Peptide-Recombinant VP6 Protein Based Enzyme Immunoassay for the Detection of Group A Rotaviruses in Multiple Host Species

We developed a novel enzyme immunoassay for the detection of group A rotavirus (RVA) antigen in fecal samples of multiple host species. The assay is based on the detection of conserved VP6 protein using anti-recombinant VP6 antibodies as capture antibodies and anti-multiple antigenic peptide (identified and constructed from highly immunodominant epitopes within VP6 protein) antibodies as detector antibodies. The clinical utility of the assay was evaluated using a panel of 914 diarrhoeic fecal samples from four different host species (bovine, porcine, poultry and human) collected from diverse geographical locations in India. Using VP6- based reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the gold standard, we found that the diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) and specificity (DSp) of the new assay was high [bovine (DSn = 94.2% & DSp = 100%); porcine (DSn = 94.6% & DSp = 93.3%); poultry (DSn = 74.2% & DSp = 97.7%) and human (DSn = 82.1% & DSp = 98.7%)]. The concordance with RT-PCR was also high [weighted kappa (k) = 0.831–0.956 at 95% CI = 0.711–1.0] as compared to RNA-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (RNA-PAGE). The performance characteristics of the new immunoassay were comparable to those of the two commercially available ELISA kits. Our results suggest that this peptide-recombinant protein based assay may serve as a preliminary assay for epidemiological surveillance of RVA antigen and for evaluation of vaccine effectiveness especially in low and middle income settings.

Effect of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 1 (nAChRα1) peptides on rabies virus infection in neuronal cells

Rabies virus (RABV) is neurotropic and causes acute progressive encephalitis. Herein, we report the interaction of nAChRα1-subunit peptides with RABV and the effect of these peptides on RABV infection in cultured neuronal cells. Peptide sequences derived from torpedo, bovine, human and rats were synthesized and studied for their interactions with RABV using virus capture ELISA and peptide immunofluorescence. The results showed specific binding of the nAChRα1-subunit peptides to the RABV. In the virus adsorption assay, these peptides were found to inhibit the attachment of the RABV to the neuronal cells. The nAChRα1-subunit peptides inhibited the RABV infection and reduced viral gene expression in the cultured neuroblastoma (N2A) cells. Torpedo peptide sequence (T-32) had highest antiviral effect (IC50=14±3.01μM) compared to the other peptides studied. The results of the study indicated that nAChRα1-subunit peptides may act as receptor decoy molecules and inhibit the binding of virus to the native host cell receptors and hence may reduce viral infection.

Enhancement of attributes of cereals by germination and fermentation: a review

The nutritional quality of cereals and the sensorial properties of their products are sometimes inferior as compared to other sources of food which is due to the lower protein content and starch availability, the presence of determined antinutrients (phytic acid, tannins, and polyphenols) and the coarse nature of the grains. To ameliorate the nutritional qualities of cereals, they are processed in a number of ways. This review summarizes the enhancement in the nutritional value as well as the functional characteristics of cereals due to germination and fermentation treatment. The protein concentration increases and the amino acid profile is balanced by germination and fermentation. The antinutritional factors are reduced increasing the mineral availability from the cereals. Germination enhances the quality of nutrients and bioactive compounds of cereals thereby increasing the content in proteins, amino acids, sugars, and vitamins. The functional properties of cereals is enhanced due to generation of biofunctional substances, increase in protein solubility, in vitro protein digestibility and lowering of glycemic index.

Perioperative factors associated with acute kidney injury after partial nephrectomy

BACKGROUND

Partial nephrectomy is performed with the aim to preserve renal function. But the occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) can interfere with this goal. Our primary aim was to evaluate associations between pre-specified modifiable factors and estimated glomerular filtration rate after partial nephrectomy. Our secondary aims were to evaluate associations between pre-specified modifiable factors and both serum creatinine concentration and type of nephrectomy.

METHODS

The records of 1955 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy were collected. Postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was used as the primary outcome measure. Twenty modifiable risk factors were studied. A repeated-measures linear model with autoregressive within-subject correlation structure was used. The interaction between all the factors and type of nephrectomy was also studied.

RESULTS

A total of 1187 (61%) patients had no kidney injury, 647 (33%) had stage I, 80 (4%) had stage II, and 41 (2%) had stage III injury. The mean eGFR increased an estimated 0.83 (99.76% CI 0.79-0.88) ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) for a unit increase in baseline eGFR. Mean eGFR was 2.65 (99.76% CI: 0.13, 5.18) ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) lower in patients with hypertension. Mean eGFR decreased 0.42 (99.76% CI: 0.22, 0.62) ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) for a 10-minute longer in duration of procedure and decreased 2.09 (99.76% CI: 1.39, 2.80) ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) for a 10-minute longer in ischemia time. It was 3.53 (99.76% CI: 0.83, 6.23) ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) lower for patients who received warm ischemia as compared to cold ischemia.

CONCLUSION

Potentially modifiable factors associated with AKI in the postoperative period were identified as baseline renal function, preoperative hypertension, longer duration of surgical time and ischaemia time, and warm ischaemia.

25-Hydroxy Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor and Toll-like Receptor 2 Polymorphisms in Spinal Tuberculosis: A Case-Control Study

Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene abnormalities confer susceptibility to tuberculosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), such asTLR-2, are also important mediators of inflammatory response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We evaluated serum vitamin D, and VDR and TLR-2 gene polymorphisms in patients with spinal tuberculosis.This study comprised of 3 groups: spinal tuberculosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and controls (each with 106 subjects). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure vitamin D levels, and polymerase chain reaction-sequencing method was used to analyze VDR and TLR-2 gene polymorphisms. Patients were followed up for 6 months.Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more prevalent in patients with spinal tuberculosis (P < 0.001) and pulmonary tuberculosis (P = 0.011), versus controls. The heterozygous and mutant genotypes of VDR TaqI gene were significantly associated with spinal tuberculosis (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 4.74 [2.45-9.18]) and pulmonary tuberculosis (P < 0.001; OR 3.52 [1.80-6.88]) when compared with controls. The heterozygous and mutant variants of VDR ApaI gene were significantly more common in patients with spinal tuberculosis in comparison with patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (P < 0.001; OR 2.90 [1.65-5.10]) and controls (P < 0.001; OR 6.56 [3.41-12.61]). We did not observe any significantly different results for TLR-2 gene polymorphisms. Vitamin D deficiency, VDR, and TLR-2 polymorphisms did not affect the 6-month disability.Vitamin D deficiency and VDR gene polymorphisms are significantly more prevalent in people with pulmonary and spinal tuberculosis. They may, in isolation or collectively, confer susceptibility to pulmonary and spinal tuberculosis.

