Molecular Phylogeny, DNA Barcoding, and ITS2 Secondary Structure Predictions in the Medicinally Important Eryngium Genotypes of East Coast Region of India.

Commercial interest in the culinary herb, Eryngium foetidum L., has increased worldwide due to its typical pungency, similar to coriander or cilantro, with immense pharmaceutical components. The molecular delimitation and taxonomic classification of this lesser-known medicinal plant are restricted to conventional phenotyping and DNA-based marker evaluation, which hinders accurate identification, genetic conservation, and safe utilization. This study focused on species discrimination using DNA sequencing with chloroplast-plastid genes (matK, Kim matK, and rbcL) and the nuclear ITS2 gene in two Eryngium genotypes collected from the east coast region of India. The results revealed that matK discriminated between two genotypes, however, Kim matK, rbcL, and ITS2 identified these genotypes as E. foetidum. The ribosomal nuclear ITS2 region exhibited significant inter- and intra-specific divergence, depicted in the DNA barcodes and the secondary structures derived based on the minimum free energy. Although the efficiency of matK genes is better in species discrimination, ITS2 demonstrated polyphyletic phylogeny, and could be used as a reliable marker for genetic divergence studies understanding the mechanisms of RNA molecules. The results of this study provide insights into the scientific basis of species identification, genetic conservation, and safe utilization of this important medicinal plant species.

Protein-triggered supramolecular disassembly: insights based on variations in ligand location in amphiphilic dendrons.

We use monodisperse dendrons that allow control over functional group presentation to investigate the influence of the location of a ligand on protein-induced disassembly and release of encapsulated small molecules. Based on both experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that ligand location greatly influences release of guest molecules from the dendron-based supramolecular assembly. We show that a ligand moiety grafted to the dendron periphery is more accessible for the target protein in aqueous solution. On the other hand, the ligand moiety placed at the focal point or at the intermediate layer within the dendritic scaffold is less accessible, since it is surrounded by an environment rich in PEG chains, which hinders binding and even influences nonspecific interactions. We also demonstrate that the specific binding between one ligand and the target protein can destabilize the dendritic assembly. Furthermore, if more ligands are available, multivalent interactions are also possible with extravidin, which speed up disassembly and trigger the release of hydrophobic guests.

Small molecule BODIPY dyes as non-fullerene acceptors in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics.

A series of acceptor-donor-acceptor molecules containing terminal BODIPY moieties conjugated through the meso position were synthesized. Deep LUMO energy levels and good visible absorption led to their use as acceptors in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Inverted devices were fabricated, reaching efficiencies as high as 1.51%.

Zwitterionic moieties from the Huisgen reaction: a case study with amphiphilic dendritic assemblies.

Supramolecular nano-assemblies that reduce nonspecific interactions with biological macromolecules, such as proteins, are of great importance for various biological applications. Recently, zwitterionic materials have been shown to reduce nonspecific interactions with biomolecules, owing both to their charge neutrality and their ability to form a strong hydration layer around zwitterions via electrostatic interactions. Here, new triazole-based zwitterionic moieties are presented that are incorporated as the hydrophilic functionalities in facially amphiphilic dendrons. The amphiphilic zwitterionic dendrons spontaneously self-assemble in aqueous solutions forming micelle-type aggregates, which were confirmed by DLS, TEM, and fluorescence techniques. The structural and functional characteristics of the zwitterionic dendrons are also compared with the corresponding charge-neutral PEG-based dendrons and anionic carboxylate-based dendrons. Surface-charge measurements, temperature sensitivity and evaluation of interactions of these assemblies with proteins form the bases for these comparisons.

Temperature-sensitive transitions below LCST in amphiphilic dendritic assemblies: host-guest implications.

Oligo(ethylene glycol)-decorated supramolecular assemblies have been of great interest due to their charge-neutral character and thus their propensity to avoid nonspecific interactions. These systems are known to exhibit a macroscopic temperature-sensitive transition, where the assembly phase-separates from the aqueous phase at higher temperatures. While this so-called lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior has been well-studied, there have been no studies on the fate of these supramolecular assemblies below this transition temperature. The work here brings to light the presence of a second, sub-LCST transition, observed well below the LCST of oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG)-based dendrons, where the host-guest properties of the assembly are significantly altered. This sub-LCST transition is accompanied by changes in the guest encapsulation stability and dynamics of host exchange.

