Poly-(3-hexylthiophene) self-assembled monolayer based cholesterol biosensor using surface plasmon resonance technique

Cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) has been covalently immobilized onto 1-fluoro-2-nitro-4-azidobenzene (FNAB) modified poly-(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) onto gold coated glass plates. These ChOx/FNAB/P3HT/Au bio-electrodes have been characterized using contact angle (CA) measurements, UV-vis spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance technique, cyclic voltammetric technique and atomic force microscopic (AFM) technique, respectively. The ChOx/FNAB/P3HT/Au bio-electrodes were utilized for the estimation of cholesterol concentration in standard solutions using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. It is shown that this SPR biosensor has linearity from 50 to 500 mg/dl of cholesterol in solution with detection limit of 50 mg/dl, sensitivity of 1.0 4 m degrees /(mg dl), reusability of around 15 times and a shelf-life of about 10 weeks when stored at 4 degrees C.

Two-step purification of a highly thermostable alkaline protease from salt-tolerant alkaliphilic Streptomyces clavuligerus strain Mit-1

An alkaline protease from a salt-tolerant alkaliphilic Streptomyces clavuligerus was purified to homogeneity by 141-fold with a yield of 12% using two-step method of salt precipitation and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose. The apparent molecular mass was 49+/-2 kDa and the enzyme appeared as monomer based on SDS and Native-PAGE. The temperature optimum was 70 degrees C with significant stability at 60-80 degrees C for more than 60 min. The enzyme was active over the pH range of 8.5-11, with an optimum at 10-11. The serine nature of the protease was confirmed by PMSF inhibition. The enzyme was highly resistant against chemical denaturation and displayed varied effects towards metal ions. The results are significant as extremozymes are difficult to purify and therefore, a two-step purification of alkaline protease from relatively less explored group of actinomycetes is quite appealing.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibodies in healthy blood donors--a prospective study

In the last decade, hepatitis C has emerged from obscurity as a disease (Non A Non B Hepatitis)familiar to only a few experts, to being recognized as a major public health problem. The present study was done to find out the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in 5000 blood donors in Patiala and to compare its seroprevalence in voluntary and replacement blood donors. The testing for HCV antibodies was done by ELISA technique using third generation HCV microlisa kit. Seroprevalence of anti-HCV amongst 5000 healthy blood donors was 0.88%. It was 0.58% in voluntary blood donors and 0.95% in replacement blood donors. Anti-HCV positivity was significantly higher amongst males (0.97%) than females (0.59%). Maximum anti-HCV positivity was seen in 41-50 year age group in voluntary donors and 31-40 year age group in replacement group. This study made us to conclude that above results were due to multiple reasons like transfusion of blood and blood products from unscreened donors, medical injections, tattooing, intravenous drug abuse, traditional medicinal practices, sexual promiscuity and lack ofawareness in rural population about the disease and mode of spread.

Cholesterol biosensor based on N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane self-assembled monolayer

Cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) has been covalently immobilized onto two-dimensional self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (AEAPTS) deposited on the indium-tin oxide (ITO) coated glass plates using N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) chemistry. These ChO x/AEAPTS/ITO bioelectrodes are characterized using contact angle (CA) measurements, UV-visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), electrochemical impedance technique, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) technique. The covalently immobilized ChOx-modified AEAPTS bioelectrodes are used for the estimation of cholesterol in solution using UV-visible technique. These cholesterol sensing bioelectrodes show linearity as 50 to 500 mg/dl for cholesterol solution, detection limit as 25mg/dl, sensitivity as 4.499 x 10(-5) Abs (mg/dl)(-1), K(m) value as 58.137 mg/dl (1.5mM), apparent enzyme activity as 1.81 x 10(-3) U cm(-2), shelf life of approximately 10 weeks, and electrode reusability as 10 times.

Mesiodistal crown dimensions of the permanent dentition in North Indian children

This investigation was conducted on 110 individuals, (40 males and 70 females) in the age range of 12-18 years. The results revealed the mesiodistal crown dimensions of teeth of males to be more than that of the females. Further the ratio of the mesiodistal crown dimension of the maxillary lateral incisors to the maxillary central incisors was 80% in females and 78% in males. The total arch length in males was 117.77 mm in maxilla and 111.60 mm in mandible, while in females, the figures were 113.98 mm in maxilla and 107.10 mm in the mandible.

Study on clinico-epidemiological profile of HIV patients in eastern India

In this study, 438 HIV positive patients attending the HIV clinic of Sir Sundar Lal Hospital, IMS, BHU were enrolled. Of these 354 were males (mean CD4 count 179 +/- 9.3 cells/microl) and 84 were females (mean CD4 count 323 +/- 28.26 cells/microl). The mean age of the study subjects at the time of diagnosis was 32.6 years. Heterosexual contact was the commonest mode of transmission in 352 (80.4%) patients followed by blood transfusion in 2.5%. History suggestive of a risk factor for HIV transmission could not be elicited in 62 (14.1%) patients. Among male patients, 71.5% were migrant workers. Fever (70.6%), weight loss (53.3%), chronic diarrhea (43.9%) and cough (40.3%) were the common presenting symptoms. Out of the 438 patients, 66.4% had opportunistic infections at the time of reporting to the hospital. The most common opportunistic infection was tuberculosis (38.8%) followed by oropharyngeal candidiasis (20.3%) and diarrhea (12.7%). CD4 counts of the patients were significantly inversely correlated with the number of symptoms and the number of opportunistic infections (correlation coefficient were -.289 and -.236 respectively).

