Tissue culture studies on Cymbidium ensifolium (L.) Swartz

An efficient protocol for seed germination and micropropagation of Cymbidium ensifolium (L.) Swartz. was established. Four nutrient media were used for seed germination and early protocorm development: Murashige and Skoog (MS), half –strength MS, Knudson ‘C’ (KC), and Vasin and Went (VW); combinations and alone of four plant growth regulators i.e. 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KN), α-napthalene acetic acid (NAA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were studied. MS medium was found as most ideal for seed germination (98±0.48) and lowest in VW (71.12 ±0.42). 3 months old protocorm were sub cultured on fresh MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP, KN, NAA, and IBA alone and in combination. After 30 days highest secondary protocorms (21.25±0.63) were observed in MS medium containing BAP (4.0μM). MS medium supplemented with 8μM IBA induced the maximum roots per shoot. After 16 days of transfer to green house the survival rate was 88%

In vitro studies on Dendrobium fimbriatum Hk.F – An endangered orchid

A protocol for in vitro propagation from protocorms of Dendrobium fimbriatum a distributed in all over world and highly appreciated as an ornamental, was developed. Two different explants, entire protocorms and longitudinal halves of protocorms, were used. In addition, the effect of two different culture media, Murashige and Skoog (MS) and modified Knudson (KCm), supplemented with N6- benzyladenine (BA) (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 mg_L–1) and/or a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at 0, 0.1, and 0.5 mg_L–1 was investigated. Adventitious shoot formation by direct organogenesis was obtained in all treatments; in some cases, the formation of protocorm like bodies was induced. Shoot formation was greater for entire protocorms; the best treatment was MS medium containing at BA 1 to 2 mg_L–1 in combination with at NAA 0.1 mg_L–1. The average height of shoots was three times greater in MS medium than in KC m medium. Sub culturing individual shoots in MS medium without plant growth regulators, but with 1 g_L–1 activated charcoal, allowed further development and rooting. An ex vitro survival rate of almost 100% was achieved. This study represents a comprehensive application for propagation, conservation, and sustainable use of this valuable natural resource

Study to compare the efficacy of Free Omental Patch Closure versus Grahams Live Omental Patch Closure in patients with duodenal Perforation

INTRODUCTION: Duodenal ulcer perforations are most common cause of peritonitis. For almost a century, duodenal perforations have been closed by Omentopexy. In this, pedicled omentum is mobilised over the perforation and secured with full thickness sutures placed on either side of the perforation. this is the "gold standard" for the treatment of duodenal perforations. However, occasionally we have to come across large perforations of the duodenum, in such cases there is possibility of post-operative leakage following closure by this method. Usually, duodenal ulcer perforations are less than 1 cm in greatest diameter, and as such, are amenable to closure by omentopexy.Most of the surgeons feel that mobilization of the pedicled omentum from the colon, and placement of full thickness sutures into the normal duodenum around the perforation makes the efficiency of omental patch safe even in the presence of large sized perforations. However there is controversial evidence from some of the studies conducted which proved free omental graft superior to pedicled omental graft. Moreover there is evidence from studies which concluded that a Free Omental Plug can be used safely and reliably to treat large duodenal perforations that are more than 25 mm in size. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of Free Omental Graft with GRAHAMS live Omental Graft in patients with duodenal ulcer perforations of size up to 20 mm. METHODOLOGY: A series of 60 cases of duodenal perforations were studied and analyzed. Among them 30 patients underwent closure of duodenal perforation by Grahams Pedicled Omental Patching and 30 patients underwent Free Omental Patching. The cases were followed up for 1 month. The results were analysed and the two groups were compared with post-operative leak rates, post-operative hospital stay, complications & mortality. RESULTS: In this study we found 26.66% of post-operative leak (8 patients), 60% of wound infection (18 patients) in patients treated with Free Omental Patch and 6.66% of post-operative leak (2 patients), 33.33% wound infection (10 patients) in patients treated with Grahams live Omental Patch. we found 13.33% mortality(4 patients) in patients treated with Free Omental Patch and no mortality in patients treated with Pedicled Omental Patch. However the mortality rate was statistically insignificant. The average hospital stay in our series was 11.93 days for Grahams live Omental Patch and 17.03 days for Free Omental patch. CONCLUSION: Grahams live omental Patching was found to be a superior surgical technique over Free Omental Patching for the closure of duodenal perforations measuring upto 20 mm

Overexpression of hIGF-1 exclusively in skeletal muscle increases the number of dihydropyridine receptors in adult transgenic mice

AbstractThe number of dihydropyridine receptors (DHPR) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channels (RyR1) and their interaction determine the efficacy of the sarcolemmal excitation-SR Ca2+ release-contraction coupling (ECC). Both receptors play a central role in ECC as demonstrated in various animal species and muscle subtypes. In the present work we studied the effect of transgenic overexpression of human insulin-like growth factor 1 (hIGF-1) on the levels of these two Ca2+ channels in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) (fast-twitch), soleus (slow-twitch) and pool of fast- and slow-twitch muscles from adult C57BL/6 mice. Muscles from hIGF-1 transgenic mice showed a significant increase in IGF-1 concentration (20–30-fold) and in the number of DHPR (52% increase) whereas no significant change in RyR1 binding sites was detected. The differential effect on DHPR and RyR1 resulted in a 30% increase in DHPR/RyR1 ratio. Fast- and slow-twitch muscles showed 50 and 70% increase in the number of DHPR and 30 and 80% increase in DHPR/RyR1, respectively. These results support the concept that the increased autocrine/paracrine secretion of hIGF-1 exerts potent stimulatory effects on DHPR α1 subunit expression in adult skeletal muscle

Optimization of Carbon and Nitrogen Sources for L-asparaginase Production by Enterobacter aerogenes using Response Surface Methodology

