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Background and Objectives: The present study attempts to evaluate and assess the presence of Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, and Campylobacter among patients manifesting oral leukoplakia and healthy individuals. The aim is to compare variations in the presence of total microbiomes in the oral cavity of patients manifesting oral leukoplakia and healthy individuals. Methods: This study comprised 55 male subjects, 27 with a history of tobacco smoking (leukoplakia patients) and 28 healthy individuals (nonsmokers) within the age range of 30 years and above. Mucosal swabs were collected from the oral sites of the subjects, and the microbial counts were assessed in the laboratory. Comparative evaluation of Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, and the total microbiome of oral leukoplakia patients and healthy individuals was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The culture analysis of the study subject samples indicated a higher value of total microbial flora count, Fusobacterium, and Leptotrichia when compared to that of control subjects. Conclusions: This study suggests Fusobacterium and Leptotrichia may have a major influence in the malignant transformation of leukoplakia.

The impact of water-deficit (WD) stress on plant metabolism has been predominantly studied at the whole tissue level. However, plant tissues are made of several distinct cell types with unique and differentiated functions, which limits whole tissue ‘omics’-based studies to determine only an averaged molecular signature arising from multiple cell types. Advancements in spatial omics technologies provide an opportunity to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to WD stress at distinct cell-type levels. Here, we studied the spatiotemporal metabolic responses of two poplar (Populus tremula× P. alba) leaf cell types -palisade and vascular cells- to WD stress using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). We identified unique WD stress-mediated metabolic shifts in each leaf cell type when exposed to early and prolonged WD stresses and recovery from stress. During water-limited conditions, flavonoids and phenolic metabolites were exclusively accumulated in leaf palisade cells. However, vascular cells mainly accumulated sugars and fatty acids during stress and recovery conditions, respectively, highlighting the functional divergence of leaf cell types in response to WD stress. By comparing our MALDI-MSI metabolic data with whole leaf tissue gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolic profile, we identified only a few metabolites including monosaccharides, hexose phosphates, and palmitic acid that showed a similar accumulation trend at both cell-type and whole leaf tissue levels. Overall, this work highlights the potential of the MSI approach to complement the whole tissue-based metabolomics techniques and provides a novel spatiotemporal understanding of plant metabolic responses to WD stress. This will help engineer specific metabolic pathways at a cellular level in strategic perennial trees like poplars to help withstand future aberrations in environmental conditions and to increase bioenergy sustainability.

Classic dyskeratosis congenita is a hereditary disease where the majority of patients present with bone marrow failure and mucocutaneous changes: mainly skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, oral premalignant leukoplakia, in addition to increased risk for malignancies. A 63-year-old man with a long history of untreated chronic pulmonary disease, a smoker in the past, presented initially with pancytopenia and a clinical diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts returned a month later with leukocytosis (WBC 215.9 × 106/μL) and diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with deletion of chromosome 7 and FLT3-TKD mutation. The patient’s mother and sister died in their 6th decade from rapidly progressing fulminant pulmonary fibrosis. He had abnormal skin pigmentation and oral leukoplakia on presentation. He was induced with 7 + 3 chemotherapy and started on midostaurin but experienced prolonged cytopenias, complicated by hypoxic acute on chronic respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. D + 28 and D + 36 bone marrow examination showed trilineage hypoplasia but no blasts, though the D + 28 bone marrow biopsy revealed one metaphase with del (7) that was cleared on D + 35. The constellation of clinical features and strong family history along with del 7 and FLT3-TKD AML with preceding MDS highly suggests a germline predisposition state dyskeratosis congenita. Germline predispositions are often underrecognized as delayed onset conditions leading to AML and may have treatment and preventative implications especially genetic counseling for blood-related family members.

