%) would like remote teaching to continue after the pandemic.

All tutors responded. There was a preference towards shorter sessions: 45 minutes (2/7) one hour (5/7). Tutors found virtual sessions less interactive (6/7). All tutors would like remote teaching to continue after the pandemic. Three suggested extending teaching to remote surgical ward rounds.

Concern was raised by both students and tutors regarding the absence of practical skills.

Conclusions

The value of remote teaching has been highlighted by COVID-19. Our feedback recommends a transition towards blended learning; using the convenience of remote teaching to help augment traditional medical school teaching.

Integrating Metamaterial Antenna Node and LiFi for Privacy Preserving Intelligent COVID-19 Hospital Patient Management

Light fidelity (LiFi) and wireless fidelity (WiFi) can be applied with the same network under the different constraints, which is suitable for COVID-19 surveillance in hospitals. The LiFi network is a high-capacity and security platform. A COVID-19 surveillance system using LiFi is proposed, which consists of two switching modes: communication and surveillance. Firstly, the communication targets are to accommodate the electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity and high-capacity and security data transmission, where secondly the COVID-19 surveillance can be applied. In operation, the up and downlink system uses a metamaterial antenna embedded by Mach Zehnder interferometer (MZI). An antenna consists of silver bars embedded at the microring center with two-phase modulators at its sides. The entangled source namely a dark soliton is applied to form the transmission, where the information security based on quantum cryptography can be managed. By using the suitable parameters, the whispering gallery modes (WGMs) are generated and the up and downlink nodes are formed. The input information is multiplexed with time to form the multiplexed signals, where the big data transmission (40 Pbit s - 1 ) can be employed. By using the surveillance mode, the plasmonic antenna can be applied for temperature and electric force sensors, which can offer the disinfectant spray and temperature sensor for COVID-19 applications. The optimum plasma force sensitivity is 0.16 N kg-1 mW-1. The center frequencies of 191.48 THz and 199.41 THz are obtained for uplink and downlink antennas, respectively. The optimum temperature sensitivity is 0.05 rads-1 °C-1. In conclusion, the novelty of proposed work is that the integrated sensor circuits are employed for COVID-19 surveillance in the hospital. The fuzzy-based system is designed for critical patient monitoring alert using this surveillance and management inside the hospital for COVID-19 patients.

WEATHER EXTREMES AND AGRICULTURE

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Agricultural production is highly vulnerable to weather extremes. The changing patterns of these extreme events have significant implications on food security. Unprecedented weather extremes can strongly impact crop yield regionally and globally. The present study examines change in the frequency of extreme events (Floods, heat/cold waves, Tropical Cyclones and Lightning) over half a century from 1960 to 2016 and its effects on crop yield over India. The analysis aims at identifying the regions which are more susceptible to extreme events and the changing patterns in the occurrence of these events. Case studies to analyse the influence of the extremes on yields are also attempted for some of the regions with a high frequency of these events.</p>

Deliberating performance targets workshop: Potential paths for emerging PM2.5 and O3 air sensor progress

The United States Environmental Protection Agency held an international two-day workshop in June 2018 to deliberate possible performance targets for non-regulatory fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) air sensors. The need for a workshop arose from the lack of any market-wide manufacturer requirement for Ozone documented sensor performance evaluations, the lack of any independent third party or government-based sensor performance certification program, and uncertainty among all users as to the general usability of air sensor data. A multi-sector subject matter expert panel was assembled to facilitate an open discussion on these issues with multiple stakeholders. This summary provides an overview of the workshop purpose, key findings from the deliberations, and considerations for future actions specific to sensors. Important findings concerning PM_2.5 and O₃ sensors included the lack of consistent performance indicators and statistical metrics as well as highly variable data quality requirements depending on the intended use. While the workshop did not attempt to yield consensus on any topic, a key message was that a number of possible future actions would be beneficial to all stakeholders regarding sensor technologies. These included documentation of best practices, sharing quality assurance results along with sensor data, and the development of a common performance target lexicon, performance targets, and test protocols.

Sulfur substitution in a Ni(cyclam) derivative results in lower overpotential for CO2 reduction and enhanced proton reduction

The replacement of the opposing nitrogen atoms in 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) with two sulfur atoms in 1,8-dithia-4,11-diazacyclotetradecane (dithiacyclam) enables the electrochemical reduction of protons and CO2via the corresponding nickel(ii) complex at more positive potentials. In addition, a 10-fold enhancement in the proton reduction rate of [Ni(dithiacyclam)]2+ relative to [Ni(cylcam)]2+ was observed. The study provides vital insight into Nature's choice of employing predominantly sulfur based ligand platforms in achieving biological proton and CO2 reductions.

