The US21 viroporin of human cytomegalovirus stimulates cell migration and adhesion

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) US12 gene family contributes to virus-host interactions by regulating the virus' cell tropism and its evasion of host innate immune responses. US21, one of the 10 US12 genes (US12-US21), is a descendant of a captured cellular transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif-containing gene. It encodes a 7TMD endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident viroporin (pUS21) capable of reducing the Ca2+ content of ER stores, which, in turn, protects cells against apoptosis. Since regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis affects a broad range of cellular responses, including cell motility, we investigated whether pUS21 might also interfere with this cytobiological consequence of Ca2+ signaling. Indeed, deletion of the US21 gene impaired the ability of HCMV-infected cells to migrate, whereas expression of US21 protein stimulated cell migration and adhesion, as well as focal adhesion (FA) dynamics, in a way that depended on its ability to manipulate ER Ca2+ content. Mechanistic studies revealed pUS21-mediated cell migration to involve calpain 2 activation since its inhibition prevented the viroporin's effects on cell motility. Pertinently, pUS21 expression stimulated a store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mechanism that may determine the activation of calpain 2 by promoting Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, pUS21 was observed to interact with talin-1, a calpain 2 substrate, and crucial protein component of FA complexes. A functional consequence of this interaction was confirmed by talin-1 knockdown, which abrogated the pUS21-mediated increase in cell migration. Together, these results indicate the US21-encoded viroporin to be a viral regulator of cell adhesion and migration in the context of HCMV infection. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an opportunistic pathogen that owes part of its success to the capture, duplication, and tuning of cellular genes to generate modern viral proteins which promote infection and persistence in the host by interfering with many cell biochemical and physiological pathways. The US21 viral protein provides an example of this evolutionary strategy: it is a cellular-derived calcium channel that manipulates intracellular calcium homeostasis to confer edges to HCMV replication. Here, we report on the characterization of a novel function of the US21 protein as a viral regulator of cell migration and adhesion through mechanisms involving its calcium channel activity. Characterization of HCMV multifunctional regulatory proteins, like US21, supports the better understanding of viral pathogenesis and may open avenues for the design of new antiviral strategies that exploit their functions.

Spectrum of candidate molecules against Chikungunya virus - an insight into the antiviral screening platforms

INTRODUCTION

Chikungunya disease has undergone a phenomenal transition in its status from being recognized as a sporadic infection to acquiring a global prominence over the last couple of decades. The causative agent behind the explosive epidemics worldwide is the re-emerging pathogen, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Areas covered: The current review discusses all the possible avenues of antiviral research towards combating CHIKV infection. Aspects of antiviral drug discovery such as antiviral targets, candidate molecules screened, and the various criteria to be a potential inhibitor are all discussed at length. Existing antiviral drug screening tools for CHIKV and their applications are thoroughly described. Clinical trial status of agents with therapeutic potential has been updated with special mention of candidate molecules under patent approval. Databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Google Patent, and Clinical Trial Registry platforms were referred. Expert opinion: The massive outbreaks of Chikungunya viral disease in the recent past and the serious health concerns imposed thereby, have driven the search for effective therapeutics. The greatest challenge being the non-availability of robust, reproducible, cost-effective and biologically accurate assay models. Nevertheless, there is a need to identify good models mimicking the appropriate microenvironment of an infectious setting.

Gender Differences in Perceived Social Support and Stressful Life Events in Depressed Patients

OBJECTIVE

To study the gender differences in perceived social support and life events in patients with depression.

METHODS

A total of 118 patients aged 18 to 60 years, with depressive disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR, were evaluated using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale.

RESULTS

The perceived social support score was significantly higher in males than females (p < 0.001). Males perceived significantly higher social support from friends than females (p < 0.001), whereas support from significant others was higher in females. There was a higher mean number of total life events as well as specific type of life events in males that became apparent after controlling for education (p < 0.05). Financial loss or problems was the most commonly reported life event in both males and females. Work-related problems were more commonly reported by males, whereas family and marital conflict were more frequently reported by females.

CONCLUSION

Perceived social support and stressful life events were higher in males with depression than females.

Nosocomial infections in the medical ICU: a retrospective study highlighting their prevalence, microbiological profile and impact on ICU stay and mortality

OBJECTIVES

1. To study the prevalence of nosocomial infections in the Medical ICU. 2. To determine common microorganisms causing nosocomial infections in the ICU and their antibiotic- sensitivity profile. 3. To study the impact of nosocomial infections on ICU stay and mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective 1 year analysis of nosocomial infections in the Medical ICU at Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and Hospital, Pune, between January and December 2011 was carried out. Prevalence of nosocomial infections was determined; sites of nosocomial infections and common causative microorganisms were identified; their antibiotic-sensitivity profiles were studied. The group of patients with nosocomial infections was matched with a control group drawn from the pool of patients without nosocomial infections; this matching was done with respect to age, gender and clinical diagnosis. Period of ICU stay and patient mortality rates in the two groups were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 366 ICU patient records were analysed. Of these, 32 patients were found-to have developed 35 nosocomial infections (9.6% prevalence), of which respiratory infections were the commonest (65.8%), followed by urinary infections (17.1%) and dual infections (urinary plus respiratory) (17.1%).The most frequently isolated microorganism causing respiratory infections was Acinetobacter (40.4%), 21% isolates of which were multidrug resistant; whereas the most frequently isolated microorganism causing urinary tract infections was Pseudomonas (38.4%). Average ICU stay in patients with and without nosocomial infections was 16.5 and 6.4 days respectively; whereas mortality in the two groups was 28.1% and 31.2% respectively. Overall ICU mortality was 19.9%.

