Antibacterial Activity of CdTe/ZnS Quantum Dot-ß Lactum Antibiotic Conjugates.

ß-Lactum antibiotics are broad class of antibiotics which kills bacteria by inhibiting the formation of peptidoglycan that constitutes the bacterial cell wall. The resistance that develops in bacteria for antibiotics led the scientific world to think about the future aspects for modifying the way through which antibiotics are acted on the bacteria and become lethal for them. In this consequence, the potential of latest marketed antibiotics e.g. Amoxiciline (I), ceftazidim (II) have been evaluated after being conjugated with quantum dots. The surface of quantum dots has been conjugated with antibiotics by carbodiimide coupling with the help of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) as conjugating agent between antibiotic and functionalized quantum dots. The antibacterial properties of QD-conjugated antibiotics have been determined by disc diffusion assay. The potency of QD-conjugated antibiotics has been estimated by determining their MIC50 for the selected strain of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration study, minimum bactericidal concentration and growth pattern analysis revealed that QD-antibiotic conjugates showed slightly more prospective than pure native antibiotics against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria.

Evaluation of paediatric pulmonary vein stenosis by cardiac CT angiography: a comparative study with transthoracic echocardiography and catheter angiogram.

AIM: To compare prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac catheter angiography (CCA) for paediatric pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review was undertaken of all patients who underwent CCTA for PV evaluation over a 4-year period. Patient demographics, findings of CCTA, TTE, and CCA, as well as interventions performed, were recorded for each PV. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included (23 male patients). All patients had a prior TTE with time interval between TTE and CCTA ranging from 0 to 90 days. CCTA detected 92 abnormalities in 32 patients. TTE missed 16 PV abnormalities (16/92, 17%), detected 37 abnormalities with certainty (37/92, 40%), and was suggestive in 39 abnormalities (39/92, 42%). CCTA was negative for PV abnormalities when TTE was positive or suspicious in three patients. Nineteen patients underwent CCA (18 patients with 52 abnormalities and one patient with normal PV), confirming CCTA findings. Thirty-nine were treated with angioplasty/stenting (39/52,75%). Failed recanalisation occurred in three PVs (3/52, 6%) and no intervention was attempted for the rest as the gradient was not significant (10/52,19%). Nine patients underwent surgical repair (26/92, 28%). Five patients (14/92, 15%) were managed with no intervention based on CCTA findings and poor clinical prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: CCTA plays an important role in detecting paediatric PV stenosis and identifies additional findings compared to TTE that have direct surgical/interventional implications. CCTA complements TTE in imaging these patients and helps guide management.

Effect of boron supplementation on laying performance of White Leghorn hens fed diet with and without adequate level of calcium.

This study was conducted in White Leghorn layers to ascertain the effect of boron (B) supplementation to calcium (Ca) inadequate diet under standard managemental practices. A total of 80 commercial White Leghorn hens, 25 weeks old with a uniform body weight, were randomly assigned to one of the 4 groups of 20 hens/replicates in each dietary group viz., normal calcium (NC)/Ca adequate, low calcium (LC)/Ca-inadequate, normal calcium with 40 ppm B (NCB) and low calcium with 40 ppm B (LCB). Dietary level of Ca was maintained at two levels, 100 (normal) and 90% (inadequate) of the requirement. Supplementation of B at 40 ppm improved (P < 0.01) egg production of layers from third month of trial as compared to un-supplemented group. Feed conversion ratio of layers was positively (P < 0.05) influenced by B supplementation in Ca-inadequate diet. Egg shell thickness of layers was found to be higher (P < 0.001) in groups supplemented 40 ppm B, irrespective of the level of Ca in the diets. Cracked egg production was also significantly (P < 0.01) lower in B-supplemented groups compared to Ca-inadequate group. Boron supplementation improved Ca retention irrespective of dietary Ca level. Low-Ca diet without boron supplementation resulted in lower retention (P < 0.05) of magnesium and boron. It is concluded that supplementation of 40 ppm B to Ca-inadequate diet ameliorated the lower laying performance in layers and confirms the usefulness of B in such abiotic stress situations.

Drops That Change Their Mind: Spontaneous Reversal from Spreading to Retraction.

