Search

Borassus flabellifer leaf extract has been used for rapid biogenic-synthesis of Zinc-Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) due to rich source of bioactive compounds. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were preliminarily confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy adsorption peak range at 365nm. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) confirm purity of ZnO-NPs that were crystalline in nature. The analysis of FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) confirm the presence of following functional group such as alcohol, phenols, carboxylic acids, primary amides, secondary amides, alkyl halide. FE-SEM analysis indicated that ZnO-NPs were in spherical shape, followed by EDX analysis which confirmed the presence of Zn-element. Antimicrobial effect of ZnO-NPs was investigated using different clinical pathogens like bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans and Penicillium expansum and which confirmed ZnO-NPs efficiency as an antimicrobial agent. Antioxidant activity were ascertained to used for several biomedical applications. The ZnO-NPs was efficiently degraded the environmental toxic dyes (methylene blue and crystal violet) under sunlight. In support of photolight-degradation, the study was progressed to understand the ZnO-dye interaction stability using molecular mechanism and it was showing efficient bonding features in the NPs environment. Overall, this investigation have great potential for being an effective and eco-friendly materials was used in environmental applications.

Pancreastatin (PST), a chromogranin A (CHGA)-derived potent physiological dysglycemic peptide, regulates glucose/insulin homeostasis. We have identified a non-synonymous functional PST variant (p.Gly297Ser; rs9658664) that occurs in a large section of human populations. Association analysis of this single nucleotide polymorphism with cardiovascular/metabolic diseases states in Indian populations (n≈4300 subjects) displays elevated plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, diastolic blood pressure and catecholamines in Gly/Ser subjects as compared to wild-type individuals (Gly/Gly). Consistently, the 297Ser allele confers an increased risk (~1.3-1.6-fold) for type-2 diabetes/hypertension/coronary artery disease/metabolic syndrome. In corroboration, the variant peptide (PST-297S) displays gain-of-potency in several cellular events relevant for cardiometabolic disorders (e.g., increased expression of gluconeogenic genes, increased catecholamine secretion, greater inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose-uptake) than the wild-type peptide (PST-WT). Computational docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations show higher affinity binding of PST-297S peptide with glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and insulin receptor (IR) than PST-WT, providing a mechanistic basis for the enhanced activity of the variant peptide. In vitro binding assays validate these in silico predictions of PST peptides binding to GRP78 and IR. In conclusion, the PST 297Ser allele influences cardiovascular/metabolic phenotypes and emerges as a novel risk factor for type-2 diabetes/hypertension/coronary artery disease in human populations.

CRISPR-Cas systems are RNA-guided nucleases that provide adaptive immune protection in bacteria and archaea against intruding genomic materials. Cas9, a type-II CRISPR effector protein, is widely used for gene editing applications since a single guide RNA can direct Cas9 to cleave specific genomic targets. The conformational changes associated with RNA/DNA binding are being modulated to develop Cas9 variants with reduced off-target cleavage. Previously, we showed that proline substitutions in the arginine-rich bridge helix (BH) of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9-L64P-K65P, SpyCas92Pro) improve target DNA cleavage selectivity. In this study, we establish that kinetic analysis of the cleavage of supercoiled plasmid substrates provides a facile means to analyze the use of two parallel routes for DNA linearization by SpyCas9: (i) nicking by HNH followed by RuvC cleavage (the TS (target strand) pathway) and (ii) nicking by RuvC followed by HNH cleavage (the NTS (nontarget strand) pathway). BH substitutions and DNA mismatches alter the individual rate constants, resulting in changes in the relative use of the two pathways and the production of nicked and linear species within a given pathway. The results reveal coordinated actions between HNH and RuvC to linearize DNA, which is modulated by the integrity of the BH and the position of the mismatch in the substrate, with each condition producing distinct conformational energy landscapes as observed by molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, our results indicate that BH interactions with RNA/DNA enable target DNA discrimination through the differential use of the parallel sequential pathways driven by HNH/RuvC coordination.

Background Finger millet is the most important food grain in the world for its nutritional benefits. Finger millet is genetically and geographically diverse and widely spread in the African and Asian sub-continent. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to analyze the genetic diversity using ISSR genetic markers using 15 ISSR primers. Results About 23 genotypes of widely cultivated finger millet cultivars of economically important ones were characterized and the ISSR markers were critically analyzed for their performance with parameters such as polymorphic information content (PIC), effective multiplex ratio (EMR), marker index (MI), and resolving power (RP). In this study, 175 loci were scored across the 23 cultivars of finger millet, and out of these 173 loci (98%) were polymorphic, revealing the suitability of these loci for genetic diversity analysis with ISSR marker. The average number of polymorphic loci per primer was 11.50 with varying sizes from 100 bp to 2500 bp. ISSR primers that showed higher polymorphism were found to have higher EMR and MI values up to 15.30 and 13.44, respectively. Conclusion High degree of polymorphism supported with distinct differences of all the marker parameters revealed the suitability of ISSR markers for determining the genotypic differences based on ISSR markers among the 23 genotypes of finger millet. The possible application of the ISSR marker in the conservation and management of finger millet genetic resources is discussed.

In the present study, Enterococcus faecium MC-5 isolated from the fish gut was cultured in the MRS broth to produce exopolysaccharide (EPS). The maximum EPS production was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with three different factors which include sucrose, ammonium nitrate and pH. RSM result predicted that maximum EPS (16.48 g/L) production could be attained by supplementing 30 g/L sucrose and 15 g/L ammonium nitrate in the MRS broth with the initial pH of 6.407. The EPS produced was subjected to purification by column chromatography techniques. Monosaccharide analysis by HPLC confirmed the presence of fructose monomer. The purified EPS MC-5 showed a molecular weight of 24 kDa. The purified EPS was further characterized by FT-IR and NMR which confirmed the presence of β-(2,6) fructofuranoside units and suggested that the EPS MC-5 is a levan-type polysaccharide. Congo red analysis suggested that the EPS MC-5 possesses a triple-helix structure whereas the SEM images showed that the EPS has a porous and globular structure. The EPS was found to be semi-crystalline through XRD analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis showed EPS MC-5 possesses higher thermal stability having a degradation temperature of 338.13 °C. The EPS MC-5 exhibited excellent antioxidant activities and showed promising antibiofilm activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio anguillarum. The present study is the first report of levan-type EPS production by Enterococcus faecium sp., which has been characterized for its physicochemical and biological properties. These properties associated with EPS MC-5 suggested that it can serve as a potential ingredient or supplement in the food system with significant health benefits.

