Imaging the Meissner effect in hydride superconductors using quantum sensors

By directly altering microscopic interactions, pressure provides a powerful tuning knob for the exploration of condensed phases and geophysical phenomena1. The megabar regime represents an interesting frontier, in which recent discoveries include high-temperature superconductors, as well as structural and valence phase transitions2-6. However, at such high pressures, many conventional measurement techniques fail. Here we demonstrate the ability to perform local magnetometry inside a diamond anvil cell with sub-micron spatial resolution at megabar pressures. Our approach uses a shallow layer of nitrogen-vacancy colour centres implanted directly within the anvil7-9; crucially, we choose a crystal cut compatible with the intrinsic symmetries of the nitrogen-vacancy centre to enable functionality at megabar pressures. We apply our technique to characterize a recently discovered hydride superconductor, CeH9 (ref. 10). By performing simultaneous magnetometry and electrical transport measurements, we observe the dual signatures of superconductivity: diamagnetism characteristic of the Meissner effect and a sharp drop of the resistance to near zero. By locally mapping both the diamagnetic response and flux trapping, we directly image the geometry of superconducting regions, showing marked inhomogeneities at the micron scale. Our work brings quantum sensing to the megabar frontier and enables the closed-loop optimization of superhydride materials synthesis.

Clinical outcomes and frequency of persistent infection among immunosuppressed patients treated with bebtelovimab for COVID-19 infection at an ambulatory cancer center

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on clinical outcomes associated with the use of bebtelovimab for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among cancer patients. We aimed to define the clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients receiving bebtelovimab as part of the COVID-19 therapeutics program at our cancer center.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of immunosuppressed adult patients who received bebtelovimab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center between March 2022, and November 2022. We reviewed medical records to capture the date of the first positive COVID-19 test, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and follow-up COVID-19 testing for 60 days after the first positive. Persistent infection was defined as a positive test beyond day 30; these patients were reviewed beyond day 60.

RESULTS

Among 93 patients who received bebtelovimab, 64 (69%) had hematologic malignancy. Sixty-nine (74%) patients received bebtelovimab within 2 days after diagnosis. Two (2%) patients were hospitalized, none required ICU care, and one patient died on day 52; although it is unknown if death was directly related to COVID-19. Ten (11%) patients had persistent COVID-19 infection; of these, four received additional COVID-19 therapy with either nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir, and five out of six patients with sequencing data available had spike protein mutations associated with bebtelovimab resistance.

CONCLUSION

A coordinated systems-based approach led to prompt initiation of bebtelovimab within two days of testing positive in most patients. We observed few hospitalizations or deaths. Persistent infection was noted in 11% of patients with four requiring additional therapies, highlighting a need for novel strategies to manage immunosuppressed patients.

Impact of long-term resource conservation techniques on biogeochemical characteristics and biological soil quality indicators in a rice green-gram farming system

Nutrient management in resource conservation practices influence the structural and functional microbial diversities and thereby affect biological processes and biochemical properties in soil. We studied the long-term effects of resource conservation technologies on functional microbial diversity and their interactions with soil biochemical properties and enzymatic activities in tropical rice-green gram cropping system. The experiment includes seven treatments viz., conventional practice (CC), brown manuring (BM), green manuring (GM), wet direct drum sowing, zero tillage, green manuring-customized leaf colour chart based-N application (GM-CLCC-N) and biochar (BC) application. The result of the present study revealed that microbial biomass nitrogen (N), carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) in GM practice were increased by 23.3, 37.7 and 35.1%, respectively than CC. GM, BM and GM-CLCC-N treatments provide higher yields than conventional practice. The average well color development value, Shannon index and McIntosh index were significantly higher by 26.6%, 86.9% and 29.2% in GM as compared to control treatment. So, from this study we can conclude that resource conservation practices like GM, GM-CLCC N and BM in combination with chemical fertilizers provide easily decomposable carbon source to support the microbial growth. Moreover, dominance of microbial activity in biomass amended treatments (GM, GM-CLCC N and BM) indicated that these treatments could supply good amount of labile C sources on real time basis for microbial growth that may protect the stable C fraction in soil, hence could support higher yield and soil organic carbon build-up in long run under rice-green gram soil.

Successful Treatment of Persistent Symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 19 Infection With Extended-Duration Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir Among Outpatients With Hematologic Cancer

Persistent symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a distinct clinical entity among patients with hematologic cancer and/or profound immunosuppression. The optimal medical management is unknown. We describe 2 patients who had symptomatic COVID-19 for almost 6 months and were successfully treated in the ambulatory setting with extended courses of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.

Elucidation of dominant energy metabolic pathways of methane, sulphur and nitrogen in respect to mangrove-degradation for climate change mitigation

Mangroves play a key role in ecosystem balancing and climate change mitigation. It acts as a source and sink of methane (CH₄), a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Energy metabolic pathways of methane production (methanogenesis) and oxidation (methanotrophy) are directly driven by sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) metabolism and salinity in coastal wetlands. To investigate, how mangrove-degradations, affect the source-sink behaviour of CH₄; the pathways of CH₄, S and N were studied through whole-genome metagenomic approach. Soil samples were collected from degraded and undisturbed mangrove systems in Sundarban, India. Structural and functional microbial diversities (KEGG pathways) of CH₄, S and N metabolism were analysed and correlated with labile carbon pools and physico-chemical properties of soil. Overall, the acetoclastic pathway of methanogenesis was dominant. However, the relative proportion of conversion of CO₂ to CH₄ was more in degraded mangroves. Methane oxidation was higher in undisturbed mangroves and the serine pathway was dominant. After serine, the ribulose monophosphate pathway of CH₄ oxidation was dominant in degraded mangrove, while the xylulose monophosphate pathway was dominant in undisturbed site as it is more tolerant to salinity and higher pH. The assimilatory pathway (AMP) of S-metabolism was dominant in both systems. But in AMP pathway, adenosine triphosphate sulfurylase enzyme reads were higher in degraded mangrove, while NADPH-sulfite reductase abundance was higher in undisturbed mangrove due to higher salinity, and pH. In N-metabolism, the denitrification pathway was predominant in degraded sites, whereas the dissimilatory nitrate reduction pathway was dominant in undisturbed mangroves. The relative ratios of sulphur reducing bacteria (SRB): methanogens were higher in degraded mangrove; however, methanotrophs:methanogens was higher in undisturbed mangrove indicated lower source and greater sink capacity of CH₄ in the system. Microbial manipulation in mangrove-rhizosphere for regulating major energy metabolic pathways of methane could open-up a new window of climate change mitigation in coastal wetlands.

