An all phosphorene lattice nanometric spin valve

Phosphorene is a unique semiconducting two-dimensional platform for enabling spintronic devices integrated with phosphorene nanoelectronics. Here, we have designed an all phosphorene lattice lateral spin valve device, conceived via patterned magnetic substituted atoms of 3d-block elements at both ends of a phosphorene nanoribbon acting as ferromagnetic electrodes in the spin valve. Through First-principles based calculations, we have extensively studied the spin-dependent transport characteristics of the new spin valve structures. Systematic exploration of the magnetoresistance (MR) of the spin valve for various substitutional atoms and bias voltage resulted in a phase diagram offering a colossal MR for V and Cr-substitutional atoms. Such MR can be directly attributed to their specific electronic structure, which can be further tuned by a gate voltage, for electric field controlled spin valves. The spin-dependent transport characteristics here reveal new features such as negative conductance oscillation and switching of the sign of MR due to change in the majority spin carrier type. Our study creates possibilities for the design of nanometric spin valves, which could enable integration of memory and logic elements for all phosphorene 2D processors.

Revolutionizing healthcare by use of artificial intelligence in esophageal carcinoma - a narrative review

Esophageal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with significant regional disparities. Early detection of precursor lesions is essential to improve patient outcomes. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including deep learning and machine learning, have proved to be of assistance to both gastroenterologists and pathologists in the diagnosis and characterization of upper gastrointestinal malignancies by correlating with the histopathology. The primary diagnostic method in gastroenterology is white light endoscopic evaluation, but conventional endoscopy is partially inefficient in detecting esophageal cancer. However, other endoscopic modalities, such as narrow-band imaging, endocytoscopy, and endomicroscopy, have shown improved visualization of mucosal structures and vasculature, which provides a set of baseline data to develop efficient AI-assisted predictive models for quick interpretation. The main challenges in managing esophageal cancer are identifying high-risk patients and the disease's poor prognosis. Thus, AI techniques can play a vital role in improving the early detection and diagnosis of precursor lesions, assisting gastroenterologists in performing targeted biopsies and real-time decisions of endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection. Combining AI techniques and endoscopic modalities can enhance the diagnosis and management of esophageal cancer, improving patient outcomes and reducing cancer-related mortality rates. The aim of this review is to grasp a better understanding of the application of AI in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of esophageal cancer and how computer-aided diagnosis and computer-aided detection can act as vital tools for clinicians in the long run.

Potential protective effects of isoflavones in effective management of cardiovascular diseases

For human life, health, and biological growth, nutrition is crucial. A prominent example of a food that is nutrient rich at the moment is "Soybean”. In Asian nations, it is thought to be a significant source of proteins and may be used in place of dairy products and meat. When compared to other food legumes, soybeans offer several nutritional benefits in terms of their composition in macro- and micronutrients. As more information on negative effects of chemical treatments is being available to people, they are now is search of potential phytocompounds. The aim of the present review is to provide potential evidence of isoflavones in management of cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, myocardial infarction, hypertension and coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, soy isoflavones can have certain adverse consequences since they are endocrine disruptors. Thyroid function abnormalities have sparked concerns. In light of the aforementioned findings, an effort has been undertaken to examine the literature on the beneficial and harmful roles of isoflavones, soy-derived bioactive compounds.

Immunoinformatics Study of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Phosphoprotein Identifies Promising Epitopes with Mutational Implications

The SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly evolving and new mutations are being reported from different parts of the world. In this study, we investigated the variations occurring in the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 from India. We used several in silico prediction tools to characterise N-protein including IEDB webserver for B cell epitope prediction, Vaxijen 2.0 and AllergenFP v.1.0 for antigenicity and allergenicity prediction of epitopes, CLUSTAL Omega for mutation identification and PONDR webserver for disorder prediction, PROVEAN score for protein function and iMutantsuite for protein stability prediction. Our results show that 81 mutations have occurred in this protein among Indian SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Subsequently, we characterized the N-protein epitopes to identify seven most promising peptides. We mapped these mutations with seven N-protein epitopes to identify the loss of antigenicity in two of them, suggesting that the mutations occurring in the SARS-CoV-2 genome contribute to the alteration in the properties of epitopes. Altogether, our data strongly indicates that N-protein is gaining several mutations in its B cell epitope regions that might alter protein function.

