Apoptin NLS2 homodimerization strategy for improved antibacterial activity and bio-stability.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance prompts exploration of viable antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) designs. The present study explores the antimicrobial prospects of Apoptin nuclear localization sequence (NLS2)-derived peptide ANLP (PRPRTAKRRIRL). Further, we examined the utility of the NLS dimerization strategy for improvement in antimicrobial activity and sustained bio-stability of AMPs. Initially, the antimicrobial potential of ANLP using antimicrobial peptide databases was analyzed. Then, ANLP along with its two homodimer variants namely ANLP-K1 and ANLP-K2 were synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Among three AMPs, ANLP-K2 showed efficient antibacterial activity with 12 µM minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Slow degradation of ANLP-K1 (26.48%) and ANLP-K2 (13.21%) compared with linear ANLP (52.33%) at 480 min in serum stability assay indicates improved bio-stability of dimeric peptides. The AMPs presented no cytotoxicity in Vero cells. Dye penetration assays confirmed the membrane interacting nature of AMPs. The zeta potential analysis reveals effective charge neutralization of both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacterial cells by dimeric AMPs. The dimeric AMPs on scanning electron microscopy studies showed multiple pore formations on the bacterial surface. Collectively, proposed Lysine scaffold dimerization of Apoptin NLS2 strategy resulted in enhancing antibacterial activity, bio-stability, and could be effective in neutralizing the off-target effect of LPS. In conclusion, these results suggest that nuclear localization sequence with a modified dimeric approach could represent a rich source of template for designing future antimicrobial peptides.

Glasses-free 3-D visualization with multi-layered transparent cholesteric films: erratum.

We correct an error in our previously published manuscript [Opt. Express27, 16847 (2019)10.1364/OE.27.016847].

Novel peptide (RATH) mediated delivery of peptide nucleic acids for antiviral interventions.

The peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a chimeric molecule with the nucleobases connected by peptide bonds. This chimeric nature gives the PNA certain therapeutic advantages over natural antisense nucleic acid molecules. The PNA probes are known for its better and stronger complementation with target nucleic acids. However, cellular delivery of PNA is a major hurdle due to the charge-neutral nature of the PNA. For cellular delivery of PNA, peptide-PNA conjugates are used. This approach may face some practical limitation in terms of PNA antisense activity. In this study, we propose a novel RATH-2 peptide-based non-covalent PNA delivery mechanism. We observed RATH-2 shows a favorable molecular interaction with PNA at 16:1 (peptide:PNA) molar ratio resulting in co-centric nanoparticle formation. With this combination, we could achieve as high as 93% cellular delivery of the PNA. The proposed non-covalent RATH:PNA delivery model showed endocytic entrapment free delivery of PNA. The study further demonstrated the therapeutic application of PNA with in vitro antiviral intervention model. Using RATH-2 non-covalent PNA delivery system, we could inhibit 69.5% viral load. The present study demonstrates a cell-penetrating peptide:PNA interaction can lead to nanoparticle formations that facilitated cellular delivery of PNA.Key points• A novel cell-penetrating peptide (RATH-2) was identified for non-covalent delivery of PNA.• RATH-2 and PNA formed co-centric nanoparticles at appropriate molar combination.• PNA delivered through the RATH-2 inhibited the viral gene expression and reduced the viral load.

Multiple antigenic peptide-based flow through dot-blot assay for simultaneous antibody detection of infectious bronchitis virus and Newcastle disease virus.

The present study describes the development of a novel affordable and rapid visual dot-blot assay using synthetic multiple antigenic peptides (MAP) for simultaneous detection of antibodies to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Antibody detection efficiencies of MAP peptides namely, NP1 MAP (Nucleoprotein IBV) and HN MAP (Haemagglutinin-neuraminidase NDV) were studied in solid-phase indirect peptide ELISA. In comparison with the commercial kit, the NP1 MAP showed 89.20% diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) and 85.90% diagnostic specificity (DSp) at 19.45% ROC cut-off. Similarly, HN MAP was evaluated and showed 89.70% DSn and 92.90% DSp at 19.90 % ROC cut-off. The peptides after evaluating their ELISA performance were further used to device a flow-through dot-blot assay (FT-DBA) for simultaneous detection of IBV and NDV antibodies. The kappa value for IBV by FT-DBA in comparison to commercial ELISA was 0.64 whereas for NDV, FT-DBA gave a kappa value of 0.68 in comparison to commercial ELISA indicating substantial agreement between the assays. In essence, the divergent MAP based diagnostic design could provide an alternative for antibody detection of IBV and NDV. Further, the FT-DBA approach could be used for low cost, rapid and pen-side detection of IBV and NDV antibodies simultaneously.

