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Near a zoo in Bikaner, India, 2 free-ranging Indian gazelles (Gazella bennettii) displayed nodular skin lesions. Molecular testing revealed lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection. Subsequent genome analyses revealed LSDV wild-type strain of Middle Eastern lineage. Evidence of natural LSDV infection in wild gazelles in this area indicates a broadening host range.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a globally significant disease that adversely affects cattle health and productivity, including in India. It is caused by three bovine pestiviruses: (BVDV-1), BVDV-2, and (HoBiPeV), which belong to the genus within the family. Despite the prevalence of all three pestivirus species in India, no commercial vaccine based on the local circulating strain is currently available. This study evaluates the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of an inactivated whole-virus BVD vaccine, based on an Indian BVDV-1 strain. The virus was propagated in MDBK cells, inactivated using 3 mM binary ethylenimine (BEI) for 24 h at 37 °C, and formulated with Montanide ISA 61 VG (SEPPIC) in a 50:50 water-in-oil emulsion. Vaccine safety was confirmed in both guinea pigs and bovine calves, with no adverse effects observed. Immunogenicity testing in guinea pigs ( = 6) showed neutralizing antibody titres up to 9 log (1/512). In calves aged 9-12 months ( = 3), the vaccine elicited strong humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, with mean neutralizing antibody titres against the homologous BVDV-1 strain reaching 14 log (1/16,384). Neutralizing antibody levels remained detectable for up to 12 months post vaccination with sustained mean titres of 7 log (1/128). Notably, titres reported to be adequate for fetal protection (≥9 log or ≥1/512 were maintained for five months following vaccination. Challenge studies demonstrated complete protection of vaccinated calves against homologous BVDV-1 acute infection. In addition, the vaccine conferred partial cross-protection against heterologous strains including BVDV-2 and HoBiPeV. In a field trial involving 125 cattle, 74% of animals developed protective neutralizing titres (≥7 log or ≥1/128), while 48% achieved titres reported to be adequate for fetal protection (9 log or 1/512). Furthermore, 92% of vaccinated cattle maintained neutralizing antibody titres of at least 6 log (≥1/64) for up to six months post-booster vaccination. A strong positive correlation was observed between guinea pig and bovine antibody responses (R = 0.6809; < 0.0001), indicating the potential of guinea pigs as a predictive model. Vaccine stability was confirmed for up to 8 months when stored at 4 °C, as demonstrated by the immunogenicity in guinea pigs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the locally developed inactivated BVDV-1 vaccine is safe, highly immunogenic, and capable of providing protective immunity against BVDV-1 infection, supporting its potential use in BVD control programs in India.

ObjectiveThe role of tumour thickness (TT), depth of invasion (DOI) from two different reference points (TT2 and TT3), perineural invasion (PNI) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were evaluated to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Reference points for measuring the DOI were suggested.Material and methodsParaffin-embedded tissues of excisional biopsy cases diagnosed as OSCC were sectioned and stained in haematoxylin and eosin to study variables like TT1, TT2, TT3, PNI and LVI. Out of total 150 cases collected for the study, 136, 123 and 149 cases were qualified for analysis of TT1, TT2 and TT3 respectively. The association with LNM was studied using chi square test of independence. A binary logistic regression model (BLC) was developed to indicate high-risk cases.ResultsReceiver operating curve analysis suggested an optimum cut-off value. A significant correlation of TT1 (> 8.64, RR = 1.642, p = 0.018) and TT2 (> 7.64, RR = 2.041, p = 0.016), PNI (p = 0.028) and LVI (p = 0.000) were found with LNM. A mathematical model was suggested as Z = − 1.866 + 0.101TT2 + 2.106VI + e, where Z = log [(p/(1 − p)] p = probability of the case experiencing the event of interest.ConclusionWith the suggestion of a standardised reference point to measure DOI for the first time, this study has shown an association of TT1, TT2, PNI and LVI with LNM in Indian Population. The mathematical model can help in identifying high-risk cases in OSCC.Clinical relevanceSuch studies would offer avenues for the pre-surgery assessment of depth of invasion and tumour thickness before performing neck dissection, thereby decreasing morbidity.

