Detection of Adulteration in Edible Oil Using FT-IR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning

Aims: To detect the adulterant in edible oil rapidly. Study Design: Authenticity and adulteration detection in edible oils are the increasing challenges for researchers, consumers, industries and regulatory agencies. Traditional approaches may not be the most effective option to combat against adulteration in edible oils as that’s are complex, laborious, expensive, require a high degree of technical knowledge when interpreting data and produce hazardous chemical. Consequently, a cost effective, rapid and reliable method is required. Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted jointly in the laboratory of the Department of Food Technology and Rural Industries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh and the Institute of Food Science and Technology, BCSIR, Dhaka. Methods: In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis was used for adulteration detection in sunflower and rice bran oil. Sunflower oil was adulterated with soybean oil in the range of 10-50% (v/v) and rice bran oil was adulterated with palm oil in the range of 4-40% (v/v) at approximately 10% and 5% increments respectively. FTIR spectra were recorded in the wavenumber range of 4000-650cm-1. Results: FTIR spectra data in the whole spectral range and reduced spectral range were used to develop a partial least square regression (PLSR) model to predict the level of adulteration in sunflower and palm oils. Good prediction model was obtained for all PLSR models with a coefficient of determination (R2) of >= 0.985 and root mean square errors of calibration (RMSEC) in the range of 0-1.7325%. Conclusion: The result suggested that FTIR spectroscopy associated with multivariate analysis has the great potential for a rapid and non-destructive detection of adulteration in edible oils laborious conventional analytical techniques.

IN-VITRO EFFICACY OF VERENDA (Ricinus communis) LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST TICKS IN CATTLE

Tick infestation is commonly found in every commercial cattle farm and domestically reared cattle. Farm generally used acaricides to treat tick infestation; however finding new, cheap and alternative source of acaricides is a prime concern. Here, we investigated the in-vitro efficacy of verenda (Ricinus communis) leaves extracts to treat tick infestation. We prepared aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extract of verenda leaves to apply on ticks. A total of 90 ticks (both hard ticks and soft ticks) was collected from cattle in local area of Mymensingh region and divided into 3 treatment groups: A (aqueous), B (ethanol), C (methanol) and D (control). All groups were sub-divided into 3 sub-groups on the basis of concentration of 1%, 2% and 3% treatments. Ticks were treated with different concentration of extract and observation of tick was performed 12, 24 and 36 hours interval. The whole experiment was repeated thrice. Our data suggests 3% methanolic extract confer highest efficacy against ticks and verenda leaves extract could be used alternatively as acaricides.

Genetic effects of FASN, PPARGC1A, ABCG2 and IGF1 revealing the association with milk fatty acids in a Chinese Holstein cattle population based on a post genome-wide association study

Background

A previous genome-wide association study deduced that one (ARS-BFGL-NGS-39328), two (Hapmap26001-BTC-038813 and Hapmap31284-BTC-039204), two (Hapmap26001-BTC-038813 and BTB-00246150), and one (Hapmap50366-BTA-46960) genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with milk fatty acids were close to or within the fatty acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A), ATP-binding cassette, sub-family G, member 2 (ABCG2) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) genes. To further confirm the linkage and reveal the genetic effects of these four candidate genes on milk fatty acid composition, genetic polymorphisms were identified and genotype-phenotype associations were performed in a Chinese Holstein cattle population.

Results

Nine SNPs were identified in FASN, among which SNP rs41919985 was predicted to result in an amino acid substitution from threonine (ACC) to alanine (GCC), five SNPs (rs136947640, rs134340637, rs41919992, rs41919984 and rs41919986) were synonymous mutations, and the remaining three (rs41919999, rs132865003 and rs133498277) were found in FASN introns. Only one SNP each was identified for PPARGC1A, ABCG2 and IGF1.

