Probing Flat Band Physics in Spin Ice Systems via Polarized Neutron Scattering.

In this Letter, we illustrate how polarized neutron scattering can be used to isolate the spin-spin correlations of modes forming flat bands in a frustrated magnetic system hosting a classical spin liquid phase. In particular, we explain why the nearest-neighbor spin ice model, whose interaction matrix has two flat bands, produces a dispersionless (i.e., "flat") response in the non-spin-flip (NSF) polarized neutron scattering channel and demonstrate that NSF scattering is a highly sensitive probe of correlations induced by weak perturbations that lift the flat band degeneracy. We use this to explain the experimentally measured dispersive (i.e., nonflat) NSF channel of the dipolar spin ice compound Ho_{2}Ti_{2}O_{7}.

Microbial fuel cell performance for aromatic hydrocarbon bioremediation and common effluent treatment plant wastewater treatment with bioelectricity generation through series-parallel connection.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an emerging technology which has been immensely investigated for wastewater treatment along with electricity generation. In the present study, the treatment efficiency of MFC was investigated for hydrocarbon containing wastewater by optimizing various parameters of MFC. Mediator-less MFC (1·2 l) was constructed, and its performance was compared with mediated MFC with Escherichia coli as a biocatalyst. MFC with electrode having biofilm proved to be better compared with MFC inoculated with suspended cells. Analysis of increasing surface area of electrode by increasing their numbers indicated increase in COD reduction from 55 to 75%. Catholyte volume was optimized to be 750 ml. Sodium benzoate (0·721 g l-1 ) and actual common effluent treatment plant (CETP) wastewater as anolyte produced 0·8 and 0·6 V voltage and 89 and 50% COD reduction, respectively, when a novel consortium of four bacterial strains were used. Twenty MFC systems with the developed consortium when electrically connected in series-parallel connection were able to generate 2·3 V and 0·5 mA current. This is the first report demonstrating the application of CETP wastewater in the MFC system, which shows potential of the system towards degradation of complex organic components present in industrial wastewater.

On the varied emission fingerprints of particulate matter over typical locations of NCR (Delhi) - A perspective for mitigation plans.

Source apportionment study of PM2.5 using positive matrix factorization was performed to identify the emission characteristic from different sectors (sub-urban residential, industrial and rapidly urbanizing) of Delhi during winter. Chemical characterization of PM2.5 included metals (Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn), water soluble ionic compounds (WSICs) (Cl-, NO3-, SO42- and NH4+) and Carbon partitions (OC, EC). Particulates (PM2.5) were collected on filter twice daily for stable and unstable atmospheric conditions, at the locations with specific characteristics, viz. Ayanagar, Noida and Okhla. Ions solely occupied 50% of the total PM2.5 concentration. Irrespective of location, high correlation between OC and EC (0.871-0.891) at p ≤ 0.1 is observed. Relatively lower ratio of NO3/SO4 at Ayanagar (0.696) and Okhla (0.84) denotes predominance of emission from stationary sources rather than mobile sources like that observed at Noida (1.038). Using EPA PMF5.0, optimum factors for each location are fixed based on error estimation (EE). Crustal dust, vehicular emission, biomass burning and secondary aerosol are the major contributing sources in all the three locations. Incineration contributes about 19% at Ayanagar and 18% at Okhla. Metal industries in Okhla contribute about 19% to PM2.5. These specific local emissions with considerable potency are to be targeted for long-term policymaking. Considerable secondary aerosol contribution (15%-24%) indicates that gaseous emissions also need to be reduced to improve air quality.

