Fyn, Blk, and Lyn kinase inhibitors: A mini-review on medicinal attributes, research progress, and future insights

Fyn, Blk, and Lyn are part of a group of proteins called Src family kinases. They are crucial in controlling cell communication and their response to the growth, changes, and immune system. Blocking these proteins with inhibitors can be a way to treat diseases where these proteins are too active. The primary mode of action of these inhibitors is to inhibit the phosphorylation of Fyn, Blk, and Lyn receptors, which in turn affects how signals pass within the cells. This review shows the structural and functional aspects of Fyn, Blk, and Lyn kinases, highlighting the significance of their dysregulation in diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. The discussion encompasses the design strategies, SAR analysis, and chemical characteristics of effective inhibitors, shedding light on their specificity and potency. Furthermore, it explores the progress of clinical trials of these inhibitors, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications.

Druggable targets of protein tyrosine phosphatase Family, viz. PTP1B, SHP2, Cdc25, and LMW-PTP: Current scenario on medicinal Attributes, and SAR insights

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are the class of dephosphorylation enzymes that catalyze the removal of phosphate groups from tyrosine residues on proteins responsible for various cellular processes. Any disbalance in signal pathways mediated by PTPs leads to various disease conditions like diabetes, obesity, cancers, and autoimmune disorders. Amongst the PTP superfamily, PTP1B, SHP2, Cdc25, and LMW-PTP have been prioritized as druggable targets for developing medicinal agents. PTP1B is an intracellular PTP enzyme that downregulates insulin and leptin signaling pathways and is involved in insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis. SHP2 is involved in the RAS-MAPK pathway and T cell immunity. Cdk-cyclin complex activation occurs by Cdc25-PTPs involved in cell cycle regulation. LMW-PTPs are involved in PDGF/PDGFR, Eph/ephrin, and insulin signaling pathways, resulting in certain diseases like diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cancer. The signaling cascades of PTP1B, SHP2, Cdc25, and LMW-PTPs have been described to rationalize their medicinal importance in the pathophysiology of diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Their binding sites have been explored to overcome the hurdles in discovering target selective molecules with optimum potency. Recent developments in the synthetic molecules bearing heterocyclic moieties against these targets have been explored to gain insight into structural features. The elaborated SAR investigation revealed the effect of substituents on the potency and target selectivity, which can be implicated in the further discovery of newer medicinal agents targeting the druggable members of the PTP superfamily.

Targeting JAK2/STAT3 for the treatment of cancer: A review on recent advancements in molecular development using structural analysis and SAR investigations

Cancer is indeed considered a hazardous and potentially life-threatening disorder. The JAK/STAT pathway is an important intracellular signaling cascade essential for many physiological functions, such as immune response, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway aids in the progression and development of cancer. The downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling cascades are legitimate targets against which newer anticancer drugs can be developed to prevent and treat cancer. Understanding the mechanisms behind JAK2/STAT3 participation in cancer has paved the way for developing innovative targeted medicines with the potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes. This article provides information on the current scenario and recent advancements in the design and development of anticancer drugs targeting JAK2/STAT3, including structural analysis and SAR investigations of synthesized molecules. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials are ongoing on these inhibitors, which are highlighted to gain more insight into the broader development prospects of inhibitors of JAK2/STAT3.

Dual aromatase-steroid sulfatase inhibitors (DASI's) for the treatment of breast cancer: a structure guided ligand based designing approach

Dual aromatase-steroid sulfatase inhibitors (DASIs) lead to significant deprivation of estrogen levels as compared to a single target inhibition and thereby exhibited an additive or synergistic effect in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer (HDBC). Triazole-bearing DASI's having structural features of clinically available aromatase inhibitors are identified as lead structures for optimization as DASI's. To identify the spatial fingerprints of target-specific triazole as DASI's, we have performed molecular docking assisted Gaussian field-based comparative 3D-QSAR studies on a dataset with dual aromatase-STS inhibitory activities. Separate contours were generated for both aromatase and steroid sulphates showing respective pharmacophoric structural requirements for optimal activity. These developed 3D-QSAR models also showed good statistical measures with the excellent predictive ability with PLS-generated validation constraints. Comparative steric, electrostatic, hydrophobic, HBA, and HBD features were elucidated using respective contour maps for selective target-specific favourable activity. Furthermore, the molecular docking was used for elucidating the mode of binding as DASI's along with the MD simulation of 100 ns revealed that all the protease-ligand docked complexes are overall stable as compared to reference ligand (inhibitor ASD or Irosustat) complex. Further, the MM-GBSA study revealed that compound 24 binds to aromatase as well as STS active site with relatively lower binding energy than reference complex, respectively. A comparative study of these developed multitargeted QSAR models along with molecular docking and dynamics study can be employed for the optimization of drug candidates as DASI's.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Microplastics in environment: a comprehension on sources, analytical detection, health concerns, and remediation

Contamination of ecosystems by microplastics (MPs) has been reported intensively worldwide in the recent decade. A trend of reports indicated their presence in the atmosphere; food items and soil ecosystems are rising continuously. Literature evidenced that MPs are abundant in seawater, beach sand, drinking water, agricultural soils, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, and the atmosphere. The greater abundance of MPs in the environment has led to their invasion of seafood, human-consumed food items such as table salts, beverages, takeout food containers, and disposable cups, marine biological lives, and creating serious health hazards in humans. Moreover, the absence of guidelines and specifications for controlling MPs in the environment makes the situation alarming, and the human toxicity data of MPs is scarce. Thereby, the toxicity assessment of MPs in humans is of greater concern. This review compiles the updated information on the potential sources of MPs in different components of the environment (viz. soil, water, and air), their analysis methods, effects on human health, and remediation methods.

A comprehension on structure guided alignment dependent 3D-QSAR modelling, and molecular dynamics simulation on 2,4-thiazolidinediones as aldose reductase inhibitors for the management of diabetic complications

Aldose reductase is an oxo-reductase enzyme belonging to the aldo-keto reductase class. Compounds having thiazolidine-2,4-dione scaffold are reported as potential aldose reductase inhibitors for diabetic complications. The present work uses structure-guided alignment-dependent Gaussian field- and atom-based 3D-QSAR on a dataset of 84 molecules. 3D-QSAR studies on two sets of dataset alignment have been carried out to understand the favourable and unfavourable structural features influencing the affinity of these inhibitors towards the enzyme. Using common pharmacophore hypotheses, the five-point pharmacophores for aldose reductase favourable features were generated. The molecular dynamics simulations (up to 100 ns) were performed for the potent molecule from each alignment set (compounds 24 and 65) compared to reference standard tolrestat and epalrestat to study target-ligand complexes' binding energy and stability. Compound 65 was most stable with better interactions in the aldose reductase binding pocket than tolrestat. The MM-PBSA study suggests compound 65 possessed better binding energy than reference standard tolrestat, i.e. -87.437 ± 19.728 and -73.424 ± 12.502 kJ/mol, respectively. The generated 3D-QSAR models provide information about structure-activity relationships and ligand-target binding energy. Target-specific stability data from MD simulation would be helpful for rational compound design with better aldose reductase activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

