Direct red decolorization and ligninolytic enzymes production by improved strains of Pleurotus using basidiospore derived monokaryons

In the present investigation the efficiency of three species of Pleurotus and their improved dikaryons (heterokaryons) was assessed for decolorization of direct red and production of lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase enzymes. All the species of Pleurotus i.e. P. flabellatus, P. ostreatus, and P. citrinopileatus decolorized the dye Direct Red well. However, Pfo 6X9 and Poc 9X6 decolorized the dye more effectively than three species of Pleurotus. The improved dikaryons also showed higher ligninolytic activity than the parental species. Poc 9X6 showed higher LiP (76.27U), MnP (623.24U) and laccase activity (594.80U). In the present work different pH, age and concentration of inoculum and effect of surfactant i.e. sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Tween—80 were analyzed in order to determine the optimum ones to decolorize maximum concentration of dye. 5 ml of 10 days old culture on pH 5.5 and 0.1% Tween—80 supported maximum decolorization of direct red dye.

Bioremediation of vegetable and agrowastes by Pleurotus ostreatus: a novel strategy to produce edible mushroom with enhanced yield and nutrition

Pleurotus ostreatus was grown on paddy straw as well as other vegetable and agricultural wastes i.e. pea pod shell, cauliflower leaves, radish leaves and brassica straw in various combinations with paddy straw. The mushroom did not grow on the vegetable wastes separately. The cumulative yield and biological efficiency of the edible oyster mushroom P. ostreatus grown on substrate containing paddy straw in various combinations with different vegetable wastes i.e. 20% and 30 % vegetable wastes mixed with 80% and 70% (w/w) of paddy straw was found to be better, when compared with yield and biological efficiency obtained on paddy straw (100%) alone. The protein content and six essential amino acid contents (Leu, Ile, Val, Thr, Met, Phe) showed a significant increase and total sugar and reducing sugar contents showed decrease in the mushroom fruit bodies grown at different combinations of vegetable wastes with paddy straw as compared to paddy straw alone. However, there was not any significant change in moisture content of mushroom cultivated on different groups of wastes. Hence, results of this investigation suggest that the vegetable wastes which are generally left to rot in situ in many cities and villages causing outbreak of diseases can be bioremediated by edible mushroom P. ostreatus. The added advantage is that we get edible mushroom fruit body with improved nutrition.

Production of cellulolytic enzymes by Pleurotus species on lignocellulosic wastes using novel pretreatments

In the present investigation three species of Pleurotus i.e. P. sajor—caju (P1), P. florida (P2) and P. flabellatus (P3) along with two lignocellulosic substrates namely paddy straw and wheat straw were selected for evaluation of production of extracellular cellulolytic enzymes. During the cultivation of three species of Pleurotus under in vivo condition, the two lignocellulosic substrates were treated with plants extracts (aqueous extracts of ashoka leaves (A) and neem oil (B)), hot water (H) and chemicals (C).Among all treatments, neem oil treated substrates supported better enzyme production followed by aqueous extract of ashoka leaves, hot water and chemical treatment. Between the two substrates paddy straw supported better enzyme production than wheat straw. P. flabellatus showed maximum activity of exoglucanase, endoglucanase and β—glucosidase followed by P. florida and P. sajor—caju.

Predictors of success for electronic health record implementation in small physician practices

BACKGROUND

The federal government is promoting adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) through financial incentives for EHR use and implementation support provided by regional extension centers. Small practices have been slow to adopt EHRs.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to measure time to EHR implementation and identify factors associated with successful implementation in small practices receiving financial incentives and implementation support. This study is unique in exploiting quantitative implementation time data collected prospectively as part of routine project management.

