Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pantoea stewartii and Priestia aryabhattai and Their Antimicrobial, Larvicidal, Histopathological, and Biotoxicity Potential

In recent years, green nanotechnology has gained considerable importance for the synthesis of nanoparticles due to its economic viability and biosafety. In the current study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using two bacterial isolates, H2 and H3, which were isolated from soil samples collected from the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, and identified at the species level as Pantoeastewartii (H2) and Priestiaaryabhattai (H3) by sequencing their 16s rRNA genes. Intracellularly synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and particle size analysis. AFM studies show that both of the bacterial synthesized Ag NPs were circular-shaped and disaggregated, with an average size distribution of 4 nm for Pantoeastewartii and 3.6 nm for Priestiaaryabhattai. Furthermore, their larvicidal activity, antimicrobial, histopathological, and biotoxicity effects were determined. The synthesized Ag NPs exhibited potent larvicidal activity against fourth instars of Ae.aegypti, An.stephensi, and Cx.quinquefasciatus exposed to a 50 µg/mL concentration for 24 h based on their LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values. Histopathological studies of the affected mosquito larvae clearly show damage to the epithelial cells, food bolus, basement membrane, muscles, and midgut parts. The maximum antimicrobial activity of Priestiaaryabhattai-synthesized Ag NPs was observed for Streptomyces varsoviensis MTCC-1537, and that of Pantoea stewartii-synthesized Ag NPs was against Escherichia coli MTCC-43. The toxicity test on non-target organisms such as Artemia nauplii and zebrafish embryos indicates no visible abnormalities or mortality after their exposure for 48h. It is concluded that silver nanoparticles can easily be synthesized using Pantoea stewartii (H2) and Priestia aryabhattai (H3) as capping and reducing agents. Silver nanoparticles showed potent larvicidal activities and could potentially be used in integrated vector control programs because they are safe for other inhabitants of the same aquatic environment as mosquito larvae.

Relevance of Machine Learning to Predict the Inhibitory Activity of Small Thiazole Chemicals on Estrogen Receptor

BACKGROUND

Drug discovery requires the use of hybrid technologies for the discovery of new chemical substances. One of those interesting strategies is QSAR via applying an artificial intelligence system that effectively predicts how chemical alterations can impact biological activity via in-silico.

AIM

Our present study aimed to work on a trending machine learning approach with a new opensource data analysis python script for the discovery of anticancer lead via building the QSAR model by using 53 compounds of thiazole derivatives.

METHODS

A python script has been executed with 53 small thiazole chemicals using Google collaboratory interface. A total of 82 CDK molecular descriptors were downloaded from "chemdes" web server and used for our study. After training the model, we checked the model performance via cross-validation of the external test set.

RESULTS

The generated QSAR model afforded the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression as R² = 0.542, F=8.773, and adjusted R² (Q2) =0.481, std. error = 0.061, reg.coef_ developed were of, - 0.00064 (PC1), -0.07753 (PC2), -0.09078 (PC3), -0.08986 (PC4), 0.05044 (PC5), and reg.intercept_ of 4.79279 developed through stats models, formula module. The performance of test set prediction was done by multiple linear regression, support vector machine, and partial least square regression classifiers of sklearn module, which generated the model score of 0.5424, 0.6422 and 0.6422 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Hence, we conclude that the R2values (i.e. the model score) obtained using this script via three diverse algorithms were correlated well and there is not much difference between them and may be useful in the design of a similar group of thiazole derivatives as anticancer agents.

Bioactive Components and Health Potential of Endophytic Micro-Fungal Diversity in Medicinal Plants

The endophytic fungi that reside inside medicinal plants have the potential to produce various pharmaco-potential bioactive compounds. The endophytic fungi Graminicolous helminthosporium, Bipolaris australiensis and Cladosporium cladosporioides were isolated from different medicinal plants. The GC-MS analysis of intra- and extracellular products of endophytic fungi revealed the presence of various bioactive metabolites, such as Anthracene, Brallobarbital, Benzo [h] quinolone, Ethylacridine, 2-Ethylacridine, Cyclotrisiloxane, 5 methyl 2 phenylindolizine, and 1,4-Cyclohexadien-1-one, etc. The phytochemical composition analysis of endophytic fungus extracts also revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, carbohydrates, glycosides, and proteins. The intra- and extracellular endophytic extracts exhibited strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity, which was screened with the agar-well diffusion method and DPPH, H2O2, and nitric oxide scavenging activity, respectively. The bioactive compounds identified in the endophytic extracts from GC-MS profiling served as ligands for molecular-docking analysis to investigate the anticancer potential against non-small cell lung carcinoma receptor EGFR. Molecular docking results showed that compounds, such as Brallobarbital, and 5 methyl 2 phenylindolizine had the lowest E- min values, which suggests that these compounds could be used in anticancer drug development. Thus, the isolated endophytic fungal species can be used to produce various bioactive compounds that could be used in novel drug development from natural sources and reduce the environmental burden of synthetic chemical drugs.

