Molecular characterization of human adenovirus type 8 (HAdV-8), including a novel genome type detected in Japan

Human adenovirus type 8 (HAdV-8) is a common agent of severe epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Twenty-six strains were isolated from sporadic cases of EKC in the southern part of Japan between 1998 and 1999 and were identified as HAdV-8 by the neutralization method using type-specific antiserum against HAdV-8. A comparative analysis of different HAdV-8 genome types was performed using various molecular methods. Restriction enzyme analyses of genomic DNA were performed with BamHI, HindIII, PstI, SacI, SalI, and SmaI and identified 25 isolates as HAdV-8E and 1 isolate as HAdV-8J, a novel genome type. The genetic relatedness between HAdV-8J and the other genome types was calculated by pairwise comigrating restriction fragments. The new genome type was most genetically related to HAdV-8E. In a phylogram of both the hexon and fiber, HAdV-8J formed a monophyletic cluster with other genome types of HAdV-8. Although HAdV-8J was identified from a sporadic case of EKC, this strain may cause future outbreaks and thus warrants further monitoring.     

Awareness regarding COVID-19 and problems being faced by young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus amid nationwide lockdown in India: A qualitative interview study

AimsTo assess the awareness about COVID-19 and the problems being faced by young adults with T1DM amid nationwide lockdown in India.MethodsA cross-sectional telephone-based qualitative interview study was conducted in young adults (aged 18–30 years) with T1DM amid lockdown. Following verbal consent, participants were asked 8 open-ended questions, 5 on awareness about COVID-19 and 3 catering to problems being faced concerning diet, physical activity and treatment amid lockdown. On average, 3 interviews were conducted per day with each lasting for 15?20 min. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed by qualitative content analysis.ResultsThirty-two participants were interviewed; after exclusion of two poorly recorded interviews, 30 were finally analyzed. Mean age of participants was 22.4 ± 4.0 years (M:F = 8:7). Only 30%, 40% and 53% of participants were aware of modes of transmission (respiratory droplets and fomites), cardinal symptoms (fever, cough and breathing difficulty) and means of prevention (staying indoors, social distancing and regular hand washing), respectively. Majority of participants were unaware of additional risks associated with COVID-19 in diabetes mellitus. Most participants could continue with their routine diet and prescribed treatment regime, however, 90% reported a reduction in physical activity and 72% experienced worsening of glycemic control amid lockdown.ConclusionsYoung adults with T1DM lack adequate awareness about COVID-19. Increasing awareness and imparting diabetes self-management education via digital/print media is needed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">PRSS1</Emphasis> (R122H) mutation in an Indian family with low penetrance is associated with pancreatitis phenotype

Mutations in PRSS1 gene namely R122H and N29I cause hereditary pancreatitis. They are autosomal dominant with a high penetrance (80%) reported in North American, North-east Asian, and North European ethnicities. However, the mutations are reportedly absent in Indian, African, and South American ethnicities. We report here for the first time a family from India that is positive for R122H mutation in the PRSS1 gene. The proband is symptomatic with chronic pancreatitis, however, the father although heterozygous for R122H is asymptomatic.     

Laevonorgestrel intra-uterine system--a revolutionary intra-uterine device

Laevonorgestrel intra-uterine system is a new hormone releasing long acting intra-uterine device. Besides being used as long acting contraceptive, it has multiple non-contraceptive benefits. It is the best choice for young women suffering from menorrhagia who want contraception along with preservation of fertility and for premenopausal women who want to avoid surgery. Moreover, it has been reported to be useful in patients with dysmenorrhoea, fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis and endometrial hyperplasia.     

Effect of aqueous extract of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. ＆ Wendl. on postmenopausal syndrome in ovariectomized rats

OBJECTIVE： Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. ＆ Wendl. （Solanaceae） is present in many Ayurveda compound formulations including Chavanaprasha and Dasamoolarishta. The whole plant is used in conditions such as inflammation, constipation and promoting conception in females. In the present study, we carried out different tests to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Solanum xanthocarpum （SXE） in postmenopausal syndrome. METHODS： The study was carried out in bilaterally ovariectomized one-month-old Wistar rats （40-50 g）. Bilaterally ovariectomized （OVX） Wistar rats were divided into four groups （n=6） receiving different treatments, consisting of a vehicle （distilled water）, aqueous extract of Solanum xanthocarpum at two different doses （200 and 400 mg/kg） administered orally daily for 90 d and standard drug β estradiol at a dose of 1 mg/kg administered subcutaneously biweekly for 90 d. Estrogenic activity was assessed by vaginal cornification, sexual behavior, serum estradiol and uterine weight to body weight ratio. Antiosteoporotic activity was assessed on the basis of biomechanical and biochemical parameters followed by histopathological studies, and antidepressant activity was assessed by forced swim test. RESULTS： SXE showed presence of steroids. At the dose of 200 mg/kg, it significantly improved all the parameters of sexual behavior （P〈0.01）, caused vaginal cornification, and increased serum estradiol and uterine weight （P〈0.01）. It also significantly improved all the parameters of bone strength as well as depression （P〈0.01）. Histopathology of bones confirmed the above findings. CONCLUSION： The study indicated that SXE may provide an effective treatment in the prevention of postmenopausal symptoms.     

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis soon after therapy with infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha-neutralizing antibody: a possible healthcare-associated case?

BACKGROUND: Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, used for the treatment of Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, an increased risk of infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rare cases of invasive fungal disease have been reported following infliximab therapy. CASE REPORT: A 73-year-old woman with chronic rheumatoid arthritis who had been treated with methotrexate, leflunomide, and prednisone was given the first of three doses of infliximab in June 2001. In July 2001, she presented with cough, and in August, she had a right upper lobe infiltrate that was treated with levofloxacin without improvement. In October, the patient had right upper and middle lobe infiltrates on a chest X-ray and computed tomography scan. At bronchoscopy, an endobronchial mass was biopsied, which demonstrated Aspergills fumigatus. Our patient had frequently accompanied her daughter on visits to another medical center following a stem cell transplant, where her daughter was instructed to wear a mask during all visits because of extensive building construction. We postulate that our patient may have acquired pulmonary aspergillosis during this period. Literature reviews on granulomatous diseases following infliximab therapy and hospital-acquired aspergillosis are presented. CONCLUSION: The temporal relationship between the administration of infliximab and A. fumigatus infection in this patient suggests a causal relationship and possible healthcare-associated acquisition. These data underscore the importance of both patient and family education on prevention strategies when potent immune-modulating medications such as infliximab have been prescribed.