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Synthesis of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles using watermelon rind aqueous extract was explored for its effectiveness in eliminating Methylene Blue (MB) and Crystal Violet (CV) dyes from water. The synthesised CdS nanoparticles were characterised with XRD, TEM and EDX and found to be around 10 nm in size with spherical shape. A central composite design was developed to optimise independent variables such as pH, contact time and initial concentrations. The developed quadratic model was found to be significant with p-value <0.0001 and lack of fit >0.005 suggesting the reliability of the model. Isotherm modelling analysis revealed that Langmuir and Freundlich's isotherms provided better explanation for the equilibrium data. The loading capacities of the CdS nanoparticles were found be 227.3 and 185.1 mg g-1, respectively for MB and CV. The experimental data showed a good fit with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that chemical reactions were the determining factor in controlling the rate-limiting step. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that the process was spontaneous and exothermic. Desorption and regeneration investigations demonstrated that CdS nanoparticles could be successfully regenerated up to 5 times and reused in the adsorption process. The results conclude that the CdS nanoparticles are capable of remediating water containing cationic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Battery Management System (BMS) can prolong the life of the battery but it depends on the accuracy of the adopted scheme. Different techniques have been developed to enhance the BMS by monitoring the State of Health (SOH) of the battery. In this paper, the detection of battery voltage is analyzed by using the cycle counting method, which is a conventional technique and compared with Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a heuristic method. The advantage of the proposed ANN method is that SOH can be monitored without disconnecting the battery from the load. Also, the sampling data to the ANN are derived from various techniques including Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) method, Ambient temperature measurement, and valley point detection. A feed-forward backpropagation algorithm is used to achieve the purpose of real-time monitoring of the LAB. The results show that the precise estimation of SOH can be obtained by Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) when trained with more sampling data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction predisposes to many gastrointestinal, metabolic, and psychological disorders. A flavonoid rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (FREG) has previously been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiulcer properties. Aim To investigate the effect of FREG (GutGard®) on restoring intestinal barrier function in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) stimulated human colonic adenocarcinoma cell monolayer (Caco-2) and 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods In in vitro, human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of FREG and the paracellular permeability to FITC-conjugated 4-kD dextran (FD4) was measured to evaluate protection against the barrier dysfunction. In in vivo, intestinal barrier dysfunction was induced in male albino Wistar rats via intrarectal instillation of TNBS. Subsequently, the rats were treated orally with either FREG at 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg body weight, or Mesacol (250 mg/kg) for 5 days. On day 5, intestinal epithelial permeability was assessed with FD4 leakage into the serum. Also, colonic inflammation, colon morphology, histology and macroscopic score, weight to length ratio were evaluated. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF- α, secretory IgA levels and tight junction proteins expression were evaluated in rat’s colon. Results FREG protected the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in human intestinal Caco-2 cells in vitro. FREG administration significantly improved the intestinal epithelial barrier function as evident from significant reduction in FD4 leakage. The colon morphology, histology score, macroscopic score, colon weight to length ratio also indicates beneficial effects of FREG on barrier function. In addition, FREG regulated the tight junction proteins, and markedly decreased TNF-α, MPO levels and significantly increased the secretory IgA levels in TNBS induced colitis rats. Conclusion The study findings support the protective action of FREG on intestinal epithelial barrier integrity indicating its potential in protecting from implications of leaky gut.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) is well known for its health benefits based on the traditional and current scientific evidence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety of GutGard, a standardised-flavonoid rich extract of G. glabra. The study was designed to evaluate the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of GutGard in Sprague Dawley rats according to the procedures and methods of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines for acute and subchronic toxicity. A single dose of GutGard at 5000 mg/kg body weight did not produce treatment related clinical signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during the 14-day observation period. Therefore, the median lethal dose was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg. A subchronic oral toxicity study for 90 days in rats at the dose levels of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg did not show any treatment related adverse clinical signs. The treated animals exhibited normal weight gain and comparable feed intake. Ophthalmoscope examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Further, GutGard administration in rats did not show any clinical evidence of toxicity with respect to urinalysis, haematology, and blood chemistry parameters. The relative organ weight of vital organs did not differ significantly as compared to control. Gross and histopathological findings did not show any remarkable and treatment related changes. Based on the current experimental study findings, the median lethal dose (LD50) of GutGard was found to be >5000 mg/kg b.wt and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was found to be 1000 mg/kg rat b.wt.

