Pulmonary arterial remodeling revealed by microfocal x-ray tomography

Animal models and micro-CT imaging are useful for understanding the functional consequences of, and identifying the genes involved in, the remodeling of vascular structures that accompanies pulmonary vascular disease. Using a micro-CT scanner to image contrast-enhanced arteries in excised lungs from fawn hooded rats (a strain genetically susceptible to hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension), we found that portions of the pulmonary arterial tree downstream from a given diameter were morphometrically indistinguishable. This \u27self-consistency\u27 property provided a means for summarizing the pulmonary arterial tree architecture and mechanical properties using a parameter vector obtained from measurements of the contiguous set of vessel segments comprising the longest (principal) pathway and its branches over a range of vascular pressures. This parameter vector was used to characterize the pulmonary vascular remodeling that occurred in rats exposed to a hypoxic (11.5% oxygen) environment and provided the input to a hemodynamic model relating structure to function. The major effect of the remodeling was a longitudinally (pulmonary artery to arterioles) uniform decrease in vessel distensibility that resulted in a 90% increase in arterial resistance. Despite the almost uniform change in vessel distensibility, over 50% of the resistance increase was attributable to vessels with unstressed diameters less than 125 microns

POST-TRANSCRIPTIONAL MODULATORS OF LDL-R IN LIPID METABOLISM AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS - ANIMAL AND HUMAN STUDIES

Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) is a significant asset of cardiovascular system, plays a critical role in regulating the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Mutation in the LDLR gene causes a lethal clinical condition called \u201cFamilial hypercholesterolemia\u201d. To date, more than 1000 mutations have been identified and characterised in LDL-R gene affecting its function. Some recent advances in lipid biology also identified certain proteins those affect LDL-R functionality at post-transcriptional levels, these genes include PCSK9, IDOL and recently altered expression on GPER gene also found linked to affect LDLR expression, these modification on LDL-R eventually leads to increase the circulating cholesterol levels in the blood called \u201chypercholesterolemia\u201d- which is the primary risk factor of atherosclerosis. We first focus our goal to know the role of PCSK9 protein in carotid atherosclerosis progression and glucose homeostasis by using \u201ccarotid artery injury\u201d and \u201cnutrition modified\u201d mice model respectively. Our results indicates that the presence of PCSK9 protein in mice induces neo-intimal hyperplasia upon stimulation, might be due to higher de-differentiating phenotypes of underlying vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Mice carrying PCSK9 allele had high intimal thickening (p<0.05) and intima-media ratio (p<0.024), and enhanced expression of VSMCs synthetic markers like caldesmon (p<0.01), Col1a1 (p<0.05), and with higher proliferation and migration pattern than PCSK9-KO mice. However, Our results from nutrition modified model, where mice were fed with DIO (Diet induced obesity) diet (20 weeks) indicates that mice with PCSK9 deficiency might causes defect in pancreatic beta-cells functionality as these mice had less tolerance to glucose when tested by glucose tolerance test (GTT) assay, while no change in glucose absorbance were observed between the strains when challenged with intraperitoneal insulin. We also aim to understand the genetic variability of post-transcriptional modulators of LDLR and their role on lipid variability, glucose metabolism and peripheral atherosclerosis progression in human subjects. Various Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified and evaluated several genetic variants on post-transcriptional modulators of LDLR (esp PCSK9 and IDOL gene) and their influence on lipid variability, glucose metabolism and peripheral atherosclerosis progression, however, the results of these variants emerged with admixed results when evaluated on different population. Therefore, our focus was to know the role of certain common variants of PCSK9 (rs11591147; p.R46L), IDOL (rs9370867; p.N342S) and GPER (rs11544331; p.P16L) on lipid variability, glucose metabolism and cIMT progression in Italian general population enrolled in the PLIC study (Progression of lesion in intima-media of carotid artery), The impact of PCSK9 R46L on lipid levels was favourable as found linked in reduction in total cholesterol (-4.40%) and LDL (-7.2%) levels but increases glucose levels (+7.2%) in comparison to R46R carriers, while there was no influence of IDOL (p.N342S) and GPER (p.P16L) on lipid and glucose levels were observed. When analysed for the role on cIMT progression, all studied loci (PCSK9, IDOL and GPER respective variants) did not show any significant association with the progression of carotid intima media thickness. Our next aim was to evaluate the plasma PCSK9 levels in Italian subjects and to perform association studies with clinical parameters. We found a wide range of plasma PCSK9 levels in our Italian studied cohort (range 8-1432 ng/ml), with the significant association with various lipoproteins like LDL (p=0.002), TC(<0.001), Tg (<0.001), HDL(<0.001) etc. However, all these association were found modestly stronger in Men cohort despite of carrying less plasma PCSK9 levels than their age-matched women, We also observed that PCSK9 levels also influenced due to the gender and age and certain hypolipidemics drugs like statins also increases plasma PCSK9 levels. However, plasma PCSK9 levels did not show any significant association with cIMT progression and neither with glucose levels. Nevertheless, we observed that Men with Metabolic syndrome (MetS) tend to present high plasma PCSK9 levels than men of control group (p=0.04). At last, we aim to investigate the epistatic role of our studied genes over plasma PCSK9 levels, if any. We found that PCSK9 R46L and GPER P16L (sex-specific) influences plasma PCSK9 levels, while IDOL N342S variants did not present any alteration in plasma PCSK9 levels. Altogether, these results suggest that PCSK9 presence have both beneficial and adverse outcomes, while no significant association of IDOL and GPER variants with studied clinical phenotypes were observed in Italian general population

