Showing papers by "Jawaharlal Nehru University published in 2004"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the various methods used to obtain the model equations and illustrate the effects of structure on dynamics and scaling behavior over different time scales using a wave-vector-dependent model.
Abstract: Mode-coupling theory is an approach to the study of complex behavior in the supercooled liquids which developed from the idea of a nonlinear feedback mechanism. From the coupling of slowly decaying correlation functions the theory predicts the existence of a characteristic temperature ${T}_{c}$ above the experimental glass transition temperature ${T}_{g}$ for the liquid. This article discusses the various methods used to obtain the model equations and illustrates the effects of structure on dynamics and scaling behavior over different time scales using a wave-vector-dependent model. It compares the theoretical predictions, experimental observations, and computer simulation results, and also considers phenomenological extensions of mode-coupling theory. Numerical solutions of the model equations to study the dynamics from a nonperturbative approach are also reviewed. The review looks briefly at recent observations from landscape studies of model systems of structural glasses and their relation to the mode-coupling temperature ${T}_{c}$. The equations for the mean-field dynamics driven by the $p$-spin interaction Hamiltonian are similar to those of mode-coupling theory for structural glasses. Related developments in the nonequilibrium dynamics and generalization of the fluctuation-dissipation relation for the structural glasses are briefly touched upon. The review ends with a summary of the open questions and possible future direction of the field.
325 citations
TL;DR: The results of the present study demonstrate that thePiriformospora indica interacts also with the non-mycorrhizal host Arabidopsis thaliana and promotes its growth, and is a powerful model system to study beneficial plant-microbe interaction at the molecular level.
Abstract: Piriformospora indica, an endophytic fungus of the Sebacinaceae family, colonizes the roots of a wide variety of plant species and promotes their growth, in a manner similar to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The results of the present study demonstrate that the fungus interacts also with the non-mycorrhizal host Arabidopsis thaliana and promotes its growth. The interaction is detectable by the appearance of a strong autofluorescence in the roots, followed by the colonization of root cells by fungal hyphae and the generation of chlamydospores. Promotion of root growth was detectable even before noticeable root colonization. Membrane-associated proteins from control roots and roots after cultivation with P. indica were separated by two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis and identified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. Differences were found in the expression of glucosidase II, beta-glucosidase PYK10, two glutathione-S-transferases and several so-far uncharacterized proteins. Based on conserved domains present in the latter proteins their possible roles in plant-microbe interaction are predicted. Taken together, the present results suggest that the interaction of Arabidopsis thaliana with P. indica is a powerful model system to study beneficial plant-microbe interaction at the molecular level. Furthermore, the successful accommodation of the fungus in the root cells is preceded by protein modifications in the endoplasmatic reticulum as well as at the plasma membrane of the host.
292 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the changes in spatial patterns of agricultural land use, crop diversity, manure input, yield, soil loss and runoff from cropland, and dependence of agroecosystems on forests, during the 1963-1993 period in a small watershed in central Himalaya, India.
176 citations
TL;DR: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed vehicular traffic and industrial emission as the major contributors of metals.
Abstract: The levels of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and heavy metals viz. Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Fe were measured. Aerosol samples from fourdifferent locations in Delhi were collected by High-volume samplers for a period of one year from July 1997 June 1998. Metal concentration was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The annual average concentration of SPM in Delhi was found to be 416.34 ± 223 μg m-3. The atmospheric aerosol samples were highly enriched with elements viz. Pb and Cd, which originate from various human activities like transportation and industrial processes. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed vehicular traffic and industrial emission as the major contributors of metals. The annual average concentration of Pb did not exceed the national standard of 0.75 μg m-3.
153 citations
TL;DR: This review attempts to describe three bacterial species that are known to produce insecticidal toxins of tremendous biotechnological, agricultural, and economic importance: Bacillus thuringiensis, Xenorhabdus nematophilus, and PhotorhabDus luminescens.
