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Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear represents a substantial proportion of global marine plastic pollution and can cause significant environmental and socio-economic impacts. Yet little is known about its presence in, and implications for, freshwater ecosystems or its downstream contribution to plastic pollution in the ocean. This study documents fishing gear-related debris in one of the world's largest plastic pollution contributing river catchments, the Ganges. Riverbank surveys conducted along the length of the river, from the coast in Bangladesh to the Himalaya in India, show that derelict fishing gear density increases with proximity to the sea. Fishing nets were the main gear type by volume and all samples examined for polymer type were plastic. Illegal gear types and restricted net mesh sizes were also recorded. Socio-economic surveys of fisher communities explored the behavioural drivers of plastic waste input from one of the world's largest inland fisheries and revealed short gear lifespans and high turnover rates, lack of appropriate end-of-life gear disposal methods and ineffective fisheries regulations. A biodiversity threat assessment identified the air-breathing aquatic vertebrate species most at risk of entanglement in, and impacts from, derelict fishing gear; namely species of threatened freshwater turtle and otter, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin. This research demonstrates a need for targeted and practical interventions to limit the input of fisheries-related plastic pollution to this major river system and ultimately, the global ocean. The approach used in this study could be replicated to examine the inputs, socio-economic drivers and ecological impacts of this previously uncharacterised but important source of plastic pollution in other major rivers worldwide., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Quinoxalines, a class of N -heterocyclic compounds, are important biological agents, and a significant amount of research activity has been directed towards this class. They have several prominent pharmacological effects like antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial. Quinoxaline derivatives have diverse therapeutic uses and have become the crucial component in drugs used to treat cancerous cells, AIDS, plant viruses, schizophrenia, certifying them a great future in medicinal chemistry. Due to the current pandemic situation caused by SARS-COVID 19, it has become essential to synthesize drugs to combat deadly pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses) for now and near future. Since quinoxalines is an essential moiety to treat infectious diseases, numerous synthetic routes have been developed by researchers, with a prime focus on green chemistry and cost-effective methods. This review paper highlights the various synthetic routes to prepare quinoxaline and its derivatives, covering the literature for the last two decades. A total of 31 schemes have been explained using the green chemistry approach, cost-effective methods, and quinoxaline derivatives' therapeutic uses.

Data on growth, productivity, pigments and proximate composition of the four different indigenous marine microalgae (isolated from Cox's Bazar Coast) were collected to compare the growth performance, pigments and nutritional composition. Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., Tetraselmis sp. and Chaetoceros sp. are the four different marine microalgae. Growth curve was determined as the prerequisite to identify the stationary phase for each of the isolated microalgae. Data on growth curves were collected in terms of cell density and optical density to observe the growth rates and division per day. Isolated species were mass cultured in commercial culture medium. When the culture reached at stationary phase, microalgae were extracted to determine productivity, pigments, and proximate composition. The data of productivity (volumetric, areal and lipid productivity), pigments (Chlorophyll a, b, c, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins), and proximate composition (protein, lipid, and carbohydrate) were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the four different microalgae. Therefore, this data will contribute to the selection of potential microalgae species through proper characterization for vast industrializations., Competing Interests: The authors disclose that they have no known conflict of interests that may have influenced either the data collection or the presentation of the data., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Antioxidants found in microalgae play an essential role in both animals and humans, against various diseases and aging processes by protecting cells from oxidative damage. In this study, 26 indigenous tropical marine microalgae were screened. Out of the 26 screened strains, 10 were selected and were further investigated for their natural antioxidant compounds which include carotenoids, phenolics, and fatty acids collected in their exponential and stationary phases. The antioxidant capacity was also evaluated by a total of four assays, which include ABTS, DPPH, superoxide radical (O 2 •- ) scavenging capacity, and nitric oxide (•NO - ) scavenging capacity. This study revealed that the antioxidant capacity of the microalgae varied between divisions, strains, and growth phase and was also related to the content of antioxidant compounds present in the cells. Carotenoids and phenolics were found to be the major contributors to the antioxidant capacity, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), arachidonic acid (ARA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to other fatty acids. The antioxidant capacity of the selected bacillariophytes and haptophytes was found to be positively correlated to phenolic ( R 2 -value = 0.623, 0.714, and 0.786 with ABTS, DPPH, and •NO - ) under exponential phase, and to carotenoid fucoxanthin and β-carotene (R 2 value = 0.530, 0.581 with ABTS, and 0.710, 0.795 with O 2 •- ) under stationary phase. Meanwhile, antioxidant capacity of chlorophyte strains was positively correlated with lutein, β-carotene and zeaxanthin under the exponential phase (R 2 value = 0.615, 0.615, 0.507 with ABTS, and R 2 value = 0.794, 0.659, and 0.509 with •NO - ). In the stationary phase, chlorophyte strains were positively correlated with violaxanthin (0.755 with •NO - ), neoxanthin (0.623 with DPPH, 0.610 with •NO - ), and lutein (0.582 with •NO - ). This study showed that antioxidant capacity and related antioxidant compound production of tropical microalgae strains are growth phase-dependent. The results can be used to improve the microalgal antioxidant compound production for application in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, and feed industry., (Copyright © 2020 Rahman, Katayama, Wahid, Kasan, Khatoon, Yamada and Takahashi.)

