Optimized FFNN with multichannel CSP-ICA framework of EEG signal for BCI.

The electroencephalogram (EEG) of the patient is used to identify their motor intention, which is then converted into a control signal through a brain-computer interface (BCI) based on motor imagery. Whenever gathering features from EEG signals, making a BCI is difficult in part because of the enormous dimensionality of the data. Three stages make up the suggested methodology: pre-processing, extraction of features, selection, and categorization. To remove unwanted artifacts, the EEG signals are filtered by a fifth-order Butterworth multichannel band-pass filter. This decreases execution time and memory use, both of which improve system performance. Then a novel multichannel optimized CSP-ICA feature extraction technique is used to separate and eliminate non-discriminative information from discriminative information in the EEG channels. Furthermore, CSP uses the concept of an Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm to automatically identify the simultaneous global ideal frequency band and time interval combination for the extraction and classification of common spatial pattern characteristics. Finally, a Tunable optimized feed-forward neural network (FFNN) classifier is utilized to extract and categorize the temporal and frequency domain features, which employs an FFNN classifier with Tunable-Q wavelet transform. The proposed framework, therefore optimizes signal processing, enabling enhanced EEG signal classification for BCI applications. The result shows that the models that use Tunable optimized FFNN produce higher classification accuracy of more than 20% when compared to the existing models.

Thought-Actuated Wheelchair Navigation with Communication Assistance Using Statistical Cross-Correlation-Based Features and Extreme Learning Machine.

BACKGROUND: A simple data collection approach based on electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements has been proposed in this study to implement a brain-computer interface, i.e., thought-controlled wheelchair navigation system with communication assistance. METHOD: The EEG signals are recorded for seven simple tasks using the designed data acquisition procedure. These seven tasks are conceivably used to control wheelchair movement and interact with others using any odd-ball paradigm. The proposed system records EEG signals from 10 individuals at eight-channel locations, during which the individual executes seven different mental tasks. The acquired brainwave patterns have been processed to eliminate noise, including artifacts and powerline noise, and are then partitioned into six different frequency bands. The proposed cross-correlation procedure then employs the segmented frequency bands from each channel to extract features. The cross-correlation procedure was used to obtain the coefficients in the frequency domain from consecutive frame samples. Then, the statistical measures ("minimum," "mean," "maximum," and "standard deviation") were derived from the cross-correlated signals. Finally, the extracted feature sets were validated through online sequential-extreme learning machine algorithm. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of the classification networks were compared with each set of features, and the results indicated that µ (r) feature set based on cross-correlation signals had the best performance with a recognition rate of 91.93%.

Hepatoprotective effect of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid tiliamosine from Tiliacora racemosa in high-fat diet/diethylnitrosamine-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the aggressive forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is a potential risk factor of HCC. This study reports the curative effect of tiliamosine on NASH. Tiliamosine was isolated from Tiliacora racemosa Colebr. (Menispermaceae) and its structure was confirmed by studying the physical and spectroscopic data. The effects of tiliamsoine on lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity were evaluated using palmitate-oleate induced steatosis in HepG2 cells. The in vivo efficacy of tiliamosine was evaluated using HFD fed, DEN induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis Wistar rats. In HepG2 cells, tiliamosine did not affect the cell viability up to 100 µM concentration and showed GI25 value of 264.28 µM. The treatment with tiliamsoine significantly lowered the ORO concentration by 44.17% and triglyceride accumulation by 69.32% at 50 µM concentration (P < 0.005). It also reduced the leakage of LDH and transaminases in PO-BSA induced HepG2 cells. The treatment with tiliamsoine significantly decreased the plasma levels of transaminases, phosphatase and LDH (P < 0.05) in HFD-DEN induced steatohepatitis. The histology and the immunohistochemistry of the hepatic sections were in accordance with the biochemical findings. Preliminary molecular analysis indicated that the hepatic FXR expression was upregulated and TNFα expression was downregulated by the treatment with tiliamsoine. This study provided preliminary evidence on the use of tiliamosine for the treatment of NASH.

