Pharmacophore modelling-based drug repurposing approaches for monkeypox therapeutics

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease that mainly affects tropical rainforest regions of central and west Africa, with sporadic exportations to other places. Since there is no cure, treating monkeypox with an antiviral drug developed for smallpox is currently acceptable. Our study mainly focused on finding new therapeutics to target monkeypox from existing compounds or medications. It is a successful method for discovering or developing medicinal compounds with novel pharmacological or therapeutic applications. In this study, homology modelling developed the Monkeypox VarTMPK (IMNR) structure. Ligand-based pharmacophore was generated using the best docking pose of standard ticovirimat. Further, molecular docking analysis showed compounds, tetrahydroxycurcumin, procyanidin, rutin, vicenin-2, kaempferol 3-(6''-malonylglucoside) were the top five binding energy compounds against VarTMPK (1MNR). Furthermore, we carried out MD simulations for 100 ns for the six compounds, including reference based on the binding energies and interactions. MD studies revealed that as ticovirimat interacted with residues Lys17, Ser18, and Arg45, all the above five compounds interacted with the same amino acids at the active site during docking and simulation studies. Among all the compounds, ZINC4649679 (Tetrahydroxycurcumin) was shown to have the highest binding energy -9.7 kcal/mol and also observed stable protein-ligand complex during MD studies. ADMET profile estimation showed that the docked phytochemicals were safe. However, further biological assessment through a wet lab is essential to measure the efficacy and safety of the compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effects of Acute and Repeated Dose Toxicity Profiling of Chelidonic Acid in Rats: in Silico and in Vivo Evidence

Chelidonic acid is a phytoconstituent found in rhizomes of the perennial plant celandine. The current study aims to evaluate the acute and repeated dose oral toxicity study of chelidonic acid as per the OECD guidelines 425 and 407. The pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of chelidonic acid was predicted using online servers and tools. A single dose of chelidonic acid (2000 mg/kg) was administered to female Wistar rats in an acute toxicity study, and the animals were monitored for 14 days. We studied the toxicity profile of chelidonic acid at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg doses in Wistar rats for repeated dose toxicity (28 days). Clinical biochemistry, haematological, and urine parameters were estimated. A gross necropsy and histopathology were performed. A single oral dose of chelidonic acid (2000 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity or mortality. The Administration of chelidonic acid showed no significant alterations in haematological, biochemical, and urine parameters. The histopathology showed normal structure and architecture in all the vital organs. A gross necropsy of vital organs showed no signs of toxicity. The chelidonic acid was found to be safe at all selected dose levels in the acute and repeated dose toxicity study in rats.

In Silico Screening of Some Active Phytochemicals to Identify Promising Inhibitors Against SARS-CoV-2 Targets

BACKGROUND

There are very few small-molecule drug candidates developed against SARS-CoV-2 that have been revealed since the epidemic began in November 2019. The typical medicinal chemistry discovery approach requires more than a decade of the year of painstaking research and development and a significant financial guarantee, which is not feasible in the challenge of the current epidemic.

OBJECTIVE

This current study proposes to find and identify the most effective and promising phytomolecules against SARS-CoV-2 in six essential proteins (3CL protease, Main protease, Papain- Like protease, N-protein RNA binding domain, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and Spike receptor binding domain target through in silico screening of 63 phytomolecules from six different Ayurveda medicinal plants.

METHODS

The phytomolecules and SARS-CoV-2 proteins were taken from public domain databases such as PubChem and RCSB Protein Data Bank. For in silico screening, the molecular interactions, binding energy, and ADMET properties were investigated.

RESULTS

The structure-based molecular docking reveals some molecules' greater affinity towards the target than the co-crystal ligand. Our results show that tannic acid, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, zeaxanthin, and carbolactone are phytomolecules capable of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 target proteins in the least energy conformations. Tannic acid had the least binding energy of -8.8 kcal/mol, which is better than the binding energy of its corresponding co-crystal ligand (-7.5 kcal/mol) against 3 CL protease. Also, it has shown the least binding energy of -9.9 kcal/mol with a more significant number of conventional hydrogen bond interactions against the RdRp target. Cyanidin-3-rutinoside showed binding energy values of -8.8 and -7.6 kcal/mol against Main protease and Papain-like protease, respectively. Zeaxanthin was the top candidate in the N protein RBD with a binding score of - 8.4 kcal/mol, which is slightly better when compared to a co-crystal ligand (-8.2 kcal/mol). In the spike, carbolactone was the suitable candidate with the binding energy of -7.2 kcal/mol and formed a conventional hydrogen bond and two hydrophobic interactions. The best binding affinity-scored phytomolecules were selected for the MD simulations studies.

CONCLUSION

The present in silico screening study suggested that active phytomolecules from medicinal plants could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 targets. The elite docked compounds with drug-like properties have a harmless ADMET profile, which may help to develop promising COVID-19 inhibitors.

