In silico approach for the development of phenolic derivatives as potential anti-angiogenic agents against lysyl oxidase-like 2 enzyme

Background

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) has recently been explored as extremely pivotal protein involved in angiogenesis which results in metastasis of numerous types of cancers. Hence, LOXL2 is an exciting new target for drug development against tumor progression and its spread to distant organs. Newly synthesized derivatives of natural phenolic antioxidant guaiacol (T1 to T8) were evaluated for their potential as anti-angiogenic agents using in silico approach. The drug likeness properties and toxicity of the synthesized derivatives have also been determined. Active binding sites of LOXL2 protein were determined by online server DoGSiteScorer, and lead–target interactions and conformations of pose analysis were done by using AutoDock Vina and Discovery Studio 4.0. The GUSAR model was applied to find the toxicity and ADMET properties. On the other hand, the chemoinformatics prediction was also performed using online FAF Drug Server and Molinspiration online server.

Results

Lead molecules from T1 to T8 showed promising binding affinity values, especially T5 and T8 showed best fit in the binding pocket of target enzyme (binding energies − 7.9 and 8.0 kcal/Mol, respectively). The stability of docked complexes was further evaluated using molecular dynamic simulation studies using GROMACS force field, and both leads (T5 and T8) were found to be strongly bounded to the active binding sites. The ADMET results revealed that all experimental molecules were virtually nontoxic and showed compliance with rule of five.

Conclusion

The present work will further enable researchers to understand how computer-aided drug designing tools may help to expedite new drug discovery process in a minimum cost.

2-Substituted Benzoxazoles as Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Synthesis, Molecular Docking and In Vivo Anti-Ulcerogenic Studies

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the commonly used therapeutic interventions of inflammation and pain that competitively inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Several side effects like gastrointestinal and renal toxicities are associated with the use of these drugs. The therapeutic anti-inflammatory benefits of NSAIDs are produced by the inhibition of COX-2 enzymes, while undesirable side effects arise from the inhibition of COX-1 enzymes.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, a new series of 2-substituted benzoxazole derivatives 2(a-f) and 3(a-e) were synthesized in our lab as potent anti-inflammatory agents with outstanding gastro-protective potential. The new analogs 2(a-f) and 3(a-e) were designed depending upon the literature review to serve as ligands for the development of selective COX-2 inhibitors.

METHODS

The synthesized analogs were characterized using different spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR) and elemental analysis. All synthesized compounds were screened for their binding potential in the protein pocket of COX-2 and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory potential in animals using the carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Further 5 compounds were selected to assess the in vivo anti-ulcerogenic activity in an ethanol-induced anti-ulcer rat model.

RESULTS

Five compounds (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and 3c) exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity and significant binding potential in the COX-2 protein pocket. Similarly, these five compounds demonstrated a significant gastro-protective effect (p<0.01) in comparison to the standard drug, Omeprazole.

CONCLUSION

Depending upon our results, we hypothesize that 2-substituted benzoxazole derivatives have excellent potential to serve as candidates for the development of selective anti-inflammatory agents (COX-2 inhibitors). However, further assessments are required to delineate their underlying mechanisms.

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation's i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

Exogenous application of bio-stimulant and growth retardant improved the productivity of cotton cultivars under different planting arrangement

Optimum planting arrangement is an important attribute for efficient utilization of available resources and to obtain high yield of cotton. Application of plant growth promoter and retardant on cotton in improved planting density are the innovative techniques in the establishment of more productive cotton crop. Therefore, we planned a field study to assess the role of bio-stimulant and growth retardant in the resource utilization efficiency of cotton cultivars planted under variable row spacing at Agronomic Research Area Bahauddin Zakariya University and Usmania Agricultural Farm Shujabad during Kharif 2012. Experimental treatments consisted of cotton genotypes viz. CIM-573 and CIM-598, cultivated under conventional (75 cm), medium (50 cm) and ultra-narrow row spacing (25 cm) with foliar spray of bio-stimulant (moringa leaf extract) and growth retardant (mepiquate chloride), either sole or in combination, keeping distilled water as a control. Exogenously applied MLE alone and MLE + MC significantly enhanced the number of squares, flowers and green bolls per plant leading to higher cotton seed and lint yield of CIM 598 cultivar cultivated under conventional row spacing. While application of MC alone and MLE + MC produced maximum micronaire value, fiber strength and fiber uniformity ratio of CIM 573 cultivar cultivated under conventional row spacing. The results suggested that application of MLE is a possible approach to enhance the cotton productivity and the use of MC to enhance the fiber quality attributes under conventional row spacing.

Enhanced Accumulation of Cisplatin in Ovarian Cancer Cells from Combination with Wedelolactone and Resulting Inhibition of Multiple Epigenetic Drivers

PURPOSE

Cisplatin resistance is a major concern in ovarian cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate if wedelolactone could perform better in resistant ovarian cancer cells when used in combination with cisplatin.

METHODS

Growth inhibitory potential of wedelolactone and cisplatin was investigated through MTT reduction assay in ovarian cancer cell lines including A2780 (sensitive), A2780cisR (cisplatin resistant) and A2780ZD0473R. Resistance factor (RF) of drugs was determined in these three cell lines. Combination index (CI) was calculated as a measure of combined drug action. Effect of this combination on changes in the cellular accumulation of platinum levels and platinum-DNA binding was also determined in vitro using AutoDock Vina while the effect of wedelolactone on inhibition of possible key culprits of resistance including Chk1, CD73, AT tip60, Nrf2, Brd1, PCAF, IGF1, mTOR1 and HIF2α was investigated in silico.

