Biochemical and computational inhibition of α-glucosidase by novel metronidazole-linked 1H-1,2,3-triazole and carboxylate moieties: kinetics and dynamic investigations

In the current study, metronidazole derivatives containing 1H-1,2,3-triazole and carboxylate moieties were evaluated in vitro and by computational methods for their anti-diabetic potential to insight into their medicinal use for the management of type II diabetes mellitus. Interestingly all 14 compounds displayed high to significant inhibitory capability against the key carbohydrate's digestive enzyme α-glucosidase with IC50 values in range of 9.73-56.39 μM, as compared to marketed drug acarbose (IC50 = 873.34 ± 1.67 μM). Compounds 5i and 7c exhibited the highest inhibition, therefore, these two compounds were further evaluated for their mechanistic studies to explore its type of inhibition. Compounds 5i and 7c both displayed a concentration-dependent (competitive type of inhibition) with Ki values 7.14 ± 0.01, 6.15 ± 0.02 μM, respectively, which conclude their favourable interactions with the active site residues of the α-glucosidase. Interestingly all compounds are non-cytotoxic against BJ cell line. To further validate our findings, in-silico approaches like molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations were applied to investigate the mode of bindings of compounds with the enzyme and identifies their inhibition mechanism, which strongly complements our experimental findings.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Morphometric analysis and roosting ecology of bat species Pteropus Medius in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Morphometric measurement and roosting ecology of Pteropus medius were aimed to find out in Mansehra district of KP, Pakistan. Total 3149 numbers of bats were found in eight biological spots visited; Baffa Doraha, Darband, Dadar, Jallu, Hazara University, Garhi Habibullah Chattar Plain and Jabori, in total 299 numbers of different species of trees including; Morus alba, Pinus raxburghi, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Morus nigra, Grevillea robusta, Brousonetia papyrifera, Platanus orientalis, Ailanthus altissima, Hevea brasiliensis and Populus nigra. Morphometric features were measured and found vary according to sex of the bats. The average wing span, wing`s length from tip of wing to neck, from thumb to tip of wing and the body`s length from head and claws were recorded to be 102.98 cm, 49.07cm, 28.7 cm and 22.78 cm respectively in males while 93.67 cm, 44.83cm, 24.78cm and 22.78 cm respectively in female bats. Mean circumference of the body including wings and without wing were measured as 22.78 cm and 17.29 cm in males and that of female were 20.07 cm and 16.9 cm. Average length of thumb 3.64 cm, ear`s length 3.1 cm, snout 5.62cm, eye length were 1.07 cm for both sexes and length between the feet in extended position were16.3 cm. Generally different measurement of males bodies were found to be greater than female such as mean body surface area, mass, volume and pressure were found to be 2691.79 cm2, 855.7gm,1236.4 ml and 295.77 dyne/ c m 3 for male and 2576.46 cm2, 852.71gm,1207 ml and 290.2 dyne/ c m 3 respectively for female. While weight and density for both males and females bats were same with mean of 8.59 newton and 0.701 g/m3. Findings of current reports can add valued information in literature about bats, which can be used for species identification and conservation.

Aggressive Malignant Paraganglioma Involving the Pancreas and Vertebral Column

Paraganglioma (PGL) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor arising from chromaffin cells outside the adrenal medulla. The most common sites are the abdomen and head and neck. Seventy percent (70%) of PGLs are sporadic, and 30% are hereditary; the latter are more often aggressive and malignant and occur in young adults. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and abdominal pheochromocytoma resected at the age of 10 years who presented with back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed vertebral metastasis at L2-L5. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a mass in the body of the pancreas and a laparoscopic biopsy was performed. The tumor cells had granular eosinophilic/basophilic cytoplasm and showed a nested pattern (Zellballen) with a prominent vascular network and infiltration of dense fibrous connective tissue. Strong and diffuse expression of synaptophysin in tumor cells, S100 expression in sustentacular cells at the periphery of nests, and lack of pancytokeratin expression supported the diagnosis of PGL. Due to limited tissue, it was difficult to determine metastatic vs primary neoplasm of the pancreas. The earlier age of onset and history of abdominal pheochromocytoma suggested the possibility of hereditary PGL associated with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiency. The tumor cells lacked SDHB expression. Germline mutation testing for SDH was recommended. The patient underwent palliative radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. Most PGLs are benign and asymptomatic, but there is an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality secondary to catecholamine secretion, and surgical excision is curative. Malignant PGLs are rare (10-40%), have poor prognosis, and are incurable. Increased size of the tumor, deep tissue infiltration, and high proliferative index increase the risk of malignancy, but metastasis is required for the diagnosis of malignant PGL. The advanced disease is treated with surgical removal of the tumor and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Therapeutic enhancing potential of piracetam with diethylstilbestrol in prevention of grand-mal seizures in rats: inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α cytokines levels

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy, a neurodegenerative disorder, continues to throw challenges in the therapeutic management. The current study sought to ascertain if the therapeutic interactions between piracetam and diethylstilbestrol may prevent grand-mal seizures in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Piracetam (PIR; 10 and 20 mg/kg) and diethylstilbestrol (DES; 10 and 20 mg/kg) alone as a low-dose combination were administered to rats for 14 days. The electroshock (MES; 180 mA, 220 V for 0.20 s) was delivered via auricular electrodes on the last day of treatment and rats were monitored for convulsive behavior. To elucidate the mechanism, hippocampal mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were quantified. Hippocampal histopathology was conducted to study the neuroprotective effect of drug/s. In vitro studies and in silico studies were conducted in parallel.

RESULTS

To our surprise, the low dose of the combination regimen of PIR (10 mg/kg) and DES (10 mg/kg) unfolded synergistic anti-seizure potential, with brimming neuroprotective properties. The mechanism could be related to a significant reduction in the levels of hippocampal mTOR and proinflammatory cytokines. The docking scores revealed higher affinities for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in co-bound complex, and when docking DES first, while better affinities for protein kinase B (Akt) were revealed when docking PIR first (both drugs bind cooperatively as well). This indicated that the entire PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is intercepted by the said combination. In addition, the % of cell viability of HEK-293 cells [pre-exposed to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)] was increased by 327.29% compared to PTZ-treated cells (toxic control; 85.16%).

