Evaluation of maternal serum levels of cell adhesion molecules and endothelial inflammatory markers in normal pregnancy, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia

Background: Hypertensive disorders complicate 5 to 10% of all pregnancies. Despite the still unexplained pathogenesis, endothelial dysfunctions and inflammatory mediators are thought to be responsible for the pathogenesis gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Aims and objective of the study was to determine the serum levels of cell adhesions molecules - VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and endothelial inflammatory markers TNF-α and homocysteine in normal pregnancies, Gestational Hypertension and in Pre-eclampsiaMethods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biochemistry, ESI-PGIMSR, New Delhi between October 2013-April 2015. 150 patients who gave informed written consent were enrolled and were divided equally in three groups of 50 each (normotensive, gestational hypertensive and pre-eclamptic patients). Three groups have been compared in terms of variables such as age, BMI, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, platelet count, AST, ALT, mode of delivery, neonatal weight, VCAM-I, ICAM-I, homocysteine and TNF-alpha concentrations.Results: We found the higher concentrations of vascular cell adhesions molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) and inflammatory mediators (homocysteine and TNF α) in gestational hypertensive patients and in pre-eclamptic patients. Out of four markers, concentrations of ICAM-1 was found in largest proportions and it was also statistical significant. P value was <0.001. Though in our study concentration VCAM-1, homocysteine and TNF-α were also high in gestational hypertensive groups as compared with normotensive patients, but they were not statistical significant.Conclusions: We conclude that higher concentrations of vascular cell adhesions molecules and inflammatory mediators may be responsible for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy suggesting the role of endothelial dysfunction as a central pathogenic feature in development of preeclampsia

Monte carlo method for evaluation of uncertainty of measurement in brinell hardness scale

Though method based on law of propagation of uncertainty (LPU), described in GUM, is widely used as an international method for estimation of the uncertainty associated with measurements, JCGM through supplement JCGM 101:2008, which deals with the propagation of distributions, recommends the application of Monte Carlo method (MCM) to evaluate the uncertainty of measurement as an alternative method to LPU. In MCM approach, probability distribution function of measurand has been determined by assigning appropriate probability distribution of the input quantities. In the present paper, effort has been made to discuss the procedure for the application of MCM for computing the uncertainty of measurement of hardness blocks, which have been calibrated by Brinell hardness machine and observations have been recorded. A comparison of the findings of the LPU and MCM has been made, which shows good agreement between the two methodologies adopted. The paper attempts to highlights the MCM for uncertainty of measurement evalution and its implications in this regard. The paper thrusts upon the practical viability of MCM in similar applications and reliability of method have been discussed and presented

Finger Millet:A "Certain" Crop for an "Uncertain" Future and a Solution to Food Insecurity and Hidden Hunger under Stressful Environments

Crop growth and productivity has largely been vulnerable to various abiotic and biotic stresses that are only set to be compounded due to global climate change. Therefore developing improved varieties and designing newer approaches for crop improvement against stress tolerance have become a priority now-a-days. However, most of the crop improvement strategies are directed toward staple cereals such as rice, wheat, maize etc., whereas attention on minor cereals such as finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] lags far behind. It is an important staple in several semi-arid and tropical regions of the world with excellent nutraceutical properties as well as ensuring food security in these areas even during harsh environment. This review highlights the importance of finger millet as a model nutraceutical crop. Progress and prospects in genetic manipulation for the development of abiotic and biotic stress tolerant varieties is also discussed. Although limited studies have been conducted for genetic improvement of finger millets, its nutritional significance in providing minerals, calories and protein makes it an ideal model for nutrition-agriculture research. Therefore, improved genetic manipulation of finger millets for resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as for enhancing nutrient content will be very effective in millet improvementpublishersversionPeer reviewe

Reducing Carbon Emissions: An Analysis of Smart City Initiatives and the Carbon Reduction Test

The need to cut carbon emissions in cities have become more pressing in an age of unparalleled urbanization and climate change. Using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, this study looks at how smart city efforts affect the decrease of carbon emissions. Carbon Reduction Test results and comparative studies show that smart cities with a comprehensive approach—including renewable energy use, energy-efficient buildings, public transportation upgrades, green energy projects, waste management enhancements, and energy-efficient transportation—achieved significant carbon emission reductions. These results demonstrate the transformational potential of smart cities in supporting international sustainability efforts and the efficacy of diverse techniques in reducing the urban carbon footprint

Antimicrobial sensitivity pattern and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes of E. coli isolated from respiratory tract infections in poultry

The present study was conducted at College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University with the objective to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern and anti-microbial resistance genes on E. coli isolates obtained from respiratory infection samples of poultry. A total of 115 samples were collected from different respiratory disease outbreaks from various poultry farms of Ludhiana district of Punjab. Various bacteria related to respiratory infections were isolated and E. coli was found to be in highest number among the isolated bacteria. The isolates of E. coli were confirmed by MALDI-TOF and were subjected to Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method to study the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern phenotypically. The isolates were also screened for the presence of six antimicrobial resistance genes associated with certain antibiotics by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). All the isolates showed 100% resistance towards the antibiotics, viz. tetracycline, chlortetracycline, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, ofloxacin, tylosin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. This demonstrates the multidrug-resistance of the isolates. The antimicrobial resistance gene strA (60%) was found to be expressed more among the isolates followed by ere (50%), tetA (47.5%), aac-(3)-(IV) (37.5%) and blaTEM (32.5%). None of the isolate was found to have tetC gene

Novel compounds as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (dpp iv) inhibitors

The present invention is related to novel compounds of the general formula (A), their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods of making of the above compounds, and their use as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) Inhibitors, which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases particularly Type II diabetes, other complications related to diabetes and other pathogenic conditions in which DPP IV enzyme is involved