An insight on medicinal attributes of 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the globe's common leading disease which is caused by high consumption of glucose. DM compiles groups of metabolic disorders which are characterized by inadequate secretion of insulin from pancreas, resulting in hyperglycemia condition. Many enzymes play a vital role in the metabolism of carbohydrate known as α-amylase and α-glucosidase which is calcium metalloenzyme that leads to breakdown of complex polysaccharides into glucose. To tackle this problem, search for newer antidiabetic drugs is the utmost need for the treatment and/or management of increasing diabetic burden. The inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase is one of the effective therapeutic approaches for the development of antidiabetic therapeutics. The exhaustive literature survey has shown the importance of medicinally privileged triazole specifically 1,2,3-triazol and 1,2,4-triazoles scaffold tethered, fused and/or clubbed with other heterocyclic rings structures as promising agents for designing and development of novel antidiabetic therapeutics. Molecular hybrids namely pyridazine-triazole, pyrazoline-triazole, benzothiazole-triazole, benzimidazole-triazole, curcumin-triazole, (bis)coumarin-triazole, acridine-9-carboxamide linked triazole, quinazolinone-triazole, xanthone-triazole, thiazolo-triazole, thiosemicarbazide-triazole, and indole clubbed-triazole are few examples which have shown promising antidiabetic activity by inhibiting α-amylase and/or α-glucosidase. The present review summarizes the structure-activity relationship (SAR), enzyme inhibitory activity including IC50 values, percentage inhibition, kinetic studies, molecular docking studies, and patents filed of the both scaffolds as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which may be used for further development of potent inhibitors against both enzymes.

Current progress in the targeted therapy of breast cancer: Structure-activity correlation and docking studies (2015-2021)

Despite cancer research and therapy, breast cancer remains a complicated health crisis in women and represents a top biomedical research priority. Nowadays, breast cancer is an extremely heterogeneous disease and is known as the leading cause of death among women worldwide. The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer have been increasing gradually for the past decades. Nowadays, common treatments for breast cancer are chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. The most common targets in breast cancer treatment are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and estrogen receptors. The literature suggests that several targets/pathways are also involved in the development of breast cancer, that is, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR), histone deacetylase (HDAC), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), PD-L1, and aromatase inhibitors. Meanwhile, the study of breast cancer is a hot topic in the current scenario of basic/clinical research. This review article provides information on different targets associated with breast cancer and summarizes the progress of current research on synthesized inhibitors as anti-breast cancer agents from 2015 to 2021. The review aims to provide structure-activity relationship and docking studies for designing novel compounds for breast cancer therapy.

Remediation of environmental toxicants using carbonaceous materials: opportunity and challenges

Adsorption and photocatalytic properties of carbonaceous materials, viz., carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerene, graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanofiber nanospheres, and activated carbon, are the legitimate weapons for the remediation of emerging and persistent inorganic/organic contaminants, heavy metals, and radionucleotides from the environment. High surface area, low or non-toxic nature, ease of synthesis, regeneration, and chemical modification of carbonaceous material make them ideal for the removal of toxicants. The research techniques investigated during the last decade for the elimination of environmental toxicants using carbonaceous materials are reviewed to offer comprehensive insight into the mechanism, efficiency, applications, advantages, and shortcomings. Opportunities and challenges associated with carbon materials have been discussed to suggest future perspectives in the remediation of environmental toxicants.

A Comprehensive Update on Phytochemistry, Analytical Aspects, Medicinal Attributes, Specifications and Stability of Stigmasterol

Phytosterols are bioactive substances naturally found in plant cell membranes, and their chemical structure is comparable to cholesterol found in mammalian cells. They are widely distributed in plant foods like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Amongst the variety of phytosterols, stigmasterol is the vital compound found abundantly in plants. Numerous hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, corticoids and androgen, are synthesized by stigmasterol. Multiple in-vitro and in-vivo investigations have shown that stigmasterol has various biological effects, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, respiratory diseases, and lipid-lowering effects. Experimental research on stigmasterol provides indisputable proof that this phytosterol has the potential to be employed in supplements used to treat the illnesses mentioned above. This substance has a high potential, making it a noteworthy medication in the future. Although several researchers have investigated this phytosterol to assess its prospective qualities, it has not yet attained therapeutic levels, necessitating additional clinical studies. This review offers a comprehensive update on stigmasterol, including chemical framework, biosynthesis, synthetic derivatives, extraction and isolation, analytical aspects, pharmacological profile, patent status, clinical trials, stability and specifications as per regulatory bodies.

Multifaceted 3D-QSAR analysis for the identification of pharmacophoric features of biphenyl analogues as aromatase inhibitors

Aromatase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme, is responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens, which fuel the multiplication of cancerous cells. Inhibition of estrogen biosynthesis by aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is one of the highly advanced therapeutic approach available for the treatment of estrogen-positive breast cancer. Biphenyl moiety aids lipophilicity to the conjugated scaffold and enhances the accessibility of the ligand to the target. The present study is focused on the investigation of, the mode of binding of biphenyl with aromatase, prediction of ligand-target binding affinities, and pharmacophoric features essential for favorable for aromatase inhibition. A multifaceted 3D-QSAR (SOMFA, Field and Gaussian) along with molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations and pharmacophore mapping were performed on a series of biphenyl bearing molecules (1-33) with a wide range of aromatase inhibitory activity (0.15-920 nM). Among the generated 3D-QSAR models, the Force field-based 3D-QSAR model (R² = 0.9151) was best as compared to SOMFA and Gaussian Field (R²=0.7706, 0.9074, respectively). However, all the generated 3D-QSAR models were statistically fit, robust enough, and reliable to explain the variation in biological activity in relation to pharmacophoric features of dataset molecules. A four-point pharmacophoric features with three acceptor sites (A), one aromatic ring (R) features, AAAR_1, were obtained with the site and survival score values 0.890 and 4.613, respectively. The generated 3D-QSAR plots in the study insight into the structure-activity relationship of dataset molecules, which may help in the designing of potent biphenyl derivatives as newer inhibitors of aromatase.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Tirzepatide: A First-In-Class Twincretin for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Background:

Tirzepatide (LY3298176) was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 13th, 2022. The drug was developed by Eli Lilly and Co. and marketed under the trade name of ‘Mounjaro’, a first-in-class ‘Twincretin’, which is a dual activator of GIP and GLP-1 receptors, resulting in improved blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics The review covered the comprehensive insight on the drug discovery journey of tirzepatide.

Methods:

Using the keywords "Tirzepatide", "Twincretin", "Type 2 Diabetes", "GLP-1", and "GIP," data were gathered from Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct.

