A.K. Das

Physical methods of gene transfer: Kinetics of gene delivery into cells: A Review

The ability to introduce isolated DNA into cells has tremendous influence on advances of molecular biology. Recently, with the development of attractive strategies for gene therapy, successful gene delivery has gained importance once again and become a major challenge in this field. During the past decades, a wide repertoire of gene transfer techniques has evolved. The intentional introduction of recombinant DNA molecules into a living organism can be achieved in many ways. The array of methods available to move DNA into the nucleus provides the flexibility necessary to transfer genes into cells as physically diverse are Microinjection, Biolistic gene transfer, Electroporation, Sonoporation, Laser irradiation / Photoporation, Magnetofection, Hydroporation and Impalefection.The purpose of this article is to summarise available physical methods of gene transfer, their principles, advantages and limitations.

Diagnosis and Management of Hypothyroidism: Addressing the Knowledge–Action Gaps

AbstractHypothyroidism presents a large epidemiological burden in India. As a result of subtle and nonspecific clinical symptoms and signs, the condition often goes undiagnosed and is not adequately treated when it is detected. There is heterogeneity in the diagnostic and treatment approaches to hypothyroidism. As a result of the physiological changes in thyroid hormones with age and illness, it is important to tailor the diagnosis and management of this condition in specific populations including pregnant women, infants, children, geriatric patients, and those with comorbid conditions. Enhanced understanding and education of physicians and patients can help to improve the outcomes of treatment in hypothyroidism which should be focused on patient-centered care. Policies and reforms should be crafted and implemented at the national level to curb public health challenges of hypothyroidism. This publication summarizes the recommendations of a national advisory board meeting to identify and bridge the gaps in understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in India. As a complement to clinical judgment, these recommendations will foster the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism in the community and clinics for the benefit of the patients.FundingMerck Ltd, India.

Medication counseling for thyroxine

This communication from the National Indian Patient-centered Thyroid Management group provides a useful tool to help in medication counseling during hypothyroidism management. The authors classify and list aspects of thyroxine use which must be discussed with patients on thyroxine supplementation or replacement. Issues related to concomitant food and medications intake, preconception and pregnancy management, as well as sick day care, are also discussed.

Genetic studies on wool production traits in Rambouillet crossbred sheep in J & K State, India

Data on 4186 lambs pertaining to 94 rams of Rambouillet and their crosses over the ten years (1998–2007) at Government Sheep Breeding and Research Farm, Reasi, Jammu, were studied. The averages were 1.49±0.009 kg, 5.52±0.02 cm and 21.25±0.01 μ for greasy fleece weight (GFW), staple length (SL) and fiber diameter (FD) respectively. The highest CV (%) was observed for greasy fleece weight where as the lowest CV (%) was observed for fiber diameter. The least-squares means were 1.51±0.02 kg, 5.64±0.04 cm and 21.27±0.03 μ for greasy fleece weight, staple length, and fiber diameter respectively. The effect of year of lambing had significant effect (P<0.01) for all the traits under present study. The effect of season of lambing was non-significant for all the traits. The effect of sex was significant (P<0.01) for greasy fleece weight only. However, no systematic trend was observed over the year, season of lambing and sex for all three the traits studied. The estimates of heritability were high for GFW (0.49) and FD (0.55), where as for SL it was low (0.15). The genetic and phenotypic correlations were either negative or low and in some cases it was both low and negative. These estimates revealed that there is scope for genetic improvement of these traits through appropriate selection methods and index.

Genetic analysis of performance traits of Jersey cows in sub-temperate environment of Himachal Pradesh, India

The evaluation of production performance of Jersey cows were essential for their genetic improvement in sub-temperate region. The present investigation was conducted on 439 records of 196 Jersey cows maintained at Dairy farm, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur for 25 years (1984-2008) . The production traits considered for the present study were 305 days lactation milk yield, peak yield, lactation length, average milk yield per day of lactation length and average milk yield per calving interval. Heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were estimated for these traits. Periods showed highly significant effect of periods on these traits while season and parity had highly significant effect except in 305day lactation milk yield and lactation length. These production traits showed significantly higher values in winter seasons except peak yield and lactation length which showed higher values in summer and rainy season respectively. These traits did not showed a consistent trend in different periods. In third lactation these traits showed better performance except lactation length which is higher in second lactation. The heritability estimates of these traits were found very low except 305 day lactation milk yield and peak yield . The genetic associations among these traits were positive and high except association of lactation length with other traits which were negative and low..The phenotypic associations were observed low to high and negative except LMY×MY, LMY×AMY/LL and LMY ×AMY/CI.