Gujarat Population Research Articles

Sero-Prevalence of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia in Cattle and Buffalo Population of Indian States Karnataka and Gujarat.

Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) is a highly contagious and fatal disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by P. multocida. Both conventional and molecular methods are applied in parallel for rapid diagnosis of HS outbreaks and the periodical surveillance strategy to identify risk areas for HS is ignored. The current cross-sectional study aimed to estimate sero-prevalence and associated risk factors for HS in cattle and buffaloes in non-vaccinated regions of two Indian states. HS surveillance was carried out through the multi-stage random sampling technique at different strata. The study employed a questionnaire incorporating host factors (species, breed, sex, age, and lactation) and demographic parameters (state, district, block/cluster and village/epiunits, and household). First, two Indian states known for high milk production were selected followed by two districts within each state, subsequently four clusters within each district, finally 5-10 epiunits within clusters and 5-8 households within clusters were randomly selected to collect cattle and buffalo samples. The chi-square/p values and maps were prepared to represent disease prevalence and to correlate disease risk factors at different strata. A total of 692 cattle and buffalo serum samples were sourced from two states of the country (Karnataka-285 and Gujarat-407). In the first strata, antibodies to P. multocida were high in Gujarat (14.49%, CI: 11.22-18.30) compared to Karnataka (3.85%, CI: 1.94-6.80) with significant (p < 0.0001) association between the states. In the second strata, one of the four districts investigated revealed the highest sero-prevalence (18.61%, CI: 13.81-24.24) with statistical significance (p = 0.01) between the districts. Among clusters, one out of eight clusters showed the highest sero-prevalence (23.02%, CI: 16.59-30.54) with statistical significance (p = 0.03) between the clusters in the third strata. At epiunit level (fourth strata), 9 out of 27 epiunits (33.33%) visited in Karnataka and 24 out of 29 epiunits sampled in Gujarat were sero-positive (82.75%) in iELISA. At the household level, out of 306 HH visited, 40 HH had at least one positive animal (13.07%) and the p value between HH in the two states was highly significant (p = 0.0002). Chi-square analysis did not find any association of HS sero-prevalence to species, age, and lactation. However, significantly higher (p < 0.05) sero-prevalence was recorded in indigenous cattle breeds (16.56%) compared to crossbreeds (6.59%). Various immunoprophylactics and antibiotic therapies are effective against HS, but inappropriate disease reporting and failure to implement adequate vaccination control measures are the gaps identified. The present study highlights the current scenario of HS sero-prevalence in two of the high milk-producing states of India, which will be useful for stakeholders for undertaking the implementation of surveillance and control strategies for the regions.

A Survey on Awareness Regarding Certain Common Craniofacial Deformities and its Treatment Approach Among Gujarat Population.

The leading intent of the present questionnaire is to assess the ratio of the concerned population as well as the treatment approach of craniofacial deformities among Gujarat citizenry. The theme of Google Form was used for 100 partakers to record responses via sending the questionnaire in English and Gujarati languages through WhatsApp and Emails. From the 100 respondents which are from laymen of Gujarat, 62.25% of inhabitants are acquainted with craniofacial syndromes, 15% of residents have craniofacial deformities as their family history, 51.66% of denizens have some idea for the treatment approach of craniofacial malformations. A good number of Gujarat laymen have some clear concept for craniofacial syndromes.

EFFECT OF BETEL NUTS AND TOBACCO DERIVATIVES ON ANTIOXIDANTS AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS AND ORAL CANCER PATIENTS IN GUJARAT POPULATION

