Biotech current affair Flashcards
Discovery of Nitroplasts
Nitroplasts are organelles found in the marine alga Braarudosphaera bigelowii, enabling nitrogen fixation—a process previously thought exclusive to bacteria and archaea.
Symbiosomes in Plants
Symbiosomes are specialized compartments in plant root nodules that house nitrogen-fixing bacteria, facilitating nutrient exchange between plant and bacteria.
Formation of Symbiosomes
Symbiosomes form when plant cells envelop nitrogen-fixing bacteria, creating a micro-environment for nitrogen fixation within root nodules.
Function of Symbiosomes
Within symbiosomes, bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, providing essential nutrients to the host plant.
Implications of Nitroplast Research
Studying nitroplasts may inspire new methods to engineer symbiosome-like structures in crops, enhancing their nitrogen-fixing abilities.
Criteria to be classified as an organelle
- Be functionally and structurally integrated into the host cell
- Depend on the whose cell for protein import
- Synchronise its growth with the wholesale
- Be inherited during the host cell division
FLiRT Variant: Definition
‘FLiRT’ refers to a group of SARS-CoV-2 variants characterized by specific mutations in the spike protein: a phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) mutation and an arginine (R) to threonine (T) mutation.
Origin of FLiRT Variants
The FLiRT variants emerged as sublineages of the Omicron variant, specifically from the JN.1 lineage, and were first identified in the United States in early 2024.
Significance of Mutations
The F456L and R346T mutations in the spike protein of FLiRT variants may enhance the virus’s ability to bind to human cells, potentially increasing transmissibility.
Xenotransplantation
The transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another to address organ shortages.
Genome of the extinct little bush moa reconstructed
Scientists reconstructed the genome of the extinct little bush moa, revealing insights into its evolution and extinction.
X-Chromosome Inactivation (XCI) Definition
XCI is an epigenetic mechanism in females that silences one of the two X chromosomes to balance gene expression between males and females.
Skewed XCI and Autoimmunity
Skewed XCI, where one X chromosome is preferentially inactivated, has been linked to increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
XCI Escape and Female Bias in Autoimmunity
Some genes escape XCI, leading to higher expression levels in females and contributing to their increased risk of autoimmune diseases.
Role of TLR7 and TLR8 in Autoimmunity
TLR7 and TLR8 genes, located on the X chromosome, can influence autoimmune disease development through gene dosage effects or mutations.
XCI and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Altered XCI patterns have been observed in SLE patients, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.
Impact of X Chromosome Number on Autoimmunity
The number of X chromosomes, rather than sex hormones, is associated with higher susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
XCI in Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Skewed XCI in hematopoietic stem cell-derived immune cells may contribute to sex biases in autoimmune disease prevalence.
XCI and Sex Differences in Autoimmunity
XCI mechanisms help explain why autoimmune diseases are more common in women than men.
XCI Escape Genes and Immune Response
Genes that escape XCI may lead to an enhanced immune response in females, increasing autoimmunity risk.
Avian Flu Detected in Madhya Pradesh
Avian flu (H5N1) was detected in three cats and a bird in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Market Closure in Response to Avian Flu
A market in Madhya Pradesh was shut down for 21 days following the detection of avian flu in local animals.
Human Cases of H5N1 in the US
Approximately 70 human cases of H5N1 have been reported in the United States since 2022.
Global Spread of H5N1 Since 2020
The H5N1 avian influenza virus has been causing significant outbreaks globally since 2020, affecting various bird species and mammals, including humans.
Symptoms of H5N1 in Humans
Human infections can cause severe respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with a high mortality rate.
increase in outbreak of dengue fever in Latin America why ?
- 0.2 degree increase in temp due to global warming in latin america
- el Nino 2023 led to increase in temperature in Pacific Ocean
- Rapid urbanisation plus poor waste management
These factors led to increase in mosquito breeding grounds which in turn led to increase in the outbreak of dengue fever
Vaccines available for dengue fever
- Odenga Japanese maid vaccine
- Dengavexia France
- NIH single shot vaccine US
Transmission of West Nile Virus
The virus is primarily transmitted through bites from infected Culex mosquitoes.
Severe West Nile Disease
Severe cases can lead to neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis, which may be fatal.
Global Presence of West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.
Human-to-Human Transmission of West Nile Virus
There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission through casual contact.
Widal Test: Accuracy Issues
The Widal test has low sensitivity (37–74%) and specificity (43–83%), leading to frequent false-positive and false-negative results.
Cross-Reactivity in Widal Test
The test can cross-react with infections like malaria and non-typhoidal salmonella, further reducing its diagnostic accuracy.
Baseline Antibody Titers in Endemic Areas
In endemic areas, people may have naturally high antibody levels, causing false-positive Widal test results even without active infection.
