Impact of intrapartum quality improvement interventions on stillbirths and other adverse pregnancy outcomes: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stillbirths are a major global health concern. Half of stillbirths occur during intrapartum period, mostly in low- and middle-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Achieving a stillbirth rate of less than 12 per 1000 births by 2030 is the global target of Every Newborn Action Plan and Sustainable Development Goals. Evidence suggests that improving intrapartum quality of care can help reduce stillbirths and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study will explore whether quality improvement (QI) packages at intrapartum care points can reduce stillbirths and other outcomes such as maternal and neonatal mortality. METHODS: We will conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Comprehensive search strategy will be developed for databases PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Cochrane and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We will include randomized controlled trials, controlled non-randomized trials, controlled clinical trials, interrupted time series, cohort studies, case-control and nested case-control studies which assess the impact of QI interventions at intrapartum points of care on stillbirths and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. We will search grey literature such as unpublished research studies, dissertations and unfinished trials. English and non-English language articles will be included to avoid language bias. We will also evaluate reporting quality and risk of bias. Sensitivity tests will be carried out for heterogeneity. Pooled estimates of effect sizes will be computed with random-effects models. Supplementation of the quantitative synthesis with a qualitative narrative synthesis would be added, if deemed necessary. We will explore publication bias using funnel plot and Egger's regression test will be used for evaluation, if needed. DISCUSSION: We will report pooled effectiveness of different intrapartum QI interventions across multiple settings in averting stillbirths and other adverse outcomes such as maternal mortality and neonatal mortality.

A standardized Hippophae extract (SBL-1) counters neuronal tissue injuries and changes in neurotransmitters: implications in radiation protection.

CONTEXT: Effects of a radioprotective, standardized leaf extract (code SBL-1) from traditional medicinal plant, sea buckthorn [Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Elaeagnaceae)], on neurotransmitters and brain injuries in rats showing radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA), are not known. Understanding CTA in rats is important because its process is considered parallel to nausea and vomiting in humans. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the levels of neurotransmitters, antioxidant defences and histological changes in rats showing radiation CTA, and their modification by SBL-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inbred male Sprague-Dawley rats (age 65 days, weighing 190 ± 10 g) were used. Saccharin-preferring rats were selected using standard procedure and divided into groups. Group I (untreated control) was administered sterile water, group II was 60Co-γ-irradiated (2 Gy), and group III was administered SBL-1 before irradiation. Observations were recorded up to day 5. RESULTS: Irradiation (2 Gy) caused (i) non-recoverable CTA (≥ 64.7 ± 5.0%); (ii) degenerative changes in cerebral cortex, amygdala and hippocampus; (iii) increases in brain dopamine (DA, 63.4%), norepinephrine (NE, 157%), epinephrine (E, 233%), plasma NE (103%) and E (160%); and (iv) decreases in brain superoxide dismutase (67%), catalase (60%) and glutathione (51%). SBL-1 treatment (12 mg/kg body weight) 30 min before irradiation (i) countered brain injuries, (ii) reduced CTA (38.7 ± 3.0%, day 1) and (iii) normalized brain DA, NE, E, superoxide dismutase, catalase and CTA from day 3 onwards. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Radiation CTA was coupled with brain injuries, disturbances in neurotransmitters and antioxidant defences. SBL-1 pretreatment countered these disturbances, indicating neuroprotective action.

Economic Hardships in Managing COVID-19 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India.

BACKGROUND: The information on healthcare expenditure is crucial to know the impact of the pandemic on public health budgets, thereby correctly managing the ongoing crisis and preparing for subsequent waves. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the length of stay and cost incurred on COVID-19 patients who died in the ICU. METHODS: It is a record-based descriptive study conducted on 76 deceased COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of a dedicated COVID-19 hospital (DCH) between April and October 2020. Central Government Health Services (CGHS) package rate list, Delhi-NCR, was used as a reference for the cost of the ICU bed, ventilator, investigations, and procedures. RESULTS: The median duration of stay in the hospital was 12 days, and in the ICU, it was eight days. The median total cost of managing the patient was 91,235.6 INR; of this, the median total cost for ICU stay per patient was 6,904 INR. The major proportion of total expenses was contributed by personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, an average of 11,091.33 INR per month. The median cost of stay in the ICU, on the ventilator, in the ward, and mean cost of investigations were higher among those with associated co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: Most elderly male with co-morbidities lost their battle after ventilator support in the ICU. Patients with co-morbidities and severe disease not only have a long duration of hospitalization and poor survival rate but also fetch an economic burden close to one lakh on the institute.

