Digital PCR: A Tool to Authenticate Herbal Products and Spices.

Authentication of herbal products and spices is experiencing a resurgence using DNA-based molecular tools, mainly species-specific assays and DNA barcoding. However, poor DNA quality and quantity are the major demerits of conventional PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), as herbal products and spices are highly enriched in secondary metabolites such as polyphenolic compounds. The third-generation digital PCR (dPCR) technology is a highly sensitive, accurate, and reliable method to detect target DNA molecules as it is less affected by PCR inhibiting secondary metabolites due to nanopartitions. Therefore, it can be certainly used for the detection of adulteration in herbal formulations. In dPCR, extracted DNA is subjected to get amplification in nanopartitions using target gene primers, the EvaGreen master mix, or fluorescently labeled targeted gene-specific probes. Here, we describe the detection of Carica papaya (CP) adulteration in Piper nigrum (PN) products using species-specific primers. We observed an increase in fluorescence signal as the concentration of target DNA increased in PN-CP blended formulations (mock controls). Using species-specific primers, we successfully demonstrated the use of dPCR in the authentication of medicinal botanicals.

A Rare Case of Acute Cholecystitis Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an Immunocompetent Person in the Absence of Bacteremia or Pre-Existing Conditions.

Acute cholecystitis, typically caused by gallstone obstruction of the cystic duct, is often complicated by infection. Mostly observed in immunocompromised patients with bacteremia Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is not typically associated with this ailment. Here, we present a unique case of acute cholecystitis caused by MRSA in an immunocompetent patient without bacteremia or underlying disease. A male patient aged 59 years was admitted complaining of severe abdominal pain and nausea. Subsequent investigation confirmed acute calculous cholecystitis and thereafter, the patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Gallbladder fluid culture indicated elevated quantities of MRSA growths, and suitable antimicrobial therapy was given as part of the treatment process. This exceptional case underlines the significance of recognizing MRSA as a potential pathogen in severe acute cholecystitis cases, particularly those with severe symptoms. Rapid identification and usage of anti-MRSA antibiotics play a crucial role in managing MRSA-related situations. Healthcare providers need to bear in mind the possibility of cholecystitis associated with MRSA particularly when conventional risk factors are not present. Timely intervention is essential for favorable patient outcomes.

Identification of novel exonic variants contributing to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in west Indian population.

Breast and ovarian cancers are the most common cancer types in females worldwide and in India. Patients with these cancers require an early diagnosis which is essential for better prognosis, treatment and improved patient survival. Recently, the utilization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based screening has accelerated molecular diagnosis of various cancers. In the present study, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 30 patients who had a first or second-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer and are tested negative for BRCA1/2 or other high and moderate-risk genes reported for HBOC. WES data from patients were analyzed and variants were called using bcftools. Functional annotation of variants and variant prioritization was performed by Exomiser. The clinical significance of variants was determined as per ACMG classification using Varsome tool. The functional analysis of genes was determined by STRING analysis and disease association was determined by open target tool. We found novel variants and gene candidates having significant association with HBOC conditions. The genes identified by exomiser (phenotype score > 0.75) are associated with various biological processes such as DNA integrity maintenance, transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Our findings provide novel and prevalent gene variants associated with the HBOC condition in the West Indian population which could be further studied for early diagnosis and better prognosis of HBOC.

A Hitchhiker's Guide to Worldwide COVID-19 Vaccinations: A Detailed Review of Monovalent and Bivalent Vaccine Schedules, COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects, and Effectiveness Against Omicron and Delta Variants.

For the primary prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there are currently four different vaccines available in the USA. These are Pfizer (messenger RNA [mRNA]), Moderna (mRNA), Novavax (recombinant protein), and Jansen/Johnson & Johnson (adenoviral vector). All individuals should get vaccinated, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided comprehensive guidelines on recommended doses, their frequency by age group, and vaccine types, all discussed in detail in this article. Vaccines are a critical and cost-effective tool for preventing the disease. Prior to receiving a vaccine, patients should get adequate counseling regarding any potential adverse effects post vaccination. Appropriate safety precautions must be taken for those more likely to experience adverse consequences. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the symptoms, indicators, and treatment of any adverse event post-vaccination. We have provided a comprehensive review of the different characteristics of COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States, including their effectiveness against various variants, adverse effects, and precautions necessary for healthcare professionals and the general population. This article also briefly covers COVID-19 vaccines available worldwide, specifically their mode of action and effectiveness.

Small Bowel Obstruction and Appendicitis in Patient With Fitz-Hughes-Curtis Syndrome.

Fitz-Hughs-Curtis syndrome is a manifestation of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which begins with sexually transmitted organisms such as Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) and, less commonly Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection is hypothesized to disseminate into the peritoneum via lymphatic, hematogenous, or ascending spread of the organisms. Progression of the disease can result in liver capsule inflammation (perihepatitis) and adhesion formation between organs. This case presentation illustrates a female who presented with symptomology consistent with small bowel obstruction (SBO) and acute appendicitis. The patient was incidentally found to have Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome during laparoscopic surgery, as noted by adhesions on peritoneal organs. These findings prompted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening which confirmed a C. trachomatis infection, completing the clinical picture for Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. This case report highlights the need for an increased index of suspicion for Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome in a young female who presents with right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain in order to prevent future complications of PID, including infertility.

First report on genome wide association study in western Indian population reveals host genetic factors for COVID-19 severity and outcome.

Different human races across the globe responded in a different way to the SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to different disease severity. Therefore, it is anticipated that host genetic factors have a straight association with the COVID-19. We identified a total 6, 7, and 6 genomic loci for deceased-recovered, asymptomatic-recovered, and deceased-asymptomatic group comparison, respectively. Unfavourable alleles of the markers nearby the genes which are associated with lung and heart diseases such as Tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF4&18), showed noteworthy association with the disease severity and outcome for the COVID-19 patients in the western Indian population. The markers found with significant association with disease prognosis or recovery are of value in determining the individual's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be used for the risk prediction in COVID-19. Besides, GWAS study in other populations from India may help to strengthen the outcome of this study.