Combination of molluscicides with attractant carbohydrates and amino acids in bait formulation against the snail Lymnaea acuminata

AIM

Fascioliasis is an important helminth disease caused by Fasciola (F.) hepatica and F gigantica of Asia and Africa. This disease belongs to the plant-borne trematode zoonoses. Human infection has been reported in 51 different countries from 5 continents. One of the possible approaches to control this problem is to interrupt the life cycle of the parasitic trematodes by eliminating the snail.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Snails attractant pellets (SAP) were prepared from binary combination of carbohydrate + amino acid (20 mM) in 2% agar solution with active molluscicidal component Ferula asafoetida (ferulic acid, umbelliferone), Syzygium aromaticum (eugenol), Carum carvi (limonene). Attraction of snails to different combinations was studied by using clear glass aquaria having diameter of 30 cm. Each aquarium was divided into four concentric zones; zone-3 (central zone), zone-2 and zone-1 (middie zone) and zone-0 (outer zone) had a diameter of 13, 18, 24, and 30 cm, respectively. The behavioral responses of snails to these binary combinations of carbohydrate and amino acid in bait formulation were examined. The fraction of snails that was in contact with the SAP at different times was used as a measure of attraction.

RESULTS

Among all the binary combination of carbohydrate+amino acid+molluscicide after 2h of experiment, highest attraction of snail (54.71%) was observed towards the SAP containing starch+histidine+limolene. Limonene+ starch+histidine containing SAP emerged as the strongest bait formulation (96h LC50 0.74%) against Lymnaea acuminata.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that the molluscicides of plant origin could be used with varying degrees of success in bait formulation.

Genome wide identification of Dof transcription factor gene family in sorghum and its comparative phylogenetic analysis with rice and Arabidopsis

The Dof (DNA binding with One Finger) family represents a classic zinc-finger transcription factors involved with multifarious roles exclusively in plants. There exists great diversity in terms of number of Dof genes observed in different crops. In current study, a total of 28 putative Dof genes have been predicted in silico from the recently available whole genome shotgun sequence of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (with assigned accession numbers TPA:BK006983-BK007006 and TPA:BK007079-BK007082). The predicted SbDof genes are distributed on nine out of ten chromosomes of sorghum and most of these genes lack introns based on canonical intron/exon structure. Phylogenetic analysis of 28 SbDof proteins resulted in four subgroups constituting six clusters. The comparative phylogenetic analysis of these Dof proteins along with 30 rice and 36 Arabidopsis Dof proteins revealed six major groups similar to what has been observed earlier for rice and Arabidopsis. Motif analysis revealed the presence of conserved 50-52 amino acids Dof domain uniformly distributed across all the 28 Dof proteins of sorghum. The in silico cis-regulatory elements analysis of these SbDof genes suggested its diverse functions associated with light responsiveness, endosperm specific gene expression, hormone responsiveness, meristem specific expression and stress responsiveness.

Enzyme Inhibition by Molluscicidal Components of Myristica fragrans Houtt. in the Nervous Tissue of Snail Lymnaea acuminata

This study was designed to investigate the effects of molluscicidal components of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) on certain enzymes in the nervous tissue of freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata Lamarck (Lymnaeidae). In vivo and in vitro treatments of trimyristin and myristicin (active molluscicidal components of Myristica fragrans Houtt.) significantly inhibited the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP/ALP) activities in the nervous tissue of Lymnaea acuminata. The inhibition kinetics of these enzymes indicates that both the trimyristin and myristicin caused competitive noncompetitive inhibition of AChE. Trimyristin caused uncompetitive and competitive/noncompetitive inhibitions of ACP and ALP, respectively whereas the myristicin caused competitive and uncompetitive inhibition of ACP and ALP, respectively. Thus results from the present study suggest that inhibition of AChE, ACP, and ALP by trimyristin and myristicin in the snail Lymnaea acuminata may be the cause of the molluscicidal activity of Myristica fragrans.

