Message routing between the As/400 token ring network and the Internet

A working model of the message exchange system is designed and developed for the AS/400 systems, a type of mid-range computer developed by IBM, thus enabling the Message Routing between the AS/400 Token Ring Network and the Internet. The routing system accommodates the in-built messaging function in the midrange computer, hence providing a common familiar interface to the user. The message system typically includes a router and an intermediate host system connected to a computer which provides the access to the Internet (technically referred as Internet Gateway). The router becomes the bridging unit between the Internet and the midrange host. The router uses two different protocols to communicate with the midrange host and the Internet. However the message exchanges are never affected by these differences in the protocol, since they are accomplished at a higher level of communication

Exopolysaccharide production by Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2063, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 2862 and Streptococcus mutans MTCC 1943 using batch culture in different media

Three bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2063, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 2862 and Streptococcus mutans MTCC 1943 were examined for their exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing ability at the laboratory level. Basal salts solution (BSS), minimal salts medium (MSM), nitrogen free medium (NFM), chemically defined medium (CDM), milk medium (MLM) and sewage from different areas were used as nutrient source individually to assess EPS production by the above mentioned bacterial strains. Nitrogen free medium favoured more EPS production (Mean: 217.13, minimum: 206.000 and Maximum: 226.000). The highest EPS production was recorded in P. aeruginosa (226 ìg ml-1) grown in nitrogen free medium followed by S. mutans and B. subtilis (220 and 206 ìg ml-1 respectively) in nitrogen free medium after 7 days of incubation at 37°C. Analysis of carbon source in sewage samples indicated the presence of reducing monosaccharides. The purified EPS was soluble only in water and was free from protein contaminants

Association of DNA repair gene polymorphisms with carcinoma prostate.

INTRODUCTION : Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous malignancy in men in the United States. In India, the incidence is relatively less. Risk of disease varies most prominently with age, ethnicity, family history, and diet . A strong family history indicative of a highly penetrant prostate cancer gene is believed to account for only 5–10% of prostate cancers, whereas a larger percentage of prostate cancers may be due to common polymorphisms in genes giving rise to a low penetrance risk of disease. Malignant transformation of prostate cells is accompanied by somatic genomic changes, including deletions, amplifications, and point mutations. In vitro studies of human prostate tissue have demonstrated that DNA adducts form in prostate tissue after exposure to environmental toxins. Moreover, intake of antioxidants via the diet or as supplements may decrease prostate cancer risk through the inactivation of reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting the DNA from oxidative damage. This evidence suggests that DNA repair capacity may play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis, but little is known about what direct effect DNA repair capacity has on prostate cancer risk. The XPD gene codes for a DNA helicase involved in transcription and nucleotide excision repair. Mutations in the XPD gene can completely prevent DNA opening and dual incision, steps that lead to the repair of DNA adducts. The DNA repair function of XPD is critical to reparation of genetic damage from tobacco and other carcinogens. Several common single bp substitution polymorphisms in the XPD gene have been identified. AIM AND OBJECTIVES : The aim of the study is to determine the risk attributed by polymorphisms in genes regulating the DNA Repair pathway with reference to the Xray repair Cross complementary 1 gene (XRCC1) and Xeroderma pigmentosum group D gene (XPD ) with Carcinoma Prostate. The study also aims to perform a stratified analysis of the genotypes with Age, Gleason sum and Serum PSA levels of Prostate Cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS : The age of the subjects included in the study ranged from 55 to 87 years. The cases and controls were similar in ethnicity and nutritional status. Clinical characteristics, including Gleason score, PSA, and tumor stage were obtained from the patients. The controls were healthy, unrelated individuals with normal serum PSA levels, normal digital rectal examination. CONCLUSION : The XRCC 1 Arg/Gln genotype and XPD Lys/Gln genotype were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing Prostate cancer. The XRCC 1 and XPD genotypes stratified by age, grade and Sr.PSA levels did not show any significant risk of developing Prostate cancer. The present study of DNA Repair gene polymorphisms predicts risk of developing Prostate cancer and would enable identification of genetically predisposed individuals

