Modulation of mammary tumour progression using murine model by ethanol root extract of Saussurea costus (falc.) lipsch

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Breast cancer is a major cause of death among human females across the globe. The anti-neoplastic agents or therapies used for the treatment of cancers can enhance longevity but are subsequently observed to deteriorate the quality of life due to the extensive side effects produced. Saussurea costus is a potential medicinal plant of the Himalayas with noticeable ethnopharmacological properties. The phytochemicals present in Saussurea costus are responsible for anti-carcinogenic potential and warranted nil or minimal side effects of Saussurea costus and directed to use this plant as a preventive or therapeutic drug candidate against cancers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was planned to evaluate the anti-neoplastic activity of Saussurea costus root extract (SL) in rat mammary tumour model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-neoplastic activity of SL root extract at 3 different doses (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg BW) for 18 weeks against 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumours in Sprague Dawley (SD) female rats was analyzed through serum biochemistry (ALT, AST, ALP, Total protein, Creatinine and BUN), oxidative stress parameters (Lipid peroxidation, Catalase and Reduced glutathione), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and NF-κB), immunohistochemical markers (Ki-67, MMP-9 and VEGF), real-time PCR (PCNA, p53, bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3, genes) and molecular docking.

RESULTS

Inhibition of tumour parameters, minimal alteration in the liver (ALT, AST and ALP) and kidney enzymes (Creatinine and BUN), decreased activity of MDA, elevated levels of GSH and catalase, reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines i.e. TNF-α and NF-κB, reduced gross and histomorphological changes, declined expression of Ki-67, MMP-9 and VEGF in vivo rat model, mRNA expression of cancer-related genes and docking of dehydrocostus lactone and costunolide with NF-κB and TNF-α demonstrated the chemopreventive action of SL root extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The in-vivo trial elucidates anti-neoplastic activity of Saussurea costus root extract as demonstrated through the reduction of biochemical indices, oxidative stress parameters, histological changes, pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB and TNF-α), cellular proliferation (Ki-67), metastases (MMP-9) and neovascularization (VEGF) markers with highest anti-neoplastic effect of SL extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. Therefore, the present study signifies the need to use the active principles present in the root extract of Saussurea costus against breast cancer as a therapeutic regimen.

Design and development of mechanical test bench for testing and calibration of multiple blood pressure measuring devices

Blood pressure (BP) measurement is an important physiological parameter for human health monitoring, which plays a significant role in the diagnosis of many incurable diseases. However, due to inaccuracies in the different types of BP measuring devices, the calibration of these BP measuring instruments is a major concern for a medical practitioner. Currently, these devices' calibration, testing, and validation are performed using rigorous methods with complex clinical trials and following the available documentary standards. This article describes the design and development of an indigenous mechanical test bench (MTB) system for the testing and calibration of multiple BP devices, as per International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) recommended documents e.g., OIML R 16-1 and OIML R 16-2. The developed system can test and calibrate 20 BP devices, simultaneously. The traceability of the developed MTB is established by performing its calibration against the Air Piston Gauge, a national primary vacuum standard. The estimated expanded measurement uncertainty evaluated is found to be ±0.11 mmHg, which is almost one order better than the measurement uncertainty required for the test and calibration of BP measuring instruments as per standard. The MTB has successfully been used to test and calibrate several BP measuring instruments. The data of one such device is reported herein as an indicator of the performance process. The calibration of these BP measuring instruments was performed in the static mode, and the estimated expanded measurement uncertainty was found to be ±1.25 mmHg. The developed MTB system would prove to be an excellent instrument for calibration laboratories, hospitals, regulatory agencies, and other users to test and calibrate 20 BP measuring devices simultaneously and cost-effectively.

Fusarium and allied fusarioid taxa (FUSA). 1

Seven Fusarium species complexes are treated, namely F. aywerte species complex (FASC) (two species), F. buharicum species complex (FBSC) (five species), F. burgessii species complex (FBURSC) (three species), F. camptoceras species complex (FCAMSC) (three species), F. chlamydosporum species complex (FCSC) (eight species), F. citricola species complex (FCCSC) (five species) and the F. concolor species complex (FCOSC) (four species). New species include Fusicolla elongata from soil (Zimbabwe), and Neocosmospora geoasparagicola from soil associated with Asparagus officinalis (Netherlands). New combinations include Neocosmospora akasia, N. awan, N. drepaniformis, N. duplosperma, N. geoasparagicola, N. mekan, N. papillata, N. variasi and N. warna. Newly validated taxa include Longinectria gen. nov., L. lagenoides, L. verticilliforme, Fusicolla gigas and Fusicolla guangxiensis. Furthermore, Fusarium rosicola is reduced to synonymy under N. brevis. Finally, the genome assemblies of Fusarium secorum (CBS 175.32), Microcera coccophila (CBS 310.34), Rectifusarium robinianum (CBS 430.91), Rugonectria rugulosa (CBS 126565), and Thelonectria blattea (CBS 952.68) are also announced here. Citation: Crous PW, Sandoval-Denis M, Costa MM, Groenewald JZ, van Iperen AL, Starink-Willemse M, Hernández-Restrepo M, Kandemir H, Ulaszewski B, de Boer W, Abdel-Azeem AM, Abdollahzadeh J, Akulov A, Bakhshi M, Bezerra JDP, Bhunjun CS, Câmara MPS, Chaverri P, Vieira WAS, Decock CA, Gaya E, Gené J, Guarro J, Gramaje D, Grube M, Gupta VK, Guarnaccia V, Hill R, Hirooka Y, Hyde KD, Jayawardena RS, Jeewon R, Jurjević Ž, Korsten L, Lamprecht SC, Lombard L, Maharachchikumbura SSN, Polizzi G, Rajeshkumar KC, Salgado-Salazar C, Shang Q-J, Shivas RG, Summerbell RC, Sun GY, Swart WJ, Tan YP, Vizzini A, Xia JW, Zare R, González CD, Iturriaga T, Savary O, Coton M, Coton E, Jany J-L, Liu C, Zeng Z-Q, Zhuang W-Y, Yu Z-H, Thines M (2022). Fusarium and allied fusarioid taxa (FUSA). 1. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 9: 161-200. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.09.08.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (bht) improves the post-thaw semen quality in low-dose sperm cryopreservation in murrah buffalo bull

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation is an important technique for the long-term storage of semen for artificial insemination (AI). Buffalo spermatozoa are sensitive to cryopreservation procedures because of the presence of a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of different concentrations of BHT on the quality of Murrah buffalo bull semen for low-dose cryopreservation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Semen was collected from four high fertile Murrah buffalo bulls (6 ejaculates each) using an artificial vagina. A total of 24 ejaculates were collected from each bull twice a week using an artificial vagina. Every sample was split into four parts: Control without additives; and three treatments with BHT at 0.5 mM, 1 mM or 2 mM. Semen was cryopreserved at low-dose sperm cryopreservation of 20, 15, 10 and 5 million sperm per aliquot after supplementation of BHT. Semen samples were evaluated for fresh, pre-freeze and post-thaw stages.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in sperm quality parameters, such as progressive motility (%), viability (%), HOST response (%), acrosome integrity (%) and post-thaw motility, with the addition of 0.5-1 mM BHT.