Thespesia populnea is also called as Indian tulip tree, poovarasu, is tropically distributed plant. In the present study of ethanolic extract of flowers of Thespesia populnea was screened for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract was determined by HRBC and Albumin denaturation method. Anti-oxidant activity of ethanolic extract was determined by DPPH assay and ABTS method. The results of the study suggest that the ethanolic extract possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature has been a powerful source of enormous medicines for thousands of years and number of modern drugs has been extracted and exploited from natural sources, for its use in traditional medicine. Traditional herbal medicines have a long history of use and are generally considered to be safer than artificial drugs. Over 50% of all modern scientific drugs are natural products and they play an important role in drug development in pharmaceutical industries. The present communication constitutes a review on medicinal properties and pharmacological actions of Cassia auriculata. This plant is known to contain various active principles of therapeutic value and to possess biological activity against a number of diseases. The present study has been performed experimentally by in vitro method to examine the anti cancer activity of a variety of concentrations of ethanolic extract of flowers of Cassia auriculata. The report on to the research reveals a significant anti cancer activity at different concentrations of the extract. The ethanolic extract of flowers of Cassia auriculata was tested for its anti cancer activity against liver cancer HePG2 cell line by MTT assay. The CTC50 value of sample was 352.4μg/ml against liver cancer HePG2 cell lines. Significant results were observed thereby proving the use of this plant in the traditional system of medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking advantage of the cluster effect observed in multivalent peptides, this work describes antifungal activity and possible mechanism of action of tetravalent peptide (B4010) which carries 4 copies of the sequence RGRKVVRR through a branched lysine core. B4010 displayed better antifungal properties than natamycin and amphotericin B. The peptide retained significant activity in the presence of monovalent/divalent cations, trypsin and serum and tear fluid. Moreover, B4010 is non-haemolytic and non-toxic to mice by intraperitoneal (200 mg/kg) or intravenous (100 mg/kg) routes. S. cerevisiae mutant strains with altered membrane sterol structures and composition showed hyper senstivity to B4010. The peptide had no affinity for cell wall polysaccharides and caused rapid dissipation of membrane potential and release of vital ions and ATP when treated with C. albicans. We demonstrate that additives which alter the membrane potential or membrane rigidity protect C. albicans from B4010-induced lethality. Calcein release assay and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the peptide preferentially binds to mixed bilayer containing ergosterol over phophotidylcholine-cholesterol bilayers. The studies further suggested that the first arginine is important for mediating peptide-bilayer interactions. Replacing the first arginine led to a 2-4 fold decrease in antifungal activities and reduced membrane disruption properties. The combined in silico and in vitro approach should facilitate rational design of new tetravalent antifungal peptides.

