Functional characterization of L-tryptophan transport across mammalian cornea

In last few years transporter targeted drug delivery has drawn attention of research to identify and explore various nutrient transport systems including amino acid transporters for better drug delivery. The aim of present research work is to investigate the transport characteristics of L-tryptophan (L-try) across goat cornea. Transport of L-try was investigated using a glass diffusion cell for effect of concentration, pH, presence of other amino acids or metabolic inhibitor or dipeptide and tripeptide. The amount of L-try transported increased as the pH of L-try aqueous solution increased from 5 to 9. Inhibition was observed in L-try transport in absence of sodium ions where L-try solution was made isotonic with dextrose. Amino acids like L-histidine, L-arginine, L-lysine (cationic), L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid (anionic), glycine and L-proline (neutral) inhibited the L-try transport as compared to control (L-try alone). In presence of sodium azide and Ouabain the inhibition in L-try transport across goat cornea was observed while no marked inhibition was observed on L-try transport across goat cornea in presence of aspartame and glutathione. The L-try transport was favored up to concentration 1% w/v and at higher pH in presence of sodium ions through excised goat cornea. Functional presence of a sodium dependent L-try transport system as inhibited by ouabain having affinity to cationic and neutral amino acid is evident on goat cornea.Keywords: Cornea; Amino acid; Tryptophan; Transpor

Functional characterization of L-tryptophan transport across mammalian cornea

In last few years transporter targeted drug delivery has drawn attention of research to identify and explore various nutrient transport systems including amino acid transporters for better drug delivery. The aim of present research work is to investigate the transport characteristics of L-tryptophan (L-try) across goat cornea. Transport of L-try was investigated using a glass diffusion cell for effect of concentration, pH, presence of other amino acids or metabolic inhibitor or dipeptide and tripeptide. The amount of L-try transported increased as the pH of L-try aqueous solution increased from 5 to 9. Inhibition was observed in L-try transport in absence of sodium ions where L-try solution was made isotonic with dextrose. Amino acids like L-histidine, L-arginine, L-lysine (cationic), L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid (anionic), glycine and L-proline (neutral) inhibited the L-try transport as compared to control (L-try alone). In presence of sodium azide and Ouabain the inhibition in L-try transport across goat cornea was observed while no marked inhibition was observed on L-try transport across goat cornea in presence of aspartame and glutathione. The L-try transport was favored up to concentration 1% w/v and at higher pH in presence of sodium ions through excised goat cornea. Functional presence of a sodium dependent L-try transport system as inhibited by ouabain having affinity to cationic and neutral amino acid is evident on goat cornea.Keywords: Cornea; Amino acid; Tryptophan; Transpor

An Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of Seed Decoction of Cassia tora L. (Leguminosae) in Allium cepa Model

Cytological effects of Cassia tora seed decoction were evaluated in Allium cepa root tip cells. Bulbs were grown in pure tap water (controls, Gr. I) and also in six concentrations (0.15 mg/ml, 0.31 mg/ml, 0.62 mg/ml, 1.25 mg/ml, 2.5 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml) of C.tora seed decoction in tap water (experimental, Grs. II). Parameters of study were \u27mean root length\u27 and morphology i.e. colour and shape of root tips at 72 hr of cultivation and \u27mitotic Index\u27, chromosomal aberrations and abnormal mitosis at 48 hr of cultivation. Physico-chemical characterization of decoction was also made. No changes in the morphology of root tips occurred at any concentration of C.tora seed decoction, however, change in color did occur at all concentrations. Mitotic index and mean root length remained unaffected at first two concentrations but all higher four concentrations caused progressive mitodepression hence a decline in root growth occurred. No abnormal mitosis and no chromosomal aberration occurred at all at any concentration. Results suggest that water soluble constituents of C.tora seeds could only lower mitosis but not caused any adverse genotoxic effects in mitotically dividing A.cepa root cells under laboratory condition

