Recent advancement in ultrasound-assisted novel technologies for the extraction of bioactive compounds from herbal plants: a review

Herbal plants comprise potent bioactives, and they have a potential for the development of functional foods. Ultrasonication technology can be used to enhance the efficiency and quality of these bioactivities. The present review discussed the ultrasound-assisted novel extraction technologies (supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) and high pressurized liquid), including mechanistic understanding, influencing factors, extract process efficiency, and the recovery of bioactives with an industrial perspective. The strong observations of this study are the novel ultrasound-induced extraction process variables, such as ultrasound amplitude, sonication time, temperature, solid-solvent ratio, and pressure, are significantly influenced and must be optimized for maximum recovery of bioactives. The novel green technologies (ultrasound and assisted) could remarkably improve the extraction efficiency and enhance the quality of green extract. This review will support technological understanding about the impact on process parameters for the extraction of bioactives for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Development of prospective hospital-based venous thromboembolism registry across India: a study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi has established a nationwide registry 'Indian Registry for Venous Thromoembolism Disorder (i-RegVeD)' for real-time analytics of sociodemographic profile of patients, disease patterns, management strategies, treatment choices and outcomes of patients with venous thromboemobolism (VTE). The purpose is to generate evidence on VTE in order to fill the gaps in the knowledge of the disease across various demographic regions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This prospective hospital-based registry will be a continuous data collection process on the occurrence and characteristics of VTE from the 16 hospital sites pan India. This process would include obtaining clinical profiles, risk factors, diagnostic tests, treatment and outcome information of patients collected from medical records through an active method of data abstraction and data capture mechanism guided by an online web-based tool.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

At centralised programme management unit, the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committees (IEC) named ICMR-Central Ethics Committee on Human Research and similarly each of the participating site has obtained the ethical approval by their respective IECs. The results from this study will be disseminated publicly on the study website (https://iregved.icmr.org.in) as well as through scientific meetings and publications.

Modifying the plant proteins techno-functionalities by novel physical processing technologies: a review

Plant proteins have recently gained market demand and momentum due to their environmentally friendly origins and health advantages over their animal-derived counterparts. However, their lower techno-functionalities, digestibility, bioactivities, and anti-nutritional compounds have limited their application in foods. Increased demand for physically modified proteins with better techno-functionalities resulted in the application of different thermal and non-thermal treatments to modify plant proteins. Novel physical processing technologies (NPPT) considered 'emerging high-potential treatments for tomorrow' are required to alter protein functionality, enhance bioactive peptide formations, reduce anti-nutritional, reduce loss of nutrients, prevention of damage to heat liable proteins and clean label. NPPT can be promising substitutes for the lower energy-efficient and aggressive thermal treatments in plant protein modification. These facts captivated the interest of the scientific community in designing novel functional food systems. However, these improvements are not verifiable for all the plant proteins and depend immensely on the protein type and concentration, other environmental parameters (pH, ionic strength, temperature, and co-solutes), and NPPT conditions. This review addresses the most promising approaches of NPPT for the modification of techno-functionalities of plant proteins. New insights elaborating the effect of NPPTs on proteins' structural and functional behavior in relation to other food components are discussed. The combined application of NPPTs in the field of plant-based bioactive functionalities is also explored.

Lymphomatous Interstitial Nephritis Coexistent with Paraneoplastic Crescentic Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis in a Case of Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare aggressive lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) of B-cell lymphoma, which usually presents in advanced stages at initial diagnosis. Renal involvement in MCL is very rare, especially the combined presence of both glomerular and interstitial disease. We report on a patient with lymphomatous interstitial nephritis (LIN) coexistent with paraneoplastic crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), subsequently diagnosed to have disseminated MCL with bone marrow and lymph nodal infiltration. He was treated with rituximab-based chemotherapy and went into complete renal remission at 6-months of follow up.

Seeing beyond the gut: An unusual cause of massive hematemesis

We report the clinical details, imaging findings, and management of a 74-year-old male who had recurrent episodes of massive hematemesis secondary to rupture of a cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Ruptured ICA aneurysms may present with epistaxis. However, intracranial aneurysmal rupture with hematemesis as the presenting complaint has not been described previously in the literature. In this case report we describe the pathophysiology of cerebral aneurysm as a cause of hematemesis and its management.

