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This paper focuses on the design of LED luminary intensity control (LIC) modules that are energy efficient. This work suggests various luminary intensity control techniques to develop a flexible outdoor lighting system that is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly. The different modules for varying luminary intensity (LI) proposed and facilitate the lighting system to turn ON its luminaries only when lighting is required based on various parameters such as time zone, traffic density, traffic mobility, and authentic user control. The proposed intensity control modules are (i) Zone timer-based intensity control (ZTIC), (ii) ZTIC with motion detection (ZTICMD), (iii) Authorized User LIC (AULIC) (iv) Hybrid mode of LIC (HMLIC), (v) HMLIC with motion detection (HMLICMD) (vi) Intensity control based on priority (ICP). The modules use simple circuitry. Its functioning is verified. The developed system exhibits an overall energy savings of 60–85%. The proposed circuits are appropriate for energy-efficient outdoor street lighting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's world, most of the things are done online such as online banking, food ordering, car booking, and shopping. It is very difficult to protect the data utilizing the conventional cryptographic and Steganographic approach with the present techniques. DNA cryptography is one of the new areas of information security. DNA cryptography can encrypt the data or information in the form of DNA nucleotides (A, T, G and C). In this DNA Cryptography process, the data may be in the form of Audio, video, Image, or text file. It can create utilization of the huge DNA storage capacity and its biological properties like robustness, vastly constant molecule, efficient of cost and simply obtainable. However, the message encryption algorithm contains various steps to break and to obtain the original message. Therefore, in this paper, presents a Trellis algorithm with DNA sequence and random key generation to provide more security to the data. In this process, key is generated randomly between sender and receiver and the arbitrary selection of DNA sequence is enhanced to numerous numbers. The trellis encoding process can be performed to encrypt the data and trellis decoding process is executed to decrypt the data securely. The experimental results of this proposed system can show that this method can resist different kinds of attack. This presented technique can assist to retrieve original data (audio, video, image, or text file) without any alteration from decryption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For both clients and developers in the development of software, the effort estimate is vital. Lower efforts may lead to poorly created processes, low-quality and delayed budgets being improperly approved by the management. This could lead to a failure to complete the task in the defined schedule. The assessed parameter helps to share the information needed to accomplish project results successfully. The main parameters for the software projects include time, conditions, people, infrastructure, materials and funds and hazards. For this reason, large evaluations of various elements, including effort and cost, are vital to a project. If the estimate is less than necessary, the advancement of the project is also lacking in cash and time. The paper's main aim is to evaluate the software development estimate to improve current RE, MRE, MMRE and PRED methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human nude SCID is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by congenital athymia, alopecia, and nail dystrophy. Few cases have been reported to date. However, the recent introduction of newborn screening for IEIs and high-throughput sequencing has led to the identification of novel and atypical cases. Moreover, immunological alterations have been recently described in patients carrying heterozygous mutations. The aim of this paper is to describe the extended phenotype associated with FOXN1 homozygous, compound heterozygous, or heterozygous mutations. We collected clinical and laboratory information of a cohort of 11 homozygous, 2 compound heterozygous, and 5 heterozygous patients with recurrent severe infections. All, except one heterozygous patient, had signs of CID or SCID. Nail dystrophy and alopecia, that represent the hallmarks of the syndrome, were not always present, while almost 50% of the patients developed Omenn syndrome. One patient with hypomorphic compound heterozygous mutations had a late-onset atypical phenotype. A SCID-like phenotype was observed in 4 heterozygous patients coming from the same family. A spectrum of clinical manifestations may be associated with different mutations. The severity of the clinical phenotype likely depends on the amount of residual activity of the gene product, as previously observed for other SCID-related genes. The severity of the manifestations in this heterozygous family may suggest a mechanism of negative dominance of the specific mutation or the presence of additional mutations in noncoding regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