The interdigital gland is a specialized skin gland located between the digits of Artiodactyla (i.e., even-toed ungulates). Its secretion participates in semiochemical communication, and protects from ultraviolet radiation as well as fungal and bacterial infections of the feet. The present study aimed at finding if there are male-female differences in the anatomy, morphology, and volatile compounds of the interdigital gland of the South Indian breed of Vembur sheep. A total of 24 sheep (12 each of male and female) were spotted at the slaughterhouse and the interdigital gland was removed for examination. The anatomical examination revealed it to resemble a tobacco pipe and to consist of a body, flexure, and excretory duct with an external orifice located at the cleft of the digits. Morphometrically, the interdigital glands differed between males and females. The gland possesses a distinct fibrous capsule, epidermis, and dermis. The fibrous capsule contains several parallel bundles of collagen fibers, nerve fibers, and blood vessels, etc. The epidermis consists of keratinized squamous epithelium formed of stratum basale, stratum granulosum and stratum spinosum. The dermis consists of hair follicles, nerve plexuses, arrector pili muscles, and apocrine and sebaceous glandular lobules. The latter, lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium, are arranged in clusters of acini in the upper portion of the dermis. The apocrine secretory lobules, made up of parenchymal cells, are found in the lower portion of the dermis. The density and diameter of the apocrine and sebaceous secretory lobules were significantly higher in the males than females. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis confirmed the apocrine and sebaceous secretory components. Twenty-three major compounds were identified in the interdigital gland postings of male and female sheep, among which butanoic acid, 2-methylpropanoic acid, 1-heptanol and octadecanoic acid were present only in the male glandular post, whereas octane, 7-hexyl-tridecane, tetradecane, heptadecane and decanoic acid were present only in the female glandular post. Tetradecanol, tetradecanoic acid and hexadecanol peaks, reportedly antibacterial compounds in pronghorn antelopes, were highly prominent in both male and female sheep. Thus, the interdigital gland of Vembur sheep has two major secretory lobules, namely, sebaceous and apocrine, larger in males than females, which secrete a variety chemical compounds that may serve as chemical communication systems and protect the sheep from foot-borne diseases.

Flavonoid-rich extract prepared from Glycyrrhiza glabra has been found to be beneficial in patients with functional dyspepsia and was reported to possess some gut health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities. In the present study, the flavonoid-rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra was evaluated for its compatibility with probiotic strains (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Streptococcus thermophilus), commercial probiotic drinks, and digestive enzymes (pancreatic α-amylase, α-glucosidase, phytase, xylanase, and pancreatic lipase). Results of this study indicated that the flavonoid-rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra is compatible with the tested probiotic strains, probiotic drinks and digestive enzymes.

Background: Vaccination and passive antibody therapies are critical for controlling infectious diseases. Passive antibody administration has limitations, including the necessity for purification and multiple injections for efficacy. Vaccination is associated with a lag phase before generation of immunity. Novel approaches reported here utilize the benefits of both methods for the rapid generation of effective immunity., Methods: A novel antibody-based prophylaxis/therapy entailing the electroporation-mediated delivery of synthetic DNA plasmids encoding biologically active anti-chikungunya virus (CHIKV) envelope monoclonal antibody (dMAb) was designed and evaluated for antiviral efficacy, as well as for the ability to overcome shortcomings inherent with conventional active vaccination and passive immunotherapy., Results: One intramuscular injection of dMAb produced antibodies in vivo more rapidly than active vaccination with an anti-CHIKV DNA vaccine. This dMAb neutralized diverse CHIKV clinical isolates and protected mice from viral challenge. Combination of dMAb and the CHIKV DNA vaccine afforded rapid and long-lived protection., Conclusions: A DNA-based dMAb strategy induced rapid protection against an emerging viral infection. This method can be combined with DNA vaccination as a novel strategy to provide both short- and long-term protection against this emerging infectious disease. These studies have implications for pathogen treatment and control strategies., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Dissecting the complexities of branched peptide-lipopolysaccharides (LPS) interactions provide rationale for the development of non-cytotoxic antibiotic adjuvants. Using various biophysical methods, we show that the branched peptide, B2088, binds to lipid A and disrupts the supramolecular organization of LPS. The disruption of outer membrane in an intact bacterium was demonstrated by fluorescence spectroscopy and checkerboard assays, the latter confirming strong to moderate synergism between B2088 and various classes of antibiotics. The potency of synergistic combinations of B2088 and antibiotics was further established by time-kill kinetics, mammalian cell culture infections model and in vivo model of bacterial keratitis. Importantly, B2088 did not show any cytotoxicity to corneal epithelial cells for at least 96 h continuous exposure or hemolytic activity even at 20 mg/ml. Peptide congeners containing norvaline, phenylalanine and tyrosine (instead of valine in B2088) displayed better synergism compared to other substitutions. We propose that high affinity and subsequent disruption of the supramolecular assembly of LPS by the branched peptides are vital for the development of non-cytotoxic antibiotic adjuvants that can enhance the accessibility of conventional antibiotics to the intracellular targets, decrease the antibiotic consumption and holds promise in averting antibiotic resistance.

