Search

Recognition of DNA base mismatches and their subsequent repair by enzymes is vital for genomic stability. However, it is difficult to comprehend such a process in which enzymes sense and repair different types of mismatches with different ability. It has been suggested that the differential structural changes of mismatched bases act as cues to the repair enzymes, although the effect of such DNA structural changes on surrounding water and ion dynamics is inevitable due to strong electrostatic coupling among them. Thus, collective dynamics of DNA, water, and ions near the mismatch site is believed to be important for mismatch recognition and repair mechanism. Here we show that introduction of a T·T mismatch in the minor groove of DNA induces dispersed (collective) power-law solvation dynamics (of exponent ∼0.24), measured by monitoring the time-resolved fluorescence Stokes shifts (TRFSS) of two popular minor groove binders (Hoechst 33258 and DAPI) over five decades of time from 100 fs to 10 ns. The same ligands however sense different dynamics (power-law of exponent ∼0.15 or power-law multiplied with biexponential relaxation) in the minor groove of normal-DNA. The similar fluorescence anisotropy decays of ligands measured in normal- and T·T-DNA suggest that Stokes shift dynamics and their changes in T·T-DNA purely originate from the solvation process, and not from any internal rotational motion of probe-ligands. The dispersed power-law solvation dynamics seen in T·T-DNA indicate that the ligands do not sense any particular (exponential) relaxation specific to T·T wobbling and/or other conformational changes. This could be the reason why T·T mismatch is recognized by enzymes with lower efficiency compared to purine-pyrimidine and purine-purine mismatches.

No organisation or profession can succeed without confidentiality. There can be no healthcare, legal representation, research, journalism or even nations without confidentiality and the trust that underpins it. Yet despite the critical role confidentiality plays in all these professions, managing confidentiality is recognised as an increasingly difficult challenge in the modern world. For this reason, gaining an understanding of the psychological processes that feed into the management of confidential information is more vital than ever. To date, it is clear that psychologists have paid little attention to the group processes that are implicated in people’s willingness to preserve, or else violate, confidentiality. Relatedly, it is apparent that there is little investigation of whether, and to what extent the exchange of confidential information is implicated in people’s development of a shared identity. This suggests that the social dimensions of confidentiality demand empirical examination — particularly as these relate to the expression and development of shared social identity. This is the goal of this thesis. First, it seeks to provide a conceptual analysis of how and why issues of social identity are both a product of, and a precursor to, understanding confidentiality in the workplace. Second, it presents two studies that support this conceptual analysis. Study 1 shows social identity impacts individuals’ management of confidential information; Study 2 shows how the act of sharing confidential information can serve to build a sense of shared social identity. A key conclusion here is that while confidentiality discourse has predominantly taken an individual focus that implicates personal skills or traits as the basis for preserving or breaching confidentiality, I argue that there is a need to also consider the ways in which group dynamics (and the associated identity-related processes) dictate the way confidential information is perceived and acted upon. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, as well as future directions for the field.

Women roles in Himalayas put women in direct contact with natural resources such as forests, water, land and wildlife. They utilize and conserve these resources to supply basic needs for their families. Therefore conservation of natural resources in rural areas cannot be done without the involvement and training of women. They need to be educated on the values, management and sustainability of natural resources as alternative sources of livelihood. But to have success, they must only be appreciated as invisible land managers, but must benefit from relevant incentives in their cultural roles. This paper examines the roles of women in natural resource conservation, since their traditional activities bring them into daily interaction with natural resources, their impacts, attitudes and belief on the management, exploitation and sustainability of natural resource is critical for resource use and sustainability.

Integrin beta8 (ITGB8) is involved in the endometrial receptivity. The blastocyst first interacts with the luminal endometrial epithelial cells during its implantation; therefore, we have investigated the signaling of ITGB8 via FAK and VAV-RAC1 in the endometrial epithelial cells. Integrin beta8 was found elevated in epithelial cells at late-pre-receptive (day4, 1600 h) and receptive (day5, 0500 h) stages of endometrial receptivity period in the mouse. Integrins downstream molecule FAK has demonstrated an increased expression and phosphorylation (Y397) in the endometrium as well as in the isolated endometrial epithelial cells during receptive and post-receptive stages. Integrin beta8 can functionally interact with FAK, VAV and RAC1 as the levels of phosphorylated-FAK, and VAV along with the RAC-GTP form was reduced after ITGB8 knockdown in the endometrial epithelial cells and uterus. Further, VAV and RAC1 were seen poorly active in the absence of FAK activity, suggesting a crosstalk of ITGB8 and FAK for VAV and RAC1 activation in the endometrial epithelial cells. Silencing of ITGB8 expression and inhibition of FAK activity in the Ishikawa cells rendered poor attachment of JAr spheroids. In conclusion, ITGB8 activates VAV-RAC1 signaling axis via FAK to facilitate the endometrial epithelial cell receptivity for the attachment of blastocyst.

