Reference Ranges for Serum Uric Acid among Healthy Assamese People.

This study was designed to establish reference ranges for serum uric acid among healthy adult Assamese population. Samples from 1470 aged 35-86 years were used to establish age and sex related reference range by the centile method (central 95 percentile) for serum uric acid level. There were 51% (n = 754) males and 49% (n = 716) females; 75.9% (n = 1115) of them were from urban area and the rest 24.1% (n = 355) were from the rural area. Majority of the population were nonvegetarian (98.6%, n = 1450) and only 1.4% (n = 20) were vegetarian. The mean age, weight, height, and uric acid of the studied group were 53.6 ± 11.3 years, 62.6 ± 10.5 kg, 160 ± 9.4 cm, and 5.5 ± 1.4 mg/dL, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in the mean value of the abovementioned parameters between male and female. The observed reference range of uric acid in the population is 2.6-8.2 mg/dL which is wider than the current reference range used in the laboratory. Except gender (P < 0.0001), we did not find any significant relation of uric acid with other selected factors.

A community based study of the relationship between homocysteine and some of the life style factors.

Till date no community based data on plasma homocysteine is available in North Eastern Region. Hence, the present study was conducted to analyze and correlate the plasma homocysteine level with some life style factors like diet, alcohol intake, smoking habit and body weight, in a cross-section of population. 12 h fasting samples of 970 apparently healthy, Assamese population of both genders in the age group of 35-86 years, mostly from the urban area of Assam were tested for plasma total homocysteine level over a period of 3 years. Out of 970 volunteers, hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in 533 (55%) individuals with a mean value of 18.41 µmol/l. Of that hyperhomocysteinemia, 89.1% were in the range of moderately high and rest 10.9% were intermediate high. Another finding was that males had a tendency towards greater value (mean = 20.36 µmol/l) than females (mean = 16.37 µmol/l). It was observed that the relationship of homocysteine levels to gender and some of the life style factors were also significant.

Trypan blue as a fluorochrome for confocal laser scanning microscopy of arbuscular mycorrhizae in three mangroves.

Roots of three mangroves, Acanthus ilicifolius, Ceriops tagal and Excoecaria agallocha, collected from forests of the Sundarbans of India were stained with trypan blue to observe arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization. Spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi isolated from rhizospheric soil, collected together with the root samples, also were stained for testing the suitability of the dye as a fluorochrome. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images were constructed. A. ilicifolius and E. agallocha exhibited "Arum" type colonization with highly branched arbuscules, whereas C. tagal showed "Paris" type association with clumped and collapsed arbuscules. We demonstrated that trypan blue is a suitable fluorochrome for staining arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores, fungal hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles, which presumably have a considerable amount of surface chitin. It appears that as the integration of chitin into the fungal cell wall changes, its accessibility to trypan blue dye also changes.

A GIS based transportation model for solid waste disposal--a case study on Asansol municipality.

Uncontrolled growth of the urban population in developing countries in recent years has made solid waste management an important issue. Very often, a substantial amount of total expenditures is spent on the collection of solid waste by city authorities. Optimization of the routing system for collection and transport of solid waste thus constitutes an important component of an effective solid waste management system. This paper describes an attempt to design and develop an appropriate storage, collection and disposal plan for the Asansol Municipality Corporation (AMC) of West Bengal State (India). A GIS optimal routing model is proposed to determine the minimum cost/distance efficient collection paths for transporting the solid wastes to the landfill. The model uses information on population density, waste generation capacity, road network and the types of road, storage bins and collection vehicles, etc. The proposed model can be used as a decision support tool by municipal authorities for efficient management of the daily operations for transporting solid wastes, load balancing within vehicles, managing fuel consumption and generating work schedules for the workers and vehicles. The total cost of the proposed collection systems is estimated to be around 80 million rupees for the fixed cost of storage bins, collection vehicles and a sanitary landfill and around 8.4 million rupees for the annual operating cost of crews, vehicles and landfill maintenance. A substantial amount (25 million rupees/yr) is currently being spent by AMC on waste collection alone without any proper storage/collection system and sanitary landfill. Over a projected period of 15 yr, the overall savings is thus very significant.

Assessment of the status of work zone air environment due to opencast coal mining.