Drug Repurposing: An Effective Tool in Modern Drug Discovery

Drug repurposing is using an existing drug for a new treatment that was not indicated before. It has received immense attention during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Drug repurposing has become the need of time to fasten the drug discovery process and find quicker solutions to the over-exerted healthcare scenario and drug needs. Drug repurposing involves identifying the drug, evaluating its efficiency using preclinical models, and proceeding to phase II clinical trials. Identification of the drug candidate can be made through computational and experimental approaches. This approach usually utilizes public databases for drugs. Data from primary and translational research, clinical trials, anecdotal reports regarding off-label uses, and other published human data information available are included. Using artificial intelligence algorithms and other bioinformatics tools, investigators systematically try to identify the interaction between drugs and protein targets. It can be combined with genetic data, clinical analysis, structure (molecular docking), pathways, signatures, targets, phenotypes, binding assays, and artificial intelligence to get an optimum outcome in repurposing. This article describes the strategies involved in drug repurposing and enlists a series of repurposed drugs and their indications.

Silver nanoparticles modified ZnO nanocatalysts for effective degradation of ceftiofur sodium under UV-vis light illumination

Light-induced photocatalytic degradation of ceftiofur sodium (CFS) has been assessed in the presence of plasmonic zinc oxide nanostructures (ZnONSTs), like, ZnO nanoparticles, ZnO nanorods (ZnONRs) and ZnO nanoflowers (ZnONFs). Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) loaded ZnO nanostructures (Ag-ZnONSTs) are obtained through seed-assisted chemical reaction followed by chemical reduction of silver. The surface modification of ZnO nanostructures by Ag NPs effectually altered their optical properties. Further, the surface plasmonic effect of Ag NPs facilitates visible light absorption by ZnONSTs and improved the photogenerated electron and hole separation, which makes the ZnONSTs a more active photocatalyst than TiO₂ (P25) nanoparticles. Especially, Ag-ZnONRs showed higher CFS oxidation rate constant (k' = 4.6 × 10^-4 s^-1) when compared to Ag-ZnONFs (k' = 2.8 × 10^-4 s^-1) and Ag-ZnONPs (k' = 2.5 × 10^-4 s^-1), owing to their high aspect ratio (60:1). The unidirectional transport of photogenerated charge carriers on the Ag-ZnONRs may be accountable for the observed high photocatalytic oxidation of CFS. The photocatalytic oxidation of CFS mainly proceeds through ^•OH radicals generated on the Ag-ZnONRs surface under light illumination. In addition, heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate by Ag-ZnONRs accelerates the rate of photocatalytic mineralization of CFS. The quantification of oxidative radicals supports the proposed CFS oxidation mechanism. Stability studies of plasmonic Ag-ZnONSTs strongly suggests that it could be useful to clean large volume of pharmaceutical wastewater under direct solar light irradiation.

Clinical Profile of Patients on Antiepileptic Drugs Experiencing Ataxia as an Adverse Drug Reaction: A Longitudinal Observational Study

Introduction: Ataxia is one the common adverse drug effect caused by Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs). It can result from either single therapeutic dose of a particular drug, prolonged use of same drug or acute poisoning. Aim: To determine the disease burden and clinical profile of patients who are on AEDs and develop ataxia. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal observational study, carried out at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, from January 2016 to March 2022. The clinical characteristics of patients who presented with ataxia on AEDs and with no previous history of ataxia were documented. Based on the time of onset of ataxia patients were divided into 3 groups: Group A- Ataxia developed within 24 hours of onset of drug intake; Group B- Ataxia developed within 24 to 72 hours from prescription of drug; Group C- Ataxia developed after 72 hours from the time of drug administration. Patients were further classified into those having sensory ataxia and cerebellar ataxia. Based on the time of clinical resolution patients were classified into 3 sub-groups: Group 1- Clinical resolution within 72 hours; Group 2- Clinical resolution in 72 to 144 hours; and Group 3- Clinical resolution after 144 hours. Data was collected systematically and results were statistically analysed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software program. Results: Out of the total number of epileptic patients (1600) on AEDs, 34 patients developed ataxia. Of these 34 patients, 15 (44.11%) were on Phenytoin, 12 (35.29%) were on Carbamazepine, 3 (8.82%) were on Gabapentin, 2 (5.88%) were on Zonisamide, and 2 (5.88%) were on Lamotrigine. Dose of these drugs were modified within 1 day, after 1 and 3 weeks and after 1 month in 9 (26.47%), 7 (20.58%), 12 (35.29%), and 4 (11.76%) patients, respectively. Two patients had presented with acute poisoning. Half the 50% (n=17) patients had symptoms of sensory ataxia and remaining half had symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. Conclusion: Ataxia secondary to AEDs is seen with both the older and newer drugs. Awareness of the possibility of AEDs induced ataxia can help in early diagnosis and its management.

Isolated bilateral lateral geniculate body necrosis following acute pancreatitis: A rare cause of bilateral loss of vision in a young female

Sudden bilateral visual loss because of bilateral lateral geniculate body (LGB) necrosis is a very rare entity. The mechanisms causing these isolated lesions have still not been fully understood. We report a case of sudden loss of vision in a 22-year-old female following an attack of acute pancreatitis, just after starting the paleo diet. Neuroimaging revealed bilateral LGB necrosis. Multidisciplinary approach was sought and she was subsequently managed successfully. On follow-up, her visual acuity showed improvement, and neuroimaging revealed resolution of hyperintensities in bilateral LGB with residual blooming suggestive of old hemorrhagic gliosis. The possible reasons for isolated lesions of the LGB are hemorrhagic infarction and osmotic demyelination. In the present case, we postulate a vascular pathology, possibly hypo-perfusion because of shock following acute pancreatitis.

