Cross-population genetic analysis revealed genetic variation and selection in the Ovar-DRB1 gene of Indian sheep breeds

In sheep, MHC variability is studied widely to explore disease association. The aim of the current study was to explore the genetic diversity of Ovar-DRB diversity across sheep breeds of India. Here, Ovar-DRB1 locus was studied across 20 sheep breeds. DRB1 was amplified (301 bp) and sequenced using a PCR-sequence-based typing approach. Results revealed a high degree of heterozygosity across breeds (mean: 73.99%). Overall mean distance for DRB1 was highest in Sangamneri (0.18) and lowest in Madgyal sheep (0.10). There was a higher rate of transition, across breeds. Further, 39 alleles were isolated in different breeds, out of which 10 were new. To allow easy access and use of the immune-polymorphic database, an online database management system was launched (http://www.mhcdbms.in/). Nucleotide content across breeds for the DRB1 region revealed the richness of GC content (59.26%). Wu-Kabat index revealed vast genetic variation across peptide binding sites (PBS) of DRB1. Residues 6, 66, 69, 52, and 81, were polymorphic showing utility for antigen presentation. All breeds were under positive selection for DRB1 locus (dN > dS). Study revealed the importance of DRB locus diversity for beta chain specifically at PBS across sheep breeds of the Indian subcontinent and presented evidence of positive selection for DRB owing to its evolutionary significance.

Effect of Incident angle on Weld Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Laser Beam Welded Nitronic -50 Austenitic Stainless Steel Joints

3 mm thick nitronic-50 stainless steel sheets were successfully butt-joined using a 2 kW fiber laser beam welding. Three weld joints were fabricated for different incident angles, namely, 70°, 80° and 90° for the other constant welding process parameters. The effect of incident angle on the weld bead geometry, microstructure evolution, and strength of the laser beam welded joints was studied in detail. The incident angle significantly affected the bead geometry and its orientation. Lowering the incident angle beyond a limit caused the beam shift near the weld root of the joint, where the bead was formed away from the joint line resulting in improper fusion and a defective weld occurred. The microstructure transformed from columnar to an equiaxed dendritic structure at the center of the weld nugget for lower incident angles. Skeletal and lathy ferrite was observed in the joints' weld zone. However, the fraction of lathy ferrite was higher at lower incident angles due to a faster cooling rate. A higher weld joint strength of 1010 MPa (97% of the base metal UTS) was achieved at an 80° incident angle, owing to the formation of more equiaxed dendritic grains and the absence of the secondary phases. All of the tensile test samples showed evidence of ductile failure, and overall, an acceptable level of elongation was achieved.

Heavy metal contamination along different tidal zones of a tropical Bay of Bengal coastal environment influenced by various anthropogenic activities

The spatiotemporal variations of five heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn) in the beach sediments along the Tamil Nadu coast sourced from various anthropogenic activities were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Various pollution monitoring indices were computed to clearly understand the metal pollution status along the Tamil Nadu coastline. The metal concentrations in sediments were typically higher in the summer season than in the monsoon season. In the monsoon season, metal concentration followed a decreasing order of Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Cd, and in the summer season, the order was Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. During the monsoon season, freshwater runoff from the rainfall dilutes the sediments and their trace element load. However, due to a lack of freshwater influx during the summer season, the heavy metals in the sediments get concentrated and showed elevated levels. Geo-accumulation index, ecological risk index, pollution load index, and contamination degree clearly depict that Cd and Pb have higher accumulation and pose greater hazard when compared with other metals. The rivers flowing in the region also transport the heavy metals from the mainland to the estuaries and coastal environments. Metal levels along the Tamil Nadu coast are influenced by various anthropogenic activities persistent along the coastline. Some of the activities that cause metal contamination are mining, milling, electroplating, furnishing, pharmaceutical industries, fishing, harbor activities, urban runoff, and agricultural runoff, which release a variety of toxic metals into the coastal environment.