Labour is a social class of group comprises of those who do manual labour or work for wages. A thousand of labours every day migrate in Ranchi city and they work whole day at daily wages and back to home in evening. Here we see, there are many people who were well educated (6% male labour) like graduate or post graduate and they were working as a labour only because of lack of job and poor economical conditions. At present scenario money is important for every one’s life so everyone works for money. Labors worked mostly in unorganized sectors at daily wages and their rule is “no work no wages”. Method: A total sample of 87 normal populations (50 male and 37 female labours) were selected using purposive and consecutive based sampling method from the area of Morabadi Ground (Labour Market), Ranchi. Socio demographic data sheet and life satisfaction scale were used to find out significant difference in socio-demography and life satisfaction between male and female. Result- In the socio demographic profile, a significant group differences were found in age, education and Religion in both groups. Again, significant group difference was found in the total score of Life Satisfaction between both sex (male and female labourers) indicating male labourers had better life satisfaction in comparison to the female labourers. Conclusion: Some results showed that labourers (Male & Female) had poor life satisfaction and they are surviving with many problems like – poor education, poor health and dissatisfaction of job. Current finding shows that the male labourers have better life satisfaction in comparison to female labourers.

G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structures play an important role in many specific cellular functions and are promising anti-tumor targets for small molecules (ligands). Here, we measured the dynamic Stokes shift of a ligand (Hoechst) bound to parallel c-Myc (mPu22) GqDNA over five decades of time from 100 fs to 10 ns, and compared it with the previously reported dynamics of DAPI bound to antiparallel human telomeric (hTelo22) GqDNA (Pal et al 2015 J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 6 1754). Stokes shift data from fluorescence up-conversion and time-correlated single photon counting experiments was combined to cover the broad dynamic range. The results show that the solvation dynamics of Hoechst in parallel mPu22 GqDNA follow a power law relaxation, added to fast 2 ps exponential relaxation, from 100 fs to 10 ns, with only a subtle difference of power law exponents in the two ligand-GqDNA systems (0.06 in Hoechst-mPu22 compared to 0.16 in DAPI-hTelo22). We measured steady-state fluorescence spectra and time-resolved anisotropy decays which confirm the tight binding of Hoechst to parallel mPu22 with a binding constant of ~1 × 105 M-1. The molecular docking of Hoechst in parallel GqDNA followed by a 50 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on a Hoechst-GqDNA complex reveals that Hoechst binds to one of the outer G-tetrads by end-stacking near G13 and G4, which is different from the binding site of DAPI inside a groove of antiparallel hTelo22 GqDNA. Reconciling previous experimental and simulation results, we assign the 2 ps component to the hydration dynamics of only weakly perturbed water near mPu22 and the power law relaxation to the coupled motion of water and DNA (i.e. DNA backbone, unpaired bases and loops connecting G-tetrads) which come near the Hoechst inside parallel GqDNA.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of wood charcoal as biofilter media under transient and high loading condition. Biofiltration of xylene was investigated for 150 days in a laboratory scale unit packed with wood charcoal and inoculated with mixed microbial culture at the xylene loading rates ranged from 12 to 553 g m−3 h−1. The kinetic analysis of the xylene revealed absence of substrate inhibition and possibility of achieving higher elimination under optimum condition. The pH, temperature, pressure drop and CO2 production rate were regularly monitored during the experiments. Throughout experimental period, the removal efficiency (RE) was found to be in the range of 65–98.7% and the maximum elimination capacity (EC) was 405.7 g m−3 h−1. Molecular characterization results show Bacillus sp. as dominating microbial group in the biofilm.

Nearly 15% of the couples worldwide face the problem of infertility. A number of cytogenetic aberrations in the form of somatic chromosome aneuploidies, sperm aneuploidies, chromosomal translocations and inversions, etc. are known to contribute to male infertility. Couples with normal hormonal profile should be evaluated for possible cytogenetic abnormalities before proceeding to treatment. The identification of cytogenetic abnormality cannot only explain infertility but also guide treatment in the affected cases. This chapter summarizes the cytogenetic factors that increase the risk of male infertility. Towards the end, we have provided a glimpse of the contemporary techniques that have revolutionized the classical field of cytogenetics.