White blood cells (WBCs) are useful for diagnosing infectious diseases and infections. Machine learning and deep learning have been used to classify WBCs from blood smear images. Despite advances in machine learning, there has been little research on applying medical domain knowledge to convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to improve WBC classification. The existing models are often inaccurate, rely on manual input, and fail to incorporate external medical knowledge into decision-making. This study used the blood cell count and detection dataset which contains images of monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils for WBC classification. In this paper, we propose a CNN model for WBC classification called WBC-KICNet (knowledge-infused convolutional neural network). The present work uses two CNN models: the first model generates the knowledge vector from input images and the domain expert (hematologist); the second model extracts deep features from the input image. A feature fusion mechanism is then used to combine these two features to classify the WBCs. Several metrics have been used to evaluate the performance of the WBC-KICNet model. These measures yielded impressive results. Accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1-score were rated 99.22%, 99.25%, 99%, 99.77%, and 99.25%, respectively. In each of the WBC classes, accuracy rates are: 98.7% for eosinophils, 99.83% for lymphocytes, 100% for monocytes, and 98.32% for neutrophils. As a result, the proposed WBC-KICNet classifies WBCs accurately and without much misclassification, and the results have been confirmed by a statistical hypothesis test ( t -test).

Abstract Background For patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, bleeding and hypotension are frequent and associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular complications. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent with the potential to reduce surgical bleeding; however, there is uncertainty about its efficacy and safety in noncardiac surgery. Although usual perioperative care is commonly consistent with a hypertension-avoidance strategy (i.e., most patients continue their antihypertensive medications throughout the perioperative period and intraoperative mean arterial pressures of 60 mmHg are commonly accepted), a hypotension-avoidance strategy may improve perioperative outcomes. Methods The PeriOperative Ischemic Evaluation (POISE)-3 Trial is a large international randomized controlled trial designed to determine if TXA is superior to placebo for the composite outcome of life-threatening, major, and critical organ bleeding, and non-inferior to placebo for the occurrence of major arterial and venous thrombotic events, at 30 days after randomization. Using a partial factorial design, POISE-3 will additionally determine the effect of a hypotension-avoidance strategy versus a hypertension-avoidance strategy on the risk of major cardiovascular events, at 30 days after randomization. The target sample size is 10,000 participants. Patients ≥45 years of age undergoing noncardiac surgery, with or at risk of cardiovascular and bleeding complications, are randomized to receive a TXA 1 g intravenous bolus or matching placebo at the start and at the end of surgery. Patients, health care providers, data collectors, outcome adjudicators, and investigators are blinded to the treatment allocation. Patients on ≥ 1 chronic antihypertensive medication are also randomized to either of the two blood pressure management strategies, which differ in the management of patient antihypertensive medications on the morning of surgery and on the first 2 days after surgery, and in the target mean arterial pressure during surgery. Outcome adjudicators are blinded to the blood pressure treatment allocation. Patients are followed up at 30 days and 1 year after randomization. Discussion Bleeding and hypotension in noncardiac surgery are common and have a substantial impact on patient prognosis. The POISE-3 trial will evaluate two interventions to determine their impact on bleeding, cardiovascular complications, and mortality. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03505723. Registered on 23 April 2018.

Abstract Although mechanistic studies clarifying the molecular underpinnings of AML have facilitated the development of several novel targeted therapeutics, most AML patients still relapse. Thus, overcoming the inherent and acquired resistance to current therapies remains an unsolved clinical problem. While current diagnostic modalities are primarily defined by gross morphology, cytogenetics, and to an extent, by deep targeted gene sequencing, there is an ongoing demand to identify newer diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic biomarkers for AML. Recent interest in exploring the role of circular RNA (circRNA) in elucidating AML biology and therapy resistance has been promising. This review discerns the circular RNAs’ evolving role on the same scientific premise and attempts to identify its potential in managing AML.

