Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 131
Filter
1.
J Appl Crystallogr ; 56(Pt 4): 1114-1124, 2023 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37555223

ABSTRACT

The formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) as an additive was examined by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in a flow system that mimics experimental conditions used at home facilities where the precipitation can be achieved in a beaker. The experiments were carried out at low concentrations to remain in the dilute regime. A model-independent analysis was performed using the Porod invariant which defines the scale factor, leaving only the distribution of radii as the adjustable parameter. The presence of the PSS additive strongly retards the precipitation of CaCO3 NPs. The formation of NPs reaches a state of equilibrium after a few minutes. Here, it is shown that the concentration of precursors at a fixed PSS concentration plays a key role in determining the size of the NPs obtained. A full analysis of the SAXS patterns was carried out using the Hurd-Flower model to account for the weaker intensity decay than the classical Porod behaviour. The temporal evolution of the particle radii was determined. Wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments carried out simultaneously show that the particles formed have the structure of vaterite with growth consistent with the evolution of the Porod invariant.

2.
J Appl Microbiol ; 126(6): 1742-1750, 2019 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30817048

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Hot springs have always drawn attention due to their unique chemical richness and the presence of different microbial communities. The use of hot spring bacteria in concrete technology is our primary focus; isolation of an alkaliphilic bacterium from the Bakreshwar hot springs having longer survival and better efficacy towards cementitious environment was the basis of our study's design. METHODS AND RESULTS: A novel facultative anaerobic and highly alkaliphilic bacterial strain (BKH4; GenBank accession no. KX622782) belonging to the family 'Bacillaceae' and homologous (99%) with Lysinibacillus fusiformis was isolated from Bakreshwar hot springs. The isolated coccoid-type Gram-positive bacterium grows well in a defined semi-synthetic medium (pH 12·0 and 65°C). This bacterium survives for more than a month and shows better efficacy in enhancing compressive strengths (>50%), ultrasonic pulse velocity (>25%) and durability of the cementitious mortar when incorporated at a concentration of 104  cells per ml of water used. CONCLUSION: The novel bacterium BKH4 is more effective for the enhancement of the bioconcrete properties. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: BKH4 bacterium will add a new dimension to future concrete technology for its usefulness in strength enhancement and durability due to its alkaliphilic nature and longer survival within a cementitious environment.


Subject(s)
Alkalies/metabolism , Bacillaceae/physiology , Biotechnology , Construction Materials/microbiology , Hot Springs/microbiology , Bacillaceae/genetics , Bacillaceae/metabolism , Compressive Strength , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Hot Temperature , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA
5.
Heredity (Edinb) ; 120(2): 138-153, 2018 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29225353

ABSTRACT

Invasive species exert a serious impact on native fauna and flora and have been the target of many eradication and management efforts worldwide. However, a lack of data on population structure and history, exacerbated by the recency of many species introductions, limits the efficiency with which such species can be kept at bay. In this study we generated a novel genome of high assembly quality and genotyped 4735 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers from 78 individuals of an invasive population of the Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus across the island of Singapore. We inferred limited population subdivision at a micro-geographic level, a genetic patch size (~13-14 km) indicative of a pronounced dispersal ability, and barely an increase in effective population size since introduction despite an increase of four to five orders of magnitude in actual population size, suggesting that low population-genetic diversity following a bottleneck has not impeded establishment success. Landscape genomic analyses identified urban features, such as low-rise neighborhoods, that constitute pronounced barriers to gene flow. Based on our data, we consider an approach targeting the complete eradication of Javan Mynas across Singapore to be unfeasible. Instead, a mixed approach of localized mitigation measures taking into account urban geographic features and planning policy may be the most promising avenue to reducing the adverse impacts of this urban pest. Our study demonstrates how genomic methods can directly inform the management and control of invasive species, even in geographically limited datasets with high gene flow rates.


