Clinical Profile of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Eastern India Perspective

INTRODUCTION

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), believed to precede symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) in diabetes mellitus, has geographical variation in microbial pattern and risk factors. However, data from the Eastern part of India are still lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study was performed over 80 otherwise healthy type 2 diabetes patients with a follow-up for one year to (1) estimate the prevalence of ASB and its association with age, gender, duration of diabetes, and renal and glycemic status; and (2) identify the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of uropathogens as well as evaluate the usefulness of microbial pattern as a predictor of symptomatic UTI.

RESULTS

ASB was prevalent in 21.25% of type 2 diabetes population in our study. Klebsiella sp emerged as the commonest cause among males. The only risk factor for ASB was found to be long-standing type 2 diabetes. There was no association with age, gender, or recent glycemic status. Bacteriuric patients with worse baseline HbA1C values were at greater risk of UTI. Female diabetic patients with ASB due to Escherichia coli had significantly greater risk of developing UTI within one year.

CONCLUSION

A large-scale prospective study reproducing similar findings will genuinely obviate the need to review recommendations on screening of ASB due to E. coli in females with long-standing diabetes and poor glycemic control. Early adoption of stringent HbA1C lowering strategy and measures to improve genital hygiene can help prevent symptomatic UTI in these patients.

Detection of human neuronal α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by conjugates of snake α-neurotoxin with quantum dots

Fluorescent derivatives are widely used to study the structure and functions of proteins. Quantum dots (QDs), fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals, have a high quantum yield and are much more resistant to bleaching compared to organic dyes. Conjugates of α-neurotoxins with QDs were used for visualization of human α7 acetylcholine receptors heterologously expressed in GH4C1 pituitary adenoma cells. Specific staining of cells by the conjugated toxins was observed.

Musculoskeletal problems and fluoride exposure: A cross-sectional study among metal smelting workers

Frequent and repetitive activities in job and awkward postures are shown as major contributors of musculoskeletal problems in most of the occupational health studies; however, efforts to explore newer risk factor are important to plan interventional measures. In this backdrop, this study examined contribution of fluoride exposure to musculoskeletal complaints. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was conducted involving 180 randomly selected subjects from a metal smelting industry. Clinical examination of the subjects was also performed to assess their health status and morbidity details. Assessment of personal exposure to particulate and gaseous fluoride at workplace was conducted. Urinary fluoride level was also examined in post-shift samples collected from study subjects. The mean age of the study subjects was 39.1 (±6.7) years. Majority of the workers (42.5%) were engaged in pot room. About 54% workers were suffering from backache and 66% subjects had joint pain. Exposure of workers to both particulate and gaseous fluoride and post-working shift urinary fluoride level was significantly higher in pot-room workers in comparison with all other workers. It was observed that age (odds ratio (OR): 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-2.34), drinking untreated water (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.03-2.76), working in pot room (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.13-1.91) and urinary fluoride level (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.81-3.75) had significant effects on musculoskeletal complaints. This study concludes that along with other predictors such as nature of work, posture at work and age of worker, exposure to fluoride also has significant role in the occurrence of musculoskeletal morbidity.

A Case of Emphysematous Pyelonephritis

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare but dangerous condition in patients with D.M. and urinary tract infection. We report a case of emphysematous pyelonephritis who presented to us with acute abdomen and sepsis. Her CT abdomen showed air in the collecting system of left kidney. She was managed with, I. V. fluids, antibiotics, insulin, and percutaneous nephrostomy. But she died on the 3rd day of hospitalisation due to Multiorgan failure with sepsis.

Contribution from the primary and secondary sources to the atmospheric formaldehyde in Kolkata, India

A novel and straight forward method is adopted to segregate the contribution of primary and secondary sources of formaldehyde based on the rates of its formation and removal at different times in the urban atmosphere of Kolkata. To achieve the above objective, the diurnal and seasonal mixing ratios of formaldehyde were measured during dry season at two busy roadside locations. The maximal secondary formation fluxes of formaldehyde during summer and winter were found to be 6.63 x 10(7) and 1.23 x 10(7) molecules cm(-3) s(-1), respectively. Apart from formaldehyde (C(1)), several other carbonyls were quantified in this study. An overall good correlation between acetaldehyde (C(2)) and propanal (C(3)) indicates the contribution of vehicular emission to the carbonyl budget. The secondary formaldehyde contributions in summer and winter were about 71% and 32%, respectively. The relative mean contributions of C(1), C(2) and ozone towards generation of OH fluxes in summer were found to be 1.56 x 10(7), 6.96 x 10(5), and 1.29 x 10(7)molecules cm(-3) s(-1), respectively, which were 3.2, 3.4 and 1.6 times higher than those in winter.

