Estimation of genetic distance based on RAPDs between 11 cotton accessions varying in heat tolerance

The genetic distance of 11 cotton genotypes varying in heat tolerance was studied using RAPD markers. Fifty-three random decamer primers were used for the estimation of genetic distance. Among the 53 RAPD primers, which were custom synthesized by GeneLink Inc., UK, 32 were polymorphic and 21 were monomorphic. The 32 polymorphic primers produced 273 fragments, with a mean of 8.3 fragments per primer. The number of polymorphic bands produced in the 11 cotton accessions ranged from 1 to 31. Primer GLC-20 produced 31 polymorphic bands, while two primers, GLB-5 and GLC-12, produced one polymorphic band each. A range of 88.89 to 42.48% genetic similarity was observed among the 11 cotton accessions. The highest genetic similarity was observed between FH-945 and BH-160 (88.89%), whereas the lowest value was found between NIAB-801/2 and FH-945 (42.48%). Unique amplification profiles were produced by most of the cultivars; the differences were sufficient to distinguish them from other genotypes. This confirms the efficacy of RAPD markers for the identification of plant genotypes. An accumulative analysis of amplified products generated by RAPDs was sufficient to assess the genetic diversity among the genotypes. This information should be helpful for formulating breeding and genome mapping programs.

Safe blood transfusion practices in blood banks of Karachi, Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Since 1997, legislations pertaining to safe blood transfusion (SBT) have evolved considerably in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the SBT practices in the blood banks of Pakistan.

METHODS

Twenty-three blood banks were randomly selected from a list of registered 40 in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. To evaluate the SBT practices in the selected blood banks, a questionnaire and a checklist were administered during 2007-2008.

RESULTS

Of the 23 blood banks surveyed, 4 (17%) were affiliated with government or a semi-government institution; 16 (70%) blood banks had a healthy donor recruitment program and 2 (9%) of the blood banks agreed that they recruited remunerated (paid) blood donors. Donors were screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis by all 23 blood banks, whereas malaria was screened by all blood banks but one.

CONCLUSION

SBT practices in Karachi have improved since 1995; an active role by the government in policy-making has proven effective.

Efficient mycobacterial DNA extraction from clinical samples for early diagnosis of tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical samples requires the use of an extraction method that can efficiently lyse mycobacterial cells and recover small amounts of DNA.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of a benzyl-alcohol guanidine hydrochloride (DNA extraction) method (GuHClM) on blood samples.

DESIGN

GuHClM was evaluated in quantitatively spiked blood samples with M. tuberculosis. We assessed the insertion sequence (IS) 6110 region of M. tuberculosis to evaluate the efficacy of the method. The method was also applied on 102 clinical samples of suspected tuberculosis (TB) individuals and compared with smear microscopy of sputum specimens and the results of cultures.

RESULTS

This method reproducibly detected as low as 4-6 bacilli. Of 102 clinical samples, 84 were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative, while 18 were HIV-positive. Among the HIV-negative individuals, 58.3% were TB-positive using PCR, while respectively 47.6% and 45.2% were sputum- and culture-positive. Among the HIV-positive individuals, 55.6% were PCR-positive, whereas only 38.9% were sputum-positive and 50% were culture-positive.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the identification of mycobacteria by PCR using GuHClM is very sensitive and therefore may have wide utility in the diagnosis of TB.

Platelet count in 100 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension

Hypertensive disorders are most common medical complication of pregnancy and the major causes of maternal & perinatal disease and death worldwide. The aim of the study was to see the platelet count in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). It was a prospective study. The study was done on 100 cases of PIH patients in Gynae & Obstetrics department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) during the period of January to July 2006. Among the 100 cases 60 were eclamptic, 34 were pre eclamptic (PE) and 06 were gestational hypertensive (GH) patients. All the necessary informations and data were collected by interviewing the patients or their attendants on a pre-designed data collection sheet. Blood sample were collected from the patients and required investigations were done. Most of the eclampsia cases were from below average socioeconomic status of family, and other two groups were from average socioeconomic status of family. Among eclamptic patients 76.60% were primigravida. In eclamptic group 93.33% did not get any antenatal care but 83.33% GH cases had regular antenatal care. Among the eclamptic group mean maternal age was 23.12 years. In our study 47.00% had low platelet count (<1,50,000/cmm). Among eclampsia group 60.00% had low platelet count (<1,50,000/cmm). In our study 12% cases developed postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and among them 66.67% had low platelet count (<1,50,000/cmm). Although there is chance of development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and Liver Failure in patients with low platelet count, but in our study there is no such incidence. In our study mortality was 3% and all were in eclamptic group. Those patients had low platelet count 74.28% had low birth weight (LBW) babies. Platelet count is a very important investigation for antenatal mother having PIH, as it is directly related to maternal and perinatal outcome.

