Clinical Spectrum of COVID-19 Cases and their Correlation with S.LDH Levels- An Observational Study from Southeast Rajasthan.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus or commonly referred to as the covid-19, has been a threat to the global health as well as the world economy. It all started from the Wuhan city of china in December 2019, when a cluster of pneumonia cases with severe acute respiratory symptoms were reported with unknown etiology, majority of cases linked to the exposure to wholesale seafood market in Hunan. On January 7th, after the nomenclature of this causative agent was done as Corona Virus Disease 2019, COVID19, the struggles to combat and try to control this illness have only so far been less helpful as more and more countries have exponential proportion of cases. On the other side of the illness are the efforts being done constantly to study the characteristics of the virus, newer treatment agents, expanding testing facilities and finally to find a vaccine as soon as possible. Although most human coronavirus infections are mild, the epidemics of the two beta corona viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)20-24 have caused more than 10 000 cumulative cases in the past two decades, with mortality rates of 10% for SARS-CoV and 37% for MERS-CoV. The 2019-nCoV has features typical of the coronavirus family and was classified in the beta coronavirus. Four viruses - (HCoV 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1) are endemic globally and account for 10% to 30% of upper respiratory tract infections in adults and typically cause common cold symptoms in immunocompetent individuals. Currently, the patients infected by the novel coronavirus are the main source of infection. Although asymptomatic infected can also be a source. Transmission of the virus happens mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact (defined as that within 1m distance and lasting for several minutes). A possibility of aerosol transmission in a relatively closed environment for a long-time exposure to high concentrations has also not been denied as of yet. Since the information regarding the illness, the treatment principles have been in constant scrutiny and have been changed dynamically as we get to know more about the virus, studies of covid19 cases would be a major stepping stone in acquiring maximum if not hundred percent knowledge about covid19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational retrospective case study was done for a fixed duration of a month i.e from 23/05/2020 to 23/06/2020. Patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included under the study. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Age >40yrs with symptoms of severe acute respiratory Illness (screened as per the symptom suggestive of acute respiratory illness, mohfw.gov.in) Asymptomatic aged >40yrs with comorbidities and in direct contact with confirmed cases of covid19. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Immunocompromised patients. Pregnant patients. Autoimmune disease patients History of psychiatric illness The patients were isolated in different wards based on the presence or absence and severity of symptoms. Detailed history, general and systemic examination and investigations were done. Samples of throat and nasal swab were sent for RT-PCR assay of covid19 testing done by Real time reverse transcriptase based PCR. Regular monitoring of patients was done. Treatment given based on the most recent guidelines update by the ICMR and made available by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was analysed by using SPSS 22.0 (trial version) software and T test, Chi-square Pierson's correlation and other appropriate statistical test will be used to analyse the data. Aims Objectives: To understand the symptomatology, disease course and complications of covid19. To study the changes in laboratory parameters in association with severity of illness. To study the effect of presence of comorbidities with respect to the outcome of covid19 Ethical Considerations: Since it being a retrospective observational study, complete patient confidentiality was being maintained while collecting and analysing the data as well as during the tabulation of the results.

Effect of Ayurveda intervention in the integrated management of essential hypertension- a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: A study titled 'Integration of AYUSH (Ayurveda) with National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)' implemented in India in three districts of three states, namely Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Gaya (Bihar), and Surendranagar (Gujarat) since 2015 for the management of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through integrated approach. OBJECTIVE(S): To evaluate the effect of Ayurveda medication, lifestyle modification, and Yoga in integration with standard care for the management of essential hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the demographic and clinical records available from NPCDCS-AYUSH Integration Project was done. The data of participants with Essential Hypertension (EHTN), aged between 30 and 60 years, who had completed six months integrated management as per the treatment protocol of the NPCDCS-AYUSH Integration project between July 2018 and March 2019 were taken and distributed in two groups based on their intervention. Those advised for lifestyle modification and Yoga in addition to standard care with any of the five medicines/combinations i.e. Amlodipine or Atenolol or Amlodipine + Atenolol or Losartan or Telmisartan were assigned Group I and those who were given Ayurveda medication, lifestyle modification and Yoga in addition to standard care were assigned to Group II. The change in blood pressure was analysed and dose reduction/discontinuation of conventional medications was also observed. RESULTS: Data of 1938 participants who had completed treatment under the NPCDCS program was analysed. At the 6th month, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in all categories of Group I and Group II from baseline. Further, the dose of conventional medicine was reduced in 33.1% of participants of Group I and in 30.4% participants of Group II when compared to 0 day while conventional medicines were discontinued in 15.1% of Group I and 36.7% of Group II participants. CONCLUSION: Ayurveda medication along with lifestyle management and Yoga effectively controls systolic and diastolic blood pressure and further helps in reducing/discontinuation of dose of conventional medicines in EHTN participants.

