Association of HLA-DQ and IL13 gene variants with challenge-proven shrimp allergy in West Bengal, India.

Little is known about genetic factors and mechanisms underlying shrimp allergy. Genome-wide association studies identified HLA class-II and IL13 genes as highly plausible candidates for shrimp allergy. The present study was designed to investigate potential associations of HLA-DQ rs9275596, IL13 rs20541, and IL13 rs1800925 polymorphisms with challenge-proven shrimp allergy using the data from 532 people of West Bengal, India; selected on basis of positive skin prick test, elevated specific IgE and medical history. Risk genotypes, i.e., HLA-DQ rs9275596 CC, IL13 rs20541 AA, and IL13 rs1800925 TT, were found to be significantly associated with challenge positive shrimp allergy (P = 0.04, 0.01, and 0.03, respectively). Distribution of genotypes for HLA-DQ and IL13 polymorphisms in allergic and control subjects showed significant difference between younger (20-40 years) and older (> 40 years) age group (P = 0.006). Risk genotypes significantly associated with elevated shrimp-specific IgE. IL13 TA haplotype significantly associated with shrimp allergy and elevated specific IgE (P = 0.02). Synergistic effect of IL13 TA haplotype-HLA-DQ rs9275596 CC genotype interaction significantly elevated specific IgE (P = 0.03). The present study suggests that HLA-DQ and IL13 polymorphisms pose major risk for shrimp allergic patients in West Bengal, India and thus could be helpful for early target-specific therapeutic intervention in near future.

Assessment of Hymenoptera and Non-Hymenoptera Insect Bite and Sting Allergy Among Patients of Tropical Region of West Bengal, India.

West Bengal, India, is inhabited by abundance and variety of insects that triggers sensitization in some humans to inhalant allergens and/or insect stings/venoms. Lack of research on this topic prevented accurate diagnosis and proper follow-up treatments to patients suffering from insect-induced allergies. The aim of our study was to identify the allergy-causing insects and evaluate resulting sensitization among a study population in West Bengal, India. The skin prick test (SPT) evaluated sensitivity of 450 patients who sought treatment at the Allergy and Asthma Research Center from July 2017 to June 2018. Eight insect allergens were tested: Common Black Ant (Lasius niger, Linnaeus 1758), Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta, Buren 1972), Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica, Fabricius 1798), Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris, Linnaeus 1758), Mosquito (Aedes aegypti, Linnaeus in Hasselquist 1762), American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana, Linnaeus 1758), House Fly (Musca domestica, Linnaeus 1758), and Grasshopper (Gesonula punctifrons, Stal 1861). From a total of 450 patients evaluated, 370 patients had positive SPT reaction from at least one of the 8 insect allergens tested. Sensitivity to some Hymenoptera insects (common black ant, 87.62%; fire ant, 84.59%; and honey bee, 67.02%) was found in higher proportion than non-Hymenoptera group (mosquito, 66.67%; American cockroach, 33.33%; house fly, 10.41%; and grasshopper, 5.14%). There was significant difference in sensitivity among child, adolescent, and adult (P < 0.001). While female patients showed more sensitivity than males to SPT, the difference was statistically insignificant. In regards to occupation, farmers and bee keepers were most sensitive of field workers sensitive to Hymenoptera-derived allergens.

Phytochemical analysis of mite-infested tea leaves of Darjeeling Hills, India.

INTRODUCTION: Darjeeling tea of India is one of the most famous beverages globally. However, a large amount of tea crop is damaged every year by the attack of mites. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the changes in different pigments and biochemical components of tea leaves due to mite infestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used UV-visible and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy simultaneously to understand the damages in pigment contents of the leaves of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) due to attack of phytophagus mite, Oligonychus coffeae Nietner. Furthermore, chemical analysis of infested tea leaves was also performed to compare the nutrients of the plants, namely total phenol, protein and soluble sugar. RESULTS: The UV-visible study reveals severe reduction of the pigments such as chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoids and xanthophylls in the tea leaf due to mite infestation. The findings of the FTIR study, also shows variation in different physiochemical components in the leaf Chl. The sugar and protein content of the infested leaves have been reduced compared to uninfested ones. Results in the case of tea leaves plucked during first (March) and third (November) flushes show similar trends. CONCLUSION: The increase in phenolic and alcoholic components and decrease in Chl contents may affect the quality of Darjeeling tea. The extent of damages done by the pests measured here could aid the pest management in tea gardens.

