Corrigendum: Serological and molecular prevalence of Brucella spp. among livestock species in Rajasthan, India.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1157211.].

Serological and molecular prevalence of Brucella spp. among livestock species in Rajasthan, India.

A seroprevalence and molecular study was carried out in six districts of the state of Rajasthan, India to detect brucellosis in major livestock species. This study involves the testing of 3,245 livestock samples using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA), and genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers for molecular diagnosis of the disease. In the tested samples, seroprevalence was 5.06% (CI: 1.96-8.15) using the RBPT test and 6.88% (CI: 1.98-11.78) using the i-ELISA test, while the cumulative seroprevalence (RBPT and i-ELISA) was 3.63% (CI: 0.44-6.83). The prevalence of the disease was 1.27% (CI: 0.56-3.11) when tested using molecular markers. The highest prevalence of brucellosis was detected in Cattle (7.00, 3.22%), followed by camels (5.50, 2.50%), buffalo (2.66, 0.00%), sheep (2.43, 0.41%), and goats (0.58, 0.23%) when serological (cumulative) and molecular diagnosis were considered preferred methods of detection. Cattle (3.22%) and camels (2.50%) also showed a high prevalence of disease when tested using molecular markers. The results of this study reveal that cattle, camel, and sheep brucellosis is prevalent in the study areas.

Short-acting ß2-agonists over-prescription in patients with asthma: an Indian subset analysis of international SABINA III study.

OBJECTIVE: The SABINA (SABA use IN Asthma) program was initiated to describe short-acting ß2-agonists (SABA) prescription patterns and assess the impact of its over-prescription on exacerbation risk and asthma control. We evaluated SABA prescription patterns in patients with asthma in the Indian cohort of SABINA III. METHODS: This multi-centre, observational, cross-sectional study included retrospective and real-time electronic data collection. Data were extracted from medical records of patients with asthma (aged >12 years) having >3 consultations with the same healthcare practitioners between March 2019 and January 2020. The data included prescriptions of SABA and other asthma treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) purchases of SABA. SABA prescriptions were categorized by the number of SABA canisters prescribed in the 12 months preceding the study visit. RESULTS: A total of 510 patients with asthma were included from specialist care (mean age 49.1 years; 57.65 females), with 8.2% classified with mild asthma and 91.8% with moderate-to-severe asthma. SABA as monotherapy and add-on to maintenance therapy was prescribed to 4.5% (n = 23) and 44.9% (n = 229) of patients, respectively. While ICS monotherapy and ICS/LABA were prescribed to 5.1% (n = 26) and 93.3% (n = 476) of patients, respectively. SABA was found to be over-prescribed (≥3 SABA canisters/year) among 23.9% of patients (n = 122). Additionally, 8% of patients (n = 41) purchased SABA OTC without prescription. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-fourth of patients with asthma in India were over-prescribed SABA. Educational programmes targeted at national and regional levels should be expanded to raise greater asthma awareness and encourage the adoption of guideline-directed asthma treatment plans among healthcare practitioners.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the threatened chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis McClelland 1839) based on SSR markers: implications for conservation management in Northeast India.

Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (MacClend 1839), commonly known as chocolate mahseer, is an ecologically threatened fish species. The species is reported from Southeast Asia and in India, it is distributed across the Northeast region. The present study was carried out to develop species-specific novel microsatellite markers using next-generation sequencing and to assess the genetic diversity of wild chocolate mahseer populations distributed through Northeastern India. A total of 25 polymorphic loci (mean PIC = 0.933) were amplified in 194 individuals belonging to seven different populations. We observed high genetic diversity across the loci with mean observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.557 and 0.939 respectively. The studied loci didn't show significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic analyses indicate substantial pairwise Nei's genetic distance and moderate to high levels of genetic differentiation among populations (mean FST = 0.23). The structure, factor and cluster analysis identified five major clusters that can be considered as different conservation units while formulating any management measures. Furthermore, the migration analysis inferred that there is no active migration among the studied populations. Results suggested that two populations i.e. Dikrong river (Arunanchal Pradesh) and Umiam river have high genetic diversity. These populations can be utilized for the breeding programme to achieve substantial genetic variations in the descendant populations. The Nongbareh populations showed very less genetic vigor and need an immediate attention for conservation. The SSR markers developed in the present study will provide a valuable resource for future population genetic assessment and implementation of effective conservation strategies for wild chocolate mahseer.

