Demographics and host-kill parameters of Diglyphus horticola Khan against Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau).

The pea leafminer, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a polyphagous and serious pest of peas. In India, this pest is attacked by many parasitoids and among them Diglyphus horticola Khan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an important one, however, demographics and pest-kill potential of this parasitoid has not been studied so far. This study presents the first report on its demographics and pest-kill potential on C. horticola. The parasitoid showed three modes of host-killing behaviour viz. host-feeding, parasitism and host-stinging. The parasitoid females killed more number of hosts by parasitism than host-feeding or host-stinging. The pre-adult survival, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ) were higher on the 5-days old host larvae than those reared on the 3-days old larvae. Demographics and pest-kill parameters of D. horticola were also better on 5-days old host larvae than on 3-days old host larvae. Based on the study, D. horticola appeared to be a promising biocontrol agent for the suppression of C. horticola in peas and could be promoted through conservation biological control. Further studies are required to standardize the mass production protocol and release rates to use the parasitoid by augmentation.

Structure and function of latency-associated nuclear antigen.

Latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) encoded by open reading frame 73 (ORF73) is the major latent protein expressed in all forms of KSHV-associated malignancies. LANA is a large (222-234 kDa) nuclear protein that interacts with various cellular as well as viral proteins. LANA has been classified as an oncogenic protein as it dysregulates various cellular pathways including tumor suppressor pathways associated with pRb and p53 and can transform primary rat embryo fibroblasts in cooperation with the cellular oncogene Hras. It associates with GSK-3beta, an important modulator of Wnt signaling pathway leading to the accumulation of cytoplasmic beta-catenin, which upregulates Tcf/Lef regulated genes after entering into the nucleus. LANA also blocks the expression of RTA, the reactivation transcriptional activator, which is critical for the latency to lytic switch, and thus helps in maintaining viral latency. LANA tethers the viral episomal DNA to the host chromosomes by directly binding to its cognate binding sequence within the TR region of the genome through its C terminus and to the nucleosomes through the N terminus of the molecule. Tethering to the host chromosomes helps in efficient partitioning of the viral episomes in the dividing cells. Disruptions of LANA expression led to reduction in the episomal copies of the viral DNA, supporting its role in persistence of the viral DNA. The functions known so far suggest that LANA is a key player in KSHV-mediated pathogenesis.

ZIKV infection regulates inflammasomes pathway for replication in monocytes.

ZIKV causes microcephaly by crossing the placental barrier, however, the mechanism of trans-placental dissemination of ZIKV remains unknown. Here, we sought to determine whether monocytes, which can cross tissue barriers, assist ZIKV dissemination to the fetus. We determined this by infecting monocytes with two strains of ZIKV: South American (PRVABC59) and Nigerian (IBH30656) and analyzing viral replication. We found that ZIKV infects and replicates in monocytes and macrophages, which results in the modulation of a large number of cellular genes. Analysis of these genes identified multiple pathways including inflammasome to be targeted by ZIKV, which was confirmed by analyzing the transcript levels of the proteins of inflammasome pathways, NLRP3, ASC, caspase 1, IL-1 and IL-18. Interestingly, IFNα and the IFN inducible gene, MxA were not enhanced, suggesting prevention of innate antiviral defense by ZIKV. Also, inhibition of inflammasome led to an increased transcriptional activity of IFNα, MxA and CXCL10. Based on these results we suggest that ZIKV transcription is regulated by inflammasomes.

Bacteriophage application on red meats and poultry: Effects on Salmonella population in final ground products.

This research was conducted to study the effects of bacteriophage application during tumbling on Salmonella populations in ground meat and poultry. Red meat trim and poultry were inoculated with a Salmonella cocktail to result in a contamination level of 7logCFU/g in ground products. A commercial preparation containing bacteriophages S16 and Felix-O1a (FO1a) was applied during tumbling at 107 and 108PFU/ml. Samples were held at 4°C for 6h and 18h (red meat) and 30min and 6h (poultry). Overall, bacteriophage application on trim reduced 1 and 0.8logCFU/g of Salmonella in ground beef and ground pork, respectively. For ground chicken and ground turkey, Salmonella was reduced by 1.1 and 0.9logCFU/g, respectively. This study shows that bacteriophage application during tumbling of red meat trim and poultry can provide additional Salmonella control in ground products.