Studies on the diversity and technological potential of leaf fungal endophytes invariably focus on the dominant fungal species among them. There is hardly any information on the diversity and role of endophytic fungi present in low frequencies (minor species) inside leaves. Hence, we studied the diversity of the minor species of leaf endophytes and speculate on the possible roles such fungi could play in the ecosystem. Mature leaves of twenty-five woody tree species from tropical dry thorn (DT), dry deciduous (DD), and montane evergreen (ME) forests of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, southern India, were screened for the presence of minor species of fungal endophytes (colonization frequency of

Males and females are subjected to distinct kinds of selection pressures, often leading to the evolution of sex-specific genetic architecture, an example being sex-specific dominance. Sex-specific dominance reversals (SSDRs), where alleles at sexually antagonistic loci are at least partially dominant in the sex they benefit, have been documented in Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and seed beetles. Another interesting feature of many sexually reproducing organisms is the asymmetric inheritance pattern of X chromosomes, which often leads to distinct evolutionary outcomes on X chromosomes compared to autosomes. Examples include the higher efficacy of sexually concordant selection on X chromosomes, and X chromosomes being more conducive to the maintenance of sexually antagonistic polymorphisms under certain conditions. Immunocompetence is a trait that has been extensively investigated for sexual dimorphism with growing evidence for sex-specific or sexually antagonistic variation. X chromosomes have been shown to harbor substantial immunity-related genetic variation in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Here, using interpopulation crosses and cytogenetic cloning, we investigated sex-specific dominance and the role of the X chromosome in improved postinfection survivorship of laboratory populations of D. melanogaster selected against pathogenic challenge by Pseudomonas entomophila. We could not detect any contribution of the X chromosome to the evolved immunocompetence of our selected populations, as well as to within-population variation in immunocompetence. However, we found strong evidence of sex-specific dominance related to surviving bacterial infection. Our results indicate that alleles that confer a survival advantage to the selected populations are, on average, partially dominant in females but partially recessive in males. This could also imply an SSDR for overall fitness, given the putative evidence for sexually antagonistic selection affecting immunocompetence in Drosophila melanogaster. We also highlight sex-specific dominance as a potential mechanism of sex differences in immunocompetence, with population-level sex differences primarily driven by sex differences in heterozygotes.

Beachpea (Vigna marina) is a halophytic wild leguminous plant which occurs throughout tropical and subtropical beaches of world. As quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for salt tolerance in V. marina and its crossability with other Vigna species are known, the current study was undertaken to know the presence of these QTLs in the V. marina accessions along with check varieties of pulses. Accordingly, 20 Vigna genotypes (15 accessions of V. marina collected from sea-shore areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with five check varieties of green gram and black gram) were subjected to molecular characterization using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with salt tolerance. Of the markers used, only four SSR markers amplified in the studied germplasm. Number of alleles detected per primer and size of alleles ranged from 1 to 3 and 100 to 325 bp, respectively. Polymorphism information content and heterozygosity values ranged from 0.305 to 0.537 and 0.375 to 0.612, respectively. Three major clusters, cluster I, II and III were obtained at Jaccard's similarity coefficient value of 0.48 through the un-weighted paired group method with arithmetic means method of cluster analysis. It grouped green gram and black gram genotypes in clusters I (04) and II (01), whereas all V. marina genotypes were grouped in cluster III (15). Principal co-ordinate analysis explained 85.9% of genetic variation among genotypes which was further confirmed by cluster analysis. This study indicated the effectiveness of SSR markers in separating cultivated Vigna species from wild V. marina. The findings will be useful for transferring trait of robust salt tolerance of V. marina in cultivated Vigna species using marker-assisted breeding.

Background Both wound infiltration (WI) with local anaesthetic and Erector Spinae Plane block (ESPB) have been described for post-operative analgesia after abdominal surgery. This study compared the efficacy of WI versus ESPB for post-operative analgesia after laparoscopic assisted colonic surgery. Methods Seventy-two patients between 18 and 85 years of age undergoing elective surgery were randomised to receive either WI or ESPB. In the WI group a 40 ml bolus of 0.5% Ropivacaine, infiltrated at the ports and minimally invasive wound at subcutaneous and fascia layers. In the ESPB group at T8 level, under ultrasound guidance, a 22-gauge nerve block needle was passed through the Erector Spinae muscle to reach its fascia. A dose up to 40 ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine, divided into two equal volumes, was injected at each side. Both groups had a multimodal analgesic regime, including regular Paracetamol, dexamethasone and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with Fentanyl. The primary end point was a post-operative pain score utilising a verbal Numerical Rating Score (NRS, 0–10) on rest and coughing in the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU) and in the first 24 h. Secondary outcomes measured were: opioid usage, length of stay and any clinical adverse events. Results There was no significant treatment difference in PACU NRS at rest and coughing (p-values 0. 382 and 0.595respectively). Similarly, there were no significant differences in first 24 h NRS at rest and coughing (p-values 0.285 and 0.431 respectively). There was no significant difference in Fentanyl use in PACU or in the first 24 h (p- values 0.900 and 0.783 respectively). Neither was there a significant difference found in mean total Fentanyl use between ESPB and WI groups (p-value 0.787). Conclusion Our observations found both interventions had an overall similar efficacy. Trial registration The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN: 12619000113156).

The axial skeleton of orange rumped agouti, Dasyprocta leporina, was studied for better understanding of its locomotor behaviour. The bones from eight adult agoutis of both sexes were observed for their anatomical features and functional significance. The vertebral formula was found to be C7 T12 L7 S5 Cy5-6 . The well-developed occipital crest, caudally oriented prominent axis spine and well-developed transverse processes from C3 -C7 indicated a highly flexible neck with greater sagittal mobility. Articular facets were horizontal in anterior series while oblique in the posterior series, which enabled them to perform both lateral and sagittal movements during locomotion. The caudally directed thoracic spines, T12 as anticlinal vertebra and prominent mamillary process in the posterior series were suggestive of strong dorso-ventral flexion/extension and rotation. The robust lumbar vertebrae, well-developed transverse processes with cranio-ventral extension, were the feature for powerful sagittal/dorsoventral movement. The presence of spinous processes and well-developed transverse processes in all caudal vertebrae was an indication of a highly movable tail. The ribs were 13 pairs with first seven as sternal and six as asternal. They were laterally compressed in the anterior series as a cursorial adaptation. A strong muscular attachment to vertebrae provides this rodent speed, agility, dexterity and strength suitable for survival in food chain.