Respiratory effect related to exposure of different concentrations of arsenic in drinking water in West Bengal, India

Arsenic toxicity due to drinking of arsenic contaminated water has been one of the worst environmental health hazards. High levels of arsenic have been reported in different natural water sources from West Bengal for more than two decades. Groundwater contamination by arsenic and its adverse effects on the health of a big population in nine districts of West Bengal have been reported. The problems found were mainly related to skin and respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular and nervous systems. The respiratory effects are largely confined to those who had the skin lesion. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the respiratory effects of exposure to different levels of arsenic in drinking water. The water samples were collected from different tube wells and wells in the study area. Analysis of arsenic was done by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with hydride generation system. Based on the consumption of arsenic concentrations in drinking water the populations were divided into three categories, i.e., <=50 microg/L, >50 - <= 150 microg/L and >150 microg/L. Standard techniques of medical examination were applied to elicit signs and recorded in the pre-designed proforma. A written consent was taken from each subject for their voluntary participation in the study. 112 subjects were investigated. The respiratory effect was evaluated by measuring the pulmonary function test (PFT). Vital Capacity (VC) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) were measured by Spirovit-SP-10 (Schiller Health Care Pvt Ltd., Switzerland) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate by Wrights Peak Flow Meter (Clement and Clarke, UK). The PFT values showed gradual decrement among the males following skin pigmentation, keratosis and arsenicosis. The respiratory function impairment among the male subjects found as restrictive type (26.41%), obstructive type (3.77%) and combined type (7.54%), whereas in females only the restrictive type of impairment (10.16%) was found. Restrictive type of impairments among the subjects increased as the concentration of arsenic in drinking water increased, in males 15.78%, 29.41% and 35.29% and in females 4.54%, 5.00% and 23.52% respectively. The pathophysiologic mechanism, by which ingested arsenic leads to impairments of lung function and increased respiratory symptoms, is yet to be understood and needs further investigation.

Mixing ratios of carbonyls and BTEX in ambient air of Kolkata, India and their associated health risk

Mixing ratios of 15 carbonyls and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes) were measured for the first time in ambient air of Kolkata, India at three sites from March to June 2006 and their photochemical reactivity was evaluated. Day and nighttime samples were collected on weekly basis. Formaldehyde was the most abundant carbonyl (mean concentration ranging between 14.07 microg m(-3) to 26.12 microg m(-3) over the three sites) followed by acetaldehyde (7.60-18.67 microg m(-3)) and acetone (4.43-10.34 microg m(-3)). Among the high molecular weight aldehydes, nonanal showed the highest concentration. Among the mono-aromatic VOCs, mean concentration of toluene (27.65-103.31 microg m(-3)) was maximum, closely followed by benzene (24.97-79.18 microg m(-3)). Mean formaldehyde to acetaldehyde (1.4) and acetaldehyde to propanal ratios (5.0) were typical of urban air. Based on their photochemical reactivity towards OH. radical, the concentrations of the VOCs were scaled to formaldehyde equivalent, which showed that the high molecular weight carbonyls and xylenes contribute significantly to the total OH-reactive mass of the VOCs. Due to the toxic effect of the VOCs studied, an assessment for both cancer risk and non-cancer hazard due to exposure to the population were calculated. Integrated life time cancer risk (ILTCR) due to four carcinogens (benzene, ethyl benzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde) and non-cancer hazard index for the VOCs at their prevailing level were estimated to be 1.42E-04 and 5.6 respectively.

Differential utilization of pyrene as the sole source of carbon by Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains: role of biosurfactants in enhancing bioavailability

AIMS

Our goal is to compare the efficiency of utilization of pyrene as the sole source of carbon for growth and energy by two nonactinomycetous groups of bacteria viz., Bacillus subtilis DM-04 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucoid (M) and nonmucoid (NM) strains, isolated from a petroleum-contaminated soil sample of north-east India.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacillus subtilis DM-04 and P. aeruginosa M and NM bacterial strains were capable of secreting biosurfactant in the culture medium while growing on pyrene and their pyrene utilizing efficiency was demonstrated by correlating the bacterial growth in the presence of pyrene as the sole source of carbon along with a concomitant decrease in pyrene content from the culture medium with respect to time. The biosurfactant secreted by the respective bacterial strains enhanced the apparent solubility of pyrene by factors of 5-7 and influenced the bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity resulting in higher uptake and utilization of pyrene by bacteria. The growth of B. subtilis DM-04 and P. aeruginosa M and NM strains at the expense of pyrene after 96 h showed an assimilation of about 48.0 +/- 1.1% (mean +/- SD) and 32.0 +/- 0.6% (mean +/- SD) of pyrene carbon, respectively, showing differences in metabolism of pyrene by these bacterial strains.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus subtilis DM-04 strain exhibited higher utilization and cellular assimilation of pyrene compared with P. aeruginosa M and NM strains. Further, the biosurfactants produced by the bacteria under study are capable of enhancing the solubility of pyrene in aqueous media and can influence the cell surface hydrophobicity of the biosurfactant-producing strains that results in a higher uptake of pyrene.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

It may be suggested that the bacteria used in this study are suitable candidates for practical field application for effective in situ bioremediation of pyrene-contaminated sites.

