Induced abortion potential among Indian women

Information on abortion is limited and inaccurate, especially in the developing world, which has led to speculation on the prevalence of abortion in these regions. A rise in prevalence of abortion is mostly counted in terms of increase in the prevalence of induced abortions which reflects on the reproductive health of women. With the growing concern for the reproductive health of women, the study of abortion has drawn the attention of researchers world-wide. This paper is an attempt to assess the induced abortion potential among Indian women by utilizing information on proportion of unwanted and ill-timed pregnancies obtained through National Family Health Survey, India. This exercise may facilitate a better understanding of the exact prevalence of induced abortion, which necessarily should be less than the estimated potential depending on the levels of unwanted and ill-timed fertility.     

Fertility and patterns of labor force participation among married women

Abstract

Past research has shown that the labor market behavior of wives is discontinuous and affected by family events. Specifically, both cross‐sectional and panel data indicate that fertility decreases the period that a married woman spends working. Each birth appears to decrease labor force participation by one year or more. The present study attempts to specify these effects more completely. The variation in work patterns for each parity progression is examined to determine whether the fertility‐work effect is due to a few women who leave the labor force for an extended period during childbearing or due to a large number of women who have intermittent work histories. The analysis uses a national sample of women who were high school sophomores in 1955 and followed up as adults in 1970 and for whom retrospective data for each of the intervening years were obtained. Only married women with uncomplicated marital histories are included in the present study. We find dramatic evidence for two distinct types of response to childbearing. Women tend either to work almost continuously throughout the period or to drop out of the labor force for a very extended period of time after first birth.     

Fertility preferences among Malaysian women: an analysis of responses to the new population policy

About 10% of 3887 ever-married women included in the 1984-85 Malaysian Population and Family Survey revealed that they were influenced by the new population policy to desire more children than they had originally wanted. These women were more likely to be rural Malays from the lower socioeconomic class. Ideal family size was more than four children. Children are desired for economic benefits and emotional support. The natality of the Malays has risen since 1980: their total fertility rate has increased while their contraceptive prevalence rate has dropped sharply. Coupled with a decline in the crude death rate, the present fertility preferences and behaviour of the Malays will render the target of the population policy more attainable than is reflected by the survey data.     

Complex genetic origin of Indian populations and its implications

Indian populations are classified into various caste, tribe and religious groups, which altogether makes them very unique compared to rest of the world. The long-term firm socio-religious boundaries and the strict endogamy practices along with the evolutionary forces have further supplemented the existing high-level diversity. As a result, drawing definite conclusions on its overall origin, affinity, health and disease conditions become even more sophisticated than was thought earlier. In spite of these challenges, researchers have undertaken tireless and extensive investigations using various genetic markers to estimate genetic variation and its implication in health and diseases. We have demonstrated that the Indian populations are the descendents of the very first modern humans, who ventured the journey of out-of-Africa about 65,000?years ago. The recent gene flow from east and west Eurasia is also evident. Thus, this review attempts to summarize the unique genetic variation among Indian populations as evident from our extensive study among approximately 20,000 samples across India.     

Reduction and S-nitrosation of the neuropeptide oxytocin: implications for its biological function.

Oxytocin (OT; Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-leu-Gly), a posterior pituitary peptide hormone, is characterized by a Cys1-Cys6 disulfide bond in its stable, isolated state. This paper describes a simple, one-step method for the production of OT in its reduced, dithiol form (OT dithiol), free of reducing agent. The effects of temperature, pH, and metal-ion chelators on the autoxidation of OT dithiol were examined to establish if this form is likely to persist under biological conditions. It was found that OT dithiol has a half-life of 1.8h with respect to reformation of OT disulfide at 37 degrees C and pH 6.9 in the presence of the copper chelators, DTPA and neocuproine. S-Nitrosation of OT dithiol by acidified nitrite at pH 3.0 was examined by absorption spectroscopy and HPLC-UV-MS, which revealed that both singly and doubly S-nitrosated OT are formed. These results suggest novel chemical aspects to OT signaling, the biological implications of which are discussed here.     

Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of gastrin-releasing peptide and its receptors: biological implications

The many biological activities of the hormone gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), including stimulation of acid secretion and of tumour growth, are mediated by the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R). Here sequence comparisons are utilised to investigate the likely bioactive regions of the 125 amino acid GRP precursor and of GRP-R. Comparison of the sequences of the GRP precursor from 21 species revealed homology not only in the GRP region between amino acids 1 and 30, but also in C-terminal regions from amino acids 43 to 97. This observation is consistent with recent reports that peptides derived from the C-terminal region are biologically active. Comparison of the GRP-R sequence with the related receptors NMB-R and BRS-3 revealed that the family could be distinguished from other G-protein coupled receptors by the presence of the motif GVSVFTLTALS at the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane helix 3. Comparison of the sequences of the GRP-R from 21 species revealed that the most highly conserved regions occurred in transmembrane helices 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, and in the third intracellular loop. These results will be important in guiding future structure-function studies of the GRP precursor and of GRP receptors.     

