Carrageenans from Red Seaweeds As Promoters of Growth and Elicitors of Defense Response in Plants

Plants incessantly encounter abiotic and biotic stresses that limit their growth and productivity. However, conversely, plant growth can also be induced by treatments with various abiotic and biotic elicitors. Carrageenans are sulfated linear polysaccharides that represent major cellular constituents of seaweeds belonging to red algae (Rhodophyta). Recent research has unraveled the biological activity of carrageenans and of their oligomeric forms, the oligo carrageenans (OCs), as promoters of plant growth and as elicitors of defense responses against pests and diseases. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which carrageenans and OCs mediate plant growth and plant defense responses. Carrageenans and OCs improve plant growth by regulating various metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and ancillary pathways, cell division, purine and pyrimidine synthetic pathways as well as metabolic pathways involved in nitrogen and sulfur assimilation. Carrageenans and OCs also induce plant defense responses against viroids, viruses, bacteria, fungi and insects by modulating the activity of different defense pathways, including salicylate, jasmonate and ethylene signaling pathways. Further studies will likely substantiate the beneficial effects of carrageenans and of OCs on plant growth and plant defense responses and open new avenues for their use in agriculture and horticultural industry

Feasibility Study of an Electrodialysis System for In-Home Water Desalination and Purification in Urban India

Desalination of high salinity water is an effective way of improving the aesthetic quality of drinking water and has been demonstrated to be a characteristic valued by consumers. Across India, 60% of the groundwater, the primary water source for millions, is brackish or contains a high salt content with total dissolved solids (TDS) ranging from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 3,000ppm. The government does not provide sufficient desalination treatment before the water reaches the tap of a consumer. Therefore consumers have turned to in-home desalination. However, current products are either expensive or have low recovery, product water output per untreated feed water, (∼30%) wasting water resources. Electrodialysis (ED) is a promising technology that desalinates water while maintaining higher recovery (up to 95%) compared to existing consumer reverse osmosis (RO) products. This paper first explores the in-home desalination market to determine critical design requirements for an in-home ED system. A model was then used to evaluate and optimize the performance of an ED stack at this scale and designated salinity range. Additionally, testing was conducted in order to validate the model and demonstrate feasibility. Finally, cost estimates of the proposed in-home ED system and product design concept are presented. The results of this work identified a system design that provides consumers with up to 80% recovery of feed water with cost and size competitive to currently available in-home RO products

GENE EXPRESSION DURING IMIDACLOPRID-INDUCED HORMESIS IN GREEN PEACH APHID

Imidacloprid-induced hormesis in the form of stimulated reproduction has previously been reported in green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. Changes in gene expression accompanying this hormetic response have not been previously investigated. In this study, expression of stress response (Hsp60), dispersal (OSD, TOL and ANT), and developmental (FPPS I) genes were examined for two generations during imidacloprid-induced reproductive stimulation in M. persicae. Global DNA methylation was also measured to test the hypothesis that changes in gene expression are heritable. At hormetic concentrations, down-regulation of Hsp60 was followed by up-regulation of this gene in the subsequent generation. Likewise, expression of dispersal-related genes and FPPS I varied with concentration, life stage, and generation. These results indicate that reproductive hormesis in M. persicae is accompanied by a complex transgenerational pattern of up- and down-regulation of genes that likely reflects trade-offs in gene expression and related physiological processes during the phenotypic dose-response. Moreover, DNA methylation in second generation M. persicae occurred at higher doses than in first-generation aphids, suggesting that heritable adaptability to low doses of the stressor might have occurred

A Comparative Study on Low Dose Intrathecal Ropivacaine alone with Ropivacaine and Sufentanil in Labor Analgesia