Production of alkaline protease from an alkaliphilic actinomycete

The repression of alkaline protease synthesis from alkaliphilic actinomycete was studied by using glucose, peptone, yeast extract, KH2PO4 and amino acids; tyrosine, tryptophan, lysine, and arginine. There was a critical limit of stimulation of enzyme production by these components. Crude components such as molasses, wheat flour, and wheat bran were found to be effective for growth and enzyme production. The high level of enzyme production using agro-industrial by-products is commercially significant due to cheap nature of these sources. The findings are quite attractive, as only few actinomycetes, particularly alkaliphilic ones, have so far been explored for their enzymatic potential and regulation of enzyme synthesis.

Prospects of conducting polymers in biosensors

Applications of conducting polymers to biosensors have recently aroused much interest. This is because these molecular electronic materials offer control of different parameters such as polymer layer thickness, electrical properties and bio-reagent loading, etc. Moreover, conducting polymer based biosensors are likely to cater to the pressing requirements such as biocompatibility, possibility of in vivo sensing, continuous monitoring of drugs or metabolites, multi-parametric assays, miniaturization and high information density. This paper deals with the emerging trends in conducting polymer based biosensors during the last about 5 years.

Characterization of aqueous lead removal by phosphatic clay: equilibrium and kinetic studies

Immobilization of heavy metals from contaminated environments is an emerging field of interest from both resource conservation and environmental remediation points of view. This study investigated the feasibility of using phosphatic clay, a waste by-product of the phosphate mining industry, as an effective sorbent for Pb from aqueous effluents. The major parameters controlling aqueous Pb removal, viz. initial metal ion concentrations, solution pH, sorbent amounts, ionic strength and presence of both inorganic and organic ligands were evaluated using batch experiments. Results demonstrated that aqueous Pb removal efficiency of phosphatic clay is controlled mainly by dissolution of phosphatic clay associated fluoroapatite [Ca(10)(PO(4))(5)CaCO(3)(F,Cl,OH)(2)], followed by subsequent precipitation of geochemically stable pyromorphite [Pb(10)(PO(4))(6)(F,Cl,OH)(2)], which was confirmed by both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Lead removal efficiency of phosphatic clay increased with increasing pH, sorbent amount and decreasing ionic strength. It also depends on the nature of complexing ligands. Formation of insoluble calcium oxalate and lead oxalate in the presence of oxalic acid explained high uptake of Pb by phosphatic clay from aqueous solution. However, Pb sorption kinetics onto phosphatic clay were biphasic, with initially fast reactions followed by slow and continuous Pb removal reactions. The slow reactions may include surface sorption, co-precipitation and diffusion. The exceptional capability of phosphatic clay to remove aqueous Pb demonstrated its potential as a cost effective way to remediate Pb-contaminated water, soils and sediments.

Low frequency Raman scattering from acoustic phonons confined in ZnO nanoparticles

We report here the first observation of the low frequency Raman scattering from acoustic phonons in semiconducting zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles without embedding in any solid matrix. ZnO nanoparticles (size 5-10 nm) with nearly spherical shape have been synthesized using a chemical route. A shift in the phonon peaks toward higher frequencies along with broadening was observed with a decrease in particle size. The size dependence of the acoustic phonons in ZnO nanoparticles is explained using Lamb's theory that predicts the vibrational frequencies of a homogeneous elastic body of spherical shape. Our results show that the observed low frequency Raman scattering originates from the spherical (l = 0) and quadrupolar vibrations (l = 2) of the spheroidal mode due to the confinement of acoustic vibrations in ZnO nanoparticles.

Identification of simple sequence repeat markers for utilizing wide-compatibility genes in inter-subspecific hybrids in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Although pronounced heterosis in inter-subspecific hybrids was known in rice for a long time, its utilization for hybrid rice breeding has been limited due to their hybrid sterility (HS). For the last two decades, however, a few inter-subspecific hybrids have been developed by incorporating wide-compatibility genes (WCG) that resolve HS, into parental lines of these inter-subspecific hybrids. For effective use of WCG, it is necessary to find convenient markers linked to WCG of practical importance. In this paper, initially a set of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in the vicinity of known WCG loci identified based on comparative linkage maps have been surveyed in a population derived from the three-way cross- IR36/Dular//Akihikari, where a known donor of WCG Dular was crossed to a representative indica and japonica cultivar. Of the five parental polymorphic markers, RM253 and RM276 were found to be closely linked to the WCG locus S5 at a distance of 3.0 and 2.8 cM, respectively. Later, loci for HS were examined in three F(2) populations derived from inter-subspecific crosses, with same set of SSR markers. The locus S8 was confirmed to have major influence on HS in the F(2 )population derived from CHMRF-1/Taichung65 since two SSR markers in its vicinity, RM412 and RM141, co-segregated with HS at a map distance of 7.6 and 4.8 cM, respectively. In the F(2) population derived from the cross BPT5204/Taipei309, three SSR markers in the vicinity of S5, RM50, RM276 and RM136 co-segregated with HS at a map distance of 4.2, 3.2 and 7.8 cM, respectively. In the third F(2 )population derived from Swarna/Taipei309, the SSR markers in the vicinity of S5, RM225, RM253, RM50, RM276 and RM136 were identified to co-segregate with HS at a map distance of 3.2, 2.6, 3.4, 2.6 and 6.6 cM, respectively. These results indicated a clear picture of WCG in Dular as well as the predominant role of HS alleles at S5 locus. The identified SSR markers are expected to be used for incorporation of WCG into parental lines in hybrid rice breeding to solve HS in inter-subspecific hybrids.