Investigation of house dust mite induced allergy using logistic regression in West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of house dust mite (HDM) allergy based on Skin prick test (SPT) is not accurate, especially in lower risk cases. Our aim is to develop and validate a predictive model to diagnose the HDM allergic symptoms (urticaria, allergic rhinitis, asthma). METHODS: A forward-step logistic regression model was developed using a data set of 537 patients of West Bengal, India consisting of clinical variables (SPT based on 6 allergens of house dust and house dust mites, total IgE) and demographic characteristics (age, sex, house conditions). The output probability was estimated from the allergic symptoms shown by the patients. We finally prospectively validated a data set of 600 patients. RESULTS: The gradual inclusion of the variables increased the correlation between observed and predicted probabilities (correlation coefficient (r2) = 0.97). The model development using group-1 showed an accuracy rate of 99%, sensitivity and specificity of 99.7% and 88.6% respectively and the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) of 99%. The corresponding numbers for the validation of our model with group-2 were 87%, 95.6% and 66% and 86% respectively. The model predicted the probability of symptoms better than SPTs in combination (accuracy rate 0.76-0.80), especially in lower risk cases (probability< 0.8) that are highly difficult to diagnose. CONCLUSION: This is perhaps the first attempt to model the outcome of HDM allergy in terms of symptoms, which could open up an alternative but highly efficient way for accurate diagnosis of HDM allergy enhancing the efficiency of immunotherapy.

Changing landscape configuration demands ecological planning: Retrospect and prospect for megaherbivores of North Bengal.

The Gorumara National Park (GNP) is an important conservation area located in the northern region of West Bengal State, India, as it provides habitat for three megaherbivores: Indian One-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and Gaurs (Bos gaurus). It harbours one of the last population of the one-horned rhino. In the present study, landscape change and configuration were investigated by comparing three Landsat images, from 1998, 2008 and 2018. The images were classified into six different landcover classes following standard methodology. The present study also involves evaluation of landscape and anthropogenic predictors influence on the megaherbivores of GNP, followed by future landcover simulation for the year 2028. The result shows a significant decrease in the grassland cover from 18.87 km2 to 8.27 km2 from 1998 to 2018, whereas the woodland cover has increased from 50.14 km2 to 62.09 km2 between 1998 and 2018. The landscape configuration indices such as Number of Patches (NP), Patch Density (PD), Interspersion and Juxtaposition (IJI), Aggregation Index (AI) and Mean Shape Index (SHAPE AM) indicated that the landscapes has lost complexity in the spatial placement of patches of different Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) classes. Also, the landscape over the three decades has become uniform in terms of diversity of patches, because of earlier plantation activities by the forest managers. Result also indicated that grassland, along with its class metrics are the top predictors contributing 43.6% in explaining the spatial distribution of megaherbivores in GNP. Results from the simulated landcover of 2028 suggest a possible decline in overall grassland by 6.23% and a subsequent upsurge in woodland by 6.09% from 2018. The present result will be useful in guiding the forest management in developing habitat improvement strategies for the long- term viability of megaherbivore populations of rhino, gaur and elephant in the GNP.

A review of house dust mite allergy in India.

House dust mites (HDMs) are extensively reported as potent allergens worldwide with India being in the top row. HDM sensitization is hugely reported from India and has led to the concern of implementing proper guidelines for treatment of the sufferers. Climatic conditions and a rapid shift of life style toward a more indoor and urbanised pattern are denoted as the probable causes of increased HDM exposure and sensitization. On the contrary, the varying rate of HDM allergy from similar climate and urbanised areas throughout the world suggest the influence of genetic predisposition. At present, in India, avoidance of HDM exposure is recommended as the baseline defence. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) guidelines are proposed in India to maintain uniformity in the diagnosis techniques and management strategies throughout the country. Considering the genetic susceptibility toward allergic diseases, the concept of 'personalised medicine' is preferred over the 'mass targeted treatment'. From the Indian perspective, the present problem is Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae allergens are not well characterised at the molecular level. As a consequence, India is still reliant on less standardised allergen extracts. The proper identification, purification, and molecular characterization of HDM allergens can combat this problem. In this review, we aimed to portray a complete account of HDM allergy in India with respect to prevalence, probable triggers, diagnosis and therapy. We have attempted to present the current ambiguities along with the likely deciphering that would pave the way to solve HDM allergy-related queries in India.