RESULTS

Cisplatin and wedelolactone showed a dose-dependent growth inhibitory effect. RF value of wedelolactone was 1.1 in the case of A2780cisR showing its potential to bring more cell death in cisplatin-resistant cells. CI values were found to vary showing antagonistic to additive outcomes. Additive effect was observed for all sequences of administration (0/0, 0/4 and 4/0 h) in A2780cisR. Enhanced cellular accumulation of cisplatin was observed in parent and resistant cells on combination. Docking results revealed that among the selected oncotargets, Chk1, CD73, Nrf2, PCAF and AT tip60 were more vulnerable to wedelolactone than their respective standard inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

These findings have shown that additive outcome of drug combination in A2780cisR and raised levels of platinum accumulation followed a clear pattern. This observation indicates that the presence of wedelolactone might have contributed to sensitize A2780cisR. However, in silico results point to the possible effects of this compound on epigenetic factors involving tumor microenvironment, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and immune-checkpoint kinases.

Rhodanine-3-acetamide derivatives as aldose and aldehyde reductase inhibitors to treat diabetic complications: synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular docking and simulation studies

In diabetes, increased accumulation of sorbitol has been associated with diabetic complications through polyol pathway. Aldose reductase (AR) is one of the key factors involved in reduction of glucose to sorbitol, thereby its inhibition is important for the management of diabetic complications. In the present study, a series of seven 4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl acetamide derivatives 3(a–g) were synthesized by the reaction of 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl acetic acid (2a) and 5-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl acetic acid (2b) with different amines. The synthesized compounds 3(a–g) were investigated for their in vitro aldehyde reductase (ALR1) and aldose reductase (ALR2) enzyme inhibitory potential. Compound 3c, 3d, 3e, and 3f showed ALR1 inhibition at lower micromolar concentration whereas all the compounds were more active than the standard inhibitor valproic acid. Most of the compounds were active against ALR2 but compound 3a and 3f showed higher inhibition than the standard drug sulindac. Overall, the most potent compound against aldose reductase was 3f with an inhibitory concentration of 0.12 ± 0.01 µM. In vitro results showed that vanillin derivatives exhibited better activity against both aldehyde reductase and aldose reductase. The molecular docking studies were carried out to investigate the binding affinities of synthesized derivatives with both ALR1 and ALR2. The binding site analysis of potent compounds revealed similar interactions as were found by cognate ligands within the active sites of enzymes.

Improved multiplex TaqMan qPCR assay with universal internal control offers reliable and accurate detection of Clavibacter michiganensis

AIM

Clavibacter michiganensis (Cm) is a seed-borne plant pathogen that significantly reduces tomato production worldwide. Due to repeated outbreaks and rapid spread of the disease, seeds/transplants need to be certified free of the pathogen before planting. To this end, we developed a multiplex TaqMan qPCR assay that can accurately detect Cm in infected samples.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A specific region of Cm (clvG gene) was selected for primer design using comparative genomics approach. A fully synthetic universal internal control (UIC) was also designed to detect PCR inhibitors and false-negative results in qPCRs. The Cm primers can be used alone or in a triplex TaqMan qPCR assay with UIC and previously described Clavibacter primers. The assay was specific for Cm and detected up to 10 fg of Cm DNA in sensitivity and spiked assays. Addition of the UIC did not change the specificity or sensitivity of the multiplex TaqMan qPCR assay.

CONCLUSION

The triplex TaqMan qPCR provides a specific and sensitive diagnostic assay for Cm.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This assay can be used for biosecurity surveillance, routine diagnostics, estimating bacterial titres in infected material and for epidemiological studies. The UIC is fully synthetic, efficiently amplified and multiplex compatible with any other qPCR assay.

Resource use efficiency of cotton in improved vs conventional planting geometry with exogenous application of bio-stimulant and synthetic growth retardant

Plant growth regulators and improved planting density are the innovative techniques in the establishment of more productive cotton crop. A field study was planned to assess the role of growth regulators in the resource utilization efficiency of cotton cultivars under different row spacing at Agronomic Research Area, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan and Usmania Agricultural Farm, Shujaabad during Kharif 2012. The study was comprised of cotton cultivars viz. CIM-573 and CIM-598, cultivated under conventional (75 cm), medium (50 cm) and improved ultra-narrow row spacing (25 cm) and foliar spray of growth regulators viz. moringa leaf extract (MLE) and mepiquat chloride (MC), either alone or in combination, distilled water as a control. The application of MLE alone and in combination (MLE + MC) showed the promoting effect on crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area index, leaf area duration, sympodial branches and number of bolls leading to higher seed cotton yield of both cotton cultivars grown under conventional row spacing. While application of MC averts the plant growth without considerably improving the productivity. MLE being rich source of growth promoting hormone and nutrients showed its potential to a far greater extent under conventional row spacing in efficient utilization of available resources compared to MC and distilled water.

