Bio-therapeutics from human milk: prospects and perspectives.

Human milk is elixir for neonates and is a rich source of nutrients and beneficial microbiota required for infant growth and development. Its benefits prompted research into probing the milk components and their use as prophylactic or therapeutic agents. Culture-independent estimation of milk microbiome and high-resolution identification of milk components provide information, but a holistic purview of these research domains is lacking. Here, we review the current research on bio-therapeutic components of milk and simplified future directions for its efficient usage. Publicly available databases such as PubMed and Google scholar were searched for keywords such as probiotics and prebiotics related to human milk, microbiome and milk oligosaccharides. This was further manually curated for inclusion and exclusion criteria relevant to human milk and clinical efficacy. The literature was classified into subgroups and then discussed in detail to facilitate understanding. Although milk research is still in infancy, it is clear that human milk has many functions including protection of infants by passive immunization through secreted antibodies, and transfer of immune regulators, cytokines and bioactive peptides. Unbiased estimates show that the human milk carries a complex community of microbiota which serves as the initial inoculum for establishment of infant gut. Our search effectively screened for evidence that shows that milk also harbours many types of prebiotics such as human milk oligosaccharides which encourage growth of beneficial probiotics. The milk also trains the naive immune system of the infant by supplying immune cells and stimulatory factors, thereby strengthening mucosal and systemic immune system. Our systematic review would improve understanding of human milk and the inherent complexity and diversity of human milk. The interrelated functional role of human milk components especially the oligosaccharides and microbiome has been discussed which plays important role in human health.

Gastrointestinal stress as innate defence against microbial attack.

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been bestowed with the most difficult task of protecting the underlying biological compartments from the resident commensal flora and the potential pathogens in transit through the GI tract. It has a unique environment in which several defence tactics are at play while maintaining homeostasis and health. The GI tract shows myriad number of environmental extremes, which includes pH variations, anaerobic conditions, nutrient limitations, elevated osmolarity etc., which puts a check to colonization and growth of nonfriendly microbial strains. The GI tract acts as a highly selective barrier/platform for ingested food and is the primary playground for balance between the resident and uninvited organisms. This review focuses on antimicrobial defense mechanisms of different sections of human GI tract. In addition, the protective mechanisms used by microbes to combat the human GI defence systems are also discussed. The ability to survive this innate defence mechanism determines the capability of probiotic or pathogen strains to confer health benefits or induce clinical events respectively.

Use of the synergist piperonyl butoxide can slow the development of alpha-cypermethrin resistance in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.

The development of insecticide resistance in insect pests of crops is a growing threat to sustainable food production, and strategies that slow the development of resistance are therefore urgently required. The insecticide synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) inhibits certain insect detoxification systems and so may delay the evolution of metabolic resistance. In the current study we characterized resistance development in the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, after selection with either a neonicotinoid (thiacloprid) or pyrethroid (alpha-cypermethrin) insecticide alone or in combination with PBO. Resistance development was significantly suppressed (> 60%) in the line selected with alpha-cypermethrin + PBO compared to the line selected with alpha-cypermethrin alone. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analyses revealed an increase in frequency of a knock-down resistance mutation but no differentially expressed genes were identified that could explain the sensitivity shift. No significant difference was observed in the level of resistance between the thiacloprid and thiacloprid + PBO selected lines, and RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analyses revealed that the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP6CM1, known to metabolize neonicotinoids, was significantly upregulated (>10-fold) in both lines. The findings of this study demonstrate that PBO used in combination with certain insecticides can suppress the development of resistance in a laboratory setting; however, the mechanism by which PBO supresses resistance development remains unclear.

Outcome Analysis of Dual Plating in Management of Unstable Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fracture - A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures account for 10-30% of tibial plateau fractures. Despite recent advancements in the management of unstable bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, the outcomes are often poor. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes and complications of internal fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with the dual plating using two incisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 30 patients (26 males; 4 females, mean age 35.6 years; range, 19 to 65 years) with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures who were treated with dual plating between January 2017 to August 2019. Out of 30 patients, 5 patients had Schatzker type (V) and 25 patients had Schatzker type (VI) bicondylar tibial plateau fracture. All patients were treated with dual plating using two incisions. In all patient's similar standard physical rehabilitation therapy was followed. All complications including intra and post-operative were assessed and recorded. The patients were followed-up for over 24 months. Functional outcomes were assessed with Rasmussen's functional grading system, Oxford knee score, and range of motion of knee joint. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using Rasmussen's radiological scoring system. RESULT: All fractures united with a mean time of 18 weeks. The average knee range of motion was 1.5° - 130° (range: 0° - 10° for extension lag, range: 100° -135° for flexion). Mean Rasmussen's functional grading score at the final follow-up was 26.75. All patients showed excellent or good radiographic results according to Rasmussen's radiological scoring with a mean score of 8.5 (range 6-10). The post-operative radiographs showed mean MPTA was 84.3° and the mean PPTA was 6.2°. In the present study, complications were encountered in five patients. However, there were no cases of secondary loss of reduction, failure of the implant, malunion, or non-union. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with dual locking represents a significant treatment option and provides rigid fixation in these fractures with good functional and radiological outcomes.

