A time series transcriptome profiling of host cell responses to Newcastle disease virus infection.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, causes major economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. NDV strains are classified as avirulent, moderately virulent, or virulent according to the severity of the disease they cause. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions, we conducted Illumina HiSeq-based RNA-Seq analysis on chicken embryo fibroblast (DF1) cells during the first 24 hours of infection with NDV strain Komarov. Comparative analysis of uninfected DF1 cells versus NDV-infected DF1 cells at 6, 12, and 24 h postinfection identified 462, 459, and 410 differentially expressed genes, respectively. The findings revealed an increase in the expression of genes linked to the MAPK signalling pathway in the initial stages of NDV infection. This overexpression potentially aids viral multiplication while hindering pathogen detection and subsequent immune responses from the host. Our findings provide initial insights into the early responses of DF1 cells to NDV infection.

An investigation into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and the study habits of medical students of the University of the West Indies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased anxiety among medical students due to the uncertainty of the long-term effects on the future of medical education. There are currently insufficient studies aimed at investigating the changes in the mental health and studying habits of medical students during public health emergencies such as this pandemic, as well as methods that can be incorporated to appropriately manage anxiety effectively. To investigate the psychological impact and associated factors on medical students during the pandemic. This retrospective, cross-sectional study consisted of 291 medical students of the faculty of medical sciences at the university of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, Trinidad and Tobago. The mental health and study habits of said students were assessed with the use of questionnaires via an online survey platform. Data of our study showed that 56% of the students were experiencing increased stress and anxiety. Students of 82.8% experienced irregular sleeping habits and 76.3% of participants experienced a change in eating habits brought on by the pandemic. Participants of 67.4% studied less than 4 hrs. a day, 61.5% were less productive, 62.2% showed an inability to focus and avoid distractions in their study environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for proper supportive strategies to assist students in effectively managing anxiety and depression during public health emergencies such as COVID-19. It is suggested that all universities, colleges and education bodies alike implement a pandemic preparedness course as well as an accessible online support forum.

Socio-demographic and educational factors associated with Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Health Professions students.

Depression, anxiety and stress are the most prevalent mental health problems among health professions' students. The study was aimed to explore the socio-demographic and educational factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among health professions' students. Using non-random purposeful sampling, 366 health professions' students studied in 2018/19 were surveyed via a self-reported questionnaire that included Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and questions on sociodemographic and educational characteristics. The majority of respondents were from the School of Medicine (59.8%), with 116 males and 250 females. Sleep duration, communication problems with teaching staff, feelings of inferiority to friends and family problems were determined to be independent predictors of depression in the current study. Communication problems with teaching staff, feelings of inferiority to friends and family problems were important predictors of anxiety. Further, we found that feelings of inferiority to friends and family problems were found to be important risk factors for stress. Our results suggest that the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among health professions' students were considerably high. All students having a severe mental health issues should be supported by the student counselling centre and expert clinicians in order to confirm the diagnosis and implement subsequent treatment strategies.

Exploring the physical and quality attributes of muffins incorporated with microencapsulated squalene as a functional food additive.

Squalene, a triterpenoid compound is proven to possess immense bioactivities by virtue of its high antioxidant activity. The present study was designed to investigate the quality attributes of muffins as influenced by addition of encapsulated squalene. Nutritional analysis showed that calorific value of prepared muffins has ranged from 480.78 ± 0.10 to 501.61 ± 0.38 kcal. Baking loss was lowest in case of muffins prepared with encapsulated squalene with its crumb region recorded higher moisture content. Color kinetics study indicated that browning index (BI) was higher in crust portion of encapsulated squalene enriched muffins. Scanning electron micrographs showing that muffins with encapsulated squalene had stronger structural organization. This was further supported by the textural studies showed that the muffins with encapsulated squalene was cohesive, springier and chewy with less gumminess and stiffness indicating their efficacy in improving the textural quality. Oxidative stability and microbiological quality were also high in squalene enriched foods suggesting that squalene might have some antimicrobial effects. Outcome of the study indicated that encapsulated squalene can be very well utilised as a functional food ingredient in ready -to-eat functional foods. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s13197-020-04955-9).