Toll-like Receptor-4 Polymorphisms and Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Newly Diagnosed Patients With Calcified Neurocysticercosis and Seizures

We evaluated seizure profile, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 polymorphisms, and serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis.One-hundred nine patients with calcified neurocysticercosis with newly diagnosed seizures and 109 control subjects were enrolled. TLR-4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms and serum MMP-9 levels were evaluated. The patients were followed for 1 year.Asp/Gly (P = 0.012) and Thr/Ile (P = 0.002), Gly (Asp/Gly plus Gly/Gly) (P = 0.008) and Ile (Thr/Ile plus Ile/Ile) (P = 0.003) genotypes were significantly associated with calcified neurocysticercosis compared with controls. Gly/Gly and Ile/Ile genotypes were not significantly associated (P = 0.529 for Gly/Gly, P = 0.798 for Ile/Ile) with either group. The levels of MMP-9 were higher in calcified neurocysticercosis (P =  < 0.001). The levels of MMP-9 were higher in patients with multiple calcified neurocysticercosis compared with single calcified neurocysticercosis (P =  < 0.001).Headache (P = 0.031), status epilepticus (P = 0.029), Todd paralysis (P = 0.039), lesion size >10 mm (P = 0.001), and perilesional edema (P =  < 0.001) were significantly associated with seizure recurrence. Heterozygous form Asp/Gly (P =  < 0.001) and heterozygous form Thr/Ile (P =  < 0.001) were significantly associated with seizure recurrence. The Gly (Asp/Gly plus Gly/Gly) (P =  < 0.001) and Ile (Thr/Ile plus Ile/Ile) (P =  < 0.001) genotypes were also significantly associated with seizure recurrence. Higher serum MMP-9 levels were significantly associated with seizure recurrence (P =  < 0.001).The TLR-4 gene abnormalities may trigger inflammation around calcified neurocysticercosis leading to an increase in perilesional edema and provocation of seizures.

Sino-Nasal Status in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease with serious impact on quality of life (QoL). There are limited studies available supporting coexistence of sino-nasal involvement in COPD. Methods. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate sino-nasal status in patients with COPD (n=100) presenting to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur from July 2011 to October 2012. COPD was diagnosed based on the Global initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Sino-nasal status was assessed by detailed history, radiograph of the para-nasal sinuses (PNS), nasal endoscopy and mucociliary clearance time. Results. Sino-nasal symptoms were present in 74 patients with COPD; nasal discharge (75.7%) being the most common. Tobacco smokers with COPD had a higher occurrence of sino-nasal symptoms (76.8%). Radiograph of para-nasal sinuses showed that maxillary sinus was most commonly involved. Nasal endoscopy revealed discharge in 63.5% cases. Nasal mucociliary clearance time was delayed (>11 to >40 min) in 98% cases. Nasal mucociliary clearance time was significantly delayed (>20 min) in COPD patients who were tobacco smokers as compared to non-smokers (53.7% versus 16.7%) and also related with increasing severity of COPD. Conclusions. Our observations suggest that sino-nasal involvement and delayed mucociliary clearance are common in patients with COPD, especially in tobacco smokers. Assessment of upper airway involvement in all the patients with COPD can help better therapeutic intervention and improvement in QoL.

Molecular genetics of essential hypertension

Hypertension is a major public health problem in the developing as well as in developed countries due to its high prevalence and its association with coronary heart disease, renal disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and related disorders. Essential hypertension (EH) is the most common diagnosis in this disease, suggesting that a monocausal etiology has not been identified. However, a number of risk factors associated with EH have also been identified such as age, sex, demographic, environmental, genetic, and vascular factors. Recent advances in molecular biological research had achieved clarifying the molecular basis of Mendelian hypertensive disorders. Molecular genetic studies have now identified mutations in several genes that cause Mendelian forms of hypertension in humans. However, none of the single genetic variants has emerged from linkage or association analyses as consistently related to the blood pressure level in every sample and in all populations. Besides, a number of polymorphisms in candidate genes have been associated with differences in blood pressure. The most prominent candidate has been the polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In total, EH is likely to be a polygenic disorder that results from inheritance of a number of susceptibility genes and involves multiple environmental determinants. These determinants complicate the study of blood pressure variations in the general population. The complex nature of the hypertension phenotype makes large-scale studies indispensable, when screening of familial and genetic factors was intended. In this review, recent genetic studies exploring the molecular basis of EH, including different molecular pathways, are highlighted.

Fertility preservation in young patients with cancer

Infertility can arise as a consequence of treatment of oncological conditions. The parallel and continued improvement in both the management of oncology and fertility cases in recent times has brought to the forefront the potential for fertility preservation in patients being treated for cancer. Many survivors will maintain their reproductive potential after the successful completion of treatment for cancer. However total body irradiation, radiation to the gonads, and certain high dose chemotherapy regimens can place women at risk for acute ovarian failure or premature menopause and men at risk for temporary or permanent azoospermia. Providing information about risk of infertility and possible interventions to maintain reproductive potential are critical for the adolescent and young adult population at the time of diagnosis. There are established means of preserving fertility before cancer treatment; specifically, sperm cryopreservation for men and in vitro fertilization and embryo cryopreservation for women. Several innovative techniques are being actively investigated, including oocyte and ovarian follicle cryopreservation, ovarian tissue transplantation, and in vitro follicle maturation, which may expand the number of fertility preservation choices for young cancer patients. Fertility preservation may also require some modification of cancer therapy; thus, patients’ wishes regarding future fertility and available fertility preservation alternatives should be discussed before initiation of therapy.

Spectrum of ocular diseases in patients attending eye camps in Andaman and Nicobar

BACKGROUND

Andaman and Nicobar Island is a group of 572 islands with a population of 3,80,500. The only service hospital as well as govt hospital is situated at its capital, Portblair. The islands are interconnected only by sea passage and to reach the capital by this route it sometimes takes two days.

