Defence Life Science Journal
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Radiation Countermeasures: Current Status
Get PDFDeleterious effects of ionising radiation leading to significant morbidity and mortality have been studied elaborately. A range of synthetic, semisynthetic and herbal compounds have been screened as radiation countermeasure agents and a number of promising radiation countermeasure agents are under development. Amifostin is the only drug which has been approved by the United State Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA), but that too for use in a defined population under strict medical supervision. Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor/filgrastim, γ-tocotrienol, genistein are at an advanced stage of development and are tested on higher animal models as per required norms of FDA. Herbal compounds are also considered very safe and of high value as radiation countermeasure agents owing to various properties like antioxidant, immunomodulation activity etc. Histone deacetylase inhibitors such as Trichostatin A, Diallyl sulphide, Sulforaphane are being viewed as very promising radiomitigating agents by our laboratory and active research in the same direction is going on. Infusion of hematopoietic stem cells and growth factors are in practice as potent therapeutics. This review gives an overview on various radioprotectors, radiomitigators and therapeutic agents either available or under development currently
Comparative Real Time EPR Investigation of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants: As Potential Anticancer Agents and Radio-protectors
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the free-radical scavenging activity against DPPH stable radical and protective properties of the natural products SQGD and P. corylifolia and synthetic nitroxyl- free radical containing nitrosoureas SLENU and SLCNUgly against in vivo oxidative toxicity of antitumor drug CCNU. It was found statistically significant increase in the DPPH radical-scavenging capacity of both extracts with increase of radiation. The natural antioxidants were localised mainly in the organs and blood after EPR biodistribution study. All combinations of natural extracts/ synthetics agents exhibited considerably lower levels of Asc. radicals as compared to controls. It should be mentioned that the natural antioxidants possess higher oxidative protection in comparison with the synthetic antioxidants. Considerable decrease in ROS production in livers of mice was found after treatment with SQGD, P. corylifolia and SLENU, alone, compared to controls.In conclusion, because of well-expressed antioxidant activities of natural and synthetic antioxidants they might be used in the combination anticancer chemotherapy for reducing toxicity caused by anticancer drugs and/or low levels radiation therapy
In vitro evaluation of neutral oximes as reactivators of parathion-inhibited electric eel acetylcholinesterase
Get PDFOrganophosphorus (OP) compounds are irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) commonly used as pesticides and, unfortunately, as nerve agents in terrorist attacks. These compounds are highly soluble easily crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Clinically, oximes such as pralidoxime and obidoxime are used for the reactivation of AChE. These oximes are not sufficiently effective to reactivate AChE inhibited by different OPs besides the fact that they are permanently charged and do not readily cross the BBB. This work evaluated the ability of ten neutral oximes to reactivate parathion-inhibited eel AChE. Because oximes can bind to AChE as reversible inhibitors, this property was also evaluated, with pralidoxime (2-PAM) used as a reference compound. Unlike 2-PAM, which inhibited AChE in a concentration-dependent manner, neutral oximes were not good inhibitors of AChE. Neutral ligands can present affinity for the PAS site. Neutral oximes 1 and 2 (200 mM) reactivated parathion-inhibited eel AChE by 9% and 11%, respectively; but neither of them surpassed the reactivation efficacy of 2-PAM (25%). Neutral oximes 1 and 2 reactivated AChE at a safe concentration for humans. Both neutral oximes 1 and 2 are good non-quaternary moieties for the synthesis of conjugates with enhanced reactivation potency and BBB penetration
Human Patient Simulator based CBRN Casualty Management Training
Get PDFChemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergency are becoming an impending threat. Effective preparedness needs to be raised for prompt response of CBRN incidents. During mass casualty incidents the strategy of the first responders must be beyond the triage, evacuation and medical first aid. Response process is advanced by the presence of CBRN contaminants and it becomes more complex when the rescue operations have to be performed immediately after the incident. Methodological approach is required to identify and decontaminate the CBRN victims. To manage CBRN emergencies, skill based training of appropriate degree is a key to the right level of preparedness. Intervention by first responders requires specialised inputs in knowledge, skills and aptitude. In India, CBRN defence training has traditionally been a military oriented domain, involving the quick reaction team, quick reaction medical team, rapid action medical team, etc. The training concept discussed in this study contemplates around standardised simulated CBRN casualty referred to as CBRN human patient simulator (HPS), which conceptualised in the division of CBRN Defence, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi. HPS provides an opportunity to learn about the health impact of CBRN contaminants and practise medical management. Simulation as training and planning tools, offers repeatability, controllability, possibility for evaluation and provides a platform to learn from costly mistakes. Group training and demonstrations conducted on the HPS offers an additive benefit to enhance performance as a team and also help to reduce errors. This paper provides the information on the potentials of simulation based training of emergency response teams in the management of CBRN victims.
