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Antifungal azole drugs like fluconazole, itaconazole and ketoconazole are widely used for treatment of fungal related diseases including aspergillosis and mucormycosis. This study aimed at biosynthesis of fluconazole, itaconazole and ketoconazole containing oil/water (O/W) nanoemulsions (NE) using Eucalyptus essential oil and its effect against aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Nanoemulsions were synthesized having eucalyptus essential oil, surfactants: tween 80, and co-surfactant: ethanol. Zeta potential, pH, conductivity and droplet size of nano-formulations were studied by using Zeta sizer. Nanoemulsions were analyzed by UV–VIS, FT-IR and fluorescent techniques. Stability studies were conducted by storing the nanoemulsions at different conditions for 60 days. Anti-aspergillosis, anti-mucormycosis and drug release pharmokinetics were evaluated. Average size of nanoemulsions ranged from 245 to 415 nm along with zeta potential from − 9.20 to − 25.4 mV. Encapsulation efficiency of drug loaded nanoemulsions was ranged from 40 to 50%. Nano-droplets displayed stability after 60 days of storage. Considerable anti-aspergillosis and anti-mucormycosis activities were detected. Among all formulations, F1NEs depicted high antifungal activity against Aspergillus strains MTCC 277, MTCC 343 as observed by zone of inhibition (ZOI) values. Against Mucor spp strain MTCC 3373, visual pictures clearly showed substantial inhibition in fungal growth. Pharmokinetic study shown that all nanoformulations showed Korsmeyer–Peppas model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis (also known as rosemary essential oil) is used as traditional medicine and used as therapeutic in medicine, food, and cosmetic sectors. However, this oil is highly unstable, volatile, and prone to oxidation which limits its use. Thus, encapsulation is the better way to protect this oil from adverse conditions. The objective of this study was synthesis of rosemary essential oil (REO) based O/W (oil/water) nanoemulsions (designated as RNE) and evaluation of its biological potential. Physiological characterization was carried out using, UV, fluorescent, and FT-IR techniques. Various biological activities such as anticancerous, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory were also estimated. Pharmacokinetics studies on RNE were carried out. Encapsulation efficiency of RNE was found to be 92%. RNE nanoemulsions were spherical in shape with globule size, Z-Average (nm) size 220 nm, zeta potential −11.33 mV, and polydispersity index was 0.47. RNE nanoemulsions were stable even after 50 days of storage at different temperatures. Antioxidant potential of RNE was conducted by various assays and IC50 were DPPH free radical scavenging activity: 21.53, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity: 26.66, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity: 32.69, ABTS radical scavenging activity: 33.05, and iron chelating assay: 38.78. Notable anticancer activity was observed with the percent cell viability of HeLa cells after treatment with RNE was 23% at higher concentration of 5 μg. Antidiabetic study revealed that RNE inhibited α-amylase in a concentration dependent manner, with 71% inhibition at its higher concentration of 250 μg. RNE depicted maximum antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis at higher concentration of 300 μg. Drug kinetic study revealed that nanoemulsions exhibited Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Based on this, the possible role of R. officinalis oil-based nanoemulsions in food, cosmetic, and pharma sectors has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melaleuca is a well-known genus of the Myrtaceae family, one of the major plant families with a high concentration of essential oils. The Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), a genus of aromatic and herbaceous trees that belongs to the Myrtaceae family, is well known to produce herbal essential oils owing to the presence of therapeutic and medicinal elements in the plant's by-products. In the present study, tea tree essential oil (TTEO) was extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia and was evaluated for its phytochemicals, antifungal, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. GC-FID analysis and fingerprint analysis were performed. Different antioxidant assays were performed like DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), nitric oxide radical, hydroxyl radical, iron-reducing potential, iron chelating activity. Antibacterial activity was observed by the disk diffusion method against gram-positive (G+) and gram-negative (G−) bacteria. Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities were also performed. Antifungal activity against "Aspergillosis" and "Mucormycosis" causing fungal strains was also evaluated. GC-FID revealed the presence of α-terpineol, a major component of TTEO, along with other bioactive components. The IC50 value for various assays was observed in the following order: Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (7.4486), DPPH (34.0961), ABTS (38.9952), Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity (47.4052). The best antimicrobial activity was against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160) with an inhibition zone of 0.9 cm. TTEO showed strong anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential and can be employed as an antidiabetic agent due to its inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity. Based on these findings, it was concluded that TTEO can be widely employed across various sectors, including aromatherapy, herbal and allopathic medicine, cosmetics, and as a natural biocide, fungicide, and preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmrosa essential oil (PEO) from Cymbopogon khasianus, is used as complementary and traditional medicine worldwide. The present study aimed at compositional profiling of PEO and molecular docking of PEO bioactive compound geraniol against fungal enzymes chitin synthase (CS), UDP-glycosyltransferase (UDPG) and glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (GPS), as apposite sites for drug designing against "Aspergillosis" and "Mucormycosis" and in vitro confirmation. Compositional profile of PEO was completed by GC-FID analysis. For molecular docking, Patch-dock tool was conducted. Ligand-enzyme 3D interactions were also calculated. ADMET properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) were also calculated. GC-FID discovered the occurrence of geraniol as a major component in PEO, thus nominated for docking analysis. Docking analysis specified active binding of geraniol to GPS, CS and UDPG fungal enzymes. Wet-lab authentication was achieved by three fungal strains Aspergillus niger, A. oryzae and Mucor sp. Docking studies revealed that ligand geraniol exhibited intercations with GPS, CS and UDPG fungal enzymes by H-bond and hydrophobic interactions. Geraniol obeyed LIPINSKY rule, and exhibited adequate bioactivity. Wet lab results indicated that PEO was able to inhibit fungal growth against "Aspergillosis" and "Mucormycosis". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, varieties of underutilized fruit-bearing plants are available and have remained underexploited for various reasons. However, the different parts of the plant, mainly the fruit, contributed considerably towards the sustainability of food as abundant sources of imperative phytochemical compounds and possess the potential for revenue generation and the conservation of ecological stability. Ethnobotanical information regarding underutilized plants was acquired from a literature exploration of diverse databases for instance Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed up to 2020 from research publications. This review article offers an inclusive summary of about 14 underutilized plants, which are supported through experimental evidence, either in vitro or else in vivo. Bioactive compounds such as the secondary plant metabolites phytochemicals and nutrients available in these underutilized plant parts, such as fruits, leaves, and bark, explain their potential applications in different kinds of industries including mainly those of food and pharmaceutical products. In this sense, the phytonutrient significance, biological activities, or possible mechanistic health-related aspects of these compounds are addressed in this review. Based on the accessible indication on the species' safety and pharmacology, we highlighted diverse ways wherein the therapeutic potential effects against different diseases of underutilized plant parts could be appropriately harnessed for probable incorporation into the country's healthcare structure. This study concluded that cited underutilized plants are an immense source of phytochemicals providing diverse antioxidant and other biological activities, viz: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, chemopreventive, and antiallergic, and hence, they can be exploited as alternative sources of therapeutic bioactive compounds for various pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbopogan martinii, also known as Palmarosa, is an underutilized plant of tropical region. Due to outstanding antioxidant potential it has been used as a part of conventional medicine and beauty product. Regardless of its importance, complete pharmacological and phytochemical studies are still in its early stages. In the current study, Palmarosa essential oil (PRO) was extracted from Cymbopogan martinii and was evaluated for its phytochemicals, antimicrobial and antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic and protection from UV rays. Oil from fresh leaves was extracted and analysed for presence of phytochemicals (Tannin, Flavonoids, and Phenolics). Various antioxidant activities like DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), Nitric oxide radical, Hydroxyl radical, iron reducing, iron cheating activity were performed. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, membrane integrity assay, and UV-absorption assay was also performed. Antifungal activity against "Aspergillosis" and "Mucormycosis" causing fungal strains was also evaluated. High concentration of polyphenolics like Tannin, Flavonoid, phenolics were revealed through phytochemical analysis. GC-FID revealed the presence of Geraniol, major component of Palmarosa oil and other bioactive compound in PRO. PRO showed high anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic potential and can be used as an Antidiabetic agent due to inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity. Further study revealed that PRO inhibits α-amylase in competitive manner. Hence from the results obtained it is confirmed that the PRO possesses considerable amount of bioactive compounds and can be used in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present times, a massive quantity of big data has been generated by the Internet of Things (IoT) devices for a wide range of applications. The IoT devices generate an enormous data quantity that is troublesome for data processing and analytics functionalities, which is effortlessly managed by the cloud before the explosive development of the IoT. Specifically, the big IoT data analytics by mobile edge computing (MEC) becomes a hot research topic and needs comprehensive research works for intelligent decision making. This paper introduces a new generative adversarial network (GAN) with a quantum elephant herd optimization (QEHO) algorithm for MEC in IoT enabled big data environment called GAN-QEHO. The presented GAN-QEHO algorithm follows two-stage processes, namely feature selection (FS) and data classification. The QEHO algorithm is used to elect an optimal feature subset for the FS process. By the quantization of elephant individuals, the search scope of feature space can be enhanced, and an optimal tradeoff has been attained among exploration and exploitation. Then, the GAN model is employed for the classification process to identify different class labels. In order to validate the experimental results analysis of the GAN-QEHO algorithm, a series of simulations take place in terms of diverse aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil from Cymbopogon pendulus is immensely useful in various sectors like food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Since this oil is hydrophobic, unstable, and volatile, hence encapsulation by using nanoemulsions technology is the best way to protect it. This study reports biosynthesis of O/W (oil/water) nanoemulsions based on essential oil from Cymbopogon pendulus and analysis of its biological activities. O/W nanoemulsions were prepared by using tween 20/80, sodium dodecyl sulphate as surfactants, and ethanol as co-surfactants. Fingerprinting of nanoemulsions using UV, fluorescent, and FT-IR was studied along with other parameters like pH and conductivity. Biological activities like antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities and drug release pharmokinetics were evaluated. Ethanol containing nanoemulsions was noticeably smaller than other nanoemulsions. Encapsulation efficiency of nanoemulsions was in the range from 41 to 60%. Nanoemulsions were spherical in shape and stable even after 50 days of storage. Appreciable biological activities like anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities were detected. Drug kinetic study revealed that nanoemulsions exhibited Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Based on this, the possible role of lemon grass oil-based nanoemulsions in cosmetic, food, and pharma sectors has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the era of Intelligent Cognitive Radio Network (CRN) technology that provides the available spectrum with efficient utilization. Cognitive Radio (CR) technology must promise to allow interference-free spectrum access by users. The paper discusses the several attacks and motives of attacks. The authentication mechanism role to prevent the attacks for hassle-free spectrum utilization is demonstrated. In this paper, resolving the cognitive network security issues by the authentication mechanism and the methods and need of authentication is discussed. This paper addresses the research challenges in the way of securing the CRN and countermeasures in CRN security strategies. Spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attack is most disruptive in which the malicious users degrade the decision-making process by sending the false sensing reports to data fusion center's thus preventing honest users from utilizing the spectrum. In this paper, to counter the SSDF attack, the trust-based security mechanism is demonstrated to