Border disease virus (BDV) causes significant economic losses in sheep farming worldwide. In India, BDV has not yet been studied in sheep migrating for summer pasturing. This study aimed to determine the extent of BDV infection in migratory sheep and provide genetic characteristics of BDV. Blood and serum samples from 90 lambs of a migratory sheep flock (600) in Central India were collected and subjected to molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis and virus neutralization test (VNT). We detected BDV in two lambs through real-time RT-PCR, while 64.4% (58/90) of in-contact lambs had BDV neutralizing antibodies. One apparently healthy lamb was found to be persistently infected with BDV. Phylogenetic analysis of 5′-UTR and Npro genes and the concatenated datasets typed the BDV isolate from PI sheep as BDV-3 genotype. However, it showed a closer relationship with BDV-3 strains from China than the previously reported Indian BDV-3 strains. This is the first report on the detection of BDV persistently infected migratory sheep in India. Additionally, we provided evidence of genetic variability among BDV-3 strains in India. The findings improve our understanding of epidemiology and genetic characteristics of BDV in India and highlight the potential risks associated with the traditional practice of sheep migration for summer pasturing.

HoBi-like pestivirus (HoBiPeV), classified under Pestivirus H species, is an emerging cattle pathogen of high economic impact. However, the origin and evolution of HoBiPeV are not very clear due to a lack of full genomic sequences from diverse clades. This study aimed to determine full-genome sequences of HoBiPeV strains of three novel clades (c, d and e) and perform full-genome-based genetic and evolutionary analyses. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses herein confirmed the existence and independent evolution of four main HoBiPeV clades (a, c, d and e) globally, with genetic divergence ranging from 13.0% to 18.2%. Our Bayesian molecular clock estimates revealed that HoBiPeV most likely originated in India, with a dated tMRCA of 1938 (1762–2000), evidencing a more recent origin of HoBiPeV. The evolution rate of HoBiPeV was estimated to be 2.133 × 10−3 subs/site/year at full-genome level but varied widely among individual genes. Selection pressure analyses identified most of the positively selected sites in E2. Additionally, 21.8% of the ORF codon sites were found under strong episodic diversifying selection, providing first evidence of negative selection in HoBiPeV evolution. No recombination event was evident for HoBiPeV-c, d and e strains. These findings provide new insights into HoBiPeV origin and evolutionary history for better understanding the epidemiology and host–pathogen interactions and stimulate vaccine research.

The association between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and different cancers has attracted growing attention; nonetheless, the function of these genetic variants in tobacco-related oral cancer remains little comprehended. This review assesses and integrates research concerning the influence of VDR gene variants on the development of tobacco-related oral cancer, emphasizing genetic underpinnings of individual vulnerability and possible tailored preventative approaches. The search strategy for this systematic review and meta-analysis was devised to comprehensively identify relevant studies from diverse sources. The investigation included three primary components: the VDR gene, oral cancer, and tobacco. The data from the papers included in the study were independently retrieved by two reviewers. The incidence was evaluated as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using SPSS software. A preliminary search of biomedical electronic research databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) yielded 60,345 papers. After multi-phase exclusions, five studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis highlights interactions between genetic polymorphisms, smoking, aging, and oral health risks. The CYP24A1 (rs2296241) heterozygote genotype significantly reduces oral cancer risk (OR = 0.281,  = 0.00001). Variants rs1544410 and rs2228570 influence oral health outcomes. The rs2239185 TT (OR = 2.68,  = 0.009) and rs7975232 CC (OR = 2.25,  = 0.026) increase oral lichen planus risk. Older age is significantly linked to OSCC risk (  = 0.001). This research underscores the role of VDR gene variants in tobacco-related oral cancer. Further studies are essential to validate findings and explore underlying mechanisms. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024587292, identifier: CRD42024587292.

This was a population based cross-sectional study carried out to estimate and compare the seroprevalence, hidden prevalence and determine the demographic risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults in the three largest cities of Odisha, India, and ascertain the association with the progression of the epidemic. The survey carried out in August 2020 in the three largest cities of the state of Odisha, India. Blood samples were collected from the residents using random sampling methods and tested for anti- SARS CoV-2 antibodies using an automated CLIA platform. A total of 4146 participants from the 3 cities of Bhubaneswar (BBS), Berhampur (BAM) and Rourkela (RKL) participated. The female to male participation ratio was 5.9:10 across the three cities. The gender weighted seroprevalence across the three cities was 20.78% (95% CI 19.56–22.05%). While females reported a higher seroprevalence (22.8%) as compared to males (18.8%), there was no significant difference in seroprevalence across age groups. A majority of the seropositive participants were asymptomatic (90.49%). The case to infection ratio on the date of serosurvey was 1:6.6 in BBS, 1:61 in BAM and 1:29.8 in RKL. The study found a high seroprevalence against COVID-19 in urban Odisha as well as high numbers of asymptomatic infections. The epidemic curves had a correlation with the seroprevalence.