CONCLUSION

The addition of BHT in Murrah buffalo semen improves the low dose cryopreservation quality in a dose-dependent manner. doi.org/10.54680/fr23110110612.

Isolation and genetic characterization of canine adenovirus type 2 from a domestic dog showing neurological symptoms

Canine adenoviruses (CAVs) are of two types: canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), which causes infectious canine hepatitis, and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), which is mainly associated with the respiratory type of disease in dogs. Due to the widespread use of modified live vaccines to control canine adenoviral infections and subsequently reduced disease incidence, CAVs are often neglected by clinicians. Although a number of studies are available about CAV-1 prevalence in India, only meagre information is available about CAV-2. This study reports the CAV-2 infection in a vaccinated dog with neurological and respiratory symptoms which was found negative for other canine pathogens like canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus. The virus was successfully isolated from rectal swab in MDCK cells and characterized by immunofluorescence assay and virus neutralization test. On phylogenetic analysis of partial E3 region, the Indian CAV-2 grouped in a separate clade different from established subgroups. An insertion of "G" nucleotide was reported at nucleotide (nt.) position 1077 in the E3 gene of Indian CAV-2 isolates which led to a frameshift in the coding region of E3 gene thereby imparting additional eleven amino acids to its C-terminal end in comparison to isolates from other parts of the world. This may have an implication on the functional role of E3 protein inside the cell. This study reinforces the unique signature insertion in the E3 gene of Indian CAV-2 and is the second study in the world to report the association of CAV-2 with neurological disease in dogs.

Effect of Carbohydrate Loading on Resistance Exercise and Muscle Mass: A Prospective Study

The objective of the study was to assess the outcome of carbohydrate loading dietary strategy on resistance exercise and muscle mass. In this prospective study, conducted at Dr DY Patil Gym and Fitness Center, Navi Mumbai (India), young healthy male resistance-trained individuals (18-25 years) were recruited randomly. The duration for entire study was three months in the year 2019. Participants were divided into two groups (n=30 each): carbohydrate loading group and control group. Participants in the carbohydrate loading group consumed carbohydrate loading diet protocol and designed exercise program for seven days. The control group consumed a regular diet with an exercise program. Resistance exercise (strength) and body circumference (muscle mass) measurements were recorded after seven days of respective assigned diet and exercise program. In the carbohydrate loading group, performance in resistance exercise was not significant from baseline to day seven (63.5±6.45 vs. 64.0±6.75 kg; p>0.05). Changes in the arm girth (p=0.3256), thigh girth (p=0.3256) and calf girth (p=0.1608) were also not significant in the carbohydrate loading group when compared from baseline to seven days. Therefore, the result indicates that the carbohydrate loading regimen had no enhanced effect on resistance exercise as well as muscle girth. This study results suggest that carbohydrate loading has no additional advantage in improving resistance exercise and muscle mass in resistance-trained individuals.

Mask Use pattern, Public Perception and Barriers to Effective Mask Usage-A battle far from over

Background & Objective: Proper mask wearing reduces the transmissibility and risk of Covid-19 infection still compliance to mask use is low. This study was conducted to observe the mask usage pattern, perception and barriers to effective mask usage (EMU). Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in collaboration with district police administration to observe mask usage pattern in various crowded places. Methods and Material: Participants from general public (n=6995) in 10 preselected areas of city were observed and then interviewed about their perceptions about EMU. Indirect observation of EMU was also done by screening CCTV footage, followed by another set of observation at same places after conducting a health education campaign. Data was entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: EMU was seen in nearly 62% participants. Younger age, native population, education above matric, persons driving two & four wheelers, had significantly higher compliance. During CCTV observation, EMU was 57.5%, and was highest near public places, roads and intersections while lowest near bus stand and religious places. Some improvement in compliance was seen after health education at these places. Breathing difficulty, no use of wearing mask and feeling uncomfortable were the most common reasons given by participants for non-compliance.Conclusions: EMU was lower in elderly, migrants, less educated, unemployed, daily wage workers, so these groups should be especially sensitized about preventive measures. There is need for extensive public education to bring out behavioral change regarding proper mask wearing to control this pandemic and prevent further waves.

Bluetongue in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis with emphasis on diagnosis and seroprevalence

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious viral disease which affects a wide range of ruminants and was first reported in India in 1964. In view of the absence of comprehensive information on the BT status in India, this study presents the seroprevalence on BT in farm animals of India based-on a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review was conducted to identify the published articles (2001–2018) reporting the seroprevalence of BT in sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, camels, and Mithun (Bos frontalis) from India. From 409 research articles, 71 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and meta-analysis for proportions was carried out targeting the eligible studies. From these, 144 strata level data were extracted with a sample size of 14048 sheep, 14696 goats, 5218 cattle, 2653 buffaloes, 2062 camels, and 222 Mithun. Overall, the analyses showed that the BT seroprevalence of 43% (95% CI: 38–49%) in goats, 39% (95% CI: 33–46%) in sheep, 38% (95% CI: 25–45%) in cattle, 34% (95% CI: 20–51%) in buffaloes, 16% (95% CI: 10–22%) in camels, and 66% (95% CI: 17–95%) in Mithun. Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis suggested that serological tests, geographical region, and sample size were the prime moderators. Meta-analytic study indicates the BT seropositivity in 25.35 million sheep (95% CI: 21.5–29.9), 58 million goats (95% CI: 51.3–66.2), 66.8 million cattle (95% CI: 47.7–86), 37.0 million buffaloes (95% CI: 21.7–55.4), 0.06 million camels (95% CI: 0.04–0.09), and 0.19 million Mithun (95% CI: 0.05–0.28). The findings highlight the variation of BT seropositivity in different geographical regions of India.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Development of hydraulic cross floating valve

This paper describes the design, simulation, development, and analysis of a Cross Floating Valve (CFV), an important instrument used in a cross float or pressure calibration system of pressure balances (PBs) to make the calibration process easy and time efficient. The design aspects of the CFV include the selection of proper materials and modeling of various necessary components of the CFV. For the piston design, 5 different materials, SS304, SS316, Aermet 340, SS440C, and AISI17-4PH were used. After the design, simulation studies were carried out using the ANSYS (Workbench R15.0) software to understand the behavior of stress, strain, and deformation. Out of the 5 materials thus used, the values of the factor of safety of 2 materials (SS304 and SS316) were found to be below expectations and hence were not used in the fabrication process. Among the rest of the 3 other materials (AISI17-4PH, SS440C, and Aermet 340) having a factor of safety within the expected limits, Aermet 340 was also ignored because of its high cost. Finally, AISI17-4PH and SS440C were used to fabricate the piston, the most important and critical component of the CFV. The final CFV thus developed was tested for its performance in the cross floating experiments with 2 different sets of PBs. The results thus obtained show that the use of CFV reduces the calibration time considerably which is approximately 30% (average time of increasing and decreasing orders of pressure) from the time taken in performing calibration without using CFV, which is a significant achievement.

