A systematic classification of Plasmodium falciparum P-loop NTPases: structural and functional correlation

Background: The P-loop NTPases constitute one of the largest groups of globular protein domains that play highly diverse functional roles in most of the organisms. Even with the availability of nearly 300 different Hidden Markov Models representing the P-loop NTPase superfamily, not many P-loop NTPases are known in Plasmodium falciparum. A number of characteristic attributes of the genome have resulted into the lack of knowledge about this functionally diverse, but important class of proteins. Method: In the study, protein sequences with characteristic motifs of NTPase domain (Walker A and Walker B) are computationally extracted from the P. falciparum database. A detailed secondary structure analysis, functional classification, phylogenetic and orthology studies of the NTPase domain of repertoire of 97 P. falciparum P-loop NTPases is carried out. Results: Based upon distinct sequence features and secondary structure profile of the P-loop domain of obtained sequences, a cladistic classification is also conceded: nucleotide kinases and GTPases, ABC and SMC family, SF½ helicases, AAA+ and AAA protein families. Attempts are made to identify any ortholog(s) for each of these proteins in other Plasmodium sp. as well as its vertebrate host, Homo sapiens. A number of P. falciparum P-loop NTPases that have no homologue in the host, as well as those annotated as hypothetical proteins and lack any characteristic functional domain are identified. Conclusion: The study suggests a strong correlation between sequence and secondary structure profile of P-loop domains and functional roles of these proteins and thus provides an opportunity to speculate the role of many hypothetical proteins. The study provides a methodical framework for the characterization of biologically diverse NTPases in the P. falciparum genome. The efforts made in the analysis are first of its kind; and the results augment to explore the functional role of many of these proteins from the parasite that could provide leads to identify novel drug targets against malaria

EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF STEM EXTRACTS OF CUSCUTA REFLEXA (ROXB) IN RATS

Objective: Cuscuta Reflexa (Convolvulaceae) is a plant with a variety of ethnic medicinal uses along with antioxidant activity. Hence it was planned to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity with alcoholic extracts of stem of Cuscuta reflexa (AESCR) and aqueous extracts of stem of Cuscuta reflexa (AQESCR).Methods: Hepatoprotective activity of both the extracts was studied against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Functional (thiopentone induced sleeping time), physical (wet liver weight and volume), biochemical parameters Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Serum direct bilirubin (BILD), Serum total bilirubin (BILT), Serum albumin (ALB), Serum total proteins (PRO), Serum cholesterol (CHO), and histopathological changes of livers were assessed in control/toxicant/standard/and extract treated animals with paracetamol induced hepatotoxic models in rats.Results: In LD50 studies for AESCR and AQESCR up to the maximum dose level of 2000 mg/kg dose no mortality was observed in any of the animals, indicating the practically nontoxic. When compared to toxicant control groups both the extracts have significantly reduced the paracetamol induced elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, BILT, BILD, CHO, and elevated the levels of ALB and PRO. The histopathological changes (steatosis), necrosis etc. Were partly or fully prevented in animals treated with the two extracts.Conclusion: AESCR and AQESCR showed a significant hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol induced hepatic damage. The medium and high doses of AESCR and AQESCR (200 and 400 mg/kg) treated groups showd better hepatoprotective activity when compared to standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg).Â

Metal Nanowire Assisted Hollow Core Fiber Sensor for an Efficient Detection of Small Refractive Index Change of Measurand Liquid

In this article, a cost-effective hollow core fiber (HCF)-based refractive index (RI) sensor using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is designed and demonstrated. The sensor consists of a metal nanowire inside an HCF along with the sensing medium of various refractive indices. SPR effect between polaritons and the guided core mode of designed HCF is exploited to enhance the sensing performance. A full vectorial finite element method (FEM) is used for the design and analyses of the sensing probes which exhibit very high sensitivities of 12,400 nm/RIU, 10560 nm/RIU, and 6400 nm/RIU for copper (Cu), gold (Au), and silver (Ag), respectively with a resolution of 1.61 × 10−6 RIU. Additionally, the influence of metal wire dimension is also investigated in this paper. The reported simple and low-cost sensor exhibits high sensitivity for liquid with refractive indices slightly higher than that of the dielectric tube, such as olive oil, turpentine, kerosene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, glycerol, and toluene

