Access to Affordable Health: A Care Delivery Model of GNRC Hospitals in North-Eastern India

Introduction

The healthcare delivery system of Assam faces several challenges to provide affordable, accessible and quality care services. GNRC (Guwahati Neurological Research Center) is the first super-speciality hospital to address many of these gaps by delivering integrated affordable healthcare services to the populations of Assam and other parts of North-eastern India.

Description & Discussion

This paper describes the implementation of a care delivery model which provides integrated care delivery services through linking hospitals to primary healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, and curative care, along with delivering easily accessible and affordable care to the people of Assam and other parts of North-eastern India.

Conclusion

The proposed model is the first innovative approach from North-eastern India, Assam, to deliver affordable, accessible and patient-centric hospital led community-based preventive, promotive, and primary, secondary, and tertiary hospital-based care. It is anticipated that GNRC's "Affordable Health Mission" will help redesign and integrate the way primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare is delivered to the population of Assam in helping patients manage their own health and reduce the numbers that needs to be admitted to secondary care and tertiary care by improving patients' independence and well-being as well as dramatically reducing the cost to the overall health system.

Effect of membrane stabilizers on semen quality and sperm membrane protein expression during cryopreservation of goat semen

BACKGROUND

Semen cryopreservation is a complex process during which there is alteration in the expression of sperm and seminal plasma proteins, molecular weight of protein or loss of membrane proteins during the process. In order to compensate for these changes, different membrane stabilizers are used in freezing semen extenders. However, there is scarcity of such studies during cryopreservation of goat semen.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of membrane stabilizers on sperm membrane protein expression during cryopreservation of goat semen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 semen ejaculates from nine Assam Hill Goat bucks aged 2 to 2.5 years was collected by artificial vagina method. Three membrane stabilizers, each at two different concentrations viz. 50 and 80 mM sucrose, 50 and 100 mM trehalose, and 100 and 150 ng per mL IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1 protein) were added to Tris-citric acid fructose egg yolk glycerol (TCFEYG) extender and semen samples were cryopreserved. The sperm membrane protein profile was studied in fresh and cryopreserved semen by SDS-PAGE.

RESULTS

SDS- PAGE of sperm membrane extract of fresh semen revealed the presence of 24 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 10 kDa to 240 kDa. Samples supplemented with 50 mM sucrose and 80 mM sucrose revealed 21 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 10 kDa to 240 kDa. All the 21 protein bands were same as those observed in the sperm membrane of fresh spermatozoa, except that the 23 kDa, 29 kDa and 42 kDa bands were absent in frozen semen. Similarly, frozen semen extended with 50 mM trehalose and 100 mM trehalose revealed 22 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 10 kDa to 240 kDa, but lacking the 29 kDa and 42 kDa bands. Proteins with molecular weights of 29 kDa, 130 kDa and 240 kDa were absent in frozen semen supplemented with 100 ng per mL IGF-1 and 150 ng per mL IGF-1.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that supplementation of tris basic extender with trehalose at 100 mM and or IGF-1 at 100 ng/mL or 150 ng per mL improves the post-thaw semen characteristics and protects certain fertility related sperm membrane proteins. Doi.org/10.54680/fr23510110612.

Can Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) endure the future climate and land use change scenario in the East Himalayan Region? Perspective from a multiple model framework

Large mammals are susceptible to land use and climate change, unless they are safeguarded within large, protected areas. It is crucial to comprehend the effects of these changes on mammals to develop a conservation plan. We identified ecological hotspots that can sustain an ecosystem for the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), an umbrella species. We developed three distinct ensemble species distribution models (SDMs) for the Bengal tiger in the Indian East Himalayan Region (IEHR). The first model served as the baseline and considered habitat type, climate, land cover, and anthropogenic threats. The second model focused on climate, land use, and anthropogenic threats, the third model focused on climate variables. We projected the second and third models onto two future climate scenarios: RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. We evaluated the threats possess to protected areas within eco-sensitive zone based on the potential tiger habitat. Finally, we compared the potential habitat with the IUCN tiger range. Our study revealed that the Brahmaputra valley will serve as the primary habitat for tigers in the future. However, considering the projected severe climate scenarios, it is anticipated that tigers will undergo a range shift towards the north and east, especially in high-altitude regions. Very high conservation priority areas, which make up 3.4% of the total area, are predominantly located in the riverine corridor of Assam. High conservation priority areas, which make up 5.5% of total area are located in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It is important to note that conservation priority areas outside of protected areas pose a greater threat to tigers. We recommend reassessing the IUCN Red List's assigned range map for tigers in the IEHR, as it is over-predicted. Our study has led us to conclude both land use and climate change possess threats to the future habitat of tigers. The outcomes of our study will provide crucial information on identifying habitat hotspots and facilitate appropriate conservation planning efforts.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of OVATE family proteins in Betula luminifera reveals involvement of BlOFP3 and BlOFP5 genes in leaf development

