Phenotyping of lymphocyte subsets, Th-1/Th-2 cytokines and other parameters in high-risk contacts of SARS-CoV-2.

Background: The information on the pathophysiology of infection in high-risk contacts of SARS-CoV-2 is limited. Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess the various factors and their elucidation in the protection of SARS- CoV-2 infection in high-risk contacts. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional descriptive clinical study. Materials and Methods: A total of 136 subjects were recruited in the present study including 100 high-risk subjects and 36 control subjects. Out of 100 high-risk subjects, 44 subjects were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Further, absolute blood counts of total T-cells (CD3+), T-helper cells (CD4+), T-cytotoxic cells (CD8+), B lymphocytes (CD19+) Natural Killer (NK) Cells (CD16+, CD56+), cytokines, and other parameters were measured in the samples of study subjects. Statistical Analysis Used: The continuous variables were analyzed by unpaired 't' test, analysis of variance and 'Tukey test' for multiple comparisons. Results: A significant reduction of total leukocyte counts and absolute lymphocyte count was found in the acute SARS-CoV-2 positive group as compared to control group (<0.05). Interestingly, IL-4 level was significantly elevated in SARS-CoV-2 negative high-risk subjects as compared to control and acute SARS-CoV-2 positive group (p < 0.05). A significant decrease of T-cytotoxic, B-cells, and NK cells were found in acute SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects as compared to control groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study may augment our knowledge about the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection that could help in making future strategies to control its infection.

A Comprehensive Echocardiographic Assessment of Neonatal Right Ventricular Function in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Babies.

Background The right ventricle (RV) in the fetus is the predominant chamber, accounting for about 60% of the total cardiac output. The majority of the RV outflow volume is diverted from the pulmonary artery via the ductus arteriosus to the descending aorta. After birth, the RV undergoes extensive structural and functional modifications. The RV undergoes an improper transition from fetal to neonatal circulation in sick neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies. Functional echocardiography is now commonly being used in most NICUs as it is a noninvasive and bedside investigation that gives an immediate evaluation of hemodynamics and can be taken into consideration as an extension of clinical assessment to study a critically unwell neonate. Therefore, a study of RV functions in NICU neonates will help in better understanding the neonatal cardiopulmonary response to different diseases. Thus, this study aimed to assess RV functions in neonates getting admitted to the NICU of a tertiary care institute. Methodology This observational, cross-sectional study was approved by the Research & Recognition Committee of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. In total, 35 cases of term neonates admitted to the NICU at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pune who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study after obtaining consent from their parents. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed by a trained pediatric cardiologist, and the findings were substantiated by a neonatologist trained in echocardiography. Results Our study found a strong association between tricuspid inflow velocity and neonates with sepsis. Similarly, a significant association was observed between abnormal tricuspid Inflow velocity (E/A and E/E') and neonates requiring inotropic support. Conclusions Data on the normal values of different echocardiographic parameters of the systolic and diastolic function of the RV during the neonatal phase of life are currently limited. Our data offer preliminary insights into this topic. Early echocardiography and intervention are advisable, especially in neonates with sepsis and requiring inotropic support.

Efficacy of polyherbal formulations for prevention of COVID-19 infection in high-risk subjects: A randomized open-label controlled clinical trial.

COVID-19 is arguably the biggest health crisis the world has faced in the 21st century. Therefore, two of the polyherbal formulations, Infuza and Kulzam were assessed for the prevention of COVID-19 infection as a repurposed medication. Four hundred seven high-risk subjects were recruited in the present open-label randomized controlled clinical trial for eligibility. After assessment for eligibility, remaining 251 subjects were randomized to the test and control groups. Further, 52 high-risk subjects in Infuza, 51 in Kulzam, 51 in Infuza & Kulzam and 53 in control group completed the 14 days of intervention/assessment. The phenotyping of lymphocytes at baseline (0 day) and after 14 days of treatment was carried out by flow cytometry assays. A total of 15.09% high-risk subjects in control group turned positive as compared to only 7.69% in Infuza, 3.92% in Kulzam and 1.96% in Infuza & Kulzam groups. The rate of conversion to COVID-19 infection in Infuza & Kulzam group was minimal and statistically significant as compared to control group (p0.017). No significant changes in phenotype of lymphocytes (T, B, NK cells), absolute lymphocyte count and cytokine levels were found in study groups. However, there was a decreasing trend of hs-CRP level in high-risk subjects after intervention of polyherbal formulations for 14 days. The combination of Infuza and Kulzam may synergistically prevent COVID-19 infection in high-risk subjects of COVID-19.