A machine learning language to build a QSAR model of pyrazoline derivative inhibitors targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv

Background:

Machine learning has become an essential tool for drug research to generate pertinent structural information to design drugs with higher biological activities. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is considered one among these. QSAR study involves two main steps: first is the generation of descriptors, and second is building and validating the models.

Aim:

By using a Python program language for building the QSAR model of pyrazoline derivatives, the data were collected from diverse literature for the inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pyrazoline, a small molecule scaffold could block the biosynthesis of mycolic acids, resulting in mycobacteria death and leading to anti-tubercular drug discovery.

Methods:

We have developed a new Python script that effectively uses CDK descriptor as the independent variable and anti-tubercular bioactivity as the dependent variable in building and validating the best QSAR model. The built QSAR model was further cross-validated by using the external test set compounds. Then, the three algorithms viz. multiple linear regression, support vector machine, and partial least square classifiers were used to differentiate and compare their r2 values among them.

Results:

Our generated QSAR model via an open-source python program was predicted well with external test set compounds. The generated statistical model afforded the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression as R2 value of 0.514, F value of 5.083, the adjusted R2 value of 0.413, and std. error of 0.092. Moreover, the multiple linear regression showed the R2 value of 0.5143, reg.coef_ of, -0.07795 (PC1), 0.01619 (PC2), 0.03763 (PC3), 0.07849 (PC4), -0.09726 (PC5), and reg.intercept_ of 4.8324. The performance of the model was done by support vector machine classifier of sklearnmodule and it threw the model score of 0.5901. Further, the model performance was supported by a partial least square regression and it showed the R2 value of 0.5901. The model performance was validated and it model predicted similar values when compared to that of the train set and the plotted linear curve between the predicted and actual pMIC50 value showed all data fall over the middle linear line.

Conclusion:

We have found that the model score obtained using this script via three diverse algorithms were correlated well and there is not much difference between them and may be useful in the design of a similar group of pyrazoline analogs as anti-tubercular agents.

Case Report of Maggot Infestation on Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Myiasis is originated from the Greek word, Miya, which means fly.  Fly larva are called maggots. Infestation in humans by maggots is called myiasis. Fly maggots feed on and develop in the tissues of living beings and this condition is known as myasis. The maggot (larvae) invades the skin and subcutaneous tissue is known as Maggot infestation. It was found that farmers who are working in agricultural fields are more susceptible to this infestation. Myiasis symptoms may vary according to the fly type, the number of larvae, and the location of the infected area. Many organs can be infested by these larvae and the most common form is cutaneous myasis. The predisposing factors of cutaneous myasisare cutaneous immobilization, advanced age, poor social conditions, mental retardation, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, vascular occlusive disease, and infected dermatitis as myiasis. Myiasis is more common in tropical and subtropical countries, especially in rural regions where people are in close contact with animals.Myiasisrepresents the fourth most common travel-associated skin disease. Here we report case on 55-year-old female patient was admitted with complaints of diabetic foot ulcer over left foot for 1 and half months and maggots were examined in the wound. The complete blood cell count [CBC] test shows that her HbA1c level was increased to 10.1%. The patient has undergone wound debridement on left forefoot and maggots were completely removed.

Formulation, Characterization and Release Behaviour of Metformin Hydrochloride Modified Release Tablet by Using Hydrophilic Polymers

Amongst the many public health problems, the diabetes mellitus is considered as a chronic life-style related disease which is now growing as an epidemic in both developed as well as developing countries. The current study is about formulation of metformin hydrochloride tablet to confirm their sustained release property by using various polymers. The tablets are prepared by granulation techniques using binding solution containing polyvinyl pyrolline K30. The possible interaction between the pure metformin hydrochloride and polymers are identified by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Tablets were formulated with different polymers like Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K100 and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Matrix prepared with high concentration of HPMC K100 polymer retards the drug release up to 6 h at 59 %, but the formulation 2 (F2) showed 72.72% of drug release in 6 h. The release of drug from the F2 formulation was found to be prolonged drug release when compared to other formulations. Hence our study conclude that the HPMC K100 polymer containing formulation showed good sustained release property owing to the high gel strength and well high viscosity nature of the polymer.

