Impact of GSK-3β and CK-1δ on Wnt signaling pathway in alzheimer disease: A dual target approach

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an enigmatic neurological illness that offers few treatment options. Recent exploration has highlighted the crucial connection of the Wnt signaling pathway in AD pathogenesis, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets. The present study focuses on the dual targeting of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and casein kinase-1δ (CK-1δ) within the framework of the Wnt signaling pathway as a possible technique for AD intervention. GSK-3β and CK-1δ are multifunctional kinases known for their roles in tau hyperphosphorylation, amyloid processing, and synaptic dysfunction, all of which are major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. They are intricately linked to Wnt signaling, which plays a pivotal part in sustaining neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of the Wnt pathway in AD contributes to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms by which GSK-3β and CK-1δ impact the Wnt signaling pathway, elucidating their roles in AD pathogenesis. We discuss the potential of small-molecule inhibitors along with their SAR studies along with the multi-targetd approach targeting GSK-3β and CK-1δ to modulate Wnt signaling and mitigate AD-related pathology. In summary, the dual targeting of GSK-3β and CK-1δ within the framework of the Wnt signaling pathway presents an innovative and promising avenue for future AD therapies, offering new hope for patients and caregivers in the quest to combat this challenging condition.

Promising Potential of Curcumin and Related Compounds for Antiviral Drug Discovery

Viruses are acellular, microscopic, and mobile particles containing genetic particles, either DNA/RNA strands as nucleoproteins, responsible for 69,53,743 deaths till the year 2023. Curcumin and related compounds are among the areas of pivotal interest for researchers because of their versatile pharmacological profile. Chemically known as diferuloylmethane, which is a main constituent of turmeric along with demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, they have a broad spectrum of antiviral activity against viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus (Avian influenza) and Hepatitis C virus HIV. The possible role of curcumin as an antiviral agent may be attributed to the activation of the 20S proteasome, a cellular machinery responsible for degrading unfolded or misfolded proteins in a ubiquitin-independent manner. It shows suppression of HBV entry at various infection stages by inhibiting cccDNA replication by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to attenuate IAV-induced myocarditis.

Recent advances in synthetic strategies and SAR of thiazolidin-4-one containing molecules in cancer therapeutics

Cancer is one of the life-threatening diseases accountable for millions of demises globally. The inadequate effectiveness of the existing chemotherapy and its harmful effects has resulted in the necessity of developing innovative anticancer agents. Thiazolidin-4-one scaffold is among the most important chemical skeletons that illustrate anticancer activity. Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been the subject of extensive research and current scientific literature reveals that these compounds have shown significant anticancer activities. This manuscript is an earnest attempt to review novel thiazolidin-4-one derivatives demonstrating considerable potential as anticancer agents along with a brief discussion of medicinal chemistry-related aspects of these compounds and structural activity relationship studies in order to develop possible multi-target enzyme inhibitors. Most recently, various synthetic strategies have been developed by researchers to get various thiazolidin-4-one derivatives. In this review, the authors highlight the various synthetic, green, and nanomaterial-based synthesis routes of thiazolidin-4-ones as well as their role in anticancer activity by inhibition of various enzymes and cell lines. The detailed description of the existing modern standards in the field presented in this article may be interesting and beneficial to the scientists for further exploration of these heterocyclic compounds as possible anticancer agents.

The food-energy-water-carbon nexus of the rice-wheat production system in the western Indo-Gangetic Plain of India: An impact of irrigation system, conservational tillage and residue management

The conventional rice-wheat system in the western Indo-Gangetic plain of India is energy and water intensive with high carbon footprint. The transition towards resource-efficient eco-friendly production technologies with lower footprint is required for inclusive ecological sustenance. A five-year (2016-17 to 2020-21) field experiment was conducted in RWS with hypothesis that pressurized irrigation systems [drip (DRIP) and mini-sprinkler (MSIS)] in conservation tillage [reduced (RT)/zero (ZT)] and crop residue management [incorporation (RI)/mulch (RM)] might result in higher resource use efficiency with lesser carbon footprint compared to conventional system. Experiment consisted five treatments namely (1) puddled transplanted rice followed by conventionally tilled wheat (PTR/CTW), (2) DRIP irrigated reduced till direct seeded rice (RTDSR) followed by zero-till wheat with 100 % rice residue mulching (ZTW + RM) (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (3) surface irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (SIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (4) MSIS irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), and (5) MSIS irrigated RTDSR with 1/3rd wheat residue incorporation followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR + RI/ZTW + RM). The pressurized irrigation system in RWS established under conservational tillage and residue management (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM and MSIS-DSR + RI/ZTW + RM) produced at par system productivity compared to PTR/CTW. Substantial nitrogen (79-114 ka ha^-1) and irrigation water (536-680 mm) savings under pressurized irrigation systems resulted in 41-64 % higher partial factor productivity of nitrogen with 48-61 % lower water footprint. These systems had lower energy consumption attaining 15-21 % higher net energy, 44-61 % higher energy use efficiency, and 31-38 % lower specific energy. Efficient utilization of farm inputs caused lower greenhouse gas emission (39-44 %) and enhanced carbon sequestration (35-62 %) resulting 63-76 % lower carbon footprint over PTR/CTW. The information generated here might useful in developing policies for resource and climate-smart food production system aiming livelihood security and ecological sustainability in the region. Further, trials are needed for wider adaptability under different climate, soil and agronomic practices to develop site-specific climate smart practices.

