Biologically derived epicardial patch induces macrophage mediated pathophysiologic repair in chronically infarcted swine hearts

There are nearly 65 million people with chronic heart failure (CHF) globally, with no treatment directed at the pathologic cause of the disease, the loss of functioning cardiomyocytes. We have an allogeneic cardiac patch comprised of cardiomyocytes and human fibroblasts on a bioresorbable matrix. This patch increases blood flow to the damaged heart and improves left ventricular (LV) function in an immune competent rat model of ischemic CHF. After 6 months of treatment in an immune competent Yucatan mini swine ischemic CHF model, this patch restores LV contractility without constrictive physiology, partially reversing maladaptive LV and right ventricular remodeling, increases exercise tolerance, without inducing any cardiac arrhythmias or a change in myocardial oxygen consumption. Digital spatial profiling in mice with patch placement 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction shows that the patch induces a CD45pos immune cell response that results in an infiltration of dendritic cells and macrophages with high expression of macrophages polarization to the anti-inflammatory reparative M2 phenotype. Leveraging the host native immune system allows for the potential use of immunomodulatory therapies for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases not limited to ischemic CHF.

Europium activated gadolinium sulfide nanoparticles

For the first time, the ionoluminescence (IL) properties of Eu³⁺ doped Gd₂S₃ nanoparticles (a potential candidate for MRI contrast agents) are reported.

Fractal and multifractal characteristics of swift heavy ion induced self-affine nanostructured BaF2 thin film surfaces

Fractal and multifractal characteristics of self-affine surfaces of BaF2 thin films, deposited on crystalline Si ⟨1 1 1⟩ substrate at room temperature, were studied. Self-affine surfaces were prepared by irradiation of 120 MeV Ag(9+) ions which modified the surface morphology at nanometer scale. The surface morphology of virgin thin film and those irradiated with different ion fluences are characterized by atomic force microscopy technique. The surface roughness (interface width) shows monotonic decrease with ion fluences, while the other parameters, such as lateral correlation length, roughness exponent, and fractal dimension, did not show either monotonic decrease or increase in nature. The self-affine nature of the films is further confirmed by autocorrelation function. The power spectral density of thin films surfaces exhibits inverse power law variation with spatial frequency, suggesting the existence of fractal component in surface morphology. The multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis based on the partition function approach is also performed on virgin and irradiated thin films. It is found that the partition function exhibits the power law behavior with the segment size. Moreover, it is also seen that the scaling exponents vary nonlinearly with the moment, thereby exhibiting the multifractal nature.

Modeling groundwater quality over a humid subtropical region using numerical indices, earth observation datasets, and X-ray diffraction technique: a case study of Allahabad district, India

Water is undoubtedly the vital commodity for all living creatures and required for well-being of the human society. The present work is based on the surveys and chemical analyses performed on the collected groundwater samples in a part of the Ganga basin in order to understand the sources and evolution of the water quality in the region. The two standard indices such as water quality index and synthetic pollution index for the classification of water in the region are computed. The soil and sediment analysis are carried out with the help of X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for the identification of possible source of ions in water from rock and soil weathering. The dominant minerals which include quartz, muscovite, plagioclase, and orthoclase are reported in the area. The study further utilizes the multivariate statistical techniques for handling large and complex datasets in order to get better information about the groundwater quality. The following statistical methods such as cluster analysis (CA), factor analysis (FA), and principal component analysis (PCA) are applied to handle the large datasets and to understand the latent structure of the data. Through FA/PCAs, we have identified a total of 3 factors in pre-monsoon and 4 factors in post-monsoon season, which are responsible for the whole data structure. These factors explain 77.62 and 82.39% of the total variance of the pre- and post-monsoon datasets. On the other hand, CA depicted the regions that have similar pollutants origin. The average value of synthetic pollution index of groundwater during pre-monsoon is 9.27, while during post-monsoon, it has been recorded as 8.74. On the other hand, the average values of water quality index of groundwater during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons are found as 217.59 and 233.02, respectively. The study indicates that there occurs an extensive urbanization with gradual vast development of various small- and large-scale industries, which is responsible for degradation in water quality. The overall analysis reveals that the agricultural runoff, waste disposal, leaching, and irrigation with wastewater are the main causes of groundwater pollution followed by some degree of pollution from geogenic sources such as rock and soil weathering, confirmed through XRD analysis.