Non-immunological biomarkers for assessment of villous abnormalities in patients with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Demonstration of villous abnormalities is an essential component of diagnosis of celiac disease (CeD) that requires duodenal biopsies. There is a need for non-invasive biomarker(s) that can predict the presence of villous abnormalities. METHODS: Levels of plasma citrulline, plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), and serum regenerating gene 1α (Reg1α) were estimated in treatment naïve patients with CeD and controls. The levels of these biomarkers and their cyclical pattern were validated in a predicted model of enteropathy. Optimum diagnostic cut-off values were derived, and the results were further validated in a prospective validation cohort. RESULTS: While level of plasma citrulline was significantly lower, the levels of plasma I-FABP and serum Reg1α were significantly higher in patients with CeD (n = 131) in comparison with healthy (n = 216) and disease controls (n = 133), and their levels reversed after a gluten-free diet (GFD). In the model of predicted enteropathy (n = 70), a sequential decrease and then increase in the level of plasma citrulline was observed; such a sequential change was not observed with I-FABP and Reg1α. The diagnostic accuracy for prediction of presence of villous abnormality was 89% and 78% if citrulline level was  ≤ 30 µM/L and I-FABP levels were ≥ 1100 pg/mL, respectively. The results were validated in a prospective validation cohort (n = 104) with a sensitivity and specificity of 79.5% and 83.1%, respectively, for predicting villous abnormalities of modified Marsh grade > 2 at calculated cut-off values of citrulline and I-FABP. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma citrulline  ≤ 30 µM/L is the most consistent, highly reproducible non-invasive biomarker that can predict the presence of villous abnormality and has the potential for avoiding duodenal biopsies in 78% patients suspected to have CeD.

Absence of the Musculocutaneous Nerve and Associated Compensation by the Median Nerve.

The musculocutaneous and median nerves frequently show variations from their normal course. The purpose of this paper is to report a rare variation, in which the right musculocutaneous nerve was absent. Consequently, the median nerve supplied motor innervation to the flexor compartment of the arm and sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the forearm. The primary targets of this paper are orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists and radiologists. In cases of injuries to the upper limb, knowledge of these variations can assist them in avoiding misdiagnoses.

A South Indian Cadaveric Study on the Prevalence of Gallstones.

Background Gallstone disease (GSD) is one among the most prevalent diseases that affects approximately 10-15% of the population. It is associated with many other diseases like gallbladder cancer, renal stones, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and stroke. Objective Objective of this study is to document the prevalence of gallstones among south Indian cadavers. Method One hundred and twenty three South Indian cadaveric livers/gallbladders were observed for the presence of gallstones. The age range was 40 to 70 years. The gallbladders were palpated to know the presence of stones. They were then dissected and the stones were classified based on appearance. Gall bladder walls were also observed to know the associated fibrosis. Result Among the cadavers studied, 0.81% possessed cholesterol stones and 4.06% had pigment stones. Among the stones, 83.33% were pigment stones and 16.66% were cholesterol stones. Conclusion Compared to the western countries and north Indian studies, the prevalence of gallstone diseaseis low in the south Indian population (4.87%). The low prevalence was probably due to the low socioeconomic status and the diet and lifestyle.

BK polyomavirus and urothelial carcinoma: Experience at a tertiary care centre in India with review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: BK polyomavirus is ubiquitous and remains dormant in the urothelial tract, reactivating and replicating in the immunocompromised state especially in the setting of post-renal transplantation where it is believed to be directly oncogenic based on recent reports. Its oncogenic role in the immunocompetent host is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of BK polyomavirus in Urothelial Carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with suspected urothelial carcinoma (UC) admitted under Department of Urology over a period of one year were recruited and transuretheral bladder tumor (TURBT) resection was performed, along with sampling of cystoscopically normal-appearing urothelium away from the tumor. In addition, cystectomy specimens with UC were included, with sampling of grossly normal-appearing urothelium away from the tumor. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for SV40 T-Antigen and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) using BK polyomavirus specific probe was performed on the paired samples (tumor and normal). RESULTS: Twenty-three TURBT and 14 cystectomy specimens were assessed. None of the cases showed evidence of BK polyomavirus infection in tumor or in surrounding mucosa by IHC. CISH performed in ten cases were also found to be negative. In comparison, one post-renal transplant urothelial carcinoma in our experience showed diffuse SV40 staining. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that BK polyomavirus infection is not associated with urothelial malignancy in the immunocompetent setting unlike in the immunocompromised setting where it should always be investigated for.

Efficacy of generic oral directly acting agents in patients with hepatitis C virus infection.

Novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are now the standard of care for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Branded DAAs are associated with high sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-completion of therapy (SVR12), but are costly. We aimed to assess the efficacy of generic oral DAAs in a real-life clinical scenario. Consecutive patients with known HCV infection who were treated with generic-oral DAA regimens (May 2015 to January 2017) were included. Demographic details, prior therapy and SVR12 were documented. Four hundred and ninety patients (mean age: 38.9 ± 12.7 years) were treated with generic DAAs in the study time period. Their clinical presentations included chronic hepatitis (CHC) in 339 (69.2%) of cases, compensated cirrhosis in 120 (24.48%) cases and decompensated cirrhosis in 31 (6.32%) cases. Genotype 3 was most common (n = 372, 75.9%) followed by genotype 1 (n = 97, 19.8%). Treatment naïve and treatment-experienced (defined as having previous treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin) were 432 (88.2%) and 58 (11.8%), respectively. Generic DAA treatment regimens included sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin (n = 175), daclatasvir alone (n = 149), ribavirin and peginterferon (n = 80), ledipasvir alone (n = 43), daclatasvir and ribavirin (n = 37), and ledipasvir and ribavirin (n = 6). Overall SVR12 was 95.9% (470/490) for all treatment regimens. SVR12 for treatment naïve and experienced patients was 97.0% (419/432) and 87.9% (51/58), respectively, P = .005. High SVR12 was observed with various regimens, irrespective of genotype and underlying liver disease status. There were no differences in SVR12 with 12 or 24 weeks therapy. No major adverse event occurred requiring treatment stoppage. Generic oral DAAs are associated with high SVR rates in patients with HCV infection in a real-life clinical scenario.

Concurrent Variations of Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Arteries.

Celiac trunk is the first ventral branch of the abdominal aorta. It usually terminates by giving three branches; the common hepatic artery, the left gastric artery and the splenic artery. We report a rare variation of the branching pattern of the celiac trunk. The Celiac trunk divided into two branches; left gastric artery and splenicogastroduodenal trunk. The splenico-gastroduodenal trunk divided into splenic and gastroduodenal arteries. The superior mesenteric artery and hepatic artery took origin from a common hepato-mesenteric trunk. The hepatic artery had a winding course around the portal vein and hepatic duct. The knowledge of these variations is important while doing radiological investigations and liver transplant and pancreatic surgeries.

Comparative isolation and genetic diversity of Arcobacter sp. from fish and the coastal environment.

Arcobacter species are emerging food-borne and water-borne human pathogens associated mostly with food animals and their environment. The present study was aimed to isolate Arcobacter species from fish, shellfish and coastal water samples using two methods and to determine their genetic diversity. Of 201 samples of fish, shellfish and water samples analysed, 66 (32·8%) samples showed the presence of Arcobacter DNA from both Arcobacter enrichment broth and Bolton broth. Arcobacters were isolated from 58 (87·8%) and 38 (57·5%) of Arcobacter DNA-positive samples using Arcobacter blood agar and Preston blood agar, respectively. Arcobacter sp. identified by biochemical tests were further analysed by a genus-specific PCR, followed by a multiplex-PCR and 16S rRNA-RFLP. From both the methods, four different Arcobacter species namely Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter skirrowii, Arcobacter mytili and Arcobacter defluvii were isolated, of which A. butzleri was the predominant species. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR fingerprint analysis revealed that the arcobacters isolated in this study were genetically very diverse and no specific genotype was found associated with a specific source (seafood or water). Since pathogenic arcobacters are not known to be natural inhabitants of coastal marine environment, identifying the sources of contamination will be crucial for effective management of this problem. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Arcobacter sp. are emerging food- and water-borne human pathogens. In this study, comparison of two selective media suggested Arcobacter blood agar to be more efficient in yielding Arcobacter sp. from seafood. Furthermore, the isolation of Arcobacter sp. such as Arcobacter butzleri, A. skirrowii, A. mytili and A. defluvii from seafood suggests diverse sources of contamination of seafood by Arcobacter sp. Analysis of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence-PCR patterns of A. butzleri showed high genetic diversity and lack of clonality among the isolates. Arcobacter contamination of seafood is an emerging issue both from seafood safety and seafood trade point of view.

Novel identification of Factor XI deficiency in Indian Sahiwal (Bos indicus) cattle.