Comparative study of NiO/CuO/Ag doped graphene based materials for reduction of nitroaromatic compounds and degradation of dye with statistical study.

In the present work, the Nickel oxide (rGO-NiO), Silver (rGO-Ag), Copper oxide (rGO-CuO) doped Graphene Oxide are reported for catalytic reactions. A comparative study for catalytic activities of these materials are performed with nitroaromatic compound 4-nitroaniline and the results are statistically studied by using univariate analysis of variance and Post Hoc Test through Statistical Package for Social Sciences and it is observed that CuO doped Graphene material is showing better catalytic activity in minimum time. So, further research has been focused on the catalytic acitivity of rGO-CuO only and it is found that it is efficient in reducing other nitro compounds also such as Picric acid and Nitrobenzene. Dye degradation of Methylene blue is also performed using CuO decorated Graphene material and significant changes were observed using UV spectroscopy. The characterization of rGO-CuO is done with Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Powder X-ray Diffraction, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Hidden hunger in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its effect on glycaemic control: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiencies are quite common in many parts of the world, particularly in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Micronutrient deficiencies may impact insulin signalling pathways and glucose metabolism, potentially accelerating the onset and development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This review aims to estimate the prevalence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies among patients with T2D and assess the effect of their deficiency on glycaemic control. METHODOLOGY: The review follows the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. It includes all eligible studies reporting the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and their effect on glycaemic control in T2D patients. We would undertake a comprehensive literature search across databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, LILACS, ProQuest, Google Scholar and grey literature, and identify the studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We would perform data extraction using a prepiloted data extraction sheet and record relevant study characteristics and outcomes. ANALYSIS: Data will be analysed using JBI Sumari software and R software. Pooled prevalence/incidence of micronutrient deficiency will be estimated, and variance will be stabilised using logit transformation and a double-arcsine transformation of the data. The OR and risk ratio of glycaemic control among T2D cases with and without micronutrient deficiency will be estimated using the 'rma' function under the 'meta' and 'metafor' packages.The study findings will have implications for diabetes management strategies and may inform interventions targeting improved glycaemic control through addressing micronutrient deficiencies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will be based on the scientific information available in the public domain; therefore, ethics approval is not required. We will share the study findings at national and international conferences and submit them for publication in relevant scientific journals. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023439780.

Assessment of the awareness about COVID-19 and the following-up of guidelines for biomedical wastes in Jaipur city.

In this COVID-19 era, isolating people and reviewing their contacts has proven to be insufficient to control the COVID-19 pandemic as there was a huge gap between exposure to the virus and isolation due to the late onset of symptoms. This led to the spread of infection and people faced the consequences not only of viral infection, but also of financial and occupational crises. People followed best management practices, however, new variants emerged that caused infection. With little information on new COVID-19 variants and their transmission, the disease spread rapidly in humans. Until now, the link between the spread of COVID-19 and the disposal of biomedical waste with household waste has not been established. Therefore, the only way to prevent infection is to make people aware. It is still necessary to open the doors for research to find the possible cause of the appearance of a new variant of COVID-19. To cope with the situation, the level of awareness among the public and their action towards the prevention of spread of infection caused by COVID-19 and its emerging variants must be known. Therefore, a survey was conducted in Jaipur from January to February 2022 to find out the status of awareness. Results of the survey revealed that both people are aware about the infection caused by COVID-19 and its variants. They are also aware about the precautions to be followed to protect themselves from acquiring COVID-19 infection. Most of the people are using masks but not gloves to prevent themselves from the infection. Merely, 71.6% of young, 100% of adults, 40% of old people sanitize their masks and gloves before disposal. Only 66.5% people are using separate bags for the collection of wastes. Despite of awareness about biomedical waste, 25% of young never sanitize, and 26.13% of young seldom sanitizes their waste before disposal. Such types of cases were not observed in adults and old age groups. Similarly, 2.3% of young did not sanitize PPE kit prior to disposal. Results of this study revealed that there is awareness about the different strains of corona virus and biomedical wastes. However, some people showed casual behaviour in the waste disposal practices. The strict implementation of rules to dispose biomedical waste will be useful for dealing with biomedical waste in this pandemic period.

