Detection and quantification of Lyme spirochetes using sensitive and specific molecular beacon probes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lyme disease, caused by <it>Borrelia burgdorferi</it>, affects a large number of people in both the USA and Europe. The mouse is a natural host for this spirochete and is widely used as a model system to study Lyme pathogenesis mechanisms. Since disease manifestations often depend upon the spirochete burden in a particular tissue, it is critical to accurately measure the bacterial number in infected tissues. The current methods either lack sensitivity and specificity (SYBR Green), or require independent analysis of samples in parallel to quantitate host and bacterial DNA (TaqMan). We have developed a novel molecular beacon-based convenient multiplex real-time quantitative PCR assay to identify and detect small numbers of <it>B. burgdorferi </it>in infected mouse tissues.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We show here that molecular beacons are effective, sensitive and specific probes for detecting and estimating wide-ranging numbers of <it>B. burgdorferi </it>in the presence of mouse DNA. In our assays, the spirochete <it>recA </it>and the mouse <it>nidogen </it>gene amplicons were detected simultaneously using molecular beacons labeled with different fluorophores. We further validated the application of these probes by quantifying the wild-type strain and <it>bgp</it>-defective mutant of <it>B. burgdorferi</it>. The <it>bgp</it>-defective mutant shows a ten-fold reduction in the level of spirochetes present in various tissues.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The high sensitivity and specificity of molecular beacons makes them superior probes for the detection of small numbers of <it>B. burgdorferi</it>. Furthermore, the use of molecular beacons can be expanded for the simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple pathogens in the infected hosts, including humans, and in the arthropod vectors.</p

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate on Neurological Outcomes and Hospital Stay in Patients Admitted for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Introduction:&nbsp;Neurological stroke is the most common cause of disability and leaves nearly 65% of survivors with sensory, motor and coordinative disabilities. At present, there are no therapies to prevent long-term neurological deficits after stroke. Many neuroprotective drugs are being tested with the aim to ensure these effects. Preclinical studies have shown a modulatory effect of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on synaptic remodeling and facilitated synaptic transmission.&nbsp;Material and methods:&nbsp;This was a hospital-based, open-label pilot study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of North India. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke both ischemic and hemorrhagic, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. The test group was given cerebroprotein hydrolysate, along with standard treatment for stroke, whereas the other group was kept on standard treatment for stroke as per the latest guidelines, without cerebroprotein.&nbsp;Results:&nbsp;A total of 50&nbsp;patients of stroke, admitted in a tertiary care center were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.7&nbsp;±&nbsp;11.86 years. Twenty-six (52%) were males and 24 (48%) were females. Out of the total 50 patients, 23 (46%) had ischemic stroke and 27&nbsp;(54%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty (40%) had diabetes, 37 (74%) had hypertension, 8 (16%) were known cases of coronary artery disease, 28 (56%) had dyslipidemia, 22 (44%) were smokers, 7 (14%) had a history of ethanol consumption and 13 (26%) were obese. Mean Barthel score at admission was 21.2 ± 11.3 and mean Rankin score at admission was 3.6&nbsp;±&nbsp;1.37. Mean Barthel score at end of treatment was 53.9 ± 28.72 and mean Rankin score at end of treatment was 2.6 ±&nbsp;1.65. The mean duration of admission was 6.8 ± 3.57 days.&nbsp;Conclusion:&nbsp;The current study highlights the role of cerebroprotein hydrolysate in improving the neurological scores and reducing hospital stay among patients hospitalized with stroke

Processing of ilmenite (FeOTiO2) for value added products

Beach Placer Ilmenite is an important source for production of titanium metal, titania slag and pigment grade titanium dioxide. Besides, these well known applications for which Ilmenite is mined and processed, there are other emerging processes that are being tried for obtaining highvalue products. Synthesis of Ilmenite based materials for varistor applications and direct electrochemical reduction of Ilmenite to produce ferrotitanium are two such attempts being discussed in this work. In this paper, recent efforts undertaken to study the electrical and magnetic characteristics are discussed. Ilmenite, FeTiO 3 , is one of the mixed-valence transition metalbearing minerals, inwhich Fe can be in two different oxidation states, Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ .. Similarly, Ti can be in Ti 3+ and Ti 4+ .Ilmenite is inherently suitable for making Varistors, which are devices, used for limiting the transient voltage surges in a circuit. Varistors produced from Ilmenite can withstand harsh environments seen in nuclear reactors and outerspace. Electrochemical reduction of Ilmenite can be used to prepare ferrotitanium directly without any reductant. The process essentially involves removal of oxygen from the mineral through electrolytic action using calcium chloride as electrolyte and graphite as anode. At a temperature of 950°C, it is shown to be possible that all the oxygen can be removed from the Ilmenite sample, which passes through the electrolyte, to form CO/CO 2 at the anode. The process has immense potential for cost effective production of titanium metal as well. Results of the above developmental works are presented in this paper

