First-in-man trial of b3-adrenoreceptor agonist treatment in chronic heart failure – impact on diastolic function

Background

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) in heart failure (HF) is associated with increased myocardial cytosolic calcium, and calcium-efflux via the sodium-calcium-exchanger depends on the sodium gradient. Beta-3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR)-agonist lowers cytosolic sodium and has been shown to reverse organ congestion.

Purpose

To assess whether β3-AR-agonist treatment improves DD.

Methods

In a first-in-man randomized controlled, double-blind trial, we assigned 70 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (NYHA II–III) and LVEF <40% to receive mirabegron (300 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months, in addition to recommended HF-therapy. Patients were assessed with echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) at baseline and follow-up. DD was graded according to the current American/European guidelines.

Results

Baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data were available in 57 patients (59±11 years, 88% male, 49% ischemic heart disease). Baseline LVEF was 34%±8%. No significant change in DD grade was found between the groups at follow-up, p=0.72. Neither was there any clinical differences in any singular diastolic parameters within or between groups by echocardiography (E/e' placebo: 13.3±6.9 to 12.6±5.1, p=0.19 vs. mirabegron: 12.0±5.7 to 12.8±7.9, p=0.67, mean difference 1.12 [95% CI −1.68 to 4.3], p=0.37), or CCT (left atrial max volume index: between group mean difference 0.2 [95% CI −6.2 to 5.6] ml/m2, p=0.91).

Conclusions

In patients with HFrEF, no improvement nor worsening in DD gradings or singular diastolic parameters after β3-AR stimulation compared to placebo were identified. The findings add to previous literature questioning the role of impaired Na+-Ca2+ mediated Ca2+ export as a major culprit in DD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Heart Centre Research Foundation, RigshospitaletThe Novo Nordic Foundation

Photocatalytic degradation effect of CdSe nanoparticles for textile wastewater effluents at low cost and proves to be efficient method

Semiconductor nanoparticles and nanocrystals have a great impact due to its contribution in the diverse fields including electronics, solar energy, biological imaging, and photonics. Among these semiconductor nanoparticles, cadmium selenide of II-VI group binary semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized using solvothermal process for the different reaction temperatures. The XRD pattern of the synthesized samples confirms the crystalline nature of the samples and showed increase in its crystallite size with rise in temperature. The morphology of the samples was analysed with TEM images and found that the nanoparticles synthesized at different temperatures were varied in size and shape indicating the increase in the size of the particles with the raise in temperature. The optical properties of the samples pointed out that they exhibit a blue shift owing to quantum confinement. Photocatalytic activity was carried out for the synthesized samples under visible light radiation using methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant and it proved to be a good photocatalyst achieving the efficiency of 75% which is promising for future application with good optimization. The efficiency could be increased when these semiconductor CdSe nanoparticles are doped with metal particles due to an increase in the absorption edge wavelength and a decrease in bandgap energy were reported in detail.

Enhancing the photocatalytic performance of surface - Treated SnO2 hierarchical nanorods against methylene blue dye under solar irradiation and biological degradation

Surfactant -treated tin oxide (SnO₂) hierarchical nanorods were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal technique. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed the prepared SnO₂ possesses tetragonal rutile structure having appreciable crystallinity with crystallite sizes in the range of 110 nm-120 nm. UV-visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectra confirm that the better visible light absorption band of SnO₂ hierarchical nanorods have red shift compared to the pure SnO₂. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study evident that the as-prepared SnO₂ nanorods encompass the characteristic bands of SnO₂ nanostructures. The morphological analyses of prepared materials were performed by FESEM, which shows that hierarchal nanorods and complex nanostructures. EDX analyses disclose all the samples are composed of Sn and O elements. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared surfactant treated SnO₂ hierarchical nanorods was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) dye removal under direct natural sunlight. Recycling experiment results of CTAB - SnO₂ nanorods and photocatalytic reaction mechanism also discussed in detail.