Synthesis of N-Benzylideneaniline by Schiff base reaction using Kinnow peel powder as Green catalyst and comparative study of derivatives through ANOVA techniques.

The cheap and easy availability of the Kinnow peel waste has reported various applications due to presence of multifunctional groups. Therefore, in present study we explored its application to synthesize N-Benzylideneaniline and its derivatives based on Schiff base reaction. Kinnow peel powder is characterized by FTIR, TEM, SEM, XRD, EDX, and TGA for functional groups, morphology, surface, elements and thermal stability. Benzaldehyde, aniline, and their derivatives such as 4-methyl benzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde, 4-methoxy benzaldehyde, and 4-methoxy aniline have been used to compare the efficacy of the Schiff base reaction using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and it has been observed that combination of Aniline and benzaldehyde for Schiff base reaction provided 85% yield of relative product.

Azotobacter chroococcum and Pseudomonas putida enhance pyrroloquinazoline alkaloids accumulation in Adhatoda vasica hairy roots by biotization.

Adhatoda vasica is used in the treatment of cold, cough, chronic bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, and dysentery. The biological activities of this species are attributed with the presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of A. vasica, produces pyrroloquinazoline alkaloids, was achieved by infecting leaf discs with strain ATCC15834. The bacterial strain infected 82.7% leaf discs and 5-7 hairy root initials were developed from the cut edges of leaf discs. In this study, seven strains of Azotobacter chroococcum and five strains of Pseudomonas putida were used for the biotization of hairy roots. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) develops symbiotic association with roots of plants and increases the growth parameters of plants. PGPR (A. chroococcum and P. putida) increased the profiles of nitrogenase and acid phosphatase enzymes, biomass, dry matter contents, anthranilate synthase activity and accumulation of pyrroloquizoline alkaloids in the biotized hairy roots. Both enzymes (nitrogenase and acid phosphatase) maintain sufficient supply of nitrogen and dissolved phosphorus to the cells of hairy roots therefore, the levels of anthranilate synthase activity and pyrroloquinazoline alkaloids are increased. Total seven pyrroloquinazoline alkaloids (vasicine, vasicinone, vasicine acetate, 2-acetyl benzyl amine, vasicinolone, deoxyvasicine and vasicol) were identified from the biotized hairy roots of A. vasica. In our study, biotization increased the profiles of pyrroloquinazoline alkaloids therefore, this strategy may be used in increasing the production of medicinally important secondary metabolites in other plant species also. Our hypothetical model demonstrates that P. putida cell surface receptors receive root exudates by attaching on hairy roots. After attachment, the bacterial strain penetrates in the biotized hairy roots. This endophytic interaction stimulates acid phosphatase activity in the cells of biotized hairy roots. The P. putida plasmid gene (ppp1) expression led to the synthesis of acid phosphatase in cytosol. The enzyme enhances phosphorus availability as well as induces the formation of phosphoribosyl diphosphate. Later, phosphoribosyl diphosphate metabolizes to tryptophan and finally tryptophan converts to anthranilic acid. The synthesized anthranilic acid used in the synthesis of alkaloids in A. vasica.

Recent Trends in Photocatalytic Enantioselective Reactions.

Enantioselective synthesis through photocatalysis is one of the highly preferred approaches towards preparation of optically active compounds. This review elaborates and critically analyzes the different strategies of photocatalytic enantioselective reactions through H-bonding, transition metal catalysis, phase-transfer catalysis (PTC), chiral Lewis acid catalysis, N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis, and amine catalysis, and also explores ion pairs. In addition, it explains the different catalysis modes with multifunctional approaches for enantioselective photocatalytic reactions.

