Superbursts: Investigation of Abnormal Paroxysmal Bursting Activity in Nerve Cell Networks In Vitro

Superbursts (SBs) are large, seemingly spontaneous activity fluctuations often encountered in high density neural networks in vitro. Little effort has been put forth to define and analyze SBs which are paroxysmal bursting discharges. Through qualitative and quantitative means, I have described specific occurrences of superbursting activity. A complex of paroxysmal bursting has been termed a "superburst episode," and each individual SB is a "superburst event" which is comprises a fine burst structure. Quantitative calculations (employing overall spike summations and coefficient of variation (CV) calculations), reveal three distinct phases. Phase 1 is a "build up" phase of increasingly strong, coordinated bursting with an average of a 17.6% ± 13.7 increase in activity from reference. Phase 2, the "paroxysmal" phase, is comprised of massive coordinated bursting with high frequency spike content. Individual spike activity increases by 52.9% ± 14.6. Phase 3 is a "recovery phase" of lower coordination and an average of a 50.1% ± 35.6 decrease in spike production from reference. SBs can be induced and terminated by physical manipulation of the medium. Using a peristaltic pump with a flow rate of 0.4ml/min, superbursting activity ceases approximately 28.3 min after the introduction of flow. Alternatively, upon cessation of medium flow superbursting activity reemerges after approximately 8.5 min. Additionally, this study explored other methods capable of inducing superbursting activity using osmotic shocks. The induction and termination of SBs demonstrates that the cell culture environment plays a major role in generating this phenomenon. The observations that high density multi-layer neuronal networks in culture are more likely to enter paroxysmal bursting also supports the hypothesis that enrichment and depletion layers of metabolites and ionic species are involved in such unusual activity. The dynamic similarity of the SB phenomenon with epileptiform discharges make further quantification on the spike pattern level pertinent and important

Maxillary antrolith: A probable cause of chronic sinusitis – A case report and review

Maxillary Antrolith is a rarely found calcified mass that occurs in the maxillary sinus formed by exogenous or endogenous origin. Stones arising in the antral cavities are uncommon, and their development is similar to that of a sialolith. We report a case of 55 yr. old male who came with h/o heaviness on right cheek region, nasal discharge and headache since 1 month. On evaluating the PNS radiograph shows the radiopacity in the right maxillary sinus. Caldwell-luc operation was done and the calcified masses (antroliths) along with antral polyps were removed. We report this case because of its rarity. The etiology, clinical and radiographic aspects and differential diagnosis of antrolith are also discussed

Genome Sequences of Five Streptomyces Bacteriophages Forming Cluster BG

This article discusses the isolation of five novel phages, which were used to established the cluster BF, using Streptomyces griseus subsp. griseus strain ATcC 10137 as the host

Eight Genome Sequences of Cluster BE1 Phages That Infect Streptomyces Species

This article reports eight newly isolated Streptomyces bacteriophages recovered using either direct plating or enrichment on three Streptomyces hosts

Post COVID sequelae among COVID-19 survivors: insights from the Indian National Clinical Registry for COVID-19

Introduction The effects of COVID-19 infection persist beyond the active phase. Comprehensive description and analysis of the post COVID sequelae in various population groups are critical to minimise the long-term morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. This analysis was conducted with an objective to estimate the frequency of post COVID sequelae and subsequently, design a framework for holistic management of post COVID morbidities.Methods Follow-up data collected as part of a registry-based observational study in 31 hospitals across India since September 2020–October 2022 were used for analysis. All consenting hospitalised patients with COVID-19 are telephonically followed up for up to 1 year post-discharge, using a prestructured form focused on symptom reporting.Results Dyspnoea, fatigue and mental health issues were reported among 18.6%, 10.5% and 9.3% of the 8042 participants at first follow-up of 30–60 days post-discharge, respectively, which reduced to 11.9%, 6.6% and 9%, respectively, at 1-year follow-up in 2192 participants. Patients who died within 90 days post-discharge were significantly older (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03), with at least one comorbidity (aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.35), and a higher proportion had required intensive care unit admission during the initial hospitalisation due to COVID-19 (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.06) and were discharged at WHO ordinal scale 6–7 (aOR: 49.13 95% CI: 25.43, 94.92). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (at least one dose) was protective against such post-discharge mortality (aOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03).Conclusion Hospitalised patients with COVID-19 experience a variety of long-term sequelae after discharge from hospitals which persists although in reduced proportions until 12 months post-discharge. Developing a holistic management framework with engagement of care outreach workers as well as teleconsultation is a way forward in effective management of post COVID morbidities as well as reducing mortality

Global COVID-19 lockdown highlights humans as both threats and custodians of the environment

The global lockdown to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic health risks has altered human interactions with nature. Here, we report immediate impacts of changes in human activities on wildlife and environmental threats during the early lockdown months of 2020, based on 877 qualitative reports and 332 quantitative assessments from 89 different studies. Hundreds of reports of unusual species observations from around the world suggest that animals quickly responded to the reductions in human presence. However, negative effects of lockdown on conservation also emerged, as confinement resulted in some park officials being unable to perform conservation, restoration and enforcement tasks, resulting in local increases in illegal activities such as hunting. Overall, there is a complex mixture of positive and negative effects of the pandemic lockdown on nature, all of which have the potential to lead to cascading responses which in turn impact wildlife and nature conservation. While the net effect of the lockdown will need to be assessed over years as data becomes available and persistent effects emerge, immediate responses were detected across the world. Thus initial qualitative and quantitative data arising from this serendipitous global quasi-experimental perturbation highlights the dual role that humans play in threatening and protecting species and ecosystems. Pathways to favorably tilt this delicate balance include reducing impacts and increasing conservation effectiveness

Students' participation in collaborative research should be recognised

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