Nanofiltration based water reclamation from tannery effluent following coagulation pretreatment.

Coagulation-nanofiltration based integrated treatment scheme was employed in the present study to maximize the removal of toxic Cr(VI) species from tannery effluents. The coagulation pretreatment step using aluminium sulphate hexadecahydrate (alum) was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). A nanofiltration unit was integrated with this coagulation pre-treatment unit and the resulting flux decline and permeate quality were investigated. Herein, the coagulation was conducted under response surface-optimized operating conditions. The hybrid process demonstrated high chromium(VI) removal efficiency over 98%. Besides, fouling of two of the tested nanofiltration membranes (NF1 and NF3) was relatively mitigated after feed pretreatment. Nanofiltration permeation fluxes as high as 80-100L/m(2)h were thereby obtained. The resulting permeate stream quality post nanofiltration (NF3) was found to be suitable for effective reuse in tanneries, keeping the Cr(VI) concentration (0.13mg/L), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) (65mg/L), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (142mg/L), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (108mg/L), Total Solids (TS) (86mg/L) and conductivity levels (14mho/cm) in perspective. The process water reclaiming ability of nanofiltration was thereby substantiated and the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid system was thus affirmed.

Response surface-optimized removal of Reactive Red 120 dye from its aqueous solutions using polyethyleneimine enhanced ultrafiltration.

Retention of toxic dyes with molecular weights lower than the molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of the ultrafiltration membranes can be improved through selective binding of the target dyes to a water-soluble polymer, followed by ultrafiltration of the macromolecular complexes formed. This method, often referred to as polymer enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF), was investigated in the present study, using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the chelating agent. Model azo dye Reactive Red 120 was selected as the poorly biodegradable, target contaminant, because of its frequent recalcitrant presence in colored effluents, and its eventual ecotoxicological impacts on the environment. The effects of the governing process factors, namely, cross flow rate, transmembrane pressure polymer to dye ratio and pH, on target dye rejection efficiency were meticulously examined. Additionally, each parameter level was statistically optimized using central composite design (CCD) from the response surface methodology (RSM) toolkit, with an objective to maximize performance efficiency. The results revealed high dye retention efficiency over 99%, accompanied with reasonable permeate flux over 100L/m(2)h under optimal process conditions. The estimated results were elucidated graphically through response surface (RS) plots and validated experimentally. The analyses clearly established PEUF as a novel, reasonably efficient and economical route for recalcitrant dye treatment.

Life History of Epuraea (Haptoncus) ocularis Fairmaire, 1849 in Kolkata area, India and descriptions of the immature stages (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Epuraeinae).

Sap beetle, Epuraea ocularis Fairmaire usually lays eggs and breeds on fermenting overripe fruits, and larvae pass through different instars before pupating on soil. In laboratory condition, mating pairs of adults copulated and females laid eggs in clusters; larva hatched out in 1 to 2 days, passed through four instars; mature larva migrated to soil for pupation. Larval development took about 12 to 17 days; and adult hatched out of pupa in about 4 to 5 days. Detailed morphology of egg, larva and pupa is presented herein, and significance of larva in taxonomy of beetles has been indicated.

Phospholipase C-gamma 1 association with CD3 structure in T cells.

Recently, we and others have reported tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1) enzyme after CD3 activation of T cells, and have proposed that PLC gamma 1 mediates signal transduction through the T cell receptor (TCR/CD3). Here, using immunoblotting and immune complex PLC assays, we show that CD3 stimulation of Jurkat cells induces the association of PLC gamma 1 enzyme with CD3 complex. PLC activity is also found to co-precipitate with the CD3 zeta chain from activated cells. In addition, in vitro PLC assays show that CD3 activation leads to about 10-fold stimulation of PLC gamma 1 activity. These results, along with the observation that Jurkat cells preferentially express PLC gamma 1, indicate that PLC gamma 1 participates in CD3 signaling.

Highlights from Kaleidoscope: A Discussion Meeting in Chemistry, Goa, India, July 2016.