Estimation of genetic distance between 10 maize accessions with varying response to different levels of soil moisture

Ten maize accessions (NC-9, A50-2, M-14, B-42, NC-3, T-7, N-48-1, B-34, USSR, and WFTMS) were studied to estimate the genetic distance on molecular level by random amplified polymorphic DNA. These accessions were selected on the basis of their variable responses against different levels of moisture. Twenty-five primers were used to test genetic diversity, of which 14 were observed to be polymorphic. Ninety-three loci were amplified; among these, 77 showed polymorphism and the other 16 were monomorphic. Primers A-13 and C-02 gave the most polymorphic bands, while primers A-01 and C-06 gave the fewest polymorphic bands. The genetic similarities of the 10 maize accessions ranged from 82.8 to 54.8%. Accessions USSR and WFTMS showed greatest similarity, and accessions M-14 and B-42 were found more dissimilar than the other accessions. On the basis of cluster analysis, these 10 accessions were classified in two major groups, A and B, and than further divided into sub-groups. The cluster analysis showed that accessions in the same group as well as in the sub-groups were similar in their physical and morphological characters, since the characters are controlled genetically.

Molecular characterization of wheat germplasm using microsatellite markers

We investigated the genetic diversity of 63 wheat genotypes, composed of 48 accessions and 15 varieties, using 56 polymorphic simple sequence repeat primers. One hundred and eighty-six loci were found, with a mean of 131.26 alleles per locus. Cluster analysis based on microsatellite allelic diversity discriminated the accessions and varieties into different clusters; genetic diversity was the highest between variety Kohistan-97 and accession number 011512, giving a genetic similarity value of 0.4198. Accession numbers 011484 and 011356 gave a genetic similarity value of 0.9589, indicating that these accessions were 95.89% similar. We found that microsatellite markers could characterize and discriminate all of the genotypes; more primers could be used for saturation of different regions in further studies.

Resolution of ST-segment elevation after streptokinase therapy in anterior versus inferior wall myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Resolution of ST-segment elevation is the best bedside predictor of myocardial reperfusion.

HYPOTHESIS

This study was conducted to examine the resolution of ST-segment elevation after streptokinase therapy in anterior versus inferior acute myocardial infarction (MI) and to corroborate it with echocardiographic and coronary angiographic data.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 70 patients, 35 each in the anterior and inferior MI groups. The electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded before, on completion of, and on Days 1 and 2 post streptokinase therapy. The resolution of ST segment determined from post-streptokinase ECGs was compared between the two groups and correlated with echocardiographic and coronary angiographic data.

RESULTS

On completion of and on Day 1 post streptokinase therapy, ST-segment resolution in both groups was not significantly different. On Day 2 post streptokinase therapy, resolution of the ST segment per lead was significantly lower in anterior than that in inferior MI (61 +/- 21% anterior vs. 77 +/- 21% inferior, p 0.003). The number of patients with akinesis of infarct-related ventricular wall was significantly higher (17 anterior vs. 7 inferior, p 0.02), and left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in anterior MI (39 +/- 7% anterior vs. 48 +/- 8% inferior, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in coronary angiographic data. One patient in each group demonstrated normal coronary arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

The resolution of ST-segment elevation on the completion of and on Day 1 post streptokinase therapy was comparable between anterior and inferior MI. The significantly less frequent resolution of ST-segment elevation in anterior MI on Day 2 post streptokinase could be due to more akinesis, larger infarct size, and worse systolic function rather than due to failure to open the infarct-related vessel.