METHODS

The objective of this study is to assess the spectrum of different ocular diseases in remote islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Author had conducted various camps on these remote islands as a community outreach programme over two years.

RESULTS

Top eye diseases found were refractive error (35%), cataract (22%), conjunctival infammatory disease (15%), glaucoma cases (07%), pterygium (07%), NLDO (02%) and uveitis (02%). Out of total 132 cataract patients screened, 32 patients (approximately 24%) were operated in INHS Dhanvantari at free of cost with help of NPCB (National Programme for Control of Blindness).

CONCLUSION

This was the first kind of study conducted on these remote islands to know the prevalence of different ocular diseases. The important point to be seen in this study was unawareness of glaucoma and cataract load. No optometrist was posted in the PHCs to provide primary eye care like prescribing glasses, which is also a big concern.

The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on glycemic control in morbidly obese patients

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric procedures have become popular in treating not only the morbid obesity but also the metabolic derangements. Sleeve Gastrectomy has recently become popular as a standalone procedure and its usefulness as a metabolic procedure especially glycemic control is still under investigation. One of the most commonly used measure of insulin resistance is statistically derived 'Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

AIM

The effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) on clinical and measurable change in glycemic control as seen by reduction of insulin resistance ie HOMA-IR levels in morbidly obese patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All the patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m(2) with co morbidities and BMI ≥40 kg/m(2) even without co morbidities were included in the study. The period of the study was from Feb 2013 to Sep 2014. Fasting (FBS), post prandial blood sugar (PPBS) and Insulin levels were checked before the surgery, 1month and 3 month after the surgery. We also recorded BMI and diabetic status. HOMA-IR was calculated and trends were recorded.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 16.0.

RESULTS

Out of 28 patients 8 were males and 20 were females. The mean age was 43 yrs. 11 (39%) patients were diabetic and mean BMI was 44 kg/m(2) and a range of (35-61.3) kg/m(2). 11 patients had BMI > 45 kg/m(2). The HOMA-IR values decreased significantly after the surgery both in diabetics and non diabetics.

CONCLUSION

LSG results in improvement in glycemic control in both diabetics and non diabetics.

Genetic mapping of common bunt resistance and plant height QTL in wheat

KEY MESSAGE

Breeding for field resistance to common bunt in wheat will need to account for multiple genes and epistatic and QTL by environment interactions. Loci associated with quantitative resistance to common bunt are co-localized with other beneficial traits including plant height and rust resistance.

ABSTRACT

Common bunt, also known as stinking smut, is caused by seed borne fungi Tilletia tritici (Bjerk.) Wint. [syn. Tilletia caries (DC.) Tul.] and Tilletia laevis Kühn [syn. Tilletia foetida (Wallr.) Liro.]. Common bunt is known to cause grain yield and quality losses in wheat due to bunt ball formation and infestation of the grain. The objectives of this research were to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for common bunt resistance, to study the epistatic interactions between the identified QTL, and investigate the co-localization of bunt resistance with plant height. A population of 261 doubled haploid lines from the cross Carberry/AC Cadillac and checks were genotyped with polymorphic genome wide microsatellite and DArT(®) markers. The lines were grown in 2011, 2012, and 2013 in separate nurseries for common bunt incidence and height evaluation. AC Cadillac contributed a QTL (QCbt.spa-6D) for common bunt resistance on chromosome 6D at markers XwPt-1695, XwPt-672044, and XwPt-5114. Carberry contributed QTL for bunt resistance on chromosomes 1B (QCbt.spa-1B at XwPt743523) 4B (QCbt.spa-4B at XwPt-744434-Xwmc617), 4D (QCbt.spa-4D at XwPt-9747), 5B (QCbt.spa-5B at XtPt-3719) and 7D (QCbt.spa-7D at Xwmc273). Significant epistatic interactions were identified for percent bunt incidence between QCbt.spa-1B × QCbt.spa-4B and QCbt.spa-1B × QCbt.spa-6D, and QTL by environment interaction between QCbt.spa-1B × QCbt.spa-6D. Plant height QTL were found on chromosomes 4B (QPh.spa-4B) and 6D (QPh.spa-6D) that co-located with bunt resistance QTL. The identification of previously unreported common bunt resistance QTL (on chromosomes 4B, 4D and 7D), and new understanding of QTL × QTL interactions will facilitate marker-assisted breeding for common bunt resistance.

Soil carbon fractions under maize-wheat system: effect of tillage and nutrient management

Soil organic carbon plays a major role in sustaining agroecosystems and maintaining environmental quality as it acts as a major source and sink of atmospheric carbon. The present study aims to assess the impact of agricultural management practices on soil organic carbon pools in a maize-wheat cropping system of Indo-Gangetic Plains, India. Soil samples from a split plot design with two tillage systems (bed planting and conventional tillage) and six nutrient treatments (T1 = control, T2 = 120 kg urea-N ha(-1), T3 = T2 (25 % N substituted by FYM), T4 = T2 (25 % N substituted by sewage sludge), T5 = T2 + crop residue, T6 = 100 % organic source (50 % FYM + 25 % biofertilizer + 25 % crop residue) were used for determining the organic carbon pools. Results show that there was a significant improvement in Walkley and Black carbon in soil under integrated and organic nutrient management treatments. KMnO4-oxidizable carbon content of soil varied from 0.63 to 1.50 g kg(-1) in soils and was found to be a better indicator for monitoring the impact of agricultural management practices on quality of soil organic carbon than microbial biomass carbon. Tillage and its interaction were found to significantly influence only those soil organic carbon fractions closely associated with aggregate stability viz, labile polysaccharides and glomalin. The highest amount of C4-derived carbon was found to be in plots receiving recommended doses of N as urea (29 %) followed by control plots (25 %). The carbon management index ranged between 82 to 195 and was better in integrated nutrient sources than ones receiving recommended doses of nutrients through mineral fertilizers alone.