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

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

Alpha-amylase from germinating soybean (Glycine max) seeds--purification, characterization and sequential similarity of conserved and catalytic amino acid residues

Starch hydrolyzing amylase from germinated soybeans seeds (Glycine max) has been purified 400-fold to electrophoretic homogeneity with a final specific activity of 384 units/mg. SDS-PAGE of the final preparation revealed a single protein band of 100 kDa, whereas molecular mass was determined to be 84 kDa by MALDI-TOF and gel filtration on Superdex-200 (FPLC). The enzyme exhibited maximum activity at pH 5.5 and a pI value of 4.85. The energy of activation was determined to be 6.09 kcal/mol in the temperature range 25-85 degrees C. Apparent Michaelis constant (K(m)((app))) for starch was 0.71 mg/mL and turnover number (k(cat)) was 280 s(-1) in 50 mM sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.5. Thermal inactivation studies at 85 degrees C showed first-order kinetics with rate constant (k) equal to 0.0063 min(-1). Soybean alpha-amylase showed high specificity for its primary substrate starch. High similarity of soybean alpha-amylase with known amylases suggests that this alpha-amylase belongs to glycosyl hydrolase family 13. Cereal alpha-amylases have gained importance due to their compatibility for biotechnological applications. Wide availability and easy purification protocol make soybean as an attractive alternative for plant alpha-amylase. Soybean can be used as commercially viable source of alpha-amylase for various industrial applications.

In silico characterization of pectate lyase protein sequences from different source organisms

A total of 121 protein sequences of pectate lyases were subjected to homology search, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree construction, and motif analysis. The phylogenetic tree constructed revealed different clusters based on different source organisms representing bacterial, fungal, plant, and nematode pectate lyases. The multiple accessions of bacterial, fungal, nematode, and plant pectate lyase protein sequences were placed closely revealing a sequence level similarity. The multiple sequence alignment of these pectate lyase protein sequences from different source organisms showed conserved regions at different stretches with maximum homology from amino acid residues 439–467, 715–816, and 829–910 which could be used for designing degenerate primers or probes specific for pectate lyases. The motif analysis revealed a conserved Pec_Lyase_C domain uniformly observed in all pectate lyases irrespective of variable sources suggesting its possible role in structural and enzymatic functions.

Molecular Characterization of Heat Shock Protein 70-1 Gene of Goat (Capra hircus)

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) plays a vital role by bestowing cytoprotection against diverse kinds of stresses. The ubiquitous HSP 70 proteins are the most abundant and temperature sensitive among all the HSPs. The present paper has characterized HSP70-1 cDNA in goat (Capra hircus). Total RNA isolated from goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells was reverse transcribed to cDNA that was used for amplification of HSP 70-1 gene. PCR product (1926 bp) was cloned in pGEM-T easy vector and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed 1926-bp-long open reading frame of HSP 70-1 gene encoding 641 amino acids in goat, as reported in cattle. At nucleotide level, goat HSP 70-1 was found to be 96-99% similar to that of sheep (partial), cattle, and buffalo whereas the similarity at amino acid level was 95-100%. Nonsynonymous substitutions exceeding synonymous substitutions indicate the evolution of this protein through positive selection among domestic animals. Goat and sheep appear to have diverged from a common ancestor in phylogenetic analysis. Predicted protein structures of goat HSP 70 protein obtained from deduced amino acid sequence indicated that the functional amino acids involved in chaperoning through ATPase hydrolytic cycle and in uncoating of clathrin coated vesicles are highly conserved.

An unprecedented biogenetic-type chemical synthesis of 1(15-->11) abeotaxanes from normal taxanes

A one-pot chemical process using BF(3).Et(2)O for the synthesis of a new class of 1(15-->11) abeotaxanes from normal taxanes has been developed. The chemical structures of rearranged 1(15-->11) abeotaxane were established by extensive 2D NMR spectroscopic data.

Effect of environmental factors on the fecundity, hatchability and survival of snail Lymnaea (Radix) acuminata (Lamarck): vector of fascioliasis

Lymnaea acuminata breeds round the year. The effect of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, light/dark period and clean/polluted water on the fecundity, hatchability and survival of young snails of L. acuminata were studied. It was observed that these environmental variant abiotic factors caused a significant variation in fecundity, hatchability and survival of young snails. Maximum reproduction of this snail was observed in the months of March to May. A significant positive correlation (p<0.05) between D.O. (3.1-7.7 ppm)/pH (7.01-8.96) of water with fecundity (6.0-196.33/20 snails), hatchability (54.69-96.91%) and survival (61.3-95.86%) of young snails was observed for each month and each interval of 24-72 h. In contrast, a significant negative correlation between dissolved CO2 (4.6-16.6 ppm)/temperature (16-37 degrees C) of water was noted with fecundity, hatchability and survival of snails. Percent hatchability in the eggs in different regimens of water was between 96.91-54.69%. The hatching period was prolonged (2-14 days) in snail exposed to different groups of water compared to the control group (2-9 d). This study conclusively shows that variant abiotic factors in different months of the year can significantly alter the reproductive ability and development process in the snail Lymnaea acuminata.