We isolated fifty-two strains from the marine aquaculture ponds in Malaysia that were evaluated for their lipid production and ammonium tolerance and four isolates were selected as new ammonium tolerant microalgae with high-lipid production: TRG10-p102 Oocystis heteromucosa (Chlorophyceae); TRG10-p103 and TRG10-p105 Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyceae); and TRG10-p201 Amphora coffeiformis (Bacillariophyceae). Eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) in three diatom strain was between 2.6 and 18.6 % of total fatty acids, which were higher than in O. heteromucosa. Only A. coffeiformi possessed arachidonic acid. Oocystis heteromucosa naturally grew at high ammonium concentrations (1.4-10 mM), whereas the growth of the other strains, T. weissflogii and A. coffeiformi, were visibly inhibited at high ammonium concentrations (>1.4 mM-NH 4 ). However, two strains of T. weissflogii were able to grow at up to 10 mM-NH 4 by gradually acclimating to higher ammonium concentrations. The ammonium tolerant strains, especially T. weissflogii which have high EPA contents, were identified as a valuable candidate for biomass production utilizing NH 4 -N media, such as ammonium-rich wastewater., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Data on growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid content of Edible oysters ( Crassostrea spp.) were collected to evaluate the spatial variation in growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid content of oyster. The oyster was farmed on shellstring for 120 days in the three sites: Nunia chara, Chowfoldandy and Sonadia Island. Oysters were marked into six different age classes: T 1 : 31-45 days; T 2 : 46-60 days; T 3 : 61-75 days; T 4 : 76-90 days; T 5 : 91-105 days and T 6 : 106-120 days. Data on environmental variables were collected in every 15 days. Oysters were collected for physical measurements and biochemical analysis after 120 days. Data on growth performance showed spatial variation. Withal, data on proximate composition and fatty acid content were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the three sites. This data could contribute in oyster aquaculture development., Competing Interests: None., (© 2020 The Author(s).)

We determined anti-Parkinson's activity of M. chamomilla L. tea in chlorpromazine (CPZ) developed investigational animal model. In this research, effects of M. chamomilla L. tea 2.14ml/ kg P.O were studied on cataleptic behavior and its effect on brain histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in rats. The experimental design was developed by administering CPZ (3mg/kg, I/P) for twenty-one days to produce Parkinson's disease-like symptoms to 4 animal groups. We observed that chlorpromazine significantly produced motor dysfunctions (catalepsy) in a time period of twenty-one days. The M. chamomilla L. significantly (P<0.005) minimized/shorten/taper down catalepsy in rats just like standard group (Levodopa/carbidopa treated group). The maximum reduction was observed from both treated and standard groups on the 21st day. M. chamomilla L. treated rats mid brain sections showed presence of proliferative blood vessels, increase cellularity with reactive glial cells as compared to CPZ group. Furthermore, immunostaining CD68 & CD21 of M. chamomilla L. treated rats mid brain region showed few CD68 cells & no polymorphs neutrophils after CD21 staining. Thus, this research work disclosed the neuroprotective effect of M. chamomilla L. tea against Parkinson's disease-like symptoms or anti-Parkinson's activity induced by CPZ.

The majority of the world population suffers from mental and behavioral disorder. It is the need of the time to find an alternate of presently available medicines in order to decrease the medical expense. Homeopathic remedies are available and prescribed by homeopaths for treatment of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, no data are available that proves its potential to relieve mental illness. The current study is designed to assess neuro behavioral and antidepressant like effects of homeopathic remedies Staphysagria, Argentum nitricum and Ignatia amara in comparison with standard drug (escitalopram). Different neuro behavioral activities were analyzed. The animals were administered the doses of all homeopathic remedied (60 µl to the rats) and escitalopram (0.042 mg to rats) through the oral route. The activities were observed on day 30th and day 60th. Our result suggests that the swimming time in Staphysagria treated group were significantly improved (p<0.001) after day 60th and significance rise was observed (p<0.01) in Ignatia amara treated animals, whereas significant decline (p<0.05) in struggling time was observed in Argentum nitricum administered animals after the 60th day as compared to 30th day. The central square crossings were improved highly significantly (p<0.001) after the 30th day dosing, by all three remedies and peripheral squares crossing were found highly significantly increased (p<0.001) after chronic dosing in Staphysagria and Ignatia amara treated groups. It is concluded from the results that all three homeopathic remedies produce comparable effects like standard drug while among all three remedies Staphysagria possess a potent antidepressant activity. To the best of our knowledge the current study reports first time the anti-depressant potential of homeopathic remedies in rodents.