authenticate the honest users and it is observed that the proposed framework in the MATLAB environment is efficient and able to detect malicious users. CR technology is the strategy applied to the spectrum to make it efficient for wireless communication. The strategy is an intelligent way to access the spectrum as it can learn its environment and make decisions by easy adaptation of operating parameters. The initial step is to sense the spectrum available further steps are spectrum decision making, spectrum management, and spectrum mobility. The network is vulnerable to various attacks on spectrum sensing and policy protocols which lead to disturbing functionality of CR technology. The defence mechanism based on public-key cryptography is proposed in which the Primary User (PU) is authenticated by appending signature provided to PU signal. Authentication with a tag to the primary users is another perspective proposed. CRN technology should provide integrity, confidentiality and authenticity to the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbopogon pendulus, also known as lemon grass, is an underutilized plant of tropical and subtropical regions. Owing to its antioxidant values, it has been used as folk medicine, and folk cosmetic. Despite its importance, detailed phytochemical and pharmacological studies remain infancy. In the present study, lemon grass essential oil (LGO) was extracted from Cymbopogon pendulus and was analysed for its phytochemical, in-vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic and insecticidal properties. Essential oil from fresh leaves was isolated and phytochemical analysis (phenolics, flavonoids and tannins) was studied. Different antioxidant activities like DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), iron-reducing power, iron chelating power and hydroxyl scavenging activities were also studied. Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal and anti-microbial potential of LGO was evaluated. GC-FID was used to identify bioactives. The phytochemical analysis of LGO revealed high concentrations of polyphenolics that is phenols, flavonoids, and tannin contents. GC-FID revealed the presence of citral and other bioactive molecules in LGO. LGO showed high potential as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-microbial agent. LGO showed high potential to be used as anti-diabetic agent due to its high inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase activity. Further kinetic studies revealed competitive inhibition of α-amylase by LGO. LGO exhibited strong Insecticidal potential against weevil (Callosobruchus) commonly found in stored grains. The results obtained confirmed the information that LGO possesses significant bioactive components advantageous for pharma, food and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aspergillosis, has recently confounded some states of India. Due to major role in fungal cell wall synthesis, in the present study UDP-glycosyltransferase, Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase and chitin synthase were chosen as an appropriate sites to design drug. The objective of present study was molecular docking of lemon grass essential oil component citral and in vitro validation. GC-FID analysis was used to find out aromatic profile. For docking, Patch-dock analysis was used. Ligand Protein 2D and 3D Interactions were also studied. Drug likeliness, and toxicity profile were also studied. Docking analysis indicated effective binding of citral to UDP-glycosyltransferase, Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase and chitin synthase. In vitro validation was performed by fungal strain Aspergillus fumigatum. Results: GC-FID profiling revealed the presence of citral as major bioactive compound. Interactions results indicated that, UDP-glycosyltransferase, Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase and chitin synthase enzymes and citral complexes forms hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions. Citral also depicted drug likeliness by LIPINSKY rule, sufficient level of bioactivity, drug likeliness and toxicity. Conclusion: In vitro results revealed that lemon grass oil was able to inhibit growth of fungal strains toxicity thus signifying its role as potent anti-fungal drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of retinal vascular diseases. We have shown earlier an increase in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in the vitreous and tears of preterm born babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) compared to those with no-ROP leading to a shift in the balance of angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], matrix metalloproteinase [MMPs], complement component [C3]) and anti-angiogenic (opticin, thrombospondin) in ROP eyes. We now confirmed that tear MMP levels in premature infants perfectly correlates with disease severity. Next, we demonstrated that a reduced