Multi-phonon assisted upconversion emission and power dependence studies in LaF3:Er3+ phosphor

LaF3:Er3+ phosphor is synthesized through chemical precipitation method and its upconversion (UC) emission studies have carried out using 532-nm excitation. Phosphor has shown two-photon absorption UV bands at the 325 nm, 342 nm, 383 nm, 403 nm and 411 nm wavelengths. At relatively higher excitation powers multi-phonon assisted energy migration from 2H11/2 (4S3/2) level to the upper 4F3/2, 4F5/2 and 4F7/2 levels has observed and this energy migration opened new channel of emission at 440 nm, 453 nm and 488 nm due to the 4F3/2→4I15/2, 4F5/2→4I15/2 and 4F7/2→4I15/2 transitions, respectively. Temperature dependent UC measurement is also done and observed emission pattern is correlated with the power dependence studies. Upconversion bands at 411 and 488 nm wavelengths have shown reversal in intensity as either excitation power or sample temperature is increased and hence these two bands are found to act as optical switch. Planck blackbody like continuum emission has also observed at higher excitation powers.

Adulticidal activity of essential oil of Lantana camara leaves against mosquitoes

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Development of insect resistance to synthetic pesticides, high operational cost and environmental pollution have created the need for developing alternative approaches to control vector-borne diseases. In the present study we have investigated the insecticidal activity of essential oil isolated from the leaves of Lantana camara against mosquito vectors.

METHODS

Essential oil was isolated from the leaves of L. camara using hydro-distillation method. Bioassay test was carried out by WHO method for determination of adulticidal activity against mosquitoes. Different compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.

RESULTS

LD(50) values of the oil were 0.06, 0.05, 0.05, 0.05 and 0.06 mg/cm(2) while LD(90) values were 0.10, 0.10, 0.09, 0.09 and 0.10 mg/cm(2) against Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. culicifacies, An. fluvialitis and An. stephensi respectively. KDT(50) of the oil were 20, 18, 15, 12, and 14 min and KDT(90) values were 35, 28 25, 18, 23 min against Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. culicifacies, An. fluviatilis and An. stephensi, respectively on 0.208 mg/cm(2) impregnated paper. Studies on persistence of essential oil of L. camara on impregnated paper revealed that it has more adulticidal activity for longer period at low storage temperature. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of essential oil showed 45 peaks. Caryophyllene (16.37%), eucalyptol (10.75%), alpha-humelene (8.22%) and germacrene (7.41%) were present in major amounts and contributed 42.75 per cent of the total constituents.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Essential oil from the leaves of L. camara possesses adulticidal activity against different mosquito species that could be utilized for development of oil-based insecticide as supplementary to synthetic insecticides.

Photoluminescence studies on Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S:Mn2+ nanocrystals

Highly monodispersed, undoped and doped with Mn2+, binary and ternary (CdS, ZnS, Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S) compound semiconductor nanocrystals have been synthesized by co-precipitation method using citric acid as a stabilizer. As prepared sample are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Small angle X-ray scattering, Transmission electron microscope, Optical absorption and Photoluminescence spectroscopy, for their optical and structural properties. X-ray diffraction, Small angle X-ray scattering and Transmission electron microscope results confirm the preparation of monodispersed nanocrystals. Photoluminescence studies show a significant blue shift in the wavelength with an increasing concentration of Zn in alloy nanocrystals.

Insecticidal activity of Valeriana jatamansi (Valerianaceae) against mosquitoes

A root extract of Valeriana jatamansi (code BAL-O) exhibited larvicidal and adulticidal activity against different mosquito species. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of BAL-O against larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles culicifacies, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus were 68.1, 42.8, 51.2, 53.8, and 80.6 mg/liter, respectively. The LC50 and the 90% lethal concentration against adult An. stephensi, An. culicifacies, Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus were 0.14, 0.16, 0.09, 0.08, and 0.17 and 0.24, 0.34, 0.25, 0.21, and 0.28 mg/cm2, respectively. The median knock-down time and 90% knock-down time of the fraction were 13, 13, 12, 13, and 18 and 24, 25, 21, 20, and 42 min against An. stephensi, An. culicifacies, Ae. aegypti, An. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively, using 0.28 mg/cm2 impregnated papers. The median effective time and 90% effective time against An. stephensi at 4 degrees C were 46.6 and 8.7 days, and at 29 degrees C, 25.5 and 5.6 days, respectively. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of BAL-O showed 2-butanone,4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-l-yl) (10.11%), patchouli alcohol (8.55%), cubenol (5.97%), caryophyllene oxide (5.46%), cadinol (5.23%), and aristolene (5.19%).

