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BACKGROUND Postoperative prolonged air leakage is a frequent complication after lung resection. We have developed a new sealant based on a hydrophobically modified Alaska pollock-derived gelatin (ApGltn) sealant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adhesive strength of the ApGltn sealant in comparison with a fibrin sealant using a new spray system in ex vivo and in vivo models. METHODS Pleural defects in ex vivo and in vivo porcine models were created, to which the ApGltn sealant or the fibrin sealant was applied. The pressure resistance was assessed with a stepwise increase in airway pressure to confirm air leakage from the sealing site. Tissue samples covered with each sealant were obtained for histologic assessment. RESULTS In the ex vivo experiment, the leak pressures of the ApGltn sealant were significantly greater than those of the fibrin sealant (102.94 ± 15.6 cm H2O and 28.37 ± 5.1 cm H2O, respectively) (P < .01). In the in vivo experiment, the leak pressures of the ApGltn sealant were also significantly greater than those of the fibrin sealant (68.82 ± 18.04 cm H2O and 43.33 ± 7.13 cm H2O, respectively) (P = .043). The histologic examination confirmed that the ApGltn sealant adhered tightly to both the pleura and the surface of the pleural defect. CONCLUSIONS The ApGltn sealant has sufficiently high adhesive quality in ex vivo and in vivo porcine lungs, which could be considered suitable and effective for use in the prevention of air leakage from the lungs.

Objective Challenges in susceptibility testing of colistin along with increase in the prevalence of colistin-resistant carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) pathogens needs addressal. Evaluation of user-friendly methods is necessary as an alternative to broth microdilution (BMD), the reference susceptibility testing method, for routine implementation in diagnostic clinical microbiology laboratories. Genotypic detection of the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance is also needed for infection control purposes. Materials and Methods Colistin susceptibility of 200 nonduplicate clinical CRE isolates from December 2017 to June 2019 was determined by BMD, agar dilution (AD), E test, and rapid polymyxin NP test and interpreted as per the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. The results of AD, E test, and NP test were compared with that of BMD, considering minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤ 2 µg/mL as susceptible and > 2 µg/mL as resistant. Presence of any plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (mcr-1 and 2) was evaluated in 27 colistin-resistant CRE isolates by polymerase chain reaction. Statistical Analysis Performance of different phenotypic methods was analyzed by comparing MIC results of AD and E test with that of reference BMD method. Agreement between BMD and the other two methods was expressed in terms of categorical agreement and essential agreement. Errors were expressed as very major error (VME: false-susceptible) and major error (ME: false-resistance) by AD/E test. VME and ME of 3% disagreement were considered unacceptable. Results Colistin resistance was found in 27 (13.5%) isolates by BMD method. The VME rates of both AD (11%) and E test (37%) could not meet the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendation (< 3% VME rate is acceptable) as alternative tests to the reference BMD. Colistin NP test showed sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 98%, respectively. The percentage discordant result in NP test was highest in Enterobacter spp. (17%). None of the 27 colistin resistant isolates showed presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes. Conclusion High VME rate in AD and E tests precludes their use as alternatives to BMD for colistin susceptibility testing. NP test with moderate sensitivity but excellent specificity can be a good alternative for testing colistin susceptibility in CRE isolates, except in Enterobacter spp. Absence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 gene necessitates the exploration of other mechanisms of colistin resistance.

Background Spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is a significant concern in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. Approaches to routine screening for CRE colonization in all ICU patients vary depending on institutional epidemiology and resources. The present study was aimed to evaluate the performance of HiCrome Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) agar for the detection of CRE colonization in ICU settings taking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended method as reference. Methods Two-hundred and eighty rectal swabs (duplicate) from 140 patients were subjected to CRE detection in HiCrome KPC agar and MacConkey agar (CDC criteria). Results Using CDC method, total 41 CRE isolates were recovered comprising of 29 Escherichia coli, 11 Klebsiella, and 1 Enterobacter spp. On the other hand, 49 isolates of CRE recovered from 140 rectal swabs using HiCrome KPC agar, out of which 33 were E. coli, 15 Klebsiella, and 1 Enterobacter sp. Statistical Analysis Sensitivity, specificity, negative, and positive predictive values of CRE screening by HiCrome KPC agar were found to be 100% (91.4–100), 91.9% (84.8–95.8), 83.6% (70.9–91.4), and 100% (95.9–100), respectively, taking the CDC recommended method as reference. Conclusion HiCrome KPC agar has high sensitivity in screening CRE colonization. Further studies are needed to establish its applicability for detecting the predominant circulating carbapenemases in the Indian setting.