Calcium signaling via mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex coordinates mitochondrial bioenergetics with cellular energy demands. Emerging studies show that the stability and activity of the pore-forming subunit of the complex, MCU, is dependent on the mitochondrial phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), but how this impacts calcium-dependent mitochondrial bioenergetics in CL-deficiency disorder like Barth syndrome (BTHS) is not known. Here we utilized multiple models of BTHS including yeast, mouse muscle cell line, as well as BTHS patient cells and cardiac tissue to show that CL is required for the abundance and stability of the MCU-complex regulatory subunit MICU1. Interestingly, the reduction in MICU1 abundance in BTHS mitochondria is independent of MCU. Unlike MCU and MICU1/MICU2, other subunit and associated factor of the uniporter complex, EMRE and MCUR1, respectively, are not affected in BTHS models. Consistent with the decrease in MICU1 levels, we show that the kinetics of MICU1-dependent mitochondrial calcium uptake is perturbed and acute stimulation of mitochondrial calcium signaling in BTHS myoblasts fails to activate pyruvate dehydrogenase, which in turn impairs the generation of reducing equivalents and blunts mitochondrial bioenergetics. Taken together, our findings suggest that defects in mitochondrial calcium signaling could contribute to cardiac and skeletal muscle pathologies observed in BTHS patients.

Ointments are widely used as topical medication as a mode of transdermal drug delivery for treatment of skin lesions. In this study, Tridax procumbens infused oil (oil phase) and Gelatin stabilized silver nanoparticle (Aqueous phase) were blended with natural biosurfactant extracted from Lactobacillus casei (MT012285) to prepare an ointment for topical wounds. GC–MS of infused oil showed the presence of pentadecanoic acid and 1,19-eicosadiene. FT-IR studies show the presence of aliphatic and amino group of biosurfactant from L. casei confirm the presence of lipopeptide, which can form stable W/O emulsion in ointment. The prepared ointment shows higher microbial reduction capacity on clinical pathogens tested namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further, herbal-nano-ointment exhibits minimal hemolytic action on human red blood cells at 100 µg/mL. At higher concentration of 4.0 mg/mL of ointment low cytotoxic effect on L929 fibroblastic cell line was observed. Cell migration rate of 62% was recorded at 24 h using wound scratch assay. Based on the study we find that biosurfactant-based nano-topical ointment from T. procumbens oil with G-AgNPs, has low cytotoxic effect and a high cell migration rate and hence can be used in the topical application for treatment of wound.

In the process of sexual reproduction in angiosperms, making viable pollen grain to land on the surface of the receptive stigma of the same flower or other flower is the key process. Major factors like both biotic and abiotic play a crucial role in the process of making pollen to reach stigma during sexual mode of reproduction in angiosperms. In nature, some of the plants pollination take place without the support of any of the above said two factors, in some of the cases transfer of pollen aided by the biotic factors viz., insects, birds, animals etc., Particularly in the process of insect or bird aided pollen transfer, secretion of volatile compound in view of attracting pollinators have multiple role. In addition to above, flower with variety of colour also play a huge role in attraction of pollinators and its aid in timely occurrence of pollination. Further, due to climate change some of the pollinator population also become extinct, under that condition through evolutionary changes plant change their phenotypic expression by that way they attract other group of pollinator in the process of sexual mode of reproduction. Only the plant able to change their adaptation through the evolutionary process or through the event of mutation based on their requirement alone able to survive. This review discusses some of the important strategy adopted by the flowering plants in view of attraction of pollinators.

Cyclotides, a class of macrocyclic plant peptides, characterized by a cyclic backbone and three inter-locking disulfide bonds, may be divided into two major structural subfamilies, Möbius and Bracelet, based on the presence or absence of a specific proline residue. The present study describes the suite of cyclotides obtained from Clitoria ternatea, characterized by LC-MS and MS/MS techniques. Notable variations in product ion distributions were observed in cyclotides belonging to different structural subfamilies based on the number and positions of proline residues. For instance, Cter M which is an abundant Möbius cyclotide in this plant containing three proline residues, displayed distinct b- and y- ion characteristics in the MS/MS spectra compared to Cliotide T1, another commonly identified cyclotide but belonging to the Bracelet subfamily having two proline residues. The distinct fragmentation pattern of prototypical cyclotides of each structural subfamily, determined by Xxx-Pro bond fragmentation, was used to rapidly identify and sequence a novel cyclotide ctr pep 30 from this plant.

Summary Background Partial artemisinin resistance is suspected if delayed parasite clearance (ie, persistence of parasitaemia on day 3 after treatment initiation) is observed. Validated markers of artemisinin partial resistance in southeast Asia, Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 (Pfkelch13) R561H and P574L, have been reported in Rwanda but no association with parasite clearance has been observed. We aimed to establish the efficacy of artemether–lumefantrine and genetic characterisation of Pfkelch13 alleles and their association with treatment outcomes. Methods This open-label, single-arm, multicentre, therapeutic efficacy study was done in 2018 in three Rwandan sites: Masaka, Rukara, and Bugarama. Children aged 6–59 months with P falciparum monoinfection and fever were eligible and treated with a 3-day course of artemether–lumefantrine. Treatment response was monitored for 28 days using weekly microscopy screenings of blood samples for P falciparum. Mutations in Pfkelch13 and P falciparum multidrug resistance-1 (Pfmdr1) genes were characterised in parasites collected from enrolled participants. Analysis of flanking microsatellites surrounding Pfkelch13 was done to define the origins of the R561H mutations. The primary endpoint was PCR-corrected parasitological cure on day 28, as per WHO protocol. Findings 228 participants were enrolled and 224 (98·2%) reached the study endpoint. PCR-corrected efficacies were 97·0% (95% CI 88–100) in Masaka, 93·8% (85–98) in Rukara, and 97·2% (91–100) in Bugarama. Pfkelch13 R561H mutations were present in 28 (13%) of 218 pre-treatment samples and P574L mutations were present in two (1%) pre-treatment samples. 217 (90%) of the 240 Pfmdr1 haplotypes observed in the pretreatment samples, had either the NFD (N86Y, Y184F, D1246Y) or NYD haplotype. Eight (16%) of 51 participants in Masaka and 12 (15%) of 82 participants in Rukara were microscopically positive 3 days after treatment initiation, which was associated with pre-treatment presence of Pfkelch13 R561H in Masaka (p=0·0005). Genetic analysis of Pfkelch13 R561H mutations suggest their common ancestry and local origin in Rwanda. Interpretation We confirm evidence of emerging artemisinin partial resistance in Rwanda. Although artemether–lumefantrine remains efficacious, vigilance for decreasing efficacy, further characterisation of artemisinin partial resistance, and evaluation of additional antimalarials in Rwanda should be considered. Funding The US President's Malaria Initiative. Translation For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate available evidence for each step in autoimmune encephalitis management and provide expert opinion when evidence is lacking. The paper approaches autoimmune encephalitis as a broad category rather than focusing on individual antibody syndromes. Core authors from the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance Clinicians Network reviewed literature and developed the first draft. Where evidence was lacking or controversial, an electronic survey was distributed to all members to solicit individual responses. Sixty-eight members from 17 countries answered the survey. The most popular bridging therapy was oral prednisone taper chosen by 38% of responders while rituximab was the most popular maintenance therapy chosen by 46%. Most responders considered maintenance immunosuppression after a second relapse in patients with neuronal surface antibodies (70%) or seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (61%) as opposed to those with onconeuronal antibodies (29%). Most responders opted to cancer screening for 4 years in patients with neuronal surface antibodies (49%) or limbic encephalitis (46%) as opposed to non-limbic seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (36%). Detailed survey results are presented in the manuscript and a summary of the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations is presented at the conclusion.

