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There are limited studies on heart failure in Indian population Objective: Present study aimed to assess the in-hospital 90-day and two year outcomes in patients with ischemic (IHD-HF) and non ischemic heart failure (NIHD-HF). Methods: Patients with NYHA Class III & IV, who were admitted to our intensive care unit with heart failure (HF), were evaluated and followed up for 2 years. Results: In our cohort of 287 patients, there were 192 (66.9%) males and 95 (33.1%) females. Patients were divided into IHD-HF of 180 (62.7%) patients and NIHD-HF of 107 (37.3%) patients. Mean age of IHD-HF group was 66 (+/−10) and in the NIHD-HF group was 61 (+/−11). Prevalence of HF increased with age in the IHD-HF population and there was no relation with age in the NIHD-HF population .Patients readmitted within 90 days in the IHD-HF were 56 % (n−101) and in the NIHD-HF were 32.7 % (n-35) [p- 0.001]. Two- year recurrent admissions were 69.4 % (n-125) in the IHD-HF patients and 52.3 % (n-56) in the NIHD-HF patients, respectively (p-0.004). Mortality at 90 days in the IHD-HF patients was 26.6 % (n-48) and in NIHD-HF patients were 14.9 % (n-16) [p- 0.021]. Two-year mortality was 42.3 % (n-76) in the IHD-HF patients and 29.9 %(n-32) in the NIHD-HF patients, respectively (p-0.037). Conclusions: HF in IHD-HF heralds a bad prognosis with recurrent hospitalizations and high mortality when compared to patients with NIHD-HF. Keywords: Heart failure, Recurrent admissions, Mortality

CETP activity, measured as transfer of cholesteryl ester from exogenous HDL to exogenous VLDL and LDL, reflecting CETP mass as determined by ELISA, was documented in three groups of St. Kitts vervet monkeys fed diets enriched in saturated (Sat), monounsaturated (Mono), or n-6 polyunsaturated (Poly) fatty acids. CETP activity was not different when comparing the three dietary fats. However, CETP activity was significantly higher when cholesterol was added to each of the diets. Significant positive associations between CETP activity and VLDL and LDL cholesterol concentrations were found whereas significant negative associations were seen between CETP activity and HDL cholesterol in each of the diet groups. The strength of these associations was highest in the Sat group. Cholesteryl ester (CE) fatty acid composition of lipoproteins varied widely among diet groups, with the more polyunsaturated CE of the Poly group being associated with a higher rate of CE transfer to endogenous acceptor apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. Finally, only the Sat diet group showed significant positive correlations of CETP activity with LDL particle diameter (r = 0.76), cholesteryl ester percentage (r = 0.67), and a strong negative correlation (r = −0.86) with LDL receptor function, estimated as the difference between native and methylated LDL turnover rates. We speculate that strong associations between CETP and LDL metabolism may explain, at least in part, the increased atherogenicity of dietary saturated fat.—Fusegawa, Y., K. L. Kelley, J. K. Sawyer, R. N. Shah, and L. L. Rudel. Influence of dietary fatty acid composition on the relationship between CETP activity and plasma lipoproteins in monkeys.