Topical application of quercetin improves wound repair and regeneration in diabetic rats.

Purpose: There is an urgent need of effective drug/formulation to speed up the healing process in diabetic wounds. In our earlier studies, quercetin has accelerated the healing of nondiabetic wounds. So, we investigated the wound-healing potentials of quercetin in diabetic rats.Materials and methods: A square-shaped cutaneous wound (≈400 mm2) was created on the back of nondiabetic and diabetic rats. They were divided into three groups, viz. healthy control (nondiabetic), diabetic control and diabetic-treated group. Ointment base was topically applied for 21 days in healthy and diabetic control groups. Quercetin (0.3%) ointment was similarly applied in third group. Effects of quercetin on repair and regenerations of diabetic wounds in terms of wound closure, inflammation, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, epithelialization, axonal regeneration etc was studied.Results: Quercetin accelerated the wound closure and increased the expressions of IL-10, VEGF and TGF-ß1 in granulation/healing tissue of diabetic wound. However, quercetin decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and MMP-9. Histopathological evaluation revealed amelioration of persistence of inflammatory cells by quercetin in diabetic wounds. There was good quality of granulation tissue, marked fibroblast proliferation, well organized collagen deposition, early regeneration of epithelial layer etc. in the quercetin treated diabetic wounds in comparison to diabetic control group. Results of immunohistochemistry showed more angiogenesis, faster phenotypic switching of fibroblast to myofibroblasts and increased GAP-43 positive nerve fibers in quercetin-treated diabetic wounds.Conclusion: Quercetin ointment at 0.3% w/w concentration modulates cytokines, growth factors and protease, thereby improved repair and regenerations of cutaneous diabetic wounds in rats.

Glasses-free 3-D visualization with multi-layered transparent cholesteric films.

Fabrication of a three-dimensional (3D) device with volume-filling autostereoscopic imagery provides a unique solution to the accommodation-convergence mismatch problem in a conventional stereoscopic 3D display. We demonstrate a volumetric 3D display consisting of a stack of sequentially-driven transparent cholesteric films that illuminate every point in the display volume to generate a synthetic 3D image. Transparent cholesteric films comprise of the reverse-mode polymer-stabilized cholesteric texture (R-PSCT) that exhibits > 85% transmittance in its off-state (Grandjean texture) and <15% transmittance in its on-state (focal-conic texture). The polymer network in the R-PSCT is formed with the mixture of reactive monomers: RM6 and RM257. The electro-optical measurements show a strongly influence of concentration of each reactive monomer in the total mixture on the optical contrast and driving voltage of R-PSCT films. Hence, we optimize the composition of reactive monomers in R-PSCT to achieve a low driving voltage, high optical contrast and high electro-mechanical stability. Furthermore, we fabricate a multi-surface and a see-through volumetric 3D display prototype that consists an optical element with 15 R-PSCT films that are sequentially-switched with a microcontroller and operated at 250 Hz. A high-speed DLP projector is used to project a time-multiplexed series of two-dimensional images that are used to build the multi-planar volumetric images.

iNICU - Integrated Neonatal Care Unit: Capturing Neonatal Journey in an Intelligent Data Way.