Stimulation of rat gastric adenylate cyclase by histamine and histamine analogues and blockade by burimamide.

Histamine, 4-methylhistamine, 3-(beta-aminoethyl)-1,2,4 triazole and betazole, in that order, stimulated adenylate cyclase prepared from rat gastric tissue in a dose-dependent manner. Burimamide, an H(2)-receptor blocking agent, in concentrations of 1-5 x 10(-6) M antagonized this effect. The data lend some support to the hypothesis that elevated levels of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate may be involved in histamine-stimulated gastric secretions and that H(2)-receptors are associated with adenylate cyclase.

Mechanism of action of histamine in the estrogen-primed rat uterus.

Histamine produced a dose-dependent relaxation of uterine strips obtained from the estrogen-primed rat uterus. The responses to histamine were blocked competitively by metiamide (10(-8)-10(-8) M), a specific H2-receptor antagonist. Propranolol, a selective beta-receptor blocker also produced competitive antagonism of the responses to histamine in the same dose range (10(-8)-10(-6) M). The pA2 value obtained for metiamide (8.9) was not significantly different from that obtained for propranolol (8.6). Nialamide (2.2 X 10(-6) M), the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and cocaine (4.3 X 10(-6) M), the selective noradrenaline uptake blocker, potentiated the responses to histamine. However bretylium (2.4 X 10(-5) M), and adrenergic neuron blocker inhibited the responses to histamine. The combined effect of tyramine and histamine was found to be additive. Our data suggest that the histamine-induced relaxation of rat uterus may be produced through the stimulation of presynaptic H2-receptors which causes the release of noradrenaline. The released noradrenaline acts on the postsynaptic beta-receptors and produces relaxation of the rat uterus.

Biochemical and mechanical effects of phenylephrine on the heart.

Injections of phenylephrine into isolated perfused guinea pig hearts increased cyclic AMP and phosphorylase a. Reserpine pretreatment or propranolol decreased or abolished the phenylephrine-induced biochemical changes without affecting the contractile response. Phentolamine, on the other hand, shifted the phenylephrine dose-response curve for contractility to the right without affecting the other parameters. The biochemical effects of phenylephrine are apparently due to the release of noradrenaline while the contractile effect is mediated directly through stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors.

Evaluation of plant growth promoting and colonization ability of endophytic diazotrophs from deep water rice.

A study of the diversity of endophytic bacteria present in seeds of a deepwater rice variety revealed the presence of seven types of BOX-PCR fingerprints. In order to evaluate the plant growth promoting potential the presence of nitrogenase, indole acetic acid production and mineral phosphate solubilization were estimated in the representative BOX-PCR types. The seven representatives of BOX-PCR types produced indole acetic acid, reduced acetylene and showed specific immunological cross-reaction with anti-dinitrogenase reductase antibody. Only four types showed mineral phosphate solubilizing ability. Comparison of cellulase and pectinase activities showed differences among different BOX-PCR types. PCR fingerprinting data showed that one strain isolated from the surface sterilized seeds as well as the aerial parts of the seedlings of rice variety showed low cellulase and pectinase but relatively high ARA. On the basis of 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence and BIOLOG system of bacterial identification, this strain was identified as Pantoea agglomerans. For studying the endophytic colonization this strain was genetically tagged with the reporter gene, gusA. Histochemical analysis of the seedling grown in hydroponics showed that the tagged strain colonized the root surface, root hairs, root cap, points of lateral root emergence, root cortex and the stelar region. Treatment of the roots with 2,4-D produced short thickened lateral roots which showed better colonization by P. agglomerans.

