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Objectives: Happiness has been shown to influence many health-related outcomes in older adults. Identifying correlates and brain substrates of happiness across countries and cultures is an important goal, as the global older adult population continues to increase., Methods: We used univariate and multiple regression to examine associations between happiness and several demographic, health, and lifestyle variables in 665 older adults (39% female) from Kerala, India. We also used Bayesian regression to examine associations between cortical thickness and happiness in a subsample of 188 participants that completed MRI scanning., Results: Happiness was significantly associated with several variables. In our multiple regression model, which included all significant univariate predictors, self-rated health, depression, anxiety, apathy, social network size, social network diversity, and social support significantly predicted happiness. Demographic indicators (age, sex, education, marital status, residence, and employment status/type), cognitive impairment, comorbidities, and leisure activities were not significantly associated with happiness in the multiple regression model. Cortical thickness in several brain regions was positively associated with happiness scores, including frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, and cingulate regions., Discussion: Understanding the key correlates is critical for identifying both modifiable factors that can be targeted in well-being interventions and fixed characteristics that identify those at-risk for reduced happiness. The widespread pattern of brain regions associated with happiness is consistent with the multifactorial nature of happiness and, given that the regions identified do not overlap with those vulnerable to cortical thinning, can help explain why subjective well-being, unlike other cognitive functions, is largely resistant to age-related decline., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The surface protein hemagglutinin (HA) of the influenza virus plays a pivotal role in facilitating viral infection by binding to sialic acid receptors on host cells. Its conformational state is pH-sensitive, impacting its receptor-binding ability and evasion of the host immune response. In this study, we conducted extensive equilibrium microsecond-level all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the HA protein to explore the influence of low pH on its conformational dynamics. Specifically, we investigated the impact of protonation on conserved histidine residues (His106 2 ) located in the hinge region of HA2. Our analysis encompassed comparisons between non-protonated (NP), partially protonated (1P, 2P), and fully-protonated (3P) conditions. Our findings reveal substantial pH-dependent conformational alterations in the HA protein, affecting its receptor-binding capability and immune evasion potential. Notably, the non-protonated form exhibits greater stability compared to protonated states. Conformational shifts in the central helices of HA2 involve outward movement, counterclockwise rotation of protonated helices, and fusion peptide release in protonated systems. Disruption of hydrogen bonds between the fusion peptide and central helices of HA2 drives this release. Moreover, HA1 separation is more likely in the fully-protonated system (3P) compared to non-protonated systems (NP), underscoring the influence of protonation. These insights shed light on influenza virus infection mechanisms and may inform the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting HA protein and pH-responsive drug delivery systems for influenza.

This work explores the use of MXene-embedded porous carbon-based Cu 2 O nanocomposite (Cu 2 O/M/AC) as a sensing material for the electrochemical sensing of glucose. The composite was prepared using the coprecipitation method and further analyzed for its morphological and structural characteristics. The highly porous scaffold of activated (porous) carbon facilitated the incorporation of MXene and copper oxide inside the pores and also acted as a medium for charge transfer. In the Cu 2 O/M/AC composite, MXene and Cu 2 O influence the sensing parameters, which were confirmed using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and amperometric analysis. The prepared composite shows two sets of linear ranges for glucose with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.96 μM. The linear range was found to be 0.004 to 13.3 mM and 15.3 to 28.4 mM, with sensitivity values of 430.3 and 240.5 μA mM -1 cm -2 , respectively. These materials suggest that the prepared Cu 2 O/M/AC nanocomposite can be utilized as a sensing material for non-enzymatic glucose sensors., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Study was carried out to examine the influence of plant bioactive compounds [Kaempferol (KAE), Querectin (QUE) and Myricetin (MYR)] on the survival and growth parameters of cultured ovine preantral follicles (PFs) granulosa cells (GCs) and expression of some key developmental genes. Ovine PFs were isolated from slaughterhouse derived ovaries and KAE, QUE and MYR were supplemented to the standard culture medium of GCs and PFs at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μM and cultured for 5 and 7 days respectively. PFs morphological and functional parameters [follicle and enclosed oocyte growth rate, viability of follicles, antrum