Identification of novel polymorphism in mammary-derived growth inhibitor gene of water buffalo and its expression analysis in the mammary gland

Mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI), a member of the lipophilic family of fatty acid-binding proteins, plays an important role in the development, regulation, and differentiation of the mammary gland. The aim of the study was to identify polymorphism in the MDGI gene and its expression analysis in the mammary gland at various stages of lactation, in Indian buffalo. Nucleotide sequence analysis of MDGI gene in different breeds of riverine and swamp buffaloes revealed a total of 16 polymorphic sites and one Indel. Different transcription factor binding sites were predicted for buffalo MDGI gene promoter sequence, using online tools and in-silico analysis indicating that the SNPs in this region can impact the gene expression regulation. Phylogenetic analysis exhibited the MDGI of buffalo being closer to other ruminants like cattle, yak, sheep, and goats. Further, the expression analysis revealed that buffalo MDGI being highly expressed in well-developed mammary glands of lactating buffalo as compared to involution/non-lactating and before functional development to start the milk production stage in heifers. Stage-specific variation in expression levels signifies the important functional role of the MDGI gene in mammary gland development and milk production in buffalo, an important dairy species in Southeast Asia.

Development of sweep frequency ultrasonic interferometer for high precision velocity measurement in liquids

An ultrasonic interferometer with variable separation between the transducer and reflector is widely used for the measurement of ultrasonic propagation velocity in liquids. The inherent limitation of such an interferometer is due to the mechanical movement of its reflector for ultrasonic wavelength measurement in a liquid medium. It is observed that the ultrasonic velocity measurement precision is adversely affected at higher frequencies compared to lower ones. For instance, in our experimentation, a standard deviation of ±21.5 m/s (±1.43%) was obtained for velocity measurement at 1.84 MHz with the consideration of two consecutive maxima, which increases drastically to ±76.8 m/s (±5.12%) at 9.4 MHz. These measurements can significantly be improved by considering many maxima and averaging for wavelength estimation. However, it still requires design attention and improvement, particularly for higher frequencies. In this article, a sweep-frequency based ultrasonic interferometer design with a fixed separation for liquid characterization is proposed and described. This technique overcomes the limitations of mechanical movement systems and also provides a better and uniform precision for lower as well as higher frequencies. The functionality of the developed sweep frequency method was tested in water, carbon tetrachloride, ethylene glycol, and glycerol, which shows good agreement with literature values. The velocity measurement in double distilled water by the developed technique at 1 Hz sweep resolution has shown an improved standard deviation of ±0.74 m/s (±0.05%) at 9.4 MHz.

Identification and development of Tetra-ARMS PCR-based screening test for a genetic variant of OLA1 (Tyr254Cys) in the human failing heart

Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) protein has GTP and ATP hydrolyzing activities and is important for cellular growth and survival. The human OLA1 gene maps on chromosome 2, at the locus 1q31, close to the Titin (TTN) gene, which is associated with familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this study, we found that expression of OLA1 was significantly downregulated in human failing heart tissue (HF) as compared to in non-failing heart tissues (NF). Moreover, using the Sanger sequencing method, we characterized the human OLA1 gene and screened genetic mutations in patients with heart-failing and non-failing. Among failing and non-failing heart patients, we found a total of 15 mutations, including two transversions, one substitution, one indel, and eleven transition mutations in the OLA1 gene. All the mutations were intronic except for a non-synonymous mutation, 5144A>G, resulting in 254Tyr>Cys in exon 8 of the OLA1 gene. Furthermore, haplotype analysis of these mutations revealed that these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are linked to each other, resulting in disease-specific haplotypes. Additionally, to screen for the 254Tyr>Cys point mutation, we developed a cost-effective, rapid genetic screening PCR test that can differentiate between homozygous (AA and GG) and heterozygous (A/G) genotypes. Our results show that this test can be used as a genetic screening tool for human cardiomyopathy. These findings have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Bag3 Regulates Mitochondrial Function and the Inflammasome Through Canonical and Noncanonical Pathways in the Heart

B-cell lymphoma 2-associated athanogene-3 (Bag3) is expressed in all animal species, with Bag3 levels being most prominent in the heart, the skeletal muscle, the central nervous system, and in many cancers. Preclinical studies of Bag3 biology have focused on animals that have developed compromised cardiac function; however, the present studies were performed to identify the pathways perturbed in the heart even before the occurrence of clinical signs of dilatation and failure of the heart. These studies show that hearts carrying variants that knockout one allele of BAG3 have significant alterations in multiple cellular pathways including apoptosis, autophagy, mitochondrial homeostasis, and the inflammasome.

Design and development of mechanical test bench for testing and calibration of multiple blood pressure measuring devices

Blood pressure (BP) measurement is an important physiological parameter for human health monitoring, which plays a significant role in the diagnosis of many incurable diseases. However, due to inaccuracies in the different types of BP measuring devices, the calibration of these BP measuring instruments is a major concern for a medical practitioner. Currently, these devices' calibration, testing, and validation are performed using rigorous methods with complex clinical trials and following the available documentary standards. This article describes the design and development of an indigenous mechanical test bench (MTB) system for the testing and calibration of multiple BP devices, as per International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) recommended documents e.g., OIML R 16-1 and OIML R 16-2. The developed system can test and calibrate 20 BP devices, simultaneously. The traceability of the developed MTB is established by performing its calibration against the Air Piston Gauge, a national primary vacuum standard. The estimated expanded measurement uncertainty evaluated is found to be ±0.11 mmHg, which is almost one order better than the measurement uncertainty required for the test and calibration of BP measuring instruments as per standard. The MTB has successfully been used to test and calibrate several BP measuring instruments. The data of one such device is reported herein as an indicator of the performance process. The calibration of these BP measuring instruments was performed in the static mode, and the estimated expanded measurement uncertainty was found to be ±1.25 mmHg. The developed MTB system would prove to be an excellent instrument for calibration laboratories, hospitals, regulatory agencies, and other users to test and calibrate 20 BP measuring devices simultaneously and cost-effectively.

Inhibition of RUNX1 blocks the differentiation of lung fibroblasts to myofibroblasts

Pathological fibrosis contributes to progression of various diseases, for which the therapeutic options are limited. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one such progressive and fatal interstitial fibrotic disease that is often characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins leading to stiff lung tissue and impaired gas exchange. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying IPF progression remain largely unknown. In this study, we determined the role of Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor, in the differentiation of human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) in vitro and in an animal model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis. We observed that the expression of RUNX1 was significantly increased in the lungs of BLM-injected mice as compared to saline-treated mice. Furthermore, HLFs stimulated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) showed significantly higher RUNX1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, and compartmentalization in the nucleus. Inhibition of RUNX1 in HLFs (using siRNA) showed a significant reduction in the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts as evidenced by reduced expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β and ECM proteins such as fibronectin 1 (FN1), and collagen 1A1 (COL1A1). Mechanistic studies revealed that the increased expression of RUNX1 in TGF-β-stimulated lung fibroblasts is due to enhanced mRNA stability of RUNX1 through selective interaction with the RNA-binding profibrotic protein, human antigen R (HuR). Collectively, our data demonstrate that increased expression of RUNX1 augments processes involved in lung fibrosis including the differentiation of fibroblasts into collagen-synthesizing myofibroblasts. Our study suggests that targeting RUNX1 could limit the progression of organ fibrosis in diseases characterized by abnormal collagen deposition.