High efficiency spin filtering in magnetic phosphorene

We present high efficiency spin filtering behaviour in magnetically rendered phosphorene, doped with various 3d block elements. A phase diagram was obtained depicting the presence of various electronic and magnetic states.

Effects of intermediate frequency magnetic fields on male fertility indicators in mice

Human exposure to intermediate frequency (IF) fields is increasing due to new applications such as electronic article surveillance systems, wireless power transfer and induction heating cookers. However, limited data is available on effects of IF magnetic fields (MF) on male fertility function. This study was conducted to assess possible effects on fertility indicators from exposure to IF MF. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed continuously for 5 weeks to 7.5kHz MF at 12 and 120μT. Sperm cells from cauda epididymis were analysed for motility, total sperm counts, and head abnormalities. Motile sperm cells were classified as progressive or non-progressive. Testicular spermatid heads were counted as well. The body weight development and reproductive tissue weights were not affected. No exposure-related differences were observed in sperm counts or sperm head abnormalities. Proportion of non-motile cells was significantly decreased in the 120µT group, and a corresponding increase was seen in the percentage of motile cells (significant in non-progressive motile cells). In conclusion, no adverse effects on fertility indicators were observed. Increased sperm motility is an interesting finding that needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Tailor-Made Temperature-Sensitive Micelle for Targeted and On-Demand Release of Anticancer Drugs

The design of nanomedicines from the tuned architecture polymer is a leading object of immense research in recent years. Here, smart thermoresponsive micelles were prepared from novel architecture four-arm star block copolymers, namely, pentaerythritol polycaprolactone-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and pentaerythritol polycaprolactone-b-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam). The polymers were synthesized and tagged with folic acid (FA) to render them as efficient cancer cell targeting cargos. FA-conjugated block copolymers were self-assembled to a nearly spherical (ranging from 15 to 170 nm) polymeric micelle (FA-PM) with a sufficiently lower range of critical micelle concentration (0.59 × 10(-2) to 1.52 × 10(-2) mg/mL) suitable for performing as an efficient drug carrier. The blocks show lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ranging from 30 to 39 °C with high DOX-loading content (24.3%, w/w) as compared to that reported for a linear polymer in the contemporary literature. The temperature-induced reduction in size (57%) of the FA-PM enables a high rate of DOX release (78.57% after 24 h) at a temperature above LCST. The DOX release rate has also been tuned by on-demand administration of temperature. The in vitro biocompatibilities of the blank and DOX-loaded FA-PMs have been studied by the MTT assay. The cellular uptake study proves selective internalization of the FA-PM into cancerous cells (C6 glioma) compared that into normal cells (HaCaT). In vivo administration of the DOX-loaded FA-PMs into the C6 glioma rat tumor model resulted in significant accumulation in tumor sites, which drastically inhibited the tumor volume by ∼83.9% with respect to control without any significant systemic toxicity.

Distillery effluent as a liquid fertilizer: a win-win option for sustainable agriculture

A promising approach to recycle the residual distillery waste as a potential liquid fertilizer has been discussed in this paper. Field studies were conducted on Brassica compestris to assess the potential of the diluted post- methanated distillery effluent. The results indicated that there was not much variation in pH, conductivity and nitrate of soil, whereas total dissolved solids, conductivity, nitrate and chemical oxygen demand of the well water increased slightly but well within the permissible limit. However, there was a significant increase in the plant biomass, diameter of the shoot and root, area of leaf, as well as number and length of pods and root hairs. The hydrophilic colloids of the seed increased significantly (p < .01) and the yield of mustard seeds was increased by 30% as compared to the conventional fertilizer. The carbohydrate, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content of the leaf, stem and root were also analysed and its morpho- physiological significance is also presented in this paper.

