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Background: Advancements in instrumentations has eased many operative procedures and has reduced human efforts in terms of time and labor. But at the same time it is very important to preserve the principle of pharmaceutical preparation with standardized products that meet the expectation of industry in terms of production. The other important factors being to get cost effective drug with maximum safety and efcacy. Aims: Production of Bhasmas (ashes) has been replaced from conventional Puta/Bhatti to Electrical Mufe Furnace (EMF), however the pros and cons of the same has to be evaluated through proper study. Materials & Methods: Suryashekhara Rasa, a Kupipakwa Rasayana (preparation done in glass bottle) was prepared in conventional Bhatti and EMF by subjecting to 18 hrs of Kramagni (gradual intermittent rise of temperature). Further Kajjali and end products were analyzed for physico-chemical analysis, XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR and Particle size. Results: Both the samples analyzed by XRD showed the presence of HgS Cinnabar in Hexagonal crystal structure. Particle size in conventional method was 0.64 μm and in EMF was 0.51 μm. Both the samples showed the presence of primary amines, alkanes, methyl, Aromatic, uroalkanes and Bromo-alkanes in FTIR analysis. Conclusion: Conventional method of Kupipakwa Rasayana in Bhatti can be effectively replaced by Electrical mufe Furnace. In both methods the analytical ndings did not show any notable variations. The particle size however were smaller in samples prepared through EMF.

In silico interaction of curcumin with the enzyme MMP-3 (human stromelysin-1) was studied by molecular docking using AutoDock 4.2 as the docking software application. AutoDock 4.2 software serves as a valid and acceptable docking application to study the interactions of small compounds with proteins. Interactions of curcumin with MMP-3 were compared to those of two known inhibitors of the enzyme, PBSA and MPPT. The calculated free energy of binding (ΔG binding) shows that curcumin binds with affinity comparable to or better than the two known inhibitors. Binding interactions of curcumin with active site residues of the enzyme are also predicted. Curcumin appears to bind in an extendended conformation making extensive VDW contacts in the active site of the enzyme. Hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions with key active site residues is also observed. Thus, curcumin can be considered as a good lead compound in the development of new inhibitors of MMP-3 which is a potential target of anticancer drugs. The results of these studies can serve as a starting point for further computational and experimental studies.

Cloud computing and education sounds ambiguous on the face of it. Naturally, it’s because, very few individuals, publishers and users alike come from the education sector. In most cases, cloud computing is only associated with businesses and how they can leverage their efficiencies. Just to introduce how the cloud deserves a place in our current education institution, it’s important to reiterate the education philosophy. Its essence is knowledge. It’s this knowledge which brings advancement, achievement and success. However, there are several things which make these parameters unattainable. In blunt language, this is failure. Small classrooms, lack or resources, short-handed staff, lack of adequate teachers…the list is endless. One way or the other, cloud computing can be utilized to improve education standards and activities. The end result will be to curb the above problems and instead, boost performance.

Delta-Beta thalassaemia is an unusual variant of thalassaemia with elevated level of foetal haemoglobin (HbF). The clinical presentation of delta-beta thalassaemia is mild in both heterozygote and homozygote cases. We hereby describe a rare cause of elevated Hb F in a father and his two daughters. A 52-year-old diabetic male patient, on evaluation of chromatogram of cation exchange HPLC for HbA1c, we incidentally identified elevated Hb F of approximately 20%. Haematological investigation of the patient revealed decreased haemoglobin, normal RBC, leucocyte and platelet count, decreased MCV and MCH. Red cell morphology showed predominantly normocytic normochromic cells with mild anisopoikilocytosis, few microcytes and hypochromic cells seen. His liver function test was normal. Haemoglobin variant analysis revealed decreased Hb A (79.4%), normal Hb A2 (2%) and increased Hb F (19.75%). A possible diagnosis of heterozygous δ β-thalassaemia was considered. Since most laboratories perform HbA1c by cation exchange HPLC method, a careful evaluation of the chromatogram yields useful information. In our case, the elevated Hb F in a father and further careful evaluation of clinical and haematological parameters in the family members made us to possibly think of rare disorders like heterozygous Delta-Beta thalassaemia in the family and provide valuable genetic counseling.