Spermatogenesis is driven by the master genes present on the Y chromosome. These driver genes need support from numerous other genes spread across the genome for a number of actions such as energy metabolism, cell death and apoptosis, protein turnover, synthesis of new proteins and garbage disposal. Preliminary studies on infertility focused on the Y chromosome genes due to their primary and indispensable role in spermatogenesis. A number of other studies on human infertility and mouse knockouts have identified several spermatogenically important genes present on chromosomes other than X and Y. For some of these genes, molecular pathways they participate in have also been worked out. This chapter summarizes the genes present on the autosomes that facilitate the process of spermatogenesis and fertility.

Y chromosome harbors the male-specific region (MSY) that regulates male sex determination and spermatogenesis. Y microdeletions are the most common cause of male infertility. These deletions are found in 15–20% of patients with idiopathic azoospermia and 7–10% of patients with severe oligozoospermia. Apart from microdeletions, partial deletions in the AZFc region result in loss of multiple copies of Y genes and increase the risk of infertility. A few studies have suggested that routine screening of these deletions could help in understanding the etiology, offering counseling and managing infertility by natural or assisted methods. X being a homologue chromosome of Y has drawn attention regarding the presence of spermatogenic genes. A number of theories and speculations have been put forward that are now supported by the identification of a number of testis-specific or testis-predominant genes present on the X chromosome. This chapter provides an overview of the Y deletions and X chromosome genes that affect spermatogenesis or male fertility.

Pituitary gonadotropins have been established as essential components for the differentiation of the male reproductive organs. Human sexual maturation and spermatogenesis are intricately regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which eventually determines the reproductive potential of an organism. Alterations affecting this fine balance can severely impair sexual development and fertility. These defects may result from mutations, small deletions or polymorphic changes within the regulatory genes involved in the biosynthesis of hormones, hormone receptors, growth factors and their associated signal transduction pathways. This present chapter summarizes the functioning and regulation of the HPG axis, its control over spermatogenesis by means of FSH and LH synthesis, and the impact of endocrine disruptors on this central axis regulating fertility.

Initially thought to be functionally inert, the Y chromosome has now been established not only as a regulator organizer of sex determination and a functional hub for spermatogenesis but also as a genetic center involved in mediating autosomal functions and genome-wide expressions. The whole genome and transcriptome analysis of Y chromosome across different species have shed light on the origin, comparative gene content, and long-term providence of this interesting chromosome. Comparative studies further provided insights into the evolutionary and molecular forces driving Y degeneration toward evolutionary destiny. In the due course of evolution, the Y chromosome has undergone dynamic transformations and has evolved autonomously, gaining a lot of distinctive characteristics that no other chromosome possesses. An unusual architecture and dynamic nature has made it the most remarkable chromosome for genetic and molecular studies.

2-Phenylethyl alcohol (commonly known as phenethyl alcohol) is the main component of rose oils obtained from rose blossoms. It is a colourless liquid with a mild and warm rose-honey-like odour because of which it is widely used as perfume chemicals [1]. Biochemically, it is also known to cause the limited breakdown of cellular membrane which in turn causes a greatly increased uptake of acriflavine (a drug normally excluded from the cells) and an increased rate of efflux [2] (leakiness) of cellular potassium (which is accumulated against a 100-fold concentration gradient).

Syndromes represent abnormalities of more than one organ, and the complex malignancy may be easily identifiable by external appearance or physical examination. However, the exact identification of a syndrome and the complexity of the organs affected may be difficult to identify and often require assistance from cytogenetic and molecular investigations. The molecular basis of various disorders and syndromes has been worked out, and in some cases, molecular diagnosis has become a standard. Interestingly, a number of human syndromes often cosegregate with infertility to little or large degree, and more than 70 such syndromes have been identified. In some syndromes, infertility becomes the primary problem requiring attention; however, other features may be notable well before the onset of puberty. This chapter presents a collection of the syndromic forms of male infertility to illustrate their importance and clinical investigations, with an emphasis on the quantitative loss of fertility associated with them.

A new series of metal complexes have been synthesized with an imine 4-(4-cyanobenzylideneamino)-3-mercapto-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine which has been derived by the condensation of 4-cyanobenzaldehyde and 4-amino-3-mercapto-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine. Different techniques like IR, 1H NMR, electronic spectroscopy, fluorescence, ESR, thermal, conductivity and magnetic measurements were used to investigate the structural features of the synthesized compounds. Based on spectral and thermal techniques, octahedral geometry has been proposed for Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes and square planar for Cu(II) complexes. All the synthesized metal complexes show enhancement in fluorescence intensity in comparison to the ligand. The newly synthesized ligand and metal complexes were also screened for their antimicrobial activities against some bacterial and fungal strains to assess their inhibiting potential in vitro. The activities shown by these complexes were compared with ligand and also with standard drugs. The molar conductivity values indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytes.