Serious underreporting of visceral leishmaniasis through passive case reporting in Bihar, India

OBJECTIVES

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major public health problem in Bihar, India. Unfortunately, accurate data on the incidence or prevalence of the disease are not available. This longitudinal study was undertaken to determine the incidence of VL in a Community Development Block area of the state of Bihar. Survey results were compared with official reports of the disease to assess the extent of underreporting by the Government health system.

METHODS

Three health subcentre areas in Kanti Block, consisting of 14 villages with a total population of 26 444, were selected. Active surveillance was performed every month from January 2001 to December 2003 by house to house survey to detect cases of fever for more than 15 days. Patients clinically suspected of suffering from VL were subjected to parasitological examination for confirmation. Analysis of records of the reporting agencies in the district was undertaken to compare and assess the extent of underreporting.

RESULTS

A total of 202 cases of VL were identified in 3 years giving an average annual incidence rate of 2.49/1000 population (95% CI = 2.15-2.83). As identification data of patients was not available with the official reporting agencies for 2001 and 2002, extent of underreporting could be assessed for 2003 only. In the study population, 65 cases of VL were detected during 2003 providing an annual incidence rate of 2.36/1000 population. Only eight (12.30%) cases were reported officially, resulting in underreporting by a factor of 8.13. In 2003, the official incidence rate of VL for Kanti Block was 0.31/1000 against the actual rate of 2.36/1000. As the constraints for official reporting at the block and the district levels are similar, the underreporting at district level was also assumed to be similar. This finding has significance in the preparation for elimination programme.

Effects of feeding Fusarium verticillioides (formerly Fusarium moniliforme) culture material containing known levels of fumonisin B1 in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

One hundred fifty 1-d-old quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into 2 groups. The 2 groups were designated as controls (CX) and fumonisin-fed birds (FX) with each containing 50 and 100 chicks, respectively. The birds in group CX were maintained on quail mash alone, whereas the birds in group FX were maintained on diets supplemented with 300 ppm of fumonisin B1 from Fusarium verticillioides (formerly Fusarium moniliforme) culture material from 1 d. Quail chicks in both groups were examined daily for clinical signs and mortality. Five randomly selected quail from each group were individually weighed on 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d post-feeding (DPF). After weighing, blood was collected from these birds at 7, 14, 21, and 28 DPF for hematological studies and at 14, 21, and 28 DPF for biochemical studies. Fumonisin B1-fed birds (FX) had ruffled feathers, reduced feed and water intake, poor body growth, and greenish mucus diarrhea with 59% mortality. Nearly 30% of the fumonisin B1-fed birds showed nervous signs during the 4-wk experimental period. From 7 DPF onward, BW in group FX were significantly lower than those in group CX. Fumonisin feeding significantly increased hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, and total leukocyte count. There was also a significant increase in aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in the fumonisin-fed group. Fumonisins significantly increased concentrations of total serum protein and albumin on 14 and 21 DPF, serum calcium and cholesterol levels from 14 DPF onward, and creatinine from 21 DPF onward. This study revealed that the addition of F. verticillioides culture material supplying a level of 300 ppm of FB1/kg of diet is highly toxic to quail chicks, resulting in heavy mortality, decreased growth rate, and significant alterations in hemato-biochemical parameters.

Development of endosulfan tolerant strain of an egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

A strain of T. chilonis, an egg parasitoid of lepidopteran pests tolerant to the most commonly used cyclodiene insecticide--endosulfan was developed in the laboratory. Tolerance to endosulfan was induced by exposing adult parasitoids sequentially from a sub-lethal concentration (0.004%) to the field recommended concentration (0.09%). The strain acquired tolerance to the insecticide after 341 generation of continuous exposure with LC50 values of 1074.96 ppm as compared to LC50 of (70.91 ppm) in susceptible strain. The genetical study showed that F1 crosses exhibited a semi-dominant response to endosulfan with degree of dominance value (D) of 0.58. The resistant factor of tolerant strain was 15.1 folds and of F1 cross were 8.53 folds over susceptible strain. Under net house conditions, the tolerant strain parasitised 56% Helicoverpa armigera eggs on potted cotton plants immediately after an insecticide spray, compared to 3% by the susceptible strain. High percentage survival of the immature stages of the tolerant strain proved their ability to withstand the insecticide load. Breakdown of insecticide tolerance in the strain occurred after four generations in absence of insecticide load. Use of the tolerant strain as a component of bio-intensive IPM in various crops where insecticide use is higher is discussed.

Prevalence of goitre and autoimmune thyroiditis in schoolchildren in Delhi, India, after two decades of salt iodisation

Delhi lies in the sub-Himalayan plains and the existence of iodine deficiency is well established. Iodised salt was introduced in Delhi nearly two decades ago. The aim of the present study was to determine the status of iodine nutrition in school-aged children and the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis. A total of 4,320 schoolchildren (2,218 [51.3%] boys) aged 10-16 years were studied. Goitre was detected in 396 children, an overall goitre prevalence of 9.2%. Of the 396 children with goitre, 112 (28.3%) had evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). The median urinary iodine (UI) excretion in the study population as a whole was 14.6 microg/dl. The median UI in the group of children with goiter was 13.3 microg/dl, whereas UI in children with goiter and evidence of AIT was 16.6 microg/dl (p <0.01). Of the 112 children with AIT, 77 (68.7%) were euthyroid, 23 (20.5%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, eight (7.2%) had hypothyroidism and the remaining four (3.6%) had hyperthyroidism. UI was high in goitrous children with AIT, and in children with thyroid dysfunction. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the higher UI in goitrous children with AIT is causally related to AIT or is due to the inability of the diseased thyroid to trap available iodine efficiently.

