Chromate tolerance and accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris L.: role of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical changes in detoxification of metals

A concentration-dependent increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase) and carotenoid, MDA level have been observed in the green alga Chlorella vulgaris following chromium exposure at different concentrations (0.01-100 μg ml(-1)). Simultaneously, decrease in growth rate, chlorophyll and protein contents was observed. In case of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase a bell shaped dose response was evident, however, lipid peroxidation followed a linear relationship along with catalase activity, which could be used as biomarker of Cr toxicity and played important role in providing tolerance and subsequently, high accumulation potential of chromium in C. vulgaris. In present investigation, the green alga C. vulgaris respond better under chromium stress in terms of tolerance, growth and metal accumulating potential at higher concentration of Cr (VI) which could be employed in decontamination of chromium for environmental cleanup.

Elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) as contributing factor in pathogenesis of hypercoagulable state in antiphospholipid syndrome

The aim of this study is to explore the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Thirty patients of APS (24 primary and 6 secondary) were recruited in the study who fulfilled the revised Sapporo criteria. Control groups comprised of age- and sex-matched 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients each of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis without any antecedent thrombotic event and/or APS-related pregnancy morbidity. Serum samples were tested for PAI-1 antigen levels measured by quantitative ELISA. Positivity rate of PAI-1 in patients of primary, secondary as well as total APS patients was significantly higher in relation to age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (p = 0.010, p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Mean ± SEM levels of PAI-1 in primary and secondary as well as total APS patients were significantly higher (p = 0.006, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) in relation to healthy controls. Correlation of PAI-1 levels (mean ± SEM) with clinical characteristics, that is, thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity, revealed significantly higher levels of PAI-1 (p < 0.001) in patients having thrombosis and APS-related pregnancy morbidity. Elevated PAI-1 level leading to impaired fibrinolysis plays a significant role in producing hypercoagulable state in primary and secondary APS.

Detection of amitraz resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus from North Gujarat, India

Amitraz has become one of the most extensively used chemical acaricide for control of cattle tick due to development of resistance against most of the organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroid acaricides. The resistance status of amitraz was evaluated against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from Banaskantha district, Gujarat, India by adult immersion test (AIT). The different concentrations of amitraz utilized in the AIT were 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 ppm. The adult female ticks showed an upward trend in the mortality percentage with increase in drug concentration. The regression graph of probit mortality of ticks plotted against log values of progressively increasing concentrations of amitraz was utilized for the determination of slope of mortality which was 1.868 ± 0.2068. The lethal concentration (LC95) was calculated as 3098.2 ppm and the RF was 24.78 which indicated level II resistance status. The dose response curves for egg masses, reproductive index and inhibition of oviposition of R. (B.) microplus were also validated and the slope was -0.5165 ± 0.08287, -0.1328 ± 0.04472 and 24.22 ± 8.160, respectively. The current study appears to be the pioneer report of amitraz resistance in R. (B.) microplus from India and the data generated could be of immense help to develop effective control strategies against ticks.

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in buffalo calves from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab

Faecal samples from 1,582 buffalo calves of up to 6 months of age from 13 districts falling under four major agro-climatic zones of Punjab state, India were examined for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites for a period of one year (May 2008 to April 2009). The results revealed prevalence of GI parasitic infections as 73.58 per cent calves and Eimeria sp. (54.55 %) was the most prevalent GI parasite. Significant differences (P < 0.01) were found in overall prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum, strongyles and Strongyloides papillosus in buffalo calves of all four major agro-climatic zones of Punjab. Highest prevalence of T. vitulorum was recorded in undulating plain region (12.43 %) while lowest infection was recorded from western region (3.55 %). Further, the highest prevalence of strongyle infection was recorded in western region (32.26 %) and lowest in undulating plain region (19.46 %) thus showing a negative correlation in prevalence of T. vitulorum and strongyles. Highest and lowest infection of S. papillosus was recorded from central plain region (32.33 %) and western plain region (20.86 %), respectively whereas, the prevalence of Eimeria sp. and Moniezia expansa was comparable in all four major agro-climatic zones. The variation in prevalence recorded in the different agro-climatic zones is due to the climatic variation and thus the data generated could be of immense help in formulation of effective strategies for GI parasite control in different agro-climatic zones.