Subject(s)
Gene Flow , Genetics, Population , Introduced Species , Passeriformes/genetics , Animals , Cities , Genomics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Population Density , Singapore , Spatial Analysis
6.
Indian J Cancer ; 54(1): 305-307, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29199710

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Regional epidemiological data regarding the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) is an unmet need from the eastern part of India. AIMS: To report the incidence of EGFR mutation and its correlation with the phenotypical characteristics, in NSCLC patients from Kolkata. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: NSCLC patients, with adenocarcinoma histology, whose tissues had been tested for EGFR mutational status between March 2014 and February 2017, were considered for this study. The testing methods used were Real-time-based amplification refractory mutation system, polymerase chain reaction (ARMS PCR), PCR and gene sequencing, and cell-free DNA (CTDNA). Clinical characteristics and treatment details were collected from the patient's medical records in a de-identified manner. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS: Between March 2014 and February 2017, 108 samples were tested and two were deemed inadequate for reporting. Of the remaining 106 patients, 65 (61.3%) were males, and 41 (38.6%) were females. Median age was 56 years (42-72), 59 years for males and 52 years for females. 73.6% were nonsmokers. 87.7% tests were done using the real-time ARMS-PCR; 9.4% underwent PCR and gene sequencing and 2.8% using CT-DNA. Of 106 patients, 35 (33%) patients were found to be EGFR mutation positive. Ratio of male:female was 16 (45.7%):19 (54.3%). Ratio of nonsmoker: smoker was 30 (85.7%):5 (14.3%). 18 patients had exon 19 deletion (51.4%), 15 had L858R exon 21 mutation (42.9%), 1 patient (2.9%) had mutation in S7681 exon 20 along with L858R 21 and one patient (2.9%) had a T790m mutation without any other detectable EGFR mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of EGFR mutation in NSCLC is 33% from Kolkata and is typically more common in females and nonsmokers.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Adenocarcinoma/epidemiology , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Adenocarcinoma of Lung , Adult , Aged , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/genetics , Exons , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Sex Characteristics , Smoking/adverse effects
7.
Epidemiol Infect ; 145(8): 1635-1641, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28228179

ABSTRACT

Bats are known to be reservoirs of several medically important viruses including lyssaviruses. However, no systematic surveillance for bat rabies has been carried out in India, a canine rabies endemic country with a high burden of human rabies. Surveillance for rabies virus (RABV) infection in bats was therefore carried out in Nagaland, a north-eastern state in India at sites with intense human-bat interfaces during traditional bat harvests. Brain tissues and sera from bats were tested for evidence of infection due to RABV. Brain tissues were subjected to the fluorescent antibody test for detection of viral antigen and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR for presence of viral RNA. Bat sera were tested for the presence of rabies neutralizing antibodies by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. None of the bat brains tested (n = 164) were positive for viral antigen or viral RNA. However, rabies neutralizing antibodies were detected in 4/78 (5·1%) bat sera tested, suggesting prior exposure to RABV or related lyssaviruses. The serological evidence of lyssaviral infection in Indian bats may have important implications in disease transmission and rabies control measures, and warrant extensive bat surveillance to better define the prevalence of lyssaviral infection in bats.


Subject(s)
Chiroptera , Lyssavirus/isolation & purification , Rhabdoviridae Infections/veterinary , Animals , India/epidemiology , Prevalence , Rabies/epidemiology , Rabies/veterinary , Rabies/virology , Rabies virus/isolation & purification , Rhabdoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Rhabdoviridae Infections/virology
8.
J Postgrad Med ; 61(2): 129-30, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25766350

ABSTRACT

Acute lupus pneumonitis is a rare initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report a 19-year-old female presenting with fever and recurrent hemoptysis with radiological evidence of parenchymal lung involvement with mild pleural effusion. Subsequent development of malar and discoid rash with anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-dsDNA positivity clinched the diagnosis. Her clinical signs and symptoms resolved with a course of intravenous pulse methyl-prednisolone along with radiological resolution.