Dietary effect of probiotics and prebiotics on broiler performance, carcass, and immunity

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of probiotics (Protexin) and prebiotics (active MOS, mannan oligosaccharides) on growth performance, carcasses, and antibody titer in broilers. A total number of 360-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into 9 groups in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Nine broiler starter (0-21 d) and finisher (21-35 d) diets were formulated by using 3 levels of probiotics (0, 1, and 2 g/kg of feed) and 3 levels of MOS (0, 1, and 1.5 g/kg of feed) and were randomly allotted to 9 groups. Feed intake was not affected by interaction of treatments during all phases (P > 0.05). Feed intake was improved due to the main effect of probiotic (P = 0.0001) or MOS (P = 0.005). No interaction (P > 0.05) was observed for weight gain in the starter, finisher, and overall phases. While, during the starter and finisher phases, weight gain was increased by probiotics (P = 0.028 or 0.04, respectively). Dietary supplementation of MOS improved weight gain (P = 0.01) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.03) during the overall period, but during starter and finisher periods, weight gain and FCR were not affected by prebiotics. Apart from dressing percentage, no interaction or individual effect of probiotics and prebiotics was observed for carcass, breast, thigh, heart, liver, and gizzard weight. Antibody titer for infectious bursal disease (IBD) was improved (P = 0.026) by the interaction effect between probiotics and prebiotics, when compared with the control group. Antibody titer against Newcastle disease (ND) was not affected by probiotics or prebiotics or their interactions (P > 0.05). It could be concluded that supplementation of prebiotics or probiotics can improve the growth performance of broilers. It may also be helpful in improving the antibody titer against IBD in broilers fed antibiotic-free diets.

Amino acid conjugates of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole provide better anti-inflammatory pharmacology and improved toxicity profile

Benzimidazole is an important pharmacophore for clinically active drugs against inflammation and treatment of pain, however, it is associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Here we synthesized benzimidazole based agents with significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory potential but with less gastrointestinal adverse effects. In this study, we synthesized novel, orally bioavailable 2-mercaptobenzimidazole amino acid conjugates (4a-4o) and screened them for analgesic, anti-inflammatory and gastro-protective effects. The synthesized 2-mercaptbenzimidazole derivatives were characterized for their structure using FTIR, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The 2-mercaptobenzimidazole amino acid conjugates have found to possess potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities, particularly with compound 4j and 4k. Most of the compounds exhibited remarkable anti-ulcer and antisecretory effects. Molecular docking studies were carried out to study the binding affinities and interactions of the synthesized compounds with target proteins COX-2 (PDB ID: 3LN1) and H+ /K+ -ATPase (PDB ID: 5Y0B). Our results support the clinical promise of these newly synthesized 2-mercaptobezimidazol conjugates as a component of therapeutic strategies for inflammation and analgesia, for which the gastric side effects are always a major limitation.

Investigation of antioxidant and anti-nociceptive potential of isoxazolone, pyrazolone derivatives, and their molecular docking studies

A series of new isoxazolone (3a-d) and pyrazolone (4a-d) derivatives were synthesized and assessed for their antioxidant and analgesic activity. Among synthesized compounds, 3b and 4b having nitro (NO₂ ) group show high analgesic activity at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Analgesic activity was further proceeded to explore the contribution of opioidergic mechanisms in the mediation of analgesic effects. Animals were administered with naloxone, a nonselective opioid inverse agonist, at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg. The results obtained suggested that the analgesic effects of the synthesized compounds were not reversed by naloxone, specifying that the compounds 3b and 4b do not follow the opioidergic pathway in order to relieve pain in animal models. Further, the binding interactions of compounds 3b and 4b were analyzed by docking them against nonopioid receptors COX-1 (3N8X) and COX-2 (3LN1). The results demonstrate the analgesic potential of isoxazolone and pyrazolone derivatives, especially compounds 3b and 4b can be considered promising lead molecules for further investigation and development into potent analgesic drugs. In addition, the antioxidant potential of compounds was also found to be related to better analgesic activity, thus providing an insight into the role of oxidative stress in the mediation of analgesia.

Comparative genomics reveals signature regions used to develop a robust and sensitive multiplex TaqMan real-time qPCR assay to detect the genus Dickeya and Dickeya dianthicola

AIMS

Dickeya species are high consequence plant pathogenic bacteria; associated with potato disease outbreaks and subsequent economic losses worldwide. Early, accurate and reliable detection of Dickeya spp. is needed to prevent establishment and further dissemination of this pathogen. Therefore, a multiplex TaqMan qPCR was developed for sensitive detection of Dickeya spp. and specifically, Dickeya dianthicola.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A signature genomic region for the genus Dickeya (mglA/mglC) and unique genomic region for D. dianthicola (alcohol dehydrogenase) were identified using a whole genome-based comparative genomics approach. The developed multiplex TaqMan qPCR was validated using extensive inclusivity and exclusivity panels, and naturally/artificially infected samples to confirm broad range detection capability and specificity. Both sensitivity and spiked assays showed a detection limit of 10 fg DNA.

CONCLUSION

The developed multiplex assay is sensitive and reliable to detect Dickeya spp. and D. dianthicola with no false positives or false negatives. It was able to detect mixed infection from naturally and artificially infected plant materials.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The developed assay will serve as a practical tool for screening of propagative material, monitoring the presence and distribution, and quantification of target pathogens in a breeding programme. The assay also has applications in routine diagnostics, biosecurity and microbial forensics.