Increased m6A-RNA methylation and FTO suppression is associated with myocardial inflammation and dysfunction during endotoxemia in mice

Endotoxemia triggers life-threatening immune and cardiovascular response that leads to tissue damage, multi-organ failure, and death. The understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms is still evolving. N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-RNA modification plays key regulatory role in numerous biological processes. However, it remains unclear whether endotoxemia alters RNA methylation in the myocardium. In the current study, we investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia on m6A-RNA methylation and its implications on myocardial inflammation and left ventricular (LV) function. Following LPS administration, mice showed increases in m6A-RNA methylation in the myocardium with a corresponding decrease in the expression of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO, an m6A eraser/demethylase). The changes were associated with a significant increase in expression of myocardial inflammatory cytokine genes, such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and reduced LV function. Moreover, rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2) exposed to LPS showed similar changes (with increase in m6A-RNA methylation and inflammatory cytokine genes, whereas downregulation of FTO). Furthermore, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay showed hypermethylation and increase in the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α genes in LPS-treated H9c2 cells as compared to untreated cells. Interestingly, FTO knockdown in cardiomyocytes mimicked the above effects. Taken together, these data suggest that endotoxemia-induced m6A methylation might play a critical role in expression of cardiac proinflammatory cytokines, and modulation of m6A methylation might limit myocardial inflammation and dysfunction during endotoxemia.

Novel Mechanisms of Exosome-Mediated Phagocytosis of Dead Cells in Injured Heart

[Figure: see text].

microRNA-377 Signaling Modulates Anticancer Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice

Doxorubicin (DOX, an anthracycline) is a widely used chemotherapy agent against various forms of cancer; however, it is also known to induce dose-dependent cardiotoxicity leading to adverse complications. Investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms and strategies to limit DOX-induced cardiotoxicity might have potential clinical implications. Our previous study has shown that expression of microRNA-377 (miR-377) increases in cardiomyocytes (CMs) after cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice, but its specific role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of anti-miR-377 on DOX-induced cardiac cell death, remodeling, and dysfunction. We evaluated the role of miR-377 in CM apoptosis, its target analysis by RNA sequencing, and we tested the effect of AAV9-anti-miR-377 on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and mortality. DOX administration in mice increases miR-377 expression in the myocardium. miR-377 inhibition in cardiomyocyte cell line protects against DOX-induced cell death and oxidative stress. Furthermore, RNA sequencing and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed alterations in a number of cell death/survival genes. Intriguingly, we observed accelerated mortality and enhanced myocardial remodeling in the mice pretreated with AAV9-anti-miR-377 followed by DOX administration as compared to the AAV9-scrambled-control-pretreated mice. Taken together, our data suggest that in vitro miR-377 inhibition protects against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte cell death. On the contrary, in vivo administration of AAV9-anti-miR-377 increases mortality in DOX-treated mice.

Advent of Proteomic Tools for Diagnostic Biomarker Analysis in Alzheimer's Disease

Locating remedies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been majorly restricted by the inefficiency to establish a definitive detection model for early-stage diagnosis of pathological events. This current lapse in AD diagnosis also limits the therapeutic efficiency of the drugs, which might have been effective if given at the earlier stages of the disease. The indicated situation directs towards the burgeoned need for an effective biomarker technique that will help in early detection of AD and would be imminently useful to facilitate improved diagnosis and stimulate therapeutic trials. Till date, the major biomarkers, specifically associated with AD detection, may help in determining the early-stage AD diagnosis and identifying alterations in the cellular proteome, offering deeper insight into disease etiology. Currently existing multidisciplinary clinical diagnosis of AD is a very tedious, expensive procedure and requires highly trained and skilled professionals who are rarely available outside the specialty clinics. Mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) or Presenilin 1 and 2 (PSEN1 and PSEN2) are some biomarkers acting as critical checkpoints for AD diagnosis. However, the presence of some associated biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) such as total-Tau (tTau), phosphorylated- Tau (pTau) 181 and Amyloid-β (Aβ) 1-42 using structural or functional imaging techniques is considered for confirmatory diagnosis of AD. Furthermore, the molecular diagnosis of AD incorporates various sophisticated techniques including immuno-sensing, machine learning, nano conjugation-based detections, etc. In the current review description, we have summarized the various diagnostic approaches and their relevance in mitigating the long-standing urgency of targeted diagnostic tools for detection of AD.

Identification of novel polymorphism in buffalo stanniocalcin-1 gene and its expression analysis in mammary gland under different stages of lactation

Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) is secreted by the variety of tissues having a major role in the regulation of calcium ions in the involuting mammary gland. The present work aims to sequence and structural characterization as well as expression profiling of STC1 gene in buffalo. Polymorphism identified in the 3-untranslated region (UTR) was analysed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) genotyping in riverine and swamp buffaloes. Expression profiling of STC1 was performed in different lactation stages of mammary gland and peripheral blood mononuclear cells to study the impact of 3'-UTR polymorphism on its expression. Different polymorphic sites were detected in the entire coding and noncoding regions of riverine and swamp buffaloes, including two INDELs. An identified polymorphic nucleotide locus A324G, having target sites for two miRNAs, namely bta-miR-2382 and bta-miR-1343, reported in cattle, was genotyped by PCR-RFLP to reveal variable allelic distribution among swamp and riverine buffaloes. Gene expression profiling across buffalo mammary tissues representing different lactation stages showed maximum expression of the STC1 gene in the involuting mammary gland. Ruminants' specific genetic variation has been observed in STC1 and its implication in buffalo mammary gland involution as well as coregulation of gene expression through miRNA binding in the 3'-UTR is suggested.

Improved ultrasonic interferometer technique for propagation velocity and attenuation measurement in liquids

Propagation velocity and attenuation are the two basic parameters used for the ultrasonic investigations of liquids. An ultrasonic interferometer is a widely used tool as a cost effective solution for propagation velocity measurement. The ultrasonic attenuation measurements are not possible using the existing interferometers commercially available in the market. Ultrasonic attenuation can be measured using the pulse echo method, which is relatively complex and expensive. Generally, in interferometers, a radio frequency voltage of more than 100 V is used to excite the piezoelectric transducer. In this article, an improved design of the ultrasonic interferometer with low (5 V) rf voltage excitation is discussed. The proposed design has several advantages over existing systems. The low voltage excitation reduces heating of the sample under study. Detection of the received signal is done directly at the transducer. The critical effects of a coaxial cable in rf detection are minimized by dc detection at the transducer node. The impedance response of the transducer is used for the detection of nodes and antinodes for attenuation and velocity measurements. The use of an instrumentation amplifier enables one to amplify the extremely small voltage changes across the transducer due to interference. The developed method has the capability to measure attenuation due to high receiver sensitivity. The technique has been validated for the propagation velocity and attenuation measurement in standard samples of water and other liquids. The results thus obtained have been compared with the literature and the conventional pulse echo technique which shows close agreement.