We investigated the effect of Ni substitution on electronic structure and magnetic properties of perovskite LaCoO3 in the substitution range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5. A homovalent +3 state and spin state transition of Co+3 has been observed upon Ni substitution in x-ray absorption measurements at the Co and the Ni K-edges. Thermally driven spin state transition has been found to disappear with Ni substitution. A change in nature of magnetic interactions from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic and spin glass behavior with substitution is observed in dc and ac magnetization measurements. Ni substitution has been found to lower the average effective magnetic moment which has been ascribed to the decrease in Co/Ni ratio. Changes in fine structure and magnetic properties due to Ni substitution have been explained through the stabilization of intermediate spin state of Co+3 by the lattice expansion induced changes in crystal field. The Jahn-Teller distortion is assumed to be suppressed in the expanded lattice and possibility of antiferro-orbital ordering has been proposed for the ferromagnetic super-exchange interactions Co+3(IS)–O–Co+3(IS). The present work provides possible explanation for the ambiguity in the origin of FM in Co and Ni based perovskite cobaltites as well as supports the idea of lattice expansion induced ferromagnetism.

Problem The contribution of systemic S100A8 protein in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and early pregnancy loss (EPL) is not known. Altered expression of S100A8 in maternal decidua is associated with recurrent early pregnancy loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the systemic level of S100A8 in different phases of menstrual cycle, different trimester of pregnancy, and in EPL. Method of Study Level of S100A8 was investigated in serum samples of the subjects through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result and Conclusion S100A8 levels were elevated during proliferative phase of menstural cycle. We found no statistical difference in S100A8 level in different trimester of pregnancy. S100A8 level was found to be significantly elevated in patients with EPL. This is the first study evaluating the systemic level of S100A8 predicting its role during menstural cycle and pregnancy. It opens a new perspective in which S100A8 can be used as a prognostic marker for EPL.

Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in primary school pupils in riverine areas of Sokoto, where most of the population is dependent on river and well water for their everyday activities, was surveyed using stool and urine samples. The stool samples were analysed using kato-katz thick faecal smear technique while the urine samples were processed by filtration technique. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium Leiper) was 60.8% (228 positive cases in 375 samples), and for intestinal schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni Leiper) was 2.92% (11 positive in 375 samples). Prevalence of disease vary among age and sex of pupils. Pupils of age group 9 to 12 years are highly prevalent (71.42% for urinary and 4.2% for intestinal schistosomiasis). Prevalence of disease was high among males 79.57% (187 positive in 235 samples) urinary and 3.80% (7 positive out of 189 samples) intestinal schistosomiasis in comparision to females with a prevalence rate of 29.28% (41 positive in 140 samples) and 2.15% (4 positive out of 186 samples), respectively. Prevalence in the studied area is therefore very high and of family status, sex and age dependent. Key words: Helminth parasites, schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, snails.

An appropriate ratio of interleukin 1 beta to interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) is required for successful pregnancy. Our objective was to study the genetic association between IL1RN variable numbers of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). To analyze the association between IL1RN VNTR allele and RPL, we investigated the IL1RN VNTR polymorphism in 136 RPL patients and in 200 healthy control women. Meta-analysis on this polymorphism was conducted to support our findings. PCR based approach was used to analyze IL1RN VNTR polymorphism and it was further confirmed by sequencing. Systematic review and meta-analysis was done using electronic database (Pub-Med, Google Scholar and Ovid) up to February 27, 2013. This meta-analysis was assessed by comprehensive meta-analysis software version 2. For meta-analysis 549 cases and 1,450 controls were included. The frequency of IL1RN genotype 2/2 was significantly higher in RPL compared to control group (AORs 3.10, 95 % CI 1.58-6.11, p = 0.001). The presence of rare allele also increased the risk of RPL significantly (ORs 1.63, 95 % CI 1.16-2.29, p = 0.004). The meta-analysis stratified by ethnicity showed that individuals with allele 2 had increased risk of RPL (OR 1.29, 95 % CI 1.04-1.61, p = 0.01), in Asians population by using fixed model. However the data of the present study clearly suggests that IL1RN VNTR polymorphism is a genetic risk factor for pregnancy loss in the study population.