Results:

The review covers comprehensive insight into the drug discovery journey of tirzepatide. The drug-target structural specialty has been discussed to establish the dual inhibition mechanism of action of tirzepatide. The results of in vitro studies, preclinical and clinical trial data, pharmacokinetic profile, dosing regimen, side effects, and toxicities of tirzepatide are reviewed to account for the potency, efficacy, and safety of the newly approved drug. The drug molecule may attain a privileged status in the anti-diabetic market as the clinical data showed that it effectively reduces HbA1c level in monotherapy as well as in add-on therapy, compared to placebo, semaglutide, insulin degludec, and insulin glargine, and found effective in type 2 diabetes associated conditions like atherogenic dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Conclusion:

Tirzepatide is a clinically efficient drug, exhibiting a good safety profile as evident from the existing clinical data, and could be a new alternative to the currently available antidiabetics for the treatment of T2D.

In Silico De Novo Discovery of Novel Target-specific Drug-like Bidentate Inhibitors of PTP 1B

Background:

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP 1B) is a recognized legitimate target for type 2 diabetes and obesity, collectively designated as ‘diabesity’, even though first-in-class inhibitor is still awaited. The main cause behind the unachieved target selectivity of investigated inhibitors is the high degree of sharing of structural homology between PTP 1B and other members of the PTP family.

Objective:

The present work aimed to discover target-specific inhibitors of PTP 1B with bidentate binding features on both the allosteric and active sites.

Methods:

We have implicated the amalgamated de novo designing, ADMET screening, and molecular docking simulations to discover novel drug-like allosteric inhibitors of PTP 1B. The LEA3D de novo designing platform was used to design novel thiazolidinediones (TZDs) from scratch in the core of the target on the strict constraints of defined molecular properties of drug-likeness. Molecular modelling and geometry optimization were done using the ChemOffice package. The drug-likeness/ADMET screening was performed using the TSAR package based on Lipinski’s filter. Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) was used for the prediction of binding cavities in the target, estimation of ligand-target binding affinities as well as mode of binding interactions.

Results and Discussion:

Novel TZDs (Molecules 1-8) were de novo designed successfully as drug-like target-specific inhibitors of PTP 1B. The interaction pattern and the energy contribution of ligand (Etotal, Eintra, Epair) and target (Epair) supported that the generated TZDs showed bidentate inhibition.

Conclusion:

The discovered TZDs can be developed as novel target-specific allosteric inhibitors of PTP 1B after the accomplishment of synthetic and pre-clinical interventions.

Water toxicants: a comprehension on their health concerns, detection, and remediation

Water is an essential moiety for the human use since a long time. Availability of good-quality water is very essential, as it is used in almost all the industrial, agricultural, and household activities. However, several factors such as increased urbanization and industrialization, extensive use of chemicals, natural weathering of rocks, and human ignorance led to incorporation of enormous toxicants into the water. The water toxicants are broadly classified as inorganic, organic, and radiological toxicants. Inorganic toxicants include heavy metals (As, Cr, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) and metalloids, ammonia, nitrate, and fluoride. Uranium is included in radiological toxicants which also causes chemical toxicity. Organic pollutants include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, phenolic compounds, phthalate esters, pesticides, pharmaceutical and personal care products, perchlorates, and flame retardants. These toxicants are harmful for the ecosystem as well as for the human beings causing different types of health complications like lung cancer, nasal cancer, gingivitis, severe vomiting and abdominal pain, hormonal imbalance, skeletal damage, neurotoxicity like Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, renal toxicity, nephrotoxicity, etc. The USEPA and WHO specified the permissible concentration of these pollutants in the drinking water. Determination techniques having high sensitivity, low cost, rapid onsite, and real-time detection of traces of water pollutants are discussed. This review also covers in depth about the remediation techniques, for the control of water toxicants, such as chelation of the heavy metals, intoxication of pollutants using various plants, adsorption of toxicants using different sorbent medias, and photocatalytic breakdown of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Association of Serum Ferritin Levels with Microalbuminuria, Glycemic Control and Dyslipidemia

As diabetes is on the rise worldwide, early screening and detection of its complications is crucial. The first clinical sign of renal dysfunction in diabetes is microalbuminuria. Ferritin may have a possible role in the development and prediction of microalbuminuria and other complications of diabetes by 3 possible mechanisms- 1) it is a marker of elevated body iron stores. 2) acts as acute-phase reactant and elevation reflects inflammation 3) Delayed clearance of glycosylated ferritin in patients with diabetes causes raised ferritin levels. In this premise, we studied the association between serum ferritin levels and microalbuminuria, glycemic control and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients.

MATERIAL

A cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary hospital in northern India involving 152 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height), sample collection for basic laboratory parameters including complete blood count, kidney function tests, liver function tests, HbA1c, lipid profile, serum iron and ferritin levels, urinary albumin- creatinine ratio was done. A fundus examination was performed. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and making comparisons among various groups. Categorical data were summarized as proportions or percentages while discrete as mean. Chi-square test was used for testing associations.

OBSERVATION

Mean serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in patients having microalbuminuria as against patients having normal urinary albumin- creatinine ratio (539 vs 292, p-value- 0.04). Patients having poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7) had higher ferritin levels (p-value- 0.024). There was a near-significant association (p-value-0.06) between serum ferritin and triglyceride levels. More cases with raised serum ferritin had higher triglyceride levels. Patients having microalbuminuria had a higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (p-value- 0.003) and higher triglyceride levels (p-value- 0.041).

CONCLUSION

Ferritin can act as a marker of diabetic nephropathy, poor glycemic control and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Our study, therefore, indicates that programs to prevent complications of diabetes would be more effective by placing greater emphasis on patients having higher ferritin levels.

Convolutions in the rendition of nose to brain therapeutics from bench to bedside: Feats & fallacies

Brain, a subtle organ of multifarious nature presents plethora of physiological, metabolic and bio-chemical convolutions that impede the delivery of biomolecules and thereby resulting in truncated therapeutic outcome in pathological conditions of central nervous system (CNS). The absolute bottleneck in the therapeutic management of such devastating CNS ailments is the BBB. Another pitfall is the lack of efficient technological platforms (due to high cost and low approval rates) as well as limited clinical trials (due to failures of neuro‑leads in late-stage pipelines) for CNS disorders which has become a literal brain drain with poorest success rates compared to other therapeutic areas, owing to time consuming processes, tremendous convolutions and conceivable adverse effects. With the advent of intranasal delivery (via direct N2B or indirect nose to blood to brain), several novel drug delivery carriers viz. unmodified or surface modified nanoparticle based carriers, lipid based colloidal nanocarriers and drysolid/liquid/semisolid nanoformulations or delivery platforms have been designed as a means to deliver therapeutic agents (small and large molecules, peptides and proteins, genes) to brain, bypassing BBB for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, schizophrenia and CNS malignancies primarily glioblastomas. Intranasal application offers drug delivery through both direct and indirect pathways for the peripherally administered psychopharmacological agents to CNS. This route could also be exploited for the repurposing of conventional drugs for new therapeutic uses. The limited clinical translation of intranasal formulations has been primarily due to existence of barriers of mucociliary clearance in the nasal cavity, enzyme degradation and low permeability of the nasal epithelium. The present review literature aims to decipher the new paradigms of nano therapeutic systems employed for specific N2B drug delivery of CNS drugs through in silico complexation studies using rationally chosen mucoadhesive polymers (exhibiting unique physicochemical properties of nanocarrier's i.e. surface modification, prolonging retention time in the nasal cavity, improving penetration ability, and promoting brain specific delivery with biorecognitive ligands) via molecular docking simulations. Further, the review intends to delineate the feats and fallacies associated with N2B delivery approaches by understanding the physiological/anatomical considerations via decoding the intranasal drug delivery pathways or critical factors such as rationale and mechanism of excipients, affecting the permeability of CNS drugs through nasal mucosa as well as better efficacy in terms of brain targeting, brain bioavailability and time to reach the brain. Additionally, extensive emphasis has also been laid on the innovative formulations under preclinical investigation along with their assessment by means of in vitro /ex vivo/in vivo N2B models and current characterization techniques predisposing an efficient intranasal delivery of therapeutics. A critical appraisal of novel technologies, intranasal products or medical devices available commercially has also been presented. Finally, it could be warranted that more reminiscent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships or validated computational models are mandated to obtain effective screening of molecular architecture of drug-polymer-mucin complexes for clinical translation of N2B therapeutic systems from bench to bedside.