Abstract: Over the years it has been important for humans to control the populations of harmful insects and insecticides have been used for this purpose in agricultural and horticultural sectors. Synthetic insecticides, owing to their various side effects, have been widely replaced by biological insecticides. In this review we attempt to describe three bacterial species that are known to produce insecticidal toxins of tremendous biotechnological, agricultural, and economic importance. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) accounts for 90% of the bioinsecticide market and it produces insecticidal toxins referred to as delta endotoxins. The other two bacteria belong to the genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus, which are symbiotically associated with entomopathogenic nematodes of the families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae respectively. Whereas, Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus exist in a mutualistic association with the entomopathogenic nematodes, BT act alone. BT formulations are widely used in the field against insects; however, over the years there has been a gradual development of insect resistance against BT toxins. No resistance against Xenorhabdus or Photorhabdus has been reported to date. More recently BT transgenic crops have been prepared; however, there are growing concerns about the safety of these genetically modified crops. Nematodal formulations are also used in the field to curb harmful insect populations. Resistance development to entomopathogenic nematodes is unlikely due to the physical macroscopic nature of infection. Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus transgenes have not yet been prepared; but are predicted to be available in the near future. In this review we start with an overview of the synthetic insecticides and then discuss Bacillus thuringiensis, Xenorhabdus nematophilus, and Photorhabdus luminescens in greater detail.
149 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated for the first time that there is an interaction between membrane ergosterol and sphingolipids, that a reduction in the content of either of these two components results in a disruption of this interaction, and that this disruption has deleterious effects on the drug susceptibilities of C. albicans cells.
Abstract: In this study, we examined the importance of membrane ergosterol and sphingolipids in the drug susceptibilities of Candida albicans. We used three independent methods to test the drug susceptibilities of erg mutant cells, which were defective in ergosterol biosynthesis. While spot and filter disk assays revealed that erg2 and erg16 mutant cells of C. albicans became hypersensitive to almost all of the drugs tested (i.e., 4-nitroquinoline oxide, terbinafine, o-phenanthroline, itraconazole, and ketoconazole), determination of the MIC at which 80% of the cells were inhibited revealed more than fourfold increase in susceptibility to ketoconazole and terbinafine. Treatment of wild-type C. albicans cells with fumonisin B1 resulted in 45% inhibition of sphingolipid biosynthesis and caused cells to become hypersensitive to the above drugs. Although erg mutants displayed enhanced membrane fluidity and passive diffusion, these changes alone were not sufficient to elicit the observed hypersusceptibility phenotype of erg mutants. For example, the induction in vitro of a 12% change in the membrane fluidity of C. albicans cells by a membrane fluidizer, benzyl alcohol, did not affect the drug susceptibilities of Candida cells. Additionally, the surface localization of green fluorescent protein-tagged Cdr1p, a major drug efflux pump protein of C. albicans, revealed that any disruption in ergosterol and sphingolipid interactions also interfered with its proper surface localization and functioning. A 50% reduction in the efflux of the Cdr1p substrate, rhodamine 6G, in erg mutant cells or in cells with a reduced sphingolipid content suggested a strong correlation between these membrane lipid components and this major efflux pump protein. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrate for the first time that there is an interaction between membrane ergosterol and sphingolipids, that a reduction in the content of either of these two components results in a disruption of this interaction, and that this disruption has deleterious effects on the drug susceptibilities of C. albicans cells.
145 citations
TL;DR: This study shows the utilization of CGH in comparing cell lines originating from the same specimen and demonstrates the necessity for periodically evaluating cell lines to confirm their origin.
Abstract: Two established cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and Ishikawa, were both obtained directly from a cell repository and through another laboratory. The karyotypes from the two MCF-7 cell lines had up to 83 chromosomes and similarities for chromosomal gain and structural abnormalities. The two Ishikawa cell lines had up to 60 chromosomes with only a missing X as the common chromosome abnormality. CGH studies were performed by co-hybridizing the two Ishikawa or MCF-7 cell lines to normal metaphases. The differences seen between the two MCF-7 cell cultures reflect changes due to passage number and culture conditions. For Ishikawa, DNA polymorphic data and mutation studies suggest that the two cell lines are not derived from the same established tumor cell line. Our study shows the utilization of CGH in comparing cell lines originating from the same specimen. Our study also demonstrates the necessity for periodically evaluating cell lines to confirm their origin.
132 citations
TL;DR: The fluorescence spectra, analytical size exclusion chromatography, and the specific activity of the purified protein were observed to be similar to the native protein which demonstrated that the protein had folded properly and was present in its active tetramer form in the culture supernatant.