Subject(s)
Hemoptysis/etiology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis , Pneumonia/etiology , Adult , Antibodies, Antinuclear/blood , Female , Glucocorticoids/administration & dosage , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Humans , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy , Methylprednisolone , Pneumonia/diagnostic imaging , Pneumonia/immunology , Prednisolone/therapeutic use , Pulse Therapy, Drug , Radiography , Treatment Outcome
9.
Mol Biol Rep ; 41(7): 4413-24, 2014 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24599782

ABSTRACT

DNMT1 is the most important methyltransferase enzyme, involved in the regulation of gene expression and appropriate histone modification. It interact with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), SNF2 family member ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzyme, cyclin dependent kinases inhibitor, E2F1 transcription factor and HDACs to form a repressor complex known as HDAC complexes. The interaction of DNMT1 with numerous protein suppressors of promoters suggests that the enzyme is a crucial element of the transcription suppression complex. Since the mechanism behind over expression of Socs3 in Asthma is unclear, we study the Epigenetic mode of overexpression of Socs3 in terms of methylation/acetylation/inactivation of HDACs/activation of HATs enzymes in a mouse model of asthma. The results show that low expression of DNMT1 might indirectly induce the expression of Socs3 and HAT, and inhibit the expression of HDACs family. Furthermore knockdown of DNMT1 by siRNA induced expression of Socs3 while knock down of Socs3 by siRNA has no effect on DNMT1 expression. Our result suggests that the over expression of Socs3 is due to the inhibition of HDACs complex and hyperacetylation of histones molecule along with down regulation of DNMT1 gene. In depth study on DNMT1 might be useful for the development of therapeutic drug against asthma/allergic diseases.


Subject(s)
Asthma/genetics , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/genetics , Epigenesis, Genetic , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/genetics , Acetylation , Animals , Asthma/chemically induced , Asthma/metabolism , Asthma/pathology , CpG Islands , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/metabolism , DNA Methylation , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Gene Expression Profiling , Histone Acetyltransferases/genetics , Histone Acetyltransferases/metabolism , Histone Deacetylases/genetics , Histone Deacetylases/metabolism , Histones/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Ovalbumin , Promoter Regions, Genetic , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/metabolism
10.
Indian J Occup Environ Med ; 18(2): 57-63, 2014 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25568599

ABSTRACT

INTORDUCTION: The tobacco dusts get air borne during biddi making and it is inhaled by the biddi binders, which affects their health. RESULTS: In a follow-up study, 86 biddi binders (male, 41; female, 45) were studied at a gap of 2 years. A high respiratory morbidity was observed among males than females both in the initial and follow-up study. The main complaints such as cough, sputum, and breathlessness showed high prevalence rates in the follow-up study. The high prevalence rates of weakness, giddiness, chronic diarrhea, and dyspepsia were noted in most of the cases the above complaints showed higher rates in the follow-up study. Pulmonary function test (PFT) values in the follow-up study of male and female biddi binders showed lowered compared with the initial study of same gender. In male and female biddi binders, the lung volumes SVC, FVC, FEV1, and the flow rates FEF0.2-1.2 l, FEF25%-75%, FEF75%-85% were significantly lowered in the follow-up study compared with the initial study. Age-related decrement in PFT was observed in both the studies. In nonsmokers, smokers, and ex-smokers, the PFT values are lowered. The current smokers have the lowest values in both the studies. With the administration of the bronchodilator aerosol (salbutamol) in 63 biddi binders (male, 27; female, 36), the effect of bronchodilator aerosol on the PFT parameters showed significant changes as all PFT parameters showed positive bronchodilatation. CONCLUSION: The pattern of bronchodilator response on PFT values of the biddi binders suggests that the obstructions in the airways are reversible in nature.

