Bacteriophages: a potential game changer in food processing industry

In the food industry, despite the widespread use of interventions such as preservatives and thermal and non-thermal processing technologies to improve food safety, incidences of foodborne disease continue to happen worldwide, prompting the search for alternative strategies. Bacteriophages, commonly known as phages, have emerged as a promising alternative for controlling pathogenic bacteria in food. This review emphasizes the potential applications of phages in biological sciences, food processing, and preservation, with a particular focus on their role as biocontrol agents for improving food quality and preservation. By shedding light on recent developments and future possibilities, this review highlights the significance of phages in the food industry. Additionally, it addresses crucial aspects such as regulatory status and safety concerns surrounding the use of bacteriophages. The inclusion of up-to-date literature further underscores the relevance of phage-based strategies in reducing foodborne pathogenic bacteria's presence in both food and the production environment. As we look ahead, new phage products are likely to be targeted against emerging foodborne pathogens. This will further advance the efficacy of approaches that are based on phages in maintaining the safety and security of food.

CTP-based estimated ischemic core: A comparative multicenter study between Olea and RAPID software

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CTP is increasingly used to assess eligibility for endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO). There remain variability and inconsistencies between software packages for estimation of ischemic core. We aimed to use heterogenous data from four stroke centers to perform a comparative analysis for CTP-estimated ischemic core between RAPID (iSchemaView) and Olea (Olea Medical).

METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter study, patients with anterior circulation LVO who underwent pretreatment CTP, successful EVT (defined TICI ≥ 2b), and follow-up MRI included. Automated CTP analysis was performed using Olea platform [rCBF < 25% and differential time-to-peak (dTTP)>5s] and RAPID (rCBF < 30%). The CTP estimated core volumes were compared against the final infarct volume (FIV) on post treatment MRI-DWI.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients included. The CTP-estimated ischemic core volumes (mean ± SD) were 18.7 ± 18.9 mL on Olea and 10.5 ± 17.9 mL on RAPID significantly different (p < 0.01). The correlation between CTP estimated core and MRI final infarct volume was r = 0.38, p < 0.01 for RAPID and r = 0.39, p < 0.01 for Olea. Both software platforms demonstrated a strong correlation with each other (r = 0.864, p < 0.001). Both software overestimated the ischemic core volume above 70 mL in 4 patients (2.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial variation between Olea and RAPID CTP-estimated core volumes exists, though rates of overcalling of large core were low and identical. Both showed comparable core volume correlation to MRI infarct volume.

Exploring the Chemical and Biological Potential of Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) Leaves: A Comprehensive Review

Leaves of jamun collected as agro by-produce during the cultivation of jamun is traditionally used as ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes, gall bladder stones and other ailments. Most of the beneficial effects of jamun leaves are associated with phytochemicals found in jamun leaves such as gallic acid, tannins, mallic acid, flavonoids, essential oils, jambolin, ellagic acid, jambosine, antimellin and betulinic acid. Jamun possess curative activities like anticancer, antidiabetic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antiradiation, chemotherapeutic, and gastroprotective. The main goal of this review article is to provide information on the nutritional content, phytochemical composition and health promoting properties of jamun leaves. The review of literature based on the phytochemical composition and health promoting benefits of the jamun leaves, suggests that leaves can be used as potential constituent in the formulation of pharmacological drugs. From the review literature it is found that clinical, in-vivo, in-vitro studies are still required to check the health promoting effects of jamun leaves extracts on humans.