In situ synthesis of Non-toxic Cobalt-Benzimidazole Metal-Organic Framework decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide composite for Asymmetric Supercapacitor Applications

In this article, we report an effective synthesis of cobalt-benzimidazole metal organic framework (Co-Bim MOF) which belongs to Zeolitic imidazolate framework-9 (ZIF-9) and cobalt-benzimidazole MOF@reduced graphene oxide (Co-Bim@rGO) composite through...

Avian feathers as a biomonitoring tool to assess heavy metal pollution in a wildlife and bird sanctuary from a tropical coastal ecosystem

In this study, we have assessed the concentrations of four heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in the feathers of 11 species of birds from the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, a protected environment. Concentrations of copper and zinc were detected in all the bird species, cadmium was observed only in two bird species, and lead was below the detection limits for all birds. The order of concentration of metals in the feathers is Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb. Using the multivariate statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), the metal origins were traced to natural, dietary, and manmade sources. In addition, sediment samples were also collected from the sanctuary, to assess the bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The BAF values follow the order Cd < Cu < Zn < Pb. In comparison with worldwide heavy metal reports in bird feathers, lower concentrations of metals are observed in our study area. The tropical marine ecosystem at Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary can be considered as pristine regarding heavy metal pollution. Continuous monitoring of the ecosystem is crucial to sustain the pristine nature of the sanctuary and to attract many more birds.

Health risk assessment and bioaccumulation of metals in brown and red seaweeds collected from a tropical marine biosphere reserve

In the present study, we have assessed the degree of contamination of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in ten species of red and brown seaweeds, the seasonal variations in the concentration of metals, and the health risk due to the seaweeds. Overall metal concentrations for red and brown seaweeds followed the order Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd and Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd, respectively. Cd and Pb levels were found to be elevated in both the red and brown seaweeds. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the sources of Cd and Pb are mainly anthropogenic. Despite the high concentrations of the non-essential metals (Cd and Pb) in the seaweeds, the health risk assessment revealed that they have a lower hazard index. Hence, consumption of edible red and brown seaweeds from the Tuticorin coast may not pose health hazards in humans for the time being.

Callophycin A loaded chitosan and spicules based nanocomposites as an alternative strategy to overcome vaginal candidiasis

The present study aimed to understand the killing effects of seaweed derived metabolite Callophycin A (Cal A). In vitro studies confirmed that the beneficial effects of Cal A on the viability of C. albicans. To enhance the biological activity, we used to demonstrated that chitosan and spicules as a drug carrier. The Callophycin A loading was confirmed by spectral variation of FT-IR and morphological variation by SEM. Moreover, around 65% and 38% of Cal A was successfully loaded in chitosan and spicules respectively. Further, VVC induced animal model experiments confirmed that the candidicidal activity of 1% clotrimazole, Cal A, Cal@Chi and Cal@Spi. After 6 days of treatment Cal@Chi produces a significant reduction in the fungal burden of vaginal lavage. The histo-morphological alterations also evidenced that the protective role of Cal@Chi in VVC model. The present investigations are known to be the first and foremost study to discriminate the potentiality of Cal A composites. Cal A loaded chitosan nanoparticles could be used as an alternative strategy for the development of the novel marine natural product based topical applications.

Impact of the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education (DICE) project on length of stay and mortality

AIM

To determine whether the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education (DICE) programme, a whole-systems approach to managing inpatient diabetes, reduces length of stay, in-hospital mortality and readmissions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education initiatives included identification of all diabetes admissions, a novel DICE care-pathway, an online system for prioritizing referrals, use of web-linked glucose meters, an enhanced diabetes team, and novel diabetes training for doctors. Patient administration system data were extracted for people admitted to Ipswich Hospital from January 2008 to June 2016. Logistic regression was used to compare binary outcomes (mortality, 30-day readmissions) 6 months before and after the intervention; generalized estimating equations were used to compare lengths of stay. Interrupted time series analysis was performed over the full 7.5-year period to account for secular trends.

