Efficient ELISA for diagnosis of active tuberculosis employing a cocktail of secretory proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Rapid and accurate diagnosis is important for preventing transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Currently available tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic methods lack desired sensitivity and specificity, and require sophisticated equipment and skilled workforce including weeks' long duration to yield results. In this study, extracellular proteins or secretory protein antigens of M. tuberculosis H37Rv have been isolated using ion exchange chromatography, immunocharacterized and exploited for the development of efficient enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of active TB with enhanced specificity and sensitivity. Apparent molecular masses for purified proteins were found to be 6, 27, 30, 38 and 64 kDa. Out of five purified proteins, one (64 kDa) was found to be novel. Of the five proteins, four (6, 27, 30 and 38 kDa) were found significant to be used in the development of ELISA for pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB. The immune responses of serum samples of TB patients and other healthy subjects against the above-mentioned antigens' cocktail were evaluated. Critical parameters of newly developed ELISA were optimized and it was observed that the cocktail antigens have a greater specificity (98.06 %) and sensitivity (98.67 %) as compared to other commercially available diagnostic tests. The present findings suggest that the developed ELISA is an effective tool for routine screening and early-stage diagnosis of TB.

Effect of frequency, body parts and surrounding on the on-body propagation channel around the torso

Wearable medical devices can be positioned around the torso for monitoring of critical health parameters. The signal transmission between them is through a wireless link over an on-body propagation channel. In this paper, the effect of some factors which could influence the propagation channel around the torso as: (a) frequency of operation (b) positions of the arms (c) material of a chair used, have been investigated. Moreover, a comparison between the link loss around the torso of a full body phantom and a truncated torso phantom has been done. It is found that the frequency of operation and the positions of the arms have a significant influence on the channel. The difference between the link loss of a full body phantom and a truncated phantom is found to be minimal, indicating a possibility of using a truncated torso for a faster simulation. The results presented in the paper gives an insight in to the influence of arms and the frequency of operation on the propagation channel around the torso and thus would be beneficial for designing a reliable wireless link.

An approach to analyze the movements of the arms while walking using wearable wireless devices

Rhythmic movement of the arms while walking is an important feature of human gait. In this paper, we present an approach to analyze the movements of the arms while walking by using three wearable wireless devices placed around the torso. One of the devices is transmitter placed at the back and the other two are symmetrically placed receivers that record the power variation due to movements of the arms while walking. We show that the power received by the receivers will have symmetrical variation if the arms' swing is symmetrical. An analytical model has been used to calculate the position of the receivers. Full wave simulations on a walking phantom are done to confirm the results.

Therapeutic uses ofCurcuma longa (turmeric)

Curcuma longa commonly known as tumeric is traditionally used as a spice in Indian food. A wide range of biological activities e.g. anticancer, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and free radical scavenging activity of the plant suggests a logical basis for its traditional use in foodstuff. Various phytothreapeutic uses ofCurcuma longa have been reviewed.

Vehicular Quality Biomethane Production from Biogas by Using an Automated Water Scrubbing System

This paper presents the results of an automated water scrubbing system used for enrichment of methane content in the biogas, to produce vehicular grade biomethane fuel. Incorporation of automatic control systems for precisely regulating the water level and maintaining constant operating pressure in the packed bed absorption column of water scrubbing system resulted in steady-state operation of the scrubbing system and a consistent supply of methane-enriched biogas from the gas outlet. The improved automated water scrubbing system was found to enrich 97% methane at an operating column pressure of 1.0 MPa with 2.5 m3/h biogas in-flow rate and 2.0 m3/h water in-flow rate into the scrubbing column unit.

In-mouth antenna for tongue controlled wireless devices: characteristics and link-loss

We have investigated the possibility of using a curved dipole antenna inside the mouth for the tongue controlled wireless devices in 2.45 GHz ISM band. These devices can be interfaced with the wheelchair or the computer used by the paraplegic patients. Two antenna placement positions have been investigated: in front of the teeth and behind the teeth. The investigations were done through the FDTD simulations on a realistic heterogeneous phantom with the mouth closed and open. The link loss between the in-mouth dipole antenna and an external dipole antenna at 400 mm from the center of the head was calculated. It was found that the radiation pattern changed according to the placement of the antennas inside the mouth and whether the mouth was open or closed. The link loss for the in front of the teeth placement was found to be 9 dB-11 dB lower than the behind the teeth placement depending on the open or the closed mouth. The variation in the link loss was 1 dB-4 dB for the open mouth when compared with the closed mouth depending on the antenna placement position. By using these results, a reliable wireless link for the in-mouth device can be designed.

