Distinct inflammatory markers in primary and secondary dengue infection: can cytokines CXCL5, CXCL9, and CCL17 act as surrogate markers?

Dengue fever poses a significant global health threat, with symptoms including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Each year, India experiences fatal dengue outbreaks with severe manifestations. The primary cause of severe inflammatory responses in dengue is a cytokine storm. Individuals with a secondary dengue infection of a different serotype face an increased risk of complications due to antibody-dependent enhancement. Therefore, it is crucial to identify potential risk factors and biomarkers for effective disease management. In the current study, we assessed the prevalence of dengue infection in and around Aligarh, India, and explored the role of cytokines, including CXCL5, CXCL9, and CCL17, in primary and secondary dengue infections, correlating them with various clinical indices. Among 1,500 suspected cases, 367 tested positive for dengue using Real-Time PCR and ELISA. In secondary dengue infections, the serum levels of CXCL5, CXCL9, and CCL17 were significantly higher than in primary infections (P < 0.05). Dengue virus (DENV)-2 showed the highest concentrations of CXCL5 and CCL17, whereas DENV-1 showed the highest concentrations of CXCL9. Early detection of these cytokines could serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing severe dengue, and downregulation of these cytokines may prove beneficial for the treatment of severe dengue infections.

Insight into the seroepidemiology and dynamics of circulating serotypes of dengue virus over a 4 year period in western Uttar Pradesh, India.

An important public health problem in India is dengue infection, with every year seeing an increase in cases of dengue fever. Dengue affects all individuals irrespective of their gender and age, although the infection rate is higher among males and younger people. Despite low severity in general, dengue virus can cause severe health conditions in some individuals. Genetic characterization of circulating endemic dengue virus (DENV) serotypes plays a significant role in providing epidemiological knowledge and subsequent vaccine development. In the present study, over a 4 year period, we assessed DENV transmission dynamics in major regions of western Uttar Pradesh in North India. ELISA tests were used to diagnose dengue, and PCRs were used to determine the circulating serotype. We found that dengue infection peaks after the rainy season and affects all sexes and ages. A total of 1277 individuals were found positive for dengue; among them, 61.7 % were male and 38.3 % were female. DEN-1 was found in 23.12 %, DEN-2 in 45 %, DEN-3 in 29.06 % and DEN-4 in 1.5 % of the dengue-infected individuals. All four DENV serotypes were circulating in the study area, and DENV serotype-2 (DEN-2) was the most prevalent serotype.

The Gulf Achievement of Cholesterol Targets in Out-Patients Study (GULF ACTION): Design, Rationale, and Preliminary Results.

AIM: To assess the current dyslipidemia management in the Arabian Gulf region by describing the demographics, study design, and preliminary results of out-patients who achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals at the time of the survey. BACKGROUND: The Arabian Gulf population is at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at younger ages. There is no up-to-date study regarding dyslipidemia management in this region, especially given the recent guideline-recommended LDL-C targets. OBJECTIVE: Up-to-date comprehensive assessment of the current dyslipidemia management in the Arabian Gulf region, particularly in view of the recent evidence of the additive beneficial effects of ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors on LDL-C levels and cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: The Gulf Achievement of Cholesterol Targets in Out-Patients (GULF ACTION) is an ongoing national observational longitudinal registry of 3000 patients. In this study, adults ≥18 years on lipidlowering drugs for over three months from out-patients of five Gulf countries were enrolled between January 2020 and May 2022 with planned six-month and one-year follow-ups. RESULTS: Of the 1015 patients enrolled, 71% were male, aged 57.9±12 years. In addition, 68% had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), 25% of these patients achieved the LDL-C target, and 26% of the cohort were treated using combined lipid-lowering drugs, including statins. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results of this cohort revealed that only one-fourth of ASCVD patients achieved LDL-C targets. Therefore, GULF ACTION shall improve our understanding of current dyslipidemia management and "guideline gaps" in the Arabian Gulf region.

Aggressive adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of the mandible: A rare case report and review of the literature.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a relatively rare and distinct odontogenic tumor that is exclusively odontogenic epithelium in origin. Although considerable numbers of reports are available with regard to the clinical and histological spectrum of AOT, very few have highlighted its rare aggressive nature. This article focuses on an AOT causing jaw swelling in the mandibular anterior region with cortical plate expansion and perforation, root resorption and paresthesia. The present case had remarkably unusual clinical and radiographic features that distinguished it from most conventional AOTs and supported its neoplastic nature.

Spectrum of Lip Lesions in a Tertiary Care Hospital: An Epidemiological Study of 3009 Indian Patients.

AIM: Large-scale population-based screening studies have identified lip lesions to be the most common oral mucosal lesions; however, few studies have been carried out to estimate the prevalence of lip lesions exclusively. The aim of present study is to highlight the diversity of lip lesions and determine their prevalence in an unbiased Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lip lesions were selected from 3009 patients who visited the department over a period of 3 years (January 2012 to December 2014). Age, sex, location of lip lesions, a detailed family and medical history, along with the history of any associated habit was recorded. Biopsy was carried out in necessary cases to reach a final diagnosis. The pathologies of the lip were classified based on the etiology. RESULTS: Among 3009 patients, 495 (16.5%) had lip lesions ranging from 4 years to 85 years with a mean age of 39.7 years. There were 309 (62.4%) males and 185 (31.9%) females. Lower lip was the most affected region (54.1%) followed by the corner of the mouth (30.9%) and upper lip (11.7%). In 3.2% of the cases, both the lips were involved. Of the 495 lip lesions, the most common were Potentially Malignant Disorders (PMDs) (37.4%), herpes labialis (33.7%), mucocele (6.7%), angular cheilitis (6.1%), and allergic and immunologic lesions (5.7%). CONCLUSION: Lip lesions may act as an indicator for the presence of an underlying systemic disease. PMDs and infections were the most common lip lesions in the present study.