Coordinated extracellular matrix deposition is a prerequisite for proper wound healing which is mainly orchestrated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Diabetic wounds generally show compromised wound healing cascade and abnormal MMP9 concentration is one of the cause. Our group have recently shown that the polymorphism -1562 C>T in the promoter region of MMP9 gene is associated with pathogenesis of wound healing impairment in T2DM patients. In present study we have done expression profiling of MMP9 gene in the wound biopsy of DFU cases. Expression level of MMP9 mRNA was then compared with susceptible -1562 C>T genotypes (TT and CT) as well as with different grades of wounds. We also screened the promoter region of MMP9 gene to see the methylation state of CpGs present there. Our study suggests that levels of MMP9 mRNA increase significantly with the wound grades. Moreover, the MMP9 levels in diabetic wounds were also dependent on -1562 C>T polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP9. Diabetic wounds also showed a significant unmethylated status of MMP9 promoter compared to control wounds. In conclusion, The risk genotypes of -1562 C>T polymorphism along with lack of methylation of CpG sites in MMP9 gene promoter may result in altered expression of MMP9 in wounds of T2DM cases resulting into nonhealing chronic ulcers in them.

This work is an attempt to explore the anti-spermatogenic activity of Pistia stratiotes and to investigate it as a male contraceptive. The prepared extracts were screened for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, saponin and phenolic compounds. To assess the anti-spermatogenic activity, mice were orally administered with the various extracts of P. stratiotes (dose: 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day, for 45 days) and the most active, ethanolic extract was subjected to the isolation of phytoconstituent responsible for the activity. Diethyl ether fraction of ethanolic extract was taken to isolate a saponin, sitosterol-3-O-[2,4-di-O-acetyl-6-O-stearyl-β-D-glucopyranoside]. Anti-spermatogenic activity of the isolated saponin was evaluated at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day, for 45 days. The treatment caused significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the weight of reproductive organs (testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle). The sperm count, sperm viability and serum testosterone levels were significantly lowered compared with that of the control group.

The present study reports the preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) with further reinforcement using succination and amination to observe the unexploited sorption efficiency of chromium from water bodies. The increased surface area-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles, quantum size effects, and the ability to tune surface properties through molecular modification make NCC ideal for metal remediation. Novel NCC was also characterized on the basis of XRD and AFM techniques and found to have enough potential for functionalization. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry of functionalized biomass highlights NCC interactions with succination and amination reactions, responsible for sorption phenomenon of chromium. Sorption studies (batch experiments) result into the standardization of optimum conditions for removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) as follows: biomass dosage (2.0 g), metal concentration (25 mg/l), contact time (40 min), and volume of the test solution (200 ml) at pH 6.5 and 2.5, respectively. The adsorption data were found to fit both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The sorption capacity of the regenerated biomass remained almost constant after five cycles of sorption process, suggesting that the lifetime was sufficient for continuous application and was further confirmed by means of TGA analysis. Artificial neural networks model was developed to predict the removal efficiency of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution using functionalized NCC. Back-propagation and Levenberg–Marquardt techniques are used to train various neural network architectures and the accuracy of the obtained models using test data set. The optimal neural network architectures of this process contain 15 and 16 neurons for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) respectively, with minimum mean-squared error for training and cross validation as for Cr(III) 1. 6.46422 × 10−6 and 0.001137496 and for Cr(VI) 1. 30386 × 10−6 and 0.002227835, respectively.

In this paper we investigate some products ofk-Fibonacci andk-Lucas numbers. We also present some generalized identities on the products ofk-Fibonacci andk-Lucas numbers to establish connection formulas between them with the help of Binet's formula.

Earlier studies show that the multiferroicity in the spin-chain compound Ca3CoMnO6 critically depends upon the Co/Mn ratio. In order to establish the role of Co and Mn in controlling the multiferroic properties, we intend to disturb this ratio to find out its implications on the physical properties. The present study is aimed at studying modification of the properties of Ca3CoMnO6 by partial substitution of Ni for Co. The combined results of structural, magnetic and dielectric studies show interesting changes as a function of Ni substitution. There is a drastic difference in M(H) behavior at T

