The Inter Academy Partnership(IAP)project"Improving Scientific Input to Global Policymaking"is now mid-way through its three-year programme and we’re pleased to report its progress to-date.Funded by Carnegi...The Inter Academy Partnership(IAP)project"Improving Scientific Input to Global Policymaking"is now mid-way through its three-year programme and we’re pleased to report its progress to-date.Funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York,the project aims to:l raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),especially amongst the academies;l explore opportunities to support SDGs more effectively,with a focus on how the academies can play their part systemically;l encourage collaboration and adoption of good practice among organizations that展开更多
In the present study,the partial gene sequences of P32 protein,an immunogenic envelope protein of Capripoxviruses (CaPV),were analyzed to assess the genetic relationship among sheeppox and goatpox virus isolates,and r...In the present study,the partial gene sequences of P32 protein,an immunogenic envelope protein of Capripoxviruses (CaPV),were analyzed to assess the genetic relationship among sheeppox and goatpox virus isolates,and restriction enzyme specific PCR-RFLP was developed to differentiate CaPV strains.A total of six goatpox virus (GTPV) and nine sheeppox virus (SPPV) isolates of Indian origin were included in the sequence analysis of the attachment gene.The sequence analysis revealed a high degree of sequence identity among all the Indian SPPV and GTPV isolates at both nucleotide and amino acid levels.Phylogenetic analysis showed three distinct clusters of SPPV,GTPV and Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) isolates.Further,multiple sequence alignment revealed a unique change at G120A in all GTPV isolates resulting in the formation of Dra I restriction site in lieu of EcoR I,which is present in SPPV isolates studied.This change was unique and exploited to develop restriction enzyme specific PCR-RFLP for detection and differentiation of SPPV and GTPV strains.The optimized PCR-RFLP was validated using a total of fourteen (n=14) cell culture isolates and twenty two (n=22) known clinical samples of CaPV.The Restriction Enzyme specific PCR-RFLP to differentiate both species will allow a rapid differential diagnosis during CaPV outbreaks particularly in mixed flocks of sheep and goats and could be an adjunct/supportive tool for complete gene or virus genome sequencing methods.展开更多
A monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for the bluetongue virus (BTV) group specific antigen (VP7) was characterized for its reactivity with purified virus and recombinant BTV VP7 (rVP7) protein and its suitability for ...A monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for the bluetongue virus (BTV) group specific antigen (VP7) was characterized for its reactivity with purified virus and recombinant BTV VP7 (rVP7) protein and its suitability for use in the sandwich ELISA.The MAb,designated as 5B5 was specific to VP7 and belongs to IgG2a subclass and was selected for the development of the sELISA in this study.The MAb had a titer of 1:25 with BTV and 1:2 with the rVP7 protein.The sELISA is based on capturing of BTV antigen with VP7 specific MAb followed by detection using BTV polyclonal antiserum raised in rabbits.The assay was evaluated with six cell culture adapted serotypes of BTV that have been isolated from India,1,2,15,17,18 and 23.The assay could detect BTV antigen as early as day 8 in blood.It was also successfully applied for the detection of BTV group specific antigen in clinical samples of blood,washed RBCs,buffy coat and plasma.A total of 102 field samples from animals,suspected of being infected with BTV,were tested and 29.42% were positive.The blood samples were also amplified in cell culture which improved the sensitivity of the assay.Results confirmed that the sELISA is rapid and specific.展开更多
A sensitive and rapid single step real time （rt） RT-PCR was standardized using one-step Brilliant SYBR Green kit for detection and semi-quantitation ofpeste des petitis ruminants virus （PPRV） using the virus RNA a...A sensitive and rapid single step real time （rt） RT-PCR was standardized using one-step Brilliant SYBR Green kit for detection and semi-quantitation ofpeste des petitis ruminants virus （PPRV） using the virus RNA and matrix （M） protein gene-specific primers and compared with established conventional RT-PCR and TaqMan RT-PCR. The assay amplifies a 124 bp fragment of the PPRV M gene with Tm of 78.28 to 78.50. The assay was linear within a range of 50 ng to 0.5 fg total virus RNA with a detection limit （sensitivity） of 0.5 fg. Based on the serial dilution of the live-attenuated PPR vaccine virus, the detection limit was -0.0001 cell culture infectious dose 50% units （TCID50）. Additionally, swab materials spiked with known titre of vaccine virus were equally well detected in the assay. The standardized rt RT-PCR was easily employed for the detection of PPRV nucleic acid directly in the field and experimental clinical samples. The assay detected the PPRV nucleic acid as early as 3 day post infection （dpi） and up to 20 dpi in swab materials from the experimental samples. The assay was rapid and more sensitive than TaqMan and conventional RT-PCR in the detection of PPRV nucleic acid from the PPR suspected clinical samples of sheep and goats. Therefore, the established, simplified SYBR green rt RT-PCR is an alternative test to the already existing various diagnostic assays and could be useful for rapid clinical diagnosis with advantage in reducing risk of contamination.展开更多
