Sequence variation in the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene of human parainfluenza virus type 3 isolates in the UK

The sequence variation in a 934 base-pair region of the gene encoding the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase of five human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) isolates was determined together with that of a prototype UK strain. All of the clinical isolates were from the Manchester area of the UK and were obtained in 1990. 1991 and 1993. The gene segment was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using HPIVB-specific oligonucleotide primers. The nucleotide homology of the strains was high, around 99% and specific differences in the UK sequences when compared with that of the US prototype strain were identified. In addition, a number of isolate-specific differences were seen. No correlation was detected between the observed nucleotide mutations and the year of isolation, which supports the hypothesis that HPIV3 shows cocirculation of a heterogeneous population of viruses rather than varying with time in a linear fashion. However, the data suggested that geographically-defined genetic lineages of HPIV3 may exist

Estimation of alkaloid content of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) with HPLC methods

Withania somnifera (Family; Solanaceae) is commonly known as Ashwagandha and is used in traditionally system of medicine since long time. Many compounds have been reported from the root part of the plant. In present study, comparative evaluation of microbial consortium and uninoculated control plant root collected from different geographically sources was done by HPLC. Methanol soluble root extract of the plant was subjected to Column chromatography to isolate and purify the phyto-constituents which can be termed as markers. Three compounds were isolated and purified. Compounds were characterized as withanone and withaferin-A. The third compound was found to be impure. Novel HPLC methods were developed for assessment of purity, for standardization and for estimation of the compounds. Simplicity of isolation and HPLC analysis for the compounds suggests that the compounds may be termed as markers for the standardization of the methanol extracts and preparations containing Withania somnifera

Effect of microbial consortium on plant growth and improvement of alkaloid content in Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

The effect of microbial consortium consisting Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) like Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and Bacillus were tested separately and in combination on Withania somnifera for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010). The combinations of above mentioned PGPR strains significantly increased plant height, root length, and alkaloid content in Withania somnifera when compared to the uninoculated control. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) exhibit direct and indirect mechanisms as plant growth promoters and biological control agents. Direct mechanism by PGPR, include the provision of bio-available phosphorus for plant uptake, nitrogen fixation for plant. The results of this study suggest that the PGPR applied in combination have the potential to increase the plant growth, alkaloid content of Withania somnifera

Midgut microbiota of the malaria mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae and Interactions with plasmodium falciparum Infection

The susceptibility of Anopheles mosquitoes to Plasmodium infections relies on complex interactions between the insect vector and the malaria parasite. A number of studies have shown that the mosquito innate immune responses play an important role in controlling the malaria infection and that the strength of parasite clearance is under genetic control, but little is known about the influence of environmental factors on the transmission success. We present here evidence that the composition of the vector gut microbiota is one of the major components that determine the outcome of mosquito infections. A. gambiae mosquitoes collected in natural breeding sites from Cameroon were experimentally challenged with a wild P. falciparum isolate, and their gut bacterial content was submitted for pyrosequencing analysis. The meta-taxogenomic approach revealed a broader richness of the midgut bacterial flora than previously described. Unexpectedly, the majority of bacterial species were found in only a small proportion of mosquitoes, and only 20 genera were shared by 80% of individuals. We show that observed differences in gut bacterial flora of adult mosquitoes is a result of breeding in distinct sites, suggesting that the native aquatic source where larvae were grown determines the composition of the midgut microbiota. Importantly, the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae in the mosquito midgut correlates significantly with the Plasmodium infection status. This striking relationship highlights the role of natural gut environment in parasite transmission. Deciphering microbe-pathogen interactions offers new perspectives to control disease transmission.Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement (IRD); French Agence Nationale pour la Recherche [ANR-11-BSV7-009-01]; European Community [242095, 223601]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Protective Efficacy of Menthol Propylene Glycol Carbonate Compared to N, N-diethyl-Methylbenzamide Against Mosquito Bites in Northern Tanzania.

The reduction of malaria parasite transmission by preventing human-vector contact is critical in lowering disease transmission and its outcomes. This underscores the need for effective and long lasting arthropod/insect repellents. Despite the reduction in malaria transmission and outcomes in Tanzania, personal protection against mosquito bites is still not well investigated. This study sought to determine the efficacy of menthol propylene glycol carbonate (MR08), Ocimum suave as compared to the gold standard repellent N, N-diethyl-methylbenzamide (DEET), either as a single dose or in combination (blend), both in the laboratory and in the field against Anopheles gambiae s.l and Culex quinquefasciatus. In the laboratory evaluations, repellents were applied on one arm while the other arm of the same individual was treated with a base cream. Each arm was separately exposed in cages with unfed female mosquitoes. Repellents were evaluated either as a single dose or as a blend. Efficacy of each repellent was determined by the number of mosquitoes that landed and fed on treated arms as compared to the control or among them. In the field, evaluations were performed by human landing catches at hourly intervals from 18:00  hr to 01:00  hr. A total of 2,442 mosquitoes were collected during field evaluations, of which 2,376 (97.30%) were An. gambiae s.l while 66 (2.70%) were Cx. quinquefaciatus. MR08 and DEET had comparatively similar protective efficacy ranging from 92% to 100 for both single compound and blends. These findings indicate that MR08 has a similar protective efficacy as DEET for personal protection outside bed nets when used singly and in blends. Because of the personal protection provided by MR08, DEET and blends as topical applicants in laboratory and field situations, these findings suggest that, these repellents could be used efficiently in the community to complement existing tools. Overall, Cx. quinquefasciatus were significantly prevented from blood feeding compared to An. gambiae s.l. The incorporation of these topical repellents for protection against insect bites can be of additional value in the absence or presence of IRS and ITNs coverage. However, a combination of both the physical (bed nets) and the repellent should be used in an integrated manner for maximum protection, especially before going to bed. Additional research is needed to develop repellents with longer duration of protection

Effectiveness of foot reflexology on the level of depression among elderly persons at selected old age homes, Salem

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of foot reflexology on depression among elderly persons at selected old age homes, Salem. Pre experimental (One group pre-test and post-test) design was adopted. Setting of this study was at Vallalar oldage home and Tambras old age home at Salem. 30 samples were drawn through purposive sampling technique. Depression was assessed by geriatric depression scale through structured interview schedule. Foot reflexology was given for 15 consecutive days. Post-test was done at the 21st day of intervention. The data were collected and analysed by Karl Pearson’s statistical method. The findings revealed that in pre-test 20(70%), samples had moderate level of depression and 10 (30%) of elderly persons had mild level of depression. During post-test 15 (50%) of the elderly persons had moderate level of depression and 15 (50%) of the elderly persons had mild level of depression. The comparison of pre-test and post-test level of depression among elderly persons reveals that, in the pre-test mean score is 9.56±1.46 and in the post-test mean score is 8.03±1.58. The mean difference is 1.53. The calculated value 12.234 is highly significant than the table value 2.76. This shows that foot reflexology was effective in reducing level of depression among elderly person at

Guidelines for DNA recombination and repair studies: Cellular assays of DNA repair pathways

Understanding the plasticity of genomes has been greatly aided by assays for recombination, repair and mutagenesis. These assays have been developed in microbial systems that provide the advantages of genetic and molecular reporters that can readily be manipulated. Cellular assays comprise genetic, molecular, and cytological reporters. The assays are powerful tools but each comes with its particular advantages and limitations. Here the most commonly used assays are reviewed, discussed, and presented as the guidelines for future studies.European Research Council ERC2014-ADG669898 TARLOOPMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad BFU2016-75058-PJunta de Andalucía BIO123