Neonatal period represents first 28 days of life, which is the most vulnerable time for a child's survival especially for the preterm babies. High neonatal mortality is a prominent and persistent problem across the globe. Non-availability of trained staff and infrastructure are the major recognized hurdles in the quality care of these neonates. Hourly progress growth charts and reports are still maintained manually by nurses along with continuous calculation of drug dosage and nutrition as per the changing weight of the baby. iNICU (integrated Neonatology Intensive Care Unit) leverages Beaglebone and Intel Edison based IoT integration with biomedical devices in NICU i.e. monitor, ventilator and blood gas machine. iNICU is hosted on IBM Softlayer based cloud computing infrastructure and map NICU workflow in Java based responsive web application to provide translational research informatics support to the clinicians. iNICU captures real time vital parameters i.e. respiration rate, heart rate, lab data and PACS amounting for millions of data points per day per child. Stream of data is sent to Apache Kafka layer which stores the same in Apache Cassandra NoSQL. iNICU also captures clinical data like feed intake, urine output, and daily assessment of child in PostgreSQL database. It acts as first Big Data hub (of both structured and unstructured data) of neonates across India offering temporal (longitudinal) data of their stay in NICU and allow clinicians in evaluating efficacy of their interventions. iNICU leverages drools based clinical rule based engine and deep learning based big data analytical model coded in R and PMML. iNICU solution aims to improve care time, fills skill gap, enable remote monitoring of neonates in rural regions, assists in identifying the early onset of disease, and reduction in neonatal mortality.

Development of B cell epitopes-based enzyme linked immune sorbent assay for detection of bovine anti-Mullerian hormone.

The present study aimed to generate antibodies against predicted B cell epitopic peptides encoding bAMH for developing different ELISA models. Sandwich ELISA was determined to be an excellent technique for assessing bAMH in bovine plasma based on sensitivity tests. The assay's specificity, sensitivity, inter- and intra-assay CV, recovery %, Lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), and Upper limit of quantification (ULOQ) were determined. The test was selective since it did not bind to AMH-related growth and differentiation factors (LH and FSH) or non-related components (BSA, progesterone). The intra-assay CV was 5.67%, 3.12%, 4.94%, 3.61% and 4.27% for 72.44, 183.11, 368.24, 522.24 and 732.25 pg/ml AMH levels, respectively. At the same time, the inter-assay CV was 8.77%, 7.87%, 4.53%, 5.76% and 6.70% for 79.30, 161.27, 356.30, 569.33 and 798.19 pg/ml AMH levels, respectively. The average (Mean ± SEM) recovery percentages were 88-100%. LLOQ was 5 pg/ml and ULOQ at 50 µg/ml (CV < 20%). In conclusion, we developed a new highly sensitive ELISA against bAMH using epitope specific antibodies.

Virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus associated with clinical mastitis in cattle.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most prevalent microorganism associated with mastitis in cattle, which harbours several virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. The present study aimed to characterize S. aureus isolated from mastitic milk of the cattle for antibiotic resistance (blaZ and mecA), haemolysins (hla and hlb) and enterotoxins (sea, seb, sec, and sed) genes. A total of 69 staphylococci were isolated and phenotypically characterized for haemolytic properties on 5% sheep blood agar medium. Out of 69 isolates, 55 (79.71%) were identified as S. aureus by polymerase chain reaction assay. Among S. aureus, the majority of the isolates harboured the gene blaZ (92.73%), followed by coa (89.09%), hlb (60%) and hla (49.09%). Gene mecA responsible for methicillin resistance was detected in 23.64% of S. aureus isolates. Enterotoxin genes seb (9.09%), sec (1.82%) and sed (7.27%) responsible for food poisoning were detected at a comparatively lower rate and none of the S. aureus strain was found positive for sea. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility study of S. aureus against 18 antimicrobial discs showed maximum resistance to oxytetracycline, penicillin, and fluoroquinolone groups, contrarily, we observed maximum sensitivity to methicillin and cefuroxime antimicrobials. The high occurrence rate of S. aureus harbouring genes for virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance needs appropriate strategies to control the pathogen spread to the human population.

Novel preparation of bilirubin-encapsulated pluronic F-127 nanoparticles as a potential biomaterial for wound healing.