Ovate family proteins (OFP) are plant-specific transcription factors involved in regulating morphologies of the lateral organs, plant growth and development. However, the functional roles of OFP genes in Betula luminifera, an important timber tree species, are not well studied. In this study, we identified 20 BlOFP genes and analyzed their phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, conserved motifs, and cis-elements. Further, expression analysis indicates that BlOFP genes were up-regulated in leaves on the one-year-old branch compared to leaves on the current-year branch and bract, except BlOFP7, BlOFP11, BlOFP14 and BlOFP12. The overexpression of BlOFP3 and BlOFP5 in Arabidopsis thaliana not only resulted in a slower growth rate but also produced sawtooth shape, flatter and darker green rosette leaves. Further investigation showed that the leaf thickness of the transgenic plants was more than double that of the wild type, which was caused by the increasement in the number and size of palisade tissue cells. Furthermore, the expression analysis also indicated that the expressions of several genes related to leaf development were significantly changed in the transgene plants. These results suggested the significant roles of BlOFP3 and BlOFP5 in leaf development. Moreover, protein-protein interaction studies showed that BlOFP3 interacts with BlKNAT5, and BlOFP5 interacts with BlKNAT5, BlBLH6 and BlBLH7. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that BlOFP3 and BlOFP5 were involved in leaf shape and thickness regulation by forming a complex with BlKNAT5, BlBLH6 and BlBLH7. In addition, our study serves as a guide for future functional genomic studies of OFP genes of the B. luminifera.

Comparative physiological analyses and the genetic basis reveal heat stress responses mechanism among different Betula luminifera populations

Betula luminifera is a subtropical fast-growing timber species with high economic value. However, along with global warming, heat stress become one of the main environmental variables that limit the productivity of B. luminifera, and the response of diverse geographic populations to high temperatures is still unclear. In order to offer a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of B. luminifera under heat stress, the physiological responses of six B. luminifera populations (across the core distribution area) were described in this work in an integrated viewpoint. The results showed that a multi-level physiological regulatory network may exist in B. luminifera, the first response was the activity of resistant enzymes [e.g., peroxidase (POD)] at a preliminary stage of 2 h heat stress, and then the proline (osmoregulation substance) content began to increase after 24 h of continuous high-temperature treatment. In addition, photosynthesis was stronlgly affected by heat stress, and the net photosynthetic rate (P_n ) showed a downward trend under heat treatment in all six B. luminifera populations. Interestingly, although the physiological change patterns of the six B. luminifera populations were relatively consistent for the same parameter, there were obvious differences among different populations. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the physiological response of Rongshui (RS) was the most stable, and this was the representative B. luminifera population. Illumina RNA-seq analysis was applied to reveal the specific biological process of B. luminifera under heat stress using the RS population, and a total of 116,484 unigenes were obtained. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different time periods under heat stress were enriched in 34 KEGG pathways, and the limonene and pinene degradation pathway was commonly enriched in all pairwise comparisons. Moreover, transcription factors including bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix), MYB, WRKY, and NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) were identified. In this study, the physiological response and tolerance mechanisms of B. luminifera under high temperature stress were revealed, which can conducive to the basis of B. luminifera selection and resistance assessment for cultivation and breeding.

Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing and Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses Provide Comprehensive Insight Into Molecular Mechanisms of Cellulose and Lignin Biosynthesis in Cunninghamia lanceolata

Cunninghamia lanceolata is an essential timber species that provide 20%-30% raw materials for China's timber industry. Although a few transcriptomes have been published in C. lanceolata, full-length mRNA transcripts and regulatory mechanisms behind the cellulose and lignin biosynthesis have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, PacBio Iso-seq and RNA-seq analyses were adapted to identify the full-length and differentially expressed transcripts along a developmental gradient from apex to base of C. lanceolata shoots. A total of 48,846 high-quality full-length transcripts were obtained, of which 88.0% are completed transcriptome based on benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO) assessment. Along stem developmental gradient, 18,714 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. Further, 28 and 125 DEGs were identified as enzyme-coding genes of cellulose and lignin biosynthesis, respectively. Moreover, 57 transcription factors (TFs), including MYB and NAC, were identified to be involved in the regulatory network of cellulose and lignin biosynthesis through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). These TFs are composed of a comparable regulatory network of secondary cell wall formation in angiosperms, revealing a similar mechanism may exist in gymnosperms. Further, through qRT-PCR, we also investigated eight specific TFs involved in compression wood formation. Our findings provide a comprehensive and valuable source for molecular genetics breeding of C. lanceolata and will be beneficial for molecular-assisted selection.

First photographic evidence of Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, India

 The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) also known as the Himalayan black bear is a Vulnerable species. Its range is distributed throughout southern and eastern Asia. Here we report the first photographic evidence of the species in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve situated in the northeast of India. The photo-captured image of the species has unfolded various dimensions of conservation starting from preparation of baseline information to more systematic surveys in the whole landscape or across northeastern India.

Effects of polystyrene microplastics on the seed germination of herbaceous ornamental plants

Although microplastic (MP) pollution has become an environmental issue worldwide, most related research has been confined to marine ecosystems. The impacts of MPs on terrestrial ecosystems, and especially on terrestrial plants, are poorly studied. In our study, different particle sizes (2 μm and 80 nm) and different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, and 500 mg·L^-1) of polystyrene MPs were selected as the experimental materials, and their effects on three herbaceous ornamental plants, Trifolium repens, Orychophragmus violaceus, and Impatiens balsamina, were investigated. Seed germination tendency, germination rate, and various physiological and biochemical indicators were observed in the treated plants. The germination rates and germination potentials of these plants decreased significantly as the polystyrene MP concentration increased. Root formation, as well as a decrease in root hair density, was observed. The catalase, superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide, proline, soluble protein, and soluble sugar contents all showed overall trends that increased first and then decreased, which conformed to the "Plant-ES" equation. Thus, polystyrene MPs appeared to have significant inhibitory effects on the seed germination processes of herbaceous ornamental plants.

148 Superovulation and embryo production response in oestrus-synchronized Arunachali yak

The Arunachali breed of yak is reared by the Monpa pastoral community of Arunachal Pradesh in India for their livelihood and nutritional security on highland pastures. In addition to fulfilling the basic needs of highlanders, this animal is associated with poor production potential linked to its inherent reproductive problems, including silent oestrus, seasonality, and inbreeding, making yak rearing a less-profitable venture. In the recent past, efforts have been made to improve reproductive efficiency of Arunachali yak through assisted reproductive techniques. However, a few regimens for superovulation have been tried to date with limited success in terms of superovulatory response and embryo recovery. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of two different doses and regimes of superovulation: Stimufol (400 and 200µg per animal) and Folligon (1500 and 1000IU per animal) in Arunachali yak. Twenty-four yaks were allotted in 4 groups (of 6 animals each) and subjected to respective superovulation treatment. Thereafter, the treatment response was assessed in terms of expression of oestrus, interval between treatment and oestrus onset, duration of oestrous, number of corpora lutea and embryos recovered, and analysed using two-way statistical analysis between treatment groups. The results (Table 1) showed a significant (P<0.01) variation in onset of oestrus after the treatment, whereas other responses did not differ among the groups. Further, the recovered embryos were categorized as excellent, good, fair, and poor according to cell size, shape, texture, and number of vesicles present in the blastomeres; 58.33, 20.83, 8.33, and 12.5% embryos in these categories were recovered, respectively. The overall embryo recovery rate was 30.77%, ranging from 10.53 to 52.38% in different treatment groups. The numbers of embryos recorded were less than the numbers of CL present, showing the possibility of non-availability of all ovulated oocytes for fertilization in the oviduct due to untrapping by the fimbriae. The effectiveness of treatments depended upon the precision of oestrus detection and the time of ovulation. In our study, the variation in onset of oestrus might be associated with poor expression of behavioural oestrus in the treated animals. Based on the present findings, we conclude that all the treatments are effective in superovulation and embryo recovery. However, the use of Folligon at 1500IU seemed to be comparatively more effective in Arunachali yak. Table 1. Mean (n=6) average of treatment responses in yak following different superovulatory treatment Variable Treatment Stimufol Folligon 400 µg/animal 200 µg/animal 1500 IU/animal 1000 IU/animal Oestrus response (%) 100 100 100 100 Interval between treatment and oestrus onset (h) 17.67±0.56a 20.83±0.79b 21.17±0.79bc 23.67±1.43c Duration of oestrous (h) 30.33±1.09 28.50±0.99 31.50±1.50 28.83±1.25 Corpora lutea (n) 2.83±1.22 3.50±1.18 3.50±0.67 3.17±0.87 Embryo recovered (n) 0.83±0.83 1.00±0.81 1.83±0.98 0.33±0.21 Recovery rate (%) 29.41 28.57 52.38 10.53 a–cMeans within a row with different superscripts differ P<0.05.