Recent advances in the vaccine development for the prophylaxis of SARS Covid-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-caused Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a global pandemic that has wreaked havoc on public health, lives, and the global economy. The present COVID-19 outbreak has put pressure on the scientific community to develop medications and vaccinations to combat COVID-19. However, according to highly optimistic forecasts, we could not have a COVID-19 vaccine until September 2020. This is due to the fact that a successful COVID-19 vaccine will necessitate a careful validation of effectiveness and adverse reactivity given that the target vaccine population includes high-risk people over 60, particularly those with severe co-morbid conditions, frontline healthcare professionals, and those involved in essential industrial sectors. For passive immunization, which is being considered for Covid-19, there are several platforms for vaccine development, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The COVID-19 pandemic, which is arguably the deadliest in the last 100 years after the Spanish flu, necessitates a swift assessment of the various approaches for their ability to incite protective immunity and safety to prevent unintended immune potentiation, which is crucial to the pathogenesis of this virus. Considering the pandemic's high fatality rate and rapid spread, an efficient vaccination is critical for its management. As a result, academia, industry, and government are collaborating in unprecedented ways to create and test a wide range of vaccinations. In this review, we summarize the Covid-19 vaccine development initiatives, recent trends, difficulties, comparison between traditional vaccines development and Covid-19 vaccines development also listed the approved/authorized, phase-3 and pre-clinical trials Covid-19 vaccines in different countries.

Climate resilient integrated soil-crop management (CRISCM) for salt affected wheat agri-food production systems

Maximizing opportunities for climate resilient agriculture is vital for global food security, and ecological sustainability. To explore the improvement potential of mitigation and adaptation strategies in stabilizing wheat production and increasing farm income in sodicity-prone Ghaghar Basin of Haryana, India, participatory research trials on land reclamation (gypsum/pressmud) and crop management (varieties, nutrient management and weed control) practices were undertaken during 2016-2020. Results indicated that combining gypsum and pressmud together accelerated the reclamation process (soil pH: -3.3% and ESP: -22.1%) and improved plant adaptability (RWC: 10%; MI: -15%; Pn: 40%; gS: 36%; NaK_S: -38% and NaK_R: -42%), which in turn increased wheat yield by 20% compared to unamended control. With increasing sodicity stress, salt tolerant wheat variety KRL 210 exhibited better morpho-physiological adaptation, lesser yield reduction (0.8-1.1 t ha^-1) and attained 4.1% mean yield advantage compared to traditionally cultivated HD 2967. There were genotypic differences for N requirements in sodicity stressed wheat, with 173 kg ha^-1 in KRL 210 and 188 kg ha^-1 in HD 2967 as the economically optimum dose; further advocating for upward revision of current N recommendations beyond 150 kg N ha^-1. Balanced nutrition through foliage applied K compensated the sodicity hazards with lower proportion of Na⁺/K⁺ in leaf tissues (13%), and attained higher grain yield (4%) and incremental income (34 US$ ha^-1) compared to farmers' practice. Sequential use of herbicides provided affordable solution to check Phalaris minor infestation (84% WCE) and enhanced wheat productivity (5.7% higher) with incremental income of 48 US$ ha^-1 compared to farmers' sole dependency on post-emergence herbicides. Synergistic integration of gypsum and pressmud-mediated sodic land reclamation, usage of stress tolerant wheat variety, 15% higher N application, foliar K-nutrition and effective P. minor control substantiate appreciable reduction in soil sodicity, improved crop resilience, and ultimately translated into 5% and 26% higher yields over the recommended and local farm practices, respectively. The key insights of this study suggest a range of opportunities wherein inputs of CRISCM could potentially stabilize the wheat production, improve farm economy and reduce environmental risks beyond what is currently being achieved with existing farm practices.

Quinoline-derivatives as privileged scaffolds for medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists: A comprehensive review

The quinoline scaffolds are privileged for their numerous biological activities in the pharmaceutical field. This moiety constitutes a well-known space in several marketed preparations. The quinoline scaffolds gained attention in modern days being an important chemical moiety in the identification, designing, and synthesis of novel potent derivatives. The current review is developed to shine the light on critical and significant insights on the quinoline derivatives possessing diverse biological activities such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antialzheimer, anti-convulsant, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-cancer activities and so on. A detailed summary of quinoline ring from its origin to the recent advancements regarding its synthesis, green chemistry approaches, patented methods, and its marketed drugs is presented in the review. We attempted to review the literature compiling the critical information that has potential to encourage fellow researchers and scientists for the design and development of quinoline scaffold based active molecules that have improved therapeutic performance along with profound pharmacological properties.

Emerging Role of Flavonoids as the Treatment of Depression

Depression is one of the most frequently observed psychological disorders, affecting thoughts, feelings, behavior and a sense of well-being in person. As per the WHO, it is projected to be the primitive cause of various other diseases by 2030. Clinically, depression is treated by various types of synthetic medicines that have several limitations such as side-effects, slow-onset action, poor remission and response rates due to complicated pathophysiology involved with depression. Further, clinically, patients cannot be given the treatment unless it affects adversely the job or family. In addition, synthetic drugs are usually single targeted drugs. Unlike synthetic medicaments, there are many plants that have flavonoids and producing action on multiple molecular targets and exhibit anti-depressant action by affecting multiple neuronal transmissions or pathways such as noradrenergic, serotonergic, GABAnergic and dopaminergic; inhibition of monoamine oxidase and tropomyosin receptor kinase B; simultaneous increase in nerve growth and brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Such herbal drugs with flavonoids are likely to be useful in patients with sub-clinical depression. This review is an attempt to analyze pre-clinical studies, structural activity relationship and characteristics of reported isolated flavonoids, which may be considered for clinical trials for the development of therapeutically useful antidepressant.