Abstract P5-16-06: A phase 2 randomized trial of docetaxel (DOC) alone or in combination with therapeutic cancer vaccine, CEA-, MUC-1-TRICOM (PANVAC)

Background: A previous phase 1/2 trial of PANVAC, a poxviral based cancer vaccine, suggested clinical efficacy in some patients (pts) with breast and ovarian cancer and evidence of immunologic activity. Preclinical data showed DOC can modify tumor phenotype, making tumor cells more amenable to T-cell mediated killing. The goal was to determine if DOC and PANVAC could synergize and improve clinical outcomes compared with DOC alone.

Methods: This is an open-label randomized phase 2 multi-center trial designed to enroll 48 pts with metastatic breast cancer to receive DOC in combination with PANVAC (A) or alone (B). Cross-over was allowed so that pts randomized to B could receive the vaccine upon progression. Eligibility included ECOG performance status &lt;1 and normal organ and immune function with no limits on previous lines of therapy, but pts may not have received DOC for metastatic disease. Her2+ pts on trastuzumab were allowed to continue trastuzumab on trial. All pts received DOC 35mg/m2 weekly × 3 doses during 28-day cycles. Pts on A were “primed” with recombinant vaccinia-PANVAC study day 1. Three weeks later, they began 28-day cycles of DOC with “boost” recombinant fowlpox-PANVAC given on day 1, given until progression. CT and bone scans were performed after 3 cycles and then every 2 cycles. 1° endpoint was PFS., with a phase 2.5 statistical design, with the intent of identifying a trend toward benefit to guide a larger trial design. A p value of 0.10 is considered a strong trend. 2° endpoints included overall survival and immunologic correlative studies. Immunologic assays included analysis of T cell and NK cell activation, presence and activity of regulatory T cells, and ELISPOT assays. Immune correlative analysis was done using multiparametric flow cytometry analysis of immune cell subpopulations from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of pts and comparing those findings using Boolean logic with the immune assays and clinical outcomes.

Results: Enrollment of 48 pts completed in February 2012 (A, n=25; B, n=23). Five pts remain on treatment (2 on A, 3 on B). Pt and tumor characteristics were well matched. Analysis through August 2, 2012 (median follow-up of 5.1 months for pts on study), indicates PFS is 6.6 vs. 3.8 months in A vs. B (p = 0.12, HR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.31). Analysis of the adverse events on both arms demonstrated very little difference between the two groups. The only statistically significant differences were increases in the frequency of grade 1 and 2 edema (p = 0.018) and injection site reactions (p &lt;0.0001) in the combination arm. Immune analysis and correlation to pt clinical outcomes are ongoing and will be available for presentation at the time of the meeting. There are not yet enough events to perform a comparison of overall survival in the two groups.

Conclusion: This randomized study suggests the combination of PANVAC with DOC in metastatic breast cancer may provide a clinical benefit compared to DOC alone. The clear separation of the curves indicates potential benefit, which is not statistically significant, likely due to the small number of pts enrolled. This study was hypothesis generating and may provide both rationale and statistical assumptions for a larger definitive randomized study.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-16-06.

Comparison of nested PCR and microscopy for the detection of cryptosporidiosis in bovine calves

The comparative efficacies of different conventional parasitological methods and nested PCR for diagnosis of bovine cryptosporidiosis in faecal samples were evaluated. Among the 100 samples collected from calves in and around Ludhiana Direct faecal smear staining technique revealed 25.0 % positivity for the oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. with sensitivity and specificity of 68.12 and 92.98 %, respectively. Zinc sulphate solution floatation and saturated sugar solution floatation staining techniques showed sensitivity and specificity of 83.92 and 96.36; 81.03 and 98.14 %, respectively. Products of the primary PCR of Cryptosporidium spp. directed against small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA when employed as template in nested PCR produced the amplicons of desired size (834 bp) in 47.0 % of the samples. Amplification of 834 bp fragment was also observed in positive control, while no amplification was observed in negative control. Results indicated PCR assays as highly sensitive and specific techniques for the screening of the samples for Cryptosporidium spp. but in developing countries and under field conditions where limited resources do not allow the application of PCR assays, concentration staining methods are recommended.

In patients with mild hypertension, does exercise and a gradual rather than abrupt increase in fatty acid and salt intake cause less rise in cardiovascular risk factors?

