Mannose-binding lectin gene 2 variant DD (rs 5030737) is associated with susceptibility to COVID-19 infection in the urban population of Patna City (India).

The study aimed to measure plasma levels of Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) and their polymorphisms in COVID-19 patients and controls to detect association. As MBL is a protein of immunological importance, it may contribute to the first-line host defence against SARS-CoV-2. MBL initiates the lectin pathway of complement activation with help of MASP-1 and MASP-2. Hence, appropriate serum levels of MBL and MASPs are crucial in getting protection from the disease. The polymorphisms of MBL and MASP genes affect their plasma levels, impacting their protective function and thus may manifest susceptibility, extreme variability in the clinical symptoms and progression of COVID-19 disease. The present study was conducted to find plasma levels and genetic variations in MBL and MASP-2 in COVID-19 patients and controls using PCR-RFLP and ELISA, respectively.The present study was conducted to find plasma levels and genetic variations in MBL and MASP-2 in COVID-19 patients and controls using PCR-RFLP and ELISA, respectively. Our results indicate that median serum levels of MBL and MASP-2 were significantly low in diseased cases but attained normal levels on recovery. Only genotype DD was found to be associated with COVID-19 cases in the urban population of Patna city.

Mannose-binding lectin and associate serine protease complex modulates neutrophil respiratory burst and gene expression in Capra hircus.

Neutrophils are an essential cellular component of the innate immune system, responsible for multiple effector mechanisms and aspects of inflammation. Neutrophil priming results in a rapid elevation in antimicrobial activities and can be measured by reactive oxygen species production, bacterial endocytosis, and de-novo synthesis of components such as interleukins. Mannose binding lectin (MBL), a C-type lectin pathogen recognition receptor is associated with immune functions including complement activation, opsonization and modulating immune responses. Whether MBL opsonization of pathogen can induce neutrophil priming has not been studied so far. Hence, studies were performed using MBL and neutrophils of Capra hircus (domestic goat) to evaluate the effects of MBL + MASPs interactions on neutrophil functions. It was found that MBL + MASPs opsonization of zymosan stimulates neutrophil functions including increased oxidative burst, enhanced endocytosis and modulates the expression level of NCF4, XBP1, CCL2, and CR1 genes. The results suggest that MBL-MASP complex can regulate neutrophil functioning.

Quercetin and Coumarin Inhibit Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV and Exhibits Antioxidant Properties: In Silico, In Vitro, Ex Vivo.

Quercetin and coumarin, two naturally occurring phytochemicals of plant origin, are known to regulate hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. The present study was designed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of quercetin and coumarin on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and their antioxidant potential. DPP-IV inhibition assays were performed, and evaluated IC50 values of diprotin A, quercetin, coumarin, and sitagliptin were found to be 0.653, 4.02, 54.83, and 5.49 nmol/mL, respectively. Furthermore, in silico studies such as the drug-likeliness and docking efficiency of quercetin and coumarin to the DPP-IV protein were performed; the ex vivo antiperoxidative potential of quercetin and coumarin were also evaluated. The results of the present study showed that the DPP-IV inhibitory potential of quercetin was slightly higher than that of sitagliptin. Virtual docking revealed the tight binding of quercetin with DPP-IV protein. Quercetin and coumarin reduced oxidative stress in vitro and ex vivo systems. We report for the first time that both compounds inhibited the DPP-IV along with antioxidant activity and thus may be use as function food ingredients in the prevention of diabetes.

Supplementation of vitamin E, selenium and increased energy allowance mitigates the transition stress and improves postpartum reproductive performance in the crossbred cow.

Dairy cow undergoes tremendous physiological challenges during the transition period leading to negative energy balance (NEBAL), impaired immunity and oxidative stress that ultimately compromises the postpartum fertility. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of antioxidant supplementation and increased energy allowance on transition stress and fertility of crossbred cow. Advanced pregnant crossbred cows (n = 26) of 2-4 parity and lactation potential of >10 L/day were divided into two equal groups (n = 13 cows/group). Cows were fed diets either (i) supplemented with vitamin E (80 IU/kg DM), Selenium (Se; 0.3 mg/kg DM) and increased energy allowance in the form of 20% additional concentrate (TRT) or (ii) basal diet without any supplementation as control (CON). Vitamin E and Se were supplemented with wheat flour bolus from -4 to 8 week of calving whereas energy allowance was increased from 2 to 8 week of calving on daily basis to individual animal (where 0 is day of calving). Blood samples were collected on weekly interval from -4 to 8 week of calving. Oxidative stress was assessed by estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Immunity level was assessed via estimation of phagocytic activity (PA) of granulocytes and lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA). Postpartum fertility was assessed by interval to first postpartum estrus (day) and pregnancy rate. Cows in TRT had a significantly lower MDA, higher TAC and decreased activity of SOD and CAT than that of CON (P < 0.05). Phagocytic activity increased at -1, 0 and 3-8 weeks postpartum (P < 0.05) while LPA showed difference (P < 0.05) at parturition, week 4 and 8 postpartum. Marked improvement in the fertility was recorded in terms of early resumption of postpartum estrus (P < 0.001) and higher pregnancy rate (P < 0.05).

Premenarchal labia minora hypertrophy.

Labia minora hypertrophy is a relatively uncommon surgical entity being popularised in the realm of vulvovaginal plastic surgeries. Apart from the unaesthetic appearance of the hypertrophied minora, these cases are also associated with itching, hygiene problem, pain while sitting down, sports activities, difficulty in wearing tight clothing, bleeding and discomfort while or after sexual intercourse, social embarrassment, insecurity and psychological diminution of confidence and self-esteem. In a country like India, due to sociocultural reasons, patients hesitate to consult a doctor for such deformities. Most of the patients suffer in silence for years. Although common in the west, very few surgeons in the country perform this simple and rewarding surgery. Here, we are presenting a case of premenarchal juvenile labia minora hypertrophy (JLMH) in an 8-year-old child. Labial hypertrophy in this age group is uncommon. We were unable to find hypertrophy of labia minora in the eight-year-old child on English literature search.