Worsening of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction during exercise causes decreased exercise tolerance in hypertension

BACKGROUND

Exercise tolerance is reduced in hypertension. Hypertension affects left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling by causing abnormal relaxation and decreasing compliance.

HYPOTHESIS

This study was designed to determine whether worsening of LV diastolic dysfunction during exercise causes decreased exercise tolerance in hypertension.

METHODS

Left ventricular diastolic filling parameters were examined at mitral valve by Doppler echocardiography at rest and at peak exercise in hypertensive patients and were compared with those of age- and gender-matched normotensive individuals. Treadmill exercise stress test was performed according to the Bruce protocol and the exercise time was recorded.

RESULTS

Exercise time was significantly shorter in the hypertensive group than that in the normotensive group (320 +/- 29 vs. 446 +/- 38 s, p 0.03). The hypertensive group demonstrated abnormal relaxation pattern of diastolic mitral inflow at rest, which became pseudonormal at peak exercise (E/A velocity ratio, rest 0.86 +/- 0.06 vs. exercise 1.19 +/- 0.09, p < 0.001). The diastolic mitral inflow pattern remained normal at peak exercise in the normotensive group. The deceleration time and the pressure half time of early mitral inflow at peak exercise were significantly shorter in the hypertensive group than those in the normotensive group (deceleration time, 182 +/- 20 vs. 238 +/- 22 ms, p 0.02: pressure half time, 54 +/- 5 vs. 70 +/- 12 ms, p 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that reduced exercise tolerance in hypertension is associated with worsening of diastolic dysfunction during exercise consistent with an increase in left atrial pressure.

Estimation of genetic diversity among sunflower genotypes through random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

The genetic diversity among eight sunflower lines was determined through the estimation of the random amplified polymorphic DNA method. One hundred and fifty-six DNA fragments were generated by 20 random primers, for an average of about 7.8 bands per primer. Of these amplified DNA fragments, 104 were polymorphic among the eight sunflower lines. Nei and Li's similarity matrix gave values from 51.59 to 77.78%, which indicated a broad genetic base. The maximum similarity, 77.78%, was observed between R-SIN-82 and RN-46. The lowest similarity, 51.59%, was observed between the exotic lines CM-612 and HA-27. After knowing the knowledge of genetic diversity based on these random amplified polymorphic DNA markers, highly diverse lines can be used for further breeding programs to develop an ideal local hybrid of sunflower.

Transport of sennosides and sennidines from Cassia angustifolia and Cassia senna across Caco-2 monolayers--an in vitro model for intestinal absorption

Laxative effects of Senna preparations are mainly mediated by rheinanthrone, a metabolite formed in the intestinal flora from dianthrones. Nevertheless, it was not clear whether dianthrones are bioavailable at all and contribute to the overall effects of this important medicinal plant. Using the Caco-2 human colonic cell line as an in vitro model of the human intestinal mucosal barrier, the bioavailability of dianthrones was studied in apical to basolateral (absorptive) and basolateral to apical (secretive) direction. Permeability coefficients (P(c)) and percent transport were calculated based on quantitations by HPLC. From the data obtained it was concluded that sennosides A and B, as well as their aglycones sennidine A and B are transported through the Caco-2 monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner and their transport was linear with time. The absorption in apical to basolateral direction was poor and P(c) values were comparable to mannitol. The transport was higher in the secretory direction, indicating a significant efflux (e.g. by efflux pumps) of the (poorly) absorbed compounds in the intestinal lumen again. Our findings support the general understanding that the laxative effects of Senna are explainable mainly by metabolites and not by the natively present dianthrones.

A coupled drug kinetics-cell cycle model to analyse the response of human cells to intervention by topotecan

A model describing the response of the growth of single human cells in the absence and presence of the anti-cancer agent topotecan (TPT) is presented. The model includes a novel coupling of both the kinetics of TPT and cell cycle responses to the agent. By linking the models in this way, rather than using separate (disjoint) approaches, it is possible to illustrate how the drug perturbs the cell cycle. The model is compared to experimental in vitro cell cycle response data (comprising single cell descriptors for molecular and behavioural events), showing good qualitative agreement for a range of TPT dose levels.