From QTL to variety-harnessing the benefits of QTLs for drought, flood and salt tolerance in mega rice varieties of India through a multi-institutional network

Rice is a staple cereal of India cultivated in about 43.5Mha area but with relatively low average productivity. Abiotic factors like drought, flood and salinity affect rice production adversely in more than 50% of this area. Breeding rice varieties with inbuilt tolerance to these stresses offers an economically viable and sustainable option to improve rice productivity. Availability of high quality reference genome sequence of rice, knowledge of exact position of genes/QTLs governing tolerance to abiotic stresses and availability of DNA markers linked to these traits has opened up opportunities for breeders to transfer the favorable alleles into widely grown rice varieties through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). A large multi-institutional project, "From QTL to variety: marker-assisted breeding of abiotic stress tolerant rice varieties with major QTLs for drought, submergence and salt tolerance" was initiated in 2010 with funding support from Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute, Philippines. The main focus of this project is to improve rice productivity in the fragile ecosystems of eastern, northeastern and southern part of the country, which bear the brunt of one or the other abiotic stresses frequently. Seven consistent QTLs for grain yield under drought, namely, qDTY1.1, qDTY2.1, qDTY2.2, qDTY3.1, qDTY3.2, qDTY9.1 and qDTY12.1 are being transferred into submergence tolerant versions of three high yielding mega rice varieties, Swarna-Sub1, Samba Mahsuri-Sub1 and IR 64-Sub1. To address the problem of complete submergence due to flash floods in the major river basins, the Sub1 gene is being transferred into ten highly popular locally adapted rice varieties namely, ADT 39, ADT 46, Bahadur, HUR 105, MTU 1075, Pooja, Pratikshya, Rajendra Mahsuri, Ranjit, and Sarjoo 52. Further, to address the problem of soil salinity, Saltol, a major QTL for salt tolerance is being transferred into seven popular locally adapted rice varieties, namely, ADT 45, CR 1009, Gayatri, MTU 1010, PR 114, Pusa 44 and Sarjoo 52. Genotypic background selection is being done after BC2F2 stage using an in-house designed 50K SNP chip on a set of twenty lines for each combination, identified with phenotypic similarity in the field to the recipient parent. Near-isogenic lines with more than 90% similarity to the recipient parent are now in advanced generation field trials. These climate smart varieties are expected to improve rice productivity in the adverse ecologies and contribute to the farmer's livelihood.

Total spinal blockade after Interscalene brachial plexus block- A rare but possible complication

Interscalene block is a commonly done regional anesthesiatechnique for shoulder and upper arm surgery. It has been used regularly as it is simple and achieves good and satisfactory block, but still it is not completely devoid of complications. In our case we have given interscalene block to a 45 year old male patient of ASA grade-I. Immediately after injecting the local anesthetic drug the patient became unconscious and unresponsive due to total spinal blockade. The patient was resuscitated and shifted to ICU where the he regained his consciousness after few hours and shifted to the ward without any neurological deficit.

Lampropedia cohaerens sp. nov., a biofilm-forming bacterium isolated from microbial mats of a hot water spring, and emended description of the genus Lampropedia

A biofilm-forming, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, catalase-positive but oxidase-negative strain, designated CT6^T, was isolated from the microbial mats (∼45 °C) of a hot water spring, located within the Himalayan ranges at Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh, India. Strain CT6^T formed white, smooth colonies with irregular margins. Transmission electron microscopy revealed coccoid, non-flagellated cells with wavy boundaries. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CT6^T belongs to the genus Lampropedia with a sequence similarity value of 95.4 % to the sole member of this genus, Lampropedia hyalina ATCC 11041^T. Strain CT6^T was found to have phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were C_16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C_18 : 1ω7c and/or C_18 : 1ω6c), C_14 : 0, C_19 : 0ω8c cyclo and summed feature 3 (C_16 : 1ω7c and/or C_16 : 1ω6c). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major polyamines were putrescine, spermidine and the betaproteobacterial-specific 2-hydroxyputrescine. The DNA G+C content was 63.5 mol%. Based on the genotypic, phenotypic, physiological and biochemical data, strain CT6^T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Lampropedia, for which the name Lampropedia cohaerens sp. nov. is proposed ( = DSM 100029^T = KCTC 42939^T = MCC 2711^T).

Pontibacter ummariensis sp. nov., isolated from a hexachlorocyclohexane-contaminated soil

A Gram-stain-negative, pinkish-red, rod-shaped bacterium designated strain NKM1^T was isolated from soil samples contaminated with hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, collected from Ummari village, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The strain was characterized by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NKM1^T clustered exclusively with members of the genus Pontibacter of the family Cytophagaceae, phylum Bacteroidetes. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to type strains of the genus Pontibacter ranged from 96.7 to 93.8 %, with the highest sequence similarity found with Pontibacter odishensis JC130^T (96.7 %). Cells of strain NKM1^T were aerobic, non-flagellated and non-motile. Strain NKM1^T was catalase- and oxidase-positive but negative for nitrate reduction and hydrolysis of gelatin. The major fatty acids in strain NKM1^T were anteiso-C_15 : 0, iso-C_15 : 0, C_16 : 0, C_18 : 1ω9c and summed feature 3 (C_16 : 1ω7c and/or C_16 : 1ω6c). The polar lipid profile of strain NKM1^T showed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine and unknown glycolipids as well as aminolipids. sym-Homospermidine was found to be the major polyamine and menaquinone 7 (MK-7) was the major respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content of strain NKM1^T was determined to be 58.6 mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical evidence, it is proposed that isolate NKM1^T represents a novel species that belongs to the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter ummariensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NKM1^T ( = DSM 100161^T = KCTC 42944^T = MCC 2777^T).

Canine parvovirus NS1 induced apoptosis involves mitochondria, accumulation of reactive oxygen species and activation of caspases

The non-structural protein (NS1) of parvoviruses plays an important role in viral replication and is thought to be responsible for inducing cell death. However, the detailed mechanism and the pathways involved in canine parvovirus type 2 NS1 (CPV2.NS1) induced apoptosis are not yet known. In the present study, we report that expression of CPV2.NS1 in HeLa cells arrests cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle and the apoptosis is mitochondria mediated as indicated by mitochondrial depolarization, release of cytochrome-c and activation of caspase 9. Treatment of cells with caspase 9 inhibitor Z-LEHD-FMK reduced the induction of apoptosis significantly. We also report that expression of CPV2.NS1 causes accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and treatment with an antioxidant reduces the ROS levels and the extent of apoptosis. Our results provide an insight into the mechanism of CPV2.NS1 induced apoptosis, which might prove valuable in developing NS1 protein as an oncolytic agent.