Violacein transformation by peroxidases and oxidases: implications on its biological properties

1,3-Dihydro-2H-indol-2-one derivative (violacein) is extracted from Chromobacterium violaceum and presents several biological activities as antibiotic, antitumoral, antichagasic and antioxidant. In order to increase its biological activities and decrease its toxicity, one strategy is to slightly transform the molecules through a specific group transformation. Peroxidases, which are hemoproteins, are known as excellent oxidants producing hydroxylation and ring cleavage. Laccases are phenol oxidases produced by fungi as plants and belong to the oxidase group which complexes copper. This enzyme generates phenolates, quinones and also ring cleavage even in the presence of a mediator as 1-hydroxybenzotriazol (HBT). Lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase (LiP/MnP) pool from Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Horseradish peroxidase (HRP-VI) from horseradish, Lactoperoxidase (LPO) from bovine milk and Laccase (Lac) from Trametes versicolor acting on violacein were studied. Kinetics parameters and products distribution indicated a fast and efficient violacein transformation with all of them. HRP-VI acting on violacein was studied in details and spectral evidence indicated that Horseradish peroxidase compound II was formed during the oxidation reaction. Similar behavior with LiP/MnP pool was observed. Laccase, in the presence and absence of mediator (HBT), also showed a rapid violacein transformation. In a more detailed study with the HRP-VI reaction, a hydroxilation in the indol unit and a ring contraction of the pyrrol moiety of violacein molecule occurred.     

Thiamine dynamics in aquatic ecosystems and its biological implications

Thiamine concentrations were monitored in various organisms ranging from plankton to fish in the Lake Ontario ecosystem. The low concentrations found in most samples indicated thiamine levels were not strongly influenced by the trophic status of an organism. A similar conclusion was indicated from data reported by other studies in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Thiamine is produced by microbes and microalgae, and is acquired by higher trophic level organisms through the diet. The issue of thiamine deficiency in wild fish was also examined. It was concluded that increased dietary consumption of prey containing thiaminase was an important factor that can reduce thiamine levels in higher trophic level species.     

Interaction of beta-lactoglobulin with resveratrol and its biological implications

Beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG), the major whey protein in the milk of ruminants, has a high affinity for a wide range of compounds. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), a natural polyphenolic compound found in grapes and red wine, exhibits many physiological effects associated with health benefits. In this study, the interaction of resveratrol with beta-LG was investigated using circular dichroism, fluorescence and UV-vis absorbance. Self-association of resveratrol possibly occurs at high concentrations. Resveratrol interacts with beta-LG to form 1:1 complexes. Resveratrol is bound to the surface of the protein because beta-LG-bound polyphenol is in a weaker hydrophobic environment relative to 75% ethanol. The binding constant for the resveratrol-beta-LG interaction is between 10(4) and 10(6) M (-1), as determined by protein or polyphenol fluorescence. The beta-LG-resveratrol interaction may compete with self-association of both the polyphenol and the protein. It has no apparent influence on beta-LG secondary structure but partially disrupts tertiary structure. Complexing with beta-LG provides a slight increase in the photostability of resveratrol and a significant increase in its hydrosolubility.     

Cultural continuity and its implications on human evolution: A study from eastern Indian

Evidence of human evolution in India is mainly limited to cultural remains. Despite lack of proper absolute chronology a developmental pattern is established. Present work focuses on a specific region in the state of Orissa, located on eastern plateau region. So far no human fossil remain has been found from this area but there is enough cultural evidence to postulate evolutionary sequence. The earliest cultural remain, rich in Acheulian tradition, is found from the lower gravel bed, dated c. 0.3 myr B.P. on the basis of Toba ash. Then onward cultural evidences are found constantly from subsequent beds. Size diminution and refinement of technology is the hallmark for progress. Celts and polishing grinding technology is generally considered as the final phase of Stone Age technology. Findings from the region indicate continuation of the Stone Age tradition for a long time even into the recent past. The earliest metal finding is brass. This alloy is not only persisting in the region but even the technology of making brass objects is the same today. The tribal communities, the indigenous people living in the area, bear a legacy of behavioural strategy for survival. It appears that in the areas, life continued without a break from prehistory to present day in a processual manner. A similar situation is found in Africa, where as a result of comprehensive work the process of continuity is properly understood. In India, lack of absolute dates is the major hindrance for this kind of work. An attempt is made here to understand the behaviour, ecology and other related factors responsible for cultural continuity in the studied area.     