An algorithmic approach to identifying the aetiology of acute encephalitis syndrome in India: results of a 4-year enhanced surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: Annual outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome pose a major health burden in India. Although Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) accounts for around 15% of reported cases, the aetiology of most cases remains unknown. We aimed to establish an enhanced surveillance network and to use a standardised diagnostic algorithm to conduct a systematic evaluation of acute encephalitis syndrome in India. METHODS: In this large-scale, systematic surveillance study in India, patients presenting with acute encephalitis syndrome (ie, acute onset of fever with altered mental status, seizure, or both) to any of the 18 participating hospitals across Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam were evaluated for JEV (serum and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] IgM ELISA) per standard of care. In enhanced surveillance, JEV IgM-negative specimens were additionally evaluated for scrub typhus, dengue virus, and West Nile virus by serum IgM ELISA, and for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, dengue virus, herpes simplex virus, and enterovirus by CSF PCR across five referral laboratories. In 2017, chikungunya and Leptospira serum IgM by ELISA and Zika virus serum and CSF by PCR were also tested. FINDINGS: Of 10 107 patients with acute encephalitis syndrome enrolled in enhanced surveillance between Jan 1, 2014, and Dec 31, 2017, 5734 (57·8%) of 9917 participants with available data were male and 6179 (62·7%) of 9856 were children aged 15 years and younger. Among patients who provided a sample of either CSF or serum in enhanced surveillance, an aetiology was identified in 1921 (33·2%) of 5786 patients enrolled between 2014 and 2016 and in 1484 (34·3%) of 4321 patients enrolled in 2017. The most commonly identified aetiologies were JEV (1023 [17·7%] of 5786 patients), scrub typhus (645 [18·5%] of 3489), and dengue virus (161 [5·2%] of 3124). Among participants who provided both CSF and serum specimens, an aetiology was identified in 1446 (38·3%) of 3774 patients enrolled between 2014 and 2016 and in 936 (40·3%) of 2324 enrolled in 2017, representing a 3·1-times increase in the number of patients with acute encephalitis syndrome with an identified aetiology compared with standard care alone (299 [12·9%]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Implementation of a systematic diagnostic algorithm in an enhanced surveillance platform resulted in a 3·1-times increase in identification of the aetiology of acute encephalitis syndrome, besides JEV alone, and highlighted the importance of scrub typhus and dengue virus as important infectious aetiologies in India. These findings have prompted revision of the national testing guidelines for this syndrome across India. FUNDING: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chlamydia pneumoniae heat shock protein 60 enhances expression of ERK, TLR-4 and IL-8 in atheromatous plaques of coronary artery disease patients.

Chlamydia pneumoniae heat shock protein (cHSP) 60 is produced during chronic chlamydial infection and activate innate immune and inflammatory responses thereby contributing to atherogenesis. However, to date there is no apparent signaling cascade delineated in human atherosclerotic plaques in C. pneumoniae positive coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Atherosclerotic plaques were obtained from 40 CAD patients (28 men, 12 women) attending Department of Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Atherosclerotic plaques were used for gene expression studies at RNA level by real-time PCR and to study expression of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, NF-kB, IkkB and MCP-1 at protein level by immunoblotting. Significantly higher (p < 0.001) RNA expression was found for IL-8, TLR-2/4, TGF-ß, ICAM1, VCAM1 and MAPKinase genes, whereas significantly lower (p < 0.001) RNA expression for SMAD4, IkkB, BRCA1 and IL-10 was detected in cHSP60-positive atheromatous plaque of CAD patients. Moreover, at proteins level pERK1/2 (p = 0.05), NF-kB (p = 0.017), MCP-1 (p = 0.011) was higher and IkkB expression was lower (p = 0.038) in cHSP60-positive atheromatous plaque of CAD patients. This study by using human atheromatous plaques at RNA and protein levels demonstrated higher expression of TLR-2/4, IL-8, ICAM1, VCAM1, ERK1/2 and NF-kB in cHSP60-positive CAD patients.

Cardiac autonomic function in acutely nitric oxide deficient hypertensive rats: role of the sympathetic nervous system and oxidative stress.

