Clonal diversity and zoonotic potential of MDR Escherichia coli isolated from poultry at different age intervals

1. A pool of 480 E. coli isolates of poultry (broilers and ducks) representing different time intervals (0, 10, 20 and 30 days) was selected for ribotyping and used to determine polymorphism of 16-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic space. All the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR).2. Out of these, 10 isolates were tested for MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST) among which novel allelic combinations and therefore new sequence types were identified in seven isolates.3. This work showed the changes in E. coli strains structure at farm level and individual bird level in host species raised on organised farms with similar parental lineage and environmental housing. The statistical results showed that the structure of variation is very different by farm, supporting a strong effect of location, which confirms the temporal clustering.4. There were significant differences between E. coli strains in chickens and ducks, indicating host specificity of the E. coli strains.5. Some of the pathogenic E. coli strains found using MLST belonged to ST735, ST2796 and a pandemic clone ST752 of ST10 clonal complex. The results strongly suggested the clonal expansion and establishment of specific MDR clones that have zoonotic relevance.

Phytobioactive compounds as therapeutic agents for human diseases: A review

Phytobioactive compounds are plant secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds abundantly present in medicinal plants and have remarkable therapeutic potential. Oxidative stress and antibiotic resistance are major causes of present-day ailments such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and inflammation. The data for this review were collected from Google Scholar, PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Science Direct by using keywords: "Medicinal plants, Phytobioactive compounds, Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Carotenoids etc." Several studies have reported the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of the phytobioactives. Polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenes, and polysaccharides isolated from medicinal plants showed remarkable antioxidant, anticancer, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. This literature review was planned to provide comprehensive insight into the biopharmacological and therapeutic potential of phytobioactive compounds. The techniques used for the extraction and isolation of phytobioactive compounds, and bioassays required for their biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities, have been discussed. Characterization techniques for the structural elucidation of phytobioactive compounds such as HPLC, TLC, FTIR, GC-MS/MS, and NMR have also been discussed. This review concludes that phytobioactive compounds may be used as potential alternative to synthetic compounds as therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases.

Quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorate adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by regulating anti-oxidant enzymes and downregulating pro- and inflammatory cytokines

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition and associated with the symmetrical synovitis of the joints and cause joint pain. The use of anti-rheumatic drugs is associated with many adverse effects. Quercetin, an important polyphenolic flavonoid, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects. Quercetin use is limited due to poor absorption and bioavailability. Nanomedicines are used for the targeted drug delivery, hence it reduces the adverse effects of the drug. Based upon these factors, quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Q-NPs) were prepared by solvent evaporation method, characterized and their better anti-rheumatic effect with mechanistic insights was validated in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritic rats along with safety studies. The animals were divided into five groups, each containing 5 animals. Group I was normal control, group II was arthritic control, while groups III, IV and V were administered with quercetin (15 mg/Kg) and Q-NPs (10 and 20 mg/Kg), respectively. The reduction in ankle diameter, serum oxidative stress markers as well as pro- and inflammatory cytokines, e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), interleukin (IL-6) were determined. The prepared Q-NPs showed hydrodynamic size of 83.9 nm, polydispersity index of 0.687, entrapment efficiency 90.5% as well as no interaction between quercetin and chitosan in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A significant reduction (p < 0.001) in ankle diameter was observed after administration of high-dose Q-NPs (4.32 ± 0.14 cm to 5.13 ± 0.62 cm). There was also reduction (p < 0.001) in levels of TNFα and IL-6 following high-dose Q-NPs (72.56 ± 2.30 and 308.19 ± 11.5 pg). The effect on biochemical tests, hematological parameters and oxidative stress parameters was also found to be significant. Histopathological changes of kidney, liver and ankle also confirmed the anti-rheumatic effect of high-dose Q-NPs. The study concludes that administration of Q-NPs (20 mg/Kg) may be used for the treatment of FCA-induced RA in rats.

Bio-Oriented Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of 1,2,4-Triazole Based Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents against HepG2 Cell Line

Triazole-based acetamides serve as important scaffolds for various pharmacologically active drugs. In the present work, structural hybrids of 1,2,4-triazole and acetamides were furnished by chemically modifying 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propanoic acid (1). Target compounds 7a-f were produced in considerable yields (70-76%) by coupling the triazole of compound 1 with different electrophiles under different reaction conditions. These triazole-coupled acetamide derivatives were verified by physiochemical and spectroscopic (HRMS, FTIR, 13CNMR, and 1HNMR,) methods. The anti-liver carcinoma effects of all of the derivatives against a HepG2 cell line were investigated. Compound 7f, with two methyl moieties at the ortho-position, exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity among all of the compounds with an IC50 value of 16.782 µg/mL. 7f, the most effective anti-cancer molecule, also had a very low toxicity of 1.190.02%. Molecular docking demonstrates that all of the compounds, especially 7f, have exhibited excellent binding affinities of -176.749 kcal/mol and -170.066 kcal/mol to c-kit tyrosine kinase and protein kinase B, respectively. Compound 7f is recognized as the most suitable drug pharmacophore for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the characterization of supernatants of bacterial cultures of bacterial strains causing sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Sinusitis is defined as inflammation of the paranasal sinus mucous membrane lining caused by bacteria which usually invade the sinus by upper respiratory tract viral infections (UTI).

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been applied to differentiate and characterize supernatant samples, in triplicate, of three different types of bacteria which are considered leading cause of sinusitis disease.

