Mixing in the surface waters of the western Bay of Bengal using 228Ra and 226Ra

228Ra and 226Ra have been measured in the surface waters of the western Bay of Bengal during five cruises conducted between 1988 and 1999. The ranges and mean (given in brackets) concentrations for 228Ra and 226Ra are 6.8-42.1 (17.8 ± 7.9) dpm/100 kg and 6.0-16.7 (9.2 ± 2.2) dpm/ 100 kg, respectively. (228Ra/226Ra) Activity Ratio (henceforth denoted as [228/226]) ranges from 0.8 to 3.4 with a mean of 1.9 ± 0.5. Both 228Ra and 226Ra show inverse correlation with salinity, the former much stronger. A surface 2-D diffusion-advection model is used with a new approach. A simple bivariate function, C(x,y) = C0e-Ax·e-By where C0, A and B are constants, is fitted to the whole 228Ra and 226Ra data C(x,y). Substituting C(x,y) in the two-dimensional steady-state diffusion equation of Ra, the estimated values of the constants A and B can be related to eddy diffusivities and advection velocities in the zonal (x) and meridional (y) directions. From this relationship, the horizontal eddy diffusivities in the zonal and meridional directions are inferred to be 1.3 × 107 and 2.1 × 108 cm2s-1, respectively in the absence of advection terms. Similarly, neglecting the influence of diffusion, one can estimate the advection velocities, wx and wy in the zonal and meridional directions, as 0.2 and 1.1 cm s-1, respectively. The model-fit values C(x,y) of 228Ra concentrations are in good agreement with the measured values except in regions showing exceptionally high and low values. Incorporating both the advection rates and eddy diffusivities into the equation, it is found that increasing advection velocities depending on the direction can decrease or increase the eddy diffusivities and that such changes are more effective in the meridional direction compared to zonal direction in the region of study. On the whole, 228Ra appears a good tracer to derive rates of mixing between low salinity waters in the north and their high salinity southern counterparts of the western Bay of Bengal. The eddy diffusivities, Kx and Ky (without advection) derived for the Bay of Bengal are higher by about an order of magnitude than the ones similarly obtained for the Arabian Sea. This is not unexpected due to the turbulent conditions prevailing in the Bay of Bengal for most of the year

A case report of Trivrut Leha Virechana and Rasottamadi Lepa in Indralupta

Acharya Vagbhata has explained about Indralupta regarding its Nidana, Lakshanas and Chikitsa in Uttaratantra. Indralupta is a Shiroroga characterized by patchy hair loss on scalp, itching and anxiety. This condition can be correlated with Alopecia areata due to similarities. Though there are many modalities described in modern science, still it is not possible to cease the permanent impairment. In Ayurveda, many modalities are being described for Urdhwajatrugata Rogas and for Shirogata Vikaras. Among them Virechana is best in Indralupta as it is a Pittapradhana Vyadhi and Virechana is Shreshtha for Pittaharana. The Virechana Karma is explained by Brihatrayis. The complete procedure of Virechana Karma includes Poorvakarma (Deepana, Pachana, Snehapana, Abhyanga and Swedana) which helps in mobilization of the Doshas to the site of elimination and causes vasodilatation in order to expel out the Doshas from the body, and provides better channel for absorption of the Oushadhi. Pradhanakarma (Virechana) eliminates the Doshas from the body. Paschatkarma (Sansarjana Krama and Rasottamadi Lepa) eliminates the remaining Doshas and causes better absorption of Oushadhi which ultimately eliminates the symptoms of the disease. A clinical observation has shown effective result in the treatment of Indralupta with Trivrut Leha Virechana and Rasottamadi Lepa and here we are revalidating the statement of our Acharyas. A case report of a female, aged 28 years with complains of patchy hair loss on scalp in crown and right temporal region, itching on scalp and anxiety has been presented here

Autoimmune thyroid disease in pregnancy

Background: Maternal thyroid dysfunction is the common endocrinological disorder during pregnancy. It is associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes like pre-eclampsia, GDM, preterm, IUGR and miscarriage. Objective of this study was to study the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in women with thyroid autoimmunity and its relation with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.Methods: It was an observational study undertaken at RRMCH from May-2013 to Oct-2013. Pregnant women were screened for thyroid dysfunction. Women with altered thyroid function tests were screened for anti TPO antibodies. Mothers with thyroid dysfunction and anti TPO antibody positive were compared with anti TPO negative mothers.Results: Study group included 1000 pregnant women, 126 women had hypothyroidism. Anti TPO antibodies were positive in 26 women. Prevalence of hypothyroidism and autoimmunity were 7.5% and 12.8% respectively. 46.2% women with hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity had PE, P value <0.01, 7% had GDM with P value <0.603, 15.4% had IUGR with p value of 0.033.7, 7% women had IUD.Conclusions: Hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity are common during pregnancy. They are associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcome. Screening for thyroid dysfunction and early initiation of treatment can prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcome. 

