AA amyloidosis With Ig-Dominant Staining and Diagnostically Unusual Features.

Introduction: Although serum amyloid A (AA) amyloid may occasionally show nonspecific staining by immunofluorescence (IF), the correct diagnosis can usually be determined by integrating pathologic features and clinical scenario, and using AA amyloid immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or mass spectrometry. A recent mass spectrometry-based study described false-positive Ig IF staining in a subset of AA amyloid cases. Methods: We sought to delineate clinicopathologic features of AA amyloid with Ig-dominant staining by using a retrospective review. Results: AA amyloid with Ig-dominant staining was identified in 10 patients from 5 institutions, representing 1.2% to 4% of AA amyloid kidney biopsies. Evidence of a monoclonal protein was documented in 0% to 2.7% of patients with AA amyloid screened for inclusion, but 30% of those with Ig-dominant staining. The patient population had equal sex distribution and presented at median age of 68.5 years with nephrotic proteinuria and kidney impairment. Etiologies of AA amyloid included injection drug use (30%), autoimmune disease (20%), and chronic infection (10%); 40% had no identified clinical association. On biopsy, heavy chain (co)dominant staining by IF (in 80%), discordant distribution in Ig staining (in 20%), tubulointerstitial nephritis (in 30%), and/or crescents (in 10%) were present. Two of 3 patients with paraproteinemia had concordant heavy and/or light chain dominant staining within the AA amyloid. Two cases were initially misdiagnosed as Ig-associated amyloidosis. Conclusion: We describe the morphologic spectrum of AA amyloidosis with Ig-dominant staining which may have clinical, laboratory, and pathologic overlap with amyloid light chain (AL), amyloid heavy chain, and heavy and light chain (AHL) amyloidosis.

Experiences of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Access for Women and Nonbinary People With Early Psychosis: Towards an Integrated Perspective of Service Users and Clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with psychosis are at elevated risk of adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, and not receiving adequate SRH care. SRH is important for youth, yet little is known about SRH care access and experiences among those with early psychosis. This study explored SRH care experiences among women and nonbinary individuals with early psychosis. METHOD: We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 19 service users (cisgender and transgender women, nonbinary individuals) receiving care in 2 early psychosis programs in Ontario, Canada. We also conducted semistructured interviews and focus groups with 36 clinicians providing SRH or mental health care to this population. Participants were asked about SRH care access/provision experiences and the interplay with psychosis. Using a social interactionist orientation, a thematic analysis described and explained service user and clinician perspectives regarding SRH care. RESULTS: Amongst both service users and clinician groups, common themes developed: (a) diversity of settings: SRH services are accessed in a large range of spaces across the health care system, (b) barriers in nonpsychiatric SRH care settings: psychosis impacts the ability to engage with existing SRH services, (c) invisibility of SRH in psychiatric settings: SRH is rarely addressed in psychiatric care, (d) variability of informal SRH-related conversations and supports, and cutting across all of the above themes, (e) intersecting social and cultural factors impacted SRH services access. CONCLUSIONS: SRH is important for health and wellbeing; improvements are urgently needed across the healthcare system and within early psychosis programs to meet this population's multifaceted SRH needs.

Molecular epidemiology, antibiogram profile and risk factor analysis of pathogenic Escherichia coli associated with pre-weaning diarrhoea in piglets from Haryana, India.

BACKGROUND: Piglet diarrhoea is a multifactorial disease with serious implications for the swine industry worldwide, including India. The Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathotypes, i.e., enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are among the major bacterial agents attributed as causative agent for piglet diarrhoea, but studies related to genetic diversity, antibiogram profile and their correlation with risk factors of these pathogens are sparse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 104 faecal swab samples were collected from 32 different piggery units of Haryana, India and confirmed as E. coli by standard microbiological methods. The identified E. coli were characterized as ETEC and/or STEC using PCR assays and were studied for their genetic diversity by phylogenetic analysis of the sequences. All the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Further, the correlation of variables with presence or absence of ETEC and/or STEC was also investigated by using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Microbiological isolation led to identification of 208 E. coli isolates. A total of 17.3% (31/208) isolates were characterized as ETEC and 4.8% (10/208) isolates as STEC, whereas 2.4% (5/208) isolates exhibited both ETEC and STEC pathotype. Of the total studied piggery units (n = 32), ETEC were isolated from fourteen and both ETEC and STEC from eight farms. The phylogenetic analysis of Stx2 gene revealed 100% homology with Stx2eA variant from Germany, while analysis of STII gene revealed a distinct nucleotide and amino acid substitution when compared with standard strains. The antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed maximum resistance to moxifloxacin (71.9%) followed by tetracycline (58.1%) and amoxicillin with a total of 41.8% (87/208) E. coli isolates designated as multi-drug resistant (MDR). The multiple antibiotic resistance index varied from 0.05 to 0.75. The statistical analysis suggested three factors viz., number of farm worker(s), frequency of using disinfectant for floor cleaning and use of antibiotic in feed as risk factors significantly associated (p < 0.05) with ETEC associated diarrhoea at piggeries under study. CONCLUSION: Current study warrants a need for systematic studies on the ETEC/STEC associated diarrhea and antibiotic resistance among these isolates to understand the mechanisms of origin and dissemination of drug resistant pathogens and to design suitable prevention and control measures to curb emergence of antibiotic resistance in the farm settings.