A Case Report on Malignant Rhabdoid Round Cell Tumor in Pelvis

The malignant neoplasm is called as malignant rhabdoid tumor or renal tumor. The Malignant tumor had the highest rate of proliferation. Tiny, round, and generally undifferentiated cells make up malignant small round cell tumours. A round cell tumor is a group of malignant tumors composed of relatively small and undifferentiated cells with an increased nuclear - cytoplasmic ratio. Soft tissue malignant tumours of the abdomen and pelvis are a rare but serious kind of cancer. Examples of these tumours include Ewing's sarcoma, peripheral neuroectodermal tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, non-lymphoma, Hodgkin's retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and hepatoblastoma. Mast cell tumour, histiocytoma, lymphoma, plasmacytoma, and transmissible venereal tumours are some of the different types of round cell tumours. Melanomas are the cytologic "great impostor," as they might look on cytology as round cell tumours despite being classed as mesenchymal cancers. Rhabdoid tumours have long been thought to be extremely malignant and have a bad prognosis. Children with this form of tumour have a six to eleven-month median survival duration. They're also less common. In 5% of small round cell tumor patients, can be curable, and it is best achieved by combining systemic chemotherapy with thorough cytoreductive surgery. Here we report a 9-year-old female child who was diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid round cell tumor in the pelvis. She has undergone excision of pelvic floor tumor andfurther managed with Chemotherapy.

Glycolytic Inhibition and Antidiabetic Activity on Synthesized Flavanone Scaffolds with Computer Aided Drug Designing Tools

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a challengeable metabolic disorder that leads to a group of complications when the HbA1c level is not maintained. Most of the existing drugs available in the market in long-term use may lead to serious adverse effects. Hence, current research focuses on drug development for the management of diabetes by synthesizing natural mimicking flavonoid analogues.

Objective:

This study focused on the synthesis of flavanone derivatives imitating natural flavonoid core and investigated for their antidiabetic and antioxidant activity, which can help in the development of drug discovery targeting diabetic management.

Materials and Methods:

The novel 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-chromen-4-ones were synthesized from 1,3-diphenyl-prop-2-en-1-one derivatives and characterized using UV, IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Drug target site was determined using graph theoretical analysis and screened the characterized title compounds for their in-silico studies by analyzing their physiochemical properties, ADMET studies, and molecular docking analysis. Antidiabetic and free radical scavenging effects were investigated both by in-vitro (alpha-amylase inhibitory assay) and in-vivo models. Streptozotocin (STZ) induced rats were used as in-vivo models.

Results:

The α-amylase inhibitory assay showed flavanones with hydroxyl substitution HFA1- HFA7 had significant IC50 values. The test compounds (HFA3-HFA7) were investigated for their antidiabetic activity on STZ induced rats at 40 mg/kg. The blood glucose level and antioxidant enzymes were significantly restored by title compounds (HFA5, HFA4, and HFA6) with an electron-donating group such as hydroxyl, methoxy and thiophenyl group on ring B compared to glibenclamide.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that naturally mimicking synthesized flavanone have antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, which can aid in the development of drugs towards diabetes management.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in milk from cows reared around industrial areas in India

This study assessed the health risk associated with exposure to heavy metals through consumption of milk from cows reared around industrial areas in India. Heavy metals, namely Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd, were determined in water and forage from four locations as well as in milk produced by dairy cattle raised in these locations, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. A quantitative risk assessment using probabilistic approaches was performed to assess the exposure of adults and children to the heavy metals via milk consumption. In milk samples, the highest levels of Cd and Pb were 0.18 mg L^-1 and 0.37 mg L^-1, respectively, which were above the international permissible levels. Possible sources of Pb in the milk could be the industrial by-products and wastes or automobiles exhaust gas. Significant (P < 0.05) positive relationships were found between the concentration of Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd in milk and in the environmental samples (water or forage). Exposure assessment showed that milk consumers were mostly exposed to Zn, Cd, and Pb, with 63.7%, 51.2%, and 41.2% of children exposed to a dose greater than the references dose for these metals, respectively. Our results suggest that industrial activities lead to possible transfer of heavy metals to cows from their rearing environment (water, plant), which can be accumulated and cause potential health risks to milk consumers. The outcome of this study can be used by policy makers to manage the potential health risk.

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting semen production and quality characteristics of Gir cattle breed under semi-arid climate

Aim

This study aims to evaluate genetic and non-genetic factors influencing semen production potential of Gir bulls.

Materials and Methods

Data on semen quantity (n=6911) and quality (n=466) available from January 2011 to December 2018 at BAIF's frozen semen station, Jind, Haryana, India, were utilized for the study. Factors, namely, season of collection, age at collection, and bull (random effect) were studied for their effect on quantitative and qualitative semen traits. Least square means for the traits were obtained using a general linear model. The effect of age within bull for repeatable traits was analyzed using a longitudinal model with age as the control variable. Multivariate analysis using mixed repeatability model equation was utilized to estimate bull effect correlation (genetic + permanent environmental correlation), phenotypic correlations, and repeatability.

