The comparison of Y chromosome microdeletion incidence in blood DNA and sperm cell DNA.

BACKGROUND: During gamete development and spermatogenesis, certain genes on the Y chromosome (Yq) in the Male-Specific Region (MSR) are responsible for human gametes formation. The long arm Yq is composed of both euchromatin and the genetically inactive heterochromatin regions. This region contains the Azoospermia factors AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. In the case of male infertility, microdeletions on the Yq chromosome appear to be structural chromosomal anomalies linked to sperm abnormality. METHODS: The present study aimed to look at the incidence, of Asthenospermia (AS), Teratospermia (TS), Oligospermia (OS) and Oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) patterns of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Indian infertile men with an (AZF a, b, c). This study was conducted with 75 infertile men as cases and 75 fertile men as a control for AZF locus microdeletion utilizing sequence-tagged sites. RESULTS: The AZFc region of germ cell DNA (50.6%) was the most deleted section in infertile men when compared to blood DNA (21.3%), followed by deletions in the AZFb region (21.3%) in germ cell DNA whereas blood DNA had no microdeletion in the AZFa region in both germ cell DNA and blood DNA. Infertile men displayed significant Yq microdeletion in both AZFb and also AZFc. Around 33% (25) of 75 infertile men had AZF (a, b, c) region microdeletion in blood DNA, compared to it germ cell DNA had a larger percentage of 72% (54) of Y chromosome microdeletions in the study samples. CONCLUSION: A high-frequency rate of microdeletions seen in germ cell DNA. PCR-based Y chromosome microdeletion screening using germ cell DNA along with Genomic DNA might help in screening for genetic abnormality in infertile men who endure assisted reproductive technology treatments. This study might be attributable to the interplay of lifestyle and genetic factors, both contributing to the risk of developing these germ-line deletions.

Metagenomic identification of novel viruses of maize and teosinte in North America.

BACKGROUND: Maize-infecting viruses are known to inflict significant agronomic yield loss throughout the world annually. Identification of known or novel causal agents of disease prior to outbreak is imperative to preserve food security via future crop protection efforts. Toward this goal, a large-scale metagenomic approach utilizing high throughput sequencing (HTS) was employed to identify novel viruses with the potential to contribute to yield loss of graminaceous species, particularly maize, in North America. RESULTS: Here we present four novel viruses discovered by HTS and individually validated by Sanger sequencing. Three of these viruses are RNA viruses belonging to either the Betaflexiviridae or Tombusviridae families. Additionally, a novel DNA virus belonging to the Geminiviridae family was discovered, the first Mastrevirus identified in North American maize. CONCLUSIONS: Metagenomic studies of crop and crop-related species such as this may be useful for the identification and surveillance of known and novel viral pathogens of crops. Monitoring related species may prove useful in identifying viruses capable of infecting crops due to overlapping insect vectors and viral host-range to protect food security.

Detection and discovery of plant viruses in soybean by metagenomic sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Viruses negatively impact soybean production by causing diseases that affect yield and seed quality. Newly emerging or re-emerging viruses can also threaten soybean production because current control measures may not be effective against them. Furthermore, detection and characterization of new plant viruses requires major efforts when no sequence or antibody-based resources are available. METHODS: In this study, soybean fields were scouted for virus-like disease symptoms during the 2016-2019 growing seasons. Total RNA was extracted from symptomatic soybean parts, cDNA libraries were prepared, and RNA sequencing was performed using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). A custom bioinformatic workflow was used to identify and assemble known and unknown virus genomes. RESULTS: Several viruses were identified in single or mixed infections. Full- or nearly full-length genomes were generated for tobacco streak virus (TSV), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV), soybean dwarf virus (SbDV), bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV), clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV), and a novel virus named soybean ilarvirus 1 (SIlV1). Two distinct ClYVV isolates were recovered, and their biological properties were investigated in Nicotiana benthamiana, broad bean, and soybean. In addition to infections by individual viruses, we also found that mixed viral infections in various combinations were quite common. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the results of this study showed that HTS-based technology is a valuable diagnostic tool for the identification of several viruses in field-grown soybean and can provide rapid information about expected viruses as well as viruses that were previously not detected in soybean.

Lived experiences of stroke survivors in India: A phenomenological study.

Background: Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and has a potentially enormous emotional and socio-economic impact on patients, their families, and health services. Perceptions of patients with stroke have already been studied worldwide, which are unique in terms of their cultural background. However, in India, there is a lack of studies about the experience of the disease by stroke survivors and their perspectives of understanding the situation. Objective: This study aimed to explore lived experience of stroke survivors in India. Methods: A phenomenological study design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of ten stroke survivors who had experienced post-stroke deficits three months to one year after stroke. Data were analyzed using Diekelmann's hermeneutical approach to identify underlying themes. Results: Two main themes emerged: (1) emergence of stroke (actual occurrence, mental perception, and recognition of illness) and (2) therapeutic concerns (enhanced and weakened recovery). Conclusion: Recognizing how patients experience the illness is crucial in planning care for stroke survivors. Strengthening factors enhancing recovery and limiting the hindering factors through effective therapeutic management is a necessity. The findings might also contribute to refining existing interventions and designing holistic multi-component rehabilitation programs that facilitate easy recovery. The study also highlights the need for providing information to general public on recognizing warning signs of stroke.