Soil quality assessment has been suggested as an effective tool for evaluating sustainability of soil and crop management practices.The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive soil quality index(SQI) based ...Soil quality assessment has been suggested as an effective tool for evaluating sustainability of soil and crop management practices.The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive soil quality index(SQI) based on bulk density(BD),water-holding capacity(WHC),water-stable aggregates(WSA),aggregate mean weight diameter(AMWD),total organic C(TOC) and C input to evaluate the important rice-wheat cropping system on an Inceptisol in India.A long-term experiment has been conducted for 18 years at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research,Modipuram,India.The treatments selected for this study were comprised of a no-fertilizer control and N,P and K fertilizers(NPK) combined with Zn and S fertilizers(NPK+ Zn+S),farmyard manure(NPK+FYM),green gram residues(NPK+GR) and cereal residues(NPK+CR),laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.Soil samples were collected and analyzed for BD,WHC,WSA and TOC.Correlation analysis revealed that both rice and wheat yields signi?cantly increased with the increases in AMWD,TOC and C input,but decreased with the increase in BD.The SQI values were then generated based on regression analysis of BD,WSA,AMWD,TOC and C input with rice and wheat yields for the 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil layers,respectively.Regression analyses between crop yields and SQI values showed a quadratic type of relation with the coeffcient of determination(R^2) varying from 0.78 to 0.89.With regard to soil sustainability,applying crop residues to both rice and wheat could maintain soil quality for a longer period,whereas the highest yields of both the crops were recorded in the NPK+Zn+S treatment.The regression equations developed in this study could be used to monitor soil quality in a subhumid tropical rice-wheat cropping system.展开更多
In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed t...In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed to determine the appropriate period for vaccination in kids.Serum samples collected from kids born to vaccinated,unvaccinated and infected goats at different time intervals were tested by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization test(SNT).Maternal antibodies in kids were detectable up to 6 months with a decline trend from the third month onwards and receded below the protective level by the fourth month.The kid with an SN titre of 1:8 at the time of immunization showed significant PPRV specific antibody response(percentage inhibition of 76;SN titers >1:16),when tested on 21 day post-vaccination and was completely protected from infection upon virulent PPRV challenge.Similarly,the kid with 1:8 SN titers was completely protected from PPR infection on active challenge.Therefore,PPR vaccination is recommended in kids,aged 4 months and born to immunized or exposed goats.This could be a suitable period to avoid window of susceptibility in kids to PPRV and the effort to eliminate PPR infection from susceptible populations.展开更多
Foot-and-mouth disease(FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of livestock, primarily affecting cattle, buffalo and pigs. FMD virus serotypes O, A and Asia1 are prevalent in India and systema...Foot-and-mouth disease(FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of livestock, primarily affecting cattle, buffalo and pigs. FMD virus serotypes O, A and Asia1 are prevalent in India and systematic efforts are on to control and eventually eradicate the disease from the country. FMD epidemiology is complex due to factors like co-circulation, extinction, emergence and re-emergence of genotypes/lineages within the three serotypes, animal movement, diverse farm practices and large number of susceptible livestock in the country. Systematic vaccination, prompt diagnosis, strict biosecurity measures, and regular monitoring of vaccinal immunity and surveillance of virus circulation are indispensible features for the effective implementation of the control measures. Availability of suitable companion diagnostic tests is very important in this endeavour. In this review, the diagnostic assays developed and validated in India and their contribution in FMD control programme is presented.展开更多
In the present study,a total of 24 MAbs were produced against bluetongue virus (BTV) by polyethyleneglycol (PEG) mediated fusion method using sensitized lymphocytes and myeloma cells. All these clones were characteriz...In the present study,a total of 24 MAbs were produced against bluetongue virus (BTV) by polyethyleneglycol (PEG) mediated fusion method using sensitized lymphocytes and myeloma cells. All these clones were characterized for their reactivity to whole virus and recombinant BTV-VP7 protein,titres,isotypes and their reactivity with 24 BTV-serotype specific sera in cELISA. Out of 24 clones,a majority of them (n = 18) belong to various IgG subclasses and the remaining (n = 6) to the IgM class. A panel of eight clones reactive to both whole BTV and purified rVP7 protein were identified based on their reactivity in iELISA. For competitive ELISA,the clone designated as 4A10 showed better inhibition to hyperimmune serum of BTV serotype 23. However,this clone showed a variable percent of inhibition ranging from16.6% with BTV 12 serotype to 78.9% with BTV16 serotype using 24 serotype specific sera of BTV originating from guinea pig at their lowest dilutions. From the available panel of clones,only 4A10 was found to have a possible diagnostic application.展开更多
In this work, children’s persistent hyperglycemia has been revised using the available literature to support the proposed reasoning. Based on this study, we have shown that the human glycemic management system must b...In this work, children’s persistent hyperglycemia has been revised using the available literature to support the proposed reasoning. Based on this study, we have shown that the human glycemic management system must be seen as coupled and integrated by four subsystems, namely, production system, consumption system, distribution system, control system, and also it should be seen as coupled to external noxious factors/stressors, if not we show that the glycemic homeostasis analysis might be defective and might induce, in many cases, a misdiagnosis of the causes of the persistent hyperglycemia under consideration. Also, in this work, some considerations were presented to show that anomalies in the cerebral glycemic control through the glucose sensor neurons might be a possible cause/origin of some of the glycemic abnormalities and dysfunctions (however, not only the known related hypoglycemia but also hyperglycemia) that occur in childhood. Finally, it is shown that persistent novel external noxious factors of modernity or noxious factors already known, but amplified by modernity, such as persistent stress, media induced fears, and phobias, environmental pollution, and electromagnetic pollution, can and should also be considered as possible precursors for the development of anomalies in the juvenile homeostatic glycemic system that might well be, if intense and persistent, the driver of the worldwide observed T1DM epidemic events.展开更多