Objective: In our previous study, we have find the significance of biochemical markers between precancerous and cancerous subject with normal healthy individuals in Gujarat population, taking into consideration the severity of biochemical markers in cancerous condition. We felt that other than comparison, effect of betel nuts and tobacco derivatives on antioxidants and micronutrients has required further evaluation to develop a better understanding. The objective of the present study is to measure the interdependence of antioxidants and micronutrients in oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer patients and find its significance. Method: In this study, a total of 150 patients in which 50 diagnosed PMD patients and 50 diagnosed oral cancer patients with 50 healthy non-tobacco consuming were selected as a control group. Five to seven milliliters of venous blood was collected under aseptic precautions with patients consent. All the parameters were analyzed by standard methods using fully auto-analyzed with a ready-to-use kit. Result: This research was conducted on 150 patients, out of which 50 diagnosed potential malignant disorder patients and 50 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients matched with 50 healthy control individuals. Average age of patients with PMD and OSCC was 55.6±9.74-and that of control group was 35.83±8.90 years. Student t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to age. Of the 100 patients with PMD, 72 (72% of total) were men and 28 (28% of total) were women. Among the individuals in the control group (n=50), 35 persons (70% of total) were men and 15 (30% of total) were women. Chi-square test showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sex (p=0.891). The copper levels of PMD and OSCC, respectively, were 153.57±7.68 and 164.43±15.75. The value was statistically compared with OSCC which had significantly higher levels than healthy control (102.53±22.1). The iron levels of PMD and OSCC, respectively, were 77.62±15.27 and 50.04±19.97. The value was statistically compared with OSCC which had significantly lower levels than (138.4±13.2) healthy control. The Vitamin C levels of PMD and OSCC, respectively, are 0.55±0.10 and 0.44±0.9. The value was statistically compared to the OSCC which had significantly lower than 1.09±0.17 control. The Vitamin E levels of PMD and OSCC, respectively, 1.18±0.16 and 0.8±0.12 values were statistically compared the OSCC which had significantly lower levels than (1.39±3.64) healthy control. Conclusion: In our finding, Vitamin C showed positive correlation with serum iron and serum copper with malignant disorders. Trace elements and antioxidants exhibited interdependence in both physiologic and pathologic states such as oral cancer.

HLAB27 may confer protection to COVID-19 in generalized vitiligo patients from South Gujarat population

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), while generalized vitiligo(GV) is an autoimmune disease that causes the loss of functional melanocytes, resulting in white patches all over the body. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) plays a crucial role in immune response to pathogens. Studies assessing the link between GV and COVID-19 are lacking; therefore, our current study was aimed to establish the association between GV and HLAB27 by genotyping the HLAB27 allele in 150 GV patients and 150 controls from South Gujarat population through polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) method. Additionally, we assessed the correlation of GV with COVID-19 and the influence of HLAB27 on COVID-19 development. Interestingly, our study suggested that the HLAB27 allele was prevalent in GV patients as compared to controls (52% vs 35.33%; p = 0.0051). Moreover, the occurrence of COVID-19 was significantly lower in GV patients than in controls (10% vs 32.66%; p < 0.0001). Disease activity-based analysis suggested that COVID-19 occurrence was significantly lower in active vitiligo (AV) patients as compared to stable vitiligo (SV) patients(6.87% vs 31.57%; p = 0.0045). Furthermore, COVID-19 development was significantly reduced in HLAB27 positive individuals as compared to HLAB27 negative individuals (p = 0.0025). Overall, our study suggests, for the first time, that HLAB27 allele might be a genetic risk factor for GV susceptibility, and an ongoing immune response in GV patients, more specifically in AV patients, might protect against COVID-19 infection in South Gujarat population. Additionally, our study highlighted the likely role of HLAB27 in protection against COVID-19 development.

Exploring the psychometric properties of Gujarati version of WHOQOL-BREF scale among general population of Western Gujarat: A confirmatory factor analysis.

Quality of life (QOL) is a useful component in assessing the health of people and society. There are many reports on the validity of the four-domain structure of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), but few studies have investigated the possibility of a better alternative model fit among the general population. The objectives of the study were to perform exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the WHOQOL-BREF and to generate a model that fits among the general population of western Gujarat. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 using the Gujarati version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire among the general population of urban and rural areas. Factor analysis was performed to check the model fit. Factor analysis gave a five-factor structure, and the CFA suggested that the model was acceptable. Based on the findings, this model can better explain QOL and can be used as a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating QOL in the general population of Gujarat.