Most stromal corneal dystrophies are associated with aggregation and deposition of the mutated transforming growth factor-β induced protein (TGFβIp). The 4(th)&#95;FAS1 domain of TGFβIp harbors ~80% of the mutations that forms amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic aggregates. To understand the mechanism of aggregation and the differences between the amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic phenotypes, we expressed the 4(th)&#95;FAS1 domains of TGFβIp carrying the mutations R555W (non-amyloidogenic) and H572R (amyloidogenic) along with the wild-type (WT). R555W was more susceptible to acidic pH compared to H572R and displayed varying chemical stabilities with decreasing pH. Thermal denaturation studies at acidic pH showed that while WT did not undergo any conformational transition, the mutants exhibited a clear pH-dependent irreversible conversion from αβ conformation to β-sheet oligomers. The β-oligomers of both mutants were stable at physiological temperature and pH. Electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering studies showed that β-oligomers of H572R were larger compared to R555W. The β-oligomers of both mutants were cytotoxic to primary human corneal stromal fibroblast (pHCSF) cells. The β-oligomers of both mutants exhibit variations in their morphologies, sizes, thermal and chemical stabilities, aggregation patterns and cytotoxicities.

Background: Preparation of some novel heterocyclic compounds with long alkyl and alkenyl chain of cytotoxic activity., Methods: Gamma linolenic acid, a poly unsaturated fatty acid and stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid were isolated from the microalga Spirulina platensis. Some novel gamma linolenic acid and stearic acid analogues having 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,2,4-triazole were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral analysis. Cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated by the growth inhibition of A-549 cells in-vitro., Results: Compound 1 and 3 showed comparable cytotoxicity against the human lung carcinoma A-549 cell lines.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. is regarded useful for peptic ulcer in traditional systems of medicine in India and Helicobacter pylori has been considered as one of the causative factors for peptic ulcer. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the anti-Helicobacter pylori action of GutGard(®), a flavonoid rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and further to elucidate the possible mechanisms of its anti-Helicobacter pylori action., Materials and Methods: Agar dilution and microbroth dilution methods were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of GutGard(®) against Helicobacter pylori. Protein synthesis, DNA gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase assays and anti-adhesion assay in human gastric mucosal cell line were performed to understand the mechanisms of anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of GutGard(®)., Results: GutGard(®) exhibited anti-Helicobacter pylori activity in both agar dilution and microbroth dilution methods. Glabridin, the major flavonoid present in GutGard(®) exhibited superior activity against Helicobacter pylori while glycyrrhizin did not show activity even at 250 μg/ml concentration. In protein synthesis assay, GutGard(®) showed a significant time dependent inhibition as witnessed by the reduction in (35)S methionine incorporation into Helicobacter pylori ATCC 700392 strain. Additionally, GutGard(®) showed a potent inhibitory effect on DNA gyrase and dihydrofolate reductase with IC(50) value of 4.40 μg/ml and 3.33 μg/ml respectively. However, the extract did not show significant inhibition on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucosal cell line at the tested concentrations., Conclusion: The present study shows that, GutGard(®) acts against Helicobacter pylori possibly by inhibiting protein synthesis, DNA gyrase and dihydrofolate reductase., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study involves the evaluation of Memecylon malabaricum Cogn. (Melastomataceae) leaves for antipsoriatic activity., Methods: Aqueous extract, hydroalcoholic extract and their fractions of M. malabaricum leaves were evaluated for in-vivo antipsoriatic activity by mouse tail test and for in-vitro antipsoriatic activity using HaCaT cells, lipoxygenase inhibition and thymidine phosphorylase inhibition assays. Extracts and fractions were evaluated for total phenol and flavonoid contents. HPTLC was used for screening and fingerprint analysis of the extracts and active fraction., Key Findings: M. malabaricum hydroalcoholic extract (MMHA) and water fraction of MMHA (MMHAW) produced significant (P<0.05) percent orthokeratosis in the mouse tail test. All samples