Photon interaction parameters of different tissues of human organs
Get PDFFor proper planning in the radiography of different parts of human organs, knowledge of the photon interaction parameters in different tissues of human organs are essential. Studied the x-ray and gamma photon interaction parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient, half value layer, tenth value layer, mean free path and effective electron density of almost all tissues of human organs [Adipose tissue, Blood, Brain, Breast, Cell Nucleus, Eye Lens, GI tract, Heart, Kidney, Liver, Lung , Lymph, Muscle, Ovary, Pancreas, Cartilage, Red marrow, Spongiosa, Yellow marrow, Skin, Spleen, Testis, Thyroid, Skeleton cortical bone, Skeleton cranium, Skeleton femur, Skeleton humerus,Skeleton mandible, Skeleton ribs (2nd,6th), Skeleton ribs (10th), Skeleton sacrum, Skeleton spongiosa, Skeleton vertebral column (C4) and Skeleton vertebral column (D6, L3)]. The present work is useful in the planning of radiography for different organs. This work also gives useful information for radiotherapy and dosimetry
Radiation Processing: An Emerging Preservation Technique for Meat and Meat Products
Get PDFDevelopment of shelf stable meat and meat products is a challenging task due to physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory alterations during storage. Lot of thrust is being given in the application of radiation processing in meat sector due to its microbial safety. Maintaining and delivering quality and safety products both in civilian and service sectors is the need of the hour. Even though irradiation can ensure complete microbial sterility it can lead to lipid and protein oxidation due to the formation of free radicals which can cause flavour changes. Several studies on the usage of natural antioxidants which can arrest these changes have been reported. Irradiation can find excellent applications in the extension of shelf life of chilled and non chilled carcasses and birds in service sectors. There are several radiation processing plants in India commissioned in the private sector which can also be utilized by Armed forces for extending the shelf life of whole carcass and birds with an extension of shelf life. This will be of great significance to the defence forces.
PCR-based Methods for Identification and Detection of Phytophthora infestans in Infected Leaves of Tomato
Get PDFEvery year there is a huge amount of loss of tomato crop due to infection of late blight caused by P. infestans. To minimise this loss, it is important to visualise disease infection, so as the control measures can be taken up rapidly. The aim of this study was to develop a schematic protocol in order to examine the disease outbreak. P. infestans were isolated and identified based on morphological characteristics, serological and species-specific PCR assays. Ten samples were processed and examined morphologically and serologically (dipstick). However, on molecular examination only three isolates were confirmed as P. infestans. Four sets of PCR primers i.e., AE-7, O-8, INF, ITS 3 and ITS 4 were validated for accurate detection of P. infestans infection. All the sets of primers gave positive result by giving amplicons of expected size
Vegetable Production Scenario in Trans-Himalayan Leh Ladakh Region, India
Get PDFThe high altitude trans-Himalayan Ladakh region remains cut-off for over six months in a year due to heavy snowfall. Long harsh winters reduce the cropping season to just four to five months in a year. Single-cropping is dominant and agriculture production is entirely based on irrigation. The average land holding is small and emphasis has been on minimal use of off-farm inputs. Meeting the fresh vegetable requirement of the burgeoning local population, defence forces and the incoming tourists in this remote mountainous area is a formidable challenge.Very few vegetable types were traditionally grown in Ladakh. Significant progress has been made since 1960s in promoting vegetable cultivation in the region. The vegetable production scenario and consumption choices have undergone drastic changes, compared to what was available some decades back. Agro-techniques and vegetable production calendar in Ladakh differs from lowland parts of the country. Vegetable farms are smaller with an average 0.2 acre. The area of vegetable production constitutes 5.5 per cent of the total 10,319 hectares of agricultural land in Leh district. The widely grown vegetables were potato (75.6 per cent), peas (10.7 per cent), onion (3.4 per cent), cabbage (3.3 per cent), carrot (2.0 per cent) and cauliflower (1.8 per cent). Preference for potato, onion, cabbage and carrot was largely contributed to the desired long term storage capacity for consumption during the landlocked winter months. Supply to the army and tourism industry is the major factor for rapid transformation of vegetable production in the region. Critical areas that need focused attention include technology for vegetable production in winter months, post harvest management, seed production, organic certification, area expansion, harnessing niches and building stronger linkages between growers and consumers
Radiation Induced Gastrointestinal Damage and Protection: Nigella Sativa Seed Extract and Thymoquinone
Get PDFIonising radiation therapy is a common treatment for different types of cancers. The side effects associated with radiation includes destruction of normal cells, especially the dividing cells. The cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bone marrow are the primary targets. The GI damage is reflected by early histological changes, functional alterations and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This has been designated as the radiation syndrome. Many synthetic drugs have been used to treat GI disorders but a definite cure has not been discovered so far and these available medications also cause several side effects. The herbal extracts are being tested for long time as preventive food supplement/drug in this disease. The radio protective effects of Nigella sativa (black cumin, (Ranunculacea) is already reported but its mechanism of action is not well established. Here in this review this aspect has been explored with special reference to various in vitro and in vivo models
Nutritional Studies and Antioxidant Profile of Pickled Oyster Mushrooms of North East India
Get PDFMushroom is a very popular food that is consumed around the globe yet it finds very limited acceptance in India, that too mainly among the elite. Non-availability of mushrooms around the year and its highly perishable nature makes it an expensive commodity for the common people to afford. Hence pickling may be viewed as a method to increase the shelf life of oyster mushrooms from 4-7 days under refrigerated condition to at least up to 12 months at room temperature. Hence a recipe for pickling of mushrooms using Indian spices was formulated so as to suit the Indian palate. The proximate analysis, calorific value, mineral and fatty acid profile along with antioxidant profile of the mushroom pickle was elucidated. Sensory parameters and shelf life and stability determining data like pH, titratable acidity and microbiological profile of the pickle was also performed. Finally it was observed that the mushroom pickle formulation has a shelf life of at least 12 months at room temperature with an overall acceptability (OAA) score above ‘very good’ mark