Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles: Sources and multifarious biotechnological applications

Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles is a highly fascinating research area and has gained importance due to reliable, sustainable and ecofriendly protocol for synthesizing nanoparticles, along with the easy availability of plant materials and their pharmacological significance. As an alternate to physical and chemical synthesis, the biological materials, like microorganisms and plants are considered to be less costly and environment-friendly. Iron nanoparticles with diverse morphology and size have been synthesized using biological extracts. Microbial (bacteria, fungi, algae etc.) and plant extracts have been employed in green synthesis of iron nanoparticles due to the presence of various metabolites and biomolecules. Physical and biochemical properties of biologically synthesized iron nanoparticles are superior to that are synthesized using physical and chemical agents. Iron nanoparticles have magnetic property with thermal and electrical conductivity. Iron nanoparticles below a certain size (generally 10-20 nm), can exhibit a unique form of magnetism called superparamagnetism. They are non-toxic and highly dispersible with targeted delivery, which are suitable for efficient drug delivery to the target. Green synthesized iron nanoparticles have been explored for multifarious biotechnological applications. These iron nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial and anticancerous properties. Iron nanoparticles adversely affect the cell viability, division and metabolic activity. Iron nanoparticles have been used in the purification and immobilization of various enzymes/proteins. Iron nanoparticles have shown potential in bioremediation of various organic and inorganic pollutants. This review describes various biological sources used in the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles and their potential applications in biotechnology, diagnostics and mitigation of environmental pollutants.

Identification and characterization of a halocin-producing haloarchaeon isolated from Pachpadra salt lake

Haloarchaea are known to produce antimicrobial proteins, halocins which are generally stable at extreme conditions suggesting their potential biotechnological applications. Here, we report a halocin-producing haloarchaeon isolated from salt lake and identified as Haloferax larsenii HA4 using partial 16S rDNA sequence and biochemical properties. Whole-cell methanolysate showed ether-linked lipids, which is a characteristic feature of haloarchaea. Strain HA4 was able to grow at pH 6·0-10·0 and 15-30% NaCl. The growth response was normal but antimicrobial activity was detected only during the log-phase. Crude halocin HA4 was active in the pH range of pH 2·0-10·0 with stability up to 100°C. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) was also stable in different organic solvents and detergents tested. However, halocin activity was reduced after treatment with proteinase K suggesting the proteinaceous nature of the active compound. Concentrated CFS showed the presence of several proteins from 6·5-66 kDa but bioassay suggested ~14 kDa protein as halocin. Crude halocin preparation showed cytocidal activity against indicator strain, H. larsenii HA10 and inhibited the growth of other related strains such as H. larsenii HA3, HA8, HA9 and HA10.

Biotechnological Advancements and Begomovirus Management in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): Status and Perspectives

Despite the importance of okra, as one of the important vegetable crop, very little attention has been paid to its genetic improvement using advanced biotechnological tools. The exploitation of marker assisted breeding in okra is often limited due to the availability of a few molecular markers, the absence of molecular genetic-map(s), and other molecular tools. Chromosome linkage-groups were not yet constructed for this crop and reports on marker development are very scanty and mostly hovering around cultivar characterization. Besides, very little progress has been observed for transgenic development. However, high throughput biotechnological tools like chromosome engineering, RNA interference (RNAi), marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS), genome-wide selection (GWS), targeted gene replacement, next generation sequencing (NGS), and nanobiotechnology can provide a rapid way for okra improvement. Further, the etiology of many deadly viral diseases like the yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) and okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCV) in okra is broadly indistinct and has been shown to be caused by various begomovirus species. These diseases cause systemic infections and have a very effective mode of transmission; thus, preventing their spread has been very complicated. Biotechnological interventions have the potential to enhance okra production even under different viral-stress conditions. In this background, this review deals with the biotechnological advancements in okra per se along with the begomoviruses infecting okra, and special emphasis has been laid on the exploitation of advanced genomic tools for the development of resistant varieties.

A comparative study of Shilajatu and Asanadi Ghana Vati in the management of Madhumeha w.s.r. to type-2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus is becoming an alarming problem for society nowadays causing impediment in normal life. Diabetes and its complications impose a major burden upon health-care facilities.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 90 patients of Madhumeha (type-2 diabetes mellitus) were registered and randomly divided into two groups. Out of 90 registered patients, 80 patients completed the treatment. In Group A, cap. Shilajatu (500 mg twice daily) was given for 3 months and in Group B, Asanadi Ghana Vati (2 Vati twice daily) was given for 3 months.