Precision Measurement of the Neutron Scattering Length of ^{4}He Using Neutron Interferometry

We report a 0.08% measurement of the bound neutron scattering length of ^{4}He using neutron interferometry. The result is b=(3.0982±0.0021[stat]±0.0014[syst])  fm. The corresponding free atomic scattering length is a=(2.4746±0.0017[stat]±0.0011[syst])  fm. With this result the world average becomes b=(3.0993±0.0025)  fm, a 2% downward shift and a reduction in uncertainty by more than a factor of six. Our result is in disagreement with a previous neutron interferometric measurement but is in good agreement with earlier measurements using neutron transmission.

Synthesis and anti-nociceptive potential of isoxazole carboxamide derivatives

Background

Isoxazole is an important pharmacophore in medicinal chemistry with a wide range of pharmacological activities. The present study deals with the synthesis and evaluation of antinociceptive potential of nine novel 3-substituted-isoxazole-4-carboxamide derivatives.

Synthesis

In the first step, respective oxime was prepared and further treated with ethylacetoacetate and anhydrous zinc chloride followed by hydrolysis of ester to furnish 3-substituted isoxazole-4-carboxylic acid. The respective carboxylic acids were converted to acid chlorides and condensed with aromatic amines to get the target carboxamide derivatives (A1–A5 and B1–B5). These compounds were characterized by FTIR, ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR and elemental analysis data and screened for their analgesic activity using acetic acid-induced writhing assay and hot plat test in mice and compared with the standard centrally acting analgesic, tramadol.

Results

All the synthesized carboxamide derivatives showed low to moderate analgesic activity. Among the synthesized derivatives B2 having methoxy (OCH₃) showed high analgesic activity as compared to tramadol both in acetic acid-induced writhing assay and hot plate assay at dose of 6 mg/kg. To examine the involvement of opioidergic mechanism in the mediation of analgesic effects of isoxazole derivatives animals were further treated with non-selective opioid analgesic, naloxone (0.5 mg/kg). The results showed that compounds A3 and B2 follow a non-opioid receptor pathway in the mediation of analgesic effects. Synthesized compounds A3 and B2 were docked against non-opioid receptors COX-1 (3N8X), COX-2 (1PXX) and human capsaicin receptor (HCR, 3J9J) to analyze their binding interactions. They showed binding energies in the range of − 7.5 to − 9.7 kcal/mol.

Conclusions

The results indicated that isoxazole carboxamide derivatives possess moderate analgesic potential especially compounds A3 and B2 can be considered as lead molecules and explored further for pain management with fewer side effects.

Humic acid as a feed additive in poultry diets: a review

Many studies tested different feed additives, among these additives, humic substances (HS) have been used in livestock and poultry diets. Humic substances commonly present in nature as they are created from the organic matter decomposition, and are normally found in the soil and natural water. Active components of HS consist of humic acid (HA), humus, ulmic acid, fulvic acid, humin and certain microelements. Humic acid is widely used as an alternative growth promoter for antibiotics in improving poultry performance and health. Moreover, supplementation of a commercial substance as a source of HS through the drinking water or diet improved the feed consumption, feed efficiency and weight gain of broiler chickens, and also improved egg weight, egg mass, and egg production of laying hens. This review describes the useful applications and recent facets of HA including its modes of action and various valuable uses in improving the production and health safeguarding of livestock and poultry.

Direct observation of spin rotation in Bragg scattering due to the spin-orbit interaction in silicon

As a neutron scatters from a target nucleus, there is a small but measurable effect caused by the interaction of the neutron's magnetic dipole moment with that of the partially screened electric field of the nucleus. This spin-orbit interaction is typically referred to as Schwinger scattering and induces a small rotation of the neutron's spin on the order of 10^-4 rad for Bragg diffraction from silicon. In our experiment, neutrons undergo greater than 100 successive Bragg reflections from the walls of a slotted, perfect-silicon crystal to amplify the total spin rotation. A magnetic field is employed to insure constructive addition as the neutron undergoes this series of reflections. The strength of the spin-orbit interaction, which is directly proportional to the electric field, was determined by measuring the rotation of the neutron's spin-polarization vector. Our measurements show good agreement with the expected variation of this rotation with the applied magnetic field, while the magnitude of the rotation is ≈40 % larger than expected.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for specific detection of all known subspecies of Clavibacter michiganensis

AIMS

Clavibacter michiganensis is an important bacterial plant pathogen that causes vast destruction to agriculturally important crops worldwide. Early detection is critical to evaluate disease progression and to implement efficient control measures to avoid serious epidemics. In this study, we developed a sensitive, specific and robust loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of all known subspecies of C. michiganensis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Whole genome comparative genomics approach was taken to identify a unique and conserved region within all known subspecies of C. michiganensis. Primer specificity was evaluated in silico and with 64 bacterial strains included in inclusivity and exclusivity panels; no false positives or false negatives were detected. Both the sensitivity and spiked assay of the developed LAMP assay was 1 fg of the pathogen DNA per reaction. A 100% accuracy was observed when tested with infected plant samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed LAMP assay is simple, sensitive, robust and easy to perform using different detection platforms and chemistries.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The developed LAMP assay can detect all known subspecies of C. michiganensis. The LAMP process can be performed isothermally at 65°C and results can be visually assessed, which makes this technology a promising tool for monitoring the disease progression and for accurate pathogen detection at point-of-care.

Generation of a Lattice of Spin-Orbit Beams via Coherent Averaging

We describe a highly robust method, applicable to both electromagnetic and matter-wave beams, that can produce a beam consisting of a lattice of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states coupled to a two-level system. We also define efficient protocols for controlling and manipulating the lattice characteristics. These protocols are applied in an experimental realization of a lattice of optical spin-orbit beams. The novel passive devices we demonstrate here are also a natural alternative to existing methods for producing single-axis OAM and spin-orbit beams. Our techniques provide new tools for investigations of chiral and topological materials with light and particle beams.