Modern agriculture has been largely successful in meeting the energy needs of poor populations in developing countries. In the past 40 years, agricultural research has placed increased cereal production at its center. Recently, however, there has been a shift: agriculture must now not only produce more calories to reduce hunger, but also more nutrient-rich food to reduce hidden hunger. One in three people in the world suffer from hidden hunger, caused by a lack of minerals and vitamins in their diets, which leads to negative health consequences. Biofortification is a process of improvement of nutritional profile of plant-based foods through agronomic interventions, genetic engineering, and conventional plant breeding. Biofortification through agronomic approaches can be achieved by applying mineral fertilizers to the soil, foliar fertilization and soil inoculation with beneficial microorganisms. Biofortification through genetic engineering is an alternative approach when variation in the desired traits is not available naturally in the available germplasm, a specific micronutrient does not naturally exist in crops, and/or modifications cannot be achieved by conventional breeding.

Mulberry Alternaria blight (Alternaria alternata) is one of the foliar devastating diseases and reduces leaf quality and yield. Studying the cultural characters of the pathogen is the first and most important basic step in identification process. The results of cultural studies revealed that PDA was the best medium for supporting the good radial growth of the isolate Aa-1, Aa-2, Aa-4 and Aa-7 with the maximum radial growth of 90.00 mm after ten days of inoculation. Whereas, isolate Aa-2 and Aa-6 yielded maximum growth of 90 mm in Sabouraud’s dextrose agar medium and isolate Aa-8 and Aa-9 in oat meal agar medium. Maximum growth (90 mm) in corn meal agar (Aa-7) and in Richards synthetic agar medium isolate Aa-4, Aa-6 and Aa-10 recorded good growth. Dry weight of mycelium of the different isolates A. alternata studies revealed that isolate Aa-3 showed maximum dry mycelial weight of the fungus noticed in Host leaf extract broth (998.71 mg) which was followed by Isolate Aa-2 (997.93 mg) and Isolate Aa-5 (997.4mg) in Sabouraud’s dextrose broth. Very good sporulation of the Isolate Aa-1 on Potato dextrose broth, Host leaf extracts broth, Oat meal agar broth and Corn meal broth was recorded. The Potato broth also supported good sporulation of three isolates viz: Aa-1, Aa-5 and Aa-9 whereas, by Host leaf extract broth and corn meal broth supported good sporulation of Isolate Aa-4 and Aa-5 respectively.

Browntop millet is a warm season crop and it can produce heavy seeds compared to other millets. This crop grown on a variety of soils and climates. It can be used as a wild life food crop, livestock grazing crop, for erosion control, hay production and also as a food grain crop. Millets are the major food source in arid and semi-arid parts of the world. Although India is the top most producers of millets, observed a steady decline in its production and utilization. Brown top millets provide nearly all essential nutrients. Brown top millet referred as miracle or positive crop for the dry and rainfed situations. The Brown top millet is known for its rapid forage production. It is grown for several other purposes like cover crop in plantation crop for soil erosion control and for high straw production. It suppresses root-knot nematode in the soil. This millet can be recommended in daily diet, there is a need to encourage the farming community to grow this crop thus contributing in achieving nutrition security. The nutrient content of browntop millet is on par with other millets and cultivation of this crop is also easier. Hence, there is an urgent need to popularize this millet.

An experiment was under taken at the Agricultural College farm, Bapatla during two consecutive years of rabi 2016-17 and 2017-18. The crop growth stages of maize are dependent on various morphological, anatomical and physiological parameters. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with six maize hybrids viz., 900M Gold, DKC 9142, DKC 9120, DKC 9081, DKC 9042 and Pinnacle in four replications. CGR and NAR was found to be the highest at 57 to 63 DAS among all the hybrids during both the seasons where CGR was found to be the highest DKC 9142 followed by Pinnacle which were at par with each other. Whereas, pinnacle recorded highest NAR followed by DKC 9142. Among all the hybrids, RGR was found to be maximum at 50 to 56 DAS coinciding with reproductive primordial development. The yield and yield attributing characters such as length of the cob, number of rows per cob, number of kernels per row, 100 seed weight and the total kernel yield showed significant variation among the hybrids where the highest yield was obtained in pinnacle (9641.41 kg ha-1) and DKC 9142 (9243.9 kg ha-1).