A radical cyclization approach to the formal total syntheses of platencin.

Two different strategies leading to formal total syntheses of platencin are described. The first strategy involving Claisen rearrangement and radical cyclization provides a rapid access to the core structure of platencin, and also use minimum protective-group operations. The second strategy, a protecting group-free route, utilizes a 6-exo-trig radical cyclization and aldol condensation as key steps leading to the formal synthesis of platencin.

Application of an enyne metathesis/Diels-Alder cycloaddition sequence: a new versatile approach to the syntheses of C-aryl glycosides and spiro-C-aryl glycosides.

An efficient approach for the synthesis of a variety of C-aryl and spiro-C-aryl glycosides is described. This diversity-oriented strategy employed here relies on a sequential enyne metathesis to generate the 1,3-diene moiety and Diels-Alder reaction with different dienophiles followed by aromatisation. Whereas cross-enyne metathesis with ethylene gas is used to install the 1,3-diene moiety at the anomeric centre for the synthesis of C-aryl glycosides, an intramolecular enyne metathesis on the sugar enyne is performed to generate the 1,3-diene moiety for the synthesis of spiro-C-aryl glycosides. Efforts to extend this strategy to the synthesis of the core structure of natural C-aryl glycoside gilvocarcin are also described. A combination of both C-aryl and spiro-C-aryl glycosides in the same moiety to combine the features thereof has also been accomplished. A tandem enyne metathesis/Diels-Alder reaction/aromatisation has also been attempted to directly access the C-aryl glycosides in one pot albeit in low yield.

A new versatile strategy for C-aryl glycosides.

A versatile strategy involving a sequential intermolecular enyne metathesis of C-alkynyl glycosides with ethylene, Diels-Alder, and aromatization reactions is successfully developed to provide a range of C-aryl glycosides. [reaction: see text]

Hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth and cholinergic denervation uniquely alter muscarinic receptor subtypes in the hippocampus.

Following cholinergic denervation of the hippocampus by medial septal lesions, and unusual neuronal reorganization occurs, in which peripheral sympathetic fibers, originating from the superior cervical ganglia, grow into the hippocampus. Previously, we have found that both hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth (HSI) and cholinergic denervation (CD), alone, altered the total number and affinity of muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChR). In this study, we utilized the muscarinic antagonist [3H]Pirenzepine, in combination with membrane radioligand binding techniques, to determine the effects of HSI and CD on hippocampal M1 and M1 + M3 mAChR subtypes, 4 weeks after MS lesions. In both the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, HSI was found to markedly diminish the number of M1 AChRs, while CD was found to increase the number of M1 AChRs. Neither treatment affected the affinity of the M1 AChR. However, when M1 + M3 binding was assessed, CD was found to decrease the affinity in both hippocampal regions, without altering the number of receptors. Neither affinity nor number of M1 + M3 receptors was altered by HSI. The results of this study suggest that both cholinergic denervation and hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth uniquely affect hippocampal muscarinic receptors.

The effect of cholinergic denervation and hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth on the internalization of muscarinic receptors in rat hippocampus.

Following cholinergic denervation of the hippocampus by medial septal (MS) lesions, an unusual neuronal reorganization occurs in which peripheral sympathetic fibers, originating from the superior cervical ganglia, grow into the hippocampus (hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth; HSI). Previously, we have found that with MS lesions, animals with (the HSI(+) group) and without (HSI(-) group) ingrowth differed in carbachol stimulated PI hydrolysis, in PKC activity, and in muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChR). In this study, performed in hippocampal slices obtained four weeks after MS lesions, we utilized the hydrophilic muscarinic antagonist [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS) and hydrophobic muscarinic antagonist [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) in the presence of either 4-alpha-phorbol or phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) to determine the effect of MS lesions with and without ingrowth on PKC-mediated mAChR internalization. In the presence of PDBu, a group effect was observed in [3H]NMS binding, with control groups > HSI(+) group > HSI(-) group. However, [3H]QNB binding was similar across groups. These results suggest that the cholinergic denervation of the hippocampus enhances the internalization of mAChRs, which is modified in the presence of HSI.

Hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth and cholinergic denervation alter hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

Cholinergic denervation of the hippocampus by medial septal (MS) lesions results in the ingrowth of peripheral sympathetic fibers, originating from the superior cervical ganglia, into the hippocampus. To determine the effect of hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth (HSI) [3H]-QNB (L-quinuclidinyl [benzilic-4,4(n)] binding was assessed in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus four weeks after MS lesions. In dorsal hippocampus, HSI was found to significantly increase the number (Bmax) of [3H]-QNB binding sites and to normalize the decrease in affinity found in animals with MS lesions plus ganglionectomy (i.e., no ingrowth). In ventral hippocampus, HSI was found to normalize the increased number of binding sites and decreased affinity found in animals with MS lesions without ingrowth. No effect on either Kd or Bmax was found in animals that had undergone ganglionectomy with sham MS lesions. These results suggest that HSI can induce changes in hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

Cholinergic denervation alters [3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate binding to rat hippocampal membranes.

Cholinergic denervation of the rat hippocampus caused by electrolytic lesions of the medial septum (MS) results in a time-bound ingrowth of peripheral sympathetic noradrenergic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion to the dentate gyrus and CA3 region of the hippocampus. To determine the functional significance of hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth (HSI), [3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) binding was assessed 4 weeks after MS lesions. In control animals, affinity for [3H]PDBu binding was found to be greater in the dorsal compared to ventral hippocampus, while the number of binding sites (Bmax) was similar between regions. Regardless of the presence of HSI, MS lesions resulted in increased affinity in the dorsal hippocampus, while the Bmax was found to 'normalize' in the ventral hippocampus by HSI. These results suggest that HSI is functional and can alter important cellular events.

Hippocampal phosphoinositide turnover is altered by hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth and cholinergic denervation.

Cholinergic denervation of the hippocampus, by medial septal (MS) lesions, results in an unusual neuronal rearrangement in which peripheral sympathetic nerves, which originate from the superior cervical ganglia, grow into the hippocampal formation. To assess the functional significance of hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth (HSI), hydrolysis of phosphoinositides was examined in three groups: control, MS lesions + sham ganglionectomy (HSI group); and MS lesions + ganglionectomy (MSGx; no ingrowth). Four months after surgery, both norepinephrine (NE) and carbachol were found to produce a dose-dependent increase in the hydrolysis of hippocampal phosphoinositides in all groups. However, the presence of HSI, when compared to control and MSGx groups, significantly enhanced the turnover of phosphoinositides when stimulated by carbachol, but not NE. In further studies, the time course of this effect was studied. One week after surgery, carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover was equivalent among all groups; by 2 weeks, phosphoinositide turnover was enhanced in the HSI and MSGx group; by 4 weeks, PI turnover was markedly diminished in the MSGx group when compared to both the HSI and control groups, which were equivalent to each other. To ensure that the ganglionectomy alone did not alter phosphoinositide turnover, a ganglionectomy-alone group was studied at the 4-week time point. In this group, phosphoinositide turnover was equivalent to controls, suggesting no influence of the superior cervical ganglia on this response. In all groups, atropine inhibited carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover. These results suggest that both cholinergic denervation (i.e., MSGx group) and HSI produce marked functional alterations in hippocampal metabolic activity.

Interaction of neurotransmitter systems in the hippocampus: a study of some behavioral effects of hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth.

Recent research has suggested that normal learning/memory may depend upon the balance between central noradrenergic and cholinergic systems. This hypothesis has particular relevance to the study of the neuronal rearrangement that follows cholinergic denervation of hippocampus. In this, peripheral noradrenergic fibers, originating from the superior cervical ganglion, grow into the hippocampus in response to lesions of the medial septal (MS) cholinergic cell bodies. To understand further the influence of hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth (HSI) on behavior, gustatory neophobia, passive avoidance (PA) learning, and open field activity were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent one of four surgical procedures: MS lesions and sham ganglionectomy (ingrowth group; MS/HSI group), sham MS lesions and ganglionectomy (Gx group), MS lesions and ganglionectomy (no-ingrowth group; MS/Gx group), or sham MS lesions and sham ganglionectomy (CON group). Behavioral testing began 4 weeks following surgery. The time to acquire the PA task was similar among all groups; however, the initial latency to enter the dark chamber of the PA apparatus was longer, and the number of partial reentries greatest, for MS/HSI animals. Retention testing at 24 hr revealed that MS/HSI animals were significantly impaired when compared to the CON and MS/Gx groups. The MS/Gx and the CON groups demonstrated gustatory neophobia, preferring water to saccharin solution, while gustatory neophobia was absent in the MS/HSI and Gx groups. MS/HSI animals were found to be more active in the open field than the other groups. Biochemical studies revealed the expected loss of ChAT activity in the dorsal and ventral hippocampi of lesioned animals along with elevated levels of norepinephrine (NE) in the dorsal hippocampus of MS/HSI animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Selection response for part period egg number and egg mass in chickens - a comparison.