Evaluation of Sensitivity Toward Storage Mites and House Dust Mites Among Nasobronchial Allergic Patients of Kolkata, India.

House dust mites (HDMs) are the major constituents of house dust (HD). HD and HDM sensitization is well documented worldwide. Storage mite (SM) sensitization is presently lacking from India. The present study evaluated the sensitization of both HDM and SM among 372 allergic rhinitis patients reported to the Allergy and Asthma Research Center of Kolkata metropolitan, India. HD samples were collected from the patients' home and analyzed for the major constituent mites. HD and six constituent mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), Dermatophagoides farina Hughes (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) (DF), Blomia tropicalis (BT), Acarus siro Linnaeus (Acari: Acaridae) (AS), Lepidoglyphus destructor (LD), and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) (TP) are tested for the allergenic potential through Skin Prick Test (SPT). Three SMs, namely AS, LD, and TP, were newly included in the mite SPT extract for the first time in Kolkata. In total, 330 patients showed significant positive SPT toward any one allergen tested. HD was the major elicitor exhibiting 92.42% response. Individuals of age group 15-40 were the worst sufferers. DF showed the highest sensitization (87.87%) among the dust mites. The SMs also contributed significantly to prove their sensitizing potential. SPT rates for AS, LD, and TP were 33, 25, and 18%, respectively. SPT grades and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) were positively correlated for each of the allergens. Most of the patients were multi-sensitized (95%) and represented markedly high total IgE levels (>500 IU/ml). Three SMs proved to be significant allergens for the studied population. The sensitization toward these SMs is first time reported from India and can be recommended for inclusion of routine SPT for better outcome in the future.

Sensitization to Common Aeroallergens in the Atopic Population of West Bengal, India: An Investigation by Skin Prick Test.

BACKGROUND: Aeroallergen sensitization is increasing worldwide. The optimal management of allergic disease requires the identification of the allergic sensitivities of the patient. Complete data of offending aeroallergens are scant from West Bengal, India. Hence, we employed a retrospective analysis of an atopic population of West Bengal to investigate the rate of sensitivity toward common aeroallergens including pollens, molds and house dust mites. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the profile of skin prick test (SPT) reactivity of an atopic population of eastern India. METHODS: The prevalence aeroallergen sensitization was investigated by SPT along with a questionnaire survey of patients who visited the Allergy and Asthma Research Center of West Bengal, India, from June 2016 to May 2018. Patients were categorized according to the demographic (age, gender) and clinical aspects. Statistical tests were applied to differentiate between age and gender of the sufferers. RESULTS: 524 out of 605 patients exhibited a positive SPT response toward one or more aeroallergens tested. One-way ANOVA following Tukey's post hoc test reveals the age group of 15-40 years was more sensitized than that of < 15 years and no male-female discrimination was found using the paired t test. House dust mites, namely Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, elicited most significant SPT results (80.34 and 84.92%, respectively) followed by Cocos (73.28%) and Azaridacta (57.25%) pollen. The most sensitive mold was Alternaria alternata (26.9%). Allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis were recorded as the common symptoms. Other influencing factors were family history, nature and season/time of onset and house conditions. CONCLUSION: Following the increasing trend, house dust mite sensitization still held the dominance like in any other Indian population reported earlier. This study would pave the way to construct a standard and minimal SPT panel for the atopic patients of eastern India.

One generic synonym and one new species of Phlaeothripidae from India (Thysanoptera).

Haplothripsshivendraii Tyagi & Kumar, sp. n. is described from Rajasthan state of India. The monobasic Austro-oriental genus Dyothrips Kudô is formally synonymised with Haplothrips.

Sensory organs of forensically important fly Ophyra capensis (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Muscidae): A scanning electron microscopic study.