Altered electrochemical properties of iron oxide nanoparticles by carbon enhance molecular biocompatibility through discrepant atomic interaction

Recent advancement in nanotechnology seeks exploration of new techniques for improvement in the molecular, chemical, and biological properties of nanoparticles. In this study, carbon modification of octahedral-shaped magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was done using two-step chemical processes with sucrose as a carbon source for improvement in their electrochemical application and higher molecular biocompatibility. X-ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy confirmed the alteration in single-phase octahedral morphology and carbon attachment in Fe3O4 structure. The magnetization saturation and BET surface area for Fe3O4, Fe3O4/C, and α-Fe2O3/C were measured as 90, 86, and 27 emu/g and 16, 56, and 89 m2/g with an average pore size less than 7 nm. Cyclic voltammogram and galvanostatic charge/discharge studies showed the highest specific capacitance of carbon-modified Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 as 213 F/g and 192 F/g. The in vivo biological effect of altered physicochemical properties of Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 was assessed at the cellular and molecular level with embryonic zebrafish. Mechanistic in vivo toxicity analysis showed a reduction in oxidative stress in carbon-modified α-Fe2O3 exposed zebrafish embryos compared to Fe3O4 due to despaired influential atomic interaction with sod1 protein along with significant less morphological abnormalities and apoptosis. The study provided insight into improving the characteristic of MNPs for electrochemical application and higher biological biocompatibility.

GAMOGONY OF SARCOCYSTIS STRIXI IN MAMMALIAN CELL CULTURES

We are interested in the disease ecology of Sarcocystis species that infect birds of prey as definitive and intermediate hosts. The present study was done to test our hypothesis that a laboratory model can be developed for sarcocystis infection in mammals using gamma interferon gene knockout (KO) mice as a source of Sarcocystis strixi bradyzoites and mammalian cell cultures as a source of sporulated S. strixi oocysts. Sporocysts of S. strixi from a naturally infected barred owl (Strix varia) were fed to KO mice to produce sarcocysts, and the enclosed bradyzoites were obtained by acid-pepsin digestion of abdominal and thigh muscles. Bradyzoites, metrocytes, and an unusual spherical stage were seen in digest before the inoculation of host cells. The spherical stages stained dark with Giemsa stain, but no nucleus was observed, and they were seen free and associated with the concave portion of some bradyzoites. Examination of infected cell cultures demonstrated that macrogamonts and microgamonts were present at 24 hr post-inoculation. Since sporulated oocysts were not observed, we had to reject our current hypothesis.

Endophyte roles in nutrient acquisition, root system architecture development and oxidative stress tolerance

Plants associate with communities of microbes (bacteria and fungi) that play critical roles in plant development, nutrient acquisition and oxidative stress tolerance. The major share of plant microbiota is endophytes which inhabit plant tissues and help them in various capacities. In this article, we have reviewed what is presently known with regard to how endophytic microbes interact with plants to modulate root development, branching, root hair formation and their implications in overall plant development. Endophytic microbes link the interactions of plants, rhizospheric microbes and soil to promote nutrient solubilization and further vectoring these nutrients to the plant roots making the soil-plant-microbe continuum. Further, plant roots internalize microbes and oxidatively extract nutrients from microbes in the rhizophagy cycle. The oxidative interactions between endophytes and plants result in the acquisition of nutrients by plants and are also instrumental in oxidative stress tolerance of plants. It is evident that plants actively cultivate microbes internally, on surfaces and in soils to acquire nutrients, modulate development and improve health. Understanding this continuum could be of greater significance in connecting endophytes with the hidden half of the plant that can also be harnessed in applied terms to enhance nutrient acquisition through the development of favourable root system architecture for sustainable production under stress conditions.

Practical consensus recommendations on fertility preservation in patients with breast cancer

Young women diagnosed with cancer today have a greater chance of long-term survival than ever before. Successful survivorship for this group of patients includes maintaining a high quality of life after a cancer diagnosis and treatment; however, lifesaving treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can impact survivors by impairing reproductive and endocrine health. Expert oncologists along with reproductive medicine specialists discuss fertility preservation options in this chapter since fertility preservation is becoming a priority for young women with breast cancer. This expert group used data from published literature, practical experience and opinion of a large group of academic oncologists to arrive at these practical consensus recommendations for the benefit of community oncologists.

Lead Molecules as Novel Aromatase Inhibitors: In Silico De Novo Designing and Binding Affinity Studies

Background:

Aromatase inhibitors emerged as a pivotal moiety to selectively block estrogen production, prevention and treatment of tumour growth in breast cancer. De novo drug design is an alternative approach to blind virtual screening for successful designing of the novel molecule against various therapeutic targets.

Objective:

In the present study, we have explored the de novo approach to design novel aromatase inhibitors.

Method:

The e-LEA3D, a computational-aided drug design web server was used to design novel drug-like candidates against the target aromatase. For drug-likeness ADME parameters (molecular weight, H-bond acceptors, H-bond donors, LogP and number of rotatable bonds) of designed molecules were calculated in TSAR software package, geometry optimization and energy minimization was accomplished using Chem Office. Further, molecular docking study was performed in Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD).

Results:

Among 17 generated molecules using the de novo pathway, 13 molecules passed the Lipinski filter pertaining to their bioavailability characteristics. De novo designed molecules with drug-likeness were further docked into the mapped active site of aromatase to scale up their affinity and binding fitness with the target. Among de novo fabricated drug like candidates (1-13), two molecules (5, 6) exhibited higher affinity with aromatase in terms of MolDock score (-150.650, -172.680 Kcal/mol, respectively) while molecule 8 showed lowest target affinity (-85.588 Kcal/mol).

Conclusion:

The binding patterns of lead molecules (5, 6) could be used as a pharmacophore for medicinal chemists to explore these molecules for their aromatase inhibitory potential.

A Comprehension into Target Binding and Spatial Fingerprints of Noscapinoid Analogues as Inhibitors of Tubulin

BACKGROUND

Owing to its potential to interfere in microtubule dynamics in the mitotic phase of cell cycle and selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting normal cells, noscapine and its synthetic analogues have been investigated by other research groups in different cell lines for their capability to be used as anti-cancer agents.

