Molecular detection and epidemiology of chicken infectious anaemia virus in India

Chicken infectious anemia (CIA) is an economically important disease affecting poultry, especially young chicks, characterized by poor weight gain, anemia, immunosuppression and production losses. Recent reports indicate that the virus is emerging and re-emerging worldwide.  Also, scarce reports regarding the molecular detection and epidemiology of virus from India are available. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the virus in the commercial poultry farms of the country employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the suspected 424 field samples tested from 12 different states of the country during the last five years (2007-2012), 311 (73.3%) samples were found positive for CIAV-DNA indicating the wide prevalence of the virus in India. The age wise prevalence of the virus indicated high prevalence in young chicks of up to three weeks (80.3%) of age compared to 3-7 (66.6%) and 7-12 (25%) week age groups. Being an immunosuppressive emerging pathogen circulating among the poultry flocks of the country, suitable prevention and control measures need to be adopted timely. This is a first elaborative report on the molecular epidemiology of CIAV in poultry flocks of the country. Extensive epidemiological studies are suggested to know the magnitude of the virus affecting poultry industry of the country, and design and formulate effective disease prevention and control strategies to reduce economic losses being caused by emerging virus.

Impairment of TrkB-PSD-95 signaling in Angelman syndrome

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is defective in Angelman syndrome and can be rescued by disruption of Arc/PSD95 binding.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by severe cognitive impairment and a high rate of autism. AS is caused by disrupted neuronal expression of the maternally inherited Ube3A ubiquitin protein ligase, required for the proteasomal degradation of proteins implicated in synaptic plasticity, such as the activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc/Arg3.1). Mice deficient in maternal Ube3A express elevated levels of Arc in response to synaptic activity, which coincides with severely impaired long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus and deficits in learning behaviors. In this study, we sought to test whether elevated levels of Arc interfere with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) TrkB receptor signaling, which is known to be essential for both the induction and maintenance of LTP. We report that TrkB signaling in the AS mouse is defective, and show that reduction of Arc expression to control levels rescues the signaling deficits. Moreover, the association of the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95 with TrkB is critical for intact BDNF signaling, and elevated levels of Arc were found to impede PSD-95/TrkB association. In Ube3A deficient mice, the BDNF-induced recruitment of PSD-95, as well as PLCγ and Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) with TrkB receptors was attenuated, resulting in reduced activation of PLCγ-α-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and PI3K-Akt, but leaving the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) pathway intact. A bridged cyclic peptide (CN2097), shown by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies to uniquely bind the PDZ1 domain of PSD-95 with high affinity, decreased the interaction of Arc with PSD-95 to restore BDNF-induced TrkB/PSD-95 complex formation, signaling, and facilitate the induction of LTP in AS mice. We propose that the failure of TrkB receptor signaling at synapses in AS is directly linked to elevated levels of Arc associated with PSD-95 and PSD-95 PDZ-ligands may represent a promising approach to reverse cognitive dysfunction.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a debilitating neurological disorder caused by a dysfunctional Ube3A gene. Most children with AS exhibit developmental delay, movement disorders, speech impairment, and often autistic features. The Ube3A enzyme normally regulates the degradation of the synaptic protein Arc, and in its absence the resulting elevated levels of Arc weaken synaptic contacts, making it difficult to generate long-term potentiation (LTP) and to process and store memory. In this study, we show that increased levels of Arc disrupt brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through the TrkB receptor (which is important for both the induction and maintenance of LTP). We find that the association of the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95 with TrkB is critical for intact BDNF signaling, and that the high levels of Arc in AS interfere with BDNF-induced recruitment of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) and other effectors to TrkB. By disrupting the interaction between Arc and PSD-95 with the novel cyclic peptidomimetic compound CN2097, we were able to restore BDNF signaling and improve the induction of LTP in a mouse model of AS. We propose that the disruption of TrkB receptor signaling at synapses contributes to the cognitive dysfunction that occurs in Angelman syndrome.