Effect of Ag doped MnO2 nanostructures suitable for wastewater treatment and other environmental pollutant applications

A modest sol-gel method has been employed to prepare the pure and Ag doped MnO₂ nanoparticles and methodologically studied their physical, morphological, and photosensitive properties through XRD, TEM, EDAX, Raman, UV, PL and N₂ adsorption - desorption study. Tetragonal crystalline arrangement with spherical nanoparticles was found out through XRD and TEM studies. The EDAX studies further supported that formation Ag in the MnO₂ crystal matrix. The bandgap energy of Ag doped MnO₂ was absorbed through UV spectra. Photo -generated recombination process and surface related defects were further recognized by PL spectra. Through visible light irradiation, the photo - degradation of methyl orange (MO) and phenol dye solutions were observed. The optimum condition of (10 wt% of Ag) Ag doped MnO₂ catalyst showed tremendous photocatalytic efficiency towards MO than phenol under same experimental study.

131 The Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients Waiting for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Worse Than an Age and Sex Match Population: Increasing Time on Waiting List Was Independently Associated With a Worse Quality of Life

Aim

To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients waiting for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction compared to the population at risk, and whether knee specific function was predictive of HRQoL and to identify factors associated with a worse HRQoL.

Method

Sixty-seven patients (male n = 50, female n = 17, mean age 29) identified from the surgical waiting list completed a questionnaire that included demographics, BMI, time of injury, EuroQol 5-demension (EQ-5D), short-form (SF-)36 and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Age and sex matched HRQoL data were obtained from population level data.

Results

The mean EQ-5D score for the study cohort was significantly worse than the matched score (difference 0.367, p<0.001), and the same trend was observed for all eight dimensions of the SF-36 score. Thirty-three (49%) patients felt their health in general was somewhat or much worse compared to one-year ago. There was a correlation between the IKDC and EQ-5D scores (r = 0.540, p<0.001), and linear regression was used to formulate the EQ-5D score: EQ-5D = (IKDCx0.013)–0.015(constant). The SF-36 physical component and the length of time on the waiting list were independently associated the HRQoL, with each 14-point drop or for every 200-days a clinically significant deterioration in a patients HRQoL occurred, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients had a significantly worse HRQoL when compared to age and sex match population, which deteriorates with worsening physical function and increasing length of time on the waiting list. The knee specific IKDC correlated with HRQoL and could be used to estimate the EQ-5D score.

Electrical Injuries and Neurosurgery: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction Electrical injuries account for 5 to 27% of admissions to burn units. The nervous system is affected in as much as 21% of nervous injuries, with reported mortality.

Case Report The authors report a case of a patient presenting to the neurosurgical service with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused due to an electrical burn. Available data was reviewed through a PubMed search of literature, with special attention to the nature of presentation, classification of such injuries, the pathophysiology of the events that arise, complications to be expected, and the guidelines for management.

Conclusion It is possible for electrical injuries to cause TBIs requiring neurosurgical intervention.

Facile synthesis of sphere-like structured ZnIn2S4-rGO-CuInS2 ternary heterojunction catalyst for efficient visible-active photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Photocatalysis is a promising approach for generating hydrogen, an eco-friendly and cost-effective fuel. It is hypothesized that the ternary catalyst ZnIn₂S₄-rGO-CuInS₂, prepared by ultrasonication method, should be effective for optimized photocatalytic hydrogen generation in a Na₂S/Na₂SO_3-water mixture. The as-synthesized catalyst was characterized using various surface analytical and optical techniques. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that marigold-like structured ZnIn₂S₄ and layer-structured CuInS₂ were dispersed on the reduced graphene oxide sheets. The ternary ZnIn₂S₄-rGO-CuInS₂ system showed enhanced photocatalytic H₂ production compared to pure ZnIn₂S₄, CuInS₂, ZnIn₂S₄-rGO, CuInS₂-rGO, and ZnIn₂S₄-CuInS₂ catalysts under visible light illumination. The fabricated ZnIn₂S₄-rGO-CuInS₂ catalyst afforded hydrogen generation of 2531 μmol/g after 5 h. The enhanced performance of the ZnIn₂S₄-rGO-CuInS₂ catalyst originates from the synergetic effect with rGO as the electron transfer medium, and is confirmed by photocurrent density and photoluminescence measurements that indicate reduced recombination between the excited electron and hole pairs, and fast electron transfer in the ternary composite. The excellent performance of the ZnIn₂S₄-rGO-CuInS₂ catalyst for up to three consecutive cycles was demonstrated in cyclic stability tests under visible-light illumination.

