Molecular characterization of lymphocystis disease virus in Indian glass fish: first report from the Andaman Islands.

Here, we report the first detection of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) in Indian glass fish in the Andaman Islands, India. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of whitish clusters of nodules on the fish's skin, fins, and eyes. The histopathology of the nodules revealed typical hypertrophied fibroblasts. Molecular characterization of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene of the virus showed a significant resemblance to known LCDV sequences from Korea and Iran, with 98.92% and 97.85% sequence identity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the MCP gene sequence of the virus belonged to genotype V. This study represents the first documented case of LCDV in finfish from the Andaman Islands, emphasizing the necessity for continued monitoring and research on the health of aquatic species in this fragile ecosystem.

Outbreak of hirudiniasis in aquarium-reared albino red-bellied pacu Piaractus brachypomus.

We report hirudiniasis caused by the leech Hemiclepsis marginata asiatica Moore, 1924 in albino red-bellied pacu (pirapitinga) Piaractus brachypomus (Cuvier, 1818), constituting the first documentation of a freshwater fish species being affected in India. The outbreak occurred in a tank of an aquarium-fish retailer; infested fish appeared asphyxiated, unable to swim or swimming upside down, with cloudy eyes and body with thick mucus secretion. The prevalence and mortality was 100%, with a mean intensity of 81 leeches per fish. The histopathology of the morbid fish revealed degenerative necrosis, eosinophilic infiltration in the muscle tissue and haemorrhages in the fin membrane. The leech mitochondrial 18S rDNA and 12S rDNA genes were characterised and submitted to GenBank under accession numbers MN380443 (18S) and MK733282 (12S). A maximum likelihood tree was constructed using 12S rDNA gene sequences to demonstrate the phylogenetic position of Hemiclepsis marginata asiatica among its congeners.

Design, synthesis and in vitro study of densely functionalized oxindoles as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Diabetes a non-communicable disease occurs either due to the lack of insulin or the inability of the human body to recognize it. The recent data indicated an increase in the trend of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mainly due to unhealthy life style. Here in we report a new class of oxindole derivatives 6a-kvia scaffold hopping of known α-glucosidase inhibitors 1-4. When molecular docking was performed against a homology model of α-glucosidase the resulting compound 6d revealed binding interactions comparable to 1-4. The compounds were accessed through a unique condensation-ring opening protocol of pyridofuranone building blocks. Overall the compounds exhibited decent binding to the yeast α-glucosidase, where the most potent compound 6h, inhibited the enzyme with IC50 of 0.6 µM. This was nearly threefold improvement from the original known compounds 1-4, selected to design the newer analogs. The reaction kinetics of 6h indicated competitive inhibition.

Biochemical changes and tissue distribution of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in naturally and experimentally EHP-infected whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931), in India.

Stunted growth in pond-reared Litopenaeus vannamei was observed in different farms located in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, India. No mortality was associated with stunted growth. PCR assay on these samples revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in stunted shrimp. Tissue distribution of EHP in naturally and experimentally infected shrimp was studied by PCR and histology. Histological examination revealed the presence of EHP in hepatopancreas and gut, but not in other organs. The PCR assay revealed the presence of EHP in all the organs tested in both naturally and experimentally infected shrimp. Healthy shrimp were challenged with E. hepatopenaei by intramuscular injection and oral route, and no mortality was observed in both routes after 30 days post-challenge. Different developmental stages of the microsporidian parasite were observed in the hepatopancreatic epithelial cells. Biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase were measured in the haemolymph of naturally and experimentally EHP-infected shrimp. All biochemical parameters mentioned were found to be significantly higher in EHP-infected shrimp when compared to normal shrimp. This is the first report relating AST and ALT levels to EHP infection in naturally and experimentally infected shrimp.

Association of TLR4 (D299G, T399I), TLR9 -1486T>C, TIRAP S180L and TNF-α promoter (-1031, -863, -857) polymorphisms with risk for systemic lupus erythematosus among South Indians.