Molecular identification and genetic diversity analysis of Chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) populations of Northeast India, using mitochondrial DNA markers.

The population genetic structure and genetic diversity of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis were studied using three mitochondrial genes (CoxI, Cytb, ATPase 6/8). A total of 120 individuals representing nine populations from different drainages of Northeast India were used for the study. Thirty-three distinct haplotypes were identified from concatenated gene analysis. The total haplotype and nucleotide diversities are 0.8880 and 0.0280, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) reveals that the main variation (89.33%) was among populations. Most of the populations showed high polymorphisms, parsimony and haplotype diversity which indicate genetically healthy stocks in the wild. The genetic differentiation patterns were consistent with geographical distributions. Pairwise FST comparison of populations showed significant genetic differentiation (0.9088, p < .05). The pattern of haplotype network and phylogenetic tree revealed six major groups. Results suggested that chocolate mahseer populations in Northeast India having high haplotype diversity and genetic differentiation can be utilized in breeding programs to maintain genetic diversity in the descendant populations. The present study would be beneficial for sustainable management, stock-specific strategies for breeding and conservation of the wild population of N. hexagonolepis in future.

The complete mitogenome of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) and its phylogeny.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Salmo trutta fario, commonly known as brown trout, was sequenced using NGS technology. The mitochondrial genome size was determined to be 16 677 bp and composed of 13 protein-coding gene (PCG), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 putative control region. The overall mitogenome composition of S. trutta fario is A: 28.13%, G: 16.44%, C: 29.47%, and T: 25.96% with A + T content of 54.09% and G + C content of 45.91%. The gene arrangement and the order are similar to other vertebrates. The phylogenetic tree constructed using 42 complete mitogenomes of Salmonidae fishes confirmed the position of the present species under the genus Salmo of subfamily Salmoninae. NGS platform was proved to be a rapid and time-saving technology to reveal complete mitogenomes.

Force degradation behavior of glucocorticoid deflazacort by UPLC: isolation, identification and characterization of degradant by FTIR, NMR and mass analysis.

In this investigation, sensitive and reproducible methods are described for quantitative determination of deflazacort in the presence of its degradation product. The method was based on high performance liquid chromatography of the drug from its degradation product on reverse phase using Acquity UPLC BEH C18 columns (1.7 µm, 2.1 mm × 150 mm) using acetonitrile and water (40:60 V/V) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/minute in UPLC. UV detection was performed at 240.1 nm. Deflazacort was subjected to oxidative, acid, base, hydrolytic, thermal and photolytic degradation. The drug was found to be stable in water and thermal stress, as well as under neutral stress conditions. However, forced-degradation study performed on deflazacort showed that the drug degraded under alkaline, acid and photolytic stress. The degradation products were well resolved from the main peak, which proved the stability-indicating power of the method. The developed method was validated as per ICH guidelines with respect to accuracy, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision and robustness, selectivity and specificity. Apart from the aforementioned, the results of the present study also emphasize the importance of isolation characterization and identification of degradant. Hence, an attempt was made to identify the degradants in deflazacort. One of the degradation products of deflazacort was isolated and identified by the FTIR, NMR and LC-MS study.