In a randomised, single blind controlled trial, 58 patients with mild essential hypertension were administered either a normal diet with a gradual increase in salt and fatty acid consumption (Group A, 30 cases), or an abrupt increase (Group B, 28 cases) for a period of 24 weeks. Group A patients also did more physical activity from weeks 12-24 of the study. At entry to the study, age, sex, risk factors, previous drug therapy and nutrient intakes were comparable between the 2 groups. Adherence to nutrient intakes and exercise was assessed by questionnaires. After 12 weeks, a comparison of changes in mean blood pressure and blood lipids in groups A and B showed no significant difference. However, group B patients showed a significant increase in mean total cholesterol, diastolic pressure and heart rate compared to initial levels. There were no such changes in group A. After 24 weeks, while salt, fatty acids and cholesterol intakes were similar in both groups, there were significantly higher levels of mean total cholesterol, triglycerides, serum sodium, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate in group B compared with group A. This may have been due to exercise or to a gradual rather than abrupt increase in salt and fatty acids consumption allowing the body to adapt. Increased physical activity appears to have a positive influence on adaptation leading to prevention of the adverse effects induced by fatty acids and salt loading.

Serodetection of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs from Ludhiana district of Punjab, India

Dot-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) Immunocomb(®) assay was conducted to detect the presence of antibodies against Ehrlichia canis in blood samples of 60 privately owned dogs suspected to be infected with E. canis from the Small Animal Clinics, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab (India). Antibodies reactive to E. canis were detected in plasma in 48 samples out of 60 samples by Immunocomb(®) Dot-ELISA. Out of these 39.58% samples were low positive (Titre 1:20-1:40), 31.25% were medium positive (Titre 1:80-1:640) and 29.16% were high positive (Titre >1,280), for the infection. When examined by microscopy, only two samples revealed typical E. canis morulae. Haemato-cellular examination revealed thrombocytopenia along with anaemia and leucopenia. Results suggest that E. canis infection circulates in dogs in India in low non-detectable numbers by microscopy and is transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Biomonitoring of metals in Ganga water at different ghats of Haridwar: implications of constructed wetland for sewage detoxification

An assessment of Ganga river water quality at different ghats of Haridwar, showed high TDS (782.15 mg L(-1)) and BOD (21.76 mg L(-1)) levels at the mixing points of sewage discharge channels and the water was found to be contaminated with appreciable amounts of toxic metals; Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr and Mn (0.178, 0.566, 0.199, 0.177 and 0.160 mg L(-1)). The Ganga water supported exuberant growth of algae and aquatic macrophytes in littoral zone of river, which accumulated appreciable amount of metals in their tissues. Results showed possibility of using metal accumulation potential of plants and algae for monitoring low level of metal contamination vis-a-vis their use in renovating sewage by treating into especially designed constructed wetland.

Organochlorine pesticide levels and risk of Alzheimer’s disease in north Indian population

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could result from a multifactorial process involving both genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental factors like pesticides. A case control study of 70 patients of AD and 75 controls was done to examine the association between organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and risk of AD. OCPs (hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, pp′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene ( pp′-DDE), op′-DDE, pp′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane ( pp′-DDT), op′-DDT, pp′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ( pp′ -DDD) and op′-DDD) were extracted from blood and quantitatively estimated using gas chromatography. A Mann–Whitney U test revealed significant difference in β-HCH levels ( U = 1237.00, W = 4087.00, z = −6.296, p = 0.000, r = −0.71), dieldrin levels ( U = 1449.00, W = 4299.00, z = −5.809, p = 0.000, r = −0.68) and pp′-DDE levels ( U = 2062.00, W = 4912.00, z = −2.698, p = 0.007, r = −0.59) between AD patients and controls. In conclusion, this study supports epidemiological studies that associate exposure to pesticides with increased risk of AD, and we identified the specific pesticides β-HCH, dieldrin and pp′-DDE that are associated with the risk of AD in the north Indian population. However, further research is needed to establish the potential role of these OCPs as an etiologic agent for AD case.

Structural and optical properties of glancing angle deposited TiO2 nanowires array

TiO2 nanowires (NWs) have been synthesized by glancing angle deposition technique using e-beam evaporator. The average length 490 nm and diameter 80 nm of NWs were examined by field emission-scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy emphasized that the NWs were widely dispersed at the top. X-ray diffraction has been carried out on the TiO2 thin film (TF) and NW array. A small blue shift of 0.03 eV was observed in Photoluminescence (PL) main band emission for TiO2 NW as compared to TiO2 TF. The high temperature annealing at 980 degrees C partially removed the oxygen vacancy from the sample, which was investigated by PL and optical absorption measurements.