Cutaneous wounds deteriorate the health of patients and liable for high economic loss. Previous studies showed promising wound healing potentials of bilirubin, however, this macromolecule constrained with poor water solubility and skin penetration. In this study, Pluronic F-127, a non-ionic copolymer surfactant, was used for the encapsulation of the wound healing agent the bilirubin. With this strategy, spherical shaped bilirubin nanoparticles of ∼100-150 nm with zeta potential ranging from -13.43 ± 0.56 to -17.53 ± 0.43 mV were obtained. Topical applications of bilirubin nanoparticle (0.3%) on cutaneous wounds of rats showed promising wound healing in comparison with other topical treatments. This topical nano-formulation also modulates the cytokine and growth factor responses in the treated group. On day 7 of healing, bilirubin nanoparticles treatment significantly reduced TNF-α and increased IL-10 levels with increased VEGF and TGF-ß1 expressions. Simultaneously, prominent pro-healing activities could be observed histopathologically. These include increased blood vessels, reduced inflammatory cells, more myofibroblasts, increased deposition of collagen fibres, and early re-epithelialization. The changes were prominent in bilirubin nanoparticles (0.3%) treated group indicating better granulation tissue, quality of healing and wound maturity. In conclusion, the proposed new encapsulated bilirubin nanoparticles strategy significantly improved wound healing by modulation of cytokines and growth factors response in comparison with native bulk bilirubin. These observations support its potential as a novel biomaterial for wound healing in the future.

Pediatric cardiac surgery following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection: Early experience and lessons learnt.

Background: We evaluated our early experience of cardiac procedures in children with congenital heart defects (CHD) after asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, to understand whether recent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity had a negative impact on their postprocedural recovery and outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational study, all patients with CHD who underwent cardiac surgery or transcatheter intervention at our institution between March 2020 and June 2021 who were detected to have asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection on routine RT-PCR were included. Details of the cardiac procedure and postprocedural recovery were reviewed and compared with RT-PCR-negative patients who concurrently underwent similar cardiac surgeries or interventions at our center. Results: Thirteen patients underwent cardiac surgery after recent SARS-CoV-2 positivity after a mean interval of 25.4 ± 12.9 days. One patient expired with multiorgan dysfunction and systemic inflammatory response with elevated D-dimer, serum Ferritin, C-reactive protein, and significant ground-glass opacities on chest radiograph. Another patient developed spontaneous thrombosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, bilateral iliac arteries, and bilateral femoral veins, requiring low-molecular weight heparin postoperatively. This patient's postoperative recovery was also prolonged due to lung changes delaying extubation. All other patients had uneventful postprocedural recovery with intensive care unit and hospital stays comparable to non-SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Conclusions: From our early experience, we can surmise that an interval of 2-3 weeks after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is adequate to undertake elective or semi-elective pediatric cardiac surgeries. For patients requiring emergent cardiac surgery prior to this interval, there is potentially increased risk of inflammatory and/or thrombotic complications.

Studies on intra-ocular vaccination of adult cattle with reduced dose Brucella abortus strain-19 vaccine.

Brucella abortus vaccines play a central role in bovine brucellosis control with tremendous success worldwide for decades. The study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of reduced dose (5.0 × 10 9 cfu) of S19 vaccine in adult cattle and its shedding in the milk of vaccinated cattle using molecular techniques. The OIE recommended tests (RBPT, SAT, and iELISA) for brucellosis screening in cattle were used. Seronegative cattle (n = 90) of different age groups (young, old heifers & milking cows, n = 30 each) were selected for the vaccine trials. Antibody titers were recorded at 7th, 21st, 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th days post-vaccination (DPV) to monitor the immune responses following vaccination and at 150th, 180th, 210th and 240th DPB following booster-dose to an intraocular group. The humoral immune responses observed by RBPT and ELISA, proved that antibody titers persisted in s/c group compared to the i/o group in all categories. The IFN-γ stimulation (CMI) due to reduced dose vaccination was noticed early as 30th in all groups and declined after 90th DPV, with higher IFN-γ stimulation among the s/c group. The Bcsp31 and IS711 targeted PCR detected the presence of Brucella DNA in milk samples (n = 120) from the vaccinated cows (n = 30) and confirmed by qPCR (TaqMan assay) at 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th DPV. A Significant number, 70% (7/10) was detected in s/c by qPCR. BCSP31 sequence was deposited at NCBI GenBank (accession no. MK881173-6). PCR and qPCR techniques could provide a reliable diagnosis of brucellosis from milk. The intraocular route remains the safer route for vaccinating adult cattle than subcutaneous.

