A Critical review about Haratala (Orpiment)

Haratala (Arsenic trisulphide) is an inorganic compound with the formula As2S3. The Haratala is used without proper purification the toxic effects are Daha (burning sensation), Kampaka (tremors), Toda (pricking pain), Kshobha, Pida, Raktadusti (vitiates blood), Kushta (skin disease), Malinikaroti Gatram, Vata Kapha Prakopatamaka Roga, Mrtyusankakara. Coarse powdered material is less toxic because it can be eliminated in faeces before it dissolves, experimental evidence has shown a high degree of gastro-intestinal absorption of both trivalent and pentavalent forms of arsenic. Arsenic is eliminated by many routes (faeces, urine, sweat, hair, skin, lungs) although most is excreted in urine of man

Effect of different organic inputs and transplanting dates on seed quality parameters of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

An investigation was carried out during two consecutive years (2014-15 and 2015-16) at experimental farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-273230 (H. P.). The experiment was conducted on effect of different organic inputs like vermicompost, FYM, Azotobactor, PSB and PGPR and transplanting dates on seed quality attributes of radish (RaphanussativusL.). The transplanting was done on three different dates during both years. There were seven treatments including control and each treatment was replicated thrice. The data was analysed in factorial randomized block design. The study revealed that all the seed quality parameters like germination % (95.08), seedling length (24.46 cm), shoot length (13.02 cm), root length (13.04 cm), seedling dry weight ( 0.110 mg), seed vigour index I (2329.07) and seed vigour index II (10419.25) were found maximum with treatment Vermicompost (@ 50 q ha-1) + Azotobacter (root dip @ 2.5 Kg/ ha-1) + PSB (root dip @ 2.5 Kg/ ha-1) + NSKE (5 %) and maximum 1000 seed weight (12.52 g) was found with treatment FYM @100 q ha-1 + Azotobacter @ 2.5 kg ha-1 (root dip) + PSB @ 2.5 kg ha-1 (root dip) + NSKE @ 5 % in 4th November transplanting. All parameters showed a decreasing trend as sowing date was delayed

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermolysis kinetics of [Co(H2O)6](ClO4)2.(HMTA)2.2H2O (HMTA = hexamethylenetetramine)

676-681A new compound, [Co(H2O)6](ClO4)2.(HMTA)2.2H2O; HMTA = hexamethylenetetramine) has been synthesized and characterized with the assistance of X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, TG-DTA and DSC (N2 atmosphere). Both TG data model-fitting method as well as method of model free isoconversional have been employed to observe the kinetics of thermolysis of the compound. In order to understand the effect of sudden high heat, measurements of explosion delay are undertaken at regular five unique temperatures and the kinetics of explosion has also been explored using Arrhenius equation

Genetic and molecular understanding for the development of methionine-rich maize: a holistic approach

Maize (Zea mays) is the most important coarse cereal utilized as a major energy source for animal feed and humans. However, maize grains are deficient in methionine, an essential amino acid required for proper growth and development. Synthetic methionine has been used in animal feed, which is costlier and leads to adverse health effects on end-users. Bio-fortification of maize for methionine is, therefore, the most sustainable and environmental friendly approach. The zein proteins are responsible for methionine deposition in the form of δ-zein, which are major seed storage proteins of maize kernel. The present review summarizes various aspects of methionine including its importance and requirement for different subjects, its role in animal growth and performance, regulation of methionine content in maize and its utilization in human food. This review gives insight into improvement strategies including the selection of natural high-methionine mutants, molecular modulation of maize seed storage proteins and target key enzymes for sulphur metabolism and its flux towards the methionine synthesis, expression of synthetic genes, modifying gene codon and promoters employing genetic engineering approaches to enhance its expression. The compiled information on methionine and essential amino acids linked Quantitative Trait Loci in maize and orthologs cereals will give insight into the hotspot-linked genomic regions across the diverse range of maize germplasm through meta-QTL studies. The detailed information about candidate genes will provide the opportunity to target specific regions for gene editing to enhance methionine content in maize. Overall, this review will be helpful for researchers to design appropriate strategies to develop high-methionine maize