Evaluation of therapeutic potential of recombinant buffalo lactoferrin N-lobe expressed in E. coli

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional bi-lobate iron-binding glycoprotein belonging to transferrin family with a mass of approximately 80 kD. Being ubiquitously present in almost all biological secretions, it performs important biological functions. One of the earliest and very well-documented functions of Lf is the antibacterial effect against broad spectrum Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, buffalo Lf N-lobe cDNA was amplified, cloned and expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli cells using pQE30 expression vector. After post-induction confirmation of expressed protein by SDS-PAGE, purification of recombinant protein using Ni-NTA was attempted and the yield of recombinant buffalo N-lobe Lf was estimated to be 1 mg/ml. Antibacterial activity of recombinant buffalo Lf N-lobe was assessed on pathogenic E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains. Peptic digest of recombinant N-lobe buffalo Lf showed antibacterial activity comparable to commercially available bovine Lf. The successful expression and characterization of functional recombinant N-lobe of buffalo Lf expressed in E. coli opens new vistas for developing alternate therapeutics, particularly against the diseases caused by Gram-negative microbes such as septicemia and diarrhea in newborn calves and mastitis in dairy animals.

Real-time implementation of Kalman filter to improve accuracy in the measurement of time of flight in an ultrasonic pulse-echo setup

In this paper, we demonstrate a hardware implementation of Kalman filter to enhance accuracy in the measurements of time-of-flight in an ultrasonic pulse echo technique (operated at 10 MHz). Pulser-receivers and other respective circuit units are designed using off-the-shelf electronic components. The advanced reduced instruction-set computing machine processor based Raspberry Pi single board computer is used to implement the Kalman filter and control various processes. Additionally, a graphical user interface is designed using Qt software, under the Debian open source operating system. The software has capability to measure and display the time-of-flight and ultrasonic propagation velocity in a liquid under test. The designed system with the Kalman filter exhibited an extremely small error of about 0.01% in the time-of-flight measurements compared with other systems. The functionality of the developed approach to measure time of flight and thereby ultrasonic velocity with significant improvement has been discussed in this article. It was experimentally verified that by improving other parameters such as the separation between the transducer and the reflector and cell structure, significant improvement in the accuracy of ultrasonic velocity in the liquid under test is achieved.

Prediction of Successful Epidural Catheter Placement by a ‘Cold Test’

We tested the hypothesis that the patients’ feeling of cold sensation down the back during epidural drug administration through the epidural catheter was a reliable predictor of correct epidural catheter placement. In a prospective study of 80 patients, an epidural catheter was placed in the lumbar epidural space. During epidural drug injection, patients were asked to report feeling of the cold sensation in their back by pressing a bell. After 15 minutes, the patients were assessed for cold sensation in the thoracic to sacral dermatomes bilaterally and the dermatomal block recorded. Of 80 patients, three had inadvertent dural puncture. Seventy-two of 77 patients reported feeling cold sensation in their back during local anaesthetic injection, and all had successful epidural blockade. Of the five patients who did not report any cold sensation, three had failed epidural block and two successful epidural block. There were no false positive results. Of three patients who had inadvertent dural puncture and had normal saline 5 ml injected through the Tuohy needle, none reported cold sensation. The perception of cold sensation in the back during epidural administration of a test dose and/or subsequent full dose of local anaesthetic is useful in predicting successful epidural catheter placement.

TLR4-induced NF-κB and MAPK signaling regulate the IL-6 mRNA stabilizing protein Arid5a

The AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 5a (Arid5a) plays a critical role in autoimmunity by regulating the half-life of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA. However, the signaling pathways underlying Arid5a-mediated regulation of IL-6 mRNA stability are largely uncharacterized. Here, we found that during the early phase of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, NF-κB and an NF-κB-triggered IL-6-positive feedback loop activate Arid5a gene expression, increasing IL-6 expression via stabilization of the IL-6 mRNA. Subsequently, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) promotes translocation of AU-rich element RNA-binding protein 1 (AUF-1) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it destabilizes Arid5a mRNA by binding to AU-rich elements in the 3΄ UTR. This results in downregulation of IL-6 mRNA expression. During the late phase of LPS stimulation, p38 MAPK phosphorylates Arid5a and recruits the WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) to its complex, which in turn ubiquitinates Arid5a in a K48-linked manner, leading to its degradation. Inhibition of Arid5a phosphorylation and degradation increases production of IL-6 mRNA. Thus, our data demonstrate that LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPK signaling are required to control the regulation of the IL-6 mRNA stabilizing molecule Arid5a. This study therefore substantially increases our understanding of the mechanisms by which IL-6 is regulated.

PCR-SSCP analysis of MDGI gene and its association with milk production traits in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

In this study, we investigated the genetic variation within 3'UTR of Mammary-Derived Growth Inhibitor (MDGI) gene of buffalo using PCR-SSCP and sequencing; and also analyzed association of polymorphism with the milk production traits. The study revealed two conformational patterns, 'A' and 'B' among 234 Mehsana buffaloes maintained with their records in the field and at farm. The frequency of SSCP variant 'A' was found to be invariably high in the buffalo population under study. Further, association analysis of SSCP variants with various milk production and milk quality traits indicated no significant effect on any of the traits investigated. Sequencing of SSCP variant 'A' showed homozygous G/G and A/A and 'B' had heterozygous G/C and A/G at positions +124 and +140 respectively, in the 3'UTR of buffalo MDGI. The preliminary results showed the substantial variations in the distribution of SSCP variants' frequencies within Mehsana buffaloes, however these variants had non-significant association with milk yield, fat yield and fat percentage in Mehsana buffaloes.

Identification of genetic variation in NOD-like receptor 2 gene and influence of polymorphism on gene structure and function in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor 2 is one of the important mediators of innate as well as adaptive immune response to microbial infections. In this study, NOD-like receptor-2 was characterized by determining the full gene sequence and analyzing genetic diversity in Indian buffaloes. Sequence analysis of buffalo NOD2 revealed 3042 nucleotides long ORF, encoding 1013 amino acids from 12 exons. Domain structure analysis indicated existence of 8 leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains in buffalo, cattle, sheep and mouse, along with central NACHT/NOD domain and two N-terminal CARD domains. Comparative sequence analysis among different buffalo breeds identified 46 polymorphic sites in NOD2 gene. Among coding region SNPs, 10 were non-synonymous, 7 synonymous and 3 were present in 5'UTR. Genotyping of two nsSNPs, revealed significant differences in the allele frequencies, distinguishing swamp and riverine buffaloes, having different utilities. Association analysis with mastitis in dairy buffaloes indicated significant variation in allelic frequencies at G1135A locus, between mastitis affected and non-affected animals. Further, NOD2 gene expression was quantified in different riverine buffalo tissues, using real-time PCR and lymph node displayed highest expression, compared to others organs included in the study. Overall, the study revealed buffalo NOD2 gene attributes, important to understand species specific immune response in ruminants.