Objective To study peripheral blood DNA differential methylation in oligozoospermic infertile men in comparison with normozoospermic fertile controls. Design Case-control study. Setting Reproductive biology laboratory. Patients(s) Azoospermic and oligozoospermic infertile patients (n = 6) and normozoospermic fertile controls (n = 6) in the discovery phase, and oligo/asthenozoospermic infertile men (n = 11) and normozoospermic fertile controls (n = 10) in the validation phase. Intervention(s) Blood samples drawn from all participants, DNA isolation and methylation analysis. Main Outcome Measure(s) DNA methylation values analyzed using genomewide methylation 450K BeadChip array, followed by deep sequencing of selected regions for methylation analysis in the neighborhood regions of differentially methylated CpGs. Result(s) We found 329 differentially methylated CpG spots, out of which 245 referred to the genes, representing 170 genes. Deep-sequencing analysis confirmed the methylation pattern suggested by 450K array. A thorough literature search suggested that 38 genes play roles in spermatogenesis (PDHA2, PARP12, FHIT, RPTOR, GSTM1, GSTM5, MAGI2, BCAN, DDB2, KDM4C, AGPAT3, CAMTA1, CCR6, CUX1, DNAH17, ELMO1, FNDC3B, GNRHR, HDAC4, IRS2, LIF, SMAD3, SOD3, TALDO1, TRIM27, GAA, PAX8, RNF39, HLA-C, HLA-DRB6), are testis enriched (NFATC1, NMNAT3, PIAS2, SRPK2, WDR36, WWP2), or show methylation differences between infertile cases and controls (PTPRN2, RPH3AL). Conclusion(s) We found a statistically significant correlation between peripheral blood DNA methylation and male infertility, raising the hope that epigenome-based blood markers can be used for screening male infertility risk. The study also identified new candidates for spermatogenesis and fertility.

Depression is a very common psychiatric disorder. The burden on the spouse of a depressed individual is considered to be a multi-dimensional problem and is seen in the context of its emotional, psychological, physical and economic consequences. The depressed individual’s aversive interpersonal behaviours may lead spouses to experience depression and problems in marital adjustment. Aim: To study and compare the burden and marital satisfaction among male and female spouses of patients suffering from depression. Materials & Methods: Spouses of patients were inducted from those attending the Department of Psychiatry of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, India with their partners. A total of 60 spouses of patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of depression fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Consecutive sampling was used for data collection. Participants were divided into two groups i.e. Male and Female. Zarit Burden Interview and Marital Satisfaction Scale were used to assess the burden and marital satisfaction respectively. Results: There was no significant difference in burden and marital satisfaction between the two genders which means both the groups are equally vulnerable and prone to develop psychiatric problems like stress, anxiety, depression. Conclusion: Considering the findings, both groups have an equal need to cater to care giving and related responsibilities. The study can be useful in implementing programs to help the spouses and cater the needs of care giving, to handle the burden productively associated with the care giving of their depressed partners, to strengthen their coping and to have a better marital life. Keywords: Depression, burden, marital satisfaction

Background: Worldwide thyroid diseases are one of the most common endocrine disorders. India is also no exception. Thyroid disorders affect all organ systems leading to decreased quality of life and long-term morbidity. The altered levels of thyroid hormone also affect respiratory system. They lead to disorders of respiratory function and disturbances in ventilation. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed to explore the respiratory disease pattern in thyroid dysfunction (both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid). Materials and Methods: After taking clearance from institutional ethical committee, we undertook this case–control observational study. A total of 105 participants were included in the study, 60 euthyroid controls and 45 patients of thyroid disorder (hypothyroid = 30 and hyperthyroid = 15). Convenient sampling technique was used for the study, and simple random sampling technique was used for selecting control groups. Patients were then assessed for thyroid profile. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fT3, and fT4 were measured by mini-VIDAS. Once diagnosed with thyroid disorder, these patients were subjected to a battery of pulmonary function test (PFT). We measured the PFT parameters of both cases and controls by SPIRODOC (Spiro PRO6.6 spirometry standard mode, version no. A23-OW-06145). Differences between the study group and controls were examined using SPSS version 19.0. The statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference post hoc test. Pearson’s correlation was calculated among various parameters. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant with confidence interval of 95%. Results: The forced expiratory volume in 1(FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) in euthyroids, hypothyroids, and hyperthyroid was 82.83 ± 1.09, 83.76 ± 2.80, and 83.3 ± 1.77, respectively. FVC in euthyroids was 3.29 ± 0.66, in hypothyroids 2.70 ± 0.52, and in hyperthyroids 2.97 ± 0.48. A restrictive pattern was found in hypothyroid patients whereas we could not find any significant difference in pulmonary functions of hyperthyroid patients when compared with euthyroids. We found a positive linear relation between FEV1 and TSH for both hyperthyroid and hypothyroids (r = 0.54 and r = 0.19, respectively). Conclusion: Our study shows a restrictive pattern with FEV1/FVC raised in hypothyroid whereas we could not find any statistically significant differences in PFT in hyperthyroid patients.