METHODS

This mixed-methods study includes interviews of key informants and a cohort study of 544 practices that had worked with the Primary Care Information Project (PCIP), a publicly funded organization that since 2007 has subsidized EHRs and provided implementation support similar to that supplied by the new regional extension centers. Data from a project management database were used for a cohort study to assess time to implementation and predictors of implementation success.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty practices (79%) implemented EHRs within the analysis period, with a median project time of 24.7 weeks (95% CI: 23.3 - 26.4). Factors associated with implementation success were: fewer providers, practice sites, and patients; fewer Medicaid and uninsured patients; having previous experience with scheduling software; enrolling in 2010 rather than earlier; and selecting an integrated EHR plus practice management product rather than two products. Interviews identified positive attitude toward EHRs, resources, and centralized leadership as additional practice-level predictors of success.

CONCLUSIONS

A local initiative similar to current federal programs successfully implemented EHRs in primary care practices by offsetting software costs and providing implementation assistance. Nevertheless, implementation success was affected by practice size and other characteristics, suggesting that the federal programs can reduce barriers to EHR implementation but may not eliminate them.

Biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse by Pleurotus citrinopileatus

The chemically as well as hot water treated agrowaste sugarcane bagasse was subjected to degradation by Pleurotus citrinopileatus. The fungus degraded lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and carbon content of both chemically as well as hot water treated waste and produced in turn the edible and nutritious fruiting body. Biodegradation of the waste in terms of loss of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose showed positive correlation with cellulases, xylanase, laccase and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of the fungus. During mycelial growth of the fungus, lignin degradation was faster and during fructification, lignin degradation was slower than cellulose and hemicellulose. The carbon content of the sugarcane bagasse decreased while, nitrogen content increased during degradation of the waste. Hot water treated substrate supported better production of enzymatic activity and degraded more efficiently than chemically sterilized substrate. The total yield and biological efficiency of the mushroom was maximum on the hot water treated substrates. Degradation of the hot water treated sugarcane bagasse was better and faster than chemically treated substrates.

Biodegradation of vegetable and agrowastes by Pleurotus sapidus: a novel strategy to produce mushroom with enhanced yield and nutrition

Edible oyster mushroom Pleurotus sapidus was cultivated, on pea pod shell, cauliflower leaves, radish leaves, brassica straw in various combinations of paddy straw. The mushroom failed to grow on these vegetable wastes separately. However, it grew very well on these vegetable wastes when mixed with various combinations of paddy straw as substrate. Total yield and biological efficiency of the mushroom cultivated on substrate containing 20% and 30% vegetable wastes mixed with 70% and 80% (w/w) of paddy straw was found to be better, when compared with yield and efficiency obtained with paddy straw alone (100%). The protein content in the fruit bodies was found to be higher in the mushroom grown on paddy straw mixed with vegetable wastes than that obtained with paddy straw alone. Similarly, six amino acids (Leu, Ile, Val, Thr, Met and Phe) showed a significant increase when the mushroom was grown on a mixed substrate containing both vegetable wastes and paddy straw. On the contrary, the total sugar and reducing sugar content declined in the mushroom grown on the mixture of paddy straw and other wastes, when compared with the results obtained with paddy straw alone.

Inhibition of P. falciparum PFATP6 by curcumin and its derivatives: a bioinformatic study

Curcumin, a yellow spice has been shown to have many pathological uses including cancer and malaria. Recent experimental data have shown the inhibitory effect of curcumin and its two derivatives on the growth of Plasmodium falciparum in cell culture at low micromolar concentrations. Previous studies have suggested that Ca(2+)—ATPase (PfATP6) of P. falciparum is the target of many antimalarial drugs. However, the mechanism of inhibition of Ca(2+)—ATPase (PfATP6) is not known. In addition, it is not clear which specific isomeric form of curcumin is the most potent inhibitor of P. falciparum. Here we address this issue using bioinformatics tools. We generated a molecular model of Ca(2+)—ATPase (PfATP6) of P. falciparum and carried out molecular docking of all curcumin analogues of Zinc database of compounds (zinc.docking.org). Two molecular docking programs Glide and FlexX were used to determine binding feasibility of 351 analogues of curcumin. The comparison of docking parameters showed, more than 20 analogues are better ligands of PfATP6 than curcumin itself. . The binding of curcumin and its analogues to PFATP6 is mediated by both hydrophobic and polar interactions. Our results suggest that curcumin analogues are promising lead compounds for the development of antimalarial drugs.