Results

The overall least square means of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperms, initial and post-thaw motility, hypo-osmotic swelling test, and acrosome integrity of frozen semen were 6.62±0.03 ml, 1.22±0.01 10⁹/ml, 8.09±0.05 10⁹/ejaculate, 75.78±0.001%, 55.92±0.0001%, 55.13±0.005%, and 71.08±0.001%, respectively. The season of the collection showed a significant effect on volume, concentration, total sperm, and initial motility. The performance of bulls was superior in summer season, followed by winter and monsoon. Increase in semen attributes during summer season was due to the effect of lower temperature on sensitive stages of spermatogenesis. Age at collection had a significant effect on all semen traits. Volume and total sperm count showed increasing trend while concentration showed a decreasing trend with an increase in age. Motility and quality traits did not show any particular pattern. Individual bulls showed differences in all the semen performance traits with age. The repeatability of the traits ranged from 0.04 (HOST) to 0.58 (acrosome integrity). Bull effect correlation ranged from -0.73 (initial motility and acrosome integrity) to 0.93 (HOST and acrosome integrity).

Conclusion

Individual bulls showed variation in traits measured over age. The result of the study could be utilized in suggesting suitable management plans to achieve the desired profit by improving semen quality in Gir bulls.

Evaluation of diuretic efficacy and antiurolithiatic potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona squamosa Linn. in experimental animal models

OBJECTIVE:

The study is to investigate the diuretic and antiurolithiatic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona squamosa Linn. in experimental animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

For both studies, Wistar albino rats and two doses of extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) were used. Diuretic activity was evaluated by Lipschitz model. Urine volume and urine pH were noted, the concentration of sodium and potassium was estimated by flame photometry, and diuretic index, natriuretic index, and Lipschitz values were calculated from the results. Furosemide was used as a positive control. Ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model was used for antiurolithiatic study. Urine volume, urine pH, body weight, and biochemical parameters such as calcium, urea, uric acid, and creatine both from serum and urine were estimated. Antioxidant parameters and histopathological analysis of the kidney were evaluated. Cystone was used as a positive control in this study. Results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison tests.

RESULTS:

In both diuretic and antiurolithiatic studies, both doses of the extract showed efficacy, and the dose of 500 mg/kg has shown a significant effect compared to positive control and negative control.

CONCLUSION:

The dose of 500 mg/kg showed a promising diuretic and antiurolithiatic activity.

Molecular Modelling, Synthesis and Evaluation of Flavone and Flavanone Scaffolds as Anti-inflammatory Agents

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to develop new Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors as anti-inflammatory agents from the synthetic route.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one and 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromenone hybrids were synthesised and characterised by using UV, IR, ¹H-NMR, and mass spectrometry. An attempt was made for consolidated lead flavones and flavanones scaffolds by determining ADME/ T properties. Molecular docking simulations were performed by using Autodock.4 to understand the binding interaction over the targeted enzyme Cyclooxygenase-2. The titled compounds were evaluated for various in-vitro models for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and based upon the IC₅₀ values, the selected compounds were screened for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity by both acute and chronic models.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Twenty titled compounds were synthesised and elucidated their structure for confirmation of their functional groups by various spectroscopic techniques. Among the synthesized compounds, flavone derivatives such as HFc (7-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxy phenyl)-4H-chromen-4- one), HF_d (2-(2,4-di methoxy-phenyl)-7-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one) and HFe (7-hydroxy-2- (thiophen-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one) produced higher potency. Flavanone derivatives HFAc (7- hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one), HFAb (7-hydroxy-2-(4- methoxy phenyl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one) and HFA_d (7-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3- dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity compared to the standard COX-2 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

The flavone and flavanone scaffolds possess their excellent inhibitory action over the Cyclooxygenase-2 and act as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. The results of computational studies were also significantly correlated and concluded that those naturally mimicking flavonoid analogues were tremendous candidates to fight against the inflammatory diseases in drug discovery.

Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene for Nanosensor Applications

Water dispersible graphene layer are the excellent nano materials used for wide range of electronic applications. High quality graphene was synthesized by an eco-friendly, easy and cost effective electrochemical exfoliation method. In this work, graphite rod was used both as an anode and cathode for the production of graphene. Potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) was used as an intercalating agent. Electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) was coated on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and evaluated towards the electrochemical oxidation of vanillin and L-phenylalanine. The fabricated electrode was able to detect vanillin and L-Phenylalanine as low as 0.2 μM with signal to noise ratio of 3. A significant increase in the current was observed for the graphene coated electrode for both vanillin and L-phenylalanine when compared to bare Glassy electrode. The finding clearly demonstrated the higher detection capability, selectivity and reproducibility of EEG.

Influence of intensive rearing, continuous and rotational grazing systems of management on parasitic load of lambs

Aim:

A trial was conducted to assess the influence of parasitic load on the lambs reared under the intensive system, continuous grazing, and rotational grazing systems of management.

Materials and Methods:

A total of thirty numbers of the undetermined breed of ewe lambs around 4-5 months of age were randomly selected and allotted to three treatment groups: T₁ (intensive system – control), T₂ (rotational grazing), and T₃ (continuous grazing). The T₁ group lambs were raised under a stall-fed system of management, the T₂ group lambs were grazed under rotational grazing strategy in four paddocks of plot-A, while the T₃ group lambs were continuously grazed in plot-B.