The rationale of this case-control study was to explore the association of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) D299G, TLR4 T399I, TLR9 -1486 T>C, TIR-domain-containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) S180 L and tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α) promoter polymorphisms with susceptibility and phenotypic heterogeneity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PCR-RFLP, real-time PCR was used for the genetic analysis and expression studies and ELISA was used for the determination of specific autoantibodies. TLR4 D299G was associated with the risk for SLE (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08-2.28), while the TNF-α (-1031, -863, -857) CCC haplotype conferred protection. TLR4 and TIRAP polymorphisms were associated with reduced expression of HLA-DR. The presence of TLR4 and TLR9 polymorphisms increases the MHC2TA expression, while TIRAP polymorphism was associated with reduced expression. TLR4 D299 G showed an inverse association with pulmonary hypertension. TLR 4 T399I and TLR9 -1486 T>C showed a positive association with seizures and photosensitivity, respectively. TIRAP S180 L showed a positive association with alopecia and malar rashes, while an inverse association with psychosis was observed. TLR4 T399I (r = 0.14, p = 0.05) and TIRAP S180 L (r = 0.15, p = 0.03) showed a positive association with anti-Ro antibodies. On the other hand, TLR9 -1486 T>C showed an inverse association with anti-La antibodies (r = -0.20, p = 0.006). To conclude, TLR4 D299G increases the risk for SLE, while TNF-α CCC haplotype reduces the risk for SLE. All these polymorphisms contribute toward phenotypic heterogeneity. TLR4 T399I, TLR9 -1486 T>C and TIRAP S180 L influence specific autoantibody production in SLE.

Pattern of neurological admissions in the tropics: experience at Abakaliki South-Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The pattern of neurological admissions varies amongst different regions of the world and this depends on many factors including the regional burden of neurological disorders. This study determined the pattern of neurological admissions in a tertiary health centre in Abakaliki South Eastern Nigeria and compared it with that from other parts of the country. METHODOLOGY: A review of admissions into the medical wards of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki south- eastern Nigeria from July 2012 to June 2013 was done using the register of admissions and discharges. RESULTS: Out of 1247 patients admitted in medical ward over the study period, 267 (21%) had neurological disorders with mean age of 55.1 ± 20.2 years. There were 154 (58%) males and 113 (42%) females, with a sex ratio of 4:3. Seventy two percent of the patients were between 30 and 69 years. Stroke accounted for 62% (166) of the neurologic admissions. Others were central nervous system (CNS) infections, seizure disorders, hypertensive encephalopathy. myelopathies, CNS tumors and neurodegenerative disorders in descending order of frequency. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of neurological disorders is high with male preponderance in Abakaliki south-eastern Nigeria affecting mainly the productive population. Stroke and CNS infections were the most prevalent neurological disorders identified which are both largely preventable.There should be good health planning that will address the enormous neurological disease burden with emphasis on preventive health.

The prognosis of acute stroke in a tertiary health centre in south-east Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a common neurologic disorder and it is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide after ischaemic heart disease and cancer.This study determined the prognosis of acute stroke in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) South-East Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: It was a retrospective, descriptive and hospital based study conducted in a tertiary health centre in Abakaliki south-east Nigeria. The stroke register of the neurology unit was reviewed and relevant data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Stroke accounted for 12% of medical death with 24 hour, 7 day and 30 day mortality rates of 5%, 10% and 15% respectively. Factors associated with stroke mortality include advanced age, female sex, extremes of blood pressure, loss of consciousness and haemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSION: There should be regular health education with emphasis on primary prevention of stroke. Also, stroke patients should be referred early to a stroke unitfor adequate management.

Optimization of selective production media for enhanced production of xylanases in submerged fermentation by Thielaviopsis basicola MTCC 1467 using L16 orthogonal array.

Enzymes have been the centre of attention for researchers/industrialists worldwide due to their wide range of physiological, analytical, food/feed and industrial based applications. Among the enzymes explored for industrial applications, xylanases play an instrumental role in food/feed, textile/detergent, paper and biorefinery based application sectors. This study deals with the statistical optimization of xylanase production by Thielaviopsis basicola MTCC 1467 under submerged fermentation conditions using rice straw, as sole carbon source. Different fermentation parameters such as carbon source, nitrogen source, inorganic salts like KH2PO4, MgSO4 and pH of the medium were optimized at the individual and interactive level by Taguchi orthogonal array methodology (L16). All selected fermentation parameters influenced the enzyme production. Rice straw, the major carbon source mainly influenced the production of xylanase (~34 %). After media optimization, the yield of enzyme improved from 38 to ~60 IU/ml (161.5 %) indicating the commercial production of xylanase by T. basicola MTCC 1467. This study shows the potential of T. basicola MTCC 1467 for the efficient xylanase production under the optimized set of conditions.

An imbalance between proliferation and differentiation underlies the development of microRNA-defective pineoblastoma.

