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AIM: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative commensal of human gut. Surprisingly, the role of E. coli in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been explored till date. METHODS: Human gut microbiota composition and meta-gut resistome was evaluated using metagenomics. Antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli isolates against different class of antibiotics was investigated. Further, the genome sequence analysis of E. coli isolates was performed to get insight into the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanism and virulence factors. Gut proteome of UC and non-UC was examined to understand the effect of resistant bacteria on host physiology. RESULTS: In UC patients, meta-gut resistome was found to be dominated by AMR genes (829) compared to healthy control (HC) [518]. Metagenome study revealed higher prevalence of AMR genes in rural population (378 in HC; 607 in UC) compared to urban (340 in HC; 578 in UC). Approximately, 40% of all E. coli isolates were multi-drug resistant with higher prevalence in UC (43.75%) compared to HC (33.33%). Up-regulated expression of antimicrobial human proteins (lactotransferrin, azurocidin, cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase, and neutrophil defensin 3) and immuneproteins (Protein S100-A9 and Protein S100-A8) suggest microbial infection in UC gut. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the conventional culturomics method, multi-omics strategy provides deeper insights into the disease etiology, emergence of pathobionts, andits role in the disruption of the healthy gut environment in UC patients.
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The whole genome sequence of rare human pathogen Kluyvera ascorbata strain HAK22 is reported. The K. ascorbata HAK22 was isolated from healthy human from Gurugram, Haryana, India. The draft genome has a length of 4.7 Mbp, with 54.36% GC content and 4,411 proteins, 4,470 genes, and 18 antimicrobial resistance genes.
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Metagenome sequencing techniques revolutionized the field of gut microbiome study. However, it is equipped with experimental and computational biases, which affect the downstream analysis results. Also, live microbial strains are needed for a better understanding of host-microbial crosstalks and for designing next-generation treatment therapies based on probiotic strains and postbiotic molecules. Conventional culturing methodologies are insufficient to get the dark gut matter on the plate; therefore, there is an urgent need to propose novel culturing methods that can fill the limitations of metagenomics. The current work aims to provide a consolidated evaluation of the available methods for host-microbe interaction with an emphasis on in vitro culturing of gut microbes using organoids, gut on a chip, and gut bioreactor. Further, the knowledge of microbial crosstalk in the gut helps us to identify core microbiota, and key metabolites that will aid in designing culturing media and co-culturing systems for gut microbiome study. After the deeper mining of the current culturing methods, we recommend that 3D-printed intestinal cells in a multistage continuous flow reactor equipped with an extended organoid system might be a good practical choice for gut microbiota-based studies.
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Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Microbiota , Metagenoma , Intestinos , Metagenómica/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: E-learning is the delivery of learning and training through digital resources. Although e-learning is based on formalized learning, it is provided through computers, tablets, and even cellular phones those are connected to the Internet. This makes it easy for users to learn anytime, anywhere, with few, if any restrictions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done, and data was obtained through an online survey method from September 14, 2020 to October 08, 2020. Questions were created in "Google Forms." The targeted population was all nursing students from all over Nepal. There were a total of 365 respondents. A pilot study was done on 10 students. After the pilot study, the same question was distributed to all the respondents. RESULTS: Almost half (40.8%) got disturbed in their online class because of electricity; around half of the respondents (41.9%) are disturbed in their online class because of Internet problems. Moreover, around half of the respondents (44.4%) use the data pack daily, and 38.6% use the data sometimes. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that most students suffered from Internet disturbance and electricity problems during online classes. Because of electricity and Internet problems, most students feel anxious during class, and most of the students are not able to attend classes. Most students are compelled to use data packs for online classes. However, the course may not be completed if the problems arising during online classes are not solved.