CONCLUSIONS

We are the first to report the promising efficacy of the combination (PIR 10 mg/kg + DES 10 mg/kg) to restrain seizures and epileptogenic changes induced by electroshock by a novel mechanism involving inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.

Telemedicine and Disparities in Visit Attendance at a Rural Pediatric Primary Care Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the introduction of telemedicine at a rural pediatric clinic was associated with reduced disparities in visit attendance.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all clinic visits from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. Visit types were divided into telemedicine visits, in-person urgent, and in-person non-urgent visits. Visits were stratified into periods based on the statewide pandemic response.

RESULTS

A total of 8,412 patients with 54,746 scheduled visits were analyzed. Visits were less likely to be completed for older patients, Black patients, and patients with Medicaid insurance than their counterparts. Despite a pandemic-era increase in telemedicine utilization, disparities in visit completion that were present in the pre-pandemic era persisted after stay-at-home orders were lifted.

DISCUSSION

The adoption of telemedicine did not reduce pre-existing disparities in visit attendance. Further work is needed to identify the reasons for the disparities and improve visit attendance of historically disadvantaged patient populations.

In-person follow-up visit attendance after telemedicine visits

BACKGROUND

Although Coronavirus disease 2019 rapidly increased the use of telemedicine for pediatric primary care, vaccinations, screening tests, lab draws, and other procedures still require follow-up in-person visits. We investigated in-person follow-up rates after telemedicine visits at our primary care clinic, and what patient or visit characteristics were associated with non-completion of in-person follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of telemedicine visits completed between April and May 2020. A manual chart review was performed to determine which encounters required a follow-up in-person visit; and was tracked through August 2020. Bivariate comparisons were performed according to completion of in-person follow-up and multivariable analysis of follow-up visit attendance was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Of 500 eligible encounters, 16% did not attend at least one in-person follow-up. The median time for follow-up was 2 days (IQR: 1, 6). Patients older than 1 year of age (32%, p= <0.001) and with Medicaid insurance (83%, p=0.019) were more likely to not complete a follow-up visit. The likelihood of completion was higher for Hispanic as compared to non-Hispanic Black patients (HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.28, 2.12; p<0.001) and patients requiring routine screening (HR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.89; p=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Not all required in-person follow-ups were completed after telemedicine visits, which could have negative impacts on children's health. Improving the transition between telemedicine and inperson follow-up of primary care can help ensure the quality of care provided in a telemedicine-first model.

Single unit analysis and wide-field imaging reveal alterations in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in glioma

While several studies have attributed the development of tumour-associated seizures to an excitatory-inhibitory imbalance, we have yet to resolve the spatiotemporal interplay between different types of neuron in glioma-infiltrated cortex. Herein, we combined methods for single unit analysis of microelectrode array recordings with wide-field optical mapping of Thy1-GCaMP pyramidal cells in an ex vivo acute slice model of diffusely infiltrating glioma. This enabled simultaneous tracking of individual neurons from both excitatory and inhibitory populations throughout seizure-like events. Moreover, our approach allowed for observation of how the crosstalk between these neurons varied spatially, as we recorded across an extended region of glioma-infiltrated cortex. In tumour-bearing slices, we observed marked alterations in single units classified as putative fast-spiking interneurons, including reduced firing, activity concentrated within excitatory bursts and deficits in local inhibition. These results were correlated with increases in overall excitability. Mechanistic perturbation of this system with the mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 revealed increased firing of putative fast-spiking interneurons and restoration of local inhibition, with concomitant decreases in overall excitability. Altogether, our findings suggest that diffusely infiltrating glioma affect the interplay between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations in a reversible manner, highlighting a prominent role for functional mechanisms linked to mTOR activation.

Utilization of Antenatal Care Services by the Urban Slum Women

It is obvious that the urban population was blessed with all the modern health facilities the country could afford and side by side rapid urbanization leads to the development of slum areas throughout the city. Though the slum dwellers are part of the urban population their accessibility and utilization of health services are beyond imagination. This study was conducted to assess the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services by urban slum women. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among purposively selected 325 women, who experienced at least a live birth in the last 3 years and habitat of Korail and Ershadnogor slums of Dhaka from July 2018 to December 2018. The mean age of the participants was 24.7±5.2 years with 70.5% literacy rate and 65.8% were homemakers. About two-thirds (62.5%) of women experienced their 1st delivery between 17-21 years of age. Throughout pregnancy, 71.1% received antenatal checkups and among them, 66.1% took ANC ≥4 times. Half (51.7%) of deliveries were conducted at home. There was a significant association between ANC visits with the place of the last delivery (p<0.001) and a significant association between the number of ANC visits at the place of the last delivery (p=0.019). Study shows the inadequate utilization of ANC services by slum woman in contrast to urban residents. So, it is obvious that the available healthcare services need to recast for the slum habitats which should be need-based and address their drawbacks to all.

Isoxazole Derivatives against Carbonic Anhydrase: Synthesis, Molecular Docking, MD Simulations, and Free Energy Calculations Coupled with In Vitro Studies

Heterocyclic compounds with a five-membered ring as a core, particularly those containing more than one heteroatom, have a wide spectrum of biological functions, especially in enzyme inhibition. In this study, we present the synthesis of five-membered heterocyclic isoxazole derivatives via sonication of ethyl butyrylacetate with aromatic aldehyde in the presence of a SnII-Mont K10 catalyst. The synthesized compounds were characterized using sophisticated spectroscopic methods. In vitro testing of the compounds reveals three derivatives with significant inhibitory action against carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme. The compound AC2 revealed the most promising inhibitory activity against CA among the entire series, with an IC₅₀ = 112.3 ± 1.6 μM (%_inh = 79.5) followed by AC3 with an IC₅₀ = 228.4 ± 2.3 μM (%_inh = 68.7) compared to the standard with 18.6 ± 0.5 μM (%_inh = 87.0). Molecular docking (MD) study coupled with extensive MD simulations (400 ns) and MMPBSA study fully supported the in vitro enzyme inhibition results, evident from the computed ΔG _bind (AC2 = -13.53 and AC3 = -12.49 kcal/mol). The in vitro and in silico studies are also augmented by a fluorescence-based enzymatic assay in which compounds AC2 and AC3 showed significant fluorescence enhancement. Therefore, on the basis of the present study, it is inferred that AC2 and AC3 may serve as a new framework for designing effective CA inhibitors.