OBJECTIVE

The present study is focused on the investigation of the mode of binding of noscapinoids with tubulin, prediction of target binding affinities and mapping of their spatial fingerprints (shape and electrostatic).

METHODS

Molecular docking assisted alignment based 3D-QSAR was used on a dataset (43 molecules) having an inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 1.2-250 μM) against human lymphoblast (CEM) cell line.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Key amino acid residues of target tubulin were mapped for the binding of most potent noscapine analogue (Compound 11) and were compared with noscapine. Spatial fingerprints of noscapinoids for favorable tubulin inhibitory activity were generated and are proposed herewith for further pharmacophoric amendments of noscapine analogues to design and develop novel potent noscapine based anti-cancer agents that may enter into drug development pipeline.

Aspergillus sensitization in bronchial asthma: A separate phenotype

Background: Bronchial asthma is one of the common chronic respiratory illnesses worldwide, with a global disease burden that affects approximately 300 million individuals. It affects 5-10% of the population in developed countries. India constitutes approximately one-tenth of the global disease burden, where an estimated 7 million children are affected by this illness. Airway hyperresponsiveness or bronchial hyperreactivity in asthma is an exaggerated response to numerous exogenous and endogenous stimuli. In India, the most important endogenous stimuli is considered to be fungal antigens from the genus, Aspergillus. Positive skin reactions to Aspergillus fumigatus among individuals with atopic asthma is 10 to 20%; however, a causal relationship is yet to be established. A separate entity, termed "severe asthma with fungal sensitivity," is often used to describe milder allergic reactions to fungal aeroallergens that has fungal sensitization as the starting point of pathogenesis than allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Methods: A total of 57 patients with bronchial asthma were prospectively enrolled and evaluated for Aspergillus sensitization and its impact on asthma control. Results: Symptoms were well controlled in a majority of patients (57.89%) and partly controlled in 14.04%. Uncontrolled symptoms were observed in only 28.07% of patients. The proportion of patients with uncontrolled symptoms was higher among patients who were sensitized (45.00%) compared with patients who were not sensitized (18.92%). The proportion of patients with well-controlled symptoms was higher in individuals who were not sensitized compared with individuals who were sensitized (62.16% versus 50.00%). Conclusion: The severity of asthma was associated with fungal sensitization, with sensitization to Aspergillus as a part of the pathogenesis. Aspergillus sensitization is significantly associated with bronchiectasis, even in the absence of clinical features.

Feeding status of free-range scavenging chickens in different agro-climatic regions of India

1. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status of backyard chickens reared under 4 different agro-climatic conditions (tropical, humid subtropical, cool-temperate and semi-arid) of India during different seasons of the year and to compare their nutritional status with those reared under confined feeding system (CFS). In each season, 15 adult and 15 grower chickens were slaughtered for collecting content of crop and gizzard to assess the nutritional status from different agro-climatic conditions.2. The dry matter content of crop and gizzard was higher (P < 0.01) in chickens reared under backyard conditions compared to those reared under CFS.3. Higher (P < 0.01) crop and gizzard contents were recorded during winter compared to the rainy season. The proportion of grains in the crop during summer and winter season was higher compared to rainy season. Further, there were more insects present in the crop during the rainy season and winter compared to summer.4. The proportion of insects was higher in chickens reared in humid, subtropical and cool temperate regions compared to semi-arid conditions. The consumption of grasses was higher in cool-temperate regions as compared to those reared under other areas.5. Crude protein (CP), Ca, P and gross energy (GE) content of the crop were higher in chickens reared under CFS compared to those reared in backyard systems and CP in the crop contents was lower in backyard chickens reared in humid subtropical and semi-arid regions compared to other areas. Similarly, lower (P < 0.01) Ca levels were seen in crop and gizzard contents from birds reared in semi-arid Rajasthan, and P and GE were lower in tropical wet and dry Telangana (TWT) compared to the chickens reared in the backyard conditions in other regions.6. Based on the results, the nutrient intake for birds utilising the scavenging feed resource base (SFRB) in the TWT region was below the requirements of backyard chickens from the other regions selected in the present study. GE and CP were critically deficient in the SFRB of the TWT region. Therefore, evolving location-specific supplementary diets using locally available feed resources to meet nutrient requirement of backyard chickens is required for optimising production potential.

Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 Expression in Adenocarcinoma Lung and Its Association with Histomorphological Features

Objectives: Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression is frequently associated with adenocarcinoma lung. This study was undertaken with the objectives to assess the expression of TTF-1 in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with adenocarcinoma phenotype and to evaluate the TTF-1 expression with clinicopathological and histomorphological features. Materials and Methods: This was a tertiary care hospital-based case series that included 250 cases of NSCLC. TTF-1 immunostaining along with a basic panel of immunohistochemistry markers was performed. The histomorphological analysis was done to compare the morphological features of TTF-1-positive versus TTF-1-negative cases. Results: TTF-1 was positive in 144 cases (57.6%), while 106 cases were negative for TTF-1. The M: F ratio in the TTF-1-positive group was 1:2, and the mean age of the cases that expressed TTF-1 was 48.5 years. The most common pattern in the TTF-1-positive group was loose clusters or singly dispersed cells (77.78%), followed by the acinar (54.86%) and solid pattern (42.36%). In the TTF-1-negative group, 86.79% of cases had singly dispersed cells or loose cohesive clusters, followed by a solid pattern in 50.94% cases. Conclusion: TTF-1 is a useful and reliable marker for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. TTF-1 expression does not have any association with the patterns and degree of differentiation evident in the tumor.

Structure Guided Molecular Docking Assisted Alignment Dependent 3DQSAR Study on Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors (SAIs) as Anti-breast Cancer Agents

Background:

In spite of the availability of various treatment approaches including surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy, the steroidal aromatase inhibitors (SAIs) play a significant role as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer with the benefit of reduced risk of recurrence. However, due to greater toxicity and side effects associated with currently available anti-breast cancer agents, there is emergent requirement to develop target-specific AIs with safer anti-breast cancer profile.

Methods:

It is challenging task to design target-specific and less toxic SAIs, though the molecular modeling tools viz. molecular docking simulations and QSAR have been continuing for more than two decades for the fast and efficient designing of novel, selective, potent and safe molecules against various biological targets to fight the number of dreaded diseases/disorders. In order to design novel and selective SAIs, structure guided molecular docking assisted alignment dependent 3D-QSAR studies was performed on a data set comprises of 22 molecules bearing steroidal scaffold with wide range of aromatase inhibitory activity.

Results:

3D-QSAR model developed using molecular weighted (MW) extent alignment approach showed good statistical quality and predictive ability when compared to model developed using moments of inertia (MI) alignment approach.

Conclusion:

The explored binding interactions and generated pharmacophoric features (steric and electrostatic) of steroidal molecules could be exploited for further design, direct synthesis and development of new potential safer SAIs, that can be effective to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with breast cancer.