Objective To study the genetic association between Cytochrome P450 family 1 (CYP1A1) T6235C polymorphism and glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null mutations and endometriosis. Methods A total of 121 unrelated women having complaints of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, dyschezia, dysparenuia and infertility were enrolled. Out of these 71 consented for laparoscopy, 66 were diagnosed as endometriosis as per operative. Genomic DNA isolated from endometriosis patients and controls were subjected to polymerase chain reactions to determine the GSTM1 null genotypes whereas polymorphism of CYP1A1 T6235C was determined through PCR-RFLP. Results The GSTM1 null genotype was found to be associated with endometriosis however there was no significant difference in the frequencies of the CYP1A1 6235 CC genotype between endometriosis patients and controls. The homozygous mutant and allele frequency of CYP1A1 T6235C differed significantly between patients having endometriosis and healthy control. Conclusion The data of the present study clearly suggests that GSTM1 null allele and CYP1A1 C allele is a genetic risk factor for endometriosis in North Indian population.

During the course of our investigation on the selective isolation and in vitro pathogenicity tests of the nematode egg parasite and endoparasitic Catenaria anguillulae and the nematode-trapping fungus Dactylaria brochopaga against Anguina tritici , and Meloidogyne graminicola, the two biocontrol agents were also examined for their capabilities to colonize wheat seed gall and also to reduce the M. graminicola , and A. tritici in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Using seed galls as bait was found effective for isolating the soilborne natural colonizers of seed galls of wheat caused by A. tritici . Seed galls were found severely infested with cellulose decomposers as well as nematode trapping fungi i.e., Fusarium spp ., Verticillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. Arthrobotrys oligospora , Arthrobotrys superba , Arthrobotrys dactyloides , Arthrobotrys musiformis , D. brochopaga , Monacrosporium eudermatum, Stylopaga hadra, Paecilomyces spp., and C. anguillulae . Co-inoculation of D. brochopaga DBS-105, and C. anguillulae CAS101 significantly reduced the root knot and seed gall in wheat and increased the plant growth parameters including length, and dry weight of root and shoot as well as yield attributing characters like spike length; number of seed per spike, test weight etc. under greenhouse conditions as compared to pathogen challenged plants without any bioagents/chemical nematicide. These bioagents have the potential to enhance production of quality seeds of wheat being free from hazardous pesticides and thus, can further be developed into marketable formulations in order to promote eco-friendly and sustainable means of crop production.

The variants of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene have been shown to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its several secondary complications. Here, we aimed to examine the possible role of one of the common variant of this gene, rs7903146 (C/T), with impairment of wound healing in cases with T2DM. A total of 750 individuals, including 322 patients with T2DM and 120 patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and 308 controls, were analyzed for rs7903146 variant of the TCF7L2 gene. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. For rs7903146 variant, TT genotype frequency in patients with DFU was 10.8% and in controls was 5.2%. Risk genotype (TT) frequencies showed statistically significant difference between the DFU patients versus non-DM control group (odds ratio = 2.44, P = .037, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-5.64) compared with nonrisk genotype (CC + CT). In the present study, a positive significant association between DFU and the TT genotype of rs7903146 (C/T) variant of TCF7L2 gene was found.

Cytokines are involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis likely mediating the crosstalk among Sertoli and germ cells to facilitate germ cell movement across the seminiferous epithelium during cellular events such as germ cell differentiation. Members of the Interleukin-1 (IL-1) family are pleiotropic cytokines that are involved in inflammation, immunoregulation, and other homeostatic functions. Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), IL-1β, and the IL-1 antagonistic molecule (IL-1 Ra) are present in the testis under normal homeostasis and they further increase upon infection/inflammation. In the present study we have examined the association of C + 3953T polymorphism of the human IL-1B gene with human male infertility. The case control study comprised of two groups: 222 infertile patients and 230 fertile healthy control men. Genotyping for SNP C + 3953T IL-1B was carried out by polymerase chain reaction followed by analysis with specific endonucleases (PCR-RFLP). DNA sequencing was used to validate the PCR-RFLP results. The genotype frequencies of the IL-1B Taq C/T polymorphism were compared between infertile men and controls. The frequency was significantly higher in asthenozoospermic patients compared to fertile control men (odds ratio = 10.4, CI: 2.50- 43.96, p = 0.001). The C + 3953T of the IL-1B gene is associated with male infertility risk in the asthenozoospermic patients from an Indian population.

The Schiff bases (imines) HL1 and HL2 have been synthesized by the reaction of 5-bromothiophene-2-carboxaldehyde with 4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole and 4-amino-3-ethyl-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole, respectively. Organosilicon(IV) and organotin(IV) complexes having the general formulae R2MCl(L1), R2MCl(L2), R2M(L1)2, R2M(L2)2, (M = Si, Sn; R = CH3) were synthesized by the reaction of R2MCl2 with these Schiff bases in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratio. The Schiff bases and their metal complexes have been characterized with the aid of elemental analyses, molar conductance, and spectroscopic studies, including UV, IR, 1H, 13C, MS, 29Si, and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy. On the basis of these studies, the resulting complexes have been proposed to have trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral geometries. In vitro activities of the Schiff bases and their metal complexes against some Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungi have been carried out and described.