formation rate, oocyte maturation rate, estradiol concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production] and GC growth parameters (metabolic activity, viability rate, cell number increment, ROS production) were measured after culture. Significantly higher PF growth, viability rate and estradiol concentration was observed at 10 μM, 25 μM and 10 μM concentration of KAE, MYR and QUE respectively compared to the control. ROS production was significantly decreased in the PF culture media treated with 10 μM KAE or MYR 25 μM or 10 μM QUE compared to those observed in the control group. Likewise, metabolic activity of GCs, viability rate and cell number increment cultured with KAE, MYR and QUE was significantly higher at 10, 25 and 10 μM concentrations respectively compared to those observed in control group. ROS production was significantly lower in the GC cultured with KAE, MYR and QUE at 10, 25 and 10 μM concentrations respectively compared to the control. Based on the results of the growth parameters, gene expression of PFs and GCs were studied by qPCR at selected concentrations (KAE, MYR and QUE at 10, 25 and 10 μM concentrations respectively) in the cultured PFs and GCs. Gene expression of GDF9, FGF2, CYP19A1 was significantly higher and Bax, Bcl2 expression was significantly lower in the PFs and GCs cultured with the KAE or QUE at 10 μM concentration. KAE, MYR and QUE have dose dependant responses on PFs and GCs morphological and functional parameters; however, KAE is more potent amongst the three in augmenting the ovarian functions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None of the authors have any conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The current challenges in cancer treatment using conventional therapies have made the emergence of nanotechnology with more advancements. The exponential growth of nanoscience has drawn to develop nanomaterials (NMs) with therapeutic activities. NMs have enormous potential in cancer treatment by altering the drug toxicity profile. Nanoparticles (NPs) with enhanced surface characteristics can diffuse more easily inside tumor cells, thus delivering an optimal concentration of drugs at tumor site while reducing the toxicity. Cancer cells can be targeted with greater affinity by utilizing NMs with tumor specific constituents. Furthermore, it bypasses the bottlenecks of indiscriminate biodistribution of the antitumor agent and high administration dosage. Here, we focus on the recent advances on the use of various nanomaterials for cancer treatment, including targeting cancer cell surfaces, tumor microenvironment (TME), organelles, and their mechanism of action. The paradigm shift in cancer management is achieved through the implementation of anticancer drug delivery using nano routes., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The presence and longevity of nanomaterials in the ecosystem, as well as their properties, account for environmental toxicity. When nanomaterials in terrestrial and aquatic systems are exposed to the prevailing environmental conditions, they undergo various transformations such as dissociation, dissolution, and aggregation, which affects the food chain. The toxicity of nanomaterials is influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental factors and its physico-chemical characteristics. Bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biomagnification are the mechanisms that have been identified for determining the fate of nanomaterials. The route taken by nanomaterials to reach living cells provides us with information about their toxicity profile. This review discusses the recent advances in the transport, transformation, and fate of nanomaterials after they are released into the environment. The review also discusses how nanoparticles affect lower trophic organisms through direct contact, the impact of nanoparticles on higher trophic organisms, and the possible options for remediation., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nanoarchitectonics relies on the fabrication of materials at the atomic/molecular level to achieve the desired shape and function. Significant advances have been made in understanding the characteristics and spatial assemblies that contribute to material performance. Biomaterials undergo several changes when presented with various environmental cues. The ability to overcome such challenges, maintaining the integrity and effective functioning of native properties, can be regarded as a characteristic of a successful biomaterial. Control over the shape and efficacy of target materials can be tailored via various processes, like self-assembly, supramolecular chemistry, atomic/molecular manipulation, etc . Interplay between the physicochemical properties of materials and biomolecule recognition sites defines the structural rigidity in hierarchical structures. Materials including polymers, metal nanoparticles, nucleic acid systems, metal-organic frameworks, and carbon-based nanostructures can be viewed as promising prospects for developing biocompatible systems. This review discusses recent advances relating to such biomaterials for life science applications, where nanoarchitectonics plays a decisive role either directly or indirectly.