Role of MicroRNAs as post transcription regulators of matrix metalloproteinases and their association in tuberculous meningitis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a role in driving neuroinflammation in infectious as well as non-infectious diseases; however, recent reports have potentiated the role of microRNAs in regulating MMPs at post-transcriptional levels, leading to dysregulation of crucial MMP functions like tissue remodelling, blood brain barrier integrity, etc. In present study, microRNAs regulating MMPs (MMP2 and MMP3) were selected from database search followed by literature support. Expression of these microRNAs i.e., hsa-miR-495-3p, hsa-miR-132-3p and hsa-miR-21-5p was assessed by RT-PCR and the protein levels of MMPs were assessed by ELISA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) patients, healthy controls (HC) and non-infectious neuroinflammatory disease (NID) patients. The expression of hsa-miR-495-3p and hsa-miR-132-3p showed downregulation in TBM while hsa-miR-21-5p was overexpressed as compared to healthy controls. Moreover, MMP levels were found to be deranged with a significant increase in MMP3 levels in the TBM and NID patients compared to HC group. These observations highlight dysregulated microRNAs (hsa-miR-495-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p and hsa-miR-132-3p) levels might impair the levels of MMPs (MMP2 and MMP3) leading to neuroinflammation in TBM and NID population. These findings can further be applied to target these microRNAs for developing newer treatment modalities for better complication management.

Proteomic-based identification of APCS as candidate protein for diagnosis of patients exhibiting anti-tubercular drug induced liver injury

Traditional markers evaluate anti-tubercular drug-induced liver injury (AT-DILI). However, these markers have certain limitations and studies are in progress to characterize AT-DILI at an early stage. In the present study, 40 patients were categorized and equally distributed into healthy controls, newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB), TB without hepatotoxicity and TB with hepatotoxicity groups based on their conventional liver function tests. Relative protein quantification was performed on depleted pooled serum samples of each representative group by LC-MS/MS, and validation of shortlisted protein was done by ELISA. Levels of all analysed biochemical parameters showed a statistical increment in the hepatotoxicity group compared to the other three groups, representing AT-DILI. Comparative proteomic analysis between TB with hepatotoxicity versus TB without hepatotoxicity groups highlighted 24 significant differentially expressed proteins, including PROS1, KNG1, CFH, LCAT, APCS and ADIPOQ. Identified proteins were involved in complement activation, triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particle remodelling and pathways comprising complement, coagulation cascades and cholesterol metabolism. Based on functional relevance, the serum amyloid P component (APCS) was shortlisted for validation, and it showed a similar trend as observed in the discovery phase with 100% sensitivity and 87% specificity; however, findings need exploration in larger cohorts.

Exploring the chemistry behind protein-glycosaminoglycan conjugate: A steady-state and kinetic spectroscopy based approach

The impact of glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin sulphate, CS) on bone morphogenetic protein - 2 (BMP - 2) structure, stability (thermal and chemical), association kinetics and conformation was monitored by multiple spectroscopic techniques (UV-Visible, fluorescence and circular dichroism). The absorbance in peptide region and fluorescence intensity of BMP - 2 was quenched in presence of CS; thus, confirming the formation of a ground-state complex. As there was an increase in Stern-Volmer constant observed as a function of temperature, idea of dynamic quenching was established. However, the negligible changes in lifetime indicated static quenching; thus, making the process a combination of static-dynamic quenching. Basically, the protein - glycan interaction was driven by entropy of the system and mediated by hydrophobic interactions. Secondary structure (CD spectroscopy) of native protein was significantly affected (intensity became more negative) in presence of CS, thus, introducing more compactness in the protein. CS infused thermal and chemical stability into BMP - 2 via alteration in its conformation. The rate of association was inversely proportional to concentration of quencher (CS), which confirmed the correlation between large size (~ 5 times the size of protein) and structural complexity of CS with fewer binding sites present in BMP - 2. The rate of association in presence of urea, suggested a decrease in association rate as a function of urea concentration for 15 μM CS. Experimental evidences suggested an interaction between protein and glycan mediated by hydrophobic interactions, which deciphers structural, thermal and chemical stability into protein.

Surface functionalization of electrospun PAN nanofibers with ZnO-Ag heterostructure nanoparticles: synthesis and antibacterial study

In this work, we have prepared polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer nanofibers by electrospinning method. The surface of the electrospun PAN nanofibers membrane has been functionalized with ZnO-Ag heterostructure nanoparticles by using three different chemical pathways such as reflux, blending, hydrothermal methods and accordingly the prepared composite nanofibers membranes were named as PAN/ZnO-Ag (R), PAN/ZnO-Ag (B) and PAN/ZnO-Ag (H) respectively. The obtained heterostructure nanoparticles functionalized PAN nanofibers membranes were characterized using ATR-FTIR, XRD, FESEM and TEM analytical techniques. From the FESEM and TEM images it was clearly observed that 20-30 nm size spherical nanoparticles have been decorated uniformly on the surface of PAN nanofibers. XRD study confirmed the formation of ZnO-Ag mixed/hybrid nanoparticles on PAN nanofibers surface. The ZnO-Ag heterostructure nanoparticles functionalized PAN nanofibers membranes were used for antibacterial application. It was observed from inhibition zone study that the ZnO-Ag heterostructure nanoparticles functionalized PAN nanofibers membrane shows excellent antibacterial properties towards both gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Micrococcus luteus bacteria than their single component counterparts. Thus this study demonstrated the simple and cost-effective approach to develop antibacterial functional membrane that has many potential applications in water and air filtration, protective mask, textile and packaging industries.

