Molecular surveillance of dengue virus in field-collected Aedes mosquitoes from Bhopal, central India: evidence of circulation of a new lineage of serotype 2

Introduction

Dengue fever is hyperendemic in several Southeast and South Asian countries, including India, with all four serotypes (DENV 1-4) circulating at different periods and in different locations. Sustainable and improved virological and entomological surveillance is the only tool to prevent dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

Objectives

The present study has been carried out to detect and characterize the circulating dengue virus (DENV) in field-collected Aedes mosquitoes in Bhopal, Central India.

Methods

Aedes mosquitoes were collected from 29 localities within Bhopal city during October 2020 to September 2022. DENV infection was assessed in the individual head and thorax regions of Aedes mosquitoes using reverse transcriptase PCR. Positive samples were sequenced, and the circulating serotypes and genotypes were determined using phylogenetic analysis.

Results

DENV RNA was detected in 7 Aedes aegypti and 1 Aedes albopictus, with infection rates of 0.59 and 0.14%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed all the isolates belonged to DENV serotype 2 and distinctly clustered with the non-Indian lineage (cosmopolitan genotype 4a), which was not recorded from the study area earlier. The time to most common recent ancestor (TMRCA) of these sequences was 7.4 years old, with the highest posterior density (HPD) of 3.5-12.2 years, indicating that this new lineage emerged during the year 2014. This is the first report on the DENV incrimination in both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes collected from Bhopal, Central India.

Conclusion

The observed emergence of the non-Indian lineage of DENV-2 in Bhopal, which again is a first report from the area, coincides with the gradual increase in DENV cases in Bhopal since 2014. This study emphasizes the importance of DENV surveillance and risk assessment in this strategically important part of the country to decipher its outbreak and severe disease-causing potential.

Tapping Into Actinobacterial Genomes for Natural Product Discovery

The presence of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) makes actinobacteria well-known producers of diverse metabolites. These ubiquitous microbes are extensively exploited for their ability to synthesize diverse secondary metabolites. The extent of their ability to synthesize various molecules is yet to be evaluated. Current advancements in genome sequencing, metabolomics, and bioinformatics have provided a plethora of information about the mechanism of synthesis of these bioactive molecules. Accessing the biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for the production of metabolites has always been a challenging assignment. The genomic approach developments have opened a new gateway for examining and manipulating novel antibiotic gene clusters. These advancements have now developed a better understanding of actinobacterial physiology and their genetic regulation for the prolific production of natural products. These new approaches provide a unique opportunity to discover novel bioactive compounds that might replenish antibiotics’ exhausted stock and counter the microbes’ resistance crisis.

Oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome & its association with DNA-strand break

Background & objectives:

Oxidative stress (OS) is associated with numerous components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was aimed to investigate if hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as the reactive oxygen species was capable of depicting OS in MetS, and If MetS patients showed DNA damage in the form of DNA strand breaks (DSB).

Methods:

A total of 160 participants (90 males, 70 females) ≥20 yr of age were categorized into four groups based on the number of MetS risk parameters (n=40 in each group). Sugar and lipid profile, H₂O₂ concentration in blood and DNA-strand breaks were measured.

Results:

DSB was significantly more in those with MetS (n=40) than those without (n=120) whereas H₂O₂ levels were the same in both the study groups. The number of DSB differed significantly between the control and 3 risk factor groups. DSB was also higher in groups with 2 and 1 risk factors compared to 0 risk but the difference was not significant. H₂O₂ level was higher in groups with 3, 2 and 1 risk factors compared to 0 risk group but the difference was not significant. The H₂O₂ level correlated positively with triglyceride values but not with other MetS risk parameters. There was no significant correlation between DSB and MetS risk parameters.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our findings showed a cumulative and synergistic effect of the risk factors of MetS on DSB. Individuals with three risk parameters had a greater effect on DNA damage than in those with two or one risk parameter. Although plasma H₂O₂ level increased with an increase in the fat depots, use of H₂O₂ to depict OS in MetS should be coupled with an adjunct and estimation of DSB in peripheral blood lymphocytes may be used as indicator of OS in MetS patients.

