Insight into strigolactone hormone functions in plant parasitic weeds: a regulatory perspective

The strigolactones (SLs) are plants hormones that have multiple functions in architecture and development. The roles of SLs in shoot branching and stem secondary growth of autotrophic plants are established. SL is also involved in the interaction between root parasitic plants and their host plants. SLs are exudates by the root of the host plant in search of a fungal partner for symbiotic association, while parasitic plants utilize this facility to detect the host root. The first formed tubercle of Philapanhche, whose germinations are driven by host-derived SLs, exudates parasitic derived SLs (PSLs) and could encourages germination of the adjacent parasitic seeds, resulting in parasite cluster formation. The existence of aboveground spikes in clusters suggests an intriguing approach for increasing parasite population by amplifying PSLs, which result in massive parasitic seed germination. PSLs probably have a role in the increased branching of Broomrapes opposing the host plant, resulting in the parasites' clustered appearance aboveground. This review highlights the distinct roles of SLs and PSLs, and their potential role in host-parasitic interaction.

Impact of psychological distress due to COVID-19 pandemic on spouse interpersonal relationships

Background: The novel virus, COVID-19, has proven to be a stressor on many levels due to factors like health, economic disruptions, lockdown, and stay-at-home orders. However, one of the significant stressors has been on relationships, primarily the intimate ones, like between spouses. To investigate the correlation between psychological distress and quality of spouse interpersonal relationships. Methodology: The mixed research design (i.e., qualitative and quantitative methods) was employed on 119 participants between 22-62 years of age, followed by a semi-structural interview of 12 participants, all through virtual snowball mode due to the COVID-19 scenario. Socio-demographic profile, psychological distress scale, and the quality of spouse interpersonal relationships scale and a semi-structural interview schedule were used for data collection. Results: The present study shows that psychological distress is negatively correlated with certain aspects like conflict, criticism, resentment, pressure, dominance, relative power, and exclusion of the quality of spouse interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, a positive correlation was observed with affection, emotional support, reliable alliance, satisfaction, companionship, and approval aspects of the quality of spouse interpersonal relationships. Qualitative results shows that argument with each other, disagreement, point out faults, pressurization for intimation, and violence with partner are some of the most prominent negative effects in their present life while developed understanding to each other, sense of trust, feel good, received love and affection, care for each other, emotional support, help in other household errands, and take care of children and parents are some of the positive aspects seen instead of the psychological distress perceived during this pandemic. Conclusions: COVID-19 has had considerable effects on spousal interpersonal relationships and needs further study

Intraoperative refractory status epilepticus caused by propofol -a case report- / 대한마취과학회지

Background@# Status epilepticus, when continued despite the administration of two antiepileptic drugs, is called refractory status epilepticus (RSE). The seizure-like phenomenon due to propofol is widely reported in the literature. However, RSE caused by propofol is rare and is a diagnostic dilemma. Case: A 44-year-old male patient presented with RSE during the intraoperative period and was under general anesthesia on propofol infusion. The seizure was resistant to benzodiazepines and phenytoin. Thereafter, the seizure subsided after the discontinuation of propofol infusion, and the patient was shifted to fentanyl and dexmedetomidine infusion for the maintenance of anesthesia. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful. @*Conclusions@# This article focuses on the management of intractable intraoperative seizure and highlights the need for the exploration of seizure characteristics caused by propofol.

The virulence system of Porphyromonas gingivalis: Genes, mechanism and potential role of gingipains inhibitors

ABSTRACT@#The oral microbiome comprises several hundreds of bacterial species that contribute to periodontitis, the most complex polymicrobial inflammatory disorder. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a prominent periodontitis pathogen that produces gingipains as a major virulent factor. Gingipain facilitates P. gingivalis survival, pathogenicity, and growth. Several genes were identified to have a role in the regulating of P. gingivalis pathogenesis. Studies suggest that gingipains inhibition is key for the successful treatment of periodontitis. As of now, several gingipain inhibitors have been developed, some exhibit high inhibition activity against gingipains. However, most inhibitors offer unknown toxicity and undesirable side effects. Hence, the development of highly potent and safe gingipain inhibitor is a major concern for periodontitis treatment. The present review highlights the connectivity between P. gingivalis, virulent factors, and its gene, periodontitis, and gingipain inhibitors. Development of gingipains inhibitors would not only treat periodontitis but would also assist in the treatment of other associated systemic diseases, for example: rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.