Interplay of oxidative stress and antioxidant bio markers in oil adjuvant Brucella melitensis vaccinated and challenged mice

The intracellular nature of Brucella leads to rise in oxidative stress due to bacterial invasion, particularly at the site of predilection spleen and lymph nodes. The present study aimed to evaluate the erythrocytic and tissue specific oxidative stress responses induced during oil adjuvant killed Brucella melitensis vaccination. The results of the study clearly implicated a significant increase in level of catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and lipid peroxidation (LPO), and total protein content in erythrocytes after vaccination. The activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was unaltered during the period of experiment. The catalase activity and GSH content was significantly increased in lung and spleen tissues. The tissues GST levels increased significantly in all tissues, while tissue SOD level increased significantly only in lung tissues. Thus, it can be inferred that oil adjuvant based Brucella vaccine induces negligible signs of inflammatory pathophysiology and supports the development of significant level of protection against virulent Brucella challenge.

Awareness and perceptions of anganwadi workers about female feticide and girl child discrimination in district Ludhiana, Punjab

BACKGROUND

It is a matter of grave concern that a girl child continues to be insecure and vulnerable in the state of Punjab. To ingrain gender equality in social system, it is very important to make community an important stakeholder to deal with the situation. This study focuses on the awareness and perceptions of anganwadi workers regarding girl child discrimination and female feticide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 2206 anganwadi workers between the age group of 20-70 years of different blocks of Ludhiana district, Punjab, were enrolled. They had come for Anganwadi Worker (AWW) Training Workshop, organized at Urban Health Centre, Ludhiana, Punjab. Data were analyzed in terms of proportions.

RESULTS

Study subjects showed high level of awareness about female feticide (98.8%). A majority of the subjects (93.3%) agreed to the fact that practice of discrimination is being followed between boys and girls. They were also of the opinion that this practice is harmful and it should be stopped (98.9%). Various contributing factors enumerated by them included sons are intelligent, carry on family lineage, and they take care of their parents in old age. Regarding perception of anganwadi workers for curbing this social evil, 70.7% of subjects were of the view that by giving equal opportunities, equal status to girls, and empowering girls, this practice can be stopped, while 42.4% of the subjects were of the view that increasing awareness among the rural women, parents, and family is the solution to stop this practice.

CONCLUSION

The anganwadi workers had optimum level of awareness about female feticide and almost all of them strongly felt that this harmful practice should be stopped altogether.

Differentiation of bovine herpesvirus1 subtypes based on UL0.5 gene sequencing

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious pustular vulvovaginitis is one of the high economic importance diseases of cattle and caused by bovine herpesvirus1 (BoHV1). Based on the restriction endonuclease fingerprinting of viral DNA, the BoHV1 can be divided into three subtypes viz., BoHV1.1, 1.2a, and 1.2b. Since this method requires a pure viral DNA, it is time-consuming and labour intense. In the current study, the UL0.5 gene based PCR sequencing has been used for the subtyping of BoHV1. Out of five isolates, four had BoHV1-like signatures and one isolate had BoHV1.2-like signatures. Further, these viruses phylogenetically clustered under the respective subtypes. These results indicate that the UL 0.5 gene based PCR sequencing could be used as an alternate method of subtyping of BoHV1.

Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A as putative biomarker candidates of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in dairy calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. Identification of reliable biomarkers of naturally occurring BRD is essential for ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of calves and monitoring treatment efficacy. This need is punctuated, especially in mild to moderate cases that would greatly help to decrease recurrence and the overall prevalence of BRD. The present study was conducted to investigate the changes in serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hpt) and serum amyloid A (SAA) and association between oxidative stress and acute phase proteins (APPs) in BRD. Hpt and SAA levels significantly increased (P < .01) in BRD stressed calves as compared to healthy subjects. There was a significant decrease (P < .01) in serum albumin (Alb) concentration of infected calves as compared to controls. The oxidative stress markers revealed a significant (P < .01) increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a concurrent decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (R-GSH) and catalase (CAT) in BRD. A significant correlation among APPs, extent of oxidative stress and clinical score (CS) of calves was depicted. A stepwise decrease in Hpt and SAA and increase in Alb was observed in infected calves post-treatment. These results suggest implication of oxidative stress in enhancing APPs and monitoring of APPs as a potential complement to clinical assessment of treatment in calves with naturally occurring BRD. Hpt may be useful as the most sensitive biomarker in BRD. However, the combined use of Hpt and oxidative stress biomarkers would greatly improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Molecular etiopathology of naturally occurring reproductive diseases in female goats

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular etiopathology of occurrence of reproductive diseases in female goats. Reproductive diseases in goats account for major economic losses to goat farmers in terms of valuable loss of offspring and animal productivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 660 female genitalia were examined for pathological conditions (macroscopic and microscopic lesions). The etiopathological study was carried out for the presence of pathogenic organisms such as Brucella, Chlamydia, and Campylobacter in the uterus and ovary. Based on the microscopic lesions, suspected samples were subjected to diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for various etiological agents employing 16srRNA genus specific primers for Campylobacter and Chlamydophila and OMP31 gene-based PCR for Brucella melitensis and nested PCR using ITS-1 gene primers for Toxoplasma gondii. For Brucella suspected samples, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also performed.

RESULTS

In studied female genitalia, 108 (16.30%) showed gross abnormalities with overall 23.32% occurrence of pathological conditions (macroscopic and microscopic lesions). Pathological involvement of the uterus was the highest 68 (62.96%), followed by the ovaries 27 (25%) and other organs. Major uterine condition observed was endometritis (5.60%). In uterine infections, 35 (5.30%) samples were found positive for Campylobacter spp., 12 (1.81%) samples for B. melitensis, and 3 (0.45%) samples were positive for Chlamydophila spp. Among the samples positive for B. melitensis by PCR, 3 were found positive by IHC also. Corynebacterium ovis was detected by PCR using specific primers in a case of hydrosalpinx. It was concluded that many pathological lesions in female genitalia of functional significance play a major role in infertility in goats.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that many pathological lesions in female genitalia of functional significance play a major role in infertility in goats.