miRNA play role in post transcriptional regulation of genes and serves a range of biological functions such as initiation, development, metastasis etc. which are also hallmarks of cancer. Hence, we evaluated miRNA 181a, miRNA 30c and miRNA 570 in bladder cancer risk association among North Indians. miRNA 570 C/G (rs4143815), miRNA 30c A/G (rs928508) and miRNA 181a C/T (rs12537) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by allelic discrimination TaqMan assay in 100 bladder cancer (BC) patients and 100 healthy controls. No significant difference was found in the genotype frequencies of the candidate SNPs among cases and controls. However, combined effect of miRNA 570-miRNA 30c (CG + AA) p = 0.005, OR = 0.223, 95% CI and miRNA 570-miRNA 181a (CG + CC) p = 0.003, OR = 0.169, 95% CI conferred association with no risk of BC. miRNA 181a C/T (rs12537), miRNA 30c A/G (rs928508) and miRNA 570 C/G (rs4143815) should be further validated in large sample size to be used as a risk predictor for bladder cancer among North Indians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) plays a key role in the base excision repair pathway, as a scaffold protein that brings together proteins of the DNA repair complex. Several studies have reported contradictory results for XRCC1 exon 6 C>T (rs1799782) gene polymorphism and cancer risk in Indian population has provided inconsistent results. Therefore, we have performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between XRCC1 exon 6 C>T gene polymorphism and risk of cancer by published studies. We searched PubMed and Google scholar web databases to cover all studies published on association between XRCC1 exon 6 C>T gene polymorphism and cancer risk. The meta-analysis was carried out and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to appraise the strength of association. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the association, A total of 3197 confirmed cancer cases and 3819 controls were included from eligible seventeen case-controls studies. Results from overall pooled analysis demonstrated suggested that that variant allele (T vs. C: OR 1.301, 95% CI 1.003–1.688, p = 0.047) was associated with the risk of overall cancer. Other genetic models; heterozygous (TC vs. CC: OR 1.108, 95% CI 0.827–1.485, p = 0.491), homozygous (TT vs. CC: OR 1.479, 95% CI 0.877–2.493, p = 0.142), dominant (TT+TC vs. CC: OR 1.228, 95% CI 0.899–1.677, p = 0.196) and recessive (TT vs. TC+CC: OR 1.436, 95% CI 0.970–2.125, p = 0.071) did not reveal statistical association. Publication bias observation was also considered and none was detected during the analysis. The present meta-analysis suggested that the variant allele T of XRCC1 exon 6 gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of cancer. It is therefore pertinent to confirm this finding in a large sample size to divulge the mechanism of this polymorphism and cancer risk in Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) among Indian newborns prompted us to establish population-specific reference ranges of TSH and to explore the contribution of the common genetic variants in TSHR, TPO, TG and DUOX2 genes towards CH. A total of 1144 newborns (593 males and 551 females) were screened for CH. SNV profiling (n = 22) spanning three candidate genes, i.e. TSHR, TPO and TG was carried out in confirmed CH cases (n = 45). In screen negative cases (n = 700), ten TSHR variants were explored to establish association with CH. No mutation found in DUOX2. The 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles of TSH in these newborns were 0.5 to 12.2 mU/L. In newborns with optimal birth weight, the cut-off was 10 mU/L. Lower or higher birth weight resulted in slightly higher TSH. Two TSHR variants, i.e. rs7144481 and rs17630128 were associated with agenesis, hypoplasia and goiter. The rs2268477 was associated with agenesis and hypoplasia. The rs1991517, rs2075176 and rs2241119 were associated with agenesis only. The rs7144481, rs17630128, rs1991517 and rs2268477 were associated with 2.17, 4.62, 2.91 and 2.29-fold increased risk for CH, respectively. Among the TPO variants, rs867983 and rs2175977 were associated with agenesis and goiter, respectively. Among the TG variants, rs2076740 showed association with agenesis and goiter. Two rare variants i.e. TPO g.IVS14-19 G>C and TG c.1262 C>T were observed in CH cases. No genetic variant identified in the two exons of DUOX2. To conclude, the current study established Indian population-specific normative values for TSH and demonstrates specific genotype–phenotype correlations among three candidate genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study is to explore the association of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) rs1991517 polymorphism (c.2337 C > G, p.D727E) with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) through a case–control study followed by a meta-analysis. The case–control study was based on 45 CH subjects and 700 healthy controls. Meta-analysis comprised of seven published studies and our current findings (1044 CH cases and 1649 healthy controls). The allele contrast model showed that the presence of G- allele increased CH risk by 45% (OR: 1.45, 95% CI 1.20–1.76) and 41% (OR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.03–1.93) in fixed effect and random effect models, respectively. The GG- genotype is associated with 2.3-fold (95% CI 1.32–3.99) increased risk for CH in the fixed-effect model. I2 (0.58) and Cochran's Q test (Q: 16.72, p = 0.02) revealed evidence of heterogeneity in the association. No publication bias was observed by Egger's test (p = 0.70). Sensitivity analysis revealed that even after excluding any study this polymorphism is associated with risk for CH. The rs1991517 mutation alters the binding affinity to cAMP (ΔG of 727D vs.727E: − 7.27 vs. − 7.34 kcal/mol). In conclusion, rs1991517 is a genetic risk factor for CH and exerts its impact by altering cAMP-mediated signal transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive radio (CR) and software-defined radio (SDR) system technologies provide added flexibility and offer improved spectrum efficiency. Cognitive radio is an obstreperous radio communication and networking technology. It is presently undergoing drastic development due to its potential to resolve many of the problems affecting existing systems. Spectrum sensing is the crucial in empowering technology of CR to sense the existence of primary users or licensed user signals and exploit the spectrum holes. Hence, this paper addresses the design of Energy detection spectrum sensing technique for 16-QAM and 64-QAM transceivers employing SDR testbed. In