Obesity impairs cardiolipin-dependent mitophagy and therapeutic intercellular mitochondrial transfer ability of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation alleviates metabolic defects in diseased recipient cells by intercellular mitochondrial transport (IMT). However, the effect of host metabolic conditions on IMT and thereby on the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs has largely remained unexplored. Here we found impaired mitophagy, and reduced IMT in MSCs derived from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse (MSC-Ob). MSC-Ob failed to sequester their damaged mitochondria into LC3-dependent autophagosomes due to decrease in mitochondrial cardiolipin content, which we propose as a putative mitophagy receptor for LC3 in MSCs. Functionally, MSC-Ob exhibited diminished potential to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in stress-induced airway epithelial cells. Pharmacological modulation of MSCs enhanced cardiolipin-dependent mitophagy and restored their IMT ability to airway epithelial cells. Therapeutically, these modulated MSCs attenuated features of allergic airway inflammation (AAI) in two independent mouse models by restoring healthy IMT. However, unmodulated MSC-Ob failed to do so. Notably, in human (h)MSCs, induced metabolic stress associated impaired cardiolipin-dependent mitophagy was restored upon pharmacological modulation. In summary, we have provided the first comprehensive molecular understanding of impaired mitophagy in obese-derived MSCs and highlight the importance of pharmacological modulation of these cells for therapeutic intervention. A MSCs obtained from (HFD)-induced obese mice (MSC-Ob) show underlying mitochondrial dysfunction with a concomitant decrease in cardiolipin content. These changes prevent LC3-cardiolipin interaction, thereby reducing dysfunctional mitochondria sequestration into LC3-autophagosomes and thus impaired mitophagy. The impaired mitophagy is associated with reduced intercellular mitochondrial transport (IMT) via tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) between MSC-Ob and epithelial cells in co-culture or in vivo. B Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) modulation in MSC-Ob restores mitochondrial health, cardiolipin content, and thereby sequestration of depolarized mitochondria into the autophagosomes to alleviate impaired mitophagy. Concomitantly, MSC-Ob shows restoration of mitochondrial health upon PQQ treatment (MSC-ObPQQ). During co-culture with epithelial cells or transplantation in vivo into the mice lungs, MSC-ObPQQ restores IMT and prevents epithelial cell death. C Upon transplantation in two independent allergic airway inflammatory mouse models, MSC-Ob failed to rescue the airway inflammation, hyperactivity, metabolic changes in epithelial cells. D PQQ modulated MSCs restored these metabolic defects and restored lung physiology and airway remodeling parameters.

Elucidation of Increased Cervical Cancer Risk Due to Polymorphisms in XRCC1 (R399Q and R194W), ERCC5 (D1104H), and NQO1 (P187S)

Genetic variations like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with cervical carcinogenesis. In this study, SNPs have been identified that contribute toward changes in the function and stability of the proteins and show association with cervical cancer. Initially, literature mining identified 114 protein-coding polymorphisms with population-based evidence in cervical cancer. Subsequently, the functional assessment was performed using sequence-dependent tools, and thereafter, protein stability was analyzed using sequence and structural data. Twenty-three non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) found to be damaging and destabilizing were then analyzed to check their risk association at the population level. The meta-analysis indicated that polymorphisms in DNA damage repair genes XRCC1 (rs25487 and rs1799782), ERCC5 (rs17655), and oxidative stress-related gene NQO1 (rs1800566) are significantly associated with increased cervical cancer risk. The XRCC1 rs25487 and rs1799782 polymorphisms showed the highest risk of cervical cancer in the homozygous model having odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-2.92, p = 0.01, and recessive model with OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.01-3.24, and p = 0.04 respectively. Similarly, rs17655 polymorphism of ERCC5 and rs1800566 polymorphism of NQO1 showed the highest pooled OR in the homozygous (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.32-2.19, p = 0.00004) and heterozygous model (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.06-1.58, p = 0.01) respectively. Thus, in this study, a comprehensive collection of nsSNPs was collated and assessed, leading to the identification of polymorphisms in DNA damage repair and oxidative stress-related genes, that destabilize the protein and shows increased risk associated with cervical cancer.

Meta-Analysis of 49 SNPs Covering 25,446 Cases and 41,106 Controls Identifies Polymorphisms in Hormone Regulation and DNA Repair Genes Associated with Increased Endometrial Cancer Risk

Endometrial cancer (EC) is among the most common gynecological disorders globally. As single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play an important role in the causation of EC, therefore, a comprehensive meta-analysis of 49 SNPs covering 25,446 cases and 41,106 controls was performed to identify SNPs significantly associated with increased EC risk. PubMed was searched to identify case control studies and meta-analysis was performed to compute the pooled odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Cochran’s Q-test and I2 were used to study heterogeneity, based on which either a random or a fixed effect model was implemented. The meta-analysis identified 11 SNPs (from 10 genes) to be significantly associated with increased EC risk. Among these, seven SNPs were significant in at least three of the five genetic models, as well as three of the polymorphisms (rs1801320, rs11224561, and rs2279744) corresponding to RAD51, PGR, and MDM2 genes, which contained more than 1000 EC cases each and exhibited increased risk. The current meta-analysis indicates that polymorphisms associated with various hormone related genes—SULT1A1 (rs1042028), PGR (rs11224561), and CYP19A1 (rs10046 and rs4775936); DNA repair genes—ERCC2 (rs1799793), OGG1 (rs1052133), MLH1 (rs1800734), and RAD51 (rs1801320) as well as genes like MDM2 (rs2279744), CCND1 (rs9344), and SERPINE1 (rs1799889), are significantly associated with increased EC risk.