"Kaleidoscope: A Discussion Meeting in Chemistry" is an annual gathering of young Indian investigators working in various fields of chemistry and allied areas. The meeting serves as a common ground to cross-pollinate new research ideas and come up with coherent approaches to solve long-standing and challenging problems within an informal setting. The third installment of the meeting was hosted within the serene confines of the International Center, Goa, India from July 14th-17th 2016. In this report, we provide an overview of the topics covered and the ensuing discussions which took place during Kaleidoscope-2016 in order to highlight the scientific rigour of the meeting.

Review of the Megauchenia Macleay of India (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Prometopinae).

Three species of Megauchenia Macleay [M. angustata (Erichson, 1843), M. quadricollis (Reitter, 1883) and M. indica (Grouvelle, 1908)] were studied based on a collection from India. The genus and the species are re-described. A key to the species of Megauchenia from India is appended.

Cloning and sequencing of 5' flanking sequence from the gene encoding 2S storage protein, from two Brassica species.

Using oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers and the polymerase chain reaction, we have cloned and sequenced about 1.2 kb of upstream sequences from two members of the 2S seed storage protein-encoding gene family from Brassica juncea and B. oleracea. The two sequences bear more than 90% homology and have characteristic seed-specific promoter motifs. The high degree of sequence conservation indicates that this napin-encoding gene family evolved earlier than the divergence of the three primary Brassica species and their amphidiploids, and the sequences have been conserved due to some metabolic constraints in seed development.

Two variants of DRw52, DR3, and DQw2 specificities distinguish two different DR3-bearing extended haplotypes.

HLA-DR beta and DQ beta MHC antigens present on B-lymphoblastoid cell lines homozygous for either [HLA-B8,DR3,SC01] or [HLA-B18,DR3,F1C30] were studied by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Comparison of neuraminidase-treated DR proteins from these cells showed that DR3-bearing cells express two DR beta genes. However, one DR beta chain (beta a) is nonpolymorphic, whereas the other beta chain (beta b) is polymorphic. Two variants of DR beta (DR3 or DRw52) and two of DQ beta (DQw2) were found, with all the examples of each extended haplotype carrying only one of these sets of variants. The variants thus absolutely distinguished the two DR3-bearing extended haplotypes. These results support the hypothesis of extended haplotypes at the protein level, and demonstrate the fixity of alleles on them in the HLA-B-D/DR region.

Defective signal transduction via T-cell receptor-CD3 structure in T cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients.

T cells from patients with active RA are known to produce low levels of IL-2 and proliferate poorly in response to various mitogenic stimuli. The present work shows that cross-linking of CD3 antigen on patients' T-cell surface induces two- to threefold lower Ca2+ response than in T cells from age-matched controls. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that the attenuated signal may be due to the suppressed expression of CD3 and/or CD45 molecules on patients' T cells. In the majority of the patients, the level of CD45 expression is reduced by 60%-70% as compared with that in the control T cells. Therefore, the poor mitogenic response of patient cells is apparently due to a defect in early stages of signal transduction through the T-cell receptor (TCR-CD3).

Tyrosine-specific protein kinases of normal tissues.

Tyrosine-specific protein kinases from normal tissue have been studied using synthetic peptides as substrate. Spleen had much higher activity of the enzyme in the particulate fraction than any other normal tissue (except purified T lymphocytes). The tyrosine protein kinase from the particulate fraction of rat spleen was partially purified and characterized. The kinase could phosphorylate src-related as well as unrelated peptides and casein at tyrosine residues. The enzyme in the membrane seemed to have somewhat different substrate specificity than the solubilized, partially purified enzyme. Serum containing antibody to pp60v-src did not precipitate the kinase; however, the protein kinase could phosphorylate the heavy chain of IgG from TBR serum (but not from normal serum). The possible relationship of the tyrosine-specific protein kinase of spleen with pp60c-src and other tyrosine-specific protein kinases is discussed.

Vitamin E--its status and role in leukemia and lymphoma.