Curcumin mediated attenuation of carbofuran induced toxicity in the heart of Wistar rats

Carbofuran is used to improve the agricultural productivity as well as to protect the house hold and industrial products, but due to accumulation in the biological system, it causes serious side effects in many non-targets mammalian systems. The aim of present study is to evaluate the carbofuran induced oxidative stress in rat heart and its attenuation by using herbal product curcumin. Rats were divided into four groups; one group received 20 % LD50 of carbofuran another group of rats received same doses of carbofuran was  pretreated with curcumin (100 mg kg-1 body weight) and remaining two other groups served as control and curcumin treated animals. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the heart tissues and serum was evaluated and the activity of enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was estimated in the heart tissues. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in heart tissues was also measured. The Total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) was measured in the serum of the entire animals group. The results of present study showed that the activity of LDH in heart tissues were decreased and in serum was elevated. The MDA level was significantly elevated due to exposure of carbofuran. The enzymatic antioxidants, SOD and CAT activities were also inhibited. The ratio of pro-oxidant (P)/antioxidant (A) was also found to be sharply increased in the rat heart tissues of carbofuran exposed animals. The alterations in all the parameter were recovered by the pretreatment of curcumin (100 mg kg-1 body weight).

Changes of haemogram and serum biochemistry in neonatal piglet diarrhoea associated with porcine rotavirus type A

Porcine rotavirus type A (RVA) is a major cause of neonatal piglet mortality in India. The effect of the disease on haemogram and serum biochemical profile is not well established in piglets. Accordingly, we assessed the haemogram and serum biochemical profile in the neonatal piglet diarrhoea with RVA infection (n = 17). The diagnosis of RVA was confirmed using RNA-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (RNA-PAGE), commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Non-infected healthy piglets (n = 6) served as control. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, alanine amino transaminase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in serum were measured by spectrophotometric method. Haemogram was done in the blood using sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na₂ EDTA) as anticoagulant. The mean values of total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased and concentrations of ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the RVA-infected piglets. Haemogram showed marked haemoconcentration (P < 0.001), leukopenia (P < 0.01) and neutropenia (P < 0.01) in the presence of RVA infection than healthy piglets. The results indicated a possible extra-intestinal spread of RVA in piglets during neonatal diarrhoea. The finding might be helpful to clinicians and while treating such type of clinical cases, incorporation of organ protective drugs will be helpful for better response in the treatment schedule.

Peripheral Vascular Disease in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers - An Emerging Trend: A Prospective Study from North India

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) with 25% of patients with diabetes developing a foot ulcer during their lifetime leading to amputation. Diabetic foot is classified into 2 main types: neuropathic ulcers (NPU) and neuro-ischemic ulcer (NIU) where in addition to neuropathy peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is also present.

AIMS

We aimed to a) assess the prevalence of Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presenting with New Diabetic Foot ulcers (DFU). b) To compare the clinical profile and risk factors responsible for development of NPU and NIU in North Indian population.

SETTING AND DESIGN

Cross sectional study conducted on first 100 T2DM patients presenting with new DFU in tertiary referral institute for one year period from August 2012 to July 2013.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Detailed relevant clinical history including age, sex and duration of diabetes, history of smoking and hypertension (HTN) and prevalence of other complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke was obtained. Patients were examined for neuropathy, loss of pulsations, ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) and investigated for HbA1C, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine. Statistical analysis used: t test, Fisher exact test and univariate analysis.

RESULTS

NIU was present in 30 and NPU in 70 out of 100 patients. NIU were commoner among males as compared to females (21/64 males vs 9/36 females). Strong association of smoking (20/30 patients), hypertension (24/30 patients) and longer duration of DM (14 vs 8 years) with NIU was found. Even other complications of DM like CAD (8/30 patients), stroke (4/30 patients), retinopathy (24/30 patients) and nephropathy (15/30 patients) were more prevalent in patients with NIU.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of PVD is 30% in our study which is more than previous studies showing an increasing trend. NPU are two times more common than NIU. Hypertensive male patients with smoking habits and longer duration of T2DM are most prone to develop NIU. NIU share the similar risk factors with CAD and coexist with other complications of DM which should be looked for and treated.

Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR (ARMS-PCR) provides sequencing independent typing of canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus-2 antigenic variants (CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c) ubiquitously distributed worldwide in canine population causes severe fatal gastroenteritis. Antigenic typing of CPV-2 remains a prime focus of research groups worldwide in understanding the disease epidemiology and virus evolution. The present study was thus envisioned to provide a simple sequencing independent, rapid, robust, specific, user-friendly technique for detecting and typing of presently circulating CPV-2 antigenic variants. ARMS-PCR strategy was employed using specific primers for CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c to differentiate these antigenic types. ARMS-PCR was initially optimized with reference positive controls in two steps; where first reaction was used to differentiate CPV-2a from CPV-2b/CPV-2c. The second reaction was carried out with CPV-2c specific primers to confirm the presence of CPV-2c. Initial validation of the ARMS-PCR was carried out with 24 sequenced samples and the results were matched with the sequencing results. ARMS-PCR technique was further used to screen and type 90 suspected clinical samples. Randomly selected 15 suspected clinical samples that were typed with this technique were sequenced. The results of ARMS-PCR and the sequencing matched exactly with each other. The developed technique has a potential to become a sequencing independent method for simultaneous detection and typing of CPV-2 antigenic variants in veterinary disease diagnostic laboratories globally.

Optimization of growth conditions and medium composition for improved conidiation of newly isolated Beauveria bassiana strains

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus with high potential in controlling insect pests. In this study, we propose optimum cultural conditions and culture media for better growth of various B. bassiana strains. B. bassiana strains achieved their maximum growth during optimal incubation period of seven days. The optimum pH and temperature for maximal growth of B. bassiana strains was found to be 6-7 and 25-30⁰C, respectively. All the tested carbon and nitrogen sources supported growth and development of the B. bassiana strains. Starch and peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources supported maximum radial growth (2.13-3.00 cm) and conidiospore count in both solid state culture (2.66x10⁷ conidia/mL) and liquid state culture (9.86x10⁷ conidia/mL). Strain BbR2 was the fastest growing strain on almost all nutrient sources studied and possessed commendable growth rate and sporulation potential. Wheat bran (WB) and rice bran (RB) in the proportion of 3:1 supported maximum conidiospores yields (1.90x10⁷ conidia/mL) for strain BbR2 in solid state fermentation conditions.

Cellulose: A review as natural, modified and activated carbon adsorbent

Cellulose is a biodegradable, renewable, non-meltable polymer which is insoluble in most solvents due to hydrogen bonding and crystallinity. Natural cellulose shows lower adsorption capacity as compared to modified cellulose and its capacity can be enhanced by modification usually by chemicals. This review focuses on the utilization of cellulose as an adsorbent in natural/modified form or as a precursor for activated carbon (AC) for adsorbing substances from water. The literature revealed that cellulose can be a promising precursor for production of activated carbon with appreciable surface area (∼1300m(2)g(-1)) and total pore volume (∼0.6cm(3)g(-1)) and the surface area and pore volume varies with the cellulose content. Finally, the purpose of review is to report a few controversies and unresolved questions concerning the preparation/properties of ACs from cellulose and to make aware to readers that there is still considerable scope for future development, characterization and utilization of ACs from cellulose.

Clinico-Histopathological Spectrum of Infectious Granulomatous Dermatoses in Western India- A Representative Study from Mumbai

INTRODUCTION

Infectious Granulomatous Dermatoses (IGDS) have various aetiological factors with a considerable overlap in the histopathological and clinical features, thus posing a diagnostic dilemma for dermatologists and pathologists.