Association studies revealed that FASN, PPARGC1A, ABCG2 and IGF1 were mainly associated with medium-chain saturated fatty acids and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, especially FASN for C10:0, C12:0 and C14:0. Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed among ARS-BFGL-NGS-39328 and rs132865003 and rs134340637 in FASN (D´ > 0.9), and among Hapmap26001-BTC-038813 and Hapmap31284-BTC-039204 and rs109579682 in PPARGC1A (D´ > 0.9). Subsequently, haplotype-based analysis revealed significant associations of the haplotypes encompassing eight FASN SNPs (rs41919999, rs132865003, rs134340637, rs41919992, rs133498277, rs41919984, rs41919985 and rs41919986) with C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C18:1n9c, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (P = 0.0204 to P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the linkage between the significant SNPs in our previous genome-wide association study and variants in FASN and PPARGC1A. SNPs within FASN, PPARGC1A, ABCG2 and IGF1 showed significant genetic effects on milk fatty acid composition in dairy cattle, indicating their potential functions in milk fatty acids synthesis and metabolism. The findings presented here provide evidence for the selection of dairy cows with healthier milk fatty acid composition by marker-assisted breeding or genomic selection schemes, as well as furthering our understanding of technological processing aspects of cows’ milk.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0418-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A post-GWAS confirming the SCD gene associated with milk medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in Chinese Holstein population

The stearoyl-CoA desaturase (delta-9-desaturase) gene encodes a key enzyme in the cellular biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. In our initial genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Chinese Holstein cows, 19 SNPs fell in a 1.8-Mb region (20.3-22.1 Mb) on chromosome 26 underlying the SCD gene and were highly significantly associated with C14:1 or C14 index. The aims of this study were to verify whether the SCD gene has significant genetic effects on milk fatty acid composition in dairy cattle. By resequencing the entire coding region of the bovine SCD gene, a total of six variations were identified, including three coding variations (g.10153G>A, g.10213T>C and g.10329C>T) and three intronic variations (g.6926A>G, g.8646G>A and g.16158G>C). The SNP in exon 3, g.10329C>T, was predicted to result in an amino acid replacement from alanine (GCG) to valine (GTG) in the SCD protein. An association study for 16 milk fatty acids using 346 Chinese Holstein cows with accurate phenotypes and genotypes was performed using the mixed animal model with the proc mixed procedure in sas 9.2. All six detected SNPs were revealed to be associated with six medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.0457 to P < 0.0001), specifically for C14:1 and C14 index (P = 0.0005 to P < 0.0001). Subsequently, strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.88-1.00) was observed among all six SNPs in SCD and the five SNPs (rs41623887, rs109923480, rs42090224, rs42092174 and rs42091426) within the 1.8-Mb region identified in our previous GWAS, indicating that the significant association of the SCD gene with milk fatty acid content traits reduced the observed significant 1.8-Mb chromosome region in GWAS. Haplotype-based analysis revealed significant associations of the haplotypes encompassing the six SCD SNPs and one SNP (rs109923480) in a GWAS with C14:1, C14 index, C16:1 and C16 index (P = 0.0011 to P < 0.0001). In summary, our findings provide replicate evidence for our previous GWAS and demonstrate that variants in the SCD gene are significantly associated with milk fatty acid composition in dairy cattle, which provides clear evidence for an increased understanding of milk fatty acid synthesis and enhances opportunities to improve milk-fat composition in dairy cattle.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Indigenous Chickens of Selected Areas of Barisal District, Bangladesh

