Omicron and vaccine booster dose – an update

Mutations in coronavirus is not unheard off. The variant, Omicron B.1.1.529 has overall 50 mutations and is considered as a variant of concern. Though the new variant has shown changes throughout its genome, S gene changes predominate. Significant changes in the S encoding gene, S gene, influences not only the transmissibility properties of SARS-CoV-2 but also the efficacy of existing vaccines. Increased transmissibility and ability of this variant to evade host immune responses conferred either due to past infections or due to vaccination driving increase in number of infections. However, the severity of the infections is low in comparison to its predecessors. A meta-analysis of ten studies analyzing the effect of COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, it was found studies report 10-to-42-fold increase in omicron neutralization. COVID appropriate behaviors, if followed rigidly can bring a meaningful change in the viral spread and resultant health impacts.

Gender Oriented Variations In The Finger Flexion Cascade In Normal Individuals

Background: A normal Finger Flexion Cascade (FFC) is formed by the fingers of the hand when the hand in a relaxed position. Usually, the fingers of the hand assume a flexed position; gender may influence the normative values of the resting hand due to differences in the anatomical structure of hand and frequency of usage of joints of hand in their respective occupation and habitual activities of daily living. Hence the study aims to find the difference in the FFC between men and women in power grip and nonpower grip occupational activities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a mixed population of five hundred active individuals aged between 25 and 40 years belonging to various occupations of industrial work and individuals working with software companies. Individuals who fulfilled the inclusion criteria participated in the study. After completing a questionnaire based on occupation, the subjects were grouped into power grip users and nonpower grip users. The range of motion of the joints of all the fingers, namely, metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of both dominant hand and nondominant hand was measured using universal finger goniometer, and the composite finger flexion was recorded using a geometric ruler. The results were analyzed, and Un-paired T-test was used to compare the FFC between the power grip and the nonpower grip group. Results: The FFC variations in both the hands of male and female subjects in power grip users (PGU) and nonpower grip users(NPGU) were recorded. In the dominant hand, it was found that the DIP joint of 5th digit in female subjects had a greater ROM values than male subjects, but greater ROM values in MCP joints of the hand in males were found. The comparison between the range of values of both groups revealed that the values in the PGU group were more than the NPGU group with a statistical significance of p<0.001. Conclusion: The finger flexion cascade was found to be more closed in female subjects than males in both the dominant and nondominant hands of in the power grip users than in the nonpower grip users.

Efficacy Of Chundai Vatral Choornam A Siddha Poly Herbal Formulation In Treating Tension Type Of Headache (tth) -a Case Report

Siddha system is an ancient system of medicine which is popularly practised around south India particularly in Tamilnadu. Siddhars were considered as the pioneer of Siddha system, this system of medicine mainly encompasses for a healthy life for human beings. Among the broad spectrum of treatment aspects in Siddha system Siddhars classify the forms of internal medicines into 32 types which are all unique by its preparations. Choornam is one of the forms of internal medicine which can be used as single as well as poly herbal formulations. In this case report a poly-herbal formulation in Siddha system was used to treat tension type of headache (TTH). A 30 years old male patient visited out-patient department of Ayothidoss Pandither Hospital in National Institute of Siddha, Chennai. Patient reported with the complaints of episodic and chronic headache which is band like around the head, the intensity becomes mild to moderate, pain increased during working hours for past 2 years. Patient advised to follow the internal medicine Chundai vatral choornam it relives the TTH immediately when he got those symptoms.

Antidiabetic effect of free amino acids supplementation in human visceral adipocytes through adiponectin-dependent mechanism

Background & objectives: Amino acids are general nutrients having anti-diabetic property. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of anti-diabetic effects of amino acids in human visceral adipocyte cells in high glucose environment. Methods: Experiments were carried out in human visceral adipocytes. Adiponectin (APN) siRNAs were designed using Ambion tools. APN mRNA expression was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein level was studied using ELISA. AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) activity was measured and glucose uptake by 2-deoxyglucose uptake method. Results: Amino acids (proline and phenylalanine) exposure to adipocytes significantly (P <0.01) increased APN mRNA by 1.5-folds when compared to control whereas proline increased APN secretion by 10.6-folds (P <0.01), phenylalanine by 12.7-folds (P <0.001) and alanine by 6.3-folds (P <0.01). Free amino acid-induced AMPK activity and glucose uptake were decreased with the transient knockdown of APN. Interpretation & conclusions: Antidiabetic effect of the tested amino acids was exhibited by increased glucose uptake through the AMPK pathway by an APN-dependent mechanism in human visceral adipocytes. This should be tested and confirmed in in vivo system. Newer treatment modalities with amino acids which can enhance glucose uptake and APN secretion can be developed as drug for treating both diabetes and obesity.