The study was aimed to evaluate the elicitation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus (AIV) M2e and HA2-specific immunity in chicken to develop broad protective influenza vaccine against HPAI H5N1. Based on the analysis of Indian AIV H5N1 sequences, the conserved regions of extracellular domain of M2 protein (M2e) and HA2 were identified. Synthetic gene construct coding for M2e and two immunodominant HA2 conserved regions was designed and synthesized after codon optimization. The fusion recombinant protein (~38 kDa) was expressed in a prokaryotic system and characterized by Western blotting with anti-His antibody and anti-AIV polyclonal chicken serum. The M2e–HA2 fusion protein was found to be highly reactive with known AIV-positive and -negative chicken sera by ELISA. Two groups of specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were immunized (i/m) with M2e synthetic peptide and M2e–HA2 recombinant protein along with one control group with booster on the 14th day and 28th day with the same dose and route. Pre-immunization sera and whole blood were collected on day 0 followed by 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and 2 weeks after the second booster (42 day). Lymphocyte proliferation assay by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method revealed that the stimulation index (SI) was increased gradually from days 0 to 14 in the immunized group ( p < 0.05) than that in control chicken. Toll-like receptor (TLR) mRNA analysis by RT-qPCR showed maximum upregulation in the M2e–HA2-vaccinated group compared to M2e- and sham-vaccinated groups. M2e–HA2 recombinant protein-based indirect ELISA revealed that M2e–HA2 recombinant fusion protein has induced strong M2e and HA2-specific antibody responses from 7 days post-primary immunization, and then the titer gradually increased after booster dose. Similarly, M2e peptide ELISA revealed that M2e–HA2 recombinant fusion protein elicited M2e-specific antibody from day 14 onward. In contrast, no antibody response was detected in the chicken immunized with synthetic peptide M2e alone or control group. Findings of this study will be very useful in future development of broad protective H5N1 influenza vaccine targeting M2e and HA2.

Context: The incisive papilla as a guide for complete dentures. Aims: To evaluate incisive papilla as a guide to maxillary anterior teeth position for complete dentures. Settings and Design: To measure the linear distances from the incisive papilla to the maxillary central incisors in Odia population and compare it to other ethnic groups. Subjects and Methods: The subjects were selected following inclusion & exclusion criteria. The impressions of maxillary & mandibular arches were taken and poured with die stone to produce the cast. The incisive papilla & incisors were marked on casts with a pencil. The photographs of casts were traced on an acetate tracing paper. The anterior-most points of maxillary incisors, anterior, middle & posterior-most points of incisive papillae were marked on the tracing as A, I1,M, I2 respectively. The A to M and A to I2 distances were measured, analysed and compared with Caucasians, Southern Chinese, and Dravidians. Statistical Analysis: Independent sample \"t\" test and Analysis of Variance followed by the post-hoc Bonferroni test were used. Results: A sample of 100 subjects in the age group of 20 to 40 years with was selected. The A to M measurements of Odia population differed significantly from Caucasians but were similar to Southern Chinese population. The A to I2 measurements of Odia population differed significantly from Caucasians & Dravidians but were similar to Southern Chinese. Conclusion: The linear measurements from incisive papilla to maxillary incisors of the Odia population are similar to that of Southern Chinese but differ significantly from Caucasians and Dravidians.

Background: Malaria is a major health issue in tropical and subtropical areas. Out of all subtypes, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is the most dangerous form accounting for high mortality and morbidity. It is transmitted by infected female anopheles mosquitoes and infected blood transfusions. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to establish correct diagnosis by direct microscopy, Immunochromatographic test (ICT), and molecular studies. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the PG Department of Microbiology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack. Thick blood smears were drawn and then stained with Leishman’s stain to visualize falciparum rings. DNA was extracted from infected blood samples by phenol chloroform method with some modification as described by Sambrook and Russel for molecular analysis. Results: In the present study, 150 cases of malaria were analyzed. The male: female ratio was 1.7:1 and age ranged from 0 to 56 years. The Plasmodium vivax positivity was compared with thin smear to 21 (84%) in ICT, 100% both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) assays followed by the Pf positivity as 76 (92.7%) in ICT, 82 (100%) both PCR and LAMP assays, respectively. The results obtained were statistically significant with P < 0.001. The PCR and LAMP showed 100% response to specificity and positive predictive value. Conclusion: The present study established the role of molecular tests such as PCR and LAMP are highly specific for diagnosis of Plasmodium species whereas they are more or less similar in sensitivity as compared to other diagnostic methods such as ICT and microscopy.