Neutralizing Antibody Response to Genotypically Diverse Measles Viruses in Clinically Suspected Measles Cases.

The neutralizing antibody (Nt-Ab) response to vaccine and wild-type measles viruses (MeV) was studied in suspected measles cases reported during the years 2012-2016. The neutralization activity against MeV A, D4 and D8 genotypes was studied on sera (Panel A; n = 68 (measles-immunized) and Panel B; n = 50 (unvaccinated)) that were either laboratory confirmed or not confirmed by the presence of IgM antibodies. Additionally, the Nt-Ab response in Panel A was measured against the MeV vaccine and four wild-type viruses. Neutralization results were compared using homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) of MeV-hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) proteins. Overall, the Nt-Ab titres for MeV-A were found to be significantly lower than MeV-D4 and MeV-D8 viruses for Panel A. No major difference was noted in Nt-Ab titres between MeV-D8 viruses (Jamnagar and New Delhi), whereas MeV-D4 (Sindhudurg and Bagalkot (BGK) viruses) showed significant differences between Nt-Ab titres for Panel B. Interestingly, the substitutions observed in epitopes of H-protein, L249P and G316A are observed to be unique to MeV-BGK. MDS of H-protein revealed significant fluctuations in neutralizing epitopes due to L249P substitution. The majority of the clinically suspected cases showed Nt-Abs to MeV wild-types. Higher IgG antibody avidity and Nt-Ab titres were noted in IgM-negatives than in IgM-positives cases, indicating reinfection or breakthrough. MDS revealed reduced neutralization due to decreased conformational flexibility in the H-epitope.

Fructooligosaccharide and Bacillus subtilis synbiotic combination promoted disease resistance, but not growth performance, is additive in fish.

Species diversification from major to minor carps for their sturdiness and initial higher growth, and also a quest for antibiotic-free aqua farming in the subcontinent, mandates search for and evaluation of alternatives. An experiment was performed to investigate the potential of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) (alone or as synbiotics) in promoting growth and immunity against infections in Labeo fimbriatus fingerlings. Six iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets containing combinations of two levels of FOS (0% and 0.5%) and three levels of BS (0, 104, 106 CFU/g feed) were fed to fish for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, twenty-four fish from each group were injected intra-peritoneally with pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila O:18 to test the immunoprotective efficacy of the supplements against bacterial infection. BS, but not FOS, significantly improved (P < 0.05) growth and feed utilisation attributes like percentage weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). There were interactive effects of FOS and BS on PWG, SGR and FCR; however, the effects were not additive in nature. These beneficial effects of BS, alone or in combination with FOS, were corroborated by increased protease activity, microvilli density and diameter and number of goblet cells. Overall beneficial effects of FOS and BS included improved erythrocyte (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), total protein and globulin levels. Total leucocyte (WBC) count and immunological parameters like respiratory burst activity of leucocytes (NBT reduction), lysozyme activity, albumin: globulin ratio and post-challenge survival were significantly improved by both FOS and BS, and their dietary combination yielded the highest improvement in these parameters. Synergistic effects of FOS and BS as dietary supplements indicate that a combination of 106 CFU/g BS and 0.5% FOS is optimal to improve growth, feed utilisation, immune functions, and disease resistance in L. fimbriatus fingerlings.

Effect of dietary synbiotic supplementation on growth, immune and physiological status of Labeo rohita juveniles exposed to low pH stress.

In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary Bacillus circulans PB7 (BCPB7) and fructoligosaccharide (FOS), used singly or in combination for evaluation of growth, immune and physiological status of Labeo rohita (rohu) juveniles reared under low pH and normal pH for 60 days. Experimental fishes were distributed in two sets such as one set continuously exposed to low pH (5.5) and other reared under normal pH (7.0), and fed with four iso-nitrogenous diets viz. basal (control), Bacillus circulans PB7 (BCPB7, 106 cfug-1), 1% fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and their combination. The effect of such pre, pro and synbiotics dietary treatments on growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio), immune response (hematological indices, serum biochemistry, lysozyme, NBT activity), antioxidative status in the form of antioxidant enzyme (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), Na+ K+ ATPase and stress bio-markers (cortisol, glucose and HSP-70) were examined. The group treated with low pH and fed with control diet (without supplementation) was found to be inhibited (p  <  0.05) in growth and immuno-physiological function. However, supplementation of BCPB7 and FOS was non-significant (p < 0.05) on growth performance and physiological process but their concurrent feeding remarkably improved (p < 0.05) growth and immune-physiological function when exposed to low pH. Overall results indicate that dietary combination of BCPB7 and FOS can be considered an effective synbiotic formula against low pH stress in culture practices of L. rohita juveniles.