Nitric oxide mediated amelioration of arsenic toxicity which alters the alternative oxidase (Aox1) gene expression in Hordeum vulgare L

The role of nitric oxide (NO) as a key molecule in the signal transduction pathway of a biotic stress response has already been described. Recent studies indicate that it also participate in the signaling of abiotic stresses. In the present study, we showed the altered expression of stress responsive gene alternative oxidase (Aox1) in seedlings of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in response to arsenic toxicity. Arsenic toxicity decreased the germination percentage, biomass, chlorophyll and carotenoid content whereas, arsenic toxicity enhanced the MDA content and proline content in a dose dependent manner. Other enzyme activities like catalase and superoxide dismutase increased with the increase in concentrations but it fell down at higher concentration of arsenic. Pretreatment of nitric oxide results in the enhanced expression of alternative oxidase which showed the adaptation of alternative pathway during the arsenic stress and it also enhances the growth ability and adaptability towards the arsenic stress. The results support the conclusion that nitric oxide ameliorates the arsenic toxicity not only at the level of antioxidant defense but also by affecting other mechanism of detoxification.

Nitric oxide mitigates arsenic-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in Vicia faba L

The protective effects of nitric oxide (NO) against arsenic (As)-induced structural disturbances in Vicia faba have been investigated. As treatment (0.25, 0.50, and 1 mM) resulted in a declined growth of V. faba seedlings. Arsenic treatment stimulates the activity of SOD and CAT while the activities of APX and GST content were decreased. The oxidative stress markers such as superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation) contents were enhanced by As. Overall results revealed that significant accumulation of As suppressed growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, and GST activity), mitotic index, and induction of different chromosomal abnormalities, hence led to oxidative stress. The concentration of SNP (0.02 mM) was very effective in counteracting the adverse effect of As toxicity. These abnormalities use partially or fully reversed by a simultaneous application of As and NO donor and sodium nitroprusside and has an ameliorating effect against As-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in V. faba roots.

Identification of aerosol types over Indo-Gangetic Basin: implications to optical properties and associated radiative forcing

The aerosols in the Indo-Gangetic Basin (IGB) are a mixture of sulfate, dust, black carbon, and other soluble and insoluble components. It is a challenge not only to identify these various aerosol types, but also to assess the optical and radiative implications of these components. In the present study, appropriate thresholds for fine-mode fraction and single-scattering albedo have been used to first identify the aerosol types over IGB. Four major aerosol types may be identified as polluted dust (PD), polluted continental (PC), black carbon-enriched (BCE), and organic carbon-enriched (OCE). Further, the implications of these different types of aerosols on optical properties and radiative forcing have been studied. The aerosol products derived from CIMEL sun/sky radiometer measurements, deployed under Aerosol Robotic Network program of NASA, USA were used from four different sites Karachi, Lahore, Jaipur, and Kanpur, spread over Pakistan and Northern India. PD is the most dominant aerosol type at Karachi and Jaipur, contributing more than 50% of all the aerosol types. OCE, on the other hand, contributes only about 12-15% at all the stations except at Kanpur where its contribution is ∼38%. The spectral dependence of AOD was relatively low for PD aerosol type, with the lowest AE values (<0.5); whereas, large spectral dependence in AOD was observed for the remaining aerosol types, with the highest AE values (>1.0). SSA was found to be the highest for OCE (>0.9) and the lowest for BCE (<0.9) type aerosols, with drastically different spectral variability. The direct aerosol radiative forcing at the surface and in the atmosphere was found to be the maximum at Lahore among all the four stations in the IGB.

Magnetohydrodynamic free convection between vertical parallel porous plates in the presence of induced magnetic field

In this paper, the steady two-dimensional hydromagnetic free convective flow of an incompressible viscous and electrically conducting fluid between two parallel vertical porous plates has been considered. The effect of induced magnetic field arising due to the motion of an electrically conducting fluid is taken into account. The governing equations of the motion are a set of simultaneous ordinary differential equations and their analytical solutions in dimensionless form have been obtained for the velocity field, the induced magnetic field and the temperature field. The expression for the induced current density has been also obtained. The effects of various non-dimensional parameters on the velocity profile, the induced magnetic field profile, the temperature profile and the induced current density profile have been shown in the graphs. It is found that the effect of suction parameter is to decrease the velocity field and induced current density while it has increasing effect on the induced magnetic field.

Measles outbreak investigation in Dwarahat block of District Almora, Uttarakhand

BACKGROUND

We report an assessment of measles outbreak during the months of February 2014 to April 2014 in Dwarahat block of district Almora and the response mounted to it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An intensive door-to-door search to six measles affected villages in Dwarahat block of district Almora, covering a population of 2,408 was carried out to identify the cases of measles by a rapid response team (RRT). A total of ten blood samples were randomly collected for detecting IgM antibody against measles. For all cases, information on personal details, place of residence, time of onset and status of immunization were obtained.

RESULTS

Overall attack rate (AR) was 2.8%. AR among the population of age-group 0-16 was 7.2%. Statistically significant higher AR (16.26%) was seen for the age-group of 0-5 years as compare to 6-10 and 11-16 years of age (AR-8.71, relative risk-0.53, 95% confidence interval-0.32-0.88, P value-0.012 and AR-0.57%, relative risk-0.035, 95% confidence interval-0.00-0.14, P value-0.000, respectively). Males were affected more often than females 35 [59.2%] vs. 24 [40.8%]. Measles-related complications were seen in three children. No death was reported. Of the 10 samples, nine were positive for measles IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

CONCLUSION

The recognition of early warning signals, timely investigation and application of specific control measures can contain the outbreak. The unvaccinated or partially protected human beings serve as the reservoir of measles virus. Hence, there is a need for sero surveillance for measles in Uttarakhand and one catch up measles immunisation campaign to prevent future outbreak.