Computational Search for Potential COVID-19 Drugs from Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants to Identify Potential Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Targets

BACKGROUND

To date, very few small drug molecules are used for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has been discovered since the epidemic commenced in November 2019. SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and spike protein are essential targets for drug development amidst whole variants of coronaviruses.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to discover and recognize the most effective and promising small molecules against SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and spike protein targets through molecular docking screening of 39 phytochemicals from five different Ayurveda medicinal plants.

METHODS

The phytochemicals were downloaded from PubChem, and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and spike protein were taken from the protein data bank. The molecular interactions, binding energy, and ADMET properties were analyzed.

RESULTS

Molecular docking analysis identified some phytochemicals, oleanolic acid, friedelin, serratagenic acid, uncinatone, clemaphenol A, sennosides B, trilobine and isotrilobine from ayurvedic medicinal plants possessing greater affinity against SARS-CoV-2-RdRp and spike protein targets. Two molecules, namely oleanolic acid and sennosides B, with low binding energies, were the most promising. Furthermore, based on the docking score, we carried out MD simulations for the oleanolic acid and sennosides B-protein complexes.

CONCLUSION

Molecular ADMET profile estimation showed that the docked phytochemicals were safe. The present study suggested that active phytochemicals from medicinal plants could inhibit RdRp and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

An In silico Investigation to Identify Promising Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Target

BACKGROUND

A limited number of small molecules against SARS-CoV-2 has been discovered since the epidemic commenced in November 2019. The conventional medicinal chemistry approach demands more than a decade of the year of laborious research and development and a substantial financial commitment, which is not achievable in the face of the current epidemic.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to discover and recognize the most effective and promising small molecules by interacting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro target through computational screening of 39 phytochemicals from five different Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

METHODS

The phytochemicals were downloaded from Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) Protein Data Bank (PDB) PubChem, and the SARS-CoV-2 protein (PDB ID: 6LU7; Mpro) was taken from the PDB. The molecular interactions, binding energy, and ADMET properties were analyzed.

RESULTS

The binding affinities were studied using a structure-based drug design of molecular docking, divulging 21 molecules possessing greater to equal affinity towards the target than the reference standard. Molecular docking analysis identified 13 phytochemicals, sennoside-B (-9.5 kcal/mol), isotrilobine (-9.4 kcal/mol), trilobine (-9.0 kcal/mol), serratagenic acid (-8.1 kcal/mol), fistulin (-8.0 kcal/mol), friedelin (-7.9 kcal/mol), oleanolic acid (-7.9 kcal/mol), uncinatone (-7.8 kcal/mol), 3,4-di- O-caffeoylquinic acid (-7.4 kcal/mol), clemaphenol A (-7.3 kcal/mol), pectolinarigenin (-7.2 kcal/mol), leucocyanidin (-7.2 kcal/mol), and 28-acetyl botulin (-7.2 kcal/mol) from ayurvedic medicinal plants phytochemicals possess greater affinity than the reference standard Molnupiravir (-7.0 kcal/mol) against SARS-CoV-2-Mpro.

CONCLUSION

Two molecules, namely sennoside-B, and isotrilobine with low binding energies, were predicted as most promising. Furthermore, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations for the sennoside-B protein complexes based on the docking score. ADMET properties prediction confirmed that the selected docked phytochemicals were optimal. These compounds can be investigated further and utilized as a parent core molecule to create novel lead molecules for preventing COVID-19.

Outlook on bismuth-based photocatalysts for environmental applications: A specific emphasis on Z-scheme mechanisms

Semiconductor photocatalysis is thought to be a viable solution for addressing the growing problem of environmental pollution. Bismuth (Bi) metal oxides can function as a direct plasmonic photocatalyst or cocatalyst to accelerate the photogenerated charge separation and thus improve their photocatalytic activity. Hence, Bi-based photocatalysts have received a lot of attention due to their extensive environmental applications, including pollutant remediation and energy concepts. Massive efforts have been undertaken in the recent decade to find superior Bi-metal oxides (Bi₂XO_6, X = MO, W, or Cr) and to uncover the corresponding photocatalytic reaction mechanism for the degradation of organic contaminants in water. Herein, the unique crystalline and electronic properties and main synthesis methods, as well as the major Bi-Based direct Z-scheme photocatalysts, are timely discussed and summarized in their usage in water treatment. Besides, the impact of Bi₂XO₆ in energy storage devices and solar energy conversion is reviewed as an energy application. Finally, the future development and challenges of Z-scheme-based Bi₂XO₆ photocatalysts are briefly explored, summarized, and forecasted.

Effect of betaine and raffinose in cryopreservation medium on fertility in Kadaknath Chicken

BACKGROUND

Kadaknath is an important indigenous chicken with black pigmentation and cryopreserved semen reputably had low fertility.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of betaine and raffinose in semen extenders on post thaw semen parameters and fertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen was cryopreserved in 4% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with betaine supplemented at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 M or raffinose supplemented at 1, 5 and 10 mM. Post thaw semen parameters and fertility were evaluated.

RESULTS

Betaine at higher concentrations significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the post thaw sperm motility, live sperm and MTT dye reduction and a declining trend in the fertility with increasing betaine. Inclusion of raffinose had no effect on the post thaw in vitro semen parameters, however, the fertility was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the 10 mM raffinose supplemented group.