A study on food-medicine continuum among the non-institutionally trained siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal properties of the food species are one of the poorly documented and important areas of ethnopharmacology. The present survey quantitatively documented the medicinal foods prescribed by the non-institutionally trained siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. METHODS: Field work was carried out between December 2014 and April 2017 using a questionnaire. The illnesses mentioned by the informants were grouped as illness categories on the basis of emic perceptions. Sufficiency of sampling of this survey was assessed by plotting the cumulative number of UR and Shannon-Wiener's index. The indices such as informant consensus factor (FIC), Index of Agreement on Remedies (IAR), and Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI) were calculated. RESULTS: This study documented 165 medicinal foods used by 82 non-institutionally trained siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district, and 73.93% of these preparations were plant based. Among the animal taxa, 82.05% were represented by fish taxa. The illness category gastrointestinal ailments is the majorly cited illness category treated with plant-based formulations. The illness categories viz., gastrointestinal ailments, hemorrhoids, and neural ailments had high consensus under the group of plant-based medicinal foods. In animal-based medicinal foods, kapha ailments had gained 23.07% of UR. The illness categories such as bone fractures, male reproductive ailments, blood ailments, and anabolic had high FIC values. CONCLUSIONS: Deeper studies on different dietary cultures of India may help to derive better interpretations on food-medicine continuum. This study identified some important claims such as the use of citron, pomegranate and Solanum americanum (gastrointestinal ailments), Abutilon indicum, onions and elephant foot yam (hemorrhoids), Boerhavia diffusa (urinary ailments), Moringa oleifera (anemia), Aloe vera (gynecological ailments), Eclipta prostrata (liver ailments), ivy gourd (diabetes), citron (hypertension), Centella asiatica (psychological ailments), spade nose shark (lactogogue), reticulate whipray (wheezing and bronchitis), Katelysia opima (impotence), Indian squid (anemia), and Indian oil sardine (anabolic). More studies on these claims will help identify novel functional foods to add to the field of medical nutrition therapy, with traditional brand identity. Robust studies on the documentation of the traditional knowledge on marine resources will yield a good database for various stakeholders and policy makers.

Bio-prospecting of soil Streptomyces and its bioassay-guided isolation of microbial derived auxin with antifungal properties.

The present study was aimed to isolate bioactive actinomycetes with antifungal properties. Twenty-seven distinct soil derived actinomycetes were investigated for their antifungal activities. Among these, one isolate exhibited significant antifungal activity. Phenotypic and 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis strongly suggested that the active isolate BG4 belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Further, the chemical investigation of the active extract resulted in the isolation of a major compound and it was structurally elucidated as phenyl acetic acid (PAA). PAA exhibited promising antifungal activity with 100% inhibition, ranging from 31.25 to 25µg/mL. It is to be noted that PAA is naturally occurring and biologically active auxin. In addition, it has also been hypothesized that phytohormone endorsing the source of soil-symbionts has similar pathways for synthesizing compounds and its congeners of host due to horizontal gene transfer. These findings demonstrate that microbially derived phytohormone can be used to treat fungal infections.

Hepatoprotective effect of lawsone on rifampicin-isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo models.

The Drug-induced liver injury is one of the common unfavourable impacts, which seriously affects any drug therapy. This study documented the hepatoprotective efficacy of lawsone, the major bioactive naphthoquinone present in Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) using in vitro and in vivo models. Lawsone was isolated from the leaves of L. inermis and its structure was confirmed using spectroscopic data. In-vitro antioxidant effect of lawsone was evaluated using ABTS assay. Hepatoprotective effect of lawsone was determined with RIF-INH treated HepG2 cells and Wistar rats. Administration of RIF-INH reduced the viability of the HepG2 cells and the treatment with lawsone significantly restored the viability of the cells even at lower concentration (7.5 µM). The other parameters such as the leakage of transaminases and MDA levels were also significantly reduced by the treatment with lawsone. Oral administration of lawsone to the animals did not show any toxicity up to 2 g/kg b.w. concentration. Treatment with lawsone to the RIF-INH administered animals significantly lowered the serum transaminases levels. The ratio of albumin to globulin was improved and the level of bilirubin was lowered. This study indicated the hepatoprotective effect of lawsone; detailed investigations will give deeper understanding of the application of lawsone for hepatoprotection.

