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Clayey soils in Raithal, Jalore, Rajasthan, India, have been used for local manufacturing of clay ceramic water filters by potter communities. Potters are trying clayey soils from different locations across India to produce these filters. The suitability of clayey soils from Jheepasani, Jodhpur, and Gajsinghpura, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, to manufacture these water filters is compared with soils from Raithal, Jalore, Rajasthan, India. The shrinkage limit and maximum dry density were the lowest for Jheepasani soils. Jheepasani soils have quartz in large quantities, while Gajsinghpura soils are characterized by zeolite. Scanning electron microscopy revealed dense, flaky structure of Gajsinghpura soils and a loosely packed matrix in Jheepasani soils. The micrograph of soils depicts the presence of crystalline character in constituents of Raithal and Gajsinghpura soils. A 3L frustum-shaped composite is made by mixing an equal amount of each of the three soils listed above (taken on their own) with an equal amount of burnout material. The mixture is then pressed into the shape. These press-formed frustums were traditionally baked at 750°C in a potter’s open-hearth kiln at Banad village, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, to get the new 3L ceramic water filters. A maximum percolation rate of 1.8 L/h was observed from filters manufactured using Jheepasani soils. The samples extracted from the walls of Gajsinghpura soil-based ceramic water filters were comparatively more substantial than those manufactured from the soils of Raithal and Jheepasani. The effectiveness of these 3L filters was tested using Escherichia colias a surrogate for other waterborne pathogens. E. coliremoval with a log reduction value of 2.62 was showcased by Raithal soil-based ceramic water filters. On the basis of this result, Raithal soil-based ceramic water filters were found to be functionally better among the three ceramic water filter variants manufactured from clayey soils found near the Thar Desert in India.

Introduction: Sepsis results in immunologic disturbances with the release of various inflammatory mediators such as cytokines. Cytokines can damage the cells, and the continuous release of inflammatory mediators leads to severely impaired immunity. Therefore, the reduction in cytokine levels by hemoadsorption represents a new concept for blood purification. CytoSorb®as a hemoadsorption device is a detoxification system, which aims to decrease the cytokines levels. This study was conducted to understand any beneficial effects of CytoSorb®therapy in septic patients.Methodology: This was a retrospective and observational study, approved by the scientific and ethics committee of Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi, India and conducted in compliance with current International Council for Harmonization, Good Clinical Practice, Schedule Y, and Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines. Subjects of either gender (age > 18 year) were included in the study. The data were presented as mean ± standard deviation and categorical as frequency and percentage (%). A p value less than 0.05 (p < 0.05) was considered to be statistically significant.Results: A total number of 36 patients were included in the study. Majority of the patients were male with mean age (56.36 ± 14.83). After therapy, procalcitonin and total leucocyte count levels decreased within 24 h. Post therapy, sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score of Day (D)1, D2, and D3 reduced to 10.4 ± 3.63, 8.7 ± 4.02, and 7.8 ± 3.67, respectively. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and predicted mortality were lower in the survivor group as compared to the non-survivor group.Conclusion: Hemoadsorption using the extracorporeal adsorption device (CytoSorb®) might be an effective rescue therapy in stabilizing septic shock patients.

Aim of this investigation is to develop a mathematical model for predicting surface roughness of castings produced using ZCast process by employing Buckingham’s π-theorem. A relationship has been proposed between surface roughness of castings and shell wall thickness of the shell moulds fabricated using 3D printer. Based on model, experiments were performed to obtain the surface roughness of aluminium, brass and copper castings produced using ZCast process based on 3D printing technique. Based on experimental data, three best fitted third-degree polynomial equations have been established for predicting the surface roughness of castings. The predicted surface roughness values were then calculated using established best fitted equations. An error analysis was performed to compare the experimental and predicted data. The average prediction errors obtained for aluminium, brass and copper castings are 10.6, 2.43 and 3.12 % respectively. The obtained average surface roughness (experimental and predicted) values of castings produced are acceptable with the sand cast surface roughness values range (6.25–25 µm).