Abstract Background Gmelina arborea Roxb is a fast-growing tree species of commercial importance for tropical countries due to multiple industrial uses of its wood. Wood is primarily composed of thick secondary cell walls of xylem cells which imparts the strength to the wood. Identification of the genes involved in the secondary cell wall biosynthesis as well as their cognate regulators is crucial to understand how the production of wood occurs and serves as a starting point for developing breeding strategies to produce varieties with improved wood quality, better paper pulping or new potential uses such as biofuel production. In order to gain knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and gene regulation related with wood development in white teak, a de novo sequencing and transcriptome assembly approach was used employing secondary cell wall synthesizing cells from young white teak trees. Results For generation of transcriptome, RNA-seq reads were assembled into 110,992 transcripts and 49,364 genes were functionally annotated using plant databases; 5071 GO terms and 25,460 SSR markers were identified within xylem transcripts and 10,256 unigenes were assigned to KEGG database in 130 pathways. Among transcription factor families, C2H2, C3H, bLHLH and MYB were the most represented in xylem. Differential gene expression analysis using leaves as a reference was carried out and a total of 20,954 differentially expressed genes were identified including monolignol biosynthetic pathway genes. The differential expression of selected genes (4CL, COMT, CCoAOMT, CCR and NST1) was validated using qPCR. Conclusions We report the very first de novo transcriptome of xylem-related genes in this tropical timber species of commercial importance and constitutes a valuable extension of the publicly available transcriptomic resource aimed at fostering both basic and breeding studies.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently reported as a complication of noncardiac surgery. It is unknown whether new-onset perioperative AF is associated with an increased risk of stroke and death beyond the perioperative period. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the long-term risks of stroke and mortality associated with new-onset perioperative AF after noncardiac surgery. Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to March 2020 for studies reporting on the association between perioperative AF and the risk of stroke and death occurring beyond 30 days after noncardiac surgery. Reference screening, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed in duplicate. Data were pooled using inverse variance-weighted random-effects models and presented as risk ratios (RRs). Results: From 7344 citations, we included 31 studies (3,529,493 patients). The weighted mean incidence of perioperative AF was 0.7%. During a mean follow-up of 28.1 ± 9.4 months, perioperative AF was associated with an increased risk of stroke (1.5 vs 0.9 strokes per 100 patient-years; RR: 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-3.9, I2 = 78%). Perioperative AF was also associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (21.0 vs 7.6 deaths per 100 patient-years; RR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5-2.2, I2 = 94%). The pooled adjusted hazard ratios for stroke and all-cause mortality were 1.9 (95% CI: 1.6-2.2, I2 = 31%) and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3-1.7, I2 = 20%), respectively. Conclusions: Patients who had perioperative AF after noncardiac surgery had a higher long-term risk of stroke and mortality compared with patients who did not. Whether this risk is modifiable with oral anticoagulation therapy should be investigated. Résumé: Contexte: La fibrillation atriale (FA) est une arythmie fréquemment attribuée à une complication d’une chirurgie non cardiaque. On ne sait toutefois pas si l’apparition d’une FA périopératoire est associée à un risque accru d’accident vasculaire cérébral et de décès au-delà de la période périopératoire. Nous avons donc procédé à un examen et à une méta-analyse systématiques dans le but d’évaluer les risques à long terme d’accident vasculaire cérébral et de décès associés à l’apparition d’une FA périopératoire à la suite d’une chirurgie non cardiaque. Méthodologie: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans MEDLINE et EMBASE depuis leur création jusqu’à mars 2020 pour y relever les études signalant l’association entre la FA périopératoire et le risque d’accident vasculaire cérébral et de décès survenant au-delà de 30 jours à la suite d’une chirurgie non cardiaque. Le tri des références, la sélection des études, l’extraction des données et l’évaluation de la qualité ont été effectués en double. Les données ont été regroupées à l’aide de modèles à effets aléatoires pondérés par l’inverse de la variance et présentées sous forme de rapports de risques relatifs (RR). Résultats: Parmi 7 344 références, nous avons inclus 31 études (3 529 493 patients). L’incidence moyenne pondérée de FA périopératoire était de 0,7 %. Dans le cadre d’un suivi moyen de 28,1 ± 9,4 mois, la FA périopératoire était associée à un risque accru d’accident vasculaire cérébral (1,5 vs 0,9 accident vasculaire cérébral par 100 années-patients; RR de 2,9; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %; de 2,1 à 3,9; I2 = 78 %). La FA périopératoire était également associée à un risque considérablement plus élevé de décès toutes causes confondues (21,0 vs 7,6 décès par 100 années-patients; RR de 1,8; IC à 95 %; de 1,5 à 2,2; I2 = 94 %). Les rapports de risques instantanés ajustés regroupés d’accident vasculaire cérébral et de décès toutes causes confondues étaient de 1,9 (IC à 95 %; de 1,6 à 2,2; I2 = 31 %) et de 1,5 (IC à 95 %; de 1,3 à 1,7; I2 = 20 %), respectivement. Conclusions: Les patients qui souffraient de FA périopératoire à la suite d’une chirurgie non cardiaque présentaient un risque accru à long terme d’accident vasculaire cérébral et de décès par rapport aux patients qui n’en souffraient pas. Il serait approprié d’examiner la possibilité de modifier ce risque par une anticoagulothérapie orale.