Background: Radiation-induced oral mucositis is one of the most critical dose-limiting toxicities associated with radiation therapy for oral cancer which can result in treatment interruption and compromise the quality of the life of cancer patients. Jati (Jasminum grandiflorum) is used in Ayurveda to treat oral conditions like stomatitis and mouth ulcers., Objective: To test the feasibility of Jati oral gel as an add on therapy in grade 2 radiation-induced oral mucositis., Materials and Methods: A prospective, open-label, non-randomised pilot trial was conducted on 20 patients with grade 2 radiation-induced oral mucositis at a tertiary cancer hospital. The control group received sodium bicarbonate mouthwash 4-5 times daily as the standard of care, while the intervention arm also received Jati oral gel twice daily. We used the ImageJ software for objective assessment and the Visual Analogue Scale for subjective pain assessment. The study was continued for 15 days or until the mucositis progressed to grade 3 or resolved to grade 1., Result: There was a significant reduction in the mean pain score and mean area of mucositis in the intervention group compared to the control group., Conclusion: Jati oral gel is a suitable medicament as an add-on therapy in managing grade 2 radiation-induced oral mucositis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Nil., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) is crucial for national development, as it improves human health and fulfills a fundamental need. This study examines the impact of a large-scale groundwater (GW) recharge scheme using secondary treated wastewater (STW) on WaSH characteristics and identifies the major determinants of improved WaSH charecteristics in drought-hit regions of Kolar district, southern India. The study quantifies improved WaSH practices by comparing WaSH characteristics between impacted areas (influenced by STW) and non-impacted areas (not influenced by STW) of Kolar, using household survey data. Pearson's chi-square and student's t-test are used to verify differences between WaSH characteristics. Furthermore, a composite WaSH score is formulated, and a hierarchical stepwise multiple linear regression model is constructed to identify major determinants of improved WaSH scores. The results show that impacted areas have better WaSH characteristics, including daily water supply by gram panchayat, enhanced toilet uses among all family members, bathing patterns, cloth washing practices, toilet cleaning patterns, and water consumption per capita per day. The maximum and minimum WaSH scores of impacted areas were 17.50 and 6.50, respectively, while those of non-impacted areas were 14 and 4.5. This study finds that improved water availability, quality, and security due to daily water supply at the household level are the major determinants of improved WaSH practices. These results can inform policymakers in designing sanitation and hygiene improvement policies that integrate water recycling projects in drought-hit areas., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The over-exploitation and insufficient replenishment of groundwater (GW) have resulted in a pressing need to conserve freshwater and reuse of treated wastewater. To address this issue, the Government of Karnataka launched a large-scale recycling (440 million liters/day) scheme to indirectly recharge GW using secondary treated municipal wastewater (STW) in drought-prone areas of Kolar district in southern India. This recycling employs soil aquifer treatment (SAT) technology, which involves filling surface run-off tanks with STW that intentionally infiltrate and recharge aquifers. This study quantifies the impact of STW recycling on GW recharge rates, levels, and quality in the crystalline aquifers of peninsular India. The study area is characterized by hard rock aquifers with fractured gneiss, granites, schists, and highly fractured weathered rocks. The agricultural impacts of the improved GW table are also quantified by comparing areas receiving STW to those not receiving it, and changes before and after STW recycling were measured. The AMBHAS_1D model was used to estimate the recharge rates and showed a tenfold increase in daily recharge rates, resulting in a significant increase in the GW levels. The results indicate that the surface water in the rejuvenated tanks meets the country's stringent water discharge standards for STW. The GW levels of the studied boreholes increased by 58-73 %, and the GW quality improved significantly, turning hard water into soft water. Land use land cover studies confirmed an increase in the number of water bodies, trees, and cultivated land. The availability of GW significantly improved agricultural productivity (11-42 %), milk productivity (33 %), and fish productivity (341 %). The study's outcomes are expected to serve as a role model for the rest of Indian metro cities and demonstrate the potential of reusing STW to achieve a circular economy and a water-resilient system., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Reusing treated wastewater is an emerging solution to address freshwater scarcity, and surface water contamination faced worldwide. A unique large-scale wastewater recycling project was implemented to replenish groundwater by filling secondary treated wastewater (STW) into existing irrigation tanks in severely drought-hit areas of the Kolar districts of Southern India. This study quantifies the socio-economic impacts of this large-scale indirect groundwater recharge scheme. The changes in areas