Study of Association of Erectile Dysfunction with Metabolic Syndrome and Its Correlation with Endothelial Dysfunction in an Indian Population.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has emerged as a new health risk, and its associated metabolic derangements have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. In recent years, MS has been reported to affect reproductive health in males. It has been reported to be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and has been attributed to be due to endothelial dysfunction. Poor endothelial function in ED usually affects small-sized vasculature, so it can be looked at as a predictor for the endothelial dysfunction of macro vasculature. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of ED in patients with MS and to determine its correlation with endothelial dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a hospital-based case-control study in which 120 male patients with MS and 120 age-matched controls were enroled. Demographic profiles, anthropometry, past illnesses, and medical history of patients were obtained. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and was measured using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) method with the help of ultrasound used to assess endothelial dysfunction. Diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scale. RESULTS: The study participants had a mean age of 40.91 ± 11.41 years. The majority of cases (57.5%) had ≤6 months of history of MS. The prevalence of ED was 31.7% in cases compared to 5% in controls, thus showing a significant difference between cases and controls. Mean IIEF scores were significantly lower in cases (18.82 ± 5.59) compared to those in controls (23.00 ± 2.57). A moderate positive and significant correlation was observed between FMD and IIEF scores. With an increasing number of MS components, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of ED. Those with ED had significantly lower mean FMD values (5.1 ± 1.1%) compared to those not having ED (10.9 ± 3.3%). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study showed that there is a significant association between ED and MS. We observed that the increase in components of MS increased the prevalence of ED in MS. Endothelial dysfunction measured by FMD was correlated with ED.

Home Fortification of Complementary Foods Reduces Anemia and Diarrhea among Children Aged 6-18 Months in Bihar, India: A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial.

BACKGROUND: Home fortification of complementary foods with multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) is recommended to reduce child anemia in resource-poor settings. However, evidence of program effectiveness in India to guide policies and programs is lacking. OBJECTIVES: We implemented a large-scale intervention of MNPs in Bihar, India. The primary outcome was MNP consumption and change in hemoglobin concentration among children aged 6-18 mo between baseline and endline (12 mo). Secondary outcomes were change in child weight and length and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices (initiation, diversity, and feeding frequency). Ad hoc analyses included changes in anemia; stunting; underweight; wasting; and reported diarrhea, fever, and hospitalization. METHODS: We conducted a cluster-randomized, effectiveness trial in >4000 children within the context of ongoing health and nutrition programs implemented by CARE, India. Seventy health subcenters were randomly assigned to receive either MNPs with IYCF counseling (intervention) or IYCF counseling only (control). We used an adjusted difference-in-difference approach using repeat cross-sectional surveys at baseline and endline to evaluate impact. RESULTS: At baseline, 75% of intervention and 69% of control children were anemic and 33% were stunted. By endline, 70% of intervention households reported their child had ever consumed MNPs, and of those, 64% had consumed MNPs in the past month. Relative to control, hemoglobin concentration increased (0.22 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.44 g/dL) and anemia declined by 7.1 percentage points (pp) (95% CI: -13.5, -0.7 pp). There was no impact on anthropometry nor IYCF practices. However, there was a decline of 8.0 pp (95% CI: -14.9, -1.1 pp) in stunting among children aged 12-18 mo. Diarrhea prevalence in the past 2 wk was reduced by 4.0 pp (95% CI: -7.6, -0.4 pp). CONCLUSIONS: Home fortification of complementary foods within a government-run program in Bihar had moderate compliance and caused modest improvements in hemoglobin and reductions in anemia and diarrhea prevalence.

Genome-wide association study for phosphate deficiency responsive root hair elongation in chickpea.