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1(PARP-1) is a DNA-dependent enzyme, forming part of ADP-ribosyltransferase family. Although some PARP inhibitors find therapeutical applications in cancer therapy and exhibits crucial role in DNA damage response. Here a novel Schiff base, (E)-3-((5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene) amino) propanoic acid was synthesized using 5-bromo salicylaldehyde and β-alanine. Characterization was carried out using IR, UV-Vis, 1 H and 13 C NMR and mass spectrum. Present study involves the evaluation of a novel Schiff base as an inhibitor against human breast cancer cell lines (pdb:3GEY) using 2-(dimethylamino)-N-(6-oxo-5,6-dihydrophenanthridin-2-yl) acetamide (DDA) as a native ligand. In silico study of 3GEY inhibitor is a variant of PARP-15, docking with two different ligands (E)-3-((5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene) amino) propanoic acid (SBL) and the native ligand. Synthesized ligandis docked in to the B chain of PARP enzyme binding site to visualize the best docked poseand favorable ligand-protein binding interactions. Swiss ADME tool determines the drug likeness and strongly suggests that SBL can be a promising candidate to fight against breast cancer. DFT studies were done to support the experimental results using B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) and geometry optimization was performed. Various thermodynamic parameters and NLO properties were found out. ECD and VCD spectrum were explained using DFT studies. Vibrational and Raman frequencies were also reported. HOMO-LUMO band gaps, Mulliken charges were calculated and the electrostatic potential surface was mapped with various properties. Experimental findings obtained are in good agreement with that of theoretical DFT analysis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background & Aim: Undernutrition and TB have a bidirectional relationship, which is especially relevant in the Indian context. Undernutrition is an established risk factor for the progression of latent TB infection to active TB. Undernutrition at the population level contributes to an estimated 55% of annual TB incidence in India. TB leads to weight loss, wasting, and worsening of nutritional status. Hence, the present study aimed to determine the impact of dietary counselling on the nutritional status and the health-related quality of life of PTB patients., Materials & Method: This was an interventional study (randomized controlled trial) that involved patients with PTB. 46 patients (23 patients as experimental and 23 patients as a control group) were enrolled in the study from June 2019 to February 2020 and they were divided into 2 categories based on BMI (underweight and normal weight). The special dietary counselling was given to the experimental group patients and the normal protocol was followed with the control group. The patients were followed up, till completion of treatment i.e., 6 months from enrolment., Results: In our study, nearly half of the patients were underweight and DM was the predominant comorbidity. The BMI increased after dietary counselling in the experimental group than the control group (P = 0.0053) in underweight individuals. Total protein (P = 0.0025), and serum albumin (P = 0.0048) levels were found to be significantly improved in the experimental group. SGRQ symptom score (P = 0.0036) has significantly reduced in the experimental group in underweight individuals than the control group., Conclusion: Personalized dietary counselling was found to have a positive impact on BMI, total protein, and albumin levels in the experimental group, especially in underweight individuals. Besides, the quality of life measured using SGRQ showed that symptom score were also significantly reduced in the experimental group than the control group., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have none to declare., (Copyright © 2021 Tuberculosis Association of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Graphene-based nanomaterials are gaining importance in biomedicine because of their large surface areas, solubility, and biocompatibility. Green synthesis is the most economical method for application, as it is rapid and sustainable. Biofunctionalized reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) nanosheets were synthesized using methanol extract of Turbinaria ornata, and bioreduction of graphene oxide was primarily confirmed and characterized using UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and further characterized by zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy. The FTIR spectra of TrGO showed a decrease in the band intensities of oxygen groups, thus confirming effective deoxygenation. The zeta potential value of -34.6 mV revealed that synthesized TrGO was highly stable. The cytotoxic effect of TrGO against MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells was ascertained using MTT assay, showed a greater cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. The IC 50 of TrGO treatment against MCF-7 was calculated to be 31.25 µg, which is onefold lower than the cytotoxic effect of methanolic extract of T. ornata (60.0 ± 1.14 µg/ml). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in cell viability between MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells in the treatment of TrGO. Hence, this study results in an efficient green reductant for producing rGO nanosheets that possess cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells., (© 2021 The Authors. IET Nanobiotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Institution of Engineering and Technology.)