Aim:

An attempt was made to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Shilajatu and Asanadi Ghana Vati in the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus. The efficacy of therapy was assessed on the basis of improvement in sign and symptoms of diabetes mellitus, blood sugar level, and glycosylated hemoglobin

Results:

Statistically significant improvement was observed in sign and symptoms as well as on blood sugar level in both groups after the completion of treatment.

Conclusion:

Shilajatu and Asanadi Ghana Vati seem to be effective and completely safe for the management of Madhumeha (type-2 diabetes mellitus).

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and bronchodialator effect of a polyherbal drug-Shrishadi

OBJECTIVE

To investigate antimicrobial and bronchodialator effect of hydroalcholic extract of polyherbal drug Shirishadi containing Shirisha (Albezzia lebbeck), Nagarmotha (Cyprus rotandus) & Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum).

METHODS

Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method and MIC, MBC, MFC were calculated by micro dilution method. Hydroalcholic extract of this preparation was investigated for its phytochemical analysis, phenol and flavonoid were determined by spectrophotometric method and in vivo bronchodilator effect was analysed by convulsion time.

RESULTS

The phytochemical tests revealed presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The antimicrobial result showed the MIC of 6.25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and 12.5 mg/mL for Escherichia coli and 12.5 mg/mL against remaining bacteria tested, with strong antifungal activity. The maximum inhibition zone is found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC 16 mg/mL. Drug showed significant bronchodilator effect with 27.86% & 36.13% increase in preconvulsion time of guinea pigs pretreated with 100 & 200 mg/kg body weight of extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals that the extracts possess antibacterial activity and antifungal activity in a dose dependent manner. This antimicrobial property may be due to presence of several saponins, further studies are highly needed for the drug development.

A rare case of acute intestinal obstruction due to bowel entrapment in migrated onlay polypropylene mesh

Onlay mesh hernioplasty is the gold standard technique in the management of inguinal hernias. We report a rare case of intraperitoneal mesh migration with bowel entrapment causing acute intestinal obstruction in an elderly patient.

Turmeric - A new treatment option for lichen planus: A pilot study

Turmeric is dried rhizome of the perennial herbs curcumalonga. It is called Haldi in Hindi, turmeric in English, ukon in Japanese. It has been used in Asian Medicine since the second millennium BC. It's utility is referred to in the ancient Hindu script the Ayurveda. Pathogenesis of the OLP should be taken in consideration for the treatment point of view. The Cell mediated immunity to secondary antigenic change in oral mucous membrane is thought to play a major role in its pathogenesis modified keratocyte surface antigens are the primary target for cytotoxic cellular response. Curcumin also been shown to have immune modulatory effect involving activation of host macrophages and natural killer cells and modulation of lymphocytes mediated function.

Push beam spot-size dependence of atom transfer in a double magneto-optical trap setup

We have studied the dependence of atom transfer between two magneto-optical traps (MOTs) on the spot-size of a push laser beam in a double magneto-optical trap setup. It was observed that the spot-size of the push beam at vapor-chamber MOT (VC-MOT) affects significantly the transfer of atoms from the VC-MOT to an ultrahigh vacuum MOT (UHV-MOT). The number of atoms accumulated in the UHV-MOT first increases with the push beam spot-size and then decreases with it after attaining a maximum value, for a given power of the push beam. Our results show that the number of atoms accumulated in the UHV-MOT is dependent on the push beam spot-size, push beam power, and capture speed of the UHV-MOT.

Anti-histaminic, mast cell stabilizing and bronchodilator effect of hydroalcoholic extract of polyherbal compound- Bharangyadi

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways associated with reversible airway obstruction and increased airway responsiveness to a variety of stimuli. An intuitive inference from this definition is that a causal relationship may exist between airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. It can be say that “airway inflammation equal to airway hyperresponsiveness”. Attachment of antigen antibody complex to the mast cell causes its disruption and release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.To evaluate the efficacy of anti-asthmatic property of a drug, evaluation of anti-histaminic, mast cell stabilizing and bronchodilator property can be use as pharmacodynamic parameter. Bharangyadi is a polyherbal compound having Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Sati (Hedychium spicatum) and Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa) as ingredient herbs The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of an indigenous polyherbal compound Bharangyadi through various in-vitro & in-vivo experimental models.

