Surface functionalized inorganic phosphor by grafting organic antenna for long term preservation of latent fingerprints and data-security applications.

Creative advancements are enormously sought for the advanced forensic and data security in modern era. Herein, fabrication of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) functionalized Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %) nanopowders dispersed in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix for long term preservation and visualization of latent fingerprints, as well as printing. Efficient intramolecular energy transfers from coordinated ligand to the doped Eu3+ ions, called the antenna effect was precisely organized by grafting organic molecule, resultant to an enhanced photoluminescence emission. On this basis, the masking of PVA/Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %)@BSA solution on a latent fingerprints results a flexible transparent film; a highly stable fingerprint images with well-defined ridge characteristics was developed on the film, which enabling personal individualization. Interestingly, the followed latent fingerprints development technique was non-destructive and stored long duration up to 1 year on filtrating and non-filtrating surfaces. The same mechanism was also validated by utilized for application of PVA/Gd2O3:Eu3+ (5 mol %)@BSA nanocomposites in dip pen and intaglio printing. Hence, the prepared nanocomposites signify an competent method towards long preservative fingerprints as well as great performance for data security operations. This work endorses a prospective paradigm for luminescence enhancement and its applications in advanced forensic science.

A STUDY ON THE RADIATION DOSE DUE TO DISSOLVED 222RN IN WATER SAMPLES OF MANDYA CITY, KARNATAKA, INDIA.

Measurement of dissolved radon concentrations in the water samples collected from selected borewells (depth ~300 ft), wells (depth ~25 ft) and overhead tanks (height ~30 ft) of Mandya city, Karnataka, India, has been carried out by using Emanometry method. The radon concentrations in the waters of borewell, well and overhead tank ranges from 1.5 ± 0.1 to 102.8 ± 5.1, 1.3 ± 0.1 to 3.8 ± 0.4 and 2.5 ± 0.2 to 9.7 ± 1.1 Bq l-1 with the mean values of 16.8, 2.5 and 6.2 Bq l-1, respectively. Majority of borewell water samples showed higher concentrations of dissolved 222Rn compared to waters of well and overhead tank. The overall mean value of dissolved radon concentration of 12.2 Bq l-1 is found to be close to the maximum contaminant level of 11 Bq l-1 suggested by US Environment Protection Agency. The physicochemical parameters like pH, TDS and conductivity were also measured, and dependence of dissolved 222Rn on these parameters has been studied. Using the mean value of dissolved radon concentration, a new attempt has been made to compute the doses imparted to different organs and tissues of the human body. Dosimetric calculations showed that stomach and small intestine receive greater doses due to dissolved radon compared to other organs.

Safety evaluation of Monascus purpureus red mould rice in albino rats.

Monascus purpureus MTCC 410-fermented rice (red mould rice) is one of the food supplements to lower blood-lipid levels and monacolins have been proven to be the main active constituents in red mould rice (RMR). In this study, we have assessed the safety of RMR by conducting toxicological studies in albino rats. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies were conducted on both sexes of albino rats. Feeding acute doses of RMR at 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg body weight to rats did not cause any symptoms of toxicity or mortality. Similarly, dietary feeding of RMR at 2.0%, 4.0%, 8.0% and 12.0% level (w/w) for 14 weeks did not produce any significant changes in food intake or gain in body weight of the experimental rats compared to control rats. There were no significant differences in the relative weight of vital organs, hematological parameters, macroscopic and microscopic changes in vital organs and serum clinical enzyme levels between the experimental and control groups. Moreover, the rats fed with RMR showed a significant reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in both serum and liver. The results showed that toxicity studies with RMR of M. purpureus did not cause any toxic effects in albino rats.

Toxicity studies of detoxified Jatropha meal (Jatropha curcas) in rats.

Jatropha curcas, a tropical plant introduced in many Asian and African countries is presently used as a source of biodiesel. The cake after oil extraction is rich in protein and is a potential source of livestock feed. In view of the high toxic nature of whole as well as dehulled seed meal due to the presence of toxic phorbol esters and lectin, the meal was subjected to alkali and heat treatments to deactivate the phorbol ester as well as lectin content. After treatment, the phorbol ester content was reduced up to 89% in whole and dehulled seed meal. Toxicity studies were conducted on male growing rats by feeding treated as well as untreated meal through dietary source. All rats irrespective of treatment had reduced appetite and diet intake was low accompanied by diarrhoea. The rats also exhibited reduced motor activity. The rats fed with treated meals exhibited delayed mortality compared to untreated meal fed rats (p0.02). There were significant changes both in terms of food intake and gain in body weight. Gross examination of vital organs indicated atrophy compared to control casein fed rats. However, histopathological examination of various vital organs did not reveal any treatment related microscopic changes suggesting that the mortality of rats occurred due to lack of food intake, diarrhoea and emaciation. Further studies are in progress for complete detoxification of J. curcas meal for use in livestock feed.