A unique bacterial and archaeal diversity make mangrove a green production system compared to rice in wetland ecology: A metagenomic approach

Mangrove provides significant ecosystem services, however, 40% of tropical mangrove was lost in last century due to climate change induced sea-level rise and anthropogenic activities. Sundarban-India, the largest contiguous mangrove of the world lost 10.5% of its green during 1930-2013 which primarily converted to rice-based systems. Presently degraded mangrove and adjacent rice ecology in Sundarban-India placed side by side and create typical ecology which is distinct in nature in respect to soil physicochemical properties, carbon dynamics, and microbial diversities. We investigated the structural and functional diversities of bacteria and archaea through Illumina MiSeq metagenomic analysis using V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene approach that drives greenhouse gases emission and carbon-pools. Remote sensing-data base were used to select the sites for collecting the soil and gas samples. The methane and nitrous oxide emissions were lower in mangrove (-0.04 mg m^-2 h^-1 and -52.8 μg m^-2 h^-1) than rice (0.26 mg m^-2 h^-1 and 44.7 μg m^-2 h^-1) due to less availability of carbon-substrates and higher sulphate availability (85.8% more than rice). The soil labile carbon-pools were more in mangrove, but lower microbial activities were noticed due to stress conditions. A unique microbial feature indicated by higher methanotrophs: methanogens (11.2), sulphur reducing bacteria (SRB): methanogens (93.2) ratios and lower functional diversity (7.5%) in mangrove than rice. These could be the key drivers of lower global warming potential (GWP) in mangrove that make it a green production system. Therefore, labile carbon build-up potential (38%) with less GWP (63%) even in degraded-mangrove makes it a clean production system than wetland-rice that has high potential to climate change mitigation. The whole genome metagenomic analysis would be the future research priority to identify the predominant enzymatic pathways which govern the methanogenesis and methanotrophy in this system.

Clinical and Virologic Characteristics and Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 at a Cancer Center

BACKGROUND

High morbidity and mortality have been observed in patients with cancer and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, there are limited data on antimicrobial use, coinfections, and viral shedding.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 28, 2020 and June 15, 2020 to characterize antimicrobial use, coinfections, viral shedding, and outcomes within 30 days after diagnosis. Cycle threshold values were used as a proxy for viral load. We determined viral clearance, defined as 2 consecutive negative results using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results through July 30, 2020.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were included with a median age of 61 years; 59% had a solid tumor. Only 3 patients had documented respiratory bacterial coinfection. Empiric antibiotics for pneumonia were prescribed more frequently early in the study period (February 29-March 28, 2020; 12/34) compared to the later period (March 29-June 15, 2020; 2/36) (P = .002). The median number of days from symptom onset to viral clearance was 37 days with viral load rapidly declining in the first 7-10 days after symptom onset. Within 30 days of diagnosis, 29 (41%) patients were hospitalized and 12 (17%) died. Each additional comorbidity was associated with 45% lower odds of days alive and out of hospital in the month following diagnosis in adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients at a cancer center, particularly those with multiple comorbidities, are at increased risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. Prolonged viral shedding is frequently observed among cancer patients, and its implications on transmission and treatment strategies warrant further study.

Fatal infection with enterocolitis from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the continued value of culture in the era of molecular diagnostics

MRSA enterocolitis is under-recognized in the setting of PCR testing. In this case report, we describe risk factors, the importance of stool culture, and the third published case of MRSA enterocolitis in a patient with leukemia. In addition, we performed a retrospective analysis of all stool cultures at our institution that have grown Staphylococcus aureus, and we describe an additional five cases. We also report the diagnostic yield of organisms detected by culture, but not on the FilmArray panel. While rare, these cases demonstrate that MRSA in stool may indicate a severe and potentially life-threatening infection, particularly in immunocompromised persons.

370. Clinical Features and Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection Among Cancer Patients in Seattle, Washington

Background

High morbidity and mortality has been observed with COVID-19 infection; however, there are limited data on clinical characteristics including exposures, coinfections, and antimicrobial use among cancer patients. We aimed to better characterize clinical features and outcomes in this population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR between February 28, 2020 and May 3, 2020. We obtained demographic and clinical data including coinfections, antimicrobial use and outcomes at 30 days after diagnosis.

Results

Of 60 patients reviewed, the median age was 62 years (range 22–98) and 43% were male. 34 (57%) patients had solid tumors and 16 (27%) hematologic malignancies. Breast (12%), colorectal (8%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (8%) were the most prevalent cancers. 34 (57%) had ≥ 2 comorbidities. The majority of identified exposures were from long-term care facilities (LTCF) (27%) or household contacts (25%) (Fig 1). The most common symptoms at diagnosis were cough (72%), fevers/chills (57%), shortness of breath (38%), nasal congestion/rhinorrhea (35%), and diarrhea (30%). 18 (31%) patients were prescribed at least one course of antibiotics within 30 days of diagnosis; antibiotics were prescribed to 54% of hospitalized patients (Fig 2). 6 (10%) had a documented bacterial infection; of these, 3 were respiratory coinfections. No viral or fungal copathogens were reported. 26 (43%) patients were hospitalized, 9 (15%) admitted to intensive care, and one (2%) required mechanical ventilation. 12 (20%) died within 30 days of diagnosis (Fig 3); of these, 10 (83%) had ≥ 2 comorbidities and 8 (67%) had LTCF exposure.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, particularly among older age groups with multiple comorbidities and those with LTCF exposure. More than half of cases appeared to acquire SARS-CoV-2 from LTCF or household exposures, indicating need for infection prevention and family/caregiver education. Despite few documented bacterial coinfections, antibiotic use within 30 days of diagnosis was common and likely empiric due to limited diagnostics in the era of COVID-19.