Collapsing Glomerulopathy Superimposed on Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by gradually progressive renal failure and proteinuria. Various types of nondiabetic kidney diseases may superimpose on DN, and affect the natural course, prognosis, and management. Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) is a form of glomerular proliferative injury, characterized by rapid progression and associated with poor prognosis. CG may be idiopathic or secondary to other causes, and it has also been described with other forms of glomerular diseases. The association of CG with DN has not been reported widely. We report on a patient with DN who has undergone renal biopsy due to massive proteinuria and rapid loss of renal function. Renal biopsy was suggestive of CG superimposed on DN. He was treated conservatively, however, progressed to end-stage renal disease rapidly.

Asymbiotic in vitro seed propagation of Dendrobium

The ability to germinate orchids from seeds in vitro presents a useful and viable method for the propagation of valuable germplasm, maintaining the genetic heterogeneity inherent in seeds. Given the ornamental and medicinal importance of many species within the genus Dendrobium, this review explores in vitro techniques for their asymbiotic seed germination. The influence of abiotic factors (such as temperature and light), methods of sterilization, composition of basal media, and supplementation with organic additives and plant growth regulators are discussed in context to achieve successful seed germination, protocorm formation, and further seedling growth and development. This review provides both a basis for the selection of optimal conditions, and a platform for the discovery of better ones, that would allow the development of new protocols and the exploration of new hypotheses for germination and conservation of Dendrobium seeds and seedlings.

Symbiotic in vitro seed propagation of Dendrobium: fungal and bacterial partners and their influence on plant growth and development

The genus Dendrobium is one of the largest genera of the Orchidaceae Juss. family, although some of its members are the most threatened today. The reason why many species face a vulnerable or endangered status is primarily because of anthropogenic interference in natural habitats and commercial overexploitation. The development and application of modern techniques and strategies directed towards in vitro propagation of orchids not only increases their number but also provides a viable means to conserve plants in an artificial environment, both in vitro and ex vitro, thus providing material for reintroduction. Dendrobium seed germination and propagation are challenging processes in vivo and in vitro, especially when the extreme specialization of these plants is considered: (1) their biotic relationships with pollinators and mycorrhizae; (2) adaptation to epiphytic or lithophytic life-styles; (3) fine-scale requirements for an optimal combination of nutrients, light, temperature, and pH. This review also aims to summarize the available data on symbiotic in vitro Dendrobium seed germination. The influence of abiotic factors as well as composition and amounts of different exogenous nutrient substances is examined. With a view to better understanding how to optimize and control in vitro symbiotic associations, a part of the review describes the strong biotic relations of Dendrobium with different associative microorganisms that form microbial communities with adult plants, and also influence symbiotic seed germination. The beneficial role of plant growth-promoting bacteria is also discussed.

Oil spill experiment using airborne DLR ESAR off the coast of Diu, India

Oil spill experiment results in the coastal waters of Diu, India, with an airborne DLR ESAR sensor are discussed with reference to the SAR frequency, polarization and viewing angle. The SAR data acquired in the quad polarization of the L band and dual polarization of the C band over two spills are studied. A higher oil and water contrast is observed in the L-VV polarization than in the C-HH mode. Oil spill discrimination is possible over a wider view angle of the airborne SAR sensor data in L band than in C band. This study has also analyzed the spread and drift of oil in coastal waters.

