In vivo cytogenetic effects of 2-trans hexenal on somatic and germ cells of laboratory mice

The in vivo cytogenetic effects of 2-trans hexenal were evaluated by investigating chromosomal aberrations and sperm head abnormalities in the bone marrow cells of laboratory bred Swiss albino mice. Single intraperitoneal injections of 8, 16 or 32 ìl per kg bodyweight resulted indose-dependent decreases in the mitotic index, significantly so at the higher doses and earlier times. Chromosomal aberrations per cell and the percentage of aberrant metaphase cells increased with dose, again fading with time. The percentage of abnormal sperm heads also showed a dose-related increase, with statistical significant again following the same pattern.  The overall result suggests a weak but positive dose-response relationship between treatment and induction of chromosomal aberrations in the somatic cells, and induction of abnormal sperm head morphology in germ cells

Supersensitive measurement of angular displacements using entangled photons

We show that the use of entangled photons having non-zero orbital angular momentum (OAM) increases the resolution and sensitivity of angular-displacement measurements performed using an interferometer. By employing a 4$\times$4 matrix formulation to study the propagation of entangled OAM modes, we analyze measurement schemes for two and four entangled photons and obtain explicit expressions for the resolution and sensitivity in these schemes. We find that the resolution of angular-displacement measurements scales as $Nl$ while the angular sensitivity increases as $1/(2Nl)$, where $N$ is the number of entangled photons and $l$ the magnitude of the orbital-angular-momentum mode index. These results are an improvement over what could be obtained with $N$ non-entangled photons carrying an orbital angular momentum of $l\hbar$ per photonComment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Effects of some carbon sources on growth and nitrogen fixation in the cyanobacterium Nostoc linckia

Glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose stimulated photoheterotrophic growth of Nostoc linckia (Roth.)Born. as well as its heterocyst frequency, chlorophyll and protein contents, ammoniacal nitrogen uptake and nitrogenase activities. Glucose, fructose and sucrose also supported slow chemoheterotrophic growth. α-ketoglutarate, pyruvate, ribose, succinate, acetate, sorbose and formate were inhibitory

Responses of Soybean to Water Stress and Supplemental Irrigation in Upper Indo-Gangetic Plain: Field Experiment and Modeling Approach

Understanding better the impacts of extreme dry spell regimes is essential for optimizing water management under a changing and variable climate. Using field experiments and modeling studies, we examined the impacts of dry spells in soybean and identified better management of water resources under varying water-scarce conditions. Field experimental data from soybean (PUSA-2614) experiments (July-Oct 2014; IARI, New Delhi, India) were used to calibrate and validate InfoCrop-Soybean model. This model was used to simulate optimal timing of irrigation under different dry spell scenarios. Results showed that plants subjected to water stress during flowering and vegetative growth stages had significantly lower yields and total dry matter (TDM). Supplemental irrigation significantly increased TDM and yields. InfoCrop-Soybean could simulate plant responses to water stress, at various stages of crop growth, and to supplemental irrigation, with acceptable accuracy. The crop model was further used to simulate impacts of dry spells at different intensities and durations on soybean growth and yields by creating drought scenarios for the New Delhi region using 36 years of weather data (1978–2014). Simulations showed that a 20% reduction in rainfall during any fortnight (every 15th day) of the cropping season does not affect crop yield significantly. However, dry spells (50% reduction in rainfall or more) in August and early September led to reduced yields, while supplemental irrigation during those dry spells could reduce yield losses. We envisage that the results of this study can help better manage water in soybean cultivation under dryland condition

Heterogeneous expression and functional evaluation of in silico characterized recombinant OmpC of Salmonella Typhimurium as a functional poultry vaccine to eradicate zoonotic transmission

Salmonellosis is one of the major global health concerns leading to millions of deaths annually. The present vaccines not being up to the mark necessitate the need for the development of new generation vaccines. Outer membrane proteins (Omps) of several Gram negative bacteria have been investigated and found to be immunogenic and protective. The present study explores the potential of a major porin protein (OmpC) of Salmonella Typhimurium, as a vaccine candidate. The OmpC 3D structure and its potential to bind effectively with antibodies and generate humoral response was investigated using in silico docking, and expressed in a heterogeneous Escherichia coli M15 host strain. The rOmpC was purified and its immunopotential was evaluated in vitro by western blotting and in vivo in three weeks old chicks. The recombinant OmpC produced a significant humoral response and in vaccinated birds 100% survival rate was observed along with delay in the shedding of organism in droppings. These findings indicate that the rOmpC vaccination prevents mortality in chicken and lowers fecal shedding in droppings.Key words: Outer membrane protein (Omp), Salmonellosis, Salmonella Typhimurium, subunit vaccines, porins,rigid-body docking