Public Health Impact of Faulty Diagnoses
Relying on the Widal test can distort typhoid incidence data, misleading public health policies and resource allocation.
Antibiotic Resistance and Misdiagnosis
False-positive results can lead to unnecessary antibiotic treatments, accelerating the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Typhoid Fever: Overview
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spread through contaminated food and water, causing prolonged fever, weakness, abdominal pain, and severe complications if untreated.
Role of SASS6 in Cell Division
SASS6 is crucial for centriole duplication, a key step in cell division.
Impact of SASS6 Mutations
Mutations in SASS6 disrupt centriole formation, leading to decreased neuron production and microcephaly.
Neuronal Sensitivity to Centriole Defects
Neuron precursor cells are particularly sensitive to defects in centriole duplication, affecting brain development.
Discovery of SASS6 Variants
Since 2014, multiple variants of the SASS6 gene have been linked to cases of microcephaly.
Recent Findings on SASS6
Researchers at Nantong University, China, confirmed that non-functional copies of the SASS6 gene result in embryonic lethality, highlighting its essential role.
ICMR’s Initiative for Pediatric Hydroxyurea
ICMR is developing a child-friendly oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in India.
Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease in India
Over 20 million people in India are affected by sickle cell disease, highlighting the need for effective treatments.
Current Hydroxyurea Formulations
Existing hydroxyurea formulations are primarily designed for adults, necessitating pediatric-specific versions.
Benefits of Hydroxyurea in SCD
Hydroxyurea increases fetal hemoglobin production, reducing sickling of red blood cells and associated complications.
National Mission to Eliminate SCD
India has launched a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047, with improved treatments being a key component.
Definition of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB)
EPTB refers to tuberculosis infections occurring outside the lungs, affecting organs such as lymph nodes, abdomen, bones, joints, and the central nervous system.
Common Sites of EPTB Infection
Common sites include lymph nodes, pleura, genitourinary tract, bones and joints, meninges, and the abdomen.
Diagnostic Challenges of EPTB
EPTB often presents with non-specific symptoms, making clinical diagnosis difficult without specific laboratory or imaging studies.
Diagnostic Tools for EPTB
Diagnostic methods include imaging studies, histopathological examination, microbiological cultures, and molecular tests like PCR.
Treatment Regimen for EPTB
Treatment typically involves a combination of first-line anti-tubercular drugs: isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.
Impact of HIV on EPTB
HIV co-infection increases the risk of developing EPTB and can complicate both diagnosis and treatment.
ICMR’s Role in TB Protocol Revision
The Indian Council of Medical Research is updating TB treatment protocols, focusing on medication and treatment duration.
Objective of Revised Protocols
To rejuvenate the TB-free initiative and eliminate deaths, disease, and poverty caused by TB.
Current Status of TB Elimination Drive
The TB elimination drive has plateaued, prompting the need for revised treatment protocols.
Focus Areas of New Protocols
The new protocols emphasize early detection, effective treatment, and addressing drug-resistant TB strains.
Challenges in TB Elimination
Issues such as delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and emergence of drug-resistant strains hinder TB elimination efforts.
MTBVAC Vaccine Candidate
A live-attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccine developed to provide improved protection against TB compared to the current BCG vaccine.
Phase 2 Clinical Trials for MTBVAC
Approved to assess safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy in preventing active TB disease in adolescents and adults.
IMAGINE Trial
A Phase 2 trial in South Africa evaluating the safety and efficacy of a single-dose MTBVAC in preventing active TB lung disease in adolescents and adults.
MTBVAC vs. BCG Vaccine
MTBVAC aims to offer more effective and longer-lasting protection than the century-old BCG vaccine currently in use.
MTBVAC Phase 3 Trials
Plans are underway for Phase 3 trials in high TB burden regions, including South Africa, Madagascar, and Senegal.
MTBVAC Antigenic Targets
Contains the full complement of antigenic targets of the original pathogen, potentially leading to a broader immune response.
Total Lives Saved by Vaccination (1974-2024)
An estimated 154 million lives have been saved globally due to vaccination efforts over the past five decades.
Impact on Infant Mortality
Vaccinations have accounted for approximately 40% of the observed decline in global infant mortality, with a 52% reduction in the African region.
Measles Vaccination Success
Measles immunization alone has prevented nearly 94 million deaths worldwide during this period.
Most live saving vaccine
Reduction in Child Deaths
In the last 30 years, child deaths have declined by over 50%, largely attributed to the widespread implementation of vaccines.
Global Immunization Efforts
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), established in 1974, has been instrumental in increasing vaccine coverage worldwide.
Role of Organizations in Vaccination
Organizations like WHO and Gavi play crucial roles in funding, distributing, and advocating for vaccines globally.