Renal Dysfunction and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) constitute a high-risk phenotype with significant morbidity and mortality and poor prognosis. Multiple proinflammatory comorbid conditions influence the pathogenesis of HFpEF and CKD. Renal dysfunction in HFpEF is a consequence of the complex interplay between hemodynamic factors, systemic congestion, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and neurohormonal mechanisms. In contrast to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there is a dearth of effective targeted therapies for HFpEF. Tailoring study design toward the different phenotypes and delving into their pathophysiology may be fruitful in development of effective phenotype-specific targeted pharmaceutical therapies.

Qualitative elemental analysis of selected potential anti-asthmatic medicinal plant taxa using EDXRF technique.

Qualitative elemental analysis was determined in various parts of potential anti-asthmatic medicinal plants using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. X-ray beam was used to excite each sample and spectra were recorded with a high resolution Si(Li) detector. The data analysis was carried out by the nEXT software. Trace elements P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb and Sr were estimated and elemental concentrations were determined. The results of the present study compared with standard reference material NIST1515 apple leaves for accuracy. The elements K, Ca, Cl, S and P are major constituents and besides Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Se, Br, Rb and Sr were present at low level. The presence of Cu, Zn, Mn and Se in medicinal plants plays a vital role on management and control of asthma disease.

Application of KW-ANOVA statistics to generate evidence for cytotoxic drug wastage induced financial burden among cancer patients: A clinical pharmacist observation.

BACKGROUND: Very little is known about the effects of drug wastage costs among cancer patients in terms of "financial toxicity" leading to poor health and nonhealth outcomes. But reducing this drug waste is an attractive strategy for cost-cutting with regard to improving the health-related quality of life of the cancer patients. Thus, the objective of the study was to determine drug wastage and to generate evidence for cytotoxic drug waste and financial burden among cancer patients.Methodology: On Ethics Committee approval, a prospective-observational study was conducted in cancer patients. The data were collected in data collection form. Daily monitoring was done to analyze the quantity of drug wastage which was interpreted using KW-ANOVA and further evidence was developed for corrective mitigation strategies applicable to intent drugs. RESULTS: Among 90 patients, 52 patients experienced drug wastage that includes 9 intent drugs which figured out unnecessary monetary units and quantity wastage that range from 80 to 50,000 INR and 10 to 500 mg, respectively. The median price value for cost of drug wastage was 237.30 INR. CONCLUSION: The study generates evidence that concludes the mandatory requirement of implementation of drug wastage mitigation strategies for the drugs expected to cause wastage. Clinical pharmacist extensively contributes in oncology pharmacy practice setting to identify the intent drugs and to abate the drug wastage among medications intending to cause potential increment in drug expenditure among cancer patients on chemotherapy clinical pharmacist.

Experimental Studies on Co-composting of Municipal Solid Waste with Paper Mill Sludge.

In this study, a series of experimental studies were conducted with regard to bioconversion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste along with paper mill sludge at different C/N ratios. About 10 kg of shredded waste containing paper mill sludge, saw dust and municipal solid waste was placed in reactors in different proportions and 100 mL of effective microorganisms was added to it. The variation in physical and chemical parameters was monitored throughout the process. The results indicate that co-composting of paper mill sludge with municipal solid waste produces compost that is more stable and homogenous and can be effectively used as soil conditioner.

Bioremediation of municipal solid waste by windrow composting.

Due to rapid urbanization and economic development the urban cities are facing the problem of solid waste management. It is one among the major challenges faced by governing bodies. Bioremediation of municipal solid waste can be effectively done by windrow composting. In this study, a consortium of effective microorganisms was used for the windrow composting process. About 500 kg of shredded waste was placed in two windrows and 1 litre effective microorganisms were sprayed on one of the windrows. The variation in physical and chemical parameters was monitored throughout the process. The results indicate that usage of effective microorganisms not only shortens the stabilization time but also improves product quality. The final product was more stable and homogenous and can be effectively used as soil conditioner.

Association of CYP3A5*3 polymorphism with development of acute leukemia.