Exploring the edible gum (galactomannan) biosynthesis and its regulation during pod developmental stages in clusterbean using comparative transcriptomic approach.

Galactomannan is a polymer of high economic importance and is extracted from the seed endosperm of clusterbean (C. tetragonoloba). In the present study, we worked to reveal the stage-specific galactomannan biosynthesis and its regulation in clusterbean. Combined electron microscopy and biochemical analysis revealed high protein and gum content in RGC-936, while high oil bodies and low gum content in M-83. A comparative transcriptome study was performed between RGC-936 (high gum) and M-83 (low gum) varieties at three developmental stages viz. 25, 39, and 50 days after flowering (DAF). Total 209,525, 375,595 and 255,401 unigenes were found at 25, 39 and 50 DAF respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis indicated a total of 5147 shared unigenes between the two genotypes. Overall expression levels of transcripts at 39DAF were higher than 50DAF and 25DAF. Besides, 691 (RGC-936) and 188 (M-83) candidate unigenes that encode for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of galactomannan were identified and analyzed, and 15 key enzyme genes were experimentally validated by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Transcription factor (TF) WRKY was observed to be co-expressed with key genes of galactomannan biosynthesis at 39DAF. We conclude that WRKY might be a potential biotechnological target (subject to functional validation) for developing high gum content varieties.

Effect of Ayurveda intervention, lifestyle modification and Yoga in prediabetic and type 2 diabetes under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)-AYUSH integration project.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle-related disorder that affects around 422 million individuals in India. Integration of AYUSH (Ayurveda) with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was conceived on pilot basis at Gaya, Bihar, to provide integrative treatment for non-communicable disease patients and to manage the burden of non-communicable diseases in India. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of Ayurveda intervention, lifestyle modification and Yoga in the management of type 2 diabetes under NPCDCS-AYUSH integration project. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-centric, open-labeled, prospective, comparative clinical study was conducted at 17 community health centers and 1 district hospital. Population over 30 years of age was screened and prediabetic or type 2 diabetic individuals were enrolled in two cohorts, i.e., pre-diabetic (Cohort A) and type 2 diabetic (Cohort B). Each cohort was further divided into two groups: Group A1 was advised for lifestyle modification and Yoga and group A2 was given Ayurveda medication in addition to lifestyle modification and Yoga. Similarly, group B1 was advised for lifestyle modification and Yoga along with allopathic medication and group B2 was given Ayurveda medication, i.e., Mamajjaka, Amalaki and Guduchi powder in addition to lifestyle modification and Yoga along with allopathic medication. Treatment was given for 6 months. Data were analyzed through paired t-test. RESULTS: A significant reduction was observed in fasting blood sugar level in groups A2 and B2 (P = 0.001) and also in the postprandial blood sugar level in Groups A2 and B2 (P = 0.001). Further, improvement in subjective symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, blurred vision and weakness was found in all the groups, while non-healing ulcer does not show any improvement. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that Ayurveda intervention, i.e., Mamajjaka Churna (1 g), Amalaki Churna (3 g) and Guduchi Churna (3 g) two times a day effectively controls blood sugar level in pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients and improves the disease management with lifestyle modification and Yogasana as well as with allopathic treatment.

The genome size of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is significantly smaller compared to its wild relatives as estimated by flow cytometry.

Clusterbean (C. tetragonoloba) is an important, leguminous vegetable and industrial crop with vast genetic diversity but meager genetic, cytological and genomic information. In the present study, an optimized procedure of flow cytometry was used to estimate the genome size of three clusterbean species, represented by C. tetragonoloba (cv. RGC-936) and two wild relatives (C. serreta and C. senegalensis). For accurate estimation of genomic content, singlet G0/G1 populations of multiple tissues such as leaves, hypocotyl, and matured seeds were determined and used along with three different plant species viz. Pisum sativum (as primary), Oryza sativa, and Glycine max (secondary), as external and internal reference standards. Seed tissue of the test sample and G. max provided the best estimate of nuclear DNA content in comparison to other sample tissues and reference standards. The genome size of C. tetragonoloba was detemined at 580.9±0.02Mbp (1C), while that of C. serreta and C. senegalensis was estimated at 979.6±0.02Mbp (1C) and 943.4±0.03Mbp (1C), respectively. Thus, the wild relatives harbor, nearly double the genome content of the cultivated cluster bean. Findings of this study will enrich genomic database of the legume family and can serve as the starting point for clusterbean evolutionary and genomics studies.