Impact of plasma glucose and duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus on SYNTAX Score II in patients suffering from non ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Aim    The objective was to assess the correlation of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and the duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with SYNTAX score (SS) II in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).Material and methods    FPG and HbA1C were measured in 398 patients presenting with NSTEMI at admission. SS II was calculated using an online calculator. Patients were stratified according to SS II (≤21.5, 21.5-30.6, and ≥30.6), defined as SS II low, mid, and high, respectively.Results    37.7 % of subjects were diabetic. Correlations of FPG (R=0.402, R2=0.162, p<0.001) and HbA1c (R=0.359, R2=0.129, p<0.001) with SS II were weak in the overall population. Duration of T2DM showed very strong correlation with SS II (R=0.827, R2=0.347). For the prediction of high SS II in the study population, FPG≥98.5 mg / dl demonstrated a sensitivity of 58 % and a specificity of 60 %, and HbA1c ≥6.05 demonstrated a sensitivity of 63 % and a specificity of 69 %. Duration of T2DM (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.182; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.185-2.773) and FPG (OR: 0.987; 95 % CI: 0.976-0.9959) were significantly associated with high SS II after controlling for other risk factors. Duration of T2DM (Beta=0.439) contributed strongly to variance of SS II, whereas HbA1c (Beta=0.063) contributed weakly.Conclusion    Duration of T2DM is a very important risk factor for severity of coronary artery disease.

Nano-Magnesium Oxide: A Novel Bactericide Against Copper-Tolerant Xanthomonas perforans Causing Tomato Bacterial Spot.

Bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas perforans causes significant damage on tomato in Florida. Due to the presence of copper (Cu)-tolerant X. perforans strains, Cu bactericides are not effective in disease management. Hence, there is a critical need to find alternatives for Cu. Antibacterial activity of magnesium oxide (Nano-MgO), and other metal oxide nanoparticles, were evaluated against a Cu-tolerant and -sensitive X. perforans strain. In vitro experiments demonstrated high antibacterial activity of Nano-MgO against both strains compared with the commercial Cu. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Nano-MgO is 25 µg/ml and the minimum bactericidal concentration is 100 µg/ml against a Cu-tolerant X. perforans strain after 4 h of exposure. Structural changes in the bacterial membrane following exposure to Nano-MgO treatments compared with the controls were observed using transmission electron microscopy. In two greenhouse experiments with a Cu-tolerant strain, bacterial spot severity was significantly reduced by Nano-MgO at 200 µg/ml compared with Cu-ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (grower standard), and the untreated control (P = 0.05). In three field experiments, Nano-MgO at 200 µg/ml significantly reduced disease severity with no negative impact on yield compared with the untreated control. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric analysis of the fruit confirmed that Nano-MgO application did not lead to the accumulation of Mg, Cu, Ca, K, Mn, P, and S. This study is the first to demonstrate the potential of Nano-MgO against bacterial spot of tomato.

Results of "Trochanteric Femoral Nailing (TFN)" in comminuted unstable trochanteric fractures.

Unstable trochanteric fractures and fractures with reverse obliquity pose difficulty in fixation. In recent years, intramedullary nails, for the treatment of comminuted and unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures, are becoming more popular relative to conventional, sliding hip screws. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the result of Trochanteric femoral nailing in comminuted, unstable Trochanteric femur fracture in terms of anatomical restoration and functional outcome. It is a prospective and without control study. Trochanteric femoral nailing has been done in comminuted unstable inter-trochanteric fracture femur (AO A2.2 to A3.3) of 25 patients and they are followed up postoperatively for at least 12 months. Pre-operative and post-operative clinical and radio-logical parameters are compared accordingly. Union in all cases. Overall complication rate 12% including some implant related complications. Functional outcome on Harris Hip Score is comparable with standard literature. For treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures, particularly with comminuted fracture fragments, intramedullary devices offer beneficial features, such as closed insertion, a shorter lever arm, and controlled telescoping of the head-neck fragment. Insertion of the nail through the tip of the greater trochanter requires less dissection and may lead to less blood loss and fewer wound complications, as well as earlier postoperative mobility. Further biomechanical and clinical studies are necessary to validate the efficacy of the trochanteric femoral nail. Level of Evidence : Level III therapeutic study.

Immunosuppressive effect of the gut microbiome altered by high-dose tacrolimus in mice.