Angular two-photon interference and angular two-qubit states

Using angular-position-orbital-angular-momentum entangled photons, we study angular two-photon interference in a scheme in which entangled photons are made to pass through apertures in the form of double angular slits, and using this scheme, we demonstrate an entangled two-qubit state that is based on the angular-position correlations of entangled photons. The entanglement of the two-qubit state is quantified in terms of concurrence. These results provide an additional means for preparing entangled quantum states for use in quantum information protocols

Alzheimer's disease-like perturbations in HIV-mediated neuronal dysfunctions: understanding mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies

Excessive exposure to toxic substances or chemicals in the environment and various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, is associated with the onset of numerous brain abnormalities. Among them, pathogens, specifically viruses, elicit persistent inflammation that plays a major role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as dementia. AD is the most common brain disorder that affects thought, speech, memory and ability to execute daily routines. It is also manifested by progressive synaptic impairment and neurodegeneration, which eventually leads to dementia following the accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Numerous factors contribute to the pathogenesis of AD, including neuroinflammation associated with pathogens, and specifically viruses. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is often linked with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) following permeation through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and induction of persistent neuroinflammation. Further, HIV infections also exhibited the ability to modulate numerous AD-associated factors such as BBB regulators, members of stress-related pathways as well as the amyloid and Tau pathways that lead to the formation of amyloid plaques or neurofibrillary tangles accumulation. Studies regarding the role of HIV in HAND and AD are still in infancy, and potential link or mechanism between both is not yet established. Thus, in the present article, we attempt to discuss various molecular mechanisms that contribute to the basic understanding of the role of HIV-associated neuroinflammation in AD and HAND. Further, using numerous growth factors and drugs, we also present possible therapeutic strategies to curb the neuroinflammatory changes and its associated sequels.Peer reviewe

Adenocarcinoma of sweat gland: case report and review of literature

Sweat gland carcinoma is a rare malignant tumour, first described in 1865, with approximately 220 cases reported in last 30 years. Lower limbs are the most common site of involvement, followed by the upper extremities, and the head. Trunk is rarely involved. Five histological types have been described, most common being porocarcinomas followed by ductal carcinomas, adenoid cystic carcinomas, syringomatous carcinomas and mucinous carcinomas. These are aggressive tumours with potential for distant metastasis. Wide surgical excision is the treatment of choice and the overall prognosis is poor. Here we report another case of sweat gland adenocarcinoma with no evidence of metastasis.

Deferred pre-emptive switch from calcineurin inhibitor to sirolimus leads to improvement in GFR and expansion of T regulatory cell population: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Measures to prevent chronic calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity have included limiting exposure by switching to sirolimus (SIR). SIR may favorably influence T regulator cell (T(reg)) population. This randomized controlled trial compares the effect of switching from CNI to SIR on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and T(reg) frequency. METHODS: In this prospective open label randomized trial, primary living donor kidney transplant recipients on CNI-based immunosuppression were randomized to continue CNI or switched to sirolimus 2 months after surgery; 29 were randomized to receive CNI and 31 to SIR. All patients received mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. The main outcome parameter was estimated GFR (eGFR) at 180 days. T(reg) population was estimated by flowcytometry. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics in the two groups were similar. Forty-eight patients completed the trial. At six months, patients in the SIR group had significantly higher eGFR as compared to those in the CNI group (88.94 ± 11.78 vs 80.59 ± 16.51 mL/min, p = 0.038). Patients on SIR had a 12 mL/min gain of eGFR of at the end of six months. Patients in the SIR group showed significant increase in T(reg) population at 30 days, which persisted till day 180. There was no difference in the adverse events in terms of number of acute rejection episodes, death, infections, proteinuria, lipid profile, blood pressure control and hematological parameters between the two groups. Four patients taking SIR developed enthesitis. No patient left the study or switched treatment because of adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: A deferred pre-emptive switch over from CNI to SIR safely improves renal function and T(reg) population at 6 months in living donor kidney transplant recipients. Registered in Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2011/091/000034)