Proceedings of the I ndo‐ U.S. bilateral workshop on accelerating botanicals/biologics agent development research for cancer chemoprevention, treatment, and survival

With the evolving evidence of the promise of botanicals/biologics for cancer chemoprevention and treatment, an Indo‐U.S. collaborative Workshop focusing on “Accelerating Botanicals Agent Development Research for Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment” was conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center, 29–31 May 2012. Funded by the Indo‐U.S. Science and Technology Forum, a joint initiative of Governments of India and the United States of America and the Moffitt Cancer Center, the overall goals of this workshop were to enhance the knowledge (agents, molecular targets, biomarkers, approaches, target populations, regulatory standards, priorities, resources) of a multinational, multidisciplinary team of researcher's to systematically accelerate the design, to conduct a successful clinical trials to evaluate botanicals/biologics for cancer chemoprevention and treatment, and to achieve efficient translation of these discoveries into the standards for clinical practice that will ultimately impact cancer morbidity and mortality. Expert panelists were drawn from a diverse group of stakeholders, representing the leadership from the National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM), NCI Experimental Therapeutics (NExT), Food and Drug Administration, national scientific leadership from India, and a distinguished group of population, basic and clinical scientists from the two countries, including leaders in bioinformatics, social sciences, and biostatisticians. At the end of the workshop, we established four Indo‐U.S. working research collaborative teams focused on identifying and prioritizing agents targeting four cancers that are of priority to both countries. Presented are some of the key proceedings and future goals discussed in the proceedings of this workshop. With the evolving evidence of the promise of botanicals/biologics for cancer chemoprevention and treatment, the proceedings of the Indo‐U.S. collaborative Workshop represent one of the most contemporary issues in Cancer Medicine .Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/96353/1/cam442.pd

Proceedings of the I ndo‐ U.S. bilateral workshop on accelerating botanicals/biologics agent development research for cancer chemoprevention, treatment, and survival

With the evolving evidence of the promise of botanicals/biologics for cancer chemoprevention and treatment, an Indo‐U.S. collaborative Workshop focusing on “Accelerating Botanicals Agent Development Research for Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment” was conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center, 29–31 May 2012. Funded by the Indo‐U.S. Science and Technology Forum, a joint initiative of Governments of India and the United States of America and the Moffitt Cancer Center, the overall goals of this workshop were to enhance the knowledge (agents, molecular targets, biomarkers, approaches, target populations, regulatory standards, priorities, resources) of a multinational, multidisciplinary team of researcher's to systematically accelerate the design, to conduct a successful clinical trials to evaluate botanicals/biologics for cancer chemoprevention and treatment, and to achieve efficient translation of these discoveries into the standards for clinical practice that will ultimately impact cancer morbidity and mortality. Expert panelists were drawn from a diverse group of stakeholders, representing the leadership from the National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM), NCI Experimental Therapeutics (NExT), Food and Drug Administration, national scientific leadership from India, and a distinguished group of population, basic and clinical scientists from the two countries, including leaders in bioinformatics, social sciences, and biostatisticians. At the end of the workshop, we established four Indo‐U.S. working research collaborative teams focused on identifying and prioritizing agents targeting four cancers that are of priority to both countries. Presented are some of the key proceedings and future goals discussed in the proceedings of this workshop. With the evolving evidence of the promise of botanicals/biologics for cancer chemoprevention and treatment, the proceedings of the Indo‐U.S. collaborative Workshop represent one of the most contemporary issues in Cancer Medicine .Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/96353/1/cam442.pd

Epidemiology and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in India – results from the SEEK (Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease) study