In India coal production will have to be increased to meat the energy demand at a very high rate. By 2000 AD the cool production from opencast (O/C) mining will rise to 250 Mt. which will be about 70%of the total coal production. The increasing trend of O/C mining leads to cause air pollution problem. A survey was conducted to assess the status of work zone air envimment due to opencast coal mining in Jharia Coalfield. Keeping in view of place of dust generation air quality monitoring stations were selected. Methodology adapted for sampling and analysis of air pollutants have been described. Four season data revealed that maximum concentration of SPM was observed at dragline section and the next high concentration was at haul roads. At all the locations SPM and RPM concentrations exceeded the permissible limits specified by Indian Pollution Control Board. Shift wise and location wise analysis for getting higher concentration of SO2 and NOx, have been discussed. Wind velocity and directions, mixing heights, ventilation coefficient of the area have been analyzed. Huge dust generation creates vision problem to HEMM operators. The methodology adopted may be utilised on industrial scale for various sites.

Complete physico-chemical treatment for coke plant effluents.

Naturally found coal is converted to coke which is suitable for metallurgical industries. Large quantities of liquid effluents produced contain a large amount of suspended solids, high COD, BOD, phenols, ammonia and other toxic substances which are causing serious pollution problem in the receiving water to which they are discharged. There are a large number of coke plants in the vicinity of Jharia Coal Field (JCF). Characteristics of the effluents have been evaluated. The present effluent treatment systems were found to be inadequate. Physico-chemical treatment has been considered as a suitable option for the treatment of coke plant effluents. Ammonia removal by synthetic zeolite, activated carbon for the removal of bacteria, viruses, refractory organics, etc. were utilized and the results are discussed. A scheme has been proposed for the complete physico-chemical treatment, which can be suitably adopted for the recycling, reuse and safe disposal of the treated effluent. Various unit process and unit operations involved in the treatment system have been discussed. The process may be useful on industrial scale at various sites.

Dielectric relaxation in a single tryptophan protein.

Although dielectric relaxation can significantly affect the intrinsic fluorescence properties of a protein, usually it is fast compared to fluorescence timescales and needs to be slowed down by adding viscogens or lowering temperature before its impact on fluorescence can be studied. We report here a remarkable blue shift in fluorescence upon bimolecular quenching in the single-tryptophan thermostable protein Bj2S, the 2S seed albumin from Brassica juncea, at ambient temperature and viscosity. The magnitude of the blue shift ( approximately 5 nm at 50% quenching by acrylamide) is striking in a single-tryptophan protein and is attributed to a slowly relaxing dielectric environment in Bj2S from red edge excitation, steady-state polarization and time-resolved fluorescence experiments. Our results have important implications on interpretation of fluorescence of proteins with highly constrained backbones and in designing model systems for studying slow protein solvation dynamics using Trp fluorescence as the reporter probe.

Air pollution caused by opencast mining and its abatement measures in India.

Opencast mining dominates coal production in India. A survey was conducted to evaluate its local atmospheric impact. Emissions data were utilised to compute dust generation due to different mining activities. Work zone air quality, ambient air quality and seasonal variations are described revealing high pollution potential due to suspended particulate matter (SPM) and consequent impact on human health. Air pollution control measures involve planning and implementing a series of preventive and suppressive measures in addition to dust extraction systems. Different abatement measures are enumerated. Pollution control by trees, the tolerance of trees to different air pollutants and plant species useful for controlling pollution are also discussed. There is a need for wider application of dust control chemicals on haul roads. Sustainable management of pollution can be achieved by the proper implementation of suggested abatement measures.

Characteristics of iron ore tailing slime in India and its test for required pond size.

The physical and chemical nature of the tailing slime depends on milling operations and water content in the effluent. The characteristics of the tailings dictate the type of disposal facility required. Characteristics of the tailings, transportation from beneficiation plants and disposal system are described. Studies on tailing slime have been carried out at iron ore mines in Orissa and the results are discussed. The tailings contain toxic elements and find their way into the water environment. Sedimentation test was carried out on tailings and the area required for tailing pond was found to be 3155 m2 in comparison to 10000 m2 obtained from the use of an empirical equation. Provision of tailing pond for the disposal of tailings is a conservation of resources in addition to pollution control, and sedimentation test is essential for required pond size calculation.

Models to increase enrollment of minority females in science-based careers.

Enrollment of African-American females in academic pathways that lead to science based-careers may be limited by gender discrepancies in standardized test scores, academic preparation, selecting "college-prep" course work in the high school curriculum, and lack of mentors or role models. Barriers related to teacher characteristics are: (a) lack of self-confidence, (b) learning environment, (c) teacher behavior, (d) lack of female role models, and (e) failure to see the relevance between the classes and a female's expected role in life. Other limiting factors include differences in access to educational resources, differences in economic status, differences in interest or choice, cultural barriers, and lack of encouragement. Confidence building models that improve enrollment of minority females in science-based careers include equitable teaching instruction, inquiry-based pedagogy, and cooperative learning. Practices that correlate with achievement and success include challenging curricula, a nurturing learning environment, high expectations, community service, research experiences, and mentoring relationships.