Extracellular xylanase production by Pleurotus species on lignocellulosic wastes under in vivo condition using novel pretreatment

The production of extracellular xylanase by three species of Pleurotus species i.e. P. florida, P. flabellatus and P. sajor caju was studied under in vivo condition during their cultivation on pretreated lignocellulosic wastes. Neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and ashoka (Saraca indica) leaves extract were used for pretreatment of paddy straw and wheat straw. Between these two wastes, paddy straw pretreated with neem oil, supported better xylanase production than wheat straw. Initially, xylanase production was low but it increased in subsequent days and reached at peak on 25th day of cultivation of Pleurotus species. Thereafter, there was decrease in the activity of the enzyme. On 25th day of incubation P. florida produced maximum xylanase on neem oil pretreated paddy straw i.e. 10.59 Uh—1ml—1. Among the three species, P. florida showed maximum enzyme activity followed by P. flabellatus and P. sajor caju.

Azo dye (direct blue 14) decolorization by immobilized extracellular enzymes of Pleurotus species

Four species of Pleurotus i.e., P. florida, P. ostreatus, P. citrinopileatus and P. eryngii were evaluated for laccase and MnP production in submerged condition. Among these P. ostreatus showed highest production of laccase and MnP. Twelve days old culture of P. ostreatus produced 1096 U/ml and 693.5 U/ml of the laccase and MnP, respectively. Crude extracts of enzymes from P. ostreatus were immobilized in Ca— alginate matrix and tested for decolorization activity of the azo dye (Direct blue; CI 23850) in aerobic and microaerophilic condition for 24h. Treatment of dye with the immobilized enzymes decolorized up to 99% in eighteen hour.

Bioethics: a new frontier of biological science

New researches in the field of biological sciences are creating new problems which were hitherto not faced. New techniques in biotechnology have paved way for transplantation for kidney, heart and liver successfully. In vitro fertilization, surrogate mothership, researches in totipotent stem cells which are capable of cloning are creating moral dilemma for the scientists. These techniques have immense capacity for the wellness of human beings. But there is every possibility of their misuse. Should researches in biotechnology be allowed unconditionally or there be some guiding principles? If the technique of cloning is perfected what will be the fate of the society which is based on conjugal love and trust? Should abortion and euthanasia be allowed? These questions need a clear answer. Here comes the role of bioethics to deal with such queries. In our view no such laws can be framed which can guide scientists in each and every case. Each case is specific and requires particular attention. There should be some norms for individual decision taker which are given in spiritual book of Hindu 'ShrimadBhagavataGeeta'With the help of this technique of decision making specific cases can be dealt with.

A randomized controlled trial comparing results of closed reduction and plaster immobilization versus external fixator in unstable fractures of distal radius

To evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of the two different modalities in unstable fracture distal end of radius, and the complications in each group. Study consists of prospective analysis of the cases of unstable fracture of distal end of radius managed by two different methods of treatment in 40 patients and the functional outcome measured by the standardized functional scoring method (Gartland and Werley 1951, Stewart et al. 1984). The radiological outcome of the fracture management as mentioned above measured according to Anatomical scoring method (Stewart et al. 1984). In this study there was no statistical difference between functional and anatomical outcome when treated by either method. There was no poor graded result anatomically or functionally in either group. No serious complication was noted in both the groups. Both the method of treatment produced no significant difference in outcome, functionally and anatomically , but the extra cost of anaesthetic drugs, operation theatre charges, hazards of anaesthesia and the cost of implants can be avoided in cases managed with closed reduction and immobilization in plaster cast. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2011,Vol-7,No-4, 20-27 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i4.6737

Multiple approaches to evaluate the toxicity of the biomass fuel cow dung (kanda) smoke