COVID-19-associated mucormycosis and treatments

In the current pandemic, COVID-19 patients with predisposing factors are at an increased risk of mucormycosis, an uncommon angioinvasive infection that is caused by fungi with Mucor genus which is mainly found in plants and soil. Mucormycosis development in COVID-19 patient is related to various factors, such as diabetes, immunocompromise and neutropenia. Excessive use of glucocorticoids for the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients also leads to opportunistic infections, such as pulmonary aspergillosis. COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis have a very high mortality rate. This review describes the pathogenesis and various treatment approaches for mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients, including medicinal plants, conventional therapies, adjunct and combination therapies.

Response of green synthesized drug blended silver nanoparticles against periodontal disease triggering pathogenic microbiota

Objective: Evidences for microorganisms to predominate periodontal disease, alteration of human pathogenshifted microbiota by Erythrina fusca, and antimicrobial response potentiation by ecofriendly silvernanoparticles (AgNPs) intended present study to perform green synthesis of AgNPs and evaluate againstperiodontal disease triggering pathogenic microbiota.Material and Methods: Present study involved green synthesis of AgNPs using Erythrina fusca leavesaqueous extract (EFLAE), followed by optimization, characterization, stability, and evaluation of antimicrobialpotential of biosynthetic AgNPs against periodontitis causing pathogenic human microflora (Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus).Results: The AgNPs green synthesis success was based on brown coloration and surface plasmon resonancesignal at 433 nm. UV-Visible spectrometry driven optimization determined 5 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9EFLAE and AgNO3 volumetric ratio, pH 7, 60°C temperature, and 2 hours’ time as parametric requirementsfor AgNPs biosynthesis. Stability studies revealed signal appearance between 415 and 424 nm supportingAgNPs stability. Characterization studies recognized shifted and broadened Fourier transformed infrared bandsof AgNPs revealing silver capping by biochemical moieties of EFLAE; AgNPs size below 32 nm in fieldemission scanning electron microscopic micrograph; X-ray diffraction signals at 38.95, 44.97, 64.92, and78.97 representing 111, 200, 220, and 311 AgNPs silver cubic structure planes; and elemental silver 83.66%,carbon 11.87%, and oxygen 4.47% in energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum. Optimized and characterized biogenicAgNPs, when evaluated against periodontal disease-causing pathogenic microflora using well diffusion method,exhibited maximum inhibitory zone (in mm) against Bacillus cereus (13 and 18), followed by P. aeruginosa (11and 19), E. coli (10 and 18), and S. pyogenes (9 and 15) in 50 and 100 µg/ml administered dose.Conclusion: Present study concludes that biogenic AgNPs synthesized using EFLAE possess high inhibitionpotential against periodontitis triggering pathogens (E. coli, B. cereus, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa) ofmicrobiota, and recommends EFLAE as potential source for AgNPs green synthesis

Does using a high sun protection factor sunscreen on face, along with physical photoprotection advice, in patients with melasma, change serum vitamin D concentration in Indian conditions? A pragmatic pretest-posttest study