METHODS

For this purpose, supernatant samples of three different strains of bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis. The SERS has identified significant changes as a result of secretions of biomolecules by these bacteria in their supernatants which can be helpful to explore the potential of this technique for the identification and characterization of different strains of bacteria causing same disease.

RESULTS

These differentiating characteristic SERS spectral features including 552 cm^-1 (C-S-S-C bonds), 951 cm^-1 (CN stretching), 1008 cm^-1 (Phenylalanine), 1032 cm^-1 (In plane CH bending mode Phenylalanine), 1280 cm^-1, 1320 cm^-1, 1329 cm^-1 (Amide III band), 1368 cm^-1, 1400 cm^-1, 1420 cm^-1 (COO^-sym. stretching and CH bending), 1583 cm^-1 (Tyrosine) correspond to Proteins and 1051 cm^-1 (C-C, C-O, -C-OH def.) correspond to carbohydrates contents of these three different types of bacterial secretions in their respective supernatants. Furthermore, multivariate data analysis techniques like principal component analysis (PCA) and a supervised method partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were found to be useful for the identification and characterization of different bacterial supernatants.

CONCLUSIONS

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is proven to be a helpful approach for the characterization and discrimination of three bacterial supernatants including S. aureus, K. pneumonia and E. faecalis.

The role of mitochondria and mitophagy in cell senescence

Mitochondrial malfunction and cell senescence have been defined as the hallmarks of aging. Cell senescence leads to the loss of health allied with aging. While deciphering the complex association between mitochondria and cellular senescence, it is observed that senescence has a two-faced nature being beneficial and hazardous. This duality of cellular senescence is associated with circumstantial aspects. During the process of cellular senescence, dysfunctional mitochondria are accumulated, the efficiency of the oxidative phosphorylation process declines along with the enhanced synthesis of reactive oxygen species. It is suggested that reduction in the negative consequences of senescence throughout old age might be accomplished by targeting the mitochondria as all roads lead towards mitochondria. It is unclear how perturbation of mitophagy in senescence results in the accumulation of mitochondria, impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis and onset of diseases. Understanding this complex interplay will bring about a long yet healthy lifespan. But definitely casual and specific players contribute in the initiation and conservation of the cell senescence. Variations in metabolism, quality control and dynamics of mitochondria are observed during cell aging process. Several On-target and Off-target mechanisms can also cause side effects in cellular senescence. Translational research of these mechanisms may lead to effective clinical interventions. This chapter reviews the role of mitochondria, homeostatic mechanisms and mitophagy as drivers and effectors of cell senescence along with multiple signalling pathways that lead to the initiation, maintenance, induction and suppression of cellular aging process during health and disease.

Antibiofilm and Quorum Sensing Inhibition (QSI) Potential of Lagerstroemia speciosa Leaves Extract

Disruption of quorum sensing pathway of pathogenic microbes is considered as novel approach to fight against infectious diseases. The current study was planned to evaluate the antibiofilm and quorum sensing inhibitory potential of Lagerstroemia speciosa. Antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of L. speciosa extracts was determined through agar well diffusion and crystal violet assay against sinusitis isolates, that is, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while quorum sensing inhibition efficacy of L. speciosa extracts was determined through violacein inhibition assay using Chromobacterium pseudoviolaceum as bacterial model. The methanolic extract of L. speciosa presented the highest antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis and antibiofilm activity against K. pneumoniae (77.42 ± 1.51%), while n-hexane extract was found to be least active against all tested bacterial strains. Quorum sensing inhibition activity of L. speciosa extracts against C. pseudoviolaceum showed significant dose-dependent inhibition in violacein production by different concentrations of methanolic extract. Furthermore, none of the extracts of L. speciosa showed any hemolytic activity against human RBCs and hold considerable thrombolytic potential in comparison to streptokinase (75.9 ± .46%). In conclusion, findings suggest that L. speciosa leaves are excellent source of phytochemicals with potent antibiofilm and quorum sensing inhibition potential.

Ultrasound Assisted Extraction and Characterization of Bioactives From Verbascum thapsus Roots to Evaluate Their Antioxidant and Medicinal Potential

Worldwide, Verbascum thapsus is used for the treatment of various ailments owing to the presence of bioactives of therapeutic potential. Current study was planned to extract bioactives from V thapsus roots using methanol and water as solvents under stimulated effect of ultrasonic waves and characterize them to evaluate their potential benefits. Proximate analysis explored the presence of significant contents of protein, fats, fiber, organic and inorganic minerals. Fourier transform infrared spectra and high-performance liquid chromatography chromatogram indicated the presence of different phytochemicals having antioxidant potential as evidenced by total phenolic contents, total flavonoids content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl activity of both extracts. Both extracts displayed excellent antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) and Fusarium Solani (F solani). Aqueous and methanolic extracts exhibited higher inhibition of biofilm made by Bacillus subtilis (B subtilis) as 55.09 and 61.58%, respectively in comparison to biofilm of Escherichia coli ( E coli) as 48.11 and 36.51%, respectively. Methanol extract exhibited anti-amylase activity (IC50 5.26 ± .31 μg/mL) with an inhibition rate of 68.11% whereas IC50 of aqueous extract was 6.59 ± .53 μg/mL with an inhibition rate of 63.53%. Inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase (IC50 3.70 ± .94 ppm) was demonstrated by methanol extract in comparison to aqueous extract (IC50 7.58 ± .15). The study concluded that V thapsus roots have significant medicinal potential due to the presence of variety of bioactive molecules and can be used in pharmaceutical preparations.