Functional assessment of tyrosinase variants identified in individuals with albinism is essential for unequivocal determination of genotype-to-phenotype correlation

BACKGROUND

Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1), caused by pathogenic variations in the tyrosinase gene (TYR), is the most frequent and severe form of hypopigmentary disorder worldwide. While OCA1A manifests as a complete loss of melanin pigment, patients with OCA1B show residual pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes. Limited experimental evidence suggests retention of TYR in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causes OCA1 pathogenesis. However, a comprehensive functional analysis of TYR missense variations and correlation with genotype is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

Functional characterization of nonsynonymous tyrosinase variants in patients with OCA1 reported in the Albinism Database, dbSNP and the published literature, and an attempt to correlate them with reported and predicted phenotypes.

METHODS

Thirty-four reported missense variants of TYR were subcloned by site-directed mutagenesis, and the dual-enzyme activities of the variant proteins were compared with the wild-type. The degree of ER retention was also checked for each of the variants through endoglycosidase H (Endo H) digestion followed by immunoprecipitation and densitometric analysis.

RESULTS

Functional studies revealed one reported OCA1A variation with nearly 100% enzyme activity, 10 OCA1B variants lacking any enzyme activity, eight nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with ~30-70% of enzyme activity, and three SNPs that completely lacked activity altogether. The Endo H assay corroborated these results.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of enzyme activity of TYR variants was completely in agreement with ER retention across all variants examined. The results of the assay clearly established that determination of the biological activity of identified variants in patients with OCA is essential to correlate the identified suspect genotype with the obvious phenotype of the disease.

In silico analyses of missense mutations in coagulation factor VIII: identification of severity determinants of haemophilia A

Factor VIII (FVIII) mutations cause haemophilia A (HA), an X-linked recessive coagulation disorder. Over 1000 missense mutations in FVIII are known and they lead to variable clinical phenotypes (severe, moderate and mild). The exact molecular basis of this phenotypic heterogeneity by FVIII missense mutations is elusive to date. In this study, we aimed to identify the severity determinants that cause phenotypic heterogeneity of HA. We compiled and curated a data set of 766 missense mutations from the repertoire of missense mutations in FVIII. We analysed these mutations by computational programs (e.g. Swiss-PdbViewer) and different mutation analysis servers (e.g. SIFT, PROVEAN, CUPSAT, PolyPhen2, MutPred); and various sequence- and structure-based parameters were assessed for any significant distribution bias among different HA phenotypes. Our analyses suggest that 'mutations in evolutionary conserved residues', 'mutations in buried residues', mutation-induced 'steric clash' and 'surface electrostatic potential alteration' act as risk factors towards severe HA. We have developed a grading system for FVIII mutations combining the severity determinants, and the grading pattern correlates with HA phenotype. This study will help to correctly associate the HA phenotype with a mutation and aid early characterization of novel variants.

A study of insulin resistance and its clinico-metabolic associations among apparently healthy individuals attending a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR), as a result of unhealthy life-styles and westernization, most likely contributes to the increased incidence of metabolic abnormalities and consequently, the development of metabolic syndrome (MS).

AIM

The present study was undertaken to determine the magnitude of IR and associated clinico-metabolic risk factors among the out-patients of a tertiary care hospital in Bihar, India.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Anthropometric profile, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and C-peptide of 112 individuals were measured using the standard procedures. IR was assessed using the homeostasis model (Homeostatic model assessment [HOMA]-IR).

RESULTS

The mean IR was 1.5 (1.0). Individuals with MS, higher body mass index and CRP ≥6 mg/l had higher IR. Linear regression showed, among the components of MS, waist circumference had the highest contribution toward IR. The optimal cut-off value to detect IR by HOMA2-IR was 1.35.

CONCLUSION

IR was found to have a strong association with various clinico-metabolic risk factors.

