A comprehensive review on freshness of fish and assessment: Analytical methods and recent innovations.

Fish, a highly nutritious, containing a good amount of protein and fatty acids, has TMA and TVB-N present as major factors responsible for quality deterioration during storage and maintaining of fish freshness. Freshness is one of the most important parameters in the fish market. There are many methods of estimating fish freshness, out of which some are very costly while others are not user-friendly. However, with more technological innovations, there have been efforts to make a more reliable method of calculating and analyzing freshness. Parameters chosen for assessing the freshness are sensory, physical, chemical and microbiological including the recent trends such as SDS-PAGE, fast protein liquid chromatography, hyper Spectral Imaging Technique, etc. focused on reducing time, destruction and labor. Traditional and recent methods of evaluation of freshness along with their comparison based on several parameters are needed to link them and making it convenient for upcoming researchers to have a detailed study for having a universal indicator for assessing the freshness of fish. Information in the present article has all the methods of assessing the fish freshness been discussed in detail. There has also been focus on bringing the readers knowledge about the comprehensive information related to recent developments. The recommended limit for different indicators signifies the time period for which the particular fish can be stored and it depends upon several factors like species, surrounding environment and enzymatic and non-enzymatic actions. Based on these demands, this paper is uniquely worked upon to review the different literature which brought all the discussions from the past including the recent innovations in assessing the freshness of different fishes with the help of various indicators as well as a complete study of spoilage and toxicity mechanism leading to deterioration in quality, making it easy for the reader and researchers to have quick glance over the trends and innovations.

Challenging immunodominance of influenza-specific CD8+ T cell responses restricted by the risk-associated HLA-A*68:01 allomorph.

Although influenza viruses lead to severe illness in high-risk populations, host genetic factors associated with severe disease are largely unknown. As the HLA-A*68:01 allele can be linked to severe pandemic 2009-H1N1 disease, we investigate a potential impairment of HLA-A*68:01-restricted CD8+ T cells to mount robust responses. We elucidate the HLA-A*68:01+CD8+ T cell response directed toward an extended influenza-derived nucleoprotein (NP) peptide and show that only ~35% individuals have immunodominant A68/NP145+CD8+ T cell responses. Dissecting A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells in low vs. medium/high responders reveals that high responding donors have A68/NP145+CD8+ memory T cells with clonally expanded TCRαßs, while low-responders display A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells with predominantly naïve phenotypes and non-expanded TCRαßs. Single-cell index sorting and TCRαß analyses link expansion of A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells to their memory potential. Our study demonstrates the immunodominance potential of influenza-specific CD8+ T cells presented by a risk HLA-A*68:01 molecule and advocates for priming CD8+ T cell compartments in HLA-A*68:01-expressing individuals for establishment of pre-existing protective memory T cell pools.

Manipulating Surface States of III-V Nanowires with Uniaxial Stress.

III-V compound semiconductors are indispensable materials for today's high-end electronic and optoelectronic devices and are being explored for next-generation transistor logic and quantum technologies. III-V surfaces and interfaces play the leading role in determining device performance, and therefore, methods to control their electronic properties have been developed. Typically, surface passivation studies demonstrated how to limit the density of surface states. Strain has been widely used to improve the electronic transport properties and optoelectronic properties of III-Vs, but the potential of this technology to modify the surface properties still remains to be explored. Here we show that uniaxial stress induces a shift in the energy of the surface states of III-V nanowires, modifying their electronic properties. We demonstrate this phenomenon by modulating the conductivity of InAs nanowires over 4 orders of magnitude with axial strain ranging between -2.5% in compression and 2.1% in tension. The band bending at the surface of the nanostructure is modified from accumulation to depletion reversibly and reproducibly. We provide evidence of this physical effect using a combination of electrical transport measurement, Raman spectroscopy, band-structure modeling, and technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulations. With this methodology, the deformation potentials for the surface states are quantified. These results reveal that strain technology can be used to shift surface states away from energy ranges in which device performance is negatively affected and represent a novel route to engineer the electronic properties of III-V devices.

Nanostructure, dissolution and morphology characteristics of microcidal silver films deposited by magnetron sputtering.

