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Abstract The ISS rodent habitat has provided crucial insights into the impact of spaceflight on mammals, inducing symptoms characteristic of liver disease, insulin resistance, osteopenia, and myopathy. Although these physiological responses can involve the microbiome on Earth, host-microbiota interactions during spaceflight are still being elucidated. We explore murine gut microbiota and host gene expression in the colon and liver after 29 and 56 days of spaceflight using multiomics. Metagenomics revealed significant changes in 44 microbiome species, including relative reductions in bile acid and butyrate metabolising bacteria like Extibacter muris and Dysosmobacter welbionis. Functional prediction indicate over-representation of fatty acid and bile acid metabolism, extracellular matrix interactions, and antibiotic resistance genes. Host gene expression described corresponding changes to bile acid and energy metabolism, and immune suppression. These changes imply that interactions at the host-gut microbiome interface contribute to spaceflight pathology and that these interactions might critically influence human health and long-duration spaceflight feasibility.

Abstract Detecting axionic dark matter (DM) could be possible in an X-ray spectrum from strongly magnetized neutron stars (NSs). We examine the possibility of axion–photon conversion in the magnetospheres of strongly magnetized NSs. In the current work, we investigate how the modified Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) system of equations (in the presence of a magnetic field) affects the energy spectrum of axions and axions-converted-photon flux. We have considered the distance-dependent magnetic field in the modified TOV system of equations. We employ three different equations of states (EoSs), namely APR, FPS, and SLY, to solve these equations. We obtain the axions emission rate by including the Cooper-pair-breaking formation process and Bremsstrahlung process in the core of NSs using the NSCool code. We primarily focus on Magnificient seven (M7) star RXJ 1856.5-3754. We further investigate the impact of the magnetic field on the actual observables, such as axion energy spectrum and axion-converted-photon flux at an axion mass in meV range by assuming mass $$M_{NS} \sim 1.4M_{\odot }.$$ M NS ∼ 1.4 M ⊙ . We compare our calculated axion-converted-photon flux from all available archival data sets from PN+MOS+Chandra. We also study the variation of the energy spectrum at a fixed energy with varying central magnetic fields. Our predicted axion-converted-photon flux values as a function of axion energy closely follow the experimentally archival data, which allows us to put bounds on the axion mass for the three EoS.

Abstract Emission properties of compact astrophysical objects such as Neutron stars (NSs) are associated with crucial astronomical observables. In the current work, we obtain the mass, pressure profiles of the non-rotating NSs using the modified Tolman Oppenheimer Volkoff (TOV) system of equations in the presence of intense magnetic field. We obtain the profiles by using a specific distance-dependent magnetic field in the modified TOV equations. We employ three different equations of states (EoS) to solve the TOV equations by assuming the core of NSs comprises a hadronic matter. Employing the above profiles, we determine the cooling rates of spherically symmetric NSs as a function of time with and without including the magnetic field using the NSCool code. We have also determined the cooling rates as a function of radius for three different NSs. Furthermore, we determine the luminosity of neutrinos, axions, and photons emitting from the NSs in the presence and absence of a magnetic field for an axion mass 16 meV and three different EoS. Our comparative study indicates that the cooling rate and luminosities of neutrinos, axions, and photons change significantly due to the impact of the strong magnetic field. We also find that due to the magnetic field, the axion mass bound increases slightly compared to without a magnetic field.

Introduction: Wilson’s Disease (WD) is a copper metabolic disorder that affects the nervous system and liver. The Unified Wilson’s Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) is used for diagnosing WD, but it is time-consuming. Therefore, a less exhaustive scale is needed as a screening tool, such as the minimal Unified Wilson’s Disease Rating Scale (M-UWDRS). Aim: To evaluate the utility of M-UWDRS in assessing signs and symptoms associated with WD and compare it with the UWDRS (Neurological) subscore. Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational, non interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurology, Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India from November 2017 to October 2020. A total of 42 patients with WD, based on the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines, were enrolled. They were assessed using both M-UWDRS and UWDRS (Neurological) scoring before treatment and at a three-month follow-up. Results: A total of 42 cases were enrolled, of which 28 were males and 14 were females. The mean age of presentation was 15.4±5.1 years. Both the neurological subscore of UWDRS and M-UWDRS were used pre and post-treatment, revealing a significant improvement in the majority of subjects. Both scores fared similarly in predicting disease severity, treatment outcome, and follow-up. The score of the “minimal UWDRS” correlated with the scores of the UWDRS for neurological subscores (r value: 0.6, p-value

