Growth promotion of wheat seedlings by Exiguobacterium acetylicum 1P (MTCC 8707) a cold tolerant bacterial strain from the Uttarakhand Himalayas.

Exiguobacterium acetylicum strain 1P (MTCC 8707) is a gram-positive, rod-shaped, yellow pigmented bacterium isolated from soil on nutrient agar plates at 4°C. The identity of the bacterium was arrived on the basis of the biochemical characterization, BIOLOG sugar utilization pattern and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. It grew at temperatures ranging from 4 to 42°C, with temperature optima at 30°C. It expressed multiple plant growth promotion attributes such as phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, differentially at suboptimal growth temperatures (15 and 4°C). At 15°C it solubilized phosphate (21.1 µg of P ml(-1) day(-1)), and produced IAA (14.9 µg ml(-1) day(-1)) in tryptophan amended media. Qualitative detection of siderophore production and HCN were possible at 15°C. At 4°C it retained all the plant growth promotion attributes. Seed bacterization with the isolate, positively influenced the growth and nutrient uptake parameters of wheat seedlings in glass house studies at suboptimal cold growing temperatures.

Cold tolerance and plant growth promotion potential of Serratia marcescens strain SRM (MTCC 8708) isolated from flowers of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo).

AIM: To determine the cold tolerance and plant growth promotion potential of Serratia marcescens strain SRM (MTCC 8708). METHODS AND RESULTS: Serratia marcescens strain SRM was isolated from the flowers of summer squash plants, showing no apparent symptoms of yellow vine disease. It was evaluated for growth and plant growth promotion attributes at 15 and 4 degrees C. At 15 degrees C, the isolate was able to solubilize 76.6 microg ml(-1) of P and produce Indole Acetic Acid, IAA (11.1 microg ml(-1)). HCN and siderophore production were also detected at 15 degrees C. The isolate retained all the plant growth promotion traits at 4 degrees C. Seed bacterization with the isolate significantly enhanced plant biomass and nutrient uptake of wheat seedlings grown in cold temperatures. CONCLUSION: Serratia marcescens strain SRM is a promising cold-tolerant isolate that can significantly influence wheat seedling growth at cold temperatures. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This strain can be employed as a bioinoculant in cold temperature conditions.

Orientation of the bacteriochlorophyll triplet and the primary ubiquinone acceptor of Rhodospirillum rubrum in membrane multilayers determined by ESR spectroscopy (I).

Chromatophores from Rhodospirillum rubrum were oriented as multilayers on quartz slides under reducing conditions. Irradiation of these multilayers in the resonance cavity of an ESR spectrometer at 6 K yielded the spectrum of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer triplet. The relative intesities of the main six lines of the triplet were dependent on the angle subtended by the direction of the external magnetic field with plane of the multilayers. The angular dependence of the intensities of these transitions can best be interpreted in terms of one of the principal axes of the triplet lying along the plane of the membrane while the other two axes are titled 10--20 degrees away from the parallel to and normal to the membrane directions. If we assume the porphyrin planes of the dimer to be parallel and the largest splitting of the triplet transitions to correspond to those transitions in a direction normal to this plane, then these data imply that the dimer planes are nearly perpendicular to the membrane plane. Purified iron-depleted phototrap complexes were similarly oriented in reconstituted phosphatidylcholine multilayers and the angular dependence of the light-induced spectrum recorded at room temperature. A computer analysis of this angular dependence suggests that the plane of the primary ubiquinone acceptor molecule is parallel to the plane of the membrane and therefore perpendicular to the donor.

Thyroxine-induced alterations in the testis and seminal vesicles of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus.

Effect of experimentally induced thyroxine overdose on the testis and seminal vesicles was studied in the air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus during the preparatory and the pre-spawning phase. The present study revealed a marked reduction in testosterone level in serum, testis and seminal vesicles (SV). Histological examination showed a considerable reduction in the number of spermatozoa/spermatids in the seminiferous tubular lumen as well as depletion of fluid in the loculi of SV. SDS-PAGE analysis of SV fluid proteins demonstrated a significant decrease in the level of a ~27 kDa protein in thyroxine treated fishes. Evidences are presented here to indicate that thyroid hormone plays a role in regulating testis and SV function in catfish.

Thiourea-induced alteration in the expression patterns of some steroidogenic enzymes in the air-breathing catfish Clarias gariepinus.

Previous study from our laboratory on thiourea-induced thyroid hormone depletion in mature male catfish demonstrated that thyroid hormones play a significant role in testicular function. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the changes in the expression pattern of several steroidogenic enzyme genes after thyroid hormone depletion using semi quantitative RT-PCR in both adult male and female catfish. There was a marked decrease in the 11beta-hydroxylase expression in the testis and liver while no change was observed in case of kidney. A significant decrease in 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase transcript level in testis, liver and kidney were observed in the thiourea treated males. The results obtained corroborated with our earlier findings of testicular regression after thyroid hormone depletion. In females, expression of aromatase transcript increased in experimental group compared to control. There was no considerable change observed in the transcript level of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20-lyase, and 20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in both males and females. Thus, thyroid hormones might exert modulating effect on steroidogenic enzyme genes at the transcription level.