Copper triflate-mediated synthesis of 1,3,5-triarylpyrazoles in [bmim][PF6] ionic liquid and evaluation of their anticancer activities

A simple, efficient, and environment friendly protocol for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triarylpyrazole and 1,3,5-triarylpyrazolines in [bimm][PF₆] ionic liquid mediated by Cu(OTf)₂ is described. The reaction protocol gave 1,3,5-triarylpyrazoles in good to high yields (71-84%) via a one-pot addition-cyclocondensation between chalcones and arylhydrazines, and oxidative aromatization without requirement for an additional oxidizing reagent. The catalyst can be reused up to four cycles without much loss in the catalytic activity. The pyrazoles (4a-o) and pyrazolines (3a-n) were evaluated for antiproliferative activity in SK-OV-3, HT-29, and HeLa human cancer cells lines. Among all compounds, 3b inhibited cell proliferation of HeLa cells by 80% at a concentration of 50 μM.

4-Aryl-4H-naphthopyrans derivatives: one-pot synthesis, evaluation of Src kinase inhibitory and anti-proliferative activities

Background

A series of 2-amino-4-aryl-4H-benzo[h or f]chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of Src kinase and cell proliferation in breast carcinoma (BT-20) cell lines.

Methods

The one-pot, three-component reaction of α or β-naphthol, malonitrile and an aromatic aldehyde in the presence of diammonium hydrogen phosphate was afforded the corresponding 2-amino-4-aryl-4H-benzo[h or f]chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives, All target compounds were evaluated for inhibition of Src kinase and cell proliferation in breast carcinoma (BT-20) cell lines.

Results

Among all tested compounds, unsubstituted 4-phenyl analog 4a showed Src kinas inhibitory effect with IC₅₀ value of 28.1 μM and was the most potent compound in this series. In general, the compounds were moderately active against BT-20. 3-Nitro-phenyl 4e and 3-pyridinyl 4h derivatives inhibited the cell proliferation of BT-20 cells by 33% and 31.5%, respectively, and found to be more potent compared to doxorubicin (25% inhibition of cell growth).

Conclusion

The data indicate that 4-aryl-4H-naphthopyrans scaffold has the potential to be optimized further for designing more potent Src kinase inhibitors and/or anticancer lead compounds.

Neutraceutical approaches to control diabetes: A natural requisite approach

Objective:

The aim of this study is to screen the polyherbal preparation for antidiabetic activity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The blood glucose lowering activity of the polyherbal preparation-I (1:1:1 of wheat germ oil, Coraidrum sativum, and Aloe vera) was studied in normal rats after oral administration at doses of 1.0 ml/kg and 2.0 ml/kg and polyherbal preparation-I, II (wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum, and A. vera in the ratio of 2:2:1), and III (wheat germ oil, fresh juice of C. sativum and A. vera in the ratio of 1:2:2) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, after oral administration at doses of 1.0 ml/kg and 2.0 ml/kg. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein method at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h in normal rats and in diabetic rats at 0, 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days. Blood plasma glucose was estimated by the GOD/POD (glucose oxidase and peroxidase) method. The data were compared statistically by using the one-way ANOVA method followed by the Dunnett multiple component test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

The polyherbal preparation-I produced significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the blood glucose level of normal rats and polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III produced significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the blood glucose level of diabetic rats during 30-day study and compared with that of control and glibenclamide.

Conclusion:

The polyherbal preparation-I showed a significant glucose lowering effect in normal rats and polyherbal preparation-I, II, and III in diabetic rats. This preparation is going to be promising antidiabetic preparation for masses; however, it requires further extensive studies in human beings.

FTIR Spectroscopy: A Tool for Quantitative Analysis of Ciprofloxacin in Tablets

A simple, accurate and sensitive spectroscopic method has been proposed for the assay of ciprofloxacin in tablet by least square treatment of fourier transform infrared spectrometric data obtained at the wavenumber corresponding to the carbonyl group centered at 1707 cm^-1. The method involves the extraction of the active ingredient with methanol followed by phosphate buffer pH 6.0. The excipients in the commercial tablet preparation did not interfere with the assay. The specifity, linearity, detection limits, precision and accuracy of the calibration curve, drug extraction, infrared analysis and data manipulation were determined in order to validate the method. Moreover, the statistical results were compared with other methods for quantification of ciprofloxacin.