Root hairs (RHs) are single-celled elongated epidermal cells and play a vital role in nutrient absorption, particularly for immobile minerals like phosphorus (P). As an adaptive response to P deficiency, an increase in RH length enhances root-soil contact and absorptive area for P absorption. Genetic variations have been reported for RH length and its response to P deficiency in plants. However, only a few association studies have been conducted to identify genes and genetic loci associated with RH length. Here, we screened desi chickpea accessions for RH length and its plasticity under P deficiency. Further, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify the genetic loci associated with RH length in P deficient and sufficient conditions. Although high variability was observed in terms of RH length in diverse genotypes, majority of the accessions showed typical response of increase in RH length in low P. Genome-wide association mapping identified many SNPs with significant associations with RH length in P-sufficient and P-deficient conditions. A few candidate genes for RH length in P deficient (SIZ1-like and HAD superfamily protein) and sufficient (RSL2-like and SMAP1-like) conditions were identified which have known roles in RH development and P deficiency response or both. Highly associated loci and candidate genes identified in this study would be useful for genomic-assisted breeding to develop P-efficient chickpea.

A rice glutaredoxin regulate the expression of aquaporin genes and modulate root responses to provide arsenic tolerance.

Rice is the most consumed food crop and essential determinant in global food security program. Currently, arsenic (As) accumulation in rice is a critical concern in terms of both crop productivity and grain quality; therefore, it is an urgent need to reduce As accumulation. Here, we selected a glutaredoxin (OsGrx_C7) gene that plays an essential role in AsIII tolerance in rice. To explore the mechanism, we raised OsGrx_C7 overexpression (OE) rice lines, which showed improved plant AsIII tolerance and lowered its accumulation in grains. Arsenic accumulation in husk, unpolished, and polished rice reduced by ca. 65%, 67%, and 85%, respectively, in OE lines, compared to wild-type (WT) plants. To know the rationale, expression of AsIII transporters (aquaporins) in root and shoot tissues were examined, and revealed that OsGrx_C7 regulates the expression of these genes, which ultimately reduces root to shoot AsIII translocation. Additionally, OsGrx_C7 improves root growth by regulating the expression of oxidative stress-induced root expansion related genes, promote root growth and plant health. Overall, current study suggested that AsIII induced OsGrx_C7 markedly enhanced tolerance to AsIII with reduced accumulation in grains by regulating root expansion and controlling root to shoot As transport by altered expression of AsIII aquaporins.

Leishmania donovani reduces the levels of retinoic acid-synthesizing enzymes in infected macrophages and favoring its own survival.

People suffering from malnutrition become susceptible to the infection like Leishmania sp., as it results in a compromised immune response. Retinoic acid (RA), an important constituent of nutrition, shows an immune-modulatory activity. However, its role in the containment of infection is not yet ascertained, particularly in case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). VL patients (n = 10) and healthy endemic controls (n = 9) were recruited to measure the serum levels of RA. An in vitro model of Leishmania infection using the murine mφ cell line J774.1 was used to investigate the RA-synthesizing enzymes (RALDH-1 and RALDH-2). Parasite loads among infected mφ were measured by quantitative expression of kDNA in the presence of an inhibitor of the RALDH-2 enzyme. We found a significant decrease in the serum levels of RA in VL cases. Importantly, we observed decreased levels of RALDH-1 and RALDH-2 among L. donovani-infected mφ along with simultaneous decrease as well as increase in the Th-1 and Th-2-associated factors, respectively. Furthermore, the pretreatment of mφ with an RALDH-2 inhibitor improved parasite in vitro infection. Our findings show impaired RA pathway among infected mφ and indicate that an intact RA pathway is critical for anti-Leishmania immune response. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Use of monitoring data to improve implementation of a home fortification program in Bihar, India.