Background: Use of sunscreens on the face is becoming popular, and patients with melasma are prescribed sunscreen for use on the face. Results of a few Western studies on the effect of sunscreen use on serum vitamin D concentration are not applicable to Indian conditions. Aims: To examine the effect of use of a high sun protection factor (SPF 50+, PA++++) sunscreen on face in patients with melasma on serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Methods: Forty-five Indian patients (Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV) with melasma were advised to use a sunscreen with SPF 50 + for 3 months, 43 (33 female, 10 male; age 32.9 ± 8 years) completed the study. Patients staying outdoor for <4 hours applied sunscreen once daily after bath. Patients staying outdoors for >4 hours reapplied sunscreen 4 hours after first application. Patients were provided a container to measure the amount of sunscreen for use, which was approximately equal to recommended thickness. Compliance was tested by weighing the used tubes and tubes in use during monthly visits. Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was tested before and after the study period. Results: Amount of sunscreen advised (100.5 ± 29.2 ml) and the actual amount used (96.6 ± 27.9 ml) were similar (P = 0.53, t-test). The difference between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D at the baseline (19.20 ± 9.06 ng/ml) and at 3 months (18.91 ± 8.39 ng/ml) was not significant (P = 0.87, paired t-test, 95% confidence interval of difference −3.33 to 3.92). No correlation was found between the amount of sunscreen used and the percentage change in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration at 3 months (rho = 0.099, P = 0.528, Spearman's rank correlation). Limitations: Longer duration of application and a larger sample size may detect minor differences in vitamin D concentration. Conclusion: Using a high SPF sunscreen on the face, along with physical photoprotection advice, in patients with melasma for 3 months does not influence serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in Indian conditions.

Tuberculous Meningitis Presenting As Acute Ischemic Stroke

Infection can cause cerebral vasculitis not only by direct invasion of the vessel wall, but by immune complex deposition, or through secondary cryoglobulinemia. Here, we report the case of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in a middle-aged woman who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis, hyponatremia and accelerated hypertension and after 24 hours had right-sided hemiplegia. Her imaging MRI brain without contrast was suggestive of acute stroke. Hence, she was thrombolysed but she did not show any improvement. Repeat MRI brain with contrast showed tuberculomas and after starting Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT), she became alright within 3 days. There was no hemiplegia after 3 days of ATT. So TBM can also present as vasculitis with stroke and it should be kept in mind because recognition of TBM will change the line of treatment and patient can recover within a few days.

Disseminated cysticercosis presenting with bilateral proptosis: A case report

Rationale: Disseminated cysticercosis is characterized by presence of cysts in multiple body organs, like brain, skin, eyes, muscles and rarely heart and lungs. Patient concerns: A 22-year-old man presented with bilateral proptosis of 1-year duration. He also had two episodes of cysticercosis encephalitis. In the second episode of encephalopathy, the patient died. Diagnosis: Disseminated cysticercosis. Interventions: Corticosteroids (Initially intravenous dexamethasone 0.4 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks, followed by oral prednisolone 1.0 mg/kg/day). Outcomes: The patient died of cysticercosis encephalitis approximately 2 months later. Lessons: Disseminated cysticercosis in our case presented only with proptosis as he had very heavy infestation of the brain and eyes. Heavy larval infestation in a patient with disseminated cysticercosis can be life-threatening.

Effect of lisinopril and perindopril on serum lipid profile in Albino rabbits

Background: Hypertension with dislipidemia is becoming a common morbidity, since ACE inhibitors are the first line of antihypertensive drugs so present study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the possible effects of ACE inhibitor on lipid profile in albino rabbits.Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur. Rabbits were divided into 2 groups with 6 in each group. Rabbits of Group I was given Lisinopril in dose of 0.25mg/kg and of group II was given Perindopril in dose of 0.20mg/kg for a period of 6 weeks. Lipid profile estimation (Serum Total cholesterol, serum HDL, serum LDL, serum Triglycerides and serum VLDL) was done at day 0, 7, 21 and 45 respectively.Results: After analysis Rabbits of group-I (Lisinopril) showed 3.1% decrease in serum cholesterol level at 45th day (P<0.001). Serum HDL level increased by 6.4% and 14.3% at day 21 and 45 respectively (P<0.05). Increase in serum Triglyceride level was 2.6% at day 45 (P>0.05). Serum LDL level decreases by 4.4% and 8.6% at day 21 and 45 respectively (P<0.001). There was no significant change in Serum VLDL level. Rabbits of group- II (Perindopril) showed decreased total cholesterol levels by 2.6% (P<0.05). There was an increase in HDL level by 6.8 % at day 45(P<.05). Triglycerides and VLDL levels were not significantly altered while serum LDL level decreases by 6.7% at day 45 (P<0.01).Conclusions: From our study it was concluded that Lisinopril had a favourable effect on serum lipid profile by decreasing total cholesterol, increasing serum HDL level. It may increase triglycerides, decrease LDL. Perindopril increase serum HDL and decreases LDL, there is no significant change in cholesterol, TG and VLDL levels.