Background: There is a rising incidence of chronic kidney disease that is likely to pose major problems for both healthcare and the economy in future years. In India, it has been recently estimated that the age-adjusted incidence rate of ESRD to be 229 per million population (pmp), and >100,000 new patients enter renal replacement programs annually. Methods: We cross-sectionally screened 6120 Indian subjects from 13 academic and private medical centers all over India. We obtained personal and medical history data through a specifically designed questionnaire. Blood and urine samples were collected. Results: The total cohort included in this analysis is 5588 subjects. The mean ± SD age of all participants was 45.22 ± 15.2 years (range 18–98 years) and 55.1% of them were males and 44.9% were females. The overall prevalence of CKD in the SEEK-India cohort was 17.2% with a mean eGFR of 84.27 ± 76.46 versus 116.94 ± 44.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 in non-CKD group while 79.5% in the CKD group had proteinuria. Prevalence of CKD stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 was 7%, 4.3%, 4.3%, 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD was observed to be 17.2% with ~6% have CKD stage 3 or worse. CKD risk factors were similar to those reported in earlier studies. It should be stressed to all primary care physicians taking care of hypertensive and diabetic patients to screen for early kidney damage. Early intervention may retard the progression of kidney disease. Planning for the preventive health policies and allocation of more resources for the treatment of CKD/ESRD patients are imperative in India

Burden and predictors of hypertension in India: results of SEEK (Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease) study

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to investigate the burden and predictors of HTN in India. Methods: 6120 subjects participated in the Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney disease (SEEK), a community-based screening program in 53 camps in 13 representative geographic locations in India. Of these, 5929 had recorded blood pressure (BP) measurements. Potential predictors of HTN were collected using a structured questionnaire for SEEK study. Results: HTN was observed in 43.5% of our cohort. After adjusting for center variation (p < 0.0001), predictors of a higher prevalence of HTN were older age ≥40 years (p < 0.0001), BMI of ≥ 23 Kg/M2 (p < 0.0004), larger waist circumference (p < 0.0001), working in sedentary occupation (p < 0.0001), having diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001), having proteinuria (p < 0.0016), and increased serum creatinine (p < 0.0001). High school/some college education (p = 0.0016), versus less than 9th grade education, was related with lower prevalence of HTN. Of note, proteinuria and CKD were observed in 19% and 23.5% of HTN subjects. About half (54%) of the hypertensive subjects were aware of their hypertension status. Conclusions: HTN was common in this cohort from India. Older age, BMI ≥ 23 Kg/M2, waist circumference, sedentary occupation, education less, diabetes mellitus, presence of proteinuria, and raised serum creatinine were significant predictors of hypertension. Our data suggest that HTN is a major public health problem in India with low awareness, and requires aggressive community-based screening and education to improve health

Full-genome sequencing as a basis for molecular epidemiology studies of bluetongue virus in India

Since 1998 there have been significant changes in the global distribution of bluetongue virus (BTV). Ten previously exotic BTV serotypes have been detected in Europe, causing severe disease outbreaks in naïve ruminant populations. Previously exotic BTV serotypes were also identified in the USA, Israel, Australia and India. BTV is transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp.) and changes in the distribution of vector species, climate change, increased international travel and trade are thought to have contributed to these events. Thirteen BTV serotypes have been isolated in India since first reports of the disease in the country during 1964. Efficient methods for preparation of viral dsRNA and cDNA synthesis, have facilitated full-genome sequencing of BTV strains from the region. These studies introduce a new approach for BTV characterization, based on full-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, facilitating the identification of BTV serotype, topotype and reassortant strains. Phylogenetic analyses show that most of the equivalent genome-segments of Indian BTV strains are closely related, clustering within a major eastern BTV ‘topotype’. However, genome-segment 5 (Seg-5) encoding NS1, from multiple post 1982 Indian isolates, originated from a western BTV topotype. All ten genome-segments of BTV-2 isolates (IND2003/01, IND2003/02 and IND2003/03) are closely related (&gt;99% identity) to a South African BTV-2 vaccine-strain (western topotype). Similarly BTV-10 isolates (IND2003/06; IND2005/04) show &gt;99% identity in all genome segments, to the prototype BTV-10 (CA-8) strain from the USA. These data suggest repeated introductions of western BTV field and/or vaccine-strains into India, potentially linked to animal or vector-insect movements, or unauthorised use of ‘live’ South African or American BTV-vaccines in the country. The data presented will help improve nucleic acid based diagnostics for Indian serotypes/topotypes, as part of control strategies