Totally drug-resistant tuberculosis and adjunct therapies

The first cases of totally drug-resistant (TDR) tuberculosis (TB) were reported in Italy 10 years ago; more recently, cases have also been reported in Iran, India and South Africa. Although there is no consensus on terminology, it is most commonly described as 'resistance to all first- and second-line drugs used to treat TB'. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) acquires drug resistance mutations in a sequential fashion under suboptimal drug pressure due to monotherapy, inadequate dosing, treatment interruptions and drug interactions. The treatment of TDR-TB includes antibiotics with disputed or minimal effectiveness against M.tb, and the fatality rate is high. Comorbidities such as diabetes and infection with human immunodeficiency virus further impact on TB treatment options and survival rates. Several new drug candidates with novel modes of action are under late-stage clinical evaluation (e.g., delamanid, bedaquiline, SQ109 and sutezolid). 'Repurposed' antibiotics have also recently been included in the treatment of extensively drug resistant TB. However, because of mutations in M.tb, drugs will not provide a cure for TB in the long term. Adjunct TB therapies, including therapeutic vaccines, vitamin supplementation and/or repurposing of drugs targeting biologically and clinically relevant molecular pathways, may achieve better clinical outcomes in combination with standard chemotherapy. Here, we review broader perspectives of drug resistance in TB and potential adjunct treatment options.

Calpain inhibition mediates autophagy-dependent protection against polyglutamine toxicity

Over recent years, accumulated evidence suggests that autophagy induction is protective in animal models of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Intense research in the field has elucidated different pathways through which autophagy can be upregulated and it is important to establish how modulation of these pathways impacts upon disease progression in vivo and therefore which, if any, may have further therapeutic relevance. In addition, it is important to understand how alterations in these target pathways may affect normal physiology when constitutively modulated over a long time period, as would be required for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we evaluate the potential protective effect of downregulation of calpains. We demonstrate, in Drosophila, that calpain knockdown protects against the aggregation and toxicity of proteins, like mutant huntingtin, in an autophagy-dependent fashion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, overexpression of the calpain inhibitor, calpastatin, increases autophagosome levels and is protective in a mouse model of Huntington's disease, improving motor signs and delaying the onset of tremors. Importantly, long-term inhibition of calpains did not result in any overt deleterious phenotypes in mice. Thus, calpain inhibition, or activation of autophagy pathways downstream of calpains, may be suitable therapeutic targets for diseases like Huntington's disease.

Production of gymnemic acid depends on medium, explants, PGRs, color lights, temperature, photoperiod, and sucrose sources in batch culture of Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.) is an important diabetic medicinal plant which yields pharmaceutically active compounds called gymnemic acid (GA). The present study describes callus induction and the subsequent batch culture optimization and GA quantification determined by linearity, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Best callus induction of GA was noticed in MS medium combined with 2,4-D (1.5 mg/L) and KN (0.5 mg/L). Evaluation and isolation of GA from the calluses derived from different plant parts, namely, leaf, stem and petioles have been done in the present case for the first time. Factors such as light, temperature, sucrose, and photoperiod were studied to observe their effect on GA production. Temperature conditions completely inhibited GA production. Out of the different sucrose concentrations tested, the highest yield (35.4 mg/g d.w) was found at 5% sucrose followed by 12 h photoperiod (26.86 mg/g d.w). Maximum GA production (58.28 mg/g d.w) was observed in blue light. The results showed that physical and chemical factors greatly influence the production of GA in callus cultures of G. sylvestre. The factors optimized for in vitro production of GA during the present study can successfully be employed for their large-scale production in bioreactors.

Genotoxicity in agricultural farmers from Guntur district of South India—A case study

Background: Pesticides play an important role in controlling the pests on agricultural crops and thereby to increase the yield of agricultural produce. Farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides during spraying activities are more prone to genotoxicity than unexposed. Aim: To assess the genotoxicity in farmers, engaged in spraying complex mixture of pesticides in the cultivation of cotton crops. Material and methods: A total number of 152 male subjects were selected randomly from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh (AP), South India. The demographic particulars viz., personal habits, duration of exposure to pesticides, types of pesticides used were collected from the study subjects using an interview schedule. Among them 76 subjects were farmers and the remaining individuals served as unexposed or controls. Blood samples from these subjects were collected for assessing the genetic damage by chromosomal aberrations (CAs) test and micronucleus test (MNT). Results: The results of the study indicated that CA was significantly higher with 2.8% in farmers who were exposed to pesticides when compared to unexposed (0.72%). However, there was a minor difference in MN with 0.13% and 0.12% between exposed and unexposed which was not statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: A correlation between CA frequency and exposure to benzene hexachloride (BHC) pesticide residue was observed.

