An atypical case of chronic diarrhoea: olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy

Olmesartan use has been associated with chronic diarrhoea and weight loss due to severe sprue-like enteropathy, yet this is still not well known among clinicians. We present the unique case of an 84-year-old Filipino woman diagnosed with olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy after an extensive work up for chronic diarrhoea, and without improvement despite multiple empiric treatments for nearly 15 months. Withdrawal of olmesartan resulted in clinical and histological improvement. This case provides further evidence for olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy, and emphasises the importance of its awareness and recognition among gastroenterologists and primary care physicians alike.

Mechanisms of resistance against cancer therapeutic drugs

Cancer is the manifestation of multiple dysregulated cellular pathways. Treatment protocols engaged in treating these diseases involve mainly the cell cycle regulating genes/proteins, DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthetic machinery, apoptotic and proliferation activity and cytoskeletal framework. Some of the traditional therapeutic strategies have over the years developed resistance making cure difficult to achieve. This paper analyzes the mechanisms employed by various cancers that render them resistant against therapeutic drugs.

Determinants of capital structure: an empirical evaluation from India

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the key determinants of capital structure for Indian manufacturing firms and which theory implications, i.e. trade off vs pecking order are more applicable in current Indian manufacturing sector scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample size of 422 listed Indian manufacturing companies on Bombay Stock Exchange has been considered to do the empirical evaluation. A ten year period from 2003-2004 to 2012-2013 and annual financial standalone data have been considered for study. Ratio analysis and panel data approach have been applied to perform the empirical evaluation. Total debt to total capital and total debt to total assets are used as the proxy for firm financial leverage.

Findings

– It was empirically found that size, age, asset tangibility, growth, profitability, non-debt tax shield, business risk, uniqueness and ownership structure are significantly correlated with the firm financial leverage or key determinants of capital structure in Indian manufacturing sector. Also, other variables like dividend payout, liquidity, interest coverage ratio, cash flow coverage ratio (CFCR), India inflation and GDP growth rate are empirically found to be insignificant to determine the capital structure of Indian manufacturing sector. There is no single theory implications, i.e. trade off vs pecking order which can explain the capital structure nature of Indian manufacturing sector and rather it is a mix of both the theories.

Originality/value

– The findings of the study would enhance the literature on capital structure and is significant for the Indian manufacturing firm’s decisions as it includes the most recent data and covers the period of both pre- and post-recession of 2008-2009.

Altered lipid composition and enhanced lipid production in green microalga by introduction of brassica diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2

Higher lipid biosynthesis and accumulation are important to achieve economic viability of biofuel production via microalgae. To enhance lipid content, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was genetically engineered with a key enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase (BnDGAT2) from Brassica napus, responsible for neutral lipid biosynthesis. The transformed colonies harbouring aph7 gene, screened on hygromycin-supplemented medium, achieved transformation frequency of ~120 ± 10 colonies/1 × 10(6) cells. Transgene integration and expression were confirmed by PCR, Southern blots, staining lipid droplets, proteins and spectro-fluorometric analysis of Nile red-stained cells. The neutral lipid is a major class (over 80% of total lipids) and most significant requirement for biodiesel production; this was remarkably higher in the transformed alga than the untransformed control. The levels of saturated fatty acids in the transformed alga decreased to about 7% while unsaturated fatty acids increased proportionately when compared to wild type cells. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, were enhanced up to 12% in the transformed line. Nile red staining confirmed formation of a large number of lipid globules in the transformed alga. Evaluation of long-term stability and vitality of the transgenic alga revealed that cryopreservation produced significantly higher quantity of lipid than those maintained continuously over 128 generations on solid medium. The overexpression of BnDGAT2 significantly altered the fatty acids profile in the transformed alga. Results of this study offer a valuable strategy of genetic manipulation for enhancing polyunsaturated fatty acids and neutral lipids for biofuel production in algae.

Suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses by pharmacologically potent fungus Ganoderma lucidum

Acute inflammation is the result of a complex signal transduction pathway that protects and heals our body and is necessary for our good health and normal wellbeing. Whereas, chronic inflammation can be correlated well with the onset of a plethora of autoimmune disorders; rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and polymyalgia, rheumatic and other diseases like asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases, cardiovascular disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Also, it has been reported to be associated with the onset of various cancers. An effective anti-inflammatory drug should be able to inhibit the development of chronic inflammation without interfering in normal homeostasis. A number of herbal drugs have been identified in the past that can target inflammatory cytokines. Among these, Ganoderma lucidum: a powerful medicinal mushroom has been found to possess immune-modulating and immune-potentiating capabilities and has been characterized as a wonder herb. This review mainly focuses on the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory and antiallergic action of this mushroom and also sheds light on various patent studies related to its pharmacological action.