Prevalence of Newcastle Disease Virus in Wild and Migratory Birds in Haryana, India.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can infect approximately 250 avian species and causes highly contagious Newcastle disease (ND) in domestic poultry, leading to huge economic losses. There are three different pathotypes of NDV, i.e., lentogenic, mesogenic, and velogenic. Wild resident (wild) and migratory birds are natural reservoirs of NDV and are believed to play a key role in transmitting the virus to domestic poultry. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NDV in wild and migratory birds in the state of Haryana, India, during two migratory seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20). In total 1379 samples (1368 choanal swabs and 11 tissue samples) were collected from live (n = 1368) or dead birds (n = 4) belonging to 53 different avian species. These samples belonged to apparently healthy (n = 1338), sick (n = 30), and dead (n = 4) birds. All samples were tested for NDV by real-time reverse transcription-PCR using M gene specific primers and probe. Of the 1379 samples, 23 samples from wild birds [Columba livia domestica (n = 12, 52.17%), Pavo cristatus (n = 9, 39.13%), and Psittaciformes (n = 2, 8.69%)] were found positive for NDV. Only one of the 23 samples (from P. cristatus) was positive for F gene, indicating it to be a mesogenic/velogenic strain. These results indicate that both lentogenic and velogenic strains of NDV are circulating in wild birds in Haryana and that further studies are needed to characterize NDV strains from wild/migratory birds and domestic poultry to determine the extent of virus transmission among these populations. This study considers the disease transmission risk from domestic pigeons and parrots to commercial poultry and vice versa, and the results emphasize the need for strict biosecurity strategies to protect commercial poultry in the region.

Prevalencia del virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle en aves silvestres y migratorias en Haryana, India. El virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle (NDV) puede infectar aproximadamente a 250 especies de aves y causa la enfermedad de Newcastle (ND) altamente contagiosa en la avicultura comercial, lo que genera enormes pérdidas económicas. Hay tres patotipos diferentes del virus de Newcastle, que incluyen, lentogénico, mesogénico y velogénico. Las aves silvestres residentes (silvestres) y migratorias son reservorios naturales del virus de Newcastle y se cree que desempeñan un papel clave en la transmisión del virus a las aves domésticas comerciales. El presente estudio se realizó para determinar la prevalencia del virus de Newcastle en aves silvestres y migratorias en el estado de Haryana, India, durante dos temporadas migratorias (2018-19 y 2019-20). En total, se recolectaron 1379 muestras (1368 hisopos coanales y 11 muestras de tejido) de aves vivas (n = 1368) o muertas (n = 4) pertenecientes a 53 especies de aves diferentes. Estas muestras pertenecían a aves aparentemente sanas (n = 1338), enfermas (n = 30) y muertas (n = 4). Todas las muestras se analizaron para detectar al virus de Newcastle mediante transcripción reversa y PCR en tiempo real utilizando iniciadores y una sonda específicos del gene M. De las 1379 muestras, 23 muestras de aves silvestres [Columba livia domestica (n = 12, 52.17 %), Pavo cristatus (n = 9, 39.13 %) y Psittaciformes (n = 2, 8.69 %)] resultaron positivas para el virus de Newcastle. Solo una de las 23 muestras (de P. cristatus) fue positiva para el gene F, lo que indica que se trata de una cepa mesogénica/velogénica. Estos resultados indican que tanto las cepas lentogénicas como las velogénicas del virus de Newcastle están circulando en las aves silvestres de Haryana y que se necesitan más estudios para caracterizar las cepas del virus de Newcastle de las aves silvestres/migratorias y de las aves domésticas para determinar el alcance de la transmisión del virus entre estas poblaciones. Este estudio considera el riesgo de transmisión de la enfermedad de las palomasdomésticas y loros a las aves comerciales y viceversa, y los resultados enfatizan la necesidad de estrategias estrictas de bioseguridad para proteger las aves comerciales en la región.

Meta-analysis of HNF1A-MODY3 variants among human population.