In vitro callus and in vivo leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre stimulate β-cells regeneration and anti-diabetic activity in Wistar rats

A methanol extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaf and callus showed anti-diabetic activities through regenerating β-cells. Optimum callus was developed under stress conditions of blue light with 2,4-D (1.5 mg/l) and KN (0.5 mg/l), which induced maximum biomass of green compact callus at 45 days, as determined by growth curve analysis. Leaf and optimum callus extracts contains gymnemic acid, which was analyzed using TLC, HPTLC and HPLC methods. The research reported here deals with leaf and callus extracts of G. sylvestre, which significantly increase the weight of the whole body, liver, pancreas and liver glycogen content in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Wistar rats). The gymnemic acid of leaf and callus extracts significantly increases the regeneration of β-cells in treated rats, when compared with the standard diabetic rats. It could have potential as a pharmaceutical drug for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Frequency of Mutations Induced by Radiations in Hexaploid Species of Triticum

The frequency of visible mutations induced by x-rays, phosphorus-32, and sulfur-35 was calculated in six hexaploid Triticum species. The species with spelted ears and winter habit showed a much lower mutation rate than the freethreshing, spring wheats.

Structural Changes in Reproductive Organs of Male Rats after Estradiol Benzoate Treatment

The effects of estradiol benzoate (E2B) at a dose of 50 micrograms/rat/day for 7, 15 and 24 days on histoarchitecture, histocytometry and relative weights of reproductive organs in mature albino rats were investigated. The results revealed that the organ weights, histology of the testis, epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicle of treated rats were considerably affected as a consequence of the treatment. The height of germinal/secretory epithelium and tubular diameter of these organs also declined, whereas the peritubular muscle layer thickness of epididymis and accessory gland was increased. In vas deferens, in contrast, the muscle layer was reduced. The induced effects of estrogen were related to the duration of the treatment and support our earlier data that estrogens have a direct effect on the testis.

In vitro genotoxicity assays to evaluate the role of vitamin A on arsenic in human lymphocytes

Ground water contamination of arsenic in drinking water is a burning problem worldwide; especially in West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh. The main endeavor in this study was to assess the role of vitamin A (2.72 microM/7 ml culture), a naturally occurring antioxidant upon arsenic-induced genotoxicity; with respect to chromosomal aberrations (structural and numerical) and micronuclei. Whole blood cultures set for 72 h were exposed to test chemicals for a period of 24 h ahead of harvesting. Arsenic concentrations tested in the present study are 0.36, 0.72 and 1.4 microM/7 ml culture. Mitomycin C (MMC), the direct acting mutagen was used as positive control. Our data indicates that at concentrations tested, arsenic-induced increase in the mean frequencies of these genotoxic indices were diminished by vitamin A, indicating its protective role towards cells from arsenic exerted injury.

In vitro cytogenetic effects of Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh) on arsenic

In vitro effects of arsenic in human peripheral lymphocytes (HPL) at three different doses - 3.6x10(-4), 1.4 x 10(-3) and 0.72 x 10(-3) microM for 24h before harvesting on sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), Cell cycle proliferative index/replicative index (CCPI/RI), %M(1), %M(2) and %M(3), population doubling time (PDT) and average generation time (AGT) were examined. Andrographis paniculata (commonly referred to as 'kalmegh') has been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Chinese herbal medicine as a safe, natural folk remedy for assorted health concerns. In the present study, kalmegh (0.01 microg/7ml culture media) was used along with the highest dose of arsenic; the results showed that arsenic induced increase in these genotoxic endpoints were fairly diminished by kalmegh. In addition, mutagenic in vitro effect of ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) was used as a positive control in this study. It is thus concluded from this study that Andrographis has a protective role in arsenic toxicity.