11.
Mol Biol Rep ; 40(3): 2357-68, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23196709

ABSTRACT

Asthma is a complex genetic disease, which arises from the interaction of multiple genes and environmental stimuli. These influences are important to asthma pathogenesis. These can be mechanically explained by the Epigenetic phenomenon, which consists of the chromatin and its modifications, as well as a covalent modification of cytosines residing at the dinucleotide sequence CG in DNA by methylation. This reaction is catalyzed by a family of DNA methyltransferase enzyme (DNMTs). DNMT1 is one of them which maintained the methylation status during replication and also critical for the development, differentiation and regulation of Th1 and Th2 cells. Therefore we studied the DNMT1 mRNA expression profiling as well as CpG methylation status in promoter region. For these studies we developed asthma mouse model, and used Flow cytometer, qRT(2)-PCR, Methylation specific PCR, bisulfate conversion and BiQ analyzer. We found that DNMT1 expression level was low in all the tissues (lung, trachea and BALF cells) of asthmatic in comparison to normal mice. This was due to the methylation of regulatory sites of DNMT1 promoter region at cytosine residue. As the incidence of asthma is increasing globally and in world, this study assumes greater significance in designing and developing therapeutic means.


Subject(s)
Asthma/genetics , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/genetics , Epigenesis, Genetic , Gene Expression Regulation , Animals , Asthma/immunology , Asthma/pathology , Base Sequence , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/genetics , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/immunology , Bronchial Hyperreactivity/pathology , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/cytology , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/immunology , CpG Islands , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Cytokines/genetics , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/chemistry , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/metabolism , DNA Methylation , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Immunoglobulin E/blood , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Mice , Molecular Sequence Data , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/genetics , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/metabolism
12.
Indian J Surg Oncol ; 4(3): 242-7, 2013 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24426730

ABSTRACT

The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a superfamily of transcription factors. It plays an important role in development & progression of cancer. This study was conducted in a tertiary care centre to investigate the significance of NF-κB as a prognostic marker in breast cancer and study its relation with established prognostic markers such as tumor grade, lymph node status, hormone receptor & HER-2/neu expression. We measured NF-κB expression of breast cancer tissue as a test sample & from fibroadenoma as a control. Measurement was done by Western Blot Technique using p65 protein of NF-κB super family of transcription factors. ER,PR and HER-2/neu were measured by immunohistochemistry methods. NF-κB/p65 is significantly associated with large tumor size (≥5 cm), high grade tumors, negative ER, negative PR, positive HER-2/neu and high NPI (≥5.4) scores. NF-κB/p65 expression implies aggressive biological behaviour of breast cancer & this study validates significant association of NF-κB /p65 overexpression with large tumor size, negative estrogen & progesterone receptor status and overexpression of c-erbB2 oncoprotein.

13.
Virol J ; 9: 43, 2012 Feb 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22339942

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emerging whitefly transmitted begomoviruses are major pathogens of vegetable and fibre crops throughout the world, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Mutation, pseudorecombination and recombination are driving forces for the emergence and evolution of new crop-infecting begomoviruses. Leaf curl disease of field grown radish plants was noticed in Varanasi and Pataudi region of northern India. We have identified and characterized two distinct monopartite begomoviruses and associated beta satellite DNA causing leaf curl disease of radish (Raphanus sativus) in India. RESULTS: We demonstrate that RaLCD is caused by a complex of two Old World begomoviruses and their associated betasatellites. Radish leaf curl virus-Varanasi is identified as a new recombinant species, Radish leaf curl virus (RaLCV) sharing maximum nucleotide identity of 87.7% with Tomato leaf curl Bangladesh virus-[Bangladesh:2] (Accession number AF188481) while the virus causing radish leaf curl disease-Pataudi is an isolate of Croton yellow vein mosaic virus-[India] (CYVMV-IN) (Accession number AJ507777) sharing 95.8% nucleotide identity. Further, RDP analysis revealed that the RaLCV has a hybrid genome, a putative recombinant between Euphorbia leaf curl virus and Papaya leaf curl virus. Cloned DNA of either RaLCV or CYVMV induced mild leaf curl symptoms in radish plants. However, when these clones (RaLCV or CYVMV) were individually co-inoculated with their associated cloned DNA betasatellite, symptom severity and viral DNA levels were increased in radish plants and induced typical RaLCD symptoms. To further extend these studies, we carried out an investigation of the interaction of these radish-infecting begomoviruses and their associated satellite, with two tomato infecting begomoviruses (Tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus and Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus). Both of the tomato-infecting begomoviruses showed a contrasting and differential interaction with DNA satellites, not only in the capacity to interact with these molecules but also in the modulation of symptom phenotypes by the satellites. CONCLUSION: This is the first report and experimental demonstration of Koch's postulate for begomoviruses associated with radish leaf curl disease. Further observations also provide direct evidence of lateral movement of weed infecting begomovirus in the cultivated crops and the present study also suggests that the exchange of betasatellites with other begomoviruses would create a new disease complex posing a serious threat to crop production.