Impact of medication and psychological behaviour assessment by community pharmacists in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients after hospital stay

Drug related problem (DRPs) is a key factor which will affect the outcome of therapy and safety. The aim of the present study is to assess the DRPs in T2DM patients and psychological aspects of patients by community pharmacists to observe the rate of DRP. Prospective randomized controlled intervention study involved T2DM patients and conducted in two community pharmacies at Kanpur from January 2012 to December 2012. The assessment of DRPs was based on the PCNE. Changes in HBA1C, LDL, BP, foot examinations, changes medical and medication utilization were studied. Using as control group, received usual care, and interventional group provided, intervened with use of the STG. Researcher provided the knowledge to community pharmacists and patients. Baseline and interventional data were collected at 0,3,6,9 and 12 months. Over 12 month study, participants’ average HBA1C reduced from 8.9% at initial visit to 7.5%. During this time, the eye examination rate was raised from 31% to 48%, and the foot examination rate was raised from 35% to 50%. It may be concluded that the intervention of pharmacists showed very less significant influence on any of the intermediate health outcomes in T2DM.Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Drug related problems , PCNE classification, Medication review, Psychological behavior

Modelling yield loss in Indica rice in farmers' fields due to multiple pests

Surveillance data on grain yield and diseases, insect pests and weeds from farmers' fields for two consecutive wet seasons (1981 and 1982) grouped into dwarf indica (dwarf) and tall indica (tall) rice varieties were subjected to multiple regression analysis. Equations having r2 or R2 ⩾ 0.60 are reported. Bacterial leaf streak alone explained 70% of yield variation in dwarf varieties, leaf blast and bacterial leaf streak together explained a yield variation of 74%. Brown spot and tungro diseases showed little increase in percentage yield variation in tall varieties. Among the insect pests, yellow stem borer alone could explain 69% yield variation in dwarf and 62% in tall varieties. Narrow-leaf weeds contributed more towards yield variation than did broad-leaf weeds. A combination of pests explained variations in yield better than did any individual pes

THREE ELEMENT DUAL SEGMENT TRIANGULAR DIELECTRIC RESONATOR ANTENNA FOR X-BAND APPLICATIONS

Abstract-A wideband dual segment three element triangular dielectric resonator antenna (TDRA) has been proposed for applications in X-band. Proposed antenna has been fabricated and tested. The simulation study of the antenna is carried out using Ansoft HFSS simulation software. The simulation results for input characteristics and radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are compared with corresponding experimental results at the resonant frequency. The simulation results are in agreement with the measurement results. The return loss-frequency characteristics of the proposed antenna are also compared with those of single element, and three element TDRAs

AEROBIOLOGY OF MULBERRY FIELDS IN VELLORE DISTRICT

ABSTRACT Mulberry which forms the exclusive source of food for commercial silk producing silk worm (Bombyx mori L.) is affected by a number of diseases and pests. The aerobiology of crop field was very limited and much of the fields were to be opened for investigation. It affects the nutrition, growth and cocoon production of silkworm. Hence a detailed investigation was carried out on the aerobiology of mulberry fields in Vellore district. The Vellore district comprises of eight taluks, 14 ranges and 64 subdivisions. Much of the Vellore district land area is cultivated by Mulberry as a cottage industry. It is found that from October to January rainfall was maximum, Vaniyambadi, Tirupattur and Gudiyattam receives maximum rain. The humidity is relatively maximum during the period of October to September 1999. The temperature was maximum from March to June. This helps for the spread and growth of various microflora and airspores in Vellore district environs. From these data, the causative organisms of various diseases of Mulberry were identified. This data will be helpful for the treatment, management of the much useful plant Mulberry in Vellore district

Molekularni dokaz toksinskih tipova bakterije Clostridium perfringens, enteropatogenih sojeva Escherichia coli te rotavirusa i koronavirusa u uzorcima proljeva kod neonatalne jaradi