Novel microcidal silver films for burn dressings have been produced by magnetron sputtering. The nanostructure and dissolution characteristics of these films exhibiting antimicrobial behavior were studied as a function of the process conditions, namely, gas composition, gas pressure and input power, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and resistivity. TEM revealed that bioactive films were nanocrystalline, with a grain size of the order of 15nm and the presence of twins. Surface morphology studies before and after dissolution suggested that bioactive films released silver at therapeutic levels in the form of nanoparticles or grains. Chemical species identification with XPS showed that the biologically active films were metallic in nature. The importance of oxygen in the sputtering environment, the resultant nanostructure and presence of twins are discussed to explain the unique antimicrobial properties of these silver films.

Biochemical, ultrastructural and molecular characterization of the triphenyltin acetate (TPTA)-induced apoptosis in primary cultures of mouse thymocytes.

Triphenyltin acetate (TPTA), a triorganotin compound used in agriculture as a biocide, is immunotoxic in vivo and in vitro. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether apoptosis might play a role in the TPTA toxicity in vitro. Mouse thymocyte primary cultures were exposed to 0, 4 and 8 micromol/L TPTA; methyl prednisolone (1 micromol/L) was used as a positive control. Cell aliquots were harvested after 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h and the presence of early or late apoptotic phenomena was checked by (a) morphological investigations; (b) spectrophotometric quantification of fragmented DNA and agarose gel electrophoresis; (c) cell flow cytofluorometry, using an annexin V-FITC kit; and (d) detection of in situ apoptosis by a colorimetric detection kit (Titer-Tacs). TPTA cytotoxicity was also evaluated using the trypan blue dye exclusion test. Morphological investigation indicated apoptosis and/or necrosis. After 8 h of incubation, cells exposed to 4 micromol/L TPTA showed an increase in DNA fragmentation (on electrophoresis), which was confirmed by spectrophotometry (p < 0.05). Flow cytofluorometry pointed out an early (p < 0.05) increase of annexin V-positive (apoptotic) cells in TPTA-exposed flasks, whereas at least partly contradictory, results were obtained with the Titer-Tacs kit. Overall, these results provide evidence that TPTA, at low concentrations (4 micromol/L) induces early and late apoptotic phenomena, whereas cells exposed to the highest concentrations (8 micromol/L) are likely to undergo necrosis rather than apoptosis.

An efficient protocol for the production of triploid plants from endosperm callus of neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

Triploid plants of neem were obtained by immature endosperm culture. Immature seeds, at the early dicotyledonous stage of embryo development, is the best explant to raise endosperm callus on MS + NAA (5 mumol/L) + BAP (2 mumol/L) + CH (500 mg L-1). Maximum shoot bud differentiation from the endosperm callus occurred on MS + 5 mumol/L BAP. Shoots were multiplied by forced axillary branching and rooted in vitro. The plants were established in soil. Over 66% of the plants were triploid with chromosome number 2n = 3x = 36. A characteristic feature of the shoots of endosperm origin is the presence of a large number of multi-cellular glands.

Do rice hybrids have heterosis for insect resistance? A study with Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and Marasmia patnalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Antibiosis-based resistance to two insect pests of rice, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and Marasmia patnalis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was compared in 11 F1 hybrids and their parental lines. Our objective was to determine whether hybrids show heterosis (hybrid vigor) for insect resistance or susceptibility. Heterosis is defined as the amount by which a hybrid exceeds its midparent value or its better parent. Overall, we did not find evidence of heterosis or heterobeltiosis (a type of heterosis in which a hybrid exceeds its better parent) for antibiosis-based resistance or susceptibility to either of the insects. One hybrid, IR64616H, seemed more resistant to M. patnalis than its better parent but none of the other hybrids showed heterobeltiosis for resistance or susceptibility to either insect. Three hybrids had resistance to N. lugens that exceeded their midparent value, possibly due to dominant resistance in one of the parents. The increased frequency and severity of insect outbreaks on hybrid rice that have been reported in China may be attributable to factors other than diminished antibiosis in hybrids, such as greater attractiveness of hybrids to migrating or dispersing insects or differences in agronomic practices applied to hybrids and inbred rice cultivars.

Production of podophyllotoxin by plant cell cultures of Podophyllum hexandrum in bioreactor.

