RNAseq Analysis of the Drosophila Response to the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema.

Drosophila melanogaster is an outstanding model to study the molecular and functional basis of host-pathogen interactions. Currently, our knowledge of microbial infections in D. melanogaster is well understood; however, the response of flies to nematode infections is still in its infancy. Here, we have used the potent parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, which lives in mutualism with its endosymbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila, to examine the transcriptomic basis of the interaction between D. melanogaster and entomopathogenic nematodes. We have employed next-generation RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to investigate the transcriptomic profile of D. melanogaster larvae in response to infection by S. carpocapsae symbiotic (carrying X. nematophila) or axenic (lacking X. nematophila) nematodes. Bioinformatic analyses have identified the strong induction of genes that are associated with the peritrophic membrane and the stress response, as well as several genes that participate in developmental processes. We have also found that genes with different biological functions are enriched in D. melanogaster larvae responding to either symbiotic or axenic nematodes. We further show that while symbiotic nematode infection enriched certain known immune-related genes, axenic nematode infection enriched several genes associated with chitin binding, lipid metabolic functions, and neuroactive ligand receptors. In addition, we have identified genes with a potential role in nematode recognition and genes with potential antinematode activity. Findings from this study will undoubtedly set the stage for the identification of key regulators of antinematode immune mechanisms in D. melanogaster, as well as in other insects of socioeconomic importance

Association of genetic and epigenetic modification in MTHFR gene with coronary artery disease patients in North Indian population

Background: Methylene tetra hydro folate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism C677T (rs180113) and DNA methylation in promoter region of MTHFR gene may contribute to the development of coronary artery disease however the results have been inconsistent across studies with different populations, so the aim of our study is to explore the association of polymorphism in MTHFR gene and methylation in promoter region with coronary artery disease (CAD) and other risk factor (lipid profile, homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels)  leading to CAD in of north Indian population. Methods: Total 100 CAD patients and 100 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Genotyping of rs1801133 SNP (C677T) is done by PCR-RFLP and DNA methylation study in promoter region by methylation specific PCR. Lipid profile analysis by automated chemistry analyzers, serum homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 was assayed by ELISA. Results: As per our finding the T allele (OR=3.03, 95% CI=1.74-5.27) and hyper methylation in promoter region of MTHFR increases the odds of coronary artery disease, (OR=3.05, 95% CI=1.7-5.6). Study participants with CT and TT genotype had significantly higher homocysteine (Hcy) (p=0.001), lower folic acid level (p=0.0), and HDL levels (p<0.0001) than those with CC genotype. The study subjects with hyper methylated promoter region have a significantly high homocystenemia levels (p=0.001). Conclusions: The TT genotype of the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and hyper methylation in promoter region of MTHFR, is associated with CAD and can be useful in identification of new biomarkers, development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for CAD.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Health Care Workers in India

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 has been spread almost all over the world in the last two years, including in India. Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19, and India has flagged the largest vaccination drive on 16 January 2021. Although public acceptance was varying, which can lead to non-acceptance. Aim & Objective: To estimate an acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its associated factors. Settings and Design: An analytical cross-sectional study among health care workers in India   Methods & Material: It was conducted using a validated, self-administrated online survey questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS 23 version. The outcome variable was healthcare workers’ acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Results: A total of 450 HCWs participated, including 205(45.6%) women and 245(54.4%) men. A total of 270 (60%) subjects will accept vaccines, while 33.3% were unwilling to accept and wait for vaccines. Male gender (OR=3.14), being married and experienced (OR=11.49), vaccine effectiveness (OR=6.4), vaccine safety (OR=3.4), and past history (OR=2.28) were significantly associated. On applying logistic regression for associated factors, gender (B= -1.145, S.E.= 0.200, Wald 32.748), being married (B= -1.482, S.E.= 0.216, Wald 46.937), for experienced (B= -0.865, S.E.= 0.200, effectiveness (B= -1.856, S.E.= 0.245, Wald 57.431), Safety (B= -1.224, S.E.= 0.202, Wald 36.633) and past history (B= -0.357, S.E.= 0.248, Wald 2.071) found significant. Recommendation: Proper information is crucial and healthcare workers’ attitudes about vaccines are an important factor for acceptance and recommendation of the vaccine to the public for population-wide coverage

Detection and comparison of fetal malnutrition by CANSCORE and other methods

Background: Objective of current study was clinical assessment of nutritional status of neonate using CANSCORE and comparison with other methods of determining fetal malnutrition. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Tertiary care hospital. Study subjects: 384 live born singleton neonates with known gestational age and no major congenital malformation.Methods: Birth weight, length, midarm circumference and head circumference recorded in new-borns. Ponderal index and mid arm to head circumference ratio was calculated. Clinical assessment of nutritional status was done on the basis of CANSCORE and compared with other methods.Results: CANSCORE <25 separated 67.71% of the babies as well-nourished and 32.29% as malnourished. Weight for age and MAC/HC classified nearly 70% of babies as well-nourished and 30% as malnourished. Also Ponderal index classified 75.52% the babies as well-nourished and 24.48% as malnourished.Conclusion: CANSCORE may be a simple clinical index for identifying fetal malnutrition and for prediction of neonatal morbidity associated with it, without the aid of any sophisticated equipments.

