Isolation, Culture and Functional Characterization of Glia and Endothelial Cells From Adult Pig Brain

Primary cultures of glial and endothelial cells are important tools for basic and translational neuroscience research. Primary cell cultures are usually generated from rodent brain although considerable differences exist between human and rodent glia and endothelial cells. Because many translational research projects aim to identify mechanisms that eventually lead to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to target human diseases, glia, and endothelial cultures are needed that better reflect the human central nervous system (CNS). Pig brain is easily accessible and, in many aspects, close to the human brain. We established an easy and cost-effective method to isolate and culture different primary glial and endothelial cells from adult pig brain. Oligodendrocyte, microglia, astrocyte, and endothelial primary cell cultures were generated from the same brain tissue and grown for up to 8 weeks. Primary cells showed lineage-specific morphology and expressed specific markers with a purity ranging from 60 to 95%. Cultured oligodendrocytes myelinated neurons and microglia secreted tumor necrosis factor alpha when induced with lipopolysaccharide. Endothelial cells showed typical tube formation when grown on Matrigel. Astrocytes enhanced survival of co-cultured neurons and were killed by Aquaporin-4 antibody positive sera from patients with Neuromyelitis optica. In summary, we established a new method for primary oligodendrocyte, microglia, endothelial and astrocyte cell cultures from pig brain that provide a tool for translational research on human CNS diseases

Photoelectret study of Sm doped ZnO and ZnO-Pb₃O₄mixed lattice

266-269The photoelectret characteristics of rare earth ion Sm doped ZnO and ZnO-Pb₃O₄ along with pure ZnO have been studied. The dependence of photoelectret charge on excitation field, photo polarization time, dark depolarization time, intensity and wavelength of illumination have been evaluated. With increase in polarization time, decrease in depolarization time and increase in intensity of illumination, photoelectret charge continues to increase. With increase in field, photoelectret charge first increases and later tends to saturation. No photoelectret effect was observed in nano structured ZnO

Moving shadow detection and removal – a wavelet transform based approach

Shadow detection and removal is an important problem in computer vision. The real challenge in moving shadow detection and removal is to classify moving shadow points which are many times misclassified as moving object points in a video sequences. Various shadow detection and removal algorithms have been proposed for images but only a few works have been done for moving objects. In this study, a novel method for shadow detection and removal is proposed using discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The authors have used DWT because of its multi‐resolution property that decomposes an image into four different bands without loss of the spatial information. For detection and removal of shadow, they have proposed a new threshold in the form of relative standard deviation. The value of threshold is automatically determined and does not require any supervised learning or manual calibration. The proposed method is flexible and depends on only one parameter, namely, wavelet coefficients. Results of shadow detection and removal from moving object after applying the proposed method are compared with the results of other state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of visual performance and a number of quantitative performance parameters. The proposed method is found to be better and more robust than other methods

Study of photoelectret effect in dysprosium doped zinc oxide

260-264In the present work, photoelectret properties of ZnO and dysprosium doped ZnO have been studied. Dysprosium (Dy) has been mixed in ZnO by weight with varying proportion. ZnO:Dy (0.50%) exhibits maximum photopolarization. The variation of photoelectret charge with applied voltage, photopolarization time, dark depolarization time, intensity of illumination and wavelength of illumination has been studied. XRD and SEM studies show that particle size of ZnO and ZnO:Dy (0.50%) is the order of few hundred nano meters

Evaluation of the prevalence of dermatophytes infection and its etiological agents – A clinico-microbiological study

Background: Skin infections are common diseases in developing countries, Skin infections due to Dermatophytes has become a significant health problem affecting children, adolescents and adults of which Dermatophytosis are of particular concern in the tropics. Dermatophytosis constitutes a group of superficial fungal infections of the epidermis, hair and nails. Aim: To study the prevalence of dermatophytes infection in different patients and to find the etiological agents of dermatophytes. Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna. All samples in the form of skin and nails were collected randomly in batches under aseptically condition from both out patients & in-patients. KOH mount was done for direct exam. Culture was also done. Results: A total of 354 samples were collected of which majority were skin 341 (96.3%). Majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 21-30 (33.9%) and were males (81.4%). Groin lesion was the most common lesion (58.5%). KOH, culture and both tests positive was found in 78%, 79.7% and 66.7% samples respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of KOH was 88.7% and 44.4 % respectively with positive predictive and negative predictive value of 85.5% and 41% respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, Dermatophytosis is a major problem in North Indian population & prevalence of dermatophytic infection is alarming in both rural as well as urban community

Prevalence of hepatitis-B surface antigen in subjects attending OPD of Tertiary care institution

Background: Hepatitis B virus is a partially double-stranded circular DNA virus and is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family. The virus consists of a core capsid which contains viral DNA and this is surrounded by an envelope containing surface antigen (HBsAg). Both whole and incomplete virus particles, consisting entirely of HBsAg, are produced during replication of HBV. The HBsAg particles vary greatly in morphology and are found in high concentrations in early acute infection and continue to be produced in chronic disease.Aim: Diagnostic potential of Hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity and its prevalence was evaluated among OPD Patients. Methodology: The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was studied among 767 subjects (male 470 and female 297), aged 05-55 years volunteers, who required medical check-ups. Blood samples, collected were tested for HBsAg using a third-generation ELISA kit. Results: Of the 767 subjects, male 1.82% and female 1.17% were positive for HBsAg. The results revealed that hepatitis B infection in the target group was below the intermediate endemicity. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that proper training of new entrants in the medical field can be pivotal in preventing HBsAg and it is advocated that a programme for education, vaccination and prophylaxis must be implemented in all healthcare set ups

A study to evaluate the bacteriological profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern in subjects attending OPD of Tertiary Care Institution