Urinary MCP-1 as diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with lupus nephritis flare

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to assess correlation of urinary monocytic chemoattractant protein-1 (UMCP-1) with severity of lupus nephritis and its role as predictor of outcome.

METHOD

Twenty patients with lupus nephritis flare were included in the study. Ten patients in each group of stable systemic lupus erythematosus and non-renal flare were taken as controls. Biopsy was done to define lupus nephritis stage. UMCP-1 levels were measured in all patients at the time of entry and at four and eight weeks of follow-up.

RESULTS

Mild, moderate and severe lupus nephritis flare was noted in one, five and 15 patients, respectively. UMCP-1 levels were high in patients with severe lupus nephritis flare (2.74 ± 0.95 ng/mg creatinine) as compared to patients with moderate (1.43 ± 0.46 ng/mg creatinine) and mild lupus nephritis flare (0.76 ± 0.57 ng/mg creatinine) (P = 0.0093). Baseline mean UMCP-1 levels in lupus nephritis flare, non-renal flare and stable SLE patients were 2.32 ± 1.06, 0.171 ± 0.03 and 0.213 ± 0.026 ng/mg creatinine, respectively. The difference among the three groups was very significant (P < 0.001). Also, mean UMCP-1 levels correlated significantly with severity of lupus nephritis class (P = 0.0358). During follow-up, 15 patients achieved complete or partial remission, and in these patients mean UMCP-1 levels had significant decline at eight weeks (P < 0.0001). However, mean UMCP-1 levels in the remaining five non-responders did not show significant changes at four and eight weeks (P = 0.4858).

CONCLUSION

Mean UMCP-1 levels were significantly higher in the lupus nephritis flare group as compared to non-renal flare and stable patients. Baseline mean UMCP-1 levels significantly correlated with both lupus nephritis class and severity of lupus nephritis flare, hence UMCP-1 could be used as a non-invasive marker for the judgement of lupus flare and lupus nephritis class.

Prevalence of parasitic infections in cattle of Ludhiana district, Punjab

A total of 862 cattle were sampled for both haematological (703) and coprological (159) investigations at the Large Animal Clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Examination of Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears exhibited that 22.9 % (161/703) of cattle were infected with haematozoa comprising Theileria annulata (14.65 %), Trypanosoma evansi (0.28 %), Babesia bigemina (1.56 %) and Anaplasma marginale (8.53 %) while mixed infection appeared in 2.13 % (15/703) animals. The prevalence of total haemoparasites and A. marginale infections were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in younger animals <1 year of age whereas, T. evansi and A. marginale infections were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in males. Coprological examination revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection was 16.98 % (27/159). Among the revealed parasites, amphistomes, Fasciola spp., Eimeria spp., Balantidium coli, strongyles and Trichuris spp. were detected from 3.77, 1.88, 3.77, 2.52, 10.69 and 1.26 % of examined animals. Except coccidiosis, there was no significant variation of GI parasitic infections in relation to sex as Eimeria spp. were found higher (p < 0.01) in males. The prevalence of Trichuris spp. was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in younger animals <6 months of age. The present work emphasized that strongyles and T. annulata were the most prevalent GI and haemoparasites, respectively.

A novel blast resistance gene, Pi54rh cloned from wild species of rice, Oryza rhizomatis confers broad spectrum resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae

The dominant rice blast resistance gene, Pi54 confers resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae in different parts of India. In our effort to identify more effective forms of this gene, we isolated an orthologue of Pi54 named as Pi54rh from the blast-resistant wild species of rice, Oryza rhizomatis, using allele mining approach and validated by complementation. The Pi54rh belongs to CC-NBS-LRR family of disease resistance genes with a unique Zinc finger (C(3)H type) domain. The 1,447 bp Pi54rh transcript comprises of 101 bp 5'-UTR, 1,083 bp coding region and 263 bp 3'-UTR, driven by pathogen inducible promoter. We showed the extracellular localization of Pi54rh protein and the presence of glycosylation, myristoylation and phosphorylation sites which implicates its role in signal transduction process. This is in contrast to other blast resistance genes that are predicted to be intracellular NBS-LRR-type resistance proteins. The Pi54rh was found to express constitutively at basal level in the leaves, but upregulates 3.8-fold at 96 h post-inoculation with the pathogen. Functional validation of cloned Pi54rh gene using complementation test showed high degree of resistance to seven isolates of M. oryzae collected from different geographical locations of India. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated that a rice blast resistance gene Pi54rh cloned from wild species of rice provides broad spectrum resistance to M. oryzae hence can be used in rice improvement breeding programme.