Potential application of cyclic lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by Bacillus subtilis strains in laundry detergent formulations

AIMS

Crude cyclic lipopeptide (CLP) biosurfactants from two Bacillus subtilis strains (DM-03 and DM-04) were studied for their compatibility and stability with some locally available commercial laundry detergents.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CLP biosurfactants from both B. subtilis strains were stable over the pH range of 7.0-12.0, and heating them at 80 degrees C for 60 min did not result in any loss of their surface-active property. Crude CLP biosurfactants showed good emulsion formation capability with vegetable oils, and demonstrated excellent compatibility and stability with all the tested laundry detergents.

CONCLUSION

CLP biosurfactants from B. subtilis strains act additively with other components of the detergents to further improve the wash quality of detergents. The thermal resistance and extreme alkaline pH stability of B. subtilis CLP biosurfactants favour their inclusion in laundry detergent formulations.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study has great significance because it is already known that microbial biosurfactants are considered safer alternative to chemical or synthetic surfactants owing to lower toxicity, ease of biodegradability and low ecological impact. The present study provides further evidence that CLP biosurfactants from B. subtilis strains can be employed in laundry detergents.

Impact of cadmium and lead on Catharanthus roseus--a phytoremediation study

The Madagascar Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (a valued medicinal plant) was exposed to different concentrations ofheavymetals like, CdCl, and PbCl, with a view to observe their bioaccumulation efficiency. Germination was inhibited by both the heavy metals in the seeds previously imbibed in GA, and KNO, for 24 hr. EC50 (the effective concentration which inhibits root length by 50%) was recorded as 180 microM for CdCl2, and 50 microM for PbCl2. Both alpha-amylase and protease activity were reduced substantially on treatment of seeds with increasing concentrations of CdCl2, and PbCl2. Malondialdehyde (MDA) a product of lipoxigenase (LOX) activity also increased due to the treatment of both CdCl, and PbCl2. When two-months-old plants grown in normal soil were transferred to soils containing increasing amounts of these two heavy metals, senescence of lower leaves and extensive chlorosis were noticed after four days of transfer However, plants gradually acclimatized and after 20 days the chlorophyll content was almost comparable to normal. Plants receiving CdCl2 treatment (250 microg g(-1) and less) became acclimatized after two weeks and started normal growth. But PbCl2 of 432 microg g(-1) and less could not affect the plant growth throughout, after a preliminary shock was erased. In case of CdCl2 treatment, a stunted growth with reduced leaf area, reduced biomass and sterility were recorded after six months, while plants show normal growth and flowering in case of PbCl2 treatment. Total alkaloid was also found to be decreased in the roots of CdCl2 treated plants. No change was observed in case of PbCl2. GA3 treatments to the CdCl2 treated plants show internode elongation and increase in leaf area with relatively elongated leaves and thinning of stem diameter AAS analyses of leaves of treated plants exhibited 5-10% accumulation of cadmium, but there was no accumulation of lead at all.

NAD+ mediated differential thermotolerance between chloroplastic and cytosolic L-myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase from Diplopterygium glaucum (Thunb.) Nakai

Relative thermotolerance of the enzyme, L-myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS; EC: 5.5.1.4), from the chloroplastic and cytosolic sources of Diplopterygium glaucum was studied. The purification involved streptomycin sulphate precipitation, ammonium sulphate fractionation, ion-exchange chromatography, and molecular sieve chromatography. After the final chromatography, 16.62% of chloroplastic and 13.47% of cytosolic MIPS could be recovered. Between 15 degrees C and 55 degrees C, the two forms of MIPS exhibited differential thermal stability, which is related to the presence of the MIPS co-factor, NAD+. Added NAD+ increased the lower thermotolerance of the chloroplastic MIPS and the removal of 'built-in' NAD+ decreased the higher thermal stability of the cytosolic MIPS.

Influence of mixed and multivalent counterions in overcharging of DNA-like spherocylindrical macroions

The influence of multivalent and mixed valency counterions on the ground-state energetics of overscreening of a core DNA-like model (sphero)cylindrical macroion is investigated using an earlier developed energy minimization numerical simulation algorithm. The effects of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetravalent counterions, and mixed valency (mono- plus di-) counterions are compared and contrasted. It is seen that the depth of the minimum in the excess ground-state energy (over the neutral reference state) versus the number of overcharging counterions increases as counterion valency changes from mono- to tetra- testifying to the efficiency of the overcharging process due to multivalent counterions. The influence of (i) the presence of mixed valency counterions and (ii) counterion size on the energetics is also investigated.

