Dermoid cysts in camels

In our experience the camel (Camelus dromedarius) seems to be affected more commonly by dermoid cysts as compared to other cutaneous cysts. However, apart from one reference (Monteverde, 1935), the dermoid cyst has not been reported in the camel. This report documents dermoid cysts in identical locations in 11 camels with two camels having bilateral dermoid cysts at the similar site.     

Dietary intake and the insulin-like growth factor system: effects of migration in two related populations in India and Britain with markedly different dietary intake

BACKGROUND: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: We report the effects of total energy intake on the IGF system in two populations with markedly different dietary macronutrient intake and cardiovascular event rate. DESIGN, SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Dietary macronutrient intake was measured in a specific Gujarati migrant community in Sandwell, UK (n=205) compared with people still resident in the same villages of origin in India (n=246). Fasting IGF-I, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and IGFBP-3, insulin and glucose (0 and 2-hour) were measured. RESULTS: Total energy and total fat intake were higher in UK migrants, as were IGFBP-3 and IGF-I (mean (95% confidence interval): 145.9 (138.1-153.6) vs. 100.9 (94.6-107.3) ng ml(-1); F=76.6, P<0.001). IGFBP-1 was lower in UK migrants (29.5 (25.9-33.0) vs. 56.5 (50.6-62.5) microg l(-1); F=48.4, P<0.001). At both sites, IGF-I correlated positively with total energy (Spearman's rho=0.45, P<0.001) and total fat (rho=0.44, P<0.001) as did IGFBP-3 with total energy (rho=0.21, P<0.05) and fat (rho=0.26, P<0.001). Conversely, in Indian Gujaratis, IGFBP-1 fell with increasing total energy (rho=-0.27, P<0.001) and fat intake (rho=-0.26, P<0.01) but not in UK Gujaratis. Multiple linear regression modelling showed that increasing quartiles of fat intake were associated with higher IGF-I (beta=0.42, P=0.007) independent of age, body mass index, plasma insulin, fatty acids and 2-hour glucose. CONCLUSION: In these genetically similar groups, migration to the UK and adoption of a different diet is associated with marked changes in the IGF system, suggesting that environmental factors profoundly modulate serum concentrations and actions of IGFs.     

CX3CR1-mediated dendritic cell access to the intestinal lumen and bacterial clearance

Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are critical to innate and adaptive immunity to the intestinal bacterial microbiota. Here, we identify a myeloid-derived mucosal DC in mice, which populates the entire lamina propria of the small intestine. Lamina propria DCs were found to depend on the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 to form transepithelial dendrites, which enable the cells to directly sample luminal antigens. CX3CR1 was also found to control the clearance of entero-invasive pathogens by DCs. Thus, CX3CR1-dependent processes, which control host interactions of specialized DCs with commensal and pathogenic bacteria, may regulate immunological tolerance and inflammation.     

Hemagglutination assay for antigen and antibody associated with viral hepatitis

Hemagglutination assays are described for measuring hepatitis-associated Australia antigen and antibody. Red cells coated with isolated antigen, with chromic chloride as a coupling agent, are used for detection of antibodies. Detection of the antigen in serums depends on inhibition of hemagglutination. The test has the sensitivity and rapidity of the best tests available, is simpler to perform, and lends itself to large-scale screening of blood donors.     

Sugar and signal-transducer binding sites of the Escherichia coli galactose chemoreceptor protein

