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Identifying risk factors for impaired oral rotavirus vaccine (ORV) efficacy in low-income countries may lead to improvements in vaccine design and delivery. In this prospective cohort study, we measure maternal rotavirus antibodies, environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), and bacterial gut microbiota development among infants receiving two doses of Rotarix in India (n = 307), Malawi (n = 119), and the UK (n = 60), using standardised methods across cohorts. We observe ORV shedding and seroconversion rates to be significantly lower in Malawi and India than the UK. Maternal rotavirus-specific antibodies in serum and breastmilk are negatively correlated with ORV response in India and Malawi, mediated partly by a reduction in ORV shedding. In the UK, ORV shedding is not inhibited despite comparable maternal antibody levels to the other cohorts. In both India and Malawi, increased microbiota diversity is negatively correlated with ORV immunogenicity, suggesting that high early-life microbial exposure may contribute to impaired vaccine efficacy. Oral rotavirus vaccine (ORV) efficacy varies between countries, but underlying reasons aren't fully understood. In this prospective cohort study, authors show that maternal rotavirus-specific antibodies in serum and breastmilk and pre-vaccination microbiota diversity are negatively correlated with ORV response in India and Malawi but not in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) nanopowder was successfully synthesized by simple peroxide route using titanium oxysulphate and lithium hydroxide. The structural properties of the as-prepared and sintered powders were characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy. Surface morphological property was studied by scanning electron microscope. Compositional analysis was studied using X-ray photo electron spectroscopy. The thermal degradation behavior of the as-synthesized materials was analyzed by thermo gravimetric analysis (TG-DTA). The electrochemical properties of the Li4Ti5O12 nanopowders were examined using galvanostatic charge/discharge test. The effect of sintering temperature on its various physical properties and the electrochemical performances of Li4Ti5O12 was investigated. The storage capacity value obtained for Li4Ti5O12 and Li4Ti5O12/graphite composite anode was 83.52 and 91.33 mAhg−1 in 1 M LiPF6 at 0.1 mA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hop dominating set of a graph G is a set D of vertices of G if for every vertex of V (G) \ D, there exists u ∈ D such that d(u, v) = 2. The hop domination number of a graph G, denoted by γh(G), is the minimum cardinality of a hop dominating set of G. We prove that for every tree T of order n with l leaves and s support vertices we have (n − l − s + 4)/3 ≤ γh(G) ≤ n/2, and characterize the trees attaining each of the bounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculous infection among children continues to be a significant cause of morbidity. The symptom complex are so variable among children that the final diagnosis often rests on the laboratory tests. Proper interpretation of the tests, specially tuberculin test and radiographic studies, are necessary for establishing correct diagnosis. The usefulness of tuberculin test in both unimmunized and BCG vaccinated children is highlighted. BCG accelerated response as a test should be reserved for identifying serious form of pulmonary disease or CNS tuberculosis when the tuberculin test is negative. Radiographic assessment may be sensitive in some instances but not always specific and hence needs cautious interpretation. Tuberculosis among BCG vaccinated children though not uncommon, needs proper documentation. Current trends in the management of tuberculosis including CNS forms are briefly outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale integrated quantum photonic technologies will require on-chip integration of identical photon sources with reconfigurable waveguide circuits. Relatively complex quantum circuits have been demonstrated already, but few studies acknowledge the pressing need to integrate photon sources and waveguide circuits together on-chip. A key step towards such large-scale quantum technologies is the integration of just two individual photon sources within a waveguide circuit, and the demonstration of high-visibility quantum interference between them. Here, we report a silicon-on-insulator device that combines two four-wave mixing sources in an interferometer with a reconfigurable phase shifter. We configured the device to create and manipulate two-colour (non-degenerate) or same-colour (degenerate) path-entangled or path-unentangled photon pairs. We observed up to 100.0 ± 0.4% visibility quantum interference on-chip, and up to 95 ± 4% off-chip. Our device removes the need for external photon sources, provides a path to increasing the complexity of quantum photonic circuits and is a first step towards fully integrated quantum technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was directed towards biochemical characterization of cyanobacterium Calothrix elenkinii and analysis of the chemical nature and mode of action of its fungicidal metabolite(s) against oomycete Pythium debaryanum. Biochemical characterization of the culture in terms of carbohydrate utilization revealed the facultative nature of C. elenkinii. Unique antibiotic markers were also found for this strain. 16S rDNA sequencing of the strain revealed 98% similarity with Calothrix sp. PCC7101. The fungicidal activity was tested by disc diffusion assay of different fractions of the culture filtrate. A minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 μl was recorded for ethyl acetate fraction of the 7-weeks old culture filtrates. HPLC, followed by NMR spectral analysis demonstrated the presence of a substituted benzoic acid in the ethyl acetate fraction. Microscopic examination revealed distinct granulation, followed by disintegration of the hyphae of Pythium sp., indicating the presence of an active metabolite in the culture filtrates of Calothrix sp. The fungicidal activity of C. elenkinii can be attributed to the presence of 3-acetyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-methyl benzoic acid. This is the first report of a benzoic acid derivative having fungicidal activity in cyanobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria are a simple, but primitive and diverse group of microorganisms, with characteristics in common to both bacteria and algae. Their success as a group in a wide range of habitats has been attributed to their unique physiological characters and high adaptive ability under a wide range of environmental conditions. The potential of cyanobacteria as a source of a variety of compounds such as polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, vitamins, sterols, enzymes, pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals is well recognized, and their demand is now on an increasing trend. This compilation reviews the salient advances in the discovery of bioactive compounds from cyanobacteria and their significance in agriculture and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that regulates adipocyte differentiation and glucose homeostasis. PPARγ agonists are potent therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. PPARγ agonists also prevent inflammation in animal models, suggesting their use for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases. Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a Th1 cell-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and IL-12 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of EAE and MS. In this study we have examined the effect of PPARγ agonists on the pathogenesis of EAE. In vivo treatment of SJL/J mice with PPARγ agonists, 15-deoxyΔ[sup 12,14] prostaglandin J[sub 2] or Ciglitazone, decreased the duration and clinical severity of active immunization and adoptive transfer models of EAE. PPARγ agonists inhibited EAE in association with a decrease in IL-12 production and differentiation of neural antigen-specific Th1 cells. In vitro treatment of activated T cells with PPARγ agonists inhibited IL-12-induced activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway and Th1 differentiation. These findings highlight the fact that PPARγ agonists regulate central nervous system inflammation and demyelination by inhibiting IL-12 production, IL-12 signaling and Th1 differentiation in EAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the amino acid sequence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) structural proteins are the basis for the antigenic diversity of the virus. Majority of antigenic sites for the virus neutralization are present on VP1, the major immunogenic protein. However, a few conformational epitopes are present on the structural proteins VP2 and VP3. The nucleotide sequence encoding all the four structural proteins (P1 region) of FMDV type Asia 1 Ind 63/72 was determined. The nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequence of P1 of Asia 1 of Indian strain was compared with that of Asia 1 Israel strain. Differences were observed at 284 (14%) nucleotide positions resulting in 69 (10%) amino acid changes. The variation in the derived amino acid sequence is the highest in VP1 (14.4%) followed by VP2 (10%), VP3 (6.4%) and VP4 (3%). Deletion of two amino acids, which was observed in the case of Indian strain as well as in Israel strain indicated that these deletions are specific for type Asia 1. The P1 sequence was also compared with the corresponding region of the other serotypes O1K, A12, C1 and SAT-1. The sequence has been submitted to EMBL data bank, under accession number Y09949. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truncated proteins corresponding to the C-terminal half of VP1 of four vaccine strains and two field variants of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) were expressed in E. coli. The expressed proteins were affinity purified and their type specific reactivity was confirmed by immunoprecipitation with anti-virus antibodies. Antibodies were raised against the purified proteins in guinea pigs and the type specificity of the anti peptide antibodies was confirmed by antigen capture reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Ag-RT/PCR) where the sera against a particular type captured the homologous virus. Antibodies were purified by immuno-affinity chromatography and tested for specificity by various serological tests. Using the purified proteins and the antibodies raised against them, tests like ELISA, Ag-RT/PCR, and latex agglutination test (LAT) were standardized. Application of the reagents in various tests was studied by screening a few field samples and by nucleotide sequencing. Specific reactivity of antibodies raised against expressed protein was seen with both vaccine virus and field samples. Thus E. coli expressed proteins and antibodies to them may form an alternative and cheap source of diagnostic reagents. The studies showed that antibodies against peptides were mono-specific and therefore may be used in LAT for rapid typing of FMDV and Ag-RT/PCR for typing ELISA negative field samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The computer-based analysis of the pH titration data obtained in the M-A-B [M = Cu(II)/Zn(H), A = L-glutamic acid (Glu) and B = DL-2,3-diaminopropionic acid (dapa), DL-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (daba) and DL-ornithine (Orn)] ternary complex systems showed the presence of the mixed species of stoichiometry MABH and/or MAB in addition to various binary species due to ligands A and B. The results indicate the glycine-like mode of binding of Glu (A) primary ligand in both the Cu(II) and Zn(II) mixed ligand systems. The extra proton in the MABH type of species is associated with the secondary ligand (B), possibly with the terminal amino groups. However, in the dapa secondary ligand systems, the results also indicate the possibility of the attachment of the extra proton to the α-amino group. The dapa, daba and Orn secondary ligands (B) coordinate the metal in a tridentate manner in the mixed species of stochiometry MAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu (II), Ni (II) and Co (II) complexes of the type ML,2B where L = 2′-hydroxy-5′- X-chalconeoxime (X = H, CH, Cl) and B = water or pyridine have been obtained from chalconeoximes and by reacting the preformed metal (II) chalcone complexes with hydroxylamine. They have been characterised on the basis of elemental and thermal analyses, conductivity and magnetic measurements and ligand field and m spectra. All the complexes are high-spin octahedral species in contrast to the low-spin square planar Ni (II) and Co (II) salicylaldoxime complexes. IR spectral studies indicate that conjugation is relatively damped in chalconeoxime. The lower ligand field strangth of the oxime is attributed to the weak M-N bonding and less extensive dπ - π* back-bonding. Replacement of water by pyridine weakens metal-oximino bond in the complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Stability constants for mixed-ligand complexes of the types [NiABH], [NiABH] and [NiAB] formed by Ni with l-cysteine (cys), d-penicillamine (pen) or l-cysteic acid (cya) as ligand A and dl-2,3-diaminopropionic acid (dapa), dl-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (daba) or dl-ornithine (orn) as ligand B have been determined by the computerbased analysis of pH titration data obtained at 37 °C and I = 0.15 mol dm (NaClO). In the [NiABH] species, for all three secondary ligands (B), when A = pen or cya the labile proton appears to be attached to the terminal amino group of ligand B, whereas when A = cys it is not clear where the proton is located. In all the systems in the [NiABH] species, one proton resides with the primary ligand (A) and the other with the secondary ligand (B). In the [NiAB]-type complexes, cys and pen chelate through the amino and thiolato groups, while cya binds in a glycine-like mode and the secondary ligands (B) coordinate in a terdentate manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Microchimica Acta is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)