Protective effect of potato peel extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats.

Our earlier studies have shown that extracts derived from potato peel (PPE) are rich in polyphenols and possess strong antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo. The objective of the present study was to investigate its potential to offer protection against acute liver injury in rats. Rats pretreated with PPE (oral, 100mg/kgb.w./day for 7 days) were administered a single oral dose carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4), 3ml/kg b.w., 1:1 in groundnut oil) and sacrificed 8h of post-treatment. Hepatic damage was assessed by employing biochemical parameters (transaminase enzyme levels in plasma and liver [AST-aspartate transaminase; ALT-alanine transaminase, LDH-lactate dehydrogenase]). Further, markers of hepatic oxidative damage were measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), enzymic antioxidants (CAT, SOT, GST, GPX) and GSH (reduced glutathione) levels. In addition, the CCl(4)-induced pathological changes in liver were evaluated by histopathological studies. Our results demonstrated that pretreatment of rats with PPE significantly prevented the increased activities of AST and ALT in serum, prevented the elevation of hepatic MDA formation as well as protected the liver from GSH depletion. PPE pretreatment also restored CCl(4)-induced altered antioxidant enzyme activities to control levels. The protective effect of PPE was further evident through the decreased histological alterations in liver. Our findings provide evidences to demonstrate that PPE pretreatment significantly offsets CCl(4)-induced liver injury in rats, which may be attributable to its strong antioxidant propensity.

Safety evaluation of pigment containing Aspergillus carbonarius biomass in albino rats.

Aspergillus carbonarius, an ascomycetes fungus, is known to produce pectinase in solid-state fermentation. A mutant strain of A. carbonarius UV-10046 selected for temperature tolerance over produced polygalacturonase and during growth accumulated an yellow pigment in its biomass. Since the colored fungus suggested its application for food use, the freeze-dried biomass was evaluated to assess its safety in experimental animals. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies were conducted on both sexes of albino rats. Feeding acute doses of A. carbonarius freeze-dried biomass at 0.5-5.0g/kg body weight to adult rats did not show any symptoms of toxicity or mortality of the rats. Similarly, dietary feeding of A. carbonarius at 0.25-2.0% level (w/w) for 14 weeks did not produce any significant changes in food intake or gain in body weight of the experimental rats compared to control rats. There were no significant differences in the relative weight of vital organs, hematological parameters, macroscopic and microscopic changes in vital organs and serum enzyme levels between the experimental and control groups. The results clearly showed that acute and sub-acute oral feeding of freeze-dried whole cells of A. carbonarius mutant for 14 weeks did not produce any toxic effects in male and female rats.

Long-term feeding effects of heated and fried oils on hepatic antioxidant enzymes, absorption and excretion of fat in rats.

Long-term feeding effect of heated and fried peanut (PNO), rice bran (RBO) and palm oil (PO) in the diet on the hepatic antioxidant enzyme status and absorption and excretion of fats were studied in laboratory rats. The rats were fed oils heated to 180 degrees C continuously for a period of 72 h or laboratory fried at 20% level in the diet for 18 weeks. The results of the study indicated a significant increase in the catalase activity in HO groups and decrease in the FRO groups. The GPx activity while significantly low in HO groups was high in FRO groups, whereas, significant decrease in GST activity was observed in both PNO-HO/FRO groups. Increased activity was noted in RBO-FRO and PO-HO/FRO groups. The SOD activity showed a mixed response in different heated/fried oils and a marginal increase in the levels of fecal fat excretion was observed in some of the heated/fried oil groups. The results indicated no appreciable damage with respect to these antioxidant enzymes. Also, feeding heated fats as high as 20% in the diet for long duration does not result either in reduced food intake or excess fecal fat excretion.

Effect of oxidative stress on serum and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney of rats and their modulation through dietary factors.

Modulatory effect of a formulated diet based on cereals, pulses and spices incorporated with crude palm oil (CPO), soybean oil (SBO) or cod liver oil (CLO) at 10% dietary level on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes was studied in liver and kidney tissues. Activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) increased significantly in serum in various experimental groups. Significant increase in hepatic antioxidant enzymes, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was also seen in the experimental groups. SOD activity showed a mixed response. Further, kidney antioxidant enzymes did not show much change compared to those in liver. The results indicated dietary lipid as the key players in determining cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress, which could be modulated by cereals, pulses and spices in the diet.

