Insect-pathogen crosstalk and the cellular-molecular mechanisms of insect immunity: uncovering the underlying signaling pathways and immune regulatory function of non-coding RNAs.

Multicellular organisms are constantly subjected to pathogens that might be harmful. Although insects lack an adaptive immune system, they possess highly effective anti-infective mechanisms. Bacterial phagocytosis and parasite encapsulation are some forms of cellular responses. Insects often defend themselves against infections through a humoral response. This phenomenon includes the secretion of antimicrobial peptides into the hemolymph. Specific receptors for detecting infection are required for the recognition of foreign pathogens such as the proteins that recognize glucans and peptidoglycans, together referred to as PGRPs and ßGRPs. Activation of these receptors leads to the stimulation of signaling pathways which further activates the genes encoding for antimicrobial peptides. Some instances of such pathways are the JAK-STAT, Imd, and Toll. The host immune response that frequently accompanies infections has, however, been circumvented by diseases, which may have assisted insects evolve their own complicated immune systems. The role of ncRNAs in insect immunology has been discussed in several notable studies and reviews. This paper examines the most recent research on the immune regulatory function of ncRNAs during insect-pathogen crosstalk, including insect- and pathogen-encoded miRNAs and lncRNAs, and provides an overview of the important insect signaling pathways and effector mechanisms activated by diverse pathogen invaders.

Nutritional aspects and dietary benefits of "Silkworms": Current scenario and future outlook.

In the current scenario, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be an additional 2.5 billion people and a 70% increase in food demand. Crop yields are not increasing fast enough to support global needs, and world agriculture is facing several serious challenges. Therefore, insects can be a nutritious alternative to meet the ever-increasing food demand in the present and future. The majority of insect consumption occurs in developing countries, with approximately 1,900 insect species consumed worldwide. Food and feed derived from them are of high quality, have a high feed conversion ratio and emit a low level of greenhouse gases. Among insects silkworms are beneficial to humans, not only because of their high nutritional value, but also because of their several pharmacological properties. Silkworm eggs, larvae, and pupae contains high amount of proteins, oils, minerals, vitamins, and several other beneficial components which are nutritious as well as have positive effect on human health. Studies have shown that silkworm pupae protect the liver, enhance immunity, inhibit apoptosis, inhibit cancer, inhibit tumor growth, inhibit microbial growth, regulate blood glucose and blood lipids, and lower blood pressure. This review paper summerized the nutritional value of different life stages of silkworm, nutritional comparison of silkworm with the major human foods, and the effects of silkworm consumption on human health, thus ittargets to generate interest toward in sericulture and improve human health by using silkworm as a nutritious food and attain sustainability in food and nutritional security.

Insight into aphid mediated Potato Virus Y transmission: A molecular to bioinformatics prospective.

Potato, the world's most popular crop is reported to provide a food source for nearly a billion people. It is prone to a number of biotic stressors that affect yield and quality, out of which Potato Virus Y (PVY) occupies the top position. PVY can be transmitted mechanically and by sap-feeding aphid vectors. The application of insecticide causes an increase in the resistant vector population along with detrimental effects on the environment; genetic resistance and vector-virus control are the two core components for controlling the deadly PVY. Using transcriptomic tools together with differential gene expression and gene discovery, several loci and genes associated with PVY resistance have been widely identified. To combat this virus we must increase our understanding on the molecular response of the PVY-potato plant-aphid interaction and knowledge of genome organization, as well as the function of PVY encoded proteins, genetic diversity, the molecular aspects of PVY transmission by aphids, and transcriptome profiling of PVY infected potato cultivars. Techniques such as molecular and bioinformatics tools can identify and monitor virus transmission. Several studies have been conducted to understand the molecular basis of PVY resistance/susceptibility interactions and their impact on PVY epidemiology by studying the interrelationship between the virus, its vector, and the host plant. This review presents current knowledge of PVY transmission, epidemiology, genome organization, molecular to bioinformatics responses, and its effective management.

A comparison of sutureless flanged fixation and 4-point Gore-Tex fixation for scleral-fixated intraocular lenses: a pilot study.

