A role of statins against listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Cholesterol has been shown to play important role in the pathogenesis and persistence of intracellular pathogens. Here, we modulate host cholesterol biosynthesis pathway using pharmacological agent statins, which are reversible inhibitors of HMG†CoA reductase enzyme. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of statins in inducing host protective responses against intracellular pathogens. We report reduced growth of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in murine macrophages. We show prominent immunomodulatory activity induced by statins, mainly increased phagosomal maturation and autophagy resulting in decreased bacterial growth in macrophages. Subsequently, statin†treated mice showed decrease in bacterial loads, accompanied by reduced histopathology in the acute phase of infection during listeriosis and tuberculosis. Furthermore, we found decreased growth of Mtb in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and monocyte†derived macrophages (MDM) isolated from patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) on statin therapy when compared to healthy subjects. Together, our results show that statins induces protection against Mtb in murine macrophages, mice and human mononuclear cells and monocyte†derived macrophages

Observation of R-Band Variability of L Dwarfs

We report, for the first time, photometric variability of L dwarfs in $R$ band. Out of three L1 dwarfs (2MASS 1300+19, 2MASS 1439+19, and 2MASS 1658+70) observed, we have detected R band variability in 2MASS 1300+19 and 2MASS 1439+19. The objects exhibit variability of amplitude ranging from 0.01 mag to 0.02 mag. Object 2MASS 1658+70, turns out to be non-variable in both $R$ and $I$ band. However, more observations are needed to infer its variability. No periodic behaviour in the variability is found from the two L1 dwarfs that are variable. All the three L1 dwarfs have either negligible or no $H_{\alpha}$ activity. In the absence of any direct evidence for the presence of sufficiently strong magnetic field, the detection of polarization at the optical favors the presence of dust in the atmosphere of L dwarfs. We suggest that the observed $R$ band photometric variability is most likely due to atmospheric dust activity.Comment: 13 pages (latex, aastex style) including 3 eps figures. Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letter

Study of community awareness regarding contraception and its practices

Background: Family planning (FP) programmes impact women’s health by providing universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services and counselling information. The ability to decide freely the number, spacing and timing of one’s children is a basic human right, endorsed at the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994. Family planning programmes are associated with lower fertility and lower maternal mortality. Through family planning programmes, women gain access to contraceptives, increasing the likelihood that they can achieve their desired family size. Methods: Married women 18-49 years of age were recognised and randomly selected from different areas Indore. Preformed questionnaire containing demographic information and relevant questions was used for data collection. Results: About 80.6% women were aware about PNC contraception. Majority undergone female sterilization (40.0%), 24.8% were using condoms, followed by IUCDs (6.5%) and contraceptive pills (4.7%). Conclusions: In this cross sectional study, awareness regarding contraceptive practices and taboos was not found to be at par with the requirement and lower in concurrence with low education, income, rural residence. Specific intervention programs need to be planned to improve their health practices and thereby improving the health status of the mother and child

Computation of correlations of fortified vermicompost with sulphur on seed yield and nutrient content of mustard [Brassica juncea]

Effect of sulphur and fortified vermicompost on growth and yield of mustard [Brassica juncea] was carried out at College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner (Rajasthan) during rabi season: 2010-11. Sixteen treatment combinations comprising four levels of each sulphur and fortified vermicompost were evaluated. Grain yield (1993 kg ha-1) increased significantly (p < 0.05) up to 6.0 t vermicompost ha-1 along with 40 kg sulphur ha-1. As regards interactive effects of treatment, synergistic behavior was noted between 6.0 t vermi-compost ha-1 40 kg S ha-1 for seed yield, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents and also sulphur content and uptake by seed of mustard. The significantly higher P content in seed was recorded under 40 kg S ha-1 in combination with 4.0 t ha-1 vermicompost Combined effect of levels of vermicompost and sulphur on seed yield was found to be significant than control. The concomitant effect of 6.0 t vermicompost ha-1 and 40 kg S ha-1 application was found highly pronounced on seed yield and sulphur content in seed of mustard

Heartbeat and Temperature Monitoring System for Remote Patients using Arduino

This paper describes the working of a wireless heartbeat and temperature monitoring system based on a microcontroller ATmega328 (arduino uno). Most monitoring systems that are in use in today\u27s world works in offline mode but our system is designed such that a patient can be monitored remotely in real time. The proposed approach consists of sensors which measures heartbeat and body temperature of a patient which is controlled by the microcontroller. Both the readings are displayed in LCD monitor. Wireless system is used to transmit the measured data from the remote location. The heartbeat sensor counts the heartbeat for specific interval of time and estimates Beats per Minute while the temperature sensor measures the temperature and both the data are sent to the microcontroller for transmission to receiving end. Finally, the data are displayed at the receiving end. This system could be made available at a reasonable cost with great effect

Importance of Primary Health Care in the Society

Primary health care (PHC) is the frontline care of the health care system that is comprehensive and coordinated. PHC provides multidisciplinary, patient-centered care with a focus on both the treatment and prevention of various conditions. It is the first point of contact to keep people well and improve their quality of life. A strong, accessible PHC system reduces pressure on hospitals by supporting people to manage their health issues in the society. The ultimate goal of primary health care is better health for all. WHO has identified key elements to achieving that goal: reducing exclusion and social disparities in health, organizing health services around people\u27s needs and expectations. The present paper is related to status and role of primary health care in India

Real Time Face Detection and Recognition: Overview and Suggested Approach

This paper presents the detailed analysis of the existing state-of-the-art real time face detection and recognition approaches and a possible solution to the identified problems. The analysis covers the face detection, pattern recognition and measurement of facial part. The analysis of the Viola-Jones is followed by a possible model approach. This approach is based on a combination of techniques and algorithms working on Viola–Jones object detection platform