ABSTRACTIn the INFORM-1 study, 73 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection received mericitabine plus danoprevir for up to 13 days. Seventy-two patients experienced a continuous decline in HCV RNA levels during treatment, and of these patients, 14 had viral loads that remained >1,000 IU/ml by day 13 and 1 met the definition for viral breakthrough. In-depth NS5B and NS3/4A population and clonal sequencing studies and mericitabine and danoprevir drug susceptibility testing were performed to assess the variability and quasispecies dynamics before and upon monotherapy or dual therapy. Sequence analysis of the viral quasispecies indicated that the mericitabine resistance mutation S282T was not present at baseline, nor was it selected (even at a low level) during treatment. Protease inhibitor resistance mutations, either as predominant or as minority species, were detected in 18 patients at baseline. No enrichment of minority protease inhibitor-resistant variants present at baseline was observed during treatment; viral population samples were fully susceptible to mericitabine and/or danoprevir, despite the presence within their quasispecies of minority variants confirmed to have reduced susceptibility to danoprevir or other protease inhibitors. It was also observed that certain NS3 amino acid substitutions affected protease inhibitor drug susceptibility in a compound-specific manner and varied with the genetic context. In summary, the slower kinetics of viral load decline observed in some patients was not due to the selection of danoprevir or mericitabine resistance during treatment. Over 2 weeks' therapy, mericitabine suppressed the selection of danoprevir resistance, results that could differ upon longer treatment periods.

Chikungunya (CHIK) fever is a re-emerging viral disease characterized by abrupt onset of fever with severe arthralgia followed by constitutional symptoms and rash lasting for 1-7 days. The disease is almost self-limiting and rarely fatal. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a RNA virus belonging to family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus. Molecular characterization has demonstrated two distinct lineages of strains which cause epidemics in Africa and Asia. These geographical genotypes exhibit differences in the transmission cycles. In contrast to Africa where sylvatic cycle is maintained between monkeys and wild mosquitoes, in Asia the cycle continues between humans and the Aedes aegyptimosquito. CHIKV is known to cause epidemics after a period of quiescence. The first recorded epidemic occurred in Tanzania in 1952-1953. In Asia, CHIK activity was documented since its isolation in Bangkok, Thailand in 1958. Virus transmission continued till 1964. After hiatus, the virus activity re-appeared in the mid-1970s and declined by 1976. In India, well-documented outbreaks occurred in 1963 and 1964 in Kolkata and southern India, respectively. Thereafter, a small outbreak of CHIK was reported from Sholapur district, Maharashtra in 1973. CHIKV emerged in the islands of South West Indian Ocean viz. French island of La Reunion, Mayotee, Mauritius and Seychelles which are reporting the outbreak since February, 2005. After quiescence of about three decades, CHIKV re-emerged in India in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu since December, 2005. Cases have also been reported from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Kerala. The outbreak is still continuing. National Institute of Communicable Diseases has conducted epidemiological, entomological and laboratory investigations for confirmation of the outbreak. These have been discussed in detail along with the major challenges that the country faced during the current outbreak.

In vitroisolation of rabies virus using mouse neuroblastoma cells (MNA) was evaluated. The sensitivity and reliability of in vitroprocedure was performed in comparison with mouse inoculation test (MIT), the in vivomethod of virus isolation, direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and Sellers staining. Of the 33 animal brain samples tested, 24 (72.72%) were positive by MIT. Sensitivity of Sellers stain, FAT and rapid tissue culture infection test (RTCIT) was found to be 54.16, 100 and 91.6% respectively. Concordance of Sellers stain, FAT, RTCIT with MIT was found to be 66.6, 100 and 93.93% respectively. Two samples which were positive by FAT and MIT showed gross contamination in cell lines, which is one of the drawbacks of RTCIT. However, rabies virus could be isolated in MNA cells from two of the eight human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from clinico-epidemiologically suspected cases of rabies. Both MIT and FAT showed negative results in the two CSF samples. RTCIT appears to be a fast and reliable alternative to MIT and holds promise in antemortem diagnosis of rabies, which is otherwise, a challenging task for a reference laboratory.

Purpose:To test the immunogenicity of the WHO recommended “2-2-2-0-1-1” post-exposure rabies vaccination regimen in Indian subjects to determine the feasibility of replacing crude sheep brain nerve tissue rabies vaccine with modern tissue culture rabies vaccine at major anti-rabies treatment centers throughout India. Methods:Purified chick embryo cell vaccine (PCECV) was administered in the dosage of 0.1mL per site to 53 Indian subjects. Results:All subjects produced rabies antibodies above 0.5IU/mL by day 14 post-vaccination. Only minor adverse reactions including swelling (6.6%), erythema (5.4%) and pain (1.4%) were observed for which no treatment was required. Conclusions:This study demonstrated that PCECV is safe and highly immunogenic in Indian subjects when administered intradermally as 0.1mL/site using the “2-2-2-0-1-1” post-exposure regimen.