Scald burn, a preventable injury: Analysis of 4306 patients from a major tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Scalds have distinct epidemiological and predisposing risk factors amongst all types of burns. Though scald affects all age groups, the brunt falls on the minor age groups. It may result in major physical disabilities and significant loss of school years. Apart from the economic burden on family, major scald burn may compromise overall development of the affected children. Most of the scald injuries occur in domestic settings and are preventable. Despite improvement in living conditions, the incidence of scald burn has failed to decline. Our aim was to study the detailed epidemiology and severity of scald burn amongst all age groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out from the records of all burn patients who attended a tertiary burn care center from January 2013 and December 2014. Data of the patients with scald injury was segregated and analyzed using Microsoft excel spreadsheet. RESULT: 10,175 burn patients attended the burn casualty during the study period, of which 42.3% had sustained scald. 56.85% of patients were under 15 years of age with preschool children (36.4%) being the prime victims of scald. The % TBSA involved is also relatively larger in children. Scald follows definite seasonal variation peaking in winters. 36.8% patients arrived to the hospital without any first aid. 74.2% of patients reported to casualty with in 24hours after sustaining scald injury. The median time interval between injury and reporting to casualty was 3hours 30minutes. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the scald is injury of all age groups, though majority of them are children. The first aid is not given to large number of patients and late reporting is quite common. These are the factors which may affect the course of scald burn. Spreading public awareness regarding safe household practises and educating them for proper first aid management after scald may have significant impact on the burden of care and outcome.

Divalent metal ions binding properties of goat serum mannose binding lectin.

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a collectin with C-terminus Carbohydrate Recognition Domain (CRD) which binds with pathogen and arbitrate functions like activation of complement pathway, opsonization etc. The CRD required Ca(2+) ions to recognize the sugar moieties. In the present study the binding properties of CRD with divalent ions were characterized by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The results revealed that the metal binding site of CRD is of approximately 1 Å diameter and ions greater than the size are not able to enter.

Clinico-immunological profile and their correlation with severity of atopic dermatitis in Eastern Indian children.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features, absolute eosinophil count, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and their association with severity of atopic dermatitis in Eastern Indian children (Bihar). DESIGN: Prospective hospital-based study. SETTINGS: Pediatrics out-patient Department (OPD) and Dermatology OPD of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital located in Rohtas District of Bihar. The study was carried out over a period of 2 years during January 2010 to December 2011. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and thirty two children aged 0 month to 15 years were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. MAIN OUTCOME: Demographic profile, common clinical features, absolute eosinophil count, and total IgE level and their correlation with severity of atopic dermatitis in Eastern Indian children. RESULTS: Out of a total 1829 pediatric patients aged 0 month to 15 years with some pediatric dermatoses, 132 (7.21%) had atopic dermatitis. Of 132 patients, 57 (43.2%) were boys and 75 (56.8%) were girls, with a male to female ratio 1:1.3. Of these 29 were infants and 103 were children. Two (62.1%) patients belonged to rural area whereas 50 (37.9%) belonged to urban area. Personal history, family history (up to third degree relatives), and both personal and family history of atopy were present in 43.18%, 33.34%, and 12.1% of the subjects respectively. Majority (89.4%) of patients had onset before 5 years of age. In infantile Atopic dermatitis (AD), mean age ± SD at onset was 5.2 months ± 3.01 months. In infantile group, 8 (27.6%) had mild, 14 (48.3%) moderate, and 7 (24.1%) had severe atopic dermatitis. Infantile AD had statistically significant higher SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index score in all three grades of severity of the disease. One hundred and three patients had childhood AD, out of which 40 (38.8%) were boys and 63 (61.2%) were girls, with a male to female ratio 1:1.57. In childhood AD, mean age ± SD at onset of the disease was 3.47 years ± 3.02 years. Sixty three (61.1%) belonged to rural area whereas 40 (38.9%) were from urban area. One hundred and thirty (98%) patients presented with itching. Ninety two (69.7%) patients had high absolute eosinophils count (AEC) with mean ± SD of 1004.1 ± 596.2 (range 325-2510). Eighty seven (65.9%) patients had increased total serum immunoglobulin E (TsIgE) with mean ± SD value of 1127.11 IU/ml ± 731.69 IU/ml (range: 125-2680 IU/ml). CONCLUSION: Epidemiological data on atopic dermatitis in India are mainly hospital-based, true-point prevalence in community is still scanty. Although the prevalence of AD is considered to be increasing, it still remains low in comparison to developed countries. In Indian children, the disease is relatively milder than children of developed countries. This study identified that both AEC and TsIgE increased significantly in about 66% patient and directly correlated with the severity of the AD.

Intraoral excision of large submental dermoid.

Sublingual dermoids are the rarest forms of craniofacial dermoids mostly seen in young individuals. Excision of large and deep submental dermoid is generally done via extraoral approach scarring the most prominent part of the face, which can lead to post operative scar hypertrophy and hyperpigmentation especially in non-Caucasian races. Presence of such scars leads to adverse psychological effects in young individuals. Excision via intraoral route, although technically demanding, can be simplified using basic principles of plastic surgery leading to optimal aesthetic outcome with least downtime. We excised a large sublingual dermoid extending deep to the mylohyoid muscle through intraoral approach with excellent cosmetic results. Clinicians dealing with such lesions should keep these principals in their armamentarium when dealing with this rare subset of cases.