Thyroid function tests in cases of polymorphic light eruption: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) has been found to be associated with thyroid function abnormalities. AIM: To study clinicoepidemiological features of PLE and to study and compare thyroid function tests (TFTs) in cases of PLE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 cases of PLE and age- and sex-matched controls attending a skin outpatient department. The clinical and epidemiological features were recorded. Both cases and controls were tested for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In case of abnormality in TSH, triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) levels were estimated. RESULTS: TFT was abnormal in 25 cases and 7 controls. TSH was elevated in 24 cases and 6 controls and decreased in 1 case and 1 control. T3 and T4 were decreased in 18 cases and 6 controls and elevated in 1 each in case and control. Hypothyroidism was significantly high among cases than controls. DISCUSSION: TFT abnormality was significantly higher among cases than controls. Hypothyroidism has a significant association with PLE. Genetic basis or immune dysfunction may be the cause of both the diseases. PLE may be considered as a clinical presentation of thyroid function disorder and vice versa. CONCLUSION: Cases of PLE should be examined clinically for thyroid disorder and also tested for TSH or TFT to find any association and prevent serious consequences.

Androgenetic alopecia and risk of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern baldness (MPB) has been found to be associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The well-known risk factors are family history of CAD, hypertension, increased body mass index (BMI), central obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. The newer risk factors are serum lipoprotein-a (SL-a), serum homocysteine (SH), and serum adiponectin (SA). AIM: Identifying individuals at risk of CAD at an early age might help in preventing CAD and save life. Hence, a comparative study of CAD risk factors was planned in 100 males of AGA between the age of 25 and 40 years with equal number of age- and sex-matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients of AGA grade II or more of Hamilton and Norwood (HN) Scale and controls were examined clinically and advised blood test. The reports were available for fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum total serum cholesterol (SC) in 64 cases, 64 controls; lipoproteins (high, low, very low density, HDL, LDL, VLDL), serum triglycerides (ST) in 63 cases, 63 controls; SL-a in 63 cases, 74 controls; SH in 56 cases, 74 controls; and SA in 62 cases, 74 controls. RESULTS: In these cases family history (FH) of AGA and CAD was significantly high. The blood pressure (BP) was also found to be significantly high in the cases. The difference of mean serum HDL, LDL, VLDL, ST, SH, and SL-a in cases and controls were statistically significant and with increasing grade of AGA, the risk factors also increased. CONCLUSION: Patients with AGA appear to be at an increased risk of developing CAD, therefore, clinical evaluation of cases with AGA of grade II and above may be of help in preventing CAD in future.

Clinicoepidemiological study of pigmented purpuric dermatoses.

BACKGROUND: Pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD) are a group of vascular disorders with varied manifestations which cause concern and are resistant to treatment. The literature is still lacking in clinicoepidemiological studies. AIM: To study the epidemiology, etiological, host and environmental factors, clinical manifestations, its variations, and the type prevalent in this part of the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of PPD were selected for the study from Skin and Venereal Disease, Out Patient Department between January 2008 and June 2009. Their history, examination, hematological investigations, and, in a few, histopathology findings were also recorded and data obtained were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: There were 100 cases of PPD of total 55 323 patients (0.18%). There were 79 males and 21 females between 11 and 66 years. They were working as police men, security guards, barber, chemist, teachers, students, farmers, businessmen, and housewives. In a majority, there was a history of prolonged standing in day-to-day work. Purpuric, brownish pigmented, lichenoid or atrophic lesions were seen depending upon the type of PPD on lower parts of one or both lower limbs. Blood investigations were normal. Schamberg's disease was seen in ninety five, Lichen aureus in three, lichenoid dermatosis and Majocchi's disease in one case each. DISCUSSION: Three clinical types of PPD were diagnosed which may represent different features of the same disease. Cell-mediated immunity, immune complexes, capillary fragility, gravitational forces, venous hypertension, focal infection, clothing, contact allergy to dyes, and drug intake have been incriminating factors in the past. Patient's occupation and environmental factors may also be considered contributory in precipitating the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the problem of PPD in this geographical area, its magnitude, clinical presentation, the type prevalent, and possible aggravating factors to be kept in mind while managing the disease.