A novel isolate capable of producing opulent yields of kojic acid with surface fermentation was screened from ten different isolated soil fungi. The organism was confirmed as Aspergillus flavus FJ537130 strain using 18SrRNA based molecular analysis and it was identified as a negative producer of aflatoxin. Though twelve different carbon sources were used, significant yields of kojic acid crystals was noticed with Sago starch. The optimized conditions established were substrate concentration 1000 ml (100 g of starch powder in 1000 ml of H2O), pH 6.0, Time 28 d, Temperature 28°C, Peptone concentration 4 g/l, KH2PO4 concentration 1 g/l, MgSO4 concentration 0.5 g/l and the yield achieved was 28.5 g/l. The resulted fermentation broth was subjected to solvent extraction followed by gel filtration for the separation of kojic acid and crystallization. The structural characterization of purified kojic acid was confirmed by Proton NMR, FTIR and XRD. The molecular weight and purity of kojic acid was confirmed by LC/MS and HPLC. The isolated kojic acid crystals shows high antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and maximum zone of inhibition was 9 mm. The inhibitory effect of kojic acid was more on the cell line K562 (Leukemia) when compared to the MDAMB435S (Breast cancer) cell line.

Gitelman's syndrome is an inherited tubulopathy affecting thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter, which manifests with hypokalemic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria. Recently few cases have been described having an association of Gitelman's syndrome with pituitary abnormalities on imaging, though with normal hormonal status. We describe the first case of an adult patient having Gitelman's syndrome and hypopituitarism with abnormal pituitary imaging. She presented to us with hypotension, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia with alkalosis, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, and hypogonadism. She was treated with replacement of electrolytes and hormones, to which she showed an excellent response.

Background Mongolian spots are benign skin markings at birth which fade and disappear as the child grows. Often persistent extensive Mongolian spots are associated with inborn error of metabolism. We report thirteen people of the single family manifested with extensive Mongolian spots showing autosomal dominant inheritance. Case Presentation A one day old female child, product of second degree consanguineous marriage, born by normal vaginal delivery with history of meconium stained amniotic fluid and birth asphyxia. On examination the child showed extensive bluish discoloration of the body involving trunk and extremities in both anterior and posterior aspects associated with bluish discoloration of the tongue. A detailed family history revealed most of the family members manifested with extensive bluish discoloration of the body soon after birth which faded in the first few years of life and completely disappeared by puberty. Thus it was diagnosed to be extensive Mongolian spots with an autosomal dominant inheritance. Conclusion Knowledge about the natural history of extensive Mongolian spots, their inheritance and association with certain metabolic diseases mainly IEM and Mucopolysaccharidosis aids in the diagnosis and in order to improve the patient's prognosis.

The gene for human pancreatic cholesterol esterase consists of 11 exons and 10 introns and is 9.2 kb in length. The last and longest exon (841 nucleotides) is unique to the human gene. Functional amino acids are encoded on separate exons. The leader sequence is encoded by a single exon which carries two additional N-terminal amino acids of the mature functional protein. A positive TATA element is identified 43 nucleotides from the start codon. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis and hybridization with various cDNA probes and direct sequence data revealed the existence of a CEase-like gene. Partial sequence analysis of this gene from a human cosmid library and human genomic DNA showed a premature stop signal in exon 10, shortly after the codon for the active-site histidine. Both the functional gene and the CEase-like gene have a polyadenylation signal in the 3'-untranslated region. Thus, the complex gene structure for this intestinally active enzyme may provide in part a potential molecular explanation for the well-known heterogeneity of the intestinal absorption of cholesterol.

Gloriosa superba is a plant that grows wild in several parts of South India. Tubers of this plant contain several alkaloids. Acute intoxication following the ingestion of G. superba results in gastrointestinal and haematological abnormalities, hepatic and renal insufficiency, cardiotoxicity and hair loss. We present a case with typical features of G superba toxicity.

Two tumor systems were used to test prophylactic effects of amphotericin B (AmB). When 0.5 mg AmB was given ip every 2 weeks to AKR mice beginning at 8 weeks of age, the 50% tumor incidence for spontaneous lymphoma development was delayed 2-3 months. In the second tumor system, BALB/c mice received injections of either 20 or 50 mug AmB before receiving MOPC-315-C cells sc. The mice given the low dose of AmB demonstrated a decreased tumor incidence and a reduced tumor growth rate, when compared with controls. Opposite effects were found for the group administered the high dose; tumor incidence and rate of growth were increased.

The three ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerases (ribonucleoside triphosphate RNA nucleotidyltransferases, EC 2.7.7.6) of the two phases (yeast and mycelial) of the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum have been purified and characterized. The corresponding enzymes from the two phases differ in sensitivity to alpha-amanitin, ion and salt requirements, temperature sensitivity, and subunit structure. This is the first case in which such qualitative differences in RNA polymerases have been demonstrated in two growth states of the same organism.