Expression Analysis of Genes Associated with Prolificacy in FecB Carrier and Noncarrier Indian Sheep

The effect of FecB mutation on the gene expression in FecB carrier and noncarrier estrous synchronized ewes, has been analyzed. For this study the whole ovarian tissues and Graafian follicles were collected from estrus synchronized FecB carrier Garole, and non-carrier Deccani Indian sheep, showing remarkable differences in the numbers of preovulatory follicles among two groups. Eleven potential candidate genes (BMP15, GDF9, BMP4, BMP7, BMPR1B, BMPR1A, SMAD9, LHCGR, FSHR, IGF1R, and STAT5) were selected for their expression analysis by SybrGreen based real-time PCR, across ovaries and Graafian follicles of different fecundity groups, for having better insights into the effect of FecB genotypes on follicular development. Variable expression was observed for almost all the genes included in the present study among high and low fecundity groups that was most significant for the BMP7, BMP4, LHCGR, and FSHR transcripts in the ovarian follicles of high and low fecundity ewes, indicating their importance in governing the fecundity in FecB carrier, Indian Garole sheep. BMP4 expression among the genes studied was significantly higher in FecB carrier Garole sheep. This study confirms the changes in mRNA expression of the genes implicated in follicular development in FecB carrier and noncarrier Indian sheep breeds.

Molecular Characterization of Buffalo Haptoglobin: Sequence Based Structural Comparison Indicates Convergent Evolution Between Ruminants and Human

Haptoglobin (Hp) protein has high affinity for hemoglobin (Hb) binding during intravascular hemolysis and scavenges the hemoglobin induced free radicals. Earlier reports indicate about uniqueness of Hp molecule in human and cattle, but in other animals, it is not much studied. In this paper, we characterized buffalo Hp molecule and determined its molecular structure, evolutionary importance, and tissue expression. Comparative analysis and predicted domain structure indicated that the buffalo Hp has an internal duplicated region in α-chain only similar to an alternate Hp2 allele in human. This duplicated part encoded for an extra complement control protein CCP domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that buffalo and other ruminants were found to group together separated from all other non-ruminants, including human. The key amino acid residues involved in Hp and Hb as well as Hp and macrophage scavenger receptor, CD163 interactions in buffalo, depicted a significant variation in comparison to other non-ruminant species. Constitutive expression of Hp was also confirmed across all the vital tissues of buffalo, for the first time. Results revealed that buffalo Hp is both structurally and functionally conserved, having internal duplication in α-chain similar to human Hp2 and other ruminant species, which might have evolved separately as a convergent evolutionary process. Furthermore, the presence of extra Hp CCP domain possibly in all ruminants may have an effect during dimerization of molecule in these species.

MARKER ASSISTED EVALUATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND GENETIC ATTRIBUTES OF SUB-POPULATIONS OF NILI-RAVI BUFFALO: A VULNERABLE DAIRY TYPE RIVERINE BREED OF INDIA

In the present study, we report the distribution of true to type and atypical Nili-Ravi buffalo, a vulnerable dairy type riverine breed of North India and its underlying genetic structure. Out of total investigated buffaloes 73.5% had bilateral wall eyes while 5.4% had unilateral wall eyes and 21.1% had no wall eyes. 41.15% of Nili-Ravi buffaloes maintained in the breeding farm were having typical true to the type characteristics (both eyes walled, white markings in forehead, muzzle/chin, all the four legs and tail) while only 28.5% of Nili-Ravi buffaloes were true to the type under field conditions. Genotypic data were generated in four groups of Nili-Ravi buffalo (FMTNR--Typical Nili-Ravi from farm; FMANR--Atypical Nili-Ravi from farm; FDTNR--Typical Nili-Ravi from field; FDANR--Atypical Nili-Ravi from field) at 16 microsatellite loci. Comparative genetic analysis of various groups of Nili-Ravi buffaloes with Murrah revealed significant between group differences with an estimated global F(ST) of 0.063. Pair-wise F(ST) values ranged from 0.003 (between FDTNR and FDANR) to 0.112 (between FMTNR and FDTNR). Phylogenetic analysis and multi-dimensional scaling revealed clustering of FDTNR and FDANR together while FMTNR and FMANR clustered separately with Murrah in between farm and field Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Based on the results, the paper also proposes three pronged strategy for conservation and sustainable genetic improvement of Nili-Ravi buffalo in India.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor/microRNA-212/132 axis in T cells regulates IL-10 production to maintain intestinal homeostasis

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a transcription factor, plays a critical role in autoimmune inflammation of the intestine. In addition, microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding oligonucleotides, mediate pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, the precise mechanism and interactions of these molecules in IBD pathogenesis have not yet been investigated. We analyzed the role of Ahr and Ahr-regulated miRNAs in colonic inflammation. Our results show that deficiency of Ahr in intestinal epithelial cells in mice exacerbated inflammation in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Deletion of Ahr in T cells attenuated colitis, which was manifested by suppressed Th17 cell infiltration into the lamina propria. Candidate miRNA analysis showed that induction of colitis elevated expression of the miR-212/132 cluster in the colon of wild-type mice, whereas in Ahr (-/-) mice, expression was clearly lower. Furthermore, miR-212/132(-/-) mice were highly resistant to colitis and had reduced levels of Th17 cells and elevated levels of IL-10-producing CD4(+) cells. In vitro analyses revealed that induction of type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells was significantly elevated in miR-212/132(-/-) T cells with increased c-Maf expression. Our findings emphasize the vital role of Ahr in intestinal homeostasis and suggest that inhibition of miR-212/132 represents a viable therapeutic strategy for treating colitis.

Genetic analysis of river, swamp and hybrid buffaloes of north-east India throw new light on phylogeography of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

This study analysed buffaloes from north-east India and compared their nuclear and mitochondrial DNA variations with buffaloes of mainland India, China, Mediterranean and South-East Asia. Microsatellite genotypes of 338 buffaloes including 210 from six north-east Indian buffalo populations and three mainland Indian breeds were analysed to evaluate their genetic structure and evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic analysis and multidimensional scaling plot of pairwise FST revealed the clustering of all swamp-type buffaloes of north-east India with Lower Assamese (significantly hybrid type) buffaloes in one plane and all the mainland river buffaloes in another plane while the upper Assamese buffaloes being distinct from both these clusters. Analysis of mtDNA D-loop region of 530-bp length was performed on 345 sequences belonging to 23 buffalo populations from various geographical regions to establish the phylogeography of Indian water buffalo. The swamp buffaloes of north-east India clustered with both the lineages of Chinese swamp buffalo. Multidimensional scaling display of pairwise FST derived from mitochondrial DNA data showed clustering of upper Assamese, Chilika and Mediterranean buffaloes distinctly from all the other Indian buffalo populations. Median-joining network analysis further confirmed the distinctness and ancestral nature of these buffaloes. The study revealed north-east region of India forming part of the wider hybrid zone of water buffalo that may probably extend from north-east India to South-East Asia.