Agricultural labor, COVID-19, and potential implications for food security and air quality in the breadbasket of India

To contain the COVID-19 pandemic, India imposed a national lockdown at the end of March 2020, a decision that resulted in a massive reverse migration as many workers across economic sectors returned to their home regions. Migrants provide the foundations of the agricultural workforce in the 'breadbasket' states of Punjab and Haryana in Northwest India.There are mounting concerns that near and potentially longer-term reductions in labor availability may jeopardize agricultural production and consequently national food security. The timing of rice transplanting at the beginning of the summer monsoon season has a cascading influence on productivity of the entire rice-wheat cropping system. To assess the potential for COVID-related reductions in the agriculture workforce to disrupt production of the dominant rice-wheat cropping pattern in these states, we use a spatial ex ante modelling framework to evaluate four scenarios representing a range of plausible labor constraints on the timing of rice transplanting. Averaged over both states, results suggest that rice productivity losses under all delay scenarios would be low as compare to those for wheat, with total system productivity loss estimates ranging from 9%, to 21%, equivalent to economic losses of USD $674 m to $1.48 billion. Late rice transplanting and harvesting can also aggravate winter air pollution with concomitant health risks. Technological options such as direct seeded rice, staggered nursery transplanting, and crop diversification away from rice can help address these challenges but require new approaches to policy and incentives for change.

Conservation Agriculture-based Sustainable Intensification of Cereal Systems Leads to Energy Conservation, Higher Productivity and Farm Profitability

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains of South Asia, the quadruple challenges of deteriorating soil quality, declining groundwater, energy shortages, and diminishing farm profitability threaten sustainability of conventional till (CT)-based cereal production systems. A 5-year study was conducted to evaluate the effect of conservation agriculture (CA)-based management (tillage, crop establishment, residue management, and system intensification through mungbean integration) on energy budget, water productivity, and economic profitability in cereal (rice-wheat, RW/maize-wheat, MW)-based systems compared with CT-based management. In CA systems, crop residues contributed the maximum (~76%) in total energy input (167,995 MJ ha^-1); however, fertilizer application (nonrenewable energy source) contributed the maximum (43%) in total energy input (47,760 MJ ha^-1) in CT-based systems. CA-based cereal (rice/maize) systems recorded higher net energy and energy-intensiveness (EI) levels of 251% and 300%, respectively, compared with those of the CT-based rice-wheat system (RW/CT) (295,217 MJ ha^-1 and 46.05 MJ USD^-1), irrespective of mungbean integration. MWMb/ZT+R utilized 204% more input energy, which resulted in 14% higher net energy and 229% higher EI compared with RW/CT. CA-based RW and MW systems enhanced the crop productivity by 10 and 16%, water productivity by 56 and 33%, and profitability by 34 and 36%, while saving in irrigation water by 38 and 32%, compared with their respective CT-based systems, respectively. CA-based system improved net energy, crop productivity, and profitability; therefore, it should be outscaled to improve the soil and environmental quality in north-west India.

Re-designing irrigated intensive cereal systems through bundling precision agronomic innovations for transitioning towards agricultural sustainability in North-West India

A study was conducted to design productive, profitable, irrigation water¸ nitrogen and energy use efficient intensive cereal systems (rice-wheat; RW and maize-wheat; MW) in North-West India. Bundling of conservation agriculture (CA) with sub-surface drip irrigation termed as CA⁺ were compared with CA alone and conventional tillage based and flood irrigated RW rotation (farmer’s practice; ScI). In contrast to conventional till RW rotation which consumed 1889 mm ha⁻¹ irrigation water (2-yr mean), CA⁺ system saved 58.4 and 95.5% irrigation water in RW and MW rotations, respectively. CA⁺ practices saved 45.8 and 22.7% of irrigation water in rice and maize, respectively compared to CA with flood irrigation. On a system basis, CA⁺ practices saved 46.7 and 44.7% irrigation water under RW (ScV) and MW (ScVI) systems compared to their respective CA-based systems with flood irrigation (ScIII and ScIV). CA⁺ in RW system recorded 11.2% higher crop productivity and improved irrigation water productivity by 145% and profitability by 29.2% compared to farmers’ practice. Substitution of rice with maize (MW system; ScVI) recorded 19.7% higher productivity, saved 84.5% of irrigation water and increased net returns by 48.9% compared to farmer’s practice. CA⁺ RW and MW system improved energy productivity by 75 and 169% and partial factor productivity of N by 44.6 and 49.6%, respectively compared to ScI. The sub-surface drip irrigation system saved the fertilizer N by 20% under CA systems. CA⁺ in RW and MW systems recorded ~13 and 5% (2-yr mean) higher profitability with 80% subsidy on installing sub-surface drip irrigation system and similar profitability without subsidy scenario compared with their respective flood irrigated CA-based systems.

Differential expression of salt-responsive genes to salinity stress in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive rice (Oryza sativa L.) at seedling stage

The understanding of physio-biochemical and molecular attributes along with morphological traits contributing to the salinity tolerance is important for developing salt-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. To explore these facts, rice genotypes CSR10 and MI48 with contrasting salt tolerance were characterized under salt stress (control, 75 and 150 mM NaCl) conditions. CSR10 expressed higher rate of physio-biochemical parameters, maintained lower Na/K ratio in shoots, and restricted Na translocation from roots to shoots than MI48. The higher expression of genes related to the osmotic module (DREB2A and LEA3) and ionic module (HKT2;1 and SOS1) in roots of CSR10 suppresses the stress, enhances electrolyte leakage, promotes the higher compatible solute accumulation, and maintains cellular ionic homeostasis leading to better salt stress tolerance than MI48. This study further adds on the importance of these genes in salt tolerance by comparing their behaviour in contrasting rice genotypes and utilizing specific marker to identify salinity-tolerant accessions/donors among germplasm; overexpression of these genes which accelerate the selection procedure precisely has been shown.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Lipid Based Norfloxacin Prodrug

BACKGROUND

Fluoroquinolones, the synthetic antibacterial agents are being successfully utilized against bacterial infections, since the time immemorial. Despite of enormous useful features, these drugs are associated with some limitations also. Large number of efforts has been made by various scientists to improve pharmacokinetic properties of these drugs and hence, to overcome the limitations associated with them.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper is to introduce a novel scheme for synthesis of prodrug with improved pharmacokinetic properties i.e., lipophilicity and consequently, modified bioavailability of norfloxacin.