Biofilm Inhibition and Antibacterial Potential of Different Varieties of Garlic (Allium sativum) Against Sinusitis Isolates

Sinusitis or rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses which can be due to autoimmune, allergy, and infection problems. Current study was aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm and antibacterial potential of different varieties of A sativum. Four different varieties (China white, China pink, Desi white, and Desi pink) were used and extracted with methanol and water. Results of antioxidant analysis of A sativum extracts showed that all varieties of garlic have considerable quantity of flavonoids with significant DPPH inhibition and reductive potential. Antibacterial activity of A sativum extracts was tested against different Gram negative and Gram-positive sinusitis isolates. All the sinusitis isolates were susceptible to both methanolic and aqueous extracts of different varieties of A sativum with least MIC values. Antibiofilm potential of extracts against sinusitis isolates was evaluated through crystal violet assay, and all extracts of A sativum were significantly effective against destruction of microbial biofilm. In summary, A sativum extracts possess effective antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against sinusitis isolates and can be utilized for prevention of drug resistance against sinusitis infections and further evaluation is necessary.

676 Paediatric Circumcisions- Compliance with RCS Standards

Introduction

Variation in regional paediatric circumcision rates suggested some circumcisions were being performed unnecessarily. In 2016, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) released a clinical commissioning guide on foreskin conditions to standardise the indications for circumcision. We retrospectively audited the foreskin procedure practice at our urology department and its adherence to RCS clinical commissioning guidance.

Method

We assessed electronic health records for all paediatric patients (&lt;17 years) having undergone a foreskin procedure from 1st Jan 2018 to 1st Jan 2019. Records were assessed for referral source, trial of medical treatment (steroid cream), indication, operative management carried out, daycase or inpatient cases, and histological analysis.

Results

198 patients (mean age 8.7, range 2-16) underwent foreskin procedures in the set time frame. 98.9% were referred from GP surgery, and the remainder directly from A&E. 29.8% had documented trials of steroid creams prior to surgery. 51.5% of procedures were performed for ‘non-retractile foreskin’ and 11.6% for pathological phimosis. 87.4% of patients underwent circumcision and 11.1% had freeing of adhesions. All of procedures were performed as day-case. Histology was sent for 17.3% of circumcisions, with non-specific inflammation being the most common finding (46.7%), followed by lichen sclerosus (40%).

Conclusions

In our series large number of foreskin procedures were carried out over a 12-month period with a minority for the only absolute indication of pathological phimosis We have introduced stringent guidelines in the department since this audit, which will prevent circumcision in children who may otherwise avoid surgery.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal potential study of Salvia macrosiphon Boiss. stem extracts

The aim of present research work was to evaluate the Salvia macrosiphon Boiss. of Lamiaceae (mint family), using biochemical and biological assays. Plant's phytochemicals extraction was performed in methanol, butanol and water by mechanical shaking process. TPC and TFC were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric procedures, respectively. The highest TPC (99.61±3.45 mg GAE/g) and TFC (234.72±7.12mg CE/g) were obtained in butanol and methanol, respectively. Regarding the antioxidant potential methanol extract showed the highest DPPH° scavenging potential (78.0±2.0%) and reducing activity (0.923±0.020 absorbance). The antibacterial activity of butanol extract against P. aeruginosa were found highest (ZOI = 23±2.00 mm). Antifungal study of methanol extract showed the ZOI (11 ±0.67mm) against F. brachygibbosum. The results revealed that the methanol stem extract of S. macrosiphon bear significant medicinal value and could be used for formulating phytomedicines and food preservers.

Therapeutic Potential of Selected Varieties of Phoenix Dactylifera L. Against Microbial Biofilm and Free Radical Damage to DNA

Phoenix dactylifera L. (Date palm) is the most widely consumed fruit around the world and is rich source of nutrients containing dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins, sugar, protein and antioxidants with potent bioactivities against various microbial pathogens. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of 2 varieties of ethanolic extracts of Phoenix dactylifera i-e Ajwa and Khalas against bacterial biofilms. This study also investigated the protective effect of Ajwa and Khalas against hydroxyl radical damage to calf thymus DNA. Antioxidant potential through different antioxidant assays showed that Ajwa has higher antioxidant potential than Khalas. Both Ajwa and Khalas presented good antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis and Pasteurella multocida. Biofilm inhibition assay showed that increasing concentration of Ajwa and Khalas exhibited higher percentage of bacterial biofilm inhibition. Microscopic examination revealed significant inhibition of microbial biofilm. Ajwa and Khalas protected the calf thymus DNA against damage caused by hydroxyl radicals produced by fenton reagent. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the presence of O–H, C=C and C–O functional groups in tested extracts. The study concluded that tested varieties of Date palm have the potential to inhibit bacterial biofilms and can be used for therapeutic purposes against biofilm producing pathogens.

Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial, hemolytic and thrombolytic activity evaluation of 5-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-((N-(substituted)-2-acetamoyl)sulfanyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives

A novel series of 5-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-((N-(substituted)-2-acetamoyl)sulfanyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives was efficiently synthesized and screened for antibacterial, hemolytic and thrombolytic activities. The molecule 7c remained the best inhibitor of all selected bacterial strains and furthermore possessed very low toxicity, 8.52±0.31. Compound 7a 7b and 7f showed very good thrombolytic activity relative to Streptokinase employed as reference drug. In addition to low toxicity and moderately good thrombolytic activity, the synthesized compounds possessed excellent to moderate antibacterial activity, relative to ciprofloxacin. All compounds especially 7b and 7f can be consider for further clinical studies and might be helpful in synthesis of new drugs for treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Awareness and current knowledge of epilepsy

