Genetic risk assessment in hookah smokers

The genotoxic effect of hookah smoke was investigated on somatic chromosomes of 35 occupationally nonexposed male hookah smokers. These were compared with an equal number of nonsmokers matched with respect to age, sex, drug intake, if any, and socio-economic status. The mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and satellite associations (SA) were analysed. All the parameters showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the smokers compared with control individuals, viz MI, 3.88-5.41; CA, 0.94-2.22; SCE, 3.59-5.66; and SA, 5.2-8.65. A distinct time and dose effect relationship was observed. Hookah smoke is thus, both clastogenic and genotoxic for human beings.     

Discrete analysis of plasma oxalate with alkylamine glass bound sorghum oxalate oxidase and horseradish peroxidase

We have reported a simple method of determination of plasma oxalate using a Cl(-) and NO(3)(-) insensitive oxalate oxidase purified from grain sorghum leaf and commercially available peroxidase from horseradish [Pundir et al., Ind. J. Biochem. Biophys., 35 (1998) 120-122]. The present report describes the immobilization of both the enzymes onto alkylamine glass, their kinetic properties and application for discrete analysis of plasma oxalate. In the analytic method, H(2)O(2) generated from plasma oxalate by immobilized oxalate oxidase is measured colorimetrically at 520 nm by oxidative coupling with 4-aminophenazone, and phenol catalyzed by immobilized peroxidase. The minimum detection limit of the method is 2.5 micromol/l. Analytic recovery of added oxalate in plasma was 89. 5+/-4.1% (mean+/-S.D.). The within and between day CV for plasma oxalate measurement were <9.37 and <11.0%, respectively. The normal range of plasma oxalate as measured by the present method was 3.6 to 5.7 micromol/l. The method is not only free from interference by plasma Cl(-) and NO(3)(-) but also provides the reuse of glass beads and thus reduces the cost of analysis for routine.     

Rapid in vitro propagation of Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro – an edible fern

A rapid and efficient in vitro plant regeneration method was developed for Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro (Ostrich fern). Side shoots, originating in meristems of sectioned rhizomes, were used as explant material. A very high rate of meristem multiplication was achieved by culturing the explants in half-strength MS liquid medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l N-(4-Pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (4-PU) and 0.5 mg/l thidiazuron (TDZ). Multiplication of the shoot primordia was faster in suspension culture than on solid medium. Rhizogenesis and growth of regenerants were best achieved on hormone-free one-quarter-strength MS solid medium amended with 0.4% agar and 1.0% activated charcoal. Regenerated plantlets continued to grow after transfer to soil in a phytotron. Received: 19 March 1998 / Revision received: 17 July 1998 / Accepted: 3 August 1998     

Proteomic analysis of oil body membrane proteins accompanying the onset of desiccation phase during sunflower seed development

A noteworthy metabolic signature accompanying oil body (OB) biogenesis during oilseed development is associated with the modulation of the oil body membranes proteins. Present work focuses on 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE)-based analysis of the temporal changes in the OB membrane proteins analyzed by LC-MS/MS accompanying the onset of desiccation (20–30 d after anthesis; DAA) in the developing seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Protein spots unique to 20–30 DAA stages were picked up from 2-D gels for identification and the identified proteins were categorized into 7 functional classes. These include proteins involved in energy metabolism, reactive oxygen scavenging, proteolysis and protein turnover, signaling, oleosin and oil body biogenesis-associated proteins, desiccation and cytoskeleton. At 30 DAA stage, exclusive expressions of enzymes belonging to energy metabolism, desiccation and cytoskeleton were evident which indicated an increase in the metabolic and enzymatic activity in the cells at this stage of seed development (seed filling). Increased expression of cruciferina-like protein and dehydrin at 30 DAA stage marks the onset of desiccation. The data has been analyzed and discussed to highlight desiccation stage-associated metabolic events during oilseed development.     

Structure and Genetic Diversity of Natural Populations of Morus alba in the Trans-Himalayan Ladakh Region

Sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers were used to assess the genetic structure in three natural populations of Morus alba from trans-Himalaya. Multilocation sampling was conducted across 14 collection sites. The overall genetic diversity estimates were high: percentage polymorphic loci 89.66%, Nei’s gene diversity 0.2286, and Shannon’s information index 0.2175. At a regional level, partitioning of variability assessed using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), revealed 80% variation within and 20% among collection sites. Pattern appeared in STRUCTURE, BARRIER, and AMOVA, clearly demonstrating gene flow between the Indus and Suru populations and a geographic barrier between the Indus-Suru and Nubra populations, which effectively hinders gene flow. The results showed significant genetic differentiation, population structure, high to restricted gene flow, and high genetic diversity. The assumption that samples collected from the three valleys represent three different populations does not hold true. The fragmentation present in trans-Himalaya was more natural and less anthropogenic.     

Anthropometric characteristics of Indian cycle rickshaw pullers

In India, about 0.86 million people is engaged in pulling cycle rickshaws as occupation. There is no anthropometric data of cycle rickshaw pullers although data is available for Indian population. The objective of the study was to collect anthropometric data of the cycle rickshaw pullers so that these could be utilized for redesigning a cycle rickshaw. Anthropometric data for 34 body measurements were recorded from 880 rickshaw pullers (age 18 to 66 years) of four different places in India. The mean values of different standing heights, different lengths and breadths of cycle rickshaw pullers were significantly lower compared with Indian population. However, there was no significant difference in erect sitting height. The outcome of the research project is beneficial for the manufacturers of cycle rickshaws and similar products well as users of such products, including rickshaw pullers. The manufacturers would be able to use the data for fabricating newer models of cycle rickshaws which would be more compatible for rickshaw pullers as well as passengers.     

Isolation and characterization of alkalotolerant bacteria and optimization of process parameters for decolorization and detoxification of pulp and paper mill effluent by Taguchi approach

Four different bacterial strains were isolated from pulp and paper mill sludge in which one alkalotolerant isolate (LP1) having higher capability to remove color and lignin, was identified as Bacillus sp. by 16S RNA sequencing. Optimization of process parameters for decolorization was initially performed to select growth factors which were further substantiated by Taguchi approach in which seven factors, % carbon, % black liquor, duration, pH, temperature, stirring and inoculum size, at two levels, applying L-8 orthogonal array were taken. Maximum color was removed at pH 8, temperature 35°C, stirring 200 rpm, sucrose (2.5%), 48 h, 5% (w/v) inoculum size and 10% black liquor. After optimization 2-fold increase in color and lignin removal from 25–69% and 28–53%, respectively, indicated significance of Taguchi approach in decolorization and delignification of lignin in pulp and paper mill effluent. Enzymes involved in the process of decolorization of effluent were found to be xylanase (54 U/ml) and manganese peroxidase (28 U/ml). Treated effluent was also evaluated for toxicity by Comet assay using Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 36 as model organism, which indicated 58% reduction after treatment by bacterium.