Purpose: Scleral-fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) provides an option for eyes that lack sufficient capsular support for in-the-bag IOL placement. The latest techniques for lens fixation include use of a novel suture material, Gore-Tex, and a sutureless method, with flanged intrascleral fixation. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare these methods in terms of anatomic and clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 35 eyes of patients 18-60 years of age who presented with aphakia, subluxated lens, or ectopia lentis were randomized into two groups. Group A (15 eyes) underwent flanged intrascleral IOL fixation using the Yamane technique; group B (20 eyes) underwent 4-point transscleral fixation of IOL using Gore-Tex suture. The following parameters were compared between groups on day 1, week 3, and month 6 postoperatively: logMAR uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, retinoscopy, IOL centration on slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and IOL tilt on ultrasound biomicroscopy. Results: Postoperative visual acuity was better in group B: uncorrected, logMAR 0.89 ± 0.22 versus 0.72 ± 0.24 (P = 0.046); best-corrected, logMAR 0.51 ± 0.18 versus 0.37 ± 0.26 (P = 0.016). No significant difference was found in postoperative retinoscopy and astigmatism between groups. IOL tilt (>100 µm) occurred in 8 cases in group A and in 9 cases in group B; 87% in group A and 100% in group B were well centered. Complications in both groups were minimal. Conclusions: In our small study cohort, both sutureless flanged IOL fixation and Gore-Tex sutured scleral IOL fixation resulted in excellent visual rehabilitation of patients with aphakia and subluxated lenses. Patients who underwent Gore-Tex suture fixation experienced better postoperative visual acuity, IOL centration, and stability.

First record of subgenus Thao Tsuneki, 1982 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Crabronini) from India: a new subspecies and a key to all subspecies of Crossocerus (Thao) nitidicorpus Tsuneki.

The subgenus Thao Tsuneki, 1982 of the genus Crossocerus Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau and Brull, 1835 is recorded for the first time from India. A new subspecies viz., Crossocerus (Thao) nitidicorpus indicus, (India: Uttarakhand) is described. A key to all subspecies in the subgenus Thao is provided.

Description of Rhopalum (s. str.) gulmargense n. sp. with a key to the Indian species of the subgenus Rhopalum Stephens, 1829 s. str. (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Crabronini).

A new species of the genus Rhopalum is described from India: Rhopalum (s. str.) gulmargense Saini Dey. A key to the Indian species of the subgenus Rhopalum s. str. and a checklist of all Indian Rhopalum are provided.

Tubercular Osteomyelitis of the Orbit Presenting as Periorbital Cellulitis.

PURPOSE: Osteomyelitis of the orbital bones presenting as an orbital cellulitis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We report a rare case of tubercular osteomyelitis of the orbital bones presenting as a periorbital cellulitis. CASE REPORT: A seven-year-old female child presented to our tertiary eye care center with swelling involving the right eyelids and the right cheek for two months. She had been provisionally diagnosed elsewhere as pre-septal cellulitis and had been given oral antibiotics. We clinically diagnosed her as orbital cellulitis, but her non-responsiveness to intravenous antibiotics prompted us to get a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the orbit and paranasal sinuses, which was suggestive of tubercular etiology. However, the patient had no foci for TB elsewhere. We used a relatively new, but rapid test, called Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) on the pus aspirate which was positive for TB. Thereafter, the patient was started on anti-tubercular treatment to which she responded wonderfully. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion should be kept for TB infection in cases of orbital cellulitis with unusual clinical behavior in an endemic region such as India.

Combatting insects mediated biotic stress through plant associated endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in horticultural crops.