This paper describes the use of program-monitoring data to track program performance and inform activities. Monitoring data were collected as part of an effectiveness trial of multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) for children 6-18 months in Bihar, India. Communities (n = 70; reaching over 10,000 children) were randomized to receive either counselling on infant and young child feeding or both counselling and MNPs. Government frontline health workers (FLWs) implemented and monitored program activities with support from CARE India and university partners. Monitoring data were collected over the duration of the entire program to assess program impact pathways using various checklists, which captured information about (a) attendance and training of FLWs at health subcentre meetings, (b) distribution of MNPs, (c) receipt and use of MNPs at the household level, and (d) midline mixed methods survey. At the beginning of the program, 72% of households reported receiving and 53% reported currently consuming MNPs. These numbers fell to 40% and 43% at midline, respectively. The main barrier to use by household was a lack of MNPs, due in part to infrequent FLW distribution. However, FLWs rarely reported MNP shortages at Anganwadi centres. Side effects also emerged as a barrier and were addressed through revised recommendations for MNP use. Qualitative data indicated high community acceptance of MNPs and a good understanding of the program by FLWs. The use of real-time program data allowed for recognition of key program issues and decision-making to enhance program implementation.

Effectiveness of a home fortification programme with multiple micronutrients on infant and young child development: a cluster-randomised trial in rural Bihar, India.

Research demonstrates the importance of nutrition for early brain development. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of multiple micronutrient powders (MNP) on child development. This study examined the impacts of home fortification with MNP on motor and mental development, executive function and memory of children living in Bihar. This two-arm cluster-randomised effectiveness trial selected seventy health sub-centres to receive either MNP and nutrition counselling (intervention) or nutrition counselling alone (control) for 12 months. Front-line health workers delivered the intervention to all households in study communities with a child aged 6-18 months. Data were collected using cross-sectional surveys at baseline and endline by selecting households from intervention (baseline, n 2184; endline, n 2170) and control (baseline, n 2176; endline, n 2122) communities using a two-stage cluster-randomised sampling strategy. Children in the intervention group had a significantly larger improvement from baseline to endline compared with those in the control group on scores for motor and mental development (Cohen's d, motor=0·12; 95 % CI 0·03, 0·22; mental=0·15; 95 % CI 0·06, 0·25). Greater impacts of MNP on motor and mental development were observed in children from households with higher stimulation scores at baseline compared with those with lower stimulation (Cohen's d, motor=0·20 v. 0·09; mental=0·22 v. 0·14; P interaction<0·05). No significant treatment differences were seen for executive function or memory. Home fortification with MNP through the existing health infrastructure in Bihar was effective in improving motor and mental development and should be considered in combination with other child development interventions such as stimulation.

Identifying bottlenecks in the iron and folic acid supply chain in Bihar, India: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal anaemia prevalence in Bihar, India remains high despite government mandated iron supplementation targeting pregnant women. Inadequate supply has been identified as a potential barrier to iron and folic acid (IFA) receipt. Our study objective was to examine the government health system's IFA supply and distribution system and identify bottlenecks contributing to insufficient IFA supply. METHODS: Primary data collection was conducted in November 2011 and July 2012 across 8 districts in Bihar, India. A cross-sectional, observational, mixed methods approach was utilized. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives were surveyed on current IFA supply and practices. In-depth interviews (n = 59) were conducted with health workers at state, district, block, health sub-centre, and village levels. RESULTS: Overall, 44% of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives were out of IFA stock. Stock levels and supply chain practices varied greatly across districts. Qualitative data revealed specific bottlenecks impacting IFA forecasting, procurement, storage, disposal, lack of personnel, and few training opportunities for key players in the supply chain. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate IFA supply is a major constraint to the IFA supplementation program, the extent of which varies widely across districts. Improvements at all levels of infrastructure, practices, and effective monitoring will be critical to strengthen the IFA supply chain in Bihar.

A Cross-Sectional Survey in Rural Bihar, India, Indicates That Nutritional Status, Diet, and Stimulation Are Associated with Motor and Mental Development in Young Children.