Pesticide effects on microbial population and soil enzyme activities during vermicomposting of agricultural waste

The effects of different pesticides (propiconazole, profenofos, pretilachlor) on vermicomposting were evaluated for the adverse effects on soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, urease) and total microbial counts (TMC). There were remarkable increase in enzyme activities and TMC in presence of earthworm compared to control (earthworm absent). In comparison to control, the activities of phosphatase, dehydrogenase and urease in presence of vermicompost increased upto 30, 128 and 31.3% respectively; whereas increase of TMC was 71.9%. But, in presence of each of the pesticide, said activities decreased. Maximum inhibition of soil phosphatase activity (46.6%) was observed in presence of propiconazole (100 mg kg(-1)) after 120 days. Profenofos affected the soil dehydrogenase activity in the tune of 47% at 1000 mg kg(-1) concentration after 80 days and thereafter, the extent of toxicity decreased little. Soil urease activity was affected markedly in presence of profenofos and was 62% at 1000 mg kg(-1) level after 80 days. TMC also declined in presence of profenofos and pretilachlor. Increase in TMC was about 71.9% compared to control and the inhibition was more or less 60% when profenofos (1000 mg kg(-1)) was present even after 120 days of treatment.

Deformation-mechanism map for nanocrystalline metals by molecular-dynamics simulation

Molecular-dynamics simulations have recently been used to elucidate the transition with decreasing grain size from a dislocation-based to a grain-boundary-based deformation mechanism in nanocrystalline f.c.c. metals. This transition in the deformation mechanism results in a maximum yield strength at a grain size (the 'strongest size') that depends strongly on the stacking-fault energy, the elastic properties of the metal, and the magnitude of the applied stress. Here, by exploring the role of the stacking-fault energy in this crossover, we elucidate how the size of the extended dislocations nucleated from the grain boundaries affects the mechanical behaviour. Building on the fundamental physics of deformation as exposed by these simulations, we propose a two-dimensional stress-grain size deformation-mechanism map for the mechanical behaviour of nanocrystalline f.c.c. metals at low temperature. The map captures this transition in both the deformation mechanism and the related mechanical behaviour with decreasing grain size, as well as its dependence on the stacking-fault energy, the elastic properties of the material, and the applied stress level.

Environmental pollution in rural areas of Orissa state due to industrial emissions--with special reference to fluoride

Angul - Talcher belt in Central Orissa, having a number of industries contributing to a great extent to deteriorate the air quality of the surrounding villages. Previous reports showed higher SPM, SO2, NO, levels in air and prevalence of respiratory illness, skin and teeth disorders among village population. Higher ground water fluoride, urine and serum fluoride among the cattle were also reported in some villages. Present study reports SPM, SO2, NOx and Fluorides (gaseous and Particulate) in ambient air around aluminium smelter during February and August 1996. High volume sampling technique for SPM and the standard colorimetric methods (BIS) for analyses of SO2 and NOx were adopted. Fluoride in air and water were estimated by standard fluoride ion selective electrode method. Higher SPM, SO2 and NOx values than prescribed CPCB standard were obtained in February. Gaseous fluoride in village air were varied between, 1.66 - 7.64 mg/m3 in February and 1.11 - 22.75 mg/m3 in August, whereas particulate fluoride ranged between, 0.054 - 19.61 mg/m3. Water sources of the villages near the smelter showed fluoride values above permissible limit. The study indicated higher fluoride pollution in air and water of the surrounding villages.

Heavy metals alter photosynthetic pigment profiles as well as activities of chlorophyllase and 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in Amaranthus lividus seedlings

Varied concentrations of PbCl2 and CdCl2 in the germinating media reduced the total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in primary leaves of Amaranthus lividus seedlings (168 h old). When chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents were measured separately, greater loss of chl b than chl a under the identical conditions of heavy metal treatment was observed In addition, the loss of total chlorophyll was more than carotenoids under the same magnitude of heavy metal treatment. The effect of heavy metal treatment at germination stage was further studied on chlorophyll accumulation in primary leaves in relation to the activities of 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and chlorophyllase. The activities of ALAD gradually diminished in response to both the heavy metals in a concentration-guided manner, while the activities of chlorophyllase did not exhibit any significant change.

Carrier dynamics in conducting polymers: case of PF6 doped polypyrrole

The carrier dynamics in PF6 doped polypyrrole has been probed by dielectric spectroscopy (from 10(-4) to 4 eV), down to 4.2 K. The phase-sensitive sub-THz data have assisted to resolve the discrepancies in Kramers-Kronig analysis in earlier studies. Even in metallic samples, just 1% of the carriers are delocalized, at 300 K; the fraction drops down considerably as a function of disorder, carrier density, and temperature. This subtle metallic feature and the anomalies in carrier dynamics are attributed to coherent and incoherent transport between short conjugated segments.

Injuries and granuloma caused by water slider

Bite of waters slider (Ranatra) producing granuloma, numbness of the arm followed by neurotoxicity in the form of acute abdomen is being reported.