Nanotechnology impacting probiotics and prebiotics: a paradigm shift in nutraceuticals technology

This is proven for a long that the incorporation of probiotics and prebiotics in diet exhibits beneficial effects on intestinal and intrinsic health. Nevertheless, this may encounter loss of vitality all along the absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to meager intestinal delivery of probiotic active ingredients. In recent times, nanotechnology has been passionately used to escalate the bioavailability of active ingredients. Versatile forms of nanoparticles (NPs) are devised to be used with probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics or their different combinations. The NPs currently in trend are constituted of distinctive organic compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, or inorganics such as oxides of silver and titanium or magnesium etc. This review critically explicates the emerging relationship of nanotechnology with probiotics and prebiotics for different applications in neutraceuticals. Here in this review, formulations of nanoprobiotics and nanoprebiotics are discussed in detail, which behave as an effective drug delivery system. In addition, these formulations exhibit anti-cancerous, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and photo-protective properties. Limited availability of scientific research on nanotechnology concerning probiotics and prebiotics implies dynamic research studies on the bioavailability of loaded active ingredients and the effective drug delivery system by including the safety issues of food and the environment.

Radial localization of electron temperature pedestal and ELM-like events using ECE measurements at Wendelstein 7-X

A magnetic configuration scan was performed at Wendelstein 7-X stellarator by varying the rotational transform to analyze the plasma confinement for magnetic configurations with different edge magnetic island locations and sizes. For the magnetic configurations, where the 5/5 island chain was moved inside the last closed flux surface, it was observed with electron cyclotron emission measurements that an electron temperature, Te, pedestal develops in the plasma buildup phase and followed by the edge localized mode (ELM)-like crashes. From the mapping of the island to the plasma radius from HINT equilibrium, it was found that the Te pedestal is formed at the island location on the high field side of the plasma. The ELM-like crashes occur at the location of the pedestal and the transport barrier is broken typically with an energy loss of 3-4% during a single ELM-like event. The frequency and the amplitude of the ELM-like crashes were observed to be changing with island size, plasma heating power and density. Additionally during the plasma decay, after the heating was switched-off, a transition to degraded plasma confinement state was observed with changed Te profile gradients, faster decay rate of diamagnetic energy, and increased H-alpha levels.

NSP4 and ORF9b of SARS-CoV-2 Induce Pro-Inflammatory Mitochondrial DNA Release in Inner Membrane-Derived Vesicles

Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) has been found in the plasma of severely ill COVID-19 patients and is now known as a strong predictor of mortality. However, the underlying mechanism of mtDNA release is unexplored. Here, we show a novel mechanism of SARS-CoV-2-mediated pro-inflammatory/pro-apoptotic mtDNA release and a rational therapeutic stem cell-based approach to mitigate these effects. We systematically screened the effects of 29 SARS-CoV-2 proteins on mitochondrial damage and cell death and found that NSP4 and ORF9b caused extensive mitochondrial structural changes, outer membrane macropore formation, and the release of inner membrane vesicles loaded with mtDNA. The macropore-forming ability of NSP4 was mediated through its interaction with BCL2 antagonist/killer (BAK), whereas ORF9b was found to inhibit the anti-apoptotic member of the BCL2 family protein myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1) and induce inner membrane vesicle formation containing mtDNA. Knockdown of BAK and/or overexpression of MCL1 significantly reversed SARS-CoV-2-mediated mitochondrial damage. Therapeutically, we engineered human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a simultaneous knockdown of BAK and overexpression of MCL1 (MSCshBAK+MCL1) and named these cells IMAT-MSCs (intercellular mitochondrial transfer-assisted therapeutic MSCs). Upon co-culture with SARS-CoV-2-infected or NSP4/ORF9b-transduced airway epithelial cells, IMAT-MSCs displayed functional intercellular mitochondrial transfer (IMT) via tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). The mitochondrial donation by IMAT-MSCs attenuated the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mtDNA release from co-cultured epithelial cells. Our findings thus provide a new mechanistic basis for SARS-CoV-2-induced cell death and a novel therapeutic approach to engineering MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19.