Genotoxic effects in human lymphocytes exposed to arsenic and vitamin A

Arsenic is a ubiquitous trace element and a well-established human carcinogen. In search for an 'antidote' to this global poison, this work was undertaken to study the probable beneficial effect of vitamin A upon arsenic induced genotoxicity. Peripheral blood lymphocyte culture was carried out to study the effects of arsenic at three different dose levels (0.5, 1 and 2 microg) for 24 h prior to harvesting. In addition, mutagenic in vitro effect of ethyl methanesulphonate was studied as a positive control. Genotoxic variables presented here are sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), cell cycle proliferative index/replicative index (CCPI/RI), average generation time (AGT) and population doubling time (PDT). Inevitably, arsenic treatment showed dose-dependent augmentation in the incidences of SCE and CCPI/RI together with AGT and PDT. However, vitamin A supplemented arsenic cultures demonstrated remarkable resurgence in the described genotoxic parameters. This data shows that vitamin A might be a useful interventional treatment in arsenic poisoning.

Recent Advances in the Solid-Phase Combinatorial Synthetic Strategies for the Quinoxaline, Quinazoline and Benzimidazole Based Privileged Structures

Quinoxaline, quinazoline and benzimidazole based templates have been synthesized on solid-support employing different methodologies. This review enlightens academic and industrial examples of combinatorial synthesis for this type of heterocycles that appeared in the literature in the last decade. Hence, some of the important synthetic strategies for the generation of quinoxaline, quinazoline and benzimidazole based privileged structures, and the important biological activities for these heterocycles have been highlighted. Further, benzothiadiazinone, thioxoquinazolinone, cinnoline and indazole are also examined in this review.

Biochemical studies of embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus of Cardiospermum halicacabum L

Some physiological and biochemical changes were measured between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus obtained from Cardiospermum halicacabum. Combination of auxin with cytokinin was more favourable for high amount of callus formation. 2,4-D played a key role in triggering somatic embryo formation. Embryogenic callus had more total carbohydrate and starch contents, total free amino acids, nucleic acids, phenols and ascorbic acid. Non-embryogenic callus exhibited high chlorophyll content, total soluble sugar, protein, ammonia and enzymes like peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Thus, the present study indicated that the process of somatic embryogenesis was characterized by some biochemical and physiological changes induced by plant growth regulators.

Arsenic induced free radical toxicity in brain of mice

The present study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of oral administration of arsenic trioxide (As2O3; 0.5 and 1 mg/kg body weight/day for 45 days) on cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum in male mice, Mus musculus. Arsenic reduced the concentration of glutathione (GSH) in cerebral hemisphere and cerebellum at both the dose levels; while increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) in cerebral hemisphere and cerebellum regions. Further, the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase and catalase also declined in these two regions with dose indicating oxidative stress. This effect is caused by the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by arsenic exposure.

Role of ascorbic acid on mercuric chloride-induced genotoxicity in human blood cultures

Efforts are made to find therapeutic agents capable of minimizing genotoxicity of various natural and man-made compounds. The genotoxicity induced by mercury compounds remains controversial. Therefore we have investigated the genotoxic effect of mercuric chloride (MC; HgCl(2)) at three concentrations (1.052, 5.262 and 10.524 microM) and role of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at a concentration of 9.734 microM on MC-treated short-term human leucocyte cultures. We assessed the proliferative rate index (PRI), sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosomal aberrations (CAS) in control and MC-treated cultures with and without vitamin C supplementation. The results showed that MC has no effect on cell-cycle kinetics, but the frequency of SCE/cell was significantly higher in a dose-dependent manner than control values. HgCl(2) also significantly induced C-anaphases (abnormal mitosis) in blood cultures. These effects were prevented by the addition of vitamin C to MC-treated cultures. The data indicate the mutagenic activity of MC and the protective role of vitamin C on mercury-induced genotoxicity in human blood cultures is probably due to its strong antioxidant and nucleophilic nature.