Atraumatic patellar prosthesis dislocation with patellar tendon injury following a total knee arthroplasty: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Total knee arthroplasty is a well-established procedure with gratifying results. There is no consensus in the literature whether to routinely resurface the patella while performing total knee arthroplasty or not. Although an extremely rare occurrence in clinical practice, patellar prosthesis dislocation is a possible complication resulting from total knee arthroplasty.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a rare case of atraumatic spontaneous dislocation of patellar prosthesis in a 63-year-old Caucasian man of British origin with patellar tendon injury. The patient was treated successfully through a revision of the patellar component and tendon repair. In two years follow-up the patient is asymptomatic with no sign of loosening of his patellar prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

A thorough understanding of knee biomechanics is imperative in performing total knee arthroplasty in order to achieve a better functional outcome and to prevent early prosthetic failure.

Enzyme Inhibition by Molluscicidal Components of Myristica fragrans Houtt. in the Nervous Tissue of Snail Lymnaea acuminata

This study was designed to investigate the effects of molluscicidal components of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) on certain enzymes in the nervous tissue of freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata Lamarck (Lymnaeidae). In vivo and in vitro treatments of trimyristin and myristicin (active molluscicidal components of Myristica fragrans Houtt.) significantly inhibited the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP/ALP) activities in the nervous tissue of Lymnaea acuminata. The inhibition kinetics of these enzymes indicates that both the trimyristin and myristicin caused competitive noncompetitive inhibition of AChE. Trimyristin caused uncompetitive and competitive/noncompetitive inhibitions of ACP and ALP, respectively whereas the myristicin caused competitive and uncompetitive inhibition of ACP and ALP, respectively. Thus results from the present study suggest that inhibition of AChE, ACP, and ALP by trimyristin and myristicin in the snail Lymnaea acuminata may be the cause of the molluscicidal activity of Myristica fragrans.

Simultaneous determination of beryllium and aluminium in mixtures using derivative spectrophotometry

The spectrophotometric determination of beryllium and aluminium with 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone in the presence of a non-ionic surfactant is reported. Absorption maxima, molar absorptivity and Sandell's Sensitivity of 1:2 (M:L) beryllium and aluminium complexes are, 585 nm and 598 nm, 1.63 x 10(4) l.mole(-1).cm(-1) and 2.04 x 10(4) l.mole(-1).cm(-1), and 0.55 ng/cm(2) and 1.32 ng/cm(2) respectively. Beer's law is obeyed between 7.20-3.96 x 10(2) ng/ml beryllium and 1.08 x 10(1)-1.08 x 10(3) ng/ml aluminium. A method for simultaneous determination of beryllium and aluminium in their mixture using derivative spectra is described. The range 3.6 x 10(1)-3.6 x 10(2) ng/ml beryllium could be determined in the presence of 1.08 x 10(2)-1.08 x 10(3) ng/ml aluminium, and vice versa.

Cry-Bt identifier: a biological database for PCR detection of Cry genes present in transgenic plants

We describe the development of a user friendly tool that would assist in the retrieval of information relating to Cry genes in transgenic crops. The tool also helps in detection of transformed Cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis present in transgenic plants by providing suitable designed primers for PCR identification of these genes. The tool designed based on relational database model enables easy retrieval of information from the database with simple user queries. The tool also enables users to access related information about Cry genes present in various databases by interacting with different sources (nucleotide sequences, protein sequence, sequence comparison tools, published literature, conserved domains, evolutionary and structural data).

AVAILABILITY

http://insilicogenomics.in/Cry-btIdentifier/welcome.html.

Oesophageal carcinoma--a study of risk factors (emphasis on nutrition) in a teaching hospital of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand

BACKGROUND

Cancer oesophagus is common in India and is the third leading cause of cancer death in males and fourth in females. Various factors are responsible for it and present study was undertaken to study the various risk factors with stress on nutritional factors associated with it.