Mineral profile and variability in vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor)

Populations in North India depend on a number of vegetable crops of which Amaranthus spp. is the most important since it is the only crop available in the hot summer months when no other foliage crop grows in the field. However, reports on mineral composition of leaves are rare with absolutely no information on the qualitative improvement of foliage yield with special reference to minerals. Studies on correlation among the minerals as well as with yield and leaf attributes are also lacking. Hence, we report the proximate mineral composition in 30 strains of A. tricolor along with some suggestions for qualitative improvement of the foliage yield with reference to minerals. Our study showed that vegetable amaranth is a rich source of minerals like calcium (1.7 +/- 0.04 g/100 g), iron (1233.8 +/- 50.02 mg/kg), and zinc (791.7 +/- 28.98 mg/kg). The heritability estimates were high for most of the traits, with potassium and calcium showing high values, while comparatively lower values were recorded for magnesium and nickel. Nickel was the only mineral that showed positive correlation with all the minerals, as well as with leaf size and foliage yield. Zinc showed strong positive relationship with iron (0.66**) and manganese (0.74**), and was the only mineral exhibiting significant positive association with foliage yield. This study would be of use in enhancement of selected minerals in different regions according to local preferences and nutrient deficiency prevalent among the populations.

Individual and Combined Effects of Fusarium moniliforme Culture Material, Containing Known Levels of Fumonisin B1, and Salmonella Gallinarum Infection on Liver of Japanese Quail

Three hundred day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into two groups with 150 quail in each group. One group was maintained on quail mash alone, while Fusarium moniliforme culture material was added to quail mash in the second group from day 5 of age and was supplied at a rate of 150 ppm fumonisin B1 (FB1)/kg mash. At day 21, each group was further subdivided into two groups, yielding four groups with 75 birds apiece, which served as the control (group CX), the Salmonella Gallinarum alone group (group CS), the FB1 alone group (group FX), and the group fed FB1 and infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (group FS). An oral challenge with Salmonella Gallinarum organisms (2 x 10(4) colony-forming units/ml) was given to groups CS and FS at 21 days of age. Three quail each were necropsied on day 21 (0 day interval) from groups CX and FX only. At subsequent intervals (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postinfection [DPI]), three quail were euthanatized from all four groups (CX, CS, FX, and FS). The gross and microscopic lesions were recorded in both mortality and euthanatized birds at the above intervals. The ultrastructural studies were done at 5 DPI. Mild to moderate hepatomegaly and pale discoloration of liver were observed in group FX, while congestion, hemorrhages, necrosis, and mild to severe hepatomegaly were the predominant gross lesions in both infected groups (CS and FS). The gross lesions in quail inoculated with Salmonella Gallinarum alone (group CS) generally developed slowly, appeared more widely scattered, and involved comparatively less surface area in contrast to the rapidly progressive and frequently confluent lesions in the combination group (FS), especially in the first 5 days of infection. Mild to marked hepatocellular swelling, multifocal hepatic necrosis, and hepatocellular and bile duct hyperplasia were the characteristic microscopic changes in the FX group. Microscopic lesions in quail of group CS comprised congestion, vacuolar changes, and focal necrosis in early stages, followed by granulomatous lesions at later intervals. Similar but more severe lesions were observed in the combination group (FS). Based on transmission electron microscopy, the maximum effect of FB1 toxicity was observed on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. In general, the mitochondriae showed diverse form and structure, some of which appeared to lose their intact outer membrane, and the mitochondrial cristae were disoriented. The deformity in the cisternae structure of rough endoplasmic reticulum, with their rearrangement into round or tubular forms either bearing granular surface or leading to accumulation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, was evident only in groups FX and FS. We conclude that the continuous presence of fumonisins in the diets of young quail might increase their susceptibility to or the severity of Salmonella Gallinarum infection.

Diagnostic value of in situ Polymerase Chain Reaction in leprosy

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study was carried out to assess the diagnostic value of in situ Polymerase Chain Reaction in leprosy, particularly in enhancing the histopathological diagnosis.

METHOD

Clinical examination of 20 patients (< 16 yr) was done and skin smear for AFB was prepared. Biopsy of lesion site was taken for histopathological examination and in situ PCR testing.

RESULTS

The histopathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 45% cases only; non-specific histopathology was reported in the remaining 55% cases. In situ PCR showed a positivity of 57.1% in early/localized form of leprosy (IIBT) and 61.5% in (BB/BL) group. When compared to histopathology examination, a significant enhancement of 15% in diagnosis was seen. With in situ PCR, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 4/11 (36.3%) cases with non-specific histopathological features, (which is common in early disease) in addition to confirmation of 8/9 (88.8%) histopathologically-confirmed tissue sections. Histopathology and in situ PCR, combined together, confirmed the diagnosis in 13/20 cases (65% of total cases).

