Neonatal septic arthritis: Clinical profile and predictors of outcome

Background: Neonatal septic arthritis deserves a special attention due to its subtle signs and symptoms and catastrophicconsequences. There is paucity of literature regarding the clinical profile and predictors of outcome in neonatal septic arthritis.Objectives: The objective was to study the clinical profile of neonates admitted with septic arthritis, their clinical and radiologicaloutcomes on follow-up, and factors that predict outcomes. Methodology: Neonates with septic arthritis as assessed by retrospectivecase sheet review were included. Prospective data collection of clinical and radiological outcomes was done during follow-upvisits. Children with good outcomes (controls) were compared to those with poor outcomes (cases) subsequently to identifythe predictors of outcomes using a nested case–control design. Results: Data of 70 neonates admitted with septic arthritis werecollected. Single joint involvement was common (75.8%), and hip joint was the most common joint involved. Gram-negativeorganisms were predominant (72%), and Klebsiella was the most common organism isolated from joint aspirate (36%), followed byEscherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Of 52 babies who turned for follow-up, half had poor outcomes. In univariate analysis,multiple joint involvement (odds ratio [OR] 4.79, [confidence interval (CI): 1.14-20.21]), pre-intervention period ≥7 days (OR 92,[CI: 14.06-601.9]), culture positive joint aspirate (OR 3.70, [CI: 1.55-11.86]), and restricted range of joint movements at discharge(OR 83.3, [CI: 9.2-749.9]) were significantly associated with poor outcomes. Pre-intervention period ≥7 days (adjusted OR 107.99,[CI: 5.16-2258.8]) and restricted joint mobility at discharge (adjusted OR 139.53, [CI: 9.03-2154.04]) were the independentpredictors of poor overall outcome by logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Long pre-intervention period and restricted jointmobility at discharge were independent predictors of poor outcome in neonatal septic arthritis. We emphasize the importance ofearly diagnosis, prompt referral to tertiary centers, timely surgical intervention, appropriate measures to ensure good joint mobility,and regular follow-up in these neonates to achieve best outcomes

Visualization of conformational changes and membrane remodeling leading to genome delivery by viral class-II fusion machinery

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a human pathogen that delivers its genome to the host cell cytoplasm through endocytic low pH-activated membrane fusion mediated by class-II fusion proteins. Though structures of prefusion, icosahedral CHIKV are available, structural characterization of virion interaction with membranes has been limited. Here, we have used cryo-electron tomography to visualize CHIKV's complete membrane fusion pathway, identifying key intermediary glycoprotein conformations coupled to membrane remodeling events. Using sub-tomogram averaging, we elucidate features of the low pH-exposed virion, nucleocapsid and full-length E1-glycoprotein's post-fusion structure. Contrary to class-I fusion systems, CHIKV achieves membrane apposition by protrusion of extended E1-glycoprotein homotrimers into the target membrane. The fusion process also features a large hemifusion diaphragm that transitions to a wide pore for intact nucleocapsid delivery. Our analyses provide comprehensive ultrastructural insights into the class-II virus fusion system function and direct mechanistic characterization of the fundamental process of protein-mediated membrane fusion

Role of Tc-99m MDP bone scan in evaluation of osteoid osteoma at varied locations

Background: Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor; diagnosed using x-ray and Computer Tomography (CT). It shows a nidus and cortical thickening. When the nidus is not well visualised especially in uncommon locations; Bone Scan (BS) can be performed for evaluation of osteoid osteoma.Methods: A retrospective observational study was done where 21 subjects presenting with suspicion of osteoid osteoma underwent BS using 10-20mCi (370 to 740MBq) of Technetium-99m Pertechnetate with perfusion, delayed cortical and Single Photon Emission Tomography/Computer Tomography (SPECT/CT). Increased perfusion and delayed focal cortical uptake was assessed on BS to locate osteoid osteoma. Response evaluation to Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was also performed using BS.Results: Osteoid osteoma was detected in femur (8), spine (3), forearm bones (2), humerus (2), tibia (2), fibula in one and iliac bone in one patient using BS. BS detected more lesions (18) than CT scan where nidus as confirmatory sign was seen in 13 lesions. The McNemar test showed no significant difference (p=0.22) in the detection of osteoid osteoma using CT and BS in common location of femur. However there was significant difference noted between BS and CT in uncommon site (p=0.023). 3/8 patients showed persistent increased cortical activity after RFA ablation on BS.Conclusions: BS was more useful for confirmation of diagnosis of Osteoid osteoma for lesions in uncommon sites. BS also helped to assess response to RFA ablation therapy. SPECT/CT improved interpretation of BS to locate the osteoid osteoma