A set of five microsatellite markers linked to F8 gene can detect haemophilia A carriers across India

  Haemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder, primarily because of defects in the 186-kb long factor VIII gene (F8) affecting 1-2 men per 10,000 worldwide. Available markers for carrier detection are not effective in all populations, especially in India. In this study, we have chosen a set of five microsatellite markers, namely, DSX9897, DSX1073, intron 1 (GT)(n) , intron 22 (CA)(n) and intron 25 (CA)(n) , in and around the F8 gene to achieve better sensitivity for carrier detection. Each marker locus has been PCR amplified in the individual DNA samples using fluorescent markers followed by genotyping experiment in automated sequencer. Genotype calls have been made by GeneMapper Software (version 4). Allele frequency of each microsatellite marker was calculated manually. Heterozygosity was determined by counting the heterozygotes in the female subset. We have shown that in 253 normal individuals from 20 different ethnic groups of India, the heterozygosity for the markers ranged from 0.25 to 0.54; and for the entire subset of 102 female samples we could successfully discriminate between the two X-chromosomes using these five markers. These markers could also discriminate between the two X-chromosomes for each of 39 obligate carriers included in this study. In conclusion, this panel of five markers around the F8 locus can be used for carrier detection of HA with higher sensitivity across India for families affected with the disease.

Comprehensive analysis of the molecular basis of oculocutaneous albinism in Indian patients lacking a mutation in the tyrosinase gene

BACKGROUND

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) refers to a group of inherited disorders where the patients have little or no pigment in the eyes, skin and hair. Mutations in genes regulating multi-step melanin biosynthesis are the basis of four 'classical' OCA types with overlapping clinical features. There are a few reports on defects in TYR and a single report on SLC45A2 in Indians affected with OCA but no report on OCA2 (a major locus related to the disease) and TYRP1.

OBJECTIVES

To assess and describe a comprehensive picture of the molecular genetic basis of OCA among Indians with no apparent mutations in TYR.

METHODS

Twenty-four affected pedigrees from 14 different ethnicities were analysed for mutations in OCA2, TYRP1, SLC45A2 and SLC24A5 using the polymerase chain reaction-sequencing approach.

RESULTS

Two splice-site and four missense mutations were detected in OCA2 in seven unrelated pedigrees, including four novel mutations. Haplotype analysis revealed a founder mutation (Ala787Thr) in two unrelated families of the same ethnicity. A patient homozygous for a novel SLC45A2 mutation also harboured a novel OCA2 defect. No mutation was detected in TYRP1 or SLC24A5.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that an OCA2 gene defect is the second most prevalent type of OCA in India after TYR. The presence of homozygous mutations in the affected pedigrees underscores the lack of intermixing between the affected ethnicities. Direct detection of the genetic lesions prevalent in specific ethnic groups could be used for carrier detection and genetic counselling to contain the disease.

In vitro target validation and in vivo efficacy of p38 MAP kinase inhibition in established chronic collagen-induced arthritis model: a pre-clinical study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the in vivo efficacy of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, namely GW856553X and GSK678361, in murine models of arthritis.

METHODS

The effect of p38 MAPK inhibitors was tested in 2 variants of the collagen-induced arthritis model (CIA) in DBA/1 mice, acute arthritis induced by heterologous collagen and chronic relapsing arthritis induced by homologous collagen. Animals were treated after onset of arthritis. Furthermore, post-onset disease efficacy of GSK678361 was tested in the chronic model, so as to determine the effects on established arthritis. In vitro studies were carried out with GW856553X, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells, to determine potential effects of GW856553X on the vasculature.

RESULTS

In both acute and chronic arthritis, GW856553X reduced signs and symptoms of disease, and protected joints from damage. The effect of GW856553X in chronic CIA was confirmed using an alternative compound, GSK678361. Importantly, treatment with GSK678361 from 14 days post-onset of chronic arthritis completely reversed signs of established disease and joint destruction. Mechanism of action studies demonstrated that GW856553X inhibited endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro, with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppression of murine CIA by the p38 MAPK inhibitors GW856553X and GSK678361 suggests that they may have therapeutic potential for future use in RA if safe clinical dosing achieves adequate compound exposure.

Study of 'patterns of care' of ovarian cancer patients in a specialized cancer institute in Kolkata, eastern India

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading cancers in Indian women. The current standard of care is a combination of surgical staging, maximal surgical effort to achieve cytoreduction, and judicious use of chemotherapy. Multimodality therapy can reduce mortality, but the practice and uptake of such therapy in Indian Institutions are not up to the desired level.

OBJECTIVES

To study the protocol adherence for ovarian cancer management along with patient compliance and evaluate their effects on survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The retrospective study obtained and analyzed data from records of patients operated for ovarian cancer at a Regional Cancer Center in eastern India between January 2002 and December 2006.