AIM

We aimed at determining the histopathological profile of IGDS correlating it with clinical features with an attempt to find the aetiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary referral center of Mumbai over two years, out of 1872 skin biopsies received, 239 histopathologically diagnosed cases of IGDS were studied for histopathological features of granuloma. A clinico-histopathological correlation was attempted. Chi-square test was used for comparison of proportions of different groups.

RESULTS

Leprosy (211 cases) and tuberculosis (28 cases) were the commonest histopathologically diagnosed IGDS. Leprosy spectrum included BT (30.33% cases), followed by TT (21.32%), BL and LL and 21.79% cases of lepra reactions. Skin TB biopsies on histopathology showed lupus vulgaris (53.85% cases), scrofuloderma (15.38%), TBVC and papulonecrotic tuberculid (11.54% each). In leprosy maximum clinico-pathological agreement was seen at tuberculoid pole (TT 72.7% and BT 56.6%). Among tuberculosis cases, scrofuloderma (100%) and lupus vulgaris (53.8%) showed maximum agreement.

CONCLUSION

Leprosy and skin TB are the commonest IGDS in Mumbai region though difficult to diagnose and subcategorize with certainty during initial stages. Histopathology plays the important role to elucidate the dilemma. This being a single center study, more such studies with a larger sample size are recommended to get more elaborate data and regional prevalence of these IGDS for a better overall approach to prevention, treatment and control.

What are we drinking? Assessment of water quality in an urban city of Punjab, India

Introduction:

Ground water is the ultimate and most suitable fresh water resource for human consumption in the urban areas of India. Studies regarding ground water quality have shown that the higher rate of exploration as compared to the rate of recharging, inappropriate dumping of solid, as well as liquid waste, lack of strict enforcement of law has led to the deterioration of ground water quality. The present study was thus, carried out to evaluate physicochemical, as well as a microbiological profile of tap water, and filtered water in urban areas of Patiala, Punjab.

Materials and Methods:

The three zones under Municipal Corporation and two areas under Public Health Department were chosen according to the simple random sampling from Patiala city. From each area, 10 houses were chosen according to the systematic random sampling technique (n = 50). Water was taken from two sources, tap water, and from the water filter. Two samples were taken from each source one for the physicochemical analysis and another for bacteriological analysis. The samples which were sent for bacteriological assessment were collected in a sterile container.

Results:

The number of water samples found to be within desirable limits with respect to physicochemical parameters were significantly more with the filter water sample than the tap water samples. Suspicious/unsatisfactory microbiological quality of water was observed in 28% and 4% of tap and filter water samples, respectively.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that certain chemical parameters such as hardness, chloride, and fluoride levels were beyond the permissible limits. Therefore, we recommend that home filters should be installed, serviced appropriately, and their water quality should be checked routinely. Also, any leak from sewage pipes should be promptly repaired to prevent contamination of drinking water.

Depression and anxiety among middle-aged women: A community-based study

Background:

Anxiety and depressive disorders constitute a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease and are projected to form the second most common cause of disability by 2020.

Objective:

To assess the level of depression and anxiety among middle age women and the possible factors behind it.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 180 women aged 40–60 years were selected by proportionate sampling technique. Age, education, marital status, socioeconomic status, age at marriage, age at menopause, weight and height were noted. Zung-self-rating scales were used for calculating levels of depression and anxiety in these women. The data were analyzed by using statistical software SPSS.

Results:

The level of syndromal depression and anxiety was found to be 86.7% and 88.9%, respectively. Most of the subjects had the moderate type of depression (49.5%) followed by mild (29.4%) and severe depression (7.8%). While in case of anxiety, most of the subjects (69.4%) had a mild form of anxiety and 17.8% had moderate anxiety level. A significant difference was observed in the level of depression with respect to marital status (P = 0.009) and in the level of anxiety with respect to age (P = 0.021) in the study subjects. On applying logistic regression, none of the factors studied were found to be significant variables for anxiety or depression in the study population.

Conclusion:

Depression and anxiety are prevalent among the middle-aged women in rural Punjab. Provision of mental health services in this group is essential.

Multimarker risk stratification approach and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Aims

We studied the utility of multimarker risk stratification approach to predict cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease, undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 302 consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease and normal CPK-MB and cardiac troponin T levels, and who underwent elective PCI at our institution. The following cardiac biomarkers were measured before and between 12 and 24 h post-procedure: CK-MB, cardiac troponin T, hs-CRP, and NT-ProBNP. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months.

Results

Post-PCI, CPK-MB levels were elevated but below myocardial infarction (MI) range in 70 patients (23%), and in the MI range in 6 patients (2%). Troponin T levels were detectable but below the 99th percentile (microleak) in 32 patients (10.6%) and elevated above the 99th percentile (periprocedural MI) in 104 patients (34.4%). At 9 months’ follow-up, 1% died, 2% had stable angina, 10.3% had non-fatal MI, and 87.7% remained asymptomatic. There was no significant difference in clinical events among groups stratified by elevation of one biomarker or multiple biomarkers.

Conclusion

Single or multiple biomarker strategy in patients with normal baseline biomarkers failed to predict major cardiac events after PCI over medium-term follow-up.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of mango mealybug, Drosicha mangiferae from Punjab

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are major pests of a wide range of crops and ornamental plants worldwide. Their high degree of morphological similarity makes them difficult to identify and limits their study and management. In the present study, four Indian populations of mango mealybug (mango, litchi, guava from Gurdaspur and mango from Jalandhar) were analyzed. The mtCOI region was amplified, cloned, the nucleotide sequences were determined and analysed. All the four species were found to be D. mangiferae. The population from Litchi and Mango from Gurdaspur showed 100% homologus sequence. The population of Guava-Gurdaspur and Mango-Jalandhar showed a single mutation of 'C' instead of 'T' at 18th and 196th position, respectively. Indian populations were compared with populations from Pakistan (21) and Japan (1). The phylogenetic tree resulted in two main clusters. Cluster1 represent all the 4 populations of Punjab, India, 20 of Pakistan (Punjab, Sind, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Karak districts) with homologous sequences. The two population collected from Faisalabad district of Pakistan and Japan made a separate cluster 2 because the gene sequence used in analysis was from the COI-3p region. However, all the other sequence of D. mangiferae samples under study showed a low nucleotide divergence. The homologus mtCO1 sequence of Indian and Pakistan population concluded that the genetic diversity in mealybug population was quite less over a large geographical area.

