Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Dihydropyridine and Pyridine Analogs as Potent Human Tissue Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Inhibitors with Anticancer Activity: ROS and DNA Damage-Induced Apoptosis

Small molecules with nitrogen-containing scaffolds have gained much attention due to their biological importance in the development of new anticancer agents. The present paper reports the synthesis of a library of new dihydropyridine and pyridine analogs with diverse pharmacophores. All compounds were tested against the human tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (h-TNAP) enzyme. Most of the compounds showed excellent enzyme inhibition against h-TNAP, having IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.49 ± 0.025 to 8.8 ± 0.53 µM, which is multi-fold higher than that of the standard inhibitor (levamisole = 22.65 ± 1.60 µM) of the h-TNAP enzyme. Furthermore, an MTT assay was carried out to evaluate cytotoxicity against the HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Among the analogs, the most potent dihydropyridine-based compound 4d was selected to investigate pro-apoptotic behavior. The further analysis demonstrated that compound 4d played a significant role in inducing apoptosis through multiple mechanisms, including overproduction of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damaging, and arrest of the cell cycle at the G1 phase by inhibiting CDK4/6. The apoptosis-inducing effect of compound 4d was studied through staining agents, microscopic, and flow cytometry techniques. Detailed structure–activity relationship (SAR) and molecular docking studies were carried out to identify the core structural features responsible for inhibiting the enzymatic activity of the h-TNAP enzyme. Moreover, fluorescence emission studies corroborated the binding interaction of compound 4d with DNA through a fluorescence titration experiment.

Fluorescein based fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for sensitive detection of TNP explosive in aqueous medium: Application of logic gate

Rapid detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in real samples has recently attained considerable attention from the perspective of national security, human health, and environmental safety. In this context, cost-effective and convenient detection of TNP explosive was accomplished through two new fluorescein based sensors F2 and F3. Sensors displayed effective fluorescence quenching response towards TNP in the aqueous medium. Highly sensitive fluorescence detection of TNP explosive (detection limit, 0.73 (F2) and 1.7 nM (F3)) was governed by ground-state charge transfer complex formation, facilitated by favorable H-bonding between sensor and TNP explosive. Fluorescence quenching mechanism for the detection of TNP explosive was investigated through UV-Visible absorption, dynamic light scattering (DLS), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the Benesi-Hildebrand, and Job's plots. Advantageously, sensors displayed selective and immediate colorimetric recognition of TNP explosive. Importantly, sensors exhibited quick response time towards TNP even in the presence of potential interferences that make them highly suitable for practical applications. Sensors were successfully applied for fluorescent and colorimetric detection of TNP explosive in industrial water samples and fabrication of logic gates. Further, convenient contact mode and instant surface sensing of TNP explosive were achieved through the fabrication of fluorescent strips and explosive responsive test kits.

Fluorenone-Based Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensors for Selective Detection of I- Ions: Applications in HeLa Cell Imaging and Logic Gate

Fluorenone-based fluorescent and colorimetric sensors 1 and 2 have been developed that displayed selective detection of iodide ions in the presence of interferences. Sensors displayed the fluorescence emission enhancement response toward I^- with detection limits of 8.0 and 11.0 nM, respectively, which is accomplished through inhibition of intramolecular charge transfer and C=N isomerization. Excellent sensitivity and unique fluorescence enhancement response of sensors toward I^- make them superior because most of the previously reported iodide sensors are based on the fluorescence quenching mechanism and are less sensitive. The sensing potential of sensors toward I^- ions was investigated through ¹H NMR titration, dynamic light scattering, Job's plots, and density functional theory analysis. Further, sensors displayed reversible behavior by the alternate addition of I^- and Cu²⁺ ions that substantiate their role as recyclable sensors for the on-site detection of I^- ions. Advantageously, fluorescence enhancement response of sensors was favorably used for fluorescence imaging of I^- in live HeLa cells and the design of the logic gate. These sensors were successfully applied in diversified applications such as the preparation of sensors' coated paper strips and the determination of I^- ions in blood serum, food, and real water samples.