A liquid drop may spread faster on surfaces when surfactants are added. Here we show that after some time the spreading in such systems can, under certain conditions, spontaneously reverse to retraction and the droplet pulls itself back, receding from areas it has just recently wetted, elevating its center of mass in a jerklike motion. The duration from drop placement to the onset of retraction ranges from hours to less than a second primarily as a function of surfactant concentration. When the retraction is asymmetric, it results in drop motion, and when it is symmetric, the mass of the drop collects itself on its spot. This phenomenon, which was predicted theoretically in 2014, is apparently a general one for drops with surfactants; however, other factors, such as evaporation and contamination, prevented its observance so far.

Effect of graded levels of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder on reproductive performance in broiler breeders.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder (SSP) on serum hormone level, egg quality, semen characteristics and reproductive performance of broiler breeders fed with a maize-soybean meal based diet. METHODS: Ninety six female and twenty four male CARIBRO-VISHAL broiler breeders, 38-week old, were individually caged and randomly allocated to four treatment groups (24 female breeders/treatment and 6 male breeders/treatment): an un-supplemented control (T1) and three groups with 0.0176% SSP (group T2), 0.026% SSP (group T3) and 0.0528% SSP (group T4), to have supplementary saponin at 0, 50, 75, and 150 ppm, respectively, for 42 days. RESULTS: The results indicated that serum (p<0.001) and seminal plasma (p<0.05) testosterone level, semen volume (p<0.001), mass motility (p<0.001), and live spermatozoa count (p<0.001) was increased in groups T3 and T4 compared to T2 and control groups. Compared with control group, total sperm count was increased (p<0.001) and dead spermatozoa count was decreased (p<0.001) in SSP supplemented groups. Supplementation of SSP did not affected the quality of egg lay. Compared with control group, fertility (p<0.01) and hatchability (total eggs set and fertile eggs set) (p<0.001) were significantly improved in SSP supplemented groups with the highest improvement in T3 treatment group. Embryonic death was decreased (p< 0.001) in SSP supplemented groups compared to control; lowest embryonic death was recorded in T3 treatment group. CONCLUSION: Thus, it was concluded that dietary supplementation of 0.026% SSP (saponin equivalent 75 ppm) improved the reproductive performance of broiler breeders.

Alternative hypotheses related to Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease represents the most common form of dementia and belongs to the group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive loss of neurons in the central nervous system. In the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease several etiologic and pathogenic factors exist, which lead to the dysfunction of neurotransmitter systems and consequent cognitive decline. Last three decades have delivered a crucial progress leading to better understanding of Alzheimer's disease, however, the exact mechanisms of pathology remain unclear. In this review, we summarize some hypotheses such as amyloid and tau hypotheses, inflammatory processes, prion-like hypothesis, the hypothesis of oxidative stress, vascular and cholesterol hypothesis, the hypothesis of metal accumulation in the brain, cell cycle hypothesis, the hypothesis of impaired insulin signalization and another, which were proposed to explain the pathogenesis of this severe disorder (Ref. 115).

Next generation tau models in Alzheimer's disease research - virus based gene delivery systems.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) the most common form of dementia is characterized by cognitive decline and progressive loss of neurons in the central nervous system. Despite huge scientific progress, there are only few animal models that recapitulate at least majority of the AD pathology and related symptomatology. Therefore, alternative methods to develop animal models for neurodegenerative diseases are constantly explored. Recently, recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are widely used viral vectors in development of novel models for neurodegenerative diseases. AAV vectors expressing full length, mutant or truncated forms of tau demonstrate early and robust pathology characterized by AT8 positivity, NFT formation, motor and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, AAVs have been used in expression of tau in amyloid rodent models thus developing both lesions of amyloid and tau therefore recapitulating AD like features. Major advantage of AAV as a delivery system is the site specific expression of tau, mostly in hippocampus and cortex, and thus elimination of unwanted ectopic transgene expression. These novel models may help in better understanding of AD etiopathogenesis and provide a platform for development and testing of disease modifying drugs in preclinical efficacy studies.

A meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of dengue virus-specific IgA antibody-based tests for detection of dengue infection.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)-based tests have been evaluated in different studies for their utility in diagnosing dengue infections. In most of the studies, the results were inconclusive because of a small sample size. Hence, a meta-analysis involving nine studies with 2096 samples was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of IgA-based tests in diagnosing dengue infections. The analysis was conducted using Meta-Disc software. The results revealed that IgA-based tests had an overall sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 73·9%, 95·2%, 66·7, 22·0 and 0·25, respectively. Significant heterogeneity was observed between the studies. The type of test, infection status and day of sample collection influenced the diagnostic accuracy. The IgA-based diagnostic tests showed a greater accuracy when the samples were collected 4 days after onset of symptoms and for secondary infections. The results suggested that IgA-based tests had a moderate level of accuracy and are diagnostic of the disease. However, negative results cannot be used alone for dengue diagnosis. More prospective studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of combinations of antigen-based tests with either IgA or IgM are needed and might be useful for suggesting the best strategy for dengue diagnosis.

