Ascorbic acid formulation for survivability and diazotrophic efficacy of Azotobacter chroococcum Avi2 (MCC 3432) under hydrogen peroxide stress and its role in plant-growth promotion in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Oxidative stress generates reactive oxygen species which causes cell damage of living organisms and are normally detoxified by antioxidants. Indirect reports signify the damages caused by reactive oxygen species and neutralized by antioxidant, but the direct evidence to confirm this hypothesis is still unclear. To validate our hypothesis, an attempt was made in a diazotrophic bacterium (Azotobacter chroococcum Avi2) as a biological system, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ascorbic acid were used as oxidative stress and antioxidant supplement, respectively. Additionally, rice plant-growth attributes by Avi2 was also assessed under H2O2 and ascorbic acid. Results indicated that higher concentration of H2O2 (2.5 mM-4.5 mM) showed the complete mortality of Avi2, whereas one ppm ascorbic acid neutralized the effect of H2O2. Turbidity, colony forming unit, DNA quantity, nifH gene abundance, indole acetic acid and ammonia productions were significantly (p < 0.5) increased by 11.93%, 17.29%, 19.80%, 74.77%, 71.89%, and 42.53%, respectively in Avi2-treated with 1.5 mM H2O2 plus ascorbic acid compared to 1.5 mM H2O2 alone. Superoxide dismutase was significantly (p < 0.5) increased by 60.85%, whereas catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by 64.28% and 68.88% in Avi2-treated with 1.5 mM H2O2 plus ascorbic acid compared to 1.5 mM H2O2 alone. Germination percentage of three rice cultivars (FR13a, Naveen and Sahbhagi dhan) were significantly (p < 0.5) increased by 20%, 13.33%, and 4%, respectively in Avi2-treated with 0.6 mM H2O2 plus ascorbic acid compared with uninoculated control. Overall, this study indicated that ascorbic acid formulation neutralizes the H2O2-oxidative stress and enhances the survivability and plant growth-promoting efficacy of A. chroococcum Avi2 and therefore, it may be used as an effective formulation of bio-inoculants in rice under oxidative stress.

Clinicopathologic Features of Membranous-Like Glomerulopathy With Masked IgG Kappa Deposits.

INTRODUCTION: Ig deposits identified on renal biopsy samples by paraffin immunofluorescence that show negative staining by routine immunofluorescence on frozen tissue have become known as "masked" deposits. Membranous-like glomerulopathy with masked IgG kappa (κ) deposits is a recently recognized pattern of immune complex deposition characterized by masked deposits that show IgG κ restriction and are subepithelial and mesangial by electron microscopy. Based on the frequent presence of C3-only staining by routine immunofluorescence microscopy (IF), these cases could be misdiagnosed as C3 glomerulonephritis in the absence of paraffin immunofluorescence evaluation. METHODS: The clinicopathologic details of all cases of membranous-like glomerulopathy with masked IgG κ deposits diagnosed in our laboratory were included, beginning with the initial recognition of this entity in 2011 through the end of 2015. Inclusion was based on renal biopsy sample morphologic features including glomerular deposits that stain for IgG κ and have a staining intensity that is significantly brighter by paraffin IF than by routine IF on frozen tissue. RESULTS: This pattern of immune complex deposition has been seen in 41 patients in our laboratory over a 5-year period. The patients with these biopsy findings are most commonly young female individuals with a mean age of 27.5 years, with 88% being less than 40 years. All patients had proteinuria with a mean 24-hour urine protein of 3.5 g (range 0.5-12.8 years) and 35% with nephrotic-range proteinuria. Hematuria was present in 88% of patients, and 29% had elevated serum creatinine at presentation. Autoimmune serologic tests were positive in 55% of patients, with a weakly positive antinuclear antibody being most common. Despite this, only 1 patient (2%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus. The outcome data were mixed, as some patients showed spontaneous remission and mild disease whereas others progressed to end-stage renal disease. There was no apparent correlation between the treatment used and outcome in this retrospective analysis. One patient underwent transplantation and developed biopsy-proven recurrence of disease in the graft 42 months posttransplantation. The etiology of this entity remains unknown. DISCUSSION: We provide an expanded case series detailing the clinicopathologic findings of patients with membranous-like glomerulopathy with masked IgG κ deposits. Patients are most commonly young female individuals <40 years of age and commonly have positive autoimmune serologic studies such as antinuclear antibody, although few carry a diagnosis of any well-defined autoimmune disease such as lupus. The outcome data were mixed, as some patients showed spontaneous remission and mild disease whereas others progressed to ESRD. There was no apparent correlation between the treatment used and outcome in this retrospective analysis.

