Molecular characterization of Bertiella studeri infecting a primate in South India.

Bertiella spp. is a mite-borne cestode parasite that inhabits the small intestine of wide range of mammals, including non-human primates. In the present study, the morphological and molecular analysis of Bertiella studeri recovered from the small intestine of a bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) from Wayanad, Kerala (South India) was performed. Acetic alum carmine staining identified the cestode morphologically based on the characters like broader proglottids, which contain irregularly alternating genital pores, single set of reproductive organs, 280 testes and a tubular transverse uterus. Molecular characterization was done using 18SrRNA, ITS1-5.8S and COX1 genes. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA X based on the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method (Hasegawa-Kishino-Yano (HKY) model). Cytochrome oxidase I gene could detect the existence of genetic variation in the parasite from two different hosts viz., monkey (Kerala, Argentina, and Kenya) and human (Sri Lanka). A minimum spanning network of haplotypes was generated by the haplotype networking with the above sequences using the popARTv1.7. Haplotype analysis based on COX1 revealed that the parasite haplotype was different in each country with highest population frequency in Sri Lanka.

Effectiveness of a smartphone-based virtual reality intervention on balance and functional mobility in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A pre-post experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The odds of survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has increased markedly owing to a better understanding of pathogenesis, adoption of risk stratification therapy, and availability of newer therapeutic agents. These drugs, however, may affect balance and functional mobility, leading to activity restrictions. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising rehabilitation program for motor difficulties. The study, therefore, aimed to determine the effect of a smartphone-based VR intervention on balance and functional mobility in children with ALL. METHODS: The pre-post experimental study included 32 children with ALL between 4 and 18 years of age. They received smartphone-based VR intervention every day for a period of 2 weeks, with each session lasting for 30 minutes. Each session included five VR games that were played by the child for 5 minutes each, with 1 minute rest between the games. Pre- and post-intervention, balance and functional mobility were evaluated using the balance subset of Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition (BOT-2) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, respectively. RESULTS: Children with ALL demonstrated a significant improvement in balance post-intervention, with a mean difference of 2.22 ± 1.75 (P < 0.0001). Functional mobility improved with a mean difference of 1.12 ± 1.09 (P < 0.0001). There was an improvement of 8.04% and 11.04% in balance and functional mobility, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that a 2-week smartphone-based VR intervention is effective in improving balance and functional mobility in children with ALL.

Impact of a Brief Healthcare-based Intervention to Support Early Childhood Development in India: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To study the impact of a brief early childhood develop-ment (ECD) intervention, Sit Down and Play (SDP), integrated within routine healthcare visits on parent and child outcomes. METHODS: Between April, 2018 and March, 2019, caregivers and their infants aged 5-6 months attending a well-baby clinic were enrolled and randomized to intervention (n=26) or control (n=26) groups. Intervention families received SDP at recruitment and two subsequent immunization visits (8 months and 10 months). Control families received usual care. ECD outcomes were assessed through in-person assessments at the age of 12 months using the Stim Q subscales to assess parenting behaviors, and the Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) for neurodevelopment. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in parent-child stimulation activities and verbal interactions in the intervention group compared with the control group [6.1(1.4) vs 4.9 (1.3); P=0.002]. Infants in the intervention group had significantly higher DASII scores in multivariable analyses [108.0 (103.0-111.3) vs 102.0 (96.8-108.0); P=0.04]. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a brief healthcare intervention supports opportunities for early learning among caregivers and neurodevelopmental outcomes in their infants.

Synthesis and thermomechanical properties of bioplastics and biocomposites: a systematic review.

Materials research relating to bio-based polymers and composites has become the order of the day and several types of research are being undertaken on these materials. This is mainly due to the belief in the ability of these polymers and composites to serve as potential alternatives for synthetic polymers and fiber-reinforced composites and to mitigate problems pertaining to environmental pollution. A majority of synthetic fibers and polymers in the market today are developed from nonrenewable petroleum-based materials. These have the potential to harm the natural biodiversity of the environment. On the other hand, the use of bioplastics and biocomposites is supported by a few facts such as low cost, lesser energy consumption during production, and notable mechanical and thermal characteristics. The usage of bio-based fibers and polymers in the manufacture of biocomposites in numerous applications greatly enhance the sustainability by eradicating the problem of waste generation. Considering all the above points, the current review focuses on the synthesis and characterization of bioplastics and biocomposites. An elaborate discussion on the mechanical and thermal properties of these materials has also been made. In addition, this review comprehensively discusses the applications, challenges, and prospects of bioplastics and biocomposites.