receiving STW i.e., impacted areas and those areas which did not receive STW i.e., non-impacted areas was studied. Also, pre and post recycling changes were quantified in the Kolar district. The results show that surface water quality meets India's most stringent treated wastewater discharge standards prescribed by the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal. Due to these recycling efforts, significant improvements in groundwater level and quality were found. It was observed that there was a noticeable difference in agricultural cropping areas, seasons, patterns, and production between impacted and non-impacted areas. Post-recycling, farmers tended to cultivate cash and water-intensive crops over less water-intensive crops. During the post-recycling period, livestock and milk production also increased, and in impacted areas, it was significantly higher. Post-recycling, fish production increased and land prices per hectare increased by 118 % in impacted areas. The farmer's net income under flowers and vegetable farming increased by 202 % and 150 % respectively in impacted areas compared to non-impacted areas. Furthermore, this project contributes to a circular economy transition in the water sector, which has economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits. A key recommendation from the outcomes of the study is to draft and implement a policy that encourages the reuse of recycled water for groundwater recharge which in turn will improve the agro-economic system and food security., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is a testing modality frequently used in pediatric patients; however, published data on its utilization are limited to the genetic setting. We performed a database search for all CMA testing performed from 2010 to 2020, and delineated the diagnostic yield based on patient characteristics, including sex, age, clinical specialty of providers, indication of testing, and pathogenic finding. The indications for testing were further categorized into Human Phenotype Ontology categories for analysis. This study included a cohort of 14,541 patients from 29 different medical specialties, of whom 30% were from the genetics clinic. The clinical indications for testing suggested that neonatology patients demonstrated the greatest involvement of multiorgan systems, involving the most Human Phenotype Ontology categories, compared with developmental behavioral pediatrics and neurology patients being the least. The top pathogenic findings for each specialty differed, likely due to the varying clinical features and indications for testing. Deletions involving the 22q11.21 locus were the top pathogenic findings for patients presenting to genetics, neonatology, cardiology, and surgery. Our data represent the largest pediatric cohort published to date. This study is the first to demonstrate the diagnostic utility of this assay for patients seen in the setting of different specialties, and it provides normative data of CMA results among a general pediatric population referred for testing because of variable clinical presentations., (Copyright © 2022 Association for Molecular Pathology and American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To assess the level of agreement between the simplified Tooth Wear Index (S-TWI) and the Basic Erosive Tooth Wear Examination (BEWE)., Methods: Data from 477 adult participants in the Adult Dental Health Survey were analysed. They were examined at home using the S-TWI and the BEWE, in that order. Agreement in the highest score at person, segment and sextant levels was measured with Gwek's agreement coefficient. The impact of the threshold used to define tooth wear (any [mild/moderate/severe] vs no wear, moderate/severe vs no/mild wear and severe vs no/mild/moderate wear) on their agreement was also evaluated., Results: The prevalence of any, moderate/severe and severe tooth wear was 93.1%, 36.1% and 4.6% according to the S-TWI and it was 98.9%, 70.9% and 21.4% according to the BEWE, respectively. The agreement in the highest score between both indices was 0.745 (95% CI: 0.715, 0.775) at person level, 0.771 (95% CI: 0.746, 0.796) at the anterior segment level, 0.795 (95% CI: 0.766-0.824) for the upper anterior sextant and 0.905 (95% CI: 0.895-0.915) for the lower anterior sextant. The agreement between indices was higher for any wear than for severe wear at person, segment and sextant level. However, it was the weakest for moderate/severe wear regardless of the assessment level., Conclusion: The agreement between indices was high, especially when focusing on specific parts of the mouth (lower anterior teeth) and when using specific thresholds of tooth wear severity (any wear and severe wear). Agreement was constantly low when using the moderate/severe wear threshold., Clinical Significance: When used as an epidemiological tool, the BEWE may report higher levels of tooth wear than the S-TWI. The BEWE may be a better screening tool whereas the S-TWI may be a better tool to use when determining secondary or tertiary care referral., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Triciribine (TCN) is a tricyclic nucleoside analog of adenosine and an inhibitor of Akt kinase. Triciribine 5'-monophosphate (TCNP) is a water-soluble analog of Triciribine and has progressed to Phase I and II clinical trials in oncology. TCNP is also an endogenous anabolite of TCN similar to other nucleoside phosphates. Clinical development of TCNP has been hampered by high pharmacokinetic variability due to complex interplay of TCN-TCNP