Treatment of textile dyes in two-phase and single-phase anaerobic bio-treatment systems.

This research integrates two different concepts of anaerobic biotechnology- two-phase anaerobic treatment and anaerobic granular sludge bed technology, in treatment of colored wastewaters from textile industries. Four anaerobic reactors based on upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) technology were used as acid reactors and an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor was used as a methane reactor. A conventional single-phase anaerobic reactor, working on EGSB technology was run in parallel to compare the performances of the two systems. Reactors were operated at different hydraulic retention times. The results from the study, which span over a period of 400 days, indicated that the two-phase system produces a higher quality of effluent in terms of color, COD and suspended solids than single-phase anaerobic treatment when operated under similar conditions. Alkalinity requirement of two-phase system was also observed to be lower than that of single-phase system which is important regarding design consideration.

Polishing of pretreated dye wastewater using novel sequencing batch reactors.

Novel, aerobic sequencing batch reactor technology was tested as a polishing step for anaerobically treated textile wastewater containing dye. Operation cycle times of 6, 8 and 12 hours were studied using discrete phase periods. The SBRs were able to further remove influent dye concentration of as little as 5 mg/L, and remove highly variable loadings of COD and SS to effluent levels of 100 and 20 mg/L respectively.

Performance of a high-rate/high-shear activated sludge bioreactor treating biodegradable wastewater.

A high-rate activated sludge (HRAS) bioreactor with high shear venturi aeration was operated in the laboratory at various organic loading rates to evaluate chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency and sludge production. Organic loading rates two orders of magnitude higher than conventional activated sludge loading were investigated in the modified HRAS reactor for a period of 41 weeks. Filtered COD removal efficiency varied from 81 to 92 % for organic loading rates of 3 to 85 kg COD m(-3) d(-1). Observed sludge yield was determined to be 0.10-0.25 g TSS produced g(-1) COD removed, under hydraulic and solids retention times (SRTs) approaching less than two hours and two days, respectively. Observed sludge yield actually declined as loading increased and SRT decreased. It was concluded that high-shear forces created in the reactor due to intense aeration at high volumetric organic loading rates increased substrate utilization rate, improved filtered COD removal efficiency, and kept sludge yields relatively low (despite the very low operating SRTs).

Cholinesterase activity in Thysaniezia giardi (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae).

The activity of cholinesterase was determined separately in the mature and gravid proglottids of Thysaniezia giardi and its significance is discussed. The mean values of the enzyme in mature and gravid proglottids were respectively 225.60 +/- 28.55 and 75.00 +/- 11.64 units per gram of wet weight.

Impact of temperature on performance, microbiological, and hydrodynamic aspects of UASB reactors treating municipal wastewater.

The present study examined the feasibility of treating municipal wastewater by a UASB system under low-temperature conditions. Two reactors were started-up at 20 degrees C and subsequently operated at temperatures of 32, 20, 15, 11, and 6 degrees C applying several hydraulic retention times (HRTs) ranging from 48 to 3 h during an operational period of approximately 900 days. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency ranged from 70 to 90% up to an HRT of 6 h and 11 degrees C. The performance of the reactor was not very satisfactory during 6 degrees C operation (average COD removal 40%). Sulfate reduction played an important role in COD reduction. Digital image analysis and scanning electron microscopic observations of sludge samples revealed aggregation of biomass in the form of irregular shaped granules (mean size ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 mm). The hydraulic regime in the reactor was impacted by the change in operating temperature. This study demonstrated that the UASB system could be applied successfully for pre-treatment/treatment of municipal wastewater under low-temperature conditions.

Municipal wastewater treatment by UASB process: start-up at 20 degrees C and operation at low temperatures.