Effect of Butylated Hydroxy Toluene and Vitamin E on the Cryosurvivability of Buck Semen

BACKGROUND

The quality of frozen semen can be improved by supplementing Tris extender with antioxidant to prevent oxidation and maintain sperm motility.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of adding combinations of suitable concentrations of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and Vitamin E in Tris extender on the quality of frozen goat semen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 ejaculates collected from five Beetal bucks were used to study the effect on the quality of frozen semen of supplementing Tris extender with 200 µM BHT, 2 mM Vitamin E and 200 µM BHT + 2 mM Vitamin E.

RESULTS

The sperm motility, live sperm, live intact acrosome and HOST-reacted sperm differed significantly (P<0.01) between stages and between antioxidants. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) in interaction between stages (equilibration, freezing) and antioxidants, except for HOST-reacted sperm. Critical difference test revealed that Tris extender containing 2 mM vitamin E showed significantly (P<0.05) higher sperm motility, live sperm, live intact acrosome and HOST-reacted sperm, and significantly (P<0.05) lower release of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST).

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of Tris extender with 2 mM vitamin E maintained superior quality of frozen Beetal buck semen.

Computational investigation on the effect of Oleuropein aglycone on the α-synuclein aggregation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered to be the second most common progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder after Alzheimer's disease, which is caused by misfolding and aggregation of Alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein). It is characterized by distinct aggregated fibrillary form of α-synuclein known as the Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The most promising approach to combat PD is to prevent the misfolding and subsequent aggregation of α-synuclein. Recently, Oleuropein aglycone (OleA) has been reported to stabilize the monomeric structure of α-synuclein, subsequently favoring the growth of nontoxic aggregates. Therefore, understanding the conformational dynamics of α-synuclein monomer in the presence of OleA is significant. Here, we have investigated the effect of OleA on the conformational dynamics and the aggregation propensity of α-synuclein using molecular dynamics simulation. From molecular dynamics trajectory analysis, we noticed that when OleA is bound to α-synuclein, the intramolecular distance between non-amyloid-β component domain and C-terminal domain of α-synuclein was increased, whereas long-range hydrophobic interactions between the two region were reduced. Oleuropein aglycone was found to interact with the N-terminal domain of α-synuclein, making this region unavailable for interaction with membranes and lipids for the formation of cellular toxic aggregates. From the binding-free energy analysis, we found binding affinity between α-synuclein and OleA to be indeed high (ΔG_bind = -12.56 kcal mol^-1 from MM-PBSA and ΔG_bind = -27.41 kcal mol^-1from MM-GBSA). Our findings in this study thus substantiate the effect of OleA on the structure and stabilization of α-synuclein monomer that subsequently favors the growth of stable and nontoxic aggregates.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effect of CTerm of human albumin on the aggregation propensity of Aβ1-42 peptide: a potential of mean force study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder. It is characterized by the presence of extracellular aggregated fibrillary form of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles caused by the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Monomeric form of Aβ peptide in α-conformation is not toxic but it can undergo self-aggregation to form β-conformation which is neurotoxic. The most promising approach to combat AD is to prevent the self-aggregation of Aβ peptide. Recently, it has been reported that C-terminal (CTerm) of human albumin (HA) binds to the Aβ_1-42 peptide and impairs the Aβ_1-42 aggregation and promotes disassembly of Aβ_1-42 aggregates. In this work, using potential of mean force (PMF) and binding free energy (BFE) calculations, we have demonstrated the effect of CTerm of HA on the dimerization of Aβ_1-42 peptide. From the PMF profile, we noticed Aβ_1-42-CTerm Heterodimer (10.99 kcal mol - 1) complex to have higher disassociation energy than Aβ_1-42-Aβ_1-42 homodimer (2.23 kcal mol - 1) complex. And also from the BFE calculations, we found that the binding affinity between Aβ_1-42 peptide and CTerm (ΔG_bind = -32.27 kcal mol - 1 from MM-GBSA and ΔG_bind = -2.83 kcal mol - 1 from MM-PBSA (molecular mechanics-Poisson - Boltzmann surface area)) to be stronger than the Aβ_1-42 peptide and another Aβ_1-42 peptide (ΔG_bind = -16.20 kcal mol - 1 from MM-GBSA and ΔG_bind = -1.95 kcal mol - 1 from MM-PBSA). In this study, our findings from PMF and BFE analysis of the two complexes provide salient structural, binding and unbinding features and thermodynamics that support the ability of CTerm of HA in affecting the dimerization of Aβ_1-42. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Endogenous Target Mimics and Exploration of Their Role in Low Nutrient Stress Tolerance in Plants