Hierarchical porous CeO2 micro rice-supported Ni foam binder-free electrode and its enhanced pseudocapacitor performance by a redox additive electrolyte

A hierarchical porous CeO₂ micro rice/NF binder free electrode was fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method and the electrochemical performances were enhanced by the addition of 0.2 M K₄[Fe(CN)₆] redox additive in a 3 M KOH electrolyte.

Emergence of variant avian infectious bronchitis virus in India

BACKGROUND

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the etiological agent of an acute and highly contagious disease. Infectious bronchitis (IB) affects chicken of all ages and poses major economic loses to the poultry industry worldwide. The continuous evolution of the spike protein (S1) of IBV is responsible for the prevalence of many serotypes/genotypes around the world. Multiple lineages of IBV strains have been detected in chicken flocks in India since 2003.

AIMS

To detect IBV genotypes prevalent in India.

METHODS

Organ samples from 20 IBV-positive flocks with variable clinical signs were used for the amplification of the S1 gene of IBV by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Positive PCR amplicons were sequenced. Sequence analysis showed that 14 field isolates belonged to the GI-1 genetic lineage (Mass 41 serotype), two field isolates belonged to the GI-13 (UK 4/91 variant IBV strain), one field isolate grouped with GIII, GV, and GVI genetic lineage and three belonged to a variant genotype unique to India (GI-24). Phylogenetic analysis also showed a similar type of grouping within the field isolates. Among the fourteen GI-1 isolates, 12 were isolated between 2003 and 2006 and only two were isolated between 2009 and 2011. The two field isolates belonging to GI-13 were isolated in 2007, another one belonging to GIII, GV, and GVI was isolated in 2010 and three field isolates were not close to any reference IBV sequences isolated in 2006 (IND-TN-168-06), 2010 (IND-TN-280-10) and 2011 (IND-TN-290-11).

CONCLUSION

A unique variant of IBV is emerging in India (GI-24). Our findings will have important implications for future vaccine intervention.

Genetic structure of a small closed population of the New Zealand white rabbit through pedigree analyses

The genetic structure of a small population of New Zealand White rabbits maintained at the Sheep Breeding and Research Station, Sandynallah, The Nilgiris, India, was evaluated through pedigree analyses. Data on pedigree information (n=2503) for 18 yr (1995-2012) were used for the study. Pedigree analysis and the estimates of population genetic parameters based on the gene origin probabilities were performed. The analysis revealed that the mean values of generation interval, coefficients of inbreeding and equivalent inbreeding were 1.49 yr, 13.23 and 17.59%, respectively. The proportion of population inbred was 100%. The estimated mean values of average relatedness and individual increase in inbreeding were 22.73 and 3.00%, respectively. The percentage increase in inbreeding over generations was 1.94, 3.06 and 3.98 estimated through maximum generations, equivalent generations and complete generations, respectively. The number of ancestors contributing the majority of 50% genes (f_a50) to the gene pool of reference population was only 4, which might have led to reduction in genetic variability and increased the amount of inbreeding. The extent of genetic bottleneck assessed by calculating the effective number of founders (f_e) and the effective number of ancestors (f_a), as expressed by the f_e/f_a ratio was 1.1, which is indicative of the absence of stringent bottlenecks. Up to 5th generation, 71.29% pedigree was complete, reflecting the well maintained pedigree records. The maximum known generations were 15, with an average of 7.9, and the average equivalent generations traced were 5.6, indicating a fairly good depth in pedigree. The realized effective population size was 14.93, which is very critical, and with the increasing trend of inbreeding the situation has been assessed as likely to become worse in future. The proportion of animals with the genetic conservation index (GCI) greater than 9 was 39.10%, which can be used as a scale to use such animals with higher GCI to maintain balanced contribution from the founders. From the study, it was evident that the herd was completely inbred, with a very high inbreeding coefficient, and the effective population size was critical. Recommendations were made to reduce the probability of deleterious effects of inbreeding and to improve genetic variability in the herd. The present study can help in carrying out similar studies to meet the demand for animal protein in developing countries.