Hereditary Hydrocephalus in Laboratory-reared Golden Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

A colony of golden hamsters had an ongoing problem with hydrocephalus. In an attempt to clear the colony of the problem, new breeders from another supplier had been purchased. At termination of a behavioral study, the brain was collected from 35 animals (four of which had died with hydrocephalus during the study) and was examined macroscopically and by light microscopy. Although no animals manifested obvious behavioral changes, 31 of 35 (88.6%, 13/15 males and 18/20 females in control and manipulated groups) had hydrocephalus. Twenty-five animals had macroscopically identifiable hydrocephalus, and six had hydrocephalus identified microscopically. Neither teratogenic concentrations of metals nor mycotoxins were detected in tissues or food, and sera from breeders tested negative for antibodies to Sendai virus, reovirus 3, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Trial matings of breeders expected to produce hydrocephalic offspring resulted in affected offspring, and mating of breeders expected to produce normal offspring resulted in normal or less-affected offspring. Hydrocephalus was confirmed retrospectively in some breeders. Hereditary hydrocephalus appears to be widespread in hamster stocks in Central Europe. Affected animals do not manifest signs of disease and usually die without obvious premonitory signs. Despite severe hydrocephalus, the animals can breed, and animal handlers do not identify motor deficits or abnormal behavioral activity. This entity is unlike the previously described, hereditary hydrocephalus of hamsters that is phenotypically identifiable and usually is lethal before they attain breeding age.

[Magnetic resonance imaging features of a caudal cruciate ligament rupture associated with a suspected bone bruise lesion in a dog]

In this case study we describe a surgically confirmed caudal cruciate ligament rupture in a 10-year-old Border Collie. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a complete rupture of the caudal cruciate ligament, a suspected bone bruise lesion on the proximolateral tibia and a muscle strain injury of the M. flexor digitorum lateralis. In human medicine, bone bruise lesions in MRI have been described as "footprint injuries" and can thereby explain the mechanism of trauma in ligament injuries. The combination of the MRI findings in this case can help to understand how the rarely diagnosed isolated rupture of the caudal cruciate ligament occurred in this dog.

Paraparese bei einer Zwergziege: Abklärung mittels Magnetresonanztomographie

A 4-year old pygmy goat with chronic paraparesis of the hindlimbs was referred to the Ruminant Clinic of the University of Berne. The causative lesion was localized to the thoracolumbar spinal cord after a thorough clinical examination. Because a radiographic examination of the spine had not been diagnostic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. A mass compressing the spinal cord in the region of L2-L5 was detected. The goat was euthanized and autopsied, which allowed for the definitive diagnosis of lymphosarcoma. In addition to the changes in the lumbar area, further neoplastic masses were detected in the region of the thoracic vertebrae, near the thoracic aperture, on the lungs and on the pericardium. However, these processes had not yet caused clinical signs. MRI investigation allowed for the ante mortem diagnosis of an infiltrative mass in the spinal canal of this goat.

Cerebellar Ependymal Cyst in a Dog

An 11-week-old, male, Staffordshire Bull Terrier had a history of generalized ataxia and falling since birth. The neurologic findings suggested a localization in the cerebellum. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed. In all sequences the area of the cerebellum was almost replaced by fluid isointense to cerebrospinal fluid. A complete necropsy was performed after euthanasia. Histologically, the lesion was characterized by extensive loss of cerebellar tissue in both hemispheres and vermis. Toward the surface of the cerebellar defect, the cavity was confined by ruptured and folded membranes consisting of a layer of glial fibrillary acidic (GFAP)-positive glial cells covered multifocally by epithelial cells. Some of these cells bore apical cilia and were cytokeratin and GFAP negative, supporting their ependymal origin. The histopathologic features of our case are consistent with the diagnosis of an ependymal cyst. Its glial and ependymal nature as demonstrated by histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination differs from arachnoid cysts, which have also been reported in dogs. The origin of these cysts remains controversial, but it has been suggested that they develop during embryogenesis subsequent to sequestration of developing neuroectoderm. We speculate that the cyst could have been the result of a pre- or perinatal, possibly traumatic, insult because hemorrhage, and tissue destruction had occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first description of an ependymal cyst in the veterinary literature.