Background and Objective: Oral cavity ports have diverse, abundant, and complex microbial communities. Candida is (a genus of yeast) and is the most common cause of oral fungal infection. The standard treatment of oral candidiasis is the use of antifungal agents, which cause different adverse effects. To combat this, herbal drugs can be considered as an alternative to allopathic drugs. The literature has reported that these herbal products are a rich source of antimicrobial agents. The present study determined the antifungal efficacy of tea tree, sesame, and cumin extracts against oral candidiasis in comparison to clotrimazole. Material and Methods: An in vitro study was carried out on 30 patients, wherein saliva and swab samples were collected and subjected to culture on chromagar and incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48 hours. The cultured Candida species were subjected to an antifungal susceptibility test. Clotrimazole (Group I: positive control), tea tree extracts (Group II–Group VI), sesame extracts (Group VII–Group XI), and cumin extracts (Group XII–Group XVI) were inoculated in wells and incubated. Zones of inhibitions were measured and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Antifungal efficacy of tea tree (Group II–VI), sesame (Group VII–IX), cumin (Group XII–XIV), and clotrimazole (Group I) were compared and proven to be statistically significant with a P value < 0.05. Conclusion: Clotrimazole had a higher antimicrobial activity compared to medicinal plants. The extracts of tea tree, sesame, and cumin had significant antimicrobial activity and they might prove to be promising alternatives as a therapeutic agent for oral candidiasis.

Abstract Background Surgical bleeding is associated with postoperative cardiovascular complications. The efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in noncardiac surgery are still uncertain. Statins may prevent perioperative cardiovascular complications. We conducted a pilot to assess the feasibility of a perioperative trial of TXA and rosuvastatin. Methods Using a factorial design, we randomized patients at cardiovascular risk undergoing noncardiac surgery to intravenous TXA (1 g at the start and end of surgery) or placebo, and oral rosuvastatin (40 mg before and 20 mg daily for 30 days after surgery) or placebo. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rates, follow-up, and compliance to interventions. Clinical outcomes were secondarily explored. Results After 3 months, we changed the design to a partial factorial due to the difficult recruitment of statin-naive patients. Over 6 months, 100 patients were randomized in the TXA trial (49 TXA, 51 placebo), 34 in the rosuvastatin trial (18 rosuvastatin, 16 placebo). Ninety-two percent (95% CI 80–98) of TXA and 86% (95% CI 74–94) of TXA-placebo patients received the 2 study doses. Thirty-three percent (95% CI 13–59) of rosuvastatin patients and 37% (95% CI 15–65) of rosuvastatin-placebo patients discontinued the study drug. A major cardiovascular complication occurred at 30 days in 1 TXA and 6 TXA-placebo patients, and 1 rosuvastatin and no rosuvastatin-placebo patients. Conclusions Our pilot study supports the feasibility of a perioperative TXA trial in noncardiac surgery. Feasibility of a perioperative rosuvastatin trial is uncertain because of a high prevalence of statin use in the target population and concerns about compliance. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02546648 .