Sources of air pollution due to coal mining and their impacts in Jharia coalfield.

Indian coal consumption is about 5.5% of the world and the share of coal as energy went up to 66%. The increasing trend of opencast coal mining lead to release of dust and gaseous pollutants. The Indian reserve of coking coal is mainly located in Jharia coalfield and having reserves upto a depth of 1219m are 19339 Mt. The coalfield is subjected to intensive mining activities and accounts for 30% of the total Indian coal production. Coal mining in Jharia coalfield and the sources of air pollution along with the production of air pollutants have been described. The dust particles act as centres of catalysis for many of the chemical reactions taking place in the atmosphere. Characteristics and effects of the pollutants have been discussed. An estimate of the dust generated and discharged into the atmosphere can be made by using emission factor or prediction type equations. It is disirable that this exercise is to be undertaken in planning stage so that adequate and appropriate mitigating measures can be incorporated into the project at least cost.

GnRH action on luteal steroidogenesis during pregnancy.

The results of our study presented here establishes that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acts directly on the corpus luteum, leading to suppressed production and release of progesterone and thus disrupting pregnancy. A GnRH-agonist (GnRH-Ag) treatment suppressed the luteal and serum progesterone levels. This suppression is neither mediated by a fall in ovarian testosterone production nor its conversion to estradiol. Although the treatment suppressed the nuclear estradiol-receptor content and binding sites for LH in the corpus luteum, it had no effect on the luteal binding sites for GnRH and prolactin within 24 h. GnRH-Ag augmented the plasma levels of luteinizing hormone, decreased the magnitude of nocturnal surges of prolactin, and had no effect on luteal cyclic adenosine 5'-monotriphosphate levels. Yet, the treatment had no effect on the luteal content of free cholesterol. We have also demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in the rat corpus luteum, and the suppression of these proteins by GnRH-Ag leads to reduced steroidogenesis by the corpus luteum. Concomitantly, P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme, its activity, and its mRNA content and 3beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase content in the corpus luteum decreased. The treatment suppressed the plasma levels of pregnenolone and 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone. These data suggest that the suppression of luteal steroidogenesis by GnRH-Ag may be due to its inhibitory effect on the cholesterol transport and/or on the enzymes involved in the steroidogenic pathway. Furthermore, based on other observations made in our laboratory, we propose a hypothesis that an endogenous GnRH is present in the corpus luteum/ovary during pregnancy in the rat and that this GnRH may play a physiological role in the regulation, maintenance, and/or termination of pregnancy.

Sustainable supplies of water for coal washeries in India.

The effluents from coal washeries cause serious pollution problems to surface waters. Models have been developed to evaluate the dispersion of pollutants in the river. For the removal of suspended solids from the coal washery effluents the aid of a synthetic flocculant was found to be very effective in terms of settling rate, retention time and cost. For sustainable water supplies to the coal washeries the methodology developed was found to be very effective and may also be applicable to other washeries.

Lysimeter Test of Coke Plant Effluent Disposal to Land in India.

From the Indian national point of view, the importance of coal carbonizing industries is great and growing. These industries produce huge quantities of highly polluted effluents and discharge them into rivers without proper treatment. A large coke plant of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. has been surveyed, and the impact of its effluent on surface water quality is discussed. Approximately 175-200 m3 of effluents are discharged from the plant every day. Land application has been considered as a low-cost means of disposal of coke oven effluents. Column lysimeters were prepared by collecting soil from a nearby agricultural field, putting it layerwise into a column, and compacting it carefully to simulate the original in situ conditions. Raw effluents, diluted effluent, and water (as a blank) were applied to the three lysimeters twice a week with a 5 cm flooding. Upon application of diluted effluent (1:1) into lysimeter No. 2, the leachate collected at 190 cm depth was within the tolerance limit of drinking water standard (IS 10,500). The impact of raw and diluted effluent on groundwater quality and soil are discussed. The renovation efficiency of living filter (lysimeter No. 2) was 99.37% for oil and grease, 86.92% for COD, and 53.22% for TDS, and it is estimated that 2.73 hectares of land can be irrigated with the effluents of the coke plant without deteriorating groundwater and soil quality.

Status of air pollution caused by coal washery projects in India.