The results demonstrate that drug has potent histamine antagonism property with significant mast cell stabilizing and spasmolytic activity in the experimental animals. Compound 48/80, a potent mast cell degranulator, provoked 76% degranulation of mast cells in the control group. Ethanolic extract of Bharangyadi at the doses 500 and 1000 μg/ml protected from compound 48/80-evoked degranulation (P < 0.01) in dose dependent manner.

Pre-treatment with Bharangyadi extract showed 80% & 86% protection from histamine induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs with 27.8% and 36.1% increase in preconvoulsion time (equal to standard drug). Screening of Histamine antagonism activity on guinea pig ileum showed that drug reduces the smooth muscle contraction in dose dependent manner. Increasing concentration of Bharangyadi extract with maximum dose of histamine (1.6μg) showed maximum inhibition at the dose of 50mg (99.78%). Inhibition of smooth muscle contraction by addition of drug in organ bath before adding histamine showed that drug has preventive type antagonism.

Effect of walking (aerobic isotonic exercise) on physiological variants with special reference to Prameha (diabetes mellitus) as per Prakriti

Walking is an isotonic aerobic exercise and has been associated with reduced blood sugar level in diabetic patients and other physiological changes in observational studies. A study was conducted to determine the effect of isotonic aerobic exercise (walking) on blood sugar level and other important physiological parameters as per Prakriti. This study was carried out in Department of Kriya Sharira and Kayachikita, S. S. Hospital; Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU and some cases were enrolled from Kashi Mumukshu Bhawan, Assi, Varanasi. A total 83 (32 diabetic control and 51 diabetic exercise) diabetic cases were included with age ranging from 35 to 65 years during January 2009 to January 2011. Control cases enrolled in this study had not performed any exercise. The results of the study revealed that, there is a strong association in between Prakriti, Blood pressure and certain other Biochemical parameters.

Rhinosporidiosis of the parotid duct presenting as a parotid duct cyst - a report of three cases

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. Rhinosporidiosis has been reported from many countries but is endemic in certain parts of India and Sri Lanka. The common sites of involvement are the nose and nasopharynx followed by ocular tissue. Rhinosporidiosis is also known to involve many rare sites and may become disseminated to occur in a generalized form. Rhinosporidiosis of the parotid duct is rare and only five reported cases could be found in the literature. We report three cases of rhinosporidiosis of parotid duct presenting clinically as a parotid duct cyst. Rhinosporidiosis was diagnosed by histopathology. None of these patients had rhinosporidiosis at any other site.

Note: Investigation of atom transfer using a red-detuned push beam in a double magneto-optical trap setup

We present our results on transfer of cold (87)Rb atoms from a vapor cell magneto-optical trap to ultrahigh vacuum magneto-optical trap (UHV-MOT) using a red-detuned continuous wave push beam in a double-magneto-optical trap setup. We find that use of retro-reflected red-detuned push laser beam results in higher number in UHV-MOT than the number obtained without retro-reflection of push beam.

Electrochemical and mechanical behavior of laser processed Ti-6Al-4V surface in Ringer's physiological solution

Laser surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V with an existing calcium phosphate coating has been conducted to enhance the surface properties. The electrochemical and mechanical behaviors of calcium phosphate deposited on a Ti-6Al-4V surface and remelted using a Nd:YAG laser at varying laser power densities (25-50 W/mm(2)) have been studied and the results are presented. The electrochemical properties of the modified surfaces in Ringer's physiological solution were evaluated by employing both potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The potentiodynamic polarizations showed an increase in the passive current density of Ti-6Al-4V after laser modification at power densities up to 35 W/mm(2), after which it exhibited a decrease. A reduction in the passive current density (by more than an order) was observed with an increase in the laser power density from 25 to 50 W/mm(2). EIS studies at the open circuit potential (OCP) and in the passive region at 1.19 V showed that the polarization resistance increased from 8.274 × 10(3) to 4.38 × 10(5) Ω cm(2) with increasing laser power densities. However, the magnitudes remain lower than that of the untreated Ti-6Al-4V at OCP. The average hardness and modulus of the laser treated Ti-6Al-4V, evaluated by the nanoindentation method, were determined to be 5.4-6.5 GPa (with scatter <±0.976 GPa) and 124-155 GPa (with scatter <±13 GPa) respectively. The corresponding hardness and modulus of untreated Ti-6Al-4V were ~4.1 (±0.62) and ~148 (±7) GPa respectively. Laser processing at power densities >35 W/mm(2) enhanced the surface properties (as passive current density is reduced) so that the materials may be suitable for the biomedical applications.