Pethia sanjaymoluri, a new species of barb (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the northern Western Ghats, India.

Pethia sanjaymoluri, a new cyprinid, is described from the Pavana and Nira tributaries of Bhima River, Krishna drainage, Maharashtra, India. It can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of characteristics that includes an incomplete lateral line, absence of barbels, upper lip thick and fleshy, 23-25 lateral series scales, 7-12 lateral-line pored scales, 10 predorsal scales, 11-14 prepelvic scales, 17-20 pre-anal scales, 4½ scales between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line, four scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin origin, 8-15 pairs of serrae on distal half of dorsal-fin spine, 12-14 branched pectoral-fin rays, 4 + 26 total vertebrae, 4 + 5 predorsal vertebrae, 4 + 13 abdominal vertebrae, 13 caudal vertebrae and a unique colour pattern comprising a humeral spot positioned below the lateral line and encompassing the third and fourth lateral-line scales and one scale below, one caudal spot on 17th-21st lateral-line scales with a yellow hue on its anterior side and apical half of dorsal fin studded with melanophores making the fin tip appear black. Genetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence suggests that the species is distinct from other known species of Pethia for which data are available.

Malsoor virus, a novel bat phlebovirus, is closely related to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus and heartland virus.

During a survey in the year 2010, a novel phlebovirus was isolated from the Rousettus leschenaultii species of bats in western India. The virus was identified by electron microscopy from infected Vero E6 cells. Phylogenic analysis of the complete genome showed its close relation to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and Heartland viruses, which makes it imperative to further study its natural ecology and potential as a novel emerging zoonotic virus.

Purification and dose-dependent toxicity study of abrin in swiss albino male mice.

Abrin, a phytotoxin obtained from the seeds of the Abrus precatorius plant, is highly toxic with an estimated human fatal dose of 0.1­1 µg/kg. In this study, abrin was purified and characterized through SDS PAGE and mass spectrometry analysis; further study on toxicity was carried out to investigate the alteration in biochemical, and hematological variables through histopathological observations in mice. The intraperitoneal LD50 value of purified abrin for mice was found to be 0.91µg/kg of body weight. Mice were exposed to 0.4 and 1.0 LD50 abrin doses intraperitoneally and observed on days 1, 3, and 7. Plasma GOT and GPT levels increased significantly at both doses. At 1.0 LD50 dose, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels increased, whereas albumin, total protein, glucose and cholesterol levels decreased significantly. Abrin intoxication also altered the hemoglobin, WBC, and RBC counts significantly at 1.0 LD50 dose. Liver GSH levels decreased while lipid peroxidation increased significantly in a dose­dependent manner. Biochemical changes were supported by the histological investigation, which also showed the degenerative changes in organs. In conclusion, abrin intoxication caused toxic effects and severe damages on studied organs mediated through alteration in biochemical and hematological variables, lipid peroxidation, and degeneration.

Non-cancer mortality in workers in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets (1950-2006).

We studied non-cancer mortality in 10,701 workers in the meat and delicatessen departments of supermarkets because they have increased exposure to a variety of microorganisms that infect and cause disease in food animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry, to which subjects in the general population are also exposed, albeit to a lesser degree. These workers were also exposed to fumes from the wrapping machine. Standardized mortality ratios were estimated in the cohort as a whole and in race/sex subgroups, using the US population for comparison. Study subjects were followed up from January 1950 to December 2006. Significantly increased deaths from diabetes, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism, chronic bronchitis, peritonitis, intracranial and intraspinal abscess, other bacterial diseases, and significantly decreased deaths from diffuse diseases of connective tissue, functional diseases of the heart, intracerebral hemorrhage, occlusion/stenosis of the precerebral and cerebral arteries, and various types of accidents were observed in certain race/sex subgroups or in the cohort as a whole. The observed increased risks of several infectious conditions suggest that the increased occupational exposure to microorganisms may be responsible for at least some of the observed excess deaths, while exposure to fumes may also contribute to the excess of chronic bronchitis. The findings are important not only for supermarket workers and other workers in the meat and poultry industries, but also because the general population is exposed to these microorganisms found in food animals and their products. Nested case-control studies within cohorts that include both workers in supermarkets and other sectors of the meat and poultry industries, are now needed to examine specific risks from occupational exposures while adequately controlling for confounding factors, so that the role of these infectious agents in the occurrence of these diseases in workers and in general population subjects can be adequately assessed.