Epilepsy is a severe neural disorder that affects approximately fifty million individuals globally. Despite the fact that for most of the people with epilepsy, convulsions are better controlled by current accessible antiepileptic medicines, yet there are more than 30% of individuals affected with medically intractable epilepsy and around 30-40% of all patients with epilepsy affected by many adverse reactions and convulsion resistance to the present antiepileptic drugs. Consequently, various scientists attempt to develop new strategies to treat epilepsy, for instance, to find out novel antiepileptic ingredients from traditional medicines. This work aims to present a complete summary of natural medicines prescribed as antiepileptic agents all over the world by ethnic groups and different tribes. We undertook an extensive bibliographic analysis by searching peer reviewed papers and classical textbooks and further consulting well accepted worldwide scientific databases. We carried out PubMed, EMbase and CENTRAL searches by means of terms such as "antiepileptic" and "anti-convulsant" activity of plants. Medicinal plants have been prescribed to treat epilepsy and have been recognized as antiepileptic medicines. In this review, a variety of herbs have been reviewed for thorough studies such as Cuminum cyminum, Butea monosperma, Solanum americanum, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Leonotis leonurus, Elaeocarpus ganitrus and Angelica archangelica. This paper shows that it was high time experimental studies are increased to obtain novel potential active principles from medicinal plants. Plant extracts and their chemical constituents should be further evaluated to clarify their mechanisms of action. This paper provides a solid base upon which to further investigate the clinical efficacy of medicinal plants that are both currently prescribed by physicians as traditional antiepileptic agents, but also could be effective as an antiepileptic drug with further research and study.

Purification and modification of Cordia myxa gum to enhance its nutraceutical attribute as binding agent

The aim of the present study was to purify, hydrolyze and modify the Cordia myxa gum to document its binder potential in pharmaceutical tablets formulation. The hydrolysis and modification was carried out to remove impurities, roughness, increase thermal stability and to improve the functional properties of biopolymers. Physiochemical properties such as pH, solubility, viscosity, swelling index, bulk and tapped density was performed prior to investigate binder potential. The binder potential of Cordia myxa gum was studied in its different forms such as crude, purified, modified and hydrolyzed in paracetamol tablets and was compared with standard hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) being used as synthetic binder. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method and evaluated for weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution analysis. Prepared tablets with selected gums exhibit faster and slower dissolution profile in the same dissolution system. The crude gum has high dissolution rate whereas the hydrolyzed and modified gums showed less dissolution rate. The hydrolyzed and modified gums having faster release rate and it could be helpful in conventional tablet formulations efficiently as compared to synthetic HPMC binder.

Enhancement of nutraceutical and antioxidant potential of sunflower hybrid seed varieties through chemical priming

Pathogenic agents cause an increased risk of various fatal diseases and there is a need to reduce this risk using medicinal plants and their seeds. The present research work was designed to study the efficacy of different sunflower seed hybrid varieties (i.e. FH622, FH620, FH615, FH613 and FH545) chemically primed with potassium nitrate as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH test, reducing power, TPC and TFC. Antibacterial activity was determined against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial species. After one week, the germination data including mean germination and percentage of final emergence was calculated. It was found that seed varieties FH620 and FH615 have higher values of mean germination as compared to FH545 while FH615 has higher percentage of final emergence as compared to FH620 and FH545. High phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed in FH620 and FH615 as compared to FH545 variety. It was also observed that seed variety FH615 when treated with KNO3 solution had significantly high germination as well as antioxidant parameters and antibacterial activity as compared to other varieties. Similarly FH615 showed high antibacterial activities against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria. This study showed that all selected sunflower hybrids have good antioxidant and antibacterial potentials that would further be used for different trials to cure different pathogen related diseases, and these are natural sources of antioxidants for commercial and therapeutic applications.

Prevalence and co-infection of Malaria and Typhoid in the local population of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Malaria and typhoid fever are among the major infectious diseases which impose significant health and socioeconomic burden on affected populations. Further, co-infection and resembling symptomatology in both infections, mostly leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. So co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever is becoming a major issue in tropical and subtropical countries. The current study was planned to explore the rate of co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever to show the diagnostic challenges and people health implications in the local population of Faisalabad-Pakistan. For this purpose, 144 samples (n=144) were collected from suspected subjects both male (n=74) and female (n=70) (comprises of three age group ranges viz >01-10, 11-20 and above 20 years old) of typhoid fever and malaria from October to December 2017 at Children Hospital, Faisalabad-Pakistan. Thick smear as a gold standard technique for malaria diagnosis and Widal agglutination technique for typhoid diagnosis were used. Results revealed that the prevalence of co-infection in selected subjects was 6.3% (n=9) with higher prevalence in female subjects (7.1%) as compared to males (5.4%). Further, it was also reported that age groups >01-10 years old, 11-20 years old and 21-above years old have6.6 % (n=75), 5.7 % (n=35) and 5.8% (n=34), coinfection prevalence respectively. In the present study, it could be concluded that although the prevalence of co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever in the studied population was possible but sensitivity of diagnostic tools was limited, so more reliable, specific and sensitive diagnostic tools are required to report confidently more precise correlation of these infectious diseases.