Coinfection of porcine astrovirus and other porcine viruses in diarrheic pigs in Haryana, India.

In this study, 306 rectal swabs from diarrheal pigs of various ages (0-3 weeks, 3-6 weeks, and >6 weeks) were collected from 54 piggery units in different climatic zones in Haryana state, India. These samples were tested for the presence of porcine astrovirus (PAstV), porcine rotavirus group A (PRV-A), and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the 306 samples tested, 153 (50%), 108 (35.3%), 32 (10.6%), and three (0.9%) tested positive for PAstV, PCV-2, PRV-A, and CSFV, respectively. A single infection was detected in 135 samples, while mixed infections were found in 77 samples: 70 with two viruses and seven samples with more than two. PAstV was detected most frequently (55.31%) in pigs aged 3-6 weeks. PCV-2 was more predominant in pigs aged 0-3 weeks (36.53%), whereas PRV-A was more common in pigs aged 3-6 weeks (11.3%). CSFV was observed in the age group of 0-3 weeks (1.92%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of lineages 2 and 4 of PAstV in this region. Thus, it can be concluded that one or more than one virus is circulating in piggery units in Haryana, India.

Therapeutics and prophylactic efficacy of novel lytic Escherichia phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 against multidrug-resistant avian pathogenic E. coli using in vivo study.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the causative agent of avian colibacillosis, which causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry. The growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a major global public health concern. However, there is limited data on the efficacy of phage therapy in effectively controlling and treating APEC infections. In this study, a novel lytic Escherichia phage, vB_EcoS_PJ16, was isolated from poultry farm wastewater and characterized in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of an icosahedral head and a long non-contractile tail, classifying the phage under the Caudoviricetes class. Host range determination showed that Escherichia phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 exhibited lytic activity against multiple strains of pathogenic E. coli, while no significant signs of lysis for Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. Biophysical characterization revealed that the isolated phage was sturdy, as it remained viable for up to 300 days at temperatures of 30 °C, 37 °C, and 42 °C and for up to 24 h at pH 5 to 11, with only minor changes in titer. Kinetic analysis at multiplicity of infection (MOI) 0.1 showed a latency period of about 20 min and a burst size of 26.5 phage particles per infected cell for phage vB_EcoS_PJ16. Whole genome sequencing unveiled that the phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 genome consists of a double-stranded linear DNA molecule with 57,756 bp and a GC content of 43.58%. The Escherichia phage vB_EcoS_PJ16 genome consisted of 98 predicted putative ORFs, with no transfer RNA identified in the genome. Among these 98 genes, 34 genes were predicted to have known functions. A significant reduction in APEC viability was observed at MOI 100 during in vitro bacterial challenge tests conducted at different MOIs (0.01, 1, and 100). In vivo oral evaluation of the isolated phage to limit E. coli infections in day-old chicks indicated a decrease in mortality within both the therapeutic (20%) and prophylactic (30%) groups, when compared to the control group. The findings of this study contribute to our current knowledge of Escherichia phages and suggest a potentially effective role of phages in the therapeutic and prophylactic control of antibiotic-resistant APEC strains.