Quantitative determination of vasicine and vasicinone in Adhatoda vasica by high performance capillary electrophoresis

A new method of capillary electrophoresis was developed for the quantitative determination of vasicine and vasicinone from Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees. The electrophoretic separation was performed using a 47 cm x 50 microm ID (38.5 cm effective length) fused silica capillary. The samples were injected by pressure for 3 s at 50 mbar and the running voltage was 19 kV at the injector end of the capillary. The capillary temperature was maintained at 40 degrees C. The separation of the two alkaloids has been achieved within 11 min with good repeatability. The method was validated in terms of reproducibility, linearity, accuracy and applied for the quantitative determination of vasicine and vasicinone in A. vasica plant samples/extracts. Parameters affecting the resolution such as pH, temperature, organic modifier, buffer concentration and capillary dimensions were reported.

Study of genetic divergence among wheat genotypes through random amplified polymorphic DNA

The degree of genetic divergence was estimated in seven wheat genotypes, six exotic genotypes and one local variety, through random amplified polymorphic DNA methodology. A total of 112 DNA fragments were generated by the 15 random primers, with an average of about 7.4 bands per primer. Among the 112, 50 fragments showed polymorphism among the seven wheat genotypes. Nei and Li's similarity matrix ranged from 86.2 to 93.0%, which indicated a narrow genetic base among the genotypes. The maximum similarity, 93.0%, was observed between 12WLRG/1-12 and WL-43. The local variety, Chenab-70, showed the lowest similarity with the exotic types. We conclude that random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis can be used for the characterization and grouping of wheat genotypes; these results will be helpful in our wheat breeding program.

Simultaneous identification and quantification by liquid chromatography of benzethonium chloride, methyl paraben and triclosan in commercial products labeled as grapefruit seed extract

A HPLC method has been developed which permits the quantification of methyl paraben, benzethonium chloride and triclosan in various samples of grapefruit seed extract (GSE). The best results were obtained with a Phenomenex Gemini C18 column using gradient mobile phase of water (0.1% acetic acid) and acetonitrile (0.1% acetic acid) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL per minute. The detection wavelength was 254 nm for methyl paraben, and 275 nm for benzethonium chloride and triclosan. The main synthetic antimicrobial agent identified in commercial GSE samples was benzethonium chloride in concentrations from 0.29-21.84%. Positive ion electrospray MS of a commercial GSE sample showed a molecular ion at m/z 412 [M+], which matched that of a standard of benzethonium chloride. Triclosan was detected in two samples at 0.009 and 1.13%concentrations; while methyl paraben was not detected in the samples analyzed.

Quantification of parthenolide in Tanacetum species by LC-UV/LC-MS and microscopic comparison of Mexican/US feverfew samples

LC-UV and LC-MS methods have been developed which permit the analysis of parthenolide in different Mexican/US feverfew samples and commercial products. The study was undertaken to confirm the presence of parthenolide in Mexican plant samples and its comparison with US feverfew samples. The best results were obtained with a Phenomenex Luna C18 (2) column using gradient mobile phase of water and acetonitrile:methanol (9 : 1). Elution was run at a flow rate of 1.0 mL per min and ultraviolet detection at 210 nm. The results obtained using LC-UV were comparable to those obtained using LC-MS. Parthenolide was detected in all the samples analyzed and is the major chemical constituent of feverfew. The samples collected in Oaxaca, Mexico (0.28%) and Puebla, Mexico (0.25%) showed the highest content of parthenolide. All Parthenium samples were also examined under light and fluorescent microscopy.