Factor-XI deficiency (FXID) is inherited as autosomal lethal recessive disorder of carrier Holstein-Friesian bulls. A 76 base pair segment insertion into exon 12 in Factor-XI gene causes FXID in cattle. Keeping this in view the present study was conducted to screen breeding bulls of both indigenous and exotic breeds for mutation in Factor-XI gene and to find out the frequency of FXID carrier animals in breeding bulls. A total of 120 bulls of different age group maintained at Frozen Semen Bull Station, India were randomly selected from different cattle breeds to screen presence of FXID syndrome in breeding sires. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood of the selected bulls. PCR parameters were standardized to obtain 244 and 320 bp amplicons. The results showed that 2 Sahiwal bulls out of 120 animals were carrier for FXID. Amplicons of the carrier animals were sequenced and annoted, which confirms a 76 bp insertion in the exon 12. Bleeding and clotting time showed considerable discrepancy in the carrier animals as compared to the normal animals. The findings of relative mRNA expression of Factor XI transcript revealed identical tendency in the carrier. The frequency of carrier animals and mutant allele was 2.5 % and 0.025 respectively. This study recommends for screening of breeding at AI bull centers in the country for FXID. The study also stands a merit for identification of FXID carrier in Bos indicus for the first time.

Optimization of the sublethal dose of silver nanoparticle through evaluating its effect on intestinal physiology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.).

Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are widely used in a variety of biomedical and consumer products as an antimicrobial additive. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of low-dose SNPs on intestinal physiology of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) for assessing its apparent environmental risk due to extensive commercial use. SNPs were synthesized by a chemical reduction method yielding 1-27 nm oval shaped particles. Early fingerlings of tilapia were exposed with two sublethal concentrations (0.8 and 0.4 mg L(-1)) of SNPs for twenty one days period and its impact on the intestinal physiology was evaluated by histochemistry, catalase expression, glutamate dehydrogenase activity, SDS-PAGE and gut micro flora count. Histological analysis showed thinning of intestinal wall, swelling on mucosal layer and immunohistochemical assay exhibited an enhanced catalase expression in SNPs treated fishes. Gut microflora count elicited a dose-dependent depletion and a variable SDS-PAGE profile followed by significant (P < 0.05) elevations in glutamate dehydrogenase activity in SNPs-treated fishes. This study was designed to provide a better understanding of environmentally acceptable, dose-dependent SNPs delivery in fishes and to formulate guidelines in aquatic toxicology.

Oblique Retro-Aortic Left Renal Vein and its Clinical Importance.

Kidneys are the organs that remove the waste products of the metabolic activities. A smooth blood flow to the kidneys is essential to maintain their function. Abnormalities of the renal vasculature may result not only in impairing the renal function but can lead to conditions like varicocele. During an autopsy of an adult male, we observed renal vascular variations. The left renal vein had a retro-aortic course before its termination into the inferior vena cava. It was joined with the inferior vena cava at the level of inferior mesenteric artery with an acute angle. The left testicular vein joined the left renal vein with an acute angle. The right kidney was supplied by two renal arteries. The knowledge about retro-aortic course of the left renal vein may be important during renal transplantation. The oblique course of left renal vein and the termination of left testicular vein into it with an acute angle may increase the chances of left sided varicocele.

"Question of the Day": Impact on learning and retention.

Background Studying regularly has been a known method for better memory and long term retention of a subject. Getting students to study on a regular basis has been tried in many ways and its impact is increased if they understand the importance and value the efficiency of it. Objectives With large number of students, it would be a time consuming process to follow one on one interactions or study sessions. Hence, we introduced a new strategy, the "Question of the Day", which is interesting, challenging and most of all; it has produced positive influence on the examination performance of the students who performed this task. Main objective of this study was to make students answer questions related to the topics taught every day. Method Regular studying and updating the subject knowledge was provided through Question of the Day (Annexure-1). The students were given the questions on a regular basis during dissection classes and were asked to document the answers for those questions. Result The students who worked on the "Question of the Day" scored significantly higher in the exams than those who did not. The results of the opinion survey clearly indicated that this exercise was liked by most of the students. Conclusion "Question of the day" did have a positive influence on the student's performance. Most of the students felt that this exercise had a positive impact on their study methods, interaction with peers and teachers, retention and recollection of the knowledge.

