Nutrient optimization for indigenous microbial consortia of a Bhagyam oil field: MEOR studies.

The microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) method is an eco-friendly and economical alternative technology. The technology involves a variety of uncertainties, and its success depends on controlling microbial growth and metabolism. This study is one of a kind that showed successful tertiary recovery of crude oil through indigenous microbial consortia. In this study, a medium was optimized to allow ideal microbial growth under reservoir conditions through RSM. Once the nutrient recipe was optimized, the microbial metabolites were estimated through gas chromatography. The maximum amount of methane gas (0.468 mM) was produced in the TERIW174 sample. The sequencing data set showed the presence of Methanothermobacter sp. and Petrotoga sp. In addition, these established consortia were analyzed for their toxicity, and they appeared to be safe for the environment. Furthermore, a core flood study showed efficient recovery that was ~25 and 34% in TERIW70 and TERIW174 samples, respectively. Thus, both the isolated consortia appeared to be suitable for the field trials.

The occurrence, fate, toxicity, and biodegradation of phthalate esters: An overview.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a class of emerging xenobiotic compounds that are extensively used as plasticizers. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern over the risk of this pervasive pollution exposure causing endocrine disruption and carcinogenicity in humans and animals. The widespread use of PAEs in home and industrial applications has resulted in their discharge in aquatic bodies via leaching, volatilization, and precipitation. In this overview, the current state of PAE pollution, its potential origins, its fate, as well as its effects on the aquatic environment are discussed. A state-of-the-art review of several studies in the literature that focus on the biological degradation of PAEs is included in this study. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive view of current research on PAEs in the environment, highlighting its fate and alleviated risks on the aquatic biotas, their challenges, future prospects, and the need for good management and policies for its remediation. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Occurrence of phthalate esters was summarized in various environmental matrices along with its serious ecotoxicological implications on biota. Wastewater is the prime source of PAEs contamination. Lack of species-specific effects on biota due to dose, exposure route, and susceptibility. The predominant route to mineralization in PAEs is biodegradation. A critical analysis of worldwide PAE production and consumption identifies the necessity for global PAE production, consumption, and release policies.

Aerobic degradation of decabrominated diphenyl ether through a novel bacterium isolated from municipal waste dumping site: Identification, degradation and metabolic pathway.

In the present study, a novel bacterium capable of degrading BDE-209 aerobically was isolated from a municipal waste dumping site and identified as Bacillus tequilensis strain BDE-S1 through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A correlation between BDE-209 and bromide concentration, COD, TOC, and cell biomass was established. 65% of 50 mg/L initial concentration of BDE-209 was degraded within eight days of incubation by BDE-S1 strain. Two hexa, two penta, one tetra-BDE congener, and benzamide were detected as metabolites. The bromide release, COD, TOC and cell biomass were found to be significantly correlated parameters with BDE-209 degradation. Based on the metabolite analysis, ortho and meta debromination, cleavage of diphenyl ether bond and ring-opening were suggested as possible degradation pathways. This is the first study demonstrating the use of indigenously isolated Bacillus tequilensis strain BDE-S1 for aerobic degradation of BDE-209, which could provide new comprehension for bioremediation of PBDEs from contaminated environments.

Pharmacological STING Activation Is a Potential Alternative to Overcome Drug-Resistance in Melanoma.

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and resistance to the conventional chemotherapy is the major cause for its poor prognosis. Metabolic perturbations leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species activate NRF2-dependent anti-oxidative responses to survive oxidative stress. This protective function of NRF2 is the primary cause for therapy resistance in cancer as anti-cancer agents such as BRAF inhibitors also induce NRF2-dependent antioxidative response. We had reported that type I interferons produced upon activation of STING, abrogates NRF2 function. Therefore, we investigated if STING agonists such as the newly developed dimeric aminobenzimidazole (diABZI) could sensitize melanoma cells to the clinically used BRAF inhibitors. Our results reveal that pharmacological activation of STING by diABZI, down regulates NRF2-dependent anti-oxidative responses and potentiates cell-death in melanoma cells when used in combination with BRAF inhibitors.

Design of the Indian NCA study (Indian national collaboration on AIDS): a cluster randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated care centers to improve HIV outcomes among men who have sex with men and persons who inject drugs in India.