CONCLUSION

Betaine has negative effect on post thaw semen parameters and raffinose at 10 mM concentration improves the fertility from cryopreserved semen. doi.org/10.54680/fr22510110212.

In-vivo and in-silico toxicity studies of daidzein: an isoflavone from soy

Daidzein is a naturally occurring compound belonging to the class isoflavones and found in soya beans and other legumes. Acute oral toxicity was performed as per OECD guideline (TG 423) with slight modifications. A repeated dose toxicity study was carried out as per OECD guideline (TG 407). In-silico toxicity such as AMES toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, skin irritation, reproductive effect, rat and mouse toxicity, LD50, hERG I, II inhibitor and minnow toxicity were predicted using online servers and tools. In an acute oral toxicity study, daidzein did not show any mortality in experimental animals. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of daidzein was found to be above 5000 mg/kg. 28 days treatment of diadzein at all doses did not show changes in hematology parameters, clinical biochemistry and kidney function parameters. Gross necropsy or histopathology of important organs showed no signs of toxicity. In-silico predicted parameters also demonstrated risks ranging from low to a nontoxic level. Thus, daidzein was found to be safe in acute and repeated oral dose toxicity studies at all selected doses. In-silico study also indicated that daidzein is safe.

Comprehensive RNAseq analysis for identification of genes expressed under heat stress in lentil

Lentils are highly sensitive to abrupt increases in temperature during the mid to late reproductive stages, leading to severe biomass and seed yield reduction. Therefore, we carried out an RNAseq analysis between IG4258 (heat tolerant) and IG3973 (heat sensitive) lentil genotypes at the reproductive stage under both normal and heat stress conditions in the field. It resulted in 209,549 assembled transcripts and among these 161,809 transcripts had coding regions, of which 94,437 transcripts were annotated. The differential gene expression analysis showed upregulation of 678 transcripts and downregulation of 680 transcripts between the tolerant and sensitive genotypes at the early reproductive stage. While 76 transcripts were upregulated and 47 transcripts were downregulated at the late reproductive stage under heat stress conditions. The validation of 12 up-or downregulated transcripts through RT-PCR corresponded well with the expression analysis data of RNAseq, with a correlation of R²  = 0.89. Among these transcripts, the DN364_c1_g1_i9 and DN2218_c0_g1_i5 transcripts encoded enzymes involved in the tryptophan pathway, indicating that tryptophan biosynthesis plays a role under heat stress in lentil. Moreover, KEGG pathways enrichment analysis identified transcripts associated with genes encoding proteins/regulating factors related to different metabolic pathways including signal transduction, fatty acid biosynthesis, rRNA processing, ribosome biogenesis, gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis, and riboflavin biosynthesis. This analysis also identified 6852 genic-SSRs leading to the development of 4968 SSR primers that are potential genomic resources for molecular mapping of heat-tolerant genes in lentil.

Influence of nanotechnology to combat against COVID-19 for global health emergency: A review

Covid 2019 is spreading and emerging rapidly all over the world as a new social disaster. This virus is accountable for the continuous epidemic that causes severe respiratory problems and pneumonia related to contamination of humans, which leads to a dangerous condition of life. Due to the increasing threatening number of cases all over the world, the world health organization (WHO) declared coronavirus as a global health emergency. The pandemic disease affected nearly 80 million people positive cases were reported worldwide till now and cause the death of more than 1.7 million people. The virus has novel characteristics types of pathogens. Many clarifications are done and much more are still unknown and pending. The collaborative research will be useful during this pandemic time in order to meet the improvement of global health improvement. It will also help to know about the knowledge of this COVID-19. Recent advancements in nanotechnology proved that they can help in the production of vaccines in a brief timeframe. In this review, the requirement for quick immunization improvement and the capability and implementation of nanotechnology combat against coronavirus disease were discussed.

Targeting a conserved pocket (n-octyl-β-D-glucoside) on the dengue virus envelope protein by small bioactive molecule inhibitors

Dengue virus enters the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis followed by a viral envelope (DENVE) protein-mediated membrane fusion. A small detergent molecule n-octyl-β-D-glucoside (βOG) occupies the hydrophobic pocket which is located in the hinge region plays a major role in the rearrangement. It has been reported that mutations occurred in this binding pocket lead to the alterations of pH threshold for fusion. In addition to this event, the protonation of histidine residues present in the hydrophobic pocket would also impart the conformational change of the E protein evidence this pocket as a promising target. The present study identified novel cinnamic acid analogs as significant blockers of the hydrophobic pocket through molecular modeling studies against DENVE. A library of seventy-two analogs of cinnamic acid was undertaken for the discovery process of DENV inhibitors. A Molecular docking study was used to analyze the binding mechanism between these compounds and DENV followed by ADMET prediction. Binding energies were predicted by the MMGBSA study. The Molecular dynamic simulation was utilized to confirm the stability of potential compound binding. The compounds CA and SCA derivatives have been tested against HSV-1 & 2 viruses. From the computational results, the compounds CA1, CA2, SCA 60, SCA 57, SCA 37, SCA 58, and SCA 14 exhibited favorable interaction energy. The compounds have in-vitro antiviral activity; the results clearly indicate that the compounds showed the activity against both the viruses (HSV-1 & HSV-2). Our study provides valuable information on the discovery of small molecules DENVE inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Oral Modified Drug Release Solid Dosage Form with Special Reference to Design; An Overview