Biochemical composition, lethality and pathophysiology of venom from two cobras-- Naja naja and N. kaouthia

The cobras Naja naja and N. kaouthia are abundant in eastern and north-eastern India, accounting for maximum snakebite deaths. Here we report on variation in the composition of Naja kaouthia and N. naja venom from eastern India on corresponding differences in the severity of pathogenesis. These two venoms differ in chromatographic elution profile through Sephadex G-50 and enzyme activity, protein and carbohydrate contents associated with each fraction. The presence of greater amounts of basic phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase and low molecular weight membrane active polypeptides in the N. naja venom makes it more toxic than N. kaouthia venom. A commercial polyvalent antivenom raised against N. naja venom inactivates lethality and variety of toxic effects of homologous venom more effectively than N. kaouthia venom.

The role of molecular recognition in charge transport properties of doped polyaniline

Molecular recognition plays a significant role in the counterion-induced processibility, morphological features, and physical properties of doped polyaniline (PANI). The interaction of the counterion and solvent controls the chain conformation and, as a result, the formation of extended and localized electronic states; hence, it holds the key for tuning a wide range of electrical and optical properties of doped PANI. The combined effects of counterion, solvent, and processing conditions tune the metal-insulator transition, temperature dependence of conductivity, magnetoresistance, and so forth in doped PANI. The typical examples are shown in the case of PANI doped by camphor sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid, and dodecylbenzoyl sulfonic acid.

Room temperature solution studies of complexation between o-chloranil and a series of anilines by spectrophotometric method

Electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex formation between o-chloranil and a series of anilines has been studied in CCl4 medium. In all the cases, EDA complexes are formed instantaneously on mixing the donor and acceptor solutions. N,N-dimethylaniline and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine form stable EDA complexes with o-chloranil while the other complexes decay slowly into secondary products. The kinetics of all these reactions has been studied by UV-VIS absorption spectrophotometric method and the rate constants of the reactions and formation constants of the EDA complexes have been determined. The charge transfer (CT) transition energies of the complexes are found to change systematically with change in the number and position of the methyl groups in the donor molecules (methylanilines). From an analysis of this variation, the electron affinity of o-chloranil has been found to be 2.54 eV. A perturbational inductive effect Hückel parameter hMe has been found from this trend and the value obtained (-0.27) is very close to that (-0.3) obtained by Lepley (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 86 (1964) 2545) from a study of tetracyano ethylene (TCNE)-methylbenzene complexes.

Advances in cancer therapy with plant based natural products

Natural Products have long been a fertile source of cure for cancer, which is projected to become the major causes of death in this century. However, there is a continuing need for development of new anticancer drugs, drug combinations and chemotherapy strategies, by methodical and scientific exploration of enormous pool of synthetic, biological and natural products. There are at least 250,000 species of plants out of which more than one thousand plants have been found to possess significant anticancer properties. While many molecules obtained from nature have shown wonders, there are a huge number of molecules that still either remains to be trapped or studied in details by the medicinal chemists. The article reviews many such structures and their related chemistry along with the recent advances in understanding mechanism of action and structure-function relationships of nature derived anti-cancer agents at the molecular, cellular and physiological levels. Taxol, one of the most outstanding agents, has been found beneficial in treatment of refractory ovarian, breast and other cancers. Another prominent molecule includes Podophyllotoxin. Synthetic modification of this molecule led to the development of Etoposide, known to be effective for small cell cancers of the lungs and testes. Camptothecin isolated from Camptotheca acuminata also have been extensively studied. Other important molecules discussed include Vincristine, Vinblastine, Colchicine, Ellipticine and Lepachol along with Flavopiridol, a semi-synthetic analogue of the chromone alkaloid Rohitukine from India, a pyridoindole alkaloid from leaves of Ochrosia species and many more. The review also deals with the lesser-known plants of sub-Himalayan region.

A series of three (E)-2-alkylidene-1,4-di-p-tosyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline compounds

The three title quinoxaline derivatives, (E)-2-(4-methylbenzylidene)-1,4-di-p-tosyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline, C30H28N2O4S2, (II), (E)-2-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-1,4-di-p-tosyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline, C30H28N2O5S2, (III), and (E)-2-(3-chlorobenzylidene)-1,4-di-p-tosyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline, C29H25ClN2O4S2, (IV), were synthesized by palladium-catalyzed hetero-annulation. The E configuration of the exocyclic double bond in the three compounds has been established by the present X-ray study. The saturated part of the quinoxaline moiety in all three compounds assumes a distorted chair conformation. The numerical descriptors indicate a high degree of isostructurality between compounds (II) and (III), but no isostructurality with compound (IV).