RESULTS

Before-and-after analysis revealed a significant reduction in lengths of stay for people with and without diabetes: relative ratios 0.89 (95% CI 0.83, 0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.90, 0.96), respectively; however, in interrupted time series analysis the change in long-term trend for length of stay following the intervention was significant only for people with diabetes (P=0.017 vs P=0.48). Odds ratios for mortality were 0.63 (0.48, 0.82) and 0.81 (0.70, 0.93) in people with and without diabetes, respectively; however, the change in trend was not significant in people with diabetes, while there was an apparent increase in those without diabetes. There was no significant change in 30-day readmissions, but interrupted time series analysis showed a rising trend in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The DICE programme was associated with a shorter length of stay in inpatients with diabetes beyond that observed in people without diabetes.

Infections among Contacts of Patients with Nipah Virus, India

We conducted a serosurvey of 155 healthcare workers and 124 household and community members who had close contact with 18 patients who had laboratory-confirmed Nipah virus infections in Kerala, India. We detected 3 subclinical infections; 2 persons had IgM and IgG and 1 only IgM against Nipah virus.

Cardiovascular dysfunction and oxidative stress following human contamination by fluoride along with environmental xenobiotics (Cd & Pb) in the phosphate treatment area of Togo, West Africa

In Togo, the phosphate ore mill discharges waste containing xenobiotics like cadmium, lead and fluoride. If the role of heavy metals in the appearance of pathologies is known, the role of fluoride remains to be studied alongside xenobiotics. This study tested the hypothesis that the toxicity of fluoride contributes, along with heavy metals, to physiological dysfunction. In this process, we have studied the variation in the parameters of cardiovascular functioning, depending on the level of human contamination by fluoride and xenobiotics. The concentration of Cd and Pb in blood samples were determined by AAS and fluoride by titanium-chloride method. Lipid peroxidation, the total antioxidant potential of collected blood samples and the parameters of cardiovascular dysfunction were also measured. Cd, Pb and F contents and lipid peroxidation were found to be significantly elevated in polluted areas than control zone as well as total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride. HDL and antioxidant potential of blood decreased in the polluted areas. Correlation tests showed that fluoride levels are related to variations in the bio-indicators of high blood pressure and oxidative stress (R varied from 0.354 to 0.907). Togo phosphate treatment leads to human contamination with fluoride, along with Cd and Pb, increasing the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Inhibition of adhesion-specific genes by Solidago virgaurea extract causes loss of Candida albicans biofilm integrity

AIMS

Candida albicans biofilms are commonly associated with severe oral infections. We previously discovered that a crude extract from the Solidago virgaurea plant (SV extract) was a potent inhibitor of C. albicans biofilm formation. Here, we further investigate the mechanisms underlying C. albicans biofilm inhibition by the SV extract.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The SV extract was shown to inhibit laboratory and clinical C. albicans isolates adherence and hyphal transition on inert support and epithelial human cells, without affecting viability and growth of planktonic yeasts. Interestingly, RT-PCR-based experiments demonstrated that some key genes involved in adhesion and hyphal morphological switch (e.g. Hwp1p, Ece1p, Als3p) were strongly down-regulated by the SV extract. Moreover, antimicrobial synergy testing (checkerboard assay) demonstrated that antifungal effects of miconazole, nystatin or a common antiseptic mouthwash were synergistically improved when used in combination with the SV extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The SV extract prevents C. albicans biofilm formation through direct inhibition of key adherence and hyphae-associated genes.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Biofilm is considered as a key virulence factor of C. albicans infection. Our discovery of an inhibitor specifically acting on genes involved in biofilm formation paves the way for the future development of a new class of antifungal product.

Structural characterization and anticancer activity (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) of polysaccharides fractionated from brown seaweed Sargassum wightii

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of polysaccharides from brown seaweed Sargassum wightii (SWP) on human breast cancer cells. Initially, two polysaccharide fractions (SWP1 and SWP2) were isolated and purified from the crude polysaccharides using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. As a result, SWP1 was obtained with the yield of 21.48% was characterized using chemical analysis, GC-MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The chemical composition of the extracted polysaccharide contains a neutral polysaccharide with a high total sugar content and low protein, phenol and flavonoid content. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of galactofuranose and arabinose and NMR spectra shows the presence of β-galactose signals. Anticancer activity shows that the polysaccharides significantly reduce the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) in a dose-dependent manner. Further, polysaccharides induced the apoptosis in the breast cancer cells by increasing ROS generation, cleaving mitochondrial membrane and nuclei damage. Finally, polysaccharides increased the activity of caspase 3/9, thus leads to apoptosis of breast cancer. Together, polysaccharides from S. wightii could be a new source of natural anticancer agent against breast cancer with potential value in the manufacturing supplements and drugs.