We evaluated the role of the sympathetic nervous system and oxidative stress in hemodynamic and autonomic control after acute inhibition of the synthesis of nitric oxide, using intravenous (i.v.) injection of 30 mg·kg(-1) N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in adult Wistar rats. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured as indices of cardiac autonomic control, before and after L-NAME treatment in rats with intact autonomic innervation, and in rats with chemical sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as a marker of oxidative stress. In control rats, L-NAME treatment resulted in a significant rise in blood pressure, augmentation of BRS, and enhanced serum MDA. HRV showed an attenuation of total spectral power and high frequency spectral power, along with a rise of the low to high frequency ratio (LF:HF). Administration of L-NAME produced a pressor response even in sympathectomised rats, but augmented BRS was not observed, and the high frequency spectral power showed an increase, in addition to a significant decline of LF:HF and serum MDA. We therefore conclude that even though pressor response was unaffected, reversal of cardiac autonomic responses and decline in oxidative stress following sympathectomy in L-NAME-treated rats reflects a significant role for sympathetic innervation in acute L-NAME-induced hypertension.

Optimization of physical schemes in WRF model on cyclone simulations over Bay of Bengal using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test.

Evaluation of appropriate physics parameterization schemes for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is vital for accurately forecasting tropical cyclones. Three cyclones Nargis, Titli and Fani have been chosen to investigate the combination of five cloud microphysics (MP), three cumulus convection (CC), and two planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes of the WRF model (ver. 4.0) with ARW core with respect to track and intensity to determine an optimal combination of these physical schemes. The initial and boundary conditions for sensitivity experiments are drawn from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) global forecasting system (GFS) data. Simulated track and intensity of three cyclonic cases are compared with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) observations. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to check the significance of the data obtained from the model. Further, Tukey's test is applied for post-hoc analysis in order to identify the cluster of treatments close to IMD observations for all three cyclones. Results are obtained through the statistical analysis; average root means square error (RMSE) of intensity throughout the cyclone period and time error at landfall with the step-by-step elimination method. Through the elimination method, the optimal scheme combination is obtained. The YSU planetary boundary layer with Kain-Fritsch cumulus convection and Ferrier microphysics scheme combination is identified as an optimal combination in this study for the forecasting of tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal.

Chromatic intervention and biocompatibility assay for biosurfactant derived from Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del.

Extraction of biosurfactants from plants is advantageous than from microbes. The properties and robustness of biosurfactant derived from the mesocarp of Balanites aegyptiaca have been reported. However, the dark brown property of biosurfactant and lack of knowledge of its biocompatibility limits its scope. In the present work, the decolorization protocol for this biosurfactant was optimized using hydrogen peroxide. The hemolytic potential and biocompatibility based on cell toxicity and proliferation were also investigated. This study is the first report on the decolorization and toxicity assay of this biosurfactant. For decolorization of biosurfactant, 34 full factorial design was used, and the data were subjected to ANOVA. Results indicate that 1.5% of hydrogen peroxide can decolorize the biosurfactant most efficiently at 40 °C in 70 min at pH 7. Mitochondrial reductase (MTT) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays on M5S mouse skin fibroblast cells revealed that decolorized biosurfactant up to 50 µg/mL for 6 h had no significant toxic effect. Hemolysis assay showed ~ 2.5% hemolysis of human RBCs, indicating the nontoxic effect of this biosurfactant. The present work established a decolorization protocol making the biosurfactant chromatically acceptable. Biocompatibility assays confirm its safer use as observed by experiments on M5S skin fibroblast cells under in vitro conditions.

Association of plasma circulatory markers, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and high sensitive C-reactive protein in coronary artery disease patients of India.