Subject(s)
Begomovirus/genetics , Begomovirus/pathogenicity , DNA, Satellite/genetics , Plant Diseases/virology , Raphanus/virology , Recombination, Genetic , Biology , Cluster Analysis , DNA, Viral/chemistry , DNA, Viral/genetics , India , Molecular Sequence Data , Phylogeny , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
14.
Physiol Mol Biol Plants ; 18(4): 357-64, 2012 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24082498

ABSTRACT

Capsicum annuum (red pepper) is an important spice cum vegetable crop in tropical and subtropical countries. Here, we report an effective and reproducible auxin free regeneration method for six different red pepper cultivars (ACA-10, Kashi Anmol, LCA-235, PBC-535, Pusa Jwala and Supper) using hypocotyl explants and an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol. The explants (hypocotyls, cotyledonary leaves and leaf discs) collected from axenic seedlings of six red pepper cultivars were cultured on either hormone free MS medium or MS medium supplemented with BAP alone or in combination with IAA. Inclusion of IAA in the regeneration medium resulted in callus formation at the cut ends of explants, formation of rosette leaves and ill defined shoot buds. Regeneration of shoot buds could be achieved from hypocotyls grown in MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP unlike other explants which failed to respond. Incorporation of GA3 in shoot elongation medium at 0.5 mg/l concentration enhanced the elongation in two cultivars, LCA-235 and Supper, while other cultivars showed no significant response. Chilli cultivar, Pusa Jwala was transformed with ßC1 ORF of satellite DNA ß molecule associated with Chilli leaf curl Joydebpur virus through Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Transgene integration in putative transformants was confirmed by PCR and Southern hybridization analysis.

15.
J Environ Sci Eng ; 53(4): 507-14, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23505833

ABSTRACT

The pulmonary function status of the Kolkata inhabitants was evaluated during rainy and winter seasons. The pulmonary function tests (PFT) of the 1st study was carried out in the months of July to August when the environment is pollution free and the 2nd study was carried out between November to January when the environment is polluted. In the 1st study a total of 162 (male-88, female-74) inhabitants were investigated and again they were repeated in same way in the 2nd study. To evaluate the respiratory function status, Slow Vital Capacity (SVC), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were recorded. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec as the percentage of FVC (FEV1%), forced expiratory flow at 200mL-1200 mL, 25-75% and 75-85% were calculated from the same tracings. Males were having higher mean PFT values compared to females because of sex difference. In the 2nd study PFT values were significantly lower compared to 1st study. According to different durations of stay category the PFT values were significantly reduced in winter season. The regression lines showed decrement as the duration of stay on that area was increased and it was more in 2nd study compared to 1st study. In both studies the PFT values found higher in high economic class of people. Between the same economic class of people PFT values were significantly lower in winter season. Respiratory impairments were also found higher during winter and males were having more impairment compared to females. Respiratory impairments in both sexes were more in winter and low economic class of people had maximum respiratory impairments. In rainy season and winter season the respiratory impairments were less in non-smokers. Males had more respiratory function impairments compared to females.