4-Aminopyridine Decreases Progesterone Production by Porcine Granulosa Cells

BACKGROUND: Ion channels occur as large families of related genes with cell-specific expression patterns. Granulosa cells have been shown to express voltage-gated potassium channels from more than one family. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), an antagonist of KCNA but not KCNQ channels. METHODS: Granulosa cells were isolated from pig follicles and cultured with 4-AP, alone or in combination with FSH, 8-CPT-cAMP, estradiol 17β, and DIDS. Complimentary experiments determined the effects of 4-AP on the spontaneously established pig granulosa cell line PGC-2. Granulosa cell or PGC-2 function was assessed by radio-immunoassay of media progesterone accumulation. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion. Drug-induced changes in cell membrane potential and intracellular potassium concentration were documented by spectrophotometric determination of DiBAC(4)(3) and PBFI fluorescence, respectively. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) was assessed by immunoblotting. Flow cytometry was also used to examine granulosa cell viability and size. RESULTS: 4-AP (2 mM) decreased progesterone accumulation in the media of serum-supplemented and serum-free granulosa cultures, but inhibited cell proliferation only under serum-free conditions. 4-AP decreased the expression of StAR, the production of cAMP and the synthesis of estradiol by PGC-2. Addition of either 8-CPT-cAMP or estradiol 17β to serum-supplemented primary cultures reduced the inhibitory effects of 4-AP. 4-AP treatment was also associated with increased cell size, increased intracellular potassium concentration, and hyperpolarization of resting membrane potential. The drug-induced hyperpolarization of resting membrane potential was prevented either by decreasing extracellular chloride or by adding DIDS to the media. DIDS also prevented 4-AP inhibition of progesterone production. CONCLUSION: 4-AP inhibits basal and FSH-stimulated progesterone production by pig granulosa cells via drug action at multiple interacting steps in the steroidogenic pathway. These inhibitory effects of 4-AP on steroidogenesis may reflect drug-induced changes in intracellular concentrations of K(+)and Cl(- )as well as granulosa cell resting membrane potential

Intercellular calcium communication regulates platelet aggregation and thrombus growth

The ability of platelets to form stable adhesion contacts with other activated platelets (platelet cohesion or aggregation) at sites of vascular injury is essential for hemostasis and thrombosis. In this study, we have examined the mechanisms regulating cytosolic calcium flux during the development of platelet–platelet adhesion contacts under the influence of flow. An examination of platelet calcium flux during platelet aggregate formation in vitro demonstrated a key role for intercellular calcium communication (ICC) in regulating the recruitment of translocating platelets into developing aggregates. We demonstrate that ICC is primarily mediated by a signaling mechanism operating between integrin αIIbβ3 and the recently cloned ADP purinergic receptor P2Y12. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the efficiency by which calcium signals are propagated within platelet aggregates plays an important role in dictating the rate and extent of thrombus growth

Targeting and Diffusion of Chickpea improved cultivars in Andhra Pradesh state of India

Chickpea accounts for about 45% of total pulses produced in India, which is the major chickpea producing country, contributing over 75% of world production. Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest state in chickpea cultivation. In Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool and Prakasam districts were occupying the first and second positions in chickpea production. Tropical Legumes-II (TL-II) project was supported by BMGF and has been promoting chickpea improved cultivars in the state since 2007 improving farmer’s livelihood by enhancing chickpea productivity. For this Farmer Participatory Varietal Selection (FPVS) approach was followed. Further a strategic deepening and widening of technology outreach to farmers across all categories was designed by involving farmers in selection of varieties. This demonstrated the performance of improved cultivars over the check cultivars in the two targeted districts. Based on farmers’ preference, cultivars were identified, multiplied and distributed to them in small seed pockets. During the first phase of the project (2007-08 to 2010-11), 476 seed pockets were distributed freely in 119 villages of two districts. A real tracking survey was taken up to track these farmers and understand their perceptions on TL-II cultivars. The main objective of the present paper is to trace adoption of chickpea cultivars, drivers of diffusion and innovations in spread of chickpea technology and examine the sustainability. In the realtime survey 487 seed and non-seed beneficiary farmers was included using probability proportionate sampling. TL-II cultivars (JG 11, KAK 2, Vihar, JAKI 9218) have completely replaced the old cultivar (Annigeri). The Logit and Tobit estimation showed that availability of household labour, access to formal seed sources, price information and literacy increased adoption of improved cultivars. Subsidized seed hastened diffusion process. Seed beneficiaries perceived 40-60% yield enhancement through improved cultivars which led to a ‘Salient Chickpea Revolution’ in the stat