BACKGROUND: CYP3A5 was observed to be an important genetic contributor to inter individual differences in CYP3A-dependent drug metabolism in acute leukemic patients. Loss of CYP3A5 expression was mainly conferred by a single nucleotide polymorphism at 6986A>G (CYP3A5*3). We investigated the association between CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and acute leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and eighty nine acute leukemia cases comprising of 145 acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), 144 acute myeloid leukemia and 241 control samples were analyzed for CYP3A5*3 polymorphism using PCR-RFLP method. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version (15.0) to detect the association between CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and acute leukemia. RESULTS: The CYP3A5*3 polymorphism 3/3 genotype was significantly associated with acute leukemia development (χ(2)- 133.53; df-2, P 0.000). When the data was analyzed with respect to clinical variables, mean WBC, blast % and LDH levels were increased in both ALL and AML cases with 3/3 genotype. The epidemiological variables did not contribute to the genotype risk to develop either AML or ALL. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the CYP3A5*3 polymorphism might confer the risk to develop ALL or AML emphasizing the significance of effective phase I detoxification in carcinogenesis. Association of the polymorphism with clinical variables indicate that the 3/3 genotype might also contribute to poorer survival of the patients.

Determination of reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste.

The reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste were determined using specifically designed reactors. Different mixture ratios were fixed before the commencement of the process. The C/N ratio was found to be optimum for a mixture ratio of 1:6 containing one part of coir pith to six parts of other waste which included yard waste, yeast sludge, poultry yard waste and decomposing culture (Pleurotosis). The path of stabilization of the wastes was continuously monitored by observing various parameters such as temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, C.O.D, VS at regular time intervals. Kinetic analysis was done to determine the reaction rates and activation energy for the optimum mixture ratio under forced aeration condition. The results of the analysis clearly indicated that the temperature dependence of the reaction rates followed the Arrhenius equation. The temperature coefficients were also determined. The degradation of the organic fraction of the yard waste could be predicted using first order reaction model.

In-vessel composting of different organic waste.

Experimental data on bio degradation of wastes with different C/N ratios have been presented for vessel composting conditions. Detailed analysis on the routes of stabilization of organic wastes was done. Greater efficiency during aeration have been pointed out and discussed. Necessity of detailed evaluation of temperature, pH, total solids, E.C, volatile solids, C.O.D, nutrient levels of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, is suggested to achieve quicker bioconversion of organic wastes into humus. Four separate amendment conditions were applied to stimulate varying degrees of bioconversion rate. Optimum environmental conditions were maintained inside vessel through proper aeration, moisture adjustment and sufficient mixing.

Phenotypic characterization of Streptococcus sanguis virulence factors associated with bacterial endocarditis.

Certain strains of Streptococcus sanguis adhere (Adh+) selectively to human platelets and, in plasma, induce them to aggregate (Agg+) into in vitro thrombi. In this study, we examined 18 recent endocarditis and dental plaque isolates of microorganisms that were biotyped as S. sanguis for coexpression of platelet interactivity phenotypes with another possible virulence factor in bacterial endocarditis, dextran synthesis. Detectable production of extracellular glucosyltransferase ranged from 0.2 to 66 mU/mg of culture fluid for 10 representative strains tested. Production of extracellular or cell-associated glucosyltransferase, fructosyltransferase, and soluble or insoluble dextrans was not necessarily coexpressed with platelet interactivity phenotypes, since the levels of production of soluble and insoluble dextrans varied among representative Adh+ Agg+ and Adh- Agg- strains. Analysis of a second panel of 38 fresh dental plaque isolates showed that S. sanguis distributes in a reproducible manner into the possible phenotype groups. Strains with different platelet interactivity phenotypes were distinguished with a panel of four murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against Adh+ Agg+ strain 133-79 and screened to rule out artifactual reactions with antigenic components in culture media. The MAbs reacted selectively with Adh+ Agg+ strains in a direct-binding, whole-cell, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and also inhibited their interactions with platelets. Analysis of minimal tryptic digests of many strains, including variants that failed to bind the MAbs, suggested that some noninteractivity phenotypes possess cryptic surface determinants. Since the ability to adhere to platelets and induce them to aggregate is relatively stable, these traits may be useful in a phenotyping scheme for these Lancefield nontypeable streptococci.

Stereochemical studies on cyclic peptides. Part X. Conformational analysis of hydrogen bonded cyclic pentapeptides.

Conformational aspects of 4 leads to 1 hydrogen bonded cyclic pentapeptides are considered in this paper from the point of view of "contact criteria" and potential energy calculations. Three types of such hydrogen bonded conformations, designated A1, A2 and B, are possible, involving some amount of strain on the bond angles. The energy of hydrogen bonded cyclopentaglycyl is somewhat less than that of the five-fold symmetrical conformation. The stereochemical feasibility of introducing L- and D-alanyl resudues in these structures has also been studied and the possible types for different sequences of alanyl residues have been determined. The results are discussed further in the light of the limited data available from crystal structure and nuclear magnetic resonance studies on cyclic pentapeptides.