Fluorene-Based Fluorometric and Colorimetric Conjugated Polymers for Sensitive Detection of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol Explosive in Aqueous Medium

Nitroaromatic explosives are a class of compounds that are responsible for various health hazards and terrorist outrages. Among these, sensitive detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) explosive has always been highly desirable considering public health and national security. In this regard, three fluorene-based conjugated polymers (CP 1, CP 2, and CP 3) were synthesized through the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction and were found to be highly sensitive for fluorescence detection of TNP with detection limits of 3.2, 5.7, and 6.1 pM, respectively. Excellent selectivity of CPs toward TNP was attributed to their unique π-π interactions based on fluorescence studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The high sensitivity of CPs to TNP was attributed to the static quenching mechanism based on the photoinduced electron transfer process and was evaluated by fluorescence, UV-visible absorption, dynamic light scattering, Job's plots, the Benesi-Hildebrand plots, and DFT calculations. CPs were also used for colorimetric and real-water sample analysis for the detection of TNP explosive. Meanwhile, sensor-coated test strips were fabricated for on-site detection of TNP, which makes them convenient solid-supported sensors.

Synthesis and Tetraphenylethylene-Based Aggregation-Induced Emission Probe for Rapid Detection of Nitroaromatic Compounds in Aqueous Media

Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) can be used to construct fluorescent probes with typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior for next-generation sensing applications. McMurry coupling and Suzuki cross coupling strategies provided the desired sensor thiophene-substituted tetraphenylethylene (THTPE). The synthesized TPE analogues were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Maximum AIE of THTPE was observed in 90% water (H2O/THF) content due to extensive formation of aggregates. The AIE properties of THTPE have been utilized for facile detection of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) (1.0 nM) through a fluorescence quenching mechanism. A paper strip adsorbed with the AIE-based THTPE fluorophore is developed for rapid and convenient detection of NAC-based analytes. Further, interaction of THTPE with analytes is also studied via Gaussian software at the DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. Interaction energy, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), and non-covalent interaction (NCI) analyses are studied by using the same method. Computational results revealed that nitrobenzene (NB) has the strongest interaction while 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB) exhibits the least interaction with the sensor molecule. These computational results clearly demonstrate good agreement with experimental data.

Synthesis and α-glucosidase inhibition studies of norfloxacin-acetanilide hybrids

α-Glucosidase inhibitors occupy a prominent position among the various treatments of type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). In this study, a series of new norfloxacin-acetanilide hybrid molecules were synthesized and screened for α-glucosidase inhibition activity. The synthetic methodology involves the synthesis of a series of α-bromoacetanilides by condensing bromoacetyl bromide with various substituted anilines. These α-bromoacetanilides were coupled with norfloxacin in DMF to get the titled hybrids. The structure elucidation of synthesized compounds were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and LC-MS. Finally, the compounds were screened for their α-glucosidase inhibition activity using acarbose as a reference drug (IC₅₀ =58 μM). Among the tested compounds, 3i and 3j displayed potent α-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC₅₀ values of 7.81±0.038 and 5.55±0.012 μM respectively. In-addition, 3m, 3f and 3k were demonstrated moderate alpha-glucosidase inhibition activities with IC₅₀ values of 52.905±0.041, 23.79± 0.087 and 23.06±0.026 μM respectively. The structure-activity relationship was established with the help of molecular docking by using Molecular Operating Environment software (MOE 2014).

Quinazolinones as Competitive Inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase-II (Human and Bovine): Synthesis, in-vitro, in-silico, Selectivity, and Kinetics Studies

Carbonic anhydrase-II (CA-II) is associated with glaucoma, malignant brain tumors, and renal, gastric, and pancreatic carcinomas and is mainly involved in the regulation of the bicarbonate concentration in the eyes. CA-II inhibitors can be used to reduce the intraocular pressure usually associated with glaucoma. In search of potent CA-II inhibitors, a series of quinazolinones derivatives (4a-p) were synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The inhibitory potential of all the compounds was evaluated against bovine carbonic anhydrase-II (bCA-II) and human carbonic anhydrase-II (hCA-II), and compounds displayed moderate to significant inhibition with IC50 values of 8.9-67.3 and 14.0-59.6 μM, respectively. A preliminary structure-activity relationship suggested that the presence of a nitro group on the phenyl ring at R position contributes significantly to the overall activity. Kinetics studies of the most active inhibitor, 4d, against both bCA-II and hCA-II were performed to investigate the mode of inhibition and to determine the inhibition constants (Ki). According to the kinetics results, 4d is a competitive inhibitor of bCA-II and hCA-II with Ki values of 13.0 ± 0.013 and 14.25 ± 0.017 μM, respectively. However, the selectivity index reflects that the compounds 4g and 4o are more selective for hCA-II. The binding mode of these compounds within the active sites of bCA-II and hCA-II was investigated by structure-based molecular docking. The docking results are in complete agreement with the experimental findings.