addition, this paper also addresses the practical signal detection and the impact of various filtering windowing methods on detected signals. Furthermore, the impact of different simulation channels such as dynamic channel model and frequency selective faded channel models with Rayleigh and Rician fadings, are presented by testing the spectrum sensing technique on differential phase shift keying transceiver. For practical proof of the concepts, experimental tests are performed using SDR testbed that employs universal software radio peripheral N210 as hardware platform and GNU Radio as an open source free software platform. Therefore, I have reduced the cost of implementation drastically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major challenge at smart grid is to handle the load on peak demand. The demand on the smart grid varies with time, at peak and non-peak hours. In this paper, a new quantitative technique is proposed to balance the different category loads and optimize the energy distribution efficiency at various levels of the grid with high fairness. In this work, during high demand, the energy is allocated to primary and secondary substations using dynamic weight based on the load. A fine calibration is employed at the secondary substation to avoid the fractional wastage during allocation, and to optimize the distribution efficiency. Later, a horizontal block shifting (HBS) and vertical column by column shifting (VC2S) algorithms are proposed. The unallocated load at peak demand is shifted to nonpeak time slots with excess energy and reduces the demand in different time slots. The load request at various levels of the grid and energy demands in a day at the grid is analyzed. From the simulation results, it is observed that, the energy allocation is optimized with dynamic weights during high demand and yields high fairness index. The fine calibration improves the distribution efficiency of the smart grid network. The load request and load factor at grid without and with HBS, VC2S algorithms is analyzed. From the simulation results it is observed that, VC2S algorithm outperforms over HBS. The proposed shifting algorithms reduce the demand by shifting the load to various time slots, maximize the utilization, enhance the efficiency and load factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to construct classification and regression tree (CART) model of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) for the differential diagnosis of Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Two-dimensional electrophoresis and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) were used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of GAGs. Specific enzyme assays and targeted gene sequencing were performed to confirm the diagnosis. Machine learning tools were used to develop CART model based on GAG profile. Qualitative and quantitative CART models showed 96.3% and 98.3% accuracy, respectively, in the differential diagnosis of MPS. The thresholds of different GAGs diagnostic of specific MPS types were established. In 60 MPS positive cases, 46 different mutations were identified in six specific genes. Among 31 different mutations identified in IDUA, nine were nonsense mutations and two were gross deletions while the remaining were missense mutations. In IDS gene, four missense, two frameshift, and one deletion were identified. In NAGLU gene, c.1693C > T and c.1914_1914insT were the most common mutations. Two ARSB, one case each of SGSH and GALNS mutations were observed. LC–MS/MS-based GAG pattern showed higher accuracy in the differential diagnosis of MPS. The mutation spectrum of MPS, specifically in IDUA and IDS genes, is highly heterogeneous among the cases studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus–nitrogen dual-doped carbon nanoparticles (PN-CNPs) have been successfully synthesised using chemical vapour deposition (CVD), in the presence of triphenylphosphine and acetonitrile. PN-CNPs are used as carbon support for Pd and employed as electrocatalyst in hydrogen evolution reactions. The prepared Pd/PN-CNPs electrocatalyst was subjected to morphological and electrochemical studies carried out using FE-SEM, EDS, ICP, XRD, CV, and LSV techniques. The membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were prepared and tested in 25 cm2 area PEM cell setup and the test results obtained are promising as the cell voltage is 1.9 V at 1000 mA cm−2 at 80 °C. Furthermore, the cell setup was operated continuously for 500 h and has shown stable performance without any hindrance in electrochemical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multitude of gene-altering capabilities in combination with ease of design and low cost have all led to the adoption of the sophisticated and yet simple gene editing system that are clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR). The CRISPR/Cas9 system holds promise for the correction of deleterious mutations by taking advantage of the homology directed repair pathway and by supplying a correction template to the affected patient's cells. CRISPR is a tool that allows researchers to edit genes very precisely, easily and quickly. It does this by harnessing a mechanism that already existed in bacteria. Basically, there's a protein that acts like a scissors and cuts the DNA, and there's an RNA molecule that directs the scissors to any point on the genome one wants which results basically a word processor for genes. An entire gene can be taken out, put one in, or even edit just a single letter within a gene. Several platforms for molecular scissors that enable targeted genome engineering have been developed, including zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases and, most recently, CRISPR/CRISPR-associated-9 (Cas9). The CRISPR/Cas9 system's simplicity, facile engineering and amenability to multiplexing make it the system of choice for many