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AIM: Metalloenzymes produced by gut microbiota play an essential role in various physiological processes, and maintains homeostasis of gastrointestinal tract. Our study includes functional analysis of microbial metalloenzymes using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics data from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multiomics Database. METHODS AND RESULTS: The distance matrix calculated by using metalloenzymes data produced significant results for bacterial taxonomy, with higher variance compared to HMP analysis in both Western and Indian population. Differential gene expression analysis revealed altered expression of ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated enzymes, increased folds changes in Prevotella and Megamonas transcripts; whereas, low transcripts of Alistipes genera. Further, docking and simulation studies performed on screened UC-associated enzymes revealed changes in catalytic efficiency and ligand interacting residues. CONCLUSION: The ß-diversity using microbes containing metalloenzymes suggests considering small group of specific genes or enzymes for understanding the diversity between UC and healthy individuals. The docking and differential gene expression analysis collectively indicate the probable role of metalloenzymes and few UC-associated enzymes in the severity of UC.
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Colitis Ulcerosa , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Humanos , Colitis Ulcerosa/microbiología , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genéticaRESUMEN
The gas-phase decomposition kinetics and thermochemistry of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSZ) and 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisilazane (TMDSZ), two potential single-source precursors for the chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbonitride thin films, were systematically investigated using ab initio calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)//CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. Both concerted and stepwise decomposition routes for each molecule were examined, allowing for a comparison of the reactions involving the cleavages of common bonds of Si-C, Si-N, and N-H for the two molecules. A new set of reaction pathways open to TMDSZ due to the presence of a Si-H bond was also explored. It was found that all three bonds of Si-N, Si-C, and N-H could be broken more easily in TMDSZ than HMDSZ. Both HMDSZ and TMDSZ are capable of producing silene and silanimine species upon decomposition. In fact, the most kinetically and thermodynamically favorable pathways fall in the formation of these species. The concerted formation of 1-dimethylsilylaminosilene via the elimination of methane from TMDSZ is the most kinetically and thermodynamically favorable route between the two molecules with an activation barrier (ΔH0⧧) of 48.5 kcal mol-1 and reaction enthalpy (ΔH0) of 11.6 kcal mol-1, respectively. These values are lower than the corresponding lowest values in HMDSZ of ΔH0⧧ = 66.4 kcal mol-1 for the concerted production of 1,1-dimethylsilene and trimethylsilylamine and ΔH0 = 41.7 kcal mol-1 for the formation of CH4 and N-trimethylsilyl-1,1-dimethylsilanimine. Overall, this work has provided insights into the reactivity of the two molecules. It has been shown that TMDSZ is more reactive than its analog HMDSZ due to the presence of the Si-H bonds and reduced steric hindrance.
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ß-Ga2O3 nanostructures, including nanowires (NWs), nanosheets (NSHs), and nanorods (NRs), were synthesized using thermally dewetted Au nanoparticles as catalyst in a chemical vapor deposition process. The morphology of the as-grown ß-Ga2O3 nanostructures depends strongly on the growth temperature and time. Successful growth of ß-Ga2O3 NWs with lengths of 7-25 µm, NSHs, and NRs was achieved. It has been demonstrated that the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism governs the NW growth, and the vapor-solid mechanism occurs in the growth of NSHs and NRs. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the as-grown nanostructures were highly pure single-phase ß-Ga2O3. The bandgap of the ß-Ga2O3 nanostructures was determined to lie in the range of 4.68-4.74 eV. Characteristic Raman peaks were observed with a small blue and red shift, both of 1-3 cm-1, as compared with those from the bulk, indicating the presence of internal strain and defects in the as-grown ß-Ga2O3 nanostructures. Strong photoluminescence emission in the UV-blue spectral region was obtained in the ß-Ga2O3 nanostructures, regardless of their morphology. The UV (374-377 nm) emission is due to the intrinsic radiative recombination of self-trapped excitons present at the band edge. The strong blue (404-490 nm) emissions, consisting of five bands, are attributed to the presence of the complex defect states in the donor (VO) and acceptor (VGa or VGa-O). These ß-Ga2O3 nanostructures are expected to have potential applications in optoelectronic devices such as tunable UV-Vis photodetectors.
