Network analysis reveals common host protein/s modulating pathogenesis of neurotropic viruses

Network analysis through graph theory provides a quantitative approach to characterize specific proteins and their constituent assemblies that underlie host-pathogen interactions. In the present study, graph theory was used to analyze the interactome designed out of 50 differentially expressing proteins from proteomic analysis of Chandipura Virus (CHPV, Family: Rhabdoviridae) infected mouse brain tissue to identify the primary candidates for intervention. Using the measure of degree centrality, that quantifies the connectedness of a single protein within a milieu of several other interacting proteins, DJ-1 was selected for further molecular validation. To elucidate the generality of DJ-1’s role in propagating infection its role was also monitored in another RNA virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV, Family: Flaviviridae) infection. Concurrently, DJ-1 got over-expressed in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation following viral infection which in the early phase of infection migrated to mitochondria to remove dysfunctional mitochondria through the process of mitophagy. DJ-1 was also observed to modulate the viral replication and interferon responses along with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression in neurons. Collectively these evidences reveal a comprehensive role for DJ-1 in neurotropic virus infection in the brain

Complications of Mastoid Surgery: A Descriptive Study from a Tertiary Care Centre, Assam, India

Introduction: Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes infection, along with cholesteatoma, from the mastoid and middle ear. Cholesteatoma, a progressive disease that erodes bone when left untreated, leads to complications. Aim: To ascertain the most common mastoidectomy-related intraoperative and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective descriptive study of patients who underwent mastoidectomy over one year at a tertiary care hospital in Assam, India between April 2022 to March 2023. All the patients planned for mastoidectomy were evaluated for intraoperative complications like facial nerve injury or postoperative complications immediately after the postoperative period (e.g., wound dehiscence) or between 1-3 months (e.g., Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), dead ear, etc.). The data collected was tabulated in a Microsoft Excel Worksheet, and the categorical variables were summarised as proportions and percentages. Results: A total of 62 patients underwent mastoidectomy and were reviewed over the one-year period retrospectively. Out of these, 28 (45.16%) developed complications. Two out of 62 patients (3.2%) experienced facial nerve injury intraoperatively. One patient (1.6%) with a high jugular bulb experienced massive bleeding intraoperatively while raising the tympanomeatal flap. Labyrinthine injury, dural plate injury, and sigmoid sinus injury were each found in one patient (1.6%). Eight out of 62 patients (12.9%) developed persistent otorrhea. Additionally, five patients (8%) had wound dehiscence and were treated with antibacterials, antiseptic dressing, and secondary suturing when needed. Two patients (3.2%) experienced SNHL; preoperatively, they had mild conductive hearing loss which postoperatively converted to mild to moderate mixed hearing loss. Postoperative dead ear was observed in one patient (1.6%). There was one patient (1.6%) with an unfavourably displaced pinna, and two patients (3.2%) had recurrent cholesteatoma. Vertigo was seen in two cases of radical mastoidectomy and one case of modified radical mastoidectomy. Conclusion: With proper planning and sound surgical techniques, avoidance of mastoidectomy complications can be achieved