Inflatable penile prosthesis technique and outcomes after radial forearm free flap neophalloplasty.

The aim of this study was to describe the technical aspects and short-term outcomes of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation after neophallus reconstruction at a single institution. Nine men with previously constructed radial forearm neophalli underwent IPP implantation. The etiologies of their penile anomaly were bladder exstrophy complex in five, disorder of sexual differentiation in two and genital obliteration secondary to ballistic trauma in two. Median follow-up was 9.6 months (range 1.5-139.7). The records for these patients were retrospectively reviewed and outcomes recorded. Mean age was 23.6 (range 18-31) years, and mean time interval from neophalloplasty to IPP implantation was 22.1 months (range 3-48). In all cases, 3-piece IPPs were employed, with eight of patients having one cylinder implanted in the native corporal body and extending into the neophallus. Mean surgical time was 222 min (range 142-409). Median length of implanted device was 22 cm. No intraoperative complications were observed. At the most recent follow-up, six patients (66.7%) had functional devices, with acceptable surgical outcomes. Three patients (33.3%) sustained device infections, and three (33.3%) sustained cylinder erosion. In three patients in whom neo-tunica albuginea were fashioned by ensheathing the cylinder with allograft human dermal tissue matrix, no erosions occurred. One patient underwent two revisions, the first for the associated erosion and infection and the second for genital pain, and was left with a semi-rigid prosthesis. IPP implantation affords the best opportunity for functionality for patients with a radial forearm free flap neophallus. Caution must be taken to ensure viability of the neophallus intraoperatively, and protocols to minimize the risk of infection should be followed. Fashioning neo-tunica albuginea using graft material may reduce risk of erosion.

Further evidence for oxidative damage to hemoglobin and red cell membrane in leukemia.

The presence of significant methemoglobinemia in a large number (79%) of cases of leukemia prompted us to look into the evidence for oxidative injury to the other red cell constituents, e.g. the cell membrane. Forty-five per cent of cases showed increased malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels indicating in vivo peroxidation of membrane lipids in leukemia patients. Red cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced in 25% of cases while plasma alpha-tocopherol levels were markedly low in 68% of patients. The presence of an inverse correlation between MDA levels and SOD and tocopherol levels in a large number of cases suggested that the red cells in leukemia lack the ability to counter increased oxidative stress. Low hemoglobin content of the red cells in these patients seemed to contribute to the oxidative injury to the membrane by rendering the latter more accessible to the oxidants. While methemoglobinemia may enhance tissue hypoxia, membrane lipid peroxidation could explain the shortened erythrocyte life-span and anemia in leukemia.

Effect of chronic ethanol administration on cholesterol and bile acid synthesis in vivo.

Chronic administration of ethanol failed to a stimulate the hepatic rate of cholesterol synthesis in meal-fed rats. In contrast, chronic ethanol feeding caused a 50% inhibition in the rate of incorporation of [4-14C] cholesterol to bile acids in the bile-duct cannulated rats. It is, therefore, suggested that the decreased rate of cholesterol degradation to bile acids may play an important role in ethanol-induced accumulation of cholesterol in liver.

Spontaneously developing autoantibody to factor VIII in an elderly woman: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

An elderly woman with a continuously bleeding small wound was investigated for the presence of antibodies to FVIII using activated partial time-based screening and confirmatory tests. A late acting coagulation factor inhibitor was detected. The same was characterised to be a low titre antibody against FVIII (5.2 Bethesda units). Cryoprecipitate infusions, corticosteroids and topical desmopressin were unsuccessful in controlling the bleeding. Addition of cyclophosphamide brought about stoppage of bleeding and disappearance of the autoantibody.

Acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation.

OBJECTIVES: To study thrombophilia states in Indian patients with acute spontaneous superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT). METHODS: Two men with this condition, a 56 year old and a 31 year old presenting with acute SMVT, demonstrated on CT scan, were subjected to a thrombophilia screen consisting of Protein C, S, antithrombin levels, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, fibrinogen levels, factor VIII levels, factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation, and paroxysmal nocturnal hematuria screen. RESULTS: A thrombophilia screen showed factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation (heterozygous) in both cases. Additionally, the first patient had high fibrinogen levels and the second high factor VIII levels. Both patients are currently on long-term anticoagulation. CONCLUSION: Factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation in association with other thrombophilic factors may predispose to spontaneous superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.