A comparative study has been performed on the relationship between vitamin E and immunofunction in normal and malignant condition in human and murine systems. Further, the effects of supplemental vitamin E on tumor take, host survival and tumor growth have been studied in a transplantable lymphoma in mice. Vitamin E was assayed in serum samples from normal subjects and from patients with leukemia and lymphoma by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The murine group included Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DL), Schwartz lymphoblastic leukemia (SVL) and Moloney lymphoblastic leukemia (MVL). Serum vitamin E was found to be lower than that of the normal controls in all cases of leukemia and lymphoma both in human and animal system. The levels of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) were found to be higher in mice with leukemia and lymphoma. Supplementary vitamin E administered at the initial phase of development of murine lymphomas reduced the rate of tumor growth, improved host survival and elevated serum vitamin E level. Vitamin E supplementation also activated specific mitogen induced blastogenesis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and elevated serum IgG level. IgM remained unaltered and macrophage activity did not seem to be affected. The present findings indicated a low status of vitamin E in tumor bearing host and a beneficial effect of supplemental vitamin E on the host which was mediated by the host immune system.

Collision tumor of gastrointestinal tract.

A rare combination of multiple adenomatous polyps of the colon and carcinoid tumor of the ileum in a 54-year-old man is reported.

Esophageal and gastric dysmotility in non ulcer dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of non ulcer dyspepsia is poorly understood. Data on gastrointestinal motility alterations in this condition in the Indian population are scanty. We studied esophageal and gastric motility in patients with non ulcer dyspepsia. METHODS: 58 consecutive patients with non ulcer dyspepsia (according to the Rome criteria) were studied; 10 healthy volunteers were studied as controls. Esophageal transit of solid and liquid boluses (in all patients) and solid-phase gastric emptying (in 20 patients) were studied using scintigraphic techniques. RESULTS: Delayed esophageal transit and delayed gastric emptying were observed in 32 (55%) and 9 (45%) patients, respectively. Delay of both esophageal and gastric transit was found in 5 patients. Mean (SD) esophageal transit for liquid bolus was significantly delayed in patients (9.3 [3.7] s) compared to controls (7.0 [2.0] s; p < 0.01). Mean (SD) gastric emptying time (T50) was significantly delayed in patients (61.6 [13.6] min) compared to controls (50.0 [5.0] min; p < 0.001). Esophageal and gastric delayed transit was found in about two thirds of patients with dysmotility-like dyspepsia, but there were no significant difference in these abnormalities among different subgroups of dyspepsia. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of esophageal and gastric transit delay was found in non ulcer dyspepsia, particularly in the dysmotility subgroup.

Study of portal hypertension in children with special reference to sclerotherapy.

Portal Hypertension (PH) is the commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children. Most Indian studies have highlighted extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) as the major cause of PH in children. As there is paucity of data from the eastern part of the country we decided to study the major causes of PH in children in this region and to ascertain the efficacy of sclerotherapy for its management. Fifty children aged 14 months to 10 years with PH were studied from April 1990 to April 1995. Thorough examination and relevant investigations showed non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) in 24 (48%), EHPVO in 18 (36%) and cirrhosis of liver in 8 (16%) children. Forty six children had hematemesis and melaena of whom endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) was done in 45 cases. One child having type 2 gastric varices was referred for surgery. Following eradication of varices the patients were followed-up at 3 monthly intervals. Number of sittings of sclerotherapy required for obliteration of varices was 5.9 +/- 1.6. A variceal state was achieved in 35 (78%) cases and varices were reduced to Grade I in 6 cases (13%). Two cases underwent surgery for EST failure. One patient of cirrhosis died within two weeks of bleeding episode due to hepatic encephalpathy. Rebleeding (13%) and recurrences (13%) were noted during the follow-up period. Retrosternal discomfort (22%), dysphagia (22%), stricture (13%), oesophageal ulceration (13%) and fever (11%) were the complications noted but these could be managed conservatively. The present study highlights that NCPF is an important cause of PH in eastern India. EST is useful in controlling variceal bleeding in children irrespective of their aetiology.

Age-related changes of glycogen metabolism in human fetal heart.

