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Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing proteins have been identified in diverse species, including plants. The diverse intracellular and extracellular LRR variants are responsible for numerous biological processes. We analyzed the expression patterns of Arabidopsis thaliana extracellular LRR (AtExLRR) genes, 10 receptor-like proteins, and 4 additional genes expressing the LRR-containing protein by a promoter: β -glucuronidase (GUS) study. According to in silico expression studies, several AtExLRR genes were expressed in a tissue- or stage-specific and abiotic/hormone stress-responsive manner, indicating their potential participation in specific biological processes. Based on the promoter: GUS assay, AtExLRRs were expressed in different cells and organs. A quantitative real-time PCR investigation revealed that the expressions of AtExLRR3 and AtExLRR9 were distinct under various abiotic stress conditions. This study investigated the potential roles of extracellular LRR proteins in plant growth, development, and response to various abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malectin is a maltose-binding endoplasmic reticulum protein conserved in animals. In Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified four genes that encode malectin-like domain (MLD)- and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing proteins (AtMLLRs): two were receptor-like proteins (AtMLLR1 and 2) and the other two were extracellular proteins (AtMLLR3 and 4). The promoter:G3GFP+promoter:GUS assay indicated the organ- and cell-specific expression of the AtMLLR2 and AtMLLR3 genes. Abbreviations: Cmr: chloramphenicol-resistance marker; G3GFP: G3 green fluorescent protein; GUS: β-glucuronidase; KD: kinase domain; LRR: leucine-rich repeat; MLD: malectin-like domain; RLK: receptor-like kinase; SP: signal peptide; TMD: transmembrane domain; Tnos: nopaline synthase terminator [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A study was conducted to evaluate the preventive efficacy of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITMNs) and mosquito repellent (MR) in a malaria-endemic foothill area of Assam, India, with forest ecosystem. During the first year, a survey was conducted in four demarcated sectors (A–D) to observe the malaria endemicity and vector prevalence patterns before implementing intervention measures. All four sectors were endemic for malaria. The prevalence of established malaria vectors such as Anopheles dirus, A. minimus and A. philippinensis was observed. During the second year, intervention measures were implemented in the four sectors as follows: A, ITMN + MR; B, ITMN; C, MR; D, no intervention. The most effective intervention was in sector A, followed by sectors B and C. Sectors A and B exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.001) malaria protective efficacy during both the first and second years of intervention compared with sector D. The total vector population in the three intervention sectors decreased significantly compared with that of the non-intervention one. Information–education–communication activities motivated the residents to participate actively in the intervention programme. The finding could be an effective model for containment of high malaria morbidity in inaccessible forest fringe areas of the northeastern region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study regarding the winged bean chymotrypsin-trypsin inhibitor (WbCTI) cloning, characterization, and purification. The study isolated genomic DNA and RNA from winged bean and used Escherichia coli strain in the cloning experiments and for plasmid propagation. The study showed that WbCTI and Kunitz-type trypsin isolated from soybeans encoding and Delonix regia (DrTI) were intronless and recombinant protein (rWbCTI) binded the proteases in a 1:1 molar ratio.

Summary: During June-September 2008, an illness characterized by fever, headache and joint pain was reported in Assam state, northeast India. It presented characteristic features resembling chikungunya or dengue virus infection based on clinical symptoms. Dengue and chikungunya IgM antibody was detected in 10.0% (28/280) and 3.6% (10/280) patients respectively. The chikungunya positive patients did not travel to and from any endemic region confirming indigenous transmission. Persistent arthralgia and hearing loss has been observed in a recovered patient. Entomological surveys revealed the presence of vectors viz. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. This is the maiden report of chikungunya occurrence in Northeast India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a medical case of a diabetic man, who had poor compliance to treatment with left lower limb pain and deformity of his left foot for two months. On evaluation, he had bilateral loss of pain, touch, temperature, and vibration sense below the ankle joint. His vibration perception threshold was increased to 46 mV on the left side and 38 mV on the right side. The overall picture was of chronic neuroarthropathic joint due to diabetes mellitus. Calcium, vitamin D, and alendronate 40 mg per day were prescribed. Bisphosphonates have been used in the treatment of Charcot's foot because increased osteoclastic activity secondary to autonomic dysfunctions has been documented and vitamin D were started to prevent bisphosphonate induced osteomalacia.