Three Phase-Grating Moiré Neutron Interferometer for Large Interferometer Area Applications

We demonstrate a three phase-grating moiré neutron interferometer in a highly intense neutron beam as a robust candidate for large area interferometry applications and for the characterization of materials. This novel far-field moiré technique allows for broad wavelength acceptance and relaxed requirements related to fabrication and alignment, thus circumventing the main obstacles associated with perfect crystal neutron interferometry. We observed interference fringes with an interferometer length of 4 m and examined the effects of an aluminum 6061 alloy sample on the coherence of the system. Experiments to measure the autocorrelation length of samples and the universal gravitational constant are proposed and discussed.

Increased interference fringe visibility from the post-fabrication heat treatment of a perfect crystal silicon neutron interferometer

We find that annealing a previously chemically etched interferometer at 800 °C dramatically increased the interference fringe visibility from 23% to 90%. The Bragg plane misalignments were also measured before and after annealing using neutron rocking curves, showing that Bragg plane alignment was improved across the interferometer after annealing. This suggests that current interferometers with low fringe visibility may be salvageable and that annealing may become an important step in the fabrication process of future neutron interferometers, leading to less need for chemical etching and larger more exotic neutron interferometers.

Influences of dietary supplementation of peanut skin powder (Arachis Hypogaea) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood chemistry, antioxidant activity and meat quality of broilers

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with powdered peanut skin (PS) as natural antioxidant and growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum metabolites and meat quality of Cobb broiler chickens. A total of 240 unsexed Cobb 500 1-week-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with six replicates. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control and PS groups (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 PS g/kg). Results showed that the highest values (P < 0.01) of live bodyweight and bodyweight gain were observed in the control group at 3 weeks of age and during the period of 1–3 weeks of age, respectively compared with all levels of PS. During 1–3 weeks of age, feed intake per day chicks fed the diet containing PS levels decreased numerically (P > 0.01) with increased levels of PS compared with the control. Supplementing 1.0 or 3.0 g/kg of PS insignificantly enhanced feed conversion ratio at 1–6 weeks of age. Dietary treatments significantly depressed giblets (P = 0.002), thigh (P = 0.0.027) and abdominal fat percentages (P > 0.0.1), however, increased (P = 0.004) breast percentage of broiler chicks at 6 weeks of age. The lowest value of serum creatinine and urea achieved by chicks fed diet contained 3.0 PS g/kg diet. Also, high density lipoprotein cholesterol in addition to triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) decreased with increasing level of PS supplementation. It can be concluded that PS as a phytogenic additive could be used as a supplementation to broiler diets to lower abdominal fat in carcass and cholesterol, creatinin and urea in blood. Sensory characteristics were not affected except that appearance was improved. Water-holding capacity was also improved.

The impacts of dietary Nigella sativa meal and Avizyme on growth, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of meat-type quail

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of varying proportion of Nigella sativa meal (NSM) in the diets with or without Avizyme supplementation on growing Japanese quail performance. A 4 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted including four levels of NSM (0%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the diet) and two levels of dietary Avizyme supplementation (0 or 0.5 g/kg diet) through the growing period (1–6 weeks of age). A total number of 600 unsexed 1-week-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into eight treatment groups. The effects of NSM inclusion levels were highly significant (P < 0.01) on the values of live bodyweight, daily bodyweight gain and daily feed intake at all periods studied. The incorporation of 10% NSM of the diet recorded the best values of live bodyweight and daily bodyweight gain compared with the Control and other NSM levels. Quail fed diets contained 10% or 15% NSM had higher (P < 0.01) daily feed intake than those in the Control, but feed conversion ratio was not statistically affected at all studied ages. All carcass traits studied were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by feeding the NSM diet. The digestion coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and nitrogen-free extract were significantly (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) increased in chicks fed diets containing 10% NSM as compared with the Control. Quail fed diets including 10% or 15% NSM had increased serum concentrations of total protein, albumin and a higher A : G ratio. All serum lipid constituents except high density lipoprotein were at lower (P < 0.01) concentrations in blood serum of quail fed diets containing NSM. Using NSM at level of 20% of the diet had a negative impact on growth, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility. Neither Avizyme supplementation alone nor the interaction between NSM and Avizyme had any statistically impact on all studied parameters. It can be concluded that NSM could be included in growing quail diets up to 15% without any Avizyme supplementation to support growth performance and feed utilisation, however higher NSM levels negatively affected performance, carcass traits and nutrient digestibility.

Methods for preparation and detection of neutron spin-orbit states

The generation and control of neutron orbital angular momentum (OAM) states and spin correlated OAM (spin-orbit) states provides a powerful probe of materials with unique penetrating abilities and magnetic sensitivity. We describe techniques to prepare and characterize neutron spin-orbit states, and provide a quantitative comparison to known procedures. The proposed detection method directly measures the correlations of spin state and transverse momentum, and overcomes the major challenges associated with neutrons, which are low flux and small spatial coherence length. Our preparation techniques, utilizing special geometries of magnetic fields, are based on coherent averaging and spatial control methods borrowed from nuclear magnetic resonance. The described procedures may be extended to other probes such as electrons and electromagnetic waves.