CONCLUSION

The nosocomial infection rate in our ICU was in keeping with the rate in many industrialised countries. The most common site of nosocomial infection was the respiratory tract, followed by the urinary tract. Acinetobacter was the commonest respiratory isolate, whereas Pseudomonas was the commonest urinary isolate. One fourth of Acinetobacter isolates were multidrug resistant. Nosocomial infections resulted in a statistically significant increase in ICU stay; whereas there was no impact on ICU mortality.

Multiple accessory structures in the upper limb of a single cadaver

The arterial and muscular variations of the upper limbs are common but important with regard to surgical approaches. Even though anomalies of the coracobrachialis muscle are rare, anatomical variations of the biceps brachii, existence of the accessory muscles in the forearm and persistent median artery are known and well documented. During routine dissection, we observed some important anatomical variations in a 50-year-old male cadaver. The variations were unilateral. The anomalies were: third head for biceps brachii muscle, an accessory belly for coracobrachialis muscle crossing the median nerve and brachial vessels and continuing with the medial head of triceps brachii muscle to be inserted to the olecranon process (coracoulnaris), a persistent median artery and an additional muscle in the anterior compartment of forearm. Although there are individual reports about these variations, the combination of these variations in one cadaver has not previously been described in the literature. Awareness of these variations is necessary to avoid complications during radiodiagnostic procedures or surgeries in the upper limb.

Rare anatomical variant: arterial circle in palm and at the base of the thumb

In this article, we describe anomalous formation, distribution of superficial palmar arch and an arterial circle at the base of the thumb found during routine dissection classes in the right hand of a 45-year-old male cadaver. These variations are unique and provide significant information to surgeons dissecting the hand region.

Bilateral prehilar multiple branching of renal arteries: a case report and literature review

Proper knowledge of variations of the arteries supplying the kidney is essential not only to the anatomists but also to the surgeons. In the present paper we are reporting a case of bilateral early and multiple branching of the renal arteries. The origin of the 2 renal arteries was normal but soon after their origin they ended by giving rise to multiple branches. Most of these branches entered the kidney through the hilum. However, on both sides, one of the branches (superior polar artery) passed superolaterally to reach the upper pole of the kidney. The superior polar artery also gave rise to the inferior suprarenal artery. Further, related literature review is done and the urological implications of these variations in renal surgeries are discussed.

Suicidal behaviour among terminally ill cancer patients in India

BACKGROUND

Passive suicidal thoughts are relatively common in patients with terminal cancer. There is a need for more information about the factors that influence these patients to desire death.

AIM

To examine the prevalence of suicidal ideation among terminally ill cancer patients.

METHODS

Fifty-four terminally ill inpatients (27 men and 27 women) from the palliative care unit of the Oncology department of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal were evaluated on various rating scales for depression, hopelessness and suicidal ideation, and the correlation of suicidal ideation with medical symptoms such as pain, as well as awareness of the diagnosis and understanding of the illness.

RESULTS

Most patients (79.7%) denied having suicidal thoughts or wishing for an early death; only 9.2% had severe suicidal ideation. Two patients (3.8%) with severe suicidal ideation had a past history of major depression. Factors such as the presence of pain, awareness of the diagnosis and understanding of the illness contributed to depressive mood states.

CONCLUSION

Suicidal ideation and a desire for death appear to be linked exclusively to the presence of a mental disorder. In addition, poor pain control, and awareness of the diagnosis may also contribute to suicidal ideation.

Significance of lymphocytic sister chromatid exchange frequencies in ovarian cancer patients

Very few studies report the analysis of sister chromatid exchanges in ovarian cancer patients. We tested the null hypothesis that SCE frequency increases with the advancing stages of ovarian cancer and follows a Poisson distribution. As controls we examined age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers who had no such past history. An increased average SCE frequency was observed in ovarian cancer patients (6.34 +/- 0.09) vis-à-vis controls (4.47 +/- 0.12). Further, the data also suggested a stage-wise increase in the SCE frequency.

Suicide attempters in a general hospital unit in India: their socio-demographic and clinical profile--emphasis on cross-cultural aspects

The number of suicide attempts in developing countries has been increasing progressively, as in the West. It is important to note that much of the data on suicidal behaviour is based on information obtained from developed Western societies. All such data need to be evaluated within their specific cultural context as well as cross-culturally. The present study explored the various socio-demographic, clinical characteristics of suicide attempters in a general hospital unit in India. There were certain findings that contrasted markedly with those observed in the West. Male suicides tended to predominate here, as in many Indian studies. None of them were living alone, separated or deserted by their partner. Some suicide attempters continued to live with their extended family. There was virtually no alcohol consumption by female suicide attempters. The commonest agents used were organophosphates and other household poisons. Several cross-cultural variations in the suicidal act emerged compared to the West. The 'suicide potential' in the Indian culture is discussed.

A rapid silver staining and destaining technique for the nucleolus organizer region

Silver staining of nucleolar organizing regions (NOR) is common, but a standard protocol is lacking. A modification of a rapid silver nitrate staining technique for NORs is presented here. Advantages of the modified technique include reliability, speed, cost and the fact that it can be carried out in the light.

Mephentermine dependence with psychosis. A case report

Dependence on mephentermine, a widely used sympathomimetic pressor agent, is so far unreported, although misuse of inhalers is recognised. A case of mephentermine dependence associated with chronic psychosis is reported here. Psychosis initially surfaced with chronic dexamphetamine abuse, but was sustained for 3 years by mephentermine. After a period of remission lasting for 4 years, the patient again developed psychosis on restarting abuse of mephentermine, which lasted for 5 years.