Electrical Properties and AC Conductivity of (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 Ceramic

Lead-free perovskite (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 (BNBT06) was prepared by conventional ceramic fabrication technique at 1160°C/3h in air atmosphere. The crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric, polarization, piezoelectric properties, and ac conductivity of the sample were studied. X-ray diffraction data confirmed the formation of a single phase tetragonal unit cell. Williamson-Hall plot was used to calculate the lattice strain and the apparent particle size. The experimental relative density of BNBT06 was found to be ~96-97% of the theoretical one with an average grain size ~4 μm. Room temperature dielectric constant and loss factor at 1 kHz were found to be equal to 781 and 0.085, respectively. Longitudinal piezoelectric charge coefficient of the poled sample under 2.5 kV/mm at 80°C in silicone bath was found to be equal to 124 pC/N. Complex impedance and electric modulus spectroscopic analyses showed the dielectric relaxation in the material to be of non-Debye type. The Nyquist plots and conductivity studies showed the NTCR character of BNBT06. The correlated barrier hopping model (CBHM) as well as jump relaxation model (JRM) was found to successfully explain the mechanism of charge transport in BNBT06. The ac conductivity data were used to evaluate the minimum hopping length, apparent activation energy, and density of states at Fermi level.

Proposal of biostimulation for hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-decontamination and characterization of culturable bacterial community from high-dose point HCH-contaminated soils

AIMS

To locate a high-dose point hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-contaminated site, to identify HCH-degrading bacteria in it and assay HCH-decontamination by biostimulation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacteria were isolated by serial dilution method from HCH-contaminated soil samples collected from areas near an HCH-manufacturing unit and its dumpsite in North India. After confirming the presence of indigenous HCH-degraders (seven of 24 strains), an ex situ biostimulation experiment was conducted. For this, residue levels in soil were diluted by mixing with pristine garden soil and aeration, moisture and nutrients were provided intermittently. This soil was monitored for reduction in Sigma-HCH (sum of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-HCH) levels and stimulation of HCH-degraders. Experiments were conducted twice, in March-April (c. 75 microg Sigma-HCH g(-1) soil) and October-November 2006 (c. 280 microg Sigma-HCH g(-1) soil) at 26-30 degrees C. Sigma-HCH levels were reduced to <30% of the original in 24 days and <3% in 240 days in the experimental pits. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis reflected changes in microbial community structure during the course of experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show presence of HCH-degrading sphingomonads at a high-dose point HCH-contaminated site and presents biostimulation as an effective approach for its decontamination via aeration, addition of nutrients and moisture, of the indigenous population.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study demonstrates that biostimulation of indigenous HCH-degrading microbial population can be used for decontamination of chronically HCH-contaminated sites.

Morphology and Morphometry of the Olfactory Rosette of a Teleostean Fish: Catla catla (Ham.)

The morphological structure and morphology of the olfactory organs in a freshwater, aquatic breathing fish, Catla catla (Ham.) has been described. It consists of two nasal openings on each side of the head, the anterior and posterior nasal opening with a prominent nasal flap in between. A pair of olfactory rosettes is lodged in the depression called olfactory pits or olfactory chambers. The olfactory rosettes are oval, cup shaped structures. Each rosette bears a series of olfactory lamellae on each side of the median raphe. A single lamella is a flat, bifid tongue like structure. Measurements of the dimension of olfactory rosettes have been made and the data were analysed with respect to body weight using logarithmic transformations, Y = awb. The total number of lamellae in the olfactory rosette increased with increase in body weight. With unit increase in body weight, the total number of lamellae increased by a power (b) of 0.2603, while the total surface area of lamellae increased by power of (b) 0.636. Both the parameters showed highly significant correlation coefficient i.e. r = 0.9894; P < 0.001 and r = 0.95218; P < 0.001 respectively.Key words: Catla catla, Olfactory organ, Morphology, Morphometricsdoi: 10.3126/on.v6i1.1652Our Nature (2008)6:30-37

The studies on nutrient balances in crossbred cattle bulls fed chopped green sugarcane tops supplemented with some agro industrial by- products

Fifteen adult crossbred cattle bulls, 18-22 months old (mean body weight 286.33 + 9.43) were divided into 3 groups following RBD design and were fed sugarcane tops (SCT) supplemented with some agro-industrial byproducts and concentrate feeds to determine nitrogen, Ca and P in crossbred cattle bull. For this purpose, crossbred cattle bulls were fed for 30 days ad lib SCT supplemented with Wheat bran (WB), Lentil chuni (LC) and WB + LC (50:50) in Group I, II, and III respectively. The balance values were 15.28 + 2.70, 26.85 + 4.35 and 18.00 + 3.17 for nitrogen, 11.77 + 1.34, 12.94 + 2.96 and 15.38 + 1.15 for calcium, 11.74 + 0.64, 11.26 + 1.58 and 11.69 + 0.79 for phosphorus in group I, II and III, respectively. There were no significant differences among the experimental groups in Ca and P balance values but balance of nitrogen was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group II as compared to group I and III. It may indicated that the rumen fermentation was more appropriate in group III where animals were fed 50% lentil chuni and 50% wheat bran (supplementation of both protein and energy).