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop for food, feed, and fuel production. Particularly, sorghum is targeted for cellulosic ethanol production. Extraction of cellulose from cell walls is a key process in cellulosic ethanol production, and understanding the components involved in cellulose synthesis is important for both fundamental and applied research. Despite the significance in the biofuel industry, the genes involved in sorghum cell wall biosynthesis, modification, and degradation have not been characterized. In this study, we have identified and characterized three allelic thick leaf mutants (thl1, thl2, and thl3). Bulked Segregant Analysis sequencing (BSAseq) showed that the causal mutation for the thl phenotype is in endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene (SbKOR1). Consistent with the causal gene function, the thl mutants showed decreased crystalline cellulose content in the stem tissues. The SbKOR1 function was characterized using Arabidopsis endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene mutant (rsw2-1). Complementation of Arabidopsis with SbKOR1 (native Arabidopsis promoter and overexpression by 35S promoter) restored the radial swelling phenotype of rsw2-1 mutant, proving that SbKOR1 functions as endo-1,4-β-glucanase. Overall, the present study has identified and characterized sorghum endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene function, laying the foundation for future research on cell wall biosynthesis and engineering of sorghum for biofuel production.

Background: A wide knowledge gap exists on the clinical profiles and outcomes of heart failure (HF) in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To determine the clinical profiles and outcomes of HF patients from five African countries. Methods: The INTERnational Congestive Heart Failure Study (INTER-CHF) is a prospective, multicenter cohort study. A total of 1,294 HF patients were consecutively recruited from Nigeria (383 patients), South Africa (169 patients), Sudan (501 patients), Uganda (151patients), and Mozambique (90 patients). HF was defined according to the Boston criteria for diagnosis. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score. Results: Of the 1294 patients, 51.4% were recruited as out-patients, 53.7% had HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF), 30.1% had HF with mid-range EF and 16.2% had HF with preserved EF (16.2%). The commonest etiologies of HF were hypertensive heart disease (35%) and ischemic heart disease (20%). The mean MoCA score was highest in Uganda (24.3 ± 1.1) and lowest in Sudan (13.6 ± 0.3). Prescriptions for guideline-recommended HF therapies were poor; only 1.2% of South African patients received an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, and none of the patients received Cardiac Resynchronised Therapy. The composite outcome of death or HF hospitalization at one year among the patients was highest in Sudan (59.7%) and lowest in Mozambique (21.1%). Six variables were associated with higher mortality risk, while digoxin use (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–0.97; p = 0.034) and 10mmHg unit increase in systolic blood pressure (aHR 0.86; 95%CI 0.81–0.93; p < 0.001) were associated with lower risk for mortality. Conclusions: This is the largest HF study in Africa that included in- and out-patients from the West, East, North, Central and South African sub-regions. Clinically relevant differences, including cognitive functional impairment, were found between the involved countries.