INTRODUCTION: “For all the happiness Mankind can gain is not in pleasure but in rest from pain" - JOHN DRYDEN. Pain derived from the Latin word “poena” which means punishment. In ancient times, Pain was considered as punishment from god. Labor is an extremely painful process. Being a natural process, women have accepted labor pain as a normal one. Traditionally a number of techniques have been employed to provide labor analgesia. Epidural analgesia, either continuous or intermittent boluses, is considered to be the gold standard in labor analgesia due to the long duration of labor. Traditionally only high doses of local anaesthetics were used. Though they provide excellent pain relief, they produce an unacceptable high level of motor blockade which impairs the parturient’s ability to bear down during labor, resulting in prolonged labor. Lower doses of local anaesthetics by themselves are inadequate. The technique of spinal analgesia in labor pain relief was a setback due to the shorter duration of analgesia. The newer technique of combined spinal-epidural analgesia is a major breakthrough in labor analgesia. Current obstetric practice aiming to provide effective pain relief, led Collins and colleagues to popularize the combined spinal-epidural technique for labor analgesia. These techniques involved an initial intrathecal injection of a local anaesthetic with an opioid (Fentanyl) to establish analgesia and subsequent epidural injections to maintain analgesia. The doses of drugs involved were such that ambulation was possible. The discovery of opioid receptors in spinal analgesia provides an interesting option. Opioid agonists selectively block pain impulses but leave the motor system unaffected. The doses for central neuraxial blockade are also very little when compared to parenteral routes and does not result in significant respiratory depression both to the mother and the fetus. Since opioids and local anaesthetics act at different sites, their combination provides a synergistic effect permitting to use lesser concentration of both. When used in such low doses the individual side effects are minimized while maximizing the desired effects. Ropivacaine, a newer local anaesthetics which has been shown to cause less intense motor blockade and less cardiotoxic is rapidly evolving as local anaesthetic of choice in labor analgesia as well as in post operative analgesia. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic and the motor sparing effect of low dose intrathecal Ropivacaine 3mg with or without sufentanil 10μg as a part of CSE labor analgesia. Efficacy, Duration of analgesia, sensory blockade and fetal effects were studied in detail. AIM: To compare the effect of low dose intrathecal Ropivacaine alone with Ropivacaine and Sufentanil in providing labor analgesia. The parameters that were analysed include: 1. The analgesic and the motor sparing effect of low dose intrathecal Ropivacaine alone and with sufentanil in labor analgesia. 2. Maternal and fetal outcomes. 3. Safety and patient comfort. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Prior approval was obtained from the ethics committee of Stanley Medical College and Hospital & RSRM Lying in Hospital for the study. Forty parturients who were admitted to the labor ward andwho requested pain relief during labor were selected for the study. The procedure was explained to them in detail and written consent was obtained from them. Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients in early active labor (Cervical dilatation 3-5 cms) 9 2. Patients belonging to ASA I. 3. Only primigravida patients with singleton pregnancy were included in the study. 4. Vertex presentation. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with medical or systemic disorders. 2. Patients with obstetric complications (PIH, GDM, Eclampsia, etc.) 3. Presentation other than vertex 4. Any contraindications for Central Neuraxial Blockade. 5. Patients who have already received parenteral opioids or systemic analgesics. 6. Patients with known allergy to local anaesthetics. RESULTS: The study was conducted in Government RSRM Lying-in Hospital during 2006. Forty patients in active labour (Cervical dilatation 3-5 cms)9 who requested analgesia were chosen and randomly assigned to either of the two groups : R-Group (Ropivacaine) : Recieved intrathecal Ropivacaine 3mg as part of CSE, followed by epidural top-ups with bupivacaine 0.0625% and fentanyl 1.5μg/ml. RS-Group (Ropivacaine with Sufentanil) : Recieved intrathecal Ropivacaine 3mg with Sufentanil 10 μg as part of CSE, followed by epidural top-ups with bupivacaine 0.0625% and fentanyl 1.5μg/ml for standardization. The study commenced at the intrathecal injection and completed with the patients first request for analgesia. The above stated period alone was taken for statistical analysis, using students t-test, Chi-Square tests, fischer tests. Since some of the cases end earlier, the datas were taken for analysis upto 45 mins duration, though all the parameters were monitored till the delivery of the baby. SUMMARY: In my study, parturients in both the groups had effective pain relief and gave more satisfaction because of the earlier onset of analgesia thus Ropivacaine, a useful local anaesthetic in labor analgesia. Motor blockade was nil in both the groups, making Ropivacaine, an effective drug in central neuraxial analgesia, especially in settings where ambulation should be retained, such as analgesia during labor or outpatient anaesthesia. The duration of analgesia was prolonged(mean 93.25 mins in RS-group vs mean 47.6 mins in R-group) when sufentanil is added intrathecally as an additive providing better pain relief, although no statistical difference between the groups in patients satisfaction. Maternal and fetal outcomes were also favourable. Complications were only few, minor and easily manageable with just reassurance. The technique doesnot pose any additional difficulty. CONCLUSION: In my study, I conclude low dose intrathecal Ropivacaine(3 mg as 0.2% solution) provides effective and rapid pain relief ,and doesnot impair the motor function. Thus ambulation is made easy in CSE labour analgesia, without imposing any significant impact on the hemodynamics, mode of delivery, duration of labor or fetal outcome. Hence low dose intrathecal Ropivacaine is a safe drug in CSE labor analgesia. And when combined with sufentanil the quality and duration of intrathecal analgesia is much better (almost twice the duration) with minimal side effects. Low dose intrathecal Ropivacaine with Sufentanil provides safe and satisfactory labor analgesia and can be used in all parturients who request labor pain relief. Providing pain relief to laboring parturients will surely be a gratifying experience for the anaesthesiologists