Disclosures

Steven A. Pergam, MD, MPH, Chimerix, Inc (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Global Life Technologies, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck & Co. (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Sanofi-Aventis (Other Financial or Material Support, Participate in clinical trial sponsored by NIAID (U01-AI132004); vaccines for this trial are provided by Sanofi-Aventis) Alpana Waghmare, MD, Amazon (Grant/Research Support)Amazon (Employee, Shareholder)Ansun Biopharma (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Kyorin Pharmaceuticals (Advisor or Review Panel member)

Seasonal fluctuation in three mode of greenhouse gases emission in relation to soil labile carbon pools in degraded mangrove, Sundarban, India

Tropical mangrove represents one of the most threatened ecosystems despite their huge contribution to ecosystem services, carbon (C) sequestration and climate change mitigation. Understanding the system in light of seasonal fluctuations on greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions due to human interferences and the tidal effect is important for devising site-specific real-time climate change mitigation strategies. In order to capture the seasonal variations, the three modes of transport of GHGs through pneumatophore, ebullition as bubbles and water-soluble diffusion was quantified. The three unique techniques for the gas collection were used to estimate the GHGs [methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)] emission, at three degraded-mangrove sites in Sundarban, India. We identified three degraded mangrove ecologies based on the remote sensing data of 1930 and 2013 (mangrove-covered area in Sundarban; 2387, 2136 km², respectively). Samples were collected and analyzed for four seasons [winter (November-January), summer (February-April), pre-monsoon (May-June) and monsoon (July-October)], at three representative sites (Sadhupur, Dayapur, and Pakhiralaya). Monsoonal CH₄ and CO₂ fluxes (0.353 ± 0.026 and 64.5 ± 6.1 mmol m^-2 d^-1, respectively) were higher than winter and summer. However, the soil labile C pools showed the opposite trend i.e. more in summer followed by winter and monsoon. In contrast, the N₂O fluxes were more during summer (54.2 ± 3.2 μmol m^-2 d^-1). The stagnant water had higher dissolved GHGs concentration compared to tidewater due to less salinity and a long time of stagnation. The mode of transport of GHGs through pneumatophore, ebullition, and water-soluble diffusion was also significantly varied with seasons, soil‑carbon status and tidewater intrusion. Therefore, seasonal fluctuations of GHGs emission and tidal effect must be considered along with soil labile C pools for GHG-C budgeting and climate change mitigation in the mangrove ecosystem.

Imaging stress and magnetism at high pressures using a nanoscale quantum sensor

Pressure alters the physical, chemical, and electronic properties of matter. The diamond anvil cell enables tabletop experiments to investigate a diverse landscape of high-pressure phenomena. Here, we introduce and use a nanoscale sensing platform that integrates nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers directly into the culet of diamond anvils. We demonstrate the versatility of this platform by performing diffraction-limited imaging of both stress fields and magnetism as a function of pressure and temperature. We quantify all normal and shear stress components and demonstrate vector magnetic field imaging, enabling measurement of the pressure-driven α↔ϵ phase transition in iron and the complex pressure-temperature phase diagram of gadolinium. A complementary NV-sensing modality using noise spectroscopy enables the characterization of phase transitions even in the absence of static magnetic signatures.

Intubation in the Intensive Care Unit: C-MAC video laryngoscope versus Macintosh laryngoscope

PURPOSE

Various modifications of the Macintosh blade and direct laryngoscopy have been incorporated into practice to improve the intubation success rate and avoid complications while ensuring patient safety. This study evaluates the usefulness of two different direct laryngoscopy methods used by operators with various level of experience in the Intensive Care Unit.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a single centre prospective study, C-MAC and Macintosh laryngoscopes were compared in terms of laryngoscopy and intubation outcomes such as glottic visualization, number of intubation attempts, intubation success and satisfaction score.

RESULTS

During the one-year study period, 263 patients were evaluated and data of 218 patients were analyzed. The rate of successful first attempt intubation was higher in the video laryngoscope group (VL) (84% vs 57%; P<0.001). A significantly greater number of patients in the Macintosh laryngoscopy group had difficult visualization of the glottis in terms of the modified Cormack and Lehane classification and Percentage of Glottic Opening scale.

CONCLUSION

The use of video laryngoscope for intubation in ICU settings results in better visualization of the glottis and a higher incidence of successful intubation attempts.

Mechanism of plant mediated methane emission in tropical lowland rice

Methane (CH₄) is predominantly produced in lowland rice soil, but its emission from soil to atmosphere primarily depends on passage/conduit or capillary pore spaces present in rice plants. The gas transport mechanism through aerenchyma pore spaces of rice cultivars was studied to explore the plant mediated CH₄ emission. Seven rice cultivars, based on the life cycle duration (LCD), were tested in tropical eastern India. Three LCD groups were, (a) Kalinga 1 and CR Dhan 204 (LCD: 110-120 days); (b) Lalat, Pooja and CR 1014 (LCD: 130-150 days); and (c) Durga and Varshadhan (LCD: 160-170 days). Rate of CH₄emission, root exudates, root oxidase activities and shoot aerenchyma pore spaces were analyzed to study the mechanism of plant mediated emission from rice. Aerenchyma pore space was quantified in the hypothesis that it regulates the CH₄ transportation from soil to atmosphere. The ratio of pore space area to total space was lowest in Kalinga 1 cultivar (0.29) and highest was in Varshadhan (0.43). Significant variations in the methane emission were observed among the cultivars with an average emission rate ranged from 0.86 mg m^-2 h^-1 to 4.96 mg m^-2 h^-1. The CH4 emission rates were lowest in short duration cultivars followed by medium and long duration ones. The greenhouse gas intensity considering average CH₄ emission rate per unit grain yield was also lowest (0.35) in Kalinga 1 and relatively less in short and medium duration cultivars. Root exudation was higher at panicle initiation (PI) than maximum tillering (MT) stage. Lowest exudation was noticed in (197.2 mg C plant^-1 day^-1) Kalinga 1 and highest in Varsadhan (231.7 mg C plant^-1 day^-1). So we can say, the rate of CH₄ emission was controlled by aerenchyma orientation, root exudation and biomass production rate which are the key specific traits of a cultivar. Identified traits were closely associated with duration and adaptability to cultivars grown in specific ecology. Therefore, there is possibility to breed rice cultivars depending on ecology, duration and having less CH₄ emission potential, which could be effectively used in greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.