CONCLUSION

Thus, in situ PCR is an important diagnostic tool especially in early and doubtful cases of leprosy.

Effects of Fusarium moniliforme culture material containing known levels of fumonisin B1 on progress of Salmonella Gallinarum infection in Japanese quail: clinical signs and hematologic studies

To study the individual and combined effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) toxicity and Salmonella serotype Gallinarum infection, Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were fed Fusarium moniliforme culture material (2.5%), 150 mg FB1/kg ration, and were subsequently challenged orally with Salmonella Gallinarum organisms (2 x 10(4) colony-forming units) at 21 days of age. The chicks were fed culture material containing FB1 from day 5 till the end of the experiment. After being infected with Salmonella Gallinarum, observations were made 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postinfection. The clinical signs of diarrhea with bloody discharges were more pronounced in the Salmonella-infected birds on the FB1 diet. Mortality caused by Salmonella Gallinarum increased by 12% in the presence of FB1. Mean body weights in both the Salmonella-infected and FB1-fed groups were significantly lower than those of the controls at almost all intervals. Mean values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and total erythrocyte count were slightly higher in birds fed FB1 but were lower in the Salmonella Gallinarum groups fed FB1 and plain chick mash. Anemia was evident, between 5 and 10 days postinfection, in quail chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum alone. Total leukocyte counts were higher in Salmonella-infected and FB1-fed groups because of an increase in the number of heterophils and lymphocytes. However, the increase in lymphocyte response to infection was lower by 4.27%-30.09% between 3 and 21 days postinfection in the FB1-fed chicks compared with chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum. Alanine transaminase and total serum protein were slightly higher in both the infected and FB1-fed groups. This study revealed that the continuous presence of fumonisins in the diets of quail chicks might increase the susceptibility to or the severity of Salmonella Gallinarum infection.

Virgin soil: the spread of visceral leishmaniasis into Uttar Pradesh, India

We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and risk factors in two villages in Uttar Pradesh, India reported to have had a recent outbreak. In 245 households with 2,203 people, we detected 3 current VL cases, 32 past cases, and 8 VL deaths since 2001 (annual incidence = 6 per 1,000). Risk factors included living in the same household as a VL case (odds ratio [OR] = 76, P < 0.0005 in one village and OR = 22, P < 0.0005 in the other village), sleeping downstairs and outside in the summer (OR = 4.7, P = 0.004), and an age > or = 15 years old (OR = 2.9, P = 0.024). Increasing cattle density was a risk factor in one village but not the other. We were not able to determine the route by which VL entered the villages. Our data demonstrate a new spread of VL in previously unaffected areas. We recommend carefully supervised spraying with DDT, surveillance to pinpoint other affected villages, and efforts to increase availability of diagnostic and treatment facilities.

One-step purification and characterization of an alkaline protease from haloalkaliphilic Bacillus sp

An alkaline protease producer haloalkaliphilic bacteria (isolate Vel) was isolated from west coast of India. It was related to Bacillus pseudofirmus on the basis of 16S r RNA gene sequencing, lipid profile and other biochemical properties. The protease secreted by this bacteria was purified 10-fold with 82% yield by a single step method on Phenyl Sepharose 6 Fast Flow column. The apparent molecular mass based on the sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was estimated to be 29 000 Da. The Km and Vmax towards caseinolytic activity were found to be 2 mg ml(-1) and 289.8 microg min(-1), respectively. The enzyme was active over the pH range of 8.5-12.0, the optimum being 10-11.0. The purified enzyme when kept at 45 degrees C and 50 degrees C for 40 min retained 92% and 85% protease activity, respectively. Effect of NaCl concentration on protease activity showed that the enzyme was slightly inhibited with high concentration of salt. The proteolytic activity was inhibited by PMSF, suggesting that the enzyme may belong to serine type protease. Interestingly, the activity was slightly enhanced with SDS (0.1%) and Triton X-100 (0.1%) but remained unaffected by Tween 80 (0.1%). The activity was affected by metal ions to varying extent. While Mn2+, Zn2+ and Mg2+ had no significant effect on protease activity, the enzyme was activated with Ca2+ (1 mM) and Cu2+ (5 mM). The stability of the enzyme in the presence of detergent components and surfactants is particularly attractive for its application in detergent industries.

PspA family typing and PCR-based DNA fingerprinting with BOX A1R primer of pneumococci from the blood of patients in the USA with and without sickle cell disease

Disease and mortality rates for Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are much higher in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) than in age-matched patients without SCD. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) has been proposed as a component in human vaccines against S. pneumoniae to provide greater breadth of coverage than can be obtained with the 7-valent conjugate vaccine. The cross-reactivity of PspA is associated with the 'PspA family' structure. In this study we examined strains of S. pneumoniae from patients with and without SCD to determine whether the strains infecting the hypersusceptible population of SCD patients were limited to the same two PspA families already known to comprise over 95% of strains infecting non-SCD patients. Each strain was also evaluated according to the presence or absence of specific PCR fragments based on repetitive BOX elements to screen for possible SCD-associated clonal structure. Strains from SCD and non-SCD patients were similarly dispersed among the most common BOX PCR groups and strains from both groups expressed a similar distribution of PspA variants. Thus, a PspA vaccine designed for the population at large should also be appropriate for patients with SCD.