Acute and subchronic toxicity assessment of debitterized fenugreek powder in the mouse and rat.

Increased human use of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) entails the generation of toxicity data in experimental animals. In this investigation, toxic effects of debitterized fenugreek (DFG) powder have been assessed following acute and subchronic regimens in mice and rats. In the acute study, DFG powder intragastrically administered to albino mice (CFT-Swiss, Mus musculus) and albino rats (CFT-Wistar, Rattus norvegicus) of both sexes failed to induce any signs of toxicity or mortality up to a maximum practical dosage of 2 and 5 g/kg body weight, respectively. Further, no significant alterations either in relative organ weights or their histology were discernible at terminal autopsy. In the 90-day subchronic study, DFG fed to weanling rats of both sexes at dietary doses of 0, 1, 5 and 10% in a pure diet had no effect either on the daily food intake or growth. Terminal autopsy revealed no alterations in relative organ weights of various vital organs, or their histoarchitecture. Haematological constants in DFG-fed rats were on par with those of controls. Further, biochemical measurements in serum and liver of DFG-fed rats revealed no appreciable changes in various parameters such as enzyme levels of GPT , GOT and ALP, as well as many serum constituents such as proteins, cholesterol, urea and creatinine at any of the dietary levels. From these results, it may be concluded that DFG does not produce any significant acute and cumulative toxicity at the doses administered, as reflected by the various parameters investigated.

Long term feeding effects of heated and fried oils on lipids and lipoproteins in rats.

Long term feeding effects (20 weeks) of heated and fried oils at 5 and 20% level in the diet on growth, plasma and tissue lipids were studied in rats. Three vegetable oils of widespread usage viz., peanut oil, sesame oil and coconut oil with varying saturation and unsaturation were chosen for the study. No significant difference in growth rate, feed efficiency ratio, and liver weights were observed. Higher plasma cholesterol levels were observed in heated oil fed group of rats compared to corresponding fried oil groups. Low levels of HDL-c and increased LDL-c and VLDL-c were noted in heated/fried oil groups. Significantly low levels (p < 0.001) of triglyceride were observed in heated/fried sesame oil group of rats. No significant change in phospholipid was observed in any of the groups. Significantly low levels of liver cholesterol and high triglyceride levels (at 20%) were observed in coconut oil group. The fatty acid composition of plasma and liver reflected the type of diet consumed. Although linoleic acid levels were quite low in some of the heated/fried oil groups the arachidonic acid levels were quite high indicating repair mechanism. The results of the study however do not present any deleterious effect on growth, plasma and tissue lipid profile of rats as the conditions employed for heating/frying were not too drastic and the oils were not heat abused.

Absence of in vivo mutagenic potency of heated and fried oils in mice.

The mutagenic potency of heated and fried oils (under laboratory conditions), viz. peanut, sesame and coconut oils were studied employing two well validated in vivo mammalian assays, viz. bone marrow micronucleus assay and the sperm morphology assay in albino mice. In the bone marrow micronucleus assay oral doses of fresh, heated and fried oils (7.5 ml and 30.0 ml/kg body weight) did not induce any increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Intragastric administration of oils at the highest dose (30.0 ml/kg body weight/day) for 5 consecutive days in male mice did not produce any morphological effect either on the testicular or epididymal weights and histology. No significant alterations were observed in the caudal sperm counts at any of the sampling intervals and also there was no treatment related increase in the incidence of sperm head abnormalities. It is concluded that controlled thermal treatment as well frying of these oils did not produce appreciable amount of mutagens which could be detected under in vivo situations.

Assessment of protein quality of infant milk food formula supplemented with lactulose.

To examine the protein quality of infant food formula supplemented with lactulose (bifidogenic factor), groups of 21 day male weanling rats were fed diet containing lactulose at 0.5% for 4 weeks. The gain in body weight of rats fed lactulose supplemented diet were similar to that of rats fed lactulose free and skim milk powder fed diet as controls. No difference in overall acceptability pattern was also observed in studies conducted with human subjects for organoleptic evaluation. The results suggest that supplementation of lactulose in infant food formula does not affect either the protein quality as indicated by protein efficiency ratio in rats as compared to control formulae or overall acceptability by human subjects.

Long-term feeding effect of thermally oxidised oils on antioxidant enzymes in rats.

Long term feeding effect of thermally oxidised oils on activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) at 5 and 20% level for 20 weeks was studied in laboratory rats. Activity of catalase increased in heated and fried oil fed group of rats, whereas activities of GPX, GST and SOD decreased in both heated and fried oil groups. Increase or decrease in activities of these enzymes may be related to several factors like heating and frying conditions, nature of fat, extent of peroxidation, presence of antioxidants, duration of feeding, beside other factors.

