Application of a multiplex PCR assay for the detection of Shigella, Escherichia coli and Shiga toxin-producing Esch. coli in milk.

A multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay using previously known genetic markers of Shigella, Escherichia coli and Shiga-toxic Esch. coli was standardized. uidA gene was targeted for the common detection of Esch. coli and Shigella, whereas ipaH and stx1 genes were used as markers for the detection of Shigella and shiga-toxin producing strains, respectively. The standardized assays detected the target organism specifically and selectively. The mPCR developed by combining all the three reactions generated specific products. The inclusivity and exclusivity tests depicted the precise specificity of the mPCR assay. Results were interpreted on the basis of the pattern of amplicons generated: amplifications of the ipaH and uidA gene fragments indicated the presence of Shigella spp., amplification of uidA alone revealed the presence of Esch. coli and additional presence of verotoxin gene amplicon indicated verotoxinogenic nature of the strain. Specific patterns of bands were obtained when different strains of Esch. coli and Shigella spp. were subjected to this assay. The reactions, individually as well as in the mPCR, could detect approximately 1 cell per 20-microl PCR assay. The protocols were validated by analyzing the coded samples of full fat milk spiked with different pathogens. In naturally contaminated raw milk samples (n=100), Esch. coli were detected in all samples and verotoxinogenic Esch. coli in 15 samples. Shigella, however, was not detected in any of the samples. When DNA purified from the samples found positive for Shiga-toxic Esch. coli was directly used as template for the mPCR, the results showed agreement with the enrichment based detection. The mPCR assay, standardized in this study, may be used for rapid microbiological evaluation of milk samples. Further, the study emphasizes the need for better hygienic conditions in dairies

Personality profiles, emotional maturity and parental acceptance/rejection of children of working and non-working mothers.

The family is regarded as one of the primary group of society concerned with face to face relationship. A child receives his earliest education in his family. It is here that his basic ideas, ideals as well as many attitudes towards himself and his associates are initiated which determine his later adjustment to school and other out of home situations. The attitudes, economic status, behavioural experiences of his/her parents and family environment, all influence the child’s behaviour both directly and indirectly. Woman as a mother has a great role to play in the development of her children. The mother’s interaction with the child has a profound impact on the development of child. In the absence of mother a child feels lonely, insecure and this adversely affects not only the initial activities of the child but also the social and personal development of the child. A mother has more opportunities than the father to influence the child’s growth and behaviour. However it is obvious that when mother enters the employment market their children face crisis from their early age, because they are then usually reared by servants. They cannot take proper care of these children as their mothers can. So, they face hardships in terms of emotional support and rearing. Working Mothers usually place their children in childcare, which results less attention & instruction. It may have significant cognitive effects later in child hood. It has also been found that working mothers had a negative impact on their children, because after work they are sometimes too tired to interact with their children (Reynolds et al., 2003).Digital copy of Ph.D thesis.University of Kashmir

Combined epicardial and endocardial ablation for atrial fibrillation:Best practices and guide to hybrid convergent procedures

The absence of strategies to consistently and effectively address nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation by nonpharmacological interventions has represented a long-standing treatment gap. A combined epicardial/endocardial ablation strategy, the hybrid Convergent procedure, was developed in response to this clinical need. A subxiphoid incision is used to access the pericardial space facilitating an epicardial ablation directed at isolation of the posterior wall of the left atrium. This is followed by an endocardial ablation to complete isolation of the pulmonary veins and for additional ablation as needed. Experience gained with the hybrid Convergent procedure during the last decade has led to the development and adoption of strategies to optimize the technique and mitigate risks. Additionally, a surgical and electrophysiology "team" approach including comprehensive training is believed critical to successfully develop the hybrid Convergent program. A recently completed randomized clinical trial indicated that this ablation strategy is superior to an endocardial-only approach for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. In this review, we propose and describe best practice guidelines for hybrid Convergent ablation on the basis of a combination of published data, author consensus, and expert opinion. A summary of clinical outcomes, emerging evidence, and future perspectives is also given