applications. CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to generate disease models to study genetic diseases. Improvements are urgently needed for various aspects of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, including the system's precision, delivery and control over the outcome of the repair process. However, there are still some glitches to be mended like how to regulate gene drives and its safeguards. The creation of gene knockouts is one of the first and most widely used applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Nuclease-active Cas9 creates a double-strand break at the single guide RNA-targeted locus. These breaks can be repaired by homologous recombination, which can be used to introduce new mutations. When the double-strand break is repaired by the error-prone nonhomologous end joining process, indels are introduced which can produce frame shifts and stop codons, leading to functional knockout of the gene. Precedence modification have to be done on mechanism of CRISPR/Cas9, including its biochemical and structural implications incorporating the latest improvements in the CRISPR/Cas9 system, especially Cas9 protein modifications for customization. Current applications, where the versatile CRISPR/Cas9 system is to be used to edit the genome, epigenome, or RNA of various organisms is debated. Although CRISPR/Cas9 allows convenient genome editing accompanied by many benefits, one should not ignore the significant ethical and biosafety concerns that it raises. Conclusively lot of prospective applications and challenges of several promising techniques adapted from CRISPR/Cas9. Is discussed. Although many mechanistic questions remain to be answered and several challenges to be addressed yet, the use of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome technologies will increase our knowledge of disease process and their treatment in near future. Undoubtedly this field is revolutionizing in current era and may open new vistas in the treatment of fatal genetic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility of setting up newborn screening in rural areas in India. Secondary objective was to enhance the knowledge and awareness towards early detection of diseases by newborn screening, management of the affected baby and to impart genetic counseling.Methods: Awareness programs were conducted at different mandals in the district for the medical practioners during the preparatory phase of the Task Force Project. Educative lectures and clinical meetings regarding the importance and relevance of newborn screening were held every 3 months initially and half yearly later. Families were counselled during antenatal check-ups.Results: Good co-operation was obtained from medical doctors and their willingness to participate in sample collection from the hospitals. Families accepted screening after an initial period of resistance. The fact that screening of this kind will help their babies made a positive impact. Many families started promoting newborn screening to their friends and relations. Confirmation of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were satisfactory with almost negligible number of cases lost to follow-up.Conclusions: With proper planning and commitment on the part of health authorities, it is possible to implement newborn screening in rural areas in India as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen production by PEM water electrolysis is one of the most efficient methods, due to the produced high purity of gases, high efficiency, and devoid of harmful emissions. In this study, phosphorus-doped carbon nanoparticles (P-CNPs) were synthesized by spray pyrolysis method in chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The synthesized P-CNPs were used as electron carrier support materials for the preparation of P-CNPs-supported palladium (Pd/P-CNPs) electrocatalyst and also used as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrode in PEM water electrolysis. These synthesized Pd/P-CNPs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and cyclic voltammetry methods. The membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were fabricated using Pd/P-CNPs as a cathode catalyst for the HER and RuO2 as the anode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The fabricated MEA electrochemical performances along with their corresponding yields of hydrogen production were evaluated in PEM water electrolyzer single cell assemblies at various experimental conditions. The obtained results showed that the synthesized Pd/P-CNPs observed a current density of 1 A cm−2 at 2 V at 80 °C. Further, long-term stability tested for up to 500 h continuously and showed the reasonable stability with similar electrochemical activity compared to commercial Pt/CB. Hence, the synthesized Pd/P-CNPs could be used as the alternative to Pt-based catalysts for HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA repair capacity is essential in maintaining cellular functions and homeostasis. Identification of genetic polymorphisms responsible for reduced DNA repair capacity may allow better cancer prevention. Double strand break repair pathway plays critical roles in maintaining genome stability. Present study was conducted to determine distribution of XRCC3 Exon 7 (C18067T, rs861539) and XRCC7 Intron 8 (G6721T, rs7003908) gene polymorphisms in North Indian population and compare with different populations globally. The genotype assays were performed in 224 normal healthy individuals of similar ethnicity using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Allelic frequencies of wild type were 79% (C) in XRCC3 Exon 7 C > T and 57% (G) in XRCC7 Intron 8 (G > T) 57% (G) observed. On the other hand, the variant allele frequency were 21% (T) in XRCC3 Exon 7 C > T and 43% (T) in XRCC7 Intron 8 G > T respectively. Major differences from other ethnic populations were observed. Our results suggest that frequency in