Management of anterior segment penetrating injuries with traumatic cataract by Pentagon approach in paediatric age group: constraints and outcome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of multiple combined procedure (Pentagon approach) as single-step secondary repair in cases of extensive keratolenticular trauma in paediatric age group. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of 18 patients of penetrating injuries with sclerokeratolenticular trauma, who underwent multiple procedure as single-step secondary repair by a single team of two surgeons during a 4 year period. Surgical procedure included reconstruction of anterior segment, synechiolysis, excision of membrane, lensectomy, open sky vitrectomy, PC IOL implantation over frill and penetrating keratoplasty. Meticulous antiamblyopia measures were applied in all cases. RESULTS: Extensive vasoproliferative membrane, complicated cataract and anterior vitreous condensation were significant intra-operative hurdles. Moderate uveitis, secondary glaucoma, persistent epithelial defects were problems noted. Eleven (61.22%) patients attained good visual outcome. Regrafting was required in remaining cases due to delayed graft failure. CONCLUSION: Despite being a highly complex technique, Pentagon approach provides effective management profile in terms of graft success and functional outcome, especially in keratolenticular trauma, in children.

Spontaneous resolution of chronic subdural haematoma secondary to chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Chronic subdural haematoma (SDH) complicating chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), in an adult is extremely rare. There are only four such case reports available in the literature and all these patients had surgical evacuation of the haematoma. We report an elderly female with chronic ITP presenting with a chronic SDH which resolved spontaneously. This is possibly the first report of its kind in the world literature. The possible pathogenesis is discussed and pertinent literature reviewed.

The cardiac inotropic responses to insulin in the rat heart.

Insulin (5 to 40 I.U.) produced dose-dependent positive inotropic effect in the isolated rat heart. The responses to insulin were markedly inhibited in the presence of propranolol (1 . 1X10(-6) M). Insulin responses were markedly reduced in reserpine pretreated (5 mg/kg, i.p.) rats. Theophylline (4.4 mM), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, potentiated the responses to insulin, whereas imidazole (20 mM), the phosphodiesterase stimulator inhibited the responses to insulin. The data suggest that the positive inotropic effects of insulin in rat heart is mediated through the release of cardiac catecholamines which stimulates beta-adrenoceptors. The final mediator of cardiac action seems to be cyclic-AMP.

Blockade by burimamide of the effects of clonidine on cardiac contractility phosphorylase activation and cyclic adenosine monophosphate in isolated guinea pig heart.

Clonidine in a dose-range of 2.5 microgram to 80 microgram caused positive inotropic effect, which was accompanied by increase in the cyclic AMP levels and phosphorylase-activation of the isolated perfused guinea pig heart. Clonidine-induced biochemical and mechanical effects were blocked by burimamide, an H2-receptor antagonist Propranolol (1 x 10(-6)M), phentolamine (1 x 10(-6)M) or reserpine pretreatment, did not affect the clonidine responses on the perfused guinea pig heart. Clonidine reduced the 4-methyl-histamine (H2-agonist) responses of guinea pig heart. Our data suggest that the cardiac effects of clonidine may be due to stimulation of H2-type of receptors.

Evidence for histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine like effects of MK-212 on guinea pig ileum, taenia coli and rat fundus strip.

MK-212 (1 x 10(-7)M -- 1 x 10(-5)M) produced dose-dependent contractions of guinea pig ileum, taenia coil and rat fundus strip. The responses to MK-212 in all three preparations were blocked competitively by cyproheptadine (1 x 10(-8)M) a 5-HT receptor antagonist. Mepyramine (1 x 10(-8)M)-H1 receptor antagonist also inhibited competitively the responses of guinea pig ileum and taenia coli to MK-212. However, it failed to block significantly the responses of rat fundus strip to MK-212. Metiamide (1 x 10(-6)M), propranolol (1 x 10(-6)M) or atropine (1 x 10(-6)M) did not produce any significant effects on MK-212 induced contractile responses of guinea pig ileum, taenia coli and rat fundus strip. Our findings suggest that MK-212 produces both 5-HT as well as histamine like effects on the guinea-pig ileum, taenia coli and rat fundus strip.

STUDY OF TRAUMATIC CATARACT IN OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRAUMA AND ITS MANAGEMENT.

Sixty cases of traumatic cataract in 5 years due to occupational and environmental hazards were studied to highlight mode of trauma, structural damage; management profile and final visual outcome. Thirty six (60%) cases had mechanical trauma whereas 18 (30%) cases had injuries due to non metalic or organic substances. Industrial accidents were responsible in 25 (41.66%) cases. Forty four cases (73.3%) had associated anterior segment injuries. Reconstruction of anterior segment with Posterior Chamber Intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation could be done in 42 (70%) cases as primary or secondary procedure. Adherent leucoma, iridal trauma, posterior capsular tear and dislocated lens were noted problems. Forty six (76.67%) cases had attained 6/12 or better corrected visual acuity. Defective visual gain was due to corneal opacities and post operative complications.

