Critical analysis of Vitiligo (Shwitra) : An Ayurvedic Perspective

Vitiligo is one of the stigmatizing dermatological disorders found with a worldwide preponderance. It is a condition in which white patches develop on the skin caused mainly by the loss of melanin pigment in the skin. It can affect any area of the skin and causes discolouration and ugliness. It causes cosmetic imbalance body which ultimately leads to many socialized psychological stigma in life of the patient. Āyurveda has incorporated this condition into the broad heading of Shwitra or Kilāsa which is described under the term called Kushtha (dermatosis). Here, an attempt has been made to compile the knowledge of ancient Āyurvedic science so as to present it systematically and critically analyze the Āyurvedic concept and management of Shwitra (Vitiligo)

Specific identification, biology and symptoms of whitefly species infesting sunflower in South India

Whitefly species related to sunflower was identified as Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Further the identified whitefly species was confirmed to be indigenous B. tabaci on molecular basis by using B-biotype specific SCARs and biological silver leaf assay on sensitive pumpkin (cv Big variety). None of the whitefly samples could positive for the presence of B biotype. The results of the study on the pest life cycle under the laboratory conditions showed that, B. tabaci passed through four nymphal instars before the adult stage. The mean duration values of these stages were 5.6, 4.2, 4.4 and 5.6 days respectively. The total duration of the life cycle of B. tabaci ranged from 23- 42 days at the temperature of 29±2°C with a mean of 34.5. The damage to sunflower crop caused by the whitefly species is discussed with a special emphasis on its ability to transmit leaf curl viral disease

Biochemical Changes of Chickpea Genotypesbefore and After Infestation of Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus Chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) During Storage

The pulse beetle is a field-to-store pest as its infestation on pulses often begins in the field itself as adults lay eggs on mature pods and when such seed is harvested and stored, the pest population increases rapidly and results in total destruction within a short period of 3-4 months. Keeping in view,varietal screening of fifty chickpea genotypes was carried outin the storage laboratory, Department of Entomology, OUAT, BBSR and the performance of the genotypes was assessed based on various biological parameters of test insect, damage and infestation by C. chinensis. The results indicated that none of the genotypes was completely resistant to pest attack whereas 4 genotypes (Himachal Chana 1, Dheera (NBeG-47), JG-14 and Dilaji) were found moderately resistant, 8 genotypes (Phule Vikram, JG 11, ICCV-181108, ICCV-181107, ICCV-181605, C-18203, C-18205 and C-18252) were moderately susceptible,11 genotypes (RVG-204, RVG-203, JAKI-9218, Pratap Chana, Bharati, ICCC 4, ICCV-181106, ICCV-181612, C-18206, ICCV-181101 and Radhey) were susceptible and 27 genotypes (NBeG-49, Himachal Chana 2, JG-16, JG-130, CO 4, Vishal, Kranthi, NBeG-3, ICCV-14102, ICCV-171117, C-18175, ICCV-181611,ICCV-14106, Kalahandi Local, ICC 3137, ICCL 86111, C-19162, C-19168,GNG 2207, BG 3043, GG 3, Birsa Chana 3, C 19199, RSG 963, C 19200, KPG 59and NBeG 119) were noticed to be highly susceptible. The bio-chemicalconstituents analyzed in the present studies viz., protein, phenol, ash and fibre contents of the genotypes contributed to the resistance / susceptibility of C. chinensis. Among the biochemical parameters, protein exerted significant positive effect whereas phenol, ash and fibre contents exhibited negative influence on pest infestation and development

Transcriptomic response of Drosophila melanogaster pupae developed in hypergravity

Altered gravity can perturb normal development and induce corresponding changes in gene expression. Understanding this relationship between the physical environment and a biological response is important for NASA's space travel goals. We use RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR techniques to profile changes in early Drosophila melanogaster pupae exposed to chronic hypergravity (3 g, or three times Earth's gravity). During the pupal stage, D. melanogaster rely upon gravitational cues for proper development. Assessing gene expression changes in the pupae under altered gravity conditions helps highlight gravity-dependent genetic pathways. A robust transcriptional response was observed in hypergravity-treated pupae compared to controls, with 1513 genes showing a significant (q < 0.05) difference in gene expression. Five major biological processes were affected: ion transport, redox homeostasis, immune response, proteolysis, and cuticle development. This outlines the underlying molecular and biological changes occurring in Drosophila pupae in response to hypergravity; gravity is important for many biological processes on Earth

