Structural, optical and antibacterial activity of pure and co-doped (Fe & Ni) tin oxide nanoparticles

In this investigation, ferric (Fe) and nickel (Ni) co-doped tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles structural, optical, morphological, and antibacterial characteristics were synthesised, characterised, and examined. By employing SnCl₂·2H₂O and the transition metal precursors FeCl₃ and NiCl₂·6H₂O with various Fe/Ni molar ratios, thermal annealing was carried out at a high temperature (700 °C). X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL), FT-IR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray techniques (EDX) were used to examine the materials' structural, chemical, optical, morphological, and anti-microbial capabilities. The average particle size of pure and co-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles was determined to be around 52 nm and 15 nm, and SnO₂ crystallites were observed to present tetragonal rutile structure with space group P_42/mmm (No.136). Metal ions were replaced in the Sn lattice, as shown by Fe and Ni co-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles. Pure and co-doped samples have capsule and sphere-like features in their SEM morphology. Using UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, the optical property was examined, and it was observed that the band gaps for pure and co-doped SnO₂ were 3.73 eV and 3.53 eV, respectively. The functional groups and incorporation of Fe and Ni in the prepared powder were also validated by FT-IR and EDX studies. By utilising the agar well diffusion technique and Nutrient agar, the antibacterial properties of pure, Ni-Fe co-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles annealed at 700 °C were assessed. They were evaluated against various Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus pheumoniae) and Gram-negative bacteria (Shigella dysenteria). The zone of incubation was found against the Gram +Ve and Gram -Ve bacterial strains.

Sunlight-driven rapid and facile synthesis of Silver nanoparticles using Allium ampeloprasum extract with enhanced antioxidant and antifungal activity

Green nanotechnology has acquired immense demand due to its cost-effective, eco-friendly and benevolent approach for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Among the biological methods, plants aid as a significant green resource for synthesizing nanoparticles that are safe and non-toxic for human use. In the present investigation, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using bulbs extract of Allium ampeloprasum under the influence of sunlight irradiation and characterized using different techniques. Distinct in-vitro assays were performed to test the antioxidant and anticandida potential of the synthesized AgNPs. Results suggested the efficient and rapid sunlight-driven synthesis of AgNPs using A. ampeloprasum extract. UV–Vis spectrum showed absorption peak at 446 nm which confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis suggested the presence of functional groups associated with flavonoids and sulfur compounds in A. ampeloprasum extract. The synthesized AgNPs showed Face Centred Cubic (FCC) structure with an average size of 35 nm. Spherical, quasi spherical, triangular and ellipsoidal morphology of the NPs were observed from the TEM micrograph. The synthesized AgNPs showed pronounced free radical scavenging potential for DPPH, ABTS∙+ and H₂O₂ radicals. The anticandida potency of the synthesized AgNPs was observed as follows: C. albicans ≥ C. tropicalis ≥ C. glabrata ≥ C. parapsilosis ≥ C. krusei. Results showed that sunlight driven nanoparticle synthesis of AgNPs is rapid, facile and exhibit enhanced antioxidant and antifungal activity.

Characterization and distribution of microplastics and plastic debris along Silver Beach, Southern India

Microplastics are causing serious environmental threats worldwide. To evaluate the current state of microplastics pollution, 28 sediment samples were examined for microplastics and plastic debris contamination along Silver Beach, Southern India. Visual identification followed by FT-IR spectroscopy was used to estimate the overall distribution and characterization of plastic debris. The results reveal that white-colored (44%) and irregularly-shaped (82%) plastics are prevalent in the study area. Moreover, the dominant polymer in the study area is polyvinyl chloride (79%) followed by polyethylene (14%) and nylon (7%). Based on size fractions, mesoplastics are widely distributed in the beach sediments (65%), followed by microplastics (18%) and macroplastics (17%). The regional sources of plastic debris are tourism and fishing activities followed by storm water runoff through the Gadilam river and wave-induced deposition through high tides. Strict policy measures need to be implemented in recreational beaches like Silver beach to reduce plastic pollution.