Background: Many malnourished children in resource-poor settings fail to fulfill their developmental potential.Objective: The objectives of this analysis were to examine the nutritional, psychosocial, environmental, and household correlates of child development in Bihar, India, and identify mediators between dietary diversity and mental development.Methods: Using 2-stage cluster randomized sampling, we surveyed 4360 households with children 6-18 mo of age in the West Champaran district of Bihar. We measured motor and mental development with the use of the Developmental Milestones Checklist II. In a random subsample (n = 2838), we measured anthropometric characteristics and hemoglobin. Cluster-adjusted multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between nutrition indicators and development scores. Sobel's test was used to assess significant mediators in the association between diet diversity and development scores. Analyses were stratified by children 6-11 and 12-18 mo of age.Results: In all children, length-for-age z score (LAZ), dietary diversity, and psychosocial stimulation were significant (P < 0.05) correlates of motor development scores [(ß coefficient ± SE) in children 6-11 mo: LAZ = 0.46 ± 0.08, dietary diversity = 0.43 ± 0.09, and stimulation = 0.15 ± 0.04; in children 12-18 mo: LAZ = 0.73 ± 0.07, dietary diversity = 0.30 ± 0.09, and stimulation = 0.31 ± 0.05] and mental development scores [(ß coefficient ± SE) in children 6-11 mo: LAZ = 0.57 ± 0.10, dietary diversity = 0.84 ± 0.13, and stimulation = 0.54 ± 0.07; in children 12-18 mo: LAZ = 0.54 ± 0.11, dietary diversity = 0.40 ± 0.16, and stimulation = 0.62 ± 0.09]. Stimulation, gross motor development, and fine motor development were significant mediators in the relation between dietary diversity and mental development.Conclusion: Strategies to improve dietary diversity and psychosocial stimulation could have important implications for child development of young North Indian children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02593136.

Randomized open-label trial of baclofen for relapse prevention in alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence is a progressive chronic disorder characterized by narrowing of the drinking repertoire, salience of drinking, tolerance and withdrawal phenomenon, compulsion to drink, and frequent relapses. Baclofen has been shown to promote abstinence, to reduce craving, and to reduce anxiety in alcohol-dependent individuals, and it promises to be a useful agent, although clinical data are limited at present. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to test the utility of baclofen, a GABA agonist, in improving the relapse rates in alcohol-dependent subjects. METHODS: A total of 122 alcohol-dependent subjects were randomized into two groups. Groups were administered baclofen (30 mg/day) or benfothiamine (a nutritional supplement) using an open label design. Both groups received brief motivational intervention. Subjects were assessed at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks for the primary outcome measures: time to first relapse, heavy drinking days, cumulative abstinence duration, and craving (measured by the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS)). RESULTS: Seventy-two participants received baclofen, and 50 received benfothiamine. Participants receiving baclofen remained abstinent for significantly more days than the benfothiamine group (p < 0.05). The percentage of heavy drinking days was significantly lower in the baclofen group (p = 0.001). Craving and anxiety scores (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) were also significantly decreased in the baclofen group relative to the control group (p = 0.001). Time to first relapse was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In this open-label trial, alcohol-dependent participants receiving baclofen showed significant improvements in drinking outcomes compared with participants receiving benfothiamine. This study provides further evidence that baclofen is useful for the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Antimicrobial potential and taxonomic investigation of piezotolerant Streptomyces sp. NIOT-Ch-40 isolated from deep-sea sediment.

Microbial-derived natural products from extreme niches such as deepsea are known to possess structural and functional novelty. With this background, the present study was designed to investigate the bioprospecting potential and systematics of a deep-sea derived piezotolerant bacterial strain NIOT-Ch-40, showing affiliation to the genus Streptomyces based on 16S RNA gene similarity. Preliminary screening for the presence of biosynthetic genes like polyketide synthase I, polyketide synthase II, non ribosomal peptide synthase, 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid synthase and spiroindimicin followed by antibacterial activity testing confirmed the presence of potent bioactivity. The secondary metabolites produced during fermentation in Streptomyces broth at 28 °C for 7 days were extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract exhibited a specific inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria and was significantly effective (p < 0.0001) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration against MRSA was 1.5 µg/mL, which was statistically significant in comparison with erythromycin. A multifaceted analysis of the Streptomyces spp. was carried out to delineate the strain NIOT-Ch-40 at a higher resolution which includes morphological, biochemical and molecular studies. Piezotolerance studies and comparison of fatty acid profiles at high pressures revealed that it could be considered as one of the taxonomic markers, especially for the strains isolated from the deep sea environments. In conclusion, the observation of comparative studies with reference strains indicated towards the strain NIOT-Ch-40 as an indigenous marine piezotolerant Streptomyces sp. with a higher probability of obtaining novel bioactive metabolites.