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We have systematically investigated a family of newly proposed two-dimensional MA2N4 materials (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W; A = Si, Ge) using first-principles calculation. We categorize the potential of these materials into three different applications based on accurate simulation of band gap (using Hybrid HSE06 functional) and the associated descriptors. Three candidate materials (MoGe2N4, HfSi2N4, and NbSi2N4) turn out to be extremely promising for three different applications. MoGe2N4 and HfSi2N4 monolayers show strong optical absorption in the visible range, including high transition probability from the valence to conduction band. The GW+BSE calculations confirm a strong excitonic effect in both the systems. With a band gap of 1.42 eV, multilayer MoGe2N4 shows reasonably large simulated efficiency (â¼15.40%) and hence can be explored for possible photovoltaic applications. High optical absorption, suitable band gap/edge positions, and the CO2 activation make HfSi2N4 monolayer a promising candidate for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. NbSi2N4, on the other hand, belongs to a new class of spintronic material called a bipolar magnetic semiconductor, recommended for spin-transport-based applications.
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OBJECTIVE: Mouse infection models are frequently used to study the host-pathogen interaction studies. However, due to several constraints, there is an urgent need for a simple, rapid, easy to handle, inexpensive, and ethically acceptable in vivo model system for studying the virulence of enteropathogens. Thus, the present study was performed to develop the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera as a rapid-inexpensive in vivo model system to evaluate the effect of Yersinia enterocolitica strain 8081 on its midgut via a label-free proteomic approach. RESULTS: Helicoverpa armigera larvae fed with Yersinia enterocolitica strain 8081 manifested significant reduction in body weight and damage in midgut. On performing label-free proteomic study, secretory systems, putative hemolysin, and two-component system emerged as the main pathogenic proteins. Further, proteome comparison between control and Yersinia added diet-fed (YADF) insects revealed altered cytoskeletal proteins in response to increased melanization (via a prophenoloxidase cascade) and free radical generation. In concurrence, FTIR-spectroscopy, and histopathological and biochemical analysis confirmed gut damage in YADF insects. Finally, the proteome data suggests that the mechanism of infection and the host response in Y. enterocolitica-H. armigera system mimics Yersinia-mammalian gut interactions. CONCLUSIONS: All data from current study collectively suggest that H. armigera larva can be considered as a potential in vivo model system for studying the enteropathogenic infection by Y. enterocolitica strain 8081.
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Lepidópteros/microbiología , Mapas de Interacción de Proteínas , Yersiniosis/metabolismo , Yersinia enterocolitica/patogenicidad , Animales , Peso Corporal , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Proteínas Hemolisinas/metabolismo , Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Larva/microbiología , Proteómica , Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier , Yersiniosis/microbiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Earlier, we have found that the enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica have evolved the survival mechanisms that regulate the expression of laccase-encoding genes in the gut. The present study aims to characterize the purified recombinant laccase from Y. enterocolitica strain 8081 biovar 1B and understand its effect on the midgut of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) larvae. RESULTS: The recombinant laccase protein showed high purity fold and low molecular mass (~ 43 kDa). H. armigera larvae fed with laccase protein showed a significant decrease in body weight and damage in the midgut. Further, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the negative effect of laccase protein on trachea, malpighian tubules, and villi of the insect. The proteome comparison between control and laccase-fed larvae of cotton bollworm showed significant expression of proteolytic enzymes, oxidoreductases, cytoskeletal proteins, ribosomal proteins; and proteins for citrate (TCA cycle) cycle, glycolysis, stress response, cell redox homeostasis, xenobiotic degradation, and insect defence. Moreover, it also resulted in the reduction of antioxidants, increased melanization (insect innate immune response), and enhanced free radical generation. CONCLUSIONS: All these data collectively suggest that H. armigera (Hübner) larvae can be used to study the effect of microbes and their metabolites on the host physiology, anatomy, and survival.