Adoption of chickpea cultivars in Andhra Pradesh: Pattern, trends and constraints

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the largest produced food legume in South Asia and the third largest produced food legume globally. Chickpea is grown in more than 50 countries. Asia accounts 89.7% of the area in chickpea production, followed by 4.3% in Africa, 2.6% in Oceania, 2.9% in Americas and 0.4% in Europe (Gaur, MP. 2010). India ranked first in terms of chickpea production and consumption in the world. About 65% of global area with 68 % of global production of chickpea is contributed by India (Amarenderreddy and Devrajmishra, 2010). Chickpea production has grown from 3.65 to 5.63 million tonnes between 1950-51 and 2004-05, registering a growth of 0.58% annually. During the period, area has marginally declined from 7.57 to 6.67 million hectare and the productivity has steadily increased to 844 kg/ha from 482 kg/ha (IIPR, 20009). Six states viz., Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh together contribute 91% of the production and 90% of the area under chickpea

Functional Redundancy of Class I Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) Isoforms in Signaling Growth Factor-Mediated Human Neutrophil Survival

We have investigated the contribution of individual phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) Class I isoforms to the regulation of neutrophil survival using (i) a panel of commercially available small molecule isoform-selective PI3K Class I inhibitors, (ii) novel inhibitors, which target single or multiple Class I isoforms (PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, PI3Kδ, and PI3Kγ), and (iii) transgenic mice lacking functional PI3K isoforms (p110δKOγKO or p110γKO). Our data suggest that there is considerable functional redundancy amongst Class I PI3Ks (both Class IA and Class IB) with regard to GM-CSF-mediated suppression of neutrophil apoptosis. Hence pharmacological inhibition of any 3 or more PI3K isoforms was required to block the GM-CSF survival response in human neutrophils, with inhibition of individual or any two isoforms having little or no effect. Likewise, isolated blood neutrophils derived from double knockout PI3K p110δKOγKO mice underwent normal time-dependent constitutive apoptosis and displayed identical GM-CSF mediated survival to wild type cells, but were sensitized to pharmacological inhibition of the remaining PI3K isoforms. Surprisingly, the pro-survival neutrophil phenotype observed in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was resilient to inactivation of the PI3K pathway

Matrin 3 and HIV Rev Regulation of mRNA

The nuclear matrix protein, MATR3, is a newly-described Rev cofactor whose mechanism of action is only starting to be revealed

Identifying Contributing Factors Associated With Dental Adverse Events Through a Pragmatic Electronic Health Record-Based Root Cause Analysis

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed contributing factors associated with dental adverse events (AEs). METHODS: Seven electronic health record-based triggers were deployed identifying potential AEs at 2 dental institutions. From 4106 flagged charts, 2 reviewers examined 439 charts selected randomly to identify and classify AEs using our dental AE type and severity classification systems. Based on information captured in the electronic health record, we analyzed harmful AEs to assess potential contributing factors; harmful AEs were defined as those that resulted in temporary moderate to severe harm, required hospitalization, or resulted in permanent moderate to severe harm. We classified potential contributing factors according to (1) who was involved (person), (2) what were they doing (tasks), (3) what tools/technologies were they using (tools/technologies), (4) where did the event take place (environment), (5) what organizational conditions contributed to the event? (organization), (6) patient (including parents), and (7) professional-professional collaboration. A blinded panel of dental experts conducted a second review to confirm the presence of an AE. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases had 1 or more harmful AEs. Pain occurred most frequently (27.1%), followed by nerve injury (16.9%), hard tissue injury (15.2%), and soft tissue injury (15.2%). Forty percent of the cases were classified as temporary not moderate to severe harm. Person (training, supervision, and fatigue) was the most common contributing factor (31.5%), followed by patient (noncompliance, unsafe practices at home, low health literacy, 17.1%), and professional-professional collaboration (15.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Pain was the most common harmful AE identified. Person, patient, and professional-professional collaboration were the most frequently assessed factors associated with harmful AEs