DREB1/CBF transcription factors: their structure, function and role in abiotic stress tolerance in plants

Drought, high salinity and low temperature are major abiotic stresses that influence survival, productivity and geographical distribution of many important crops across the globe. Plants respond to these environmental challenges via physiological, cellular and molecular processes, which results in adjusted metabolic and structural alterations. The dehydration-responsiveelement-binding (DREB) protein / C-repeat binding factors (CBFs) belong to APETALA2 (AP2) family transcription factors that bind to DRE/CRT cis-element and regulate the expression of stress-responsive genes. DREB1/CBF genes, therefore, play an important role in increasing stress tolerance in plants and their deployment using transgenic technology seems to be a potential alternative in management of abiotic stresses in crop plants. This review is mainly focussed on the structural characteristics as well as transcriptional regulation of gene expression in response to various abiotic stresses, with particular emphasis on the role of DREB1/CBF regulon in stress-responsive gene expression. The recent progress related to genetic engineering of DREB1/CBF transcription factors in various crops and model plants is also summarized.

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract of Vitex glabrata leaves

Vitex glabrata (Verbenaceae) is commonly employed for the treatment of various ailments in traditional medicine. In this study, ethanol extract of Vitex glabrata (EEVG) was evaluated for the anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma formation in rat models. EEVG showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in rats in dose dependant manner. At a dose of 400 mg/kg, p.o. maximum effect was observed and was comparable (p<0.05) to that of diclofenac sodium (standard, 50 mg/kg, p.o.). Results of the study suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity of EEVG may be due to inhibition of prostaglandins synthesis and cessation of inflammatory events like fibroblast cell formation, neutrophils infiltration, and accumulation of fluids. Therefore, this study provides a support for the plant in the management of inflammatory related disorders.

Colobronchial fistula: a rare cause of chronic cough

We report a colobronchial fistula in a middle-aged woman. She had been having cough with expectoration of sputum with a faeculent odour since the age of 7 years. Imaging revealed a fistulous connection between the hepatic flexure and the right bronchial tree, which was successfully repaired surgically.

Metal contamination of soil and translocation in vegetables growing under industrial wastewater irrigated agricultural field of Vadodara, Gujarat, India

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate metals concentration in ten vegetable crops growing in mixed industrial effluent irrigated agricultural field near Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Differential accumulation and translocation of various metals in selected vegetables plant species was observed. A higher concentration of metals were found in order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Cd>Cu>Pb>Cr>As in soil irrigated with industrial effluent than soil irrigated with tube well water; however, the concentration of As, Cr and Pb found below detection limit in tube well water irrigated soil. Metal accumulation in root and top of vegetables varied significantly both in relations to metal concentration in the soil and the plant genotype. Among ten vegetable species studied five vegetable species, i.e. Spinach, Radish, Tomato, Chili and Cabbage growing in mixed industrial effluent irrigated agricultural field showed high accumulation and translocation of toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) in their edible parts, thus, their cultivation are unsafe with respect to possible transfer in food chain and health hazards. However, it is suggested that vegetable crops restricting toxic metal in non-edible port may be recommended for cultivation in such metal contaminated agricultural field.

Rupture of non-coronary sinus of valsalva with infective endocarditis of naive tricuspid valve presenting with recurrent ill-sustained ventricular tachycardia

Infective endocarditis affecting the tricupid valve due to rupture of non-coronary sinus of Valsalva is distinctly rare. We are reporting such a rare case, presenting with recurrent ill sustained ventricular tachycardia.

Experimental evidence for competitive growth advantage of genotype VII over VI: implications for foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype A genotype turnover in nature

In India, systematic genotype replacement has been observed for serotype A foot-and-mouth disease virus. After a decade of co-circulation of genotypes VI and VII, genotype VII emerged as the single dominant genotype since 2001. To derive possible explanations for such epochal evolution dynamics, in vitro intergenotype growth competition experiments involving both co- and superinfection regimes were conducted. Coinfection of BHK-21 cells demonstrated abrupt loss in the genotype VI viral load with commensurate increase in the load of genotype VII as measured by the genotype differentiating ELISA, RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. The superinfection dynamics was shaped by temporal spacing of infection, where the invading genotype VII took more number of passages than coinfection to eventually overtake the resident genotype VI. It was speculated that such superior replicative fitness of genotype VII could have been a possible factor for the ultimate dominance of genotype VII in nature.