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Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Lacasa/toxicidad , Lepidópteros/crecimiento & desarrollo , Proteómica/métodos , Yersinia enterocolitica/enzimología , Animales , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Proteínas Bacterianas/toxicidad , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Clonación Molecular , Tracto Gastrointestinal/diagnóstico por imagen , Tracto Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Tracto Gastrointestinal/patología , Regulación del Desarrollo de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas de Insectos/efectos de los fármacos , Lacasa/genética , Larva/efectos de los fármacos , Larva/crecimiento & desarrollo , Lepidópteros/efectos de los fármacos , Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión , Peso Molecular , Yersinia enterocolitica/genéticaRESUMEN
Objective: The study examined the effect on cardiac autonomic tone via heart rate variability (HRV), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in newly diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) cases with paroxetine-controlled release (PX) CR intervention.Methods: Fifty GAD cases using DSM-5 criteria, matched with healthy controls (HC) were assessed with clinical measures (Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Clinical Global Impression- Severity Scale (CGI-Severity), General Health Questionnaire -12 (GHQ-12), HRV, plasma BDNF levels initially and 6 weeks postintervention with paroxetine CR.Results: HRV parameters were significantly lower in GAD vs HC at baseline for standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN) and proportion of differences in consecutive NN intervals that are longer than 50 ms (pNN50). Significantly higher plasma BDNF levels were noted between HC versus GAD at baseline. Postintervention HAM-A, CGI scores, GHQ-12 item scores showed significant reduction. Significant differences also noted in square root of mean squared difference of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), (SDNN), pNN50 and in plasma BDNF levels after intervention within GAD group. Significant negative correlation observed between HAM-A scores and SDNN parameter after taking PX CR in GAD.Conclusion: GAD showed cardiac autonomic dysfunction, lowered plasma BDNF levels and their improvement with paroxetine CR.Key messageGAD is associated with significantly lower HRV, suggestive of cardiac autonomic dysfunction and lowered plasma BDNF levels, an indicator of stress.Therapeutic intervention with Paroxetine in GAD patients showed clinically significant improvement reflecting restoration of the cardiac autonomic tone and BDNF levels, thus implying their role as potential biomarkers.
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Trastornos de Ansiedad , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Evaluación de Resultado en la Atención de Salud , Paroxetina/farmacología , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/farmacología , Adulto , Trastornos de Ansiedad/sangre , Trastornos de Ansiedad/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastornos de Ansiedad/fisiopatología , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo/efectos de los fármacos , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo/fisiopatología , Biomarcadores , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/sangre , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Electrocardiografía , Frecuencia Cardíaca/efectos de los fármacos , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Paroxetina/administración & dosificación , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/administración & dosificaciónRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed at investigating the correlation of circulating levels of serum C1q/TNF-related protein-3 (CTRP3) with cardiac autonomic functions and metabolic parameters in obesity. METHODS: Thirty drug naïve subjects newly diagnosed with obesity and body mass index (BMI) 25 - 35 kg/m2 of both genders aged 19 - 40 years, with no associated comorbidity were recruited as cases. Same number of age, gender and socioeconomic status matched subjects with BMI 19 - 23 kg/m2 were taken as controls. Autonomic function test results including heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded in both groups. Serum metabolic parameters -CTRP3, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and triglycerides were also determined and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Significantly lower circulating levels of CTRP3 (P ≤ 0.001) and adiponectin (P = 0.025), and significantly higher mean of BMI (P < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (P < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05), serum triglycerides (P < 0.001), insulin (P = 0.003), HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) (P < 0.001), and leptin (P = 0.043) were observed in the group with obesity compared to the controls. CTRP3 levels inversely correlated with serum triglyceride (r = -0.09, P < 0.001), atherogenic index (r = -0.37, P = 0.04), leptin (r = -0.39, P = 0.02), and positively with adiponectin (r = 0.42, P = 0.02) in the group with obesity. Significant reduction in the results of parasympathetic autonomic function tests (pNN50, RMSSD, excitation: inhibition (E:I) ratio, 30:15 ratio, and Valsalva ratio) and an increase in sympathovagal balance (low frequency to high frequency (LF:HF) ratio) was also observed (P < 0.05). CTRP3 levels were also positively correlated with parasympathetic indices (pNN50: r = 0.17, P < 0.05); 30:15 ratio: (r = 0.62, P < 0.01), and inversely correlated with LF: HF ratio (r = -0.35, P < 0.01) in the group with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Higher circulating levels of CTRP3 promoted a favorable autonomic and metabolic profile in obesity. Hence, CTRP3 may be considered as a potential novel biomarker to facilitate the prognosis of obesity and its comorbidities.
