Natural regneration of plant species as affected by biotic disturbances in Hastinapur forest of North West Uttar Pradesh, India

In the present study various phytosociological attributes like frequency, density and abundence of woody vegetation were analysed along the disturbance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur region of North west Uttar Pradesh, India. Three sites were analysed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance (i.e. Hillock,Block-1 and Block-2)Hillock was highly disturbed, while Block-1 and Block-2 were moderately and least disturbed sites respectively. Maximum number of tree, seedlings and saplings were recorded for Block-2 and minimum for Hillock. Number of shrub species was maximum on Hillockbecause of open forest canopy due to disturbances, which provide favourable conditions for growth of shrubs and other weeds. Most of species except shrubs were regular followed by random in distribution pattern. The value of CD and H’for trees 0.01 on Block-1 to 0.035 on Hillock and 0.00 on Block-2 to 0.014 on Hillock respectively. These low values clearly indicate aridity of the area and habitat destruction. Phytosociological study of this area indicates that there is an urgent requirement of conservation practice

Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium isolates from patients in North India

SummaryBackgroundCryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of diarrheal illness in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised populations. Cryptosporidium species infect a wide range of hosts including humans. Different species are morphologically indistinguishable, and molecular techniques have become the key to detection and source tracking. The present study was designed to study the genetic diversity of human Cryptosporidium isolates in North India.MethodsCryptosporidium oocysts were detected in stool samples by special staining of fecal smears. DNA was extracted with a Qiagen kit and all samples were genotyped by small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (SSU rRNA)-based nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) tool using enzymes SspI and VspI. Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum isolates were subtyped by sequence analysis of the nested PCR amplified gp60 gene.ResultsFifty-three fecal samples were found to be positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. RFLP analysis revealed 39 isolates as C. hominis and 13 isolates of C. parvum; one sample failed amplification. gp60-based sequencing of C. hominis and C. parvum divided them into eight subgenotype families and 17 subtypes. gp60-based sequencing identified seven cases of mixed infection with C. hominis and C. parvum/Cryptosporidium meleagridis and showed the presence of C. meleagridis in six HIV-positive patients that were indistinguishable in RFLP.ConclusionsCryptosporidium isolates obtained in the present study from patients in North India belonged to three species, eight subgenotype families, and 17 subtypes. The existence of many Cryptosporidium species, subgenotypes, and subtypes along with mixed infections reveals the complexity of Cryptosporidium transmission; this heterogeneity indicates stable cryptosporidiosis transmission in North India. The results may have further implications in understanding the epidemiology and control of this infection

Anti-bacterial activity of inorganic nanomaterials and their antimicrobial peptide conjugates against resistant and non-resistant pathogens

This review details the antimicrobial applications of inorganic nanomaterials of mostly metallic form, and the augmentation of activity by surface conjugation of peptide ligands. The review is subdivided into three main sections, of which the first describes the antimicrobial activity of inorganic nanomaterials against gram-positive, gram-negative and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. The second section highlights the range of antimicrobial peptides and the drug resistance strategies employed by bacterial species to counter lethality. The final part discusses the role of antimicrobial peptide-decorated inorganic nanomaterials in the fight against bacterial strains that show resistance. General strategies for the preparation of antimicrobial peptides and their conjugation to nanomaterials are discussed, emphasizing the use of elemental and metallic oxide nanomaterials. Importantly, the permeation of antimicrobial peptides through the bacterial membrane is shown to aid the delivery of nanomaterials into bacterial cells. By judicious use of targeting ligands, the nanomaterial becomes able to differentiate between bacterial and mammalian cells and, thus, reduce side effects. Moreover, peptide conjugation to the surface of a nanomaterial will alter surface chemistry in ways that lead to reduction in toxicity and improvements in biocompatibility