Mechanistic insights into the early life stage microbiota of silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii).

Introduction: Deep investigations of host-associated microbiota can illuminate microbe-based solutions to improve production in an unprecedented manner. The poor larval survival represents the critical bottleneck in sustainable marine aquaculture practices. However, little is known about the microbiota profiles and their governing eco-evolutionary processes of the early life stages of marine teleost, impeding the development of suitable beneficial microbial management strategies. The study provides first-hand mechanistic insights into microbiota and its governing eco-evolutionary processes in early life stages of a tropical marine teleost model, Trachinotus blochii. Methods: The microbiota profiles and their dynamics from the first day of hatching till the end of metamorphosis and that of fingerling's gut during the routine hatchery production were studied using 16S rRNA amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing. Further, the relative contributions of various external factors (rearing water, live feed, microalgae, and formulated feed) to the microbiota profiles at different ontogenies was also analyzed. Results: A less diverse but abundant core microbial community (~58% and 54% in the whole microbiota and gut microbiota, respectively) was observed throughout the early life stages, supporting 'core microbiota' hypothesis. Surprisingly, there were two well-differentiated clusters in the whole microbiota profiles, ≤10 DPH (days post-hatching) and > 10 DPH samples. The levels of microbial taxonomic signatures of stress indicated increased stress in the early stages, a possible explanation for increased mortality during early life stages. Further, the results suggested an adaptive mechanism for establishing beneficial strains along the ontogenetic progression. Moreover, the highly transient microbiota in the early life stages became stable along the ontogenetic progression, hypothesizing that the earlier life stages will be the best window to influence the microbiota. The egg microbiota also crucially affected the microbial community. Noteworthily, both water and the feed microbiota significantly contributed to the early microbiota, with the feed microbiota having a more significant contribution to fish microbiota. The results illustrated that rotifer enrichment would be the optimal medium for the early larval microbiota manipulations. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the crucial foundations for the microbial ecology of T. blochii during early life stages with implications to develop suitable beneficial microbial management strategies for sustainable mariculture production.

Flexible, Disposable Cellulose-Paper-Based MoS2/Cu2S Hybrid for Wireless Environmental Monitoring and Multifunctional Sensing of Chemical Stimuli.

Multifunctional sensors responding to different chemical stimuli fabricated using functional nanomaterials still remain a challenge because of the usage of the same sensor multiple times for different sensing applications and unreliable front-end processing of the sensing data. This challenge is intensified by the lack of suitable techniques for fabricating disposable sensors, which can be integrated into smartphones with a dedicated application developed for each sensing application. A novel MoS2/Cu2S hybrid grown on disposable cellulose paper by the hydrothermal method is reported for its utilization in sensing humidity, temperature, breath, and ethanol adulteration, wherein the data can be wirelessly transmitted to a smartphone with the dedicated application module for each sensing application. The sensor can be utilized for a particular sensing application and then can be disposed, avoiding the need for utilizing the same sensor for different sensing applications, thereby increasing the accuracy of the sensing data. The sensing mechanism of the fabricated sensor is explained for each stimulus in terms of change in the transport properties of the MoS2/Cu2S hybrid. The development of such unique hybrid materials for wireless disposable multifunctional sensors is a great step ahead in flexible and wearable electronics having potential applications in medical, security, Internet of things, etc.

Potential Pharmacological Inhibitors of Pim Kinase Under Clinical Trials.