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Three material engineering strategies in the form of doping (Boron-doping), nanostructuring (nanosheet (NS) formation) and decorating with plasmonic nanoparticles (loading with Ag metal), were integrated to improve the photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride (gC3N4). Concentrations of B-doping and Ag-loading were optimized to maximize the catalytic performance in the final nanocomposite of Ag-loaded B-doped gC3N4 NS. Combined effect of all three strategies successfully produced over 5 times higher rate towards degradation of organic dye pollutant, when compared to unmodified bulk gC3N4. Detailed characterization results revealed that incorporation of B in gC3N4 matrix reduces the band gap to increase the visible light absorption, while specific surface area is significantly enhanced upon formation of NS. Decoration of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on B-doped gC3N4 NS assists in fast transfer of photogenerated electrons from gC3N4 to Ag NPs owing to the interfacial electric field across the junctions and thus reduces the recombination process. Investigations on individual strategies revealed that decoration of Ag NPs to induce better charge separation, is the most effective route for enhancing the photocatalytic activity.
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Grafito , Nanopartículas del Metal , Catálisis , Luz , PlataRESUMEN
Background: It has been shown earlier that there is a rise in the levels of autoantibodies and T cell response to cytoskeletal proteins in leprosy. Our group recently demonstrated a rise in both T and B cell responses to keratin and myelin basic protein in all types of leprosy patients and their associations in type 1 reaction (T1R) group of leprosy. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the association of levels of autoantibodies and lymphoproliferation against myosin in leprosy patients across the spectrum and tried to find out the mimicking proteins or epitopes between host protein and protein/s of Mycobacterium leprae. Methodology: One hundred and sixty-nine leprosy patients and 55 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the present study. Levels of anti-myosin antibodies and T-cell responses against myosin were measured by ELISA and lymphoproliferation assay, respectively. Using 2-D gel electrophoresis, western blot and MALDI-TOF/TOF antibody-reactive spots were identified. Three-dimensional structure of mimicking proteins was modeled by online server. B cell epitopes of the proteins were predicted by BCPREDS server 1.0 followed by identification of mimicking epitopes. Mice of inbred BALB/c strain were hyperimmunized with M. leprae soluble antigen (MLSA) and splenocytes and lymph node cells of these animals were adoptively transferred to naïve mice. Results: Highest level of anti-myosin antibodies was noted in sera of T1R leprosy patients. We observed significantly higher levels of lymphoproliferative response (p < 0.05) with myosin in all types of leprosy patients compared to HC. Further, hyperimmunization of inbred BALB/c strain of female mice and rabbit with MLSA revealed that both hyperimmunized rabbit and mice evoked heightened levels of antibodies against myosin and this autoimmune response could be adoptively transferred from hyperimmunized to naïve mice. Tropomyosin was found to be mimicking with ATP-dependent Clp protease ATP-binding subunit of M. leprae. We found four mimicking epitopes between these sequences. Conclusion: These data suggest that these mimicking proteins tropomyosin and ATP-dependent Clp protease ATP-binding subunit of M. leprae or more precisely mimicking epitopes (four B cell epitopes) might be responsible for extensive tissue damage during type1 reaction in leprosy.