Study of the formation equilibria of electron donor-acceptor complexes between [60]fullerene and methylbenzenes by absorption spectrometric method

The electron donor-acceptor (EDA) interaction between [60]fullerene and three methylbenzenes, viz., durene, pentamethylbenzene and hexamethylbenzene has been studied in carbon tetrachloride medium at a number of temperatures. It has been found that these methylbenzenes form stable 1:1 EDA complexes with [60]fullerene. Charge transfer (CT) absorption bands of the complexes in the 410-460 nm region are more intense than the usual 420-700 nm absorption band of C60. The CT transition energies (hvCT) of the complexes change systematically with change in the number and position of the methyl groups in the donor molecules (methylbenzenes) and also with the donor ionisation potentials. From an analysis of this variation the electron affinity of C60 has been found to be 2.30 eV and also an inductive effect Hückel parameter of the methyl group has been determined. Formation constants (K) have been determined at three different temperatures from which the enthalpies and entropies of formation of the complexes have been determined.

Neutralisation of lethality, myotoxicity and toxic enzymes of Naja kaouthia venom by Mimosa pudica root extracts

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of dried roots of Mimosa pudica were tested for their inhibitory activity on lethality, myotoxicity and toxic enzymes of Naja kaouthia venom. The aqueous extract, particularly the normal water extract, displayed a significant inhibitory effect on the lethality, myotoxicity and tested enzyme activities of venom compared with alcoholic extracts. The present finding suggests that aqueous extracts of M. pudica root possess compound(s), which inhibit the activity of cobra venom.

Peptoids as endothelin receptor antagonists

A series of new peptoids as endothelin receptor antagonists has been synthesized. Screening them for their ability to bind with endothelin receptors (ET(A) and ET(B)) competitively in the presence of (125I) endothelin led to the discovery of compounds as possible leads with IC50s in the low micromolar concentrations.

Charge-transfer complex formation between o-chloranil and a series of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons

The equilibrium constants, enthalpies and entropies of formation of molecular electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes of o-chloranil with a series of aromatic hydrocarbons have been determined spectrophotometrically. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic aspects of these complexes have been analysed.

Absorption spectroscopic study of EDA complexes of

[70]Fullerene has been shown to form 1:1 molecular complexes with toluene, p-xylene, m-xylene, 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl benzene (durene) and pentamethyl benzene (PMB) in CCl4 medium by absorption spectroscopic method. Isosbestic points have been detected in case of complexes with PMB and durene. Charge transfer absorption band could not be detected but the intensity of the broad absorption band of C70 in CCl4 decreases systematically with increase in the concentration of the added methylbenzenes. From this trend the formation constants (Kc) of the complexes have been determined at three different wavelengths. The constancy of Kc with respect to change in the wavelength of measurement supports the view that complex of a single stoichiometry (1:1) is formed in each case.

Influence of hexaconazole, carbofuran and ethion on soil microflora and dehydrogenase activities in soil and intact cell

Total microbial count was highly affected (up to 61% at 1000 micrograms level) in presence of hexaconazole and persisted up to 21 days. Bacteria were more susceptible than actinomycetes. Carbofuran and ethion were moderately toxic to soil microflora. Inhibitory effects of all the three pesticides gradually decreased after 21 days as was evident by increase in total microbial count except in carbofuran. GDH activity in soil was also affected initially (up to 14 days) by all the three pesticides (60.3% in hexaconazole at 1000 micrograms level) and inhibition gradually decreased to zero except in carbofuran (15-20% toxicity persisted up to 35 days). GDH and LDH activity in presence of hexaconazole was strongly affected in intact cells of some standard culture of bacteria like Rhizobium sp. (host Dolichos sp., 32.1 and 72.5%), Bacillus subtilis Cohn (86.75 and 76.5%), Azotobacter sp. (36.9 and 55.4%) and B. sphaericus (67.6% GDH) respectively. Carbofuran inhibited the enzyme activity in B. subtilis (55.55 and 35.3%) and to some extent in B. sphaericus. Ethion moderately inhibited LDH activity in Rhodococcus sp. AK1 (17.1 and 33.3%), Rhizobium (27.6% LDH), E. coli HB 101 (34.2% LDH) as evidenced by formazan formation. From the result, it might be concluded that among the above three pesticides tested hexaconazole strongly inhibited the dehydrogenase system in bacteria including nitrogen fixing bacteria of soil and thus may affect soil fertility. It was concluded that hexaconazole was more toxic than ethion to dehydrogenase enzymes.

Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E in partial inhibition of Russell's viper venom phospholipase A2 induced hepatocellular and microsomal membrane damage in rats

The current investigation furnishes a good correlation between the alpha-tocopherol content of the liver and microsomes and corresponding inhibition of Russell's viper venom phospholipase A2 inflicted damage to them. Dietary supplementation of d1-alpha-tocopherol at a concentration of 100 mg and 200 mg per kg of diet displayed less damage caused by venom phospholipase A2 in sharp contrast to the vitamin E deficient rats. alpha-tocopherol due presumably to the formation of complexes with the phospholipid hydrolysis products of the membranes, plays a significant role in membrane stabilization.

