Chemical composition, pesticidal activities and in-silico investigation of Hedychium spicatum Sm. chloroform extract.

The present study aimed to identify the bioactive constituents in the chloroform extract of H. spicatum rhizomes (HS-RCLE), further evaluated for its in-vitro pesticidal activities validating via molecular docking techniques. GC/MS analysis of HS-RCLE identified 14 compounds contributing 84.1 % of the total composition. The extract was dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (43.1 %) with curcumenone (25.2 %) and coronarin E (14.8 %) as the major compounds. The extract recorded 89.4 % egg hatchability inhibition and 82.6 % immobility of Meloidogyne incognita, 66.7 % insecticidal activity on Spodoptera litura, 100 % phytotoxic activity on Raphanus raphanistrum seeds, and 74.7 % anti-fungal activity on Curvularia lunata at the respective highest dose studied. The biological activities were furthermore validated by using docking studies on certain proteins/enzymes namely acetylcholinesterase (PBD ID: IC2O), carboxylesterase (PDB ID: 1CI8), acetohydroxyacid synthase (PBD ID: 1YHZ) and trihydroxy naphthalene reductase (PBD ID: 3HNR). The bioactivity of the major constituents of the extract was predicted with the help of in silico PASS studies. HS-RCLE was observed to be a viable alternative source of natural pesticidal agents and paves the way for further studies on its mechanistic approaches and field trials to ascertain its pesticidal studies.

Human small-intestinal gluten-degrading bacteria and its potential implication in celiac disease.

Celiac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated chronic disorder triggered by the ingestion of wheat gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten is a major food ingredient, infamously containing proline and glutamine-rich domains that are highly resistant to digestion by mammalian proteolytic enzymes. Thus, adhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only known treatment for CeD, albeit with many complications. Therefore, any therapy that eliminates the gluten immunogenic part before it reaches the small intestine is highly desirable. Probiotic therapy containing gluten-degrading bacteria (GDB) and their protease enzymes are possibly new approaches to treating CeD. Our study aimed to identify novel GDB from the duodenal biopsy of the first-degree relative (FDR) subjects (relatives of diseased individuals who are healthy but susceptible to celiac disease) with the potential to reduce gluten immunogenicity. Using the gluten agar plate technique, bacterial strains Brevibacterium casei NAB46 and Staphylococcus arlettae R2AA77 displaying glutenase activity were screened, identified, and characterized. Whole-genome sequencing found gluten-degrading prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) in the B. casei NAB46 genome and glutamyl endopeptidase (GEP) in the S. arlettae R2AA77 genome. Partially purified PEP has a specific activity of 1.15 U/mg, while GEP has a specific activity of 0.84 U/mg, which are, respectively, 6- and 9-fold times higher after concentrating the enzymes. Our results showed that these enzymes could hydrolyse immunotoxic gliadin peptides recognized in western blot using an anti-gliadin antibody. Additionally, a docking model was proposed for representative gliadin peptide PQPQLPYPQPQLP in the active site of the enzymes, where the residues of the N-terminal peptide extensively interact with the catalytic domain of the enzymes. These bacteria and their associated glutenase enzymes efficiently neutralize gliadin immunogenic epitopes, opening possibilities for their application as a dietary supplement in treating CeD patients.

Comparative study on eucalyptol and camphor rich essential oils from rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum Sm. and their pharmacological, antioxidant and antifungal activities.