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections and the gross pathological lesions produced by them were studied from February 2012 to January 2013 in the Department of Pharmacology of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. In this study, a total of 320 indigenous chickens aged ranging from 2 to 4 months were examined to identify the different types of gastrointestinal helminth infections in indigenous chickens. During routine examination, six species of helminth parasites were recorded, of which five species of nematodes such as Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria spp, Acuaria hamulosa and Dispharynx spiralis; and one species was cestode called Raillietina tetragona. The highest prevalence was observed for Ascaridia galli (41.56%) followed in descending order by Raillietina tetragona (19.68%), Heterakis gallinarum (15.62%), Acuaria hamulosa (8.75%), Capillaria spp. (4.68% ) and Disopharinx spiralis (1.56%). The gross pathological lesions were observed in case of Acuaria hamulosa and Heterakis gallinarum infection. In case of Acuaria hamulosa infection keratinization of gizzard mucosa and cross section of adult Acuaria hamulosa were seen along with marked infiltration of neutrophils. The results of this study suggest that both nematodes and cestodes are highly prevalent in indigenous chickens in the studied area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21275 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 135-139 

A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON FASCIOLA GIGANTICA AND GIGANTOCOTYLE EXPLANATUM BURDENS IN NATURALLY INFECTED BUFFALOES IN BANGLADESH

A cross sectional study on Fasciola gigantica and Gigantocotyle explanatum burdens in buffaloes in relation to their age, sex and health condition was carried out in the Laboratory of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during the period from June to November 1997. A total of 460 faecal samples were examined to determine the egg per gram of faeces (epg) of F. gigantica. Higher epg was counted in female buffaloes (159.67 ± 6.80) than in males (153.24 ± 8.29). The epg counts were also found significantly (p < 0.01) higher in poor conditioned buffaloes (164.41 ± 6.67) than in buffaloes with normal health (128.57 ± 7.08). In relation to age, the young adult buffaloes were found to bear more parasitic burdens. The highest mean epg was recorded in the buffaloes of 2-3 years old (184.21 ± 19.14), followed by 3-5 years old (169.23 ± 30.77). The older buffaloes had relatively lower parasitic burden and the lowest mean epg was recorded in the growing buffaloes of up to 1 year old (125 ± 25.0). Examination of 106 livers from slaughtered buffaloes, revealed that the load of Fasciola gigantica and Gigantocotyle explanatum in the livers ranged from 13-424 (69.20 ± 6.46) and 41-427 (161.45 ± 10.79) respectively. In males the burden of F. gigantica (13-210) was lower than that of the females (15-424). The mean number of F. gigantica in the buffaloes of 5- 10 years old (100 ± 15.32) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those of the buffaloes of above 10 years old (52.92 ± 4.29). In case of single infection with F. gigantica, the mean number of parasites per liver was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (88.70 ± 11.48) than that of mixed infection cases (49.74 ± 4.20). Significantly (p < 0.01) higher number of G. explanatum was recovered from the buffaloes of 5-10 years old (207.53 ± 26.72) than from the buffaloes of above 10 years old (141.58 ± 9.23) and from single infected cases than from buffaloes with mixed infection. There were almost no differences in the number of both flukes in relation to sex of buffaloes. The length and breadth of immature and mature parasites were 5-15 min x 2-3 min and 16-72 mm x 4-14 mm respectively. No significant variation was found in the average size of F. gigantica in relation to the age and sex of buffaloes. But in case of single infection, the body size of mature F. gigantica (38.63 mm ± 0.38 mm x 9.96 mm ± 0.12 mm) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the mixed infection (33.68 mm ± 0.52 mm x 8.76 mm ± 0.07 mm) cases. This study fairly suggests that the young adult buffaloes harbour more F. gigantica parasites than their younger and older counterparts. The concomitant infection of buffaloes with F. gigantica and G. explanatum may hamper the parasites each other in establishing their infection and attaining growth in some way as measured by their burdens and morphological dimensions.

