Optimized expression and purification of a human adenosine deaminase in E. coli and characterization of its Asp8Asn variant

Homo sapiens adenosine deaminase isoform 1 (HsADA1) hydrolyzes adenosine and 2-deoxyadenosine as a key step in the purine nucleoside salvage pathway. Some HsADA1 mutations have severe deleterious effects, as is the case in a severe combined immunodeficiency resulting from loss of enzyme activity (ADA-SCID). Other mutations that reduce enzyme activity, for instance the Asp8Asn (D8N) variant, do not cause ADA-SCID but are correlated with other consequences to health. To ease further study of HsADA1 and its variants, we optimized an inexpensive, recombinant expression process in an Escherichia coli host through multiplexed parameter testing enabled by a lysate-based microtiter plate assay. We demonstrate the importance of gene codon usage, induction time and temperature, and alcohol supplementation towards improving enzyme yield to a final titer of 5 mg per liter of culture. We further show that use of a double-histidine-tag (his-tag) system greatly improves purity. We then utilize our expression and purification framework to produce the HsADA1 D8N variant, which had previously not been purified to homogeneity. We confirm that the D8N variant is ∼30% less active than the wildtype HsADA1 and show that it better retains its activity in human serum. Additionally, we show that both HsADA1 and the D8N variant have heightened activity in serum, driven in part by a previously undescribed phenomenon involving albumin. Therefore, this work presents a valuable process to produce HsADA1 that allows for insights into it and its variants' behavior. We also confirm the utility of lysate-based activity assays towards finding optimal E. coli expression conditions for enzymes and show how fusing his-tags in tandem can enhance product purity.

Modulation of the tumor microenvironment by armed vesicular stomatitis virus in a syngeneic pancreatic cancer model

Background

The immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a major factor that limits the benefits of immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint blockade. One viable strategy for reverting the immunosuppressive conditions is the use of an oncolytic virus (OV) in combination with other immunotherapy approaches. Infection of PDAC cells with a robust OV can change the tumor microenvironment and increase tumor antigen release by its lytic activities. These changes in the tumor may improve responses to immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade. However, a more potent OV may be required for efficiently infecting pancreatic tumors that may be resistant to OV.

Methods

Vesicular stomatitis virus, a rapid replicating OV, was armed to express the Smac protein during virus infection (VSV-S). Adaptation by limited dilution largely increased the selective infection of pancreatic cancer cells by VSV-S. The engineered OV was propagated to a large quantity and evaluated for their antitumor activities in an animal model.

Results

In a syngeneic KPC model, intratumoral injection of VSV-S inhibited tumor growth, and induced increasing tumor infiltration of neutrophils and elimination of myeloid derived suppressor cells and macrophages in the tumor. More importantly, M2-like macrophages were eliminated preferentially over those with an M1 phenotype. Reduced levels of arginase 1, TGF-β and IL-10 in the tumor also provided evidence for reversion of the immunosuppressive conditions by VSV-S infection. In several cases, tumors were completely cleared by VSV-S treatment, especially when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy. A long-term survival of 44% was achieved.

Conclusions

The improved OV, VSV-S, was shown to drastically alter the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment when intratumorally injected. Our results suggest that the combination of potent OV treatment with immune checkpoint blockade may be a promising strategy to treat pancreatic cancer more effectively.

Hydrochemistry and Application of GIS in Groundwater Quality in Nagalapura Taluk, Bellary District, Karnataka, India

The assessment of groundwater quality is essential for the conservation of natural resources. Hence, this study aims to assess the hydrochemistry of groundwater in and around the Nagalapura Taluk in Bellary district, Karnataka, India. The groundwater quality variables are mapped using a Geographic Information System (GIS). For the hypothesis, the mean value of ten groundwater quality variables was obtained from 50 bore well samples (2016-2018). To assess the lead ions and type of water, the USSL, SAR, and Na% were measured. Ionic ratio and Gibbs graphs were used to demonstrate the chemical reactions in the water samples. ArcGIS was used for spatial analysis of the quality variables. The results showed the order of Cl- > SO42- > HCO3- with water types Na+-Cl- and Cl-, and the order of Na+ > Mg++ > Ca++ > K+ with Na+ and Mg++ as the dominant anion and cation, respectively. The hydrochemistry of groundwater is determined by the geological structure in 64 percent of the water samples examined. The Wilcox diagram shows that no-alkali exposure to the crops is expected. Forty one samples (82%) fit within the C3-S1 group; this category is fit for irrigational needs. Only 01 and 03 samples showed maximum SAR during two seasons like pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The maps showed that groundwater in the selected sites is usually of higher quality, whereas the presence of dolomite indicates a reduction in water quality.