Swertiamarin, a natural steroid, prevent bone erosion by modulating RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling.

Bone erosion is a central feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is characterized by the infiltration of the synovial lining by osteoclasts and lymphocytes. In the present study, swertiamarin a major secoiridoid glycoside was evaluated for anti-osteoclastogenic property to prevent bone erosion in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced in-vivo model, in-vitro osteoblast and osteoclasts as well as in co-culture system and in-silico molecular docking analysis. The swertiamarin treatment decreased the expression of TRAP, RANKL, and RANK levels and increased the levels of OPG levels significantly in both in vitro and in vivo models. In in vitro, the compound treatment significantly increased the cell proliferation and ALP levels in osteoblast cells; the high proliferation (153.8600±5.23%) and ALP release (165.6033±4.13%) were observed at 50µg/ml concentration of swertiamarin treatment. At the same time the treatment decreased the TRAP positive cells in osteoclast cells; the high reductions of TRAP positive cells (39.32±3.19%) were observed at 50µg/ml of swertiamarin treatment. The treatment modulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MMPs and NF-κB levels in osteoblast and osteoclast co-culture system. In in silico analysis swertiamarin had affinity towards the proteins RANK, RANKL and OPG residues with low binding energy -4.5, -3.92 and -5.77kcal/mol respectively. Thus, the results of this study revealed the anti-osteoclastogenic activity of swertiamarin on the prevention of bone destruction.

Quantitative ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants given for cardiometabolic diseases by the non-institutionally trained siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India.

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE: The burden of cardiometabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, visceral obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and the use of traditional medicine for the management of such diseases are high in India; hence there is a need to document and analyze such therapies. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study documented and analyzed the medicinal plants prescribed for cardiometabolic diseases by the non-institutionally trained siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India. METHODOLOGY: The field survey was conducted between December 2014 to November 2015. Successive free listing assisted with field-walks was used to interview the informants. After assessing the sampling sufficiency using rarefaction curve analysis, indices such as Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) and Index of Agreement on Remedies (IAR) were calculated for the data. The indicators of informant's medicinal plant knowledge such as Shannon's index, equitability index, etc., were regressed with the demographic profile of the informants. RESULTS: For this study 70 non-institutionally trained Siddha medical practitioners were approached; the data from 36 practitioners who were treating cardiometabolic diseases were documented. This study recorded the use of 188 species which were used to prepare 368 formulations to treat illnesses categorized under cardiometabolic diseases. In this, 53.04% claims were singletons. Regression analysis showed that single species dominance was reduced and the diversity of medicinal plants was increased with the increase in the age and experience. Increase in the years of formal education increased the equitability in the uses. The plants such as Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (cardiovascular diseases), Allium sativum L. (dyslipidemia), Cuminum cyminum L. (hypertension), Macrotyloma uniflorum Verdc. (obesity) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (type 2 diabetes) were the highly cited medicinal plants. CONCLUSION: This survey has identified the plants most commonly used by Siddha practitioners of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India for cardiometabolic diseases. The prevalence of chronic, non-communicable metabolic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity are increasing worldwide due to the rapid changes in the lifestyle. These ailments require a life-long care and in such instances, people tend to use complementary therapies in most cases, alongside with conventional therapies. In view of the high use of traditional therapies for treating cardiometabolic illnesses, this study supports the need for more research to evaluate the potential benefits of the treatments and to identify any safety concern.

Larvicidal and Pupicidal Activities of Alizarin Isolated from Roots of Rubia cordifolia Against Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae).