MANAGEMENT OF CONCURRENT GLAUCOMA AND CATARACT BY PHACOTRABECULECTOMY TECHNIQUE: AN EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH.

30 cases of open angle glaucoma with cataract who underwent phacoemulsification, PMMA phaco profile IOL implantation and trabeculectomy through same incision were critically evaluated. The mean controlled, preoperative intra ocular pressure was 20 mm of Hg (range 18 to 35 mm of Hg) by aplanation method. Mean post operative pressure after 12 months was 13 mm of Hg (range 11 to 22 mm of Hg) intra operative hyphaema, post operative uveitis were noted problems. Periodic, post operative optic disc and field evaluation remained static in 66% cases. Visual acuity of 6/12 or better was achieved in 60% cases. Failure to restore glaucoma control without medication was seen in 13.3% cases after 9-12 months. The combined phacotrabeculectomy is an effective single step technique of managing concurrent glaucoma with cataract.

Surveillance of tuberculosis among HIV infected persons in three different regions of Nepal.

Tuberculosis itself is a major public health problem in Nepal. The emergence of HIV has caused sharp increase in TB incidence in the community. Surveillance of TB/HIV co-infection helps in developing effective TB/HIV control strategies. The objective of this study was to measure prevalence of TB among HIV/AIDS patients in the selected regions. Between December 2006 and May 2008, a cross-sectional study was conducted in three different settings namely Tribhuvan University Teaching hospital, Kathmandu; Regional Tuberculosis Centre, Pokhara and Shree Siddhanath Science Campus, Mahendranagar. After taking informed consent pre-structured questionnaire was administered. Sputum specimen was collected from HIV/AIDS patients to investigate tuberculosis by culture and microscopy. Data analysis was done using SPSS 11.5. Of the 394 HIV infected persons, 225 (57.1%) were male and 169 (42.9%) female. The overall prevalence of TB was found to be 8.1%. Clinical signs and symptoms were significantly lower in those patients undergoing ART (chi2 value ranging from 4.19 to 9.13). However, development of tuberculosis is independent of ART status (chi2 value 1.14) and CD4 level (chi2 value 3.25). TB case detection rate by cultural technique was found to be twice as superior as direct microscopy. It can be concluded that smear negative TB constitute the significant proportion of TB cases in HIV infected persons.

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV infected persons in Pokhara, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Nepal. HIV co-infection has further added a serious challenge to control TB. An early diagnosis and treatment of TB in HIV infected individuals can help reduce not only the morbidity and mortality associated in this high risk group but also to control the TB burden in Nepal. METHODS: Clinical and bacteriological examination for pulmonary TB was carried out in 184 HIV positive persons from the community in Pokhara. Questionnaire was used to screen for symptoms and collect participants' demographic information and potential risk factors for TB. RESULTS: Eighty (43.5%) sero-positive participants were young adult (21-30 years), followed by 71 (38.6%) middle aged (31-40 years) persons. Eleven participants were found to have Mycobacterium tuberculosis in their sputum, giving an overall prevalence of tuberculosis of 5.97%. All 11 cases were detected by Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) culture, of which only three cases were detected by direct microscopy of AFB stained sputum smear. The majority of TB/HIV patients were asymptomatic with low AFB smear positivity. No significant association was found between TB and risk factors like ARV status, common clinical features of tuberculosis and smoking habit. However, significant association was found between the alcohol consumption and TB (X2=4.11, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of tuberculosis (5.97%) was found among HIV infected persons. Alcohol consumption was associated with the development of tuberculosis. Majority of the studied subjects were asymptomatic for common signs and symptoms of TB. Weight loss was observed in 43% of the studied subjects followed by chest pain (39.2%), loss of appetite (34.8%), fever (34.8%) and night sweat (26.1%). Only 27% of the TB cases were found to be smear-positive.