BACKGROUND: Globally, men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs remain disproportionately affected by HIV, but they have not been the focus of prevention and treatment interventions in many resource-limited settings. METHODS/DESIGN: This cluster-randomized trial (conducted from June 2012 to June 2017), evaluates whether single-venue, integrated delivery of core HIV services to vulnerable high-risk populations improves service utilization and consequently, HIV testing and other outcomes along the HIV care continuum. Core services include: HIV counseling and testing, information, education and communication, condom distribution, needle and syringe exchange programs, opioid agonist therapy, management of sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and antiretroviral therapy. Stratified restricted randomization was used to allocate 22 Indian cities (10 men who have sex with men and 12 people who inject drugs sites) at a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or control condition. Integrated care centers were scaled-up and implemented in the 11 intervention cities and outcomes will be assessed by pre- and post-intervention surveys at intervention and control sites. As men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs are hidden populations, with no sampling frame, respondent-driven sampling will be used to accrue samples for the two independent cross-sectional surveys. DISCUSSION: For an AIDS-free generation to be realized, prevention, care and treatment services need to reach all populations at risk for HIV infection. There is a clear gap in access to services among men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs. Trials need to be designed to optimize utilization of services in these populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01686750 Date of Registration: September 13, 2012.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Phosphorylated Abacavir Derivatives as Antiviral Agents Against Newcastle Disease Virus Infection in Chicken.

Newcastle disease virus is the most devastating virus in poultry industry. It can eradicate the entire poultry flocks once infected. This study is aimed to investigate the antiviral efficacy of novel phosphorylated analogues of the drug abacavir (ABC) against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). About 16 analogues of ABC were designed and docking was performed against fusion protein of NDV. Three compounds were identified and selected for synthesis and biological evaluation based on binding affinity and docking scores. The compounds were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H, (13)C, (31)P and CHN analysis and mass spectra. These compounds were tested for antiviral efficacy against NDV-infected DF-1 cells. Compound ABC-1 had shown potent antiviral activity as evidenced by significant reduction in plaque units and cytopathic effect. Therefore, ABC-1 was selected to test for NDV-infected chicken survival rate. Effective dose50 concentrations were determined for ABC-1. Antioxidant enzyme levels in brain, liver and lung tissues were estimated. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly raised and lipid peroxidation and HA titer levels were decreased upon treatment with 2 mg/kg body weight ABC-1. Histopathological modifications were also restored in the ABC-1-treated group. These findings demonstrated ABC-1 as a potential antiviral agent against NDV in chicken.

Comparison between Silk Sutures and Cyanoacrylate Adhesive in Human Mucosa- A Clinical and Histological Study.

BACKGROUND: Closing the surgical incision is an important step in the surgical procedures, the success of surgery is sometimes compromised by the defective suturing techniques or improper suturing materials, black silk sutures are more or less most often used materials in the day today surgical procedures, but these suture materials demand more time and effort from the surgeon and there is a need to substitute these materials with more user friendly and more successful wound closing materials such as cyanoacrylates. This study intends to compare effectiveness of the black silk sutures with cyanoacrylate adhesives in closing the surgical incisions. MATERIALS & METHODS: 10 patients of age group between 15-30 years who underwent bilateral apicoetomy were given 3-0 black silk sutures on one side and n-butyl-2cyanoacrylate adhesive on the other side of the frenum to close the surgical incision, and a clinical comparison was made on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th post-operative days, on the seventh postoperative day following removal of sutures, small punch biopsies were obtained from both the sites and the tissue specimens were examined under transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Clinical observations revealed that on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days epithelialization was better on the sides treated with n-butyl-2cyanoacrylate but the sites closed with black silk suture showed significant inflammation and scar formation , electron microscopic observation of both tissue specimens revealed that sutured tissue specimens showed dense inflammatory infiltrate but the sites treated with cyanoacrylate adhesive showed less inflammatory infiltrate and uniform distribution of neutrophils, lymphocytes, histocytes and eosinophils unlike the sutured specimens which showed more scar tissue and dense infiltrate concentrated along the margins of the gap. CONCLUSION: This study has indicated that the use of cyanoacrylate glue has resulted in less postoperative inflammation and good clinical and histological healing when compared to the silk sutures. How to cite this article: Kumar MS, Natta S, Shankar G, Reddy SH, Visalakshi D, Seshiah GV. Comparison between Silk Sutures and Cyanoacrylate Adhesive in Human Mucosa- A Clinical and Histological Study. J Int Oral Health 2013;5(5):95-100.

Green synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles and its augmented cytotoxicity with doxorubicin on cancer cells.