Microbial symbioses can mitigate drought stress in crops but harnessing these beneficial interactions will require an in-depth understanding of root microbiome responses to drought cycles. Here, by detailed temporal characterization of root-associated microbiomes of rice plants during drought stress and recovery, we find that endosphere communities remained compositionally altered after rewatering, with prolonged droughts leading to decreased resilience. Several endospheric Actinobacteria were significantly enriched during drought and for weeks after rewatering. Notably, the most abundant endosphere taxon during this period was a Streptomyces, and a corresponding isolate promoted root growth. Additionally, drought stress disrupted the temporal dynamics of late-colonizing microorganisms, permanently altering the normal successional trends of root microbiota. These findings reveal that severe drought results in enduring impacts on rice root microbiomes, including enrichment of taxonomic groups that could shape the recovery response of the host, and have implications relevant to drought protection strategies using root microbiota.

Background: Ocean acts as a wealthy resource of biological diversity producing prospective novel metabolites from the organisms present in the environment. Novel bioactive compounds from Echinoderms mainly from sea stars have been extensively studied procuring rich diverse compounds which exhibits in vitro cytotoxicity comparable to or better than those of the potent anticancer drug. These sea stars which reside in the benthic region serves as their habitat and they are therefore predators and persistently being attacked by various organisms subsequently they acclimatize the survival approach to defend themselves from the external pathogens. Since these metabolites are obscured as a metabolic product during their endurance an initial evaluation of these compounds is necessary to assess human risk. Objectives: The present study focuses in vitro toxicity evaluation of isolated sterol like isolate from echinoderm sea star Stellaster equestris by incorporating hemolytic, chromosomal aberration assay and the cell viability tryphan blue exclusion assay against human peripheral blood. Methods: The in vitro toxicity evaluation was studied against the human peripheral blood collected from the healthy donors with the defined concentration of the sterol like compound from the sea star Stellaster equestris. The hemolytic, cell viability trypan blue exclusion method and chromosomal aberration assay were performed to check the hemolytic, mutagenic and genotoxic effect against the lymphocytes and the red blood cells. Results and Discussion: The result suggested that the hemolytic assay and the cell viability assay even in a dose dependent manner were non-hemolytic and percentage of the viability was not affected due to the exposure of the compound. The absence of genotoxicity was evident for the chromosomal aberration assay indicated that the isolated compound from the sea star Stellaster equestris might be considered as effective novel compound.

A dense bloom of Protoperidinium steinii was observed in the backwaters adjoining the western Bay of Bengal, Kalpakkam coast, which might be the first report for the world oceans. The brownish-red bloom appeared on 2 October 2019, and it was monitored on alternate days up to 14 October. Surface water temperature was about 27.5°C and salinity was

Diabetes mellitus is a very serious systemic disease worldwide. Around 416 million cases were estimated in 2015 worldwide, and are expected to reach 549 million in 2030 which is 8.6% higher. Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity and is responsible for 3.8 million deaths annually. 25% of the diabetic patients are affected with foot infections out of which, 15% people are forced for limb amputation which affects the quality of life of the patients. Diabetic foot ulcer is a poly microbial infection mostly occurs due to Staphylococcus spp and Pseudomonas spp and pose serious complications. Bacteria are the cause for much type of diseases and generate resistance to wide range of biofilm forming. Biofilms constitute reservoirs of pathogens and are associated with resistance to antimicrobial agents and chronic infection. The study included 156 patients (59% male and 41% female) suffering diabetic foot ulcer whose pus culture was isolated. The identification of isolates for both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms was done as per the procedures mentioned in Bergey’s manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Further, MALDI- TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization) was used to confirm the identification of the isolates using classical methods. Staphylococcus spp (65%) and Pseudomonas spp (35%) biofilm producing isolates were identified for Congo red method assay and Tissue culture plate method. Results of biofilm production in positive, intermediate, negative differentiation on the Congo red plate assay and Tissue culture plate method assays were analyzed.

Utilization of bone graft substitutes have increased due to the rising number of accidents, trauma, and aging population. Autograft is still considered as a gold standard for treating bone defects. However, limitations such as insufficient donor sites and secondary surgery, leads to the development of alternative grafts. Hydroxyapatite (HA) from natural resources gained much attention in recent years as a bone graft substitute due to its biocompatibility, excellent osteointegration, osteoconductive, and osteoinductive properties. In the current review, we have presented the isolation procedures of HA from marine fishbone and cuttlefish bone. Further, composite preparation using marine derived HA with other polymeric and ceramic materials were discussed, and cell-materials interaction were reviewed in detail towards bone tissue construction. Composite biomaterials with HA showed better cell proliferation, cell adhesion, increased gene expression (collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, BMP-2 etc.), and in vivo studies demonstrated significant bone formation with HA composite materials. Hence, composite biomaterials with hydroxyapatite will be potential candidates for artificial synthetic bone graft substitute.

Neurotoxic aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an associated process. In the present study, we report the neuroprotective effects of disulfide-rich, circular peptides from Clitoria ternatea (C. ternatea) (butterfly pea) on Aβ-induced toxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. Cyclotides (∼30 amino acids long) are a special class of cyclic cysteine knot peptides. We show that cyclotide-rich fractions from different plant tissues delay Aβ-induced paralysis in the transgenic CL4176 strain expressing the human muscle-specific Aβ1-42 gene. They also improved Aβ-induced chemotaxis defects in CL2355 strain expressing Aβ1-42 in the neuronal cells. ROS assay suggests that this protection is likely mediated by the inhibition of Aβ oligomerization. Furthermore, Aβ deposits were reduced in the CL2006 strain treated with the fractions. The study shows that cyclotides from C. ternatea could be a source of a novel pharmacophore scaffold against neurodegenerative diseases.