In this study, thermo-adapted （Ta） PPR vaccines were assessed for their stability at 25, 37, 40, 42 and 45℃ in lyophilized form using two extrinsic stabilizers {lactalbumin hydrolysate-sucrose （LS） and stabilizer...In this study, thermo-adapted （Ta） PPR vaccines were assessed for their stability at 25, 37, 40, 42 and 45℃ in lyophilized form using two extrinsic stabilizers {lactalbumin hydrolysate-sucrose （LS） and stabilizer E} and in reconstituted form with the diluents （1 mol/L MgSO4 or 0.85% NaC1）. The lyophilized vaccines showed an expiry period of 24-26 days at 25℃, 7-8 days at 37℃ and 3-4 days at 40℃. LS stabilizer was superior at 42℃ with a shelf-life of 44 h, whereas in stabilizer E, a 40 h shelf-life with a comparable half-life was observed. At 45 ℃, the half-life in stabilizer E was better than LS and lasted for 1 day. Furthermore, the reconstituted vaccine maintained the titre for 48 h both at 4℃ and 25℃ and for 24-30 h at 37℃. As both the stabilizers performed equally well with regard to shelf-life and half-life, the present study suggests LS as stabilizer as a choice for lyophilization with 0.85% NaCldiluent, because it has better performance at higher temperature. These Ta vaccines can be used as alternatives to existing vaccines for the control of the disease in tropical countries as they are effective in avoiding vaccination failure due to the breakdown in cold-chain maintenance, as this vaccine is considerably more stable at ambient temperatures.展开更多
High Feed efficiency (FE) in growing heifers has economic importance in dairy, but remains less understood in buffaloes. Feed conversion efficiency is defined as dry matter intake (DMI) per unit body weight gain and i...High Feed efficiency (FE) in growing heifers has economic importance in dairy, but remains less understood in buffaloes. Feed conversion efficiency is defined as dry matter intake (DMI) per unit body weight gain and is determined as residual feed intake (RFI), i.e., the difference between actual and predicted feed intake to gain unit body weight during a feed trial run for 78 days under control feeding. A large variation was identified ranging between -0.42 to 0.35 in growing buffalo heifers (n = 40) of age between 11 to 15 months. An average daily weight gain (ADG) varied between 382.0 and 807.6 g/day when compared with the control-fed heifers at an organized buffalo farm. The whole blood transcriptome data obtained from the selected growing heifers from extremes of estimated high and low RFI efficiency were compared with the reference assembly generated from the transcriptome of multiparous buffaloes (n = 16) of diverse age of maturity, period of regaining post partum cyclicity and level of milk production. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the reference genome of Mediterranean water buffalo. GO: terms (Padj 0.05, FDR 0.05) enriched by annotated DEGs and biological pathways in gene network for RFI efficiency trait were identified. GO: terms specific to pre-transcriptional regulation of nucleus and Chromatin organization under Nucleoplasm, Energy balancing, Immunity, Cell signaling, ROS optimization, ATP generation through the Electron Transport chain and cell proliferation were determined. The study reveals the indicators targeting the actual metabolic changes and molecular functions underlying the feed utilization capacity of buffaloes. Estimated RFI efficiency revealed a large variation over heifers which may lower the DMI even up to 13.6% thus, enabling an increase in ADG up to 16% by involving efficient heifers in breeding plan. The study revealed a scope of high gain by selective breeding for FE in heifers. FE variants catalogued in the study are useful breed-specific RFI markers for future reference. The study contributes to the understanding of feed efficiency in buffaloes and its association with key interactive traits such as reproduction and growth. This knowledge can be utilized to develop more effective breeding programs.展开更多
The present study deals with the co-ordination of cytokine （IL-4 and IFN-7） expression and kinetics of peste des petits ruminants （PPR） virus antigen and antibody in PPRV infected and vaccinated goats. The infecte...The present study deals with the co-ordination of cytokine （IL-4 and IFN-7） expression and kinetics of peste des petits ruminants （PPR） virus antigen and antibody in PPRV infected and vaccinated goats. The infected animals exhibited mixed cytokine （both TH1 and TH2） responses in the initial phase of the disease. The infected and dead goats had increased IFN-T response before their death; while IL-4 remained at the base level. The cytokine expression in recovered animals was almost similar to that of vaccinated ones, where a unique biphasic response of IL-4 expression was observed with an up-regulation of IFN-T on 7th days post vaccination （dpv）. Analysis of PPR virus antigen and antibody kinetics in different components of blood from infected and vaccinated animais revealed that the PPR virus antigen load was highest in plasma followed by serum and blood of the infected animals, whereas vaccinated animals showed only marginal positivity on 9th dpv. The antibody titer was high in serum followed by plasma and blood in both vaccinated and infected animals. Therefore, it is inferred that the presence of antigen and antibody were significant with the expression of cytokine, and that a decreased response of IL-4 was noticed during intermediate phase of the disease i.e., 7 to 12m days post infection （dpi）. This indicates the ability to mount a functional TH2 response after 14th dpi could be a critical determinant in deciding the survival of the PPR infected animal.展开更多