Cardiomyopathy and Worsened Ischemic Heart Failure in SM22-α Cre-Mediated Neuropilin-1 Null Mice: Dysregulation of PGC1α and Mitochondrial Homeostasis

OBJECTIVE

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multidomain membrane receptor involved in angiogenesis and development of neuronal circuits, however, the role of NRP-1 in cardiovascular pathophysiology remains elusive.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

In this study, we first observed that deletion of NRP-1 induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, which was accompanied by dysregulated cardiac mitochondrial accumulation and induction of cardiac hypertrophy- and stress-related markers. To investigate the role of NRP-1 in vivo, we generated mice lacking Nrp-1 in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (SM22-α-Nrp-1 KO), which exhibited decreased survival rates, developed cardiomyopathy, and aggravated ischemia-induced heart failure. Mechanistically, we found that NRP-1 specifically controls peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in cardiomyocytes through crosstalk with Notch1 and Smad2 signaling pathways, respectively. Moreover, SM22-α-Nrp-1 KO mice exhibited impaired physical activities and altered metabolite levels in serum, liver, and adipose tissues, as demonstrated by global metabolic profiling analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide new insights into the cardioprotective role of NRP-1 and its influence on global metabolism.

Evaluation of stormwater micropollutant source control and end-of-pipe control strategies using an uncertainty-calibrated integrated dynamic simulation model

The estimation of micropollutant (MP) fluxes in stormwater systems is a fundamental prerequisite when preparing strategies to reduce stormwater MP discharges to natural waters. Dynamic integrated models can be important tools in this step, as they can be used to integrate the limited data provided by monitoring campaigns and to evaluate the performance of different strategies based on model simulation results. This study presents an example where six different control strategies, including both source-control and end-of-pipe treatment, were compared. The comparison focused on fluxes of heavy metals (copper, zinc) and organic compounds (fluoranthene). MP fluxes were estimated by using an integrated dynamic model, in combination with stormwater quality measurements. MP sources were identified by using GIS land usage data, runoff quality was simulated by using a conceptual accumulation/washoff model, and a stormwater retention pond was simulated by using a dynamic treatment model based on MP inherent properties. Uncertainty in the results was estimated with a pseudo-Bayesian method. Despite the great uncertainty in the MP fluxes estimated by the runoff quality model, it was possible to compare the six scenarios in terms of discharged MP fluxes, compliance with water quality criteria, and sediment accumulation. Source-control strategies obtained better results in terms of reduction of MP emissions, but all the simulated strategies failed in fulfilling the criteria based on emission limit values. The results presented in this study shows how the efficiency of MP pollution control strategies can be quantified by combining advanced modeling tools (integrated stormwater quality model, uncertainty calibration).

Screening of some weeds for larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus, a vector of dengue and chikungunya

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Screening of crude extracts of plants facilitates the establishment of highly effective extract for mosquito control. This practice should be preferred before in depth study of plant extracts rather than spending much efforts and energy in detailed examinations for practically ineffective extracts. In this study, leaf powders of four weed plants were used for the quick screening of effective plant extract as larvicide against III instar larvae of Aedes albopictus Skuse. At the same time, effect of different seasons on the larvicidal efficacy of plants and selection of proper solvents for further investigation were also studied.

METHODS

Leaves of Vernonia cinerea, Prosopis juliflora, Hyptis suaveolens and Malvastrum coromandelianum plants were collected in summer, winter and rainy seasons from Madhya Pradesh region (India). To assess the larvicidal efficacy the suspensions of leaf powders in different solvents (isopropanol, methanol, acetone, dimethylsulfoxide and water) were used for larvicidal bioassay. The mortality counts were made after 24 h and the LC50 and LC90 values were calculated.

RESULTS

Results showed that leaf powder of V. cinerea in acetone collected during summer showed highest efficacy with LC50 value of 0.22 g/l and LC90 of 0.96 g/l followed by methanolic solution of P. juliflora with LC50 of 0.44 g/l and LC90 value as 1.85 g/l. Amongst all solvents, leaf powder in acetone; while among seasons, summer collected plant materials were found to be more effective larvicides as compared to others.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Summer and winter collected leaves of V. cinerea and P. juliflora dissolved in the solvents of medium polarity range showed significant larval toxicity and thus suggests a detailed study on these plants as potential larval control agents.