METHODS

Ninety-four cases of oesophagus cancer and matched equal number of healthy individuals (control) constituted the study. They were assessed for their dietary pattern during the preceding 10-15 years with the help of standard food frequency questionnaire method. Information regarding consumption of alcohol, smoking and tobacco chewing with or without betel leaf was taken in detail.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and eighty upper GI endoscopy revealed 94 (12.05%) cases of oesophageal carcinoma. Histopathology revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 87 cases (92.50%), adenocarcinoma in 6 cases (6.30%) and one with mixed picture of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Sixth (36.17%) and 7th (23.40%) decade of persons were mainly affected with male to female ratio of 2.1:1. They were mostly of lower socio-economic (82.90%) status. Various risk factors came across were less consumption of green and leafy vegetables and fruits and consuming more spicy fried and hot food and beverages. Increased risk was seen more often with consumption of alcohol (neat and without or less salad and snacks), smoking beedi and cigarette, and tobacco chewing with or without betel leaf. It is directly related to amount, frequency, mode and duration of use.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignancies in general are result of multiple factors and interaction of several environmental factors. One factor cannot be blamed but combination of factors increases the risk of oesophageal carcinoma. Nutritional factor is also one of the major contributing factor increasing the risk of oesophagus cancer.

Splash in elective primary knee and hip replacement: are we adequately protected?

An intra-operative splash is a common occurrence in elective knee and hip replacement surgery and can potentially transmit bloodborne diseases, with devastating consequences. This study aimed to quantify the risk of a splash and to assess its correlation with body mass index, duration of surgery and the volume of lavage fluid used. Between December 2007 and April 2008, 62 consecutive patients (38 women, 24 men) undergoing an elective total knee or total hip replacement (TKR, THR) were recruited into the study (32 TKRs and 30 THRs) after appropriate consent. A splash occurred in all 62 cases. A THR had a slightly higher risk of a splash than a TKR, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.27). The correlation between body mass index, duration of surgery and the amount of pulse lavage used with a splash was r = 0.013, (non-significant), r = 0.52, (significant) and r = 0.92 (highly significant), respectively. A high number of splashes are generated during a TKR and a THR. The simple visor mask fails to protect the surgeon, the assistant or the patient from the risk of a splash and reverse splash, respectively.

Open simultaneous double dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the thumb with ulnar collateral ligament avulsion

Double dislocations of the thumb at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) and interphalangeal joint (IPJ) occurring at the same time are seldom seen in medical practice. The sporadic occurrence of this interesting injury makes it difficult to formulate a clear management protocol. We report an unusual combination of injury involving the right thumb of a 60-year-old man, where the IPJ was dislocated dorsally with a volar dislocation of the MCPJ. It was an open injury with avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the MCPJ. The dislocation was treated successfully by closed reduction in the casualty department, under a ring block. The ulnar collateral ligament was repaired later in the operating theatre. At six months' follow-up, the patient had a full painless range of movement in his thumb with no instability. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a thumb double dislocation where the injury was open at both joints. This is also the first case where a volar dislocation of the MCPJ was treated successfully by closed reduction, with an excellent functional outcome.

Bilateral coracoclavicular joints as a rare cause of bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome and shoulder pain treated successfully by conservative means

The coracoclavicular joint (CCJ) is a rare anomalous joint. Symptomatic CCJ, being an exceptional rarity, makes it difficult to formulate a standard set of practice or guidelines. We report a 50-year-old Indian man, a machine operator by profession, who experienced bilateral shoulder pain and arm paraesthesia for two years, and was diagnosed with bilateral CCJ. The symptoms gradually increased, affecting his daily activities. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging revealed the compression of the brachial plexus in extreme shoulder abduction. After a thorough search of the literature, we retrieved four similar cases, all of them treated with individualised protocols. None of the cases was bilateral. The lack of clear evidence in any particular direction and the patient's medical condition prompted us to give a conservative trial, before embarking on more invasive methods. He showed rapid response to the conservative treatment with remission of all symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral symptomatic CCJ with bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome, that was managed conservatively.

Hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of Anthocephalus indicus in alloxan induced diabetic rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of Anthocephalus indicus (A indicus) in alloxan inducd diabetic rats. Oral administration of ethanol extract of root (500mg/ kg body weight) for 21 days resulted in significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, phospholipid and free fatty acids. Furthermore, the root extract (100-400μg) inhibited the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, in both enzymic and non-enzymic systems, in vitro. The result of the present study demonstrated hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of A indicus, which could help in prevention of diabetic dyslipidemia and related diseases.

Extraskeletal ossifying chondroma in Hoffa's fat pad: an unusual cause of anterior knee pain

Hoffa's disease is an obscure cause of anterior knee pain. A misconception about its rarity is very common among clinicians, and hence it is often misdiagnosed and treated as meniscal pathology. Increased awareness is required to diagnose and treat the condition appropriately. These diagnostic uncertainties commonly result in increased patient morbidity and mismanagement. In spite of a widely-accepted common occurrence of Hoffa's disease, ossification of the Hoffa's fat pad is seldom reported. We report a giant extraskeletal ossifying chondroma in a 55-year-old man, presented as chronic knee pain and successfully treated by excision. The anatomy, pathology, histology, radiological features and management of the disease are described, to increase awareness in the orthopaedic community of this common, interesting but rarely discussed condition.

Nano-adsorbents for the removal of metallic pollutants from water and wastewater

Of the variety of adsorbents available for the removal of heavy and toxic metals, activated carbon has been the most popular. A number of minerals, clays and waste materials have been regularly used for the removal of metallic pollutants from water and industrial effluents. Recently there has been emphasis on the application of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials as efficient and viable alternatives to activated carbon. Carbon nanotubes also have been proved effective alternatives for the removal of metallic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Because of their importance from an environmental viewpoint, special emphasis has been given to the removal of the metals Cr, Cd, Hg, Zn, As, and Cu. Separation of the used nanoparticles from aqueous solutions and the health aspects of the separated nanoparticles have also been discussed. A significant number of the latest articles have been critically scanned for the present review to give a vivid picture of these exotic materials for water remediation.

Biosorption studies of nickel on Parthenium hysterophorous ash

The application of an aquatic weed, Parthenium hysterophorous, has been investigated for the removal of nickel from aqueous solutions. Parthenium hysterophorous, the weed was converted to ash and was used as an adsorbent for the removal of nickel(II) from aqueous solutions at different experimental conditions. The per cent removal of Ni increased from 67.30 to 97.54%, with the nickel(II) concentration decreasing from 477.21 to 67.83 mg L(-1) at 25 degrees C, pH 11.0. The removal was favoured at higher pH, with a maximum removal at pH 11.0. The effects of concentration and temperature are also reported. Batch adsorption kinetics are described by the Lagergren equation. The value of the rate constant of adsorption was found to be 6.82 x 10(-2) min(-1) at 67.83 mg L(-1) and 25 degrees C. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich equations for the present system were tested at different temperatures, viz. 25, 50 and 75 degrees C, and the constants were calculated. Thermodynamic parameters indicate the exothermic nature of nickel(II) adsorption on P. hysterophorous ash. The adsorption capacity was found to be much better than other common adsorbents reported for the removal of nickel(II).

Tarlov cyst and infertility

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Tarlov cysts or spinal perineurial cysts are uncommon lesions. These are mostly incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging or myelograms. The objectives of this study were to describe Tarlov cysts of the sacral region as a potential cause for retrograde ejaculations and review available management options.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

A 28-year-old man presented with back pain and retrograde ejaculations resulting in infertility. After microsurgical excision of large perineurial cysts, back pain resolved, but semen quality showed only marginal improvement. Later, the couple successfully conceived by intrauterine insemination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Tarlov cyst associated with retrograde ejaculation and infertility.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite being mostly asymptomatic and an incidental finding, Tarlov cyst is an important clinical entity because of its tendency to increase in size with time. Tarlov cysts of the sacral and cauda equina region may be a rare underlying cause in otherwise unexplained retrograde ejaculations and infertility. Microsurgical excision may be a good option in a select group of patients.

Predicting outcome of endoscopic management of urethral strictures: guideline for improving results

The aim of this study of 56 cases was know the results of endoscopic management of urethral strictures. This study tries to give certain guidelines for improving the final results of endoscopic management. It includes the role of duration of urethral catheter, the role of anti-inflammatory agents, and the role of regular dilatations in preventing recurrence and ensuring a permanent cure.