A systematic review on antimicrobial activities of green synthesised Selaginella silver nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Metallic nanoparticles from different natural sources exhibit superior therapeutic options as compared to the conventional methods. Selaginella species have attracted special attention of researchers worldwide due to the presence of bioactive molecules such as flavonoids, biflavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, tannins and other secondary metabolites that exhibit antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Environment friendly green synthesised silver nanoparticles from Selaginella species provide viable, safe and efficient treatment against different fungal pathogens. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to summarise the literature pertaining to superior antifungal ability of green synthesised silver nanoparticles using plant extracts of Selaginella spp. in comparison to both aqueous and ethanolic raw plant extracts by electronically collecting articles from databases. METHODS: The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis were taken into consideration while preparing this review. The titles and abstracts of the collected data were stored in Endnote20 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy included literature from established sources like PubMed, Google Scholar and Retrieval System Online using subject descriptors. RESULTS: The search yielded 60 articles with unique hits. After removal of duplications, 46 articles were identified, 40 were assessed and only seven articles were chosen and included in this review based on our eligibility criteria. CONCLUSION: The physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical investigations of Selaginella suggest higher drug potency of nanoparticles synthesised from plant extract against different diseases as compared to aqueous and ethanolic plant extracts. The study holds great promise as the synthesis of nanoparticles involves low energy consumption, minimal technology and least toxic effects.

Sexual health experiences of women and non-binary people with early psychosis: qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Women and gender-diverse people with early psychosis are at risk for suboptimal sexual health outcomes, yet little research has explored their sexual health experiences. AIMS: This study explored sexual health experiences and related priorities among women and gender-diverse people with early psychosis, to identify opportunities for improvements in sexual health and well-being. METHOD: Semi-structured individual qualitative interviews explored how patient participants (n = 19, aged 18-31 years, cisgender and transgender women and non-binary individuals) receiving clinical care from early psychosis programmes in Ontario, Canada, experienced their sexual health, including sexual function and behaviour. Thematic analysis was conducted, with triangulation from interviews/focus groups with clinicians (n = 36) who provide sexual and mental healthcare for this population. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified based on patient interviews: theme 1 was the impact of psychotic illness and its treatments on sexual function and activity, including variable changes in sex drive, attitudes and behaviours during acute psychosis, vulnerability to trauma and medications; theme 2 related to intimacy and sexual relationships in the context of psychosis, with bidirectional effects between relationships and mental health; and theme 3 comprised autonomy, identity and intersectional considerations, including gender, sexuality, culture and religion, which interplay with psychosis and sexual health. Clinicians raised each of these priority areas, but emphasised risk prevention relative to patients' more holistic view of their sexual health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Women and non-binary people with early psychosis have wide-ranging sexual health priorities, affecting many facets of their lives. Clinical care should incorporate this knowledge to optimise sexual health and well-being in this population.

First Molecular Confirmed Outbreak of Malignant Ovine Theileriosis in Sheep from North India.

CONTEXT: Malignant ovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease of sheep and goats, caused by protozoan Theileria lestoquardi. The disease has serious economic implications for small ruminant production around the world. METHODS: An outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis in a sheep flock was investigated from Hisar district of Haryana, India, in March 2022. The etiological agent was identified using polymerase chain reaction assay with genus specific primers targeting 18S rRNA gene and subsequently confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS: The morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate reported in the outbreak were 22.2, 18.8 and 85%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis clustered the present study T. lestoquardi isolate in the same clade with T. lestoquardi from Iraq, Iran and Pakistan with maximum nucleotide identity of 99.37% with strains from Iraq. The tick vector Hyalomma anatolicum recovered from dead animals was implicated in the disease's transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant ovine theileriosis resulted in high case fatality rate. This study presents the first molecularly confirmed outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis outbreak in the North Indian region, with characteristic post-mortem findings.

Nano crystalline cellulose based drug delivery system for some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Synthesis, characterization and in-vitro simulation studies.

Nano crystalline cellulose (NCC) created a breakthrough in biomedical field because of its important characteristics like large surface area, good mechanical strength, biocompatibility, renewability and feasibility of incorporation to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances. In the present study NCC based drug delivery systems (DDSs) of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were obtained by covalent bonding between hydroxyl groups of NCC with carboxyl group of NSAIDs. Developed DDSs were characterized by means of FT-IR, XRD, SEM and thermal analysis. In-vitro release study and fluorescence study showed that these systems are stable up to 18 h in upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract at pH 1.2 and released NSAIDs in sustained manner over the period of 3 h in intestine at pH 6.8-7.4. Present study performed with the aim to reuse bio-waste even in the form of DDSs is of greater therapeutic efficacy with reduced dosing frequency that overcome physiological adversities involved with NSAIDs.

DNA barcoding, an effective tool for species identification: a review.