Isolation and evaluation of potent Pseudomonas species for bioremediation of phorate in amended soil

Use of phorate as a broad spectrum pesticide in agricultural crops is finding disfavor due to persistence of both the principal compound as well as its toxic residues in soil. Three phorate utilizing bacterial species (Pseudomonas sp. strain Imbl 4.3, Pseudomonas sp. strain Imbl 5.1, Pseudomonas sp. strain Imbl 5.2) were isolated from field soils. Comparative phorate degradation analysis of these species in liquid cultures identified Pseudomonas sp. strain Imbl 5.1 to cause complete metabolization of phorate during seven days as compared to the other two species in 13 days. In soils amended with phorate at different levels (100, 200, 300 mg kg(-1) soil), Pseudomonas sp. strain Imbl 5.1 resulted in active metabolization of phorate by between 94.66% and 95.62% establishing the same to be a potent bacterium for significantly relieving soil from phorate residues. Metabolization of phorate to these phorate residues did not follow the first order kinetics. This study proves that Pseudomonas sp. strain Imbl 5.1 has huge potential for active bioremediation of phorate both in liquid cultures and agricultural soils.

Malaria Diagnosis Using Automated Analysers: A Boon for Hematopathologists in Endemic Areas

BACKGROUND

Haematological abnormalities are common in acute febrile tropical illnesses. Malaria is a major health problem in tropics. In endemic areas especially in the post monsoon season, it is not practical to manually screen all peripheral blood films (PBF) for malarial parasite. Automated analysers offer rapid, sensitive and cost effective screening of all samples.

AIM

The study was done to evaluate the usefulness of automated cell counters analysing their histograms, scatter-grams and the flaggings generated in malaria positive and negative cases. The comparison of other haematological parameters were also studied which could help to identify malaria parasite in peripheral blood smear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The blood samples were analysed using Beckman coulter LH-750. The abnormal scatter grams and additional peaks in WBC histograms were observed diligently & compared with normal controls. Haematological abnormalities were also evaluated.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Statistical analysis was done by using software Epi-Info version 7.1.4 freely available from CDC website. Fisher exact test was applied to calculate the p-value and value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Final identification of malarial parasite species was done independently by peripheral blood smear examination by two pathologists.

RESULTS

Of all the 200 cases evaluated abnormal scatter grams were observed in all the cases of malaria while abnormal WBC histogram peaks were noted in 96% cases demonstrating a peak at the threshold of the histogram. The difference between number of slides positive for abnormal WBC scatter gram and abnormal WBC histogram peaks were statistically highly significant (p=0.007). So abnormal WBC scatter gram can better give idea of malarial parasite presence. Of the haematological parameters thrombocytopenia (92% cases) emerged as the strongest predictor of malaria.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended for haematopathologists to review the haematological data and the scatter plots on the analyser along with peripheral blood smear examination.

Application of ultrafiltration technique for the quality improvement of dahi

Ultrafiltered milk (UF1 and UF2), ultrafiltrate retentate added milk (UF3 and UF4) and SMP added milk (UF0) were used for dahi preparation in the present study. Treatments were evaluated for rheological, textural and sensorial characteristics. Significant increase (p < 0.01) in values of firmness, stickiness, work of shear, work of adhesion and sensory scores, but significant decrease (p < 0.01) in whey syneresis values were observed with treatments UF1, UF2, UF3 and UF4 as compared to UF0. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that first four principal components (PC) explained 87.39 % relationship between samples and attributes. PC1 accounted for 48.34 % of data variance was characterized by protein content, firmness, work of shear, body & texture and opposed by total carbohydrates, stickiness, syneresis and work of adhesion. Total carbohydrates content (r = -0.982, P < 0.01), whey syneresis (r = -0.783, P < 0.01), stickiness (r = -0.729, P < 0.01) and work of adhesion (r = -0.684, P < 0.01) are negatively while body and texture (r = +0.600, P < 0.01), firmness (r = +0.574, P < 0.05) and work of shear (r = +0.538, P < 0.05) of dahi are highly positively correlated with protein content.

Effects of cellular viscoelasticity in lifetime extraction of single receptor-ligand bonds

Single-molecule force spectroscopy is widely used to determine kinetic parameters of dissociation by analyzing bond rupture data obtained via applying mechanical force to cells, capsules, and beads that are attached to an intermolecular bond. The bond rupture data are obtained in experiments either at a constant force or at a constant loading rate. We explore the effect of cellular viscoelasticity in constant-force experiments. Specifically, we perform Monte Carlo simulations of bond rupture at a given constant force to obtain the bond lifetime as a function of force in the absence and in the presence of bond force modulation due to cellular viscoelasticity, to explore its effect on the bond lifetime.

Thiamethoxam degradation by Pseudomonas and Bacillus strains isolated from agricultural soils

Twelve bacterial species were evaluated to know the degradation pattern of thiamethoxam in liquid medium. All the bacterial species could actively degrade phorate in a mineral salt medium containing phorate (50 μg ml(-1)) as sole carbon source. As these species have ability to degrade, we used these for the degradation of thiamethoxam--a neonicoitinoids. Screening of 12 active phorate-metabolizing bacterial species resulted in selection of Bacillus aeromonas strain IMBL 4.1 and Pseudomonas putida strain IMBL 5.2 causing 45.28 and 38.23 % thiamethoxam (50 μg ml(-1)) reduction, respectively, in 15 days as potential thiamethoxam degrading species. These two bacterial species grew optimally at 37 °C under shake culture conditions in MSMT medium raised with initial pH of 6.0-6.5 and use of these optimum cultural conditions resulted in improved thiamethoxam degradation by these bacterial species. These species caused maximum thiamethoxam degradation only in the presence of thiamethoxam as sole source of carbon and energy and the same was reduced in the presence of easily metabolize able carbon (C₀ and C₁) and nitrogen ((N₀, N₁ and N₂) sources. This could be attributed to involvement of repressible metabolic pathways, reactions of which are inhibited by the presence of easily available nutrients for growth. Besides above, qualitative analysis of thiamethoxam residues by gas liquid chromatography revealed complete metabolization of thiamethoxam without detectable accumulation of any known thiamethoxam metabolites.

Biodegradation of imidacloprid by consortium of two soil isolated Bacillus sp

Imidacloprid degradation potential of bacterial cultures from sugarcane growing soils was studied in liquid culture and Bacillus aerophilus and Bacillus alkalinitrilicus showed maximum potential to degrade imidacloprid. Hence, into a clay loam soil imidacloprid was added at 50, 100, and 150 mg kg(-1) along with 45 × 10(7) cells g(-1) soil of both species under autoclaved and unautoclaved conditions. Under autoclaved conditions imidacloprid residues were degraded after 56 days to 3.18, 5.83 and 10.48 mg kg(-1) and under unautoclaved conditions to 5.17, 6.23 and 10.31 mg kg(-1). 6-chloronicotinic acid, nitrosimine and imidacloprid-NTG metabolites were detected in measurable concentrations under both conditions. Dissipation pattern of imidacloprid did not follow first order kinetics under both sets of conditions. The half life value of imidacloprid ranged from 13 to 16 days after bacterial inoculation. This is first report of use of mixed culture of native soil bacterial isolates for remediation of imidacloprid contaminated soils.