High temperature during the crop growing period is detrimental as it results in reduction of yield. A diverse set of rice germplasm consisting of 60 genotypes was grown at two different sowing times (normal and late) and were exposed naturally to high temperature in the late sown condition (stress). There was a severe reduction in grain yield and spikelet fertility in all the genotypes in the late sown crop. Yield based indices were computed based on grain yield recorded under normal and stress conditions. Indices Stress Susceptibility Index (STI), Geometric Mean Production (GMP), Mean Production (MP), Yield Index (YI), Modified stress tolerance (K1STI and K2STI) were positively correlated with yield recorded under both normal and high temperature stress condition and can be considered as suitable indices for screening of rice genotypes under high temperature conditions. Ranking genotypes based on the indices revealed that Rasi, HKR47, IR64, Khudaridhan, Akshayadhan and N22 exhibited the highest mean rank and hence they can be identified as heat-tolerant genotypes. ADT43, Vandana, IR36, MTU1001, ADT49 and Krishnahamsa had a lower rank and were identified as susceptible genotypes to high-temperature stress.

To address the disproportionate burden of preterm birth (PTB) in low- and middle-income countries, this study aimed to (1) verify the performance of the United States-validated spontaneous PTB (sPTB) predictor, comprised of the IBP4/SHBG protein ratio, in subjects from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Tanzania enrolled in the Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement (AMANHI) biorepository study, and (2) discover biomarkers that improve performance of IBP4/SHBG in the AMANHI cohort. The performance of the IBP4/SHBG biomarker was first evaluated in a nested case control validation study, then utilized in a follow-on discovery study performed on the same samples. Levels of serum proteins were measured by targeted mass spectrometry. Differences between the AMANHI and U.S. cohorts were adjusted using body mass index (BMI) and gestational age (GA) at blood draw as covariates. Prediction of sPTB < 37 weeks and < 34 weeks was assessed by area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). In the discovery phase, an artificial intelligence method selected additional protein biomarkers complementary to IBP4/SHBG in the AMANHI cohort. The IBP4/SHBG biomarker significantly predicted sPTB < 37 weeks (n = 88 vs. 171 terms ≥ 37 weeks) after adjusting for BMI and GA at blood draw (AUC= 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57–0.71, p < .001). Performance was similar for sPTB < 34 weeks (n = 17 vs. 184 ≥ 34 weeks): AUC = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.51–0.82, p = .012. The discovery phase of the study showed that the addition of endoglin, prolactin, and tetranectin to the above model resulted in the prediction of sPTB < 37 with an AUC= 0.72 (95% CI: 0.66–0.79, p-value < .001) and prediction of sPTB < 34 with an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67–0.90, p < .001). A protein biomarker pair developed in the U.S. may have broader application in diverse non-U.S. populations.

Background: Karnataka is predominantly known for cluster bean production. The evidences claims that the cluster bean production is not a profitable option and has many constraints, which hinders farmers to take up this enterprise. The current study aims to analyze the growth in area, to forecast seed demand and to work out the economics of cluster bean production in Karnataka. Methods: The current study was based on the field survey conducted in Karnataka during 2019-20, to collect the primary data from cluster bean entrepreneurs. The study has also used secondary data for analysis. Four major districts in Karnataka were selected for the study, based on the maximum area and highest production. From each district, 30 farmers were randomly selected for collection of primary data, constituting a total of 120 farmers. The Compound Annual Growth Rate and cost-returns techniques were employed for data analysis. Result: The study indicated that Karnataka has registered a declined trend of 3.12 per cent per annum and the total estimated area under cluster bean would be 2,720 ha during 2021-22. Hence, the seed industry should cater seed demand to the tune of 544 quintals for the said period. Total cost of cultivation was worked out to be ₹ 35,176 per acre. The study emphasize that this enterprise provides higher gross and net returns to the tune of ₹ 70,851 and ₹ 35,675 per acre, respectively, with the Benefit-cost ratio of 2.01, indicating its profitability. Lack of availability of High Yielding Varieties/hybrid seeds and high wage rate were the major constraints notified in cluster bean enterprise.