Characterization of a Highly pH Stable Chi-Class Glutathione S-Transferase from Synechocystis PCC 6803

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes present in virtually all organisms. Besides having an essential role in cellular detoxification, they also perform various other functions, including responses in stress conditions and signaling. GSTs are highly studied in plants and animals; however, the knowledge regarding GSTs in cyanobacteria seems rudimentary. In this study, we report the characterization of a highly pH stable GST from the model cyanobacterium- Synechocystis PCC 6803. The gene sll0067 was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the protein was purified to homogeneity. The expressed protein exists as a homo-dimer, which is composed of about 20 kDa subunit. The results of the steady-state enzyme kinetics displayed protein’s glutathione conjugation activity towards its class specific substrate- isothiocyanate, having the maximal activity with phenethyl isothiocyanate. Contrary to the poor catalytic activity and low specificity towards standard GST substrates such as 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene by bacterial GSTs, PmGST B1-1 from Proteus mirabilis, and E. coli GST, sll0067 has broad substrate degradation capability like most of the mammalian GST. Moreover, we have shown that cyanobacterial GST sll0067 is catalytically efficient compared to the best mammalian enzymes. The structural stability of GST was studied as a function of pH. The fluorescence and CD spectroscopy in combination with size exclusion chromatography showed a highly stable nature of the protein over a broad pH range from 2.0 to 11.0. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first GST with such a wide range of pH related structural stability. Furthermore, the presence of conserved Proline-53, structural motifs such as N-capping box and hydrophobic staple further aid in the stability and proper folding of cyanobacterial GST- sll0067.

Simultaneous measurements of X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence fluorescence at BL-16 beamline of Indus-2

A new multipurpose x-ray reflectometer station has been developed and augmented at the microfocus beamline (BL-16) of Indus-2 synchrotron radiation source to facilitate synchronous measurements of specular x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence x-ray fluorescence emission from thin layered structures. The design and various salient features of the x-ray reflectometer are discussed. The performance of the reflectometer has been evaluated by analyzing several thin layered structures having different surface interface properties. The results reveal in-depth information for precise determination of surface and interface properties of thin layered materials demonstrating the immense potential of the combined measurements of x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence fluorescence on a single reflectometer.

Nephritic syndrome following multiple bee stings: a late hypersensitivity reaction

Most hypersensitivity reactions to insect stings are immediate, ranging from transient local reactions of little medical consequence to fatal anaphylaxis. Rarely, some patients have delayed reactions after a period of apparent normality which manifest as systemic features which can be life-threatening. A 3-year-old boy was attacked by a swarm of bees, estimated to be about 200 in number. There was an immediate cutaneous reaction which was treated at a local hospital. After 9 days, he presented with oliguria, dark-coloured urine, pedal oedema, hypertension and acute kidney injury (AKI). He was managed conservatively with fluid restriction, control of blood pressure and peritoneal dialysis, and renal function returned to normal gradually over the following 9 days. The delayed-onset AKI and other laboratory abnormalities suggested a immune-mediated type III hypersensitivity reaction leading to renal insufficiency. After improvement of initial hypersensitivity reactions, patients with bee stings should be followed up in order to detect any late-onset complications which might be life-threatening.

A tumor deconstruction platform identifies definitive end points in the evaluation of drug responses

Tumor heterogeneity and the presence of drug-sensitive and refractory populations within the same tumor are almost never assessed in the drug discovery pipeline. Such incomplete assessment of drugs arising from spatial and temporal tumor cell heterogeneity reflects on their failure in the clinic and considerable wasted costs in the drug discovery pipeline. Here we report the derivation of a flow cytometry-based tumor deconstruction platform for resolution of at least 18 discrete tumor cell fractions. This is achieved through concurrent identification, quantification and analysis of components of cancer stem cell hierarchies, genetically instable clones and differentially cycling populations within a tumor. We also demonstrate such resolution of the tumor cytotype to be a potential value addition in drug screening through definitive cell target identification. Additionally, this real-time definition of intra-tumor heterogeneity provides a convenient, incisive and analytical tool for predicting drug efficacies through profiling perturbations within discrete tumor cell subsets in response to different drugs and candidates. Consequently, possible applications in informed therapeutic monitoring and drug repositioning in personalized cancer therapy would complement rational design of new candidates besides achieving a re-evaluation of existing drugs to derive non-obvious combinations that hold better chances of achieving remission.

Physiological, anatomical and transcriptional alterations in a rice mutant leading to enhanced water stress tolerance

Water stress is one of the most severe constraints to crop productivity. Plants display a variety of physiological and biochemical responses both at the cellular and whole organism level upon sensing water stress. Leaf rolling, stomatal closure, deeper root penetration, higher relative water content (RWC) and better osmotic adjustment are some of the mechanisms that plants employ to overcome water stress. In the current study, we report a mutant, enhanced water stress tolerant1 (ewst1) with enhanced water stress tolerance, identified from the ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutant population of rice variety Nagina22 by field screening followed by withdrawal of irrigation in pots and hydroponics (PEG 6000). Though ewst1 was morphologically similar to the wild type (WT) for 35 of the 38 morphological descriptors (except chalky endosperm/expression of white core, decorticated grain colour and grain weight), it showed enhanced germination in polyethylene glycol-infused medium. It exhibited increase in maximum root length without any significant changes in its root weight, root volume and total root number on crown when compared with the WT under stress in PVC tube experiment. It also showed better performance for various physiological parameters such as RWC, cell membrane stability and chlorophyll concentration upon water stress in a pot experiment. Root anatomy and stomatal microscopic studies revealed changes in the number of xylem and phloem cells, size of central meta-xylem and number of closed stomata in ewst1. Comparative genome-wide transcriptome analysis identified genes related to exocytosis, secondary metabolites, tryptophan biosynthesis, protein phosphorylation and other signalling pathways to be playing a role in enhanced response to water stress in ewst1. The possible involvement of a candidate gene with respect to the observed morpho-physiological and transcriptional changes and its role in stress tolerance are discussed. The mutant identified and characterized in this study will be useful for further dissection of water stress tolerance in rice.

Comparative analysis of changes in MR imaging of pre and post intrauterine progesterone implants in adenomyosis cases

BACKGROUND

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the evaluation and management of adenomyosis. In this study, we first diagnosed the adenomyosis on MRI and then we analyzed the MRI changes in the uterus in pre and post intrauterine progesterone implants cases.

METHOD

All the patients with clinical diagnosis of menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea were screened by Ultrasonography (USG) of the pelvis. Patients with heterogeneous echo texture of the uterus were then evaluated by the MRI of the pelvis. All patients with MRI findings suggestive of adenomyosis formed the study group.