20-Hydroxyecdysone mediated activation of larval haemolymph protein uptake by fat body cells of Corcyra cephalonica (Insecta)

Evidence is presented here to show that 20-hydroxyecdysone is essential for the activation of the larval fat body for differential uptake of larval haemolymph proteins (LHPs). By using radiolabelled LHPs it is shown that the fat body cells of Corcyra cephalonica selectively incorporate LHPs during late-larval and prepupal development. Fluorographic analysis of the labelled fat body proteins from prepupal stage separated on sodium dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide gels suggests that the LHPs are sequestered without any degradation. Although, during the last larval instar the uptake of all the three LHPs (LHP 1, LHP 2 and LHP 3) by the fat body cells is very low, 20-hydroxyecdysone treatment of early, mid or late-last instars causes a significant increase in uptake of all the three LHPs. However, the response to hormone treatment was more pronounced in late-last instar when compared to early and mid-last instar.

Population estimates for Bangladesh: The use of a specific transitional population model.

Summary The development of population in Bangladesh was affected by a succession of man-made and natural calamities, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943, refugee movements following the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, devastating floods and cyclones around 1970, and the military action during the war of liberation. Though there had been a tradition of census taking and vital registration in Bangladesh, as part of the Indian sub-continent, extending for over a century, vital registration was so deficient as to be almost valueless, and there were gross misstatements of age and under-enumeration in the censuses. In the census of 1941, on the other hand, political manoeuvring led to a substantial overcount of the population. In this paper, Bangladesh population trends are studied within the broader framework of the subcontinent, taking account of plausible differentials. A considerable element of uncertainty was introduced into growth trends as a result of variations in the completeness of census-taking and of unrecorded refugee and labour movements across open land borders. In this connection the substantial inflationary bias associated with techniques of population estimation using the dual record system is discussed. The application of stable population models is even less justified in Bangladesh with its history of declining mortality. A transitional age structure model was constructed on the basis of the information available on declining mortality and accelerating growth and the model was made even more specific by modifications which took care of the impact of recent calamities and of unrecorded migration. The population base of the census of 1961 was adjusted in accordance with this model. The local mortality age pattern was used in projecting the population by sex and age groups to the date at which the census was originally due to be taken in 1971, and to the date when it was actually taken in March 1974. The post-1970 calamities and their effect on mortality were ignored. The aggregate estimate of population of 72.9 million in March 1974 is slightly in excess of the census count (by about two per cent) reported provisionally as 71.3 million. The excess in our estimate could be accounted for by the losses due to cyclone and military action.

Phenotypic heterogeneity of erythroblasts in erythroblastic leukemia revealed by monoclonal antibodies.

Eight cases each of erythroleukemia (AML-M6) and erythroblastic crisis of chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGLBC-E) were immunophenotyped with the help of a panel of lineage-associated monoclonal antibodies (McAbs). The latter included those reactive with erythroid progenitor (BFU-E and CFU-E) and erythroid precursors at different stages of maturation. In six of eight cases of AML-M6, erythroblasts revealed an immature phenotype, as evident from reactivity of the blast cells with McAbs directed against the earlier stages of erythroid maturation. One case had the phenotype of CFU-E, and in the remaining case of AML-M6 the erythroblasts showed a "mature" surface antigenic profile. This immunophenotypic spectrum was unrelated to the morphologic maturity of the erythroblasts. In two cases of CGLBC-E, an early erythroblastic phenotype was observed, while in as many cases a "mature" phenotype was present. Four of eight cases, however, revealed a mixed, erythroid plus myeloid phenotype. In one of the four cases, two separate blast populations, which represented erythroblasts and myeloblasts, could be identified. In the remaining three cases the blasts were morphologically homogeneous and undifferentiated. High incidence of HLA-DR positivity in the latter three cases suggests the primitive nature of blasts cells and their closeness to the putative "bipotent" myeloid stem cell. Our study has shown phenotypic heterogeneity of blast cells in AML-M6 and CGLBC-E.

Marriage trends and their demographic implications.

PIP: In India marriages are nearly universal, particularly for women in the population. Most marriages take place close to the start of the reproductive period. Because of a common custom which delays cohabitation when the marriage occurs below the age of puberty, formal marriage does not necessarily coincide with the beginning of reproductive life. The trend in marriage ages after adjustment for differential survival probabilities of couples married at different ages reveals only a slight increase since the start of the 20th century although the increase is a little higher in the urban areas. The average marriage ages are low, yet there is considerable variation in the ages by residence and socioeconomic characteristics -- particularly by the educational level of the wife. The labor force participation rate among women at higher ages varies according to marital status in the urban areas. The rate is much lower for married women although the overall urban rate for women is much smaller than the rural. The number of children ever born declines systematically with a rise in the age of the wife at marriage, although the differences are narrowed when the surviving children rather than those ever born are considered.^ieng