Effect of size and shape on toxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

The multi-industrial applications of zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMs) lead to increasing exposure to humans. Though the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) toxicity had been evaluated previously, toxicity of other forms of ZnO nanomaterials has not been evaluated. In this study, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of four different types of ZnO NMs were evaluated using human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBL).

Characterization and genotoxicity evaluation of particulate matter collected from industrial atmosphere in Tamil Nadu state, India.

Ambient particulate matter (PM) collected in the vicinity of five industries (Cement, Chemical, Thermal power plant, Sponge-iron and Steel) in Tamil Nadu state, India was characterized for size distribution, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content. Genotoxicity of PM and organic matter (OM) extracted from PM was measured in human lung cancer cell-line, A549 and in human liver carcinoma cell-line, HepG2, respectively, using the comet assay. PM values varied from 57.

Design of customizable automated low cost eye testing system.

Background And Objectives: In many underdeveloped and third world countries, eye care is often neglected due to illiteracy. Particularly people in rural areas suffer with eye problems due to mal nutrition. The government is spending lot of money and efforts in screening the people at periodic intervals.

Therapeutic potential of pterostilbene against pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis mediated through Nrf2.

Background And Purpose: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered to be a 'master regulator' of the antioxidant response as it regulates the expression of several genes including phase II metabolic and antioxidant enzymes and thus plays an important role in preventing oxidative stress-mediated disorders, including diabetes. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the protective properties of a naturally available antioxidant, pterostilbene (PTS), against pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis and the involvement of Nrf2 in its mechanism of action.

Experimental Approach: Immunoblotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)-PCR analysis were performed to identify PTS-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and the following activation of target gene expression, respectively, in INS-1E cells.

Changing antimicrobial resistance observed at a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.

Monitoring antimicrobial resistance patterns meticulously and discussing them in multi-speciality forums can guide the usage of and help in judiciously utilising antibiotic resources. This study was done to compare the antimicrobial resistance trends observed over a period of two years at a tertiary care super-speciality hospital in Delhi. Microbiological data was collected for the years 2008 and 2009 and comparisons were made in the number of different isolates received, their antibiograms and changes in their resistance trends.