The aim of present study was to evaluate chemical composition and different biological activities viz., pharmacological and antioxidant activities of essential oils. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry while biological activities were evaluated by standard protocols. Essential oils of Hedychium spicatum Sm. from two different ecological niches viz; Nainital (Site-I) and Himachal Pradesh (Site-II) of India revealed the qualitative and quantitative chemo-diversity. Both the oils were dominated by oxygenated terpenoids. Major marker compounds identified were eucalyptol, camphor, linalool, α-eudesmol, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, and iso-borneol. Both the oils exhibited anti-inflammatory activity suppressing 17.60 % to 33.57 % inflammation at 100mg/kg b. wt. dose levels compared to ibuprofen-treated group (40.06 %). The sub-acute inflammation in oils-treated mice groups (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) increased on day 2 but showed a gradual decrease from day 3 onwards and then recovered to normal by day 10. The antinociception percentage for doses (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) ranged from 33.70-40.46 % in Site-I and 30.34-42.39 % in Site-II compared to standard drug, ibuprofen (43.08 %). The oils also showed a good antipyretic effect by suppressing Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) induced pyrexia after oil dose injection. The oils also exhibited good antioxidant activity.

Fabrication and analysis of enhanced thermal stability and high-sensitivity turnaround point long-period fiber grating.

This paper presents a what we believe is a novel method to fabricate turnaround point long-period gratings (TAP-LPGs) possessing enhanced thermal stability and high sensitivity. It is shown by analysis and by experiment that LPG resonance in photosensitive fibers can be controlled partially by UV fluence and thermal annealing. TAP-LPGs with enhanced thermal stability were fabricated by following three steps: (I) finding grating period versus writing UV fluence for TAP operation; (II) writing gratings at a relatively higher period with higher fluence, in which case the resonance is out of phase; (III) controlled annealing so that the postannealed LPG operates at/near TAP. The thermal stability is enhanced. The average temperature sensitivity of dual peak resonance measured for a typical TAP-LPG in the temperature interval of 70°C-240°C is about 2.3 nm/°C. This study will be useful for the development of high temperature TAP-LPG sensors.

Caregiver burden in Alzheimer-type dementia and psychosis: A comparative study from India.

BACKGROUND: Caregiver burden in dementia is an important area of research. Providing care for a relative can be a potent source of chronic stress and can have deleterious consequences for both the physical and emotional health of caregivers. This study aims to evaluate the burden of care in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer-type dementia and compare it with elderly psychosis; and to also study the factors that influence burden of care in Alzheimer's dementia. METHODS: Thirty-two caregiver-patient dyads of Alzheimer-type dementia were compared with thirty-two caregiver-patient dyads of psychosis. Cognitive assessment, abilities to perform activities of daily living and severity of dementia was assessed in the patients. Zarit Burden Interview was used to study the caregiver burden in both groups. RESULTS: The mean burden score in dementia caregivers was high at 47.7, whereas the mean burden score for elderly psychosis caregivers was lesser at 33.6, and this difference in mean burden scores was found to be statistically significant. Spouses had the highest mean burden scores of 53.48. Caregiver burden in dementia was positively correlated with cognitive impairment and inability to carry out ADLs. Presence of psychological distress in caregivers was also an indicator for greater caregiver burden in dementia. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that dementia carries a greater caregiver burden when compared with elderly patients with psychosis. Innovative interventions are needed to remove burden from caregiving, making it a meaningful practice integral to the Indian society.

Flow and thermal characteristics of high Reynolds number (2800-17,000) dye cell: simulation and experiment.

This paper presents computational and experimental studies on wavelength/frequency fluctuation characteristics of a high pulse repetition rate (18 kHz) dye laser pumped by a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). The temperature gradient in the dye solution is found to be responsible for wavelength fluctuations of the dye laser at low flow rates (2800

Predominance of modern Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in North India.

Although India accounts for the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden in the world, the diversity in prevalent Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains is very poorly documented. Tuberculosis specific deletion 1 (TbD1) is a marker that has been used to differentiate ancient from modern strains. We report for the first time TbD1-based diversity in clinical M. tuberculosis isolates circulating in the North Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The present study documents a very high prevalence of modern strains in North India, which is in contrast to earlier studies that emphasised the predominance of ancestral strains for the majority of TB cases in India.

Study of the nonuniform behavior of temperature sensitivity in bare and embedded fiber Bragg gratings: experimental results and analysis.