RESULT

On MRI study 60 patients were diagnosed as adenomyosis, 68.33% had diffuse adenomyosis and 31.66% had focal adenomyosis. 83% of diagnosed adenomyosis cases had high intensity signal foci which were seen in 75% cases of diffuse adenomyosis and 100% cases of focal adenomyosis. 50 diagnosed adenomyosis cases were then reviewed after 03 months, 06 months and 12 months to see for any change in the MRI findings in the post intrauterine implant cases. On follow up MRI after post progesterone intrauterine implant, 50% of the cases showed reduction in the high intensity signals, 10% of the cases showed mild reduction in the junctional zone thickness with no significant change in the uterine size.

CONCLUSIONS

It is inferred that MR imaging is not only helpful in diagnosing but also helpful in monitoring the effects of hormonal therapy in adenomyosis.

Nano-level monitoring of Mn(2+) ion by fabrication of coated pyrolytic graphite electrode based on isonicotinohydrazide derivatives

The two ionophores N'(N',N‴E,N',N‴E)-N',N‴-((((oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(oxy)) bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(methanylylidene))di(isonicotinohydrazide) (I1) and (N',N‴E,N',N‴E)-N',N‴-(((propane-1,3-diylbis(oxy))bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(methanylylidene))di(isonicotinohydrazide) (I2) were synthesised and investigated as neutral carrier in the fabrication of Mn(2+) ion selective sensor. Several membranes were prepared by incorporating different plasticizers and anionic excluders and their effect on potentiometric response was studied. The best analytical performance was obtained with the electrode having a membrane of composition of I2: PVC: o-NPOE: NaTPB in the ratio of 6:34:58:2 (w/w, mg). Comparative studies of coated graphite electrode (CGE) and coated pyrolytic graphite electrode (CPGE) based on I2 reveal the superiority of CPGE. The CPGE exhibits wide working concentration range of 1.23×10(-8)-1.0×10(-1) mol L(-1) and a detection limit down to 4.78×10(-9) mol L(-1) with a Nernstian slope of 29.5±0.4 mV decade(-1) of activity. The sensor performs satisfactorily over a wide pH range (3.5-9.0) and exhibited a quick response time (9s). The sensor can work satisfactorily in water-acetonitrile and water-methanol mixtures. It can tolerate 30% acetonitrile and 20% methanol content in the mixtures. The sensor could be used for a period of four months without any significant divergence in performance. The sensor reflects its utility in the quantification of Mn(2+) ion in real samples and has been successfully employed as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Mn(2+) ion with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Corrosivity of paper mill effluent and corrosion performance of stainless steel

Present study relates to the corrosivity of paper mill effluent and corrosion performance of stainless steel (SS) as a construction material for the effluent treatment plant (ETP). Accordingly, immersion test and electrochemical polarization tests were performed on SS 304 L, 316 L and duplex 2205 in paper mill effluent and synthetic effluent. This paper presents electrochemical polarization measurements, performed for the first time to the best of the authors' information, to see the influence of chlorophenols on the corrosivity of effluents. The corrosivity of the effluent was observed to increase with the decrease in pH and increase in Cl- content while the addition of SO4- tends to inhibit corrosion. Mill effluent was found to be more corrosive as compared to synthetic effluent and has been attributed to the presence of various chlorophenols. Corrosion performance of SS was observed to govern by the presence of Cr, Mo and N contents.

Mode of binding of the antithyroid drug propylthiouracil to mammalian haem peroxidases

The mammalian haem peroxidase superfamily consists of myeloperoxidase (MPO), lactoperoxidase (LPO), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). These enzymes catalyze a number of oxidative reactions of inorganic substrates such as Cl(-), Br(-), I(-) and SCN(-) as well as of various organic aromatic compounds. To date, only structures of MPO and LPO are known. The substrate-binding sites in these enzymes are located on the distal haem side. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a potent antithyroid drug that acts by inhibiting the function of TPO. It has also been shown to inhibit the action of LPO. However, its mode of binding to mammalian haem peroxidases is not yet known. In order to determine the mode of its binding to peroxidases, the structure of the complex of LPO with PTU has been determined. It showed that PTU binds to LPO in the substrate-binding site on the distal haem side. The IC50 values for the inhibition of LPO and TPO by PTU are 47 and 30 µM, respectively. A comparision of the residues surrounding the substrate-binding site on the distal haem side in LPO with those in TPO showed that all of the residues were identical except for Ala114 (LPO numbering scheme), which is replaced by Thr205 (TPO numbering scheme) in TPO. A threonine residue in place of alanine in the substrate-binding site may affect the affinity of PTU for peroxidases.

Importance of algae as a potential source of biofuel

Algae have a great potential source of biofuels and also have unique importance to reduce gaseous emissions, greenhouse gases, climatic changes, global warming receding of glaciers, rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity. The microalgae, like Scenedesmus obliquus, Neochloris oleabundans, Nannochloropsis sp., Chlorella emersonii, and Dunaliella tertiolecta have high oil content. Among the known algae, Scenedesmus obliquus is one of the most potential sources for biodiesel as it has adequate fatty acid (linolenic acid) and other polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bio&mdash;ethanol is already in the market of United States of America and Europe as an additive in gasoline. Bio&mdash;hydrogen is the cleanest biofuel and extensive efforts are going on to bring it to market at economical price. This review highlights recent development and progress in the field of algae as a potential source of biofuel.

Functional classification and biochemical characterization of a novel rho class glutathione S-transferase in Synechocystis PCC 6803

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A novel class of glutathione S-transferase (GST) is reported.

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This GST catalyzes dichloroacetate (DCA) degradation and hydroperoxide reactions.

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Functionally this GST is similar to zeta and theta/alpha classes but structurally very different.

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In contrast to other bacterial GSTs, this GST exists as a monomer in solution.

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First report of DCA degradation by any bacterial GST and has potential biotechnological applications.

We report a novel class of glutathione S-transferase (GST) from the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 (sll1545) which catalyzes the detoxification of the water pollutant dichloroacetate and also shows strong glutathione-dependent peroxidase activity representing the classical activities of zeta and theta/alpha class respectively. Interestingly, sll1545 has very low sequence and structural similarity with these classes. This is the first report of dichloroacetate degradation activity by any bacterial GST. Based on these results we classify sll1545 to a novel GST class, rho. The present data also indicate potential biotechnological and industrial applications of cyanobacterial GST in dichloroacetate-polluted areas.