The alterations induced in gut microbiota by tacrolimus may affect immune function and organ transplantation. Mice were treated with high-dose tacrolimus for 14 days. The fecal microbiota were analyzed by pyrosequencing the 16S rRNA genes, and the effect on metabolism was predicted using the sequence data. The subgroups of T cells in the serum, gut-associated lymphoid tissue, and draining lymph nodes were determined by flow cytometry. Tacrolimus treatment significantly altered the relative abundance of Allobaculum, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus and CD4+ CD25hi FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in the colonic mucosa and the circulation. These were significantly increased after either tacrolimus treatment or treatment by fecal microbiota transfer from tacrolimus-treated donors. Further, treatment with low-dose tacrolimus plus fecal microbiota transfer from high-dose tacrolimus-altered mice increased skin allograft survival rate in a skin transplantation model. Thus, high-dose tacrolimus alters the compositions and taxa of the gut microbiota. Administration of these conditioned gut microbiota plus low-dose tacrolimus resulted in regulation of colonic and systemic immune responses and an increased allograft survival rate. This study demonstrated a new strategy for controlling allograft rejection by combining an immunosuppressive agent with gut microbiome transplantation.

Nanoscale adhesion and sliding on biased semiconductors.

We present experimental and theoretical results on controlling nanoscale sliding friction and adhesion by electric fields on model contacts realized by bringing a conductive atomic force microscope tip into contact with the surface of a silicon-oxide/silicon wafer. We find that applying a bias voltage on silicon (or on the conductive tip) enables a noticeable control of the sliding forces. Two electrostatic interactions are identified as being relevant for the friction variation as a function of applied voltage. The first is a short-range electrostatic interaction between opposite charges localized at oxide-silicon/silicon and tip/silicon-oxide interfaces. This attractive interaction results from the high capacity of the oxide-semiconductor interface to change its charge density in response to a bias voltage. Various regimes of charging resulting from silicon electronic bands' alignment and deformation are evidenced. We mainly focused here on the strong charge accumulation and inversion domains. The second longer-range electrostatic interaction is between the voltage-induced bulk and surface charges of both tip and sample. This interaction decreases very slowly with the distance between tip and silicon surface, i.e. oxide thickness, and can be attractive or repulsive depending on voltage polarity. Our results demonstrate the possibility of controlling nanoscale friction/adhesion in nanoscale contacts involving semiconductors. These results are relevant for the operation of nanoscale devices or for on-surface nanomanipulation of metallic nanoparticles. We model the experimental results by adding an electrostatic energy contribution to the tip-surface binding energy, which translates into an increase or decrease of the normal force and ultimately of the sliding friction.

Stability of nano-sized permethrin in its colloidal state and its effect on the physiological and biochemical profile of Culex tritaeniorhynchus larvae.

The occurrence of pesticidal pollution in the environment and the resistance in the mosquito species makes an urge for the safer and an effective pesticide. Permethrin, a poorly water-soluble pyrethroid pesticide, was formulated into a hydrodispersible nanopowder through rapid solvent evaporation of pesticide-loaded oil in water microemulsion. Stability studies confirmed that the nanopermethrin dispersion was stable in paddy field water for 5 days with the mean particle sizes of 175.3 ± 0.75 nm and zeta potential of -30.6 ± 0.62 mV. The instability rate of the nanopermethrin particles was greater in alkaline (pH 10) medium when compared with the neutral (pH 7) and acidic (pH 4) dispersion medium. The colloidal dispersion at 45°C was found to be less stable compared with the dispersions at 25 and 5°C. The 12- and 24-h lethal indices (LC50) for nanopermethrin were found to be 0.057 and 0.014 mg l-1, respectively. These results were corroborative with the severity of damages observed in the mosquito larvae manifested in epithelial cells and the evacuation of the midgut contents. Further, the results were substantiated by the decrease in cellular biomolecules and biomarker enzyme activity in nanopermethrin treated larvae when compared to bulk and control treatment.

Hydrogeological typologies of the Indo-Gangetic basin alluvial aquifer, South Asia.