The mosquitocidal activities of different fractions and a compound alizarin from the methanol extract of Rubia cordifolia roots were evaluated on larvae and pupae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). Larvae and pupae were exposed to concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 ppm for fractions and 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm for compound. After 24 h, the mortality was assessed and the LC50 and LC90 values were estimated for larvae and pupae. Among the 23 fractions screened, fraction 2 from the methanol extract of R. cordifolia showed good mosquitocidal activity against C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti. LC50 and LC90 values of fraction 2 were 3.53 and 7.26 ppm for C. quinquefasciatus and 3.86 and 8.28 ppm for A. aegypti larvae, and 3.76 and 7.50 ppm for C. quinquefasciatus and 3.92 and 8.05 ppm for A. aegypti pupae, respectively. Further, the isolated compound alizarin presented good larvicidal and pupicidal activities. LC50 and LC90 values of alizarin for larvae were 0.81 and 3.86 ppm against C. quinquefasciatus and 1.31 and 6.04 ppm for A. aegypti larvae, respectively. Similarly, the LC50 and LC90 values of alizarin for pupae were 1.97 and 4.79 ppm for C. quinquefasciatus and 2.05 and 5.59 ppm for A. aegypti pupae, respectively. The structure of the isolated compound was identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and compared with reported spectral data. The results indicated that alizarin could be used as a potential larvicide and pupicide.

Delivery of chitosan/dsRNA nanoparticles for silencing of wing development vestigial (vg) gene in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

RNA interference (RNAi) has been used as a gene silencing strategy by the introduction of long double stranded RNA (dsRNA) for the control of pest insects. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the expression of vg gene which is responsible for wing development, can be repressed by chitosan/dsRNA based nanoparticles in Aedes aegypti. The vestigial gene (vg) was amplified from adult mosquito and cloned in pLitmus28i vector. Genetically engineered recombinant plasmid was transformed into RNase III deficient strain for synthesis of bacterially expressed dsRNA. Nanoparticles were prepared via electrostatic interaction between cationic polymer chitosan and anionic nucleic acids (dsRNA). The formation of chitosan/dsRNAnanoparticles and their size were confirmed by Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Chitosan/dsRNA mediated knockdown of Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein (EGFP) was demonstrated in Sf21 cells. Further, we tested whether such an approach could be used to target vg gene in Ae. aegypti. The results showed that chitosan/dsRNA caused significant mortality, delayed growth development and caused adult wing-malformation. A qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that the chitosan/dsRNA mediated transcriptional level was downregulated. Our findings suggest that vg gene intervention strategies through RNAi can emerge as viable option for pest control.

Auditory evoked potential response and hearing loss: a review.

Hypoacusis is the most prevalent sensory disability in the world and consequently, it can lead to impede speech in human beings. One best approach to tackle this issue is to conduct early and effective hearing screening test using Electroencephalogram (EEG). EEG based hearing threshold level determination is most suitable for persons who lack verbal communication and behavioral response to sound stimulation. Auditory evoked potential (AEP) is a type of EEG signal emanated from the brain scalp by an acoustical stimulus. The goal of this review is to assess the current state of knowledge in estimating the hearing threshold levels based on AEP response. AEP response reflects the auditory ability level of an individual. An intelligent hearing perception level system enables to examine and determine the functional integrity of the auditory system. Systematic evaluation of EEG based hearing perception level system predicting the hearing loss in newborns, infants and multiple handicaps will be a priority of interest for future research.

Bioassay guided fractionation and identification of active anti-inflammatory constituent from Delonix elata flowers using RAW 264.7 cells.

CONTEXT: Delonix elata (L.) Gamble (Fabaceae) has been used in the Indian traditional medicine system to treat rheumatism and inflammation. AIM: To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of Delonix elata flowers and to isolate the active principle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prompt anti-inflammatory constituent was isolated from Delonix elata flower extracts using bioassay guided fractionation in liposaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts/fractions/sub-fractions/compounds (10, 25, and 50 µg/ml) was evaluated by estimating the levels of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1ß after 24 h of LPS induction (1 µg/ml). The isolated active compound was subjected to NMR, IR, and UV analyses for structure determination. RESULTS: In an attempt to search for anti-inflammatory constituents, the active pure principle was isolated and crystallized as a white compound from Delonix elata flowers methanol extract. This active compound (50 µg/ml) decreased the release of inflammatory mediators levels such as NO (0.263 ± 0.03 µM), TNFα (160.20 ± 17.57 pg/ml), and IL-1ß (285.79 ± 15.16 pg/ml) significantly (p < 0.05); when compared to the levels of NO (0.774 ± 0.08 µM), TNFα (501.71 ± 25.14 pg/ml), and IL-1ß (712.68 ± 52.25 pg/ml) from LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. The active compound was confirmed as hesperidin with NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy data. This is the first report of this compound from Delonix elata flowers. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study support the traditional use of Delonix elata flowers to treat inflammation.