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Autoantígenos/inmunología , Epítopos de Linfocito B/inmunología , Lepra/inmunología , Mycobacterium leprae/inmunología , Péptidos/inmunología , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Tropomiosina/inmunología , Animales , Autoanticuerpos/metabolismo , Autoinmunidad , Reacciones Cruzadas , Femenino , Humanos , Activación de Linfocitos , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Imitación Molecular , ConejosRESUMEN
Recombination of photogenerated charges is the main factor affecting the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. Here, we report a combined strategy of suppressing both the bulk as well as the surface recombination processes by doping TiO2 with tungsten and forming a nanocomposite with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), respectively. Sol-gel method was used to dope and optimize the concentration of W in TiO2 powder. UV-Vis, XPS, PL and time resolved PL spectra along with DFT calculations indicate that W6+ in TiO2 lattice creates an impurity level just below the conduction band of TiO2 to act as a trapping site of electrons, which causes to improve the lifetime of the photo-generated charges. Maximum reduction in the PL intensity and the improvement in charge carrier lifetime was observed for TiO2 doped with 1 at.% W (1W-TiO2), which also displayed the highest photo-activity for the degradation of p-nitro phenol pollutant in water. Tuning of rGO/TiO2 ratio (weight) disclosed that the highest activity can be achieved with the composite formed by taking equal amounts of TiO2 and rGO (1:1), in which the strong interaction between TiO2 and rGO causes an effective charge transfer via bonds formed near the interface as indicated by XPS. Both these optimized concentrations were utilized to form the composite rGO/1W-TiO2, which showed the highest activity in photo-degradation of p-nitro phenol (87%) as compared to rGO/TiO2 (42%), 1W-TiO2 (62%) and pure TiO2 (29%) in 180 min. XPS and PL results revealed that in the present nanocomposite, tungsten species traps the excited electron to reduce the interband recombination in the bulk, while the interaction between TiO2 and rGO creates a channel for fast transfer of excited electrons towards the latter before being recombined on the surface defect sites.
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Grafito , Titanio , Tungsteno , Catálisis , Electrones , Óxidos , FenolRESUMEN
Retention of fetal membranes (RFM) adversely affects the production and reproduction potential of the affected cows leading to huge economic loss. Physiological separation of fetal membranes is reported to be an inflammatory process. The present study compared the concentrations of certain pro inflammatory cytokines [Interleukin 1ß (IL-1), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) between the cows that developed RFM (n=10) and the cows that expelled fetal membranes normally (n=10) to find out if they could serve as a predictive tool for RFM. Blood samples were collected from the cows from 30 days before expected parturition through day -21, day -14, day -7, day -5, day -3, day -1, on the day of parturition (day 0), day 1 postpartum and the pro-inflammatory cytokines were estimated in blood plasma by ELISA method. The IL-1ß concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) in cows that developed RFM compared to those that expelled fetal membranes normally from 3 days before calving till the day of calving. The plasma concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 were also lower (P<0.05) in cows that developed RFM than those calved normally. On the day of calving, significantly (P<0.05) lower concentrations of TNF-α was observed in cows that developed RFM compared to those expelled fetal membranes normally. It may be inferred that the concentrations of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α around parturition were altered in cows developing RFM compared to those expelled fetal membranes normally.