The changes in the activities of three important glycogen metabolising enzymes, viz. glycogen synthetase, glycogen phosphorylase and alpha-D-glucosidase, along with glycogen content have been measured in adult human heart and human fetal heart collected at 13-36 weeks of gestation. At an early period, particularly 13-16 weeks of gestational age, the activity of glycogen synthetase and glycogen content were found to be maximum. However the activity of glycogen phosphorylase remained constant throughout the gestation and that of alpha-D-glucosidase showed a peak at 25-28 weeks of gestation, thereby indicating that fetal heart tissue has the capacity to utilise glycogen for energy.

Deduced amino acid sequence of 2S storage protein from Brassica species and their conserved structural features.

2S seed storage albumin coding regions from five Brassica species, namely Brassica campestris, B. oleracea, B. nigra, B. juncea, and B. carinata have been cloned by PCR amplification of genomic DNA using oligonucleotide primers and their nucleotide sequences have been determined. These sequences showed more than 85% homology amongst themselves and considerable homology with some other crucifer 2S protein coding sequences. The deduced amino acid sequences showed more homology due to some inconsequential mutations in codons without changing the amino acids. Computer analysis of the protein sequences for possible secondary structure revealed a high degree of conservation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains and the invariant positions of cysteine residues. Unrooted phylogenic tree based on the coding region of 2S albumin from different Brassica species cloned by us and published sequences from other Cruciferae indicated that these genes originated before the evolutionary divergence of different Brassica species and were conserved due to some stringent structural and functional features required for seed metabolism.

Counter immuno electrophoresis for the early diagnosis of acute pyogenic meningitis.

A total of 123 cases of acute pyogenic meningitis were studied to investigate whether counter current immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) would facilitate rapid etiological diagnosis when used with other routine methods in a clinical bacteriology laboratory. Of the 123 cases, 53 (43.08 percent) were culture positive. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the commonest etiological agent accounting for 30 (56.6 percent) of the isolates. There were four isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and one of Neisseria meningitidis. High rates of isolation were found from turbid CSF samples, those showing a high polymorphonuclear cellular reaction and from those with a high protein and a low sugar level. CIEP detected antigen in 50 percent of cases of Haemophilus influenzae and 76.7 percent of cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (ICDS) SCHEME.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is world's largest community based programme. The scheme is targeted at children upto the age of 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers and women 16-44 years of age. The scheme is aimed to improve the health, nutrition and education (KAP) of the target community. Launched on 2 October 1975, the scheme has completed 25 years of its operational age. The article describes in brief, the organisation, achievements and drawbacks of this national programme. It also suggests various thrust areas for its betterment and further improvement.

Patient-posture and Ileal-intubation during colonoscopy (PIC): a randomized controlled open-label trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patient's posture change is commonly employed by a colonoscopist to achieve complete examination. We studied whether patient's posture (left-lateral decubitus vs supine) influenced the success rate of ileal intubation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective open-label randomized study performed in the Endoscopy Suite of a tertiary-care center, all adult outpatients referred for colonoscopy, in whom cecal intubation was achieved and who satisfied predefined inclusion criteria, were randomized to undergo ileal intubation in either of the above two postures. Colonoscopy (EC-201 WL, Fujinon) was performed after overnight poly-ethylene-glycol preparation, under conscious sedation and continuous pulse-oxymetry monitoring. After confirming cecal intubation, patients were randomized for ileal intubation. Success was defined by visualization of ileal mucosa or villi (confirmed by digital photography) and was attempted until limited by pain and/or time of ≥ 6 min. RESULTS: Of 320 eligible patients, 217 patients (150 males) were randomized, 106 to left-lateral decubitus and 111 to supine posture. At baseline, the two groups were evenly matched. Successful ileal intubation was achieved in 145 (66.8 %) patients overall, significantly higher in the supine posture (74.8 % versus 58.5 %; P = 0.014). On multivariate analysis, supine posture (P = 0.02), average/good right-colon preparation (P < 0.01), non-thin-lipped ileocecal (IC) valve (P < 0.001) and younger age (P = 0.02) were independent predictors of success. Positive ileal findings were recorded in 13 (9 %) patients. CONCLUSION: Ileoscopy is more successful in supine than in left-lateral decubitus posture. Age, bowel preparation and type of IC valve also determine success.