Development of thermostable amylase enzyme from Bacillus cereus for potential antibiofilm activity

The marine bacterial strain Bacillus cereus was used to produce amylase enzyme and has excellent alkali-stable and thermostable enzymatic activity. The combined effects of pH, temperature and incubation time on amylase activity were studied using response surface methodology. The amylase enzyme activity was also determined in the presence of various metal ions, chelating agents, detergents and the results showed that the maximum enzyme activity was observed in the presence of calcium chloride (96.1%), EDTA (63.4%) and surf excel (90.6%). The amylase enzyme exhibited excellent antibiofilm activity against marine derived biofilm forming bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in microtiter plate assay and congo red assay. Light and confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) analysis were also used to confirm the potential biofilm activity of amylase enzyme. The CLSM analysis showed the inhibition of complete biofilm formation on amylase enzyme treated glass surface. Further in vivo toxicity analysis of amylase enzyme was determined against marine organisms Dioithona rigida and Artemia salina. The results showed that there is no morphological changes were observed due to the minimal toxicity of amylase enzyme. Overall these findings suggested that marine bacterial derived amylase enzyme could be developed as potential antibiofilm agent.

Caralluma fimbriata and metformin protection of rat pancreas from high fat diet induced oxidative stress

A high fat diet promotes oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of pancreatic fibrosis. We compared the protective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of Caralluma fimbriata (CFE) to metformin (Met) in the pancreas of Wistar rats fed a high fat diet. The experimental animals were divided into five groups: control (C), treated with CFE (C + CFE), treated with high fat diet (HFD), high fat diet treated with CFE (HFD + CFE), and high fat diet treated with metformin (Met) (HFD + Met). CFE was administered orally to groups C + CFE and HFD + CFE rats for 90 days. Met was given to the HFD + Met group. After 90 days, oxidative stress markers in the pancreas including reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid oxidation (LO), protein oxidation (PO), and activities of antioxidant and polyol pathway enzymes, aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) were assayed and tissue histology was examined. Establishment of oxidative stress in high fat diet fed rats was verified by elevated LO and PO, decreased GSH, decreased activities of antioxidants and increased activities of polyol pathway enzymes. Oxidative stress was prevented in HFD + CFE and HFD + Met groups. Group C + CFE exhibited improved antioxidant status compared to group C. CFE treatment prevented high fat diet induced acinar cell degeneration, necrosis, edema and hemorrhage. CFE could be used as adjuvant therapy for preventing or managing high fat diet induced pancreatic damage.

Strain-specific variation in plant growth promoting volatile organic compounds production by five different Pseudomonas spp. as confirmed by response of Vigna radiata seedlings

AIM

Analysis of a blend of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by Pseudomonas spp. with growth-promoting effect in Vigna radiata seedlings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Plant growth-promoting activity of VOCs produced by five different Pseudomonas spp. was investigated by I-plate technique. VOCs produced by different organisms were extracted by various solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and butanol) and were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis. The major VOCs identified were undecane, nonadecane, hexacosane, tetradecane, heptacosane, pentadecane, dodecane and tetratetracontane. The cultural conditions for the production of VOCs with plant growth enhancement effect were optimized and further confirmed using pure pentadecane as a candidate VOC.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides insight into plant beneficial effect of VOCs produced by Pseudomonas spp. Remarkable modulation in the production of VOCs with plant growth-promoting effect by rhizobacteria was found to be dependent on the bacterial strain and its concentration.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study describes the requirement to consider bacterial VOC production also for preparing plant probiotic formulations. As VOCs are least considered for preparation of commercial plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strain formulation, the results of the study is highly significant.