The investigation was carried out to assess the effect of post-harvest dipping of minimally processed fresh cut lettuce with various concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 μmolL-1) of melatonin on shelf-life and sensory quality of lettuce stored at 6±2ºC for 8 days. Melatonin treatment was found effective in maintaining freshness and sensory quality of lettuce during storage. Browning was reduced by 45% and visual quality index increased by 44.10% compared to control in 100 μmol L-1 melatonin treated samples on the 6th day of storage. Maximum total chlorophyll, total phenol and total antioxidants and least activity of browning related enzyme i.e., peroxidase (POD) was observed in 100 μmol L-1 melatonin treated samples during storage. No significant variation was observed between 10 μmol L-1 melatonin treated and control samples. Browning index value had significant negative correlation with total chlorophyll, total phenol and total antioxidants whereas POD activity had significant positive correlation. It can be inferred from the present investigation that post-harvest treatment of 100 μmol L-1 melatonin extended shelf-life of minimally processed lettuce for 6 days by preserving phenols, chlorophyll, antioxidants and inhibiting POD activity.

As final attributes of dosage form largely depend on the properties of excipients used, understanding the effect of physicochemical properties of excipients is important. In the present study, six grades of L-HPC with varying degrees of particle size and hydroxypropyl content and the influence of the grade on compaction as well as disintegration behavior were studied. All grades of L-HPC were compressed at different compression loads to achieve different tablet porosity. Compressibility and compactibility of L-HPC grades were evaluated using a modified Heckel equation and percolation model. Further effects of particle size and hydroxypropyl content of L-HPC on tablet porosity and disintegration time were evaluated using a 32 full-factorial design. From compaction studies, it was found that compressibility of L-HPC largely depends upon the particle size with lower particle size grade showing lower compressibility. Whereas consolidation/bonding behavior of L-HPC is independent of particle size and % hydroxypropyl content. By factorial design, it was found that particle size and % hydroxypropyl content have a significant effect on the disintegration behavior of L-HPC. It was found that smaller particle sizes and higher hydroxypropyl content of L-HPC show longer disintegration time. Thus, careful consideration of excipients selection should be made to achieve desired quality attribute of the product.

Recently, the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) unveiled a draft bill of the UP Population Policy (2021–2030) on World Population Day to bring down the gross fertility rate and stabilization of the population. The history of the two-child norm in India has shown that different state governments had tried to implement it at different timelines during the past 20 years. Global evidence suggests that Vietnam and Bangladesh have stabilized their population and control birth rate despite not having two-child policies. Moreover, sex-selective abortion, preference for male children, denying the paternity of female children, pre-natal sex determination, and violence against women for giving birth to girl children will be on rise. Female literacy, empowerment, and addressing unmet needs of contraceptives are the time-tested solutions for population control rather than raising a new social problem with a “two-child policy” bill/act.

A field experiment was conducted at regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Chiplima, Sambalpur, Odisha, during rainy season (kharif) 2019–20 to determine the comparative efficacies of various insecticides and botanicals modules against major insect pests and natural enemies of rice (Oryza sativa L.). There were 9 modules and overall data revealed that the all the treated plots recorded significantly lower per cent of dead heart; white ear-head caused by stem borer; silver shoot caused by gall midge; leaf folder infested leaves and plant hoppers. Among them, module consists of fipronil 5 sc @1500 ml/ha at 25–30 DAT, rynaxypyr 20 sc @150 ml/ha at 45–50 DAT and triflumezopyrim 106 sc @240 ml/ha at 65–70 DAT treated plot recorded significantly higher per cent reduction of stem borer infestation, leaf folder, plant hoppers and produced higher grain yield than the other modules as well as highest benefit cost ratio B : C (1.89) and next best was carbosulfan 25 ec @875 ml/ha, rynaxypyr 20 sc @150 ml/ha and flonicamid 50 wg @150 g/ha containing module. So, the module containing fipronil, rynaxypyr and triflumezopyrim may be adopted for the effective management of major insect pests of rice and helps the farmers from unwanted spraying of insecticides many times.

Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) is widely accepted as most successful treatment option for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) for better survival and quality of life for both children as well as adults. Data scarcity on long term outcome of living donor (LD) versus deceased donor (DD) pediatric KT in developing countries prompted us to review our experience. Aims and Objectives: To determine(1) long term graft, (2)patient survival outcome and (3) rejection episodes in LD versus DD pediatric KT in developing country. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational analysis of 151 LD and 37 DD pediatric renal transplants (age ≤18 years) performed at a tertiary care center between 1998 and 2011. This study was under taken to evaluate long term patient and graft survival, rejection episodes and other complications. Demographic details for all patients was retrieved. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 3.61 years, one-, five- and ten- year death-censored graft survival in LDKT was 87.4%, 72.1%, 72.1% and patient survival was 92.5%, 80.9%, 75.1% respectively; 19.8% (n = 30) patients had biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR) and 17.8% (n = 27) patients died, mainly due to infections (n = 12). In DDKT, over mean follow-up of 3.93 ± 3.5 years, one-, five- and ten-year death-censored graft survival was 90.4%, 86.4% ,73.3% and patient survival was 83.4%, 67.9%, 67.9 %, respectively; 21.6% (n = 8) patients had BPAR and 27% (n =10) patients died, mainly owing to infections (n = 6). Conclusion: LDKT or DDKT in children has acceptable graft function with patient/graft survival over long-term follow-up, encouraging to develop sustained deceased donor program in developing countries. However, infections are major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Starting from limitations of quantum theory and its measurements we have discussed the concept of quantization in general theory of relativity in strong regime as well as quantization of gravity, which leads to gravitons, in weak field limitation. This is based on the fact that general theory of relativity based on strong principle of equivalence which is incompatible with quantum principle. It has shown that this is the complete agreement with the implications following from the measurement analysis. To discuss the physical consequences of the limitations arising for quantum GRT, Compton effect and Euler scattering are discussed.

In this article, we established generalized version of unified integral inequalities, comprising pathway fractional operators related to bounded functions whose bounds are also bounded functions. We reduce these results in some useful particular forms and also some well-known inequalities of the literature.

Despite wide commercial application of hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) in spray-dried amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) drug products, little information is available in the references on downstream processing of spray-dried dispersions with HPMCAS. Poor flow and high dilution factor are a challenge in formulating spray-dried ASDs into tablets, leaving little space for other excipients facilitating binding and disintegration. Direct compression is not possible due to the poor powder flow of spray-dried ASDs. Moisture has to be avoided due to the plasticizing properties of water on the ASD, resulting in reduced stability of the amorphous state. Thus, dry granulation by roller compaction and subsequent tablet compression is the preferred downstream process. We report the investigation of downstream processing by roller compaction and tablet compression of a high load formulation with 75% of spray-dried amorphous solid dispersion (Nifedipine:HPMCAS 1:2). A head to head comparison of microcrystalline cellulose/croscarmellose (MCC/cl-NaCMC) as binder/disintegrant vs. MCC and low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) as excipient for binding and disintegration showed improved re-workability of the formulation with MCC/L-HPC after roller compaction. Upon transfer to the rotary press, a 45% higher tensile strength of tablets is observed after dry granulation with MCC/L-HPC.

The Indian and French Space Agencies, ISRO and CNES, have conceptualized a space-borne Thermal Infrared Reflectance (TIR) mission, TRISHNA (Thermal infRared Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment). The primary design drivers of TRISHNA are the monitoring of (i) terrestrial water stress and use, and of (ii) coastal and continental water. A suit of four TIR bands and six optical bands is planned. The TIR bands will be centred at 8.6 μm, 9.1 μm, 10.3 μm and 11.5 μm to provide noon-night global observations at 57m nadir resolution over land and coastal regions. The field of view (FOV) is ±34° and the orbit of 761 km altitude was designed to allow 3 sub-cycle acquisitions during the 8-day cycle. The optical bands correspond to blue, green, red, and NIR plus two SWIR bands at 1.38 μm and 1.61 μm. The green, red, NIR and the 1.61 μm SWIR bands will have better radiometry quality than those of AWiFS. ISRO and CNES will develop optical and TIR payloads, respectively. Assessing evapotranspiration and furthermore Gross and Net Primary Productivity (GPP and NPP) will in turn assist in quantifying water use in rainfed and irrigated agriculture, water stress and water use efficiency, with expected applications to agricultural drought and early warning, crop yield prediction, water allocation, implementation of water rights, crop insurance business and agro-advisories to farmers. The other scientific objectives of TRISHNA are also briefly described. TRISHNA instrument will fly aboard a ISRO spacecraft scheduled to be launched from 2024 for a minimum period of 5 years’ mission lifetime.