This paper presents an experiment and analysis on the factors affecting nonlinear evolution of Bragg wavelength with change in temperature in typical bare and embedded fiber Bragg grating-based (FBG) temperature sensors. The purpose of the study was to find the constants in the function required to evaluate temperature from Bragg wavelength shift. The temperature sensitivity of bare FBGs was found to increase with temperature elevation, and is different for FBGs written in different fiber types. The average temperature sensitivity increased by about 20% when the bare FBG temperature was elevated from 25°C to 525°C. The average temperature sensitivity of the embedded FBG sensor, investigated in the temperature range of 30°C-90°C, was a factor of 2-3 times larger than for bare FBG, depending on its fastened length with the substrate. Analytically, it is shown that the nonuniform behavior of temperature sensitivity in bare FBGs is the result of both the thermal expansion effect of the fiber and the temperature derivatives of the effective refractive index. The strain transfer and temperature coefficients of thermal expansion of the substrate affect the nonuniform behavior of temperature sensitivity in embedded FBG sensors.

Efficiency of neural network-based combinatorial model predicting optimal culture conditions for maximum biomass yields in hairy root cultures.

KEY MESSAGE : ANN-based combinatorial model is proposed and its efficiency is assessed for the prediction of optimal culture conditions to achieve maximum productivity in a bioprocess in terms of high biomass. A neural network approach is utilized in combination with Hidden Markov concept to assess the optimal values of different environmental factors that result in maximum biomass productivity of cultured tissues after definite culture duration. Five hidden Markov models (HMMs) were derived for five test culture conditions, i.e. pH of liquid growth medium, volume of medium per culture vessel, sucrose concentration (%w/v) in growth medium, nitrate concentration (g/l) in the medium and finally the density of initial inoculum (g fresh weight) per culture vessel and their corresponding fresh weight biomass. The artificial neural network (ANN) model was represented as the function of these five Markov models, and the overall simulation of fresh weight biomass was done with this combinatorial ANN-HMM. The empirical results of Rauwolfia serpentina hairy roots were taken as model and compared with simulated results obtained from pure ANN and ANN-HMMs. The stochastic testing and Cronbach's α-value of pure and combinatorial model revealed more internal consistency and skewed character (0.4635) in histogram of ANN-HMM compared to pure ANN (0.3804). The simulated results for optimal conditions of maximum fresh weight production obtained from ANN-HMM and ANN model closely resemble the experimentally optimized culture conditions based on which highest fresh weight was obtained. However, only 2.99 % deviation from the experimental values could be observed in the values obtained from combinatorial model when compared to the pure ANN model (5.44 %). This comparison showed 45 % better potential of combinatorial model for the prediction of optimal culture conditions for the best growth of hairy root cultures.

Gliomas and seizures.

Glial neoplasms account for nearly 50% of all adult primary brain tumors. They originate from glial cells in the brain and/or spinal cord and include low-grade diffuse astrocytomas, anaplastic-astrocytomas, and glioblastomas. Of all brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and is characterized by rapid glial cell growth, resistance to radio- and chemo- therapies, and relentless infiltration and spreading throughout the central nervous system (CNS). In glioblastomas, primary tumor growth and CNS invasion are associated with the activation of complex structural molecular and metabolic changes within the tumor tissue, which profoundly affect the surrounding neuronal networks and may in part explain induction of epilepsy. In fact, epileptic seizures are very common among patients with glial tumors, reaching nearly 50% in glioblastoma patients and almost 90% in low-grade astrocytomas. The overall hypothesis presented here discusses the possibility that the aberrant tumor cell metabolism may act directly on neuronal network, and this leads to seizure susceptibility. Further invasion and growth of the malignant glial cells exacerbate this initial pathologic state which promotes recurrent seizures (epileptogenesis).

Microbial community structure and activity linked to contrasting biogeochemical gradients in bog and fen environments of the Glacial Lake Agassiz Peatland.