Preterm births are the leading cause of neonatal death in the United States. Previously, a spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) predictor based on the ratio of two proteins, IBP4/SHBG, was validated as a predictor of sPTB in the Proteomic Assessment of Preterm Risk (PAPR) study. In particular, a proteomic biomarker threshold of −1.37, corresponding to a ~two-fold increase or ~15% risk of sPTB, significantly stratified earlier deliveries. Guidelines for molecular tests advise replication in a second independent study. Here we tested whether the significant association between proteomic biomarker scores above the threshold and sPTB, and associated adverse outcomes, was replicated in a second independent study, the Multicenter Assessment of a Spontaneous Preterm Birth Risk Predictor (TREETOP). The threshold significantly stratified subjects in PAPR and TREETOP for sPTB (p = 0.041, p = 0.041, respectively). Application of the threshold in a Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significant stratification in each study, respectively, for gestational age at birth (p &lt, 001, p = 0.0016) and rate of hospital discharge for both neonate (p &lt, 0.001, p = 0.005) and mother (p &lt, 0.001, p &lt, 0.001). Above the threshold, severe neonatal morbidity/mortality and mortality alone were 2.2 (p = 0.0083,) and 7.4-fold higher (p = 0.018), respectively, in both studies combined. Thus, higher predictor scores were associated with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Background Tigecycline, a new agent against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, is especially licensed for use in complicated skin and soft tissue and intra-abdominal infections. We aimed to study the recent in vitro activity of tigecycline against MDR Enterobacteriaceae skin and soft tissue isolates. Methods Consecutive isolates (56 Escherichia coli, 48 Klebsiella pneumoniae) were subjected to tigecycline susceptibility testing by Ezy MIC test and interpreted as per European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Results The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of tigecycline ranged from 0.016 to 48 μg/mL, with MIC50 0.19 μg/mL and MIC90 1.0 μg/mL respectively. Seven (6.7%) isolates were resistant to tigecycline, all K. pneumoniae. Conclusion Tigecycline remains a viable therapeutic option against MDR isolates, with excellent in vitro activity against E. coli and promising activity against K. pneumoniae. However, the limited availability of alternate therapeutic armamentarium necessitates its use with extreme judiciousness along with continuous monitoring for the emergence and spread of resistance., Highlights • Tigecycline has excellent in vitro activity against MDR E. coli. • Tigecycline has comparatively lower activity against MDR K. pneumoniae. • Tigecycline remains a viable therapeutic option against MDR E. coli isolates. • Limited availability of alternate therapy necessitates cautious use of tigecycline.

Background: Petha is a translucent soft candy historically and geographically originated from Agra that is usually rectangular or cylindrical made from the ash gourd. With growing demand and innovation, more varieties of the original preparation are available in the market. Watermelon is most relished fruit and people just eat reddish pulpy portion and discard the rind. But watermelon rind is by product with good amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, crude fiber and ash. Methods: The present study was carried out to develop petha from watermelon rind by osmotic dehydration with varied concentrations of Sugar viz., 50° Brix(T1), 60° Brix(T2) and 70° Brix(T3) and the sensory evaluation was carried out from initial to 45 days of storage at both room as well as refrigerated temperature and further evaluated microbial load, texture analysis and consumer acceptability of petha. Result: Among the three variations T2 was more acceptable than T1 and T3 after 45 days of sensory evaluation. The nutrient composition for the best accepted watermelon rind petha indicated low fat with adequate amount of crude fibre (0.6 g), carbohydrate (52.49 g), calcium (18.68 mg) and phosphorous (9.28 mg). Hence, it can be concluded that watermelon rinds can be better option for byproduct utilization for development of petha with good nutritional profile that is economical too.

High temperature as a part of the climate change scenario is imposing a severe threat to rice production and productivity worldwide. Field experiment was conducted in ICAR-IIRR during rabi 2016–17 to screen 60 diverse rice genotypes comprising of 2 germplasm lines, 11 green super rice lines, 2 introgression lines, 8 landraces, 2 tropical japonicas and 35 released varieties including 2 checks for identification of high temperature tolerant genotypes. They were tested for their nature of thermotolerance using cell membrane thermostability, PSII activity (Fv/Fm) and paraquat tolerance test as screening criteria. There was a reduction in all the above measured traits in all the genotypes however, among the genotypes the extent of reduction varied. Among the genotypes screened, Rasi, Akshayadhan, HKR47, IR64, Assanchidiya had recorded a higher grain yield under high temperature conditions and hence could be categorized as heat tolerant whereas ADT43, Vandana, NDR359 MTU1001 and IR36 had lower yields and hence were categorized as heat susceptible. The screening traits were correlated with grain yield recorded under high temperature. Positive and significant association was noted between cell membrane thermostability, Fv/Fm measured under high temperature stress with the grain yield. The tolerant genotypes also had a higher cell membrane thermostability and higher Fv/Fm under high temperature conditions. Among the analysed traits, it can be concluded that CMS and Fv/Fm can be used efficiently to screen the germplasm for thermotolerance.