The Indo-Gangetic aquifer is one of the world's most important transboundary water resources, and the most heavily exploited aquifer in the world. To better understand the aquifer system, typologies have been characterized for the aquifer, which integrate existing datasets across the Indo-Gangetic catchment basin at a transboundary scale for the first time, and provide an alternative conceptualization of this aquifer system. Traditionally considered and mapped as a single homogenous aquifer of comparable aquifer properties and groundwater resource at a transboundary scale, the typologies illuminate significant spatial differences in recharge, permeability, storage, and groundwater chemistry across the aquifer system at this transboundary scale. These changes are shown to be systematic, concurrent with large-scale changes in sedimentology of the Pleistocene and Holocene alluvial aquifer, climate, and recent irrigation practices. Seven typologies of the aquifer are presented, each having a distinct set of challenges and opportunities for groundwater development and a different resilience to abstraction and climate change. The seven typologies are: (1) the piedmont margin, (2) the Upper Indus and Upper-Mid Ganges, (3) the Lower Ganges and Mid Brahmaputra, (4) the fluvially influenced deltaic area of the Bengal Basin, (5) the Middle Indus and Upper Ganges, (6) the Lower Indus, and (7) the marine-influenced deltaic areas.

L'aquifère de l'Indus et du Gange est une des ressources en eau transfrontalière la plus importante au monde et un des aquifères le plus exploité au monde. Pour mieux comprendre le système aquifère, des typologies ont été caractérisées pour cet aquifère ; elles intègrent pour la première fois un jeu de données disponibles sur l'ensemble du bassin de l'Indus et du Gange à une échelle transfrontalière, et apportent une conceptualisation alternative de ce système aquifère. Traditionnellement considéré et cartographié comme un simple aquifère homogène aux propriétés aquifères similaires et comme une ressource d'eau souterraine à l'échelle transfrontalière, les typologies mettent en évidence des différences significatives spatiales de la recharge, de la perméabilité, de la capacité de stockage et de la chimie des eaux souterraines sur l'ensemble du système aquifère à une échelle transfrontalière. Ces changements sont systématiques coïncidant aux changements à large échelle de la sédimentologie de l'aquifère alluvial du Pléistocène et de l'Holocène, du climat et des pratiques récentes d'irrigation. Sept typologies de l'aquifère sont présentées, chacune ayant un ensemble distinct de défis et d'opportunités pour le développement des eaux souterraines et une résilience différente à l'exploitation et au changement climatique. Les sept typologies sont: (1) la marge de piedmont, (2) Le haut Indus et le Ganges moyen supérieur, (3) le Ganges inférieur et le Brahmapoutre moyen, (4) la zone deltaïque du bassin du Bengale sous influence fluviale, (5) l'Indus moyen et le Ganges supérieur, (6) l'Indus inférieur, et (7) la zone deltaïque sous influence marine.

El acuífero Indo-Gangético es uno de los recursos hídricos transfronterizos más importantes y el acuífero más explotado del mundo. Para comprender mejor el sistema acuífero, por primera vez se han caracterizado tipologías para el acuífero, integrando los conjuntos de datos existentes a través de la cuenca hidrográfica Indo-Ganges a una escala transfronteriza, y proporcionando una conceptualización alternativa de este sistema acuífero. Tradicionalmente consideradas y cartografiadas como un solo acuífero homogéneo de propiedades acuíferas y recursos de agua subterránea comparables a escala transfronteriza, las tipologías iluminan diferencias espaciales significativas en la recarga, permeabilidad, almacenamiento y química del agua subterránea a través del sistema acuífero a esta escala transfronteriza. Estos cambios son mostrados por ser sistemáticos, coincidentes con cambios en gran escala en la sedimentología del acuífero aluvial del Pleistoceno y del Holoceno, en el clima y en las prácticas recientes de riego. Se presentan siete tipologías del acuífero, cada una con un conjunto distinto de desafíos y oportunidades para el desarrollo del agua subterránea y una diferente resiliencia a la extracción y al cambio climático. Las siete tipologías son: (1) el margen del piedemonte, (2) el Indus superior y el Ganges superior-medio, (3) el Ganges inferior y el Brahmaputra medio, (4) el área deltaica fluvialmente influenciada de la cuenca de Bengala, (5) el Ganges superior, (6) el Indo Inferior, y (7) las áreas deltaicas con influencia marina.