Submerged cultivation of Podophyllum hexandrum for the production of podophyllotoxin was carried out in a 3l stirred tank bioreactor fitted with a low-shear Setric impeller. The specific requirements of the medium, such as carbon source (sugar) and light, were established for the growth of and podophyllotoxin production by P. hexandrum in suspension cultures. Substitution of sucrose by glucose resulted in higher growth and podophyllotoxin production. The biosynthesis of podophyllotoxin was favored when plant cells were cultivated in the dark. An agitation speed of 100 rpm was sufficient to mix the culture broth in the bioreactor without causing any significant cell damage. Biomass and podophyllotoxin accumulation in 3 l bioreactor under batch growth conditions were 6.5 g/l and 4.26 mg/l, respectively, in 22 d. This resulted in an overall podophyllotoxin productivity of 0.19 mg/(l.d), which represented an increase of 27% in comparison to its productivity in a shake flask. Podophyllotoxin production was found to be a combined growth-associated and non-growth associated process.

Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Dublin, Ireland: a population based survey.

The prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in Ireland has never been established. Studies from different countries show varying rates, being almost 100 per cent greater in the highlands of Scotland (10/1,000) than in rural Lesotho (6/1,000). A recent study also suggests a fall in the prevalence of RA among women in the London urban area. Given these variations the validity of extrapolating prevalence rates established for other countries to Ireland is questionable. This study aimed to establish a prevalence rate for RA in a defined Dublin population. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 2,500 people chosen at random from the electoral register. The questionnaire was designed to select out both undiagnosed patients and those with definite arthritis. Respondents whose replies indicated an arthritic process, but in whom no diagnosis had been made, were asked to attend for further assessment and investigations as appropriate. Those who responded that they had been diagnosed with arthritis were asked for consent to inspect their hospital or general practitioner records. A diagnosis of RA was based on American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria. Valid responses were received from 1,227 people surveyed (response rate = 49 per cent). Six cases of RA were identified including 2 previously undiagnosed cases. A prevalence rate of 5/1,000 has been estimated based on these findings.

Mortality studies in the clarification of gene-environment interactions.

In this paper we review some theories about the process of senescence and death, in particular the theory of accumulation of mutations and the theory of antagonistic pleiotropism. These theories are reviewed in the light of existing scientific evidence, with particular reference to that which points to the possible role of interactions between genes and environment. We conclude that mortality studies, particularly on migrant populations may be an important tool for clarifying this major issue.

Molecular lysis of synovial lining cells by in vivo herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene transfer.

Herpes simples virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) expression plasmid DNA was injected into the joint space of rabbits with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). Purified plasmid DNA was able to mediate transfection of synovial lining cells and transient overexpression of HSV-TK in the context of active synovial inflammation. The pharmacodynamic distribution of intraarticular expression plasmid DNA was confined to the joint space. Arthritic rabbits treated with intraarticular expression plasmid DNA followed by intravenous ganciclovir (GCV, 5 mg/kg) twice daily for 3 days showed histologic evidence of synovial lining layer cytolysis when articular tissues were examined 21 days posttreatment. There was also a reduction in joint swelling in the TK-treated knees. No untoward clinical effects were observed in the rabbits and no evidence of cytolytic damage specific to the TK-GCV gene therapy was observed either in the articular cartilage or bone. The application of TK-GCV intraarticular gene therapy using purified expression plasmid DNA for the induction of synovial cytolysis may be applicable to the treatment of human inflammatory arthritis.

Pleuropulmonary abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: assessment with high resolution computed tomography, chest radiography and pulmonary function tests.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nature of pleuropulmonary abnormalities, with particular reference to interstitial lung disease (ILD), in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: 29 patients were prospectively evaluated using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), plain chest radiography (CXR) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Clinical assessments, drug therapy, disease activity, smoking status and serologic markers were also noted. RESULTS: The HRCT was abnormal in 72% (20/29) of patients, while 34% (10/29) had an abnormal CXR. The most frequently detected primary HRCT abnormality was suggestive of ILD and was noted in 11 patients (38%) In 9 of these, ILD was clinically unsuspected, including one patient who had an HRCT suggestive of active alveolitis. Pleuropericardial abnormalities were seen on HRCT in 5 patients (17%). Of 15 patients who were asymptomatic, and had a normal examination, normal CXR and normal PFTs, four (26%) had HRCT features of ILD. There was no correlation between the HRCT appearances and symptoms, disease duration, ds-DNA titres, smoking history or non-pulmonary involvement. Although no statistical significance was noted between abnormal pulmonary function tests and ILD on HRCT (0.10 < p < 0.20), a trend towards significance was noted between disease activity and ILD (0.05 < p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: HRCT is more sensitive than PFTs or CXR in the evaluation of pleuropulmonary disease in SLE. We report an unusually high prevalence of HRCT appearances suggestive of ILD in patients with SLE. Subclinical lung disease is common in patients with SLE.