Mobile communication: Boon or bane? Possible dangers of mobile phone usage

The ever-increasing use of radio devices (mobile phones) has led to widespread concerns among consumers, operators, and governmental authorities regarding environmental and health risks of their use. Various studies have demonstrated the relationship of radiowave exposure with biological effects in the body ranging from molecular to organ scale damage. However, most of them considerably failed to establish a causal association primarily owing to potential biases and errors in their conduct and analysis. Mobile usage also has both social and environmental impacts which have prompted the public health agencies to enforce certain regulations which however remain controversial due to lack of credible research evidence. In such scenario, it is recommended that mobile exposure should be minimized, especially among vulnerable populations. In addition, unbiased high-quality research is needed so as to bring more clarity to the subject and guide governmental policy and regulations

Translation and validation study of the Hindi versions of the coronary revascularisation outcome questionnaire (CROQ-H)

Objectives: The Coronary Revascularisation Outcome Questionnaire (CROQ) is a patient reported outcome measure. It is used to measure health related outcomes from the patient’s perspective before and after coronary revascularisation procedures (PTCA and CABG). This study involved the translation and validation of the Coronary Revascularisation Outcome Questionnaire into Hindi language (CROQ-H). Methodology: The English version of the CROQ was translated into Hindi version; some terms were revised to, adjust for the sociocultural status of the Indian environment. Ten patients completed the questionnaire in a pilot to check for comprehension and, face validity. In the field study, subjects were recruited from Geetanjali Cardiac Centre (GCC), Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital, Geetanjali University, Udaipur, India. Questionnaires were self-administered. Analysis included acceptability, reliability (internal consistency and test–retest), validity (factor analysis, known-groups and responsiveness testing. Results: A total of 470 patients gave informed consent to participate and 391(83%) of these participated in field study. All versions were met pre-specified criteria; (1) acceptability of items (low missing data)); (2) reliability: internal consistency (Cronbach’s α > 0.70, item total correlations >0.30) and test–retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficients > 0.70); (3) construct validity based on within-scale analyses (internal consistency (Cronbach’s α >0.70)

Thermoluminescence and Photoluminescence Study of Erbium Doped CaY2O4 Phosphor

Phosphor doped with erbium ion with variable concentration (0.5–2 mol%) was synthesized by solid state reaction method. CaY2O4:Er3+ phosphor is characterized by X-ray diffraction technique for structural analysis and crystallite size calculation. Average crystallite size was found to be nearly 58 nm. Two prominent TL glow peaks found at 163°C associated with higher temperature peak 340°C. The peak intensity of higher temperature (340°C) peak was less as compared to lower temperature peak (163°C) because the deep trapping formation is less in case of UV irradiation. Sample shows good TL glow curve and for variable UV exposure time maximum TL intensity was found at 20 min UV exposure which is optimized UV exposure time. Sample was studied by photoluminescence emission spectra excited by xenon flash lamp with nearly 360 nm and four prominent peaks found at wavelengths 445, 525, 553, and 565 nm; here the 445 and 565 nm peak were intense as compared to others. From the PL emission spectra, it is concluded that the color tenability of prepared CaY2O4:Er3+ was blue-green and it is verified by CIE coordinate. Kinetic parameters of prepared phosphor were calculated by computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) technique

Ion beam modification of structural and optical properties of GeO2 thin films deposited at various substrate temperatures using pulsed laser deposition

High energy heavy ion irradiation-induced modification of high quality crystalline GeO2 thin films grown at different substrate temperatures ranging from 100 to 500 degrees C using pulsed laser deposition has been investigated. The pristine films were irradiated with 100 MeV Ag7+ ions at fixed fluence of 1 x 10(13) ions/cm(2). These pristine and irradiated films have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The XRD and Raman results of pristine films confirm the formation of hexagonal structure of GeO2 films, whereas the irradiation eliminates all the peaks except major GeO2 peak of (101) plane. It is evident from the XRD results that crystallite size changes with substrate temperature and SHI irradiation. The surface morphology of films was studied by AFM. The functional group of pristine and irradiated films was investigated by IR transmission spectra. Pristine films exhibited strong photoluminescence around 342 and 470 nm due to oxygen defects and a red shift in the PL bands is observed after irradiation. Possible mechanism of tuning structural and optical properties of pristine as well as irradiated GeO2 films with substrate temperature and ion beam irradiation has been reported in detail