Ecosystem services in different agro-climatic zones in eastern India: impact of land use and land cover change

Land use and land cover (LULC) change have considerable influence on ecosystem services. Assessing change in ecosystem services due to LULC change at different spatial and temporal scales will help to identify suitable management practices for sustaining ecosystem productivity and maintaining the ecological balance. The objective of this study was to investigate variations in ecosystem services in response to LULC change over 27 years in four agro-climatic zones (ACZ) of eastern India using satellite imagery for the year 1989, 1996, 2005, 2011 (Landsat TM) and 2016 (Landsat 8 OLI). The satellite images were classified into six LULC classes, agriculture land, forest, waterbody, wasteland, built-up, and mining area. During the study period (1989 to 2016), forest cover reduced by 5.2%, 13.7%, and 3.6% in Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Kandhamal districts of Odisha, respectively. In Balasore, agricultural land reduced by 17.2% due to its conversion to built-up land. The value of ecosystem services per unit area followed the order of waterbodies > agricultural land > forests. A different set of indicators, e.g., by explicitly including diversity, could change the rank between these land uses, so the temporal trends within a land use are more important than the absolute values. Total ecosystem services increased by US$ 1296.4 × 10⁵ (50.74%), US$ 1100.7 × 10⁵ (98.52%), US$ 1867 × 10⁵ (61.64%), and US$ 1242.6 × 10⁵ (46.13%) for Sambalpur, Balasore, Kandhamal, and Keonjhar, respectively.

Imaging the Local Charge Environment of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

Characterizing the local internal environment surrounding solid-state spin defects is crucial to harnessing them as nanoscale sensors of external fields. This is especially germane to the case of defect ensembles which can exhibit a complex interplay between interactions, internal fields, and lattice strain. Working with the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, we demonstrate that local electric fields dominate the magnetic resonance behavior of NV ensembles at a low magnetic field. We introduce a simple microscopic model that quantitatively captures the observed spectra for samples with NV concentrations spanning more than two orders of magnitude. Motivated by this understanding, we propose and implement a novel method for the nanoscale localization of individual charges within the diamond lattice; our approach relies upon the fact that the charge induces a NV dark state which depends on the electric field orientation.

Metagenomic assessment of methane production-oxidation and nitrogen metabolism of long term manured systems in lowland rice paddy

Biochemical pathways of methanogenesis and methanotrophy coupled with carbon (C)-nitrogen (N) metabolism were studied in long term (13years) manured systems in lowland rice paddy through metagenomics approach. Manured systems included in this study were, control (exclusion of application of any manure), farm yard manure (FYM, @5Mgha^-1yr^-1) and green manuring (GM with Sesbania aculeata). Metagenomic sequence data revealed the dominance of C decomposing bacterial communities' like Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, in manure amended soils as compared to control. Diversities for assimilatory and dissimilatory N-fixing microorganisms at phylum level were found higher under GM as compared to rest. Two genera responsible for methanogenesis, viz. Methanolobus and Methanotorris were absent in manured systems as compared to control. The acetoclastic and serine pathway was found as the predominant pathway for methanogenesis and methanotrophy, respectively, in tropical lowland rice paddy. Abundance reads of enzymes were in the range of 254-445 in the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway. On the other hand, these were varied from 165 to 216 in serine pathway of methanotrophy. Lowland paddy soil exhibited higher functional and structural diversities in manured systems as compared to unamended control in respect to labile C pools and CH₄ production. Methane (CH₄) emission was 31% higher in FYM system than GM. However, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission was found 25% higher in GM as compared to FYM. As a whole, bacterial diversities were higher under FYM system in tropical lowland rice paddy as compared to GM and unamended systems.

Elucidation of rice rhizosphere metagenome in relation to methane and nitrogen metabolism under elevated carbon dioxide and temperature using whole genome metagenomic approach

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization is one of the key processes of biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystem in general and rice ecology in particular. Rice rhizosphere is a rich niche of microbial diversity influenced by change in atmospheric temperature and concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2). Structural changes in microbial communities in rhizosphere influence the nutrient cycling. In the present study, the bacterial diversity and population dynamics were studied under ambient CO2 (a-CO2) and elevated CO2+temperature (e-CO2T) in lowland rice rhizosphere using whole genome metagenomic approach. The whole genome metagenomic sequence data of lowland rice exhibited the dominance of bacterial communities including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Planctomycetes. Interestingly, four genera related to methane production namely, Methanobacterium, Methanosphaera, Methanothermus and Methanothermococcus were absent in a-CO2 but noticed under e-CO2T. The acetoclastic pathway was found as the predominant pathway for methanogenesis, whereas, the serine pathway was found as the principal metabolic pathway for CH4 oxidation in lowland rice. The abundances of reads of enzymes in the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway and serine pathways of methanotrophy were much higher in e-CO2T (328 and 182, respectively) as compared with a-CO2 (118 and 98, respectively). Rice rhizosphere showed higher structural diversities and functional activities in relation to N metabolism involving nitrogen fixation, assimilatory and dissimilatory nitrate reduction and denitrification under e-CO2T than that of a-CO2. Among the three pathways of N metabolism, dissimilarity pathways were predominant in lowland rice rhizosphere and more so under e-CO2T. Consequently, under e-CO2T, CH4 emission, microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and dehydrogenase activities were 45%, 20% and 35% higher than a-CO2, respectively. Holistically, a high bacterial diversity and abundances of C and N decomposing bacteria in lowland rice rhizosphere were found under e-CO2T, which could be explored further for their specific role in nutrient cycling, sustainable agriculture and environment management.

Hybrid 3D structures of ZnO nanoflowers and PdO nanoparticles as a highly selective methanol sensor

The present study concerns the enhancement of methanol selectivity of three dimensional (3D) nanoflowers (NFs) of ZnO by dispersing nickel oxide (NiO) and palladium oxide (PdO) nanoparticles on the surface of the nanoflowers to form localized hybrid nano-junctions.