Documentation and quantitative analysis of local ethnozoological knowledge among traditional healers of Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This study investigated the use of animals among the traditional healers in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India. The data regarding the medicinal animals/animal products were documented and their usages were analyzed quantitatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on free list interviews with the traditional healers, we documented the medicinal usage of animals/animal products and calculated the indices such as informant consensus factor (Fic) to determine the consensus over the species for an illness category, as well as the Index Agreement on Remedies (IAR) to determine the extent of potential utilization of each species. RESULTS: In this study, 69 medicinal animals/animal products were documented with the help of standardized questionnaires among the local healers. The results were tabulated and Fic value for each illness category was calculated. Three illness categories viz., jaundice (milk of Capra aegagrus hircus), orthopedics (egg white and meat of Gallus gallus domesticus) and pediatrics (milk of Equus africanus asinus) had got high Fic values. Fifteen illness categories had moderate Fic values. Highly cited animals in these illness categories were: Rusa unicolor (antiemetic), Reticulitermes spp. (diabetes), flesh of Varanus benghalensis (oral ailments), milk (eye ailments, fever) and urine (antidote) of Homo sepians, meat of Trachypithecus johnii (respiratory ailments), various parts of C. aegagrus hircus (blood ailments, coolants, diarrhea, pulmonary and urinary ailments), flesh of Chamaeleon zeyalnica (neural ailments), meat of Passer domesticus (aphrodisiac), curd and dung of Bos primigenius taurus (dermatological ailments), meat of G. domesticus (musculo-skeletal disorders, analgesic), meat of Lissemys punctata (hemorrhoids), and Pherthima posthuma (psychological ailments). Six illness categories had low Fic values. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the animals are still being used by the local healers of Theni district, to treat various illnesses. Cross-disciplinary approaches to explore the full potential of animal-derived medicines will help to improve the health of local people.

In vivo and in vitro immunomodulatory potential of swertiamarin isolated from Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Swertiamarin is a secoiridoid glycoside found in Enicostema axillare (Lam) A. Raynal, a medicinal plant used as a depurative in the Indian system of traditional medicine. The present study evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of isolated swertiamarin. In vivo immunomodulatory activity of swertiamarin (2, 5, and 10 mg/kg b.w.) was evaluated in a model of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) by assessing its effect on organ weight, hemagglutinating antibody titer (HA), plaque-forming cells (PFC), quantitative hemolysis of SRBC, and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). In vitro immunomodulatory potential was studied on isolated splenocytes, neutrophils, and peritoneal macrophages. In silico immunomodulatory effects were evaluated by docking of swertiamarin on proinflammatory cytokines to confirm its potential. In in vivo studies, the animals treated with swertiamarin showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in antibody titer, plaque-forming cells, and also in weight of the thymus and spleen. A decreased response to DTH reaction was recorded with the treatment of swertiamarin. In in vitro studies, treatment with swertiamarin modulated the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4 significantly (P ≤ 0.05) and also favored Th2-mediated response on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced splenocytes. The compound inhibited the release of free radicals significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced neutrophils and also ameliorated the mRNA and protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. In in silico, the best docked pose of swertiamarin with the target proteins (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) was confirmed that swertiamarin acted as an anti-inflammatory mediator.