Identification of heat-related ESTs in moth bean through suppression subtraction hybridization.

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal), an important grain-legume crop grown in hot desert regions of Thar, under scorching sun rays, was investigated for heat tolerance at molecular level. In the present study, we constructed a forward suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library of heat tolerant genotype RMO-40 to identify genes expressing under delayed response to elevated temperature. Heat induction was carried out by exposing 14-day-old seedlings to elevated temperature of 42 °C for 30 min. A total of 125 unigenes (33 contigs and 92 singletons) were derived by cluster assembly and sequence alignment of 200 ESTs; out of 125 unigenes, 21 (16 %) were found to be novel to moth bean. Gene ontology functional classification terms were retrieved for 98 (78.4 %) unigenes of which 73 (58.4 %) ESTs were functionally annotated (GO consensus) where 19 unigenes were annotated with 11 enzyme commission (EC) codes and were mapped to 25 different KEGG pathways. We have identified a majority of heat-shock proteins (constituting 35 % of the present library) aiding heat stress tolerance to moth bean. An expression level of 22 ESTs generated from the above SSH cDNA library was studied through semiquantitative RT-PCR assay simultaneously under 5 and 30 min of heat stress at 42 °C.

Isolation and characterization of osmotolerant bacteria from Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan (India)

The Thar Desert harsher environment harbors a limited diversity of life forms due to extreme conditions like low moisture of sandy soils and high soil temperature. In the present study, osmotolerant bacteria from the Thar soils were isolated and characterized. Bacteria were isolated from 20 soil samples (100g), collected from sand dunes, suspended in water and absolute alcohol. A total of 11 biochemical and morphological tests were carried out for generic identification of bacteria. Osmotic tolerance capacity of isolates was examined on glycerol, NaCl and alcohol; and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene was also performed for bacterial identification. 16S to 23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer analysis (RISA) was done for phylogenetic analysis of isolates. The soil suspended in water contained 2.5×10(6) bacteria/g of soil while alcohol suspended soil had 4.4×10(4) bacteria/g. The 24 bacterial isolates were found tolerant to 26% glycerol, 14% NaCl and 10% of alcohol, and 22 out of 24 isolates were found Gram positive. The results showed that 45.83% and 41.67% bacteria belong to Bacillus spp. and Corynebacterium spp., respectively, while Acinetobacter spp., Aeromonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were in equal proportion (4.16% each). Six isolates were selected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and five were found 95% similar with Bacillus licheniformis whereas one isolate was identified as B. subtilis. All the isolates showed good growth up to 50°C with gradual reduction on subsequent increment of temperature. Out of 24 isolates, six could survive at 65°C while one isolate could grow at 63°C. Growth kinetic studies revealed that the reduction in generation time in solute(s) and temperature stress was more as compared to generation time in plain medium. This study suggests that virgin sand dunes may be a rich source of bacteria, tolerant to osmotrophic solutes, and can be examined for plant growth promotion activity in agriculture. Moreover, study might help to resolve the tactic adopted by microbes to defeat desiccation induced by various types of solutes.

El duro ambiente del desierto de Thar alberga una diversidad de formas de vida limitado debido a sus condiciones extremas, como el bajo contenido de humedad de los suelos arenosos y la alta temperatura del suelo. En el presente estudio, las bacterias osmotolerantes de los suelos de Thar, fueron aislados y caracterizados. Las bacterias fueron aisladas a partir de 20 muestras de suelo (100g), obtenidas de dunas de arena, suspendidas en agua y alcohol absoluto. Un total de 11 pruebas bioquímicas y morfológicas se llevaron a cabo para identificar géneros de bacterias: la capacidad de tolerancia osmótica de los aislados se examinó con glicerol, NaCl y alcohol, y la secuenciación de los genes 16S rRNA se realizó también para la identificación bacteriana. El análisis de espaciadores internos transcritos de 16S a 23S rRNA (RISA) se realizó para los aislamientos de análisis filogenéticos. El suelo suspendido en el agua contuvo 2.5×10(6) bacteria/g de suelo mientras que el suelo con alcohol suspendido presentó 4.4×104 bacteria/g. Los 24 aislados bacterianos se encontraron tolerantes a 26% glicerol, 14% NaCl y 10% de alcohol y 22 de los 24 aislados fueron grampositivas. Los resultados mostraron que 45.83% y 41.67% de las bacterias son Bacillus spp. y Corynebacterium spp., respectivamente, mientras que Acinetobacter spp., Aeromonas spp. y Staphylococcus spp. se presentaron en la misma proporción (4.16% cada uno). Seis aislamientos fueron seleccionados para secuenciación de genes 16S rRNA y 95% fueron similares a Bacillus licheniformis mientras que un aislamiento fue identificado como B. subtilis. Todos los aislamientos mostraron un buen crecimiento a 50º C con reducción gradual en el incremento subsiguiente de la temperatura. Fuera de 24 aislados, 6 podrían sobrevivir a 65ºC mientras que un aislado podría crecer a 63ºC. Estudios de crecimiento cinéticos revelaron que la reducción en el tiempo de generación en soluto (s) y estrés de temperatura fue mayor en comparación con el tiempo de generación en un medio simple. Este estudio sugiere que las dunas de arena virgen pueden ser una fuente rica de bacterias, tolerantes a los solutos osmotróficos y se pueden examinar para la promoción de crecimiento de plantas en la agricultura. Por otra parte, el estudio podría ayudar a resolver la táctica adoptada por los microorganismos para rechazar la desecación inducida por diversos tipos de solutos.