RESULTS

The records of 202 patients were evaluable. None of the patients who had primary surgery outside the institute had staging information. A substantial number of patients operated at the institute had incomplete surgical staging, inadequate information on residual disease after surgery, and incomplete histology report. Only 20.3% patients could have optimal cytoreduction after surgery. Compliance to chemotherapy was poor. The median overall survival time and disease-free survival time were 24 months and 5 months, respectively. The residual disease after surgery significantly affected the overall survival, but not the disease-free survival. Incomplete chemotherapy was found to adversely affect survival after adjusting for advanced stage and bulky residual disease.

CONCLUSION

Management of ovarian cancer is suboptimal even in the specialized cancer institute. Poor patient compliance to chemotherapy is one of the major factors adversely affecting survival from advanced ovarian cancer.

An isolated lump in right groin: an unusual initial presentation of Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal abscess, extending to the groin as an isolated tender lump, is rare as the first manifestation of Crohn's disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes a young, fit and healthy 22 year-old woman with no previous history of gastrointestinal disorder, who presented with an isolated, tender lump in her right groin as the initial presentation of Crohn's disease. The patient, after a conventional incision and drainage of the abscess, was readmitted with enterocutaneous fistula at the right groin. After radiological investigations, she underwent a laparotomy, which showed jejunal perforation through ileocaecal mesentery producing retrocaecal abscess. There was also a suspicious fistulous connection between jejunum and ileo-caecal junction. A segmental small bowel resection and a limited right hemicolectomy with primary anastomoses were performed. The patient made an uneventful post-operative recovery and was discharged home on the fifth post operative day.

CONCLUSION

Crohn's disease could manifest as an isolated, tender groin lump which has not been described in the published literature so far. Since retroperitoneal abscess remains a rare but serious complication of Crohn's disease, aggressive operative therapy should be ensued without delay in order to remove the source of the abscess. Groin abscess could conceal surprises and should always be investigated radiologically before proceeding to incision and drainage.

Plasmon-controlled fluorescence towards high-sensitivity optical sensing

Fluorescence spectroscopy is widely used in chemical and biological research. Until recently most of the fluorescence experiments have been performed in the far-field regime. By far-field we imply at least several wavelengths from the fluorescent probe molecule. In recent years there has been growing interest in the interactions of fluorophores with metallic surfaces or particles. Near-field interactions are those occurring within a wavelength distance of an excited fluorophore. The spectral properties of fluorophores can dramatically be altered by near-field interactions with the electron clouds present in metals. These interactions modify the emission in ways not seen in classical fluorescence experiments. Fluorophores in the excited state can create plasmons that radiate into the far-field and fluorophores in the ground state can interact with and be excited by surface plasmons. These reciprocal interactions suggest that the novel optical absorption and scattering properties of metallic nanostructures can be used to control the decay rates, location, and direction of fluorophore emission. We refer to these phenomena as plasmon-controlled fluorescence (PCF). An overview of the recent work on metal-fluorophore interactions is presented. Recent research combining plasmonics and fluorescence suggest that PCF could lead to new classes of experimental procedures, novel probes, bioassays, and devices.

Evaluation of test results of microbiology laboratories of North India for standard tests for syphilis under an external quality assurance scheme

Test results of syphilis serology are critical due to inter- and intralaboratory variability. The accuracy of results is crucial in the control of the disease. This study was aimed to compare results of laboratories and performance of methods for syphilis serology. Results of Veneral Disease Reference Laboratory (VDRL) or rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests of 25 microbiology laboratories were compared in six proficiency testing sentinel surveys. The performance of laboratories was compared with the results of a hypothetical average laboratory. Of the 141 participants, 104 (73.8%) responded. The inter-laboratory variability was exhibited by 62.2% of samples tested by VDRL and 58.7% by RPR test. Intralaboratory variability was observed in 46.7% samples. There was an insignificant improvement in proficiency testing (PT) performance over the years with a significant improvement in 2007. The common errors involved departure from testing protocols. Syphilis serology proficiency testing is needed in India for reliability in test results.

Dynamic regulation of alpha-dystroglycan in mouse placenta

Alpha dystroglycan (alpha-DG) is a peripheral membrane protein important in cellular interaction with other cells and the extracellular matrix. Recent data suggests that the Dag1 gene, which encodes alpha-DG, is important for implantation. In addition to its importance in cellular function, alpha-DG also serves as a cellular receptor for members of the arenaviridae family of viruses, which can cause placental infection. Because of its apparent dual role in implantation and its role as a viral receptor, we sought to determine placental and uterine alpha-DG expression during mouse pregnancy. Dag1 is expressed throughout gestation in the placenta and to a lesser extent in the uterus, with the highest levels in early gestation. By Western blot analysis, the glycosylated protein is also expressed and the pattern of glycosylation changes to favor the most highly glycosylated forms at mid gestation. These data support the idea that alpha-DG may be a target for evolutionary host-pathogen interactions at the maternal-fetal interface.