Analysis of phenotypic and microsatellite-based diversity of maize landraces in India, especially from the north east Himalayan region.

The maize landraces in the North East Himalayan (NEH) region in India, especially in the Sikkim state, are morphologically highly diverse. The present study provides details of phenotypic and molecular characterization of a set of 48 selected maize landrace accessions, including the 'Sikkim Primitives' which have a unique habit of prolificacy (5-9 ears on a single stalk). Multi-location phenotypic evaluation of these 48 accessions revealed significant genetic variability for grain yield and its components, leading to identification of several promising accessions. Cluster analysis and PCA using nine morpho-agronomic characters clearly separated 'Sikkim Primitives' from the rest of the accessions. PCA revealed two principal components describing 90% of the total variation, with hundred kernel weight, ear length, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear and flowering behaviour forming the most discriminatory traits. The accessions were genotyped using 42 microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using a 'population bulk DNA fingerprinting strategy', with allele resolution using an automated DNA Sequencer. The study revealed a high mean number of alleles per SSR locus (13.0) and high Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) value of 0.60. The analysis also led to identification of 163 private/unique alleles, differentiating 44 out of 48 accessions. Six highly frequent SSR alleles were detected at different loci (phi014, phi062, phi090, umc1266, umc1367 and umc2250) with individual frequencies >/=0.75. Some of these SSR loci were reported to tag specific genes/QTL for some important traits, indicating that chromosomal regions harboring these SSR alleles were not selectively neutral. Cluster analysis using Rogers' genetic distance also revealed distinct genetic identity of the 'Sikkim Primitives' from the rest of the accessions in India, including Sikkim. Mantel's test revealed significant and positive correlation between the phenotypic and molecular genetic dissimilarity matrices. The study was the first to portray the patterns of phenotypic and molecular diversity in the maize landraces from the NEH region in India.

A clinicoepidemiological study of polymorphic light eruption.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevalence of polymorphic light eruption (PLE) varies between 10-20% in different countries but no such data is available from India, where exposure to sunlight is high. METHODS: A clinico-epidemiological study of PLE was done in the skin outpatient department (OPD) of Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital from January to December. RESULTS: The ages of the patients varied from 5-70 years. Out of a total of 39,112 OPD cases, 220 cases of PLE (138 females and 82 males) were recorded, giving a prevalence of 0.56% in this study population. The skin type varied between IV and VI in 96% of the cases. Housewives were 81, students 67, office persons 39, farmers 22, businessmen 6 and unemployed 5. DISCUSSION: The manifestation of PLE was most common in housewives in areas exposed to the sun. Most of the PLE patients presented with mild symptoms and rash around the neck, forearms and arms which was aggravated on exposure to sunlight. PLE was more prevalent in the months of March and September and the disease was recurrent in 31.36% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PLE was 0.56%. It was mild in nature and only areas exposed to the sun were involved.

Hypoacusis in vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo affects melanocytes in the skin. Since melanocytes are present in other organs as well, it is plausible that they may be similarly affected. METHODS: A comparative study of audiological functions was carried out in 180 patients of vitiligo and 60 non-vitiligo controls in the age group of 5-40 years. RESULTS: In vitiligo patients sensorineural hypoacusis of mild degree was found in 18, moderate in 13 and mild conductive hypoacusis in 3. In controls sensorineural hypoacusis of mild degree was found in only 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Vitiligo patients have a higher prevalence of sensorineural hypoacusis.

Humoral Immuno-deficiency in Lichen Planus.

Serum immunouglobulin levels were studied in 41 histopathologically proven idiopathic lichen planus patients and 25 normal healthy individuals. No difference was observed in IgG levels, though, IgA and IgM levels were significantly reduced 'm patients with lichen planus as compared to normal controls. There was no association between the mucosal involvement and the reduced levels of IgA and IgM. These results suggest the possibility of humoral immuno-deficiency, in lichen planus patients.