First report on distribution of heavy metals and proximate analysis in marine edible puffer fishes collected from Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, South India

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The proximate composition and distribution of heavy metals in different edible marine puffer fishes were evaluated.

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The results showed puffer fishes are rich in nutrients and high level of non-essential metals (Pb & Cd) than essential metals (Cu & Zn).

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Multivariate statistical analyses accessed to understand the distribution pattern of metals in different organs of fishes.

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This is the first report on the distribution of heavy metals and proximate analysis in marine edible puffer fishes from South India.

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The concentration of toxic metals (Pb & Cd) in puffer fishes showed higher concentration than the WHO recommended values.

In the present study, the heavy metal concentration in different organs (skin, tissue, liver, kidney, gill, intestine, and ovary) and muscle proximate composition were studied in marine edible puffer fishes Takifugu oblongus, Lagocephalus guentheri, Arothron hispidus, Chelonodon patoca and Arothron immaculatus collected from Mandapam fish landing centre, South east coast of India. Heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb & Zn) were analyzed in different organs for the above mentioned species. The heavy metals concentration ranges in fish organs of all the five species were Cu (0.42 –6.31 mg/kg), Cd (0.01–0.79 mg/kg), Pb (5.80–19.87 mg/kg), and Zn (6.75–65.08 mg/kg). Zn was detected higher in all the samples followed by Pb, Cu and Cd. The proximate composition was determined in edible muscle tissues of all the five species. The highest and lowest protein contents were observed in T. oblongus (20.6 ± 0.6%) and C. patoca (17.9 ± 0.3%). In the present study, heavy metal concentrations were found very high in all the internal organs when compared to muscle tissues. Further, this is the first report on distribution of heavy metals and proximate compositions of commercialized important edible puffer fishes from Mandapam coast of Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India.

Polymorphism of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene in Nilagiri sheep

The allelic variation in the regulatory sequence of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene influences the growth traits of sheep. A study was carried out to find out the polymorphisms associated with exon 10 of GHR gene and its association with growth traits of Nilagiri sheep. The blood samples were collected from Nilagiri sheep (n = 103) reared at Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah, Tamil Nadu, India. DNA was isolated using the phenol-chloroform extraction procedure and eight samples having amplified product of part of exon 10 (895 bp) sequenced. The results indicated transitions of nucleotide G>A at loci G177624A and G177878A. The genotyping frequencies estimated using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-PCR for GG, GA and AA were 0.262, 0.544 and 0.194, and 0.349, 0.505 and 0.146, respectively. The estimated allele frequencies of G and A nucleotides were 0.5340 and 0.4660, and 0.6015 and 0.3985, respectively, at loci G177624A and G177878A. The effects of both the mutations on growth-related traits viz., birth, weaning (3 months) 6, 9 and 12 months weight in Nilagiri sheep were found to be non-significant. This can be a novel approach to assess growth of sheep using the mutation in GHR gene. Thus, this approach can be useful for further investigation as a molecular marker associated with genetic improvement.

Impact on prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in school children administered with seven annual rounds of diethyl carbamazine (DEC) with albendazole

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

One third of the world's population is infected with one or more of the most common soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Albendazole (ALB) is being administered with diethyl carbamazine (DEC) in filariasis endemic areas to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) and helminth infections. In this study, the cumulative impact of seven annual rounds of mass drug administrations (MDA) of DEC and ALB on STH infection in school children in selected villages in southern India was determined.

METHODS

During 2001-2010, seven MDAs were implemented by the Tamil Nadu s0 tate h0 ealth d0 epartment, India. LF and STH infections were monitored in school children from 18 villages of the two treatment arms (viz, DEC alone and DEC+ALB). Kato-Katz cellophane quantitative thick smear technique was employed to estimate STH infections at three weeks, six months and one year post MDA.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment, an overall STH prevalence was 60 per cent. After each MDA, infection markedly reduced at three weeks post-treatment in both the arms. The prevalence increased at six months period, which was maintained up to one year. After seven rounds of MDA, the infection reduced from 60.44 to 12.48 per cent in DEC+ALB arm; while the reduction was negligible in DEC alone arm (58.77 to 52.70%).