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was achieved by a simple biological procedure using the reducing power of fenugreek seed extract. This method is capable of producing SeNPs in a size range of about 50-150 nm, under ambient conditions. The synthesized nanoparticles can be separated easily from the aqueous sols by a high-speed centrifuge. These selenium nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Nanocrystalline SeNPs were obtained without post-annealing treatment. FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of various functional groups in the plant extract, which may possibly influence the reduction process and stabilization of nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of SeNPs was assayed against human breast-cancer cells (MCF-7). It was found that SeNPs are able to inhibit the cell growth by dose-dependent manner. In addition, combination of SeNPs and doxorubicin shows better anticancer effect than individual treatments.

Inhibition of hyaluronidase by N-acetyl cysteine and glutathione: role of thiol group in hyaluronan protection.

Hyaluronidase inhibitors have immense applications in pathophysiological conditions associated with hyaluronan-hyaluronidase system. The present study demonstrates the inhibitory efficacy of clinically accepted antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against hyaluronidase of serum, testis, and snake and bee venoms. The experimental and molecular dynamic simulation data suggest the non-competitive inhibition and involvement of thiol groups of both NAC and glutathione in exertion of inhibition. The bioavailability, less-toxic and antioxidant nature of NAC and glutathione could become valuable in the management of pathologies triggered by extracellular matrix degradation and to increase the endurance of hyaluronan based biomaterials/supplements, which are highly exciting aspects.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: A rare case report.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a relatively uncommon osteolytic-pigmented neoplasm that primarily affects the jaws of infants. The early onset and its rapid disfiguring spread necessitate early diagnosis. A 4-month-old male child reported with the complaint of swelling in the right back tooth region of the upper jaw, which rapidly increased in size causing disfigurement of the face. Radiographic examination showed a diffuse osteolytic radiolucent lesion in the right maxilla and displacement and dysmorphic changes in the developing primary tooth buds. Wide surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia. Histopathological report revealed characteristic large pigmented epitheloid cells (melanocyte like cells). The biphasic tumor cell population arranged in a background of fibrous connective tissue stroma is suggestive of MNTI involving the cancellous bone. Early diagnosis and management of such aggressive tumors precludes significant morbidity of the patient.

Evaluation of antioxidant, radical scavenging activity and polyphenolics profile in Solanum torvum L. fruits.

UNLABELLED: Solanum torvum fruit widely used in traditional medicine of India and also in food preparation. Three different extracts such as water (WE), methanol (ME), and ethanol (EE) were used to evaluate their antioxidant and radical scavenging activity by different methods. All the assays results were compared with well-known standard antioxidants. The IC(50) values of assays were determined. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were found to be maximum in water and ethanol extracts, respectively. The electron quenching ability of fruit extract was assayed by DPPH and reducing power assays succeeding order were ME > EE > WE, respectively. Inhibition of membrane damage, was assayed interns of oxidative hemolysis and lipid peroxidation assays, among all WE extract shows 58.00% and 68.55 5% percentage of inhibition with 0.9 and 0.8 correlations (r(2)), respectively. Antioxidant and radical quenching efficiency were assayed by ß-carotene bleaching and hydroxyl radical scavenging method and results were compared with vitamin C and catechin. The in vitro free radical quenching and antioxidant results were well correlated with in vitro DNA protection assay. As analyzed by HPTLC gallic acid content is high in WE (1394 ± 25.0) and ME (598 ± 54.0) whereas ferulic acid is high in EE (32 ± 5.94) µg/g, respectively. This study indicate that S. torvum fruit is an excellent source of natural antioxidant and could be an effective nutritional food supplement, which interns will have therapeutic applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In siddha medicine on the traditional systems of India the, ripened fruits are used in the preparation of tonic named as a "sundaivattaral choornam" is used to improve the health and prevent several diseases. This study has given an experimental evidence that S. torvum fruit is an excellent source of natural antioxidants.