Sp1 Binding Site Polymorphism at COL1A1 Gene and Its Relation to Bone Mineral Density for Osteoporosis Risk Factor Among the Sikkimese Men and Women of Northeast India

Single nucleotide polymorphism in the first intron of Collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene which is the binding site of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor associated with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis. To evaluate such genetic factors among the Sikkimese population, a total of 150 cases (75 men and 75 women) with primary osteopenia and osteoporosis and 150 healthy controls (75 men and 75 women) of age range between 35 and 65 years were enrolled in this study. The COL1A1 genotypes [SS, Ss and ss] were assessed by restriction enzyme [MscI] digestion of DNA after amplification by polymerase chain reaction. There, only 2.7% women and 1.3% men cases had restriction site with heterozygous genotype (Ss) and no homozygous genotype (ss) were detected. There was no statistically significant association between low bone mass and genotypes on analysis (χ² = 1.014, P = 0.314; RR = 1.510) that, the Sp1 binding site polymorphism at the COLIA1 gene is very rare and has no contribution in the development low bone mineral density.

Correlation of cartilage metabolic markers & antioxidants with the severity of knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage. Cartilage metabolic markers have been explored as possible markers for osteoarthritis, and osteogenic protein -1 (OP-1) has emerged out to play a major role in cartilage repair. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a mediator of cartilage damage in patients with osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to correlate the cartilage metabolic markers and antioxidants with the severity of knee osteoarthritis.

"Metabolic Syndrome and Its Risk Determinants in Sikkim": A Glimpse from a Hospital Study

Sikkim has been reported to have the highest percentage of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in the country. The study aimed to focus its precursor termed 'Metabolic Syndrome' (MetS) with special attention to its risk determinants as a measure to promote awareness in preventing the rise in number of these non communicable diseases in the state with only 6,10,577 inhabitants. Of 361 participants, 33.5% were diagnosed MetS as per the harmonized MetS criteria, 64.5% deemed non-MetS comprised of participants with "2 Risk", "1 Risk" and "0 Risk" for MetS, however not enough (3 or more) to be categorized as MetS. A "large WC + elevated BP + raised FBS"; "large WC + elevated BP" and "large WC" were the different types of risk combinations found frequently in the "3 Risk", "2 Risk" and "1 Risk" category respectively. MetS was most common among the females and highly found in 51-60 years of age. Ethnically "Bhutia/Lepcha/Tamang/Sherpa" were diagnosed with highest percentage of MetS followed by "Nepalese" and "Others". The chief contributing factor to compose MetS in the female population was a large WC. We conclude, Diabetes and Hypertension are indeed prevailing in Sikkim and that the presence of either an increased waist circumference or an elevated blood pressure mandates a check for the remaining four risk factors for MetS, rendering worthwhile to keep an account of MetS risk types by stratification to comprehend the influence of socio-cultural and ethno-geographical factors in causing MetS.

Correlation of the Osteogenic Protein-1 (OP-1) with Age, Cartilage metabolic Markers and Antioxidants in the Osteoarthritic Patients of Sikkim

BACKGROUND

Age and oxidative stress have been implicated as the main causes of the cartilage damage in osteoarthritis (OA). The osteogenic protein-1(OP-1), a member of the bone morphogenetic family (BMP), plays a major role in cartilage repair.

AIM

To correlate the OP-1 in the synovial fluid with the age and antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and uric acid (UA) in the blood and with the cartilage metabolic markers like hyaluronic acid (HA) and keratan sulphate (KS) in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic patients.

METHOD

Seventy five osteoarthritic patients were taken up for the study. Heparinized blood samples were collected for the estimation of SOD, GPx and UA. Synovial fluid was aspirated for the estimation of HA, KS and OP-1. OP-1 was estimated by using a polyclonal antibody (anti-OP-1) which was produced against OP-1 in the mouse ascitic fluid by sandwich ELISA.

RESULT

Age and UA showed a significant correlation with OP-1. On the other hand, the correlations between OP-1 and the antioxidants (SOD and GPx) and the cartilage metabolic markers (HA and KS) were insignificant in osteoarthritic patients.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests about the important role of OP-1 in cartilage aging and degeneration, which may help us in understanding the potential for the therapeutic interventions in the treatment of cartilage degenerative processes.

Evidence for oxidative stress in osteoarthritis

Evidence of increased oxidative stress in patients of osteoarthritis in comparison with healthy control subjects was investigated by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), vitamin C, reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes. It was observed that osteoarthritis patients were more susceptible to oxidative damage than controls as evident from increased TBARS and decreased ascorbic acid, GSH, catalase and GPx in erythrocytes. Significant increase in SOD activity found in patients might be an adaptive response. With the understanding of the role of antioxidants in arthritis, it is becoming increasingly clear that these agents seem to be beneficial in osteoarthritis.