Curcumin to inhibit binding of spike glycoprotein to ACE2 receptors: computational modelling, simulations, and ADMET studies to explore curcuminoids against novel SARS-CoV-2 targets

The significant role of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 drug targets to thwart virus replication and binding into the host system using the computational biology paradigm approach.

Agile and cost-effective ultrasonic module for people with visual impairment using a headphone jack: Implications for enhancing mobility aids

Over 80% of the world’s people with visual impairment are living in countries which are financially dire. And over 50% of them are above the age of 50 years. The need for a system or of technology that would enable this sector of people to perceive the world in much the same way as the rest of us is imminent. The article presents a novel way to eliminate the use of data acquisition system (DAQ) systems/micro-controllers by incorporating a headphone jack. With the aid of a headphone jack, a cost-effective wearable ultrasonic module that would enable people with visual impairment to virtually see is implemented. Unlike conventional walking canes or its derivatives that do not offer effective feedback, the ingenuity in the proposed module is that it offers audible feedback to the user. The ultrasonic sensor is coupled with the headphone jack and the output of the sensor is relayed to the earphones with the help of a free mobile app (Mic To Speaker). This substantially reduces the cost of the module (since no DAQs/micro-controllers are used) and the processing needed as well.

Chirp Z transform based enhanced frequency resolution for depth resolvable non stationary thermal wave imaging

This paper proposes a novel post processing modality to enhance depth resolution in frequency modulated thermal wave imaging using chirp Z transform. It explores the spectral zooming feature of the proposed modality to enhance depth resolution and validates it through the experimentation carried over a carbon fiber reinforced plastic and mild steel specimens. Further, defect detection capability of the proposed modality has been compared with that of the other contemporary modalities by taking the defect signal to noise ratio into consideration.

Regulation of pluripotency and differentiation by deubiquitinating enzymes

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of stemness-related proteins are essential for stem cell maintenance and differentiation. In stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, PTM of stemness-related proteins is tightly regulated because the modified proteins execute various stem cell fate choices. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination, which regulate protein turnover of several stemness-related proteins, must be carefully coordinated to ensure optimal embryonic stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which specifically disassemble ubiquitin chains, are a central component in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These enzymes often control the balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination. To maintain stemness and achieve efficient differentiation, the ubiquitination and deubiquitination molecular switches must operate in a balanced manner. Here we summarize the current information on DUBs, with a focus on their regulation of stem cell fate determination and deubiquitinase inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of using DUBs with defined stem cell transcription factors to enhance cellular reprogramming efficiency and cell fate conversion. Our review provides new insight into DUB activity by emphasizing their cellular role in regulating stem cell fate. This role paves the way for future research focused on specific DUBs or deubiquitinated substrates as key regulators of pluripotency and stem cell differentiation.

Expression of bovine interleukin 15 and evaluation of its biological activity in vitro

BACKGROUND/AIM

Recent studies have shown that interleukin-15 (IL-15)is a critical factor for the development and proliferation of CD8(+) memory T cells. The aim of present study is to study the role bovine IL-15 (bIL-15)in activation pathway of bovine CD8(+) T cells if any, which will be useful in designing the adjuvant to increase the duration of immunity of the vaccine preparations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Coding region of bIL-15 (489) was amplified from cDNA of lipopolysaccharide-induced bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using gene specific primers and cloned into pcDNA3.1(+). Mature length of bIL-15 was amplified using gene specific primers and cloned into pET32a for expression studies. Expressed fusion protein was purified using Ni-Nitrilotriacetic acid agarose affinity chromatography and analyzed by SDS-Polyacryamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and western blotting. Biological activity of purified protein was analyzed by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for an increase in levels of Bcl2, STAT3 and STAT5a using cDNA synthesized from RNA of PBMCs induced with different concentrations of purified bIL-15. Role of IL-15 in inducing memory CD8(+) T cells was analyzed by qPCR for increase in the level of Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase 1a (CPT1a) using cDNA synthesized from RNA of PBMCs induced with different concentrations of purified bIL-15.