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Seven rounds of MDA with DEC+ALB reduced the infection load significantly, and further sustained low level of infection for 10 years. However, complete parasite elimination could not be achieved. To curtail STH infection in the community, MDA should be regularized and environmental sanitation measures need to be improved by effective community-based campaigns.

Biodecolorization and Bioremediation of Denim Industrial Wastewater by Adapted Bacterial Consortium Immobilized on Inert Polyurethane Foam (PUF) Matrix: A First Approach with Biobarrier Model

The present experiments were studied on bioremediation of denim industry wastewater by using polyurethane foam (PU foam) immobilized bacterial cells. About 30 indigenous adapted bacterial strains were isolated from denim textile effluent out of which only four isolates were found to be efficient against crude indigo carmine degradation using broth decolorization method. The selected bacterial strains were identified as Actinomyces sp., (PK 07), Pseudomonas sp., (PK 18), Stenotrophomonas sp., (PK 23) and Staphylococcus sp., (PK 28) based on microscopic and biochemical characteristics. The bacterial immobilized cells have the highest number of viable cells (PK07, PK18, PK23 and PK28 appeared to be 1 × 108, 1 × 109, 1 × 106 and 1 × 107 CFU/ml respectively) and maximum attachment efficiency of 92% on PU foam. The complete degradation using a consortium of PU foam immobilized cells was achieved at pH 6, 27°C, 100% of substrate concentration and allowed to develop biofilm for one day (1.5% W/V). In SEM analysis, it was found that immobilization of bacterial cells using PUF stably maintained the production of various extracellular enzymes at levels higher than achieved with suspended forms. Finally, isatin and anthranilic acid were found to be degradation products by NMR and TLC. The decolorized dye was not toxic to monkey kidney cell (HBL 100) at a concentration of 50 µl and 95% of cell viability was retained. A mathematical model that describes bacterial transport with biodegradation involves a set of coupled reaction equations with non-standard numerical approach based on the time step scheme.

Biofilm formation is a risk factor for mortality in patients with Candida albicans bloodstream infection-Scotland, 2012-2013

Bloodstream infections caused by Candida species remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Biofilm formation by Candida species is an important virulence factor for disease pathogenesis. A prospective analysis of patients with Candida bloodstream infection (n = 217) in Scotland (2012–2013) was performed to assess the risk factors associated with patient mortality, in particular the impact of biofilm formation. Candida bloodstream isolates (n = 280) and clinical records for 157 patients were collected through 11 different health boards across Scotland. Biofilm formation by clinical isolates was assessed in vitro with standard biomass assays. The role of biofilm phenotype on treatment efficacy was also evaluated in vitro by treating preformed biofilms with fixed concentrations of different classes of antifungal. Available mortality data for 134 patients showed that the 30-day candidaemia case mortality rate was 41%, with predisposing factors including patient age and catheter removal. Multivariate Cox regression survival analysis for 42 patients showed a significantly higher mortality rate for Candida albicans infection than for Candida glabrata infection. Biofilm-forming ability was significantly associated with C. albicans mortality (34 patients). Finally, in vitro antifungal sensitivity testing showed that low biofilm formers and high biofilm formers were differentially affected by azoles and echinocandins, but not by polyenes. This study provides further evidence that the biofilm phenotype represents a significant clinical entity, and that isolates with this phenotype differentially respond to antifungal therapy in vitro. Collectively, these findings show that greater clinical understanding is required with respect to Candida biofilm infections, and the implications of isolate heterogeneity.

Impact of the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education (DICE) project and the DICE Care Pathway on patient outcomes and trainee doctor's knowledge and confidence

AIM

To evaluate the impact of the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education project and a comprehensive diabetes care pathway, the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education Care Pathway, on patient outcomes and on the knowledge and confidence of trainee doctors.