The importance of coal washeries in India is growing as local coals have a high ash content. At present, there are 23 coal washeries with an annual rated input of 45 Million Tonnes. During the various operations in washeries, large amounts of dusts and gaseous pollutants are generated. Four coal washery projects were surveyed to study their air pollution characteristics. Air monitoring stations were set up in local industrial, residential and sensitive areas and air pollution samples were collected along with micro-meteorological data. Diurnal variations of SPM, SO2 NOx and CO are discussed. SPM concentrations were found to exceed the permissible limits at all locations. SO2 and NOx were also found to exceed the permissible limit in residential and sensitive areas. It was observed that about 50% of the dust particles were less than 10 µ in diameter. Benzene soluble matter in SPM ranged from 45-62%.

Inhibitory effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on the luteal synthesis of progesterone, estradiol receptors, and prolactin surges during early pregnancy.

Our recent studies demonstrated that the continuous administration of a GnRH agonist (GnRH-Ag; WY 40972) induces abortion in rats by suppressing plasma progesterone (P) levels within 24 h. This fall in P levels is not accompanied by a fall in ovarian venous plasma testosterone (T) or estradiol (E) levels. In this study an attempt was made 1) to determine whether the suppression of P by GnRH-Ag is due to decreased estrogen present in the corpora lutea (CL) and/or a decrease in luteal receptors of E, and 2) to investigate the effects of GnRH-Ag on the nocturnal surges of PRL. Rats were treated continuously on days 7-11 of pregnancy with 5 micrograms/day GnRH-Ag using an osmotic minipump. Ovarian blood samples were obtained on day 8; at autopsy CL were harvested and incubated with medium 199 for 4 h at 37 C under an atmosphere of 95% oxygen-5% carbon-dioxide. Additional rats were killed on day 8 or 10; CL were isolated from the ovary and pooled within the group for the measurement of nuclear and cytosolic E receptors. In other experiments, on days 8, 9, 10, and 11 of pregnancy, blood samples (0.3 ml) were collected via an indwelling intraatrial Silastic cannula at 0330, 0500, or 0600 h for the measurement of PRL and P. While the net synthesis of P by CL in the GnRH-Ag-treated rats decreased to 48 +/- 12 from 224 +/- 47 ng/CL in controls, T and E levels were not different from their respective control values. Steroid levels in ovarian venous plasma reflected a similar response. Nuclear E receptors levels were 82 and 80 in controls and 39 and 41 fmol/mg DNA in the treated group on days 8 and 10, respectively. Nocturnal surges of PRL in plasma were detected at 0330 h in controls as well as in treated rats. However, plasma PRL levels at 0330 h were 101 +/- 24, 120 +/- 22, 196 +/- 40, and 103 +/- 13 ng/ml in controls and 44 +/- 8, 50 +/- 10, 29 +/- 13, and 20 +/- 9 in the GnRH-Ag-treated group on days 8, 9, 10, and 11, respectively. These results suggest that GnRH-Ag has no effect on the ability of the luteal synthesis of T and E and that the antipregnancy effect of GnRH-Ag may be at the level of the CL due to the direct inhibitory effect of GnRH-Ag on the luteal synthesis of P, which, in turn, results in decreased nocturnal surges of PRL and a fall in E receptors in the CL. Alternatively, GnRH-Ag treatment could suppress ovarian or luteal receptors for PRL, which, in turn, lower luteal E receptors, leading to a fall in luteal synthesis and release of P.

The clinical spectrum of renal cholesterol embolization.

Renal cholesterol embolization can occur spontaneously or as a complication of aortic surgery or major vessel angiography in patients with diffuse atherosclerosis. The demonstration of characteristic cholesterol crystals in tissue biopsy specimens is a pathognomonic finding. However, renal cholesterol embolism may be clinically diagnosed when renal failure develops after known inciting factors or together with systemic manifestations of atheromatous embolization such as lower extremity livedo reticularis, focal digital ischemia or retinal embolism. Previous investigators have emphasized the progressive nature of renal insufficiency due to cholesterol embolism, its poor prognostic significance and almost uniformly fatal outcome. In this report, we describe five additional patients with renal cholesterol embolization. In three of them only moderate renal insufficiency developed, and kidney function subsequently improved in all. In two patients the condition progressed to end-stage renal disease; one died with chronic renal failure whereas the other patient required four months of hemodialysis before kidney function eventually improved. Thus, cholesterol embolization may produce a spectrum of renal functional impairment. In some patients there is only a moderate loss of renal function with subsequent improvement; in others renal failure ensues. In this latter group, eventual return of kidney function can occur even after a prolonged period of renal insufficiency.