Integrated analysis of long-noncoding RNA and circular RNA expression in Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants Virus (PPRV) infected marmoset B lymphocyte (B95a) cells.

Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants (PPR) or goat plague is an important viral disease of sheep and goats caused by the small ruminant morbilli virus or PPR virus (PPRV). Long non coding RNAs (lncRNA) and circular RNAs (circRNA) play a pivotal role in several biological processes including regulation of virus-host interactions. The present study explored the expression of lncRNA, circRNA and their functions in PPRV infected B-lymphocyte (B95a) cells. The results revealed a total of 4531 lncRNA and 2348 circRNA expression in both mock and PPRV infected samples. Analysis of differentially expressed (DE) RNA identified 123 DE-lncRNA and 39 DE-circRNA as significantly dysregulated. Functional analysis of cis-target genes of DE-lncRNA indicated activation of TCF dependent WNT signaling and PKN1 stimulated transcription process. Interactions (sponging) of microRNA (miRNA) revealed 344 DE-lncRNA-miRNA and 93 DE-circRNA-miRNA pairs. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA in PPRV infected B95a cells was represented by 69 ceRNA pairs. We validated the DE-circRNA by targeted amplification and sequencing of back spliced junctions (BSJs). The present study revealed a profile of lncRNA, circRNA and their potential ceRNA network in PPRV infection. The results provide insight for better understanding of PPRV-host interactions.

Recommendations for Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgeries during COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, dermatologists must be prepared to restructure their practice of procedural dermatology and cutaneous aesthetic surgeries. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented several challenges and has ushered in several changes in practice such as teledermatology, with many physicians adopting virtual consultations and treatments. Performing procedures in the times of COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges such as risk of transmission to doctors and staff due to potential aerosolization, release of virus droplets during the procedures, and risk of virus transfer through the instruments both in the peri- and postoperative period. This can have several medical, administrative, and legal implications. OBJECTIVES: This document aimed to outline best practices that can be followed in this scenario to perform cutaneous surgeries and procedures to ensure safer skin surgery. RECOMMENDATIONS: Standard precautions include social distancing of at least 1 m, hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, sterilization and disinfection of medical devices, environmental cleaning, and respiratory hygiene. It is generally advisable to see patients only by appointments. Each clinic should have a special area at entry for screening patients and providing sanitizers and masks. Procedures, which are of short duration, performed on nonfacial areas are considered as low risk and require donning surgical mask. Procedures involved with minimal invasiveness and bleeding, short duration procedures on the face such as injectables, chemical peels, and aerosol-generating procedures on nonfacial areas are considered moderate risk. These procedures need apron with head cover, N95 mask, face shield, double gloves, and smoke evacuator with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or ultralow particulate air (ULPA) filter. Aerosol and plume-regenerating procedures (such as ablative lasers on the face), prolonged surgeries on head (such as hair transplantation), intraoral, and intranasal procedures are considered high risk. These procedures must be carried out with full body cover with surgical gown, head cover, N95 mask, face shield, double gloves, and smoke evacuator. Physicians should be aware of local epidemiological situation and adhere to the relevant guidelines issued by the relevant governmental agencies.

Cost and cost-effectiveness of health behavior change interventions implemented with self-help groups in Bihar, India.

INTRODUCTION: Health interventions implemented with self-help groups (SHGs) enhance the relevance and acceptability of the health services. The Parivartan program was implemented in eight districts of Bihar with women's self-help groups to increase adoption of maternal and newborn health behaviors through layering health behavior change communication. This study estimates the cost and cost-effectiveness of a health behavior change program with SHGs in Bihar. METHODS: Cost analysis was conducted from a provider's perspective. All costs have been presented in US dollars for the purpose of international comparisons and converted to constant values. The effectiveness estimate was based on the reported changes in select newborn care practices. A decision model approach was used to estimate the potential number of neonatal deaths averted based on adoption of key newborn care practices. Using India's life expectancy of 65 years, cost per life year saved was calculated. A one-way sensitivity analysis was conducted using the upper and lower estimates for various variables in the model, and functionality of SHGs. RESULTS: The cost of forming an SHG group was US$254 and that of reaching a woman within the group was US$19. The unit cost for delivering health interventions through the Parivartan program was US$148 per group and US$11 per woman reached. During an 18 months period, Parivartan program reached around 17,120 SHGs and an estimated 20,544 pregnant women resulting in an estimated prevention of 23 neonatal deaths at a cost of US$3,825 per life year saved. CONCLUSION: SHGs can be an effective platform to increase uptake of women's health interventions and follow-up care, and also to broaden their utility beyond microfinance, particularly when they operate at a larger scale.

Correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus with combined proximal opening wedge and distal chevron osteotomies: a reliable technique.

AIMS: The mainstay of surgical correction of hallux valgus is first metatarsal osteotomy, either proximally or distally. We present a technique of combining a distal chevron osteotomy with a proximal opening wedge osteotomy, for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 45 patients (49 feet) who had undergone double osteotomy. Outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and the Short Form (SF) -36 Health Survey scores. Radiological measurements were undertaken to assess the correction. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 years (44.2 to 75.3). The mean follow-up was 35.4 months (24 to 51). RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score improved from 54.7 to 92.3 (p < 0.001) and the mean SF-36 score from 59 to 86 (p < 0.001). The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were improved from 41.6(o) to 12.8(o) (p < 0.001) and from 22.1(o) to 7.1(o), respectively (p < 0.001). The mean distal metatarsal articular angle improved from 23(o) to 9.7(o). The mean sesamoid position, as described by Hardy and Clapham, improved from 6.8 to 3.5. The mean length of the first metatarsal was unchanged. The overall rate of complications was 4.1% (two patients). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a double osteotomy of the first metatarsal is a reliable, safe technique which, when compared with other metatarsal osteotomies, provides strong angular correction and excellent outcomes with a low rate of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1202-7.

Extensive xanthogranulomatous cystitis mimicking bladder cancer.

Xanthogranulomatous cystitis (XC) is a rare benign disease of unknown etiology. A 39-year-old female presented with 2 month history of urgency, dysuria, lower abdominal mass. On physical examination a hard hypogastric mass was present fixed to the rectus muscle. Computerized tomography (CT) abdomen showed heterogeneous enhancing mass arising from the anterior bladder wall with infiltration of the overlying parietal wall. Cystoscopy revealed extensive growth involving the entire wall of the bladder. A biopsy showed cystitis with focal areas suggestive of urothelial neoplasia of unknown malignant potential. Suspecting bladder cancer, we proceeded with radical cystectomy with ileal conduit. Histopathology revealed cystitis cystica with XC of the entire bladder. This is, to our knowledge, the first time that a case has been found to be so extensive with infiltration of the parietal wall and second time that radical cystectomy has been performed for XC.

Implications of N-capped urea/thiourea and C-capped 3-(1-piperazinyl)-1,2-benzisothiazole with bridging Gly-Val/Phe-Gly-Val-Pro as therapeutic targets.

A series of urea/thiourea derivatives were synthesized by using peptides conjugated to 3-(1-piperazinyl)-1,2-benzisothiazole and their structure was characterized by analytical and spectral ((1)H, (13)C NMR and Mass) methods. These compounds were screened for antimicrobial and antiglycating activity as well as urease and H(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the compounds possessing fluoro moiety were excellent antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, for other biological activities methoxy substituent was found to be the most active particularly upon substitution at para position.

Visualizing skin effects in conductors with MRI: (7)Li MRI experiments and calculations.