Revealing Y-STR Diversity of Koli Populations (Gujarat) by Studying 23 Y-STR Loci

Genetic analysis of Y-STR loci is pivotal for forensic libraries and genetic analysis. The Koli population in Gujarat, India, however, lacks such genetic characterization. This study aims to develop an allele frequency database for 23 Y-STR loci in the Koli population, examining forensic parameters and assessing genetic connections with neighboring tribes. A total of 153 unrelated Koli males were genotyped using the PowerPlex®Y23 multiplex commercial kit. We identified 117 distinct haplotypes. The Haplotype Diversity (HD) and Discrimination Capacity (DC) for the 23 Y-STR loci were 0.993 and 0.8034, respectively. DYS385b locus exhibited the highest allele variability (10 alleles), whereas DYS391, DYS389I, and DYS437 showed the least (4 alleles each). The highest Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) was observed in DYS385b (0.775), with the lowest in DYS391 (0.386). The dominant haplogroup R1a accounted for 45% of the population. Comparative analysis with other Indian populations from YHRD revealed two distinct clusters, placing the Koli population in cluster 2, indicating significant genetic similarity within this group. This inaugural study of Y-STRs in the Koli population demonstrates the utility of the Y23 kit in male identification, highlighted by substantial haplotype diversity and discrimination capacity.

Dermatoglyphic Pattern Assessment in Smokeless Tobacco Users in the North Gujarat Population: A Comparative Case-Control Study.

Dermatoglyphic patterns identify genetic conditions as they develop early in pregnancy and remain constant throughout life. Multiple studies suggest that there is a genetic link to smokeless tobacco use. So, this study has been conducted to assess dermatoglyphic patterns among smokeless tobacco users in the North Gujarat population with nonconsumers. A total of 500 cases were investigated for "ATD" angle and patterns, of which 250 subjects of smokeless tobacco are assessed for statistical significance via comparing them to 250 subjects of nonconsumers. Student's t-test was employed for evaluating quantitative factors (also known as the "ATD" angle), and the Chi-square test was used to analyze qualitative variables (also known as fingerprint patterns). A P value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. In this study, the angle "ATD" was found to be reduced in both the palms of males (P 0.001) and females (P 0.001) when compared to controls, which was statistically highly significant. In our study, we discovered that the number of whorls and arches is lower in male cases as compared to male controls, which is highly significant (P = 0.020 and P = 0.010). Male cases had a greater number of loops than male controls, which was statistically significantly greater (P 0.001). In this latest study, an association between smokeless tobacco users and palmar dermatoglyphics was identified. Though dermatoglyphics solely is unable to identify individuals who abuse alcohol and/or cigarette packs, the results of this research could serve to further develop diagnostic guidelines.

Promoter polymorphisms of neuropeptide Y, interleukin-1B and increased IL-1β levels are associated with rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility in South Gujarat population

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint destruction. Interleukin-1B(IL-1β) has been implicated in RA, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL1-β, TNF-α and IL-6. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NPY and IL1B gene may lead to their altered levels leading to RA pathogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate association of NPY rs16147(T > C) SNP, and genotype–phenotype correlation of the IL1B rs16944(C > T) SNP in 302 RA patients and 337 controls by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Both the genotype and allele frequencies for NPY rs16147(T > C)(p = 0.0019 &p = 0.012) and IL1B rs16944(C > T)(p = 0.0024 &p = 0.0014) SNPs differed significantly between RA patients and controls. The odds ratios of 1.23 and 1.47 for NPY rs16147(T > C) and IL1B rs16944(C > T) SNPs respectively, suggest that these SNPs may be genetic risk factor for RA in South Gujarat population. The plasma IL-1β levels(p = 0.0332) and genotype-phenotype correlation of IL1B rs16944(C > T) SNP suggested increased IL-1β levels, particularly in patients with susceptible ‘TT' genotypes(p < 0.0001). Additionally, plasma IL-1β level was significantly increased in severe RA patients (p = 0.0025) and positively correlated with Rheumatoid factor(RF) (r = 0.9240, p < 0.0001), suggesting the role of IL-1β in disease severity. Overall, the study for the first time suggests that NPY rs16147(T > C) and IL1B rs16944(C > T) SNPs may be associated with RA susceptibility in South Gujarat population. Additionally, the IL1B rs16944 susceptible ‘TT' genotype may lead to increased IL-1β levels, thereby contributing to RA pathogenesis and severity.