O aquífero do Indo-Gangético é um dos recursos hídricos transfronteiriços mais importantes do mundo, e o mais explorado. Para melhor entender o sistema aquífero, tipologias foram caracterizadas para o aquífero, que integram pela primeira vez bancos de dados existentes sobre a bacia de abastecimento Indo-Gangética em uma escala transfornteiriça, e fornecem uma conceptualização alternativa desse sistema aquífero. Tradicionalmente considerado e mapeado como um aquífero homogêneo de propriedades aquíferas comparáveis e recursos subterrâneos em escala transfronteiriça, as tipologias elucidam diferenças espaciais significantes na recarga, permeabilidade, armazenamento, e química das águas subterrâneas pelo aquífero nessa escala transfronteiriça. Essas mudanças aparentam ser sistemáticas, concorrentes com mudanças em larga escala na sedimentologia do aquífero aluvial do Pleistoceno e Holoceno, clima e práticas recentes de irrigação. Sete tipologias do aquífero são apresentadas, cada uma tendo conjuntos de desafios e oportunidades distintos para o desenvolvimento das águas subterrâneas e uma resiliência diferente nas mudanças de extração e clima. As sete tipologias são: (1) a margem piemonte, (2) O Alto Indo e o Alto-médio Ganges, (3) O Baixo Ganges e o Médio Brahmaputra, (4) a área deltaica influenciada fluvialmente da Bacia de Bengala, (5) o Médio Indo e o Alto Ganges, (6) o Baixo Indo, e (7) as áreas deltaicas com influencia marinha.

Detection of human neuronal α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by conjugates of snake α-neurotoxin with quantum dots.

Fluorescent derivatives are widely used to study the structure and functions of proteins. Quantum dots (QDs), fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals, have a high quantum yield and are much more resistant to bleaching compared to organic dyes. Conjugates of α-neurotoxins with QDs were used for visualization of human α7 acetylcholine receptors heterologously expressed in GH4C1 pituitary adenoma cells. Specific staining of cells by the conjugated toxins was observed.

NMR-based metabonomics for understanding the influence of dormant female genital tuberculosis on metabolism of the human endometrium.

STUDY QUESTION: Does investigation of metabolic perturbations in endometrial tissue of women with dormant genital tuberculosis (GTB) during the window of implantation (WOI) assist in improving the understanding of endometrial receptivity? SUMMARY ANSWER: In dormant GTB cases significant alterations in endometrial tissue metabolites occur, largely related to energy metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis in dormant GTB cases. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: As an intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis strongly influences the metabolism of host cells causing metabolic dysregulation. It is also accepted that dormant GTB impairs the receptive status of the endometrium. Global metabolic profiling is useful for an understanding of disease progression and distinguishing between diseased and non-diseased groups. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Endometrial tissue samples were collected from patients reporting at the tertiary infertility care center during the period September 2011-March 2013. Women having tested positive for GTB were considered as the study group (n = 24). Normal healthy women undergoing sterilization (n = 26) and unexplained infertile women with repeated IVF failure (n = 21) volunteered to participate as controls. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Endometrial tissue samples were collected 6-10 days after confirmation of ovulation. PCR and BACTEC-460 culture were used for diagnosing GTB. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra of tissue were recorded using a 700 MHz Bruker Avance AV III spectrometer. Following phase and baseline correction of all NMR spectra by Bruker Topspin 2.1 software, spectral peak alignment of the data was performed. Multivariate analysis was applied to all spectra and individual metabolites identified and multiple correlation analysis was performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Leucine, isoleucine, acetate, lactate, glutamate, glutamine, methionine, lysine, creatine, glycogen, glycine, proline and choline were found to be significantly increased (P < 0.05) in endometrial tissue of women with dormant GTB compared with unexplained infertile women with repeated implantation failure. Valine, citrate, succinate and aspartate were also observed to be significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant decrease in glucose (P < 0.05), threonine (P < 0.05), tyrosine (P < 0.01) and phenylalanine (P < 0.0001) was observed in women with dormant GTB. Pearson's correlation analysis between the expression of various endometrial receptivity markers and metabolites showed a significant negative correlation (-0.236 to -0.545, P < 0.05). Also, the metabolites were positively correlated with endometrial receptivity markers (0.207 to 0.618, P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: It is often difficult to diagnose dormant GTB because it tends to exist without any clinical signs or symptoms. In addition, the diagnosis of GTB by culture remains a challenge due to low detection rates and its paucibacillary nature. Testing for prostate-specific antigen or the Y chromosome in order to account for the possible influences of recent exposure to semen on endometrial metabolism would be important. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The metabolic changes associated with the dormant tubercle infection are of potential relevance to clinicians for the treatment of dormant GTB-related infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: Government of India, Indian Council of Medical Research. There are no conflicts of interest.