except MMHA showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in epidermal thickness in the mouse tail test when compared with control. Maximum activity against HaCaT cells was shown by chloroform fraction of MMHA (MMHAC). The M. malabaricum decoction (MMD) and water fraction of MMD (MMDW) showed equally good inhibition of lipoxygenase. In thymidine phosphorylase inhibition assay only MMD showed activity., Conclusions: The findings of this investigation reveal that the leaves of M. malabaricum have good antipsoriatic potential, which provides scope for further detailed research in to this plant for psoriasis., (© 2012 The Authors. JPP © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid was isolated from the microalga Spirulina platensis. Some novel stearic acid analogues having 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,4-triazolo-[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole are synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectral analysis. All the synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity by using cup plate method. The synthesized compounds have been further screened for their antidepressant activity in swiss albino mice by forced swim test (FST), midbrain dopamine has been estimated and quantified. All the compounds showed good antimicrobial activity and compound 6 showed significant antidepressant activity., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A series of 8-substituted quinolines were synthesized and tested against seizures induced by maximal electro shock (MES), pentylenetetrazole (scMet) and antihypertensive activities. Neurologic deficit was evaluated by the rotarod test. Among the newly synthesized derivatives, several compounds with a 2-hydroxypropyloxyquinoline moiety displayed excellent anticonvulsant and antihypertensive activities. Compound 20 (8-(3'-(4''-phenylpiperazino)-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)quinoline) was potent in both series as an anticonvulsive agent. 13 (8-(3'-piperazino)-2'-hydroxypropyloxyquinoline) and 14 (8-(3'-imidazolo)-2'-hydroxypropyloxyquinoline) showed very good anticonvulsant activities in the propanol series of compound, whereas in the ethane series, 1 (8-(2'-piperazino-ethanoxy)quinoline) and 2 (8-(2'-imidazolo-ethanoxy)quinoline) were the most active as anticonvulsive agents. Compounds 20 (8-(3'-(4''-phenylpiperazino)-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)quinoline), 13 (8-(3'-piperazino)-2'-hydroxypropyloxyquinoline) and 19 (8-(3'-(4''-ethylpiperazino)-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)quinoline) have shown excellent antihypertensive activity. They have significantly antagonized the pressor response elicited by adrenaline. These pharmacological results suggest that their anticonvulsant and antihypertensive effects may be correlated to the presence of beta-blocking properties, and that those properties depend on the presence of aryloxypropanolamine.

In the present study, a series of 2-substituted-pyridines were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H-NMR and Elemental Analysis. The compounds were assayed against seizures induced by maximal electro shock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (scMet). Neurologic deficit was evaluated by the rotarod test. The decrease in the elevated motor activity by introceptive chemical stimuli (amphetamine antagonistic activity) was studied at the dose level of 25 and 50 mg/kg, antihistaminic and cardiac activity were also studied. All the compounds exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity. Compounds 2-(2-hydroxy-3-piperazinopropylamino)-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(1-imidazolyl)propylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-(1-imidazolyl)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine and 2-[2-(methylamino)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine were most active of the series against MES-induced seizures. Compounds 2-[2-(phenylamino)ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-(diethylamino)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine and 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(1-imidazolyl)propylamino]-6-methylpyridine exhibited significant decrease in the elevated motor activity at the dose of 50 mg/kg. Remarkable sympathetic blocking activity was observed with 2-(2-hydroxy-3-piperazinopropylamino)-6-aminopyridine, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-morpholinopropylamino)-6-methylpyridine and 2-(2-hydroxy-3-piperazinopropylamino)-6-methylpyridine only. Compounds 2-[2-(diethylamino)ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, and 2-[2-(diethylamino)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine exhibited significant blocking of histamine induced contraction on guinea pig ileum.