Phylogeny and comparative modeling of phytochelatin synthase from Chlorella sp. as an efficient bioagent for detoxification of heavy metals

Phytochelatins (PCs) found extensively in algae and plants are important for detoxification of heavy metals from soil and wastewater, and their synthesis is mediated by an enzyme phytochelatin synthase (PCS). In this study, a phylogram was generated to study evolutionary relationships of PCS from various organisms. It was revealed that PCS from green algae and plants are orthologs as both have evolved from a common ancestor. PCS from cyanobacteria appeared in two different clades showing that they have followed different lineages during evolution. Structural modeling was also carried out by building a 3D model of PCS from Chlorella variabilis using software Modeller v9.16. The predicted structure will be helpful for protein engineering strategies and to understand its interactions with other proteins. The biological biosorption capacity of Chlorella vulgaris (a green alga) was determined to remove Cd, Cu and Pb from industrial effluents. The biosorption of three heavy metals from industrial waste water was investigated under various conditions like pH, biomass concentration, contact time and temperature. Bio-removal of heavy metals was carried out by exposing culture of C. vulgaris to water samples of different heavy metal concentrations. The decrease in Cd, Cu and Pb quantities after 1 to 7 days of incubation period were 83%, 84% and 82.5%, respectively. In view of this, Chlorella spp. could be used on a large scale to detoxify heavy metals and clean up contaminated environments.

Post interferon therapy decreases male fertility through gonadotoxic effect

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been seen in more than 15% of Pakistani population. For the treatment of this infection, only two medicines, interferon, and ribavirin were approved in 1998. The concerned physicians evaluate side effects of these two antiviral drugs only during the treatment period. The long-term extra hepatic side effects are being neglected. This retrospective study was conducted with reference to induced infertility in HCV treated 40 male patients from the period 2008-2015. Possible effects of interferon therapy on fertility hormones and seminal parameters were assessed. Level of fertility hormones like serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and testosterone was measured. For seminal parameters, guidelines from World Health Organization (WHO) were followed. Among forty cases of HCV patients who received interferon, only 14 (35%) have children and 26 (65%) could not conceive (p = 0.0372). After HCV treatment, HCV positive patients showed a significant change in the level of FSH, LH (p<0.05). Especially, it decreased testosterone level (p=0.0096). Similarly, HCV treatment significantly decreased sperm count (p=0.001) and motility (p=0.0005).

An insight into nutritional profile of selected Pleurotus species

The global demand for good quality food indicates that consumers are more concerned about a particular diet associated with good health and lower risk for certain ailments. Mushrooms are widely used as healthy nutritious food. In the present study, the nutritional composition of four different Pleurotus sp. was determined. Prior to extraction, all the selected mushrooms were subjected for proximate composition analysis. The protein, fat, ash, total carbohydrate, fiber and energy contents were in the range of (16.07- 25.15%), (0.64-2.02%), (2.1-9.14%), (65.66-82.47%), (6.21-54.12%) and (342.20-394.30Kcal/100g), respectively. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that the concentration of protein was in the range of 45.78-33.47 mg/g in all Pleurotus sp. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of sugars showed six different mono and disaccharides in all the selected mushrooms. The fatty acid profile by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the main fatty acids in selected mushrooms were present in the order linoliec acid> oleic acid> palmitic acid. The results suggested that all the Pleurotus sp. could be considered as a rich source of nutrients.

Radiolabeling of benzylpenicillin with lutetium-177: Quality control and biodistribution study to develop theranostic infection imaging agent

Benzylpenicillin acts through binding with beta-lactamase enzyme and inhibiting the bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. Therefore, the radiolabeling of benzylpenicillin with lutetium-177 is expected to serve as a theranostic agent for deep-seated bacterial infections. The radiolabeling of benzylpenicillin resulted ~93% radiochemical yield at optimized reaction conditions. Radiochemical purity analysis was tested with the help of Whatman No. 2 paper and instant thin layer chromatography. Biodistribution study with healthy New Zeeland white rabbit revealed moderate accumulation in different organs. Kidneys are the major organs, showed not more than 4.57±0.89% injected dose per gram organ (ID/gm organ) at 1 h time point and 3.48±1.11% ID/gm organ at 6 h time point. The accumulation of tracer agent in liver was found in the range of 7.42±2.42% to 9.09±2.76 ID/gm organ. The glomerular filtration rate studies revealed rapid clearance - omitting the chance of nephrotoxicity. The radiolabeling yield, biodistribution and glomerular filtration rate results revealed ¹⁷⁷Lu-benzylpencillin could be a potential candidate to diagnose the deep-seated bacterial infection.

Removal and recovery of lead (Pb2+) from industrial effluent using indigenous and tailor-made Aureobasidium sp. RBSS-303

The objective of this study was to assess the removal and recovery of Pb-II from industrial wastewater using a locally isolated strain of Aureobasidium sp. RBSS-303. The initial Pb2+ concentration of 600 mg/L resulted in maximum uptake capacity (Qmax 235.1±0.3 mg/g). The biosorbent revival was attained by contacting with HCl (0.01 M), with 75.3% recovery of Pb2+. The Freundlich isotherm best explains the Pb2+ sorption performances. Maximum adsorption distribution coefficient of 1,309.6 mg metal/mL was observed at initial Pb2+ concentration value of 100 mg/L. Evaluation of nine kinetic models showed the removal rate of Pb2+ was reliant on diffusion control pseudo-second-order and saturation-mixed-order kinetic models with a high correlation coefficient value (R=0.99). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the major contribution of -NH2 and -CN ligands of Aureobasidium sp. RBSS-303 in the sorption phenomenon of Pb2+. The biosorption assays carried out with effluent of the paint industry showed 76.8% efficiency for Pb2+ removal by the candidate biosorbent, regardless of the complex composition of the industrial effluent.

Efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy for lower pole renal calculi

Objective:

Our aim was to determine whether flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy is efficacious and safe in treating lower pole renal calculi.