Nephro-Protective Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Melia Azadirachta Against H2O2 Induced Toxicity in Vero Cell Line.

Renal disorders have become very common nowadays, which may also lead to kidney failure. The disorder may be caused by the commonly used chemicals such as acetaminophen, CCl4, streptromycin, H2O2 etc. The objective of this work is to determine the nephroprotective potential of ethanolic extract against H2O2 induced toxicity in VERO cell line. Ethanolic extract is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, which make it a most sought for herbal medicine. Its characteristic features have identified this compound as a potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agent. VERO cells are cells taken from the kidney of an African green monkey, which are used in our study. The matured leaves of Melia Azadirachta were used to prepare ethanolic extract and the same was used to test for its inhibitory effect in 96 micro plate formats against in VERO cell lines. To study the cytotoxic properties of ethanolic extract against VERO cell line, we have tested the MTT assay with different concentrations in the range of 1000 to 62.5 μg/ml. From the performed assay, the effect of ethanolic extract drug reveals an enhanced activity on in VERO cell lines and that infers Melia Azadirachta, can be used as nephroprotective agent.

Production and partial purification of antifungal chitinase from Bacillus cereus VITSD3

The current work was designed to isolate and characterize chitin degrading bacteria. Among the 55 bacterial colonies isolated from 7 different soil samples, 4 isolates were capable of degrading chitinase, among which one strain VITSD3 was found to be potent. Based on the morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of VITSD3 the isolate was confirmed as Bacillus cereus (Genbank accession number: KC961638), designated as Bacillus cereus VITSD3. The crude enzyme had a total activity of 220 U, precipitated with 44.8 U and 22.5 U for dialysed sample. The hydrolysed product NAG (N-Acetyl Glucosamine) from chitin was analysed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).The molecular weight of the chitinase was determined using SDS PAGE and found to be 55 kDa. The partially purified chitinase produced from Bacillus cereus VITSD3 showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus (18 mm), Aspergillus niger (6 mm) and Aspergillus flavus (15 mm). Hence the investigation suggests a potential benefit of partially purified chitinase extracted from Bacillus cereus VITSD3 which will serve as an excellent antifungal potential with therapeutic use.

O presente trabalho atual foi delineado para isolar e caracterizar bactérias degradadoras de quitina. Entre as 55 colónias bacterianas isoladas a partir de 7 amostras de solo diferentes, quatro isolados foram capazes de degradar quitinase, entre os quais uma estirpe, VITSD3, mostrou-se potente. Com base na caracterização morfológica, bioquímica e molecular de VIT D3 a soluto foi confirmada como Bacillus cereus (número de acesso Genbank: KC961638), designada como Bacillus cereus VITSD3. A enzima bruta tinha uma actividade total de 220 L, precipitou-se com 44,8 L e 22,5 L de amostra dialisada. O produto hidrolisado NAG (N-acetil-glucosamina) a partir de quitina foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta pressão (HPLC) .O peso molecular da quitinase foi determinado, utilizando-se SDS-PAGE e verificou-se ser 55 kDa. A quitinase parcialmente purificada produzida a partir de Bacillus cereus VITSD3 mostrou actividade antifúngica contra Aspergillus fumigatus (18 mm), Aspergillus niger (6 mm) e Aspergillus flavus (15 mm). Por isso, a investigação sugere um potencial benefício de quitinase parcialmente purificada extraída de Bacillus cereus VITSD3 o que poderá servir como um excelente potencial antifúngico para uso terapêutico.

Effect of saccharomyces cerevisiae on survival, growth, biochemical constituents and energy utilization in the prawn macrobrachium rosenbergii.

A probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was incorporated in basal diet prepared with fish meal, soybean meal, groundnut oil cake, corn flour, tapioca flour, egg albumin, cod liver oil and vitamin Bcomplex, at four different concentrations (10g, 20g, 30g and 40g kg-1) and fed to Macrobrachium rosenbergii post larvae (PL) for 90 days. The effect of this probiotic incorporation on the growth and survival performances, concentration of protein, amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid, and energy utilization was found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher at 40g kg-1 followed by 30g, 20g and 10g kg-1. 40g kg-1 S. cerevisiae incorporation was found to be established the highest rate of colony formation, 234x10-4 cfu (colony formation units). Actually, presence of Bacillus spp., Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae were deducted in water medium and the PL gut of control group. There is a general belief that Pseudomonas spp. and K. pneumonia are pathogenic to prawns. The establishment of S. cerevisiae colony in the gut of experimental PL has eradicated these pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it is suggested that establishment of S. cerevisiae colony has led to better growth, survival and biochemical constituents in M. rosenbergii PL. Thus, S. cerevisiae could be taken as a useful probiotic in M. rosenbergii culture.

Pre-clinical toxicity & immunobiological evaluation of DNA rabies vaccine & combination rabies vaccine in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Background & objectives: Pre-clinical toxicology evaluation of biotechnology products is a challenge to the toxicologist. The present investigation is an attempt to evaluate the safety profile of the first indigenously developed recombinant DNA anti-rabies vaccine [DRV (100 μg)] and combination rabies vaccine [CRV (100 μg DRV and 1.25 IU of cell culture-derived inactivated rabies virus vaccine)], which are intended for clinical use by intramuscular route in Rhesus monkeys. Methods: As per the regulatory requirements, the study was designed for acute (single dose - 14 days), sub-chronic (repeat dose - 28 days) and chronic (intended clinical dose - 120 days) toxicity tests using three dose levels, viz. therapeutic, average (2x therapeutic dose) and highest dose (10 x therapeutic dose) exposure in monkeys. The selection of the model i.e. monkey was based on affinity and rapid higher antibody response during the efficacy studies. An attempt was made to evaluate all parameters which included physical, physiological, clinical, haematological and histopathological profiles of all target organs, as well as Tiers I, II, III immunotoxicity parameters. Results: In acute toxicity there was no mortality in spite of exposing the monkeys to 10XDRV. In sub chronic and chronic toxicity studies there were no abnormalities in physical, physiological, neurological, clinical parameters, after administration of test compound in intended and 10 times of clinical dosage schedule of DRV and CRV under the experimental conditions. Clinical chemistry, haematology, organ weights and histopathology studies were essentially unremarkable except the presence of residual DNA in femtogram level at site of injection in animal which received 10X DRV in chronic toxicity study. No Observational Adverse Effects Level (NOAEL) of DRV is 1000 ug/dose (10 times of therapeutic dose) if administered on 0, 4, 7, 14, 28th day. Interpretation & conclusions: The information generated by this study not only draws attention to the need for national and international regulatory agencies in formulating guidelines for pre-clinical safety evaluation of biotech products but also facilitates the development of biopharmaceuticals as safe potential therapeutic agents.

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide ingestion: A rare cause of corrosive chemical poisoning.

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, commonly used in the lamination industry, is a highly inflammable substance. Ingestion of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. It can cause injury to the gastrointestinal tract on ingestion, leading to gangrene or perforation. Gastric lavage is contraindicated as it is a highly corrosive substance. We report a patient with poisoning due to methyl ethyl ketone peroxide who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and developed gangrene of the bowel and died of septicaemia and multiorgan failure.

Construction of an infectious cDNA clone of foot-and-mouth disease virus type O.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype O is the most predominant among the endemic serotypes in India. A stable, full-length cDNA clone of FMDV type O 1 BFS 1860 preceded by a bacteriophage T7 polymerase promoter was assembled in a plasmid vector pGEMR-7Zf(–). An ~8.2 kb PCR product was amplifi ed from the cDNA clone and a full-length RNA was generated from it by in vitro transcription. Transfection of BHK-21 cells with the in vitro transcripts resulted in the production of infectious recombinant FMDV particles as evidenced by cytopathic effects (CPE). Further, characterization of the recombinant virus by immunofl uorescence, microneutralization test (MNT), antigen ELISA, RT-PCR, plaque assay and electron microscopy revealed similarity to the parental strain. The immunogenicity of an oil-adjuvant vaccine prepared using the inactivated recombinant virus was tested in guinea pigs and cattle. Neutralizing antibodies were produced in both vaccinated guinea pigs and cattle. Vaccinated animals were protected on challenge. The results demonstrated that the recombinant virus was as stable and effective as the parental strain for the preparation of inactivated vaccine, suggesting the potential application of this strategy to make genetically engineered FMDV vaccines.