METHODS

The effect on patient outcomes was evaluated by comparing the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit data before (2012) and after (2013) implementing the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education project. The impact on trainee doctors was evaluated using the Modified Kirkpatrick model. Just before the project began and again 3 months later, trainee doctors were surveyed to assess their knowledge and confidence in inpatient diabetes care.

RESULTS

Patient harm was found to have been reduced significantly when National Diabetes Inpatient Audit data for 2012 and 2013 were compared. Severe hypoglycaemia decreased from 15.4 to 9.7%, medication errors from 56.9 to 21.1% and insulin errors from 31 to 7%. Across the 96 trainee doctors surveyed, the mean (sd) knowledge and confidence scores increased significantly (P < 0.001 for both) from 57.1 (16.8) and 61.8 (14.9) to 68.4 (13.3) and 74.3 (11.7), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education project and the Diabetes Inpatient Care and Education Care Pathway improved patient outcomes and the knowledge and confidence of trainee doctors in this hospital. The impact of a similar project in other hospitals needs to be evaluated.

Determinants of ERP Implementation and System Success in India

Manufacturing industries implement ERP to increase the sales and profit and reduce the legacy system issues in their organization. However, in the implementation stage itself they face lot of challenges, sometimes they even face failure in implementation. The implementing companies need lot of resources and coordination from different areas and without these resources and coordination they cannot succeed. Even though they succeed in implementation, the performance is not up to the expected level in many cases. Since many CSFs are involved in this process, the managers have to identify the CSFs and plan accordingly to achieve system success. In this case, the authors discuss the important Critical Success Factors involved in different stages of implementation of ERP. Furthermore, they have tried to study the extent of system success in the companies and also identify the influence of ERP implementation on organization effectiveness.

Bioassay guided fractionation and identification of active anti-inflammatory constituent from Delonix elata flowers using RAW 264.7 cells

CONTEXT

Delonix elata (L.) Gamble (Fabaceae) has been used in the Indian traditional medicine system to treat rheumatism and inflammation.

AIM

To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of Delonix elata flowers and to isolate the active principle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prompt anti-inflammatory constituent was isolated from Delonix elata flower extracts using bioassay guided fractionation in liposaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts/fractions/sub-fractions/compounds (10, 25, and 50 µg/ml) was evaluated by estimating the levels of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1β after 24 h of LPS induction (1 μg/ml). The isolated active compound was subjected to NMR, IR, and UV analyses for structure determination.

RESULTS

In an attempt to search for anti-inflammatory constituents, the active pure principle was isolated and crystallized as a white compound from Delonix elata flowers methanol extract. This active compound (50 µg/ml) decreased the release of inflammatory mediators levels such as NO (0.263 ± 0.03 µM), TNFα (160.20 ± 17.57 pg/ml), and IL-1β (285.79 ± 15.16 pg/ml) significantly (p < 0.05); when compared to the levels of NO (0.774 ± 0.08 µM), TNFα (501.71 ± 25.14 pg/ml), and IL-1β (712.68 ± 52.25 pg/ml) from LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. The active compound was confirmed as hesperidin with NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy data. This is the first report of this compound from Delonix elata flowers.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study support the traditional use of Delonix elata flowers to treat inflammation.

Azadirachta indica: A herbal panacea in dentistry - An update

Azadirachta indica commonly known as Neem, is an evergreen tree. Since time immemorial it has been used by Indian people for treatment of various diseases due to its medicinal properties. It possesses anti-bacterial, anti-cariogenic, anti-helminthic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, astringent, anti-viral, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Nimbidin, Azadirachtin and nimbinin are active compounds present in Neem which are responsible for antibacterial activity. Neem bark is used as an active ingredient in a number of toothpastes and toothpowders. Neem bark has anti-bacterial properties, it is quite useful in dentistry for curing gingival problems and maintaining oral health in a natural way. Neem twigs are used as oral deodorant, toothache reliever and for cleaning of teeth. The objective of this article is to focus on the various aspects of Azadirachta indica in dentistry in order to provide a tool for future research.

Serious harm from inpatient hypoglycaemia: a survey of hospitals in the UK

AIM

To estimate the incidence of serious harm to inpatients with diabetes from hypoglycaemia.