Introduction: PMTCT under NACP-III cover ex-posed children born to sero-positive mothers. Baby’s sero-status could be confirmed only at 18 months. Under EID, by DBS and/or WB collection, DNA-PCR can be performed earl...Introduction: PMTCT under NACP-III cover ex-posed children born to sero-positive mothers. Baby’s sero-status could be confirmed only at 18 months. Under EID, by DBS and/or WB collection, DNA-PCR can be performed earlier, with subsequent ART-linkage and 18-months-con- firmation. In Ahmedabad, with 55,000 annual pre- gnancy-HIV-testing, sero-prevalence is 0.27%. Methodology: Entry-points in EID are at 6 weeks, 6 months or 12 months. Cohort of 213 exposed children since EID roll-out (June 2010-December 2011) at all tertiary care hospitals under Ahme-dabad Municipal Corporation was assessed for sero-positivity-prevalence, DBS validity and assessment of baby’s sero-status-determinants. De-identified, secondary data were captured under routine public-health-program. Necessary permissions taken. Results: 144 HIV sero-positive deliveries took place. 213 exposed children were enrolled in EID. Cumulatively, 18 (8.45%) were tested positive at all entry-points. Out of sero-positives confirmed at 18 months, 60% children’s mothers were detected either in second or third trimester. In 40%, mothers remained undiagnosed intra-partum. Mothers were not on ART intra-partum in 80% (RR 1.8). Peri-partum ARV prophylaxis-single-dose-Nevirapine (sdNVP) was not given in 60%. [RR 18, CI 3.69 to 87.70 at 95% (p < 0.0003)]. In 60%, mode of delivery was vaginal, deliveries were handled in emergency. History of exclusive breastfeeding was in 60%. Discussion: Rise in yield of sero-positivity with age, highest proportion of sero-positivity and highest number of entrants at 6 weeks call for efforts targeted towards increasing earliest EID uptake clubbed with immunization visits. Feasibility, validity and early-ART-linkage to reduce mortality are features of DBS. Results justify its use in national program. Earliest pregnancy-HIV detection, HIV-testing for emergency deliveries, intra-partum sdNVP to both mother and baby, ART-linkage of eligible mothers and following infant feeding guidelines remain cornerstone of PMTCT success.展开更多
Since the discovery of hybridoma cells by Kohler and Milstein, the uses of monoclonal antibody (mAb), the protein produced by such cells are in vogue. Such antibodies with single isotype have higher specificity, and t...Since the discovery of hybridoma cells by Kohler and Milstein, the uses of monoclonal antibody (mAb), the protein produced by such cells are in vogue. Such antibodies with single isotype have higher specificity, and the serological tests employed in show higher reproducibility compared to those with use of polyclonal antisera. There are several procedures of mAb production which vary considerably but the principle remains the same which states that antigens introduced into animals generally result in the stimulation of lymphocytes, some of which produce antibody of only one type, although the isotype may change. The developments in the field of cell culture and transfection technology have lead to the production of improved qualities of mAbs. In general, monoclonal antibodies are important reagents used in biomedical research, such as, in the field of diagnostics and therapeutics as well as targeted drug delivery systems. They have got importance not only for infectious diseases caused by microbes and parasites, but also for cancer, metabolic and hormonal disorders, in the diagnosis of lymphoid and myeloid malignancies and tissue typing, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (especially blocking ELISA), radio immunoassay (RIA), serotyping of pathogens and their immunological intervention with passive antibody, anti-idiotype inhibition or magic bullet therapy with cytotoxic agents coupled with antimouse specific antibody. The application of mAbs in diagnosis of various livestock diseases is an important area of concern as these diseases are a major and increasingly important factor reducing livestock productivity in various parts of the world. In this context, the application of mAbs for diagnosis of important bacterial diseases viz., Anthrax, Brucellosis, Paratuberculosis, Leptospirosis, Listeriosis, Clostridial infections and Mycoplasmosis (CBPP), fungal diseases viz., Zygomycosis, Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis and Paracoccidiodomycosis, viral diseases viz., Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/Infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IBR/IPV), Rota viral diarrhoea, Blue tongue, Rabies, Classical swine fever and re-emerging viral diseases like Hendra and Nipah viral infections and parasitic diseases viz., dirofilariosis, and Trichinellosis and haemportozoan diseases (including Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Anaplasmosis, infections caused by Plasmodium spp. as well as tick borne diseases) have been discussed thoroughly along with the specifications of the diagnostic assays for each disease for the convenience of the diagnosticians, researchers, scientists and students to employ such assays, both in field and laboratories to strengthen the disease control programme.展开更多
NASA is developing the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission to provide accurate measurements to substantially improve understanding of climate change. CLARREO will include a Reflect...NASA is developing the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission to provide accurate measurements to substantially improve understanding of climate change. CLARREO will include a Reflected Solar (RS) Suite, an Infrared (IR) Suite, and a Global Navigation Satellite System-Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO). The IR Suite consists of a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) covering 5 to 50 micrometers (2000-200 cm-1 wavenumbers) and on-orbit calibration and verification systems. The IR instrument will use a cavity blackbody view and a deep space view for on-orbit calibration. The calibration blackbody and the verification system blackbody will both have Phase Change Cells (PCCs) to accurately provide a SI reference to absolute temperature. One of the most critical parts of obtaining accurate CLARREO IR scene measurements relies on knowing the spectral radiance output from the blackbody calibration source. The blackbody spectral radiance must be known with a low uncertainty, and the magnitude of the uncertainty itself must be