Nasal acinic cell carcinoma in a cat

This case report describes the clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-related, and pathologic features of a nasal acinic cell carcinoma in a cat. A 16-year-old, castrated male, oriental shorthaired cat, weighing 3.8 kg, was presented with history of sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge persisting several months. Evaluation by MRI revealed an heterogeneous, space-occupying lesion that filled the left nasal cavity and was diagnosed by histopathologic examination as an acinic cell carcinoma arising from a minor salivary gland of the nasal cavity. Acinic cell carcinoma is a rare tumor in veterinary medicine. The tumor is composed mainly of cells resembling serous cells of salivary glands and originates from major or minor salivary glands. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the occurrence of acinic cell carcinoma in the sinonasal tract and include the tumor in the differential diagnosis of feline nasal diseases.

Empty sella syndrome, hyperadrenocorticism and megaoesophagus in a dachshund

A five-year-old, entire, male dachshund was presented with a five day history of hypersalivation and regurgitation as well as polyuria and polydipsia for several months. Chest radiographs demonstrated megaoesophagus and aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, hyperadrenocorticism was demonstrated by means of elevations in levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol, decreased urinary specific gravity, increased response to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation, insufficient suppression of the post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol levels, an increased endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration and bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands on abdominal ultrasound. The dog became severely dyspnoeic and was euthanased after magnetic resonance imaging was performed. The magnetic resonance imaging and necropsy revealed the sellar region mainly filled with fluid, with only small tissue remnants, a condition defined as empty sella syndrome in human medicine. To the author's knowledge, this is the first dog described with empty sella syndrome and only the second dog described with hyperadrenocorticism secondary to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production. However, the association between empty sella syndrome and hyperadrenocorticism may be no more than incidental.

Necrotising encephalitis in a French bulldog

A 20-month-old, female French bulldog was presented with a three-month history of generalised seizures and progressive ataxia with occasional falling over on either side. Neurological examination revealed signs, suggesting a multifocal intracranial lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed two connected lesions on the left side of the caudal brainstem and a further lesion in the cerebrum. The dog was euthanased, and histopathological examination revealed lesions which closely resembled those of necrotising encephalitis in Yorkshire terriers. This is the first case describing this type of necrotising encephalitis in a French bulldog.

Magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and histology of the suspensory ligament origin: a comparative study of normal anatomy of warmblood horses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

The diagnosis of lameness caused by proximal metacarpal and metatarsal pain can be challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the possibility for further diagnosis but there have been no studies on the normal MRI appearance of the origin of the suspensory ligament (OSL) in conjunction with ultrasonography and histology.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the MRI appearance of the OSL in fore- and hindlimbs of sound horses and compare it to the ultrasonographic and histological appearance. The findings can be used as reference values to recognise pathology in the OSL.

METHODS

The OSL in the fore- and hindlimbs of 6 sound horses was examined by ultrasonography prior to death, and MRI and histology post mortem. Qualitative evaluation and morphometry of the OSL were performed and results of all modalities compared.

RESULTS

Muscular tissue, artefacts, variable SL size and shape complicated ultrasonographic interpretation. In MRI and histology the forelimb OSL consisted of 2 portions, the lateral being significantly thicker than medial. The hindlimb SL had a single large area of origin. In fore- and hindlimbs, the amount of muscular tissue was significantly larger laterally than medially. Overall SL measurements using MRI were significantly higher than using histology and ultrasonography and histological higher than ultrasonographic measurements. Morphologically, there was a good correlation between MRI and histology.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI provides more detailed information than ultrasonography regarding muscle fibre detection and OSL dimension and correlates morphologically well with histology. Therefore, ultrasonographic results should be regarded with caution.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

MRI may be a diagnostic aid when other modalities fail to identify clearly the cause of proximal metacarpal and metatarsal pain; and may improve selection of adequate therapy and prognosis for injuries in this region.

Iliopsoas abscess with iliac and femoral vein thrombosis in an adult Siberian husky

A nine-year-old, male Siberian husky was presented with fever, decreased appetite and activity, non-weightbearing lameness, and oedematous swelling of the right inguinal and preputial area and the right hindlimb. An abscess within the right iliopsoas muscle, with severe thrombosis of the iliac and femoral vein, was diagnosed by haematology and diagnostic imaging. The abscess and adjoining lymph node were removed surgically through a median coellotomy. The isolated pathogen was Staphylococcus intermedius. Clinical signs resolved completely after surgery. Antimicrobial therapy was continued for four weeks. Within the follow-up period of six months, no recurrence of the clinical signs was detected.

Hydrophobia cases and post-exposure anti-rabic vaccines in Ranchi, Bihar (1979-84)

Rabies is endemic in India. The status of Rabies at the national level is difficult to present because of inadequate reporting system. However, a national awareness has been created over the years (Anonym 1968, 1970, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984a and 1984b). National Canine Rabies Control Programme finalised by the National Committee on Zoonoses has been taken up recently by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Use of mass communication media like newspaper, radio and television has also been started. The department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology started working on Rabies in 1979. Observations of the first six years constitute this paper.