Combining molecular-marker and chemical analysis of Capparis decidua (Capparaceae) in the Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan (india).

The Thar Desert, a very inhospitable place, accommodates only plant species that survive acute drought, unpredictable precipitation, and those can grow in the limited moisture of sandy soils. Capparis decidua is among one of the few plants able to grow well under these conditions. This species is highly exploited and has been naturally taken, as local people use it for various purposes like food, timber and fuel, although, no management or conservation efforts have been established. The present study was conducted in this arid area of Western Rajasthan (India) with the aim to obtain preliminary molecular information about this group of plants. We evaluated diversity among 46 samples of C. decidua using chemical parameters and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Fourteen chemical parameters and eight minerals (total 22 variables) of this species fruits were estimated. A total of 14 RAPD primers produced 235 band positions, of which 81.27% were polymorphic. Jaccard's similarity coefficients for RAPD primers ranged from 0.34 to 0.86 with a mean genetic similarity of 0.50. As per observed coefficient of variation, NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) content was found to be the most variable trait followed by starch and soluble carbohydrate. The Manhattan dissimilarity coefficient values for chemical parameters ranged between 0.02-0.31 with an average of 0.092. The present study revealed a very low correlation (0.01) between chemical parameters and RAPD-based matrices. The low correlation between chemical- and RAPD-based matrices indicated that the two methods were different and highly variable. The chemical-based diversity will assist in selection of nutritionally rich samples for medicinal purpose, while genetic diversity to face natural challenges and find sustainable ways to promote conservation for future use.

Combining molecular-marker and chemical analysis of Capparis deciduas (Capparaceae) in the Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan (India)

The Thar Desert, a very inhospitable place, accommodates only plant species that survive acute drought, unpredictable precipitation, and those can grow in the limited moisture of sandy soils. Capparis decidua is among one of the few plants able to grow well under these conditions. This species is highly exploited and has been naturally taken, as local people use it for various purposes like food, timber and fuel, although, no management or conservation efforts have been established. The present study was conducted in this arid area of Western Rajasthan (India) with the aim to obtain preliminary molecular information about this group of plants. We evaluated diversity among 46 samples of C. decidua using chemical parameters and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Fourteen chemical parameters and eight minerals (total 22 variables) of this species fruits were estimated. A total of 14 RAPD primers produced 235 band positions, of which 81.27% were polymorphic. Jaccard s similarity coefficients for RAPD primers ranged from 0.34 to 0.86 with a mean genetic similarity of 0.50. As per observed coefficient of variation, NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) content was found to be the most variable trait followed by starch and soluble carbohydrate. The Manhattan dissimilarity coefficient values for chemical parameters ranged between 0.02-0.31 with an average of 0.092. The present study revealed a very low correlation (0.01) between chemical parameters and RAPD-based matrices. The low correlation between chemical- and RAPD-based matrices indicated that the two methods were different and highly variable. The chemical-based diversity will assist in selection of nutritionally rich samples for medicinal purpose, while genetic diversity to face natural challenges and find sustainable ways to promote conservation for future use.

