Defluoridation of Water Using Amended Clay

Physical Research Laboratory, NavrangpuraScedule:17-18 March 2003, Vemue: Kanazawa, Japan, Kanazawa Citymonde Hotel, Project Leader : Hayakawa, Kazuichi, Symposium Secretariat: XO kamata, Naoto, Edited by:Kamata, Naoto

A forgotten disease reminds itself with a rare complication

Diagnosed cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) represent tip of the iceberg and Donovanosis in one of them. Donovanosis, in most cases is obvious clinically, but rely for its confirmation on the demonstration of donovan bodies in histological sections and cytological preparation. In an extremely rare setting, this disease may get complicated by the development of squamous cell carcinoma. We report this occurrence in an 18-year-old girl to review the currently forgotten status of donovanosis amongst the STDs and the poor outcome of the disease if left untreated

Congenital granular cell tumor of the alveolar ridge

Congenital epulis or neonatal granular cell tumor is a tumor whose histogenesis has long been debated. It is dissimilar to other granular cell tumors; the latter having derivation from Schwann cells and hence being S-100 positive. We report a case of congenital granular cell tumor in a newborn female child that was uneventfully operated. The case is reported here because of its rarity

Fluoride estimations in water using ion selective electrode: Choice of appropriate TISAB

999-1002Choice of appropriate TISAB (total ionic strength adjusting buffer) plays a crucial role in fluoride (F¯) analysis in water samples by ion selective electrode. Despite this no guideline is, yet, available on the choice of appropri ate TISAB for F¯ analysis in samples, particularly in presence of other ionic and non-ionic species. In this study, the efficacy of ten different TISABs for fluoride estimati on in water samples in presence of F¯ binding cations, viz. A13+ and Fe3+ has been investigated. The study suggests that the TISA B, containing tris- hydroxymethyl aminomethane hydrochloride buffer is probably best suited for F¯ estimation in samples, especially, in presence of high concentrations (1-2 g dm-3) of Al3+

Regulation of DNA replication proteins in parasitic protozoans: possible role of CDK-like kinases

Regulatory roles of CDKs in fundamental processes including cell cycle progression and transcription are well conserved in metazoans. This family of proteins has undergone significant evolutionary divergence and specialization. Several CDK-like kinases have been identified and characterized in parasitic protozoans. However, clear functional role and physiological relevance of these proteins in protozoans still remain elusive. In continuation with the recent finding that CDK-like protein PfPK5 regulates important DNA replication protein like origin recognition complex subunit 1 in Plasmodium falciparum, here we have discussed the emerging significance of CDK1/2 homologs in DNA replication of parasitic protozoans. In fact, involvement of these proteins in crucial cellular processes projects them as potential drug targets. The possibilities that CDKs offer as potential therapeutic targets in controlling parasite progression have also been explored

Disseminated Histoplasmosis with Oral Manifestation in an Immunocompetent Patient

A case of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) in a 60-year-old female patient is reported from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The patient presented with multiple papules on the skin surrounding the lips, face, torso, trunk, and back. She also complained of growth in the palate. Histoplasmosis was confirmed by biopsy and histopathology of skin and palatal lesions. This case report highlights the presenting features and occurrence of histoplasmosis in nonendemic region in India

Regulation of Plasmodium falciparum Origin Recognition Complex subunit 1 (PfORC1) function through phosphorylation mediated by CDK-like kinase PK5

Plasmodium falciparum Origin Recognition Complex subunit 1 (PfORC1) has been implicated in DNA replication and var gene regulation. While the C-terminus is involved in DNA replication, the specific role of N-terminus has been suggested in var gene regulation in a Sir2-dependent manner. PfORC1 is localized at the nuclear periphery, where the clustering of chromosomal ends at the early stage of parasite development may be crucial for the regulation of subtelomeric var gene expression. Upon disassembly of telomeric clusters at later stages of parasite development, ORC1 is distributed in the nucleus and parasite cytoplasm where it may be required for its other cellular functions including DNA replication. The level of ORC1 decreases dramatically at the late schizont stage. The mechanisms that mediate regulation of PfORC1 function are largely unknown. Here we show, by the use of recombinant proteins and of transgenic parasites expressing wild type or mutant forms of ORC1, that phosphorylation of the PfORC1-N terminal domain by the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) PfPK5 abolishes DNA-binding activity and leads to changes in subcellular localization and proteasome-mediated degradation of the protein in schizonts. These results reveal that PfORC1 phosphorylation by a CDK is central to the regulation of important biological functions like DNA replication and var gene silencing

Berberine governs NOTCH3/AKT signaling to enrich lung-resident memory T cells during tuberculosis.

Stimulation of naïve T cells during primary infection or vaccination drives the differentiation and expansion of effector and memory T cells that mediate immediate and long-term protection. Despite self-reliant rescue from infection, BCG vaccination, and treatment, long-term memory is rarely established against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) resulting in recurrent tuberculosis (TB). Here, we show that berberine (BBR) enhances innate defense mechanisms against M.tb and stimulates the differentiation of Th1/Th17 specific effector memory (TEM), central memory (TCM), and tissue-resident memory (TRM) responses leading to enhanced host protection against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB. Through whole proteome analysis of human PBMCs derived from PPD+ healthy individuals, we identify BBR modulated NOTCH3/PTEN/AKT/FOXO1 pathway as the central mechanism of elevated TEM and TRM responses in the human CD4+ T cells. Moreover, BBR-induced glycolysis resulted in enhanced effector functions leading to superior Th1/Th17 responses in human and murine T cells. This regulation of T cell memory by BBR remarkably enhanced the BCG-induced anti-tubercular immunity and lowered the rate of TB recurrence due to relapse and re-infection. These results thus suggest tuning immunological memory as a feasible approach to augment host resistance against TB and unveil BBR as a potential adjunct immunotherapeutic and immunoprophylactic against TB