Pim kinases, also known as Serine/Threonine kinases, are intensively studied protein drug targets in cancer research. They play crucial role in the regulation of signal transduction cascades that promote cell survival, proliferation and drug resistance. Pim kinases are overexpressed in several hematopoietic and solid tumors and support in vitro/in vivo malignant cell growth and survival, through cell cycle regulation and inhibition of apoptosis. Pim kinases do not have an identified regulatory domain, as they are constitutively active. They appear to be critical downstream effectors of a number of oncoproteins. When overexpressed, they mediate drug resistance to agents such as Rapamycin. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that unlike other kinases, Pim kinases have a hinge region, which forms a unique binding pocket for ATP, offering a target for a large number of potent small-molecule Pim kinase inhibitors. Combination therapy of Pim kinase inhibitors with chemotherapeutic and other kinase modulators seems to produce an additive cytotoxic effect in cancer cells. Though clinical trials have been carried out on the first Pim inhibitory agent, SGI-1776, no concept data could be generated due to its early withdrawal. However, it has helped in accelerating the discovery of several novel Pim inhibitors in recent years. Current research on Pim kinase is expected to lead to a new generation of potent Pim kinase inhibitors with appropriate pharmacological profiles suitable for human cancer therapy in the near future. Herein, we review the synthetic route and mechanistical studies of Pim kinase inhibitors which are currently in human trials.

Synthesis of Iron Oxide Micro and Nanoparticles from Aluminum Industry Waste and Its Application in the Decolorization of Reactive Blue 235 Dye.

Iron oxide micro and nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from Red Mud (RM) using a simple twostep process. RM was characterized using various techniques such as X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform- Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen (CHN) microanalysis. Red mud derived iron oxide micro and nanoparticles (RIMNP) were characterized using techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDX, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). RIMNP were employed as a Fenton like catalyst for the decolorization of a commonly used textile dye Reactive Blue 235 (RB235) from aqueous solution. The dynamical data obtained at different concentrations of RIMNP fit well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model and 100% dye removal efficiency was obtained at 200 mg L-1 concentration of RIMNP.

Antiinflammatory evaluation of leaves of Plumeria acuminata.

BACKGROUND: [corrected] Plumeria acuminata belonging to the family Apocynaceae is commonly known as 'perungalli' in Tamil and is widely distributed throughout the Southern parts of India. In traditional medicinal system different parts of the plant have been mentioned to be useful in a variety of diseases. The plant material is widely used as a purgative, remedy for diarrhoea and cure for itch. The milky juice is employed for the treatment of inflammation and rheumatism. The bark has been reported to be useful in hard tumors, diarrhoea and gonorrhoea. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antiinflammatory activity of methanol extract of leaves of Plumeria acuminata on carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin-induced inflammation in rat hind paw oedema models. METHODS: Acute and chronic inflammation models were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract. Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing 180-200 g were used. In acute model carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin models were used to induce inflammation in rat hind paw and cotton pellet-induced granuloma method was used for chronic inflammation model. In each model four groups of six animals were used. In all the models Group I served as control (0.9% normal saline, 5 mlkg(-1) b.w) and group IV as standard (Indomethacin 10 mgkg(-1) b.w). Group II and III received extract at the doses of 250 and 500 mgkg(-1) b.w respectively. RESULTS: The methanol extract of Plumeria acuminata exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity on the tested experimental animal models. The extract (500 mgkg(-1) b.w) exhibited maximum antiinflammatory effect i.e., 30.51, 47.06, 34.48 and 32.50% (P < 0.001) at the end of 3 h with carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin respectively. Administration of MEPA (500 mgkg(-1) b.w) and indomethacin (10 mgkg(-1) b.w) significantly reduced the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton pellet method at a rate of 45.06 and 51.57% respectively. The effect produced by the extract was comparable to that of indomethacin a prototype of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study indicated that the methanol extract of Plumeria acuminata possess potent antiinflammatory activity in both acute and chronic models.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bauhinia racemosa L. stem bark.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR) (Caesalpiniaceae) stem bark in various systems. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extract. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract increased in a concentration-dependent manner. About 50, 100, 250, and 500 microg MEBR inhibited the peroxidation of a linoleic acid emulsion by 62.43, 67.21, 71.04, and 76.83%, respectively. Similarly, the effect of MEBR on reducing power increased in a concentration-dependent manner. In DPPH radical scavenging assays the IC50 value of the extract was 152.29 microg/ml. MEBR inhibited the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside with an IC50 of 78.34 microg/ml, as opposed to 20.4 microg/ml for curcumin. Moreover, MEBR scavenged the superoxide generated by the PMS/NADH-NBT system. MEBR also inhibited the hydroxyl radical generated by Fenton's reaction, with an IC50 value of more than 1000 microg/ml, as compared to 5 microg/ml for catechin. The amounts of total phenolic compounds were also determined and 64.7 microg pyrocatechol phenol equivalents were detected in MEBR (1 mg). The antimicrobial activities of MEBR were determined by disc diffusion with five Gram-positive, four Gram-negative and four fungal species. MEBR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. The results obtained in the present study indicate that MEBR can be a potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bauhinia racemosa L. stem bark