Objective: The present study was aimed to extract betalains from hairy root culture of Beta vulgaris and its use in pharmaceutical formulations as a colorant. Methods: Hairy roots were initiated using different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes such as A.2/83, A.20/83, A.4, and LMG 150; LMG 150 was found to initiate a large number of hairy roots, and betalain content was estimated. Paracetamol syrup was prepared using extracted betalains as a colorant at different concentrations of 10 and 30 mg/150 ml. Stability studies were carried out at a different temperatures such as 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C) and light (dark, 1000 and 2000 lux) for 45 days. Results: In case of a concentration of 10 mg/150 ml syrup, the effects of temperature such as 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C and dark condition on the degradation of betalains were found to be 48%, 88%, and 100% in 45 days, respectively. The effects of temperature such as 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C at light 1000 lux on degradations of betalains were found to be 81% and 98% at 25°C and 30°C in 45 days, respectively, and 100% at 40°C in 30 days and at 2000 lux were found to be 100% at 25°C and 30°C in 30 days and 100% at 40°C in 10 days. The similar levels of degradation rate were observed with a concentration of 30 mg/150 ml. Conclusion: Experimental data demonstrated that formulation with betalains exhibited better stability at the dark condition and lower temperature.

Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is increasingly recognized in several regions of the globe. The present study was performed to identify and determine the frequency of B. pseudomallei infection in localized pyogenic lesions in eastern India and describe their clinico-microbiological profile. Pus samples were subjected to standard microbiological techniques for isolation and identification of various bacteria, including B. pseudomallei, which were confirmed by PCR. The clinical and demographic details of patients with melioidosis and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of B. pseudomallei isolates were analyzed. Of 245 samples, 126 (51.4%) were culture positive, yielding 137 isolates. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen accounting for 54 (39.4%) isolates, followed by B. pseudomallei accounting for 34 (24.8%) isolates. The mean age of the patients with melioidosis was 39.1 years, with males (24/34; 70.6%) being affected more than females (10/34; 29.4%). A majority of the patients were laborers (12/34; 35.3), followed by homemakers (8/34; 23.5%). Head and neck abscesses (35.3%) were the most common presentation followed by pyogenic lesions of the musculoskeletal system (32.3%) and deep organ abscesses (23.5%). Clinical resolution of infection was observed in 31 (91.2%) patients, relapse in two (5.9%) patients, and death in one (2.9%) patient, respectively. Susceptibility testing revealed all B. pseudomallei isolates to be completely susceptible to the following antimicrobials: ceftazidime, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, imipenem, and doxycycline, with one (2.9%) resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. Burkholderia pseudomallei is an emerging etiological agent of localized pyogenic infections in eastern India, affecting a mainly adult male population. An increased vigilance along with appropriate diagnostic techniques helps in accurate diagnosis facilitating appropriate therapy.

Dogs (Canis familiaris) have several behavioral characteristics that may contribute to snakebites. Dogs generally are inquisitive, lack ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), and may attack a snake in def...

Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease in India mostly reported from South-western coastal Karnataka and North-eastern Tamil Nadu. We speculate the existence of another major hidden focus in Odisha, one of the eastern coastal states. The clinico-epidemiological features of 47 culture-confirmed melioidosis at a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 2 years are reported. Septicaemia was the most common clinical presentation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was present in 72.3% of our cases. The geo-climatic conditions of Odisha and other coastal states of India and the rise in the incidence of DM demand a nationwide surveillance of melioidosis and creation of melioidosis registry.

This study investigated the potential toxic effects of environmentally relevant nitrate concentrations on development, growth, and mortality of early life stages of common hour-glass tree frog, Polypedates cruciger. Tadpoles from hatchlings through pre-adult were exposed to environmentally relevant nitrate concentrations detected in Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Newly hatched, external gill stage, and internal gill stage tadpoles were exposed to potassium nitrate for bioassay tests. No behavioral changes or abnormalities were observed in control and nitrate-induced group. However, detected environmental nitrate concentration significantly increased (p

