Dengue virus-specific suppressor T cells: current perspectives

Dengue virus was the first microorganism that was shown to induce generation of antigen-specific suppressor T (TS) cells in mice. The cascade of the three generations of TS cells (TS1, TS2, TS3) and their secretary products, the suppressor factors (SF1, SF2), was delineated. The TS pathway was proposed to be protective through inhibition of the production of enhancing antibody, which may enhance the severity of dengue disease. The currently second most favoured mechanism of severe dengue disease is the 'cytokine tsunami'. During the last decade, suppressor/regulatory T cells have been studied in greater detail using modern techniques in various diseases, including viral infections. This brief review discusses the role of dengue-specific suppressor T cells in protection and/or induction of severe dengue disease in view of our current understanding of suppressor/regulatory T cells

Methoxsalen loaded chitosan coated microemulsion for effective treatment of psoriasis

Methoxsalen has been used for the treatment of psoriasis. In order to develop alternative formulations for the topical administration of methoxsalen, chitosan coated microemulsion were evaluated as delivery vehicle. Microemulsions were prepared using water, soyabean oil. Egg phosphatidylcholine, ethanol and coated with chitosan. They were characterized for shape and surface morphology, droplet size and size distribution, zeta potential, pH and viscosity. The ability of the system to deliver into the skin was evaluated using dialysis membrane and human cadaver skin. The in vitro permeation data showed that the novel system cumulative amount released was 18.75 % lesser than the microemulsion. These studies clearly show that methoxsalen loaded chitosan-coated microemulsion provides control release of methoxsalen with retention on the skin. Therefore may be appropriate vehicle for topical delivery of methoxsalen.Keywords: Microemulsions; Soyabean; Methoxsalen; Chitosa

Utilization of Iron Ore Tailings for Brick Manufacture from Donimalai Mines of Karnataka, India

Mixing iron tailings with cement, sand and sodium silicate for manufacturing bricks was studied with the objective of converting the iron ore tailing waste into value-added products. Bricks were prepared using different compositions of iron tailings with proportions of Ordinary Portland Cement, sodium silicate and sand in cuboid mould (9″ X 5″X 3″). Bricks were air dried for 24 hours, placed in oven for 115 ± 10 °C for 24 hours. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength (CS), water absorption (WA), and efflorescence were measured. The maximum CS of 8.58 N/mm2 was recorded for tailing and cement ratios of 8:2. However, for making it more economical the ratio of 9:1 was considered and this compares very well with the Indian standard (IS): 3495 (Part 1) (1992) of bricks. The results also indicated that the tailing percentage in the bricks affects their mechanical properties. The WA rates of the manufactured bricks are low compared to standard fired clay bricks, and the same varies with process parameters. The low capillary pore may deter the formation of efflorescence. The process, with standardized parameters, may be commercially adapted, and large quantities of iron ore tailings may be put to use in making bricks. Thus, the process technology observed in this paper can potentially convert the huge amount of environmentally hazardous waste into value added product. Iron ore tailing may materialize as a sustainable supplement to soil's clay, use of which in brick making is restricted. The finding also usher a new area of research

Evaluation of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) genotypes for high fibre yield

Four genetically different genotypes of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) were evaluated for fibre yield and its yield component traits for three years 2008-2009 to 2010-2011 at Sunnhemp Research Station, Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Significant differences among experimental genotypes were recorded for fibre yield and its attributes. High fibre yield/ha was recorded for SUIN-029 (9.06 q/ha) followed by SUIN-80 (8.94 q/ha). The highest green biomass yield (337.30 q/ha) and stick yield (52.41 q/ha) were recorded for SUIN-029. The analysis of the data for all years revealed superiority of genotype SUIN-029 for most of the fibre yield traits. This genotype can be used as donor for future breeding programme

Dopunska prehrana ribljim uljem poboljšala je funkciju jajnika, koncepciju i određene reprodukcijske pokazatelje kod kobila pasmine marvari