Photocatalytic decomposition effect of erbium doped cerium oxide nanostructures driven by visible light irradiation: Investigation of cytotoxicity, antibacterial growth inhibition using catalyst

Cerium (IV) oxide (CeO₂) is the most accessible noble rare earth metal oxide for the excitation of the excitons by light-harvesting performance. The present work is focused on Erbium doped ceria nanoparticles that were beneficially obtained by hydrothermal method from cerium nitrate and Erbium nitrate as precursors for decomposition of Rhodamine-B (RhB) dye in the polluted waste water removed from the industries. Dye removal efficiency of the catalyst was found to be nearly ~94%. The structural phases, functional groups and the transitions are identified with the help of various techniques. XRD pattern determines the development of cubic phase with the particle size is 20 nm. Highly crystalline nature of as-synthesized nanomaterials with an average diameter of 35 nm was investigated by HRSEM. The crystalline size, shape and textural morphology, of the Erbium doped ceria nanostructures were analysed by HRTEM. Our results suggest, that the concentration of OH- ion determines the lattice constants and oxygen vacancy in the nanostructures which stimulate the probability of photocatalytic decomposition effect of organic pollutants, due to synergistic approach. In this context, both unhydrolyzed things and their swiftly drip from deceased or scratched cells with conceded membranes, even when the cells embrace some are outstanding attention. Although, the loss of viable cells also depends on epithelial cell dynamically conceal of numerous molar matrix.

Synthesis and Characterization of Calcium Phosphate Ceramic/(Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Polycaprolactone) Bilayer Nanocomposites-A Bone Tissue Regeneration Scaffold

β Tricalcium phosphate ceramic was used to reinforce nanofibers in composite mats produced via electrospinning of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and (PVA: PCL) bilayers. The role of TCP ceramic on morphology of nanocomposites, crystalline structure, functional groups and thermal behaviour of nanocomposites were characterized by SEM, EDAX, XRD, FTIR and DSC analysis. Ultrathin cross-sections of the obtained nanocomposites were morphologically investigated with SEM and all fabricated composites consisted of fibers with average fiber diameter (AFD) around 100 nm except PCL-TCP fibers having AFD in the range of 608 nm. XRD profile presented the main peaks of β-TCP (JCPDS 090169 and JCPDS 70-2065). The characteristic absorption bands of TCP were also identified by FTIR in all the composites. The thermal stability was enhanced after adding TCP filler particles in all the polymer composites. The porosity of PCL-TCP was found around 63% and (PVA-PCL: TCP) composite was found to be 58%. The biocompatibility of the (PVA-PCL: TCP) composite scaffold has also been investigated by culturing MG-63 osteoblast cells on it; primary results showed that the cells adhered and proliferated well on the composite scaffold.

Synthesis, crystal growth and characterization of Zn0.5Mn0.5Te single crystal grown via the Bridgman technique

Single crystal of Zn_0.5Mn_0.5Te has been grown by the vertical Bridgman method.

Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters for body weights and growth efficiency traits in the New Zealand white rabbit

The genetic parameters of growth traits in the New Zealand White rabbits kept at Sheep Breeding and Research Station, Sandynallah, The Nilgiris, India were estimated by partitioning the variance and covariance components. The (co)variance components of body weights at weaning (W42), post-weaning (W70) and marketing (W135) age and growth efficiency traits viz., average daily gain (ADG), relative growth rate (RGR) and Kleiber ratio (KR) estimated on a daily basis at different age intervals (42 to 70 d; 70 to 135 d and 42 to 135 d) from weaning to marketing were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, fitting 6 animal models with various combinations of direct and maternal effects. Data were collected over a period of 15 yr (1998 to 2012). A log-likelihood ratio test was used to select the most appropriate univariate model for each trait, which was subsequently used in bivariate analysis. Heritability estimates for W42, W70 and W135 were 0.42±0.07, 0.40±0.08 and 0.27±0.07, respectively. Heritability estimates of growth efficiency traits were moderate to high (0.18 to 0.42). Of the total phenotypic variation, maternal genetic effect contributed 14 to 32% for early body weight traits (W42 and W70) and ADG1. The contribution of maternal permanent environmental effect varied from 6 to 18% for W42 and for all the growth efficiency traits except for KR2. Maternal permanent environmental effect on most of the growth efficiency traits was a carryover effect of maternal care during weaning. Direct maternal genetic correlations, for the traits in which maternal genetic effect was significant, were moderate to high in magnitude and negative in direction. Maternal effect declined as the age of the animal increased. The estimates of total heritability and maternal across year repeatability for growth traits were moderate and an optimum rate of genetic progress seems possible in the herd by mass selection. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights and between growth efficiency traits were also estimated. Moderate to high heritability and higher genetic correlation in body weight traits promise good scope for genetic improvement provided measures are taken to keep the inbreeding at the lowest level.

Structural and biophysical characterization of Rv3716c, a hypothetical protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Latent tuberculosis (TB) is the main hurdle in reaching the goal of "Stop TB 2050". Tuberculin skin and Interferon-gamma release assay tests used currently for the diagnosis of TB infection cannot distinguish between active disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and hence new and sensitive protein markers need to be identified for the diagnosis. A protein Rv3716c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtbRv3716c) has been identified as a potential surrogate marker for the diagnosis of LTBI. Here, we present characterization of MtbRv3716c (∼13 kDa) using both biophysical and X-Ray crystallographic methods. EMSA study showed that MtbRv3716c binds to double stranded DNA. X-ray diffraction data collected on a crystal of MtbRv3716c at 1.9 Å resolution was used for structure determination using the molecular replacement method. Significant electron density was not observed for the N-terminal 21 and C-terminal 41 residues in the final electron density map. The C- terminal disordered region is proline rich and displays characteristics of intrinsically disordered proteins. Although the crystal asymmetric unit contained a protomer, a tight dimer could be generated by the application of the crystal two-fold symmetry parallel to the b axis. Packing of dimers in the crystal is mediated by a cadmium ion (Cd²⁺) occurring at the interface of two dimers. Molecular packing analysis reveals large cavities that are probably occupied by the disordered segments of the N- and C-termini. Structural comparison with other homologous hypothetical DNA binding proteins (PDB codes: 1PUG, 1YBX) highlights structural features that might be significant for DNA binding.

mGluR2/3 mechanisms in primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: evidence for both presynaptic and postsynaptic actions

Cognitive deficits in psychiatric and age-related disorders generally involve dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), but there are few treatments for these debilitating symptoms. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3), which couple to Gi/Go, have been a focus of therapeutics based on rodent research, where mGluR2/3 have been shown to reduce axonal glutamate release and increase glial glutamate uptake. However, this strategy has had mixed results in patients, and understanding mGluR2/3 mechanisms in primates will help guide therapeutic interventions. The current study examined mGluR2/3 localization and actions in the primate dlPFC layer III circuits underlying working memory, where the persistent firing of 'Delay cells' is mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and weakened by cAMP-PKA-potassium channel signaling in dendritic spines. Immunoelectron microscopy identified postsynaptic mGluR2/3 in the spines, in addition to the traditional presynaptic and astrocytic locations. In vivo iontophoretic application of the mGluR2/3 agonists (2R, 4R)-APDC or LY379268 onto dlPFC Delay cells produced an inverted-U effect on working memory representation, with enhanced neuronal firing following low doses of mGluR2/3 agonists. The enhancing effects were reversed by an mGluR2/3 antagonist or by activating cAMP signaling, consistent with mGluR2/3 inhibiting postsynaptic cAMP signaling in spines. Systemic administration of these agonists to monkeys performing a working memory task also produced an inverted-U dose-response, where low doses improved performance but higher doses, similar to clinical trials, had mixed effects. Our data suggest that low doses of mGluR2/3 stimulation may have therapeutic effects through unexpected postsynaptic actions in dlPFC, strengthening synaptic connections and improving cognitive function.