A conformational analysis of mouse Nalp3 domain structures by molecular dynamics simulations, and binding site analysis

Scrutinizing various nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) genes in higher eukaryotes is very important for understanding the intriguing mechanism of the host defense against pathogens. The nucleotide-binding domain (NACHT), leucine-rich repeat (LRR), and pyrin domains (PYD)-containing protein 3 (Nalp3), is an intracellular innate immune receptor and is associated with several immune system related disorders. Despite Nalp3's protective role during a pathogenic invasion, the molecular features and structural organization of this crucial protein is poorly understood. Using comparative modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we have studied the structural architecture of Nalp3 domains, and characterized the dynamic and energetic parameters of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding in NACHT, and pathogen-derived ligands muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and imidazoquinoline with LRR domains. The results suggested that walker A, B and extended walker B motifs were the key ATP binding regions in NACHT that mediate self-oligomerization. The analysis of the binding sites of MDP and imidazoquinoline revealed LRR 7-9 to be the most energetically favored site for imidazoquinoline interaction. However, the binding free energy calculations using the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) method indicated that MDP is incompatible for activating the Nalp3 molecule in its monomeric form, and suggest its complex interaction with NOD2 or other NLRs accounts for MDP recognition. The high binding affinity of ATP with NACHT was correlated to the experimental data for human NLRs. Our binding site prediction for imidazoquinoline in LRR warrants further investigation via in vivo models. This is the first study that provides ligand recognition in mouse Nalp3 and its spatial structural arrangements.

Measurement of total ultrasonic power using thermal expansion and change in buoyancy of an absorbing target

The Radiation Force Balance (RFB) technique is well established and most widely used for the measurement of total ultrasonic power radiated by ultrasonic transducer. The technique is used as a primary standard for calibration of ultrasonic transducers with relatively fair uncertainty in the low power (below 1 W) regime. In this technique, uncertainty comparatively increases in the range of few watts wherein the effects such as thermal heating of the target, cavitations, and acoustic streaming dominate. In addition, error in the measurement of ultrasonic power is also caused due to movement of absorber at relatively high radiated force which occurs at high power level. In this article a new technique is proposed which does not measure the balance output during transducer energized state as done in RFB. It utilizes the change in buoyancy of the absorbing target due to local thermal heating. The linear thermal expansion of the target changes the apparent mass in water due to buoyancy change. This forms the basis for the measurement of ultrasonic power particularly in watts range. The proposed method comparatively reduces uncertainty caused by various ultrasonic effects that occur at high power such as overshoot due to momentum of target at higher radiated force. The functionality of the technique has been tested and compared with the existing internationally recommended RFB technique.

An oxidative amidation and heterocyclization approach for the synthesis of β-carbolines and dihydroeudistomin Y

A novel synthetic methodology has been developed for the synthesis of dihydro-β-carboline derivatives employing oxidative amidation–Bischler–Napieralski reaction conditions using tryptamine and 2,2-dibromo-1-phenylethanone as key starting materials. A number of dihydro-β-carboline derivatives have been synthesized in moderate to good yields using this methodology. Attempts were made towards the conversion of these dihydro-β-carbolines to naturally occurring eudistomin alkaloids.

Genetic diversity within 5'upstream region of Toll-like receptor 8 gene reveals differentiation of riverine and swamp buffaloes

In this study the nucleotide diversity in the 5'untranslated region (UTR) of TLR8 gene in riverine as well as swamp buffaloes has been described. Analysis of the 5'UTR of TLR8 gene showed presence of two SNPs in this region, g.-139G>T and g.-128A>G. A PCR-RFLP assay designed for genotyping of g.-139G>T SNP across 667 samples from 2 buffalo populations revealed a striking difference in allele frequency distribution across the swamp and riverine buffaloes. The frequency of T allele was higher in swamp buffalo as compared to riverine buffalo, ranging from 0.71 to 1. The G allele on the other hand exhibited a higher frequency across all the Indian riverine buffalo breeds/populations. The principal component analysis revealed separate clusters for the riverine and swamp buffaloes, as expected; however, the riverine type Assamese buffalo population of eastern India formed a distinct cluster. Since most of the buffalo populations in the eastern region are swamp type, this demarcation may be related to the difference in immune response in riverine and swamp buffaloes. These preliminary results indicate that the genetic variation observed in 5'upstream region of TLR8 gene, which differentiates swamp and riverine buffalo, needs to be further explored for association with disease susceptibility in buffalo, an important dairy and meat animal of Southeast Asia.

Caprine Toll-like receptor 8 gene sequence characterization reveals close relationships among ruminant species

TLR8 mediates antiviral immunity by recognizing ssRNA viruses and triggers potent antiviral and antitumor immune responses. In this study, approximately 3.5 Kb nucleotide sequence data of caprine TLR8 gene were generated from one sample each of twelve different Indian goat breeds belonging to different geographical regions. Cloning and characterization of cDNA synthesized from RNA purified from goat spleen revealed TLR8 ORF to be of 3102 nucleotides long coding for 1033 amino acids similar to other ruminant species, that is sheep, buffalo and cattle. The sequence analysis at nucleotide level revealed goat TLR8 to be closer to buffalo sharing 99.6% homology, followed by cattle and sheep. Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool (SMART) used for the structural analysis of goat TLR8 showed the presence of 16 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) along with single Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain. TIR domain when compared with other livestock species was found to be conserved in ruminant species goat, sheep, cattle and buffalo. The phylogenetic analysis also revealed grouping of all ruminant species together, goat being closer to buffalo followed by cattle and sheep. Total 4 polymorphic sites were observed in TLR8 gene of one specimen goat representing each of 12 different breeds studied, all of which were synonymous and present within the coding region. Of these 4 SNPs, two were in ectodomains, one in TIR domain and one was found to be present in transmembrane domain. PCR-RFLP genotyping of two of the SNPs indicated variations in allele frequencies among different goat breeds. The expression profiling in 13 tissues of goat showed maximum expression of TLR8 gene in kidney followed by spleen, lung and lymph node. Overall, our results indicate conservation of TLR8 gene among the ruminant species and low variation within Indian goat breeds.

Detection of polymorphism and sequence characterization of Toll-like receptor 7 gene of Indian goat revealing close relationship between ruminant species

In this study, approximately 3.4 kb nucleotide sequence of caprine TLR7 (Toll-like receptor 7) gene was generated from twelve different Indian goat breeds belonging to different geographical regions. Goat TLR7 gene ORF (Open Reading Frame) was found to be 3141 nucleotides long coding for 1046 amino acids similar to sheep. The sequence analysis at nucleotide level revealed goat TLR7 having 99.5% homology with sheep, followed by other livestock species. Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool (SMART) was used for the structural analysis of goat TLR7 that showed the presence of 22 leucine rich repeats (LRRs) along with single Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains. TIR domain, when compared, was found to be similar in ruminant species, goat, sheep, cattle, and buffalo. The phylogenetic analysis also revealed grouping of all ruminant species together, goat being closer to sheep followed by cattle and buffalo. A total of 22 polymorphic sites were observed in TLR7 gene of 24 goats representing 12 different breeds, out of which 19 were present within the coding region and three in 3'UTR. Out of the seven nonsynonymous SNPs, two were in ectodomains and one in TIR domain. Overall our results indicate substantial variation within goat TLR7 gene, which could be exploited for association with disease susceptibility.