reliably quantified. This study focuses on determining which parameters in the spectral radiance equation of the calibration blackbody are critical to the blackbody accuracy. Fourteen parameters are identified and explored. Design of Experiments (DOE) is applied to systematically set up an experiment (i.e., parameter settings and number of runs) to explore the effects of these 14 parameters. The experiment is done by computer simulation to estimate uncertainty of the calibration blackbody spectral radiance. Within the explored ranges, only 4 out of 14 parameters were discovered to be critical to the total uncertainty in blackbody radiance, and should be designed, manufactured, and/or controlled carefully. The uncertainties obtained by computer simulation are also compared to those obtained using the “Law of Propagation of Uncertainty”. The two methods produce statistically different uncertainties. Nevertheless, the differences are small and are not considered to be important. A follow-up study has been planned to examine the total combined uncertainty of the CLARREO IR Suite, with a total of 47 contributing parameters. The DOE method will help in identifying critical parameters that need to be effectively and efficiently designed to meet the stringent IR measurement accuracy requirements within the limited resources.展开更多
文摘The Inter Academy Partnership(IAP)project"Improving Scientific Input to Global Policymaking"is now mid-way through its three-year programme and we’re pleased to report its progress to-date.Funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York,the project aims to:l raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),especially amongst the academies;l explore opportunities to support SDGs more effectively,with a focus on how the academies can play their part systemically;l encourage collaboration and adoption of good practice among organizations that
文摘In the present study,the partial gene sequences of P32 protein,an immunogenic envelope protein of Capripoxviruses (CaPV),were analyzed to assess the genetic relationship among sheeppox and goatpox virus isolates,and restriction enzyme specific PCR-RFLP was developed to differentiate CaPV strains.A total of six goatpox virus (GTPV) and nine sheeppox virus (SPPV) isolates of Indian origin were included in the sequence analysis of the attachment gene.The sequence analysis revealed a high degree of sequence identity among all the Indian SPPV and GTPV isolates at both nucleotide and amino acid levels.Phylogenetic analysis showed three distinct clusters of SPPV,GTPV and Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) isolates.Further,multiple sequence alignment revealed a unique change at G120A in all GTPV isolates resulting in the formation of Dra I restriction site in lieu of EcoR I,which is present in SPPV isolates studied.This change was unique and exploited to develop restriction enzyme specific PCR-RFLP for detection and differentiation of SPPV and GTPV strains.The optimized PCR-RFLP was validated using a total of fourteen (n=14) cell culture isolates and twenty two (n=22) known clinical samples of CaPV.The Restriction Enzyme specific PCR-RFLP to differentiate both species will allow a rapid differential diagnosis during CaPV outbreaks particularly in mixed flocks of sheep and goats and could be an adjunct/supportive tool for complete gene or virus genome sequencing methods.
文摘A monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for the bluetongue virus (BTV) group specific antigen (VP7) was characterized for its reactivity with purified virus and recombinant BTV VP7 (rVP7) protein and its suitability for use in the sandwich ELISA.The MAb,designated as 5B5 was specific to VP7 and belongs to IgG2a subclass and was selected for the development of the sELISA in this study.The MAb had a titer of 1:25 with BTV and 1:2 with the rVP7 protein.The sELISA is based on capturing of BTV antigen with VP7 specific MAb followed by detection using BTV polyclonal antiserum raised in rabbits.The assay was evaluated with six cell culture adapted serotypes of BTV that have been isolated from India,1,2,15,17,18 and 23.The assay could detect BTV antigen as early as day 8 in blood.It was also successfully applied for the detection of BTV group specific antigen in clinical samples of blood,washed RBCs,buffy coat and plasma.A total of 102 field samples from animals,suspected of being infected with BTV,were tested and 29.42% were positive.The blood samples were also amplified in cell culture which improved the sensitivity of the assay.Results confirmed that the sELISA is rapid and specific.
基金Indian Council of Agricultural Research,New Delhi,India under Niche Area of Excellence:Production and Quality control of Veterinary Immunodiganostics and immunoprophylactics(F.No.10(11)2005-EP&D.dated 15.12.2005)
文摘A sensitive and rapid single step real time （rt） RT-PCR was standardized using one-step Brilliant SYBR Green kit for detection and semi-quantitation ofpeste des petitis ruminants virus （PPRV） using the virus RNA and matrix （M） protein gene-specific primers and compared with established conventional RT-PCR and TaqMan RT-PCR. The assay amplifies a 124 bp fragment of the PPRV M gene with Tm of 78.28 to 78.50. The assay was linear within a range of 50 ng to 0.5 fg total virus RNA with a detection limit （sensitivity） of 0.5 fg. Based on the serial dilution of the live-attenuated PPR vaccine virus, the detection limit was -0.0001 cell culture infectious dose 50% units （TCID50）. Additionally, swab materials spiked with known titre of vaccine virus were equally well detected in the assay. The standardized rt RT-PCR was easily employed for the detection of PPRV nucleic acid directly in the field and experimental clinical samples. The assay detected the PPRV nucleic acid as early as 3 day post infection （dpi） and up to 20 dpi in swab materials from the experimental samples. The assay was rapid and more sensitive than TaqMan and conventional RT-PCR in the detection of PPRV nucleic acid from the PPR suspected clinical samples of sheep and goats. Therefore, the established, simplified SYBR green rt RT-PCR is an alternative test to the already existing various diagnostic assays and could be useful for rapid clinical diagnosis with advantage in reducing risk of contamination.