Results:

At the end of the study, there was a highly significant difference (p=0.01) in the fortnightly strongyle egg count per gram (EPG) of feces among the lambs pertaining to the three treatment groups; the lambs in T₃ had a higher strongyle EPG compared to T₂ lambs. With regard to the overall reduction in EPG from the initial count, lambs under rotational grazing showed the maximum decrease of 54.52% compared to lambs under T₃ (continuous grazing). There was a strong positive correlation noticed between the mean temperature of the day at each fortnight and the subsequent EPG at each fortnight with R²=0.87. There was a strong positive correlation noticed between mean FAMACHA^© scores and the EPG with R²=0.84, R²=0.83, and R²=0.83 for T₁, T₂, and T₃, respectively.

Conclusion:

The grazing management with pasture rotation should be considered as a viable option for sustainable parasitic control in case of grazing-dependent livestock husbandry in India.

Visible Active N-Doped TiO₂/WS₂ Heterojunction Nano Rods: Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity

N-doped titania nano sheets and N-doped titania/tungsten dioxide nano rods were synthesized by two step hydrothermal method. The composition, structural, functional, morphological and optical properties of the as synthesized N-TiO₂/WS₂ hybrids were characterized by XRD, UV-DRS, PL, FE-SEM with EDAX, TEM, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Surface area and thermal stability of the catalysts were analyzed by BET and TG/DTA techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the heterojunction catalyst was evaluated towards the decomposition of a harmful dye namely congo red in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The results show superior photocatalytic activity for N-TiO₂/WS₂ nanocomposite. This unusual photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect between WS₂ and N-TiO₂.

Enhanced Visible Light Activity of Pr-TiO₂ Nanocatalyst in the Degradation of Dyes: Effect of Pr Doping and TiO₂ Morphology

A facile hydrothermal method was adopted for the synthesis of bare TiO₂ and titania nanotubes (TNT). In an effort to increase the efficacy of the existing photocatalyst, different weight percentage (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0%) of praseodymium were deftly doped on to the synthesized titania scaffolds. The physicochemical characteristics of the architectured photocatalyst were thoroughly elucidated by various sophisticated techniques. The doping of Pr₂O₃ (Pr) on to titania nanotubes (TNT) resulted into a significant bathochromic/hyperchromic shift in the optical absorption edge (towards the visible region) as perceived from the DRS-UV spectra. The XRD and TEM analysis showed average crystallite size of the synthesised photocatalyst to be as small as 4-7 nm with well-formed nanotube framework. Photoluminescence spectra of Pr doped TNT catalyst clearly exhibited greater suppression of photogenerated electron-hole pair as compared to the undoped counterparts. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts was evaluated towards the degradation of organic pollutants namely Rhodamine B (90%) and Crystal violet (93%) in the presence of solar light and its activity and durability was compared to that of commercial TiO₂ (Degussa P25). The observed enhanced photocatalytic activity of TNT and Pr-TNT can be unambiguously attributed to the inhibition of recombination of the electron-hole pairs due to doping of Pr into TNT. Among catalysts synthesized, 0.4 wt.% of Pr on to TNT yielded the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.

Nano Structured Ni and Ru Impregnated TiO₂ Photocatalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Degradation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Titania by sol gel and Ni-Ru titania catalysts by wet impregnation methods were prepared and characterized by XRD, UV-DRS, BET and TEM techniques. Catalytic activities of the photocatalysts were evaluated towards the degradation of three widely used neonicotinoids type insecticides namely acetamiprid, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam under UV, Visible and solar irradiations. The reaction parameters such as initial concentration of the insecticide, weight of the catalyst and pH of the system were found to influence the reaction rate. The results indicated that the metal impregnated catalysts were found to be more active than pure TiO₂.Ni/TiO₂ or Ru/TiO₂ catalysts degraded all the insecticides completely even under visible irradiation. The observed visible activity of the catalysts was attributed to their lower band gap values. HPLC and TOC analyses revealed that mineralisation of the insecticides occurred through dearomatization by multiple hydroxylation and oxidation. The degradation pathway and the kinetics were also discussed in detail.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Reactive Dyes Over Titanates

MTiO₃ (M = Sr, Ca, Ba and Pb) catalysts were synthesized by polymeric precursor method and characterized by using various instrumental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TiO₂ were also synthesized by sol-gel method and used for the optimization of reaction parameters such as catalyst weight, dye concentration and pH in the photocatalytic degradation of reactive dyes such as reactive blue 198 (RB 198), reactive black 5 (RB 5) and reactive yellow 145 (RY 145) under UV irradiation. MTiO₃ (M = Sr, Ca, Ba and Pb) catalysts were evaluated towards the photocatalytic decolourization of RB 198, RB 5 and RY 145 under optimized reaction conditions. Among the different metal titanates, strontium titanate showed the highest decolourization (≈90%) of all the three reactive dyes under UV irradiation at 120 minutes and also found to be active under visible irradiation as it decolourises the dyes in about 450 minutes. The degradation rate of strontium titanate was monitored by TOC analyzer. Kinetic studies of the photocatalytic degradation of reactive dyes confirmed that the reaction followed the pseudo first order kinetics.