METHODS

Fatty acid hydrazide of selected fatty acid was synthesized followed by preparation of 5-formyl salicylamide. N-Mannich base of norfloxacin was synthesized by reacting norfloxacin with 5-formyl salicylamide. The prodrug was obtained by covalently coupling this N-Mannich base of norfloxacin with fatty acid hydrazide. The synthesized lipid based prodrug was evaluated for partition coefficient by shake flask method and screened for antimicrobial activity against selected strains. Drug content determination and in vitro dissolution studies utilizing HPLC were also carried out.

RESULTS

The synthesized prodrug was found to exhibit improved partition coefficient (1.15) when compared with parent drug, norfloxacin (0.46). The results of antimicrobial evaluation indicate promising antibacterial and antifungal activity.

CONCLUSION

The synthesized prodrug proved to be a good antimicrobial substance due to improved lipophilicity and would be expected to be used as a suitable candidate for exploration of possible utilities in treatment of bacterial infections in forthcoming time.

Constitutive expression of Brassica juncea annexin, AnnBj2 confers salt tolerance and glucose and ABA insensitivity in mustard transgenic plants

Annexins belong to a plasma membrane binding (in a calcium dependent manner), multi-gene family of proteins, which play ameliorating roles in biotic and abiotic stresses. The expression of annexin AnnBj2 of Indian mustard is tissue specific with higher expression in roots and under treatments with sodium chloride and abscisic acid (ABA) at seedling stage. The effect of constitutive expression of AnnBj2 in mustard was analyzed in detail. AnnBj2 OE (over expression) plants exhibited insensitivity to ABA, glucose and sodium chloride. The insensitivity/tolerance of the transgenic plants was associated with enhanced total chlorophylls, relative water content, proline, calcium and potassium with reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and sodium ion accumulation. The altered ABA insensitivity of AnnBj2 OE lines is linked to downregulation of ABI4 and ABI5 transcription factors and upregulation of ABA catabolic gene CYP707A2. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of AnnBj2 upregulated the expression of ABA-dependent RAB18 and ABA-independent DREB2B stress marker genes suggesting that the tolerance phenotype exhibited by AnnBj2 OE lines is probably controlled by both ABA-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Imidazole Derivatives as Potential Therapeutic Agents

BACKGROUND

The imidazole nucleus is inimitable and ubiquitous and it is very well known to play an important role in living organisms. Imidazole derivatives are under intensive scientific exploration due to their diverse and significant pharmacological activities.

METHODS

The present paper is an attempt to discuss chemistry, synthetic aspects including click chemistry procedures of imidazoles through systematic literature survey.

RESULTS

Biological activity profiles of the imidazole derivatives reported in recent scientific literature from 2000 to 2015 have been discussed in detail. It has been found that imidazole derivatives depict appreciable antiinfective activity potential.

CONCLUSION

It is anticipated that the information compiled in this paper will be useful and motivating to prospective researchers working on this heterocylic scaffold.

Identification of mega-environments and rice genotypes for general and specific adaptation to saline and alkaline stresses in India

In the present study, a total of 53 promising salt-tolerant genotypes were tested across 18 salt-affected diverse locations for three years. An attempt was made to identify ideal test locations and mega-environments using GGE biplot analysis. The CSSRI sodic environment was the most discriminating location in individual years as well as over the years and could be used to screen out unstable and salt-sensitive genotypes. Genotypes CSR36, CSR-2K-219, and CSR-2K-262 were found ideal across years. Overall, Genotypes CSR-2K-219, CSR-2K-262, and CSR-2K-242 were found superior and stable among all genotypes with higher mean yields. Different sets of genotypes emerged as winners in saline soils but not in sodic soils; however, Genotype CSR-2K-262 was the only genotype that was best under both saline and alkaline environments over the years. The lack of repeatable associations among locations and repeatable mega-environment groupings indicated the complexity of soil salinity. Hence, a multi-location and multi-year evaluation is indispensable for evaluating the test sites as well as identifying genotypes with consistently specific and wider adaptation to particular agro-climatic zones. The genotypes identified in the present study could be used for commercial cultivation across edaphically challenged areas for sustainable production.

Synthesis and characterization of N-Mannich based prodrugs of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin: In vitro anthelmintic and cytotoxic evaluation

Prodrugs, the inert derivatives of existing drugs have successfully contributed to the modification of their physicochemical properties. The improved antimicrobial potential due to enhanced lipophilicity of some of the synthesized prodrugs of antibacterial agents by various schemes has already been reported. In the current study, synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of some more lipid based prodrugs/compounds of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin has been carried out. The synthesized prodrugs/compounds have been screened for anthelmintic activity using Indian earthworms and cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell lines A-549 employing sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay method. The prodrugs FQF1, 6b, 6c, and 6k were found to possess promising anthelmintic activity due to improved partition coefficient. Growth of selected cells lines was found to decrease with increase in concentration of prodrugs as compared to parent drug. Prodrug, 6k having GI₅₀ value 28.8, has been proved to be the most active among all the synthesized prodrugs. Results of present investigation reveal that some of the synthesized prodrugs/compounds were found to possess promising biological activity.

Insight into Prodrugs of Quinolones and Fluoroquinolones

Quinolones and fluoroquinolones are principal weapons against variety of bacterial infections and exert their antibacterial potential by interfering the activities of bacterial enzymes. As these agents are associated with some limitations, an important approach to overcome these major constraints is to prepare covalent derivatives, i.e. prodrugs. Prodrug design has been employed to improve the limitations of these drugs such as less aqueous solubility, poor absorption and distribution, toxicity, disagreeable taste, poor lipophilicity etc and for improving their pharmacological profile. This paper highlights the utility of various prodrug strategies in optimizing the therapeutic index of these antibacterial agents and their recent patents. Some of their prodrugs being utilized at preclinical and clinical levels have also been discussed. Hence, this paper has been prepared to present the significant findings of various research papers that would be helpful in motivating scientific researchers to forward the research in direction of utilization of prodrugs in clinical therapy.