Plasma inflammatory markers have been shown to be predictors for cardiovascular risk, however, there is no study where the levels of plasma circulatory markers have been evaluated in coronary artery disease patients (CAD pts) positive for C. pneumoniae IgA and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) which may help in better understanding of disease pathogenesis. A total of 192 patients and 192 controls attending the Cardiology Outpatient Department of Safdarjung Hospital were enrolled. The levels of plasma circulatory inflammatory markers were evaluated by ELISA. The levels of circulatory plasma markers (IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1) were significantly higher, whereas, levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma were significantly lower in CAD pts compared to healthy controls. The levels of IL-4, IL-8, and ICAM-1 (P = .007, .015, and .048) were significantly higher, however, IL-10 and IFN-gamma were significantly lower (P < .001, < .001) in C. pneumoniae IgA positive CAD pts. The levels of IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were higher but not significant and levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma were significantly (P < .001, < .001) lower in hsCRP positive CAD pts. Our study suggested that circulatory cytokines, namely, IL-4, IL-8, and adhesive molecules like ICAM-1 were enhanced after infection with C. pneumoniae whereas in contrast to this IL-10 and IFN-lambda were lowered. Suggesting the important role of these cytokines in progression of CAD.

An appraisal of cuticular wax of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.: Extraction, chemical composition, biosafety and application.

Plastic and polythene as hydrophobic materials become a grave concern due to their non-biodegradable nature, cumbersome recycling and waste management. Cuticular wax derived from Calotropis procera is explored as an eco-friendly and safe hydrophobic material. The effects of duration of exposure to solvent, solvent type, size and side of the leaf on cuticular wax yield have been studied. Leaf with the smallest area (10 cm2-25 cm2) was found to be the most suitable to isolate the wax. GC-MS analysis of the wax revealed that the wax consists of mainly esters, alkane and alkene. Mitochondrial reductase (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay have been carried out on M5S cell line at various concentrations and the results indicate that up to 1 µg/ml (acetone as solvent) and 3 µg/ml (chloroform as solvent) use of wax has no toxic effect. To evaluate the hydrophobic potential of the wax in developing hydrophobic paper water regains and contact angle has been measured. The gain in hydrophobicity of the paper is evident from the rise in contact angle (≥90˚) of paper coated with wax. Scanning electron micrograph and FTIR spectra generated physical and chemical evidence of coating of wax on paper.

Dengue virus is an under-recognised causative agent of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES): Results from a four year AES surveillance study of Japanese encephalitis in selected states of India.

BACKGROUND: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) surveillance in India has indicated that Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) accounts for 5-35% of AES cases annually; the etiology remains unknown in the remaining cases. We implemented comprehensive AES surveillance to identify other etiological agents of AES, with emphasis on dengue virus. METHODS: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were collected from patients enrolled prospectively in AES surveillance from 2014-2017 at selected sites of three high burden states of India. All samples were initially tested for JEV IgM. Specimens negative for JEV by serology were tested for IgM to scrub typhus, dengue virus (DEN), and West Nile virus; all JEV IgM-negative CSF samples were tested by PCR for S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, herpes simplex virus type 1, enteroviruses and DEN. RESULTS: Of 10,107 AES patients, an etiology could be established in 49.2% of patients including JEV (16%), scrub typhus (16%) and DEN (5.2%) as the top three agents. Amongst the DEN positive cases (359/6892), seven (2%) were positive only for dengue virus RNA: one in serum and six in CSF. CONCLUSION: Amongst the pathogens identified, dengue accounted for 5% of all AES cases and was one of the three common etiological agents. These results underscore the importance of including dengue virus in routine testing of AES cases.

High immunoglobulin A seropositivity for combined Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori infection, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in coronary artery disease patients in India can serve as atherosclerotic marker.

Atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease. A variety of infectious agents (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and cytomegalovirus [CMV]) and inflammatory marker such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been found to be associated with atherosclerosis and its consequences. There is a need to know about the type and burden of infection in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and the level of hs-CRP in India as there is growing evidence that a variety of pathogens are participating in the development and/or acceleration of at least pre-existing atherosclerosis. In addition, there is a need to find the association between these pathogens and conventional risk factors among CAD patients in India, to possibly identify a prognostic marker. In this study 192 patients with incident or prevalent CAD attending the Cardiology Outpatient Department of Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India, were enrolled. In addition, 192 age-and sex-matched controls were also included. Cases and controls differ significantly in seropositivity to C. pneumoniae immunoglobulin IgA (154 vs 76) and IgG (71 vs 48) (P < 0.001, P < 0.015), H. pylori IgA (98 vs 57) and IgG (77 vs 43) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), CMV IgG (62 vs 38) (P = 0.01) and with hs-CRP (114 vs 60) (P < 0.001), respectively. The level of hs-CRP was higher in CAD patients with IgA seropositivity of C. pneumoniae and H. pylori (5.18 and.65 mg/l) than the IgG of these bacteria (3.73 and 3.36 mg/l), respectively. These findings support an association between specific infectious agents, namely, C. pneumoniae, H. pylori, CMV, and hs-CRP in CAD patients. Association of hs-CRP with IgA specific for C. pneumoniae and H. pylori suggests the role of chronic infection in the development of CAD and may be used as a marker to target the population.