The Correlation of Interphase Chromatin Structure with the Radiation-Induced Inter- and Intrachromosome Exchange Hotspots

To investigate the relationship between chromosome aberrations induced by radiation and chromatin folding, we reconstructed three dimensional structure of chromosome 3 and measured the physical distances between different regions of the chromosome. Previously, we have investigated the location of breaks involved in inter- and intrachromosomal type exchange events in human chromosome 3, using the multicolor banding in situ hybridization (mBAND) technique. In human epithelial cells exposed to both low- and high-LET radiations in vitro, we reported that intra-chromosome exchanges occurred preferentially between a break in the 3p21 and one in the 3q11 regions, and the breaks involving in inter-chromosome exchanges occurred in two regions towards the telomeres of the chromosome. Exchanges were also observed between a break in 3p21 and one in 3q26, but few exchanges were observed between breaks in 3q11 and 3q26, even though the two regions are located on the same arm of the chromosome. In this study, human epithelial cells were fixed at G1 phase and the interphase cells were hybridized using the XCyte3 mBAND kit from MetaSystems. The z-section images of chromosome 3 were captured with a Leica and an LSM 510 Meta laser scanning confocal microscopes. A total of 100 chromosomes were analyzed. The reconstruction of three dimensional structure of interphase chromosome 3 with six different colored regions was achieved using the Imaris software. The relative distance between different regions was measured as well. We further analyzed fragile sites on the chromosome that have been identified in various types of cancers. The data showed that, in majority of the cells, the regions containing 3p21 and 3q11 are colocalized in the center of the chromosome, whereas, the regions towards the telomeres of the chromosome are either physically wrapping outside the chromosome center or with arms sticking out. Our results demonstrated that the distribution of breaks involved in radiation-induced inter and intra-chromosome aberrations depends upon both the location of fragile sites and the folding of chromatins

Genetic Resistance in Desi and Kabuli Chickpea Lines to Fusarium Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris

Twenty five lines each of desi and of kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were evaluated for Fusarium wilt resistance during 2008–09 season in the field (wilt sick plot) and greenhouse at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India. Fifteen desi and nine kabuli lines were found resistant (d"10% mortality) to Fusarium wilt. Significant positive correlation was found between greenhouse and field screening techniques (r = > 0.84, P < 0.0001). Additionally, phenological traits and yield were also recorded for all the lines in the disease free field at ICRISAT, Patancheru. Six wilt resistant desi lines (ICCV 09118, ICCV 09113, ICCV 09115, ICCX-030042-F4-P12-BP-BP, ICCX-030037-F4-P9-BP-BP, ICCX-030042-F4-P1-BP-BP) and two kabuli lines (ICCV 09308, ICCV 09314) matured early between 99–107 days and yielded more than the control cultivars JG 11 for desi (2208 kg/ha yield) and JGK 1 for kabuli (2243 kg/ha). These early maturing, high maturng, high yielding and wilt resistant desi and kabuli chickpea lines can be useful sources for breeding wilt resistant varietie

Assessment of menopausal symptoms using modified menopause rating scale among urban women doctors of India

Background: The study was conducted to assess the commonly reported menopausal symptoms among urban women doctors using modified menopause rating scale (MRS).Methods: The study was carried out in the society by google link. Convenient sample of 100 women doctors were included in the study. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using modified MRS.Results: In present study, 3 (3%) female doctors had premature menopause, 5 had menopause at 40-44 years, 15 (15%) had menopause at 45-49 years, 77 (77%) had menopause while no patient had menopause after 55 years. Hot flushes were seen in 70 (79%) women, heart discomfort/ palpitation was seen in 2 (2%) women, muscle and joint problems were seen in 30 (30%) women, sleeping problems were seen in 20 (20%) women. Depressive mood was seen in 2 (2%) women, irritability was seen in 12 (12%) women, an anxiety was seen in 22 (22%) women while physical and mental exhaustion was seen in 34 (34%%) women. Sexual problems were seen in 32 (32%) women, bladder problems were seen in 8 (8%) women dryness of the vagina was seen in 35 (35%) women (Table 6).Conclusions: Hot flushes and joint problems were the most common followed by urogenital symptom, sleep disturbance, and anxiety in the study. Menopausal symptoms were less prevalent. Busy schedule, self-confidence due to independent nature and constructive work might be the reason

Regulation of HAX-1 anti-apoptotic protein by Omi/HtrA2 protease during cell death