Dipterans, especially the sarcosaprophagous communities are of substantial importance from medical, veterinary and forensic entomological perspectives. Muscids are generally seen to colonize carcasses at advanced stages of decomposition when the initial dominance of calliphorids and sarcophagids subsides. Ophyra capensis (Wiedemann, 1818), a muscid fly with a relatively wide distribution range is considered of decent forensic relevance as it has been reported not only from cadavers placed outdoors but also from graves and exhumed corpses. The prime objective of the present study is to analyse and interpret the ultrastructural morphology of three sensory organs, namely, the ocellar region, compound eye and antenna of adult male and female Ophyra capensis with the help of scanning electron microscopy, so as to facilitate accurate morphological identification of the species in forensic entomological investigations. SEM analysis of the ocellar region revealed that it was larger in size in females and covered with microtrichia. Ultrastructural analysis of the compound eye indicated that the antero-frontally located ommatidia were larger in size in comparison to the rest of the facets, along with notable sexual dimorphism regarding the size of the ommatidia. The ultrastructure of the antenna displayed the presence of five types of sensilla, two types of chaetic sensilla on the scape and pedicel; trichoid sensilla and two types of basiconic sensilla on the flagellum along with numerous microtrichia. Both types of basiconic sensilla displayed a multiporous surface indicating their characteristic olfactory function. The morphological characteristics of these sensilla along with their probable functions are discussed in greater details.

Sensitivity to House Dust Mites Allergens with Atopic Asthma and Its Relationship with CD14 C(-159T) Polymorphism in Patients of West Bengal, India.

India is the home to around 15-20 million asthmatics, and asthma prevalence is increasing in Indian metropolitan area, including Kolkata, West Bengal. Complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors are involved in asthma. Genome-wide search for susceptible loci regulating IgE response (atopy) have identified a candidate gene CD14 which is most important in the context of allergic responses of respiratory system. This study was aimed to investigate the role of house dust and house dust mites in development of bronchial asthma and to explore the possible association of candidate gene CD14 with disease manifestation among Kolkata patient population. Skin-prick test was done among 950 asthmatic patients against 8 aeroallergens, including house dust and house dust mites and total serum IgE and allergen-specific IgE were measured. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was done in patients and nonasthmatic control (n = 255 in each) to characterize a functional polymorphism, C(-159)T, of CD14, a positional candidate gene for allergy. We identified house dust as the most common aeroallergen sensitizer among atopic patients in Kolkata followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) mites. Patient's sera contain significantly higher IgE level than that of control. Allergen-specific IgE antibody test revealed that 76.36% patients had specific IgE antibody against D. pteronyssinus mite. There was a significant difference in the distribution of alleles and genotypes for CD14 polymorphism with an increase in disease severity. So, in Kolkata, house dust mite is a common aeroallergen and D. pteronyssinus is predominant among mites. The present study revealed that bronchial asthma has a genetic background.

Offal dumping sites influence the relative abundance and roosting site selection of Black Kites (Milvus migrans govinda) in urban landscape: a study from Kolkata metropolis, India.

Although Black Kites (Milvus migrans govinda) serve as major scavenging raptor in most of the urban areas, scientific studies on this important ecosystem service provider are almost non-existent in Indian context. The present study was carried out in a metropolis in eastern India to find out the factors influencing relative abundance and roosting site selection of Black Kites. Separate generalized linear models (GLMs) were performed considering encounter rate and roosting Black Kite abundance as response variables. The study conclusively indicated that encounter rates of Black Kites were significantly influenced by the presence of garbage dumps in its vicinity. Numbers of Black Kites were also higher in the roosting sites situated closer to garbage dumps and open spaces. In addition, expected counts of Black Kites significantly increased in roosting sites situated away from buildings and water bodies. However, built-up area and tree cover around the roosting sites had no influence on the abundance of Black Kites therein. With rapid urbanization and changing offal disposal patterns, our findings would be useful to ensure continued availability of food and roosting sites of Black Kites in urban areas.

Assessment of fine-scale resource selection and spatially explicit habitat suitability modelling for a re-introduced tiger (Panthera tigris) population in central India.