Two sublines from each of four flocks of White Leghorn were subjected to two cycles of selection for part year egg number and part year egg mass. A family index (combined selection) was the selection criterion for each of the two traits. The generation means of an unselected pedigreed randombred control, bred and maintained along with the selected sub-lines, were used for correcting short term environmental trends. The sublines selected for a common selection criterion were considered as replicates. The control corrected generation means, when averaged over replicates, gave the mean direct and correlated responses for the selected and different unselected traits. The average genetic change per generation was 2.16 eggs in egg number selected sublines and 146 g of egg mass in egg mass selected sublines. The direct response marginally exceeded the correlated response for both part period egg number and egg mass seen in the corresponding sublines. Except for egg weight the correlated responses for different unselected traits were in the same direction in both egg number and egg mass selected sublines. While the egg weight in egg number lines did not change, its response was positive in egg mass selected lines. A comparison between the lines revealed that the egg mass selected lines matured later and laid heavier but slightly less numerous eggs than the egg number selected sub-lines.

Efficiency of one- and two-stage selection indexes for improvement of net economic merit in White Leghorns.

The effects of varying intensities of selection at first and second stages, for a given final intensity, on the efficiency of two-stage index selection are described. Data collected on four White Leghorn strains for part and residual egg number, body weights at 20 and 40 weeks and egg weight at 39 to 40 weeks were utilised. Four of the five traits were used in the first stage and all five traits were used in the second stage for the construction of two-stage selection indexes. The index that utilised all five traits had the maximum efficiency for one-stage selection. The relative efficiency of the two-stage index increased with increase in proportion selected at the first stage. A practical breeding schedule that adds the advantage of reduced generation interval by utilising a two-stage index selection is suggested for egg type chickens.

Selection for egg production on part records : Part 2. Correlated response to selection.

Response in the selected and the correlated traits from five generations of index selection (I.D.S. method) for egg production to 40 weeks of age in four White Leghorn populations have been presented. The correlated traits measured included: Age at first egg, egg weight, body weight and also derived traits such as egg mass, survivors' rate of lay, efficiency index and ratio of egg weight to body weight. Response realized for the selected trait was significant in three out of the four selected lines. Predicted and realized genetic gains were comparable in magnitude for most of the traits studied. The significance of these findings in selection experiments is discussed.

Selection for egg production on part records : Part 1: Evaluation of short term response to selection.

Responses from four generations of index selection for egg production to 280 days of age in four White Leghorn populations have been presented. A pedigreed randombred population derived from one of the lines was reared with the selected lines to measure the environmental trend. The magnitude of total as well as average response although varying from population to population was positive in all the lines studied. Close correspondence between predicted and realized gains indicated that natural selection, genotype environmental interactions and environmental fluctuations were unimportant during the course of selection. Realized heritabilities agreed fairly well with the estimated heritabilities in at least three out of four populations studied. Probable reasons for variable and insufficient response were investigated.

The efficacy of low-dose versus conventional therapy of insulin for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

The effect of low-dose intramuscular insulin therapy was compared with that of high-dose insulin therapy by intravenous and subcutaneous routes in 48 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. A simplified protocol was devised to compare efficacy of the two methods of therapy in a randomized manner. Plasma glucose dropped to less than 250 mg/dl in the low-dose group in 6.7 +/- 0.8 h and in the high-dose group in 4.5 +/- 0.8 h (P = not significant). The amount of insulin necessary to lower plasma glucose to 250 mg/dl was 263 +/- 45 U in the high-dose group and 46 +/- 5 U in the low-dose group. Twenty five percent in the high-dose group and none in the low-dose group developed hypoglycemia. Other biochemical and clinical variables in the two groups were comparable. No treatment complications were noted in the low-dose group. Our studies suggest that low-dose intramuscular insulin therapy is simple and as effective as high-dose therapy in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis without the risk of hypoglycemia and with a diminished incidence of hypokalemia. Furthermore, the favorable response of these patients to low-dose insulin therapy suggests the absence of insulin resistance in diabetic ketoacidosis.