In the present study, out of 1156 neonatal goat kids, 238 showing clinical diarrhea were used for detection of toxinotypes of Clostridium perfringens, Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Group A rotavirus (GARV) and Bovine coronavirus (BCV). Isolation and toxinotyping of isolates were done by multiplex Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers for cpa, cpb, cpb2, etx and iap genes. For EPEC, isolation and identification were done using bfpA gene and SYBR green based real time PCR (qPCR). GARV and BCV were detected, by one-step RT-PCR (osRT-PCR). The incidence of C. perfringens was 15.13% with 75% isolates toxinotype A, 25% type D and 61.11% of isolates carrying the β2-toxin gene. The incidence of EPEC was 68.07% based on qPCR, whereas 21.85% were positive for GARV and 15.97% for BCV by osRT-PCR. There was mixed infection of C. perfringens and EPEC in 11.76% and 3.78% for C. perfringens and GARV and 2.1% of C. perfringens and BCV. EPEC and GARV was 19.74% and EPEC plus BCV positivity was 11.34%. GARV and BCV was 5.88%, and 4.20% had mixed infection of EPEC, GARV and BCV. Of the total diarrheic kids sampled, 0.84% had mixed infection of C. perfringens, GARV, BCV and EPEC. On the basis of the above findings, it may be concluded that isolation, multiplex PCR and real time PCR facilitated the characterization of circulating C. perfringens toxinotypes and EPEC in goats reared under semi-arid conditions. The importance of enteritis caused by GARV and BCV and their role in mixed infection in goats requires extensive screening and pathogenicity studies to associate the symptoms with disease.U populaciji od 1156 neonatalnih jarića 238 je pokazivalo kliničke znakove proljeva. Od njih su uzeti uzorci izmeta za dokazivanje toksinskih tipova bakterije Clostridium perfringens, enteropatogenih sojeva bakterije E. coli (engl. enteropathogenic E. coli, EPEC), rotavirusa skupine A (engl. group A rotavirus, GARV) i goveđeg koronavirusa (engl. bovine coronavirus, BCV). Izdvajanje i toksinska tipizacija izolata provedeni su višestrukom lančanom reakcijom polimerazom (PCR) upotrebom početnica za gene cpa, cpb, cpb2, etx i iap. Izdvajanje i identifikacija EPEC-a provedeni su pretragom na gen bfpA i PCR-om u stvarnom vremenu, uz upotrebu SYBR zelenila (qPCR). Za dokaz rotavirusa skupine A i goveđeg koronavirusa upotrijebljena je RT-PCR (osRT-PCR). Incidencija bakterije C. perfringens iznosila je 15,13 %. Od toga je 75 % izolata pripadalo toksinskom tipu A, 25 % tipu D, dok je 61,11 % izolata imalo gen za toksin β2. Incidencija EPEC-a iznosila je 68,07 %, a 21,85 % pretraženih uzoraka bilo je pozitivno na GARV te 15,97 % na BCV. Mješovita infekcija bakterijom C. perfringens i EPEC-om utvrđena je u 11,76 % uzoraka, C. perfringens i GARV u 3,78 % te C. perfringens i BCV u 2,1 % pretraženih uzoraka. Mješovita infekcija EPEC-om i GARV-om utvrđena je u 19,74 %, a EPEC-om i BCV-om u 11,34 %. Mješovita infekcija rotavirusom i koronavirusom bila je ustanovljena u 5,88 %, a mješovita infekcija EPEC-om, GARV-om i BCV-om u 4,20 % uzoraka. Od ukupnog broja pretražene jaradi s proljevom u njih 0,84 % dokazana je mješovita infekcija bakterijom C. perfringens, rotavirusom skupine A, goveđim koronavirusom i EPEC-om. Na osnovi prikazanih rezultata može se zaključiti da izdvajanje, višestruki PCR te PCR u stvarnom vremenu omogućuju karakterizaciju i praćenje kolanja toksinskih tipova bakterija C. perfringens i EPEC-a u koza uzgajanih u sušnim uvjetima. Važnost enteritisa uzrokovanog rotavirusom skupine A i goveđim koronavirusom te njihova uloga kod mješovitih infekcija u koza zahtijevaju pojačan nadzor i istraživanje patogenosti radi povezivanja kliničkih znakova s ustanovljenom bolešću