Background: Previously, numerous case-control studies have highlighted variants responsible for Maturity onset diabetes of young (MODY). However, these studies have been conducted among diverse populations and hence yielded contradictory results. We, therefore, performed a meta-analysis to precisely find the association of SNPs with the disease for the HNF1A gene. Objective: Meta-analysis of clinically defined studies deciphering mutations in the HNF1A gene responsible for the development of MODY3 was conducted among various populations to determine associations using statistical approaches. Methods: The curation of 505 research articles published between the years 2000-2021 was carried out. Visualization of data-related protocols and statistical-analysis were conducted, which led to the identification of highly prevalent mutations among different populations (majorly Europe). Further comparison between the frequencies of the control (healthy population) and test (diseased population) dataset generated through curation was performed. Results: We identified nine MODY3 mutations (rs587776825, rs1169288, rs1800574, rs2464196, rs137853244, rs137853238, rs587780357, rs137853240 and rs137853243) at the genome-wide significance level ( p < 5.0 × 10-8). The present study confirmed that the data does not follow a normal distribution. Further, the data was confirmed to be a more homogenous type with frequencies having a significant association with the disease. Conclusion: This meta-analysis found significant associations of mutations in HNF1A with MODY3, consistent with previous studies. Our findings should help elucidate the mutations in a compiled form responsible for causing MODY3. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-00975-8.

Detection of Newcastle disease virus and assessment of associated relative risk in backyard and commercial poultry in Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND: Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically important viral disease affecting the poultry industry. In Kerala, a state in South India, incidences of ND in commercial and backyard poultry have been reported. But a systematic statewide study on the prevalence of the disease has not been carried out. OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional survey was performed to detect the presence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in suspect cases and among apparently healthy commercial flocks and backyard poultry, in the state and to identify risk factors for NDV infection. METHODS: Real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the M gene of NDV in choanal swabs and tissue samples collected from live and dead birds, respectively and the results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The predominant clinical signs of the examined birds included mild respiratory signs, huddling together and greenish diarrhoea. Nervous signs in the form of torticollis were noticed in birds in some of the affected flocks. On necropsy, many birds had haemorrhages in the proventriculus and caecal tonsils which were suggestive of ND. Of the 2079 samples tested, 167 (8.0%) were positive for the NDV M-gene by RT-PCR. Among 893 samples collected from diseased flocks, 129 (14.5%), were positive for M gene with pairwise relative risk (RR) of 15.6 as compared to apparently healthy flocks where 6 out of 650 (0.9%) samples were positive. All positive samples were from poultry; none of the ducks, pigeons, turkey and wild birds were positive. Commercial broilers were at higher risk of infection than commercial layers (RR: 4.5) and backyard poultry (RR: 4.9). Similarly, birds reared under intensive housing conditions were at a higher risk of being infected as compared to those reared under semi-intensive (RR: 6.7) or backyard housing (RR: 2.1). Multivariable analysis indicated that significantly higher risk of infection exists during migratory season and during ND outbreaks occurring nearby. Further, lower risk was observed with flock vaccination and backyard or semi-intensive housing when compared to intensive housing. When the M gene positive samples were tested by RT-PCR to determine whether the detected NDV were mesogenic/velogenic, 7 (4.2%) were positive. CONCLUSIONS: In Kerala, NDV is endemic in poultry with birds reared commercially under intensive rearing systems being affected the most. The outcome of this study also provides a link between epidemiologic knowledge and the development of successful disease control measures. Statistical analysis suggests that wild bird migration season and presence of migratory birds influences the prevalence of the virus in the State. Further studies are needed to genotype and sub-genotype the detected viruses and to generate baseline data on the prevalence of NDV strains, design better detection strategies, and determine patterns of NDV transmission across domestic poultry and wild bird populations in Kerala.

Prevalence of Newcastle disease and associated risk factors in domestic chickens in the Indian state of Odisha.