these DNA repair genes exhibit distinctive pattern in India that could be attributed to ethnicity variation. This could assist in high-risk screening of humans exposed to environmental carcinogens and cancer predisposition in different ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphistomiasis, caused by species of Paramphistomatidae is an economically important disease in ruminants. Explanatum explanatum is a very common amphistome in bile ducts and gall bladder of cattle and buffaloes worldwide where as in goats, it is exclusively found in Asian countries. Screening of livers from 100 sheep and 154 goats during slaughter at local slaughter houses from October, 2014 to April, 2015 in Andhra Pradesh (India) revealed presence of amphistomes in main bile ducts and gall bladder in three goats (1.9%) and were not observed in livers of sheep. Grossly, the affected livers were congested and the bile ducts were firm, thickened and occluded with amphistomes along with light yellowish foul smelling fluid. There were no apparent changes in gall bladder. Amphistomes were identified as E. explanatum by the standard staining technique using borax caramine. Microscopically, sections of liver revealed areas of haemarrhage, necrosis and infiltration of mononuclear cells in the parenchyma and surrounding the bile ducts. The wall of bile ducts revealed connective tissue proliferation with a characteristic mucosal plug of bile duct drawn into the acetabulum. There was hyperplasia of bile duct epithelium along with marked proliferation of mucosal glands and mononuclear cell infiltration. This paper appears to be the first report of E. explanatum in goats from Andhra Pradesh, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate total plasma homocysteine levels in Indian newborns by modifying the existing SBD-F based High performance liquid chromotography (HPLC) method in order to enable analysis in newborn heel-prick samples and assess the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in Indian newborns who are exclusively breast-fed.Methods: Reverse-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection for plasma homocysteine estimation and statistical analysis using student t-test.Results: SBD-F based HPLC method was modified and Bland and Altman analysis was carried out to assess agreement between original and modified methods. The correlation co-efficient was 0.994. The limits of agreement (-5.9, 6.3) were small enough to apply new method in place of the old for heel-prick sample analysis. Total plasma homocysteine analysis was carried out on heel-prick samples of 607 randomly selected newborns (331 males and 276 females). The mean plasma homocysteine estimated by this method in Indian newborns was 6.99 (95% CI: 6.48-7.49) with no appreciable gender effect (P=0.74). Elevated homocysteine levels were observed in 31 males and 21 females.Conclusions: Modified HPLC method is validated and can be used for homocysteine analysis on newborn heel-prick samples. Using this method, the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in Indian newborns is 8.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to know the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in desi fowl in and nearby villages of Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh for a period of 1 year. Screening of 492 samples comprising faecal samples and gastrointestinal tracts from freshly slaughtered desi birds at local poultry shops and samples from post mortem examinations at NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram revealed 63.21 % of gastrointestinal parasites. Faecal samples were examined by floatation technique using salt solution and samples positive for coccidian oocysts were sporulated in 2.5 % potassium dichromate solution for species identification. Adult worms were identified after routine processing and mounting. The species identified includes Davainea proglottina, Raillietina cesticillus and Raillietina echinobothrida in cestodes (32.47 %), Ascaridia galli, Capillaria annulata, Heterakis gallinarum in nematodes (39.87 %), Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria necatrix in Eimeria spp. (39.87 %). Ascaridia galli and R. cesticillus and A. galli and Eimeria spp. were common in mixed infection (12.86 %). Ascaridia galli was the more prevalent species. No trematode parasite was identified during the study period. Significant ( p = 0.001) relationship between the seasonality and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was observed (χ2 = 17.46, df = 2). Data revealed high prevalence in rainy season (43.41 %) followed by summer (38.91 %) and winter (17.68 %) seasons for all parasites except for A. galli and C. annulata infections which were higher in summer season. Results indicated high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in desi fowl in study area emphasizing the need of improved management practices of backyard poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast is a devastating fungal disease, which limits rice production severely. To identify novel alleles of blast resistant gene, Pi54, and to understand its diversity exist among wild Oryza species and landraces sequence-based allele mining strategy was employed. In this study, sixteen Pi54 alleles were sequenced from landraces and wild Oryza species which have genome ranging from AA to EE. Overall analysis confirmed that the alleles derived from wild species had more divergence than the landraces. Among all wild Oryza alleles, Pi54 derived from O. australiensis, showed the highest diversity. Comparison of protein domains revealed that LRR region had more variations than NBS region. Haplo-groups among the ecotypes were analyzed based on their Pi54 sequence. Interestingly, four different haplo-groups were identified, that were supported by phylogeny analysis. Among 16 analyzed alleles, two alleles, Pi54, Pi54 derived from landraces-Amana Bavo and