ABSTRACT
In view of the importance of zero-dose background (null signal) in influencing the coefficient of variation in low-dose region, a technique for the estimation of the same from composite (gross) signal is developed for CaSO4:Dy-based personnel monitoring system being used in India. The technique is based on simple analysis of glow curves (GCs) of unexposed and exposed dosemeters, evolution of trend/model for the zero-dose curves, generation of simulation protocol for individual zero-dose curves, establishment of characteristics of GCs of exposed dosemeters and finally preparation of an algorithm to segregate the components from composite signal. The technique offers the separation of real-time background and gives superior results over other method of approximation of the background. The results also prove efficiency of the empirical trending and simulation protocol of background GCs. The proposed technique can be implemented in routine monitoring without any extra man hours and reader time.
Subject(s)
Calcium Sulfate/chemistry , Polytetrafluoroethylene/chemistry , Radiation Monitoring/instrumentation , Radiation Protection/instrumentation , Thermoluminescent Dosimetry/instrumentation , Algorithms , Gamma Rays , Humans , Luminescent Measurements , Male , Radiation Dosage , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Radiation Protection/methods , Thermoluminescent Dosimetry/methodsABSTRACT
De novo genetic variation is an important class of risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recently, whole-exome sequencing of ASD families has identified a novel de novo missense mutation in the human dopamine (DA) transporter (hDAT) gene, which results in a Thr to Met substitution at site 356 (hDAT T356M). The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a presynaptic membrane protein that regulates dopaminergic tone in the central nervous system by mediating the high-affinity reuptake of synaptically released DA, making it a crucial regulator of DA homeostasis. Here, we report the first functional, structural and behavioral characterization of an ASD-associated de novo mutation in the hDAT. We demonstrate that the hDAT T356M displays anomalous function, characterized as a persistent reverse transport of DA (substrate efflux). Importantly, in the bacterial homolog leucine transporter, substitution of A289 (the homologous site to T356) with a Met promotes an outward-facing conformation upon substrate binding. In the substrate-bound state, an outward-facing transporter conformation is required for substrate efflux. In Drosophila melanogaster, the expression of hDAT T356M in DA neurons-lacking Drosophila DAT leads to hyperlocomotion, a trait associated with DA dysfunction and ASD. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that alterations in DA homeostasis, mediated by aberrant DAT function, may confer risk for ASD and related neuropsychiatric conditions.
Subject(s)
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/genetics , Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Dopamine/physiology , Animals , Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/physiopathology , Child, Preschool , Dopaminergic Neurons/physiology , Drosophila melanogaster/genetics , Homeostasis/genetics , Humans , Male , Motor Activity/genetics , Mutation, Missense/genetics , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
The effect of alcoholic extracts of the aerial parts of fagonia cretica on estrous cycle and implantation in female albino rats was studied, It induced random omission of heat phase in eh estrous cycle and exhibited 100% anti implantation activity without exhibiting any toxic manifestation, However it was found to have some strong androgenic antiprogestational activity, and immunostimulating property.
ABSTRACT
Natural history of myocardial dysfunction due to chronic contractile deficit consists of physiological and pathophysiological adaptations culminating in congestive heart failure. Among the mechanisms considered is the combination of compensatory as well as the harmful overcompensatory role of the adrenergic system during the genesis of a congestive heart failure "spiral" due to the chronic treatment with adriamycin. Refractoriness of this spiral to various inotropic agents may involve reduced sympathetic support of the myocardium, structural loss of contractile elements and abnormalities of the Ca2+ metabolism.
Subject(s)
Doxorubicin/adverse effects , Heart Failure/chemically induced , Adaptation, Physiological , Adrenergic Fibers/drug effects , Adrenergic Fibers/physiology , Animals , Heart Failure/physiopathology , HumansABSTRACT
The pattern of drag use was studied in 213 heroin addicts, constituting 80.7% of the patient population attending ABHAY-II Deaddication Cum Rehabilitation Centre. All heroin addicts were male and 98.6% of all had consumed or have been consuming other drugs concurrently. Tobacco, cannabis and alcohol were the drugs commonly used by the addicts. The mean age for begining tobacco consumption was lowest and highest for medicinal drugs like sedatives, hypnotics and tranquillizers. The sequential pattern of drug use was tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, heroin, opium natural and medicines like sedatives, analgesics, hypnotics and tranquillizers. Most of the patients had been regular cannabis and alcohol users. Occassional use of opium or medicines was a result of substitution for heroin in an attempt to control the withdrawal symptoms.
ABSTRACT
The structures of two isomeric C (28)-sterols isolated from PHYSALIS MINIMA Linn. var. INDICA were elucidated as ergosta-5,25-dien-3beta,24zeta,-diol and ergosta-5,24(28)-dien-3beta,25-diol on the basis of detailed spectral analysis. The isolated sterols are regarded as precursors in the elaboration of complex C (28)-steroidal lactones, native in this plant and related species.