Effect of salinity and use of stress indices of morphological and physiological traits at the seedling stage in rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important cereal crop and a major staple food for majority of the human populations worldwide. Rice crop is sensitive to salinity. In spite of large number of studies on salinity tolerance of rice, our knowledge on the overall effect of salinity on rice seedling growth is limited. Improvement in salt tolerance of crop plants remains indescribable, largely due to the fact that salinity is a complex trait which affects almost every aspect of the physiology, biochemistry and genomics of plants. The present investigation was conducted to establish the relationship between various morphological, physiological traits and stress indices. A set of 131 rice accessions was evaluated in two levels namely, non-stress (EC ~ 1.2 dS/m) and saline stress (EC ~ 10 dS/m) in hydroponics at seedling stage. Root length and shoot lengths were reduced by 52 and 50%, respectively in saline stress compared to non-stress conditions. There was a significant correlation between various morphological and physiological parameters in non-saline in addition to saline stress as well as non-stress. The effect of the increased Na+ concentration in the medium is detrimental to root length and shoot length as observed by reduction in root length and a concomitant reduction in shoot length. Increased concentration of Na+ led to augmented Na+/K+ ratio with increased stress in the medium and decreased expression of traits. A significant positive correlation (r=0.60) was noticed between stress tolerance index (STI) of root and shoot length. The stress susceptibility index (SSI) for root length was expressed significant positive correlation with SSI for shoot length (r=0.43). SSI for K+ content was registered significant negative correlation with STI for Na+ content (r=-0.43). The three accessions namely, IC 545004, IC 545486 and IC 545215 were found to be the best performers adjudged on the morphological and physiological criteria in saline stress situation. These three rice accessions could be used as a donor parent or for genotypic studies in future breeding programs.

Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations of itraconazole, terbinafine and ketoconazole against dermatophyte species by broth microdilution method

PURPOSE

Various antifungal agents both topical and systemic have been introduced into clinical practice for effectively treating dermatophytic conditions. Dermatophytosis is the infection of keratinised tissues caused by fungal species of genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum, commonly known as dermatophytes affecting 20-25% of the world's population. The present study aims at determining the susceptibility patterns of dermatophyte species recovered from superficial mycoses of human patients in Himachal Pradesh to antifungal agents; itraconazole, terbinafine and ketoconazole. The study also aims at determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these agents following the recommended protocol of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) (M38-A2).

METHODOLOGY

A total of 53 isolates of dermatophytes (T. mentagrophyte-34 in no., T. rubrum-18 and M. gypseum-1) recovered from the superficial mycoses were examined. Broth microdilution method M38-A2 approved protocol of CLSI (2008) for filamentous fungi was followed for determining the susceptibility of dermatophyte species.

RESULTS

T. mentagrophyte isolates were found more susceptible to both itraconazole and ketoconazole as compared to terbinafine (MIC50: 0.125 µg/ml for itraconazole, 0.0625 µg/ml for ketoconazole and 0.5 µg/ml for terbinafine). Three isolates of T. mentagrophytes (VBS-5, VBSo-3 and VBSo-73) and one isolate of T. rubrum (VBPo-9) had higher MIC values of itraconazole (1 µg/ml). Similarly, the higher MIC values of ketoconazole were observed in case of only three isolates of T. mentagrophyte (VBSo-30 = 2 µg/ml; VBSo-44, VBM-2 = 1 µg/ml). The comparative analysis of the three antifungal drugs based on t-test revealed that 'itraconazole and terbinafine' and 'terbinafine and ketoconazole' were found independent based on the P < 0.005 in case of T. mentagrophyte isolates. In case of T. rubrum, the similarity existed between MIC values of 'itraconazole and ketoconazole' and 'terbinafine and ketoconazole'.

CONCLUSION

The MIC values observed in the present study based on standard protocol M38-A2 of CLSI 2008 might serve as reference for further studies covering large number of isolates from different geographic regions of the state. Such studies might reflect on the acquisition of drug resistance among isolates of dermatophyte species based on MIC values.

Degradation kinetics of bioactive components, antioxidant activity, colour and textural properties of selected vegetables during blanching

Bioactive components of fruit and vegetables play an important role in scavenging free radicals and protect the body from degenerative diseases. A kinetic study was conducted to quantify the losses occurring in bioactive components, antioxidant activity and changes in colour and firmness of four commonly used vegetables (beetroot, green pea, eggplant and green pepper) during heat treatment (70-90 °C). The study revealed that logistic model can predict the variation in bioactive components and antioxidant activity with higher R² and lower root mean square error (RMSE) as compared to first order model due to logarithmic reduction in these properties in the beginning of the process itself. However zero and first order kinetic models were found suitable to predict the changes occurring in colour and firmness respectively during blanching. D, z value, activation energy (E_a), activation enthalpy and entropy were calculated for all measured parameters for selected vegetables in the temperature range of 70-90 °C. These finding would be useful in designing thermal processes and related calculations for these vegetables.

Prodrugs of Antiinfective Agents: A Review

Prodrugs are the pharmacologically inactive derivatives of active drugs typically intended to optimize the exposure of active drug at target site, through manipulation of its physicochemical, biopharmaceutical or pharmacokinetic properties. This approach has a number of advantages over conventional drug administration. Antiinfective agents are associated with number of limitations, responsible for their reduced bioavailability. Various antiinfective prodrugs have been synthesized with reduced side effects and improved pharmacological properties. The present paper illustrates different vistas of prodrug approach of antiinfective agents describing brief classification, synthetic approaches, pharmacological aspects and recent patents. It is a very productive area of research and its prologue in human therapy has given triumphant outcomes in improving the clinical and therapeutic effectiveness of drugs.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

From QTL to variety-harnessing the benefits of QTLs for drought, flood and salt tolerance in mega rice varieties of India through a multi-institutional network