opticin levels in ROP vitreous are regulated by MMPs secreted by activated microglia. Upon exposing the human microglia cell line (CHME3) to hypoxia, an increased expression of inflammatory proteins (MMP9, VEGF) was noticed while opticin reduced significantly (p = 0.005). Further, the reduced opticin's expression by microglial cells under hypoxia could be rescued by inhibiting the MMP activity using doxycycline and EDTA. The inhibition of MMP activity altered the expression of other key signaling molecules under hypoxia. Our study clearly explains that increased activity of MMPs under hypoxia regulates the expression of opticin as seen in the vitreous humor of ROP and could serve as a potential target for ROP management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is one of the major causes of mortality as well as morbidity in many tropical and subtropical countries around the world. Although artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are contributing to substantial decline in the worldwide malaria burden, it is becoming vulnerable by the emergence of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum leading to clinical failure of ACTs in Southeast Asia. Helicases play important role in nucleic acid metabolic processes and have been also identified as therapeutic drug target for different diseases. Previously, it has been reported that P. falciparum contains a group of DEAD-box family of helicases which are homologous to Has1 family of yeast. Here, we present the characterization of a member of Has1 family (PlasmoDB number PF3D7_1419100) named as PfDDX55. The biochemical characterization of PfDDX55C revealed that it contains both DNA- and RNA-dependent ATPase activity. PfDDX55C unwinds partially duplex DNA in 3′ to 5′ direction and utilizes mainly ATP or dATP for its activity. The immunofluorescence assay and q-RT PCR analysis show that PfDDX55 is a nucleocytoplasmic protein expressed in all the intraerythrocytic development of P. falciparum 3D7 strain with maximum expression level in trophozoite stage. The LC-MS/MS experiment results and STRING analysis show that PfDDX55 interacts with AAA-ATPase which has been shown to be involved in ribosomal biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze and compare the total proteome of aqueous humor (AH) from patients having primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and age-related cataract.Materials and methodology: Aqueous humor was collected from age-matched PACG, POAG and cataract patients who underwent surgery, and it was immediately stored at − 80 °C until analysis. From each sample, 25 µg of total protein was subjected to trypsin digestion and subsequently LC-MS/MS analysis was performed for the deep proteome analysis. The data acquired after the LC-MS/MS analysis were analyzed using Proteome Discoverer 1.4. The identified peptide matches were validated using percolator, at less than 1% false discovery rates.Results: A total of 625, 594 and 636 proteins were identified in PACG, POAG and cataract groups, respectively (n = 9 in each group). The inter-group comparison among all these groups showed that 246 proteins were identified in all the three groups. An average of 236 ± 42, 218 ± 40 and 214 ± 62 proteins from each AH sample of PACG, POAG and cataract, respectively, was identified. There were 53 proteins commonly found in all 9 PACG AH, 59 proteins in POAG AH and 42 proteins in 9 cataracts AH samples. In the individual analysis, there were 28 proteins found in all the samples analyzed representing the "constitutive AH proteome." Spectral counting analysis of 246 proteins identified in all three group types showed significant differences in protein abundance. In proteins unique to PACG AH, 7 proteins viz. ARHGEF12, APC2, WAS, PIK3CG, ITGB1, MSN and PFN1 out of 226 were found in "Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton" pathway, whereas in POAG 5 out of 206 proteins viz. ADCY2, ITPR1, MAPK3, MAP3K2 and TUBB1 were found in "Gap Junction" pathway.Conclusions: A qualitative as well as a quantitative comparison of proteomes of AH from PACG, POAG and age-related cataract eyes showed significant differences, thus providing clues to the disease pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasion of human erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites involves multiple interactions between host receptors and their merozoite ligands. Here we report human Cyclophilin B as a receptor for PfRhopH3 during merozoite invasion. Localization and binding studies show that Cyclophilin B is present on the erythrocytes and binds strongly to merozoites. We demonstrate that PfRhopH3 binds to the RBCs and their treatment with Cyclosporin A prevents merozoite invasion. We also show a multi-protein complex involving Cyclophilin B and Basigin, as well as PfRhopH3 and PfRh5 that aids the invasion. Furthermore, we report identification of a de novo peptide CDP3 