Prediction of outcome in patients with sepsis using C-reactive protein and apache II scoring system

The word sepsis originated from the old Greek word meaning “PUTREFACTION”.Nowadays this term is used to describe the host systemic response to infectious stimuli that is characterized by clinical, hemodynamic,biochical and inflammatory responses.Increasing understanding of various inflammatory cascade mechanisms has given new insights and provided several markers that,in conjunction with other manifestation of sepsis can be useful as indicators of infection.C-Reactive protein is one such marker. Many biochemical markers and clinical scoring systems are used to assess the severity and outcome of sepsis.CRP levels are widely used as a relative non-specific marker of inflammation.The level of CRP will be correlated with the prognosis of a patient with sepsis.Prognostic indexes have been developed for estimating hospital mortality rates for patients hospitalized in ICU,based on demographic, physiological and clinical data.The most frequently used indices is APACHE II Scoring system.Both scoring systems and CRP levels were significantly higher in the nonsurvivors when compared with the survivors.Nonsurvivors had significantly higher CRP levels.The relationship between the CRP levels and APACHE II score indicates that both these parameters are useful indicators of severity and prognosis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the prognostic outcome of patients with sepsis by using both the scoring system(APACHE II) and Acute phase reactant(CRP) MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study 50 patients with sepsis who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from the medical wards and ICU in the institute of internal medicine. Serum CRP and APACHE II score were checked at the time of admission and 48 hours after admission by using immunoturbidometric method and score calculator. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: In our study, it was observed that CRP and APACHE II were compared at admission.The correlation is statistically significant with the P value of 0.01 with correlation coefficient of 0.63.After 48-72 hours also it is statistically significant with Pvalue of 0.01 and the correlation coefficient of 0.61.Comparision of CRP with smoking, hypertension,diabetes,alcohol are not statistically comparison of CRP with SOFA score also not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study showed a statistically significant correlation between the CRP and APACHE II score on admission and after 48 hours.CRP estimation is an economically,consistent and reproducible test and available in almost every hospital.It is elevates significantly in patient with sepsis and increase according to the severity of the sepsis which could lead to increased predisposition to morbidity and mortality.Mortality of the sepsis is increase with the age of the patient.When using both the scoring system and CRP the prediction of outcome in patients with sepsis is increased.So this study is useful in a way that in future if a patient is admitted with sepsis and having high APACHE II score and CRP levels means the prognosis and outcome of the patient is poor and he/she should be treated with aggressive and appropriate therapy

Orthodontic apps: An assessment of content accuracy and validity

Objective: To assess the content accuracy of orthodontic treatment information in patient-focused apps. Design: A cross-sectional review study. Setting: Orthodontic apps available on the UK Android and Apple App Stores. Methods: Apps identified in a previous research study and those identified via a questionnaire of specialist orthodontists were assessed for accuracy of content utilising an evidence-based checklist. The checklist covered five main orthodontically relevant themes and 32 codes with respective items. Results: The accuracy of information content for 16 patient-focused apps was assessed. Eight apps provided information related to orthodontic treatment and handling emergencies. Five apps were reminder apps and a small number (n = 3) contained games and timers for toothbrushing and aligners. With regard to the accuracy of information content, only two apps contained information across all five themes of the evidence-based checklist. Only one app received a score of ‘fair - excellent’ under the oral hygiene theme; interestingly, this app was the most commonly used patient-focused app. Eight apps containing orthodontic treatment information scored poorly as they had inaccurate information on handling emergency situations. None of the apps were deemed excellent with regard to accuracy of information content. Conclusion: The orthodontic mobile apps assessed in this study mostly contained information of poor accuracy. Therefore, there is a need for high-quality apps with credible information supported by evidence to be developed