Mezclas de aceites de semilla de perilla y oleína de palma para mejorar la estabilidad nutricional y térmica

This study aimed to develop a healthy blended oil with a balanced fatty acid ratio, as well as high thermal and oxidative stability. The blending of highly saturated Palm olein (PO) with polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich (PUFA) Perilla seed oil (PeO) in two different proportions, 70:30 (B1) and 80:20 (B2) v/v was studied. The physicochemical parameters, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stability of cold-pressed perilla seed oil (PeO), palm olein, and their blends were analyzed. The blends presented higher oxidative stability (6.5 h) with enhanced α-linolenic acid content (18%) than pure oils. The fatty acid ratio in both blend (B1- 1:1.4:1 and B2- 1.5:1.5:1) was found close to the WHO recommended ratio i.e., 1:1-5:1. The evaluation of the thermal stability of the blended oils revealed that PeO oxidized quickly during heating (Peroxide value-15.16 meq O2/kg); whereas thermal stability improved with blending (Peroxide value: B1-7.92 and B2- 7.69 meq O2/kg).Este estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar una mezcla de aceites saludables con una proporción equilibrada de ácidos grasos, alta estabilidad térmica y oxidativa. Se ha estudiado la mezcla de oleína de palma (PO) altamente saturada con aceite de semilla de perilla (PeO) rico en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (PUFA) en dos proporciones diferentes, 70:30 (B1) y 80:20 (B2) v/v. Se analizaron los parámetros fisicoquímicos, la composición de ácidos grasos y la estabilidad oxidativa del aceite de semilla de perilla prensado en frío (PeO), la oleína de palma y sus mezclas. Las mezclas presentaron mayor estabilidad oxidativa (6,5 h) con mayor contenido de ácido α-linolénico (18%) que los aceites puros. La proporción de ácidos grasos de ambas mezclas (B1- 1:1,4:1 y B2- 1,5:1,5:1) se encontró cerca de la proporción recomendada por la OMS, es decir, 1:1-5:1. La evaluación de la estabilidad térmica de los aceites mezclados reveló que el PeO se oxidaba rápidamente durante el calentamiento (Valor de peróxido: 15,16 meq O2/kg), mientras que la estabilidad térmica mejoraba con la mezcla (Valor de peróxido: B1-7,92 y B2- 7,69 meq O2/kg)

Mushroom: Nature’s Treasure in Ethiopia

Mushroom is a form of fungus having distinct fruit body produced either above ground or below ground. It can be easily noticed in moist habitat in and around forest, grassland, on tree trunks due to their peculiar appearance. Present communication discusses important habit and habitats, medicinal and culinary uses, status of mushrooms in Ethiopia, and sustainable use for sustenance and food security.Keywords: Mushroom, Fungus, Status, Tigray, Ethiopia

Kesiapsiagaan Masyarakat Afdeling Gunung Pasang dalam Menghadapi Bencana Banjir Bandang

Community preparedness of Afdeling Gunung Pasang to face flash flood disasterPurposeThis research aimed to determine community needs to develop community preparedness on health aspect by needs awareness surveys to prevent flash flood disaster in Afdeling Gunung Pasang, Suci village, Panti district, in Jember.MethodsThis research was a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. The main informants were community members of Afdeling Gunung Pasang, and supporting informants were leaders of the community, heads of village offices, community stakeholders (local plantation industry) and disaster management stakeholders from the local government institution in Jember. Data were collected by focus group discussions, in depth interviews, and observation. Data validation used triangulation methods. ResultsMany kinds of needs awareness were found in the community, to develop community preparedness in health aspects. The community needs stimulus to prepare for disasters, such as training emergency response, fulfillment tools, disaster information, and coordination with stakeholders.ConclusionThe community needs to prepare health aspects in the event of disasters and observe dangerous zones in Afdeling Gunung Pasang