Deltamethrin resistance in south Indian isolates of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

The present communication deals with the detection and characterization of deltamethrin resistance in tick populations using biological (larval packet test), biochemical (esterase enzyme assay) and molecular assays. Ticks were collected from cattle farms of Korutla, Telangana (KOR), Mehboob Nagar, Telangana (MBN), Nagpur, Maharashtra (NAG), Parbani, Maharashtra (PBN), Madhavaram, Tamil Nadu (MAD), Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu (CUD), Sakhleshpur, Karnataka (SAK) and Buvenduvella, Karnataka (BUV). Out of eight field isolates, seven were identified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus while one isolate (CUD) was identified as R. (B.) annulatus. The LC50 values and resistance factors (RF) of field isolates were assessed by larval packet test (LPT). RF values of two isolates viz., Korutla and Parbhani (KOR, PAR) were close to that of reference susceptible isolate. R. (B.) microplus isolate from Nagpur (NAG) and Sakleshpur (SAK) revealed slightly higher RF values (6.42 and 4.51). They revealed slightly elevated esterase enzyme activity too. Other isolates did not reveal higher values for RF or esterase activity. Previously identified mutations conferring synthetic pyrethroid resistance in R. (B.) microplus populations were analysed by sequencing the mutation flanking regions of the carboxyl esterase and the sodium channel genes (domain III S6 and domain II S4-5 linker region). However, these point mutations were not detected in the field isolates. The results of the present study revealed that low levels of synthetic pyrethroid resistance had developed in field populations of ticks of southern India.

Kinetics of sucrose conversion to fructo-oligosaccharides using enzyme (invertase) under free condition.

The study reports the synthesis of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) from sucrose using invertase derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The reaction was conducted in a batch mode under free enzyme condition. Fructo-oligosaccharide formation was detected at a high sucrose concentration of over 200 g/L. The investigation was extended to study the effect of different parameters such as initial sucrose concentration (ISC), pH, and enzyme concentration. A maximum FOS yield of 10 % (dry basis) was observed using 525 g/L of ISC, with 6 U/mL of the enzyme, and pH 5.5 at 40 °C. 1-Kestose was the major product of among different forms of FOS. The FOS yield increased with an increase in sucrose concentration up to 525 g/L, beyond which it started to decrease. However, the maximum FOS yield was not affected by the increasing concentration of the enzyme beyond a certain level (2 U/mL). Furthermore, the activity of enzyme slightly increased with an increase in the pH up to 6, and thereafter it declined. Addition of glucose decreased the FOS yield because of enzyme inhibition. A five-step, ten-parameter model was developed, for which the simulation was performed in COPASI. The results predicted by the model were consistent with the experimental data.

Phylogenetic analysis of bovine Theileria spp. isolated in south India.

The objective of the present study is to determine the phylogenetic position of the Theileria organisms in blood of cattle of southern India using molecular tools. Theileria annulata (Namakkal isolate, Tamil Nadu) and three Theileria field isolates (free of T. annulata) from Wayanad, Kerala (Wayanad 1, 2, 3) were used. The small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene products were cloned, sequenced and the phylogenetic tree constructed. SSU rRNA gene of Wayanad 1 isolate (JQ706077) revealed maximum identity with Theileria velifera or Theileria cervi. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on SSU rRNA genes revealed that Wayanad 1 isolate belonged to a new type which share common ancestor with all the other theilerial species while Wayanad 2 and 3 isolates (JX294459, JX294460) were close to types A and C respectively. Based on MPSP gene sequences, Wayanad 2 and 3 (JQ706078, JX648208) isolates belonged to Type 1 and 3 (Chitose) respectively. When, the previously reported MPSP type 7 is also considered from the same study area, Theileria orientalis types 1, 3 and 7 are observed in south India. SSU rRNA sequence of South Indian T. annulata (JX294461) showed a maximum identity with Asian isolates while the Tams1 merozoite surface antigen (MSA) gene (JX648210) showed maximum identity with north Indian isolate.

Renal replacement therapy in ICU.