Abstract Background Male sterility has tremendous scientific and economic importance in hybrid seed production. Identification and characterization of a stable male sterility gene will be highly beneficial for making hybrid seed production economically feasible. In soybean, eleven male-sterile, female-fertile mutant lines (ms1, ms2, ms3, ms4, ms5, ms6, ms7, ms8, ms9, msMOS, and msp) have been identified and mapped onto various soybean chromosomes, however the causal genes responsible for male sterility are not isolated. The objective of this study was to identify and functionally characterize the gene responsible for the male sterility in the ms4 mutant. Results The ms4 locus was fine mapped to a 216 kb region, which contains 23 protein-coding genes including Glyma.02G243200, an ortholog of Arabidopsis MALE MEIOCYTE DEATH 1 (MMD1), which is a Plant Homeodomain (PHD) protein involved in male fertility. Isolation and sequencing of Glyma.02G243200 from the ms4 mutant line showed a single base insertion in the 3rd exon causing a premature stop codon resulting in truncated protein production. Phylogenetic analysis showed presence of a homolog protein (MS4_homolog) encoded by the Glyma.14G212300 gene. Both proteins were clustered within legume-specific clade of the phylogenetic tree and were likely the result of segmental duplication during the paleoploidization events in soybean. The comparative expression analysis of Ms4 and Ms4_homologs across the soybean developmental and reproductive stages showed significantly higher expression of Ms4 in early flowering (flower bud differentiation) stage than its homolog. The functional complementation of Arabidopsis mmd1 mutant with the soybean Ms4 gene produced normal stamens, successful tetrad formation, fertile pollens and viable seeds, whereas the Ms4_homolog was not able to restore male fertility. Conclusions Overall, this is the first report, where map based cloning approach was employed to isolate and characterize a gene responsible for the male-sterile phenotype in soybean. Characterization of male sterility genes may facilitate the establishment of a stable male sterility system, highly desired for the viability of hybrid seed production in soybean. Additionally, translational genomics and genome editing technologies can be utilized to generate new male-sterile lines in other plant species.

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of keratinization. It is usually present at birth or develops within 1 year of birth. It is classified into four types, but type-1 (Jadassohn–Lewandowsky type) and type-2 (Jackson–Lawler type) are the most common. PC is characterized by dystrophic, thickened nails, and painful palmo–plantar keratoderma. The nails are dramatically affected in most patients, but oral lesions are seen in patients affected by the Jadassohn–Lewandowsky type. In literature, fewer than 500 cases have been reported about PC. We report a case of PC in an 18-year-old male patient who presented with subungual hyperkeratosis, palmar-plantar keratosis, and leukokeratosis.

Abstract Background As one of the largest subfamilies of the receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) in plants, Leucine Rich Repeats-RLKs (LRR-RLKs) are involved in many critical biological processes including growth, development and stress responses in addition to various physiological roles. Arabidopsis contains 234 LRR-RLKs, and four members of Stress Induced Factor (SIF) subfamily (AtSIF1-AtSIF4) which are involved in abiotic and biotic stress responses. Herein, we aimed at identification and functional characterization of SIF subfamily in cultivated tetraploid cotton Gossypium hirsutum. Results Genome-wide analysis of cotton LRR-RLK gene family identified 543 members and phylogenetic analysis led to the identification of 6 cotton LRR-RLKs with high homology to Arabidopsis SIFs. Of the six SIF homologs, GhSIF1 is highly conserved exhibiting 46–47% of homology with AtSIF subfamily in amino acid sequence. The GhSIF1 was transiently silenced using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing system specifically targeting the 3’ Untranslated Region. The transiently silenced cotton seedlings showed enhanced salt tolerance compared to the control plants. Further, the transiently silenced plants showed better growth, lower electrolyte leakage, and higher chlorophyll and biomass contents. Conclusions Overall, 543 LRR-RLK genes were identified using genome-wide analysis in cultivated tetraploid cotton G. hirsutum. The present investigation also demonstrated the conserved salt tolerance function of SIF family member in cotton. The GhSIF1 gene can be knocked out using genome editing technologies to improve salt tolerance in cotton.

Summary: Background: Historical, colonial, and racist policies continue to influence the health of Indigenous people, and they continue to have higher rates of chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy compared with non-Indigenous people. We determined factors accounting for variations in cardiovascular risk factors among First Nations communities in Canada. Methods: Men and women (n=1302) aged 18 years or older from eight First Nations communities participated in a population-based study. Questionnaires, physical measures, blood samples, MRI of preclinical vascular disease, and community audits were collected. In this cross-sectional analysis, the main outcome was the INTERHEART risk score, a measure of cardiovascular risk factor burden. A multivariable model was developed to explain the variations in INTERHEART risk score among communities. The secondary outcome was MRI-detected carotid wall volume, a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. Findings: The mean INTERHEART risk score of all communities was 17·2 (SE 0·2), and more than 85% of individuals had a risk score in the moderate to high risk range. Subclinical atherosclerosis increased significantly across risk score categories (p