Genetic effects of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) polymorphism on milk production traits in the Chinese dairy population

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is a multifunctional complex enzyme important in the cellular biosynthesis of fatty acids. The present study was to investigate the association of the SCD gene with milk production traits in dairy cattle. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (g.6926A>G and g.8646A>G) in introns 3 and 4, and three SNPs (g.10153A>G, g.10213T>C and g.10329C>T) in exon 5 were identified with pooled DNA sequencing and genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry assay in 752 Chinese Holstein cows. Polymorphism g.10329C>T was predicted to result in an amino acid replacement from alanine to valine in the SCD protein. With a mixed animal model, the significant associations of the five SNPs with 305-day milk, fat and protein yields and protein percentage were determined. We further demonstrated cows with heterozygous genotypes (A/G or C/T) had highest 305 day milk yield, fat yield, protein yield and lowest protein percentage. Heterozygous cows with genotype AG at the g.6926A>G locus showed the greatest milk yield (P < 0.0001), fat yield (P < 0.0001) and protein yield (P < 0.0001) among other heterozygous genotypes at any of the loci. Dominance effects of all identified SNPs on milk, fat and protein yields and protein percentage were significant. Moreover, significant allele substitution effects at g.6926A>G locus on milk yield and at g.10213T>C on protein yield were observed. Five-locus haplotypes and strong linkage disequilibrium (D' > 0.9) between the five SNPs were also observed. The results suggest that identified polymorphisms could be potential genetic markers to improve the production performance of Chinese Holstein.

Effects of polymorphism in the 5′-flanking region of the IGF-I gene on milk-production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle

Milk and milk products are major components of human dietary intake and have a potential influence on health. In our experiment, associations between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) gene polymorphism and milk-production traits were analysed in Chinese Holstein cattle. A polymorphism, transition at position g.1407 T > C, was identified in the 5′-flanking region of the IGF-I gene by pooled DNA sequencing. The identified single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) methods from 752 individuals. Significant associations between IGF-I genotypes and 305-day milk yield, fat yield and protein yield were found. Homozygous cows with TT genotype showed the highest milk, fat and protein yields, with increases of 532.75 kg, 23.57 kg and 14.69 kg, respectively, as compared with homozygous CC cows. Heterozygous CT cows had intermediate yields. Allele substitution showed that the C allele decreased milk yield (255.23 kg), fat yield (11.37 kg) and protein yield (7.05 kg), whereas it increased protein percentage (0.01%). The results suggest that IGF-I is a candidate gene that influences milk-production traits, and provides useful information to be implemented in breeding programs to improve the performance of the Chinese Holstein.

Human thelaziasis in Bangladesh

Very few cases of Human Thelaziasis are reported worldwide. This is the first case of its kind from Bangladesh. A 58 years old man was admitted to Ophthalmology department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, with itching, redness, foreign body sensation, lacrimation & filamentary discharge from right eye (R/E). He had visual acuity <6/60, conjunctival congestion & advanced bi-headed pterygium of R/E. After exposure of R/E ball with universal eye's speculum, a thin white nematode was found into the right lower conjunctival fornix. It was taken out by a plain forceps, placed into a bottle containing Hartman's solution & immediately sent to Microbiology department of Mymensingh Medical College for proper identification. Subsequently with the joint collaboration & detailed examination by the Parasitology department of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, the nematode was identified as an adult Thelazia callipaeda worm.

MHD mixed convection flow in a vertical lid-driven square enclosure including a heat conducting horizontal circular cylinder with Joule heating

In the present numerical investigation we studied the effect of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection flow in a vertical lid-driven square enclosure including a heat conducting horizontal circular cylinder with Joule heating. The governing equations along with appropriate boundary conditions for the present problem are first transformed into a non-dimensional form and the resulting non linear system of partial differential equations are then solved numerically using Galerkin’s finite element method. Parametric studies of the fluid flow and heat transfer in the enclosure are performed for magnetic parameter (Hartmann number) Ha, Joule heating parameter J, Reynolds number Re and Richardson number Ri. The streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt number at the hot wall and average temperature of the fluid in the enclosure are presented for the parameters. The numerical results indicated that the Hartmann number, Reynolds number and Richardson number have strong influence on the streamlines and isotherms. On the other hand, Joule heating parameter has little effect on the streamline and isotherm plots. Finally, the mentioned parameters have significant effect on average Nusselt number at the hot wall and average temperature of the fluid in the enclosure.