Protective effect of vitamin E against mercuric chloride reproductive toxicity in male mice

Mercury intoxication has been associated with male reproductive toxicity in experimental animals and mercury may have the potential to produce adverse effects on fertility in men. Vitamin E may protect against toxic effects of mercury in the liver and other tissues. To investigate the protective role of vitamin E against mercuric chloride toxicity for the testis, epididymis, and vas deferens of adult male mice, animals were treated with either mercuric chloride 1.25 mg/kg/day, vitamin E 2 mg/kg/kg, or a combination of the two treatments. Control animals were treated with water. Treatments were administered by daily gavage for 45 days. An additional group of animals treated with mercuric chloride were permitted to recover for 45 days after mercuric chloride treatments. Parameters studied included serum testosterone, epididymal sperm count, motility, and morphology, epididymal and vas deferens adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), phosphorylase, sialic acid, glycogen and protein, testicular succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), phosphatases, cholesterol, ascorbic acid, and glutathione. Fertility was evaluated by sperm positive vaginal smears after overnight cohabitation with a female. Mercuric chloride produced a reduction in epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability, and there were no sperm-positive smears in this group. Biochemical tests from the male reproductive organs were also altered by mercuric chloride treatment. Coadministration of vitamin E with mercuric chloride prevented the changes in sperm and biochemical parameters and was associated with control rates of sperm positive smears after cohabitation. Animals given vitamin E with mercuric chloride also had lower concentrations of mercury in the testis, epididimyis, and vas deferens. Permitting animals to recover for 45 days after mercuric chloride treatment resulted in partial recovery of sperm and biochemical parameters. Vitamin E cotreatment has a protective role against mercury-induced male reproductive toxicity.

Conformational rigidity introduced by 2',5'-phosphodiester links in DNA

Conformational properties of 2',5'-linked 3'-deoxyribonucleotides have been compared with their natural isomer using CD spectroscopy. It is inferred from the salt induced titration curves that the 2',5'-linked-3'deoxyribonucleotides have rigid phosphodiester backbone.

Progress in the modeling of neurodegenerative diseases in transgenic mice

Transgenic mouse models exist for the major neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, tauopathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although many of the mice do not completely replicate the human disease they are intended to model, they have provided insight into the mechanisms that underlie disease etiology. In the case of the Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis models, the mice have also provided a therapeutic testing ground for the testing of agents that have been shown to have considerable clinical promise.

Contraceptive effects ofPhyllanthus amarusin female mice

Antifertility effects of an alcohol extract of the whole plant, Phyllanthus amarus at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days orally was investigated in cyclic adult female mice. The results revealed no -significant change in absolute body and organ weights in extract-fed animals, indicating no alteration in general metabolic status. Further, feeding had no effect on haematological and clinical biochemical tests reflecting its non-toxicity. Similarly, uterine and ovarian biochemical tests showed no change except in 3beta and 17beta hydroxy steroid dehydrgenase (HSDs) levels, probably affecting hormonal conversions in the latter. Cohabited females with normal male mice were unable to become pregnant as their cyclicity was affected. These factors are related to a change in the hormonal milieu that governs female reproductive function. Upon withdrawal of feeding for 45 days, these effects were reversible. Thus this extract manifests a definite contraceptive effect in female mice.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazolinones: lipase-catalyzed resolution of vasicinone

A facile synthesis of bronchodilatory pyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazoline alkaloids by azidoreductive cyclization strategy employing TMSCl-NaI and bakers' yeast is described. Both the chemical and enzymatic methods are mild and take place at room temperature in good yields. Further, synthesis and resolution of vasicinone has been carried out by employing different lipases. It has been observed that lipase PS provides acetate of (S)-vasicinone in 98% ee.

Jasmonic acid signaling modulates ozone-induced hypersensitive cell death

Recent studies suggest that cross-talk between salicylic acid (SA)-, jasmonic acid (JA)-, and ethylene-dependent signaling pathways regulates plant responses to both abiotic and biotic stress factors. Earlier studies demonstrated that ozone (O(3)) exposure activates a hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell death pathway in the Arabidopsis ecotype Cvi-0. We now have confirmed the role of SA and JA signaling in influencing O(3)-induced cell death. Expression of salicylate hydroxylase (NahG) in Cvi-0 reduced O(3)-induced cell death. Methyl jasmonate (Me-JA) pretreatment of Cvi-0 decreased O(3)-induced H(2)O(2) content and SA concentrations and completely abolished O(3)-induced cell death. Cvi-0 synthesized as much JA as did Col-0 in response to O(3) exposure but exhibited much less sensitivity to exogenous Me-JA. Analyses of the responses to O(3) of the JA-signaling mutants jar1 and fad3/7/8 also demonstrated an antagonistic relationship between JA- and SA-signaling pathways in controlling the magnitude of O(3)-induced HR-like cell death.