Retroperitoneal Knee Pain: An Unusual Case Report and Review of an Ancient Schwannoma.

Schwannomas are nerve sheath tumors that occur in Schwann cells. They are usually benign, but malignant transformation can occur. Symptomatology depends on the involvement of the surrounding tissues or the mass effect of the tumor. We describe a case of a 28-year-old man who initially presented with right iliac fossa pain associated with radiating pain over the anterior and lateral aspect of his right knee. Following subsequent investigations, we found a retroperitoneal schwannoma of the right lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The key to our diagnosis was the referred pain to his right knee, which gave us a clue of possible neuropathic pain. Our patient highlights the need to consider a unified diagnosis when faced with an incongruent set of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic modality of choice for the diagnosis of schwannomas. Treatment is directed towards symptomatic control. Surgery, radiation, and, in rare instances, chemotherapy are the major treatment modalities employed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Unusual Cause of Hemorrhagic Stroke.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Hemorrhagic stroke comprises 10-20% of strokes. Here, we present a case report of hemorrhagic stroke that may have been secondary to untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in a young man with no other cardiovascular risk factors or features of metabolic syndrome. A 32-year-old man was admitted for hemorrhagic stroke. An initial thorough workup for the etiology of stroke was inconclusive. Eventually, a polysomnography was done, which demonstrated OSA suggesting that untreated OSA may have contributed to his stroke. OSA may cause hemorrhagic stroke by nocturnal blood pressure surge. So, all physicians should consider doing polysomnography for unexplained hemorrhagic stroke or in patients at risk. Diagnosing and treating OSA would be critical in preventing hemorrhagic stroke and its recurrences.

Brain Tumor Causing Atrial Fibrillation in an Otherwise Healthy Patient.

We report a case of a 57-year-old man who presented with an episode of syncope resulting in an accident. On presentation, he was found to have atrial fibrillation (AF). A brain imaging done to exclude intracranial hemorrhage revealed a brain tumor instead. Recently, AF has been used as a marker for occult cancer. Thus, we hypothesize that AF in our patient was a result of the existing brain tumor and not simply a coincidence. AF may help in diagnosing brain tumors in asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients at an early stage, decreasing mortality and morbidity significantly.

Spinal Cord Infarction Mimicking Acute Transverse Myelitis.

Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a rare type of stroke. The initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually normal and can mimic the presentation of the acute transverse myelitis (ATM), acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and compressive myelopathies from neoplasm, epidural or subdural hematoma, or abscess. The aim of this report is to describe and discuss the case of a patient with SCI presenting as a diagnostic confusion with acute transverse myelitis. A 64-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension presented with an acute onset of urinary retention with lower limb weakness. Based on the initial MRI and evaluation, a diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis was made. Despite thorough evaluation, the etiology of transverse myelitis was undetermined. Hence, the MRI of the thoracic spine was repeated which showed patchier enhancements of the vertebral body with features suggestive of the spinal cord and vertebral body infarction. Thus, a repeat MRI is required to make an accurate diagnosis. The vertebral body is always involved and can be of diagnostic significance as it reflects the pathology of underlying blood supply.

Invasive Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infection Causing Cardioembolic Stroke: A Clinical Proximity to Austrian Syndrome.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a significant human bacterial pathogen and the major cause of pneumonia. In the post-antibiotic era, S. pneumoniae endocarditis is rare but carries a high risk of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. We present a case of invasive S. pneumoniae infection, which led to a cardioembolic stroke in a young man from septic emboli. Diagnosing a disseminated S. pneumoniae infection at an early stage is crucial and may improve patient outcomes.

Seasonal variation in content of camptothecin from the bark of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Grah.) Mabb., using HPLC analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To study and compare seasonal variation in camptothecin (CPT) content from bark samples of Nothapodytes nimmoniana obtained from geographically and climatologically isolated populations. METHODS: A standard High Performance Liquid Chromatography methodology was used to analyze and quantify CPT from bark samples of N. nimmoniana. RESULTS: Sample collected from Amboli yielded highest CPT content 1.337 g/100 g dry bark powder during the monsoon compared to other localities in study. Monsoon (August) showed to accumulate higher levels of CPT in barks of N. nimmoniana as compared to summer (May). Amboli averaged highest accumulation of CPT compared to other localities under study. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate season to have control over accumulation of CPT. Locality Amboli has highest CPT content in all seasons and were the elite population during the study. The study also suggests the need for further investigation in lights of biosynthesis in the plant.

Development and evaluation of sustained release tablet of betahistine hydrochloride using ion exchange resin tulsion t344.