Rice is a staple cereal of India cultivated in about 43.5Mha area but with relatively low average productivity. Abiotic factors like drought, flood and salinity affect rice production adversely in more than 50% of this area. Breeding rice varieties with inbuilt tolerance to these stresses offers an economically viable and sustainable option to improve rice productivity. Availability of high quality reference genome sequence of rice, knowledge of exact position of genes/QTLs governing tolerance to abiotic stresses and availability of DNA markers linked to these traits has opened up opportunities for breeders to transfer the favorable alleles into widely grown rice varieties through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). A large multi-institutional project, "From QTL to variety: marker-assisted breeding of abiotic stress tolerant rice varieties with major QTLs for drought, submergence and salt tolerance" was initiated in 2010 with funding support from Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute, Philippines. The main focus of this project is to improve rice productivity in the fragile ecosystems of eastern, northeastern and southern part of the country, which bear the brunt of one or the other abiotic stresses frequently. Seven consistent QTLs for grain yield under drought, namely, qDTY1.1, qDTY2.1, qDTY2.2, qDTY3.1, qDTY3.2, qDTY9.1 and qDTY12.1 are being transferred into submergence tolerant versions of three high yielding mega rice varieties, Swarna-Sub1, Samba Mahsuri-Sub1 and IR 64-Sub1. To address the problem of complete submergence due to flash floods in the major river basins, the Sub1 gene is being transferred into ten highly popular locally adapted rice varieties namely, ADT 39, ADT 46, Bahadur, HUR 105, MTU 1075, Pooja, Pratikshya, Rajendra Mahsuri, Ranjit, and Sarjoo 52. Further, to address the problem of soil salinity, Saltol, a major QTL for salt tolerance is being transferred into seven popular locally adapted rice varieties, namely, ADT 45, CR 1009, Gayatri, MTU 1010, PR 114, Pusa 44 and Sarjoo 52. Genotypic background selection is being done after BC2F2 stage using an in-house designed 50K SNP chip on a set of twenty lines for each combination, identified with phenotypic similarity in the field to the recipient parent. Near-isogenic lines with more than 90% similarity to the recipient parent are now in advanced generation field trials. These climate smart varieties are expected to improve rice productivity in the adverse ecologies and contribute to the farmer's livelihood.

Simple and efficient way to detect small polymorphic bands in plants

There are many ways to detect polymorphism. In this study we use the microsatellite markers to detect the polymorphism for the salt tolerance. This method has been successfully conducted in Oryza sativa and Brassica juncea. The results are reproducible. In contrast to previous methods, our method is simple and quite accurate for detecting the polymorphic bands. In this study instead of using agarose gel and ethidium bromide staining, we used non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel and a low-cost improved method for silver staining when we compare it to 11 other methods for their ability to detect simple sequence repeat polymorphisms as small as 50 bp in denaturing polyacrylamide gels. All methods detected the same alleles and banding pattern. However, important differences in sensitivity, contrast, time consumption and background were observed.

Studies on Osmo-air dehydration of different Indian apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars

Suitability of seven cultivars of apricot viz. New Castle, Kaisha, Royal, Suffaida, Nari, Kullu (Local) and Chulli (wild apricot) was evaluated for dehydration. Osmotic dehydration of fruits consisting of dipping prepared fruits in 70° Brix sucrose syrup containing 2,000 ppm potassium metabisulphite (KMS) for 24 h followed by cabinet air drying (55 °C) to desired moisture (20 ± 0.5 %) gave better dried product with good colour and appeal. Dried whole or halved fruits after removal of stones were preferred over whole fruits with stones with respect to appearance, texture and overall acceptability. Among different cultivars of apricot; cv. Kaisha followed by New Castle were found better with respect to yield as well as quality of dried product. Further, the quality of the osmo-air dried wild apricot fruits was found statistically at par with the quality of the osmo-air dried product obtained from cultivated apricots. Therefore, wild apricot fruits can also be utilized for preparation of acceptable quality of dried product.

A structural insight into hydroxamic acid based histone deacetylase inhibitors for the presence of anticancer activity

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have been actively explored as anti-cancer agents due to their ability to prevent deacetylation of histones, resulting in uncoiling of chromatin and stimulation of a range of genes associated in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. During the past several years, many HDACi have entered pre-clinical or clinical research as anti-cancer agents with satisfying results. Out of these, more than 8 novel hydroxamic acid based HDACi i.e., belinostat, abexinostat, SB939, resminostat, givinostat, quisinostat, pentobinostat, CUDC-101 are in clinical trials and one of the drug vorinostat (SAHA) has been approved by US FDA for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It is clear from the plethora of new molecules and the encouraging results from clinical trials that this class of HDAC inhibitors hold a great deal of promise for the treatment of a variety of cancers. In this review, we classified the hydroxamic acid based HDACi on the basis of their structural features into saturated, unsaturated, branched, un-branched and 5, 6-membered cyclic ring linker present between zinc binding group and connecting unit. The present article enlists reports on hydroxamic acid based HDACi designed and developed using concepts of medicinal chemistry, demonstrating that hydroxamate derivatives represent a versatile class of compounds leading to novel imaging and therapeutic agents. This article will also provide a complete insight into various structural modifications required for optimum anticancer activity.

Development and use of molecular markers: past and present

Molecular markers, due to their stability, cost-effectiveness and ease of use provide an immensely popular tool for a variety of applications including genome mapping, gene tagging, genetic diversity diversity, phylogenetic analysis and forensic investigations. In the last three decades, a number of molecular marker techniques have been developed and exploited worldwide in different systems. However, only a handful of these techniques, namely RFLPs, RAPDs, AFLPs, ISSRs, SSRs and SNPs have received global acceptance. A recent revolution in DNA sequencing techniques has taken the discovery and application of molecular markers to high-throughput and ultrahigh-throughput levels. Although, the choice of marker will obviously depend on the targeted use, microsatellites, SNPs and genotyping by sequencing (GBS) largely fulfill most of the user requirements. Further, modern transcriptomic and functional markers will lead the ventures onto high-density genetic map construction, identification of QTLs, breeding and conservation strategies in times to come in combination with other high throughput techniques. This review presents an overview of different marker technologies and their variants with a comparative account of their characteristic features and applications.