Higher incidence of persistent chronic infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae among coronary artery disease patients in India is a cause of concern.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that Chlamydia pneumoniae may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, as several studies have demonstrated the presence of the organism in atherosclerotic lesions. C. pneumoniae infections, which are especially persistent infections, have been difficult to diagnose either by serological methods or isolation of the organism from the tissue. Nucleic Acid Amplification tests (NAATs) has emerged as an important method for detecting C. pneumoniae. Inspite of high prevalence of C. pneumoniae specific antibodies in coronary heart disease patients, direct detection of C. pneumoniae in circulating blood of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients by sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests nested PCR (nPCR), multiplex PCR (mPCR) has not been carried out is required. Further correlation of the presence of C. pneumoniae in blood of CAD patients with C. pneumoniae specific IgA and IgG antibodies, which may indicative of the status of infection with the progression of atherosclerosis. This will help in order to prepare strategies for the antibiotic intervention to avoid the progression towards CAD. METHODS: Venous blood was obtained from 91 CAD patients and 46 healthy controls. Nucleic acid amplification tests viz. nested-, semi-nested- and multiplex PCR were used for detection of C. pneumoniae. ELISA carried out prevalence of C. pneumoniae specific IgG and IgA antibodies. RESULTS: 29.67% (27/91) patients were positive for C. pneumoniae using nested PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of semi-nested and multiplex PCR were 37.03%, 96.96% and 22.22%, 100% with respect to nested PCR. Positive nPCR patients were compared with presence of C. pneumoniae specific IgA, IgA+IgG and IgG antibodies. Among 27 (29.67%) nPCR C. pneumoniae positive CAD patients, 11(12%) were IgA positive, 13(14.2%) were IgA+IgG positive and only1 (1.1%) was IgG positive. A significant presence of C. pneumoniae was detected in heavy smokers, non-alcoholics and with family histories of diabetes and blood pressure group of CAD patients by nPCR. CONCLUSION: The results indicate synergistic association of C. pneumoniae infection and development of CAD with other risk factors. We also detected increased positivity for C. pneumoniae IgA than IgG in nPCR positive CAD patients. Positive nPCR findings in conjunction with persisting high C. pneumoniae specific antibody strongly suggest an ongoing infection.

Radioprotective and antioxidant activity of fractionated extracts of berries of Hippophae rhamnoides.

Plants are an abundant source of medicinal compounds, some of which are useful in combating free radical-mediated oxidative stress. In the present study, initially two fractions designated REC-1001 (flavonoid-rich fraction) and REC-1002 (flavonoid-poor fraction) of Hippophae rhamnoides were screened on the basis of their reducing power in the aqueous phase. REC-1001 was selected for further study, since it exhibited 27.38 times higher antioxidant activity than REC-1002. REC-1001 also showed significant (P < .05) membrane protection potential at 50 microg/mL, which was attributed to its ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals (64.82 +/- 1.25% scavenging within 1,440 min). A significant (P < .05) difference of 67.02% in free radical scavenging activity at 1,000 ng/mL between REC-1001 and vitamin E demonstrated the extract fraction's worth in radiation protection. Such activities were attributed to the presence of quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol in this fraction. Further, REC-1001 was found to be nontoxic up to 200 mg/kg of body weight. This research suggests that the REC-1001 fraction of H. rhamnoides extract is a safe and effective antioxidant nutraceutical product.