Insect pest control is facing a major challenge due to the increase of insecticide resistance, so alternative approaches are urgently needed. In this present study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized using Trichoderma fungus culture filtrate and tested on Spodoptera litura larvae. Synthesized SeNPs was characterized using UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDaX, and DLS analysis. UV–Vis spectroscopy shows a maximum peak at 259 nm. The presence of multiple functional groups such as, anhydrides, phosphines, nitro groups, alkanes, alcohols and sulfonates was identified by using FTIR. Synthesized SeNPs are spherical in shape as per SEM analysis. EDaX analysis confirms the presence of selenium elemental compound (87.98%). XRD study reveals that the selenium appears as crystalline in nature. DLS shows that SeNPs size range between 40 to 100 nm. SeNPs tested for larvicidal activity on S. litura larvae at three different concentrations showed significant larval mortality after 48 h of exposure LC50 and LC90 value of SeNPs were 39.739 and 142.839 ppm respectively. Highest antifeedant activity was observed in 100 μg/ml at 48 h of SeNPs exposure. The overall results shows that the Trichoderma, selenium nanoparticles are very effective as larvicidal and antifeedant agent and can be used for control of S. litura larvae.

Rsm22-family proteins are conserved putative SAM-dependent methyltransferases with important functions in mitochondrial translation. Here, the results of a comparative bioinformatics analysis of Rsm22-type proteins are presented, the expression, biophysical characterization and crystallization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rsm22 are reported, a low-resolution SAXS structure of the protein is revealed, and SAM-dependent RNA methyl transferase activity of the protein is demonstrated., The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rsm22 protein (Sc-Rsm22), encoded by the nuclear RSM22 (systematic name YKL155c) gene, is a distant homologue of Rsm22 from Trypanosoma brucei (Tb-Rsm22) and METTL17 from mouse (Mm-METTL17). All three proteins have been shown to be associated with mitochondrial gene expression, and Sc-Rsm22 has been documented to be essential for mitochondrial respiration. The Sc-Rsm22 protein comprises a polypeptide of molecular weight 72.2 kDa that is predicted to harbor an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence. The precise physiological function of Rsm22-family proteins is unknown, and no structural information has been available for Sc-Rsm22 to date. In this study, Sc-Rsm22 was expressed and purified in monomeric and dimeric forms, their folding was confirmed by circular-dichroism analyses and their low-resolution structures were determined using a small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) approach. The solution structure of the monomeric form of Sc-Rsm22 revealed an elongated three-domain arrangement, which differs from the shape of Tb-Rsm22 in its complex with the mitochondrial small ribosomal subunit in T. brucei (PDB entry 6sg9). A bioinformatic analysis revealed that the core domain in the middle (Leu117–Asp462 in Sc-Rsm22) resembles the corresponding region in Tb-Rsm22, including a Rossmann-like methyltransferase fold followed by a zinc-finger-like structure. The latter structure is not present in this position in other methyltransferases and is therefore a unique structural motif for this family. The first half of the C-terminal domain is likely to form an OB-fold, which is typically found in RNA-binding proteins and is also seen in the Tb-Rsm22 structure. In contrast, the N-terminal domain of Sc-Rsm22 is predicted to be fully α-helical and shares no sequence similarity with other family members. Functional studies demonstrated that the monomeric variant of Sc-Rsm22 methylates mitochondrial tRNAs in vitro. These data suggest that Sc-Rsm22 is a new and unique member of the RNA methyltransferases that is important for mitochondrial protein synthesis.

Successful pest management using parasitoids requires careful evaluation of host-parasitoid interactions. Here, we report the performance of larval ecto-parasitoid wasp, Bracon brevicornis (Wesmael) on important agricultural pests, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) and S. frugiperda (J.E. Smith). Biology of B. brevicornis was studied on different host instars under laboratory and cage setup. In no-choice assay, the parasitoid development was highest on fifth-instar S. litura larvae as the wasp laid ~ 253 eggs with 62% hatching, 76% pupae formation and 78% adult emergence. Similarly, these parameters were highest on fifth instar S. frugiperda larvae (293 eggs, 57% hatching, 80% pupae formation, 70% adult emergence). In two-choice assay, B. brevicornis preferred fourth or fifth over third instar larvae of both hosts. Successful parasitism depends on host paralysis and suppression of host immunity. B. brevicornis interaction downregulated cellular immunity of both hosts as shown by reduced hemocyte viability and spreading. The percent parasitism rate of B. brevicornis was unaltered in the presence of host plant, Zea mays in cage study. 76 and 84% parasitism was observed on fifth-instar larvae of S. litura and S. frugiperda, respectively. We evaluated the performance of B. brevicornis as a biocontrol agent on S. frugiperda in maize field. Our results show 54% average reduction in infestation after release of B. brevicornis. Taken together, we report the performance of B. brevicornis on important insect pests for the first time in laboratory and field conditions. Our findings indicate that B. brevicornis is a promising candidate for integrated pest management.

Antimalarials, in particular artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), are critical tools in reducing the global burden of malaria, which is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. Performing and reporting antimalarial efficacy studies in a transparent and standardized fashion permit comparison of efficacy outcomes across countries and time periods. This systematic review summarizes study compliance with WHO laboratory and reporting guidance pertaining to antimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies and evaluates how well studies from sub-Saharan Africa adhered to these guidelines. We included all published studies (January 2020 or before) performed in sub-Saharan Africa where ACT efficacy for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infection was reported. The primary outcome was a composite indicator for study methodology consistent with WHO guidelines for statistical analysis of corrected efficacy, defined as an article presenting a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of corrected efficacy or reporting a per-protocol analysis where new infections were excluded from the numerator and denominator. Of 581 articles screened, we identified 279 for the review. Molecular correction was used in 83% (232/279) to distinguish new infections from recrudescences in subjects experiencing recurrent parasitemia. Only 45% (99/221) of articles with therapeutic efficacy as a primary outcome and performing molecular correction reported corrected efficacy outcomes calculated in a way consistent with WHO recommendations. These results indicate a widespread lack of compliance with WHO-recommended methods of analysis, which may result in biases in how antimalarial effectiveness is being measured and reported from sub-Saharan Africa.

Biofilms play a key role in infectious diseases, as they may form on the surface and persist after treatment with various antimicrobial agents. The Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, P. aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli most frequently associated with medical devices. Chitosan sulphate from marine litter (SCH-MW) was extracted and the mineral components were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The degree of deacetylation (DA) of SCH was predicted 50% and 33.3% in crab and shrimp waste respectively. The elucidation of the structure of the SCH-MW was portrayed using FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The molecular mass of SCH-MW was determined with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF). The teratogenicity of SCH-MW was characterized by the zebrafish embryo (ZFE) model. Antimicrobial activity of SCH-MW was tested with the agar well diffusion method; the inhibitory effect of SCH-MW on biofilm formation was assessed in 96 flat well polystyrene plates. The result revealed that a low concentration of crab-sulfated chitosan inhibited bacterial growth and significantly reduced the anti-biofilm activity of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria relatively to shrimp. It is potentially against the biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria.