Development of RT-PCR degenerate primers for the detection of two mandariviruses infecting citrus cultivars in India

Indian citrus ringspot virus (ICRSV) and Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) are the mandariviruses infecting various citrus cultivars in India and around the world. In the fields, it was observed that citrus plants infected by both the viruses and frequently expressed only ringspot symptoms. The ICRSV-specific polyclonal-antibody used in immuno-sorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) and enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) could detect only ICRSV in mixed infections. Therefore, the conserved sequences of the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene of the alphaflexiviruses were exploited for developing a RT-PCR based assay for detection of both the mandariviruses simultaneously, if present. A degenerate primer pair was designed to amplify a ∼435bp fragment by multiple alignments of the RdRP gene sequences of the members of genera Mandarivirus, Potexvirus and Allexivirus. The developed RT-PCR assay was validated for detecting both, CYVCV and ICRSV in mixed infections as well as in single virus-infected citrus plants. The presence of ICRSV or CYVCV or both of them together in such plants were confirmed by using primer pair specific to each of these viruses. Further, the identity of the amplicons was confirmed by sequencing and the virus species were determined with BLASTN analysis. The degenerate primers also amplified the corresponding target sequences of an allexivirus and a potexvirus from the respective infected garlic/ onion and tobacco plants. The use of the degenerate primers for the detection of these virus species of the genus Mandarivirus will be useful in citrus certification programmes.

Genome characterization of citrus yellow vein-clearing virus: limited heterogeneity of viral genomes in Mandarivirus-infecting different citrus species

Citrus yellow vein-clearing virus (CYVCV) is a mandarivirus infecting citrus producing yellow vein-clearing symptoms. The leaf samples collected during surveys of different citrus-growing areas in India exhibited diverse symptoms and 40% of the plants were positive for CYVCV in RT-PCR, indicating the wide distribution of the virus in India. It was reported for first time that CYVCV infects kinnow mandarin and sweet oranges and produces chlorotic ringspots symptoms identical to Indian citrus ringspot virus (ICRSV). The complete genome sequences of CYVCV infecting four citrus cultivars have been deciphered through overlapping primers. All the four genomes comprise of 7531 nucleotides excluding the 3' poly (A) tail. The sequence identity of genomes of four CYVCV isolates in the present study ranged from 95.2 to 99.8% with genome sequences of 31 CYVCV isolates available in public domain and the mean genomic diversity was 0.017, indicating low level of heterogeneity. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that CYVCV isolates from India, Pakistan, and Turkey were clustered in the same clad apart from China isolates. The least normalized dN/dS mean value (0.092) indicated that RdRP region evolved under relatively stronger selection constraints than the other five coding regions of CYVCV. The four intragenic putative recombination events detected in RDP4 program occurred naturally in CYVCV genome, indicating the evolutionary progress of the virus. Tajima's and Fu and Li's D parameters were performed using genomic sequences in DnaSP v5 program and the retrieved negative values indicated the presence of limited genetic variability in CYVCV genomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on molecular characterization of CYVCV from India. It will be helpful in understanding the evolutionary relationship of CYVCV and ICRSV.

Applications of next generation high throughput sequencing technologies in characterization, discovery and molecular interaction of plant viruses

Present era of molecular biology is witnessing revolutionary developments in sequencing technology. This advancement has considerably influenced plant virology in the field of diagnostics and host virus interaction. Next generation high-throughput sequencing technology has made it possible to directly detect, identify and discover novel viruses in several plants in an unbiased manner without antibodies or prior knowledge of the virus sequences. Entire viral genome could be sequenced from symptomatic or asymptomatic plants through next generation sequencing of total nucleic acids including small RNAs. It provides census of viral population in a particular ecosystem or cropping system. Viral genome variability, evolution within the host and virus defence mechanism in plants can also be easily understood by massive parallel sequencing. In this article, we provide an overview of the applications of next generation sequencing technology in characterization, discovery and molecular interaction of plant viruses.