Antibacterial and Pharmacological Evaluation of Fluoroquinolones: A Chemoinformatics Approach

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics are an important class of synthetic antibacterial agents. These are the most extensively used drugs for treating bacterial infections in the field of both human and veterinary medicine. Herein, the antibacterial and pharmacological properties of four fluoroquinolones: lomefloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin have been studied. The objective of this study was to analyze the antibacterial characteristics of the different fluoroquinolones. Also, the pharmacological properties of the compounds including the Lipinski rule of five, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, LD50, drug likeliness, and toxicity were evaluated. We found that among all four FQ molecules, ofloxacin showed the highest antibacterial activity through in silico assays with a strong interaction (−38.52 kJ/mol) with the antibacterial target protein (topoisomerase-II DNA gyrase enzyme). The pharmacological and pharmacokinetic analysis also showed that the compounds ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, lomefloxacin and norfloxacin have good pharmacological properties. Notably, ofloxacin was found to possess an IGC50 (concentration needed to inhibit 50% growth) value of 0.286 μg/L against the Tetrahymena pyriformis protozoa. It also tested negative for the Ames toxicity test, showing its non-carcinogenic character.

Clinical Correlation between Muscle Damage and Oswestry Disability Index Score after Open Lumbar Surgery: Does Open Surgery Reduces Functional Ability?

STUDY DESIGN: Single-surgeon, single-center prospective study with prospective data collection. PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate muscle damage after open lumbar surgery and its relationship to functional activity and to validatethe improvement in function as indicated by improved Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score despite muscle damage. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Few studies have analyzed the functional loss and recovery pattern of muscles after open lumbar surgery. METHODS: The study included 30 patients who underwent open lumbar spine fusion surgery at our institution between August 2013 and May 2015. Preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, the patients were subjected to functional, biochemical, electrophysiological, and radiological assessments as outpatients, and the results were compared. RESULTS: Mean preoperative and 6-month postoperative values were as follows: creatine phosphokinase levels, 133.07±17.57 and 139±17.7 U/L (p<0.001); Visual Analog Scale scores for backache, 6.73±0.88 and 3.27±0.96 (p<0.001); and ODI scores, 41.6±5.51 and 22.4±4.48 (p<0.001), respectively. Preoperatively, electrophysiological studies showed that 20% of the patients had a polyphasic configuration whereas at 6 months postoperatively, all patients had polyphasic configuration (p<0.001). The mean cross-sectional area of the multifidus observed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) decreased from 742.67±76.62 mm2 preoperatively to 598.27±66.38 mm2 6 months postoperatively (p<0.001), with all the patients exhibiting grade 2 atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Open lumbar fusion surgery resulted in significant damage to the lumbar paraspinal muscles, as indicated by a reduction in the cross-sectional area of the multifidus by MRI and denervation of the multifidus demonstrated using electromyography. Nevertheless, the patients reported reduced back pain and improved quality of life, which may have been due to increased stability of the previously unstable lumbar spinal segment after the surgery.

Comparative evaluation of interscalene and interscalene plus infraclavicular brachial plexus block for elbow surgery using nerve stimulator

Objective: This study was conducted to compare interscalene block and interscalene plus infraclavicular brachial plexus block for elbow surgery using nerve stimulator

Methodology: Sixty male patients, age 20-60 years, ASA physical status I or II, scheduled for above right elbow surgery under brachial plexus block, were included in this prospective, randomized study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Block was performed via the interscalene approach in the Group I and combined approach of interscalene with infraclavicular approach in the Group II, using a peripheral nerve stimulator. Total volume of 0.25% bupivacaine was kept 40 ml in both the groups. Onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks, quality of block and complications were noted. Evaluation of sensory and motor blockade onset were performed every 5 min after needle withdrawal and then up to 30 min. Primary outcome was satisfactory block [in terms of complete block, partial failure of block and complete failure of blocks]