Effect of dietary supplementation of organic zinc on laying performance, egg quality and some biochemical parameters of laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation on the performance, egg quality, antioxidant status and some biochemical parameters of blood serum in laying hens from 22 to 34 weeks of age. A total of 120 Hisex Brown laying hens of 22-week-old were randomly allocated into five treatments with six cage replicates for each (four hens/replicate). Dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet with no Zn-Met supplementation (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn-Met/kg diet. No significant differences were observed on body weight, body weight gain or feed conversion ratio due to dietary Zn-Met supplementation. However, highly significant impact was observed on daily feed intake. Egg number, egg weight and egg mass were increased in the group fed diet supplemented with the highest level of Zn-Met (100 mg/kg of diet) as compared to other groups. All egg quality traits were statistically (p > .05 or .01) affected as a response to dietary Zn-Met supplementation except egg shape index, shell percentage and yolk index. In comparison with the control group, dietary supplementation of 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn-Met/kg decreased serum triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels. Serum cholesterol level was increased with all dietary levels of Zn-Met in comparison with the control group. Dietary Zn-Met supplementation increased the serum content of zinc, where the highest values were recorded with 50 and 100 mg Zn-Met/kg diet. Dietary Zn-Met levels did not affect the antioxidant indices in blood serum except for the activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD). The activity of Cu-Zn-SOD was increased with Zn-Met supplementations with no differences among supplemental zinc levels. It is concluded that dietary Zn-Met supplementation reduced serum triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and increased Zn status and resulted in promoting antioxidant ability of laying hens, and the addition of 100 mg Zn-Met/kg to layer diet was appropriate for improving the above parameters in addition to egg production indices and Haugh unit score.

Introducing leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis into the health systems of India, Nepal and Indonesia: a case study

Background

Leprosy has a wide range of clinical and socio-economic consequences. India, Indonesia and Nepal contribute significantly to the global leprosy burden. After integration, the health systems are pivotal in leprosy service delivery. The Leprosy Post Exposure Prophylaxis (LPEP) program is ongoing to investigate the feasibility of providing single dose rifampicin (SDR) as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to the contacts of leprosy cases in various health systems. We aim to compare national leprosy control programs, and adapted LPEP strategies in India, Nepal and Indonesia. The purpose is to establish a baseline of the health system’s situation and document the subsequent adjustment of LPEP, which will provide the context for interpreting the LPEP results in future.

Methods

The study followed the multiple-case study design with single units of analysis. The data collection methods were direct observation, in-depth interviews and desk review. The study was divided into two phases, i.e. review of national leprosy programs and description of the LPEP program. The comparative analysis was performed using the WHO health system frameworks (2007).

Results

In all countries leprosy services including contact tracing is integrated into the health systems. The LPEP program is fully integrated into the established national leprosy programs, with SDR and increased documentation, which need major additions to standard procedures. PEP administration was widely perceived as well manageable, but the additional LPEP data collection was reported to increase workload in the first year.

Conclusions

The findings of our study led to the recommendation that field-based leprosy research programs should keep health systems in focus. The national leprosy programs are diverse in terms of organizational hierarchy, human resource quantity and capacity. We conclude that PEP can be integrated into different health systems without major structural and personal changes, but provisions are necessary for the additional monitoring requirements.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-017-2611-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Neutron interferometer crystallographic imperfections and gravitationally induced quantum interference measurements

Dynamical diffraction leads to an interesting, unavoidable set of interference effects for neutron interferometers. This experiment studies the interference signal from two and three successive Bragg diffractions in the Laue geometry. We find that intrinsic Bragg-plane misalignment in monolithic, "perfect" silicon neutron interferometers is relevant between successive diffracting crystals, as well as within the Borrmann fan for typical interferometer geometries. We show that the dynamical phase correction employed in the Colella, Overhauser, and Werner gravitationally induced quantum interference experiments is attenuated by slight, intrinsic misalignments between diffracting crystals, potentially explaining the long-standing 1% discrepancy between theory and experiment. This systematic may also impact precision measurements of the silicon structure factor, affecting previous and future measurements of the Debye-Waller factor and neutron-electron scattering length as well as potential fifth-force searches. For the interferometers used in this experiment, Bragg planes of different diffracting crystals were found to be misaligned by 10 to 40 nrad.

Noise refocusing in a five-blade neutron interferometer

We provide a quantum information description of a proposed five-blade neutron interferometer geometry and show that it is robust against low-frequency mechanical vibrations and dephasing due to the dynamical phase. The extent to which the dynamical phase affects the contrast in a neutron interferometer is experimentally shown. In our model, we consider the coherent evolution of a neutron wavepacket in an interferometer crystal blade and simulate the effect of mechanical vibrations and momentum spread of the neutron through the interferometer. The standard three-blade neutron interferometer is shown to be immune to dynamical phase noise but prone to noise from mechanical vibrations, and the decoherence free subspace four-blade neutron interferometer is shown to be immune to mechanical vibration noise but prone to noise from the dynamical phase. Here, we propose a five-blade neutron interferometer and show that it is immune to both low-frequency mechanical vibration noise and dynamical phase noise.