Inhibitory role of Acorus calamus in ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis in rat

The roots and rhizomes of Acorus calamus (Family: Araceae) have been used in the ancient systems of medicine for the treatment of various neurological disorders. Of the various methods used for inducing experimental epileptic models, the intracortical administration of ferric chloride (FeCl(3)) into sensorimotor cortex induces recurrent seizures and epileptic discharge similar to human post-traumatic epilepsy through the generation of free radicals. The present study focuses on the effect of Acorus calamus on the behavioral, electroencephalographic, and antioxidant changes in FeCl(3)-induced rat epileptogenesis. Topical administration of FeCl(3) (5 microL; 100 mM) into the sensorimotor cortex of rats showed an increase in the wet dog shake behavior, spike wave discharges together with an significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, resulting in an increase in the level of lipid peroxidation in cerebral cortex. Pretreatment with Acorus calamus (200 mg/kg b.w., p.o. for 14 days) and also diazepam (DZ, 20 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) decreased the WDS behavior, spike wave discharges with single isolated positive waves, and a significant decrease in activity of superoxide dismutase and level of lipid peroxidation was observed in cerebral cortex with respect to those observed in FeCl(3)-induced epileptic group. Data presented in this study clearly show that Acorus calamus possesses the ability for preventing the development of FeCl(3)-induced epileptogenesis by modulating antioxidant enzymes, which in turn exhibit the potentiality of Acorus calamus to be developed as an effective anti-epileptic drug.

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from peripheral health centres and STD clinic attendees of a tertiary care centre in India

Summary:

The aim of the study was to compare the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from urban and rural peripheral health centres and from sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic attendees. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 191 N. gonorrhoeae isolates (165 isolates from STD clinic attendees and 26 from peripheral health centres) was carried out in Delhi, India, using the calibrated dichotomous sensitivity technique for penicillin, tetracycline, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin and nalidixic acid, and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using E-test. Penicillin-resistant, ciprofloxacin-resistant, penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae and tetracycline-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains were higher in STD clinic attendees than in peripheral health centres, probably because of less antibiotic pressure in the peripheral areas. High-level resistance to ciprofloxacin and multiresistant strains were also higher in STD clinic attendees. The present study emphasizes the importance of surveillance of antimicrobial resistance of N. gonorrhoeae in different population subgroups in order to monitor the spread of multiresistant strains and to update the national treatment recommendations.

The association between traumatic experience, paranoia and hallucinations: a test of the predictions of psychological models

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigated the relationship between trauma and predisposition to hallucinations and to paranoia in a non-clinical sample.

METHOD

A total of 228 students completed online measures of trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schematic beliefs, perceptual anomalies, and predisposition to hallucinations and paranoia.

RESULTS

Associations were found between negative schematic beliefs, PTSD and predisposition to both paranoia and hallucinations. PTSD reexperiencing-symptoms were most strongly associated with a predisposition to hallucinations. Negative beliefs about self and others were most strongly associated with a predisposition to paranoia.

CONCLUSION

The results provide support for the prediction that there may be two routes between trauma and predisposition to psychosis. Clear support was found for a link between trauma and psychosis mediated by negative beliefs about self and others. There may also be a direct association between re-experiencing symptoms and hallucinations.

The Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration: analysis of individual data on lipid, inflammatory and other markers in over 1.1 million participants in 104 prospective studies of cardiovascular diseases

Many long-term prospective studies have reported on associations of cardiovascular diseases with circulating lipid markers and/or inflammatory markers. Studies have not, however, generally been designed to provide reliable estimates under different circumstances and to correct for within-person variability. The Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration has established a central database on over 1.1 million participants from 104 prospective population-based studies, in which subsets have information on lipid and inflammatory markers, other characteristics, as well as major cardiovascular morbidity and cause-specific mortality. Information on repeat measurements on relevant characteristics has been collected in approximately 340,000 participants to enable estimation of and correction for within-person variability. Re-analysis of individual data will yield up to approximately 69,000 incident fatal or nonfatal first ever major cardiovascular outcomes recorded during about 11.7 million person years at risk. The primary analyses will involve age-specific regression models in people without known baseline cardiovascular disease in relation to fatal or nonfatal first ever coronary heart disease outcomes. This initiative will characterize more precisely and in greater detail than has previously been possible the shape and strength of the age- and sex-specific associations of several lipid and inflammatory markers with incident coronary heart disease outcomes (and, secondarily, with other incident cardiovascular outcomes) under a wide range of circumstances. It will, therefore, help to determine to what extent such associations are independent from possible confounding factors and to what extent such markers (separately and in combination) provide incremental predictive value.