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV), is a contagious disease that affects a variety of domestic and wild avian species. Though ND is vaccine-preventable, it is a persistent threat to poultry industry across the globe. The disease represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in chickens. To better understand the epidemiology of NDV among commercial and backyard chickens of Odisha, where chicken farming is being prioritized to assist with poverty alleviation, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two distinct seasons during 2018. Choanal swabs (n = 1361) from live birds (commercial layers, broilers, and backyard chicken) and tracheal tissues from dead birds (n = 10) were collected and tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of matrix (M) and fusion (F) genes of NDV. Risk factors at the flock and individual bird levels (health status, ND vaccination status, geographical zone, management system, and housing) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Of the 1371 samples tested, 160 were positive for M gene amplification indicating an overall apparent prevalence of 11.7% (95% CI 10.1-13.5%). Circulation of virulent NDV strains was also evident with apparent prevalence of 8.1% (13/160; 95% CI: 4.8-13.4%). In addition, commercial birds had significantly higher odds (75%) of being infected with NDV as compared to backyard poultry (p = 0.01). This study helps fill a knowledge gap in the prevalence and distribution of NDV in apparently healthy birds in eastern India, and provides a framework for future longitudinal research of NDV risk and mitigation in targeted geographies-a step forward for effective control of ND in Odisha.

Airway pressure release ventilation improves pulmonary blood flow in infants after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that spontaneous inspiratory effort transmitted to the pleural space during airway pressure release ventilation would result in increased lung perfusion after surgery for tetralogy of Fallot or following a cavopulmonary shunt as a consequence of transient decreases in intrapleural pressure. DESIGN: Prospective crossover cohort study. SETTING: A tertiary care cardiac pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Children after tetralogy of Fallot repair, cavopulmonary shunt, or Fontan operation. INTERVENTIONS: Lung perfusion and cardiac output were measured during airway pressure release ventilation and pressure control ventilation with pressure support, both with and without spontaneous ventilation. Oxygen consumption was measured (mass spectrometer) and lung perfusion/cardiac output calculated (Fick equation). Constant levels of CO2 and mean airway pressure were targeted in all study phases. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled in the study, nine after repair of tetralogy of Fallot and 11 after a cavopulmonary shunt. In the absence of spontaneous ventilation, there were no differences in lung perfusion or any of the measured gas exchange or hemodynamic parameters. In the presence of spontaneous ventilation for all patients, mean pulmonary blood flow increased from 2.4 to 2.9 L·min⁻¹M⁻² (p = .02). Oxygen delivery increased from 594 to 774 mL/min/m² (p = .05) in the patients with tetralogy of Fallot patients and from 473 to 518 L·min⁻¹M⁻² (p = .07) in the cavopulmonary shunt group. CONCLUSION: Ventilation with airway pressure release ventilation (at comparable mean airway pressure) improves lung perfusion compared with pressure control ventilation in children after tetralogy of Fallot repair and cavopulmonary shunt operations. Although this study focused on tetralogy of Fallot and cavopulmonary shunt operations, the improved cardiopulmonary interactions may be beneficial in other situations in which hemodynamics are impaired by positive pressure ventilation.

Epidemiology of pain in back and extremities in rural population: A community-based estimation of age- and sex-specific prevalence, distribution, duration and intensity of pain, number of painful sites and seasonality of pain during twelve months in rural Gadchiroli, India.

BACKGROUND: Population-based estimates of the burden of pain in back and extremities (PBE) by sex, age, intensity, seasonality and site are lacking from rural India. METHODS: Two villages were randomly selected from a cluster of 39 villages in Gadchiroli district in India. All residents'≥20 years of age were surveyed in January 2010 by trained surveyors by making household visits. Information on PBE in the 12 months prior to survey was obtained using a structured, pretested questionnaire. RESULTS: The 12-month period prevalence of PBE was 75% (95% confidence interval CI = 72.54-77.73) in men and 91% (95% CI = 88.66-92.13) in women. The prevalence of PBE in the participants >50 years was 94% while that in the age group 20 to 50 years was 79% (P < 0.05). The site with the highest prevalence of pain was low back (women 80%, men 59%). The mean number of painful sites per person was 5.42 (95% CI = 5.17-5.67) in women, 3.68 (95% CI = 3.45-3.90) in men, 3.89 (95% CI = 3.71-4.07) in participants aged 20 to 50 years and 6.48 (95% CI = 6.11-6.85) in those >50 years. Among participants across the age and sex groups, the prevalence of mild pain was higher than severe pain at all the anatomical sites. Among various seasons, the highest prevalence of pain was in the rainy season (14%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence and the number of painful sites were higher among women and in those >50 years of age. The public health interventions for PBE need to focus on these two high risk groups.