Finite Element Analysis of Mixed Convection in a Rectangular Cavity with a Heat-Conducting Horizontal Circular Cylinder

. Combined free and forced convection in a two dimensional rectangular cavity with a uniform heat source applied on the right vertical wall is studied numerically. A circular heat conducting horizontal cylinder is placed somewhere within the cavity. The present study simulates a practical system, such as a conductive material in an inert atmosphere inside a furnace with a constant flow of gas from outside. Importance is placed on the influences of the configurations and physical properties of the cavity. The development mathematical model is governed by the coupled equations of continuity, momentum and energy and is solved by employing Galerkin weighted residual finite element method. In this paper, a finite element formulation for steadystate incompressible conjugate mixed convection and conduction flow is developed. The computations are carried out for wide ranges of the governing parameters, Reynolds number (Re), Richardson number (Ri), Prandtl number (Pr) and some physical parameters. The results indicate that both the heat transfer rate from the heated wall and the dimensionless temperature in the cavity strongly depend on the governing parameters and configurations of the system studied, such as size, location, thermal conductivity of the cylinder and the location of the inflow and outflow opening. Detailed results of the interaction between forced airstreams and the buoyancy-driven flow by the heat source are demonstrated by the distributions of streamlines, isotherms and heat transfer coefficient.

A DNA sequence-based study of theSchistosoma indicum(Trematoda: Digenea) group: population phylogeny, taxonomy and historical biogeography

Partial (DNA) sequences were collected for 2 mitochondrial loci (SrrnaandLrrna, therrnS andrrnL rRNA genes respectively) forSchistosoma indicumgroup species from 4 Southeast Asian countries. The samples included 7 populations, 4 of which were previously unstudied. In 11 cases the combination of locus and population was new. The aim of the study was to provide a phylogeny based on new independent data and multiple populations (earlier studies had mostly used a common set of field samples or laboratory lines) and to examine interrelationships and phylogeography within this species group. Paraphyly of theS. indicumgroup was confirmed, as was the basal position ofSchistosoma incognitumin theSchistosomaphylogeny. Southeast AsianSchistosoma spindaleandS. incognitumpopulations were shown to fall into their respective con-specific cohesive groupings. Estimated divergence times for these taxa were shown to be related to Pleistocene changes in sea level and the radiation of definitive host groups. A revised phylogeographical model is proposed in the light of these findings.

Joule Heating Effect on the Coupling of Conduction with Magnetohydrodynamic Free Convection Flow from a Vertical Flat Plate

The present work describes the effect of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection flow along a vertical flat plate with Joule heating and heat conduction. The governing boundary layer equations are first transformed into a non-dimensional form and resulting nonlinear system of partial differential equations are then solved numerically by using the implicit finite difference method with Keller box scheme. The results of the skin friction co-efficient, the surface temperature distribution, the velocity and the temperature profiles over the whole boundary layer are shown graphically for different values of the Prandtl number Pr (Pr = 1.74, 1.00, 0.72, 0.50, 0.10), the magnetic parameter M (M = 1.40, 0.90, 0.50, 0.10) and the Joule heating parameter J (J = 0.90, 0.70, 0.40, 0.20). Numerical values of the skin friction coefficients and surface temperature distributions for different values of Joule heating parameter have been presented in tabular form.