The abundances, compositions, and activities of microbial communities were investigated at bog and fen sites in the Glacial Lake Agassiz Peatland of northwestern Minnesota. These sites contrast in the reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the presence or absence of groundwater inputs. Microbial community composition was characterized using pyrosequencing and clone library construction of phylogenetic marker genes. Microbial distribution patterns were linked to pH, concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, C/N ratios, optical properties of DOM, and activities of laccase and peroxidase enzymes. Both bacterial and archaeal richness and rRNA gene abundance were >2 times higher on average in the fen than in the bog, in agreement with a higher pH, labile DOM content, and enhanced enzyme activities in the fen. Fungi were equivalent to an average of 1.4% of total prokaryotes in gene abundance assayed by quantitative PCR. Results revealed statistically distinct spatial patterns between bacterial and fungal communities. Fungal distribution did not covary with pH and DOM optical properties and was vertically stratified, with a prevalence of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota near the surface and much higher representation of Zygomycota in the subsurface. In contrast, bacterial community composition largely varied between environments, with the bog dominated by Acidobacteria (61% of total sequences), while the Firmicutes (52%) dominated in the fen. Acetoclastic Methanosarcinales showed a much higher relative abundance in the bog, in contrast to the dominance of diverse hydrogenotrophic methanogens in the fen. This is the first quantitative and compositional analysis of three microbial domains in peatlands and demonstrates that the microbial abundance, diversity, and activity parallel with the pronounced differences in environmental variables between bog and fen sites.

ApoE4 and late onset depression in Indian population.

OBJECTIVE: ApoE4 is a 'risk factor' for cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's dementia, and Late Onset Depression (LOD) is a forerunner of dementia. There is thus a need to study the association between ApoE4 allele and LOD. METHOD: The study assessed the frequency of ApoE4 allele in 31 cases of LOD above the age of 50 years and 31 matched controls. The subjects were assessed on various clinical parameters towards diagnosis. RESULTS: There was a significant association between the ApoE4 allele and LOD in comparison to controls (Odd's ratio=4.7, Confidence Interval=1.12 to 19.79, P=0.035). ApoE4 allele had no association with the age of onset of depression, cognitive functions and severity of LOD. CONCLUSION: Individuals with LOD have a significantly higher frequency of the ApoE4 allele. In other words, elderly in India with an ApoE4 allele have 4.7 times more risk of developing depression in old age. Within LOD group there is no difference between those with and without ApoE4 accordingly in age of onset of depression, cognitive functions and severity of LOD.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Kigelia pinnata flowers extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Kigelia pinnata methanolic flowers extract in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic wistar rat. METHODS: Rats were made diabetic by a single dose of STZ at 60 mg/kg body weight i.p. The blood glucose level was checked before and 72 h after STZ injection to confirm the development of diabetes. The flower extract and glibenclamide were administered orally at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. RESULTS: Daily oral treatment with the extract and standard drug for 21 days significantly reduced blood glucose, serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels. High density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was found to be improved (P<0.01) as compared to diabetic control group. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that Kigellia pinnata flowers extract have significant antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effect.

Effect of combination of thalidomide and sulfasalazine in experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats.

Thalidomide provided significant protection against tri nitro benzene sulfonic acid induced colitis. Combination therapy also reduced colonic inflammation and all the biochemical parameters (myeloperoxidase assay, malondialdehyde assay and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, estimation) were significant as compared to control as well as thalidomide alone treated group. Combination therapy showed additive effect of thalidomide which restored lipid peroxidation as well as reduced myeloperoxidase and TNF-a towards the normal levels. Morphological and histological scores were significantly reduced in combination groups. In experimental model of colitis, oral administration of thalidomide (150 mg/kg) alone as well as its combination with sulfasalazine (360 mg/kg) significantly reduced the colonic inflammation. The results indicate the additive effect of thalidomide with sulfasalazine in rat colitis model which requires further confirmation in human studies.

Pharmacognostic study and anti-inflammatory activity of Callistemon lanceolatus leaf.