Oral drug delivery is the most widely utilized route of administration among all the routes that have been explored for systemic delivery of drugs via pharmaceutical products of different dosage form and this oral route provides maximum active surface area among all drug delivery system for administration of various drugs. The attractiveness of these dosage forms is due to awareness of toxicity and ineffectiveness of drugs when administered by oral conventional method in the form of tablets and capsules. Usually, conventional dosage form produces wide range of fluctuation in drug concentration in the bloodstream and tissues with consequent undesirable toxicity and poor efficiency. The maintenance of concentration of drug in plasma within therapeutic index is very critical for effective treatment. These factors as well as factors such as repetitive dosing and unpredictable absorption lead to the concept of oral modified drug delivery systems like Sustained release, prolonged release, modified release, extended release. These formulations are used to identify drug delivery systems that are designed to achieve or extend therapeutic effect by continuously releasing medication over an extended period of time after administration of a single dose. This review describes the basic information regarding modified release dosage form like designed to release their medication in controlled manner, criteria for selecting modified release dosage form and factors influencing the dosage and release pattern.

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation and endophytic bacterial community structure in Bt-transgenic chickpea (Cicer arietinum L)

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) of transgenic grain legumes might be influenced either by the site of transgene integration into the host genome or due to constitutive expression of transgenes and antibiotic-resistant marker genes. The present investigation confirmed proper nodulation of five tested Bt-chickpea events (IPCa2, IPCa4, IPCT3, IPCT10, and IPCT13) by native Mesorhizobium under field environment. Quantitative variations for nodulation traits among Bt-chickpea were determined and IPCT3 was found superior for nodule number and nodule biomass. Diversity, as well as richness indices, confirmed the changes in bacterial community structure of root and root-nodules from Bt-chickpea events IPCa2 and IPCT10. Especially, Gram-positive bacteria belonging to Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were selectively eliminated from root colonization of IPCa2. Richness indices (CHAO1 and ACE) of the root-associated bacterial community of IPCa2 was 13-14 times lesser than that of parent cv DCP92-3. Root nodule associated bacterial community of IPCT10 was unique with high diversity and richness, similar to the roots of non-Bt and Bt-chickpea. It indicated that the root nodules of IPCT10 might have lost their peculiar characteristics and recorded poor colonization of Mesorhizobium with a low relative abundance of 0.27. The impact of Bt-transgene on bacterial community structure and nodulation traits should be analyzed across the years and locations to understand and stabilize symbiotic efficiency for ecosystem sustainability.

A Factorial Design Approach for Hydrothermal Synthesis of Phase-Pure AgInO2 : A Parametric Optimization Study

Owing to a wide range of industrial applications and fundamental importance, delafossite compounds have gathered tremendous interest in research community. In this study, the formation of hexagonal nanoplates of AgInO₂ mainly dominated by (00l) facets with no metallic Ag impurity, reported using a facile hydrothermal route at 180 °C using KOH as mineralizer by adopting a factorial design approach. Rietveld analysis of the powder XRD pattern and SAED confirms the rhombohedral system of AgInO₂ . FE-SEM image shows a uniform hexagonal plate-like morphology with an average width of about 300 nm and thickness of 70 nm. XPS and EDX analysis confirm potassium ion free AgInO₂ . A specific surface area of about 48.5 m²  g^-1 is arrived from N₂ adsorption studies. Temperature-dependent AC impedance measurements revealed an activation energy of 0.24 eV/f.u. Further, TG-DTA studies found that the compound is stable in air up to 595 °C.

Larvicidal activity of some medicinal plant extracts against filariasis fever mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus (Say.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

OBJECTIVES

The present study was aimed to find the larvicidal activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and methanolic extracts of Dichanthium foveolatum (Del.) Roberty, Leptochloa uniflora Hochst, Pancratium triflorum Roxb and Molineria trichocarpa (Wight) N.P.Balakr against Culex quinquefasciatus.

METHODS

The larvicidal potential of selected plant extracts were determined against 4th instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus with various concentrations viz., 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/ml. The mortality counts were made after 24 h of incubation and LC₅₀ values were calculated.

RESULTS

Chloroform extracts of studied plants were showed highest larvicidal activity with remarkable irritant against the larva of C. quinquefasciatus. Highest larvicidal activity was observed in the chloroform extract of D. foveolatum against the larva of C. quinquefasciatus with LC50 = 277.03 mg/ml. The larvicidal activity of the studied plants as follows chloroform extract of D. foveolatum (LC50 = 277.03 mg/ml) >L. uniflora (LC50 = 300.56 mg/ml) >M. trichocarpa (LC50 = 306.60 mg/ml) >P. triflorum (LC50 318.42 mg/ml). The larvicidal potential of P. triflorum was as follows Chloroform > acetone > methanol > petroleum ether. The larvicidal activities of L. uniflora and M. trichocarpa were as follows Chloroform > petroleum ether > acetone > methanol respectively. The larvicidal potentials of D. foveolatum was as follows Chloroform > methanol > acetone > petroleum ether.

CONCLUSION

The chloroform extract of D. foveolatum find use as broad-spectrum larvicidal agent in the near future. It is hoped that more work would be undertaken to evaluate the utility of these plant extracts for field applications considering the promising leads given by the present study.