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research in plants has recently gained momentum taking cues from studies in animals systems. The availability of next-generation sequencing has enabled genome-wide identification of lncRNA in several plant species. Some lncRNAs are inhibitors of microRNA expression and have a function known as target mimicry with the sequestered transcript known as an endogenous target mimic (eTM). The lncRNAs identified to date show diverse mechanisms of gene regulation, most of which remain poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the role of identified putative lncRNAs that may act as eTMs for nutrient-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs) in plants. If functionally validated, these putative lncRNAs would enhance current understanding of the role of lncRNAs in nutrient homeostasis in plants.

Detection of classical swine fever virus E2 gene in cattle serum samples from cattle herds of Meghalaya

The present study focused on the detection and genetic characterisation of 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and E2 gene of classical swine fever virus (CSFV, family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus) from bovine population of the northeastern region of India. A total of 134 cattle serum samples were collected from organised cattle farms and were screened for CSFV antigen with a commercial antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 10 samples were positive for CSFV antigen by ELISA, while all of them were positive in PCR for 5'UTR region. Full length E2 region of CSFV were successfully amplified from two positive samples and used for subsequent phylogenetic analysis and determination of protein 3D structure which showed similarity with reported CSFV isolate from Assam of sub-genogroup 2.1, with minor variations in protein structure.

Association of the Apolipoprotein A-I Gene Polymorphisms with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Atherogenic Indices in Patients from Assam, Northeast India

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and particularly decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dyslipidemia are prevalent in Assam, India. This study was undertaken to investigate whether Apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) gene polymorphisms (G-75A and C+83T) were associated with i) the risk for decreased HDL-C, and ii) other CVD risk factors, viz. serum lipids, atherogenic indices, obesity, and blood pressure (BP). A total of 649 subjects were screened, from which 200 eligible individuals, classified as case group with decreased HDL-C levels (100 subjects) and control group with normal HDL-C levels (100 subjects) were enrolled and genotyped using polymersase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing. Lipid fractions [HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG)] and atherogenic indices [Castelli's Risk Indices-I and -II (CRI-I and -II), non-HDL-C fraction, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC)] were estimated. The G-75A and C+83T loci were not associated with decreased HDL-C risk. This was confirmed across different genetic models (dominant, recessive, additive and allelic). Association was also absent with BP and obesity. However, the G-75A locus was associated with LDL-C, whereas the C+83T locus was associated with TG and VLDL-C. Furthermore, these sites had effects on atherogenic indices. The rare A allele at the G-75A locus was associated with adverse CRI-I, CRI-II, non-HDL-C and AC values, while the major C allele at the C+83T locus was associated with adverse AIP values. Thus, the pro-atherogenic G-75A polymorphism and the anti-atherogenic C+83T polymorphism represent important genetic loci that modulate CVD risk factors in subjects from Assam.