Aspergillus colonisation of pulmonary rheumatoid nodules: a rare cause of 'bull's eye' appearance.

Pulmonary rheumatoid nodules [PRNs] are a well described manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. Fungal colonisation of these nodules is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of Aspergillus colonisation of multiple cavitary rheumatoid nodules in a young female patient with long-standing seropositive RA with 'bull's eye' appearance on computed tomography [CT]. The 'bull's eye' appearance inside PRNs should raise the suspicion of possible fungal colonisation. In patients with RA, a high index of suspicion for the fungal colonisation should be considered by the clinicians treating pulmonary cavitary nodules.

Study of chemical composition and morphology of airborne particles in Chandigarh, India using EDXRF and SEM techniques.

The elemental composition and morphology of aerosols, collected from March 95 to February 96 and March 96 to August 96 respectively in the city of Chandigarh, India is determined using Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The elemental concentration levels are found to be higher by a factor of 2-7 in the spring season as compared to the rainy season. The concentration of spherical and non-spherical (i.e. elongated) aerosols is more in the spring season and is reduced drastically in the rainy season due to the prominent wash out effect of rains. More accurate particle classification and source identification is obtained when based on combination of chemical composition and particle morphology. Possible sources identified from this analysis are soil dust, Industrial activity, Agricultural and Garbage burning, Maritime aerosols and Automobile exhaust.

Airborne dust particle counting techniques.

The paper briefly describes an electro-optical system for counting of dust particles, which is based on the scattering phenomena. Utilizing the scattering of light by various size particles present in the environment, various particle counting techniques have been developed in order to measure the scattered intensity of light. Light scatters in all directions but much more in the so-called near forward direction 17( composite function) off axis, at 163( composite function) from the light source in the visible range. On the basis of two techniques, the right angle and forward angle scattering, opto-mechanical systems have been developed which measure scattered intensity and particulate matter. The forward scattering Nephelometer is more sensitive and therefore is more suitable for pollution monitoring than the right angle scattering Nephelometer. Whereas the right angle scattering Nephelometer has the utility in extremely low concentration in ppb level owing to the excellent light trap efficiency in comparison to forward scattering Nephelometer. In this paper measurement techniques and measurement results associated with design and development of a real time particle analyser are also discussed.

Psychiatric co-morbidity among alcohol dependants.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are common in alcoholics and such patients have a poorer prognosis. AIM: To determine the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity among alcohol-dependent subjects and to compare the prevalence of specific psychiatric disorders between them and a control group. METHODS: The study assessed the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity in 100 alcohol-dependent subjects and 100 controls. A semi-structured proforma was used to record the sociodemographic variables and the history of alcohol abuse. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of psychiatric co-morbidity in alcohol-dependent subjects and controls was found to be 92% and 12%, respectively. The most common disorders were depression, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and phobia. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity between alcohol-dependent subjects and controls. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the need for an active consultation service for better insight into the prevention, treatment and outcome of alcohol dependence.

Citalopram for social phobia: a clinical case series.

Social anxiety disorder is a common illness with significant associated disability. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have become first-line treatment given their improved tolerability; however, there are few reports on the use of citalopram. Nine consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of DSM-IV generalized social phobia were prospectively treated with citalopram. Citalopram was generally well-tolerated, and seven patients achieved responder status. This series of patients improved significantly on all measures. Results suggest that citalopram may be a safe and effective treatment for social anxiety disorder.