Gender-based Assessment of Survival in Trauma-hemorrhagic Shock: A Retrospective Analysis of Indian Population.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma-hemorrhagic shock (THS) is a leading cause of death. Female rats and women experience better outcomes in terms of survival after major trauma as compared to males. There are limited data in Indian population. Authors studied the gender-based outcome of patients with Class IV hemorrhagic shock due to blunt trauma and the distribution of factors among males and females which are known to affect outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective study with data of trauma victims between January 2008 and July 2013. Road traffic crash (RTC), fall, or assault of all ages with Class IV hemorrhagic shock on arrival was included in the study, and data were collected on demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters. Drowning, burns, penetrating injuries, and septic, neurogenic, and cardiogenic shock were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty-one patients were analyzed under three groups: (i) overall group including all patients (n = 781), (ii) male group (n = 609), and (iii) female group (n = 172). After adjusting all variables, mortality was significantly lower in females as compared to males following THS (P < 0.05). Age, blood pressure, pulse, male gender, and fall and RTC as mode of injury (MOI) were independent predictors of mortality (P < 0.05) in overall group. Among males, age, pulse, and RTC as a MOI were significant (P < 0.05), while in females, only systolic blood pressure (SBP) was independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSION: Females had better survival as compared to males following THS. SBP was an independent predictor of mortality in females with THS.

Pseudogracilibacillus marinus sp. nov., isolated from a biofilm formed in coastal seawater.

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped (0.4-0.5×2.0-4.0 µm), endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain NIOT.bflm.S4T, was isolated from biofilm formed on high-density polyethylene test coupons in coastal seawater. The strain required seawater for growth. It grew with 1.0-8.0 % (w/v) NaCl, at 4-45 °C and at pH 6.5-9.0, with optimum growth with 4.0-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl, at 30 °C and at pH 7.0-8.0. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and partial dnaK gene sequences showed that strain NIOT.bflm.S4T formed a phylogenetic lineage with Pseudogracilibacillus auburnensis P-207T, the only known species of the genus Pseudogracilibacillusand shared sequence identities of 96.9 and 83 %, respectively, with this strain. The identities of 16S rRNA and partial dnaK gene sequences with members of other related genera such as Gracilibacillus, Paraliobacillus, Ornithinibacillus, Oceanobacillus, Virgibacillus and Lentibacillus were ≤95 and ≤78 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain NIOT.bflm.S4T was 39.1 mol%. MK-7 was found as the sole isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipids of strain NIOT.bflm.S4T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown lipid. The diagnostic diamino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (27.9 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (18.6 %), C12 : 0 (8.7 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (6.6 %). On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic results, we propose that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Pseudogracilibacillus, for which the name Pseudogracilibacillus marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIOT.bflm.S4T (=KACC 18456T=MTCC 12376T=TBRC 5831T).

Response of two rice cultivars differing in their sensitivity towards arsenic, differs in their expression of glutaredoxin and glutathione S transferase genes and antioxidant usage.