All statistical analyses were performed using INSTAT for windows. Continuous variables were tested for normal distribution by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Data was expressed as either mean and standard deviation or numbers and percentages. Demographic data were compared using student's unpaired t test. The monitored and calculated parameters were analyzed using Student's t-test and %[2] test. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant

Results: There was quick onset of sensory [C7-T1 dermatome] and motor block as well as prolonged sensory and motor block was observed in Group II as compared to Group I [P < 0.05]. Number of rescue analgesic requirement in Group I was significantly higher than Group II. Incidence of hoarseness of voice was more in Group I

Conclusions: We conclude that combined approach of interscalene and infraclavicular brachial plexus block is clinically and statistically superior as compared to interscalene brachial plexus block alone in elbow surgery

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome in Indian population: A prospective study on incidence, risk factors, and impact on operative performance.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and impact of intraoperative fl oppy iris syndrome (IFIS) on surgical performance. Materials and Methods: Consecutive cataract surgeries from October 2010 to Feb 2011 (1003 eyes, 980 patients; 568 males, 412 females) were analyzed prospectively. Operating surgeon, masked about medication history, noted the intraoperative details. Cases were identifi ed as IFIS or non-IFIS. Multivariate analysis was performed to fi nd risk factors for IFIS. Results: Prevalence of tamsulosin use among men undergoing cataract surgery was 7.0% (41) with incidence of IFIS 4.78% (48). On multivariate analysis, hypertension (OR: 3.2, 95% confi dence interval, 95% CI: 1.39-6.57; P = 0.005), use of tamsulosin (OR: 133.32, 95% CI: 50.43-352.48; P < 0.0001), or alfuzosin (OR: 9.36, 95% CI: 2.34-37.50; P = 0.002) were the factors associated with IFIS. Among men taking tamsulosin (n = 41) and alfuzosin (n = 28), 68.3% and 16.6% developed IFIS, respectively. In subgroup analysis of men on tamsulosin, no factor added to the risk posed by tamsulosin. Seventeen of 944 eyes not exposed to any drug had IFIS (0.018%). On subgroup analysis, only risk factor for IFIS was hypertension (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 1.63-13.35; P = 0.002). Of 48 IFIS eyes, the surgeon observed increased diffi culty in 57.1% (21) and additional measures were required in 9 eyes. Mean operative time was increased in IFIS eyes (11.68 ± 3.46 vs. 10.01 ± 0.22 min; P = 0.001). Surgical outcome was good in all cases. Conclusion: The prevalence of tamsulosin intake and IFIS incidence is higher in India. Current tamsulosin/alfuzosin use and hypertension are important risk factors. IFIS makes the surgery more diffi cult, signifi cantly prolongs the operative time, and predisposes for other intraoperative complications. However, with appropriate management, fi nal operative outcome is not aff ected.

Technique to assess the alveolar bone width for immediate implant placement in fresh extraction sockets.

Aim: To determine labial and lingual plate width at extraction site, using extracted tooth. Materials and Methods: Pre-extraction ridge mapping and arch impression using putty consistency elastomeric impression material is recorded, followed by atraumatic tooth extraction, extracted tooth is cleaned and reoriented in the earlier recorded elastomeric putty impression. The cast obtained is used to measure bone width. Results: The amount of available labial and palatal bone of an extracted socket can be assessed accurately. Conclusion: This technique will help the surgeon understand the thickness of labial plate especially the apical region without reflecting the flap, also aid in selection of proper dimension of dental implant, and if bone graft is needed.

Stem cell therapy: A novel & futuristic treatment modality for disaster injuries.