The effects of composting approaches on the emissions of anthropogenic volatile organic compounds: A comparison between vermicomposting and general aerobic composting

Emission patterns of 13 VOCs were investigated in three types of vermicomposting systems (Eisenia fetida, Metaphire posthuma, and Lampito mauritii) in reference to a traditional aerobic composting system by feeding the systems with mixtures of three materials (coal ash (CA), municipal solid waste (MSW), and cow dung (CD)). On an average, the emission rates of aromatic VOCs (benzene, toluene, xylenes, and styrene) were two to three times higher than all other groups (aldehyde, ketones, esters, and alcohols) from all three types of feeding mixtures. However, the emission rates of aromatic VOCs were generally reduced over time in both aerobic composting and vermicomposting systems. Such reduction in the emission rates was most prominent from Eisenia-treated CD + MSW (1:1), Lampito-treated CD + CA (1:1), and Metaphire-treated CD. The results clearly indicated that the increase in humified organic C fractions (humic acid and fulvic acid) and the microbial biomass present during the biocomposting processes greatly reduced the emissions of VOCs. Hence, the study recommends that vermicomposting of coal ash and municipal solid waste in combination with cow dung in 1:1 ratio is an environmentally gainful proposition.

Impairment of soil health due to fly ash-fugitive dust deposition from coal-fired thermal power plants

Thermal power stations apart from being source of energy supply are causing soil pollution leading to its degradation in fertility and contamination. Fine particle and trace element emissions from energy production in coal-fired thermal power plants are associated with significant adverse effects on human, animal, and soil health. Contamination of soil with cadmium, nickel, copper, lead, arsenic, chromium, and zinc can be a primary route of human exposure to these potentially toxic elements. The environmental evaluation of surrounding soil of thermal power plants in Odisha may serve a model study to get the insight into hazards they are causing. The study investigates the impact of fly ash-fugitive dust (FAFD) deposition from coal-fired thermal power plant emissions on soil properties including trace element concentration, pH, and soil enzymatic activities. Higher FAFD deposition was found in the close proximity of power plants, which led to high pH and greater accumulation of heavy metals. Among the three power plants, in the vicinity of NALCO, higher concentrations of soil organic carbon and nitrogen was observed whereas, higher phosphorus content was recorded in the proximity of NTPC. Multivariate statistical analysis of different variables and their association indicated that FAFD deposition and soil properties were influenced by the source of emissions and distance from source of emission. Pollution in soil profiles and high risk areas were detected and visualized using surface maps based on Kriging interpolation. The concentrations of chromium and arsenic were higher in the soil where FAFD deposition was more. Observance of relatively high concentration of heavy metals like cadmium, lead, nickel, and arsenic and a low concentration of enzymatic activity in proximity to the emission source indicated a possible link with anthropogenic emissions.

Stoichiometry, Length, and Wall Thickness Optimization of TiO2 Nanotube Array for Efficient Alcohol Sensing

The present study concerns development of an efficient alcohol sensor by controlling the stoichiometry, length, and wall thickness of electrochemically grown TiO2 nanotube array for its use as the sensing layer. Judicious variation of H2O content (0, 2, 10 and 100% by volume) in the mixed electrolyte comprising ethylene glycol and NH4F resulted into the desired variation of stoichiometry. The sensor study was performed within the temperature range of 27 to 250 °C for detecting the alcohols in the concentration range of 10-1000 ppm. The nanotubes grown with the electrolyte containing 2 vol % H2O offered the maximum response magnitude. For this stoichiometry, variation of corresponding length (1.25-2.4 μm) and wall thickness (19.8-9 nm) of the nanotubes was achieved by varying the anodization time (4-16 h) and temperatures (42-87 °C), respectively. While the variation of length influenced the sensing parameters insignificantly, the best response magnitude was achieved for ∼13 nm wall thickness. The underlying sensing mechanism was correlated with the experimental findings on the basis of structural parameters of the nanotubes.

Long-term effect of rice-based farming systems on soil health

Integrated rice-fish culture, an age-old farming system, is a technology which could produce rice and fish sustainably at a time by optimizing scarce resource use through complementary use of land and water. An understanding of microbial processes is important for the management of farming systems as soil microbes are the living part of soil organic matter and play critical roles in soil C and N cycling and ecosystem functioning of farming system. Rice-based integrated farming system model for small and marginal farmers was established in 2001 at Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha. The different enterprises of farming system were rice-fish, fish-fingerlings, fruits, vegetables, rice-fish refuge, and agroforestry. This study was conducted with the objective to assess the soil physicochemical properties, microbial population, carbon and nitrogen fractions, soil enzymatic activity, and productivity of different enterprises. The effect of enterprises induced significant changes in the chemical composition and organic matter which in turn influenced the activities of enzymes (urease, acid, and alkaline phosphatase) involved in the C, N, and P cycles. The different enterprises of long-term rice-based farming system caused significant variations in nutrient content of soil, which was higher in rice-fish refuge followed by rice-fish enterprise. Highest microbial populations and enzymatic properties were recorded in rice-fish refuge system because of waterlogging and reduced condition prolonged in this system leading to less decomposition of organic matter. The maximum alkaline phosphatase, urease, and FDA were observed in rice-fish enterprise. However, highest acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity were obtained in vegetable enterprise and fish-fingerlings enterprise, respectively.

Vitamin D receptor expression levels determine the severity and complexity of disease progression among leprosy reaction patients

We studied the roles of vitamin D and its receptor, VDR, in the progression of leprosy. The majority of individuals with leprosy from Kolkata, India, with a type 1 or type 2 reaction have low levels of vitamin D₃ in serum samples. Interestingly, individuals with a type 2 reaction associated with neuritis/erythema nodosum leprosum had very low VDR mRNA expression levels, ranging from 5% to 10%, compared to that of healthy control subjects; these patients also had a high bacilli index, ranging from 3+ to 5+. This is the first report to indicate that VDR expression levels may determine the complexity and severity of the progression of leprosy.