Characteristics of children undergoing dental extractions under general anaesthesia in Wolverhampton: 2007-2012

INTRODUCTION

Studying characteristics of children requiring extractions under dental general anaesthesia (DGA) can help identify trends, which can be used to facilitate future planning of healthcare services.

OBJECTIVE

To report on the profile of children who underwent extractions under DGA between 2007 and 2012 at the New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, England.Methods Retrospective analyses of hospital records.

RESULTS

Of the 2692 patients seen between 2007 and 2012, 49.6% were boys and 50.4% were girls. The mean age was 7.1 and 7 to 12 years was the largest age group (43%). The majority of the sample was White British (67%). Of the 8,286 teeth extracted, 85% were primary teeth and 15% permanent. More teeth were extracted in boys than girls (P = 0.002) and 'Other' ethnicities had a higher mean number of extractions compared to White British (P <0.001) and South Asians (P = 0.046). The mean age of the patients has decreased over the years (P = 0.001) and the mean number of primary teeth extracted has increased (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A clear dental public health issue has been reinforced through the relatively high level of DGA activity reported. Though rigorous caries prevention remains the ultimate goal, a better assessment and discharge process may help reduce the need for first time DGAs as well as repeats.

Comparative Studies on Effect of Carbon and Nitrogen Sources on L -Asparaginase Production

Marine actinomycetes sediment samples were collected from Gulf of Mannar costal region, Kayalpatinam, located at Tuticorin district, Tamilnadu, India. Marine actinomycetes were isolated and evaluated for activity of L-asparaginase production. A total of 10 marine actinomycetes strains were isolated. Among 10 isolates, six were belongs to Streptomyces sp, three were belongs to Micromonospora sp and one was to Micropolyspora sp. Based on phenotypic characteristics, actinomycetes strains were screened for L-asparaginase production. Streptomyces sp KPMS5 and Micromonospora sp KPMS10 were showed large pink coloration on L-asparaginase production medium. The strains were further studied for maximum production and characterizations of culture condition of L-asparaginase enzyme were evaluated. Effect of substrate on L-asparaginase production was evaluated by enzyme assy. Maximum enzyme assay (1.4 mM) was observed on glucose followed by starch (1.12Mm) by Micromonospora sp KPMS10. In Streptomyces sp KPMS5 showed maximum of 1.25mM of enzyme assay on glucose substrate followed by lactose 1.17mM. Yeast extract was effectively used as substrate for maximum production of L-asparaginase by submerged fermentation. Further studies on purification and characterization are required to support the application of enzyme. The finding concludes isolates belongs to non-Streptomyces sp like Micromonospora sp is a potential novel source for L-asparaginase production.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(4): 452-457

Polymorphism of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene in Nilagiri sheep

The allelic variation in the regulatory sequence of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene influences the growth traits of sheep. A study was carried out to find out the polymorphisms associated with exon 10 of GHR gene and its association with growth traits of Nilagiri sheep. The blood samples were collected from Nilagiri sheep (n = 103) reared at Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah, Tamil Nadu, India. DNA was isolated using the phenol-chloroform extraction procedure and eight samples having amplified product of part of exon 10 (895 bp) sequenced. The results indicated transitions of nucleotide G>A at loci G177624A and G177878A. The genotyping frequencies estimated using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-PCR for GG, GA and AA were 0.262, 0.544 and 0.194, and 0.349, 0.505 and 0.146, respectively. The estimated allele frequencies of G and A nucleotides were 0.5340 and 0.4660, and 0.6015 and 0.3985, respectively, at loci G177624A and G177878A. The effects of both the mutations on growth-related traits viz., birth, weaning (3 months) 6, 9 and 12 months weight in Nilagiri sheep were found to be non-significant. This can be a novel approach to assess growth of sheep using the mutation in GHR gene. Thus, this approach can be useful for further investigation as a molecular marker associated with genetic improvement.