Embodied study investigates the role of GRX and associated antioxidant enzymes in the detoxification mechanism between arsenic (As) sensitive (Usar-3) and tolerant cultivar (Pant Dhan 11) of Oryza sativa against As(III) and As(V), under GSH enriched, and GSH deprived conditions. The overall growth and physiological parameters in sensitive cultivar were lower than the tolerant cultivar, against various treatments of As(III) and As(V). The As accumulation in sensitive cv. against both As(III) and As(V) was lower than the corresponding treatments in tolerant cv. However, the As translocation against As(V) was lower (35% and 64%, resp.) than that of As(III), in both the cultivars. In sensitive cv. translocation of Zn and Cu was influenced by both As(V) and As(III) whereas, in tolerant cv. the translocation of Cu, Mn and Zn was influenced only by As(III). Translocation of Fe was negatively influenced by translocation of As in sensitive cv. and positively in tolerant cv. Strong correlation between H2O2, SOD, GRX, GR, GST and GSH/GSSG in sensitive cv. and between DHAR, APX, MDHAR and AsA in tolerant cv. demonstrates the underlying preference of GSH as electron donor for detoxification of H2O2 in sensitive cv. and AsA in tolerant cv. Higher expression of the four GRX and two GST genes in the sensitive cv. than tolerant cv, suggests that under As stress, GRX are synthesized more in the sensitive cv. than tolerant cv. Also, the expression of four GRX genes were higher against As(V) than As(III). The higher As accumulation in the tolerant cv. is due to lower GST expression, is attributed to the absence of thiolation and sequestration of As in roots, the translocation of As to shoots is higher.

Acceptability and utility of an innovative feeding toolkit to improve maternal and child dietary practices in Bihar, India.

BACKGROUND: Dietary practices in India often fail to provide adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. OBJECTIVE: To explore the acceptability and utility of a low-cost and simple-to-use feeding toolkit consisting of a bowl with marks to indicate meal volume and frequency, a slotted spoon, and an illustrated counseling card to cue optimal dietary practices during the first 1,000 days. METHODS: In Samastipur District, Bihar, India, we conducted 16 focus group discussions and 8 key informant interviews to determine community acceptability and obtain feedback on design and delivery of the feeding toolkit. We conducted 14 days of user testing with 20 pregnant women, 20 breastfeeding women 0 to 6 months postpartum, and 20 mothers with infants 6 to 18 months of age. RESULTS: The toolkit, which is made of plastic, was well accepted by the community, although the communities recommended manufacturing the bowl and spoon in steel. The proportion of pregnant and breast-feeding women taking an extra portion of food per day increased from 0% to 100%, and the number of meals taken per day increased from two or three to three or four. For children 6 to 18 months of age, meal frequency, quantity of food consumed during meals, and thickness of the foods increased for all age groups. Children 6 to 8 months of age who had not yet initiated complementary feeding all initiated complementary feeding during the testing period. CONCLUSIONS: Simple feeding tools are culturally acceptable and can be appropriately used by families in Bihar, India, to improve dietary practices during the first 1,000 days of life. Research is needed to assess whether the tools promote dietary and nutritional improvements over and above counseling alone.

Laryngeal Leishmaniasis with Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Clinical presentations of Leishmania infection include visceral (most common form), cutaneous, mucocutaneous, mucosal and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. Mucosal form of leishmaniasis mostly involves oral and nasal mucosa. Rarely, laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa may also be involved. Its concomitant presence with tuberculosis (TB), a disease rampant in India, is uncommon. Here we are reporting a case of isolated laryngeal leishmaniasis associated with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), with approach to diagnosis and treatment in a tropical resource-limited setting.

Spatio-temporal dynamics behind the shock front from compacted metal nanopowders.

Laser ablated shock waves from compacted metal nanoenergetic powders of Aluminum (Al), Nickel coated Aluminum (Ni-Al) was characterized using shadowgraphy technique and compared with that from Boron Potassium Nitrate (BKN), Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) and Potassium Bromide (KBr) powders. Ablation is created by focused second harmonic (532 nm, 7 ns) of Nd:YAG laser. Time resolved shadowgraphs of propagating shock front and contact front revealed dynamics and the precise time of energy release of materials under extreme ablative pressures. Among the different compacted materials studied, Al nanopowders have maximum shock velocity and pressure behind the shock front compared to others.