First Report of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 Infecting Grapevines in India

Viticulture, one of the most remunerative farming enterprises of India, is seriously affected by leafroll disease, which accounts for 62% of the losses in grape production worldwide due to viral diseases (4). Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 and 1 (GLRaV-3 and GLRaV-1) of the family Closteroviridae are the two most common viruses associated with the leafroll disease of grapevine (1). GLRaV-3 was previously confirmed in India through RT-PCR, cloning, and sequencing (2). A survey was conducted during 2010 and 2011 in the Nashik and Pune regions of western India and reddening of interveinal areas and downward rolling, typical symptoms of leafroll disease in dark fruited cultivars, were observed, first in 2010 and subsequently in 2011. Fourteen leafroll symptomatic samples from seven cultivars of seven vineyards were collected during 2011. Samples were subjected to double antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA using commercially available antibodies against GLRaV-3 and GLRaV-1 (Bioreba, Reinach, Switzerland) (2). An asymptomatic sample from another cultivar of a different vineyard and samples from two plantlets of two different cultivars produced in tissue culture were used as negative controls. GLRaV-1 was detected in two cultivars, Shiraj (Nashik region) and Pinot Noir (Pune region) using DAS-ELISA. GLRaV-1 was detected either alone in cultivar Pinot Noir or as mixed infection with GLRaV-3 in cultivar Shiraj. To further confirm the presence of GLRaV-1 in these two cultivars, crude extract from petioles of these two cultivars were subjected to one step reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using GLRaV-1 specific primers pORF9F and pORF9R (GGCTCGAGATGGCGTCACTTATACCTA and CCTCTAGACACCAAATTGCTAGCGA, respectively) (3). The ˜650 bp amplicons were cloned in pGEM-T easy vector and three independent clones of each amplicon were sequenced in both directions. The cloned amplified product was 646 bp, including 630 bp of p24 protein (ORF9) of GLRaV-1. Comparative sequence analysis, using the BioEdit 7.0.3 program ( http://www.mbio.ncsu.edu/BioEdit/BioEdit.html ), of ORF9 of the virus under study from the cultivars Pinot Noir and Shiraj shared maximum sequence identity of 95.8 and 96.1%, respectively, at the nucleotide level with the Clatervine isolate from the United States (GenBank Accession No. HQ833477). The corresponding values of maximum identities at the amino acid level were 96.6 and 96.1%, respectively, with the same Clatervine isolate. The maximum identity between these two isolates of GLRaV-1 was 96.1% at nucleotide level and 95.7% at amino acid level. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of GLRaV-1 from India. Grape production in India could be impacted by this virus; thus, identification of the virus is important. References: (1) B. Akbas et al. Hort. Sc. (Prague). 36: 97, 2009. (2) S. Kumar et al. Virus Genes. 45:195, 2012. (3) A. Little and M. A. Rezaian. Arch. Virol. 151:753, 2006. (4) A. Little et al. Virus Res. 80:109, 2001.

7-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-4,9-dimethyl-N-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-5,12-diaza-tetra-phen-6-amine

In the title compound, C(32)H(27)N(3)O, the fused tetra-cycilc ring system is essentially planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.07 (7) Å]. An intra-molecular N-H⋯π(arene) inter-action and a weak intra-molecular C-H⋯N hydrogen bond may influence the mol-ecular conformation. In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers, forming R(2) (2)(14) motifs. In addition, weak π-π stacking inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances in the range 3.578 (1)-3.739 (1) Å provide further stabilization.

4-Chloro-6-methyl-N-(4-methyl-phen-yl)quinolin-2-amine

In the title compound C(17)H(15)ClN(2), the dihedral angle between the quinoline ring system and the phenyl ring is 50.18 (6)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains running along the c axis by N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds.