基金The financial assistance provided by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute,New Delhi,India
文摘Soil quality assessment has been suggested as an effective tool for evaluating sustainability of soil and crop management practices.The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive soil quality index(SQI) based on bulk density(BD),water-holding capacity(WHC),water-stable aggregates(WSA),aggregate mean weight diameter(AMWD),total organic C(TOC) and C input to evaluate the important rice-wheat cropping system on an Inceptisol in India.A long-term experiment has been conducted for 18 years at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research,Modipuram,India.The treatments selected for this study were comprised of a no-fertilizer control and N,P and K fertilizers(NPK) combined with Zn and S fertilizers(NPK+ Zn+S),farmyard manure(NPK+FYM),green gram residues(NPK+GR) and cereal residues(NPK+CR),laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.Soil samples were collected and analyzed for BD,WHC,WSA and TOC.Correlation analysis revealed that both rice and wheat yields signi?cantly increased with the increases in AMWD,TOC and C input,but decreased with the increase in BD.The SQI values were then generated based on regression analysis of BD,WSA,AMWD,TOC and C input with rice and wheat yields for the 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil layers,respectively.Regression analyses between crop yields and SQI values showed a quadratic type of relation with the coeffcient of determination(R^2) varying from 0.78 to 0.89.With regard to soil sustainability,applying crop residues to both rice and wheat could maintain soil quality for a longer period,whereas the highest yields of both the crops were recorded in the NPK+Zn+S treatment.The regression equations developed in this study could be used to monitor soil quality in a subhumid tropical rice-wheat cropping system.
基金Project Directorate on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance(PD_ADMAS)
文摘In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed to determine the appropriate period for vaccination in kids.Serum samples collected from kids born to vaccinated,unvaccinated and infected goats at different time intervals were tested by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization test(SNT).Maternal antibodies in kids were detectable up to 6 months with a decline trend from the third month onwards and receded below the protective level by the fourth month.The kid with an SN titre of 1:8 at the time of immunization showed significant PPRV specific antibody response(percentage inhibition of 76;SN titers >1:16),when tested on 21 day post-vaccination and was completely protected from infection upon virulent PPRV challenge.Similarly,the kid with 1:8 SN titers was completely protected from PPR infection on active challenge.Therefore,PPR vaccination is recommended in kids,aged 4 months and born to immunized or exposed goats.This could be a suitable period to avoid window of susceptibility in kids to PPRV and the effort to eliminate PPR infection from susceptible populations.
文摘Foot-and-mouth disease(FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of livestock, primarily affecting cattle, buffalo and pigs. FMD virus serotypes O, A and Asia1 are prevalent in India and systematic efforts are on to control and eventually eradicate the disease from the country. FMD epidemiology is complex due to factors like co-circulation, extinction, emergence and re-emergence of genotypes/lineages within the three serotypes, animal movement, diverse farm practices and large number of susceptible livestock in the country. Systematic vaccination, prompt diagnosis, strict biosecurity measures, and regular monitoring of vaccinal immunity and surveillance of virus circulation are indispensible features for the effective implementation of the control measures. Availability of suitable companion diagnostic tests is very important in this endeavour. In this review, the diagnostic assays developed and validated in India and their contribution in FMD control programme is presented.
文摘In the present study,a total of 24 MAbs were produced against bluetongue virus (BTV) by polyethyleneglycol (PEG) mediated fusion method using sensitized lymphocytes and myeloma cells. All these clones were characterized for their reactivity to whole virus and recombinant BTV-VP7 protein,titres,isotypes and their reactivity with 24 BTV-serotype specific sera in cELISA. Out of 24 clones,a majority of them (n = 18) belong to various IgG subclasses and the remaining (n = 6) to the IgM class. A panel of eight clones reactive to both whole BTV and purified rVP7 protein were identified based on their reactivity in iELISA. For competitive ELISA,the clone designated as 4A10 showed better inhibition to hyperimmune serum of BTV serotype 23. However,this clone showed a variable percent of inhibition ranging from16.6% with BTV 12 serotype to 78.9% with BTV16 serotype using 24 serotype specific sera of BTV originating from guinea pig at their lowest dilutions. From the available panel of clones,only 4A10 was found to have a possible diagnostic application.
文摘In this work, children’s persistent hyperglycemia has been revised using the available literature to support the proposed reasoning. Based on this study, we have shown that the human glycemic management system must be seen as coupled and integrated by four subsystems, namely, production system, consumption system, distribution system, control system, and also it should be seen as coupled to external noxious factors/stressors, if not we show that the glycemic homeostasis analysis might be defective and might induce, in many cases, a misdiagnosis of the causes of the persistent hyperglycemia under consideration. Also, in this work, some considerations were presented to show that anomalies in the cerebral glycemic control through the glucose sensor neurons might be a possible cause/origin of some of the glycemic abnormalities and dysfunctions (however, not only the known related hypoglycemia but also hyperglycemia) that occur in childhood. Finally, it is shown that persistent novel external noxious factors of modernity or noxious factors already known, but amplified by modernity, such as persistent stress, media induced fears, and phobias, environmental pollution, and electromagnetic pollution, can and should also be considered as possible precursors for the development of anomalies in the juvenile homeostatic glycemic system that might well be, if intense and persistent, the driver of the worldwide observed T1DM epidemic events.