Decoupling of a neutron interferometer from temperature gradients

Neutron interferometry enables precision measurements that are typically operated within elaborate, multi-layered facilities which provide substantial shielding from environmental noise. These facilities are necessary to maintain the coherence requirements in a perfect crystal neutron interferometer which is extremely sensitive to local environmental conditions such as temperature gradients across the interferometer, external vibrations, and acoustic waves. The ease of operation and breadth of applications of perfect crystal neutron interferometry would greatly benefit from a mode of operation which relaxes these stringent isolation requirements. Here, the INDEX Collaboration and National Institute of Standards and Technology demonstrates the functionality of a neutron interferometer in vacuum and characterize the use of a compact vacuum chamber enclosure as a means to isolate the interferometer from spatial temperature gradients and time-dependent temperature fluctuations. The vacuum chamber is found to have no depreciable effect on the performance of the interferometer (contrast) while improving system stability, thereby showing that it is feasible to replace large temperature isolation and control systems with a compact vacuum enclosure for perfect crystal neutron interferometry.

Acute kidney injury following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a tertiary public hospital in Malaysia: an analysis of 1228 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery is well established but the reported incidence is variable due to varying definitions and criteria. Furthermore there is a paucity of such data from Southeast Asia.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of AKI, the associated risk factors, and its impact on early mortality and intensive care unit/hospital stay.

METHOD

This is a single centre retrospective observational study to evaluate outcomes on 1260 consecutive patients from a multi-ethnic Southeast Asian population who underwent a primary isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation. Data was collected from the hospital's electronic database and analysed using basic descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall incidence was 36.2% including 5.5% of patients who required renal replacement therapy (RRT). Multivariate analysis identified age, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), baseline serum creatinine level (SCr), recent myocardial infarction (MI), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use as independent risk factors for AKI. For patients who required RRT, the SCr and IDDM remained independent predictors. Early 30-day mortality (11.5% vs 0.9%) was significantly higher in patients who developed AKI following CABG. Similarly, AKI was associated with a slight but statistically significant increase in intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Better prognostication and preventative strategies are required to better risk stratify patients undergoing CABG and optimise utilisation of limited healthcare resources.

A histopathological outlook on nephrotic syndrome: A pediatric perspective

The developing world is observing changing histopathological patterns of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). However, the true burden of non-minimal change disease (non-MCD) presenting as INS remains unestimated owing to a paucity of data on renal biopsies. Data were collected from January 2006 to June 2014 on 75 children up to 16 years of age who underwent renal biopsies for INS. Mean age at biopsy was 11.2 ± 3.7 years. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. A total of 25 (33.3%) children were steroid sensitive, 36 (48%) were steroid resistant, 10 (13.3%) were steroid dependent and 4 (5.3%) came with relapse of nephrotic syndrome (NS). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was the most common histopathological subtype observed in 35 (46.8%) children followed by membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) in 11 (14.7%), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MSGN) in 4 (5.3%) each and IgA nephropathy in one (1.3%). MCD was the histological lesion in 19 (25.3%) children. The histopathology established FSGS as the main underlying cause of steroid resistant NS. The study highlights the emergence of non-MCD as the common cause of INS in the pediatric population and signifies the importance of renal biopsies in children with INS.

Neutron limit on the strongly-coupled chameleon field

The physical origin of the dark energy that causes the accelerated expansion rate of the Universe is one of the major open questions of cosmology. One set of theories postulates the existence of a self-interacting scalar field for dark energy coupling to matter. In the chameleon dark energy theory, this coupling induces a screening mechanism such that the field amplitude is nonzero in empty space but is greatly suppressed in regions of terrestrial matter density. However measurements performed under appropriate vacuum conditions can enable the chameleon field to appear in the apparatus, where it can be subjected to laboratory experiments. Here we report the most stringent upper bound on the free neutron-chameleon coupling in the strongly coupled limit of the chameleon theory using neutron interferometric techniques. Our experiment sought the chameleon field through the relative phase shift it would induce along one of the neutron paths inside a perfect crystal neutron interferometer. The amplitude of the chameleon field was actively modulated by varying the millibar pressures inside a dual-chamber aluminum cell. We report a 95% confidence level upper bound on the neutron-chameleon coupling β ranging from β < 4.7 × 10⁶ for a Ratra-Peebles index of n = 1 in the nonlinear scalar field potential to β < 2.4 × 10⁷ for n = 6, one order of magnitude more sensitive than the most recent free neutron limit for intermediate n. Similar experiments can explore the full parameter range for chameleon dark energy in the foreseeable future.

A case of successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for right ventricular failure following pericardiectomy

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a useful but less commonly used technique in right ventricular failure post cardiac surgery in our region. We report a case of successful use of ECMO for right ventricular failure post cardiac surgery. Our patient is a 27-year-old male presented with constrictive pericarditis post completion of treatment for disseminated Tuberculosis. He underwent pericardiectomy that was complicated with acute right ventricular failure. He was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after few hours post op that lasted for five days. The patient survived to hospital discharge and remained well on follow-up. From our experience, this aggressive management approach is beneficial in right ventricular failure and can be safely utilised in all cardiothoracic centres.