DNA barcoding is a powerful taxonomic tool to identify and discover species. DNA barcoding utilizes one or more standardized short DNA regions for taxon identification. With the emergence of new sequencing techniques, such as Next-generation sequencing (NGS), ONT MinION nanopore sequencing, and Pac Bio sequencing, DNA barcoding has become more accurate, fast, and reliable. Rapid species identification by DNA barcodes has been used in a variety of fields, including forensic science, control of the food supply chain, and disease understanding. The Consortium for Barcode of Life (CBOL) presents various working groups to identify the universal barcode gene, such as COI in metazoans; rbcL, matK, and ITS in plants; ITS in fungi; 16S rRNA gene in bacteria and archaea, and creating a reference DNA barcode library. In this article, an attempt has been made to analyze the various proposed DNA barcode for different organisms, strengths & limitations, recent advancements in DNA barcoding, and methods to speed up the DNA barcode reference library construction. This study concludes that constructing a reference library with high species coverage would be a major step toward identifying species by DNA barcodes. This can be achieved in a short period of time by using advanced sequencing and data analysis methods.

Molecular investigations on outbreaks of ovine theileriosis among sheep and goats in Haryana, India.

During February 2020 to October 2020, four outbreaks of theileriosis in small ruminants were recorded with overall morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates of 27.95%, 17.46% and 62.5%, respectively. The disease was characterized by high fever (up to 106°F), superficial lymphadenopathy, anaemia, anorexia, lethargy, respiratory distress and death. The presence of pleomorphic intra-erythrocytic piroplasms of Theileria species in Giemsa's stained blood smears was a common finding in all the episodes. Significant haematological alterations including high total leucocyte count and low haemoglobin and packed cell volume were characteristic. Necropsy findings of the icteric liver, enlarged spleen, pulmonary oedema and abomasal ulcerations were observed in three flocks. Smear-positive blood samples from all the episodes were screened by PCR using 18S rRNA gene-specific primer sets for T. lestoquardi, T. luwenshuni, T. uilenbergi and T. ovis. T. lestoquardi which was detected in all four flocks, while there was co-infection of T. ovis in two flocks. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that T. ovis and T. lestoquardi identified in this study had 100% and ~ 99.86% homology, respectively, with the published sequences used for comparison. This is the first confirmed report of outbreaks of malignant ovine theileriosis in the Haryana state of India which caused high morbidity, mortality and case fatality among sheep and goats. Further studies on theilerioses in small ruminants are required to understand epidemiology better.

Kinetic and Computational Study of Degradation of Two Azo Dyes, Metanil Yellow and Orange II, by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Hylocereus undatus.

Wastewater treatment is an unavoidable necessity and requires immediate action with the aim of saving future generations from water crises and ensuring the sustainability of clean and drinkable water. In the present work, green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) was carried out from fruit extract of Hylocereus undatus to observe its photocatalytic activity towards two azo dyes, namely, Metanil yellow and Orange II dye. IONPs served as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of Metanil yellow dye, and the reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The effect of the initial dye concentration, amount of photocatalyst added, and effect of pH on photocatalytic degradation of Metanil yellow and Orange II dye using IONPs was studied. The results were compiled to reveal the most effective conditions for degradation to occur. A computational study of two dyes using DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations were also performed to calculate thermodynamic properties such as the free energy, dipole moment, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, chemical potential, global hardness, softness, global electrophilicity index, ionization potential, electron affinity, etc. These parameters were used to describe the reactivity of dye toward the active photocatalytic species responsible for the degradation of dye. Natural population analysis was also performed, and Fukui indices were also calculated to explain the possible attacking sites of dyes by active photocatalytic species.

Increased Rates of Supplement-Associated Oxalate Nephropathy During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Causes of secondary oxalate nephropathy include enteric dysfunction and excessive intake of oxalate or oxalate precursors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic rise in sales of supplements and vitamin C, during which time we observed an apparent increase in the proportion of ingestion-associated oxalate nephropathy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed secondary oxalate nephropathy and compared pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2020-early 2022) time periods. Results: We identified 35 patients with kidney biopsy proven (30 native, 5 allograft) oxalate nephropathy at a single academic institution. Supplement-associated oxalate nephropathy comprised a significantly higher proportion of cases during COVID-19 pandemic compared with the preceding 2 years (44% vs. 0%, P = 0.002), and was associated with use of vitamin C, dietary changes, and supplements. Oxalate nephropathy in the kidney allograft, in contrast, remained associated with enteric hyperoxaluria, antibiotic use, and dehydration. Many patients had diabetes mellitus (57%), hypertension (40%) and/or pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD, 49%). Of 9 patients in which the potentially causative ingestion was identified and removed, 8 experienced improvement in kidney function. Conclusion: There was a shift toward supplements rather than enteric hyperoxaluria as a leading cause of secondary oxalate nephropathy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kidney outcomes are better than those observed for enteric hyperoxaluria, if the offending agent is identified and removed.