N-Myristoylglutamic Acid Derivative of 3'-Fluoro-3'-Deoxythymidine as an Organogel

Designing microbicidal gels of anti-HIV drugs for local application to prevent HIV infection is a subject of major interest. 3'-Fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine (FLT), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), was conjugated with a N-myristoyl glutamate scaffold. The conjugate showed gelation at 1% (w/w) in different organic solvents, such as toluene, dichloromethane, and chloroform. The gels were opaque and stable at room temperature. The results indicate that myristoyl glutamate derivative of FLT can form an organogel. The gel could have potential application as a topical anti-HIV microbicidal agent.

One-pot regioselective synthesis of tetrahydroindazolones and evaluation of their antiproliferative and Src kinase inhibitory activities

A number of 2-substituted tetrahydroindazolones were synthesized by three-component condensation reaction of 1,3-diketones, substituted hydrazines, benzaldehydes, and Yb(OTf)(3) as a catalyst in [bmim][BF(4)] ionic liquid using a simple, efficient, and economical one-pot method. The synthesized tetrahydroindazolones were evaluated for inhibition of cell proliferation of human colon carcinoma (HT-29), human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SK-OV-3), and c-Src kinase activity. 3,4-Dichlorophenyl tetrahydroindazolone derivative (15) inhibited the cell proliferation of HT-29 and SK-OV-3 cells by 62% and 58%, respectively. 2,3-Diphenylsubstituted tetrahydroindazolone derivatives, inhibited the cell proliferation of HT-29 cells by 65-72% at a concentration of 50 μM. In general, the tetrahydroindazolones showed modest inhibition of c-Src kinase where 4-tertbutylphenyl- and 3,4-dichlorophenyl- derivatives showed the inhibition of c-Src kinase with IC(50) values of 35.1 and 50.7 μM, respectively.

Tumors of the infratemporal fossa

Neoplastic processes involving the infratemporal fossa may originate from the tissues in the region, but more often are the result of extension from neighboring structures. Metastatic lesions located in the region are rarely encountered. Because of its concealed localization, tumors may remain unnoticed for some time. Clinical signs and symptoms often arise late, are insidious, and may be mistakenly attributed to other structures. The close proximity of the area to the intracranial structures, the orbit, the paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx, and the facial area demands careful planning of surgical excision and combined procedures may be called for. Modern imaging techniques have made three-dimensional visualization of the extent of the pathology possible. Treatment depends on the histopathology and staging of the tumor. Several surgical approaches have been developed over the years. Radical tumor excision with preservation of the quality of life remain the ultimate goal for those tumors where surgery is indicated. Experience over a decade with various pathologies is presented.

Obesity among adolescents of affluent public schools in Meerut

The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide in all segments of the population due to increased industrialization, urbanization, mechanization, and associated changes in diet and lifestyles. Change in diet habit of consuming more high energy fast foods and shifting to sedentary lifestyle has affected our children and also increased the risk of chronic diseases among adolescents. Childhood obesity has association with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer in later life. Therefore, its control and prevention is one of the major concerns for all developing nations. The present school-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 2785 affluent adolescents of six public schools in Meerut during the period October 2003 to March 2004. The objective is to assess the magnitude of overweight and obesity in adolescents and associated risk factors, with the help of the ELIZ health pathway based on body mass index criteria. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 19.7% and 5.3% in girls and 18.36% and 10.82% in boys. Obesity was found to be significantly associated with high intake of junk foods (P < 0.05), binge eating, high calorie intake (P < 0.05), lower physical activity (P < 0.05), and prolonged TV watching (P < 0.05).

Synthesis of 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine-1,2,3-triazole conjugates and evaluation of their Src kinase inhibitory and anticancer activities

A series of two classes of 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine-1,2,3-triazole conjugates were synthesized using click chemistry approach. All compounds were evaluated for inhibition of Src kinase and human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SK-Ov-3), breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-361), and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29). Hexyl triazolyl-substituted 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine exhibited inhibition of Src kinase with an IC(50) value of 5.6 μM. 4-Methoxyphenyl triazolyl-substituted 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine inhibited the cell proliferation of HT-29 and SK-Ov-3 by 73% and 58%, respectively, at a concentration of 50 μM.

Management of intellectual property rights in India: An updated review

The World Trade Organization's agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights set global minimum standards for the protection of intellectual property, substantially increasing and expanding intellectual property rights, and generated clear gains for the pharmaceutical industry and the developed world. The present review elaborates all aspects of Intellectual Property Rights in detail, along with their protection criteria.