Decreased Prevalence of Lymphatic Filariasis among Diabetic Subjects Associated with a Diminished Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Response (CURES 83)

Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse correlation between the incidence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and the incidence of allergies and autoimmunity. However, the interrelationship between LF and type-2 diabetes is not known and hence, a cross sectional study to assess the baseline prevalence and the correlates of sero-positivity of LF among diabetic subjects was carried out (n = 1416) as part of the CURES study. There was a significant decrease in the prevalence of LF among diabetic subjects (both newly diagnosed [5.7%] and those under treatment [4.3%]) compared to pre-diabetic subjects [9.1%] (p = 0.0095) and non-diabetic subjects [10.4%] (p = 0.0463). A significant decrease in filarial antigen load (p = 0.04) was also seen among diabetic subjects. Serum cytokine levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines—IL-6 and GM-CSF—were significantly lower in diabetic subjects who were LF positive, compared to those who were LF negative. There were, however, no significant differences in the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines—IL-10, IL-13 and TGF-β—between the two groups. Although a direct causal link has yet to be shown, there appears to be a striking inverse relationship between the prevalence of LF and diabetes, which is reflected by a diminished pro-inflammatory cytokine response in Asian Indians with diabetes and concomitant LF

In Search of an Uncultured Human-Associated TM7 Bacterium in the Environment

We have identified an environmental bacterium in the Candidate Division TM7 with ≥98.5% 16S rDNA gene homology to a group of TM7 bacteria associated with the human oral cavity and skin. The environmental TM7 bacterium (referred to as TM7a-like) was readily detectable in wastewater with molecular techniques over two years of sampling. We present the first images of TM7a-like cells through FISH technique and the first images of any TM7 as viable cells through the STARFISH technique. In situ quantification showed TM7 concentration in wastewater up to five times greater than in human oral sites. We speculate that upon further characterization of the physiology and genetics of the TM7a-like bacterium from environmental sources and confirmation of its genomic identity to human-associated counterparts it will serve as model organisms to better understand its role in human health. The approach proposed circumvents difficulties imposed by sampling humans, provides an alternative strategy to characterizing some diseases of unknown etiology, and renders a much needed understanding of the ecophysiological role hundreds of unique Bacteria and Archaea strains play in mixed microbial communities

Prolonging the shelf life of jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) buds by chemical treatments under cold storage condition

Aim of this study is to enhance the shelf life of jasmine flower buds by application of different anti-senescence chemicals to meet out the marketing demand with improved post-harvest quality. The experimental design followed for this study is completely randomized block design with seven treatments, each replicated thrice. The harvested jasmine flowers were treated with different anti-senescence chemicals viz., Silver nanoparticle (SNP) (20ppm), Boric acid (4%), Sucrose (4%), NAA (100 ppm), BA (500 ppm), α-AIB (20µM) and packed in 200 gauge polypropylene bag without ventilation then stored in cold storage condition. Among the different anti-senescence chemical treatments silver nanoparticle (20 ppm) shows positive significant difference in freshness index, flower opening index, color retention index and maintained the shelf life up to 11 days over the control for 7 days

Paraneoplastic glomerulopathies associated with hematologic malignancies

Paraneoplastic glomerulopathy (PG) includes a group of glomerular lesions that are not directly related to tumor burden, invasion, or metastasis, but induced by products from tumor cells such as hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and tumor antigens. PG was first described by Galloway in 1922, in which nephrotic syndrome (NS) secondary to Hodgkin's lymphoma was reported. They can present before, at the time of diagnosis, during remission, or at relapse of the hematological malignancies. We present three cases of paraneoplastic NS associated with hematological malignancies. Early diagnosis and treatment can alter prognosis of these patients. Paraneoplastic syndromes would remit only with proper treatment of the neoplasia