2,4-Thiazolidinediones as PTP 1B Inhibitors: A Mini Review (2012-2018)

2,4-thiazolidinedione (TZD) scaffold is a synthetic versatile scaffold explored by medicinal chemists for the discovery of novel molecules for the target-specific approach to treat or manage number of deadly ailments. PTP 1B is the negative regulator of insulin signaling cascade, and its diminished activity results in abolishment of insulin resistance associated with T2DM. The present review focused on the seven years journey (2012-2018) of TZDs as PTP 1B inhibitors with the insight into the amendments in the structural framework of TZD scaffold in order to optimize/design potential PTP 1B inhibitors. We have investigated the synthesized molecules based on TZD scaffold with potential activity profile against PTP 1B. Based on the SAR studies, the combined essential pharmacophoric features of selective and potent TZDs have been mapped and presented herewith for further design and synthesis of novel inhibitors of PTP 1B. Compound 46 bearing TZD scaffold with N-methyl benzoic acid and 5-(3-methoxy-4-phenethoxy) benzylidene exhibited the most potent activity (IC50 1.1 µM). Imidazolidine-2,4-dione, isosteric analogue of TZD, substituted with 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-(3-(2,4- dichlorobenzyloxy)benzylidene) (Compound 15) also endowed with very good PTP inhibitory activity profile (IC50 0.57 µM). It is noteworthy that Z-configuration is essential in structural framework around the double bond of arylidene for the designing of bi-dentate ligands with optimum activity.

Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and Depression in Admitted Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Observational Study

Context:

Pain is the most common symptom in admitted cancer patients. The association between the severity of cancer pain and distress symptoms such as depression and anxiety is a subject of research.

Aims:

The aim is to study the prevalence of pain, anxiety, and depression in admitted cancer patients and determine the association between pain and anxiety and depression at a tertiary cancer care institute.

Settings and Design:

This was prospective observational study.

Subjects and Methods:

We enrolled 393 cancer inpatients prospectively after written informed consent. Their disease details, presence, severity, and character of pain were recorded. Numerical Pain Scale was used for pain scores, self-reporting Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety and depression.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Normal data were analyzed with parametric, nonnormal with nonparametric methods, and categorical with the Chi-square test.

Results:

The prevalence of moderate-to-severe pain was 41.5%, anxiety 20.3%, and depression 24.8%. Proportion of patients with anxiety and depression was 9.2% and 17.7% in patients with no pain; about 32.8% and 36.7% with severe pain, respectively (P < 0.000). In patients with no depression 6% had anxiety; with depression 44.9% had anxiety (P < 0.000). Odd's ratio to have anxiety and depression was 4.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0318–9.7024) and 2.92 (95% CI 1.5739–5.4186), respectively, in patients with pain as compared to no pain (P < 0.00). There was a positive correlation between pain, anxiety, and depression scores.

Conclusions:

There is strong association between the presence and severity of pain and distress symptoms such as anxiety and depression in admitted cancer patients.

Indigenous endophytic seed bacteria promote seedling development and defend against fungal disease in browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L.)

AIMS

This study was conducted to investigate indigenous seed endophyte effects on browntop millet seedling development. We report that seed-inhabiting bacterial endophytes are responsible for promoting seedling development, including stimulation of root hair formation, increasing root and shoot length growth and increasing photosynthetic pigment content of seedlings. Bacterial endophytes also improved resistance of seedlings to disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of four endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized seeds and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as Curtobacterium sp. (M1), Microbacterium sp. (M2), Methylobacterium sp. (M3) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (M4). Removal of bacteria with streptomycin treatment from the seeds compromised seedling growth and development. When endophytes were reinoculated onto seeds, seedlings recovered normal development. Strains M3 and M4 were found to be most potent in promoting growth of seedlings. Bacteria were found to produce auxin, solubilize phosphate and inhibit fungal pathogens. Significant protection of seedlings from Fusarium infection was found using strain M4 in microcosm assays. The antifungal lipopeptide genes for surfactin and iturin were detected in M4; culture extracts of M4 showed a positive drop collapse result for surfactins.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that browntop millet seeds vector indigenous endophytes that are responsible for modulation of seedling development and protection of seedlings from fungal disease.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study is significant and original in that it is the first report of seed-inhabiting endophytes of browntop millet that influence seedling development and function in defence against soilborne pathogens. This study suggests that conservation and management of seed-vectored endophytes may be important in development of more sustainable agricultural practices.

Clinical and angiographic profiles and six months outcomes of smokers with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty

Background

Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) in smokers are expected to be better than non-smokers as for patients of acute STEMI with or without fibrinolytic therapy.

Objectives

This comparative study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of primary PCI in patients with acute STEMI in smokers and non-smokers. Clinical and angiographic profile of the two groups was also compared.

Methods

Over duration of two year, a total of 150 consecutive patients of acute STEMI eligible for primary PCI were enrolled and constituted the two groups [Smokers (n = 90), Non-smokers (n = 60)] of the study population. There was no difference in procedure in two groups.

Results

In the present study of acute STEMI, current smokers were about a decade younger than non-smokers (p value = 0.0002), majority were male (98.9% vs 56.6%) were male with a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (61.67% vs 32.28% and 46.67% vs 14.44%, p = 0.001) respectively. Smokers tended to have higher thrombus burden (p = 0.06) but less multi vessel disease (p = 0.028). Thirty day and six month mortality was non-significantly higher in smokers 4.66% vs 1.33% (p = 0.261) and 5.33% vs 2.66% (p = NS) respectively. Rate of quitting smoking among smokers was 80.90% at 6 months.

Conclusion

The study documents that smokers with acute STEMI have similar outcomes as compared to non smokers with higher thrombus burden and lesser non culprit artery involvement. Smokers present at much younger age emphasizing the role of smoking cessation for prevention of myocardial infarction.

Sarcocystis strixi n. sp. from a Barred Owl ( Strix varia) Definitive Host and Interferon Gamma Gene Knockout Mice as Experimental Intermediate Host

Here we report a new species of Sarcocystis with a barred owl ( Strix varia) as the natural definitive host and interferon gamma gene knockout (KO) mice as an experimental intermediate host. A barred owl submitted to the Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville, North Carolina, was euthanized because of paralysis. Fully sporulated 12.5 × 9.9 μm sporocysts were found in intestinal scrapings from the owl. Sporocysts from the barred owl were orally fed to 4 laboratory-reared outbred Swiss Webster (SW) ( Mus musculus) and 8 KO mice. All mice remained asymptomatic. Microscopic sarcocysts were found in all 5 KO mice euthanized on day 32, 59, 120, 154, and 206 post-inoculation (PI), not in KO mice euthanized on day 4, 8, and 14 PI. Sarcocysts were not found in any SW mice euthanized on day 72, 120, 206, and 210 PI. Sarcocysts were microscopic, up to 70 μm wide. By light microscopy, the sarcocyst wall < 2 μm thick had undulating, flat to conical, protrusions of varying dimensions. Numerous sarcocysts were seen in the histological sections of tongue and skeletal muscles from the abdomen, limbs, and eye but not in the heart. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall was "type 1j." The ground substance layer (gs) was homogenous, up to 2 μm thick, with very fine granules, and a few vesicles concentrated toward the villar projections. No microtubules were seen in the gs. Longitudinally cut bradyzoites at 206 days PI were 7.8 × 2.2 μm. Based on molecular characterization using 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and cox1 genes and morphology of sarcocysts, the parasite in the present study was biologically and structurally different from species so far described, and we therefore propose a new species name, Sarcocystis strixi n. sp.