that binds Cyclophilin B and blocks invasion by up to 80%. Collectively, our data provide evidence of compounded interactions between host receptors and merozoite surface proteins and paves the way for developing peptide and small-molecules that inhibit the protein−protein interactions, individually or in toto, leading to abrogation of the invasion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a severe autosomal recessive ocular disorder associated with considerable clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, rare heterozygous alleles in the angiopoietin receptor-encoding gene TEK were implicated in PCG. We undertook this study to ascertain the second mutant allele in a large cohort ( n = 337) of autosomal recessive PCG cases that carried heterozygous TEK mutations. Our investigations revealed 12 rare heterozygous missense mutations in TEK by targeted sequencing. Interestingly, four of these TEK mutations (p.E103D, p.I148T, p.Q214P, and p.G743A) co-occurred with three heterozygous mutations in another major PCG gene CYP1B1 (p.A115P, p.E229K, and p.R368H) in five families. The parents of these probands harbored either of the heterozygous TEK or CYP1B1 alleles and were asymptomatic, indicating a potential digenic mode of inheritance. Furthermore, we ascertained the interactions of TEK and CYP1B1 by co-transfection and pull-down assays in HEK293 cells. Ligand responsiveness of the wild-type and mutant TEK proteins was assessed in HUVECs using immunofluorescence analysis. We observed that recombinant TEK and CYP1B1 proteins interact with each other, while the disease-associated allelic combinations of TEK (p.E103D):: CYP1B1 (p.A115P), TEK (p.Q214P):: CYP1B1 (p.E229K), and TEK (p.I148T):: CYP1B1 (p.R368H) exhibit perturbed interaction. The mutations also diminished the ability of TEK to respond to ligand stimulation, indicating perturbed TEK signaling. Overall, our data suggest that interaction of TEK and CYP1B1 contributes to PCG pathogenesis and argue that TEK-CYP1B1 may perform overlapping as well as distinct functions in manifesting the disease etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inherent properties of rayon fibre have been changed with additional properties through graft copolymerization of acrylamide, AAm, by chemical method using ceric ammonium nitrate/nitric acid, (CAN/HNO), as a redox initiator and γ-radiation induced mutual method. Reaction conditions such as monomer and initiator concentration, liquor ratio, temperature and time of reaction, amount of radiation dose have been optimized with respect to percentage of grafting. Maximum percentage of grafting (Pg), (40 %) using CAN/HNO was obtained at [CAN]=31.92×10 moles/ l, [HNO]=79.36×10 moles/ l, [AAm]=14.07×10 moles/ l in 20 ml of HO at 45 °C within 120 min while in case of radiation induced method, maximum Pg (30 %) was obtained at higher monomer concentration (28.14×10 moles/ l) and time (180 min) in 10 m l of HO at room temperature with total dose exposure of 11.178 kGy. The graft copolymers were characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetric and scanning electron micrographic analysis. Swelling behaviour in water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and DMF and dyeing and flame retarding properties of rayon fibre and grafted rayon fibre were investigated. Percent dye uptake (71.8 %) was found to be higher than that observed for the pristine fibre (57.4 %) and the grafted fibre after post phosphorylation reaction showed excellent flame retarding properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus circulans MTCC 7906, an extracellular alkaline protease producer was genetically characterized. B. circulans genomic DNA was isolated, oligonucleotide primers specific to alkaline protease gene of B. circulans were designed and its PCR amplification was done. The purified PCR product and pTrcHisA vector were subjected to restriction digestion with NcoI and HindIII and transformed into Escherichia coli DH5-α competent cells. The recombinant expression of alkaline protease gene studied by inducible expression and analysis by SDS-PAGE, established that the alkaline protease protein had an estimated molecular size of 46 kDa. Gene sequencing of the insert from selected recombinant clone showed it to be a 1329 bp gene encoding a protein of 442 amino acids. The sequence was blasted and aligned with known alkaline protease genes for comparison with their nucleotide and amino acid sequences. This identified major matches with three closely related subsp. of B. subtilis ( B. subtilis subsp. subtilis strain 168, B. subtilis BSn5 and B. subtilis subsp. spizizenii strain W23). The insert also showed a number of substitutions (mutations) with other sp. of Bacillus which established that alkaline protease of B. circulans MTCC 7906 is a novel gene. The phylogenetic analysis of alkaline protease gene and its predicted amino acid sequences also validated that alkaline protease gene is a novel gene and the same has been accessioned in GenBank with accession number JN645176.