Effects of fetal bovine serum and estrus buffalo serum on maturation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes in vitro

AIM

The aim was to assess the effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and estrus buffalo serum (EBS) on in vitro maturation rate of oocytes in buffalo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Maturation rate of oocytes was assessed in two maturation media supplemented with 20% FBS and EBS. Oocytes maturation rate was evaluated on the basis of cumulus cell expansion and extrusion of polar body after 24 h of in vitro culture in CO2 incubator.

RESULTS

The average percentage of in vitro matured oocytes in FBS was 83.80%, and EBS was 77.45%, respectively. The results revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in maturation rate of oocytes in FBS than EBS.

CONCLUSION

Buffalo oocytes were better in vitro matured in FBS than EBS.

Fipronil induced oxidative stress in kidney and brain of mice: protective effect of vitamin E and vitamin C

Fipronil is a relatively new insecticide of the phenpyrazole group. Fipronil-induced effects on antioxidant system and oxidative stress biomarkers are yet to be studied in vivo. The present study was undertaken to evaluate fipronil-induced alterations in the blood biochemical markers and tissue antioxidant enzymes after oral exposure in mice and to explore possible protective effect of pre-treatment of antioxidant vitamins against these alterations. Mice were divided into eight groups containing control, test and amelioration groups. Mice in the test groups were exposed to different doses of fipronil, i.e., 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg bw, respectively for 28 days. Mice in the amelioration groups were treated with vitamin E or vitamin C (each at 100 mg/kg) 2 h prior to high dose (10 mg/kg) of fipronil. Fipronil exposure at three doses caused significant increase in the blood biochemical markers, lipid peroxidation and prominent histopathological alterations; while level of antioxidant enzymes was severely decreased both in kidney and brain tissues. Prior administration of vitamin E or vitamin C in the fipronil exposed mice led to decrease in lipid peroxidation and significant increase in activities of antioxidants, viz., glutathione, total thiol, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Vitamin E and vitamin C administration in fipronil exposed mice also improved histological architecture of the kidney and brain when compared with fipronil alone treated groups. Thus, results of the present study demonstrated that in vivo fipronil exposure induces oxidative stress and pre-treatment with vitamin E or C can protect mice against this oxidative insult.

Phosphate solubilizing and indole-3-acetic acid producing bacteria from the soil of Garhwal Himalaya aimed to improve the growth of rice

In the present study, soil bacteria from rainfed agriculture field of Garhwal Himalaya, just prior to sowing of summer crop, were isolated and initially tested for solubilization of inorganic phosphate, production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore. Two bacterial isolates, having efficient P- solubilizing activity in solid medium, were identified using 16S rRNA sequence analysis as Pseudomonas koreensis strainYB1 Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus strainYB3 and three bacterial isolates, producing high amount of IAA in liquid medium, were identified as Klebsiella oxytoca strainYB2 and two strain of Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus, strainYB4 and YB5, respectively. In culture medium supplemented with L-Tryptophan, Klebsiella oxytoca produced high amount of IAA (337.44 μg l(-1)). The selected five bacterial strains were further tested for tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilizing abilities at three different incubation temperature viz., 4 degrees C, 10 degrees C and 28 degrees C, under in vitro conditions. At 28 degrees C, three bacterial strains Pseudomonas koreensis, Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus strainYB4 and Klebsiella oxytoca solubilized the phosphate efficiently. At 10 degrees C only two strains, Pseudomonas koreensis and Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus strainYB4 solubilized phosphate efficiently as compared to other strains. These five bacterial strains were tested for nitrogen, catalase activity, starch and cellulose hydrolysis as well as growth promotion activity on rice, under controlled conditions. All the five bacterial strains efficiently increased the biomass and phosphorus uptake in Swama and Swarna sub1 varieties of rice.

Biodegradation Aspects of Carbendazim and Sulfosulfuron: Trends, Scope and Relevance

A large amount of pesticides are being used now-a-days in crop protection which has resulted in buildup of such harmful compounds in the environment, proving a menace to humans, animal life as well as to soil microbes. Residues of these pesticides have been reported in soil, water and foods. Carbendazim and sulfosulfuron are among the most widely used pesticides for treating fungal diseases and unwanted herbs in crops respectively. Carbendazim is a benzimidazole fungicide which can harm liver as well as the endocrine system and suspected to have mutagenic and tumorigenic effects. On similar lines sulfosulfuron, a sulfonylurea herbicide may result in the development of resistant herbs displaying its carry-over effects to the next crop cultivated. These pesticides possess large half-lives and thus remain persistent in the environment which may lead to harmful consequences in near future. Besides chemical and photo-catalytic degradation of pesticides, microbial degradation has now been evolved as a much effective and safer way to eradicate these harmful compounds from the environment. However a limited literature is available on the microbial degradation of such compounds. The present review emphasizes mainly upon the chemical properties of Carbendazim and Sulfosulfuron, detection of their residues, harmful effects and insights into their degradation studies. Further, the use of efficient microbes for remediation of pesticides from the environment has been discussed.