Structural requirements for glycosaminoglycan recognition by the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease agent, binds glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as heparin, heparan sulfate, and dermatan sulfate. Heparin or heparan sulfate fractions separated by size or charge were tested for their ability to inhibit attachment of B. burgdorferi to Vero cells. GAG chains of increasing length and/or charge showed increasing inhibitory potency, and detectable heparin inhibition of bacterial binding required a minimum of 16 residues. The ability of a given heparin fraction to inhibit binding to Vero cells was strongly predictive of its ability to inhibit hemagglutination, suggesting that hemagglutination reflects the capacity of B. burgdorferi to bind to GAGs

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate on Neurological Outcomes and Hospital Stay in Patients Admitted for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Introduction:&nbsp;Neurological stroke is the most common cause of disability and leaves nearly 65% of survivors with sensory, motor and coordinative disabilities. At present, there are no therapies to prevent long-term neurological deficits after stroke. Many neuroprotective drugs are being tested with the aim to ensure these effects. Preclinical studies have shown a modulatory effect of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on synaptic remodeling and facilitated synaptic transmission.&nbsp;Material and methods:&nbsp;This was a hospital-based, open-label pilot study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of North India. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke both ischemic and hemorrhagic, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. The test group was given cerebroprotein hydrolysate, along with standard treatment for stroke, whereas the other group was kept on standard treatment for stroke as per the latest guidelines, without cerebroprotein.&nbsp;Results:&nbsp;A total of 50&nbsp;patients of stroke, admitted in a tertiary care center were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.7&nbsp;±&nbsp;11.86 years. Twenty-six (52%) were males and 24 (48%) were females. Out of the total 50 patients, 23 (46%) had ischemic stroke and 27&nbsp;(54%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty (40%) had diabetes, 37 (74%) had hypertension, 8 (16%) were known cases of coronary artery disease, 28 (56%) had dyslipidemia, 22 (44%) were smokers, 7 (14%) had a history of ethanol consumption and 13 (26%) were obese. Mean Barthel score at admission was 21.2 ± 11.3 and mean Rankin score at admission was 3.6&nbsp;±&nbsp;1.37. Mean Barthel score at end of treatment was 53.9 ± 28.72 and mean Rankin score at end of treatment was 2.6 ±&nbsp;1.65. The mean duration of admission was 6.8 ± 3.57 days.&nbsp;Conclusion:&nbsp;The current study highlights the role of cerebroprotein hydrolysate in improving the neurological scores and reducing hospital stay among patients hospitalized with stroke

Genetics of exopolysaccharide synthesis in rhizobium species strain TAL1145 that nodulates tree legumes

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1995.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 215-245).Microfiche.xii, 245 leaves, bound ill. (some col.) 29 c

Investigating the Memorization of the Quran Using the Grounded Theory Methodology

Grounded theory methodology was utilized to investigate the process of memorization of the Quran in India from a psychological perspective as it occurs in the absence of semantic comprehension of the Arabic language. Data collection methods included participant observation in a seminary, semi-structured interviews with students and teachers of memorization, study of documents employed during the learning process, and practical demonstrations. Sample comprised of thirteen individuals including students and teachers. Data coding and analyses resulted in a large number of open codes, and eleven axial code categories besides a selective code that gave a comprehensive summation of the research study and facilitated in the generation of a substantive theory of memorization of the Quran in India. Different methods of data display were construction of matrices and tables, diagrammatic representation of axial codes to depict the main theme, case summaries, in-vivo quotes of the subjects, and summations of practical demonstrations. The research employed five methods of implementing evaluative criteria including: triangulation, audit trail, reflexivity, prolonged engagement and persistent observation, and rich, thick description to ensure the credibility of the data, research process, and research outcomes which was to generate a comprehensive understanding of memorization as a unique learning paradigm

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ITS EFFECTS AND APPLICABLE METHODS

HOW PSYCHOLOGY DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENT? "Environmental Psychology is field of study that examines the inter relationship between environment and human affect cognition and behaviour" (Bechtel & chorchman 2002, Gilford 2007) Environment Types Natural / Water / Air / Land / Mountain / Forest / Vegetation Mane Built - Home / Road / School / College / Market / Industries of etc. General orientation to nature and environment (according Florence Cluson (1953)  People as subjugated to nature  People as above nature  People as part of nature How Environment affects human body (Change in the environment due to human activities

Babesia microti—Borrelia burgdorferi Coinfection

The incidence and geographic distribution of human babesiosis is growing in the U.S. Its major causative agent is the protozoan parasite, Babesia microti. B. microti is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of Ixodes scapularis ticks, which are vectors for a number of other pathogens. Other routes of B. microti transmission are blood transfusion and in rare cases of mother-to-foetus transmission, through the placenta. This review discusses the current literature on mammalian coinfection with B. microti and Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent Lyme disease

Determination of elastic modulus in a nickel alloy from ultrasonic measurements

Elastic constants relate technological, structural and safety aspects to various materials phenomena and to their fundamental interatomic forces. Hence, they are of fundamental importance in almost all engineering applications. Thus its determination is of utmost importance. The aim of the present investigation is to study the behaviour of elastic constants and the variation on heat treatment in a nickel base super alloy Nimonic 263 by ultrasonic velocity measurements. From the present study it is evident that the elastic moduli of the material are very sensitive to any minor compositional changes, resulting due to the formation of intermetallic phases on heat treatment and can be effectively monitored by ultrasonic