Effect of drying processes and curing time of chitosan-lysine semi-IPN beads on chlorpheniramine maleate delivery

Beads of semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) have been synthesized from chitosan and lysine with varying amounts of glutaraldehyde solution used as a cross-linker. The cross-linked beads are dried by different drying processes such as air-drying, oven-drying and freeze-drying. These semi-IPNs are characterized under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Swelling studies of these beads are carried out in different pH (2.0 and 7.4) solutions. The effect of concentration of cross-linking agent and curing period on the swelling as well as on the drug release is analysed. The results indicate that the size of matrix depend on the curing time of beads, concentration of glutaraldehyde and technique of drying. The freeze-dried beads exhibit a relatively higher percentage of swelling in the range of 66-89% as compared to oven-dried beads (53-74%) and air-dried beads (39-61%). The drug loaded beads which are cured for different time intervals followed by drying are tested for in-vitro release of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) drug. The rate of drug release from freeze-dried beads is much faster than that from the oven-dried and air-dried beads.

Polyphasic approach of bacterial classification - An overview of recent advances

Classification of microorganisms on the basis of traditional microbiological methods (morphological, physiological and biochemical) creates a blurred image about their taxonomic status and thus needs further clarification. It should be based on a more pragmatic approach of deploying a number of methods for the complete characterization of microbes. Hence, the methods now employed for bacterial systematics include, the complete 16S rRNA gene sequencing and its comparative analysis by phylogenetic trees, DNA-DNA hybridization studies with related organisms, analyses of molecular markers and signature pattern(s), biochemical assays, physiological and morphological tests. Collectively these genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic methods for determining taxonomic position of microbes constitute what is known as the 'polyphasic approach' for bacterial systematics. This approach is currently the most popular choice for classifying bacteria and several microbes, which were previously placed under invalid taxa have now been resolved into new genera and species. This has been possible owing to rapid development in molecular biological techniques, automation of DNA sequencing coupled with advances in bioinformatic tools and access to sequence databases. Several DNA-based typing methods are known; these provide information for delineating bacteria into different genera and species and have the potential to resolve differences among the strains of a species. Therefore, newly isolated strains must be classified on the basis of the polyphasic approach. Also previously classified organisms, as and when required, can be reclassified on this ground in order to obtain information about their accurate position in the microbial world. Thus, current techniques enable microbiologists to decipher the natural phylogenetic relationships between microbes.

True duplicate bladder exstrophy: a case report

True duplicate exstrophy is a rare and interesting congenital anomaly. We are adding a case to the previously reported seven cases in the world literature.

Gall bladder perforation and biliary peritonitis in a young pregnant lady

A rare event of acute free perforation of gall bladder with biliary peritonitis in a case of calculous cholecystitis in a 28 years old pregnant lady occurring in the absence of the usual factors associated with gall stone disease is reported. The clinical features resembled acute appendicitis and a pre-operative diagnosis could not be made. It is suggested that a thorough attempt should be made to exclude conditions mimicking appendicitis, including those of the biliary system, on finding a normal appendix at emergency appendicectomy without hesitating to convert to full laparotomy if required.

Kinetic characterization of the recombinant hyaluronan synthases from Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus equisimilis