Evaluation of bifenthrin treated mosquito nets against anopheline and culicine mosquitoes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The main rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies has developed resistance to dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), hexachloro cyclo hexane (HCH) and malathion in the state of Haryana in northern India. An alternative synthetic pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin was therefore evaluated on mosquito nets against anopheline and culicine mosquitoes, in two villages Jagdishpur and Garh Mirakpur of Community Health Center (CHC) Badhkhalsa in district Sonipat, Haryana state.

METHODS

Two formulations of bifenthrin, suspension concentrate (SC) and micro-emulsion (ME) were compared with micro-capsule suspension (CS) of lambdacyhalothrin. The impact of three doses of bifenthrin (10, 25 and 50 mg/m(2)) impregnated on mosquito nets was compared with lambdacyhalothrin (25 mg/m(2)) and untreated control. Quality assessment of treatment on treated nets was carried out by residue analysis and the persistence of the insecticide on nets was determined by contact bioassays. Efficacy of treated nets on mosquito density was assessed by calculating mosquito entry rate, immediate mortality, delayed mortality and excito-repellency to the insecticides.

RESULTS

In susceptibility tests An. culicifacies was susceptible to bifenthrin (0.1% test papers) and to lambdacyhalothrin (0.05% test papers). Bioassays on treated nets against A. culicifacies recorded 100 per cent mortality up to tenth fortnight for all the doses of impregnation with bifenthrin (SC and ME) and lambdacyhalothrin (CS). Ring-net bioassays against An. culicifacies showed median knock-down time between 3.1 to 11.4 min. Behavioural indices were also studied for anopheline and culicine mosquitoes. The reduction in entry rates of anopheline and culicine mosquitoes into the rooms with treated nets compared to control indicated good efficacy with all the formulations and doses of the insecticides. INTERPRETAION AND CONCLUSION: Indoor (immediate) mortality of mosquitoes with bifenthrin ME formulation was relatively lower compared to SC fomulation of bifenthrin and based on delayed mortility and continued susceptibility in bioassays, bifenthrin ME at the rate of 10 mg/m(2) dose was found suitable for the impregnation of mosquito nets for phase III trial.

A comparative study of cadmium phytoextraction by accumulator and weed species

Phytoextraction has shown great potential as an alternative technique for the remediation of metal contaminated soils. The objective of this study was to investigate cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction ability of high biomass producing weeds in comparison to indicator plant species. The pot study conducted with 10 to 200 mg Cd kg(-1) soil indicated that Ipomoea carnea was more effective in removing Cd from soil than Brassica juncea. Among the five species, B. juncea accumulated maximum Cd, but I. carnea followed by Dhatura innoxia and Phragmytes karka were the most suitable species for phytoextraction of cadmium from soil, if the whole plant or above ground biomass is harvested. In the relatively short time of this experiment, I. carnea produced more than 5 times more biomass in comparison to B. juncea. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the shoot length and shoot mass of control and treated plants.

Copper, zinc, and Cu/Zn ratio in carcinoma of the gallbladder

INTRODUCTION

The exact role of copper and zinc in the etiology of carcinoma of the gallbladder is unclear. Some studies suggest the Cu/Zn ratio is a good indicator of the extent and prognosis in carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study is to estimate the micronutrient profile and Cu/Zn ratio in the serum, tissues, and bile of patients with benign and malignant gallbladder diseases.

METHODS

The present study was carried out in 60 patients comprising 30 each of carcinoma of the gallbladder and cholelithiasis, and 30 age and sex matched controls. Copper and zinc levels were estimated in blood, bile, and tissue using a Perkin Elmer Model 2380 Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The mean serum zinc levels were significantly lower in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder than in patients with cholelithiasis and in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The mean serum copper levels were significantly higher in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder as compared to patients with cholelithiasis and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Biliary and tissue zinc levels were significantly lower in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder than in patients with cholelithiasis. Biliary and tissue copper levels were higher in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder than in patients with cholelithiasis. The serum Cu/Zn ratio showed a gradual and significant increase from 1.11 in healthy controls to 1.35 in patients with cholelithiasis and 2.12 in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder. The biliary and tissue Cu/Zn ratios were also significantly increased in patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder than in patients with cholelithiasis (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support an association between lower zinc levels and consequently an increased Cu/Zn ratio and carcinoma of the gallbladder. Whether zinc supplementation has a protective effect in preventing carcinoma of the gallbladder needs to be studied further.

An Indian community-based epidemiological study of wounds

OBJECTIVE

To establish the prevalence of wounds in a community, with an emphasis on chronic lower extremity wounds, and to identify the various aetiological factors involved.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted to screen the population of two nearby communities (one urban and one rural) in India for wounds. This involved conducting a door-to-door survey between July 2001 and February 2003.

RESULTS

The prevalence of wounds in the population studied (n = 6917) was 15.03 per 1000. The prevalences of acute and chronic wounds were 10.55 and 4.48 per 1000 of the population respectively.

CONCLUSION

The most common site for both acute and chronic wounds was the lower extremity. In contrast to Western studies, the most common aetiology for a chronic lower extremity wound was an untreated acute traumatic wound. This in turn highlights the need to establish community-based wound-care teams in India.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in cases of dacryocystitis due to atrophic rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nose, which is more common in India. Chronic dacryocystitis is its rare complication. The authors found four cases of chronic dacryocystitis from March 2002 to October 2003 due to atrophic rhinitis. It was diagnosed clinically by the regurgitation test and lacrimal syringing. These cases were treated conservatively for a period of six weeks to make the nasal mucosa healthier and were then subjected to endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (end-DCR) under local anaesthesia. The procedure was found to be more difficult due to bleeding and the healing time was prolonged as compared to other cases of end-DCR. After one to one and half years of follow-up the primary success rate was 75 per cent but after revision surgery in one case, all cases were successful. Hence it was concluded that atrophic rhinitis is no more a contraindication for end-DCR. However, meticulous initial preparation and post-operative follow-up is necessary to improve the result.