Mutations in the microRNA processing genes DICER1 and DROSHA drive several cancers that resemble embryonic progenitors. To understand how microRNAs regulate tumorigenesis, we ablated Drosha or Dicer1 in the developing pineal gland to emulate the pathogenesis of pineoblastoma, a brain tumor that resembles undifferentiated precursors of the pineal gland. Accordingly, these mice develop pineal tumors marked by loss of microRNAs, including the let-7/miR-98-5p family, and de-repression of microRNA target genes. Pineal tumors driven by loss of Drosha or Dicer1 mimic tumors driven by Rb1 loss, as they exhibit upregulation of S-phase genes and homeobox transcription factors that regulate pineal development. Blocking proliferation of these tumors facilitates expression of pinealocyte maturation markers, with a concomitant reduction in embryonic markers. Select embryonic markers remain elevated, however, as the microRNAs that normally repress these target genes remain absent. One such microRNA target gene is the oncofetal transcription factor Plagl2, which regulates expression of pro-growth genes, and inhibiting their signaling impairs tumor growth. Thus, we demonstrate that tumors driven by loss of microRNA processing may be therapeutically targeted by inhibiting downstream drivers of proliferation.

Toxicological effect of endocrine disrupting insecticide (deltamethrin) on enzymatical, haematological and histopathological changes in the freshwater iridescent shark, Pangasius hypothalamus.

This study investigated the deltamethrin (DMN) induced harmful effects on Pangasius hypophthalmus using enzymatic activity, haematological, and histopathological changes. LC50 value was 0.021 mg/L at 96 h, and sublethal toxicity was tested for 45 days at two `concentrations (i.e., 1/5th and 1/10th of LC50). Haematological parameters and enzymatic activities significantly changed between DMN-exposed and control groups (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, both DMN doses induced liver hyperemia, hepatic cell rupture, necrosis, hypertrepheoid bile duct, shifting nuclei, vascular haemorrhage, and hepatocyte degeneration, while in gill, secondary lamellae destruction, a fusion of adjacent gill lamellae, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, adhesion, and fusion were noticed. Kidney developed melanomacrophages, increased periglomerular and peritubular space, vacuolation, decreased glomerulus, hyaline droplets in tubular cells, loss of tubular epithelium, distal convoluted segment hypertrophy, and granular layer in brain pyramid and Purkinje cell nucleus. But, limiting pesticide impacts on freshwater fish and their habitat requires a holistic, cradle-to-grave approach and toxicological studies.

Clitorea ternatea, a herb from Indian folklore, improves streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetes-induced cognitive decline in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the antidiabetic, neurochemical-antioxidant and cognition protective effects of Clitorea ternatea leaves on a rat model of diabetic cognitive decline. METHODS: Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by serum glucose and body weight estimation in ethanol extract of Clitorea ternatea (EECT)-treated diabetic rats. Effects of EECT on spatial working memory (SWM) and spatial reference memory (SRM) were evaluated by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests respectively. Neurochemical-antioxidant effects of EECT were studied by acetylcholinesterase assay, and measurements of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in diabetic rats. RESULTS: The 200 and 400 mg/kg of EECT showed a significant antidiabetic activity by decreasing serum glucose level (P<0.05, P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the body weight in 400 mg/kg of EECT-treated diabetic rats (P<0.01). EECT was found to cause significant increases in SWM and SRM in retention trials on Y-maze and Morris water maze respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant decreases in acetylcholinesterase activity and TBARS level, and significant increase in CAT level were observed in rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of EECT compared with rats in the diabetic control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Significant increase was also found in SOD in rats treated with 400 mg/kg of EECT. CONCLUSION: Clitorea ternatea exhibits antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, offers the protection against diabetes-induced cognitive decline, and warrants the need for further studies to elucidate its mode of action.

Area efficient folded undecimator based ECG detector.

This paper presents an area-efficient folded wavelet filter-based Electrocardiogram (ECG) detector for cardiac pacemakers. The modified folded undecimator based detector consists of Wavelet Filter Bank, QRS complex detector with Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) block and noise detector. A high-level transformation technique such as folding transformation and Cutset retiming are applied to the GLRT block in order to reduce the silicon area. Folding is a high-level transformation applied at the architectural level to enhance the performance of DSP architectures. It reduces the number of adders, multipliers and delay elements in the architecture. The Cutset retiming reduces clock period of the architecture by changing position of delay elements in the critical path. The folding transformation and cutset retiming implement the functional blocks of the GLRT circuit with minimum hardware. The modified folded ECG detector is tested for short term and long-term MIT-BIH databases. The results show that the modified folded undecimator detector has hardware savings and achieves sensitivity of 99.95%, positive prediction of 99.97% and Detection Error Rate (DER) of 0.061. The folded GLRT block architecture is synthesized with FPGA Zed board XC7Z010CLG484-1. Results show that the device utilization and power consumption are lesser than the conventional GLRT structure.

The Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of CT Scan on Buccal Epithelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic radiation is reported to cause significant damage in buccal cells, while the same effects after natural cell turn over cycle were not checked for in previous studies. The buccal cells were studied in patients exposed to computed tomography (CT) scans for evaluating the cells with micronuclei and cytotoxic changes, namely, pyknotic cells, karyorrhectic cells and karyolytic cells. The pre-exposure counts were compared with postexposure counts on 10 and 20 days corresponding to first and second cell turnover cycles. AIM: The aim of this study is to estimate the counts of micronucleus and cytotoxic changes in buccal cells post-exposure to CT scans and report on variance of the same with first and second buccal cell turnover cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational study, wherein the buccal smears of patients undergoing CT scans were made before and after CT scan exposures as needed. Papanicolaou (PAP) staining and analysis were performed as per standard criteria for micronuclear and cytotoxic changes, respectively. Statistical test used was paired t-tests. RESULTS: The micronuclear counts revealed 0.4% positive cells before exposure and 1.4% positive cells post 10 days and 20 days of exposure were significant (P < 0.005). The cytotoxic changes showed around 2.5% positive cells before and 5.7% positive cells 10 days after CT exposure (P < 0.005). The cytotoxic cell values from baseline to 20th day were not significant (P < 0.25). CONCLUSION: CT scans have caused genotoxic effects notable after two cell turnover cycles but the cytotoxic changes have significantly decreased naturally after 2nd cell turnover as per our study.

Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among surgical unit staff.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a problem within healthcare organizations and in the community. The aims of this study were to identify the prevalence of S. aureus in the anterior nares of surgical unit staff, to analyse their antibiogram with special reference to methicillin resistance, and to compare the isolates among surgical unit staff and in relation to the wards where they worked. Sterile swabs were used to collect the samples from the anterior nares of 100 healthcare workers working in 5 surgical wards who satisfied rigid inclusion and exclusion criteria. Standard procedures were followed for isolation, identification, and antibiotic sensitivity testing. S. aureus carrier status was observed in 13 individuals, of whom 2 (15.4%) were resistant to methicillin. All the isolates of S. aureus were multidrug-resistant but sensitive to vancomycin and bacitracin. One of the 13 was resistant to linezolid. Sixty-three of the staff were carriers of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. The presence of methicillin resistance may cause problems in hospital infection control programs and may indicate emerging issues. This study suggests the need for periodic screening of hospital personnel in order to monitor trends and take steps to treat carriers.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Preemptive Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin and Gabapentin for Succinylcholine-Induced Myalgia.

BACKGROUND: Succinylcholine is a drug of choice for rapid induction of anesthesia but produces postoperative myalgia. Preemptive analgesia is intended to decrease perception of pain before exposure to painful stimuli. Pregabalin and gabapentin, analogs of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid, are effective in several models of neuropathic pain, incisional, inflammatory, and formalin-induced injury. However, the data available on their preemptive analgesic efficacy in succinylcholine myalgia are sparse. This study was designed to compare the preemptive analgesic efficacy and safety of pregabalin and gabapentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 120 surgical patients of either sex, between 18 and 70 years, and of American Society of Anesthesiologists-I/II grade. Patients were randomly allocated to control and test groups; received respective treatments 30 min before induction of anesthesia. Myalgia and pain scores were recorded using the myalgia scale and visual analog/facial rating scale at awakening at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h, respectively. Postoperative analgesic requirement over 24 h was recorded. Data were analyzed using OpenEpi (Andrew G. Dean and Kevin M. Sullivan, Atlanta, GA, USA) statistical softwares. RESULTS: Significantly lower pain scores were observed in the pregabalin group at 6, 12, and 24 h, and in gabapentin group at 24 h as compared to control and placebo (P < 0.05). They were however found to be equianalgesic when compared to each other (P > 0.05). Pregabalin-treated patients were more comfortable throughout with significantly less postoperative myalgia and analgesic requirement (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results strongly suggest the preemptive analgesic efficacy of a single oral dose of pregabalin and gabapentin over diclofenac in postoperative myalgia and pain management. However, on the basis of safety profile, pregabalin may be preferred over gabapentin in succinylcholine-induced myalgia.

