Molecular detection of Babesia microti in laboratory mice from India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: For detection and molecular characterization of Babesia microti in laboratory mice from India. METHODS: A total of 625 mice were screened by peripheral blood smear examination and subsequently was confirmed by PCR using a piroplasm conserved primer set (Piro A/B). Nested PCR was done using a species-specific primer targeting the gene encoding the small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA). The PCR products were cloned, purified and sequenced. A total of 12 isolates were obtained. The sequences were aligned and phylogenetic trees were prepared with other published Babesia spp. sequences. RESULTS: B. microti was detected with a total infection rate of 8.80%. The higher rate of infection was observed by species specific PCR (8.80%) than examined by blood smear (7.20%). Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that Babesia species detected in mice were genetically identical to the genotypes of B. microti and can be easily distinguished from other genotypes of Babesia parasites by neighbour joining and maximum likelihood method. Intra-species analysis indicated that all the twelve isolates from six North-Eastern states of India have a close identity but inter-species showed genetic reservoir host for transmission of babesial infection to humans. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The detection of Babesia microti may suggest that laboratory mice may serve as potential reservoir host for human infection and possibility of innovative way of diagnosing and control of human babesiosis.

Molecular Characterization of Chitin Synthase Gene of Demodex canis from Mizoram, India.

AIMS: Canine demodicosis is a parasitic condition affecting the skin of dogs. The present study was designed to characterize chitin synthase gene of Demodex canis. The molecular technique was used for better understanding of this gene. METHODS: A total of 75 dogs which are reared as pets with or without showing any skin lesions were examined during the study period. Skin scrapings were examined by indirect method using 10% potassium hydroxide solution under 10 × microscope. DNA samples were extracted from positive skin samples and were subjected to PCR for molecular identification. RESULTS: A total of 25 dogs irrespective of age, sex, breed or coat showed positive result for D. canis. The PCR revealed a single amplified product of 339 bp length which exactly matched with D. canis. The chitin synthase gene was amplified by PCR, subsequently cloned, sequenced, and compared with available data in GenBank for the particular gene of D. canis. Only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was noticed at 231 position of the chitin synthase gene sequence when compared to other isolates. CONCLUSION: The molecular technique confirms with the morphological identity of D. canis. This report signifies the value of peculiar tool to identify 'follicular mite' even from apparently healthy skin.

Carbon nanotubes: Evaluation of toxicity at biointerfaces.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a class of carbon allotropes with interesting properties that make them productive materials for usage in various disciplines of nanotechnology such as in electronics equipments, optics and therapeutics. They exhibit distinguished properties viz., strength, and high electrical and heat conductivity. Their uniqueness can be attributed due to the bonding pattern present between the atoms which are very strong and also exhibit high extreme aspect ratios. CNTs are classified as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the basis of number of sidewalls present and the way they are arranged spatially. Application of CNTs to improve the performance of many products, especially in healthcare, has led to an occupational and public exposure to these nanomaterials. Hence, it becomes a major concern to analyze the issues pertaining to the toxicity of CNTs and find the best suitable ways to counter those challenges. This review summarizes the toxicity issues of CNTs in vitro and in vivo in different organ systems (bio interphases) of the body that result in cellular toxicity.

Carbon nanotubes:Evaluation of toxicity at biointerfaces / 药物分析学报

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a class of carbon allotropes with interesting properties that make them productive materials for usage in various disciplines of nanotechnology such as in electronics equip-ments, optics and therapeutics. They exhibit distinguished properties viz., strength, and high electrical and heat conductivity. Their uniqueness can be attributed due to the bonding pattern present between the atoms which are very strong and also exhibit high extreme aspect ratios. CNTs are classified as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the basis of number of sidewalls present and the way they are arranged spatially. Application of CNTs to improve the performance of many products, especially in healthcare, has led to an occupational and public exposure to these nanomaterials. Hence, it becomes a major concern to analyze the issues pertaining to the toxicity of CNTs and find the best suitable ways to counter those challenges. This review summarizes the toxicity issues of CNTs in vitro and in vivo in different organ systems (bio interphases) of the body that result in cellular toxicity.

Splice variants and seasonal expression of buffalo HSF genes.

In eukaryotes, the heat shock factors (HSFs) are recognized as the master regulator of the heat shock response. In this respect, the genes encoding the heat shock factors seem to be important for adaptation to thermal stress in organisms. Despite this, only few mammalian HSFs has been characterized. In this study, four major heat shock factor genes viz. HSF-1, 2, 4, and 5 were studied. The main objective of the present study was to characterize the cDNA encoding using conserved gene specific primers and to investigate the expression status of these buffalo HSF genes. Our RT-PCR analysis uncovered two distinct variants of buffalo HSF-1 and HSF-2 gene transcripts. In addition, we identified a variant of the HSF5 transcript in buffalo lacking a DNA-binding domain. In silico analysis of deduced amino acid sequences for buffalo HSF genes showed domain architecture similar to other mammalian species. Changes in the gene expression profile were noted by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. We detected the transcript of buffalo HSF genes in different tissues. We also evaluated the seasonal changes in the expression of HSF genes. Interestingly, the transcript level of HSF-1 gene was found upregulated in months of high and low ambient temperatures. In contrast, the expression of the HSF-4 and 5 genes was found to be downregulated in months of high ambient temperature. This suggests that the intricate balance of different HSFs is adjusted to minimize the effect of seasonal changes in environmental conditions. These findings advance our understanding of the complex, context-dependent regulation of HSF gene expression under normal and stressful conditions.