Molecular characterization of a blood-induced serine carboxypeptidase from the ixodid tick Haemaphysalis longicornis

Ticks feed exclusively on blood to obtain their nutrients, but the gene products that mediate digestion processes in ticks remain unknown. We report the molecular characterization and possible function of a serine carboxypeptidase (HlSCP1) identified in the midgut of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. HlSCP1 consists of 473 amino acids with a peptidase S10 family domain and shows structural similarity with serine carboxypeptidases reported from other arthropods, yeasts, plants and mammals. Endogenous HlSCP1 is strongly expressed in the midgut and is supposed to localize at lysosomal vacuoles and on the surface of epithelial cells. Endogenous HlSCP1, identified as a 53 kDa protein with pI value of 7.5, was detected in the membrane/organelle fraction isolated from the midgut, and its expression was upregulated during the course of blood-feeding. Enzymatic functional assays revealed that a recombinant HlSCP1 (rHlSCP1) expressed in yeast efficiently hydrolyzed the synthetic substrates specific for cathepsin A and thiol protease over a broad range of pH and temperature values. Furthermore, rHlSCP1 was shown to cleave hemoglobin, a major component of the blood-meal. Our results suggest that HlSCP1 may play a vital role in the digestion of the host's blood-meal.

Fluoride exposure inhibits protein expression and enzyme activity in the lung-stage larvae ofAscaris suum

Sodium fluoride (NaF) is an anion that has been previously shown to block the moulting process ofAscaris suumlarvae. This study describes moulting and development-specific protein expression profiles ofA. suumlung-stage L3 (AsLL3) following NaF exposure. AsLL3s cultured in the presence or absence of NaF were prepared for protein analysis using two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis. NaF exposure inhibited at least 22 proteins in AsLL3 compared with moulted larvae (i.e. AsLL4). A further comparison of AsLL4 with those of pre-cultured AsLL3 and NaF-exposed AsLL3 revealed 8 stage-specifically and 4 over-expressed proteins. Immunoblot analysis revealed an inhibition by NaF of 19 immunoreactive proteins. Enzyme assay and immunochemical data showed an inhibition of the moulting-specific inorganic pyrophosphatase activity by 41% and a decreased expression in NaF-treated larvae, indicating its significance in the moulting process. A protein spot associated with NaF inhibition was isolated and identified by peptide mass spectrometry and bioinformatics approaches to be a member of 3–hydroxyacyl–CoA dehydrogenase/short-chain dehydrogenase enzyme families. These results have implications for the identification of proteins specific to the moulting process as potential chemotherapeutic targets.

The V kappa III subgroup light chain proteins in AL amyloidosis & autoimmune diseases

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Light chain associated amyloidosis (AL) is characterized by extracellular deposition of immunoglobulin light chain and its fragments. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that some light chains are nonamyloidogenic and nonnephrotoxic, whereas others are potentially amyloidogenic. Some light chains are prone to be deposited as rheumatoid materials, and also as nodular amorphous aggregates (light chain deposition diseases). These findings suggest that specific sequence element(s) may control the various kinds of light chain associated diseases. In this study we tried to identify such sequence element(s).

METHODS

Two Bence Jones proteins (BJPs), NIG93 and NIG2 of subgroup V kappa III, were characterized and compared with other members of the same subgroup whose sequences are available in the data base.

RESULTS

Both NIG93 and NIG2 proteins had sequences characteristics of V kappa IIIa as distinguished from V kappa IIIb, subsubgroup proteins. They also contained several novel substitutions, such as Met-37, Leu-40, Val-58, and IIe-85 in NIG93, and Val-2, His-29, Arg-50, and Ile-72 in NIG2. The data accumulated at present indicate that all members of the V kappa IIIa subsubgroup are related to either AL amyloidosis or rheumatoid arthritis, whereas the V kappa IIIb proteins are related to autoimmune diseases.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

These observations indicate that subgroup-specific residues might be critical for light chain pathogenesis, at least for the V kappa III proteins. Point mutations within these proteins may be another structural element controlling their conformation as well as their pathogenic aggregation.