129 citations
TL;DR: It is reported here that cholesterol depletion from macrophage plasma membranes using methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) results in a significant reduction in the extent of leishmanial infection, and the reduction of the ability of the parasite to infect host macrophages can be reversed upon replenishment of cell membrane cholesterol.
117 citations
TL;DR: By accumulating cAMP in the immune effector cells, these adenylate cyclase toxins poison the immune system and thus facilitate the survival of the bacteria in the host.
Abstract: Cyclic AMP is a ubiquitous messenger that integrates many processes of the cell. Diverse families of adenylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases stringently regulate the intracellular concentration of cAMP. Any alteration in the cytosolic concentration of cAMP has a profound effect on the various processes of the cell. Disruption of these cellular processes in vivo is often the most critical event in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases for animals and humans. Many pathogenic bacteria secrete toxins to alter the intracellular concentration of cAMP. These toxins either disrupt the normal regulation of the host cell's adenylate cyclases/phosphodiesterases or they themselves catalyze the synthesis of cAMP in the host cell. The latter are known as the adenylate cyclase toxins. Four such toxins have been identified: the invasive adenylate cyclase of Bordetella pertussis, the edema factor of Bacillus anthracis, ExoY of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the adenylate cyclase of Yersinia pestis. These adenylate cyclase toxins enter the eukaryotic host cells and get activated by eukaryotic cofactors, like calmodulin, to trigger the synthesis of cAMP in these cells. By accumulating cAMP in the target cells, these toxins either modulate the cellular function or completely deactivate the cell for further function. The immune effector cells appear to be the primary target of these adenylate cyclase toxins. By accumulating cAMP in the immune effector cells, these adenylate cyclase toxins poison the immune system and thus facilitate the survival of the bacteria in the host.
116 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that subsidies to relieve critical seasonal credit and cash restraints and reduce market and input supply uncertainties need to help in "kick-starting" agricultural markets if increased smallholder productivity in food-grains is to drive rural non-farm growth.
Abstract: Global experience with pro-poor growth and empirical work spanning India, Malawi and Zimbabwe demonstrates the importance of agricultural growth for poverty reduction in poor rural areas, while also pointing to the need for complementary non-farm sector growth. Theoretical arguments, historical evidence and livelihoods modelling in poor medium-potential rural economies suggest that, contrary to thinking dominating much of current development policy, subsidies to relieve critical seasonal credit and cash restraints and reduce market and input supply uncertainties need to help in 'kick-starting' agricultural markets if increased smallholder productivity in food-grains is to drive rural non-farm growth. Establishing the base conditions for these to work, designing and implementing them to be effective, and then phasing them out are major challenges facing policymakers.
TL;DR: Its potential to induce only the Phase-II enzyme activity associated mainly with carcinogen detoxification in liver of mice is revealed, with a significant inhibition of tumor burden and a dose-dependent increase in extrahepatic organs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider a multi-community city where community quality is linked to residents' civic efforts, such as being proactive in preventing crime and ensuring the quality of publicly provided goods.
Abstract: The authors consider a multi-community city where community quality is linked to residents' civic efforts, such as being proactive in preventing crime and ensuring the quality of publicly provided goods. Homeownership increases incentives for such efforts, but credit market imperfections force the poor to rent. Within-community externalities can lead to segregated cities-with the rich living with the rich in healthy homeowner communities, and the poor living with the poor in dysfunctional renter communities. The pattern of tenure segregation across communities in the United States accords well with the study's prediction. The authors analyze alternative tax-subsidy policies to alleviate inefficiencies in the housing market and identify the winners and losers under such policies.
TL;DR: Hairy root cultures of Catharanthus roseus var.