Changes in the activity levels of glutamine synthetase, glutaminase and glycogen synthetase in rats subjected to hypoxic stress

Exposure to high altitude causes loss of body mass and alterations in metabolic processes, especially carbohydrate and protein metabolism. The present study was conducted to elucidate the role of glutamine synthetase, glutaminase and glycogen synthetase under conditions of chronic intermittent hypoxia. Four groups, each consisting of 12 male albino rats (Wistar strain), were exposed to a simulated altitude of 7620 m in a hypobaric chamber for 6 h per day for 1, 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. Blood haemoglobin, blood glucose, protein levels in the liver, muscle and plasma, glycogen content, and glutaminase, glutamine synthetase and glycogen synthetase activities in liver and muscle were determined in all groups of exposed and in a group of unexposed animals. Food intake and changes in body mass were also monitored. There was a significant reduction in body mass (28-30%) in hypoxia-exposed groups as compared to controls, with a corresponding decrease in food intake. There was rise in blood haemoglobin and plasma protein in response to acclimatization. Over a three-fold increase in liver glycogen content was observed following 1 day of hypoxic exposure (4.76 +/- 0.78 mg.g-1 wet tissue in normal unexposed rats; 15.82 +/- 2.30 mg.g-1 wet tissue in rats exposed to hypoxia for 1 day). This returned to normal in later stages of exposure. However, there was no change in glycogen synthetase activity except for a decrease in the 21-days hypoxia-exposed group. There was a slight increase in muscle glycogen content in the 1-day exposed group which declined significantly by 56.5, 50.6 and 42% following 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure, respectively. Muscle glycogen synthetase activity was also decreased following 21 days of exposure. There was an increase in glutaminase activity in the liver and muscle in the 7-, 14- and 21-day exposed groups. Glutamine synthetase activity was higher in the liver in 7- and 14-day exposed groups; this returned to normal following 21 days of exposure. Glutamine synthetase activity in muscle was significantly higher in the 14-day exposed group (4.32 mumol gamma-glutamyl hydroxamate formed.g protein-1.min-1) in comparison to normal (1.53 mumol gamma-glutamyl hydroxamate formed.g protein-1.min-1); this parameter had decreased by 40% following 21 days of exposure. These results suggest that since no dramatic changes in the levels of protein were observed in the muscle and liver, there is an alteration in glutaminase and glutamine synthetase activity in order to maintain nitrogen metabolism in the initial phase of hypoxic exposure.

Physico-chemical characterization of grain dust in storage air of Bangalore

An Anderson personal cascade impactor was used to study the particle mass size distribution in the storage air of two major grain storage centers in Bangalore. Dust levels in storage air as well as the personal exposures of workers were determined along with a detailed study on the particle size distribution. Protein and carbohydrate content of the dust were also determined respectively in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and water extracts by using the standard analytical techniques. Personal exposures in both of the grain storage centers have been found to be much above the limit prescribed by ACGIH (1995-96). But the results of particle size analysis showed a higher particle mass distribution in the non-respirable size range. The mass median diameters (MMD) of the storage air particulate of both the centers were found to be beyond the respirable range. Presence of protein and carbohydrate in the storage air dust is indicative of the existence of glyco-proteins, mostly of membrane origin.

Effect of oral supplementation of vitamin E on the hemolysis and erythrocyte phospholipid-splitting action of cobra and viper venoms

In the present investigation, it was found that oral supplementation of graded amounts of vitamin E to volunteers increased the alpha-tocopherol content of the erythrocytes and decreased the susceptibility of the latter to the hemolytic action of cobra and viper venoms. Further, exogenous addition of graded amounts of alpha-tocopherol to the red cells, prior to the addition of either venoms, minimizes the venom-induced lysis and erythrocyte phospholipid splitting. It may thus be inferred that vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, plays an important role in reducing the hemolytic action of cobra and viper venoms.

The composition of Naja naja venom samples from three districts of West Bengal, India

The variation in the composition of Naja naja venoms from three neighbouring districts of West Bengal, eastern India and the corresponding differences in the severity of pathogenesis due to venom composition variation are reported. These venom samples differ with respect to chromatographic elution profile and enzyme activity associated with each fraction. Presence of higher quantities of basic phospholipase and plasma protein hydrolase in the venom samples of Burdwan and Purulia make them more toxic than Midnapur venom sample. A polyvalent antivenom manufactured in western India was hardly effective in neutralizing the pathobiological manifestation of the venom samples from eastern India.

Tarantula bite leads to death and gangrene

Chilobrachys hardwikii-giant black hairy spider bite produced two deaths, one case of gangrene of the foot and urticarial rashes in another person in a remote village of Churulia 30 km from Asansol.

Lysosomal membrane stabilization by alpha-tocopherol against the damaging action of Vipera russelli venom phospholipase A2

This investigation shows the membrane stabilizing effect of alpha-tocopherol against the damaging action of viper venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Liver lysosomal membranes from rats fed 100 mg and 200 mg alpha-tocopherol acetate per kilogram of diet were more resistant to damage by viper venom PLA2 compared with vitamin E-deficient rats. The membrane stabilizing effect of vitamin E is proposed to be due to the formation of a complex with the phospholipid hydrolysis products of the membrane.