In this study, the optimization of distinctive environmental factors such as pH, temperature, agitation-speed and atrazine-concentration on atrazine degradation by utilizing Bacillus badius ABP6 strain, has been done through response-surface-methodology (RSM). The optimum-conditions after analysis for the maximum atrazine degradation were: pH 7.05, temperature 30.4 °C, agitation-speed 145.7 rpm, and atrazine-concentration 200.9 ppm. The prescribed model was approved for high F-value (95.92), very low P-value (<0.01) and non- significant lack of fit (0.1627). It was observed that under the optimized-conditions, the R 2 value of regression models for all the response variables was 0.9897 and the maximum atrazine degradation i.e. 89.7 % was found. Finally for graphical representation, the validated optimum-conditions of variables and responses were simulated using three dimensional plots (3D). The confirmation of the model is successful to suggest the optimization parameters of atrazine degradation under in-situ condition by bacterial isolate employing response-surface-methodology optimization tool of Design expert software (new version 10.0.1)., Competing Interests: None., (© 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The data collection was initiated to evaluate the effects of supplementary phospholipid to non-fishmeal based diet in order to make functional diets for the Malaysian Mahseer, Tor tambroides . Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were formulated to consist 100% fishmeal (FM100), 0% fishmeal or full fishmeal replacement (FM0), and 0% fishmeal supplemented with 4% phospholipids (FM0+4%PL), 6% phospholipids (FM0+6%PL). A 60-day feeding trial was conducted and data collection was carried out for the following parameters; growth indices, somatic parameters, whole body nutrient composition, muscle fatty acid composition, haematocrit value and serum lysozyme activity. Fish fed FM0 diets showed significantly poor performance (P < 0.05) for all parameters. Fish showed improved growth, better whole body protein content and higher lysozyme activity when fed FM100 and phospholipid supplemented diets. In general, the current study validated that dietary PL supplementation may possibly improve the growth and survival of juvenile T. tambroides fed non-fishmeal based diets. Findings of this research could contribute in the aquaculture development of T. tambroides ., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background and Objective: Hedera helix L. (Ivy) has been utilized as an alternative medicine for cough however, through extensive literature search; we found no reported activity of ivy on α-glucosidase inhibition, HbA1c levels and its protective effect on vital organs. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and protective effect of ivy in alloxan induced rat model., Materials and Methods: The hypoglycemic activity of ivy was examined in normoglycemic, glucose overloaded and alloxan-induced rats. The antidiabetic potential was also confirmed by estimation of HbA1c and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity., Results: Results of acute and chronic study revealed that ivy produced highly significant decline (p<0.01) in fasting and post-prandial blood sugar levels as compared to diabetic control and standard group respectively. Furthermore, highly significant decline (p<0.01) in HbA1c levels were seen after chronic administration of ivy indicating its therapeutic effect in lowering HbA1c levels during long term use. It was found that ivy produced stronger and highly significant (p<0.05) inhibition of α-glucosidase activity than the standard agent acarbose at 500 μg mL-1., Conclusion: The histopathological studies of vital organs revealed protective effect of ivy via maintaining the normal architecture as compared to alloxan model. Hence, our findings support the potential use of ivy for diabetes management.

Camel milk is reported as anti-diabetic, hepato-protective, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral and neuroprotectant in numerous studies. Based on its neuroprotective profile, camel milk is investigated for its possible beneficial effect in treating anxiety and depression and its effect on brain biogenic amines in the present study. Head dip, cage crossing, stationary rod, elevated plus-maze, open field, light & dark box and forced swim tests were used to measure change in rodents' behavior after camel milk administration. Any possible change in brain biogenic amines level after camel milk treatment was evaluated using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique. Camel milk administration resulted in significant increase (p<0.001) in exploratory and locomotor activity and showing anxiolytic behavior in rodents. In depression-like model, rats showed significant increase (p<0.001) in struggling time after 30-days administration of camel milk. HPLC detection of brain biogenic amines revealed significant increase (p<0.001) in norepinephrine, insignificant increase in 5-hydroxytryptamine and significant decrease (p<0.001) in dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in camel milk treated group. Based on above findings, camel milk is suggested as anxiolytic and antidepressant in the administered doses. However, further experimental and clinical investigations are required to authenticate the same at different doses.

Opioids and non-opioids have long been used as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. Long-term use of these drugs may lead to severe toxicities. Therefore natural remedies are now being explored to avoid risk of adverse effects associated with the use of these conventional medicines. Bioactive components from milk of different species have been identified as nutraceuticals, but no experimental or clinical study is conducted so far to explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of camel milk. In this study we evaluated camel milk for its possible analgesic and antiinflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory effects of camel milk was studied in rats using paw edema method (induced by acetic acid) while tail-flick method was used to evaluate its analgesic effect in mice. Significantly increased tail-flick latency was shown after camel milk (33ml/kg) treatment when compared with acetylsalicylic acid at all time intervals. Anti-inflammatory activity of camel milk was significant (p<0.001) at 4th hour of treatment as shown by maximum percentage inhibition in edema volume (46.84%) in comparison to control. Results of our present study suggested possible use of camel milk as adjuvant therapy in treating various chronic pain and inflammatory ailments. Camel milk could further be investigated in future for recognition of biochemical constituents responsible for its antiinflammatory and pain relieving activities.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are major health issue in developing countries like Pakistan, become more complicated with extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) expression in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The ground of this present study was to evaluate the incidence of cefotaxime (CTX-M) gene in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. The clinical isolates from various specimens were collected for one-year duration from January till December 2015. After initial screening (n=352) isolates were examined for phenotypic expression of ESBLs by double disc synergy test. Furthermore, eight-four isolates were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for identification of Cefotaxime (CTX-M), Temoneira (TEM) and Sulfhdryl variable (SHV) genes. Among eighty-four clinical isolates CTX-M was dominant and found positive in 50 isolates (59.5%) followed by TEM in 35 (41.6%) and SHV in 11 (13%). In uropathogenic E. coli and K. pneumoniae, ESBLs gene was found in 50 and 6 isolates out of 57 and 7 respectively. Among uropathogens CTX-M was most prevalent 78% (39/50) in E. coli followed by K. pneumoniae. In uropathogenic E. coli, CTX-M was found dominant in females. The study concluded that ESBL related uropathogenic E. coli were CTX-M dominant, showed community onsets of UTIs that can be preventive and controlled with modified hygienic practices.