We investigated the effect of dietary fish oil supplementation on the development of the ovarian follicles, corpus luteum (CL), conceptus and certain reproductive events in Marwari mares, since it is reported to improve reproduction in cows. Accordingly, non-lactating mares (n = 20) were randomly assigned into two groups (10 per group) and fed either the control diet (CTR) or a diet enriched with fish oil (FOS) to supplement n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) at the rate of 64 mg/kg body weight/day for 70 days or until 45 days post-ovulation in the mares that became pregnant. Estrus was detected using a teaser and insemination was performed using frozen thawed semen in the experimental mares. Development of the ovarian follicle, CL and conceptus were recorded using trans-rectal ultrasonography. Plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol were estimated by radioimmunoassay. In the FOS group, the diameter of the largest follicle from day 4 of estrus until ovulation, and the diameter of the CL on day 7 post-ovulation (D7PO) were greater (P<0.05). However, on day 15 post-ovulation (D15PO), the CL diameter increased significantly in the pregnant mares. Dietary fish oil significantly improved the development of the embryo as evidenced by an increase in the diameter of the embryonic vesicle on day 15 post-ovulation (D15PO), and the embryo proper on day 28 post ovulation (D28PO). Further, the mean plasma estradiol concentration was higher on the day of estrus onset (P<0.05) and day 4 of estrus (P<0.01) in the FOS group. Similarly, dietary fish oil significantly increased the plasma progesterone on D15PO in the pregnant mares (P<0.01). Although the duration of estrus was shorter by 19 hours (P<0.05), the length of the estrous cycle did not vary in the FOS group. A non-significant increase in the pregnancy rate was observed in the mares that received fish oil. It was concluded that dietary fish oil supplementation improved ovarian function and embryonic development in the Marwari mares.Na temelju prethodnih izvješća o poboljšanju reprodukcije krava, kod kobila pasmine marvari istražili smo učinak ribljeg ulja kao prehrambenog dodatka na razvoj folikula jajnika, žutog tijela, koncepcije i određenih reprodukcijskih pokazatelja. U skladu s ciljem, 20 kobila koje nisu bile u laktaciji je metodom slučajnog izbora podijeljeno u dvije skupine s po 10 kobila. Za razliku od kontrolne skupine, kobile u eksperimentalnoj skupini hranjene su obrokom obogaćenim ribljim uljem u obliku dodatka koji je sadržavao n-3 polinezasićene masne kiseline (PUFA), u dnevnoj količini od 64 mg na jedan kg tjelesne mase. Eksperiment je trajao 70 dana, odnosno za kobile koje su ostale gravidne do 45 dana nakon ovulacije. Estrus je praćen teaserom, a osjemenjivanje je provedeno zamrznutim sjemenom. Razvoj folikula jajnika i žutih tijela te gravidnosti praćeni su transrektalnim ultrazvukom. Koncentracija progesterona i estradiola u plazmi procijenjena je radioimunološkom metodom. U eksperimentalnoj skupini utvrđen je veći (P<0,05) promjer najvećeg folikula od 4. dana estrusa do ovulacije i veći promjer žutog tijela 7. dan nakon ovulacije. No, 15. dan nakon ovulacije promjer žutih tijela bio je signifikantno povećan kod gravidnih kobila. Obrok obogaćen ribljim uljem signifikantno je poboljšao razvoj embrija, što se očitovalo povećanjem promjera embrionalne vezikule 15. dan nakon ovulacije i povećanjem embrija 28. dan nakon ovulacije. Nadalje, u eksperimentalnoj skupini kobila srednja koncentracija estradiola u plazmi bila je veća na dan početka estrusa (P<0,05) i 4. dan estrusa (P<0,01). Slično tome, obrok obogaćen ribljim uljem kod gravidnih je kobila signifikantno (P<0,01) povećao progesteron u plazmi 15. dan nakon ovulacije. U kobila eksperimentalne skupine je, uz varijacije estrusnog ciklusa, utvrđeno i za 19 sati kraće trajanje estrusa (P<0,05). Povećana stopa gravidnosti kod kobila dohranjivanih ribljim uljem nije bila signifikantna. Zaključeno je da je hranidba s dodatkom ribljeg ulja kod kobila pasmine marvari poboljšala funkciju jajnika i razvoj embrija

Ageratum enation virus Infection Induces Programmed Cell Death and Alters Metabolite Biosynthesis in Papaver somniferum