Abstract: Hairy root cultures of Catharanthus roseus var. Prabal were established by infecting the leaves with Agrobacterium rhizogenes agropine-type A4 strain. Two hundred and fifty independent root clones were evaluated for growth, morphology, number of integration of Ri T-DNA genes and alkaloid contents. On the basis of growth pattern, type of branching and number of lateral roots we were able to separate the hairy root clones into four categories. However based on the integration of the Ri TL-DNA and TR-DNA genes, there were only three different categories of independent hairy root clones—C1 (rolA&B+/ags+), C2 (rolA&B-/ags+) and C3 (rolA&B+/ags−). Southern hybridization analysis revealed both single and multiple copies of T-DNA integration in the root clones. The accumulation of considerable amounts of the root-specific alkaloids ajmalicine and serpentine was observed in the presence of both the TL-DNA and TR-DNA genes (C1) and the TL-DNA gene (C3) alone. Two rolA&B− but ags+ clones (C2) accumulated much less or only very negligible amounts of ajmalicine. The possible role of the TL-DNA and TR-DNA genes on growth and alkaloid accumulation in these root clones is discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, geomorphic and sedimentological analysis and 10Be cosmogenic radionuclide (CRN) surface exposure dating of moraines, fans, and river and strath terraces in the Gori Ganga Valley of Nanda Devi, NE Garhwal, indicate that fans and river terraces developed rapidly by debris flow and flood processes during periods of deglaciation.
TL;DR: An econometric analysis of determinants of water quality in Indian rivers is carried out using water quality (water class) data for 106 monitoring points on 10 important rivers for five years, 1995-1999, and a significant positive relationship is found between poll percentage and water quality.
TL;DR: The results indicate that EhCaBP1 may be involved in dynamic membrane restructuring at the time of cell pseudopod formation, phagocytosis and endocyTosis in a process mediated by direct binding of EhCa BP1 to actin, affecting the bundling of actin filaments.
Abstract: Blocking expression of EhCaBP1, a calmodulin-like, four EF-hand protein from the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, resulted in inhibition of cellular proliferation. In this paper we report that EhCaBP1 is involved in dynamic changes of the actin cytoskeleton. Both endocytosis and phagocytosis were severely impaired in cells where EhCaBP1 expression was blocked by inducible expression of the antisense RNA. In wild-type cells both actin and EhCaBP1 were found to co-localize in phagocytic cups and in pseudopods. However, in antisense-blocked cells the phagocytic cup formation is affected. Analysis of the staining patterns in the presence and absence of actin dynamics inhibitors, jasplakinolide and cytochalasin D suggested that EhCaBP1 and polymerized F-actin co-localize on membrane protrusions. Direct interaction between soluble EhCaBP1 and F-actin was further demonstrated by a co-sedimentation assay. A variant of EhCaBP1 did not bind F-actin showing the specificity of the interaction between EhCaBP1 and actin. There is no significant change in the kinetics of in vitro polymerization of actin in presence of EhCaBP1, indicating that EhCaBP1 does not affect filament treadmilling. In addition, using atomic force microscopy; it was found that filaments of F-actin, polymerized in presence of EhCaBP1, were thinner. These results indicate that EhCaBP1 may be involved in dynamic membrane restructuring at the time of cell pseudopod formation, phagocytosis and endocytosis in a process mediated by direct binding of EhCaBP1 to actin, affecting the bundling of actin filaments.
TL;DR: Basil leaf extract was highly effective in inhibiting carcinogen-induced tumor incidence in both tumor models at peri-initiational level and augmented mainly the Phase II enzyme activity that is associated with detoxification of xenobiotics, while inhibiting the Phase I enzyme activity.
TL;DR: In this paper, different size fractions of aerosols (free fall = FF, suspended particulate matter = SPM, PM 10 = 10 μm) from air were sampled simultaneously at four locations along the dominant wind trajectory for ∼600 km.
TL;DR: Theoretical arguments, historical evidence and livelihoods modelling in poor medium-potential rural economies suggest that, contrary to thinking dominating much of current development policy, subsidies to relieve critical seasonal credit and cash restraints and reduce market and input supply uncertainties need to help in "kick-starting" agricultural markets if increased smallholder productivity in food-grains is to drive rural non-farm growth as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Global experience with pro-poor growth and empirical work spanning India, Malawi and Zimbabwe demonstrates the importance of agricultural growth for poverty reduction in poor rural areas, while also pointing to the need for complementary non-farm sector growth. Theoretical arguments, historical evidence and livelihoods modelling in poor medium-potential rural economies suggest that, contrary to thinking dominating much of current development policy, subsidies to relieve critical seasonal credit and cash restraints and reduce market and input supply uncertainties need to help in ‘kick-starting’ agricultural markets if increased smallholder productivity in food-grains is to drive rural non-farm growth. Establishing the base conditions for these to work, designing and implementing them to be effective, and then phasing them out are major challenges facing policymakers.