Nanocomposite coatings with synergistic properties hold a potential in long-term corrosion protection for carbon steel. Polydiphenylamine (PDPA) and vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) have rarely been used as a corrosion inhibitor. Moreover, oleo polyurethanes are always demanded in the field of anticorrosive coatings. In view of this, we have synthesized safflower oil polyurethane (SFPU) and their nanocomposites using V 2 O 5 -enwrapped PDPA (V 2 O 5 -PDPA) as nanofiller. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of these coatings. Corrosion resistance performance of these coatings in 5 wt % NaCl solution was determined by electrochemical measurements and salt spray tests. These studies exhibited very low I corr (7.45 × 10 -11 A cm -2 ), high E corr (-0.04 V), impedance (1.69 × 10 11 Ω cm 2 ), and phase angle (84°) after the exposure of 30 days. An immersion test, in 1 M H 2 SO 4 solution for 24 h, was also performed to investigate the effect of oxidizing acid on the surface of coatings. These results revealed the superior anticorrosive activity of nanocomposite coatings compared to those of plain SFPU and other such reported systems. The superior anticorrosive property of the proposed nanocomposite coatings provides a new horizon in the development of high-performance anticorrosive coatings for various industries.

The study is conducted to observe and investigate the effects of oral dosing of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) on neuropharmacological activities of mice. Methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) were soluble in Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) i.e. an organic solvent, so it is used in this study. Screening for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were performed using open field test, head dip test, stationary rod test, cage crossing test, light and dark box and swimming- induced depression test. Thirty animals were divided into three groups of 10 animals each and numbered as 1 (control, on DMSO), 2(on methanolic extract of Cuminum nigrum (L), 3 (on methanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum (L). The extracts and DMSO were administered orally for 60 days. Any possible change in animal behavior was evaluated on day 15, 30 and 60 of dosing. The groups 2 and 3 showed significant increase (p<0.001, p<0.01) in open field activity and light and dark box test respectively, while significantly decreased activity was observed in head dip and cage crossing activity (p<0.01) after 60 days of dosing. Based on above findings, it is suggested that the extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum (L) and Cuminum nigrum (L) have antidepressant and anxiolytic potential with sedative effects.

In this study, a novel immobilizing carrier with α-Fe 2 O 3 magnetic nanoparticles was developed and used for immobilization of atrazine-degrading bacterial isolates of Bacillus spp. Since the free cells of microorganisms generally not succeed to degrade pollutants; thus, extra treatments are alluring to make strides biodegradation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images appeared that after immobilization the bacterial cells were totally retained and entirely distributed on the surface of α-Fe 2 O 3 magnetic nanoparticles . The performance of α-Fe 2 O 3 immobilized cells in atrazine (ATZ) degradation was compared with the free cells, which was about 90.56% in 20 days. Experimental results exhibited that ATZ could be degraded at a broad range of physicochemical parameters viz. pH (4.0 to 9.0), temperature (20 to 45 °C), ATZ concentration (50 to 300 mg L -1 ) and agitation speed (50 to 300 rpm), which underlines that α-Fe 2 O 3 immobilized cells could tolerate a higher range of ATZ concentration as compared to free cells. This research demonstrated that α-Fe 2 O 3 could be applied as a potential carrier in cell immobilization and biodegradation of ATZ herbicide with greater efficiency.