Green synthesis of porous Au–Nx-TiO2 nanospheres for solar light induced photocatalytic degradation of diazo and triazo dyes and their eco-toxic effects

The photocatalytic activity of Au–N_x-TiO₂ nanospheres evaluated under natural sunlight; 91% mineralization of azo dyes is achieved without toxic intermediates.

Characterization of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone - induced mouse model of resistance to antidepressant drug treatment

Approximately 30-60% of patients treated with existing antidepressants fail to achieve remission of depressive symptoms leading to Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). There is an urgent need to develop novel medications, which is highly limited by the non-availability of relevant animal models with good predictive validity. ACTH administration has been shown to result in the resistance to acute and chronic effects of imipramine. However, the pharmacology of the model and the mechanisms contributing to the resistance are not completely understood. Furthermore, it is not known whether the ACTH administered animals show signs of depression-like behavior. Accordingly, we characterized the behavioral profile and sensitivity to antidepressants in BALB/c mice treated with ACTH and to evaluate some of the mechanisms responsible for the behavioral effects. Daily treatment with ACTH for 14, 21 or 28days failed to produce a depression-like phenotype in the sucrose preference test, voluntary wheel running or FST. In contrast, the acute antidepressant response in the FST was no longer observed in ACTH mice treated with fluoxetine, imipramine, duloxetine or bupropion. Interestingly, the combination of fluoxetine and a low dose of olanzapine, or the combination of fluoxetine and bupropion was efficacious in ACTH treated mice. Further, the sensitivity to a GluN2B receptor antagonist, radiprodil was retained in the ACTH model. To understand the mechanism responsible for the diminished response in these mice, we evaluated p11 (S100A10) mRNA expression and 5-HT2A protein expression. p11 expression was decreased and 5-HT2A protein content increased in ACTH treated mice. In summary, this model may have utility for the identification of novel treatments for TRD.

An unusual cause of pain in the hip

Colorectal Carcinoma is the second biggest killer after lung and bronchial carcinoma. Due to its insidious onset and late manifestation of symptoms a national screening programme was started in 2006 within the UK. We present a rare case of colorectal adenocarcinoma mimicking osteosarcoma and presenting as hip pain at initial consultation in the orthopaedic clinic. Further adding to the rarity of this case is that of an apparent bony metastasis in isolation. Our case demonstrates the vital role that histological sampling plays in the diagnosis and treatment of carcinomatous disease. It also demonstrates the need to maintain high index of clinical suspicion, no matter how benign the presenting complaint may seem.

Dual Functional TiO2-Au Nanocomposite Material for Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Titanium dioxide-gold nanocomposite ((TiO2-Au)(nps)) materials dispersed in poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) polymer electrolyte are employed as solid-state electrolytes in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) containing nanocrystalline TiO2 nanoparticle (P25) or (P25-Au)(nps) thin film photoanode adsorbed with a near-IR dye sensitizer, nickel-phthalocyanine (NiPcTs). The photocurrent-photovoltage characteristics of the DSSCs are evaluated under standard AM 1.5 G simulated solar irradiation of 100 mW/cm2. The (TiO2-Au)(nps) nanocomposite material incorporated into the PDDA polymer electrolyte promotes interfacial charge transfer process, reduces crystallinity of the polymer electrolyte and enhances mobility of the /-/I3- redox couple, which are resulted in -6-fold increase in the overall solar to electrical energy conversion efficiency when compared to the unmodified polymer electrolyte based DSSC. When the P25 photoanode is replaced with the (P25-Au)(nps) photoanode, a further 8-fold increase in the overall energy conversion efficiency is achieved, owing to the increas in the charge transport through the photoanode. The photovoltaic performance of the present DSSC configuration is also compared with that of a cell sensitized by using standard N719 dye.

Study of the diversity and short-chain fatty acids production by the bacterial community in overweight and obese Mexican children

Obesity and overweight are health problems of multifactorial etiology, which may include changes in the microbiome. In Mexico, more than 30 % of the child population between 5 and 11 years of age suffer from being overweight or are obese, which makes it a public health issue in progress. The purpose of this work was to measure the short-chain fatty acid concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to characterize the bacterial diversity by ion torrent semiconductor sequencing, of 16S rDNA libraries prepared from stools collected from a sample of well-characterized Mexican children for normal weight, overweight, and obese conditions by anthropometric and biochemical criteria. We found that triglyceride levels are increased in overweight and obese children, who presented altered propionic and butyric acid concentrations in feces. In addition, although the colon microbiota did not show a clear bacterial dysbiosis among the three conditions, the abundance of some particular bacteria was changed with respect to normal controls. We conclude from our results that the imbalance in the abundance of at least nine different bacteria as well as altered short-chain fatty acid concentration in feces is associated to the overweight and obese conditions of Mexican children.