TL;DR: TSP treatment to the diabetic rats effectively prevented the alteration in the activities of the two enzymes and partially prevented the structural abnormalities thus suggesting a protective effect of TSP on the liver and kidney of the diabetic Rats.
Abstract: Trigonella foenum graecum is a well-known hypoglycemic agent used in traditional Indian medicines. It was previously reported that oral administration of its seed powder for 3 weeks to alloxan diabetic rats stabilized glucose homeostasis and free radical metabolism in liver and kidney. In the present study, we further investigated the effects of 3 weeks alloxan induced diabetes on the histological structure and function of liver and kidney and the protective effect of T. foenum graecumseed powder (TSP) oral administration to the diabetic rats utilizing enzyme analysis and light and transmission electron microscopy. The activity of the enzyme, glutamate dehydrogenase was significantly higher whereas the activity of d-β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase enzyme was significantly lower in liver and kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological studies showed liver degenerative and early nephropathic changes in diabetic rats. Ultrastructure of the diabetic liver revealed a reduction in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and swelling of mitochondria in the hepatocytes. TSP treatment to the diabetic rats effectively prevented the alteration in the activities of the two enzymes and partially prevented the structural abnormalities thus suggesting a protective effect of TSP on the liver and kidney of the diabetic rats. The role of TSP in reversing the diabetic state at the cellular level besides the metabolic normalization further proves its potential as an antidiabetic agent (Mol Cell Biochem 266: 151–159, 2004)
TL;DR: It is concluded that both the particulate and adsorbed organics may contribute to DEP-mediated immune alterations.
Abstract: The effect of diesel exhaust particulate (DEP) exposure on innate, cellular and humoral pulmonary immunity was studied using high-dose, acute-exposure rat, mouse, and cell culture models. DEP consists of a complex mixture of petrochemical-derived organics adsorbed onto elemental carbon particles. DEP is a major component of particulate urban air pollution and a health concern in both urban and occupational environments. The alveolar macrophage is considered a key cellular component in pulmonary innate immunity. DEP and DEP organic extracts have been found to suppress alveolar macrophage function as demonstrated by reduced production of cytokines (interleukin-1 [IL-1], tumor necrosis factor- alpha [TNF- alpha]) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to a variety of agents, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon- gamma (IFN- gamma), and bacteria. Fractionation of DEP organic extract suggests that this activity was predominately in polyaromatic-containing and more polar (resin) fractions. Organic-stripped DEP did not alter these innate pulmonary immune responses. DEP also depressed pulmonary clearance of Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The contribution of the organic component of DEP is less well defined with respect to acquired and humoral immunity. Indeed, both DEP and carbon black enhanced humoral immune responses (specific immunoglobulin [Ig] E and IgG) in an ovalbumin-sensitized rat model. It is concluded that both the particulate and adsorbed organics may contribute to DEP-mediated immune alterations.
TL;DR: It was concluded that for obtaining artemisininin high yields the A. annua crop should be ratooned/multi-harvested four times.
TL;DR: The antifungal activity of the plant was enhanced due to the increase in spilanthol content after inoculation of P. indica.
Abstract: We investigated the influence of Piriformospora indica on the antifungal principle of Spilanthes calva, a plant of high commercial value. An antifungal efficacy was shown by aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of S. calva against Fusarium oxysporum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The petroleum ether extract of S. calva was more effective than the aqueous extract in inoculated as well as uninoculated plants. The antifungal activity of the plant was enhanced due to the increase in spilanthol content after inoculation of P. indica.
TL;DR: It is concluded that self-help groups can help to achieve some degree of synergy between health care providers and users but cannot be prescribed to partially replace government health services in low-income countries, thereby reducing health care expenditure and ensuring equity in health care.