The biological paradox about how extremophiles persist at extreme ecological conditions throws a fascinating picture of the enormous potential of a single cell to adapt to homeostatic conditions in order to propagate. Unicellular organisms face challenges from both environmental factors and the ecological niche provided by the host tissue. Although the existence of extremophiles and their physiological properties were known for a long time, availability of whole genome sequence has catapulted the study on mechanisms of adaptation and the underlying principles that have enabled these unique organisms to withstand evolutionary and environmental pressures. Comparative genomics has shown that extremophiles possess the unique set of genes and proteins that empower them with biochemical machinery necessary to thrive in extreme environments. The presence of these proteins safeguards the cell against a wide array of extreme conditions such as temperature, pressure, radiations, chemicals, drugs etc. An insight into these adaptive mechanisms in extremophiles may help us to devise strategies to alter the genes and proteins that may have therapeutic potential and commercial value. Here we present an overview of the various adaptations in extremophiles. We also try to explain how mycobacterium channelizes its proteome to survive in stress conditions posed by host immune system., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ebstein anomaly is a rare malformation of the tricuspid valve of the heart. The malformed tricuspid valve may be incompetent, stenotic, or rarely, imperforate. Pregnant patients with Ebstein anomaly become a challenge for the physician in terms of management. We report a case in which patient delivered successfully with Ebstein anomaly. The only complication was breathlessness. Authors concluded that women with Ebstein anomaly can have successful outcomes of pregnancy with close monitoring.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different light sources and media (wastewater and BBM) on the growth of Pseudanabaena mucicola and its phycobiliprotein production. Results showed that P. mucicola grown in white light using wastewater as medium attributed higher biomass (0.55 g L -1 ) and when extracted with water, also showed significantly higher (P < .05) production (237.01 mg g -1 ) and purity (1.14) of phycobiliprotein. This study validated that phycobiliprotein extracted from P. mucicola using water can be food grade natural blue pigment. Moreover, cyanobacteria grown in wastewater could cut down the production cost of phycobiliprotein., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Diabetes is alarmingly high among Bangladeshi people. But there have been very few studies assessing the effect of diabetes on perinatal outcomes, particularly comparing diabetes prior to pregnancy and gestational diabetes (GDM). This cross sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BIRDEM Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2010 to February 2011. Pregnant women admitted in BIRDEM Hospital for delivery after 28 weeks of gestation were selected to assess perinatal complications of GDM and diabetes prior to pregnancy and to compare them after taking permission from institutional review board. Perinatal complications of 50 women with gestational diabetes, 50 pregnant women with diabetes prior to pregnancy, and 50 non diabetic pregnant women as control were studied after taking written consent and the outcomes between GDM, and mother with diabetes prior to pregnancy were compared. Perinatal outcomes including congenital anomalies, birth asphyxia, macrosomia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, and perinatal mortality were compared. Neonatal complications were significantly higher in both pregnancy with prior diabetes (74%) and gestational diabetes (58%) when compared with non diabetic control (24%). Leading neonatal complications were macrosomia, birth asphyxia, hyperbilirubinaemia, and hypoglycemia. Macrosomia was significantly higher in GDM than non diabetic group (10% vs. 0%, p=0.003). Frequency of birth asphyxia, hyperbilirubinaemia, and hypoglycemia were significantly higher in the infant of mother with prior diabetes (22%, 54%, & 22% respectively) and GDM (20%, 38%, 18% respectively) than that of non diabetic mother (6%, 20%, 0% respectively). Compared to GDM, mother with prior diabetes had more frequent hyperbilirubinaemia (38% vs. 54%, p=0.004) and hypoglycemia (18% vs. 22%, p=0.04). Women with diabetes had worse pregnancy outcomes compared to non-diabetic mothers. Pregnancy prior to diabetes is associated with more frequent complications than gestational diabetes.

Background: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) contraception is widely used all over the world; however, it may lead to a decrease in high-density lipoproteins and an increase in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides. These changes in lipid profile have a direct effect on cardiovascular disease risk. This study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between DMPA use and lipid profile, and the effect of worsening of lipid profile on fasting blood glucose. The objective of the present study is to ascertain the effects of DMPA on lipid profiles and Castelli indices, and to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease in the women using progesterone-only methods for contraception., Methods: This was a multicenter case-control study including females of reproductive age. A total of 893 women were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria described below with the age range of 19-49 years. Among these, 477 were females who were beginning DMPA for contraception whereas 416 were the matched controls of same age and socioeconomic status. The lipid profiles, Castelli indices and fasting blood sugar were evaluated before initiation of DMPA and thereafter at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Controls were also analyzed for the same parameters in the same manner as that of treated group. The results were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance followed by Tukey׳s post hoc test for the multiple comparisons., Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in all parameters of lipid profile, namely cholesterol (180.7 ± 38.8 versus 133.03 ± 14.8mg/dL, and P = 0.000), LDL (120.04 ± 36.2 versus 94.27 ± 19.6mg/dL, and P = 0.000), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (24.6 ± 10.0 versus 20.99 ± 8.66mg/dL, and P = 0.000), high-density lipoprotein (39.67 ± 3.6 versus 44.13 ± 4.22mg/dL, and P = 0.000), total cholesterol (713.05 ± 110.2 versus 569.19 ± 80.4mg/dL, and P = 0.000), triglycerides (126.33 ± 48.8 versus 99.03 ± 30.6mg/dL, and P = 0.000), Castelli index I (4.61 ± 1.2 versus 3.02 ± 0.31, and P = 0.000) and Castelli index II (3.08 ± 1.07 versus 2.13 ± 0.41, and P = 0.000) between treated and control groups, respectively. Serum glucose levels were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) among the cases of DMPA (84.6394 ± 7.425mg/dL) compared with that in the control (77.822 ± 7.733mg/dL)., Conclusions: This study clearly revealed that there is an increase in all deleterious lipid parameters and a decrease in favorable lipid measures. Hence, it can be concluded that continued use of DMPA may predispose females to the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long run., (Copyright © 2016 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Microalgae are the major photosynthesizers on earth and produce important pigments that include chlorophyll a, b and c, β-carotene, astaxanthin, xanthophylls, and phycobiliproteins. Presently, synthetic colorants are used in food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. However, due to problems associated with the harmful effects of synthetic colorants, exploitation of microalgal pigments as a source of natural colors becomes an attractive option. There are various factors such as nutrient availability, salinity, pH, temperature, light wavelength, and light intensity that affect pigment production in microalgae. This paper reviews the availability and characteristics of microalgal pigments, factors affecting pigment production, and the application of pigments produced from microalgae. The potential of microalgal pigments as a source of natural colors is enormous as an alternative to synthetic coloring agents, which has limited applications due to regulatory practice for health reasons.