The synthesis, characterization, removal of toxic metal ions and in vitro biological applications of a sulfanilamide–salicylic acid–formaldehyde terpolymer

SASF terpolymer possess great applications for removal of heavy metal ions from environmental and industrial wastes.

Ultrasound assisted nucleation and growth characteristics of glycine polymorphs--a combined experimental and analytical approach

For the first time, the effect of ultrasound in the diagnostic frequency range of 1-10 MHz on the nucleation and growth characteristics of glycine has been explored. The investigation employing the ultrasonic interferometer was carried out at a constant insonation time over a wide range of relative supersaturation from σ=-0.09 to 0.76 in the solution. Ultrasound promotes only α nucleation and completely inhibits both the β and γ nucleation in the system. The propagation of ultrasound assisted mass transport facilitates nucleation even at very low supersaturation levels in the solution. The presence of ultrasound exhibits a profound effect on nucleation and growth characteristics in terms of decrease in induction period, increase in nucleation rate and decrease in crystal size than its absence in the solution. With an increase in the frequency of ultrasound, a further decrease in induction period, increase in nucleation rate and decrease in the size of the crystal is noticed even at the same relative supersaturation levels. The increase in the nucleation rate explains the combined dominating effects of both the ultrasound frequency and the supersaturation in the solution. Analytically, the nucleation parameters of the nucleated polymorph have been deduced at different ultrasonic frequencies based on the classical nucleation theory and correlations with the experimental results have been obtained. Structural affirmation of the nucleated polymorph has been ascertained by powder X-ray diffraction.

Rapid Detection of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus by Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification

A reverse-transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was developed for rapid diagnosis of infectious bronchitis (IB) in poultry by targeting the spike protein 2 gene (S2). RT-LAMP primers were designed for IBV-S2 targets and optimized to run at 60 °C for 45 min. As compared with RT-PCR, RT-LAMP was 100 times more sensitive for IBV-S2 gene. RT-LAMP showed specific amplification with IB viral genome but not with other avian respiratory pathogens due to their mismatching with IBV-S2-RT-LAMP primers. RT-LAMP reaction products were visually detected by the addition of propidium iodide stain. Out of 102 field samples tested for detection of IBV, RT-LAMP detected IBV in 12 samples for S2 gene whereas RT-PCR detected IBV in six samples for S2 gene. The sensitivity of the RT-LAMP was 100 % and the specificity was 94 % for S2 gene. Since the developed RT-LAMP to detect IBV is simple, rapid, sensitive and specific, it can be a useful diagnostic tool for detection of IB in poultry in less equipped laboratories and in field conditions.

FT-IR spectroscopic, thermal analysis of human urinary stones and their characterization

In the present study, FT-IR, XRD, TGA-DTA spectral methods have been used to investigate the chemical compositions of urinary calculi. Multi-components of urinary calculi such as calcium oxalate, hydroxyl apatite, struvite and uric acid have been studied. The chemical compounds are identified by FT-IR spectroscopic technique. The mineral identification was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction patterns as compared with JCPDS reported values. Thermal analysis techniques are considered the best techniques for the characterization and detection of endothermic and exothermic behaviors of the urinary stones. The percentages of each hydrate (COM and COD) are present together, in the presences of MAPH or UA. Finally, the present study suggests that the Urolithiasis is significant health problem in children, and is very common in some parts of the world, especially in India. So that present study is so useful and helpful to the scientific community for identification of latest human health problems and their remedies using spectroscopic techniques.