Chitosan-based Dy2O3/CuFe3O4 bio-nanocomposite development, characterization, and drug release kinetics

Chitosan (CS)/metal oxide (MO) nano-carriers have recently attracted attention due to their great integration into several biomedical applications. Herein, CS and dysprosium oxide based bio-nanocomposites (Dy₂O₃/CuFe₃O₄/CS) were prepared using a citrate sol-gel route for biomedical settings at large and drug delivery, in particular. The chemical structure, average crystallite size, and surface morphology of Dy₂O₃/CuFe₃O₄/CS bio-nanocomposites were characterized using spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, PXRD, and SEM. The prepared nano composite's drug loading or release kinetics were investigated by FT-IR, zeta potential (ZP), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). In the FT-IR spectrum, the peaks in the range of 800-400 cm^-1 confirmed the formation of meta-oxides, while amide bands at 1661 and 1638 cm^-1 revealed the existence of CS in the bio-nanocomposite. The peaks at 2θ = 35.46 and 28.5, 39.4 indicated the presence and chemical interaction of Dy₂O₃ and CuFe₃O_4, respectively. The crystallite size was <20 nm. The model drug used in the loading and in vitro release assays was ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. Ciprofloxacin's CF stretch caused a modest peak to be seen at 1082 cm^-1 and changed in zeta potential value from 7.90 mV to 8.88 mV endorsing that the drug had been loaded onto the nanomaterial. The loading efficiency (%) of CIP onto the composite was from 25 to 30 %, calculated from optical density measurements. Different kinetic models, such as zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Hixon-Crowell, and Korsmeyer-Peppas, were determined to confirm the drug release mechanism. The percent (%) of drug release from the surface of Dy₂O₃/CuFe₃O₄/CS in PBS (pH 7.4), acidic (pH 2.2) and basic (pH 9.4) dissolution media were found to be 70, 28 and 20 %, respectively. Drug kinetics showed that mainly the release is fickian type followed "Fick's law of diffusion", slightly deviated from fickian release (dissolution-dependent system). Korsmeyer-Peppas (R² 0.9773, n < 0.4) and Higuchi's (R² 0.9846) models were the best for fitting controlled drug release data. The results revealed that the Dy₂O₃/CuFe₃O₄/CS bio-nanocomposite has good potential for a controlled drug delivery system.

Inhibitory Efficacy of Thiosemicarbazones for Carbonic Anhydrase II (Bovine and Human) as a Target of Calcification and Tumorigenicity

Background:

Carbonic anhydrase II (CA-II) is associated with calcification, tumorigenicity, epilepsy, osteoporosis, and several other physiological or pathological processes. CA-II inhibitors can be used to reduce the intraocular pressure usually associated with glaucoma.

Objective:

In search of potent CA-II inhibitors, a series of thiosemicarbazone derivatives (3a-u) was synthesized.

Methods:

This series was evaluated against bovine and human carbonic anhydrase II (bCA-II and hCA-II) and their docking studies were carried out

Results:

In the preliminary screening, most of the compounds exhibited significant inhibition of bCA-II and hCA-II. The predictive structure-activity relationship suggested that the thiosemicarbazide moiety play a key role in the inhibition of enzyme activity and substitution at R position and has a remarkable contribution to the overall activity. The kinetics studies of the most active inhibitors of bCA-II (3d, 3e, 3l, 3f, and 3p) and hCA-II (3g) were performed against bCA-II and hCA-II, respectively to investigate their mode of inhibition and dissociation constants (Ki).

Conclusion:

Subsequently, 3e, 3f, 3l and 3p were identified as competitive inhibitors of bCA-II with Ki values of 5.02-14.70 µM, while 3d as a noncompetitive inhibitor of bCA-II (Ki = 2.5±0.015 µM), however, 3g demonstrated competitive inhibition of hCA-II with Ki value of 5.95±0.002 µM. The selectivity index reflects that the compound 3g is more selective for hCA-II. The binding modes of these compounds with bCA-II and hCA-II were investigated by structure-based molecular docking, and the docking results are in complete agreement with the experimental findings.

Current Trend of Aerobic Bacteria and Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern in Burn Wound Infection of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Rajshahi

Burn injury is still a life-threatening event, associated with high mortality and morbidity inspite of recent advances and infection control practices. This cross sectional study was conducted at Microbiology department of Rajshahi Medical College (RMC), Bangladesh with the objective to provide an insight into the current trend of aerobic bacteria with their antibiogram in burn wound infected patients admitted in Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of RMCH from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2016. A total of 212 wound swabs were collected and processed as per standard protocol. The isolates were identified by standard microbiological techniques and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by Modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Burn injurywas highest (44.81%) in age group 21-30 years in fire related burn patients (41.98%) and female were predominant (59.91%). Among 212 samples 89.62% yielded growth and 196 bacterial species were isolated in which P. aeruginosa were the predominant organism (34.18%) followed by Proteus spp. (23.47%), Klebsiella spp. (14.80%), E. coli (11.73%), S. aureus (10.71%), Acinetobacter spp. & CoNS (2.04%) and Enterobacter spp. (1.03%). In this study meropenem, amikacin and vancomycin were highly sensitive drugs but 3rd generation cephalosporin and ciprofloxacin showed resistance. Therefore continuous microbiological surveillance and careful in vitro testing prior to antibiotic treatment is required to reduce the emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens.

Finding New Precursors for Light Harvesting Materials: A Computational Study of the Fluorescence Potential of Benzanthrone Dyes

Benzanthrone dyes are organic luminophores with excellent optoelectronic properties. This computational investigation is based on density functional theory and aims to explore the photophysical behavior of some of the reported aminobenzanthrones in addition to many unreported dyes containing different electron-donating substituents. Significant changes in the dipole moment and the overall structure of the dyes upon solvation in ethanol have been observed. We find that intramolecular charge transfer is more pronounced in the solvent medium, which facilitates the emission to shift bathochromically. Intersystem crossing is predicted to be absent, which makes relaxation of the molecule to ground state more efficient by emitting in the visible region.

Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's Disease: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health concern owing to its complexity, which often poses a great challenge to the development of therapeutic approaches. No single theory has yet accounted for the various risk factors leading to the pathological and clinical manifestations of dementia-type AD. Therefore, treatment options targeting various molecules involved in the pathogenesis of the disease have been unsuccessful. However, the exploration of various immunotherapeutic avenues revitalizes hope after decades of disappointment. The hallmark of a good immunotherapeutic candidate is not only to remove amyloid plaques but also to slow cognitive decline. In line with this, both active and passive immunotherapy have shown success and limitations. Recent approval of aducanumab for the treatment of AD demonstrates how close passive immunotherapy is to being successful. However, several major bottlenecks still need to be resolved. This review outlines recent successes and challenges in the pursuit of an AD vaccine.

Characterization of a Coliphage AS1 isolated from sewage effluent in Pakistan

The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which are posing a global health threat has developed the interest of scientists to use bacteriophages instead of conventional antibiotics therapy. In light of an increased interest in the use of phage as a bacterial control agent, the study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic phages from sewage effluent. During the current study, bacteriophage AS1 was isolated from sewage effluent against E.coli S2. The lytic activity of phageAS1 was limited to E.coli S2 strain showing monovalent behavior. The calculated phage titer was 3.5×109 pfu/ml. PhageAS1 was stable at a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximum stability was recorded at 37ºC and pH 7.0, while showing its normal lytic activity at temperature 60ºC and from pH 5.0 to11.0 respectively. At temperature 70ºC, phage activity was somewhat reduced whereas, further increase in temperature and decrease or increase in pH completely inactivated the phage. From the current study, it was concluded that waste water is a best source for finding bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and can be used as bacterial control agent.

Adapting active case-finding for TB during the COVID-19 pandemic in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic and response measures, including lockdowns and the reorientation of health services, have disrupted essential health services for other diseases, including TB, HIV and malaria. For TB, reductions in case detection due to the COVID-19 pandemic are projected to result in increased TB transmission, morbidity and mortality. Active case-finding (ACF) for TB using community-based approaches is a potential strategy to offset reductions in TB detection by obviating the need for patients to seek care at a health facility. A number of approaches can be used to conduct TB ACF safely and screen designated target populations while managing the risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission for staff, individuals and the community. We present a framework of options for and experience of adapting TB ACF services in response to the challenges of COVID-19 in our programme in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Key changes have included revised prioritisation of target populations focusing on household contacts, reducing case-finding throughput, implementation of additional infection control measures and precautions, and integration of COVID-19 screening among those being screened for TB. Our approach could inform other programmes seeking to adapt TB ACF services to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on TB case detection.

Inhibition Profiling of Urease and Carbonic Anhydrase II by High- Throughput Screening and Molecular Docking Studies of Structurally Diverse Organic Compounds

Background::

Structurally diverse organic compounds and available drugs were screened against urease and carbonic anhydrase II in a formulation acceptable for high-throughput screening.

Objective:

The study was conducted to find out potential inhibitors of urease and carbonic anhydrase II.

Methods::

Quantification of the possible HITs was carried out by determining their IC50 values.

Results:

The results of several screened compounds, including derivatives of oxadiazole, coumarins, chromane-2, 4-diones and metal complexes of cysteine-omeprazole showed promising inhibitory activities with IC50 ranging from 47 μM to 412 μM against the urease. The interactions of active compounds with active sites of enzymes were investigated through molecular docking studies which revealed that (R)-1-(4-amino-4-(5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) butyl) guanidine possessing IC50 of 47 μM interacts with one of the nickel metal atoms of urease besides further interactions as predictable hydrogen bonds with KCX490, Asp633, His492, His407 and His409 along with Ala440 and 636. Bi-ligand metal complexes of 4-aminoantipyrine based Schiff bases showed activation of urease with AC50 ranging from 68 μM to 112 μM. Almost 21 compounds with varying functional groups including pyrimidines, oxadiazoles, imidazoles, hydrazides and tin based compounds were active carbonic anhydrase II inhibitors presenting 98 μM to 390 μM IC50 values. Several N-substituted sulfonamide derivatives were inactive against carbonic anhydrase II.

Conclusion::

Among all the screened compounds, the highly active inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase II was (4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl)phenyl) methanone with IC50 of 98.0 μM. This particular compound showed metallic interaction with Zn ion of carbonic anhydrase II through the hydroxyl group of the phenyl ring.

Exploring the ability of dihydropyrimidine-5-carboxamide and 5-benzyl-2,4-diaminopyrimidine-based analogues for the selective inhibition of L. major dihydrofolate reductase

To tackle leishmaniasis, search for efficient therapeutic drug targets should be pursued. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is considered as a key target for the treatment of leishmaniasis. In current study, we are interested in the design and synthesis of selective antifolates targeting DHFR from L. major. We focused on the development of new antifolates based on 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-one and 5-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)pyrimidine-2,4-diamine motif. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies were performed on 4-phenyl ring of dihydropyrimidine (26-30) template. While for 5-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)pyrimidine-2,4-diamine, the impact of different amino acids (valine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and glutamic acid) and two carbon linkers were explored (52-59). The synthesized compounds were assayed against LmDHFR. Compound 59 with the IC₅₀ value of 0.10 μM appeared as potent inhibitors of L. major. Selectivity for parasite DHFR over human DHFR was also determined. Derivatives 55-59 demonstrated excellent selectivity for LmDHFR. Highest selectivity for LmDHFR was shown by compounds 56 (SI = 84.5) and 58 (SI = 87.5). Compounds Antileishmanial activity against L. major and L. donovani promastigotes was also performed. To explore the interaction pattern of the synthesized compounds with biological macromolecules, the docking studies were carried out against homology modelled LmDHFR and hDHFR targets.