Potential roles of natural products have been identified for preventing or treating various diseases. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of camel milk in an animal model of Parkinson's disease and compare it with standard treatment (levodopa + carbidopa combination). 40 Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 gram were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. Group I was kept on water and served as normal control, group II served as negative control, treated with chlorpromazine (5mg/kg i.p.), group III was given camel milk (33ml/kg p.o) and group IV the standard combination of levodopa + carbidopa (100+10mg/kg) respectively, 30 minutes after chlorpromazine treatment. All animals were subjected to the drugs treatment for 30 days. Catalepsy was assessed by Bar test on day 21 and day 30 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes interval. On 30th day animals were sacrificed and whole brains were examined for histopathological changes. The results revealed highly significant (p<0.001) anti-cataleptic effect of camel milk on day 21 and 30 in comparison to chlorpromazine. When compared with standard therapy, the results showed that anti-Parkinson's activity of camel milk was significant (p<0.01) on day 21. However, the difference in activity was non-significant on day 30. Histopathology of the brain showed that administration of camel milk reveals intact architecture with mild degenerative changes than chlorpromazine and levodopa + carbidopa treated animals. In conclusion, camel milk possesses anti-Parkinson's activity. However, its long term efficacy and safety needs to be evaluated clinically.

Phospholipase D (PLD; E.C. 3.1.4.4) is widespread in plants where it fulfills diverse functions in growth and in the response to stresses. The enzyme occurs in multiple forms that differ in their biochemical properties. In the present paper PLD from medicinally relevant Indian mustard seeds was purified by Ca(2+)-mediated hydrophobic interaction and anion exchange chromatography to electrophoretic homogeneity. Based on mass-spectrometric sequence analysis of tryptic protein fragments, oligonucleotide primers for cloning genomic DNA fragments that encoded the enzyme were designed and used to derive the complete amino acid sequence of this PLD. The sequence data, as well as the molecular properties (molecular mass of 92.0 kDa, pI 5.39, maximum activity at pH 5.5-6.0 and Ca(2+) ion concentrations ⩾60 mM), allowed the assignment of this enzyme to the class of α-type PLDs. The apparent kinetic parameters Vmax and Km, determined for the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in an aqueous mixed-micellar system were 356±15 μmol min(-1) mg(-1) and 1.84±0.17 mM, respectively. Phosphate analogs such as NaAlF4 and Na3VO4 displayed strong inhibition of the enzyme. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate had a strong activating effect at 2-10 mM CaCl2. PLD was inactivated at temperatures >45 °C. The enzyme exhibited the highest activity toward PC followed by phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. PCs with short-chain fatty acids were better substrates than PCs with long fatty acid chains. Lyso-PC was not accepted as substrate., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Salmonella and Vibrio species were isolated and identified from Litopenaeus vannamei cultured in shrimp farms. Shrimp samples showed occurrence of 3.3% of Salmonella and 48.3% of Vibrio. The isolates were also screened for antibiotic resistance to oxolinic acid, sulphonamides, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, norfloxacin, ampicillin, doxycycline hydrochloride, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and nitrofurantoin. Salmonella enterica serovar Corvallis isolated from shrimp showed individual and multiple antibiotic resistance patterns. Five Vibrio species having individual and multiple antibiotic resistance were also identified. They were Vibrio cholerae (18.3%), V. mimicus (16.7%), V. parahaemolyticus (10%), V. vulnificus (6.7%), and V. alginolyticus (1.7%). Farm owners should be concerned about the presence of these pathogenic bacteria which also contributes to human health risk and should adopt best management practices for responsible aquaculture to ensure the quality of shrimp.