Fluorescent Biomolecules Capped ZnSe Quantum Dots and Their Photocatalytic Activities

The preparation of semiconductor Quantum Dots (QDs) with controllable size, shape and doping remains a biggest challenge, especially the size below 10 nm. To date, only scarce attempts have been made on the synthesis of ZnSe QDs using biomolecule-assisted hydrothermal approach. Hence the current research work examines the influence of some amino acids namely L-cysteine, methionine and tyrosine as stabilizing agents in the synthesis of ZnSe nanocrystals. The ZnSe QDs exhibited strong absorption and photoluminescence properties in the region from 200-600 nm. Spectroscopic and structural properties of the as-synthesized biomolecule-capped ZnSe QDs were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectrophotometer, FT-IR, fluorescence spectrophotometer, X-ray diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscope and EDX analysis. The stabilizing agents have played a crucial role in preparing ZnSe QDs and in determining the photoluminescence properties. The luminescence intensity was enhanced significantly when amino-acid-capped ZnSe QDs were illuminated by UV light compared to visible light. The as-synthesised ZnSe QDs were capable of effectively degrading an organic azo dye Azophlexin, under direct sunlight irradiation and exhibited good stability during photocatalytic experiments which can be attributed to the small size of amino acid capped ZnSe. The degradation mechanism is discussed. The absorbance and FT-IR measurements confirmed the biocompatibility and water-solubility of the pure ZnSe and capped ZnSe QDs.

Novel strategy for expression of authentic and bioactive human basic fibroblast growth factor in Bacillus subtilis

Inteins, also known as "protein introns," have been found to be present in many microbial species and widely employed for the expression and purification of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. However, interestingly, until now there has not been much information on the identification and application of inteins to protein expression in Bacillus subtilis. In this article, for the first time, despite the likelihood of absence of inteins in B. subtilis, this bacterium was shown to be able to facilitate auto-catalytic cleavages of fusions formed between inteins and recombinant proteins. Employing a construct expressing the intein, Ssp DnaB, (DnaB), which was fused at its N-terminus with the cellulose-binding domain (CellBD) of an endoglucanase encoded by the cenA gene of Cellulomonas fimi, the construct was demonstrated to be capable of mediating intracellular expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), followed by auto-processing of the CellBD-DnaB-bFGF fusion to result in bFGF possessing the 146-residue authentic structure. The mentioned fusion was shown to result in a high yield of 84 mg l^-1 of biologically active bFGF. Future work in improving the growth of B. subtilis may enable the use of this bacterium, working in cooperation with inteins, to result in a new platform for efficient expression of valuable proteins.

Maggot Infestation: Various Treatment Modalities

The invasion of the skin and subcutaneous tissue by the larvae (Maggot) is known as Maggot infestation. It was found that farmers who are working in agricultural fields are more prone to this infestation. A case of 60 year old male patient with ulceration on leg for 10 days which was initially smaller and later developed into a larger wound, due to maggot larvae. This case report illustrates the importance and method of treating this cutaneous myiasis.

Transoral endoscopic total thyroidectomy vestibular approach: A case series and literature review

Conventional open thyroidectomy is often associated with post-operative complications including nerve damage, voice disturbances, paraesthesias, adhesions and prominent scarring. Several endoscopic surgical techniques have been reported as alternatives to conventional thyroidectomy. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is a promising approach which leaves no scar, produces few complications and affords faster discharge from care. Several studies have explored its utility in total thyroidectomy in patients with benign or malignant thyroid disease. Herein, we present a case series on the successful application of transoral endoscopic total thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) in benign and malignant diseases of the thyroid. We performed TOETVA in 11 patients presenting with benign or malignant thyroid nodules in our hospital, between 1^st January 2015 and 30^th June 2016. The surgery was completed successfully in all patients with a pre-operative diagnosis of multinodular goitre. The surgery was performed under general anaesthesia and the mean operative time was 130 min. The mean blood loss was 2–3 cc. No incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, damage to mental nerve, parathyroid damage or peri-incisional adhesion occurred in the study participants. No visible scarring occurred in the patients following surgery. The patients had an uneventful recovery after the surgery and were discharged after 4 days. TOETVA is safe and effective in the surgical management of multinodular goitre and offers a scar-free alternative to conventional surgery.