Essential oil micro- and nanoemulsions: promising roles in antimicrobial therapy targeting human pathogens.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major health concern worldwide. A narrowing of the antibiotic development pipeline and a resurgence in public opinion towards 'natural' therapies have renewed the interest in using essential oils as antimicrobial agents. The drawbacks of bulk dosing of essential oils can be mitigated by formulating them as micro- and nanoemulsions. These emulsions have an added advantage as they are in the nanometre size range whose thermodynamic properties enable them to be used as an effective drug delivery system. This review describes the current work on the antimicrobial activities of essential oil micro- and nanoemulsions and their role as drug delivery vehicles.

Musculoskeletal problems and fluoride exposure: A cross-sectional study among metal smelting workers.

Frequent and repetitive activities in job and awkward postures are shown as major contributors of musculoskeletal problems in most of the occupational health studies; however, efforts to explore newer risk factor are important to plan interventional measures. In this backdrop, this study examined contribution of fluoride exposure to musculoskeletal complaints. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was conducted involving 180 randomly selected subjects from a metal smelting industry. Clinical examination of the subjects was also performed to assess their health status and morbidity details. Assessment of personal exposure to particulate and gaseous fluoride at workplace was conducted. Urinary fluoride level was also examined in post-shift samples collected from study subjects. The mean age of the study subjects was 39.1 (±6.7) years. Majority of the workers (42.5%) were engaged in pot room. About 54% workers were suffering from backache and 66% subjects had joint pain. Exposure of workers to both particulate and gaseous fluoride and post-working shift urinary fluoride level was significantly higher in pot-room workers in comparison with all other workers. It was observed that age (odds ratio (OR): 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-2.34), drinking untreated water (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.03-2.76), working in pot room (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.13-1.91) and urinary fluoride level (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.81-3.75) had significant effects on musculoskeletal complaints. This study concludes that along with other predictors such as nature of work, posture at work and age of worker, exposure to fluoride also has significant role in the occurrence of musculoskeletal morbidity.

Serum lipoprotein ratios as markers of insulin resistance: a study among non-diabetic acute coronary syndrome patients with impaired fasting glucose.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Recent data suggest that insulin resistance can predict cardiovascular disease independently of the other risk factors, such as hypertension, visceral obesity or dyslipidaemia. However, the majority of available methods to evaluate insulin resistance are complicated to operate, expensive, and time consuming. This study was undertaken to assess whether serum lipoprotein ratios could predict insulin resistance in non-diabetic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. METHODS: Ninety non-diabetic patients with impaired fasting glucose admitted with a diagnosis of ACS were included in the study. At the time of admission fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. The homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used for insulin resistance. The fasting serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were checked, and then TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C ratios were calculated. The areas under the curves (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the power of these serum lipoprotein ratios as markers. RESULTS: Lipoprotein ratios were significantly higher in patients with HOMA-IR index > 2.5 as compared to patients with index <2.5 (P < 0.05). Both TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios were significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio for predicting insulin resistance was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.93), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.91), respectively. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate that serum lipoprotein ratios can provide a simple means of identifying insulin resistance and can be used as markers of insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases risk in adult non-diabetic patients.