GW190521: A Binary Black Hole Merger with a Total Mass of 150 M_{⊙}

On May 21, 2019 at 03:02:29 UTC Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo observed a short duration gravitational-wave signal, GW190521, with a three-detector network signal-to-noise ratio of 14.7, and an estimated false-alarm rate of 1 in 4900 yr using a search sensitive to generic transients. If GW190521 is from a quasicircular binary inspiral, then the detected signal is consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses of 85_{-14}^{+21}  M_{⊙} and 66_{-18}^{+17}  M_{⊙} (90% credible intervals). We infer that the primary black hole mass lies within the gap produced by (pulsational) pair-instability supernova processes, with only a 0.32% probability of being below 65  M_{⊙}. We calculate the mass of the remnant to be 142_{-16}^{+28}  M_{⊙}, which can be considered an intermediate mass black hole (IMBH). The luminosity distance of the source is 5.3_{-2.6}^{+2.4}  Gpc, corresponding to a redshift of 0.82_{-0.34}^{+0.28}. The inferred rate of mergers similar to GW190521 is 0.13_{-0.11}^{+0.30}  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}.

Design and syntheses of 7-nitro-2-aryl-4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-4-ones as potent anticancer and antioxidant agents

A group of new nitro substituted benzoxazinones (3a-k) were synthesized from easily available 4-nitroanthranilic acid. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic potential of all the synthesized compounds (3a-k) was evaluated by MTT and Hoechst 33258 staining assay respectively whereas their antioxidant properties were determined via DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The most active compounds (3a, 3c and 3k) showed significant cytotoxic potential against HeLa cells with an inhibition of cell viability that ranged between 28.54 and 44.67% (P < 0.001). Albeit statistically different, the anti-proliferative effect of 3c was in close match with that of the reference drug doxorubicin. Likewise, the test compounds showed profound pro-apoptotic potential with an apoptotic index that ranged between 52.86 and 75.61%. Besides, the docking studies revealed a higher efficiency for compounds (3a and 3h) owing to their better affinity and inhibition constant (K_i = 4.397 and 3.713 nmol) respectively. The antioxidant potential of synthesized benzoxazinones (3a-k) was in close agreement with the experimental anticancer results with a percent inhibition from 34.45 to 85.93% as compared to standard (90.56%).

Synthesis, evaluation of thymidine phosphorylase and angiogenic inhibitory potential of ciprofloxacin analogues: Repositioning of ciprofloxacin from antibiotic to future anticancer drugs

Over expression of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in various human tumors compared to normal healthy tissue is associated with progression of cancer and proliferation. The 2-deoxy-d-ribose is the final product of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) catalyzed reaction. Both TP and 2-deoxy-d-ribose are known to promote unwanted angiogenesis in cancerous cells. Discovery of potent inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) can offer appropriate approach in cancer treatment. A series of ciprofloxacin 2, 3a-3c, 4a-4d, 5a-5b, 6 and 7 has been synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Afterwards, inhibitory potential of synthesized ciprofloxacin 2, 3a-3c, 4a-4d, 5a-5b, 6 and 7 against thymidine phosphorylase enzyme was assessed. Out of these twelve analogs of ciprofloxacin nine analogues 3a-3c, 4a-4c, 5a-5b and 6 showed good inhibitory activity against thymidine phosphorylase. Inhibitory activity as presented by their IC₅₀ values was found in the range of 39.71 ± 1.13 to 161.89 ± 0.95 μM. The 7-deazaxanthine was used as a standard inhibitor with IC₅₀ = 37.82 ± 0.93 μM. Furthermore, the chick chorionic allantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to investigate anti-angiogenic activity of the most active ciprofloxacin-based inhibitor 3b. To enlighten the important binding interactions of ciprofloxacin derivatives with target enzyme, the structure activity relationship and molecular docking studies of chosen ciprofloxacin analogues was discussed. Docking studies revealed key π-π stacking, π-cation and hydrogen bonding interactions of ciprofloxacin analogues with active site residues of thymidine phosphorylase enzyme.

