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Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder and a major contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Role of oxidative stress in early pregnancy with the pathophysiology of the disorder is unclear. The current study aims to analyse maternal levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA and protein carbonyl) longitudinally across gestation and placental levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA, protein carbonyl and 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine) in women with PE and compare them with non-PE women. 324 pregnant women (216 non-PE and 108 PE women) were longitudinally followed during pregnancy. Women with preeclampsia were stratified as early onset preeclampsia (EOP) and late onset preeclampsia (LOP) Maternal blood at four time points across gestation (11–14 weeks, 18–22 weeks, 26–28 weeks, and at delivery) and placenta were collected. Maternal and placental levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed using commercially available kits. Maternal plasma MDA and protein carbonyl levels were comparable between the PE and non-PE group at all timepoints across gestation. Maternal plasma MDA were significantly higher levels at 26–28 weeks in EOP women when compared to non-PE women (p < 0.05). Placental 8-oxo-dG levels were lower in the EOP group as compared to non-PE (p < 0.05). Elevated plasma MDA levels were positively associated with birth length at 18–22 weeks and 26–28 weeks in the PE group (p < 0.05 for both). Maternal plasma MDA levels were positively associated with systolic blood pressure at 18–22 weeks. Oxidative stress in early pregnancy is not associated with risk of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly infection with HPVs 16 and 18, is a major cause of cervical cancer. The current high-risk HPV screening or diagnosis tests use cytological or molecular techniques that are primarily based on qualitative HPV DNA detection. Comparative studies, however, revealed that different assays have varying sensitivities for detecting specific HPV types. Here, we developed and optimized a sensitive PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay for detection of high-risk HPV-16 and HPV-18. The PCR parameters were optimized, and analytical specificities were validated. Performance of developed PCR assay was evaluated in clinical samples (n = 100) which showed 100% specificity for both the assays and 96.97% and 94.12% sensitivity for HPV-16 and HPV-18, respectively. The developed assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for detection of high-risk HPV-16 and HPV-18, making it applicable to routine HPV detection practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is commonly noted during the second trimester of pregnancy. There is limited clinical evidence for the diagnosis of GDM during the third trimester of pregnancy, particularly in Indian pregnant women. Objective: To assess and validate the clinically suitable strategy for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of gestational glucose intolerance (GGI) and GDM during pregnancy in Indian women visiting the tertiary care research institute. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective epidemiological data analysis of a real-life scenario. Data of Indian pregnant women visiting tertiary care centers were retrieved and analyzed. Analysis was performed for the prevalence of GDM; progression of GGI to GDM; and neonatal outcome. The Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India (DIPSI) criteria were used and validated. Results: The data of 20,232 pregnant women over the period of June 2012 to March 2022 was retrieved and analyzed. A total of 2192 pregnant women reported GDM. These women were further analyzed for the prevalence of GGI and progression of GGI to GDM by using DIPSI guidelines. Out of 2192 pregnant women, 49 women lost follow-up. A total of 646 (29.47%), 1149 (52.42%), and 397 (18.11%) pregnant women were diagnosed with GDM during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Almost 47.77% and 14.83% of women with normal blood glucose levels progressed to GDM in the second and third trimesters, respectively. Few women who had GGI in the first trimester progressed to GDM in the second trimester (4.65%) and third trimester (1.69%). Similarly, only 1.6% of women who had GGI in the second trimester progressed to GDM in the third trimester. Neonatal complications were analyzed, and 14 neonatal deaths were noted. Conclusion: The study validated DIPSI guidelines and concluded that DIPSI guidelines are important and clinically relevant for the screening of GDM in resource-limiting settings. The screening of pregnant women for GDM in the third trimester is equally important for the diagnosis, timely management, and prevention of complications. Also, monitoring and treatment of women with GGI play a crucial role to prevent the progression of GGI to GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the levels of maternal serum calcium and magnesium from early pregnancy until delivery, along with cord levels, in women who developed preeclampsia (PE) and compares them with those without PE. A total of 324 pregnant women (216 non-PE and 108 PE women) were included in this retrospective case–control study of prospectively collected data nested in an observational cohort study. Maternal blood was collected at 4 time points during pregnancy (V1 = 11–14 weeks, V2 = 18–22 weeks, V3 = 26–28 weeks, and V4 = at delivery) and umbilical cord blood at delivery. Independent t tests were used to compare calcium, magnesium, and their ratio between two groups, and their associations with PE were studied using regression models. Calcium levels were similar between groups at all time points. Magnesium levels were lower (p = 0.021) at V2 in PE group as compared with non-PE group. Maternal calcium and magnesium levels were negatively associated, with blood pressure in early pregnancy. In fully adjusted logistic regression analysis, lower magnesium levels were associated with an increased risk of PE at V2 (OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.07, 0.94] p = 0.04). Lower magnesium in mid-pregnancy was associated with higher risk of PE. These changes were observed before the diagnosis of PE, thereby suggesting that they may have a role in the etiology of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the treatment strategies and pregnancy outcomes between women with gestational diabetes mellitus carrying twin and singleton pregnancies. Method: We conducted a retrospective chart review of women with singleton and twin pregnancy; those visited Sunil's Diabetes Care n' Research Centre, Nagpur, and Gupte Hospital Pune, between 2006 and 2019, for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Propensity scores for baseline characteristics were used to assemble a matched-pairs cohort of women with twin and singleton pregnancies. Results: A subset of 132 singleton cases was obtained from 801 records that matched with 44 cases of twin pregnancy, with a ratio of 3:1. Treatment modalities, insulin dose, and mode of delivery differed insignificantly between the two groups. Univariate analysis showed significantly higher risk of Premature Baby Unit (PBU) admission > 48 h (OR 2.687; 95% CI 1.064–6.784; p = 0.0364) and small for gestational age newborns (OR 5.286; 95% CI 2.826–9.887; p < 0.0001) in twin pregnancies, and lower risk of premature birth (OR 0.225; 95% CI 0.127–0.402; p < 0.0001) and large for gestational age newborns (OR 0.239; 95% CI 0.068–0.841; p < 0.0257). In a multiple regression analysis, twin pregnancies were found to be the strongest predictors of small for gestational age infant (OR 3.960; 95% CI 1.928–8.135; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Although treatment strategies and insulin doses differ insignificantly between gestational diabetes mellitus women carrying twin and singleton pregnancies, their treatment should be planned to achieve glycemic goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the discovery of a new bacterial phytopathogen, Kosakonia sp. CR1, causing canker disease on citrus plants in India. The study was conducted in citrus orchards in Pune, Maharashtra, where 21% of the plants showed disease symptoms. The researchers collected samples from seven randomly selected plants and isolated 12 Kosakonia sp. CR1 strains. Molecular identification confirmed the presence of Kosakonia sp. CR1, and pathogenicity testing demonstrated its ability to cause canker symptoms on healthy citrus plants. This is the first report of Kosakonia sp. as a causative agent of citrus canker in India. The authors acknowledge financial support from Bharati Vidyapeeth University and Greenarray Genomic Research and Solutions. [Extracted from the article]

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are grave complications of pregnancy responsible for morbidity and mortality. National Eclampsia Registry of the FOGSI has helped in quantifying the magnanimity and also the clinical relevant pointers which can help in improving the health care delivery. Many complex pathogenic mechanisms are now implicated to be responsible for this disease rightfully called the GESTOSIS which means pregnancy going abnormal. Many preventive strategies have been suggested but only a few are scientifically proved to be useful. Early antenatal care, clinical risk assessment, biomarkers, close vigilance, calcium and nutritional supplementation are useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]