Effect of fly ash application on soil microbial response and heavy metal accumulation in soil and rice plant

Fly ash (FA), a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, has been considered as a problematic solid waste and its safe disposal is a cause of concern. Several studies proposed that FA can be used as a soil additive; however its effect on microbial response, soil enzymatic activities and heavy metal accumulation in soil and grain of rice (cv. Naveen) to fly ash (FA) application was studied in a pot experiment during dry season 2011 in an Inceptisol. Fly ash was applied at a rate of zero per cent (FS), five per cent (FA5), ten per cent (FA10), twenty per cent (FA20), 40 per cent (FA40) and 100 per cent (FA100) on soil volume basis with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (40:20:20mg N:P:Kkg(-1) soil) with six replications. Heavy metals contents in soil and plant parts were analysed after harvest of crop. On the other hand, microbial population and soil enzymatic activities were analysed at panicle initiation stage (PI, 65 days after transplanting) of rice. There was no significant change in the concentration of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) with application of fly ash up to FA10. However, at FA100 there was significant increase of all metals concentration in soil than other treatments. Microorganisms differed in their response to the rate of FA application. Population of both fungi and actinomycetes decreased with the application of fly ash, while aerobic heterotrophic bacterial population did not change significantly up to FA40. On the other hand, total microbial activity measured in terms of Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) assay, and denitrifiers showed an increased trend up to FA40. However, activities of both alkaline and acid phosphatase were decreased with the application of FA. Application of FA at lower levels (ten to twenty per cent on soil volume basis) in soil enhanced micronutrients content, microbial activities and crop yield.

Ultrathin films of TiO2 nanoparticles at interfaces

The properties of a material change remarkably as a result of the scaling dimensions. The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film deposition technique is known to offer precise control over the film thickness and the interparticle separation. To form a well-ordered LB film, it is essential to form a stable Langmuir film at the air-water interface. Here, we report our studies on ultrathin films of TiO2 nanoparticles at air-water and air-solid interfaces. The Langmuir film of TiO2 nanoparticles at the air-water interface was found to be very stable, and it exhibits loose-packing and close-packing phases. The LB films were transferred onto solid substrates for characterization and application. The surface morphology of the LB film was obtained by a field emission scanning electron microscope. The optical and electronic properties of the LB films of TiO2 nanoparticles were studied using UV-vis spectroscopy and current-voltage measurements, respectively. The LB film of TiO2 nanoparticles was employed for ethanol gas sensing, and the sensing performance was compared to that of bulk material. Because of the enormous gain in the surface to volume ratio and the increase in crystalline defect density in the ultrathin LB film of TiO2 nanoparticles, the LB film is found to be a potential functional layer for ethanol sensing as compared to the bulk material.

Highly stable low temperature alcohol sensor based on hydrothermally grown tetragonal titania nanorods

Highly stable, low temperature (27–175 °C) alcohol (ethanol, methanol and 2-propanol) sensing performance of a hydrothermally grown tetragonal TiO₂ nanorod array, targeting the detection level of 1–100 ppm, is reported in this paper.

Changes of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium content during storage of vermicomposts prepared from different substrates

The study was conducted to determine the optimum storage time for vermicompost without significant loss of nutrients; nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). Cattle manure, paddy straw, municipal solid wastes, and fly ash were used for vermicompost preparations. The dynamics of N, P, and K in the vermicomposts were studied during 180 days of incubation at 28-32 °C. In general, N concentration increased in the first 90-105 days of incubation and then gradually decreased until the 180th day while P and K concentrations steadily decreased over the length of the study, with the rate of loss leveling off after 150 days. The rate of nutrient loss was directly related to the initial level, decreasing the fastest for the nutrients with the highest initial concentrations. Optimum storage times were substrate and N dependent.

Efficacy of bioconversion of paper mill bamboo sludge and lime waste by composting and vermiconversion technologies

Paper mill bamboo sludge (PMBS) and Paper mill lime waste (PMLW) are extensively produced as solid wastes in paper mills. Untreated PMBS and PMLW contain substantial amount of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr) in soluble forms. Efficiency of vermiconversion and aerobic composting with these wastes is reported here. Adopted bioconversion systems enhanced the availability of some essential nutrients (N, P, K and Zn) in various combinations of cow dung (CD) with PMBS and PMLW. Colonization of nitrogen fixing bacteria and phosphate solubilizing bacteria considerably intensified under the vermiconversion system. Moreover, significant metal detoxification occurred due to vermiconversion. Various combinations of bioconverted PMBS and PMLW were applied to tissue cultured bamboo (Bambusa tulda) and chilli (Capsicum annum). Accelerated nutrient uptake coupled with improved soil quality resulted in significant production of chilli. Furthermore, vermiconverted PMBS+CD (1:1) and PMLW+CD (1:3) confirmed as potential enriching substrate for tissue cultured bamboo.

Vermicomposting of Tea Factory Coal Ash: metal accumulation and metallothionein response in Eisenia fetida (Savigny) and Lampito mauritii (Kinberg)

Earthworms can accumulate heavy metals in their intestines to a great extent. Impact of feed materials and duration of metal exposure on natural activity of earthworms are rather unclear; this investigation therefore addresses the impact of metal rich Tea Factory Coal Ash (TFCA) on reproduction, composting and metal accumulation ability of Eisenia fetida and Lampito mauritii. Earthworm count and cocoon production increased significantly during vermicomposting. pH of the vermicomposted mixtures shifted toward neutrality, total organic C decreased substantially and total N enhanced significantly compared to composting. High heavy metal (Mn, Zn, Cu, As) accumulation was recorded in the intestine of both the earthworm species. Moreover, gradual increase in the metal-inducible metallothionein concentration indicated the causal mechanism of metal accumulation in these species. TFCA+cow dung (CD) (1:1) were most favorable feed mixture for E. fetida and TFCA+CD (1:2) were good for L. mauritii in regard to metal accumulation and compost quality.

Effect of fly ash deposition on photosynthesis, growth and yield of rice

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of fly ash deposition without and with (0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 1.5 g m(-2 )day(-1)) foliar dusting on the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf temperature, albedo and productivity of rice. Dusting of 0.5 g m(-2 )day(-1) fly ash and above significantly reduced the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and albedo. Panicle initiation and flowering stages were more influenced by the fly ash deposition as compared to active tillering stage. At higher rates of fly ash deposition, all growth and yield parameters were significantly influenced due to increased heat load and reduced intercellular CO2 concentration. A significant reduction of 12.3, 15.7 and 20.2 % in grain yield was recorded over control when fly ash was dusted at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g m(-2 )day(-1), respectively.