Omi/HtrA2 is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial serine protease that has a pro-apoptotic function in mammalian cells. Upon induction of apoptosis, Omi translocates to the cytoplasm and participates in caspase-dependent apoptosis by binding and degrading inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. Omi can also initiate caspase-independent apoptosis in a process that relies entirely on its ability to function as an active protease. To investigate the mechanism of Omi-induced apoptosis, we set out to isolate novel substrates that are cleaved by this protease. We identified HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1), a mitochondrial anti-apoptotic protein, as a specific Omi interactor that is cleaved by Omi both in vitro and in vivo. HAX-1 degradation follows Omi activation in cells treated with various apoptotic stimuli. Using a specific inhibitor of Omi, HAX-1 degradation is prevented and cell death is reduced. Cleavage of HAX-1 was not observed in a cell line derived from motor neuron degeneration 2 mice that carry a mutated form of Omi that affects its proteolytic activity. Degradation of HAX-1 is an early event in the apoptotic process and occurs while Omi is still confined in the mitochondria. Our results suggest that Omi has a unique pro-apoptotic function in mitochondria that involves removal of the HAX-1 antiapoptotic protein. This function is distinct from its ability to activate caspase-dependent apoptosis in the cytoplasm by degrading inhibitor of apoptosis proteins

New sources of resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease in a mini-core collection of pigeonpea germplasm

Fusarium wilt (FW) and Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) are important biotic constraints to pigeonpea production worldwide. Host plant resistance is the most durable and economical way to manage these diseases. A pigeonpea mini-core collection consisting of 146 germplasm accessions developed from a core collection of 1290 accessions from 53 countries was evaluated to identify sources of resistance to FW and SMD under artificial field epiphytotic conditions during 2007–08 and 2008–09 crop seasons. Resistant sources identified in the field were confirmed in the greenhouse using a root dip screening technique for FW and a leaf stapling technique for SMD. Six accessions (originated from India and Italy were found resistant to FW (<10% mean disease incidence). High level of resistance to SMD was found in 24 accessions (mean incidence <10%). These SMD resistant accessions originated from India, Italy, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines and United Kingdom. Combined resistance to FW and SMD was found in five accessions (ICPs 6739, 8860, 11015, 13304 and 14819). These diverse accessions that are resistant to FW or SMD will be useful to the pigeonpea resistance breeding program

Growth Kinetics, Optical studies of Pure and Mg2+ Doped Nickel Cadmium Oxalate Single Crystals

Growth of pure (nickel cadmium oxalate) and Mg2+ doped nickel cadmium oxalate (MNCO) single crystals were grown by the single diffusion gel method at room temperature, by optimizing the various growth parameters such as specific gravity of sodium meta silicate (SMS), gel pH, gel temperature, gel aging, concentration of supernatant solution and concentration of oxalic acid. The morphology and composition of elements present in the crystals were identified using SEM-EDX analysis. The FTIR study shows that the occurrences of C=O, C-O, C-C, O-H and M-O bonding within the crystal lattice. The triclinic crystal system with P-1 space group were identified using, X-ray diffraction method. The absorbance, transmittance, energy gap, refractive index (n), reflectance (R) and insulating behaviour of the grown crystals were analysed using UV-Visible spectrophotometer

Broad-Acting Therapeutic Effects of miR-29b-Chitosan on Hypertension and Diabetic Complications

MicroRNA miR-29 promotes endothelial function in human arterioles in part by targeting LYPLA1 and increasing nitric oxide production. In addition, miR-29 is a master inhibitor of extracellular matrix gene expression, which may attenuate fibrosis but could also weaken tissue structure. The goal of this study was to test whether miR-29 could be developed as an effective, broad-acting, and safe therapeutic. Substantial accumulation of miR-29b and effective knockdown of Lypla1 in several mouse tissues were achieved using a chitosan-packaged, chemically modified miR-29b mimic (miR-29b-CH-NP) injected systemically at 200 μg/kg body weight. miR-29b-CH-NP, injected once every 3 days, significantly attenuated angiotensin II-induced hypertension. In db/db mice, miR-29b-CH-NP treatment for 12 weeks decreased cardiac and renal fibrosis and urinary albuminuria. In uninephrectomized db/db mice, miR-29b-CH-NP treatment for 20 weeks significantly improved myocardial performance index and attenuated proteinuria. miR-29b-CH-NP did not worsen abdominal aortic aneurysm in ApoE knockout mice treated with angiotensin II. miR-29b-CH-NP caused aortic root fibrotic cap thinning in ApoE knockout mice fed a high-cholesterol and high-fat diet but did not worsen the necrotic zone or mortality. In conclusion, systemic delivery of low-dose miR-29b-CH-NP is an effective therapeutic for several forms of cardiovascular and renal disease in mice