Cumulus cell expansion and ultrastructural changes in in vitro matured bovine oocytes under heat stress

Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from cows were matured under normal (38.5°C) and elevated temperatures (41°C) simulating heat stress and their maturation was assessed based on measurement of cumulus expansion in both groups. There was a significant reduction (P<0.01) in maturation rate in the heat stressed oocytes. The ultrastructural events associated with in vitro oocyte maturation and changes associated with elevated temperature were also studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Normal maturation cellular events were marked by migration of Golgi and mitochondria from the cortical regions, and conversely by a migration of cortical granules from the inner regions to a sub-perivitelline zone. Heat stressed oocytes (41°C) were not only marked by a reduction in rate and less cumulus cell expansion, but also by a reduction in cortical granule migration. The mitochondria appeared swollen with cristolysis. Ribosomal disruption and an abundance of free ribosomes were also seen. Changes in the cumulus cells include nuclear chromatin margination, condensation and karyolysis, formation of nuclear and cell membrane blebs, and typical membrane bound vesicles enclosing cell fragments indistinguishable from apoptosis. Evidently, heat stress can be associated with reduced cytoplasmic events of oocyte maturation, thereby decreasing the oocyte competence and can be associated with apoptosis of the cumulus cells and therefore compromise the survival of the oocyte itself.

Isolation and characterization of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli of animal and bird origin by multiplex polymerase chain reaction

AIM

The purpose of this study was to determine the virulence genes and serotype of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from animals and birds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 226 different samples viz., fecal, intestinal content, rectal swab and heart blood were collected from different clinically affected/healthy animals and birds and were streaked on McConkeys' lactose agar and eosin methylene blue agar for isolation of E. coli, confirmed by staining characteristics and biochemical tests. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR) all the E. coli isolates were screened for certain virulence genes, viz., Shiga toxin 1 (stx1), stx2 and eae and enterohemolytic (Ehly) phenotype was observed in washed sheep blood agar plate. All the isolated E. coli strains were forwarded to the National Salmonella and Escherichia Centre, Central Research Institute, Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) for serotyping.

RESULTS

Out of 226 samples 138 yielded E. coli. All the isolates were screened for molecular detection of different virulent genes, viz. stx1, stx2 and eae, based on which 36 (26.08%) were identified as STEC. Among those STEC isolates, 15 (41.67%), 14 (38.89%), 1 (2.78%) exhibited eae, stx2, stx1 alone, respectively, whereas 4 (11.11%) and 2 (5.56%) carried both stx1 and stx2, stx2 and eae, respectively. Among the STEC isolates 22 were belonged to 15 different sero-groups, viz., O2, O20, O22, O25, O43, O60, O69, O90, O91, O95, O106, O118, O130, O162 and O170 and others were untypable. Ehly phenotype was observed in 10 (27.78%) the STEC isolates.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that STEC could be isolated from both clinically affected as well as healthy animals and birds. Regular monitoring of more samples from animal and bird origin is important to identify natural reservoir of STEC to prevent zoonotic infection.

Adrenocortical carcinoma: An extremely uncommon entity and the role of Immunohistochemistry in its diagnosis

Adrenocortcal carcinoma is an extremely uncommon entity with an incidence of two in one millionth population. Here we present a 60 year gentleman with pain in abdomen, nausea, and backache, and weight loss. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen revealed a heterogenous well defined mass measuring (15 × 10.3 × 13) cm(3) on the left suprarenal region with central necrosis which extended medially up to the midline. Locally, the growth infiltrated the upper pole of left kidney. Initially, the differential diagnosis included that of renal cell carcinoma arising from upper pole of left kidney involving adrenal gland. The patient underwent left radical nephrectomy and left adrenalectomy. Histological evaluation could not differentiate it from of malignant pheochromocytoma, but immunohistochemistry confirmed it as adrenocortical carcinoma. This case highlights the crucial role of immunohistochemistry in establishing the diagnosis like tumors.

Molecular characterization of shiga like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates from pigs oedema

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

An oedema outbreak occurred in a Guwahati pig farm. Escherichia coli isolates from different necropsy samples collected from the dead piglets with oedema were characterized to confirm the virulence.

METHODS

Haemolytic E. coli isolates recovered from liver, lung and intestine of pigs with oedema were examined for presence of genes encoding pathogroups such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), (eae/bfpA), enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAggEC), (eagg), enterotoxigive Escherichia coil (ETEC), (elt/est) and shiga like toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), (stx1/ stx2) by PCR and molecular typing by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR).

RESULTS

The three haemolytic E. coli recovered from diseased pigs were STEC because of presence of the stx2 and eae genes. Analysis by RAPD-PCR indicated that two of the three isolates were genetically related.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The isolation of STEC isolates from pigs with oedema was shown. Although the three isolates were untypable, presence of eae and stx2 genes clearly indicated these as prime cause of pig oedema disease. Further, demonstration of STEC in pigs becomes a public health concern, as pigs are potential reservoir of such agents, which may cause human illness.