Cabazitaxel: a novel drug for hormone-refractory prostate cancer

Cabazitaxel has recently been approved by FDA for the treatment of docetaxel resistant hormone-refractory prostate cancer. It has been developed by Sanofi-Aventis under the trade name of Jevtana. It is given in combination with prednisone/prednisolone and has passed the clinical trial over well-known drug mitoxantrone. This drug is a microtubule depolymerization inhibitor, which can penetrate blood brain barrier (BBB). The FDA granted fast track designation to this drug in November 2009 and thereafter, new drug application submission was done in March 2010. Priority review to this drug was granted in April 2010 and finally in July 2010 it was approved by FDA. It is available in the form of injection in the dose of 60 mg/1.5 mL, which should be diluted prior to its use by the diluents supplied along with the injection. It is a second-line drug and has proven to be effective in patients experiencing docetaxel based treatment failure.

Design of combretastatin A-4 analogs as tubulin targeted vascular disrupting agent with special emphasis on their cis-restricted isomers

Tubulin protein is a highly imperative and feasible goal for anticancer drug discovery. Hundreds of naturally occurring, semi synthetic and synthetic antitubulin agents have been reported till now. Among these, Combretastatin A - 4 (CA - 4) is effective antimitotic agent possessing potent cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cells, including multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines. The inadequate water solubility and inactivation of these analogs during storage limit their use as clinical anticancer agents. To overcome these shortcomings, numerous water soluble amino analogs, amino acid derivative, phosphate prodrug (CA - 4P) and cis-locked CA - 4 have been developed with distinctive attributes of antitubulin and antivascular properties in a wide variety of preclinical tumor models. Subsequently, several heterocycle based cis restricted CA - 4 analogs are being reported for antitumor activity against collection of cancer cell lines. This review recapitulates the rational design, structure activity relationship, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of synthesized cis restricted CA - 4 analogs.

Novel limonene and citral based 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles: a natural product coupled approach to semicarbazones for antiepileptic activity

Two novel series of N(4)-(5-(2/3/4-substituted-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N(1)-(2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-2-enylidene)semicarbazide and N(4)-(5-(2/3/4-substituted-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N(1)-(3,7-dimethylocta-3,6-dienylidene)-semicarbazide were synthesized to meet structural prerequisite indispensable for anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activities of the compounds were investigated using maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetrtrazole (scPTZ) and subcutaneous strychnine (scSTY) models. The rotorod test was conducted to evaluate neurotoxicity. Some of the selected active compounds were subjected to GABA assay to confirm their mode of action. The outcome of the present investigations proved that the four binding sites pharmacophore model is vital for anticonvulsant activity. The efforts were also made to establish structure-activity relationships among test compounds.

Medicinal significance of benzothiazole scaffold: an insight view

Heterocycles bearing nitrogen, sulphur and thiazole moieties constitute the core structure of a number of biologically interesting compounds. Benzothiazole, a group of xenobiotic compounds containing a benzene ring fused with a thiazole ring, are used worldwide for a variety of therapeutic applications. Benzothiazole and their heterocyclic derivatives represent an important class of compounds possessing a wide spectrum of biological activities. The myriad spectrum of medicinal properties associated with benzothiazole related drugs has encouraged the medicinal chemists to synthesize a large number of novel therapeutic agents. Several analogues containing benzothiazole ring system exhibit significant antitumour, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antiviral, antioxidant, antitubercular, antimalarial, antiasthmatic, anthelmintic, photosensitizing, diuretic, analgesic and other activities. This article is an attempt to present the research work reported in recent scientific literature on different pharmacological activities of benzothiazole compounds.

Synthesis and antiepileptic activity of some novel semicarbazones containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole and quinazoline ring

The incomplete seizure control with frequent adverse effects of current anticonvulsant drugs and the importance of semicarbazones, quinazolines and 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-thiadiazoles as anticonvulsant pharmacophore prompted us to carry out synthesis of three novel series of semicarbazones containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole and quinazoline ring. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by elemental and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS) analysis. The anticonvulsant activities of the compounds were investigated using maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) models. The rotorod test was conducted to evaluate neurotoxicity. The majority of the compounds were found active in the biological screening. The outcome of the present investigations proved that the four binding sites pharmacophore model is decisive for antiepileptic activity. An attempt has also been performed to establish structure-activity relationships among synthesized compounds.

New insights into chemistry and anti-infective potential of triazole scaffold

Research and development for novel substances possessing anti-infective activity have attracted considerable attention due to the escalating resistance towards conventional antibiotics. Therefore, the discovery and development of effective antimicrobial drugs with novel mechanism of action have become an insistent task for infectious diseases research programs. Triazole scaffold has been consistently rewarded as a promising versatile lead molecule with a pivotal position in modern medicinal chemistry. The literature reveals that this heterocyclic moiety has drawn attention of the chemists, pharmacologists, microbiologists and other researchers owing to its indomitable biological potential as anti-infective agents. The present communication is a cogent attempt to review the chemistry and antimicrobial activities of triazole derivatives reported in recent scientific literature. The biological profiles of these new triazole derivatives represent a fruitful matrix for further development as promising and superior anti-infective medicinal agents.

2,5-Disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles/thiadiazole as surface recognition moiety: design and synthesis of novel hydroxamic acid based histone deacetylase inhibitors

The enzymatic inhibition of histone deacetylase activity has come out as a novel and effectual means for the treatment of cancer. Two novel series of 2-[5-(4-substitutedphenyl)-[1,3,4]-oxadiazol/thiadiazol-2-ylamino]-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid (tetrahydro-pyran-2-yloxy)-amides were designed and synthesized as novel hydroxamic acid based histone deacetylase inhibitors. The antiproliferative activities of the compounds were investigated in vitro using histone deacetylase inhibitory assay and MTT assay. The synthesized compounds were also tested for antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in Swiss albino mice. The efforts were also made to establish structure-activity relationships among synthesized compounds. The results of the present studying indicates 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole/thiadiazole as promising surface recognition moiety for development of newer hydroxamic acid based histone deacetylase inhibitor.