Swertiamarin attenuates inflammation mediators via modulating NF-κB/I κB and JAK2/STAT3 transcription factors in adjuvant induced arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that leads to pannus formation followed by severe joint destruction, characterized by synovial hyperplasia, inflammation and angiogenesis. Swertiamarin is a secoiridoid glycoside that is used as an anti-inflammatory compound, mainly found in Enicostema axillare (Lam) A. Raynal, a medicinal plant used in Indian system of traditional medicine. In the present study, the effect of swertiamarin was evlauated in experimental adjuvant arthritis animal model by the estimation of biochemical (paw thickness, lysosomal enzymes, and urinary degradative products) parameters, proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes along with histopathological and radiographic observations. The proteins of phosphorylated NF-κB/IκB and JAK2/STAT3 transcription factors were also quantified from experimental animals as well as LPS induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In in silico analysis, swertiamarin was docked with proinflammatory enzymes to confirm its potential. The administration of swertiamarin (2, 5, 10mg/kg bw) significantly (P⩽0.05) inhibited the levels of paw thickness, lysosomal enzymes and increased the body weight of experimental animals in a dose dependent manner. In molecular analysis, the treatment decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL1, TNF, IL-6) and proangiogenic enzymes (MMPs, iNOS, PGE2, PPARγ and COX-2); and also significantly (P⩽0.05) increased the levels of antiinflammatory proteins (IL-10, IL-4) when compared to the disease groups. The swertiamarin treatment significantly (P⩽0.05) inhibited the release of NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 signaling proteins levels on both experimental animals and LPS induced cells. Histopathological and radiological analysis evidenced the curative effect of swertiamarin on bone destruction. The docking studies of swertiamarin on proinflammatory enzymes supported the results from the in vivo experiments. Thus the swertiamarin inhibited the development of arthritis by modulating NF-κB/IκB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling. These findings suggested that swertiamarin acted as an anti-rheumatic agent.

Swertiamarin ameliorates inflammation and osteoclastogenesis intermediates in IL-1ß induced rat fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease that leads to aggressive joint cartilage and bone destruction. Swertiamarin is a secoiridoid glycoside found in Enicostema axillare (Lam) A. Raynal, a medicinal plant used in the Indian system of traditional medicine. In the present study, the potential of swertiamarin was evaluated in IL-1ß induced fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). METHODS: The FLS were isolated from Freund's Complete Adjuvant induced arthritic (AA) rats and cultured with IL-1ß. The normal FLS and AA-FLS were cultured and used for subsequent experiment in fibroblastic morphology form. The efficacy of swertiamarin (10-50 µg/ml) was evaluated on mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory and osteoclastogenesis mediators. The efficacy was also evaluated on p38 MAPKα levels with time course studies (2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h). RESULTS: IL-1ß induced cell proliferation (149.46 ± 13.73 %) and NO production (162.03 ± 11.03%) in AA-FLS; treatment with swertiamarin controlled proliferation (82.77 ± 4.22%) and NO production (82.06 ± 3.91% at 50 µg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. It also significantly (P < 0.05) modulated the expression of apoptotic marker (caspase 3), proinflammation mediators (TNFα, IL-6, PGE2, COX-2, iNOS, MMPs) and osteoclastogenic mediator (RANKL) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Treatment with swertiamarin inhibited the levels of p38 MAPKα in a dose-dependent manner and also significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the release of the same in time dependent mode. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that treatment with swertiamarin attenuated IL-1ß induced FLS, and it revealed anti-inflammatory potential by attenuating aggressive FLS.

Myroides pelagicus from the gut of Drosophila melanogaster attenuates inflammation on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts. In the present study, the putative probiotic strain was identified from the gut of Drosophila melanogaster and assessed for its protective effect in inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: Active probiotics were screened from the Drosophila melanogaster gut by the selection criteria of gastric juice tolerance, hydrophobic property, antimicrobial potential, adhesion, and invasion properties. The active probiotics were identified by 16s rDNA sequencing and the effect of these active probiotics was evaluated in a Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced mice model by estimating inflammatory markers and histopathological changes. RESULTS: Nine Gram-positive and bile salt tolerant bacterial isolates were obtained from the gut samples. The isolates PTH 2, PTH 4, and PTH 7 clearly showed significant activity in antimicrobial potential, hydrophobic (>74%) property, and intestinal juice tolerance. Among these, PTH 7 was selected for further studies due to its significant low-invasion ability and it proved capable of reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The 16s rDNA studies revealed that PTH 7 was Myroides pelagicus. Administration of M. pelagicus to the DSS-induced colitic animals significantly suppressed myeloperoxidase, ALP, and malondialdehyde levels, and also lowered levels of proinflammatory cytokine expression. Further, the recovery from the disease by the probiotic treatment was supported by histopathological and macroscopic observation. The treated animals did not show any adverse signs in their physiology or behavior. CONCLUSION: Myroides pelagicus successfully prohibited inflammatory markers and acted as a potent probiotic. Future studies with this stain might prove its efficacy as a drug for the management of colitis.