OBJECTIVE: To study detail pharmacognosy and anti-inflammatory activity of Callistemon lanceolatus (C. lanceolatus) leaf. METHODS: Leaf sample was studied by organoleptic, macroscopical, microscopical, phytochemical and other WHO recommended methods for standardizations. The methanolic leaf extract of the plant was also screened for anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, orally. The detail pharmacognostic study of the C. lanceolatus leaf was carried out to lay down the standards which could be useful in future experimental studies. RESULTS: C. lanceolatus methanolic leaf extract showed significant (P<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. This significant anti-inflammatory of C. lanceolatus methanolic leaf extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg was comparable with diclofenac sodium. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacognostic profile of the C. lanceolatus leaf is helpful in standardization for quality, purity and sample identification. The methanolic extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg shows a significant activity in comparison with the standard drug diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg).

Microscopic evaluation and physiochemical analysis of Dillenia indica leaf.

OBJECTIVE: To study detail microscopic evaluation and physiochemical analysis of Dillenia indica (D. indica) leaf. METHODS: Fresh leaf sample and dried power of the leaf were studied macroscopically and microscopically. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of plant material was done. Other WHO recommended parameters for standardizations were also performed. RESULTS: The detail microscopy revealed the presence of anomocytic stomata, unicellular trichome, xylem fibres, calcium oxalate crystals, vascular bundles, etc. Leaf constants such as stomatal number, stomatal index, vein-islet number and veinlet termination numbers were also measured. Physiochemical parameters such as ash values, loss on drying, extractive values, percentage of foreign matters, swelling index, etc. were also determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates. CONCLUSIONS: The microscopic and physiochemical analysis of the D. indica leaf is useful in standardization for quality, purity and sample identification.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New 2-(3-(4-Aryl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) Chroman-4-ones.

Seven new 2-(3-(4-aryl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) chroman-4-ones (4a-4g) have been synthesized by cyclization of 2-hydroxychalcone analogues of pyrazole 3a-3g using conc. HCl in acetic acid. The structures of the compounds 4a-4g were established by the combined use of (1)HNMR, IR and mass spectra. All the seven compounds were tested in vitro for their antibacterial activity against two Gram positive bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and two Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The compounds 4b, 4c, 4e, 4f, 4g have displayed good antibacterial activity when compared with commercially available antibiotic, ciprofloxacin. These compounds also were screened for their antifungal activity against two ear pathogenic fungi, namely Aspergillus Niger and A. flavus. The compounds 4a, 4c, 4d, 4g exhibited good antifungal activity when compared with commercially available antifungal, fluconazole.

Proposal of biostimulation for hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-decontamination and characterization of culturable bacterial community from high-dose point HCH-contaminated soils.

AIMS: To locate a high-dose point hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-contaminated site, to identify HCH-degrading bacteria in it and assay HCH-decontamination by biostimulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacteria were isolated by serial dilution method from HCH-contaminated soil samples collected from areas near an HCH-manufacturing unit and its dumpsite in North India. After confirming the presence of indigenous HCH-degraders (seven of 24 strains), an ex situ biostimulation experiment was conducted. For this, residue levels in soil were diluted by mixing with pristine garden soil and aeration, moisture and nutrients were provided intermittently. This soil was monitored for reduction in Sigma-HCH (sum of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-HCH) levels and stimulation of HCH-degraders. Experiments were conducted twice, in March-April (c. 75 microg Sigma-HCH g(-1) soil) and October-November 2006 (c. 280 microg Sigma-HCH g(-1) soil) at 26-30 degrees C. Sigma-HCH levels were reduced to <30% of the original in 24 days and <3% in 240 days in the experimental pits. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis reflected changes in microbial community structure during the course of experiment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show presence of HCH-degrading sphingomonads at a high-dose point HCH-contaminated site and presents biostimulation as an effective approach for its decontamination via aeration, addition of nutrients and moisture, of the indigenous population. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study demonstrates that biostimulation of indigenous HCH-degrading microbial population can be used for decontamination of chronically HCH-contaminated sites.