Background: Time to revascularization is critical in improving outcomes in stroke thrombolysis. We studied the effectiveness of a mobile app based strategy to improve door-to-needle time (DNT) in treatment of acute ischemic stroke., Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke to the emergency department at a tertiary care hospital in Southern India between April 2017 - September 2018 were included. The app enabled rapid entry of patient parameters, the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS), thrombolysis checklist and dose calculation along with team synchronization, notifying all on-call members and team leaders of the patient movement, and sharing of radiological images. DNT captured from the app was compared to previous values from our center using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) after adjusting for differences in baseline variables., Results: A total of 76 patients were thrombolysed during the study period, while using the mobile app. The mean DNT was 41 min, with 89% being thrombolysed within 60 min and 57% being thrombolysed within 45 min. Compared to 100 consecutive patients thrombolysed in the months prior to April 2017 where the mean DNT was 57 min, with 67% thrombolysed within 60 min and 47% being thrombolysed within 45 min, there was a mean DNT decrease of 16 min with 1.3x increase in DNT < 60 min. This difference was statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex and NIHSS Score (p=0.005, One-Way ANOVA)., Conclusion: We have been able to demonstrate a significant improvement in DNT using mobile app as a tool to improve team performance., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Perception necessitates interaction among neuronal ensembles, the dynamics of which can be conceptualized as the emergent behavior of coupled dynamical systems. Here, we propose a detailed neurobiologically realistic model that captures the neural mechanisms of inter-individual variability observed in cross-modal speech perception. From raw EEG signals recorded from human participants when they were presented with speech vocalizations of McGurk-incongruent and congruent audio-visual (AV) stimuli, we computed the global coherence metric to capture the neural variability of large-scale networks. We identified that participants' McGurk susceptibility was negatively correlated to their alpha band global coherence. The proposed biophysical model conceptualized the global coherence dynamics emerge from coupling between the interacting neural masses-representing the sensory-specific auditory/visual areas and modality nonspecific associative/integrative regions. Subsequently, we could predict that an extremely weak direct AV coupling results in a decrease in alpha band global coherence-mimicking the cortical dynamics of participants with higher McGurk susceptibility. Source connectivity analysis also showed decreased connectivity between sensory-specific regions in participants more susceptible to McGurk effect, thus establishing an empirical validation to the prediction. Overall, our study provides an outline to link variability in structural and functional connectivity metrics to variability of performance that can be useful for several perception and action task paradigms., (© 2020 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Accelerated gait decline in aging is associated with many adverse outcomes, including an increased risk for falls, cognitive decline, and dementia. Yet, the brain structures associated with gait speed, and how they relate to specific cognitive domains, are not well-understood. We examined structural brain correlates of gait speed, and how they relate to processing speed, executive function, and episodic memory in three non-demented and community-dwelling older adult cohorts (Overall N = 352), using voxel-based morphometry and multivariate covariance-based statistics. In all three cohorts, we identified gray matter volume covariance patterns associated with gait speed that included brain stem, precuneus, fusiform, motor, supplementary motor, and prefrontal (particularly ventrolateral prefrontal) cortex regions. Greater expression of these gray matter volume covariance patterns linked to gait speed were associated with better processing speed in all three cohorts, and with better executive function in one cohort. These gray matter covariance patterns linked to gait speed were not associated with episodic memory in any of the cohorts. These findings suggest that gait speed, processing speed (and to some extent executive functions) rely on shared neural systems that are subject to age-related and dementia-related change. The implications of these findings are discussed within the context of the development of interventions to compensate for age-related gait and cognitive decline.

In the present study, high purity copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised using Tridax procumbens leaf extract. Green syntheses of nano-mosquitocides rely on plant compounds as reducing and stabilising agents. Copper oxide NPs were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and fluorescence spectroscopy. XRD studies of the NPs indicate crystalline nature which was perfectly matching with a monoclinic structure of bulk CuO with an average crystallite size of 16 nm. Formation of copper oxide NPs was confirmed by FT-IR studies and photoluminescence spectra with emission peaks at 331, 411 and 433 nm were assigned to a near-band-edge emission band of CuO in the UV, violet and blue region. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry studies inferred the phytochemical constituents of the leaf extract. Larvicidal activity of synthesised NPs using T. procumbens leaf extract was tested against Aedes aegypti species (dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever transmit vector).

This review attempts to cover the implication of the toll-like receptors (TLRs) in controlling immune functions with emphasis on their significance, function, regulation and expression patterns. The tripartite TLRs are type I integral transmembrane receptors that are involved in recognition and conveying of pathogens to the immune system. These paralogs are located on cell surfaces or within endosomes. The TLRs are found to be functionally involved in the recognition of self and non-self-antigens, maturation of DCs and initiation of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses as they bridge the innate and adaptive immunity. Interestingly, they also have a significant role in immunotherapy and vaccination. Signals generated by TLRs are transduced through NFκB signaling and MAP kinases pathway to recruit pro-inflammatory cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules, which promote inflammatory responses. The excess production of these cytokines leads to grave systemic disorders like tumor growth and autoimmune disorders. Hence, regulation of the TLR signaling pathway is necessary to keep the host system safe. Many molecules like LPS, SOCS1, IRAK1, NFκB, and TRAF3 are involved in modulating the TLR pathways to induce appropriate response. Though quantification of these TLRs helps in correlating the magnitude of immune response exhibited by the animal, there are several internal, external, genetic and animal factors that affect their expression patterns. So it can be concluded that any identification based on those expression profiles may lead to improper diagnosis during certain conditions.