Pollution and its control in asbestos milling processes in India

An intervention study has been conducted in chrysotile asbestos milling processes with an interval of one year. The 'Membrane Filter Method' adopted in the former study for fiber concentration estimation has been followed in the present study, to estimate the environmental samples under the same experimental conditions. Though very high fiber levels compared to the prescribed permissible limit in India, have also been obtained in this study, a general reduction trend in the values of mills common to the both studies are observed. A further suitable control measure has been recommended in the paper to reduce fiber levels in the milling processes.

Personality traits and performance of military parachutist trainees

Fifty-two Indian military parachutist trainees were studied throughout the training period to investigate effects of stress in parachutist training on performance efficiency. Stress attributable to fear, anxiety, and apprehension about the inherent risk of paratrooping was studied along with physiological and biochemical changes. An attempt is made to correlate personality traits with performance efficiency. In cognitive and psychomotor tests, maximum deterioration was seen before the tower jump and aircraft jump. The deterioration was correlated with the level of anxiety and urinary catecholamine levels. Inter-correlations between anxiety, catecholamine, and blood pressure were positive, and the level of anxiety was seen to be affecting the quality of performance adversely.

Detection of malaria antigen in blood by inhibition ELISA

Demonstration of parasite associated antigen in blood by inhibition ELISA in malaria patients and controls is described. The test was negative in all the healthy controls and positive in 90 per cent of the Plasmodium vivax malaria cases. The test was found to be quite sensitive, being able to detect 5 parasites/10(6) RBC in a case of natural P. falciparum infection. There was 95.3 per cent agreement between the results of this test and IgM-IIF test.

Evaluation of indirect immunofluorescent antibody test for detection of IgM specific antibodies in malaria

Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test using Plasmodium falciparum antigen from in vitro culture was evaluated for detecting IgM antibodies in order to determine the feasibility of its application in serodiagnosis of malaria. Test was compared with the already adapted IgG-IIF test using the same antigen. It was found that none of the healthy controls and slide negative fever cases had malaria IgM antibodies whereas 8 per cent of healthy controls and 49.01 per cent of the slide negative fever cases had malaria IgG antibodies. The sensitivity of IgM-IIF test was 94.68 per cent and that of IgG-IIF test was 96.81 per cent. IgM antibodies could be detected very early even on the first day of fever and titre rose gradually with increasing number of days of illness before institution of treatment. The IgM antibodies, being short lasting are able to reflect recent infection. The test although highly sensitive and specific is laborious and expensive. Therefore, it may be used as a serodiagnostic test in advanced laboratories only for confirmation of selected slide negative cases.

Involvement of the eye and orbit in neurofibromatosis type 1

11 individuals were diagnosed to have neurofibromatosis type 1 and were examined for evidence of any ophthalmic lesions. Lisch nodules were the commonest manifestation of the disease and were present in 73% of all the patients (88% of those aged 16 years or more). 55% of the cases showed presence of neurofibroma on the lids. Other findings were optic glioma, unilateral sphenoid dysplasia with enlarged orbit, medullated nerve fibers and prominent corneal nerves with an incidence of 9% each.

An environmental survey in chrysotile asbestos milling processes in India

Environmental monitoring to determine airborne asbestos fiber levels has been carried out in four different mills processing chrysotile asbestos in the Cuddapah District (Andhra Pradesh) of India. The "membrane filter method" comprising standard asbestos sampling techniques, acetone-triacetin method for sample preparation, fiber counting, and sizing using the phase contrast optical microscope were adopted in the study. Fiber concentrations both with respect to personal exposures and processing areas were found in most of the cases to be much higher than the prescribed Threshold Limit Value (TLVs) of the developed and developing countries for chrysotile asbestos. By optical microscopy, fiber length distribution showed 70% of fibers in the milling processes were in size range > 5-10 microns, whereas in > 10-20 and > 20 microns, 20% and 8%, respectively. Fiber identification for major elemental content, also done by using scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer, indicated the presence of tremolite along with chrysotile. The study stresses the urgent need to adopt suitable engineering controls at the dust generating sources to reduce the fiber level in the mill environment below the threshold limit.

Flexion osteotomy of the femur for genu recurvatum after poliomyelitis

We report the results of 21 femoral osteotomies performed in 18 patients for genu recurvatum and flattening of the femoral condyles after poliomyelitis. Before operation the average angle of recurvatum was 31 degrees and all the limbs required bracing. After a mean follow-up of four years there has been partial recurrence in only one case. Nine patients (10 limbs) needed no orthosis and the others had less discomfort and an improved gait. Complete remodelling of the femoral and tibial epiphyses was noted in two of the younger patients.