Incidence of Alzheimer's disease in India: a 10 years follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine overall and age-specific incidence rates of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a southern Indian province, Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-year (2001-2011) prospective epidemiologic study of community residing subjects aged ≥55 years at enrollment. The catchment area included four urban and semi-urban regions of Trivandrum city in Kerala, India, was selected to provide a range of demographic and socioeconomic representation. Cognitive and functional ability screening were done at baseline and 24-month follow-up assessments. Consensus diagnostic procedures were done using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4 th edition (DSM-IV), and the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke - Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINDS-ADRDA) criteria for the diagnosis of dementia and AD. RESULTS: Among the 1066 eligible participants who were cognitively normal at baseline, 104 developed dementia (98 with AD) over a follow-up period of 8.1 years. The incidence rates per 1000 person-years for AD was 11.67 (95% CI: 10.9-12.4) for those aged ≥55 years and higher for those aged ≥65 years (15.54, 95% CI: 14.6-16.5). In those aged ≥65 years, the world age standardized incidence rate was 21.61 per 100,000, and standardized against the age distribution for the year 2000 U.S. Census, the age-adjusted incidence rate was 9.19 (95% CI: 9.03-9.35) per 1000 person-years. Incidence rate of AD increased significantly and proportionately with increasing age. CONCLUSION: These are the first AD incidence rates to be reported from southern India. The incidence rates appear to be much higher than that reported from rural north India, comparable with that reported from China, and marginally lower than that reported from the western world.

Inhibition of hemorrhagic activity of viper venoms by N-acetyl cysteine: involvement of N-acetyl and thiol groups.

The mortality rate due to snakebite is reduced markedly by the use of anti-venoms, which are the only medically approved remedial agents available. The anti-venoms effectively neutralize the systemic toxicity but offer no protection towards local tissue degradation. In viperid snake envenomations, SVMPs and SVHYs are the major agents responsible for brutal local tissue damage as they degrade ECM and basement membrane surrounding the blood vessels. Thus, the usage of inhibitor(s) against ECM degrading enzymes in the treatment of viper bites is an affirmative therapeutic choice. The present study assessed the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to inhibit gelatinase, hyaluronidase, hemorrhagic and defibrinogenating activities of Vipera russelli and Echis carinatus venoms. NAC inhibited these activities dosedependently, but it did not inhibit the PLA2, 5' nucleotidase, procoagulant and edema inducing activities of both the venoms. NAC showed complete inhibition of hemorrhagic activity when incubated with venom prior to testing. Whereas little inhibition was observed when venom and NAC were injected independently. Inhibition of the basement membrane degradation and accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes at the site of venom injection in histological sections further corroborate the inhibitory property of NAC. The observed inhibition of hemorrhage was likely due to zinc chelation as supported by spectral studies. Further, docking predictions suggested the role of -SH and -NH-CO-CH3 groups of NAC in the inhibition of SVMPs and SVHYs. Future studies related to the protective role of NAC against the venom induced systemic hemorrhage and secondary complications are highly exciting.

Malnutrition in a population of HIV-positive and HIV-negative drug users living in Chennai, South India.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a strong predictor of poor outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Drug users are at increased risk of malnutrition regardless of whether or not they are infected with HIV. Little data exists on the nutritional status of drug users (with or without HIV infection) in India. METHODS: We describe and compare the nutrition and metabolic status of 107 HIV-positive and 193 HIV-negative male clients of a community-based drop-in center for injection drug users in Chennai, India. Measures of nutrition and metabolic status include body composition, dietary intake, food insecurity, and serum lipid levels. RESULTS: We found poor overall nutritional status in both the HIV-positive and HIV-negative clients, with HIV-positive men faring worse on some parameters. Both groups had extremely low percent body fat, but levels in HIV-positive participants were significantly lower (6.5% versus 7.9%, p=.01). HIV-positive men also had significantly lower total caloric and fat intakes compared to HIV-negative men. A considerable proportion (70%) of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative drug users were food insecure. HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower and below normal range in the HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative men. CONCLUSIONS: The high levels of food insecurity and poor nutritional status in this population, regardless of HIV status, indicates critical need for intervention. Improving nutritional status in those who are infected with HIV prior to initiation of antiretroviral treatment may help patients to reap the full benefits of therapy.

Performance evaluation of a full-scale coke oven wastewater treatment plant in an integrated steel plant.

Wastewater generated during coke-oven gas cleaning operations in the integrated steel plant contains phenol, cyanide, thiocyanate, and also oil and grease. Although the activated sludge process is widely practiced for biological treatment of coke-oven wastewater, it was observed during the evaluation of performance of full scale coke-oven wastewater treatment plant that oil contamination and poor sludge settleability had resulted in poor maintenance of the activated sludge process. Keeping these aspects in view, treatability studies were conducted and an alternative treatment process is proposed. With these corrective measures the coke-oven wastewater treatment plant will give desired performance. In this paper we present results of the performance evaluation, data on treatability studies and alternative treatment process scheme.