NACP/alpha-synuclein and tau constitute two distinctive subsets of filaments in the same neuronal inclusions in brains from a family of parkinsonism and dementia with Lewy bodies: double-immunolabeling fluorescence and electron microscopic studies

The co-localization of NACP/alpha-synuclein and tau epitopes was examined in the brain stem and hippocampal formation in two patients from a family of autosomal dominant parkinsonism and dementia with Lewy bodies (LBs) without two reported missense mutations in the NACP gene. Double-labeling immunofluorescence study revealed that some brain stem LBs, cortical LBs, pale bodies, Lewy-related neurites, and neurofibrillary tangles expressed both NACP epitopes and the PHF tau AT8 epitope. Double-immunolabeling electron microscopy demonstrated that the NACP antibody selectively labeled 9- to 13-nm-thick straight filaments (LB filaments), whereas AT8 recognized twisted tubules with 80-to 100-nm-interval constrictions in the same neuronal inclusions. We show that NACP and tau aggregate into different filamentous components even if both proteins are incorporated into the same inclusions.

Structural relationship of kappa-type light chains with AL amyloidosis: multiple deletions found in a VkappaIV protein

Two amyloidogenic Bence Jones proteins (Am37 VkappaIV and NIG1 VkappaI) and one non-amyloidogenic protein (NIG26 VkappaIII) were characterized. The protein Am37 had four deletions when compared with the translated germ-line gene sequence: two Ser residues following position 27 (27e, 27f) in CDR1 and two amino acids Pro-44, and Tyr-49 in FR2 were deleted. A strictly conserved salt-bridge-forming amino acid, Asp-82, was replaced by the hydrophobic residue Leu. In a comparative study of amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic proteins, five amino acids (Ser-10, Ala-13, Ser-65, Gln-90, and Ile-106) were found to be unique to NIG1 and several other amyloidogenic proteins. Additional substitutions also occur within these proteins. These substitutions might be significant in altering protein folding as well as in contributing to their aggregation as amyloid fibrils.

Structural relationship of lambda-type light chains with AL amyloidosis

Three human amyloidogenic Bence Jones proteins, NIG76 VlambdaII, NIG204 VlambdaI, and NIG250 VlambdaV, were characterized. In a comparative study, three amino acids, Ser-25a, Thr-68, and Val-95, were found to be common to amyloidogenic proteins of the VlambdaII subgroup. NIG204 had an insertion of Pro residue following position 30 (30a). Proteins having an insertion at this position are invariantly amyloidogenic. NIG250 had a characteristic VlambdaV VL domain, with Mcg+ and KERN+ CL domain isotypes. Following the protein DEL, this is the second example of this subgroup. No common residue is found in the other subgroup proteins but unique substitutions do occur. It would seem that any substitution that causes an alteration in the protein conformation may lead to its being more prone to association with the amyloid processes.

Assessment of Psychiatric Disorders in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder commonly associated with psychosomatic illness Eighty six patients of IBS who met the clinical Rome-II criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. Necessary laboratory investigations were done to exclude organic diseases. All patients were subjected to psychiatric assessment by clinical psychiatrist using DSM-IV criteria. 96.5% of the studied patients actually had different psychiatric illness. Among them generalized anxiety disorder (24.4%), depressive illness (27.8%), somatoform disorder (12.7%) and hypochondriasis (10.4%) were the predominant abnormalities. New onset of IBS patients exhibited higher prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (42.8%) in comparison to longer duration of illness. Depressive illness (44.4%) was substantially higher in constipation-predominant IBS than other forms.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3296 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 10-13

Seasonal Influence on The Occurrence of Haemonchus contortus Infection in Slaughtered Black Bengal Goats in Bangladesh