Diagnosing and managing critically ill patients with renal dysfunction is a part of the daily routine of an intensivist. Acute kidney insufficiency substantially contributes to the morbidity and mortality of critically ill patients. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) not only does play a significant role in the treatment of patients with renal failure, acute as well as chronic, but also has spread its domains to the treatment of many other disease conditions such as myaesthenia gravis, septic shock and acute on chronic liver failure. This article briefly outlines the role of renal replacement therapy in ICU.

Paracoccus niistensis sp. nov., isolated from forest soil, India.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive, aerobic bacterium designated as NII-0918(T) was isolated from soil sample in Western ghat forest, India. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NII-0918(T) belongs to the subclass α-Proteobacteria, being related to the genus Paracoccus, and sharing highest sequence similarity with Paracoccus chinensis NBRC 104937(T) (99.4%), Paracoccus marinus NBRC 100640(T) (97.3%), Paracoccus koreensis Ch05(T) (97.1%) and Paracoccus kondratievae GB(T) (97.0%). Other members of Paracoccus showed below 97.0% similarity. The DNA-DNA hybridization values between these four strains and NII-0918(T) were 44.7, 28, 32 and 41%, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain NII-0918(T) were summed feature 7 (C18:1 ω7c/ω 9t/ω 12t) (83.0%) and C18:0 (12.5%). Ubiquinone Q-10 was detected as the major respiratory quinone. The G+C content of genomic DNA of NII-0918(T) was 66.6 mol%. On the basis of physiological, morphological, chemotaxonomical and DNA-DNA hybridization data, it is proposed that strain NII-0918(T) should be placed as a novel species, for which we propose Paracoccus niistensis sp. nov. The type strain is NII-0918(T) (CCTCC AA 209055(T) = NCIM 5340(T) = KCTC 22789(T)).

Isolation and characterization of novel plant growth promoting Micrococcus sp NII-0909 and its interaction with cowpea.

A phosphate-solubilizing bacterial strain NII-0909 isolated from the Western ghat forest soil in India was identified as Micrococcus sp on the basis of phenotypic characteristics, carbon source utilization pattern, fatty acid methyl esters analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequence. The strain exhibited the plant growth-promoting attributes of phosphate solubilization, auxin production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity, and siderophore production. It was able to solubilize (122.4µg of Ca(3)PO(4) ml(-1)), and produce IAA (109µgml(-1)) at 30°C. P-solubilizing activity of the strain NII-0909 was associated with the release of organic acids and a drop in the pH of the NBRIP medium. HPLC analysis detected two organic acids in the course of P-solubilization. A significant increase in the growth of cow pea was recorded for inoculations under controlled conditions. Scanning electron microscopic study revealed the root colonization of strain on cow pea seedlings. These results demonstrate that isolates NII-0909 has the promising PGPR attributes to be develop as a biofertilizer to enhance soil fertility and promote the plant growth.

Pontibacter niistensis sp. nov., isolated from forest soil.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain, NII-0905(T) [corrected], that was motile by gliding was isolated from soil of a dense forest collected from the Western Ghats of India and its taxonomic position was established. Strain NII-0905(T) [corrected] contained MK-7 as the major menaquinone and anteiso-C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0) as the major cellular fatty acids. The DNA G+C content of strain NII-0905(T) [corrected] was 51.47 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of strain NII-0905(T) [corrected] in the genus Pontibacter and strain NII-0905(T) [corrected] exhibited 93.9-96.3 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity with type strains of species of the genus Pontibacter. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic evidence, strain NII-0905(T) [corrected] is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter niistensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NII-0905(T) [corrected](=NCIM 5339(T) =CCTCC AA 209057(T)).

Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting bacteria from non-rhizospheric soil and their effect on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) seedling growth.

The efficacy of four potential phosphate solubilizing Enterobacter isolated from non-rhizospheric soil in Western ghat forest in India. Plant growth promoting ability of these isolates was evaluated in cowpea. All are gram negative, rod shaped, 0.8-1.6 mm in size, and psychrotrophic in nature, grow from 5 to 40°C (optimum temp. 28 ± 2°C). All isolates exhibits growth at a wide range of pH 6-12, optimum at pH 7.0 and tolerates up to 7% (w/v) salt concentration. 16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals the confirmation of isolates to Enterobacter aerogenes sp. (NII-0907 and NII-0929), Enterobacter cloacae subsp. cloacae sp. (NII-0931) and Enterobacter asburiae sp. (NII-0934) with which they share >99% sequence similarity. Under in vitro conditions, all the four isolates were found to produce indole acetic acid, P-solubilization and hydrogen cyanide. The P-solubilizing activity coincided with a concomitant decrease in pH of the medium (pH 7.0-<3.0). The plant growth promotion properties were demonstrated through a cow pea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp) based bioassay under greenhouse conditions. Although the bacterial inoculation was found to result in significant increment in root, shoot and biomass and it stimulated bacterial counts in the rhizosphere. Hence, these isolates can further formulated and used for field application.