In response to T-dependent Ag, germinal centers (GC) generate bone marrow–resident plasma cells (BMPC) and memory B cells (MBC). In this study, we demonstrate that the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1A (BMPR1A) signaling pathway, which regulates differentiation and self-renewal in multiple stem cell populations, regulates GC dynamics and resultant establishment of BMPC and MBC. Expression studies using quantitative PCR and novel Bmpr1a.IRES.EGFP reporter mice demonstrated that Bmpr1a expression is upregulated among GC B cells (GCBC) and subsets of MBC, bone marrow plasmablasts, and BMPC. In immunized mice carrying B cell–targeted Bmpr1a gene deletions, the GC response was initially diminished. Subsequently, the GCBC compartment recovered in size, concurrent with accumulation of GCBC that carried unmodified rather than deleted Bmpr1a alleles. Similarly, the resulting class-switched MBC and BMPC carried retained non-recombined alleles. Despite the strong selective pressure for “leaky” B cells that retained Bmpr1a, there was a permanent marked reduction in switched bone marrow Ab-forming cells (plasmablasts + plasma cells), BMPC, MBC, and Ag-specific serum IgM in mice carrying B cell–targeted Bmpr1a gene deletions. These findings demonstrate a novel role for BMPR1A in the modulation of the B cell response and in the establishment of long-term memory.

This study describes the first confirmed identification and phylogenetic analysis of goatpox virus (GTPV) isolates from outbreaks occurred in 2016 in Assam, a North-Eastern state of India. A total of four different outbreaks involving non-descriptive local breeds (n = 135) in which skin scabs and serum samples from affected goats were investigated, and the etiology was confirmed as goatpox virus by standard virological/serological, molecular and gene sequence analysis techniques. P32 sequence analysis of four isolates representing four outbreak regions revealed that they are closely related among each other. They have shown about 99.5–100% and 99.1–99.7% at nt and aa levels to Indian GTPV isolates with maximum identity to GTPV Akola/2008/India. Among GTPV isolates from worldwide, GTPV/GS-V1/China has shown maximum identity of 99.8 and 99.7% at nt and aa levels with Assam isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Assam GTPV isolates closely clustered with other Indian isolates as reported earlier. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this report seems to be the first confirmed identification of goatpox virus and its genetic characterization in Assam state of North-Eastern parts of India. It provides a potential insight into evolutionary relationship of circulating GTPV strains in Assam with other parts of India and adjoining international regions/borders. It necessitates the systematic investigation of goatpox in North-Eastern Regional states of India to monitor the disease in susceptible populations by use of rapid diagnostics and control them by using an effective vaccine.

A preliminary phytochemical screening of the EtOH extract of the Pithecellobium dulce fruit peel showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponin and polyphenols. Notable amounts of phenolics and flavonoids were observed in the fruit peel extract. P. dulce fruit feel extract could potentially prevent the ROS damage and oxidative stress. The crude extract displayed higher DPPH (92.44%) and ABTS (94.51%) radical-scavenging activities. The GC–MS analysis of fruit peel extract revealed the presence of 36 bioactive compounds with pinitol, L-Rhamnose and 1, 5-anhydro-6-deoxyhexo-2, 3-diulose being the dominant compound and these might be responsible for the maximum radical-scavenging activities. Among these bioactive compounds, Pinitol was explored with the best drug-likeness properties with suitable pharmacokinetic properties. Docking and dynamics studies of GRP78-pinitol complex showed the minimized binding affinity (−6.8 kcal/mol) and exhibited the stable binding mode. The present results showed that the three lead compounds of P. dulce may act as noble inhibitors for GRP78 and the compounds can be re-designed and synthesized for potential anticancer activity.

Host-parasite interactions in nature are driven by a range of factors across several ecological scales, so observed relationships are often context-dependent. Importantly, if these factors vary across space and time, practical sampling limitations can limit or bias inferences, and the relative importance of different drivers can be hard to discern.We collected a replicated, longitudinal dataset of >1000 individual wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) encompassing 6 years of sampling across 5 different woodland sites to investigate how environmental, host and within-host factors determine infection intensity of a highly prevalent gastrointestinal nematode,Heligmosomoides polygyrus.We used a Bayesian modelling approach to further quantify if and how each factor varied in space and time. Finally, we examined the extent to which a lack of spatially or temporally replication (i.e., within single years or single sites) and single (cross-sectional) versus repeated (longitudinal) sampling of individuals would affect which drivers were found to predictH. polygyrusinfection.Season, host body condition, and sex were the three most important determinants of infection intensity; however, the strength and even direction of these effects varied in time, but not in space. Additionally, longitudinal datasets, in which we can control for within-individual variation through repeat observations, provided more robust estimates of the drivers of parasite intensity compared to cross-sectional data.These results highlight the importance of accounting for spatiotemporal variation in drivers of disease dynamics and the need to incorporate spatiotemporal replication when designing sampling regimes. Furthermore, they suggest that embracing rather than simply controlling for spatiotemporal variation can reveal important insight into host-parasite relationships in the wild.

BACKGROUND: One of the commonest causes of anemia in pregnancy is iron deficiency. This study aims at understanding and exploring the association between fetal and maternal iron status. Predelivery maternal hemoglobin (Hb) and iron stores, serum iron, ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), were assessed and compared to the cord blood Hb and iron stores with an attempt to identify the level of maternal Hb and ferritin at which the fetal iron stores reduce, helping to identify the neonates who will require earlier iron supplementation. METHOD: Four hundred eight participants were enrolled, and maternal and cord blood was collected at the time of delivery and tested for Hb and iron parameters. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Of all mothers, 27.2% mothers were anemic (Hb less than 11 g/dl). Of all newborns, 15.4% newborns had Hb less than 14 g/dl. There was a significant association between the maternal and cord blood iron, ferritin, sTfR and sTfR/log ferritin index. Eighty-five percent of the babies with cord blood Hb 1.5), 56.5% had raised maternal sTfR (>2μg/ml). CONCLUSION: In view of a significant association between maternal and neonatal Hb and iron stores, newborns of mothers with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy should be monitored and followed up after birth for development of IDA and early iron supplementation.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic polymer widely used for industrial applications and having negative impacts on the environment. In this work, we present a novel, potent PVA degrader, MBB8, i...