Differential expression of interleukin-32 in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

  Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by local inflammation of the upper airways and sinuses and is frequently divided into polypoid CRS (CRSwNP) and nonpolypoid CRS (CRSsNP). However, the mechanism of inflammation in CRS has still not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of interleukin-32 (IL-32), a recently discovered proinflammatory cytokine, in CRS.

METHODS

  We collected nasal epithelial cells and nasal tissue from patients with CRS and control subjects. We assayed mRNA for IL-32 by real-time PCR and measured IL-32 protein using ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

  The expression of mRNA for IL-32 was elevated in epithelial cells from uncinate tissue from patients with CRSsNP compared with patients with CRSwNP (P < 0.05), control subjects (P=0.06), and epithelial cells from nasal polyp (NP) tissue (P < 0.05). Production of IL-32 was induced by IFN-γ, TNF, and dsRNA in primary airway epithelial cells. In whole-tissue extracts, the expression of IL-32 protein was significantly elevated in patients with CRSwNP compared with patients with CRSsNP and control subjects. Immunohistochemistry data showed that IL-32 was detected in mucosal epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. Levels of IL-32 were correlated with the levels of CD3 and macrophage mannose receptor in NP tissue. Immunofluorescence data showed IL-32 co-localization with CD3-positive T cells and CD68-positive macrophages in NPs.

CONCLUSION

  Overproduction of IL-32 may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRS, although the role of IL-32 in the inflammation in CRSsNP and CRSwNP may be different.

Lymph node yield following injection of patent blue V dye into colorectal cancer specimens

AIM

The study aimed to assess whether the ex vivo injection of patent blue V dye would increase lymph node yield in operative specimens of colorectal cancer.

METHOD

A randomized controlled trial was carried out in which patients undergoing resection for colonic cancer were allocated to patent V blue or no patent blue V dye submucosal injection of the operative specimen. The number of lymph nodes found in each group was compared.

RESULTS

Between 1 January and 31 December 2008, 68 patients were randomized. Thirty-three patients received patent blue V dye and 34 did not. In the former group the median number of blue nodes identified was 11, compared with a median of 9 in the no dye group. After the application of Carnoy's solution lymph node count was 16 in each group. There was no significant difference between all these results.

CONCLUSION

Ex vivo injection of patent blue V dye submucosally in a peritumour location did not increase the lymph node count or the percentage of specimens having more than 12 lymph nodes identified.

Molecular docking studies with rabies virus glycoprotein to design viral therapeutics

The genome of rabies virus encodes five proteins; the nucleoprotein, the phosphoprotein, the matrix protein, the glycoprotein, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Among these, the glycoprotein is the most important as it is the major contributor to pathogenicity and virus neutralizing antibody response. Keeping in mind that glycoprotein is the only protein exposed on the surface of virus and is thought to be responsible for the interaction with the cell membrane, it was attempted to target glycoprotein by a ligand polyethylene glycol 4000, which blocks its active site, as seen by molecular operating environment software, so that it may be possible to prevent the spread of virus into the host. The ligand polyethylene glycol 4000 was retrieved from Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics protein data bank by providing the glycoprotein sequence to the databank. In this study it was observed that the ligand was successfully docked on a major portion of antigenic site II of glycoprotein by mimicking the virus neutralizing antibodies. This knowledge may be important for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of rabies and other viral diseases in the future.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Calotropis gigantea on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Swarnabhasma, an Ayurvedic preparation containing Calotropis gigantea R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is extensively used by Ayurvedic physicians for treatment of diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and nervous disorders. In the present study, we report the effect of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea leaf and flower on free radical scavenging activity, and lipid profile in streptozotozin-induced diabetic rats. The lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured in liver homogenate and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lipid profile were measured in blood serum. Administration of single dose of streptozotozin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) caused significant increases in lipid peroxidation, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly decreased. Further, administration of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea leaf and flower to streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats at a dose of 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg orally for 27 d lead to a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Consequently, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly increased. Glibenclamide was used as a positive control (10 mg/kg). It was observed that the effect of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea on alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, superoxide dismutase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, levels are comparable to that of those produced by the positive control.

Miniaturized antennas for link between binaural hearing aids

We have investigated the possibility of using the 2.45 GHz ISM band for communication between binaural hearing aids. The small size of a modern hearing aid makes it necessary to miniaturize the antennas to make this feasible. Two different types of hearing aid placements have been investigated: in the outer ear and in the ear canal. Both put strict demands on the size of the antenna, which have been miniaturized by applying disc loads and high permittivity materials. The investigations have been done by FDTD simulation of a modified SAM phantom head, where we have included a simple model of the ear canal. Simulations show that the outer ear placement is better, as it gives a total link loss of 48 dB. The placement in the ear canal gives a total link loss of 92 dB.