Balanced diet is the natural source of micronutrients, such as folate and vitamins, vital for proper functioning of the body. One-carbon metabolic pathway along with folate and other vitamins plays an important role in DNA synthesis and in the establishment of epigenetic modifications like DNA/histone methylation. Spermatogenesis involves distinct cellular, genetic, and chromatin changes during the course of production of male gamete sperm. Folate and normal activity of 1-carbon metabolic pathway enzymes are central to nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and maintenance of genomic integrity as well as protection from DNA damage. As a result, polymorphisms in 1-carbon metabolic pathway genes affecting several physiological processes also have an impact on spermatogenesis and may affect directly or indirectly quality of sperm. Alterations in these processes may be a consequence of additive effect resulting from altered expression of 1-carbon metabolic pathway genes and/or inadequate folate/micronutrients supplementation. The present review provides an overview of different cellular and molecular events regulated by 1-carbon metabolic pathway enzymes and their impact on male reproductive health. It also summarizes the different studies where polymorphisms in the enzymes of 1-carbon metabolic pathway or folate deficiency are associated with male infertility and future prospects.

The significance of training and education for improving the standard of living of the family, especially through homemakers, has been recognized long back but has gained impetus in the recent past. The present study was undertaken on 100 women of Hisar district of Haryana state who participated in a 3-day vocational training programme on bakery. The data indicated that majority of women (87.00%) had not participated in such a training programme in the past. An overwhelming majority liked the training (97%) and felt that the duration of training should have been 5 days or more. Participants came to know about training through newspaper advertisement (75.00%) and were self-motivated (79%) to attend the training. The training on bakery brought about significant gain in knowledge and attitudinal change among women. About two-third respondents were confident and motivated to start their own professional venture.

Objective To study association of VEGF-460C>T functional polymorphism with preeclampsia. Methods The case-control study comprised of two groups: 40 pre-eclamsia patients and 45 healthy antenatal women. Genotyping for SNP-460 VEGF was done by ARMS-PCR method. For VEGF-460C>T functional polymorphism, allele and genotype distribution were evaluated using Chi-square test. Results The prevalence of C allele was higher among cases compared to controls. The prevalence of CT and CC genotypes were also higher among cases compared to controls indicating that CT and CC genotypes and C allele to have a role in genetic susceptibility for preeclampsia. Conclusions The carriage of VEGF-460C allele appears to be a risk factor for preeclampsia in present pilot study.

This study is to bring some of the patterns of Alcohol Dependents on Rorschach test. In this study random sampling technique was used through which a sample of 20 Alcohol Dependents and 20 Non dependents were included with the mean age of 33.60 years and 30.70 years. All participants were administered Rorschach Ink Blot test to see the different patterns between the groups. The result of the study reflects that there exists a significant difference between groups in the area of total responses, contents categories, space responses (S), ordinary (O) responses, synthesized responses (V/+), vague responses (V), form (F) responses, Popular (P) responses, Raw sum6 and Wgtd sum6. It was found that Non dependents produce more in: total responses, contents categories, space responses, ordinary responses, form responses and popular responses. Whereas alcohol dependents reflect more response in the areas of: vague responses, synthesized responses, unusual responses, Rawsum6 and Wgtdsum6.

Objective Retinal angiogenesis is a hallmark of diabetic retinopathy. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Functional SNP-1562C>T in the promoter of the MMP-9 gene results increase in transcriptional activity. The present work was designed to evaluate the contribution of functional SNP-1562C>T of MMP-9 gene to the risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in north Indian Population. Methods This Case control study comprised of a total of 645 individuals in which 320 were T2DM patients out of which 73 had PDR, 98 had non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 149 T2DM cases without any eye related disease (DM) and 325 non diabetic healthy individuals as controls (non DM controls). Genotyping for SNP-1562C>T of MMP-9 was done by polymerase chain reactions followed by restriction analyses with specific endonucleases (PCR-RFLP). DNA sequencing was used to ascertain PCR-RFLP results. Results T allele frequency in PDR patients was 32.1%, 20.4% in NPDR, 15.4% in DM and 13.7% in controls. Statistically significant difference was observed in both allele and genotype distribution between the PDR versus non-DM control group ( p p =0.002 by TT and p Conclusions The present study suggests that the functional SNP-1562C>T in the promoter of the MMP-9 gene could be regarded as a major risk factor for PDR as increased MMP-9 production from high expressing T allele may promote retinal angiogenesis.