Isolated Cysticercosis of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: Role of Ultrasonography.

Cysticercosis is considered a common healthcare problem, especially in developing countries. The invasion of muscle by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium (i.e., Cysticercus cellulosae) usually occurs in association with CNS cysts, concurrent muscle cysts, or both. Isolated skeletal muscle involvement is rare and presents with nonspecific symptoms resulting in a diagnostic dilemma for the treating physician. We report a 20-year-old female with isolated cysticercosis of right sternocleidomastoid muscle presenting as a right neck swelling and mild pain for 4 months, whose diagnosis was established by ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomogram (CT) scan. She was managed conservatively with oral albendazole therapy for four weeks resulting in complete resolution.

Effect of Cichorium intybus seeds supplementation on the markers of glycemic control, oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind placebo study.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus seeds (AECIS) would have add-on beneficial effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this double-blind randomized clinical study, 150 subjects were enrolled to assess the add-on efficacy and safety of AECIS in T2DM patients. The subjects were randomized (1:1) to the AECIS (n = 51) and placebo (n = 49) groups. The subjects in both groups continued to take prescribed doses of metformin. The standardization of AECIS was carried out by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and phytochemical analysis. The mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in the AECIS and placebo groups at baseline was 8.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Mean values of HbA1c at the end of 12 weeks of intervention were 7.42% in the AECIS group (a reduction of 1.18% from baseline) and 8.4% in the placebo group (mean reduction of 0.1% from baseline). Besides, significant reduction in inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypertriglyceridemia was seen in the AECIS group (p < .05). The study shows for the first time that AECIS supplementation ameliorates the disease progression and it is beneficial as a potential adjunct dietary supplement for the management of T2DM.

Regulatory Requirements for Quality Control of Unani Medicines.

Compliance with pharmacopeial standards is mandatory to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. In India, allopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and homeopathy are the recognized systems of medicine and come under the provisions of different regulations. Promulgation of the "Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940" and the rules thereunder provide a regulatory framework for medicines of all of these systems and also prescribe "Pharmacopoeia and Formularies" for regulatory quality standards. Unlike in many other countries, the Act prescribes independent pharmacopeias for each system of medicine. The Unani Pharmacopoeia of India (UPI) and the National Formulary of Unani Medicine are the regulatory compendia for quality standards and manufacturing of Unani medicines, respectively. The Pharmacopoeia consists of Part I (single drugs) and Part II (formulations). Unani medicines are presented as classical or patent and proprietary formulations prepared using single ingredients or multiple ingredients of plant, animal, mineral, and/or metal origin. UPI Part I is published in six volumes comprising 298 monographs on Unani drugs derived from plants (single drugs). Part II is published in three volumes encompassing formulations, standard operating procedures, and quality standards for 150 classical formulations of Unani medicines, which are chosen from the National Formularies of Unani Medicine. The National Formulary of Unani Medicine is published in six parts comprising 1229 formulations of Unani medicines. Each monograph of the Pharmacopoeia provides specific analytical parameters and limits (standards) to ensure the quality of drugs or medicines. This communication reviews the UPI, the National Formulary of Unani Medicine, regulatory quality standards (parameters), and analytical techniques adopted for pharmacopeial standards of Unani drugs and medicines.

A study of pulsation & rotation in a sample of A-K type stars in the Kepler field.