基金Supported by grants from Indian Council of Agricultural Research,Ministry of Agriculture,Government of India,New Delhi,under the Ad-hoc Scheme(F.No.11-3/2007-GA-II and1-1/2007-ASR-IV)
文摘In this study, thermo-adapted （Ta） PPR vaccines were assessed for their stability at 25, 37, 40, 42 and 45℃ in lyophilized form using two extrinsic stabilizers {lactalbumin hydrolysate-sucrose （LS） and stabilizer E} and in reconstituted form with the diluents （1 mol/L MgSO4 or 0.85% NaC1）. The lyophilized vaccines showed an expiry period of 24-26 days at 25℃, 7-8 days at 37℃ and 3-4 days at 40℃. LS stabilizer was superior at 42℃ with a shelf-life of 44 h, whereas in stabilizer E, a 40 h shelf-life with a comparable half-life was observed. At 45 ℃, the half-life in stabilizer E was better than LS and lasted for 1 day. Furthermore, the reconstituted vaccine maintained the titre for 48 h both at 4℃ and 25℃ and for 24-30 h at 37℃. As both the stabilizers performed equally well with regard to shelf-life and half-life, the present study suggests LS as stabilizer as a choice for lyophilization with 0.85% NaCldiluent, because it has better performance at higher temperature. These Ta vaccines can be used as alternatives to existing vaccines for the control of the disease in tropical countries as they are effective in avoiding vaccination failure due to the breakdown in cold-chain maintenance, as this vaccine is considerably more stable at ambient temperatures.
文摘High Feed efficiency (FE) in growing heifers has economic importance in dairy, but remains less understood in buffaloes. Feed conversion efficiency is defined as dry matter intake (DMI) per unit body weight gain and is determined as residual feed intake (RFI), i.e., the difference between actual and predicted feed intake to gain unit body weight during a feed trial run for 78 days under control feeding. A large variation was identified ranging between -0.42 to 0.35 in growing buffalo heifers (n = 40) of age between 11 to 15 months. An average daily weight gain (ADG) varied between 382.0 and 807.6 g/day when compared with the control-fed heifers at an organized buffalo farm. The whole blood transcriptome data obtained from the selected growing heifers from extremes of estimated high and low RFI efficiency were compared with the reference assembly generated from the transcriptome of multiparous buffaloes (n = 16) of diverse age of maturity, period of regaining post partum cyclicity and level of milk production. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the reference genome of Mediterranean water buffalo. GO: terms (Padj 0.05, FDR 0.05) enriched by annotated DEGs and biological pathways in gene network for RFI efficiency trait were identified. GO: terms specific to pre-transcriptional regulation of nucleus and Chromatin organization under Nucleoplasm, Energy balancing, Immunity, Cell signaling, ROS optimization, ATP generation through the Electron Transport chain and cell proliferation were determined. The study reveals the indicators targeting the actual metabolic changes and molecular functions underlying the feed utilization capacity of buffaloes. Estimated RFI efficiency revealed a large variation over heifers which may lower the DMI even up to 13.6% thus, enabling an increase in ADG up to 16% by involving efficient heifers in breeding plan. The study revealed a scope of high gain by selective breeding for FE in heifers. FE variants catalogued in the study are useful breed-specific RFI markers for future reference. The study contributes to the understanding of feed efficiency in buffaloes and its association with key interactive traits such as reproduction and growth. This knowledge can be utilized to develop more effective breeding programs.
文摘The present study deals with the co-ordination of cytokine （IL-4 and IFN-7） expression and kinetics of peste des petits ruminants （PPR） virus antigen and antibody in PPRV infected and vaccinated goats. The infected animals exhibited mixed cytokine （both TH1 and TH2） responses in the initial phase of the disease. The infected and dead goats had increased IFN-T response before their death; while IL-4 remained at the base level. The cytokine expression in recovered animals was almost similar to that of vaccinated ones, where a unique biphasic response of IL-4 expression was observed with an up-regulation of IFN-T on 7th days post vaccination （dpv）. Analysis of PPR virus antigen and antibody kinetics in different components of blood from infected and vaccinated animais revealed that the PPR virus antigen load was highest in plasma followed by serum and blood of the infected animals, whereas vaccinated animals showed only marginal positivity on 9th dpv. The antibody titer was high in serum followed by plasma and blood in both vaccinated and infected animals. Therefore, it is inferred that the presence of antigen and antibody were significant with the expression of cytokine, and that a decreased response of IL-4 was noticed during intermediate phase of the disease i.e., 7 to 12m days post infection （dpi）. This indicates the ability to mount a functional TH2 response after 14th dpi could be a critical determinant in deciding the survival of the PPR infected animal.