Transcytosis and trans-synaptic retention by postsynaptic ErbB4 underlie axonal accumulation of NRG3

Neuregulins (NRGs) are EGF-like ligands associated with cognitive disorders. Unprocessed proNRG3 is cleaved by BACE1 to generate the mature membrane-bound NRG3 ligand, but the subcellular site of proNRG3 cleavage, mechanisms underlying its transport into axons, and presynaptic accumulation remain unknown. Using an optogenetic proNRG3 cleavage reporter (LA143-NRG3), we investigate the spatial-temporal dynamics of NRG3 processing and sorting in neurons. In dark conditions, unprocessed LA143-NRG3 is retained in the trans-Golgi network but, upon photoactivation, is cleaved by BACE1 and released from the TGN. Mature NRG3 then emerges on the somatodendritic plasma membrane from where it is re-endocytosed and anterogradely transported on Rab4+ vesicles into axons via transcytosis. By contrast, the BACE1 substrate APP is sorted into axons on Rab11+ vesicles. Lastly, by a mechanism we denote "trans-synaptic retention," NRG3 accumulates at presynaptic terminals by stable interaction with its receptor ErbB4 on postsynaptic GABAergic interneurons. We propose that trans-synaptic retention may account for polarized expression of other neuronal transmembrane ligands and receptors.

Arterial Collapse during Thrombectomy for Stroke: Clinical Evidence and Experimental Findings in Human Brains and In Vivo Models

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aspiration thrombectomy has become a preferred approach to recanalize large-vessel occlusion in stroke with a growing trend toward using larger-bore catheters and stronger vacuum pumps. However, the mechanical response of the delicate cerebral arteries to aspiration force has not been evaluated. Here, we provide preclinical and clinical evidence of intracranial arterial collapse in aspiration thrombectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We presented a clinical case of arterial collapse with previously implanted flow diverters. We then evaluated the effect of vacuum with conventional aspiration catheters (with and without stent retrievers) in a rabbit model (n = 3) using fluoroscopy and intravascular optical coherence tomography. Then, in a validated human cadaveric brain model, we conducted 168 tests of direct aspiration thrombectomy following an experimental design modifying the catheter inner diameter (0.064 inch, 0.068 inch, and 0.070 inch), cerebral perfusion pressures (mean around 60 and 90 mm Hg), and anterior-versus-posterior circulation. Arterial wall response was recorded and graded via direct transluminal observation.

RESULTS

Arterial collapse was observed in both the patient and preclinical experimental models. In the human brain model, arterial collapse was observed in 98% of cases in the M2 and in all the cases with complete proximal flow arrest. A larger bore size of the aspiration catheter, a lower cerebral perfusion pressure, and the posterior circulation in comparison with the anterior circulation were associated with a higher probability of arterial collapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial collapse does occur during aspiration thrombectomy and is more likely to happen with larger catheters, lower perfusion pressure, and smaller arteries.

Efficacy of Nucleic Acid Extraction by Manual versus Automated Magnetic Bead-based Method to Detect SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: In December 2019, a rapid spread of highly infectious, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was reported in Wuhan, China. The gold standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is nucleic acid amplification technology by detecting its viral Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) from respiratory swabs (oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal) by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) whose specificity is approximately 95%. Magnetic bead RNA extraction was benchmarked against the commercial QIAcube extraction platform. Aim: To compare the efficacy of nucleic acid extraction by manual method and automated magnetic bead-based method to detect SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: The present observational comparative study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Autonomous State Medical College, Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Duration of the study was from February to March 2022. A total of 470 oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal samples were included in this study to observe the efficacy of nucleic acid extraction by manual extraction and automated extraction for SARS-CoV-2. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel software and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Results: During this study period, a total of 470 individual samples were tested in 94 pools. Out of these 470 individuals, 331 were males (70.5%) and 139 were females (29.5%). All 94 pools were found negative by both automatic and manual extraction methods. Envelope (E) gene was found in one pool (1.06%) by the manual RNA extraction method. E gene was absent in 93 pools (98.94%) by manual method. Internal control was found highest in 88 pools (93.62%) by the automated extraction method. Conclusion: Automated workflows avoid human error from the sample processing pipeline and also ensure as well as enhance the meaningful output, diagnostic precision, and testing capacity. Automated instruments are in wide usage because of their capability of processing thousands of samples per day with the support of minimal staff.