El desierto de Thar, un lugar muy inhóspito, alberga sólo a las especies de plantas capaces de resistir a condiciones de sequía extrema, a las precipitaciones impredecibles, y a las plantas que pueden crecer en la humedad limitada de los suelos arenosos. Capparis decidua se encuentra entre una las pocas plantas capaces de crecer bien en estas condiciones. Esta especie es altamente explotada y se ha tomado de forma natural, así los habitantes locales las han usado para varios propósitos, como alimento, madera y combustible, aunque sin ningún programa de manejo o esfuerzo por conservación. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo en esta zona árida del oeste de Rajastán (India) con el objetivo de obtener información molecular preliminar sobre este grupo de plantas. Se evaluó la diversidad entre 46 muestras de C. decidua usando parámetros químicos y marcadores de ADN polimórfico amplificado al azar (RAPD por sus siglas en inglés). Catorce parámetros químicos y ocho minerales (22 variables en total) de los frutos de esta especie fueron estimados. Un total de 14 cebadores para RAPD produjeron 235 posiciones de bandas, de las cuales 81.27% fueron polimórficas. El coeficiente de similitud de Jaccard para los cebadores del RAPD varió entre 0.34 y 0.86 con un promedio de similitud genética de 0.50. De acuerdo con el coeficiente de variación observado, se encontró que el contenido de NDF fue el rasgo más variable, seguido por el almidón y los carbohidratos solubles. Los valores del coeficiente de disimilitud de Manhattan para los parámetros químicos osciló entre 0.02-0.31 con un promedio de 0.092. El presente estudio reveló una correlación muy baja (0.01) entre los parámetros químicos y las matrices basadas en RAPD. La baja correlación entre las matrices químicas y la basada en RAPD indicó que los dos métodos fueron diferentes y altamente variables. El estudio de la diversidad basada en su química ayudará en la selección de muestras nutricionalmente ricas para fines medicinales, mientras que la diversidad genética ayudará a enfrentar los desafíos naturales y encontrar formas sostenibles para promover la conservación de esta plana para uso futuro.

Isolation and characterization of osmotolerant bacteria from thar desert of western Rajasthan (India).

The Thar Desert harsher environment harbors a limited diversity of life forms due to extreme conditions like low moisture of sandy soils and high soil temperature. In the present study, osmotolerant bacteria from the Thar soils were isolated and characterized. Bacteria were isolated from 20 soil samples (100 g), collected from sand dunes, suspended in water and absolute alcohol. A total of 11 biochemical and morphological tests were carried out for generic identification of bacteria. Osmotic tolerance capacity of isolates was examined on glycerol, NaCI and alcohol; and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene was also performed for bacterial identification. 16S to 23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer analysis (RISA) was done for phylogenetic analysis of isolates. The soil suspended in water contained 2.5 x 10(6) bacteria/g of soil while alcohol suspended soil had 4.4 x 10(4) bacteria/g. The 24 bacterial isolates were found tolerant to 26% glycerol, 14% NaCI and 10% of alcohol, and 22 out of 24 isolates were found Gram positive. The results showed that 45.83% and 41.67% bacteria belong to Bacillus spp. and Corynebacterium spp., respectively, while Acinetobacter spp., Aeromonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were in equal proportion (4.16% each). Six isolates were selected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and five were found 95% similar with Bacillus licheniformis whereas one isolate was identified as B. subtilis. All the isolates showed good growth up to 50 degrees C with gradual reduction on subsequent increment of temperature. Out of 24 isolates, six could survive at 65 degrees C while one isolate could grow at 63 degrees C. Growth kinetic studies revealed that the reduction in generation time in solute(s) and temperature stress was more as compared to generation time in plain medium. This study suggests that virgin sand dunes may be a rich source of bacteria, tolerant to osmotrophic solutes, and can be examined for plant growth promotion activity in agriculture. Moreover, study might help to resolve the tactic adopted by microbes to defeat desiccation induced by various types of solutes.

Construction and analysis of an SSH cDNA library of early heat-induced genes of Vigna aconitifolia variety RMO-40.

Moth bean ( Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal) is an important grain legume crop grown in rain fed areas of hot desert regions of Thar, India, under scorching sun rays with very little supplementation of water. An SSH cDNA library was generated from leaf tissues of V. aconitifolia var. RMO-40 exposed to an elevated temperature of 42 °C for 5 min to identify early-induced genes. A total of 488 unigenes (114 contigs and 374 singletons) were derived by cluster assembly and sequence alignment of 738 ESTs; out of 206 ESTs (28%) of unknown proteins, 160 ESTs (14%) were found to be novel to moth bean. Only 578 ESTs (78%) showed significant BLASTX similarity (<1 × 10(-6)) in the NCBI non-redundant database. Gene ontology functional classification terms were retrieved for 479 (65%) sequences, and 339 sequences were annotated with 165 EC codes and mapped to 68 different KEGG pathways. Four hundred and fifty-two ESTs were further annotated with InterProScan (IPS), and no IPS was assigned to 153 ESTs. In addition, the expression level of 27 ESTs in response to heat stress was evaluated through semiquantitative RT-PCR assay. Approximately 20 different signaling genes and 16 different transcription factors have been shown to be associated with heat stress in moth bean for the first time.