Synthesis, molecular docking and anti-diabetic studies of novel benzimidazole-pyrazoline hybrid molecules

Pyrazoline and benzimidazoles derivatives have been widely studied due to their potential applications in the medicinal field. In this research project, we have hybridized these two heterocyclic systems in the same molecule. A new series of compounds, 2-((3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (5a-i) were synthesized through a multistep reaction. In the first step, chalcones 3a-i were prepared by coupling of various acetophenones and benzaldehydes under alkaline conditions. These chalcones were cyclized with hydrazine hydrate to form a series of pyrazolines which were finally coupled with 2-chloromethyl-1H-benzimidazole to get a new series of titled hybrid molecules. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectral (1H NMR and 13C NMR) analysis. The anti-diabetic potential of these compounds was studied by screening them for their α-glucosidase inhibition activity. The SAR was established through molecular docking analysis. Compound 5d appeared as effective inhibitor with IC₅₀ = 50.06μM as compared to reference drug (acarbose) having IC₅₀ = 58.8μM.

A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy

Introduction

Fluid therapy in critically ill patients, especially timing and fluid choice, is controversial. Previous randomized trials produced conflicting results. This observational study evaluated the effect of colloid use on 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (RIFLE F) within the Rational Fluid Therapy in Asia (RaFTA) registry in intensive care units.

Materials and methods

RaFTA is a prospective, observational study in Asian intensive care unit (ICU) patients focusing on fluid therapy and related outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for increased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results

Twenty-four study centers joined the RaFTA registry and collected 3,187 patient data sets from November 2011 to September 2012. A follow-up was done 90 days after ICU admission. For 90-day mortality, significant risk factors in the overall population were sepsis at admission (OR 2.185 [1.799; 2.654], p < 0.001), cumulative fluid balance (OR 1.032 [1.018; 1.047], p < 0.001), and the use of vasopressors (OR 3.409 [2.694; 4.312], p < 0.001). The use of colloids was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.655 [0.478; 0.900], p = 0.009). The initial colloid dose was not associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 1.094 [0.754; 1.588], p = 0.635).

Conclusion

RaFTA adds the important finding that colloid use was not associated with increased 90-day mortality or AKI after adjustment for baseline patient condition.

Clinical significance

Early resuscitation with colloids showed potential mortality benefit in the present analysis. Elucidating these findings may be an approach for future research.

How to cite this article

Jacob M, Sahu S, Singh YP, Mehta Y, Yang K-Y, Kuo S-W, et al. A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1028–1036.

Technetium-99m radiolabeling and biological study of epirubicin for in vivo imaging of multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections via single photon emission computed tomography

The development of functional imaging is a promising strategy for diagnosis and treatment of infectious and cancerous diseases. In this study, epirubicin was developed as a [^99m Tc]-labeled radiopharmaceutical for the imaging of multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. The labeling was carried out using sodium pertechnetate (Na^99m TcO₄ ; ~370 MBq). The other parameters such as amount of ligand, reducing agent (SnCl₂ .2H₂ O), and pH were optimized. The highest labeling yield ≥96.98% was achieved when 0.3 mg epirubicin, 13 μg SnCl₂ .2H₂ O, and ~370 MBq Na^99m TcO₄ were incubated at pH 7 for 15 min in the presence of ascorbic acid at room temperature. Radiochemical purity, stability, charge, and glomerular filtration rate were studied to evaluate the biological compatibility for in vivo administration. Biodistribution investigations showed radiotracer uptake (13.89 ± 1.56% ID/gm organ) by liver and 7.79 ± 0.38% ID/gm organ by kidneys at 30 min post-injection which promisingly wash out at 24 hr post-injection. Scintigraphy study showed selective uptake in S. aureus-infected tissues in contrast to turpentine oil-induced inflamed tissues. Target-to-non-target ratio (6.7 ± 0.05) was calculated at 1 hr post-injection using SPECT gamma camera. The results of this study reveal that the [^99m Tc]-epirubicin can be a choice of imaging and monitoring the treatment process of multi-drug resistant S. aureus bacterial infections.