Materials and methods:

Patient, procedure and stone data of patients who underwent flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy at our referral centre were collected prospectively between November 2005 and November 2011 and entered into a designated database. In all, 242 procedures were performed in 198 patients.

Results:

The mean age was 51.2 years. The mean calculi size was 10.51 mm (range 4–27 mm). Thirty seven patients had more than one stone in the lower pole. An access sheath was used in 19 patients (9.6%), 171 (86.4%) had a ureteric stent inserted after the procedure, and 165 patients had a single procedure. Re-operation rate was 16.7%. Stone-free rates after one procedure were 89%, 80% and 41%, respectively, for calculi measuring 4–10 mm ( n=107), 11–20 mm ( n=76) and > 20 mm ( n=15). The overall stone-free rate was 83%, 91% and 95% after one, two and three procedures, respectively.

Conclusion:

Flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option for patients with 4–20 mm lower pole calculi. Staged procedures, however, become necessary as the size of the stone increases greater than 20 mm, and this should be mentioned when counselling patients for their primary procedure.

Combined ultrasonic and bioleaching treatment of hospital waste incinerator bottom ash with simultaneous extraction of selected metals

The mineralogy, as well as elemental composition, of the incinerated hospital waste (HW) ashes are not well known and need to be investigated for the safe handling and disposal of such ash. A study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition, mineralogy and bioleaching of selected metals from incinerated HW bottom ash using Aspergillus niger under the combined effect ofultrasonic radiation. Different techniques were utilized to determine the elemental composition (Electron Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy [EDX], atomic absorption spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible light spectrophotometer) and mineralogy (X-ray Diffraction) of the raw sample, as well as the bioleached samples. Chemical leaching tests were performed to determine the effect of different organic acids on metals dissolution. Microbes were tested for acid production and leaching capabilities of selected metals from medical waste (MW) bottom ash. Wet chemical and EDX analyses showed that the ash was enriched with metallic elements like Na, K, Ca, Fe and Al with a concentration range of 22-115 (g/kg). Furthermore, the ash contained heavy metals such as Cu, Cr, Ni, Sn and Ti in the range of 0.51-21.74 (mg/kg). Citric and oxalic acids generated by fungi could be important leaching agents acting to dissolve these metals. Under ultrasonic treatment, metals dissolution by the acidic metabolites was at its maximum after just 9 d of leaching. The results showed that the dissolution of metals was much higher in citric and oxalic acid than with other acids. Extraction of metals from incinerated MW ash indicated that this ash may be a potential source of metals in the future.

Exploration of nutraceutical potential of herbal oil formulated from parasitic plant

BACKGROUND

Cuscuta reflexa (C. reflexa) is a parasitic climber of medicinal importance. The present study was aimed to evaluate the nutraceutical potential of C. reflexa stems collected from different hosts and to evaluate the role of the herbal formulation in dandruff, hair fall control as well as hair growth promoter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hair formulations of C. reflexa collected from different host plants were prepared in the form of herbal oils (10% w/v). C. reflexa stems were extracted using mustard oil as base oil by using direct boiling technique. Prepared oil was studied as hair tonic. The experimental protocols used were anti-dandruff hair growth activity, as well as hair fall reduction. Herbal hair oils versus mustard oil were evaluated by applying oils on human volunteers with hair fall and dandruff problem whereas promotion of hair growth activity was conducted on rats. The formulated oils were also characterised for proximate analysis, physiochemical composition, as well as antimicrobial activity.

RESULT

The test oils of C. reflexa collected from Azadiracta indica and Zizyphus jujuba were effective in the promotion of hair growth, dandruff control, as well as reduction in hair fall activity.

CONCLUSION

All the formulated oils showed potent antimicrobial activity against all selected strains of bacteria and fungi.

Evaluation of the pressure leak test in increasing the lifespan of flexible ureteroscopes

INTRODUCTION

Flexible ureteroscopes are expensive and delicate instruments that are integral in the offering of a minimally invasive technique of diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis. Published literature has identified the importance of early damage recognition in preventing frequent use of the scope that would lead to further damage and high repair and replacement costs. Our study was designed to examine the outcome of the pressure leak test on the condition of flexible ureteroscopes after every use and analysing the damage and costs of maintenance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study was designed with two treatment groups. Group 1, 95 consecutive procedures (n = 95) of flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser fragmentation of renal calculi were performed with ACMI DUR 8, (a scope with no in-built leak test facility). This was compared against group 2, where 98 procedures of laser fragmentation of renal calculi (n = 98) were performed using Storz Flex X(2) Ureteroscopes (with a in-built leak test facility). All scopes in Group 2 were tested for pressure leak after every procedure and the outcome of the tests recorded.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable for grade of surgeon; stone location, size & number; access sheath usage and duration of lasering. In Group 1, there were seven scope damages resulting in repairs/replacement amounting to costs $46264.40 (7.1% damage). In Group 2, three scopes revealed a positive pressure leak test, implying damage with repair costs of $9952.80 (3.1% damage) (p < 0.05). Significant cost savings and reduction in downtime were made in Group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Pressure leak testing following flexible ureterorenoscopy helped to significantly control costs of maintenance and repair. Newer scopes should have a leak testing mechanism as it prevents further detrimental damage to the scope, build-up of repair costs are avoided and there is an increase in the longevity of these delicate instruments.