Boha Thulasi Joha showed superior phenotypic reaction than the reference allele ( Pi54), and these alleles were validated by allelism test. These alleles have potential application in blast resistance breeding programs and identified SNPs and Indel among the alleles can be useful in development of allele specific markers. The present study helped to gain insights into the evolutionary adaptation of the resistant gene and its allelic distribution and diversity among the Oryza species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work describes the tensile and cyclic flow behavior of the as-received disk of Inconel 718 in solution treated and precipitation hardened condition at different locations and orientations. The disk shows moderately high values of anisotropy index indicating significant difference in uniform true strain along radial and tangential orientations. The tensile true stress-plastic strain curves exhibit two slopes defined by Ludwigson relation [ $$ \sigma = K_{1} \varepsilon^{{n_{1} }} + \exp (K_{2} + n_{2} \varepsilon ) $$ ]. The low-strain regime during tensile test is associated with low-strain localization between broad annealing twins and slips, while high-strain regime is related to the presence of large volume fraction of deformation twins and high-strain localization between narrow deformation twins. It appears that both the γ′ and γ″ play a critical role during low deformation regime while the role of γ″ precipitates becomes significant in high-strain regime. The stabilized cyclic true stress-plastic strain curves follow Ludwik relationship ( σ = Kε) similar to that of high-strain regime of two-slope tensile curves. The true stress-strain curves show softening during cyclic test in comparison to that of monotonic condition and are independent of sample orientations and locations. The lower degree of cyclic softening associated with radial-oriented sample can be attributed to the alignment of δ-phase precipitates normal to the loading direction. The low ductility and low work-hardening exponent of radial-oriented sample in web region have been explained based on the dislocation storage capacity and dynamic recovery coefficient using Kock-Mecking-Estrin analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and green methodology has been developed for the syntheses of some new 2-styrylbenzimidazoles. In this method, 2-styrylbenzimidazoles 6(a- x) were synthesized by the condensation of o-phenylenediamines 4(a- c) with cinnamic acids 3(a- h) using glycerol containing boric acid (10 mol%) as the reaction medium at 180 °C about 3-5 h. The cinnamic acids 3(a-h) were obtained by the condensation between aromatic aldehydes 1(a- h), and malonic acid using a new heterogeneous catalytic system such as alum-CsCO in water is described. Compounds 6(a-x) were also obtained alternatively by the condensation of 2-methylbenzimidazoles 5(a-c) with 1(a-h) using the same glycerol containing boric acid (10 mol%) as reaction medium at 180 °C for 5-6 h. The catalytic systems mentioned here were found to be highly active, stable, and recyclable under reaction conditions. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, Mass, and NMR spectral analyses. All synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against the clinical strains which include gram-positive bacteria ( Micrococcus luteus MTCC 2470, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96, Staphylococcus aureus MLS-16 MTCC 2940, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121) and gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli MTCC 739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2453, Klebsiella planticola MTCC 530, and Candida albicans MTCC 3017). The results revealed that compounds ( 6b, 6g, 6h, 6j, 6k, 6n, 6o, 6t) exhibited significant antibacterial activity almost equal to the standard drug, i.e., Ciprofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Chemotherapeutic drug treatment outcomes are genetically determined. Polymorphisms in genes encoding phase II drug metabolizing enzyme glutathione- S-transferase (GST) can possibly predict treatment outcomes, and can be of prognostic significance in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to determine the role of genetic variations in GST in predicting response to, and toxicity of, anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Method: Two hundred and seven patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy were genotyped for GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms, and GSTP1 Ile 105Val (rs1695), by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/ PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Genetic variations were correlated with tumor response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in 100 patients, and with chemo-toxicity in 207 who received adjuvant chemotherapy or NACT, using Chi-square and logistic regression. Higher order gene–gene interactions with treatment outcomes were characterized by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis. Results: In single-locus analysis, Ile/Val and Ile/Val + Val/Val genotypes of the GSTP1 Ile 105Val (rs1695) polymorphism reached statistical significance with grade 2–4 anemia ( P = 0.019, P = 0.027). On performing gene–gene interaction analysis, GSTM1 null- GSTP1 Ile/Val was significantly associated with response to NACT ( P = 0.032). On evaluating higher order gene–gene interaction models by MDR analysis, GSTM1 and GSTP1 Ile 105Val; GSTM1 and GSTT1; and GSTT1 and GSTP1 Ile 105Val showed significant association with treatment response, grade 2–4 anemia, and dose delay/reduction due to neutropenia ( P = 0.046, P = 0.027, P = 0.026), respectively. Conclusion: Multi-analytical strategies may serve as a better tool for characterization of pharmacogenetic-based breast cancer treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the results of a Minimally stimulated Natural cycle