We present the results of time-series photometric analysis of 15106 A-K type stars observed by the Kepler space mission. We identified 513 new rotational variables and measured their starspot rotation periods as a function of spectral type and discuss the distribution of their amplitudes. We examined the well-established period-color relationship that applies to stars of spectral types F5-K for all of these rotational variables and, interestingly, found that a similar period-color relationship appears to extend to stars of spectral types A7 to early-F too. This result is not consistent with the very foundation of the period-color relationship. We have characterized 350 new non-radial pulsating variables such as A- and F-type candidate δ Scuti, γ Doradus and hybrid stars, which increases the known candidate non-radial pulsators in the Kepler field significantly, by ∼20%. The relationship between two recently constructed observables, Energy and Efficiency , was also studied for the large sample of non-radial pulsators, which shows that the distribution in the logarithm of Energy ( log ( En ) ) can be used as a potential tool to distinguish between the non-radial pulsators, to some extent. Through visual inspection of the light curves and their corresponding frequency spectra, we found 23 new candidate red giant solar-like oscillators not previously reported in the literature. The basic physical parameters such as masses, radii and luminosities of these solar-like oscillators were also derived using asteroseismic relations. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10509-018-3480-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Graphis yunnanensis (Ostropales, Graphidaceae), a New Lichen Species from China.

Graphis yunnanensis is described here as a new species. It is taxonomically well characterized by entire labia, slit-like disc, lateral thalline margin, completely carbonized proper exciple, inspersed hymenium, 8-spored asci, muriform 25~45 × 8~12 µm ascospores, and the presence of norstictic and stictic acids. The separation of the new species from other somewhat similar Graphis species is discussed. In addition, the study includes Graphis tenoriensis and Phlyctis karnatakana reported for the first time from China.

The lichen genus sticta in South Korea.

Sticta (Schreber.) Ach. is one of the common lichen genera in tropical and subtropical regions, but not in the Korean Peninsula. For almost two decades, no detailed taxonomic or revisionary study has been done on this genus. This study was based on the specimens deposited in the lichen herbarium at the Korean Lichen Research Institute, and the samples were identified on the basis of recent literature. In this revisionary study, a total of eight species of Sticta, including a newly recorded one are documented. These species include Sticta fuliginosa (Dicks.) Ach., Sticta gracilis (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr., Sticta limbata (Sm.) Ach., Sticta nylanderiana Zahlbr., Sticta sublimbata (J. Steiner) Swinscow & Krog, Sticta weigelii (Ach.) Vain., Sticta wrightii Tuck., and Sticta yatabeana Müll. Arg. Detailed descriptions of S. nylanderiana, S. sublimbata, S. weigelii, and S. yatabeana with their morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics are provided. A key description of all known Sticta species of the Korean Peninsula is also presented.

A New Species of Graphis and New Lichen Records from Vietnam, Including a Second Worldwide Report of Sarcographina cyclospora.

Graphis upretii is a new lichen species discovered in Vietnam. The species is characterized by a loosely corticate, rough, whitish grey to greyish green thallus, elongate and irregularly branched lirellae with an apically thin complete thalline margin (negrosina morph), laterally carbonized, entire proper exciple, clear hymenium, hyaline, 16~20 transversely locular ascospores, and about 50~95 × 10~15 µm in size. In addition, members of the taxon produce norstictic and stictic acids. Currently, the lichen flora of Vietnam include Arthonia radiata, Brigantiaea tricolor, Coenogonium implexum, Dirina paradoxa, Herpothallon sipmanii, Pertusaria pertusa, and Sarcographina cyclospora.

Lichen mycota in South Korea: the genus usnea.

Usnea Adans. is a somewhat rare lichen in South Korea, and, in nearly two decades, no detailed taxonomic or revisionary study has been conducted. This study was based on the specimens deposited in the lichen herbarium at the Korean Lichen Research Institute, and the samples were identified using information obtained from recent literature. In this study, a total of eight species of Usnea, including one new record, Usnea hakonensis Asahina, are documented. Detailed descriptions of each species with their morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics are provided. A key to all known Usnea species in South Korea is also presented.

The Lichen Dirinaria picta New to South Korea.

Two species of the lichen genus Dirinaria (Tuck.) Clem. are recognized in the South Korean lichen mycota, viz: D. applanata and D. picta. Descriptions of each species with their morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics together with molecular analysis and a key to known Dirinaria species are presented. D. picta is recorded from South Korea for the first time.