Cytoarchitecture, areas, and neuron numbers of the Etruscan shrew cortex

The Etruscan shrew, Suncus etruscus, is one of the smallest mammals. Etruscan shrews can recognize prey shape with amazing speed and accuracy, based on whisker-mediated tactile cues. Because of its small size, quantitative analysis of the Etruscan shrew cortex is more tractable than in other animals. To quantitatively assess the anatomy of the Etruscan shrew's brain, we sectioned brains and applied Nissl staining and NeuN (neuronal nuclei) antibody staining. On the basis of these stains, we estimated the number of neurons of 10 cortical hemispheres by using Stereoinvestigator and Neurolucida (MBF Bioscience) software. On average, the neuron number per hemisphere was found to be ~1 million. We also measured cortical surface area and found an average of 11.1 mm² (n = 7) and an average volume of 5.3 mm³ (n = 10) per hemisphere. We identified 13 cortical regions by cytoarchitectonic boundaries in coronal, sagittal, and tangential sections processed for Nissl substance, myelin, cytochrome oxidase, ionic zinc, neurofilaments, and vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2). The Etruscan shrew is a highly tactile animal with a large somatosensory cortex, which contains a barrel field, but the barrels are much less clearly defined than in rodents. The anatomically derived cortical partitioning scheme roughly corresponds to physiologically derived maps of neocortical sensory areas.

Towards excimer-laser-based stereolithography: a rapid process to fabricate rigid biodegradable photopolymer scaffolds

We demonstrate high-resolution photocross-linking of biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and diethyl fumarate (DEF) using UV excimer laser photocuring at 308 nm. The curing depth can be tuned in a micrometre range by adjusting the total energy dose (total fluence). Young's moduli of the scaffolds are found to be a few gigapascal, high enough to support bone formation. The results presented here demonstrate that the proposed technique is an excellent tool for the fabrication of stiff and biocompatible structures on a micrometre scale with defined patterns of high resolution in all three spatial dimensions. Using UV laser photocuring at 308 nm will significantly improve the speed of rapid prototyping of biocompatible and biodegradable polymer scaffolds and enables its production in a few seconds, providing high lateral and horizontal resolution. This short timescale is indeed a tremendous asset that will enable a more efficient translation of technology to clinical applications. Preliminary cell tests proved that PPF : DEF scaffolds produced by excimer laser photocuring are biocompatible and, therefore, are promising candidates to be applied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: a diagnostic dilemma

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis is a pathologically benign process with complex and varied aetiology. It must be differentiated from neoplastic disease of the testis clinically with patient age, mode of presentation, tumour marker status and the characteristic ultrasound and Doppler study findings. Awareness and diagnosis of this clinical entity can prevent unnecessary surgical intervention in these patients.

Compatibility of osmolytes with Gibbs energy of stabilization of proteins

This study led to the conclusion that naturally occurring osmolytes which are known to protect proteins against denaturing stresses, do not perturb the Gibbs energy of stabilization of proteins at 25 degrees C (DeltaG(D) degrees ) which has been shown to control the in vivo rate of degradative protein turnover (Pace et al., Acta Biol. Med. Germ 40 (1981) 1385-1392). This conclusion has been reached from our studies of heat-induced denaturation of lysozyme, ribonuclease A, cytochrome c and myoglobin in the presence of different concentrations of osmolytes, namely, glycine, proline, sarcosine and glycine-betaine. At a fixed concentration of osmolyte a heat-induced denaturation curve measured by following changes in the molar absorption coefficient of the protein, was analyzed for T(m), the midpoint of the denaturation and DeltaH(m), the enthalpy change of denaturation at T(m). Values of DeltaG(D) degrees were determined with Gibbs-Helmoltz equation using known values of T(m), DeltaH(m) and DeltaC(p), the constant-pressure heat capacity change. It has been observed that T(m) increases with the osmolyte concentration, whereas DeltaG(D) degrees remains unaffected in the presence of the osmolyte. This observation on DeltaG(D) degrees in the presence of osmolytes has been considered in the physiological context.

Spontaneous hemobilia in a hemophiliac treated by factor VIII replacement and nasobiliary drainage

We report a case of spontaneous hemobilia in a hemophilia patient presenting with classical Sandblom's triad of symptoms. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Hemobilia subsided with factor VIII replacement and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage. Endoscopic nasobiliary drainage resulted in lysis of the clots in the biliary tree and relief of obstructive jaundice.

Role of non-compatible osmolytes in the stabilization of proteins during heat stress

This study is a systematic attempt to understand the roles of non-compatible osmolytes, i.e. solutes that have inhibitory effects on enzymes, in the stabilization of proteins against denaturing stress. Thermal denaturation of RNase A, holo-alpha-lactalbumin, apo-alpha-lactalbumin, lysozyme and metmyoglobin in the absence and presence of various concentrations of free basic amino acids was studied by observing changes in the absorption coefficients of these proteins. It has been observed that arginine and histidine destabilize all proteins in terms of the midpoint of the transition curve and Gibbs energy change on denaturation. Study of the heat-induced denaturation of the proteins in the presence of various concentrations of arginine at different pH values demonstrated that arginine binds to the denatured molecules. In contrast with the effect of arginine and histidine on protein stability, it was observed that the effect of lysine on proteins stability is unpredictable, i.e. it may have a stabilizing effect, no effect or a destabilizing effect on proteins during denaturing stress. The results of this study are considered from an evolutionary perspective.