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Enfermedades de los Bovinos/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Membranas Extraembrionarias , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/fisiología , Complicaciones del Embarazo/veterinaria , Animales , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/sangre , Citocinas/genética , Femenino , Periodo Periparto , Placenta/metabolismo , Embarazo , Útero/metabolismoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Lung functions are found to be impaired in coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, and after cardiac surgery. Diffusion capacity progressively worsens as the severity of CAD increases due to reduction in lung tissue participating in gas exchange. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Pranayama breathing exercises and yogic postures may play an impressive role in improving cardio-respiratory efficiency and facilitating gas diffusion at the alveolo-capillary membrane. This study was done to see the effect of yoga regimen on lung functions particularly diffusion capacity in CAD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 stable CAD patients below 65 years of age of both sexes were selected and randomized into two groups of 40 each. Group I CAD patients were given yoga regimen for 3 months which consisted of yogic postures, pranayama breathing exercises, dietary modification, and holistic teaching along with their conventional medicine while Group II CAD patients were put only on conventional medicine. Lung functions including diffusion capacity were recorded thrice in both the groups: 0 day as baseline, 22(nd) day and on 90(th) day by using computerized MS medisoft Cardio-respiratory Instrument, HYP'AIR Compact model of cardio-respiratory testing machine was manufactured by P K Morgan, India. The recorded parameters were statistically analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey's test in both the groups. Cardiovascular parameters were also compared before and after intervention in both the groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were seen in slow vital capacity, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate, maximum voluntary ventilation, and diffusion factor/ transfer factor of lung for carbon monoxide after 3 months of yoga regimen in Group I. Forced expiratory volume in 1(st) sec (FEV1), and FEV1 % also showed a trend toward improvement although not statistically significant. HR, SBP and DBP also showed significant improvement in Group-I patients who followed yoga regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga regimen was found to improve lung functions and diffusion capacity in CAD patients besides improving cardiovascular functions. Thus, it can be used as a complimentary or adjunct therapy along with the conventional medicine for their treatment and rehabilitation.
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Autoantibodies against various components of host are known to occur in leprosy. Nerve damage is the primary cause of disability associated with leprosy. The aim of this study was to detect the level of autoantibodies and lympho-proliferative response against myelin basic protein (MBP) in leprosy patients (LPs) and their correlation with clinical phenotypes of LPs. Further, probable role of molecular mimicry in nerve damage of LPs was investigated. We observed significantly high level of anti-MBP antibodies in LPs across the spectrum and a positive significant correlation between the level of anti-MBP antibodies and the number of nerves involved in LPs. We report here that 4 B cell epitopes of myelin A1 and Mycobacterium leprae proteins, 50S ribosomal L2 and lysyl tRNA synthetase are cross-reactive. Further, M. leprae sonicated antigen hyperimmunization was responsible for induction of autoantibody response in mice which could be adoptively transferred to naive mice. For the first time our findings suggest the role of molecular mimicry in nerve damage in leprosy.
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Enfermedades Desmielinizantes/microbiología , Lepra/microbiología , Lisina-ARNt Ligasa/fisiología , Imitación Molecular/fisiología , Mycobacterium leprae/patogenicidad , Proteína Básica de Mielina/fisiología , Proteínas Ribosómicas/fisiología , Animales , Enfermedades Desmielinizantes/complicaciones , Enfermedades Desmielinizantes/etiología , Humanos , Lepra/complicaciones , Lepra/etiología , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C/sangre , ConejosRESUMEN