Selection, characterisation and evaluation of potential probiotic Lactobacillus spp. isolated from poultry droppings

Aim of the present study was to characterise and evaluate probiotic potential of lactobacilli isolated from indigenous poultry. Lactobacilli were isolated from poultry droppings and identified by genus specific polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates were characterised in vitro by their ability to tolerate low pH and bile salts, phytase activity, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and autoaggregation and coaggregation with poultry gut pathogens. In vivo evaluation of selected isolates was done by their effect on the body weight gain and immune response of broiler chicks. Total of 90, one-day old chicks, were randomly divided in 9 groups and given selected lactobacilli alone and in combinations (10⁸ cfu/bird, daily) from day 7 to day 35. Body weight gain and humoral immune response to New Castle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine were determined weekly. Three lactobacilli isolates (SMP52, SMP64 and SMP70) were selected as potentially probiotic bacteria on the basis of in vitro characterisation and identified as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus casei and L. crispatus, respectively. Chicks supplemented with 'SMP52', 'SMP64', 'SMP70' and 'SMP64+SMP70' and a commercial probiotic product (Protexin) showed significantly higher mean weight gain per bird (1,584±35.2, 1,629±30.6, 1,668±34.7, 1,619±29.5 and 1,576±31.7 g/bird, respectively) as compared to negative control group (1,394±26.7 g/bird), on day 35. SMP 70 also showed significantly higher geometric mean titre against NDV vaccine at day 21 as compared to negative control. It is concluded that L. crispatus SMP52, L. casei SMP64 and L. crispatus SMP70 are potential probiotic candidates which alone or in different combinations may increase body weight of broilers.

Employee suggestion scheme sustainability excellence model and linking organizational learning

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a sustainability assessment model and to discuss the implications for organizational learning. Paper presents a sustainability excellence model comprising of three stages and discuss the good practices for sustaining the employee suggestion scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

– The assessment framework was developed drawing on a thorough review of the literature and data collected and analyzed using various statistical tools. The developed assessment framework was validated through a case of an organization based in the United Arab Emirates. Semi-structured interviews were used to elicit relevant information during the case study.

Findings

– An assessment framework comprising five major factors for sustainability of suggestion scheme of has been presented. The five factors include: leadership and work environment, system capability, system effectiveness, organizational encouragement and system barriers. Sustainability of a suggestion system can be understood as a three-stage model comprising the initial stage, the developmental stage and the advanced stage. The key practices associated for each of these stages are discussed in detail.

Practical implications

– The framework has taken into consideration the critical success factors and critical success factors emerged from the literature review conducted for this study. Therefore, the framework could be further refined by conducting more case studies and can propose maturity levels.

Originality/value

– The paper has developed a framework that can be used to assess the sustainability of the suggestion scheme in an organization. This model has been applied to assess the individual schemes and draw upon potential change strategies.

Morphological and comparative genomic analyses of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Fusarium solani isolated from Dalbergia sissoo

Sissoo or shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) is one of the finest wood of South Asia. Fusarium solani is a causal organism of sissoo wilt, decline, or dieback. It is also a potential causal organism associated with other valuable tree species. Thirty-eight Fusarium isolates including 24 F. solani and 14 Fusarium sp., were obtained in 2005 from different geographical locations in India. All 38 (18 pathogenic and 20 non-pathogenic) isolates were characterized for genomic analysis, growth behaviour, pigmentation and sensitivity to carbendazim. Based on growth pattern, growth rate, pigmentation and sensitivity to carbendazim, all 38 isolates showed a wide range of variability, but no correlation with pathogenicity or geographical distribution. Three techniques were used for comparative genomic analysis: random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD); inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR); and simple sequence repeats (SSR). A total of 90 primers targeting different genome regions resulted a total of 1159 loci with an average of 12.88 loci per primer. These primers showed high genomic variability among the isolates. The maximum loci (14.64) per primer were obtained with RAPD. The total variation of the first five principal components for RAPD, ISSR, SSR and combined analysis were estimated as 47.42, 48.21, 46.30 and 46.78 %, respectively. Among the molecular markers, highest Pearson correlation value (r = 0.957) was recorded with combination of RAPD and SSR followed by RAPD and ISSR (r = 0.952), and SSR and ISSR (r = 0.942). The combination of these markers would be similarly effective as single marker system i.e. RAPD, ISSR and SSR. Based on polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.619) and highest coefficient (r = 0.995), RAPD was found to be the most efficient marker system compared to ISSR and SSR. This study will assist in understanding the population biology of wilt causing phytopathogen, F. solani, and in assisting with integrated disease management measures.

Highly Sensitive End-Point PCR and SYBR Green qPCR Detection of Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, Causal Fungus of Cotton Root Rot

Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, the causal pathogen of cotton root rot, is a devastating ascomycete that affects numerous important dicotyledonous plants grown in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. P. omnivora is notoriously difficult to isolate from infected plants; therefore methods for accurate and sensitive detection directly from symptomatic and asymptomatic plant samples are needed for disease diagnostics and pathogen identification. Primers were designed for P. omnivora based on consensus sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of geographically representative isolates. Primers were compared against published P. omnivora sequences and validated against DNA from P. omnivora isolates and infected plant samples. The primer combinations amplified products from a range of P. omnivora isolates representative of known ITS haplotypes using standard end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. The assays detected P. omnivora from infected root samples of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Healthy plants and other relevant root pathogens did not produce PCR products with the P. omnivora-specific primers. Primer pair PO2F/PO2R was the most sensitive in end-point PCR assays and is recommended for use for pathogen identification from mycelial tissue and infected plant materials when quantitative PCR (qPCR) is not available. Primer pair PO3F/PO2R was highly sensitive (1 fg) when used in SYBR Green qPCR assays and is recommended for screening of plant materials potentially infected by P. omnivora or samples with suboptimal DNA quality. The described PCR-based detection methods will be useful for rapid and sensitive screening of infected plants in diagnostic laboratories, plant health inspections, and plant breeding programs.