The burden of multiple drug resistance towards chronic diseases is rapidly increasing globally at an alarm rate. The present study aims to isolate active principles via bioassay guided fractionation of traditionally used lichen Roccella montagnei for in vitro radical scavenging activity with potential to combat arthritis and inflammation. The results of proximate composition and mineral analysis revealed the presence of essential amount of micro and macro nutrients which are required for secondary metabolite production. Fractions of Roccella montagnei and pure compounds were assessed for its in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, OH radical, SOD, CAT, GPX), antiarthritic and antiinflammatory activity. The results indicates that lichen sample and fractions exhibited potent radical scavenger demonstrated in vitro antiarthritic and antiinflammatory activity in dose dependent manner. Bioassay fractionation lead to isolation of two pure compounds ie., Compound I and Compound II which were characterized using spectral data such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT NMR spectroscopy, COSY & HMQC NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS analysis and was identified as Methyl-γ-Orsellinate (C9H10O4) a novel isomer from fractions E2d5a with a molecular weight of 182.2 and Roccellatol (C12H16O7) from fractions D3d4c with a molecular weight of 272.3. The present findings suggest that the secondary metabolites present in the lichens have direct relation, with biological activities revealing different properties and can be a future novel antioxidant and a potent anti-arthritic agent.

The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of hybridisation on Kevlar/E-Glass based epoxy composite laminate structures. Composites with 3 mm thickness and 16 layers of fibre (14 layers of E-glass centred and 2 outer layers of Kevlar) were fabricated using compression moulding technique. The fibre orientation of the Kevlar layers had 3 variations (0, 45 and 60°), whereas the E-glass fibre layers were maintained at 0° orientation. Tensile, flexural, impact (Charpy and Izod), interlaminar shear strength and ballistic impact tests were conducted. The ballistic test was performed using a gas gun with spherical hard body projectiles at the projectile velocity of 170 m/s. The pre- and post-impact velocities of the projectiles were measured using a high-speed camera. The energy absorbed by the composite laminates was further reported during the ballistic test, and a computerised tomographic scan was used to analyse the impact damage. The composites with 45° fibre orientation of Kevlar fibres showed better tensile strength, flexural strength, Charpy impact strength, and energy absorption. The energy absorbed by the composites with 45° fibre orientation was 58.68 J, which was 14% and 22% higher than the 0° and 60° oriented composites.

Background: Diabetes is rapidly rising all over the world at an alarming rate and has changed from a mild disorder to major causes of mortality and morbidity in the youth and middle-aged people, and the prevalence is seen especially in six inhabited continents of the globe. The present study aims to explore the antidiabetic, lipid lowering effect of Cassia auriculata L. flowers in alloxan-induced diabetes. Methods: Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate in experimental rats and subsequent therapeutic effects of C. auriculata extract and standard drug glibenclamide were monitored. Bioassay-directed fractionation using silica gel column chromatography was performed until pure fractions were isolated. The effect of the treatment was analyzed by hematological parameters and enzyme assays. The pure compounds were confirmed with thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography pattern and further subjected for characterization. Results: The alterations in blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. There was a gradual fall in blood glucose and significant changes were observed in lipid profile and metabolic enzyme after treatment with C. auriculata. Bioassay fractionation represented that the C2 subfraction produced a dose-dependent fall in blood glucose and lipid profile and upon further purification yielded two pure compounds. The structure of the pure compound was elucidated using Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral data. Conclusion: The present study clearly indicated the significant antidiabetic effect of C. auriculata and lends support for its traditional usage without evident toxic effects. Keywords: alloxan, Cassia auriculata, chromatography, hyperglycemia, hypolipidemic