Evaluation of Effect of Antiepileptic Drugs on Serum Lipid Profile among Young Adults with Epilepsy in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pondicherry

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have reported that commonly used antiepileptic drugs like phenytoin, and carbamazepine increase serum High Density Lipoproteins Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, while some others documented no such effect. Further, some researchers also observed that valproic acid and other newer antiepileptic drugs like lamotrigine and levetiracetam has no influence on serum lipid profile. The present study was planned to assess and compare serum lipid profile of young adult patients on commonly used antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, oxcarbazepine and valproic acid) and newer antiepileptic drug (levetiracetam) attending Neurology OPD of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India compared to normal subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tertiary care hospital. Epileptic patients attending Department of Neurology and taking antiepileptic drugs for last six months or more and on regular follow up; approximately 60 patients on commonly used antiepileptic drugs (20 on phenytoin, 20 on oxcarbazepine, 20 on valproic Acid) and 20 patients on newer antiepileptic drug (levetiracetam) was included in the study. Age and sex matching 80 controls were taken.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics explained using mean ± SD. Inferential statistics was used depending on the nature of variables. We used one-way-ANOVA and followed by independent t-test for comparison with control group and statistically significant was considered at p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

We observed statistically significant high mean TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG levels in the group receiving phenytoin for more than six months when compared with control group. We observed statistically significant high mean TC, HDL-C and TG levels in the group receiving oxcarbazepine for more than six months when compared with control. However, no significant difference was observed in mean LDL-C levels when compared to control. We did not observe any statistically significant difference among mean TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG levels in the group receiving valproate. We did not observe any statistically significant difference among mean TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG levels in the group receiving levetiracetam.

CONCLUSION

From the present study we can conclude that CYP enzyme inducer anti epileptic medicines like phenytoin and oxcarbazepine is strongly associated with increased levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG where as valproate and levetiracetam showed no significant change. Therefore, the serum cholesterol level should be regularly monitored in patients undergoing therapy with inducer anti epileptic medicines.

Comparison of palonosetron with palonosetron-dexamethasone combination for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

This randomized double-blind study was designed to compare palonosetron with palonosetron-dexamethasone combination for prevention of post operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Eighty-four adult ASA 1-2 patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group P patients received 0.075 mg palonosetron and group PD patients received 0.075 mg palonosetron and 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously before induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl and maintained with N2O-isoflurane in oxygen. All patients received port-site infiltration with bupivacaine and intravenous diclofenac for postoperative analgesia. Metoclopramide was used as rescue antiemetic. Patients were observed for the incidence of PONV and requirement of rescue antiemetic for 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

The complete response rate (no vomiting) was significantly higher in group DP as compared to group P between 0-24 h (P=0.004). 18 (42.9%) patients reported nausea and 14 (33.3%) patients had vomiting in group P while 6 (14.4%) patients had nausea and 5 (11.9%) patients complained of vomiting in group DP during 0-24 h. Two patients in group P reported nausea while none in group PD during 24-48 h. No patient had vomiting in either of the groups between 24-48 h. The requirement of rescue antiemetic was also less in group DP as compared to group P. Patients in group DP required less postoperative analgesia and were more satisfied with PONV treatment than group P patients.

CONCLUSION

The palonosetron-dexamethasone combination was more effective as compared to only palonosetron for reducing PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Syzygium jambos (Linn.) leaf against paracetamol intoxicated Wistar albino rats

Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Syzygium jambos (Alston) (Linn.) leaves against Paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in Wistar albino rats was observed at two different doses, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The healthy control, disease control, and standard drug Silymarin-treated groups were also maintained for the comparison. The liver marker enzymes SGOT, SGPT, ALKP, Serum Bilirubin and other metabolic parameters like total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol were evaluated in all the experimental groups. The changes in liver function parameters were significant in comparison to disease control group and the observed efficacy was comparable to standard drug. The efficacy of the extract was found to be dose dependent. The histopathology study of liver also supports the presence of hepatoprotective activity in S. jambos by showing improved cytoarchitecture of liver cells in the treated groups. The results obtained in this study indicate necessity for further research on isolation and characterization of functional molecules from the extract.

High surface area Ag-TiO2 nanotubes for solar/visible-light photocatalytic degradation of ceftiofur sodium

Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) with very high surface area (469 m(2)/g) have been synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method and their surface has been modified using silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The Ag NPs deposited TiO2 NTs (Ag-TiO2 NTs) show an extended optical response from UV to visible region coupled with a surface plasmon resonance band and thus can be utilized as a plasmonic photocatalyst. The photoluminescence intensity of TiO2 NTs is lower than that of TiO2 nanoparticles due to the delocalization of photogenerated electrons along the one dimensional nanotubes which reduces the rate of charge recombination. The Langmuir adsorption constant of Ag-TiO2 NTs (for ceftiofur sodium adsorption) is twice that of P25 TiO2. The Ag-TiO2 NTs exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of ceftiofur sodium (CFS) due to high surface area and mesoporosity of TiO2 NTs. The addition of peroxomonosulfate in the photocatalytic system greatly amplifies the CFS degradation owing to the simultaneous generation of both OH and SO4(-). The catalyst retains its photocatalytic activity at least up to four consecutive cycles.

Comprehensive Review on Natural β-Carbolines as Anti-Malarial Agents

Malaria is one of the major health problems in developing countries. It kills 1-2 million people every year and also it affects financially status of many countries. Developed resistance to aminoquinoline(chloroquine), quinoline methanols (Quinine, Mefloquine) created troubles in malarial chemotherapy and signs of appearance of resistance to artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) created emergency to develop novel antimalarial agents with high efficacy before spreading of resistance to ACT. From the ages natural products played important role in antimalarial therapy, identification of natural products, semisynthetic and synthetic analogs with potent antiplasmodium activity is one of the best method to develop novel antimalarial agents. In this review, we are presenting the antimalarial activity of natural β-carboline alkaloids and special interest on manzamine alkaloids and their structure activity relationship.