RESULTS

Bovine IL-15 was amplified and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, which showed a specific product of ~490bp, mature sequence was amplified using full-length as a template to get a product of ~350bp. The protein was expressed, purified and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, which showed a specific product of 32kDa. Biological activity of purified bIL-15 fusion protein showed an increase in levels of Bcl2, STAT3 and STAT5a with 5 fold, 9 fold, and 10 fold increases as analyzed by qPCR, respectively. Role of IL-15 in inducing memory T cells showed an increase in expression level of CPT1a at 2.5 fold increase as compared to control cells.

CONCLUSION

Bovine IL-15 has been successfully cloned and expressed in our work, and the biological activity shows that the purified fusion protein is biologically active. As there is an increase in levels of CPT1a an enzyme critical for survival of memory T cells, IL-15 can be used for increase in the memory response, which can be used as an adjuvant with viral vaccines for increasing the immunity.

Primary Parotid Lymphoma From A Regional Cancer Center in South India

Primary parotid lymphoma (PPL) is an unusual entity and there is limited data in Indian population. Hence we undertook this retrospective observational study of primary parotid lymphoma at our Center in Southern India. This study includes 7 consecutive cases diagnosed as PPL by tissue biopsy/superficial/deep parotidectomy confirmed by immunohistochemistry between January 2007 and December 2012.

RESULTS

Median age was 54 years (range 29- 78 years), and it was more common in males. According to Ann Arbor stage, Advanced stage (stage III and IV) was seen in 2 (28.57%). According to the International Prognostic Index (IPI), most (6) were low risk (85.7%). Overall survival ranged from 1-45 months with median OS of 18 months. To conclude, PPL presents more often in early stage and low IPI score. Surgery +/- chemoimmunotherapy with radiotherapy to the parotid is the standard treatment at present.

Spectroscopic features of Ni(2+) ion in PbO-Bi2O3-SiO2 glass system

Glasses of the composition (30-x)PbO-5Bi2O3-65SiO2: xNiO (with x ranging from 0 to 1.0 mol%) were synthesized. A variety of spectroscopic studies, viz., IR, Raman optical absorption and luminescence properties of these glasses have been carried out as a function of NiO concentration. The analysis of results of all these studies has indicated that the nickel ions occupy both octahedral and tetrahedral positions. However, with the increase of NiO concentration the octahedral occupancy of Ni(2+) ions prevailed over the tetrahedral ions. The luminescence spectra of these glasses have exhibited a broad NIR emission band in region 1100-1500 nm. This band is identified as being due to (3)T2(3F)→(3)A2(3F) octahedral transition of Ni(2+) ions. The luminescence efficiency and cross section have been found to be the highest for the glass containing the highest concentration of NiO. The reasons for such high luminescence efficiency have been discussed in the light of structural variations taking place in the host glass network.

In vitro studies on medicinal plants used against bacterial diabetic foot ulcer (BDFU) and urinary tract infected (UTI) causing pathogens

The pus samples from diabetic foot ulcer patients and urine samples from urinary tract infected patients were collected and inoculated in nutrient agar plates. The colonies showing different morphologies were streaked on selective agar plates. The antibacterial assay of selected commercial antibiotics was tested against the foot ulcer and urinary tract isolates. The result revealed that most of the organisms were found to be resistant against the antibiotics. Screening of antibacterial activity of selected plants, methanol extracts of plants were prepared and tested against foot ulcer pathogens. Among the plants used, the methanolic extract Tragia involucrata was very effective against the foot ulcer pathogens and to separate the compounds present in the methanolic extract of T. involucrata, when it was subjected to column chromatography. The fractions obtained were further checked for their antibacterial property and fraction 1 which inhibited the pathogens, were subjected to thin layer chromatography and the structure of the particular phytochemical compound was elucidated by NMR study. The spices were tested for their antibacterial property against the urinary tract pathogens. Among the spices tested; Allium sativum inhibited the growth of the pathogens isolated from urinary tract infection. It can be concluded that the plants extract can be used to discover natural products that may serve as lead for the development of new pharmaceuticals addressing the major therapeutic needs.

Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic potency of a polyherbomineral formulation (AF-LIP) in experimental animal models

There is a growing interest in the screening of antihyperlipidemic activity and the present study deals with the screening of a polyherbomineral formulation (AF-LIP) which possess many important ingredients reported to have antihyperlipidemic potency. Acute antihyperlipidemic activity was evaluated by using Triton WR-1339 (100 mg kg(-1)) and chronic, induced by high fat diet. Total Cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) were examined in addition to HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity and fecal cholesterol excretion. In Triton WR-1339 (acute model) at the dose of 400 mg kg(-1), AF-LIP significantly lowered TC, TG, very Low Density Lipoproteins Cholesterol (VLDL-C), Low Density Lipoproteins Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with simultaneous increase in High Density Lipoproteins Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p < 0.01) at 6 and 24 h. Also there was significant reduction in TC and LDL-C levels at 48 h at the dose of 400 mg kg(-1). In chronic model also at the dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg kg(-1), AF-LIP significantly reduced (p < 0.001) TC and LDL-C levels with increase in HDL-C levels. TG and VLDL-C levels were also not much affected. HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity when estimated was not much decreased. Also AF-LIP showed significant reduction in atherogenic index (p < 0.01) with significant increase in HDL/TC ratio (p < 0.01). Fecal cholesterol excretion was significantly enhanced (p < 0.01) in all the test doses of AF-LIP. AF-LIP may be beneficial for the treatment of atherosclerosis, since atherosclerosis is one of the secondary complications of hyperlipidemia.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with cardiovascular disease in rural populations of the nilgiris, South India

Objective. The objective of this work was to study the risk factors of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in rural populations of the Nilgiris, south India, with stress on the various social habits and oxidant stress. Methods. A total of 72 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 12 healthy volunteers were screened. Forty-seven patients with CVD (intervention group) and 10 healthy volunteers (control group) were randomly selected for the study. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants, and their demographic details were collected. A 6 mL blood sample was collected from each of the participants, and the serum was separated in the samples. The levels of enzymic (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and nonenzymic antioxidants (ascorbic acid) in the plasma were determined biochemically. The level of thiobarbituric acid species (TBARS), which is a predictor of lipid peroxidation, was measured. Results. The participants of the study were stratified as according to demographic and social variables. The values of all the antioxidants and TBARS were statistically compared. Significantly reduced antioxidant levels and increased TBARS levels were found in the intervention group compared with the control group. The results suggest that the lowered antioxidant level may be a result of the oxidant stress of the disease. Statistically significant differences were not found in the antioxidant and TBARS levels when comparing smokers versus nonsmokers, alcoholics versus nonalcoholics, and vegetarians versus nonvegetarians. Conclusion. The major causes of CVD amongst the rural populations of the Nilgiris, south India, are preventable causes such as smoking and high fat intake, all of which cause oxidative stress, as seen in our study through various serum markers.

Study of the soil isolates for antimicrobial activity

During the process of screening for a potent antimicrobial compound, a new strain was isolated from the soil sample of Thalaikunda village in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. That organism was name as NK(2). It was found to be antagonistic to both bacterial and fungal test organisms. Production of antibiotic was more in a newly formulated broth. Antibiotic production reached maximum at the end of the 70 h of fermentation by stirred flask culture. The antimicrobial compound was extracted in n-butanol, ethyl acetate and methanol. Antimicrobial compound, which was produced by the soil isolate NK(2) did not showed cytotoxic activity on Vero cell lines.