Horticultural production is a vital catalyst for economic growth, yet insect infestations reduce horticultural crop yield and quality. Pesticides and other pest control methods are used during planting to eliminate pests that cause direct and indirect losses. In such situations, endophytic entomo-pathogenic fungi (EEPF) can act as a potential tools for biological control. They protect plants by boosting growth, nutrition, morpho-physiology and salt or iron tolerance. Antixenosis, antibiosis and plant tolerance change insect performance and preferences. EEPF- plant colonisation slows herbivore development, food consumption, oviposition and larval survival. EEPF changes plant physio-chemical properties like volatile emission profile and secondary metabolite production to regulate insect pest defences. EEPF produces chitinases, laccases, amylases, and cellulases for plant defence. Recent studies focused on EEPF species' significance, isolation, identification and field application. Realizing their full potential is difficult due to insufficient mass production, storage stability and formulation. Genetic-molecular and bioinformatics can help to build EEPF-based biological control systems. Metagenomics helps study microbial EEPF taxonomy and function. Multi-omics and system biology can decode EEPF interactions with host plants and microorganisms. NGS (Next Generation Sequencing), comparative genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics and microarrays are used to evaluate plant-EEPF relationships. IPM requires understanding the abiotic and biotic elements that influence plant-EEPF interaction and the physiological mechanisms of EEPF colonisation. Due to restricted research, there are hundreds of unexplored EEPFs, providing an urgent need to uncover and analyse them.

Dasyproctus helenae, a new species of solitary hunting wasp from India and a checklist of Dasyproctus Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau and Brullé, 1835 from the Indian subcontinent (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Crabronini).

A new species of genus Dasyproctus Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau and Brullé, 1835 is described from India: Dasyproctus helenae Saini and Dey n. sp. A checklist is provided for all Dasyproctus species reported from the Indian subcontinent.

Effect of commercially available nano-hydroxy apatite containing desensitizing mouthwash on dentinal tubular occlusion: an in vitro FESEM analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a significant clinical problem encountered in daily dental practice. The management of this condition requires a good understanding of the complexity of the problem, as well as the variety of treatments currently available. The treatment approaches can be either home care products or professionally applied desensitizing agents. The present in-vitro study was designed to investigate the dentinal tubule occluding ability of commercially available nano HA containing mouthwash using FESEM analysis. METHODS: In the present in vitro study, 15 human premolars and canines were taken and sectioned mesiodistally. A total of 30 dentinal samples were obtained. All the dentinal discs were etched with 6% citric acid for 2 minutes. The treated samples were washed thoroughly with distilled water for 30 seconds. Samples were divided in two groups of 15 each. The specimens in Group I were shaken vigorously in the Vitis Sensitive mouthwash for 2 min twice daily for 14 days. After this intervention samples were placed in distilled water. Group II specimens were immersed in distilled water. Samples were subjected to FESEM to analyze for tubular occlusion. RESULTS: In group I nearly complete dentinal surface occlusion was present on the 7th and 14th day and precipitates were seen covering a large part of the dentinal surface. In group II no dentinal tubular occlusion was observed. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the ability of nHA containing Vitis sensitive mouthwash to occlude the dentinal tubules and thus it may demonstrate a significant reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity when used clinically.

Assessing the Role of Virtual Surgical Planning in Mandibular Reconstruction With Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Graft.

BACKGROUND: The role of virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional printing in improving the accuracy, precision, functional and aesthetic outcomes have been demonstrated in the literature; however, there is a dearth of studies evaluating these parameters. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out at a tertiary care center in North India to assess the accuracy of virtual surgical planning in mandibular reconstruction. METHOD: All the included patients were preoperatively assessed with a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of head and neck. Based on the dimensions a patient-specific fibula cutting guide was fabricated by three-dimensional printing. All patients were evaluated with a postoperative CECT at 6 months of follow-up. The precision outcomes were measured by comparing surgical results with the images of the preoperative virtual planning based on several measurements on the reconstructed mandible such as anteroposterior measurement, transverse measurement, height of the mandible, angle of the mandible, and lateral tilt.The secondary outcomes analyzed were the mean total operative time, mean ischemia time, and morbidity parameters. RESULT: Twelve consecutive patients (6 male, 6 female) with mean age of 33.1 ±â€Š11 years who underwent free fibula graft mandibular reconstruction were included in the study. The mean difference in the anteroposterior, transverse, and height dimensions were 0.87 ±â€Š0.43 mm (P = 0.24), 2.43 ±â€Š3.72 mm (P = 0.64), and 1.08 ±â€Š0.67 (P = 0.88), respectively. The difference in the angles of the reconstructed mandible was 2.37 ±â€Š3.92 degrees (P = 0.51) and of lateral tilt was 1.57 ±â€Š1.5 degrees (P = 0.54). The mean total operative time was 639 ±â€Š27.2 minutes and mean ischemia time was 88.4 ±â€Š8.6 minutes. CONCLUSION: All the patients had satisfactory aesthetic results and good oral function at 6 months postoperative period.