While experiments on metals have been performed since the early days of NMR (and DNP), the use of bulk metal is normally avoided. Instead, often powders have been used in combination with low fields, so that skin depth effects could be neglected. Another complicating factor of acquiring NMR spectra or MRI images of bulk metal is the strong signal dependence on the orientation between the sample and the radio frequency (rf) coil, leading to non-intuitive image distortions and inaccurate quantification. Such factors are particularly important for NMR and MRI of batteries and other electrochemical devices. Here, we show results from a systematic study combining rf field calculations with experimental MRI of (7)Li metal to visualize skin depth effects directly and to analyze the rf field orientation effect on MRI of bulk metal. It is shown that a certain degree of selectivity can be achieved for particular faces of the metal, simply based on the orientation of the sample. By combining rf field calculations with bulk magnetic susceptibility calculations accurate NMR spectra can be obtained from first principles. Such analyses will become valuable in many applications involving battery systems, but also metals, in general.

Mechanisms of plant growth promotion and disease suppression by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 2apa.

A new Pseudomonas strain, designated as 2apa was isolated from tomato rhizosphere and identified as a member of species Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on its morphology, conventional, biochemical, cell wall fatty acid methyl ester analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The strain 2apa was positive for root colonization, indole acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid and siderophore production and inhibited the growth of wide range of microorganisms. Antimicrobial substances produced by this strain with further purification and structure elucidation proved to be phenazine. Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions the strain promoted plant growth and suppressed a wide range of foliar and root pathogens in tomato. The protection offered by strain 2apa to foliar pathogens is considered as induced systemic resistance and was further confirmed by enhanced accumulation of phenolics, elicitation of lipoxygenas activity, and jasmonic acid levels. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial and induced systemic resistance exhibiting strain P. aeruginosa 2apa can be used as an effective biological control candidate against devastating fungal and bacterial pathogens, which attack both root and foliar portions of tomato plant. Production of other functional traits such as IAA and siderophore may enhance its potential as biofertilizer.

Synthesis of quinazolinone conjugated shorter analogues of Bactenecin7 as potent antimicrobials.

A series of shorter peptide analogues of Bactenecin7 (RP, PRP, GPRP and RPRP) were synthesized and conjugated to 3-(4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)propanoic acid to study the effect of conjugation. All the peptides and their conjugates were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized compounds viz., peptides, heterocyclic conjugates and the hydrogenolyzed products were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogens. The results revealed that all the conjugates have shown enhanced activity than their counterparts. Further, hydrogenolyzed tetrapeptide conjugates (10 and 13) have exerted highly potent activity nearly 3-4 times than the standard drugs used.

7Li MRI of Li batteries reveals location of microstructural lithium.

There is an ever-increasing need for advanced batteries for portable electronics, to power electric vehicles and to facilitate the distribution and storage of energy derived from renewable energy sources. The increasing demands on batteries and other electrochemical devices have spurred research into the development of new electrode materials that could lead to better performance and lower cost (increased capacity, stability and cycle life, and safety). These developments have, in turn, given rise to a vigorous search for the development of robust and reliable diagnostic tools to monitor and analyse battery performance, where possible, in situ. Yet, a proven, convenient and non-invasive technology, with an ability to image in three dimensions the chemical changes that occur inside a full battery as it cycles, has yet to emerge. Here we demonstrate techniques based on magnetic resonance imaging, which enable a completely non-invasive visualization and characterization of the changes that occur on battery electrodes and in the electrolyte. The current application focuses on lithium-metal batteries and the observation of electrode microstructure build-up as a result of charging. The methods developed here will be highly valuable in the quest for enhanced battery performance and in the evaluation of other electrochemical devices.

Synthesis of uriedo and thiouriedo derivatives of peptide conjugated heterocycles - A new class of promising antimicrobials.

Forty five new derivatives of ureas and thioureas were synthesized by the reaction of peptide conjugated heterocycles with isocyanates and isothiocyanates respectively. All the compounds have been characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, mass and elemental analysis. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of a panel of microorganisms and all the synthesized compounds displayed an excellent antimicrobial activity. From structure-activity relationship studies, it was apparent that thioureas infact is slightly more active than ureas. Also, substituents on the phenyl ring of the title compounds play a key role in the activity. Further, compound 40 is nearly twenty times more potent than the standard used. These results present a platform for the further studies in this line.