Association of B12 deficiency and clinical neuropathy with metformin use in type 2 diabetes patients

CONTEXT

Long-term metformin use has been hypothesized to cause B12 deficiency and neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes patients. However, there is a paucity of Indian data regarding the same.

AIM

To compare the prevalence of B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with or without metformin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited patients with Type 2 diabetes and divided them into metformin exposed and nonmetformin exposed groups. We measured baseline demographic variables like age, sex, vegetarian status, and HbA1c levels in both groups. We compared vitamin B12 levels and severity of peripheral neuropathy (using Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)) in both groups. Definite B12 deficiency was defined as B12 <150 pg/ml and possible B12 deficiency as <220 pg/ml. The difference in vitamin B12 levels and TCSS was calculated in both groups using independent samples t-test. Spearman's rank correlation between cumulative metformin use and B12 level was calculated. Odds ratio of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin exposed group was also estimated.

RESULTS

Mean serum B12 levels was significantly lower in metformin exposed group (n=84) compared with nonmetformin exposed group (n=52) (410±230.7 versus 549.2±244.7, P=0.0011). Mean neuropathy score was significantly higher in metformin exposed group. (5.72±2.04 versus 4.62±2.12, P=0.0064). Odds ratio for possible B12 deficiency was 4.45 (95% CI 1.24-15.97). There was significant negative correlation between cumulative metformin dose and vitamin B12 level (r=-0.68, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Metformin use is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency and clinical neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes patients.

Stripe rust and leaf rust resistance QTL mapping, epistatic interactions, and co-localization with stem rust resistance loci in spring wheat evaluated over three continents

In wheat, advantageous gene-rich or pleiotropic regions for stripe, leaf, and stem rust and epistatic interactions between rust resistance loci should be accounted for in plant breeding strategies. Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. tritici Eriks) contribute to major production losses in many regions worldwide. The objectives of this research were to identify and study epistatic interactions of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for stripe and leaf rust resistance in a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from the cross of Canadian wheat cultivars, AC Cadillac and Carberry. The relationship of leaf and stripe rust resistance QTL that co-located with stem rust resistance QTL previously mapped in this population was also investigated. The Carberry/AC Cadillac population was genotyped with DArT(®) and simple sequence repeat markers. The parents and population were phenotyped for stripe rust severity and infection response in field rust nurseries in Kenya (Njoro), Canada (Swift Current), and New Zealand (Lincoln); and for leaf rust severity and infection response in field nurseries in Canada (Swift Current) and New Zealand (Lincoln). AC Cadillac was a source of stripe rust resistance QTL on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5B, and 7B; and Carberry was a source of resistance on chromosomes 2B, 4B, and 7A. AC Cadillac contributed QTL for resistance to leaf rust on chromosome 2A and Carberry contributed QTL on chromosomes 2B and 4B. Stripe rust resistance QTL co-localized with previously reported stem rust resistance QTL on 2B, 3B, and 7B, while leaf rust resistance QTL co-localized with 4B stem rust resistance QTL. Several epistatic interactions were identified both for stripe and leaf rust resistance QTL. We have identified useful combinations of genetic loci with main and epistatic effects. Multiple disease resistance regions identified on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 7B are prime candidates for further investigation and validation of their broad resistance.

Prevalence of Osteoarthritis of Knee Among Elderly Persons in Urban Slums Using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Criteria

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of osteoarthritis among elderly is high and it majorly affects the quality of life. Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis. Timely diagnosis using clinical criteria and effective intervention is of utmost importance.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence and determinants of osteoarthritis of knee joint among elderly persons residing in an urban slum of Delhi using ACR clinical criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We did a community-based cross-sectional study among 496 elderly (>= 60 years) persons residing in urban slum of Delhi, India from December 2009 to February 2010. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria was used to clinically diagnose osteoarthritis knee.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Bivariate analysis using Chi-square test and multivariate analysis was done to identify the determinants. Sensitivity and specificity of individual factors to diagnose osteoarthritis knee was calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of osteoarthritis was estimated to be 41.1% (95% C.I., 36.7-45.6). Female sex and age >= 70 y were found to be independent risk factor for osteoarthritis knee. Among those having knee pain, presence of crepitus and tenderness were the most sensitive factors whereas bone overgrowth and bone warmth were most specific factors.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of osteoarthritis knee was high among this elderly population and increased with age. Overall, individual factors of ACR criteria were both sensitive and specific in diagnosing osteoarthritis knee. In resource constrained setting of urban India, it can be an effective tool in clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis knee.

Viral aetiology of acute lower respiratory tract illness in hospitalised paediatric patients of a tertiary hospital: one year prospective study

CONTEXT

Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI), ranked as the second leading cause of death are the primary cause of hospitalisation in children. Viruses are the most important causative agents of ALRI.

AIM

To study the viral aetiology of ALRI in children at a tertiary care hospital.

SETTING AND DESIGN

One year prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital of King George's Medical University, Lucknow.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected from children admitted with signs and symptoms of ALRI who were aged 0-14 years. Samples were transported to the laboratory at 4°C in viral transport media and processed for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, influenza virus A and B, adenovirus (ADV), human Boca virus (HBoV), human metapneumo virus (hMPV) and parainfluenzavirus 1, 2, 3 and 4 using mono/multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). STATA was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In one year, 188 NPAs were screened for respiratory viruses, of which 45.7% tested positive. RSV was most commonly detected with 21.3% positivity followed by measles virus (8.5%), influenza A virus (7.4%), ADV (5.3%), influenza B virus (1.6%), hMPV (1.1%) and HBoV (0.5%). Month wise maximum positivity was seen in December and January. Positivity rate of RSV was highest in children aged < 1 year, which decreased with increase in age, while positive rate of influenza virus increased with increasing age.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of viral predominance in ALRI is highlighted.

Repair of oral mucosal defects with cryopreserved human amniotic membrane grafts: prospective clinical study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of the surgical repair of oral mucosal defects using cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (HAM) as a graft material. Thirty-four patients with precancerous lesions such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and verrucous hyperplasia were included. Fresh amniotic membrane was obtained from women undergoing elective caesarean section; the membrane was cleaned, prepared in antibiotic solutions, and preserved at -80°C. Results suggested that HAM promotes healing and epithelialization without specific complications. Thus we conclude that the use of HAM gives promising results in the repair of post-surgical oral mucosal defects.