BACKGROUND: Large carnivores influence ecosystem functions at various scales. Thus, their local extinction is not only a species-specific conservation concern, but also reflects on the overall habitat quality and ecosystem value. Species-habitat relationships at fine scale reflect the individuals' ability to procure resources and negotiate intraspecific competition. Such fine scale habitat choices are more pronounced in large carnivores such as tiger (Panthera tigris), which exhibits competitive exclusion in habitat and mate selection strategies. Although landscape level policies and conservation strategies are increasingly promoted for tiger conservation, specific management interventions require knowledge of the habitat correlates at fine scale. METHODS: We studied nine radio-collared individuals of a successfully reintroduced tiger population in Panna Tiger Reserve, central India, focussing on the species-habitat relationship at fine scales. With 16 eco-geographical variables, we performed Manly's selection ratio and K-select analyses to define population-level and individual-level variation in resource selection, respectively. We analysed the data obtained during the exploratory period of six tigers and during the settled period of eight tigers separately, and compared the consequent results. We further used the settled period characteristics to model and map habitat suitability based on the Mahalanobis D2 method and the Boyce index. RESULTS: There was a clear difference in habitat selection by tigers between the exploratory and the settled period. During the exploratory period, tigers selected dense canopy and bamboo forests, but also spent time near villages and relocated village sites. However, settled tigers predominantly selected bamboo forests in complex terrain, riverine forests and teak-mixed forest, and totally avoided human settlements and agriculture areas. There were individual variations in habitat selection between exploratory and settled periods. Based on threshold limits of habitat selection by the Boyce Index, we established that 83% of core and 47% of buffer areas are now suitable habitats for tiger in this reserve. DISCUSSION: Tiger management often focuses on large-scale measures, but this study for the first time highlights the behaviour and fine-scale individual-specific habitat selection strategies. Such knowledge is vital for management of critical tiger habitats and specifically for the success of reintroduction programs. Our spatially explicit habitat suitability map provides a baseline for conservation planning and optimizing carrying capacity of the tiger population in this reserve.

Altitudinal variation and bio-climatic variables influencing the potential distribution of Culicoides orientalis Macfie, 1932, suspected vector of Bluetongue virus across the North Eastern Himalayan belt of Sikkim.

Culicoides orientalis was first recorded from Sikkim, in the year 1963, but no evidence based disease outbreak were available. In the last 50 years, 260 Bluetongue disease outbreaks caused by Culicoides species have been evidenced from India. Moreover, in recent years with increase of average temperature worldwide and increase in longevity of arthropod vectors like Culicoides along with a geographical range shift to new suitable warmer regions has increased the potentiality of vector borne disease outbreak throughout the world. The Himalayan range of Sikkim in India is a biodiversity hotspot and is extremely sensitive to such global climate changes. An attempt has been made to evaluate the altitude, climate and environmental data on selected study sites of Sikkim for a period of two years (2014-2015) for discerning potential distribution of C.orientalis in this region. The altitude, temperature, precipitation and potential distribution range maps of C. orientalis showed the areas of highest species abundance within the altitudinal range of 550-1830m, with some species extending its range up to 3750m, with average precipitation of 2010-2590mm and mean temperature of 11-18°C. The Maximum Entropy Modelling (MaxEnt) and the Jackknife test of the MaxEnt model further revealed that the major contributing factors governing C. orientalis distribution are annual precipitation (78.8%), followed by precipitation of driest quarter (8.3%) and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (3.3%). Accuracy of the study was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC=0.860). The Biplot on F1-F2 axes (N=16, α=0.05) in the PCA showed the linear depiction of all the variables considered in our study, major contributors were annual precipitation, precipitation of driest quarter and mean temperature of warmest quarter being the primary factors governing species distribution, as analogous to results of the MaxEnt model. This study would help in developing strategies for monitoring and managing surveillance programmes to control the chances of disease spread to livestock animals and also validate the predictions on the eventual spread of the vector midges to higher altitudes of Sikkim.

Scanning electron microscopic studies on antenna of Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)-A blow fly species of forensic importance.