Mycobacteria are known to induce autoimmune response in the host. Anti-host keratrin antibodies (AkAbs) might be responsible for the autoimmune phenomena in leprosy patients as majority of leprosy lesions are manifested in the skin and occurrence of keratosis is not an uncommon feature. The aim of this study was to find out the level of AkAbs in leprosy patients across the spectrum and to explore its correlation with the clinical manifestation of the disease. Further, mimicking epitopes of keratin and Mycobacterium leprae components were characterized. We screened 140 leprosy patients (27 BT, 28 BL, 41 LL, 25 T1R, 19 ENL), 74 healthy controls (HC) and 3 psoriasis patients as positive control. Highest AkAbs level was observed in the psoriasis patients followed by T1R, LL, BL, ENL, TT/BT. AkAbs level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in all the groups of leprosy patients except TT/BT in comparison to HC. Significant positive correlation was found between number of lesions and level of AkAbs in leprosy patients. Highest lympho-proliferation for keratin protein was observed in T1R, followed by BL/LL, TT/BT, ENL. Lympho-proliferation was significantly (p<0.05) higher in all groups of leprosy patients except ENL in comparison to HC. Interestingly, it was noted that hyperimmunization of inbred strains of female BALB/c mice and rabbit with M. leprae soluble antigen (MLSA) induce higher level of AkAbs. The percentage of FoxP3(+) expressing Treg cells (total CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) andCD4(+)CD25(+hi)FoxP3(+)) in splenocytes and lymph nodes of hyperimmunized mice were declined in comparison to control mice. Further, it was found that this autoimmune response can be adoptively transferred in naïve mice by splenocytes and lymph node cells as well as T cells. Comparative molecular characterization between keratin and MLSA noted a cross-reactivity/similarity between these two antigens. The cross-reactive protein of keratin was found to be in molecular weight range ≈74-51kDa and at pI 4.5 while the cross-reactive protein of MLSA was found to be in molecular weight ≈65kDa and at pI 4-4.5. Cross-reactive protein of keratin and MLSA was identified and characterized by MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis and Mascot software. It was found that the keratin (host protein) which reacted with anti-M. leprae sera is cytokeratin-10 and MLSA which reacted with anti-keratin sera is heat shock protein 65 (HSP 65). Seven B-cell epitopes of cytokeratin-10 and HSP 65 was found to be similar by multiple sequence alignment using ClustalW server and out of which 6 B-cell epitopes were found to be on the surface of HSP 65. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for the existence of molecular mimicry between cytokeratin-10 of keratin (host protein) and 65kDa HSP (groEL2) of M. leprae. Presence of heightened CMI response of leprosy patients to keratin and positive correlation of AkAbs level with number of lesions of leprosy patients showed the clinical evidence for its role in the pathogenesis in leprosy.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Bacterianas/química , Chaperonina 60/química , Queratina-10/química , Lepra/inmunología , Lepra/prevención & control , Mycobacterium leprae/inmunología , Traslado Adoptivo , Animales , Antígenos Bacterianos/administración & dosificación , Antígenos Bacterianos/inmunología , Autoanticuerpos/biosíntesis , Autoanticuerpos/inmunología , Proteínas Bacterianas/inmunología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Chaperonina 60/inmunología , Reacciones Cruzadas , Femenino , Factores de Transcripción Forkhead/genética , Factores de Transcripción Forkhead/inmunología , Expresión Génica , Humanos , Inmunización , Queratina-10/inmunología , Lepra/microbiología , Ganglios Linfáticos/citología , Ganglios Linfáticos/inmunología , Ratones , Imitación Molecular , Conejos , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Piel/inmunología , Piel/microbiología , Bazo/citología , Bazo/inmunología , Linfocitos T Reguladores/inmunología , Linfocitos T Reguladores/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Central nervous system pathways get influenced by the changing hormonal levels across the menstrual cycle. In an effort to see the effects on the conduction in central auditory pathways we recorded long latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEPs) across the 4 different phases of the menstrual cycle. 20 females having normal ovulatory menstrual cycles were tested 4 times in a single cycle and LLAEPs were recorded from Cz-A1 and Cz-A2 position with alternating 90 dB sound pressure click stimuli. Twenty age matched control females having anovulatory menstrual cycles were also tested on the corresponding days. All control females were taking oral contraceptive (O.C.) pills. The LLAEPs were compared inter-group wise as well as inter-phase wise for each parameter by using hierarchal ANOVA design and Tukey test was applied to find out the significance level. Peak latencies of waves P2 and N2 were found to be delayed during mid-cycle and relatively reduced mid-luteal phase in ovulatory menstrual cycles. No such response was noticed in oral contraceptive using group. This indicates that normal cyclic variations of female sex hormones especially estrogen and progesterone modify the central processing of the auditory information. Estrogen may be responsible for delaying the conduction by influencing GABA release at the level of polysensory association areas of the brain.