Nonlinear wave propagation in strongly coupled dusty plasmas

The nonlinear propagation of low-frequency waves in a strongly coupled dusty plasma medium is studied theoretically in the framework of the phenomenological generalized hydrodynamic (GH) model. A set of simplified model nonlinear equations are derived from the original nonlinear integrodifferential form of the GH model by employing an appropriate physical ansatz. Using standard perturbation techniques characteristic evolution equations for finite small amplitude waves are then obtained in various propagation regimes. The influence of viscoelastic properties arising from dust correlation contributions on the nature of nonlinear solutions is discussed. The modulational stability of dust acoustic waves to parallel perturbation is also examined and it is shown that dust compressibility contributions influenced by the Coulomb coupling effects introduce significant modification in the threshold and range of the instability domain.

Clinical efficacy of Rasona Pinda in the management of Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis)

In the present clinical study, 63 patients of Amavata were registered from the Kayachikitsa out patient department/indoor patient department (OPD/IPD) of Sir Sunder Lal Hospital (Indian Medicine Wing), IMS, BHU, Varanasi-5. In group I (Rasona Pinda), 27 patients completed the study of a total of 33patients registered in the group (six patients dropped out mid–therapy). In group II (control group), 23 patients completed all three follow-ups out of 30 patients (there were seven dropouts in mid–therapy). In group I, complete remission in 29.6%, major improvement in 59.3% and minor improvement in change font so as to appear 11.1% were observed. In group II, complete remission in 13%, major improvement in 21.7%, minor improvement in 39.1% and unchanged in 26.9% of the patients were observed.

Simplified and versatile method for bisulfite-based DNA methylation analysis of small amounts of DNA

Epigenetic alterations of gene function play a central role in the pathogenesis of many tumors and in the process of aging. Abnormal methylation at transcriptional sites of genes results in epigenetic silencing of the genes that protect against tumor formation or that repair DNA. To date, several studies have analyzed methylation status by oligonucleotide arrays, restriction analysis (COBRA), methylation-specific amplification, and sequence analysis. This requires high concentration of bisulfite-treated DNA, which mandates use of commercially available expensive kits, and is an often laborious and time-consuming task. In this article, we report a simplified high-throughput method, which can serve as a surrogate for screening methylation profiles of various genes and has high sensitivity compared with the other methods described previously.

Prognostic significance of genotyping Helicobacter pylori infection in patients in younger age groups with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Malignant tumours of the stomach are common, but the incidence of stomach cancer varies from country to country, probably a result of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Stomach cancer often occurs in older people whose stomachs produce only small quantities of acid. Although infection with Helicobacter pylori has been proven beyond doubt in the aetiopathogenesis of various gastric disorders, not much is known about the genotypes of H pylori infection in early-onset gastric cancer.

AIM

To ascertain the genotypes of H pylori in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Ninety-two patients were separated into three groups on the basis of their endoscopic findings: group 1, gastric cancer; group 2, gastric ulcer; group 3, non-ulcer dyspepsia. Gastric biopsy specimens were obtained for culture and DNA isolation; additional specimens were taken from subjects with gastric cancer for histopathological analysis. Amplification was performed using specific oligonucleotide primers to obtain genotypic data. Four samples from each group were randomly selected for sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Genotypic analysis showed cagT+ve/hrgA+ve/cagA+ve/cagE+ve/vacAs1+ve to be highly prevalent in 79% of cases of H pylori infection. This genotype was found in 88% of subjects in group 1 and 78% in group 2. Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma was found in 35 subjects (83%), 32 (9%) of which harboured this genotype. Sequence analysis showed no significant strain-specific variations.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain genotypes of H pylori have higher predictive value for the development of intestinal-type carcinoma at an early age. Genotyping of H pylori may well be a useful tool for screening people at increased risk of developing malignancy.