Sarcocystis jamaicensis n. sp., from Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) Definitive Host and IFN-γ Gene Knockout Mice as Experimental Intermediate Host

Here, we report a new species of Sarcocystis with red-tailed hawk (RTH, Buteo jamaicensis) as the natural definitive host and IFN-γ gene knockout (KO) mice as an experimental intermediate host in which sarcocysts form in muscle. Two RTHs submitted to the Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville, North Carolina, were euthanized because they could not be rehabilitated and released. Fully sporulated 12.5 × 9.9-μm sized sporocysts were found in intestinal scrapings of both hawks. Sporocysts were orally fed to laboratory-reared outbred Swiss Webster mice (SW, Mus musculus) and also to KO mice. The sporocysts were infective for KO mice but not for SW mice. All SW mice remained asymptomatic, and neither schizonts nor sarcocysts were found in any SW mice euthanized on days 54, 77, 103 (n = 2) or 137 post-inoculation (PI). The KO mice developed neurological signs and were necropsied between 52 to 68 days PI. Schizonts/merozoites were found in all KO mice euthanized on days 52, 55 (n = 3), 59, 61 (n = 2), 66, and 68 PI and they were confined to the brain. The predominant lesion was meningoencephalitis characterized by perivascular cuffs, granulomas, and necrosis of the neural tissue. The schizonts/merozoites were located in neural tissue and were apparently extravascular. Brain homogenates from infected KO mice were infective to KO mice by subcutaneous inoculation and when seeded on to CV-1 cells. Microscopic sarcocysts were found in skeletal muscles of 5 of 8 KO mice euthanized between 55-61 days PI. Only a few sarcocysts were detected. Sarcocysts were microscopic, up to 3.5 mm long. When viewed with light microscopy, the sarcocyst wall appeared thin (<1 μm thick) and smooth. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall classified as "type 1j" (new designation). Molecular characterization using 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-1, and cox1 genes revealed a close relationship with Sarcocystis microti and Sarcocystis glareoli; both species infect birds as definitive hosts. The parasite in the present study was biologically and molecularly different from species so far described in RTHs and we therefore propose a new species name, Sarcocystis jamaicensis n. sp.

Sarcocystis pantherophisi n. sp., from Eastern Rat Snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) as Definitive Hosts and Interferon Gamma Gene Knockout Mice as Experimental Intermediate Hosts

Here, we report a new species, Sarcocystis pantherophisi n. sp., with the Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) as natural definitive host and the interferon gamma gene knockout (KO) mouse as the experimental intermediate host. Sporocysts (n = 15) from intestinal contents of the snake were 10.8 × 8.9 μm. Sporocysts were orally infective to KO mice but not to laboratory-raised albino outbred house mice (Mus musculus). The interferon gamma KO mice developed schizont-associated neurological signs, and schizonts were cultivated in vitro from the brain. Mature sarcocysts were found in skeletal muscles of KO mice examined 41 days postinoculation (PI). Sarcocysts were slender, up to 70 μm wide and up to 3.5 mm long. By light microscopy, sarcocysts appeared thin-walled (<1 μm) without projections. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall was a variant of "type 1" (type 1i, new designation). The parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (pvm) had approximately 100-nm-wide × 100-nm-long bleb-like evaginations interspersed with 100-nm-wide × 650-nm-long elongated protrusions at irregular distances, and invaginations into the ground substance layer (gs) for a very short distance (6 nm). The gs was smooth, up to 500 nm thick, without tubules, and contained a few vesicles. Longitudinally cut bradyzoites at 54 days PI were banana-shaped, 7.8 × 2.2 μm (n = 5). Molecular characterization using 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-1, and cox1 genes indicated a close relationship with other Sarcocystis parasites that have snake-rodent life cycles. The parasite in the present study was molecularly and biologically similar to a previously reported isolate (designated earlier as Sarcocystis sp. ex Pantherophis alleghaniensis) from P. alleghaniensis, and it was structurally different from other Sarcocystis species so far described.

Coexistence of hard palate carcinoma with tuberculosis: A rarity

Coexistence of tuberculosis (TB) and palatal malignancy is a rare phenomenon and it has never been reported. Here, we present a case of hard palate carcinoma with TB in a 60-year-old male patient who was successfully managed by three pronged approaches by combining antitubercular therapy with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Isolation, Culture and Cryopreservation of Sarcocystis species

More than 200 valid Sarcocystis species have been described in the parasitological literature. The developmental life cycle in the intermediate host and definitive host has only been described for a few species. Sarcocystis parasites are common pathogens infecting a wide range of animals, including humans, and this unit reviews the methods used for isolating infective stages of the parasite from both definitive and intermediate host(s), as well as methods used to initiate cultures from sporocysts and merozoites and for cryopreservation of various Sarcocystis spp. These methods are based on published reports and our experience with Sarcocystis species in cell culture over many years. The information presented is suitable for the efficient culture of many Sarcocystis species; however, some minor modifications may be needed based on the unique developmental patterns of some species. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Seed-vectored endophytic bacteria modulate development of rice seedlings

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the removal of indigenous bacteria from rice seeds on seedling growth and development. Here we report the presence of three indigenous endophytic bacteria in rice seeds that play important roles in modulating seedling development (shoot and root lengths, and formation of root hairs and secondary roots) and defence against pathogens.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seed-associated bacteria were removed using surface sterilization with NaOCl (bleach) followed by antibiotic treatment. When bacteria were absent, growth of seedlings in terms of root hair development and overall seedling size was less than that of seedlings that contained bacteria. Reactive oxygen staining of seedlings showed that endophytic bacteria became intracellular in root parenchyma cells and root hairs. Roots containing endophytic bacteria were seen to stain densely for reactive oxygen, while roots free of bacteria stained lightly for reactive oxygen. Bacteria were isolated and identified as Enterobacter asburiae (VWB1), Pantoea dispersa (VWB2) and Pseudomonas putida (VWB3) by 16S rDNA sequencing. Bacteria were found to produce indole acetic acid (auxins), inhibited the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum and solubilized phosphate. Reinoculation of bacteria onto seedlings derived from surface-disinfected rice and Bermuda grass seeds significantly restored seedling growth and development.

CONCLUSION

Rice seeds harbour indigenous bacterial endophytes that greatly influence seedling growth and development, including root and shoot lengths, root hair formation and disease susceptibility of rice seedlings.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study shows that seeds of rice naturally harbour bacterial endophytes that play key roles in modulation of seedling development.