A Validated RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Nebivolol and Hydrochlorothiazide in Tablets

A simple, selective, rapid, precise and economical reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of nebivolol and hydrochlorthiazide from pharmaceutical formulation. Phenomenex Gemini C₁₈ (25 cm×4.6 mm i.d., 5 μ) column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: 50mM ammonium acetate (adjusted to pH 3.5 using orthophosphoric acid) (70:30 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min was used. Detection was carried out at 254 nm. Probenecid was used as an internal standard. The retention times of probenecid, nebivolol and hydrochlorthiazide were 13.05, 3.32 and 4.25 min, respectively. The developed method was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation and solution stability. The proposed method can be used for the estimation of these drugs in combined dosage forms.

Antidiabetic Activity of Clerodendron phlomoidis Leaf Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Ethanol extract of leaves of Clerodendron phlomoidis L. subjected to preliminary qualitative phytochemical investigations showed the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols, glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, proteins and flavonoids. The extract was screened for hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (120 mg/kg, i.p.) at two dose levels, viz., 100 and 200 mg/kg. The ethanol extract at 200 mg/kg dose level exhibited significant (p<0.05) hypoglycemic activity and also correction of altered biochemical parameters viz., cholesterol and triglycerides (p<0.05).

Lipid lowering activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) in hyperlipidaemic models of Wistar albino rats

Lipid lowering effect of 50% ethanolic extract of the leaves of A. marmelos (Linn.) was evaluated in triton and diet induced hyperlipidaemic models of Wistar albino rats. The extract at 125 and 250 mg/kg dose levels inhibited the elevation in serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels on Triton WR 1339 administration in rats. The extract at the same dose levels significantly attenuated the elevated serum total cholesterol and triglycerides with an increase in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in high-fat diet- induced hyperlipidaemic rats. The standard drugs atorvastatin in the former and gemfibrozil in the latter studies showed slightly better effects.

Invitro antioxidant activity of selected antiasthmatic herbal constituents

Asthmatic patients are more subjected to continuous oxidative stress. Roosting the antioxidant defenses of asthma patient could be beneficial as it may help thwart symptoms of the lung disease and asthma. Considering these facts different plant extracts and phytoconstituents with proven anti asthmatic property had been subjected to antioxidant study at various combinations using Diphenyl Vicryl Hydrazyl radical scavenging method, Hydrogen Peroxide radical scavenging method, Nitric oxide radical inhibition method, ABTS radical scavenging method and Lipid peroxidation assay method.All the selected herbal based constituents and extracts at different combination showed a potent antioxidant activiy by Nitric oxide radical inhibition activiy method followed by ABTS method. The present finding suggests that the selected plant based anti asthmatic constituents namely Coleus extract (10% Forskolin), Piper longum extract (20% Piperine), CurcuminC3Complex (60% Curcumin), Vasaka (30% Vasicinone), Forskolin (95%), Pperine (98%), Curcumin C3 Complex (98.5%) and Vasicinone (75%) could be utilised in alternate anti asthmatic therapy, since they play a vital role in scavenging Nitric oxide which could prevent the bronchial inflammation in asthmatic patients.

In vitro anti-tumour studies on Cnicus wallichi DC

Cnicus wallichi DC belonging to the family Asteraceae (Compositae) commonly known as Indian thistle and cirsium wallichi. It is an important medicinal plant indigenous to Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, South India. Since the related species Cnicus benedictus was reported for its anti cancer activities, In vitro screening studies for antitumour activities were carried out for different extracts of Cnicus wallichi DC. Seven different extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of the whole plant by successive solvent extraction and maceration process and subjected for In vitro screening studies. Antitumour study was carried out by short term toxicity studies using Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells. The ethyl acetate extract of Cnicus wallichi DC showed significant antioxidant activity in all the methods.