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of modifying cotton fabric was to impart bactericidal properties to attract various fields such as defence, space and textile industrial applications. Chemically initiated graft copolymerization of 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP) and acrylonitrile (AN) onto cotton fabric was carried out using ceric ammonium nitrate as a redox initiator. Optimum conditions pertaining to maximum percentage of grafting were evaluated as a function of concentration of initiator [CAN], concentration of nitric acid, monomer concentration, water, temperature and reaction time. Maximum grafting of 4-VP (51.63%) and AN (69.23%) was obtained respectively at optimum $$ \left[ {\text{CAN}} \right] = 2.738 \times {10^{ - 2}} $$ and 2.19 × 10 moles/L, $$ \left[ {4 - {\text{VP}}} \right] = 47.55 \times {10^{ - 22}}{\text{moles}}/{\text{L}} $$, $$ \left[ {\text{AN}} \right] = 18.85 \times {10^{ - 22}}{\text{moles}}/{\text{L}} $$, $$ \left[ {{\text{HN}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right] = 11.9 \times {10^{ - 2}} $$ and 89.5 × 10 moles/L in 20 and 25 ml of water at an optimum temperature 70 °C and 60 °C with in 180 and 120 min. Antibacterial properties were induced into the modified cotton fabric by treating the grafted fabric with benzyl chloride. The grafted and quaternized copolymer were characterized by FTIR and Thermogravimetrical analysis. The bactericidal action of cotton fabric was tested by filtration test and it was observed that fabric grafted with 4-VP was more effective and efficient antibacterial as compared to AN grafted cotton sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disorder of the eye and the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. With a multifactorial etiology, AMD results in progressive loss of central vision affecting the macular region of the eye in elderly. While the prevalence is relatively higher in the Caucasian populations, it has gradually become a major public health issue among the non-Caucasian populations (including Indians) as well due to senescence, rapidly changing demographics and life-style factors. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on large case-control cohorts have helped in mapping genes in the complement cascade that are involved in the regulation of innate immunity with AMD susceptibility. Genes involved with mitochondrial oxidative stress and extracellular matrix regulation also play a role in AMD pathogenesis. Majority of the associations observed in complement (CFH, CFB, C2 and C3) and other (ARMS2 and HTRA1) genes have been replicated in diverse populations worldwide. Gene-gene (CFH with ARMS2 and HTRA1) interactions and correlations with environmental traits (smoking and body mass index) have been established as significant covariates in AMD pathology. In this review, we have provided an overview on the underlying molecular genetic mechanisms in AMD worldwide and highlight the AMD-associated-candidate genes and their potential role in disease pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four patients with deep mycoses were treated with itraconazole. Two patients had chromoblastomycosis, one patient each had aspergillosis and Rhinofacial zygomycosis. These patients were either resistant to or showed poor response to Amphotericin B and/or ketoconazole. After the initial clinical and mycological evaluation, itraconazole was given in a daily dose of 200 mg orally. All patients responded to the drug very well. No adverse effects attributable to itraconazole were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the role of -SH group of wool in graft copolymerization, an attempt has been made to study grafting of acrylic acid (AAc) onto reduced wool in aqueous medium using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as redox initiator. HNO was found to catalyze the graft copolymerization. Reduction of wool was effected with thioglycolic acid (TGA) in aqueous medium. Percentage of grafting was determined as a function of concentration of (i) CAN, (ii) vinyl monomer (AAc), (iii) nitric acid, (iv) time and (v) temperature. Under optimum conditions, poly-(acrylic acid) was grafted to the reduced wool to the extent of 9.14%, the unreduced wool under optimum conditions afforded maximum grafting of poly(AAc) to the extent of 12.24%. Reduction of wool does not promote grafting of AAc in the presence of CAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the analysis of water-quality parameters and concentrations of various metals in bed sediments of the River Kali and the River Hindon, India to understand their behavior in subtropical fluvial systems. Existence of metals in bound form in the summer season; Fall in metal concentrations in sediments during and after the monsoon season.