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR) (Caesalpiniaceae) stem bark in various systems. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extract. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract increased in a concentration-dependent manner. About 50, 100, 250, and 500 æg MEBR inhibited the peroxidation of a linoleic acid emulsion by 62.43, 67.21, 71.04, and 76.83 percent, respectively. Similarly, the effect of MEBR on reducing power increased in a concentration-dependent manner. In DPPH radical scavenging assays the IC50 value of the extract was 152.29 æg/ml. MEBR inhibited the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside with an IC50 of 78.34 æg/ml, as opposed to 20.4 æg/ml for curcumin. Moreover, MEBR scavenged the superoxide generated by the PMS/NADH-NBT system. MEBR also inhibited the hydroxyl radical generated by Fenton's reaction, with an IC50 value of more than 1000 æg/ml, as compared to 5 æg/ml for catechin. The amounts of total phenolic compounds were also determined and 64.7 æg pyrocatechol phenol equivalents were detected in MEBR (1 mg). The antimicrobial activities of MEBR were determined by disc diffusion with five Gram-positive, four Gram-negative and four fungal species. MEBR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. The results obtained in the present study indicate that MEBR can be a potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of methanol extract from Bauhinia racemosa stem bark in animal models.

In this study, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract obtained from Bauhinia racemosa stem bark, the so-called MEBR, were investigated. The effects of MEBR on the acute and chronic phases of inflammation were studied in carrageenan, dextran and mediators (histamine and serotonin)-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma, respectively. Analgesic effect of MEBR was evaluated in acetic acid-induced writhing and hotplate tests. Antipyretic activity of MEBR was evaluated by yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in rats. The anti-oedema effect of MEBR was compared with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally. In acute phase of inflammation, a maximum inhibition of 44.9, 43.2, 44.8 and 45.9% (P<0.001) was noted at the dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. after 3h of treatment with MEBR in carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin-induced paw oedema, respectively. Administration of MEBR (200 mg/kg b.w.) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton pellet method at a rate of 50.4 and 56.2%, respectively. The extract also inhibited peritoneal leukocyte migration in mice. The MEBR also produced significant (P<0.01) analgesic activity in both models. Further, the MEBR potentiated the morphine- and aspirin-induced analgesic in mice. Treatment with MEBR showed a significant (P<0.01) dose-dependent reduction in pyrexia in rats. The results suggest that MEBR possess potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity.

Evaluation of analgesic, antipyretic activity and toxicity study of Bryonia laciniosa in mice and rats.

Analgesic, antipyretic activity and toxicity study of the leaves of Bryonia laciniosa Linn. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) was evaluated in the standard animal models. The methanol extract of Bryonia laciniosa (MEBL) was evaluated by hot plate and acetic acid-induced writhing methods to assess analgesic activity. The antipyretic activity of the extract was also evaluated by normal body temperature and yeast-induced hyperpyrexia. The extract showed significant analgesic and antipyretic activity. The MEBL was further evaluated for toxicity at the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg administered orally for 14 days in rats. At the end of experiments, the blood, liver function and kidney metabolism were observed. The hematological profile and different biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT and ALP were estimated. The present study revealed that MEBL exhibited significant analgesic and antipyretic activity in the tested experimental animal models. The toxicity study indicates that the extract is not toxic at the tested doses.