Prevalence of Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Population of Gujarat - Report of 9184 Cases

Background: All humans have the Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase gene. Some people are born with a mutation of the Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase gene. Most of these individuals are asymptomatic but may exhibit non-immune hemolytic anemia, even severe anemia in response to exposure to certain environmental triggers, most commonly, infection or exposure to certain foods like fava beans (favism), medications or chemicals. G6PD deficiency is an X-linked disorder that primarily affects males. Heterozygous females do not usually develop severe hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency. This study destined to reveal the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in south Gujarat population. Methods: This is a retrospective case study designed to assess the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in gujarat population, for patient requesting G6PD test at multiple collection center of Desai metropolis laboratory pvt ltd. between January 2022 to May 2023. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency analysis was done by Methylene dye blue test (Arkray MBK) – Qualitative method. All G6PD deficient patient confirmed by G6PD-quantitative (Kinetic method). Results: Total 9180 patients (5790 male and 3394 female) were included in this study. They were subsequently categorized into various subgroups and analysed properly. The incidence of G6PD deficiency in the selected sample frame of cases was 3.69 %. In which 4.11% of G6PD deficient cases belong to the male while the rest 2.98 % belong to the female. Conclusion: Therefore, to conclude whenever clinical and hematological findings raise the suspicion of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, the disorder should be confirmed by quantitative/quantitative measurement of red blood cell enzyme activity in both male and female. There is also need for a large screening programme, especially in malaria endemic zones.

Rural Transformation in Gujarat: An Empirical Assessment through Multidimensional Indicators

Rural transformation is one of the key social and economic changes that lead to the development of rural communities and the overall growth of any country. A country like India has diversity in terms of the availability of natural resources, work culture, race, and religion for each geographical state unit with its own pace of growth and development. Gujarat is one of the high-growth states in the country, with Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) estimates of USD 253.64 billion in FY22 with a 7% YoY increase (India Brand Equity Foundation, n.d.). However, the rural population in Gujarat fell to 57.4% in 2011 from 62.6% in the 2001 census. This paper tries to assess the rural transformation in Gujarat with multidimensional indices like agriculture, consumption, employment, education, and urbanization that focus on rural transformation with the help of district-level microdata in the broader context of the high economic growth of Gujarat.

Health profiling of elderly in Gujarat: evidences from longitudinal ageing study in India

Background: Considering the burden of different health related disorders amongst the elderly, the present study aims to examine the health profile and the factors associated with various health issues among the elderly in Gujarat. Methods: The current study has used the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave-1 data. The chi-square test and logistic regression model have been used to establish the association between the study variables and factors associated with the chronic diseases among elderly in Gujarat. Results: The prevalence of chronic diseases among elderly in Gujarat is 51.3 percent. Hypertension was the highest prevalent disease suffered by nearly one-fourth (24.3%) of the elderly people covered under the study followed by prevalence of chronic bone/joint diseases (15.7%) and diabetes (12.4%). The present study showed that the risk of occurrence of chronic diseases increases along with the age. Consumption of alcohol increases the risk of chronic morbidities. On the other hand, education, work status and physical activity play significant role in reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases. Conclusions: The study highlights the prevalence of different health related disorders amongst the elderly in Gujarat. In addition to this, the study tries to identify the critical factors associated with health issues of elderly. The findings from the study can also help in strengthening the scope of National level preventive and health care programme for the elderly population in Gujarat.

Balancing conservation planning and mitigation: perspectives from a case study of the Asiatic lions

Diverse, often inter-disciplinary, approaches have been proposed to advance the conservation of lions (Panthera leo) and their natural habitats. The IUCN guidelines for the conservation of lions in Africa call for effective national policies at all scales, and legal frameworks with specific Action Plans preferably at a regional/population level, to achieve the goals of lion conservation while also planning for the equitable distribution of costs and benefits amongst local communities. However, general approaches must be tailored to specific circumstances, so here we provide an overview of the factors relevant to the particular case of Asiatic lions (p.l.leo). Taking stock of what has contributed to the remarkable recovery of these lions from the brink of extinction, we provide readers with background understanding of the steadily growing lion population in Gujarat, India. We focus on the management challenges that have arisen during the past two decades during which lions have increasingly moved, and dispersed, beyond the Gir Protected Area (Gir PA). We illustrate how the positive intersection between cultural predisposition, regulatory frameworks, and management interventions have contributed to this accomplishment. Despite the apparent history of success, the currently fruitful intersection of these factors are in fact dynamic and, to remain positive, need continuous review and adaptation. We highlight how mitigations that may strongly foster conservation when applied in moderation may be counter-productive in excess and also go on to evaluate the extent to which some of the lessons learnt can be generalised.