An attempt was made to sustain the release of Betahistine hydrochloride by complexation technique using strong cation-exchange resin, Tulsion T344. The drug loading onto ion-exchange resin was optimized for mixing time, activation, effect of pH, swelling time, ratio of drug : resin, and temperature. The resinate was evaluated for micromeritic properties and characterized using XRPD and IR. For resinate sustained release tablets were formulated using hydoxypropyl methylcellulose K100M. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, thickness, friability, drug content, weight variation, and in vitro drug release. Tablets thus formulated (Batch T-3) provided sustained release of drug over a period of 12 h. The release of Betahistine HCl from resinate controls the diffusion of drug molecules through the polymeric material into aqueous medium. Results showed that Betahistine HCl was formulated into a sustained dosage form as an alternative to the conventional tablet.

Chemical characterization, mineral analysis, and antioxidant potential of two underutilized berries (Carissa carandus and Eleagnus conferta) from the Western Ghats of India.

Diversity needs to be "conserved through use." Owing to the global need, the present study includes two underutilized berries, Carissa carandus and Eleagnus conferta, to explore their potential as supplementary food by evaluating their antioxidant activity and approximate chemical composition. Berries of E. conferta are a richer source of carotene, ascorbic acid, protein, and magnesium, whereas berries of C. carandus are rich in sugars, lipids, iron, and magnesium. The antioxidant properties of the berries and a comparative account on their performance using DPPH and FRAP assay was studied. Both assays revealed high activity in the peel extract of berries of C. carandus. The LC-MS/MS profile of C. carandus reveals the presence of eleven different polyphenolic compounds while E. conferta had only four of these compounds.

Free amino acid profiling in grain amaranth using LC-MS/MS.

Reliable and reproducible techniques for identification and quantification of amino acids usually require derivatization. However, techniques such as LC-MS/MS may perhaps sideline the derivatization with significant accuracy. Understanding the interaction between free amino acids and several physiological processes apparently requires that the pool be studied in the seed itself. Data on free amino acid content of grain amaranth is very inadequate. The present analysis revealed a higher concentration of essential amino acids especially Threonine and Tryptophan than non essential amino acids. The study constitutes first report of use of LC-MS/MS method for analysing the free amino acid composition of amaranth grain.

Impact of targeted interventions on heterosexual transmission of HIV in India.

BACKGROUND: Targeted interventions (TIs) have been a major strategy for HIV prevention in India. We evaluated the impact of TIs on HIV prevalence in high HIV prevalence southern states (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra). METHODS: A quasi-experimental approach was used to retrospectively compare changes in HIV prevalence according to the intensity of targeted intervention implementation. Condom gap (number of condoms required minus condoms supplied by TIs) was used as an indicator of TI intensity. Annual average number of commercial sex acts per female sex worker (FSW) reported in Behavioral Surveillance Survey was multiplied by the estimated number of FSWs in each district to calculate annual requirement of condoms in the district. Data of condoms supplied by TIs from 1995 to 2008 was obtained from program records. Districts in each state were ranked into quartiles based on the TI intensity. Primary data of HIV Sentinel Surveillance was analyzed to calculate HIV prevalence reductions in each successive year taking 2001 as reference year according to the quartiles of TI intensity districts using generalized linear model with logit link and binomial distribution after adjusting for age, education, and place of residence (urban or rural). RESULTS: In the high HIV prevalence southern states, the number of TI projects for FSWs increased from 5 to 310 between 1995 and 2008. In high TI intensity quartile districts (n = 30), 186 condoms per FSW/year were distributed through TIs as compared to 45 condoms/FSW/year in the low TI intensity districts (n = 29). Behavioral surveillance indicated significant rise in condom use from 2001 to 2009. Among FSWs consistent condom use with last paying clients increased from 58.6% to 83.7% (p < 0.001), and among men of reproductive age, the condom use during sex with non-regular partner increased from 51.7% to 68.6% (p < 0.001). A significant decline in HIV and syphilis prevalence has occurred in high prevalence southern states among FSWs and young antenatal women. Among young (15-24 years) antenatal clinic attendees significant decline was observed in HIV prevalence from 2001 to 2008 (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.28-0.62) in high TI intensity districts whereas in low TI intensity districts the change was not significant (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.67-1.5). CONCLUSION: Targeted interventions are associated with HIV prevalence decline.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of carvacryl ethers.

Structural modifications of phenolic monoterpenoid obtained by reacting carvacrol with various substituted alpha-chloro acetanilides, to improve biological activities which give the product with better yield and higher purity under mild reaction conditions with the help of microwave irradiation techniques.