Subject(s)
Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Ecosystem , Respiration Disorders/diagnosis , Respiration Disorders/epidemiology , Respiratory Function Tests/statistics & numerical data , Seasons , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Environmental Monitoring/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Young Adult
16.
J Environ Sci Eng ; 52(2): 147-54, 2010 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21114123

ABSTRACT

Arsenic toxicity due to drinking of arsenic contaminated water has been one of the worst environmental health hazards. High levels of arsenic have been reported in different natural water sources from West Bengal for more than two decades. Groundwater contamination by arsenic and its adverse effects on the health of a big population in nine districts of West Bengal have been reported. The problems found were mainly related to skin and respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular and nervous systems. The respiratory effects are largely confined to those who had the skin lesion. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the respiratory effects of exposure to different levels of arsenic in drinking water. The water samples were collected from different tube wells and wells in the study area. Analysis of arsenic was done by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with hydride generation system. Based on the consumption of arsenic concentrations in drinking water the populations were divided into three categories, i.e., <=50 microg/L, >50 - <= 150 microg/L and >150 microg/L. Standard techniques of medical examination were applied to elicit signs and recorded in the pre-designed proforma. A written consent was taken from each subject for their voluntary participation in the study. 112 subjects were investigated. The respiratory effect was evaluated by measuring the pulmonary function test (PFT). Vital Capacity (VC) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) were measured by Spirovit-SP-10 (Schiller Health Care Pvt Ltd., Switzerland) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate by Wrights Peak Flow Meter (Clement and Clarke, UK). The PFT values showed gradual decrement among the males following skin pigmentation, keratosis and arsenicosis. The respiratory function impairment among the male subjects found as restrictive type (26.41%), obstructive type (3.77%) and combined type (7.54%), whereas in females only the restrictive type of impairment (10.16%) was found. Restrictive type of impairments among the subjects increased as the concentration of arsenic in drinking water increased, in males 15.78%, 29.41% and 35.29% and in females 4.54%, 5.00% and 23.52% respectively. The pathophysiologic mechanism, by which ingested arsenic leads to impairments of lung function and increased respiratory symptoms, is yet to be understood and needs further investigation.


Subject(s)
Arsenic Poisoning/physiopathology , Respiratory System/drug effects , Respiratory System/physiopathology , Water Pollutants, Chemical/poisoning , Adult , Arsenic/administration & dosage , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Environmental Exposure , Female , Humans , India , Male , Middle Aged , Respiratory Function Tests , Respiratory Insufficiency/chemically induced , Respiratory Insufficiency/physiopathology , Sex Characteristics , Water Pollutants, Chemical/administration & dosage , Water Supply/analysis , Young Adult
18.
Virus Genes ; 39(3): 359-70, 2009 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19705268

ABSTRACT

The biological and molecular properties of Squash leaf curl China virus from Varanasi, India (SLCCNV-IN[IN:Var:Pum]) were characterized. SLCCNV-IN[IN:Var:Pum] could be transmitted by grafting and through whitefly transmission. The complete DNA-A and DNA-B components were amplified through PCR using specific DNA-A and DNA-B primers. The DNA-A of the isolate was comprised of 2,738 nucleotides, encoding typical six open reading frames, and DNA-B of 2,704 nucleotides, encoding two ORFs. Genome organization of the isolate was typical of an old world bipartite begomovirus. Comparisons showed that DNA-A and its intergenic region have the highest sequence identity (97.6 and 97.4%, respectively) with the SLCCNV-IN[IN:Luc:Pum]; (DQ026296). This data suggested that the isolate is a same begomovirus species for which the name Squash leaf curl China virus-India[India:Varanasi:Pumpkin] is proposed. DNA-B showed maximum sequence identity (89.2%) with SLCCNV-IN[IN:Coi:Pum] (AY184488). Phylogenetic analysis of the present isolate showed close relationship to other cucurbit-infecting geminiviruses. This is the first evidence of occurrence of the bipartite Squash leaf curl China virus associated with severe yellow mosaic disease of pumpkin in northern India.