Remarkable variation in the informativeness of RFLP markers linked to hemophilia B locus in Indian population groups: implication in the strategy for carrier detection

Hemophilia B, an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder, is caused by heterogeneous mutations in the factor IX (F9) gene. Hence, carriers of the disease are usually detected by F9 gene linked RFLP analysis. We aimed to test a set of RFLP markers (DdeI, XmnI, MnlI, TaqI & HhaI), used worldwide for carrier detection, to estimate its heterozygosity in different population groups of India, and identify additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) if necessary. A total of 8 population groups encompassing different regions of India, consisting of 107 unrelated normal females without any history of hemophilia B in the family and 13 unrelated obligate carriers were recruited in the study. Regions of F9 gene were amplified by PCR from genomic DNA of the donors followed by restriction enzyme digestion and/or sequencing as appropriate. Combined informativeness for the markers varied between 52–86% among normal females belonging to different geographical locations of India. Haplotype analysis revealed that the most prevalent haplotype lacked the restriction sites for all five RFLP markers. Screening regions of F9 gene that harbor 10 SNPs reported in dbSNP yielded only two SNPs, which increased the overall informativeness in each population group and heterozygosity in the obligate carriers for the disease from 38% to 69%. Our data show that heterozygosity of commonly used RFLP markers is remarkably variable across different regions of India. Thus prudent selection of the markers based on specific population groups including usage of additional markers is recommended for efficient carrier detection.

Subcortical white matter abnormalities related to drug resistance in Wilson disease

Wilson disease (WD) produces typical lesions in the brain, which can aid in diagnosis and therapy. The authors present a drug-resistant WD case with atypical cerebral lesions with marked involvement of white matter as visualized on MRI scans. The diagnosis was confirmed by identification of mutations in the ATP7B gene. The case demonstrates an uncommon pathology-related cerebral copper accumulation and emphasizes the importance of genetic screening in the diagnosis of WD.

Clinical characterization and evaluation of DYT1 gene in Indian primary dystonia patients

OBJECTIVES

Dystonia is a common movement disorder. The purpose of this study is to examine the relative distribution of the primary dystonia subtypes and identify mutation (s) in the DYT1 gene in Indian patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary dystonia patients (n = 178) and controls (n = 63), lacking any symptoms of the disease, were recruited for the study from eastern India. The nucleotide variants in the DYT1 gene were identified by carrying out polymerase chain reaction, single stranded conformation polymorphism, and DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Unlike other reports, pain and/or tremor was more common in our sporadic patients than in familial cases. Three reported and two novel changes were identified in this gene. The homozygous genotype (G,G) for a missense variant (c.646G > C; Asp216His) was significantly over-represented in the patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). However, the commonly reported 3 bp deletion (904-906delGAG) was not detected.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the DYT1 gene might have a limited role in causation of dystonia in the Indian population.

OCA1 in Different Ethnic Groups of India is Primarily Due to Founder Mutations in the Tyrosinase Gene

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by an abnormally low amount of melanin in the eyes, skin and hair, and associated with common developmental abnormalities of the eye. Defects in the tyrosinase gene (TYR) cause a common type of OCA, known as oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1). The molecular basis of OCA has been studied extensively in different population groups, but very little information is available on Indian patients. Our investigation covering thirteen ethnic groups of India, some representing >20 million people, revealed that among 25 OCA families 12 were affected with OCA1, and that these cases were primarily due to founder mutations in TYR. We detected nine mutations and eight SNPs in TYR, of which six mutations (five point mutations & one gross deletion) were novel. In contrast to most reports describing compound heterozygotes, the presence of homozygotes in 10 out of the 12 pedigrees underscores the lack of intermixing between these ethnic groups in India. Haplotype analysis suggested a few founder chromosomes causing the disease in the majority of the patients. Direct detection of the mutations prevalent in specific ethnic groups could be used for carrier detection and genetic counselling.