Genetic association of nuclear factor of activated T cells’ 3′UTR and structural polymorphisms with susceptibility to generalized vitiligo in Gujarat population

Generalized vitiligo (GV) is an autoimmune skin depigmenting disease characterized by loss of functional melanocytes. Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs) play a key role in regulatory T cells’ (Tregs) activation and function. Our previous studies have highlighted the role of reduced NFATs expression and activity in impaired Tregs suppressive capacity, leading to GV pathogenesis. 3′UTR region and structural single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) could lead to reduced NFAT expression and activity. Therefore, we studied the association of NFATs 3′UTR [NFATC2 rs4811198 (T > G) &NFATC4 rs11848279 (A > G)] and structural [NFATC1 rs754093 (T > G) &NFATC2 rs12479626 (T > C)] SNPs in 427 GV patients and 415 controls from Gujarat population by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP). Additionally, we carried out genotype-phenotype correlation and in silico analysis to assess the effect of NFATs SNPs on NFATs expression and structure. NFATC2 rs4811198 (T > G) 3′ UTR &NFATC2 rs12479626 (T > C) structural SNPs were significantly associated with GV (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, for NFATC2 rs4811198 (T > G) SNP, there was a significant difference in the TT vs GG genotypes’ frequencies (p = 0.0034; Table 2), and for NFATC2 rs12479626 (T > C) SNP there was a significant difference between TT vs TC and CC genotypes’ frequencies (p < 0.0001 & p = 0.0002) between GV patients and controls. Furthermore, Odds ratio suggested that the susceptible alleles for NFATC2 rs4811198 (T > G) &NFATC2 rs12479626 (T > C) SNPs increased the risk of GV by 1.38 & 3.04 fold. However, the NFAT 3′ UTR [NFATC2 rs4811198 (T > G)] and structural [NFATC1 rs754093 (T > G)] SNPs were not significantly associated with GV. Interestingly, the genotype-phenotype correlation suggested that the susceptible ‘G’ allele of NFATC2 rs4811198 (T > G) &NFATC4 rs11848279 (A > G) 3′ UTR SNPs lead to reduced NFATC2 and NFATC4 expression (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, in silico analysis suggested that hsa-miR-3183 & hsa-miR-6720-3p miRNAs specifically bound to ‘G’ allele of NFATC2 rs4811198 SNP and has-miR-4652-3p miRNA specifically bound to ‘G’ allele of NFATC4 rs11848279 SNP. Overall, our study suggests that NFATC2 rs4811198 (T > G) 3′ UTR &NFATC2 rs12479626 (T > C) structural SNPs may be associated with GV susceptibility in Gujarat population. Moreover, the susceptible alleles for the 3′ UTR SNPs could lead to reduced NFATs levels, which may further possibly, affect the Treg suppressive function leading to GV.

ROLE OF DUPLEX ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSIS OF PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE IN WESTERN INDIAN POPULATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF 100 PATIENTS

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular condition that affects the lower extremities, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. We studied 100 patients over a period of 9 months to understand the role of duplex ultrasound in peripheral arterial disease and assess the spectrum of vascular disease in western Gujarat population. Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging modality that plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of PAD. This technique combines two types of ultrasound, B-mode and Doppler, to visualize the arterial anatomy and assess blood ow velocities. Duplex ultrasound provides accurate information about the presence and severity of stenosis or occlusion, as well as the hemodynamic signicance of the disease. It can classify PAD based on various parameters, including the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Duplex ultrasound is also useful in monitoring disease progression and treatment response. The technique has several advantages over other imaging modalities, including its non-invasive nature, lower cost, portability, and ability to provide real-time imaging during interventions. However, interpreting duplex ultrasound results requires expertise in vascular anatomy and hemodynamics. Overall, duplex ultrasound is a versatile and valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of PAD