Seasonal influence on the occurrence of Haemonchus contortus parasite was studied on 672 slaughtered Black Bengal goats during one year period from July 2002 to June 2003. An overall 65.63% goats had H. contortus infection and significantly (p < 0.01) higher infection rate was recorded in female (70.43%) than male (58.61%) goats. A positive correlation between the occurrence of H. contortus infection and climatic factors was recorded. Significantly (p < 0.01) highest infection rate of H. contortus was recorded during rainy (72.57 %) season in comparison to summer (66.46%) and winter (51.54%) seasons. The infection was recorded at the peak in July (84.42%) and lowest in January (46.15%). The load of H. contortus per abomasum varied significantly (p < 0.05) in different months of the year and an average maximum number of parasites per abomasum was recorded in July (41.25) and the minimum in March (5.52). In case of sex ratio of the parasites always the female (60.73%) were found to be dominated over the males (39.27%) parasites.     Key words: Seasonal influence; Haemonchus contortus; Black Bengal goat; Bangladesh DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v1i1.1917 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2003). 1(1) : 45 - 48

Macro anatomical investigation of brachial plexus of the White New Zealand rabbit (Orycotolagus cuniculus)

In present study, the brachial plexus of the White New Zealand rabbit (Orycotolagus cuniculus) was investigated. Five adult rabbits were used and organizations of the brachial plexus of them were investigated. It was found that the brachial plexus of the rabbit was formed by rami ventralis of fifth cervical spinal nerve (C5), sixth cervical spinal nerve (C6), seventh cervical spinal nerve (C7), eighth cervical spinal nerve (C8), first thoracic spinal nerve (T1) and second thoracic spinal nerve (T2). The rami ventralis of C5 spinal nerve and T2 spinal nerve were divided into two branches. The caudal branch of C5 spinal nerve and cranial branch of T2 spinal nerve contributed to the brachial plexus. The caudal branch of C5 spinal nerve and C6 spinal nerve constituted the cranial trunk and the caudal trunk was formed by a branch which came from cranial trunk, rami ventralis of C7, C8, T1 spinal nerves and the cranial branch of ventral ramus of T2 spinal nerve. Contribution of caudal branch of ventral ramus of C5 spinal nerve and cranial branch of ventral ramus of T2 spinal nerve to the formation of the brachial plexus of rabbit and division of the brachial plexus to the caudal and cranial trunks resemble to porcupine and differ the brachial plexus of this species from those of rat, mouse and mammals.Key words: Spinal nerves; Orycotolagus cuniculus; Brachial plexus; Rabbits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i3.8825International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(3):74-76

Entropy generation by nanofluid with variable thermal conductivity and viscosity in a flat plate solar collector

The entropy generation by nanofluid with variable thermal conductivity and viscosity of assisted convective flow across a riser pipe of a horizontal flat plate solar collector is investigated numerically. The water based nanofluid with copper nanoparticles is used as the working fluid inside the fluid passing riser pipe. The governing partial differential equations with proper boundary conditions are solved by Finite Element Method using Galerkin’s weighted residual scheme with discretization by triangular mesh elements having six nodes. The effects of temperature dependent thermal conductivity and viscosity related to performance such as temperature, velocity and heat flux distributions, heat transfer rate, mean temperature and velocity, collector efficiency and mid-height temperature (dimensional), mean entropy generation and Bejan number of the nanofluid as well as base fluid are investigated systematically. The results show that the better performance of heat transfer through the collector is found by using the higher and lower values of variable thermal conductivity and viscosity respectively. Thermal efficiency improves about 8% using water/Cu nanofluid. Numerical result obtained from present study is validated with the result available in the literature.Keywords: Entropy generation, assisted convection, nanofluid, finite element method, variable thermal conductivity and viscosity.

Interferon to PEG-Interferon: A Review

The interferons (IFNs) are group of naturally occurring cytokines that are secreted by cells of mammalian immune system when they are stimulated by viral, bacterial and other antigens. There are number of alpha IFNs available for treatment purposes. The two most commonly used α-2a and α-2b are made by recombinant technology. When interferon Alpha-2a is combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG), it is known as pegylated interferon or PEG interferon. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a safe, inert and nontoxic molecule. Therapeutic benefits of altering proteins with PEG include an improvement in half-life due to reduced renal and cellular clearance, enhanced protection from proteolysis and a reduction in toxicity.   doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i2.3460   TAJ 2004; 17(2): 113-116