Laboratory-scale UASB reactors were started-up successfully at 20 degrees C and operated at temperatures of 32, 20, 15, 11, and 6 degrees C applying several hydraulic retention times (HRTs) ranging from 48 to 3 h during an operational period of approximately 900 days. Changes in temperature and HRTs impacted the reactor performance. However, overall reactor performance (70 to 90% COD removal) was found to be stable up to an HRT of 6 h and temperature of 11 degrees C. The performance of UASB reactor was not very stable during 6 degrees C operation, even though 30 to 50% of COD removal could be achieved. Biomass aggregation in the form of granules/bio-pellets (mean size ranged from 1.8 mm to 3.0 mm) could be achieved during 20 degrees C operation. The impact of temperature on morphology, surface structure, and shape of bio-pellets was explored. Morphological and elemental composition analyses showed the possible mechanism of biomass aggregation in UASB reactors. This study demonstrated that the UASB process could be applied successfully with some minor adjustment for the treatment of municipal wastewater in temperate and cold regions (average summer temperature 11-25 degrees C).

The people of India. A national project: its perspectives and prospects.

PIP: The author describes the current and planned activities envisaged under the Anthropological Survey of India to survey and study the castes and ethnic groups of contemporary India. Consideration is given to the availability of data on such subjects in the census.^ieng

Hematological and biochemical studies of stephanofilarial dermatitis in naturally infected cattle of West Bengal, India.

This experimental study was conducted to assess the alterations in hematobiochemical values of cattle infected with stephanofilarial microfilariae. Hematological studies of infected cattle revealed significant (P<0.05) decrease in Hb%, PCV and TEC values whereas TLC values were significantly (P<0.05) increased. There was insignificant increase in lymphocyte concentration (%), significant (P<0.05) increase in eosinophil concentration (%) and insignificant decrease in neutrophil concentration (%) in infected cattle in relation to control animal. Biochemical studies revealed that the values of glucose, alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT were significantly (P<0.05) increased in infected cattle than control cattle. However, the value of total serum protein was not affected.

Determination of site of absorption of propranolol in rat gut using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion.

Previously, permeability and site of intestinal absorption of propranolol have been reported using the Ussing chamber. In the present study, the utility of Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion to study permeability and site of intestinal absorption of propranolol was evaluated in rats. Drug permeability in different regions of rat intestine viz. duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon was measured. Propranolol (30 µg/ml) solution was perfused in situ in each intestinal segment of rats. Effective permeability (Peff) of propranolol in each segment was calculated and site of absorption was determined. The Peff of propranolol in rat duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon was calculated to be 0.3316×10(-4) cm/s, 0.4035×10(-4)cm/s, 0.5092×10(-4) cm/s and 0.7167×10(-4) cm/s, respectively. The above results suggest that permeability of propranolol was highest through colon compared to other intestinal sites, which is in close agreement to that reported previously. In conclusion, in situ single pass intestinal perfusion can be used effectively to study intestinal permeability as well as site of intestinal absorption of compounds in rats.

Trisomy 13 (Patau's syndrome): a rare case of survival into adulthood.

Survival of cases of trisomy 13 (Patau's syndrome) into adulthood is a rare phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to report one such survivor who has had the typical clinical features of trisomy 13 confirmed by chromosome analysis of both blood and skin, and to speculate on some of the factors that may have contributed to his unusually long survival.

Respiratory distress in nonimmune adults with imported malaria.

Acute respiratory distress (ARD) in two nonimmune adults with imported mixed and vivax malarial infections with low and resolving parasite load is described. Malarial pulmonary edema exacerbated by hypoalbuminemia and fluid redistribution without overload occurred in the latter patient. ARD led to mortality in one of the two. ARD should be promptly recognized and managed.

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the survival and development of the infective larvae of the hookworm, Gaigeria pachyscelis.

Irradiation of the infective larvae of Gaigeria pachyscelis Railliet and Henry, 1910 with gamma rays upto 160 Kr had no significant effect on the in vitro survival of these larvae for a period of 49 days, maintained either at room temperature (32.2--39.4 degrees C) or at 4 degrees C. However, the behaviour of the irradiated larvae in the lamb host was much changed, as shown by a marked reduction in the worm establishment and the development of stunted and sterile worms from these larvae. As the level of irradiation increased, there was a corresponding decrease in the subsequent worm establishment. It was found that male larvae are more sensitive to the effects of irradiation than female ones, particularly at higher levels.

The use of gamma-radiation-attenuated larvae of Gaigeria pachyscelis Railliet and Henry, 1910, for vaccination in lambs.

The results of vaccination trial in lambs with gamma-irradiated infective larvae of Gaigeria pachyscelis are described. A single percutaneous (P/C) vaccination of lambs with 2000 infective larvae irradiated at 40 Kr induced the development of resistance. The vaccinated lambs successfully resisted a lethal challenge infection of 5000 non-irradiated larvae 3 months later. In the vaccinated lambs, the manifestations of resistance were shown by marked reduction in the worm establishment, development of retarded and functionally sterile worms and absence of clinical signs of hookworm disease after the challenge infection.