ß2-Glycoprotein I dependent anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss

AIM: The present study was aimed to define the incidence of antiphospholipid antibodies of different types lupus anticoagulant (LAC), venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) and ß2-glycoprotein I dependent anticardiolipin antibodies (ß2 I aCL) in our cohort of population experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) from Andhra Pradesh, South India. SETTING AND DESIGN: A referral case-control study at a tertiary centre over a period of 5 years. PARTICIPANTS: 150 couples experiencing 3 or more recurrent pregnancy losses with similar number of matched controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: LAC activity was measured by the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) according to the method of Proctor and Rapaport with relevant modifications. VDRL analysis was performed by the kit method supplied by Ranbaxy Diagnostics Limited and ß2 Glycoprotein I dependant anticardiolipin antibodies were estimated by ELISA kit (ORGen Tech, GmbH, Germany) with human ß2 Glycoprotein I as co-factor. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test. RESULTS: LAC activity was found positive in 11 women (10.28%). The mean ± SE ß2 I aCL concentration in the study group was 14.53 (u/ml) ± 1.79 (range 0 to 90.4 u/ml) which was higher than the control group with a mean ± SE of 7.26 (u/ml) ± 0.40 (range 0 to 18 u/ml). The binding of the antibodies to the antigen was observed in 40.24% (n=33) of the cases compared to 6.09% (n=5) in controls. VDRL test was positive in 7(2.34%) individuals (3 couples and 1 male partner) and none among controls. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates the importance of antiphospholipid antibodies in women experiencing RPL and suggests the usefulness of screening for these antibodies as a mandatory routine for instituting efficient therapeutic regimens for a successful outcome of pregnancy

Helicobacter pylori infection in relation to gastric cancer progression

Gastric cancer is a major cause of cancer death worldwide, especially in developing countries. The incidence of gastric cancer varies from country to country, probably as a result of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. H. pylori infection is considered as a major risk factor in the development of gastric cancer. However, the scenario varies in Asian countries, exhibiting a higher rate of H. pylori infection and low incidence of gastric cancer, which could be attributed to strain-specific virulence factors and host genetic makeup. In this review, we discuss the various virulence factors expressed by this bacterium and their interaction with the host factors, to influence pathogenesis

Helicobacter pylori infection in relation to gastric cancer progression

Gastric cancer is a major cause of cancer death worldwide, especially in developing countries. The incidence of gastric cancer varies from country to country, probably as a result of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. H. pylori infection is considered as a major risk factor in the development of gastric cancer. However, the scenario varies in Asian countries, exhibiting a higher rate of H. pylori infection and low incidence of gastric cancer, which could be attributed to strain-specific virulence factors and host genetic makeup. In this review, we discuss the various virulence factors expressed by this bacterium and their interaction with the host factors, to influence pathogenesis

Bioremediation of Zinc Using Bacillus sp. Isolated from Metal- Contaminated Industrial Zone

The production of heavy metals has increased quickly since the industrial revolution. Heavy metals frequently form compounds that can be toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic, even in very small concentrations. The usual techniques of removing metals from wastewaters are in general expensive and have many restrictions. Alternative methods of metal removal and recovery based on biological materials have been measured. Among various agents, the use of microbes for the removal of metals from industrial and municipal wastewater has been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional heavy metal management strategies in past decades. Thus, the present study aims to isolate and characterize bacteria from soil, sediment, and waters of metal-contaminated industrial area to study the zinc resistance patterns and the zinc bioaccumulation potential of the selected microorganism. Zinc analysis of the samples revealed that concentrations varying from 39.832 m g/L to 310.24 m g/L in water, 12.81 m g/g to 407.53 m g/g in soil, and 81.06 m g/g to 829.54 m g/g in sediment are present. Bacterial zinc resistance study showed that tolerance to Zn was relatively low (<500 m g/ml). Ten bacterial genera were represented in soil and 11 from water, while only 5 bacterial genera were recorded from sediment samples. Bacillus, Pseudomonas , and Enterobacter were found in soil, sediment, and water samples. Highly zincresistant Bacillus sp. was selected for zinc removal experiment. Zinc removal studies revealed that at pH 5 about 40% reduction occurs; at pH 7, 25% occurs; and at pH 9, 50% occurs. Relatively an increased removal of Zinc was observed in the fi rst day of the experiment by Bacillus sp. The metal bioaccumulative potential of the selected isolates may have possible applications in the removal and recovery of zinc from industrial ef fluents.Cochin University of Science and Technolog

Evaluations of Dimensional Changes After Disinfection of Elastomeric Impression Materials with Ozone Water, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Autoclave Method

To evaluate the dimensional changes after disinfection of elastomeric impression materials with Ozone water, sodium hypochlorite, and autoclave method. A total of 40 impressions were made and divided into 4 groups according to type of sterilization method used (Group 1: Control without use of disinfectant, Group 2: Autoclave, Group 3: sodium hypochlorite, Group 4: ozone water method) with 10 in each group. Impression materials in each group were contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and poured with dental stone and subjected for different disinfection procedure. Microbial evaluation was done by the cultural method and dimensional stability for accuracy. Results were statistically evaluated. The Significant difference was seen in microbial load with sodium hypochlorite and autoclave method followed by ozone water compared to control group (P &lt; 0.001). Autoclave and ozone water methods are effective in reducing microbial count and can be used as an effective disinfectant method