Soil respiration, labile carbon pools, and enzyme activities as affected by tillage practices in a tropical rice-maize-cowpea cropping system

In order to identify the viable option of tillage practices in rice-maize-cowpea cropping system that could cut down soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, sustain grain yield, and maintain better soil quality in tropical low land rice ecology soil respiration in terms of CO2 emission, labile carbon (C) pools, water-stable aggregate C fractions, and enzymatic activities were investigated in a sandy clay loam soil. Soil respiration is the major pathway of gaseous C efflux from terrestrial systems and acts as an important index of ecosystem functioning. The CO2-C emissions were quantified in between plants and rows throughout the year in rice-maize-cowpea cropping sequence both under conventional tillage (CT) and minimum tillage (MT) practices along with soil moisture and temperature. The CO2-C emissions, as a whole, were 24 % higher in between plants than in rows, and were in the range of 23.4-78.1, 37.1-128.1, and 28.6-101.2 mg m(-2) h(-1) under CT and 10.7-60.3, 17.3-99.1, and 17.2-79.1 mg m(-2) h(-1) under MT in rice, maize, and cowpea, respectively. The CO2-C emission was found highest under maize (44 %) followed by rice (33 %) and cowpea (23 %) irrespective of CT and MT practices. In CT system, the CO2-C emission increased significantly by 37.1 % with respect to MT on cumulative annual basis including fallow. The CO2-C emission per unit yield was at par in rice and cowpea signifying the beneficial effect of MT in maintaining soil quality and reduction of CO2 emission. The microbial biomass C (MBC), readily mineralizable C (RMC), water-soluble C (WSC), and permanganate-oxidizable C (PMOC) were 19.4, 20.4, 39.5, and 15.1 % higher under MT than CT. The C contents in soil aggregate fraction were significantly higher in MT than CT. Soil enzymatic activities like, dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate, and β-glucosidase were significantly higher by 13.8, 15.4, and 27.4 % under MT compared to CT. The soil labile C pools, enzymatic activities, and heterotrophic microbial populations were in the order of maize > cowpea > rice, irrespective of the tillage treatments. Environmental sustainability point of view, minimum tillage practices in rice-maize-cowpea cropping system in tropical low land soil could be adopted to minimize CO2-C emission, sustain yield, and maintain soil health.

Changing trends in the management of hypotension following spinal anesthesia in cesarean section

Hypotension during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia remains a frequent scenario in obstetric practice. A number of factors play a role in altering the incidence and severity of hypotension. Counteracting aortocaval compression does not significantly prevent hypotension in most singleton pregnancies. Intravenous crystalloid pre-hydration is not very efficient. Thus, the focus has changed toward co-hydration and use of colloids. Among vasopressors, phenylephrine is now established as a first line drug, although there is limited data in high-risk patients. Though ephedrine crosses the placenta more than phenylephrine and can possibly cause alterations in the fetal physiology, it has not been shown to affect the fetal Apgar or neurobehavioral scores.

Fly ash addition affects microbial biomass and carbon mineralization in agricultural soils

The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and carbon mineralization of fly ash (FA) amended soil at (0 %, 1.25 %, 2.5 %, 5 %, 10 % and 20 % FA; v/v) was investigated under laboratory conditions for 120 days at 60 % soil water-holding capacity and 25 ± 1°C temperature. The results demonstrated that soil respiration and microbial activities were not suppressed up to 2.5 % FA amendment and these activities decreased significantly at 10 % and 20 % FA treatment with respect to control. Application of 10 % and 20 % FA treated soils showed a decreasing trend of soil MBC with time; and the decrease was significant throughout the period of incubation. The study concluded that application of FA up to 2.5 % can thus be safely used without affecting the soil biological activity and thereby improve nutrient cycling in agricultural soils.

Anomalous recovery characteristics of Pd modified ZnO nanorod based acetone sensor

Unmodified and Pd modified Zinc Oxide (ZnO) hexagonal nanorods, grown by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD), is reported in this paper for efficient detection of acetone vapor. After details structural characterization (XRD, FESEM and AFM) the nanorod based sensors were tested in resistive mode for detection of acetone in the concentration range of - 190-3040 ppm. By Pd surface modification the optimum working temperature was brought down from 350 degrees C (unmodified) to 300 degrees C with appreciable improvement in response magnitude (90% to 99%) also. Strikingly, the recovery time, after Pd modification, became faster than the corresponding response time up to certain concentrations range (190-1530 ppm) and above this concentration (> or = 1530-3040 ppm) response time was found to be faster than recovery time which is similar to the case with unmodified nanorods (for entire concentration range). There are earlier reports on such faster recovery (compared to response), but no proper explanation was provided. In this paper we tried to explain this apparent anomaly of recovery characteristics through concentration dependent reaction rate variation following Arrhenius equations. Also a correlation between the parameters of the corresponding electrical equivalent circuit of the sensor has been established.

Influence of elevated carbon dioxide and temperature on belowground carbon allocation and enzyme activities in tropical flooded soil planted with rice

Changes in the soil labile carbon fractions and soil biochemical properties to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature reflect the changes in the functional capacity of soil ecosystems. The belowground root system and root-derived carbon products are the key factors for the rhizospheric carbon dynamics under elevated CO2 condition. However, the relationship between interactive effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on belowground soil carbon accrual is not very clear. To address this issue, a field experiment was laid out to study the changes of carbon allocation in tropical rice soil (Aeric Endoaquept) under elevated CO2 and elevated CO2 + elevated temperature conditions in open top chambers (OTCs). There were significant increase of root biomass by 39 and 44 % under elevated CO2 and elevated CO2 + temperature compared to ambient condition, respectively. A significant increase (55 %) of total organic carbon in the root exudates under elevated CO2 + temperature was noticed. Carbon dioxide enrichment associated with elevated temperature significantly increased soil labile carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and activities of carbon-transforming enzyme like β-glucosidase. Highly significant correlations were noticed among the different soil enzymes and soil labile carbon fractions.