Production of Biohydrogen from Wastewater by Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 13182.

Production of biohydrogen from distillery effluent was carried out by using Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 13182. The work focuses on optimization of pH, temperature, and state of bacteria, which are the various affecting factors for fermentative biohydrogen production. Results indicates that at 35 °C for suspended cultures, the production was at its maximum (i.e., 91.33 ± 0.88 mL) when compared with other temperatures. At 35 °C and at pH 5 and 6, maximum productions of 117.67 ± 1.45 and 111.67 ± 2.72 mL were observed with no significant difference. When immobilized, Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 13182 was used for biohydrogen production at optimized conditions, production was 186.33 ± 3.17 mL. Hence, immobilized cells were found to be more advantageous for biological hydrogen production over suspended form. Physicochemical analysis of the effluent was conducted before and after fermentation and the values suggested that the fermentative process is an efficient method for biological treatment of wastewater.

Isolated Subclavian Artery Thrombosis.

We presume this case to highlight the importance of underestimated percutaneous angioplasty with stent in isolated subclavian artery thrombosis.

Restoration of camptothecine production in attenuated endophytic fungus on re-inoculation into host plant and treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor.

Fungal endophytes inhabit living tissues of plants without any apparent symptoms and in many cases are known to produce secondary metabolites similar to those produced by their respective host plants. However on sub-culture, the endophytic fungi gradually attenuate their ability to produce the metabolites. Attenuation has been a major constraint in realizing the potential of endophytic fungi as an alternative source of plant secondary metabolites. In this study, we report attempts to restore camptothecine (CPT) production in attenuated endophytic fungi isolated from CPT producing plants, Nothapodytes nimmoniana and Miquelia dentata when they are passed through their host plant or plants that produce CPT and when treated with a DNA methyl transferase inhibitor. Attenuated endophytic fungi that traversed through their host tissue or plants capable of synthesizing CPT, produced significantly higher CPT compared to the attenuated fungi. Attenuated fungus cultured in the presence of 5-azacytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, had an enhanced CPT content compared to untreated attenuated fungus. These results indicate that the attenuation of CPT production in endophytic fungi could in principle be reversed by eliciting some signals from plant tissue, most likely that which prevents the methylation or silencing of the genes responsible for CPT biosynthesis.

A pilot case-cohort study of brain cancer in poultry and control workers.

We conducted an exploratory study to investigate which exposures (including poultry oncogenic viruses) are associated with brain cancer in poultry workers. A total of 46,819 workers in poultry and nonpoultry plants from the same union were initially followed for mortality. Brain cancer was observed to be in excess among poultry workers. Here we report on a pilot case-cohort study with cases consisting of 26 (55%) of the 47 brain cancer deaths recorded in the cohort, and controls consisting of a random sample of the cohort (n = 124). Exposure information was obtained from telephone interviews, and brain cancer mortality risk estimated by odds ratios. Increased risk of brain cancer was associated with killing chickens, odds ratio (OR) = 5.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-28.3); working in a shell-fish farm, OR = 13.0 (95% CI, 1.9-84.2); and eating uncooked fish, OR = 8.2 (95% CI, 1.8-37.0). Decreased risks were observed for chicken pox illness, OR = 0.2 (95% CI, 0.1-0.6), and measles vaccination, OR = 0.2 (95% CI, 0.1-0.6). Killing chickens, an activity associated with the highest occupational exposure to poultry oncogenic viruses, was associated with brain cancer mortality, as were occupational and dietary shellfish exposures. These findings are novel.

Recurrent malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor with lymph node metastasis in a young woman.

Malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT) is a rare cutaneous tumor predominantly affecting the scalp, eyelids, neck and face of elderly women. It is a large, solitary, multilobulated lesion that may arise within a pilar cyst. These tumors are largely benign, often cystic, and are characterized by trichilemmal keratinization. However, at times, the tumor has an aggressive clinical course and a propensity for nodal and distant metastases. Wide local excision with a 1 cm margin of normal tissue is the treatment of choice. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been occasionally used to prevent recurrence in MPTT. This is a case report of a recurrent malignant trichilemmal tumor over scalp in a young female patient with nodal metastasis.