Attraction of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) to four varieties of Lathyrus sativus L. seed volatiles.

Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is an important stored grain pest of Lathyrus sativus L. (Leguminosae), commonly known as khesari, in India, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Volatiles were collected from four varieties, i.e., Bio L 212 Ratan, Nirmal B-1, WBK-14-7 and WBK-13-1 of uninfested khesari seeds, and subsequently identified and quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and gas chromatography flame ionization detector analyses, respectively. A total of 23 volatiles were identified in the four varieties of khesari seeds. In Bio L 212 Ratan and WBK-13-1 seeds, nonanal was the most abundant followed by farnesyl acetone; whereas farnesyl acetone was predominant followed by nonanal in Nirmal B-1 and WBK-14-7 khesari seeds. The olfactory responses of female C. maculatus toward volatile blends from four varieties of khesari seeds, and individual synthetic compounds and their combinations were examined through Y-shaped glass tube olfactometer bioassays. Callosobruchus maculatus showed significant preference for the whole volatile blends from Bio L 212 Ratan seeds compared to whole volatile blends from other three varieties. The insect exhibited attraction to five individual synthetic compounds, 3-octanone, 3-octanol, linalool oxide, 1-octanol and nonanal. A synthetic blend of 448, 390, 1182, 659 and 8114 ng/20 µl methylene chloride of 3-octanone, 3-octanol, linalool oxide, 1-octanol and nonanal, respectively, was most attractive to C. maculatus, and this combination might be used for insect pest management program such as baited traps.

Collagen based magnetic nanobiocomposite as MRI contrast agent and for targeted delivery in cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND: In this study, an attempt has been made with the advent of technology to prepare a multifunctional nanobiocomposite (NBC) for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy. METHODS: Collagen (C) was fabricated as nanofibers with multifunctional moieties viz. CFeAb*D by incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe), coupling with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled antibody (Ab*) and loading an anticancer gemcitabine drug (D). This NBC was characterized by conventional methods and evaluated for its biological activities. RESULTS: The UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed the fluorescein to protein ratio and revealed the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles and their interaction with the collagen molecules, respectively. While SDS-PAGE showed the proteinaceous nature of collagen, VSM and TEM studies revealed magnetic saturation as 54.97emu/g and a magnetic nanoparticle with a diameter in the range of 10-30nm and the dimension of nanofiber ranging from 97 to 270nm. A MRI scan has shown a super paramagnetic effect, which reveals that the prepared NBC can be used as a MRI contrast agent. The MTT assay has shown biocompatibility and an apoptotic effect while phase contrast microscopy exhibited receptor mediated uptake of endocytosis. CONCLUSION: The novelty in the prepared NBC lies in the collagen nanofibers, which have a higher penetrating property without causing much cell damage, biocompatibility and multifunctional properties and is able to carry multifunctional agents. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study has demonstrated the possible use of CFeAb*D as a multifunctional NBC for biomedical applications.

Nanoemulsion of eucalyptus oil and its larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus.

Filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease that causes lymphedema and the main vector is Culex quinquefasciatus. A simple measure was taken to eradicate the vector using nanoemulsion. Eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion was formulated in various ratios comprising of eucalyptus oil, tween 80 and water by ultrasonication. The stability of nanoemulsion was observed over a period of time and 1:2 ratios of eucalyptus oil (6%) and surfactant (12%) was found to be stable. The formulated eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The nanoemulsion droplets were found to have a Z-average diameter of 9.4 nm and were spherical in shape. The larvicidal activity of eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion and bulk emulsion was tested and compared. Our nanoemulsion showed higher activity when compared to bulk emulsion. The histopathology of larvae-treated and untreated nanoemulsion was analyzed. Furthermore, biochemical assays were carried out to examine the effect of nanoemulsion on biochemical characteristics of larvae. The treated larval homogenate showed decrease in total protein content and a significant reduction in the levels of acetylcholinesterase. The levels of acid and alkaline phosphatase also showed reduction as compared to control larval homogenate.