METHOD

An anonymised questionnaire was e-mailed to lead organisers at the 142 acute NHS Trusts that contributed to the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit 2012. Each diabetes team was asked collectively to recall and report any serious adverse events from inpatient hypoglycaemia in the previous year. A total of 83 Trusts agreed to participate. Serious harm was defined as death, a cardiac or cerebral event or a fall resulting in permanent physical injury or fracture.

RESULTS

A total of 41 Trusts returned the survey. Of these, only 28 (68.3%) were confident that robust methods existed in their Trust to ensure all such events were reported, and only 23 (56.1%) were confident that all such events were reported to the diabetes team. Despite these reporting concerns, the retrospective nature of the survey and the reliance on recall, 12 serious adverse events were reported from nine trusts: three deaths; two cases of permanent cerebral damage; two successfully resuscitated cardiac arrests; three seizures; and two undefined events. Insulin therapy was implicated in 10 events. Importantly, three events with two deaths occurred in patients who had received insulin/dextrose to correct hyperkalaemia; only one of whom had diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

An alarming number of serious adverse events was reported: 12 serious adverse events with three deaths over a 1-year period in 41 Trusts. This may be the tip of the iceberg, considering the potential under-reporting. Robust reporting mechanisms are required to determine the full extent of this serious preventable harm.

Implication of Knowledge Transfer on Task Performance in ERP System Usage

The level of success of Information Systems (IS) implemented in various organizations depends on several factors and is better measured through process metrics than project metrics. It is believed that innovative and increased use of the system (deep structure usage) and learning lead to internalization of knowledge. This in turn ensures that IS continuance (post implementation system usage) becomes more dynamic and effective contributing to enhancement in task performance resulting in better business value. A theoretical framework has been proposed based on previous theories and observations from a case study. An approach of mixed method research using multiple case studies and an empirical survey in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) domain has been used to validate a conceptual model. The findings use meta-inference to offer a new dimension in the area of system usage and learning which could be useful to IS practitioners and researchers.

Decline in lymphatic filariasis transmission with annual mass drug administration using DEC with and without albendazole over a 10year period in India

The National Programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis is underway in the endemic districts of Tamil Nadu State, South India, since 2001. Annual mass drug administration (MDA) was carried out by the state health department to all eligible individuals. The impact of MDAs on transmission parameters was evaluated in 2 revenue blocks, viz, one with DEC alone and the other with a combination of albendazole. After 10 years with 6 annual MDAs, the transmission indices reached low levels in both treatment arms, but still persisted. However, the DEC alone arm showed higher transmission rates, compared to the DEC+ALB arm. Few villages which demonstrated persistent transmission need to be targeted with an additional control measure viz, vector control, to achieve LF elimination. It is evident from the 10 year period of the study that inclusion of albendazole along with DEC has significantly reduced the transmission indices to almost nil level, as compared to DEC alone.

Studies on the Effect of EMS and Colchicine in M₁ Generation of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i> L.) Var. TMV3

Seeds of sesame (Sesamum indicum L), genotypeTMV3 were treated with various concentrations of EMS and Colchicine like 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 % and the LD50 values observed at 1.0 % of EMS and 0.6 % of Colchicine. Based on their LD50 values appreciable concentrations only selected for further study and their effects on various morphological characters such as plant height per plant, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, days to first flowering, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield per plant (g) were measured quantitatively and the results showed that all the characters were consequently or significantly reduced when compared to control and also EMS showed more effective than colchicine.

Studies on the Effect of EMS and Colchicine in M1 Generation of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Var. TMV3

Seeds of sesame (Sesamum indicum L), genotypeTMV3 were treated with various concentrations of EMS and Colchicine like 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 % and the LD50 values observed at 1.0 % of EMS and 0.6 % of Colchicine. Based on their LD50 values appreciable concentrations only selected for further study and their effects on various morphological characters such as plant height per plant, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, days to first flowering, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield per plant (g) were measured quantitatively and the results showed that all the characters were consequently or significantly reduced when compared to control and also EMS showed more effective than colchicine.