Synthesis of Ni0.5Co0.5-xCdxFe1.78Nd0.02O4 (x ≤ 0.25) nanofibers by using electrospinning technique induce anti-cancer and anti-bacterial activities

Here we report the electrospinning synthesis of Cd-substituted Ni-Co ferrite Ni_0.5Co_0.5-xCd_xFe_1.78Nd_0.02O₄ (x ≤ 0.25) nanofiber (NFs) with a very low concentration of Nd as a dopant. The structure and surface morphology of the Ni_0.5Co_0.5-xCd_xFe_1.78Nd_0.02O₄ (x ≤ 0.25) NFs were analyzed by X-ray powder pattern (XRD), transmission and scanning electron microscopes (TEM) along with Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). We have examined the biological applications of the Ni_0.5Co_0.5-xCd_xFe_1.78Nd_0.02O₄ (x ≤ 0.25) NFs on both cancerous cells and bacterial cells. We have found that Ni_0.5Co_0.5-xCd_xFe_1.78Nd_0.02O₄ (x ≤ 0.25) NFs produced inhibitory action on the human colorectal carcinoma cells (HEK-293) and also showed inhibitory action on the bacterial strains (S. aureus and E. coli) respectively. Finally, this is the first report on the synthesis of Cd- substituted Co-Ni ferrite nanofibers using electrospinning technique exhibiting anti-cancer and anti-bacterial activities.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis of niobium substituted cobalt-nickel nano-ferrite (Co0.5Ni0.5NbxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) by hydrothermal approach show strong anti-colon cancer activities

The combination of two or more nanoparticles found to be effective strategy to synthesize nanocomposites for better drug delivery and treatment. In the present study, we have combined cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), niobium (Nb), and iron oxide (Fe₂O₄) and prepared niobium substituted cobalt-nickel nano-ferrite nanocomposites (Co_0.5Ni_0.5Nb_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) by using hydrothermal approach. We have characterized the structure and morphology of nanocomposites by using XRD, EDX, TEM and SEM methodologies. We have examined the impact of nanocomposites (Co_0.5Ni_0.5Nb_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) on cancerous cells (human colorectal carcinoma cells, HCT-116) by using MTT assay. We have also checked the impact of nanocomposites on normal and non-cancerous cells (human embryonic kidney cells, HEK-293) to confirm the specificity of their actions. Post- 48 h treatment of Co_0.5Ni_0.5Nb_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) led to dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cells growth and proliferation. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed on the normal cells (HEK-293). In addition, DAPI stained nuclear DNA staining analysis demonstrates that the Co_0.5Ni_0.5Nb_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) treatment also caused nuclear DNA disintegration which is the marker for programmed cell death. These results demonstrate that synthesized nanocomposites Co_0.5Ni_0.5Nb_xFe_2-xO₄ (x ≤ 0.1) selectively target the colon cancer cells and induce cancer cell death.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis and biological characterization of Mn0.5Zn0.5EuxDyxFe1.8-2xO4 nanoparticles by sonochemical approach

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique properties which makes them attractive candidates for various applications especially in field of experimental medicine and drug delivery. Many approaches were developed to synthesize divers and customized metallic NPs that can be useful in many areas such as, experimental medicine, drug design, drug delivery, electrical and electronic engineering, electrochemical sensors, and biochemical sensors. Among different metallic nanoparticles, manganese (Mn) NPs are the most prominent materials, in the present study, we have synthetized unique Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs by using ultrasonication method (x ≤ 0.1). The structure, and surface morphology of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and EDX methods. We have examined the biological effects of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs on both normal (HEK-293) and cancerous (HCT-116) cells. We have found that the treatment of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs post 48 h, showed significant decline in cancer cells population as revealed by MTT assay. The IC₅₀ value of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs was ranged between (2.35 μg/mL to 2.33 μg/mL). To check the specificity of the actions, we found that the treatment of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs did not produce any effects on the normal cells, which suggest that Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs selectively targeted the cancerous cells. The anti-bacterial properties of Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs were also evaluated by MIC and MBC assays. We suggest that Mn_0.5Zn_0.5Dy_xEu_xFe_1.8-2xO₄ NPs produced by sonochemical method possess potential anti-cancer and anti-bacterial capabilities.

Ex vivo multi-electrode analysis reveals spatiotemporal dynamics of ictal behavior at the infiltrated margin of glioma

The purpose of this study is to develop a platform in which the cellular and molecular underpinnings of chronic focal neocortical lesional epilepsy can be explored and use it to characterize seizure-like events (SLEs) in an ex vivo model of infiltrating high-grade glioma. Microelectrode arrays were used to study electrophysiologic changes in ex vivo acute brain slices from a PTEN/p53 deleted, PDGF-B driven mouse model of high-grade glioma. Electrode locations were co-registered to the underlying histology to ascertain the influence of the varying histologic landscape on the observed electrophysiologic changes. Peritumoral, infiltrated, and tumor sites were sampled in tumor-bearing slices. Following the addition of zero Mg²⁺ solution, all three histologic regions in tumor-bearing slices showed significantly greater increases in firing rates when compared to the control sites. Tumor-bearing slices demonstrated increased proclivity for SLEs, with 40 events in tumor-bearing slices and 5 events in control slices (p-value = .0105). Observed SLEs were characterized by either low voltage fast (LVF) onset patterns or short bursts of repetitive widespread, high amplitude low frequency discharges. Seizure foci comprised areas from all three histologic regions. The onset electrode was found to be at the infiltrated margin in 50% of cases and in the peritumoral region in 36.9% of cases. These findings reveal a landscape of histopathologic and electrophysiologic alterations associated with ictogenesis and spread of tumor-associated seizures.

Evaluation of crude saponins, methanolic extract and subsequent fractions from Isodon rugosus Wall. ex Benth: Potentials of anti-angiogenesis in egg and anti-tumorigenesis in potato

Based on the ethnomedicinal use of Isodon rugosus the current study was designed to evaluate its crude saponins (Ir.Sp), and subsequent fractions for anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor potentials. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used in anti-angiogenic potentials with Dexamethasone as positive control. The antitumor activity was evaluated with potato disk method using Vincristine sulfate as positive control. Moreover, antibacterial activity was also conducted against A. tumefaciens. The highest anti-angiogenic effect was observed with Ir.Sp, i.e., 79.00±0.58% at concentration of 1000 μg/ml which drop drown to 48.67±1.20% at lowest tested concentration of 31.25 μg/ml with IC₅₀ of 41 μg/ml. Similarly, in the anti-tumor activity the Ir. Chf revealed excellent inhibition of tumor with IC₅₀ value of 60 μg/ml. All the samples (excluding Ir. Sp and Ir. Cr) were inactive against A. tumefaciens, which demonstrates that the samples which did not show any antibacterial activity are rich in certain bioactive principles which may be responsible for the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic potentials. Our results conclude that the Ir.Sp, Ir.Chfmay be good targets for isolation of bioactive compounds responsible for the inhibition of excessive proliferation of cells and angiogenesis.

Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome-wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.

Effect of Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation on Pulse Pressure and Influence of Age on this Response

The study objective was to measure the change in pulse pressure associated with laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation and to relate these changes to trends in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure. The rationale was that the rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure may be disproportionate and may result in either increase or decrease in pulse pressure. We also looked at the influence of age on this response. This prospective observational study measured the changes in pulse pressure secondary to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in eighty adult surgical patients. Two groups of forty patients each were included, young (group A) 18–25 years and middle-aged (group B) 45–55 years. The patients were ASA Class 1 or 2, of either gender, and non-hypertensive. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure, and heart rate were measured preinduction and 1, 2 and 3 minutes after induction. Thereafter they were measured every minute for five minutes after intubation. Pulse pressure was obtained by subtracting the diastolic from the systolic blood pressure. No pulse pressure change occurred in the young group despite of a significant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The middle aged group showed an average rise of +18 mm of Hg in pulse pressure (taken at 1 minute post-intubation) compared to the baseline measurement (P<0.0001). These changes in pulse pressure during anaesthesia may indicate an additional pulsatile stress in vulnerable patients in addition to the changes associated with resistance alone and need to be studied further.

Stereoelectroencephalography in epilepsy, cognitive neurophysiology, and psychiatric disease: safety, efficacy, and place in therapy

For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgical intervention may be an effective treatment option if the epileptogenic zone (EZ) can be well localized. Subdural strip and grid electrode (SDE) implantations have long been used as the mainstay of intracranial seizure localization in the United States. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is an alternative approach in which depth electrodes are placed through percutaneous drill holes to stereotactically defined coordinates in the brain. Long used in certain centers in Europe, SEEG is gaining wider popularity in North America, bolstered by the advent of stereotactic robotic assistance and mounting evidence of safety, without the need for catheter-based angiography. Rates of clinically significant hemorrhage, infection, and other complications appear lower with SEEG than with SDE implants. SEEG also avoids unnecessary craniotomies when seizures are localized to unresectable eloquent cortex, found to be multifocal or nonfocal, or ultimately treated with stereotactic procedures such as laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), or deep brain stimulation (DBS). While SDE allows for excellent localization and functional mapping on the cortical surface, SEEG offers a less invasive option for sampling disparate brain areas, bilateral investigations, and deep or medial targets. SEEG has shown efficacy for seizure localization in the temporal lobe, the insula, lesional and nonlesional extra-temporal epilepsy, hypothalamic hamartomas, periventricular nodular heterotopias, and patients who have had prior craniotomies for resections or grids. SEEG offers a valuable opportunity for cognitive neurophysiology research and may have an important role in the study of dysfunctional networks in psychiatric disease and understanding the effects of neuromodulation.

Design, synthesis and bioevaluation of tricyclic fused ring system as dual binding site acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Due to recently discovered non-classical acetylcholinesterase (AChE) function, dual binding-site AChE inhibitors have acquired a paramount attention of drug designing researchers. The unique structural arrangements of AChE peripheral anionic site (PAS) and catalytic site (CAS) joined by a narrow gorge, prompted us to design the inhibitors that can interact with dual binding sites of AChE. Eighteen homo- and heterodimers of desloratadine and carbazole (already available tricyclic building blocks) were synthesized and tested for their inhibition potential against electric eel acetylcholinesterase (eeAChE) and equine serum butyrylcholinesterase (eqBChE). We identified a six-carbon tether heterodimer of desloratadine and indanedione based tricyclic dihydropyrimidine (4c) as potent and selective inhibitor of eeAChE with IC₅₀ value of 0.09 ± 0.003 μM and 1.04 ± 0.08 μM (for eqBChE) with selectivity index of 11.1. Binding pose analysis of potent inhibitors suggest that tricyclic ring is well accommodated into the AChE active site through hydrophobic interactions with Trp84 and Trp279. The indanone ring of most active heterodimer 4b is stabilized into the bottom of the gorge and forms hydrogen bonding interactions with the important catalytic triad residue Ser200.

Development of Escherichia coli-based gene expression profiling of sewage sludge leachates

AIMS

The impact of municipal waste on pathogenic micro-organisms released into the environment is a public health concern. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sewage sludge and antibiotic contaminants on stress response, virulence and antibiotic resistance in a pathogenic Escherichia coli.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effects of sewage sludge leachates on uropathogenic E. coli CFT073 were determined by monitoring the expression of 45 genes associated with antibiotic/metal resistance, stress response and virulence using RT-qPCR. The E. coli gene expression was validated using subinhibitory concentrations of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. E. coli exposed to sewage sludge or sewage sludge+fly ash leachates altered the expression of five antibiotic and metal resistance, three stress response and two virulence-associated genes. When antibiotics were combined with sludge or sludge+fly ash the antibiotic-associated gene expression was altered.

CONCLUSIONS

E. coli treated with two sludge leachates had distinct gene expression patterns that were altered when the sludge leachates were combined with tetracycline, although to a lesser extent with ciprofloxacin.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The E. coli multigene expression analysis is a potential new tool for assessing the effects of pollutants on pathogenic microbes in environmental waters for improved risk assessment.

Endometrial nitric oxide synthase activity in mares susceptible or resistant to persistent breeding-induced endometritis and the effect of a specific iNOS inhibitor in vitro

Emerging research suggests that the nitric oxide system may play a role in persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) in the mare. Differences in uterine nitric oxide (NO) levels between mares susceptible or resistant to PBIE and a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of NO on uterine contractility have been demonstrated. The objectives of this study were to investigate the difference in total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity of the endometrium between susceptible and resistant mares and the effect of a specific inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor on the endometrial NOS activity in vitro. Six susceptible and six resistant mares were selected based on preset criteria and the results of an intrauterine challenge with killed spermatozoa during oestrus. Endometrial biopsy samples were collected 24 hr post-challenge and cultured at 37°C for 24 hr in L-arginine supplemented minimum essential medium with or without a specific iNOS inhibitor (1,400 W dihydrochloride, 1 mM). The medium and the cultured endometrial tissue were collected after 24 hr of culture and assayed for NO and total protein, respectively. Total NO content of the medium, normalized to endometrial tissue wet weight or total protein, was used as a measure of endometrial NOS activity. Non-parametric tests were applied for statistical analysis. Susceptible mares had significantly greater endometrial NOS activity than resistant mares. The iNOS inhibitor treatment significantly reduced NOS activity in endometrial samples derived from susceptible and resistant mares. These findings provide a basis for in vivo testing of specific iNOS inhibitors as preventative or therapeutic options for PBIE in mares.