Introduction Since a long time chick embryo is proving a satisfactory animal for embryological research work due to several advantages. Malaria is a febrile illness caused by protozoa Plasmodium and spread by female anopheles mosquito, still continues to be one of the India’s leading public health problem. α/β artether is one of the most common antimalarial drug used worldwide to treat chloroquine resistant malaria and malaria falciparum. The present study was designed to assess the teratogenic effects of α/β artether on developing chick embryo. Material and methods The study was performed on 300 fertilized eggs of white leg horn chicken. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad Delhi-NCR in association with Department of Anatomy, Gold Field Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Faridabad. The eggs were divided in to five experimental groups A, B, C, D, E having 30 eggs each and five control groups a,b,c,d,e one each for every experimental group respectively having 30 eggs each. On 5th day of incubation eggs from experimental groups A, B, C, D and E were exposed to α/β artether with dose of 0.000195 mg, 0.00039 mg, 0.000585 mg, 0.00078 mg, 0.00097 mg and 0.00117 mg whereas the control groups were treated with same amount of normal saline. Results The results showed growth retardation and some significant, histopathological and immunphistochemical abnormalities. Degenerative changes in cerebral cortex with reduced number of neurons with hemorrhage. Discussion Glial Fibrilary acidic protein and Neurofilament polypeptide expression in cerebrum of chick embryo indices neurodegenerative process.

International audience; The excess level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) disturbs the oxidative balance leading to oxidative stress, which, in turn, causes diabetes mellites, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. These effects of ROS and oxidative stress can be balanced by dietary antioxidants. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in the use of herbal products for personal and beauty care. The Apiaceae (previously Umbelliferae) family is a good source of antioxidants, predominantly phenolic compounds, therefore, widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, cosmeceutical, flavor, and perfumery industries. These natural antioxidants include polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and ascorbic acids, and exhibit a wide range of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis, and anticancer. This review discusses the Apiaceae family plants as an important source of antioxidants their therapeutic value and the use in cosmetics.

Organic farming has played an important role i­n recent years in boosting the income of farmers without affecting health and environment. Scientific evidences around the world had showed the better quality of grain under organic farming. Hence, the field investigation was carried out at wetlands farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during rabi 2014 to find out the influence of non-chemical weed management practices on growth, yield and biochemical parameters of organic rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replication and ten treatments. Microbial counts were recorded in the soil samples taken at 120 DAT. The study revealed that the higher growth, yield parameter, microbial population (viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) and biochemical parameters (Amylose content and Aroma) recorded under mulching using biodegradable polyethelene sheets and the lowest was observed in unweeded check. But taking into consideration of economics, among different non-chemical weed management practices benefit cost ratio was found to be highest in Hand weeding on 15 DAT followed by azolla inoculation.

Cell division in bacteria is a highly controlled and regulated process. FtsZ, a bacterial cytoskeletal protein, forms a ring-like structure known as the Z-ring and recruits more than a dozen other cell division proteins. The Min system oscillates between the poles and inhibits the Z-ring formation at the poles by perturbing FtsZ assembly. This leads to an increase in the FtsZ concentration at the mid-cell and helps in Z-ring positioning. MinC, the effector protein, interferes with Z-ring formation through two different mechanisms mediated by its two domains with the help of MinD. However, the mechanism by which MinD triggers MinC activity is not yet known. We showed that MinD directly interacts with FtsZ with an affinity stronger than the reported MinC–FtsZ interaction. We determined the MinD-binding site of FtsZ using computational, mutational and biochemical analyses. Our study showed that MinD binds to the H10 helix of FtsZ. Single-point mutations at the charged residues in the H10 helix resulted in a decrease in the FtsZ affinity towards MinD. Based on our findings, we propose a novel model for MinCD–FtsZ interaction, where MinD through its direct interaction with FtsZ would trigger MinC activity to inhibit FtsZ functions.