A comparitive evaluation of the marginal adaptation of zirconium coping and nickel-chromium coping using shoulder finish line design: an invitro study.

Marginal adaptation is an important factor for long term clinical success of the restoration. This study aims to evaluate and compare the marginal adaptation of zirconium coping and nickel-chromium coping using the shoulder finish line design. For the purpose of this study 30 master dies were fabricated. A total of 30 copings were fabricated in which 15 zirconia copings and 15 Ni-Cr copings were fabricated. The copings obtained were seated on the die and marginal discrepancy between the metal die and the copings were then measured with Scanning electron microscope at magnification of ×50 and the findings were statistically analyzed. Mean and standard deviation values of marginal discrepancy of cervical margins of zirconia copings were 39.32 and 2.66 µm and Ni-Cr copings were 129.98 and 2.57 µm. Higher mean marginal gap (µm) is recorded in Ni-Cr copings compared to zirconia copings. The difference in mean marginal gap (µm) between the two copings is found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Within the limitation of this study it was concluded that higher mean marginal gap (µm) was recorded in Ni-Cr copings compared to zirconia copings. The difference in mean marginal gap (µm) between the two copings is found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Synthesis of elastin based peptides conjugated to benzisoxazole as a new class of potent antimicrobials--A novel approach to enhance biocompatibility.

The peptides of elastin sequences chosen for the present study included tetrapeptides, pentapeptides and tricosapeptides (30 amino acids), synthesized by classical solution phase method and conjugated to [3-(4-piperidyl)-6-fluoro-1,2-benzisoxazole]. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by physical and spectroscopic techniques followed by the antimicrobial evaluation by both agar well diffusion and microdilution methods. Here we wish to report the effect of conjugation of these moieties which enabled us to identify a novel set of peptides conjugated to heterocycle which have exhibited more potent antimicrobial activity than the conventional drugs used. Further, conjugates of tricosamers 34 and 35 were able to inhibit the growth of fungal species at 3-5 µg/mL which is nearly 5 fold more potent than the reference drug.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of clubbed isopropylthiazole derived triazolothiadiazoles, triazolothiadiazines and mannich bases as potential antimicrobial and antitubercular agents.

A series of novel clubbed Isopropylthiazole derivatives triazolothiadiazines 2a-g, dihydro triazolothiadiazoles 3a-g, thioxotriazoles 4a-d, triazolothiadiazole 5, arylideneamino triazolethiones 7a-h and oxadiazolethiones 11a-b were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, elemental and mass spectral analysis. These compounds were evaluated for their preliminary in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv strain by broth dilution assay method. All the compounds exhibited moderate to significant antibacterial and antifungal activities. Results of the antitubercular screening against M. tuberculosis H(37)Rv showed compounds 7c and 7d exhibited good antitubercular activity (MIC 4 and 8 µg/mL) respectively, when compared with first line drug such as isoniazid (0.25 µg/mL).

Synthesis of some novel 2-substituted-5-[isopropylthiazole] clubbed 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as potential antimicrobial and antitubercular agents.

In the present study a series of 2-substituted-5-[isopropylthiazole] clubbed 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral analysis. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their preliminary cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain by broth dilution assay method. Antimycobacterial activity tested against M. tuberculosis indicated that compounds 4b and 6g exhibited twofold enhanced potency than parent compound 1 and the results indicate that some of them exhibited promising activities and they deserve more consideration as potential antitubercular agents. Compound 3c, 4b and 6c exhibited good or moderate antibacterial inhibition and compounds 3h and 7c showed excellent antifungal activity.

The effects of scale on the costs of targeted HIV prevention interventions among female and male sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgenders in India.