GAIP interacting protein C-terminus regulates autophagy and exosome biogenesis of pancreatic cancer through metabolic pathways

GAIP interacting protein C terminus (GIPC) is known to play an important role in a variety of physiological and disease states. In the present study, we have identified a novel role for GIPC as a master regulator of autophagy and the exocytotic pathways in cancer. We show that depletion of GIPC-induced autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells, as evident from the upregulation of the autophagy marker LC3II. We further report that GIPC regulates cellular trafficking pathways by modulating the secretion, biogenesis, and molecular composition of exosomes. We also identified the involvement of GIPC on metabolic stress pathways regulating autophagy and microvesicular shedding, and observed that GIPC status determines the loading of cellular cargo in the exosome. Furthermore, we have shown the overexpression of the drug resistance gene ABCG2 in exosomes from GIPC-depleted pancreatic cancer cells. We also demonstrated that depletion of GIPC from cancer cells sensitized them to gemcitabine treatment, an avenue that can be explored as a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance in cancer.

Microbial pigments as natural color sources: current trends and future perspectives

Synthetic colors have been widely used in various industries including food, textile, cosmetic and pharmaceuticals. However toxicity problems caused by synthetic pigments have triggered intense research in natural colors and dyes. Among the natural Sources, pigment producing microorganisms hold a promising potential to meet present day challenges. Furthermore natural colors not only improve the marketability of the product but also add extra features like anti oxidant, anti cancer properties etc. In this review, we present various sources of microbial pigments and to explore their biological and clinical properties like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and anti inflammatory. The study also emphasizes upon key parameters to improve the bioactivity and production of microbial pigments for their commercial use in pharmacological and medical fields.

Selective assembly of DNA-conjugated single-walled carbon nanotubes from the vascular secretome

Colloidal dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is often the first processing step to many of their unique applications. However, dispersed SWCNTs often exist in kinetically trapped states where aggregation can be of concern. Recent work revealed prominent DNA-SWCNT aggregation following intravascular injection. In this study, we performed detailed analysis of DNA-SWCNT aggregate formation, structure, and composition in the context of endothelial cell condition media. Interestingly, we found that aggregates formed within condition media from cells that have undergone a stress response differ in size and organization from that of the control. We also found that temperature increases also promote DNA-SWCNT associations. A mathematical model was developed to describe the kinetics of SWCNT extraction from solution. Through orthogonal optical analysis and imaging modalities, we verified that proteins form the bulk of the aggregate structure and dictate aggregate assembly at multiple levels of organization. Finally, physiochemical analysis indicated preferential extraction of low-abundance hydrophobic and charged proteins. The formed aggregates also remain relatively stable in solution, making them potential macroscopic indicators of solution content.

Bio-preservative and therapeutic potential of pediocin: recent trends and future perspectives

Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria are of keen interest to the food industry for their bio-preservative potential and antimicrobial properties. The increasing demand for high quality 'safe' foods which are not extensively processed has created a niche for natural food preservatives. The bacteriocins (produced by bacteria) derived their name after the genera that produce them, hence bacteriocins produced by genus Pediococcus are known as Pediocin. Pediocins are antimicrobial peptides which show a strong activity against food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, also are thermostable in nature as well as stable over a wide range of pH. Pediocin produced by Pediococcus acidilactici, has been generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The current review summarizes about the progress made on the Pediocin research from patent perspective along with the immense potential of these Pediococcus derived bacteriocins not only as antimicrobial, biopreservative and probiotic agents but also for the treatment of cancer, body odors and other health promoting actions. The relevant patents have been listed and briefly analyzed to upgrade and benefit food industries by prolonging the shelf life of various products.

Ocular injuries in the people's uprising of April 2006 in Kathmandu, Nepal

INTRODUCTION

In April 2006, the people of Nepal organised mass demonstrations demanding the restoration of democracy in the country. The ocular injuries that resulted during the riots that ensued, their pattern and the visual outcome of the injured have not yet been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To study the demographic profile, type, severity and the visual outcome of ocular injuries that occurred during the 2006 people's uprising in Nepal.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective interventional series of cases involving 29 subjects. The main outcome measures were demography, laterality of injury, type of injury and the visual status before and after the trauma.