When the mycelial to yeast transition of the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is induced by a temperature shift from 25 to 37 degrees C, the activities of the cytochrome system and the alternate oxidase decrease in parallel over the first 24 to 40 h (stage 1 of the transition). The decrease in activity of the cytochrome system is correlated with extensive decreases in the amounts of cytochromes b, c, and aa3, assayed spectrophotometrically. After 40 h, the cells enter a dormant phase (stage 2 of the transition) and cysteine or other sulfhydryl-containing compounds are required to reactivate mitochondrial respiration. This reactivation is due to the establishment of shunt pathways which bypass blocked segments of the electron transport system. The "shunt" pathways operate normally in mycelia grown at 25 degrees C, but are shut down during the transition, possibly because of depletion of intracellular cysteine. The longstanding observation that cysteine is required to progress beyond the initial stages of the morphological transition may be due, at least in part, to the reactivation of these "shunt" pathways.

The activity of Cr in solid Cr-Mo alloys has been measured at 1873 K using a metal-oxide-gas equilibrium technique. Thin foils of Mo were equilibrated with solid Cr203 under flowing gas mixtures of argon, hydrogen and watervapourof known composition. The equilibrium concentration of Cr in Mo was determined by chemical analysis. These measurements indicate positive deviations from Raoult's law. The activity data obtained in the study at 1873 K are combined with free energy of mixing at 1471 K, calorimetric enthalpy of mixing at 1673 K, and experimental evidence of phase separation at lower temperatures, reported in the literature, to obtain an optimised set of thermodynamic parameters for the Cr-Mosystem in the solid state.

An experimental characterization of three-phase equilibria in Fe--V--O and Fe--Nb--O systems at 1823, 1873 and 1923K has been carried out using a solid state cell and by analysis of quenched samples. The oxygen potentials corresponding to these three-phase equilibria were monitored by a solid state cell incorporating Y sub 2 O sub 3 doped ThO sub 2 with Cr + Cr sub 2 O sub 3 as reference electrode. Similar measurements were carried out for Fe--Nb--O alloys in equilibrium with a mixture of FeNb sub 2 O sub 6 and NbO sub 2 . These measurements permit evaluation of interaction parameters (e exp V sub O = --6590/T + 2.892 and e exp Nb sub O = --4066/T + 1.502) and activity coefficients of vanadiun and niobium in dilute solution (ln gamma exp O sub V = --35 320/T + 12.68 and ln gamma sub Nb exp O = --12 386/T + 4.34) in liquid iron. The results obtained in this study resolve a number of discrepancies in thermodynamic data reported in the literature, especially regarding the activity coefficients of V and Nb and the stability ranges for V sub 2 O sub 3 and VO sub 1+x . 18 ref.--AA

A cysteine dioxygenase, cysteine oxidase (EC 1.13.11.20), has been purified from the cytosolic fraction of yeast phase cells of the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The cysteine oxidase is an iron-containing dioxygenase with a molecular weight of 10500 (±1500) and is present only in the yeast phase of the fungus. The enzyme is highly specific for l-cysteine, with a Km of 2 × 10−5 M in vitro. The product of cysteine oxidation is cysteinesulfinic acid, as analyzed by thin-layer chromatography and mass spectroscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first cysteine oxidase isolated from a fungus, and it probably plays an important role in the mycelial to yeast phase transition of H. capsulatum during which redox potential and cysteine levels are crucial factors. © 1983, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Histoplasma capsulatum, the etiological agent of histoplasmosis, is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus. The disease histoplasmosis occurs in many different parts of the world, but has a particularly high prevalence in temperate and subtropical zones such as the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys of the United States, South and Central America, parts of the Mediterranean basin, and West Africa (P. Q. Edwards and Billings, 1971). The epidemiology of H. capsulatum and problems related to human infection have been extensively studied (Sweany, 1960; Ajello et al., 1971; Schwarz, 1981). The nature of dimorphism in H. capsulatum has also received a great deal of interest ever since the fungus was observed in tissue and cultured in vitro and discovered to have a saprophytic hyphal phase and a parasitic yeast phase (DeMonbreun, 1934).

The transition from yeast to mycelia of Histoplasma capsulatum could be accomplished by shifting the temperature of incubation from 37 to 25 degrees C. It was accompanied by many changes in cellular metabolism, including changes in respiration, intracellular cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) levels, and activities of two enzymes specific for the yeast phase, cystine reductase (EC 1.6.4.1) and cysteine oxidase (EC 1.13.11.20). Even at 37 degrees C, the yeast to mycelial transition could be induced by cAMP and agents which raise the intracellular levels of cAMP (theophylline, acetylsalicylic acid, prostaglandin E1, and nerve growth factor). During this morphogenesis the same pattern of changes occurred as in the temperature-induced transition. Therefore, these changes were not simply dependent on a shift in temperature, but rather were part of the process of the phase transition.