BACKGROUND: The India AIDS Initiative (Avahan) project is involved in rapid scale-up of HIV-prevention interventions in high-risk populations. This study examines the cost variation of 107 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) implementing targeted interventions, over the start up (defined as period from project inception until services to the key population commenced) and first 2 years of intervention. METHODS: The Avahan interventions for female and male sex workers and their clients, in 62 districts of four southern states were costed for the financial years 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 using standard costing techniques. Data sources include financial and economic costs from the lead implementing partners (LPs) and subcontracted local implementing NGOs retrospectively and prospectively collected from a provider perspective. Ingredients and step-down allocation processes were used. Outcomes were measured using routinely collected project data. The average costs were estimated and a regression analysis carried out to explore causes of cost variation. Costs were calculated in US$ 2006. RESULTS: The total number of registered people was 134,391 at the end of 2 years, and 124,669 had used STI services during that period. The median average cost of Avahan programme for this period was $76 per person registered with the project. Sixty-one per cent of the cost variation could be explained by scale (positive association), number of NGOs per district (negative), number of LPs in the state (negative) and project maturity (positive) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: During rapid scale-up in the initial phase of the Avahan programme, a significant reduction in average costs was observed. As full scale-up had not yet been achieved, the average cost at scale is yet to be realised and the extent of the impact of scale on costs yet to be captured. Scale effects are important to quantify for planning resource requirements of large-scale interventions. The average cost after 2 years is within the range of global scale-up costs estimates and other studies in India.

Synthesis of new 4-isopropylthiazole hydrazide analogs and some derived clubbed triazole, oxadiazole ring systems--a novel class of potential antibacterial, antifungal and antitubercular agents.

In the present study a series of 4-isopropylthiazole-2-carbohydrazide analogs, derived clubbed oxadiazole-thiazole and triazole-thiazole derivatives have been synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, elemental and mass spectral analyses. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their preliminary in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv strain by broth dilution assay method. The synthesized compounds 7a, 7b, 7d and 4 showed an antitubercular efficacy considerably greater than that of the parent 4-isopropyl-1,3-thiazole-2-carbohydrazide 1, suggesting that the substituted 4-isopropylthiazole-2-carbohydrazide moiety plays an important role in enhancing the antitubercular properties of this class of compounds. Compounds 2c, 3, 4, 6d, 7a and 7b exhibited good or moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity. Compounds 4 and 7b showed appreciable cytotoxicity at a concentration of 250muM.

Osteomyelitis of the mandible due to Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans.

Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans is a capnoic gram negative coccobacilli known to produce juvenile periodontitis. This organism was isolated in pure culture from an unusual case of osteomyelitis of the mandible. The patient was treated with tetracycline, which is the drug of choice for A. actinomycetemcomitans and the clinical response improved. From our limited review of the literature, it appears that this is the first case of osteomyelitis due to A.actinomycetemcomitans reported in India.

Potentiation of antinociceptive effect of NSAIDs by a specific lipooxygenase inhibitor, acetyl 11-keto-beta boswellic acid.

The present study was aimed to assess the combined effects of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase (COX/5-LOX) inhibitors in different animal models of nociception. Naproxen, nimesulide and rofecoxib are well-established antinociceptive agents acting via COX inhibition. AKBA (acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid) is a 5-LOX inhibitor. AKBA (50-200 mg/kg) produced a dose dependent and significant antinociceptive effect in different animal models of nociception. Based on the earlier reports from our laboratory, sub effective doses of all the three COX Inhibitors were selected and they were administered (naproxen, 5 mg/kg; nimesulide, 1 mg/kg; and rofecoxib, 1 mg/kg) with AKBA (100 mg/kg). This produced a more significant antinociceptive effect as compared to per se effect observed in all the three models of nociception. However, the effect of combination of nimesulide with AKBA was more pronounced as compared to naproxen and rofecoxib and their combination with AKBA. The present finding provided an evidence for the potentiation of antinociceptive effect of NSAIDs with AKBA. Such a combination may help to reduce the therapeutic doses of conventional NSAIDs and also reduce side effects (gastric, cardiac and renal) that are popularly associated with the NSAIDs.