Haemolymphangioma of epiglottis

Lymphangiomas are congenital lesions of the lymphatic system which are most commonly found in the head and neck, with over 90 % of lesions manifesting in children who are less than 2 years of age. Haemolymphangiomas are rare variant of lymphangioma, with the presence of red blood cells within the lymphatic channels. Laryngeal sites are usually in continuity with foci of disease in the neck. In general, symptoms are non-specific and they vary with the site and size of the mass. Usually, they occur before 2 years of age. Isolated cases of lymphangiomas with involvement of epiglottis are rare and only a few cases have been reported so far. We are reporting the case of a six-year-old girl who presented with a mass in the epiglottis.

The incidence of secretory otitis media in cases of cleft palate

OBJECTIVE

Children with a Cleft Palate (CLP) and with or without cleft lips (non-syndromic) universally present with Secretory Otitis Media (SOM). The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of secretory otitis media that occurs in patients with cleft palates and to confirm the existence of these manifestations by doing a Basic Audiologic Evaluation (BAE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was done on forty four male and female children who were within the 2 to 14 years age range, with non-syndromic cleft palates with or without cleft lips, with the symptoms of SOM. Otoscopy examinations were done in all the cases. X-rays of the mastoids (both sides) were done in all the cases to detect the pneumatization of the mastoid air cell system. The Basic Audiologic Evaluation (BAE) includes an evaluation by tympanometry of the middle ear function and an evaluation by pure tone audiometry to establish the type of hearing loss.

RESULTS

A majority of the patients (47.27%) were in the age group of eight-to-fourteen (8-14) years. The Basic Audiologic Evaluation (BAE) revealed that 77.27% of the children had presented with normal hearing; 13.6% had conductive hearing loss and 2.2% had presented with a mixed hearing loss. We noticed that 68.2% of the children had type A curves; 21.2% of the children had type C tympanometry curves; 7.1% had type B curves and 3.5% had Ad curves. The contralateral acoustic reflex was present in 54.5% of the children and 45.5% did not have this reflex. A majority of the patients (46%) showed sclerotic changes in their mastoid air cell systems in the X-rays of the mastoids.

CONCLUSION

The significantly higher prevalence of SOM in the children with cleft was confirmed by the study. Also, the hearing loss which was associated with SOM was evident and it demonstrated that there was a high prevalence of a mild conductive hearing loss when SOM was present. The cleft palate contributed to the occurrence of the secretory otitis media and it required proper ENT and audiological follow ups.

Next generation sequencing and de novo transcriptome analysis of Costus pictus D. Don, a non-model plant with potent anti-diabetic properties

Background

Phyto-remedies for diabetic control are popular among patients with Type II Diabetes mellitus (DM), in addition to other diabetic control measures. A number of plant species are known to possess diabetic control properties. Costus pictus D. Don is popularly known as “Insulin Plant” in Southern India whose leaves have been reported to increase insulin pools in blood plasma. Next Generation Sequencing is employed as a powerful tool for identifying molecular signatures in the transcriptome related to physiological functions of plant tissues. We sequenced the leaf transcriptome of C. pictus using Illumina reversible dye terminator sequencing technology and used combination of bioinformatics tools for identifying transcripts related to anti-diabetic properties of C. pictus.

Results

A total of 55,006 transcripts were identified, of which 69.15% transcripts could be annotated. We identified transcripts related to pathways of bixin biosynthesis and geraniol and geranial biosynthesis as major transcripts from the class of isoprenoid secondary metabolites and validated the presence of putative norbixin methyltransferase, a precursor of Bixin. The transcripts encoding these terpenoids are known to be Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists and anti-glycation agents. Sequential extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the presence of bixin in C. pictus methanolic extracts. Another significant transcript identified in relation to anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and immuno-modulation is of Abscisic Acid biosynthetic pathway. We also report many other transcripts for the biosynthesis of antitumor, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial metabolites of C. pictus leaves.

Conclusion

Solid molecular signatures (transcripts related to bixin, abscisic acid, and geranial and geraniol biosynthesis) for the anti-diabetic properties of C. pictus leaves and vital clues related to the other phytochemical functions like antitumor, anti-oxidant, immuno-modulatory, anti-microbial and anti-malarial properties through the secondary metabolite pathway annotations are reported. The data provided will be of immense help to researchers working in the treatment of DM using herbal therapies.

X-ray diffraction study of nanocrystalline titania thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Pulsed laser deposition of phase pure thin films of rutile and anatase from a rutile target is investigated. Rutile films prepared at the base pressure and at < or =473 K were amorphous and the crystalline quality was improved with increasing substrate temperature. The crystallite size was found to vary from 2 nm to 58 nm in the temperature range 573-973 K. Addition of oxygen has been found to be beneficial in promoting the formation of anatase phase even at a temperature of 673 K. From the base pressure to 10(-4) mbar, films were rutile, while at approximately 0.001 mbar, the rutile phase was found to transform to anatase. Rietveld analysis indicated about 20% of anatase and about 80% of rutile phase for the films prepared at 0.001 mbar of oxygen partial pressure. Good quality anatase films were formed at approximately 0.05 mbar, while the films were amorphous at higher partial pressures of oxygen.