Potential of NTFP-based bioeconomy in livelihood security and income inequality mitigation in Kashmir Himalayas

The contribution of non timber forest products (NTFPs) has been acknowledged globally for their role in conservation, income generation, livelihood improvement and rural development. The potential of a NTFP-based bioeconomy has given a new dimension to the forest sector, and NTFPs are now considered favourably by the resource rich developing economies. The actual contribution of NTFPs has never been adequately estimated due to lack of sufficient baseline information on extraction, consumption patterns and traded quantities in Kashmir, India. Complicated management frameworks and fragmented value chains have eclipsed their diverse social life cycle in Kashmir. Therefore the present study investigates the bioeconomic transformation, livelihood contribution, income inequality mitigation and determinant socioeconomic factors of NTFP extraction in the Kashmir Himalayas. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to collect data through participatory household-based surveys from different villages. Data were collected through structured in-depth interviews, non-participant observation and focussed group discussions. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. The Lorenz curve and Gini index were used to evaluate the influence of household NTFP incomes on income inequality mitigation, and econometric models were developed to identify key factors that influence the level of household income from NTFPs to determine their potential for supporting livelihood security and bioeconomy in the region

PRODUCTION OF INDUSTRIALLY IMPORTANT ENZYMES BY THERMOBACILLI ISOLATED FROM HOT SPRINGS OF INDIA

Enzymes from thermophilic bacteria have received great attention for their potential applications in various industrial sectors. The present study deals with the production of five thermozymes (amylase, lipase, xylanase, protease and cellulase) from 10 thermophilic bacterial species, originally isolated from two hot springs namely Soldhar and Ringigad in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India. The bacterial isolate GBPI_25 produced maximum amylase (1217.86 U/ml) at 45 °C and 5 pH, GBPI 3 produced maximum lipase (22.59 U/ml) at 65 °C and 9 pH, GBPI_25 produced maximum xylanase (98.07 U/ml) at45 °C and 9 pH, GBPI_35 produced maximum protease (16.66 U/ml) at 55 °C and 9 pH, and GBPI 4 produced maximum cellulose (108.68 U/ml) at 45 °C and 5 pH. Crude enzyme preparations showed thermal and pH activities at broad temperature and pH range between 10-100 °C and 3-11 pH, respectively, with different temperature and pH optima. Amylase, xylanase and cellulase showed maximum activity at 50 °C while lipase and protease showed higher activity at 40 and 60 °C, respectively. Enzyme activity at wide temperature range-cellulase and protease from 10-100 °C, amylase and xylanasefrom10-90 °C, and lipase activity from 10-80 °C were the remarkable records from this study. Similarly, pH range for amylase and lipase activity was recorded from 4-11, for xylanase from 3-9, and for protease and cellulase from 3-10. All the thermozymes showed maximum stability at 40 °C and pH 5 except cellulase that showed higher stability at40 °C and neutral pH

Performance of \u3cem\u3eAcacia senegal\u3c/em\u3e L.: Untapped Wealth of Gum Arabic in Rangelands and Grasslands in Arid and Semi-Arid Region of India