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Sargassum swartzii and its anti-diabetic effect were studied using male wistar Albino rats. Formation of AuNPs were confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, High-Resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fasting blood glucose levels, serum insulin, hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in diabetic treated rats with AuNPs were significantly decreased compared to the control group. The results of the blood glucose level and serum insulin levels indicated that AuNPs could significantly improve the insulin resistance and glucose level in diabetic rats. AuNPs also shows reduction in anti-inflammation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in diabetic rats. The data showed that AuNPs synthesized using S. swartzii exerted antidiabetic effect, accordingly improve pancreas, liver and kidney damage caused by alloxan induced diabetic rats., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pectin and its several modified forms have shown remarkable impact in therapeutic use against various cancers. In the present study, pectin, an anionic polysaccharide isolated from Musa paradisiaca is employed for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles at ambient temperature conditions. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using microscopic and spectroscopic studies and its anti-cancer potential was evaluated in mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Apoptosis induction was evident from increase in sub-G1 population studied using flow cytometry analysis. DNA damage followed by cell death in pectin mediated gold nanoparticles (p-GNPs) treated cells was confirmed by Comet assay. Uptake of p-GNPs by cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) was analyzed using FE-SEM which revealed the presence of p-GNPs as aggregates over the surface of cells with loss in cellular integrity compared to control cells., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present study was undertaken to investigate the oocyte morphology, its fertilizing capacity and granulosa cell functions in ewes (obese, normal, metabolic stressed and emaciated). Ewes (Ovis aries) of approximately 3 years of age (Bellary breed) from a local village were screened, chosen and categorized into a) normal b) obese but not metabolically stressed, c) Emaciated but not metabolically stressed d) Metabolically stressed based on body condition scoring and blood markers. Oocytes and granulosa cells were collected from ovaries of the ewes of all categories after slaughter and were classified into good (oocytes with more than three layers of cumulus cells and homogenous ooplasm), fair (oocytes one or two layers of cumulus cells and homogenous ooplasm) and poor (denuded oocytes or with dark ooplasm). The good and fair quality oocytes were in vitro matured and cultured with fresh semen present and the fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst development were observed. The granulosa cells were cultured for evaluation of metabolic activity by use of the MTT assay, and cell viability, cell number as well as estrogen and progesterone production were assessed. It was observed that the good and fair quality oocytes had greater metabolic activity when collected from normal and obese ewes compared with those from emaciated and metabolically stressed ewes. No significant difference was observed in oocyte quality and maturation amongst the oocytes collected from normal and obese ewes. The cleavage and blastocyst production rates were different for the various body condition classifications and when ranked were: normal>obese>metabolically stressed>emaciated. Lesser metabolic activity was observed in granulosa cells obtained from ovaries of emaciated ewes. However, no changes were observed in viability and cell number of granulosa cells obtained from ewes with the different body condition categories. Estrogen and progesterone production from cultured granulosa cells were not different in normal and obese ewes. Estrogen and progesterone secretions were less from granulosa cells recovered from metabolically stressed and emaciated ewes. The results suggested that oocyte morphology, fertilizing capacity and granulosa cell growth were dependent on body condition and feeding status of the animals., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized using biological sources due to its high specificity in biomedical applications. Herein, we report the size and shape controlled synthesis of AgNPs using the aqueous extract of blue green alga, Spirulina platensis. Size, shape and elemental composition of AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, FT-IR (Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy), FT-RS (Fourier Transform-Raman Spectroscopy), SEM-EDAX (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis) and HR-TEM (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy). AgNPs were stable, well defined and monodispersed (spherical) with an average size of 6 nm. The synthesized AgNPs were tested for its antibacterial potency against isolates obtained from HIV patients., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the present study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using leaf extract of Syzygium jambolanum and capping agent has been explored. The synthesized AuNPs have been characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic force microscopic (AFM) analysis. The AuNPs show intense surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 528 nm and were found to be spherical and hexagonal in shape with particle size ranging from 20-30 nm. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to analyze the surface morphology of synthesized AuNPs. The capping ligand has been evaluated using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

Biofunctionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) play an important role in design and development of nanomedicine. Synthesis of AuNPs from biogenic materials is environmentally benign and possesses high bacterial inhibition and bactericidal properties. In the present study, blue green alga Spirulina platensis protein mediated synthesis of AuNPs and its antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria is discussed. AuNPs were characterized using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Stable, well defined AuNPs of smaller and uniform shape with an average size of ~ 5 nm were obtained. The antibacterial efficacy of protein functionalized AuNPs were tested against Gram positive organisms Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this investigation, biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Sargassum swartzii and its cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells is reported. The biological synthesis involved the reduction of chloroauric acid led to the formation of AuNPs within 5min at 60°C and the formation of AuNPs was confirmed using UV-vis spectrophotometer. The AuNPs were stable; spherical in shape with well-defined dimensions, and the average size of the particle is 35nm. A zeta potential value of -27.6mV revealed synthesized AuNPs were highly stable. The synthesized AuNPs exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. Furthermore, induction of apoptosis was measured by DAPI (4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride) staining., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Development of novel antidiabetic agents using various organic compounds and biomolecules has been in practice for a long time. Recently, nanomaterials are also being used in antidiabetic studies for their unique properties such as small size, biocompatibility and ability to penetrate cell membrane for carrying drugs. Herein, in vivo antidiabetic activity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized using the antidiabetic potent plant Gymnema sylvestre R. Br on wistar albino rats has been evaluated. The formation of AuNPs and their morphology were confirmed using spectroscopic and microscopic analyses, respectively. The treatment of AuNPs has shown significant reduction in blood glucose level on diabetic rats. AuNPs were also tested for its anti-inflammatory effect by estimating the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP)., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator has been shown to be beneficial up to 4.5-hours of symptom onset., Aims: The study aims to review our experience with thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in the 3- to 4.5-hours window in acute ischemic stroke., Settings and Design: Prospective observational study of patients with acute ischemic stroke thombolysed between 3- and 4.5-hours after onset from July 2009 to October 2012 at a tertiary-care center in the Malabar region of South India., Materials and Methods: The dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator used was 50 mg in all patients. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were similar to European Co-operative Acute Stroke Study-3 criteria, with the exceptions that we did not use an age cutoff of 80 years and did not restrict thrombolysis for previous stroke with diabetes or elevated blood glucose levels., Statistical Analysis Used: Good outcome was defined as a three-month modified Rankin Score of 2 or less. The chi-square test was used to compare the outcome among various sub-types of ischemic stroke. The age, blood glucose, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score, and time to thrombolysis were compared between groups with the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test., Results: Thirty-one patients (median age 65 years, range 44-85, and median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score 10, range 5-22) were thrombolysed in the 3- to 4.5-hours window after stroke onset during the study period. In the first 24 h, 16 patients (52%) improved in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score by 4 or more points while three worsened by 4 or more points. At the three-month follow up, 15 patients (48%) were functionally independent (modified Rankin Score ≤ 2). None had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. There was no significant difference in outcome between the various ischemic stroke sub-types. The baseline age, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score, blood glucose, and onset to treatment time did not differ significantly between the groups with good and poor outcome., Conclusion: Our initial experience confirms that thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in the extended window is safe and beneficial., (© 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2013 World Stroke Organization.)