2,9-Dimethyl-7-phenyl-N-(4-methylphenyl)dibenzo[b,h][1,6]naphthyridin-6-amine

The title compound, C₃₁H₂₅N₃, was synthesized from 6,4′,4′′-trimethyl-2,4-bis­(N-phenyl­amino)­quinoline and is the first structural example containing a phenyl and phenyl­amino fragment attached to a fused dibenzo[1,6]naphthyridine moiety. The fused tetra­cyclic ring system is essentially planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.08 (3) Å]. The phenyl ring and the phenyl­amino group are inclined by 82.68 (6) and 35.31 (5)°, respectively, to the mean plane of the fused tetra­cyclic ring system. A weak intra­molecular N—H⋯π(arene) inter­action may in part influence the conformation of the mol­ecule. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by weak inter­molecular C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds into centrosymmetric dimers. Additional stabilization is provided by weak C—H⋯π and π–π stacking inter­actions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.834 (2) and 3.898 (1) Å].

7-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)-2,6,9-trimethyl-dibenzo[b,h][1,6]naphthyridine

In the title compound, C(25)H(19)ClN(2), the dibenzo[b,h][1,6]naphthyridine system is planar to within 0.16 (2) Å, and the chloro-phenyl ring is inclined to it by 82.53 (7)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating in [100]. There are also a number of weak π-π stacking inter-actions present [centroid-centroid distances = 3.8531 (1) and 3.7631 (1) Å].

2-Chloro-7-methyl-12-phenyldibenzo[b,g][1,8]naphthyridin-11(6H)-one

In the title compound, C₂₃H₁₅ClN₂O, the fused ring system is planar: the deviation of all the non-H atoms from the plane through all four fused rings is less than 0.31 Å. The plane of the phenyl ring is inclined at 71.78 (5)° to the mean plane of the 1,8-naphthrydine ring system. The crystal structure is devoid of any classical hydrogen bonds but π–π inter­actions are present.

Synthesis, growth and characterization of new borate-mixed crystals of type (NH4)1-xKxB5O8

New borate-mixed crystals of type (NH4)1-x KxB5O8 were grown from aqueous solution by slow solvent evaporation method. The mixed crystals were confirmed by atomic absorption studies (AAS) and characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman), optical absorption and solubility studies. The second harmonic generation efficiencies of the parent and mixed crystals were studied and compared with that of KDP.

Cytoplasmic colloid inclusions in thyroid lesions: a cytomorphological study based on fine needle aspiration

INTRODUCTION

Intracytoplasmic lumens (ICL) with or without magenta material and transgressing vessels are features of Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCN). After detection of intracytoplasmic colloid inclusions (CIs) including targetoid (magenta) body-like structures in the Hürthle cells (HC) in a case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), we reviewed cases of HT, thyroid neoplasms, hyperplastic nodules (HN) and colloid goitres to determine the frequency of these structures. Further, an attempt was made to find out the significance of CIs.

METHODS

FNA smears of 120 HT, 101 colloid goitres, 11 HN, and 76 neoplastic goitres were examined. The presence of CIs and empty ICL were noted in epithelial cells in these lesions. An attempt was made to find out the difference between HT with and without CIs in respect of various cytomorphologic features. The groups were compared using the Fisher's exact test of probability.

RESULTS

The CIs were present in 36 (30.0%) of HT, 26 (34.2%) of neoplastic goitres, 3 (27.3%) of HN, and 4 (4.0%) colloid goitres. As compared to colloid goitres, CIs were present in a significant higher number of cases in HN (P = 0.0202), neoplastic goitres (P < 0.0001), and HT (P < 0.0001). Among neoplasms the frequency of CIs in HCN (75.0%) was significantly higher than that of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (33.3%, P = 0.0466), and follicular neoplasm (14.3%, P = 0.0083). The CIs were more frequent in HC in HT and HCN but in follicular cells (FC) in other lesions. The HT cases with CIs differed significantly from those without CIs in respect of HC and their cellularity, cellularity of reactive lymphoid cells, extracellular colloid and empty ICL.