Abstract: In the debate on 'Third options' for health care delivery in low- and middle-income countries it is proposed that self-help should play a larger role. Self-help is expected to contribute towards improving population health outcomes and reducing government health care expenditure. We review scope and limitations of self-help groups in Europe and South Asia and assess their potential role in health care within the context of health sector reform. Self-help groups are voluntary unions of peers, formed for mutual assistance in accomplishing a health-related purpose. In Europe, self-help groups developed out of dissatisfaction with a depersonalised health care system. They successfully complement existing social and health services but cannot be instrumentalized to improve health outcomes while reducing health expenditure. In South Asia, with its hierarchical society, instrumental approaches towards self-help prevail in Non-governmental Organizations and government. The utility of this approach is limited as selfhelp groups are unlikely to be sustainable and effective when steered from outside. Self-help groups are typical for individualistic societies with developed health care systems – they are less suitable for hierarchical societies with unmet demand for regulated health care. We conclude that self-help groups can help to achieve some degree of synergy between health care providers and users but cannot be prescribed to partially replace government health services in low-income countries, thereby reducing health care expenditure and ensuring equity in health care.
TL;DR: Combined treatment of SOV and TSP with lower dose of TSP prevented the development of hyperglycemia and alteration in lipid profile in plasma and tissues and maintained it near normal.
Abstract: Sodium-orthovanadate (SOV) and seed powder of Trigonella foenum graecum Linn. (common name: fenugreek, family: Fabaceae) (TSP) besides being potential hypoglycemic agents have also been shown to ameliorate altered lipid metabolism during diabetes. This study evaluates the short-term effect of oral administration of SOV and TSP separately and in concert (for 21 days) on total lipid profile and lipogenic enzymes in tissues of alloxan diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed 4-fold increase in blood glucose. The level of total lipids, triglycerides and total cholesterol in blood serum increased significantly during diabetes. During diabetes the level of total lipids increased significantly (P < 0.001) in liver and in kidney by 48% and 55%, respectively, compared to control. Triglycerides level increased by 32% (P < 0.01) in liver and by 51% (P < 0.005) in kidney, respectively, compared to control. Total cholesterol level also increased significantly in both liver and kidney (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The activities of NADP-linked enzymes; namely glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), malic enzyme (ME), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), and the activities of lipogenic enzymes namely ATP-citrate lyase (ATP-CL) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were decreased significantly in liver and increased in kidney during diabetes as compared to control. SOV and TSP administration to diabetic animals prevented the development of hyperglycemia and alteration in lipid profile in plasma and tissues and maintained it near normal. Maximum prevention was observed in the combined treatment with lower dose of SOV (0.2%) after 21 days. We are presenting for the first time effectiveness of combined treatment of SOV and TSP in amelioration of altered lipid metabolism during experimental type-I diabetes.
TL;DR: Spirulina fusiformis given by oral route to mice at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1) significantly inhibit the genotoxicity induced by cisplatin and urethane.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors study the kinetics of domain growth in ferromagnets with random exchange interactions and present detailed Monte Carlo results for the nonconserved random-bond Ising model, which are consistent with power law growth with a variable exponent.
Abstract: We study the kinetics of domain growth in ferromagnets with random exchange interactions. We present detailed Monte Carlo results for the nonconserved random-bond Ising model, which are consistent with power law growth with a variable exponent. These results are interpreted in the context of disorder barriers with a logarithmic dependence on the domain size. Further, we clarify the implications of logarithmic barriers for both nonconserved and conserved domain growth.
TL;DR: Solid waste waste is often disposed-off by the roadsides, low lying areas, abandoned quarries or in landfill sites which are often not properly planned, thus posing potential risk to ground and surface water quality to millions of peopleliving downstream.
Abstract: Solid waste samples were collected from five small-scale industrial sites inthe National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. These industrial sitesrepresent the regional spread of the industrial belt in the NCT of Delhi.Solid waste samples were digested using aqua-regia and HF in air tightteflon bombs for the quantitative analysis of heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Mn,Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn) by GBC model 902 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Hgwas analysed using hydrid generator attachment. Beside this sequentialextraction was used to fractionate five heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cd, Cu and Zn)into six operationally defined phases, viz. water soluble, exchangeable,carbonate-bound, Fe-Mn oxides, organic-bound and residual fractions toascertain the relative mobility of these metals. The result obtained showedmetal concentration to be in the range of Hg 0.42–2.3; Pb 23–530; Cd0.14–224; Mn 494–19 964; Fe 35 684–233 119; Ni 192–1534; Cu 3065–10 144and Zn 116–23 321 (all units in mg kg-1) in all the industrialareas studied. The fractionated toxic metals like Pb, Ni and Cd wereobserved to be in the range of 25–35, 15–50 and 40–50%, respectively,in mobile or bio-available fractions of solid waste. As this waste isoften disposed-off by the roadsides, low lying areas, abandoned quarriesor in landfill sites which are often not properly planned, thus posingpotential risk to ground and surface water quality to millions of peopleliving downstream.