Morphological and Morphometric Study of Coronary Sinus in Human Cadaveric Hearts in Gujarat Region, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The major vein draining blood from the heart is the Coronary Sinus (CS). Its significance in facilitating numerous cardiac treatments such as biventricular pacing, and the placement of a variety of cardiac devices has made the CS a therapeutically essential structure. The development of advanced invasive and interventional cardiac procedures requires a thorough understanding of CS anatomy. Aim: To determine the location, shape, length, and width of the CS together with its left atrial muscular coverage in hearts of formalin-fixed cadavers. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross- sectional study in which data was collected from 90 adult human cadaveric hearts preserved with formalin from both sexes. Forty cadaveric heart was obtained from Department of Anatomy, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad and 50 from Dr. ND Desai Medical College and Hospital, Nadiad, Gujarat, India and study was conducted from August 2020 to July 2022. External Lengths (EL) of CS were measured using thread and Vernier Calliper at different levels (EL1-From the entry of oblique vein into CS and EL2-From the point of union of the great cardiac vein and left marginal vein upto its termination). CS width was measured: at the beginning, at the point where Middle Cardiac Vein (MCV) enters, and at the point where it terminates in the right atrium. CS walls were examined to see whether the muscles of the left atrium covered them or not. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, a descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the range, mean, and standard deviation. Results: In all 90 (100%) hearts, CS was found in the posterior atrioventricular sulcus. Tubular-shaped CS was found in 80 (88.9%) hearts, while 10 (11.1%) hearts had funnel-shaped CS. The EL1 of the CS was 43.75±4.68 mm and EL2 was 40.19±5.62 mm. The width of the CS was 6.71±1.47 mm at the beginning, 8.49±1.89 mm at the entrance point of MCV, the maximum width at termination in the right atrium was 8.14±2.16 mm and the minimum width was 5.16±1.70 mm. Muscles of the left atrium covered CS in all cases. Conclusion: The CS has a variable location, shape, length, and width despite being a constant component of the heart’s venous system. Its importance in giving access to various cardiac procedures has made it a clinically significant structure. The baseline data of this study can help the cardiologists performing various cardiac procedures in the Gujarat population.

Prevalence of endemic acute viral conjunctivitis and its preventive and curative homeopathic management among the population of south Gujarat: A community based cross sectional study

Prevalence of endemic acute viral conjunctivitis and its preventive and curative homeopathic management among the population of south Gujarat: A community based cross sectional study

Forensic evaluation of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in Gujarat population, India

Background Owing to its high copy number and its small size, mtDNA analysis is the most reliable choice when biological materials from crime scenes are degraded or have mixed STR profiles. Aim To examine the occurrence of heteroplasmy along with its frequency and pattern in both HV1 and HV2 regions of the mtDNA among unrelated individuals from India. Subjects and methods Mitochondrial DNA control region [hypervariable region one (HV1) and hypervariable region two (HV2)] were analysed in blood and buccal tissues of 104 unrelated individuals from the Indian state of Gujarat. Results A high frequency of point heteroplasmy (PH) and length heteroplasmy (LH) was revealed. PH was detected in 7.69% of the population, with a higher frequency observed in blood than in buccal samples. However, there were no statistically significant differences in PH between the two tissues (Chi-square = 0.552, p ≥ 0.05). A total of six PH positions were detected: three at HV1, and another three at HV2. The studied population showed 46.15% LH in the HV1 and HV2 regions of both tissues. The LH positions observed in the Gujarat population were the same as those previously reported at HV1 np16184–16193 and HV2 np303–315. Conclusions Our findings suggest that differences in the pattern of heteroplasmy found in different tissues can complicate the forensic analysis, on the other hand, the probability of a match between the questioned and reference samples increases when the heteroplasmy is identical in both tissues. Variability of PH among persons and even within tissues recommends analysing multiple tissue samples before drawing a conclusion in forensic mtDNA analyses.