Outcomes among preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus: Relationship with treatment, gestational age, hemodynamic status and timing of treatment

BACKGROUND

There remains controversy regarding the outcomes resulting from treatment versus conservative management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) among preterm infants. The effects of extreme prematurity, hemodynamic status of the PDA, and age at treatment remain poorly defined.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective case-control study including infants <  1250 gm who were categorized into 3 groups: Group 1: without PDA, Group 2: with untreated PDA, and Group 3: treated PDA. Diagnosis and treatment of PDA extracted from the medical records. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes compared using chi-square and analysis of variance. Logistic regression used to estimate adjusted odds ratios.

RESULTS

The study included 734 infants, with 141(19%) in Group 1, 329 (45%) in 2, and 264 (36%) in 3. Group 3 had higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (aOR, 2.9; 95%CI 1.7-4.8). Infant treated for hemodynamically significant PDA (HSPDA) had higher incidence of BPD (aOR, 1.9; 95%CI 1.0-3.8) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (aOR, 3.4; 95%CI 1.6-6.9). There were no differences in outcome associated with treatment among≤26 weeks gestation and the age when treated.

CONCLUSION

Infants with PDA who were treated had higher incidence of BPD. Among those who were treated, those with HSPDA had a higher incidence of BPD and ROP.

Cellular and mitochondrial calcium communication in obstructive lung disorders

Calcium (Ca²⁺) signalling is well known to dictate cellular functioning and fate. In recent years, the accumulation of Ca²⁺ in the mitochondria has emerged as an important factor in Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD) such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Various reports underline an aberrant increase in the intracellular Ca²⁺, leading to mitochondrial ROS generation, and further activation of the apoptotic pathway in these diseases. Mitochondria contribute to Ca²⁺ buffering which in turn regulates mitochondrial metabolism and ATP production. Disruption of this Ca²⁺ balance leads to impaired cellular processes like apoptosis or necrosis and thus contributes to the pathophysiology of airway diseases. This review highlights the key role of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ signalling in regulating CRD, such as asthma and COPD. A better understanding of the dysregulation of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis in these diseases could provide cues for the development of advanced therapeutic interventions in these diseases.

A Saliva-Based RNA Extraction-Free Workflow Integrated With Cas13a for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

A major bottleneck in scaling-up COVID-19 testing is the need for sophisticated instruments and well-trained healthcare professionals, which are already overwhelmed due to the pandemic. Moreover, the high-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics are contingent on an RNA extraction step, which, in turn, is restricted by constraints in the supply chain. Here, we present CASSPIT (Cas13 Assisted Saliva-based & Smartphone Integrated Testing), which will allow direct use of saliva samples without the need for an extra RNA extraction step for SARS-CoV-2 detection. CASSPIT utilizes CRISPR-Cas13a based SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, and lateral-flow assay (LFA) readout of the test results. The sample preparation workflow includes an optimized chemical treatment and heat inactivation method, which, when applied to COVID-19 clinical samples, showed a 97% positive agreement with the RNA extraction method. With CASSPIT, LFA based visual limit of detection (LoD) for a given SARS-CoV-2 RNA spiked into the saliva samples was ~200 copies; image analysis-based quantification further improved the analytical sensitivity to ~100 copies. Upon validation of clinical sensitivity on RNA extraction-free saliva samples (n = 76), a 98% agreement between the lateral-flow readout and RT-qPCR data was found (Ct<35). To enable user-friendly test results with provision for data storage and online consultation, we subsequently integrated lateral-flow strips with a smartphone application. We believe CASSPIT will eliminate our reliance on RT-qPCR by providing comparable sensitivity and will be a step toward establishing nucleic acid-based point-of-care (POC) testing for COVID-19.