New records and an annotated key for the identification of graphis adans. In South Korea.

The following new species for the lichen genus Graphis in Korea are reported: G. chlorotica, G. nanodes and G. tenuirima. A brief description of these species, together with their distribution, ecology, and illustrations are provided. A key to all known species of this genus from Korea is also presented.

Notes on the lichen genus hypotrachyna (parmeliaceae) from South Korea.

Hypotrachyna (Vainio) Hale is a somewhat rare lichen genus found on the Korean Peninsula. Since it was first recorded more than two decades ago, no detailed taxonomic or revisionary study of the genus has been conducted. Thus, the present study was conducted to carry out a detailed taxonomic and revisionary study of Hypotrachyna in South Korea. This study was based on specimens deposited in the Korean Lichen Research Institute (KoLRI). Detailed taxonomic studies and a literature review confirmed the presence of seven species of Hypotrachyna from South Korea, including one new record, Hypotrachyna nodakensis (Asahina) Hale. Descriptions of each species with their morphological, anatomical and chemical characters together with a key to all known Hypotrachyna species are presented.

The lichen genus parmotrema in South Korea.

Parmotrema A. Massal. is a common lichen genus scattered throughout the Korean Peninsula; however, no detailed taxonomic or revisionary study of this genus has been conducted for nearly two decades. Therefore, this study revised the taxonomy of this genus based on specimens deposited in the lichen herbarium at the Korean Lichen Research Institute and samples wereidentified using recent literature. In this revisionary study, a total of eighteen species of Parmotrema including eight new records [Parmotrema cetratum (Ach.) Hale, Parmotrema cristiferum (Taylor) Hale, Parmotrema grayanum (Hue) Hale, Parmotrema defectum (Hale) Hale, Parmotrema dilatatum (Vain.) Hale, Parmotrema margaritatum (Hue) Hale, Parmotrema pseudocrinitum (Abbayes) Hale, and Parmotrema subsumptum (Nyl.) Hale] are documented. Detailed descriptions of each species with their morphological, anatomical and chemical characteristics are also given and a key to the known Parmotrema species of the Korean Peninsula is presented.

Leiorreuma exaltatum and Trapelia coarctata, New to Korean Lichen Flora.

The present account briefly describes two crustose lichen species new to South Korea. Detailed taxonomic descriptions of Leiorreuma exaltatum and Trapelia coarctata, supported by distribution, ecology and illustrations, are provided. Both species were collected from warm-temperate, humid forests of Jeju Island.

New additions to lichen mycota of the republic of Korea.

The current study describes seven species that are new to the lichen mycota of South Korea. A taxonomic description of Arthonia excipienda, A. radiata, Arthothelium ruanum, Enterographa leucolyta, Fissurina elaiocarpa, Rinodina oleae, and Thelotrema porinaceum was given and supported by distribution, ecology, and illustrations. Each species was compared with a species showing close resemblance.

Contributions to the foliicolous lichens flora of South Korea.

South Korea is covered primarily by temperate vegetation; therefore, foliicolous lichens may not be expected to play an important role in its lichen flora. However, this study describes four foliicolous lichen species, Strigula concreta, S. macrocarpa, S. melanobapha, and S. subelegans, which are new to South Korea. These findings will lead to further research on foliicolous lichens and provide a better understanding of their distribution within the East Asian region. This is the first detailed report on foliicolous lichens and their distribution in South Korea.

Three new records of lichen genera opegrapha and phaeographis from the republic of Korea.

This paper provides a description of Opegrapha herbarum, Opegrapha viridis and Phaeographis subdividens, all newly identified in the Republic of Korea. The characteristic features of O. herbarum include Varia-type asci, Subelevata-type ascospores, a lack of secondary metabolites and a saxicolous habitat. O. viridis possesses Calcarea-type asci, Vulgata-type ascospores and no chemicals in the thallus. P. subdividens is recognizable by its curved to sinuous lirellae, divergent labia, a brown and uniformly thick proper exciple which is open at its base, 3~4-septate ascospores, and lack of secondary metabolites. All three taxa are now reported to exist on Bogil Island in the Republic of Korea.