Bioassay-guided isolation of novel and selective urease inhibitors from Diospyros lotus

Two new dimeric naphthoquinones, 5',8'-dihydroxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl-1,4,1',4'-tetraone (1; Di-naphthodiospyrol D) and 5',8'-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxy-6,6'-dimethyl-7,3'-binaphthyl-1,4,1',4'-tetraone (2; Di-naphthodiospyrol E), along with known naphthoquinones diospyrin (3) and 8-hydroxy diospyrin (4) were isolated from the chloroform fraction of extract of Diospyros lotus roots. Their structures were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic analyses, including HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and J-resolved NMR experiments. The fractions and compounds 1-4 were evaluated for urease activity and phosphodiesterase-I, carbonic anhydrase-II and α-chymotrypsin enzyme inhibitory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 and their corresponding fractions showed significant and selective inhibitory effects on urease activities. The IC₅₀ values of 1 and 2 were 260.4 ± 6.37 and 381.4 ± 4.80 µmol·L^-1, respectively, using thiourea (IC₅₀ = 21 ± 0.11 µmol·L^-1) as the standard inhibitor. This was the first report demonstrating that the naphthoquinones class showed urease inhibition.

Abstract 737: Signficant DLX4 expression in inflammatory breast cancer tumors from African American patients

Purpose: To examine protein expression characteristics of Distal-less homeobox4 (DLX4) in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) cases from an African-American population to determine if a) DLX4 over-expression occurs in IBC vs. normal mammary tissue and b) over-expression is associated with clinico-pathologic features such as ER, PR, HER2.

Experimental Design: Twenty nine blocks of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from well-characterized human IBC cases were used for immuno-histochemical staining (IHC). Tumor tissues were from African American subjects seen at Howard University Hospital. Normal breast tissues from 30 mammoplasties were controls. IHC results were assigned intensity and percentage scores based upon intensity of positive staining and % of stained cells. Percentage scores were assigned as 0, 1 (0%-25%), 2 (26%-50%), 3 (51%-75%) or 4 (76%-100%) and intensity scores were assigned 0, 1+, 2+ or 3+. For the analysis of the IHC, a percentage score of 3 or 4 was considered high and an intensity score of 2+ or 3+ was categorized as high. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for analysis.

Results: The staining pattern for the categorized cohort in which 82.8% (24 out of 29) of IBC cases showed high percentages of positive cells staining for DLX4 protein, while 40.0% (12 out of 30) normal breast tissues demonstrated DLX4 expression (P=0.001). In terms of staining intensity, 75.9% (22 out of 29) of IBC cases showed a high level of intensity, compared to 20.0% (6 out of 30) of normal breast tissues (P&lt;0.001). In terms of the association between breast cancer characteristics and IHC staining, intensity of DLX4 was higher in HER2- (87.0%, 20 out of 23) than HER2+ (33.3%, 2 out of 6; P=0.018). Other associations were not statistically significant in this pilot study.

Conclusions: DLX4 expression is significantly higher in this pilot study of IBC cases from AA patients than in normal breast tissue cases. In addition, HER2- is associated with high intensity of DLX4 expression in IBC.

Associations DLX4 protein expression (IHC) In IBC and normal breast tissuesLowHighP-valuePercent positivityn (%)n (%)Controls (n=30)18 (60.0)12 (40.0)0.001IBCs (n=29)5 (17.2)24 (82.8)Staining intensityn (%)n (%)Controls (n=30)24 (80.0)6 (20.0)&lt;0.001IBCs (n=29)7 (24.1)22 (75.9)

Citation Format: Jaehong Jeong, Tammey Naab, Martin Ongkeko, Kepher Makambi, Farhan A. Khan, Jan Blancato. Signficant DLX4 expression in inflammatory breast cancer tumors from African American patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 737. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-737

Comparative Genomics of Mycoplasma bovis Strains Reveals That Decreased Virulence with Increasing Passages Might Correlate with Potential Virulence-Related Factors

Mycoplasma bovis is an important cause of bovine respiratory disease worldwide. To understand its virulence mechanisms, we sequenced three attenuated M. bovis strains, P115, P150, and P180, which were passaged in vitro 115, 150, and 180 times, respectively, and exhibited progressively decreasing virulence. Comparative genomics was performed among the wild-type M. bovis HB0801 (P1) strain and the P115, P150, and P180 strains, and one 14.2-kb deleted region covering 14 genes was detected in the passaged strains. Additionally, 46 non-sense single-nucleotide polymorphisms and indels were detected, which confirmed that more passages result in more mutations. A subsequent collective bioinformatics analysis of paralogs, metabolic pathways, protein-protein interactions, secretory proteins, functionally conserved domains, and virulence-related factors identified 11 genes that likely contributed to the increased attenuation in the passaged strains. These genes encode ascorbate-specific phosphotransferase system enzyme IIB and IIA components, enolase, L-lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, glycerol, and multiple sugar ATP-binding cassette transporters, ATP binding proteins, NADH dehydrogenase, phosphate acetyltransferase, transketolase, and a variable surface protein. Fifteen genes were shown to be enriched in 15 metabolic pathways, and they included the aforementioned genes encoding pyruvate kinase, transketolase, enolase, and L-lactate dehydrogenase. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production in M. bovis strains representing seven passages from P1 to P180 decreased progressively with increasing numbers of passages and increased attenuation. However, eight mutants specific to eight individual genes within the 14.2-kb deleted region did not exhibit altered H₂O₂ production. These results enrich the M. bovis genomics database, and they increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying M. bovis virulence.