VERNONIA CINEREA (NEICHITTI KEERAI) REGENERATES PROXIMAL TUBULES IN CISPLATININDUCED RENAL DAMAGE IN MICE

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Vernonia cinerea (VC) regenerates the proximal renal tubular cells in cisplatin-induced necrosis in male Swiss albino mice.Methods: The crude aqueous extract (CAE) of VC was fractionated from non-polar to polar using different solvents. Mice were injected a single dose of cisplatin (15 mg/kg) on day 1, which took 5 days to cause maximal renal damage. From day 6, CAE and all fractions were orally administered (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) for 5 continuous days. On day 11, blood was collected to estimate urea and creatinine. Kidney was collected for histology and grading was done.Results: Cisplatin induced proximal renal tubular damage (grade 5) in corticomedullary junction, characterized by necrosis, proximal tubular dilatation, inflammation and vasodilation. Aqueous fraction (AF) did not show any regeneration; whereas, 400 mg/kg dose of CAE and butanol fraction (BF) showed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in proximal tubular damage (Grade 3) and 50–75% regeneration of proximal tubular epithelial cells.Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate the regenerative potential of Neichitti kashayam (CAE of VC) and its BF in cisplatin-induced proximal tubular damage in kidney. Further study is warranted to find out the dose regimen for complete regeneration, lead compounds, and molecular mechanism

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF KADUKKAI MAATHIRAI (TERMINALIA CHEBULA-BASED POLYHERBAL SIDDHA FORMULATION) IN ETHANOL-INDUCED LIVER DISEASE IN RATS

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of Kadukkai maathirai (KM) against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Methods: Four groups (n=6) of adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Ethanol was administered in the dose of 45% v/v 15 mL/kg/body weight twice a day for 8 weeks in the study. The four groups were treated orally for 8 weeks with 2% gum acacia (control), ethanol (toxic control), ethanol + KM 72 mg/kg, and ethanol + KM 400 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of 8 weeks, blood was collected by a retro-orbital puncture for the estimation of liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]). The liver was dissected out for histopathology. Using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test, the data were analyzed.Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the serum AST and ALT level in rats treated with KM 72 mg/kg as compared to toxic control. Liver parenchyma showed near normal architecture in KM 72 mg/kg-treated group as compared to ethanol-treated group which showed extensive ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes and microvesicular steatosis.Conclusion: KM, in the dose of 72 mg/kg, which is the therapeutic dosage described in Siddha additional literature, exerted hepatoprotective effect against ethanol-induced liver damage in rats

Depletion of Mitochondrial DNA Stabilizes C1qTNF-Related Protein 6 mRNA in Muscle Cells

Mutation and reduction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been suggested as factors in the pathogenesis of several metabolic diseases. Recently, we demonstrated that C1qTNF-related protein-6 (CTRP6) is involved in fatty acid metabolism in muscle cells. In this study, we showed that expression of CTRP6 was up-regulated in mtDNA-depleted C2C12 cells, which displayed a marked decrease in cellular mtDNA and ATP content. Replacement of mtDNA normalized the expression level of CTRP6 similar to that in normal C2C12 cells, indicating that CTRP6 expression was up-regulated by mtDNA depletion. However, CTRP6 promoter activity remained unchanged in mtDNA-depleted cells. We also found that mtDNA depletion inhibited decay of CTRP6 mRNA. Taken together, mtDNA depletion induces an increase in CTRP6 expression by increasing mRNA stability

Challenges of Learning English in 21st Century: Online vs. Traditional During Covid-19

Free online resources are user-friendly technologies which have become available through the Internet in recent years and gaining popularity during Covid-19. Since learners use smartphones, free online resources are easily accessible. Books are portable, but learners find it somewhat difficult to learn English language via books which may only be available in the classroom context, whereas free online resources are easily accessed. The purpose of this study is to identify learners’ perception learning English via free online resources and traditional learning. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the present study. Twenty-five international pre-elementary intensive English students took part in this study. It was found that learners perceived the free online resources as valuable tools for learning English in relation to reading, conversation, and vocabulary and also free online resources help promote free learning norms in learning the English language. The learners also had constructive attitudes towards free online resources. Free online resources always provide a motivating learning environment, enhance learners’ analytical and critical thinking skills, and encourage social interaction between teachers and learners, learners and their peers, and learners and other participants

Kadukkai maathirai (a polyherbal traditional siddha formulation) prevents D-galactosamine induced hepatic necrosis in rats

708-713This study evaluated the prophylactic effect of Kadukkai maathirai in D-galactosamine (D-gal) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. D-galactosamine (D-gal) 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally was used to induce liver damage in rats. To assess the hepatoprotective effect of KM, three different doses of KM (36, 72 and 144 mg/kg body weight) were used. The hepatoprotective effect of KM was compared with standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg). The biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were estimated. The livers were dissected out to look for histological changes. KM 144 mg/kg and silymarin showed a significant decrease in AST, ALP and total bilirubin. Both KM and silymarin significantly prevented decrease in liver weight. In KM treated groups, the liver did not show necrosis of hepatocytes, and apoptotic bodies with mild to moderate inflammatory infiltrate in the lobules and portal tracts. Hence, the results of this study confirms the hepatoprotective effect KM in rats