Ameliorative effect of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm., an ethnomedicinal plant, in arthritic animals.

Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm., is an ethnomedicinal plant used widely in Tamil Nadu to treat arthritis. The present study was aimed to evaluate the traditional claim of D. quercifolia rhizome water extract in adjuvant induced arthritic animals. Anti-arthritic effect was studied by assessing the levels of lysosomal enzymes, protein bound carbohydrates, urinary degradative collagen and serum cytokines on control and adjuvant induced arthritis. The paw swelling and body weight were also analyzed. The levels of ROS and lysosomal enzymes in neutrophils of control and adjuvant induced animals were also estimated. D. quercifolia rhizome water extract at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg reduced the paw thickness and elevated the mean body weight of arthritic rats. The treatment with extract showed a significant reduction in the levels of plasma and liver lysosomal enzymes as well as protein bound carbohydrates and urinary degradative collagen levels. The treatment reduced the levels of ROS and lysosomal enzymes in neutrophils significantly. The significant reduction in the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß) and the increment in the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) were also observed by the treatment. The present study supports the traditional claim of using D. quercifolia to treat rheumatism.

Lanthanide(III) complexes of bis-semicarbazone and bis-imine-substituted phenanthroline ligands: solid-state structures, photophysical properties, and anion sensing.

Phenanthroline-based hexadentate ligands L(1) and L(2) bearing two achiral semicarbazone or two chiral imine moieties as well as the respective mononuclear complexes incorporating various lanthanide ions, such as La(III), Eu(III), Tb(III), Lu(III), and Y(III) metal ions, were synthesized, and the crystal structures of [ML(1)Cl(3)] (M=La(III), Eu(III), Tb(III), Lu(III), or Y(III)) complexes were determined. Solvent or water molecules act as coligands for the rare-earth metals in addition to halide anions. The big Ln(III) ion exhibits a coordination number (CN) of 10, whereas the corresponding Eu(III), Tb(III), Lu(III), and Y(III) centers with smaller ionic radii show CN=9. Complexes of L(2), namely [ML(2)Cl(3)] (M=Eu(III), Tb(III), Lu(III), or Y(III)) ions could also be prepared. Only the complex of Eu(III) showed red luminescence, whereas all the others were nonluminescent. The emission properties of the Eu derivative can be applied as a photophysical signal for sensing various anions. The addition of phosphate anions leads to a unique change in the luminescence behavior. As a case study, the quenching behavior of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) was investigated at physiological pH value in an aqueous solvent. A specificity of the sensor for ATP relative to adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) was found. (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies revealed the formation of a [EuL(2)(ATP)] coordination species.

Immunomodulatory potential of Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal, a traditional medicinal plant.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal., (Gentianaceae) has been used in traditional Indian system of medicine as depurative and for the treatment of psoriasis, intermittent fever and cancer. Ethnobotanical survey conducted in Theni District indicated a high consensus for this plant as blood purifier and to treat dermatopathy and venereal infections. The present study evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of the methanol extract of Enicostema axillare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo immunomodulatory activity of Enicostema axillare methanol extract (100 and 200mg/kg b.w) was evaluated by assessing its effect on the total and differential leukocyte count, organ weight, hemaggultinating antibody titer, plaque forming cells, quantitative hemolysis of SRBC and delayed type hypersensitivity. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC, 5×10(8)cells/0.1mL) were used to immunize the animals. In vitro immunomodulatory potential of the extract was studied using peritoneal macrophages by evaluating its effects on NBT reduction, NO production and cytokine release. RESULTS: The animals treated with Enicostema axillare methanol extract showed a significant (P≤0.05) increase in weight of the thymus and spleen. The total leukocyte and lymphocyte count was increased significantly (P<0.005) by the treatment. There was no significant alteration in neutrophil count. A dose dependent increase in antibody titer value was observed. A decreased response to DTH reaction induced by SRBC was recorded. A potential phagocytic response was seen on treatment with the extracts at 10 and 25µg/mL. The extract inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and production of NO significantly in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that the methanol extract of Enicostema axillare acted on both humoral and cell mediated immune functions and decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal macrophages.