Larvivorous activity of Poecilia reticulata against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae in a polluted water drain in Hardwar, India

The efficacy of the larvivorous fish Poecilia reticulata against mosquito larvae was monitored in a drain at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Hardwar, India. The water was polluted and the water flow was in some way impeded. Poecilia reticulata failed to feed on Culex quinquefasciatus larvae in this drain. Laboratory experiments also confirmed the inefficacy of P. reticulata as a predator of Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae during the first 24 h. Significant differences in the efficacy of P. reticulata against Cx. quinquefasciatus were recorded between polluted water and drinking water. Poecilia reticulata preferred to feed on other available food present in the polluted water rather than on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. This was verified by the identification of plankton in the gut content of the fish and by the high density of plankton present in the polluted water.

Larvicidal activity of Hibiscus abelmoschus Linn. (Malvaceae) against mosquitoes

The larvicidal activity of roots of Hibiscus abelmoschus was evaluated against the larvae of mosquitoes in the genera Anopheles and Culex. Mean median lethal concentration values of the aqueous extract from the roots of H. abelmoschus against the larvae of Anopheles culicifacies, An. stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus were 52.3, 52.6, and 43.8 ppm, respectively. Efficacy of fraction code HAM-4 decreased with an increase in water depth when sprayed at a dose calculated by surface area. Fraction code HAM-4 at the rate of 82 ppm showed 91.1% reduction of larval An. stephensi in a tank, whereas 87.4% reduction of larval Cx. quinquefaisciatus occurred in a blocked drain 24 h after application of HAM-4 under field conditions.

Studies on bionomics of Anopheles fluviatilis and its sibling species in Nainital district, U.P

A study on the bionomics of Anopheles fluviatilis sensu lato was carried out in two physiographic regions, viz. Bhabar and Terai of District Nainital, Uttar Pradesh. In both areas, An. fluviatilis was found resting indoors predominantly in cattlesheds. Cytological examination of An. fluviatilis revealed that species T and U were sympatric in Bhabar and Terai villages with predominance of species T. These two sibling species appear to be poor vectors of malaria.

Repellency of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) flowers against Aedes mosquitoes

The repellent effect of Lantana camara flowers was evaluated against Aedes mosquitoes. Lantana flower extract in coconut oil provided 94.5% protection from Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti. The mean protection time was 1.9 h. One application of Lantana flower can provide more than 50% protection up to 4 h against the possible bites of Aedes mosquitoes. No adverse effects of the human volunteers were observed through 3 months after the application.

Bionomics of vector anophelines in District Naini Tal, Uttar Pradesh

Breeding behaviour and seasonal prevalence of vector anopheline in different habitats associated with rice land agroecosystem of terai and bhabar area of District Naini Tal was studied from July 1992 to June 1994. Adult prevalence in both the areas shows two distinct An. fluviatilis peaks in the months of March and October and the breeding places for the species were pokhars in bhabar and stream and irrigation drains in terai. Prevalence of adult An. culicifacies was observed during July to August in bhabar and April and August in terai. In bhabar high immature density of An. culicifacies was noted mainly in tanks, pokhars and paddy fields (early transplantation period). In terai high immature density of An. culicifacies was noted in stream, while low in paddy fields. Higher prevalence of immatures and adult anopheline vectors coincide with peak malaria incidence in both the areas. In bhabar in the months of August and September large number of malaria cases were contributed by An. culicifacies and in November by An. fluviatilis. In terai, malaria cases in April and from June to September were contributed by An. culicifacies, whereas An. fluviatilis might be responsible for transmission in October.