Radiation therapy outcomes in muscle invasive urinary bladder cancer: A single institution experience

INTRODUCTION

To audit the survival outcomes and loco-regional control in muscle invasive urinary bladder cancer patients treated with external beam radiation therapy (RT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2008 through December 2011, 50 consecutively diagnosed muscle invasive urinary bladder carcinoma (T2-4a N0-2, M0) patients were included in this retrospective study. All these patients received external beam RT to a median dose of 60 Gy (range 30-66 Gy), and were not suitable for radical surgery due to patients' preference or medical comorbidities. A stepwise procedure using proportional hazard regression was used to identify prognostic factors with respect to survival.

RESULTS

Completion trans-urethral resection of bladder tumor was done in 38 (76%) patients of the cohort and 47 (94%) had transitional cell carcinoma on histopathology. Clinical stage T2 was diagnosed in 40 (80%) patients. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 14 ± 8.9 months (range 1-36 months). In conclusion, 24 patients (48%) were free of disease, 5 patients (10%) had residual disease, and 13 patients (26%) had died of disease. Two-year and 3 year overall survival of intact bladder for the entire cohort was 58% and 43.6%, respectively. Cox regression modeling strongly suggested clinical stage (P = 0.01) and RT dose (P = 0.001) as being predictors for overall survival.

CONCLUSION

RT shows reliable outcomes and excellent compliance in this advanced disease. Prescribing a higher RT dose could potentially correlate to better intact bladder control rates while maintaining good quality of life in selected patients.

Structure based comprehensive modelling, spatial fingerprints mapping and ADME screening of curcumin analogues as novel ALR2 inhibitors

Aldose reductase (ALR2) inhibition is the most legitimate approach for the management of diabetic complications. The limited triumph in the drug development against ALR2 is mainly because of its close structural similarity with the other members of aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily viz. ALR1, AKR1B10; and lipophilicity problem i.e. poor diffusion of synthetic aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) to target tissues. The literature evidenced that naturally occurring curcumin demonstrates relatively specific and non-competitive inhibition towards human recombinant ALR2 over ALR1 and AKR1B10; however β-diketone moiety of curcumin is a specific substrate for liver AKRs and accountable for it’s rapid in vivo metabolism. In the present study, structure based comprehensive modelling studies were used to map the pharmacophoric features/spatial fingerprints of curcumin analogues responsible for their ALR2 specificity along with potency on a data set of synthetic curcumin analogues and naturally occurring curcuminoids. The data set molecules were also screened for drug-likeness or ADME parameters, and the screening data strongly support that curcumin analogues could be proposed as a good drug candidate for the development of ALR2 inhibitors with improved pharmacokinetic profile compared to curcuminoids due to the absence of β-diketone moiety in their structural framework.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition involving the airways and characterized by airflow limitation. Gaseous and noxious particles play an important role in this process. Antioxidants are the substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. The increased oxidative stress in patients with COPD is the result of an increased burden of inhaled oxidants, as well as increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by various inflammatory, immune and epithelial cells of the airways. A total of 150 subjects with COPD and 100 healthy controls subjects were enrolled in this study from the period October 2015 to January 2016. The investigation included measurements of plasma superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione content (GSH) reduced form, (GPx) glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Absorbance was measured by UV spectrophotometer. The estimated values of SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH and GR were found to be significantly (P = 0.0001) lower among the cases compared with controls. But, the levels of MDA were higher (P = 0.0001) in cases as compared to control group and there was significant difference in the oxidative stress parameters among the various stages of COPD. The post hoc analysis revealed that SOD was significantly (P < 0.01) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. The catalase was also observed to be significantly (P = 0.01) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. The GPx was found to be significantly (P = 0.002) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. MDA was observed to be significantly higher in mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe (P = 0.001). GR was significantly (P = 0.003) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. However, there was no significant difference in GSH among severity of COPD patients. This study suggests that oxidant and antioxidant imbalance plays an important role in various stages of severity of COPD. These results revealed the presence of an oxidative stress in subjects with COPD, and it is proportionate to the severity of disease.

Ocular manifestations in leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders and their association with hematological parameters

Objectives:

To study the ocular manifestations in patients diagnosed with leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders and to derive an association between the ocular manifestations and hematological parameters of the patients.

Materials and Methods:

This observational and descriptive study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Center of Dehradun, North India over a period of 1 year. All the diagnosed cases of leukemia and myeloproliferative diseases attending the Oncology Department were included. Patients underwent a detailed ocular examination. The hematological parameters were also recorded including hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC), and platelet count.

Results:

The study included 102 patients out of which, there were 66 males (64.7%), and 36 were females (35.3%) with an age range of 5–80 years. A total of forty patients showed ocular manifestations (39.3%). Extraocular manifestations were seen in 10.8% patients while intraocular manifestations were noted in 45.1% patients of acute leukemia and 7.7% patients of chronic leukemia. These ocular manifestations showed a significant association with low Hb (P = 0.000), raised TLC (P = 0.004), and low platelet count (P = 0.000). The most common ocular manifestation was intraretinal hemorrhages followed by roth spots. Among acute myeloid leukemia patients (23.5%), the presence of intraretinal hemorrhages was significantly associated with low Hb (Mann–Whitney U-test = 25.000, P = 0.007). The patients of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (25.4%) showed significant association between intraretinal hemorrhages and low platelet count (Mann–Whitney U-test = 44.000, P = 0.046) and roth spots with low Hb (Mann–Whitney U-test = 11.000, P = 0.000). Ocular manifestations were more commonly seen in acute leukemias as compared to chronic leukemias.

Conclusion:

Ocular examination is recommended in all leukemic patients as ocular manifestations may go unnoticed, most patients being asymptomatic and could be an early sign of worsening of disease.

Identification of Macroscopic Sarcocysts of Sarcocystis cameli from One-Humped Camel ( Camelus dromedarius ) in Iraq

There is considerable confusion concerning the identity of macroscopic Sarcocystis species in camels. Currently 2 species, Sarcocystis cameli and Sarcocystis ippeni, are recognized from 1-humped camel ( Camelus dromedarius ), and sarcocysts of both species are microscopic. Here, we report the identity of macroscopic sarcocysts from the C. dromedarius in Iraq as S. cameli. Five sarcocysts from the muscle of 2 adult camels collected in 1999 and stored in 10% formalin were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sarcocysts were 1.5-5.0 mm long and 200-400 μm wide. By TEM, all 5 sarcocysts had thin sarcocyst walls. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall had "type 9j" villar protrusions similar to those of S. cameli. This is the first confirmation of macroscopic sarcocysts from 1-humped camel as S. cameli.

Modular Concept in a Multi-Functional above Knee Prosthesis

Conventional designs of above knee prostheses do not permit squatting and sitting cross-legged (SCL) on the floor. These postures are commonly adopted in India and other Afro-Asian countries. A new prosthesis design permitting these postures has been evolved. Further, a modular system has been prepared to fit into a number of different leg sizes. As a result of the new technology, the ankle remains fixed in normal walking and automatically flexes during squatting. Also for SCL, the thigh rotation is automatic. Thus, no hand manipulations are needed and the movements, both going down and arising are similar to normal movements.