conversion and reconversion in plasma, erythrocytes (RBC) and peripheral organs. TCN has been demonstrated to be an efficacious agent in mice models of acute lung injury at low doses (0.5 mg/kg/day) although its pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship remained unclear. We have developed and validated a sensitive, specific and robust LC/MS/MS assay for quantitation of TCN and TCNP in plasma and RBC. Using a simple protein precipitation method, quantitation of these analytes was accomplished with recoveries exceeding 85% and with a run time of 4 min. This assay was used to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of TCN and TCNP in mice after single dose intravenous administration at 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg. TCNP accumulates in RBC, has low clearance and a half-life of 18 to 23 h. Unlike other nucleoside phosphates, TCNP was found to be relatively stable in mice plasma serving as a secondary depot. TCN levels were low and with high clearance relative to hepatic blood flow. A combination of sustained levels of TCNP in RBC and plasma serves as a depot for TCN to elicit robust therapeutic activity in acute lung injury mice models., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Reconstituted keratin is a novel bone graft material when prepared as a rigid scaffold. Understanding the immunogenicity of this material is important to determine whether this substance is a viable surgical option. Previous studies have shown no innate immune system activation in response to reconstituted keratin implants. To examine antibody-mediated immune responses to reconstituted keratin implants, bone and blood samples were taken from twelve sheep with surgically created tibial defects containing such implants. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA of the inflammatory marker SOCS 3 in local bony tissue, and a novel immunohistochemistry assay developed to detect antikeratin antibodies in serum. Two animals were sacrificed per time-point at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12. Time points for serum analysis included baseline (pre-surgery) and all other time points; mRNA analysis examined samples from all time points. No upregulation in antikeratin antibodies or SOCS 3 mRNA was observed at any time point, indicating that reconstituted keratin implants do not trigger an adaptive immune response in vivo in an ovine model. These findings provide the platform for further development of keratin implants in other mammalian models to define its immunogenic profile and safety., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Nil., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hydroxyapatite (HA) derived from bovine bones garnered wider interest as a bone substitute due to their abundant availability as meat wastes and similarities in morphology and mineral composition to human bone. In our previous work, we developed an easy and reproducible method to prepare xenograft HA scaffolds from NZ bovine cancellous bones (BHA). However, the processing methodology rendered the material mechanically weak. The present study investigated the infiltration of chitosan (CS) into the bovine HA scaffolds (CSHA) to improve the mechanical properties of BHA. The presence of characteristic functional groups of HA and CS as detected by infrared spectroscopy confirmed the infiltration of CS into the BHA scaffolds. X-ray Diffraction study confirmed the presence of the hydroxyapatite phase in both BHA and CSHA scaffolds. SEM and μCT analyses showed the CSHA scaffolds presented adequate porosity and an interconnected porous architecture required for cell migration and attachment. CSHA scaffolds presented good thermal, chemical and structural stability while demonstrating sustained biodegradability in simulated body fluid. CSHA scaffolds presented mechanical properties significantly higher than the BHA scaffolds. CSHA scaffolds were biocompatible with Saos-2 osteoblast cells and supported cell proliferation significantly better than the BHA scaffolds indicating their potential in bone tissue engineering., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nucleobindins (NUCBs) are DNA and calcium binding, secreted proteins with various signaling functions. Two NUCBs, nucleobindin-1 (NUCB1) and nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2), were discovered during the 1990s. These two peptides are shown to have diverse functions, including the regulation of inflammation and bone formation, among others. In 2006, Oh-I and colleagues discovered that three peptides encoded within the NUCB2 could be processed by prohormone convertases. These peptides were named nesfatin-1, 2 and 3, mainly due to the satiety and fat influencing properties of nesfatin-1. However, it was found that nesfatin-2 and -3 have no such effects. Nesfatin-1, especially its mid-segment, is very highly conserved across vertebrates. Although the receptor(s) that mediate nesfatin-1 effects are currently unknown, it is now considered an endogenous peptide with multiple functions, affecting central and peripheral tissues to regulate metabolism, reproduction, endocrine and other functions. We recently identified a nesfatin-1-like peptide (NLP) encoded within the NUCB1. Like nesfatin-1, NLP suppressed feed intake in mice and fish, and stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. There is considerable evidence available to indicate that nucleobindins and its encoded peptides are multifunctional regulators of cell biology and whole animal physiology. This review