Laser surface processing of Ti6Al4V in gaseous nitrogen: corrosion performance in physiological solution

Laser surface processing was carried out in gaseous nitrogen atmosphere at ambient temperature. The laser scan speed was varied (50-150 cm/min) at constant power of 1500 watts and resulting changes such as microstructural evolution, hardness, and electrochemical response of modified surface in Ringer's physiological solution at varying pH were studied. Increase in laser scanning speed was found to reduce the thickness of alloyed zone from 258 to 87 microm. The microstructure of laser-modified surface contains dendrites grown perpendicular to the laser traverse direction, beneath which basket weave structure of acicular alpha (martensite) was prevalent. Hardness at the top surface of laser-processed at 50 cm/min was approximately 1137 kg/mm2 that reduced with increase in the laser scan speed (577 kg/mm2 at 150 cm/min). Laser surface processing shifted the corrosion potential of Ti6Al4V towards noble side as compared to untreated alloy; the maximum shift by approximately 494 mV was recorded in pH approximately 9 solution. Passivation after laser surface modification was improved as currents were at least 1/3 of the untreated Ti6Al4V in passive region. While the pitting potential of untreated material was found to increase from 1.84 V for 4.0 pH to >2.5 V for 9.0 pH, the pitting potential after laser treatment was observed to drop from maximum of 74% for 4.0 pH (at 100 cm/min) to maximum of 42% for 9.0 pH (at 150 cm/min).

A simple multiplex PCR assay for diagnosing virulent Helicobacter pylori infection in human gastric biopsy specimens from subjects with gastric carcinoma and other gastro-duodenal diseases

AIM

To evaluate and develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for diagnosing and specific identification of virulent Helicobacter pylori strains and their main virulence genes cagA, cagE, cagT, vacA and hrgA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genomic DNA from 82 gastric tissues was screened. A master pool of all the ingredients of multiplex reaction was prepared for amplification. Amplicons were sequenced to confirm the amplification of each target genes. Multiplex PCR assay was able to detect all the five target genes in 81.7% and deletions in one or more loci among 18.3%. Genotype cagT +ve/hrgA +ve/cagA +ve/cagE +ve/vacAs1 +ve was more predominant in this study population (67.07%). hrgA, cagT, cagE and cagA genes were present in 100%, 92.7%, 85.4% and 81.7% of the subjects, respectively. The vacAs1 subtype had higher prevalence frequency in patients with overt gastrointestinal disease (78.57%) than with GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) and NUD (non-ulcer dispepsia) (50%).

CONCLUSIONS

The multiplex PCR assay developed herein was able to genotype H. pylori isolates based on the main virulence genes.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The ability to identify H. pylori and the majority of their virulence gene markers by multiplex PCR assay represents a considerable advancement over other PCR-based methods for genotyping H. pylori from large population, and can be explored to gain insights at the genotypic variability exhibited by this pathogen.

Impact of household hygiene and water source on the prevalence and transmission of Helicobacter pylori: a South Indian perspective

INTRODUCTION

In developing countries, the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection rate is high, especially in lower socioeconomic groups. The populace in developing countries lives in conditions that are highly conducive to the acquisition of microorganisms. Poor hygiene, crowded household conditions and deficient sanitation mark their day-to-day life. We aimed to find out the roles of household hygiene and water source in the prevalence and transmission of H. pylori infection among the South Indian population using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

METHODS

The selected population consisted of 500 adults of varying ages ranging from 30 to 79 years, with upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms. Each participant in the study was given a questionnaire to complete. Samples to assess H. pylori infection included three gastric biopsies (two from the antrum and one from the corpus region). Infection was detected by PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of H. pylori. The data was then examined statistically by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of H. pylori was detected to be 80 percent. Prevalence increased with an increase in age and it was found to be 90 percent in the 70-79 year age group (p-value is less than 0.01). The prevalence of infection among people who drank water from wells was 92 percent compared with 74.8 percent of those who drank tap water (p-value is less than 0.001). H. pylori infection prevalence was found to be higher in people with low clean water index (CWI) (88.2 percent) than in those with higher CWI (33.3 percent) (p-value is less than 0.001). While the prevalence of H. pylori in the subjects with lower socioeconomic status was 86.1 percent, in higher groups, it was 70 percent (p-value is less than 0.001). The prevalence of H. pylori was also found to be higher in subjects who lived in overcrowded houses. It was 83.7 percent with high crowding index, 76.6 percent with medium crowding index, and 71.3 percent with low crowding index (p-value is less than 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that the risk of acquisition and transmission of H. pylori can be prevented to a large extent by following improved household hygienic practices, proper waste disposal measures as well as the regular use of boiling water for drinking purposes.