Introduction: Wound healing is a multifaceted biological process, and diabetic wounds add more complexity to it. In diabetic wounds, the combination of chloroform fractions of Achyranthes aspera L. (A.aspera) leaves with β-Glucans has not been investigated. The additive effect of these two (A.aspera + β-Glucans) would benefit the inflammatory phase of diabetic wounds, as improper treatment will lead to chronic injuries. Therefore, the goal of this research work was to assess the in-vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of chloroform fractions of A.aspera leaves and β-Glucans in a variety of wound models in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analyses of A.aspera were conducted to identify various phytoconstituents in the test extract. Acute and sub-acute dermal toxicity tests of A.aspera were carried out on mice and rats, respectively, to see whether there were any abnormalities. Excision and incision wound models, cotton pellet-induced granuloma models, rat paw edema and burn wounds were used to test wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions. To induce diabetes, streptozotocin (STZ) was administered intraperitoneally at a dosage of 65 mg/kg (i.p.). A.aspera (10% w/w) and β-Glucans (2% w/w) ointments were tested separately and in combination for wound healing activities. Silver sulfadiazine (1 % w/w) ointment was used to treat the positive control groups. Excision wound model rats that had been treated with basic ointment were used as negative controls, as were incision wound model rats that had not been treated. A.aspera (400 mg/kg, po) and β-Glucans (30 mg/kg, po) were tested separately and in combination for anti-inflammatory efficacy. Positive control groups were given indomethacin (10 mg/kg, po) for cotton pellet-induced granuloma and rat paw oedema models. Negative controls for both anti-inflammatory activity models were provided 2% Tween 80. The groups were made up of six rats, and the treatments were given topically and orally to assess wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. The levels of hydroxyproline and hexosamine and the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in the granulation tissue were measured in excision wound model. Healed excision wound skin was examined histopathologically. Results: The A.aspera and β-Glucans combination resulted in a significant percentage of wound contraction and a shorter epithelialization time (P

Severe intra-abdominal infection commonly requires intensive care. Mortality is high and is mainly determined by disease-specific characteristics, i.e. setting of infection onset, anatomical barrier disruption, and severity of disease expression. Recent observations revealed that antimicrobial resistance appears equally common in community-acquired and late-onset hospital-acquired infection. This challenges basic principles in anti-infective therapy guidelines, including the paradigm that pathogens involved in community-acquired infection are covered by standard empiric antimicrobial regimens, and second, the concept of nosocomial acquisition as the main driver for resistance involvement. In this study, we report on resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in distinct European geographic regions based on an observational cohort study on intra-abdominal infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Resistance against aminopenicillins, fluoroquinolones, and third-generation cephalosporins in E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa is problematic, as is carbapenem-resistance in the latter pathogen. For E. coli and K. pneumoniae, resistance is mainly an issue in Central Europe, Eastern and South-East Europe, and Southern Europe, while resistance in P. aeruginosa is additionally problematic in Western Europe. Vancomycin-resistance in E. faecalis is of lesser concern but requires vigilance in E. faecium in Central and Eastern and South-East Europe. In the subcohort of patients with secondary peritonitis presenting with either sepsis or septic shock, the appropriateness of empiric antimicrobial therapy was not associated with mortality. In contrast, failure of source control was strongly associated with mortality. The relevance of these new insights for future recommendations regarding empiric antimicrobial therapy in intra-abdominal infections is discussed.

The objective of the research was to discern the impact of micronutrients as a foliar spray in annual moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) var. PKM 1. The plants were sprayed at three different phases—vegetative, flowering and pod setting phase with micronutrients singly or in combination of ferrous sulphate + citric acid, boric acid, zinc sulphate, manganese sulphate or a mixture of all. The experimental results revealed that all treatments performed significantly better when compared to control with respect to all morphological and yield attributes. The maximum plant height, number of primary branches, number of flowers per panicle, number of panicles per tree, fruit setting percentage, pod yield per tree, protein, ascorbic acid, carotenoid content and micronutrients status in leaves and pods were recorded highest in T8 (FeSO4 1% + Citric Acid 0.1%) + ZnSO4 0.5% + MnSO4 0.5% + H3BO3 0.2%) (micronutrient mixture) than other treatment combinations. The research has proven that the foliar spray of these micronutrient combinations increased the growth, quality and yield of annual moringa var. PKM-1 significantly. The research outcome is in corroboration that the nutrient status of moringa leaves is found to be higher when compared to the pods. Hence, the consumption of moringa leaves will be more beneficial than the pods in terms of nutrient supplement to alleviate malnutrition and sustain nutritional security.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The COVID-19 pandemic has cast increased attention on emerging infections. Clinicians and public health experts should be aware of emerging infectious causes of encephalitis, mechanisms by which they are transmitted, and clinical manifestations of disease. RECENT FINDINGS: A number of arthropod-borne viral infections -- transmitted chiefly by mosquitoes and ticks -- have emerged in recent years to cause outbreaks of encephalitis. Examples include Powassan virus in North America, Chikungunya virus in Central and South America, and tick-borne encephalitis virus in Europe. Many of these viruses exhibit complex life cycles and can infect multiple host animals in addition to humans. Factors thought to influence emergence of these diseases, including changes in climate and land use, are also believed to underlie the emergence of the rickettsial bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, now recognized as a major causative agent of acute encephalitis syndrome in South Asia. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of bats as carriers of viruses. Recent studies have begun to uncover mechanisms by which the immune systems of bats are poised to allow for viral tolerance. Several bat-borne infections, including Nipah virus and Ebola virus, have resulted in recent outbreaks of encephalitis. SUMMARY: Infectious causes of encephalitis continue to emerge worldwide, in part because of climate change and human impacts on the environment. Expansion of surveillance measures will be critical in rapid diagnosis and limiting of outbreaks in the future.

Diabetic foot ulcers are still a problem for the health care system and are majorly influencing quality of life. Infected foot ulcer is one of the most feared complications of diabetes mellitus, leading to gangrene and it needs to be amputed. Diabetic foot lesions are major medical, social and economic problem and leading cause of hospitalization for patients with diabetes worldwide. The risk of a diabetic patient for developing a foot ulcer was estimated to be ~25%. Samples were collected from 65 infected patients of diabetic foot ulcer male and female. The mean age group was found to be 40-80 years with the clinical history such as age, sex, types of diabetes duration of diabetes, size of ulcer and duration of ulcer were observed and recorded. The Specific mediums were used for the isolation and identification using classical methods based on their morphology, Grams stain reaction, oxidase and catalase tests were performed to confirm the isolates were both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms Bergey’s manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Further, MALDI- TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization) was used to confirm the isolates identified in classical methods were Staphylococci (79%) and Pseudomonas (21%) In this study Among 68 isolates, identified in out of 41 isolates Pseudomonasaeruginosa (21%) Staphylococcus aureus (54%) Staphylococcus hominis (20%)and Staphylococcous hemolytic(5%). Although in gram positive organism Staphylococcus aureus (54%) was the most predominant isolate found in diabetic foot ulcer.

The marine environment envelops an enormous natural assorted diversity and can be considered as an unexplored domain. Diversion of biodiversity is an important part of ensuring the safety and stabi...