Stem cell therapy hold the potential to meet the demand for transplant cells/tissues needed for treating damages resulting from both natural and man-made disasters. Pluripotency makes embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells ideal for use, but their teratogenic character is a major hindrance. Therapeutic benefits of bone marrow transplantation are well known but characterizing the potentialities of haematopoietic and mesenchymal cells is essential. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been used for treating both haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic disorders. Ease of isolation, in vitro expansion, and hypoimmunogenecity have brought mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into limelight. Though differentiation of MSCs into tissue-specific cells has been reported, differentiation-independent mechanisms seem to play a more significant role in tissue repair which need to be addressed further. The safety and feasibility of MSCs have been demonstrated in clinical trials, and their use in combination with HSC for radiation injury treatment seems to have extended benefit. Therefore, using stem cells for treatment of disaster injuries along with the conventional medical practice would likely accelerate the repair process and improve the quality of life of the victim.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of methanolic Tecomaria capensis leaves extract

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of methanolic Tecomaria capensis (T. capensis) leaves extract using different models in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract (100, 300, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight) was given to rats orally to observe acute toxicity, and observed for 14 days. Analgesic activity was evaluated using tail immersion and formalin induced paw licking models in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw edema model in rats. Antipyretic activity was evaluated using brewer's yeast induced pyrexia model in rats. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract were given at dose of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Results demonstrated that the no mortality was reported even after 14 days. This indicated that the methanol extract was safe up to a single dose of 2 000 mg/kg body weight. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) significantly increased the latency period in the tail immersion test, reduced the licking time in both the neurogenic and inflammatory phases in the formalin test. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) significantly prevented increase in volume of paw edema. Methanolic T. capensis leaves extract at the doses of (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) significantly decreased the rectal temperature of the rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study exhibites that methanolic T. capensis leaves extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity which may be mediated by the central and peripheral mechanisms.</p>

Antioxidant activity and identification of bioactive compounds from leaves of Anthocephalus cadamba by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the antioxidant potential of different extract/fractions of Anthocephalus cadamba (A. cadamba) (Roxb.) Miq. (Rubiaceae) and study the tentative identification of their active constituents.@*METHODS@#The extract/fractions were screened for antioxidant activity using various in vitro assays viz. DPPH assay, ABTS assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, reducing power assay and plasmid DNA nicking assay. Total phenolic content of extract/fractions was determined by colorimetric method. An ultra-performance LC-electrospray-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry method was used to analyse the active constituents of extract/fractions of A. cadamba.@*RESULTS@#The ethyl acetate fraction was found to be most active fraction in all the assays as compared to other extract/fractions. The IC(50) value of ethyl acetate fraction (ETAC fraction) was 21.24 μg/mL, 1.12 μg/mL, 9.68 μg/mL and 57.81 μg/mL in DPPH assay, ABTS assay, reducing power assay and superoxide scavenging assay respectively. All the extract/fractions also showed the potential to protect the plasmid DNA (pBR322) against the attack of hydroxyl radicals generated by Fentońs reagent. The bioactive compounds were identified by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, by comparing the mass and λ(max) with literature values.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The potential of the extract/fractions to scavenge different free radicals in different systems indicated that they may be useful therapeutic agents for treating radical-related pathologic damage.

Loss of CD127 & increased immunosenescence of T cell subsets in HIV infected individuals.

Background & objectives: HIV infection is characterized by a perturbation in T cell homeostasis, leading to alteration in T cell subsets. In addition to alteration in differentiation, HIV infection also leads to change in T cell survival and regenerative capacity, as suggested by differential expression of CD127 and CD57. We evaluated the expression patterns of CD127 and CD57 on CD4 and CD8 effector, memory and naïve T cell subsets in HIV-infected and uninfected individuals. Methods: We characterized T cell subsets based on expression of these markers, and compared their expression pattern in HIV infected subjects and uninfected controls. We further assessed therapy generated changes in these subsets and expression of CD127 and CD57 on them. Results: There was a generalized decrease in naïve CD4 and CD8 T cells in HIV infected subjects. These changes in T cell subset distribution were related to antigen load. CD127 expression was significantly reduced in T cells from HIV infected subject. In association to this, HIV infected subjects had higher percentage of T cell subsets expressing CD57. Increased CD57 and reduced CD127 expression correlated with plasma viraemia and CD8 T cell activation state. Incomplete restoration of T cell subset proportions was observed, despite suppression of viral replication and increase in CD4 T cell counts. Further, the improvement was more pronounced in CD127 expression. Interpretation & conclusions: HIV infected subjects have reduced T cell regenerative capacity along with increased senescence, highlighting decreased proliferation and effector activities.