Semiorganic nonlinear optical material for frequency doubling: preparation and properties of sodium p-nitrophenolate dihydrate (SPNP)

Sodium p-nitrophenolate (SPNP), a semiorganic nonlinear optical (NLO) material useful for frequency doubling in the IR region, has been synthesized. The solubility studies have been carried out in the temperature range 30-50 degrees C. Single crystals (size 12 mmx7 mmx4 mm) have been grown by slow evaporation of the saturated aqueous solution (methanol as solvent) at 30 degrees C. The lattice parameters of the grown crystals have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The UV-vis-NIR transmittance spectrum has been recorded in the range 200-1500 nm. The molecular structure was confirmed by FT-IR and FT-NMR. SPNP was thermally stable up to 103 degrees C as determined by TG/DTA curves. By a modified Kurtz and Perry method, the powder SHG efficiency was found to be five times that of KDP and its phase matching property was established. Laser damage threshold of SPNP was determined using a Nd:YAG laser.

Studies on sorption properties of zeolite derived from Indian fly ash

Indian fly ash has been completely converted to crystalline porous 13X zeolite by NaOH fusion at 600 degrees C followed by hydrothermal treatment at 105 degrees C for 20 h. Obtained materials were characterized by XRD, SEM and surface area measurement. Prepared material was used for the sorption study of different metal ions (Cu(2+), Co(2+) and Ni(2+)) at different pH, temperature. Thermodynamic data (DeltaS, DeltaH and DeltaG) corresponding to different metal ion uptake were evaluated from Langmuir equation. In all the experiment sorption capacity of prepared zeolite was found to be quite high than that of fly ash at acidic pH. However, the uptake selectivity order for both the materials is Cu(2+)>Co(2+)>Ni(2+).

Prevalence study to elucidate the transmission pathways of Helicobacter pylori at oral and gastroduodenal sites of a South Indian population

INTRODUCTION

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), much progress has been made worldwide in the field of its epidemiology. In spite of these advancements, many aspects of epidemiology still remain unclear, particularly among populations with low socio-economic status. The present study was designed to elucidate the different routes of transmission of H. pylori in the Hyderabad (South India) population and to investigate the impact of certain factors, such as age, gender, and lifestyle.

METHODS

Samples used for the study included saliva and biopsy samples of 400 symptomatic subjects from Hyderabad, India. The patients were retrospectively grouped, based on histopathology of the biopsy and 16S rRNA amplification of both saliva and biopsy as H. pylori positive and negative.

RESULTS

This study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori in both saliva and biopsy samples increased with age. In addition, the H. pylori infection was found more commonly in the saliva and biopsy samples among males (64 percent and 60 percent, respectively) than females (53.3 percent and 64 percent, respectively). Similarly, 71.6 percent and 73.5 percent of those who consumed municipal water acquired H. pylori (which were respectively found in their saliva and biopsy samples) compared to a lesser proportion (12.6 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively) of those who consumed boiled or filtered water. The study also found that subjects who preferred home-cooked food (57.1 percent and 57.7 percent) showed a lower prevalence of H. pylori in saliva and biopsy samples, respectively, compared to those (80 percent and 88 percent) who frequently ate out.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that besides the oral-oral route, the transmission of H. pylori also takes place through the consumption of food prepared under unhygienic conditions. Consumption of municipal tap water also has a high impact in the transmission of H. pylori.

Rapid diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic patients using salivary secretion: a non-invasive approach

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines that recommend Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment without endoscopy in selected patients underscore the importance of non-invasive testing. The accuracy of saliva as a non-invasive specimen was compared with that of invasive tests in pretreatment diagnosis of H. pylori infection.

METHODS

One hundred patients undergoing gastroscopy were grouped into 80 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic subjects and were investigated for the presence of H. pylori in saliva and stomach. Samples tested comprised saliva and gastric biopsies collected from each patient. Exclusion criteria were history of peptic ulcer, bleeding ulcer, cancer or recent use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Two sets of primers homologous to 534 bp fragment of H. pylori DNA, which have been shown previously to be highly specific and sensitive, were used for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

RESULTS

72 (90 percent) of the symptomatic group and 10 asymptomatic subjects were infected with H. pylori in the stomach as determined by histology and direct PCR amplification of biopsy DNA obtained from each subject. H. pylori DNA was identified in the saliva of 70 (87.5 percent) symptomatic subjects and 12 (60 percent) asymptomatic control subjects.