aims to briefly discuss the structure, distribution, functions and mechanism of action nucleobindins and encoded peptides., (© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a pathogenic bacteria which causes infectious diseases and food poisoning. Current diagnostic methods for infectious disease require sophisticated instruments, long analysis time and expensive reagents which restrict their application in resource-limited settings. Electrochemical paper based analytical device (EPAD) was developed by integrating graphene nano dots (GNDs) and zeolite (Zeo) using specific DNA probe. The ssDNA/GNDs-Zeo modified paper based analytical device (PAD) was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The genosensor was optimized at pH7.4 and incubation temperature of 30°C. A linear current response with respect to target DNA concentrations was obtained. The limit of detection (LOD) of the proposed sensor was found out to be 0.1nM. The specificity was confirmed by introducing non-complimentary target DNA to ssDNA/GNDs-Zeo modified PAD. The suitability of the proposed EPAD genosensor was demonstrated with fruit juice samples mixed with S. aureus. The proposed EPAD genosensor is a low cost, highly specific, easy to fabricate diagnostic device for detection of S. aureus bacteria which requires very low sample volume and minimum analysis time of 10s., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the 21st century, people migrated from rural to urban areas for several reasons. As a result, the populations of Indian cities are increasing day by day. On one hand, the country is developing in the field of science and technology and on the other hand, it is encountering a serious problem called 'Environmental degradation'. Due to increase in population, the generation of solid waste is also increased and is being disposed in open dumps and landfills which lead to air and land pollution. This study is attempted to generate energy out of organic solid waste by the bio- fermentation process. The study was conducted for a period of 7 months at Erode, Tamilnadu and the reading on various parameters like Hydraulic retention time, organic loading rate, sludge loading rate, influent pH, effluent pH, inlet volatile acids, out let volatile fatty acids, inlet VSS/TS ratio, outlet VSS/TS ratio, influent COD, effluent COD and % of COD removal are recorded for every 10 days. The aim of the present study is to develop a model through multiple linear regression analysis with COD as dependent variable and various parameters like HRT, OLR, SLR, influent, effluent, VSS/TS ratio, influent COD, effluent COD, etc as independent variables and to analyze the impact of these parameters on COD. The results of the model developed through step-wise regression method revealed that only four parameters Influent COD, effluent COD, VSS/TS and Influent/pH were main influencers of COD removal. The parameters influent COD and VSS/TS have positive impact on COD removal and the parameters effluent COD and Influent/pH have negative impact. The parameter Influent COD has the highest order of impact, followed by effluent COD, VSS/TS and influent pH. The other parameters HRT, OLR, SLR, INLET VFA and OUTLET VFA were not significantly contributing to the removal of COD. The implementation of the process suggested through this study might bring in dual benefit to the community, viz treatment of solid waste and creation of energy., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nesfatin-1 is an 82 amino acid secreted peptide encoded in the precursor, nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2). It is an insulinotropic anorexigen abundantly expressed in the stomach and hypothalamus. Post-prandial insulin secretion is predominantly regulated by incretins glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Nesfatin-1 was previously reported to modulate GLP-1 and GIP secretion in vitro in an enteroendocrine (STC-1) cell line. Intestine is a source of additional hormones including cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY (PYY) that regulate metabolism. We hypothesized that nesfatin-1 modulates CCK and PYY secretion. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed NUCB2/nesfatin-1 co-localizing CCK and PYY in the intestinal mucosa of mice. Static incubation of STC-1 cells with nesfatin-1 upregulated both CCK mRNA expression (1 and 10 nM) and secretion (0.1, 1 and 10 nM) at 1 h post-incubation. In contrast, nesfatin-1 treatment for 1 h downregulated PYY mRNA expression (all doses tested) and secretion (0.01 and 0.1 nM) in STC-1 cells. Continuous infusion of nesfatin-1 using osmotic mini-pumps for 12 h upregulated CCK mRNA expression in large intestine, and downregulated PYY mRNA expression in both large and small intestines of male C57BL/6J mice. In these tissues, Western blot analysis found a corresponding increase in CCK and a decrease in PYY content. Collectively, we provide new information on the cell specific localization of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the intestinal mucosa, and a novel function for nesfatin-1 in modulating intestinal CCK and PYY expression and secretion in mice., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nesfatin-1 is an 82 amino acid peptide encoded in a secreted precursor, nucleobindin 2. It is an anorexigenic and insulinotropic peptide found abundantly in the hypothalamus, pancreas and gastric oxyntic mucosa. NUCB2 mRNA expression is 10 fold higher in the gastric mucosa than in brain, suggesting gastrointestinal tract as a main source of nesfatin-1. Meal responsive insulin secretion is regulated by incretins glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Since both nesfatin-1 and incretins modulate insulin secretion, we hypothesized that nesfatin-1 is present in the enteroendocrine cells, and that it regulates incretin secretion. RT-PCR analysis found NUCB2 mRNA expression, and immunofluorescence microscopy determined nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity in STC-1, an enteroendocrine cell line. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is co-localized with GLP-1 and GIP in mouse small intestinal cells. Static incubation of STC-1 cells with nesfatin-1 upregulated preproglucagon (GLP-1 precursor) mRNA (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 nM) and GLP-1 secretion (0.1, 1 and 10 nM). Nesfatin-1 also enhanced GIP mRNA (0.1, 1 and 10 nM) and GIP secretion (1 and 10 nM). Together, our data support the hypothesis that nesfatin-1 is present in enteroendocrine cells and that it stimulates incretin secretion. Future studies should aim for nesfatin-1 and incretin interactions in vivo., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Calcineurin is an important signal transduction mediator in T cells, neurons, the heart, and kidneys. Recent evidence points to unique actions of the two main isoforms of the catalytic subunit. Although the β isoform is required for T-cell development, α is important in the brain and kidney. In addition, mice lacking α but not β suffer from failure to thrive and early mortality. The purpose of this study was to identify the cause of postnatal death of calcineurin α null (CnAα(-/-)) mice and to determine the mechanism of α activity that contributes to the phenotype. CnAα(-/-) mice and wild-type littermate controls were fed a modified diet and then salivary gland function and histology were examined. In vitro studies were performed to identify the mechanism of α action. Data show that calcineurin is required for normal submandibular gland function and secretion of digestive enzymes. Loss of α does not impair nuclear factor of activated T-cell activity or expression but results in impaired protein trafficking downstream of the inositol trisphosphate receptor. These findings show a novel function of calcineurin in digestion and protein trafficking. Significantly, these data also provide a mechanism to rescue to adulthood a valuable animal model of calcineurin inhibitor-mediated neuronal and renal toxicities., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The majority of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) in T cells is in a complex with WASP interacting protein (WIP), a 503 a.a. long proline rich protein. Here we demonstrate that a novel anti-WIP mAb, 3D10, recognizes an epitope in the N-terminal domain of the WIP protein, within the sequence 13PTFALA18. mAb 3D10 competes with actin, but not with WASP or Nck, for WIP binding. Analysis of 3D10 immunoprecipitates failed to demonstrate dissociation of the WASP-WIP complex after TCR ligation that we previously reported using a polyclonal anti-WIP anti-serum raised against a C-terminal peptide (a.a. 459-503) that spanned the WASP binding site. 3D10 mAb allowed the detection of a novel isoform of WIP consisting of a truncated 403 a.a. long protein that includes the 377 a.a. encoded by the first 4 exons of WIP followed by a 26 a.a. sequence encoded by intron 4.

Objective of the present study was to test the importance of tissue repair in the final outcome of S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC)-induced nephrotoxicity using colchicine (CLC) intervention. Male Swiss Webster (SW) mice were administered a normally nonlethal dose of DCVC (30 mg/kg, i.p.) on day 0 and CLC (2 mg/kg, i.p.) at 42 and 66 h after administration of DCVC. The mice were observed for mortality and various renal injury and repair parameters were studied during a time course of 0-14 days. Administration of 30 mg DCVC/kg led to loss of renal architecture by day 1, which sustained until day 5, and regressed thereafter to reach normal architecture by day 10 resulting in 100% survival. Renal dysfunction as assessed by increases in plasma BUN and creatinine levels was concordant during this time course. Urinary volume increased significantly between days 10 and 14 with significant increases in urinary glucose concentrations on days 1-4. Calpain leakage increased from day 1 and remained so until day 5 before declining at later time points. In contrast, CLC intervention led to marked inhibition of S-phase DNA synthesis and 100% mortality by 120 h. H&E sections of kidneys revealed loss of renal architecture on day 1 which progressively worsened from day 2 to 4. Polyuria and glycosuria were evident during the first 2 and 3 days, respectively. Calpain immunohistochemistry revealed progressive leakage of calpain in the extracellular space during 2-4 days which lead to increased renal injury as evident from significant increases in calpain specific breakdown products (CSBPs) of alpha-fodrin during the same period of time. The group of mice receiving 2 mg CLC/kg alone showed a significant increase in urinary creatinine concentration on day 5. Neither the expression nor localization of aquaporin 1 was altered in any of the treatment groups. These results show that antimitotic intervention after DCVC-initiated renal injury leads to expansion and progression of that injury, which appears to be due to proteolytic destruction of neighboring cells mediated by calpain leaking out of necrosed renal tubular epithelial cells.