文摘Introduction: PMTCT under NACP-III cover ex-posed children born to sero-positive mothers. Baby’s sero-status could be confirmed only at 18 months. Under EID, by DBS and/or WB collection, DNA-PCR can be performed earlier, with subsequent ART-linkage and 18-months-con- firmation. In Ahmedabad, with 55,000 annual pre- gnancy-HIV-testing, sero-prevalence is 0.27%. Methodology: Entry-points in EID are at 6 weeks, 6 months or 12 months. Cohort of 213 exposed children since EID roll-out (June 2010-December 2011) at all tertiary care hospitals under Ahme-dabad Municipal Corporation was assessed for sero-positivity-prevalence, DBS validity and assessment of baby’s sero-status-determinants. De-identified, secondary data were captured under routine public-health-program. Necessary permissions taken. Results: 144 HIV sero-positive deliveries took place. 213 exposed children were enrolled in EID. Cumulatively, 18 (8.45%) were tested positive at all entry-points. Out of sero-positives confirmed at 18 months, 60% children’s mothers were detected either in second or third trimester. In 40%, mothers remained undiagnosed intra-partum. Mothers were not on ART intra-partum in 80% (RR 1.8). Peri-partum ARV prophylaxis-single-dose-Nevirapine (sdNVP) was not given in 60%. [RR 18, CI 3.69 to 87.70 at 95% (p < 0.0003)]. In 60%, mode of delivery was vaginal, deliveries were handled in emergency. History of exclusive breastfeeding was in 60%. Discussion: Rise in yield of sero-positivity with age, highest proportion of sero-positivity and highest number of entrants at 6 weeks call for efforts targeted towards increasing earliest EID uptake clubbed with immunization visits. Feasibility, validity and early-ART-linkage to reduce mortality are features of DBS. Results justify its use in national program. Earliest pregnancy-HIV detection, HIV-testing for emergency deliveries, intra-partum sdNVP to both mother and baby, ART-linkage of eligible mothers and following infant feeding guidelines remain cornerstone of PMTCT success.
文摘Since the discovery of hybridoma cells by Kohler and Milstein, the uses of monoclonal antibody (mAb), the protein produced by such cells are in vogue. Such antibodies with single isotype have higher specificity, and the serological tests employed in show higher reproducibility compared to those with use of polyclonal antisera. There are several procedures of mAb production which vary considerably but the principle remains the same which states that antigens introduced into animals generally result in the stimulation of lymphocytes, some of which produce antibody of only one type, although the isotype may change. The developments in the field of cell culture and transfection technology have lead to the production of improved qualities of mAbs. In general, monoclonal antibodies are important reagents used in biomedical research, such as, in the field of diagnostics and therapeutics as well as targeted drug delivery systems. They have got importance not only for infectious diseases caused by microbes and parasites, but also for cancer, metabolic and hormonal disorders, in the diagnosis of lymphoid and myeloid malignancies and tissue typing, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (especially blocking ELISA), radio immunoassay (RIA), serotyping of pathogens and their immunological intervention with passive antibody, anti-idiotype inhibition or magic bullet therapy with cytotoxic agents coupled with antimouse specific antibody. The application of mAbs in diagnosis of various livestock diseases is an important area of concern as these diseases are a major and increasingly important factor reducing livestock productivity in various parts of the world. In this context, the application of mAbs for diagnosis of important bacterial diseases viz., Anthrax, Brucellosis, Paratuberculosis, Leptospirosis, Listeriosis, Clostridial infections and Mycoplasmosis (CBPP), fungal diseases viz., Zygomycosis, Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis and Paracoccidiodomycosis, viral diseases viz., Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/Infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IBR/IPV), Rota viral diarrhoea, Blue tongue, Rabies, Classical swine fever and re-emerging viral diseases like Hendra and Nipah viral infections and parasitic diseases viz., dirofilariosis, and Trichinellosis and haemportozoan diseases (including Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Anaplasmosis, infections caused by Plasmodium spp. as well as tick borne diseases) have been discussed thoroughly along with the specifications of the diagnostic assays for each disease for the convenience of the diagnosticians, researchers, scientists and students to employ such assays, both in field and laboratories to strengthen the disease control programme.
文摘NASA is developing the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission to provide accurate measurements to substantially improve understanding of climate change. CLARREO will include a Reflected Solar (RS) Suite, an Infrared (IR) Suite, and a Global Navigation Satellite System-Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO). The IR Suite consists of a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) covering 5 to 50 micrometers (2000-200 cm-1 wavenumbers) and on-orbit calibration and verification systems. The IR instrument will use a cavity blackbody view and a deep space view for on-orbit calibration. The calibration blackbody and the verification system blackbody will both have Phase Change Cells (PCCs) to accurately provide a SI reference to absolute temperature. One of the most critical parts of obtaining accurate CLARREO IR scene measurements relies on knowing the spectral radiance output from the blackbody calibration source. The blackbody spectral radiance must be known with a low uncertainty, and the magnitude of the uncertainty itself must be reliably quantified. This study focuses on determining which parameters in the spectral radiance equation of the calibration blackbody are critical to the blackbody accuracy. Fourteen parameters are identified and explored. Design of Experiments (DOE) is applied to systematically set up an experiment (i.e., parameter settings and number of runs) to explore the effects of these 14 parameters. The experiment is done by computer simulation to estimate uncertainty of the calibration blackbody spectral radiance. Within the explored ranges, only 4 out of 14 parameters were discovered to be critical to the total uncertainty in blackbody radiance, and should be designed, manufactured, and/or controlled carefully. The uncertainties obtained by computer simulation are also compared to those obtained using the “Law of Propagation of Uncertainty”. The two methods produce statistically different uncertainties. Nevertheless, the differences are small and are not considered to be important. A follow-up study has been planned to examine the total combined uncertainty of the CLARREO IR Suite, with a total of 47 contributing parameters. The DOE method will help in identifying critical parameters that need to be effectively and efficiently designed to meet the stringent IR measurement accuracy requirements within the limited resources.