Synthetic approaches toward stilbenes and their related structures

Compounds belonging to the stilbene family have gained remarkable significance in pharmaceutical as well as material chemistry. The current review covers the various synthetic approaches for the syntheses of stilbene scaffold and related structures over last 30 years. In addition, this review also highlights the role of stilbene intermediates used in the synthesis of important molecules with diverse applications in the field of pharmaceutics and material science.

Compositional difference in antioxidant and antibacterial activity of all parts of the Carica papaya using different solvents

BACKGROUND

Carica papaya is a well known medicinal plant used in the West and Asian countries to cope several diseases. Patients were advised to eat papaya fruit frequently during dengue fever epidemic in Pakistan by physicians. This study was conducted to establish Polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant potential profile of extracts of all major parts of the C. papaya with seven major solvents i.e. water, ethanol, methanol, n-butanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane.

RESULTS

TPC, TFC, antioxidant and antibacterial potential were determined using different aqueous and organic solvents in addition to the determination of trace element in leaves, pulp and peel of C. papaya. Total soluble phenolics and flavonoids were found in promising quantity (≈66 mg GAE/g) especially in case of methanol and ethanol extracts. Antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging assay indicated leaves, bark, roots and pulp extracts showed >75.0 % scavenging potential while leaves and pulp showed 84.9 and 80.9 % inhibition of peroxidation, respectively. Reducing power assay showed leaves, pulp and roots extracts active to reduce Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) ions. The antibacterial study showed pulp extract is the best to cope infectious action of bacteria.

CONCLUSION

This study was conducted to test the medicinal profile of all parts of C. papaya by extracting secondary metabolites with organic and aqueous solvents. Ethanol and methanol both were found to be the best solvents of choice to extract natural products to get maximum medicinal benefits and could be used to medicinal formulation against different infectious diseases.Graphical abstractMedicinal evaluation of different parts of C. papaya.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis Linn flower extracts

Antioxidant and antibacterial potential of different solvent extracts of locally grown Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was assessed by estimation of total flavonoids contents, total phenolic contents, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and percentage inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation capacity. Agar disc diffusion method was used to assess antibacterial potential of crude extract of H. rosa-sinensis. The yield of the crude extracts (23.21 ± 3.67 and 18.36 ± 2.98% in 80% methanol and ethanol solvents was calculated, respectively. Methanol and ethanol extract of H. rosa-sinensis showed total phenolics 61.45 ± 3.23 and 59.31 ± 4.31 mg/100g as gallic acid equivalent, total flavonoids 53.28 ± 1.93 and 32.25±1.21 mg/100g as catechine equivalent, DPPH free radical scavenging activity 75.46±4.67 and 64.98 ± 2.11% and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation potential 75.8 ±3.22 and 61.6 ± 2.01% respectively, was measured. Antibacterial study against three human pathogens such as staphlococus sp. Bacillus sp. and Escherichia coli showed growth inhibitory effect in the range of 12.75 ± 1.17 to 16.75 ± 2.10 mm. These results showed H. rosa-sinensis indigenous to Kallar Kahar and its allied areas bear promising medicinal values and could be used for developing herbal medicines to target oxidative stress and infectious diseases.

Design and Synthesis of New Dual Binding Site Cholinesterase Inhibitors: in vitro Inhibition Studies with in silico Docking

Cholinesterases (ChEs) play a vital role in the regulation of cholinergic transmission. The inhibition of ChEs is considered to be involved in increasing acetylcholine level in the brain and thus has been implicated in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. We have designed and synthesized a series of novel indole derivatives and screened them for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Most of the tested compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE. Among them 4f and 6e showed the highest AChE inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ 91.21±0.06 and 68.52±0.04 μM, respectively. However compound 5a exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against BChE (IC₅₀ 55.21±0.12 μM).