Investigating the Association of Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Polymorphisms with Vitiligo Susceptibility

Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a co-activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and is also strongly activated by DNA damage. PARP has also been found to be associated with several autoimmune disorders. Vitiligo is a polygenic, multifactorial, acquired skin disorder caused due to loss of epidermal melanocytes. Among others, genetic and immunological factors are associated with vitiligo pathogenesis. Aim: To investigate the association of PARP1 exon 17 (rs1136410; V762A) and promoter CA microsatellite repeat (rs1136410) polymorphisms, and NF-κB promoter -94 indelATTG (rs28362491) polymorphism with vitiligo pathogenesis in Gujarat population. Methods: Genotyping of PARP1 17T/C (rs5030870) polymorphism was done by PCR-RFLP.PARP1 CA microsatellite and NF-κB-94 indel (rs28362491) polymorphisms were genotyped by Real-Time PCR. Anti-PARP antibody levels were assessed by ELISA. Results: The results suggested no significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies of PARP1 17 T/C (p=0.5094 and p=0.4201, respectively), PARP1 CA microsatellite polymorphisms (p=0.9519 and p=0.9338, respectively) and NF-κB-94 ATTG indel polymorphism (p=0.1482 and p=0.3784, respectively) in patients as compared to controls. Conclusion: This study suggests no association of PARP1 17 T/C, PARP1 CA microsatellite and NF-κB-94 ATTG indel polymorphisms with vitiligo susceptibility in Gujarat population. Additionally, anti-PARP1 antibody levels were not significantly different among patients and controls. These findings suggest the need for additional studies to explore the role of PARP1 in vitiligo pathogenesis. Keywords: Vitiligo, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1(PARP-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), polymorphisms, Autoimmunity

Altered Levels of Negative Costimulatory Molecule V-Set Domain-Containing T-Cell Activation Inhibitor-1 (VTCN1) and Metalloprotease Nardilysin (NRD1) are Associated with Generalized Active Vitiligo

ABSTRACT Background Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented macules on the skin caused due to autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. V-set domain-containing T-cell activation inhibitor-1 (VTCN1) is a negative costimulatory molecule that plays a vital role in suppressing autoimmunity and tuning immune response. Nardilysin (NRD1), a metalloproteinase, cleaves membrane-tethered VTCN1 resulting in the shedding of soluble-VTCN1 (sVTCN1). However, the role of VTCN1 and NRD1 in vitiligo pathogenesis is unexplored. Objectives and methods This study was aimed to (i) Investigate the association of VTCN1 intronic polymorphisms (rs10923223 T/C and rs12046117 C/T) with vitiligo susceptibility in Gujarat population by using Polymerase Chain Reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) (ii) Estimate VTCN1 & NRD1 transcript levels from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and skin samples of vitiligo patients by real-time PCR, (iii) Estimate sVTCN1 and NRD1 protein levels from plasma by ELISA and (iv) Estimate VTCN1 protein levels in the skin samples of vitiligo patients by immunofluorescence. Results The analysis revealed increased VTCN1 and NRD1 transcript levels in the skin (p = .039, p = .021 respectively), increased sVTCN1 and NRD1 levels (p = .026, p = .015 respectively) in the plasma, and decreased VTCN1 protein levels (p = .0002) in the skin of vitiligo patients as compared to healthy controls. The genetic analysis revealed no significant association of VTCN1 intronic polymorphisms rs10923223 T/C and rs12046117 C/T with vitiligo susceptibility in Gujarat population (p = .359, p = .937, respectively). Conclusions The present study revealed altered VTCN1 and NRD1 expressions in the blood and skin of vitiligo patients, suggesting their potential role in the development and progression of Vitiligo.

Human health risk assessment of pesticide residues in vegetable and fruit samples in Gujarat State, India

The present study was initiated with the purpose to evaluate possible health risks associated with pesticide residues through consumption of vegetables and fruits by general population of Gujarat, India. A total of 1075 samples comprising of twelve different varieties of commonly consumed food commodities were collected from twenty-five divergent locations in Gujarat. The collected samples were extracted using QuEChERS method and analyzed for the presence of organophosphorus (OPs), organochlorine (OCs) and synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) pesticides using UHPLC-HR/MS, GC-μECD and GC-MS/SIM. The results indicated that 2.3% of vegetable and fruit samples showed the presence of pesticide residues exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs). The results suggested that, detected residue levels in samples were within safe limits and their consumption will not pose any significant health risk to human. The outcomes present significant information regarding the status of vegetable and fruit contamination and pointed out the prerequisite for further studies with reference to monitoring of pesticides and other toxic contaminants in different samples for assessing cumulative health risk.