Lung findings on high-resolution computed tomography in idiopathic ankylosing spondylitis--correlation with clinical findings, pulmonary function testing and plain radiography.

Previous studies on the association of ankylosing spondylitis and abnormalities of the lung parenchyma have been based largely on plain radiography and pulmonary function testing. This study, although uncontrolled, is the first to use high-resolution computed tomography to examine the entire lung parenchyma in ankylosing spondylitis patients, and to correlate the findings with clinical assessment, plain radiography and pulmonary function testing. The study population comprised 26 patients meeting the New York criteria for idiopathic ankylosing spondylitis who attended the out-patient department at our institution. High-resolution computed tomography examination revealed abnormalities in 19 patients (70%): these included interstitial lung disease (n = 4), bronchiectasis (n = 6), emphysema (n = 4), apical fibrosis (n = 2), mycetoma (n = 1) and non-specific interstitial lung disease (n = 12). Plain radiography was abnormal in only four patients and failed to identify any patient with interstitial lung disease. All patients with interstitial lung disease on high-resolution computed tomography had respiratory symptoms and three of the four had evidence of a restrictive process on pulmonary function testing. This study raises, for the first time, the possible association between interstitial lung disease and ankylosing spondylitis, and highlights the use of high-resolution computed tomography in detecting such disease in ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Plain radiographs and thoracic high-resolution CT in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to identify the spectrum of abnormalities seen on high-resolution CT in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and to compare our findings with reports of plain film pulmonary manifestations of the disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 26 patients with documented ankylosing spondylitis. All patients underwent plain chest radiography (posteroanterior and lateral views), thoracic helical CT, high-resolution CT, and pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: High-resolution CT revealed abnormalities in 18 patients (69%), whereas plain chest radiography revealed abnormalities in four patients (15%). The most common abnormalities seen on CT were interstitial lung disease (ILD) (n = 4), bronchial wall thickening and bronchiectasis (n = 6), paraseptal emphysema (n = 3), mediastinal lymphadenopathy (n = 3), tracheal dilatation (n = 2), and apical fibrosis (n = 2). CONCLUSION: This study, which describes high-resolution CT findings in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, reveals a spectrum of abnormalities unlike those described in previous reports in which researchers used plain chest radiographs as the sole imaging technique. In addition to apical fibrosis, high-resolution CT revealed nonapical ILD, bronchiectasis, paraseptal emphysema, and tracheobronchomegaly. Of these new findings, we believe that identification of ILD is the most important. We suggest that nonapical ILD should be actively sought as an explanation for pulmonary symptoms developing in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. High-resolution CT should form an integral part of such workup.

High-resolution chest CT in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to identify high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine their significance by correlation with clinical findings, plain chest radiography, and pulmonary function testing. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with documented SLE were prospectively studied. All patients had plain chest radiography (posteroanterior and lateral) thoracic spiral CT, HRCT, and pulmonary function testing performed. RESULTS: HRCT abnormalities were identified in 24 patients (70%), pulmonary function abnormalities were present in only 14 patients (41%), and the plain chest radiograph was abnormal in only 8 patients (24%). The most common CT findings were: interstitial lung disease (n = 11), bronchiectasis (n = 7), mediastinal or axillary lymphadenopathy (n =6), and pleuropericardial abnormalities (n =5). No correlation was found between disease activity, duration of disease, chest symptoms, drug therapy, smoking history, and the presence of abnormal HRCT findings. More importantly, no correlation was found between pulmonary function abnormalities and the presence or grade of interstitial lung disease or bronchiectasis as determined by HRCT. CONCLUSION: The results of this study, the first to describe the HRCT findings in SLE, suggest that airways disease, lymphadenopathy, and interstitial lung disease are common thoracic manifestations of SLE, whereas pleural abnormalities are less common than previously suggested. HRCT evidence of airways disease and interstitial lung disease was frequently present despite an absence of symptoms, a normal chest radiograph, and normal pulmonary function testing. HRCT provides a sensitive and noninvasive technique for detecting pulmonary involvement in SLE, with the added advantage that it can be performed in all patients, including those too compromised to undergo a surgical procedure. In patients with advanced disease, HRCT permits procedures such as bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy to be directed toward areas of particular interest.