Molecular and cellular characterization of buffalo bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Immune privileged mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into multiple cell types and possess great potential for human and veterinary regenerative therapies. This study was designed with an objective to isolate, expand and characterize buffalo bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) at molecular and cellular level. Buffalo BM-MSCs were isolated by Ficoll density gradient method and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS). These cells were characterized through alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining, colony-forming unit (CFU) assay, mRNA expression analysis (CD 73, CD 90, CD 105, Oct4 and Nanog), immunolocalization along with flow cytometry (Stro 1, CD 73, CD 105, Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog) and in situ hybridization (Oct4 and Sox2). Multilineage differentiation (osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic) was induced in vitro, which was further assessed by specific staining. Buffalo BM-MSCs have the capacity to form plastic adherent clusters of fibroblast-like cells and were successfully maintained up to 16(th) passage. These cells were AP positive, and further CFU assay confirmed their clonogenic property. RT-PCR analysis and protein localization study showed that buffalo BM-MSCs are positive for various cell surface markers and pluripotency markers. Cytoplasmic distribution of mRNA for pluripotency markers in buffalo BM-MSCs and multilineage differentiation were induced in vitro, which was further assessed by specific staining. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of buffalo BM-MSCs, which suggests that MSCs can be derived and expanded from buffalo bone marrow and can be used after characterization as a novel agent for regenerative therapy.

Sequence characterization of river buffalo Toll-like receptor genes 1-10 reveals distinct relationship with cattle and sheep

The present study was undertaken to characterize the full-length transcripts of Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes 1-10 of river buffalo. The conceptualized amino acid identity of bubaline TLRs ranged between 86% to 100% with ruminants, while it ranged between 45% to 91% with other vertebrate species. Simple modular architecture tool (SMART) analysis revealed the presence of TIR domains and varying numbers of leucine-rich repeat motifs in all the buffalo TLRs. With respect to TIR domains, TLRs 1, 2 and 3 of river buffalo were found to have 99.3% identity with cattle and 100% identity of TLRs 4, 6 and 10 with sheep. Phylogenetic analysis of TLRs of buffalo and different vertebrate species revealed the clustering of major TLR gene subfamilies with high bootstrap values. The evolutionary relationship between buffalo and other ruminant species was found to vary among different TLRs. In order to understand the relationship between TLRs of different ruminant species, multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of pairwise amino acid differences between different species within each TLR was performed. Buffalo and cattle were found to be closely related only with respect to TLRs 1, 2 and 7, while buffalo and sheep were found to be clustering together with respect to TLRs 3, 6, 8 and 10. The distinct relationship of bubaline TLRs with cattle and sheep revealed the possible differences in the pathogen recognition receptor systems in these animals and consequently the differences in their susceptibility/resistance to various invading organisms.

Expression and characterization of constitutive heat shock protein 70.1 (HSPA-1A) gene in in vitro produced and in vivo-derived buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos

Cells are blessed with a group of stress protector molecules known as heat shock proteins (HSPs), amongst them HSP70, encoded by HSPA-1A gene, is most abundant and highly conserved protein. Variety of stresses hampers the developmental competence of embryos under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Present work was designed to study the quantitative expression of HSPA-1A mRNA in immature oocytes (IMO), matured oocytes (MO), in vitro produced (IVP) and in vivo-derived (IVD) buffalo embryos to assess the level of stress to which embryos are exposed under in vivo and in vitro culture conditions. Further, HSPA-1A gene sequence was analysed to determine its homology with other mammalian sequences. The mRNA expression analysis was carried out on 72 oocytes (40 IMO; 32 MO), 76 IVP and 55 IVD buffalo embryos. Expression of HSPA-1A was found in oocytes and throughout the developmental stages of embryos examined irrespective of the embryo source; however, higher (p < 0.05) expression was observed in 8-16 cell, morula and blastocyst stages of IVP embryos as compared to IVD embryos. Phylogenetic analysis of bubaline HSPA-1A revealed that it shares 91-98% identity with other mammalian sequences. It can be concluded that higher level of HSPA-1A mRNA in IVP embryos in comparison with in vivo-derived embryos is an indicator of cellular stress in IVP system. This study suggests need for further optimization of in vitro culture system in which HSPA-1A gene could be used as a stress biomarker during pre-implantation development.

Population structure and phylogeography of Toda buffalo in Nilgiris throw light on possible origin of aboriginal Toda tribe of South India

We report the genetic structure and evolutionary relationship of the endangered Toda buffalo of Nilgiris in South India with Kanarese and two other riverine buffalo breeds. The upgma phylogeny drawn using Nei's distance grouped South Kanara and Toda buffaloes at a single node while Marathwada and Murrah together formed a separate node. Principal component analysis was performed with pairwise interindividual chord distances which revealed clustering of Murrah and Marathwada buffaloes distinctly, while individuals of Toda and South Kanara breeds completely intermingled with each other. Furthermore, there were highly significant group variances (p < 0.01) when the breeds were grouped based on phylogeny, thus revealing the existence of cryptic genetic structure within these buffalo breeds. To know the evolutionary relationship among these breeds, 537-bp D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA was analysed. The phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA haplotypes following NJ algorithm with Chinese swamp buffalo as outgroup revealed a major cluster that included haplotypes from all the four investigated breeds and two minor clusters formed by South Kanara and Toda haplotypes. Reduced median network analysis revealed haplotypes of South Kanara and Toda to be quite distinct from the commonly found haplotypes indicating that these might have been ancestral to all the present-day haplotypes. Few mutations in two of the haplotypes of South Kanara buffalo were found to have contributed to ancestral haplotypes of Toda buffalo suggesting the possible migration of buffaloes from Kanarese region towards Nilgiris along the Western Ghats. Considering the close social, economic and cultural association of Todas with their buffaloes, the present study supports the theory of migration of Toda tribe from Kanarese/Mysore region along with their buffaloes.

RGD modified albumin nanospheres for tumour vasculature targeting

Objectives

Cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide-anchored sterically stabilized albumin nanospheres (RGD-SN) have been investigated for the selective and preferential presentation of carrier contents at angiogenic endothelial cells overexpressing avb3 integrins on and around tumour tissue. Their targetabilty was assessed.

Methods

Albumin nanospheres were formulated, conjugated with RGD/RAD peptide and characterized on the basis of size and size distribution. The control Arginine-Alanine-Aspartic acid (RAD) peptide-anchored sterically stabilized nanospheres (RAD-SN) and nanosphere with 5 mol% PEG (SN) without peptide conjugate were used for comparison with RGD-SN for in vitro cell binding, in vivo organ distribution and tumor angiogenesis studies.

Key findings

The average size of all nanospheres prepared was approximately 100 nm and maximum drug entrapment was 67.2 ± 5.2%. In-vitro endothelial cell binding of nanospheres exhibited 8-fold higher binding of RGD-SN to human umbilical vein endothelial cells in comparison with the SN and RAD-SN. RGD peptide-anchored nanospheres were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) effective in the prevention of lung metastasis, angiogenesis and in effective regression of tumours compared with free fluorouracil, SN and RAD-SN. Results indicated that cyclic RGD peptide-anchored sterically stabilized nanospheres bearing fluorouracil were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) active against primary tumour and metastasis than the nontargeted sterically stabilized nanospheres and free drug.

Conclusions

Cyclic RGD peptide-anchored sterically stabilized nanospheres appears promising for targeted cancer chemotherapeutics.