Abstract Deconfined QCD matter in heavy-ion collisions has been a topic of paramount interest for many years. Quarkonia suppression in heavy-ion collisions at the relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments indicate the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) formation in such collisions. Recent experiments at LHC have given indications of hot matter effect in asymmetric p–Pb nuclear collisions. Here, we employ a theoretical model to investigate the bottomonium suppression in Pb–Pb at $$\sqrt{s_{NN}}=2.76$$ sNN=2.76 , 5.02 TeV, and in p–Pb at $$\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5.02$$ sNN=5.02 TeV center-of-mass energies under a QGP formation scenario. Our present formulation is based on an unified model consisting of suppression due to color screening, gluonic dissociation along with the collisional damping. Regeneration due to correlated $$Q\bar{Q}$$ QQ¯ pairs has also been taken into account in the current work. We obtain here the net bottomonium suppression in terms of survival probability under the combined effect of suppression plus regeneration in the deconfined QGP medium. We mainly concentrate here on the centrality, $$N_\text {part}$$ Npart and transverse momentum, $$p_{T}$$ pT dependence of $$\Upsilon (1S)$$ Υ(1S) and $$ \Upsilon (2S)$$ Υ(2S) states suppression in Pb–Pb and p–Pb collisions at mid-rapidity. We compare our model predictions for $$\Upsilon (1S)$$ Υ(1S) and $$\Upsilon (2S)$$ Υ(2S) suppression with the corresponding experimental data obtained at the LHC energies. We find that the experimental observations on $$p_t$$ pt and $$N_\text {part}$$ Npart dependent suppression agree reasonably well with our model predictions.

The downstream processing of hot-melt extruded amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) into tablets is challenging due to the low tabletability of milled ASDs. Typically, the extrudate strand is sized before milling, as the strand cannot be fed directly into the milling system. At the lab scale, the strand can be sized by hand-cutting before milling. For scaling up, pelletizers or chill roll and flaker systems can be used to break strands. Due to the different techniques used, differences in milling and tablet compaction are to be expected. We present a systematic study of the milling and tableting of an extruded ASD of itraconazole with hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) as a carrier polymer. The strand was sized using different techniques at the end of the extruder barrel (hand-cutting, pelletizer, or chill roll and flaker) before being milled at varying milling speeds with varying screen sizes. The effects of these variables (sizing technology, milling speed, and screen size) on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the milled ASD, such as yield, mean particle size (D50), tablet compaction characteristics, and tablet dissolution, were established using response surface methodology. It was found that the CQAs varied according to sizing technology, with chill roll flakes showing the highest percentage yield, the lowest D50, and the highest tabletability and dissolution rate for itraconazole. Pearson correlation coefficient tests indicated D50 as the most important CQA related to tabletability and dissolution. For certain milling conditions, the milling of hand-cut filaments results in similar particle size distributions (PSDs) to the milling of pellets or chill roll flakes.