Burden of pain in back and extremities in rural population: A community-based estimation of 12-month prevalence, distribution and duration of pain in rural Gadchiroli, India.

BACKGROUND: Population based estimates of the burden of pain in back and extremities (PBE) are lacking from rural India. We estimated this burden, measured as a) 12-month prevalence, b) site specific prevalence c) total number of painful sites per adult, d) severity of pain and e) duration of pain in the rural adult population in Gadchiroli, India, over a period of 12 months. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in two villages randomly selected from a cluster of 7 eligible villages in Gadchiroli district of India. All adults ≥20 years in these villages were surveyed by the trained community health workers in January 2010 by making household visits. The data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire on the history of pain in back and extremities (PBE) at various anatomical sites and its features during the previous 12 months. RESULTS: Out of 2535 eligible adults in two villages, 2259 (89%) were interviewed, of which 1876 (83%) had an episode of PBE in the preceding 12 months. The period prevalence of pain was 76% in back (including lower back, thoracic and neck) and 71% in the extremities. Highest site specific prevalence was at lower back (70%), knee (46%), neck (44%), leg/calf (39%) and mid-back (39%). The mean number of painful sites per adult was 4.57 (standard deviation (SD) = 4.17). The prevalence of severe pain was 15%. The mean number of painful days due to PBE was 166 days. Female gender (odds ratio (OR) = 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.1-3.6), farming/labour occupation (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4-2.4), increasing age (more than 60 years OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 3.3-11.9) were significantly associated with the risk of PBE. CONCLUSION: Nearly five out of six adults in rural Gadchiroli suffered from pain in back or extremities during the preceding 12 months. Pain was at multiple sites and was present on a mean 166 days in the year. Female gender, farming / manual labor as occupation and increasing age were the key risk factors identified. The pain in back and extremities emerges as a public health priority in rural communities.

Activity limitation and disability due to pain in back and extremities in rural population: A community-based study during a period of twelve months in rural Gadchiroli, India.

BACKGROUND: Population based estimates of the extent of the activity limitation due to back pain and disability due to musculoskeletal pains are lacking from rural India. We estimated this burden as a) extent of activity limitation due to back pain, b) disability due to musculoskeletal pains, c) grading of the limitation of each activity due to back and musculoskeletal pain in the rural adult population in Gadchiroli, India. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in two villages randomly selected from a cluster of 7 eligible villages in Gadchiroli district of India. All adults ≥20 years in these villages were surveyed by the trained community health workers in January 2010. Disability due to back pain was evaluated using newly developed questionnaire for women and men which assessed limitations in the gender-specific daily household and occupational activities in a rural area. Disability due to pain in extremities was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). RESULTS: The total population of the two villages was 3735 out of which 2535 (67.9%) were adults ≥20 years of age and were eligible to participate in the study. Of these, 2259 (89%) were interviewed and 1247 participants (55%) had any pain on the day of the survey. Activity limitation questionnaire was filled for 716 (91.4%) out of 783 patients with back pain. HAQ scale was filled for 524 (85.2%) out of 615 patients with pain in extremities. Among men with back pain, respectively 11%, 19%, 60% and 11% had no, mild, moderate to severe difficulty or were completely unable to perform agrarian work, while among women, respectively 6%, 20%, 69% and 4% had no, mild, moderate to severe difficulty or were completely unable to perform household activities. Based on the HAQ score, respectively 1%, 67%, 18% and 14% of the participants had no, mild, moderate to severe disability or were completely unable to perform the activities. CONCLUSIONS: This community-based study in rural Gadchiroli demonstrates significant mild to moderate disability and activity limitation, due to pain in back and extremities in a population involved in hard manual work, especially agricultural and underlines the need to address the problem through appropriate interventions. The study also employs for the first time an indigenously developed questionnaire to identify activity limitation due to back pain, and demonstrates the method as well as the questionnaire.