In vitro antioxidant activities of Asteraceae Plants

Anaphalis neelgerriana DC and Cnicus wallichi DC belonging to the family Asteraceae (Compositae) are important medicinal plants indigenous to Nilgiris. Since the related species Anaphalis morrisonicola and Cnicus benedictus were reported for its anti cancer activities, the above mentioned plants were screened for Invitro antioxidant activity. In vitro antioxidant studies were carried out by DPPH, Nitric oxide and Hydrogen peroxide methods for the aerial part extracts of the plants. Different extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of the whole plant by successive solvent extraction and cold maceration process and subjected for Invitro antioxidant activity studies. Among the extracts tested, the ethyl acetate extract of Anaphalis neelgerriana DC and Cnicus wallchi DC showed significant anti oxidant activity in all the above methods. The potent ethyl acetate extract should be tested for anti oxidant activity in animal models.

Phytoremediation—A Novel and Promising Approach for Environmental Clean-up

Phytoremediation is an eco friendly approach for remediation of contaminated soil and water using plants. Phytoremediation is comprised of two components, one by the root colonizing microbes and the other by plants themselves, which degrade the toxic compounds to further non-toxic metabolites. Various compounds, viz. organic compounds, xenobiotics, pesticides and heavy metals, are among the contaminants that can be effectively remediated by plants. Plant cell cultures, hairy roots and algae have been studied for their ability to degrade a number of contaminants. They exhibit various enzymatic activities for degradation of xenobiotics, viz. dehalogenation, denitrification leading to breakdown of complex compounds to simple and non-toxic products. Plants and algae also have the ability to hyper accumulate various heavy metals by the action of phytochelatins and metallothioneins forming complexes with heavy metals and translocate them into vacuoles. Molecular cloning and expression of heavy metal accumulator genes and xenobiotic degrading enzyme coding genes resulted in enhanced remediation rates, which will be helpful in making the process for large-scale application to remediate vast areas of contaminated soils. A few companies worldwide are also working on this aspect of bioremediation, mainly by transgenic plants to replace expensive physical or chemical remediation techniques. Selection and testing multiple hyperaccumulator plants, protein engineering ofphytochelatin and membrane transporter genes and their expression would enhance the rate of phytoremediation, making this process a successful one for bioremediation of environmental contamination. Recent years have seen major investments in the R&D, which have also resulted in competition of filing patents by several companies for economic gains. The details of science & technology related to phytoremediation have been discussed with a focus on future trends and prospects of global relevance.

Synthesis and Biological Screening of 5-{[(4,6-Disubstituted pyrimidine-2-yl)thio]methyl}-N-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amines

A number of substituted-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (1a-i) were prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of substituted acetophenone with selected araldehydes, which on cycloaddition with thiourea furnished 4,6-disubstituted pyrimidine-2-thiols (2a-i). Reaction of (2a-i) with ethyl chloroacetate followed by condensation with hydrazine hydrate yielded 2-[(4,6-disubstituted pyrimidine-2-yl) thio] acetohydrazides (4a-c). Condensation of compounds (4a-c) with phenyl isothiocyanate gave 2-{[(4,6-disubstituted pyrimidine-2-yl) thio] acetyl}-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamides (5a-c) which on treatment with concentrated sulphuric acid afforded titled compounds 5-{(4,6-disubstituted pyrimidine-2-yl) thio] methyl}-N-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-amines (6a-c). These compounds have been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, (1)H NMR and MS. Compounds have been evaluated for their anticancer and antioxidant activities. Compounds 2b, 2c and 6b exhibited significant antitumor activity against human breast cancer MCF 7 cell line. However, moderate antioxidant activity was observed with compounds 2c, 2d, 2g and 6b.

3D-QSAR CoMFA study of some Heteroarylpyrroles as Possible Anticandida Agents

A three dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship study using the comparative molecular field analysis method was performed on a series of 3-aryl-4-[α-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) aryl methyl] pyrroles for their anticandida activity. This study was performed using 40 compounds, for which comparative molecular field analysis models were developed using a training set of 33 compounds. Database alignment of all 33 compounds was carried out by root-mean-square fit of atoms and field fit of the steric and electrostatic molecular fields. The resulting database was analyzed by partial least squares analysis with cross-validation; leave one out and no validation to extract optimum number of components. The analysis was then repeated with bootstrapping to generate the quantitative structure-activity relationship models. The predictive ability of comparative molecular field analysis model was evaluated by using a test set of 7 compounds. The 3D- quantitative structure-activity relationship model demonstrated a good fit, having r² value of 0.964 and a cross validated coefficient r² value as 0.598. Further comparison of the coefficient contour maps with the steric and electrostatic properties of the receptor has shown a high level of compatibility and good predictive capability.