Comparison of Plusoptix S12R photoscreener with cycloplegic retinoscopy and autorefraction in pediatric age group.

Purpose: To compare refractive measurements of noncycloplegic photoscreener Plusoptix S12R with cycloplegic retinoscopy, noncycloplegic autorefractor, and cycloplegic autorefractor in children. Methods: The study population (200 eyes of 100 children) was divided into two groups: Group 1 (age 3-7 years) and Group 2 (age 8-15 years). In Group 1, Plusoptix was compared with cycloplegic retinoscopy. In Group 2, Plusoptix was compared with cycloplegic retinoscopy and autorefraction. The second group was made because the younger group was found to be uncooperative for autorefraction. Paired t-test and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean difference in sphere (DS), spherical equivalent (DSE), and cylinder (DC) between cycloplegic retinoscopy and Plusoptix in Group 1 was 0.68 ± 0.55 (P < 0.001), 0.77 ± 0.61 (P < 0.001), and 0.18 ± 0.28 (P < 0.001), respectively. In Group 2, DS, DSE, and DC between cycloplegic retinoscopy and Plusoptix were 0.86 ± 0.49 (P < 0.001), 0.97 ± 0.51 (P < 0.001), and 0.23 ± 0.28 (P < 0.001); between cycloplegic autorefractor and Plusoptix were 0.69 ± 0.47 (P < 0.001), 0.74 ± 0.49 (P < 0.001), and 0.10 ± 0.31 (P = 0.002); and between noncycloplegic autorefractor and Plusoptix were - 0.25 ± 0.39 (P < 0.001), -0.19 ± 0.41 (P < 0.001), and 0.11 ± 0.31 (P < 0.001), respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficients of S, SE, and C between Plusoptix and cycloplegic retinoscopy were 0.948, 0.938, and 0.924 in Group 1 and 0.972, 0.972, and 0.946 in Group 2, and these values were statistically significant. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between cycloplegic retinoscopy and Plusoptix in both groups. Plusoptix gave axis values within 10° of cycloplegic retinoscopy in 81.56% of eyes in Group 1 and in 71.44% of eyes in Group 2. Conclusion: Plusoptix photoscreener can be used for prescription of axis of cylinder in children; however, other refractive measurements must be refined by cycloplegic retinoscopy.

Comparison of Manual Capsulorhexis and 25-Gauge Vitrectorhexis in Pediatric Cataract Surgery: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To compare short-term visual outcomes (best corrected visual acuity [BCVA]), visual axis opacification, anterior (ACCC) and posterior (PCCC) continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis size, shape, and extension, and their decentration between manual capsulorhexis and 25-gauge vitrectorhexis in pediatric cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: Thirty eyes of children aged 3 to 8 years with developmental cataract were randomly selected for ACCC and PCCC by manual capsulorhexis forceps and 25-gauge vitrectomy cutter followed by IOL implantation and limited anterior vitrectomy. The size of the ACCC and PCCC was measured intraoperatively with calibrated capsulorhexis forceps. Patients were followed up for 3 months postoperatively and were evaluated for BCVA and visual axis opacification. Slit-lamp photographs of operated eyes were taken in retroillumination. The size in millimeters and decentration of the ACCC and PCCC from the center of the IOL were measured with the help of the Python imaging library. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between BCVA (P > .05), visual axis opacification (P > .05), size of the ACCC (P > .05) and its decentration (P > .05), extension of the rhexis (P > .05), and size of the PCCC (P > .05) and its decentration (P > .05) between the two methods. CONCLUSIONS: In both groups, BCVA, visual axis opacification, and ACCC and PCCC size, shape, and decentration from the center of the IOL were comparable, making 25-gauge vitrectorhexis a good alternative to manual capsulorhexis. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(5):327-332.].