D-galactose-binding (or chemoreceptor) protein of Escherichia coli serves as an initial component for both chemotaxis towards galactose and glucose and high-affinity active transport of the two sugars. Well-refined x-ray structures of the liganded forms of the wild-type and a mutant protein isolated from a strain defective in chemotaxis but fully competent in transport have provided a molecular view of the sugar-binding site and of a site for interacting with the Trg transmembrane signal transducer. The geometry of the sugar-binding site, located in the cleft between the two lobes of the bilobate protein, is novel in that it is designed for tight binding and sequestering of either the alpha or beta anomer of the D-stereoisomer of the 4-epimers galactose and glucose. Binding specificity and affinity are conferred primarily by polar planar side-chain residues that form intricate networks of cooperative and bidentate hydrogen bonds with the sugar substrates, and secondarily by aromatic residues that sandwich the pyranose ring. Each of the pairs of anomeric hydroxyls and epimeric hydroxyls is recognized by a distinct Asp residue. The site for interaction with the transducer is about 18 A from the sugar-binding site. Mutation of Gly74 to Asp at this site, concomitant with considerable changes in the local ordered water structures, contributes to the lack of productive interaction with the transmembrane signal transducer.     

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle Using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats

ABSTRACT

Genetic variation was studied in threatened natural populations of Feronia limonia (Rutaceae). Samples were collected from 3 populations located in the Aravalli mountain range of south-east Rajasthan, India. Using 25 Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primer combinations, significant diversity was characterized among the individuals. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed that diversity is partitioned mainly within population components (80%). F statistics showed that low but significant amount of gene flow is taking place between populations (φ_ST = 0.21, P < .001). The study highlights the utility of ISSRs in assessing diversity of populations that are fragmented or limited in size.     

Comparing System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) with standard recommended practices in the northwestern plain zone of India

The practices of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methodology have been extended to wheat and various other crops with reported good results. To assess such reports with respect to wheat, an experiment was conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2011–2012 and 2012–2013. This experiment compared the performance of wheat under System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) and standard recommended practices (SRPs). In 2011–2012, the SWI yield of 7.93 t ha^?1 was 30% higher than for SRP in 2012–2013, climatically a less favorable year, hence SWI performed relatively better with a 46% yield advantage under climate stress. SWI produced 12.5% less in the stressful year, while the reduction for the SRPs ranged from 18% to 31%. Differences in yield attributes and root traits were also observed in favor of SWI. Available N, P, and K in the soil after harvesting was increased with SWI, whereas depletion in nutrients with the SRPs indicated the scope for SWI sustaining soil fertility. Higher yield compensated for higher SWI costs of cultivation. A net return of US$ 1383 ha^?1 was obtained with SWI, 35% more than the US$ 1020 ha^?1 from SRPs. Overall, SWI outperformed the SRPs in terms of yields, climate resilience, and economics.     

Effects of water exchange protocols on water quality,sedimentation rate and production performance of Penaeus monodon in earthen ponds

This study was carried out in farmers' fields to quantify the total water and consumptive water use in grow‐out culture of Penaeus monodon under recommended package of practice with two different water management protocols: T₁, with no water exchange and T₂, with regulated water exchange. Treatment‐wise estimated total water use, was 2.09 and 2.43 ha‐m 122 day^?1, while the computed consumptive water use index (m³ kg^?1 biomass) was 5.35 and 6.02 in T₁ and T₂ respectively. Lower rates of water exchange (T₂) showed significantly improved (P < 0.05) crop performance in terms of performance index (19.75 ± 0.75), production‐size index (74.1 ± 3.4), survival rate (80.13 ± 1.7%) and productivity (2.44 ± 0.08 t) over the zero water exchange. The shrimp pond water quality suitability index (WQSI) infers that regulated water exchange (T₂) improved the overall suitability of water quality for shrimp culture. WQSI up to 90 days of culture ranged between 7.5–9.0 in T₂, needs little management while in the last month of rearing, it was good with moderate management requirements. Treatment‐wise sediment load ranged between 50.4–56.3 m³ t^?1 shrimp biomass. High intensity of water exchange and low apparent feed conversion ratio influenced in lowering the sedimentation rate. Regulated water exchange protocol (T₂) performed well (higher net total water productivity and net consumptive water productivity) against no water exchange (T₁). A higher OV:CC ratio (ratio of the output value to the cost of cultivation) indicated that T₂ had a distinct edge over the T₁ protocol.