Application of electrodialytic pilot plant for fluoride removal

Removal of fluorine from water was investigated by electrodialysis method. In order to check the efficacy of ED unit, parameters like applied potential, pH; initial fluoride concentrations and flow rates were varied. Significant results were obtained with concentrations of less than 10 ppm. Results were satisfactory in meeting the maximum contaminate level (MCL) of 0.01 ppm for fluoride. Effect of working parameters on energy consumption was investigated using ion-exchange membranes. Results of this study are useful for designing and operating different capacities of ED plants for recovering different ions. The ED plant was found to be satisfactory to produce a good quality drinking water from the simulated mixture by removing the unwanted ions.Исследовано удаление фтора из воды методом электродиализа. Для проверки эффективности электродиализной установки варьировали приложенную разность потенциалов, начальную концентрацию фторида и скорость потока. Важные результаты были получены при начальной концентрации фторида <10 мг/дм3. С использованием ионообменных мембран исследовано влияние рабочих параметров на энергопотребление. Результаты данной работы будут полезны для разработки и планирования производительности электродиализной установки при выделении различных ионов. Электродиализная установка оказалась эффективной для получения питьевой воды хорошего качества из модельных растворов путем удаления нежелательных ионов.Досліджено видалення фтору з води методом електродіалізу. Для перевірки ефективності електродіалізної установки варіювали прикладену різницю потенціалів, початкову концентра цію фторидута швидкість потоку. Важливі результати були отримані при початковій концентрації фториду <10 мг/дм3. З використанням іонообмінних мембран досліджено вплив робочих параметрів на енергоспоживання. Результати цієї роботи будуть корисні длярозробки та планування продуктивності електродіалізної установки при виділенні різних іонів.Електродіалізна установка виявилася ефективною для отримання питної води хорошої якості з модельних розчинів шляхом видалення - небажаних іоні

Spaceflight Causes Increased Virulence of Serratia Marcescens on a Drosophila Melanogaster Host

Drosophila melanogaster, or the fruit fly, has long been an important organism for Earth-based research, and is now increasingly utilized as a model system to understand the biological effects of spaceflight. Studies in Drosophila melanogaster have shown altered immune responses in 3rd instar larvae and adult males following spaceflight, changes similar to those observed in astronauts. In addition, spaceflight has also been shown to affect bacterial physiology, as evidenced by studies describing altered virulence of Salmonella typhimurium following spaceflight and variation in biofilm growth patterns for the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa during flight. We recently sent Serratia marcescens Db11, a Drosophila pathogen and an opportunistic human pathogen, to the ISS on SpaceX-5 (Fruit Fly Lab-01). S. marcescens samples were stored at 4degC for 24 days on-orbit and then allowed to grow for 120 hours at ambient station temperature before being returned to Earth. Upon return, bacteria were isolated and preserved in 50% glycerol or RNAlater. Storage, growth, and isolation for ground control samples were performed using the same procedures. Spaceflight and ground samples stored in 50% glycerol were diluted and injected into 5-7-day-old ground-born adult D. melanogaster. Lethality was significantly greater in flies injected with the spaceflight samples compared to those injected with ground bacterial samples. These results indicate a shift in the virulence profile of the spaceflight S. marcescens Db11 and will be further assessed with molecular biological analyses. Our findings strengthen the conclusion that spaceflight impacts the virulence of bacterial pathogens on model host organisms such as the fruit fly. This research was supported by NASA's ISS Program Office (ISSPO) and Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications (SLPSRA)

Ceruloplasmin Protects Against Rotenone-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity

To clarify the neuroprotective property of ceruloplasmin and the pathogenesis of aceruloplasminemia, we generated ceruloplasmin-deficient (CP−/−) mice on the C57BL/10 genetic background and further treated them with a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone. There was no iron accumulation in the brains of CP−/− mice at least up to 60 weeks of age. Without rotenone treatment, CP−/− mice showed slight motor dysfunction compared with CP+/+ mice, but there were no detectable differences in the levels of oxidative stress markers between these two groups. A low dose of rotenone did not affect the mitochondrial complex I activity in our mice, however, it caused a significant change in motor behavior, neuropathology, or the levels of oxidative stress markers in CP−/− mice, but not in CP+/+ mice. Our data support that ceruloplasmin protects against rotenone-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, probably through its antioxidant properties independently of its function of iron metabolism

Herbal therapy associated with antibiotic therapy: potentiation of the antibiotic activity against methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Turnera ulmifolia L

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Staphylococcus </it>genus is widely spread in nature being part of the indigenous microbiota of skin and mucosa of animal and birds. Some <it>Staphylococcus </it>species are frequently recognized as etiological agents of many animal and human opportunistic infections This is the first report testing the antibiotic resistance-modifying activity of <it>Turnera ulmifolia </it>against methicillin-resistant <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>– MRSA strain.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this study an ethanol extract of <it>Turnera ulmifolia </it>L. and chlorpromazine were tested for their antimicrobial activity alone or in combination with aminoglycosides against an MRSA strain.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The synergism of the ethanol extract and aminoglycosides were verified using microdillution method. A synergistic effect of this extract on gentamicin and kanamycin was demonstrated. Similarly, a potentiating effect of chlorpromazine on kanamycin, gentamicin and neomycin, indicating the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It is therefore suggested that extracts from <it>Turnera ulmifolia </it>could be used as a source of plant-derived natural products with resistance-modifying activity, constituting a new weapon against the problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics demonstrated in MRSA strains.</p