Microwave-assisted rapid extraction of red dye from Caesalpinia sappan heartwood

Since ancient times Caesalpinia sappan heartwood dye has been well-known for its medicinal and dyeing properties. Isolation of the red dye using both conventional and newly developed microwave method was carried out. The conventional heating of 2 h provided 0.656 +/- 0.049 g of the dye and by microwave heating at 540 W for 20 min, the yield obtained was 0.747 +/- 0.047 g. Both the dyes were found to be the same as evidenced by UV, TLC and HPTLC studies. Antioxidant activity of the dyes was also carried out using DPPH and nitric oxide methods to confirm the similarity in their biological activity. The procedure developed can be used for the fast extraction of the red dye of C. sappan without affecting the nature of the product.

Antioxidant activity of Caesalpinia digyna root

The antioxidant properties of three successive extracts of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler root and the isolated compound, bergenin, were tested using standard in vitro and in vivo models. The amount of the total phenolic compounds present was also determined. The successive methanol extract of Caesalpinia digyna root (CDM) exhibited strong scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical cation, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The free radical scavenging effect of CDM was comparable with that of reference antioxidants. The CDM having the highest content of phenolic compounds and strong free radical scavenging effect when administered orally to male albino rats at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight for 7 days, prior to carbontetrachloride (CCl(4)) treatment, caused a significant increase in the levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and significant decrease in the levels of lipidperoxidation (LPO) in serum, liver and kidney in a dose dependent manner, when compared to CCl(4) treated control. These results clearly indicate the strong antioxidant property of Caesalpinia digyna root. The study provides a proof for the ethnomedical claims and reported biological activities. The plant has, therefore, very good therapeutic potential.

Adverse drug reaction monitoring in a secondary care hospital in South India

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

The benefits of adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring are well-known. Poor awareness and nonavailability of a central co-ordinating body resulted in lack of ADR monitoring in India. The National Pharmacovigilance Programme was recently initiated, encouraging ADR monitoring in selected centres, including our centre.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

This is the first study of its kind at GHQH, Ootacamund that has provided insight into the burden of ADRs here. The incidence and severity of ADRs documented in our study is lower than those reported in comparable populations in Western studies but more than those reported in India.

AIMS

To ascertain the current burden of ADRs at a Government hospital in Ooty and to assess the severity of reported ADRs and the additional financial burden associated with ADRs.

METHODS

A prospective, spontaneous reporting study was conducted over a period of 9 months of inpatient admissions to the medical wards, co-ordinated by clinical pharmacists. The WHO definition of an ADR was adopted. The Naranjo algorithm scale was used for causality assessment. Confirmed ADRs were classified according to the Wills & Brown method and assessed for severity and patient outcomes. The average cost incurred in treating the ADRs was calculated.

RESULTS

Of the total of 187 adverse drug events (ADEs) reported, 164 reports from 121 patients were confirmed as ADRs, giving an overall incidence of 9.8%. This included 58 (3.4%) ADR related admissions and 63 (3.7%) ADRs occurring during the hospital stay. About two thirds of the reactions (102, 62.2%) were classified as probable. The majority of the reactions (88, 53.7%) were mild. Most patients (119, 72.6%) recovered from the incidence. The majority of the reactions were of type H (100, 61%) which indicates that they were not predictable and not potentially preventable. An average cost of 481 rupees ( pound 6) was spent on each patient to manage ADRs.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and severity of ADRs documented in our study are lower than those reported in comparable populations in Western studies but more than those reported in India.

Hypoglycemic activity of Nymphaea stellata leaves ethanolic extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats

The ethanolic extract of leaves of Nymphaea stellata given by oral route to diabetic rats at dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for seven days reduced significantly by 31.6 and 42.6 % the plasma glucose level increased by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/day of alloxan. Moreover, the treatment significantly affected the plasma level of cholesterol and triglyceride.