Sec6 mutations and the Drosophila exocyst complex

To allow a detailed analysis of exocyst function in multicellular organisms, we have generated sec6 mutants in Drosophila. We have used these mutations to compare the phenotypes of sec6 and sec5 in the ovary and nervous system, and we find them to be similar. We also find that Sec5 is mislocalized in sec6 mutants. Additionally, we have generated an epitope-tagged Sec8 that localized with Sec5 on oocyte membranes and was mislocalized in sec5 and sec6 germ-line clones. This construct further revealed a genetic interaction of sec8 and sec5. These data, taken together, provide new information about the organization of the exocyst complex and suggest that Sec5, Sec6 and Sec8 act as a complex, each member dependent on the others for proper localization and function

Interference of anti-nuclear antibodies on determination of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients suspected of vasculitis: a case series

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are mainly associated with medium and small vessel vasculitis. Two main methodologies currently available for detection of these antibodies are indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and monospecific proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) based immunoassays. However, well-defined guidelines regarding mode of testing for ANCA in laboratories still don’t exist, leading to problems in diagnosis and further patient management. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies testing by IIF and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) often pose a significant challenge in diseases other than vasculitis and in overlapping autoimmune conditions. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies reporting by IIF can be challenging in certain circumstances. This case series aims to discuss four cases with probable interference of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) during ANCA testing by IIF resulting in ANCA false positivity. All four cases on subsequent reflex testing by line immunoassay (LIA) for PR3, MPO and glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigens proved otherwise. While analysing for the presence of ANCA by IIF, the possible interference of ANA leading to a false positive ANCA result should be kept in mind and alternative methods of testing like ELISA, extended granulocyte based IIF assays with MPO and PR3 coated beads, etc., should also be advised. Probability of atypical ANCA in diseases other than vasculitis should also be considered in case of ambiguous results

Spectroscopic and biochemical correlations during the course of human lens aging

BACKGROUND: With age, the human lens accumulates variety of substances that absorbs and fluorescence, which explains the color of yellow, brunescent and nigrescent cataract in terms of aging. The aim of this study was to assess lens fluorophores with properties comparable to those of advanced glycated end products (AGEs) in relation to age in human lenses. These fluorescent compounds are believed to be involved in the development of cataract. METHODS: Spectroscopic (UV-Vis-NIR) and fluorescence photography (CCD-Digital based image analysis) studies were carried out in randomly selected intact human lenses (2–85 years). AGE-like fluorophores were also measured in water soluble and insoluble (alkali soluble) fractions of human lenses (20–80 years). RESULTS: Our experimental findings suggest that there was a progressive shift in the absorbance characteristic of intact lens in the range of λ(210 nm)-λ(470 nm). A relative increase in the absorptivity at λ((511–520 nm)), with age, was also observed. In addition, the ratio of absorptivity at λ((511–520 nm)) versus the maximum absorbance recorded at blue-end cut-off (210–470 nm) was also found to increase, with age. The fluorescent intensity in the intact lens at both UV-B (λ(Ex312 nm)) and UV-A (λ(Ex365 nm)) were found to be positively correlated (r(2 )= 0.91 & 0.94, respectively; Confidence interval 95%) upto 50 years of age. In addition, a concomitant changes in AGE- like fluorophores were also observed in the processed lens samples (soluble and insoluble fractions) along the age. A significant increase in the concentration of AGE- like fluorophores, both in intact and processed lens was observed during the period of 40 – 50 years. CONCLUSION: Based on the present investigation, it was concluded that significant changes do occur in the AGE-like fluorophores of human lenses during the period of 40–50 years