A previously unknown disease which causes severe vein thickening and inward leaf curl was observed in a number of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) plants. The sequence analysis of full-length viral genome and associated betasatellite reveals the occurrence of Ageratum enation virus (AEV) and Ageratum leaf curl betasatellite (ALCB), respectively. Co-infiltration of cloned agroinfectious DNAs of AEV and ALCB induces the leaf curl and vein thickening symptoms as were observed naturally. Infectivity assay confirmed this complex as the cause of disease and also satisfied the Koch’s postulates. Comprehensive microscopic analysis of infiltrated plants reveals severe structural anomalies in leaf and stem tissues represented by unorganized cell architecture and vascular bundles. Moreover, the characteristic blebs and membranous vesicles formed due to the virus-induced disintegration of the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles were also present. An accelerated nuclear DNA fragmentation was observed by Comet assay and confirmed by TUNEL and Hoechst dye staining assays suggesting virus-induced programmed cell death. Virus-infection altered the biosynthesis of several important metabolites. The biosynthesis potential of morphine, thebaine, codeine, and papaverine alkaloids reduced significantly in infected plants except for noscapine whose biosynthesis was comparatively enhanced. The expression analysis of corresponding alkaloid pathway genes by real time-PCR corroborated well with the results of HPLC analysis for alkaloid perturbations. The changes in the metabolite and alkaloid contents affect the commercial value of the poppy plants

A Comprehensive Review on Equine Influenza Virus:Etiology, Epidemiology, Pathobiology, Advances in Developing Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Control Strategies

Among all the emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, influenza group is the prototype member associated with severe respiratory infections in wide host species. Wherein, Equine influenza (EI) is the main cause of respiratory illness in equines across globe and is caused by equine influenza A virus (EIV-A) which has impacted the equine industry internationally due to high morbidity and marginal morality. The virus transmits easily by direct contact and inhalation making its spread global and leaving only limited areas untouched. Hitherto reports confirm that this virus crosses the species barriers and found to affect canines and few other animal species (cat and camel). EIV is continuously evolving with changes at the amino acid level wreaking the control program a tedious task. Until now, no natural EI origin infections have been reported explicitly in humans. Recent advances in the diagnostics have led to efficient surveillance and rapid detection of EIV infections at the onset of outbreaks. Incessant surveillance programs will aid in opting a better control strategy for this virus by updating the circulating vaccine strains. Recurrent vaccination failures against this virus due to antigenic drift and shift have been disappointing, however better understanding of the virus pathogenesis would make it easier to design effective vaccines predominantly targeting the conserved epitopes (HA glycoprotein). Additionally, the cold adapted and canarypox vectored vaccines are proving effective in ceasing the severity of disease. Furthermore, better understanding of its genetics and molecular biology will help in estimating the rate of evolution and occurrence of pandemics in future. Here, we highlight the advances occurred in understanding the etiology, epidemiology and pathobiology of EIV and a special focus is on designing and developing effective diagnostics, vaccines and control strategies for mitigating the emerging menace by EIV

Over-expression of the IGI1 leading to altered shoot-branching development related to MAX pathway in Arabidopsis

Shoot branching and growth are controlled by phytohormones such as auxin and other components in Arabidopsis. We identified a mutant (igi1) showing decreased height and bunchy branching patterns. The phenotypes reverted to the wild type in response to RNA interference with the IGI1 gene. Histochemical analysis by GUS assay revealed tissue-specific gene expression in the anther and showed that the expression levels of the IGI1 gene in apical parts, including flowers, were higher than in other parts of the plants. The auxin biosynthesis component gene, CYP79B2, was up-regulated in igi1 mutants and the IGI1 gene was down-regulated by IAA treatment. These results indicated that there is an interplay regulation between IGI1 and phytohormone auxin. Moreover, the expression of the auxin-related shoot branching regulation genes, MAX3 and MAX4, was down-regulated in igi1 mutants. Taken together, these results indicate that the overexpression of the IGI1 influenced MAX pathway in the shoot branching regulation

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.Comment: Major update of previous version. This is the reference document for LBNE science program and current status. Chapters 1, 3, and 9 provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess. 288 pages, 116 figure

Measurement of neutrino-induced neutral-current coherent π⁰ production in the NOvA near detector

The cross section of neutrino-induced neutral-current coherent π⁰ production on a carbon-dominated target is measured in the NOvA near detector. This measurement uses a narrow-band neutrino beam with an average neutrino energy of 2.7 GeV, which is of interest to ongoing and future long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments. The measured, flux-averaged cross section is σ = 13.8±0.9(stat)±2.3(syst)×10⁻⁴⁰ cm²/nucleus, consistent with model prediction. This result is the most precise measurement of neutral-current coherent π⁰ production in the few-GeV neutrino energy region