Nutritive value of traditional sweets consumed in the Arab Gulf countries

Proximate, mineral, fatty acid and cholesterol composition of eight traditional sweets commonly consumed in the Arab Gulf countries were determined. Four sweets were obtained from Bahrain, whereas the other sweets were obtained from Oman. Protein level ranged from 0.2 to 9.0%, while the fat content ranged from 7.9 to 18.0%. In general, the sweets were found to be high in energy content but poor in most minerals. Iron and zinc contents were low (less than 2 and less than 1 mg/100 g for iron and zinc, respectively). Cholesterol was high in four sweets (range from 10.6 to 20.4 mg/100 g), mainly because of the use of animal fat in preparation of these sweets. The fatty acids profiles showed that palmitic and oleic acids were predominant. One sweet (eggbaith) was found to be very high in linoleic (42%) and low in palmitic (9.6%) acids. The study showed that some traditional sweets are nutritious, while others should be consumed with moderation.

Symptomatic human rotavirus subgroups, serotypes & electropherotypes in Hyderabad, India

A total of 352 stool specimens obtained from children under 2 yr of age with acute diarrhoea, between January 1998 and March 1999, were screened for the presence of rotavirus by RNA-PAGE. Symptomatic human rotaviruses were detected in 57 of 352 (16.19%) specimens by RNA-PAGE. These 57 samples were tested for rotavirus double stranded RNA pattern and among these, 46 samples were tested for subgroup and serotype specificities. Among the 46 strains tested, 29 strains were found to be subgroup II and remaining 17 strains were subgroup I, indicating that subgroup II strains are more predominant than subgroup I strains. Subgroup I and II strains were circulating concurrently throughout the study period. Seventeen strains with 'short' RNA pattern and subgroup I specificity could not be assigned as serotype 2 strains as they exhibited cross-reactivity to MAbs specific for more than one serotype. Of the 29 subgroup II strains with 'long' RNA pattern, 16 (55.17%) were serotype 1, 8 (27.58%) were serotype 4. Five (17.24%) showed dual reactivity to serotypes 1 and 3. Our results indicated that serotype 1 and G2-like strains are predominant in Hyderabad. None of the virus strains showed an unusual RNA pattern.

Ion-molecule reactions and ion energies in a CF4 discharge

Absolute cross sections have been measured for reactants typically found in carbon tetrafluoride (CF(4)) discharges for collision energies below a few hundred electron volts. The reactions investigated include collision-induced dissociation and dissociative electron transfer reactions for CF(+)(3) and F(+) colliding with CF(4), and collisional electron detachment for F(-) colliding with CF4. Also presented are measurements of energies and relative intensities of ions generated in dc Townsend CF4 discharges with E/N values ranging from 4 x 10(-18) V m(2) to 25 x 10(-18) V m(2) [4 to 25 kTd]. Ion energy and ion intensity data for the Townsend discharges are analyzed in light of the measured cross sections.

Impact of mid day meal program on educational and nutritional status of school children in Karnataka

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of the Mid Day Meal (MDM) Program on enrollment, attendance, dropout rate and retention rate in the schools and its impact on nutritional status as well as on school performance.

DESIGN

Comparison by multistage random sampling.

SUBJECTS

Primary school children, who are attending the school in the MDM and non-MDM areas.

RESULTS

A total of 2,694 children (MDM: 1361; Non-MDM : 1333) from 60 schools were covered in the study. Results of the study indicated better enrollment (p<0.05) and attendance (p<0.001), higher retention rate with reduced dropout rate (p<0.001) a marginally higher scholastic performance and marginally higher growth performance of MDM children.

CONCLUSION

MDM program is associated with a better educational and nutritional status of school children in Karnataka.

