http://pucir.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/794 2026-04-29T09:29:44Z http://pucir.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1080 Title: The chronicles of coronaviruses: the electron microscope, the doughnut, and the spike Authors: Lalchhandama, K Abstract: The advancement of medicine owes in large measure to a German engineer Ernst Ruska, whose invention of transmission electron microscope in 1931 won him the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physics, when it comes to infectious diseases. Encouraged by his physician brother Helmut Ruska to use the prototype instrument for the study of viruses, the course of virology was shifted to a different and unprecedented level. Virus could then be seen, identified and imaged. The University of Maryland happened to acquire an American model of transmission EM, the RCA EMU, using which the first structural study was done for the first known coronavirus (then was simply known as infectious bronchitis virus) in 1948. The virus was described as rounded bodies with filamentous projections. The magnification was not great and the resolution was poor. The study was followed by a series of studies using improved techniques and better EM spanning the next decade. An upgraded version RCA-EMU2A gave better images in 1957 and the virus was described as doughnut-like structure. Using Siemens Elmiskop, D.M. Berry and collaborators made the first high-resolution pictures in 1964. The thick envelope which gave doughnut-like appearance and filamentous projections reported before could be discerned as discrete pear-shaped projections called the spikes. These spikes form a corona-like halo around the virus, which were also seen in novel human viruses (B814 and 229E) that caused common colds. The discoverer of B814, David Tyrrell and his aid June Almeida, a magnificent electron microscopist, established that IBV, B814 and 229E were of the same kind of virus in 1967, which prompted to create the name coronavirus in 1968. This article further highlights the detail structural organisation of coronaviruses emanating from these pioneering research. 2020-05-29T00:00:00Z http://pucir.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1078 Title: Conventional and nanotechnology based sensors for creatinine (A kidney biomarker) detection: A consolidated review Authors: Lalchhandama, K Abstract: There is an increasing demand for developing the novel methods for the detection of clinically important metabolites. One among those metabolites is creatinine (2-amino-1-methyl-5H-imidazol-4-one), a waste product, produced by the catabolism of phosphocreatine from muscle and protein metabolism. It is very important to measure the creatinine level in human blood and urine as it reflects the muscular and thyroid functions. Importantly, the elevated level of creatinine is considered to be as impairment of the kidney. There are numerous methods existed to measure the concentration of creatinine in blood and urine. In this review, we consolidated the different conventional methods (chromatography, spectroscopy, immune sensor and enzyme-based detections) and their shortcomings. On other hand, we also dissertated the various nanomaterials (chemiluminescence, voltametric, amperometric, conductometric, potentiometric, impedimetric and nano polymer) based creatinine detection methods and their advantages. Finally, we also focussed on the point-of-care detection methods of creatinine determination. This review can conclude the low cost, more efficient and reliable nanotechnology-based new sensors for the detection of creatinine. 2022-02-19T00:00:00Z http://pucir.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1077 Title: Anthelmintic activity of Acacia oxyphylla stem bark against Ascaridia galli Authors: Lalchhandama, K Abstract: The anthelmintic activity of the ethanol extract of Acacia oxyphylla Graham ex Bentham (Mimosaceae) stem bark was tested against Ascaridia galli Schrank (Nematoda), the intestinal roundworm of domestic fowl. Different concentrations of the extract (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20mg/mL) were prepared in 0.9% phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with 1% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). In vitro treatment of the adult roundworms indicated concentration-dependent efficacy of the plant extract. Similar concentrations of a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug, albendazole, were used as a standard reference. Control experiments consisted of nematodes maintained in 0.9% PBS with 1% DMSO. Albendazole was significantly effective (P < 0.05) at all concentrations tested in causing mortality of A. galli. However, the plant extract showed concentration-dependent efficacy only at the concentrations of 2, 5, 10, and 20mg/mL. In order to ascertain the anthelmintic effect, scanning electron microscopy was performed, which indicated devastating structural alterations on the fine topography of A. galli treated with 20mg/mL of the plant extract, when compared with that of the control specimen. Severe shrinkage of the cuticle, loosening and collapse of the lips, and extensive irregular wrinkles all over the body surface were very distinct on the plant extract-treated nematode. Moreover, high magnification of the cuticle revealed formation of a number of small swellings or blebs, which apparently marked the initiation of disintegration of the entire cuticle. 2009-06-22T00:00:00Z http://pucir.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/801 Title: Beautyberry (Callicarpa arborea) as an Antiparasitic Agent Against Raillietina echinobothrida, an Intestinal Tapeworm Authors: Lalchhandama, K Abstract: The beautyberry (Callicarpa arborea Roxb.) is member of the family Lamiaceae and is native to Asia. It is used in different traditional medicines for the treatment of debilitating ailments including cancer, dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, gastritis, helminthiasis, and pyrexia. A couple of pentacyclic triterpenes and phytosterols have been reported from this plant. Objective: We aimed to investigate the antiparasitic potentials of C. arborea bark extract. We used an intestinal tapeworm, Raillietina echinobothrida, for its convenience in handling and established nature as a model helminth parasite. Materials and Methods: The extract of the stem bark was prepared using methanol. Tapeworms were treated in vitro with varying concentrations of the extract. Survival values were statistically analysed. Treated tapeworms were fixed and processed for scanning electron microscopy. Results: C. arborea bark extract showed dose-dependent antiparasitic similar to that of albendazole. Scanning electron microscopy revealed damaging effects all over the body of the tapeworm. There was general shrinkage of the tegument on the scolex, neck region and strobila. Microtriches were completely removed throughout the tegument. Suckers and rostellum on the scolex were also deformed. Conclusion: Our data shows that C. arborea is a promising source of antiparasitic principles. 2019-03-12T00:00:00Z