Incidence of spontaneous post-implantation deaths in CFT-Swiss mice: its suitability to assess dominant lethal mutations.

The primary objective of the study was to determine the incidence of spontaneous post-implantation deaths (DI) in our randomly-bred closed colony of CFT-Swiss mice. These data are required mainly to ascertain the suitability of the strain for their use in dominant lethal (DL) mutation assays, a well validated in vivo mammalian germ cell assay. To achieve the first goal, randomly drawn healthy adult males were sequentially mated to adult virgin females (1:2 ratio) for a period of 8 weeks. Male-based analysis of the 3 major variables viz., implantations, live embryos, and dead implants (DI) were carried out. Absence of outliers and low variation in spontaneous DI, as well as the other variables associated with DL assay were observed in all matings. Secondly, the degree of induction of DI were studied following administration (i.p.) of an acute dose of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). EMS induced nearly a 5-fold increase in the DI during the first 2 weeks and a 3-fold during the third week suggesting its DL-type effect only in specific post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis as reported earlier.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of Wilms' tumor. A study of 17 cases.

The cytologic features of 17 cases of Wilms' tumor are described. All three elements identifiable histologically are usually present in the fine needle aspiration smears. In our cases the blastemal component predominated, with varying degrees of epithelial and stromal differentiation, which was identifiable in the form of skeletal and smooth muscle. Early epithelial differentiation was identified as rosette-like and gland-like structures, groups of cells with peripheral palisading and spherical, tightly bound clusters of cells. More-differentiated epithelial cells were seen individually, in small, loose clusters, in sheets with a honeycomb appearance and as elongated tubules. Coarse, magenta, granular material was seen in the background of the smears in the majority of our cases. Fine needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance to accurately localize the tumor and a posterior approach to avoid peritoneal spillage are recommended. In difficult cases, a cell block of the aspirated material is a useful adjunct.

Effect of vitamin A on hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) toxicity in the rat.

1. Technical hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) depleted hepatic stores of vitamin A in male albino rats to cause secondary vitamin A deficiency. 2. Toxicity of HCH in rats is augmented by dietary vitamin A-deficiency as evidenced by growth retardation, organ hypertrophies and alterations in the serum and liver levels of the marker enzymes of toxicity. 3. Supplementation of dietary vitamin A to the rats either in adequate (2000 IU/kg diet) or in an excess but not hypervitaminotic level (10(5) IU/kg diet) resulted in significant protection against the toxicity of HCH. 4. The activities of the hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes were generally low (with the exception of glutathione S-transferase) in the vitamin A-deficient rats compared to those of the vitamin A supplemented diet groups. 5. The results indicated that dietary vitamin A influences the response of male albino rats to HCH toxicity possibly by modulating the activities of hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes.

Assessment of in vivo mutagenic potency of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in albino mice.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) disodium salt, a widely used metal chelator, was studied for its potency to induce bone marrow micronuclei, dominant lethal mutations and sperm-head abnormalities in albino mice. The acute oral LD50 dose computed by probit regression was 30 mg/kg body weight in the strain used. Preliminary studies showed that oral administration of EDTA disodium salt at doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight/day on 5 consecutive days did not induce any obvious signs of toxicity. In the bone marrow micronucleus assay acute doses of EDTA disodium salt (5-20 mg/kg body weight) induced a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes at a 24-hr sampling. However, administration at doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days did not produce any observable effect on either the testicular or epididymal weights and histology. No appreciable alterations were observed in the caudal sperm counts at any of the sampling intervals and there was no treatment-related increase in the incidence of sperm-head abnormalities. Furthermore, treatment of male mice with EDTA disodium salt (10 mg/kg body weight/day for 5 consecutive days) induced no increase in the incidence of post-implantation embryonic deaths, except for a marginal but statistically insignificant increase during wk 2 and 3 of mating.

Non-mutagenicity of capsaicin in albino mice.

Capsaicin, the active principle of red pepper, administered intraperitoneally to adult male mice at doses of 0.4, 0.8 or 1.6 mg/kg body weight/day (1/20, 1/10 or 1/5 of the LD50) on five consecutive days, did not induce any clinical signs of toxicity. No significant alterations were observed in epididymal weights, caudal sperm counts, testicular weights or testicular histology. In the sperm morphology assay, sperms at 1, 3, 5 and 7 wk did not reveal any treatment-related increase in the incidence of sperm-head abnormalities. Capsaicin also failed to induce dominant-lethal mutations during an 8-wk sequential mating schedule of males treated at the highest dose.