Spatio-temporal dynamics behind the shock front from compacted metal nanopowders.

Laser ablated shock waves from compacted metal nanoenergetic powders of Aluminum (Al), Nickel coated Aluminum (Ni-Al) was characterized using shadowgraphy technique and compared with that from Boron Potassium Nitrate (BKN), Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) and Potassium Bromide (KBr) powders. Ablation is created by focused second harmonic (532 nm, 7 ns) of Nd:YAG laser. Time resolved shadowgraphs of propagating shock front and contact front revealed dynamics and the precise time of energy release of materials under extreme ablative pressures. Among the different compacted materials studied, Al nanopowders have maximum shock velocity and pressure behind the shock front compared to others.

Hazard assessment of metals in invasive fish species of the Yamuna River, India in relation to bioaccumulation factor and exposure concentration for human health implications.

Monitoring of heavy metals was conducted in the Yamuna River considering bioaccumulation factor, exposure concentration, and human health implications which showed contamination levels of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) and their dispersion patterns along the river. Largest concentration of Pb in river water was 392 µg L(-1); Cu was 392 µg L(-1) at the extreme downstream, Allahabad and Ni was 146 µg L(-1) at midstream, Agra. Largest concentration of Cu was 617 µg kg(-1), Ni 1,621 µg kg(-1) at midstream while Pb was 1,214 µg kg(-1) at Allahabad in surface sediment. The bioconcentration of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cr was observed where the largest accumulation of Pb was 2.29 µg kg(-1) in Oreochromis niloticus and 1.55 µg kg(-1) in Cyprinus carpio invaded at Allahabad while largest concentration of Ni was 174 µg kg(-1) in O. niloticus and 124 µg kg(-1) in C. carpio in the midstream of the river. The calculated values of hazard index (HI) for Pb was found more than one which indicated human health concern. Carcinogenic risk value for Ni was again high i.e., 17.02 × 10(-4) which was larger than all other metals studied. The results of this study indicated bioconcentration in fish due to their exposures to heavy metals from different routes which had human health risk implications. Thus, regular environmental monitoring of heavy metal contamination in fish is advocated for assessing food safety since health risk may be associated with the consumption of fish contaminated through exposure to a degraded environment.

Microbulbifer mangrovi sp. nov., a polysaccharide-degrading bacterium isolated from an Indian mangrove.

A rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-motile, aerobic and non-endospore forming bacterium, designated strain DD-13(T), was isolated from the mangrove ecosystem of Goa, India. Strain DD-13(T) degraded polysaccharides such as agar, alginate, chitin, cellulose, laminarin, pectin, pullulan, starch, carrageenan, xylan and ß-glucan. The optimum pH and temperature for growth was 7 and 36 °C, respectively. The strain grew optimally in the presence of 3 % NaCl (w/v). The DNA G+C content was 61.4 mol%. The predominant fatty acid of strain DD-13(T) was iso-C15 : 0. Ubiquinone-8 was detected as the major respiratory lipoquinone. Phylogenetic studies based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that strain DD-13(T) formed a coherent cluster with species of the genus Microbulbifer. Strain DD-13(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 98.9-97.1 % with Microbulbifer hydrolyticus IRE-31(T), Microbulbifer salipaludis JCM 11542(T), Microbulbifer agarilyticus JAMB A3(T), Microbulbifer celer KCTC 12973(T) and Microbulbifer elongatus DSM 6810(T). However, the level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain DD-13(T) and the five type strains of these species of the genus Microbulbifer were in the range of 26-33 %. Additionally, strain DD-13(T) demonstrates several phenotypic differences from these type strains of species of the genus Microbulbifer. Thus strain DD-13(T) represents a novel species of the genus Microbulbifer, for which the name Microbulbifer mangrovi sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain DD-13(T) ( = KCTC 23483(T) = JCM 17729(T)).