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are one of the foremost organisms amongst forensic insects to colonize corpses shortly after death, thus are of immense importance in the domain of forensic entomology. The blow fly Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is considered as a forensically important fly species globally and is also known for its medical and veterinary importance. In the present study, we report for the first time scanning electron microscopic studies on the morphology of sensilla of antenna of adult male and female of H. ligurriens is with profound importance in better understanding of the insect morphology from forensic entomological perspective, and also could aid in proper identification of the species from other calliphorid flies. The structural peculiarities observed in the (i) antenna of H. ligurriens with three segments- scape, pedicel and flagellum with dorso-laterally placed arista (ii) densely covered microtrichia and most abundant trichoid sensilla identified on the antenna (iii) observation of only one type of sensilla, chaetic sensilla (ChI) on the scape (iv) two types of chaetic sensilla (ChI and ChII) and styloconic sensilla on the pedicel (v) the flagellum with three types of sensilla- trichoid, basiconic and coeloconic sensilla (vi) Basiconic sensilla with multiporous surfaces with characteristic olfactory function. Moderate sexual dimorphism in the width of the flagellum, the females with wider flagella than the males, bear significance to the fact that they bear more multi-porous sensilla than the males, thus suffice their need to detect oviposition sites. Significant difference was observed in the length and width of coeloconic sensilla between the two sexes, the females showed bigger coeloconic sensilla, suggesting their function in oviposition site detection and successful colonization in corpses.

Reversion of BDNF, Akt and CREB in Hippocampus of Chronic Unpredictable Stress Induced Rats: Effects of Phytochemical, Bacopa Monnieri.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to explore the behavioural effects and to understand the possible mode of action of Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) on chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induced depressive model and the biochemical alterations such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Akt, cyclic-AMP response element binding (CREB) protein level in the hippocampus of rats. METHODS: We examined the effects of chronic administration of BME on CUS exposed rats for 28 days. Behavioural changes were assessed by sucrose consumption and open field test to assess the effect of BME on CUS-induced depression. The mechanisms underlying antidepressant like action of BME was further evaluated by measuring levels of BDNF, Akt, and CREB in the hippocampus of rat brain and compared with the standard tricyclic antidepressant drug imipramine (20 mg/kg body weight). RESULTS: Exposure to CUS for 28 days produced depression-like behavior in rats, as indicated by significant decreases in sucrose consumption, locomotor activity including decreased BDNF, Akt and CREB levels in the hippocampus. Daily administration of BME at a dose of (80 mg/kg body weight) significantly reverses the behavioral alteration and restored the normal level of BDNF, total and phospho-Akt, total and phospho CREB in the hippocampus of CUS induced rats as compared to vehicle treated control rats. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that BME ameliorates CUS induced behavioural depression in rats and that can be used as a potent therapeutic agent in treating depressive like behavior.

Role of offending out-door aero-allergen and CD14 C(-159)T polymorphism in development and severity of asthma in a Kolkata patient population.

OBJECTIVE: Present study involved identification of offending out-door aero-allergens and associated genetic pathway in nasso-bronchial asthma among Kolkata population. METHODS: Skin-prick test was done among 950 asthmatic patients against 11 common aero-allergens and total serum IgE concentration was measured. PCR-RFLP was done in patients and non-asthmatic control (n=220 in each) to characterize functional polymorphism, C(-159)T, of CD14, a positional candidate gene for allergy. Association of genetic polymorphisms was made with clinico-pathological conditions. RESULTS: We identified Cocos nucifera as the most common aero-allergen sensitizer among atopic patients in Kolkata. Patients with childhood-onset asthma were significantly more sensitive towards aero-allergens and had significantly higher serum IgE level than those of adult-onset (p< 0.0001). No significant difference was found in distribution of SNP genotypes of CD14 among case and control (p=0.178). However among patients, frequency of C allele is significantly higher in childhood-onset group than that of adult-onset and concordantly in former CC genotype was associated with significant higher level of serum IgE than CT and TT. CONCLUSION: In Kolkata, pollen is a common out-door aero-allergen and Cocos nucifera is predominant among pollens. Childhood-onset and adult-onset of asthma showed significant difference in allergen sensitivity as well as genetic background with respect to CD14 polymorphism.

Apoptogenic effects of Tricholoma giganteum on Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cell.

This study explored the efficacy of Fa fraction of Tricholoma giganteum against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC). Mechanisms of apoptogenic effect of the fraction were delineated. The flow cytometric analysis of EAC cells, showed an increase in number of cells in sub-G(0)/G(1) population and reduction in the G(2)/M phase due to the treatment thus suggesting apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis has also been confirmed by nuclear staining that demonstrated distinctive morphological features of apoptosis. Our data also revealed an increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic protein p53 in EAC and induced factors contributing to apoptosis. Pro-apoptotic gene Bax was up-regulated during p53-mediated apoptosis. No significant change in the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was observed ensuing in decrease of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. p53-mediated growth arrest involves p21 as a major effecter, which interestingly showed moderate elevation. All these observations indicate that Fa fraction of T. giganteum induces apoptogenic signal in EAC.