Ozone-induced cell death occurs via two distinct mechanisms in Arabidopsis: the role of salicylic acid

Previous studies suggest that salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in influencing plant resistance to ozone (O3). To further define the role of SA in O3-induced responses, we compared the responses of two Arabidopsis genotypes that accumulate different amounts of SA in response to O3 and a SA-deficient transgenic Col-0 line expressing salicylate hydroxylase (NahG). The differences observed in O3-induced changes in SA levels, the accumulation of active oxygen species, defense gene expression, and the kinetics and severity of lesion formation indicate that SA influences O3 tolerance via two distinct mechanisms. Detailed analyses indicated that features associated with a hypersensitive response (HR) were significantly greater in O3-exposed Cvi-0 than in Col-0, and that NahG plants failed to exhibit these HR-like responses. Furthermore, O3-induced antioxidant defenses, including the redox state of glutathione, were greatly reduced in NahG plants compared to Col-0 and Cvi-0. This suggests that O3-induced cell death in NahG plants is due to the loss of SA-mediated potentiation of antioxidant defenses, while O3-induced cell death in Cvi-0 is due to activation of a HR. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that inhibition of NADPH-oxidases reduced O3-induced H2O2 levels and the O3-induced cell death in Cvi-0, while no major changes were observed in NahG plants. We conclude that although SA is required to maintain the cellular redox state and potentiate defense responses in O3 exposed plants, high levels of SA also potentiate activation of an oxidative burst and a cell death pathway that results in apparent O3 sensitivity.

Neurofilament-dependent radial growth of motor axons and axonal organization of neurofilaments does not require the neurofilament heavy subunit (NF-H) or its phosphorylation

Neurofilaments are essential for establishment and maintenance of axonal diameter of large myelinated axons, a property that determines the velocity of electrical signal conduction. One prominent model for how neurofilaments specify axonal growth is that the 660-amino acid, heavily phosphorylated tail domain of neurofilament heavy subunit (NF-H) is responsible for neurofilament-dependent structuring of axoplasm through intra-axonal crossbridging between adjacent neurofilaments or to other axonal structures. To test such a role, homologous recombination was used to generate NF-H-null mice. In peripheral motor and sensory axons, absence of NF-H does not significantly affect the number of neurofilaments or axonal elongation or targeting, but it does affect the efficiency of survival of motor and sensory axons. Loss of NF-H caused only a slight reduction in nearest neighbor spacing of neurofilaments and did not affect neurofilament distribution in either large- or small-diameter motor axons. Since postnatal growth of motor axon caliber continues largely unabated in the absence of NF-H, neither interactions mediated by NF-H nor the extensive phosphorylation of it within myelinated axonal segments are essential features of this growth.

Endocrine approach to male fertility control by steroid hormone combination in rat Rattus norvegicus L

Effects of a combination of medoxy-progesterone acetate (MPA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at a dose of 10 mg + 2 mg/kg, injected, in weekly to rats of proven fertility were investigated with respect to their fertility, sperm and organ functions. This hormonal regimen had no effect in body and organ weights except in the testis. A depletion in sperm reserves in testis and epididymis was noted in addition to a loss of their motility in the later. Alterations in cauda epididymal sperm viability and morphology and reduced levels of superoxide dismutase indicated changes in their plasma membrane permeability. Sperm acrosomal enzymes such as acrosin and hyaluronidase were also affected leading to a loss of their function. Consequently the fertility potential of these rats also impaired after 60 days of hormonal regimen. Testicular biochemical machinery revealed its altered metabolism and regressed spermatogenic activity accounting for its loss of weight. Similarly epididymal physiology also exhibited changes leading to impaired sperm maturation. However, toxicity studies showed no significant variations in liver and blood biochemical profiles indicating non-toxic nature of this combination. All these effects seemed to be transient and reversible upon withdrawal of treatment for 60 and 90 days gradually. Thus, this combination with aromatizable androgen is useful for induction of functional sterility.

Extragenital donovanosis of the foot

An extremely rare case of primary extragenital donovanosis affecting the dorsa of right foot is reported. Clinical and histopathological features of the disease are described and the rarity, absence of genital lesions, and consequent difficulty in diagnosis are discussed.