Glutamate metabolism in HIV-infected macrophages: implications for the CNS

Central nervous system disorders are still a common complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and can lead to dementia and death. They are mostly the consequences of an inflammatory macrophagic activation and relate to glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. However, recent studies also suggest neuroprotective aspects of macrophage activation through the expression of glutamate transporters and glutamine synthetase. We thus aimed to study whether HIV infection or activation of macrophages could modulate glutamate metabolism in these cells. We assessed the effect of HIV infection on glutamate transporter expression as well as on glutamate uptake by macrophages and showed that glutamate transport was partially decreased in the course of virus replication, whereas excitatory amino acid transporter-2 (EAAT-2) gene expression was dramatically increased. The consequences of HIV infection on glutamine synthetase were also measured and for the first time we show the functional expression of this key enzyme in macrophages. This expression was repressed during virus production. We then quantified EAAT-1 and EAAT-2 gene expression as well as glutamate uptake in differentially activated macrophages and show that the effects of HIV are not directly related to pro- or anti-inflammatory mediators. Finally, this study shows that glutamate transport by macrophages is less affected than what has been described in astrocytes. Macrophages may thus play a role in neuroprotection against glutamate in the infected brain, through their expression of both EAATs and glutamine synthetase. Because glutamate metabolism by activated macrophages is sensitive to both HIV infection and inflammation, it may thus be of potential interest as a therapeutic target in HIV encephalitis. excitatory amino acid transporter; cystine-glutamate antiporter; glutathione; inflammation; oxidative stress; glutamine synthetase     

Mitochondrial DNA variations associated with recurrent pregnancy loss among Indian women

Several genetic factors have been found to be associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, not many attempts have been made to associate the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations with RPL. Therefore, we have analyzed the complete mtDNA of 100 women with RPL and 12 aborted fetal tissues. Our analysis revealed a total of 681 variations, most of which were in NADH Dehydrogenase (ND) genes that encode mitochondrial enzyme Complex I. Presence of T4216C variation (ND1 gene) in 9% of the RPL women and several pathogenic, and novel mutations suggest the role of mtDNA variations in RPL.     

Killing of bacteria during solar eclipse and its biological implications

Enhanced killing of bacteria was obtained by radiation reaching the earth during total solar eclipse (February 16, 1980) than during the corresponding time of a normal day (February 26, 1980). The killing was not due to the formation of sunlight induced photoproducts of tryptophan. The damage to the bacteria exposed to sunlight could be repaired by photoreactivation.     

Association of serum albumin with markers of nutritional status among HIV-infected and uninfected Rwandan women

Introduction

The objectives of this study are to address if and how albumin can be used as an indication of malnutrition in HIV infected and uninfected Africans.

Methods

In 2005, 710 HIV-infected and 226 HIV-uninfected women enrolled in a cohort study. Clinical/demographic parameters, CD4 count, albumin, liver transaminases; anthropometric measurements and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) were performed. Malnutrition outcomes were defined as body mass index (BMI), Fat-free mass index (FFMI) and Fat mass index (FMI). Separate linear predictive models including albumin were fit to these outcomes in HIV negative and HIV positive women by CD4 strata (CD4>350,200–350 and <200 cells/µl).

Results

In unadjusted models for each outcome in HIV-negative and HIV positive women with CD4>350 cells/µl, serum albumin was not significantly associated with BMI, FFMI or FMI. Albumin was significantly associated with all three outcomes (p<0.05) in HIV+ women with CD4 200–350 cells/µl, and highly significant in HIV+ women with CD4<200 cells/µl (P<0.001). In multivariable linear regression, albumin remained associated with FFMI in women with CD4 count<200 cells/µl (p<0.01) but not in HIV+ women with CD4>200.

Discussion

While serum albumin is widely used to indicate nutritional status it did not consistently predict malnutrition outcomes in HIV- women or HIV+ women with higher CD4. This result suggests that albumin may measure end stage disease as well as malnutrition and should not be used as a proxy for nutritional status without further study of its association with validated measures.     

Single cell analysis in biological oceanography and its evolutionary implications

Historically single cell analysis techniques have been usedto supplement more traditional studies of primary production.The techniques have often been used as a surrogate for microscopicanalysis and to close a gap in sea truth coverage for remotesensing and other mapping activities. In the course of developmentfrom Coulter counting to flow cytometry/cell sorting, the instrumentsand techniques have become powerful tools for allometric andataxonomic analysis as well as the quantification of pigmentsand added metabolic stains and tagged reagents. The specificquestions we ask here are: Can flow cytometry-derived data beraised to a level to discern evolutionary direction and diversity/complexity?Can we account for changes in community structure based on allometricand ataxonomic relationships across major ocean boundaries?We present evidence from different approaches and use examplesfrom flow cytometry/cell sorting that address the causes ofvariation in cell size and chlorophyll fluorescence in phytoplankton.The horizon is rapidly expanding yet questions and limitationsof ocean study persist. We believe that a road of commonalityamong oceanographers, ecologists, modelers, microbiologists,molecular biologists, physiologists and paleontologists is needed.