Despite efforts to improve hygenic conditions and regulate food and drinking water safety, the enteric pathogens, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 remain major public health concerns due to widespread outbreaks and the severity of extra-intestinal diseases they cause, including acute renal failure and central nervous system complications. Shiga t...

Soil water shortages can decrease root hydraulic conductivity and affect Ca uptake and movement through the plant. In this study, the effects of extra Ca(2+) applied in nutrient solution on the hydraulic properties of the whole roots (Lp(r)) and cortical cells (Lp(cell)) of maize (Zea mays L.) subjected to variable water conditions were investigated. Under well-watered conditions, extra Ca(2+) ...

Sodium as a major extra cellular ion is of primary importance is reflecting changes of water and electrolytes status in the body [1]. Postoperative hyponatremia and its relative complications can occur after any surgical procedure [2], particularly in elderly patients. The early symptoms can be mild which if not recognized on time, can progress to severe neurological manifestations and can even...

The fungus, Trichoderma reesei NCIM 1052 was used for the production of extra cellular amylase on agricultural residues viz. Soy cake, Wheat bran, Rice bran and Ragi (Eleusine corocana Gaertn.) in solid state fermentation (SSF). Maximum enzyme activity (324.45 IU g-1) was obtained in a medium having Soy cake as the substrate, moisture level 1:1 (distilled water) and incubation for 72 hours with...

I n the 1950s and 60s, the possible role of the heart in the control of renal excretion of salt and water, and thereby of the extra cellular fluid volume, as well as the presence of specific granules within atrial muscle cells was recognised [1, 2]. Nevertheless, little attention was paid to the possibility of the existence of an endocrine cardiac natriuretic hormone system until the landmark e...

Stress has been shown to be associated with altered homeostasis that may lead to oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are important regulators of reactive oxygen species produced in extra-cellular milieu and represent the first line of defense against them. Extra-cellular non-enzymatic antioxidants may be disturbed by the production of superoxide and nitric oxide and this h...