The two hyaluronan synthases (HASs) from Streptococcus pyogenes (spHAS) and Streptococcus equisimilis (seHAS) were expressed in Escherichia coli as recombinant proteins containing His6 tails. The accompanying paper has described the purification and lipid dependence of both HASs, their preference for cardiolipin, and their stability during storage (Tlapak-Simmons, V. L., Baggenstoss, B. A., Clyne, T., and Weigel, P. H. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 4239-4245). Kinetic characterization of the enzymes in isolated membranes gave Km values for UDP-GlcUA of 40 +/- 4 microM for spHAS and 51 +/- 5 microM for seHAS. In both cases, the Vmax profiles at various concentrations of UDP-GlcNAc were hyperbolic, with no evidence of cooperativity. In contrast, membrane-bound spHAS, but not seHAS, showed sigmoidal behavior as the UDP-GlcNAc concentration was increased, with a Hill number of approximately 2, indicating significant cooperativity. The Hill number for UDP-GlcNAc utilization by seHAS was 1, confirming the lack of cooperativity for UDP-GlcNAc in this enzyme. The Km values for UDP-GlcNAc were 60 +/- 7 microM for seHAS and 149 +/- 3 microM for spHAS in the isolated membranes. The kinetic characteristics of the two affinity-purified HAS enzymes were assessed in the presence of cardiolipin after 8-9 days of storage at -80 degreesC without cardiolipin. With increasing storage time, the enzymes showed a gradual increase in their Km values for both substrates and a decrease in Vmax. Even in the presence of cardiolipin, the detergent-solubilized, purified HASs had substantially higher Km values for both substrates than the membrane-bound enzymes. The KUDP-GlcUA for purified spHAS and seHAS increased 2-4-fold. The KUDP-GlcNAc for spHAS and seHAS increased 4- and 5-fold, respectively. Despite the higher Km values, the Vmax values for the purified HASs were only approximately 50% lower than those for the membrane-bound enzymes. Significantly, purified spHAS displayed the same cooperative interaction with UDP-GlcNAc (nH approximately 2), whereas purified seHAS showed no cooperativity.

Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of the authentic hyaluronan synthase from group C Streptococcus equisimilis

We previously reported the first cloning of a functional glycosaminoglycan synthase, the hyaluronan synthase (HAS) from Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (spHAS) (DeAngelis, P. L., Papaconstantinou, J., and Weigel, P. H. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 19181-19184). Group A spHAS was unrelated to a putative Group C HA synthase reported by others (Lansing, M., Lellig, S., Mausolf, A., Martini, I. , Crescenzi, F., Oregon, M., and Prehm, P. (1993) Biochem. J. 289, 179-184). Here we report the isolation of a bona fide HA synthase gene from a highly encapsulated strain of Group C Streptococcus equisimilis. The encoded protein, designated seHAS, is 417 amino acids long (calculated molecular weight, 47,778; calculated pI, 9.1) and is the smallest member of the HAS family identified thus far. The enzyme migrates anomalously fast in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (approximately 42,000 Da). The seHAS protein shows no similarity (<2% identity) to the previously reported Group C gene, which is not an HA synthase. The seHAS and spHAS protein and coding sequences are 72 and 70% identical, respectively. seHAS is also similar to eukaryotic HAS1 (approximately 31% identical), HAS2 (approximately 28% identical), and HAS3 (28% identical). The deduced protein sequence of seHAS was confirmed by reactivity with a synthetic peptide antibody. Recombinant seHAS expressed in Escherichia coli was recovered in membranes as a major protein (approximately 10% of the total protein) and synthesized very large HA (Mr >7 x 10(6)) in the presence of UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GlcA. The product contained equimolar amounts of both sugars and was degraded by the specific Streptomyces hyaluronidase. Comparison of the two recombinant streptococcal enzymes in isolated membranes showed that seHAS and spHAS are essentially identical in the steady-state size distribution of HA chains they synthesize, but seHAS has an intrinsic 2-fold faster rate of chain elongation (Vmax) than spHAS. seHAS is the most active HA synthase identified thus far; it polymerizes HA at an average rate of 160 monosaccharides/s. The two bacterial HA synthase genes may have arisen from a common ancient gene shared with the early evolving vertebrates.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide isolated from Allium cepa Linn

S-methyl cysteine sulphoxide (SMCS), a sulphur containing amino acid isolated from onion (Allium cepa Linn) showed antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects. Oral administration of SMCS daily at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight for a period of 45 days to alloxan diabetic rats controlled significantly their blood glucose and lipids in serum and tissues and altered the activities of liver hexokinase, glucose 6-phosphatase and HMG CoA reductase towards normal. The above effects of SMCS were comparable to those of glibenclamide and insulin.

