A 1.1 kb rice genomic DNA fragment, containing a chitinase gene under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter, was cloned into the rice transformation vector pGL2. After transformation of Indica rice protoplasts in the presence of polyethyleneglycol, plants were regenerated. The presence of the chimeric chitinase gene in T0 and T1 transgenic rice plants was detected by Southern blot analysis. Western blot analysis of transgenic plants and their progeny revealed the presence of two proteins with apparent molecular weights of 30 and 35 kDa that reacted with the chitinase antibody. Progeny from the chitinase-positive plants were tested for their resistance to the sheath blight pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani. The degree of resistance displayed by the transgenic plants to this pathogen correlated with the level of chitinase expression.

Genetic engineering of rice for resistance to sheath blight and other agronomic characters

Rabies virus, the prototypical neurotropic virus, causes one of the most lethal zoonotic diseases. According to official estimates, over 55,000 people die of the disease annually, but this is probably a severe underestimation. A combination of virulence factors enables the virus to enter neurons at peripheral sites and travel through the spinal cord to the brain of the infected host, where it often induces aggression that facilitates the transfer of the virus to a new host. This Review summarizes the current knowledge of the replication cycle of rabies virus and virus- host cell interactions, both of which are fundamental elements in our quest to understand the life cycle of rabies virus and the pathogenesis of rabies.

The cell biology of rabies virus: using stealth to reach the brain.

Herein we review our recent efforts in searching for bioactive ligands by enumeration and virtual screening of the unknown chemical space of small molecules. Enumeration from first principles shows that almost all small molecules (>99.9%) have never been synthesized and are still available to be prepared and tested. We discuss open access sources of molecules, the classification and representation of chemical space using molecular quantum numbers (MQN), its exhaustive enumeration in form of the chemical universe generated databases (GDB), and examples of using these databases for prospective drug discovery. MQN-searchable GDB, PubChem, and DrugBank are freely accessible at www.gdb.unibe.ch.

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Exploring chemical space for drug discovery using the chemical universe database.

Abstract During the last 25 years, a large body of experimental evidence has accumulated from pharmacological intervention studies that suggests an important role for reactive oxygen species in numerous pathophysiological processes. While a variety of chemical mechanisms of reactive oxygen-induced damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA is fairly well understood, the molecular pathology of oxidant stress-induced tissue injury in vivo remains unclear in most cases. Recent advances indicate that the direct destructive potential of reactive oxygen in vivo is limited by the extensive detoxification capacity of most cells and may be restricted to a small fraction of cells exposed to a locally high oxidant stress. However, reactive oxygen species can participate in recruitment of inflammatory cells by upregulation of adhesion molecules and generation of chemotactic factors, and are necessary for protease-mediated cell injury in vivo. Reactive oxygen species can also scavenge other biologically active molecules (e.g., nitric oxide), thereby modulating indirectly their effector cells. In addition to the discussed effects relevant for acute injury, other oxidant stress-induced mechanisms (e.g., DNA modifications) may be relevant in chronic disease states. A solid mechanistic understanding of the role of reactive oxygen species in the overall pathophysiology is critical for providing a rationale for antioxidant therapy and the targeted development of new antioxidant drugs.

Mechanisms of oxidant stress-induced acute tissue injury. controversies, contradictions, and paradoxes

Palladium (Pd) nanoparticles were synthesized using protein rich soybean leaf extract based biological process. Reduction of palladium ions by soybean leaf extract was examined by UV-visible spectroscopic technique. It was believed that the proteins and some of the amino acids that are exist in soybean leaf extracts were actively involved in the reduction of palladium ions. Further it was confirmed by Fourier transformations infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. These amino acids are not only involving in the reduction of palladium ions but also acting as surfactants that inhibits the rapid agglomeration. The phase purity of the synthesized palladium nanoparticles was investigated through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and the obtained pattern was compared with JCPDS data. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images of the palladium particles were recorded and the particle size was found to be ~15 nm.

/pdf/soybean-glycine-max-leaf-extract-based-green-synthesis-of-2hczb3ie3i.pdf

Soybean (Glycine max) Leaf Extract Based Green Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles

Silicosis — Continued Silicosis is a chronic lung disease associated with the inhalation and pulmonary deposition of dust that contains crystalline silica. Through the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR)* program, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is assessing practical models for implementing state-based surveillance of silicosis and linking follow-up intervention activities to surveillance reports. From 1989 through 1992, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) SENSOR program identified silicosis cases through reports of Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) claims, physician reports, and death certificates. The addition in 1993 of hospital discharge reports as an ascertainment source resulted in a substantial increase in the number of silicosis case reports identified annually (Table 1). This report describes the investigation of a case of occupational silicosis in Ohio and summarizes the impact of hospital-based reporting on surveillance for silicosis in Case Report In September 1991, a case report † was sent to ODH by an infectious disease specialist who was treating a 55-year-old sandblaster with advanced silicosis and an associated Mycobacterium kansasii infection § (2). In January 1992, NIOSH and ODH conducted a joint investigation at the worker's place of employment—a metal preparation shop—to evaluate current levels of exposure to respirable crystalline silica and to screen co-workers for silicosis. The investigation detected excessive exposures to respirable crystalline silica (2–5). Chest radiology revealed radiographic abnormalities consistent with pneumoconiosis in four of 16 current and former workers *SENSOR is a program of cooperative agreements with state health departments to develop surveillance and intervention strategies for selected occupational conditions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health currently supports SENSOR silicosis programs in seven states and Wisconsin). † Case reports should be submitted for persons with a physician's provisional diagnosis of silicosis, a chest radiograph interpreted as consistent with silicosis, or pathologic findings consistent with silicosis (1).

Current trends in

Pityriasis rosea is a common papulo-squamous disorder, which has gained significant importance in the last decade, especially in the context of its possible viral etiology. In this article, we discuss various clinical aspects of the disease, including its typical and atypical forms, differential diagnoses and the current recommendation of treatment strategies. We also briefly highlight recent developments in the research of this interesting disease.

Current trends in pityriasis rosea

Alkaline amylase producers were isolated from the marine environment of Arabian Sea coast. A total of 10 isolates were obtained from the soil and water samples collected from the marine environment. Five isolates namely; BCSS, JBWS, RBWS, BCWS and ALSS showed good growth on alkaline M9 media with 10% NaCl having starch as the primary carbon source. Based on their maximal amylase activity, three microbial cultures (BCSS, JBWS, and RBWS) were selected for the study. The crude enzyme from these purified cultures was extracted and partial characterization was carried out. The partial characterization study involved the effect of metal ions and surfactants and determination of optimal pH and temperature and its stability studies. The amylase activity was optimum for all three cultures at 60 0 C whereas, the optimum pH was found to be pH 7, pH 8 and pH 9 for RBWS, JBWS and BCSS. The pH and temperature stability studies showed maximum amylase activity at its optimal conditions for 5h (300 mins) in the order BCSS>RBWS>JBWS. The amylase activity was found to increase with sodium (BCSS), manganese (RBWS) and potassium (JBWS) at 1:1 dilution. The cultures were stable with the surfactants (Tween -20, SDS and Triton-X) at 1:10 dilution of 1% surfactant and enzyme. BCSS was the most stable at high temperature and pH among all the isolates with an optimal amylase activity at pH 9 and temperature of 60 0 C. The isolate was identified to be Bacillus nanhaiisediminis NH3. These remarkable properties indicated its great potential in industrial applications.

Reshma Pol

Papers

Current trends in

Current trends in pityriasis rosea

Isolation and characterization of alkaline amylase producers from the marine environment of Arabian sea coast