Molecular cloning and differential expression of three GnRH mRNAs in discrete brain areas and lymphocytes in red drum

Three gonadotropin releasing hormones, seabream GnRH (GnRH-I), chicken GnRH-II (GnRH-II) and salmon GnRH (GnRH-III) cDNAs were isolated from the brain of the red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus. The GnRH cDNA sequences of red drum showed more similarity to those of Atlantic croaker, sea bass and sea bream. The real-time quantitative RT-PCR study revealed expression of GnRH-I and GnRH III mRNAs in the olfactory bulb plus telencephalon (OB+TEL), and preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area (POAH), indicating an overlap of the GnRH-I and GnRH-III systems in these forebrain regions. However, GnRH-II mRNA expression was detected only in the midbrain tegmentum (MT). The GnRH-I mRNA expression in the POAH in fish undergoing gonadal recrudescence was significantly higher than that in gonadally immature individuals, suggesting involvement of the POAH GnRH-I in gonadal maturation. On the other hand, GnRH-III mRNA expression was significantly higher in the OB+TEL region compared with that in the POAH. Moreover, the demonstration of GnRH-I mRNA and peptide expression in red drum lymphocytes indicates that the GnRH-I is synthesized in these cells of the immune system similar to the situation in mammals.

Microplate nitrate reductase assay versus Alamar Blue assay for MIC determination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A rapid colorimetric, microplate based nitrate reductase assay (NRA) method for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was compared with the microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA), presently in vogue. Reproducible results were obtained in 7 days by NRA. The NRA method was found to be inexpensive, suitable for MIC determination against M. tuberculosis and can be suggested as an ideal substitute to MABA.

Authentication of medicinal plants using molecular biology techniques to compliment conventional methods

Medicinal plants have become extremely popular in the United States as botanical supplements, herbal medicines and sources of lead compounds for pharmaceutical development. It is estimated that in 1997 Americans used or consumed 5.1 billion US dollars worth of herbal medicines. For the protection of consumers, authentication of medicinal plants is a critical issue. Ideally, authentication should occur from the harvesting of the plant material to the final product. Unfortunately there is no single or superior method to assure 100 percent authentication during the entire process, but the goal can be achieved through the application of a variety of different methodologies. The whole process starts with good voucher specimens that act as reference material and to prove chain of custody. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations can be used as rapid and inexpensive identification techniques. Chemical analysis is by far the best method for the detection of contaminants and can be an excellent method for plant identification. Each of these methodologies has limitations and more analytical methods are needed to assist in the authentication process. Molecular biology offers an assortment of techniques that can be very useful for authentication of medicinal plants. This review covers various aspects of authentication methods, with special emphasis on molecular biology techniques.

Quantitative and qualitative HPLC analysis of thermogenic weight loss products

An HPLC qualitative and quantitative method of seven analytes (caffeine, ephedrine, forskolin, icariin, pseudoephedrine, synephrine, and yohimbine) in thermogenic weight loss preparations available on the market is described in this paper. After 45 min the seven analytes were separated and detected in the acetonitrile: water (80:20) extract. The method uses a Waters XTerra RP18 (5 microm particle size) column as the stationary phase, a gradient mobile phase of water (5.0 mM SDS) and acetonitrile, and a UV detection of 210 nm. The correlation coefficients for the calibration curves and the recovery rates ranged from 0.994 to 0.999 and from 97.45% to 101.05%, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative results are discussed.

Analysis of products suspected of containing Aristolochia or Asarum species

Aristolochia species have been administered by those trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. After determining Aristolochia fangchi was an adulterant that caused death due to renal failure in a number of patients at a Belgian weight loss clinic, many countries took steps to regulate products containing Aristolochia fangchi as well as other Aristolochia species. The US FDA issued a Consumer Advisory 'advising consumers to stop using any products that may likely contain aristolochic acid'. The Aristolochia and Asarum genera both have been found to contain aristolochic acids. A number of websites have been found from which individuals can order products containing either Aristolochia or Asarum as an ingredient through US merchants. We purchased 25 products from such sites and analyzed them for the presence of aristolochic acid I and II by HPLC with PDA. Six of the products contained detectable amounts of I and II.

Effect of precocene on development of ovarian follicles in flesh fly, Sarcophaga ruficornis F

Administration of precocene II (6,7-dimethoxy-2, 2-dimethyl chromene) to freshly emerged virgin female flies of S. ruficornis adversely affected the development and differentiation of ovarian follicles leading to a number of morphological abnormalities. Precocene treatment resulted into suppression of development of egg chamber, differentiation of follicular epithelium, degeneration of nurse cells, growth of oocyte and uptake of yolk granules by oocytes. The results suggest that precocene induced effects are due to deficiency of juvenile hormone.