Pharmacological agents for reducing the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation in paediatric patients: a systematic review

The primary aim of this review was to assess the effect of pharmacological agents administered to attenuate the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation in paediatric patients up to 16 years of age undergoing elective surgery. Secondary aims were to identify adverse effects related to these agents, and the agents' roles in decreasing arrhythmias. A systematic search was conducted for articles listed in PubMed, CINAHL or the Cochrane database between January 1980 and June 2014. We included randomised controlled trials where the stated aim of the study included observing the effects of pharmacological agents on the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. The outcome measures were changes in mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, adverse effects of drugs and arrhythmias. Sixteen publications with a total of 1408 children (ages two to 15 years) were identified. These studies varied in methodology and quality. Opioids were the commonest agents used and appeared to obtund the response in a dose-related manner. Fentanyl 2 µg/kg, remifentanil 1 µg/kg, sufentanil 0.1 and 0.2 µg/kg and alfentanil 25 µg/kg blunted the haemodynamic response. Remifentanil 3 µg/kg and sufentanil 0.3 µg/kg were the most effective in obliterating the response but led to hypotension in unstimulated patients. Opioid-related side-effects and arrhythmias were observed in few patients. We recommend that when required, the safe and effective doses identified in this review be used to obtund the haemodynamic response to intubation in paediatric patients, with close observation for the uncommon but recognised side-effects.

Estimation of diversity and combining abilities in Helianthus annuus L. under water stress and normal conditions

Sunflower cannot produce high yields under water-limiting conditions. The aim of the present study was to prevent the impediments on yield and to develop varieties with high-yield potential under water scarce conditions. For achieving this objective, it is necessary to detect parents with desirable traits that mainly depend on the action of genes controlling the trait under improvement, combining ability, and genetic makeup of the parents. Heterosis can also be used to pool the desirable genes from genetically divergent varieties and these divergent parents could be detected by molecular studies. Ten tolerant and five susceptible tester lines were selected, crossed, and tested for genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat primers. We identified two parents (A-10.8 and G-60) that showed maximum (46.7%) genetic dissimilarity. On an average 3.1 alleles per locus were detected for twenty pair of primers. Evaluation of mean values revealed that under stress conditions the mean performances of the genotypes were reduced for all traits under study. Parent A-10.8 was consistent as a good general combiner for achene yield per plant under both non-stress and stress conditions. Line A-10.8 in the hybrid A-10.8 x G-60 proved to be a good combiner as it showed negative specific combining ability (SCA) effects for plant height and internodal length and positive SCA effects for head weight, achene yield per plant, and membrane stability index. Valuable information on gene action, combining ability, and heterosis was generated, which could be used in further breeding programs.

CHLOROGENIC ACID: A PHARMACOLOGICALLY POTENT MOLECULE

Chlorogenic acid (CGA; (IS,3R,4R.5R)-3-{[(2Z)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxy}-1,4,5-trihydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid) is a naturally occurring polyphenol mostly present in vegetables and fruits. CGA is a prominent component of Traditional Chinese Medicines and is known for various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective etc. This mini-review is an attempt to summarize the available literature in the last decade and to point out future perspectives in this area of research.

The SLICK hair locus derived from Senepol cattle confers thermotolerance to intensively managed lactating Holstein cows

The SLICK haplotype (http://omia.angis.org.au/OMIA001372/9913/) in cattle confers animals with a short and sleek hair coat. Originally identified in Senepol cattle, the gene has been introduced into Holsteins. The objectives of the current study were to determine (1) whether lactating Holsteins with the slick hair phenotype have superior ability for thermoregulation compared with wild-type cows or relatives not inheriting the SLICK haplotype, and (2) whether seasonal depression in milk yield would be reduced in SLICK cows. In experiment 1, diurnal variation in vaginal temperature in the summer was monitored for cows housed in a freestall barn with fans and sprinklers. Vaginal temperatures were lower in slick-haired cows than in relatives and wild-type cows. In experiment 2, acute responses to heat stress were monitored after cows were moved to a dry lot in which the only heat abatement was shade cloth. The increases in rectal temperature and respiration rate caused by heat stress during the day were lower for slick cows than for relatives or wild-type cows. Moreover, sweating rate was higher for slick cows than for cows of the other 2 types. In experiment 3, effects of season of calving (summer vs. winter) on milk yield and composition were determined. Compared with milk yield of cows calving in winter, milk yield during the first 90 d in milk was lower for cows calving in the summer. However, this reduction was less pronounced for slick cows than for wild-type cows. In conclusion, Holsteins with slick hair have superior thermoregulatory ability compared with non-slick animals and experience a less drastic depression in milk yield during the summer.

Expression and localization of ghrelin and its functional receptor in corpus luteum during different stages of estrous cycle and the modulatory role of ghrelin on progesterone production in cultured luteal cells in buffalo

Evidence obtained during recent years provided has insight into the regulation of corpus luteum (CL) development, function, and regression by locally produced ghrelin. The present study was carried out to evaluate the expression and localization of ghrelin and its receptor (GHS-R1a) in bubaline CL during different stages of the estrous cycle and investigate the role of ghrelin on progesterone (P4) production along with messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of P4 synthesis intermediates. The mRNA and protein expression of ghrelin and GHS-R1a was significantly greater in mid- and late luteal phases. Both factors were localized in luteal cells, exclusively in the cytoplasm. Immunoreactivity of ghrelin and GHS-R1a was greater during mid- and late luteal phases. Luteal cells were cultured in vitro and treated with ghrelin each at 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL concentrations for 48 h after obtaining 75% to 80% confluence. At a dose of 1 ng/mL, there was no significant difference in P4 secretion between control and treatment group. At 10 and 100 ng/mL, there was a decrease (P < 0.05) in P4 concentration, cytochrome P45011A1 (CYP11A1), and 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA expression and localization. There was no difference in mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein between control and treatment group. In summary, the present study provided evidence that ghrelin and its receptor are expressed in bubaline CL and are localized exclusively in the cell cytoplasm and ghrelin has an inhibitory effect on P4 production in buffalo.

Pharmacological importance of an ethnobotanical plant: Capsicum annuum L

Capsicum annuum L., a fruit plant from tropical and subtropical regions, contains a range of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds which are known to exhibit a range of bioactivities including free radical scavenging (antioxidant), antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the literature published on pharmacological behaviours of C. annuum L.