Assessment of imidacloprid degradation by soil-isolated Bacillus alkalinitrilicus

Imidacloprid is extensively used on a broad range of crops worldwide as seed dressing, soil treatment, and foliar application. Hence, the degradation potential of bacterial strains from sugarcane-growing soils was studied in liquid medium for subsequent use in bioremediation of contaminated soils. The microbe cultures degrading imidacloprid were isolated and enriched on Dorn's broth containing imidacloprid as sole carbon source maintained at 28 °C and Bacillus alkalinitrilicus showed maximum potential to degrade imidacloprid. Clay loam soil samples were fortified with imidacloprid at 50, 100, and 150 mg kg(-1) along with 45 × 10(7) microbe cells under two opposing sets of conditions, viz., autoclaved and unautoclaved. To study degradation and metabolism of imidacloprid under these two conditions, samples were drawn at regular intervals of 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days. Among metabolites, three metabolites were detected, viz., 6-chloronicotinic acid, nitrosimine followed by imidacloprid-NTG under both the conditions. Total imidacloprid residues were not found to follow the first-order kinetics in both types of conditions. This paper reports for the first time the potential use of pure cultures of soil-isolated native bacterium B. alkalinitrilicus and also its use along with natural soil microflora for remediation of imidacloprid-contaminated soils.

Effects of cellular viscoelasticity in multiple-bond force spectroscopy

Receptor-ligand bonds are often subjected to forces that regulate their detachment via modulating off-rates. Though the dynamics of detachment is primarily controlled by the physical chemistry of adhesion molecules cellular features such as cell deformability and microvillus viscoelasticity have been shown to have an effect on it as well. In this work, Monte Carlo simulation of the rupture of multiple receptor-ligand bonds between substrate and a polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) cell suspended in a Newtonian fluid is performed. It is demonstrated via various micromechanical models of the PMN cell adhered to the substrate by multiple receptor-ligand bonds that viscous drag caused by relative motion of cell suspended in a Newtonian fluid and cellular viscoelasticity modulate transmission of an applied external load to receptor-ligand bonds. It is demonstrated that due to cellular viscoelasticity the instantaneous intermolecular bond force is lower than the instantaneous applied force. It is also demonstrated that due to cellular viscoelasticity, the mean intermolecular bond rupture forces are lowered while the mean bond lifetime increases.

Stochastic simulation of single-molecule pulling experiments

Single-molecule pulling experiments are widely used for studying the structure, dynamics, and function of single biological molecules via applying mechanical forces on them in a controlled way. Pulling at a constant speed or at a constant force builds up a mechanical force on a molecule or molecular complex leading to a molecular transition such as the dissociation of a molecular complex, unfolding of a protein, or unwrapping of a higher-order structure. We perform Brownian dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations of single-molecule pulling experiments. Through our simulations we demonstrate that the molecular transition rate based on the Kramers theory in the high-barrier limit becomes unsuitable as the applied force approaches the critical force at which the barrier disappears. We also demonstrate that use of molecular transition rate based on mean first passage time (MFPT) approach would be more relevant in describing molecular transition especially as the applied force approaches the critical force.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Drug De-addiction Centres (DDCs) in Punjab (Northern India)

BACKGROUND

Drug addiction is on the rise in Punjab,India. There are 15 DDCs which are supported by the Indian Red Cross Society. There is alleged mushrooming of private Drug De-addiction Centres (DDCs) in the smaller towns, villages and cities of Punjab.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate DDCs in Punjab.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 10 DDCs were included in the study and scheduled visits were made to collect data by using a pre-tested questionnaire.

RESULTS

The duration of treatment was 1 month at the Red Cross DDCs and it was approximately 6 months at private DDCs. The staff at the private DDCs were inadequate. The major drugs which were abused by patients were Propoxyphene, Alcohol, Bhukki and Cannabis. Patients were usually referred to the DDCs either by family members (35.3%) or social workers (29.8%). About 72.5% of patients were married, 36.3% had passed 10th standard and 54.4% were employed. A majority dropped out of the DDCs due to personal reasons and lack of family support. On comparison, more patients were found to be treated at Red Cross centres (75.3%) than at private centres (65.8%). All DDCs had conducted regular sessions of individual, group and family counseling for patients. Red Cross DDCs ensured that ex-clients received follow-ups and home visits. More patients were satisfied with the services which were provided by the Red Cross DDCs. On the contrary, more patients at the private DDCs complained about harassment fromstaff personnel (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that all DDCs should be checked regularly, and that the private centres should be provided with additional support from the government, to help run them more efficiently.

Bioremediation of fipronil by a Bacillus firmus isolate from soil

Persistence of fipronil, a new molecule in extensive use against various insect pests is causing serious problems to the environment. Bacillus firmus was isolated by selective enrichment from soil samples collected from sugar fields with known history of pesticide usage and evaluated for metabolization of fipronil in clay loam soil. Soil samples in 50 g aliquotes were fortified with fipronil @ 0.50-1.50 mg kg(-1) and inoculated with B. firmus cells (45×10(7) CFU mL(-1)) and incubated at 25 °C. Each sample in triplicates was drawn periodically up to 56 d and residual fipronil contents analyzed by gas liquid chromatograph. Fipronil residues were not detected after 35 d at lower doses of fipronil (@ 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mg kg(-1)). However, at higher doses (@ 1.25 and 1.50 mg kg(-1)) than this total metabolization of fipronil could be observed after 35 and 42 d, respectively. Thus whereas, B. firmus proved its potential in efficient metabolization of fipronil, the period required for the same was dose dependent. Amongst various metabolites of fipronil degradation, fipronil sulfide was found to be the main metabolite followed by fipronil sulfone and fipronil amide. Though, desulfinyl metabolite earlier reported as one of the main metabolite of fipronil degradation, the existence of the same was not detected in any of the treatment.

Isolation and characterization of novel phorate-degrading bacterial species from agricultural soil

Based upon 16S rDNA sequence homology, 15 phorate-degrading bacteria isolated from sugarcane field soils by selective enrichment were identified to be different species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Brevibacterium, and Staphylococcus. Relative phorate degradation in a mineral salt medium containing phorate (50 μg ml(-1)) as sole carbon source established that all the bacterial species could actively degrade more than 97 % phorate during 21 days. Three of these species viz. Bacillus aerophilus strain IMBL 4.1, Brevibacterium frigoritolerans strain IMBL 2.1, and Pseudomonas fulva strain IMBL 5.1 were found to be most active phorate metabolizers, degrading more than 96 % phorate during 2 days and 100 % phorate during 13 days. Qualitative analysis of phorate residues by gas liquid chromatography revealed complete metabolization of phorate without detectable accumulation of any known phorate metabolites. Phorate degradation by these bacterial species did not follow the first-order kinetics except the P. fulva strain IMBL 5.1 with half-life period (t1/2) ranging between 0.40 and 5.47 days.