A situation report on the Ixodoidea infesting livestock in India is presented. Of the nearly 120 tick species known from this country, information regarding the hosts and distribution of 46 ixodid species belonging to eight genera and six argasid species belonging to three genera, parasitizing livestock has been provided. The ecology and disease relationship of the economically more important species have been reviewed. Notwithstanding the rich tick fauna, the native cattle seldom carry excessive tick burdens. Control is greatly facilitated by the high degree of natural resistance possessed by indigenous cattle, zebu. Chemical acaricides are the main component of control strategies which are largely aimed at protecting the at-risk exotic and crossbred animals from ticks and the diseases transmitted by them. Exploitation of immunity and possibly some biological control may be integrated with the use of chemicals in future. Un rapport de la situation de l’ infestation du troupeau par les tiques “Ixodoidea” en Inde a été présenté. Une information concernant les hôtes et la distribution des 46 espèces d’Ixodidae appartenant à huit gênera et six espèces d’Argasidae appartenant trois gênera qui parasitent le troupeau a été fournie. L’ecologie et l’importance économique de espèces importantes ont été passé en revue. En dépit de la faune riche en tiques, le bétail indigène (autochtone) portent rarement un fardeau excessif de tiques. Le contrôle est facilité par le degré élevée de résistance naturelle que possède le bétail (zebu) indigène. Les acaricides chimiques sont les composantes principales de stratégies de la lutte contre les tiques qui sont destinées à protéger les animaux exotiques et les produits de croissement susceptibles à l’infestation des tiques et aux maladies qu’elles transmettent. L’exploitation de l’immunité et quelles que agents de lutte biologique peuvent former un tout avec l’utilisation de produit chimiques dans l’avenir.

The effects of 60 Co irradiation on the virulence and immunogenicity of the RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii was studied by infecting batches of mice with graded inocula of tachyzoites that had been exposed to radiation doses ranging from 0 to 20 000 rad. While doses of 15 000 and 20 000 rads appeared to be effective, and 10 000 rad nearly effective in annulling the virulence, irradiation at 5000 rad was only partially effective in rendering the organisms avirulent and could achieve only a prolongation of survival time of the inoculated mice. The survivors of higher irradiation inocula showed no evidence of the development of the parasite in them, but could resist a limited virulent challenge. The use of a booster inoculation improved both the quality and the duration of protective effect.

Serological investigation by the indirect haemagglutination test forToxoplasma antibodies was carried out in a flock of dairy goats. Antibody titres ranging from 1:4 to 1:1,024 were found in 34% of 371 apparently healthy animals. High antibody titres of 1:256 suggestive of recent infection were noted in 18 (4.9%) animals including 13 nannies. The occurrence of a number of non-brucella abortions associated with high serological titres and the isolation of the parasite from the brain tissues of an aborted foetus suggestedToxoplasma as a probable aetiologic factor. Sera having significant levels of haemagglutinating antibodies (≥1:128) were also found positive to the card agglutination test. Epidemiological aspects and the public health potential of subclinical toxoplasmosis in dairy goats are discussed.

Theileria infection of Hyalomma ticks collected from three districts of Haryana was assessed in whole salivary glands by the methyl-green pyronin staining method. Of 1,662 ticks screened, 546 (32·8%) were found Theileria positive. Infection rate in 935 female ticks (36·9%) was more than that of 727 male ticks (27·6%). Density of Theileria infection (number of infected acini per infected tick) was also higher in female ticks.Theileriainfection rate of ticks varied greatly in the three districts viz. only 12·0% in Rohtak, 25·8% in Hisar and 48·3% in Karnal. Per cent infection rate was high (63·7%) in ticks from indigenous cattle and low (18·6%) in those collected from buffaloes. However, the intensity of infection in infected ticks from cross-bred cattle was comparatively much higher. Frequency distribution ofTheileriapositive acini in infected ticks revealed a low density of infection per infected tick. This points to the largely stable endemic situation prevailing in Haryana. Only a single salivary acinus was found infected in 16·6% of the infected ticks, about 70% had up to 10 infected acini while only about 10% had over 25 infected acini per tick. The masses in acini presumed to beTheileriawere confirmed by demonstrating parasitic masses on staining one of a pair of salivary glands and inoculating the suspension of the other half of the gland into two cross-bred cow calves which developed clinical signs and lesions typical of theileriosis.