The National Trust: A viable model of care for adults with intellectual disabilities in India

The longevity of people with intellectual disabilities is increasing in developing nations. However, developing nations lack a proper system of care for aging persons with intellectual disabilities. Until now the care has been provided by parents and relatives in the home environment in developing countries, but this scenario is also changing; therefore, there is a strong need to explore a plan of care for this population which is also feasible and replicable. The National Trust is an autonomous body of the Government of India which has developed a comprehensive plan of care for adults with intellectual disabilities. In this article, the National Trust is discussed using a socioecological model. The replicability and suitability of this model for other developing countries are discussed.

Coenurus cerebralis and its pathology in an organized farm of Tamil Nadu

Coenurosis is a disease of the central nervous system in sheep. A survey was carried out to assess the occurrence of Coenurus cerebralis in Madras red sheep. A prevalence rate of 12.30 % observed when 122 slaughtered Madras red sheep were examined in an organized farm during 2002 to 2007 at Livestock Research Station, Kattupakkam, Tamil Nadu, India. The skulls of the animals were opened to know the prevalence of Coenurus cyst in the brain. Out of 12.30 %, only 3.28 % sheep showed clinical signs while the remaining were apparently healthy (9.02 %). C. cerebralis cysts were observed in cerebrum, cerebellum and on spinal cord, averaging 66.67, 26.67 and 6.66 %, respectively. Among different age groups of sheep, highest infection rate was observed in rams (20.69 %) followed by ewes (10.00 %), young males (9.09 %) and young females (8.33 %). Males (17.50 %, 7/40) were more infected compared to the female sheep (9.76 %, 8/82). Grossly, ventral cerebrum was congested and depression in sulci was noticed. Posterior portion of the skull showed severe congestion and haemorrhage. Severe congestion was also noticed on the gyri of right cerebral hemisphere.

Identification of suitable housing system for dairy cattle in North East Zone of Tamil Nadu, India, with respect to microclimate

AIM

To identify the suitable roofing pattern for dairy cattle in North East Zone of Tamil Nadu, India, based on micro climatic conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, survey was conducted to identify and categorize the major housing patterns existing in the region for further detailed investigation. In total, 30 farmers/farms consisting of five housing types with six replicates were selected. Temperature and temperature humidity index (THI) were recorded using the maximum-minimum thermometer and digital thermo-hygrometers. The study was conducted for 1 year covering four seasons namely South West monsoon (June-August), North East monsoon (September-November), cold season (December-February), and summer season (April-May). The data were statistically analyzed using statistical package SPSS 17.

RESULTS

Animal shelters with cement sheets recorded the highest temperature (26.71±1.13°C) and THI (77.23±1.76) at 8.00 am, whereas the lowest temperature (24.83±1.17°C) and THI (74.54±1.72) were recorded in the thatched shed. There was significant difference (p<0.01) in temperature and THI at 8.00 am during South West monsoon and North East monsoon seasons between the housing types. During cold and summer seasons, there was no significant difference (p≥0.05) in the environmental variables among various shelter systems.

CONCLUSION

Thatched housing is found to be the suitable one with respect to the climatic variables, followed by tile roof and metal roof. The cement sheet roofed housing is found to be the most unsuitable one in the region for dairy cattle.

Photocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide by Using Bare and Copper Oxide Impregnated Nano Titania Catalysts

Synthesis of nano TiO2 has been done by sol–gel method. Various weight percentages (1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% w/w) of CuO were impregnated over titania. Physicochemical and instrumental characterization of all the catalysts confirmed the crystallinity, structure and morphology of titania and CuO supported titania. The bandgap value of TiO2 decreased from 3.22 eV to 2.82 eV with increase in the impregnation of CuO. Synthesized catalysts and TiO2 (Degussa P25) were evaluated towards the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide under UV irradiation (λ = 254 nm and 6 W). The reduction ability of the most active catalyst was also tested under visible irradiation and compared with that of bare titania. Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide yielded the products such as methanol, formic acid, formaldehyde and among them methanol was found to be the predominant product. Among the catalysts 3%CuO/TiO2 yielded the highest amount of methanol both at 8 hours and 20 hours of UV irradiation (1814 μmol/g cat and 4120 μmol/g cat respectively). Three times recycling the best catalyst (3%CuO/TiO2) yielded 3080 μmol of methanol per gram of the catalyst. The slight loss in catalytic activity is attributed to difficulty in recovering the catalyst. 3%CuO/TiO2 also yielded 408 μmol/g cat of methanol at under visible irradiation. This catalyst on complete reduction and partial oxidation yielded 3%Cu/TiO2 and 3%Cu2O/TiO2. Both reduced and partially oxidized catalysts showed less reduction ability of CO2 than 3%CuO/TiO2.