Objectives To characterize the epidemiologic profiles of prediabetes mellitus (preDM), diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension (HTN) in Qataris using the nationally representative 2012 Qatar STEPwise Survey. Methods A secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey that included 2,497 Qatari nationals aged 18–64 years. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were conducted. Results Prevalence of preDM, DM, and HTN in Qataris aged 18–64 years was 11.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.6%-14.7%), 10.4% (95% CI 8.4%-12.9%), and 32.9% (95% CI 30.4%-35.6%), respectively. Age was the common factor associated with the three conditions. Adjusted analyses showed that unhealthy diet (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.84, 95% CI 1.01–3.36) was significantly associated with preDM; that physical inactivity (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.12–2.46), central obesity (aOR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.02–4.26), and HTN (aOR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.40–3.38) were significantly associated with DM; and that DM (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.34–3.22) was significantly associated with HTN. Population attributable fraction of preDM associated with unhealthy diet was 7.7%; of DM associated with physical inactivity, central obesity, and HTN, respectively, was 14.9%, 39.8%, and 17.5%; and of HTN associated with DM was 3.0%. Conclusions One in five Qataris is living with either preDM or DM, and one in three is living with HTN, conditions that were found to be primarily driven by lifestyle factors. Prevention, control, and management of these conditions should be a national priority to reduce their disease burden and associated disease sequelae.

Surface epithelial tumors of the ovary account for 25% of all ovarian neoplasms. When composed predominantly of fibrous stroma, with glands and cysts forming a minor component, their appearance on imaging is often complex; cystic- to solid-appearing masses often raise suspicion of a malignant tumor. An accurate frozen histopathological diagnosis of a benign cystadenofibroma of this tumor can facilitate appropriate surgical management. However, it is equally important to diagnose areas of borderline changes/malignancy arising in these tumors, particularly when large or complex surface and inner papillary areas with multilayering or stratification are seen microscopically. We present here a case of bilateral complex ovarian mass in a 68-year-old woman, which was equivocal for malignancy on radiology, per operative gross examination as well as on frozen section evaluation. It was finally diagnosed as a borderline serous tumor (BOT) in a cystadenofibroma on histopathological examination.

Stimulating the nervous system and measuring muscle response offers a unique opportunity to interrogate motor system function. Often, this is performed by stimulating motor cortex and recording muscle activity with electromyography; the evoked response is called the motor evoked potential (MEP). To understand system dynamics, MEPs are typically recorded through a range of motor cortex stimulation intensities. The MEPs increase with increasing stimulation intensities, and these typically produce a sigmoidal response curve. Analysis of MEPs is often complex and analysis of response curves is time-consuming. We created an MEP analysis software, called Motometrics, to facilitate analysis of MEPs and response curves. The goal is to combine robust signal processing algorithms with a simple user interface. Motometrics first enables the user to annotate data files acquired from the recording system so that the responses can be extracted and labeled with the correct subject and experimental condition. The software enables quick visual representations of entire datasets, to ensure uniform quality of the signal. It then enables the user to choose a variety of response curve analyses and to perform near real time quantification of the MEPs for quick feedback during experimental procedures. This is a modular open source tool that is compatible with several popular electrophysiological systems. Initial use indicates that Motometrics enables rapid, robust, and intuitive analysis of MEP response curves by neuroscientists without programming or signal processing expertise.

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits transpeptidation during cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala termini of lipid II. For long, it has been used as a last resort antibiotic. However, since the emergence of the first vancomycin-resistant enterococci in 1987, vancomycin resistance has become widespread, especially in hospitals. We have synthesized and evaluated 110 vancomycin analogs modified at the C-terminal carboxyl group of the heptapeptide moiety with R2NHR1NH2 substituents. Through iterative optimizations of the substituents, we identified vancomycin analogs that fully restore (or even exceed) the original inhibitory activity against vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), vancomycin-intermediate (VISA) and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) strains. The best analogs have improved growth inhibitory activity and in vitro therapeutic indices against a broad set of VRE and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. They also exceed the activity of vancomycin against Clostridium difficile ribotypes. Vanc-39 and Vanc-42 have a low probability to provoke antibiotic resistance, and overcome different vancomycin resistance mechanisms (VanA, VanB, and VanC1).