Role of Lignocaine Nebulization as an Adjunct to Airway Blocks for Awake Fiber-Optic Intubation: A Comparative Study.

CONTEXT: Airway management is a crucial skill and area of concern for the anesthesiologist. Awake fiber-optic intubation (AFOI) remains the gold standard in managing difficult airway. Anaesthetizing the airway along with psychological assurance is the mainstay for Preparation of AFOI. Different topical and regional techniques have been developed to subdue reflexes and facilitate AFOI. AIM: This randomized controlled study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of using lignocaine nebulization in addition to specific airway blocks for AFOI. METHODOLOGY: This was a comparative study conducted in 60 patients with difficult airway (LEMON score >2) and randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group LB and Group NB received nebulization of 2% lignocaine 4 mL and 0.9% normal saline 4 mL, respectively. Both groups were then given airway blocks as bilateral superior laryngeal (2% lignocaine 1-2 mL each) and transtracheal (2% lignocaine 4 mL) block. Two puffs of 10% lignocaine to nose and postnasal space on each side were given in both groups. Fiber-optic bronchoscopy (FOB)-guided tracheal intubation was Performed. Vital parameters, side effects, bronchoscopy-guided intubation time and other parameters as intubation grading scale, patient comfort score, satisfaction score were recorded. Chi-square test and unpaired t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistically, no significant differences were found in hemodynamic parameters, demographics, intubation time, and intubation grading scale in both groups. However, overall patient comfort and satisfaction score was better in Group LB. CONCLUSION: Upper airway blocks provide adequate anesthesia for awake FOB, but when lignocaine nebulization is added to these blocks, it improves the quality of anesthesia and patient satisfaction.

Effect of Cycloplegia on Optical Biometry in Pediatric Eyes.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of cycloplegia on optical biometry parameters in pediatric eyes using the Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland). METHODS: In this observational and comparative study, 56 normal eyes and 20 cataractous eyes in children between 5 and 15 years of age were included. Measurements were taken before and after cycloplegia using 2% homatropine drops. Parameters studied were axial length, central corneal thickness, keratometry, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the effects of cycloplegia on all parameters. RESULTS: Cycloplegia resulted in a statistically significant decrease in axial length (P < .05), central corneal thickness (P < .05), and lens thickness (P < .001) and an increase in the anterior chamber depth (P < .001) in normal eyes. In the cataract group, cycloplegia resulted in an increase in anterior chamber depth (P < .001) and decrease in lens thickness (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Biometry measurements have to be carefully interpreted in pediatric eyes where cycloplegia is an important part of the examination. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(4):260-265.].

To estimate salivary aspartate aminotransferase levels in chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis patients prior to and following non-surgical periodontal therapy: A clinico-biochemical study.

CONTEXT: Saliva can be used as a diagnostic fluid in dentistry. Various enzymes have been proposed as markers for periodontal destruction. One of them is aspartate aminotransferase, for which salivary analysis can offer a cost-effective approach for monitoring the disease. Changes in enzymatic activity reflect metabolic changes in the gingiva and periodontium in inflammation. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to assess the aspartate aminotransferase levels in saliva prior to and following scaling and root planning (SRP) at 1 month and 3 month interval and correlating it with the clinical parameters in generalized chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with generalized chronic gingivitis and 30 with generalized chronic periodontitis were selected. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase levels in saliva were assessed biochemically before and after SRP at 1 month and 3 months. The aspartate aminotransferase levels were correlated with clinical parameters (gingival index and probing depth). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: A paired t test was done. RESULTS: A decrease in gingival index, probing depth, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were seen in both the groups at 1 and 3 months which was found to be statistically highly significant (P value 0.00). Aspartate aminotransferase levels were statistically significantly correlated with the clinical parameters at baseline (P < 0.05) but at 3 months, a positive correlation was seen in both the groups which was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated salivary aspartate aminotransferase levels were seen in generalized chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis patients, with higher values recorded in generalized chronic periodontitis correlating to the tissue destruction taking place in these conditions.