Indole and 2,4-Thiazolidinedione conjugates as potential anticancer modulators

Background Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), also called glitazones, are five-membered carbon ring molecules commonly used for the management of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Recently, many prospective studies have also documented the impact of these compounds as anti-proliferative agents, though several negative side effects such as hepatotoxicity, water retention and cardiac issues have been reported. In this work, we synthesized twenty-six new TZD analogues where the thiazolidinone moiety is directly connected to an N-heterocyclic ring in order to lower their toxic effects. Methods By adopting a widely applicable synthetic method, twenty-six TZD derivatives were synthesized and tested for their antiproliferative activity in MTT and Wound healing assays with PC3 (prostate cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cells. Results Three compounds, out of twenty-six, significantly decreased cellular viability and migration, and these effects were even more pronounced when compared with rosiglitazone, a well-known member of the TZD class of antidiabetic agents. As revealed by Western blot analysis, part of this antiproliferative effect was supported by apoptosis studies evaluating BCL-xL and C-PARP protein expression. Conclusion Our data highlight the promising potential of these TZD derivatives as anti-proliferative agents for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer

Optimization parameters effects on electrical conductivity of 3D printed circuits fabricated by direct ink writing method using functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyvinyl alcohol conductive ink

Fabrication of electronic circuits and the effects of optimization parameters on electrical conductivity of the printed circuits fabricated by direct ink writing method (D.I.W); one of the novel methods in 3D printing technologies is discussed in this work. This paper focuses on fabrication of electronic circuits using F-MWCNT/PVA conductive ink and analyses the effect of input printing process parameters namely nozzle diameter, extrusion pressure, printing speed on evaluating the electrical conductivity. Box–Behnken approach is followed to generate the levels of experiments and the performance of developed model is assessed using ANOVA. Response surface method is incorporated to find the influencing parameters on electrical conductivity response. Two-point probe measurement method is performed to analyse the output response of the printed electronic circuits. Optimized printing parameters such as nozzle diameter of 0.8 mm, extrusion pressure of 0.1 MPa and printing speed of 4 mm/sec are found to be the best the for printing electronic circuits with high electrical conductivity

Rhino-orbital-mucormycosis as a presenting manifestation of gestational diabetes mellitus

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis is an uncommon and aggressive, angioinvasive fungal infection that occurs in immunocompromised states like diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, hematological malignancies and deferroxamine therapy. We report a patient who presented with rhino-orbital mucormycosis at six months of gestation and was incidentally detected to have diabetes. She was successfully treated with amphotericin B and appropriate surgery. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such report in the literature

Physiological and biochemical aspects of flower development and senescence in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.

Healthy buds of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia growing in the Kashmir University Botanic Garden were selected for the present study. Flower development and senescence was divided into seven stages, viz., tight bud stage (I), mature bud stage (II), pencil stage (III), partially open stage (IV), open stage (V), partially senescent stage (VI) and senescent stage (VII). Various physiological and biochemical changes were recorded at each stage of flower development and senescence. Floral diameter, fresh mass, dry mass and water content showed an increase up to flower opening (stage V) and thereafter a significant decrease was recorded as the flower development progressed towards senescence through stages VI and VII. An increase in α-amino acids, total phenols and sugars was registered towards anthesis (stage V) and a decrease in these parameters was recorded with senescence. Protease activity showed a significant increase towards senescence with a concomitant decrease in soluble proteins. Based on the quantitative analysis of various biochemical parameters, the flower opening in N. plumbaginifolia seems to be accompanied by an increase in the water content, soluble proteins, α‑amino acids and phenols. A decrease in these parameters, besides an increase in protease activity induces senescence in the beautiful flowers of N. plumbaginifolia. Understanding flower senescence may help in improving the postharvest performance of this beautiful ornamental flower to make it a potential material for the floriculture industry

Cabergoline-induced tricuspid regurgitation: Case report and review of literature

The increased risk of cardiac valve disease in patients treated for Parkinson's disease with cabergoline has raised concerns about the safety of treatment with ergot-derived dopamine agonists in patients with endocrine diseases, especially prolactinoma. Concern is raised because the use of cabergoline was associated in one study with an increased prevalence of moderate tricuspid regurgitation, and in two other studies with mild tricuspid regurgitation. Furthermore, the use of cabergoline was associated with increased frequencies of valvular thickening, calcifications, and increased mitral tenting area