Patients' satisfaction with hospital care in a referral institute in Manipur

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of patients' satisfaction with hospital care in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal among inpatients during the month of May 2007. Interview schedule was developed covering certain domains regarding patients care. Overall satisfaction level was determined by using a summated Likert score. Most of the patients (260, 74.1%) were satisfied with the overall care received. Patients were found to be unsatisfied in the domains pertaining to admission procedure (145, 41.3%), comfort and cleanliness (164, 46.7%), food service (194, 55.3%). Patient admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology ward showed a significantly higher level of dissatisfaction as compared to patients from other departments (p<0.03).

Lactational Performance of Manipuri Women

A study was conducted to measure the volume of breast milk output of 26 lactating women and to estimatethe period of its adequacy as the sole food for the infants. Child-mother pairs were selected on voluntarybasis from amongst mothers who delivered in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Imphal,Manipur (India). Daily volume of breast milk output was measured by test weighing method by weighingthe infants before and after each breast feeding in 24 hours period at different stages of lactation.Daily mean volume of milk output was in the range of 500-550 ml at the 1st month, 590-600 ml at 2-3months, 520-560 ml at 4 months, 450-500 ml at 5 months, 420 ml at 6 months and 340 ml at 7 months. Periodof adequacy of breast milk for the infant was judged by estimation of the proportion of energy the child isgetting from the mother in term of its energy requirement for its weight. About 60-95% of infants receivedless than 80% of energy demand from the mother at 1-3 months of age and 60-80% received less than 60%of energy requirement after completion of 4 months of age. The present study demonstrated that mother’sbreast milk is adequate as sole for the infants upto 4-5 months of age.Key Words: Breast milk output, test weighing, adequacy of breast milk, energy demand.

Diagnostic use of filarial antibody and antigen isolated from hydrocele fluid for human filariasis

Paired samples of serum and hydrocele fluid of filarial patients associated with hydrocele were analysed for filarial antibody and antigen. Sera samples showed higher titers of filarial antibody and antigen compared to their corresponding hydrocele fluid samples. HFIgG isolated from hydrocele fluid was equally useful as FSIgG isolated from serum and detected filarial antigen in 23 out of 26 microfilaraemic sera, 7 out of 10 chronic sera and 3 out of 18 endemic normal sera by inhibition ELISA. Filarial antigen was isolated from hydrocele fluid. In inhibition ELISA antigen fraction, HFA-9 (20-25 kDa) isolated by sodium-dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed high reciprocal antigen titer of 2048. This active antigen fraction was evaluated for its diagnostic utility in comparison with Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae excretory-secretory antigen (Wb mf ES Ag) in inhibition ELISA. Both antigen preparations detected filarial antigen in about 80% of microfilaraemic sera, 60% chronic sera and 20-30% of endemic normal sera. This study showed that antibody and antigen isolated from hydrocele fluid were equally sensitive as FSIgG and Wb mf ES Ag in the detection of filarial antigen by inhibition ELISA. Thus hydrocele fluid may be used as an alternative source for the isolation of antibody and antigen of immunodiagnostic importance.

Serum modulation of insulin action: effects on rat gingival fibroblast metabolism

Serum is reported to reduce the sensitivity of cells in culture to insulin. The effect of serum concentration in the growth medium on the responsiveness of control (C) and streptozotocin diabetic (D) rat gingival fibroblasts to insulin was measured by monitoring cellular DNA, RNA, total protein and medium hydroxyproline (collagen) levels, as well as the cellular uptake of C14-alpha-NH2-isobutyrate (alpha-AIB) and H3-2-deoxyglucose (2DG). The cells were grown in alpha-MEM at 5, 10, 15 or 20% FCS with 0, 10(-12), 10(-10), 10(-8) and 10(-6) M insulin used at each serum level. Insulin effects in the absence of serum were not assessed. For both the C and D rat cells, the DNA increased proportionately with increasing serum and insulin levels. In contrast, RNA and total cell protein increased with increase in insulin and decrease in serum, the magnitude of the effect being greater in C than in D cells. The insulin stimulation of both 2DG and alpha-AIB uptake and of collagen secretion varied inversely with serum concentrations. The magnitude of the insulin-serum interaction on metabolite uptake was greater for the D rat cells. These data indicate that serum significantly reduced the cell response to insulin stimulated metabolite uptake and collagen secretion, but was without apparent effect on the intracellular insulin responsive parameters. They suggest that serum factor(s) interfere with the availability of insulin to the cell and that the D rat cells are most affected.