Response surface modeling for optimization heterocatalytic Fenton oxidation of persistence organic pollution in high total dissolved solid containing wastewater

The rice-husk-based mesoporous activated carbon (MAC) used in this study was precarbonized and activated using phosphoric acid. N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, X-ray powder diffraction, electron spin resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, (29)Si-NMR spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were used to characterize the MAC. The tannery wastewater carrying high total dissolved solids (TDS) discharged from leather industry lacks biodegradability despite the presence of dissolved protein. This paper demonstrates the application of free electron-rich MAC as heterogeneous catalyst along with Fenton reagent for the oxidation of persistence organic compounds in high TDS wastewater. The heterogeneous Fenton oxidation of the pretreated wastewater at optimum pH (3.5), H2O2 (4 mmol/L), FeSO4[Symbol: see text]7H2O (0.2 mmol/L), and time (4 h) removed chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon and dissolved protein by 86, 91, 83, and 90%, respectively.

Visible light induced degradation of methylene blue using CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO catalysts

In the present study, the nanocatalysts CeO2, V2O5, CuO, CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. This method is simple, fast and cost effective compared with other preparation methods. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by different techniques. The XRD and XPS results confirmed the structure and the oxidization states of the nanocomposite materials. DRS results suggested that the prepared CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO nanocomposites can generate more electrons and holes under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of prepared catalysts were evaluated using the degradation of aqueous methylene blue solution as a model compound under visible light irradiation. In addition, the nanocomposite (CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO) materials were employed to degrade the textile effluent under visible light condition.

Rupture of multiple catch-slip bonds: Two-state two-pathway catch-slip bonds

We performed Monte Carlo simulation of the detachment of a polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte immersed in a Newtonian fluid and adhered to a substrate by multiple catch-slip bonds. We found that at certain loading rates the interplay of multiple catch-slip bonds leads to a bimodal distribution of the bond rupture force. We also found that the low force peak in these bond rupture force distributions switches to a high force peak with a gradual increase in the loading rate. These trends in the bond rupture force distributions are characteristics of two-state systems. Consequently, though individual catch-slip bonds follow one-state two-pathway energy landscape, their interplay mimics a two-state two-pathway energy landscape.

Nanoporous activated carbon fluidized bed catalytic oxidations of aqueous o, p and m-cresols: kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Nanoporous activated carbon prepared from rice husk through precarbonisation at 400 °C and phosphoric acid activation at 800 °C was used as fluidized bed in Fenton oxidation of the o, p and m-cresols in aqueous solution. The efficiencies of homogeneous Fenton oxidation, fluidized Fenton oxidation and aerobic biological oxidation systems for the removal of o, p and m-cresols in aqueous solution have been compared. The kinetic constants and the thermodynamic parameters for the homogeneous Fenton, heterogeneous Fenton and aerobic biological oxidations of o, p and m-cresols in synthetic wastewater were determined. The degradation of cresols in synthetic wastewater was confirmed using FT-IR, (1)H-NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy.

Microbial degradation of fipronil by Bacillus thuringiensis

Fipronil, a phenyl pyrazole insecticide has been found to be effective for the control of various insect pests. Due to its higher persistence in soil bioremediation is a promising approach to degrade the pesticide from soil. Isolation and identification of soil microbes was conducted for bioremediation of fipronil contaminated soils. Soil samples collected from different sugarcane growing fields in Gurdaspur district with extensive use of pesticide history served as a source of pesticide degrading microbes. The microbe cultures were grown in Luria broth and maintained at 28°C. After that Dorn's broth enrichment culture supplemented with fipronil was used and Bacillus thuringiensis were isolated. Clay loam soil samples were fortified with fipronil @ 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 and 1.50mgkg(-1) along with 45×10(7) microbe cells. Each treatment was replicated thrice and from each fortified (insecticide+microbes) sample, 50g soil sample was taken at 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after initiation of this experiment. Residues were not detected after 28, 35, 35, 35 and 42 days in soil samples after fortification with fipronil @ 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 and 1.50mgkg(-1). Among metabolites, sulfide was found to be the main metabolite followed by sulfone and amide. Desulfinyl metabolite was not produced in any of the sample. Total fipronil residues were not found to follow the first order kinetics.

Removal of Cr(VI) onto Ficus carica biosorbent from water

The utilization of sustainable and biodegradable lignocellulosic fiber to detoxify the noxious Cr(VI) from wastewater is considered a versatile approach to clean up a contaminated aquatic environment. The aim of the present research is to assess the proficiency and mechanism of biosorption on Ficus carica bast fiber via isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkin's-Jura, and Dubinin-Radushkevich), kinetic models, and thermodynamic parameters. The biomass extracted from fig plant was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. To optimize the maximum removal efficiency, different parameters like effect of initial concentration, effect of temperature, pH, and contact time were studied by batch method. The equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto biosorbent was found to be 19.68 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model adequately described the kinetic data. The calculated values of thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy change (∆H(0)), entropy change (∆S(0)), and free energy change (∆G(0)) were 21.55 kJ/mol, 76.24 J/mol K, and -1.55 kJ/mol, respectively, at 30 °C which accounted for spontaneous and endothermic processes. The study of adsorbent capacity for Cr(VI) removal in the presence of Na(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), SO 4 (2-) , HCO 3 (-) and Cl(-) illustrated that the removal of Cr(VI) increased in the presence of HCO(3-) ions; the presence of Na(+), SO 4 (2-) or Cl(-) showed no significant influence on Cr(VI) adsorption, while Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ions led to an insignificant decrease in Cr(VI) adsorption. Further, the desorption studies illustrated that 31.10% of metal ions can be removed from an aqueous system, out of which 26.63% of metal ions can be recovered by desorption in first cycle and the adsorbent can be reused. The results of the scale-up study show that the ecofriendly detoxification of Cr(VI) from aqueous systems was technologically feasible.

HIV and TB co-infection in Indian context

This study was carried out in a Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic and TB center of a tertiary level hospital to find out socio-demographic correlates of HIV/TB individuals and risk factors of HIV/TB co-infection in Indian context. It is a case-control study comprising 420 subjects, 3 groups of 140 each. For a case group of HIV-TB co-infected subjects, two control groups, one comprising HIV patients (not having TB), and the other TB patients (not having HIV). Majority 267 (63.6%) males, 100 (71.4%) in case group (HIV/ TB), 74 (52.9%) in control group 1 (TB) and 93 (66.4%) in control group 2 (HIV). Mean (+/-SD) age of case-group was 34.91 (+/- 8.57) years. New TB cases were 213 (76.1%), more among control-group 1, compared to case-group. Multivariate analysis showed that risk of co-infection was 1.94 times higher among individuals aged >35 years. Difference statistically significant amongst those who were not on ART than who were on ART (p < 0.001). Those with CD4 counts <200 had 1.85 times risk of TB. Smokers had 1.92 times risk of TB. Co-infection higher in males, in age group 35-44 years, urban area, lower educational status and lower socioeconomic class. Current history of smoking significantly associated with co-infection. HIV status during TB infection was detected in 1/4th of study subjects. History of TB symptoms in family significantly associated with co-infection.