A novel TiO2 nanoparticle was prepared through green synthesis using Calotropis gigantea (CG) leaf extract. Morphological analysis showed dispersed spherical CG-TiO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 42 nm. The prepared catalyst was used for the degradation of metformin (a widely used diabetic medicine) by solar photocatalysis. A three-factor central composite design (CCD) was used to explore the effect of independent variables, i.e., pH 3–7, metformin concentration 1–10 mg/L, and catalyst (CG-TiO2) dosage 0.5–2.0 g/L. A maximum metformin degradation of 96.7% was observed under optimum conditions i.e., pH = 9.7, initial metformin concentration = 9.7 mg/L and catalyst dosage = 0.7 g/L, with ∼86% mineralization efficiency. A quadratic model with an error

Aim: The present study aimed at reporting the occurrence of pest, Pyrausta panopealis on sweet basil Ocimum basilicum. The biological parameters and population dynamics of the pest was studied on its newly reported host plant. Methodology: Description of P. panopealis was done using morphological and molecular approaches. Male and female genitalia of adults were dissected for morphological identification. DNA was isolated from insect sample (adult legs) and amplified using mtCOI primers (LCO 1490; HCO 2198). The larva of P. panopealis was reared on sweet basil under laboratory conditions for observing the growth parameters. Results: Male genitalia with distinct spoon-shaped clasper; female genitalia corpus bursae with appendix bursa. The sequenced DNA product was submitted to NCBI- GenBank (Accession No: Mk559412). The mean incubation period, larval period and pupal period of the pest was 3.19 days; 13.81 days; 5.40 and 6.27 days. The total life span of male and female insects ranged from 22 to 33 days and 24 to 35 days, respectively. The fecundity of adult varied from 91 to 131 (average 111.75 eggs). The peak population of pest (11.5 larvae/ plant) was recorded during 32nd standard meteorological week, during which all the observed plants were infested by larvae of P. panopealis. Interpretation: This is the first report of association between P. panopealis and sweet basil. The data on life cycle parameters, seasonal incidence and severity can be used for developing integrated pest management strategies to P. panopealis on sweet basil. Key words: Genitalia, Perilla leaf moth, Pyrausta panopealis, Seasonal incidence, Sweet basil

Aim The present study aims to evaluate the potential antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of probiotic bacterial isolates Weissella cibaria p3B, Bacillus subtilis CS, and Bacillus tequilensis CL, isolated from South Indian fermented tomato pickle (homemade) and gut content of indigenous country chicken. Methods and results The bacterial isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against food-borne, human pathogenic bacteria, along with better survival under different bile and acidic conditions, hydrophobicity towards several hydrocarbons, and adherence to intestinal epithelial cells (INT-407 cells). Also, the intact cell (IC) mixture of the three species showed better DPPH, ABTS, and Fe2+ chelating activity as compared to the individual IC or cell extract (CE) activity. Among the three bacterial species, W. cibaria p3B revealed maximum antiproliferative activity against HeLa and Caco-2 cancer cells, all of which were nontoxic to INT-407 cells. Apart from being non-hemolytic, the bacterial isolates did not display any necrotic inhibition in HeLa and Caco-2 cells. The cell free supernatant (CFS) of the three bacterial isolates were tested for the production of antimicrobial peptides or bacteriocins. It found that the CFS of bacterial isolates was stable at various temperature, pH and sensitive to proteolytic enzymes confirms protenoius in nature of the antimicrobil peptides or bacteriocins. Conclusion The bacterial isolates showed promising antimicrobial, antioxidant as well as antiproliferative activities with better survival ability at different pH and bile concentrations. The three bacterial isolates were able to produce potential antimicrobial peptides or bacteriocins. Significance and impact of the study These results indicate better compatibility of our bacterial isolates against synthetic drugs to avoid adverse side effects and can be processed as dietary supplements against food and human pathogens. They can also provide antioxidative and antiproliferative benefits to humans and animals.

The effect of drupe size on in vivo and in vitro germination and its dormancy mechanism in teak have been studied in this paper. Teak drupes were size graded to five categories namely very large with more than 15 mm, large with 13 to

The aim of the current work was mainly to find the neuroleptic effects of responsible compounds isolated from Cassia occidentalis leaves, on condiontioning avoidance and catalepsy induced psychotic wistar rats. Psychosis was induced by condiontioning avoidance and catalepsy induced in albino wistar rats. An isolated fraction of the ethanolic extract of Cassia occidentalis was ingested orally at 100 mg/kg, p.o dose. Haloperidol was considered as standard neuroleptic drug (10 mg/kg, p.o.). The isolated fractions from the column chromatography showing for the higher neuroleptic activity that facilitated for isolating the pure constituent, that was named trivially as name CO- 1.Precise analysis of the previous investigations with Ethanolic extract of Cassia occidentalis (ETCO) have encouraged us to isolate anti-psychotic responsible consituents from the leaves of Cassia occidentalis for managing the anti-psychotic activity. Collected pooled fractions were subjected to anti-psychotic activity in conditioning avoidance and catalepsy induced wistar rats. The fraction F from ETCO showed strong neuroleptic activity when compared with the commercial standard drug Haloperidol. To propose the constituents that possess anti psychotic activity related to F respectively. Besides, column chromatography analysis was performed with ‘F’ using different solvents and the isolated compound which is named as CO-1. This amorphous powder was extracted from the column with decomposition point. CO-1 is a phenolic compound that was confirmed by IR, Mass Spectrum and NMR analysis.

For diagnosing and annihilating cancer in the human body, herein, we have adopted a one pot convenient synthetic protocol to synthesize a library of half sandwich Ru(ii)-p-cymene-N^N complexes under continuous sonication and isolated their regioisomers by preparative thin layer chromatography followed by justification of stability using DFT. The present work has resulted in a library of ruthenium arene complexes and their isolated regioisomers following environmentally benign green processes and their screening of anticancer activity in terms of cytotoxicity and selectivity against cancer cell lines where [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl{2-(5,6-dichloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)quinolone}] (11j) has been elicited to be significantly more potent as well as selective in Caco-2 and HeLa cell lines than the normal HEK-293 cell line compared to cisplatin and it has even shown marked cytotoxicity against the more aggressive HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line being capable of producing oxidative stress or arresting the cell cycle. Moreover, these types of Ru(ii)-arene complexes exhibited excellent binding efficacy with DNA and the compounds [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl{5-chloro-2-(6-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole}]PF6 (8l4), [(η6-p-cymene)Ru-2-(6-(benzofuran-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl)-5-chlorobenzo[d]thiazole (8l9) and [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl{2-(6-nitro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinolone}]Cl (11f') and might be applied for cancer theranostic treatment due to their good fluorescence properties and remarkable potency.