A total of 54 gram-negative bacteria obtained from various pathological labs and hospitals of Karachi were screened for their resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin and tetracycline antibiotics. Of the 54 bacteria, 50 were resistant to one or more antibiotics. Among the resistant bacteria, 13 out of 28 were found to transfer their resistances by conjugation. This indicates that at least 46% of clinical gram-negative bacteria in Karachi possess various types of transferable R plasmids, such as pAK5, pAK9, pAK10, pAK11, pAK12, pAK13, pAK14, pAK15, pAK16, pAK17, pAK18, pAK19, pAK20 and pAK21. The non-conjugative R plasmids included pMT14 and pZ26. Only pAK15 showed 26% segregation even after 20 consecutive transfers in plain broth (spontaneous segregation) whereas only pAK15 and pAK16 showed any significant loss of their markers in curing by acridine orange. The stability of R plasmids is more dangerous from clinical point of view.

This is the first report on the identification and partial characterization of phospholipase D (EC 3.1.4.4) from Allium sativum (garlic) bulbs (PLD(GB)). The enzyme shares the phenomenon of interfacial activation with other lipolytic enzymes, i.e. the hydrolytic rate increases when the substrate changes to a more aggregated state. The enzyme activity is highly temperature tolerant and the temperature optimum was measured to be 70 degrees C. PLD(GB) unlike many plant PLDs exhibited high thermal stability. It was activated further after exposure to high temperatures, i.e. 80 degrees C, indicating that the enzyme refolds better upon cooling back to room temperature after short exposure to thermal stress. The activity of PLD(GB) is optimum in 70mM calcium ion concentration and the enzyme is activated further in the presence of phosphatidyl-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). PLD(GB) exhibited both hydrolytic and transphosphatidylation activities, both of which appear to be higher than those of PLD from cabbage leaves (PLD(CL)).

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity has been identified in some new plant sources i.e. Brassica juncea (mustard) seeds, Zingibar officinale (ginger) rhizomes and Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves with the aim of identifying PLDs that possess high catalytic activity and stability. PLD from mustard seeds (PLD(ms)) exhibited the highest PLD specific activity, which was highly pH and temperature tolerant. PLD(ms) unlike many plant PLDs exhibited high thermal stability. The activity of PLD(ms) is optimum in the millimolar concentration of calcium ions and is independent of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). An active and stable enzyme like PLD(ms) may be utilized in the lipid industry.

The lone oligosaccharide chain of stem bromelain was oxidized with periodic acid to generate aldehyde groups and the resulting oxidized enzyme coupled to amino-Sepharose in order to obtain an immobilized preparation with uniformly oriented enzyme. The immobilized bromelain exhibited high proteolytic activity and remarkably enhanced thermal stability as compared to soluble bromelain and that coupled to CNBr activated Sepharose.

A total of 100 Gram negative bacteria isolated from milk in Karachi were screened for their resistance to eleven commonly used antibiotics. The concentration of antibiotics used was 100 microg/ml. About 46% were found to resist antibiotics at the concentration of 100 microg/ml giving different patterns. The resistant bacteria were tested for the presence of R plasmids, both transferable and non-transferable, by conjugation, spontaneous segregation and curing with acridine orange and ethidium bromide. Among the resistant bacteria tested, eight were found to carry non-transferable R plasmids.

Studies were carried out to investigate the incidence of multiple antibiotic resistance among E .coli (total 152) isolated from poultry in Karachi to eight commonly used antibiotics: ampicillin (A), chloramphenicol (C), gentamycin (G), anamycin (K), neomycin (N), polymyxin B (P), streptomycin (S) and tetracycline (T) at the levels of 50 microg/ml, 100 microg/ml and 500 microg/ml. Tables of the results are given, showing the number of resistant strains of different patterns of antibiotic resistance at different levels. A comparison of antibiotic resistance to different number of antibiotics and the frequency of resistance to individual antibiotic at different levels is also reported. The highest frequency of resistance was against tetracycline whereas the lowest frequency of resistance was against gentamycin. Thirty R plasmids were isolated from the resistant strains and will be reported elsewhere.

R plasmids of Gram negative bacteria isolated from poultry in Karachi were studied for their properties of colicin production and resistance. Of 39 R plasmids studied, 23 resisted colicin where as only one R-plasmid produced colicin.

R plasmids of Gram negative bacteria isolated from poultry in Karachi were studied for their curing by ethidium bromide (EBr) in E. coli AB 712. Of 12 R plasmids studied, 3 were lost by treatment with ethidium bromide.

The R plasmids, KR61 and KR61-A, that were originally isolated from a clinical strain of Aerobacter aerogenes in 1971 and determined resistance to kanamycin (Km), neomycin (Nm), streptomycin (Sm), tetracycline (Tc); and ampicillin (Ap) respectively were found stable in Salmonella typhimurium LT2 even after 22 years of cultivation on antibiotic free media. KR61, carrying resistance to KmNmSmTc, not only maintained all its resistances but also maintained its conjugal transferability (RTF) as indicated by its subsequent transfer to Escherichia and Salmonella hosts. KR61-A that carried resistance to Ap and lacked an RTF could be mobilized by KR61 from S. typhimurium LT2, constructed to bear KR61-A and KR61, to E. coli recipients. S. typhimurium LT2 carrying KR61-A + KR61 (ApKmNmSmTc), showed the characteristic conjugal transfer of resistances in following three patterns: (i) Ap, (ii) KmNmSmTc and (iii) ApKmNmSmTc. The findings reported here are based on conjugal isolation of plasmids. Physical isolation of KR61 and KR61-A was never made.