ATP-dependent transport of glutathione-N-ethylmaleimide conjugate across erythrocyte membrane

Prevailing controversies regarding the identity and nature of S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) glutathione (Dnp-SG) and GSSG transport system(s) led us to examine xenobiotic-SG transport from human erythrocytes and into inside-out vesicles (IOV) using N-ethyl-maleimide-glutathione conjugate (NEM-SG) as substrate. Efflux of NEM-SG from intact erythrocytes was linear over a period of 4 h, occurred against a concentration gradient, and required energy. No transport of NEM-SG was observed when endogenous ATP was exhausted by preincubation of the erythrocytes for 8 h at 37 degrees C in the absence of glucose. When cellular GSH was partially conjugated with NEM to form 1.5 and 1.0 mM NEM-SG, and the remaining GSH was oxidized with t-butylhydroperoxide to generate 0.2 and 0.4 mM GSSG, respectively, the extrusion of NEM-SG from erythrocytes was not inhibited. The kinetics of NEM-SG transport in intact erythrocytes were monophasic; the Km NEM-SG was 0.62 mM +/- 0.24. However, in IOV two components of NEM-SG transport with respect to NEM-SG and ATP were discernible. The low Km for NEM-SG was 5.6 +/- 1.51 microns with a Vmax of 7.30 +/- 0.69 nmol/mg protein/h and the high Km for NEM-SG was 1.35 +/- 0.14 mM with a Vmax of 65.1 +/- 3.5 nmol/mg protein h. With respect to ATP, the NEM-SG transport had a low Km of 0.12 +/- 0.004 mM and a high Km of 0.52 +/- 0.052 mM. Both components of NEM-SG transport were inhibited by fluoride, o-vanadate, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). However, NEM (1 mM) inhibited only the high Km transport. GSH stimulated the low Km transport 1.7-fold. Both low and high Km components of NEM-SG transport significantly declined when ATP was substituted with CTP, UTP, or GTP. GSSG and Dnp-SG competitively inhibited the low Km NEM-SG transport (Ki = 18.5 +/- 2.9 and 1.32 +/- 0.16 microns, respectively) whereas the high Km transport was inhibited by Dnp-SG but not by GSSG. These findings suggest that glutathione S-conjugates may be transported out of erythrocytes by both the high and the low Km mechanisms, the latter being shared by GSSG.

Influence of different factors on the adsorption of carbofuran (2, 3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl-N-methyl carbamate) on soils

The effects of exchangeable cations (H+ and Na+), autoclaving, organic matter, cationic and anionic surfactants, and temperature on the adsorption of carbofuran on two different types of soils were studied. The adsorption isotherms for all effects/treatments were in close agreement with the Freundlich equation and yielded S-shaped isotherms. The amount of carbofuran adsorbed in all cases was higher in Jhansi red loam soil than in Pilibhit sandy loam soil and was related to organic matter content, clay content, CaCO3 content, surface area, and cation-exchange capacity of the soils. The adsorption on soils from both sites follows the order H soil-->Na soil-->natural soil at 25 degrees C-->autoclaved soil-->soil from which organic matter had been removed-->cationic surfactant-->anionic surfactant-->natural soil at 50 degrees C and was in accordance with Freundlich constant K values and distribution coefficient Kd values. The adsorptive capacity of carbofuran for organic matter and clay content for both the Jhansi and the Pilibhit soils was also evaluated by calculating Kom and Kc values, and it was found that the carbofuran adsorption was better correlated with clay content than with organic matter content of soils. On the basis of adsorption isotherms, various thermodynamic parameters such as the thermodynamic equilibrium constant Ko, standard free energy (delta G zero) changes standard ethalpy (delta H zero) changes, and standard entropy (delta S zero) changes have been calculated in order to predict the nature of isotherms.

High-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of protein-glutathione mixed disulfide

We have developed an efficient and sensitive method for the quantification of picomole quantities of protein-glutathione and protein-cysteine mixed disulfides in ocular lens. Performic acid oxidation releases glutathione and cysteine from the protein-mixed disulfides as glutathione sulfonic acid and cysteic acid, respectively. The sulfonic acids are derivatized with phenylisothiocyanate, and the phenylthiocarbamyl derivatives are separated by HPLC using a reversed-phase ODS column, equilibrated with 0.14 M sodium acetate, containing 0.1% triethylamine and 6% acetonitrile.