IVF with standard long protocol IVF. Design: A Prospective Study Setting: Private Fertility Institute Patient(s): A total of 300 women were recruited of whom 150 cases [Group A] underwent IVF with minimally stimulated natural cycle and 150 controls [Group B] underwent IVF with standard long protocol, with cases and control matched for age, infertility cause, baseline FSH, ovarian reserve and no known male factor as a cause of infertility. Result(s): The number of oocytes retrieved was significantly lower for the minimally stimulated natural cycle regimen compared with the standard long protocol[ 4.8 ± 2.6 vs 16.2 ± 7.5 respectively]. The clinical pregnancy rate per transfer, however, was not significantly different between the two regimens [37% Vs 41%, minimally stimulated natural cycle Vs Standard long protocol, respectively]. Conclusion (s): Minimally stimulated natural cycle IVF is a viable alternative with comparable pregnancy rates to the standard long protocol, and with added advantages of close to zero multiple pregnancy rate, zero risk of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome, less time consuming, physically and emotionally less demanding for patients and also cost effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Altered DNA repair capacity due to polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may modify response to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy for high risk superficial bladder cancer (SBC).We evaluated the prospective outcome of exicision repair cross complementing group 2 (ERCC2) and apurinic/apyriminidic endonuclease (APEX1) gene in tumor recurrence after BCG immunotherapy in SBC patients.Materials and Methods: The study included 135 SBC patients, of which BCG immunotherapy was received by 74 patients. Genotyping was performed for ERCC2 Asp(312)Asn (G > A), Lys751Gln (A > C), and APEX1 Asp(148)Glu (T > G) polymorphisms by restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) methods.Results: Multiple Cox regression analysis demonstrated association of variant genotype of ERCC2 (312)AA polymorphism with high risk of recurrence in BCG treated patients (HR = 3.07, P = 0.016, P ( c ) = 0.048). Patients with the ERCC2 (312)AA polymorphic genotypes showed shorter recurrence free survival (log-rank, P = 0.005; AA/GA + AA = 14/44) who received BCG treatment. Overall, risk of recurrence in bladder cancer was observed with smokers and size of tumors (1-3 cm) (HR = 1.86, P = 0.023 and HR = 3.19, P = 0.031, respectively). Smokers were identified to be at elevated risk in BCG treated patients (HR = 2.84, P = 0.005). No association was observed with the (ERCC2 Lys(751)Gln and APEX1 Asp(148)Glu) polymorphisms and risk of recurrence.Conclusion: Our data suggested variant (AA) of ERCC2 312 AA genotype to be associated with high risk of tumor recurrence and reduced recurrence free survival in superficial bladder cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association between two Xeroderma pigmentosum group C polymorphism ( XPC Lys939Gln and insertion/deletion PAT −/+ in intron 9) and bladder cancer (BC) susceptibility. Genotyping was performed in 208 BC patients and 245 controls by PCR–RFLP method. XPC PAT +/+ genotype was associated with elevated risk of BC ( p = 0.021, OR = 2.49). XPC Lys939Gln AC + CC genotype was significantly associated with risk in invasive stage of BC ( p = 0.041, OR = 2.52). Haplotype analysis revealed that variant genotypes C of XPC Lys939Gln and + of PAT, C+ were significantly associated with risk of BC ( p = 0.004, OR = 1.70). The CC genotype of Lys939Gln was associated with high risk for recurrence in BCG-treated patients (HR = 3.21, p = 0.036) thus, showing reduced recurrence-free survival (AC + CC/AA = 36/60 months; log rank p = 0.045). Polymorphisms and haplotypes in XPC appear to influence susceptibility to BC risk. The variant C allele at Lys939Gln may be responsible for early recurrence in BCG-treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydatidosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus is considered an economically important disease due to the condemnation of affected visceral organs of domestic animals. The lungs and liver are the most commonly affected organs and is less frequently observed in spleen particularly in buffaloes compared to cattle. Out of 980 slaughtered buffaloes screened for hydatidosis a case of spleenic hydatidosis was noticed. A single cyst projecting from the surface of the spleen was observed. On incision clear watery fluid along with granular structures (protoscolices) escaped out. The inner surface of cyst contained thin, white, translucent membrane studded with cluster of brood capsules. Microscopic examination revealed germinal layer with protoscolices along with eosinophilic laminated layer. There was fibrous connective tissue proliferation around the laminated layer and a mild depletion of the lymphoid cells in the surrounding white follicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper metaborates of Cu1− xM xB2O4 (M = Ni, Co and Mn; x = 0, 0·1 and 0·5) compositions are prepared using B2O3 flux. Powder XRD studies showed them all to belong to the tetragonal system with space group I $$ \bar 4 $$2 d. Their infrared spectra exhibit characteristic vibrational bands of BO4 tetrahedron. The room temperature powder electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum of copper metaborate gave a single peak at g ∼ 2·15. The diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) of Cu1− xM xB2O4 (M = Ni, Co and Mn; x = 0, 0·1 and 0·5) are consistent with ligand to metal ion charge transfer and square planar symmetry of Cu2+ ion. The ligand field parameters Dq xy, D s and D t are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) genes may alter the catalytic efficiency of GST isoenzymes leading to potential increase in susceptibility to carcinogens present in cigarette smoke and tobacco. The