A Rare Case of Budd Chiari Syndrome in a Child

A 7-year- old male child presented with the complaints of tense abdominal distension and swelling over feet since 1 month. The patient had repeated episodes of similar complaints since last two years with partial or complete relief after taking various forms of allopathic therapy. On imaging, Budd-Chiari syndrome was diagnosed which was hallmarked by occluded Inferior venacava (IVC), caudate lobe enlargement and heterogeneous liver enhancement. Initially thrombolysis done leading to complete remission for the patient for 15 days, later on again the patient developed similar complaints for which balloon venoplasty and hepatic vein stenting was done

Assessment of Treatment Plan Quality between Flattening Filter and Flattening Filter Free Photon Beam for Carcinoma of the Esophagus with IMRT Technique

Background: As compared to the flattened photon beam, removing the flattening filter (FF) from the head of a gantry decreases the average energy of the photon beam and increases the dose rate, leading to an impact on the quality of treatment plans. Objective: This study aimed to compare the quality of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment plans for esophageal cancer with and without a flattened filter photon beam. Material and Methods: In this analytical study, 12 patients, who had already been treated with a 6X FF photon beam, were treated based on new IMRT methods using a 6X the flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beam. Both 6X FF IMRT and 6X FFF IMRT plans used identical beam parameters and planning objectives. All plans were evaluated with planning indices and doses for organs at risk (OARs). Results: Insignificant dose variation was for HI, CI, D98%, and V95% between FF and FFF photon beam IMRT plans. FF-based IMRT plan delivered a 15.51% and 11.27% higher mean dose to both lungs and heart than the FFF plan, respectively. The integral dose (ID) for the heart and lungs was 11.21% and 15.51%, respectively, less in the IMRT plan with an FFF photon beam.  Conclusion: In contrast to the FF photon beam, a filtered photon beam-oriented IMRT plan provides significant OAR sparing without losing the quality of the treatment plan. High monitor units (MUs), low ID, and Beam on Time (BOT) are major highlights of the IMRT plan with FFF beam

Differential improvement in transpiration efficiency of C3 and C4 crop plants under elevated CO2 conditions

Sunflower plants (C3) transpired more water than pearl millet (C4) from seedling to maturity under ambient conditions. The transpiration (water use) at elevated CO2 was lesser for pearl millet and higher for sunflower compared to ambient. Elevated atmospheric CO2 increased TE more in pearl millet (21.9%) than in sunflower (10.5%) and decreased the TR or water transpired to produce dry mass by 18.1% in pearl millet and 9.7% in sunflower compared to ambient. As the CO2 content of the air continues to rise, both sunflower (C3) and pearl millet (C4) agriculture crops will respond favorably by exhibiting increases in TE

Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease: Invasive and Noninvasive Neuromodulation

Introduction: Freezing of gait (FoG) is one of the most disabling yet poorly understood symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). FoG is an episodic gait pattern characterized by the inability to step that occurs on initiation or turning while walking, particularly with perception of tight surroundings. This phenomenon impairs balance, increases falls, and reduces the quality of life. Materials and methods: Clinical-anatomical correlations, electrophysiology, and functional imaging have generated several mechanistic hypotheses, ranging from the most distal (abnormal central pattern generators of the spinal cord) to the most proximal (frontal executive dysfunction). Here, we review the neuroanatomy and pathophysiology of gait initiation in the context of FoG, and we discuss targets of central nervous system neuromodulation and their outcomes so far. The PubMed database was searched using these key words: neuromodulation, freezing of gait, Parkinson's disease, and gait disorders. Conclusion: Despite these investigations, the pathogenesis of this process remains poorly understood. The evidence presented in this review suggests FoG to be a heterogenous phenomenon without a single unifying pathologic target. Future studies rigorously assessing targets as well as multimodal approaches will be essential to define the next generation of therapeutic treatments

Cerebral Blood Volume Changes During Radiotherapy May Predict Pseudoprogression versus Disease Progression for Patients with High Grade Glioma

https://openworks.mdanderson.org/sumexp21/1040/thumbnail.jp

Gallbladder reporting and data system (GB-RADS) for risk stratification of gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasonography:an international expert consensus

The Gallbladder Reporting and Data System (GB-RADS) ultrasound (US) risk stratification is proposed to improve consistency in US interpretations, reporting, and assessment of risk of malignancy in gallbladder wall thickening in non-acute setting. It was developed based on a systematic review of the literature and the consensus of an international multidisciplinary committee comprising expert radiologists, gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and pathologists using modified Delphi method. For risk stratification, the GB-RADS system recommends six categories (GB-RADS 0–5) of gallbladder wall thickening with gradually increasing risk of malignancy. GB-RADS is based on gallbladder wall features on US including symmetry and extent (focal vs. circumferential) of involvement, layered appearance, intramural features (including intramural cysts and echogenic foci), and interface with the liver. GB-RADS represents the first collaborative effort at risk stratifying the gallbladder wall thickening. This concept is in line with the other US-based risk stratification systems which have been shown to increase the accuracy of detection of malignant lesions and improve management. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]