Polymeric nanospheres modified with YIGSR peptide for tumor targeting

YIGSR peptide anchored pegylated nanospheres (YIGSR-SN) loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were investigated for selective and preferential presentation of carrier contents at angiogenic endothelial cells over-expressing laminin receptors on and around tumor tissue and thus for assessing their targetability. Pegylated nanosphere (SN) without peptide conjugate were used for comparison. The average size of all nanosphere preparations prepared was approximately 108 nm and maximum drug entrapment was 68.5 +/- 5.2%. In vitro endothelial cell binding of nanospheres exhibited 8-fold higher binding of YIGSR-SN to HUVEC in comparison to the SN. Spontaneous lung metastasis and angiogenesis assays show that YIGSR peptide anchored nanospheres are significantly (p <or= 0.05) effective in the prevention of lung metastasis and angiogenesis compared to free 5-FU and SN. In therapeutic experiments, 5-FU, SN, and YIGSR-SN were administered intravenously on day 4 at the dose of 10 mg 5-FU/kg body weight to B16F10 tumor bearing BALB/c mice resulting in effective regression of tumors in YIGSR-SN compared with free 5-FU and SN. Results indicate that YIGSR peptide anchored pegylated nanospheres bearing 5-FU are significantly (p <or= 0.05) active against primary tumor and metastasis than the non-targeted pegylated nanospheres and free drug. Thus, YIGSR peptide anchored pegylated nanospheres hold potential of targeted cancer chemotherapeutics.

Primary measurement of total ultrasonic power with improved accuracy in rf voltage measurement

Out of the various existing ultrasonic power measurement techniques, the radiation force balance method using microbalance is most widely used in low power (below 1 W) regime. The major source of uncertainty associated with this technique is the error in ac voltage measurement applied to the transducer for the generation of ultrasonic waves. The sources that deteriorate the ac voltage measurement accuracy include cable length and impedance mismatch. We introduce a new differential peak to peak measurement approach to reduce the ac voltage measurement error. The method holds the average peak amplitude of each polarity. Ultralow offset difference amplifier is used to measure peak to peak voltage. The method is insensitive to the variations in the dc offset of the source. The functionality of this method has been tested and compared with the conventional rf voltage measurement method. The output of this proposed technique is dc, which can be measured with an error of less than 0.1%.

Liposomes modified with YIGSR peptide for tumor targeting

YIGSR peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes (YIGSR-SL) were investigated for selective and preferential presentation of carrier contents at angiogenic endothelial cells overexpressing laminin receptors on and around tumor tissue and thus for assessing their targetabilty. In vitro endothelial cell binding of liposomes exhibited 7-fold higher binding of YIGSR-SL to HUVEC in comparison to the nontargeted sterically stabilized liposomes (SL). Spontaneous lung metastasis and angiogenesis assays show that YIGSR peptide anchored liposomes are significantly (P <or= 0.01) effective in the prevention of lung metastasis and angiogenesis compared to free 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and SL. YIGSR-SL was very effective in regression of tumors in BALB/c mice bearing B16F10 melanoma cells. Results indicate that YIGSR peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes bearing 5-FU are significantly (P <or= 0.01) active against primary tumor and metastasis than the SL and free drug. Thus, YIGSR peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes hold potential of targeted cancer chemotherapeutics.

Seven novel single nucleotide polymorphisms identified within river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) lactoferrin gene

The present study aimed at identifying single-nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) sites in different coding and non-coding regions of lactoferrin gene in Indian riverine buffaloes. A total of 102 animals from six different river buffalo breeds were screened at six bubaline lactoferrin gene loci. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis revealed monomorphic patterns at three loci LtfE2, LtfE11, and LtfE14 while a total of eight distinct patterns were observed in the other three loci viz. LtfE5, LtfE10, and LtfE16 which correspond to respective exons and their flanking regions. Sequence analysis of different SSCP variants revealed the presence of two SNP sites within the coding (exon 16) region and five SNP sites in flanking non-coding regions (intron 4 and intron 9). Both SNPs within exon 16 were found to be synonymous. The SNPs and haplotypes identified in the present study could serve as potential markers for association with susceptibility/resistance to mastitis in buffaloes.

On the synthesis and characterizations of TiO2 nanotubes

In the present work, aligned TiO2 nanotubes have been synthesized by a simple method of electrochemical anodization of high purity, well cleaned, etched and ultrasonicated Ti-sheet (Purity approximately 99.99%) in a fluoride mediated electrolytic media consisting of a solution of 0.14 M NaF and a solution of 0.5 M/1.0 M H3PO4. Studies on the effects of anodization voltage, time and electrolyte concentration on the formation of TiO2 nanotubes have been carried out. The TiO2 nanotube arrays have been synthesized at applied anodization voltages of approximately 10 V and approximately 20 V. The anodization was carried out for 1 hour and 2 hours at each applied voltage. Structural/microstructural characterizations of TiO2 nanotubes have been carried out through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM images of TiO, nanotubes showed interesting features relating to morphology, the pore size (diameter of the tubes) and the lengths of the tube. TEM investigations revealed that the as synthesized nanotubes are amorphous in nature and on electron beam annealing, these transformed to crystalline phases (rutile and brookite). The optical characterizations through UV-Visible spectroscopy exhibited that the band gap are approximately 3.03 eV and approximately 2.87 eV for tubes synthesized at applied anodization voltages of approximately 10 V and approximately 20 V respectively. A tentative mechanism for the growth of TiO2 nanotube has been put forward.

Identification of degradation products in stressed tablets of Rabeprazole sodium by HPLC-hyphenated techniques

Three unknown impurities of Rabeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, were formed in the formulated drug under the stress conditions, [40 degrees C/75% relative humidity (RH) for 6 months] with relative retention times (RRTs) 0.17, 0.22 and 0.28. The Impurity-I (0.17 RRT) was isolated using preparative HPLC and characterized by NMR and MS. The other two impurities, Impurity-II (RRT 0.22) and Impurity-III (RRT 0.28) could not be isolated, hence they are characterized by HPLC-hyphenated techniques, LC-NMR and high-resolution LC-MS. On the basis of the spectral data, the Impurity-I, Impurity-II and Impurity-III were characterized as 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-3-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropyridine-2-carboxylic acid, 1H-benzo [d] imidazole-2-sulfonic acid and 4-(3-methoxy propoxy)-3-methyl-2-pyridine carboxylic acid, respectively.

Depolarization ratio measurement using single photomultiplier tube in micropulse lidar

The conventional dual polarization micropulse lidar uses two separate photomultiplier tubes (PMT) to detect both the copolarized and cross-polarized beam. The prominent sources of error in the depolarization ratio measurement are mismatch in PMT, improper selection of discriminator threshold and unequal PMT high voltage. In the present work a technique for the measurement of lidar depolarization ratio using only one PMT sensor has been developed. The same PMT detects both copolarized and cross-polarized lidar backscatter. A stepper motor is used along with the mirrors to bring both the received polarization signals over the PMT window. Application of the same PMT minimizes the error caused in the depolarization ratio measurement due to error in photon counting of an individual channel. The design description of this technique along with the preliminary results depicting its functionality has been mentioned in this article.

