Evaluation of interference to conventional and real-time PCR for detection and quantification of fungi in dust

Advances in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have permitted accurate, rapid and quantitative identification of microorganisms in pure cultures regardless of viability or culturability. In this study, a simple sample processing method was investigated for rapid identification and quantification of fungal spores from dust samples using both conventional and real-time PCR. The proposed method was evaluated for susceptibility to interference from environmental dust samples. Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus fumigatus were used as test organisms. The sensitivity of detection in pure culture was 0.1 spore DNA equivalents per PCR reaction corresponding to 20 spores ml(-1) in the sample. However, 1 spore DNA equivalent per PCR reaction corresponding to 200 spores ml(-1) in the sample was the lowest amount of spores tested without interference in dust samples spiked with spores of either fungal species. The extent of inhibition was calculated using conventional and real-time PCR reactions containing fungal spores, specific primers, specific probes (for real-time PCR) and various amounts of dust. The results indicate that the extent of inhibition by dust on PCR varies with the type and amount of dust, and number of spores. No interference in the analysis of spiked samples was detected from 0.2 mg ml(-1) of four real-life dust samples at p-value >0.05 using 2 x 10(4) spores for conventional PCR and 2 x 10(5) spores for real-time PCR. However, samples containing >0.2 mg ml(-1) real-life dust compromised the PCR assay. These results suggest the potential usefulness of a simple sample processing method in conjunction with PCR for monitoring the fungal content of aerosols collected from indoor environments.     

Spatial distribution of fossil fuel derived CO2 over India using radiocarbon measurements in crop plants

Examining the contribution of fossil fuel CO₂to the total CO₂changes in the atmosphere is of primary concern due to its alarming levels of fossil fuel emissions over the globe,specifi cally developing countries.Atmospheric radiocarbon represents an important observationa constraint and utilized to trace fossil fuel derived CO₂(CO_2ff) in the atmosphere.For the firs time,we have presented a detailed analysis on the spatial distribution of fossil fuel der...     

Therapeutic applications of resveratrol nanoformulations

Resveratrol, or 3, 5, 4-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, is a naturally occurring polyphenol present in several dietary sources such as grapes, soybeans, berries, pomegranate and peanuts. Resveratrol has received recent attention due to its diverse pharmacological activities. However, resveratrol clinical efficacy is limited due to its poor systemic bioavailability, of less than 1%, which is due to its low aqueous solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism and existence of enterohepatic recirculation. Therefore, in order to overcome these limitations, various nanocarriers including polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and conjugates have been developed. These nanocarriers are able to enhance the bioavailability of resveratrol by modulating the P-glycoprotein, cytochrome P-450 enzymes and bypassing the hepatic first-pass effect. Here we review resveratrol nanoformulations for enhancing the efficacy of native resveratrol.     

Cyclodextrin-based delivery systems for dietary pharmaceuticals

Environmental Chemistry Letters - The food industry is increasingly seeking innovative solutions for enhancing the bioavailability and clinical efficacy of phytochemicals. In this regard,...