Efficacy Study of Folic Acid Supplementation on Homocysteine Levels in Adolescent Epileptics Taking Antiepileptic Drugs: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a chronic medical condition that requires long-term therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, long-term employment of AEDs may lead to the onset of hyperhomocysteinemia, which has been found to modulate imperative metabolic mechanisms and induce cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Therefore, adolescent population that have been diagnosed with epilepsy and utilize AEDs are among the most vulnerable, exhibiting higher risks of developing CVDs. PURPOSE: The present study was designed to explore the effects of folic acid (FA) supplementation on AED-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and CVD risk factors in adolescent epileptics. METHODS: The randomized clinical trial included adolescent epileptics (i.e., 10-19 years of age) of either sex, on antiepileptic therapy for > 6 months with high homocysteine levels (i.e., >10.9 µmol/L). At the time of enrolment, their baseline BP, lipid and homocysteine levels were recorded. Participants were randomly assigned to either treatment or placebo groups and received the respective treatments. At the end of the first month, BP, lipid and homocysteine levels were recorded and compared to determine the effect of FA on these parameters. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A significant fall in homocysteine levels was observed with FA supplementation (P < 0.05). However, this fall was significantly high in valproic acid treated epileptic patients. In addition, we observed an improvement in high-density lipoprotein levels, a risk factor for CVDs, but the change was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The study results suggest that FA supplementation in epileptic patients receiving AED therapy may minimize AED-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and other CVD risk factors.

In vivo antimalarial activity of leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (lour) spreng on Plasmodium berghei yoelii.

An invivo study of aqueous extract of the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus on Plasmodium berghei yoelii was conducted on laboratory infected albino mice and compared with standard drug chloroquine. Reduction of parasitemia at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of aqueous extract for 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs and 96 hrs were determined. The reduction of parasitemia after 96 hrs was 100%, 67.9% and 76.2% for standard, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of aqueous extract respectively. The isolation of active principle responsible for the reduction of parasitemia may give a promising drug molecule.

Synergistic Protective Effect of Sickle Cell Trait and Blood Group-O on the Risk of Endemic Burkitt's Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Previous research strongly suggest that malaria is an important factor in the pathogenesis of endemic Burkitt's lymphoma (eBL). Therefore, genetic factors such as sickle cell trait (SCT) and blood group-O that offer protection against severe malaria would be expected to reduce the risks of eBL. However, previous reports on the protective roles of SCT and blood group-O against the risks of eBL were inconclusive. Hence, the need for further studies on the protective roles of SCT and blood group-O separately, and also to investigate whether or not the combined anti-severe malaria protective roles of SCT and blood group-O have synergistic effects in reducing the risks of eBL. We therefore hypothesize that SCT and blood group-O are independently associated with reduced risks of eBL, and the co-inheritance of both factors (SCT and group-O) would provide greater protection against eBL. If our hypothesis is correct, children who inherited both SCT and blood group-O would have lower risks of eBL than their counterparts who inherited SCT or blood group-O separately. To the best of our knowledge, the possible synergistic relationship between SCT and blood group-O with regards to the risk of eBL has not been previously studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective logistic regression analysis of the frequencies of Hb phenotypes and ABO blood groups among patients with eBL in order to determine the separate and synergistic protective effects of SCT and blood group-O on the risk of eBL in Nigeria where eBL is among the most common malignant childhood cancers. RESULTS: The Odd Ratios (OR) for the risk of eBL were 0.52 for 'SCT irrespective of ABO blood group'; 0.49 for 'blood group-O irrespective of Hb phenotype'; and 0.23 for 'SCT with blood group-O'. DISCUSSION: These values suggest that both SCT and blood group-O are independently associated with modest reduction in the risk of eBL. However, when SCT with blood group-O was assessed for the risk factor for eBL, we obtained an Odds ratio of 0.23, which was significantly lower than the OR values for SCT (0.52) and blood group-O (0.49) separately. These figures suggest that coinheritance of SCT and blood group-O offers greater reduction in the risk of eBL than that provided by either SCT or blood group-O separately. The greater protection against eBL provided by the coinheritance of SCT and blood group-O is interpreted to be the resultant synergistic effect of the combined anti-malarial attributes of SCT and blood group-O. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the combined anti-malarial protective roles of SCT and blood group-O have synergistic effects in reducing the risks of eBL. This study has provided further evidence on the association between malaria-protective genetic polymorphisms and eBL, which is consistent with the aetiologic role of malaria in the pathogenesis of the tumour. Hence, the need for malaria endemic countries to intensify malaria control programs in order to curtail the incidence of eBL.