CONCLUSION

High rates of detection using saliva as a specimen indicate that saliva of the infected person could serve as a reliable non-invasive alternative to detect the presence of H. pylori infection in comparison to the currently available standard diagnostic tests.

In vitro propagation of Lagerstromia parviflora Roxb. from adult tree

A micropropagation protocol based on axillary bud proliferation has been developed from mature Lagerstromia parviflora adult tree. Nodal segments cultured on woody plant medium supplemented with 5.0 microl. BAP and 0.25 microm IAA gave maximum (86.9%) morphogenetic response. Proliferated shoots (10.7 per explants) were elongated to 3.9 cm within 6 weeks. In vitro produced micro-shoots were subjected to an IBA treatment (500 ppm for 2 min. dip) and placed under misting conditions for rooting. Misting beds were prepared with sand: soil (3:1) for 80.6% rooting and was acclimatized. Shoot length seems to be important to induce adventitious roots. The highest (91.7%) rooting was recorded on shoots ranging a length between 3.1-4.0 cm. Rooted and hardened plants were later transferred to poly bags and maintained in shadenet house. The protocol has the realizes capacity to produce 260 plants from a single explants within 10 months multiplication cycle.

Studies on energetic compounds. Part 16. Chemistry and decomposition mechanisms of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-one (NTO)

The present review deals with the chemistry and thermolysis of NTO and plausible decomposition pathways have been described. The decomposition of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-one (NTO) induced by X-ray, UV, laser, photochemical irradiation has also been discussed. High-speed photographic studies of the impact responses of NTO are also included. The thermal decomposition of labelled NTO has also been described here. Methods of detection as well as safe disposal of NTO have also been mentioned.

Studies on energetic compounds. Part XI: preparation and thermolysis of polynitro organic compounds

The thermolysis of high energetic polynitro organic compounds has been reviewed in the present communication.

Reversal of sedative and clinicophysiological effects of epidural xylazine and detomidine with atipamezole and yohimbine in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The sedative and clinicophysiological effects of either xylazine (0.1 mg/kg) or detomidine (50 micrograms/kg) administered epidurally to groups of five buffaloes were reversed by the intravenous administration of either yohimbine (0.125 mg/kg) or atipamezole (10 micrograms/kg). Epidural xylazine or detomidine produced bradycardia, respiratory depression, ruminal stasis and hypothermia and these effects were completely reversed within five to 15 minutes after the intravenous administration of atipamezole or yohimbine, with no signs of excitement or resedation. Atipamezole reversed the effects of xylazine or detomidine more rapidly than yohimbine.

Helix aspersa neurons maintain vigorous electrical activity when co-cultured with intact H. aspersa ganglia

1. Identified neurons from the right parietal lobe of the circumoesophageal ganglion of adult land snails, Helix aspersa, were isolated and placed in primary cell culture. 2. The individual neurons were removed from the right parietal lobe by microdissection without the aid of exogenous enzymes and plated on poly-L-lysine coated coverslip in normal Helix Ringer's solution conditioned with Helix circumoesphageal ganglia. The neurons become firmly attached to the substrate and begin to extend processes within 6 hr. 3. The cells show a dramatic increase in electrical activity when they are co-cultured with intact Helix circumoesophageal ganglia (1 ganglion/ml). Co-cultured neurons have resting potentials between -45 and -110 mV, comparable to in situ, show spontaneous action potential firing and respond to putative neurotransmitters. Heat-treated conditioned media was inactive. 4. When dopamine or serotonin (5-HT) are added, right parietal beating neurons, F14-F16 and F29-F32, (i) show a suppression of action potentials occurrence; (ii) a decrease in action potential amplitude and duration, and (iii) an increase in after-hyperpolarization. 5. Right parietal bursting neuron F1 in culture fire action potentials only in a beating mode. Dopamine addition to F1 suppresses action potential occurrence and causes an increase in action potential after-hyperpolarization, but there is only a small decrease in duration of action potentials and no significant change in action potential amplitude. 5-HT addition to F1 increases the occurrence of action potentials with little or no change in action potential shape. 6. This primary cell culture method is an efficient system for doing biochemical and electrophysiological studies on individual, identified neurons.