Gram negative bacteria, including species of Salmonella, Escherichia, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella, isolated from poultry, were screened for their resistance to the commonly used antibiotics: ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, kanamycin, neomycin, polymyxin B, streptomycin and tetracycline. Of the 500 bacteria screened, 351 were found to be resistant to one or more antibiotics at the level of 50 micrograms/ml. Various patterns of antibiotic resistance observed during these studies have been reported.

It can be argued that all organisms exhibit two levels of DNA rearrangements. At a low level they may occur sporadically in cells, perhaps largely because of spontaneous activity of transposable genetic elements. A high level may be induced in special circumstances if functions that cause rearrangements are hyperactive. As an example of low level genetic rearrangements, we have studied the occurrence of spontaneous polar mutations in the early regions of prophage Mu. We isolated 49 independent prophage mutants, which are defective in replication ad expression of late genes; 44 were in the B region and 5 were in the A region. In the B region, 68% were IS1 insertions, 9% were IS5 insertions and 9% were IS2 insertions; 14% showed no insertion. In the A region, all 5 were IS5 insertions. Thus most spontaneous polar mutations in Escherichia coli appear to the insertions. IS1 is the most common insertion; however, certain DNA rearrangements are exemplified by DNA fusion and DNA dissociation that occur when replication-transposition functions of Mu are induced.

Excision of transposable genetic elements from host DNA is different from the classical prophage lambda type of excision in that it occurs at low frequency and is mostly imprecise; only a minority of excision events restores the wild-type host sequences. In bacteriophage Mu, a highly efficient transposon, imprecise excision is 10-100 times more frequent than precise excision. We have examined a large number of these excision events by starting with mucts X mutants located in the Z gene of the lac operon of Escherichia coli. Mucts X mutants are defective prophages whose excision occurs at a measurable frequency. Imprecise excision was monitored by selecting for melibiose+ (Mel+) phenotype, which requires only a functioning lacY gene. Mel+ revertants exhibit an array of DNA rearrangements and fall in four main classes, the predominant one being comprised of revertants that have no detectable Mu DNA. Most of these revertants can further revert to Lac+. Perhaps 5 base-pair duplications, originally present at prophage-host junctions, are left in these lacZ-Y+ revertants, and they can be further repaired to lacZ+. Another class has, in addition to the loss of Mu DNA, deletions that extend generally, but not always, to only one side of the prophage. The other two classes of revertants, surprisingly, still have Mu DNA in the lacZ gene. One class has deletions in the Z gene, whereas, no deletions can be detected in the other. Many of the revertants in the last class can further revert to lacZ+, indicating that the lacY gene must have been turned on by a rearrangement within Mu DNA. Apparently, all of the detectable precise and most of the imprecise excision events require functioning of the Mu A gene. We suggest that a block in large-scale Mu replication allows the excision process to proceed.

The sera obtained from normal control and Setaria cervi infected rabbits were analysed weekly both qualitatively and quantitatively. Electrophoretic studies as well as biochemical estimation reveal an increase in total protein and globulin and a decrease in albumin level. The changes were more marked in the third week, followed by a declining phase reaching an almost normal level by the sixth week. The increased globulin level analysed electrophoretically also coincided with the appearance of 2 precipitin arcs in immunoelectrophoretic analysis indicating a correlation between antibody production and hyperglobulinaemia.

The present study deals with the comparative efficacy of Hetrazan, levamisole and tetramisole on the enzyme activities of adult Setaria cervi worms. The drugs were administered orally to white rats, intraperitoneally infected with the bovine filariid, Setaria cervi. Biochemical assays revealed the decreased activities of glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase in the drug-treated worms. Hetrazan was relatively more effective than tetramisole and levamisole. A possible role of these enzymes in the energy supply and survival of the worm has been briefly discussed.

The present study deals with the histochemical localization of glucose-6-phosphatase, malic dehydrogenase and aldolase in the microfilaria of Setaria cervi. Marked activity of glucose-6-phosphatase was observed in the cephalic cells, excretory and anal pores, G-cells and Innenkörper. Malic dehydrogenase activity was noted throughout the body (including cuticle) of the microfilaria except for Innenkörper. Intense aldolase activity was observed in the excretory pore and G-cells only. Muscle cells and anal pore were negative for this enzyme.

An R plasmid of Salmonella, RM98, which determines sensitivity ot the phage IKe (IKeS) and confers resistance to ampicillin (Ap), streptomycin (Sm) and tetracycline (Tc) was studied for its genetic properties in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, Transduction of RM98 by P22 in Salmonella yielded transductants of which some had acquired all the recognizable markers (Ap, Sm, Tc, IKeS and resistance transfer factor or RTF) associated with RM98. This transduction pattern resembles the P22 transduction pattern of IKe-specific R plasmids: R45, R46, R48, R205 and N3. Preliminary genetic analysis of RM98 has indicated that the determinants of IKeS and RTF are closely linked and the determinants of Ap and Sm are closer to RTF-IKeS than they are to Tc.