Interpretation, pitfalls of biomarkers in diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases.

BACKGROUND: Invasive Fungal Diseases (IFD), account for high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised and seriously ill patients worldwide. Early, faster and accurate diagnosis with timely and appropriate patient management is critical for improved patient outcome and antifungal stewardship. Clinical/radiological presentations in IFD are non-specific and microscopy/culture based tests have low sensitivity and long turnaround time. Biomarkers have clinical utility for diagnosing IFD but their interpretation is not straight forward. OBJECTIVES: This review discusses the salient characteristics, clinical usefulness and limitations of common biomarkers such as Galactomannan (GM), 1-3, ß D glucan (ßDG), mannan, anti-mannan antibody (Mn/antiMn), Cryptococcal antigen test (CrAg), Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) tests and next generation sequencing for diagnosing IFD. CONTENTS: Fungal biomarkers are useful adjuncts as screening and diagnostic tools for IFD and are much more suited for 'ruling out' rather than 'ruling in' disease. GM, NAA tests are promising biomarkers for screening of invasive Aspergillosis in high risk asymptomatic patients who are not on antifungal therapy and for diagnosis of breakthrough infections in symptomatic patients. 1-3, ß D glucan has limitations both as a 'rule in' and 'rule out' test and is useful in only specific clinical settings. Two consecutive positive 1-3-ßDG tests or combined positivity with GM increases its specificity. Mn/antiMn, T2Candida nano diagnostic panel are promising candidates for diagnosing invasive candidiasis. Combining two or more biomarkers improves the sensitivity for prompt initiation of antifungal therapy and the negative predictive value for suspension of empirical treatment. Serum CrAg test is a good 'rule in' rather than a 'rule out' test in immunocompetent patients but has good diagnostic accuracy in immunocompromised patients. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms by next generation sequencing is useful for fungal characterization and identification of host determinants responsible for increased susceptibility to fungal infections but is still in experimental stages.

Epidemiology, clinical features, and molecular detection of orf virus in Haryana (India) and its adjoining areas.

Orf is an acute, highly contagious, and economically important viral disease of small ruminants. In this study, six orf suspected outbreaks among goats and sheep were investigated from Haryana state and adjoining areas of Rajasthan state during the year 2021. The disease was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and molecular identification. The causative agent of the disease, orf virus (ORFV), was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting immunodominant envelope antigen (B2L) gene and confirmed by sequencing. The morbidity in goats ranged from 8.75 to 100%, whereas in sheep, it ranged from 0 to 8%. The higher mortality was observed among flocks with mixed infections of orf and peste des petits (PPR) or orf and haemonchosis as compared to other outbreaks. The phylogenetic analysis of sequenced PCR products clustered the current study strains in the same clad with Indian as well as strains from other countries with nucleotide identity more than 99%, signifying a close genetic relationship. The study highlighted the circulation of strains of a single cluster among sheep and goats in Haryana and adjoining areas. Prompt diagnosis of the disease is highly important for facilitating the implementation of control measures to minimize the losses suffered by small and marginal farmers in this region. Further detailed studies are required to delineate the molecular details of ORFV for better understanding the dynamics and molecular epidemiology of strains circulating in the country and for designing the effective vaccines against the disease which are currently lacking in the country.

Microbial Journey: Mount Everest to Mars.