Radiation-Induced Imaging Changes and Cerebral Edema following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain AVMs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

T2 signal and FLAIR changes in patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery for brain AVMs may occur posttreatment and could result in adverse radiation effects. We aimed to evaluate outcomes in patients with these imaging changes, the frequency and degree of this response, and factors associated with it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Through this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery for brain AVMs who had at least 1 year of follow-up MR imaging were identified. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS

One-hundred-sixty AVMs were treated in 148 patients (mean, 35.6 years of age), including 42 (26.2%) pediatric AVMs. The mean MR imaging follow-up was 56.5 months. The median Spetzler-Martin grade was III. The mean maximal AVM diameter was 2.8 cm, and the mean AVM target volume was 7.4 mL. The median radiation dose was 16.5 Gy. New T2 signal and FLAIR hyperintensity were noted in 40% of AVMs. T2 FLAIR volumes at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were, respectively, 4.04, 55.47, 56.42, 48.06, and 29.38 mL Radiation-induced neurologic symptoms were encountered in 34.4%. In patients with radiation-induced imaging changes, 69.2% had new neurologic symptoms versus 9.5% of patients with no imaging changes (P = .0001). Imaging changes were significantly associated with new neurologic findings (P < .001). Larger AVM maximal diameter (P = .04) and the presence of multiple feeding arteries (P = .01) were associated with radiation-induced imaging changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation-induced imaging changes are common following linear particle accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery for brain AVMs, appear to peak at 12 months, and are significantly associated with new neurologic findings.

Prevalence of reproductive tract infections in women attending a tertiary care center in Northern India with special focus on associated risk factors

Background:

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) continue to present major health, social, and economic problems worldwide, and their complications are the most important causes of morbidity and mortality for women, especially in developing countries. Interest in RTIs and their management has increased tremendously because the presence of a RTI in the sexual partner increases the risk of acquisition of HIV.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of RTIs, its correlation with clinical features and associated risk factors in women of reproductive age group attending a tertiary care center in Lucknow.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was conducted on 318 women of the reproductive age group (18–45 years) attending the RTI/sexually transmitted infection clinic at our center; they were evaluated for the prevalence of following RTIs: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and candidiasis; their correlation with clinical features and associated risk factors.

Results:

The prevalence of reproductive tract infections in women attending our centre reported 9.7%. The prevalence of candidiasis was maximum (11.5%) followed by chlamydia (4.1%), syphilis (4.1%), bacterial vaginosis (1.73%), and trichomoniasis (0.57%). None of the women were found positive for gonorrhea. The most common presentation was genital discharge (52.8%) followed by lower abdominal pain (45.2%).

Conclusion:

The factors found to be significantly associated with RTI were illiteracy (P < 0.05), unemployment (P < 0.05), history of RTI in patient (P = 0.001), and the presence of RTI in their partner (P < 0.05). The genital discharge was the most common presentation.

Comparative Analysis of Sagittal Condylar Guidance Recorded by Intraoral Gothic Arch Tracing and Panoramic Radiograph in Completely Edentulous Patients

AIM

To compare the intraoral gothic tracing method with panoramic radiographs in patients requiring complete dentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was conducted on 20 edentulous subjects of both genders. Hanau Wide-Vue semi-adjustable articulator was used to record sagittal condylar guidance in all patients. Panoramic radiographs were taken in all patients and Frankfurt horizontal plane was traced on both sides of orthopantomogram (OPG) and second plane was marked by joining the most superior and most inferior point on the glenoid fossa curvature. Frankfort's horizontal plane was crossed with this line to record radiographic condylar guidance angle. NNT software was used to record the condylar guidance angle.

RESULTS

Mean ± standard deviation (SD) clinical SCG (25.15 ± 3.24) and radiographic seismocardiography (SCG) (27.54± 5.01) was non significant (p > 0.05) on left side. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) clinical SCG (26.84 ± 3.69) and radiographic SCG (29.3 5 ± 4.58) was significant (p < 0.05) on right side. The SCG did not show difference in values recorded by both methods on both sides. The difference in values in both sides by clinical method and radiographic method was non-significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was correlation between sagittal condylar guidance obtained by both intraoral gothic arch method as well as radiographic method done on digital panoramic radiographs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Correct centric jaw relation determines the success of the complete denture. Radiographic and clinical methods provide sufficient minute details necessary for the betterment of management.

A Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score Predicts Progression of Islet Autoimmunity and Development of Type 1 Diabetes in Individuals at Risk

OBJECTIVE

We tested the ability of a type 1 diabetes (T1D) genetic risk score (GRS) to predict progression of islet autoimmunity and T1D in at-risk individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the 1,244 TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants (T1D patients' relatives without diabetes and with one or more positive autoantibodies) who were genotyped with Illumina ImmunoChip (median [range] age at initial autoantibody determination 11.1 years [1.2-51.8], 48% male, 80.5% non-Hispanic white, median follow-up 5.4 years). Of 291 participants with a single positive autoantibody at screening, 157 converted to multiple autoantibody positivity and 55 developed diabetes. Of 953 participants with multiple positive autoantibodies at screening, 419 developed diabetes. We calculated the T1D GRS from 30 T1D-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used multivariable Cox regression models, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and area under the curve (AUC) measures to evaluate prognostic utility of T1D GRS, age, sex, Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) Risk Score, positive autoantibody number or type, HLA DR3/DR4-DQ8 status, and race/ethnicity. We used recursive partitioning analyses to identify cut points in continuous variables.

RESULTS

Higher T1D GRS significantly increased the rate of progression to T1D adjusting for DPT-1 Risk Score, age, number of positive autoantibodies, sex, and ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 for a 0.05 increase, 95% CI 1.06-1.6; P = 0.011). Progression to T1D was best predicted by a combined model with GRS, number of positive autoantibodies, DPT-1 Risk Score, and age (7-year time-integrated AUC = 0.79, 5-year AUC = 0.73). Higher GRS was significantly associated with increased progression rate from single to multiple positive autoantibodies after adjusting for age, autoantibody type, ethnicity, and sex (HR 2.27 for GRS >0.295, 95% CI 1.47-3.51; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

The T1D GRS independently predicts progression to T1D and improves prediction along T1D stages in autoantibody-positive relatives.

Fractionation of unreduced gluten proteins on SEC and their relationship with cookie quality characteristics

The size distribution assessment of unreduced wheat gluten proteins of commercial Indian wheat varieties was examined using Size-Exclusion Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography. Elution profiles were fractionated into five peaks, with the molecular weights of eluting peaks as 130-30, 55-20, 28-10 and <10 kDa (IV and V), respectively. Peak I (glutenins) and II (gliadins) exhibited contrary results with AWRC (r = 0.928** and r = -0.831**), R/E ratio (r = 0.745** and r = -0.869**), gluten index (r = 0.959** and r = -0.994**), gliadin/glutenin ratio (r = -0.952** and r = 0.948**), dough development time (r = 0.830** and r = -0.930**), dough stability (r = 0.901** and r = -0.979**) and dough weakening (r = -0.969** and r = 0.986**). Significant statistical correlation was also observed for peak I and II with cookie hardness (r = 0.948** and r = -0.924**) and cookie spread (r = -0.837** and r = -0.743**) respectively. Peak III, IV and V occupied a minor fraction of whole and did not exhibit a statistically significant correlation with any of the quality parameters.

Evaluation of molecular weight distribution of unreduced wheat gluten proteins associated with noodle quality

Unreduced gluten proteins of Indian wheat varieties viz.C306, DBW16, HI977 and HW2004 were separated using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Statistical correlation of area % of eluted peaks with properties of flour, dough and noodles was elucidated. Chromatograms of gluten proteins were classified primarily into five peaks in decreasing molecular size range and relative proportion were expressed in terms of area % of individual peaks which depicts the quantitative variation in protein eluted at different retention times. Cooking time and cooked weight of noodles depicted positive correlation with peak I and negative correlation with peak II which predominantly composed of glutenins and gliadins, respectively. Oil uptake and cooking loss were negatively association with peak I and positively with peak II. Noodle hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness were positively correlated with peak I and negatively to peak II, though adhesiveness was unaffected by SEC eluted peaks statistically.

Relationship of molecular weight distribution profile of unreduced gluten protein extracts with quality characteristics of bread

A statistical correlation was established among the molecular weight distribution patterns of unreduced gluten proteins and physicochemical, rheological and bread-making quality characteristics of wheat varieties. Size exclusion chromatography fractionated the gluten proteins apparently into five peaks. Peak I signified glutenins (30-130kDa), peak II as gliadins (20-55kDa), peak III as very low molecular weight monomeric gliadins (10-28kDa), peak IV and V, collectively, as albumins and globulins (<10kDa). Peaks I and II had appreciable effects on dough development time (r=0.830(∗∗) and r=-0.930(∗∗)) and dough stability (r=0.901(∗∗) and r=-0.979(∗∗)). Peak I was associated with R/E ratio (r=0.745(∗∗)), gluten index (r=0.959(∗∗)), and gliadin/glutenin ratio (r=-0.952(∗∗)), while peak II influenced inversely as expected. Peak I exhibited positive statistical significance with bread loaf volume (r=0.848(∗∗)); however, peak II had negative (r=-0.818(∗∗)) impact. Bread firmness increased with increment in peak II (r=0.625(∗∗)), and decreased with accretion in peak I (r=-0.623(∗∗)).