The beneficial effects of chronic and early pharmacological treatment with ethosuximide on epileptogenesis were studied in a genetic absence epilepsy model comorbid for depression. It was also investigated whether there is a critical treatment period and treatment length. Cortical excitability in the form of electrical evoked potentials, but also to cortico-thalamo-cortical network activity (spike–wave discharges, SWD and afterdischarges), white matter changes representing extra cortico-thalamic functions and depressive-like behavior were investigated.WAG/Rij rats received either ethosuximide for 2 months (post natal months 2–3 or 4–5), or ethosuximide for 4 months (2–5) in their drinking water, while control rats drank plain water. EEG measurements were made during treatment, and 6 days and 2 months post treatment. Behavioral test were also done 6 days post treatment. DTI was performed ex vivo post treatment.SWD were suppressed during treatment, and 6 days and 2 months post treatment in the 4 month treated group, as well as the duration of AD elicited by cortical electrical stimulation 6 days post treatment. Increased fractional anisotropy in corpus callosum and internal capsula on DTI was found, an increased P8 evoked potential amplitude and a decreased immobility in the forced swim test. Shorter treatments with ETX had no large effects on any parameter.Chronic ETX has widespread effects not only within but also outside the circuitry in which SWD are initiated and generated, including preventing epileptogenesis and reducing depressive-like symptoms. The treatment of patients before symptom onset might prevent many of the adverse consequences of chronic epilepsy.

Antidiabetic potential of Tinospora cordifolia stem is well proven. In the course of screening of useful α-glucosidase inhibitors, we prepared alkaloid fraction (AFTC) and isolated three isoquinoline alkaloids, namely, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine as active candidates for α-glucosidase inhibition. The enzyme kinetics was studied using sucrose and maltose as substrates. Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and maximal velocity (Vmax) values were estimated. A significant decrease in Vmax and unaltered Km was observed in case of jatrorrhizine and palmatine (non-competitive inhibition). Magnoflorine was found to increase apparent Km and shown to be reversible, competitive inhibition. The IC50 value as sucrase inhibitor was 36.25, 23.46 and 9.8 μg/mL for jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine, respectively, and as maltase inhibitor was 22.05, 38.42 and 7.6 μg/mL for jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine, respectively. In vivo studies were conducted on rats to determine oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), using different substrates: glucose, sucrose and maltose. The increase in plasma glucose level was significantly suppressed (P

The methanol and methanol-chloroform (1:1) extracts of the freshly collected Haliclona exigua showed minumim inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml respectively in in vitro studies, but when both of these were tested in vivo in rats, only methanol-chloroform showed 80% inhibition of trophozoites at the dose of 900 mg/kg body weight against Entamoeba histolytica. Therefore only methanol-chloroform extract was further fractionated into four fractions (hexane, chloroform, n-butanol soluble and n-butanol insoluble fractions). Out of these, only hexane and n-butanol soluble fractions showed 80% inhibition of trophozoites at 900 mg/kg dose. Further the chromatography of the n-butanol fraction yielded araguspongin-C which showed promising results at different doses.

The siliciclastic of the Upper Kaimur Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup in Central India have been geochemically studied in order to understand their provenance, paleoweathering conditions and tectonic conditions. A-CN-K (Al2O3-CaO-K2O) ternary diagram and chemical index of alteration (CIA) values suggest that the granitic source rocks underwent moderate to high degree of chemical weathering under moderate weathering conditions for an extended period of time, or under humid weathering for shorter periods of time. Similar CIA values in all textural types indicate that recycling processes homogenized the shale and sandstone compositions. Various geochemical discriminants and elemental ratios such as K2O/Na2O, Al2O3/TiO2, SiO2/MgO, La/Sc, Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, Th/Cr, [Gd/ Yb]N and pronounced negative Eu anomalies indicate the rocks to be the product of post-Archean, Proterozoic granitic source, with minor granodioritic input and substantial sediment recycling. The geochemical signatures corroborate their deposition in a subsiding foreland basin over Bundelkhand craton with provenance from south, south westerly Chotanagpur granite gneiss.

The methanol and methanol-chloroform (1:1) extracts of the freshly collected Haliclona exigua showed minumim inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 ?g/mL and 250 ?g/mL respectively in in vitro studies, but when both of these were tested in vivo in rats, only methanol-chloroform showed 80% inhibition of trophozoites at the dose of 900 mg/kg body weight against Entameba histolytica. Therefore only methanol-chloroform extract was further fractionated into four fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol soluble and n-butanol insoluble fractions). Out of these, only n-hexane and n-butanol soluble fractions showed 80% inhibition of trophozoites at 900 mg/kg dose. Further the chromatography of the n-butanol fraction yielded araguspongin-C which showed promising results at different doses.

abstract