Acacia senegal (Linn) Wild a member of Mimosaceae is a small tree of 3-6m in height with umbrella-shaped crown. It is a typical tree of Sahel in Africa from Senegal to red sea and essentially limited to the area between 110 and 160 North, with a wide range of rainfall 100 to 800mm. It spread widely in tropical Africa from Mozambique, Zambia to Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria, and in South Asia in India and Pakistan. In India it is a typical tree of arid regions with a low rainfall of 100-250mm. It is drought resistant and tolerates prolonged dry period of 10-11 months, with maximum temperature reaching 500C with strong winds, but susceptible to frost. It occurs mostly on sand stones and skeletal soils and widely distributed as interspersed species in most of the rangelands and grasslands in arid and semi-arid regions of India. World’s 90% gum Arabic is produced from Acacia senegal. The quality of gum is very superior as compared to gum from any other species of Acacia (Andreson, 1990). Nearly 90% of gum Arabic is produced by Republic of Sudan especially from (Kordafan). Production of gum Arabic is meagre in India, and contribution to the world production is negligible. The total annual output of gum Arabic is only 800 Mt compared to world production and consumption of 60,000-70,000 Mt. The domestic production is insufficient even for domestic consumption and more of it is imported from Sudan and Nigeria to meet India\u27s requirements. Gum exudes from cracks in bark of trees, mostly in the dry season. In Sudan the annual yields from young trees ranges from 188 to 2856 g (av. 0.9 kg), and from older trees, 379 to 6754 g (av. 2.0 kg). In India, however, the productivity is low varying from 175 to 550g tree-1 year-1. The main gum producing regions of India where natural as well as planted stands of A. senegal occur are in desert and arid region of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. The gum yield from various Acacia trees in their natural habitat is very poor. In arid and semi-arid region of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Bundelkahand, there is a good scope for extending area for large- scale plantation for production of gum Arabic. The area covered under forest, barren and uncultivable, pasture, oren (temple lands) and community grazing land etc, can be used for commercial plantation of A. senegal. The arid zone of Western Rajasthan is prone to frequent drought and famine and cultivation of gum Arabic can provide livelihood security to desert dwellers. A farmer who has planted 100 trees/ ha at spacing of 10 x 10 m can harvest about 25kg gum assuming average yield of 250g per tree. This would generate revenue of Rs 10000 ha-1 year-1 if, gum is sold at a minimum price of Rs. 400 kg-1. In addition, systematic commercial plantation of Acacia senegal can also provide employment to millions of people towards various planting activities and gum collection. According to an estimate of FAO, gum collection sustains about 0.3 million people and has huge potential of employment. Integration of Acacia senegal in traditional grazing grounds such as orens and gochars, systematically raised silvopastoral systems and other agroforestry landuse for production of gum Arabic can be a profitable proposition. It will not only provide alternative livelihood options to local people but also increase economic viability and sustainability grasslands and pastures. In consideration of wide variations in gum production in respect to sites, annual rainfall and geographical locations, it imperative to study growth performance of A. senegal in different eco-regions and develop site specific models for optimizing production of gum Arabic. This study is a part of research efforts being made at Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, which is one of the co-ordinating centres in the ICAR-network project on Natural Resin and Gums headquartered at Indian Institute of Natural Resin and Gums, Ranchi. The main objective is to develope suitable agroforestry models based on gums and resins yielding trees for Bundelkhand region. This paper presents growth performance of A. senegal in semi-arid region of Bundelkhand, Central India

Primera cita de Botrytis cinerea sobre Lilium polyphyllum, especie en peligro de extinción en Uttarakhand, India

Dhyani, A. High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre. Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.Nautiyal, B. P. Department of Horticulture. Aromatic and Medicinal Plant, Mizoram University, Aizawl, India.Nautiyal, M. C. High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre. Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.Rivera, Marta Carolina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Producción Vegetal. Cátedra de Fitopatología. Buenos Aires, Argentina.Prasad, D. University of Agriculture and Technology. College of Forestry and Hill Agriculture.Plant Pathology Section. Ranichauri, India.Singh, K. P. University of Agriculture and Technology. College of Forestry and Hill Agriculture.Plant Pathology Section. Ranichauri, India.157-159Lilium polyphyllum es una planta herbácea que se encuentra en estado de peligro en ambientes naturales de Uttarakhand, India. La enfermedad conocida como moho gris fue detectada sobre esta especie desde Julio a Agosto (2008-2009) causando muerte de inflorescencias y varas. Botrytis cinerea fue aislado consistentemente de inflorescencias. Su patogenicidad fue confirmada mediante inoculación de plantas de L. polyphyllum cultivadas en macetas en un invernáculo. Como resultado, se cita a Botrytis cinerea por primera vez como causante de moho gris sobre Lilium polyphyllum en India, cuyos síntomas son tizón de flores y varas. Esta enfermedad puede afectar seriamente a este hospedante en riesgo durante su estado reproductivo. A nuestro entender, no existe otro antecedente de B. cinerea sobre este hospedante

Inhibition of snake venom induced sterile inflammation and PLA2 activity by Titanium dioxide Nanoparticles in experimental animals.

Sterile inflammation (SI) is an essential process in response to snakebite and injury. The venom induced pathophysiological response to sterile inflammation results into many harmful and deleterious effects that ultimately leads to death. The available treatment for snakebite is antiserum which does not provide enough protection against venom-induced pathophysiological changes like haemorrhage, necrosis, nephrotoxicity and often develop hypersensitive reactions. In order to overcome these hindrances, scientists around the globe are searching for an alternative therapy to provide better treatment to the snake envenomation patients. In the present study TiO2 (Titanium dioxide)-NPs (Nanoparticles) has been assessed for antisnake venom activity and its potential to be used as an antidote. In this study, the synthesis of TiO2-NPs arrays has been demonstrated on p-type Silicon Si  substrate (∼30 ohm-cm) and the surface topography has been detected by Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The TiO2-NPs successfully neutralized the Daboia russelii venom (DRV) and Naja kaouthia venom (NKV)-induced lethal activity. Viper venom induced haemorrhagic, coagulant and anticoagulant activities were effectively neutralized both in in-vitro and in vivo studies. The cobra and viper venoms-induced sterile inflammatory molecules (IL-6, HMGB1, HSP70, HSP90, S100B and vWF) were effectively neutralised by the TiO2-NPs in experimental animals