In the present investigation, the cardioprotective nature of proanthocyanidin (PAC)-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is addressed in detail. There was a rapid reduction of gold metal ions by PAC and the new-genre AuNPs exhibited remarkable in vitro stability both in biological and chemical solutions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the newly formed nanoparticles ranged in size from 17 to 29 nm (∼24 nm). MTT assay carried out with peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated the non-toxic nature of AuNPs. PAC-synthesized AuNPs showed cardioprotective action in isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury at a lowest dosage (9 mg kg(-1)). Cardiac marker enzymes and antioxidant parameters in serum and heart tissue were also measured., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background & Objectives: Linezolid, a member of the oxazolidinone class of antibiotics, has been an effective therapeutic option to treat severe infections caused by multidrug resistant Gram positive bacteria. Emergence of linezolid resistant clinical strains is a serious issue in the healthcare settings worldwide. We report here the molecular characterization of a linezolid resistant clinical isolate of Staphylococcus haemolyticus from India., Methods: The species of the clinical isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of linezolid, clindamycin, chloramphenicol and oxacillin were determined by E-test method. To elucidate the mechanism of linezolid-resistance, presence of cfr gene (chloramphenicol florfenicol resistance) and mutations in 23S rRNA and ribosomal proteins (L3, L4 and L22) were investigated. Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing was performed by multiplex PCR., Results: The study documented a rare clinical S. haemolyticus strain with three independent mechanisms of linezolid-resistance. The strain carried cfr gene, the only known transmissible mechanism of linezolid-resistance. The strain also possessed resistance-conferring mutations such as G 2576 T in domain V of 23S rRNA gene and Met 156 Thr in L3 ribosomal protein. The other ribosomal proteins (L4 and L22) did not exhibit mutations accountable for linezolid-resistance. Restriction digestion by NheI revealed that all the alleles of 23S rRNA gene were mutated. The isolate showed elevated MIC values (>256 μg ml -[1] of linezolid, clindamycin, chloramphenicol and oxacillin. Methicillin resistance was conferred by type I SCCmec element. The strain also harboured lsa(B) gene which encodes an ABC transporter that can efflux clindamycin., Interpretation & Conclusions: The present study reports the first clinical strain from India with transmissible and multiple mechanisms of linezolid-resistance. Judicious use of linezolid in clinical practice and proper surveillance of cfr-positive strains are of utmost importance to safeguard the efficacy of linezolid.

Exploitation of advancements in antimicrobial agent synthesis assisted by nanomaterials has received considerable attention in the recent years. Based on this, an eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgClNPs) using aqueous extract of Sargassum plagiophyllum is emphasized. UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the formation of AgClNPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns clearly illustrate the presence of AgClNPs. The synthesized AgClNPs were tested for its antibacterial activity and it was found to cause considerable amount of deterioration to bacterial cells, when examined using electron microscope and cell viability analysis., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Materials with enhanced physical and biological properties have been used for biomedical applications and can be developed by functionalizing them using various components. Hydroxyapatite (HAP), among other available synthetic material, serves as one of the best tools in orthopaedics and ceramic coatings. The porous structure of HAP helps in bone cell regeneration, chemical integration of bone and also favours the interaction between bone and tissues. Herein, we have demonstrated a simple procedure for the synthesis of HAP using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), a structural analogue of bone heparan sulphate proteoglycan. The presence of small sized HAP plates with well-defined structures was revealed using electron microscopic analysis. The phase purity of the synthesized HAP was evaluated using X-ray diffraction pattern obtained before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF)., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Red rot is a serious disease of sugarcane caused by the fungus Colletotrichum falcatum imposing a considerable economic loss annually in all sugarcane-producing countries. In this study, we analyzed the early resistance response of sugarcane to red rot fungus by comparing the differences between control and inoculated stalk tissues. Differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (DD-RT-PCR) was employed to identify altered expression of genes in disease-resistant cv Co 93009, in response to pathogen infection. DD-RT-PCR identified 300 differentially expressed transcripts of which 112 were selected for further analysis. Cloning and sequence analysis of the isolated cDNA fragments resulted in functional categorization of these clones into five categories, of which the defense/stress/signaling group was the largest, with clones homologous to genes known to be actively involved in various pathogenesis-related functions in plant species. This group showed overexpression of several transcripts related to ethylene-mediated and jasmonic acid pathway of plant defense mechanisms. Of the 112 expressed sequence tags, validation of expression was carried out for five important genes whose role in plant defense mechanisms is well established. This is the first report of Colletotrichum-mediated gene regulation in sugarcane which has provided a set of candidate genes for detailed molecular dissection of signaling and defense responses in tropical sugarcane during the onset of red rot resistance.

Sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV), which causes leaf freckle in sugarcane, is a member of the genus Badnavirus. Studies were conducted to characterize SCBV in Saccharum officinarum germplasm and cultivated varieties in India by sequencing the complete genomes of five isolates. Genome lengths ranged from 7,553 to 7,884 nucleotides. Duplications in ORF3 and insertions in the RNase H-domain in some of the isolates were found to contribute to the large size of their genomes. The Indian SCBV isolates share identities of 69-85 % for the complete genomic sequence, indicating wide genetic diversity among them, and share 70-82 % identity with Sugarcane bacilliform Ireng Maleng virus (SCBIMV) and Sugarcane bacilliform Morocco virus (SCBMV), as well as 43-46 % identity with Banana streak virus (BSV) and BSV-related SCBV species from Guadeloupe, indicating that the Indian SCBV isolates are distinct from SCBV isolates reported to date. Irrespective of the region compared, SCBV isolates from India, Australia, and Morocco clustered together. BSV and BSV-related SCBV isolates from Guadeloupe formed another cluster. A phylogenetic analysis based on the partial RT/RNase H-sequence separated SCBV and BSV-related SCBV sequences into 11 SCBV groups viz. SCBV-A to -K. Among the 11 groups, the SCBV sequences separated under H, I, J, and K are newly identified in this study, representing three new species and are tentatively named as SCBBBV, SCBBOV, and SCBBRV. Thus, the PASC and phylogenetic analyses evidenced that the symptoms associated with badnaviruses in sugarcane in India are caused by at least three new species, SCBBBV, SCBBOV, and SCBBRV, besides SCBIMV and SCBMV represented by SCBV-BT and SCBV-Iscam, respectively.

Background. TB is a global pandemic disease. All TB control programs were not successful due to the emergence of multidrug resistance in M. tuberculosis strains. Objective of the present study was to detect the rate of MDR-MTB in this part of India. Methods. One hundred and thirty clinical MTB strains isolated from patients on treatment and confirmed as MTB by MPT64 antigen detection were tested for drug susceptibility against Streptomycin, INH, Rifampicin, and Ethambutol by MBBact automated system. Result. Thirty-two were MDRs (25.61%). 31.2%, 28%, 17.6%, and 21.6% were resistant to INH, RIF, Ethambutol, and Streptomycin, respectively. Resistance to either INH or Rifampicin was 20.8% and 13.88%, respectively. Combined INH and Rifampicin resistance was seen in 18.05% isolates. Conclusion. Drug resistance rate is high in patients treated previously and who have been irregular on treatment.

A simple biological method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Cassia auriculata aqueous leaf extract has been carried out in the present study. The reduction of auric chloride led to the formation of AuNPs within 10 min at room temperature (28°C), suggesting a higher reaction rate than chemical methods involved in the synthesis. The size, shape and elemental analysis were carried out using X-ray diffraction, TEM, SEM-EDAX, FT-IR and visible absorption spectroscopy. Stable, triangular and spherical crystalline AuNPs with well-defined dimensions of average size of 15-25 nm were synthesized using C. auriculata. Effect of pH was also studied to check the stability of AuNPs. The main aim of the investigation is to synthesize AuNPs using antidiabetic potent medicinal plant. The stabilizing and reducing molecules of nanoparticles may promote anti-hyperglycemic if tested further., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: A new rapid Immunochromatographic test kit(SD MPT64TB Ag Kit) for detection of MPT 64 Antigen in M. tuberculosis isolates using mouse monoclonal MPT 64 Antibody developed by SD Bioline, South Korea was evaluated for rapid identification of M. tuberculosis isolates. We also assessed the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of this kit. The test kit has an excellent sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value & positive predictive value. This rapid method is found to be a reliable, rapid and cheaper method for confirming MTB culture isolates in resource poor laboratories., Material/methods: 54 culture isolates of M. tuberculosis in broth & on LJ medium, 12 Non mycobacterial isolates, 10 Non tubercular (NTM) rapidly growing Mycobacteria isolated from pus & 5 smear positive sputum samples were tested for detection of MPT64 antigen using the SD Bioline immunochromatography (ICT)test kit. H37 RV strain was employed as the positive reference control., Findings: H37 RV strain showed the presence of MPT64 antigen band. Similar band was formed in all the 54 MTB isolates tested proving 100% sensitivity. MPT64 band formation was not detected in any of the other test isolates which proved the 100% specificity of the test kit. Both PPV & NPV were 100%., Conclusion: Tuberculosis is a global pandemic. Rapid identification of MTB culture isolate is very important for drug susceptibility testing. MPT 64 TB Ag detection ICT kit is a rapid, reliable method; it can be a substitute for the molecular identification methods.