Influence of temperature on symptom expression, detection of host factors in virus infected Piper nigrum L.

Expression of symptoms in black pepper plants (Piper nigrum) infected with Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMoV) vary depending on the season, being high during summer months. Here, we explored the influence of temperature on symptom expression in PYMoV infected P. nigrum. Our controlled environment study revealed increase in virus titer, total proteins, IAA and reducing sugars when exposed to temperature stress. There was change in the 2-D separated protein before and after exposure. The 2-D proteomics LC-MS identified host and viral proteins suggesting virus-host interaction during symptom expression. The analysis as well as detection of host biochemical compounds may help in understanding the detailed mechanisms underlying the viral replication and damage to the crop, and thereby plan management strategies.

Sero diagnosis of tuberculosis in children using two ELISA kits.

The diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis is based on circumstantial evidence in the absence of a gold standard in the majority of cases. Sero-diagnosis offers scope for an early diagnosis in a variety of clinical conditions and is simple to perform. A number of mycobacterial antigens have been used for antibody detection assays and several are available as kits in the market. This study was done to evaluate the value of antibody detection kits (ELISA) against the A60 antigen and 38 kDa antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis at the outpatient department of the Institute of Social Paediatrics, Government Stanley Hospital in collaboration with Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai. Thirty five children with pulmonary tuberculosis, 7 with TB lymphadenitis and 22 healthy controls were studied. In addition to routine investigations including gastric lavage for AFB culture, serum antibodies against the A60 and 38 kDa antigens were assayed using commercially available ELISA kits. With A60, IgM serum levels were positive in 74% of pulmonary TB cases, 57% of TB lymphadenitis cases and 50% of controls. A60 IgG was positive in 17% of pulmonary TB, 86% of TB lymphadenitis and 14% of controls. The 38 kDa IgG antibody was positive in 37% of pulmonary and 86% of TB lymphadenitis cases and 27% of controls. Among 10 culture confirmed cases, A60 IgM was positive in 8, A60 IgG in 3 and 38 kDa IgG in 5 patients. The sensitivity of the tests ranged between 29% and 71% and specificity between 50% and 86%. Although the numbers are small, the results suggest that serodiagnosis using the currently available antigens of M. tuberculosis is unlikely to be a confirmatory test for tuberculosis in children.

Antitumor and antifertility activities of plumbagin controlled release formulations.

With a view to increase efficiency and reduce toxicity of Plumbagin, an attempt was made to formulate plumbagin as a controlled release preparation using various carriers and test for their antitumor and antifertility activities. Niosomes and albumin microspheres were used as carriers. In vitro data showed promising results for these formulations thus they were taken up for in vivo assessment. Given at a dose of 5 mg/kg, ip the albumin microspheres showed promising antitumor and antifertility activity when compared to the niosomes on control. Animal survival data also indicated slight improvement in survival rate and thus antitumoral activity. Also, an interesting point was that the antifertility activity was affected through an antiovulatory action as seen from histopathological studies.