CONCLUSION

Care should be taken not to diagnose HT cases with an excessive Hürthle cell component and CIs, and PTC cases with Hürthlization and CIs, as HCN in FNA smears. Based on review of the literature and our findings, it is suggested that the Hürthle cell metaplasia in HT is a survival response of FC and the presence of CIs in Hürthle cell may represent their limited ability to synthesize colloid.

Interleukins in preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a multisystemic disorder of unknown etiology. Recently, endothelial damage has been implicated in its cause. The objective of this study was to determine the role of interleukins in the etiology of preeclampsia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-two primigravidas with preeclampsia but without any clinical evidence of infection and 32 age-matched primigravidas with uncomplicated normal pregnancies were investigated. Phlebotomy was performed at 32 weeks of gestation and blood collected for immunoassays of interleukin-2 (IL2), interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), using commercially available immunoassay kits.

RESULTS

Although the maternal plasma concentrations of IL-2 and IL-2R were slightly higher in normal pregnant women (76.3+/-13.7 pg/mL and 526.3+/-47.1 pg/mL, respectively) than in women with preeclampsia (57.8+/-10.8 pg/mL and 476.9+/-33.9 pg/mL, respectively), the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, maternal plasma IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in normal pregnancy (158.0+/-35.4 pg/mL and 5163.6+/-800 pg/mL, respectively) than in pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia (60.0+/-13.7 pg/mL and 2495.8+/-729.4 pg/mL, respectively). On the other hand, maternal plasma concentration of IL-10 was significantly higher (P<0.05) in preeclampsia (93.2+/-24.1 pg/mL) than in normal pregnancy (31.07+/-7.0 pg/mL).

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the elevated maternal plasma IL-10 concentration in preeclampsia may be a protective response to maternal immunorejection.

Serum concentrations of interleukin 6, osteocalcin, intact parathyroid hormone, and markers of bone resorption in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), osteocalcin, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and type 1 collagen carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP) as well as the urinary concentrations of crosslinked N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to investigate their role in the etiology of the osteopenia in this disease.

METHODS

Using ELISA and radioimmunoassay methods, we estimated serum concentrations of IL-6, osteocalcin, ICTP, intact PTH, and spot urine concentrations of NTx and Dpd in 25 female patients with active RA, 25 female patients with suppressed disease, and 25 age matched healthy female controls.

RESULTS

Patients with active RA had significantly higher (p < 0.001) concentrations of IL-6 (94.0+/-12.1 pg/ml) compared to patients with suppressed disease (13.2+/-0.8 pg/ml) and healthy controls (12.3+/-0.8 pg/ml). Serum osteocalcin was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients with active RA (1.9+/-0.2 ng/ml) compared to patients with suppressed disease (2.7+/-0.2 ng/ml) and the controls (2.9+/-0.2 ng/ml). Similarly, serum intact PTH was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients with active disease (29.9+/-1.5 ng/ml) compared to patients with suppressed RA (38.0+/-1.6 ng/ml) and controls (49.8+/-2.4 ng/ml). Serum ICTP was also significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients with active RA (9.5+/-0.3 microg/l) versus patients with suppressed disease (4.1+/-0.2 microg/l) and controls (3.4+/-0.2 microg/l). In patients with active disease, spot urine concentrations of NTx (123.1+/-5.1 nmol bone collagen equivalent/mmol creatinine) and Dpd (15.1+/-0.7 nmol/mmol creatinine) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in patients with suppressed disease (58.4+/-2.5 nmol bone collagen equivalent/mmol creatinine and 10.1+/-0.5 nmol/mmol creatinine, respectively) and healthy controls (53.4+/-2.1 nmol bone collagen equivalent/mmol creatinine and 9.7+/-0.5 nmol/mmol creatinine, respectively). There were no significant correlations between serum IL-6 and serum ICTP (r = 0.2357, p = 0.257) or urinary NTx (r = 0.1436, p = 0.494) or between serum intact PTH and ICTP (r = 0.0206, p = 0.922) in patients with active RA.