Incrimination of Blomia tropicalis as a Potent Allergen in House Dust and Its Role in Allergic Asthma in Kolkata Metropolis, India.

BACKGROUND: The increasing trend in allergic diseases has become obvious in the present day, especially in developing countries like India, because of many factors such as change in ambient air quality, increased air pollution, metamorphic change in living habits and lifestyle, and climate.1 Mites present in house dust represent a major source of allergens, resulting in different allergic manifestations all over the world, and hypersensitivity to these dust mites may play a pivotal role in pathogenesis of several allergic complaints including bronchial asthma. The present study evaluated the sensitization toward house dust and house dust mites among patients residing in Kolkata metropolis, India, who are suffering from allergic asthma. METHODS: The skin prick test was performed on a total of 1079 patients (585 males and 494 females) between the age group 5-50 years and 50 healthy controls using a variety of 16 common aero-allergenic extracts including 4 allergens of interest, viz. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis and total house dust allergens. Total serum IgE level was measured by using the EIA technique and specific IgE levels against aforesaid allergens were detected with the Pharmacia ImmunoCAP 100 System. The influence of age and sex, if any, on allergen sensitivity was also investigated. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 10.0 for Windows and Zar.2 RESULTS: THE RESPONSES AMONG PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA TO HOUSE DUST AND HOUSE DUST MITE ALLERGEN TESTS WERE AS FOLLOWS: house dust (96.22%), D. pteronyssinus (75.06%), B. tropicalis (72%), and D. farinae (63.72%). The frequency of positive skin response was found to be independent of age and sex. The total serum IgE levels in patients varied between 7.3 and 4040 IU/ml (mean 369 ± 26.51 IU/ml). Specific IgE antibody test proved that 83% patients showed sensitivity toward at least 1 of the allergens tested. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that patients are highly sensitive to house dust and 3 other allergenic mites, namely, D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and B. tropicalis, as evidenced by the skin prick test, quantification of total serum IgE, and detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies among patients of Kolkata. Although mites belonging to the genus Dermatophagoides have already been incriminated as a major source of allergen in house dust in India, this is the first time the role of B. tropicalis mites causing allergic asthma has been reported from an Indian population. Thus, the importance of B. tropicalis mite as an aetiopathological agent in causing various allergic manifestations among the Kolkata population should not be undermined and the allergen should be included in routine allergy testing.

Predatory efficiency of the sewage drain inhabiting larvae of Toxorhynchites splendens Wiedemann on Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett) larvae.

The rate of predation by stage IV instar Toxorhynchites splendens larvae on the equivalent instar stage larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Armigeres subalbatus, co-occurring in sewage drains, were noted for a period of three consecutive days in the laboratory using different prey densities and combinations. The rate of predation varied by age of the predator, density of prey, and prey type. The number of Ar. subalbatus larvae consumed by a single Tx. splendens larva ranged between 0.50 +/- 0.71 and 16.40 +/- 2.01; while for Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae, the number consumed ranged from 0.20 +/- 0.42 to 20.40 +/- 1.43 per day. The pupation rates of the prey species varied in respect to control, with a minimum of 0.20 +/- 0.42 pupa/day to a maximum of 12.20 +/- 2.30 pupa/day in the presence of Tx. splendens. The values for the controls were 1.00 +/- 0.87 and 14.44 +/- 2.83 pupa/day, respectively. Irrespective of prey densities and combinations, a single Tx. splendens fourth instar larvae was found to consume on average 10.07 larvae on the first day 16.57 larvae on the second day and 4.38 larvae on the third day, killing a total of 17.70 to 45.10 larvae, in three days. In the presence of Tx. splendens, the cumulative pupation, irrespective of prey, remained between 12.20 and 45.10, and differed significantly from control where the values were between 13.90 and 54.70. The results indicate that Tx. splendens can significantly reduce immature numbers and lower the rate of pupation of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ar. subalbatus. Tx. splendens may be a potential biological resource in the control of mosquitoes inhabiting sewage drains.