TL;DR: A study of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in Indian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients was conducted over a period of 15 months and revealed that 75% of the HIV/AIDS patients had OPC.
Abstract: was conducted over a period of 15 months. This study revealed that 75% of the HIV/AIDS patients had OPC. MIC testing revealed that 5% of the Candida isolates were fluconazole resistant. A correlation between CD4-T-cell counts and development of OPC in HIV/AIDS patients was also observed. Molecular typing of C. albicans isolates showed that all were genetically unrelated. Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) was at the top of the list of opportunistic infections in Indian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients before the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (1, 20, 27, 33). Although the incidences of opportunistic infection have been reduced around the globe by highly active antiretroviral therapy, the situation remains the same in most developing countries, including India, where patients can hardly afford this treatment. World Health Organization predictions have put India as one of the biggest repositories of HIV/AIDS patients in the coming decades (38, 39). In order to get an insight into the present scenario of OPC in an Indian hospital, in the present prospective study, an attempt was made to characterize the Candida species isolated from OPC over a period of 15 months in HIV/AIDS patients, mainly to know (i) the spectrum of isolates and (ii) its in vitro pattern of susceptibility to fluconazole (FLC), a common antifungal used for prophylaxis and treatment of OPC. In addition, the genetic relatedness of the isolates was also investigated to get some idea about the primary source of infection. All of the isolates included in this study were collected from 125 randomly selected HIV/AIDS patients. Whereas 100 patients showed clinical signs of OPC, 25 patients reported discomfort or pain during chewing. All of them were attending the clinic as outpatients of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, from December 1999 to March 2001. These patients were attending the clinic for the first time and had no history of prior treatment with antifungal and antiretroviral drugs. Samples were collected with two sterile cotton swabs. One swab was used to detect the presence of any yeast by Gram staining, and the other was used to test growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar slants containing 2 g of gentamicin per ml and 0.5% cycloheximide. In the case of positive growth, yeast identification was done by conventional methods. The method used was the germ tube production test, which was done by inoculation of a single colony into 0.5 ml of horse serum, followed by incubation at 37°C for 2 h. Morphology testing for the presence of chlamydospores, pseudohyphae, true mycelium, and blastospore arrangement was done on corn meal agar. An enzymatic triphenyl tetrazolium chloride reduction test was performed in which each Candida species grows with a distinct texture and color. For further characterization, each isolate was subjected to carbohydrate assimilation and fermentation tests (2, 3). To differentiate Candida albicans from C. dubliniensis, all C. albicans isolates (confirmed by conventional methods) were subjected to growth at 45°C and a Tween 80 opacity test (13, 31). Out of 100 samples, 75 were found to be positive for Candida species infection by direct microscopy and culture. This value (75% positive) is lower than that reported (90%) in western populations (5, 10, 23, 35), and one can speculate that the Candida carriage rate in the Indian population is probably lower. Species identification revealed that C. albicans (86%) was the most predominant species; as reported earlier (20), a small percentage of other species has also been identified, i.e., C. parapsilosis (8%) and C. glabrata and C. krusei (3%). The most interesting fact is that C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis were not isolated. This is a surprising observation in view of reports from developed countries, where non-C. albicans candidiasis is a major problem in HIV/AIDS patients (9, 11, 12, 18, 19). Antifungal drug prophylaxis is rarely practiced in India, and this may be the reason for this observation. Currently, the most widely used drug for treating candidiasis is FLC (16, 17, 24, 28, 36). In vitro FLC susceptibility testing of all of the isolates was done by microdilution susceptibility assay (22). More than 93% of the Candida isolates were found to be susceptible, with MICs of 8 g/ml; 2% were found to be dose-dependently susceptible, with MICs of 16 to 32 g/ml; and only 5% (two isolates of C. albicans and one each of C. glabrata and C. krusei) were found to be resistant, with MICs of 64 g/ml. The resistant strains (5%) were from patients who never took FLC. These resistant isolates can be described as primarily or intrinsically resistant strains. It is