Formulation and acceptability of foam mat dried seabuckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia) leather

Technology for utilization of seabuckthorn berries for preparation of fruit leather/bar was optimized by modifying the foam mat drying technique. The conversion of seabuckthorn juice/pulp into foam was standardized by whipping the pulp after addition of CMC @ 0-3% at 5 °C and drying the resultant foam in dehydrator (55 ± 2 °C) to a moisture content of about 12-14%. The fruit bar prepared from sulphited juice/pulp wrapped in a butter paper followed by packing in polyethylene pouches (20 g) and stored at ambient temperature (14.6-26.1 °C) experienced least changes in quality attributes like ascorbic acid (1045.7 mg/100 g vs 997.5 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (80.4 mg/100 g vs 72.3 mg/100 g) as compared to the leather made from the unsulphited pulp. Storage studies indicate that fruit bars are mildly hygroscopic (0.46-0.65) and can be stored within the RH of 46-65% at room temperature.

Thiazolidin-4-one and hydrazone derivatives of capric acid as possible anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging agents

Starting from capric acid, hydrazone and thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been synthesized in the present investigation. Decanoic acid hydrazide was reacted appropriately to yield hydrazones, which were then cyclized to yield the corresponding thiazolidin-4-ones. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectral methods. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity of the title compounds were evaluated. Among synthesized compounds, 2-hydroxyphenyl thiazolidinone with 44.90% inhibition of inflammation was the most potent anti-inflammatory agent. Similarly, 4-methoxybenzylidine hydrazide with 64.90% inhibition of writhing was observed to be the most potent analgesic agent of the synthesized compounds. All the synthesized compounds exhibited potent hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity.

Voriconazole-refractory fungal infection of phacoemulsification tunnel

A 44-year-old man presented 28 days after cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) in right eye with multiple pinpoint infiltrates in posterior stroma at cataract surgery wound site. Visual acuity was 20/60. Corneal scraping from the floor of the corneal tunnel revealed fungus which was later identified to be Aspergillus flavus. The patient was started on oral voriconazole 200 mg twice daily and topical voriconazole 1% every hour. Two intracameral injections of voriconazole (50 micrograms/ 0.1 ml) were given 72 h apart, five days after starting initial therapy. Infiltrates increased in size and density in spite of 20 days of voriconazole therapy. Full-thickness patch graft was done to arrest progressive necrosis. Four months after surgery, patient had 20/60 best-corrected visual acuity. There was no recurrence in one-year follow-up. Present case illustrates the therapeutic challenge in fungal tunnel infections and possibility of voriconazole-resistant Aspergillus species.

Utilization of wild apricot kernel press cake for extraction of protein isolate

The kernels of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) stones are utilized for extraction of oil. The press cake left after extraction of oil was evaluated for preparation of protein isolate for its use in food supplementation. The apricot kernels contained 45-50% oil, 23.6-26.2% protein, 4.2% ash, 5.42% crude fibre, 8.2% carbohydrates and 90 mg HCN/100 g kernels, while press cake obtained after oil extraction contained 34.5% crude protein, which can be utilized for preparation of protein isolates. The method standardized for extraction of protein isolate broadly consisted of boiling the press cake with water in 1:20 (w/v) ratio for 1 h, raising pH to 8 and stirring for a few min followed by filtration, coagulation at pH 4 prior to sieving and pressing of coagulant for overnight and drying followed by grinding which resulted in extraction of about 71.3% of the protein contained in the press cake. The protein isolate contained 68.8% protein, 6.4% crude fat, 0.8% ash, 2.2% crude fibre and 12.7% carbohydrates. Thus the apricot kernel press cake can be utilized for preparation of protein isolate to improve the nutritional status of many food formulations.

Bioefficacy of insecticides against Leucinodes orbonalis on brinjal

Studies on bioefficacy of insecticides against brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee on brinjal were carried out during 2007 and 2008. The results on bioefficacy of insecticides showed that in terms of shoot infestation, emamectin benzoate (0.002%), endosulfan (0.05%), novaluron (0.01%) and lambda-cyhalothrin (0.004%) were found superior. The total number of drooping shoots was minimum (4.17) in emamectin benzoate followed by endosulfan (6.83) and novaluron (7.00), as compared to spinosad (9.17), deltamethrin (11.67) and Bacillus thuringiensis (13.17). In terms of reduction in fruit infestation, emamectin benzoate (0.002%) was highly effective followed by endosulfan (0.05%), agrospray oil T (0.2%) and spinosad (0.0024%). However, cost benefit ratio was highest in agrospray oil T (0.2%) followed by lambda-cyhalothrin (0.004%), endosulfan (0.05%) and deltamethrin (0.0028%).

Pharmacological significance of triazole scaffold

The triazole nucleus is one of the most important and well known heterocycles which is a common and integral feature of a variety of natural products and medicinal agents. Triazole nucleus is present as a core structural component in an array of drug categories such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiepileptic, antiviral, antineoplastic, antihypertensive, antimalarial, local anaesthetic, antianxiety, antidepressant, antihistaminic, antioxidant, antitubercular, anti-Parkinson's, antidiabetic, antiobesity and immunomodulatory agents, etc. The broad and potent activity of triazole and their derivatives has established them as pharmacologically significant scaffolds. The basic heterocyclic rings present in the various medicinal agents are 1,2,3-triazole and 1,2,4-triazole. A large volume of research has been carried out on triazole and their derivatives, which has proved the pharmacological importance of this heterocyclic nucleus. The present paper is an attempt to review the pharmacological activities reported for triazole derivatives in the current literature with an update of recent research findings on this nuclei.