Bioenergy conversion studies of organic fraction of MSW: kinetic studies and gas yield--organic loading relationships for process optimisation

Batch digestion of municipal garbage was carried out for 100 days at room temperature (26+/-4 degrees C; average temperature 25 degrees C) and at ambient temperature (32+/-10 degrees C; average temperature 29 degrees C) conditions for total solids concentrations varying between 45 and 135 g/l. A first order model based on the availability of substrate as the limiting factor was used to perform the kinetic studies of batch anaerobic digestion system. Effect of organic solids concentration and digestion time on biogas yield was studied and mass and energy balance analysis was conducted for batch digestion. The net bioenergy yield from municipal garbage and corresponding bioprocess conversion efficiency over the length of the digestion time were observed to be 12,528 kJ/kg volatile solids and 84.51% respectively. The methane content of the biogas generated from the reactors was in the range of 62-72% with the overall average methane content of the biogas, computed over the total digestion period was 65 vol%.

Hypocholesterolemic effect of protein prepared from Phaseolus aconitifolius (Jacq.)

Hypocholesterolemic effect of protein concentrate (PC) prepared from moth bean (Phaseolus aconitifolius Jacq.) seeds relative to that of pigeon pea PC and casein were investigated in rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet containing two per cent cholesterol. The test diets containing casein and legume PCs at 10% protein level were fed to albino rats (Wistar strain) for 45 days. Compared to casein, the two legume PCs produced significantly lower levels of liver total lipid and cholesterol levels except that pigeon pea PC produced only non-significant decrease of total cholesterols in the heart. In addition, the legume PCs produced significantly lower levels of serum triglycerides and total lipids as well as lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, only moth bean PC produced a significantly higher level of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Generally, PC of moth bean seemed to be more potent at lowering the elevated hepatic and serum lipids and cholesterol levels, which were attributed to the amino acid profile of this lesser-known legume as these indices well correlated with serum cholesterol levels.

Intranasal endoscopic DCR (END-DCR) in cases of dacryocystitis

A prospective study on 27 cases of chronic dacryocystitis was done to see the outcome of management by End-DCR in Indian population and to look for advantages or disadvantages over Ext-DCR from available datas in literature All cases were diagnosed clinically by regurgitation test and lacrimal syringing In selected cases Jones dye test, dacryocystogram and CT scan of nose and paranasal sinuses (PNS) was done to confirm the site of obstruction and find out the cause Cases having hyperlacrumation due to other causes and epiphora due to presaccal stenosis were excluded Cause of NLD obstruction was atrophic rhinitis (4 cases), chronic sinusitis (4 cases), enlarged agger nasi cells (4 cases), faciomaxillary injury (1 case) and unknown in rest of cases All cases were treated by End-DCR under local anaesthesia Concommitent nose and PNS surgeries were done in selected cases where it was supposed to be the cause Average follow-up was from 3 months to 1 year Primary success rate was 92 6% and after revision in two cases final success was 96% Success rate was 100% in cases of atrophie rhinitis Major complication was not found in any case Our result of End-DCR was as good as Ext-DCR Our results of End-DCR are better than those who had used lacnmal stent, lasers, microdebriders, dacryoendoscope and electrocautery It was finally concluded that end-DCR by using simple instruments is a safe and effective procedure.

Predatory potential of Nepa cinerea against mosquito larvae in laboratory conditions

Biocontrol potential of nepidae bug, Nepa cinerea against immature stages of Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles culicifacies, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti was studied under laboratory conditions. It was found that N. cinerea had the highest predation against An. stephensi followed by An. culicifacies, Cmx quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti. From the analysis, it was found that N. cinerea has good predation efficacy. It can be used as a biological control agent to control of mosquito breeding in integrated disease vector control programme.

Autonomic reflexes in heterotopic heart transplantation

Heterotopic heart transplantation (HHT) is useful in the setting of irreversible pulmonary hypertension or donor/recipient size mismatch. The resulting pump is composed of two hearts attached to one another. Autonomic tone can be lost in orthotopic heart transplantation, but HHT is unique in that the donor heart lacks an autonomic nervous supply. This is relevant in terms of increasing cardiac output for example during exercise. We document altered autonomic tone in two of our patients who underwent HHT, and discuss the bearing this has on cardiac function.

Morphotaxonomic studies to identify the members of the Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae) species complex in riverine villages of District Sonepat, Haryana State, India

Anopheles subpictus was reported to be a complex of four sibling species provisionally designated as species A, B, C and D. Present studies in District Sonepat, Haryana have revealed the sympatricity of species A, C and D based on the reported distinct morphotaxanomical identification characters in different life stages of the mosquito. Studies on field collected adult mosquitoes and isofemale progeny did not show variations in the prevalence of sibling species and also showed a possibility of use of a single reported morphological character in a given life stage for the identification of the members of this complex.