A full factorial central composite design (CCD) was applied to study various effects of sodium citrate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP) and L-asparagine to determine the optimal concentration (γ) of these compounds on L-asparaginase production by Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 2823 under shake flask fermentation conditions. A second order polynomial model describing the relationship between the variables and the L-asparaginase activity was fitted in coded units of variables. The statistical reliability and significance of the model was validated by F-test for analysis of variance at higher R2 value (R2 = 0.871). The optimum estimated concentration of sodium citrate (X1), DAHP (X2) and L-asparagine (X3) was 18.76, 5.72 and 8.58 g L–1 respectively with maximum L-asparaginase activity of 19.129 IU mL–1. The composite desirability of 98.38 % reveals the validity of the model and predicted values. The L-asparaginase activity was increased by 5.96 % than predicted activity, after optimization of carbon and nitrogen sources for L-asparaginase production by Enterobacter aerogenes MTCC 2823 using CCD

Medicinal properties of some Dendrobium orchids – A review

 Orchids are known for their aesthetic qualities, and they are often used as decorative items in homes, offices, and public places. While most people admire them for their good looks, others have found practical uses for them. Since a long time ago, people from various parts of the world have used orchids for medicinal purposes. However, the use of orchids in medicine has declined over the years because not enough research has been done to determine their effectiveness and adverse effects

Gene effects and heterosis for grain Fe and Zn content in barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) link)

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) is an unexplored nutri-rich crop that thrives well in harsh environments and supports many small farmers in Southern and Eastern Asia. Although it has rich sources of micronutrients, the genetic studies are very limited which further impedes in its genetic improvement. Therefore, we attempted to assess the genetic diversity for Fe and Zn content in 40 barnyard millet germplasm and to evaluate the combining ability and heterosis in sixteen F1 cross combinations through line × tester model. The Mahalanobis D2 analysis grouped the 40 genotypes into nine different clusters. Cluster III and I were the largest groups containing 22 and 6 genotypes, respectively and the rest of seven clusters were the lowest group containing one or two genotypes. Positive correlation was observed between Fe and Zn content though both had a non-significant association with grain yield. This indicate that there would not be any compromise on increase or decrease of grain yield while breeding for varieties high in micronutrient content. Combining ability analysis revealed that lines, testers, and their interaction components are significant. The predictability ratio indicated the predominance of additive variance for Fe and Zn content and non-additive variance in the inheritance of yield components. Genotypes, ACM 331, ACM 333, ACM 335 and MA 10 exhibited positive gca effects for Fe and Zn content and grain yield. Two cross combinations, ACM 331 × ACM 335 and ACM 331 × MA 10 involved one or both the parents with good gca effects exhibited, high mean, positive mid-parent heterosis and sca effects for Fe, Zn content and yield components. Thus, the present investigation provided a significant understanding of the gene action and the possibility of utilizing the selected parents and cross combination for exploiting micronutrient traits in barnyard millet crop

Cassia javanica biodiesel blends with SiO2 nanoparticles for IC Engine applications

404-410Crude oil production and its resources have been restricted today due to its depletion and consumption rate. Biodiesel involves less production cost, environmentally friendly, renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable. In this examination, a novel source likes Cassia javanica has been used as a feedstock for biodiesel utilizing the transesterification process. The impacts in biodiesel on exhaust gas emissions vary depending on the type of biodiesel and petrodiesel. Blends of biodiesel up to 20% mixed with petrodiesel fuels have been be used in all diesel engines and is more easily storage and distribution tools. The purpose of the current study investigates the analysis of biodiesel and their blends with diesel oil in four-stroke ICE applications like unburned hydrocarbons, sulfates, particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrated aromatic hydrocarbons. It ended that Cassia javanica methyl ester biodiesel blend (B20) with the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles exhibits a better engine performance and emission reduced compared to fossil fuels. Cassia javanica methyl ester can use directly in diesel engines without requiring extensive engine changes

Nitrogen-containing carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes containing small amounts of nitrogen are produced by the pyrolysis of aza-aromatics such as pyridine, methylpyrimidine and triazine over cobalt nanoparticles in an Ar atmosphere; good yields of such nanotubes are obtained by carrying out the pyrolysis of a mixture of pyridine and Fe(CO)5 in flowing Ar+H2

School-Based Deworming Program Yields Small Improvement in Growth of Zanzibari School Children After one Year.

Efficacy trials of antihelminthic therapies conducted in Africa have reported improvements in children's growth, but nutritional evaluations of large-scale deworming programs are lacking. We evaluated the first-year effect on growth of a school-based deworming program in Zanzibar, where growth retardation occurs in school children. Children in four primary schools were given thrice-yearly mebendazole (500 mg) and compared with children in four schools that received twice-yearly mebendazole and children in four non-program schools. Evaluation schools were randomly selected and allocated to control, twice-yearly or thrice-yearly deworming. Approximately 1000 children in each program group completed the 1-y follow-up. Children <10 y old gained 0.27 kg more weight (P < 0.05) and 0.13 cm more height (P = 0.20) in the twice-yearly group, and 0. 20 kg more weight (P = 0.07) and 0.30 cm more height (P < 0.01) in the thrice-yearly group, compared with the control group. Children <10 y old with higher heights-for-age at baseline had higher weight and height gains in response to deworming. In children >/=10 y old, overall program effects on height or weight gains were not significant. But in this age range, younger boys had significant improvements in height gain with thrice-yearly deworming, and children with higher heights-for-age had greater improvements in weight gain with deworming. We conclude that the deworming program improved the growth of school children, especially children who were younger and less stunted, but the improvements were small. More effective antihelminthic regimens or additional dietary or disease control interventions may be needed to substantially improve the growth of school children in areas such as Zanzibar