Investigation of malaria outbreak in Rajasthan

Jaisalmer and Barmer districts in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan experienced an unprecedented rains during 1994 leading to an outbreak of malaria. Investigations were carried out at three sites in two districts (i) Pokaran PHC and (ii) Nachana PHC in Jaisalmer district and Dhorimana in Barmer district during November 1994. Epidemiological and entomological studies in Pokaran PHC revealed presence of small foci of stable malaria. These foci were maintained by large bodies of water (ponds/lakes) drained from surrounding areas and spread over 1 to 5 sq km. Slide positivity rate (SPR), slide falciparum rate (SfR) and child spleen rate (SR) were 60.1, 56.9 and 86.9%, respectively with 3 deaths reported. Adjoining villages experienced epidemic reporting deaths fed by the reservoir from these stable foci. An. culicifacies and An. stephensi were the major malaria vectors. Nachana PHC recorded stable malaria foci of irrigation malaria due to introduction of Indira Gandhi Canal (IGC). SPR, SfR and SR recorded were 52.35, 50.58 and 80.8%, respectively. Transmission appeared to be maintained by An. stephensi, An. culicifacies and An. fluviatilis in relays. An. fluviatilis seems to have established breeding in silted grassy margins of IGC. Dhorimana PHC in border district was also found to be a stable malaria foci although with low malaria indices. However, An. culicifacies and expanded breeding potential of An. stephensi were the main factors in maintaining malaria endemicity in the region.

Evidence for general hypocalcemic hormone from the stannius corpuscles of the freshwater catfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bl)

The present data reveal that (a) the Stannius corpuscles (CS) of Ompok bimaculatus are active even in their natural freshwater environment (0.4 mM Ca2+/liter) and produce hypocalcemic hormone or stanniocalcin, which lowers the Ca level in normal freshwater fish injected with 0.2 ml of CS extract (1 mg of CS) per fish, (b) this hypocalcemic activity is enhanced in fish that are adapted to a calcium-rich environment (0.6% CaCl2 solution), and (c) adaptation to this calcium-rich environment leads to hypercalcemia in fish. Administration of the extract (from fish previously reared in 0.6% CaCl2 medium) to hypercalcemic fish leads to severe hypocalcemic conditions. It is suggested that the CS of O. bimaculatus produce a general hypocalcemic hormone which is active in the natural freshwater environment (with 0.4 mM Ca2+/liter) and whose activity is enhanced under hypercalcemic conditions after adaptation to a calcium-rich habitat.

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)--certain facts

Never has one disease caused so much fuss in the debate over the rights of the individual and the safety of the community. AIDS has managed to bring out the worst in our irrational fears about the unknown, as well as to crystallise all our bigotry and prejudices. Knowledge about AIDS and how it spreads are essential to combating it.

The relationship between the ovary and the corpuscles of Stannius of the catfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch)

The corpuscles of Stannius (CS) of Ompok bimaculatus showed signs of inactivation as revealed by a significant decrease in cellular and nuclear diameters (P less than 0.001) 10 days after ovariectomy. This was accompanied by accumulation of aldehyde fuchsine-positive granules in the cytoplasm. Estradiol injection partially restored the normal secretory activity of the CS cells. Estradiol administration to unoperated normal fish led to hyperactivity of the CS cells including increased cellular and nuclear diameters (P less than 0.001) and depletion of granules from the cytoplasm.

Comparative studies on some histocytochemical aspects of the caudal neurosecretory system of two freshwater teleosts, Clupeisoma garua (Ham.) and Ambasis ranga (Ham.)

Histocytochemical aspects of the caudal neurosecretory system of Clupeisoma garua and Ambasis ranga have been described with the help of certain histocytochemical techniques. Dalhgren cells perikarya show positive reactions for RNA and Nissl substances. These cells produce a proteinaceous secretion which contains NH2-group and aromatic amino acids. Lipid and phospholipid may be associated with the secretion. Predominant proteinaceous secretion lacks carbohydrates having 1: 2 oxidable glycol group, glycogen, acid mucopolysaccharides, and amino acids having--SS/--SH groups.

Studies on the histomorphology of the caudal neurosecretory system and its neurohaemal organ of a freshwater teleost, Colisa fasciatus (Bloch and Schneider) (Anabantidae, Perciformes)

The caudal neurosecretory system of Colisa fasciatus has been studied light microscopically. It consists of Dahlgren cells present in the spinal-cord corresponding to the last three vertebrae, their processes and a lobate neurohaemal organ (urophysis) situated inside the centrum of the urostyle. Spinal-cord behind the urophysis continues as filum-terminale. Urophysis may be divided into feabily developed central medulla and well developed peripheral cortex. Herring-bodies are present in the medullary part of the urophysis. Dahlgren cells, their axons and Herring bodies show similar tinctorial responses. They are stainable with acid dyes but do not take up Aldehyde fuchsin and Gomori's chromealum hematoxylin. Present histomorphological study revealed that the urophysis and the caudal neurosecretory system of this fish is highly developed. No sex dependent variation have been observed in the histology of the urophysis and Dahlgren cells of adult females and males.