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as persistent or intermittent infection of ear for more than three months duration where the infected discharge occurs through the perforated tympanic membrane caused by bacteria , fungi and virus resulting in inflammation of mucosal lining that results in partial or total loss of the tympanic membrane and ossicles. Aim: To evaluate the bacteriological profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media and to evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.Methods: A total of 66 patients with symptoms of CSOM were enrolled in the study. Out of 66 patients, 54 were unilateral cases and 12 were bilateral cases. Thus the total 78 samples were available for culture. Samples from 78 discharging ears were collected with the help of aural speculum by swabbing the discharging ears with two sterile cotton swabs.Results: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out for all the isolates. Imipenem resistance was not seen to any of the isolate. Amikacin was the most effective antibiotic in the present study. It was effective against maximum number of strains 74 (94.9%) followed by levofloxacin 72 (92.3%), Gentamicin 70 (89.7%), Ofloxacin 68 (87.2%) and Ciprofloxacin 62 (79.5%).Conclusion:The chronic suppurative otitis media has become public health importance in the present days in developing countries like India. It is well known disease of multiple etiology and its recurrence and persistence. Irregular, haphazard and indiscriminate use of antibiotics has precipitated the emergence of multi resistant bacteria. The most common the bacteriological agent associated with CSOM in our area was Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a gradual decline in their sensitivity pattern to a number of fluoroquinolones. Amikacin and levofloxacin has proven to be the drug of choice

Economic Impact of Wheat Sowing Through Zero Tillage Technique against Broadcasting under Hot Sub-humid (Moist) Eco-Region Uttar Pradesh, India

Aims: The production of cost of wheat is higher in farmers practice than the zero tillage sown of wheat due to non-adoption of recommended resource conservation technology, high-yielding varieties and advanced technologies by the farming community in the eastern plains of Uttar Pradesh. To replace this anomalous, we conducted 204 front-line demonstrations (FLDs) at farmers' fields in various adopted villages by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deoria. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malhana, Deoria, under the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, UP. Methodology: Prior findings were examined to identify any gaps and to enlist everyone's assistance in disseminating such a technology of global relevance. In the eight years from 2011–12 to 2018–19, a total of 204 FLDs were carried out at the 230 farmer’s fields in the 32 villages where wheat was sown by zero tillage. Result: Rice-wheat cropping systems are the most often used agricultural method in Uttar Pradesh, India's hot, sub-humid (wet) eco-region. It provides farmers and agricultural labourers with a source of subsistence and revenue and is a crucial aspect of the region's infrastructure for food safety. In order to attain sustainable yield, it is always thought necessary to employ other alternatives of conserving essential inputs by adopting resources conservative techniques (RCT), such as zero tillage and broad bed furrow (BBF). According to the economic analysis of the data presented in the current study, zero tillage wheat farming is the most cost-effective and appealing alternative for the agricultural community of eastern Uttar Pradesh. When compared to the broadcasting method, the zero tillage technique yielded a higher return and a lower cost of cultivation per acre. Finally, the use of this strategy raises farmers' net returns, improves their social standing, living conditions, livelihood, and ultimately reduces poverty in the farming community. Conclusions: The new approach lowers production costs while producing equivalent wheat yields to other methods, which leads to higher net returns. Farmers in the area have begun to appreciate the technology's reduced tillage costs. Rice-wheat is the prevalent farming system practiced by the majority of farmers in the region. In the future, the prospect of extending the method to sow wheat after other crops should be investigated

Impact Assessment of Pigeonpea + Maize Intercropping in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Aims: The net return of pigeonpea cultivated is lower due to failure to implement recommended intercropping and modern technology in the farming community in eastern Uttar Pradesh. To compensate for this anomaly, ICAR-IIVR-KVK, Deoria performed On-Farm-Trials (OFTs) for the evaluation of pigeonpea + maize intercropping in farmers' fields in various adopted villages in the Deoria District of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Place and Duration of Study: The two year assessment and refinement study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malhana, Deoria, working under the ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, UP, during 2015–16 to 2016-17. Methodology: In the present study of sole pigeonpea crop and intercropping of pigeonpea + maize was evaluated through on-farm trials (OFTs) among selected farmers’ field during Kharif season 2015-16 to 2016-17 in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, India,. Technology options for assessment of sole pigeonpea crop (T1) and pigeonpea + maize (T2) with improved packages and practices developed by IIPR, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were tested at five selected farmer’s field. Results: Maximum average gross return (Rs 103460 ha-1), net return (Rs 71730 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (3.2:1) were recorded under intercropping of pigeonpea + maize, which was 41.50 percent, 43.40 and 5.96 percent more than the sown of sole crop of pigeonpea (T1) for gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio respectively, during the period of the on-farm trial. Conclusion: The higher value of the equivalent yield, the more feasible technology for the farming community of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Synthesis based structural and optical behavior of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles

The effect of synthesis method on optical and photoconducting properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles has been investigated. Sol-gel and co-precipitation methods have been employed to prepare pure anatase phased TiO2 nanoparticles calcinated at different temperatures below 500 degrees C. The optimized value of average crystallite size is within the range of 19-21 nm for a common calcination temperature of 400 degrees C for both the methods. The redshift in optical band gap of 0.9 eV has been observed for the sample synthesized by co-precipitation method with respect to the sol-gel method. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibits broad visible emission in both routes of synthesis while photoconductivity shows fast growth and decay of photocurrent in TiO2 prepared by co-precipitation method as compared to TiO2 prepared by the sol-gel method under visible illumination. Crystal structure based Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data, scanning electron microscopy as well as photoluminescence and photoconductivity measurements were performed to characterize nanocrystalline anatase TiO2