Isolation and characterization of plant growth-promoting strain Pantoea NII-186. From Western Ghat forest soil, India.

AIMS: To isolate plant growth-promoting bacterium from Western Ghat forests in India. METHODS AND RESULTS: A Gram-negative, rod shaped, cream white coloured strain Pantoea NII-186 isolated from Western Ghat soil sample. The taxonomic position of the bacterium was confirmed by sequencing of 16S rRNA and phylogenetic analysis. A strain grew at a wide range of temperature ranging from 5-40 degrees C, but optimum growth was observed at 28-30 degrees C. It showed multiple plant growth-promoting attributes such as phosphate solubilization activity, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore production and HCN production. It was able to solubilize (28 microg of Ca(3)PO(4) ml(-1) day(-1)), and produce IAA (59 microg) at 28 degrees C. The solubilization of insoluble phosphate was associates with a drop in the pH of the culture medium. Pantoea sp. NII-186 tolerate to different environmental stresses like 5-40 degrees C, 0-7% salt concentration and 4-12 pH range. CONCLUSIONS: The 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that the isolate NII-186 was belongs to Pantoea genus and showed considerable differences in physiological properties with previously reported species of this genus. Isolate NII-186 possessed multiple attributes of plant growth-promoting activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Hence in the context it is proposed that Pantoea sp. NII-186, could be deployed as an inoculant to attain the desired plant growth-promoting activity in agricultural environment.

Oxidative and non-oxidative activation of murine peritoneal macrophages by histone H1.

The present study aimed at assessing the role of histone H1 in activating macrophages. Histone H1, injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight as multiple regimens weekly, significantly increased the number of peritoneal macrophages post 21 days of injection. The oxidative and non-oxidative activation of peritoneal macrophages by histone H1 was assessed. For the assessment of oxidative activation the levels of superoxide radical and nitric oxide radical were assessed. The oxidative activation was evident from release of significantly high levels of superoxide and nitric oxide radicals liberated by macrophages of animals treated with histone H1 (P < 0.001) than in untreated animals. In addition, the higher activities of superoxide dismutase indicated protective effect of histone H1, to keep away the macrophages from noxious effects of superoxide. The catalase activity was decreased significantly in macrophages of histone H1 treated animals. The levels of reduced glutathione were significantly (P < 0.001) lowered in treated animals, whereas the levels of lipid peroxides generated were non-significant. The non-oxidative activation was assessed from the activities of lysosomal enzymes released and also from cytolysis of NO-insensitive L929 cells. The activities of lysosomal enzymes-acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase released were significantly high in treated animals than in untreated animals (P < 0.001). Histone H1 stimulated the cytolysis of macrophages in L929 cells than in untreated animals. These results suggest that histone H1 stimulates macrophages by oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms, which favor its future therapeutic prospects.

Effect of resin matrix ratio, storage medium, and time upon the physical properties of a radiopaque dental composite.

Three light curing composite pastes with varying resin matrix ratios [bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA)/urethane tetramethacrylate (UTMA) 25:75, BIS-GMA/UTMA 50:50, and BIS-GMA/UTMA 75:25 w/w%] were prepared in combination with a radiopaque glass powder and camphorquinone photoinitiator. Cured samples were aged at 37 degrees C in three food simulating media such as citrate buffer (pH 4.0), PBS buffer (pH 7.4), and 75% ethyl alcohol. Samples were withdrawn at specific intervals of 1, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days and tested for changes in mechanical properties, sorption, and solubility characteristics. Statistical calculations revealed significant changes in compressive strength (CS) for composites depending on the resin matrix ratio and type of medium used for aging. While diametral tensile strength (DTS) was affected adversely in citrate medium for composites with higher urethane content, samples stored in alcohol medium showed deterioration of transverse strength (TS) and microhardness (VMH) for all composites studied. Increase in BIS-GMA content in the resin matrix and storage in alcohol medium resulted in higher sorption and solubility values and lower microhardness.