RESULTS

The age of the victims ranged from 14 to 32 years. Among the victims with eye injuries, 27 (93.1 %) were males, who were unemployed youth, students and construction workers. The left eye was injured more frequently than the right. Non-lethal bullets and explosive tear gas were the commonest agents of the major ocular injuries. The main types of injuries requiring hospitalization were closed globe injuries in eight victims and open globe in six. Surgical intervention was required in 57.2 % (n = 29) of the cases. The visual outcome was poor in cases of open globe injury with posterior segment involvement.

CONCLUSION

Non-lethal bullets and explosive tear gases can cause significant visual impairment. Severe open globe injury with a retained intra-ocular foreign body is associated with significant visual loss.

Toward male individualization with rapidly mutating y-chromosomal short tandem repeats

Relevant for various areas of human genetics, Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are commonly used for testing close paternal relationships among individuals and populations, and for male lineage identification. However, even the widely used 17-loci Yfiler set cannot resolve individuals and populations completely. Here, 52 centers generated quality-controlled data of 13 rapidly mutating (RM) Y-STRs in 14,644 related and unrelated males from 111 worldwide populations. Strikingly, >99% of the 12,272 unrelated males were completely individualized. Haplotype diversity was extremely high (global: 0.9999985, regional: 0.99836–0.9999988). Haplotype sharing between populations was almost absent except for six (0.05%) of the 12,156 haplotypes. Haplotype sharing within populations was generally rare (0.8% nonunique haplotypes), significantly lower in urban (0.9%) than rural (2.1%) and highest in endogamous groups (14.3%). Analysis of molecular variance revealed 99.98% of variation within populations, 0.018% among populations within groups, and 0.002% among groups. Of the 2,372 newly and 156 previously typed male relative pairs, 29% were differentiated including 27% of the 2,378 father–son pairs. Relative to Yfiler, haplotype diversity was increased in 86% of the populations tested and overall male relative differentiation was raised by 23.5%. Our study demonstrates the value of RM Y-STRs in identifying and separating unrelated and related males and provides a reference database.

Toxicopathological alterations induced by high dose dietary T-2 mycotoxin and its residue detection in Wistar rats

T-2 toxin is one of the most potent cytotoxic and food-borne mycotoxins. Most experimental studies on the T-2 toxin have been performed at extremely low doses (ppb level). However, several field reports of contaminated feed have shown concentration of T-2 toxin to be as high as ≥20 ppm. Therefore, the impact of high dose T-2 toxin (20 ppm) after subacute exposure was investigated in an experimental setup with respect to growth performance, oxidative stress, and detailed pathomorphology in young male Wistar rats. Furthermore, to see the effect of such a high dose on the accumulation of T-2 toxin, its residues in various organs were quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Apart from obvious clinical toxicosis, rats in the toxin-fed group showed significant hemato-biochemical alterations and increased levels of biological markers of oxidative stress with concomitant decrease in levels of serum and tissue catalase and superoxide dismutase. These alterations were strongly supported by histopathological changes, such as hyperkeratosis and hyperplasia of the squamous gastric mucosa, oxidative damage to hepatocytes, atrophy of the thymus and spleen, and overall decrease in the spermatogenic activity of testes. An economical, simple, reliable, and quick method for the detection and quantification of T-2 toxin residues by HPTLC is also reported here. No residual T-2 toxin was detected in any of the organs tested, suggesting that T-2 toxin does not accumulate in tissues even at such a high exposure level.

Effect of feeding different levels of wheat roti on nutrient utilization and blood metabolite profile in semi-captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of wheat roti (WR) on nutrient utilization and blood metabolites in Asian elephants fed roughages ad libitum. Nine (3 M, 6 F) Asian elephants (14-52 years of age, 1909-3968 kg BW) were used in an experiment based on replicated Latin square design. Animals in each group (n = 3) were assigned to one of the three dietary treatments in a manner that animals in all the three groups were exposed to all the three treatments in three different periods. Each feeding trial comprised 30 days (25 days of adaptation and 5 days collection period). The amount of WR fed to the elephants was 0.18, 0.12 and 0.06% of BW in groups I, II and III, respectively. They were allowed to forage in the nearby forests for 6 h/day and to bathe for 2 h/day. The animals had ad libitum access to cut Rohini (Mallotus philippensis) trees in their night shelter. Intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn were measured. Feed consumption was not significantly different among the groups. Significant (p < 0.01) decrease in digestibility of DM and GE and blood glucose concentration was observed with decreased level of WR in the diet. Feeding of WR at 0.06% of BW supplied adequate amount of DE, CP, Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn to meet requirement for adult maintenance. Feeding of WR in excess of 0.06% of BW supplied DE in excess of requirement, increased blood glucose concentration which may cause obesity and other associated health problems. It was concluded that the amount of WR should be restricted to 0.06% of BW in the diet of captive Asian elephants.