Novel indium-111 labeled gastrin peptide analogues (MG-CL1-4): synthesis and quality control

Radiolabeled neuropeptides are widely investigated to diagnose and therapy of tumors. These peptides get internalization after binding with particular receptors at the surface of cells and finally move to lysosome. Internalization into tumor cells helps in mapping the infected site. Minigastrin peptide analogues (MG-CL1-4) were synthesised and labeled with 111-In radioisotope under different sets of conditions for imaging CCk-2 receptor bearing tumors. Different parameters such as temperature (80-100°C), pH (4-12), incubation time (5-30 minutes) and dilution effect were investigated to get the maximum labeling yield and stability. The results indicated that MG-CL1-4 is successfully labeled with indium-111 at pH 4.5 with heating at 98°C for 15 minute. At these conditions i.e. heating, pH and incubation minimum oxidized and maximum labeling yield, more than 94 %, was obtained. The labeling stability was studied by incubating the radiolabeled complex for predefined time points in PBSA and blood serum. Results show that more than 90% radiolabeled MG-CL1-4 remained intact.

Induction of labour with vaginal prostaglandin tablet vs gel

The objective of this study was to compare outcomes in women whose labour was induced with vaginal prostaglandin E2 tablets with those induced with prostaglandin gel. We compared outcomes of induction during two audits conducted in 2005 (PGE2 gel) and 2009 (PGE2 tablets). We found that there was no difference in induction rates; 21% in 2005 and 24% in 2009. The recommended dose of prostaglandin E2 was exceeded in 6% and 17% of women induced with gel and tablets, respectively (p=0.007). There was a difference in use of syntocinon to augment uterine contractions, 39% vs 58% for women induced with gel and tablets, respectively (p=0.001). There was no difference in overall operative delivery, 37% in gel and 38% in tablets. There was no difference in the proportion of women who had vaginal birth within 24 h; 50% vs 42% for gel and tablet, respectively (p=0.187). We conclude that compared to prostaglandin gel, women who received prostaglandin tablets were more likely to require syntocinon to augment contractions.

Study of betasatellite molecule from leaf curl disease of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) in India

Leaves of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) showing geminiviral symptoms were collected from Lucknow, India during rainy season in 2008. DNA template isolated from the symptomatic leaf tissues were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers to amplify coat protein (CP) gene of DNA-A as well as betasatellite DNA associated with the leaf curl disease. CP gene showed 97% sequence identity with that of Cotton leaf curl Burewala virus (CLCuBwV). Further, the betasatellite DNA molecule revealed sequence similarity with previously characterized betasatellite DNA of begomoviruses affecting malvaceous crops from different regions of India and Pakistan. Maximum similarity (>90%) of betasatellite DNA under study was observed with Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB-[Pak: Mul17:08) and other betasatellite DNA from Pakistan thus confirming possible infection of C. juncea with begomovirus. A complementary sense open reading frame (ORF) βC1 is present at nucleotide position 194-550. Sequence comparison of this ORF with other members of begomoviruses further confirmed association of a begomovirus with C. juncea. The betasatellite DNA when expressed under the control of CaMV35S promoter Nicotiana tabacum, showed leaf deformities. Our results demonstrated that a malvaceous betasatellite is adapted by a nonmalvaceous host and causes similar disease symptoms.

Purification and characterization of polynucleotide phosphorylase from cucumber

Polynucleotide phosphorylase (polyribonucleotide:orthophosphate nucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.8) activity has been found in many prokaryotes and studied in detail since 1955. Such enzymes have been detected also in plants. We now describe the purification of polynucleotide phosphorylase from cucumber cotyledons and leaves. This enzyme is a complex of three subunits, possibly not identical, of about M(r) 50,000. Its enzymatic properties are similar to those of the tobacco enzyme. Unlike the prokaryotic enzymes, the plant enzyme shows activity in the absence of primer but is to various extents stimulated by various ribopolynucleotides or RNAs. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, not previously shown to exist in non-virus-infected cucumber, has been found to be present at a low level and was separated from the much greater amount of polynucleotide phosphorylase, although some of the physical properties of the two enzymes are rather similar.