Multiple discharging sinuses: an unusual presentation caused by Absidia corymbifera.

A case of zygomycosis presenting with non-healing multiple discharging sinuses in a diabetic patient is reported here. The debrided tissue on histopathological examination revealed dense infiltration with aseptate fungal hyphae. Potassium hydroxide mount showed hyaline aseptate hyphae suggestive of zygomycosis. On culture, Absidia corymbifera was isolated. The patient responded to surgical debridement and therapy with amphotericin B followed by itraconazole.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress & diabetes.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a central organelle entrusted with lipid synthesis, protein folding and protein maturation. It is endowed with a quality control system that facilitates the recognition and targeting of aberrant proteins for degradation. When the capacity of this quality control system is exceeded, a stress response (ER stress) is switched on. Prolonged stress leads to apoptosis and may thus be an important factor in the pathogenesis of many diseases. A complex homeostatic signaling pathway, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), has evolved to maintain a balance between the load of newly synthesized proteins and the capacity of the ER to aid in their maturation. Dysfunction of the UPR plays an important role in certain diseases, especially those involving tissues dedicated to extracellular protein synthesis. Diabetes is an example of such a disease, since pancreatic beta-cells depend on efficient UPR signaling to meet the demands for constantly varying levels of insulin synthesis. Recent studies have indicated that the importance of the UPR in diabetes is not restricted to the beta-cell but also to tissues of peripheral insulin resistance such as liver and adipose tissue. Better understanding of the basic mechanisms of ER stress and development of insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes is pivotal for the identification of newer molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.

Myelopathy during treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anaemia.

A specific neurological syndrome resembling, subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord, has been observed to occur during treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anaemia (AHA). We propose that folate administration can precipitate this neurological syndrome in patients with subclinical deficiency of vitamin B12, a phenomenon more likely to occur in tropical countries. Such cases have not been previously reported.

Adult onset celiac disease in north India.

INTRODUCTION: Informations on celiac disease among Indian adults is scarce. With the availability of improved and more accessible diagnostic tools for celiac disease, the disease is being more frequently recognized among the adults. Therefore, a retrospective analysis of duodenal biopsies were performed to identify adult celiac disease among Indian patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the patients, who had villous atrophy on duodenal biopsy between February, 1997 to June 2001, was performed. The clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, treatment and follow up details of patients diagnosed as adult onset celiac disease were analysed. Diagnosis of celiac disease was established in these patients as per ESPGAN criteria. RESULTS: There were 68 duodenal biopsies during the study period. Thirteen (10 were under 15 years of age and 3 had followup biopsy) biopsies were excluded. Eleven (20%) out of 55 patients with villous atrophy in their duodenal biopsy satisfied the ESPGAN criteria for the diagnosis of celiac disease. The age at the time of diagnosis ranged from 15-56 years (mean 36.8 years). Male to female ratio was 5:6. Chronic diarrhea (99%) was the most common presentation followed by weight loss (88%) and anemia (66%). Only one patient had refractory iron deficiency anemia (11%). Histopathological examination showed, subtotal villous atrophy in 6 patients and partial villous atrophy in 5. Nine out of 11 patients had raised concentration of IgA antigliadin antibody. Two patients also had raised concentration of antiendomysial antibody. All of them showed favorable clinical response to Gluten free diet. CONCLUSION: Coeliac disease is considered rare in the tropics. Our study shows that this disease may not be as infrequent as is thought.

Growth of AM fungi on in vitro root organ culture of Sorghum vulgare and Saccharum officinarum.

Spores of Gl mosseae and Gig gigantea germinated on minimal medium produced extraradical mycelium. Gl. mosseae infected roots of S. officinarum in in vitro condition were inoculated in M medium with in vitro cultured roots of Sorghum vulgare (test roots). From the infected root of S. officinarum, the mycelium developed and it infected the test roots. The roots developed new mycelia and further the mycelia produced a few hyaline spores. In MS medium combined with soil extract, root exudate, thiamine HCl and inositol combination, spore germination and germ tube growth were higher when compared with other media.