Intein mediated hyper-production of authentic human basic fibroblast growth factor in Escherichia coli

Human basic fibroblast growth factor is a functionally versatile but very expensive polypeptide. In this communication, employing a novel amplification method for the target gene and genetic optimization of a previously engineered expression construct, pWK3R, together with a refined fed-batch fermentation protocol, we report an achievement of a phenomenal yield of 610 mg/L of the 146 aa authentic human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in Escherichia coli. Construct pWK3R was first modified to form plasmid pWK311ROmpAd, which was devoid of the ompA leader sequence and possessed two copies of a DNA segment encoding a fusion product comprising an intein, Saccharomyces cerevisiae vascular membrane ATPase (VMA), and bFGF. When E. coli transformant JM101 [pWK311ROmpAd] was cultivated using the refined fed-batch fermentation protocol, superb expression resulting in a total yield of 610 mg/L of bFGF was detected. Despite existing in high levels, the bFGF remained to be soluble and highly bioactive.

Antioxidant & anticancer activities of isatin (1H-indole-2,3-dione), isolated from the flowers of Couroupita guianensis Aubl

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Derivatives of isatin are known to have cytotoxicity against human carcinoma cell lines. This compound therefore, has a potential to be used as a chemotherapeutic agent against cancer. This study was done to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of isatin, extracted from flower of a folklore medicinal plant Couroupita guianensis against human promylocytic leukemia (HL60) cells.

METHODS

Active fractions demonstrating anticancer and antioxidant activities were isolated from the extracts of shade-dried flowers of C. guianensis by bioassay guided fractionation. The free radical scavenging activity was determined using lipid peroxidation assay. Cytotoxicity against human promylocytic leukemia HL60 cells was determined by MTT assay. Apoptotic activity was analyzed by DNA fragmentation and flowcytometry.

RESULTS

Isatin isolated from the active fraction showed antioxidant activity with the EC(50) value of 72.80 μg/ml. It also exhibited cytotoxicity against human promylocytic leukemia HL60 cells in dose-dependant manner with the CC(50) value of 2.94 μg/ml. The isatin-treated cells underwent apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. Apoptosis was confirmed by the FACS analysis using FITC-annexin V markers.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Isatin showed antioxidant activity and was cytotoxic to the HL60 cells due to induction of apoptosis. The isatin can be further evaluated to be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent the free radical-induced cancer and as a chemotherapeutic agent to kill the cancer cells.

Formulation and evaluation of sustained release bioadhesive tablets of ofloxacin using 3(2) factorial design

BACKGROUND

Oral sustained release gastroretentive dosage forms offer many advantages for drugs having absorption from upper gastrointestinal tract and improve the bioavailability of medications that are characterized by narrow absorption window. The aim of current study was to design sustained release bioadhesive gastroretentive dosage form of ofloxacin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 3(2) full factorial design was employed to systematically study the drug release profile and bioadhesive strength. Carbopol 934P and HPMC K100M were selected as the independent variables. Compatibility between drug and polymer was tested by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and were evaluated for tablet characteristics, swelling study, adhesion strength, percent drug released, radiographic imaging study and stability study. The optimized formulation was then compared with marketed formulation (Oflin OD(®)).

RESULTS

Tablets prepared showed good tablet characteristics, optimum swelling property, and good adhesion strength with high detachment force. Most of the formulations including the optimized formulation followed Higuchi kinetics and the drug release mechanism was found to be anomalous. Radiographic image proved that tablet remains intact in its structural integrity and shape in stomach up to 24 h. The short-term accelerated stability testing was carried out for the optimized formulation, and results revealed that drug content, in-vitro dissolution and all other parameters were within acceptable limits.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the prepared bioadhesive gastroretentive ofloxacin tablet may prove to be a potential candidate which increases the bioavailability of ofloxacin for any intragastric condition.

Simultaneous determination of azathioprine and its metabolite 6-mercaptopurine in human plasma using solid phase extraction-evaporation and liquid chromatography–positive electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A simple, rapid, specific, sensitive and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrophotometric method was developed and validated for the estimation of azathioprine and its metabolite 6-mercaptopurine in human plasma by using lamivudine and 6-mercaptopurine D3 as the internal standard. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine were extracted from human plasma by solid-phase extraction (SPE)-Evaporation method, using Oasis MCX cartridge for cleaning procedure. The stationary phase was chromatographed on a ZORBAX SB CN, (75X50 mm, 5 µ) column where as mobile phase constitutes of acetonitrile: 2mM ammonium acetate (70:30 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.800 ml/min. The detection was performed with an Applied Biosystems Sciex API 4000 mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The method validation proofs were carried out as per the USFDA guidelines as described, showing a linearity system (r2 > 0.99) over a range of 2.455 ng/mL to 106.568 ng/mL for azathioprine and 1.165 ng/mL to 101.143 ng/mL concentrations for 6-mercaptopurine and a recovery shows 99.36% and 100.44% for azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine respectively. The results show that this proposed approach is effective and can be applied to the extraction and analysis of other pharmaceutical compounds.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i11.12059 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(11): 342-352