FeS-clusters are utilized by numerous proteins within several biological pathways that are essential for life. In eukaryotes, the primary FeS-cluster production pathway is the mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) pathway. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, de novo FeS-cluster formation is accomplished through coordinated assembly with the substrates iron and sulfur by the scaffold assembly protein "Isu1". Sulfur for cluster assembly is provided by cysteine desulfurase "Nfs1", a protein that works in union with its accessory protein "Isd11". Frataxin "Yfh1" helps direct cluster assembly by serving as a modulator of Nfs1 activity, by assisting in the delivery of sulfur and Fe(ii) to Isu1, or more likely through a combination of these and other possible roles. In vitro studies on the yeast ISC machinery have been limited, however, due to the inherent instability of recombinant Isu1. Isu1 is a molecule prone to degradation and aggregation. To circumvent Isu1 instability, we have replaced yeast Isu1 with the fly ortholog to stabilize our in vitro ISC assembly system and assist us in elucidating molecular details of the yeast ISC pathway. Our laboratory previously observed that recombinant frataxin from Drosophila melanogaster has remarkable stability compared to the yeast ortholog. Here we provide the first characterization of D. melanogaster Isu1 (fIscU) and demonstrate its ability to function within the yeast ISC machinery both in vivo and in vitro. Recombinant fIscU has physical properties similar to that of yeast Isu1. It functions as a stable dimer with similar Fe(ii) affinity and ability to form two 2Fe-2S clusters as the yeast dimer. The fIscU and yeast ISC proteins are compatible in vitro; addition of Yfh1 to Nfs1-Isd11 increases the rate of FeS-cluster formation on fIscU to a similar extent observed with Isu1. Finally, fIscU expressed in mitochondria of a yeast strain lacking Isu1 (and its paralog Isu2) is able to completely reverse the deletion phenotypes. These results demonstrate fIscU can functionally replace yeast Isu1 and it can serve as a powerful tool for exploring molecular details within the yeast ISC pathway.

The synthesis and anticancer activity of a copper(II) diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) complex and its nanoconjugates are reported. The copper(II) complex is connected to a carboxylic acid group through a cleavable disulfide link to enable smart delivery. The copper complex is tethered to highly water-soluble 20 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), stabilized by amine terminated lipoic acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG). The gold nanoparticle carrier was further decorated with biotin to achieve targeted action. The copper complex and the conjugates with and without biotin, were tested against HeLa and HaCaT cells. They show very good anticancer activity against HeLa cells, a cell line derived from cervical cancer and are less active against HaCaT cells. Slow and sustained release of the complex from conjugates is demonstrated through cleavage of disulfide linker in the presence of glutathione (GSH), a reducing agent intrinsically present in high concentrations within cancer cells. Biotin appended conjugates do not show greater activity than conjugates without biotin against HeLa cells. This is consistent with drug uptake studies, which suggests similar uptake profiles for both conjugates in vitro. However, in vivo studies using a HeLa cell xenograft tumor model shows 3.8-fold reduction in tumor volume for the biotin conjugated nanoparticle compared to the control whereas the conjugate without biotin shows only 2.3-fold reduction in the tumor volume suggesting significant targeting.

The susceptibility determination to polymyxins (colistin and polymyxin B) remains a challenge for clinical microbiology laboratories. We evaluated the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of both antimicrobials by the broth microdilution method in a selected subset of 156 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates. Good concordance between polymyxin B and colistin MIC values was obtained, and there was 98% categorical agreement in CRE isolates. Future large-scale multicentre study is needed to draw conclusion if the MIC of colistin can be used to extrapolate the MIC of polymyxin B and vice versa.

Today colour has become a major component of food and pharmaceutical products as it is indispensible for quick identification and eventual acceptance of the product. Colours are of two different origin such as synthetic and natural. Natural colours are known to afford natural look to the products in terms of glossy and brightness. Hairy root culture is one of the plant tissue culture techniques widely used for the production of root derived secondary metabolites to enhance the level of secondary metabolites. Beta vulgaris belonging to Chenopodiaceae family composed of red pigment betacyanin and yellow pigment betaxanthin (betalains) has been well known for centuries as an attractive food colour. The stability of betalains is greatly influenced by light, pH, temperature, oxygen etc and become unstable under adverse conditions. Hence, in the present study, in situ extraction method was adopted in order to enhance the betalain content and its stability, so that the same biomass can be regrown by inoculating into the new medium. In a commercial process this leads to high profits depending on the importance of the compounds.

Iron is the most prevalent metal in biology. Its chemical and redox versatility allows it to direct activity of many Fe binding proteins. While iron's biological applications are diverse, challenges inherent in having Fe(II) present at high abundance means cells must ensure delivery to the correct recipient, while also ensuring its chemistry is regulated. Having a detailed understanding of the biophysical characteristics of a protein's iron binding characteristics allows us to understand general cellular metal homeostasis events. Unfortunately, most spectroscopic techniques available to measure metal binding affinity require protein be in a homogeneous state. Homogeneity creates an artificial environment when measuring metal binding since within cells numerous additional metal binding biomolecules compete with the target. Here we investigate commercially available Fe(II) chelators with spectral markers coupled to metal binding and release. Our goal was to determine their utility as competitors while measuring aspects of metal binding by apoproteins during a metal binding competition assay. Adding chelators during apoprotein metal binding mimics heterogeneous metal binding environments present in vivo, and provides a more realistic metal binding affinity measurement. Ferrous chelators explored within this report include: Rhod-5N, Magfura-2, Fura-4F, Fura-2, and TPA (Tris-(2-byridyl-methyl)amine; each forms a 1:1 complex with Fe(II) and combined cover a binding range of 5 orders of magnitude (micromolar to nanomolar Kd). These chelators were used to calibrate binding affinities for yeast and fly frataxin (Yfh1 and Dfh, respectively), involved in mitochondrial Fe S cluster bioassembly.