Low and high Km forms of dinitrophenylglutathione-stimulated ATPase in bovine lens

Dinitrophenyl S-glutathione (Dnp-SG) ATPase which catalyses the hydrolysis of ATP in the presence of GSH-conjugates has been implicated previously in the transport of these conjugates. In the present studies we demonstrate that Dnp-SG ATPase is present in bovine lens epithelium and cortex. The specific activity per mg membrane protein was found to be 75-fold higher in the epithelium as compared to the cortex. No enzyme was detected in the nuclear region of the lens. Dnp-SG ATPase was purified from bovine lens epithelium and cortex using Dnp-SG-Sepharose 6MB affinity chromatography. The partially purified Dnp-SG ATPase had two distinct Km values, 120 microM and 1.0 mM. The antibodies raised against human erythrocyte Dnp-SG ATPase cross-reacted with the bovine lens epithelium Dnp-SG ATPase which was identified by Western blot as a band corresponding to an approximate M(r) value of 80,000 Da.

Susceptibility of different rat tissues to non-enzymatic protein glycosylation in experimental diabetes

Hyperglycemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by alloxan and maintained for 2, 6 and 10 weeks without insulin treatment. Levels of glycosylated plasma proteins, hemoglobin and glycosylated tissue proteins of aorta, heart, kidney, liver and brain were estimated at these intervals. Protein glycosylation was observed to increase linearly as a function of period of hyperglycemia in all the tissues studied, except brain, in the following order: aorta > heart > kidney > liver. Protein glycosylation, leading to formation of covalently modified advanced glycosylated products and protein-protein adducts, may reflect disposition of these tissues to diabetic complications.

Inhibition of diabetes-associated complications by nucleophilic compounds

Mono- and diaminoguanidine inhibited ambient glucose-induced glycosylated end product formation of albumin and collagen 125I-labeled albumin covalent binding in vitro. Diaminoguanidine was a stronger inhibitor than monoaminoguanidine. These compounds also inhibited rat eye lens aldose reductase activity in vitro noncompetitively with respect to NADPH with Ki = 30.6 mM for monoaminoguanidine and Ki = 12.5 mM for diaminoguanidine. When administered daily for 98 days at a dose of 25 mg/kg body wt i.p., both compounds lowered eye lens sorbitol and aldose reductase activity in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Again, diaminoguanidine was a better inhibitor. Daily long-term administration of mono- and diaminoguanidine (25 mg/kg body wt i.p.) inhibited and prevented experimental diabetes-induced lens opacity in rats, respectively. It appears that diaminoguanidine has a better therapeutic potential in controlling diabetic complications.

Monoaminoguanidine prevents sorbitol accumulation, nonenzymatic protein glycosylation and development of kidney lesions in diabetic rats

Monoaminoguanidine administration (25 mg/kg b.wt, i.p. for 14 weeks) to alloxan diabetic rats (blood glucose greater than or equal to 250 mg/dl) decreased the nonenzymatic protein glycosylation and sorbitol levels. It prevented development of Armanni-Ebstein tubular lesions, pathological changes in the glomerular capillary tufts and glomerular basement membrane thickening in the kidney.

Interaction of human alpha fetoprotein with bilirubin

Human alpha fetoprotein (AFP) binds bilirubin with an affinity somewhat lower than albumin. Free bilirubin was found to have an extinction maximum at 440 nm with an extinction coefficient of 4.97 x 10(4) M-1cm-1. AFP binding with the bile pigment elicits a blue shift while albumin interaction produced red spectral shift.

Development of an inexpensive and rapid two site microenzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit for human alpha fetoprotein

Laboratory scale development of a two site micro enzyme linked immuno assay kit is described. The kit comprises rabbit anti human alphafetoprotein (AFP), anti human AFP IgG peroxidase conjugate and standard AFP. All the above reagents were prepared in the laboratory. The kit is eminently suitable for early screening of blood sample of pregnant women for neural tube defects of their fetuses and for the quantitation of AFP as a tumor marker. The assay kit was used to determine AFP in 76 sera from women at different stages of pregnancy. During 1st trimester AFP level was 18 to 119 ng/ml, during 2nd trimester the concentration varied from 85 to 302 ng/ml and during 3rd from 103 to 580 ng/ml. No evidence for maternal antibody to AFP was found. The above data agree with AFP level in pregnant women reported by earlier workers, using RIA or ELISA. The present ELISA kit would hopefully be much cheaper than internationally available ELISA kits for human AFP.

Alpha fetoprotein levels in newborn infants with reference to sex, gestational age and birth weight

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) concentration was higher in the mature full term male infants than age matched females. An inverse correlation, at birth, between cord serum AFP level and duration of pregnancy was observed. In contrast no correlation between body weight and AFP levels exists in babies of either sex at identical gestational age.