present study aimed to explore the association of GSTM3 intron 6 polymorphism with susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa), and to assess risks associated with cigarette smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption in PCa patients of North India. The study included 135 PCa patients and 169 controls. All subjects were genotyped for 3-bp deletion in intron 6 of GSTM3. Risk of developing prostate cancer associated with GSTM3 AB + BB was 2.5-fold (OR = 2.51, P = 0.028) as compared to AA genotype. Patients who were either smokers and/or had alcohol habits demonstrated a strong association with GSTM3 (AB + BB) genotype (OR = 4.11, P = 0.046; OR = 4.38, P = 0.027, respectively). Our results suggested GSTM3 (AB + BB) genotype to be significantly associated with PCa risk. The risk was even more apparent in case of cigarette smokers and alcohol consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier studies suggest that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with inflammatory state and have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study speculated the role of interleukins (IL)-2, -4, and -6 cytokines gene polymorphism with risk of susceptibility to ESRD. Polymorphism in IL-2 (−330 T/G, polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-restriction fragment length polymorphism), IL-4 (intron-3, variable number of tandem repeat, variable number tandem repeats analysis), and IL-6 (-174 G/C, amplification refractory mutation system, i.e. ARMS-PCR) were genotyped in 193 ESRD patients and 180 controls. Significant difference was observed in genotype frequencies of IL-4 and IL-6 between ESRD patients and control group ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.032, respectively). Patients had higher frequency of homozygous B2B2 genotype (IL-4) than controls (62.7% vs 46.7) and GG genotype of IL-6 (73.1% vs 60.6%). The genotypic frequencies of IL-2 were comparable in patients and controls ( p = 0.102). Significant association of IL-4 was also observed in patients with glomerulonephritis ( p = 0.001). Combination of low IL-4 and high IL-6 genotypes were significantly associated with ESRD showing the highest risk, i.e. >threefolds risk (odds ratio=3.48, 95%CI=1.88–6.42; p < 0.001) among the four possible combinations taking high IL-4 and low IL-6 as reference. Our study suggests that polymorphism in IL-4 and IL-6 may be associated with susceptibility to ESRD. Further, combined analysis implicated a higher risk in ESRD patients with low IL-4 and high IL-6 producing genotypes. This study provided the basis for defined anti-inflammatory approaches to limit renal disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted (1) to examine whether the GSTT1- and GSTM1-null genotypes are risk factors for bladder cancer, and (2) to study possible association of tobacco usage and age strata with genotype of these patients. This case control study was undertaken over a period of 19 months and included 106 bladder cancer patients and 182 controls; both patients and controls originated from northern part of India. The GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes were identified by multiplex PCR in peripheral blood DNA samples. Genotype frequencies among patients and controls were assessed and the association of the genotypes with smoking habits and gender of the patients were statistically determined by the χ2 test. Frequencies of null genotypes in GSTT1 and GSTM1, were 16% (29/182) and 30% (54/182), respectively, in control individuals. The frequencies of GSTT1- and GSTM1-null genotypes in bladder cancer patients were 26% (28/106) and 40% (42/106), respectively. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 were substantially at higher risk for bladder carcinoma compared to the normal healthy controls. The GSTT1- and GSTM1-null genotypes did not show significant association with tobacco usage in bladder cancer patients. However, the null genotypes were statistically significant in female relative to male bladder cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanded newborn screening (NBS) is aimed for early detection and intervention of treatable inborn errors of metabolism and also to establish incidence of these disorders in this part of the globe. The first expanded NBS programme initiated in the capital city of Andhra Pradesh to screen all the newborns born in four major Government Maternity Hospitals in Hyderabad by heel prick capillary blood collected on S&S 903 filter paper. Chromatographic (TLC and HPLC), electrophoretic (cellulose acetate and agarose) and ELISA based assays have been employed for screening of common inborn errors of metabolism. This study has shown a high prevalence of treatable Inborn errors of metabolism. Congenital hypothyroidsm is the most common disorder (1 in 1700) followed by congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (1 in 2575) and Hyperhomocystenemia (1 in 100). Interestingly, a very high prevalence of inborn errors of metabolism to the extent of 1 in every thousand newborns was observed. The study reveals the importance of screening in India, necessitating nation wide large-scale screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum (Al) is a major growth-limiting factor for plants in acid soils. The primary site of Al accumulation and toxicity is the root meristem, and the inhibition of root elongation is the most sensitive response to Al. Al cannot catalyze redox reactions but triggers lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in roots. Furthermore, Al causes respiration inhibition and ATP depletion. Comparative studies of Al toxicity in roots with that in cultured plant cells suggest that Al causes dysfunction and ROS production in mitochondria, and that ROS production, but not lipid peroxidation, seems to be a determining factor of root-elongation inhibition by Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]