Knowledge based identification of MAO-B selective inhibitors using pharmacophore and structure based virtual screening models

Monoamine Oxidase B interaction with known ligands was investigated using combined pharmacophore and structure based modeling approach. The docking results suggested that the pharmacophore and docking models are in good agreement and are used to identify the selective MAO-B inhibitors. The best model, Hypo2 consists of three pharmacophore features, i.e., one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor and one ring aromatic. The Hypo2 model was used to screen an in-house database of 80,000 molecules and have resulted in 5500 compounds. Docking studies were performed, subsequently, on the cluster representatives of 530 hits from 5500 compounds. Based on the structural novelty and selectivity index, we have suggested 15 selective MAO-B inhibitors for further synthesis and pharmacological screening.

Liposomes Modified with Cyclic RGD Peptide for Tumor Targeting

Cyclic RGD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes (RGD-SL) were investigated for selective and preferential presentation of carrier contents at angiogenic endothelial cells overexpressing alphavbeta3 integrins on and around tumor tissue and thus for assessing their targetabilty. Liposomes were prepared using distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cholesterol and distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine-polyethyleneglycol-RGD peptide conjugate (DSPE-PEG-RGD) in a molar ratio 56:39:5. The control RAD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes (RAD-SL) and liposome with 5 mol% PEG (SL) without peptide conjugate which had similar lipid composition were used for comparison. The average size of all liposome preparations prepared was approximately 105 nm and maximum drug entrapment was 10.5+/- 1.1%. In vitro endothelial cell binding of liposomes exhibited 7-fold higher binding of RGD-SL to HUVEC in comparison to the SL and RAD-SL. Spontaneous lung metastasis and angiogenesis assays show that RGD peptide anchored liposomes are significantly (p<0.01) effective in the prevention of lung metastasis and angiogenesis compared to free 5-FU, SL and RAD-SL. In therapeutic experiments, 5-FU, SL, RGD-SL and RAD-SL were administered intravenously on day 4 at the dose of 10 mg 5-FU/kg body weight to B16F10 tumor bearing BALB/c mice resulting in effective regression of tumors compared with free 5-FU, SL and RAD-SL. Results indicate that cyclic RGD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes bearing 5-FU are significantly (p<0.01) active against primary tumor and metastasis than the non-targeted sterically stabilized liposomes and free drug. Thus cyclic RGD peptide anchored sterically stabilized liposomes hold potential of targeted cancer chemotherapeutics.

Transition-metal/Lewis acid free synthesis of acyl benzothiophenes via C-C bond forming reaction

A simple and single-step synthesis of 2- and 3-acyl substituted benzothiophenes has been described via environmentally benign acylation of benzothiophene with in situ generated acyl trifluoroacetates. Both aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids participated in trifluoroacetic anhydride/phosphoric acid mediated C-C bond forming reactions under solvent-free conditions affording acyl benzothiophenes in good overall yields.

Development and validation of an enantioselective HPLC–UV method using Chiralpak AD-H to quantify (+)- and (−)-torcetrapib enantiomers in hamster plasma—application to a pharmacokinetic study

A chiral selective, accurate and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed and validated for direct separation of individual enantiomers of torcetrapib (TTB) [(+)-TTB and (-)-TTB]. TTB enantiomers and IS were extracted from a small aliquot of plasma (100 microL) by simple liquid-liquid extraction using acetonitrile as extraction solvent. The enantiomers were resolved on Chiralpak AD-H (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with the mobile phase consisting of n-hexane:isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in the ratio of 95:5 (v/v). The eluate was monitored using an UV detector set at 254 nm. Baseline separation of the TTB enantiomers and the internal standard (IS, DRL-17859), free from endogenous interferences was achieved. The resolution factor between the enantiomers was optimized and found to be not less than five. During method development, the IPA content in the mobile phase was optimized for separation of peaks of interest. Additionally, both flow rate and column temperature were optimized for an improved baseline separation of the enantiomers. Ratio of peak area of each enantiomer to IS was used for quantification of plasma samples. Nominal retention times of (+)-TTB, (-)-TTB and IS were 9.4, 13.8 and 17.5 min, respectively. The standard curves for TTB enantiomers were linear (r(2)>0.999) in the concentration range 0.1-10 microg/mL for each enantiomer. Absolute recovery, when compared to neat standards, was 88.7-90.0% for TTB enantiomers and 100% for IS from the hamster plasma. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for each enantiomer of TTB was 0.1 microg/mL. The inter-day precisions were in the range of 4.57-6.32 and 5.66-11.0% for (+)-TTB and (-)-TTB, respectively. The intra-day precisions were in the range of 1.60-7.36 and 2.76-13.6% for (+)-TTB and (-)-TTB, respectively. Accuracy in the measurement of quality control (QC) samples was in the range of 95.6-109% and 92.7-108% for (+)-TTB and (-)-TTB, respectively. Both enantiomers were stable in a series of stability studies, viz. bench-top (up to 12h), auto-sampler (up to 24h) and freeze/thaw cycles (n=3). Stability of TTB enantiomers was established in hamster plasma for 15 days at -80 degrees C. The application of the assay to a pharmacokinetic study of (-)-TTB in hamsters is described.

Cationic transfersomes based topical genetic vaccine against hepatitis B

DNA vaccines have been shown to elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses and to be effective in a variety of preclinical bacterial, viral, and parasitic animal models. We have recently described a needle-free method of vaccination, transcutaneous immunization, based on topical application of vaccine antigens on intact skin using a novel carrier system, namely transfersomes. In the present study, a novel modified version of transfersomes, i.e., cationic transfersomes for topical DNA vaccine delivery has been developed. Cationic transfersomes composed of cationic lipid DOTMA and sodium deoxycholate as constitutive lipids were prepared and optimized for their size, shape, zeta potentials, deformability and loading efficiency. Plasmid DNA encoding hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was loaded in the cationic transfersomes using charge neutralization method. The immune stimulating activity was studied by measuring serum anti-HBsAg titer and cytokines level (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) following topical applications of plasmid DNA loaded cationic transfersomes in Balb/c mice and results were compared with naked DNA applied topically as well as naked DNA and pure recombinant HBsAg administered intramuscularly. Results revealed that DNA loaded cationic transfersomes elicited significantly (*P<0.05) higher anti-HBsAg antibody titer and cytokines level as compared to naked DNA. It was also observed that topical application of DNA loaded cationic transfersomes elicited a comparable serum antibody titer and endogenous cytokines levels as produced after intramuscular recombinant HBsAg administration. The study signifies the potential of cationic transfersomes as DNA vaccine carriers for effective topical immunization.

Measurement of ultrasonic velocity with improved accuracy in pulse echo setup

In the present work a personal computer based circuit adopted in pulseecho setup has been developed for the measurement of time-of-flight between the two successive echoes using a differential time measurement with a 16 bit counter and an external clock frequency of 32 MHz. A control program is developed in C to display the time of flight and wave propagation velocity on a user screen. The technique, so developed, minimizes the errors in time delay measurements due to the variation in threshold trigger points of echoes and improves the ultrasonic velocity measurement.