A rigorous exploration of microbial diversity has revealed its presence on Earth, deep oceans, and vast space. The presence of microbial life in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from moderate to extreme temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen, radiations, and altitudes, has provided the necessary impetus to search for them by extending the limits of their habitats. Microbiology started as a distinct science in the mid-nineteenth century and has provided inputs for the betterment of mankind during the last 150 years. As beneficial microbes are assets and pathogens are detrimental, studying both have its own merits. Scientists are nowadays working on illustrating the microbial dynamics in Earth's subsurface, deep sea, and polar regions. In addition to studying the role of microbes in the environment, the microbe-host interactions in humans, animals and plants are also unearthing newer insights that can help us to improve the health of the host by modulating the microbiota. Microbes have the potential to remediate persistent organic pollutants. Antimicrobial resistance which is a serious concern can also be tackled only after monitoring the spread of resistant microbes using disciplines of genomics and metagenomics The cognizance of microbiology has reached the top of the world. Space Missions are now looking for signs of life on the planets (specifically Mars), the Moon and beyond them. Among the most potent pieces of evidence to support the existence of life is to look for microbial, plant, and animal fossils. There is also an urgent need to deliberate and communicate these findings to layman and policymakers that would help them to take an adequate decision for better health and the environment around us. Here, we present a glimpse of recent advancements by scientists from around the world, exploring and exploiting microbial diversity.

Epidemiology, risk factors and molecular characterization of small ruminant morbillivirus in Haryana, India.

Peste des petitis ruminants is an economically important transboundary and notifiable viral disease of sheep and goats. In this study, 14 PPR suspected outbreaks among sheep and goats were investigated in four districts of Haryana, India, during July 2020 to October, 2021. The causative agent of the disease; small ruminant morbillivirus was detected by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting full gene sequences of fusion protein gene and confirmed by sequencing. The overall morbidity and cumulative mortality in these outbreaks were 37.56% and 12.09%, respectively. Risk factor analysis identified significant difference in mortality based on age with higher mortality in young ones; 21% as compared to adults; 7.55%. Analysis of the vaccination status revealed significant difference in morbidity and mortality with higher morbidity and mortality in un-vaccinated animals as compared to vaccinated ones. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of representative samples revealed that the strains of the present study fall in lineage IV (96.6-99.1%) along with other Indian isolates but made a separate cluster (sub-lineage). The comparison of deduced amino acid (aa) sequence analysis of fusion protein of circulating field strains with reference vaccine strain and other lineage IV strains revealed four N-linked glycosylation sites instead of three. The findings of the present study revealed changes in fusion protein of some of the circulating field strains of SRMV in Haryana, India. Further detailed studies are warranted to delineate the molecular details of these circulating field strains and to evaluate the effectiveness of currently used vaccine against these mutated strains.

Unravelling the Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Development and Reproduction of Angiosperms: A Critical Appraisal.

Epigenetics are the heritable changes in gene expression patterns which occur without altering DNA sequence. These changes are reversible and do not change the sequence of the DNA but can alter the way in which the DNA sequences are read. Epigenetic modifications are induced by DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA-mediated mechanisms which alter the gene expression, primarily at the transcriptional level. Such alterations do control genome activity through transcriptional silencing of transposable elements thereby contributing toward genome stability. Plants being sessile in nature are highly susceptible to the extremes of changing environmental conditions. This increases the likelihood of epigenetic modifications within the composite network of genes that affect the developmental changes of a plant species. Genetic and epigenetic reprogramming enhances the growth and development, imparts phenotypic plasticity, and also ensures flowering under stress conditions without changing the genotype for several generations. Epigenetic modifications hold an immense significance during the development of male and female gametophytes, fertilization, embryogenesis, fruit formation, and seed germination. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of epigenetic modifications and their dynamic role in maintaining the genomic integrity during plant development and reproduction.

Radiology in the Undergraduate Medical Curriculum: The Student Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the importance of radiology in the diagnosis and management of patients, studies suggest that medical graduates exhibit a minimal level of radiology knowledge. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of Kuwait's medical students with the radiology teaching and their confidence in their knowledge regarding basic radiological principles, as well as their views and suggestions for adequate teaching time and pattern of radiology teaching at the undergraduate level. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in Kuwait University. The study employed a questionnaire, which aimed to assess the students' perception of the current radiological teaching approach. Ethical approval was obtained, and descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of the 451 participants believed that the radiologist is an important part of the medical team. Ninety-seven percent of them believed that having a grasp of general radiological concepts is essential for clinical practice. More than half of the participants (55%) believed that the amount of radiology teaching they receive is inadequate. Most students claimed to lack the radiological skills that a competent doctor should own, such as reading X-rays, CTs, and MRIs. Most students chose hospital-based and problem-based learning sessions as their most desired methods for radiology learning. CONCLUSION: Radiology is an essential part of modern medicine. Adequate exposure to radiological techniques and adequate time to radiological teaching must be allocated to students during their undergraduate medical curriculum to improve the proper management of patients.