Glutathione Peroxidase activity in whole blood is well correlated with the Selenium (Se) levels in cattle hence can be used effectively to assess the supply of Se to farm animals. In this study, Se status of cattle from five different geographic regions of Sri Lanka were assessed based on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. The GSH-Px activity was determined in whole blood samples collected from 80 cattle from 31 different farms in five districts viz. Kandy, Anuradhapura, Batticoloa, Trincomalee and Jaffna using photometric method. Mean GSH-Px activity was found to be 825, 1239, 1039, 849 and 1307 μkat L−1 in above districts, respectively while the reference value was considered as 665.4 μkat L−1. Among the studied animals, insufficient Se levels were detected in 50%, 17%, 9%, 27% and 5%, respectively, from above districts. Kruskal Wallis test indicated a significant variation among the sampled locations with respect to the GSH-Px activity (p = 0.001). Selenium content in pasture and water collected from studied locations varied from 6.0 to 554 μg kg−1 and

Statement of the Problem: Healthcare workers (HCW) are the most vulnerable group for contracting SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCW, thus can provide important data on pathogen exposure, infectivity, and adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE). The present study aimed at assessing SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among HCW and exploring associations with demographics, category of exposure to COVID-19 patients, preventive measures taken and relation with COVID-19 symptoms. Method of Study: HCWs with a minimum gap 2 weeks from last duty were eligible to participate in the study. The enrolled HCW were categorized into high-risk and low-risk category based on work in COVID-19 areas. HCWs SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using rapid immunochromatography test. Results: Out of 821 randomly selected HCWs, either IgM or IgG antibody was detected in 32 HCWs (32/821, 3.9%). Only IgM antibodies were detected in 14 (1.7%), only IgG was detected in 9 (1.0%), and both IgM and IgG antibodies were present in 9 HCWs. Seropositivity was significantly higher in high-risk category (5.7% vs. 2.2.%), HCWs who ever had COVID-19 related symptoms in last 3 months (5.6% vs. 2.8%), and those who had earlier tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (36.6% vs. 3.5%). Seroprevalence was highest (6.9%) among housekeeping and sanitation staff. Conclusions: Overall, low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in our HCWs is an indicator of effective infection control practice. HCW posted in dedicated COVID ward need more stringent implementation of infection prevention measures.

Most small-scale fisheries throughout the world are based primarily on fisher knowledge, which is essentially experiential knowledge consisting of a replicable, verbally transmitted set of skills. Even though fisher knowledge is well documented for some fisheries, there are only a few studies that explain how it actually works as a management system. Stilt fishing is a unique method confined to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. We studied traditional stilt fisher knowledge as an expert system that helps make decisions for successful fishing. Study shows that traditional fisher knowledge base and the decision-making process can be explained as an expert system. Fisher knowledge on biological and physical indicators that gives cues on commencement date of fishing season, arrival of fish schools and its composition and ecology and behaviour of target fish were distilled and empirically confirmed. Traditional stilt fishers were found to hold detailed knowledge about weather, fishing season, feeding and migratory behaviour of target fishes, mainly the bluestripe herring (Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus). Empirical studies on feeding behaviour, movement and migratory path of bluestripe herring indicate the reliability of fisher knowledge. Fishers’ expectations before starting fishing (ex-ante) on species composition arriving at fishing territory were 100% accurate at the actual harvest in conclusion of fishing (ex-post). Success in fishing depends mainly on technical skills, and there exists considerable variation in the level of expertise among fishers. Traditional fishers are more successful in fishing than non-traditional fishers. Traditional stilt fishers provide inexpensive information that can complement scientific information to produce better management outcomes. Fisher knowledge can therefore be effectively utilized in formulating policies for co-management of coastal fisheries in Sri Lanka. Opportunities exist to set up proper baseline for the management of artisanal coastal fisheries with the ultimate aim of incorporating traditional fisher knowledge into management decision making.