Laboratory studies on the predatory potential of dragon-fly nymphs on mosquito larvae

Biocontrol potential of dragonfly nymph, Brachythemis contaminata Fabricius against the larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex. quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti was studied under laboratory conditions. It was found that dragonfly nymph had highest predation efficacy against An. stephensi followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti. Feeding rate increased with decrease in prey size/stage. Analysis of data indicated that dragonfly nymphs have good predatory potential and can be used as a biological control agent for control of mosquito breeding.

Genetic Characterization of Differential Reactions Among Host Group 3 Common Bean Cultivars to NL-3 K Strain of Bean common mosaic necrosis virus

ABSTRACT A previously unrecognized recessive resistance gene (or allele) was identified in three host group (HG) 3 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cvs. Olathe, Victor, and UI 37, based on genetic analysis of plants from five populations screened with the NL-3 K strain of Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV). The gene (or allele) was associated with resistance to leaf stunting and deformity and reduction in plant height. The gene (or allele) provides similar, but slightly better resistance than the bc-1(2) gene that is characteristic of HG 3 cultivars. Traditional HG 3 cultivars like Redlands Greenleaf B with bc-1(2) are susceptible to NL-3 K, whereas this newly identified gene (or allele) conditions resistance to NL-3 K. Other slight variations in disease reaction pattern to a wide array of bean common mosaic (BCM)-inducing strains were noted among HG 3 differentials, indicating that additional resistance to BCM exists in common bean that remains to be exploited. To gauge the full breeding value of this newly identified gene (or allele), allelism tests with existing genes, namely bc-1(2), and further characterization of responses to all Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and BCMNV strains need to be conducted. Meanwhile, breeders should consider introgressing this more effective gene (or allele) into susceptible cultivars while plant pathologists continue to decipher the genetic variability present among HG 3 differential cultivars.

Overexpression and protein folding of a chimeric beta-glucosidase constructed from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Cellvibrio gilvus

In continuation of our investigation on structure and function relationship of beta-glucosidases from mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria, we constructed a chimeric gene by shuffling 17% length in C terminal region of beta-glucosidase of Agrobacterium tumefaciens with the corresponding homologous region of Cellvibrio gilvus beta-glucosidase. The chimeric gene was overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) using pET vector. However, nearly all of the beta-glucosidase produced was trapped into inclusion bodies in catalytically non-functional state. Attempts were made to solubilize the overexpressed protein by co-expression with molecular chaperone, GroEL/ES, in vivo. The molecular chaperone assisted protein folding that had earlier yielded encouraging results, did not improve the solubilization in the present case with a chimeric beta-glucosidase. Further, we explored protein renaturation under in vitro conditions using various dialysis strategies. Dialysis, rapid dilution and a newly devised method of folding immobilized proteins yielded active enzyme. The usefulness of the in vitro folding methods to obtain functional enzymes from overproduced but non-functional proteins has been discussed.

Blepharochalasis

A-16-year old female with laxity, atrophy, wrinkling and telangiectases of skin of both upper eyelids is being reported. These changes were preceded by recurrent, painless edema of eye lids, starting at the age of 14 years.

Measurements of major ion concentration in settled coarse particles and aerosols at a semiarid rural site in India

Deposition rates and deposition velocities of water-soluble ions (F, Cl, NO3, SO4, NH4, Ca, Mg, Na and K) were measured at a rural site (Gopalpura, Agra). Dry deposition samples were collected throughout the year from December 1995 to August 1997, while the aerosol samples were collected only during the winter season of 1996. Surrogate technique was used to collect the dry deposition samples, while aerosol samples were collected on PTFE membrane filter. Deposition velocities (Vd) of SO4 and NO3 are < or = 0.01 m s(-1) while Ca, Mg, Na, K, NH4, F and Cl exhibit greater than 0.01 m s(-1) Equivalent concentration ratios of K/Na, Ca/Na and Mg/Na conform with the corresponding ratios of local soil, indicating the dominant contribution of local sources. Deposition rates are maximum in winter, followed by summer and monsoon. No significant differences are found in dry deposition rates of all ions or in atmospheric concentrations of soil-derived elements with respect to wind direction. However, in aerosols, concentrations of F, Cl, NO3 and SO4 are higher with winds from southwesterly and westerly directions corresponding to pollution sources located in these directions. Deposition data have been used to calculate the critical load of S and N for soil with respect to Triticum vulgaris. The critical load of actual acidity was found to be 622.4 eq ha(-1) year(-1) within the range of 500-1,000 eq ha(-1) year(-1) as assessed by the RAINS-Asia model for this region. The present load of S and N (77.4 and 86.4 eq ha(-1) year(-1)) was much lower than the critical load of S and N (622.4 and 2,000 eq ha(-1) year(-1)), indicating that at present there is no harmful effect on ecosystem structure and function.

Effects of molybdenum on fertility of male rats

Sodium molybdate was administered orally to adult male rat at dose level of 10, 30, and 50 mg kg body weight (5 days per week) for 60 days. At higher dose levels significant decrease in absolute and organ-to-body weight ratios of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate was observed. The sperm abnormality, associated with decrease in sperm motility and sperm count was also observed. Significant alterations in the activities of marker testicular enzymes, viz. sorbitol dehydrogenase (decreases), lactate dehydrogenase (increases) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (increases) associated with histopathological changes in testes was also observed. Accumulation of molybdenum in testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles was also observed. The study reveals that the oral ingestion of molybdenum may affect the histoarchitecture of testes and sperm morphology. The testicular and spermatotoxic changes may be responsible for observed male mediated developmental toxic effects.