Subject(s)
Begomovirus/genetics , Begomovirus/pathogenicity , Cucurbita/virology , Plant Diseases/virology , Base Sequence , Begomovirus/isolation & purification , DNA, Viral/chemistry , DNA, Viral/genetics , Gene Order , Genome, Viral , India , Molecular Sequence Data , Open Reading Frames , Phylogeny , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Sequence Homology , Synteny
19.
Plant Dis ; 93(5): 545, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30764166

ABSTRACT

During December of 2007, a severe leaf curl disease of tomato (ToLCD) occurred in tomato-growing areas in the Patna District of Bihar, India. Viral DNA was isolated from symptomatic tomato plants (2) and begomovirus association was confirmed by PCR using DNA-A degenerate primers (3). Isolated viral DNA was restricted with KpnI and full-length genome was cloned in pUC18. DNA-ß was amplified using degenerate primers (1) and cloned in pTZ57RT. Partial tandem repeats of viral genome and DNA-ß could infect Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato through Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation. Infected test plants exhibited typical symptoms characteristic of ToLCD. Full-length viral genome (GenBank Accession No. EU862323) consists of 2,752 nt and showed the highest identity (85.8%) with Tomato leaf curl Laos virus-[Laos] (GenBank Accession No. AF195782). The satellite DNA-ß component (GenBank Accession No. EU862324) consists of 1,349 nt and showed the highest identity (75.8%) with Tomato leaf curl Joydebpur betasatellite (GenBank Accession No. AJ966244). On the basis of the ICTV species demarcation criteria of 89% of DNA-A sequence identity, the present isolate was considered as a new begomovirus species and named Tomato leaf curl Patna virus (ToLCPaV). Since the isolated DNA-ß satellite shares less than 78% identity, it is considered a new species of betasatellite and the name, Tomato leaf curl Patna betasatellite (ToLCPaB) is proposed. These results show that severe ToLCD in Patna is caused by a newly identified species of begomovirus and betasatellite. References: (1) R. W. Briddon et al. Mol. Biotechnol 20:315, 2002. (2) S. Chakraborty et al. Phytopathology 93:1485, 2003. (3) S. D. Wyatt and J. K. Brown. Phytopathology 86:1288, 1996.

20.
Indian J Med Res ; 127(6): 571-6, 2008 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18765876

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Nicotine intake through tobacco is very common in female population of lower socioeconomic level who are deprived of healthy diet. Women suffer consequences of smoking such as cardiovascular disorder, lung related diseases and oxidative stress, etc. No data are available of the influences of nicotine on lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes levels under restricted dietary protein intake. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of nicotine on such parameters of female rats fed with protein restricted diet (5% casein) as compared to those with normal protein diet (18% casein) with or without vitamin C or E supplementation. METHODS: Subcutaneous injections of nicotine tartrate (3.5 mg/kg body weights per day for 15 days) were given to the rats and subsequent measurements of plasma lipid profile, plasma and ovary lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were done. RESULTS: The results showed significant (P<0.01) increase of total cholesterol (TC) and more significant (P<0.001) increase of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of plasma under both dietary conditions. The increase of plasma very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) was highly significant under protein-restricted diet. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) decreased significantly in both dietary conditions. Lipid peroxidation in plasma increased significantly in protein-restricted condition. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the ovary tissue decreased significantly (P<0.001) by nicotine treatment in both dietary groups. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that nicotine-induced toxicity is more in lipid profile (plasma) and lipid peroxidation (plasma and ovary tissue) under protein-restricted diet as compared to that of the normal protein diet. The antioxidant vitamins antagonized the nicotineinduced effects less effectively on the observed parameters under restricted dietary protein.


Subject(s)
Lipids/blood , Nicotine/toxicity , Animals , Antioxidants/metabolism , Catalase/metabolism , Diet, Protein-Restricted/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Ovary/drug effects , Ovary/metabolism , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...