Impact of elevated CO2 and temperature on soil C and N dynamics in relation to CH4 and N2O emissions from tropical flooded rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) (CEC, 550 μmol mol(-1)) and elevated CO2+elevated air temperature (CECT, 550 μmol mol(-1) and 2°C more than control chamber (CC)) on soil labile carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools, microbial populations and enzymatic activities in relation to emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in a flooded alluvial soil planted with rice cv. Naveen in open top chambers (OTCs). The labile soil C pools, namely microbial biomass C, readily mineralizable C, water soluble carbohydrate C and potassium permanganate oxidizable C were increased by 27, 23, 38 and 37% respectively under CEC than CC (ambient CO2, 394 μmol mol(-1)). The total organic carbon (TOC) in root exudates was 28.9% higher under CEC than CC. The labile N fractions were also increased significantly (29%) in CEC than CC. Methanogens and denitrifier populations in rhizosphere were higher under CEC and CECT. As a result, CH4 and N2O-N emissions were enhanced by 26 and 24.6% respectively, under CEC in comparison to open field (UC, ambient CO2, 394 μmol mol(-1)) on seasonal basis. The global warming potential (GWP) was increased by 25% under CEC than CC. However, emissions per unit of grain yield under elevated CO2 and temperature were similar to those observed at ambient CO2. The stimulatory effect on CH4 and N2O emissions under CEC was linked with the increased amount of soil labile C, C rich root exudates, lowered Eh, higher Fe(+2) concentration and increased activities of methanogens and extracellular enzymes.

Efficacy of Equal Volume of Ringer Lactate Versus 3.5% Polymer of Degraded Gelatine Solution (Haemaccel) as Preloading Fluid for Prevention of Hypotension after Spinal Anaesthesia for Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Introduction: Systemic hypotension is frequently and immediately seen after spinal anaesthesia. Historically Ringer lactate is used to substitute the acute relative volume loss after spinal anesthesia, although it remains in intravenous circulation for a short period. The preloading with 5% albumin and gelatine have become popular and effective as they remain intravascular for a longer duration providing sustained normotension. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of equal volume of Ringer lactate and Haemaccel as a preloading fluid for the prevention of hypotension after spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing Lower Segment Cesarean Section. Methods: This was a prospective comparative study in which Patients were randomly allocated in to Group A and group. Group A patients were preloaded with Ringer lactate 10ml/kg body weight and Group B were preloaded with Haemaccel 10 ml/kg body weight within a period of 5-10 minutes before spinal anaesthesia. After giving the block, blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) were recorded every 2.5 minutes for initial 20 minutes and every 5 minutes during the rest of the period of surgery. Onset of hypotension along with other parameters were recorded and analysed using SPSS ver. 13. Results: All together 100 patients were enrolled in the study, 50 in Group A (Ringer lactate) and 50 in Group B (Haemaccel). The episodses of hypotension was higher in patients who received Ringer lactate as preloading fluid than who received haemaccel as preloading fluid (42% versus 24%). Conclusion: Preloading with Haemaccel gives better hemodynamic stability and lesser incidence of hypotension than that of Ringer lactate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v10i1.6405 Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital Jan-June 2011 10(1) 1-5

Interaction effects of elevated CO₂ and temperature on microbial biomass and enzyme activities in tropical rice soils

The impacts of elevated CO(2) and temperature on microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities in four physicochemically different types of tropical rice soils (Aeric Endoaquept, Aeric Tropoaquept, Ultic Haplustalf and Udic Rhodostalf) were investigated in a laboratory incubation study. Soil samples were incubated under 400, 500 and 600 μmol mol(-1) CO(2) concentration at 25°C, 35°C and 45°C for 2 months. Elevated CO(2) significantly increased the mean microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content, across the soils, over control by 6.2%, 38.0% and 49.2% at 400, 500 and 600 μmol mol(-1) CO(2) concentration, respectively. Soil enzyme activities (fluorescein diacetate hydrolase, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, urease, alkaline and acid phosphatases) also increased significantly ranging from 1.3% (urease) to 53.2% (alkaline phosphatase) under high CO(2) in the soils studied. Both MBC and soil enzyme activities were further stimulated at high temperatures suggesting elevated CO(2) and high temperature interaction accelerated the general turnover of the organic C fractions of the soil and through increase in microbially mediated processes.

Transthoracic decompression of emphysematous bulla: a novel experience

Emphysematous bullae are closed air containing spaces in lung parenchyma that may severely compromise lung function in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We describe a simple and minimally invasive procedure to decompress a large emphysematous bullae in a patient with advanced COPD and high surgical risk. Transthoracic decompression of the bulla was accomplished under short-acting anaesthesia and muscle relaxation resulting in significant symptomatic, radiological and functional improvement.

Sodium-dependent silicate transport in the apochlorotic marine diatom Nitzschia alba

Silicate uptake by Nitzschia alba cells is higher in medium containing Na(+) than in media lacking Na(+) but containing K(+), Rb(+), NH(4) (+), Li(+), or choline(+). The initial rate is inhibited by monensin and gramicidin but not by valinomycin or nigericin and is less sensitive to inhibition by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). In isolated membrane vesicles, silicate is taken up when a Na(+) gradient is imposed across the membrane or is generated by cytoplasmic Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. H(+) or K(+) gradients in either direction do not stimulate uptake. Na(+)-gradient-dependent uptake is inhibited by monensin but not by CCCP, valinomycin, or vanadate, which inhibits the cytoplasmic Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. Uptake increases if an internally negative potential is imposed across the membrane. The vesicular uptake shows saturation kinetics with a K(m) of 62 muM and a V(max) of 4.1 nmol/mg of protein per min. In intact cells, the initial rate of silicate uptake increases with pH up to 9.5. Thus, in N. alba, silicate is symported with Na(+), and the transport system is driven by the Na(+) gradient that is generated and maintained across the membrane by the activity of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase.

Active Transport of Manganese in Isolated Membranes of Escherichia coli

Accumulation of manganese was measured in subcellular membrane vesicles isolated from Escherichia coli. Accumulation of (54)Mn by vesicles in 0.5 m sucrose is stimulated by glucose and d-lactate and is inhibited by metabolic poisons such as dinitrophenol, m-chlorophenyl carbonylcyanide hydrazone, valinomycin, and nigericin. Manganese uptake by vesicles requires 10 mm calcium, which is not required for uptake of manganese by intact cells. The calcium requirement is specific and cannot be replaced by magnesium, sodium, or potassium. Strontium can replace calcium but is somewhat less effective than calcium. The uptake of manganese is via a manganese-specific system which shows saturation kinetics with manganese with a K(m) of 8 x 10(-6)m and a V(max) of 4 nmoles per min per g (wet weight) at 25 C. Magnesium and calcium do not compete for uptake. The accumulated manganese can be released from the vesicles by lipid active agents such as toluene, and can be exchanged for external manganese.