A prototype system for the cleaning and decontamination of poultry transport containers was previously developed and evaluated as a means of eliminating foodborne pathogens entering poultry processing plants. While decontamination of the containers once with the use of either hot water (up to 70 degrees C) or sodium hypochlorite (up to 1,000 ppm) resulted in significant reductions in the numbers of coliforms and the elimination of small numbers of Salmonella, complete removal of pathogens was not attained. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine whether repeated decontamination of the same containers could eliminate coliforms and Salmonella consistently. Individual five-tier containers consisting of galvanized steel frames and fiberglass floors were identified (n = 6) and decontaminated once per day for five consecutive days after being used to haul broilers from farms to the processing plant. Two types of containers were tested in this study: one had previously been used for broiler transportation, and the other had new floors. After each transport, the containers were first precleaned with a cleaning agent using a high-pressure jet (6,094 kPa) to remove debris and to loosen biofilms from surfaces. The containers were then immersed in an aqueous solution of 1,000 ppm of sodium hypochlorite at 70 degrees C for 2 min. Samples obtained from the container surfaces before and after each cleaning and decontamination were analyzed to obtain coliform and Salmonella counts. Coliforms were completely eliminated from both types of containers following one decontamination treatment. Because no Salmonella were detected on the containers, the effect of decontamination in the elimination of Salmonella was not determined. Similar treatments on five successive days also resulted in poultry transport containers that were essentially free of Salmonella and coliforms. This decontamination system involving a combination of heat and sodium hypochlorite can be used as a standard method for cleaning poultry transport containers in the poultry industry. It is recommended that such containers be cleaned after each use to avoid the potential risk of a buildup of significantly higher loads of pathogenic microorganisms and their biofilms.

Containers used in transporting live poultry between production and processing units are a primary source of contamination for processed poultry products. Because disinfection of transport containers (TC) has been difficult to accomplish, it is probable that the choice of appropriate disinfectant and its application are partially or wholly responsible for the failure to adequately eliminate pathogens from TC. Therefore, 13 commercial disinfectants were selected and evaluated for their capacities to destroy Salmonella. The disinfectants were applied in various concentrations on prescribed areas (10 cm diameter circle) of galvanized steel surfaces (representative of TC material) that were artificially contaminated with Salmonella (10(8) cfu/mL) with a mixture of organic material. Likewise, coupons (1.9 cm2) made of the same metallic surfaces and covered with biofilms of Salmonella spp. were tested in the same manner for each disinfectant. Two of the disinfectants completely eliminated Salmonella on the artificially contaminated and biofilm-covered surfaces. These compounds produced logarithmic reductions in Salmonella populations as high as 7.18 within 2 min. One of the two effective disinfectants contained sodium hypochlorite and was effective at a concentration of 0.05% (vol/vol). The other disinfectant was an alkaline peroxide compound and was effective at a concentration of 1% (wt/vol). Evaluation of these two disinfectants under simulated conditions suggested that application under the prescribed regimen could result in effective elimination of Salmonella from TC within a limited period.

The aqueous, methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts of Swertia corymbosa were tested (in vitro) for their antimicrobial efficiency. Maximum inhibitory activity was noticed against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi.

Friedelin, epifriedelinol, beta-amyrin, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol 3-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and naringin were isolated from the dried rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia. The methanol extract showed broad and concentration-dependent antibacterial activity.