An assessment of immediate newborn care readiness and availability in Nepal

Background Global neonatal mortality necessitates access to immediate newborn care interventions. In Nepal, disparities persist in the readiness and availability of newborn care services within health facilities. Objective This study aimed to assess this status and compare facilities that had implemented an intensive newborn resuscitation capacity building and retention programme in the past five years with those that had not. Methods Our observational cross-sectional study involved 154 health facilities across Nepal. Through on-site inspections and maternal log reviews, we evaluated the immediate newborn care readiness and availability. Results The mean immediate newborn care intervention availability score of 52.8% (SE = 21.5) and the readiness score averaged 79.6% (SE = 12.3). Encouragingly, 96% of facilities ensured newborns were dried and wrapped for warmth, and 69.9% provided newborn resuscitation. Practices such as delayed cord clamping (42.0%), skin-to-skin contact (28.6%), and early breastfeeding (63.5%) showed room for improvement. Only 16.1% of health facilities administered Vitamin K1 prophylaxis.Domain-specific scores demonstrated a high level of facility readiness in infrastructure (97.5%), medicine, equipment, and supplies (90.6%), and staff training (90.9%), but a lower score for neonatal resuscitation aids (28.8%). Disparities in readiness and availability were evident, with rural areas and the Madhesh province reporting lower scores. Variations among health facility types revealed provincial and private hospitals outperforming local-level facilities. A positive association was observed between the LDSC/SSN mentoring programme and both the readiness and availability of immediate newborn care services. Conclusion This study highlights the gap between healthcare facility readiness and the actual availability of immediate newborn care interventions in Nepal. Addressing disparities and barriers, particularly in rural areas and local-level facilities, is crucial for improving neonatal survival. The positive link between the LDSC/SSN programme and service availability and facility readiness emphasises the significance of targeted training and mentorship programmes in enhancing newborn care across Nepal

Extraction, purification and characterization of polyphenoloxidase from peel and pulp

www.ijcrar.co

Clinical and serological evaluation of gastrointestinal profile by line immunoassay (LIA) in a group of patients attending tertiary care hospital of Bihar: An observational study

Objectives: the evaluation of Clinical and serological auto-antibodies against gastrointestinal tract by gastrointestinal profile using LIA in a group of patients who have attended AIIMS Patna for symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal disorder. Material and methods:This was a retrospective study on all samples (130-150) received for gastrointestinal profile to be done in Biochemistry central lab for a study period of May 2019 to January 2020(9 months). A total of approximately 50 samples positive or equivocal for antibodies against IF, Gliadin, ASCA, PCA and tTg antigen were analysed further for clinical data.  Results: In our study 56% and 44% female were participated most of the patients was 30-40 years followed by 20-30 years .The most common symptom Weight loss 48% was found in our study and  followed by Chronic/intermittent diarrhea 46%, weakness 24%, Abdominal pain 20%,constipation 18%, Abdominal discomfort and vomiting.We found 32% patients had below 11micromol/L iron and 54% patients had below 12gm/100ml Hb means suffring from anaemia.The ASCA positive status was a predictor for Crohn s disease(CD). in our study out of 50 patients 20% was ASCA+,2% ASCA++,4% ASCA+++and 4% ASCAwas positive. In our study on the basis of the histological diagnosis, PCA+ patients were14%, PCA++ patients 6%, PCA+++patients 12% and PCA Equivocal 4% was found.Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) has been identified as the autoantigen in CD. Out of 50 patients 28% tTG +,2% tTG ++,12% tTG +++,2% tTG Equivocal was found. Conclusion: The evaluation of Clinical and serological auto-antibodies against gastrointestinal tract by gastrointestinal profile using LIA was beneficial for identification of  the gastrointestinal diseases of the patients . Keywords: gastrointestinal, immunoassay, clinical, patient

An epidemiological investigation to evaluate the link between hypovitaminosis D and COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global threat, with an inexplicable course of action and suboptimal response to the multitudes of therapies being tried. Vitamin D's pleiotropic effects (immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral) have lately received considerable attention in the scientific community, and it has been shown to be helpful in the defense against viral respiratory infections. Aim: To find out the association between vitamin D and COVID-19. Methods: Overall, 360 (156 COVID-19 +ve and 204 COVID-19 −ve) subjects were investigated in this hospital-based case-control study. The study participants were taken from the COVID-19 wards and Flu clinic of a dedicated COVID hospital between August 1 and September 15, 2020. The demographics and clinical data including alcohol and smoking history along with serum vitamin D levels were recorded. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between age, gender, alcohol intake, smoking history, vitamin D status, and COVID-19. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean vitamin D levels between cases and controls. Bivariate analysis of predictors and COVID-19 revealed that predictors such as advanced age, BMI, alcohol intake, smoking habit, diabetes, hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency were significantly associated with COVID-19. Conclusions: This study showed that serum vitamin D status might be able to reduce the impact of COVID-19, although more studies are required to establish clear causality