Cow dung (Kanda) is a major source of energy in rural and urban population of developing countries and is burnt in traditional open stoves in confined space of kitchen without proper ventilation. In epidemiological studies, biomass fuel smoke has been reported to be responsible for several respiratory disorders in exposed population. In a laboratory experiment, female wistar rats were exposed to kanda smoke for 60 min/day over a period of 12 weeks. Chemical analysis of smoke showed the presence of PAHs. The increase in CYP1A1, GST-ya, GST-yc expression was found in 12 week exposed lung tissues as compared with controls. The exposure to smoke resulted in significant alteration in the BALF cells in the form of clustering of alveolar macrophages and giant cell formation with vacuolated cytoplasm. The macrophages also showed thickness and villi like projections on the cell surface thus reducing their phagocytic activities. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were manifested in the form of damage to bronchiolar epithelium, edema and thickening of alveolar septa and emphysema after 4 and 8 week of exposure. These findings suggest that exposure to kanda smoke increases pulmonary tissue damage and may result in various forms of respiratory infections in the exposed popultion.

Biodegradation of brassica haulms by white rot fungus Pleurotus eryngii

The white rot fungus P. eryngii was grown on chemically and hot water treated agrowaste Brassica haulms. The fungus degraded lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and carbon content of both chemically as well as hot water treated waste and produced in turn the edible and nutritious fruiting body. The progressive breakdown of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose was correlated with apparent increase in the activities of lignolytic, cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes. Lignin degraded at faster rate during the vegetative phase and at slower rate during reproductive phase whereas, cellulose and hemicellulose depleted slowly during vegetative phase and rapidly during reproductive phase. The carbon content of the agrowaste decreased while, the nitrogen content increased and the C/N ratio came closer during degradation of the waste. Hot water treated substrate supported better production of enzymatic activity and degraded more efficiently than chemically sterilized substrate. The total yield and biological efficiency of the mushroom was the maximum on the hot water treated substrates.

Investigation of phonon behavior in Pr(2)NiMnO(6) by micro-Raman spectroscopy

The temperature dependence of phonon excitations and the presence of spin-phonon coupling in polycrystalline Pr(2)NiMnO(6) samples were studied using micro-Raman spectroscopy and magnetometry. Magnetic properties show a single ferromagnetic-to-paramagnetic transition at 228 K and a saturation magnetization close to 4.95 µ(B)/f.u. Three distinct Raman modes at 657, 642, and 511 cm( - 1) are observed. The phonon excitations show a clear hardening due to anharmonicity from 300 down to 10 K. Further, the temperature dependence of the 657  cm( - 1) mode shows only a small softening. This reflects the presence of a relatively weak spin-phonon coupling in Pr(2)NiMnO(6) contrary to the case for other double perovskites previously studied.

Face mask application as a tool to diminish the particulate matter mediated heavy metal exposure among citizens of Lucknow, India

Traffic related fine particulate emissions, enriched in metal contents, are directly linked to respiratory disorders in human subjects. In view of the growing traffic related emissions in India, the present study was undertaken to estimate the heavy metal exposure among non-occupationally exposed two vehicle riders of Lucknow City and related health effects via application of face masks (FMs) fitted with cellulose nitrate filters and measuring the peak respiratory flow rate (PEFR). Carefully selected 200 volunteers (asymptomatic n=154 and symptomatic n=46) were advised to use FMs during their deriving time for 30 days and PEFR test was conducted on each subject at the beginning, i.e. 0 day, and at end of the study period, i.e. 30 days. On completion of the prescribed study period, filters from the used FMs were collected, acid leached and analyzed for Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd. Asymptomatic and symptomatic subject groups were further divided into two age groups of 15-40 years and 41-68. Pb, Cu and Cd were significantly higher in lower age group (15-40) of symptomatic group and Cr was in asymptomatic group. Negative associations were observed between metals viz. Pb (r=-0.39, p<0.001), Cd (r=-0.26, p<0.001), Fe (r=-0.37, p<0.001), Mn (r=-0.15, p<0.05) and the lung functioning. 30 days PEFR of all subjects were higher by nearly 10% than 0 day in all 200 samples irrespective of age and symptomatic nature of the subject. The improvement could also be due to metals and other organic species, not analyzed herein. Nevertheless the results indicate that FM usage has a role to play for immediate, if not ultimate, improvement in public health and need further studies.