Environmental enrichment exposure restrains the neuronal damage induced by diabetes and stress in the motor cortex of rat brain.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was intended to assess the effect of environmental enrichment on the diabetes as well as combined actions of diabetes and stress on the neurons of the motor cortex of rat brain. BACKGROUND: Untreated diabetes mellitus causes severe insults to the neurons of the central nervous system. Treatment with environmental enrichment is known for producing significant and reliable neuronal changes in the neurological disorders of central nervous system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male albino rats of Wistar strain, aged 35 days were used. The rats were divided into (A) Normal Control (B) Vehicle Control (C) Diabetic (D) Diabetes+Stress (E)Diabetes+Environmental enrichment (F)Diabetes+Stress+Environmental enrichment (n=6) in each group). Blood glucose levels and body weight was measured before the induction of diabetes, on the 2nd day after induction of diabetes and before sacrifice. After exposure to stress and environmental enrichment diabetic rats were sacrificed (Day 30) and brains were processed for cresyl violet staining. The number of survived neurons in the motor cortex was quantified. RESULTS: Quantification of cresyl violet neurons in the motor cortex showed a significant increase in the number of survived neurons in Diabetes+Environmental enrichment and Diabetes+Stress+Environmental enrichment group rats compared to Diabetes and Diabetes+Stress group rats respectively. CONCLUSION: Findings from the present study indicated that the exposure to environmental enrichment can prevent the amount of the neural damage caused by complications of diabetes and combined actions of diabetes and stress to the neurons of the motor cortex (Fig. 5, Ref. 37).

Evidence for multiple chiral doublet bands in 133Ce.

Two distinct sets of chiral-partner bands have been identified in the nucleus 133Ce. They constitute a multiple chiral doublet, a phenomenon predicted by relativistic mean field (RMF) calculations and observed experimentally here for the first time. The properties of these chiral bands are in good agreement with results of calculations based on a combination of the constrained triaxial RMF theory and the particle-rotor model.

Evaluation of anti-epileptic property of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. in maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazole-induced rat models of epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-epileptic effects of methanolic extract of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. (MQ) in maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced rat models of epilepsy. METHOD: A total of 84 adult male Wistar rats were used. An acute oral toxicity study was conducted on 36 rats and the remaining were used for other experiments. Each model had 24 rats which were allotted into four groups (n = 6). Group I (Control) received 1% carboxymethyl cellulose solution, Group II (Positive control) received phenytoin 300 mg kg(-1) b.w. in the MES model; sodium valproate 200 mg kg(-1) b.w. in the PTZ model, Group III (MQ) received 400 mg kg(-1) b.w. MQ extract and Group IV (MQ) received 600 mg kg(-1) b.w. MQ extract. Hind limb extension (HLE) time and recovery time were noted in the MES model. Latency for myoclonic jerk, seizures and EEG was recorded in the PTZ model. RESULTS: When compared to control, the phenytoin received group did not show HLE. In MQ pre-treated groups only 50% of rats showed HLE. Sodium valproate and various doses of MQ significantly increased the latency for onset of clonus and seizures. PTZ-induced EEG alterations were significantly attenuated by MQ administration and this was comparable to that of the sodium valproate effect. CONCLUSION: Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. showed significant anti-epileptic efficacy against various epilepsy models.

Use of 1540nm fractionated erbium:glass laser for split skin graft resurfacing: a case study.

The field of laser skin resurfacing has evolved rapidly over the past two decades from ablative lasers, to nonablative systems using near-infrared, intense-pulsed light and radio-frequency systems, and most recently fractional laser resurfacing. Although fractional thermolysis is still in its infancy, its efficacy in in the treatment of skin disorders have been clearly demonstrated. Here we present a case report on the safety and efficacy of a 1540nm erbium:glass laser in the treatment of the waffle pattern of a meshed skin graft in a 38-year-old patient with type V skin in the Caribbean.

Incidences and Clinical Implications of Communications between Musculocutaneous Nerve and Median Nerve in the Arm - A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVES: Variations such as communications between median nerve and musculocutaneous nerve or in their abnormal branching pattern constitute a major concern in clinical and surgical field. Knowledge of these variations not only provides the clinician with a proper interpretation of the case, but also minimizes the complication in surgical approaches in this region. METHOD: We examined 50 isolated upper limbs to investigate the possible incidences of various types of communications between these two neighbouring peripheral nerves. RESULT: Twenty-eight per cent of limbs were found to have communication between these two nerves. When categorized according to Venieratos and Anagnostopoulou's classification method, 11 out of 14 cases (79%) showed type I communications, two out of 14 (14%) showed type II and the remaining one (7%) showed type III communication pattern. CONCLUSION: Prior knowledge of communications between these two neighbouring nerves, both in terms of their incidences and pattern of communications, may be of considerable significance to neurologists and orthopaedic surgeons in dealing with nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper limb of patients.