INDUCED CYTOMICTIC VARIATIONS AND SYNCYTE FORMATION DURING MICROSPOROGENESIS IN PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L

The intercellular translocation of chromatin material along with other cytoplasmic contents among the proximate meiocytes lying in close contact with each other commonly referred as cytomixis was reported during microsporogenesis in Phaseolus vulgaris L., a member of the family Fabaceae. The phenomenon of cytomixis was observed at three administered doses of gamma rays viz. 100, 200, 300 Gy respectively in the diploid plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. The gamma rays irradiated plants showed the characteristic feature of inter-meiocyte chromatin/chromosomes transmigration through various means.such as channel formation, beak formation or by direct adhesion between the PMC's (Pollen mother cells). The present study also reports the first instance of syncyte formation induced via cytomictic transmigration in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Though the frequency of syncyteformation was rather low yet these could play a significant role in plant evolution. It is speculated that syncyte enhances the ploidy level of plants by forming 2n gametes and may lead to the production ofpolyploid plants. The phenomenon of cytomixis shows a gradual inclination along with the increasing treatment doses of gamma rays. The preponderance of cytomixis was more frequent during meiosis I as compared to meiosis II. An interesting feature noticed during the present study was the channel formation among the microspores and fusion among the tetrads due to cell wall dissolution. The impact of this phenomenon is also visible on the development of post-meiotic products. The formation of heterosized pollen grains; a deviation from the normal pollen grains has also been reported. The production of gametes with unbalanced chromosomes is of utmost importance and should be given more attention in future studies as they possess the capability of inducing variations at the genomic level and can be further utilized in the improvement of germplasm.

Relationship of Oxygen Saturation with Neonatal and Maternal factors in Vaginal and Cesarean Deliveries

INTRODUCTION

Hypoxemia is the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aims to determine the influence of birth weight, Apgar score, gestation age, body mass index and hemoglobin of mother on levels of SpO2 in healthy newborns born vaginally and through cesarean section.

METHODS

A hospital Based, observational study conducted in Department of Pediatrics, Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Lumbini, Nepal; on 49 vaginal and 49 cesarean deliveries with Apgar Score ≥ 6. SpO2 was estimated by pulse oximeter post-ductally between 1 to 30 minutes of birth. The observed SpO2 values were correlated with neonatal and maternal factors.

RESULTS

Vaginal and Cesarean deliveries SpO2 were comparable for birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score of neonates, body mass index and hemoglobin of the mother. Birth weight in vaginally delivered babies and Apgar score in cesarean births showed significant change in SpO2 (P<0.05). At all points of time the SpO2 values were higher in neonates, born by cesarean than those born out of spontaneous vaginal deliveries (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SpO2 levels in neonates born through cesarean section were higher in comparison to thoseborn by vaginal route. Birth weight and Apgar score had correlation with SpO2 in vaginal and cesarean births, respectively.

Human behavior. Sex equality can explain the unique social structure of hunter-gatherer bands

The social organization of mobile hunter-gatherers has several derived features, including low within-camp relatedness and fluid meta-groups. Although these features have been proposed to have provided the selective context for the evolution of human hypercooperation and cumulative culture, how such a distinctive social system may have emerged remains unclear. We present an agent-based model suggesting that, even if all individuals in a community seek to live with as many kin as possible, within-camp relatedness is reduced if men and women have equal influence in selecting camp members. Our model closely approximates observed patterns of co-residence among Agta and Mbendjele BaYaka hunter-gatherers. Our results suggest that pair-bonding and increased sex egalitarianism in human evolutionary history may have had a transformative effect on human social organization.

Multiple Choice Questions-Part II (Classification, Item Preparation, Analysis and Banking)

No Abstract Available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11830 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 54-59