CONCLUSION

There are no significant correlations between bone resorption markers and serum IL-6 and intact PTH in patients with RA.

Urine levels of type 1 collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides and deoxypyridinoline correlate with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to find out whether spot urinary concentrations of type 1 collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides (NTx) and deoxypyridinoline (Pyrilinks-D) can differentiate between active and inactive disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to investigate the extent to which they correlate with indices of disease activity.

METHODS

Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, the concentrations of NTx and Pyrilinks-D were estimated in spot urine samples from 25 females with active disease, 25 females with inactive disease, and in 25 controls.

RESULTS

In Patients with active disease, urinary concentrations of NTx and Pyrilinks-D were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in those with inactive disease or in healthy controls. In active disease there were significant positive correlation between urinary NTx and ESR, the swollen joint count, the tender joint count, and the patient's global assessment.

Serum B2-microglobulin concentration correlates with urinary concentrations of type 1 collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides and deoxypyridinoline in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Determination of serum ss2-microglobulin concentration, an invasive procedure, has been advocated for monitoring patientsA centAA response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. The object of this study was to find out if serum ss2-microglobulin concentration correlated with urinary excretions of type 1 collagen crosslinked N-telopeptides (NTx) and deoxypyridinoline (Pyrilinks-D) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using chemiluminiscent assay, serum ss2-microglobulin concentrations were estimated in 25 female patients with active RA, 25 female with inactive disease, and 25 age-matched healthy female controls. Concentrations of NTx and Pyrilinks-D were also determined by immunoabsorbent assays in spot urine samples from these subject groups.

RESULTS

The serum concentration of ss2-microglobulin in patients with RA (7.45+/-2.10 mg/L) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than the concentrations in patients with inactive disease (3.33+/-0.76 mg/L), or than in normal healthy controls (2.747plusmn;0.52 mg/L). Similarly, in patients with active RA, the spot urinary concentrations of NTx (123.08+/-25.53 nmol BCE/mmol creatinine) and Pyrilinks-D (15.087plusmn;3.29 nmol/mmol creatinine) were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those in patients with inactive disease (58.42AA+/-12.65 nmol BCE/mmol creatinine and 10.10+/-2.43 nmol/mmol creatinine, respectively). In patients with active RA, serum concentration of ss2-microglobulin correlated positively with spot urinary NTx concentrations (r=0.9910, P=0.0001), and Pyrilinks-D concentration (r=0.6177, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with active RA, the spot urinary concentrations of NTx and Pyrilinks-D correlated positively with serum AA2-microglobulin. Therefore, the estimations of these urinary markers may take the place of serum ss2-microglobulin estimation in monitoring the patientA centAAs response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis.

Reference intervals for some serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism in Kuwait

Using the Hitachi 717 Selective Multichannel analyser, we established reference intervals for serum albumin (37-9 g/l); measured serum calcium (2.14-2.54 mmol/l); corrected serum calcium (2.25-2.60 mmol/l); serum phosphate (0.74-1.60 mmol/l); and alkaline phosphatase (47.0-289.6 U/l) in the Kuwaiti population. The mean concentrations of calcium and phosphate decreased with increasing age in both sexes except for a sudden increase in women at about menopause. Although there was a skewed distribution of alkaline phosphatase in both sexes there was a significant increase in enzyme activity in women after the age of 50 years. Using corrected serum calcium we found that 15% of women in the reproductive age group in Kuwait had hypocalcaemia.

Is the 'rejection reaction' inducing ability in sporophytic self-incompatible systems restricted only to pollen and tapetum?

The present investigation describes the stigmatic rejection response, induced by anther or pollen at developmental stages ranging from anther primordia to mature pollen, as well as in other floral and vegetative tissues. This has been studied in a sporophytic self-incompatible system, Brassica campestris (Brassicaceae). The implications of these observations have been discussed.