Sublethal effects of hexavalent chromium on the body growth rate and liver function enzymes of phenobarbitone-pretreated and promethazine-pretreated rabbits

Hepatotoxic effects of chromium have been studied on the liver function enzymes of male New Zealand white rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, with and without pretreatment with phenobarbitone (PB) and promethazine (PM). The total body weight was decreased under all experimental conditions. After PB administration (5 mg/kg body wt/day for 5 days), the serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) activities decreased 21%, 65%, 25%, and 37%, respectively, whereas the alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity increased 70%. After PM treatment (5 mg/kg body wt/day for 5 days) the serum GPT was inhibited 73%, whereas LDH activity was increased 37%. The hepatic GPT and AP activities decreased after PB (52% and 31%, respectively), and PM (48% and 44%, respectively) treatments, whereas the activities of LDH and ICDH increased (after PB: 817% and 109%, respectively, and after PM: 136% and 44%, respectively). Potassium dichromate, administered at a dose of 8 mg/kg body wt/day for 5 days, decreased serum GOT (44%), GPT (61%), LDH (63%), and AP (44%) activities. The hepatic GOT, GPT and AP activities were likewise decreased (86%, 51%, and 46%, respectively), whereas hepatic LDH and ICDH activities increased 667% and 193%, respectively. When administered to PB-pretreated animals, the serum GOT and AP activities were decreased (50% and 68%), whereas ICDH was increased (29%). The hepatic GOT, LDH, and ICDH activities increased 79%, 221%, and 130%, respectively. In the PM-pretreated animals, the chromium treatment inhibited the activities of serum GOT (48%), GPT (44%), and LDH (43%). The hepatic GPT, LDH, and ICDH activities increased 90%, 133%, and 52%, respectively.

Effect of hexavalent chromium on drug-metabolizing enzymes in male domesticated rabbits

We studied the effect of chromium on the drug-metabolizing enzymes (DME) in male New Zealand white rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, with and without pretreatment with phenobarbitone (PB) and promethazine (PM). The activities of cytochrome P-450 (183%), aniline hydroxylase (ANH, 265%), acetanilide hydroxylase (ACH, 160%), benzphetamine demethylase (BD, 112%), aminopyrine demethylase (AD, 97%), N,N,-dimethyl aniline demethylase (DAD, 72%), and cytochrome-c-reductase (100%) were increased after PB treatment. The activities of cytochrome b5 and N,N,-dimethyl aniline N-oxide (DAO) were, however, decreased 79% and 47%, respectively. Most of the DME remained unaffected after PM treatment except for the increase in ANH (55%), ACH (56%), and BD (16%). Potassium dichromate administered to rabbits at a dose of 8 mg/kg body weight/day for 5 days resulted in an increase in the activities of ANH (108%), BD (76%), AD (25%), and DAD (49%), while that of cytochrome b5 and DAO were inhibited 81 and 77%, respectively. There was no effect on the activities of cytochrome P-450, ACH, and cytochrome-c-reductase. Chromium, administered to PB-pretreated animals decreased the activities of ANH (41%), ACH (35%), BD (34%), AD (30%), DAD (51%), cytochrome-c-reductase (72%), and DAO (62%). Other enzymes remained unaffected. When administered to PM-pretreated animals, the activities of ANH, BD, AD, and DAD increased 34, 69, 24 and 54%, respectively, whereas activities of cytochrome b5 and DAO were decreased 96 and 68%, respectively. All other DME remained unaffected.

An assessment of cadmium toxicity on cytochrome P-450 and flavin monooxygenase-mediated metabolic pathways of dimethylaniline in male rabbits

Cadmium is an environmental pollutant and its effect on the in vitro metabolism of N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) using male rabbits was investigated. Activities of cytochrome P-450 and FMO-dependent monooxygenases were studied using hepatic microsomes. Following CdCl2 (i.p.) administration (6 mg/kg/day for 6 days), both DMA-N-oxidation and DMA-N-demethylation decreased by 86%. The effects of CdCl2 on the phenobarbitone (PB)-induced form of P-450 were also studied. Intraperitoneal pretreatment of rabbits with PB (5 mg/kg/day for 5 days) increased N-demethylation by 82%, while N-oxidation decreased by 49%. Both reactions decreased significantly on additional treatment with CdCl2. Promethazine (5 mg/kg/day for 5 days) did not produce any change in the activities of either enzyme. The enzymes remained unaffected by CdCl2 treatment in promethazine-pretreated animals thus confirming its role as a hepatoprotective agent.

Effect of dimethoate on hepatic cytochrome P-450 and glutathione S-transferase activity in pigeon and rat

Effect of acute exposure (24 hr) to different oral doses of dimethoate on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 (Cyt. P-450) content and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were determined in pigeon and rat to ascertain difference in the metabolic response as a measure of species selective toxicity. Dimethoate at five different doses caused a statistically significant decrease in Cyt. P-450 content both in pigeon and rat. However, reduction in GST activity was significant at three doses in pigeon and at high dose in rat. Thus, a different quantum of hepatic Cyt. P-450 decrease and a differed response of GST activity against dimethoate exposure in pigeon and rat may be one of the possible causes for relatively higher toxicity of dimethoate in birds.

Acute toxicity and anti acetylcholinesterase potential of some biphenyl derivatives to non target species

Five newly synthesised biphenyl derivatives were evaluated for their acute contact toxicity (LC50) against rice weevil and honey bee and anti acetylcholinesterase potential (I50) against honey bee, fish, pigeon and rat. Amongst, O,O-dimethyl-O, p-Nitro-biphenyl phosphate was most potent against rice weevil, whereas p-(4-Nitrophenyl) phenyl-N-methyl carbamate against honey bee. Based on I50 values the biphenyl derivatives of phosphoric acid esters were more potent anti acetylcholinesterase (AChE) agents against rat and fish brain AChE while derivative of carbamic esters towards pigeon brain AChE. The anti AChE potency of both groups appear to be of the same order towards bee head AChE.